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 givingyou 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 ofpractical 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."
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 givingyou 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 ofpractical 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 havebeen 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 thecries 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 invitationwas 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 ministerto 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), theevangelical 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.
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), theevangelical 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 Sociniancongregation 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 £1500; 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 hischarge 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 sicknessshould 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 butthis," 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 thatnot 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 therock. 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.
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 Creatonthat 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,April26, 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.
Creaton,April26, 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.
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 suchsuccess 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, andwas 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.
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 ofMr. 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.
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 continuedto 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.
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 continuedto 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 167½, 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.
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 167½, 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 £40. 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, datedDaventry, 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, hegave 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! haveyou 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 ismine, and I am theirlawfulpastor. 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 goodyoucan expect to do, forIcan do no good upon them. They are a parcel of fools. I can makea foolof the wisest of them, in a quarter of an hour." "Sir," says Mr. Mattock, "you give your neighbours a verybad 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, becausehe 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 resigntheir 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 herebydeclare, 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:—