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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memorials of the Independent Churches in
+Northamptonshire, by Thomas Coleman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northamptonshire
+ with biographical notices of their pastors, and some account
+ of the puritan ministers who laboured in the county.
+
+Author: Thomas Coleman
+
+Release Date: October 12, 2011 [EBook #37730]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMORIALS--INDEPENDENT CHURCHES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ MEMORIALS
+ OF
+ THE INDEPENDENT CHURCHES
+ IN
+ NORTHAMPTONSHIRE;
+
+ WITH
+ BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF THEIR PASTORS,
+
+ AND SOME ACCOUNT OF
+ THE PURITAN MINISTERS WHO LABOURED IN THE COUNTY.
+
+ BY
+ THOMAS COLEMAN.
+
+ LONDON:
+ JOHN SNOW, 35, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+ 1853.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+In presenting some historical Memorials of the Independent Churches in
+the County of Northampton, it may be proper to take a glance at "the
+rise and progress" of Nonconformity from the early days of the
+Reformation.
+
+When the Pope's supremacy was denied and some change in the Church was
+sanctioned by Henry the Eighth, there were a number of Protestants in
+England who desired the reformation from Popery to be carried further
+than was agreeable to the reigning monarch and those that had the
+ascendancy in his counsels. The reformers acknowledged "that corruptions
+had been a thousand years introducing, which could not be all discovered
+and thrown out at once"; and yet the ruling powers sought by "Acts of
+Uniformity" to put a stop to all further improvement.
+
+In the days of Queen Elizabeth, when the Protestant exiles returned who
+had been driven to the Continent by the persecutions in the reign of
+Mary, there was a considerable increase in the number of ministers who
+were dissatisfied with the reformation of the Anglican Church. When the
+Act had passed, in the year 1559, entitled "An Act for the Uniformity of
+Common Prayer and Service in the Church, and Administration of the
+Sacraments," there were many ministers connected with the Church who
+could never submit to its requirements. They were men who pleaded for a
+_purer_ mode of worship and discipline than the authorities would allow;
+and hence they were called _Puritans_. They refused to wear the
+vestments, to read the whole of the liturgical service, and to comply
+with many of the ceremonial observances required; they regarded them as
+relics of Popery, contrary to the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ,
+and opposed to the purity of his Church.
+
+They suffered much during the reigns of Elizabeth and the first two
+English Sovereigns of the Stuart line. "The Star Chamber" and "the High
+Commission Court" were established, before which they were summoned, and
+where they were required to answer questions proposed, that would have
+made them their own accusers. If they refused to answer, they were
+punished for contumacy; if they complied, they were punished for
+Nonconformity.
+
+To promote the reformation in the Church which they desired, the Puritan
+ministers formed associations, instituted classes, held meetings, and
+appointed lectures, which they preached alternately at their different
+Churches.
+
+The County of Northampton was distinguished as one of the strongholds of
+Puritanism. There were a considerable number of Puritan divines in the
+Churches in this County: here, the meetings of their associations were
+frequently held; and here, in several of the towns, their lectures were
+delivered; and though they had to suffer much, yet they had some noble
+friends in the County, who endeavoured to hold over them the shield of
+their protection. These were the men who, by their principles, their
+preaching, and their writings, were the means of promoting evangelical
+truth and piety in the country; and they were the men who preserved the
+liberties of Englishmen, when they were in danger of being trampled in
+the dust. While Hume, the historian, treats their principles as
+frivolous and their conduct as ridiculous, he bestows upon them this
+high eulogium: "So absolute was the authority of the Crown, that the
+precious spark of liberty had been kindled and was preserved by the
+Puritans alone; and it was to this sect that the English owe the whole
+freedom of their constitution."
+
+At the commencement of the reign of James I., when Bancroft was
+Archbishop of Canterbury, the clergy were commanded to renew their
+subscription to the requirements of the Church. More than seven hundred
+of them refused; and in that number there were fifty-seven
+non-subscribing ministers in Northamptonshire.
+
+At a meeting of their Association, held in Northampton, the ministers
+signed the following confession: "That they believed the word of God
+contained in the Old and New Testaments to be the perfect rule of faith
+and manners; and that it ought to be read and known by all people; and
+that the authority of it exceeds all authority, not of the Pope only,
+but of the Church also, and of councils, fathers, men, and angels."
+
+The liberty enjoyed in the days of the Commonwealth many of them
+improved to the noblest purposes--prizing the advantages they possessed,
+even where they did not approve of the ruling powers.
+
+At the restoration of the second Charles they hoped, from the fair
+promises made by the King, that some changes would have been made in
+their favour, so that they might have ministered in the Church without
+being required to violate the dictates of conscience; but the enemies of
+further reformation gained the ascendancy, and strove to drive from the
+Church the Puritan divines: they succeeded in passing "the Act of
+Uniformity" of 1662, which made the terms of conformity so strait that
+more than two thousand ministers were ejected by it, choosing rather to
+resign their livings and all their worldly prospects, and to cast
+themselves on the care of Providence, than submit to what was required;
+for this Act demanded their "unfeigned assent and consent to all and
+everything contained in the Book of Common Prayer." It came into
+operation August 24th, 1662, on Bartholomew-day--the day when the
+massacre of the Protestants in France took place ninety years before,
+hence called by some "Black Bartholomew." It is stated, that this day
+was chosen for this Act to take effect because the Nonconforming
+ministers would then be deprived of their year's income, which would be
+due shortly after.
+
+The great Mr. Locke styles the ministers who refused to conform,
+"learned, pious, orthodox divines."
+
+It has been, we think, justly observed, "that ecclesiastical history
+furnishes no such instance as this of a noble army of confessors at one
+time--it is an honour peculiar to the English Dissenters. Never has the
+world seen such a sacrifice to principle."
+
+From this time the name of _Puritan_ was exchanged for that of
+_Nonconformist_.
+
+These were the men that laid the foundation of a large number of the
+Dissenting Churches which remain to this day. In the County of
+Northampton there were sixty ministers who were ejected by this Act.
+Fourteen of this number afterwards conformed; but of one of them it is
+remarked, "that he never went up the pulpit stairs with comfort after he
+had conformed--that he was at last but half a Conformist, for which he
+was frequently cited into the Spiritual Court: he freely suffered his
+children to go and hear the ejected ministers, and always maintained a
+brotherly affection towards them."
+
+They were exposed to great trials, and suffered much persecution, after
+their ejectment. To prevent them from preaching, "The Conventicle Act"
+was passed, forbidding more than five adult persons to meet together for
+worship different from the forms of the Church of England, on pain of
+very severe penalties. After this came "The Five Mile Act," which
+forbade them to reside within five miles of any corporate town where
+they had formerly preached, or from keeping school, or taking boarders,
+under a penalty of forty pounds. Thus many were driven from their
+families and their homes; and many were heavily fined and repeatedly
+imprisoned. It was in the midst of sufferings of this nature that
+several of the Churches were formed, the Memorials of which are here
+presented.
+
+When the glorious revolution by William the Third was effected, a very
+pleasing change in their circumstances took place. "The Act of
+Toleration" that then passed was viewed by them as a great blessing.
+Advancing knowledge on the principles of religious liberty may have led
+us to see that such an Act falls far short of that complete state of
+freedom to which we should aspire; yet there was abundant reason for our
+forefathers highly to value the liberty it gave them, and they blessed
+the memory of him by whom it was obtained. After the passing of this
+Act, the term _Nonconformist_ was exchanged for that of _Dissenter_, as
+applied to those who availed themselves of the advantages it gave. This
+is the name they now bear, and which they will probably continue to bear
+until the time when our civil rulers shall cease to raise one
+denomination of Christians above another, or to legislate for the Church
+of Christ.
+
+A hundred and twenty years ago, Doddridge entered upon his work as
+pastor and tutor at Northampton. These offices he filled during twenty
+years; and he evidently obtained, by his spirit, his preaching, his
+writings, and his labours as a tutor, great influence in the Churches in
+the County, which continued to be felt many years after his death. A
+minister who was ordained over one of these Churches forty years ago
+observes, "It always appeared to me a pleasing fact, as indicating the
+hold that Doddridge had obtained on the hearts of the Northamptonshire
+Nonconformists, that his hymns were almost everywhere in use in
+conjunction with Watts, and in all the old books used in my day the two
+were bound up together."
+
+The following character of the Independent Churches in this County is
+given by Job Orton, from the knowledge he obtained of them while
+resident at Northampton, first as student, afterwards as assistant, with
+Doddridge, leaving him in the year 1742. Writing to a young minister, he
+observes--"I am sorry you have met with such poor encouragement, and
+especially with any ill treatment, from the people in Northamptonshire.
+I know them well: some of them are narrow and bigoted, but in general
+they are serious exemplary Christians, and the bulk of them are not
+disposed to use a minister ill who is not imprudent, and doth not
+directly oppose their favourite notions, which is the only way to make
+people hold them the faster. They are not disposed to censure a person
+who preaches in a serious and experimental manner, and in an evangelical
+strain, though he does not use many of their favourite phrases, but will
+bear almost anything from the pulpit where the main thing is not
+wanting."
+
+The idea of the present Work originated in a conversation with the
+author of the Centenary Memorial of Doddridge, at the Autumnal Meetings
+of the Congregational Union, held at Northampton, 1851. If the Writer
+could have prevailed on highly esteemed brethren in the County to have
+undertaken the work, he would gladly have done so; but the impression
+which he had of its desirableness and adaptation for usefulness
+produced a conviction that the attempt should be made. He has done what
+he could. The loss of early records in some cases, and the entire
+neglect to form them in others, has rendered the accounts of some of the
+Churches very defective; but in some cases the origin and history of the
+Churches can be correctly traced.
+
+Materials have been collected from all the sources that supplied any, to
+which the Writer could have access. His hope is, that the work will tend
+to serve the cause of evangelical truth and piety, that it will
+illustrate the nature and importance of Christian Churches formed and
+sustained on the voluntary principle, and that it may aid in some degree
+to extend their influence and increase their efficiency. He commends it
+to the candid attention of the reader, and to the blessing of the Great
+Head of the Church.
+
+Ashley, December 14th, 1852.
+
+N. B. The Memorials commence with the Churches in Northampton, and the
+other Churches in the County are placed in chronological order,
+according to the date of their formation, so far as that could be
+ascertained.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+ CHAPTER I. PAGE
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northampton:--
+ SECTION 1.--Introductory Statement 1
+ SECTION 2.--The Independent Church at Castle Hill 9
+ SECTION 3.--The Independent Church at King's Street 37
+ SECTION 4.--The Independent Church at Commercial Street 42
+
+ CHAPTER II.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Rowell 46
+
+ CHAPTER III.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Kettering 80
+
+ CHAPTER IV.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Market Harborough 119
+
+ CHAPTER V.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Ashley and Wilbarston 146
+
+ CHAPTER VI.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Welford 155
+
+ CHAPTER VII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Creaton 179
+
+ CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Daventry 186
+
+ CHAPTER IX.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Wellingborough:--
+
+ SECTION 1.--The Independent Church at Cheese Lane 210
+ SECTION 2.--The Independent Church at West End 226
+ SECTION 3.--The Independent Church at Salem Chapel 246
+
+ CHAPTER X.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Oundle 250
+
+ CHAPTER XI.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Weedon Beck 262
+
+ CHAPTER XII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Long Buckby 268
+
+ CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Potterspury 275
+
+ CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Yardley Hastings 291
+
+ CHAPTER XV.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Kilsby and Crick 304
+
+ CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Brigstock 314
+
+ CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Weldon and Corby 327
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Yelvertoft 335
+
+ CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Wollaston 344
+
+ CHAPTER XX.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Peterborough 352
+
+ CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Towcester 357
+
+ CHAPTER XXII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Old 361
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Everdon 367
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Brackley 369
+
+ CHAPTER XXV.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Byfield 371
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+ Memorials of the Independent Church at Paulerspury 373
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+ Home Missionary Stations--1. King's Cliffe and Nassington;
+ 2. Borough Fen; 3. Middleton 376
+
+ APPENDIX 381
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCHES IN NORTHAMPTON.
+
+
+SECTION 1.--INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT.
+
+Northampton has been distinguished in the history of this country by the
+struggles there maintained for the liberties of Englishmen; nor has it
+been unknown in the efforts that have been made to secure the liberty of
+Christian worship and the purity of divine institutions.
+
+Soon after that "morning star of the Reformation," John Wickliffe,
+appeared, about the year 1369, his doctrines were introduced into
+Northampton, and met with much favour in the town. Notwithstanding the
+earnest opposition of the clergy, they were cherished by several persons
+of rank, the Mayor himself being tainted with the heresy. A formal
+complaint was made to the King in council by one Richard Stannisworth, a
+woolstapler, that the chief magistrate, John Fox, harboured in his house
+James Collyn, a fierce maintainer of Lollardy (as the sentiments of
+Wickliffe were called), in Northampton, and that they encouraged the
+preaching of the Lollards, contrary to the prohibition of the Bishop of
+Lincoln. Thus it appears that there were numbers at that time in
+Northampton ready to welcome the days of reformation from the
+corruptions of Popery.
+
+When the Reformation was introduced, and sanctioned by the rulers of
+England, amongst those who sought a greater degree of purity in the
+worship of God than the sovereign would allow, and who could not conform
+to the relics of Romanism that were retained, were several devoted men
+who laboured and suffered in Northampton.
+
+Francis Merbury was a minister at Northampton during this period, when
+the Puritans struggled to obtain a change in the existing state of
+things. He was brought into many troubles for Nonconformity, being
+several times cast into prison. On Nov. 5th, 1578, he was convened
+before the High Commission, where he underwent a severe examination, and
+was sent a prisoner to the Marshalsea.
+
+Edward Snape, after being educated in the University of Cambridge,
+became minister of Saint Peter's Church, Northampton. He was a decided
+Nonconformist, a laborious preacher, and a zealous advocate for a pure
+reformation of the Church. It is stated that when the parishioners of
+St. Peter's understood that he did not account himself a full minister
+until he should be chosen by some particular congregation, they
+immediately chose him to be their minister. In 1590 he was brought into
+trouble on account of the Associations held in Northamptonshire and
+Warwickshire. He was a zealous and active member of these assemblies,
+for which he was summoned before the High Commission. He moved the Mayor
+of Northampton to unite with other towns in presenting a supplication to
+the Queen, humbly beseeching her Majesty to hear their cries, and grant
+them a more pure ecclesiastical discipline.
+
+The following anecdote is related of this persecuted servant of God: "He
+was cast into prison by the bishops for his Nonconformity; and all his
+money being expended by his long confinement, he met with much unkind
+usage from the gaoler. The good man being one day on his knees in
+fervent prayer to God, and the window of his chamber being open, he
+observed something thrown into the room; but he resolved to finish his
+prayer before he examined what it was. When he rose from his knees, he
+found to his great surprise that it was a purse full of gold. By this
+unexpected supply he was more comfortable in his situation, and enabled
+to make his keeper more humane ever after. "The Lord heareth the young
+ravens that cry; how much more," it is observed, in connexion with this,
+"will he hear his afflicted people?"
+
+Humphrey Fenn was several years minister at Northampton--a most learned
+and venerable divine, whose ministry was rendered very successful: yet
+he underwent many troubles for Nonconformity. While at Northampton he
+experienced the cruel oppression of the times--was apprehended and
+committed to close prison, where he remained a long time. During his
+confinement the inhabitants of Northampton presented a supplication to
+Queen Elizabeth, humbly and earnestly desiring her Majesty to grant his
+release, and his restoration to his beloved ministry. In this
+supplication they affirmed, upon their dutiful allegiance, that during
+his abode in that place he had lived a honest and a peaceable life; and
+they gave a high character of his diligence in preaching, his obedience
+to God, and to those in authority. It does not appear whether this
+application was at all successful. Mr. Fenn, with some others, presented
+a long letter to the Queen in vindication of their own innocency; but we
+have not discovered how long they remained in prison after that period.
+
+John Penry, a very distinguished Puritan, after leaving the University,
+was settled for some time at Northampton. He was brought before the High
+Commissioners for Nonconformity, and after examination, cast into
+prison. After a month's confinement, he was discharged; but when he had
+obtained his release, they sent their pursuivants to apprehend him, and
+again commit him to prison. Walton, one of them, went immediately to
+Northampton, and upon entering Mr. Penry's house ransacked his study,
+and took away all the books and papers which he thought proper; but Mr.
+Penry was not to be found. Upon the publication of 'Martin Mar-Prelate,'
+he was again apprehended.
+
+He became at length a member of a Church of Brownists, meeting about
+London, sometimes in the fields and woods, in the dead of the night, to
+avoid the fury of the prelates. During his imprisonment he wrote a most
+pious, affectionate, and encouraging letter to Mr. F. Johnson, the
+pastor, and the rest of the brethren. It is addressed "to the distressed
+and faithful congregation of Christ in London, and all the members
+thereof, whether in bonds or at liberty;" and he concludes by
+subscribing himself, "their loving brother in the patience and
+sufferings of the Gospel, John Penry, a witness of Christ in this life,
+and a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed." He at length lost
+his life for the cause to which he was devoted, for he was executed May
+29th, 1593.
+
+Arthur Wake was another of these worthies, who had some connexion with
+Northampton. He was a son of John Wake, Esq., descended from an ancient
+and honourable family. He became a most popular and useful preacher. In
+1565 he was presented to the living of Great Billing, in
+Northamptonshire. He was very much persecuted for his Nonconformity, and
+at length deprived of his living. In the year 1593 he was residing at
+Northampton, and engaged as minister of Saint John's Hospital in this
+town. It is stated that "he was a divine of good learning, great piety,
+and a zealous, laborious, and useful preacher."
+
+By the rigorous proceedings of the ruling prelates the Church was
+deprived of many of its brightest ornaments, and nearly all its faithful
+pastors were ejected, especially in Northamptonshire. In the vicinity of
+Northampton there was William Fleshurne, or Fletcher, B.D., rector of
+Abington, in 1588. Of him it is recorded, that in 1590 he was one of the
+Puritan ministers who associated in general synods and particular
+classes at Northampton, Fawsley, and other places, to promote the new
+discipline in opposition to the Established Church. He obtained the
+vicarage of Moulton in 1607, and held it till his death; but appears to
+have resided at Abington, where he was buried the 3rd of May, 1627.
+
+Dr. John Preston was born at Heyford, in Northamptonshire, in the parish
+of Bugbrook, 1578. He became a very popular preacher, but met with
+considerable opposition on account of his Puritan principles. He had a
+strong constitution, which he wore out in the study and in the pulpit.
+Being desirous of dying in his native county and among his old friends,
+he retired into Northamptonshire, where he departed this life in a most
+pious and devout manner in the 41st year of his age, and was buried in
+Fawsley Church, old Mr. Dod, minister of the place, preaching his
+funeral sermon to a numerous auditory. His practical works and sermons
+were printed by his own order after his decease.
+
+William Prandlove was a respectable Puritan minister, who about the year
+1562 became vicar of Fawsley, in Northamptonshire, and in 1577 he became
+rector of Lamport, in the same county. He united with his brethren in
+their private associations, and took an active part in promoting the
+desired ecclesiastical discipline, for which, in the year 1590, he was
+apprehended and cast into prison, where he remained a long time. He was
+after carried before the High Commission and the Star Chamber, where he
+underwent the severe scrutiny of his ecclesiastical inquisitors.
+
+In connexion with these statements relating to Puritan ministers who
+maintained and suffered for their principles in the county town of
+Northamptonshire and its immediate vicinity, it may not be considered
+unsuitable to state that a Sir Richard Knightley, at Fawsley in this
+county, who received the honour of knighthood from the Earl of
+Leicester, at Fotheringay, in the 8th of Elizabeth, 1566, was one of the
+earliest and most zealous patrons of the Puritans, or opposers of the
+new Act for the Uniformity of Worship, who assumed the importance of an
+organized party in 1568. Their publications, principally from the pen of
+John Ap-Henry, better known by the assumed name of Martin Mar-Prelate,
+were industriously though secretly disseminated by means of a travelling
+printing press, conducted by one Walgrave. To elude detection, the
+scene of its operations was frequently changed. It was first set up at
+Mousley, in Surrey, from whence it was removed to Fawsley, and worked in
+a private upper room, approached only by a winding staircase. Its next
+stage was to Norton, another of Sir Richard's seats. It was subsequently
+conveyed to Coventry, Woolston, in Warwickshire, and finally to
+Manchester, where it was seized by the Earl of Derby. For these
+clandestine proceedings Sir Richard and his associates were summoned
+before the Court of Star Chamber, and heavily fined; but Archbishop
+Whitgift, though one of the most prominent objects of their attack, with
+a truly Christian spirit obtained by his intercession a remission of
+their sentence. In the succeeding reign, Sir Richard ventured, with Sir
+Edward Montague, Sir Francis Hastings, and 60 or 80 other gentlemen, to
+petition the King on behalf of the Puritan clergy of this county; but
+they were severely rebuked in the Star Chamber and at the Council Table
+for their presumption, and Sir Richard was dismissed both from the
+lieutenancy and the commission of the peace.
+
+There is another name that is connected with Fawsley and the county of
+Northampton, to which we should like to devote a single page--the name
+of John Dod, A.M., generally styled "the Decalogist," from his
+celebrated exposition of the Ten Commandments. He resided several years
+at Fawsley, under the patronage of the Knightley family. This learned
+Puritan divine was the youngest son of John Dod, Esq., of Shacklach, in
+Cheshire, where he was born in 1555. He was educated at Jesus College,
+Cambridge. He was successively minister of Hanwell, in Oxfordshire,
+Fenny Drayton, in Leicestershire, Canons Ashby and Fawsley in this
+county. In a work published in 1635, entitled 'A Plain and Familiar
+Exposition of the Lord's Prayer,' there is a dedication to his much
+honoured, loving friend, Mr. Richard Knightley; where he states, "I
+dedicate this book unto you, that as the Lord is my witness that I pray
+daily for you by name (and so, by his assistance, I purpose to do while
+I live), so I must leave some testimony behind me to men after my death
+(which I continually wait for) of my unfeigned and hearty thankfulness
+for all your favours and goodness to me and mine." He survived ten years
+after this, and died at the very advanced age of 90 years--was buried at
+Fawsley, 19th of August, 1645. He published a number of different works;
+but his sayings acquired great provincial celebrity, and have been
+printed in various forms. Fuller characterizes him as "by nature a
+witty, by industry a learned, by grace a godly, divine." His life was
+written by Samuel Clarke.
+
+Mr. Dod was several times silenced for his want of entire conformity to
+the established system; but he maintained his principles to the last,
+being distinguished by his fervent spirit of devotion, his entire
+reliance on God, his submission to the Divine will, his trust in the
+Redeemer, his heavenly-mindedness. "The righteous shall be had in
+everlasting remembrance."
+
+Though this Work chiefly relates to one denomination of Nonconformists
+in Northamptonshire, it appeared to us desirable to include a short
+notice of these early advocates of Nonconformity, especially in the town
+of Northampton, though they did not generally come out from the Church
+as by law established; for they laboured to obtain a further
+reformation, and would rather suffer than conform to all that was
+required. Their principles and their spirit gradually led on to all
+that has since been manifested in the support of genuine, evangelical,
+vital, voluntary Christianity, in the different communities that have
+separated from the Established Church.
+
+
+SECTION 2.--THE CHURCH AT CASTLE HILL.
+
+There are some places of worship which attain notoriety entirely from
+some celebrated individual that has been connected with them. The
+talents, the learning, the preaching, or the writings of one of the
+ministers, have identified the place with his name.
+
+This is the case with the Meeting House at Castle Hill, Northampton. A
+plain structure, resembling many others that were built about the same
+period, it is regarded with the deepest interest, as the place where
+Doddridge spent the greater part of his life as a pastor. In that place
+Doddridge laboured; there stands the pulpit in which Doddridge preached;
+to that vestry Doddridge retired; there he often watched and prayed; at
+that table he oft presented the memorials of a Saviour's love, and
+poured forth from the fulness of an affectionate, fervent heart, the
+strains of an exalted faith and piety.
+
+No certain record can be found of the first formation of the Church
+assembling in this place. Its origin is lost in obscurity. When the "Act
+of Uniformity" passed, Mr. Jeremiah Lewis, rector of Saint Giles's,
+Northampton, was ejected from his living; but such was his natural
+reserve, and such his retired habits, that it does not appear that he
+ever preached after his ejectment. He did not long survive that event.
+"He was a man of great meekness; remarkable for his prudence; much
+beloved by the neighbouring ministers."
+
+Mr. Samuel Blower, who was ejected from Woodstock, in Oxfordshire, is
+recorded as the first pastor of this Church. Of his history but little
+is known. He was educated at Oxford, and was a Fellow of Magdalen
+College. Of his general character we are informed, "that he was of a
+meek temper, peaceable principles, and a godly life;" of his sentiments,
+that "he had very exalted thoughts of divine grace and redeeming love;"
+of the prevailing spirit of his ministry, "that he discovered a very
+tender regard to young persons, and would often address himself very
+affectionately to them, not only in his sermons, but in his visits; and
+that he rejoiced much when he saw anything hopeful in their characters:"
+of his method of preaching, that "he affected not a pompous way; nor did
+he dispense the truths of the Gospel with the wisdom of man's words,
+knowing that that was not so likely to be attended with a divine
+blessing--Scripture revelations, in Scripture language, were the main
+subjects of his discourses:" of his friendships we are told that "he was
+a most desirable friend, being free and communicative, candid in the
+last degree, of a very sympathizing spirit with those in affliction, and
+particularly mindful of them in his prayers; and he was so firm and
+constant where he professed friendship, that it must be some very ill
+thing indeed that was the occasion of his breaking it off." Of his
+devoted piety it is said, "that wherever he had an interest, he was for
+improving it for God to his utmost, and took every opportunity to do
+so."
+
+He published a funeral sermon for Mrs. Elizabeth Tub, from Psalm xviii.
+46: "The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock," &c. Mr. Blower
+afterwards removed to Abingdon, in Berks, where he died in 1701.
+
+The records of this Church commence with the following statement:--
+
+ _Acts and Memoirs of the particular Church of Christ at Northampton,
+ of which Mr. Samuel Blower was pastor._
+
+ In the year 1695, this Church did, upon the departure of the Rev.
+ Mr. Blower, their pastor, give their unanimous call to Thomas
+ Shepherd to succeed him in the pastoral office, who thereupon
+ accepting the call, did actually succeed him in the office
+ aforesaid.
+
+The form of the Church Covenant:--
+
+ We, this Church of Christ, whose names are underwritten, having
+ given up, ourselves to the Lord and one to another according to the
+ will of God, do promise and covenant, in the presence of God, to
+ walk together in all the laws and ordinances of Christ, according to
+ the rules of his Gospel, through Jesus Christ so strengthening us.
+ (This was subscribed by about 164 names.)
+
+A memorandum on the next page states, "That Thomas Shepherd, accepting
+the call this Church gave him, did own and declare his willingness and
+consent to walk with them as a pastor with his people, so long as they
+could walk comfortably together in all the ways and ordinances of the
+Lord."
+
+Under date of September 11th, 1696, we have the following statement,
+from which it appears that Mr. Shepherd's ministry at Northampton was of
+short duration:--
+
+ At a Church-meeting then holden, it was publicly owned by this
+ Church that Thomas Shepherd, their present pastor, was not under
+ obligation to a continuance with them, by virtue of any conditional
+ consent or promise made upon sitting down. The conditions not being
+ observed by this people, my engagements to them thereupon must needs
+ cease.
+
+About a year and a half from this time, _i.e._, February 25th, 1698, Mr.
+John Hunt was chosen the pastor of this Church. His father was one of
+the ejected ministers, a Mr. William Hunt, ejected from the vicarage of
+Sutton, in Cambridgeshire. He was a man of eminent piety and great
+usefulness, and two of his sons became devoted ministers among the
+Dissenters. The pastor of this Church was first at Royston, and from
+thence came to Northampton, and afterwards he became minister of the
+Independent Church at Newport Pagnell. He appears to have inserted the
+following passage from Philip Henry's 'Life' among the Church
+records:--"Those ministers who will rule by love and meekness need no
+laws or canons to rule by, other than those of the holy Scriptures."
+
+He was a man of considerable talent, and wrote several valuable works.
+There appear to have been 100 members admitted to the Church during the
+ministry of Mr. Hunt; that ministry closed at Northampton in 1709. He
+died at Tunstead, in Norfolk, in 1730. On February 22nd, 1709, after
+divers repeated calls, and days and times of seeking God, Rev. Thomas
+Tingey gave his acceptance of the call of this people, together with the
+reason of it, and was solemnly ordained unto the pastoral office and
+charge of this Church of Christ--Mr. Dowley, of Lutterworth, Mr. King,
+of Wellingborough, Mr. Some, of Harborough, Mr. Norris, of Welford, Mr.
+Ironmonger, of Buckingham, Mr. Jackson, of Buckby, Mr. Mason, of
+Spaldwich, and Mr. Wills, about to be settled at Kettering, and Mr.
+Dale, of Creaton, being present.
+
+Mr. Tingey had previously been minister at Newport Pagnell, so that Mr.
+Hunt's removal was an exchange of situations with him. Mr. Tingey was
+an evangelical and able minister, and very zealously exerted himself,
+even beyond his strength, to preach the Gospel in destitute towns and
+villages around. On leaving Northampton he became pastor of an
+Independent Church in Fetter Lane. Dr. Ridgley preached his funeral
+sermon, and published it, in which he gives him a high character as an
+able and successful minister. He died November 1st, 1729, a few weeks
+after his settlement in London.
+
+The ministry of Mr. Tingey appears to have continued about twenty years,
+until the first part of the year 1729, for on September 28th of that
+year we find the first invitation given to Doddridge, with a view to the
+pastoral office.
+
+As we have a more full account of this pastorate than of any other over
+the Church at Castle Hill, and as it is invested with some peculiar
+interest from the labours of Doddridge, so we think it proper to present
+the particulars to some extent before the reader. The following is a
+copy of the invitation:--
+
+ _From the Dissenting Congregation at Castle Hill, Northampton._
+
+ The Church of Christ in Northampton sendeth greeting.
+
+ REVEREND SIR,--The dispensations of God's providence towards us in
+ suffering the removal of our late pastor is very awful, and we hope
+ hath lain with weight upon our hearts. It hath urged us to make
+ prayer and supplication that God, the Great Shepherd, would appear
+ and direct us in this difficult and weighty matter, and send among
+ us one whom he will eminently own and make a great blessing unto us.
+
+ Sir, we have had some taste of your ministerial ability in your
+ occasional labours amongst us, which have given a general
+ satisfaction to the congregation; but this matter being so
+ important, we humbly apply ourselves to you, that you would come
+ and preach among us as a candidate for a month. We leave our
+ brethren, who will bring this, to use what further arguments they
+ may think meet, and recommend you to the wisdom and conduct of the
+ divine Spirit, and continue our prayers and supplications to the
+ great God for our direction. We subscribe our names by the order and
+ consent of the whole Church. (Signed by ten persons.)
+
+The prospect of this removal to Northampton became a matter of great
+concern to Doddridge and his friends. He had recently commenced his
+academy at Harborough; he was engaged as assistant to Mr. Some; the
+latter was very unwilling for him to entertain the idea of removing at
+this time; and from his representations, and the regard Doddridge had
+for his friendship, with some other circumstances, he had almost arrived
+at a determined refusal. But in the Church at Northampton there was much
+concern about the matter, and they did all in their power to obtain a
+compliance; and it was as if God worked with them. They made such
+representations to the ministers who were likely to have influence with
+Doddridge, as to engage them on their side. Mr. Clarke, of St. Alban's,
+wrote, October 21st, 1729--
+
+ DEAR SIR,--Your resolution with respect to Northampton I could not
+ but approve, according to the view I then had of the matter; but
+ to-day Mr. Bliss, of that town, called upon me with a letter from
+ the Church, in which they represent how unanimously and earnestly
+ they desired your settlement among them, and how ready they should
+ be in every particular to make the removal agreeable to you; and
+ that as to the objection from your attendance upon your pupils, they
+ would gladly accept of what time you could spare without any damage
+ to them, as they are sensible that you have abilities to go through
+ with both employments. They further urged, that should you refuse
+ their invitation, it might expose them to the danger of division,
+ and they could not join unanimously in any other call. Mr. Bliss
+ also told me that they could have a house fit for your academy on
+ easy terms, and that they would furnish some of the rooms for you at
+ their own expense; and that if Mrs. Jennings did not think fit to
+ remove her family, and is out of pocket by having provided for the
+ reception of your pupils, they would make her a handsome present to
+ reimburse her. In short, that the people were so set upon having you
+ on any terms, that they would do anything for you in their power,
+ and earnestly desired me to press you to consent.
+
+ I must own, their very great zeal in this matter weighs very much
+ with me; and the more so, because it would give you the prospect of
+ being of great service there, and by that means in all that county,
+ where you might be an instrument of promoting a more catholic
+ spirit, as well as of bringing in souls to Christ. I am ready to
+ think that God has some special work for you to do there.
+
+And Mr. Some, the most decided and earnest opponent of the change, goes
+to Northampton to converse with the people about the matter, intending
+to prevail on them to give it up; and he, in writing to Doddridge, says,
+"The hearts of the people are moved altogether as the trees of a wood
+when bent by the wind; and they are under such strong impressions about
+your coming to them, that it is impossible for a man to converse with
+them without feeling something for them. The mention of your name
+diffuses life and spirit through the whole body, and nothing can be
+heard of but Mr. Doddridge. I find myself in the utmost perplexity, and
+know not what to say or do. I think I am like _Saul among the prophets_;
+and that the same spirit which is in the people begins to seize me
+also."
+
+Still, before his removal from Harborough, he undergoes a great
+struggle. He had almost decided, notwithstanding all this, to remain
+there; went to Northampton to "lay down his good friends there as
+gently as he could"; preached to them with this view from "When he could
+not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done." He
+thinks much of the weight of business that would lie upon him as tutor
+and pastor; of his own youth; the largeness of the congregation, and
+having no prospect of an assistant. But he is passing through a room of
+the house where he lodges, and hears a child reading a chapter in the
+Bible to its mother;--the only words he distinctly catches are, "As thy
+day so shall thy strength be." This deeply impressed him, yet he
+persisted in his refusal. Then a deacon of the Church, whose father was
+ill, presents an urgent request for him to improve his father's death
+when he is taken away. He dies that night. Doddridge is detained by his
+promise for the funeral. He is greatly assisted; many attend, and
+express the greatest satisfaction in his labours. While waiting for this
+funeral the young people come to him in a body, and entreat his
+continuance, promising to submit to every method of instruction he might
+propose. At length he is so overcome as to be convinced that it is his
+duty to accept the invitation, though still directly contrary to the
+advice and wishes of his friends; yet, seeing the hand of God in it, he
+breaks through all other restraints. After much earnest prayer,
+correspondence, and consultations, Doddridge sends his answer to the
+invitation to the pastoral office, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+ _To the Congregation at Northampton, on my acceptance of their
+ Invitation to undertake the Pastoral Charge._
+
+ _December 6th, 1729._
+
+ MY DEAR FRIENDS,--After a serious and impartial consideration of
+ your case, and repeated addresses to the Great Father of Light for
+ his guidance and direction, I can at length assure you that I am
+ determined by his permission to accept of your kind invitation, and
+ undertake the pastoral care of you, with the most ardent feelings of
+ sincere gratitude and affection.
+
+ You will easily apprehend that I could not form this resolution
+ without a great deal of anguish, both with regard to those friends
+ whom I am called upon to resign, and in reference to that great and
+ difficult work that lies before me, in the care of your large
+ congregation and my academy. But I hope that I have sincerely
+ devoted my soul to God and my Redeemer; and therefore I would humbly
+ yield myself up to what, in present circumstances, I apprehend to be
+ his will. I take this important step with fear and trembling, yet
+ with a humble confidence in him, and with the hope that in the midst
+ of these great difficulties he will not leave me entirely destitute
+ of that _presence_ which I desire to prefer to everything which life
+ can bestow.
+
+ As for you, my brethren, let me entreat of you, that "if there be
+ any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship
+ of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercy, fulfil ye my joy." Let me
+ beseech you to remember, that by accepting your call I have
+ entrusted the happiness of my life into your hands. Prepare
+ yourselves, therefore, to cover my many infirmities with the mantle
+ of your love, and continue to treat me with the same kindness and
+ gentleness as those dear and excellent friends have done whom I am
+ now about to leave in compassion to your souls; for God knows that
+ no temporal advantage you could have offered would have engaged me
+ to relinquish them.
+
+ May my heavenly Father comfort my heart in what is now determined,
+ by giving an abundant success to my ministrations among you, so that
+ a multitude of souls may have reason to praise him on that account!
+ and let me beg that you will bear me daily on your hearts before his
+ throne in prayer, and seek for me that extraordinary assistance
+ without which I must infallibly sink under the great work I have
+ thus undertaken.
+
+ I shall continue to recommend you, my dearly beloved, to the grace
+ of Almighty God, the great Shepherd of his sheep, with that
+ affection which now so peculiarly becomes your most devoted friend
+ and servant, in the bonds of our common Lord,
+
+ PHILIP DODDRIDGE.
+
+The account of the ordination we present, as inserted by Doddridge in
+the records of the Church:--
+
+ After repeated solicitations, long deliberation, and earnest prayer
+ to God for direction, I came to the resolution to accept the
+ invitation of my dear and most affectionate friends at Northampton
+ on Saturday, December 6th, 1729, and certified the Church of that
+ resolution by a letter that evening. I removed from Harborough and
+ came to settle here on Wednesday, December 24th. On Thursday, March
+ 19th, 1730, I was solemnly set apart to the pastoral office by
+ prayer, and fasting, and imposition of hands. Mr. Goodrich began
+ with prayer and reading Eph. iv.; Mr. Dawson prayed; then Mr. Watson
+ preached from 1 Tim. iii. 1, "If a man desire the office of a
+ bishop, he desireth a good work." Mr. Norris then read the call of
+ the Church, of which I declared my acceptance; he took my
+ confessions of faith and ordination vows, and then proceeded to set
+ me apart by prayer. Immediately afterwards, Mr. Clarke, of St.
+ Alban's, gave the charge to me; and Mr. Saunders, of Kettering, the
+ exhortation to the people; and Mr. Mattock concluded the whole
+ solemnity by prayer.
+
+ It was a delightful, and I hope it will prove a very profitable,
+ day. I write this memoranda of it under the remembrance of a painful
+ and threatening illness, which detained me from my public work the
+ two ensuing Sabbaths. The event is still dubious; but I leave my
+ life and my dear flock in the hand of the great Shepherd, hoping
+ what passed on my ordination-day will be an engagement to me to live
+ more usefully, or an encouragement to die more cheerfully, than I
+ should otherwise have done. Amen.
+
+ I administered the Lord's Supper, for the first time, on Lord's-day,
+ April 12th, 1730. I hope we had much of the presence of God with
+ us, and may regard it as a token for good. On the 4th of February it
+ pleased God to add to us eight persons, in whose character and
+ experience we find great reason to be fully satisfied.
+
+The number of names entered in the Church-book, as we consider by the
+hand of Doddridge, is 342.
+
+After about ten years' labour as pastor, tutor, and author, finding the
+state of the Church not to his satisfaction, and feeling that he could
+not attend to it as it appeared to him to require, he endeavoured to
+engage the Church to choose some assistants to him in his work among the
+people, under the name of elders. They acceded to the request of their
+pastor, and unanimously made choice of the Rev. Job Orton, Rev. John
+Evans, as also of Mr. John Brown, to assist the pastor in his care of
+the society; and also desired Mr. Samuel Heyworth, by divine providence
+resident among them, though a member of the Church at Rowell, to assist,
+by his counsels and labours, in the same office. They were solemnly
+recommended to God by prayer at a Church-meeting, February 26, 1740,
+having then signified their acceptance of the call.
+
+These elders appeared at once to enter with an earnest spirit on the
+duties of their office. After several meetings amongst themselves, with
+the concurrence of the pastor and deacons they drew up a letter, to be
+presented to the Church, expressive of what they considered to be the
+duties to which they were called, and of what they regarded as necessary
+to the good order and prosperity of the society. The letter was
+gratefully received by the Church. Special Church-meetings were
+appointed to consider the proposals it contained, and the unanimous
+sanction of the members present was given to what the elders desired.
+Regarding the letter as an interesting document, we shall here present
+it before the reader:--
+
+ _The Elders and Deacons of the Church of Christ assembling on Castle
+ Hill, Northampton, to their brethren of the Church, greeting._
+
+ DEAR BRETHREN, BELOVED IN THE LORD,--As we are chosen, in common
+ with our pastor, to watch over you, and serve among you in offices
+ relating to the public honour, edification, and comfort of the
+ society, we think it our duty to address ourselves to you with one
+ consent, on a subject which appears to us of great importance.
+
+ You cannot but know, dear brethren, that our Lord Jesus Christ,
+ whose servants we are, has by his apostles commanded his Churches
+ that they "withdraw themselves from every brother who walketh
+ disorderly, and not according to the traditions received from them;
+ that they mark those that cause scandals among them; and that if any
+ obey not the word, that they note that man, and have no fellowship
+ with him, that he may be ashamed; and that if any brother be a
+ fornicator, or covetous, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an
+ extortioner" (and, upon the same principle, if he be a liar, or one
+ that defrauds others), "they should not eat with such a one; but
+ that" (though such as are without are to be referred to the judgment
+ of God) "they judge those that are within, and put away from among
+ themselves such wicked persons." These, brethren, are the precepts
+ of Christ, according to which, by our entering into Church
+ fellowship, we engaged to walk; and we apprehend that the neglect of
+ these precepts, and the discipline in the Church of Christ which
+ should be founded upon them, is a great evil, which often provokes
+ God to withdraw from his people, and to hinder the success of other
+ ordinances while this is neglected. We do therefore, in the name of
+ our Lord Jesus Christ, beseech you that ye would attend to these
+ precepts, and would consent to proper measures for the regular
+ exercise of discipline among us. And as we have observed that
+ several have withdrawn themselves from the table of the Lord,
+ though their names stand as members among us, we desire that the
+ Church would take it into consideration, and that if it shall be
+ found (as they fear it will) that some have withdrawn on account of
+ such irregularities in their behaviour as have given scandal and
+ offence, we cannot think the matter ought to rest merely in their
+ withdrawing from us, but that it is our duty as a Church solemnly to
+ admonish them, and, where the offence has been great and public, to
+ separate them from our communion, till God shall give them
+ repentance to the acknowledgment of their sin; after which, it is
+ our undoubted duty, on a suitable time of trial, with proper
+ declarations of their repentance, to admit them again in the spirit
+ of love and rejoicing in their recovery.
+
+ We do therefore, in concurrence with our pastor, by whose
+ approbation we write these things, exhort you, in the name of our
+ Lord Jesus Christ, that you enter into a serious disquisition of
+ these things; and advise, that you appoint a day in which they may
+ be solemnly discussed, at which the members of the Church shall be
+ present, and such only; at which time we, the elders, are ready to
+ exhibit a list of several persons absenting themselves from
+ communion, of whose cases the Church will do well to judge, that
+ such measures may be taken concerning them as the precepts of our
+ common Lord direct; and we desire that the elders may now be
+ commissioned, in the name of the Church, to give notice to such
+ persons, if they think proper to attend at that meeting, that if
+ they have anything to offer in favour of themselves and their own
+ conduct, they may be heard, and all due regard be paid to their
+ defence; they being also in the name of the Church informed, that if
+ they do not so attend, their absenting themselves without sufficient
+ reason assigned will be taken as a confession of their being
+ incapable of offering any excuse, so that the Church will
+ accordingly proceed against them.
+
+ To this, as our unanimous advice to the Church, we have here set our
+ hands, that if any of us then should be absent, our approbation of
+ these measures may be evidently declared; and we pray that God may
+ guide you in all your deliberations and resolutions, to the glory
+ of his name, and the honour and edification of this Society.
+
+ _April 2nd, 1741._
+
+After this follows a number of cases presented to the Church for
+suitable admonition and discipline. One entry we will quote, as
+deserving the attention of the Churches of Christ at the present day:--
+
+ It is the unanimous judgment of this Church, that the frequent acts
+ of bankruptcy which have happened in Dissenting congregations, as
+ well as elsewhere, have brought so great a dishonour on religion,
+ and occasioned so much mischief and reproach, that we think
+ ourselves obliged in duty to enter our public protest and caution on
+ this head; and we do hereby declare, that if any persons in stated
+ communion with us shall become a bankrupt, or, as it is commonly
+ expressed, fail in the world, he must expect to be cut off from our
+ body, unless he do within two months give to the Church, by the
+ elders, either in word or writing, such an account of his affairs as
+ shall convince us that his fall was owing not to his own sin and
+ folly, but to the afflicting hand of God upon him; in which case,
+ far from adding affliction to the afflicted, we hope that as God
+ shall enable us we shall be ready to vindicate, comfort, and assist
+ him, as his friends and brethren in Christ.
+
+ Signed, in the name and presence of the Church, this 1st day of May,
+ 1741, by the pastor and deacons.
+
+Shortly after this Doddridge is deprived of his valuable assistant in
+the academy and the Church, Job Orton; and he parts with him in a manner
+that indicates the high sense he entertained of his worth, and the
+affectionate attachment he felt to him. When it was decided for him to
+leave, we find this record:--
+
+ Our dear and reverend brother, Mr. Job Orton, having declared his
+ purpose of leaving us, on the invitation of the united Church at
+ Shrewsbury, was solemnly recommended to God by the prayers of the
+ Church, several hours being spent in that exercise, and then was
+ dismissed to the said Church at Shrewsbury by the following letter,
+ sent by the pastor, in the name of the Church:--
+
+"_The Church of Christ assembling on Castle Hill, Northampton, to the
+Church of Christ in Salop assembling_.
+
+ "DEAR BRETHREN AND FRIENDS, BELOVED IN THE LORD,--As the providence
+ of God hath seen fit to remove from us to you our reverend and dear
+ brother, Mr. Job Orton, who has for many years resided amongst us,
+ and has of late years, with great honour and acceptance, ministered
+ unto us and assisted us under the office of an elder; though we
+ cannot resign him without the most affectionate and tender concern
+ and deep regret, yet, being obliged to acquiesce in the
+ determination of the great Head of the Church, though to us a very
+ painful one, we think it our duty by these letters to dismiss him
+ from our stated communion to yours; which accordingly we hereby do,
+ blessing God for all the advantages we have enjoyed by his ministry
+ and presence, and earnestly praying that his labours may not only be
+ highly acceptable and delightful to you, as we are persuaded they
+ must be, but that they may be crowned with abundant success. We
+ cannot doubt but your conduct to him will be so obliging and
+ affectionate, as abundantly to demonstrate the sense you have of the
+ singular favour of Providence to you in sending among you so able,
+ so faithful, and so zealous a labourer; and we earnestly desire your
+ prayers for us, that God may make up to us, by his immediate
+ presence and blessing, the unspeakable and otherwise irreparable
+ loss which we sustain by his removal from us.
+
+ "Signed, by the unanimous direction of the Church, at their
+ Church-meeting, October 1st, 1741, in the name of the whole society,
+
+ "PHILIP DODDRIDGE."
+
+Another memoranda by Doddridge we shall here insert:--
+
+ _May 2nd, 1748._
+
+ I reviewed the list of the Church from the beginning, and found that
+ from 1694, when Mr. Hunt was settled as their pastor (that is,
+ within the compass of 54 years), 784 members have been admitted,
+ inclusive of those then found--that is, one year with another, more
+ than 14 members each year: of which 240 only continue alive and
+ reside still among us; of which, 58 were admitted before my
+ settlement with the Church;--and, as I have admitted 299, they show
+ that 117, who have been admitted from that time, are either removed
+ or dead, besides many others who were admitted before.
+
+ N.B.--Seventy-eight have been my pupils.
+
+This would average, during the ministry of Doddridge, 16 admissions in a
+year.
+
+The following letter of Doddridge, written about this period, containing
+some statements relating to his Church and his feelings as a pastor, we
+think never before published, may here be suitably introduced. It was
+addressed to "the Rev. Mr. Ryland, in Warwick," father of the late Dr.
+Ryland, of Bristol, and afterwards minister of College Street Chapel,
+Northampton.
+
+
+ _Northampton, May 17th, 1747._
+
+ REV. AND DEAR SIR,--I am much obliged to you for your affectionate
+ letter, and shall be very ready to give you a visit and a sermon, if
+ Providence give me a convenient opportunity; but my motions are at
+ present uncertain, depending partly on some visits I expect from my
+ friends, and partly upon other circumstances. Be assured, Sir, that
+ if I have an opportunity I shall be very glad to see you and serve
+ you to the best of my little power, and think myself happy in an
+ opportunity of doing anything to promote the kingdom of Christ
+ amongst you or elsewhere. I beg your prayers for me. Through the
+ Divine goodness I continue well. I have been much afflicted by the
+ breach made in our Church by the Moravians, who have got from us a
+ little congregation. The affliction has been increased by the death
+ of some very promising and hopeful persons, especially of one who
+ died last night, and whose age, circumstances, and character
+ concurred to give us the greatest hopes of usefulness from him; so
+ that it is one of the greatest blows of that kind that I have
+ received since I came hither. My spirits are much grieved and
+ oppressed; pray that I may be enabled to wait on the Lord with quiet
+ submission and humble hope.
+
+ We congratulate you on your marriage, and heartily recommend you and
+ Mrs. Ryland to the Divine blessing.
+
+ I am, Rev. and dear Sir,
+ Your affectionate brother and obliged humble servant,
+
+ P. DODDRIDGE.
+
+
+One more entry we have in the Church-book, relating to his success as a
+pastor:--
+
+_Some Remarks which have occurred to me on the State of the Church since
+ January 1st, 1747, which I note for the Instruction of any future
+ Pastor._
+
+ At the time above mentioned, I took a review of the number of Church
+ members, which I found more decreased since Michaelmas, 1745, than I
+ ever knew it to be in double that time; for I found that since that
+ time we have received only 15 members, and have lost 17; 12 have
+ died or removed the last year, and only 8 of the 15 have been
+ admitted this year; so that our decrease since Michaelmas, 1745, is
+ 2, and since this time twelve-months, on the whole, 4--a very
+ discouraging circumstance, especially considering how much I have
+ abounded in exhortations to the Lord's table during the last year.
+
+ N.B.--The _omission_ of the names of three, since recollected, who
+ were admitted in 1745, made the state of affairs appear more
+ melancholy than I afterwards found it to be.
+
+His last statement is--"In looking over the account for the year 1749, I
+find that 22 had been admitted, and 22 removed by death or otherwise; so
+that we were just as at the beginning of the year--in all, 239."
+
+These statements rather surprise us; considering what the writer of them
+had devolving upon him in the care of his academy, in his extensive
+correspondence, in his numerous and valuable publications, that he
+should, amidst all this, pay so particular and minute attention to the
+state of the Church of which he was pastor. It shows strikingly the
+activity, ardour, and entire devotedness of his spirit. But, alas! it
+was too active and ardent for the material framework long to sustain the
+efforts to which it was impelled. Hence the very next entry we meet with
+is, "That the Rev. Philip Doddridge, Doctor of Divinity, after being
+twenty-one years pastor of this Church, died at Lisbon, to which place
+he had resorted for the recovery of his health, on the 26th of October,
+1751, we may truly say, to the unspeakable loss of this Church."
+
+How he lived and how he died is very extensively known, by the Memoir
+published by Orton--the "Centenary Memorial" of him recently sent forth
+by Stoughton; so that, though we would fain linger over his memory, yet
+anything further respecting him would seem to be out of place here.
+
+We happen to have in our possession a copy of the poem sacred to the
+memory of Doddridge, as it was first published by its author, Mr. Henry
+Moore, who had been one of the Doctor's students, and was afterwards
+settled as a minister in Devonshire. It is the same poem in substance as
+is given by Orton at the close of his 'Memoirs of Doddridge'; but it is
+there considerably altered from this first copy. It is thus inscribed to
+Mrs. Doddridge:--
+
+ Permit me, Madam, to present to you the following poem, as a
+ testimony of my high veneration for the memory of my deceased tutor,
+ and my tender sympathy with his afflicted family.
+
+ I am, Madam, your most obliged humble servant,
+
+ H---- M----.
+
+ _Northampton, February, 1st, 1752._
+
+
+We extract the following lines from pages 7-9:--
+
+ O, snatch'd for ever, ever from our view,
+ Thou best, thou greatest of thy kind, adieu!
+ Thou, in whose ample, comprehensive mind,
+ All the ten thousand streams of science join'd;--
+ All the fair train of social virtues smil'd,
+ And bright religion beam'd divinely mild.
+ Ah, love shall listen with delight no more,
+ While from thy lips Truth pours her sacred store;--
+ No more, while studious to instruct and please,
+ You temper serious sense with graceful ease;--
+ No more, with zeal for God and virtue fired,
+ By reason govern'd, and by heaven inspired,
+ Thy various eloquence our ears shall charm,
+ Command our passions, and our bosoms warm;
+ Bid in our breast seraphic raptures roll,
+ And spread the generous flame from soul to soul;
+ While sinners start, by conscious terror stung,
+ And tremble at the thunder of thy tongue.
+
+ Once more, adieu! O friend, instructor, guide,
+ With whom our hopes, our fairest prospects died.
+ With what fond zeal we press'd the throne divine,
+ To rescue from the grave a life like thine!
+ If ardent prayers--if streaming sorrows, shed
+ In all the bitterness of soul--could plead,
+ Our prayers, O Doddridge! had revers'd thy doom,
+ And tens of thousands wept thee from the tomb.
+ But cease, rash Muse--oh, tremble to repine!
+ 'Tis heaven demands him, and we must resign.
+ All-perfect Goodness ever wills the best:
+ Then bow submissive to the high behest,
+ And silent drop the tributary tear
+ That nature's forced to pay to friendship dear.
+ Though heaven forbids us to indulge our grief,
+ A tear it will allow--the soul's relief.
+ Yet who would wish him still confin'd below,
+ Struggling with dire disease, or loads of woe?
+
+ Then dry the tear, suppress the rising sigh,
+ Weep not for him who could rejoice to die.
+ E'en when the quiv'ring pulse, the panting breath,
+ And clay-cold sweat, presag'd th' approach of death,
+ His steady soul, by conscious virtue arm'd,
+ No inward stings or gathering clouds alarm'd.
+ Calm as the silent surface of the sea,
+ When ev'n the gentle breeze has ceased to play,
+ Fair hope, strong faith, his sinking soul sustain'd,
+ In smiling peace each rising care seren'd;
+ Heav'n on the saint shed down her cheering ray,
+ And open'd on his mind her dawning day.
+ Then his warm breast with bliss ecstatic glow'd,
+ Fir'd with th' approaching vision of his God.
+ Impatient of his soul-confining chains,
+ Eager he welcom'd the dissolving pains;
+ Already seem'd on seraphs' wings to rise,
+ Already spurn'd his dust, and tower'd into the skies.
+
+ Methought I saw him mount the starry way,
+ His temples beaming with celestial day.
+ Rapt in a flamy car, sublime he flew--
+ The flamy car fire-breathing coursers drew;
+ Swift as the lightning glimpse he flash'd along;
+ While, waiting for his flight, a white-rob'd throng
+ (Once wretched souls, enslaved by Satan's yoke,
+ Whose painful bonds his arduous labours broke),
+ Grateful and happy, smile to see him rise,
+ And hail him welcome to th' applauding skies;
+ Ten thousand harps, harmonious as the spheres,
+ Proclaim their joy, and charm his ravish'd ears.
+
+In proceeding with the Memorials of this Church, now bereft of its
+beloved and honoured Doddridge, we find that the Rev. Robert Gilbert was
+called to be the pastor, and entered upon the pastoral charge at
+Lady-day, 1753. This worthy man died December 28th, 1760. We are unable
+to ascertain what was the condition of the Church during the ministry of
+Mr. Gilbert; but have some reason to conclude that it was not in a
+united or prosperous state. Considerable difficulty might be expected to
+attend the choice of a successor to such a pastor as the one that had
+immediately preceded; and this more fully appeared after Mr. Gilbert's
+short course of labour had closed.
+
+Mr. Hextal was the next pastor of the Church. He was a native of
+Broughton, near Kettering; became a member of the Church at Kettering
+under Mr. Saunders; for which, see the Memorials of the Church at
+Kettering. He was a student at Northampton under Dr. Doddridge; first
+settled at Creaton, then at Sudbury, from which place he came to
+Northampton. We have no record of the time when he entered on his
+ministry at Castle Hill, and no account of anything that transpired
+during his ministry; but under the date of April 16, 1775, we have this
+record: "It was this day agreed, by a majority of eighteen brethren of
+this Church, to dismiss the Rev. Mr. Hextal from his office as pastor,
+minister, and teacher." This appears to have led to very painful
+altercations between the friends of Mr. Hextal and those that were
+opposed to him, which ultimately led to a separation from the Church and
+congregation. Those who were attached to Mr. Hextal endeavoured to
+regain the pulpit for him by a process of law, pleading the right of the
+subscribers to a vote for the pastor; but this was overruled, as
+contrary to the deed which gives "the power to the Church (upon giving
+six days' notice by the deacons) to elect, place, and displace a
+minister as they think proper." The result was, that Mr. Hextal's
+friends withdrew, and built the Chapel in King Street, where Mr. Hextal
+ministered till the close of his life. The names of thirty members are
+given, as having been first admonished for withdrawing themselves from
+the Church, and, refusing to return, were declared as no longer standing
+in this relation to them. The name of Mary Doddridge occurs amongst
+those who had withdrawn. In 'Orton's Letters to Dissenting Ministers,'
+we have the following passage, in a letter dated December 26, 1762: "My
+last letters from Northampton encourage me to hope that Mr. Hextal will
+be comfortable and useful there." To this, Mr. Palmer, the editor,
+appends the following note:--
+
+ An amiable and respectable minister, who removed from Sudbury on
+ account of dissensions occasioned by a party spirit in electing
+ members of Parliament, and succeeded Mr. Gilbert in the congregation
+ of which Dr. Doddridge had been pastor, where he soon met with
+ equally cruel usage, and was obliged to withdraw to a new Chapel
+ which his friends erected for him, where he ended his days in peace.
+ His great candour and benevolence gave occasion to morose-minded
+ people, who disliked some that espoused his cause, to charge him
+ with a want of orthodoxy; whereas, in point of sentiment, he was in
+ fact higher than the generality of acknowledged Calvinists. Such is
+ the blindness of bigotry.
+
+These unhappy circumstances greatly diminished the numbers in the
+Church. Under date of April 24th, 1777, we find the names of only 64
+members, showing a great decrease since the death of Doddridge.
+
+Rev. John Horsey was unanimously invited to the pastoral office February
+2nd, 1777, and testified his acceptance of it on the 2nd of March. He
+was dismissed from the Church at Ringwood, to be received as a member of
+the Church at Northampton, and then ordained as the minister. The
+following is the account Mr. Horsey gives of the ordination service:--
+
+ Having accepted the pressing solicitations of my friends, I was
+ solemnly separated to the pastoral office over the Church of Christ
+ assembling on Castle Hill, Northampton, on May 14th, 1777. Mr.
+ Scott, of Hinkley, began with prayer, and reading the 100th Psalm
+ and 3rd Chapter 1st Epistle to Timothy. Mr. Towle, of London,
+ delivered an introductory discourse, received the Church's account
+ of the steps they had previously taken, read by Mr. John Wood,
+ together with a renewal of their call; I testified likewise my
+ acceptance of it, and delivered my confession of faith. Mr.
+ Saunders, of Bedworth, set me apart by prayer and imposition of
+ hands; Mr. King, of Welford, gave the charge, founded on 1st Cor.
+ iv. 2; Mr. Rowley, of Warwick, prayed; Dr. Mayo, of London, preached
+ on 2nd Cor. iv. 5; and Mr. Bull, of Newport, concluded in prayer.
+ Our assisting friends officiated respectively with an amiable order
+ and propriety, the Divine Spirit was eminently with us, and his
+ blessing, we hope, will attend the important transactions of the
+ day.
+
+ _June 1st._--I administered the Lord's Supper for the first time; it
+ was a very comfortable season. May God grant us his presence in our
+ future engagements of a similar nature!
+
+Mr. Horsey's ministry over this people extended to the lengthened period
+of fifty years, during which time 170 members were added to the Church.
+He died on May 12th, 1827. Mr. Horsey was a man of very gentlemanly
+appearance and manners, great ease, affability, and much kindness; his
+style as a preacher pleasing, and rather attractive, not distinguished
+by much energy; but we have heard that in the first years of his
+ministry at Northampton it was popular, and drew together a rather
+crowded congregation.
+
+Much has been said and written respecting Mr. Horsey's deficiency in
+orthodox views, or in distinct statements on some of the great points of
+evangelical truth. He had the charge of the academy for a time after its
+removal from Daventry, at the resignation of Mr. Belsham. Suspicions
+arising as to his sentiments on the person and work of Christ, he
+resigned his office as tutor, and the academy was for a time broken up;
+nor was the Church or congregation after this in a flourishing state
+under the ministry of Mr. Horsey. The attendance declined; the number of
+members diminished. This may be the case under certain circumstances
+where there is no deficiency in truth, or piety, or ability, on the part
+of the ministry, and hence may present no certain criterion of the one
+or the other; and there were a number, we believe, of truly pious devout
+persons of evangelical sentiments, who continued under the ministry of
+Mr. Horsey, esteemed his character, and prized his preaching. Yet it
+must be allowed, we apprehend, that there was a certain vagueness in his
+statements respecting the person and work of the Redeemer, which showed
+either that the mind of the preacher was not earnestly intent on
+discovering and grasping the truth, under a powerful impression of the
+value of the truth, or that it had formed opinions to which it was
+unwilling to give a clear and distinct utterance; but Mr. Horsey
+manifested the spirit of devotion, and a humble reliance on Christ as
+the Saviour of sinners, and would be found "looking for the mercy of our
+Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."
+
+When Mr. Horsey's infirmities increased so as to render him incapable of
+fulfilling all the duties of his office, Mr. Charles Hyatt was invited
+to become co-pastor; but Mr. Horsey being removed by death before this
+connexion had been completed, Mr. Hyatt was then invited to take the
+pastoral charge, which he accepted, and was ordained September 25th,
+1827. We present Mr. Hyatt's account of the engagements of the day:--
+
+ After solemn deliberation and prayer to God for direction, I
+ accepted the invitation of my kind friends at Castle Hill to become
+ their pastor, and conveyed that resolution in a letter to the
+ Church, 1827. On Wednesday, September 26th, I was solemnly
+ recognized as the pastor of the Church. Mr. Edwards, of King's Head
+ Lane (now King Street) Meeting, commenced the services of the day by
+ reading and prayer; Mr. Robertson, of Wellingborough, delivered the
+ introductory discourse; Mr. Toller, of Kettering, asked the usual
+ questions; Mr. Hyatt, senior, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr.
+ Morrell, of Wymondley, delivered the charge, founded on Rev. ii. 10;
+ Mr. Fletcher, of Stepney, preached to the people, from 1st Cor. xvi.
+ 14; Mr. Gray, of College Lane, concluded with prayer. It was a most
+ delightful and interesting service. Nearly 50 ministers were
+ present, and the impressions then made will, it is hoped, never wear
+ away.
+
+After this settlement, some of the friends of the late Mr. Horsey
+separated from the Church and congregation, and commenced the Unitarian
+interest in the town. On this subject we present the following
+statement--
+
+ Friday, November 22nd, 1827, we held our first Church-meeting, when
+ the following letter was read to the Church:--
+
+ "_To the Church of Christ assembling under the pastoral care of the
+ Rev. Charles Hyatt._
+
+ "We, the undersigned members of the Church of Christ assembling in
+ Castle Hill Meeting, having, in obedience to the dictates of our
+ consciences, united in the formation of a society of Christians,
+ whose worship is directed solely to the one God the Father,
+ agreeably to the express injunctions of our Saviour, deem it proper
+ to withdraw, and hereby beg leave to announce our withdrawment, from
+ the worship and communion of the Church to which we have hitherto
+ belonged, on account of the discordance existing between the mode of
+ worship as there practised and that which we believe to have been
+ enjoined and observed by Christ and his apostles."--(Signed by nine
+ members.)
+
+The individuals who signed this letter, in connexion with some of the
+subscribers, formed themselves into a society professing Unitarian
+sentiments.
+
+The list of the members at Castle Hill after this contains but fifty
+names.
+
+Mr. Hyatt's ministry in Northampton continued six years and three
+months, when he removed to be co-pastor with his father in London. He
+preached his farewell sermon March 21st, 1833. Something more than
+eighty members appear to have been admitted during this period.
+
+Mr. Hyatt was the son of the Rev. Charles Hyatt, of Shadwell, London. He
+was born in the year 1805. Trained in the fear of God, he resolved, on
+leaving school, to devote himself to studies preparatory to the
+Christian ministry. Although but fifteen years of age when he formed
+this resolution, yet he was eligible for admission into Wymondley
+College, under the auspices of the trustees of Mr. Coward, and
+accordingly he entered there in 1820, under the patronage of Dr.
+Collyer. He honourably occupied six years in his studies, and then
+became the pastor of the Church at Northampton.
+
+He was strongly urged by his father to resign his charge at Northampton,
+to undertake the co-pastorate with him in the Church at Ebenezer Chapel,
+Shadwell--the people having invited him to this office. His acquiescence
+in this request proved a great source of comfort to his venerable
+father, with whom he indeed laboured "as a son with the father" in the
+Gospel. He took an active part in the labours of the British and Foreign
+Sailors' Society, and, in 1844, was chosen to be its secretary. The
+growing infirmities of his honoured father threw the whole weight of
+pastoral duties upon him; and his frame, always delicate and prone to
+disease, began to yield to the pressure of labour, which was too much
+for his strength. On the 16th of June, 1846, his venerated father died;
+and in nine short months after this, the happy spirit of the son was
+gathered to his fathers. This change came upon him somewhat by surprise.
+It is a well known symptom in pulmonary disorders, to look for
+restoration to health and activity even to the last; and when,
+therefore, he learned from his physician that there was no hope of his
+ultimate recovery, it was to him an unexpected announcement. But it
+caused him neither depression nor alarm. He was prepared for the event;
+and in the last days of his sickness he was favoured with a continued
+rapture of love, hope, and joy, which was never interrupted but by the
+paroxysms of pain which terminated his amiable and holy life. He died in
+the 42nd year of his age.
+
+Rev. John Bennett succeeded Mr. Hyatt in the pastoral charge at Castle
+Hill in June, 1833, and is the present minister of this Church. The
+number of communicants at the present time is 160. There are 300
+children in the Sabbath-schools.
+
+Since the commencement of Mr. Bennett's pastorate, four young men have
+gone out from this Church into the regular ministry. Three members of
+the Church are almost constantly engaged in village-preaching; but there
+are no stations connected with the Chapel.
+
+The present Meeting House was built in the year 1695. It is just
+according to the general fashion of Dissenting places of worship of that
+era, in respectable towns--a plain building, entirely destitute of
+architectural ornaments, three galleries, and large pillars to support
+the roof. Commodious school-rooms were built for the Sabbath-school in
+the year 1825, at a cost probably of L500. About fourteen years ago the
+lower part of the Chapel was entirely repaired; lobbies made for the
+gallery stairs, stone steps to the galleries, new aisles, and cost about
+L400. It has just undergone considerable alterations--pillars removed,
+new roof, and new galleries, at a cost of L500. It was re-opened for
+worship on Wednesday, the 6th of October. We have been favoured with the
+following account of the services by the pastor:--
+
+ On the Wednesday morning the Rev. J. Sherman, of Surrey Chapel,
+ preached an admirable sermon, to a very large and deeply interested
+ audience, the Rev. T. Thomas, of Wellingborough, having commenced
+ the service with reading and prayer. In the evening the service was
+ opened by the Rev. W. Todman, of Yardley, Hastings, who read the
+ Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. Dr. Archer, of London, then
+ delivered a most eloquent discourse, which was listened to with the
+ deepest interest by an audience which filled the Chapel to
+ overflowing. The friends dined together, and took tea at the Milton
+ Hall. On the following Sabbath the Rev. H. Toller, of Market
+ Harborough, preached morning and evening, with his customary power
+ and acceptance, to overflowing congregations. The various
+ collections amounted to more than L85. The cordial and fraternal
+ spirit manifested by the other Dissenting Churches in the town was
+ such as to afford the deepest gratification to the friends of the
+ Redeemer at Castle Hill. Altogether, the occasion will long be
+ remembered with pleasure and thankfulness by this ancient Christian
+ society.
+
+In the vestry are Doddridge's table, chair, and looking-glass.
+
+The present state of the Church at Castle Hill is such as, we have no
+doubt, excites grateful emotions to the God of all grace from the pastor
+and his flock; and in the words of their beloved Doddridge they would
+say,--
+
+ "Th' eternal Shepherd still survives,
+ New comfort to impart;
+ His eye still guides us, and his voice
+ Still animates our heart."
+
+
+SECTION 3.--THE CHURCH AT KING'S-STREET.
+
+When discord and contentions arise in a Christian society they are
+productive of great evils--opposed to the spirit of the Gospel, they
+prove a hindrance to the advancement of individual piety, and to the
+extension of the kingdom of Christ among men. Yet the God who "makes the
+wrath of man to praise him," often overrules the disagreements that
+arise in his Churches for "the furtherance of the Gospel." In the
+preceding account of the Church at Castle Hill it will have been seen
+that during the ministry of Mr. Hextal dissensions arose, which led to
+his dismissal from his office as pastor by a majority of the Church.
+
+In the month of August, 1774, Mr. Hextal was afflicted with a disease
+which rendered him incapable of fulfilling all his duties as pastor of
+the Church at Castle Hill. It was therefore determined to invite an
+assistant; and it appears that the greater part of the Church wished to
+have a minister who was not quite agreeable to Mr. Hextal and the major
+part of the subscribers. This was the occasion of much dissension. A
+great deal of acrimonious feeling was manifested; pamphlets were written
+on both sides; and at length a separation ensued; the Chapel in King
+Street was built, and Mr. Hextal carried on his ministry there. It was
+erected in the year 1776.
+
+In a preface written by Mr. Hextal to one of the pamphlets that was
+published, we find the following paragraph, which we extract as
+expressive of the principles he maintained, and the spirit he wished to
+exemplify and promote. After censuring the injudicious zeal of some, he
+observes,--
+
+ I mention these things, not to encourage a disregard or indifference
+ about the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel--far be such a thought
+ from me. I believe them, and will earnestly contend for them in the
+ spirit of meekness. The doctrine of the divinity of Christ, on which
+ I humbly apprehend the efficacy of his atonement depends; the fall
+ of man, or his lost estate by the great apostacy; the deity of the
+ Spirit, and the necessity of his influences to renew fallen man to
+ the divine life, are doctrines I believe evidently discovered in
+ Scripture. These I have constantly insisted upon in the course of my
+ ministry, for the truth of which I can appeal to those who have
+ heard me ever since I came to this place. But it has ever been my
+ opinion, that these doctrines, which I look upon as the
+ distinguishing glory of the Gospel, should be maintained in the
+ spirit of love and candour, with soft words and the strongest
+ arguments we can use; and sorry I am that the word 'candour' should
+ sound harsh, and give offence to any Christians, especially to any
+ that belong to the Church and congregation that enjoyed so long such
+ a burning and shining light as Dr. Doddridge, in whose example and
+ ministry the zeal for Gospel truth adorned with moderation,
+ benevolence, and charity, appeared with such an amiable lustre; and
+ who, "though dead, yet speaketh" in his learned, valuable, and
+ useful writings. * * * May we all be thoroughly convinced, and
+ helped to act agreeable to the conviction, that he is the brightest
+ ornament of his Christian profession, the best friend to the Church
+ of Christ, and partakes most of the temper of heaven, who best loves
+ all of every denomination that he thinks bear the name of Jesus, and
+ most readily exercises candour and forbearance to those who differ
+ from him in non-essentials. Should the separation here be permitted
+ to continue, may we live in peace, and sincerely pray for each
+ other.
+
+Here Mr. Hextal laboured until the close of his ministry, and ended his
+days amongst this people, dying at the age of 66 years.
+
+The following inscription is on a tablet in the Chapel:--
+
+ LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
+
+ Sacred to the memory of the Rev. WILLIAM HEXTAL, a faithful minister
+ of the Gospel, and sometime pastor of this Christian society; who
+ remarkably exhibited in his life what he warmly recommended from the
+ pulpit,--unfeigned piety to God, and universal benevolence to men.
+
+ Having endured many and great afflictions, both in body and mind, he
+ entered into the rest which remains for the people of God, November
+ 4th, 1777, aged 66.
+
+Mr. Porter was the next pastor of the Church, entering on his office a
+short time after the death of Mr. Hextal. The register of baptisms, it
+is stated, was begun A.D. 1778, by Thomas Porter, pastor of the
+congregation that assembles in Kingshead Lane, Northampton. The last
+entry made by Mr. Porter is of a baptism that took place August 8th,
+1784; the next being by Mr. Edwards, August 13th, 1786; so that Mr.
+Porter's ministry was not continued for much more than six years.
+
+About the year 1786, Mr. B. L. Edwards became the pastor of this Church,
+and filled this office for 45 years, as he died January 2nd, 1831, aged
+66 years. The following account of Mr. Edwards appeared in the
+_Congregational Magazine_, shortly after his death:--
+
+ Mr. Edwards pursued his preparatory studies for the ministry at the
+ Theological Institution then conducted at Hoxton, we believe under
+ the tuition of Drs. Savage, Kippis, and Rees; and from thence he
+ proceeded to the station which for so many years he has occupied
+ with an unblemished character. As a minister of Christ, he united
+ orthodoxy of sentiment with liberality of spirit; as a man, he was
+ admired most by those who were best acquainted with him--warm and
+ faithful in his friendships, of a most enlarged benevolence, and
+ universally regarded as the ardent and consistent advocate of civil
+ and religious liberty throughout the world. The later years of life
+ were distinguished by a growing spirituality of mind; and as he drew
+ near to the close of his labours upon earth, he seemed to increase
+ in the fervour of his public ministrations. The illness which
+ terminated in his death was of short duration. On the second Sabbath
+ in December he preached three times: on the afternoon of the day he
+ delivered a funeral discourse, founded on the exhortation of Christ
+ to his disciples, "Be ye also ready," and distinguished by unusual
+ earnestness and deep solemnity; and in the evening he closed his
+ public labours by a sermon from Psalm xxxi. 19. Though from that
+ time till within three or four days of his departure he was too
+ unwell to leave the house, yet no painful apprehensions of immediate
+ danger were excited in the minds of his friends. On the Thursday
+ night preceding his dissolution he became, however, materially
+ worse, from which time he rapidly declined, until, on the morning of
+ the Sabbath, he received the summons, and entered into rest. An
+ individual who on two occasions saw him during his illness, was
+ gratified with the delightful frame of spirit he discovered when
+ speaking of the heavenly world, and the blessedness of those who had
+ reached that place. He is understood to have declared, a short time
+ before his departure, his simple reliance upon the atonement of
+ Christ; and in the anticipation of the great change, to have adopted
+ the words of the Apostle, "I know whom I have believed." The nature
+ of his afflictions, however, prevented him from conversing much; and
+ though he expressed sufficient to satisfy his friends as to the
+ calm and happy state of his mind, their hope of his meetness for the
+ kingdom of heaven rests upon the evidence which a long life
+ furnishes to them spent in the cause of Christ, and for the good of
+ men.
+
+ His mortal remains were committed to the earth on the 11th of
+ January, in the presence of a large assembly, within the walls of
+ the place in which, for so long a period, he had preached the Gospel
+ of the grace of God. Mr. Griffiths, of Buckby, delivered the funeral
+ oration; Mr. B. Hobson, of Welford, and Mr. T. Toller, of Kettering,
+ conducted the devotional parts of the service. On the Sabbath
+ following, the funeral sermon was preached to a crowded auditory,
+ from a part of the 7th and 8th verses of the 4th chapter of the 2nd
+ Epistle to Timothy, by Mr. James Robertson, of Wellingborough. Mr.
+ Edwards for many years filled the office of Secretary to the
+ Association of Independent Ministers of the County of Northampton,
+ and was a liberal and disinterested supporter of the Provident
+ Society connected with it.
+
+The following inscription is in the Chapel for Mr. Edwards:--
+
+ To the memory of BENJ. LOYD EDWARDS,
+ upwards of 45 years the able, conscientious,
+ and affectionate pastor of the congregation
+ assembling within these walls,
+ this tablet is placed by his bereaved flock,
+ as a testimonial of his faithfulness in,
+ and their gratitude for, a connexion
+ which terminated only with
+ his lamented death, on the 11th of January, 1831,
+ in the 67th year of his age.
+
+Mr. John Woodward became the pastor of the Church July 1st, 1832. It
+appears that though this congregation has been highly respectable, yet
+the number of Church members has been comparatively few; for when Mr.
+Woodward became pastor, a list of members is given, numbering 33. From
+this time to April 5th, 1835, when Mr. Woodward resigned, 15 persons
+had been admitted to the fellowship of the Church.
+
+The next pastor was Mr. Thomas Milner, M.A., known as the author of 'The
+Seven Churches of Asia;' 'The Life and Times of Dr. Watts;' 'Scripture
+and Astronomy;' 'Gallery of Nature;' 'Descriptive Atlas of Astronomy,'
+&c., &c.
+
+November 28th, 1847, Mr. G. Nicholson, B.A., the present pastor, entered
+on his labours here. Since that time 25 persons have been admitted to
+the Church, so that the present number of communicants is 72.
+
+During the ministry of Mr. Milner new school-rooms were erected, at a
+cost of L336. 6_s._ 5_d._ There are 95 children in the Sabbath-schools.
+
+The accommodation in the Chapel, we are informed, is not so great as it
+ought to be; nearly every seat being taken, so that there is no surplus
+room to which to invite the poor. Architectural difficulties have
+hitherto stood in the way of enlargement, but it is hoped that some way
+of surmounting them will, in no very distant period, be found.
+
+
+SECTION 4.--COMMERCIAL STREET CHAPEL.
+
+The Independent Chapel in Commercial Street, Northampton, presents a
+pleasing memorial of the Christian zeal and liberality of the late
+Thomas Wilson, Esq., of Highbury Place, London--a gentleman who devoted
+his time, his energies, and his property to the promotion of the cause
+of Christ, more immediately among Protestant Dissenters of the
+Independent denomination.
+
+Mr. Wilson's attention was directed to the town of Northampton as a
+place which, on account of its increasing population, required some
+additional efforts for promoting the kingdom of the Redeemer. After many
+inquiries had been made for ground that would present an eligible site
+on which to erect a Chapel, a purchase was made in Commercial Street for
+L600; and a neat and respectable Chapel, sixty-two feet by forty-two,
+was there erected, at a cost of L2,000, besides L100 for alterations.
+This was at a considerable distance from other places of worship.
+
+The Chapel was opened for public service on the 9th of April, 1829. The
+Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, preached a very excellent sermon in the
+morning, on sanctification, from John xvii. 17--"Sanctify them through
+thy truth; thy word is truth."
+
+Rev. J. Stratten, of Paddington, preached with much energy in the
+evening, from 2 Thess. iii. 1--"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the
+word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified."
+
+The Chapel was for some time supplied by the Rev. Messrs. Blackburn and
+J. Clayton, of London; Adkins, of Southampton; Gear, of Harborough;
+Johnson, of Farnham; and Prust, of Highbury College.
+
+After the Rev. Edmund Thornton Prust had finished his studies at
+Highbury, he was invited by the congregation, no Church having then been
+formed, to supply for six months.
+
+On the 1st of December, 1829, a Christian Church was formed in the
+presence of Mr. Walter Scott, late of Rowell, now of Airdale, and the
+late J. Pinkerton, of Weedon.
+
+Mr. Prust was afterwards chosen to the pastoral office by the Church
+and congregation unitedly, and was ordained on the 21st of April, 1830,
+when the following ministers were engaged:--Mr. B. L. Edwards, of
+Northampton, read the Scriptures and prayed--Thomas Toller, of
+Kettering, delivered the introductory discourse--John Sibree, of
+Coventry, asked the questions, and received the confession of
+faith--Walter Scott, of Rowell, offered the ordination prayer--John
+Leifchild, of Bristol (now Dr. Leifchild, of London), gave the charge,
+from 1 Tim. iv. 6, "A good minister of Jesus Christ," which was
+published by request--Charles Hyatt, sen., of London, concluded with
+prayer.
+
+In the evening the Rev. C. J. Hyatt, of Northampton, read and prayed--J.
+W. Percy, of Warwick, preached to the people, from 1 Thess. v. 13,
+14--W. Gray, of Northampton, concluded with prayer.
+
+The following reference is made to the services of the day, in an
+advertisement prefixed to the printed charge:--
+
+ The ordination was attended by a number of his brethren of the town
+ and neighbourhood, of several denominations, who gave on that
+ occasion an instance of brotherly love and concord that will not
+ soon be forgotten. The young minister, with his only remaining
+ parent, and the patron of the Institution from whence he had
+ emanated, seated on either side, received the following address from
+ a minister of his native city, who was well authorized to bear on
+ that occasion a public testimony to his respectable attainments, his
+ unblemished reputation, and his amiable manners, which from a child
+ had procured him the esteem of a large circle of friends and
+ acquaintance. A spirit of fervent love, of ardent prayer, and of
+ devout seriousness, characterized the services of the day, and
+ inspired the hearts of all who witnessed them with hopes of the most
+ pleasing results.
+
+Twenty-two years have passed since then, and those pleasing results
+have, through the blessing of the great Head of the Church, to a great
+extent been realized. The Church, which was originally formed of eight
+members who had received dismissions from Churches to which they had
+previously belonged, has received from the commencement to the present
+time 315 members. The present number of communicants is about 150. The
+number of scholars in the Sabbath-schools is about 400.
+
+Since the decease of Mr. Wilson, a marble tablet has been erected in the
+porch of the Chapel, with the following inscription:--
+
+ This Chapel was built A.D. 1829, at the sole expense of the late
+ Thomas Wilson, Esq., of Highbury Place, London.
+
+ This tablet is erected in grateful commemoration of his liberality.
+
+The congregation have erected galleries in the Chapel, with organ, and
+an additional school-room, at a cost of nearly L1000. A commodious
+school-room has also been lately built, on a site adjoining the
+Chapel-yard, for Sunday and Day Infant-schools, with class-rooms for
+senior scholars. The daily Infant-school numbers more than 120 children,
+and the Sunday Infant Class about 170. A tablet in the school-room has
+the following inscription:--"This School-room was built A.D. 1851, for
+the use of Sunday and Day Infant Schools in connexion with Commercial
+Street Chapel, and in memory of Stephen Prust, Esq., of Bristol, who was
+only prevented by death from erecting it himself."
+
+In looking at the whole, encouraging indications, we consider, may be
+very clearly discerned of the Divine blessing attending the word of
+heavenly truth, and giving sanction and success to the efforts of his
+servants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT ROWELL.
+
+
+In the days of the Commonwealth, when Cromwell was Lord Protector of
+England, a greater degree of liberty for the worship of God and the
+preaching of the Gospel was enjoyed, than had been known for many
+centuries before, or was again known till the revolution by William.
+During this period there came to Rowell, a populous village in the
+county of Northampton, Mr. John Beverley, a devoted Puritan, to preach
+the Gospel of Christ. This was in the year 1654. His labours were
+rendered successful in bringing a number of persons to an acquaintance
+with the Saviour he preached; and they were willing to make a profession
+of their faith in Christ Jesus. He directed those who had received the
+Redeemer to form themselves into a Congregational Church, for the
+enjoyment of divine ordinances in their purity.
+
+Mr. Beverley appears to have been a man of eminent devotedness to God,
+partaking largely of the spirit of evangelical, practical, and
+experimental piety. His attainments in learning were considerable: he
+had been a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; but he dedicated all
+that he had attained to the service of God in the ministry of the
+Gospel. He had a living offered to him worth L200 per annum, but he
+preferred labouring at Rowell, where he was not sure of L50; and he
+greatly rejoiced in the success that attended his labours. In the year
+1655, those who had been converted under his ministry became united
+together in the fellowship of the Gospel as a Christian society. A
+Church covenant was drawn up, and signed by every member. This being the
+earliest of the kind that we have discovered among the Northamptonshire
+Churches, it may not be unsuitable to give it a place in these
+Memorials.
+
+ _The memor. of a Covenant renewed and subscribed by the
+ reformed Church at Rowell._
+
+ Whereas, being by nature enemies to God and aliens from his covenant
+ of mercy, hateful and hating one another, it pleased God of his free
+ grace to admit us into covenant privileges by baptism, wherein we
+ engaged, and whereby we were bound, to walk as new creatures adopted
+ and redeemed, wholly attending to his blessed will revealed in the
+ Gospel, we do now, with shame and loathing of ourselves, most
+ solemnly acknowledge to his glory that we have most abominably
+ corrupted ourselves, his worship, and the holy covenant of our
+ peace, to the blemish of our holy profession, the scandalizing of
+ many, the grief of God's Holy Spirit and people, and now, through
+ mercy, to the grief of our own spirits; so that we abhor ourselves
+ for all our former ignorant and disorderly walking. And seeing how
+ God hath called upon us by his word and Spirit to lay hold yet again
+ of his covenant, as in a proper season of reformation--seeing he is
+ pleased to continue the proposal of such an unworthy people to
+ himself, lo! how can we be ashamed of his truth and Gospel? We do,
+ therefore, humbly tender ourselves to Jesus Christ and his ministry,
+ in this renewed profession and covenant subscribed--viz., that,
+ through the grace of God, we will constantly maintain and walk
+ according to the whole will of God revealed in the Scriptures, and
+ comprised in the articles above mentioned;[1] professing them
+ against all error, heresy, and profaneness, in due order, as
+ members of this one particular Church, for enjoyment of all Christ's
+ ordinances, performance of all members' duties, in subjection to our
+ pastors, ruling officers, and to each other in the Lord; holding due
+ communion with all other reformed Churches of Christ in the world,
+ that so we may be built up in knowledge and holiness, better to
+ maintain our obedience to Christ, the common interest of the saints,
+ and so more please and glorify God. Accordingly attest to remember
+ his covenant and us, in the approaching day of our blessed Lord and
+ Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory for ever. Amen.
+
+ Anno Domini 1655.
+
+ (Signed, John Beverley, Pastor; John Ponder, John Cooper, Elders;
+ John Fox, Ralph Mun, Deacons. Then follow the names of thirty
+ members.)
+
+
+[1] The articles of faith contained in the Church-book are entitled, "A
+Translation and Collection out of Dr. Francis Junius his Ecclesiasticus,
+as concerning the nature and administration of the Church of God,
+Professor of Divinity in Leiden, a choice University, in Holland, about
+1595."
+
+
+Mr. Beverley's was a short but a useful course at Rowell. After about
+four years' labour amongst them, he was removed by death, June 2nd,
+1658. Some extracts we have seen from his diary strikingly indicate the
+possession of deep and experimental piety, and show that he often had
+great enjoyment in intercourse with God. It was seen in his spirit and
+conduct that he was a "man of God." His labours at Rowell, though short,
+were attended with the most important and permanent result, the benefits
+of which were experienced by the descendants of his flock.
+
+He was a zealous advocate for the Congregational principles of Church
+government, writing several tracts in their support, addressing a letter
+to Dr. Owen, entreating him to employ his powers in their defence, in
+which he says--
+
+ To whom should such a truth, in such an extremity, betake herself
+ for relief among all her children rather than to yourself, or such
+ as you can prevail with? and judge, if you can justly, any more fit
+ than yourself, even yourself, who have such a name in the learned
+ and Christian world already, as that your very appearing might be
+ sufficient vindication. May I not charge you in Christ's name to
+ rise up once more for Christ, and for this part of his truth, also
+ as in a former Church case, Esther iv. 14? What account can be
+ given, but that God, foreseeing how useful you might be in such a
+ juncture for relief of his truth now abused, did choose to set
+ yourself in that signal place at Oxford, even for so signal a
+ service, for such a signal portion of truth? And can you forbear to
+ extend your hand in such a cause, who can dispatch so noble a work
+ with such ease and facility?
+
+It is justly observed by Mr. Maurice, that Mr. Beverley was a man of
+great zeal for the cause of God, guided by that wisdom which is from
+above. This zeal was expressed in his own personal labours for Christ,
+in the place and among the people where Providence had fixed him; in his
+great concern for those places within his knowledge where the Gospel was
+not preached; and then in his earnest endeavours to stir up his
+fellow-labourers to be found forward in all their duty to Christ and his
+house.
+
+When Mr. Beverley was removed by death, the Church at Rowell was "young
+and tender"; yet its members had been so well instructed in the things
+of the Gospel, and in their connexion with each other as a Christian
+society, that they exhorted each other and prayed together, and went
+constantly to Desborough for a time, two miles distant, to attend on the
+ministry of Mr. Browning, who, being afterwards ejected from his living,
+became pastor of the Church at Rowell.
+
+Of Mr. Browning's early life, conversion to God, and entrance on the
+ministry, some account has been preserved, from which we obtain the
+following information:--That he descended from pious parents--was a
+child of many prayers--that his parents early dedicated him to God with
+a view to the ministry of the Gospel, and sent him to Oxford with this
+design; but his conduct was such as to cause great grief to them, and to
+involve himself in distress. After some years he was brought, by the
+divine blessing on the faithful preaching of the Gospel, to deep
+conviction of sin, and a real return unto God. He became united to a
+Church at Coggeshall, in Essex; his pastor and friends encouraged him to
+devote himself to the ministry. He went with Mr. Simms, his pastor, to a
+commencement at Cambridge, where he met Mr. Beverley, of Rowell, and Mr.
+Beverley was the means of introducing him to the people at Desborough;
+who, after hearing him preach, gave him a unanimous invitation to become
+their pastor, in the year 1657. He laboured successfully amongst them
+during five years, when, on the passing of "the Act of Uniformity," he
+gave up the living, rather than comply with the terms required.
+
+He then received an invitation to become the pastor of the Church at
+Rowell, which had been under the care of Mr. Beverley; and then the
+pious people at Desborough united with those at Rowell to form one
+society, under Mr. Browning's ministry. Though it was a stormy day, and
+scenes of trial, opposition, and suffering were before them, yet this
+worthy minister undertook the charge, dwelt amongst them, and preached
+the Gospel unto them; maintaining with great fervour and clearness the
+doctrines of divine grace, with the purity of God's worship, and the
+interests of holiness. In these trying days, his labours were successful
+in bringing, during his ministry at Rowell, about 135 persons to be
+united to the Church, many of whom came from different places around. In
+the year 1684, we have a brief statement in the records of the Church
+of this nature:--"From this time dates a sore persecution and scattering
+which lay upon us, that we hardly got together, much less obtained
+Church-meetings." A note to this statement observes, "This proceeding
+condemned afterwards by the Church." Again: "Kept a night in prayer to
+God, humbling ourselves before him. We partook of the Lord's Supper, and
+admitted two members." So anxious were they to be faithful to their God
+and to their principles in this time of trial.
+
+Mr. Browning was for some time confined in Northampton gaol for
+preaching the Gospel. From thence he wrote several letters to his flock
+in different places where they were resident. There is one published
+addressed to the Church at Rowell, another to the brethren of the Church
+at Broughton. From the former we give the following extract, as showing
+Mr. Browning's spirit, and the wise and pious counsels he gave to his
+people.
+
+He addresses them as "his dear brethren and beloved," and in one part of
+the letter observes:--
+
+ You are under the awe of that word, Heb. x. 23--25. A suffering day
+ is the trial of our love to Christ. When there is no opposition it
+ is easy. Do not hypocrites do so? But this is the commendation of
+ Christ's followers; they "follow him whithersoever he goeth." "These
+ are they that came out of great tribulation; they are before the
+ throne, and serve him night and day; and he that sitteth on the
+ throne shall dwell among them; the Lamb in the midst of the throne
+ shall feed them, and shall wipe away tears from their eyes." Come,
+ my brethren, you weep now. Our tender Father has a handkerchief in
+ his hand to wipe away our tears, ere long. Do not offend with
+ weeping; too many tears may defile. "Woman, why weepest thou?" was
+ our Lord's inquiry. Tears of joy become the saints, and there is no
+ danger in them; they will be sure to drop into his bosom, and draw
+ out, it may be the like in him; for he rejoices over us with
+ singing, he rests in his love. Oh, my brethren, methinks I am with
+ you, weeping with you, joying with you, praying with you, and
+ hearing with you. It is true fellowship my soul has with you at a
+ distance. I long after you much in the Lord; yet rejoicingly stay
+ his good pleasure. I would not come out a moment before his time. I
+ would not take a step without his direction. I am wonderfully well,
+ better and better. The cup of affliction for the Gospel is sweeter,
+ the deeper; a stronger cordial, the nearer the bottom--I mean death
+ itself. Oh the joy, unspeakable and glorious, the dying martyrs of
+ Jesus have had! How full freight have been their souls in their
+ passage to their port! I tell you, if you knew what Christ's
+ prisoners some of them enjoyed in their gaols, you would not fear
+ their condition, but long for it; and I am persuaded, could their
+ enemies conceive of their comfort, in mere vexation of heart they
+ would stay their persecutions. "Therefore, my brethren, my joy, my
+ crown, stand fast in the Lord;" rejoice greatly to run your race;
+ fear not their fear; sit loose from the world; allot yourselves this
+ portion, that God has allotted you, "through many tribulations to
+ enter into the kingdom of heaven." Come, the worst is death, and
+ that is the best of all. What, do we stick at dying for him, who
+ stuck not at it for us? Do we find difficulty in that, which will be
+ an entrance into glory? Do princes dread their coronation days? or
+ any loath to come to their nuptials? Foolish hearts! why do we err,
+ not knowing, rather, not believing the Scriptures? I must stay my
+ pen to dry my eyes, because of the overflowing of God's love upon my
+ soul. And now I see, if I had not something to keep me down, I could
+ not bear the loads of God's favour. Blessed be God, blessed be God!
+ "let every one that hath breath praise the Lord." "Oh, love the
+ Lord, ye his saints!" My brethren, do not budge. Keep your ground:
+ the Scripture is your law, God is your king. Your principles are
+ sober; your practices are peaceable; your obedience to superiors
+ known, in all those things wherein your obedience is required. If
+ men have nothing against you but in the matters of your God, rejoice
+ and triumph in all your persecutions.
+
+The following entry we find in the records of the Church relating to the
+death of Mr. Browning:--Mr. Thomas Browning, pastor of this Church, was
+gathered to his Father's house in peace, in an evil, persecuting day,
+May 9th, 1685, having served his Lord in this house with much pains and
+many tears, with much presence and success, about 23 years.
+
+After this, trials pressed heavily upon them, so that we are informed
+"the Church had but little communion for some months, till God put it
+into our hearts to humble ourselves, reform his house, and set upon his
+work, almost lost by five or six years' persecution, and the death of
+our pastor. We kept a solemn day of prayer, April 22nd, 1686, with good
+encouragement in it, by drawing out an account of God's dealings with
+the souls of those following." Then are given the names of seven persons
+admitted to the Church. Others were added in subsequent months of the
+same year; and admonitions were given to those who had fallen back for
+fear of persecution.
+
+After an interval of four years, when a great and momentous change had
+taken place in the government and in the prospects of England, by the
+accomplishment of the glorious revolution by William, Prince of Orange;
+and when, by the passing of the "Act of Toleration," Nonconformists
+could no longer be persecuted according to law--a measure which our
+forefathers hailed with great joy, and which made a great change from
+their former condition--the Church at Rowell heard of the piety and
+talents of Mr. Richard Davis, who was a member of a Church in London of
+which Mr. Thomas Cole was pastor. Mr. Davis came to them on probation,
+and they highly approved of his services--desired him to obtain his
+dismission from the Church of which he was a member, that he might be
+received amongst them; and then they invited him to take the pastoral
+oversight of them, which invitation he willingly accepted. The account
+of his ordination is given in the following terms:--
+
+ On the seventh day, March 22nd, 1689, the said Richard Davis, by
+ fasting and prayer of the Church, and imposition of the hands of the
+ eldership in the name of the said Church, was set apart to and
+ installed in the office of pastor or bishop of the said Church of
+ Christ at Rowell; being the answer of many prayers of the said
+ Church. The neighbouring Churches were made acquainted with their
+ design, and sent to, that they might be present by their messengers
+ to behold their faith and order; but when they saw how it was to
+ proceed, several of the neighbouring ministers withdrew, saying,
+ there was no business for them.
+
+In this the Church at Rowell, with their pastor, proceeded according to
+what they considered to be the primitive model; but it was different to
+the practice of the Churches around them, and the pastors coming only to
+be spectators of their proceedings was by no means pleasing to them;
+hence they appear not to have looked with a very favourable eye on Mr.
+Davis, or on the subsequent proceedings of his Church.
+
+Mr. Davis was born in Cardiganshire, in South Wales, in 1658; had a
+liberal education in his own country; and after some years removed to
+London, where he rose to such attainments in literature, that he was
+looked upon as well qualified to fill the office of master in a general
+school in the great city; and for several years he continued in a
+laborious and faithful discharge of its duties. He became a man of
+earnest, consistent piety.
+
+In the first part of his acquaintance with divine things he sought an
+interview with Dr. Owen--with Christian kindness he was received. The
+Doctor inquired of him, "Young man, pray after what manner do you think
+to go to God?" Mr. Davis answered, "Sir, through the Mediator." To which
+the Doctor replied, "Young man, that is easily said; but I do assure you
+that it is another thing to go to God through the Mediator indeed than
+perhaps many men, who make use of the expression, are aware of. I myself
+preached Christ some years when I had but very little, if any,
+experimental acquaintance with access to God through Christ, until the
+Lord was pleased to visit me with sore affliction, whereby I was brought
+to the mouth of the grave, and under which my soul was oppressed with
+horror and darkness; but God graciously relieved my soul in the powerful
+application of Psalm cxxx. 4, "But there is forgiveness with thee, that
+thou mayest be feared;" from whence I received special instruction,
+peace, and comfort in drawing near to God through the Mediator, and
+preached thereupon immediately after my recovery." So free was this
+great man of God in communicating to others what he had felt, which,
+with other suitable remarks then made, was of great use to Mr. Davis,
+who, resolving to follow the Lord fully, made a profession of his faith
+in Christ, and became united to a Congregational Church. He was soon
+after urged to devote himself to Christ in the ministry of the Gospel.
+He began to preach, and "with that savour of spirit," it is said, "that
+warmth of soul, that zeal and judgment, that those who heard were
+amazed, and glorified God in him." Leaving the advantages of London, he
+came down to Rowell and became the pastor of this Church. He entered
+upon his work here with great earnestness of spirit, and pursued it
+with great and untiring energy. But the methods he adopted were very
+different to those which generally prevailed amongst the regular pastors
+of the day. Such was the ardour of his zeal that he could not confine
+himself within the bounds of the congregation that met at Rowell, or to
+the places immediately around them. His course of labour somewhat
+resembled that of Bunyan, of whom it is said, "that he took the whole
+circuit of Bedfordshire, and some neighbouring counties, for his
+diocese." But Mr. Davis did not confine these services for the diffusion
+of divine truth to his own personal ministry, but he called out and
+employed the brethren in the Church who were considered to be endowed
+with suitable gifts and attainments in the knowledge of the Gospel, to
+go and preach the word of the Lord in places that were destitute of a
+Gospel ministry. He employed what is denominated "a lay agency" to a
+considerable extent. There were many in those days who were strictly
+observant of ecclesiastical regularity, who thought none should preach
+but those who were educated for the work and ordained to the office. The
+proceedings of Mr. Davis gave great offence to such, and they severely
+censured this part of his procedure. The view which he took of the
+subject, and which he promoted among his people, is thus stated in the
+records of the Church:--
+
+ The Church unanimously agreed, that though human learning was good
+ in its place, yet it was not essentially necessary in the
+ qualifications of any to be sent forth to preach the Gospel; and the
+ Church unanimously agreed, that a Church of Christ had power within
+ itself to choose, approve of, ordain, or send forth any to preach
+ the Gospel, either by virtue of office, or otherwise in a
+ probationary way in order to office, without calling in the
+ assistance of the officers or elders of other Churches to approve
+ with them, unless at any time they thought it necessary to desire
+ their assistance by way of advice.
+
+Hence the Gospel was preached, to a large extent, by the pastor and some
+of the members of the Church at Rowell. Considerable numbers were
+brought from different places to become united to that Church. Those who
+were too distant to attend regularly the Sabbath services at Rowell,
+held meetings for prayer and religious intercourse where they resided;
+sometimes having the Lord's Supper administered to them, and sometimes
+attending with the united Church at Rowell. In some places this gave
+rise to another Church being formed, when the numbers were sufficient to
+sustain an interest, and to have a pastor of their own; this was the
+case at Wellingborough, Ringstead, Kimbolton, &c. It is said that the
+members of the Church have come to Rowell a distance of 20 miles and
+more, travelling with lighted lanterns part of the way on the winter
+mornings, and in the same manner on their return in the evening.
+
+An interesting account is preserved of the method adopted, when the
+members that resided in Wellingborough and its vicinity were dismissed
+from the Church at Rowell, to be formed into another Church of the same
+order meeting at Wellingborough.
+
+ There were dismissed from us these following, to build a Church for
+ Christ at Wellingborough, which dismission ran in these words:--
+
+ "Whereas it is the appointed way of the Lord Jesus (as it may be
+ evidently manifest and deduced from the primitive practice), when
+ Churches are growing too big and unwieldy to answer the ends of
+ communion comfortably, and suitable to the design of Congregational
+ societies, that they then divide and multiply into more Churches,
+ whereby the Gospel as to its faith, order, and worship, may come to
+ be spread, propagated, and commended to many dark places and
+ corners, by multiplying the golden candlesticks that are properly to
+ hold forth the light thereof; the work of conversion, and the great
+ method divinely appointed for gathering in the flock of God, may be
+ most ably managed; the comfort and establishment of the saints by
+ instruction and exhortation, with the due exercise of authority, and
+ mutual holy watch and care, may be more effectually carried on; the
+ conveniences of believers, their families and neighbours, most
+ charitably consulted and provided for; and antichrist working in its
+ various invented forms of Churches, as diocesan, provincial,
+ national, patriarchal, and catholic, as under one universal pastor
+ and pope, fully prevented: this Church therefore of the living God,
+ that chiefly assembles at Rowell, has declared over and again this
+ to be their judgment, that when any of those dear brethren and
+ sisters that live remotely from Rowell increase into a complete
+ number, so as to be able to answer the ends of their dividing and
+ inchurching, and to bear the weight of those duties incumbent on a
+ particular independent Church of Christ (in all which there must be
+ high living by faith in the Lord Jesus), that this Church of Christ
+ will not only consent to their dividing for to inchurch apart, but
+ have declared it is their duty so to do. Hereupon, after the Lord
+ Jesus having increased this Church of Christ into a great number
+ through his mighty blessing, and especially that branch of them that
+ lives in and near Wellingborough, our dearly beloved brethren and
+ sisters there and thereabouts have requested us to dismiss them from
+ us for this end, that they might incorporate into a Church
+ distinctly and apart from us, and independent of us; we, therefore,
+ by virtue of power and authority leagued by the Lord Jesus amongst
+ us, with our officers, by the present do (they having first
+ acknowledged their faith and oneness with us in the faith and order
+ of the Gospel) dismiss our dearly beloved brethren (then follow the
+ names of the brethren), and also with the like proviso dismiss our
+ dearly beloved sisters (then follow the names of the female
+ members), for that aforementioned end of incorporating together as
+ an Independent Church; declaring that these, or any of these, as
+ then actually dismissed from us, that same moment they actually
+ incorporate by actually covenanting with the Lord and one another in
+ the presence of messengers delegated and appointed by us for that
+ affair, and not another--and those of them that do not at first
+ covenant, shall be deemed still members of us till they actually
+ covenant with that body; but do then declare them dismissed from us,
+ and give our consent for them so to do, when they shall so covenant.
+ Now, committing them to the Lord Jesus, to be blessed with the
+ blessings of the upper and nether springs, and with all manner of
+ spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord, that they may multiply
+ and increase accordingly to many hundreds, and be fed and watered
+ every moment by the Lamb in the midst of the throne, we do in
+ testimony of this our letter of dismission put our names."
+
+ (There were included in this dismission 27 brethren, 45 sisters.)
+
+A certain gentleman once asked Mr. Davis "what business he had to go up
+and down babbling?" for so he called the preaching of the Gospel. Mr.
+Davis, in the presence of all, turned to him, and, with a countenance
+which testified a good cause and a good conscience, said, "Sir, I was
+upon the work of my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Do you know him?"
+Whereupon the gentleman was struck with silence, and many more with
+amazement.
+
+The preaching of Mr. Davis, we suppose, must have been very fervent and
+affectionate, calculated to a very considerable degree to work upon the
+passions. It was probably in connexion with this that some disorders
+arose in their public assemblies. Some females became hysterical, and
+cried out; and various indications of strongly excited feeling were
+manifest for a time; and numerous cases of affliction, many of them
+nervous disorders, appeared amongst them. These things being noised
+abroad, and exaggerated, caused some reproach.
+
+The subject is thus noticed in the records of the Church:--"Feb. 17th,
+1691, a day was kept solemnly by fasting and prayer for the afflicted,
+where Satan raged extremely; and the faith of God's children was by the
+uplifted arm of the mighty God of Jacob made to rise proportionably, to
+the praise of the glory of God in Christ; and since that day, through
+the goodness of God, the distemper has much abated on several, as a
+testimony that our God is the God hearing prayer in Zion." Again: "May
+23rd, 1691, was a day kept solemnly in fasting and prayer for the
+afflicted, when God was eminently present; and at the close of the day
+some of our brethren, naming the awful name of Jesus of Nazareth,
+brought several of them to themselves, to our great amazement, and as an
+earnest to encourage our faith that that glorious name ere long will
+make them perfectly whole." Again: "June 31st, 1691, was kept, the
+greatest part of the day, solemnly in prayer for the afflicted, for the
+discovery of any secret mystery of iniquity, if any was at work in
+reference to them; and for the more clear discovery of the matter of
+Thomas Haley, because it had been such a thorn in the flesh of this
+Church of Christ."--We present these extracts to show that there was
+something rather peculiar in the state of the Church at this time, and
+in the view they took of the circumstances that arose.
+
+As a specimen of the spirit of the times we may state, that there was a
+pamphlet published by the opposers of Mr. Davis, entitled, 'A plain and
+just Account of a most horrid and dismal Plague begun at Rowell, alias
+Rothwell, in Northamptonshire, which hath infected many places round
+about; or, a faithful Narrative of the execrable and noisome Errors, and
+abominable and damnable Heresies, vented by Richard Davis, pretended
+pastor to a people at Rowell, and by his emissaries, the shoemakers,
+joiners, dyers, taylors, weavers, farmers, &c.; together with a brief
+account 1. Of his and his parties' practices; 2. Visions and
+revelations; 3. Great boasts; 4. Admission of members into their
+society; 5. His people's self-condemnedness; 6. The number and quality
+of his hearers' admired fits; 7. Some queries to the country people as
+matter for further search; 8. An expostulation and advice to the people
+of Rowell. By Mr. P. Rehakosht, &c., inhabiting on the east side of the
+seat of the Plague. London: printed for the Author, 1692.' Whoever this
+author might be, the spirit of his work reflects far greater discredit
+on himself than any of its charges do on the pastor and his flock. Mr.
+Davis condescended to reply, and near the close of his pamphlet we find
+the following noble passage:
+
+ If there be any errors I maintain, I care not how soon they fall,
+ though I fell with them; nay, if I could be convinced that I
+ erroneously worded any matter, I should soon publicly declare
+ against my own wording. It is not my own honour I seek, but the
+ honour of him that sent me; and I hope I am always ready to bury my
+ own honour in shame, provided I could secure thereby his name from
+ dishonour and contempt. I should think hard of no confession of mine
+ that should give glory to God. But if it be the truth of Christ I am
+ assaulted for (as thereto I am persuaded it is), then all the
+ attempts against it will be in vain: his truth is like
+ himself--eternal, and will abide steadfast, bright, and insuperable,
+ when I and my opposers are moulded to dust and ashes. In parting, I
+ shall again recommend to them Gamaliel's prudent advice, viz., to
+ let us alone; for if this council be not of God, it will fall of
+ itself; but if it be of God, it shall stand in spite of all their
+ rage and persecution, and they themselves will at last be found
+ fighters against God.
+
+Mr. Davis had to pass through a large measure of censure and rebuke from
+his brethren. Intelligence was conveyed to the London ministers of Mr.
+Davis's very disorderly proceedings in sending out the members of his
+Church to preach; also, respecting disorders in the assemblies, and some
+reports of erroneous doctrine, as if he were approaching Antinomianism.
+Remonstrances were sent down to him. Mr. Davis stood upon his defence.
+He was harshly treated; and being of an ardent temperament, some things
+would be done and said by him that the prudent would not justify. A
+public controversy arose. Pamphlets were published on both sides; and
+neither side, perhaps, could be considered blameless in the matter. That
+there were some eccentricities in the case of Mr. Davis, and some
+incautious expressions, every impartial person we suppose would allow;
+but the spirit of fervent piety, the ardent attachment to the doctrines
+of divine grace, combined with a deep sense of the obligations to
+Christian holiness, and some eminent attainments in the divine life,
+with great labours, and much success, commend Mr. Davis to the grateful
+remembrance of all the friends of truth and piety.
+
+The following testimony was borne to the sentiments and preaching of Mr.
+Davis, by the members of the Church at Rowell:--
+
+ We, the members of the Church of Christ over which Mr. R. Davis is
+ pastor, and his constant hearers, having seriously considered the
+ principles laid to his charge, do declare and testify they are
+ utterly false, and that the current of his doctrine has been as he
+ himself has laid it down. And further, the design of his preaching
+ amongst us has been to offer pardoning grace, through the blood of
+ Christ, freely to sinners; to press them to accept thereof on pain
+ of damnation; to press us to holiness, from the principle of saving
+ faith; to advance the person and offices of the Lord
+ Jesus--likewise, the person, offices, graces, and gifts of the
+ Spirit; and likewise, to advance electing grace reigning through the
+ righteousness of Christ Jesus. We also attest, that all those evil
+ practices laid to his charge, and especially the ridiculous
+ falsehoods about admissions, are abominable untruths;--whereunto we
+ have subscribed our names at the general Church-meeting, it being a
+ solemn day of fasting and prayer.
+
+ (Signed by 40 brethren, members of the Church.)
+
+The authors of the 'History of Dissenters' state: "With all his
+peculiarities and extravagancies, which were probably increased by the
+unkind and bitter opposition of his brethren, Richard Davis appears to
+have been a very pious man, and an extraordinary zealous minister of
+Christ. From some occasional sermons of his which were published, it is
+plainly seen that he must have been remarkably popular. There is a
+simplicity, an animation, and a pungency in them, which, if seconded by
+a suitable elocution, must have made a powerful impression on the hearts
+of his hearers. His zeal was of the most ardent kind; and England at
+that time, perhaps, scarcely could produce a man of more ardent labours
+in the Redeemer's cause. Not satisfied with performing the duties of the
+pastoral office to his flock at Rowell, he added the character of an
+itinerant too, and extended his journeys 80 miles in every direction
+around the place of his abode. His converts became members of his
+Church; and as they lived at a distance, and could only attend on
+particular occasions, they had religious meetings among themselves for
+prayer, for conversation, for preaching, as opportunities were
+afforded. That they might enjoy these in the greatest abundance, he
+called forth the most intelligent members of the Church into action, and
+employed them in itinerating within his extensive circle.
+
+"Of these lay preachers, whom Mr. Davis sent out, several afterwards
+became pastors of Churches, formed from the societies which he had
+collected in the towns and villages in which he was wont to preach. To
+the honour of Mr. Davis it may be mentioned, that he had imbibed a
+principle, the want of which at that time was exceedingly injurious to
+the cause of religion, and circumscribed within narrow limits the
+usefulness of many excellent men--it may be named the principle of
+propagation. On this principle did Mr. Davis act, and he united in
+himself the office and character of pastor, itinerant, and primitive
+bishop, presiding over his humble presbyters who aided him in the
+labours of his diocese. While we throw a veil of compassion over his
+infirmities, it must give pleasure to every friend of religion to
+witness the fervour of his zeal, and the multiplicity of his labours, to
+extend the knowledge of Christ as far as his exertions could possibly
+reach. Let posterity give to his memory the praise which is justly due,
+and hail Richard Davis as the morning star of propagation."--_History of
+Dissenters_, vol. i. p. 396.
+
+In the year 1691 deaconesses were chosen to act in this Church. Though
+this is not a general practice now in the Churches, it is still thought
+by many learned men that there are references to such appointments in
+the writings of the apostles. Phebe is considered to have been a
+deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea; and those whose qualifications the
+Apostle points out in his letter to Timothy, which our translators
+understood to be the wives of the deacons, are thought by many to be
+persons appointed to this office, "deaconesses."
+
+Mr. Davis died in the 56th year of his age. When constant prevailing
+indisposition made it evident that his end was drawing nigh, the mutual
+affection expressed between him and the Church of which he was pastor
+was very remarkable. He would say to them with the greatest tenderness,
+"I die, but God will surely visit you;" while he would wrestle in prayer
+on their behalf, that the great Shepherd would take care of them in the
+wilderness. And their cries ascended to heaven for his stay amongst
+them; and floods of tears did they pour out to their heavenly Father on
+this occasion. But the time was come when he must die. His work was
+done; he must be called to his rest. Under date of September 10th, 1714,
+we have the following record:--"Mr. Richard Davis, pastor, after he had
+faithfully, with hard labour and travail, through many and great
+difficulties, slanders, reproaches, and persecutions, for about
+five-and-twenty years, served the Lord in this house, he was taken to
+rest, and to receive the crown of glory."
+
+About a month previous to this, it was concluded at a Church-meeting to
+invite Mr. Maurice as an assistant to Mr. Davis. On the death of Mr.
+Davis, Mr. Maurice was invited to the pastoral office, which invitation
+he accepted, and was solemnly set apart to the office in the presence of
+messengers from other Churches, with fasting and prayer, on the 6th of
+January, 1715.
+
+Mr. Maurice was a native of Wales; a member of one of the Churches in
+the principality; by them called to the ministry; settled for a time at
+Olney, in Buckinghamshire, and from thence removed to Rowell. The
+ministry of Mr. Maurice, in this situation, was continued for nearly 24
+years, as he died at Rowell, 1738. He was a laborious and successful
+preacher of the Gospel; and his pen was employed in expounding and
+enforcing divine truth, and in illustrating the great principles of
+Congregational Church polity and the social influence of religion. The
+congregation continued to be large and increasing, so that on May 29th,
+1734, it is recorded, "A talk concerning, and some subscriptions
+towards, enlarging the Meeting House, if the Lord will." And it appears
+that the present Meeting House was built in the course of the next year;
+for Mr. Maurice published a sermon from Psalm cxxii. 4, entitled, 'The
+tribes of the Lord appearing before him; or, families in public worship:
+a Sermon preached at the Opening of the new Meeting House at Rowell,
+November 9th, 1735.' Near the close of the discourse Mr. Maurice
+observes,--
+
+ With regard to the place, where now for the first time we are met to
+ worship the Lord, if it is possible in any sense for the stone to
+ cry out of the wall, and the beam in the timber to answer it; if
+ stones can speak, as our Lord said they would, if the children of
+ men held their peace--then God has a voice in this work of his
+ providence, which the man of wisdom will hear.
+
+ It calls upon us to bless the Lord for our established liberty of
+ conscience, and for the amazing methods Providence made use of to
+ procure, continue, and confirm it. Our fathers were glad to meet
+ together in woods, deserts, and desolate places, for the worship
+ of God, as much as they could out of the way of barbarous, cruel,
+ and bloody informers; and yet were often hunted out and found by
+ these servants of the powers of darkness, and put in prisons and
+ dungeons for the sake of the truth--their families deprived of the
+ necessaries of life by merciless and terrible fines and seizures:
+ but, blessed be the Lord for the Revolution! and may the glorious
+ and immortal memory of King William be in great esteem by all the
+ Churches of Christ; and among them let us, let our children, and
+ their children's children bear a part, in high praises to the God of
+ tender providence at the remembrance of deliverances and
+ enlargements past; and through the same tender mercies conveyed to
+ us, and we hope to be continued to the end of time, may we be helped
+ to make the best use and improvement of our liberty in all religious
+ zeal for the faith and worship of our Redeemer; in sincere
+ evangelical love to each other; and on all occasions in cheerful
+ acknowledgments of duty to that illustrious family under whose wings
+ it is preserved to us, by the providence of the Most High.
+
+ And we are called to own His grace who giveth the everlasting
+ Gospel, and gathereth poor sinners under the sound of it, making our
+ assemblies so numerous as to stand in need of so large a place; and
+ thankful we should be to the same Almighty hand for giving capacity,
+ and a willing mind, to so many of us to contribute cheerfully to the
+ charge. We hope generations to come will bless God for this; and as
+ for us, we must say as David did: "What are we, that we should be
+ able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of
+ thee, and of thine own have we given thee." The generous assistance
+ of our friends in London and elsewhere I hope we shall always
+ thankfully acknowledge, and own the bountiful hand of our God
+ therein; and I can never, without being deeply affected, relate or
+ think of the extraordinary kindness of a religious family, descended
+ from one of the godly elders first fixed in this Church of Christ.
+ What things does our God treasure up in his providence! Nor should
+ we forget to be thankful to the Lord, who, through all the work,
+ though attended with many difficulties and some dangers, mercifully
+ preserved all the persons concerned, so that without bruises or
+ wounds they can view their finished work.
+
+A controversy arose during the ministry of Mr. Maurice on the point,
+"Whether it was the duty of unconverted sinners who heard the Gospel to
+believe in Jesus Christ." Mr. Maurice was greatly concerned that such a
+question should arise, and published a small pamphlet, entitled, 'The
+Modern Question modestly stated.' To this there was a reply published;
+and then he wrote, 'The Modern Question confirmed and proved,' viz.,
+that the eternal God does by his word make it the duty of poor
+unconverted sinners, who hear the Gospel preached or published, to
+believe in Jesus Christ.' This was not printed until after Mr. Maurice's
+death, for it is said to be "by Matthias Maurice, late pastor to a
+Church at Rowell, in Northamptonshire, 1739." It has an address to the
+reader by Mr. Bradbury, of London, who says, "The author of this work
+was a person whose learning, temper, and piety, made him very dear to
+me. At his desire I have perused and published these papers. He has in
+his letters assured me of the great concern this affair gave him, when a
+question of so much importance to the work of ministers and the duty of
+mankind came to be a matter of debate. The Church, to whom he was an
+affectionate pastor, has lain under a reproach which this book, and
+their desires to have it published, will effectually roll away."
+
+We introduce this work chiefly on account of a statement it contains
+from the Church. Prefixed to this little volume we find the following,
+signed by 52 of the brethren of the Church:--
+
+ _The testimony of the Church of Christ at Rowell, against the
+ pernicious new opinion, at their Meeting, August 31st, 1737._
+
+ Whereas of late it has been stated, embraced, and maintained by
+ some, that God does nowhere in the Scripture make it _the duty_ of
+ poor unconverted sinners, who hear the Gospel preached, to believe
+ in Jesus Christ for salvation, we, the Church of Christ at Rowell,
+ being greatly concerned that God's revealed will should be so
+ daringly opposed, and earnestly desirous that we, and our children,
+ and all that name the name of Christ, may for ever be delivered from
+ such a pernicious dangerous error, do in the most solemn manner, in
+ the presence of the great God and our Saviour, testify our
+ abhorrence thereof, and declare, that in the strength of Christ we
+ will contend earnestly for the doctrine of faith once delivered to
+ the saints, of which doctrine we look upon this to be a very
+ valuable part--that God does in his word make it _the duty_ of poor
+ unconverted sinners who hear the Gospel preached, to be truly
+ concerned for their souls and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation.
+ The denial of this we look upon to be a denial of the law of God,
+ not to be borne with in an orderly Church, and attended with
+ dangerous consequences against the Gospel and all the life and power
+ of evangelical, practical religion. Wherefore, what God delivered to
+ our fathers, and what our fathers in his fear delivered down to us,
+ we think ourselves bound in conscience to deliver to our children;
+ namely, that God does command unconverted sinners to repent and
+ believe in his Son for everlasting salvation; and may our children
+ deliver this with greater zeal, and with most desirable success, to
+ following generations. Amen.
+
+Mr. Maurice published a volume entitled, 'Faith Encouraged'; 'Faith
+working by Love--Four Sermons on 1 John iii. 23;' 'Monuments of Mercy;
+or, Some of the distinguishing Favours of Christ to his Congregational
+Church at Rowell;' also, a sermon on 'The help of the Holy Spirit in
+prayer.' But his most interesting and useful work we consider to be,
+'Social Religion Exemplified, in several Dialogues, giving an account of
+the first Settlement of Christianity in the city of Caerludd, and of the
+administration of the ordinances and discipline of the Gospel in the
+Church there planted: with the remarkable success with which Christ
+blessed his own institutions to the recovering of its backsliding
+members, the satisfaction of those who were under spiritual distresses,
+and the edification and comfort of the whole Society;--in which many
+cases of conscience are judiciously answered.' This is a copy of the
+title-page of the first edition, 1740. It appears that this work came
+out in separate parts, and that the whole was not published until some
+time after the death of Mr. Maurice.
+
+There were 134 members of the Church when Mr. Maurice died.
+
+The next pastor was Mr. Jonathan Sanderson. Application was first made
+to Mr. Wheeler, of Axminster, in Devonshire, who came and preached to
+them four Sabbaths, but entirely declined all thoughts of settling with
+them. After this, Mr. Job Orton was invited; but he declined accepting
+the invitation. Then application was made to Mr. Sanderson, who promised
+to come and assist them for three or four Sabbaths, when he had finished
+his studies with Mr. Eames. After a trial he was invited to become their
+pastor; when he thought the call of God so clear and plain, that he
+could not refuse complying with it, though considerable offers, more to
+his temporal advantage, were made to him. In May, 1741, he was set apart
+to the office. He gives the following account of the solemnity:--
+
+ On this day, the Church renewed their call to me to take upon me the
+ pastoral charge of them under the great Shepherd. Upon that, after
+ having given the Church a particular account of my faith, publicly
+ declared my acceptation of their call to the pastoral office, I gave
+ up myself in a solemn manner to the great work they had called me
+ to. Ebenezer.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ On June 3rd of the same year we had a day of prayer appointed, and
+ invited several sister Churches in communion with us to join in
+ seeking a blessing upon us as a Church, and upon my poor labours
+ amongst them.
+
+ Dr. Doddridge spake to the people, and Mr. Hall, of London, gave me
+ a word of exhortation upon the occasion.
+
+The ministry of Mr. Sanderson was devoted and useful, but short. Only
+six years after the time of his settlement we find it recorded, "Mr.
+Jonathan Sanderson fell sweetly asleep in Christ Jesus, April 18th,
+1747."
+
+When he entered on his office, and transcribed the names of those that
+were then members of the Church, he wrote--"The Lord grant that the
+Church of Christ at Rowell may increase in numbers, gifts, and graces,
+and purity, under the pastoral care of their unworthy servant, for
+Christ's sake, J. S. So be it. Amen." 38 members were added to the
+Church during his short ministry.
+
+Mr. Sanderson was a native of Bradfield, a village about eight miles
+from Sheffield, in Yorkshire. He became early devoted to God, and
+dedicated himself sincerely to the work of the sanctuary. In the year
+1737, when about 19 years of age, he entered a seminary in London,
+patronized by the Independent Fund, then under the direction of Mr.
+Eames, F.R.S., who, in the esteem of his contemporaries, was one of the
+most learned men of the age. The piety of Mr. Sanderson when at the
+academy appears to have been of the most decided, humble, evangelical,
+and experimental character. His preaching was very acceptable and
+useful, so that opportunities were presented to him to have settled in
+London, and he was advised by some of the ministers of his acquaintance
+to do so; but he yielded to the invitation of the people at Rowell, and
+believed that he saw plainly the finger of God pointing him there. He
+was received with much kindness and cordiality, and was greatly
+encouraged in the prospect of usefulness there presented. He was
+welcomed into the county by Dr. Doddridge, who addressed to him the
+following letter, almost immediately after he came to Rowell:--
+
+ Permit me, my dear brother and friend--for so, though personally
+ unknown, I will take the liberty to call you; permit me, with the
+ utmost sincerity and pleasure, to assure you of my thankfulness to
+ the great Shepherd of Israel for bringing you into these parts, to
+ be employed among us, and under him, in the delightful work of
+ feeding his flock, his pleasant flock.
+
+ I rejoice to hear by many hands of the acceptance you meet with at
+ Rowell, and of the respect you have of neighbouring brethren and
+ friends, who are so happy as to be at all acquainted with you;
+ respect, which I fully concluded from the manner of your writing (in
+ which I saw at once so much of the gentleman, the scholar, and the
+ Christian) you could not fail to meet with in these parts, where, I
+ bless God, we are not utterly forsaken of the spirit of serious
+ piety and faithful friendship. Were not my engagements so many as
+ they are, and now increasing by the care of finishing my 'Expositor'
+ as soon as possible, I would have waited upon you before this. But I
+ send these to beg the favour of you to breakfast with me at Mr.
+ Saul's, at Kettering, Thursday se'nnight, if God spare our lives
+ till then; and to contrive your affairs so as to go with me from
+ thence to Wellingborough, where I shall dine that day, if God
+ permit. By this means I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your
+ company, and also of introducing you to the acquaintance of a friend
+ or two there, with whom, if you do not yet know, it will be
+ agreeable to you to form an acquaintance, or if you do know them, to
+ improve that acquaintance.
+
+ I desire you would make my cordial service acceptable to all my dear
+ friends at Rowell, for whom I have an unfeigned and tender regard;
+ and assure yourself that I have all imaginable propensity to enter
+ into a free, easy, and respectful friendship with you; and that,
+ heartily recommending you to Him in whom, I hope, our friendship
+ does and will centre,
+
+ I am, Reverend and dear Sir,
+ Your most affectionate brother and humble servant,
+ P. DODDRIDGE.
+
+ _Northampton, March 16th, 1740._
+
+
+Mr. Sanderson commenced his labours at Rowell with great diligence and
+zeal; tokens of the divine blessing attended his labours. But his frame
+appears to have been too feeble to sustain the amount of labour in which
+he engaged, and it was not very long before symptoms of an unfavourable
+nature were discovered.
+
+Notwithstanding the great affection manifested towards him at first, and
+the encouraging prospect opening before him, trials soon arose among his
+people. There were some whose spirit and conduct had been the occasion
+of painful trial to his predecessor, Mr. Maurice; and they began, but
+too quickly, to show a similar spirit towards him: those who denied the
+Gospel call to sinners as such, and who wanted all the privileges of
+Christianity without its obligations. Some of them soon withdrew their
+subscriptions from him, and talked of building a new Meeting. There was
+a worthy deacon of his Church, who stood firmly by him, and who wrote a
+very sensible letter, kindly and faithfully expostulating with them on
+their conduct; in the course of which he observes, "We are not without
+several sad instances which have fallen under our own cognizance, of
+Churches who, upon ceasing to contribute to a handsome maintenance of
+their pastor what was in their power, without injury to their families,
+have gradually dwindled and come to nothing. The reason of this, we
+apprehend, is very obvious; for when Churches cease to walk in the path
+of duty, the blessed God is pleased to suspend the influence of his
+grace, and to visit them with his afflictive hand. We are not arguing
+for a superfluity, for that you are incapable of doing; but only for a
+proper expression of love and kindness to your pastor," &c.
+
+Mr. Sanderson proved to be consumptive, and gradually grew worse, until
+he was removed by death in the 29th year of his age.
+
+Dr. Doddridge was amongst the number that visited him in his last
+illness; and after his visit he wrote a kind letter to the father of Mr.
+Sanderson, in which he says, "Greatly have I loved him and esteemed him,
+as one of the most completely excellent and accomplished persons of his
+age that I have ever known. Greatly has God honoured him, as the
+instrument of usefulness, during these few years of ministerial
+service."
+
+After the death of Mr. Sanderson, a friend wrote--"Poor Rowell lies in
+sackcloth. Oh, that she might know in this her day the things that make
+for her peace! They have my best wishes and earnest prayers that the
+Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, may find out a man to stand
+in the gap, and fill up the breach which he has so awfully made, that
+the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep which have no
+shepherd."
+
+In the year 1741 Dr. Doddridge published two sermons, the substance of
+which had been delivered at Rowell--'The Scripture doctrine of Salvation
+by Grace through Faith, illustrated and improved.' In an address
+prefixed to these discourses to the Church and congregation of
+Protestants at Rowell he says,--
+
+ I cannot conclude this short address without congratulating you on
+ the abundant goodness of God to you as a Church, in bringing among
+ you that worthy and excellent person, Mr. Sanderson, under whose
+ pastoral care you are now so happily placed. I know he is a faithful
+ witness to the truths of the Gospel, and rejoice in that rich
+ abundance of gifts and graces which renders him so fit to state and
+ improve them in the most advantageous as well as the most agreeable
+ and delightful manner. I hope and believe that the grace he so
+ humbly owns his dependence upon will add happy success to his
+ labours; and I heartily pray that you and neighbouring Churches may
+ long be happy in him, and that God, who has by such various and
+ gracious interpositions in your favour expressed his paternal care
+ of you, may still delight to dwell among you.
+
+Shortly after the death of Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Moses Gregson was chosen,
+with great unanimity, to the pastoral office. His ordination took place
+April 20th, 1748. Upon this occasion, the service was conducted in the
+method generally adopted in other Dissenting Churches. Dr. Doddridge
+asked the usual questions, and took the confession of faith; Mr. King,
+of London, preached to the people; and Dr. Guyse gave the charge.
+
+Mr. Gregson continued pastor for about forty years. During the course of
+his ministry 88 members were admitted to the Church. When years
+increased and infirmities came on, so as to render him incapable of
+discharging all the duties of his office, Mr. John Wood was invited to
+become co-pastor with Mr. Gregson; but before Mr. Wood entered on this
+office, the death of Mr. Gregson took place. In consequence of this
+change Mr. Wood was invited to become the pastor of the Church, which he
+accepted, and was set apart to the office in September, 1789; when Mr.
+Smith, of Bedford, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Wood, of
+Creaton, offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Horsey, of Northampton,
+delivered the charge; and Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached to the
+people.
+
+No records are preserved of the pastorate of Mr. Wood, though it
+continued until March 25th, 1811, a period of twenty-one years and six
+months, when Mr. Wood resigned his office as pastor of the Church at
+Rowell.
+
+After an interval of two years, Mr. Walter Scott, from Hoxton Academy,
+was set apart to the pastoral office, on the 20th of May, 1813. On that
+occasion, Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, delivered the introductory
+discourse; ordination prayer, Mr. Toller, of Kettering; charge, Mr.
+Gill, of Harborough, from 2 Tim. iv. 22; sermon, by Mr. Richards, from 1
+Thess. v. 12, 13. In the evening, Mr. Griffiths, of Long Buckby,
+preached from Zech. vii. 25.
+
+Mr. Scott's ministry was highly acceptable and useful, distinguished by
+a great fulness and rich variety of matter, and greatly valued through
+the county. It continued for twenty years, until the year 1833, during
+which period about 130 members were added to the Church.
+
+New school-rooms were erected in the front of the front of the Chapel in
+the year 1826.
+
+With his labours as pastor, Mr. Scott united the duties of tutor. For
+several years he had under his care a number of young men, most of whom
+were designed for the ministry, in a course of preparatory training,
+previous to their entering the Academy at Hoxton, afterwards Highbury.
+His labours in this department were considered to be eminently useful,
+so as ultimately to raise him to a higher sphere as a tutor.
+
+In the year 1833 Mr. Scott received an invitation to become the
+resident Divinity Tutor of the College at Airedale, near Bradford,
+Yorkshire, with which he at length considered it his duty to comply.
+When it was first presented to him, "he laid it before the Church,
+desiring their advice and prayer. They unanimously expressed their
+desire that he would remain with them; and some of them did so in the
+strongest terms, stating it as their conviction that he ought not by any
+means to leave. After serious consideration, prayer to the Divine Being,
+and asking the advice of several ministers, he however came to the
+conclusion that it was his duty to leave. The Church in general were
+brought to say, "the will of the Lord be done."
+
+Some idea may be formed of Mr. Scott's habits while at Rowell, from a
+passage in an address delivered to the students at Airedale, and
+published in the year 1835. Recommending them in one part of it
+carefully to attend to the preservation of their health, he says,--
+
+ I would, in a special manner, recommend to you to take regular,
+ abundant, and systematic exercise. On this subject I can speak with
+ confidence, not only from observation, but from experience of both
+ the most painful and the most pleasant kind. I assure you, that by
+ neglecting exercise, by untimely late hours, and immoderate study, I
+ injured most seriously my health. By systematic, determined,
+ vigorous exercise, I have banished disease, regained my health, and
+ even increased the vigour of both mind and body. Had it not been for
+ exercise and attention to diet, as the means in the hand of God, it
+ is my firm persuasion, rather it is with me matter of absolute
+ certainty, that, instead of being able in the possession of good
+ health to address you on this occasion, I should have been the
+ helpless victim of more diseases than one which had begun to invade
+ my frame; or rather, I should have been numbered with the dead. I
+ have observed several running the same course which I had partly
+ run, without having been arrested in it as I was; and the
+ consequence has been, that though they were younger than I was, and
+ at one time quite as healthy, they have years ago been consigned to
+ the tomb.... I am very much disposed to believe, or rather I have no
+ doubt, that, had the history of students and ministers in general
+ been accurately written, the way in which they have neglected their
+ health, entailed diseases on their frame, and shortened their lives,
+ would furnish some of the most striking instances on record in the
+ pages of history, of imprudence in those who ought to be eminent for
+ prudence, and of folly in those whose office it is to teach wisdom
+ to others. I have no doubt that some early and apparently premature
+ removals of eminent ministers from this world, which have been
+ thought to be most mysterious and unaccountable dispensations of
+ divine providence, would be found to be the necessary result of
+ their own conduct, in neglecting some of the most obvious rules of
+ prudence for the preservation of their health. To have prevented
+ that removal, God must have wrought a miracle.
+
+Mr. Scott is also the author of one of the volumes of Congregational
+Lectures on 'The Existence and Agency of Evil Spirits.'
+
+After the removal of Mr. Scott, the Church at Rowell was supplied by
+several ministers, for some time remaining unsettled. On the 5th of
+October, 1836, Mr. Gallsworthy, a student at Airedale, visited Rowell,
+and preached for seven Sabbaths, when the Church unanimously agreed to
+invite him to become their pastor. This invitation he accepted; the
+ordination service being held October 4th, 1837, when Messrs. Toller, of
+Kettering, Hobson, of Welford, Scott, late of Rowell, and Green, of
+Uppingham, were engaged in the principal services of the day. The
+ministry of Mr. Gallsworthy only continued until December 24th, 1841,
+when he left Rowell, and became minister to a Church at Pinchbeck, in
+Lincolnshire. During his ministry 60 members were added to the Church.
+
+Some months after Mr. Gallsworthy had left Rowell, the present minister,
+the Rev. Richard Jessop, from Oldham, in Lancashire, accepted an
+invitation to the pastoral office, and commenced his stated labours at
+Rowell the 9th of October, 1842. Since that time more than 60 members
+have been added to the Church. A new school has been erected for the
+Infant Sabbath-school; and at the present time considerable alterations
+are about to be made in the Meeting House--re-pewing, new roofing, and
+enlarging--at an expense of from L700 to L800. The number of scholars in
+the Sabbath-schools is 320. Six villages are supplied with Sabbath
+evening services by the members of the Church. Present number of
+communicants is 130.
+
+In reviewing the history of a Church that has been in existence now for
+nearly 200 years, what abundant reason is there for full satisfaction
+with the great principles on which it was founded, as agreeable to the
+word of God, and the means of sustaining, under God, the faithful
+ministry of the word of life, and the administration of the ordinances
+of the Gospel in their purity! Attached to the same principles, and
+exhibiting their happy and holy influence, this Church of Christ we
+trust will still go on and prosper--the great Head of the Church
+attending it with his constant presence and blessing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT KETTERING.
+
+
+There are some places which present no claim on public notice from
+anything remarkable in their situation, their population, or their
+buildings; yet attain celebrity from the character, talents, and
+services of certain individuals that have been connected with them. This
+is the case with the town of Kettering. It is a comparatively small
+town, containing about 5,000 inhabitants, standing about the centre of
+the northern division of the county of Northampton; but this place has
+attained to some considerable degree of renown, on account of the
+religious advantages with which it has been favoured. By some persons it
+may be thought of with interest, as the birth-place of Dr. Gill and Mr.
+Brine, eminent ministers of the Gospel in their day; but it is far more
+extensively known, as the place where a Toller and a Fuller, though of
+different denominations, laboured together in the same cause during a
+space of more than thirty years. No town probably, for its size, has
+been so distinguished, by having two ministers, of such a high standing,
+engaged for so long a period as stated pastors of two societies. Their
+talents and attainments were of a different order, but though different,
+equally eminent. Fuller was most extensively known on account of his
+services to the Baptist Mission, and his able and useful publications,
+whilst he was highly esteemed as a minister of the Gospel--Toller, as a
+preacher of original manner, and remarkable interest and power, was
+greatly valued, and will be long remembered.
+
+But for a considerable period we find the town of Kettering
+distinguished by the faithful ministration of Gospel truth. The
+Puritans, in 1591, are said to have held several meetings here and in
+the neighbourhood. Two hundred years ago, Mr. Thomas Maidwell, an
+eminent minister of Christ, preached the Gospel here, having become
+rector of the parish about the year 1650. Mr. Maidwell was a native of
+Geddington, a village three miles from Kettering. He was educated at
+Cambridge, became a good scholar, an excellent preacher, and a man of
+eminent piety. In the year 1662 he was ejected from the living, and
+ranked among the devoted Nonconformists of the day. After his ejectment
+he frequently preached in his own house, and in other houses in the
+town; until at length he opened a Meeting House, which would hold from
+300 to 400 hearers. In what year this took place is unknown. He lived
+for thirty years after his separation from the Church. Like many of his
+brethren in those days, he was tried by persecution. One H. Sawyer,
+Esq., a large landed proprietor in the parish, was a bitter enemy to the
+Nonconformists, and often tried to get Mr. Maidwell into his power. He
+frequently escaped with difficulty, sometimes in disguise. It is said
+that he was once cast into prison. He was also banished from his home by
+the "Five Mile Act," retiring for some time from Kettering, it is
+supposed to the house of H. Barwell, Esq.,[2] of Marston Trussell, near
+Market Harborough. From thence he wrote to his people at Kettering three
+very excellent pastoral letters, which have been preserved. An extract
+from the first of these will be sufficient to show something of the
+principles and spirit of this minister of Christ.
+
+ MY DEAR FRIENDS: Grace and peace be multiplied.--Since I heard of
+ the great distress you are in on several accounts, it cannot but
+ much affect and afflict me; and the rather, because my present
+ dangers and sufferings add to yours, which makes the burden heavier
+ to us both. But if our God, who directs, helps us to cast our burden
+ on him, he will sustain it, and us under it, as at present he doth,
+ blessed be his name! for though "we are troubled on every side, yet
+ we are not distressed; though perplexed, yet not in despair; though
+ persecuted, yet not forsaken; though cast down, yet not destroyed."
+ Though we bear in our outward man "the dying of the Lord Jesus," yet
+ if the life, spirit, and vigour of Christ be exercised in our inward
+ man, we shall live to him eternally hereafter, as spiritually here.
+ But the want of that divine vigour and true Christian magnanimity
+ fills most souls with despondency, bowels with sighs, and tongues
+ with complaints. Yet we have no reason to murmur against or complain
+ of our God, who doth all things justly, and wisely, and well, but of
+ ourselves, who neither know, do, nor suffer as we ought; but "in
+ many things we offend all," and therefore all suffer justly. It's
+ true, you will say--what is to be done under our present suffering?
+
+
+[2] Mr. Edward Barwell was lord of the manor of Marston, when Bridges
+wrote his 'History of Northamptonshire.'
+
+
+Then he goes on to give them most suitable and important directions;
+such as, "Let every one search his and her ways." "Let not
+self-examination be superficial, but special, thorough, affectionate,
+heart-melting, soul afflicting, extraordinary, becoming so dark a day."
+"Press after a personal, relative, thorough reformation of what is amiss
+in heart, tongue, and life." "Have a daily vigorous recourse by a lively
+faith unto Christ." "Let that faith, in the reality and eminence of it,
+be more and more manifested in our new obedience." He gives them
+directions as to the purity of their worship--their spirit towards each
+other--their sitting loose to the world--giving up themselves entirely
+to God--giving all diligence in their Christian course--seeking to
+attain joy and peace in believing--and then closes in these words:--
+
+ Thus, my dear hearts, I have answered your desires in your last I
+ received; heartily letting you know, that though I am absent in body
+ from you to my great grief, yet I am present with you in spirit,
+ daily praying for you, longing to see you, which I should have done
+ "once and again had not Satan hindered," which he will do till
+ Christ comes and binds him in chains and removes him out of the way,
+ and gives his people a quiet and full enjoyment of himself in each
+ other. Which, that he may, is the earnest prayer of your unworthy
+ pastor, solicitous for your souls' good.
+
+ I am, Sirs, &c.,
+ Communicate this to ours. T. M.
+
+
+It is uncertain in what year the Church was formed, as the first entry
+in the oldest Church-book is without date. The following is the first
+statement: "An account of the names of those who are in Church
+fellowship at Kettering, and have engaged to walk together according to
+the rules of the Gospel, under the ministry of Mr. Maidwell, pastor
+there." Then follow the names of 95 members residing in Kettering, and
+91 in other places in the vicinity: total number of members, 186.
+
+The Church was formed on Congregational principles, with a pastor, two
+elders, and two deacons.
+
+Mr. Maidwell continued his labours almost to the last, and died January
+9th, 1692, about 80 years of age. He was buried in the chancel of the
+parish Church, a stone being placed over his grave, with a Latin
+inscription, now scarcely legible.
+
+We are informed that "he was abundant in labours; never weary of his
+work, and seldom wearied in it: that he had the happy art of winning
+souls to Christ; that such was his peculiar aptitude for religious
+conversation, making a spiritual improvement of all earthly business and
+concerns he was engaged about, that it was considered a question,
+whether he did more good or converted more souls in the pulpit or out of
+it. He had an amiable temper, and breathed much of the spirit of his
+Divine Master, recommending continually the Gospel he preached by his
+lovely and consistent deportment." One "of whom the world was not
+worthy," but whose "memory is blessed." "He was a burning and shining
+light, and there were many who rejoiced to walk in his light."
+
+After the death of Mr. Maidwell, Mr. Thomas Milway became pastor of the
+Church. The date of his settlement is not given, but it is supposed to
+have taken place between January, 1692, and June, 1694. It is supposed
+that he came from Bury to Kettering. His pastorate was but a short one,
+not more than four or five years. At the commencement of his ministry
+the Church numbered 167 members, and 61 were added while he was pastor.
+In the list of members at the commencement of Mr. Milway's labours, we
+find the name of John Gill, the father of the celebrated Dr. Gill, and
+the name of Elijah Brine, father of Mr. William Brine, a Baptist
+minister of some eminence, contemporary with Dr. Gill.
+
+About the year 1696, Mr. William Wallis, a ruling elder in the Church,
+embraced the sentiments of the Baptists, and took upon him to baptize by
+immersion some of the members of the Church. This being brought forward
+in a Church assembly, in which it is said "to have been proved that he
+had no right or power to do so," he desired his dismission, which was
+granted him; after which he began to preach in another place in the
+town; and six or seven of the members, embracing the same sentiments,
+left the Church with Mr. Wallis, and thus he became the first pastor of
+the Baptist Church in Kettering.
+
+From the parish register it is found that Mr. Milway was buried April
+3rd, 1697.
+
+In the 'Nonconformist Memorial,' mention is made of a Mr. Shepherd, as
+succeeding Mr. Maidwell at Kettering; but the evidence presented by the
+register of Mr. Shepherd's burial at Kettering shows that he must have
+immediately succeeded Mr. Milway, and that his labours here only
+continued for a few months, for he was buried March 21st, 1698. No
+account of his services is preserved in the records of this Church. We
+are informed that "he was a minister in the Established Church at
+Tilbrook, in Bedfordshire. When the "Bartholomew Act" passed, at first
+he conformed; continuing for some years in his living, a great blessing
+to the town and neighbourhood. He had the true spirit of his office; his
+preaching awful and affecting, and his life very holy. Being much
+followed from places around, the clergy greatly disliked him--used to
+reflect upon him at their visitations--looked upon him with an evil eye;
+so that at length, finding his situation very uncomfortable, he quitted
+his living, became pastor of a Dissenting congregation at Oundle, and
+came from thence to Kettering, where he died."
+
+The next pastor of the Church was Mr. William Terry, supposed to have
+come from Hitchin to Kettering. He remained but a short time here, and
+then removed to London. During his ministry 36 persons were added to the
+Church. From the recollections of an aged intelligent woman it is
+stated, that Mr. Terry was popular as a preacher--that he had travelled
+in Holland and Germany, and did not seem inclined to settle long in any
+place.
+
+In the year 1709 Mr. John Wills became pastor of the Church. It is
+stated concerning him, "that he was a gentlemanlike man, of popular
+talents." During the first three or four years of his ministry 27
+members were added to the Church; but his conduct at length gave a great
+blow to the cause with which he had become connected. He acted in a
+manner so contrary to the Christian character, and so injured himself as
+a Christian minister, as to be discarded by the Church. Between the
+dates of August, 1712, and July, 1715, he was charged with notorious
+lying, and other scandalous sins, for which he was repeatedly admonished
+by the Church; but not giving satisfaction by his spirit and conduct, he
+was dismissed.
+
+After this he remained in Kettering about four years; set up a separate
+interest; drew up a Church covenant, July 15th, 1715, in which mention
+is made of 46 members, most of whom had belonged to the other Church,
+having been drawn away by him, though most of them returned during the
+ministry of his successor. His bad conduct caused him to be soon
+rejected by the party that went off with him.
+
+There was another part of his conduct towards his former charge which
+appears to have been very dishonourable. The people had raised a
+subscription, and purchased a dwelling-house for their minister, with a
+considerable garden. Mr. Wills occupied it as the minister, but wished
+to make some addition to it, and to secure himself prevailed on the
+people to have the house surrendered to him, which, from the regard they
+then had for him, they unwisely permitted to be done. Consequently,
+after the Church had dismissed him from his office, he still retained
+the house, and at length sold it, keeping the whole amount of the money,
+pleading as his excuse that it was but as much as he had laid out upon
+it, with other disadvantages that he had in removing. He went to
+Wellingham, Cambridgeshire.
+
+Such things as these would present some serious hindrances to the
+advancement of religion among the people, while a man of this character
+sustained the office of pastor, and afterwards sought to draw away
+disciples after him.
+
+On the 11th of November, 1714, Mr. Thomas Milway, jun., the son of the
+former pastor of this name, was settled over them. At the time when his
+settlement took place, 112 persons are registered as belonging to the
+Church. During his ministry, which continued only for six years and a
+half, 48 members were admitted. He removed to Ipswich in March, 1721.
+
+In reference to the removal of Mr. Milway from Kettering to Ipswich, we
+have received the following extracts from the Church records of the
+latter place:--
+
+ At a Church-meeting, the 26th of October, 1720, the Church gave a
+ call to Mr. Thomas Milway, at Kettering, to the pastoral office, in
+ the following words, and signed as underwritten by the brethren of
+ the Church:--
+
+ "_To the Rev. Mr. Thomas Milway, at Kettering._
+
+ "DEAR SIR,--The sovereign Lord of life and death having called to
+ rest from his labours and affliction here our late dear pastor, the
+ Rev. and worthy Mr. Benjamin Glandfield, the Congregational Church
+ of Christ at Ipswich are thereby left as sheep without a shepherd.
+ We, the members of the said Church, have humbled ourselves before
+ the Lord by fasting and prayer, imploring his direction under this
+ solemn dispensation, and do think our present duty is, the
+ endeavouring to fill up that relation by calling one duly qualified
+ for the pastoral office; and having several times had experience of
+ the excellent gifts and graces God in his mercy hath bestowed on
+ you, we cannot but acknowledge how generally acceptable they are to
+ this Church and auditory; and having had several informations of
+ your present circumstances at Kettering, and the way plain and easy
+ for a removal; and considering that your settlement with us in the
+ pastoral office is likely to be of great service to the interest of
+ Christ in these parts, and for the uniting and settling of this
+ Church, which otherwise is like to fall into great
+ confusions--therefore, we, the brethren of the Church aforesaid, at
+ a meeting this 26th of October, 1720, do hereby call and desire you
+ to take the pastoral office in this Church, praying the Lord, the
+ great Shepherd of the sheep, to direct, incline, and settle you with
+ us, unto whose divine providence we commit this great affair,
+ trusting the Lord will enable us to perform those duties required of
+ us. We desire you at a convenient time as possible to return answer
+ to our desires and call, which will greatly oblige, dear Sir, your
+ most affectionate friends and servants in one Lord,
+
+ (Signed) "Thos. Wyneall, }
+ "Joseph Wyatt, } Deacons.
+
+ "With many others, brethren of the Church."
+
+In another page, in Mr. Milway's own handwriting, there are the names of
+the 41 brethren and the 79 sisters who joined in the call of Thomas
+Milway to the pastoral office. "All these distinctly," he observes, "and
+one by one, gave their consent to my taking the pastoral office. The
+10th of August, 1721, was a day set apart for solemn prayer to implore a
+blessing upon my pastoral labours," when he records the names of the
+ministers who engaged and were present, and adds, "We have good grounds
+to hope the Lord was with us, and did assist in the work; and that a
+spirit of supplication was poured out upon us. For which, his abundant
+mercy, may we bless him for ever; and may a gracious God say to pastor
+and people, 'From this day will I bless you.' Amen and amen."
+
+Short was the course of his ministry here; for we are further informed,
+that "the Rev. Thomas Milway died the Lord's-day, May 31st, 1724, in the
+morning, aged 47. He lies buried in the aisle, immediately in front of
+the pulpit, as does his wife, Mrs. Mary Milway, who died September 9th,
+1751, aged 75. He appears to have been honoured and useful during his
+short ministry at Ipswich.
+
+During this period, about the year 1715, the Meeting House at Kettering
+was threatened, and thought to be in danger of being pulled down by a
+lawless mob. The reaction that had taken place in favour of the
+Dissenters when they aided in effecting the glorious Revolution by
+William the Third, had now passed by. During the reign of Anne, the
+enemies of Dissent exerted themselves to abridge their liberties. The
+trial of Sacheveral, a high Church bigot, under the Whig ministry, and
+the triumph he obtained among the people, produced a great excitement.
+Mob violence was employed against the Dissenters, and many Meeting
+Houses were pulled down. The death of Anne, in 1714, was succeeded by
+the peaceful accession of the first monarch of the House of Hanover, who
+at once declared that "he was determined to adhere to the principles of
+toleration, and endeavour to unite all his Protestant subjects by
+affording them all equal protection."
+
+But there were numbers who considered it hard not to be allowed to
+persecute by law, and who therefore determined to avenge themselves and
+their defeated party by setting the law at defiance, in order to enjoy
+the luxury of worrying Dissenters. Hence in many towns in England,
+during this year, Dissenters were insulted, and their places of worship
+pulled down or burned. But the Meeting House at Kettering, though
+threatened, was preserved. "The mob supposed that the building was well
+guarded within by people armed for the purpose, which prevented them
+from making the attempt. It is not known what defence was made, but no
+mischief was done."
+
+At the time when Mr. Milway, junior, removed from Kettering, a small
+congregation of Dissenters in the noted town of Coventry had a Mr.
+Thomas Saunders preaching to them. He was a descendant from Lawrence
+Saunders, the martyr, who was burnt at Coventry in Queen Mary's days,
+1555. The family had possessed a large estate at or near Bedworth, but
+lost the greater part of it on account of religion. A Mr. Julian
+Saunders, uncle of this Mr. Thomas Saunders, was a Nonconformist
+minister at Bedworth; and under him the nephew was educated for the
+ministry.
+
+On Lord's-day, May 21st, 1721, Mr. Saunders preached, we suppose for the
+first time, at Kettering. Such was the favourable impression produced by
+his services on that day, that he was thought by the congregation to be
+a proper person to become their pastor; and they immediately began to
+take steps towards bringing him into this relation to them. It was
+treated by both parties, the Church and the minister, as a matter of
+high importance. The society to which Mr. Saunders ministered at
+Coventry was very unwilling to part with him. The Church at Kettering
+was equally anxious to obtain his services; and then he states, as one
+great reason that influenced his decision, "he should have ten times the
+number of people to preach to that he had at Coventry." After a suitable
+time for further trial, for consultation, and prayer for divine
+direction, he at length accepted the invitation of the Church at
+Kettering, and entered on his stated engagements there September 14th,
+1721. He was set apart to the pastoral office by solemn services on
+November 23rd of the same year. The following is the account Mr.
+Saunders gives of the services of the day:--
+
+ Thursday, November 23rd, 1721, was appointed a day of fasting and
+ prayer upon the account of our sitting down together. Mr.
+ Cartwright, of Buckby, begun with prayer, and prayed well. Mr. Some
+ read over the call of the Church, and asked my acceptance, and then
+ prayed, and indeed prayed in prayer. Mr. Tingey, of Northampton,
+ preached from 2 Chron. xv. 2. Mr. Jennings concluded with prayer,
+ and Mr. Norris prayed among us in the evening. And now to thee, O
+ God! must I give an account for this, and all my actions. I have
+ been persuaded in my own mind, and am still, that I ought to labour
+ where I can do most for God, and that thou, Lord, wilt take it well
+ at the hands of thy servants that study so to do. Let us be made
+ blessings to each other. Let us find thy presence and grace with us.
+ Let much be done for God amongst us, that may effectually answer the
+ clamour of malicious persons, and "put to silence the ignorance of
+ foolish men," as well as be made confirming to thy people here.
+ Propter Jesum Christum salvalorem nostrum, cui nunc et in secula
+ seculorum gloria. Amen.
+
+"In his younger days," observes Mr. Some, in giving some account of Mr.
+Saunders, "he was much addicted to those amusements and diversions in
+which too many in the present day lavish away their precious time,
+while their best and most valuable interests are neglected. But "it
+pleased God," who designed him for eminent service, "to call him by his
+grace, and to reveal his Son in him," which effectually reclaimed him
+from the follies of youth, and led him afterwards frequently to drop a
+tear over them, praying that they might be remembered no more. As soon
+as he had received the grace of God, it was his great concern to watch
+against everything that might obstruct his progress in religion, and to
+use all proper means to promote and strengthen the Christian temper in
+all its branches. It was a strong desire to do good to the souls of men,
+by "teaching transgressors the ways of God, that sinners might be
+converted to him," which inclined him to devote himself to the work of
+the ministry. He found so much real satisfaction in religion, that he
+was willing others might taste its pleasures; and he saw so much danger
+in a course of sin, that he thought he could not do a kinder office than
+to warn men of it, that they might escape the pollution and condemnation
+to which it would expose them. He was not so early in his preparation
+for this holy employment as some others; but with the blessing of God on
+his great industry and indefatigable endeavours, he soon came forth
+qualified with such endowments which are of the greatest importance to
+render ministers useful to the Church of Christ. He became eminently
+qualified for the ministry of the Gospel, and his labours were greatly
+blest to his people, by whom he was held in the highest esteem.
+
+The congregation so increased soon after Mr. Saunders came to Kettering,
+that it was found necessary to build a larger place of worship, which
+the congregation did in the year 1723. This building stands to this
+day, though it has undergone considerable alterations. It is 50-1/2 ft.
+by 45-1/2 within the walls, with three galleries. It is calculated to
+seat more than 800 hearers. At its erection some gentleman in or near
+London gave a handsome chandelier, with 24 sockets.
+
+During the ministry of Mr. Saunders, Mr. William Hextal, son of Mr.
+Hextal, a farmer at Broughton, a village about three miles from
+Kettering, became a member of the Church, and studied under Mr. Saunders
+for a time, preparatory to his entering Doddridge's academy, with a view
+to the ministry. It is recorded in the Church-book--"At a Church-meeting
+held June 2nd, 1731, Mr. William Hextal was received into our communion;
+and as he is now engaged in learning for the work of the ministry, I
+gave him a solemn charge in relation to these things; and added several
+things that I apprehended he should practise as a Christian, in order to
+his being a minister." At the close of his academic course, Mr. Hextal
+was settled at Creaton, afterwards removed to Sudbury, and from thence
+to Northampton.
+
+Mr. Saunders published a funeral sermon preached at Woodford, near
+Kettering, from Rev. xiii. 14, entitled 'The Blessedness of Pious
+Persons after Death considered.' Also, a letter was printed, which he
+wrote in his last illness to his people; which was, by his direction,
+publicly read to them after his funeral sermon. "Well worth the
+attention," it is said, "of all destitute Churches." He died in the
+midst of his life and usefulness, after an illness of some months, July
+21st, 1736. In the records of the Church it is stated that "he was an
+evangelical preacher, had a very happy delivery, an agreeable temper,
+and graceful appearance; was much respected by the Church people, and
+much endeared to his own flock, who lamented their loss many years
+after." His funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Some, of Harborough, from
+a passage Mr. Saunders had chosen, 1 Cor. xv. 10--"Not I, but the grace
+of God that was with me." We shall quote some passages from this
+discourse, relating to the character and qualifications of Mr.
+Saunders:--
+
+ He had a great gift in prayer, and could express himself very
+ copiously and pertinently in that sacred exercise, especially on
+ particular occasions. His preaching was plain, scriptural, and
+ experimental, in the good old puritanical strain. He did not affect
+ "the enticing words of man's wisdom," which please the fancy;
+ neither was he nicely curious in the form of his discourses; but it
+ was his endeavour to touch the conscience and impress the heart. He
+ insisted largely on the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, especially
+ on the atonement of Christ and the sanctifying influences of the
+ Spirit. He looked upon these as the two pillars in the New Testament
+ temple, without which the whole building would soon fall to the
+ ground. These were his favourite subjects, his delightful topics,
+ which triumphed in his sermons, and diffused themselves through all
+ his performances. He never failed to introduce them whenever the
+ argument in hand led to them; and sometimes, like holy Paul, with
+ whose writings he was so much delighted and edified, he did not
+ scruple a digression which might exalt the name and grace of a
+ Redeemer, and endear him to himself and his hearers. He was fully
+ persuaded that these were the essential parts of the Gospel scheme;
+ that they were clearly revealed in the holy Scriptures; that they
+ could not be dropt without giving up Christianity: and what he had
+ felt of the importance of them to himself was one great reason of
+ his inviolable attachment to them.
+
+ He was diligent in his work, and in labours more abundant. Besides
+ the care of his own congregation, which was very large, he
+ frequently visited his friends abroad; preached several lectures;
+ and was ready to lay hold on every opportunity to do good: and God
+ wonderfully owned and blessed his labours. There were many added to
+ the Church under his immediate care, and a promising harvest
+ appeared to be springing up there, even when God laid him aside and
+ called him to receive his reward. May it grow up to maturity, to the
+ joy of such as may enter on his labours. But his usefulness was not
+ confined to his own people: there are several in other places, both
+ in the great city and in the country, which have reason to bless God
+ for the benefit which they received by his ministry. His course was
+ short, but it was well run. He had not quite twenty years allowed
+ for public service in the Church of Christ; but there are few in
+ these later times that have done so much in so short a time.
+
+ He was a person of great moderation, and behaved with much decency
+ and candour towards those who differed from him. He claimed a
+ liberty of judging for himself in matters of religion, and as
+ readily granted the same to others; which did not proceed from a
+ coldness and indifference towards that which appeared to him to be
+ "the faith once delivered to the saints," but from an earnest desire
+ to secure and propagate it. It was his fixed and settled judgment
+ that the mind of man could not be forced; that things must be
+ received in the light in which they appear to the understanding;
+ that heat and passion eclipse the glory of Gospel truths; and that
+ severe censures, given out by fallible and uninspired men, would
+ prejudice persons against them.
+
+ To his own people he was a tender and affectionate shepherd,
+ sympathizing with them in their trials, counselling them in their
+ difficulties, relieving and supporting them in their straits, and
+ praying earnestly for them in all their troubles. So cordially was
+ he united in affection to them, that no solicitations could prevail
+ upon him to remove from them, though considerable offers were made
+ him from abroad, and great importunity used to prevail on him to
+ accept them. This endeared him very much to his flock, and did not a
+ little contribute to the success of his labours among them.
+
+ He met with many uncommon afflictions, under which he generally
+ appeared easy and cheerful. He did not burden his friends with long
+ and tedious complaints, but poured them out before that God who is
+ able to "help in every time of need"; and he was supported and
+ carried comfortably through several of them. They certainly gave him
+ uneasiness, and might impair his health; but they contributed very
+ much to the improvement of his better part: he came forth out of the
+ furnace as "gold tried in the fire"; and some of the best sermons he
+ ever preached were those which succeeded his severest exercises.
+ These led his thoughts very far into the mysteries of providence,
+ and enabled him to set many of its darkest scenes in a fair light,
+ that he might comfort those that were in any trouble by the comfort
+ wherewith he had been comforted of God.
+
+The sentiments and counsels of dying Christians, especially of ministers
+who have been devoted to their work, have some peculiar solemnity and
+weight. On this account we shall give a few passages from a letter,
+written by Mr. Saunders to his flock during his last illness, which was
+by his direction publicly read to his people immediately after his
+funeral sermon.
+
+ DEARLY BELOVED IN THE LORD,--You well know that for a great while I
+ have laboured under the afflicting hand of God, during a
+ considerable part of which time I could not tell but I might be
+ again permitted to speak to you in his name; but when at length all
+ reasonable hopes of this kind were cut off, I began to think of
+ writing a few lines to leave with you. My weakness increasing put me
+ off those thoughts, until the importunity of a friend animated my
+ former resolution and set me upon it.
+
+ Providence favoured me with a station of service among you for
+ upwards of fourteen years, during which season I was led through a
+ great variety of trying afflictions; under which, as God was pleased
+ to direct and support me in a very surprising way, and at last
+ delivered me, so I must in justice say that you behaved to me in the
+ most affectionate and Christian manner. You were sharers with me in
+ my afflictions; your mouths, upon every emergency, were readily
+ opened unto God for me; you rejoiced with me in the removal of my
+ affliction and every favourable turn given to my affairs; and you
+ bore the many interruptions of my service with unparalleled patience
+ and cheerfulness. This could not fail of begetting in me the
+ greatest endearedness and tenderest affection for you; so that my
+ soul was knit to you. My great concern was to serve you; I never
+ thought myself so happy as when I was labouring among you; and often
+ begged that, if it were consistent with the will of God, I might
+ live and die amongst you. And I can now look back with pleasure, to
+ think that I was enabled to refuse all the solicitations I had to
+ leave you. God has been seen amongst us; there has been a glory upon
+ our assemblies; and the great ends of a Gospel ministry, such as the
+ conversion of some, and the training up of others for a better
+ world, I hope have been in some measure attained amongst us. But now
+ I speak no more, nor you hear me any more. And yet, though I am gone
+ from you, I persuade myself, from the cheerful attention you paid to
+ my services while among you, that you will at least lend an ear to
+ what in this manner I say to you. In this respect you may truly
+ apply that passage--"Being dead, he yet speaketh."
+
+In a further paragraph he states--
+
+ I have no other foundation for my own soul than what I have
+ represented unto you as the only foundation for you to build upon,
+ and that you know is God's everlasting love, displayed and drawn out
+ in the sending of his Son, and all that he has done, is doing, and
+ will do for us; and in the complete work of the Spirit in forming us
+ for, and bringing us unto, the full possession and enjoyment of all
+ at last. And what a glorious work, my friends, is this! You have it
+ in miniature when the soul is born again: there is then every
+ essential part; but there must be a great many perfecting strokes
+ before the piece will be complete, and fit to be set in the presence
+ chamber above. There are some sour and knotty pieces, that require
+ more hewing and polishing than others. In some, the constitutional
+ evil may perhaps not be removed, until the constitution itself be
+ broken; which may in some measure account for the difference of the
+ dispensations that good men pass through in this world.
+
+After other weighty remarks, he gives them advice as to the choice of a
+successor:--
+
+ (1.) Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves together, to cry
+ unto the Lord of the harvest to send a labourer amongst you: a
+ loiterer will do you no good. Keep up, and all of you frequent,
+ prayer-meetings. "If you seek him, he will be found of you." Whilst
+ God is with and amongst you, all will be well. I have never yet
+ seen, but where Churches have waited upon God, and kept up their
+ application to him, they have succeeded well at last, though
+ sometimes it has been long first. "He has never said to the seed of
+ Jacob, Seek ye me, in vain."
+
+ (2.) Let your first views of the person you fix upon be, at what he
+ himself is: I mean, endeavour above all things to have a man of
+ religion, who shall be able to talk over the great things of God in
+ a feeling, experimental manner. If this be not the case, whatever
+ his gifts may be, and how popular soever his talents, vital religion
+ will dwindle under his ministrations; or, if you should maintain the
+ name, the thing will be lost. Neither the orthodoxy of his judgment
+ nor the popularity of his delivery will ever compensate the want of
+ this. Nor can you expect a blessing from heaven, and that success
+ should attend the service of that man that is not inward with God,
+ and hearty for him in what he does. "The tree is known by his
+ fruits."
+
+ (3.) When you have satisfied yourselves in the best manner you can
+ as to the religious part, then have regard to prudence and temper.
+ If a man have not prudence, what will he do that must necessarily be
+ concerned with so many different dispositions--families under a
+ great variety of circumstances, as well as those who are round about
+ them? And if he is not a man of temper, you will have the less
+ pleasure and advantage from his conversation. Some will neglect him;
+ others will be afraid to communicate their sentiments unto him. How
+ many, otherwise famous men, who seemed to be formed for considerable
+ service, have miscarried here!
+
+ (4.) Remember, you are in a state of imperfection yourselves; and
+ such, after all your care, will be the person you have to labour
+ among you: a man subject to like passions and infirmities with
+ yourselves--one who at times may need your pity and forbearance, as
+ you share in his. However, though this be a reason against being too
+ curious and tedious, yet, on the other hand, do not be too hasty in
+ your determination. "In the multitude of counsellors there is
+ safety." You are to make the choice and determine the affair; but,
+ in order to your doing this with steadiness and prudence, advise
+ with some grave, solid persons, that you know are concerned for your
+ welfare, and will give you the best direction they can.
+
+ (5.) I beseech and entreat you, that you "fall not out by the way,
+ seeing you are brethren." Be together as the primitive Church was,
+ with one accord as well as in one place. Oh, that of you it might be
+ said, as of them, that "the multitudes that believed were of one
+ heart and of one soul." Bury for ever--bury all former prejudices.
+ How would my soul have rejoiced to have seen that happy day! But I
+ please myself to think it will soon be, and therefore shall use the
+ Apostle's words (Phil. ii. 1, 2), "if there be any consolation in
+ Christ."
+
+ I had a design of saying something more; but He that has cut me
+ short in all the other parts of my work, has done so in this last
+ attempt of respect and labour of love: but they are the words of a
+ dying man, and the real sentiments of my heart. I shall leave that
+ passage with you (Acts xx. 32), "And now, brethren, I commend you to
+ God and to the word of his grace," &c.
+
+In the year 1727, Mr. Saunders being in London, Doddridge supplied the
+pulpit at Kettering for a Sabbath, when he was minister of Kibworth. A
+letter Mr. Saunders wrote to Doddridge immediately after this will just
+serve to show that while Mr. Saunders was blessed with much comfort and
+usefulness, it was not every one of the members of his Church that had
+imbibed the spirit of their pastor.
+
+
+ _To Mr. Doddridge._
+ _June 1st, 1727._
+
+ MY VERY DEAR AND VALUABLE FRIEND,--I am extremely obliged to you for
+ your kind and consolatory epistle, and also for your kind services
+ last Lord's-day; but am very sorry that my clerk should abscond. I
+ suppose it was to give a specimen of his high orthodoxy, and for
+ fear his tender conscience should be defiled with some of good old
+ Mr. Baxter's divinity. Now this man, who is so much afraid for
+ himself, has lately put a son apprentice in London, where he
+ frequently hears swearing in the family, and is obliged to go to
+ church, and has not liberty so much as to come and hear me now I am
+ in town. But I always observed that the most highly orthodox, are
+ remarkably defective in some branch or other of the Christian
+ character. This is the man, too, who was so much offended because
+ Mr. Brock was not excommunicated for going to church, who has now
+ obliged his own child to attend it for seven years! I hope my very
+ good friend Doddridge will take no notice of his conduct, nor in the
+ least slight his friends at Kettering upon that account. There are
+ not many such as he, though I cannot say but there is more than one;
+ but were they generally of his mind, I would preach the Gospel to
+ the wild Indians before I would serve them. You have a great many
+ sincere friends in Kettering that love you well, and are always
+ pleased with your good services; and I may without compliment say,
+ when I am there, that you have one who esteems you according to your
+ desert, and that, in my opinion, is beyond any man of your standing
+ I ever knew.
+
+After the death of Mr. Saunders the Church wished to have Mr. Wood,
+afterwards Dr. Wood, of Norwich, to be their pastor, but he declined
+acceding to their request. Mr. Benjamin Boyce, then a student at
+Northampton, under Dr. Doddridge, was invited on probation; and on May
+7, 1740, he was ordained. Of the ordination service Mr. Boyce gives the
+following account:--
+
+ Mr. Julius Saunders, of Denton, introduced the solemnity with a very
+ serious and suitable prayer; after which Mr. Floyd more fully
+ engaged in prayer, with great copiousness of expression, and I hope
+ with great fervency. Mr. Simson preached a very plain and
+ evangelical sermon from 2 Cor. iv. 7--"We have this treasure in
+ earthen vessels," &c. Mr. Goodrich read the invitation of the
+ Church, to which the deacons present expressed their consent in the
+ name of the Church by lifting up their hands, with which I declared
+ my determination to comply. The same person received my confession
+ of faith, which I publicly read; and after asking me several
+ questions usual upon such an occasion, prayed over me. Dr. Doddridge
+ gave me a very affectionate and important charge, which I desire
+ never to forget; and to the people, a very free and affectionate
+ exhortation. The whole solemnity was concluded by Mr. Dorsley in
+ prayer.
+
+ Oh that God would make his strength perfect in my weakness, and his
+ grace in my unworthiness! Oh that a double portion of his blessed
+ Spirit may be poured upon me, who am so weak an instrument! and that
+ such grace may be given me, who am less than the least of all
+ saints, that I may "preach the unsearchable riches of Christ," and
+ may be owned of him in my sincere desires and mean endeavours, if it
+ is agreeable to the purpose of his grace, to fit and prepare many
+ souls, that are either brought home or are yet strangers to him, by
+ faith and holiness, for the complete enjoyment of "the inheritance
+ of the saints in light." Thus may the Church of God be daily
+ increased and edified, till all its pastors and all its members
+ shall meet together to ascribe glory and grace to Him that sits on
+ the throne and the Lamb for ever. Amen.
+
+Mr. Boyce continued his ministry for 30 years over this people. During
+that period 161 members were added to the Church, and at his death the
+Church numbered 120 members. He died October 24th, 1770, aged 54 years.
+"Mr. Boyce was a native of Coventry, educated for the ministry at
+Northampton; in size rather under the middle stature. He was a close
+student, a practical and experimental preacher."
+
+The Meeting House was new roofed soon after the commencement of his
+ministry, which indicates that it could not have been done well at the
+first, as it had only been built about 18 years. Several new pews were
+made over the stairs leading to the galleries, and where forms had
+before been set; which pews were immediately filled, and continued so,
+as did all the others, until his death. He was buried in the aisle
+before the pulpit, where his wife also, and mother, and two children
+were interred; and a handsome stone, with a suitable inscription, was
+placed in the front of the desk. "He lived much beloved, and died much
+lamented." Robert Hall observes, "that Mr. Boyce sustained the pastoral
+office for a long series of years with the highest reputation and
+success; and his death was deplored as an irreparable calamity, leaving
+it very improbable that a successor could be speedily found capable of
+uniting the suffrages of a people whose confidence and esteem he had so
+long exclusively enjoyed. Such is the imperfection of the present state,
+that the possession of a more than ordinary portion of felicity is the
+usual forerunner of a correspondent degree of privation and distress;
+and the removal of a pastor who has long been the object of veneration
+generally places a Church in a critical situation, exposed to feuds and
+dissensions arising out of the necessity of a new choice." This appeared
+in the case of Mr. Boyce's immediate successor.
+
+Mr. Addington, of Harborough, delivered the funeral oration at the
+interment of Mr. Boyce, and Mr. Gregson, of Rowell, preached the
+funeral sermon, from 1 Thess. iv. 13, 14. In the closing part of that
+sermon we find the following statements in the account given of Mr.
+Boyce:--
+
+ It should be known that he feared the Lord, like good Obadiah,
+ greatly, from his youth. He gave himself up to the Church of Christ
+ under the pastoral care of Mr. Simpson, of Coventry, when he was 16
+ years of age. He acquired a rich stock of useful and valuable
+ knowledge from those who were admirably capable of imparting from
+ their rich treasures. Thus furnished, he began the sacred work of
+ the ministry before he was 21 years of age, and has told you, in the
+ last letter he will ever write, "It was the determination with which
+ I preached my first sermon among you, to know nothing comparatively,
+ but Jesus Christ, and him crucified; and I trust it has been my
+ sincere concern to continue in that resolution to the last,
+ testifying repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus
+ Christ." You are his witnesses, my dear brethren, how well, through
+ divine grace, he abode by his determination, and you well know that
+ the doctrines of the rich, free, and sovereign grace of God were his
+ delight to study and to preach; and you must know how wisely and
+ judiciously he stated them--with what caution, guarding against
+ every extreme, and every abuse of those great and glorious truths.
+ You cannot but know with what discreet zeal, with what plainness and
+ fidelity, he published the grace of God in the ever-blessed and
+ glorious Redeemer. Was not this the chief topic he delighted to
+ insist upon? and particularly to show what holy, divine, and
+ heavenly influence it ought to have upon the hearts and lives of
+ men? and did he not do this in a very persuasive and pathetic
+ manner? Did he not preach Christ Jesus the Lord, and constantly in
+ his ministrations lay no other foundation than Christ Jesus, which
+ God has laid in Zion, for your faith and hope to build and rest your
+ eternal concerns upon? How has he declared in that very serious and
+ affectionate epistle he sent you, "I know no other foundation that
+ God has laid in Zion; and the more I survey the excellence of it,
+ as given us in the Scriptures, the more I can say it is tried and
+ precious. Nothing else will do to support the stress of our eternal
+ hope, or indeed the pressure of painful afflictions. Blessed be God,
+ here is support! here is consolation! it rejoices me to think that
+ there are so many that can add the testimony of their experience to
+ mine." The great God had blessed him with a happy temper and amiable
+ carriage and behaviour. He knew how to weep with those that weep,
+ and to rejoice with those that rejoice. He abhorred the mean conduct
+ of too many in this degenerate world, the speaking evil of others;
+ and was he not an example to believers in word, in conversation, in
+ charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, and in prudence, for almost
+ thirty-three years (which was almost double the number of the years
+ of his predecessor), amongst you, the people of his charge? Oh how
+ comfortable and delightful was the frame of his mind in this his
+ last illness, which suddenly came on him, made rapid progress in
+ extinguishing such a useful and precious light in this our Israel!
+ On the last Saturday se'nnight, being the 20th of October, when he
+ lay down upon his dying bed, he found great comfort from those
+ words, in Romans viii., former part of the 34th verse: "Who is he
+ that condemneth? it is Christ that died." He spake these words with
+ tears of joy. His language was, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and
+ there is none upon earth I desire beside thee." When he was asked
+ how he did by one of his friends, he answered, "I am well, for the
+ consolations of God are neither few nor small; God has not left me,
+ nor will he leave me." When I asked him how it was with him with
+ respect to a better world, his answer was, with great pleasure in
+ his countenance, "I can cheerfully trust my good God." He seemed
+ always, during the intervals of his wanderings, to be praying, and
+ before he died was very sensible; and, as far as can be learned, he
+ spent his last breath in committing you, his dear people, to God in
+ prayer (in which he had an excellent gift), and then sweetly fell
+ asleep in Jesus, after having finished his appointed work and
+ service.
+
+Mrs. Boyce died little more than six months after the death of her
+husband, and that shortly after giving birth to an infant. From her
+funeral sermon, preserved in manuscript among the records of the Church,
+we present the following extract:--
+
+ After having summoned the tender and happy husband from the amiable
+ partner of his joys and cares, and left her in widowhood to mourn
+ his absence for awhile, he calls her to follow him--takes her away
+ from all her new-formed and pleasing connexions, and (affecting
+ consideration!) takes her likewise from her new-born babe. Methinks
+ I could now take the dear little forsaken stranger, and present it
+ to you in my arms (in the arms of my affection I do)--hear it
+ saying, in accents truly tender and striking, "Pity me, pity me, O
+ my friends, all ye my late worthy father's friends, my dear mother's
+ friends, for the hand of the Lord hath bereaved me; those who might
+ have been the guides of my youth he has taken away." Say you
+ not?--yes, I think I read the language in some of your countenances,
+ and in your tears--"Though father and though mother, dear babe, have
+ forsaken thee, the Lord take thee up."
+
+Referring to the death of Mr. Boyce, the preacher observes--
+
+ Though, as a congregation, he has taken away from you an able,
+ faithful, useful shepherd, who watched for your souls as one that
+ must give an account--even under a trial and loss great as that is,
+ it becomes you not to censure or complain. Our good friend who is
+ now taken away manifested the happy influence of the Gospel hope in
+ the composure of her spirit under that great loss which she lately
+ sustained, and through the afflictions by which she was removed,
+ thankfully embracing and sweetly relying upon the Redeemer's
+ consolation to his disciples in John xiv. 2-4, "In my Father's house
+ are many mansions," &c. Referring to him who has recently been taken
+ away from her and from you, she said, with apparent pleasure, in her
+ last illness, "I shall soon be with the good man in glory"; speaking
+ in joyful terms of being taken to sing praises with the saints in
+ glory, for ever and ever.
+
+In the month of April, 1771, an invitation was given to Mr. John Fuller
+to remain amongst them twelve months on trial, with a view to his
+becoming the pastor. At the expiration of that time a unanimous
+invitation was given to him. Mr. Fuller was ordained August 6th, 1772,
+when we find Messrs. Denny, Wright, King, Gregson, Dr. Ashworth,
+Addington, Hextal, and Dowley, were engaged. Mr. Fuller had been a
+member of the Church in Gravel Lane, London, under the pastoral care of
+the Rev. Noah Hill.
+
+But in little more than two years from this time, dissatisfaction arose
+in the Church with the ministry of Mr. Fuller. It is stated, that
+"several persons proposed an assistant to Mr. Fuller, but the proposal
+was rejected by Mr. Fuller and his friends." The assistant proposed was
+a Mr. Richard Fuller, cousin to the pastor.
+
+Under date of August 14th, 1774, we are informed "that a dissatisfaction
+having arisen in the minds of some of the Church members and subscribers
+with Mr. Fuller's preaching, and there being no prospect of peace and
+happiness, he this day declared his resigning his charge as minister and
+pastor; but supplied the congregation by others until Michaelmas, always
+behaving with a good temper and spirit, although his ministry was not by
+several approved." In our early days we have heard from some of the
+older members of the Church that the text of Mr. Fuller's farewell
+sermon was (Gen. xlv. 24) Joseph's counsel to his brethren, "See that ye
+fall not out by the way."
+
+But after the removal of Mr. Fuller, great discord and confusion
+prevailed in the Church and congregation. The friends of the late
+pastor, who were attached to his person and ministry, were greatly
+displeased with the conduct of those who had been the means of his
+removal. Many things were done and said which were very painful to both
+parties, created much ill feeling amongst themselves, and exposed them
+to the derision of the men of the world.
+
+After some time they sent an invitation to Mr. Saunders, of Bedworth,
+who they understood was desirous to remove; but the invitation not being
+unanimous, it was declined.
+
+Their attention was soon after directed to the Rev. T. N. Toller, who
+was a student in the academy at Daventry. Mr. Toller first preached to
+them as a supply, October 1st, 1775, when he was not quite twenty years
+of age. The first text was Acts xiii. 26: "Unto you is the word of this
+salvation sent." In the following April, two of the deacons went to
+Daventry to invite Mr. Toller to become their stated supply for three
+months; at the expiration of this time, he was again invited for nine
+months; after which he received an invitation to become their pastor,
+which invitation was cheerfully signed, June 15th, 1777, by 87 persons,
+as the call of the Church to the pastoral office. The ordination service
+was held May 28th, 1778, when Messrs. Gregson, of Rowell, Palmer, of
+Hackney, Addington, of Harborough, Robins, of Daventry (Mr. Toller's
+tutor), Toller, of London (uncle to the pastor), and Bull, of Newport,
+engaged in the services of the day.
+
+Thus commenced the longest pastorate with which the Church had yet been
+favoured; for Mr. Toller continued to labour amongst them until February
+26th, 1821, making forty-five years and five months from the time of his
+first preaching at Kettering until his death. It was a ministry of much
+acceptance, extended influence, and great usefulness. It restored peace
+to a divided people; it preserved them in unbroken harmony through all
+its course; the congregation having often a crowded appearance, and the
+Church being generally in a prosperous state; not so much perhaps by the
+numbers added to the Church, as by the advancing piety, devotion,
+consistency, and intelligence of its members.
+
+There were 221 members added to the Church during the course of Mr.
+Toller's ministry. These members, we have no doubt, might have been
+greatly increased, had the methods adopted in some places for bringing
+forward candidates for the communion of the Church prevailed under the
+ministry of Mr. Toller. We should like to convey some idea to the mind
+of the reader of the nature of that ministry with which the congregation
+at Kettering were now favoured. It was in his stated services amongst
+his own people that the peculiar excellencies of Mr. Toller were
+developed. It was our privilege in early life to sit under that
+ministry, but we think we shall fail to present a correct view of the
+impression we have on our mind as to the distinguishing features, the
+peculiar beauties, of that ministry; and if we were to do this, the
+general reader would think it too highly coloured, as our first
+impressions of sacred things, our deepest and most lively emotions of a
+religious nature, in connexion with all that we may since have known or
+attained, appear to us to have been derived, under God, from the
+ministry of Mr. Toller. His person was above the middle stature; his
+appearance in the pulpit venerable and commanding; his voice deep and
+powerful; his manner all his own, and of such a character as to chain
+the attention of the audience--always earnest, sometimes most fervent
+and impressive, rising to a high degree of impassioned eloquence when
+his assemblies were crowded, as on the afternoon of the Sabbath. His
+language was always clear, forcible, and plain, suited to the manner of
+his preaching; his sentiments most decidedly scriptural, evangelical,
+and practical, with a considerable portion of experimental piety. His
+ministry presented a full exhibition of the Christian temper. His
+discourses were distinguished by great conciseness yet fulness of
+matter, presenting often the most familiar but beautiful illustrations.
+Some of his most impressive sermons were formed entirely on the
+applicatory plan--some of them founded on Scripture inquiries, such as,
+"What think ye of Christ?" "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" &c.
+During a very large portion of his ministry he delivered expository
+discourses on the morning of the Sabbath, which were distinguished by
+great beauty, variety, and richness of improving remarks. The afternoon
+sermon generally rose out of the morning exposition; not so frequently
+from a text taken from the paragraph expounded as a passage suggested by
+the main subject of exposition. But the prayers he offered in the stated
+services of the sanctuary were perhaps the most remarkable of the
+whole--the manner was so solemn; the tone so devotional; the adorations
+so sublime; the confessions so abasing; the petitions so full, fervent,
+and appropriate; the thanksgiving so expressive and exalted; the
+surrender so complete and unreserved; the whole placing us so much in
+the presence of God, leading us to feel what we were before him, what we
+needed from him, what provision was made for us, what we were
+receiving, and what services we should render; often leading us on to
+the dying hour, and to the opening grandeurs of eternity. The value of
+such a ministry was apparent in the many cases of eminent piety that
+appeared amongst those that were trained up under it. Much of the
+Christian temper, the spirit of devotion, lively faith in the Redeemer,
+and the power of practical religion, were manifested in a considerable
+number of cases, considering the size of the place. There were "living
+epistles of Christ, known and read of all." We remember an eminently
+pious female member of the Church, of whom the pastor said, when
+improving her death, "He should esteem it an honour to be permitted to
+hold up her train in the heavenly world." While this showed the deep
+humility of the pastor, it showed the high estimate he had formed of the
+devoted member.
+
+In the year 1799 Mr. Toller received invitations from the congregations
+at Carter Lane, London, and at Clapham, to become their minister, with
+an offer of great pecuniary advantages; but such was the attachment felt
+to him by his people at Kettering, as manifested in their great anxiety
+on the subject, and in the affectionate addresses presented to him on
+this occasion, that he gave a decided negative to these urgent and
+repeated solicitations.
+
+In an address he delivered from the pulpit, in answer to those which he
+had received from his people, he bore a noble testimony to the kindness
+with which he had ever been treated by them; observing, "Twenty-four
+years ago I came to this place, under considerable and peculiar
+disadvantages, arising from extreme youth, inexperience, and the then
+critical and disjointed state of the congregation. I entered upon the
+station with fear and trembling, and with scarce a peradventure of being
+able to give any general or lasting satisfaction. During this interval,
+I have gone through many trying afflictions, some of which you have
+known, and others, some of the most trying, you have never known. I have
+many faults to remember this day before God, much coldness of heart,
+many neglects of duty, and much unfruitfulness in my office; but I will
+do you the justice to say, that I have no injuries from you to
+enumerate, no personal ill behaviour from a single individual in all
+this time to complain of; and if you had all treated my great Master
+with a regard proportioned to that I have received from you, I should
+have been the happiest and most blessed minister on earth," &c.
+
+He closed his days and his ministry together. Apoplectic seizures had
+weakened his frame, and at length had rendered him incapable of
+fulfilling all the duties of his office; while they indicated to him
+that his end was drawing nigh. In a letter written to his people, he
+intimated his wish to have an assistant. They invited the eldest son of
+their pastor, then preaching at Wem, in Shropshire, to become assistant
+to his father. This invitation he accepted; but before he entered on
+this new sphere of duty, the earthly career of his beloved and venerated
+father closed in death. "He preached on Lord's-day morning, February
+25th, 1821, with much of his usual animation, from Isaiah lxiii. 7-13,
+and remarked at the close of the discourse what encouragement this
+passage affords the widow and the fatherless to put their trust in God,
+finishing his last public discourse with these lines of Doddridge:
+
+ "To thee an infant race we leave,
+ Them may their father's God receive;
+ That ages yet unborn may raise
+ Successive hymns of humble praise."
+
+
+He spent the evening surrounded by his family, and conversing with his
+children in a strain of cheerful piety; and after a night of sound
+repose arose as well as usual the next morning. About noon, leaving the
+parlour, he was found a few minutes after in an apoplectic fit, or a
+seizure resembling apoplexy. Several medical men repaired to the spot,
+but life was extinct.
+
+His remains were interred in the ground belonging to the Meeting House
+on Thursday, the 8th of March. On that occasion Mr. Horsey, of
+Northampton, read the Scriptures and prayed, and Mr. Edwards, of the
+same place, delivered the funeral oration. Mr. Hall, of Leicester,
+preached the funeral sermon on the same day from Heb. xiii. 7--a sermon
+which presented a most impressive representation of the responsibility
+attaching to a people that had been favoured with such a ministry, and
+the tremendous consequences that must follow the misimprovement of such
+advantages.
+
+Mr. Toller only published during his life a sermon on the "faithful
+saying," entitled "A Plain and Popular View of the Evidences of
+Christianity"; a sermon occasioned by the death of the Rev. Samuel
+Palmer, of Hackney, Mr. Toller's most intimate friend, from 2nd Timothy
+i. 10--in which occurs this striking passage:--
+
+ Suppose this house had been three times its present size, and had
+ been filled for half the century past with a constant crowd of
+ hearers; suppose the fame of the venerable man now gone had been
+ shouted to the skies, and he had been held up as the pride and
+ prince of preachers; but after all, this had been _all_:--suppose
+ selfish motives had been supreme, under the disguise of love to
+ souls; a mere notional religion had been propagated; people had been
+ only amused, and amazed, and made to wonder and admire; but no minds
+ really instructed, no hearts humbled, no sinners turned from the
+ errors of their ways, no Christian graces implanted, no Christian
+ duties promoted; in this case all these fifty years (as we have
+ seen) must end; and what is the consequence? What would all this
+ parade and popularity have proved to him? Only the bursting of a
+ glittering bubble; the retreat of an actor from the stage amidst the
+ clappings of the theatre, which he was to hear no more. There is one
+ passage of Scripture which, when realized, is worth all the cases of
+ this kind which could occur put together, viz., when a dying
+ minister can look round on a weeping, affectionate flock, and say,
+ "Ye are our epistles, written upon our hearts," &c. I say, the
+ genuine application of such a passage as this to a dying minister
+ would be worth infinitely more than all the applause and popularity
+ in the world.
+
+Two discourses, occasioned by the death of the Princess Charlotte of
+Wales, were also published.
+
+Since the death of Mr. Toller two volumes of sermons, and a volume of
+expository discourses on the Book of Ruth, have been published, as
+transcribed from the Author's shorthand manuscripts. To the first volume
+of sermons was prefixed a memoir of Mr. Toller, by his friend the Rev.
+R. Hall.
+
+We will transcribe from that memoir an ever-memorable anecdote, or
+rather, the ever-memorable use the preacher made of a domestic incident
+to illustrate a most important subject:--
+
+ On one occasion he preached from Isaiah xxvii. 4--"Let him take hold
+ of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make
+ peace with me." "I think," said he, "I can convey the meaning of
+ this passage, so that every one may understand it, by what took
+ place in my own family within these few days. One of my little
+ children had committed a fault, for which I thought it my duty to
+ chastise him. I called him to me, explained to him the evil of what
+ he had done, and told him how grieved I was that I must punish him
+ for it. He heard me in silence, and then rushed into my arms and
+ burst into tears. I could sooner have cut off my arm than have then
+ struck him for his fault; he had 'taken hold of my strength, and had
+ made peace with me.'"
+
+After the death of Mr. Toller his son was invited for six months as a
+probationer for the pastoral office; at the expiration of that time he
+received a unanimous call to that office, which he accepted, and was
+ordained in October, 1821, when Messrs. J. Hall, Horsey, Edwards, Scott,
+Bull, and Hillyard were engaged in the principal services of the day.
+Thus, the eldest son of the late pastor, who had been educated for the
+ministry at the academy at Wymondley, succeeded to the place of his
+father in the most harmonious manner, and with the most cheering
+prospects of comfort and usefulness. During the 31 years that have
+elapsed since then, that harmony has been uninterrupted, that comfort
+and usefulness continued--the son pursuing a similar plan to that which
+the father adopted, in expounding the Word of God on one part of the
+Sabbath, to give enlarged views of Scripture truth, and to present the
+almost boundless variety the Book of God contains, habitually aiming to
+preserve a connexion between one part of the Sabbath services and the
+other. During the ministry of the present Mr. Toller 211 members have
+been added to the Church.
+
+In the year 1849 very extensive alterations were made in the Meeting
+House, together with the building of a new vestry, school-rooms,
+class-rooms, and a dwelling-house for the sexton; the whole cost of
+which was about L1400, which was paid off within two years from the
+re-opening. The place is greatly changed from what it was. The large
+chandelier, with its dove and the olive leaf, is gone; the beautiful
+gaslight taking the place of the candles. The old pulpit is removed
+from its place, having long ago lost its noble sounding-board, it being
+now understood that the voice is better heard without such an appendage.
+The spacious windows on each side of the pulpit are lost, to make way
+for the new school-rooms, which are open to the Chapel. But the whole,
+we believe, has been greatly improved; additional room having been made
+for the hearers on the Sabbath, for the week-evening lecture, and also
+for the accommodation of the Sabbath-school, its Bible and its Infant
+classes. The present number of Church members is nearly 200; the
+scholars in the schools about 280.
+
+Services are conducted in seven villages by members of the Church,
+chiefly on Sabbath evenings.
+
+An impartial review of the whole will, we believe, present to the pastor
+and the flock the most abundant reason to "thank God and take courage."
+
+In the history of this Church, we cannot but observe the very
+interesting fact which it presents, of 75 years having been already
+filled up by the ministry of the father and the son (and we trust that
+there is a probability of years of useful service being added in the
+case of the latter to the period that has passed), during which a
+Christian society and a numerous congregation have been preserved in
+peace, with the interests of vital religion advancing. While such a fact
+speaks well for the spirit and continued improvement of the people, it
+says much also for the Christian temper, the consummate prudence, the
+able and successful labours of the pastors, while to God they would
+unitedly ascribe all the glory.
+
+At Warkton, about two miles from Kettering, occasional services are
+held. In this village Mr. Thomas Stone, another of the Puritan
+ministers, was rector--"a person of good learning," it is said, "and
+great worth: a zealous Puritan, and a member of the classes." "He died,
+an old man and full of days, in the year 1617." Bridges observes, "that
+he was inducted into the living of Warkton in the year 1553." If this
+statement be correct, he must have been rector of that place 64 years.
+He was a learned man, of great uprightness, and uncommon plainness of
+spirit, minding not the things of this world; yet, according to Wood, "a
+stiff Nonconformist, and a zealous Presbyterian." At Geddington, the
+birth-place of Mr. Maidwell, the first pastor of the Independent Church
+at Kettering, there is a Chapel regularly supplied on the Sabbath
+evenings. This place of worship was provided by Mr. Nathaniel Collis,
+for many years a respectable bookseller in Kettering, and a deacon of
+the Church--Geddington was his native place.
+
+Services are also conducted on Sabbath evenings at Great Oakley, five
+miles from Kettering; occasionally at Orlingbury, five miles in another
+direction; also at Thorpe and Loddington.
+
+
+BROUGHTON.
+
+The Dissenters of Kettering have conducted occasional services in the
+village of Broughton, about three miles distant on the road for
+Northampton, for many years past. But rather more than five years ago,
+there were four or five young men in this village who began to think of
+the things which belonged to their everlasting peace; they formed
+themselves into a little band, and resolved that they would meet weekly
+and study the holy Scriptures, and encourage each other in the ways of
+God. They subsequently joined a Christian Church at Kettering. Becoming
+anxious for the welfare of those around them, they had a cottage
+licensed for preaching; that was found too small for those who wished to
+attend. In the meantime several other Christian friends came to the
+village, and at length, in the year 1850, a Chapel was erected; it is a
+neat structure, capable of containing about 200 hearers. In January,
+1851, a Christian Church was formed, consisting of 19 persons; Mr.
+Toller and Mr. Robinson, of Kettering, being present, and conducting the
+services. This village Church is formed on the broad principle of
+Christian union, designated simply a Christian Church, without
+denominational distinction; its present number of communicants is 22.
+There is preaching here on the afternoon and evening of the Sabbath, by
+friends from Kettering and other places. An interesting Sabbath-school
+is conducted, numbering more than 60 children. The teachers express the
+earnest desire that many of them may be gathered into the fold of
+Christ, and become useful in their generation.
+
+This place was once noted as the residence of the eminent Puritan
+divine, Robert Bolton, B.D. He was presented to the rectory in the year
+1609, and continued until his death, in 1631. It is stated concerning
+him, that "he was a most authoritative and awakening preacher, being
+endowed with the most masculine and oratorical style of any in his
+time;" that "he was so deeply engaged in his work, that he never
+delivered a sermon to his people in public till he had preached it to
+himself in private."
+
+"His remains were interred in the chancel of Broughton Church, where
+there is a half-length figure of him with his hands erected in the
+attitude of prayer, resting on a book lying open before him; and
+underneath is a monumental inscription in black marble, of which the
+following is a translation:"--
+
+ Here lies,
+ peaceably sleeping in the Lord,
+ the body of Robert Bolton,
+ who died December the seventeenth,
+ in the year 1631.
+ He was one of the first and
+ most learned of our Church.
+ His other excellencies all England knoweth,
+ lamenting the day of his death.
+
+Mr. Bolton published a number of works; those most known in the present
+day are his 'Directions for Walking with God,' and his 'Four Lost
+Things.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT MARKET HARBOROUGH.[3]
+
+
+If a stranger were passing through the small but respectable town of
+Market Harborough, on the road to Leicester, with the intention of
+observing what was most worthy of notice, he would see on the right of
+the principal street, in the upper part of the town, a handsome
+structure, of considerable dimensions for the size of the place. On the
+front of the building he might notice the inscription--"Independent
+Chapel." If an intelligent traveller, he would think, Surely this was
+not the first origin of Independency here! This must have been erected
+for a body of some standing in the town. On inquiry, he would find that
+there had been an old Meeting House, which had stood at the top of the
+lane leading for Great Bowden for more than 150 years, during the whole
+of which period a numerous and respectable body of Dissenters had
+assembled in it; but that the building, with its plain walls, its high
+pews, its deep galleries, its antique pillars, and irregular form, had
+been entirely taken down; and this Chapel, in a more eligible position,
+had been raised by the present congregation. And he might be informed
+that it was nobly done; for after the most liberal subscriptions,
+amounting to L1600, a moiety of which was lost by the failure of the
+bank in which they were deposited: (in consequence of this, an appeal
+was made to the public, the result of which about made up the loss
+sustained:) the whole amount that remained to complete the cost was
+raised on the day of opening; the sum expended in the erection of the
+Chapel exceeding L3000.
+
+
+[3] Market Harborough is in the county of Leicester; but being just on
+the verge of Northamptonshire, it has always been connected with the
+Association in that county, and hence has a place in these 'Memorials.'
+
+
+From this introductory statement, we shall lead the reader back to the
+early history of this cause.
+
+In looking backward for 190 years, we find that by the "Act of
+Uniformity," passed in the year 1662, Mr. Thomas Lowry was ejected from
+the Church in this place. Though we have no record of his life or his
+labours, beyond the statement "that he was a native of Scotland, and had
+a living in Essex before he came to Harborough," yet by his
+Nonconformity he teaches us that he had embraced principles which led
+him to refuse to bow to the dictates of men in the things of God, and
+which prompted him rather to sacrifice his worldly interests than what
+related to truth and a good conscience.
+
+The probability is, that some of the people to whom he had ministered
+would become Nonconformists with their pastor; but whether he obtained
+any opportunities of preaching to them after his ejectment is not known.
+Subsequent events lead us to the conclusion that the principles of
+Nonconformity must have obtained a number of adherents in Harborough and
+its vicinity; because we find that, eleven years after the passing of
+the "Act of Uniformity" (_i.e._, in the year 1673), Mr. Matthew Clarke
+became the stated pastor of an Independent congregation here. This
+brings before us the first clear and certain information relative to the
+early history of this cause in Harborough.
+
+A short distance from Leicester lies the village of Narborough, where,
+at the restoration of Charles II., Mr. Matthew Clarke was the rector;
+the living being worth at that time about L120 per annum. His father and
+grandfather had both been ministers in the Church. He was educated,
+under the best masters, with a view to the profession--first, in the
+Charter House, in London; afterwards, under Dr. Busby, at Westminster;
+and under Dr. Temple, at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was a diligent
+student; became eminent for his scholarship: but what was still more
+important, he became early devoted to God; associated himself with some
+students who were remarkable for piety, and who engaged in such
+exercises as tended to prepare for the work of the Christian ministry,
+for which they were designed. He obtained the degree of M.A.
+
+He was presented to the living of Narborough in 1657. After pursuing his
+labours there for five years, he was ejected as a Nonconformist. He was
+earnestly pressed to conformity by Mr. Stratford, the patron of the
+living, but could not by any means bring his conscience to a compliance
+with what the law required. For conscience' sake he was a sufferer.
+Devoted to his work, he took every opportunity of preaching the Gospel
+in Leicestershire and parts adjacent. He was watched narrowly by some
+furious justices of the peace; and though he had the happiness often to
+escape, yet he was three times a prisoner in Leicester Gaol, for the
+crime of preaching the Gospel! After dwelling for a time in a lone house
+in Leicester Forest, and being driven from thence by the "Five Mile
+Act" to Stoke Golding, he was invited to Harborough, where he came and
+settled in 1673; and had a large congregation. This appears to have been
+the first and the permanent settlement of Protestant Nonconformists of
+congregational principles in this place.
+
+In connexion with Harborough, Mr. Clarke also took the charge of a
+congregation meeting at Ashley, a village about five miles from the
+former place; and during the whole course of his subsequent ministry he
+regularly preached at Ashley in the morning, and at Harborough in the
+afternoon, every Lord's-day. His ministry appears to have been highly
+valued, and to have been eminently successful; at the close of it the
+Church numbered 202 members, a very large proportion of them living in
+the villages surrounding Harborough--some of them a number of miles
+distant. In the character of Mr. Clarke were combined unbending
+integrity and conscientiousness, with great kindness of spirit and
+manner. Of the first we have proof in his decided Nonconformity--in his
+willingness to suffer rather than to sin--in his following the path of
+duty, whatever might be the dangers to which it exposed him--in his
+steady pursuit of all the labours of his calling until laid aside by his
+last affliction--in his firm resistance of acts of injustice and
+oppression, as shown when, being convinced that the King's tax on his
+salary was unjust, he firmly and successfully refused payment: of the
+latter we have proof in his affectionate regard to the truly pious
+wherever he beheld them--in the peaceful temper which he breathed--in
+the kind and profitable intercourse he promoted between his
+brethren--and in the conciliatory spirit he manifested towards those who
+were the enemies of the Gospel, or of the cause he supported.
+
+Mr. Clarke had one son, named after him, who for a time became an
+assistant to his father in the work of the ministry at Harborough. The
+venerable father contrived, amidst all that he suffered for conscience'
+sake (and he drank largely of the bitter cup), to take peculiar care of
+the education of his son, whom he early instructed in the learned
+languages, together with several young persons who were studying under
+his tuition for the ministry.
+
+The parent's wish to see his son a preacher of the same Gospel for which
+he was suffering was honourable to himself, but it seems to have led him
+to devote that son to the work without waiting to see whether God
+approved; which, but for the grace bestowed upon the youth, might have
+been a fatal injury to himself and thousands more. After revolving the
+question seriously in his mind, and reflecting on the sacrifices which
+the ministry would require, the son was at length animated to comply
+with the father's desire, by the consideration that they that "turn many
+to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever."
+
+On examining his own religious character, he said that he had endured
+much distress because he could not discern that remarkable change which
+many had experienced; still, however, he dreaded above all things a
+hypocritical profession; and though at first he thought his abstinence
+from sin, as well as his attention to secret prayer and other duties,
+might have arisen from a fear of offending his parents, yet he trusted
+that at last they sprang from the principle of love to God.
+
+After he had acquired, not only Latin and Greek, but also several of the
+Oriental languages, in which his father possessed uncommon skill, and
+had added to them a familiar acquaintance with Italian and French, he
+went to study for the ministry under Mr. Woodhouse, a celebrated teacher
+in Shropshire. From thence he removed to London; and having joined a
+Church there, and heard several of the most celebrated preachers, he
+returned to Leicestershire, where he began his ministry as assistant to
+his father, amidst the storm that raged in the year 1684. He was so
+useful that very large additions were made to his father's Church while
+he was with him. "When he was present," says Mr. Neal, "at the
+declaration which the new converts made of the powerful impressions
+received under his ministry, oh, how he would humble and abase himself
+before God in prayer, and set the crown of his success upon the head of
+free grace!" During the first three years of his ministry he also laid
+the foundation of several congregations in that country. He was in 1687
+called to preach at Sandwich, in Kent, where he was detained by the
+importunity of those who derived benefit from his labours; but after two
+years was recalled by the equal solicitations of his father and the
+flock in Leicestershire. But though he then settled with them, they were
+compelled by a sense of duty to give him up almost immediately, for,
+having preached an occasional sermon in London, he was invited to assist
+Mr. Ford in Miles' Lane. This was his final removal from Harborough.
+After Mr. Ford's death he became the sole pastor of the Church, was the
+means of changing a declining cause into one of the most prosperous
+Churches in London, and attained a very high degree of popularity and
+usefulness, which were maintained by the divine blessing even to the
+close of his life. With the inspiration of friendship added to that of
+genius, Dr. Walls composed a Latin epitaph, which was inscribed on his
+tomb in Bunhill-fields; and at the request of friends he gave an English
+translation, which would furnish an eloquent and spirited memoir of the
+deceased. This epitaph we insert here, because Harborough was the scene
+of his youthful days, his early education, his decided piety, and his
+first stated engagements in the ministry, which were so excellent and
+successful as to give promise of all the future eminence he attained. It
+may be found in the last volume of Watts's Works, page 439.
+
+
+SACRED TO MEMORY.
+
+ In this sepulchre lies buried
+ MATTHEW CLARKE,
+ A son bearing the name
+ Of his venerable father,
+ Nor less venerable himself:
+ Trained up from his youngest years
+ in sacred and human learning:
+ Very skilful in the languages:
+ In the gift of preaching,
+ excellent, laborious, and successful:
+ In the pastoral office,
+ faithful and vigilant:
+ Among the controversies of divines,
+ Moderate always, and pacific:
+ Ever ready for all the duties of piety:
+ Among husbands, brothers, fathers, friends,
+ he had few equals:
+ And his carriage toward all mankind was
+ Eminently benevolent.
+
+ But what rich stores of grace lay hid behind
+ The veil of modesty, no human mind
+ Can search, no friend declare, nor fame reveal,
+ Nor has this mournful marble power to tell.
+ Yet there's a hast'ning hour--it comes!--it comes!
+ To rouse the sleeping dead, to burst the tombs,
+ And set the saint in view. All eyes behold,
+ While the vast records of the skies, unrolled,
+ Rehearse his works, and spread his worth abroad;
+ The Judge approves, and heaven and earth applaud.
+
+ Go, traveller; and whereso'er
+ Thy wandering feet may rest
+ In distant lands, thy ear shall hear
+ His name pronounced and blest.
+
+ He was born in Leicestershire, in the year 1664.
+ He died in London, March 27th, 1726,
+ Aged 62 years,
+ Much beloved and much lamented.
+
+The elder Mr. Clarke continued his labours at Harborough and Ashley,
+until he was seized with palsy on one side; after which, perceiving that
+his work was done, and his end drawing nigh, he removed to his
+daughter's (Mrs. Allen, of Norwich), where he died, about 1708, nearly
+80 years of age.
+
+There is preserved, in the handwriting of Mr. Some, a copy of a Church
+covenant, that appears, from its early date, to have been adopted during
+Mr. Clarke's ministry. Being one of the oldest of the kind, and very
+concise, we think it deserves to be transcribed and inserted here.
+
+ We do solemnly, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, "who walks
+ in the midst of the golden candlesticks; who hath his eyes like a
+ flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass," declare, that by the
+ grace of God we will henceforward endeavour to reform whatever is
+ amiss amongst us, according to the best understanding we have of the
+ holy Scriptures, which we believe to be the only rule of faith and
+ worship; humbly avouching the Lord to be our God, and humbly hoping
+ that he hath avouched us, though most unworthy, to be his people.
+ Subscribed May 30th, 1690.
+
+The persevering labours, the consistent character, the extended efforts,
+and important influence of Mr. Clarke in this situation, appear in the
+members that composed the Church, as before stated, and 172 of whom were
+gathered from about 30 villages in the vicinity. The village Chapels
+being few in number in those days, the Nonconformists travelled from the
+places around to assemble for worship at Harborough and Ashley, as the
+centres where, on the Lord's-day, they could meet together.
+
+The next pastor of the Church is one concerning whom the language is
+verified, that "the memory of the just is blessed"; for though the
+modesty and deep humility of Mr. Some were such that he forbade any
+memorials being published of his life and character, and before his
+death destroyed all his papers that presented anything of this kind, yet
+his name is mentioned with great veneration and esteem to this day. It
+appears probable that he was assistant or co-pastor with Mr. Clarke a
+short time before the close of his labours; that he came to Harborough
+about the year 1706, as his name stands in the first trust deed of
+Ashley Meeting House about that time, as the recognized minister of both
+places. He took the sole pastoral charge in 1709, as he then entered the
+names of all the members of the Church in a book, which he preserved. He
+united the pastorate of Ashley with Harborough, and laboured at both
+places in the manner of his predecessor, connecting with them also a
+considerable extent of village itineracy, by which his character was
+much endeared and his ministry greatly blest.
+
+Mr. Some had one son, who was training for the ministry, but who died
+before he fully entered on the work. He was for a time a fellow-student
+with Doddridge, and became his most intimate friend; so that,
+immediately after his death, Doddridge writes to Mr. Clarke, of St.
+Albans--
+
+ It pleased God, in the afternoon of yesterday, to take away my dear
+ companion and brother, Mr. Some. There was no person in the world of
+ his age whom I respected more or loved so well. At the academy we
+ were partners in study; and since I came to Harborough he would,
+ when his health would permit it, take frequent journeys with me to
+ Kibworth on the Lord's-day. And what sweet counsel have we taken
+ together when "we went to the house of God in company!" I have been
+ informed of some of his expressions of respect and tenderness for
+ me, which affect me exceedingly. He has ordered me to preach his
+ funeral sermon from Psalm lxxiii. 26: "My flesh and my heart fail
+ me, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
+ But my mind is so shattered with grief, and mine eyes filled with
+ tears, that I hardly know how to read or write.
+
+In another letter he says: "Mr. Some, though he appears to feel it like
+a parent, yet supports himself under it with a serenity and fortitude
+worthy of so excellent a Christian and minister."
+
+The eminence to which Mr. Some attained, and the success of his
+ministry, is partly attested by the fact that 270 persons were added to
+the Church during his pastoral labours.
+
+Doddridge came to reside at Harborough while minister at Kibworth, to
+enjoy the society and friendship of Mr. Some. In the year 1729 he became
+his assistant, taking services alternately at Kibworth, Harborough, and
+Ashley; and by the earnest advice of Mr. Some he commenced his academy
+at Harborough.
+
+When the Dissenting ministers in the neighbourhood agreed to meet at
+Lutterworth, to spend a day in humiliation and prayer for the revival of
+religion, Mr. Some preached upon that occasion a very important
+appropriate discourse--from Rev. iii. 2: "Be watchful and strengthen the
+things which remain, that are ready to die"--"On the methods to be taken
+by ministers for the revival of religion." He also published a very
+excellent funeral sermon for Mr. Saunders, of Kettering, from the text
+he had chosen, 1st Cor. xv. 10: "Not I, but the grace of God which was
+with me."
+
+We have further discovered a small volume of 56 pages, entitled 'The
+Assembly's Catechism Explained, and the principles of religion therein
+contained confirmed by the Holy Scriptures, by David Some. Second
+edition, 1727.' It has an interesting preface, a part of which we shall
+copy, as illustrative of the views entertained by this eminent man, and
+the methods he adopted for the improvement of the rising generation.
+
+ The design of the following pages is to render public catechising
+ easy and profitable.
+
+ When young persons see a great deal before them, which they are
+ required to commit to memory, they soon grow weary of this exercise,
+ and find excuses to absent themselves from it. This difficulty is
+ removed by the narrow limits of this essay.
+
+ I fear there are many in all our assemblies "who need to be taught
+ the first principles of the oracles of God," and yet their age and
+ circumstances prevent their submitting to this way of instruction.
+ There is a particular regard had to these in this composure. The
+ questions are so framed that there is room for enlarging upon them,
+ as the importance of the argument may require. The treating upon the
+ heads of divinity in this way insensibly leads into a freedom and
+ easiness of expression, which is hard to attain in a more set and
+ continued discourse: this hath the more direct tendency to inform
+ the judgment and fix the attention. I have seldom observed a drowsy
+ hearer whilst I have been engaged in this part of my work; I wish I
+ could say so of the other parts of it.
+
+ I hope I need not make any apology for adding the Scriptures; this
+ will be acceptable to everyone who values them. Besides, this will
+ acquaint children betimes with their Bibles, and teach them that
+ their religion is derived from that sacred book as the fountain of
+ it. * * * * * * If any should condemn the whole of this undertaking
+ as paying too great a regard to human composures, I can assure them
+ that I have long since learned to call no man master upon earth. I
+ have not attempted to explain the doctrines contained in this
+ Catechism because it was composed by that learned body of men, the
+ assembly of divines, but because I verily believe that for the
+ substance of them they are agreeable to the word of God. I was early
+ instructed in them, and have now reviewed them with some attention
+ and care, lest the prejudices of education should have been the
+ principal reason of my adherence to them; and after the most impartial
+ search, I cannot discover anything so absurd and inconsistent in this
+ scheme of religion as some have represented: and I hope I may be
+ allowed the liberty of judging for myself.
+
+ I am fully convinced of the usefulness of public catechising, by
+ more than twenty years' experience. I have seen the good effects of
+ it, and purpose to allow it a share in my public labours while God
+ continues life and a capacity for service; and if any of my worthy
+ brethren shall make use of this weak performance, I heartily wish
+ that the divine blessing may attend their endeavours to promote real
+ religion and practical godliness.
+
+ D. S.
+
+As a specimen of the method he adopted, we present to the reader the
+short section "of assurance and other blessings."
+
+ _Q._ What are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or
+ flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
+
+ _A._ The benefits which do either accompany or flow from
+ justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God's
+ love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace,
+ and perseverance therein to the end.
+
+ May true believers be assured of God's love? Yes. (Rom. v. 5.) "The
+ love of God is shed abroad in our hearts." May they have peace of
+ conscience? Yes. (Rom. xv. 13.) "The God of hope fill you with all
+ peace in believing." May they have joy? Yes. (Rom. v. 11.) "We also
+ joy in God." Is the Holy Ghost the author of it? Yes. (Gal. v. 22.)
+ "The fruit of the Spirit is joy." Shall true Christians grow in
+ grace? Yes. (Prov. iv. 18.) "The path of the just shineth more and
+ more unto the perfect day." Is perseverance the Christian's duty?
+ Yes. (Phil. iii. 14.) "I press towards the mark." And their
+ privilege? Yes. (1st Peter i. 5.) "Who are kept by the power of God,
+ through faith unto salvation." What may we infer from hence? I. That
+ religion is not a melancholy thing. (Prov. iii. 17.) "Her ways are
+ ways of pleasantness." II. Growth in grace is an evidence of the
+ truth of it. (Mark iv. 8.) "Others fell on good ground, and did
+ yield fruit that sprang up and increased." III. That weak Christians
+ should not be discouraged.
+
+When his death occurred, Doddridge wrote--"It is to my unutterable grief
+that I hear this day that our dear friend, Mr. Some, is dead. I hardly
+know how to bear it." Again: "We know in whose hands our lives are, and
+those of our friends who remain--a soul-quieting thought, which I would
+apply to the unspeakable loss I have sustained in the death of that
+great and good man, that invaluable friend, Mr. Some, whom I honoured
+and loved as a parent."
+
+Mr. Barker, of Hackney, wrote--"The death of the excellent person you
+have lately lost afflicts me greatly. There are few such ministers
+anywhere, and few such men in any age. I know that his modesty was
+excessive, but am sorry to find that it has deprived us of those
+memoirs, which, touched over by your hand, would have been very
+instructive and entertaining; but if we must not read his life and
+character, let us remember and imitate his exemplary piety, prudence,
+and diligence. This truly revered and excellent man died May 27th, 1737.
+God was pleased to favour him with a serene and cheerful exit, suited to
+the eminent piety and usefulness of his life. "I am well satisfied,"
+remarks Doddridge, "that considering how very generally he was known, he
+has left a most honourable testimony, in the hearts of thousands, that
+he was one of the brightest ornaments of the Gospel and the ministry
+which the age has produced; and that all who have had any intimacy with
+him must have esteemed his friendship amongst the greatest blessings of
+life, and the loss of him amongst its greatest calamities."
+
+An interesting memorial exists, written by Mr. Some, which shows the
+method he adopted in admitting candidates to the Church; clearly
+indicating what he considered their qualifications should be; what was
+the nature of the connexion they were about to form; and with what
+spirit and purpose they should unite themselves to the society to which
+they desired to be admitted.
+
+ _Questions to be addressed to Candidates for Communion._
+
+ 1. Wherefore do you desire communion with this Church?
+
+ 2. Will you endeavour to walk circumspectly and peaceably amongst
+ us, as it becomes a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ?
+
+ 3. Will you attend upon the ministry and ordinances of this Church
+ as often as you can?
+
+ 4. Do you purpose to stand by us, and steadfastly to adhere to us,
+ if times of difficulty and trial should come?
+
+ 5. Do you therefore, in the presence of God and his people here
+ assembled, give up yourself to the watch and care of this Church,
+ promising to submit to the discipline that is exercised therein, so
+ far as it is agreeable to the mind of Christ revealed in his word?
+ If these be your designs, then in the name of our blessed Redeemer,
+ and with the consent and approbation of this Church, I open the
+ doors thereof for your admittance into it, and declare you a member
+ of it, earnestly desiring that God would bless you in it.
+
+Towards the close of Mr. Some's ministry the Chapel House was purchased
+of Walter Renals, and bought by Knightley Holland, for the use of the
+minister for the time being.
+
+In the year 1844 this house was taken down, and the new Chapel erected
+near to the spot where it had stood; for some years before it having
+ceased to be occupied by the minister of the place.
+
+After Doddridge removed to Northampton, as Mr. Some, through the failure
+of his strength, was incompetent to undertake the whole of the services
+devolving on him, he was provided with another assistant in 1730, in Mr.
+J. Halford, a native of Northampton, who, though he never enjoyed the
+advantages of an academical education, possessed good natural talents.
+He remained until 1734, when he removed to Horselydown. After the
+removal of Mr. Halford, Mr. Some had no other assistant to the day of
+his death, but most probably restricted his labours. He died in the 57th
+year of his age; "and," said this holy man of God with his dying breath,
+"If any ask how David Some died, let it be answered, that he sought and
+found mercy." Dr. Doddridge preached his funeral sermon, after his
+remains had been interred in the chancel of the parish church of Great
+Bowden. The knowledge of the spot is only preserved by tradition, which
+must be attributed to that fatal modesty which induced him in his last
+moments to commit his writings to the flames. His best earthly memorial
+is in the affection and reverence with which his name has been so long
+cherished.
+
+After the death of Mr. Some we find an unsettled interval of fifteen
+years, during which many changes took place; and no records were
+preserved by the Church of the events that occurred, or of the state of
+things amongst them.
+
+We learn from the correspondence of Doddridge, that the year after the
+death of Mr. Some, Mr. Toaker received an invitation of such a pressing
+nature to become the pastor of the Church at Harborough, that he was
+constrained to accept the call; but two years after this he speaks of
+the ordination of one of his students, Mr. Isaac Wilkinson, over the
+Church at Harborough, being fixed to take place May 9th, 1740. Then
+again, in a letter written to Dr. Clarke, of St. Albans, February 27th,
+1741, he speaks of Ashley and Harborough as being vacant.
+
+In the list of Doddridge's students, given at the close of the last
+volume of his 'Correspondence,' we have the names of Samuel Smalley, as
+settled at Harborough, who entered the academy in 1737; and of Jabez
+Hirons, as minister at Harborough, who entered the academy in 1745. All
+that we can gather from these statements is, that the congregation was
+during this period in a very unsettled state, not having become united
+for any length of time under any pastor, or having anyone to settle
+peacefully and usefully over them until the year 1752, when a pleasing
+change took place in the choice of Mr. Stephen Addington.
+
+It appears that Mr. Addington was a native of Northampton, and a student
+under Dr. Doddridge, by whom he was treated with all the kindness of a
+father. He commenced his labours at Spaldwick, Huntingdonshire. He had
+not, however, been there more than two years before this situation was
+offered to his acceptance, which had been chosen and marked out for him
+in the wishes, at least, of his foster parent. The following
+circumstance led to the appointment: Upon the resignation of a pastor
+who had never felt himself at home among the people, their choice was
+divided between two persons, who had been proposed by their respective
+friends. At length it was wisely agreed by both parties to withdraw
+their suffrages from each in favour of a third candidate, if one could
+be found who should be agreeable to the whole congregation. At this
+juncture Mr. Addington was recommended to them by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert,
+of Oakhampton, and in 1752 received a unanimous invitation to settle
+amongst them. Accordingly, in the month of July he removed to
+Harborough, and established himself in the very house where his good
+friend had lived. He was ordained in September, 1753, on which occasion
+the service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert, of Northampton, Mr.
+Goodrich, of Oundle, Mr. Boyce, of Kettering, Mr. Gregson, of Rowell,
+and Dr. Ashworth, of Daventry.
+
+The first five years of Mr. Addington's residence were devoted
+exclusively to the duties of his pastoral office. His congregation was
+considerable, and some of them came from a distance of several miles;
+but the Church at Ashley had now a pastor of its own, so as no longer
+to require the stated engagements of the minister at Harborough.
+
+So entirely did Mr. Addington appear to possess the confidence and
+affections of his people, that he became scarcely less their friend and
+counsellor in their various secular concerns than their spiritual guide
+and instructor. The leading object of all his plans was their moral and
+religious improvement. In pursuance of this great design, it was Mr.
+Addington's custom to distribute and associate as many of his people as
+he could into classes, according to their age, sex, and situation. In
+these societies they were in the habit of meeting at stated times for
+prayer and religious converse, often attended by their minister; the
+societies were always under his superintendence, and once in every year
+(about Christmas) each of them spent a comfortable evening together at
+his house. Even the female servants had their annual day, on which,
+after assembling in the Meeting House, and spending a part of the
+afternoon in cleaning it, they partook of a social and friendly
+entertainment provided for them.
+
+Mr. Addington's labours among his people were both acceptable, and
+beneficial to the great purposes of the Christian ministry. His strain
+of preaching was chiefly practical and experimental, and his delivery
+animated and affectionate. But beside his many ministerial and pastoral
+engagements, Mr. Addington at length added the arduous undertaking of a
+boarding-school, in which he succeeded the Rev. Mr. Token, of Kibworth,
+whose school was removed to Harborough. During a part also of this
+period he extended his pastoral charge to the congregation at Kibworth.
+At this time he was by no means a strong and healthy man; and after
+continuing his exertions of one kind or another for nearly thirty
+years, he began to find some failure in his energy and activity; and
+under this impression it seemed prudent to contract the sphere of his
+duties. Whilst preparing to carry his design into effect, circumstances
+occurred which eventually issued in his removal; the active part which
+he took in the politics of the day somewhat affecting both his
+usefulness and his comfort towards the close of his residence at
+Harborough. While he was thus circumstanced, he received an invitation
+to a charge in Miles Lane, London, which determined his removal in
+October, 1781. It was not, however, without the severest struggle that
+he resigned a connexion that had long been endeared to him by almost
+everything calculated to produce and to cherish reciprocally in the
+parties the most cordial esteem and the liveliest affection. The
+connexion might indeed not be said to have been broken up, but exchanged
+for an intimacy differing only in the mode and in the degree of its
+friendship, and which continued to the end of his days.
+
+After Mr. Addington's removal from Harborough, he became tutor of an
+academy first established at Mile End, which afterwards existed at
+Hoxton, and then at Highbury.
+
+"The friends of evangelical truth, lamenting the heterodoxy or coldness
+of another seminary, associated to provide for the Churches pastors of a
+different spirit. At first they engaged some ministers of established
+reputation for piety and orthodox sentiments, to give lectures at their
+own houses to such young men as were selected from the Churches in
+London and its vicinity. This mode, however, soon proved so inconvenient
+that they were compelled to provide in 1783 a building at Mile End, to
+which they invited Stephen Addington, minister of Market Harborough, as
+tutor of what was now called 'the Evangelical Academy.' The friends of
+the institution procured him a diploma of Doctor of Divinity; but as he
+had lately relinquished a similar charge under the impression of
+declining vigour, he had scarcely begun to 'gird up the loins of his
+mind' to the duties of his new office with the hope of extensive
+usefulness, before he was attacked by a severe indisposition, which laid
+him aside for some time. Though he recovered beyond expectation, and
+resumed his labours with new ardour, he was again disabled by
+affliction, and at length compelled to resign his office as tutor in
+1789.
+
+"As he had been chosen pastor of the congregation in Miles Lane, he
+continued to labour there under the pressure of infirmities, but
+encouraged by the generous attachment of his flock, for years after he
+resigned his academical charge."
+
+In February, 1796, he was called away from his labours and trials by
+death, in his sixty-seventh year. "He was an amiable man, of correct
+deportment, ardent piety, and zeal for usefulness. His learning was
+extensive rather than profound; he projected more works than he found
+time to execute; and his dread of living in vain induced him to grasp at
+objects to which his strength was inadequate. As a preacher, he was more
+esteemed than admired, for his elocution was defective, though earnest;
+and his thoughts, always good, were seldom great. His 'Treatise in
+Defence of Infant Baptism,' and his 'Life of the Apostle Paul,' are the
+best known among his publications, of which our limits will not allow us
+to give the full list."--So write the authors of the 'History of
+Dissenters,' Vol. IV., p. 264.
+
+Of the 'Treatise on Baptism,' Job Orton says--"Addington hath lately
+published a small piece upon it, which I think comprehends everything
+valuable that hath been written."
+
+A dedication to his congregation at Harborough is prefixed to this
+Treatise, from which we make the following extract:--
+
+ MY DEAR FRIENDS,--You have, in the following pages, the result of a
+ free and serious inquiry into the Scripture doctrine of Christian
+ baptism. After reading many controversial tracts on the mode and
+ subjects of this ordinance, I found myself obliged to examine the
+ sacred pages before I could be thoroughly satisfied either as to the
+ manner or time of life in which it ought to be administered.
+ Previous to this inquiry, I endeavoured to divest myself of every
+ prejudice, and determined to follow the truth whithersoever it might
+ lead me. Far be it from me to assert that I have nowhere mistaken
+ the language of the Holy Spirit in the several passages that either
+ give an account of the administration of Christian baptism or tend
+ to explain the nature and design of the institution; but this I hope
+ I can say, that I have endeavoured to enter into the true meaning of
+ them, and have explained them in a sense that appears to me (upon
+ the maturest consideration) most consistent and scriptural. I think
+ myself obliged to tell you, that the inquiry has afforded me
+ abundant satisfaction. The reasons for our practice of baptising
+ children, and that by sprinkling or pouring of water, appear to me
+ now in a much stronger light than before; and I am more fully
+ convinced than ever that the specious objections that are thrown out
+ against it have no solid foundation in reason or the word of God.
+
+This is dated, Harborough, September 6th, 1770.
+
+The interval was not very long from the resignation of Mr. Addington to
+the settlement of Mr. Gill, as Mr. Addington's resignation is dated
+August 12, 1781, and Mr. Gill commenced his labours in the early part of
+1782. During the interval the pulpit was supplied by neighbouring
+ministers, and the students from the academy at Daventry; among the
+latter of whom was Mr. Belsham, afterwards recognized as the champion of
+Socinianism. The principal candidates were Mr. Bennett, who afterwards
+settled at Kiderminster; Mr. Cooke, who finally settled at Halifax; and
+a Mr. Severn. During this state of indecision, Mr. Garner, in his
+travels into Yorkshire, heard of Mr. Gill, who, being highly recommended
+as an excellent man, was introduced to the Church at Harborough.
+
+Mr. Gill was a native of Netherthong, a small village near Holesfirth,
+in Yorkshire. He was educated at the academy at Heckmondwicke, and
+commenced his labours at Swanland, not far from Hull. After a residence
+of about eight or nine years in that place, he was invited to the
+pastoral office over this Church and congregation. Mr. Gill's acceptance
+of the invitation is dated March 22nd, 1782. Mr. Gill continued his
+labours after this union for a long period, with honour to himself and
+benefit to others. He was permitted to preach the Gospel to them for
+more than six-and-thirty years, while he lived among them for at least
+half a century. A paralytic affection rendered it necessary that he
+should retire from his labours and resign his charge, in the year 1818.
+In the interval between this period and his death, he was, with the
+exception of the time he spent at Coventry with a son, regular in his
+attendance at the Meeting where he had ministered; and though all the
+powers of his mind were much impaired, his relish for the word was
+undiminished, and his habits of devotion never left him to his dying
+hour.
+
+This holy and venerable servant of God breathed his last at the house of
+his son-in-law, Mr. French, of Great Bowden, on the evening of February
+2nd, 1832, at the age of 79. He was buried in the ground connected with
+the Meeting, when Mr. Wild delivered the funeral oration; Mr. Bicknell,
+of Crick, and Mr. Robertson, of Wellingborough, engaged in prayer; Mr.
+Chater, of Kibworth, giving out the hymns. His funeral sermon was
+preached on the Sabbath following, by Mr. Scott, of Rowell, from Acts
+xi. 24: "He was a good man," &c. (the character of Barnabas). During the
+ministry of Mr. Gill 248 members were added to the Church.
+
+Having some recollections of Mr. Gill's person and ministry, from having
+heard him a few times in the latter part of his labours, in his own
+place of worship and in neighbouring places, we should describe him as
+rather above the middle stature; very grave in his aspect; his manners
+gentle and kind; his spirit devotional and fervent; always serious in
+his work; his matter plain, pious, experimental, decidedly evangelical
+in sentiment: his voice was not of great compass. Mr. Gill was not
+distinguished by grasp of mind, power of reasoning, depth of thought, or
+extent of information. His powers, whether natural or acquired, were not
+of a high order. His case shows us what may be done by the weight of
+character, fervent consistent piety, without superior mental endowments,
+in filling a respectable station with credit and usefulness. Mr. Gill
+was considered to be exemplary in visiting his flock, and to this was
+added the care of a considerable boarding-school, which he had for a
+number of years; and our impression is, that more time was spent in such
+engagements than could comport with the efficient discharge of the
+duties of the pulpit. Hence we fear, from what was manifested in the
+state of the Church and congregation after his retirement, that the
+result of his labours was not of the most satisfactory kind.
+
+On the resignation of Mr. Gill, Mr. Jukes, now of Bedford, supplied
+Harborough for many months with great acceptance. Mr. Francis, of
+Lancaster, also came as a candidate for a short time.
+
+Mr. Gear, now of Bradford, Wiltshire, then a student at Hoxton Academy,
+succeeded as a probationer, and was invited by a large majority to take
+the oversight of the Church. The want of entire unanimity led Mr. Gear
+at first to decline accepting the invitation; but, upon its being
+renewed, he ultimately complied with the call, and was ordained to the
+pastoral office in October, 1822. The ministers engaged were Messrs.
+Notcutt, of Wilbarston, now of Ipswich; Robertson, of Stretton,
+afterwards of Wellingborough; Maslem, of Hertford, Mr. Gear's pastor;
+Dr. Harris, of Hoxton, Mr. Gear's tutor; Scott, of Rowell, now tutor of
+Airedale Academy; Green, of Uppingham; and Roberts, of Melton.
+
+Mr. Gear continued his labours at Harborough until the year 1830, when,
+not finding that concord and good feeling between him and the people
+necessary for each other's mutual advantage and happiness, he complied
+with an invitation he received from Bradford, in Wiltshire. Letters were
+addressed to him signed by 375 persons, urging his stay at Harborough,
+but he declined to do so. After his departure, a handsome gift of plate
+was presented to him, as a memorial of esteem and affection from his
+numerous friends.
+
+Mr. Gear's removal, and a difference of opinion concerning the
+candidates which were recommended and heard, led to considerable
+altercation and painful division of feeling. The following ministers
+supplied the pulpit as probationers: Mr. Johnson, from Highbury; Mr.
+Wooldridge, from Gideon Chapel, Bristol; Mr. Hewlett, late of Newberry.
+Mr. Slye, of Potterspury, was unanimously invited to visit Harborough as
+a probationer; but, having no desire to remove from his people, refused.
+
+Mr. Wild, late of Gainsborough, and educated under Mr. Joseph Fletcher,
+of Blackburn, was recommended to the friends at Harborough by Dr.
+Raffles, of Liverpool. In May, 1831, Mr. Wild was invited to spend three
+or four Sabbaths, at the expiration of which time he received an
+invitation to the pastoral office; but conceiving the time he had spent
+among them too limited to form a just opinion of the people and the
+suitabilities of the place, he engaged to spend a month or five weeks
+more before he gave his final answer to the wishes of the people. Mr.
+Wild accepted the invitation, and his recognition as the pastor took
+place November 9th of the same year. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool; Scott,
+of Rowell; Toller, of Kettering; Roberts, of Melton; Chater, of
+Kibworth; Hewlett, of Lutterworth, engaged in the services of the day.
+
+Mr. Wild's ministry here was of short duration, and attended with the
+want of unanimity and peace; so that in the year 1835, perceiving the
+continuance of dissatisfaction, with no prospect as he thought of party
+feeling abating, and consequently little hope of future comfort and
+usefulness, he sent a notice of his intention to resign, which was read
+by Mr. Hobson, of Welford, on Lord's-day, January 11th, 1835, his
+ministry having continued about three years and a half.
+
+The present pastor (Mr. H. Toller) is the fifth surviving son of the
+late Rev. T. N. Toller, of Kettering. He pursued a course of preparatory
+study under Mr. Walter Scott, late of Rowell; and afterwards was a
+student at Coward College, London. At the expiration of his studies, he
+was invited as a probationer to Harborough, and ultimately to take the
+pastoral charge, which he accepted, and was ordained October 27th, 1836.
+His brother, Mr. Thomas Toller, of Kettering, delivered the charge--Mr.
+Edward Mial, then of Leicester, the introductory discourse; and Mr.
+Mursell, of the same place, preached to the people.
+
+Though the Church and congregation could not be considered in a happy,
+prosperous state, when this settlement took place, yet they gradually
+attained to a condition of peace and prosperity to which they had for
+some years been strangers.
+
+In the ninth year of Mr. Toller's ministry the present Chapel was built,
+to which we have referred at the commencement of this account. On the
+day of opening, large assemblies were collected together, and a noble
+spirit of liberality was manifested. Dr. Reed, of London, preached in
+the morning, from Num. x. 29; Dr. Leifchild, in the evening, from Rom.
+v. 9. Mr. Alexander, of Norwich, preached on the next Sabbath. The whole
+amount collected at these opening services was L199. 1s., and donations
+were presented of sufficient amount at once to set the Chapel entirely
+free from debt. All this made it a season of gladness and of lively
+interest to the people.
+
+Since this effort they have gone forward with renewed vigour and united
+energy. The number of members added to the Church during the present
+pastorate is 179. The present number of communicants is 163. The general
+Sabbath-school connected with the place contains 150 children. In the
+Infant-school, conducted on the Sabbath, there are 80 children. For the
+use of the latter, a room has been recently erected over the general
+school-room, with class-rooms for the elder children, at a cost of L230,
+the whole of which has been paid. Occasionally services are conducted,
+chiefly on Sabbath evenings, by several members of the Church, in five
+villages in the vicinity of Harborough.
+
+The whole aspect of things in this Christian society now presents a
+happy illustration of the sentiment, that a united people, under a
+faithful pastor, will go on and prosper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT ASHLEY AND WILBARSTON.
+
+
+It might appear to be difficult to some of the Nonconformists of the
+present day to decide, why their forefathers should fix on this village
+as a place where they should carry on the stated ministrations of the
+Gospel, and form a Church on Congregational principles. The population
+of the village is too small to present a suitable sphere in itself for a
+Dissenting congregation, while the Episcopal Church has the patronage of
+the State and receives her emoluments. It was probably regarded by those
+engaged in its formation as presenting a central spot, where the
+Nonconformists who resided in surrounding villages might conveniently
+assemble. Hence, during its early history the hearers travelled from a
+number of places in the vicinity. One of the stated hearers, who died at
+an advanced age a few years ago, and who had been connected with the
+place from his earliest days, informed the writer that he remembered
+hearers coming from thirteen villages to attend under the ministry of
+the Gospel at Ashley. Since that period Chapels have been erected in
+several of those villages, in which stated services are conducted; and
+this, as a matter of course, diminishes the number of travellers to the
+old places.
+
+The history of the Independent Church at Ashley is connected, during the
+first 60 or 70 years of its existence, with that of Market Harborough.
+It was formed under the labours of the same minister, about the same
+time (1673), and continued under the charge of the same pastors until
+some time after the death of Mr. David Some. For the character and
+labours of its first pastors (Mr. Matthew Clark and his son, succeeded
+by Mr. Some, who had Doddridge as an assistant for a time), the reader
+is referred to the preceding memorials of the Church at Harborough. The
+record of members of the Church, preserved in the handwriting of Mr.
+Some, shows that Church-meetings were held at Ashley, members admitted
+there, the Lord's Supper administered; proving that it was regarded as a
+distinct Christian society, under the pastoral charge of the minister of
+the Church at Harborough. After Doddridge came to reside at Harborough,
+and became assistant to Mr. Some, he took his turn in preaching at
+Ashley. Tradition says, that on one occasion he baptized nine children
+at the house of a respectable farmer at Weston, about a mile from
+Ashley, whose family were long connected with the place, and at whose
+house the minister frequently, in those days, dined on the Sabbath. From
+Doddridge's own pen we learn that some of his published sermons to young
+people were preached at Ashley, for he dedicates them to the young
+people in the congregations at Northampton, Harborough, Kibworth,
+Hinchley, and Ashley, as the places where they had been preached. The
+following note is appended to the sermon entitled 'The Orphan's Hope,'
+from Psalm xxvii. 10: "When my father and mother forsake me, then the
+Lord will take me up":--"This sermon was preached at Ashley, in
+Northamptonshire, March 6th, 1725, to some young persons whose father,
+mother, and sister had all died of the small-pox a few days before." In
+the introduction to the discourse he observes--
+
+ There are few precepts of the Gospel which will appear more easy to
+ a humane and generous mind than those in which we are required to
+ weep with them that weep; and surely there are few circumstances of
+ private life which will more readily command our mournful sympathy
+ than those of that afflicted family, to the poor remains of which
+ you will naturally, on the first hearing of these words, direct your
+ thoughts, and perhaps your eyes too--the circumstances of a family
+ which God hath broken with breach upon breach--of those distressed
+ children whose father and mother have forsaken them almost at once,
+ and who have since been visited with another stroke, which if alone
+ had been very grievous, and when added to such a weight of former
+ sorrows is, I fear, almost insupportable. I believe all of you who
+ are acquainted with the case sincerely pity them, and wish their
+ relief; but I am under some peculiar obligations to desire and
+ attempt it, not only on account of my public character, but as I
+ know the heart of an orphan, having myself been deprived of both my
+ parents at an age at which it might reasonably be supposed a child
+ should be most sensible of such a loss. I cannot recollect any
+ Scripture which was then more comfortable, as I think none could
+ have been more suitable, to me, than that which is now before us.
+
+He touchingly and beautifully addresses the orphan family towards the
+close of the discourse.
+
+It must have been eight or ten years after the death of Mr. Some, which
+took place in 1737, before the Church at Ashley had a pastor placed over
+it separate from the Church at Harborough, for the first pastor here
+appears to have been a Mr. John West, who had been a student at
+Northampton in Doddridge's academy; for though we have no account
+preserved of the period when he commenced or when he closed his
+ministry, yet we find that he entered the academy at Northampton in the
+year 1740. If immediately on the close of his studies he became the
+pastor of the Church at Ashley, according to the usual term this would
+not take place until 1745 or 1746; and as we find another pastor chosen
+within eleven or twelve years from this time, and have no further
+account of Mr. West, it is probable that he closed his life and his
+ministry at a comparatively early age.
+
+In the year 1757, Mr. Samuel Bacon was chosen pastor of the Church at
+Ashley, in which office he continued for 32 years. The residence of Mr.
+Bacon's family was Sutton-in-Ashfield; he studied for the ministry at
+the academy at Mile End, when Dr. Conder and Mr., afterward Dr., Gibbons
+were the tutors.
+
+It is supposed that Ashley was Mr. Bacon's only charge; during his
+ministry here his residence was at Wilbarston. No particulars have been
+preserved of his character or ministry, the success of his labours, or
+the state of the Church while he was pastor. He appears to have been
+highly esteemed, and was spoken of by his friends as one of the most
+lovely, amiable men they ever knew. Mr. Bacon was one of the first
+trustees for the Meeting House at Weldon and the property connected with
+it, and one of the monthly lecturers there for a number of years,
+frequently conducting also the extra service they obtained on a Sabbath
+evening in addition to the monthly lecture. At Corby also Mr. Bacon had
+some engagements of a similar nature. We find his name inserted in the
+account of the ordination of Mr. J. Fuller, at Kettering, in 1772. He
+died rather suddenly, February 6th, 1789, and was buried in the Meeting
+House, beneath the pulpit, where Mrs. Bacon was also interred, and Mrs.
+Talbot, one of his three daughters.
+
+In the same year that Mr. Bacon died, Mr. George Bullock was invited to
+become the pastor, and entered on his stated ministry; residing, like
+his predecessor, at Wilbarston. He was a student at Mile End when Dr.
+Addington was tutor, and we have heard that he was a favourite student
+of the Doctor's; one memorial of this we have seen. There is in the
+hands of a daughter of Mr. Bullock a neat pocket Bible, in two volumes,
+published in 1640, that evidently was used by Dr. Addington when he
+preached in the villages in the vicinity of Market Harborough, having on
+the fly-leaves the texts of the sermons noted down very neatly, with the
+places where they were preached, and the time of the service; also four
+hymns selected from the Olney Hymns by Newton and Cowper, suitable to
+sing at the services, written in shorthand, according to the system of
+Jeremiah Rich, improved by Doddridge. This Bible was given by his tutor
+to Mr. Bullock, as the following memorandum, written in each volume by
+Mr. Bullock, testifies:--
+
+ GEORGE BULLOCK.
+
+ The gift of my very dear, highly honoured, much esteemed friend and
+ tutor, the Rev. S. Addington, D.D., No 5, Grove House, Mile End,
+ London, November 6th, 1788.
+
+About four years after Mr. Bullock commenced his ministry at Ashley, a
+building was purchased and fitted up at Wilbarston for a Meeting House.
+Occasional services in a licensed room had for some time been held; and
+the attendance increasing, it was thought desirable to have a larger
+place and more regular services. This Meeting House was opened in the
+year 1793, and from that time it was connected with Ashley, to have one
+service by the pastor every Sabbath morning or afternoon alternately,
+and occasionally a Sabbath evening lecture; so that he became the
+minister of both congregations, regularly travelling from one place to
+the other to conduct these services.
+
+In the early part of Mr. Bullock's ministry at Ashley there was some
+considerable increase in the congregation and the Church; but this did
+not continue to the close of his course. After labouring for about
+twenty years, in the month of January, 1809, he was seized with a
+paralytic affection, which laid him aside entirely from all public
+service. He resigned his charge, seeing no prospect of restoration, in
+March, 1810; and in the year 1811 he died, at the age of 48 years, and
+was interred in the Meeting House at Wilbarston, where a tablet is
+erected to his memory.
+
+After this Mr. William Notcutt was invited to the pastoral office, and
+was ordained June 6th, 1811.
+
+Mr. Notcutt preached at both places in the manner of his predecessor,
+and during some part of his ministry took monthly services at Slawston
+and Hallaton; but now there is a stated pastor, who preaches regularly
+at both these places. During the ministry of Mr. Notcutt a vestry was
+added to the Meeting House at Wilbarston for week-evening services and
+for the Sabbath-school. In the year 1820 the Meeting House was enlarged,
+at an expense of about L200. The ministry of Mr. Notcutt continued here
+about 15 years, and in that time about 50 members were added to the
+Church. In March, 1826, he resigned his charge, and removed to Ipswich,
+where he is still labouring as pastor of the Independent Church in
+Tacket Street.
+
+After this removal, there was an unsettled interval of about five
+years. For a short time the two congregations separated, and tried to
+have a minister for each, when a Mr. Bromiley was at Ashley and Mr. Hill
+at Wilbarston. While Mr. Bromiley was at Ashley the Meeting House
+underwent some alterations--was new pewed, and the inside considerably
+improved; but it still remains, as to the appearance of the building, in
+the state of one of the oldest Nonconformist village Meeting Houses,
+with its thatched roof without, and its uncovered beams within; and it
+may stand for years to come as a venerable relic of the olden times. The
+first trust deed of the present Meeting House is dated 1706.
+
+After a short trial of separation, it was thought to be best to re-unite
+the two places; and in the year 1831 the present minister, Mr. Thomas
+Coleman, who had previously been pastor of the Independent Church at
+Wollaston, was unanimously invited to take the charge of both
+congregations, and he has conducted the services at both places for 21
+years.
+
+At this time it was thought desirable that the residence of the minister
+should be at Ashley, as most in the centre of the connexion; a
+dwelling-house was therefore prepared, adjoining the Meeting House, as
+the residence of the minister for the time being; ground was purchased
+for the building, a garden, and a small burying place behind the
+Meeting. The alteration of the Meeting, the purchase of the ground, the
+building, &c., must have cost more than L400, which has been entirely
+paid off. There are about 17 acres of land that have been purchased with
+moneys left to the interest by different persons, which are put in trust
+for the benefit of the minister for the time being. There are now
+standing, as members of the Church, about 56 persons; the
+Sabbath-schools contain about 60 children. There are occasional services
+conducted in three villages in the vicinity, where there are rooms
+licensed for public worship.
+
+If we took pleasure in dwelling on opposition encountered, we could
+record instances which would reflect dishonour on the opposers, while in
+the result the goodness of God and the power of the Gospel were
+manifested. Nor might it be thought unsuitable to place amidst these
+'Memorials' a statement of the following facts, while names are
+concealed:--That a new rector, appointed to one of these villages,
+seemed determined to distinguish himself by opposing the occasional
+services that had been held in a licensed house for twenty years. He
+summoned his parishioners to meet in the Church; told them his design to
+put a stop to the preaching in the house; announced it as a very
+improper thing to have preaching in a house, and in a room where people
+lived; and when reminded of the Saviour's promise, that "_wherever_ two
+or three are gathered together in his name," replied, "Ah, that might be
+all very true in those days, when there were no churches built nor
+clergymen appointed; but it did not apply now." Having gained the great
+man of the village on his side, nothing would do but they must have a
+notice drawn up and served on the occupiers of the cottage where the
+service was held, that they must leave it, if they did not give up the
+preaching; and this was persisted in; though a noble Earl who had
+property in the village, to whom the pastor sent a statement of the
+case, expressed his decided wish that the service should be continued in
+its usual course,--and when after considerable effort another room, more
+commodious, was obtained, gave a handsome donation towards fitting it
+up for the service, and expressed his fervent wish that the Lord would
+give his gracious blessing to the services that might be held there. In
+the varied circumstances connected with this case, there was a striking
+display--on the one side of the narrowness and oppression engendered by
+the spirit of bigotry, and on the other of the liberality and kindness
+of enlightened Christianity. A few years have passed since then, and the
+occasional services are still continued.
+
+A voluntary Christian society, situated like this at Ashley, in the
+course of such a long period, having now existed for 175 years, must
+have undergone many changes. The erection of new places of worship in
+localities where its hearers and members in the early period of its
+history used to reside, has at length confined its connexions to four or
+five villages in its immediate vicinity, and they are of small
+population, and several of the old Dissenting families have been removed
+from them. Being simply an agricultural district, without trade or
+manufactures, there is no prospect of much increase. As young persons
+rise into life they remove to other places for employment, and some of
+the most active and useful have been thus lost to the place that gave
+them birth: but still a small Church remains to bear its testimony to
+the great principles of the Gospel, and to the truth and faithfulness of
+God; and it may yet extend and prosper, by united believing prayer and
+earnest effort, under the blessing of the great God of Zion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT WELFORD.
+
+
+In the extra-parochial district of Sulby, about a mile from the village
+of Welford, was founded in the twelfth century a monastery for a certain
+order of monks. It was handsomely endowed, and dedicated to the Virgin
+Mary. The site is now occupied by farm buildings. But as another
+illustration of the changes which occur in this mutable world, there
+resided, 180 years ago, in some part of that abbey, a man who would not
+conform to the dictates of his fellow men in the things of God--"a man
+of worth, a man of letters too;" one eminent for learning, talent,
+piety, usefulness; who laid the foundation of two Dissenting interests
+in the county of Northampton, and kept a Dissenting academy at Sulby, or
+a seminary for the education of young men, several of whom became
+eminent Dissenting ministers. This person was the Rev. John Shuttlewood,
+A.B. He was born at Wymeswold, in the county of Leicester, January 3rd,
+1632, of respectable parents, who sent him to the Grammar-school at
+Leicester, and afterwards to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he
+obtained the degree of A.B. He was ordained to the ministry in 1654, not
+by episcopal ordination it would appear, but in the method more
+generally adopted in the days of the Commonwealth, in the congregation
+of Raunston, with an honourable testimonial from the classical
+presbytery of Wirksworth, in the province of Derby.
+
+The deep humility, piety, and devotedness of his spirit were manifest by
+a solemn dedication of himself to God, drawn up about this time in
+Latin, of which the following is a translation:--
+
+ O my God, on account of my sins thou hast afflicted me with thy
+ judgments! Thou art just, O Lord! in all thy dispensations towards
+ me, because I have grievously offended against thee. I have followed
+ the world; I have too much indulged the flesh; and I have been very
+ often overcome by Satan. To thee I give up myself, to live to thee.
+ And now, before God, the searcher of hearts, I promise and engage to
+ leave my worldly concerns to the companion of my life; to renounce
+ the flesh with its affections; and to study the good of the souls
+ which thou art committing to my care. Now, O Lord! do thou so
+ strengthen and fortify me by the Spirit of grace against all these
+ my enemies, that I may obtain the victory over them. And that I may
+ seriously perform these my good resolutions, let this paper, signed
+ by my name, be a witness against me, if I lie before thee.
+
+ JOHN SHUTTLEWOOD.
+
+A man of such a spirit we should expect to find among those who refused
+to conform to the terms prescribed to the ministers of the Church, soon
+after the restoration of the second Charles. On this account he was
+ejected from the living of Raunston and Hoose, and afterward exposed to
+great suffering for his Nonconformity, and his attempts to conduct the
+worship of God and preach his word in a way his conscience approved. In
+the year 1668, when he was uniting with some others in singing a Psalm,
+one Mr. B., with thirty or forty horsemen, with swords drawn and pistols
+loaded, came and seized him with many that were worshipping with him.
+Several of both sexes were beaten and driven into the field, and there
+dismissed upon promising to appear the next day before a justice of the
+peace. Mr. Shuttlewood was conveyed to Leicester Gaol, where he was a
+prisoner for some months. After the "Conventicle Act" passed, he was
+again seized by one Charles Gibbons, a notorious persecutor and profane
+swearer--taken by him from one justice of the peace to another; and
+warrants were issued to distrain upon him for L20, upon the owner of the
+house where he preached for L20, and 5_s._ apiece on others.
+
+In 1674 Mr. Shuttlewood was living at Lubenham, a village about two
+miles from Market Harborough. There his house was entered when he was
+conducting divine service; a warrant was obtained to distrain upon him
+for L40, when seven of his milch cows were taken and sold.
+
+A short letter is preserved which was written to his wife from Leicester
+gaol, which shows the exemplary resignation, meekness, and faith with
+which he passed through his trials. It was written February 20th, 1668.
+
+ MY DEAR WIFE,--Myself and fellow prisoners are in good health. I
+ bless God, I am very well satisfied with his dispensations towards
+ me in reference to my landlady's proceedings; so that I am no longer
+ disquieted with them, nor solicitous about them, but patiently wait
+ God's gracious disposal of me. Perhaps infinite wisdom foresees some
+ inconveniency which we are not aware of, and therefore is about to
+ remove us. I am loath to leave the society of my dear brethren, Mr.
+ Clarke and Mr. Southal; but I hope in the end God will so dispose of
+ us, that we shall have cause to say, it is best for us to be where
+ God shall carry us. I know not which way to look; but our "God is a
+ very present help in a time of trouble," and will let us see that it
+ is not our forecast, but his providence, which shall provide an
+ habitation for us. Let us rather beg an improvement than a removal
+ of his dispensations. Remember me to my father, children, &c. Thus,
+ in haste, I remain, &c.
+
+The Mr. Clarke, mentioned in this letter, we suppose to have been
+Matthew Clarke, the first pastor of the Independent Church at Harborough
+and Ashley, as he was cast three times into the same prison, and was
+connected with Mr. Shuttlewood in sufferings, and also in services and
+enjoyments.
+
+He was obliged frequently to change his abode--sometimes in
+Leicestershire, sometimes in Northamptonshire, to escape from his foes;
+acting on the directions given by his Lord, "If they persecute you in
+one city, flee unto another." After a time he went to reside at Sulby, a
+place remarkable for its picturesque and secluded situation. The family
+of the Paynes, at Sulby Hall, then favoured the Nonconformists. Here he
+appears sometimes to have had a flourishing seminary. A memorandum of
+his in a pocket almanack states "that six students were added to his
+academy in one year." The following persons, amongst others, studied
+under him, and rose to eminence: Mr. Julius Saunders, afterwards
+minister at Bedworth; Mr. John Sheffield; Mr. Matthew Clarke, son, we
+suppose, of Mr. Clarke of Harborough, afterwards minister in London; Dr.
+Joseph Oldfield; Mr. Wilson, the father of Mr. Samuel Wilson, of London;
+and Mr. Thomas Emlyn. In the memoirs of the last of these it is said,
+"that his parents chose to bring up their son to the ministry among the
+Nonconformists; and that for this purpose he was sent, in the year 1678,
+for academical education to Mr. Shuttle_worth_ (should have been
+Shuttle_wood_), at Sulby, near Welford, in Northamptonshire." Here he
+stayed four years. In the year 1679 he took a journey to Cambridge, and
+was admitted to Emanuel College, but returned again to Mr. Shuttlewood.
+These circumstances indicate that Mr. Shuttlewood resided at Sulby a
+considerable time. It was during this period that he gathered a
+congregation at Welford and at Creaton. But such was the spirit of the
+times, and such the dangers to which the Nonconformists were exposed,
+that at Welford, in the year 1674, they met in a secluded part of the
+town, on the premises of Mr. Edmund Miles, where they fitted up a place
+of worship, which was the first Dissenting Meeting House there; but such
+were the activity and zeal of their enemies, that they thought it
+prudent to vary their places of meeting, and to set a guard against the
+inroads of their foes. They might have adopted the language of Nehemiah
+as their own: "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch day and
+night because of them." There was a house occupied by Mr. Charles
+Hanscomb, secluded in a narrow yard from the main street, and open to a
+field in the direction of Mr. Shuttlewood's house. Here the persecuted
+minister and his people often met, one of the number being appointed to
+watch, while the rest were engaged in worship; so that when the
+informers were seen to approach notice might be given to Mr. Shuttlewood
+and his hearers, who escaped by the window into the fields. Sometimes
+they met in the pastures which surrounded the house at Sulby, amidst the
+darkness and the damps of night. These were days of trial, when the
+reality of religious principle was tested and its power appeared.
+
+Mr. Shuttlewood was blest with a robust, vigorous constitution, yet was
+of a very tender spirit; and the death of one of his children so deeply
+pierced him as to bring on many bodily complaints, which he carried with
+him to his grave. His constitution was greatly injured by the
+sufferings he endured, and also by his preaching at unseasonable hours,
+and in unsuitable places; so that his health at length rapidly declined,
+and he died when on a visit to the Church at Creaton, March 17th, 1688,
+in the 58th year of his age. A humble stone was erected to his memory in
+the Churchyard, with this brief but honourable inscription:--"Multum
+dilectus, multum deflendus"--"Much beloved, much lamented".
+
+Now the flock at Welford were as sheep without a shepherd. They had not
+been formed into a regular Christian Church under the ministry of Mr.
+Shuttlewood; and for about ten years they were destitute of a pastor, or
+any stated ministrations of divine truth amongst them. Some of them,
+during this period, travelled as far as Bedworth, in Warwickshire,
+upwards of twenty miles, to hear Mr. Julius Saunders. Such was the love
+these servants of Christ had for the Gospel, that in the dark mornings
+of the winter season they travelled by the light of a lantern as far as
+Lutterworth, where they left it till their return in the evening, when
+it was again lighted to conduct them home. It appears that there were
+many in those days that would travel as far as their feet would carry
+them, rather than be entirely deprived of the ministry of the Gospel.
+
+Some extracts from the records of the Church at Bedworth, kindly sent to
+the writer by the present pastor of the Church, show that there were, in
+the year 1687, five persons from Welford added to that Church. This was
+the second year in the history of that Church; and at the close of it
+the pastor wrote, "thus has God increased us and doubled our numbers,
+and many of them stars of the first magnitude." William Powers, from
+Welford, who joined the Church at Bedworth, appears to have been a man
+of eminent piety. On one occasion Mr. Saunders writes, "It was while
+brother Powers was earnestly praying the Lord to thrust forth labourers
+into his harvest, that I was set at liberty from the bond that was on my
+spirit." In 1688, a female servant in one of the Welford families
+attending at Bedworth was added to the Church. In the fourth month of
+that year a Church-meeting is held at Welford, when several persons from
+Elkington and Cottesbrook are added to the Church. In the last month of
+this year we find two more from Welford joined to the Church at
+Bedworth; but the pastor records, that in the third month of the next
+year "there was great dissatisfaction expressed at a Church-meeting, on
+account of my going to Welford and preaching there the last Lord's-day,
+where there seems to be a mighty work of God upon the hearts of many
+carrying on."
+
+Mr. Saunders wished to devote one Sabbath in the month to the people
+that met at Welford; but this was strongly opposed by some of the Church
+at Bedworth, who probably desired to have the pastor always with them on
+the Sabbath.
+
+One Valentine Drake showed great opposition to the pastor going to
+preach at Welford; "but the Church," adds Mr. Saunders, "gave me
+liberty; they declared that it was meet that, as a ruling elder, I
+should appoint my own meetings to preach." "The trouble was great that I
+met with, all about going to Welford one Lord's-day in the month." The
+opponents ultimately prevailed, so that the minister was obliged to give
+up the services there. "In the 9th month, 1689, a solemn assembly of the
+Church. The Church refused to cast out Valentine Drake for all that he
+had done; and he had done much evil. He drew many after him; made a
+schism in the Church; manifested fiery passions in our Church-meetings;
+and so far prevailed, that I was necessitated to break off from going to
+Welford, whereby that great and blessed work that was going on was made
+to cease. Many that had a hand in breaking it never flourished in their
+souls after. In those days my hands were weak."
+
+"In 1691, brother William Powers, from Welford, was chosen to be a
+ruling elder. On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, at Welford, the
+brethren being assembled together--Mr. Davis, brother Tebbirt, and
+brother Taylor, from Rowell--I gave brother Powers a charge to fulfil
+his office; he declared his willing mind to do so, and that he did
+accept of the office." "Elizabeth Ridgly, of Haslebeech,
+Northamptonshire, joined this Church, 1687. She was a diligent saint,
+who came to our Church-meetings seventeen long miles, twelve times in a
+year, and that on foot." It is supposed the distance was not far short
+of twenty-seven miles.
+
+Some of the Welford hearers attended at Kettering and at Harborough
+until the year 1698, when the Rev. John Norris came to Welford. He had
+been educated to Sheriffhales, in Shropshire. When Mr. Norris came to
+Welford, the days of liberty and peace had so far dawned upon the
+Nonconformists that they could no longer be persecuted according to law;
+and his ministry proving very acceptable to the people, a new Meeting
+House was built capable of seating 500 hearers, which was opened in the
+year 1700; and in the same year Mr. Norris formed them into a Christian
+Church. The first time he administered the Lord's Supper, there were
+twenty-six members united in celebrating the Saviour's death; but after
+a few months the number increased to sixty members. The ground on which
+the Meeting House was built was given by the Paynes, of Sulby Hall; and
+five of the members of this family united with the twenty-six who first
+formed themselves into a Church under Mr. Norris.
+
+Mr. Norris was very popular as a preacher, much beloved as a Christian
+minister, especially by his brethren in the ministry. He was engaged at
+the ordination of Doddridge, at Northampton, in asking the questions,
+and offering the ordination prayer. Doddridge regarded him with
+affection and veneration, as a father. He died very suddenly, February
+8, 1738, in the sixty-third year of his age: he was buried in the
+Churchyard. The following lines on his tombstone were written by
+Doddridge:--
+
+ Decked with each manly and each Christian grace,
+ The friend of God, and all the human race--
+ While earth and heaven beheld him with delight,
+ From earth to heaven he winged a sudden flight.
+ Lo! angels pressed to bear their charge above,
+ To kindred realms of piety and love.
+
+Doddridge preached his funeral sermon, from Genesis v. 24: "And Enoch
+walked with God, and he was not, for God took him."
+
+We present a few passages from this discourse, descriptive of the
+character and ministry of Mr. Norris.
+
+ I may be permitted publicly to acknowledge (says Doddridge) the
+ sense I have of the favour of divine providence, in leading me so
+ early into the acquaintance of this excellent person, and blessing
+ me with so great a share of his friendship, with which I was
+ honoured from my first entrance into the ministry, and which his
+ singular humility and condescension, wisdom and piety, have rendered
+ exceedingly delightful and improving to me in all the succeeding
+ years of life.
+
+ And surely I should be greatly deficient in the duty of this day, if
+ I did not solemnly charge it upon you frequently to recollect your
+ obligations to the divine goodness in giving you so able and so
+ tender a shepherd, and in continuing him amongst you for so long a
+ time with such cordial love, that repeated, unanimous, and earnest
+ solicitations from the most considerable congregations in the
+ neighbouring counties could not prevail upon him to remove from you.
+ So evident was it that "he took the oversight of you, not by
+ constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready
+ mind."
+
+ It may eminently be said of you, my friends, in a spiritual sense,
+ that you have been "fed with the finest of the wheat," as the pure
+ and uncorrupted truths of the Gospel have been preached amongst you
+ with plainness and seriousness, and in the spirit of love. Your
+ minds have not been amused with useless subtilties and barren
+ speculations; you have not been vexed with strifes of words,
+ unprofitable and vain; nor grieved with passionate invectives
+ against your brethren of any denomination--invectives, which are
+ never more criminal than when delivered in the name of the Lord, and
+ which too often turn the food of souls into poison, and that which
+ should have been for their welfare, into a trap. This "good man
+ brought out of the good treasure of his heart good things"; his
+ generous and benevolent soul overflowed with sentiments of candour
+ and love; and he was never more in his own element, than when he was
+ telling you that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but
+ righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost": and I firmly
+ believe, that in the thirty-eight years of his ministry among you he
+ never delivered a sermon or a sentence inconsistent with that great
+ principle.
+
+ I join with you in lamenting that none of those elaborate and
+ judicious discourses which he delivered among you, from Sabbath to
+ Sabbath, are, or can be, published to the world: for though it is
+ certain that his graceful and venerable aspect, and his easy yet
+ lively manner, gave a peculiar beauty to them as delivered by
+ himself; yet, when I consider how judiciously his thoughts were
+ selected, how methodically they were disposed, and with what
+ propriety, elegance, and spirit they were expressed, I am well
+ assured they would generally have been esteemed a rich addition to
+ that great number of practical writings with which our age and
+ country is already blest, and with which I hope it will still
+ abound. * * * * * * * And, for what he was in the domestic relations
+ of life, I had almost said, I wish it may not be too long, but I
+ will rather say too tenderly, remembered. The loss of a husband so
+ constantly obliging, so affectionately sympathizing, so well
+ furnished as a prudent guide and a pleasant companion, and so well
+ disposed for the offices of both, will, I fear, be too deeply felt.
+ May the sense of it be tempered with those divine consolations which
+ he was so eminently fit to administer, but which have not surely
+ lost their value, and will not, I trust, lose their relish, though
+ no longer administered by him. May the children which were dear to
+ him as his own, never forget with how much diligence he instructed
+ them; with how much importunity and constancy he prayed for them;
+ and with what tenderness he watched over all their interests.
+
+ I may add, even in the decline of life this light was growing
+ brighter and brighter; and though his removal, while his capacities
+ of usefulness were to the last so great, must be very affecting to
+ you, yet I cannot forbear saying that you have some peculiar reason
+ to be thankful for the manner and circumstances of his death.
+
+ Nature was not racked with tormenting pains, nor worn out by a
+ tedious, consuming illness; but the good man grew a little drowsy
+ towards the evening of his long day, and, having "served his
+ generation according to the will of God," gently "fell asleep" as he
+ was going from one apartment of the house to another, and all the
+ business and struggle of dying was over in less time than could have
+ served him to get up the stairs, as he was attempting to do. It is a
+ delightful thought, that God dismissed his servant in so peaceful a
+ manner that his death so much resembled a translation, and "he was
+ not, for God took him."
+
+Mr. Norris preached the last Sabbath he lived, and concluded the public
+service with a copious, lively, and affectionate prayer for his people,
+which could not have been more suitable if he had known he was then
+taking his last farewell.
+
+After the death of Mr. Norris, Job Orton preached his first sermon at
+Welford, and received an invitation from the people to become their
+pastor; but this he declined, as he did several other invitations, on
+account of his engagements as assistant to Dr. Doddridge in the academy.
+
+Another of the Doctor's pupils, a Mr. Charles Bulkley, was settled over
+the Church at Welford; but early in the next year after his ordination
+he changed his sentiments on the doctrines of the Gospel, and on the
+ordinance of baptism; consequently, he was requested by the Church to
+resign his office as pastor over them, which he did, and retired to
+London, where he joined the General Baptists.
+
+At this juncture, Mr. Bottrill, a gentleman of considerable property,
+connected with the Church at Welford, was at Weldon, a village about
+eight miles from Oundle; and there he happened to hear a young minister
+preach, who was a native of Oundle, and was on a visit to his widowed
+mother, who resided there. This apparently incidental circumstance was
+the means of bringing about a connexion that was long continued, and of
+a very happy and useful character. This young minister was Mr. King, son
+of a late pastor of the Independent Church at Oundle.
+
+When Mr. Bottrill returned home, he induced the Church at Welford to
+invite Mr. King to preach to them, which he did for two Sabbaths, much
+to their satisfaction. After some further probation, he received a
+unanimous invitation to become their pastor, which he accepted, and was
+ordained in the spring of the year 1743; the Rev. Mr. Hill, of London,
+and Dr. Doddridge, preached on the occasion. When Mr. King became
+pastor, the number of members in the Church was 87.
+
+There are some interesting circumstances connected with Mr. King's early
+history, worthy of notice. If he was, like Samuel, early devoted to God,
+it was in connexion with his mother having the spirit of Hannah in
+pleading for him, and giving him up to God. His father was the Rev.
+Joseph King, highly respected as the Independent minister at Oundle. His
+mother, Mrs. Hannah King, was a lady distinguished for her piety and
+intelligence; and she earnestly desired to have a son, that she might
+devote him to the service of the sanctuary.
+
+Her desire being granted in the birth of a son, she, like Hannah, called
+his name Samuel, as a constant memorial of her prayers and her purpose.
+She fondly hoped to see him trained by paternal instruction for the
+Christian ministry, when, by a mysterious providence, with a sudden
+stroke she was bereft of her beloved partner, in the midst of his
+usefulness and in the vigour of his life, being but 46 years of age.
+Still, amidst the sorrows, the trials, and difficulties of widowhood,
+her boy not four years of age, and a family dependent upon slender means
+for support, this mother cherished her fond impression concerning this
+son. At an early age he was placed in the Grammar-school at Oundle, and
+made great proficiency; from thence he was removed to the classical
+School for Dissenters at Mount Sorrell, Leicestershire, then under the
+direction of Mr. Thomas Watson and Mr. Abel Ragg--the same Mr. Ragg who
+had been Doddridge's fellow pupil and intimate friend, and who died in
+the same year with his other beloved friend and fellow pupil, Mr. David
+Some, junior.
+
+From his earliest days, Mrs. King endeavoured to impress her son's mind
+with the important truths of the Gospel; and the Lord blessed her
+efforts and heard and answered her prayers, in the conversion of her
+son. When he had left home his religious impressions were deepened by
+the epistolary admonitions of his mother, and by the religious
+instructions of his tutors. When he removed from this school he lived
+for a time with an uncle at Long Thorpe, who was an extensive farmer,
+and steward to Sir Francis St. John, who lived there. In this situation
+he improved the leisure afforded by agriculture in a diligent attention
+to mental and devout exercises. Thus occupied, he came to a settled
+determination to enter the ministry; which purpose, after due
+consideration, he disclosed to his mother. This was joyful intelligence
+to her; and she lost no time in communicating it to a friend and patron,
+Mrs. Cooke, of Newington, a lady greatly esteemed for her piety and
+liberality. With characteristic promptitude and kindness, she
+immediately engaged to support him while prosecuting his studies at the
+academy. He was placed under the tuition of Dr. Abraham Taylor, at
+Deptford, in 1735; he continued there till 1740, when the institution
+was removed to Stepney.
+
+Mr. King attended the ministry of Mr. Thomas Bradbury, at New Court,
+with whose Church he became connected.
+
+While he was at Deptford, a party of the students went one evening to
+bathe, when Mr., afterwards Dr. Thomas Gibbons, going beyond his depth,
+was in danger of drowning. No one present could swim except Mr. King,
+who at the moment was standing at the water side at a short distance. On
+hearing the cries of the other students he hurried to the spot, plunged
+into the water, caught Mr. Gibbons by the hair when in the act of
+sinking, and thus rescued him from a watery grave, as animation was
+suspended, and was with considerable difficulty restored. Dr. Gibbons
+ever after retained a most affectionate attachment to Mr. King, and
+after he was settled at Welford paid him several visits and preached for
+him, and always recurred to this providential deliverance with grateful
+recollections.
+
+The congregation at Welford, when Mr. King became its pastor, was
+considered to be large and respectable, hearers attending on the Sabbath
+from fourteen villages around. In connexion with this circumstance it
+may be mentioned, that in some of those villages there are now stated
+congregations, either of the Independent or Baptist denomination, with
+pastors placed over them, while the congregation at Welford is as large
+as ever; which shows a considerable increase in the number of Dissenters
+in those parts in the course of the last century. Mr. King was very
+diligent and laborious in the work to which he had become devoted,
+preaching several nights in the week in the villages around, beside the
+constant services of the Sabbath. His ministry was rendered eminently
+useful, so that the Church doubled its numbers in the early years of his
+pastorate.
+
+He married Miss Elizabeth Norris, the only child of his predecessor, by
+whom he had a family of ten children. It was a circumstance not
+honourable to his people, considering their numbers and the wealth of
+some individuals among them, that Mr. King had to struggle with
+pecuniary difficulties, which almost led to his removal from them. A
+pressing invitation was sent to him from the congregation at Castle
+Gate, Nottingham, to be co-pastor with the venerable James Ross, M.A.,
+with an offer of more than double the salary that he was receiving at
+Welford. The difficulties attending him here, with his numerous family,
+inclined him to attend to this call; but when it became known to his
+people, they waited upon him, expressed their great regret that he
+should think of leaving them, their firm attachment to him, reminded him
+of the providential way in which he was brought amongst them, and
+referred to the happy effects of his labours; which, after some
+deliberation, prevailed, so that he determined to continue with them and
+to maintain the struggle with the difficulties that attended him. But
+the providence of God at length appeared for him. A Miss Cooke, an aged
+maiden lady, the only survivor of a wealthy family, bequeathed to him
+some property, which, with some other legacies he received, enabled him
+to give his children a liberal education, and to place his sons in
+respectable situations; and also, in some degree, to gratify his
+benevolent feelings in the exercise of liberality to those who were in
+distress.
+
+During the ministry of Mr. King, Mr. John Wood, a native of Welford,
+became a member of the Church, and was called to the work of the
+ministry. He passed with great credit through his academical course at
+Daventry, and became first minister at Sudbury, in Suffolk, and
+afterwards at Creaton, in Northamptonshire, where, after twenty years'
+labour, he died. The young people of Mr. King's flock engaged a large
+portion of his solicitude; his public and private instructions were
+eminently blessed to many of them.
+
+It was a great gratification to this excellent minister to be able to
+sustain his aged mother in the decline of her days--to promote her
+comfort by receiving her into his house, where she died, in 1763, at the
+advanced age of 81 years. With what delight would such a mother behold
+the answer to her prayers in the devoted labours and usefulness of this
+son, whom she had asked of the Lord, and consecrated to him; and with
+what peculiar interest must such a son look on that aged mother as she
+was ripening for heaven, to whom, under God, he owed all that he had
+attained!
+
+He lost his beloved partner, who was of great value in such a sphere,
+after a lingering illness, in the 60th year of her age. When his own
+infirmities increased and strength failed, so as to render him incapable
+of fulfilling the duties of his office, after about 40 years' labour
+amongst them he resigned his charge in 1782, and went to reside at the
+house of the Rev. James Horsey, of Northampton, who had married one of
+his daughters. There, enjoying the affectionate attentions of his
+daughter, he peacefully ended his days, November 6th, 1788, in the 74th
+year of his age. His remains were conveyed to Welford for interment; a
+funeral sermon was preached by his son-in-law, Mr. Horsey, to a crowded
+audience, from words chosen by the deceased (Jude, verse 21): "Looking
+for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." The sermon
+was printed at the request of the Church and congregation. Mr. Horsey
+observes--
+
+ About forty years ago God placed his servant in this part of his
+ vineyard, and enabled him to labour, both in season and out of
+ season, to defend his cause in this town and neighbourhood. That his
+ talents were generally acceptable, most who hear me know. The
+ plainness of his style (for he always aimed to be understood by the
+ lowest of his hearers), the evangelical complexion of his doctrine,
+ and the seriousness of his address, endeared him peculiarly to other
+ congregations as well as his own; and numbers in this and in
+ neighbouring counties ascribe to his instrumentality their first
+ serious thoughts of God and eternity. With many present he has
+ laboured even from your infancy, endeavouring, by an attention to
+ catechising, suggesting the most simple and easy remarks, to bring
+ you to an early acquaintance with the holy Scriptures. And no
+ greater pleasure could he feel than to see the children of his
+ charge "walking in the truth." As you have risen into life, he has
+ regularly addressed you by his annual instructions to the youth of
+ the assembly, cautioning against the paths of the destroyer, and
+ directing your feet in the way of peace. Oh, how often have I seen
+ him, with marks of inward reverence and undissembled piety, sit like
+ good old Simeon "waiting for the consolation of Israel"! And when a
+ word has been dropped, to bring his former charge to his
+ remembrance, with the tenderest tokens of friendship, and the
+ falling tears of affection, would he waft up a prayer to heaven for
+ your prosperity.
+
+Mr. King only published two sermons, one preached to his own people on
+the murrain among the cattle, and another delivered at the ordination of
+Mr. Joshua Symonds, at Bedford, 1767.
+
+After Mr. King's resignation there were three pastors, each of whom
+continued for a very short time over the people at Welford. Mr. William
+Severn was ordained May 22nd, 1782. It is stated that he was a very
+popular preacher, possessed of uncommon talents; that his Sabbath
+evening and week-day lectures were anticipated with great pleasure by
+his hearers, who were strongly attached to him: but he resigned his
+charge in less than two years, went to Hinckley, in Leicestershire, and
+at length, we regret to state, departed from the faith he once preached,
+and died some years after in connexion with a Socinian congregation in
+Hull. A Mr. Northend was the next who was invited to Welford; but the
+invitation was far from unanimous, so that, though he accepted it, his
+services continued for a very short time. In the spring of 1789 Mr. Evan
+Johns was settled as their pastor; but this gentleman, we are informed,
+much injured his usefulness, and lessened the esteem of his friends for
+him, by practising the absurd theory of animal magnetism, which induced
+him to tender his resignation, and he left, in 1790, for Bury St.
+Edmund's.
+
+In 1792, Mr. John Clement Bicknell, a student at Newport Pagnell, was
+invited on probation; and in February, 1793, he was ordained pastor. The
+following ministers were engaged on that occasion, viz.:--Messrs.
+Hillyard, of Bedford; Greathead, of Newport; Grundy, of Lutterworth;
+Carver, of Wellingborough; Summers, of Wellingborough; Gill, of Market
+Harborough; Davis, of Wigston; Gardner, of Kilsby.
+
+Soon after this settlement, the old Meeting House being much out of
+repair, it was determined to erect a new one in a more eligible part of
+the town, near the residence of the pastor. This was opened for worship
+in 1793; and a few years after, in 1799, a more respectable house was
+built for the minister on the site of the old one, which together cost
+the people about L1500; and, to their honour, the whole was in a short
+time discharged.
+
+The Church appears to have decreased in number during the changes that
+had taken place, as there are only 41 names given as members when Mr.
+Bicknell was settled. In the course of his ministry 56 members were
+added. He filled the pastoral office at Welford for about 18 years and 9
+months, as he resigned his charge in 1811. In the latter years of his
+life Mr. Bicknell was minister at Crick, where he died at an advanced
+age, in the year 1849.
+
+In October, 1812, Mr. Benjamin Hobson, of Driffield, Yorkshire, visited
+Welford as a probationer, on the recommendation of Mr. Gill, of Market
+Harborough. After supplying four Sabbaths, he received a unanimous
+invitation from the Church and congregation to the pastoral office,
+which he accepted, and entered on his stated labours February 21st,
+1813. The number of members in the Church at this time is stated as 43.
+
+Mr. Hobson was born at Sheffield, in the year 1780. In the account given
+of his early life, we have another case presented, amongst the thousands
+that have been known in the Church of God and in the ministry of the
+Gospel, of one who had to trace his early impressions of religion to the
+efforts of a pious mother. From early youth he was the "subject of pious
+emotions," which he always attributed with grateful and filial affection
+to the piety and prayers of his mother. "Her earnest importunity at
+family prayer for the salvation of her children," he said, "often
+affected me, and I believe was the means of leading me to see the value
+of my soul and the necessity of dependence on Jesus Christ." He derived
+benefit from some of the last sermons of the Rev. Jehoiada Brewer, and
+at length joined the Church under the care of Rev. James Boden. He
+commenced his studies for the ministry at Homerton; but during the first
+year his health was so affected that he was obliged to return home. This
+led to a change in the place where his studies were to be pursued. At
+the urgent request of his mother, that he might not be placed so far
+from home, in case sickness should return, he obtained admission into
+the college at Rotherham in 1802, having for his tutors Dr. Edward
+Williams and Mr. Maurice Phillips. He pursued his studies with
+commendable diligence, and obtained general esteem by his consistent
+piety. His first pastoral charge was at Driffield, in Yorkshire, where
+he was ordained on the 8th July, 1806. Here his labours were useful and
+his ministry prized; but in the year 1813, influenced in a great degree
+by the advice of his friend and relative, Mr. G. Collison, of Hackney,
+and Mr. G. Gill, of Market Harborough, he removed to Welford: and here
+he continued until within four months of the close of his life, serving
+this people as their faithful and affectionate pastor for about
+thirty-five years; and he did this with general acceptance and
+prevailing usefulness. During his ministry 115 members were added to the
+Church. His devoted piety was always manifest. With an earnest concern
+to promote the highest welfare of his charge, with an ardent attachment
+to the cause of God, with strong desire to advance the kingdom of the
+Redeemer, and to be a blessing to those around him, he steadfastly
+pursued his labours. He had much of the spirit of devotion--was a man of
+prayer, a man of God. His preaching was earnest and affectionate, plain
+and faithful. He was the attentive village pastor, that took some
+delight in visiting his flock. If his talents were not of a high order,
+they were of a useful character. If his mind was not powerful, his
+spirit was affectionate and fervent, and his views of evangelical truth
+clear and decided. If a sanguine temperament rendered him at times too
+susceptible, religious principle triumphed, and Christian prudence
+prevailed. He had a large share of domestic happiness, earnestly
+seeking the spiritual welfare of his children, their early acquaintance
+with God, and decision for the Saviour. He had the happiness of seeing
+all of them, in the morning of life, "choosing the good part which shall
+not be taken away from them."
+
+He greatly loved the Missionary cause, and endeavoured to promote a
+missionary spirit amongst his people. He had one son. That son was
+engaged in the medical profession, but he was at length anxious to go as
+a medical missionary to China. The father's love to the Missionary cause
+was now put to the test; and its sincerity was fully proved. Though for
+a time conflicting feelings agitated his mind, and parental affection
+prompted him to say, "Anything but _this_," yet in the strength of the
+Lord God he was enabled to present this sacrifice with a willing mind,
+and could but rejoice that he was counted worthy to be so closely
+identified with the Missionary cause. He was Secretary for about ten
+years to the Northamptonshire Independent Association, and was generally
+held in high esteem by his brethren. The last meeting of this
+Association, before Mr. Hobson removed, was held at Welford, when he
+resigned his office, and the ministers present testified in a gratifying
+manner their esteem and affection.
+
+In the year 1847 his declining health rendered it necessary that there
+should be some change in his ministerial duties. An attempt was made to
+obtain an assistant; but increasing indisposition, arising from chronic
+bronchitis, together with some things appearing which were painful to
+his feelings, decided him at length to relinquish the work, and try the
+effect of a change of air. He left Welford on the 18th of May, 1848, and
+numbers of his people felt and said that not their faithful minister
+only, but their father and their friend, they were about to lose.
+
+He went to the island of Guernsey, with the hope that a milder climate
+might benefit his health and recruit his strength. But he continued to
+decline; and just four months after bidding farewell to his people at
+the sacramental table, he was called from the scenes of time to join the
+Church triumphant above.
+
+In the closing scene, looking at life in the light of eternity, what he
+had been enabled to do in the service of God seemed to be nothing in
+comparison with what he had failed to accomplish. His feelings for some
+weeks were not only checkered, but very painful. The state of his mind
+was dark and distressing, arising, no doubt, from physical weakness, and
+the completely relaxed state of the nervous system. But the last week
+was one of great mercy. The enemy was not suffered to distress, nor
+fears to agitate: his mind was kept "in perfect peace, being stayed on
+God." He often spake of Christ as the _rock_. He died on the evening of
+the Sabbath, September 3rd. His remains are deposited in the new
+cemetery at Saint Peter's Port, Guernsey. The event of his death was
+suitably improved there by the Rev. W. Wild, from Phil. iii. 9; and at
+Welford by his successor, from Hebrews xi. 4: "He being dead, yet
+speaketh."
+
+Mr. Hobson was succeeded in his labours at Welford almost immediately by
+Mr. Walter Gill, who had pursued his studies for the ministry at the
+seminary at Hackney. He entered on his probationary services in May,
+1848, and was ordained in the month of April in the following year. Mr.
+Ransom, Mr. Gill's classical tutor, delivered the introductory
+discourse; Mr. Toller, of Kettering, offered the ordination prayer; Mr.
+Toller, of Harborough, asked the usual questions; Mr. Keynes, of
+Blandford, delivered the charge; and Mr. James, of Birmingham, preached
+to the people in the evening.
+
+The present number of members in the Church is about 80. There are 130
+children in the Sabbath-schools connected with the congregation,
+viz.--boys, 72; girls, 58: there are 23 teachers.
+
+There are occasional services conducted on Sabbath evenings in the
+village of South Kibworth, where there is a small Chapel held in trust
+by some of the Welford friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT CREATON.
+
+
+In the accounts of the Nonconformist ministers who in the year 1662
+sacrificed their livings in the Established Church, in obedience to what
+they regarded as the claims of truth and of conscience, we find the name
+of Mr. Richard Hook, ejected from the rectory of Creaton,
+Northamptonshire. After his separation from the Church he preached for
+some time in his own house; but he afterwards removed from Creaton, and
+went to reside at Northampton. Though we have no certain information as
+to the results of Mr. Hook's ministry, yet there is some reason to
+conclude that a number of the people left the Church with their pastor,
+and sought for spiritual instruction, as they had opportunity, under the
+ministry of the Nonconformists. It was probably after the removal of Mr.
+Hook from Creaton that Mr. Shuttlewood, another of the Nonconformist
+ministers, began to preach the Gospel in this place. At that time his
+residence was at Sulby Abbey, near Welford, and his labours appear to
+have been then divided chiefly between Welford and Creaton. For a more
+particular account of Mr. Shuttlewood, his labours and his sufferings in
+the cause of God, we must refer the reader to the memorials of the
+Church at Welford. But it was when on a visit to his friends at Creaton
+that he was seized with an affliction that quickly terminated his useful
+life, and raised his spirit to that "rest that remaineth for the people
+of God." Here he ended his days, and here his remains were interred in
+the Churchyard, where a plain stone was erected to his memory.
+
+Mr. Ironmonger is said to have been the next Nonconformist minister
+here, after Mr. Shuttlewood. In an account of the ordination of Mr.
+Tingey, a predecessor of Doddridge at Northampton, we find a Mr. John
+Ironmonger, of Buckingham, engaged. We think it probable that this was
+the person that for a time ministered at Creaton. A Mr. Dale, minister
+at Creaton, was present at the ordination of Mr. Tingey, in 1709. The
+pastor immediately succeeding was Mr. Barker; then Mr. Chambers is
+recorded as the next minister here, and he died in 1735. After this came
+Mr. Hextal, who was a native of Broughton, in Northamptonshire; a member
+of the Church at Kettering; for some time studied under Mr. Saunders,
+his pastor, preparatory to his admittance into the academy at
+Northampton under Dr. Doddridge, which he entered in the year 1732.
+
+On the completion of his studies, it is stated that he settled at
+Creaton in 1736; but his ordination did not take place until 1738, for
+there is still preserved in the handwriting of Doddridge the testimonial
+that was given on the day of ordination, of which the following is a
+copy:--
+
+ _Creaton_, _April_ 26, 1738.
+
+ This is to certify, that the Rev. Mr. Wm. Hextal, having given full
+ satisfaction as to his abilities and qualifications for the work of
+ the ministry, was this day set apart to the pastoral office by
+ prayer, fasting, and the imposition of our hands, at the desire of
+ the Church of Christ in this place, who unanimously invited him to
+ the exercise of the said office amongst them.
+
+ Witness our hands--P. DODDRIDGE, D.D.; JAS. WATSON, Leicester; THOS.
+ CARTWRIGHT; J. DRAKE, Yardley; J. HUNT, Newport; SAML. TAILOR.
+
+We find a list of members of the Church, containing forty-seven names of
+persons that were communicants at the time of Mr. Hextal's settlement;
+then follow the names of twenty-one members, over which the pastor has
+written, "Taken in since I came." These members were resident in ten
+different villages.
+
+In the handwriting of Mr. Hextal we find a copy of the following
+recommendation. Though it is without date or any full direction, yet it
+appears to have been an application to the manager of some fund for
+assistance.
+
+ The congregation at Creaton, lately under the care of Mr. Chambers,
+ have unanimously made choice of Mr. Hextal to succeed him, after
+ finishing a regular course of academical learning at Northampton
+ acceptably, and where his temper and conduct secured him very
+ respectful regard from the people. As his abilities, principles, and
+ character are very satisfactory to us, and, according to our view of
+ things, worthy of the esteem of others, we take the liberty to
+ recommend him to your favour and encouragement, as one that promises
+ usefulness, and we think, by the divine blessing, may be
+ instrumental in supporting the interests of Christianity in that
+ society. Your favourable view of this our recommendation will lay an
+ additional obligation on ------.
+
+ _To the Rev. the Ministers, and the other Gentlemen, Managers, &c._
+
+It was a short time after the settlement of Mr. Hextal, that a
+minister's meeting being held at Creaton, Dr. Doddridge preached his
+interesting sermon, entitled 'Christian Candour and Unanimity stated,
+illustrated, and urged,' from Phil. ii. 1, 2, which was afterwards
+published, with a Dedication to the Countess of Huntingdon. The ministry
+of Mr. Hextal at Creaton continued until the year 1752, when he removed
+to Sudbury.
+
+The next pastor was Mr. Warburton. For some time he assisted Mr.
+Gilbert, the successor of Doddridge at Northampton, and preached at
+Creaton in the afternoon of the Sabbath. Mr. Gilbert dying in 1760, Mr.
+Warburton confined his labours to Creaton, where he was minister for
+about twenty years. After his removal, Mr. John Wood, from Sudbury, was
+unanimously chosen his successor the same year. Mr. Wood was a native of
+Welford, sent out by the Church there, during the ministry of Mr. King,
+to preach the Gospel: he was educated at the academy at Daventry. He
+laboured here for about twenty years, and closed his life and his
+services in the Church on earth in this place. He died April 7th, 1790,
+"leaving the Church," it is observed, "in a declining state."
+
+The next pastor was Mr. Joseph Whitehead, who came to Creaton in 1793,
+and continued his labours here for twenty-three years. When Mr.
+Whitehead entered on his ministry here there were twenty-two members of
+the Church, and seventy-one were added during the years of his
+pastorate. In the second year of Mr. Whitehead's labours the present
+Meeting House was erected. The old building, which held about 400
+persons, was occupied on a lease of ninety-nine years, supposed to have
+commenced about the date of 1694, as it was at the expiration of that
+lease that the new place of worship was reared.
+
+The fidelity and zeal with which Mr. Whitehead discharged his
+ministerial office was crowned with such success as greatly to increase
+the Church and congregation. The medical assistance which he was always
+ready to afford to those who needed it, rendered him extensively useful
+to the afflicted poor in his neighbourhood. His candid and friendly
+disposition endeared him to his brethren in the ministry. His exemplary
+patience, under painful bodily affliction, displayed the excellence of
+his Christian principles. As he advanced in life, he evidently appeared
+to grow in grace; acting habitually under the eye of his Master, he was
+prepared for his change. "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he
+cometh shall find so doing." He died at the house of his friend, the
+Rev. H. Knight, of Yelvertoft, after a few hours' illness. His remains
+were interred, with every token of respect, at the foot of the pulpit
+where he so often urged upon his people the great doctrines and precepts
+of the Gospel. Six of his brethren bore the pall. The Rev. Mr. Jones,
+minister of the parish Church, attended, as a token of his high esteem
+for the deceased. The Rev. G. Gill, of Harborough, began the funeral
+service with prayer; the Rev. B. L. Edwards, of Northampton, delivered a
+very affecting and appropriate address; the Rev. J. Gronow, of Weedon,
+concluded the solemn service. A large congregation of people assembled
+on the occasion, whose undissembled grief showed how much he was
+beloved. On the following Lord's-day the Rev. H. Knight, in whose house
+he died, improved the affecting providence, from Heb. xiii. 7-9. The
+place of worship was thronged before the service commenced, and many
+hundreds could not gain admittance.
+
+Mr. T. Aston succeeded Mr. Whitehead. He had pursued his studies for the
+ministry at Hackney, and was ordained over this Church and congregation
+September 23rd, 1817. On that occasion Mr. Hobson, of Welford, commenced
+the service with reading and prayer; Mr. Gill, of Harborough, stated the
+nature of a Gospel Church; Mr. Knight, of Yelvertoft, offered the
+ordination prayer; Mr. D. W. Aston, of Buckingham, brother to the
+ordained minister, delivered the charge, from Col. iv. 17; Mr. Toller,
+of Kettering, preached from Luke x. 11; Mr. Griffiths, of Long Buckby,
+concluded.
+
+Mr. Aston admitted thirty-two members to the Church during his ministry,
+which continued until about the year 1826, when Mr. Williams became the
+pastor of the Church, who gives the following account of his ordination
+to that office:--
+
+ Having received a unanimous invitation from the Church and
+ congregation at Creaton to become their pastor, I was ordained
+ October 7th, 1828. Mr. Edwards, of Northampton, delivered the
+ introductory discourse; Mr. Griffiths, of Long Buckby, offered the
+ ordination prayer; Mr. Scott, of Rowell, gave the charge; and Mr.
+ Hobson, of Welford, preached to the people. Mr. Aston left Creaton
+ about two years before. The first year of the interval was supplied
+ by Mr. Robertson, afterwards of Wellingborough; and the second, by
+ an interesting young man of the name of Jocelyne, who was on
+ probation, and had received a call from the Church to remain, but
+ was prevented entering on the pastoral office by death. He ruptured
+ a blood-vessel by digging one day in the garden; went to the west of
+ England for the benefit of his health; but was soon called, as we
+ hope, to the country where none of the inhabitants shall say any
+ more, I am sick. J. WILLIAMS.
+
+We find a record of forty-seven members as belonging to the Church when
+Mr. Williams commenced his labours, and fifty-one were admitted during
+his ministry, which continued until March, 1840. Of the removal of Mr.
+Williams it is stated, "that it was owing to the secession of some
+individuals from the Church and congregation, who, being Baptists,
+succeeded in raising a Baptist interest in Spratton, about a mile from
+Creaton. Mr. Williams very handsomely left 150 volumes for the use of
+his successors."
+
+Mr. Martin succeeded Mr. Williams as pastor. His first visit was in May,
+1840, when he preached two Sabbaths. Mr. Fletcher, from Highbury,
+preached five Sabbaths as a probationer, but retired on discovering that
+the congregation was not unanimous. Mr. Martin preached four Sabbaths in
+August and September, when he received an invitation to become a
+probationer for three months, at the close of which he was unanimously
+called to the pastoral office, and was ordained April 28th, 1841; when
+Messrs. Bull, of Newport, Prust, of Northampton, Griffiths, of Buckby,
+Harry, of London, and Toller, of Kettering, were engaged in the
+principal services of the day. The ministry of Mr. Martin continued here
+for little more than seven years; for it is recorded that he preached
+his farewell sermon at Creaton on Sabbath-day afternoon, May 21st, 1848,
+having accepted an invitation to the pastorate of Whitefield Chapel,
+Wilson Street, Long Acre, London. During his ministry forty-five members
+were added to the Church.
+
+Mr. Mandeno, from Newport, Salop, the present pastor of the Church,
+entered on his stated engagements at Creaton on the first Sabbath in
+October, 1848. The present number of communicants is 60. There are 80
+children in the Sabbath-school.
+
+Occasional services are conducted in two villages in the vicinity of
+Creaton.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT DAVENTRY.
+
+
+Circumstances of rather common and incidental occurrence are sometimes
+the immediate precursors of events which are followed by important
+results to future generations, while they may have a bearing on the
+eternal interests of a number of undying spirits. Something of this
+nature appears in the origin of the Christian Church, of the Independent
+denomination, in the town of Daventry.
+
+Nonconformity took early root in this place. After the Bartholomew Act,
+secret meetings for worship were frequently held late at night, and
+conducted occasionally by ministers, at a house in the hamlet of
+Drayton, where considerable numbers from the town and neighbourhood
+often assembled, in which was a backdoor opening into the fields, to
+facilitate retreat in case of detection--no unnecessary precaution, in
+those days of persecution. A Mr. Worth, ejected from the living of
+Kilsby, preached at Daventry for some time after his ejectment.
+
+The following account was given to Dr. Ashworth, about the year 1747, by
+Mr. Thomas Porter, a member of the Church, then 80 years of age, or
+upwards--a man of a very respectable character and remarkably sensible.
+
+ An aged minister, who lived some considerable distance beyond
+ Daventry, in his way to London lay at the Swan Inn (formerly the
+ principal inn) in this town, where he was taken ill, and confined
+ for a week or longer. Mr. Lindsey, who kept the house, and all his
+ family, behaved to him with much kindness, and it appears to have
+ been a very regular house. The minister, on the evening before he
+ departed, desired the family to come into his room, when he
+ particularly thanked Mr. Lindsey and each of his family for their
+ civility to him, and expressed much satisfaction in the good order
+ of the house; "but," said he, "something leads me to fear there is
+ not the fear of God in this house. It grieves me to see such
+ honesty, civility, economy, and decency, and yet religion is
+ wanting, which is 'the one thing needful.'" On this, he entered into
+ a close conversation on the nature and importance of real and inward
+ religion, which he closed with telling them he had with him a little
+ book, lately printed, which he would give them, and wished them to
+ read it carefully; then gave them 'Baxter's Poor Man's Family Book.'
+ This fixes the date to 1672, or later--the year in which that book
+ was printed.
+
+ It is not certain who the minister was, or that Mr. Lindsey ever saw
+ him again or knew his name; but it is suspected that it was Baxter
+ himself. Mr. Lindsey read the book with pleasure, sent for other of
+ Mr. Baxter's works, and he, and some of his children, became
+ excellent characters.
+
+ Upon this he grew weary of the inn, and, being in plentiful
+ circumstances, retired to a house in the middle of High Street,
+ which had a small close behind it, at the extremity of which, upon
+ the Back Lane, there stood some out-buildings, which he converted
+ into a Meeting House. The people enjoyed it during his life, having
+ now got a settled minister, and formed into a Church. This was
+ probably after the Revolution. He always intended, and often
+ promised, to settle it in form; but dying suddenly, it never was
+ done. The heir-at-law was well inclined to it, but melancholy, so
+ that the people dare not trust to a settlement from him. At length
+ they purchased it of those in whom it was vested, repaired it, and
+ continued to use it until 1722, when Mr. Mattock, then the minister
+ at Daventry, built the present place, the old one being by this time
+ much too small.
+
+"The original license granted to Mr. Lindsey, or, as he is there called,
+Linzey, in pursuance of the royal Declaration of Indulgence, with the
+signatures of the King and Lord Arlington, the Secretary of State," says
+the late George Baker, Esq., in his 'History of the County of
+Northampton,' "is now in my possession; and being the only document of
+the kind known to be extant in this country, a copy of it is subjoined."
+
+ CHARLES R.
+
+ Charles, by the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and
+ Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c., to all the mayors, bailiffs,
+ constables, and others our officers and ministers civil and
+ military, whom it may concern, greeting.
+
+ In pursuance of our Declaration of the 15th of March 167-1/2, we
+ have allowed, and we do hereby allow, of a roome or roomes in the
+ house of Allen Linzey, of Daventry in Northamptonshire, to be a
+ place for the use of such as do not conform to the Church of
+ England, who are of the persuasion commonly called Presbyterian, to
+ meet and assemble in order to their public worship and devotion. And
+ all and singular our officers and ministers, ecclesiastical, civil,
+ and military, whom it may concern, are to take due notice hereof;
+ and they, and every one of them, are hereby strictly charged and
+ required to hinder any tumult or disturbance, and to protect them in
+ their said meetings and assemblies.
+
+ Given at our Court, at Whitehall, the 8th day of November, in the
+ 24th year, of our reign, 1672.
+
+ By his Majesty's command,
+
+ ARLINGTON.
+
+
+This society ranks with the Independent or Congregational, and not the
+Presbyterian denomination, as named in this license.
+
+At what time a settled ministry was first enjoyed here is not exactly
+known; but the first pastor of the Church was Mr. Andrew Barnett, born
+at Uppington, in Shropshire, the youngest of ten children. His father,
+Mr. Humfrey Barnett, appears to have been celebrated as a preacher, and
+as a man of devoted consistent character. People in the country around
+would flock to hear him twice on the Lord's-day, which was a very
+unusual thing in those times. He refused to read the 'Book of Sports,'
+and preached against it; but was cited by the Bishop, and obliged to
+retire out of that diocese. He was accounted one of the first Puritans
+in Shropshire, principally on account of his serious preaching and his
+devoted life. This son, who became pastor of the Church at Daventry, was
+educated at Trinity College, Cambridge--was ejected from the rectory of
+Roddington, in Shropshire, in 1662. He did not suffer so much for his
+Nonconformity as many of his brethren; having some knowledge of
+medicine, his skill in diseases obtained him favour among the
+neighbouring gentry. But on one occasion, being invited privately to
+preach on the Lord's-day, a neighbouring justice came in while he was
+praying, and fined him for preaching. Mr. Barnett appealed to the
+quarter sessions, and pleaded that he had not preached, for he was only
+engaged in prayer; but his plea was overruled, for the King's Attorney
+declared that the defendant's praying was preaching; so that on this
+judgment he was cast, and his fine doubled. He had to pay L40. He was a
+man of considerable solidity of judgment, a useful preacher, and highly
+valued by those who best knew him. He published a funeral sermon for
+Queen Mary, from Psalm ii. 3, 4, dated Daventry, May 21, 1694; and
+entitled, 'The Helmet of Hope, Christ in us the hope of glory.'
+
+Thomas Flavell, the eldest son of John Flavell, the eminent
+Nonconformist divine, was the next pastor; but of his life and ministry
+we have no account.
+
+John Mason appears to have succeeded Mr. Flavell for a short time. The
+father of Mr. Mason was rector of Water Stratford, in Buckinghamshire,
+where he died in 1724, having ministered there for 20 years. He was the
+author of the 'Select Remains' which form the golden little volume that
+Dr. Watts so highly recommended to the public. Mr. Mason did not remain
+at Daventry more than a year or two, when he removed to Spaldwich, in
+Huntingdonshire, where he died. He was the father of John Mason, author
+of the well-known treatise on 'Self-knowledge,' who was first minister
+at Dorking, in Surrey, and subsequently at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire,
+where he preached to a considerable congregation. His diligence was
+attested by his labours as a pastor, tutor, and author. Several of his
+works are of a very useful character, though not rising to the highest
+order of excellence.
+
+Mr. John Cambden was the next pastor. His ministry was only for a short
+time; but whether he died here, or removed, is not known. He published a
+'Funeral Sermon upon the Death of Madam Mary Thornton, the pious relict
+of the late truly virtuous and honourable John Thornton, Esq., of Brock
+Hall, in Northamptonshire, who departed this life June 19, 1713.
+Preached at Daventry; with some account of her life.'
+
+Mr. Jolly, their next minister, continued with them a rather longer
+time; but before the year 1720, he gave place to a successor in Mr.
+Daniel Mattock, who ministered for about 14 years. His preaching appears
+to have been so attractive and successful that it considerably raised
+the interest, and rendered it necessary to erect a larger Meeting House,
+which was done in the year 1722, and is the building which is now
+standing. In a letter of Dr. Doddridge's, dated December 22, 1726, he
+says--"Mr. Mattock goes on most triumphantly at Daventry, and makes the
+most illustrious figure of all Mr. Jenning's pupils in these parts." Mr.
+Mattock exerted himself to preach the Gospel in the neighbouring
+villages, as well as to the stated congregation at Daventry.
+
+There are two anecdotes related in reference to these village services,
+which illustrate the spirit in which they were regarded by different
+clergymen in the vicinity.
+
+While Mr. Mattock was minister of Daventry, having several persons
+belonging to his congregation who came from villages in the vicinity,
+and being desirous of extending the knowledge of the Gospel as far as
+his time and strength would admit, he proposed to some of his country
+friends to get their houses registered for places of religious worship.
+This being done, Mr. Mattock went on a Lord's-day evening, for the first
+time, to one of the villages, and preached a lecture. The clergyman of
+the parish, hearing of this "rude intrusion," as he termed it, felt much
+exasperated, and determined to go and remonstrate against it. As he was
+going to the house where the service was held, he met, much to his
+annoyance, several of his parishioners coming from the lecture. In the
+height of his resentment he addressed first one, and then another,
+"What, have you been to the conventicle?" "What! have you been to hear
+the fanatic?" "Are you not ashamed of your conduct?" &c. Soon, however,
+he arrived at the house; and Mr. Mattock, being apprized of his coming,
+very politely accosted him, and offered him his chair, begging him to be
+seated--which genteel request he, with apparent reluctance, condescended
+to comply with. Being seated, the Rector begins by saying, "So, I find
+that you have been preaching here." "Yes, sir." "And pray, sir, what
+right have you to come into my parish, to invade my province? This
+parish is _mine_, and I am their _lawful_ pastor. I wish therefore to
+know, by what authority you take this liberty." "Sir," replied Mr.
+Mattock, "I beg leave to inform you, if you do not already know, that I
+am qualified according to law as a Dissenting minister, and am therefore
+authorized to do as I have done." "Aye! who authorized you, sir, to
+invade my province?" "The legislature, sir, by the Act of Toleration. I
+do nothing by preaching here, but what is strictly legal." "Well, it is
+strange to me that the legislature should allow you this liberty." "I
+hope, sir," said Mr. Mattock, "that you do not find fault with the
+legislature of your country." "No, no, God forbid that I should; but I
+still wonder that it should grant you such an indulgence. But, sir, I
+have another question to ask you; pray what is your object in coming
+here? what do you propose to yourself in doing it?" "Sir, my only motive
+is the hope of doing good to my fellow creatures." "Good!" replied the
+Rector, with a contemptuous sneer: "I don't know what good _you_ can
+expect to do, for _I_ can do no good upon them. They are a parcel of
+fools. I can make _a fool_ of the wisest of them, in a quarter of an
+hour." "Sir," says Mr. Mattock, "you give your neighbours a very bad
+character; but however, if they are bad as you represent them, they have
+the more need of instruction, that they may be convinced of their folly,
+and be made wise unto salvation; and if it pleases God to bless the
+instructions of his word, it will be so, and my desire will be
+accomplished." To this he made no reply, but casting his eyes round the
+house, says, "but can you imagine that God Almighty will condescend to
+notice any worship which is performed in such a place as this? Solomon
+thought that he could not make the holy Temple, which he dedicated to
+the worship of the Deity, fine enough for the purpose; therefore to
+suppose such condescension as you seem to expect in the Deity is to
+affront him." Mr. Mattock replied, "Sir, we know no holiness of places
+in Gospel times, but all places are alike holy where 'God is worshipped
+in spirit and in truth'; and we have every reason to hope for and expect
+the presence and blessing of Christ, who has said, 'Where two or three
+are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.'"
+"But," asks the clergyman, "is this place secured for this purpose by
+law?" "Yes, sir, it is registered in the Bishop's court." "And do you
+intend to make a practice of coming here?" "I shall come, sir, when it
+is convenient to myself, and as long as the people give me encouragement
+by their attendance to do so."
+
+Upon this the Rector rose hastily and departed; but he sent his clerk
+the next morning to inquire of Mr. Mattock three things--
+
+1. Whether he was qualified as a Dissenting minister to preach?
+
+2. Whether the place he occupied as a place of worship was legally
+secured?
+
+3. Whether he intended to continue coming there?
+
+To this Mr. Mattock replied, "I answered these three questions in the
+affirmative last night; but if your master was not satisfied, why did he
+not come himself, or send for me?" The honest clerk said "that his
+master could not do either, because _he was going out with the hounds_."
+Admirable apology!
+
+But there was another instance, which presented a pleasing contrast to
+this. Mr. Mattock, having preached in another village on the Lord's-day
+evening, was returning home the next morning, and the clergyman of the
+parish, having been to take a short ride, met Mr. Mattock; so, after the
+usual compliments were exchanged, the clergyman said, "So I perceive,
+sir, that you have been sowing some seed in my parish." "Yes, sir."
+"Well," replied the worthy Vicar, "I am glad of it; and may God grant
+that the seed which you sow, and that which I sow, may both spring up
+together, and do good to the souls of men."
+
+At length, to the deep regret of the congregation, Mr. Mattock accepted
+an invitation to remove to Birmingham. This we suppose to have taken
+place about 1734.
+
+In some extracts from the diary of Mrs. Savage, daughter of Philip
+Henry, we find the following notices of Mr. Mattock. Under date of
+December 8th, 1740:--"This morning good Mr. Mattock, of Birmingham,
+entertained us awhile with his good company. He said, my father was in
+many things like Abraham, which made me look over a small collection I
+made long ago from annotations on John 9th, that they that would prove
+themselves the children of Abraham must endeavour to follow his example,
+come at God's call, follow wherever he leads, and resign their dearest
+interests; be strangers and sojourners in the world; keep up the worship
+of God in their families; and above all, must always walk before God in
+uprightness."
+
+Again:--"_March 12th, 1744_ (_Monday_).--Sad tidings of the sudden
+illness and death of good Mr. Mattock, minister of the Old Meeting at
+Birmingham. A very useful person. Such good ministers the world can ill
+spare. A stroke of the palsy. Lord, what is man--the wisest, the best,
+the most healthful? What shall we say? what shall we do? Thou hast the
+ordering of all events. 'The righteous perish; we should lay it to
+heart.' It is affecting to see such taken away, and such left--poor
+worthless creatures as I yet left."
+
+During two years, the congregation at Daventry was supplied by
+neighbouring ministers and probationary candidates.
+
+The next pastor, Mr. James Floyd, was ordained May 6th, 1736. About ten
+years after this, at Midsummer, 1746, Mr., afterwards Dr., Caleb
+Ashworth was chosen his assistant, and in September of the same year
+co-pastor. In a few years after, Mr. Floyd wholly resigned in favour of
+his colleague; but continued to reside in the town till his death, which
+took place July 24th, 1759, in his 55th year. His successor preached his
+funeral sermon, and at the desire of the family and congregation
+published it, under the title of 'Hope, the Christian mourner's relief.'
+
+Dr. Ashworth was born in Lancashire in 1719, educated for the ministry
+at Northampton under Dr. Doddridge, who recommended him in his will for
+his successor in the following terms:--"And I do hereby declare, that
+so far as I can judge no man living will be more fit for the office,
+since the removal of my dear friend and associate, Mr. Job Orton, than
+the Rev. Mr. Caleb Ashworth, of Daventry; and if it should so happen, as
+I think it very probably may, that the congregation should desire to put
+themselves under his ministerial care, I do hereby make my dying request
+to him that he would accept the united charge, and thereby perpetuate
+those schemes which he knows I am forming for the public service, the
+success of which is far dearer to me than my own life." Coward's
+trustees approved of the nomination, and Mr. Ashworth refusing to quit
+his pastoral charge at Daventry, the academy was removed thither in
+1752. He was presented with an unsolicited diploma of D.D. from a Scotch
+University in 1759.
+
+On the 18th of July, 1775, he died of dropsy in the chest, and was
+buried in the Churchyard, where an altar stone is placed to his memory,
+on which is the following inscription:--
+
+ Here rest in hope,
+ the remains of the Rev. CALEB ASHWORTH, D.D.;
+ pastor of a congregation of Protestant Dissenters,
+ and director of the academy in this town.
+ He died
+ July 18, 1775, aged 54.
+ With indefatigable application,
+ with genuine well-regulated zeal,
+ and with growing reputation and success,
+ he exerted his eminent abilities
+ and extensive acquaintance with sacred and human literature
+ in the service of his great Master,
+ and in promoting the important interests
+ of learning, religion, and charity.
+
+ "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when
+ he cometh shall find so doing."
+
+Mr. Samuel Palmer, who had been a pupil of the Doctor's, published 'The
+Want of Labourers in the Gospel Harvest considered and improved'--a
+sermon preached at Hackney on occasion of the death of Dr. Ashworth.
+Several others, in different publications, have eulogized their tutor in
+the highest terms; one of them, in a memoir of a fellow student,
+observes--"Dr. Ashworth was a man who, though not distinguished by that
+acumen of genius and vigour of imagination which some have possessed,
+yet by strong sense, inflexible resolution, and indefatigable labour,
+acquired a store of theological learning not often exceeded, and through
+a long train of years discharged the office of divinity tutor with a
+respectability and success which have seldom been equalled."
+
+Some of the Doctor's students becoming Unitarians, suspicion has been
+expressed as to the evangelical soundness of the views entertained by
+the tutor; but the evil appears to have been, that there was a sub-tutor
+who took the heretical side on disputed points, while the principal
+tutor, with all his love for truth, indulged his candour and kindness to
+excess. Dr. Priestley says "that Dr. Ashworth took the orthodox side of
+every question," and "that Dr. Ashworth was earnestly desirous to make
+me as orthodox as possible."
+
+The Doctor was author of 'Reflections on the Fall of a Great Man--a
+Funeral Sermon on 2nd Sam. iii. 38, on the Death of Dr. Watts, 1749'; a
+funeral sermon for Mr. Floyd; also, a funeral sermon for Mr. Clark, of
+Birmingham, entitled 'The Regard Christian Congregations owe to their
+Deceased Ministers represented and urged, from Heb. xiii. 7'; 'A
+Collection of Psalm Tunes, with an Introduction to the Art of Singing;'
+also, 'A Hebrew Grammar, with complete Paradigms of the Verbs'; 'An Easy
+Introduction to Plane Trigonometry,' &c.
+
+Mr. Robins was the next pastor and tutor. After the death of Dr.
+Ashworth, it became a matter of great anxiety amongst the friends of the
+academy who should be appointed his successor. There was one to whom
+many eyes were turned; but great fears were entertained, lest the
+extreme diffidence and modesty of his spirit should prevent him from
+acceding to the earnest requests that were presented to him. This was
+the Rev. Thomas Robins, who was at this time minister at West Bromwich,
+in Staffordshire. He was born at Keysoe, near Bedford; studied for the
+ministry under Dr. Doddridge, at Northampton; first settled at Stretton,
+in Warwickshire, 1755. The present minister's house at Stretton was
+built for him. He came to West Bromwich in 1761, where he continued
+until his removal to Daventry, in 1775.
+
+At this period Job Orton wrote--"The death of Dr. Ashworth, though it
+has been long expected, has been a very painful event to me. Mr. Robins
+preached his funeral sermon last Lord's-day to a great auditory, from
+these words: 'Where is the Lord God of Elijah?' Coward's trustees, all
+the neighbouring ministers, and many in this and other neighbourhoods,
+think that no person is more proper to fill up this vacancy than Mr.
+Robins, especially as he is exceedingly acceptable to the congregation
+at Daventry. He hath been strongly urged to take up the prophet's
+mantle, but he has an unconquerable diffidence of his own abilities; I
+wish the many applications he hath received from ministers of all
+sentiments and denominations may overcome it. If he absolutely refuse, I
+know not who will be thought of. I pray God to direct in this very
+important concern." In another letter he writes--"You have heard by this
+time, August 31st, 1775, that Mr. Robins has accepted the invitation to
+Daventry. I had a great deal of trouble in writing to him, and engaging
+all my friends and correspondents to apply to him, who all concurred in
+thinking him the most proper person. I do not know a single objection,
+and I cannot hear of anyone else that makes one. The divines and the
+laity, of all principles and persuasions in these parts, are agreed in
+their opinion of him, and everybody is well pleased that he has accepted
+the office. I look back with pleasure and thankfulness on the pains I
+have taken in this affair, and firmly believe I shall never have reason
+to repent it."
+
+Mr. Robins printed 'An Abridgement of Matthew Henry's Work on the Lord's
+Supper,' which was the only work he could be prevailed on to print,
+excepting some memoirs of Mr. Thomas Strange, of Kilsby, "one of the
+wisest and best of men." Mr. Palmer, of Hackney, says, "This was done on
+my earnest solicitation; and those who are the best judges on such a
+subject, and who best knew Mr. Strange, will concur with me in
+pronouncing this so excellent a performance, as to render it a matter of
+deep regret that the same pen should have been employed in no other
+original composition."
+
+Robert Hall has written, in his 'Memoir of the Rev. T. N. Toller'--
+
+ Among many other mental endowments, Mr. Robins was remarkable for
+ delicacy of taste and elegance of diction; and perhaps my readers
+ will excuse my observing, that the first perceptions of these
+ qualities which the writer of these lines remembers to have
+ possessed, arose from hearing him preach at Northampton, on a
+ public occasion. It is to be lamented that he has left none of those
+ productions behind him, which a correct and beautiful imagination,
+ embodied in language of the most classic purity, rendered so
+ impressive and delightful. The qualities of his heart corresponded
+ to those of his genius; and though long before his death his bodily
+ infirmities obliged him to relinquish a commanding station and
+ retire into obscurity, he retained to the last such an ascendancy
+ over the minds of his former pupils, and such an interest in their
+ affections, as nothing but worth of the highest order can command.
+
+We may here correct an error into which Mr. Hall has fallen, in stating
+that Mr. Robins _was first assistant_ to Dr. Ashworth. He did not come
+to reside at Daventry until the death of Dr. Ashworth, as his successor.
+But while the friends of Mr. Robins were delighting themselves in his
+ability and success, lo! in the midst of his days and his usefulness, he
+is compelled to resign all public services and retire into private life.
+After discharging his offices with increasing reputation and success for
+six years, his ministerial usefulness was suddenly destroyed, by
+imprudently preaching three times to a large congregation at Kettering
+one Sabbath whilst labouring under a severe cold, by which exertion he
+irrecoverably lost his voice; and being thus incapacitated for
+fulfilling the duties of the pulpit or the lecture-room, he relinquished
+his public engagements, and with great humility and contentment passed
+the remainder of his life in the secular employment of a bookseller and
+druggist. He died May 20th, 1810, and was buried in the Churchyard,
+where, on an upright stone, is inscribed a high eulogium, from the pen
+of his pupil and successor.
+
+The Rev. T. N. Toller, of Kettering, who studied in the academy at
+Daventry, and spent the last year of his course under Mr. Robins,
+improved the death of his former tutor in a discourse delivered to his
+own people the next Sabbath morning, from 2 Kings ii. 12: "And Elisha
+saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and
+the horsemen thereof! And he saw him no more."
+
+It is a high gratification to the writer, and he trusts it will prove
+such to the reader, that he has the opportunity of enriching these
+'Memorials' with Mr. Toller's description of the character of Mr.
+Robins, as given in the closing part of this sermon, having transcribed
+it from the author's manuscript,[4] never before published.
+
+
+[4] The manuscript was kindly lent to the author for this purpose by the
+family of the late Mr. Toller.
+
+
+ I have been this last week to assist in depositing in the dust one
+ of the most amiable and excellent of men. There was not one friend
+ present, I believe, but felt the weight of his worth, when his
+ remains were let down into the silent grave, not excepting the
+ clergyman who buried him--who, in a room full of Dissenting
+ ministers, bore the most explicit and honourable testimony to his
+ name. But there was a sense in which the person who now addresses
+ you might, perhaps, with more propriety than any individual there,
+ adopt and apply the peculiar language of the distressed prophet, "My
+ father, my father!" I felt, when I stood by his grave, that I had
+ lost a father--that I was interring a father; for I always looked up
+ to him, and venerated and loved him, as a parent; for truly he had
+ been a father to me. I was his senior student: the last and most
+ important year of my academical course I spent under his roof and
+ tuition: he taught and treated me as a son. It was owing to his
+ advice, under God, that I am this day standing in this pulpit; his
+ decided opinion had more weight with me than that of everybody else.
+ I did always implicitly confide in his judgment. I was sure of his
+ prudence; could entirely trust his fidelity. On a hundred occasions
+ have I experienced his tenderness and his kindness, and, blessed be
+ God! never did I receive in all my intercourse a frown from him;
+ while a hint, by way of reproof, from him, would have had more
+ weight and gone further into my heart than a hundred stripes from
+ another hand. And during all the thirty-four years which have
+ elapsed since I left his roof, I have always secretly considered him
+ as my principal, standing, stable friend, to whose judgment and
+ kindness I could with most confidence look under any particular
+ difficulty, exigency, or perplexity; so that you may suppose, under
+ these circumstances, in connexion with the thought of having buried
+ the greater part of the friends of my youth--you must suppose that,
+ in attending such a funeral, I must have felt very peculiar
+ sensations; that I was burying a friend indeed: I will not say the
+ nearest and dearest by the ties of nature, for that is not true; but
+ my most valuable, confidential, intellectual, religious, particular
+ friend.
+
+ But not only were these sentiments excited by my own personal
+ feeling; they were strengthened by the unanimous testimony of all
+ who had any thorough intimacy with him--any comprehensive knowledge
+ of his qualifications and character. I believe, never did any man go
+ down to the grave followed by more genuine sentiments of respect
+ from those that knew him, and were capable of appreciating his real
+ worth.
+
+ There have been more brilliant, shining, striking, nay, useful
+ characters than he (for during the last thirty years of his life
+ Providence mysteriously laid him aside from a sphere of usefulness
+ for which he was peculiarly adapted, and in which he gave universal
+ satisfaction); but taking him altogether, considered as a whole, he
+ was the most consistent, accurate character I ever knew in my life.
+
+ As a man, as a friend, a literary character, a person of general
+ knowledge, an amiable, honourable, upright, uniform, devotional
+ Christian, I never knew his equal. I can truly say, with an eminent
+ London minister, "his was the completest character I ever knew."
+ Nor, in this sense, do I think he has left his equal behind him;
+ there was such a coincidence, such a collection, such an assemblage
+ of excellences, which were always very striking to his friends.
+ Some people have great excellences of one kind, and great
+ corresponding faults of another; but there was such a balance of
+ qualities of everything in him, as I have often been charmed with
+ and admired. Oh, that I could say more! And many and many a time
+ have I left his company with this reflection: "Surely this is the
+ disciple that Jesus loves; for where can I look round and find a man
+ in so many respects so much like himself?" And that mixture of
+ reverence and love which I have always experienced in his company
+ has put me in mind of what I could not but suppose I must feel, only
+ in a far greater degree, if I were admitted into the presence and to
+ the conversation of the blessed Redeemer.
+
+ His fine sense, clearness of understanding, skill and dexterity in
+ stating a subject or conducting an argument; the extent of his
+ knowledge upon most subjects that could be called important or
+ useful ones; and all this connected with the sweetness of his
+ temper, the humility of his manner and deportment, the liveliness
+ and affability of his address, what I may call the ingenuity as well
+ as Christianity of his character;--for I have often heard it
+ remarked, and often observed it myself, that were an absent person
+ censured or slandered, if there was anything to be said in his
+ favour Mr. Robins would find out what was to be said, and would make
+ you see that it was not a blind and suppositious notion that
+ dictated it, but that there was reason in what he said.
+ Nevertheless, he could be angry at sin, and yet sin not. He could
+ reprove folly with a frown that a man must _be all a fool_ if he did
+ not feel. It has been said, that some of his more distant relations,
+ that were rather wild in their conduct, though they could not but
+ love him, were more afraid of him than of any other man upon earth:
+ such is the force of the frown of goodness. I this week heard a
+ person say, that a frown from him would have gone deeper than from
+ any man in the world.
+
+ Realizing, my friends, such traits as these, which I am sure nobody
+ that knew him could or would contradict, in connexion with the
+ richness and fulness of his piety, the evangelical and scriptural
+ consistency of his sentiments, the depth of his love to the Saviour,
+ his deep conviction of the truth of the Gospel and dependence upon
+ it (for he died as a poor sinner, wholly resting there; and again,
+ and again, and again said, What a poor miserable creature I should
+ be without the Gospel!)--if he had been literally the very chief of
+ sinners, he could not have seemed to depend less upon anything he
+ was or had done in a meritorious sense; he would not even bear to
+ hear any hints about his former qualifications as a minister, or his
+ honourable conduct as a Christian, which all that knew him, knew his
+ great Master would include under the final "Well done, good and
+ faithful servant," and place among the "works of faith and labours
+ of love," and never forget them:--if, I say, you realize all this,
+ in connexion with his respectability, integrity, and punctuality as
+ a tradesman since he became one, and his universal influence and
+ weight in the town where he resided (a situation by no means
+ advantageous to him in this respect as a Dissenter), can you wonder
+ that one is charmed with such a character? Would it have been right
+ that I should have passed it by in silent contemplation for my own
+ edification only?
+
+ When he was capable of exercising his ministerial function, there
+ was a peculiar sweetness and gracefulness in his attitude and
+ delivery in the pulpit; great seriousness of air and manner, and a
+ wonderful copiousness and variety and readiness, in his prayers; a
+ vein of the most humble yet elevated piety running through the
+ whole--an evangelical savour, clothed always with the utmost
+ propriety and sometimes unaffected elegance of expression. Since he
+ was laid aside from pulpit labours, if we could prevail upon him to
+ pray at our ministers' meetings in private, it was the richest feast
+ of the day; and in connexion with his disabled circumstances as to
+ public work, he would sometimes dissolve all into tears. I remember,
+ at the close of these occasions, a very respectable minister, with
+ his eyes bathed in tears, whispered to me, "This man prays like an
+ angel."
+
+ In his sermons, which were well finished compositions of their kind,
+ there was this peculiarity--that they were highly acceptable and
+ edifying to all descriptions of serious sensible people, among the
+ poor and the rich, the learned and the unlearned--poor people that
+ had good sense as well as piety, and learned people that had piety
+ as well as good sense: all, in a word, who had good sense to
+ understand him, and piety to relish what he said, used to love to
+ hear Mr. Robins. The last time he ever preached within these walls
+ (on which occasion he attempted to exert himself more than usual,
+ owing to the largeness of the place compared with his own), he
+ appears to have got his bane. He strained the organs of speech so as
+ to bring on the disease that laid him aside. He preached on that
+ passage, "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth
+ more and more unto the perfect day." I have often thought since, as
+ redounding to the credit of this congregation, of the universal
+ satisfaction which that sermon gave to all descriptions of
+ well-disposed hearers--the plainest and most illiterate Christian,
+ as well as those best informed. The case was this: though he was one
+ of the finest of composers, yet he spake from the heart; and what he
+ said went to the heart.
+
+ Since he was laid aside, though his usefulness was greatly
+ curtailed, yet he was far from being useless. Modesty prevented his
+ ever publishing any of his own compositions; yet as a friend, as an
+ adviser, as a companion, he has been eminently useful. A respectable
+ minister at his funeral said, "he never, with one exception only,
+ gained so much instruction from any man in private conversation as
+ from Mr. Robins."
+
+ Though laid aside from the service of the sanctuary, he lived
+ respected and beloved to his seventy-seventh year; and when attended
+ to his grave, not only was he accompanied by a number of as sincere
+ mourners as ever followed a corpse, but the nearest earthly relation
+ he had, and whom he had patronized from infancy, was utterly
+ incapable of joining the train--sat weeping over her Bible, and
+ almost stupified with grief, saying, "he was all the world to her:
+ and him she had lost." Here is the cutting thought suggested in the
+ text, that went nearer to the surviving prophet than any other--"his
+ master was taken from his head," "and he saw him no more." This
+ thought I felt when I stood close by his grave: "I shall see him no
+ more. Here I take my final leave. I have received my last
+ instruction. I shall hear his voice and behold his countenance no
+ more." But while I was weeping over this clause, those words in the
+ burial service went down with an emphasis to my heart, never felt by
+ any grave before--words too promiscuously applied, too often; but
+ their special appropriateness to him struck us all--"As much as it
+ hath pleased Almighty God of his great goodness to take to himself
+ the soul of our dear brother here departed, we commit his body to
+ the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure
+ and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life." "Ah!" thought
+ I, "you may say it in all its emphasis over this grave. I will not
+ go away saying, with the prophet, 'I shall see him no more'; blessed
+ be God for the hope that I shall see him again! Yea, thy brother,
+ thy father, thy minister, thy tutor, thy friend, shall rise again.
+ May I but be honoured, O my Judge! with a place at thy right hand,
+ and with such an addition to my happiness as to be joined in
+ everlasting bonds of friendship with him I so much loved and
+ honoured on earth, to improve and enjoy together to all eternity.
+ Amen."
+
+Mr. Thomas Belsham, who had been assistant tutor here in metaphysics,
+mathematics, and natural history, till 1778, when he settled at
+Worcester, succeeded Mr. Robins in 1781, and returned to Daventry, at
+the solicitation of the congregation and the trustees, in the double
+capacity of pastor and principal or theological tutor. He continued here
+until 1789, when, having fully embraced Unitarian sentiments, his
+continuance in the office of tutor being directly contrary to the will
+of the founder of the academy, he apprized the trustees of the change,
+and resigned the situation. After this the academy returned again to
+Northampton.
+
+Mr. Thomas Willis Paterson was the next pastor. He had recently
+completed his course of study here; but in 1796 he accepted an
+invitation from the congregations at Bardon Park and Ashby-de-la-Zouch,
+in Leicestershire, when he went to reside at Donnington-on-the-Heath,
+where he died in August, 1812.
+
+Mr. John Morrell, afterwards LL.D., was chosen to succeed him, but
+removed in about two years, and became minister of a Unitarian Chapel at
+Brighton, in Sussex.
+
+Mr. George Watson was invited to the pastoral office in October, 1799.
+He was a native of Kettering; and, becoming early decided for the
+Saviour, he devoted himself to the work of the ministry. He became a
+member of the Church at Kettering, under the ministry of Mr. Boyce. In
+the records of that Church we find this statement:--
+
+ _Sept. 3rd, 1772._--At our Church-meeting, George Watson, son of Mr.
+ Wm. Watson, our clerk, who had before dedicated himself to the work
+ of the ministry and entered upon a course of preparatory studies for
+ it, having in writing given an account of the dealings of God with
+ his soul, was admitted to full communion with us.
+
+He pursued his studies in the academy at Daventry; was first settled at
+Howick, in Lancashire; afterwards became assistant preacher to the Rev.
+Thomas Taylor, of Carter Lane, London, from whence he was invited to
+this congregation, over which he presided until 1816, when he resigned
+and went to reside at Birmingham, where he died, August 1st, 1817, in
+the 66th year of his age. He published 'Liberality to the Poor and Sick
+recommended, in a Sermon preached at Harwich for the benefit of the
+Manchester Infirmary, 1792'; 'A brief Memoir of the Rev. Thomas Robins,
+late of Daventry; with a Sketch of the Sermon preached May 26th, 1810,
+on occasion of his Death; and some Biographical additions.' The
+congregation was unsettled after this for two years, when Mr. John
+Whittenbury succeeded Mr. Watson in the pastoral office, and was
+ordained here February 8th, 1818. During his ministry two new galleries
+were added to the Meeting House.
+
+Mr. Whittenbury, we learn, entered the academy at Rotherham in the year
+1808, then under the able tuition of the late Dr. Williams. Having
+passed through the usual course of study, he was first ordained at
+Darlington, July 28th, 1814, where he laboured with great assiduity,
+and, although amidst many discouragements, not without some tokens of
+the divine blessing. He at length accepted an invitation to become the
+pastor of the Church at Daventry, and continued his labours here for
+eight years. He subsequently removed to a destitute congregation at
+Newport, Salop; from thence he went to Liverpool, in 1838, to endeavour
+to revive an interest that had fallen into decay. Failing in the
+accomplishment of this object, he then devoted his time and energies to
+promote the interests of the various religious societies connected with
+the town, particularly "the Town Mission," "the Seaman's Friend
+Society," and "Bethel Union," by the committees of which he was held in
+great esteem. He died January 3rd, 1845, aged 55 years.
+
+Mr. J. Davis, the present minister, succeeded Mr. Whittenbury, becoming
+the pastor of this Church in the year 1826.
+
+"In 1728, the congregation purchased a house in Sheaf Street for the
+residence of the minister, which was rebuilt by subscription at the time
+Dr. Ashworth erected the adjoining house for the academy. The Meeting
+House, which stands in the minister's yard, is approached from the
+street through a gateway, and is a substantial stone building, 42 feet
+long by 42 feet wide." It has now three galleries.
+
+During the ministry of the present pastor, new school-rooms have been
+erected.
+
+The present number of communicants is 94. There are 190 children in the
+Sabbath-schools.
+
+There are some endowments connected with this place; one, of L12 per
+annum, towards the support of a Charity-school for boys and girls.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCHES IN WELLINGBOROUGH.
+
+
+SECTION 1.--THE CHURCH AT CHEESE LANE.
+
+Where the events relating to the early history of a community have not
+been put upon record about the time they occurred, or where the records,
+when made, have been subsequently neglected and lost, it becomes
+scarcely possible to discover its origin, or to obtain any correct
+information relating to its progress.
+
+This is the case, we regret to state, with the Independent Church,
+Cheese Lane, Wellingborough; it appears to be scarcely possible now to
+discover the date of its origin, or the circumstances under which it was
+formed.
+
+In Wellingborough and its vicinity there were ministers of Christ, 190
+years ago, who belonged to that noble band of worthies who renounced
+their worldly prospects in connexion with the Church by law established,
+rather than violate the dictates of conscience, on the passing of the
+Act of Uniformity in the year 1662.
+
+Before the days of the ejected ministers, there resided at the village
+of Wilby, little more than two miles from Wellingborough, Mr. Andrew
+Perne, A.M., a worthy Puritan minister. He was born in 1596; was chosen
+Fellow of Katherine Hall, Cambridge, where he probably received his
+education. Having finished his studies at the University, he became
+rector of Wilby, in Northamptonshire, where he continued a laborious,
+faithful, and successful preacher, 27 years. He often preached before
+the Parliament, and several of his sermons were published, one of which
+is entitled, 'Gospel Courage; or, a Christian Resolution for God and his
+Truth. In a Sermon preached before the Honourable House of Commons, at
+Margerett's, Westminster, at a public Fast, the 21st of May, 1643.'
+Being called up to London, he gained a high reputation, and was offered
+considerable preferments; but he refused them all, resolving to return
+to his charge at Wilby. He appears to have been a man of considerable
+eminence and great usefulness. His awakening sermons, and exemplary life
+and conversation, produced a signal and happy reformation; his people
+revered and loved him as a father. "He was full of spiritual warmth,"
+says Mr. Ainsworth, one of the ejected ministers, who preached and
+published his funeral sermon, "filled with a holy indignation against
+sin, active in his work, and never more in his element than when he was
+in the pulpit." "As his life was holy, so his death was happy." He
+blessed God that he was not afraid to die; nay, he earnestly desired to
+be gone, and often cried out, during his last sickness, "When will that
+hour come? One assault more, and this earthen vessel will be broken, and
+I shall be with God."
+
+His remains were interred in the chancel of Wilby Church, where at the
+foot of the altar is the following monumental inscription to his
+memory:--
+
+ Here lieth interred MR. ANDREW PERNE,
+ a faithful servant of Jesus Christ;
+ a zealous owner ever of God's cause in perilous times;
+ a powerful and successful preacher of the Gospel;
+ a great blessing to this town and country,
+ where he lived twenty-seven years.
+ He departed, December 13, 1654.
+
+The influence of the ministry and character of Mr. Perne would no doubt
+extend to the town of Wellingborough, and might be one means of
+producing that regard for the principles of the Gospel and the purity of
+the Church that actuated the early Nonconformists, who had many of them
+to suffer much for the principles which they maintained, and the course
+they conscientiously pursued.
+
+A Mr. Thomas Andrews, of the University of Cambridge, was ejected from
+the vicarage of Wellingborough. The living was given to him by the Lord
+or Lady Brooke. While he continued in it, he was generally respected by
+the ministers of his neighbourhood, twelve of whom took their turn at
+his weekly lecture on a Wednesday.
+
+His frugality, while he continued the incumbent, saved him some hundreds
+of pounds, so that he was better provided for after his ejectment than
+many of his brethren. When cast out of his living, he repaired to Meers
+Ashby, where he preached at a Mr. Preston's, in the night. He often
+preached also at Lady Tyrrell's. He was a man of great courage,
+agreeable behaviour, and much beloved by his neighbours.
+
+There was also a Mr. Alsop, ejected from the living of Wilby, near
+Wellingborough, who came and resided here after his ejectment, and
+exercised his ministry as the times would permit. It is recorded that he
+was bound over to the sessions for preaching at Oakham, and that he lay
+six months in Northampton Gaol for praying with a sick person.
+
+Mr. Rowlet, ejected from Sudbury, in this county, appears to have united
+with Mr. Alsop in his labours. In the time of King Charles's Indulgence,
+there was a meeting every Lord's-day at Wellingborough, upheld by Mr.
+Alsop and Mr. Rowlet, and the latter continued preaching here until
+removed by death. His constitution was feeble, for Mr. Alsop said of
+him, "If this man had but a body to his soul, he would be incomparable."
+He is represented by such as attended on his ministry and knew him well,
+as a most agreeable preacher, who used to charm his hearers. He died of
+consumption.
+
+Mr. Henry Wills, who had been rector of Loddington, in this county, is
+said to have preached privately (probably in some retired place, or in
+the silent hours of the night) to the people of Wellingborough, where
+his memory was exceedingly precious for a long time, especially for two
+things--the extraordinary suitableness of his compositions to the minds
+of the weakest, notwithstanding the fulness and depth of his matter, and
+the great piety and refreshing savour which seasoned his common
+conversation. It is related concerning him, that "he was an able
+scholar, a considerable mathematician, of great skill in the law, an
+eminent preacher, and of a most agreeable carriage."
+
+How early an Independent Church was first formed here, from which this
+in Cheese Lane descended, or when a stated pastor was first settled over
+it, we have not discovered.
+
+It is stated, that this Church first met for divine worship in a Meeting
+House situated in a yard at the back of some premises in Silver Street.
+In 1746, it was such an old building, and in such a dilapidated state,
+that it was found to be necessary to erect a new place of worship; when
+the present Meeting House was raised at the bottom of the lane where the
+cheese fair was kept, and hence called Cheese Lane Meeting. At that
+time, Mr. King, who was a friend and correspondent of Dr. Doddridge's,
+had been for many years pastor of the Church.
+
+The earliest notice we find of Mr. King as minister at Wellingborough is
+in the controversy with Mr. Davis, of Rowell, in 1692, in which Mr. King
+took a part. We find his name also as minister at Wellingborough, among
+those who were present at the ordination of Mr. Tingey, at Northampton,
+in the year 1709.
+
+The next notice we have found of Mr. King as minister here is in a
+letter from Doddridge addressed to him, dated December 29th, 1723, in
+which the writer engages to visit Mr. King and to preach for him on a
+week evening, observing, "It is with the utmost readiness and pleasure I
+embrace the opportunity of serving you which you propose in your
+obliging letter, especially as it gives me an opportunity of cultivating
+that friendship with which you are pleased to honour me, and which I
+look upon as a very particular happiness."
+
+When the dreadful fire that took place in 1738 had laid waste a
+considerable part of the town, destroying 205 dwelling-houses besides
+806 out-buildings, a fast-day was kept and some special public religious
+services were observed, and Dr. Doddridge was invited to preach on the
+occasion. He improved the event in a very serious, suitable, faithful
+sermon, from Amos iv. 11, which was published at the request of the
+people, with a dedication to those inhabitants of Wellingborough at
+whose request the sermon was published. We expect this sermon was
+preached in the Old Meeting House, in which the congregation at Cheese
+Lane formerly worshipped. In the dedication the Doctor observes--
+
+ I have laboured as much as possible to write from the life. The
+ ruins of your town, the distress of your families, and the mixture
+ of hope and fear attending the present situation of your affairs,
+ have been as it were before my eyes and on my heart in almost every
+ sentence; and I have frequently mingled these meditations with
+ earnest prayers to God that he would so lead me into the secret
+ recesses of your souls, that what you before heard and will now read
+ may be like a nail fastened in a sure place.
+
+Mr. King, it is stated, was succeeded by Mr. David Bradbury, who left
+Wellingborough about the year 1764, and was succeeded by Mr. French, who
+kept a very respectable boarding-school while residing here. He had
+studied under Dr. Doddridge, at Northampton. He afterwards removed to
+London. Mr. Orton was the next minister; but in early life he died of
+consumption, about the year 1776. Then succeeded to Mr. Orton Mr.
+Thomas, who had been a student at the academy at Daventry, first under
+Dr. Ashworth and then under Mr. Robins. He was ordained about the same
+time as the late Mr. Toller was settled at Kettering, they having closed
+their academical course nearly together. Mr. Thomas resigned his charge
+about 1786, after having been pastor about eight years, and went to
+Enfield. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Jacomb. He had been in a very
+unsettled state of health in London, where he was assistant to the Rev.
+Hugh Worthington, at Salter's Hall; and being called to experience here
+a very heavy domestic trial, in the almost sudden death of his wife,
+when they had been married but a short time, his depression of spirits
+became so great that he left, though very reluctantly, and went to Bath.
+
+The successor to Mr. Jacomb was Mr. Henry Summers. In reference to this
+change we find the following statement:--
+
+ In consequence of the removal of the Rev. R. Jacomb from
+ Wellingborough in 1791, the Church and congregation usually meeting
+ for divine worship in Cheese Lane became destitute of a pastor and
+ teacher. In this situation it became necessary for the society to
+ look out for a successor; and in March, 1792, Mr. Henry Summers, who
+ was assistant to the Rev. Robert Winter, of Hammersmith, after
+ sufficient trial was made, received a unanimous invitation to the
+ pastoral office, of which he soon after declared his acceptance. But
+ short was his time of service: soon was he called to close his
+ labours on earth. He died of fever, when he had sustained the
+ pastoral office scarcely four years in this place.
+
+In the early part of the year 1796 we find it recorded "that it pleased
+divine providence to bereave this Church and congregation of their
+pastor, the Rev. Henry Summers, who, after a short illness, departed
+this life January 27th, 1796." His funeral sermon was preached by the
+Rev. John Wood, of Rowell. From the time of his death until Midsummer,
+the congregation was supplied partly by the neighbouring ministers, who
+voluntarily offered their services for the benefit of his widow, and
+partly by the students at the academy at Northampton. By the general
+consent of the whole society, at length an application was made to Mr.
+Daniel Washbourn, then a student at Northampton, to supply them during
+the academical vacation, with which he complied. After ministering to
+them for several weeks with increasing acceptance and satisfaction, the
+Church and congregation determined to invite him to become their
+pastor, and accordingly sent him a pressing and affectionate invitation,
+signed by 131 persons, which, after fervent prayer and mature
+deliberation, he accepted.
+
+On Thursday, November 3rd, of the same year, the ordination service took
+place. The following is the account preserved of that interesting
+occasion:--
+
+ A very numerous auditory assembled; and from the testimony of
+ ministers and people, it may be asserted with the strictest truth,
+ the services of the day were particularly solemn, suitable, and
+ instructive. Mr. Richard Winter, of Hanover Street, London,
+ commenced with a short prayer and reading some suitable portions of
+ Scripture (Ps. xcvi., and the two first chapters of Paul's Epistle
+ to Titus); Mr. Edwards engaged in the general prayer; Mr.
+ Worthington, of Salter's Hall, London, delivered an introductory
+ discourse, in which he stated with ability and conciseness the
+ grounds and advantages of such a service among Protestant
+ Dissenters. He then proposed four questions to Mr. Washbourn, which
+ were answered by him, and engaged in the ordination prayer--a prayer
+ peculiarly solemn and pathetic. The charge, from Gal. i. 10, last
+ clause, was delivered by Mr. Horsey, of Northampton; and Mr. Toller,
+ of Kettering, preached the sermon to the people, from 1 Thess. v.
+ 12, 13: both these discourses were admirably adapted to the
+ occasion. Mr. Chadwick, of Oundle, concluded with an excellent
+ prayer. Hymns were read by Mr. Luccock.
+
+ After the dinner, it was unanimously proposed and requested that the
+ ordination service be published; which was agreed to by the
+ gentlemen concerned.[5]
+
+ There was a service in the evening, which Mr. Wood, of Rowell,
+ introduced with prayer; Mr. Winter preached a very suitable sermon,
+ from 2 Cor. iii. 5; and at the request of several of the ministers,
+ Mr. Washbourn concluded the solemnities of the day with prayer. The
+ kind providence of God appears to smile on this connexion, formed
+ and ratified between minister and people; both rejoice in the
+ pleasing prospect of usefulness, harmony, and love. May the great
+ Head of the Church continue the special tokens of his presence and
+ regard amongst us! Amen.
+
+
+[5] A note to this statement observes, that the services, nearly all
+printed, were never completed nor published, owing to the neglect and
+indolence of Mr. Worthington, who undertook to superintend the
+publishing, and unaccountably failed in discharging the trust committed
+to him.
+
+
+Thus wrote the pastor, under the first impressions of a happy settlement
+over this people; and for nearly sixteen years he continued his labours
+among them. During the far larger portion of that time they appear to
+have been years of comfort and usefulness; but, as another instance
+added to the vast numbers which show the uncertainty attending the most
+pleasing connexions and prospects in this fallen state, at length such
+circumstances arose as separated the pastor from his flock. Some
+disagreements arising between the influential members of the Church and
+congregation, they went on to such a length as to issue in a
+separation--the building of Salem Chapel, and the formation of the
+Church assembling there. This was so painful to Mr. Washbourn, that he
+sent in his resignation, in which he expressed himself in the following
+words:--"While I desire to entertain no sentiments of hostility towards
+those who have thought proper to desert my ministry and to form
+themselves into a separate community, I cannot but consider that they
+are responsible for my being removed from this part of the Lord's
+vineyard, where my labours were honoured with the divine blessing." Mr.
+Washbourn removed to Hammersmith, and never came to Wellingborough
+again. While filling this situation it is observed, "that he enjoyed to
+a high degree the respect of the surrounding ministers, particularly
+that of the late Mr. Toller, of Kettering, whose friendship and
+popularity he frequently referred to with peculiar delight."
+
+Mr. Washbourn was minister at Hammersmith for twenty-two years; and here
+we find it remarked, "that his preaching--solid, judicious, and deeply
+spiritual--was very soon highly estimated by his new charge, the greater
+part of whom at that time were families of considerable standing in
+society, as well as of high respectability and influence in the Church.
+Not a few were brought to Christ who had seen the meridian of life
+unvisited by mercy, and who survived to bless his memory and to render
+it blessed." But we find that "it pleased the great Head of the Church,
+who retains the prerogative of determining the trials of his servants,
+greatly to obstruct the usefulness of the latter part of his life, and
+to render it the scene of peculiar affliction, by the rapid progress of
+a constitutional malady--overwhelming depression. The most remarkable
+feature in this visitation was its periodical character. Six weeks of
+unutterable gloom, during which he was bereft of every ray of spiritual
+consolation, and an equal term of unusual enjoyment in religion and in
+social intercourse, maintained an almost unvarying succession throughout
+the two or three last years of his earthly pilgrimage. But he has
+frequently said to his colleague, 'I know, my dear sir, it is all
+physical. I know it--I have proved it; and I know God sees it needful
+for me, or he would not permit it.'"
+
+He died on Monday, the 10th day of November, 1834, in the 64th year of
+his age; and it is said "that few public men, moving in a comparatively
+quiet and unobtrusive sphere, have gone down to the grave accompanied by
+such deep expressions of unequivocal regard, from all classes in the
+circle where they lived and laboured, as did this devoted minister of
+Christ."
+
+Soon after Mr. Washbourn had left Wellingborough, Mr. Robert Jacomb, the
+former pastor of the Church, came on a visit; and seeing the
+uncomfortable state in which the people were, he kindly consented to
+prolong his stay, and preached to them with his former acceptance. An
+invitation was given him to resume his labours, which he accepted; and
+after an interval of twenty years he again became the pastor of the
+Church. His services were continued until repeated attacks of disease,
+and the increasing infirmities of age, obliged him to resign his charge
+in the year 1826. He continued to reside in Wellingborough until his
+death, which took place in the year 1832.
+
+Mr. Jacomb, we have heard, was a descendant from the early Nonconformist
+ministers of that name. He always appeared to conduct himself with the
+ease, affability, and politeness of the gentleman, and with the spirit
+of the Christian. His temper was amiable, and it was his constant aim to
+promote the spirit of piety and of peace among his people. In the spirit
+of devotion, and with a sincere concern for the highest welfare of his
+flock, he conducted the services of the sanctuary. He was highly
+esteemed to the close of his days.
+
+Mr. James Robertson was the next pastor, commencing his ministry
+here in October, 1826. He continued his services until a distressing
+mental malady, from which he never recovered, laid him aside from his
+public work and cut him off from the society of his friends. Mr. Robertson
+was a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne; became a student of Wymondley
+College; was pastor for some years of the Independent Church at
+Stretton-under-Fosse, commencing his ministry there July 29th, 1809,
+and was ordained in August, 1810. The ministers officiating were Messrs.
+H. Knight, R. Hall, and T. N. Toller. "For upwards of four years before
+his death he was the subject of intense mental and physical suffering,
+which much beclouded his fine intellect; and the deep waters of
+tribulation went over his soul." "In him," it is justly said, "were
+united the elegant accomplishments of the classical scholar, and the
+graver acumen of the profound theologian; which, added to the unaffected
+fervour of his piety, the benevolence of his disposition, and the
+sterling integrity of his general character, embalmed his memory in the
+hearts of a large circle of friends, who deplore his loss." He died at
+Wellingborough June 23rd, 1842, and was interred in the burying ground
+belonging to the Meeting. His most intimate friend, Mr. Walford, of
+Uxbridge, who was classical tutor for some years at Homerton College,
+officiated at the funeral; and Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached the
+funeral sermon the next Sabbath evening, from Zech. i. 5: "Your fathers,
+where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"
+
+A tablet was erected by his widow to his memory, and placed at the right
+side of the pulpit.
+
+Mr. Robertson was secretary to the Northamptonshire Association, from
+the death of Mr. Edwards, of Northampton, until he was laid aside from
+active service. He was a frequent contributor to the _Eclectic Review_,
+and wrote many valuable articles of biblical criticism, besides others
+of a more general character. His attainments in learning were eminent;
+his intellectual power was considerable--his general information
+extensive; his skill in criticism was great; while he was a man of
+inflexible integrity, pre-eminently "without guile"--a sincere and
+steadfast friend, with much kindness of heart. His stern and unbending
+regard to principle sometimes occasioned a roughness of exterior, and
+occasionally appeared to assume an austere and unkind aspect. Some of
+his sermons discovered talent of a high order for composition,
+containing superior thoughts, clothed in powerful language.
+
+The following record we find respecting Mr. Robertson's affliction, and
+the views entertained by the people under it:--
+
+ In the month of January, 1838, it pleased God to visit with a
+ painful mental affliction the Rev. James Robertson, the pastor of
+ the Church, so as totally to disqualify him for conducting the
+ services of the sanctuary, or holding any intercourse with the
+ people of his charge. Several months after the commencement of his
+ illness, the pulpit was generously supplied on Sabbath-day by
+ neighbouring ministers. The friends, however, at length deeply
+ feeling their destitute condition, and perceiving the congregation
+ on the decline, were led anxiously to deliberate on the course which
+ a due concern for their own spiritual improvement and the welfare of
+ Zion required them to take; at the same time keeping in view their
+ obligations to their honoured and afflicted pastor. After frequent
+ consultations among themselves and with various ministers in the
+ county, and much prayer, it was suggested, that as no symptoms of
+ returning health appeared, the connexion ought to be dissolved. It
+ was with great regret that the friends perceived that such a
+ proposal must come from them, rather than from their pastor himself;
+ but the state of his mind being such as to unfit him for the
+ transaction of business, it became, on their part, a matter of
+ necessity and painful duty. Accordingly, in the month of September,
+ 1838, a letter to this effect, approved by the Church and
+ congregation, was addressed to Mrs. Robertson, after which other
+ correspondence took place, which it is unnecessary to detail, and
+ the relation terminated.
+
+In the beginning of the year 1839 the Rev. E. T. Prust, of Northampton,
+introduced to the notice of the friends the Rev. G. Taylor, who, in
+consequence of severe indisposition, had been obliged to resign a
+previous charge in the vicinity of Manchester, but whose health was so
+far restored as to enable him to resume his ministerial labours. He was
+accordingly invited to preach for a few Sabbaths in the month of April.
+At the expiration of this time, he was invited to the pastoral office;
+which, after proper consideration and advice, he accepted. A recognition
+service was held on Thursday, October 24th, the order of which was as
+follows:--"Reading and prayer, Rev. J. Renals; questions, Rev. E. T.
+Prust; designation prayer, Rev. T. Toller; address to Mr. Taylor, Rev.
+T. East, founded on John xii. 26, last clause; address to the people,
+Rev. J. Blackburn; concluding prayer, Rev. R. Davis.
+
+"In connexion with the above service, special united meetings were held
+at the three Chapels in the town: those for prayer, on Monday evening,
+Wednesday and Thursday morning. On Tuesday evening, Rev. Thos. Milner
+preached; on Wednesday evening, Rev. T. East; and on Thursday evening
+there was a united communion service. The whole of the services were
+well attended, and great interest was excited."
+
+After a short but active, affectionate, and faithful ministerial course
+here, Mr. Taylor's health again began to decline, which soon brought his
+labours in the ministry to a final close. He was under the necessity of
+resigning his office. His letter of resignation was dated June 24th,
+1845, having scarcely completed six years of pastoral labour in this
+place. He died at Birmingham in 1846, at forty-two years of age, in the
+faith and hope of the Gospel, leaving a widow and rising family
+especially to mourn his loss.
+
+Mr. Taylor was born in Birmingham, February 10th, 1804. His parents were
+eminent for their piety, and his father was for many years a deacon of
+the Church assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, under the pastoral care of Mr.
+Timothy East. He received an excellent classical education at the school
+of Mr. J. Hammond, Independent minister, at Handsworth, of whom he
+always spake with much respect. He was called in early life to the
+knowledge of the truth, under the powerful ministry of Mr. East. The
+grace which he had received soon made him a decided Christian, and
+pointed him out as one likely to be useful in public service. His
+thoughts were soon directed to the work of the ministry; he pursued a
+course of study at Highbury College, where his attainments were
+respectable, and where he gained the affectionate attachment of his
+fellow students. His first situation as a pastor was at New Windsor,
+near Manchester. Here he continued until, after eight years' service, he
+was obliged by the state of his health to resign his charge, and
+preached his farewell sermon from the words of the Apostle, "I would
+that ye knew what great conflict I have for you," &c., which was
+listened to with the deepest interest; and many sorrowed, "that they
+should see his face no more" as their beloved pastor. After an interval
+of two years, his health appeared to be sufficiently recovered for him
+to resume his stated labours, and he then accepted the invitation to
+become the pastor of this Church. Here he ministered with considerable
+success for a short period, the Church and congregation increasing; but
+the interest at first excited was not sustained until the close of his
+ministry, which might partly arise from the weakness of his
+constitution rendering him incapable of the continued mental and
+physical effort which the stated engagements of the pastor for a series
+of years demand. After about six years spent in this situation, symptoms
+of decline appeared. He sought relief by spending six months on the
+southern coast, but it proved in vain; his disorder increased. It become
+necessary for him to resign his second charge; and he retired to end his
+days amongst his friends in his native town, where he closed his course,
+in the possession of the peace and hope of the Gospel. Mr. Taylor was
+amiable, honourable, and affectionate; he had a strong principle of
+piety towards God, a deep vein of devotional feeling, a firm reliance on
+the merits of the Saviour. His great aim was to be useful in the
+conversion of sinners and advancing the kingdom of the Redeemer.
+
+Some months after the death of Mr. Taylor, the Rev. J. Watson, then
+tutor of Newport Pagnell Academy, introduced to the notice of the Church
+the Rev. J. F. Poulter, of Queen's College, Cambridge. When Mr. Poulter
+had supplied the pulpit for some weeks with acceptance, he was invited
+to take the pastoral charge, which invitation he accepted, and was
+ordained Thursday, December 17th, 1846, when the Rev. J. Watson, of
+Newport, delivered the introductory discourse; Rev. T. Toller proposed
+the questions; Rev. E. T. Prust offered the ordination prayer; Rev. W.
+Forster, of Kentish Town, delivered the charge.
+
+Mr. Poulter is the present minister of this Church and congregation. In
+the year 1850 new school-rooms were erected, at the cost of rather more
+than L300. The site was presented by Mr. W. Warren, and the design given
+by Mr. E. Sharman. At the opening services the Rev. H. Allom, of Union
+Chapel, Islington, preached; Rev. Samuel Martin, of Westminster, in the
+evening, from Proverbs xx. 11.
+
+Mr. John Gibbs, of Wellingborough, who died May 19th, 1813, left by will
+the sum of L100 in the hands of his executors, to be by them invested in
+the funds or other good security, the interest of which is to be paid
+annually on St. Thomas's-day, December 21st, to the minister of this
+place, independent of the salary paid him by the congregation.
+
+
+SECTION 2.--THE CHURCH AT WEST END.
+
+To be able to discover very distinctly the origin of a Christian society
+of 160 years' standing, and from thence to trace the varied events of
+its history, is especially interesting to those minds that love to
+observe how the great Head of the Church carries on the affairs of his
+kingdom by the varied operations of providence and of grace, employing
+the agency of his servants, and showing the influence of Christian
+principle in promoting his great designs.
+
+If the reader will look back to the memorials of the Church at Rowell,
+and will notice the itinerating labours of Mr. Davis, the third pastor,
+with the success that attended them, in connexion with the efforts of
+some of the brethren in that Church, he will there see how this Church
+at Wellingborough originated. There were a considerable number of
+persons who had derived benefit from the labours of Mr. Davis, residing
+in Wellingborough and its vicinity, who had become members of the Church
+at Rowell. After some time, it was thought that their number was
+sufficient to form a distinct Christian community, _i.e._, an
+Independent Church, with its officers. They received a regular
+dismission from the Church at Rowell for this purpose. The copy of that
+dismission we have given in the account of that Church (page 57), from
+which they were dismissed; and we find the same preserved in the records
+of this Church--the one account furnishing a complete corroboration of
+the other. The first statement after this is--
+
+ The 22nd day of the eighth month, 1691, was kept solemnly in fasting
+ and prayer at Wellingborough by us whose names are hereafter
+ written, for our embodying and enchurching together; when, after
+ that the former part of the day was spent in prayer, direction, and
+ exhortation, our dismission from the Church of Christ at Rowell was
+ then read by their messengers.
+
+After this it is recorded--
+
+ Having covenanted each apart, and then in the name of Christ, in
+ these words--"We do, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ our
+ crowned King, his holy angels, his people, and all the people here
+ present, give ourselves up to the Lord and to one another by the
+ will of God, joyfully promising and engaging to walk with the Lord
+ Jesus Christ and with his people in the observation of all Gospel
+ ordinances, and in the discharge of all relative duties in the house
+ of God, and as the presence of the Lord shall enable us"--We lifted
+ up our hands thereunto, and afterwards subscribed our names.
+
+ We, having been dismissed from the Church of Christ which we did
+ belong to, and having given up ourselves to the Lord and to one
+ another by the will of God, and to this subscribed, in the presence
+ of many witnesses, as becomes a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ,
+ having all the power amongst ourselves to manage all matters
+ belonging to us as a Church of the Lord Jesus.
+
+After this they proceed to choose two ruling elders, who covenanted with
+the people in the presence of the Lord to be faithful to the charges
+committed to them; the Church also covenanted to carry it towards them
+as a people to their officers. Then they chose Mr. Bettson, who had been
+approved by the Church at Rowell for the ministry of the word, to become
+their pastor; and on an appointed day they proceed to ordain him to this
+office, in a manner similar to that which had been adopted by the Church
+of which they had formerly made a part. They state--
+
+ We proceeded to ordain our brother Bettson, in which our elders
+ brother Henseman and brother Osborn laid their hands on brother
+ Bettson and prayed, setting him before the Lord, testifying to the
+ Lord that that was the man they had chosen to the office of a
+ pastor; and after prayer, laid their hands on him again, and
+ declared to the people that he was their pastor; and the ruling
+ elders gave him authority, entering into covenant with him as to
+ right them in their transactions. There were several pastors of
+ other Churches present, as Mr. Bear, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Davis,
+ besides brethren of other Churches.
+
+On the 14th day of the same month they say--
+
+ We then agreed, and solemnly passed this as a Church act, that we
+ would not bear with any that were with us that whispered against any
+ of the brethren, or backbited any, looking upon it as abusing that
+ rule in the 18th chapter of Matthew; also very dishonourable to the
+ Lord Jesus, and injurious to the Church; separating between chief
+ friends, and giving occasion to the enemies to blaspheme.
+
+The ministry of Mr. Bettson appears to have been evangelical, earnest,
+and successful, so that 174 members were added to the Church during his
+ministry, which continued for 33 years. During the early years of that
+ministry much comfort and usefulness is indicated; but the latter part
+of it appears to have been attended with some heavy trials.
+
+In the earliest part of their history they held numerous
+Church-meetings; had members belonging to the Church from many different
+places. Occasionally they held Church-meetings at Olney, 12 miles from
+Wellingborough, in which place and neighbourhood a number of the members
+resided, until at length they were formed into a Church in that place.
+
+"Mr. Bettson," it is observed, "was a man possessed of much prudence,
+piety, and perseverance. His trials were many; for preceding the choice
+of an assistant, another minister came to the town to preach in
+opposition to Mr. Bettson. Many hearers left, and the interest was
+greatly reduced."
+
+From their Church records, it appears that they performed the marriage
+ceremony among themselves. The covenant of marriage is thus expressed:--
+
+ I, J. N., take thee, M. M., to be my wedded wife, and solemnly
+ promise, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be a loving,
+ tender, and faithful husband, until death.
+
+ I, M. M., take thee, J. N., to be my wedded husband, and solemnly
+ promise, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be a loving,
+ tender, faithful, and obedient wife, until death.
+
+"The date of the first certificate of marriage is 1692, and the date of
+the last that was given 1714."
+
+ _Wellingborough, 22nd day of the 10th month._
+
+ These are to certify all whom it may concern, that Samuel Bearly and
+ Susannah Jeffs, both of Wellingborough, did enter into the estate of
+ matrimony the day and year above written. As a testimony of firmly
+ indenting and joining in a marriage covenant, they have hereto
+ unchangeably put to their hands and seals, the day and year above
+ written.
+
+ In the presence of the witnesses,
+
+ ROBERT BETTSON. SAMUEL BEARLY.
+ JOHN FOXE. SUSANNAH JEFFS.
+
+It appears that the banns were published in the parish Church where the
+parties lived, according to the following account:--
+
+Preceding marriage, Mr. Bere received a note from the place where the
+parties lived, according to the following testimony:--
+
+ "These are to certify all whom it may concern, of the banns of
+ matrimony between Brize, of the parish of Clifton, in the county of
+ Bucks, on the one part, and Ann Rollins, of this parish, in the
+ county of Northampton, on the other part, were published three
+ several times in the parish of Wollaston, without any let or
+ contradiction, as the Rubrick directs, by me.
+
+ "J. MARIS, Vicar of Wollaston.
+
+ "_Wollaston, July 27, 1702._"
+
+
+When a Christian society is in circumstances of peculiar difficulty and
+discouragement, it is important that their state should engage the
+sympathies and draw forth the counsels of other Christian societies, as
+a means of encouragement and assistance under the struggles to which
+they are called. Acting on this principle, this Church, under its
+trials, applied for advice to other Churches, and received the following
+letter from the Church at Rowell, expressive of their sympathy and their
+counsels:
+
+ DEAR BRETHREN IN THE LORD,--Our messengers, sent upon your desire to
+ assist you in your faults, informed us that you wanted advice
+ respecting your duty towards those members who wilfully left their
+ places amongst you, broke their solemn covenant with you, and
+ entered into a separate covenant with excommunicated persons, to
+ carry on a separate cause with them. Our messengers further informed
+ us of the unanimous advice given by the messengers of several
+ Churches, that you should proceed against them as covenant-breakers;
+ making use of Christian endeavours, evangelical admonitions, for
+ their recovery, if the Lord pleases to bless to the same end; and
+ in case of obstinacy to cut them off. Of this advice we heartily
+ approve as a Church of Christ; and desire that the Spirit of the
+ Lord may be with you in it, and enable you to go comfortably through
+ it, and give you success in it. We pity you under your great and
+ sore trials, and, as helping you, prayed for you, that you may be
+ filled with all the fulness of God. We pity any who have been
+ deluded from their duty under specious pretences, and desire that
+ the God of all grace would give them speedily to renounce them.
+ However, the Lord give unto you (the weak handed) to be found in the
+ way of your duty, for therein is peace. Abstain from your own
+ wisdom; let your weapons be spiritual and mighty through God, to
+ whose care we remit you, and remain your sympathizing brethren,
+
+ M. MAURICE.
+ THOS. REYNALS.
+ WILLM. FULLEN.
+
+Sometimes a change in the ministry, when an interest is brought into
+such a state that it can hardly stand its ground, has a favourable
+effect; and may, under the divine blessing, be the means of bringing
+about a pleasing change. Thus it proved in the history of this Church.
+Mr. Bettson's age increasing and energies declining, they agreed to
+invite a co-pastor. A Mr. Grant, another member of the Church at Rowell,
+was chosen to this office. Finding his ministry acceptable, they wrote
+to the Church at Rowell, requesting his dismission to them, that he
+might be ordained as joint pastor with Mr. Bettson. The Church granted
+their desire, and in their letter of dismission we find the following
+passages:--
+
+ It affecteth us greatly that the Lord seemeth to smile upon his
+ precious cause amongst you, so that we hope the night of your
+ affliction is far spent, and the day of much more abounding joy and
+ consolation is at hand. "Weeping endureth for a night, but joy
+ cometh in the morning."
+
+ We are glad that any of our dear brethren and sisters, who in the
+ dark and cloudy day have been turned aside from their duty, are
+ brought to their covenanted places in the Church. We have no reason
+ to doubt but the Spirit of God will in a gracious manner bring
+ others. When He is pleased to plead, who can resist? And we hope the
+ same Spirit will enable you to carry it in all meekness of wisdom
+ toward them, leaving the issue to God.
+
+ We bless God that the ministry of our beloved brother William Grant
+ has been made so useful amongst you, and that the Spirit of God doth
+ so fit it for edification and conversion. We pray that such fruits
+ may abound more and more; and in order thereunto, upon your request
+ and his desire, the Church has ordered us, in their names, to sign
+ his dismission to your fellowship.
+
+ We should be very glad of the continuance of his fellowship with us,
+ and his labours amongst us; but seeing our dear Lord calleth him to
+ work amongst you, and inclineth his heart thereto, we submit, and
+ think it our duty to rejoice in your mercy.
+
+In reference to the ordination of Mr. Grant, we are informed that
+"letters were ordered to be written in the name of the Church to the
+several Churches therein named, for their messengers to come over and
+behold our order, and assist us in the ordination of brother William
+Grant." Thursday, September 21st, 1723, was appointed for this purpose.
+
+ This being the day set apart for brother William Grant's ordination,
+ the Church assembled for it, in order to carry on the solemn work,
+ which was conducted as follows:--
+
+ After some time spent in prayer, the Church appointed brother
+ William Curtis to be their mouth to propose the matter to the
+ Church, and also to brother Grant. The matter being proposed to the
+ Church, they gave their consent, by standing up and lifting up their
+ hands; no objection being made by any of them. By their mouth it was
+ proposed to brother William Grant, whether or no he did willingly
+ give up himself to the Lord and his Church, to serve the Lord and
+ them in the work and office of a pastor; which call of God and his
+ people he testified that he willingly obeyed and accepted. That
+ being done, the messengers of the several Churches then present, as
+ a testimony of their joy and communion, gave the right hands of
+ fellowship. Then brother Hanneswell prayed, and Mr. Maurice
+ preached, and brother Curtis concluded the meeting with prayer; and
+ in the evening brother Grant preached; and so we concluded the day.
+
+Mr. Grant's ministry proved so acceptable, that it soon became necessary
+to enlarge the Old Meeting, which was done in the year 1726.
+
+A circumstance which appears to have been rather unusual in the life of
+a plain country pastor 120 years ago, took place in the history of Mr.
+Grant, followed by some interesting results. "On June 11th, 1732, the
+Church gave consent for Mr. Grant to go to London." This was probably
+his first visit to the metropolis. What was the special occasion of such
+an important step being taken does not appear; but it was on this visit
+that it is supposed the following well-authenticated events took place.
+"Mr. Grant was introduced to the study of a learned brother, for whom he
+was to preach. This and the other book was pointed out as of great
+importance, and discovering great erudition in the author. Mr. Grant
+said, 'Sir, I have had no literary advantages; therefore such works are
+lost to me.' 'I am very sorry, then, that you are to preach to my
+people, who have always been accustomed to such ministers as have had a
+very liberal education. But, Mr. Grant, if you should be confused in
+your sermon, I beg you will soon close the subject.' Lady C----, seeing
+Mr. Grant's homely dress, felt much timidity about him, and no small
+aversion to hear him: but at the close of the service Lady C---- and
+the minister were ready to testify their approbation; and from this time
+such was her Ladyship's partiality to Mr. Grant, that he frequently went
+to London in the week to preach a lecture, and returned for the Sabbath;
+and her Ladyship often came to Wellingborough to spend the Lord's-day."
+
+From this time Mr. Grant had a happy change in his temporal
+circumstances; for, connected with the liberal aid of her Ladyship,
+another event took place which terminated in his favour. One of his
+hearers had L200 left her, but found great difficulty in obtaining her
+right. Mr. Grant interfered, and obtained it for her. Such was her
+gratitude, that she left him L100 at her death.
+
+During the first part of Mr. Grant's ministry at Wellingborough, he had
+to struggle with great pecuniary difficulties; but he now found true
+what a poor woman said to him on first coming to Wellingborough--"Mr.
+Grant, I wonder what induced you to come to such a reduced and poor
+people; how do you think you can be supported?" Then, as the effect of
+an instantaneous impression, she said, "The Lord says, 'The silver and
+the gold is mine'; and you, sir, shall have your share." Mr. Grant was
+in very good circumstances at the close of his life.
+
+In 1734 they determined to build a new Meeting House. They counted the
+cost of such a building, erected in a plain manner, as they thought
+would then comfortably contain their congregation, and found it to be
+about L200. They built the walls, and put up part of the roof; but found
+themselves, being still poor and weak, under the necessity of asking the
+assistance of friends. This was obtained, so that the whole expense was
+shortly cleared.
+
+Mr. Grant's ministry extended over the lengthened period of forty-eight
+years, during which 259 members were added to the Church. It was on
+September 9th, 1770, that he preached for the last time, being very ill,
+and for some time before this having been carried to the pulpit. On
+March 22nd, 1771, after a long and painful illness, borne with Christian
+patience and fortitude, Mr. Grant's death took place, closing a devoted
+and successful ministry.
+
+It is observed, that "Mr. Grant was very lively in the pulpit. His work
+appeared so much like the work of heaven, that it often very much
+surprised his hearers." "His charity was such, that he would deprive
+himself of some comforts for the benefit of the poor." A friend said to
+him, "I wonder, Mr. Grant, that you do not keep a better fire this cold
+weather." He replied, "other people want fires as well as myself." He
+was a firm Dissenter, and had a great aversion to all saints' days, &c.
+His people frequently pressed him to preach on Christmas-day: at last he
+complied with reluctancy, and chose these words--"Ye are of your father
+the devil, and his works will ye do."
+
+When the dreadful fire took place at Wellingborough in 1738, such was
+the distress of the inhabitants that party names were forgotten; and the
+town requested the Rev. Mr. Grant and the Rev. Mr. Homes, the clergyman,
+to combine in collecting for the poor sufferers. When Mr. Homes saw the
+great influence that Mr. Grant had, and the unlimited respect paid to
+him, he determined he would go with nobody else, even on this charitable
+occasion. Mr. Homes retained a great respect for him to the close of his
+days, and would frequently say, "He was an honest and great man."
+
+In the closing years of his life, Mr. Grant was deprived of sight. An
+aged woman came to him on one occasion, when two of his friends were
+leading him to the pulpit, and said, "Sir, how do you do? for I cannot
+see you." He rejoined, "nor can I see you; but let us rejoice: there
+will be no blind people in heaven."
+
+The following outline of a sermon is preserved from one of Mr. Grant's
+manuscripts (Psalm lxxix. 8). After a long introduction, he gives the
+following divisions:--
+
+ I. That God, as he is the God of Zion and the God of his Church,
+ does sometimes remember against his own people their former
+ iniquities, or the Church was mistaken here. "Oh, remember not
+ against us," said they, "our former iniquities." Either God did
+ remember against the Church their former iniquities, or I say the
+ Church was mistaken; for the Church apprehends it so by her prayer.
+ At this time she very plainly believes God did remember against her
+ her former iniquities, and was now dealing with her by laying his
+ rod upon her; therefore under it she cries, "Remember not against us
+ our former iniquities; let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us,
+ for we are brought very low."
+
+ II. When a professing people, or particular persons, are under
+ chastisements and the severe rebukes of their God, to plead his
+ tender mercies is the best argument. "Let thy tender mercies," says
+ the Church, "speedily prevent us;" that is, prevent our ruin, or we
+ should be destroyed--we should be brought to nothing as a Church if
+ thou sufferest the enemy to go forward in destroying them that are
+ useful, cutting them off as they have done in times past, and the
+ bodies of the saints should be still continued to be given as meat
+ to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of heaven, as in verse
+ 2--then we should be brought to ruin: but, "Oh let thy," &c.
+
+ III. We see from the words of our text, that the people of God may
+ plead in their petitions their low estates for God's help; this may
+ come in by way of petition in prayer. Our miseries and God's
+ mercies are very proper pleas at the throne of grace. The poor
+ publican made use of both in his prayer: "God be merciful to me a
+ sinner."
+
+ IV. Something by way of use, as (1.) Does God remember the sins of
+ his people by way of chastisement? Let us take heed how we sin
+ against him. (2.) Learn from hence, when God is chastising you, and
+ laying his rod upon you, to turn to him that smites you, when he
+ calls you by his rebukes. Many turn from God. (3.) We learn from
+ hence, as the Church prays that God would not remember against her
+ former iniquities, so we should do.
+
+The following letter is inserted because it presents some pleasing
+indications of the spirit that prevailed in Mr. Grant and his people.
+
+ The Church of Christ at Wellingborough, under the pastoral care of
+ William Grant, to those Christian brethren and sisters who have
+ lately asked their dismission from the Church of Christ at
+ Lutterworth, under the pastoral care of John Dowley, sendeth
+ greeting, wishing grace and peace, &c.
+
+ DEAR BRETHREN,--We, seeking the glory of our dear Lord Jesus, and
+ the peace and prosperity of his cause in general, have been willing
+ to concern ourselves in your affair so far as to seek the Lord about
+ it, and then to weigh and consider well the case, which we have now
+ done at no less than four sundry times; and our conclusion is, that
+ we cannot receive you upon such a dismission: for, instead of a
+ recommendation, you have an accusation, that you could not come to a
+ temper; and then a conclusion, that your separation is groundless.
+ How far this accusation and conclusion are just we cannot be proper
+ judges, who live at so great a distance, and have no opportunity of
+ conversing with the members of the Church, that so we might
+ thoroughly know both sides; for, until then, we cannot see how we
+ can judge righteously in the affair.
+
+ All that we can further do in the case is, to mourn over it before
+ the Lord. The breaches and hurts of Zion are many. Oh (have we not
+ all reason to cry) that the Lord would arise in his glory, and build
+ up her walls, and heal all her breaches! We earnestly desire that
+ the Lord may appear for his cause in Lutterworth, that you may have
+ Christ's Gospel and his law powerfully and plainly preached amongst
+ you, that all that fear God in those parts may unitedly feed
+ together in the ways of the Lord, and your children may be
+ converted, and the seed of strangers also. Thus we subscribe
+ ourselves your brethren in the best bonds.
+
+ Owned in our Church-meeting, November 27th, 1741, and signed by us
+ in the name of the Church.
+
+ WM. GRANT.
+
+The original letter, in the handwriting of Mr. Grant, is in the
+possession of T. Grundy, Esq., Northampton.
+
+When Mr. Grant's infirmities greatly increased, both he and his people
+were anxious to obtain an assistant before his departure. Prayer was
+presented fervently on this behalf, that they might have a pastor come
+after God's own heart. The fears of the people were great, on account of
+their attachment to the ministry of Mr. Grant, that no one would be so
+acceptable as to keep them together; as they considered few so
+acceptable in the pulpit as Mr. Grant. After several disappointments in
+probationers for the office, there remained this ground of hope--unity
+of spirit and prayer were given and continued.
+
+After a time they received information of Mr. John Carver, who was
+pastor of a small Church in the village of Kirtling, Cambridgeshire, as
+one that was very likely to suit them. He came and preached to them two
+Sabbaths. General satisfaction prevailed in the Church and congregation;
+without one dissenting voice they desired him to come and remain among
+them. Mr. Carver accepted their call, and removed with his family to
+Wellingborough, October 30th, 1770. The ordination took place June 20th
+in the following year, which appears to have been conducted according to
+the more general practice of the Churches. Mr. Smith, of Oundle, read
+the hymns; Mr. Hayton began in prayer; Mr. Bond, of Toft, delivered the
+introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions; Mr. Simmons, of
+Bedford, gave the exhortation to the people, from Col. ii. 5, 6; Mr.
+Ashpiner, of Poole, in Dorset, prayed; Mr. Gregson, of Rowell, gave the
+charge, from Rom. i. 16; Mr. Walker, of Olney, concluded the service.
+"And, blessed be the Lord!" it is added, "it was a very solemn day.
+Every part of it was conducted with great order and satisfaction."
+
+Then we have the covenant of the Church renewed; and another covenant
+after revolt, partly given in the following terms:--
+
+ We, the members of the Church of the living God assembling at
+ Wellingborough, having greatly revolted from our dear Lord, in a
+ deep sense of both former and later miscarriages against his love,
+ blood, honour, crown, and dignity, as King of Souls and Churches,
+ &c.
+
+This seems to be imperfect, as it breaks off abruptly here.
+
+During Mr. Carver's ministry, we find three who became members of the
+Church, that afterwards became pastors of Christian societies--viz.: Mr.
+Perry, the first pastor of the Church at Wollaston; Mr. Hennell, its
+second pastor; and Mr. Hillyard, the first pastor of the Church at
+Brigstock, and afterwards for many years minister at Olney.
+
+In the year 1791 the present Meeting House was built. We are informed
+"that there was much conversation previously on the subject; and at
+length the congregation agreed to do it, if the expense could be
+defrayed among themselves, without dependence on others." This was a
+noble spirit. A subscription was opened among them, and found to be of
+sufficient amount to warrant their proceeding in the business. While the
+building was going forward they conducted a part of their service in
+Cheese Lane Meeting, by the kind permission of the stated congregation
+there. On the 11th of September, 1791, they met for the first time in
+their new place of worship. "The satisfaction arising from having a
+commodious large place of worship for ourselves and our posterity,
+without assistance from anyone, was great indeed."
+
+The following account of Mr. Carver's life, character, and ministry, was
+drawn up by the late Mr. Bull, of Newport, the friend of Newton and
+Cowper.
+
+ The Rev. John Carver was born A.D. 1733, at Southill, in
+ Bedfordshire, and was several years a member of the Independent
+ Church in that place, of which Church his father was a deacon. That
+ piety and those talents which shone with increasing lustre to the
+ close of his life, discovered themselves at a very early period; but
+ unaffected modesty and conscientious motives prevented his entering
+ into the ministry till he had completed his thirtieth year. He began
+ by privately exercising his gifts before the Church, and afterwards
+ established an evening lecture among his poor neighbours, to whom he
+ preached after the labours of the day were closed. He continued
+ these exercises, and some occasional services, a considerable time
+ before he relinquished his secular employment and devoted himself
+ entirely to the service of the Church. At length, however, he
+ accepted the unanimous and urgent invitation of a small but
+ affectionate congregation at Kirtling, near Newmarket, in
+ Cambridgeshire. With this people he remained until his removal to
+ Wellingborough, where he continued his ministry with great
+ respectability and usefulness near twenty-seven years, his life and
+ his labours ending on January 31st, 1797.
+
+ Mr. Carver had not the advantage of an academical education; but his
+ understanding, naturally vigorous, was cultivated by reading and
+ reflection. In conversation he was habitually serious without gloom,
+ and cheerful without levity. He possessed to an uncommon degree the
+ happy talent of giving a devotional turn to almost every subject.
+ Far from assuming any consequential airs, he alone seemed insensible
+ to what every one else perceived, that he was the life and soul of
+ the company. While the advanced Christian felt himself edified by
+ the depth and solidity of his remarks, the young, to whom he paid a
+ particular attention, were charmed by his affectionate address, the
+ simplicity of his language, and the aptness of his illustrations.
+
+Though he did not pretend to an acquaintance with the original
+languages, his biblical knowledge was truly respectable. A sound
+judgment, a correct taste, and extraordinary diligence in reading and
+studying the word of God, joined with a proper use of our best
+commentators, enabled him to appear to great advantage as an interpreter
+of Scripture.
+
+ In preaching, he never addressed the passions, but in subservience
+ to reason and truth. In explaining and defending the doctrines and
+ precepts of Christianity he was calm, perspicuous, and often very
+ ingenious. He was a firm but not dogmatizing advocate for the
+ sentiments usually styled Calvinistical. In the practical and
+ applicatory parts of his discourse he was peculiarly striking. His
+ numerous hearers will doubtless long remember with what solemnity of
+ voice and manner, with what pointed energy of expression, he warned
+ the young, the thoughtless, and the dissipated; with how much skill
+ and tenderness he administered the consolations of the Gospel to
+ those who laboured under spiritual discouragements. On these
+ occasions, not only his voice and gesture, but his countenance, and
+ not unfrequently his tears, expressed the interest he felt in their
+ eternal welfare. He greatly excelled in prayer. Often was his large
+ congregation visibly affected by the seriousness and importunity of
+ his addresses at a throne of grace.
+
+ In private life he was truly exemplary. As a husband and a father,
+ his prudence, gentleness, and love, the evenness of his temper and
+ regularity of his conduct, commanded the veneration and promoted the
+ happiness of his family. Under the pressure of great, not to say
+ unparalleled afflictions, he was resigned; when troubles came in
+ upon him as a mighty flood, his heart was still fixed, trusting in
+ the Lord. Those who have witnessed his deportment on the most trying
+ occasions have confessed their astonishment, and felt themselves
+ constrained to say, "Verily this is the Lord's doing, and marvellous
+ in our eyes."
+
+ One part of his character we must not omit. He was an eminently
+ peaceable man. To obtain and preserve peace he would sacrifice
+ everything, a good conscience only excepted. The happy fruits of
+ this disposition, and the beneficial effects of such an example,
+ will, we trust, continue to be enjoyed many years by those who have
+ had opportunity of observing his great anxiety and unwearied
+ exertions for the sake of peace.
+
+ In his last illness, though his disorder was of a very painful and
+ distressing nature, yet neither the extremity of his sufferings on
+ the one hand, nor their long continuance on the other, did ever
+ extort from his lips a single expression of impatience or distrust.
+ His understanding was unimpaired and his faith unshaken to the last
+ moment; and he expired in the act of repeating that triumphant song,
+ "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?"
+
+After the death of Mr. Carver, the congregation was unsettled for some
+time, and was dependent on supplies through the next two or three years.
+At length Mr. Bell was invited to become their pastor. But his ministry
+proved of short continuance. It is said, "that he was possessed of good
+talents; but was very high in doctrine, denied the Gospel call to
+sinners as sinners--that he manifested too great a degree of levity,
+having much jocular wit." "He came to Wellingborough like a burning
+light, and went out like a candle in the estimation of many. There were,
+most probably, faults on both sides; but some sad effects resulted, it
+is considered, from his sentiments and his levity." He continued only
+two or three years.
+
+Mr. Renals was the next pastor of this Church. His ordination took place
+January 7, 1804. On that occasion, "Mr. Hennell, of Wollaston, formerly
+a deacon of the Church, engaged in supplicating the divine presence and
+blessing; Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, delivered the introductory
+discourse, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Renals'
+confession of faith; Mr. Bull, of Newport, offered up the ordination
+prayer, with imposition of hands; the charge succeeded, by Mr. Grundy,
+of Lutterworth, from I Tim. iv. 6; Mr. Gill, of Harborough, addressed
+the people, from Phil. ii. 29; Mr. Washbourn, fellow labourer with Mr.
+Renals in the same town, concluded with prayer.
+
+The congregation assembled again in the evening, when, after prayer by
+Mr. Hillyard, of Bedford, Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached from Psalm
+xxii. 30, and Mr. Phillips, of Chedworth, Gloucestershire, closed the
+service with prayer." In connexion with this account it is stated, "that
+a very large concourse of people, and thirty ministers, were the
+agreeable witnesses of this important and happy settlement; and it is
+with the sincerest pleasure we add, that the most complete union subsists
+between both the Independent ministers of this town, and that the spirit
+of brotherly love prevails among the people. May it be perpetual!"
+
+Mr. Renals' ministry extended over 43 years in this situation, so that
+he was one of a remarkable list of four pastors of this Church, whose
+united services here make up 150 years. During the pastorate of Mr.
+Renals, 113 members were added to the Church; he resigned his charge in
+the year 1847.
+
+Numerous changes had taken place in the congregation during Mr. Renals'
+labours among them; there was a considerable decline in the number of
+hearers in many of the latter years of his ministry, and the Church
+became reduced to thirty members; this would be partly owing to another
+Independent Church being formed in the town, and partly to unpleasant
+circumstances that arose among them. But Mr. Renals had some sincere and
+attached friends to the close of his life. He was born in the village of
+Rempstone, in Nottinghamshire, April, 1769. His mother was a pious woman
+of the Baptist persuasion, from whose counsels and prayers he derived
+spiritual advantage. When he arrived at mature age, he resided some time
+in Leicester, where he frequently heard and much admired that eminent
+clergyman, the Rev. Thomas Robinson, of St. Mary's, well known for his
+clear evangelical views, and for the zealous and devoted manner in which
+he preached the Gospel in that town for many years. Mr. Renals
+afterwards settling in Nottingham, became a member of the Church at
+Castle Gate Meeting, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Richard
+Alliott, by whom he was introduced to Rotherham College, which he
+entered in the autumn of 1798. Being then nearly thirty years of age,
+and not having had the advantages of preparatory training, the tutors
+wisely deviated from their usual course, and directed his attention
+chiefly to theological studies. He first preached for a time at
+Hinchley, in Leicestershire, going thither in 1802, but removed to
+Wellingborough in the closing part of the next year. He had a vigorous
+constitution; preached three times every Lord's-day; was a warm advocate
+for maintaining the afternoon service, in opposition to the modern plan
+of morning and evening only. He frequently preached on a week evening,
+in some of the villages in the vicinity of Wellingborough. He was a man
+of genuine piety, decided attachment to the principles of the Gospel,
+sterling integrity, and considerable activity. If his mind was not
+strictly logical, his spirit was devotional; if his temper was not
+always amiable, his heart was sincere; if prudence did not guide in
+every effort, the aim, we believe, was always upright; if there was not
+excessive candour, there was much genuine kindness. Advancing years
+presented a softening, meliorating, ripening influence. He would labour
+in the cause of God, until entirely prevented by his last affliction.
+While he cordially welcomed his successor in the ministry, and offered a
+fervent prayer at his ordination for him and for the people over whom he
+had so long presided, "he continued preaching most Sabbaths at the
+village of Finedon, whither he was preparing to go when his last
+affliction compelled him to desist and relinquish the attempt." After a
+few weeks of considerable suffering, borne with exemplary patience and
+fortitude, enjoying perfect peace and a hope full of immortality, he
+died, being nearly 80 years of age.
+
+Mr. Cornelius Curtis Tyte, from the academy of Rotherham, was
+unanimously invited as successor to Mr. Renals. He was ordained in
+October, 1847, when Mr. Bellamy, of Sheffield, now of Buckingham,
+delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Renals offered the ordination
+prayer; and Dr. Stowell, Mr. Tyte's tutor, delivered the charge, from
+Col. iv. 17. In the evening, Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached to the
+people from Acts ii. 42. Since this time 21 members have been added to
+the Church. The present number of communicants is 37. There are 100
+children in the Sabbath-schools; in actual attendance, between 80 and
+90.
+
+Occasional services are conducted in one village in the vicinity of
+Wellingborough, the village of Finedon. The happy union of the present
+pastor and his people, and the harmony that subsists between them and
+the other ministers and congregations generally in the town, present, we
+trust, a cheering prospect for the future, that "walking in the fear of
+the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, they may be greatly
+edified and multiplied."
+
+
+SECTION 3.--THE CHURCH AT SALEM CHAPEL.
+
+The Independent Church at Salem Chapel, Wellingborough, was originally
+formed by those who separated from the Church at Cheese Lane Meeting, in
+the same town, in the year 1812. However much this separation might be
+regretted at the time, after the lapse of forty years it would be unwise
+to attempt to enter into the grounds of that separation. The unpleasant
+feelings at first produced have, we trust, long ere this entirely
+subsided, and the pastors and the people can now go forward in
+harmonious co-operation for the promotion of the same great cause to
+which they are devoted.
+
+It was on the evening of the Lord's-day, September 21st, 1812, that the
+Church was formed here, in the presence of the Rev. Joseph Whitehead, of
+Creaton, and the Rev. Shadrach Jackson, of Old. They united in a Church
+covenant, which they have thus expressed:--
+
+ We hope that by grace we have been brought to see our last state and
+ condition; to behold the remedy prepared in the Gospel, Christ Jesus
+ the Lord; to flee to him as such; to put our trust in him for life
+ and salvation: and we do hereby resign up ourselves to Christ, in
+ Church fellowship and communion, resolving and promising in his
+ strength to devote ourselves entirely to him; to believe his
+ promises, live by faith upon them, obey his precepts, hearken to the
+ voice of his providence, and serve him according to all the laws,
+ statutes, and ordinances of his house; taking the written word for
+ our rule, and aiming at the glory of God in all things.
+
+ We do further covenant and agree to walk together in Christian
+ fellowship; regularly and constantly to attend all the ordinances of
+ God's house; and that we will watch over one another in love,
+ seeking each other's happiness and welfare, by sympathizing with the
+ afflicted, comforting the mourner, strengthening the weak,
+ confirming the wavering, reclaiming the backslider, and by every
+ possible means do all that we can to promote each other's peace,
+ comfort, and edification in Christ Jesus our Lord; while we study
+ the peace and prosperity of the whole Church, that God may be in the
+ midst of her, and abundantly bless her.
+
+ Thus Christians of old "first gave up themselves to the Lord, and
+ then to each other by the will of God."
+
+The first pastor of the Church was the Rev. Pollard Davis, whose
+ordination took place June 1st, 1813, when we find Mr. Gill, of
+Harborough, Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, Mr. Bull, of Newport, Mr. Fuller,
+of Kettering, Mr. Chater, of Kibworth, engaged in the services of the
+day.
+
+Mr. Davis's ministry continued until January 24th, 1821, when he
+resigned his charge. He appears to have admitted 23 members to the
+Church.
+
+Rev. C. T. Sevier was the next pastor, who entered on his charge in the
+year 1822, and continued for about 12 years, removing from
+Wellingborough in the year 1834.
+
+Rev. J. Bevan was the immediate successor of Mr. Sevier, entering on his
+pastoral labours September 20th, 1835. The ministry of Mr. Bevan was of
+short continuance at Wellingborough; receiving an invitation to become
+the pastor of a Church at Liverpool, he soon resigned his charge here.
+He was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Davis, who, having received a
+unanimous invitation to become their pastor, entered on his stated
+services February 18th, 1838. The number of members in the Church when
+Mr. Davis became pastor appears to have been 79, and at the close of his
+ministry they numbered 107. Mr. Davis removed from Wellingborough to
+Turvey, in Bedfordshire.
+
+In July, 1846, the present minister, the Rev. Thomas Thomas, who was
+educated at Homerton College, after supplying the congregation about six
+months, was ordained to the pastoral office. On that occasion, the Rev.
+J. A. Morris, of London, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr.
+Toller, of Kettering, offered the ordination prayer; Dr. Pye Smith (Mr.
+Thomas's tutor) delivered the charge; Mr. Robinson, of Kettering,
+preached to the people. The attendance was large, and the services of an
+interesting character.
+
+Since Mr. Thomas commenced his ministry, new school-rooms have been
+erected for the accommodation of the Sabbath-schools. The cost of them
+was L300. They were opened on Tuesday, September 18th, 1849, when the
+Rev. Dr. Reed, of London, and the Rev. J. Toller, of Kettering,
+preached. There are 184 children in the Sabbath-schools. The present
+number of communicants is 100.
+
+The villages supplied with regular services in the vicinity of
+Wellingborough are Doddington and Wilby, and occasionally Orlingbury. As
+this Church is of comparatively recent formation, and as all those that
+have sustained the pastoral office over it are, we believe, still
+living, the account we can present is necessarily short.
+
+The present pastor and his flock will rejoice in the tokens of divine
+favour they have received; and will go forward, we trust, with the
+cheering hope of continued and yet more abundant supplies of divine
+blessings, so that peace and prosperity may now be increasingly and
+permanently experienced in this department of Zion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT OUNDLE.
+
+
+In attempting to trace the principles of Nonconformity to their earliest
+manifestations in the town of Oundle, after the reformation from Popery,
+we find two Puritan divines ministering here in the course of the
+sixteenth century. These were men who could not conform to all the rites
+and ceremonies of the Church as by law established, and who had to
+suffer much for their refusal to comply with its requirements.
+
+The first of these was Eusebius Paget, who was born at Cranford, in this
+county, and educated in Christ's College, Oxford. During his abode at
+Oxford he broke his right arm, and was lame of it ever after. When he
+removed from the University he became vicar of Oundle and rector of
+Langton, but was exceedingly harassed on account of his Nonconformity.
+
+On January 29th, 1573, he was cited by Scambler, Bishop of Peterborough,
+who first suspended him for three weeks, and then deprived him of his
+living, worth L100 per annum. Several others were suspended and deprived
+at the same time, because they could not with a good conscience
+subscribe to certain promises and engagements proposed to them by the
+Bishop. And this Dr. Edward Scambler, successively Bishop of
+Peterborough and Norwich, was the first pastor of a Protestant
+congregation in London in the reign of Queen Mary; but was compelled, on
+account of the severity of the persecution, to relinquish the situation.
+He was a learned man; very zealous against the Papists; and was probably
+driven into a state of exile. But surely he forgot his former
+circumstances, when he became a zealous persecutor of his brethren in
+the days of Elizabeth; not remembering that they were as conscientious
+in their objections to what they considered to be the remains of Popery
+in a reformed Church, and in their endeavours to obtain a purer mode of
+discipline and worship, as he had been in his efforts against what he
+formerly disapproved. After this Mr. Paget was preferred to the rectory
+of Kilkhampton, in Cornwall.
+
+When Mr. Paget and his brethren were deprived, they presented a
+supplication to the Queen and the Parliament for their restoration to
+their beloved ministry, but to no purpose; they must subscribe, or be
+buried in silence.
+
+Further suffering awaited Mr. Paget: his unfeeling persecutors, not
+content with cutting him off from his ministry and his living, ordered
+him to be taken into custody and sent up to London. He was therefore
+apprehended, with Mr. John Oxenbridge, another leading person in the
+Association in Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, and they were both
+carried prisoners to the metropolis, by an order from Archbishop
+Grindal. It does not however appear how long they were kept in custody,
+nor what further persecution they suffered. Mr. Paget filled different
+situations in the ministry afterwards, and was repeatedly subjected to
+ecclesiastical censures. He died in London, May, 1617. Wood says of
+him, "He was many years a constant and faithful preacher of God's word";
+and Fuller styles him "a golden sophister, a painful preacher, and
+author of an excellent history of the Bible." He had a son, Ephraim
+Paget, who was born in Northamptonshire, probably at Oundle, in 1575,
+who became a Puritan minister.
+
+It was probably not very long after Mr. Paget was thus driven from
+Oundle, that Hugh Clark, A.M. was settled in the ministry here. He was
+born at Burton-upon-Trent, August 15th, 1563, and educated first in
+Jesus College, Cambridge, then in the University of Oxford. It is
+stated, "that when he came to Oundle he found the people in a state of
+the most deplorable ignorance and profaneness, living in the constant
+profanation of the Lord's-day by Whitsun ales, morris-dancing, and other
+ungodly sports. For a considerable time he laboured to convince them of
+their sins and to reclaim them from their evil ways, but without any
+prospect of success. Though God visited several of the ringleaders by
+successive remarkable judgments, they still persisted in their profane
+sports. They seem to have made a covenant with death, and to have been
+at agreement with hell. At length, however, there was a pleasing
+alteration. They began to take serious heed to the ministry of the word;
+their lives became reformed, and many were called to a saving knowledge
+of the Gospel."
+
+During Mr. Clark's abode in this place he experienced several remarkable
+providential deliverances, among which was the following: Having in his
+'Sermon on the Sabbath-day' announced the just judgment of God against
+certain particular sins to which the young people were much addicted,
+the next morning a lusty young man came to his house wishing to see
+him. Mr. Clark, having invited him into his chamber, and knowing his
+vicious character, sharply reproved him, and warned him of his awful
+danger; and God wrought so effectually upon his heart by this pointed
+and faithful dealing, that the man, falling down on his knees and crying
+for pardon, pulled out a dagger, by which he had determined to murder
+him. "I came hither," said the man, "with a full resolution to stab you;
+but God has prevented me. This was occasioned by your terrifying sermon
+yesterday; but if you please to forgive me, I shall never attempt any
+such thing again." Mr. Clark freely pardoned the offence, and after
+giving him suitable advice, dismissed him.
+
+In the year 1590 Mr. Clarke removed from Oundle to Wollaston, in
+Warwickshire, where he was chosen to the pastoral office by the people,
+and received the presentation to the living from Sir Roger Wigston. He
+was once indicted for high treason, because he had prayed that "God
+would forgive the Queen her sins"; but was acquitted. He was a constant,
+zealous, and laborious preacher, a person of great learning and piety,
+useful in his ministry, and an acute and powerful disputant. His death
+occurred November 6th, 1634, in the 72nd year of his age. Three of his
+descendants were numbered amongst the ejected ministers in the year
+1662.
+
+At the time of the restoration of Charles II., it appears that Mr.
+Richard Resbury was vicar of Oundle, and that he became one of the
+Nonconformist ministers, resigning his living six weeks before
+Bartholomew-day. Here he afterwards preached in his own hired house,
+practised medicine with some success, and was advised with by persons of
+all ranks. We are informed that he was a man of brisk parts, and very
+facetious; but had the general reputation of a solid divine, and made a
+considerable figure in this county. He was particularly honoured for
+what he wrote in opposition to Mr. John Goodwin, on the Arminian
+controversy. In addition to what he published on this subject, he wrote
+'The Tabernacle of God with Man; or, the visible Church Reformed: A
+Discourse of the Nature and Discipline of the visible Church.'
+
+Robert Wild, D.D., who was ejected from the living of Ayno, in this
+county, after his ejectment came to reside at Oundle. He was a native of
+St. Ives, in Huntingdonshire; educated at St. John's College, Cambridge.
+He published 'The Arraignment of a Sinner at the Bar of Divine Justice:
+an Assize Sermon, preached at Oxford, 1655, and dedicated to John
+Cartwright, Esq., of Ayno.' Several other works appeared as the
+production of his pen. He was noted for his facetiousness, but was very
+serious in serious things. As an illustration of this, it is related
+that Mr. Job Orton received the following statement from an ancient
+Christian in Northamptonshire:--
+
+ Mr. Baxter, being much displeased at some instances of his
+ facetiousness which he had heard of, called on him, in his way from
+ Kidderminster to London, to reprove him, as the times were very
+ dark; and he appears to have thought that there was something
+ especially unsuitable in this to such days of trial. When he came to
+ Ayno, he found the Doctor just gone to Church, it being observed by
+ him and his people as a fast-day. Mr. Baxter goes to the Church,
+ seats himself in one corner, and becomes so deeply interested, and
+ so well satisfied, that when the service was over he came to the
+ Doctor, thanked him for his service, and desired that he would
+ reprove and rebuke him sharply, as he deserved it. Being desired to
+ explain himself, Mr. Baxter said, "for my great uncharitableness
+ and folly in regarding reports," &c.; and then told him why he had
+ called upon him.
+
+After Dr. Wild came to reside at Oundle, it pleased God to visit Mr.
+Resbury, the ejected vicar, with the palsy; and the Doctor wrote letters
+to all parts of the country in order to raise him some money to take him
+to Bath, for his relief. A Mr. Stancliff wrote of him, "that he was
+excellently qualified unto his ministerial work; none more melted and
+melting in prayer, nor more serious and fervent in preaching Christ and
+his Gospel." He died at Oundle, in the year 1679. A little before his
+death he preached on Rev. xiv. 12: "Here are they that keep the
+commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus;" when he said, "it is but a
+short time, and I shall be in paradise."
+
+There was also in these days a Mr. Strickland Negus, ejected from
+Chester, in this county, who was one of the Thursday lecturers at
+Oundle. It appears to have been the custom of the Puritan ministers of
+this county, while in the Church, to have week-day lectures preached at
+their different churches by their brethren alternately. Of Mr. Negus it
+is said, that "he was a truly good man, and a useful preacher."
+
+Mr. Edward Cauthorn, ejected from Tansover, was one of the lecturers at
+Oundle, where he had a good estate, and whither he came to reside after
+his ejectment; and here he died in 1665 or 1666. "He was a man of great
+meekness, and a very able preacher."
+
+Whether these Nonconformist ministers went so far as to form a Church
+here on Congregational principles, we are not informed; but their
+example and their services appear to have been the means of a regular
+congregation being gathered in these early days of Nonconformity; and
+probably the spirit of persecution might not now discover itself so
+much here as in some other parts of the country, which might be one
+reason why several of those who were cast out of the Church resorted to
+this place.
+
+That there was a stated congregation, and probably a Church formed,
+appears to be manifest by the next fact in relation to these things that
+we find recorded; which is, that Mr. Shepherd, who had been minister at
+Tillbrook, in Bedfordshire, on quitting his living a few years after the
+passing of the Act of Uniformity, became pastor to a Dissenting
+congregation at Oundle. This is the minister of whom it is stated, in
+our account of the Church at Kettering, "that he had the true spirit of
+his office, his preaching being very awful and affecting, and his life
+very holy." About 1697 he removed to Kettering, where, a few months
+after, he died.
+
+There is a tradition generally credited in Oundle, that the Meeting
+House was built immediately after the passing of "the Toleration Act,"
+in 1790 or 1791. The founder was Joseph Hewson, a draper in the town,
+who erected the building on his own freehold, for the use of himself and
+other Nonconformists in the neighbourhood, who, as in other places, were
+but too happy to emerge from the state of depression into which they had
+been cast, to a state of comparative liberty: but in 1724, David Hewson,
+of Market Harborough, also a draper, son and heir of the founder, sold
+the property to the society for the nominal sum of L40; and in the month
+of August, the same year, the first trust deed was made, settling the
+building for ever as a place of religious worship, and conveying the fee
+of the freehold to twelve trustees. It was in the deed denominated a
+place for a Presbyterian congregation, but now the Church is formed on
+the principles of the Independents. After Mr. Shepherd's removal from
+Oundle, there appears to have been a Mr. Atkinson pastor of the Church,
+for on the sacramental cups is this inscription: "The Rev. Mr. Atkinson
+being our present pastor, 1713."
+
+The next pastor was Mr. Joseph King, who probably might be first
+assistant and afterwards successor to Mr. Atkinson, as there were three
+of Mr. King's children buried in Oundle Churchyard, the first in 1712,
+the other two in 1714. Mr. King died in 1720. A tombstone was erected to
+his memory in the Churchyard, on which is a Latin inscription. The
+following is a translation:--
+
+ JOSEPH KING died 29th Jany.,
+ A.D. 1719/20, aged 46.
+
+ Thy spirit upright, and thy heart sincere;
+ True piety engaged thy fervent love;
+ Instructed from above
+ To feed the flock committed to thy care;
+ And with the eloquent they will thy name revere.
+ Happy to have fulfilled thy sacred toil, the end arrives,
+ And here thou liest.
+ Blest man! thy name for ages shall survive.
+ The monument that marks thy dust shall fall,
+ Decays the marble tomb,
+ The sepulchre comes down:
+ The fame which goodness gives shall long survive them all.
+
+Mr. King was the father of Mr. Samuel King, who was minister at Welford
+for forty years. This son was born in 1815, and was little more than
+four years of age when his father died. He was regarded as given in
+answer to maternal prayer; for his mother, Mrs. Hannah King, a woman of
+a devoted spirit, earnestly desired to have a son that might become a
+minister of the Gospel. She long survived her husband; lived to realize
+her highest desire on this behalf; and had the happiness of closing her
+days, in a good old age, in the house of her son, when he was minister
+of the Independent Church at Welford. On an upright stone in the
+Churchyard of that village there is the following inscription, probably
+expressive of the affectionate remembrance of her son:--
+
+ In memory of Mrs. HANNAH KING, relict of the
+ Rev. Joseph King, of Oundle, who departed this
+ life the 25th day of April, 1763, aged 81 years.
+
+ Farewell, bright soul, a long farewell,
+ Till we shall meet again above,
+ In the sweet groves where pleasures dwell,
+ And trees of life bear fruits of love.
+
+ Sweet soul, we leave thee to thy rest;
+ Enjoy thy Jesus and thy God,
+ Till we, from bonds of clay released,
+ Spring out, and climb th' heav'nly road.
+
+The next pastor of the Church at Oundle was Mr. Daniel Goodrich; his
+name was inserted in the first trust deed of the Meeting House, in 1724.
+In the account which Doddridge gives of his ordination at Northampton,
+in 1730, he mentions Mr. Goodrich, of Oundle, as commencing the service
+by prayer and reading the Scriptures. In the memoirs of Mr. Sanderson,
+one of the pastors of the Church at Rowell, we find a short letter from
+Mr. Goodrich, dated December 26th, 1740, which pleasingly indicates the
+spirit of piety, and the attachment of the writer to evangelical
+principles.
+
+ I thank you for your long expected favour, and am glad to find that
+ you hang upon the covenant; it is the great prop and support of our
+ souls. Pleasant frames, and to live by sense, are what we are fond
+ of; but faith and patience must have their perfect work here--these
+ shall have nothing to do above. Then the redeemed of the Lord shall
+ live by sight, in full fruition--see face to face, and know as they
+ are known; no clouds shall come between their beloved and them; no
+ corruptions from within, no thorns and briars from without; and a
+ brother shall not then be as a thorn hedge; but as God is love, we
+ shall be like him, swallowed up in love to God and to one another. A
+ little while, and thus it shall be. The wilderness is but a short
+ passage, though difficult and troublesome. Our lights are but to
+ burn here for a little while. The Lord grant, that we may so shine
+ that our heavenly Father may be glorified.
+
+ I beg the Lord may fit you for your work, and crown your labours
+ with success, &c., &c. D. GOODRICH.
+
+At the ordination of Mr. Boyce over the Church at Kettering, Mr.
+Goodrich was engaged in asking the questions and offering the ordination
+prayer. He died February 25th, 1765, aged 66 years.
+
+In the report of Homerton College, the name of Jeremiah Longfield is
+given, as a student who settled at Oundle. Though the exact date does
+not appear, it seems to have been soon after the death of Mr. Goodrich.
+
+The next in succession appears to have been Mr. Wm. Ward, who was
+ordained at Oundle, and continued there for about four years, when he
+removed to Dudley.
+
+After Mr. Ward, Mr. Wright, from Ringwood, was the pastor for twelve
+years. He died at Boston, and was buried in the Chapel at Oundle, where
+also his wife and two daughters were interred.
+
+Mr. R. Forsyth was pastor for two years, and then Mr. Reynold Hogg, who
+was afterwards minister at Kimbolton and Thrapstone, and treasurer of
+the Baptist Missionary Society.
+
+Mr. Isaac Cooke was pastor for two years, when he removed to Narborough.
+
+Mr. Joseph Chadwick became the pastor of this Church in the year 1790,
+and continued his ministry here for forty years. Mr. Chadwick was a
+native of Trull, near Taunton, in Somersetshire, where he was born in
+1751. He has been heard to say, that his father was a man of no energy,
+and that whatever advantage he might gain from parental instruction, or
+example, or aid, was derived from his mother. We have heard, that he was
+a descendant from the early Nonconformists, and he evidently took a
+great interest in the memorials of their trials and sufferings. Of this
+he gave a singular proof at a meeting of the County Association, held at
+Ashley, when he delivered a sermon from Heb. x. 34, "And took joyfully
+the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven
+a better and an enduring substance;" at the close of his discourse
+reading some memoranda of the sufferings and losses, the fines exacted,
+the goods sold, &c., of our Nonconformist forefathers. There was a
+person of the same name, a Mr. Joseph Chadwick, ejected from the living
+of Winesford, in Somersetshire, of whom Mr. Chadwick was great-grandson.
+He was also a descendant of Mr. Thorn, ejected from Weymouth, Dorset.
+
+In his youth he was apprenticed to a peruke-maker and hair-dresser, at
+Taunton. During the course of his apprenticeship, his general conduct
+and marked piety, and ardent thirst for knowledge, as indicated by his
+love of reading, attracted the attention of John Toller, Esq., an
+attorney at Taunton, and the grandfather of the late Rev. T. N. Toller,
+of Kettering. That gentleman, it is thought, bought out the latter part
+of Mr. Chadwick's apprenticeship, and sent him to study under the Rev.
+Mr. Kirkup, of South Petherton, who had been the preceptor of the late
+Mr. Toller's early years. With Mr. Kirkup Mr. Chadwick continued two
+years, and made remarkable progress in his studies, especially in the
+classics. At the expiration of his residence with Mr. Kirkup, he was
+sent, under Mr. Toller's patronage, to the Western College, as his name
+stands in the list of their students. He was first settled at
+Wellington, Somersetshire; from whence, after a few years, he removed to
+Sherborne, in Dorsetshire, and came from thence to Oundle. He was a man
+of considerable learning, and an indefatigable reader of the most solid
+works in theology and in general literature. He resigned his charge at
+Midsummer, 1831. He died May 7, 1841, in the 90th year of his age. Mr.
+Toller, of Kettering, preached his funeral sermon.
+
+Mr. Ebenezer Prant, from Highbury College, succeeded Mr. Chadwick. He
+resigned his charge in 1835, and is now one of the Secretaries to the
+London Missionary Society.
+
+Mr. Abraham Calovius Simpson, LL.D., of the Glasgow University, was the
+next pastor, serving this Church and congregation in the ministry of the
+Gospel from 1836 to 1841, when he resigned his charge.
+
+The present pastor, Mr. Alfred Newth--who studied at Homerton College,
+and had been previously settled at Ripley, near Christ Church,
+Hants--came to Oundle in the year 1842, as the successor of Dr. Simpson.
+The present number of communicants is about 70. There are 120 children
+in the Sabbath-schools.
+
+Occasional services are conducted in two villages in the vicinity of
+Oundle, viz., Tansor and Glapthorne.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT WEEDON BECK.
+
+
+In the village of Weedon, about eight miles from Northampton, where
+there is a royal military depot with barracks for 1500 men, storehouses
+and magazines capable of stowing 200,000 small arms, there stands an
+Independent Chapel for preaching the Gospel of peace, and maintaining
+the cause of Christ by the voluntary aid of his followers. It is a
+respectable village Chapel, capable of seating about 500 hearers; it has
+a grave-yard in the front, and commodious school-rooms behind.
+
+At the time of the Restoration, a Mr. George Martin was vicar of Weedon.
+Such was his loyalty, that he lost an arm for the King in Sir George
+Booth's rising. But, as one that "exercised himself to have a conscience
+void of offence both towards God and man"--first fearing God, then
+honouring the king--when the Act of Uniformity passed, he renounced his
+connexion with the Church rather than violate his conscience. Such was
+the spirit of the times, that in 1667 he was in Warwick Gaol for some
+months, for preaching the Gospel. Some time after his ejectment he
+exercised his ministry amongst a small number of worthy people at Stony
+Stratford, who had a great value for his memory a considerable time
+after. "He was," we are informed, "a serious, holy, good-tempered, and
+courageous man."
+
+It is probable that the cause of Nonconformity in Weedon owes its origin
+to the vicar's separation from the Church. Such an event would excite
+the attention of the people, and promote inquiry among them; and they
+would be led to seek those ministrations without the Church of which
+they were deprived within her pale by the oppressive enactments of the
+day. There had been a number from Weedon and the neighbourhood who had
+gone to the Church at Norton to hear Mr. Robert Allen, another of the
+ejected ministers, who was a very popular preacher, whose Church was
+crowded with hearers from the places around.
+
+"A congregation was jointly formed here and at Floor prior to 1668, in
+which year the first trust deed is dated."
+
+The earliest known minister of this society was Mr. Peyto. This person
+was engaged in the ordination service of Mr. J. Heywood, at Potterspury,
+in 1740. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Howe, a native of Northampton,
+and one of the Daventry students. "He removed before 1770 to Yarmouth,
+in Norfolk, where he continued until his death. He published several
+pamphlets and sermons."
+
+This is the second pastor, as recorded in Baker's history of this
+county. But in the early history of the Church at West End,
+Wellingborough, we find the following notice of a Mr. Saywell, who
+appears to have been minister at Floor and Weedon: "We ordered a letter
+to the Church at Floor, with our judgment that Mr. Saywell was a member
+and an officer there, and ought to abide till his ministry was
+fulfilled. We ordered another to the Church at Weedon, to satisfy them
+with it, and to encourage them to wait with patience." This person must
+have been about the second pastor that was placed over them.
+
+Mr. Samuel Braybrook, another Daventry student, is recorded as
+succeeding Mr. Howe, and as afterwards settling at Rendham, in Suffolk.
+
+Then we find the names of Mr. John Offord and Mr. Phares; and then Mr.
+William Severn, concerning whom we are informed "that he was a native of
+Nottingham; at an early age became a popular preacher among the
+Methodists; was for two years a travelling associate with their
+celebrated founder, John Wesley. But his sentiments undergoing a change,
+he went to study divinity at Edinburgh, on leaving which University he
+accepted an invitation to this society, from whence he removed to
+Welford in 1782, afterwards to Hinckley, in Leicestershire, where he
+embraced Unitarianism. He died at Hull, in June, 1813, in his
+fifty-ninth year."
+
+After this, we have the name of Mr. Renfrew; and after him, Mr. Evan
+Johns, who removed to Welford; then Mr. T. Spencer, who was appointed in
+1790, and resigned in a few years after.
+
+Mr. Joseph Gronow was chosen to succeed Mr. Spencer. He was ordained
+April 27th, 1797, when the Rev. Messrs. Chipperfield, Wood, Horsey,
+Bicknell, Toller, and Denny engaged in the several parts of the service.
+
+"Mr. Gronow's ministry was very acceptable and useful. He died Dec. 9th,
+1817. He lost a beloved wife a few months before his own death. During
+four months' severe illness, probably brought on by the loss of his wife
+and the removal of a highly esteemed friend, he manifested a truly
+Christian spirit. He had been pastor of the Church more than 21 years,
+and the means of greatly improving the state of the society. Few
+ministers have been more generally beloved by those who knew them, or
+have lived more in the affections of their people. In the time of his
+illness preparations were making for his going to Bath, with the hope
+that the waters might, under the blessing of God, restore his health;
+but when all the arrangements were nearly completed, and the funds
+necessary for such a journey provided, through the liberality of
+benevolent individuals, it pleased God to remove him. The affliction
+which he suffered during the last fortnight of his life was most
+painful; but the closing scene was remarkably peaceful. His remains were
+interred the following Monday, with every token of respect, under the
+pulpit where he had so often preached the Gospel of Christ. Many of his
+brethren attended the funeral, six of whom supported the pall. His death
+was improved by Mr. H. Knight, of Yelvertoft, from Acts xx. 38, to a
+most numerous and deeply affected congregation."
+
+On a neat mural tablet of white marble, at the right hand of the pulpit,
+is the following inscription:--
+
+ This Stone
+ has been raised by an affectionate congregation
+ to the memory of their beloved pastor,
+ the REV. JOSEPH GRONOW,
+ who for more than twenty-one years
+ continued diligently, faithfully, and successfully
+ to discharge the duties of his office.
+ His affection, simplicity, sympathy, and sincerity
+ conciliated the respect of all who knew him,
+ and peculiarly endeared him to his flock.
+ With great calmness, and with a blessed hope
+ of a glorious immortality,
+ he closed his mortal course, December the 9th, 1817,
+ aged 49.
+ "Though dead, he yet speaks to his people,"
+ for whose salvation he always manifested the greatest solicitude.
+
+Mr. Gronow was about the middle stature, plain in appearance; as a
+preacher, serious, affectionate, fervent. Plainness and simplicity
+marked his language and the plan of his sermons, while they were full of
+evangelical truth, setting forth experimental and practical piety. He
+preached as one concerned for the honour of his great Master and the
+good of immortal souls. Mr. Gronow had been assistant for a short time
+to Mr. Maurice, of Stretton-under-Fosse, before he came to Weedon. He
+was succeeded by Mr. James Pinkerton, who had been a student at the
+Newport Academy, and was ordained here May 6th, 1819, and was pastor of
+this Church for thirteen years. In the year 1831 he resigned, and
+removed to Totteridge, near London; but he had not filled this situation
+more than two years, we believe, before he was summoned from the scenes
+of time and the services of the Church on earth. Mr. Pinkerton was of a
+very amiable and pious spirit, devoted to his Master's work. His sermons
+appeared to be well prepared, full of important and appropriate thought,
+discovering some energy of mind, and delivered with animation of manner.
+He frequently preached at the meetings of the County Association, and
+was always heard with interest.
+
+At the close of 1831, the present pastor, Mr. Isaac Evans, came on
+probation, and was ordained July 24th, 1832. During the ministry of Mr.
+Evans a new school-room has been erected, at the cost of L120, which was
+opened in the year 1847. The Sabbath-school is conducted here,
+containing about 125 children.
+
+The present number of communicants is 80. One service is conducted at
+Floor every Sabbath, where the congregation is considered as a branch of
+the Church at Weedon. The present Chapel there was built in the year
+1810.
+
+Some alterations and improvements have recently been made in the Chapel
+at Weedon, at a cost of L115, which will, we trust, add to the comfort
+of the place and the accommodation of the congregation. All would be
+accompanied with the fervent and united desire of the pastor and his
+flock that abundant tokens of the blessing of the great Head of the
+Church may attend all their efforts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT LONG BUCKBY.
+
+
+The populous village of Long Buckby, containing more than 2600
+inhabitants, has a neat and commodious Independent Chapel, capable of
+seating about 700 hearers, with convenient school-rooms, and a
+respectable dwelling-house for the minister. Previous to the erection of
+the present building there was an old Chapel, which had stood for many
+years in another situation; but it is much to be regretted in this case,
+as in some others, that no accounts have been preserved of the origin or
+early history of this Church.
+
+Before the year 1662, when Mr. Richard Allen, who became one of the
+ejected ministers, preached in the parish Church of Norton, a short
+distance from this village, amongst other places mentioned from which
+hearers came to attend on his ministry, there were some from Long
+Buckby; but whether it was very soon after the ejectment of their
+favourite preacher that they sought the ministration of the
+Nonconformists in this place we have no account. The earliest notice we
+find of an Independent minister at Long Buckby is in the account of the
+ordination of Mr. Tingey, at Northampton, in 1709, when a Mr. Jackson,
+minister at Long Buckby, was present. In the account which Mr. Sanders,
+one of the pastors of the Church at Kettering, gives of his ordination,
+as preserved in the records of that Church, which took place November
+23, 1721, he states--"Mr. Cartwright, of Buckby, began with prayer, and
+prayed well." This proves to us that there was a Mr. Cartwright, a
+Dissenting minister, at Buckby, 131 years ago. Again, we find his
+signature attached to the certificate of Mr. Hextal's ordination at
+Creaton in 1738, which shows us that his ministry extended over some
+considerable period in this place. He was also engaged in the ordination
+of Mr. J. Heywood, at Potterspury, in 1740.
+
+As a further memorial of him, we have discovered a very old upright
+gravestone in the Churchyard of Long Buckby, erected to his memory. With
+some considerable difficulty we deciphered the inscription, which states
+concisely his age, the time of his death, and the character he bore.
+
+ In memory
+ of the Rev. Mr. THOMAS CARTWRIGHT,
+ who died April 13th, 1744, aged 57;
+ having by a diligent, faithful, and humble discharge
+ of the various duties of the Christian and
+ ministerial life,
+ obtained a good report of all men,
+ and of the truth itself;
+ being most highly esteemed of those
+ by whom he was most intimately known.
+
+Mr. Cartwright left a widow, who survived him thirty-nine years.
+
+The next pastor of this Church was a Mr. Walker, but of his life or
+ministry we find no records preserved.
+
+Mr. Richard Denny became pastor of this Church in 1763, and continued
+his labours for nearly forty years. During his ministry the present
+Meeting House was built, in 1771; and in one part of that ministry a
+remarkable revival of religion took place, followed by permanent results
+of the most important kind. He was the last surviving student of Dr.
+Doddridge, for whom he retained to his last day the strongest affection.
+He survived until the year 1813, when he died at the age of nearly 90
+years, having been disabled from regular public service for almost
+twenty years.
+
+Mr. Denny was born at Barby, a small village in Northamptonshire. Having
+pious parents, he was from a child the subject of religious impressions.
+Serving an apprenticeship at Lutterworth, the preaching of the Gospel he
+heard there deepened and ripened these impressions, so that he was led
+at an early age to make a solemn dedication of himself to God as his
+Creator and Redeemer.
+
+He was recommended to an eligible mercantile situation in the
+metropolis; but a peculiar coincidence of circumstances rendered his
+application unsuccessful, and, as he had long felt a great desire to
+devote himself to the work of the ministry, and that desire having been
+confirmed by his attendance while in London on the labours of Mr.
+Whitefield, the sacred flame of holy zeal was so enkindled in his
+breast, that from an ardent concern to honour his Saviour in the
+conversion of sinners, he now consecrated himself to this work. Being
+introduced to the notice of Dr. Doddridge, he kindly and cordially
+received him under his tuition. Though there was a great disparity
+between him and his tutor in talents and acquirements, yet there was a
+great resemblance in Christian affection, holy zeal, and ardent piety;
+and such was his regard to the "dear Doctor," as he generally styled
+him, that he often mentioned his name and his excellencies with the
+tear glistening in his eye.
+
+He was placed in two situations as minister after leaving the academy
+before he came to reside at Long Buckby; but here was the scene of the
+largest portion of his ministerial life, his labour, and his success;
+and at one particular time, as we have hinted, he was honoured with what
+was considered as remarkable success. He had been repeatedly complaining
+of the want of a blessing on his labours, and was greatly discouraged;
+but he wrestled hard, to use his own expression, by fervent and constant
+prayer, for a blessing to attend his efforts, and his great Master heard
+the voice of his supplication. There was an extraordinary revival in the
+congregation at large; many were awakened to the most serious concern
+about their everlasting interests; and in the course of two or three
+years about forty members were added to the Church.
+
+After he had resigned his charge, in consequence of advancing years, he
+set an attractive example of piety and holy consistency; his lively and
+spiritual conversation was rendered useful to many. In his intercourse
+with Christian friends he manifested the supporting and cheering
+influence of religion under the infirmities of age, affording the most
+pleasing evidence of its reality and power. He was so remarkable for his
+kind and affectionate disposition, that he was often compared to the
+apostle John. He could converse on divine subjects to the last, when his
+frame was enfeebled and his mental powers weakened. Dr. Watts' Hymns
+were his constant companions; and those sentiments in them which appear
+almost too seraphic for common minds, exactly suited the element in
+which he lived. In his last hours he said, "I shall soon see the
+blessed, blessed Redeemer, and the dear Doctor Doddridge." When he could
+no longer speak, he intimated a wish that his finger might be placed on
+a particular verse in Watts' Hymns. This is the language in which he
+wished to express the sentiments and feelings of his soul, when his lips
+could no longer move--
+
+ "Dearest of all the names above,
+ My Jesus and my God,
+ Who can resist thy heavenly love,
+ Or trifle with thy blood?"
+
+He died April 13th, 1813, and his remains were interred in the Meeting
+House he had been the means of erecting, and near the pulpit he had so
+long and so usefully filled. Six neighbouring ministers attended his
+funeral, and one of them, Mr. Gronow, of Weedon, delivered an affecting
+and suitable address on the occasion. The following Sabbath the funeral
+sermon was preached by his successor, Mr. D. Griffiths, to a very
+crowded audience, from Rev. xiv. 13: "And I heard a voice from heaven,
+saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from
+henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their
+labours; and their works do follow them."
+
+The immediate successor of Mr. Denny was Mr. Mosely, who came from
+Atherstone to Buckby, continued here about eight years, and then removed
+to Hanley, in Staffordshire. It was during the ministry of Mr. Mosely
+that the present dwelling-house was built for the minister.
+
+Mr. Daniel Griffiths was the next pastor of the Church; he commenced his
+stated ministry at Buckby March 27th, 1803, and was ordained the 17th
+of November following, when Mr. Anthony, of Bedford, began the service
+by prayer and reading the Scriptures; Mr. Horsey, of Northampton,
+delivered the introductory discourse, asked the questions, and received
+the confession of faith; Mr. Denny, the former pastor, offered the
+ordination prayer; Mr. Toller, of Kettering, gave the charge, from 1st
+Tim. iv. 13-16; Mr. Gill, of Harborough, addressed the people, from
+Deut. i. 38; Mr. Knight and Mr. Morrell were engaged in the devotional
+parts of the service; and Mr. Cox, of Clipstone, preached in the
+evening, from Matt. vi. 33.
+
+The ministry of Mr. Griffiths was continued in this place for
+thirty-nine years. In the year 1819, the congregation having much
+increased, the Chapel was considerably enlarged, and a fourth gallery
+erected, at an expense of more than L300, which was cheerfully defrayed
+by the people. At the re-opening of the Chapel in September, the late
+Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached, and it is supposed to have been the
+last time that he officiated out of his own pulpit. Mr. Robertson, then
+of Stretton, in Warwickshire, "preached," observes Mr. Griffiths, "a
+noble sermon in the evening, from 'All souls are mine.'"
+
+In the year 1825 a new and commodious school-room was erected, by means
+of a legacy of L50 left by Mr. David Ashby for that purpose; the
+remainder of the cost being defrayed by the relatives of Mr. Ashby.
+
+Mr. Griffiths resigned his charge on the 19th of December, 1841. He
+still survives, and, with the remaining strength of declining life, is
+able to preach once on the Sabbath to assist his son, who is minister at
+Cannock, in Staffordshire.
+
+After the resignation of Mr. Griffiths, the congregation was supplied
+for some time chiefly by the students from Spring Hill College; but at
+length an invitation was given to Mr. Apperly, from Blackburn Academy,
+who entered on his pastoral duties on the 2nd of October, 1842.
+
+The ministry of Mr. Apperly continued for about ten years. We regret to
+state that the congregation did not remain in a united or prosperous
+state; and on the 4th of July, 1852, Mr. Apperly resigned and emigrated
+to Australia. His friends, as a token of their regard, made him a
+present of thirty guineas before his departure.
+
+The present number of communicants is near 50. There are 100 children in
+the Sabbath-schools.
+
+The interest of L230, and the rent of a small close of land, amounting
+in the whole to about L17 per annum, belong to the place towards the
+support of the minister for the time being.
+
+A village containing the population there is in Long Buckby, with
+everything convenient for the worship of God, the ministry of the word,
+and the instruction of the young, in the commodious Chapel and
+school-rooms, presents an interesting sphere of labour; and we hope to
+hear that this cause again revives and extends, under the labours of a
+devoted and successful pastor.
+
+Mr. F. Evans, of Ulverston, Lancashire, has accepted an invitation to
+the pastoral office, and was to commence his stated labours here October
+31st, 1852.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT POTTERSPURY.
+
+
+The Independent Church in this place has existed about 160 years; not
+tracing its origin quite to the earliest days of Nonconformity, but
+commencing about thirty years after the passing of the "Bartholomew
+Act." It was not by the immediate operation of that Act, leading an
+ejected minister to raise a congregation of Nonconformists here, as in
+many other places, but by its gradual influence, that it led on to the
+formation of this Church.
+
+At the time of the passing of the Act referred to, in 1662, the village
+was favoured with the ministry of Mr. Joseph Newell, who was
+sufficiently conscientious not hastily to submit to the requirements of
+this Act, for he suffered himself to be ejected from his living, though
+he subsequently conformed; but the minister by whose labour this Church
+was formed was the Rev. Michael Harrison, who preached in the parish
+Church of Caversfield, Bucks, and resided in the vicarage there, where
+he had performed the duties of a faithful minister of Christ for a
+number of years. He became dissatisfied with the terms of conformity;
+maintained familiar intercourse with evangelical Dissenters; and at
+length became fully prepared to recede from the Church.
+
+Dr. Calamy, who was then studying at Oxford, says: "There were at this
+time monthly fasts appointed by authority, and generally observed very
+regularly, to implore the divine blessing in order to the success of our
+forces. At one of these fasts I was at Bicester, and assisted old Mr.
+Cornish, who was indisposed, at his Meeting House, in the morning; and
+afterwards walked over to Caversfield, about a mile distant, the
+Dissenters in a body bearing me company. There I preached in the public
+Church in the afternoon, and had a crowded Church from the country
+round. Mr. M. Harrison preached in the Church, of which Mr. Beard was
+patron; and he lived in the house adjoining. But Mr. Harrison was now
+from home, in Northamptonshire, where he was gathering a congregation of
+Dissenters about Potterspury, designing to quit the Church and settle
+among them."
+
+Mr. Harrison's efforts were successful; he soon gathered around him some
+friends, removed to reside amongst them, formed a Congregational Church,
+and purchased a property, on which he fitted up a place of worship.
+
+When Mr. Harrison removed to Pury, a Mr. John Warr, who formerly lived
+in the neighbourhood of Caversfield, came with him to enjoy the benefit
+of his ministry. And connected with this circumstance is another, which
+will show something of the spirit of the times. "When Mr. Harrison came
+to Pury, he brought a pulpit with him, which he deemed it necessary to
+conceal; therefore, to prevent it being known, Mr. Warr, being a
+shoemaker, contrived to fill it with shoe-pegs, and brought it among his
+own goods in a waggon from Bicester."
+
+Some property his wife possessed, in the county of Chester, it is
+supposed was sold, to enable Mr. Harrison to purchase the premises on
+which his dwelling-house and the Meeting House were fitted up. When the
+barn which formed the humble Meeting House was prepared, at the request
+of the people Dr. Calamy preached at the opening, and had a numerous
+auditory. It should here be observed, that the disinterestedness and
+sincerity of Mr. Harrison were strikingly evinced by his willingness not
+only to relinquish his clerical stipend, but to hazard his own private
+property amongst a people who had never been accustomed to make
+voluntary efforts for the support of the Gospel ministry. He trusted,
+however, to the great principles for which he made these sacrifices, and
+to the faithfulness of their glorious Author; and he did not trust in
+vain. After labouring here about nineteen years, Mr. Harrison removed in
+the year 1709, and became the minister of an Independent Church at St.
+Ives, in the county of Huntingdon, where he continued to labour for many
+years, and died in January, 1726, leaving two daughters to lament their
+loss.
+
+The property at Pury now passed into other hands; for Mr. Harrison, on
+leaving, sold it to a gentleman in the neighbourhood of London;
+reserving, however, to the people the pulpit and other fittings of the
+Meeting House. The congregation for some time rented the place; but
+subsequently purchased the whole property, and vested it in the hands of
+trustees.
+
+The immediate successors of Mr. Harrison did not continue long at
+Potterspury, and of their labours little is known.
+
+The first of these was the Rev. Mr. Bennett, who, declining to take the
+pastoral office, soon removed, and was followed by the Rev. Isaac
+Robinson, who sustained the pastoral office about four years. In 1714,
+the Rev. Wm. Bushnell was the pastor, and continued to preach here till
+Michaelmas, 1729, when he left, and removed to Andover, in
+Herefordshire; and from thence, in 1732, to Nailsworth. He was succeeded
+at Pury by the Rev. Samuel Taylor.
+
+The minister of whom we have the fullest account, and whose ministry
+appears to have been most extensively and permanently useful in this
+Church, though attended with some eccentricities that diminished its
+value, was the Rev. John Heywood, who came from Lincoln to this place in
+1739. "After preaching here for about twelve months, he was ordained
+September 25th, 1740; on which occasion Mr. Petto, of Floor, began the
+service with prayer; Mr. Cartwright, of Long Buckby, prayed before
+sermon; Mr. Hunt, of Hackney, preached the sermon to the people; Mr.
+Clark, of St. Alban's, offered the ordination prayer, accompanied with
+imposition of hands; Dr. Doddridge gave the charge; and Mr. Drake, of
+Yardley Hastings, concluded with prayer."
+
+When Mr. Heywood passed his examination previous to his ordination, he
+was required to maintain the following thesis in Latin--"The Scriptures
+a rule of faith." The manuscript, carefully and curiously written,
+together with the hymn which he composed to be sung at the ordination,
+remains to the present day, as a proof of his learning and a specimen of
+his talents. The ordination hymn, and about forty others which he
+composed for the use of his congregation, were afterwards published,
+dedicated to Dr. Doddridge, with whom Mr. Heywood was on intimate terms,
+and to whom he expresses himself as under very great obligations.
+
+At the time of this settlement the Church appears to have consisted of
+fifty-seven members, of whom fifteen had been admitted by Mr. Harrison,
+one by Mr. Robinson, twenty-four by Mr. Bushnell, and nineteen by Mr.
+Taylor.
+
+The following Church covenant was drawn up by Mr. Heywood, which is
+agreed to by all who join the Church:--
+
+ _Church Covenant._
+
+ 1. We avouch the Lord this day to be our God, and ourselves to be
+ his people, in the truth and sincerity of our hearts.
+
+ 2. We call heaven and earth, angels and men, to witness this day
+ that we recognize our baptismal covenant, and give up ourselves to
+ God the Father, Son, and Spirit, as our Creator, Redeemer, and
+ Sanctifier, in an everlasting covenant never to be forgotten.
+
+ 3. We do bind ourselves, in the presence of God, to walk together in
+ his ways; to attend upon his word and ordinances of his grace;
+ resolving to cleave to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to him alone, for
+ pardon and salvation.
+
+ 4. We do sincerely promise, through divine assistance, to make the
+ glory of God our aim and end; to watch against everything that would
+ offend God, grieve his Holy Spirit, and bring a reproach upon the
+ good way of God.
+
+ 5. We solemnly promise to walk with all our fellow Christians with
+ all humility and tenderness; to love one another, even as Christ has
+ loved us, and given himself for us; to avoid jealousies, suspicions,
+ backbitings, censurings, provokings, secret risings of spirit
+ against them; to bear and forbear, to give and forgive, as our dear
+ Lord has taught us.
+
+ 6. At all times we desire, by the help of divine grace, to watch
+ against everything that would offend our fellow Christians, and
+ promise to be willing to submit to the advice and council of our
+ minister and fellow Christians.
+
+ 7. We promise to behave with all possible loyalty and allegiance to
+ his sacred Majesty King George, and to pray for him and all his
+ royal family, that God may bless them, and confound all the designs
+ and blast the counsels of all his enemies, both at home and abroad.
+
+ 8. We promise to cultivate the duties of the closet, and to promote
+ family prayer, that God may dwell with us and bless us, and all that
+ are dear to us. We also promise to abound in the strict
+ sanctification of the Lord's-day, and to bring all we can under the
+ droppings of God's sanctuary. And all this we promise, not in our
+ own strength and power, but in the name and strength of our Lord
+ Jesus Christ, with whose blood we desire this covenant may be
+ sprinkled.
+
+Such was the active spirit and ardent zeal of Mr. Heywood, that he
+engaged in an extensive range of itinerant labour, not only in the
+villages in which his predecessors had preached, but in many and more
+remote places, where, but for his abundant efforts, the Gospel would
+have been unknown. He kept a journal of all the places in which he
+preached. Great prosperity in the Church appeared to be the result of
+these zealous and faithful labours. Mr. Heywood addressed a pastoral
+letter, on "the nature and importance of regeneration," to the Church
+and congregation, which are represented as residing in about twenty
+places around Potterspury, the names of which are given. In this wide
+sphere of pastoral labour, Mr. Heywood used to travel for many years on
+an old grey horse, which often stumbled, and sometimes fell; but he,
+nothing injured or dismayed, would prosecute his journey with his
+waistcoat open, and the long ends of his neckcloth streaming in the
+wind, while his tall lank figure, his slovenly appearance, and his too
+often despised employment, caused him to be regarded by many as among
+the most eccentric of men. This impression was doubtless increased by
+the colloquial style of his village discourses, in which he often
+condescended to employ the most common provincial expressions. The
+excellent Mr. Robins, in his memoir of Mr. Strange, of Kilsby, speaks of
+Mr. Heywood as "that singular gentleman, much more famed for his zeal
+than for the prudence or propriety of his conduct."
+
+But he made suitable preparation for his more stated labours, and
+preserved his taste for classical and polite literature; a great many
+sermons, beautifully written in a peculiar kind of long hand, prove the
+former, while his association with noblemen of patriotic and classical
+minds in the neighbourhood proves the latter. His Grace the Duke of
+Grafton not only condescended to visit him, but gave him free access to
+his library at Wakefield, as he did also his immediate successor. The
+Duke was in principle a Dissenter, and in sentiment a Unitarian. Though
+his Grace differed widely from both Mr. Heywood and his successor, he
+was very kind to them both; he once, at least, attended at the Meeting
+at Pury, and till the time of his death subscribed L10 a year to the
+support of the cause. His subscription was continued some time after his
+death, but withdrawn at the decease of the Rev. Isaac Gardner.
+
+But Earl Temple, the noble proprietor of Stowe, formed a much closer
+intimacy with Mr. Heywood; his classic wit, sound learning, and
+inflexible patriotism, induced his Lordship to spend much time in the
+company of this worthy pastor. On the death of George II., he preached
+and printed a sermon on the occasion, which he dedicated to his noble
+friend. An amusing anecdote in connexion with this nobleman is related
+of Mr. Heywood, in the following words:--
+
+ Soon after the accession of George III., as was usual on such
+ occasions, the Dissenting body went up to the throne with an
+ address of congratulation. Mr. Heywood, who was known to them, went
+ up with them; but when he came into the Royal Palace at St. James's,
+ he happened to see there his friend Earl Temple, with whom he
+ immediately entered into conversation. Nothing could equal the
+ vexation of the London ministers, when they saw Mr. Heywood enter
+ the room at Dr. Williams's library, where they were assembled to go
+ to the Royal Palace, nor their surprize at finding that he was the
+ only one of their number who had a friend at Court; for their
+ plain-looking country brother had no sooner entered than he was
+ recognized by Earl Temple. While Mr. Heywood was conversing with the
+ noble Earl, the ministers were admitted to his Majesty's presence,
+ kissed hands, and were in the act of returning, which being
+ perceived by Earl Temple, he suggested to Mr. Heywood the danger of
+ losing the opportunity he came to enjoy. Mr. Heywood instantly
+ turned round, and passing by his brethren who were returning, called
+ out to the King, as he retired from the throne, "Stop, please your
+ Majesty, stop! I have come all the way from Potterspury to kiss your
+ Majesty's hand, and I hope I shall be allowed the honour." The King,
+ with all that excellency of disposition for which he was remarkable,
+ turned round and presented his hand. Mr. Heywood gave it two or
+ three hearty kisses, adding, "God bless your Majesty! and I hope you
+ will make a good King."
+
+Scenes and associations like these, however, formed but parentheses in
+the history of this devoted man, whose general occupation in the
+instruction of the young, village preaching, and pastoral visits,
+secured him more satisfaction, and doubtless more honour too, than the
+noblest friendships earth could have supplied. Scarcely a Church-meeting
+was held without some addition to the society through his useful
+labours. It appears that during the many years he was pastor, there was
+not more than one person suspended from Church fellowship for improper
+conduct.
+
+Mr. Heywood was unfortunate in his marriage relation, and for
+twenty-eight years endured all the painful consequences of not taking
+heed to "marry in the Lord"; his home was uncomfortable, his work as a
+minister of the Gospel often impeded, and its difficulties increased.
+The violence of disposition, equalled only by the selfishness, of his
+wife, formed quite a contrast to the amiableness and liberality of his
+own. The effects of this unsuitable union were partly apparent in his
+neglected person and comfortless appearance; but what his spirits
+suffered from it was known only to God, to whom it was presented in the
+many prayers he offered up on her account. These prayers were ultimately
+answered, and in the year 1768 he had the great happiness to receive her
+into the Church of which he was pastor.
+
+Other domestic afflictions came upon him; particularly the loss of a
+beloved and only son, who, having evinced true piety from his earliest
+years, was devoted to the ministry, and studying with Dr. Ashworth, at
+Daventry; when on the 3rd of May, 1762, he was drowned while bathing, in
+the eighteenth year of his age. The pressure of these afflictions,
+together with the effects of unremitting labour and frequent exposure to
+wet and cold in his village excursions, began to show themselves in his
+constitution, and his health and strength declined. His dread, however,
+of being an idle servant, induced him to continue his efforts to the
+utmost extent. At length he was obliged to relinquish all public
+engagements but those of his own pulpit, for which he soon became
+unequal; but when he could no longer ascend the desk or walk to the
+Meeting House, he insisted on being carried there, and, seated in one of
+the aisles, like the beloved Apostle he continued to exhort his people
+to come to Christ. His great affection and solicitude for children and
+young persons was always displayed; and when confined to his bed in his
+last sickness, this anxiety did not forsake him, for he would have the
+young people of his charge assembled in interesting groups around his
+bed-side, and, after addressing them with much Christian feeling, he
+desired them to kneel down that he might lay his hands upon them, with
+fervent petitions for the divine blessing to rest upon them. At length,
+while surrounded by a few of his chosen friends, to whom he bore a
+peaceful testimony of the grace of Christ, he fell asleep in the Lord on
+the 1st of January, 1778. His venerable friend, the Rev. William Bull,
+of Newport, preached his funeral sermon.
+
+Whilst this excellent man displayed at times an eccentric manner, and
+there might be something imprudent connected with his zeal, yet his
+excellent temper, disinterested labours, sound learning, and true piety,
+secured for him the respect and veneration of many; and the formation of
+several flourishing congregations, and the conversion of many souls,
+prove that he did not labour in vain.
+
+As might have been expected, when Mr. Heywood's village labours
+decreased, the Church and congregation became much reduced, and it
+required the services of a young and devoted man to revive the declining
+interest.
+
+Mr. John Goode, a student at Newport Academy, had assisted Mr. Heywood
+before his death, and he was invited to become the pastor, and was
+ordained October 24th, 1782, when his tutor, Mr. Bull, gave him the
+charge, from 1st Kings xx. 11: "Let not him that girdeth on his armour
+boast as he that putteth it off." The declining congregation was
+greatly revived; for though Mr. Goode did not attempt to fill the whole
+sphere of labour which his predecessor occupied, yet he preached in all
+the principal places. A decisive proof of his success remains in the
+present Meeting, and the pastoral house adjoining. The old Meeting
+House, which had originally been a barn or out-building belonging to
+what was called "Padder's Farm," and in which the congregation had
+assembled from its first establishment, was now pulled down with the old
+house adjoining, in which Mr. Harrison and his successors had resided.
+The present Meeting House and Parsonage were erected on the site, and
+the former was opened for public worship by Mr. Bull on the 9th of
+August, 1780.
+
+Mr. Goode was born at Buckingham, March 26th, 1754. He served a regular
+apprenticeship to an apothecary there. During his early days, Buckingham
+Church was favoured with the ministry of the excellent Rev. David
+Simpson, afterwards of Macclesfield, well known as the author of the
+'Plea for Religion and the Holy Scriptures.' Mr. Goode and his brother,
+afterwards the Rev. William Goode, the successor of the celebrated
+Romaine, at Blackfriars, were brought to the knowledge of the truth
+under the ministry of Mr. Simpson. When brought earnestly to attend to
+his own salvation, he had a lively and anxious solicitude after the
+salvation of others. He was in the habit of rising early, and,
+accompanied by a few young friends, going to preach in some of the
+neighbouring cottages, and then returning to his daily duties at the
+time of commencing business. He also frequently met a few friends in the
+evening at a private house for prayer, and the exhortations he then
+delivered appear to have been made useful to many, who lived to
+exemplify the power of religion. It is a pleasing fact, which deserves
+to be recorded in connexion with this little social meeting, that the
+great Head of the Church was at this time training up three of its
+members to occupy important stations of usefulness in distinct portions
+of his vineyard--the subject of this account, his brother (afterwards
+the clergyman of Blackfriars), and the Rev. James Hinton, for many years
+the highly-esteemed and useful pastor of the Baptist Church in the city
+of Oxford.
+
+Mr. Goode determined on devoting himself to the work of the ministry,
+entered the academy at Newport, and from thence came to Pury, where he
+continued for fourteen years. The Duke of Grafton favoured Mr. Goode
+with many marks of kind attention and friendship. An epistolary
+correspondence which passed between them at different times is still
+preserved, which, while it illustrates the liberal and condescending
+respect of the nobleman, exhibits the consistent though gentlemanly
+demeanour of the Christian pastor, availing himself of any opportunity
+that offered to do good. At length Mr. Goode removed to London: the
+Church at White Row, deprived by death of a popular and excellent
+minister, the Rev. Mr. Trotman, invited Mr. Goode to become their
+pastor. This removal was very unfavourable to the Church and
+congregation at Pury; a sad state of trials and difficulties was soon
+experienced. At White Row Mr. Goode continued to labour for thirty
+years, during a considerable portion of which he had a large
+congregation, and was the instrument of conversion and edification to
+many. In the latter part of his ministry, in consequence of removals and
+deaths, it was much reduced; but in the year 1819 there were 150
+members in communion.
+
+After the removal of Mr. Goode, the members of this Church who resided
+at Towcester, deeming it more expedient to form themselves into a
+separate Church than continue their attendance at Pury, five miles
+distant, were dismissed from this connexion for this purpose, which was
+the commencement of the Independent Church in that town.
+
+The Rev. George Vowell, of Homerton Academy, was invited as a candidate
+for the pastoral office after Mr. Goode's removal, and entered upon his
+labours here. He had not long resided at Pury before he was married to
+Miss Hall, the only child of Mr. Abraham Hall, a gentleman of
+considerable reputation and property, in Aldermanbury, London; but not
+many weeks after this, symptoms of a rapid decline made their
+appearance, and terminated his short but honourable life, November 20th,
+1795, aged 23 years.
+
+The Rev. Stephen Morrell preached here for some months, and afterwards
+settled at Kilsby.
+
+Early in 1795, Rev. William Whitefoot preached for several Sabbaths; but
+as his doctrinal sentiments were not approved by all the congregation,
+he withdrew to Hanslope, and with him the members of the Church who
+resided there seceded, and in that village a separate cause was
+attempted.
+
+During the two following years, the Rev. Messrs. Savage, May, and
+Saunders preached as candidates, but no permanent arrangements were
+concluded. In September, 1798, the Rev. E. White was invited as a
+candidate for the pastoral charge; and in March, 1799, the Church, which
+had by this time fallen into a very low state, was re-organized under
+his direction, there being only eight of the members then remaining
+united together out of forty-seven which had belonged to the Church
+under Mr. Goode's ministry; five others were admitted at the time of the
+re-organization. Mr. White continued to preach at Pury till October,
+1800, when he finally declined accepting a call to the pastoral office,
+and removed to Hertford, where he was ordained in April, 1801. He
+ultimately went to Chester, and died there May 5th, 1811.
+
+During the time the Church and congregation were in this low condition
+no person took a more lively interest in their affairs than the Rev.
+Samuel Greathead, of Newport; he not only frequently preached to them
+and administered the Lord's Supper, but suggested to them such plans as
+were likely, through the blessing of God, to revive the interests of
+religion among them. In 1805 he recommended to them the Rev. Isaac
+Gardner, then preaching at Newport, in Essex, as a person likely to suit
+them as a pastor. Mr. Gardner came to reside among them, and it was
+hoped that the time had come for God again to favour this part of his
+Zion; but Mr. Gardner's age rendered him incapable of the exertions
+required, and during the sixteen years he remained at Pury his
+infirmities were such as to render him more fit for a station of
+comparative ease than for one requiring all the zeal and activity of
+youth. During the ministry of Mr. Gardner another Church was formed at
+Stony Stratford, which drew off some of the best subscribers, and left
+but few to uphold the mother Church; but about this time a Mr. Smith,
+one of the friends to this Church, left L100, the interest to be paid to
+the minister for the time being for ever.
+
+Mr. Gardner died on the 21st of October, 1821, in the 67th year of his
+age. A small neat tablet, by the side of the pulpit, marks the spot
+where his remains are deposited.
+
+Again the Church was supplied from the Newport Academy, and the Rev.
+James Slye, one of the students, was invited to become the pastor. He
+succeeded Mr. Gardner in 1823, and was ordained on the fifteenth day of
+June, 1825, on which occasion the Rev. James Pinkerton, of Weedon, began
+with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. E. Barling, of
+Buckingham, delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the usual
+questions; the Rev. D. W. Aston, of Buckingham, offered the ordination
+prayer; the Rev. T. P. Bull, of Newport, gave the charge, from Phil. i.
+17; the Rev. William Chapman, of Greenwich, preached to the people, from
+2nd Cor. v. 18; and the Rev. T. Adkins, of Southampton, concluded with
+prayer.
+
+Mr. Slye's settlement was attended with a happy revival in the
+congregation; two new galleries were soon after erected for the
+accommodation of the children of the Sabbath-school; and in 1826, the
+room in which the evening lecture had been carried on (Yardley Gabion)
+being found too small to contain the increased attendance, a new Chapel
+was erected, in which service is regularly conducted on the Sabbath
+evening. Mr. Slye still fills the office of pastor here, and continues
+his acceptable and useful services amongst this people. The report of
+the North Bucks Association, to which this Church belongs, states "that
+at Potterspury the attendance is still good, and there is reason to
+believe the word is not preached without effect. The Sabbath-school
+continues in an encouraging state. This place has been visited during
+the past year by a deputation from the Missionary Society, and the sum
+of L16. 16_s._ 3_d._ has been transmitted to the funds of that
+institution. Grafton and Alderton are supplied from this Church as
+formerly, at both of which places the attendance is good. The present
+number of Church members is 65. There are 130 children in the
+Sabbath-school. In 1846, two new school-rooms were erected. Services are
+conducted in three villages in the vicinity."
+
+Thus this Church has been preserved to the present time, through
+changing circumstances and many difficulties; yet the name of the
+Redeemer is still honoured among them, and vital Christianity promoted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT YARDLEY HASTINGS.
+
+
+The name of this village is familiar to many of the lovers of poetry
+from Cowper's celebrated lines on "Yardley Oak," standing in "Yardley
+Chase," about a mile and a half from the village.
+
+A stranger paying a visit to Yardley might have his attention excited by
+the appearance of a large and beautiful stone building, as an
+Independent Chapel, with a respectable minister's house on the south
+side of the Chapel, and spacious school-rooms on the north. The whole of
+the buildings, standing on an elevation and being enclosed by a wall and
+ornamental iron railing, add much to the appearance of the village.
+
+It would be highly gratifying to any friend to Dissenting Churches to be
+able to tell from what small beginnings this rose, who commenced an
+Independent interest here, what difficulties were overcome, what trials
+were borne, and with what success the efforts were crowned. But in these
+respects disappointment meets us. Those who first laboured here, and
+laid the foundation of this Church, were more anxious, we presume, to
+have their services approved and recorded on high, than to secure a
+record of them to be handed down to their successors in the Church
+below. We think it would have been wiser if they had left us some
+written memorials of the labours in which they engaged, and of the
+blessing that attended them, not for our gratification merely, but for
+our encouragement and improvement.
+
+The earliest trust deed of a Meeting House at Yardley is dated 1719, and
+it speaks of the building as having been recently erected. The first
+notice that we have been able to find of a stated minister in this place
+occurs in the certificate of Doddridge's ordination at Northampton, in
+1730. One of the signatures to that document is Mr. J. Drake, of
+Yardley. The same name occurs in a certificate which we have seen,
+preserved in the handwriting of Doddridge, of the ordination of the Rev.
+W. Hextal, at Creaton, in 1738. Mr. Drake was also present at the
+ordination of Mr. Haywood, of Potterspury, in the year 1740, and he also
+officiated in the ordination service and signed the certificate of the
+late Rev. W. Bull, of Newport, in October, 1766. Thus we learn that he
+was for a considerable number of years minister of this place. It was
+also stated by the late Mr. Bull, that during the latter years of his
+life he resided at Olney, was pastor of the Independent Church there,
+and was accustomed to preach one part of the Sabbath at Yardley, and the
+other part at Olney.
+
+About the year 1782, the Church at Yardley, being destitute of a
+minister, requested Mr. Thomas Raban, of Olney, to render them his
+assistance. After supplying them with acceptance for some time, he was
+invited to become their pastor, and was ordained in 1783. There are some
+interesting particulars preserved of the character and labours of Mr.
+Raban, which we shall briefly present to the reader. He was born at
+Turvey, in the county of Bedford--the village that was for years
+distinguished by the ministry of Legh Richmond, and by the results of
+his ministry leading to the formation of an Independent Church in that
+place. Mr. Raban was apprenticed at Olney, where he first heard the
+truths of the Gospel from Mr. Moses Brown, author of 'Sunday Thoughts,'
+then the vicar of Olney. When about ten years of age, he was deeply
+convinced of sin, and guided to the Saviour of sinners. He became a
+stated hearer and an affectionate friend of Mr. Brown's, and joined in
+communion with the Church. He had occasional opportunities of hearing
+Mr. Whitefield, and to his dying day he retained the savour of the
+truths which that eminent servant of Christ delivered. Speaking of Mr.
+Whitefield, he would say, "I once had the honour of having him hang on
+my arm; and, to be sure, I thought myself the happiest of men:" at
+another time--"I attended him as a guide to a village where he was going
+to preach, to my unspeakable gratification." He sometimes also attended
+Mr. Hervey's ministry, and would speak of his sermons with renewed
+satisfaction and delight to the end of his life. About the year 1778, in
+conjunction with an intimate friend, he began to exhort at
+prayer-meetings attended by members of the establishment. They
+persevered in this practice for some time solely with the view of being
+serviceable to their fellow Christians in that neighbourhood; though the
+Lord, by this step, was preparing them for spheres of usefulness in
+another direction, and the great Bishop of Souls soon found employment
+for both of them. This friend of Mr. Raban's was Mr. Perry, who
+afterwards became minister at Wollaston.
+
+When Mr. Raban had accepted the invitation to Yardley, he was much
+devoted to the spiritual interests of his flock; but having a numerous
+family, he continued at Olney, following his occupation as a mechanic or
+builder. This enabled him to serve his flock with scarcely any reward
+but their affections and their prayers. In addition to his labours at
+Yardley, he preached lectures in different places; and it is worthy of
+remark, that he was the first Dissenting minister who established a
+lecture at Woburn, Bedfordshire, where there is now a settled
+congregation.
+
+Several remarkable escapes from danger and death were experienced by Mr.
+Raban. On one occasion, being in an unfinished building two stories
+high, his foot slipped and he fell to the ground and pitched upon an
+axe, the edge of which stood upright; it cut his hat, but missed his
+head, and he sustained little or no injury. At another time, a large
+piece of timber, on which he had set his foot, heaved up and fell with
+him into a saw-pit, and an anvil of a hundred pounds' weight, connected
+with the wood, fell upon him; but it only bruised his leg, which was
+soon healed. There was another still more remarkable preservation which
+he had to record. As he was assisting in raising a beam in a mill, the
+rope slipped, when the beam, under which he stood, fell with him from a
+height of four stories; but though much injured by the fall, his life
+was wonderfully preserved. At another time, he was driving a team with a
+load of hay down a narrow lane, when, by attempting to get on the other
+side of the waggon, he was thrown under the wheel; but he had the
+presence of mind to call to the horses to stop, which they did in a
+moment, and thus he was once more saved from instantaneous death. Such
+deliverances must have deeply affected the heart of a good man, and have
+led him with some deep emotion to say, with the Psalmist, "who
+redeemeth our life from destruction." But within the last month of his
+existence, the truth of Cowper's beautiful lines were exemplified--
+
+ "Safety consists not in escape
+ From dangers of a frightful shape;
+ An earthquake may be bid to spare
+ The man that's strangled by a hair."
+
+On Lord's-day, May 9th, he was engaged in preaching at Woburn. After
+service, when leaving a friend's house, his foot slipped over a
+pebble--he fell, and found his right leg was broken; and that was the
+means of bringing him to the end of his life, on the 31st of the same
+month.
+
+"In his person," it is said, "Mr. Raban was tall, being full six feet
+high, of an athletic habit, and of regular features. His perceptions
+were quick, his memory strong, his spirit ardent and undaunted, mingled
+with a good degree of patience and perseverance; in fine, he enjoyed the
+union of those good qualities which rendered his life highly serviceable
+and honourable in the situation where infinite wisdom had placed him."
+
+The Rev. William Bull, of Newport, preached his funeral sermon, at
+Yardley, from 2 Chron. xxxii. 33 ("And all Judah and Jerusalem did him
+honour at his death"), in which he gave the following account of Mr.
+Raban's character and ministry:--
+
+ It may appear needless for me to dwell upon the character of your
+ deceased pastor, to persons who have known him so many years; but I
+ believe very few, except his own family, were so intimately
+ acquainted with him, either as a man, a Christian, or a minister. He
+ had long been accustomed to open his mind freely to me; and I have
+ remarked, that those who best knew him esteemed him most; so I am
+ conscious the more I saw of his heart the stronger affection I felt
+ for him. Few persons have filled up a greater variety of relations
+ in life than our departed friend. Early habituated to business, his
+ increasing family and peculiar circumstances led him into
+ complicated scenes of worldly engagements, all of which, to the best
+ of my knowledge, he discharged with unblemished integrity and
+ uncommon disinterestedness. In such a situation, I believe, no man
+ ever lived wholly without censure, much less a real Christian, and
+ least of all a minister of the Gospel. Envy is sure to attack such a
+ character on one side or the other. Failings, from which the best of
+ men are never exempt, are often in such cases dwelt upon with
+ pleasure, if not magnified with diligence. However, I can truly say,
+ that scarcely any man I know had fewer or smaller faults than my
+ late dear friend. Whatever they were, they may now properly be
+ buried with him, while his good works, in which he abounded to the
+ glory of God and the good of men, have followed him to another
+ world. His disposition as a man was peaceable, loving, and friendly.
+ His weeping family bear testimony to his peculiar tenderness and
+ love, both as a husband and parent. It is my duty to unite with his
+ friends in speaking of that kindness and disinterestedness with
+ which he administered every service in his power to all who enjoyed
+ his familiar friendship. I do not doubt but the town of Olney will
+ miss and lament him, and so will this Church and congregation; and I
+ am sure several ministers of the Gospel will feel the wound deeply.
+
+ His hope of salvation was firmly grounded on the Lord Jesus Christ;
+ his views of the Gospel were evangelical and clear; his experience
+ deep and lively; and his desires after real holiness of heart and
+ life were steadfast and influential. While from the first of his
+ separation from the Established Church he was conscientious and firm
+ in his dissent, no person was ever more removed from bigotry towards
+ any party. He was friendly and affectionate to pious people, and
+ useful to the encouragement of ministers whose judgment in trivial
+ matters differed from his own. Seldom has the loss of one individual
+ been so deeply and affectionately felt as his will be, on this
+ account. An earnest desire to be useful to those about him strongly
+ marked all his actions, whether it respected their temporal or their
+ spiritual concerns. It is no wonder, therefore, that he took
+ peculiar delight in preaching that free grace which he himself had
+ tasted and enjoyed. To this his congregation can bear a decided
+ testimony; and I hope, my dear friends, you will prove your love to
+ the Gospel which so long has been freely preached to you, by your
+ exertions for its continuance now your worthy pastor is no more.
+ "Remember him who has had the rule over you, whose faith follow,
+ considering the end of his conversation." He is gone to give an
+ account of his ministry; and very soon you must follow him, to give
+ your account of the use and abuse you have made of his labours of
+ love. How happy are those who went before him to glory! and how
+ happy will it be for you, if you follow after!
+
+ As to his family, prudence tenderness and love say, Be sparing. I
+ commit them all to the support of his Lord and their Lord, to his
+ God and their God. His dying prayer for his son in the ministry was,
+ that he might be kept in a humble and faithful attachment to the
+ truths of the Gospel; and to this I add my hearty Amen!
+
+ Upon the whole, there might be some things in his example for us to
+ avoid; but I am sure there were many for us to imitate. His happy
+ spirit is now doubtless before the throne, enjoying the friendship
+ of his companion and fellow labourer, Mr. Perry. Now their labours
+ are ended, in the enjoyment of that "rest which remaineth for the
+ people of God."
+
+ "There, on a green and flowery mount,
+ Their weary spirits sit,
+ And with transporting joy recount
+ The labours of their feet."
+
+The next minister who was placed over this people was Mr. John Hoppus,
+who accepted an invitation to the pastoral office, and was ordained in
+May, 1804. Mr. Hoppus was born in London, 1761; and becoming early
+acquainted with real religion, he joined the Church under the care of
+the Rev. W. Bennett, Moorfields, availing himself also, on suitable
+occasions, of the pulpit instructions of the Rev. Messrs. Newton and
+Romaine; and the Rev. Rowland Hill greatly attracted his admiration, on
+account of his fervent and zealous address. He sympathized with that
+school of Christians which sprung from the labours of Whitefield, whose
+letters, detailing his labours in Britain and America, were always
+perused by Mr. Hoppus with delight. The very name of their author was
+sufficient to animate him to earnest conversation, when oppressed by
+bodily affliction and declining years. Indeed, such was his admiration
+of the zealous spirit of Whitefield, as recorded in his history, that to
+feel and to express the same sentiment in the hearing of Mr. Hoppus was
+one of the readiest avenues to his friendship. While engaged in
+business, he became connected with the London Itinerant Society,
+preaching in many places in the vicinity of the metropolis; and his
+labours proved very acceptable and useful. The following remarkable
+instance is deserving of notice: "When he was preaching on one occasion
+at Lewisham, a lady who through domestic trouble was resolved on
+suicide, and was on her way to commit the deed, passed the door of the
+place where Mr. Hoppus was at that moment speaking of the sin of Judas,
+who "went out, and hanged himself." Hearing the preacher's voice, she
+entered, was much struck with his earnest manner, and applied the
+subject to her own case. She told him, in a subsequent interview, that
+he had been the means of saving both body and soul."
+
+Mr. Hoppus at length resigned his business, to devote himself entirely
+to the work of the ministry. He removed to Newport Pagnell, to avail
+himself of the advantages of the academical institution there, under the
+care of the Rev. W. Bull. While there, he was highly esteemed by his
+worthy tutor, his fellow students, and many of the good people in the
+town and neighbourhood.
+
+He had several invitations to the pastoral office, but declined the
+others to accept the one he received from Yardley, though the cause was
+then in so low a state that the Church consisted of only nine members,
+and the congregation of about forty hearers. But it was soon found
+necessary to erect a gallery, and remodel the interior of the Chapel;
+and as there was no house suitable for the minister, a commodious one
+was erected adjoining the Chapel, by the liberal permission of the
+Marquis of Northampton, the ground landlord.
+
+Mr. Hoppus was a devoted village pastor; he paid great attention to the
+young, and a weekly meeting was held at his house on Saturday evenings,
+for the catechetical instruction and the encouragement of those young
+persons who appeared religiously disposed. He excelled in pastoral
+visitation; was much in the habit of introducing religious conversation
+in families, and in the work-rooms of the lacemakers. He endeavoured to
+extend the knowledge of the Gospel to the villages around him. For many
+years he preached on stated evenings in the week at Denton, Easton, and
+Grendon, as well as at Yardley, beside visiting other places. Sometimes
+he conducted services in the open air. He had a very happy method of
+dropping a word of religious advice to persons whom he accidentally saw
+at their worldly calling: in this he was very useful, not only in
+conciliating the minds of some, but often of implanting deep and
+permanent impressions.
+
+In the year 1813, in the midst of great pastoral success, a fire broke
+out, which destroyed many houses in the village; and the Chapel also was
+destroyed, which had stood nearly a century. This grievous trial would
+have overwhelmed a mind of less energy and enterprise, as the people at
+Yardley were totally unable to defray the expense of a new building. Mr.
+Hoppus, however, immediately set about the arduous task of appealing to
+Christian benevolence, and after many months of unwearied labour raised
+a sufficient sum in the adjacent counties and the metropolis to erect a
+Chapel of twice the size of the other place. A gallery was afterwards
+added, to accommodate a still increasing congregation.
+
+But during a pastorate of thirty years, he had to share in some of the
+trials of the faithful minister. He often lamented that his hands were
+not more strengthened by the conversion to God of such as might have
+proved influential in discountenancing vice and immorality by an
+exemplary life, in consequence of their better circumstances. In some
+cases his fidelity gave offence.
+
+After having been accustomed, till his seventy-second year, to preach
+three times on the Sabbath, increasing infirmities induced him to resign
+the pastoral office. The last time he preached at Yardley was on May
+4th, 1834; and he administered the Lord's Supper to his late charge only
+a few weeks before his death.
+
+In the latter years of his life Mr. Hoppus often appeared to enjoy much
+happiness in religion, and when unable to sleep would speak much and
+fervently of the great truths of the Gospel, and the glorious
+anticipations of believers. He would repeat many Scripture passages and
+hymns from which he derived comfort and edification. It was often
+evident to those around him that his mind was maturing for the great and
+blissful change that awaited him. He had recovered from an attack of
+indisposition, and still appeared to retain a portion of the vigour of
+his naturally fine constitution. On the 30th of August, 1837, he had
+taken some exercise in his garden, and in the evening had prayed in his
+family as usual; but he had not long retired to rest before he was heard
+to breathe deeply twice, apparently in sleep. His appearance indicated
+what proved to be the event. Medical aid was called in, but the vital
+spark had fled. Thus, in his seventy-seventh year, did this servant of
+God obtain what he had for years desired might be granted him in death,
+"an easy dismission."
+
+Mr. Hoppus was interred in the burial-ground of the Chapel. The funeral
+sermon was preached, according to the long expressed wish of the
+deceased, by his esteemed friend, the Rev. T. P. Bull, from a text
+chosen by himself--1 Cor. xv. 58.
+
+Mr. Hoppus's labours were eminently disinterested. "I have stated," said
+Mr. Bull, in his sermon, "that he was in business seven years; and,
+successful as he was, when his industry, perseverance, and talents for
+business are considered, if he had continued in it he might have
+accumulated much wealth. But it was not his object to seek that which
+has been the ruin of so many; and at Yardley you have seen, my friends,
+that he 'sought not yours, but you.' As to his life, it is unnecessary
+to say anything, for you all know his consistency. His views of the
+Gospel were clear. His religion was that of the heart: it was sterling,
+rational, and practical, and influenced his life and conduct. He
+'travailed in birth for souls.' When he came to Yardley, the place of
+worship was small, the Church was small, and there was no minister's
+house. He enlarged the Chapel, built the house; and when the Chapel was
+burned down, he accomplished the laborious task of collecting, and built
+this commodious place." "What he did for the cause of Christ at Yardley
+will remain as his monument to future times."
+
+These particulars are taken from an account written by Mr. Hoppus's only
+daughter. His only son is Professor Hoppus, of the London University.
+
+After Mr. Hoppus had resigned the pastoral office, the Rev. J. Bunn
+succeeded him, commencing his stated labours in January, 1834. He
+removed to Abergavenny, in Wales, in 1838. During the ministry of Mr.
+Bunn, two new galleries were added to the Chapel.
+
+The Rev. James Spong, of Newport Pagnell Academy, succeeded Mr. Bunn,
+becoming pastor in October, 1838. He resigned about the end of 1840.
+
+The Rev. William Todman, the present pastor, took the oversight of the
+Church and congregation and commenced his labours on the 5th of June,
+1842. During the ten years that have elapsed since then, the large and
+convenient school-rooms have been built adjoining the Chapel, at a cost
+of nearly L400. In the daily Infant-school there are upwards of 80
+children, and in the Sabbath-school 260. Many additions have been made
+to the Church, and the congregations never were better than at the
+present time. The number of communicants is about 116. Occasional
+services are conducted in the villages in the vicinity of Yardley.
+
+The state of this interest shows what may be done, under the divine
+blessing, to sustain and advance a Christian society on voluntary
+principles, in a situation of not the most promising character, by men
+of a devoted spirit, concerned to promote the glory of the Saviour and
+the welfare of immortal minds.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT KILSBY AND CRICK.
+
+
+The Independent congregation in these places owes its origin, there is
+reason to conclude, to the labours of ministers ejected by the Act of
+Uniformity. Mr. Worth, who had been vicar of Kilsby, and Mr. Stephen
+Fowler, who had been rector of Crick, were useful here, after their
+ejectment. Concerning the former, Palmer states "that he preached for a
+while, as a Nonconformist, at Daventry and Chipping Norton"; on other
+authority it is stated that "he also continued to labour at Kilsby." Of
+the latter we are informed, that "after leaving the Church at Crick, he
+came to reside at Kilsby; and that, after attending the services of the
+Church in the day, he repeated a sermon in his own house, in the evening
+of the Sabbath, to such as chose to attend." The labours of these two
+devoted ministers of Christ were rendered useful to several families in
+the village, so that they became attached to the preaching of the Gospel
+and to the mode of conducting religious worship as it was practised
+among the Nonconformists.
+
+Of Mr. Worth it is stated that "he had three sons, ministers among the
+Dissenters"; of Mr. Fowler, that "his rectory at Crick was very
+valuable, but it proved no temptation to him to conform against his
+conscience." He was a very popular preacher, and indefatigable in his
+labours. He died through an excess of hard study and too frequent
+preaching, as he went to Newbury upon the removal of Mr. John
+Woodbridge, who was ejected there. We are informed that "he was eminent
+for the holiness of his life, his zeal and constancy in his work at all
+times, his great moderation, and many other excellent qualities."
+
+There was also a Mr. Richard Thorpe, ejected from Barby, a village about
+a mile from Kilsby. Such was his high attainment in the exercise of
+prayer, that none of the ministers in those parts were thought to excel
+him. The youth of the village stood in great awe of him, so as to be
+kept from profaning the Sabbath, as had been too common there. He was so
+much taken up with spiritual things, that he left all his worldly
+concerns to the care of a faithful servant. After his ejectment, he
+preached in his own house on Thursdays without molestation.
+
+The separation of these eminent men from the Established Church, and
+their labours in this vicinity, were the means of bringing some to be
+decided Nonconformists; but their number for many years was too small to
+constitute a separate Church, for the support of a pastor, so that they
+travelled on the Sabbath to attend the Dissenting ministry at Long
+Buckby and Daventry, and invited the ministers of these places to preach
+a week-day lecture at Kilsby, in a house licensed for this purpose.
+Their numbers gradually increased; the room became too small for them;
+they purchased another house, and fitted it up as a place to be
+appropriated to religious worship. This was in the year 1738. When this
+was done, the ministers of Daventry and Buckby engaged to preach to them
+alternately on the Sabbath morning. The number of hearers still
+increased, so that early in the year 1750 they built a gallery for the
+further accommodation of the people.
+
+At this time they had attained to such a degree of strength as to
+indulge the thought of having a stated pastor over them. In the latter
+part of this year, with the hearty concurrence of the ministers by whom
+the lecture had been preached, they invited Mr. Thomas Strange to
+minister amongst them, with a view to a settlement. After a suitable
+trial, the following invitation to the pastoral office was presented to
+him:--
+
+ _Kilsby, June 1st, 1752._
+
+ DEAR AND REVEREND SIR,--We, a Church of Protestant Dissenters in and
+ near this place, have through a remarkable kind providence enjoyed
+ the benefit of your labours for upwards of twelve months to our
+ entire satisfaction, and we hope, through the blessing of God, to
+ our advantage. And, sir, as your religious sentiments, piety, zeal,
+ and ministerial ability afford an encouraging prospect of your
+ usefulness, it appears to us very desirable that you would now, sir,
+ enter into the relation of a pastor to us, in which request you may
+ depend upon our unanimity, and our endeavour to make your situation
+ comfortable and useful, by our constant prayers and all other means
+ proper to us as private Christians, who are, sir, your cordial
+ friends and most humble servants. (Signed by thirty-two names.)
+
+This invitation Mr. Strange accepted; and though the numbers, the place
+of worship, and the accommodations he found were unusually defective,
+yet he went with the noble resolution of exerting all his powers for the
+increase and improvement of his humble charge; and his exertions were
+uncommonly great, prudent, and successful.
+
+Mr. Strange was born at Evenley, in the county of Northampton. When he
+was about six years of age his father was removed by death; but the
+father had discerned in his son, at that early age, such a thoughtful
+spirit as led him to express a wish that he might in after life become a
+Christian minister. As he grew up, to obtain good books was his greatest
+aim; and when he had obtained a new one, he would scarcely allow himself
+time for his meals. He would conduct family worship at sixteen years of
+age, with great seriousness and propriety. On the family removing to
+Shelston, near Buckingham, he formed an intimate acquaintance with Mr.
+Boughton, afterwards a fellow student with him, and subsequently
+minister at Buckingham. These two friends, in the ardour of their
+youthful zeal, walked ten miles on the Lord's-day to hear Mr. Haywood,
+of Potterspury, and became members of his Church. Mr. Strange felt a
+great desire to be devoted to the work of the ministry, but could see no
+prospect of attaining that desire. But his mother mentioned the subject
+to Mr. Hayward; he introduced it to Dr. Doddridge, who, with his usual
+generosity and zeal, kindly engaged to procure for such a youth all
+necessary supplies during his academical course. He entered the academy
+at Northampton in 1745, and continued there for six years, and then
+entered on his ministry at Kilsby, where he pursued his labours as a
+Christian pastor till near the end of his days.
+
+The following is a copy of Mr. Strange's certificate of ordination:--
+
+ _Kilsby, September 11th, 1753._
+
+ These are to certify whom it may concern, that we whose names are
+ hereunto subscribed, pastors of Churches, having received
+ satisfaction concerning the Rev. Mr. Thomas Strange, as to the
+ regularity of his education, the soundness of his judgment, the
+ seriousness of his temper, and his other qualifications for public
+ service in the ministry, have this day proceeded to set him apart to
+ that work by prayer and imposition of hands, and cordially unite in
+ recommending him to any Church who may need his assistance.
+
+ R. GILBERT.
+ JAMES FLOYD, Daventry.
+ JOHN DOWLEY, Lutterworth.
+ GEORGE HAMPTON, Banbury.
+ JOHN HEYWOOD, Potterspury.
+ SAMUEL KING, Welford.
+ CALEB ASHWORTH, Daventry.
+
+An unhappy peculiarity in the elocution and gesture of Mr. Strange in
+the pulpit prevented the popularity to which his other excellencies
+entitled him; but these defects became so annihilated to his stated
+hearers by nobler impressions, that they were surprised when strangers
+were disgusted by them. He generally preached twice at Kilsby and once
+at Crick on the Lord's-day, and conducted a fourth service either at
+Barby or Hillmorton, having also to walk about eight miles. The
+congregations increased under him, so that in two years after his
+settlement they were obliged to erect two new galleries in the house at
+Kilsby. In the year 1763 they found it necessary to build a new place of
+worship. Towards this object they subscribed liberally, for their
+circumstances, raising amongst themselves L170; and by means of an
+appeal to other congregations, their plan of building a place at a cost
+of L400 was accomplished. A plain, commodious, and substantial Meeting
+House was erected. A few years after, finding the private room in which
+the meetings at Crick were held very strait and inconvenient, out of an
+estate settled by Mr. Henfrey on the Dissenting Society Mr. Strange
+erected a small but decent place of worship there, and about the same
+time purchased a cottage at Hillmorton, and fitted it up for the same
+purpose.
+
+The people purchased the premises adjoining the Chapel for a
+dwelling-house for their minister, which, by Mr. Strange's skill and
+industry, were greatly improved. He was one of the most useful and one
+of the most noble-hearted of village pastors; he catechised the young
+people of his charge, he visited the afflicted and tried, he kept a
+Day-school for the benefit of the rising generation, the profits of
+which he devoted to pious and charitable purposes. As his own family
+grew up, he admitted six boarders to his house, at twelve guineas per
+annum and one guinea entrance. Frugality, neatness, and hospitality,
+were never more perfectly united than in his dwelling. A salary of L40,
+with the interest of L300, and some occasional benefactions, would
+hardly admit of a hired servant; Mrs. Strange, therefore, and her
+daughters, managed the whole business of the family (washing and brewing
+not excepted), with admirable ease and regularity. Whoever entered, or
+at whatever hour, no deshabille, either in the house or inhabitants, no
+confusion or bustle, was perceived, nor any want of decent accommodation
+or cordial welcome. No time, no money was wasted; and by this means,
+little as they possessed of either, they always had some of each to
+spare at the call of indigence, friendship, or civility. No worthy
+supplicant or proper visitor left the house complaining; yea, the most
+concealed wants or distresses of their neighbours seldom escaped the
+kind vigilance of its inhabitants, or were suffered to remain without
+some endeavour to alleviate them. Yet, with all this kindness, Mr.
+Strange found every year a surplus to add to the little stock reserved
+for his family. He has often been heard to say, "that though when single
+he could scarcely make both ends meet, since his marriage he had been
+able to save a few shillings." A higher compliment to Mrs. Strange he
+could not easily have paid. Indeed, that management must have been truly
+astonishing, which out of his income, and with his liberality, could lay
+by, in no long course of years, several hundred pounds for his widow and
+his four children. The authors of the 'History of Dissenters' say, "let
+it not be supposed that this was the fruit of niggardly penury; the man
+was liberal, and had the spirit of a prince."
+
+He took time by the forelock. On a Monday, though his Sabbath was a
+laborious day in travelling and preaching, it was his custom to rise an
+hour or two before the family, to draw out the schemes of his intended
+discourses on the ensuing Sabbath, as a directory to his thoughts,
+reading, and conversation through the week.
+
+When he was getting near to his sixtieth year, his strength greatly
+declined, and he felt that his end was drawing nigh. In his last
+affliction he said to some of his brethren who accidentally met at his
+house, "I have always valued and preached the doctrine of grace, but
+nothing gives me so much concern, on a review of my ministry, as that I
+have no more insisted upon and pressed the fruits of grace." When all
+united in their testimony to the practical strain of his preaching, he
+added, "as death and eternity draw nigh, I see more than ever I did
+before the infinite importance of these fruits, and the comparative
+insignificance of all opinions without them." As to the person of
+Christ, he desired his flock might be assured that "he died in a firm
+belief that Jesus Christ was the true and proper Son of God, in whom
+dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; a doctrine," he added,
+"which I firmly believe, but do not attempt to explain." "I wish to
+die," he said on another occasion, "a broken-hearted sinner, renouncing
+everything of my own, and depending entirely for future happiness on the
+free grace of God, through the atonement and righteousness of Christ."
+His last words to his surrounding friends were, "Farewell, till the day
+of the Lord Jesus. The Lord have mercy, spiritual and eternal mercy, on
+every one of you, upon this congregation, and upon the whole Israel of
+God. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath a right to take away; blessed be
+the name of the Lord!" He died September 1st, 1784, aged sixty years.
+
+Thus lived and died the first pastor of the Independent Church at
+Kilsby.
+
+Concerning his death, the historians before referred to, say--"the tears
+and groans of his flock attested the greatness of their loss: it would
+be, indeed, a less difficult task to find a suitable successor to the
+see of Canterbury, than to the village of Kilsby." Subsequent events
+indicate that there is considerable truth in this statement; for though
+sixty-eight years have passed since the death of Mr. Strange, and Kilsby
+has had in that period pastors of varied excellence and usefulness, not
+one has yet been found to live, and labour, and die amongst them after
+the manner of the first pastor.
+
+The noble-spirited village pastor's wife is worthy of a short record, as
+we find the following notice of her death, written by the Rev. H.
+Knight, of Yelvertoft:--
+
+ December 12th, 1819, died at Yelvertoft, in the county of
+ Northampton, aged 84, Dorothy, the widow of the late Rev. Thomas
+ Strange, many years Protestant Dissenting minister at Kilsby. She
+ was "an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." To the last
+ she manifested an ardent attachment to the Redeemer, and a great
+ delight in the ordinances of religion. As her course was holy, so it
+ pleased God that her end should be peaceful. Under the most severe
+ affliction, which terminated her life, she was supported by those
+ words--"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
+ the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?"
+ from which Mr. Knight preached her funeral sermon. Knowing in whom
+ she believed, and longing to depart that she might be with Christ,
+ she sweetly breathed her spirit into his hands. Her truly amiable
+ spirit, unaffected piety, exemplary conduct, and Christian
+ benevolence, endeared her to all who knew her. "The righteous shall
+ be had in everlasting remembrance."
+
+The records of this Church have not been to any extent preserved, so
+that the numbers that entered into communion during the ministry of Mr.
+Strange cannot be ascertained; and the names of the subsequent pastors,
+with the date of their ministry, constitute nearly all that can be now
+presented.
+
+Mr. Jacob Harwood was ordained here in 1786. He removed to the
+neighbourhood of Leeds. Mr. H. Gritten was pastor in 1790. Mr. Thomas
+Gardiner was the next minister, and he left in 1794. Mr. Morrell came in
+November of that year, and left at Midsummer, 1799. Mr. Thomas Spencer
+came at Michaelmas in that year, and left in 1805. Mr. Thomas Jones
+almost immediately succeeded, and removed in 1811. Mr. Morgan followed
+Mr. Jones, and continued until 1824. Two or three ministers occupied the
+pulpit successively until 1827. On the 28th of June in that year Mr.
+Thomas Porter was ordained. Mr. Porter was from the academy at Hackney:
+at his ordination, Mr. Pinkerton, of Weedon, prayed and read the
+Scriptures; Mr. Griffiths, of Buckby, delivered the introductory
+discourse; Mr. Hobson, of Welford, offered the ordination prayer; Mr.
+Collison, Mr. Porter's tutor, delivered the charge; Mr. Scott, of
+Rowell, preached to the people.
+
+Mr. Porter resigned his charge at Kilsby, Nov. 10th, 1839, and removed
+to Godalming, in Surrey.
+
+Mr. James Rees Jones accepted the pastoral charge, and was ordained June
+18th, 1840. He removed to Bolton, in Lancashire, in 1851.
+
+
+CRICK.
+
+The connexion between the congregations at Kilsby and Crick continued
+until the removal of Mr. Morgan, in the year 1824, when fifteen members
+resident in Crick separated themselves from the Church at Kilsby; and
+early in 1825 Mr. Bicknell, formerly of Welford, became their pastor.
+During his ministry, which continued for fourteen years, twenty-three
+members were added to the Church. He resigned, in consequence of age and
+infirmity, in 1838.
+
+Mr. Cuzens, the next pastor, commenced his ministry in July of the same
+year, and left in October, 1841. He admitted eight members to the
+Church.
+
+Mr. Hall, who succeeded Mr. Cuzens, came in January, 1842, and resigned
+in September, 1850, removing to Rugeley, in Staffordshire. Twenty-eight
+members were admitted during the ministry of Mr. Hall.
+
+Mr. Thomas Islip, late of Stamford, ministered here from May, 1851, to
+January, 1852; since that time, supplies have been obtained. The present
+number of members is 37. There are 35 children in the Sabbath-school.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT BRIGSTOCK.
+
+
+In the village of Brigstock, which contains upwards of 1200 inhabitants,
+an Independent Church was formed about seventy-four years ago. There was
+a small band of decided Christians, attached to the principles of
+Nonconformity, who in the year 1778 united together in the faith of the
+Gospel, to sustain a Christian ministry and to have the ordinances of
+Christ administered unto them. This took place with the encouragement
+and advice of some ministers of Christ in their vicinity, who had
+occasionally preached unto them, and knew the circumstances in which
+they were placed; but there are some interesting memorials preserved of
+events which preceded, and which manifestly prepared the way, under the
+blessing of the great Head of the Church, for the formation of a regular
+Christian society in this place.
+
+It is stated on satisfactory evidence, that during the time of the
+Plague in London, a godly tradesman of the name of Leigh retired to this
+village; and it appears that the piety of this Christian and his family,
+with the attention they paid to the means of grace among the
+Nonconformists of the neighbourhood, at Kettering, or at Rowell, with
+whom they for many years became identified, was gradually the means of
+awakening the attention of others to the subject of true religion and to
+the cause of Nonconformity. This presents us with a pleasing example of
+the useful influence that may be exerted by a Christian household, in
+exciting attention to the means of grace and the principles of the
+Gospel in a benighted neighbourhood. As their numbers increased, they
+attended at different places around them, as it might suit their
+convenience or their taste, those places being from eight to thirteen
+miles distant; some of them becoming decided Christians, they united in
+Christian fellowship with those Churches where they generally attended.
+Thus things continued until the days of Doddridge's ministry, when some
+stated services were commenced at Brigstock, of which the following
+account has been preserved:--
+
+ Many in this place, several years ago, were very desirous of having
+ the Gospel preached amongst them, as they are six miles from Oundle,
+ eight from Kettering, nine from Rowell, and ten from
+ Wellingborough,[6] and have bad roads all around us; consequently
+ old people, and such as have large families, could seldom hear the
+ word, these being the nearest places in which it was preached.
+ Therefore they made their case known to the Rev. Mr. Doddridge, and
+ by his means obtained an exhibition from the Independent Fund for
+ the support of a monthly week-day lecture, which was preached for
+ some time by the following ministers, viz.: Messrs. Doddridge,
+ Saunders, Boyce, Hextal, Haywood, and Grant. A blessing attended the
+ word; our numbers greatly increased; many joyfully received the
+ Gospel, and became very desirous of hearing it, if possible, on a
+ Lord's-day. They entered into a subscription for a lecture once a
+ month on Lord's-day, which was the means of enlarging our interest
+ still more. We continued in this state many years, till, having
+ many that we hoped had received the grace of God, we began to think
+ of embodying into a Church, and had it recommended to us by the
+ ministers that used to attend our lecture, especially the Rev. Mr.
+ Addington, who, being providentially cast amongst us for the first
+ time about the year 1774, talked with us particularly upon this
+ subject. What he said appeared to rest on many minds, and convinced
+ us that it was our duty to attend on all the ordinances of Christ:
+ we therefore sought direction and assistance from God in prayer; and
+ after watching for some time the openings of providence, Mr.
+ Hillyard, a member of the Church at Wellingborough, under the
+ pastoral care of Mr. Carver, was recommended as a proper person to
+ be our minister. We took opportunities of hearing him often; and it
+ being always to our satisfaction, we applied to him to come amongst
+ us. We first invited him for a quarter of a year, and when that was
+ expired, for a year, fully approving his gifts and his general views
+ of Christian doctrine and discipline. Thereupon, being desirous to
+ honour Christ, as King and Head of the Church, and to testify our
+ allegiance to him; in hope likewise of the fulfilment of his
+ promise, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there
+ am I in the midst of them," we desire to give up ourselves and ours
+ to the Lord, to be ruled by his laws and to attend all his
+ ordinances, agreeable to our confession of faith and Church
+ covenant. And after having given ourselves to the Lord, we also give
+ ourselves to one another, by a declaration of God's dealings with
+ us, in a meeting appointed for that purpose, and the mutual giving
+ and receiving the right hand of fellowship.
+
+ Witness our hands, the 4th of March, 1778. (Here follow the names of
+ ten brethren.)
+
+
+[6] The document quoted above does not state the distances correctly.
+Oundle is seven miles, Kettering eight, Rowell eleven or twelve, and
+Wellingborough thirteen miles distant.
+
+
+Then, in their Church covenant drawn up and subscribed June 9th of the
+same year, they say--
+
+ We, the professed disciples of Christ, whose names are hereunto
+ subscribed, meeting together for the worship of God in Brigstock,
+ having long enjoyed the means of grace through the favourable
+ indulgence of God towards us, cannot think it will be for the glory
+ of God to continue any longer as scattered individuals, like lambs
+ in a large place, but judge it our duty, both from the openings of
+ providence and from rules lying before us in God's word, to cleave
+ to him with fuller purpose of heart than heretofore we have done,
+ each one for ourselves, and, in the judgment of charity, each one
+ hoping well for each other; and having given ourselves to the Lord,
+ in a perpetual covenant that shall never be forgotten, do here, in
+ the presence of God, angels, and men as our witnesses, give each
+ other the right hand of fellowship, binding ourselves by covenant
+ and by oath to walk together according to that order which is, for
+ distinction sake, called Congregational, according to the Abrahamic
+ covenant, including believers and their children, which we find
+ pointed out to us in the New Testament by our Lord Jesus Christ and
+ his holy apostles. Having thus covenanted together under Christ our
+ Sovereign Lord and Head, we look upon it our duty to him solemnly to
+ engage, in his strength, to maintain those truths which are
+ essential to real Christianity, against all opposers whatever, at
+ the expense of our properties and our lives, if God in his
+ providence should call and strengthen us so to do.
+
+ (Then follow the articles of their faith.)
+
+In reference to the commencement of Mr. Hillyard's ministry, who was the
+first pastor of this Church at Brigstock, we find the following records
+preserved by the Church at Wellingborough, of which he was a member:--
+
+ _March 2nd, 1775._--The Church was informed that brother Hillyard
+ had given an exhortation to some of the brethren, who should report
+ to the Church their thoughts next meeting.
+
+ _May 5th._--Brother Hillyard exercised his gift before the Church,
+ when it was unanimously agreed that he should continue until the
+ path of duty was more plain.
+
+ In 1776, _June 6th_, the Church met by appointment, and sent brother
+ Hillyard to preach whithersoever the Lord is pleased to call him.
+
+ In 1778, _May 3rd_, a letter was read from Brigstock, saying that
+ they had formed themselves into a Church, and requested that we
+ would send messengers to behold their faith and order, on the 9th of
+ June. That Church afterwards agreed, by the advice of ministers, to
+ invite brother Hillyard to be ordained their pastor, and for this
+ purpose requested his dismission.
+
+ He was ordained May 20th, and on this occasion Mr. Toller, of
+ Kettering, Mr. Robins, and Mr. Toller, of London, preached.
+
+Of Mr. Hillyard's early ministrations it is stated, "that they were
+distinguished by a glowing, holy, and enlightened zeal, accompanied with
+great modesty and diffidence. He was fully sensible of the disadvantages
+under which he laboured for want of a more liberal education, yet
+earnestly desirous of devoting all that he had attained, all that he
+possessed, to the good of souls and the furtherance of the Gospel. With
+much regret he was compelled to relinquish his station at Brigstock, on
+account of the inability of the people to meet the wants of his
+increasing family. He then settled for a few years at Kimbolton, in
+Huntingdonshire, until he fixed for the remainder of his life at Olney,
+in Buckinghamshire, where during forty years he experienced the great
+goodness of his God and Saviour. He fell asleep on the twelfth of July,
+1828, in the eighty-third year of his age. His address was plain,
+powerful, and pointed. His ministry was abundantly blessed; his place of
+worship at Olney was enlarged four times."
+
+An unsettled interval, attended with repeated changes, appears to have
+followed Mr. Hillyard's removal. A Mr. Griffin appears immediately to
+have succeeded Mr. Hillyard; then Mr. Maurice Phillips was placed here
+for a short time--he came in the year 1790, when this place became
+united with Weldon, under one pastor: Mr. Phillips afterwards became
+tutor of Rotherham College, in connexion with Dr. Williams. Mr. Morgan,
+from Dr. Williams' academy, was a candidate for one year (1796); Mr.
+William Bull, for nine months; Mr. Spencer also ministered unto them for
+one year (1798). About the year 1798 we read, "that Mr. Mitchel was
+universally approved of, and about being settled with us; but he removed
+to Leicester, and the hopes of the people were disappointed." It does
+not appear that any person was settled long as pastor for a number of
+years. This undoubtedly had a very unfavourable influence as to the
+numbers in Church fellowship, for the next pastor observes, when he
+first admitted four members to the Church, "for nearly twenty years
+there had been no addition to the little band, the result probably of
+being without a pastor." "The number of communicants at the time of my
+first dispensing the Lord's Supper was only five, and two of them were
+members of another religious community. The members of the Church were
+reduced to eight only, and for some reasons three did not unite with us
+at the table. O thou Spirit Divine, carry on the work of salvation, that
+many may first give themselves to the Lord, and then unto us for
+Christ's sake! 'By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small, but by thee,
+O Lord?'" Again he wrote--"With gratitude I now look back nine years,
+and with holy joy my heart exclaims, What has God wrought, through whose
+blessing the Church has increased to upwards of sixty members! This is
+the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."
+
+Thus wrote Mr. Robert Pickering, who was the next that was settled over
+them as a minister of Christ.
+
+But during this unsettled interval, a new Meeting House was built. A
+statement of their case was drawn up, sanctioned by the names of a
+number of ministers, soliciting aid from the Churches towards this
+object, dated 1798. In this document they say--
+
+ We now have stated supplies, in hopes that the great Head of the
+ Church will send us a pastor that will go in and out before us, and
+ feed our souls with spiritual food. Our numbers being increased to
+ about two hundred, the place which has been rented about fifty years
+ being very small, and we being only tenants at will and under a
+ discharge to quit at Lady-day next, we have been under the necessity
+ of purchasing a house, with ground to it sufficient for the purpose
+ of erecting a new place for public worship, on which we have built a
+ shell, the walls of stone, and covered with slate, to finish which
+ in a plain comfortable manner will cost in the whole expense about
+ L300. We are not able to raise more than L100 amongst ourselves,
+ there being no individual belonging to the congregation of
+ independent fortune; therefore we are obliged to make our case
+ known, and to request the assistance of our friends of other
+ congregations.
+
+By the assistance rendered the building was completed, and the expense
+ultimately cleared.
+
+It was in the year 1803 that Mr. Pickering, who had been a student at
+Rotherham College, was introduced to the notice of the congregation at
+Brigstock; and after ten months' probation, he was publicly ordained to
+the pastoral office.
+
+Mr. Pickering was born at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in the county of Leicester,
+March 12th, 1777. His entrance into a state of spiritual life he dates
+about the spring of 1794, when he says--
+
+ It pleased God to convert me to himself under a sermon preached by
+ the Rev. Mr. Moseley, from Matt. vii. 21: "Not every one that saith
+ unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he
+ that doeth the will of my Father that is in heaven." I have not much
+ recollection of what was said, but remember that such was the
+ impression made upon my mind that I was much affected: on reaching
+ home, I walked about the garden in much distress. When I reflected
+ upon that heaven of which I had been hearing, I could not help
+ exclaiming, "I shall never reach there." Alarmed at my dreadful
+ state as a sinner, I began to seek after God by prayer and a more
+ constant attendance at the Chapel, and eagerly sought every
+ opportunity of pouring out my heart before him in the closet, the
+ shop, or the field. Nor was it long before God was pleased to break
+ in upon my soul with light and comfort. Soon after, I found great
+ encouragement in a discourse from John vi. 37: "Him that cometh unto
+ me, I will in no wise cast out." My experience at that time was not
+ the same as many of God's people. I had not that horror, darkness,
+ and awful dread which some have passed through. No, blessed be
+ Immanuel! he "drew me with the cords of a man, and with bonds of
+ love."
+
+Mr. Pickering became a member of the Church at Atherstone, where he then
+resided; and soon after this he began to engage in occasional religious
+services for the benefit of others; and on the 29th of August, 1798, he
+entered the academy at Rotherham. On the completion of his studies he
+laboured for a year at Driffield, in Yorkshire; but difficulties arose,
+which rendered it unsuitable for him to remain. He was invited on
+probation by the people at Brigstock. "I selected," he says, "as the
+ground of my first address to the congregation of Brigstock, Rom. i. 16:
+'I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.' To the speaker it was a
+merciful season, and a time of saving impression to a person who
+afterwards joined the Church of Christ. In the afternoon I preached at
+Weldon, and in the evening at Corby." These places combined in promoting
+the temporal support of the same minister, while they mutually reaped
+the benefit of his pious labours. For the first twenty years of his
+ministry Mr. Pickering preached statedly at Brigstock and Weldon every
+Lord's-day, and once a month, in the evening, at Corby also.
+
+On the 21st of June, 1804, he was ordained to the pastoral office. "The
+religious services of the day," he observes, "were very impressive, and
+highly interesting. The brethren engaged were Messrs. Toller, Whitehead,
+Gronow, Bullock, Wood, Spencer, and Chadwick." "The day after my
+ordination, a deep sense of the important work and awful responsibility
+of the ministry induced me to cry to God for assistance, that he would
+cheer me with his presence and assist me on all occasions. The care of
+the Church was much upon my spirit, and the eternal welfare of souls
+before me. How weighty the charge! how weak the instrument! and how
+arduous the employment! Oh, to be spiritually minded, watchful, and
+useful! Lord, form my mind to bear all the trials and duties of my
+station, and thine shall be the praise!"
+
+Mr. Pickering's labours were continued here for thirty-three years. He
+was the pious, affectionate, kind, amiable, and faithful pastor of the
+village Church. He had, on the whole, a peaceful and useful course;
+always plain and serious, evangelical and devout, in his engagements as
+a minister, while his daily temper and conduct recommended the Gospel he
+preached. He died suddenly, August 27th, 1836. He was interred in the
+front of the Chapel where he had so long preached. Mr. Green, of
+Uppingham, delivered the funeral oration; Mr. Renals, of Wellingborough,
+who had been a fellow student with Mr. Pickering, preached the funeral
+sermon, from John xi. 16: "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
+Mr. Renals prepared and published a memoir of his friend. On his last
+birth-day, Mr. Pickering wrote--
+
+ _March 12th, 1836._
+
+ I am this day fifty-nine years of age. I was nineteen when I began
+ to exhort my fellow sinners residing in villages to think of God;
+ and two years after, the Christian Church procured admission for me
+ at Rotherham College; so that I must have been engaged, more or
+ less, about forty years in the work of the Lord. All these years I
+ have found him a good Master--a friend near at hand, ever ready to
+ help, and a constant refuge to my soul; still employing me in hoary
+ age, and rendering my services somewhat useful in his cause.
+
+When Mr. Pickering was settled, a new gallery was erected; and in the
+course of his ministry, in the year 1819, a large vestry, measuring 20
+feet by 17 feet, with a school-room of equal size over it, and both
+opening into the Meeting House, were added, to accommodate the young and
+the poor. The Meeting House, the vestry, and school-room together, are
+calculated to accommodate 450 persons.
+
+On the death of Mr. Pickering, the destitute and afflicted people
+applied to Rotherham, and Mr. Isaac Vaughan came on probation,
+respecting whose introduction to Brigstock the following is recorded:--
+
+ Isaac Vaughan, having been invited by the Church and congregation at
+ Brigstock, and having visited the place, entered upon his labours
+ the third Sabbath in July, 1837. His ordination took place on the
+ 2nd of May, 1838, when a very large concourse of people assembled,
+ and a goodly company of ministers, many of whom were called upon to
+ take part in the services. Mr. Thomas Toller delivered a most
+ beautiful introductory discourse; Mr. H. Stowell, Mr. Vaughan's
+ tutor, gave an interesting and impressive charge; Mr. J. Green
+ offered the ordination prayer; and Mr. E. T. Prust preached to the
+ Church and congregation a very appropriate sermon. The services were
+ peculiarly solemn and interesting, and the impression good.
+
+In the spring of 1841, after four short years, Mr. Vaughan saw fit to
+remove to Olney (subsequently to the new Tabernacle, London), and the
+people were again as sheep without a shepherd, and were in an unsettled
+state for several years. Many supplied the vacant pulpit, among whom may
+be mentioned Mr. Hillyard, since of Pocklington, and Mr. Simpson, now of
+Shepton Mallett, both of whom stayed a considerable time, and were made
+useful during their temporary sojourn among the people.
+
+In January, 1845, the cause had become greatly weakened and the
+attendance reduced, so that the spirits of the people were much
+depressed, when their attention--which in 1842 had in vain been directed
+to the present minister, Mr. Thomas Lord, then pastor of the Independent
+Church at Wollaston--was again turned in that direction, and ultimately
+with success. He entered upon his labours on the 18th of the following
+May. The union was formed under hopeful circumstances, and has hitherto
+continued most cordial and harmonious.
+
+"In the year 1847, being the jubilee of the erection of the place of
+worship, it was found needful," states the present minister, "to effect
+considerable repairs and improvements. The people came forward with a
+willing mind and a liberal spirit, and raised upwards of L40, which,
+with some other donations, was sufficient to prevent any remaining
+debt." "There is," he observes, "no record of members prior to the time
+of Mr. Pickering being settled, who, numbering himself one, entered all
+those that were in fellowship; and from that time a record has been
+kept. The whole number admitted, up to the present time, has been 201;
+of these many have fallen asleep. In the year 1824, seventeen were
+dismissed in peace and love, to form a separate Church of the same
+order at Weldon. A few have tired and fainted, and walk the ways of God
+no more; some have removed to a distance; while about sixty remain in
+communion. The average attendance on public worship through the year
+verges upon 300. The Sunday-schools contain about 110 children, the
+average attendance being about seventy each part of the day. These are
+attended to by about twenty teachers, who are most of them on the Lord's
+side. A separate service is maintained for the benefit of the children
+every Lord's-day, which is conducted by the minister, deacons, and
+others in rotation. Several who have been trained in the schools have
+become children of God, but stand connected with other Churches, where
+they have been called in the providence of God to reside.
+
+"There is no pecuniary endowment of any kind in connexion with the
+Church at Brigstock, but a good house erected for the residence of the
+minister, about thirteen years ago, upon which there has rested a debt,
+which is slowly decreasing, and constitutes the only difficulty which
+presses upon the people, who are, almost without a single exception,
+working people. There is no Day-school in connexion with the Chapel,
+which is a serious drawback; but the want is partially met by schoolroom
+and scholastic privileges which exist in the village, which, however,
+through high Church and Puseyistic influences, are not so efficient or
+acceptable as might be.
+
+"On the whole, the Christian friends at Brigstock have much to be
+thankful for; and, in language employed at a late public meeting of the
+Church and congregation, minister, and other friends, they say--'In
+looking backward, we cry, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us"; and in
+looking forward, we "thank God and take courage." In looking inward, we
+feel that we are the subject of manifold deficiencies, and confess our
+need of a fresh baptism of heavenly and spiritual blessings; and looking
+upward, we cry, "O Lord, revive thy work" "O Lord, we beseech thee, send
+now prosperity." Amen.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT WELDON AND CORBY.
+
+
+In the early part of the last century, there resided in the village of
+Little Weldon a freestone mason, Mr. Edward Nutt, who was a Protestant
+Dissenter of the Independent denomination. He usually attended divine
+worship at the Independent Meeting in Kettering, under the ministry of
+the excellent Mr. Thomas Saunders. After the death of Mr. Saunders, he
+travelled to Oundle on the Sabbath, to hear Mr. Goodrich; but, not
+satisfied with going himself to obtain improvement and enjoyment under
+the ministry of the Gospel, he was anxious to bring it home to the
+inhabitants of the village in which he resided, with the hope that it
+might be rendered useful to them. Therefore, at the quarter sessions at
+Northampton, July 17th, 1706, he had his dwelling-house and premises
+registered for the worship of God, and then he began to have occasional
+preaching there by the Dissenting ministers in the vicinity. The
+following copy of the license granted him has been preserved:--
+
+ _Northamptonshire._
+
+ These are to certify, that Edward Nutt, of the said county, did
+ certify to her Majesty's justices of the peace, assembled at their
+ general quarter sessions of the peace, held for the county
+ aforesaid, on Tuesday, the 16th day of July, that the
+ dwelling-house of the said Edward Nutt, with its appurtenances,
+ situated in Weldon aforesaid, in the said county of Northampton, is
+ set apart and intended a place of meeting for Protestant Dissenters
+ to meet for the exercise of their religious worship and service of
+ God.
+
+ Given under my hand, and the seal of my office, this 17th day of
+ July, anno Domini 1706.
+
+ J. HORTON.
+
+In his dwelling-house Mr. Nutt had occasional services conducted for
+several years; but about the year 1736 or 1738 he fitted up, in a very
+plain manner, a small barn, where the Meeting House now stands: it had a
+small window, a square pulpit, three stone steps to the pulpit, and the
+people sat on forms. Thus it continued, and here the services were held
+until the present Meeting House was built.
+
+Mr. Nutt left by will to the Rev. D. Goodrich, of Oundle, and the Rev.
+Samuel King, of Welford, his dwelling-house, with its appurtenances, a
+close of pasture land, and one hundred pounds, which they were to
+receive at the death of his wife; and Mrs. Nutt made the same parties
+joint executors of her will, and residuary legatees. It was understood
+that this property was meant to be applied for the maintenance of some
+services in the village of Weldon by Dissenting ministers. The parties
+to whom it was left, well knowing that it was the desire of Mr. and Mrs.
+Nutt to have a sermon preached there once a month or oftener, by
+Dissenting ministers of the Independent denomination, consulted with
+some of the neighbouring ministers as to the best mode of securing the
+money for this purpose. It was ultimately determined to lay it out in
+the purchase of a piece of land in Titchmarsh field, the rents and
+profits of which continue to be received towards the support of the
+minister for the time being. The dwelling-house was found to expose the
+executors to some trouble in obtaining tenants and keeping it in repair,
+so that they determined on the sale of the house, with its
+appurtenances, for which they received L80. The half of this sum was
+expended in the enclosure of the land at Titchmarsh, and the other half
+was applied towards the building of the new Meeting House. Some years
+after, the dwelling-house was again purchased for the residence of the
+minister, when they had a settled pastor at Weldon.
+
+While Mr. Nutt was living, his business calling him very much from home,
+the services were irregular, being ordered so as to suit the convenience
+of Mr. Nutt and the ministers that he invited to preach: what little
+expense was incurred was borne by him. After his decease, the services
+were held with greater regularity; and after the death of Mrs. Nutt, the
+ministers that usually preached met annually at Weldon, in July, to fix
+the course of lecture for the next year, and audit the accounts for the
+last. The plan was, to have a sermon once a month, on Sabbath evenings,
+in the summer, and on Thursday at eleven o'clock A.M., in the winter;
+and there was seven shillings and sixpence a time allowed out of the
+estate and money left by Mr. and Mrs. Nutt; the surplus paid for a
+lecture on other Sabbath evenings, which was usually preached by Mr.
+Bacon, pastor of the Independent Church at Ashley. The preachers of the
+monthly lecture were generally the ministers of Oundle, Kettering,
+Bowell, Ashley, Harborough, Welford, and Uppingham, all of whom gave up
+to Mr. M. Phillips, the minister at Brigstock, when it was determined to
+connect Weldon with that place.
+
+As the lectures could not be much oftener than once a month, on the
+Lord's-day evening; and being in the forenoon on the week-days, were
+very thinly attended, it was considered by the ministers, trustees, and
+others, that it would be better for the people at Weldon to become
+united with the Church at Brigstock, and so to get a regularly educated
+minister between them. At that time, a Mr. Griffin was minister at
+Brigstock; but being seventy-six years of age, he was willing to retire
+as soon as the people could obtain a successor. "Just at that time,"
+writes Mr. Nathaniel Collis, of Kettering, who felt a lively interest in
+their concerns, "I had occasion to write to Dr. Williams, tutor to the
+academy, then at Oswestry, and took the opportunity of inquiring whether
+any young man was there suitable for such a situation, on which the
+Doctor recommended Mr. Maurice Phillips: he was a Welchman, and came at
+the Midsummer vacation, 1790. At first he was a poor speaker in English,
+but in a few months so improved as to become a very acceptable preacher;
+and he was a close student." Upon his coming, he regularly preached at
+Brigstock and Weldon, so that both places had preaching once every
+Sabbath, and sometimes an additional service in the evening; and he
+generally preached once a month at Corby, on a Sabbath evening. Under
+these arrangements, the attendance considerably increased at Weldon.
+They made some enlargement of the place of meeting; but the number of
+hearers still increasing, and the place being an old building, low, and
+inconvenient, they at length determined on building a new Meeting House.
+According to the plan that was formed, it was to be twenty feet wide,
+thirty-three feet long, sixteen feet high to the top of the side walls,
+and cove of the ceiling about three feet higher, all inside measure;
+which, it was thought, would be large enough to seat them all on the
+ground floor, and be high enough for a gallery, if it should be wanted.
+The foundation stone was laid May 23rd, 1792. The whole expense of the
+building was L182. 9_s._ 3_d._ All these particulars have been minutely
+recorded by Mr. Collis, with the manner in which the money was obtained,
+and every donation that was received for the purpose; and he adds to his
+account the following characteristic note: "If the Meeting House had had
+but one door, and a much less window, it would have been better, and
+saved some pounds in the expense." But, to his honour be it recorded, he
+gave a larger sum towards the building than any other subscriber. This
+place continued in connexion with the Church at Brigstock until the time
+when Mr. Pickering, who had for twenty years served both congregations,
+determined on confining his labours chiefly to the latter place. During
+the ministry of Mr. Pickering, the Weldon congregation increased; so
+that it was thought necessary to erect a gallery across the end of the
+Meeting, to face the pulpit, five seats deep, which was done in the year
+1808, at an expense of L39.
+
+About the year 1824, Mr. Pickering resigned his connexion with Weldon,
+and the members of the Brigstock Church residing here received their
+dismission to form themselves into a distinct Church of Christ, when
+they came to the determination to endeavour to obtain a stated pastor to
+reside at Weldon, and to preach regularly on the Sabbath at Weldon and
+Corby. After some time, they gave an invitation to Mr. John Philip, who
+became their first pastor here, and laboured among them about twelve
+years, and then was called to close his life suddenly in their service.
+One Sabbath morning, while engaged in preaching, he ruptured a blood
+vessel, was carried from his pulpit to his house, and, after a short
+time, died in his chair. Mr. Toller, of Kettering, improved his death,
+from Zech. i. 5: "The prophets, do they live for ever?"
+
+The next minister was Mr. Moffat, who was with them but a short time. He
+was succeeded by Mr. S. A. Bradshaw. After the removal of Mr. Bradshaw,
+an invitation was given to Mr. Thomas Thomas, from Newport Academy, who
+became their pastor, and was ordained May 25th, 1848. The following
+account of the ordination service we find in the records of the
+Church:--"On this day," it is stated, "Mr. Thomas was ordained. Mr.
+Coleman, of Ashley, commenced by reading portions of Scripture, and
+prayer; Mr. Thomas Toller delivered the introductory discourse, and
+asked the questions; Mr. Green, of Uppingham, offered the ordination
+prayer; Mr. J. Bull, M.A., of Newport, delivered the charge; Mr.
+Robinson, of Kettering, preached to the people in the evening. The
+services were numerously attended, and were peculiarly interesting: near
+300 ministers and friends took tea together, in a close lent for the
+purpose. Mr. Robinson preached in the Chapel close, in the evening; near
+upon 500 persons were present, and appeared much interested with the
+faithful and appropriate discourse." Mr. Thomas is still the minister of
+the congregations at Weldon and Corby.
+
+The village of Corby is situated about two miles to the west of Weldon,
+containing about eight hundred inhabitants; a small sum of money was
+given a hundred years ago for the preaching of a lecture here on a
+Sabbath evening by Independent ministers. This appears to have been
+first preached by Mr. West, who was minister at Ashley, and afterwards
+by Mr. Bacon, his successor. When the congregation at Weldon was taken
+into connexion with the congregation at Brigstock, the Corby lecture was
+preached by the Brigstock minister; but in the year 1824, when it was
+determined to have a settled minister at Weldon, it was agreed that he
+should preach once every Sabbath at Corby; and this is the arrangement
+at the present time.
+
+About the year 1834, William Rowlatt, Esq., who was born at Corby, but
+who was then residing at Burton, in the parish of Christchurch, in the
+county of Southampton,[7] anxious to do something for the benefit of his
+native place, first erected good school-rooms for Day-schools of both
+sexes in Corby and its vicinity, and liberally endowed them, and gave a
+dwelling-house for the teachers. By a deed of gift, they were
+transferred to the British and Foreign School Society, and are placed
+under the superintendence of a local Committee. They are efficiently
+conducted by the present teachers, Mr. D. Fisher and Miss Ross. The
+schools have already proved a great advantage to Corby and the
+surrounding villages. Soon after the schools were erected, the Old
+Meeting House was greatly improved, by a new gallery, pews, and pulpit,
+at the expense of Mr. Rowlatt; and he has left an endowment of L500 to
+be placed on Government security, the interest to be applied towards the
+support of the minister. Whatever opinion may be entertained as to the
+principle or the working of endowments for religious objects, the
+kindness of Mr. Rowlatt's spirit and design must be acknowledged, and
+that hitherto the result has been good.
+
+
+[7] The name, in legal proceedings, of Hampshire.
+
+
+There is a Sabbath-school connected with this place, consisting of
+fifty-four children. The school connected with the congregation at
+Weldon numbers twenty-one children. The present number of communicants
+is twenty-seven.
+
+In the year 1850, the sum of L55 was left by Mrs. Mary French, partly
+for the purpose of renewing the trust deeds of the minister's house and
+the close belonging to this interest, and partly for making improvements
+in connexion with the premises. The larger part of this sum has already
+been applied according to the will of the donor.
+
+While we record the pecuniary aid thus afforded to a small body of
+Nonconformists in these places, who have no wealthy individuals amongst
+them, and who have to stand against much influence that bears against
+the advancement of their principles, we trust it is ever borne in mind
+that the promotion of the cause of pure and undefiled Christianity, the
+conversion of sinners unto God, and the advancement of believers in
+divine knowledge, faith, holiness, and love, are the great objects for
+which a Christian Church is formed and the ministry of the Gospel
+sustained. Here may these objects be abundantly promoted!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT YELVERTOFT.
+
+
+In the village of Yelvertoft, which has a population of between six and
+seven hundred inhabitants, there is a neat Independent Chapel, capable
+of accommodating near four hundred persons, situated about the centre of
+the village, with school-rooms adjoining. Passing on to a rather lower
+part of the village, on the opposite side may be observed a respectable
+dwelling-house, with garden and orchard, which is the residence of the
+Independent minister. To be able to go back to the commencement, and
+trace the onward progress of such a cause, thus situated, must be
+especially gratifying to those who are now connected with it, while it
+might be gratifying to all who take an interest in the things that
+relate to the kingdom of Christ and the highest welfare of men.
+
+It is not more than sixty years since the present Chapel was erected, an
+Independent minister regularly settled as pastor, and a Church formed on
+Congregational principles; but in the early part of the last century,
+occasional services were conducted here by Dissenting ministers, chiefly
+from Welford, where those residing in Yelvertoft who dissented from the
+Established Church were in the habit of attending.
+
+In the book containing the records of the Church, we find an account of
+the earliest efforts made by Nonconformists in this village, and how
+they led on to the formation of the present interest. This account we
+shall now present to the reader.
+
+ Some time before any attempt at all was made to introduce the
+ preached Gospel into this place, and also during the time that the
+ weekly lectures only were enjoyed, a few persons were in the habit
+ of going to Welford (about five miles distant), where they could
+ attend that mode of worship which appeared to them most agreeable to
+ the word of God; and there can be little doubt that it was at the
+ suggestion of some of them that the preaching of the Gospel here was
+ commenced.
+
+ When this took place (which must be now, if it occurred in the time
+ of Mr. Norris, who died in 1738, nearly one hundred and twenty years
+ ago),[8] a private house was licensed, to afford the minister at
+ Welford an opportunity to preach a week-day lecture. It is probable,
+ though difficult to ascertain with certainty, that Mr. Norris, of
+ Welford, was the first that ever preached the Gospel in this place
+ amongst Dissenters. His service consisted of a monthly lecture on a
+ Tuesday afternoon, which was continued by his successor, the Rev.
+ Samuel King. The number that usually attended on these occasions was
+ between twenty and thirty, composed in part of the revered ancestors
+ of those families that form no small part of the present
+ congregation.
+
+
+ [8] Some alteration has been made in the account here, to bring it
+ to an agreement with the present date, 1852.
+
+
+ In the year 1758, a place was fitted up out of an old barn, in a
+ central part of the village, for the better accommodation of those
+ who attended. Then it appears, at least towards the close of Mr.
+ King's service, in addition to the monthly lecture, the students
+ from the Independent Academy, then at Daventry, supplied
+ occasionally on the Sabbath-day--procured, perhaps, through the
+ instrumentality of Mr. Richard Norton; and partly from this
+ circumstance, together with occasional help when it could be had,
+ and the greater convenience of the place for worship, the
+ congregation gradually increased, notwithstanding the fact that a
+ Dissenting place of worship was considered by many a degradation,
+ and the name of Dissenter or Presbyterian, which were confounded
+ with each other, had considerable odium attached to it. It is to be
+ observed, however, that the means of grace about this time were very
+ irregularly enjoyed, for, besides its being but seldom on the
+ Sabbath, the monthly lecture was continued only nine months in the
+ year, beginning about the first Tuesday in October, and continuing
+ till Midsummer. [The lecture being preached on the afternoon of a
+ week-day, we suppose they found it necessary to omit the service
+ during the busy seasons of agriculture, the hay time and the
+ harvest.]
+
+ From tradition, which is indeed the chief source whence this
+ imperfect account has been drawn, it would seem that the first
+ person who assumed anything like the character of a settled minister
+ was a Mr. Bryson, the author of a book explanatory of the 8th
+ chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. He was one of those ministers
+ the late Countess of Huntingdon in her liberality provided, as a
+ means in the hands of Christ to extend his Church. He stayed here
+ about two years. As her Ladyship had been solicited to permit Mr.
+ Bryson to continue, he being much approved of after he had been
+ heard a little while, it is likely that she would consider herself
+ as bound to attend to the necessities of this place, for three more
+ gentlemen who were under her directions followed in succession. The
+ next who succeeded was a Mr. Green, whose services were enjoyed but
+ one year. After him followed a Mr. Porter, who, leaving at the
+ expiration of a year, was succeeded by a Mr. Pritchard, who it seems
+ did not stay quite one year. These ministers being, as to their
+ personal expenses, permitted to draw upon their patroness, the
+ people had only to provide them board and lodging; they boarded
+ amongst the friends, as circumstances determined. The labours of
+ these men were followed up by those of a Mr. Coulson, who divided
+ his attention between Rugby and this place. He resided some time at
+ Hillmorton, but afterwards came and lived here, and this place then
+ enjoyed the whole of his services. He commenced his labours in the
+ year 1783, and continued until the year 1788, occupying during his
+ residence here a house adjoining the premises used as a place of
+ worship.
+
+ About three months after the removal of Mr. Coulson, in which there
+ was no public worship (an inconvenience which the cause here had
+ experienced more than once), Mr. Garner, who properly speaking was
+ settled at Kilsby, preached here one part of the day for about three
+ months, his services commencing at Michaelmas and ending at
+ Christmas the same year. Mr. Jones was the next person who
+ endeavoured to advance the Redeemer's cause in this place. He lived
+ at West Haddon, whose services at both places were all which at the
+ time they enjoyed. He continued in this sphere about two
+ years--first preached here in the beginning of the year 1789, and
+ left in November of the year 1790.
+
+ Although we have reason to hope that during all these years the
+ labours of the several persons above named were not entirely
+ useless, but that some persons were suitably impressed with divine
+ things, and lived and died under the influence of them, contributing
+ in some humble proportion to preserve the worship of the true God,
+ yet it is certain that a Church was never formed, and that the
+ ordinance of the Lord's Supper was never administered, until a
+ period to which we are now approaching. Those who felt themselves to
+ be members of the invisible Church of Christ, and were desirous of
+ commemorating his dying love, sought the privilege in the
+ neighbouring Churches, as their particular views led them.
+
+ It was in the beginning of March, in the year 1791, that Mr. Knight
+ was, by the good providence of God, called to this place; and it was
+ now that the cause of Christ, after experiencing many vicissitudes
+ and serious interruptions in its progress, was destined to enjoy a
+ greater permanency and regularity in the means of grace than it had
+ ever done from its first existence.
+
+ Mr. Knight was a student from the academy at Mile End. He left the
+ academy to come and reside amongst this people when the cause of
+ Christ did not present a very encouraging appearance; and he was
+ removed from hence to his eternal rest, this being the only place
+ that enjoyed the stated labours of that highly esteemed servant of
+ God. He served his great Master in this place from March, 1791, to
+ September, 1822, a period of more than thirty years. During his
+ ministry the cause of religion was considerably improved. The
+ present Chapel, a very compact one, capable of accommodating two
+ hundred and sixty persons [it has since been enlarged] was erected
+ in the year 1792, in a very suitable part of the village, and near
+ the site of the former place. Whilst it was erecting, the service of
+ God was performed in a spacious barn. Mr. Knight had been here some
+ time when his ordination took place. The following ministers took
+ the principal parts in the services of that day: Mr. Grundy
+ delivered the charge, from Titus ii. 15, last clause; Mr. Gill
+ preached to the people, from 2 Thessalonians iii. 16. Mr. Horsey
+ preached in the evening, from Acts xiii. 40. The service was highly
+ interesting, bringing together great numbers, being rather novel at
+ that time to many in this neighbourhood. After the ordination a
+ Church was formed, which at the beginning was small; but in the
+ course of Mr. Knight's ministry several were added as the fruit of
+ his labours. As must be expected, however, in a place circumstanced
+ as this is, the Church never reached to any very great number. It
+ has so happened, indeed, that soon after any who promised to be a
+ great acquisition to the Church, and to form its brightest ornament,
+ were joined to it, they were removed by providence to some other
+ place; and when the Church has been deprived of two or three of its
+ members venerable for their experience, by the stroke of death, the
+ Church's loss being their eternal gain, the void thus made has not
+ been speedily made up; so that the Church has assumed those
+ appearances which have served alternately to raise and depress the
+ spirits of those who tremble for the Ark of God. Some, indeed, of
+ those who have been reluctantly transferred to other Churches,
+ remain, not only as monuments of divine mercy and preserving grace,
+ but as proofs of usefulness attending the ministry of the Gospel
+ here; and many have fallen asleep in Christ, a part preceding and
+ the others following him who had been the honoured instrument of
+ their conversion.
+
+Here the account closes, as written by one hand. It appears to have been
+penned shortly after the death of Mr. Knight.
+
+We have some rather slight recollections of Mr. Knight. The year
+preceding his own death he was present at the funeral of the Rev. T. N.
+Toller, of Kettering, when he offered a solemn suitable prayer before
+the delivery of the funeral sermon by Mr. Hall. At the half-yearly
+meeting of the Association, held the next April, at Rowell, he delivered
+a sermon in reference to the character and death of Mr. Toller, from
+Acts xiii. 36: "After he had served his own generation according to the
+will of God, he fell on sleep." The next year Mr. Knight died, in an
+equally sudden manner. In person he was robust, with a florid
+countenance; his manner in the pulpit was earnest and impressive, but
+laborious, strained, and sometimes painful to the occasional hearer; his
+voice was powerful, but rather harsh. A ministry faithful and
+persevering left its testimony in the hearts of his people. He was
+highly esteemed by his brethren, and by a considerable circle of
+Christian friends.
+
+For about six months from this time the pulpit was kindly supplied by
+the neighbouring ministers; after which, Mr. Nettleship, from Rotherham
+Academy, was invited on probation for a month, which invitation was
+renewed with a view to a final settlement; but he declined acceding to
+it. After an interval of two months, during which several students from
+Mr. Scott's seminary at Rowell preached, Mr. Gibson, from Rotherham,
+paid a probationary visit, and on further invitation resided here three
+years, at the expiration of which he was induced by various
+circumstances to direct his attention to some other part of the
+vineyard of the Lord. This left the congregation again destitute of a
+minister, and opened the way for the introduction of Mr. Barber, who had
+been educated for the ministry at Wymondley, and came here the 30th of
+July, 1826. His ordination took place October 9th, 1827, on which
+occasion the following ministers were engaged:--Mr. Gawthorne, of Derby,
+stated the nature of a Christian Church; Mr. Scott, of Rowell, gave the
+charge; Mr. Pinkerton, of Weedon, preached to the people; Mr. Hobson, of
+Welford, offered the ordination prayer. Mr. Gravestock, of Old,
+addressed the congregation in the evening.
+
+Mr. Barber remained the highly respected pastor of this Christian Church
+until October, 1831, when, agreeably to his own wish, he removed to go
+into America. He and his wife set sail on the 20th of October.
+
+The congregation was supplied two Sabbaths by students from Rowell; and
+on the 23rd of the same month in which Mr. Barber left, Mr. Islip, late
+pastor of the Independent Church at Ketton, Rutlandshire, entered on his
+stated labours here.
+
+It was during the ministry of Mr. Barber that the dwelling-house for the
+minister was rebuilt, and fitted up in the state in which it now
+appears. In the spring of the next year after Mr. Islip commenced his
+ministry, the Chapel was enlarged ten feet in length, and completed by
+the 8th of July. The cost of enlargement was L110, which, with a debt
+remaining on the house, was in the spring of 1837 entirely defrayed by
+the united efforts of the friends.
+
+Mr. Islip's ministry was attended with a good degree of comfort and
+success, but was of rather short continuance here, for, owing to the
+unfavourable state of his health, he was obliged to resign his charge
+after about six years' labour in this situation. He was succeeded by
+Mr. G. Nettleship, who, after labouring thirteen years and a half in
+another situation in Cumberland, accepted now the united invitation of
+this Church and congregation to become their pastor. Mr. Nettleship
+commenced his stated labours here on the 18th of June, 1837, and removed
+from Yelvertoft in the year 1846, when he was shortly after succeeded by
+the Rev. Thomas James, the present pastor of the Church.
+
+The number of Church members recorded when Mr. Barber commenced his
+ministry in 1826 was twenty-one; and five in addition appear to have
+been admitted by him. About the same number we find when Mr. Islip took
+the pastoral charge of this people in 1831. On the first Sabbath in
+April, 1837, the minister writes--"This closes the services and the
+pastorate of Thomas Islip: twenty-eight admitted." When Mr. Nettleship
+commenced his labours, there appears to have been forty-five members in
+the Church; and there were thirty added during his ministry. Since Mr.
+James accepted the pastoral office, thirty-two additions have been made
+to the Church; and during his ministry new school-rooms have been
+erected for the children of the Sabbath-school, at a cost of L116. The
+present number of communicants is above 80. There are 130 or 135
+children attending the Sabbath-schools.
+
+There is a Chapel in the village of Swinford, about four miles from
+Yelvertoft, connected with this cause, in which a regular
+Sabbath-evening service is conducted by the pastor of this Church. There
+have been occasional services here for some years past, and a new Chapel
+was erected a few years ago.
+
+Thus we have seen that there has been a gradual and pleasing advancement
+in this cause, giving hope of still further tokens of the divine
+presence and favour; while the pastor and his flock unitedly plead, "Let
+thy work still appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their
+children."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT WOLLASTON.
+
+
+The Independent Church in the village of Wollaston is of rather recent
+formation. Not more than sixty-four years have passed since the
+professing Christians residing in this place who dissented from the
+Established Church were formed into a regular independent Christian
+society; but in looking back to the early days of Nonconformity, we find
+a Mr. Edmund Matthews, a man of good learning, sound judgment, and
+serious piety, who had been the vicar of Wollaston, resigning the
+living, refusing to submit to the terms imposed by the Act of
+Uniformity, coming out from the Church, and taking his place among the
+noble band of Nonconformist worthies. It was a considerable sacrifice
+that he had to make, for truth and a good conscience. "Cut off from his
+former means of support, he lived privately at Wellingborough, and
+practised as a medical man, but was often reduced to great straits. When
+things were at the lowest, he would commit his wife and seven children
+to the care of Providence; and God mercifully appeared for them. He was
+laid on the bed of affliction, and saw his end approaching, with the
+prospect of leaving his family unprovided for. There came a messenger
+from two of his relations, one a draper and the other a minister,
+bidding him be easy about his wife and children, for the one would
+clothe them all, and the other provide them with food;" and to show how
+well they were disposed of, it is stated "that his wife afterwards
+practised medicine, and sent two of her sons to the University, while
+the eldest daughter married a knight." Mr. Matthews was a man full of
+compassion and genuine charity; exemplary for faith, meekness, patience,
+resignation to the will of God, and reliance on the promises. He had
+great comfort in death.
+
+It does not appear that Mr. Matthews made any attempt to raise a
+congregation or to carry on his ministry after his ejectment; but as
+there were Nonconformist ministers who in this early period took
+opportunities to preach the Gospel at Wellingborough, which is within
+four miles of Wollaston, those who separated from the Established Church
+in the latter place would travel to the former to attend those services,
+and would become connected with the Independent Churches that were early
+formed there, while they endeavoured to obtain occasional services in
+the village where they resided.
+
+It was soon after the middle of the last century that the present Chapel
+was built, viz., in 1752; but it was not until the year 1788 that the
+Church was formed and the first pastor settled. In that year Mr. Perry,
+of Lavendon Mill, near Olney, was invited to take the pastoral charge
+over them. He was the intimate friend and had been the fellow-labourer
+of Mr. Raban, who was pastor of the Church at Yardley Hastings. They had
+been connected with the Established Church at Olney; both of them had
+engaged in delivering exhortations at meetings for social prayer and for
+the mutual improvement of their fellow Christians who belonged to the
+Church. These engagements were the means of introducing them to further
+service, so that they both became pastors of Independent Churches in
+these villages, which were but a short distance from their former abode.
+
+In the records of the Church at West End, Wellingborough, it is stated
+that "at a Church-meeting held October 5th, 1778, Mr. Perry, of Lavendon
+Mill, who had for some time before exercised his gifts among Dissenters,
+though at that time in connexion with the Church of England as by law
+established, having testified his desire to join this Church with a view
+to his being sent out to the ministry in an orderly way, he came, and
+gave an account of his call to speak the word, the reasons that induced
+him to approve of the order of Congregational Churches, and his reasons
+for desiring to join with this Church. He was proposed to the Church to
+join next Church-meeting." In a month from this time another meeting was
+held, when "Mr. Perry gave in his experience to great satisfaction, and
+then, according to former appointment, preached amongst us to good
+satisfaction also; and the Church being consulted, they thought it was
+plainly their duty to send brother Perry out to preach the Gospel
+wherever the Lord should be pleased to call him, and concluded the next
+Church-meeting should be held for that end and purpose." Then it was
+unanimously agreed that brother Perry should preach wherever Providence
+should call him.
+
+It appears that Mr. Perry put himself into the hands of this Church that
+they might judge of his qualifications for the ministry, with a
+determination to submit to the judgment they formed. In the year 1778 it
+is recorded, "we dismissed brother Perry to the newly formed Church at
+Wollaston, and on May 28th he was ordained their pastor."
+
+Some time before this Mr. Perry had been preaching at Wollaston, and
+when he was invited to the pastoral office twenty-four persons had
+united together in the fellowship of the Gospel. At the ordination
+service, Mr. Hillyard prayed; Mr. Carver stated the nature of the
+service, and proposed the usual inquiries; Mr. Raban offered the
+ordination prayer; Mr. Carver gave the charge, from Rev. ii. 10--"Be
+thou faithful unto death," &c.; Mr. Bull preached to the people, from
+Phil. i. 27--"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of
+Christ." In the evening Mr. Greathead prayed, and Mr. Goode preached
+from Psalm li. 18--"Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion," &c.
+
+Mr. Perry's ministry, after his settlement, was of short duration,
+scarcely extending to five years; during its continuance he admitted
+twelve members to the small society. On February 28th, 1793, he died. He
+was interred at Lavendon the Sabbath following, when Mr. Raban preached
+the funeral sermon, from 1 Thessalonians ii. 8--"So, being
+affectionately desirous of you," &c. He was a man of a truly pious,
+affectionate spirit, and was much beloved by the little flock over which
+he presided.
+
+Immediately after the death of Mr. Perry, another member of the Church
+at Wellingborough, who had been chosen to the office of a deacon there,
+but who was resident in Wollaston, was called to take the oversight of
+this infant Church. In the records of the Church to which he belonged it
+is stated, under the date of April 8th, 1793, "Brother David Hennell
+exercised his gifts by expounding Scripture to the Church in the vestry,
+which was very acceptable." October 3rd, "He was dismissed to the
+pastoral office, having the united and fervent desire of his Church for
+his usefulness and comfort." The friends at Wollaston record,
+"immediately after the burial of our late worthy pastor, the Lord was
+pleased to show us he had seen our distress and heard our cries, for he
+was disposing the mind of a dear friend of this place to the work of the
+ministry--Mr. David Hennell. His gifts were tried at Wellingborough, at
+the Church to which he belonged, under Mr. Carver, and approved; they in
+Christian love gave him liberty, unanimously, to come and statedly
+preach amongst us. The ordination service was held October 8th, 1794,
+when Mr. Raban commenced and asked the questions; Mr. Carver delivered
+the charge, from Matthew xxviii. 20--'Teaching them to observe all
+things,' &c.; Mr. Bull preached to the people, from 1 Thessalonians v.
+12, 13--'I beseech you, brethren, to know them which are over you in the
+Lord,' &c. Mr. Hillyard, junior, preached in the evening, from Acts xi.
+23."
+
+Mr. Hennell continued his services as pastor for twenty-nine years, and
+during that time the place of worship underwent some enlargement, and
+some additions were gradually made to the Church, seventy-five members
+being added during the course of his ministry. At the commencement of
+the year 1822, owing to advancing years and increasing infirmities, Mr.
+Hennell felt it to be his duty to resign his office, which he did on
+Lord's-day, January 21st.
+
+Immediately after this, the attention of the people was directed to Mr.
+Thomas Coleman, who was a member of the Independent Church at Kettering,
+then under the pastoral care of the Rev. T. N. Toller. Mr. Coleman had
+preached at Wollaston for the first time on the Christmas-day previous
+to the resignation of Mr. Hennell, and was now invited to preach to them
+on probation. This engagement was continued until Midsummer, when he was
+invited to become the pastor, and was ordained September 5th, 1822. The
+following is the record preserved of the ordination service:--
+
+ Mr. West, of Harrold, read the Scriptures and prayed; Mr. Morris, of
+ Olney, delivered the introductory discourse and asked the questions;
+ Mr. Hennell, the former pastor, gave a brief statement of the steps
+ that had led to the formation of the present connexion; Mr. Coleman
+ stated the motives which he trusted influenced him to engage in the
+ work, the reasons why he preferred to exercise his ministry among
+ Dissenters, and his views of the doctrines of the Gospel; Mr.
+ Jacomb, of Wellingborough, offered the ordination prayer; Mr.
+ Renals, of the same place, delivered the charge, from 1 Tim. iv.
+ 16--"Take heed to thyself and to thy doctrine," &c.; Mr. Toller, of
+ Kettering, preached to the people, from 1 Peter ii. 2--"As new-born
+ babes desire the sincere milk of the word," &c. Mr. Pickering, of
+ Brigstock, preached in the evening, from Col. i. 12--"Giving thanks
+ unto the Father," &c.
+
+ A Sabbath-school was first formed here after this settlement.
+
+Mr. Hennell survived nearly eight years after the ordination of his
+successor, and acted during the whole of that period in the most kind
+and affectionate manner towards him. He died July 28th, 1830. By his
+request, his death was improved by his successor, from words chosen by
+the preacher as appropriate to his character and the peaceful close of
+his life (Luke ii. 29): "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
+peace, according to thy word."
+
+In the year 1831 Mr. Coleman removed from Wollaston, having received an
+unanimous invitation from the Church and congregation at Ashley and
+Wilbarston. During his ministry twenty-two members had been admitted to
+the Church.
+
+After this, Mr. Edwards was engaged in preaching to the people for about
+ten months. When he had left them, different supplies were engaged,
+until, at the commencement of the year 1834, Mr. Thomas Lord, who was a
+member of the Independent Church, Castle Hill, Northampton, was engaged
+as a supply. His services proving acceptable, after a suitable time of
+trial he was invited to become the pastor, and was ordained October
+24th, 1834, when Mr. Morris again stated the nature of a Christian
+Church, and asked the questions; Mr. Renals offered the ordination
+prayer; Mr. Bennett, of Northampton, delivered the charge, from 1 Tim.
+iv. 6--"A good minister of Jesus Christ;" Mr. Phillips, of Harrold,
+preached to the people, from Phil. ii. 1--"If there be therefore any
+consolation in Christ," &c. Mr. Vorley, of Charlton, preached in the
+evening, from Phil. i. 27--"Only let your conversation," &c. Mr. Lord's
+ministry here continued until the year 1845, when he removed to
+Brigstock. During the course of it about fifty members were added to the
+Church; but ere it closed, some declensions took place. Considerable
+improvements were made in the place of worship, by its being repewed and
+a new vestry erected, at a cost of about L250. A dwelling-house was also
+purchased and fitted up for the minister, and made over to the interest,
+by the liberality of Mr. John Ward, of Knutson.
+
+On the third Sabbath in August, 1846, Mr. John Anderson became the
+pastor; but he resigned his office in July, 1847.
+
+In the year 1848, Mr. E. W. Finch, from Mr. Frost's seminary at Cotton
+End, near Bedford, became the minister of the place; but on March 27th,
+1851, Mr. Finch resigned, and removed to Portshead, Somerset. Fourteen
+members were added to the Church by Mr. Finch.
+
+In October, 1851, Mr. D. Herschell came to Wollaston, and is at present
+ministering there. There are now about forty-one members in the Church.
+There are about fifty children in the Sabbath-school. Occasional
+services are conducted in villages in the vicinity.
+
+Amidst various and frequent changes of late, this interest still
+remains, attended with difficult circumstances. May it be greatly
+revived, its numbers increased, and its efficiency promoted!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT PETERBOROUGH.
+
+
+The Independent Church at Peterborough appears to have originated in the
+labours of a Mr. Glascott, a minister belonging to Lady Huntingdon's
+connexion, who came to this place about the year 1776 or 1777, to preach
+the Gospel of Christ. He first took his stand under the Cross in the
+Market-place. He was often interrupted in his services, and experienced
+much opposition; but on some occasions there was seen the Lady of ----
+Orme, Esq. standing beside him, which proved some protection to him from
+the assaults of the rude assemblage around.
+
+There was also the late Mrs. Baker, who was one of the first fruits of
+his ministry, who became an eminent Christian, useful in the cause of
+God, regarded as a mother in Israel, surviving to a good old age.
+
+After some time they obtained a small building for public worship, on
+the premises of Mr. Ashby, of Westgate Street. At length an opportunity
+was presented for building a more commodious place. Roger Parker, Esq.
+was willing to let them have the piece of ground where the Chapel now
+stands, for the small sum of five guineas; but the circumstances
+connected with this agreement show that to the poor emphatically the
+Gospel was preached, for they were unable to raise the sum above
+specified, and were obliged, when they met Mr. Parker at the office of
+the attorney where the agreement was to be fulfilled, to inform him
+privately that they could not raise the amount required; and he put his
+hand into his pocket and nobly gave them the five guineas, that they
+might fulfil the contract before the attorney. The Chapel was erected in
+1779 or 1780.
+
+Mr. Thresher was the first minister that was settled over them. But such
+was the intolerant spirit then prevailing in the place, that much
+persecution was endured by the minister and his people. They were
+frequently assailed on leaving the Chapel, pelted and sometimes almost
+covered with mud and dirt. After Mr. Thresher's ministry closed amongst
+them, Mr. Woodward became the pastor. He preached every third Sabbath at
+Pinchbeck, near Spalding, to which place he subsequently removed.
+
+The people had to struggle with great difficulties, and the congregation
+became very low; so that at length the Chapel was closed, and remained
+shut up for about seven years. At the end of this period a lay preacher
+from Northampton visited Peterborough; and seeing the desolate state of
+things, he endeavoured to collect the scattered few, and to preach the
+word unto them. Application after this was made to Thos. Wilson, Esq.,
+who sent supplies from Hoxton Academy. The Chapel was re-opened and
+stated services restored about the year 1804.
+
+The labours of Mr. Harris, one of the students from Hoxton, proved very
+acceptable; he received an invitation to become the pastor, and was
+ordained over them. In his days the congregation flourished; he became
+very popular, and great numbers heard the word from his lips. Such was
+the interest that his preaching excited, that the late Bishop Madan, who
+manifested a liberal spirit towards Dissenters, has been known to stand
+at the entrance of the Chapel, with his hat in his hand, to hear Mr.
+Harris. But he removed to Swansea about the year 1810.
+
+After this, supplies were again obtained from Hoxton. Mr. Jeanes was
+invited to become the pastor; his preaching was acceptable and useful;
+but a few years after he removed to Market Deeping. Mr. Cave was another
+of the students who accepted an invitation to minister here; but after a
+few years he removed to Yaxley. The next minister was a Mr. Phillips,
+who had been in Lady Huntingdon's connexion, and had ministered in Zion
+Chapel, London. He was pastor for a few years, and some success attended
+his labours; but the people again wishing for a change, Mr. Phillips
+retired in the year 1818, but continued to reside in Peterborough, and
+preached occasionally. He was at length seized with paralysis: tried by
+long and heavy affliction, under which he was very graciously sustained.
+He died in the year 1831.
+
+Mr. J. E. Isaac was the next minister who received an invitation to the
+pastoral office. The congregation was in a very low state when he
+entered on his labours, but it increased under his ministry; and after
+he had laboured for three years, the Church was re-organized, and Mr.
+Isaac was ordained May 22nd, 1821. On that occasion, Mr. Jervis, of
+Ramsay, commenced the service; Mr. Holmes, of Wisbeach, delivered the
+introductory discourse; Mr. Morrell, of St. Neots, offered the
+ordination prayer, and gave the charge; Mr. Wright, of Stamford,
+preached to the people. In the course of his ministry, Mr. Isaac had
+some serious trials to contend with; but he persevered in his labours,
+and they were rendered in some measure successful; so that in the year
+1832, the Chapel having become too small for the congregation, it was
+thought desirable to attempt an enlargement. This was effected, and the
+place was re-opened for divine worship in July of that year: on that
+occasion, Dr. Pye Smith preached in the morning and evening, and Mr.
+Haynes, of Boston, on the following Sabbath. About this time a
+Sabbath-school was commenced in connexion with the Chapel.
+
+There are the names of about thirty persons recorded "who," it is
+observed, "regarded Mr. Isaac as their spiritual father." But under date
+of 1834 we find the statement, that the Church saw the necessity of a
+change, on account of the great decrease in the number of hearers; so
+that Mr. Isaac resigned in September of that year. Some time after this,
+Mr. Penman became the minister, and was ordained February 3rd, 1836.
+About this period, application was made to Earl Fitzwilliam for the
+grant of a piece of ground on the south side of the Chapel, on which to
+build a school-room for the use of the Sabbath-school. This was
+obtained, at a rental of five shillings per annum, on a lease of
+ninety-nine years. The cost of building, with some alterations in the
+Chapel, was about L205.
+
+During the last five years, Mr. William Palmer has been the pastor of
+this Church. His labours have been rendered very successful, in
+increasing the congregation and making many additions to the Church.
+Side galleries have been added to the Chapel, at a cost of L100. There
+have been 120 members in Peterborough and Yaxley added to the Church.
+The Sabbath-school has increased from 60 to 200 children. But in the
+month of October, this year (1852), Mr. Palmer was obliged to resign his
+charge and retire from his labours for a season, on account of long and
+severe affliction.
+
+Thus another change has come over this people; but if the spirit of the
+Gospel prevails amongst them, they will receive direction from above,
+and God will carry forward his designs of mercy by the ministry of his
+truth and the other appointed means of his grace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH IN TOWCESTER.
+
+
+In the early part of the 17th century, Mr. Samuel Stone, one of the
+Puritan divines, ministered in the Church at Towcester. He was born at
+Hertford, and educated in Emanuel College, Cambridge. Having finished
+his studies, he resided for some time in the house of the excellent Mr.
+Richard Blackerby, where he received useful instructions, and imbibed
+the spirit and principles of his venerable tutor. Afterwards he became
+minister at Towcester, in Northamptonshire, where his superior
+accomplishments and great industry were manifest to all. This, however,
+could not screen him from the oppression of the times, as he was an
+avowed but modest Nonconformist to the ecclesiastical impositions. At
+length, seeing no prospect of enjoying his liberty in his native
+country, he resolved to withdraw from the scenes of persecution and
+retire to New England, where he arrived in the year 1633, and there he
+died, July 20th, 1663. It is observed, that "Mr. Stone was a pious,
+learned, and judicious divine, equally qualified for the confirmation of
+the truth and the refutation of error. His ministry was attended with
+the powerful demonstration and application of the truth: his views of
+Church discipline were Congregational."
+
+The first regular services by Dissenting ministers that are known to
+have been held at Towcester were conducted chiefly by Mr. Heywood, while
+he was pastor of the Church at Potterspury. He preached for some time,
+every third Sabbath morning, in a licensed house; and in the same place,
+a Mr. Stranger, a Baptist minister, residing at Weston, preached
+occasionally. In the year 1764, the pious people of both denominations
+united to build a Meeting House for their mutual accommodation. When Mr.
+Goode became the pastor at Pury, he continued the services in the manner
+of his predecessors, and his labours were crowned with a happy degree of
+success. But a change occurred, which interrupted the union which had
+hitherto subsisted between those who held different views on the subject
+of baptism. In 1782 a Mr. Reddy, a Baptist minister, came to reside at
+Towcester, and then the stated use of the new Meeting House was refused
+to Mr. Goode and his hearers, who, in consequence of this, met for three
+years after in a private house. The attendance increasing, it was deemed
+necessary to build another place of worship, in which they were
+generously assisted from various quarters. On the removal of Mr. Goode
+from Pury, they obtained supplies from Newport and Hoxton Academies.
+
+April 6th, 1794, the members of the Church at Potterspury that resided
+in Towcester separated from that Church for the purpose of commencing an
+Independent Church here, Mr. Thomas Slattery, from Hoxton Academy,
+preaching to them for the first time on that day. On May 5th, 1794,
+eleven persons were formed into a Christian Church, Mr. Hillyard, of
+Olney, presiding. For some time they were supplied by various ministers,
+Messrs. Bull, Greathead, and Hillyard occasionally administering the
+Lord's Supper. At length Mr. Gunn, a student from Hoxton Academy, was
+invited to become the pastor, and he was ordained October 16th, 1796.
+Upon this occasion Mr. Denny, of Long Buckby, offered the ordination
+prayer; the solemn engagements mutually confirmed between the people and
+the minister they had chosen were introduced by some observations on the
+proper tendency and principles of such a transaction, from Mr.
+Greathead, of Woburn; Mr. Bull, of Newport, gave the charge, from Col.
+iv. 17; Mr. Horsey, of Northampton, addressed the Church, from 2nd Cor.
+iv. 15.
+
+In little more than three years after this settlement Mr. Gunn removed
+to Aylesbury, and was succeeded at Towcester by Mr. Joshua Denham, who
+commenced his ministry here February 9th, 1800. Mr. Denham continued his
+services as pastor until the year 1814, when he resigned, and was
+succeeded by Mr. Joseph Gravestock, from Newport Academy, who was
+ordained on the 17th of August in that year, when Mr. Jackson, of Old,
+began with prayer; Mr. Thomas Morrell delivered the introductory
+discourse; Mr. Watson offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Bull gave the
+charge, from Ezek. iii. 17; Mr. Aston preached to the people, from 1st
+Thess. v. 13. Mr. Jackson preached in the evening.
+
+On the death of Mr. Jackson Mr. Gravestock removed to Old; when, after a
+period of four years, Mr. Hitchin became the pastor, in July, 1818. In
+the year 1823 Mr. Hitchin removed to Hockliffe, and Mr. William Hawkins,
+from Newport Academy, was chosen to the pastoral office. Mr. Hawkins
+laboured here between twenty and thirty years; during his ministry a new
+Chapel was erected. Mr. Buckingham, minister at Potterspury, went out
+from this Church.
+
+Mr. S. Causby, the present minister, entered on his labours in July,
+1851. The records of the Church contain 146 names of members admitted to
+the Church from its formation to the present time; but for seventeen
+years, _i.e._ from 1815-1832, the book appears to have been neglected,
+and no names were entered. The number of members at this time is 50.
+There are 110 children in the Sabbath-schools, and 24 teachers who take
+part in their instruction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT OLD.
+
+
+In the village of Old there is a neat brick building as an Independent
+Chapel, with a small burying-ground enclosed in connexion with it; and
+nearly adjoining it is a dwelling-house for the minister. Though this
+Chapel was not erected until the year 1809, yet we have to look backward
+for a little more than a hundred years to observe the first efforts that
+were made to obtain some stated services by Nonconformist ministers in
+this place. It appears highly probable that the Gospel was occasionally
+preached at Old and Scaldwell (the latter village being about a mile
+from the former) in the early part of the last century. We have found,
+in the records of the Independent Church at Rowell, that there were a
+number of persons who were members of that Church residing in Scaldwell
+and its vicinity soon after the commencement of the last century, who
+expressed a desire to be formed into a separate Church in that place, on
+account of the distance they were from Rowell; but their numbers were
+thought not to be sufficient then to justify such a step.
+
+In the year 1750, Mr. Thomas Palmer, of Old, great grandfather to the
+late Mr. Palmer, by deed of bargain and sale invested certain premises
+at Old in the hands of four trustees, that out of the rents and profits
+thereof they should pay L5 per annum, by four quarterly payments, to
+some Dissenting minister, teacher, or preacher, to do divine service and
+preach a sermon once a month at Old for ever.
+
+Neighbouring ministers performed this monthly service for some time. The
+attendance on this lecture was so good as to lead the friends to obtain
+more frequent services, which were conducted in a barn on the property.
+Some of the hearers were in the habit of attending the Baptist Meeting
+at Walgrave, a short distance from Old; but the practice of strict
+communion cut them off from participating in divine ordinances there, so
+that it was at length determined to form a Church at Old, and to look
+out for a stated pastor.
+
+Mr. Shadrach Jackson, from the Newport Pagnell institution, visited Old
+in the year 1808, and preached in the barn with acceptance and success.
+The increasing attendance rendered it desirable and indeed necessary to
+have a more suitable and commodious place for divine worship, and the
+present Chapel was erected on the premises, at a cost of L850.
+
+At the ordination of Mr. Jackson, his tutor, the late Mr. William Bull,
+the friend and correspondent of Newton and Cowper, delivered an
+affectionate and impressive charge, taking for his motto the remarkable
+words of Joseph, addressed to his brother Benjamin (Gen. xliii. 29):
+"God be gracious unto thee, my son." The late Mr. Hillyard, of Bedford,
+in his own peculiar, affectionate, and persuasive manner, gave a most
+excellent address to the people, from the words of Ruth (i. 16, 17):
+"Entreat me not to leave thee," &c.
+
+Mr. Jackson was a native of Doncaster. He early became acquainted with
+Mr. Samuel Hobson, of Sheffield, afterwards pastor of the Church at
+Maldon, Beds. The late Mr. Thorpe, of Bristol, married the sister of Mr.
+Hobson, and to him both these young men were considerably indebted for
+their ministerial prospects. Both of them became students at Newport;
+they were both men of ability--Hobson having perhaps most philosophy,
+and Jackson most genius and pulpit unction. The latter was a striking
+and impressive preacher, decidedly popular, not failing to secure the
+attention of his audience. He had an excellent gift in prayer, and was
+often called upon to pray at the meetings of his brethren in the County
+Association. But it was not a long course of service that was allotted
+to him. His health was not good; he was subject to an affection of the
+throat; but it is thought that the affliction which ended in death was
+brought on by his preaching one night in wet clothes at the neighbouring
+village of Holcott. He never ceased to feel the effects of that night,
+and gradually sunk, though occasionally giving some hopes of recovery.
+After a long and painful affliction, he died, September 3rd, 1817. His
+remains were interred near the pulpit, and a tablet was erected to his
+memory by subscription.
+
+Mr. Hillyard, minister at Bedworth, who was a member of the Church at
+Old, and has supplied some of these particulars, states--"I saw him just
+as he was dying, being then about nine years of age; he mentioned my
+name. Almost the last thing he said referring to himself was, 'A sinner
+saved by grace.' I well remember the deep impression his death made on
+my mind; and all the circumstances of the funeral; and the funeral
+sermon being preached by the late Mr. Toller, from Acts xx. 24: 'And
+none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,
+so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have
+received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.'"
+The writer of these 'Memorials' attended that service, and has a vivid
+recollection of the crowded assembly, the impressive sermon, the solemn
+tones and the tears of the preacher, with the testimony he bore to the
+increasing spirituality of Mr. Jackson's mind during the closing period
+of his life.
+
+In the first part of Mr. Jackson's ministry the prospects of the society
+were very encouraging; but it soon became manifest that, although the
+Church is not of this world, yet, being in the world, it is more or less
+affected by those visitations that transpire therein, for three very
+efficient friends and supporters of the cause were soon removed by
+death. These events, with the early removal of Mr. Jackson, and some
+dissensions that afterwards arose, greatly weakened the cause, and cast
+some gloom over its prospects.
+
+The Church was now supplied by neighbouring ministers and students until
+April, 1818, when Mr. Joseph Gravestock, of Towcester, who had been a
+short time fellow student with Mr. Jackson, came to Old as a supply. As
+his connexion with the Church at Towcester was dissolved, his services
+being acceptable here, after a period of probation he received an
+invitation to the pastoral office. On the 3rd of September, in this
+year, he removed with his family to Old; and on the evening of his
+arrival, preached from Heb. xiii. 8 ("Jesus Christ, the same yesterday,
+to-day, and for ever"), having special reference to the death of his
+predecessor, who had been in the world of spirits just one year, and
+dwelling on the immutability and all-sufficiency of the ever living
+Redeemer.
+
+"Amidst varied scenes, producing diversified fears and hopes, Mr.
+Gravestock (who is still living) pursued his ministerial course till
+September, 1843, when failure of health and other circumstances induced
+him to resign his office and terminate his labours in a farewell
+address, from Rev. ii. 10: 'Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
+thee a crown of life.'" The stated ministry of Mr. Gravestock at
+Towcester and at Old extended to nearly thirty years, for he was
+ordained at the former place August 17th, 1814, when Mr. Jackson
+commenced the service with prayer; Mr. Bull, his tutor, delivering the
+charge; Mr. Aston, of Buckingham, preaching to the people; and Mr.
+Jackson preaching in the evening.
+
+After this resignation, supplies were obtained until 1845, when Mr.
+Ingram Moody was invited to the pastoral office, in which he continued
+until 1849, when he resigned and emigrated to Australia.
+
+After the removal of Mr. Moody, Mr. John Spence, of Kettering, a member
+of the Independent Church under the pastoral care of Mr. Toller, who had
+for some time previously engaged in occasional services in the vicinity,
+was invited to supply the pulpit at Old. His ministry proving acceptable
+to the people, at the expiration of four months he received an
+invitation to become the pastor, and entered on his stated labours in
+January, 1850, and has now become the resident minister of the place.
+
+In the spring of 1852, alterations and improvements were made on the
+premises, the burying ground enclosed, at the expense of about L60. On
+Lord's-day, June 13th, three sermons were preached (morning and evening,
+by Mr. Toller, of Kettering; afternoon, by Mr. Samuel Marsh, of
+Moulton), when collections were made towards the expenses incurred.
+Numerous congregations assembled in the afternoon and evening. On the
+following day a public tea-meeting was held, when 200 persons took tea;
+after which there was a public meeting, when Mr. J. Stockburn, of
+Kettering, presided. Mr. Spence read a brief history of the cause, when
+effective addresses were delivered by several ministers and gentlemen
+that were present. The collections and donations produced L36. 17_s._
+11-1/2_d._, leaving a debt of L23. 2_s._ 0-1/2_d._, which it is hoped
+will be entirely extinguished at the next anniversary, and by means of
+exertions that may be made previous to that time. The prospects of the
+Church appear to be more pleasing than they have been for some years
+past; and we trust that the present pastor and his flock will go forward
+with united efforts and realize an abundant blessing, peace and
+prosperity being richly enjoyed among them, that the great Head of the
+Church in all may be glorified.
+
+In connexion with this cause at Old there is a small place of worship at
+Scaldwell, where one service on the Sabbath is generally conducted. The
+number of communicants at present is twenty-six. There are twenty-five
+children in the Sabbath-school--number in minister's Bible class,
+thirty; and occasional services are conducted in villages in the
+vicinity.
+
+From this village society three Independent ministers have been raised
+up, viz.: Mr. T. Hillyard, of Bedworth; Mr. Gammage, of Ketton; and Mr.
+Gammage's son, Mr. Henry Gammage, of Dunmow, Essex.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT EVERDON.
+
+
+The village of Everdon, four miles from Daventry, contains nearly 800
+inhabitants. There were no regular efforts made here for the preaching
+of the Gospel by Dissenters until the year 1811. Mr. Barge, a member of
+the Independent Church at Weedon, under the influence of compassion for
+the state of the inhabitants, fitted up a small place of worship at his
+own expense, measuring twenty-two feet by ten feet, which was opened May
+30th, 1811, and regularly supplied twice on the Sabbath by Mr. Meacock,
+a member of the Independent Church, West Orchard, Coventry; and
+occasionally in the week by Mr. Gronow, of Weedon. The services were
+well attended, and the place was soon found to be too small for the
+number of hearers; which induced Mr. Barge to give a piece of ground for
+the erection of a new Chapel, which was opened October 26th, 1813, on
+which occasion Mr. Jerrard, of Coventry, preached from Rev. i. 12, 13,
+and Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, from Matt. xviii. 20, and Mr. W. P.
+Davis, of Wellingborough, from Num. x. 29. This building was invested in
+the hands of trustees of the Independent denomination. Several persons
+from the neighbouring villages began to attend the services, and there
+was a pleasing prospect of success. The following spring a Church was
+formed by Mr. Gronow, and Mr. Meacock was invited to become their
+pastor, and was ordained on the 23rd of August, when Messrs. Morgan, of
+Kilsby, Watson, of Daventry, Gronow, of Weedon, Whitehead, of Greaton,
+Bicknell, of Brownsover, Knight, of Yelvertoft, and Griffiths, of Long
+Buckby, were engaged in the services of the day. An endowment of L500
+was bequeathed to the Chapel by William Falwell, Esq., the interest of
+which is to be applied toward the support of the minister for the time
+being.
+
+Much opposition has been experienced here, but some have been brought to
+the knowledge of the truth. The villages of Bradley, Newnham, and
+Farthingstone have shared, at different periods, in the pastor's
+labours; but in his later years Mr. Meacock chiefly confined his
+services to Everdon. At length, through the increasing infirmities of
+age, after labouring for a period of thirty-two years amongst his little
+flock in peace and harmony, he resigned the pastoral office the first
+Sabbath in April, 1845, and was succeeded by Mr. S. G. Stirmey, the
+present pastor.
+
+Mr. Stirmey observes, that at the present time the Church is reduced to
+a low state, and that the Sabbath-school numbers but about thirty
+children; for great efforts are made, and very considerable influence is
+employed, on the side of the Established Church, so that the
+difficulties with which this cause has to struggle are very
+considerable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT BRACKLEY.
+
+
+Brackley is a small market town and ancient borough, near the south-west
+extremity of the county: it has, in former times, been a place of
+considerable importance. In the early days of Methodism, John Wesley
+might have been seen sometimes, preaching to a rustic throng from the
+steps of the Market-house. But the Independent Church in this place is
+of very recent date, and its history will therefore be comprised within
+a very small compass.
+
+A short time previous to the year 1835, "the North Bucks Association"
+made an ineffectual attempt to obtain a place of worship in this town.
+At length a room was secured for the purposes of divine worship and
+preaching the Gospel. This proving inadequate to accommodate the
+attendants, in 1836 a Chapel was erected, at a cost of L650, capable of
+seating about 300 persons. The services of Mr. John Ashby, formerly a
+student at Newport, now minister at Stony Stratford, were engaged by the
+newly formed congregation, and he laboured here for somewhat more than a
+year. After his removal, the pulpit was principally supplied by students
+from Newport Academy. In January, 1838, Mr. G. Smith, late of
+Halesworth, accepted an invitation to labour here. In the same year a
+Church was formed, consisting of twenty persons--the ordinance of the
+Lord's Supper was first administered June 24th of that year; but in the
+beginning of 1839 Mr. Smith was compelled by indisposition to resign his
+connexion with the Church.
+
+Again supplies were obtained from the Newport seminary, until 1842, when
+Mr. W. R. Lewis commenced a probationary course of labour, and
+afterwards settled as the pastor. Under his superintendence the Church
+was re-organized; but after the lapse of three or four years
+circumstances arose which rendered his removal to a more extended sphere
+of labour a subject for consideration, which resulted in his resignation
+about Christmas, 1846. In 1847, Mr. Robert Davis, who had been pastor at
+Turvey, Bedfordshire, accepted an invitation to minister in this place,
+and continued his services until December, 1851. The Church, again being
+destitute of a pastor, was supplied for a time by ministers from the
+vicinity; until, in August of this year (1852), Mr. T. Roberts, late
+student at Newport Pagnell, accepted an invitation to become the pastor
+under somewhat pleasing circumstances; and it is hoped that his ministry
+will be rendered truly useful, that the Church may be increased, and the
+name of the Redeemer glorified. The present number of communicants is
+thirty-three; children in the Sabbath-school, rather more than fifty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT BYFIELD.
+
+
+The village of Byfield, containing more than 1000 inhabitants, has in it
+a small Independent Church, of recent origin; but it has struggled with
+many difficulties, and a number of changes have taken place during its
+short history, of which we can only present some very concise
+statements.
+
+About thirty years ago, some persons residing here, who were members of
+a Dissenting Church in the vicinity, determined to invite some of the
+neighbouring ministers to preach the Gospel of Christ in this place. For
+three months the services were conducted in a room, which was rented and
+fitted up for the purpose. The Home Missionary Society then agreed to
+give L30 as a grant for one year, and recommended Mr. Grey as the
+minister, formerly of Oakham, Rutlandshire. During the first year of his
+ministry, which was 1827, a neat little Chapel was erected. Mr. Grey
+remained three years, during which time his ministry was rendered
+useful. A short time after Mr. Grey had left, the place was supplied by
+Mr. Kidgell, from Newport Academy, who became the pastor of the Church
+in 1831. His ministry was continued here for four years. Mr. Phillips
+next supplied the place for three months, under whose ministry things
+greatly revived; but through some misunderstanding, he quitted the
+pleasing scene of usefulness that appeared to be opening before him, the
+Church much regretting his removal. After this Mr. Moses became the
+pastor, and continued with them three years. Then a Mr. Sanderson was
+invited for twelve months, in consequence of an advertisement; "but
+since then," it is remarked, "the Church has had no faith in advertising
+ministers." Mr. Kidgell then returned to his former scene of labour, and
+remained for eighteen months, but under considerable discouragement.
+After his final removal, the congregation was supplied by neighbouring
+ministers and occasional preachers for more than twelve months. At
+length they invited a Mr. Berrill, who remained with them seven years.
+He laboured under many difficulties, weathered many storms, and at
+length retired from the situation. For ten months they remained
+destitute, having supplies as they could be obtained. In March, 1849,
+their present minister, Mr. Robson, came to supply them, and was invited
+to remain. He found the place in a very low state, but things have taken
+a favourable turn. The Chapel is now well attended, and seventeen
+members have been added to the Church. The present number of
+communicants is thirty-three. In the Sabbath-school there are thirty
+children, instructed by six teachers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+MEMORIALS OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH AT PAULERSPURY.
+
+
+In this village, known as the birth-place of the celebrated Dr. Carey,
+of the Baptist Mission at Serampore, the Independent Church is of recent
+formation. In the year 1826 a Chapel was erected, and the whole of the
+expenses were cleared off by the exertions of Mr. Hawkins, Independent
+minister, of Towcester. About the autumn of 1841, Mr. Buckingham, the
+present minister of this place, was invited to preach in the Chapel on
+the week evenings. His services proving acceptable, attention being
+excited, and indications of usefulness appearing, the congregation
+expressed a desire to enjoy the benefit of his stated labours. In
+connexion with this proposal, arrangements were made between the
+congregation at Paulerspury and the Church at Towcester, for the Chapel,
+then the property of that Church, to be put in trust for the use of this
+congregation. In the summer of 1842 Mr. Buckingham began to labour
+statedly among the people, and was much encouraged by the increasing
+attention, and the disposition manifested by the people to hear the
+word. A Sabbath-school was formed, when between forty and fifty children
+attended: it had a gradual increase, until, in the following year, the
+number of scholars rose to 200. Since then the numbers have varied,
+owing to different causes which will arise in this changing world. The
+congregation increased so, that it was found necessary to erect two side
+galleries, in addition to the front gallery that had been already
+formed. The week-day services were also well attended. A small number of
+persons, most of whom had been brought to an acquaintance with divine
+things under Mr. Buckingham's ministry, were desirous of enjoying the
+benefits of Church fellowship, and were encouraged to give themselves to
+the Lord and to each other in these bonds of the Gospel; and were
+accordingly formed into a Church, consisting of sixteen members, on the
+28th of February, 1844. The services on the interesting occasion were
+conducted by Messrs Hawkins, of Towcester; Slye, of Potterspury; J.
+Bull, of Newport Pagnell; and Wager, of Stony Stratford: then the
+ordinance of the Lord's Supper was first administered to them, in which
+persons of different religious denominations united, who appeared to
+feel a deep and lively interest in the solemnity.
+
+In the beginning of the year 1845 some of the members of the Church
+experienced much persecution, which caused a few to halt, and others to
+keep back. It rose to such a height, at one time, as to threaten the
+extinction of the rising energies of the Church; but through the kind
+interposition of a gracious Providence, a reaction took place, and the
+wrath of man was made to praise God.
+
+In the early part of the year 1847, the subject of Mr. Buckingham's
+ordination was mentioned; neighbouring ministers having hitherto
+administered the Lord's Supper. After much deliberation and prayer, the
+subject was laid before the ministers of the North Bucks Association,
+and after mature consideration the approval of their committee was
+expressed. It was arranged that the ordination service should take
+place on the 24th of November, 1847. On that day, Mr. Hawkins commenced
+the services; Mr. J. Bull expounded the principles of Congregationalism
+in an introductory discourse; Mr. Slye proposed the questions; Mr. Davis
+offered the ordination prayer; Mr. T. P. Bull gave the charge; Mr. Aston
+preached to the people.
+
+The year immediately succeeding this, Mr. Buckingham's health began very
+seriously to fail, and he was obliged to desist from preaching for
+several months, during which time supplies were obtained. His health is
+still very delicate, and but for frequent assistance he would be obliged
+to resign the pastoral oversight of his much attached people.
+
+In consequence of the large number of school children, it was deemed
+advisable to erect new school-rooms for their better accommodation. In
+the year 1850 the school-rooms were erected, at a cost of L150. Through
+the kindness of friends, and especially the friends at Pury, the whole
+is now cleared off. A burial ground is attached to the Chapel, and more
+than fifty interments have taken place since it was appropriated for
+this purpose in 1843.
+
+In regard to the future, the pastor observes "that the prospects are
+very cheering." On the Sabbath and week-evening services the attendance
+continues steady and regular, and never better than at the present time.
+The Church has continued to increase. The present number of communicants
+is seventy-two; Sabbath-school children, one hundred and
+fifty-nine--teachers, forty.
+
+We trust the blessing of the Lord will still rest upon them, and that,
+"walking together in the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy
+Ghost, they will be edified and multiplied."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+HOME MISSIONARY STATIONS.
+
+
+1.--KING'S CLIFFE AND NASSINGTON.
+
+In the north-eastern part of the county of Northampton there are two
+Home Missionary Stations. In the first of these the agent statedly
+preaches at King's Cliffe and Nassington, having a Chapel at Castor also
+under his superintendence.
+
+The Church that has been formed at King's Cliffe originated in the
+efforts of the General Baptists about thirty years back. The Rev. Mr.
+Payne, who belonged to that denomination, and was minister of Baradon,
+Rutlandshire, preached the Gospel here, and had a Chapel erected. But
+Mr. Payne shortly after left the neighbourhood; and after repeated
+efforts by Baptist ministers, with but little success, the place was
+resigned into the hands of the Independents.
+
+The Northamptonshire Association of Independent Churches took the place
+under their direction for a time, in connexion with Nassington, and the
+Rev. J. Matthews and the Rev. J. Dann laboured in these places, having
+their residence chiefly at the latter village. A Church was formed at
+Nassington on the 8th of April, 1835; and the present Chapel was opened
+for public worship on the 21st of May, 1839, when the Rev. B. Hobson, of
+Welford, and the Rev. E. T. Prust, of Northampton, preached.
+
+In the year 1841 the station was taken into connexion with the Home
+Missionary Society. In March, 1844, the Rev. G. Amos, one of the
+Society's agents, was sent on probation, and accepted as the minister of
+the two Churches. On the 24th of June in that year his ordination took
+place, in the Chapel at Nassington: the ministers who engaged were the
+Rev. Messrs. Islip, of Stamford, Gammage, of Ketton, Goode, of
+Peterborough, Newth, of Oundle, Smith, of Wymondham. In October of that
+year Mr. Amos commenced his residence at King's Cliffe.
+
+The ground on which the Chapel was first erected here being private
+property, and as no satisfactory arrangements for its purchase could be
+made, it was at length determined to give it up, and to build a new one.
+The present Independent Chapel in King's Cliffe was built in the year
+1846; the opening services were held on the 29th of September. The Rev.
+J. Richardson, of Tottenham Court Chapel, London, preached two sermons
+on the occasion; and on the following Sabbath sermons were preached by
+the Rev. J. Matthews, of Shepton, Norfolk, the Rev. A. Newth, of Oundle,
+and the Rev. W. Robinson, of Kettering. A school-room was built in 1847,
+and opened for a Day-school in October of that year. The cost of the
+Chapel and the school-room was about L500. Of this sum, there now
+remains a debt of about L150. At Castor a neat Chapel was erected in
+1848; the Rev. T. Toller, of Kettering, and the Rev. E. T. Prust, of
+Northampton, preached when it was opened for divine worship. There are
+thirty-seven members in the Church at King's Cliffe, and forty in the
+Church at Nassington--total, seventy-seven. The Sabbath-school in the
+former place has one hundred and thirty children, and the Sabbath-school
+in the latter place, seventy--total, two hundred.
+
+
+2.--BOROUGH FEN.
+
+This place is extra parochial, the property of Sir Culling Eardley
+Eardley, Bart., situated six miles north of Peterborough. The Gospel was
+introduced here about twenty years ago, by the Wesleyan Methodists; the
+preaching services were then conducted in a room of the house now
+occupied by the minister. In 1836 Sir Culling built a neat and spacious
+building, which is used both as a daily school-room and Chapel. For
+several years the preaching services were conducted by the master. A
+congregation having been thus collected, and Sunday-schools opened, it
+was considered to be a promising sphere for regular ministerial labour;
+and accordingly, in 1843, Mr. D. Blellock was stationed here as a Home
+Missionary. After the removal of Mr. Blellock in 1846, Mr. Alexander
+Yuill was settled here, who, after a few months of acceptable and useful
+labour, fell asleep in Jesus. In January, 1849, Mr. J. B. Bishop, the
+present pastor, was invited to settle over the congregation worshipping
+in this place and in Peakirk. Through Mr. Bishop's instrumentality a
+Christian Church was formed, March 30th, 1849, numbering thirteen
+members. The following places are connected with this station, viz.:
+Peakirk, Crowland (Lincolnshire), Glinton, and New Borough. There are
+now twenty-seven Church members, seventy-five Sabbath-school children,
+and one Day-school.
+
+
+3.--MIDDLETON.
+
+In the year 1844, a neat and commodious village Chapel, capable of
+seating near two hundred hearers, was erected here, at a cost of more
+than L300; and this year (1852) school-rooms have been added, which have
+cost nearly L100. It is supplied generally in the afternoon and evening
+of the Sabbath, and there is in connexion with it a Sabbath-school
+containing nearly one hundred children.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+I.
+
+The following statements will show the amount of money that has been
+expended on the Chapels, School-rooms, Ministers' Houses, &c., in
+connexion with the Independent denomination in Northamptonshire, during
+little more than the last quarter of a century.
+
+ L. _s._ _d._
+
+ NORTHAMPTON--
+ Castle Hill--New School-rooms and improvements
+ in the Chapel, 1825-1852 1,400 0 0
+
+ King Street--New School-rooms 336 6 5
+
+ Commercial Street--New Chapel, galleries and
+ organ, new School-rooms, 1829-1851 3,800 0 0
+
+ ROWELL--Improvements in the Chapel, 1852 800 0 0
+
+ KETTERING--New School-rooms and improvements
+ in the Chapel, 1849. 1,400 0 0
+
+ HARBOROUGH--New Chapel and new School-room,
+ 1844-1850 3,230 0 0
+
+ ASHLEY--Improvements in the Chapel and
+ Minister's House, 1827-1832 400 0 0
+
+ WELLINGBOROUGH--
+ Cheese Lane--New School-rooms, 1850 300 0 0
+
+ Salem Chapel--New School-rooms, 1850 300 0 0
+
+ WEEDON BECK--New School-room,
+ improvements in the Chapel 235 0 0
+
+ LONG BUCKBY--Chapel enlarged, new
+ School-room, 1819-1825 350 0 0
+
+ POTTERSPURY--New School-rooms 208 17 0
+
+ POTTERSPURY--Yardley Gobion, new Chapel 368 4 10-1/2
+
+ YARDLEY HASTINGS--New School-rooms 400 0 0
+
+ BRIGSTOCK--Minister's House, improvements
+ in the Chapel 456 12 9
+
+ YELVERTOFT--Chapel enlarged, new
+ School-rooms 226 0 0
+
+ WOLLASTON--New vestry, improvements in
+ the Chapel, Minister's House 645 4 3
+ -----------------
+ Carried forward L14,856 5 3-1/2
+
+ L. s. d.
+ Brought forward 14,856 5 3-1/2
+ PETERBOROUGH--New School-room, galleries in the
+ Chapel, 1834-1848 350 0 0
+
+ TOWCESTER--New Chapel and School-rooms, 1846 1,134 3 10
+
+ OLD--Improvements in the Chapel and premises, 1852 60 0 0
+
+ BRACKLEY--New Chapel, 1836 650 0 0
+
+ PAULERSPURY--New Chapel, vestry, galleries, and
+ School-rooms, 1826-1850 606 12 0
+
+ KING'S CLIFFE--New Chapel and School-room 500 0 0
+
+ NASSINGTON--New Chapel 300 0 0
+
+ CASTOR--New Chapel 260 0 0
+
+ MIDDLETON--New Chapel, 1844; School-room, 1852 400 0 0
+
+ BROUGHTON--New Chapel 100 0 0
+ --------------
+ L19,217 1 11-1/2
+
+
+II.
+
+THE NUMBER OF COMMUNICANTS AND SABBATH-SCHOOL CHILDREN.
+
+ Communicants. Children.
+
+ Northampton, Castle Hill 150 300
+ Northampton, King's Street 72 95
+ Northampton, Commercial Street 160 400
+ Rowell 130 320
+ Kettering 200 280
+ Harborough 163 260
+ Ashley and Wilbarston 56 60
+ Welford 80 130
+ Creaton 60 80
+ Daventry 94 190
+ Wellingborough, Cheese Lane 70 190
+ Wellingborough, West End 37 84
+ Wellingborough, Salem 100 200
+ Oundle 70 120
+ Weedon Beck 80 125
+ Long Buckby 50 100
+ Potterspury 65 130
+ Yardley Hastings 116 260
+ Kilsby and Crick 60 at Crick 35
+ ---- ----
+ Carried forward 1,813 3,359
+
+ Communicants. Children.
+ Brought forward 1,813 3,359
+ Brigstock 60 110
+ Weldon and Corby 27 75
+ Yelvertoft 80 130
+ Wollaston 41 about 50
+ Peterborough 120 200
+ Towcester 50 110
+ Old 26 25
+ Everdon 30
+ Brackley 33 50
+ Byfield 33 30
+ Paulerspury 72 159
+ King's Cliffe and Nassington 71 200
+ Borough Fen 27 75
+ Middleton 100
+ ----- -----
+ 2,453 4,703
+
+
+III.
+
+PROVIDENT SOCIETY.
+
+
+There is a Society in connexion with the Independent Churches, bearing
+the title of "The Provident Society for the Relief of Aged and Afflicted
+Ministers and their Families in the County of Northampton and its
+Connexions."
+
+This Society was established in the year 1811: its funds at the present
+time amount to about L6,400, and they are receiving a small increase by
+annual collections and subscriptions, the interest of the funds being
+applied to the relief of the claimants.
+
+In the year 1817, about six years after its establishment, the first
+claims were made; since that time, the sum of nearly L5,000 has been
+distributed to ministers and to the families of ministers who were
+members. The importance of this Society is amply proved by the extent of
+relief that claimants have received from its funds. Its management is
+conducted entirely free of expense, and it will be capable of rendering
+efficient aid to all its members who, in accordance with its rules,
+present their case for assistance at the annual meetings of its
+members.
+
+
+IV.
+
+The following list contains the names of the villages in the County that
+are supplied with Sabbath evening services, chiefly by the Independent
+Churches. Some of the villages have an afternoon service on the Sabbath,
+and some of them an occasional service on a week evening. The list is
+not to be regarded as quite complete. In some instances, the
+Independents unite with other denominations in supplying the villages in
+their vicinity.
+
+ Alderton.
+ Barby.
+ Bowden, Great.
+ Bozeat.
+ Broughton.
+ Cold Ashby.
+ Cransley.
+ Doddington.
+ Draughton.
+ East Haddon.
+ Farndon.
+ Finedon.
+ Floor.
+ Geddington.
+ Glapthorne.
+ Glinton.
+ Grafton Regis.
+ Great Oakley.
+ Lubenham.
+ Loddington.
+ Mears Ashby.
+ Middleton.
+ Newborough.
+ Orlingbury.
+ Oxendon.
+ Peakirk.
+ Rockingham.
+ Scaldwell.
+ South Kilworth.
+ Sutton Bassett.
+ Swinford.
+ Tansor.
+ Thorpe.
+ Weston by Welland.
+ Welham.
+ Warkton.
+ Wilby.
+ Yardley Gobion.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+ Academy at Mile End, 137
+
+ Addington, Dr. Stephen, pastor at Harborough, 135
+
+ Allen, Mr. Richard, ejected from Norton, 268
+
+ Alsop, Mr., ejected from Wilby, 212
+
+ Amos, Mr. G., Home Missionary, 377
+
+ Anderson, Mr. John, minister at Wollaston, 350
+
+ Andrews, Mr. Thomas, ejected from Wellingborough, 212
+
+ Anecdotes of Mr. Edward Snape, 3;
+ Dr. Owen, 55;
+ Mr. R. Davis, 59;
+ Mr. T. N. Toller, 113;
+ Opposition to a Village Service, 153;
+ Dr. Gibbons, 168;
+ Mr. Mattock, 191;
+ Mr. Grant, 233;
+ Mr. Clark, 252;
+ Mr. Heywood, 281;
+ Mr. Raban, 294;
+ Mr. Hoppus, 298
+
+ Apperley, Mr. James, pastor at Long Buckby, 274
+
+ Ashley and Wilbarston, 146
+
+ Ashworth, Dr. Caleb, pastor and tutor at Daventry, 195
+
+ Aston, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 183
+
+ Atkinson, Mr., Puritan minister, 257
+
+
+ Bacon, Mr., pastor at Ashley, 149
+
+ Barber. Mr., pastor at Yelvertoft, 342
+
+ Barnett, Mr. Andrew, pastor at Daventry, 189
+
+ Bedworth, Dissenters from Welford travelled to, 162
+
+ Bell, Mr., pastor at Wellingborough, 242
+
+ Belsham, Mr., pastor and tutor at Daventry, 206
+
+ Bennett, Mr. John, pastor at Northampton, 35
+
+ Bennett, Mr., at Potterspury, 277
+
+ Bettson, Mr. Robert, pastor at Wellingborough, 228
+
+ Bevan, Mr., pastor at Wellingborough, 248
+
+ Beverly, Mr. John, first pastor at Rowell, 46
+
+ Bicknell, Mr. John, pastor at Welford, 173
+
+ Blower, Mr. Samuel, pastor at Northampton, 10
+
+ Bolton, Mr., Puritan minister, 117
+
+ Boyce, Mr. Benjamin, pastor at Kettering, 100
+
+ Boyce, Mrs., her death, 105
+
+ Brackley, 369
+
+ Bradbury, Mr. David, pastor at Wellingborough, 215
+
+ Bradshaw, Mr. S. A., pastor at Weldon, 332
+
+ Braybrook, Mr., pastor at Weedon, 264
+
+ Brigstock, Church at, 314
+
+ Broughton, Church at , 116
+
+ Browning, Mr. John, pastor at Rowell, 49
+
+ Buckingham, Mr., pastor at Paulerspury, 373
+
+ Buckby Long, Church at, 268
+
+ Bullock, Mr. G., pastor at Ashley, 150
+
+ Bunn, Mr., pastor at Yardley, 302
+
+ Bushnell, Mr., pastor at Potterspury, 278
+
+
+ Cambden, Mr., pastor at Daventry, 190
+
+ Cartwright, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Buckby, 269
+
+ Carver, Mr. John, pastor at Wellingborough, 238
+
+ Causby, Mr. Stephen, pastor at Towcester, 360
+
+ Cauthorn, Mr. Edward, lecturer at Oundle, 255
+
+ Chadwick, Mr. Joseph, pastor at Oundle, 260
+
+ Church Covenant at Rowell, 47;
+ Harborough, 126;
+ Northampton, 11;
+ Wellingborough, 247;
+ Potterspury, 279;
+ Brigstock, 316
+
+ Clarke, Mr. Hugh, Puritan minister at Oundle, 252
+
+ Clarke, Mr. Matthew, pastor at Harborough and Ashley, 121
+
+ Clarke, Mr. Matthew, junior, 123
+
+ Coleman, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Ashley, 152
+
+ Commercial Street, Northampton, Church at, 42
+
+ Cooke, Mr., pastor at Oundle, 260
+
+ Creaton, Church at, 179
+
+ Crick, Church at, 313
+
+ Cuzens, Mr., pastor at Crick, 313
+
+
+ Dale, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 180
+
+ Dann, Mr. J., pastor at Nassington, 376
+
+ Daventry, Church at, 186
+
+ Davis, Mr. John, pastor at Daventry, 208
+
+ Davis, Mr. P., pastor at Wellingborough, 247
+
+ Davis, Mr. R., pastor at Rowell, 54
+
+ Davis, Mr. Robert, pastor at Wellingborough, 248
+
+ Deaconesses chosen in the Church at Rowell, 64
+
+ Denham, Mr. Joshua, pastor at Towcester, 359
+
+ Denny, Mr. R., pastor at Buckby, 269
+
+ Dod, Mr. John, Puritan minister, 7
+
+ Doddridge, Dr. Philip, pastor at Northampton, 13
+
+ Drake, Mr. J., pastor at Yardley, 292
+
+
+ Edwards, Mr. B. L., pastor at Northampton, 39
+
+ Epitaph on Matthew Clarke, by Dr. Watts, 125
+
+ Evans, Mr. Isaac, pastor at Weedon, 266
+
+ Evans, Mr. F., pastor at Buckby, 274
+
+ Everdon, Church at, 367
+
+
+ Fawsley, the Puritan press at, 7
+
+ Fenn, Mr. Humfrey, Puritan minister, 3
+
+ Flavell, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Daventry, 190
+
+ Fletcher, Mr. William, Puritan minister, 5
+
+ Fowler, Mr., ejected from Crick, 304
+
+ Floyd, Mr., pastor at Daventry, 195
+
+ Forsyth, Mr., pastor at Oundle, 259
+
+ French, Mr., pastor at Wellingborough, 215
+
+ Fuller, Mr., pastor at John Kettering, 106
+
+
+ Gallsworthy, Mr., pastor at Rowell, 78
+
+ Gardiner, Mr. Thos., pastor at Kilsby, 142
+
+ Gardner, Mr. Isaac, pastor at Potterspury, 288
+
+ Gear, Mr., pastor at Harborough, 142
+
+ Geddington, 116
+
+ Gibson, Mr., pastor at Yelvertoft, 340
+
+ Gilbert, Mr. R., pastor at Northampton, 29
+
+ Gill, Mr. G., pastor at Harborough, 139
+
+ Gill, Mr. Walter, pastor at Welford, 177
+
+ Glascott, Mr., pastor at Peterborough, 352
+
+ Goodrich, Mr. D. Oundle, 258
+
+ Grant, Mr., pastor at Wellingborough, 231
+
+ Gravestock, Mr. J., pastor at Old, 364
+
+ Gregson, Mr. M., pastor at Rowell, 75
+
+ Gronow, Mr. J., pastor at Weedon, 264
+
+ Griffiths, Mr. D., pastor at Buckby, 272
+
+ Griffin, Mr., pastor at Brigstock, 318
+
+ Goode, Mr., pastor at Potterspury, 284
+
+
+ Hall, Mr., pastor at Crick, 313
+
+ Halford, Mr., assistant to Mr. Some, 133
+
+ Harborough Market, Church at, 119
+
+ Harris, Mr., pastor at Peterborough, 353
+
+ Harrison, Mr. M., pastor at Potterspury, 275
+
+ Harwood, Mr., pastor at Kilsby, 312
+
+ Hawkins, Mr., pastor at Towcester, 359
+
+ Hennell, Mr. D., pastor at Wollaston, 347
+
+ Heywood, Mr., pastor at Potterspury, 278
+
+ Hillyard, Mr., pastor at Brigstock, 317
+
+ Hitchin, Mr., pastor at Towcester, 359
+
+ Hextal, Mr., pastor at Northampton, 37
+
+ Hobson, Mr. B., pastor at Welford, 174
+
+ Hogg, Mr. R., pastor at Oundle, 259
+
+ Hook, Mr., ejected from Creaton, 179
+
+ Hoppus, Mr. J., pastor at Yardley, 297
+
+ Horsey, Mr. J., pastor at Northampton, 30
+
+ Howe, Mr., pastor at Weedon, 263
+
+ Hunt, Mr. J., pastor at Northampton, 12
+
+ Hyatt, Mr. C., pastor at Northampton 34
+
+
+ Ironmonger, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 180
+
+ Isaac, Mr., pastor at Peterborough, 354
+
+ Islip, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Yelvertoft 341
+
+
+ Jackson, Mr., pastor at Buckby 268
+
+ Jackson, Mr. S., pastor at Old 362
+
+ Jacomb, Mr. R., pastor at Wellingborough, 215
+
+ James, Mr. T., pastor at Yelvertoft, 342
+
+ Jelly, Mr., pastor at Daventry, 190
+
+ Jeanes, Mr., pastor at Peterborough, 354
+
+ Jocelyne, Mr., at Creaton, 184
+
+ Johns, Mr. E., pastor at Welford, 173
+
+ Jones, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Kilsby, 312
+
+ Jones, Mr. Jas. Rees, pastor at Kilsby, 313
+
+
+ Kettering, Church at, 80
+
+ Kilsby and Crick, Church at, 304
+
+ King, Mr. Samuel, pastor at Welford, 166
+
+ King, Mr. Joseph, pastor at Oundle, 257
+
+ King's Street Chapel, Northampton, 37
+
+ Knight, Mr., pastor at Yelvertoft, 338
+
+ Knightley, Sir Richard, favours the Puritan, 6
+
+
+ Letters from Mr. Browning, when in prison, 51
+
+ Letter of dismission from Rowell, 57
+
+ Letter of Mr. Maidwell, 82
+
+ Letter of Mr. Saunders, 96
+
+ Letter of Mr. Shuttlewood, 157
+
+ Lewis, Mr. J., ejected from Northampton, 9
+
+ Longfield, Mr. J., pastor at Oundle 259
+
+ Lord, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Brigstock, 324
+
+ Lowry, Mr. Thomas, ejected from Harborough, 120
+
+
+ Maidwell, Mr. T., pastor at Kettering, 81
+
+ Mandeno, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 185
+
+ Martin, Mr. G., ejected from Weedon, 262
+
+ Martin, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 185
+
+ Mason, Mr., pastor Daventry, 190
+
+ Matthews, Mr. E., ejected from Wollaston, 344
+
+ Matthews, Mr. J., at King's Cliffe, 376
+
+ Mattock, Mr., pastor at Daventry, 191
+
+ Meacock, Mr., pastor Everdon, 367
+
+ Meeting House threatened, 89
+
+ Merbury, Mr. F., Puritan minister, 2
+
+ Milway, Mr. Thos., pastor at Kettering, 84
+
+ Milway, Mr. Thos., junior, pastor at Kettering 87
+
+ Mitchel, Mr., Brigstock 319
+
+ Modern Question, 68
+
+ Moody, Mr. T., pastor at Old, 365
+
+ Moffatt, Mr., pastor at Weldon, 332
+
+ Morgan, Mr., pastor at Kilsby, 312
+
+ Morrell, Mr., pastor at Potterspury, 287
+
+ Moseley, Mr., pastor at Buckby, 272
+
+
+ Negus, Mr. S., lecturer at Oundle, 255
+
+ Nettleship, Mr. G., pastor at Yelvertoft, 342
+
+ Newth, Mr. A., pastor at Oundle, 261
+
+ Newell, Mr. G., pastor at Potterspury, 275
+
+ Nicholson, Mr. G., pastor at Northampton, 42
+
+ Norris, Mr., pastor at Welford, 162
+
+ Northampton, Churches at, 1
+
+ Northend, Mr., pastor at Welford, 173
+
+ Notcutt, Mr. W., pastor at Ashley, 151
+
+
+ Offord, Mr., pastor at Weedon, 264
+
+ Old, Church at, 361
+
+ Orton, Mr., pastor at Wellingborough, 215
+
+ Oundle, Church at, 250
+
+
+ Paget, Mr. Eusebius, Puritan minister, 250
+
+ Palmer, Mr. Wm., pastor at Peterborough, 355
+
+ Paterson, Mr., pastor at Daventry, 206
+
+ Penry, Mr., Puritan minister, 4
+
+ Perne, Mr. Andre, minister 211
+
+ Perry, Mr., pastor at Wollaston, 345
+
+ Peterborough, Church at, 352
+
+ Phares, Mr., pastor at Weedon, 264
+
+ Philip, Mr. John, pastor at Weldon, 331
+
+ Phillips, Mr. Maurice, pastor at Brigstock, 318
+
+ Pickering, Mr. R., pastor at Brigstock, 319
+
+ Pinkerton, Mr., pastor at Weedon, 266
+
+ Porter, Mr., pastor at Northampton, 39
+
+ Porter, Mr. Thos., pastor at Kilsby, 312
+
+ Potterspury, Church at, 275
+
+ Poulter, Mr. J. F., pastor at Wellingborough, 225
+
+ Prandlove. Mr., Puritan minister, 6
+
+ Prout, Mr. E., pastor at Oundle, 261
+
+ Preston, Dr. John, a Puritan minister, 5
+
+ Prust, Mr. E. T., pastor at Northampton, 43
+
+ Puritans preach at Kettering, 81
+
+
+ Raban, Mr. T., pastor at Yardley, 292
+
+ Redsbury, Mr. R., ejected from Oundle, 253
+
+ Renals, Mr. J., pastor at Wellingborough, 243
+
+ Renfrew, Mr., pastor at Weedon, 264
+
+ Robertson, Mr. James, pastor at Wellingborough, 220
+
+ Robins, Mr., pastor and tutor at Daventry, 198
+
+ Robins, Mr., character of, by Mr. Toller, 201
+
+ Robinson, Mr. I., pastor at Potterspury, 277
+
+ Rowell, Church at, 46
+
+ Rowlet, Mr., ejected from Sudbury, 213
+
+ Rowlatt, Wm., Esq, 333
+
+
+ Sanderson, Mr. J., pastor at Rowell, 70
+
+ Saunders, Mr. Julius, pastor at Bedworth, 161
+
+ Saunders, Thomas, pastor at Kettering, 90
+
+ Saunders, Thomas, character of, by Mr. Some, 91
+
+ Scott, Mr. Walter, pastor at Rowell, 76
+
+ Severn, Mr. W., pastor at Welford, 172
+
+ Shepherd, Mr. Thos., pastor at Northampton, 11
+
+ Shepherd, Mr., pastor at Oundle, 256
+
+ Shuttlewood, Mr. John, pastor at Welford, 155
+
+ Simpson, A. C., Dr., pastor at Oundle, 261
+
+ Slye, Mr. J., pastor at Potterspury, 289
+
+ Snape, Mr. Edward, Puritan minister, 2
+
+ Some, Mr. David, pastor at Harborough, 127
+
+ Some, Mr. David, junior, 127
+
+ Spence, Mr. John, pastor at Old, 365
+
+ Spencer, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Kilsby, 312
+
+ Spong, Mr., pastor at Yardley, 302
+
+ Stirmey, Mr., pastor at Everdon, 368
+
+ Stone, Mr. Edward, Puritan minister, 357
+
+ Stone, Mr. Thomas, Puritan minister, 115
+
+ Strange, Mr. Thomas, pastor at Kilsby, 306
+
+ Strange, Mrs. Thomas, 311
+
+ Summers, Mr. H., pastor at Wellingborough, 216
+
+
+ Taylor, Mr. S., pastor at Potterspury, 278
+
+ Taylor, Mr. G., pastor at Wellingborough, 223
+
+ Terry, Mr. Wm., pastor at Kettering, 86
+
+ Thomas, Mr., pastor at Wellingborough, 215
+
+ Thomas, Mr. Thos., pastor at Wellingborough, 248
+
+ Thomas, Mr. Thos., pastor at Weldon, 332
+
+ Thorpe, Mr., ejected from Barby, 305
+
+ Thresher, Mr., pastor at Peterborough, 353
+
+ Todman, Mr. William, pastor at Yardley, 302
+
+ Toller, Mr. H., pastor at Harborough, 143
+
+ Toller, Mr. T. N., pastor at Kettering, 107
+
+ Toller, Mr. T., pastor at Kettering, 114
+
+ Towcester, Church at, 357
+
+ Tyte, Mr. C. C., pastor at Wellingborough, 245
+
+
+ Unitarian letter of separation, 33
+
+
+ Vaughan, Mr. I., pastor at Brigstock, 323
+
+ Vowell, Mr. G., pastor at Potterspury, 287
+
+
+ Walker, Mr. W., pastor at Buckby, 269
+
+ Wake, Mr. A., Puritan minister, 5
+
+ Warburton, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 182
+
+ Washbourn, Mr. D., pastor at Wellingborough, 216
+
+ Watson, Mr. G., pastor at Daventry, 207
+
+ Weedon Beck, Church at, 262
+
+ Weldon and Corby, 327
+
+ Welford, Church at, 155
+
+ Wellingborough, Churches in, 210
+
+ West, Mr. J., pastor at Ashley, 148
+
+ White, Mr. E., pastor at Potterspury, 287
+
+ Whitefoot, Mr., pastor at Potterspury, 287
+
+ Whitehead, Mr. J., pastor at Creaton, 182
+
+ Whittenbury, Mr., pastor at Daventry, 208
+
+ Wilby, 210
+
+ Wild, Dr. Robert, pastor at Oundle, 254
+
+ Wild, Mr. W., pastor at Harborough, 143
+
+ Williams, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 184
+
+ Wills, Mr. H., ejected from Loddington, 213
+
+ Wills, Mr. John, pastor at Kettering, 86
+
+ Wilson, Mr. Thomas, 42
+
+ Wollaston, Church at, 344
+
+ Wood, Mr., pastor at Creaton, 182
+
+ Wood, Mr. J., pastor at Rowell, 75
+
+ Woodward, Mr., pastor at Northampton, 41
+
+ Worth, Mr., ejected from Kilsby, 304
+
+ Wright, Mr., pastor at Oundle, 259
+
+
+ Yardley Hastings, Church at, 291
+
+ Yelvertoft, Church at, 335
+
+
+ London: Printed for John Snow, 35, Paternoster Row.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation and punctuation have been
+resolved in all cases where it was possible to divine the author's
+intent with a reasonable degree of certainty.
+
+Page 88 "...at a meeting this 26th of October, 1820, do hereby call and
+desire you.." The transcriber has taken the liberty to change 1820 to
+read 1720, as this appears to be a typographical error.
+
+Again on page 91 "...and entered on his stated engagements there
+September 14th, 1821" has been changed to read 1721.
+
+On page 313 "Mr. Cuzens, the next pastor, commenced his ministry
+in July of the same year, and left in October, 1831." 1831 is in error;
+likely 1841. Has been changed to read 1841.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memorials of the Independent Churches
+in Northamptonshire, by Thomas Coleman
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMORIALS--INDEPENDENT CHURCHES ***
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