Littleton WellsOct 12 1791
Dear Son and Daughters
This is to a Quaint you of ower Wellfare having this Oppertunity Ones more to take pen in hand and to Wright a few Lines unto you hoping thay find you all well and Striving Earnestly to Eanter in at the Straite Gate that Leadeth unto Everlasting Life I Bare you much on my Mind be fore the throne of the Lord’s Grace Praying Earnestly that the Lord Would accomplish the Whole work of your Salvation in your Inmost Souls Enabling you to persevere in the way of Holiness and bring you at the last to his Heavenly Kingdom
I hope that you are all Well at Bedford and my Earnest praier for you is that you might be Saved from sin Hear by Belaving in the Lord Jesus Christ and Walking in Sincere Obedeament Love in his Truth and Commandments here so that in our Lord’s Due and appointed time we may sing ower Lord’s praises The Father and the mother and Childern in ower Blessed Saver’s Kingdom whare parting shall be no more for Ever and Ever O my Dear Childern how do I long for your Salvation I know not what is the Thoughts of your Harts pray make Sure work by Examining of your Selves for De Lays are Dangerous Perhaps this may be the Last time of your Dear and Indulgent Fathers Counsels I Expects shortly I shall be Called home from Stage of this World Tharefore I Humbly Bagg of you as my Last Request Be ye Reconciled to God Let fervent praier be your only motive to Induce you to Love the Lord your God for what is all the World with out Gods Love for ower Blessed Lord and Saver saith What shall it profet a man if he gaine The whole World and Loose his own Soul or what shall he Give in Exchange of his sould Let me freely ask you what would be most desirable to you in Heaven my soulis Ready to anser and say to See the Face of my God whome my soul Loveth For it is Gods Presents makes Heaven and Jesus Christ who is the mediator and Interceader betwix my soul and my God O how do I Long to Walk in the Streets of the New Jeruslem but am detained by the Clogg of this Flish But I can truly say Blessed be the Name of the Lord With David whome Lord have I in Heven But thee and whome have I in Earth I do desier in Compaction of thee—Earths but a Sorrey Tent Pitched for a few friel Days A short Seased Tenament Heavens my song my Praise Oh happy Place when shall it be That I shall Reign with Christ in thee methinks my soul is now filled with transporting joy For the Apostle Saith to Romans Belivers that Eye has not seen nor Ear heard neither has it entered in to the Hart of man to Conserve what the Lord hath Laid up for those that Love him—Now my Dear Childern and you my son in pertickler make trile Let Jacobs God and your aged fathers God be your God Your father that are according to the Flish has made trile and can Withess for more than forty years he hath a bean a never failing God and he is the yesterdy to Day and for Ever I E centur all upon hem are you sick he is a kiend Phisician always redy to viset you are you Hungary he will feed you For Jesus Christ saith Blessed are those that Hunger and tirst after Righteousness for they shall be filled—are you werey and heave laden Jesus Christ saith Come unto me all ye that are werey and heavey laden with the Burthen of your Sins and I will give you Rest So we fiend he is Aurse and Good Phisician files not in time nor Eternity Tharefore I Leave you un to his Blessed Care to wash us all in that fountans of hiss most Prectous Blood that wase opened on Moant Calvarey for sin and for uncleanness To wash us both you and me that soon we may from our sinns be free wich is the sinceare Prayer of your Aged father
DAVID SAUNDERS
Thyname be honoured, though theHistoric bard no mention make of theeFor deeds of prowess on the battle field;Nor science nor philosophy a garland dropUpon thy brow for vast discoveries in the fields of art;Nor record hand thee down to latest age,A politician, cunning, crafty, deeply skill’dIn schools of wily usage, who by tricksAnd fraud, his own or country’s weal extends;Or by a lineal descent of princely worthinessDidst occupy a throne, or place upon thy headA jewell’d coronet. Thy ignoble birth, thy meanEstate, thy humble occupation, thy poverty,May perchance excite a laugh, a sneer,A scorn; but thou shalt honoured be.E’en now the young, the aged shall pronounceThee blest; and when the high and potentThings of earth shall sink to dust,—thou!Thou shalt shine bright like a star in theCerulean vault! and in the heavenly sphereShalt form a centre of intelligence; whileAround thee gather thousands yet unbornTo own thee parent and the consecratedMeans of all they hope or do enjoy.
Yes, honoured thou shalt be, for thouDidst fear thy God and serve thy generation;Thou hast done good service in the noblestCause,—hast fought the direst foe in thineOwn person; and in the hearts of others didstIncite to deadliest hate, not against humanKind, but against sin,—the fruitful sourceOf mortal ills, of deep dishonour to theGod of heaven, the poignancy of sorrow’s tear,And the perpetual wailings of the lost.The science, the philosophy acquired andTaught by thee, was love to God, goodwill toMan; while the great mystery brought forth to lightWas love incarnate, and the grace, the blissThat follows from the Cross. The Cross receivedBy faith, a purifying principle withinThe heart,—its light—its life. This was the policyMuch prized by thee; how to obtain eternal bliss:That bliss thou’st gained, and though to frailMorality, allied by common lot, its variousIlls (perverse inheritance) didst feel; yetBy the power of sov’reign grace, in thee so stronglyShewn, to heaven’s high only Lord thou art affianced;And to thee a throne, a crown, a sceptre, and a robeBelong,—nay, already are possessed, and ever willBe thine; thou shalt still enjoy them whenMonarchs, kings, and lords, with all theirRoyal pomp shall shrink to nothingness,And envy those who poor were rich in faithAnd heirs of God. Thus may e’en a shepherdGain a lasting true distinction.
We, the ingatherers of the precious seedSo long ago cast forth in faith, now honour theeAs God’s own instrument, by which the awfulGloom—spawn of satanic power that here fellThickly—was dispersed. The eyeball of theBlind bid upward look on heaven’s own orbs—The Sun of Righteousness, whose heavenly lightDiffuses through the heart—the vital principleOf life. The deaf to hear the music of theSpheres,—nay, His voice that wakes the dead.The stammering tongue, the tongue of blasphemyAnd foul deceit, accustom’d to an oath,—to blessHis name, to speak His praise, or mercy seekFor sins brought forth to light; or blessings neededTo continue in the strait and narrow path.The troubled heart to find the peace, the joy,The hope, the balmy influence springingFrom the life, the death, and exaltationOf Him, the sinner’s friend; and hereEach commence that song sung byThe ransomed choir of heaven.
Immediate Results—Rev. H.Gauntlett—Cottage Services—Persecution—Anecdotes.
Ofthe immediate results of the Shepherd’s toil (which, owing to the erratic and wandering character of human existence, “for man continueth not in any stay,” may be cast to the very ends of the earth), we gather this much: two of the sons of the owner of the mill were brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to feel the sanctifying power of religion, so that the scenes before described, and in which they had largely participated, were relinquished and abandoned, and a great interest felt in the growth and promotion of all that was “pure, lovely, and of good report.” Of them it could be justly said, “Old things have passed away, behold all things are become new.” It was mainly through their instrumentality a room in the mill was allowed for the meetings for reading and prayer on the Sabbath mornings. Another who probably from this humble teacher beneath this roof first heard the simple tale of the scenes of Calvary as revealed in the Gospel, of him it might be said, in the language of God to Cyrus, which will be manifest as we proceed, “I have called thee, though thou hast not known me.” Having engaged, by his intelligent look and manner (which for one in his situation was considerable) the attention and notice of the lady at Clyffe Hall, Mrs. Vince, she advised him to devote his entire time and attention to study for the office of the public ministry; for this purpose he placed himself under the instruction of Dr. Stonehouse, at Cheverill (before referred to), and, after continuing there a suitable time, obtained ordination (the qualifications for which were not so high as at the present time), he becamecurate at Imber and Tilshead. On one or two occasions he preached in the church of this place. His discourses, though not evangelical, were much superior in quality to that usually afforded, and excited considerable attention: this may in some measure be accounted for by the spirit of inquiry that had resulted from the labours of the shepherd.
He afterwards was led to clearer views of Divine truth, which vastly enlarged his sphere of usefulness, and made him a great blessing, not only in his own parish, but in the neighbourhood around, and when we find that he frequently attended the meetings afterwards held in the cottages to be named, there cannot be a doubt but he was made a chosen vessel of mercy. Having on one of those days denominated Saint’s days, probably being disengaged from personal duty, come over to Lavington to hear the vicar, it is remembered after the service visiting his father, then living, his mind was in a remarkably perturbed state, and, walking the room under great excitement, he remarked with solemn emphasis, “If you continue to hear such preaching as I have heard this morning, and are satisfied with it, you will all be lost. The Gospel must be introduced by some means or other.” Nor did it rest in mere declamation, for he with others immediately devised measures for the accomplishment of the wish; he waited upon the Rev. R. Sloper, of Devizes, and entreated him to adopt means to introduce the truth. He afterwards removed to Reading. It was his lot to experience the truth of the Divine word, “He that will live godly must suffer persecution.” When he left Tilshead the ringers, whether at the instigation of others or not is not certain, rang the bells to ring him out; and who does not know what that means? Well had it been for them to have pondered the kindred spirit manifested by the Jews when they exclaimed, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Hepublished a work of considerable acumen on the Revelations of St. John.
As a further confirmation of the good accomplished by these combined exertions, in which was associated a humble but pious individual of the name of Wastfield, who resided at Imber, and frequently came over and preached in the Market Place, on a stone that formerly stood at the corner of the butcher’s shop, as did also some others whose hearts were stirred within them, when, like Paul at Athens, they saw the place given to idolatry of the most debasing character. Among these was a Mr. Williams, who was much persecuted, and obtained the cognomen of “Jehovah,” from his frequent use of that term of the Almighty, and the “Dearly Beloved,” from his affectionate entreaty when urging home upon his hearers the momentous concerns of the soul. From these labours of faith and love many were aroused to concern; and such “as had tasted that the Lord was gracious, and felt the powers of the world to come,” made it their practice to repair regularly to Devizes on the Sabbath morning, taking with them their provisions for the day, that so they might remain the afternoon services, “For the Word of God was precious in those days,” and of them it might literally as well as spiritually be said, “they went from strength (company) to strength,” each succeeding traveller or group overtaking the preceding one, until by their mutual blending (and like the disciples going to Emmaus, they talked of the things concerning their everlasting welfare by the way; and who can doubt but that their risen and exalted Lord would commune with them), until at length they appeared before God in Zion. But the true effects must be left for time to develope, and the full extent of the benefit can only be disclosed by the light of Eternity, when at the last great gathering of the precious fruits of the Sun it shall be found “this andthat man were born here,” and when the righteous Lord, whose decisions will be according to truth, shall make up His jewels, and acknowledging the efforts and labours of His humblest servant, reward every man according to his work.
Cottage in Parsonage Lane
It was to be expected that these privileges, though so scanty, and which were highly prized, should produce in their minds an earnest and growing desire for the increase of the means of grace to themselves, and also for the benefit of those around them, especially of their own flesh and blood, as many would from family and other circumstances be prevented availing themselves of the public ordinances which they enjoyed. Now, in the apostolic writings such a feeling is given as one criterion of a renewed state, “To do good unto all men, and especially those of the household of faith;” for them as yet nothing had been prepared; they were prompted to special exertion, and their first step was to obtain a room where an evening service in the week could be held, and when they could obtain the assistance of some minister from the neighbourhood, this was done, a cottage (chiefly through the instrumentality of the Rev. Mr. Gauntlett, before alluded to) situated in Parsonage Lane (now in the occupation of Hannah Love, a member of the Church) was obtained, William Smith was then the occupant: here, it is believed, a regular service was commenced. Such proceedings excited in the public mind warm and bitter persecution. “The enemies of all righteousness, the children of Belial,” manifested open hostility, every method was devised to upset their proceedings. They injected into the room where they were assembled, through every available avenue, various substances of filth, disgusting and fœtid effluvium, as rotten eggs, stale wash, asafoetida, &c. In this honourable employment the exciseman stationed here was one of the most violent and bitter.The people dwelling next door, themselves hostile to religion, were open aiders and abettors, being prevailed upon by the gift of spirits and malt liquor to increase the annoyance by pouring these filthy accumulations down the chimney. Finding that the friends amid all these assaults displayed no disposition to retreat or yield, but an heroic determination in humble reliance on the Great Head of the Church to maintain their ground, and, if possible, make inroads upon the territory of the Prince of darkness, they proceeded a step further, blocking up the ventilation, and darkening the apertures for light, assailing them with all the known but indescribable sounds of discord, both vocal and instrumental, uttering the most disgusting and opprobrious epithets, and insulting them personally as they came to and fro. Still, no cry for quarter, no compromise was even whispered by the followers of the despised Redeemer, they not only remembered it was uttered by Him when on the earth, “If they persecute me they will also persecute you,” and “these things will they do unto you because they know not the Father nor me,” but they counted it an honour to share in His sufferings.
The storm, without losing any of its general character or being drawn off or diverted from the associated body, made itself felt in its individual power. The ties of family connexions, of friendship and acquaintance, and even of business transactions, were broken up; and where before the nod of recognition, the hand of friendship, and the salute of relationship was given, now the sly averted look, the curled lip, the knitted brow, told plainly and unmistakeably the bitterness of spirit, the malevolence of soul dwelling within; but upon none did it beat with more violence and vehemence than the humble tenant of the house, who soon felt it in its own native malignity, and that, too, with the sanctionand influence of parties moving in the so-called respectable walks of life, by which they sought to crush and ruin him. What pleasure does the carnal mind feel when, under the direct control of the god of this world, it vents its venom on those who, by their life, portray a virtue of which the other cannot boast? He was required either to discontinue the services in his house or to give up possession, supposing thus to cow the spirit of one whose daily maintenance depended on his honest toil. They had recourse to promises, persecutions, threats, and intimidation. He manifested the true spirit of Christian heroism, for although he never exhibited what some would term a decided proof of a renewed heart, being of a timid and retiring temperament, rather courting the secluded shade than the open blaze of publicity, which rendered the temptation more fierce and trying, yet his unimpeachable rectitude, his moral propriety, his constant and lively interest in the prosperity and progress of the cause, his steady adherence to it through the fiery ordeal, and his happy death, justify the conclusion that silently the sacred seed had vegetated; and ultimately he received the end of his faith, the salvation of the soul. Alluding to the fact here stated, when visited in his last affliction and in the near views of eternity, he expressed himself thankful that he was not allowed to yield to the temptation, but was enabled to do as he had done, for with the Apostle “he conferred not with flesh and blood.” Conscience dictated and he obeyed her voice, gave up the cottage regardless of ulterior consequences (for he had been told by his employer that he should visit with his heavy displeasure his persistance in such conduct), and having one of his own in White Street, which stood on the site of Mr. Hayward’s surgery, he removed thither, carrying the ark of God with him, thus nobly consecrating his house to the service of religion. Wasnot this the spirit of the ancient believer who said, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”? What an example is here presented, a noble sacrifice worthy of all honour, which nothing but the conviction of the goodness of the cause in which he was embarked could enable him to fulfil. Verily the blessing he sought he was permitted to realize, for “God, who is not unrighteous to forget the work of faith and labour of love,” has left it on record for all to the end of time, “Them that honour me I will honour.” He was afterwards elected to the office of clerk and sexton of the chapel, which he filled with credit for several years; dying in a good old age in the year 1847.
The vicar being determined to suppress these irregular proceedings, as he denominated them, probably imagining as all clergymen do, they are the only authorised instructors of the people, used all his influence, and having secretly encouraged those low assaults previously recorded, but which to his chagrin had been unable to shake them from their purpose, now proceeded to open remonstrance. He placed a person to watch the arrival of the expected minister, who from some cause or other had been delayed; his anxiety to do what he thought God’s service, got the better of his patience, or perhaps fearing his emissary might fall under the evil influence of bad example, repaired thither himself. The person acting as precentor had commenced the service by singing, and was preparing to read the Scriptures, when he was stopped by the rev. gentleman (who had no fear of being cited into the Ecclesiastical court for brawling) and severely reprimanded for his conduct, and admonished to go home and not disturb the quiet of the place by such disorderly proceedings. By this time the minister had arrived, and the intruder, either alarmed at his antagonist, or, it is to be hoped, ashamed of his conduct, withdrew, andleft the assembly to the enjoyment of their evening’s exercise. The following day he was waited upon by two Dissenting ministers from Devizes, and in his turn received reproof and admonition. Not at all relishing the interview, he made it as brief as possible, and gladly bowed them from under his roof, remarking to some one near, “If they preach as they talk, I do not wonder the people go to hear them.” Satisfied with one visit he never coveted or sought another, and though he did not approve, he would not again by his own overt acts bring himself into collision with them. Well had it been for him to have learned wisdom of the Jewish Sanhedrim, “Let these men alone, for if the work be of God ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found to fight against God.”
A blacksmith in White Street, a worshipper of the jolly god, Bacchus, on one occasion, after the indulgence of copious potations, entered the place where they were assembled, and endeavoured to interupt the service. Having come in the extreme liberality and charity of his warm heart earnestly to expostulate with what he considered the deluded people, especially the minister, whom he evidently imagined to act under the impulse of sordid motives, begging him not to disturb the peace of the village, saying, “If it is want that leads you so to act, here,” said he, and accompanying the word with peculiar action, he drew from under his leathern apron or some capacious pocket a large piece of bacon, adding, “If you want something to eat, here is some for you.” We can only hope that he may have been brought to see and know that “Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
The encouragement from neighbouring Ministers—A Church formed—First members—Sabbath schools—Chapel purchased—Opening sources—Separation—First pastor—Enlargement, second and third pastors.
Thislittle despised band of Christians, amid all the evil influences at work for their dispersion, were much encouraged by the continued success that attended them. Had the Established Church provided better spiritual food it is probable the growth of Dissent at best would have been very slow and weak; and had she, instead of the bitterness everywhere manifested, employed more conciliatory means, it would have tended materially to retard the progress of events, which the course pursued rather accelerated by producing conviction of error, and hence leading to a perusal of that volume which is and ever will be the only statute book of the court of hearers, to which duty they were specially and earnestly directed for a solution of all difficulties, a solver of all doubts, and the only safe guide in all practical matters. They were much encouraged and assisted by many of the ministers from the surrounding Churches. The Rev. Robert Sloper, of Devizes, who especially took the infant cause under his fostering wing, and hence during his ministry regarded it as part and parcel of his own particular charge,—a kind of out-station to the Church of that place. Mr. Honeywell, of Melksham, was also very kind to them, visiting and encouraging them as often as his duties at home would allow. Mr. Jackson, of Warminster, and Mr. Sibree, of Frome, were frequent visitors here. The latter would invariably have a service on the Monday morning early before he returned home; and it is believed was the means of doing much good. Andthere was the then youthful Jay, of Christian Malford, a name that will doubtless continue in the remembrance of the Christian Church for years to come. Some of his earliest pulpit productions were delivered here; he consequently ever after felt a deep interest in its progress and prosperity.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” that about this time several persons of respectability were induced to attend; doubtless various motives were in operation—some were attracted by the juvenility of the preacher, Mr. Jay; others with the simple yet melting piety of Mr. Sibree; and a third class would desire to hear what this new doctrine or sect was which was everywhere spoken against; of many it will be remarked, they were in the way, and the Lord met them—“a timid, feeble, youthful hand may pull the string, but an Unseen One guideth the arrow,” brought to a saving knowledge of the truth; they “laid hold of the skirts of Him that was a Jew saying, we will go with you for God is with you,” and cast in their lot with his people.
An onward course was now imperative; the next step was to organize a Christian Church—a good sign when it springs not from the spirit of faction and wish to appear something but from a healthy action—a desire to keep the commands of Christ, and become local centres of influence, lights to diffuse the Gospel. Such we trust were the feelings that animated the first band here—a desire to promote their own individual well-being and the glory of God. Their tried and constant friend, Mr. Sloper, met them in conference, and making every proper inquiry, agreed to form them into a distinct body. Having laid before them the laws of Christ, the Great Head of the Church, by which they were to be governed, and to regulate their daily conduct, walk, and conversation, promising to preside over themwhenever his duties at home would allow. The following persons then gave and received of each other the right hand of fellowship:—
Mr.Richard Ward.
Mrs.Ward.
Mr.Wm. Moor.
Mrs.Mary Moor.
Mr.Joseph Ward.
Mrs.Ann Ward.
Mr.John Gauntlett.
Mrs.Mary Gauntlett.
MissAnn Gauntlett.
The two last-named persons are the only ones remaining, the rest are, in the language of the Apostle, “fallen asleep in Christ.” Miss Ann Gauntlett is a member of the Church assembling at Argyle Chapel, Bath, lately under the pastoral care of the now saintedWilliam Jay: the other continues a member of the Church here.
Old Parsonage
In the year following, feeling their strength increase, “waxing stronger and stronger,” they proceeded to make provision for the young around them, fully entering into the spirit of that great truth which has since been so extensively carried out, viz., “that the future hope of the Christian Church must be the young,” they opened a school on the Sabbath for boys in the bakehouse of Mr. Gauntlett, the corner of Parsonage Lane, under the joint supervision of that gentleman and Mr. Joseph Ward, and one for girls at the old parsonage house, a little way up the lane, where Miss Saunders had a seminary for young ladies. This lady took the superintendence of that department: what were the numbers of the pupils and teachers there is now no record. These things continued until the purchase of the chapel, and the schools were removed thither, when Mr. Saunders (who with his sister about this time joined the Church) took the superintendency of the whole.
We cannot suffer an occasion like the present to pass without according to the memory of that gentleman the respect due to him for those efficient services he rendered. The energy of mind, thebusiness-like habits, the sanctified talent, the spontaneous generosity, the unflinching rectitude, and the unwavering firmness which so strikingly formed his character, he brought to bear upon the prosperity not only of the school, which for forty years he presided over with unvarying regularity and constancy, never during that lengthened period been five minutes beyond his time, but the cause of the Redeemer generally, which in its various departments found in him a warm supporter, and especially that part of it with which he was immediately connected as an office bearer. Many now risen to take part in the activities of life can bear testimony to the tender amenities, the affectionate solicitude, persevering and patient assiduity by which his instructions were characterised. We deeply deplore those events and circumstances which, under the mysterious arrangements of Divine Providence, have withdrawn the several members of his family from this locality, and thus denied the Church of one of his descendants upon whom the Paternal mantle might have fallen to supply his place, and hand down his name, zeal, piety, and energy to future generations. We trust that that family will continue to feel a deep and lasting interest in the prosperity of this our Zion.
From the continued accessions made and the decline of those prejudices and animosities which had so long vexed them from without, it became absolutely necessary that increased accommodation should be provided. Numerous difficulties at first presented themselves, every attempt to obtain suitable premises or a plot of ground eligible for the erection of a chapel was abortive. After waiting some time, the meeting-house belonging to the Friends before referred to, situate at the east end of the town, was to be disposed of: such a favourable opening naturally created a wish to possess the long-desired boon. A correspondence upon the subjectwas opened, and after due deliberation and counsel it was determined to embrace the offer, and the property was delivered over in trust for the especial use and service of the Church and congregation, under the denomination of Independents, of the Pædo-baptist persuasion, subject to certain conditions as to the right of the Friends to its use occasionally if required. These documents, with subsequent ones, are now placed in the custody of the County Association, who have provided a safe repository for such papers. It was a square building built of rough stone, having brick quoins, and a brick front on one side abutting on the street, a narrow lane conducting to a cottage running at the back, the other side and front standing in the graveyard, enclosed with a stone wall; the admeasurement of which is 23 ft. by 39 ft., that of the building 33 ft. by 22 ft. Some considerable alteration was requisite to fit it for its intended purpose, a pulpit and desk being necessary; these having been accomplished, the place was opened by two public services; that in the morning by the Rev. Josiah Bull, of Newport Pagnell, and that in the evening by their warm friend, the Rev. William Jay, then settled at Bath. Most of the neighbouring ministers attended and united with them in the joy of that auspicious event,—the possession of a sanctuary of their own. They still continued dependant on foreign aid for the supply of the pulpit until about the year 1806, when the question of a regular established pastorate was mooted, especially as their much and deservedly esteemed friend felt the infirmities of advancing age coming upon him, so as to require additional help at home. The Rev. R. Sloper was unable to give them that assistance so desirable. This subject was one calculated to produce disunion, and painful as it is to contemplate, yet justice requires it should be told,—sad proof of the imperfection of human nature, even under the professed sanctifyingpower of the Gospel, the truth so long foretold by the Apostle became exemplified, “Whereas there are among you divisions, and strifes, and contentions. For while one of you saith, I am of Paul, and another, I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ, are ye not carnal?”—it ultimated in open rupture and separation, not only of the Church and congregation, but also of the Sabbath school, under Mr. Christopher Garrett, who withdrew, he and his followers, to a cottage situated in the lane near the weighing engine. A barn which stood near was afterwards pulled down, and the cottage enlarged to the size of the present building, from that time known as the lower chapel. The separatists have continued a distinct body of close communionists holding Baptist principles, from whom have since seceded the other body assembling in the new chapel in White Street, erected by Miss Husband.
In the year 1809, the portion of the Church that remained at what was then denominated the Upper Meeting, still desirous of a settled minister, chose Mr. Richard Ward, one of their number, and called him to the sacred office of pastor. Considering it desirable to his standing among the ministers, they proceeded to a public designation of him, and invited the pastors of neighbouring Churches to unite with them and recognise the mutual engagement. The usual and varied services were gone through embodying the profession of faith, the principles of Dissent, the nature of the Gospel Church, the imposition of hands, and the charge to the minister elect, with advice to the Church, in which various parties were engaged. He continued to labour among them with great acceptance until the year 1818, when the infirmities of age coming upon him, he relinquished his office. The attendance was much increased under his ministry, and several were added to the Church. It was during this period anaddition was made of a gallery, which was soon filled, and an enlargement of the building rendered necessary; this was accomplished to the extent of 20 ft., its now present dimensions, rendering it capable of accommodating about 500 persons. By these alterations a heavy debt was incurred, and remained a burden until the time of the Rev. T. Sturgess, in the year 1829. Mr. Ward lived several years after his resignation, and died in 1839, full of years and faith; he was interred in the burying ground adjoining, nearly opposite the lower door.
Independent Chapel
He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Slade, a young man who was educated for the ministry at the Dissenting College at Newport Pagnell, under the Rev. Josiah Bull; and in the year 1818 was ordained according to the usual manner among the Churches of the denomination, but only continued with them till when, from an inability to please some who were fastidious, he resigned, and removed to Corsham, where he has continued ever since with comfort and honour to himself and advantage to the people of his charge. May he long continue, be made an increasing blessing, and with them richly enjoy the benediction of the Great Head of the Church.
In the following year the Rev. John Guard, then supplying Portland Chapel, Bath (a new Independent interest which it was attempted to raise to meet the wants of the extensive population of that city, but from the want of encouragement in certain quarters failed) was, from the recommendation and with the advice of the Rev. Wm. Jay, invited as a supply and, being approved of, he was requested to accept the vacant pastorate: he entered upon it in the year and continued to fill it till 1827, being constrained through the occurrence of some trying and unpleasant circumstances to relinquish his charge. Although he passed through the ordeal unscathed and with a clear conscience, yet he was much boweddown in his spirit, and felt his soul keenly sensitive, deeply lacerated. From hence he removed to Wickwar, in Gloucestershire, where he remained a few years, then went into Hampshire, where the cause being in a very low and unpromising state, and there appearing but very little prospect of its reviving, he did not remain long, but removed to Mavagessy, in Cornwall. How long he continued here is not exactly known. The next account of him is, that he returned to Overton, in Hampshire, and soon after terminated his trying pilgrimage.
The removal of this servant of the Most High had an injurious effect upon the cause. The circumstances alluded to produced a great convulsion; the Church became divided, part spake one thing and part another, these bitter waters of strife ended in a temporary separation, and those who left occupied a room near the weighing engine. The Rev. Thos. Williams, who about twenty years before had visited the town and preached in the Market Place, then residing in London, was visited by an influential member of that party, with whom he had previously become acquainted, invited to come down, and settle among them, which he did, although he afterwards much regretted that step, being, as he said, misled in the representations made to him as to the state of affairs. The pulpit at the chapel being filled by casual supplies and some of the resident friends, after about six months the breach was healed, and the two parties re-united, when Mr. Williams became the pastor of the whole body. Unhappily the calm was of a treacherous character, and the sky soon put on a very portentous and ominous appearance. The echo of discord broke upon the ear, and instead of the sweets of harmony and heavenly fellowship, a union of purpose and aim, the unhallowed conflict and strife of party domination, so uncongenial to increase of grace, became apparent; the good man’speace of mind was destroyed, and his usefulness impaired. After remaining a little more than a year, he closed his engagements with them, and withdrew to the lower chapel. He died in the year 1835, and was buried in the ground belonging to that place. A tablet was erected within the chapel to his memory.
Cross-roads chapel—Ebenezer chapel—Fourth pastor—Chancery suit—Debt paid—Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth pastors—Improvements—Jubilee.
Itwas about this time and in some measure owing to the above proceedings that the chapel at Littleton (known as the Cross-roads meeting) was erected upon the site of a cottage and grounds purchased for that purpose, which was put in trust for the use of the Independents, and though never actually attached to the cause at Market Lavington, yet mainly dependant upon the friends of that place and occasionally supplied by the minister, its chief reliance is upon lay agency. A proposal was made to take it under the direction of the church here (in 1854), as it was thought likely to promote its success, but as opposition was made thereto by one of the trustees, the attempt was relinquished, and they are left to their own resources.
From this, in the year 1839, a party seceded and formed themselves into a distinct body embracing Baptist views, and built Ebenezer chapel upon ground given by the Earl of Radnor. They have never been able to maintain a minister, but are dependant upon lay agency.
In the year 1829, an invitation was sent to the Rev. Thomas Sturgess, then settled at Melksham, requesting him to supply the pulpit at Lavington; at the termination of his probationary visit, he was requested to settle over them. He complied and took up his abode among them. Alas! how varied are the forms of evil, and how diverse are the phases in which it can appear; just as are the dispositions of the human mind so will there be found an adaptation in error, in perfect accordance with the natureof the reptile so fitly chosen as an emblem of the author of all evil, “The serpent,” as one of our poets has expressed it, “takes a thousand forms to cheat our soul to death,” compression or dilation, the assumption of any device or colour, just as suits his purpose, so that the progress of truth be impeded. We have before noted how one after another of the servants of Christ have been constrained, by sinful perversity of their people, with wounded hearts and streaming eyes, to vacate their post; but now the scene somewhat changes, and the cause is to be assailed in a more vulnerable point. Ruin hovers over it, and how deliverance is to be obtained or from what quarter it is to come is a mystery. The debt arising from the enlargement in the time of the first pastor, and which had been suffered to continue, presses upon them, and assumes the form of a Chancery law suit: the property is attached, and the people are quite inadequate to combat it; but as all who are acquainted with law well know that as far as the defendant is concerned, it admits of no delay, but if allowed, like a leech, will glut itself with the very vitals of life. The people put forth their utmost efforts, and then made application to the Wilts Association of Independent or Congregational Churches for assistance. Having no funds available for this purpose at their disposal, they recommended the case to the Churches of Christ generally—the minister of the place travelling the county to solicit their aid. It was his privilege soon to realise the object which enabled him to discharge the debt by which the suit was stayed. He remained till 1834, when he removed to Marlborough, where he continued some time, then left for Sidmouth, and afterwards for Collumpton. In a few years he relinquished the stated ministry, and removed to the North of England. For the space of two years they remained without a shepherd, in a great measure arising fromthe diversity of temperament the human mind everywhere exhibits, and in no case more so than in matters of religion, especially in the democratic cast of the Dissenting Churches, which is an evil to be deplored, as too often affording to one individual the opportunity of governing a Church through the power of influence exerted over minds incompetent to a just discrimination of things; yet, when compared with the other evil resulting from the concentration of power in one individual, in the form of patronage is much to be preferred, as less likely to be injurious to truth. To the reflecting mind, the fact herein advanced will receive abundant confirmation in the diversity of creeds and professions with which the Christian world abounds, causing more animosity and heart-burning than any thing else, and from which very few Churches have escaped. During this interregnum their reliance was chiefly upon neighbouring ministers and what lay agency could be made available, which, unless judiciously employed, will of itself be productive of evil, by exalting some aspiring mind beyond his proper sphere.
In 1836, the Rev. John Young was recommended and at their invitation settled among them, but after about twelve months’ residence, owing to some unpleasant affair of a personal nature, he deemed it advisable to retire. Recourse was then had to ministerial friends far and near, and that for the space of about five years; during which they enjoyed comparative quietness and prosperity. In 1841, those who preferred a resident ministry to the dissipating mode of mere supplies (which, however pleasing to such as admire variety, is not the best for promoting true genuine piety and a steady progress in the path of holiness; nor is it calculated to foster some of the sweetest and tenderest of associations—those between pastor and people), made an effort to realize their wish; when the Rev. J. S.Gilbert was chosen to be their minister with very encouraging prospects; but the fairest day may have its clouds. A misunderstanding arose relative to his ordination; and although every means were used to overcome the difficulties—much as his friends regretted the issue, seeing he was not likely to be comfortable, they advised him to withdraw, and with great reluctance he complied. The managers, for by that name the officers were known, opened a correspondence with the Rev. C. P. Hobbs, of Highbury College; though at first he manifested a disinclination to accept the call to the pastorate, eventually he agreed, and was ordained in the year 1842. During his ministry the cause rose to a very respectable position, but the varying atmosphere became again overcast and agitated from a quarter unexpected and unlooked for. Mr. Hobbs’s views of church polity which he publicly professed at his ordination underwent a complete revolution; he therefore resigned in the early part of 1849, and conformed to the Established Church: he settled at Liverpool, but has since removed to the neighbourhood of London; and our hope is he may be made an extensive and lasting blessing. At the close of the year the Rev. C. B. Holder took the charge and remained until 1853, when, from some unexplained cause, he followed in the wake of his predecessor; and after for a time vacillating between the Establishment and Dissent, as the fane of interest varied, he at last accepted the office of Scripture Reader under the Bishop of Manchester, with the promise of eventual ordination.
The secession of these successive pastors, after solemn averment of having well considered the opposite principles of Church government, and selecting that from conviction of its scriptural truthfulness, was very naturally calculated to shake and overturn the faith of many, and give cause forrejoicing to their enemies. The removal and death of some of their warmest and best friends about the same time tended very much to depress the Church and engender a state of languor. But hopes are entertained that the tide has turned, the crisis passed, and an amendment commenced. The present number of members is fifty. It had been the wish of many of the friends for a considerable time past to improve the singing, and if possible to avoid those fruitful sources of evil which many a devout mind has had to deplore and too often caused discord, by the erection of an organ. The promising appearances which have arisen since the settlement of the present minister (this took place at the fall of the year 1853), seemed to afford a favourable opportunity for its accomplishment. A committee was accordingly formed for this express purpose; and after a general canvass so much encouragement was experienced, that terms were entered into for one every way suitable for the sum of £40. Steps were immediately taken for its erection, and it was opened in December of the same year, when sermons from Psalm xlvii. 7, were preached by the pastor. The ladies of the congregation exerted themselves to provide new cushions for the pulpit and desk, and curtains for the organ gallery and windows. About the same time a pupil of the minister’s, by the productions of his pencil, not only gratified the friends with drawings of the interior and exterior of the chapel, but by the sale of these purchased a hot-air stove, which he presented to the Church.
On Good Friday, April 6th, 1855, a balance remaining as a debt for alterations necessary, and the period of a little over fifty years having elapsed from the first establishment of the Church, a jubilee tea-meeting was held, which was very numerously and respectably attended: a great many friends came from Devizes and the neighbourhood around. Theplace was tastefully decorated with evergreens for the occasion. At the back of the pulpit was placed a perpendicular rectangle, in the centre of which was suspended the quotation of Scripture, Heb. xiii. 7, 8. On either side of the pulpit were arches with similar inscriptions, taken from Ps. cxxii. 7, and Ps. lxxxiv., 1. In front of the pulpit was hung a drawing of the shepherd, on the frame of which was:—“The memory of the just is blessed,” the date of his birth and death with his age. In front of the organ, was a double arch with single mottoes of “Fear God,” “Honour the King.” The pillars of the gallery having branches of laurel were surmounted with similar inscriptions of,—“Love the brotherhood,” “Honour all men,” “Unity, and dwell in love.” About 200 sat down to tea at four o’clock; after ample justice had been done to the abundant repast provided, a public meeting was held, when George W. Anstie, Esq., of Devizes, was invited to preside. The pastor read the history now given, which was received with marked approval; he also exhibited the pocket bible of the shepherd and two manuscript letters lent for the occasion; after which several persons addressed the meeting.
Maythe Great Head of the Church, whose gracious Providence has so long watched over this interest, and through the fires of persecution—the troublous waters of discord—the agitation of envy and prejudice—brought it to its present position, vouchsafe His high and holy benediction, that Pastor and People in all their works of faith and labours of love may combine in the unity of the Spirit a holy brotherhood, contend not for Diotrephian supremacy, but for the “faith once delivered to the saints,” and aim to perpetuate the cause of the Redeemer, whose beginning though small has in its progress received marks of His divine hand, that generations yet to come, while they do honour to the memory of the Pious Shepherd of Salisbury Plain, may be folded by each under pastor, and at last owned by him the great Shepherd of the Sheep, when each local society of believers shall, by the powerful and purifying influence of “the Truth,” lose each minor peculiarity which now marks them, and generate a spirit of separation, unite in one universal, redeemed, and glorified Church, to place upon the head of their adored Redeemer the diadem of many crowns, uniting in the hosanna of a happy universe, saying, “Thou art worthy, for Thou hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood. To Him be glory, honour, majesty, and power for ever.”