Barker, John (1)

Barker, John (1), an English Dissenting minister, was born about 1683, and was educated at Attercliffe, Yorkshire. In 1709 he was chosen assistant preacher to a congregation in Crosby Square, London, which was under the pastoral care of.the eminent Dr. Benjamin Grosvenor. Six years later the congregation in Mare street, Hackney, elected him pastor, as successor to the pious and excellent Mr. Matthew Henry. This charge Mr. Barker held till 1738, when he resigned, to the great grief of his people. After residing at Epsom, Surrey, about three years, he accepted a call from the congregation at Salters' Hall. Here he remained as long as he was able to perform the duties of his office; but in 1762 he was compelled to retire from work. After this he lived about one year. Mr. Barker was a man of eminent abilities, and united sound learning with ardent and unaffected piety. His preaching was solid, serious, and convincing. In 1748 he published a volume of sermons, and was preparing a second volume for the press, but was prevented completing his design. His purpose, however, was carried out by his executors, who, in 1763, issued the second volume. See (Lond.) Theol. and Biblical Mag., Oct. 1806, p. 413.