Cover courtesy of The Banner of Truth Trust

Letters of Henry Venn

These letters provide a fascinating insight into the life and times of a significant 18th-century evangelical minister. They contain, on virtually every page, practical spiritual counsel of perennial wisdom applicable to a wide variety of situations. The Letters of Henry Venn have long been unavailable and deserve to be known and read by a new generation of Christians.

Publication

Publisher: The Banner of Truth Trust
Date published: Dec 1, 1993
Print status: In print

The Physical Book

Binding: Cloth-bound
Dust jacket: Yes
Total pages: 624 pages
ISBN-13: 9780851516530

Reference

Publisher page: View at publisher

PART I.
MEMOIR BY THE REV. JOHN VENN.
Account of his ancestors
Anecdotes of his boyish years
Remarkable escape from danger
School education
Residence at College
Entrance into Holy Orders
First religious impressions
Curacy of West Horsley
Remarkable instance of disinterestedness
Change of religious sentiments
Curacy of Clapham
Marriage
Removal to Huddersfield
Effect of his preaching on a Socinian
Pecuniary difficulties
Adoption of Calvinistic views
Publication of "The Complete Duty of Man"
Instances of its usefulness
Death of Mrs. Venn
Mode of instructing his Children
Removal to Yelling
Visit of the Editor to Huddersfield, in the year 1824
Second marriage
Intercourse with Young Men at Cambridge
CONCLUSION OF THE MEMOIR BY THE EDITOR.
Testimony of Mr. Simeon
Declining health
Death
LIST OF MR. VENN'S PUBLISHED WORKS
PART II.
CORRESPONDENCE, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
SECTION I. - LETTERS WRITTEN FROM HIS FIRST APPOINTMENT TO HUDDERSFIELD, TILL HIS REMOVAL FROM IT.
LETTER to MRS. VENN.-Account of his journey to Huddersfield-Elevated state of mind
To a FRIEND.-Employment of a Christian in solitude
To MRS. VENN.-Caution against undue affection
LETTER from MRS. VENN.-Reply to the last letter-Account of her own state of mind
Acceptance of Huddersfield
To MRS. VENN.-Prospect of happiness and usefulness at Huddersfield
To MRS. KNIPE.-Zeal for moral duties in danger of supplanting the Gospel-Mr. Burnett-"The Complete Duty of Man"
To MRS. KNIPE.-Uncertain tenure of earthly blessings-Sins of the tongue-Mr. Walker of Truro-Mr. Adam
EXTRACT.-Ministerial success
To MRS. KNIPE.-Christening of his infant-Sir John Barnard: his afflictions and piety-Mr. Thornton
To MRS. KNIPE.-Sufferings come after we have learned to obey-Benefit of Means of Grace proportionable to our diligence in the use of them
To MRS. KNIPE.-Death of Mr. Jones, of St. Saviour's, Southwark-Newspaper attacks
EXTRACT.-Visit to Mr. Conyers at Helmsley -
EIGHT PASTORAL LETTERS.
To MISS HUDSON.-Affliction, the lot of God's people-difficult to bear it aright
To MISS HUDSON-Reasons why God afflicts His people
To MISS HUDSON.-Paraphrase of two verses of Psalm xci.
To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Increase in Divine knowledge
To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Right way of reading the Bible
To a LADY.-Several encouraging texts explained
To a YOUNG FRIEND.-Affectionate remonstrance to a backslider
To a FRIEND.-Ministerial visits
To a LADY-Refusing a legacy
To MISS WHELER.-Journey with Sir C. Hotham-Incautious offer of a pulpit, by a stranger-Mr. Townshend of Pewsey-Mr. Romaine-Howell Harris-Mr. Lee
To a WIDOW LADY.-The opposition of relations-On her conduct towards a worldly-minded son
Evil tendency of Hume's Essays
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-On his conversion from Socinianism-Description of the Christian's life
LETTER from MRS. VENN, announcing her illness
Particulars of her death
Two LETTERS to MRS. MEDHURST.-Death of his wife
To MRS. MEDHURST.-The Divine support he receives
To MISS WHELER.-Preaches the day after his wife's funeral
To MRS. MEDHURST.-Recollections of his wife-Ruth Clarke
To MRS. MEDHURST.-Affecting recollections of his wife-Pastoral visit to a dying parishioner
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Harewood House-Necessity for retirement to a Christian
Marriage of Miss Hudson to Mr. Riland
EXTRACTS.-Journey to London-Olney-Cowper the Poet
Ride in the neighbourhood of the scenes of childhood
Visits to a condemned criminal
Mr. Thornton-Fruits of his ministry
LETTER to J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Boldness in reproving sin
Engagement to preach in Lady Huntingdon's Chapel at Bath
Journey to Bath
Mr. Clarke of Chesham Boyce-Mr. Talbot-Mr. Townshend
Solitude cherishes faith
Lady Huntingdon-Benefit of a Christian example
Success of prayer not always apparent
SECTION II.-LETTERS WRITTEN FROM HIS ACCEPTANCE OF YELLING, TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS SON.
LETTER to MRS. RILAND.-Appointment to Yelling
To MRS. RILAND.-Perplexity about leaving Huddersfield
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Reasons for leaving Huddersfield
To MRS. RILAND.-Visit to Hull-Mr. Joseph Milner-Mr. Jesse-Mr. Adam
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Remembrance of his late flock
Erection of a Dissenting Chapel at Huddersfield
Vindication of his attachment to the Established Church
Preaching in unconsecrated places
To MRS. SMITH.-On freedom in Prayer-Bp. Hildesley
To MRS. SMITH.-Feelings in prospect of his second marriage
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Commencement of his ministry at Yelling-Change from Huddersfield
To MRS. RILAND.-Insincere professors of religion-Lowered expectation of the success of preaching
To MRS. RILAND.-First sermons at Yelling
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Solitude of Yelling-Style of preaching
To the Rev. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Opposition useful to a preacher-Mr. Berridge
To MRS. RILAND.-Improved health
To MRS. RILAND.-First visit to Cambridge-Family prayers
To W. WHITACRE, Esq.-Imperfection in good men-Against doubting the love of God towards us
To the REV. M. POWLEY-Divisions among Christians-Students at Cambridge
To MR. HOUGHTON.-Preciousness of the Sabbath.-Earnest prayer for his late flock
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Afflictions necessary for us-Essay on the Prophecy of Zacharias
To MISS WHELER.-Transporting view of future glory
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Vindication of two passages in the Essay-Mr. Robinson of Leicester
To W. WHITACRE, Esq.-Domestic mercies
Sketch of domestic employments at Yelling
Family connexions
Picture of a Christian household
To MR. E. VENN.-On the care of the soul
To MRS. BISHOP.-"Running with patience the race set before us"
To MRS. RILAND.-Wishes on their removal to Birmingham
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Hotham Rectory-Mr. Daw
Journey to Highworth, in Wiltshire-Students at Oxford-Mr. Pentycross-Mr. De Coetlogon
To MRS. RILAND.-Deaths of Lady Gertrude Hotham-Mrs. Nicholson-Sarah Reeves
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-On the knowledge of our acceptance with God
To MRS. RILAND.-Merciful preservation
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Visit to Birmingham-Mr. Berridge-True holiness
To J. BRASIER, Esq.-Congratulation on his marriage
SECTION III-LETTERS WRITTEN TO HIS CHILDREN AND DIFFERENT FRIENDS, FROM THE YEAR 1777 TO THE TIME OF HIS SON'S ORDINATION.
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Journey to Bath-Salisbury-Captain Scott-Mr. Fletcher
Mr -, Fletcher's eminent holiness
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Congratulations and advice on his going to College
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Further advice on the same subject
To MR. HENRY JOWETT.-On the right way of reading the Scriptures
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Danger of scenes of intemperance
To MR. JOHN VENN.-On teaching children-Prof. Frank
Anecdote of Dr. Dodd
To J. BRASIER, Esq.-On self-will in children
To J. BRASIER, Esq.-On Infant Baptism
Evil of a cavilling spirit
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Joseph Hirst's visit
To MR. HOUGHTON.-Evil of Controversy
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Visit to Cambridge-Mr. Newton's visit to Yelling: his sermon
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Mr. Robinson appointed to St. Mary's, Leicester
Reflections on a thunder-storm
To MR. JOHN VENN.-On his birth-day-Review of his life
To MR JOHN VENN.-Approaching examination
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Profitable conversation
EIGHT LETTERS TO HIS DAUGHTERS, WHEN THEY WERE FROM HOME.
To MISS VENN.-Mr. Barham's family-Advantage of intercourse with true Christians
To MISS VENN.-The importance of prayer
To MISS VENN.-Rank and riches no source of happiness
To MISS VENN.-On her birth-day- "I am the Lord's"
To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-A meek spirit-Mrs. Barham
To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-Adorable design of the Sabbath-Retrospect of his own early life
To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-On her birth-day
To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-The example of Jesus
To MR. EDWARD VENN.-Congratulations on his marriage
To MR. HENRY JOWETT.-An aged Christian
To MR. HOUGHTON.-Regard for his late flock
His son's coming of age
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-"Coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved"-"Everlasting Strength"
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Account of a lady who swallowed a pin-Lady Smythe-Dr. Knowles
To MR. EDWARD VENN.-Intends to revisit Huddersfield
To MISS JANE VENN.-Preaching at Huddersfield
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Account of his journey to Huddersfield-Mr. Robinson of Leicester-Mr. Walker of Rotherham-Elland
To MR. HOUGHTON.-Affection of his Yorkshire friends
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Scholars too often selfish
To Mas. BRASIER.-The certainty of the salvation of infants
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Our trials of use to others-Death of Mrs. Papworth
To J. BRASIER, Esq.-Illness of Mr. John Venn
To MISS RILAND, with a present of books-Excellence of the Bible
SECTION IV.-LETTERS WRITTEN FROM THE TIME OF HIS SON'S ORDINATION, TO THE YEAR 1788.
MR. JOHN VENN'S hesitation about taking Holy Orders
LETTER from MR. JOHN VENN.-States the reasons of his reluctance
To MR. JOHN VENN.-Answers to the reasons given in the foregoing letter
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Ordination of Mr. J. VENN and Mr. Simeon
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-But few are saved-Preaching at St. Neot's-Mr. Berridge
To MR. EDWARD VENN.-New-year congratulation-Mr. Robinson
MR. JOHN VENN presented to the living of Little Dunham
EXTRACT-respecting Young Men at Cambridge
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Ingratitude not to discourage us-Description of different London Ministers
To the REV. J. VENN.-Advice upon his going to Little Dunham-Preaching on the Commandments
EXTRACT-respecting Written and Extempore Sermons
Mr. Venn's own adoption of extempore preaching
To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Convictions of sin-A Hymn-Visit from Mr. J. Venn
To the REV. J. VENN.-Ministers not to be discouraged by want of success
To MISSES J. and C. VENN.-God is love
Account of a journey into Shropshire:-Mr. Riland-Mr. Fletcher-Mr. Jonathan Scott-Mr. Robinson
To LADY SMYTHE.-Description of a weak and strong faith
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Wishes for a happy new year-Mr. Simeon-Young Men at Cambridge
To the REV. J. VENN.-On assurance-A condemned malefactor-Declining health
To the REV. J. VENN.-Illness of Mr. John Venn-Mr. Adam's death-Small success of Ministers
To MISS JANE VENN.-Religion gives a double enjoyment of temporal blessings-A thunder-storm-Mr. Scott of Olney
To MISS RILAND.-Difficulties in religion to young people-On the text, "Give me thy heart"
To the REV. J. VENN.-Ministers should be hard students-Daillee on the Colossians
To MISS VENN.-A young Christian in sickness and health
EXTRACT-respecting Mr. Maddock of Creaton
To the REV. J. VENN.-The evil of schism-Daillee on the Colossians
Error of exalting Preaching above Public Prayer
To MISS JANE VENN.-On her visit to Huddersfield-God the "Father" of His people
To MRS. RILAND.-Recollections of Christmas-The cxixth Psalm
To MISS J. C. VENN.-Sermon on his 60th birth-day: "We look not at the things which are seen, &c."
EXTRACT-respecting the Young Men at Cambridge
His Visitation Sermon at Huntingdon
To MRS. RILAND.-Cheerfulness under illness
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Mrs. Lefevre's Letters-Lady Glenorchy
Mr. Richard Venn's residence at Yelling
To the REV. M. POWLEY-Describes his own feelings during his confinement by illness
To MR. ED. VENN.-No one ever repented of serving God
To MISS J. C. VENN.-Review of his own progress in religion-Prospect of Heaven
To MR. ELLIOTT.-Knowledge of each other in a future state
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-On teaching religion to children-Dr. I. Milner
To MRS. ELLIOTT.-On her birth-day-Difference between our natural and glorified bodies
Mr. Venn's preaching in London-Mr. Wilberforce
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Recollections of Huddersfield
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Death of Lady Glenorchy-consolatory
LETTER from LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Humble views of herself-Dr. Conyers
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Commendation of the graces manifest in our Christian friends
To MRS. RILAND.-Blessedness of the saints in light
To MISS J. C. VENN.-Mr. Johnson, Chaplain to Botany Bay-Prospects of the conversion of the Heathen
To J. KERSHAW, Esq.-Adam's posthumous Works-A friend who thought of leaving the Church
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Grace proportioned to diligence-Benefit of Fasting
To MRS. RILAND.-Preaching in his kitchen
To MR. ELLIOTT.-The way of attaining heavenly-mindedness
To MR. ELLIOTT.-Piety in men of business
SECTION V.-LETTERS WRITTEN FROM THE YEAR 1788, TO THE CLOSE OF HIS CORRESPONDENCE.
To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Importance of preaching on Striking Texts-Mr. Berridge
EXTRACT.-On Striking Texts
To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Prayers for his children-Death of Mrs. Kershaw
To MR. ELLIOTT.-On the death of his mother
To MR. JOHN HOUGHTON.-On teaching young children- A sermon of Mr. John Venn-His own declining health
To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Kennicott's Dissertations
EXTRACT.-On the King's Recovery
To MISS CATHERINE VENN.-Against doubting the love of God-On her having heard Mr. Wesley preach
Marriage of Mr. John Venn
To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Confinement from Public Ordinances, through illness-A family meeting-Mr. Burnett
To MRS. KING.-On her daughter's marriage
To MR. ELLIOTT.-Mr. Simeon
To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Declining health of the family
To LADY M. FITZGERALD.-Death of Lady Smythe
EXTRACT.-His last Sermon at Surrey Chapel
To MRS. JOHN VENN.-Wishes for her prosperous journey-Mr. Parry-Mr. Thornton
To MR. ELLIOTT.-Happiness of praying for each other
EXTRACT.-Death of John Thornton, Esq.
To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Death of Mr. Thornton
To MISS J. C. VENN.-Particulars respecting Mr. Thornton's Death
To MRS. JOHN VENN.-On his own illness
To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Adam's Works-Mr. Simeon
To MRS. RILAND.-Mr. Newton-Visit to London and Cambridge
To MRS. ELLIOTT.-Death of Mr. Richard Venn
EXTRACTS.-Declining health of Mr. Berridge
To MR. T. ATKINSON.-Christians should abound in charity
EXTRACT.-The placing of Ministers the prerogative of Christ
To the REV. J. VENN.-Usefulness is all, in Christians
EXTRACT.-Wishes sent to a Clerical Society
To the REV. J. VENN.-Mrs. Venn's illness
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Death of Mrs. Venn
Appointment of Mr John VENN to the Rectory of Clapham
To the REV. JOHN VENN.-Benefit received from the Buxton waters-Afflictions of Bishop Lowth
To MR. ELLIOTT.-Interview with friends at Buxton
To the REV. JOHN VENN-to encourage him in the prospect of his Ministry at Clapham
To the REV. JAMES and MRS.HARVEY.-Death of Mr.Berridge
EXTRACT.-Success of Mr. Evans at Yelling
To the REV. J. VENN.-Happy state of mind-Milner's Church History
To MRS. RILAND.-Concern for his daughter in case of his death
To MR. E. VENN.-Ministrations in Clapham Church
To Mr. ELLIOTT.-Earnest desire to depart
To the REV. J. VENN.-Afflictions wean us from the world-Mr. Hodson of Jamaica
To the REV. J. STILLINGFLEET.-Waiting for death-Soaring to Heaven
To the REV. JOHN VENN.-On preaching the necessity of good works-Now finds Christ sufficient for him
PART III.
LETTERS ON PARTICULAR SUBJECTS, TOO LONG FOR INSERTION IN THE PRECEDING SECTIONS.
To JONATHAN SCOTT, Esq.-Directions for leading a Christian life
To JOHN BRASIER, Esq.-On the same subject
To LADY MARY FITZGERALD.-On the doubts and fears of upright Christians
To a FRIEND.-On the study of the Hebrew-and the sufficiency of Translations to convey the knowledge of the Truth
To LADY MARY FITZGERALD.-Cautions on the life of Mr. Fletcher, and of eminently good persons in general
The MISTAKES into which Young Ministers are apt to fall

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The Physical Book

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