It was not, however, till after the monarchy had given place to the military usurpation of Cromwell, that those who were favourable to Congregational sentiments ventured to form themselves into churches in provincial places,—always doubly exposed to the inspection of ill-designing curiosity. [108b]
Though it is doubtful whether Cromwell really embraced the sentiments of the Independents, yet he certainly countenanced them, by selecting his chaplains, and supplying vacancies in the universities, from amongst the members of their communion; and by recognising in his public acts the right of private judgment. [109] The instrument of government which he framed, declared that none should be compelled to conform to the public religion, by penalties or otherwise; and that such as professed faith in God by Jesus Christ, though differing in judgment from the doctrine, worship, or discipline, publicly held forth, should not be restrained from, but should be protected in, the profession of their faith and exercise of their religion, so as they abused not that liberty to the civil injury of others, and to the actual disturbance of the public peace. [110]
An exception was made to the prejudice of “popery” and “prelacy,” which would be generally regarded, by the Independents of the present day, as equally unjustifiable and needless.
CHAPTER V.
Formation of the Independent church at Beccles—Probable covenant—Earliest members—John Clarke—Baptists—Robert Ottee; made pastor—Deacons chosen—First administration of the Lord’s supper and baptism—Prudential arrangements—Day of thanksgiving—Singing introduced—Prophesyings—Savoy conference—Interruption of the record—Act of Uniformity—Mr. Ottee continues his ministry; his death; posthumous work; opinions and character—Meeting-house—Communion plate.
The formation of an Independent church at Beccles naturally followed from the course of events sketched in the preceding chapters. The sufferings of the martyrs, the puritans, and the Brownists, had preserved the leaven of christian freedom; and the political circumstances of the times combined with the fostering aid of the Norwich and Yarmouth churches, to encourage its manifestation, and to promote its diffusion. Upon those models several christian societies were formed, in various towns of Norfolk and Suffolk, during the years 1652 and 1653. [112a] Beccles took the lead. The church book opens with the following record:—
“The 6th day of ye fifth month, com’only called July, 1652.” [112b]
“The names of such persons whoe have covenanted togither to walke ye of Christ according to Gospell Order, wth an account of such matters as haue occurred in ye Church att Beccles.
“In ye day & yeare above written, these following p’sons joyned in covenant [112c] togither under ye visible Regiment [113] of Christ, according to ye Gospell, vz. Joh. Clarke, James King, jun Robt. Ottey, Edm. Nevill, Joh. Morse, Willm. Cutlove, Edm. Artis, Robt. Horne, Joh. Botswaine.”
Although this mutual engagement was all that was essential to the formation of a church of Christ, yet on an occasion so deeply interesting, and fraught with consequences so momentous, it was natural that the brethren elsewhere should be requested to add their approval, their counsel, and their prayers. In the Congregational church book at Norwich, a letter is stated to have been “received from the Christians at Beckles, by which they signified their intention to gather into church fellowship,” and desired that church would “send messengers to be there upon the 23. of July, 1652.” Daniel Bradford, James Gooding, and Samuel Clarke, were selected for this service.
The first of these three individuals had been “employed in the army,” when the Yarmouth church was formed, and was afterwards a deacon at Norwich. The other two appear to have been among Mr. Bridge’s companions in exile, and to have returned with him. [114a] Doubtless they were men whose zeal was chastened by experience and discretion, and whose piety had stood the tests of time and persecution.
It was usual with the early Independents, at the formation of their churches, to sign an agreement, or covenant, expressive of their objects in thus associating, and pledging themselves to the faithful performance of the duties devolving upon them as church members. [114b] On the formation of their first church at Norwich, their covenant was read aloud by one, and then subscribed by all the brethren.