338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
At Surrey Chapel he was thefirst to commence the system of Sunday
school teaching, now so extensively in operation over the kingdom. He was
an original promoter of the London Bible, Missionary, and Religious Tract
Societies ; and, in short almost all the other London societies, of a similar nature,
were more or less indebted to the benevolent and enterprising disposition of the
pastor of Surrey Chapel.
That the Rev. Rowland Hill was without his faults and imperfections no one
will assert. Indeed, it is almost impossible to form a just conception of his
character, his conduct may be viewed under such a variety of shade and colour.
It may justly be said, however, that “ even his failings leaned to virtue’s side.”
The virulence and acrimony displayed in the long controversy with Wesley was
perhaps the most reprehensible part of his public conduct, which, even the
ambitious motives attributed to the,“ Old FOX,”an d the circumstance of his being
the first to commence hostilities, cannot altogether palliate, The position maintained
by Mr. Hill between church and dissent was also an undefinable and
most unprofitable piece of conceit ; insomuch that, notwithstanding his professed
zeal for the union of Christians, it stood as a mighty stumbling-block in the way.
Of the private life of Rowland Hill there are many curious anecdotes.
One morning a dispute occurred betwixt his coachman and footman, as to who
should go for milk to the family. The coachman was mre “it was no business
of his”-and the footman was equally “ certain it was none of his.” Mr. Hill
having overheard the quarrel, ordered the carriage out and the footman to
attend. He then got the milk pitcher into the carriage, and ordered the coachman
to drive to the dairy. On his return, he addressed the disputants in his
usual forcible manner, and endeavoured to convince them, from the unnecessary
trouble they had occasioned, of the folly of stickling so pugnaciously for their
“ rights.”
Owing partly to his own eccentric character, but more especially to the political
influence of his connections, he was on familiar terms with some of the
Royal family, and was supposed to have considerable influence at court. Many
applications for his patronage were consequently made, and among these not a
few of a curious nature. The following scene we cannot resist quoting in the
words of his biographer :-‘‘ I well remember one morning the footman ushered
in a most romantic-looking lady. She advanced with measured steps, and with
an air that caused Mr. Hill to retreat towards the fireplace. She began-
‘ Divine Shepherd.’
“Pon my word, ma’am.’
‘ I hear you have great influence with the Royal family.’
‘ Well, ma’am ; and did you hear anything else 1’
‘ Now, seriously, sir--my son has the most wonderful poetic powers.
‘Well, I wonder what will come next,’ muttered Mr. Hill in a low tone.
‘Yes, sir, pardon the liberty; and therefore I called to ask you to get him
Sir,
his poetry is of a sublime order-noble, original, fine.’
made Poet Laweate.’
