He was the son of Joseph Cruttenden (c.1658 – after 1731), a wholesale apothecaryinLondon.[1] He was educated to follow his uncle Rev Robert Bragge (1665–1738) into the Dissenting ministry, but decided he was unsuited because of his Arianism. Instead, in 1717 Cruttenden became a bookseller and broker, setting up shop near the Mercers' ChapelinCheapside, London, before making and losing a fortune in the South Sea Bubble speculation. He went bankrupt in 1721,[2] and moved to Finsbury. He was a friend of Philip Doddridge of Northampton, with whom he exchanged visits.[3]
Cruttenden wrote some poems, published after his death, translated a French version of Pindar'sOde to Prosperina (London, 1738), and wrote The principles and preaching of the Methodists considered (London, 1753).[4]
Cruttenden became a friend of MethodistGeorge Whitefield in 1742, after hearing John Cennick preach at the recently built wooden Tabernacle. He rejoined the Calvinistic Lime Street Independent chapel, near Leadenhall Market, where Robert Bragge had been pastor; becoming a lay elder. Here he experienced a spiritual conversion, which was described in print by Whitefield,[5] attracting interest and criticism.
Cruttenden wrote seven or so hymns, published after his death:[6] 'And is it yet, dear Lord, a doubt?' 'Did Jesus die, but not for me?’ ‘I own my guilt, my sins confess;' 'Let others boast their ancient line;' 'Rise, Sun of glory, shine reveal'd;' ' 'Tis false, thou vile accuser, go;' 'What adverse powers we feel within.'
Family
[edit]Cruttenden's grandchildren by his son Edward, with their ayah
^attribution in Samuel Halkett & John Laing, Dictionary of anonymous and pseudonymous English literature (6 vols. London 1926-32), IV, p.429.
^The experience of Mr R Cruttenden, as delivered into a congregation of Christ, in Lime-Street, under the pastoral care of the Reverend Mr Richardson; prefaced and recommended by George Whitefield (London, 1744).
^Sovereign efficacious grace! ... Exemplified in The experience of Robert Cruttenden, … to which is prefixed a letter from Mr Cruttenden to Mr Cennick on the occasion, 1742; also several psalms, hymns, &c. composed by him (London, 1790).
^William Porter, A sermon occasioned by the death of Robert Cruttenden, Esq. (who departed this life June 23, 1763, aged 73 years) preached at Mile's-Lane, on Lord's-Day, August 7. To which are added, several poetical composures (London, 1763).
