Henry Rogers (congregationalist)

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Henry Rogers
Christian Non-Conformist, writer and apologist
Born18 October 1806
St Albans, Hertfordshire, U.K.
Died20 August 1877
Pennal Tower, Machynlleth, U.K.
NationalityEnglish
EducationHighbury College, Middlesex, London

Henry Rogers (1806–1877) was an English nonconformist minister and

Christian apologist
.

Life

He was third son of Thomas Rogers, a surgeon of

Highbury College, Middlesex, he entered the congregationalist ministry in June 1829.[1]

His first duty was that of assistant pastor of the church at

Spring Hill College, Birmingham. That post he held for nearly twenty years. An incurable throat problem compelled him to abandon preaching.[1]

In 1858, Rogers succeeded to the presidency of the

Cheetham Hill, Manchester.[1]

Works

In 1826, Rogers published a volume of verse, 'Poems Miscellaneous and Sacred;' and at Poole he began to write for the nonconformist periodical press. On his return to London, he contributed introductory essays to editions of Joseph Truman's 'Discourse of Natural and Moral Impotency,' the works of Jonathan Edwards, Jeremy Taylor (1834–35), and Edmund Burke (1836–37) and Robert Boyle's 'Treatises on the High Veneration Man's Intellect owes to God, on Things above Reason, and on the Style of the Holy Scriptures.' In 1836 he issued his first major work, 'The Life and Character of John Howe'(London), of which later editions appeared in 1863; 1874; and 1879.[1]

In 1837 he edited, under the title 'The Christian Correspondent,' a classified collection of four hundred and twenty-three private letters 'by eminent persons of both sexes, exemplifying the fruits of holy living and the blessedness of holy dying,' London, 3 vols. In October 1839 he began, with an article on 'The Structure of the English Language,' a long connection with the Edinburgh Review which proved to be durable. In 1850 two volumes of selected 'Essays' contributed to it were published, and a third in 1855. Still further selected and augmented, these miscellanies were reprinted at London in 1874 as 'Essays, Critical and Biographical, contributed to the "Edinburgh Review,"' 2 vols., and 'Essays on some Theological Controversies, chiefly contributed to the "Edinburgh Review."'[1]

In 1852 Rogers issued anonymously, as 'by F. B.,' his best-known work 'The Eclipse of Faith, or a Visit to a Religious Sceptic' (London,), a dialogue in which the sceptic (Harrington) plays the part of remorseless critic of the various forms of rationalism then prevalent. In the course of three years it passed through six editions. From Francis William Newman, who figured in its pages in thin disguise, it elicited a 'Reply,' to which Rogers rejoined in 'Defence of "The Eclipse of Faith,"' London, 1854 (3rd edit. 1860).[1]

To the

British Quarterly (his articles were mostly reprinted).[1]

As a Christian apologist he was influenced by Joseph Butler. His last work was 'The Supernatural Origin of the Bible inferred from itself' (the Congregational Lecture for 1873), London, 1874, (8th edit. 1893). Two volumes of imaginary letters were entitled 'Selections from the Correspondence of R. E. H. Greyson, Esq.' (the pseudonym being an anagram for his own name), London, 1857; 3rd edit. 1861.[1]

Besides the works mentioned above, Rogers also published:[1]

  • ‘General Introduction to a Course of Lectures on English Grammar and Composition,’ 1837.
  • ‘Essay on the Life and Genius of Thomas Fuller;’ reprinted from the ‘Edinburgh Review’ in the ‘Travellers' Library,’ vol. xv. 1856.
  • ‘A Sketch of the Life and Character of the Rev. A. C. Simpson, LL.D.;’ reprinted from the ‘British Quarterly Review,’ 1867.
  • ‘Essays’ from ‘Good Words,’ 1867.
  • ‘Essay’ introductory to a new edition of Lord Lyttelton's ‘Observations on the Conversion of St. Paul,’ 1868.

Some articles are also understood to be his work: ‘Religious Movement in Germany’ (Edinburgh Review, January 1846), ‘Marriage with the Sister of a Deceased Wife’ (ib. April 1853), ‘Macaulay's Speeches’ (ib. October 1854), ‘Servetus and Calvin’ (British Quarterly Review, May 1849), ‘Systematic Theology’ (ib. January 1866), ‘Nonconformity in Lancashire’ (ib. July 1869).[1]

Rogers's portrait and a memoir by Robert William Dale were prefixed to the eighth edition of the 'Superhuman Origin of the Bible,' 1893.[1]

Family

Rogers married four times: first, in 1830, Sarah Frances, eldest daughter of Isaac Wimett of Chantum, a relative of

Owens College, Manchester.[1]

References

Attribution:

  •  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainLee, Sidney, ed. (1897). "Rogers, Henry (1806-1877)". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 49. London: Smith, Elder & Co.

External links