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.
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 £300. 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 £100 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.
| 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 £200 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 £100 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 £200. 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 £300. 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.