Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-12
LEADING MINISTER'S
Who In This Generation Have Accom-
pIished Great Things
In THE EDUCATION OF SENTIMENT.
A Birmingham Preacher Who Declined q
Seat in Parliament.
GLEANINGS FROM CHURCH FIELDS

Among the foremost Of living preachers is
DR.. R. W. Dales, of Birmingham, England.
DR.. Dales succeeded John Angel james,
who. in his day was recognized as the first
of English Non-conformists. The books OF
Angel James, notably his "Anxious In
quirer," are among the best known and
and most widely read in the annals of mod
ern Christian literature. In the year 1857,
q year not able in English history as that OF
the Sepoy Rebellion, the writer spent de-
lightful week in one Of the suburbs OF
Birmingham with some friends of common
lineage. During the week he was permitted
to hear addresses from Lord John
Russell, then member OF Pal
merston's Cabinet, and DR.. Livingstone
the African explorer who had just returned
from his first long sojourn in the Dark Con-
tinent. On Sunday of that ever memorable
week q visit to John Angel James >
Church in Carr lane was coveted more than
the finest opera. The venerable pastor was
old and feeble, and his quiet talk, as q
father would talk to his children, made an
impression which has not faded, though an
entire generation has passed away since that
time.
In the front pew sat DIR. Livingstone, and
his great work in opening up the Dark Con-
tinent was tenderly and quietly referred to
by the venerable pastor. The writer sat to
the left of the preacher, and in full view of
the African explorer and could distinctly
see the play of his countenance as the min
lister congratulated him for his glorious
work in Africa. A year or so after Angel
James was laid to his rest, mourned by all
classes at Birmingham, and his works do
follow him. His devoted flock little
dreamed that there could be found man to
take his place.
AN ABLE ASSISTANT.
Though not able TO fx the exact date, II 10
believed that the very summer that Angel
James welcomed Livingstone his flock ap-
pointed committee 10 walt on their be-
loved pastor and advise him TO select
young colleague who might assist him and
tighten his Iabors at eventIde. The old
pastor at once visited Springhill College.
near Birmingham, OF which he had long
been q trustee, aud from the students OF
that institution chose 10 bis assistant II. W.
Dales, who for year or two bscame as
hiStant pastor, aud nt the death OF Angel
James In 1850 was unanimously chosen 10
be his SUCCESSOR This position he has filed
from that day TO this, aud IL now recognized
In oil Britain ~ the foremost preacher In
the Noneonformint pulpit. A few years
ago an effort was made 10 take Dr. Dales
from Carr Lane Chapel To London pulpit.
The citizens OF Birmingham, without dis
tlnction OF GLASS or church, begged him TO
remain In the field where he began his
labors. The petition was signed by all the
leading Catholic priests oi the city, as we'll
as all the prominent Protestant clergymen
and tens Of thousands Of citizens.
Frequently DR.. Dales has been
solicited 10 stand for Parliament,
and could at any time In the past score OF
years have represented Birmingham as q
parliamentarian II he had given his con-
sent. His uniform reply to these overtures
of admlrlng friends has been that he counted
IL greater honor 10 serve the Master than any
nation on earth. The Town Hall Of Biz
mIngham will hold 1000 people. At any
time, when DR.. Dales 10 announced 10 lec-
ture In this hall, IL Is packed, and only those
who arrive early can find seats. He IL the
only man who has twice been selected 10 pre-
side at the meetings OF the Congregational
Society Of Great Britain.
John Angel James, In his wonderful ca
reer, did no wiser thing than when he chose
the young student at Spring Hill as one on
whom his mantle should fall.
ANOTHER GREAT PREACHER.
Among the foremost of living preach
ers, II not the first, Is Stopford Brooke, Of
London. Mr.. Brooke achieved his first
fame as the biographer Of Frederic Robert
son, OF whom he was an ardent disciple. OF
late years he has severed his connection
with the English Established Church and
is now what may be termed Independent
Episcopalian. His church in the West End
OF London is very select. 1t is the popular
resort of artists and those who follow litera-
ture as o profession. Though not enjoying
the popularity of Parker or Spurgeon Mr..
Brooke is recognized bv the educated Of
London as the great preacher OF the day. A
work OF his on English Literature has be-
come q textbook in the schools OF England.
And his lectures on English poetry are
unsurpassed in this line. Stopford Brooke
affects nothing in the oratorcal line. His
pulpit efforts are in the quiet persuasive
style, which makes no appeal to the emo
tions He addresses himself to the intellect.
Several volumes Of his sermons have been
published, and neither this or any time has
yielded anything purer or grander than
these unpretentious volumes. Above all
preachers OF our day, Mr.. Brooke applies
Christianity to modern thought and life, and
does it in way that is intensely fascinat-
ing When Frederic Robertson died, it was
the general view through the religious world
that the greatest preacher OF our times had
passed away. But his disciple and biog-
rapher is now recognized as more than the
equal of his teacher in powers of illustration
and delineation. The sermons OF Stopford
Broo ke fairly occupy a place in English
classics.