The Example of Mrs. Talbot

In the 18th century, the godly curate of St. Giles church in Reading, a Rev. Talbot, died. He was to be replaced by a godless man, W. B. Cadogan, who was Oxford educated and had obtained many literary honors. "Mr. Cadogan's views of religion were entirely different from those of his predecessor; and the people heard of his appointment with grief . . . Many left the church. Mrs. Talbot, however, considered it her duty to remain, hoping for a better state of things, and that she might encourage and help forward those to whom her husband's labours had been blessed. She opened her house for religious services, and invited clergymen like-minded with herself to conduct them. At the same time prayer was continually offered up under her roof for Mr. Cadogan's conversion. By all this he was greatly offended. Letters passed full of remonstrance and even reproach on Mr. Cadogan's part, but which Mrs. Talbot's letters answered with meekness and wisdom. Mr. Cadogan was overcome, and ever afterwards confessed that Mrs. Talbot's letters and example were the principal means of leading him to the saving knowledge of Christ." Then he preached the truths of Jesus, those truths that he had so strenuously opposed. Multitudes began to flock to hear him preach the gospel.