Charles How (1661-1742) served as a courtier in King Charles II’s court, nicknamed the “Merry Monarch” for his pleasure-seeking approach to the English throne. When Charles II died, his brother, King James II, took over and assigned the courtier Charles to accompany a family member on a diplomatic mission to a foreign country. When this ambassador died, Charles successfully managed the work of the embassy in his stead. King James II offered Charles the job of permanent ambassador, but he declined the offer, citing that he “disliked the measures that were then carried on at court.” You can read between the lines! Charles didn’t care for the shenanigans characterizing the reigns of James II and his playboy brother. History records these two kings fathered a staggering number of children from assorted mistresses during their monarchies. Charles How turned his attention to writing and married Elianor, with whom he had six children, only one of whom survived to adulthood. After Elianor’s death in 1696, Charles retired to the country, chiefly to write devotional literature. He didn’t compose for publication but principally for his private use. After his death, his writings were given to his granddaughter, who, upon sharing it with a friend, published Charles’ Devout Meditations nine years later, omitting Charles’ name from the first edition. Only in the second edition was Charles’ name restored to his devotions. Contemporary author Charles Marshall, yet another Charles, wrote, “Integrity is doing the right thing when you don’t have to—while no one else is looking or will ever know—when there will be no congratulations or recognition for having done so.” Charles How lived with integrity during the reigns of two derelict English monarchs. He wrote the following prayer to begin his Devout Meditations:
Charles How
My adorable God, I humbly beseech Thee to accept the sacrifices I here,in all humility,
desire to make to Thee,
of the remainder of my life;
to be entirely employed,
to serve and adore Thee,
with the utmost vigor,
both of my soul and body…
Pardon all the sins and offenses of my past life,
for the sake of Thy blessed Son,
my Savior Jesus Christ;
and be pleased to bestow upon me,
a steadfast faith,
an ardent love,
a humble and perfect obedience,
and a will capable of no other inclination
than what it shall continually receive
from the absolute guidance of thy divine will;
to which I beg it may ever be perfectly subservient,
with all readiness and cheerfulness.
And if any action of my life,
or thought of my soul,
should ever in the least be contradictory to it,
I heartily renounce both that and myself…
I humbly beseech Thee,
that my thoughts and actions
may never be unworthy of Thy divine Presence.
for Jesus Christ’s sake,
Thy blessed Son,
my merciful Redeemer.
Amen.
Charles How, Devout Meditations: or a collection of thoughts upon religious and philosophical subjects, First American Edition, 1807.
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.