ou^ ..... i.£lliPRCHATGP:o: r\ T .'\ r TV T c^ T '\ ^T T T r i . ''^ !vi. VJ U 1 xl. • * ■ 4 ■ « < t < ' < it ' i ^ • r L AUTHENTIC RECORDS RF.I.ATI.VG TO 6bbc Cbristhnt Cbuvrk NOW MKETIXC IX George Street and Mutley Chapels, PLYMOUTH. 1640 TO 1870. CO>rPILED BY HENRY M. NICHOLSON. ^ LONDON : KLMOT STOCK, 02 I'ATIC RNOSTKR ROW. i;.C. I'l-YMOUTH : iiroarAs ikudok, 121 union strkkt. Price — One Sliilltus and Six-pence. PI.VMOl' 1 H : JOHN SMITH, TRIM I i;, IlIliVlI.LE STREET. CONTENTS. Page. Introduction i. forilvtion of the cnurch 5 II. Abraham Cheare 6 III. The Gathering of the Storm 17 rV. Prison Literature 24 V. From Prison to Glory 46 • VI. Further History of the Church, from 1687 to 1748 53 YII. Co>[mencement of the Pastorate of the Rev. p. Gibbs 68 YIII. Origin of the Churches in Devonport .... 74 IX. Eev. William Winterbotham and Perse- cution revived 82 X. From the Close of the Eev. W. Winter- rotham's Ministry to the Year 1821 ... . 97 XI. From the Commencement of Mr. Nicholson's Ministry to the Year 1870 101 List of Authorities quoted 117 INTRODUCTION. The Cliristian Clmrcli, of wliicli the following pages contain the simple record, was foiinded early in the seven- teenth centm-y, but the exact date of its formation cannot be ascertained; it was most probably between the years 1620 and 1640. It appears that this was the only Con- gregational Church then existing in the town, and that it was composed of Independents as well as Baptists. In the reign of James I, a treatise, originally written in Dutch, was translated and published by the Baptists in England, entitled, "A very plain and well grounded treatise on Baptism." This treatise, in which the Baptists avowed their friendly disposition towards the civil govern- ment, gained them many friends, though it did not abate the spirit of persecution against them. However, from this time, they began to separate themselves into distinct Churches, and hence, in common with other Nonconformists, were called — " Separatists." * On the 6th September, 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers, who, it must be remembered, were also Separatists, left the Port of Plymouth in the ''May Flower." Whilst in the town, preparing for their departure, they were "kindly entertained and courteously used by divers friends there dwelling." It is most likely that these friends held similar views to those of the Pilgrims, and it may well be supposed that they were among the first members of this Church. The writer of the New Plymouth (America) Eecords, J;hus refers to them : — " This name of Plymouth was so called, not only for the reason here named, but also because Plymouth in Old England was the last town they left in their native country, and for that they received many kindnesses from some Christians there. "^' • Morton's "ITew England Memorial, 1GC9. AUTHENTIC RECORDS, Relating to the Christian Church, noto meeting in George Street and 2[utleg Chapels^ Plymouth. I. FOEMATION OF THE CHUECH. The earliest known records of tlie present Chiiroli, Jute back to the year 1648. In that year Abraham Chcare was baptized, and joiiied the Church, and" veiy, soon' after- wards received an ijivitation to the pastorate, Avliich he accepted in the following- j-ear. The Church must have existed for some j-ears, and at this time have been in a flourishing condition, as the invitation to Chearo is said to Imve been signed by 15U members. Plj-mouth at this period was, as regards its size, a very iusigniticant town. It appears however, that some value must have been attached to the possession of it, as a very protracted struggle took place in the attempt which the lloyalist parly made to subdue it in 1643. At an early poricjd of the civil war it espoused the cause of the rarliament. On the fourth of N()veml)er, 1613, a notice was issued to its inliabitants to tliis eil'ect : "It is this day ordered by the council of war, that this a'Ow and protestation 1)0 ojjcnjy proclaimed in the assemblies, by the Mi/listers, in this town, to-morrow, being the iiftli of November, 16 J3, and that it might bo presented to all oflicerH and soldiers, inhabitants and strangers of the t*)wneH and garrisons of Tlymouth, Stonehouse, the Fort OTid Island, and (li;it special notice be taken of all siU'h as shall njfuho to take th(.' said vow and protestation " The person signing this solemn vow and covenant, bound him- .self fdithfully to maintain and defend to tin' utmost of his power, the " Townes of I'lymout.h, Stoneliouse, the Fort and Island," against all forces now raised against them, "or that sliall be raised by any power or authority what- soever without tho lousent and authority of both Houses of ParUament." (Narrative of the Sieqe of Plymouth, London, 1643.; In obedience to tliis order, Cheare served in tlie trained bands' of tho town at this period. Plymouth is noted as tho only town in the west, that did not fall into the liands 'of the Eoyalists. **Its fortitications "were, comparatively spealdng, very extensive, and considering tho state of military warfare at the time, sufficiently important. In addition to a chain of foists on the outskirts, from tho sea at Pennycomeqiiick to that at Lipson, it was surrounded by a continuous wall strongly fortified at intervals, and partially, if not wholly encompassed by a ditch." It could be entered only through gates which were at this time in esdstence. The principal of these were — East Gate, at C'oxside ; Martin's Gate, at Briton-side ; Gasking Gate ; Old-town Gate, near Drake Street, "and here the entrance to the town must have been over a ditch, as in an old map this spot is named * Terrour Drawbridge ' and a fort is noticed, a little to the west, called Charles Fort." Besides these there were "Franc-forte" (Frankfort) Gate and Hoe Gate. (Plymouth Tracts — and Map, 1643.y II. ABEAHAM CHEAEE. Abraham Cheare was born at Plymouth, of humble but believing parents, and was brought up b}- them to the ' 'poor, yet honest trade of a Fuller." Two years after he had undertaken the oversight of the Chui'ch, a piece of land in the Pig-market (now Bedford Street), was purchased by his people, and a house appropriated to Divine worship. In Meen's manuscript History of Dissenting Chiirches (1784), the meeting house is described as being " within the Bor- ough, near Frankfort Gate ; " where they met previously does not appear on record. Tho Church and its beloved Pastor seem to have lived for some time in peace and security, the magistrates offering- no opposition. This peaceful state of things was no doubt owing to the -wise and christian government of the nation under Oliver Cromwell. In 1656, Cheare, together with some other of his brethren, was engaged in publishing au address to the Churches, entitled — "Sighs for Sion, or Faitli and Love : coutaiuing some grievings In liei- sorrow and groaning^ for her deliverance : by a few of lier weak and unworthy children. Humbly and in all faithfulness, presented to those assemblies of hers, where grace hath set them as watchmen ; and unto any ctthers, that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. — In way of Essay — to blow the triimpet in Sion and sound an alarm in God's holy mountain, to the awakening them that are at ease, and pressing and en- couraging all the upright in heart, to bo in pain with her, in this da}- of her sore travail and great expectation. "(Psalm cxxxviij. Isa. Ixii, H, 7. Lam. ii, 18, I'J. Mic.iv.lf. ]sa.lxvi,8.) London, 1657." " Preface — To the several congregations respectively to which we stand especially related, viz : — Plymouth. Abingdon, Totnesa, Bovhey Tracy and Dartmouth. "Dearly beloved — We know and acknowledge ourselves, to be debtors (yea, we owe our ownselves) to the Lord and you, for the exceeding grace that we (though most unworthy) have found in His sight, counting us faithful and putting- us into the ministry of His gospel ; and for that our service amongst you hath been, and is in aiiy measure accepted. Under the sense of which engagement, it is the least avc can do to be ready to render an account of ourselves from time to time imto you ; the which we the more cheerfull}- now undertake, as being under the persuasion of a call of the Lord leading us fortli thereunto, and having good hope tlu-ough grace that our labour shall not be in vain in Him ; in and through whom we are. "Yours faitlifully, labouring (though in much weakness) for your souls prosperity, as those whoso joy and rt'joycing, both here and in the da}- (jf Christ, waits to be I'uliilled thei*ein. "Abraliam Clieare, '■ Jolin Pcndarves, " Hciirv Ti)Y\v, " Tlu.nias Classe, " Hobort Stoode." From a copy in tlic British Museum ol this very scarce " Epistle to the Churches," the following passages are selected. "Tlio great God of Iicavcn and earth, who hath graven you, ye precious sons and daughters of Sion, on the palms of His hands, hatli also greatly indeand you 1o (»ur a hearts ; iusomiioh as we may say witli the Apostle, ye are in our liearts (in the Lord,) to live and dyo with you : yea, we trust our inward aii'ection is more abundantly toward you, than our visible expression in the ensuing linos : whereof at present we find no better testimony wherewith to present you, than that which is here tendred to your view : your candid acceptance of so poor a mite, with a favourable construction, and a due improvement of this word in season, to the glory of God our Father, and the comfort of you His dear children, will be that wherein our desires and ends will be answered, and our souls encouraged in the work of God, and your work ; with resolution in the power of God to hold on therein, passing by evil and good report, yea, and gladly to spend and be spent for Christ's sake and for your sakes who are Chi'ist's. "But here we must begin with judging ourselves, and covering our faces with deserved shame, that we, who have stood forth so long to minister the word among the saints, and to make mention of the work of God, have yet had so little searcliings of heart in the matter that is now before us, have known and felt so little not onely of the power, but even of the form of this blessed work, so as either to stir up and engage our own hearts, or to provoke the Churcbes of the Saints unto their concernments of this nature : and as we cannot but be sensible of the narrowness of our own spirits, with grief and shame, so also, as that which is weighty on us, we do observe, that a self seeking and self pleasing spirit hath taken great hold of, and advantage on many professors in these dayes ; witness their little naturally caring for Sion's state, most seeking their own things and so few seeking the things of Jesus Christ, and of their brethren, for edification. And Oh ! that there were not among you, even among you, who are the Churches of Christ, cause of complaint in this respect. These things we mention, not to cast reproHch upon you, but with grieved hearts, God kuoweth. And now, that we might discharge and have the answer of a good con- science, in following the Lord fully, we have taken the opportunity of this work that we trust Himself hath been fijcing on our spirits, after seeking to God and waiting upon His Majesty, to beseech and provoke you, and every one of you, as you have any fellowship with Clirist our Head by faith, or in and with His body the Church of the firstborn, by love, you would for His, and His Sion's sake, hear and receive our exhortations considering with mightj- spirits -what wo say : and the Lord give jov. understanding in all tlungs. " The cause then that we desire with trembling to plead (brethren) is Sion's, even her's whom men have called an outcast, saying, this is Sion whom no man seeketh after, and of whom that ancient lamentation may in a great measure be taken up as verified in this our day, there is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth, neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up ; among all lovers she hath none to comfort her, «S:c. and her jirofessed fidends (many of them) have dealt treacherously with her and are become her enemies. "Dear souls! our request on her behalf is, that you would look upon Sion, that citie of our solemnities, of whom glorious things are spoken, and laved up in promise for her, even to the rendring her the perfection of beauty, an eternal excellency, the joy of many generations. And Oh ! that your hearts may be so suitably affected with an holy sjinpatliy in lier state, through that one Spirit that is in promise for all her children, that you may truly say, as souls whom faith and love liave transported into her interest, all my springs are in thee. * * " * •;.- * * ■» If "A taste of this worth}- spirit (brethren beloved in the Lord) we humbly trust our God is giving us, with some fervent desires that we may be made more to partake of it. And indeed, such is oiir love to your souls and delight (througli grace) in this work before ua, that we cannot but commend it to you, with more than an ordinary im- portunity; beseeching you and every one of you, from the greatest to the least, notwithstanding divers differences among you touching the tinif, way and means of God's effecting those g^eat things, that by the will, and in tho "Way of thf! Lord, you m 'V be found reaching after tlio same spirit, and wrestling much together and apart for it. And Oh ! that it may be the pleasui'e of the Lord herein that your zeal may provoke many, and you may bo f >und to have stood in this hour c)f trunptation and this backsliding time, faithful with tho Lamb on tho Mount Sion, liaving not onely His Father's name written on your foreheads, 10 but His work graven upon your luarts, and all those blessed oliaracters disposing you lliorounto, shining in all your couYorsations, which will niakt; you (fovot that the Lord make His work appear to you as His servants, tliough He reserve the revelation of His glory unto your children. "For what greater joy, or crown of rejoycing, can we have at the appearing of the Lord, tliau that we with you, and ye with us, he presented faidtless before His throne ? whereunto we also labour, and desire to strive mightily, according to His working, in which work, and to which end, we pray you, boar witli us, while we follow this exhortation a little further in a few words. "Is not the exercise of such apublick spirit for tlie whole work of the Lord most desirable ? if we consider further, not onely its sweet likeness unto, and fellowship with the heart of Clirist, but withal that very great blessing that liath been promised, and all ages they have found to their particidar souls, who have been given up to mind most naturally, and follow most fully, that design of God tliat had its present tendency in that very age to promote Sion. How hath that word been made good to them that pray for her peace, tlioy sliall prosper that love thee ? "For the quickening of our hearts to this work, and the heighthning of our expectations therein, haih not the Lord given us among many others, this remarkable signe of the times, even a mighty spirit of faith and prayer, through some choice discoveries of grace raised up in His people ? by the exercise of which, in the management of Sion's controversie, great and glorious wonders have been wrought in these nations, by unlikely meanes, in answer to tlie prayers of the saints ; as hath been openly confest by the instruments imployed which liave caused themselves and others, beholders, to stand amazed thereat. "And that we may hold on our way without fainting, and not be in our mournings as men without hope : would it not prove of great advantage to the raising and keeping up our faith, to be much exercised and delighted in the prospect that is to be had, through the promises, unto her (ready to be revealed) glory ? However, her visage is now blacker than a coal ; she is not known in the streets : treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously with her; a disappointment hath befallen many of her hopeful ex- pectations, because her transgressions are many : reproach 11 liatli befalleu liev at the hand of professors; and the enemies that know not the Lord, Llasiiheme. The light and spirit of the Lord is belyed and abused by vain men, iinsoimd in the faith, disobedient to, and despisers of, the precious ordinances of Jesus Christ, through which also, loss of cliildren hath here and there betided her assemblies. Yet hatli Jehovah spoken it, and His faithfulness is en- gaged in an everlasting covenant, that though she hath been forsaken and hated, that no man went through her, yet He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations, the City of the Lord, tlie 8ion of the Holy One of Israel shall she be called ; in nothing more glorious than in the perpetual presence of her King and God witli her, who shall tabernacle -R-ith men, and dwell with them, they being His people, and He Himself shall be with them, and be their Grod, being instead of a temple, sun and moon ; the glory of Grod and the Lamb alwayes lightning her, the Lord being lier everlasting light and her God her glorj'. " Had we but truly noble spirits, how would these discoveries of glory ravish us, and our eye affect our heart ? setting us with restless sj^irits, to be looking for, and liastning tmto, that day of the Lord, this day of the manifest exalting Jesus, as King of saints and King of nations? nay, would it not fill our liearts with jealousic for His name, against all that standeth up in the earth, to oppose His kingdom and glory, beginning at home in our own spirits'? the zeal of the Lord's house would eat us up, and the love of it would crucifie us more unto, and wean us from, those interests of earth and men, whereupon we have been apt to lean, and whercunto wo have been deeply and daugerousl}* engaged : causing us also to wait to bo with .Jesus, which is best of all ; and in the meantime to pant and thirst incessantly for that Holy Spirit of pro- mise, that alone can present us with the ravishing glory of that expected day, and raise up oiu* spirits to a sm eet and suitable disposition, according to the will of God, to wait and act aright toward it, "If this rude essay, or small tinkling (as it may be judged,) may pnn-oke you, M'ho are more skilful--" to blow the trumpet, and the Lord sj)irit you thereunto, do it, wo pray you, as for His and His people's .sake, with all your •This Is aUdrcs'ed to those " beloved and honoured brethren who inini«tcr the word of KTocc among the saints." 12 might ; not sparing- to lay oiit 3'oui' more worthy labours for the carrying on of this -work. Bear with us yet a little in our humble importunity ; is not the glorious name of God, the peace of Jorusalem, and its prosperity, tlie pros- perity of your own souls also, and the people to Avhom you relate, who may be discouraged by yoiir remissness, eminently concornod in this matter? Yet once more, we beseech you therefore in the bowels of Christ, let not any worldly interest, prejudice, jealousie, fear of ill events, or any carnal reast)niug whatsoever, withold your hearts or hands from helping in so good and glorious a work. " What shall we say more, dearly beloved ? if there be any consolation in Clirist, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil je our joy, in being of one accord, and one niinde, in this weighty work commended unto you : wherein the name and glory of God (which ought to be dearer to us than our lives) is so eminently concerned. And withall, adde to your diligence in looking unto the concernments of Christ and His saints, that having arrived xmto a distinct know- ledge of them, your hearts being duly affected with them, you may go on prosperoiisly, not only to spread before the Lord both His and His people's cause, as the matter shall require ; but also wait fur the return of prayer ; discerning this in yourselves — That they best know how good God is to them that seek Him, that after seeking wait for Him. Lam. iii. 25, 26. " Having been thus bold with you for Sion, we luimbly crave for ourselves, that we may be had in special remem- brance on your hearts before the Lord, that we may bo fitted for, and faithful in the work of our dear Redeemer, into whose embraces we give you up, and remain, your poor unworthy brethren, through rich grace firmly knit imto you in the bonds of gospel-love ; and one with you in your spiritual warfare, and waiting for the exaltation of Jesus Christ : "Abraham Cheare, "John Pendarves, " Henry Forty, " Thomas Glasse, "Eobert Steede." This pamphlet, consisting of 22 pages quarto, is said to have been written chiefly by Cheare. The following letter written by Cheare (of which the original manuscript is extant), belongs to this period of 13 the Cli\ircli's history. It was prohably Trritten between the years 1648 and 1658. "A brief narrative of some occurrences, relating to that memorable transaction of the Lord's providence, in o-miing of His despised wavs and people, in a miraculous preser- vation and wonderful restoration of tlie sick bod}- of our brother, Captain Langdon, upon his obedience unto the Lord, in sub Quitting unto that ordinance of baptism, although, as to the outward appearnnce, all hope of his surviving it was lost. You may peradventiu'C have heard, how greatly the Lord was pleased to satisfy the spirit of our dear brother. Captain Langdon, about baptism, at our brother Steede's Tof Bovny), late (lately) being there, only that, having a consumption strong upon hiin, he waited for a word of faith to give strength to his weak body to follow the Ljrd. Since which time, although his consumption grew sti-ong upon him, yet withal the Lord was pleased to engage his heart under a necessity of fol- lowing after Him therein, and not only so, but there grew up with it a very strong persuasion that upon baptism he should be healed of his distemper, of which he became so exceedingly confident, that he admitted of no thought to the contrary, but declared it to all people that came to visit him, which wore many of all kinds, that seeing the clergy and their adherents liad so shamefully vilitied that ordinance, the Lord would now signally appear to own it, and that, not only to make them appear to be liars that say it was a murdering act, but would also show that Jesus of Nazareth had healing virtue to convey thereby to him, when all his strengtli was gone ; for he told them he should be weak even to tlio point of death, and then ujjon baptisim the Lord would show His strong arm. The reporting of this his conhdence, as it was a great grief to divers about him, fearing it was some mistake as theirs was. Acts xxii, 4 ; and tliinking wliat dishonour it woidd bring upon the truth if the Lord should not appear as he oxpect<'d — so was tlu; enemy heightened e.xceedinglj' and filled with mocking at it, wliich also caused many strong cries to go up niglit and day that either the Lord would abate of our brother's coiifuhmce, if it were not of llim, or else provide with stretched out arm for His name. Whereupon ho sends for mc, three weeks before this meeting, to this end, and I did set on as far as liero* but ♦Chearc must have been absent froui Plniiouth when tliin rcqucHt rciichcd liim. 14 was strangely turned back by a wliole series of strange providence, and could not break through again till the very time of the meeting, wlien I was brought thither and met Colonel Bennatt and divers friends, his wife and daughter, brotlicr Miu'kle and brother Frenchick, and divers friends from all cjuartors. Tlie state I found the man in, was tlius, a sentence of death, in his and every beholder's eye, passed upon him. All doctors left him, his breath had almost left him, his speech hardly to be per- ceived, scarce able when he was in his chair to rise upon his feet, and if up, hardly able to step one stej) without being held up, the very sinews of liis neck loosed, that his liead hung in his bosom, cough tearing him even to pieces. He had not slept one hour in many nights, only two or three times the week before, as a retiu-n of prayers in the particidar case put up for him by the servants of the house, at his desire ; he coiild receive in no nourishment but a litth; milk, he had utterly laid aside all cordials. And indeed when I saw him at tirst, I thought he would hardly live till the morning, this was his outward estate. As for his spirit it was fully sot, and tliat A\'ithout wavering, upon the Lord, it is a most clear evidence of Divine sealings, his resolutions fixed to be baptized, and his confidence that suddenly ujion baptism he should be healed. This he propounded to me, together with the grounds of persuasions and laid it upon me as such a duty as I ought not to scruple to perform, though he had not been out of his chamber for many weeks. Before, ho could not eiidure the least air, yet now a sliarp eastern wind, a notable frost in January. The place about a lialf mile from his house, being Mill- pool in the higliway. Tlie spectators and expectors, some Jiundi'eds of people, tlie mutterings of some that if he died upon the action the life of the minister should be questioned, he also tells me he would presently send for brother Steed or brother Forty, to come over to him and do it. What my straits were and the straits of all such as had the name and glory of God in tlieir eye, you may in part imagine. As the case is now freely hinted, especially theirs, who liave in some cases heretofore, observed his exceeding confidence to be rebuked with miscarriages and disap- pointments. Yet unless you had been present and a close obsei-ver of these and many other occurrences, that made the case on both hands diiticult, you cannot possibly conceive 15 how great my perplexities were herein. Well, a great part, if not all the first night after I came, was spent in prayer jointly and privately about the thing, my sovil exceedingly clouded and unable to see through it, but having divers others considerations such (Scriptures as these seemingly set on me, the Lord requires mercy and not sacrifice, expecting what a man hath and not wliat a man hath not, but principally, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Of this persuasion also were many of the most stayed saints, Colonel Bennatt, Major Bowden, brother Stevens, brother Frenchiek, brother Chapman, and divers others, on the other hand, sister Kockwish, Mary Bowden's sister Prudence, Cook and some others, very spiritual souls that had prayed much about it, had persuasions together with him he should be healed ; a third party brother Frenchiek and brother Muckle and several others, had faith enough to the performance of the duty, though not for the healing, they being persuaded that he would not he worse for baptism, but {hat God would vindicate His ordinance in the sight of all beholders, that it was not of itself destructive to any faithful, obedient person. Many hours were spent in prayer and the matter cast upon the Lord, with as much necessity to plead for His glory and answer His people, as I met with in any case since. I believe the man grew all this while apparently weaker, decayed more in one day now, than in a week before. Sleep seemed to have taken his farewell, and his voice itself, that ho spake as one in the greatest of hoarseness, strength left him more and more, yet will he not hear of a denial, nor of a delay, nor of any expedient as to get water in the house to do it, but in the manner and way aforesaid. JSister Prudence's daiighter-in-law and another of the family propounded for baptism, he tells me he shall be ready as soon as they, that as soon as they come out of the water he will come in unto me and require me to do my duty, and in case I would come out and leave him there so it should be. We go down into the water, I baptized these women, he is brought to the water side on his horse, liis man riding behind him, keeping him in Jiis arms, and requires me to do my duty, I told him I had not faith, lie then requires lirother Muckle, standing by, that if he had faith to do his duty he should perform it, brother Muckle goeth down with him into the Mater, and lie is led by two 16 or tlu-ee men, ho baptizetli him. Immediately as soon as he is mit of tlio wator, lie re([uii-oth iliat no person hold liim, bnt strongly, swittly as one tliat runneth, he goeth np alone against the hill AA'hich was very steep, 50 or 60 feet, and then was led and helped home, declaring that he fonnd at that instant — recovery. Ho is put into his bed, speaketh strongly and heartily, after the Lord was waited upon for an hcnir, ho calleth for victuals, desires beef and pork, afterwards lieth liim down to sleep, and sleeps very well all that night for the space of seven or eight hours ; had not one straining pull of the cough that night, when he waketh, ho saith, he could have slept longer, but was unwilling to have the friends depart till he had spoken of the salvation of God. He is very hearty all the morning, ariseth about noon, but tarried not long up, saying, he found the bed more comfortable than the fii'e, and I think had some faintness, but still declared that he lived by faith to have the cure perfected by degrees, as his weakness grew by degrees. He rejoiced much that the Lord had so manifestly owned His orrlinance, he seemed to be humbled for his confidence that he should be perfectly sound, pre- sently desires the saints for to exercise faith and prayers for liis complete healing. Thus I left him and came away, what effects the sight of this whole affair wrought is not yet. I am persuaded in the full intent of it manifested max-vellous astonishment upon us all. Five present them- selves, in the morning I came away, and I saw them baptized by brother Muckle, viz — Mary Bowden's eldest son, and an ancient woman near 80 years old, deaf, leaning tipon a staff; a very choice experience named S. Simons, one Mrs. Harris, and a servant man and maid of the house, most of them wrought upon by this man's labour, a most choice gospel worked iipon them all, as I have heard, many more were in readiness, only Satan keeps them off with slf^nder excuses. Colonel Bennatt's daughter offered herself to be baptized but, for some reasons that had weight in it, its de- ferred till next time I come where she is. Young Mr. Trisies under great convictions about it. Major Bowden saith he is very nigh it ; there is a great people made ready for the Lord. I received the last night a letter from brother Muckle, whom I left with his wife in the place — he writes, ' My brother Langdon is more recovered in his body since I was there, they hope he grows better and better ; he is better 17 now since his baptism thau he had been many weeks before.' He was baptized the 7th of this instant. Hitherto God hath helped us. Those persons that were baptized live in * Cornwall where it was performed. This letter was written from Plimouth, by Abraham Cheare, Avhich was the man that he desired to administer it to him." (From Dr. GifforcVs Manuscripts, Bristol.) / In 1658, Cheare was one of those who attended the meeting of the Baptist Western Association, which in that year was held at Dorchester. ni. THE GATHEEING OF THE STOEM. In 1660 Charles II came to the throne of England, and the old opposition against dissenters was revived, those of Plymouth and its neighboui'hood not escaping the general persecution. Within a few miles of Plymouth is the village of Newton ■' Ferrers. It would seem that the Baptists meeting in Ply- I moutli ( some of them probably residing at short distances from the town), had attracted the friendly attention of the village Eector, John Hill, for he was charged with favouring the Anabaptists, justifying tlio murder of Charles I, praying for Cromwell, and refusing to admin- \ ister tlie sacrament, or read the common prayer. ' In consequence of the favour shown by Mr. Hill towards . the Nonconformists of the district^ a number of his parish- \ oners petitioned, in Fcbruar}', 1661, that the grant of the , Rectory to him might be revoked. ( Calendar State-papers^ \ Domestic, Charles II. J ' About tliis same time, great opposition was offered to the use of the common prayer in tiie church of St. Andrew, Plymoutli. Tills opposition was especially excited by "several of tlie old sea-captains of the t(j>ynj^ who were <leternuned that the common prayer should not couie into Mr. Hughes's church," and this opposition, it was said, was strengthened by the "Auahaptists and (iuakcrs," who abounded in the towns on that coast. (Calendar State-papers, Charles II. 2(ith September, 1661.^ *I)r. Uippon nay/*, at the coininfiictiin-nl nf his Kkotth of the I'lyinoiith Churcli, ' In thr (''jiiiitiy wlicK' llic iiiiiiil)(Tot llic iiihiiliilmits was Miiull and tlir jVoaLlH th fuw, muny of the rcsuli'iitrt in httlc villiiKcs united toRclher, lor the iimiiilL'niuico of the KOMjiil iinil its prc.iohers. Jt i» uihIlt iheso circuinHtiiuccs wo lind Looi', I'cnryn, Fulnionth and Holswoithy connected with the history of the Church before us."— flliji/wn's ISaptitt Jtri/itter. 3. p. 21'S.J f 18 A yeai" after Chai-lef* had como to tlie throne, Cheare was committod to Exeter jail, on the charge of encouraging- religious assemblies, but after remaining there about three months he regained his liberty. The following portions of a letter, written about this time to one of the members of the church, give an insight into his experience as a minister and a pastor : "Beloved in and of the Lord! — Since my last I have received j'ours, wherein you were pleased to remember, and send such a rich token to your poor friend, whom you are pleased to describe by that merry title of your Father ; who blesseth God for grace and support ministered, by tracking the footsteps of the Father of Spirits in those paths of peace and pleasantness, wherein He pleasoth to lead you and others of His suffering ones, so contrary to the methods and expectations of men. " I confess it makes me many times tremble to think of the relation wherein tlie Lord hath placed me in His house,, wherein you and others look on me, and expect much from me ( as yours intimates ) who am so unsuitable to a door- keeper there. But over against these faintings, when they have run in like a flood, I have hitherto found the Spirit of the Lord lifting up a standard and displaying a banner in His fear, by which a seasonable rescue hath been offered in a time of need. And that, by keeping me upon, and now and then succeeding me in some measure in, this three-fold work, which I doubt not but you have arrived' to a good degree and great boldness in the faith of— "First. That I do not satisfie mj-self in any ordinary and slight evidences of an interest in Eternal Love, but press toward that full assurance of faith, founded on the new-covenant, and imiversally influential on the new- creature. I speak not as if I had attained much, but this is with me by the grace of Christ, my soul is so much the more engaged to press after the riches of full assurance of understanding, a fellowship in the ni^'stery of God the Father, and of Christ, as I see the days are evil ; tlie glimmerings whereof in that degree the Father sees good' to instruct me withal, have been an unspeakable stay to me against the fears of what man can do unto me ; and through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus, I hope will continue so to be unto the end. "Secondly. Another main work which I find of gi'eat 19 necessity and advantage, is, the setting up in my soul tlie dominion of the Cross of Christ, in a daily niortiiication ( through spiritual aid and arguments ) of the affections and lusts of the flesh, to everything that may or must suffer loss in the exjiected fiery tryal, whether it ho either corruptible things, as silver and gold (any under Christ enjoj-ments), or con-upted, con-upting tilings, as is all the filthiness both of the flesh and of the spirit. "Thirdly. I also am brought into an experimental observation, how much of moment is the spirit of a sound mind, to have real, substantial, and digested principles, and to be in union with them concerning that cause for which we are at the point to be throughly tried, A\hethcr J that part of it that concern eth worship or otherwise." y ( Words in Season J OiTtfie 26th June, 1662, he wi'ites to a friend: "Beloved and honoured by and for the Lord! — As for my part, my Father graciously indulgeth me, and the lambs here, giving us an undeserved covert (of which no reason can be given) even where Satan's seat is, while other flocks are dispersed and scattered. Near about us, by my last I accj^uainted, that some fi*om our neighbouring- parts are sent to that place of ancient experience (a prison) where they have a stock of prayers and presence to begin upon : they begin on straw, as learning to endure hardness as good soldiers ; the Lord make that word good to them, which often hath been in that place sweet to me. Exodus xxiii, 25, and at length Ecclesiastes iv, 14. I expect daily the same lot. I need j-our prayers and precious exhorta- tions, tending to prevent slumber, that I be not taken at unawares." (Words in Season.) This opportunity of public worship was soon removed, for in 1662, a year made memorable by the ejection of two thousand non-conforming ministers from their livings, on St. Bartholomew's day, Chcare A\'as again sent to Exeter jail; this time the charge laid against him was, "That ho liold unlawful assemblies, and refused to comform to tluj laws of the Established Church." Many an affecting farewell disc'ourse was preached on the i7t]i of August, 1062, by faithful Ministers of the Gospel, who would be, before the following Lord's Day "silenced'' or, "ejected." Tlic following extracts were spoken by Chearo, at this 20 period, and tlioy fuvuisli a beautiful illustration of his truly christiau heroism : "Must somo be tortured, must aU be tryed ; is not the day of the expectation of greater things than these, yet over ? Then let us learn to pro])are our faith and patience, get on our armour and gird it on ; take heed how you be drawn into a sleep of security from the present interval of calm and rest, which the Lord is pleased hitherto to continue to you, in a very wonderful manner. Some are (if not tortured yet) sorely tryed and tempted, while you have your mercies and opportunities so peacefully about you ; you should bo reckoning this a space allowed you to gather courage, not to contract rust by rest ; but laying up a store against the evil day, tliat question should be still with us in a way of endeavouring its resolution, seeing we look for these things what manner of people should we be ? standing on our guard, expecting to be drawn forth, and ready to comply with that call, who will rise up for Me against the evil doers? who will stand up for Me against the workers of iniquity? in a faithfid, humble, lamb-hke readiness to fuUow Jesus Christ, and witness for Him, though it be in tortures, temptations, or wherever He goetli .... Now it is the office of faith to clear up the innate goodness and truth of the principles it suffers on, that at least to its own satisfaction, the soul is abun- dantly cleared and convinced therein, and united thereunto. When this point is once satisfactorily evidenced, that the cause is Grod's, that Jesus Christ is interested aiid imbarked in it, it gives strong consolation. This also will beget a dread on the soul, how it gives way to any temptation to betray it. This truth, this profession, however men call it little, however it may seem I may be saved without it, it's no point of salvation; yet it being Christ's more than mine, though committed to my trust, to deny it is tc deny Christ ; and to betray it is to betray Christ : and though (as the common cry is) none ever suffered upon such a point, none in the past generation ran the adventure of tortures on such an assertion ; yet the soul by believing, being brought to see Christ's interest in it, and relation to it, and that perhaps this is the day designed to bring forth a proof to the goodness and worth of it, a soul becomes not only engaged, but inseparably united, and impreguably set for tlie defence of it. 21 " Faith doth inilueuce the soul to bear torments notahly, by bringing and encreasing a certain greatness and nobility, a largeness and publickness of spirit on it, more than formerly. Shall such a man as I flee ? It's marvelous to consider what many have endured to gratiiie the lust of a great man, to provide for their families, to assert the lib- erties of tlieir toimtrj' and tlie like ; and is not the will, pleasure, honour of Jesus Clirist of far greater moment to be witnessed unto to the higliest ? It was a gallant sj)irit in Joab, which encouraged the people; be of good courage, let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God, and the Lord do that which seemeth Him good. The like reasonings will faith suggest to beget resolutions. I have now an opportunity, which I may never have again, to play the man, the christian, the believer, for my God, my Christ, for His gospel. His institutions, His cause and interest. AMiat can be too hot or heavy to be done or euflfered upon this aceompt ? "You are with a loud voice, men and brethren, exhor- ted and beseeched to give all diligence to the concernments of }our faitli. Above all 3-our gettiugs, covet a true, lively gospel-faith ; above all your keepings, strive to hold fast, and contend earnestly for this faith. If ever there were dayes that called loucl for tlie life of the faith of the Son of God, these dayes call for it. I had fainted (saith the Psalmist) unless I had believed. And truly you will be apt to faint in the day of adversitj^ as if your strength were small, where your faith is not good. Take heed therefore of all tilings that may either adulterate it from its simplicitj-, or stop and oltstruct it from its growth. God liath begun to exercise your souls, and to prove your profession in a way of tryals ; it's true, you have not yet resisted unto blood, unto tortures as others have, and you (at least some of youj may." Jiut Cheare would not have them think that deliverance was never to be accepted wlien it was oflered, there iniglit bo circumstances that would render it their duty and privilege to accept it ; so he goes on to say, "If the case can be clearly and truly so stated, faith can and must accept deliverance with all thankfulness, with lionour to G(jd, and with great advantages to the soul con- cerned in it. And therefore as we pass along, 1 would willingly speak a little distinctly to this case, that some stop and prevcnti(m nuiy bo put to the prejudice that may 22 otlierwis^e arise upon a rigid insisting on this doctrine. Deliverance to a christian represents itself so, as ho can clearly and comfortably oyo it in God's hand, and as some- tliing convoyed to him by the goodness of a good God. And when deliverance can bo thns beheld, not only as coming in a common eliective providence, but by the approbation, allowance, and good will of the Father, then such deliverance is entertained with the best acceptation of faith, he compasseth God about with songs of deliverance. " If life, liberty, or any mercy may be had in God's way, the refusal of it is the destroying ourselves so far as that mercy extends. Thoiigli we are required to liato father and mother, and our own lives, in a sense, 5'et it is far from the intendment of the Spirit we should carelessly run them upon hazard : no, such know their bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and they ought to use them well for His sake who dwells in them : he that abiiseth the temple of God, him will God destroy. How shall a clixistian know when his deliverance may bo bouglit to(» dear, when he must imbrace any tortures rather than toucli with it, thoxigh it bo tendered ? If I cannot come at the good of deliverance, but I must betray or balk some truth of God, intrusted with me as a part of mj- testimony', I may not upon any terms touch with that deliverance. Every truth of Christ, committed to the care and custody of a christian, is of more worth and value than all his comforts and accomodations tmder the sun. And he that yields or betrays any truth thus deposited, as a pledge to his trust and care, for the procuring any liberty to himself, hath too hard a bargain of it. You haA'e an express direction ; buy the truth and sell it not. We are to buy it whatever it cost, but not to barter it whatever it will yield. Though that whicli is truth at any time, abides truth at all times ; yet, as hath been said, those truths in a most eminent manner are called present truths, which concern at present the vindication of the glory of God, and draw on the present trj'als of the day upon the assertors of it. I note this the ratlier, because in this shifting-day many that would be tliought to be tlie Lord's witnesses, please themselves Avith this ; blessed be God we hold to Jun- dmnentah! what fxindamcntal truths have we yielded, or denied? and think themselves no way concerned to keep up a testimony for those ti'iiths whicli they call circumstantial. 23 sucli as are not matters of salvation, whether it he held or practised this Avay or the other way. Alas ! by such distinctions and evasions as these, men have let go almost their whole testimony about the royal right of Christ, to set up institutions of worship that are to be maintained in His authority only. And I fear that such who can so easily relinquish their testimony to present truths under this pretention ; they are not fundamentcl truths, it will be found that when tliose truths which they now QsMfimdamental shall be brought (as they may speedily be brought), to their tryal, and so become present truths, there will other dis- tinctions be found oxit, to avoid the offence of the cross concerning them also. Many glorious truths hath the Lord brought forth, asserted, cleared, and committed to His saints and Cluu-ches to keep unrebukeable till the appearing of Christ, especially those of His dominion over His saints, and others, these now being put upon a publick test upon the stage of the world, and we as witnesses suhpmiaed to give in evidence to the truth and goodness of them, we dui'st not accept of any overtures of dehverance, or other- wayes, whereby our testimony to them sliould be balked. " Objector — What would you liave me to do ? I am now (perhaps) a prisoner. They will give me liberty so I will engage to preach no more, to meet no more, &c. If they keej) me a prisoner, I cannot meet or preach, &c. And if I promise I will not, I shall be but in the same capacity I am in now, and am likely to bo still in ? " Ans'ner — This way of reasoning is very ensnaring, for (first), if thou art in bonds, thy great interest lies in this, in giving dilegcncc that the Word of God is not hound, but rather, as Paul saith, that the tilings that fall out of this kind, fall out rather to the furtherance of the gospel. Such therefore as seek and got freedom on terms that leave the Word obstructed in tliat free passage wherein it shoiild run and be glorified, they do but got tho fetters off from their own foet, and set them \ipon tlie Word of God, which is but deliverance witli a mischief." Touching are llio words, with which Cheare closes this farewell address to his people. " lie intrcatcd to give yourselves more unto a search and study of tliat blessed trufli tliat concerns your resurrection and tlio glory that .shall follow. Draw forth the improve- ment of your acknowledged conceptions and expectations 24 of that day, in a way of consolation, rejoycing in hope, and pressing after tho light, faith, spirit and power of it, making sure of your right to, and proper qualifications for that day, especially improve it (as I said) to consolation in all the losses you have sustained, or are like to. This may seem one (amongst others; to you, that a poor worm that speaks is to part (at present) with you, and it may be, may see your face in tlie tlesh no more ; doth this seem any way grievous ? why, let us carry the case in our thoughts be- yond the grave ; the resurrection will bring us together again, and make amends for all the loss herein sustained : then we shall be ever with the Lord, in that triumph of wliich the stranger cannot intermeddle with the joy. Comfort one another with these words, and the God of all consolation be with you. Amen." CTFords in Season. J IV. PEISON LITERATUEE. When, from his prison, Cheare wrote the following pastoral letter to his people, he was probably thinking of the contrast between the present circumstances of the Church, and their happy and peaceful condition imder Ci'omweU. He says — "The dayes that have passed over you, have been dayes of thn Lord's wonderful salvations, and the stretching forth of His arm in these nations to do marvellous things toward the getting Himself a glorious name. The putting away the remembrance of which from under heaven, and razing out of all the marks and mon- uments thereof, is the manifest design of the wicked men of this generation. The memory whereof, as it alwayes ought to be dear to you, who have been blessed in those salvations and have sung His praise ; so should it be your great care to preserve the same, by teaching and instructing those committed to your charge therein, and that not only in the history and letter of them (the very memory whereof will be famous in the ages to come), but especially in the inward principles, springs and spirit of them, as well as the issues whereunto they were by the Lord intended, that yours may be able to tell tlie generations to come, and the people uncreated may praise the Lord. * * * * -a- ■» " The force and violence of this evil time is such as doth drive you frequently, and may yet be expected to drive 25 you more, from your stated seasons ou the first dayes of the week, and other times of following the Lord, in those solemn publick appointments and institutions of the gospel, unto your family retirements, at least a great part of j'our time in those dayes, the which affords you more enlarged opportunities than you had formerly, to teach and instruct your own housholds, great and small, according to their capacity, in the tilings of the kingdom ; to the which you are concerned to give all heed, diligence and indeavour ; not in any neglect of opportunities in the assemblies of the saints while they do continue or may be had ; but when there is an interval, the solemn exercises in the Church being ended, or when through force and fury they shall (if the Lord sliall permit them to) be so utterly broken as j'ou should be reduced again to that ancient way of the saints, being governed, as in Abraham's and the Patriarchs' time, in family- worship. You are, I say, so much the more concerned to set yourselves vigorously to this work of en- deavouring that your houses may become as so many Churches of Christ, in respect of that instruction, reading the Scriptures, praying, gracious conference, discipline, exemplary walking in all holy conversation and godliness, which ought to be professed aiul maintained in beauty, set in majesty among them, and in this sense to be settting your houses in order, for you know not how soon these very staves of beauty and bands may be violently invaded, disturbed and broken, by the same spii-it of hatred which now offers force to your more solemn assemblings : while therefore you have this price in your hand, this imdisturbed opportunity, you should be doing this good." ( Words in Season. J On tlie same subject, may bo added another quotation, from one of liis letters to a friend. "And touching your question, what ground a Church hath, in times of persecution to appear publickly ? If by publickly be meant only so far knownly as wliereiu (witli tlie l»cst prudence and caution used as their case stands) they may most effectually answer the ends of mutual edification and hold up the glory of Christ in the practice of His institutions ; it's so far from being a (picstioii, what grounds they liavo to meet, as we know not wliat grounds can uell be lield up to the contrary by any who pretend to so much profession, as tliat any part of the instituted wiU of God, is worth the sulfering 26 for, or that Christ is wortli the following in gospel-precepts, when the obedionco of saints tliorein is to bo tryed as by lire. If you bo ploasod to single out any reasons that can pretend to satisHo conscionce, guided by the mind of God in Soriptiu-e, they may have an examination." 20tli of seventh month (September), 1G62. f Words in Season. J Wliilst in Exeter jail, Cheare wrote many other excellent letters, one of tliese is hero given. To Mr. AVilliam Pun- chard, London, 17th of seventh month (September), 1662. " The beautio of the Fatlier's ornament set in majesty upon you ! My Dcaro— I received yours of the 1 1'th of the seventh montli, and in it a testimonie of teaching and supporting grace and presence continued to you abrode, which He is pleased not to denie His poore wormes here, in these holesjof the earth, where violence has thrust us as in so many slaughter houses of men, but overruling grace makes them as the presence chambers of the Great King, where He brings and feasts His favourites with the best things, and proclaimes among them ' Thus shall it be done to them whome the King delightes to honour.' This honour have not all that j^et are saints, much less have any this mercy, who either through the fear or formalitio of tlieir unconverted soules are enforced shamefully to put off that profession which hypocritically they did put on in a day of promising prosperity ; not but that these walls as a draw-nett, may and do enclose good and bad : but at length a discoverie is made more manifest. He choseth in this furnace of affliction ; a week in a prison giving plainer discoverie of a man's spirit than a month in a church. Of these experiments I no way doubt but you have obtained a good degree by the long exercises you have gone under this way, and have not only taken out lessons for yourself, but wherewithall to teach, warne and support others, with the same that you have obtained from the Lord ; where- unto I pray you may make advances beyond others, who having faced tryalls a great while, are at length persuaded to give way to the staine of their former standing, and staggering of such as have learned no farther yett to be- hold the power of the Lord to support, than only as it is either manifested or clouded in creatures like themselves ; meanwhile neglecting that insjiection they ought to have therein directly and immediately through the promises, that are of power to siipply those that waite on the Lord 27 witli renewed streugth. — even then, -when youths faint and are wearie and young men utterlie faile. "This afternoone there is to he committed to the earth the dust of our sister Firkk-", wliose spirit was yesterday commended to heaven after she had sustained a long con- flict betwixt the two inmates, her better part breathing after that state for which she hath been long preparing. We arc left to bewaile that losse of whicli few are truly apprehensive, according to her worthe, and to learne some living lessons from her dying dispensations, who hath left divers livel}' testimonies of her fixed faithfulness : one 18 this — she desired that if the reader approached to com- pliment her into tlie womb of her mother earth, they that attended her should leave her bones (as Syons are scattered) at the grave's mouth. Psalm cxli. 7. " The poor lambs that I have left have been visited by the constables again and again at their meetings, *sum- moned before the mayor, fined for not coming to chui'ch ; yet have a little strengtli left to meet in the same place, expose their goods to bo spoiled, &c., rather than consent to promote that whieli their soul is grieved at, f Those with you are as formerly. Your old persecutor is come home, but hath hitherto done nothing. Br. Ston, who I hope is by this time with you, well escaped him. Clemt. J. ( probably Clement Jackson, pastor at East Looe, in Cornwall ) was yesterday here witli me, with whom I have been refresht. Our Bishop, "Ward, came to this citty last week, and was received with great state, but hath been ever since ill, it's said, in the black jaundice. The Deputy Lieuts. are most of them sitting, and ( 'tis said ) we shall be brought before them, but to what end is not known. Two (u- three troops arc in town, and going forth this mcn-ning ; of tlieir design wo know nothing, but it is re- ported to be to take up the non-comforming parsons — perhaps to give security. They at Ualwood, have a very lai'ge and increasing meeting, where the Lord is present as a covert to them — At L(jo they are also, hitherto quietly •Their enemies charge<l them on one occasion with liaving insurrectionul ten- ■lencies, and forty or fifty of them were taken at a meeting and BecuTeA.—fStatr Piiperx, Oct. lWi2.y + It woulil l>e interesting to know morn of those mcmhcrs of the I'lymouth Clnirch, hut it is only in two 'ir three inci<lent:il iillusioiiH anything can be patliered rcsjieeting them. Tliey inuy he eliissed (iinong those who have held fu»t the name ol Jcsns and not denied llis iiiith. Ilev, ii. 13. 28 and (omfortably kepi. Fear and fury dispersotli others hero about. St. (Mr. Stoed, of ]3ovoy ?) is liei-o at present to give lis a visit, tliey there are yet preserved. The Lieuts. are now gone to the castle, and we expect a call so that I have not time to enlarge, but I desire to be remem- bered to all that love and fear onr Lord Jesus, to your yoakfellow in parti cidar, and to dear D. "ndien you see him ; be sayeth you have sent somewhat whicli I expect, beside what you sent by Blagg : which I have sent for. All here are well and salute you ; not else breaks off — yours lovingly, &c."* Some conception may be formed of the treatment Cheare experienced whilst in prison, from the following allusions in two of his letters. " I must confess this prison hath produced a fresh trial of spirit to me, of late, bej'ond what hitherto I have ordinarily observed and experienced it, to see the abounding en- creasing filthiness of this prophane family, the governors and governed in it, being set njion the impudence of abomination, not only slighting and hating reproof, but daring us and heaven with their oaths, curses, singing, roaring, rageing, &c. insomuch as were not the goedness of God and of His cause, a relieving support, the place would become a prison indeed." " To a friend, encouraging to stedfastness. Light arising out of obscurity and darkness ! My honoured friend ! — The principal intendment of this is to let you know, that through grace I am preserved alive, in the midst of mamj eooling and hilling dispensations of providence, yet hath not the length or strength of the pressures been hitherto ad- mitted to draw my soul into any dislike of the hand that layes them on, or of the cause for which (at men's hand) I endure this hard usage ; but the more I am led either to behold the true principles of this cause, or the gracious engagements and endearments of the heart of Christ in and to it, and to those who in a spirit of faith and faith- fidness adhere to it and are the confessors of it, the dearer hath it and every part of it been made unto me. It's of no small advantage (I find by blessed experience) to be giving daily diligence, in observation, how nearly and firmly the great concerns of the Lord's glory in His works and wayes are related to the Lord Jesus, in His raised and * The original of this letter was in Dr. Eippon's possession. 29 exalted capacity, and liow directly tlie weiglit of them all rests upon His slioidders who is mighty to bear, aud with what infinite wisdom all these seeming meanders and lah- yrinths of exterior transactions are managed, according to the integrity of His heart and the skilfuhiess of His hand, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." (Words in Season. J A"representation of Cheare's life aud character would be incomplete, if his love for the young, his deep interest in their spiritual welfare, and labours on their behalf, were not noticed. He writes thus to some of his young relatives and friends, "being some of the fruits of his spare hours improvement, whilst a prisoner!" "TO A VIRGIN INCI.ININO TO ENQUIRE ALTER THE LORD. A SOLILOQUIE. " Come pray thee precious soul of mine, let's seriously retire ; And under eye and aid divine, God's oracles enquire. Call in those thoughts that range about, with a\Yfu!ness incline, To get this question out of douht, IS Jesis truly .mine'/ It's high time now to fix our thought, O let time past suffice. That we the lust of ilesh have wrought, in youthful vanities. ■What jirotit in those wayes is found, which down to hell decline, AVhat real pleasure can redound, if Christ be none of mine'? Or if throufjh deep convictions, I my vain companions leave; And to the saints lor company, in dear affections cleave. Though they us angels speak to me, sweet words as sjdi'ed wine : Of wliut advantage could it be, if Christ be none of mine'/ Of His incstinmble worlli, if I by saints am told ; Or how the gospel sfis Him forth, traiiHcending heaps of gold : Though one among a thousand He, in full perfection shine ; What will tills glory be to mc, if Christ be none of mine '/ 30 If by veforming I essay, self-iighteotisness should stand, I may conjecture 1 obey, the hiw'e exact command. Nay, to the gospel's outward call, my steps I may refine ; Yet short ol" glory I shall fall, if Christ bo none of mine? How SataTi nets an angel's part, J cannot well discern; The windings of a treacherous heart, I cannot quickly learn ; How close hypoerisie in all, may hide a deep design ; Tlie statelyost structure then must fall, if Christ be none of mine." 'FOR YOING JOSEPH BRANCH. " The names that holy men of old did on their children set, Some mysteries tended to unfold, some teachings to beget. Some works of God in ancient dayes were to remembrance brought; Or some instructions for their waycs was thus kept in their thoughts. And what should hinder but I might, such lessons learn in mine ? Did parents teach me, and the light of grace upon me shine. Of holy Joseph 1 might learn, a fruitful kough to be, And Christ the nnANCn 1 might discern, a living root to me. Alas! a brancli by nature now of a wild vine I be. Or the degenerated bough of the wild olive-tree. 'Sly root is rottenness, like dust my blossoms will ascend ; -\Iy grapes are Sodom's pride and lust, to death my clusters tend. Can pricking bryar, or grieving thorn, good grapes in cltisters bear? Are liggs upon the tliistle born, will any seek them there? A root of bitternees can nought, but gall and wormwood bring; No wholesome water can be brought from a corrupted spring. Manured nature forth may bring a lovely branch to sight, With leaves and blossoms of the spriug, and shades of great delight. 31 But if no fruit it dotli uftbrd as Christ expects to lind; The figgtree Jry'J, or Jona's gourd, my dreadful state do mind. What (once fair) branches may I spy, of fruit and leaves bereft? Who living, may be said to dye, to men and burning left. What great appearance once they made, with cost were digg'd and drest, They yielded an increasing shade and promis'd with the best. But like the ivy, hardly known, on other branches hung, Their root was properly their own though to tlie rind they clung. But now the fan and axe are brought to purge and cast away : Such fruitless figg-trces come to nought, such empty vines decay. True, the vine-dresser yet intreats, that digg'd or dunged be ; If precepts, promises, or threats, may better them or me. But to our root the axe is put, if no good fruit be found, This is the sentence, down tliem cut; why cumber they the ground? Instruction I should learn from hence, how vile a branch I be; Unless, in a new-cov'nant sense, a death shall pass on me. Unless from Adam 1 be cut as standing in the law. And by a new ingraflure put Christ's life and sap to draw. Might I in tliat true vine be found a br;incli that bides alive; And from that root iind plant renown'd might sap and i'rnil derive. Like Joseph's would my fruitful bough by well and wall Ijc sent. Nay, though the archers grieved me now, my bow would bide in bent. Then in the scorching years of drought, whi'U niiiiHturc others want; I should retain lioih leaves and blowth, and fliiurisli like a|dant. Till planted by the crystal brooks, ill I'uruiliHC I be, Where (iod'H fi-uitripfnicig shining looks shall still be tlxt on mc. ' 82 Tlio following- passngos are from " A doscriptiou of an elect person in his tliroe-fokl state, by Nature, Grace and Glory ; collected by Va. (Vavasour) Powel, in the close of his catechism, translated into familiar verse for children's better remembrance, by A. Cheare. "Nature. By sinful nature 1 was dead in trespasses and sins. Grace. Bj* gospel {^race now (juickened, my soul to live begins. Glory. The day npproaeheth when from sin 1 shall he wholly free. Eest. Lord what am 1 that Thou hast been at so great cost on me ? Natiu'e. At enmity with God f stood, a rebel fierce and wild ; Grace. By shedding of my Saviour's blood I now am reconcil'd. Glory. Then saved by His life mucli more, I hope and wait to be. Eest. Lord I would humbly Thee adore, who thus hath saved me. Nature. God's righteous law for wickedness, my conscience did condemn, Grace. But now through Christ's own righteousness I'm justified in Him. Glory. I hope for that refreshing day, that will salvation bring ; Eest. Who can the faithfulness display of my dear Lord and King? Nature. Once as a guilty soul astray, from God 1 fled for fear. Grace. Now by the new and living way, with boldness I draw near. Glory. The day's approaching, when above, I shall with <iod abide. Eest. Dear soul, this thought-surpassing love, in silence do not hide. Natare. In Satan's kingdom, I lay chaiu'd, a willing fetter'd slave ; Grace. But Christ my liberty hath gain'd, choice freedom now 1 have. Glory. Of heavenly, free Jerusalem, I citizen shall be, Eest. How can I do enough for Him who all this did for me ? Nattire. From any bond to righteousness, I once was wholly free ; Grace. But now made free to righteousness, its servant I would be. Glory. In righteousness I hope to raign, when sin shall tempt no more. Best. Let not this grace be all in vain, laid richly thus in store. 33 Nature. By works of my own righteousness the way to hea\en I sought, Grace. Of trustirg to it more or less, I uow abhor the thouglit. Glory. In righteousness without a spot, 1 shall presented be. Rest. Admired be my blessed lot layed up in Christ for me. Nature. Like a lost sheep, or goat, or son, distresses did surround me. Grace. But in this desert state undone, sweet Jesus sought and found me. Glory. And shortly to my long'd for home, me in His arms will bring. liest Oh ! what high-raised songs become my beauteous glorious King? Nature. Through darkness then upon my miud 1 nothing knew or learned ; Grace. Through gracious teachings now 1 tind, deep things in part discern'd. Glory. Through perfect vision all things I shall know as I am known ; Rest. His glory to eternity, His praises shall be shown. Nature. Best services I then perform'd a loathsome stink did make ; Grace. Weak services are now adorned and sweet for Jesu's sake. Glory. A rewai-d not of debt but grace, such services shall crown ; Rest. 'Tis wonderful that God should place, . on dust such great renown." Another of his prison pieces consists of an imaginary Dialogue between the Love of Clirist and the Lust of the Flesh. A description, and tlie design of which, will be seen from tlie title and preface. "A Dialogue betwixt the Love of Christ and the Lmt of tlie Flesh ; written by Ahraham Chearc, setting fortli the deceitfid nature of sin in its alluring the soul from goodness, to its mine and destruction, and the powerful intluonce of Christ'.s love, engaging to an early imbracing His invitations to a well grounded hope of cverlasti»g ghry. ITS I'llOLOGUE. "Respected Friend, 1 am obliged to tell you wIiiiIk a doing, There are at liand to you design'd for wooing, 'J' wo fair spoke suitnrs, bolli look fair and fresh. The love of .lesu? ami the lust of flesh. They are co-rivaln, each proposals brings, 84 As if the \u'n> iippaixiit of some kings Ilad terms to tender, to engage your favour, Of such vast interests their oilers savour. Hear now and well ohservo, a stnniler l)j", AVho long hath known how their connerns do lie, And who hy a dear experience hiith been taught, To what result such suits arc often brought : If from his -^rfcat desire you be blest, And in your choice reach everlasting rest : He ofl'ers dear bought light to guide your miiul. That to the better part it be inclin'd ; He shews a little, in a home spun stile, The one's simplicity, the otlier's guile, What stocks they come of, and their old descents, Their various treasures and their plain intents, ■\Vhat are their qualities, their difi'ering ends. To what plain issue each proposal tends. Their sundry overtures your love to gain. In way of dialogue betwixt them twain. " In a few lines, the commencement of some verses to lu-> cousin *' W. L." a beautiful instance is given of his entire acquiescence in liis " Father's will." " Dear child, although my Father's will in prison me hath bound ; Through uprightness and i)atieiirc still, my comforts here are found. The presence of a gracious (iod, doth this a ))alace make ; It makes the bitter of the rod be sweet for Jesu's sake." By incidental allusions in his Avritings, some idea may Yxj formed as to the companions of Cheare in his imprisoniuent in Exeter jail. One of these he speaks of as, ' ' that faithful servant of Christ, JoJm Edwards, junior, who died in the prison at Exoyi, the 27th year of his age." Cheare has left the following lines to preserve tlie mem- ory of his Friend. " When Satan shuts up saints in ward, his might Is bent to quench, at least, obscure their light, To quell their spirits, to distract their mind, That they no heart, no hand for work should tind. But here 's a conqueror in spight of foes. His Father's business, though in ward, lie does: He docs much inward work, he writes, prays, preaches : 't'he saints and sinners, through liis grace he reaches. Nay, still he speaks, it don't that work obstruct. Though from his, lie to raigu be pluck't. This voids tliat argument, we must comply, Or in bonds must cease our ministry." 35 Thougli Edwards was confined in prison, he could not be prevented from doing his Master's work even there. It is interesting to think of the rehgious worship iu which these persecuted and imprisoned servants of Christ were wont to join, as opportunity presented itself. Another of his fellow-prisoners was a Capt. Sampson Lark. " An unknown friend to the Lord's prisoners" had written some verses to the Captain. To these Cheare wrote a "Respond," in which, he gives this counsel to the unknown friend, who appears to have been presented from persecution. " Though out of dread and gunshot thou abide, Thy talent in a napkin do not hide. From Mount Communion gospel depths disclose, If not in meeter, yet in nervous prose. Direct thy mui;ic to the sliady wood, Where for a covert, and to pick theii" food, The sometimes numerous Hock dispersed lie, Expos'd to sinkings, and design'd to die ; Let pitty move you, yea let grace incline Your yearning bowels by a po\s'er divine ; Sing heaps of wheat ; birds of the golden feather Will flee like clouds, then flock like doves together. Ne'er lear the vultures that are now abroad, Your covert, work, and wages are of (iod. I '11 not detain you but conclude, and end, Your no way tired though retired friend. " Early in the year 1665, Mrs. Margaret Trenick died under severe per.secution, and there is tliis memorial of her, wliich Cheare entitles — "A friendly attempt to call to remembrance the precious .savour of that gi-acious soul, Mrs. Margaret Trenick, late wife of Mr. Thomas Trenick, of Plymouth ; wlio departed this life the 30th day of the second month. Anno 1()()5, being the 27th year of her age." The following is inserted because it gives an interestiu;^ view of her christian life, and of her devotedness to the service of Christ. "MAR(iARET TRENICK, anagkam, MAKE NOT GRACE RETIRE.. " If this sainl'.s name, inverted thus, affords Such choice variety of teaching words ; What would her nature, her new nature yield ; Had we traversed that sweet-smelling field ; Hut since with gravity it was inclos'd, Not seeking entrance, most, its profit los'd. Such boBoni friends an did that key acquire, Found deeply graven, maki; not obace betiuk. 86 Above Uio rest, her yoke-fellow is left To wail with hitieriiess, as one bereft Of a elioiee jewel, wliose rare venues lay In bosoine->-trengthenings, tlirou^h Christ's hated way. Her heavenly nryunieiits in secret dropt, His faintiii" soul haih nfi with courage propt. When he ran hazards, still did her desire, Keep conscience tender, makk N' t graci': retire. Consult not wife and children would she say; Thou;:;h we beg with you in tlin King's high-way: Hetray not any trulli whate'er 'twould get you, IJesert no station where the J<ord hath set you. (ireat suffering rather choose, than little sin : A little spark may dreadful fianics begin. Set soveraign pleasure in dominion higher; Though nature startle, make not urach rktibe. Such words of wisdom dropt in gracious cools, Speak louder than the cry that reigns with fools. When husband slejit, the pantings of her breast, In frequent travail, held her eyes from rest. For clearer sealings of her Fatlier's love, For Sion's showers, and shinings from above. She durst not grieve the Spirit, quench His fire, Not make the least true G11AC13 of his eetihe. At last she best appear'd on fiery tests When bonds, lier husband : death herself arrests. When stript of strengili. being forc't, her husband left her. Of all tl)rce sons her I'ather had bereft her. When friends stood trembling, grace such beams did dart As raised with triumi)h, fill'd with joy her heart, Tliese first fruits of tlie kingdom, set her higher Than tliat the tempter should make grace retibe. Sweet soul ! she now a glorious rest oVitains From all her outward pangs, her inward pains. Itelation-dues she long'd to perform. As griev'd to leave him in tills dismal storm. They ceas'U to bind lier: these cares ended are; To be with Jesus she finds better fare. Tc such rare patterns might my soul aspire! Not grieving Christ, not maki.ng grace retire." Tliis excellent person was one who said but little, yet walked closely with her Saviour. Tliis further testimony is given concerning her — '• The blessed subject of this mournful verse, Transcends my skill her praises to rehearse : The lively grace which in her youth di.l shine. Reflects convictions on this soul of mine. How short of her I am in patient waiting, And how unskill'd aright to mark retreating. It's true, she talkt not much, made little noise, Her closet-friend she chose should hear her voice: Rut lier whole walk with God and man bewray'd Heartful of matter, though not much she said. For her's and otliers' souls iter heart was beating, To mark the steps and issues of retreating." 37 Her Pastor has imagined a Dialogue between a Querist and ;Mrs. Trenick. The supposed Dialogue is as follows — QUEKIST. " Dear bearti while living, grace diJ much appear In thy low si)eaking, who were quick to hear, But more, when death lUd thy erakt pitcher break, Thy lamp shines brightest, and thou dead, dost speak. In this 1 acquiesce, yet fain would know ^Yhy wert so mute, why to good speech so slow? Answer. The Tempter on my temper might prevail, Some needful teachings sometimes to conceal; Pretending ease, yet brought no solid rest. The fire increasing in my jianting lireast. ^Vhich rais'd rebukes, convictions, griefs, so high, As found no rent but througli a weeping eye. Querist. AVas't all and only thy temptations then Thou wert so mute among tlie sons of men, So scarcely sociable, so retir'd. As made converse with thee not much desir'd? Thy lips allow'd thy heart so little vent. That few could fathom what thy musings meant. Answer. Nay, sometimes reasonings of a higher kind Did that way byass my poor pausing mind ; I view'd and wept on a professing age, That talk'd religion on a stately stage : But so reproacht it by unworthy walking. As made me dread their fellowship in talking. QUEUIST. But why among the saints, tliy dear delight, Were so resen-ed, if not silent quite? Their gracious speeches dropt as generous wine, Yet might have b«en more spied ami warm'd by thine. 'Tis wisdom's way tliese waters deep to draw. By frequent speakings, yet with holy awe. Answer. Beside tlie Tempter's wiles, I oft bethought How ignorant I was, what need be taught; How little 1 could apeak to others gain, How I lind spoke already much in vain. Then begg'd a bridle on my lips miglit be, Lest I should speak what was not in me. QlERIST. it'H true there involves both guilt and dangers Who boasl of grace wlif-reto they iiro but strangers; But all who rightly know thy soul could say Tliere'H pri'oious treasure, though a straight'ned way. Nay, when death sei/.'d thee and thy strenglli was spent, What glorious matter pent to have a vent! 38 Answer. I must confess (though forth I oouM not hiing) ]\Iy lioart conceivM rare matter for the Kiu;j!. But iny eoncoits were shattcr'd, short and bare, Of sucli high matter heavenly, royal, rare, 1 could not speak what I was aj^prohending, Uutil my clouds, my streight^ and sighs were ending." Cheare lias left expressions of thankfulness that during his imprisonments, six or seven of the members of the Church had witnessed a good confession, and gone triumphing to heaven before him. This faithful one must have been amongst their number. It is evident, from one or two allusions, that Mrs. Trenick died under the persecution she endured. " At last she best appear'd on fiery tests." And again, another reference to her contains this sentence, " Oh wretched age! (must we in it remain'.') AVhich sins away such jewels to their gain, But our loss irrepai-able." Such were some of the members of the Church at that time ; distingui.shed for their firm attachment to the cause of Christ. After Cheare had been cruelly and mercilessly treated in Exeter prisons, for a pei'iod of three years (1662 to 1665), he obtained (through the efforts made by his sister) liberty to visit his native place, and accordingly he came to Ply- mouth. But as soon as his persecutors, ever on the alert, found that he was again at liberty, they arrested him and got him confined in the Guildhall in that town, for a month. Whilst in that place he wrote the following lines which are thus headed — "Verses affixed to the wall of the prison, at the Guildhall Plimouth ; where A. C. was detained a month, and thence sent to the Island, the 27th September, 1665. " Nigh four years since, sent out from hence, to Exon goal was I, But special grace, in three month's space, wrought out my liberty. Till Bartholomew in sixty two, that freedom did remain; Then without bail to Exon goal, I hurried was again. AVhere having layn, as doe the slain,. 'mong dead men wholly free ; i'ull three year's space, my native place, by leave I came to see, 39 And thought not then, I here ag.iin, a month's restraint should tind, Since, to my den, cast out froni men, I'm during life design'd. But since my lines the Lord assigns In such a lot to be, I kiss the rod, confess my God deals faithfully with me. My charged crime, in His due time, He fully will decide. And until then, forsjiving men, In peace with Him I bide." In tlii.s same year, Cheare's enemies oLtainecl an order v for his perpetual banislmient to the Lsland of St. Nicholas • (now Drake'.s Island, Plymouth Sound), which had been converted into a State prison in 1G43. To this place he was conveyed from the Plymouth Guildhall, on the 27th September, 1665. Cheare was not the only one banished here at this period, "for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesiis Christ." The Rev. George Hughes, minister of St. Andrew's i Chui'ch, Plymouth, with his brother in law and assistant Mr. Martin, were among those Mho wx'vo cyectcd fi-om their livings in 1662. Hughes was subsequently sent to the I Island of St. Nicliolas, and was for a season a fellow <, prisoner with Cheare. For nine months Hughes continued ' close prisoner in the Island ; there, incurable dropsy and scurvy ensued, and the mischief being done, they offered him liis liberty upon condition of giving security in £2000 - that he woidd not live within twenty miles of Plymouth. ( He accordingly retired to Kingsliridge, where he lived in / peace until his death, and was buried in the parish Church- ' yard in that town. (Calamy.) "Ah i)ersecuting I'lymouth, that hath turned Out of thy gates the men who sought thy good, Against them cruelly thy wrath has burned. Thou suek'st in jioison, loiitliest wholesome food. Hughes, Martin, Cheare, nn<t all tliy hand could reach, 'i'hou easiest out, tiicreibre behold u bicach." {Words in Season, 1668.) But though Hughes was allowed to retire into the country, not so Cheare, notwitlistanding the climate and confinomont affected him no less thtm thoy did the minister of St. Andrew. About this time Cheare wrote some linos to commem- orate the death of a young Christian whom ho evidently 40 knew and loved ; tlio moans of wliose conversion was a severe illness, from wliich lio so far recovered as to be able to confess his Saviour in tlic ordinance of baptism. From these linos an extract is given, tliey are entitled — "In memory of that example of the gi'ace and power of God, Caleb Vernon, who departed this life, the 29th day of the ninth month, lOGo, being aged twelve years, and six months." " ]}ut though neer corruptible dust, This curious frauit; was brought, By gracious pleasure stay it must Till uobler work was wrought. Till deep convictions of my sin, Till Jesus form'd in me; Till as my portion I begin, Tlie TiOrd's dear Christ to see. Till all my sins were done away, Till terrors made me cease ; Till heart and mind could sweetly stay In thought-surpassing peace. Xay, till in an accepted day, jly liomage I could bring, And in His instituted way, Devote me to the King. Till Christ put on, His works allow'd, His dying marks imbraoed. His cause contest, His works avow'd. His sufTetings boldly fac'd. His promise for a portion took. Saints for companions chose. And on II im jilaced a fixed look l"'or i'utuie free dispose. Since then in an unusual way Iiich grace hatli tlius array'd me ; And in my young, yet dying day, With glory overlay'd me : What properly should 1 desire, lint now dissolv'd to be •■ And in this )narriage-white attire My liridegroom's face to see? lu Kedaii who would not bemoan, Jf there he must reside. wretclied man ! who would not groan. In sinful flesli to bide ? Who'ld lodge in such a nasty shade. As tortui'ing, tottering stands, That hatli a palace ready made Not with polluted liands ? Whtie sin, temptations, sulYering, sti'ife. Shall fully be destroyed. All-dying, swallow d up of life, And (iod at full injoy'd." 41 A few days after Clieare was banislied to the Island, a violent siclniess seized liini whicli lasted for about three quarters of a year, after that, ho partially recovered, on which occasion he wrote a poem of grateful aclaiowledgment to his Saviour's praise, it is headed — " On the beginning of his recovering fi-oni a great sick- ness, on the Island of Plymouth.^'' The wi'iter dedicated it — "To His Tri'ly Sacked Majesty the High xsn Mighty P0TEXTA.TE, KixG OF Klvgs, ^vkd Lord of Lords, Peince OF Life and Peace, Heir of all things, and He^uj oyer ALL to the Church. "The humble prostrature and thankful acknowledgment of a poor prisoner of hope, whose life upon all accounts hath been marvellously preserved, and dehvered with a great salvation from the pit of corruption. " Most glorious Soveraign ! to Tliy feet is brought The trembling oflfspring of a contrite thought, By a poor captive, who attempts to i-aise An Ebekezek to his Saviour's praise. A lasting pillar, as in conscience bound, In due remembrance of choice favours found; With grace to succour in a needful hour From death's dominion, and the Tempter's power. But when Thy worm reflects, whnt it can bring Comporting with tlie grandeur of a King; Of such bright Majesty, as angels must Tlieir faces vail before, shall sinful dust Have bold access, and kind acceptance meet For self and service at Thy burning feet '? May hair, a badger's skin, a widow's mite, From willing minds, find favour in Thy sight; A pair of pigeons, or a turtle-dove, Find kind construction fmm tlie God of love? Is there more over-laid by the supply, To help such weakness in infirmity '? A costly covering doth Thy grace provide, Tlieir blemishes to vail, their spots to hide. Who, from their sense of need and duty, bring Their lowly liomage to their lofiy King'? On such encotiragemcnts here trembling stands, A contrite waiter though with empty hands, Whose iiag anil basket speak liim to become More like a begger tliaii a bringer-home. Who, though he aims and longs in this address, His utmost obligation to express. To charge his conscience and discharge his vow, Abandon nlhcr lords, to Jesus bow ; Yet findrt in all, that, voiil of Koyiil Aid, Nout;bt wortliy of Thee can be thought or said. Apart from Christ, the best iitiempts, alas! Are tinckling oymballH, and as sounding brass. 42 Such stately structures prove but wouJ ami hay r th' tost nnil eontest of that Imrniiig ihiy. These ilenr experiments so often tri'd, All hoBstini;; eonfi;lenee from ilesli must hide, Of self-sufficiency in best attire, To form tliat work, or breathe but that desire, Or think that thouiiht, that can, injustice, claim One heavenly aspect on its act or aim. ^Vhat then remains, thy worm must prostrate fall, While sentence from Thy presence past on all AYhich self hiUh ^;loried in, or flesh hath galu'il ; Witli wliatsoe'r to Adam nppertain'd ; His wisdom, will, his power, delight, desire, Or what his art, or industry acquire ; His noblest faculties, acutest parts, His liberal sciences, or rarest arts : Nay, his best righteousness, his all in all Must be resigti'd, surrcnder'd, left to fall, Be sentenc'd, crucitied, despoild, disgrac'd, And at the feet of conquering Jesus plac'd ; That on its mines, gospel grace may rear A living pillar, Tliy new name to bear !" From one of Cheare's letters written at this period, on the Island, a lengthened extract is given. "To an ancient friend, giving his ajiprehensions con- cerning the multitude of professors ; Avith some of liis experiences both in bonds and sickness. "Kind and very much respected! — The posture of the Lord's own people, even of such, who in dayes past, with greatest intimacy and endearment went to the house of God in company, hath of late years presented itself to me much after the similitude of a great fleet of ships outward bound, who set out of their port beautifully ecj^uipped, laden, trimmed, in consortship, and under a very prosperous, promising gale, all spreading their very top-gallant sayls to shew their celerity- and make the best of their way: A very beautiful and pleasant prospect to an eye delighted in such expeditions. But hu\ang stood but a little way in this course out of sight of the countrey from whence they set forth, a dark night and dismal storm overtaking them, they are dispersed all sea-over; a great number being mindful of the port whence they came, think they have a fair opportunity and plausible excuse to return again, and draw up with design to adventure such storms no more. Others, and they not a few, being confident and conceited of tlieir own understanding, do sJiape their course to and fro as the wind sliifteth, are cast upon rocks and shoals to the making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. 43 Many others fearing that course, think yet by casting their ■wheat and tacldiug into the sea, they shall somewhat lighten their ships and be the better able to weather it out, and so dropping anchors at the wrong end, wish for day. Few, very few, preferring the interest of the Great Owner and Fraughter beyond their own lives, determine to stem the storm and press toward the port unto which they are bound, in the face of all dilHcultios. I need not make the application particularly to spiritual things, the day we live in gives sad e'S'idence of the truth of all these instances; and now the case being thus, how desirable should it be to such who in disposition, desire, and endeavour, are pressing forward, to meet with good neighbours, who may keep company and yield (if need be) advice, supply, or assistance, till we all come to drop anchor within the vale, whither the Forerunner is for us entered. If in this providential coming up with one another, it might be of any encoiiragement or advantage to ^-ou, I could at large acf[uaint you, that hy the grace of God I ani ivhat lam, who have great occasion to exalt Avonderful loving-kindness that hath helped hith- erto so as after five years imprhonment, in more than Jive prisons ; and in this last year above nine months sickness, with divers tryals of fiiitli and patience, I have never yet seen the least reason (and I praise Christ my Lord), never been under an hour's temptation, to ielinc[uish or repent of my testimony in word or deed to any one persecuted ti-uth of Christ for which I suifer ; and though my present lot be in a place whore the salt sharp air is manifestly ruinous to my health, exposing me (more than ever I was in my life) to daily distempers, and under a sentence of prinuinire {i.e. perjietiial imprisonment) and in a readiness on all occa- sions for threatened transportation, besides other thrcatning and straitning circumstances; jot under all is Christ as precious to my soul as ever, and so is Ilis cause, work and institutions, and faitiiful children, and every way as worthy of my nil, as I professi-d llim to be in the greatest fulness or pl(-nty of all tilings ; neither durst I for my life balk the least truth of Jesus which is to bo witnessed unto, for the obtaining any health, liberty, or other accomodiitions what- ever ; nor can I (-xprcss the constant satisfaction, and sometimes consolation that my soul is made to enjoy in following Clod, especially Avlien in my greatest sickness about this time twelve montli, and at other seasons, when 44 I liavt' been read}' to step into eternit}-. Tlioughts and. pen cannot set forth the poace passing imderstanding wherewith my soul was jiossessed in respect of the present truths of Jesus Clirist and Ilia heart-h)vo to mo therein, whieh do to this day abitlo in tlieir exeelleuey and obligation, engaging mj' soul to love and praise the Lord for His unspeakable gifts of grace to met therein who have as fearful, cowardly, ■unbelieving, self-saving a poor lieart as I think any poor Christian alive is pestered withal." (Words in Season. J Amongst Chearo's writings, is a piece to the memory "of that servant of Christ, Edwarcl Cock of Plymouth, who rested from his labours the 2;3rd of the fifth month, 1666." He suffered and died on that "Eock," in the Plymouth Sound, which has become another Patmos. Nothing more can be gathered concerning him than that he was, like Antipas, one of Christ's "faithful witnesses." In 1667, the hearts of Cheare and his fellow sufferers- for the sake of the gospel, were not a little comforted by a practical demonstration of sj^mpathy for them in their distress, a "small" present of provisions being convoyed to them by their fi'iends. On the receipt of it Cheare wrote a grateful letter to the donors, which manifests his appre- ciation of the smallest kindness shown to himself and his fellow prisoners. The letter commences thus : " Unto our brethren and friends in the bonds and bowels of the gospel, whose hearts have made them willing under tlie bounteous influences of the God of Israel to comfort the hearts of the unworthy prisoners of the Lord in Plymouth Island, by a costly present, and to every one that hath contributed or helped therein, to a tender groan or the vahio of a cup of cold water, be a large recompence of reward given in grace and ascertained in glory, by Him who is not unfaithful to forget such labour of love shewed to His name." This letter is dated 22nd of ninth month (November), 1667. Early in January (eleventh month), of that same year, he was again laid aside by a severe illness, and died in his place of banishment, on the 5th of first month (March), 1668. "If any enquire what might occasion so much severity as to detain him (Cheare) so many years and until death, a prisoner — It may suffice to insert here for the reader's satisfaction, that in the state of his case, left under his hand, setting forth the illcgalitj- and unrighteousness of 45 proceedings against liini, lie concludes it tluis : if it should be suggested, perhaps he is a ring-leader ; this true char- acter of the person may alleviate jealousies of that kind. "He "was born at Plymouth of mean yet honest parentage ; is not, by kindred or any alliance, related to any person or family of any note at all ; was not bred up to learning at any University, or sent anywhere to travel for education or experience ; but contrariwise, brought up and kept dili- gently b}' his parents to work in the poor yet honest trade of a Fuller ; never lived out of that town a month together all his life, except in a joxu-ney some weeks, on occasion, about sixteen years since, to London ; besides Avhat he underwent by constraint in prison. Never in. the former wars was enlisted in any troop or company under pay, and in the trained bands of the town where he served, never was accounted worthy of promotion to so mucli as a corporal, nor in the corporation whereof he was a member, ever advanced so high as a constable ; never bettered liis estate one farthing by all the propitious advantages that might have given him opportunity for so doing ; nor is conscious to himself of the least desire of adding to what he hatli, by any present or future advantages that any favourable overtiu'es of the times may tempt him with ; never was advanced to, or improved in, any place or office of trust or profit, civH, militai'y, or ecclesiastical ; save only for some few weeks unknown to him, and against his will, he was mustered a chaplain to the fort, but cj^uickl}' got himself discharged of that again. Never was concerned in, nor truly charged with any plot, mutiny, or tumult, giving the least disturbance or occasion of fear or jealousie. This one thing only can remain to give colour to such proceedings ; that about eighteen years since he being convinced of his duty to the Lord, by evidence of scriptural light, joyned himself in an holy covenant to walk in all tlio ordinances of the Lord blameless, to tlio best of his liglit and power, in fellowship with a poor and despised people." fPoHlcript to Words in Season. J The principal part of the infoinnation given about this devoted follower of the Lord Jesus is gathered from a book, copies of wliich are very scarce, consisting of 294 pages 12 mo. It is entitled — "WoiiDS IN Season: From tliat late worthy sufferer and servant of the Lord 46 Jesus, au able minister of the New Testament, according to that character ; 2 Cor. vi. 4, 5, &c. Mh. AuRAiiAM Cheahe, viz : I. Faith's conquest over the tortures and tenders of an hour of 1eini)taiion, on Heb. xi. 35. II. The euiLuhuing of a dead cause, on Mark xiv. 8. III. Eemarkablo discourses on his dying bed, with copies and extracts of letters on several occasions. Useful for those whoso hearts are engaged to serve the will of God in tins generation." Tliis book was publislied in London in 1GG8. All the poetical pieces that have been selected, are from a small book of 98 pages, wliich is only to be found in the British Museum. It was published in 1672 and is entitled "A Looking Glass for Children. Being a narrative of God's gracious dealings with some little children ; recollected by Ilenry Jessey in his life-time. Together with sundry seasonable lessons and instructions to youth, calling them early to remember their Creator : written by Abraham Cheare, late of Plymouth. The Fourth Edition, enlarged — To which is added many other poems very suitable. As also some elegies on departed friends, made by the said Abraham Cheare. AU now faithfully gathered together for the benefit of young and old by H. P. Psalm Ixvi. 16. Come and hear all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. Dout. xxxi. 19. Now therefore write this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel ; put it in their mouths, tliat this song may be a witness for me. London, Printed for H P. and are to be sold by the Booksellers. Price one shilling." The preface is dated "London, twelfth month, 12th day, 1672." V. FEOM PEISON TO GLORY. Preface to Cheare's discourses on his dying bed. "The gracious author of the fore-going treatises, after full tliree years suffering, under very hard circumstances, enduring many inhumanities from merciless goalers in Exeter goal, was continued prisoner under military guards ,n the Isle of Plymouth, where a violent sickness in a few 1 47 days seized upon liim ; in wliicli a friend admitted to a constant converse, judged these following passages worthy his observation, which may fitly be here inserted as a discovery of the grace granted in his various changes, and abiding with him, imtil by the will of God having finished his work, he fell asleep." The friend who has thus preserved and treasured up the precious testimony of this faithful servant of Jesus Christ, deserves to be remembered with gratitude ; a small portion of that testimony is here given. "A friend asking liim if he had anything to say to them in the family with him in case the Lord should call him from them ? he repHed, 'I desire the blessing of the God of heaven may be upon you and a full reward fi-om Him be ministred to you for all the labour of love you have shewed to me for the Lord's sake ; and I beseech you continue stedfast in the faith and testimony to Christ and His con- cerns, who is as worthy as ever, notwithstanding all the reproach cast on Him and them.' "And as to the Church at riymouth, he said, 'he had oft since his sickness, on his bed, begg'd of God, that the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, would set a man over that Church, a man whom He should chuse, to go in and out before them, to feed them, that so the Lord's poor flock be not utterly scattered by those that carry or keep them captive.' Numb, xxvii. he referred to. And further said, 'as to the Church in Plymouth wherein he had la- boured, he desired to serve the Lord in it, and to gather souls to Clirist ; and had now tlie witness of a good conscience in that matter, tluit lie had not wilfully omitted, or dealt negligently in tliat Avork in the main of it, as opportunity presented ; and blest the Lord, that since his inii)ris()nment he had heard of six or seven of that Cliurch that had gone triumphing to heaven before him.' "One asked liim wlu.thcr he would have any cordial; he said, 'yes, may it be an instrument on God's behalf to recover a little strength before I go hence, to speak yet a word for God, else tell me of no more cordials, for I drink full draughts. " 'Tliero is a cause God hath stretclied out His hand to own amongst us, thougli men may bo divided about it what it is; some Kiiy it consists in stating and asserting our rights against oppressours ; but I take it to ]>o such a 48 testimony to Clirist's kingdom, that few will espouse but such as love the Lord Jesus in sincerity.' " Being asked by a friend, have you ought to say to us before you leave us ? he replied, ' O love the Lord all ye His saints ! when and wheresoever He calls to follow, go after Him ; yea though He kill you yet love Him still, trust Him still.' One saying to him, yea worthy is the Lamb to receive glory, honour, obedience and service from all His saints : lie replied, ' Ho is worthy indeed, for He hath redeemed me by His blood, blessed be God He is my God, He is my God ;' and then said, ' the Lord hath strangely raised me and called me to put on a very high profession, and carried me more strangely through it to this hour; though it may seem to be but a poor thing in itself con- sidered, yet the Lord hath had a care of such a poor woi'm, and hath not left me shamefully to forsake Him, nor hath hitherto forsaken me; and blessed be my God that hath brought me into bonds for His name's sake in this day ; this honour have not all His saints though they be a people near unto Him ; but Oh ! the crowning mercy is this, that I can behold my Father's face with joy; and can say in some measure, I have finished the work Thou gavest me to do, and now, holy Father, I come to Thee. " *I have heretofore given some account of myself to you, and as you may remember as to those remarkable passages of my life, both as a Christian, a minister, a sufferer ; this last I am now come to put a seal to, as they have been Bufferings for Christ's cause and kingdom, as God hath given Him to be Head over all things to the Church, which is His body, and indeed as He hath ajipointed me, suf- ferings for His name's sake, so I must say to His praise, He hath so far restrained men's wrath, as He hath made enemies to be at peace with me and friendly to me ; this I would commend to you my dear friends, as an argument for ever to trust in God. ' ' * There are many signs upon us, that prognostick great things near at the doors, though I dare not say I know much distinctly as to times, means and methods, only be assured not one jot or tittle of all God hath spoke shall fail, though our interpretations of them may fail. " 'If any ask how it stood -ndth me as to these things at this season, tell them, if I die, I die in as full assurance that God will give reviving to His poor despised cause 49 and interest, as I do believe the resurrection of this body, and that I know both the one and the other are founded on such a Word as shall stand as mountains of brass. "'And now, oh now, eoiild I send epistles to all the Churches ; in these things I would, but that work I think is over ; be ye therefore as the epistle of that, to them. And, dear sister A. L., remember me to aU saints in Ply- mouth, and tell them, I have no greater joy than to hear that they are of those children who are walking in the truth, as to hear of any of them walking loose to Christ and loose to the profession of Him is my soul's grief. Oh ! teU them that as ever they hope to see my face with joy at the Great Day, that what they have seen and heard from me, a poor worm, that hath been according to the mind of the Lord, they would do, and the God of Peace shall be with them.' " His sister was troubled seeing him so weak, wliich occasioned him to say, ' Oh ! be ashamed, sister, of such a demeanor, cannot you let a poor believer go to heaven ? Oh ! did you but stand on the threshold and see what pre- parations God hath made for such a poor worm as I am, you would never be afraid of death more. Oh ! honour Christ much, I think He is coming near to honour me, though I know not yet that my sentence is come out from Him ; yet I speak not as if I had hankering thoughts to stay. Oh ! when shall I see the day ? Wo shall sing at parting, and not mourn as now ; blessed be God for ever, that He hath not let the righteous to be ashamed, nor wicked men to triumph over them for my sake. Ah ! did they know wliat God liath pardoned in me, they might be apt to triumph more than now thoy can.' " A friend tliat dwelt upon the place coming- to him, and speaking religiously, lie replied, ' There was much talk of religion in the world, but few had attained to acquaint- ance with the powerful inward part of it; and then minded that much of the power of religion indeed was comprehended in that word, Pliil. i., 21, ' For me to live is Christ,' not only to live on, or to Christ, but to live Christ, in all wcj speak or act, is a liigh work ; Lord, let my soul (saith he) into the sight and joy of it, yet more and more.' "A friend asking him how ho did; he answered, ' Coveting to overcome.' 50 " ' I cannot now speak much, and if I could, unless the Great Remombraucor set homo with power and efficacy, what is spoken, upon our minds and spirits, it will signiiio but little ; and to add many Avords, would be but a vanity : but for you, and tliom, and all saints, I pray that you may abide with God, and never be ashamed or tempted with fear or cowardize, or unbecoming comply- ances with base, earthly, worldly interests to let go your holdfast on any truth you have professed, as truth is in Jesus. " 'I have delivered to that poor church I appertain unto, the doctrine of a free gospel of grace, wherein a founda- tion is laid in the blood of Jesus, of peace with God through Him, and they also, have with hands lift -up to the Most High, professedly accepted of that grace tcndred to them ; and I being, I think, about to leave earth, and to go to my Father, and give an account of my steward- ship therein ; I do so in full assuraiioe that it is the true grace of God wherein they stand ; and I do lay it before them, with the utmost ability such a poor worm as I can do, that they be not by doctrine, word, nor spirit, soon shaken from their stedfastness, hither or thither, for life or salvation, biit as they have been taught.' "Being asked how he did? He said, 'I am a poor sick, weak creatiu'e still :' adding, 'That the Tempter had been very busie tliat night with him.' At another season a fi'iend asking, What, doth your hard work continue still ? He said, 'Yes, I am labouring as it were in the fire, which were not to be endured but in hopes of the crown.' " At another time, being asked how he did ? He said, ' Still in the warfare, but on the Conqueror's side.' " Being asked by one, How doth this valiant souldier of Christ ? He shook liis head at it and said, ' A pitiful souldier.' "Then speaks to all in the room saying, 'I charge you all in the name of the Lord Jesus and as you will ever answer it at that Great Daj', that you make religion your business, and that you make not godliness a slight thing, nor walking with God a small matter, as ever you hope to stand with boldness before God in the judgement.' "It was told him, if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous who is the propitiation for our sins : *yea,' saith he, 'through faith in 51 His blood; he is so, and tliitlier dotli my soul flee' Then speaking of the pressures that -svere upuu him, he was advised to look to the Lord, Avho, in depths of wisdom administred them, managing all circumstances about them ; as also to eye Christ, the Captain of our salvation, who endured sore travail, yea bruising from His Father also, as knowing He ought to suiter such things and so to enter into glory ; and the Spirit spake of the sufi'erings of Christ and the glory that should follow : he replied, * Oh ! that glory, that glory on the other side.' "Then beggs, 'if God had anything for him to speak, He would communicate and enable to it ; and that if Abraham's work were done, that He would say to him with that clearness and evidence as he might imderstand it, thou hast fought a good fight, hast kept the faith, henceforth is laid uj) for thee a crown which God the Judge of all shall give thee.' "A while after, and but three hours before his dissolution, a friend, perceiving him xinder great pressures, spake softly to him ; they looked unto the Lord and were lightned. A right look will bring down relief under all difficidties. 'Yea,' repHed he, with strength and earnestness, * and their faces were not ashamed.' Thence forward he spoke not ; but in a few hours after (it being the 5th day of the fu-st month 1668,) yielded uj) his spirit, falling asleep without pang or considerable groan." " Poor outward, inward prisoners, and exiles. Have lost a wortliy synipatbizing friend: So liatli wliole Sion, within many miles, She hath not any, so al)le to extend Help every way; cumpassions he did reacli. And laboured, till he died, in Siun's breach I" CWorch in Season, 1668. ^ This account of the life and labours of a very eminent servant of God may bo closed l)y one otlior fj^uotation from his writings : " upon the death of a zealous, faithful, and therefore persecuted servant of the Lord," language which will a])ply to himself, as well as to the friend of whom he wrote. " It 's true we liave lost a prince and great man in Isrard this day. But wlio was his Fatlicr? was it not tlio Father of Spirits witli whom the residue of the Spirit is, 52 • and who can at His pleasure set a man over tlie con- gregation, * ""'■ * * * * " The Fathers, where are they ? and do the Prophets, tlic AVorthies live for ever ? Why c:ry wo out of loss ? God hath not lost them, God took tliom, they all live to God, they are ever with the Lord. We have not lost them unless they that sleep in Christ are perished ; Ave shall go to them shortly, though they shall not return to us ; they have not lost themselves, they are found in Christ : to die is gain ; to be with Christ is far better ; death is their's, because they are Christ's. The Work of God hath not lost them, if we take it in its most capacious^ comprehen- sive acceptation. God hath a Will to be done not in earth (only) but also in heaven ; they are not dismissed from the King's business who are called fi-om the camp to the coui't, from being souldiers to be privj-counsellors. God hath a great family in heaven, and earth, and many vessels ; some above in honour, some below in dishonour. If God has fully purged any who can grudge them to be translated as vessels unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's immediate use." '•'The volume (Words in Season,) from which the fore- going extracts have been made is a deeply interesting memorial of Cheare. As is evident from his writings, he was a man of " great boldness in the faith," and was willing rather to suffer affliction and persecution with the peojile of God than to deny his Lord and Saviour. Of such martyrs for the gospel's sake it may well be said : — " Their Llood is shed In confirmation of the noblest claim, Our claim to feed upon immortal truth, To walk with God, to be divinely free, 'J'o soar and to anticipate the skies. Yet few remember them. They lived unknown Till persecution dragg'd them into fame. And chased them up to heaven." This lengthened account of the life and character of Cheare has been given, because it is felt that his memory deserves to be honoured, and especially so by the Church of which he was i\).Q first recorded pastor. It is well too that Christian writings during a period of persecution should now and then be brought into notice, to remind us of the Saviour's words, "if any will come 53 after Me let him deny liimself and take up his cross and follow Me," and of His address to the Chm-ch in Smyrna, "be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." It is important also to remember the principles upon which our Churches were founded, in order to guaxd against indiflference in those things which are essential to the existence of a Christian Church. "It stands as a first priQciple, that a true Christian Church must be composed of converted persons only, that the Church is responsible for seeing that only those it can conscientiously regard as such are admitted to its fellowsliip." That was the principle on which this Church was organized — a distinct protest against the mixed membership of the Establishment. By that principle may Chi-istian Churches have grace to stand firmly, whatever plausibilities may be pleaded for relaxation now. VI. FUETHEE HISTOEY OF THE CHUECH; FEOM 1687 TO 1748. Soon after the death of Cheare, persecution against the Nonconformists broke out with redoubled fury in conse- quence of the passing of the Act for forbidding Conventicles; and the Church at Plymouth, so recently bereaved of its beloved pastor, was continually vexed and harassed with evei-y species of cruelty, not being permitted to meet to- gether in public* ( Rippon. ) As the result of this, the Church did not obtain another pastor for nineteen years. In 1G87 King James's Act of Indulgence enabled the scat- tered people once more to meet in public worsliip. At this i)eriod they chose Mr. Eobert Browne, ' ' a min- ister of the Paedobaptist persuasion, llien jireaching at Worcester." {Itippon. ) He was an ejected minister from Whitelady Aston, about five miles south-east of Worcester, and spoken of as a good scliolar. He appears at one time U) have supplied the Cliurch at Broadnicad, Bristol, for two Sabbaths. On one occasion after the deatli of their past<jr, Mr. Hardcastle, Mr. Browne was invated by the Brondmoad Cliurch to take tluj pastoral ovcrsiglit of tlicni, this invitation was however declined, the Ciiurcli at AV^u- cester deciding that they could not sjiaro ]iim. The •" In lOS.i," Hay s N'ealp , " all meeting lionsos of Protcstiint l)is.scntcrs wore shut up, the old trade ol infi<rmin){ revived and tlourisheJ, jrivatc Couvciiticlcs were ilwturbcd in all parts of the city and country." E 54 Broadmoad Eecords contain some of Mr. Browne's letters ■vn-itten at this period. In November 1687, he Avas invited to undertake the pastoral office over the Church at riynioutli. The letter of invitation, which is subjoined, was signed by GG members, who constituted the whole of the Cluirch at that time."* "The 30th of the eleventh month (November), 1687. The Chm-ch of Jesiis Christ in Plymouth, whereof our beloved brother, Abraliam Cheare, Avas pastor, being as- sembled together with fasting and prayers, and having we hope obtained counsel and direction from Grod our Father, in pui'Siiance of the power and authority Jesus Chi'ist has given to His Churches to choose their own pastors ; do in His name, jointly, unanimously, every member severally for ourselves, whose names are underwrit, with hearts and hands lifted up to God, call and choose our well beloved brother, Eobert Browne, as one chosen and called of God for tlie ministry of the gospel, to be our pastor, to watcli, feed, rule, oversee, and to take charge of, the souls of this little flock of Jesus Christ, and to discharge all the duties which the Lord Jesus tlie Great Bishop of souls hath required of you in that relation, according to the ability of gift and grace bestowed upon you. "Promising, or solemnly engaging ourselves in the sight of God, angels, and men, on our part towards you also, jointly and unanimously as a Church of Christ, and everyone severally for himself as a member of the same body, to subject ourselves to your rule and government in the Lord, to perform and discharge all the duties wliich the Lord hath required of us towards you in that relation, and one towards another, as He shall enable ixs ; and that your work and labour for the Lord among us may be comfortable to you, according to our cajiacities, abilities, and as the Lord shall bless us, to make suitable provision for yourself and family. And therefore in His name and for His sake and the interest of the gospel in these parts, Ave do earnestly entreat and beseech you in the boAvels of Jesus Christ to accept of this offered service for your Lord and Master, unto which the Holy Ghost hath in a good measure fitted and prepared you, and this Chui-ch of Christ, as aforesaid, hath unanimously called 3'ou. •Thus it will be seen tliat for the long period of five and twenty years tlie mem- bers of the Church were persecuted and scattered, but though persecuted they were not forsaken, although cast down, they were not destroyed. 55 "And that tliere may be no obstructions or discourage- ments remaining, we have considered the things wherein jou and we are otherwise minded in principle and practice (Mr. Browne was a Paedobaptist), the foundation of gospel faith and conversation held fast, we do solemnly declare ourselves to b.e agi-eed, impositions on neither side, as knowing it to be the work of our Lord himself to reveal His truths unto us. And if in the providence of God there should come a time of scattering, wasting, through perse- cution or otherwise, or anything should fall out among us grievous or burdensome to you, or that you shall judge in your own conscience that God calls you to any other place, it shall not be a prison to you, but we will readily comply with anj^thing you shall desire of us in the will of God, consistent with our duty each to other, and give you a letter of recommendation or dismission, cases of public scandal excepted. "Lastly, with respect to the Church at Worcester, if there be any hesitation remaining upon your spirit on this account and you shall hereafter be convinced that it is the mind and will of God you should return to them again, we shall give you fi-ee liberty therein as if there were no obligation by virtue of this relation betwixt us." (Iiimey' s History. J Considering the deplorable state of the Church, Mr. Browne accepted this invitation. But the hope of pros- perity Avhich was indulged, as the result of the pastor's talents and piety, was but of short duration. After min- istering to his people for only a few months, Mr. Browne was called to his eternal reward. He is said tu have died from excessive preaching. The Cliurch erected a 'fomhstone to his memory, which is now llxed in tlie Vestry be- longing to Georgu Street Chapel, riymoutli. From this we gather that lie was a faithful minister of the gospel, and that he died '22nd February, 1088, aged 51. His epitaph is as follows : " Tlie kiiij< of teiTors liutli eiitonilieJ my Just Hut till tlif- resurrection nf the just, Whon crowiieil saints with prowni'il Clirist theii- Kiug, At tliu lust triiui]), sliiill Imlli.'liijiili sin<^'. Neds must this vcisi-l Ijreiik, frail imliire vieM, 'J'lie In-uhure was so rich wln.'rewitli 'twas filled; More lit to feast with perfect saints ahove, Wli'.-re meobiires fuel no iiaiii in matchless love. 56 i\ry glass is niii, thine doth whilst looking on, Haste, Jo thy work or thou wilt be undone." A monument was also erected in the meeting-house, it is as follows : " All ! cruel death, to separate so soon Tlie lovely pastor and his pious charge; Their bright'iiing day to overcloud nt noon, Thine own despotic empire to enlarge. But soon the Saviour will avenge their cause, And thou, dread tyrant, shalt His voice obey ; Eescu'd with pow'r from thy devouring jaws, They'll meet again in realms of endless day," (RippoiCs Baptist Register.) After the death of Mr. Browne, the Church for a brief period enjoyed the services of a Mr. Warner, his ministry was acceptable and accordingly they invited him to become their pastor, offering him a salary of £40 per annum. This invitation, Mr. Warner at first accepted, but he subsequently altered his intention and declined it. In the month of August, 1688, the Church sent a letter to Mr. Robert Holdenby in Ireland, requesting him to come and assist them. He came over by the next vessel and the Church gave liim a call to the pastorate, "which he accepted by word and writing ; but finding some of the members particular, his engagements became imeasy to him; he therefore requested permission to leave them." The Church met on the 20th March, 1689, to consult on the affaii" and returned an answer to his request in the negative. On the 4th April, 1690, Mr. Holdenby made a second attempt to obtain his dismission and at length the Church agreed to comply with his request. At the end of April he left Plymouth. Though the Church was now, again, destitute of a pas- tor, yet they were not without assistance. A ministering brother of their own number was able to preach to them on the Lord's Day, and, for a time, to supply the place of a pastor. This person was Mr. Samuel Buttall : he was formerly connected with a Church in London, then under the pastoral care of Henry Jessey, one of the most cel- ebrated and esteemed ministers of that day. Mr. Buttall probably held office in it. He was subsequently transferred from Ml'. Jessey' s Church to that at Broadmead, Bristol, with wliich Church he was connected in 1675 when Mr. Hardcastle was the pastor. He afterwards joined the 67 Plymouth Church and occasionally ministered to various congregations. On two occasions he preached in the neighbourhood of Bristol, to large numbers of the Broad- mead people, their pastor in prison, and they themselves in constant fear of interruption. "March 12th, 1681, Lord's Day, Mi-. Samuel Buttall of Plymouth, preached in the fore part of the day, it -was thought that there were near one thousand people present." "On the 19th March, 1681, being Lord's Day, met in the lanes bej-ond Baptist Mills (Bristol) ; Mr. Buttall preached to about a thousand people." ( Broadmead Records.) In 1689, from September 3rd to the 11th, a general assembly of the Baptists -svas held in London : this im- portant assembly was convened by a letter sertt to the different Churches. It is here given, from Dr. Eippon's Register : he had the original in his possession. "London, July 22d, 1689. " To the Church of Christ in Plymouth, kind salutations. " We, the elders and ministring brethren of the Churches in and about the city of London, being several times assembled together to consider of the present state of the baptized congregations, not only in tliis city but also in the countr}', cannot but first of all adore the Divine wisdom and goodness of Almighty God, in respect of His late most gracious providence, for our deliverance from that dismal dispensation, which threatened us, from the continual and unwearied attempts and designs of the enemy of ovir sacred religion and civil liberties, by which means our sinking and drooping spirits are again revived, and our earnest hopes and long expectations raised, and afresh quickened in respect of the more full and perfect deliverance of the Church of God, and His more glorious appearance for the accomplishing of those gracious pro- mises and prophecies contained in the Holy Scriptiu-es, relating to tlie latter days. " But, in the second jtlace, wo cannot but bewail the present condition our Churclios seem to be in, fearing that much of that former strengtli^ life, and vigour, which attended us, is much gone, and in many places the interest of Jesiis Clirist seems to be mucli neglected, which is in our hands, and the conj^-egutions to languish, and our beauty to fade away (wliicli tiling wo have some gi-ound 58 to judge you cannot but be sensible of as well as we) ; and from hence wo have lieon pnt upon most mature and serious considerations of sutli things that may be the- cause thereof ; and amongst others, are come to this result : that the great neglect of the present ministry ia one thing ; together with that unconcernedness there generally seems to be of giving tit and proper encourage- ment for the raising up an able and honourable ministry for the time to come ; witli many otlier things (which we hope we are not left w]ioll3r in the dai'k about,) Avhich we find we are not in a capacity to prevent and cure (as instruments in the hand of God and His blessing attend- ing our Cliristian endeavours), unless we can obtain a general meeting here in London of two principal bretliren (of every Ciuirch of the same faith with us) in every coimty respective!}-. AVe do therefore humbly entreat and beseech you, that you would be pleased to appoint two of your brethren, one of the ministry, and one principal brother of your congregation with him, as your mes- sengers ; and send them up to meet with tlxe rest of the elders and brethren of the ("hurches in London, on the 3rd of September next ; and then we hope we sliall have that before us, and be also helped to consider of such things, that may much tend to tlie honour of God, and further the peace, well-being, establishment, and present, as also the future, comfort of the Churches. " We hope you will readily, notwithstanding the charge, comply with our pious and Christian desire herein ; and in the mean time, to signifie your intentions forthwith, in a letter ; which we would have you to direct to our reverend and well-beloved bretliren, Mr. H. Knowles (Hanserd Knollys ) or Mr. W. Kiffin. This is all at present from tis, yovu- brethren and labourers in God's vineyard, who greet you well in our Lord Jesus Christ,, and subscribe ourselves your servants in the gospel. " William Kiffin, "Benj. Keach, " Han. ICnollys, " Edward Man, '' John Harris, "Rich. Adams. " Geo. Barrett, " Bro. Kiffin lives in White's-Alley in Little Moorefields." In compliance with the request contained in this letter, Mr. Buttall, in company with Mr. Holdenby, attended the assembly as the representatives of the Plymouth Church. 59 At the close of the meetings an epistle Avas sent to the principal Churches, informing- them that a general fast was appointed in all their congregations, to be observed on the 10th October next, and that a special fund was about to be raised toward the education of suitable young men for the ministry. This letter was signed amongst others by Hansard Knollys, "William Kiffin, Andrew Grif- ford, and Samuel Battall. It was at this assembly that a '* Confession of Faith put forth by the elders and brethren of many congregations of Christians (baptized upon profession of their faith) in London and the country" was agreed upon, as will be seen by the following declaration : — "We, the ministers and messengers of, and concerned for, upwards of one hundi-ed baptized congregations in England and Wales (denying Arminianism), being met togetlier in London from the third of the seventh month to the eleventh of the same 168Q, to consider of some things that might be for the glory of God and the good of these congregations; have thought meet (for the satisfaction of all other Christians that diifer from us in the point of baptism) to recommend to their perusal the confession of our faith, wliifh confession we own as containing the doctrine of our faitli and practice, and do desire that the members of our Cliurches respectively, do furnish them- selves therewith. "Hanserd Knollys, Pastor, Broken AVharf, Tjondon. "AVilliam Kiffin, Do. Devonshire Sq., London. "Benjamin Kcach, Do. Horse-lio-down, Southwark. "Andrew Gifford, Do. Bristol, Som.&Glou. "James Tlitt Preacher, Dalwood, Dorset. "Samuel Btittull, Minister, Plymouth, Devon." &c., &c. "Li the name and behalf of the whole assembly." The Clinrfh at Plymouth remaining without a pastor for a period of three montlis after l^Ir. Iloldeuby left, the sisters agreed among tliomselves to recommend Mr. Buttall (who was tlicn absent) to tlie brethren, for the office of an elder in tlie liouse of God. Accordingly they sent the following letter to the brethren of the Church. "Those for our we]l-])cl.)ve(l lirctliron and truly hon- ourable in our ]x)rd Jesus ( lirist. 60 '""Wo the sisters of the Church, having seriously con- Ridevod the present state and condition of God's vineyard in this phice, that once as it Avere jdanted in a fruitful hill, is noAv become almost a desolate wilderness from the many blasts of Providence which have attended it ; for Zion's sake we woidd not keep silence nor hold our peace, but look unto the Lord for the return of His glory. And also we think it is now our concern, earnestly to reqiiest you our brethren, duly to consider under our present circum- stances what the Lord points out to us as our duty ; Avliich we humbly conceive is the calling our brother Buttall to the ministry and office of an elder in the house of God, administering uU ordinances. " We desii'e, brethren, that you would seriously consider of tliis our request who are not the smallest number of the Church. And wo pray you would without delay set your- selves to this good work which we hope will tend very much to the glory of God and our mutual comfort. Signed by us your sisters on the IGtli seventh month, 1690." (Ivhney''s History.) Tlie sisters, it will be seen, speak of themselves as "not the smallest number of the Church" — the letter was signed hy forty -two of them. The whole Church numbering fifty-two members, sent an invitation to Mr. Buttall to become their pastor, this he accepted and continued to fill that office for a few j-ears, probably imtil 1697 or 1698. In 1707 he removed to Topsham, and seems to have re- mained there until his death. Mr. Buttall attended the third general assembly of the Baptists held in London in 1692, when he was one of the seven persons appointed as a committee to reconcile the an- gry brethren who at that time had been writing with a great deal of bitterness on the subject of singing in the public congregations. " A stop was thus put to the troubles that threatened the Baptized Churches upon this controversy, and many of them fi*om that time sang the praises of God in tlieir public assemblies who had not adopted the practice before." f Crosby.) During Mr. Buttall's ministrations, some of the "breth- ren " exercised their gifts in preaching. Of these may be mentioned Mr. James Hitt, Mr. Bass, Mr. Flute, Mr.Murcb, Mr. Double and Mr. Sampson. Mr. Hitt was accustomed to administer the ordinance of baptism when the pastor 61 was absent, he attended the Baptist General Assembly in 1689 as the messenger from the Church at Dalwood, which was principally suppHed with preachers from the Church at Plymouth/ In 1692 Mr. Hitt attended the Assembly as the messenger from Plymoiitli ; and " Mr. Bass of the PljTnouth Church was given up to the Falmouth Church to be their minister," Mr. Double principally presided over the Church at Holsworthy, which is spoken of as a flourishing branch of the Plymouth Church. Mr. Flute was an assistant to Mr. Buttall and occasionally ministered to the congregations at Dalwood and Lyme. Mr. James Murch also sometimes preached at those places. "In 1693 he recj[uested his dismission (or transfer) to Dalwood. But the Church which had so many gifts seems to have distrusted their great and glorious Head, and did not give him up till the 14th of the tenth month, 1698, when he and liis wife were dismissed (transferred) to the Cluu'ch atDulwood." (RipporCs Register,) Respecting Mr. Samp- son there is the following interesting information. At the General Assembly in London in 1689, as was stated, it was resolved to raise a fund for the education of young men for the ministry. The fund was especially for the advantage of Churches who were not able to main- tain tlieir own pastors, for sending duly quahtied ministers from the city and tlie country to visit the Churches, and to preach the gospel whore it was not then made known ; and for assisting members of Cliurclies, who had promising gifts, were sound in the essentials of the Christian faith, and disposed to study, in attaining to the knowledge of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew. About four months after the General Assembly had met, the Church at Plymouth wrote a letter to the metropolis, witli which they sent to the trustees of this fund a col- lection of twenty seven pounds, three shillings, and eight pence, and a promise of nine pounds per annum, to be entirely disposed of in the education of young ministers — observuig that if tliis coutriliuticju were applied to the general uses of the fund, and not to the very purpose for whicli it was collected, no more would bo sent. Tliis letter contains the recommendation of a Baptist Student at Bristol. "As lie was the very first (says Dr. Eippon) of whom I have any account, who was educated in that city, a short account of him may bo admissible. 62 "This young man was Mr. Richard Sampson, a member of the Churcli at Plymouth. Ho liad been for some time devoted to tlie attainment of classical knowledge before the meeting of tlie General Assembly in 1689. Yet ap- plication was made to the trustees of the proposed fund in Londoii, req\iesting that he might remain at Bristol two or tliree years longer, and have the expenses of his board and education defrayed. It seems the petition was granted." His tutor was a Mr. Thomas of Bristol, who received con- siderable ofi'ors if lie would conform to the Established C] lurch — ^yet refused to the last. Ho trained up many for the ministry. Mr. Sampson remained with Mr. Thomas till 1092. In tliat year ho removed to Exeter. Under his laboui-s, " certain records inform us, the Congregation there flourished greatly, so tliat their meeting house woidd not hold half the people who sometimes assembled. Mr. Sampson was much esteemed by Sir Isaac Newton ; and so strong was his memory, that one day, when the con- versation turned on the depriving good men of their Bibles, Sir Isaac said, they cannot possibly deprive Mr. Sampson of his, for he has it all treasured up within him." He died in 1716. (Rippon's Register, Vol. 2. p 418 to 420. J jLu 1694 a Circular Letter was sent to the Churches of the Western Association, having reference to the subject of training young men for the ministry. The following is an extract from that letter. ''We greatly rejoice to find the several Churches to which we stand related, manifesting so mucli hearty and cordial love and good will to our Associations, and that ovir last narrative from this assembly hath been so useful in removing the jealousies and misapprehensions that divers persons and some Churches had, concerning our designs in bringing up several young men who were gifted breth- ren, to the knowledge of the tongues in which tlie Holy Scriptm-es were written ; a work for God in our generation whicli we hope not only the Churches in this day will have cause to bless God for, but also the generations to come." (Signed) "Richard Gay, " Joseph Holton, " Edward Elliott, " Samuel Buttall," &c. (History of Western Association. J The Church at Plymouth was now reduced to low circumstances. In this state they sent an invitation to Mr. Nathaniel Hodges of London, signed by 49 members, 63 the 21st tentli month, 1698. Mr. Hodges, tlien only in liis twenty-third year, accepted the invitation and continued pastor of the Church for a short period of about three j^ears, till the 21st of the tenth month, 1701 ; "when, succeeding to earthly honours," as the written records express it, "he quitted this Church and resided at London." (Rippon^s Register, Vol. 3. p 284. y When he removed to London he preached at Lorimer's Hall. In August 1715 an address was presented to ICing George I. by the united bodies of Protestant Dissenters, and Mr. Hodges was unanimously cliosen to present it. Having subsequently succeeded to the property of his uncle, a wealthy Spanish Merchant, Mr. Hodges relin- quished the ministry and was knighted. He died the 27th August, 1727, having reached liis 53rd j-ear. The Chiu-ch, since Mr. Hodges left them in 1701, by occasional supplies and continuance in reading tlie AVord of God and prayer, were enabled, though without a pastor, to keep together until the year 1707. At that time, JMr. Buttall ha\ang removed from them, they were deprived of every assistance for the pulpit fi'om among themselves. Under these circumstances they sent an invitation to Mr. Caleb Jope, then a student at Trowbridge, "who," it is said in tlie Records of the Church, "was imdcr obli- gations of divers kinds to them ; " but at that time he declined it. fRippon.J The Western Association met at Taunton in 1707, when the Eev. Andrew Gih'ord of the Pithay Church, Bristol, at the instance of a Mr. Boddenham, made some enquiries respecting Mr. Jope (wlio had been invited to Plymouth) in reference to his being trained up as the tutor of the Academy, Bristol, for which Mr. Terrill liad provided funds. The following question and reply in the "breviate" of the Circular Letter of the Western Association will shed some light on this subject : Question — "whether it be the duty of brother Caleb Jope to comply with the desire of the (Jliurcli at ri3'mouth, or witJi the design of some brethren on behalf of another (,'hurch for his further education?" Answer — "That we conclude it is his duty to comply with the rail of the Church at Plymouth, and that tliose })rethreii who desired his education bo desired to reliiiquiHli any obligation they may have put upon him, and that brother Davison do acquaint him witli the sense of tho 64 AdaemHj." But the appeal of the PljTiiouth Church to the Association was of no use ; neither Mr. Jope nor the trustees of Mr. Terrill's fund for the education of ministers, were to be turned from their plan, " by the sober advice of the Association." Tlie Association though they decided in favour of Plymouth, disclaimed all control over either party. "The call from Plymouth met with no response, tlie youth was educated and for a short period occupied the proud position to which he had aspired. But the ultimate results unequivocally proved that in this case the decision of the Association was founded m wisdom. " It appears that in about twenty years this young man, who was thought equal to the situation of teacher of the Academy at Bristol, became a castaway as to the public ministry." The short account of him thus con- cludes : — "Nothing is said of the time or circumstances of the death of this once promising young man, who probably might have been useful and honourable had not the rich professors at Bristol persuaded him to become their acade- mical tutor, and not accept the call of the church at Plymouth." f History of the Western Association. J In consequence of Mr. Jope's declining their call, the Church sent an invitation to a Mr. Bryant in October, 1707, but for some reason he did not become their Pastor till nearly three years afterwards, although he appears to have supplied the pulpit in the interval. He was ordained over them the 7th Jime, 1710 At the same time two of the members were introduced into the deacon's office by laj'ing on of the hands of the elders present. The service is said to have commenced at eight o'clock in the morning, and to have continued imtil four in the afternoon. From the time of Mr. Bryant's coming, to his ordination, the increase of members appears to have been more than thirty, for at his ordination they are said to have amounted to eighty. In the same year Mrs. Elizabeth Bryant was received from the church at Croscombe. From this period there is an interval of some years, during which time nothing material is recorded in the Church book ; but, by certain letters, it appears that death had removed from them the greater part of their gifted members, f Mean's Manuscript History.) March 30th, 1718. A Mr. "William Bennick is spoken 65 of as the pastor of the Chiu'ch. He ^vas formerly a mem- ber of the Chiirch, and had removed from Plymouth in 1707 to minister to a branch Church at Newton. November 19th of tliis year (1718) the Church began to adopt the practice of singing in Divine worship. [Jtippon's Baptist Register.) Mr. Bennick left about August, 1720, after having served the Church between two and tliree years. Before he left they renewed their call to Mr. Jope, who, this time, accepted. He preached his first sermon August 14th, 1720, and served the Church two years, eight months and a week, for which labours he received one hundred and eight poimds, sixteen shillings and eight-pence. (Rtppon.) The Church next applied to Mr. Elkanah Widgery, a member of the Church at Bampton. He accepted their invitation, and preached his first sermon at Plymouth June 23rd, 1723. The Church was now "in a very de- clining state ; most of the old deacons that had been ordained in 1699, with many other useful members, had been removed by death. This once fiouiishing Church was reduced to twenty-nine members, for in the short space of thirteen years they lost no less than fifty-one members." {Meens Mamcscrij)t History.') Mr. Widgery, after ha%'ing filled the pastoral ofiice for a year and three quarters, gave up his connection with the Church in the month of February, 1725. About a year and eight months after Mr. Widgery left, on tlio 28tli Octobei', 1726, Mr. John Eidlej^ was solemnly ordained pastor by the laying on of the hands of Mr. Joseph Stennett, of Exeter, and INIr. Hann, of Uppottery. Mr. Kidley was very much esteemed by tlie people and was an afiectionate preacher. After being pastor over the Chiirch fur a period of about four years, Mr. Ridley was transferred to Mr. Townsond's Cluircli in London. From tliis time tlie Chunli seems to liave been destitute of a settled minister for nearly seven years. In 1737 Mr. Diodot Iloare was the minister, though wlien lie became .such, or liow long liis ministry continued is not known. To tlio Association, meeting at Tiverton in Juno of that year, the following letter was forwaj-ded from Plynioutli : "The ( 'liurcli of Christ })apti/ed upon profession of our faith, meeting in Plymouth, owning the doctrines ol' personal election, particular redemption, and the final 66 perseverance of .saints, &c., sendeth our Christian salutation to tlu' several Cluinlies of the same persuasion, meeting in an Association at Tivoi'ton, the lirst day of Juno next. Wo wish that <i^race and peace may he abundantly bestowed upon you, tlirough oiir Lord Jesus Christ, and that truth may ho earnestly contended for, by you, in all the branches of it. "Beloved brethren, we return you our hearty thanks for your excellent letter, and good advices in it, sent to us the last year from Yeovil, and as tlie Association was en- tered into on the account of such noble motives, viz : the glory of God, and the security of those truths Avhich are interwoven with the very essence of religion, therfore we sliould have been very glad to have met you by our mes- senger, but cannot with conveniency do it. Brother Hoaro would have come, but by reason of some bodily disorder cannot come. Therefore we hope you will excuse it, and accept of our letter instead of a messenger. Though our circumstance as a Church is brought to a very low ebb, yet we hope there are a few names left amongst us who would not give up those great truths mentioned in your letter \ipou any consideration whatsoever. We have in some measure answered your exhortation in setting apart some time to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, yet wo see little or no signs of the revival of the true spirit, life, and power of godliness, which is cause of gi-eat sorrow, at least to some of us ; oh ! that we may all seriously lay it to heart, and be zealous and repent and do our first works. AVe desire, as the Lord is pleased to continue the light of the gospel amongst us, that gospel holiness wliich so naturally flows from the glorious doctrine of free grace ma^'- be revived amongst us, and amongst all the Churches we are in association with. We have lost three members this last year, viz : two by death, and one is gone beyond sua. As to the number of members which are left, they are about twenty ; besides three or four who for some years have turned their backs on us ; we conceive the n -a sons are because they did not love to hear the doctrine of free grace preached. As to our receiving and excluding of members : there has been nothing done on that account, for we are a poor, disjointed people ; and therefore we have not had the Lord's Supper administered to us for several years ; which is a great trouble to some of the 67 Binall remnant wliicli is left. Now on this melancholy cir- cumstance of ours we desire your advice ; first, whether brother Hoare may not lawfully baptize, because some have questioned it, though its what he has done many years ago. Secondly, we desire to know if so many of us as are satisfied to sit down with each other, may not give up ourselves to God and to each other in a solemn way and manner by fasting and prayer, and so renew our Church covenant, to the end things may be brought into a good decorum amongst us, and then call our brother Hoare to administer the Lord's Supper to us, if he is not ordained a pastor by imposition of hands. We desire your answer to these questions, and we desire your prayers for this poor Chui'ch in particular. Now brethren we commend you to God and to the word of His gi-ace, &c. Prajaug you may be favoured with the Divine Presence, to the end you may be directed to do that which may be most for the glory of God and the good of all the Churches, is all at present from your brethren in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel. " Signed at our Church meeting, by us, the fii-st day of May, 1737. "Diodet Hoare," and seven others. ( Tiverton dfanuscn'pt, containing the original.) This letter is inserted because it shows into what a sad state the Church had now fallen. "From the year 1730 to 1748 is a wide chasm, for during this long interval of oigliteen yeai-s there is but one entry made in the Church book, viz : that William Parson was baptized l)y Diodet Hoare, March 12th, 1739." (Meen^s ManuHcript.) After Mr. Hoare, came a Mr. John Binnick, who served the Church till 1747, when lie settled at Lyme Eogis. His ministry was so unacceptable that he left tlie Cliurcli reduced almost to the lowest state possible. One of its oldest members has stated that the hearers nximborcd only twenty to tliirty, and the Church having lost twenty-one members since 1722, was reduced to eight persons, so that it was with the greatest difficulty the doors were kept open for public worship. (Meen^n Manuscript.) But the (Jliurch, though brought to the lowest oxtromify was not loft to sink. God graciously appeared for it in this its time of need. G8 VII. COMMENCEMENT OF THE PASTOEATE OF THE EEV. PHILIP GIBBS. The Eev. Philip Gibbs, the next pastor of the Church, was born in the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge about the year 1729. His parents died of the smaU-pox when he "was about a year and a half old, and he himself was so ill of that disease, that his nurse even supposed that he was dead, and was about to make arrangements for his burial ; but he recovered, and seems to have been chiefly cared for by his nurse. Mr. Gibbs, when giving the account of his early life, thus described this period: — "I can perfectly remember that my nurse was very tender of me ; but one day, refusing what I asked, I said in a spirit of revenge, *I will cr}' myself to death.' I began and continued, till one of the most tremendous storms of thunder and Hght- niug I ever remembered, filled me with fear, attended with guilt ; and I certainly then began to discover the sinfulness of my heart. After this I went on sinning and repenting till I left school, yet could not live witliout prayer. I had now no idea of Dissenters, and attended worship only in the Church of England." George Whitfield came to Kingsbridge in July, 1744, when Mr. Gibbs was between thirteen and fourteen years of age. The youth was with his master, a tailor, a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, Kingsbridge, who lived at Ford. "Whilst he was at his work, "a mother in Israel, a member of the Baptist Church," came up on horse back, and said to him, " Here 's a minister of the Establisliment come to town, you will certainly hear him;" accordingly he got up on the horse, behind her, to go and hear Whit^- field. Gibbs says, "I went to hear him preach in a field near Kingsbridge, and being then little of stature, got up, not into a sycamore but into an elm tree, as I well re- member. His text was, * Dost thou believe on the Son of God ? ' I was filled with astonishment at tlie man, and with a clearer sense of sin, of the evil of sin, than I had ever known before. But when he came to preacli faith in the Son of God, to show who the Son of God was, and what His errand was into the world, what it was to believe in Him, and then called upon the greatest sinners present as welcome to come to Christ — the way of salvation was opened to me ; and in that single sermon I saw both my 69 disease and remedy. I tll^e^\- nij-self, as a poor sinner, upon the Sou of God, for mercy and salvation. I spent a great deal of that night in jiraj-er, with a mixture of heart-felt joy and sorrow. I now began to read the Scrip- tures diligently, and to read them ivith prayer; and our Lord's discourse Avitli Nicodenius, concerning the new birth, exceedingly afi'ected me. At this time I Avas about thir- teen years and a half old." Eespecting this visit to Kingsbridge, Wliitfield thus writes, under date, "Ply- mouth, July 2()th, 1744. I liave also made an elopement to Kingsbridge, where I preached to many thousands a few days ago. A calling, inviting, persuasive gift Avas vouchsafed to me. The hearts of tlie auditory seemed to be bowed as the heart of one man, many tears were shed ; but I was obliged to ride off as soon as my discourse was ended, and to return in tlie night." (Letters, Vol. 2, p. 63. y On a subsequent visit to Ejngsb ridge, in February, 1749, Wliitfield had the gratification of hearing of the results of these sermons, and in a letter written at this date he thus refers to the conversion of Gribbs : — "After sermon I had the pleasure of Jiearing that by two or tliree discoui-ses preached by me at this place about five years ago many souls were awakened. One young man who was then called is since a jireacher, he was in a tree, partly to ridicule mo. I spoke to him to imitate Zaccheus and come down and receive the Lord Jesus, tlie word was backed with power, he heard, came down, believed, and now adorns the gospel." f WhitfieWs Letters, Vol. 2, p 230.^ After Whitfield had left Kingsbridge, Mr. Gribbs occa- sionally heard Mr. Cennick, an Evangelist, of whom ho speaks, as "peculiarly alfectionate and condescending," and profited much under his ministratioTis. When Mr. Cennick no longer preached in iJiat noigboiu-hood, Mr. Giltbs was induced to attend the Baptist Chapel in the town, of which Mr. Crispin Curtis was tlien tlie nunistcr, lie soon after Ijocamc a member of tliat (JJiurch and was baptized by Mr. Curtis, in 174o. About tlircc months after liis joining tlio Churcli, Mr. Gibbs was called to exercise his gifts in pn-acliing the Wc^rd, though at this time ho could scarcely liave been more tlian sixteen years oi' ago. lie acceded to the request, and delivered an address in a large room belonging to tlie pastor, wlieni they used to meet for prayer, it was on a Lord's Lay between the two i" 70 sorvifos. Mr. Gibbs siieaking of this occasion says — "I li;ul thought on tlio portion of Scripture seriously before, but entered on tlie work with trenibliiiLC. It was a text tliat remarkably aii'eeted me, ' For what the law could not do in that it was weak tlirougli the Hash, God sending His own Son,' &.C. So I was employed one Lord's Day after another." The Clnirch at Kingsbridgo then set apart a day for special prayer, to consider whetlicr ho was not called to the ministr}-, and the show of hands in favour of the call was nnauinio;is. Mr. Curtis, the pastor, without much form then said, "Brother Gibbs, the Church calls you to exercise your gifts among us, go and do what you can for Jesus Christ." The result of this "call" is given in his owTi words. "I thought it right so, to act, and the next Lord's Day preached with extraordinary liberty in our meeting ; and afterwards, as opportunity presented itself, I ^\-ent into countr}' parishes around, and preaclied at Chivelstone, Ford, Portlemouth, Avhere I was most known, and among my acquaintance. This created a great stir in the neighbour- hood. Several persons were wrought on and joined the Church." This continued about twelve months, when Mr. Howel Harris, the noted Evangehst, came to Ivingsbridge, and meeting with Mr. Gibbs, requested him to take a preaching journey with him. "Whilst Mr. Gibbs was on this tour, he received a letter from Mr. Curtis asldng him to be present at the Baptist Association held at Exeter, as the messenger fi'om the Kingsbridge Clivirch : Avith this request Mr. Gibbs readily complied. Whilst at Exeter, he heard Mr. Burford, a deacon of the Plymouth Church, say that Mr. Binnick, their minister, had left them, but Mr. Hugh Evans, of the Bristol Academy, informed Mr. Burford that he had no student to fill the vacancy. Mr. Curtis was then asked to assist the Church at Plymouth^ but as he conld not do so conveniently, bis "child" (as he used to call Mr. Gibbs) was sent, and supplied the pidj)it for a Sabbath, on the 23rd April, 1748 ; he preached in the forenoon from the text "For our gospel came not to you in word only," &c. Young Gibbs supplied the pulpit for three or foui- Sabbaths in succession, after which the Church invited him for a year. He says, "I dehberated, and though tliey were reduced exceedingly low, yet I found much ali'ection 71 from tliem ; the ■u'ord evidently blessed, and the congre- gation so enlarged as to cause the galleries to be propped, lest they should break down. Hence I consented, on condition that I might have liberty to preach in the neigh- bouring villages and towns where I might be invited: they agreed and before the year was up proposed my ordination. It was on September 20th, 1749. Mr. Day, of Wellington, then a young man, Mr. Jones, of Exeter, took part in the service ; Mr. Isaac Hann prayed the ordination prayer, and all three laid on hands. There was a thronged house. My Confession took twenty-five minutes. The solemnity of the day drank up my sjDirits, but it was a delightful time to myself and others." The foregoing portion of Mr. Gibbs's history is gathered fi-om his own account, ' ' taken from his lips in a parlour conversation." About two years after his ordination, Mr. Gibbs called the attention of liis peoj^le to the state of their meeting- house in the Pig-market, which was so dilapidated as to forbid any attempt to repair it, he therefore wished it to be taken down and rebuilt on the same ground. To this pro- position an old deacon objected, on account of the smallness of their numbers, observing, that though he knew the Lord was a wonder-working God, yet he could not believe that he should live to see so great a W(»rk accomplished; nor tlid he live to see it, for he died a short time after. By tlie majority of the Cliurfh, liowever, the pastor's motion was supported, a subscription list was opened, plans drawn and estimates given. The lowest estimate was for £450 — to whidi must be added an old debt for repaii'S, making altogether £480. In the month of June, 1751, just one hundred years after tlie purcliase of the land, the meeting-housu was finished and re-opened on the 30th of that montli, Mr. Gibbs preacliing a special sermon on the occasion, foimdcd on 1 Kings viii. 59. He afterwards visited Lond<jn aiid other places in oi'der to obtain the funds required. "Upwards of £100 of the exjxoiso was collected on a visit i<< Brist(jl and other Western Cliurclios, and upwards of £100 in London and its environs." On his return from tin's tour, tlu; pastor (oninieiucd a course of Wednesday Evening Lectures on the Epistle to the Galatians, which lie prosecuted to the end; and also a course of Lectures on Lord's Day Evenings at the 72 "Tabernacle," on tho "Lord's Praj'or." Both courses, there is reason to believe, were attended with the Divine blessing, especially to some soldiers, who being afterwards sent to Gibraltar, "can'iod with thorn tho savour of the Redeemer's name, and, it is said, laid the foundation of a religious community in that place." In the year 175G, at an Association Meeting, a deacon preferred a complaint against Mr. Gibbs for closing his public praj'ors witli the address, " Our Father which art in heaven," &c. "But the Association wisely determined to leave every minister to his own will." In that same year (1756), several hearers made appli- cation to the pastor to be admitted to the Lord's Table in the Church, without being baptized, or to be administered to on a separate occasion. It was, after some discussion, unanimously resolved that they should be admitted to the Lord's Table on a separate Sabbath, when any of the members of the Church who were desirous of uniting with them were cordially welcomed. The pastor's labours were not exclusively confined to his own Ckiu'ch, but he made frequent exciu'sions into the nearer parts of Cornwall, and afterwards occasionally la- boured at Grampound, Penryn, Falmouth, Penzance and Chacewater, where his labours were greatly appreciated and attended with much fruit. At Penryn, the mayor granted him the use of the Town Hall, though the Clergy were against it. Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Horn- blower were the "parents" of tho Baptist denomination at Chacewater. In 1767 a congi-egation at Truro, consisting of Inde- pendents and Baptists, invited Mr. Gibbs to become their pastor, he laid the case before the Association, and they advised him to remain in Plymouth, which he did. In the course of a year after this invitation, he baptized about twenty-five persons, and the Church considerably increased. (Meenh Manuscript.) In 1769 the Church sent the following Letter to the Western Association, then meeting at Sahsbury. "The Church of Jesus Christ at Plymouth, baptized on profession of faith in the Triune God, personal election, justification through the imputed righteousness of Christ, &c. agreeable to the confession of faith published by our brethren in London, 1689. 73 "To the ministers and messengers of the same faith and order, met in Association at Salisbury, on Tuesday and Wednesday in Wliitsim -^eek, 1769, sendeth Christian salutation. " Honoui-ed and beloved brethren. — As our remote situation fi-oni the place of your assembly this yeai-, de- prives us of the pleasiu-e of meeting j'ou by messengers ; we recj[uest the acceptance of our letter as a token of oiu- cordial union with you, and highest approbation of yoiu' annual meeting to enquire into the state of the Churches. " Wc cannot but feel joy and thankfulness that Zion's God permits you still to meet in peace under the pro- tection of the civil magistrate. May these uninterrupted liberties, and inestimable privileges be continued to the British Clixu'ches even in latest posterity ! But when we reflect on the present situation of affairs, such as the un- happy divisions and animosities of the great, the dreadful abuse of liberty, want of trade, the connections of foreign powers against us, the extensive spread of popish doc- trines at home, the luxury and vice with which our land is filled, the great decay of vital godliness in many pro- fessors, and the base ingratitude of our own hearts — we are ready at times to tremble for the Ark of the Lord, and to fear that God liath a controversy with the inhabitants of this sinful land. His hand hath been for many years stretched out, and His rod seems still to be lifted up. The Lord's voice crietli to tlie city, &c., yet we hope the gath- ering cloud hath a bright side, and that our papal enemies, who swarm among us, will not be permitted, neither by their hellish doctrines, secret conspiracies, nor open vio- lence, to subvert our happy govcrniucnt and deprive us of what is dearer to us than life, namely, our religion and civil liberties. Tliis is our comfort — the Lord reigneth, He hath founded Zion, and promised to be a wall of fire round about it. We doubt not, but even in these days of declension and error, the Lord hath His thousands of wrestling Jacobs among us, whose cries to heaven we believe will still prevail in belialf of our land and Iho Eedoemer's interest in it ; and wo hope Ho has yet tliou- sands more to call out of nature's darkness, for whose sake He will continue the gospel among us, and hold her ministei-8 as stars in His right hand. AVe long to see our liedeenier's kingdom ( onie witli power, and His Churches Ijuilt up with lively stones. 74 "As to ourselves, wo liavo tlie utmost reason to be thank- ful ft)r the plout_y of fi^ospol means Avliicli ^Y0 now enjoy. Wo liavo precept upon precept and lino iipon lino. Oui* auditorie Lord's Days in the afternoon are generally large, and wo have still tokens of the Divine Presence ■s\ith us. Some have been plucked as brands out of the burning, and others are enquiring the way to Zion. "Wo are at peace among ourselves and have no nnhappy divisions to distress ns, and we trust the Lord hath revived His work in many of our sovds. We have lost none by death this year, have baptized and added five to our little number, and received one by letter. * * •'' *" " Wo thank you, brethren, for the seasonable advice and instruction contained in your last. " And now, wishing you a happy meeting, the presence of the Great Master of Assemblies, an abundant out- poiiring of His Spirit, a spring-time in your souls, groat increase in the Chuvches you represent, and a safe return to them with good ticbngs, we again recommend you to the blessing and care of Israel's God, and take the liberty to subscribe ourselves, " Your affectionate brethren in Christ, "Philip Gibbs, Joseph Horswell, John Dyer.'*' &c., &c. (Nine in aU ) "Signed at our Meeting the 7th May, 1769, in behalf of the whole." (From the Original.) Vin. OEIGIN OF THE CHUECHES IN DEYONPOET. Up to this time, some of the members of the Church, with a few of the stated hearers, had been accustomed to come in from Plymouth Dock ( now Devonport ) to Ply- mouth, in order to avail themselves of the means of grace, but inclemency of the weather and bodily infirmities sometimes rendered this impracticable, and often very inconvenient. It was therefore found desirable to have a separate building at Dock, for the benefit of those who resided there ; the lease for which was signed on the 26th January, 1781. At the commencement; there was simply the preaching of the Word on stated occasions, but sub- sequently the ordinances were administered there, and the branch congregation enjoyed the same privileges as- the members at Plymouth. 75 At this period the pastor felt it necessary to seek for assistance, and in the month of January, 1782, a unani- mous invitation was sent to the Eev. Isaiah Birt, to fill the office of co-pastor with Mr. Gibbs. "It was during Mr. Birt's early labours at Plymouth, that his preaching was blessed to the conversion of Samuel Pearce, a name which no epithet has power to honour." f Memoir of I. Birt, Baptiist Magazine.) Samuel Pearce was born at Plymouth, July 20th, 1766, his father, a respectable silversmith, of that town, was then a deacon of the Church, which ofiice he held for some years. Wlien he was about sixteen years of age, it pleased God to turn him to Himself, and he was baptized on his seventeenth birthday, July 20th, 1783, by Mr. Gibbs; Mr. Birt preaching on the occasion, fi'om John xiv. 15. The ministers and members soon perceived in him fitness for public ser\'ice in the Church of Christ — and after preaching before the Church, he received a unanimous call to enter on the work of the ministry. This he did in the month of November, 1786, and in the following year, he went to the Bristol Academy, then imder the superintendence of Dr. Caleb Evans. "^Tiilst Samuel Pearce was prosecuting his studies, at Bristol, the Church, on the 5th October, 1788, sent him an invitation to become a co-pastor with Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Birt, who felt that they required further assistance, in ministering to their two congregations. To this invitation Samuel Pearce sent the following letter, in reply, dated Bristol, 14th March, 1789. " To the Church of Jesus Christ, baptized on profession of faith, meeting in Plymouth, and Plymoiith Dock. " Deal- brethren. — When you, on the 5th October last, gave me an invitation to become an assistant to your senior pastor, on my leaving the Acadeni}', you perhaps expected an earlier reply than the present date. It may therefore be necessary f(jr me to apologize for the delay, and entreat you to consider the importance of the step, together with the perplexity of my own mind, respecting my duty, as I was then circumstanced. " You remember well, my brethren, and I remember also, and ever shall, the period when you so affectionately called me forth as a labourer in the Lord's vineyard. At that season, you gave me up to God, and with that 76 affectionate concern, wliicli has ever marked your conduct towards me, earnestly implored His direction and guidance on my behalf. Supported by your prayers, I continued with you, exercising the talents the Lord hath given me, and with pleasure inexpressible, beheld the appearance of a growing ail'ection for my person and ministry. My soul was, and still is, as much knit to yours in the purest sin- cerity of atrection as ever yours was to mine, and when you at fh'st signitied your wish of my finally settling among you, my heart responded a joyful Amen — although I forbore to reply in the affirmative to you, either as a Cliurch, or as individuals, judging that precipitancy would be quite unjustifiable in an affair of so much moment: notwithstanding my silence, it was my determinate though secret intention to do so. But the Lord, whose ways are in the sea, and His judgments in the great deep, and who often in His providence prepares for us paths to walk in, wliich to us were before unthought of, has shown me, that His thoughts were not as mine, by leading me, in His providential dispensations, to the conclusion, that PljTuouth, however beloved by me, was not to be the place of my stated labours. " Circumstances, too numerous to introduce here, lay me under (in some sense the painful) necessity, after having repeatedly implored Divine direction, and advised with pious, judicious, and experienced Christians and ministers, of saying that I cannot accept your call without doing violence to my conscience and opposing the leadings of Providence. I therefore do decline your invitation, entreating you to consider, that as you have given me up to God, I am alone at His disposal, and praying that the Great Head of the Church may send you a minister after His own heart, who may be much more adequate to the important task, and made much more useful among you than myself. It would be highly vmgrateful in me were I not to seize the present opportunity of acknowledging my very great obligations to yoii for that affection and respect which you have uniformly discovered for me ; for the prayers you have offered up on my behalf, and the concern you have manifested for my welfare. Be assured, of this I cannot bo unmindful, for this I cannot ever cease to be thankful. May the God of heaven richly reward you ! Look to Him, my brethren : He will provide for 77 you : He vdW never leave you uor forsake you : He will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly, and whenever you are indulged with freedom of access to yovLi Covenant Grod, let him have an interest in your prayers, who now assures j'ou he is your affectionate bro- ther in the Lord Jesus, Samuel Pearce." * At a meeting of the Church held soon after, a resolution was passed announcing that the Church deemed his reasons for declining their call, highly satisfactory. When Samuel Pearce left the Bristol Academy he accepted an invitation given by the Church meeting in Cannon-street, Birmingham, and was ordained as their past- or in August, 1 790. Whilst there, he took a very active part in the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society. Soon after his settlement in the town, he became acquainted with William Carey, and when the brethren in the coun- ties of Northampton and Leicester formed themselves into a Missionary Society at Kettering, in October of the year 1792, ho was there. Pearce was eminent for his missionary spirit, and entertained a great desire to become a mission- ary himself; but the committee of the society, although fully satisfied as to his qualifications, and approving of his spirit, yet decided that it would be wiser for him to remain at home. " There were two ministers who took a very pro- minent part in the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society, and whose sliare in the work was second only to that bomo by Andrew Fuller." One of these was John Sutcliffe, of Olney ; the other was Samuel Pearce, and of him it is written, that his zeal in the missionar}' cause knew no bounds. " No Cliurch ever possessed a man of holier and more sanctilied character than Pearce : his friends compared him to the disciple 'whom Jesus loved.' " Wlierever he went the 'beauty of lioliness ' accom- panied him. He gave to the missionary cause a heart full of affection ateness, and won for it, by his loving advocacy, a love tliat was equal to his own." f Skcats' Frre Chirches.J Samuel Pearce ctmtinuod pastor of the Birmingham Church until liia deatli, whidi took place on the 10th October, 1799, when ho was only in liis tliirty-fourth year. In 1789 tlie Church rt^movcd from their place of worship in the Pig-niarkef, to a meeting-house in How Street, which they at first rented but afterwards purchased. This build- • Thi» letter wa-i discovered whilst searching the Church records. 78 ing had been formerly ocetipied by the French Protestant Kofngees, who settled in Plymouth after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, f Smiles' Ifur/tienotsJ The naeeting- hoiiso in the Pigmarket, after having been further nsed for religions purposes, was converted into stores, and in the month of April, 1 865, was taken down in order to make room for the enlargement of some warehouses in Bedford Street. After Samuel Pcarco had declined the invitation of the Church, their attention was directed to Mr. Broadj', a& likely to be a valuable assistant to their senior pastor. Accordingly in the month of Api'il, of the same year (1789), Mr. Gibbs, on behalf of the Church, sent him the following letter. " Eev. and Dear Sir. — Though I have not the happiness of a personal acciuaintancewith you, yet at the instance of the Baptist Church meeting in Plymouth and Plymouth Dock, and of my beloved colleague, Mr. Isaiah Birt, I take the liberty of addressing you on the present occasion. It is necessary I shoidd inform you I have been pastor of the Church about forty-three years, that I find myself now incapable of discharging the several parts of duty which the circumstances of the Church require, namely — preach- ing three times on the Lord's Day and weekly lectures ; and finding the weight too heavy some years ago, I soli- cited assistance which the Church readily granted. This I thought myself entitled to, as I received no emolument from the Church for my services, but soon after I had obtained the desired assistance, it was voted that a house should be bnilt at the Dock (where the majority of our members reside) for public worship. "This house being opened for public worship, at first, twice every Lord's Day, and now thrice, I have conse- quently the same duty to get through as before ; the only difierence is that I am now one Lord's Day at Dock, and the next in Plymouth, in turn with my brother Birt. Having signified to the Church my inability to continue this service, they have requested me to procure help. Having for some time waited and implored direction from the Head of the Church, I am informed by my brother Birt of you, my dear Sir, as a minister altogether qualified for our place. We are Calvinistic, but not so straitlaced as to refuse the Gospel call to poor sinners; we have awakening and practical preaching. 79 "Having in as few words as I am able, stated to you oui' circumstances, permit me, as a mouth for the whole Church, to solicit you to give us a visit, that you may judge for yourself whether the situation, prospects, &c. may be agreeable. Should the Lord incline your heart to come to lis, the sooner you can make it convenient the better. We have opened a new house in Plj-mouth about three weeks since. I feai* the interest will be much endan- gered if our Sunday evening lecture be not continued, which I am afraid from ray present wealaiess and inability must sink without speedy assistance. May the good Lord direct your way to us ! I exceedingly long to see you, and not only I, but all the brethren with me. The best of blessings attend you in body, soul, and spirit in all your connections and attempts to glorify our common Redeemer, and promote His interests in the world. Phihp Gibbs." f Church Records. J Mr. Broady, liowever, was not able to accept the invita- tion of the Church, but spent a few Sabbaths only in Plymouth. In December, 1789, the members meeting at Pfymouth Dock formed themselves into a distinct and separate com- munity, Isaiah Birt taking the pastoral oversight of them. It will thus be seen that the branch at Dock remained connected with the Plymouth Church for a period of be- tween seven and eight years. Mr. Birt was born on the 6th September, 1758, at Cole- ford in Gloucestershire. His father, though residing at Coleford, was pastor of the Baptist Church at KingstarJey, in the same county. Isaiah Birt "was called by Di-s'ine grace, in his youth, under the ministry of the late excel- lent Mr. Bxirn, wlio for many years preached at St. Mary's Church, Birmingham, but who at that time was a preacher in connection with the Countess of Huntingdon ; and for his spiritual father he always entertained the highest esteem." His early religious experience was very deep and powerful. Ho joined a Baptist Church in the county of Monmouth. His talents for the ministry were soon discovered, and his pastor greatly encouraged liim to per- severe in his oHorts to preach the gospel. On one occasion Mr. Birt was requested to preach before several ministers, but when he hari given out his text, his memory suddenly failed him, and he was obliged to retire, to his own groat y 80 mortification. This circumstance led him to entertain the idea of giving up the ministry ; but from tliis resolution he was happily dissuaded. About the year 1779 Mr. Birt entered the Academy at Brihtol, then under the care of Dr. Caleb Evans, with whom ho formed a close fi'iendship. On his leaving Bristol he came into Devonshire, and ministered to the Church at Bovey Tracoy ; that Church gave him an invitation, but he deemed it his duty to decline their call. Mr. Birt then came to Plymouth : the circumstances connected with his coming there have been already men- tioned. The views with which he entered upon the pas- toral office are thus described by him in the statement preliminary to his "Confession of Faith" at his ordi- nation : — " When fii'st called iipon by the people of God to engage in public service, it was with many fears I attended to the call, expecting long before this time to have failed in so arduous an undertaldng Many have been my fears since, many are my fears now ; but being called upon by the Church of Christ, and the Lord having in some measure blessed my labours and rendered them acceptable to the Church, I am encoiu-aged still to persevere, depending entirely upon Him, who has said, ' My grace is sufficient for thee,' and ' As thy day so shall thy strength be.' I have already signified my accepting the call of ni}^ friends to engage in the pastoral office among them, which I now publicly recognise, being induced to it by many reasons, some of which are : — a prospect of usefulness, the recep- tion my friends have already given my labours, their pressing invitation ; the peculiar and growing interest they have in my afi'ection, and not one of the least is the calling mo to labour in connection with their worthy pastor, in whom I have now, and hope many years yet to have, a faithful and wise friend, a loving brother, a kind and affectionate father. Brethren, let me be interested in your affection and prayers, and may the blessing of the Almighty rest upon us." Soon after Mr. Birt came to Plymouth, both he and Mr. Gibbs began to preach at a meeting-house in Liberty Street, (now Pembroke Street, Devonport.) The Divine blessing attended their labours and sevei-al persons were brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. Subsequently, as 81 before stated, a branch congregation was formed tliere, and eventually Mr. Birt became the pastor of the fii-st Baptist Chiirch in Devonport. He greatly esteemed the venerable pastor, and wlien preaching his funeral sermon, remarked that he could say with truth of Mr. Gibbs, that for more than fifty years he had been to the inhabitants of Plj-mouth and its neighbourhood, a living lecture on morality. Mr. Birt did not confine his labours to Plymouth Dock, but frequently preached at places in the neighbourhood : to these places he had to go by water, and was often ex- posed to danger, especially in returning bj' night, and at other times from the chilling air in an open boat after the exertion of preaching. The town which he most constantly visited in this way was Saltash, where for many years there was no evan- gelical preahcing but by himself. For a long time he preached in a building constructed chiefly of wooden planks near the water side, and dui-ing this period he BuflPered much persecution from the fishermen, and once narrowly escaped death from a large stone being thrown violently at him. "Mr. Birt eventually succeeded in building there a good chapel, which is surrounded by a burpng gi'ound, and a Baptist Cliiu'ch has existed there for many years." By tlie blessing of God on the laboui-s of Mr. Birt, the chapel in Pembroke Street became too small for the Church and congregation, and a vacant chapel in Morice Square being offered for sale, it was i^urchased with the intention of occupying them both. This made it necessary that there should ho another minister, and in June, 1798, Mr. afterwards Dr. Steadman became a co-pastor witli ISIr. Birt; for a year and a half they continued to preach alternately at the two places of worship, and the Church which had become very numerous was still accounted one. " This arrangement, however, was found to bo very inconvenient, and it was determined, in the most friendly way, to foi-m two distinct Churches."* Mr. Steadman having been offered tlio choice of the chapels, remained at Pembroke Street, and Mr. Birt became the pastor of the Church at Morice Square. Those of the members who desired it, went to licar Mr. Birt, and those who preferred to remain •The cau-w of tho innonvcnionce to which roforcncc is made is uot giTon, the foct is taken from the Mcmoin of Mr. Birt uuU Dr. StcudmuQ. 82 at Pembroke Street did so. These circumstances respecting Mr. Birt's pastorate at Devonport, are mentioned here Lecauso they may fairly ho regarded as no unimportant residt of his settlement at Plymouth. He continued to labour at Morico Square luitil the year 1813, when he accepted the call to lill the pastorate over the Church in Cannon Street, Birmingham, of which, Samuel Pearce, liis *' son in the faith," was formerly the minister. In 1827, owing to the failiu-e of liis health, Mr. Birt was compelled to give up his work at Birmingham, and remove to Hackney, where he remained until his death, which took place on the morning of November 1st, 1837, having recently entered on his eightieth year, f Baptist Magazine. J " As a pastor, Mr. Birt was affectionate, and always deeply concerned for the interests of the dock conmiitted to his charge. As a preacher, he was soimd in doctrine, abundant in labours, and in manner lively, affectionate, and decidedly popular. " In his very successful ministry, Mr. Birt seems to have dwelt much o)i the love of Christ. Au excellent Christian Lady once informed us, that being on one occasion in the seat with the late Mr. Broadly Wilson, when Mr. Birt was expatiating on this wondrous and favourite theme, Mr. Wilson was so much moved, that she saw him elevate his hands, and heard him in an under tone exclaim, * Oh ! the love of Clu-ist! the love of Christ!" f Brief History of the Church, at Morice Square, Devonport.) IX. EEV. AVILLIAM WINTERBOTHAM, AND PEESECUTION EEVIVED. Though Mr. Broady could not himself become an assist- ant to Mr Gibbs, yet he recommended the Rev. William Winterbotham to the notice of the Church, and accordingly Mr. Gibbs sent him a letter of invitation, dated 10th December, 1789. To this, in the month of January, 1790, Mr. Winterbotham sent the following reply : — "Dear Sir. — I received your kind letter, and must en- treat and hope you will pardon my not answering it Booner, as an indisposition of body, and some other occur- ring providences, rendered me incapable of determining sooner Avhat time I could comply with your request. But 83 I now beg to inform you, sir, and the Cluireli with which you are connected, that I hope to he at Plymoiith about tho middle of this month. I hope then, dear (though at present unknown) friends, your interest at the Throne of Grace Avill be exerted on my behalf, that I may be enabled to come among j'ou in the fulness of the blessing of tho gospel of Christ, knowing nothing among you but Clirist and Him crucified as the Alplia and Omega of salvation. I feel a pleasing satisfaction in taking a \'iew of tho Pro- vidence that apparently calls me among you, as in it I have a fresh view of Jehovah's faithfulness, and a further encouragement to venture mj-self wholly on the Lord, in the arduous work of preaching the everlasting gospel. "When the Lord first inclined my heart to the service of the sanctuary, I felt much of the importance of the work, and saw tho insufficiency of all human power. I conceived then, as I do now, it to be no very hard task to hold forth a system of speculative truths ; but to preach the grand trutlis of the gospel with a real experimental enjoyment of them, and acquaintance wdth them in their power, influence, and effect, so as to comfort the real saint, convince the hypocrite, and alarm the careless, so as to stir them up to seek the Lord, must require the irresist- ible power of the Eternal Spirit to speaker and hearer. "With these views I sought direction of the Lord, that if it was His will I should come into His vineyard that He would direct my steps in providence, teach me by His (Spirit, and bless His Word through my instrumontabty. I now found my sold at rest, Ijoing enabled to ■wait and watch the answer to prayer. God soon appeared in pro- vidence to call me to the work : througli much painful experience Ho has brouglit nie to some degree of know- lodge of the truth in its doctrine, power, and inlkience. I liavo HOen, witli a liappiness I cannot describe, God owning His Word to saint and sinner. Tlio same Provi- dence seems to direct my steps to you. may God's I'resonce come with mo ; and nuiy wo have mutual cause to rejoice in tho good hand of God leading us to com- munion and fellowsliip with eacli other. May thin find 3'ou in peace, and may tlie God of peace rule in all your Jioarts is the prayer of him wlio, tliougli unknown to you, Hultscribes liimself your willing servant for Christ's sako. AViUiam Wiuterbotliam." f Church llecordsj 84 Mr. WintorLotliani's ministrations wcro acceptable to the people, and they therefore sent him an invitation to become an assistant (o their esteemed pastor, wliich ho aee(^pted. ANillium AViuterhutliaiu was born in London in the year 1763. His parents were members of the Church of Eng- land ; but beini^- much impressed by the prea<'hing of an eminent Dissenting Minister, ho joined a Baptist Cluirch and became an occasional preacher in London. In January, 1790, he came to Plymouth. Here Mr. Winterbotliam's preaching was very acceptable, tlie number of hearers in- creased, the word A\as blessed, and many united themselves with the Church. "Mr. Winterbotham soon discovered the advantage to be derived Ijy a young preacher, from connection with an aged and experienced divine, equally able and ready to render important assistance to his junior brethren ; and he made it his regular practice to consvdt Mr. Gibbs on every sermon that he was about to preach. Enjoying the combined services of these two ministers — Mr. Winterbotliam's ministry characterized by 3'outhful vivacity, ardent zeal, good sense, and scriptural sentiment ; Mr. Gribbs' by fervent piety, clear judgment, afiectionate address, and evangelical purity of doctrine ; the Church and congregation were now favoured with a season of great prosperity, f Baptist Mificellani/, 1830.^ In 1703 a painful event interrujited, for a time, Mr. Winterbotliam's labours in Plymoutli ; namely, the trial for seditious language which followed from two sermons which he preached. According to the custom at that period, the 5th November, 1792, was kept by the Dis- senters at Plymouth in a special manner. A sermon was preached in the evening at every one of the meeting- houses in the town, and then Mr. Winterbotham delivered the first of those two sermons which were followed by the most extraordinary consequences. "After speaking of British deliverances, and making varioiis observations on what might be called peculiarly British topics, he adverted to the Pevolution that had taken place in France. This was not at all unnatural for any lover of liberty to do ; but, considering the contro- versy which had arisen respecting it in this country, the alarm taken by the administration, and the violence which party spirit had already displayed, we cannot but allow that it was imprudent." flSaptid Miscellany.) 85 Such was the opinion also of Mr. Gibbs, to whom the sermon was shown before its deliver}' : he advised Mr. Winterbotham not to preach it at all, or, at least, to omit those portions tliat were almost certain to excite prejudice. "But ^fr. AV. was too ardently attached to the cause of freedom, and too \-igouroiisl3- bent on its \-indication," to heed this sober and judicious counsel. Tlie sermon, how- ever, contained nothing that was at all seditious, and inculcated everything that was loj-al and peaceable. Pitt and Eichmond were then connected with our government, and they had asserted in less temperate language than Mr. Winterbotham, the truths which he brought out in this sermon, f Preface to the Sermon. J On the 2oth July, 1793, Mr. AV. appeared at Exeter, to take his trial for using seditious language, in the course of his sermon on tlie previous fifth of November. The charges laid against him were, that he made use of the following words : — Concerning tlie Eevolution in 1G88, "The laws made at that time have been since abused, and brought into disuse, and it particularly behoves me to speak of the present times." Conf-erning a "supposed" Eevolution in the government of France, wliereby the ancient government of that country was supposed to be subverted, and a republican government established in its place. "I higlily approve of the Eevo- lution in France, and do not doubt but that it has opened tlie eyes of the people of England." Concerning tlie laws and government of England, the preacher was cliarged with having said : " Why are yoiu' streets and poor houses crowded with poor, and your jails with thieves, but because of the oppressive laws and taxes. I am astonished that you are quiet and contented under these grievances, and do not stand forth in defence of your righfs. You fancy you live under a mild government and good laws, but it is no such thing " " We have as raudi right to stand up as they did in France, for our liberty." Concerning the King of England, " Tlis Majesty was placed upon the throne, on con<liti(»ii f)f keeping certain laws and rules, and if he did nf)t observe them, he had no more right to the throne than the Stuarts had." ou(;h is a brief statement of th*' principal charges laid 86 against Mr. Wintorbotliam, on this occasion. It is a re- markable fact, that while there were several witnesses on the part of the proseciition, j'^et not one of them could remember what portion of Scripture Mr. W. had chosen for his text, or anything in the sermon that was not, as they said, seditious. On the part of the defence, it was alleged that most of the language quoted above, was not used by Mr. Winter- botham, and that whatever part of it he did use, was taken out of its connection, and had been grossly misrepresented. Several very respectable and trustworthy witnesses gave testimony, tending to prove that the words as laid in the Indictment, were never spoken by him. Ml*. Gibbs, the respected pastor, gave evidence as to the general design of the sermon. The text was from Exodus xiii, 8. "And thou shalt show thy son in that day saying, this is done because of that wluch the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of EgJlDt." Mr. Winterbotham's design was to let liis hearers know that a national festival was introduced by Divine appoint- ment among the Jews on a very extraordmary occasion, to commemorate their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. He observed that it had been usual for most nations to commemorate grand national events, and that on that day (fifth of November) they were called upon by the Legislature to celebrate two grand national events, as Britons and Christians. He said he thought that the laws made at the Revolution in 1688, were very excellent, as they had established our future rights, and he spoke of that Revo- lution as a glorious one. He approved of the Revolution in France, and assigned his reasons for so doing, but he said nothing about opening the eyes of the people of England ; he said that the French Revolution woidd be the means of spreading civil and religious liberty, and the knowledge of the gospel tlu'ough those parts which had long been in darkness. He said that we wanted no Revolution. Mr. Gribbs was asked, "Did Mr. Winterbotham use the words, * Why are your streets and poor-houses crowded with poor,' <S:c. The words were not used. With respect to the other part of the charge, ' I am astonished that you are quiet and contented under these grievances,' I never heard any such words : I am astonished that they should 87 be broiiglit forward. The words, 'Yoii fancy yoii live under a mild government,' were never made use of." Mr. Winterbotliam asserted in his sermon that he ab- horred tumult, that the laws were not to be in the hands of a mob, and deprecated every other means of obtaining redress but an appeal to Parliament. His enemies circulated a report, that tliis sermon had been founded on the words, "To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron." Mr. Gibbs asserted that there had been no allusion made to that passage of Scripture. Another witness said, ' I heard the whole of the sermon and think it Avas calculated to enlighten the head and mend the heart, at least if Jiad that effect on me ; and on my con- science 1 do not think it was calculated to excite sedition. The defendant prayed for the King very atfectionately, and for all in authority under him, and it is his general custom so to do." The Judge said, the most material part for the consid- eration of the jury was, whether the words were spoken in the sense laid in the indictment, that tliey sliould shew the utmost lenity in favour of the defendant, jmttin;/ the lest construction they could upon the matter, for if tlie defendant were found guilty it would be liis utter ruin. The jury withdrew, and after living been locked up for two hours and a lialf, they returned a verdict of Gx'ilty. With the desire of publicly contradicting the falsehoods circulated by some, and correcting the wrung impressions entertained by others respecting this sermon, Mr. Winter- botliam, on Sunday, the 18th of the same month, preached a sermon on Romans xiii, 12. "The night is far spent, the day is at liand ; let us tlierefure cast oil' the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." But instead of conciliating, it was perversely charged as an aggravation of guilt, and made the subject of a second indictment. Concerning this sermon, the following letter was ad- dressed to His Majesty's Secretary of State. *' I'lymoulli, De<einber .'Jrd, 179'J. Sir, — We l)eg leave to send you ••mlosed, ii jjajii-r we Ihis day received from the hands of Mr. Lyne, dei'k \n llic eullcctor of the excise at tliis pliui', jiurportiiig to he the minutes of a sci'nion preached ))y Mr. Winterljotliani, a Protestant Dissenting 88 Minister, at a chapel in this town, on the evening of the 18th of November now last. Mr. Lyne, who was present at the preaching of this discourse, informs na, tliat the above minutes Avere not taken down by him, at the said (ihapel, immediately on their being spoken and delivered by Mr. Winterbotham from the pnlpit, but were, in fact, committed to paper by way of memorandum immediately on his return home on tlie same evening. Mr. John Derby, a midship- man in His Majesty's Navy, who was likewise present at the preaching of tlie said sermon, has declared to ns that he is of opinion that Mr. Lyne's minutes are accurate. The political nature of this discourse has been much the subject of conversation in this town, and given birth to some scurrilous hand-bilJs and anonymous letters to dif- ferent individuals, who, wo presume, have produced the enclosed advertisement, entitled ' reward and caution.' We have therefore, under the sanction of His Majesty's Eoj'al Proclamation of May last, judged it our duty as magistrates to communicate Mr. Lyne's paper to you. " We have the honour to be. Sir, with great respect, your most obedient and humble servants, "William Crees, Mayor," &c. "His Majesty's principal Secretary of State, &c." ISIi'. Lyne's paper, referred to in the foregoing letter, is as follows : — Sunday, 18th November, '92, mem. of this day, that I Edward Lyne, this evening attended at Mr.Winterbotham's Meeting, and there and then did hear the said Winter- botham make use of such language in the matter of his discourse, that must convict him, not only of the most gross misprision for the King, but of high treason itself; that the said Winterbotham, after having given his text, and the preamble of his sermon, said, that he felt himself obligated, from the present juncture of times, to apply it politically. ( The words of the text were, as well as I remember, * Cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, the night is far spent the day is at hand.' ) That he, the said Winterbotham remarked, darkness had long cast her vail over the land, that, as he rejoined, persecution and tyranny had carried universal sway — that he, the said Winterbotham asserted, that magisterial powers had long been a scourge to the liberties and rights of the people; that he observed, it did not 89 matter by what name those usurped powers were known, whether by king, senate, potentate, or stadholder, they were in eitlier case usurped. That he, Winterbotham, thus introduced the words of the text : ' The night is far spent, «S:c.,' following them with this observation — the yoke of bondage among our neighbours seems now to be pretty well broken, and it is expected the same blessing is awaiting us, when persecution and tj'ranuy shall be no more, when, enjoying the liberties of a free people, we shall boast of having introduced among us that ec^uality our neighbom-s have acquired. That he, Wintorbotham, further remarked : to possess such accj^uisition, we were to throw off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Such were the observations uf Mr. Wintorbotham's sermon, and tlie whole tenor of his discourse was of similar traiterous importance. Edward Lyne." Such are the documents, from the Original lianmcripts, relating to a sermon, which it is not too much to aflii-m, contained nothing but the very ojjposite of seditious language. On the 2Gth July, 1793, the day after the trial for the first sermon, Mr. Wintorbotham was again put on his trial at Exeter, before the same Judge, on the charge of using seditious language in the course of the second sermon, preached on the Ibth of November, 1792. The charges laid against him were, in substance, the same as contained in the paper of Edward Lyne. Tlie witnesses on the part of the prosecution, wore Edward Lyne and John Derby; the latter copied his minutes of the sermon from the former, and was therefore set aside by the Judge. On the part of the defence, it was proved b}^ several trustworthy witnesses that the preacher in his sermon upheld the power of the magistrate, and insisted that it was the bcmuden duty of every subject to render himself subject to, and support the government under whicli ho dwelt, and particularly was it the duty of Christians. He did not enter into any discussion <m ])olitics, or draw any political inf'erenct.s from his text. lie sai<l, that a night of pagan and papal darkness had long covered the land, but waH about to give way to the glorious Gospel of JesuH Christ. The defendant also spoke of the ''night," in a spiritual view, and observed to his hearers, lliaf a uiglil of darkness had covered tlicir niind-s, and that Satan had k'pt tlieiii in 00 boiulayo Tuitil the knowledge of Jesus Christ liad set tliem free. A witness who spolco as to this tenor of the sermon, was asked : "You are sure tluit what you liave given in cvidenoe is tlie triith ? " lie replied, "I am in no way interested in speakinp,- for \]\o. defendant, it is mueli against my inclination tliat 1 am hero, hut I camo with a deter- mination to speak the truth, and nothing hut what my eonseienee coincided Avith." The Judge, in the summing up, observed that one wit- ness must be set aside (for the reason before stated), and the support of the charges would then rest on the testimony of onr yoidli. On tlio otlujr hand, on the part of tlie defendant, mauy respectable adult persons had unanimously denied the words laid in the indictment, and had also given a positive evidenci^ of a very contrary luiture. Under these circumstances, he cuuld not thinlc the (hijhidant guilty. Tlie jury then withdrew, and after deliberating for five hours and a half, they returned a verdict of Guilty. On November 21st, 1793, the defendant surrendered himself at the Court of King's Bench, in London, agreeably with the condition of his recognizance; judgment was postponed till the 27th. On that day, he Avas again con- veyed to the court, and sentence delivered, of two years imprisonment and £100 hue, for each sermon ; making /owr years imprisonment, and a tine of £200. In addition, he had to l)ind himself under £900 security for five years. These circumstances are given thus fully because it is wished to give a complete wa.(\. faithful record of the Cliurch in its seasons of trial as well as in its seasons of prosperity. "It is extremely ditticult for any, who were not con- temporaries, to realize in imagination the storm of evil report through wliicli some of the best men had to pass at this period. In the years 1792 to 1796, especially, no caiition or circiimspection could secure the most pious and peaceable Dissenter from being thus assailed." As an illustration it may be mentioned, that as Isaiah Birt was once travelling on a stage-coach from Plymouth Dock to Exeter, he met with a retired Captain in the East India Service, then residing in the neiglibourhood of Plymouth Dock, who, after pouring out a torrent of invective against Mr. Winterbotliam, entertained his companions with a violent abuse of tlie "Anabaptists" of ]:*lymouth Dock " as men of bad principles and desperate designs, who 91 had provided themselves -svith arms and were learning the use of them in garrets and cellars and other secret places, and were just ripe for rebeUion." After he had talked in this fashion for some time, Mr. Birt asked whether all these things were really facts ; the Captain immediately re-asserted (with an oath) the truth of all his statements, adding, that information of all had been sent up to the Government, and they were being narrowly watched. f Baptist Miscellamj, 1830.^ Such being the state of the country at tliis period, surprise is lessened at the iniqui- tous proceedings taken against Mr. Winterbotham.^' Many yeai's afterwards Mr. W. received a draft for £1000, with instructions not to enquire who sent it, but it is believed to have been sent by one who had been instrumental in bringing about his conviction on these trials. It is interesting to take notice of the subject of his first sermon after his return from Exeter, and before receiving sentence. "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my covu'se with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts XX, 24. In the records of the Church at this time, the following minute occvirs, under date 25th December, 1793. "Our pastor next considered the present distressing situation of our brother Winterbotham, and proposed the opening of a voluntary subscription for him; " a proposal which met with ready response. During Mr. Winterbotham's absence, the pastor received the assistance of several ministers from different parts of the country. When the sentence had been passed on Mr. W., the prison selected for his confinement was tliat of Clorkcuwell, then in the charge of a governor named Aris, a man that was an object of tcn-or to all that were in his power, and • It miiy b<: nii^ntioncil hf-ro, us a further example of the spirit of those times, that in 1"!J'» Jam(s Mont^oinerj', the poet, was most unjustly sentenced to fine and imprisonment, lie whs charijeJ with a liliel on the war then KoinR on between England and France, by publishinn, at the rcnuist of a stranger whom he had ne%-er seen, a honp; written by a clerifyman of Lelfust nine months bc/urc the war began. Incredible as it may teem, he was found guilty, sentenced to three months Impri.sonment, and ha<l to pay n fine of twenty pounils. Shortly afterw.irds Mont^'omcry waa sentiMiceil to six months imprisonment, and had to pay a line of thirty pounds, for giving details, in his newspaper, of u riot ut Sheffield. 92 of (letestatlou to every one wlio knew liim. Tlie treatment Mr. Winterhotliani received fa-om liim was such that it induced his legal £i-ieuds to applj^ for a removal : this application met with success, and he was soon transferred to the State side of Newgate, where ho had a good apart- ment, and every accommodation that he needed, his friends having free access to him at all reasonable hours. The wi'ittr of the account from whicli tliese facts are gathered, has given an insight into Mr. Winterbotham's employment of his time during his imprisonment. He first of all published a full and detailed account of his trial, from the short-hand notes of Mr. W. Bowring : soon alter, he published also the two sermons which had been made the matter of unjust accusation. It is from these works the information above given is gathered. Another of his works was a new edition of l)r. Gill's Body of Divinity, in 3 vols royal octavo, and is spoken of as "scarcely inferior to the original edition in quarto." He also wrote while in prison, a History of America, in 3 vols. The expenses attendant upon these trials amounted to over £337, and were far beyond what he had any means of meeting, but his solicitor, Mr. John Saunders of Plymouth, "one of the excellent of the earth, allowed him all the latitude for payment he possibly could," and Mr. Gibbs, the venerable pastor, generously advanced the sums required for immediate purposes. Considerable sums were also raised by subscriptions. The sensation which these trials and verdicts produced among the friends of civil and religious liberty, was very great ; " the horror at the wickedness of the persecutors," and the sympathy expressed towards the object of them, "exceeded all the calculations of his enemies." There appears, however, to have been a sad effect produced on his spiritual life. "He felt" says the writer before alluded to, "and la- mented a considerable declension from the high tone of religious experience which he had formerly enjoyed." But towards the latter part of his confinement, the darkness began to disperse, the Sun of Eighteousness again shone upon him, and he was once more "filled with all joy and peace in believing." At the close of November, 1797, the four years having expired, and the sum of £200, the amount of the fine, having been paid, he was discharged. He soon commenced preaching again, delivering liis first 93 discoui'se at the old Baptist Meeting-liouse in Devonsliire Square, London. He then visited his friends, and preached as opportunity offered, in various places, until he came to Plymouth. To go back to the year 1794, a letter of the PljTnouth Church to the AVestern Association informs us that they had called a "gifted brother, Mr. Hawkins, to the work of the ministry." He ministered for a period of about twelve months to the Church at Wotton-under-Edge, in Gloucestershire, where his labours were very acceptable. Afterwards he removed to Eastcombe in the same county, remaining there for sixteen years. This was a time of g^eat labour and great success. The gospel was intro- duced by his efforts to ten villages which were destitute of any religious instruction ; many souls were brought to Jesus, and several Christian Churches were formed. In 1824 he opened the Chapel at Strotid and formed a Chiu-ch there, commencing with twenty members. He lived to see the increasing prosperity of that Church, and more than three hundred persons added to its membership. Mr. Hawkins died on the 17th of January, 1845, aged seventy-six. f Baptist Magazine, 1845.y After liis retxu'n to Plymouth, Mr. Winterbotham, at the request of the Chtirch, became a temporary assistant to Mr. Gibbs, who felt groat satisfaction in the re-union, and looked forward witli pleasure to the prospect of leaving his charge with such a successor. In the month of March, 1800, Mr. W. was requested to resume the otilce he for- merly lield as co-pastor, with which request he complied. Up to this period the building in How Street had been merely rented by the Church ; but the time had now arrived when they felt that they ought to purchase it. Accordingly, at a Church-meetmg held on the 17th of February, 1799, they resolved to buy the premises, with the liouse adjoining, for the sum of £800. It was also resolved that the building in the Pig-market sliould be sold for about £300, and the proceeds applied to tlie re- duction of tlie debt. On the li7th of November, 1800, Mr. Gibbs was sud- denly taken ill, and, on the yOth of the same month, was tailed to rest from iiis labours. In tlie Church-books the following minutt) is recorded : — " On the 27th of Novem- ber oui- highly honoured and venerable pastor, liev. P. 94 Gibbs, was siulilcnly taken ill, and having endured most oxcrnciatiiig pain with much patience and holy fortitude, calmly resigned his soul into the hands of his dear Ee- deemer, at noon on the Lord's Day, the 30th of the same montli^ to the inexpressible loss of his aged and disconsolate widow, his numerous friends, and tlie Church which had been blessed with his faithful, useful, and successful labours for upAvards of fifty-one years. He Avas bajitized in the year 1745, and ordained pastor of the Baptist Churcli in Plymouth, on the 20th of September, 1749." Ho died at tlie age of seventy-two. The remains of Mr. Gibbs were interred in the Baptist burial-ground, Plymouth, on the 5th of December. He had himself purchased that ground and presented it to the Churcli and congregation ; the deed of gift is dated the 14th of June, 1797. The funeral-sermon wrs preached by Mr. Birt. The mournful service was attended by an immense concourse of people, and the pall was supported by the Eev. Dr. Hawker, of Charles Church, Plymouth, Eev. Mr. Hitchen, of St. John's Chapel, Plymouth Dock, Clergymen of the Established Church. Eev. Herbert Mends, Plymouth ; Eev. John Jones, Plymouth Dock ; Eev. C. Sloper, Plymouth; and Eev. W. May, Inde- pendents. Eev. W. Steadman, Plymouth Dock; Eev. Humphrey Penn, Kingsbridge, Baptists. For a great part of the time Mr. Gibbs was at Ply- mouth, he ministered to the Church without receiving any pecuniary recompense for his labours, and notwithstanding invitations which he received to fill posts of considerable worldly advantage. Dr. Eippon, in his sketch of the Plymouth Church, has furnished a large jiortion of the information given respect- ing Mr. Gibbs. He thus concludes his brief history. ""VYe dare not suffer oiirselves to terminate this sketch of a very eminent Church, one of the most ancient in the denomination, without placing before our readers the general character of the venerable man who laboured so successfully in this part of the Lord's vineyard." Dr. Eippon then gives the following testimony concerning Mr. Gibbs; from "an able pen." " His life and character, rehgious, civil, social, and domestic, afibrded a rare example of unaffected, fervent, and enlightened piety, of undeviating integrity', of pure and expansive philanthropy, of genuine 95 humility, of every moral and Christian virtue. He obtained a considerable knowledge of the HebreTV, Greek, Latin, and French tongues, and a large acquaintance with subjects of general science. But everything was made subser^-ient to his studies and engagements as a minister of the gospel. In his discourses from the pulpit liis manner was serious, his observati(jns judicious, his language plain, correct and concise, his mode of address was earnest and atfectionate. His congregation, when he came to it, was one of the most inconsiderable, but at his death cne of the most respect- able congregations in the West of England." (Rippon's Baptist Register, 1801. y The Church at this time consisted of about IGO members. In consequence of the death of his esteemed fellow- labourer in the gospel ^Mr. Winterbotham resigned ; but, at a meeting of the Church held on the 10th December, 1800, at whicli Mr. Birt, then of Plymouth Dock, presided, it was resolved to invite Mr. W. to xmdertake the sole pastorate of the Church. On the 14th of the same month he sent a letter to tlie Church signifying liis acceptance of their call, and on the 1st January, 1801, he was publicly ordained as their pastor. At an Association meeting held at Plymouth Dock in that same year, the following letter was presented from tliis Church : — " To the miuisters, elders, and messengers met in Asso- ciation at riymoutli Dock, May 27th and '28th, 1801. " Honoiired and esteemed brethren. — Persuaded as we are of the advantage arising from yoiu" annual assemblies, we rejoice in that indulgent Providence which has pre- served you in journeying and favoured you with another opportunity of consulting together on the welfare of Zion and happiness of the sister Churches. '•' "' * If anything adds to the pleasure generally felt by us ou tliese occasioTis, it is the consideration of your tirst assembly in the popidous town of Dock, being held in the bosom of a Church where the Pedoemor's interest has peculiarly flouri.shed, and to which wo feel ourselves united by more than common ties. May your meeting tend furl her to iBcrease its prosperity, and promote, in a yet greater degree, that union and intenourso which liappily subsists at present between the Churches of our denomiiuition iu the two towns. 96 "Witli respect to oiirselves as aCluivcli, our circumstances, since your last annual meeting, have Leon such as to call forth alternate grief and pleasure. A Divine Providence has taken from us our late dear and honoured father and pastor, Avho, after 55 years faithful labour in the Eedeemer's vineyard, has been called to participate in the joy of our blessed Lord. On his account, we are persuaded we ought not to grieve, and when we consider the advanced period of his life and tlie length of his service, we feel that we ought rather to be thankful that he was continued amongst us so long, than mourn or complain at his removal from oiu' midst, but in opposition to our better judgment the tear of sensibility flows, and the sigh of regret arises from the heart, which yet too powerfully feels its loss. May tlie God of love forgive this tribute to departed worth, and sanctify to us all, this and every berea\dng visitation, of which we have also experienced several others in the Church and congregation, and may we more closely follow tlie steps of those who thi-ough faith and patience have inherited the ijromises. On the death of Mr. Gibbs, our brother Winterbotham, who during liis lifetime had assis- ted him in his labours, and who had been called to the co-pastoral btfice with him, by the Church, relinquished also his charge, but was recalled with general approbation, occupied the pastoral office amongst us, and was ordained over us Januarj^ 1st, 1801. "Thus our gracious Lord has not been ujimindful of our low estate ; but while He has gathered as a shock of corn fully ripe liim who bad so long gone in and out before us. He has continued in our midst the same rich variety of means with which we have so long been fa- voiu-ed. Our congregation we consider is on the increase ; we have lately had some additions, and others are on the point of giving themselves to us, as we hope they have already given themselves unto the Lord." Unhappily, the amount of political prejudice against Mr. AVinterbotham, which still existed in the town, not- withstanding all his efforts to remove it, checked his usefulness, and led liim to fear, that if he continued in I'ly^^utli his prospects of success as a minister would diminish. TJiis, amongst other considerations, induced him, towards the close of the year 1803, to write a letter to tlie Chureli, informing them of his intention to resign 97 his office as their pastor. This letter -was read to the Church on the 3rd of October. He continued in Ph-mouth until March, 1804, -when he removed to Shortwood in Gloucestershire. Under his ministry the Church at that place rapidly increased, and the congi-egation became numerous. Here he continued to labour, amid universal esteem, until liis decease, which took place on the 31st of March, 1829, he being sixty -five years of age. X. FROM THE CLOSE OF ME. WINTEEBOTHAM'S MINISTRY TO THE YEAR 1821. The Church now made repeated attempts to obtain a pastor, but could not succeed until four years after Mr. Winterbotham's removal. A call was given, on the 26th of July, 1807, to Mr. Eagsdale, from Bristol College, and in Marcli, 1808, he became their pastor. At the com- mencement of his pastorate there were some indications of prosperity' in the Church, and many united themselves with the Lord's people. But this prosperity was of short duration, and after having been pastor for rather more than two years and a half, Mr. Eagsdale resigned ; his removal was hastened by the closing of the chapel for some months, a part of the ceiling, with the beams and rafters, falling in and doing much damage, which was repaired at a cost of £106. La the summer of the year 1810 Mr. Gregory Hawson, then a youth, was united to this Church, and subse- quently became a useful and earnest minister of the gospel. On Juno 13th and 14th, 1810, the Westeni Association lield their meetings at Plymouth, on which occasion Mr. Safl'ei-y and Dr. Ryland preached. Tlie Chapel in How Street was re-openod on the 16th of December, 1810, by Mr. Co.v (afterwards Dr. Cnx, of Hackney), and a collection of about £40 or £.')() was made. Mr. Cox ministered to the Church and congi-egation for four Sabbatlis. To quote the Church Records— " After Mr. Cox's de- parture, the attention of the Church was directed towards 98 ]\[r. John D3-or, a deacon of tlie sister Cliiivch at Poiiibroke Street, Dock, but who resided in Plynvonth, and had just at tliat time been caUod into tlie ministry, by the Church with ^Yllich lie stood connected. lie was accordinf>ly in- vited to supply them for a period of tliree months." His ministrations were very aceeptabk', and on the third of October, of that yeai", he assented to an almost unanimous call from tlio Oliurcli, to take the oversight of them in the Lord, and he Avas set apart to the pastcn'al office, on the twenty-ninth of the same month. During his minis- trations, a Saljbath School was established at How Street. From a sliort account of it by the late Mr. Tucker, the following extract is given : — " Prior to the commencement of this school, tliere was not one in the three towns. There were schools that met on the Sabbath and on week days, with paid teachers ; but a school, meeting only on that day, and with voluntary teachers, I did not then know of. Previous to the formation of this school, I had often been greatly interested in reading of Sabbath-school efforts in other places, and the great success that had attended them. Being at Tavistock, on the Lord's Day, my impressions deepened as to their importance, b}^ hearing a number of children catechised by Mr. Rooker (the minister at that place). The importance of the cj^uestions, and the correct- ness with which the answers were given, deeply affected me, and tended to increase my desire for the spiritual instruction of children." After his return from Tavistock, Mr. Tucker met with a young man of the name of Haywood, and in the course of conversation informed him of liis visit to Tavistock and of the impressions he Jiad received. This young man then said that he had been a teacher in a Sabbath-school, and offered to render Mr. Tucker assistance by supplying him with school-books. This conversation ISfr. Tucker soon made known to his intimate friend, Mr. Thomas Trowt (afterwards a missionary), " a yoiing man of energy and devotedness to the service of Grod, who at once entered heartily into the design of forming a Sal)bath-school, and it is to him mainly owing tliat it was effected. From time to time Mr. Trowt reported his success among the friends, and amongst tliose mIio were desirous to encourage the efibrt, he mentioned with great pleasure the name of our esteemed friend, Mr. Prance." 99 The pastor, Mr. Dyer, greatly promoted this good work, and before it commenced, gave an addi-ess to the pro- moters, which was printed at their request. The school was opened on the 21st March, 1813, and the number admitted on that day was over one hundred childi-en. The school was for some time carried on in the chapel and vestry ; biit as there were three sei-vices on the Lord's Day, this was found to be very inconvenient, and premises were obtained in Yauxhall Street, to which the school was removed. In December, 1813, Mr. Thomas Trowt was united to this Church, and after giving proofs of great piety and zeal in God's cause, he went to the Bristol College. In 1814 he was appointed a missionary to Java, where, after a short but diligent labour, he was called to his eternal reward. Believing that his ministry was not so generally appre- ciated as to encourage liis hope of usefulness, Mr. Dyer, to the great regret of the Churcli, resigned his oliice on the 22d of February, 1814, after having been pastor only two years and four months. In his letter of resignation ho says, "I trust that in forming this decision I am not actuated by any motives but such as will stand the test in the Great Day of aecoimt. It is not that I am discouraged by diiliculties : these I know await me everywhere if 1 am the servant of Christ. It is not for the sake of filtliy lucre : in this respect I shall lose rather tliau gain. But it is my calm, deliberate opinion, that it is expedient for the cause of God generall}-, and perhaps for its advancement among you, that I should go away." Ho removed to Reading ; and in the letter commending Mr. and Mrs. Dyer to tlie Church there, the deacons thus refer to his labours in Plymouth: — "We feel deep regret for the loss we hereby sustain. Wo have found him an affectionate and faithful pastor, zealous for the truth as it is in Je-sus ; his exemplary walk and con- versation among us have been such as have become the gospi'l of Christ, and his genuine piety lias been truly conspicuous and uniform. In him also will be experienced a considerable loss as it regards some valuable institutions in our town, witli which he was actively and usefully connected. May it appear to us (thougli we cannot at present sec it), that tliis removal lias been under the 100 guidance and special direction of Providence for the en- largement of tlie Redeemer's Kingdom." From Reading Mr. Dyer was afterwards called to tlie Secret arj'ship of the Baptist Missionary Society, wliich office he filled until his dcatli. At this period Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Godwin supplied the pidpit for four Sabbaths. Then followed Mr. Morgan, of Binuingham, who supplied for the same period. Mr. Morgan's ministrations were very acceptable, and the Church made a great effort to induce him to become their pastor, but without success. In the year 1815, Mr. George Gibbs, of Pershore, supplied for a month, and receiving an invitation, became the pastor in April of that year. From tlie Association letter sent by this Church in June, 1816, the following inter- esting information is gained: — "We beg to recommend to your consideration in the distribution of your funds, the verA interesting case of the North Devon Mission, that it may receive that attention which its importance demands. About three yeai's ago a society connected witli the Baptist Churches in this neighbourhood was formed for the purpose of spreading the gospel in the northern part of this county, and Mr. Harris (a man peculiarly suited for the work) was employed as an itinerant for that pur- pose, and, by the Divine blessing on his very abundant labours, several small Churches have been formed, and his ministry well attended. Though the expenses of this institution have been by no means great (compared with the object it embraces), yet the Treasurer, Mr. Prance, is above £60 in advance. Exertions have been made, and still are making, by additional subscriptions, to pay off this debt ; but the pressure of the times, and our own heavy incumbrances, prevent our accomplishing this de- sirable object. We are therefore induced to submit this most interesting case to the Churches now assembled, with the hope that it will meet with that pecuniary aid which so important a station, and such an indefatigable servant of Christ deserves." At the commencement of Mr. George Gibbs' ministry among them the Church and congi-egation increased, and hopes were entertained of renewed prosperity ; but those hopes in a year or two declined, and the Church Avas again brought exceedingly low. During this period Mr. 101 Sincox was united to the Church, and afterwards was called to he a preacher of the gospel. In 1819 the pastor thought it his duty to resign, after liaving served the Chm-ch for about foiir years, and the pulpit was supplied by various ministers of the denomination. XI. FEOM THE COMMENCEMENT OF ME. NICHOLSON'S MINISTRY TO THE YEAR 1870. The Church was greatly dispirited Ly these constant changes and disappointments, and the decrease which at tliis time took place in the number of tlie congregation lessened its liope of obtaining such a pastor as it desired. Their prayers, however, for the Divine guidance were unceasing, and after some time these prayers were, as tliey believed, answered by the coming among them of Mr. Samuel Nicliolson. Mr. Nicholson was a member of the Cliurch in Pembroke Street, Devonport, under the pastoral care of Mr. AVillcocks ; his Father, Mr. ]3enjamin Nicliolson, being a deacon of that Church. He had but recently commenced preaching. His lir.st sermon was preached, when he was nineteen years of age, at Millbrook, a village near Devonport, on Sunday Evening, December ;31st, 1820. He continued to preach occasionally at that village, and on February 18th. 1821, was unexpectedly called upon to occupy ^[r. AVillcocks' pulpit, at Pembroke Street. Soon after this, he conducted a week evening service at How Street, an event which is tlius rufeiTeil to in a brief sketch of his history, which was drawn up after hi.s death, by one wlio Icmw Jiim well : "Although not twenty yeais of age when lie oecupied the pulpit at How Street for the lirst time, Mr. Nicholson's services were favourably received by the Church, and some judicious Christians discerned those indications of talent and piety, ^hich, under the Divine Idcssing, would lit him for great usefulness, a.s succeeding years should develop and nuitun; his character." At a Church-meeting held on the 21th oi' ^[arch of the same year, at which about fifty members wer(5 present, the following resolutions were a«lopted unanimously. " liesolved — That the services of Mr. Samuel Ni<li<dson during the past three monthb have been highly acceptable u 102 to us as a Chuvc-h, and have heon productive of a stoady increase iu the cougrogation ; that liis amiable character, conciliating dc^portment, and early talent, have already raised liini so much iu our ostoeni and respect, that we cannot but auti(>ipate from such promises tliat the Great Head of the (^hurcli will ultimately render him an emi- nently able and useful minister of His Word. " Eesolvcd— That deeply impressed with these feelings, we should deem ourselves cxdpably inattentive to the leadings of Providoiice and to oiu' interests as a Church, were we to overlook a minister so unexpec'tedly raised up in our immediate neiglibourliood at this peculiar juncture of our affairs, and apparently designed as well as qualified to build up tliis Church." At this meeting, it was also resolved to ask Mr. Nicholson to remain for a term of probation, to which request he acceded. A short time before the expiration of the j^robationary period, namely, in tlie month of June, 1823, the Church sent him the following letter inviting him to become its pastor : — "The period for which you consented at our request to minister to us in lioly things being neaiiy expired, we have, by earnest p-ayer, souglit Divine direction with reference to a more permanent connection ; and on a review of the past, we have again been led to admire the kind providence of Grod in so unexpectedly raising you up and sending you among us endowed with such a measure of piety, prudence, and talent. Combining with this the profit we liave derived during the past year from your ministr)-, the general and growing acceptance of your labours among ourselves and the congi-egation at large, as well as the portion of success which under the Divine blessing has attended them, we have been brought to the conclusion that God has heard our prayers, and in your person sent us a pastor by whom He designs to build up His Church among us, and cause us to rejoice in the pros- perity of our Zion. "_We do, therefore, most cordially and aflfectionately invite you to take the oversight of us in the Lord, and to become our pastor, to preach to us the doctrines revealed in the Word of God; and also to administer those ordinances and to fulfil those various and important 103 duties which are connected with the pastoral office. Sip ^* *'.' '•' ^' *.* ^' "K- "And now, dear Sir, fondly praying that you maybe 80 jT^iuded in this important aftair by the Father of Lights as that Mis glory may be advanced, and our spiritual good be eminently and mutually promoted, wo remain yours in the bonds of (?hristian afleetion." Then follow the signatures of five deacons and seventy-one members. The other regular attendants at tlio Chapel also sent a letter to Mr. Nicholson expressing their entire concurrence with the Church in the step it had taken. The Deacons accompanied the letter from the (liurch with one from themselves, from whicli the following is an e.\tract : — "In forwarding to you the call of How's Lane Church to become its pastor, we have to express our gi-atitude to God for the unanimity whieli has been man- ifest among us on this occasion, and the pleasure we feel at the number of signatures it contains, and those given in the most voluntary manner. This we consider deserving notice as the Church has not been brought into this union of feeling from tlie novelty of a stranger preaching in its midst a few Salibaths, witli a full tide of ijo^nilarity, but grailually and from long probationary labours. Lender these circumstances, we cannot but liopo tliat instead of decay and decrease under your ministry, God has designs of mercy, and not <jf Avrath in store for us, tliat He will revive us and add to our number of such as sluill l)e saved. And wliilst you may bo ready to (piostion your fitness for this station, and antifiimte evils tliat nuiv never happen, it is well to r<'nieml)er tliat notliing is too lianl for the Lord. Arise, Sir, to the work, and our hands and our hearts shall l)e with you."' To tliis invitation from the (Jliurch, Mr. Nicholson sent the following reply : — "My Dear Friends, — In commencing a rei)ly to tho commtmication whieh I received from you on tho .Ird instant, I feel so deeply the importaiicii of <ho question wliich it submits to me, us to wish that my decision could be still long(T withhold, or that its solemn resjjonsibility wore devolved on another, and uu abler indiviiluiil. I liavo received, however, all the human counsel whicli I have deemed it expedient to seek. I have imploreil, though with conscious uu worthiness, direction from tho Great 104 Source of all wisdom, and now I have no longer a war- rantable motive for sustaining your suspense by delajdng to inform you of the result of my deliberations. "In weakness and fear, and with much trembling, I accept your afi'ectionato invitation, and engage, if God so permit, to take the oversight of you in the Lord : fulfilling, according to the measure of the gift of Clirist bestowed upon me, the duties of a pastor, in addition to those wliich have for several months past devolved on me, as a minister of the "Word, — cordially assenting to the formula of doctrine expressed in your letter, as describing the faith for which you contend, and as characterizing my future ministry ; accepting with gratitude to you as stewards, of the bounty of Him who 'hath ordained that they who preach the gospel shoidd live of the gospel ; ' and desiring to promote, by every proper means, your spiritual welfare. "And now, my very dear brethren and sisters, hence- forth sustaining towards me a new and important relation, suffer me to address myself to the best feelings of your hearts — to the charity that never faileth — to the fidelity that never forsaketh — to the sympathy that never ceaseth to comfort — to the tenderness that never woundeth — to the steadfastness that never is moved — to the unanimity that never suffereth division — to the energy that never fainteth — to the zeal that never languisheth — to the concern for the honour of the Saviom' that never abateth — to the desires for the prosperity of the Church that are never satisfied. ' ' Be these summoned into vigorous exercise at this crisis, 80 interesting to you and to me. The Redeemer asks this at your hands, on behalf of His cause amongst you, and he whom you have chosen as your pastor asks it ; for he needs it all — your charity, to cover his imper- fections — your fidelity, to inspire with confidence — your sympathy, to succour — your tenderness, to console and cheer — your steadfastness, to animate — your unanimity, to fulfil his joy — your energy, to sustain his and render it efiicacious — your zeal, to second his efi'orts — ^your concern for the Saviour's honour, to hold forth by illustration of its effects the Word of Life — your prayers, to procure from the Great Author of our prosperity, blessings on your minister and yourselves that will surpass not our deserts merely, but our expectations also. "Regarding youi* present low estate, I cannot but 105 mourn ; yet it will be well for us to remember that the strength of the Most High is undetaying, tliat His mer- cies are everlasting ; and that He will fulfil the prayer of the destitute when the prosperity of Zion is the object of their desire. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye united, fervent, and persevering in your supplications on my })ehalf, and on your own : that you, and a goodly company of converts added to your present number, may be my joy and glory now, and my crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. So will j'ou ever possess a powerful hold on the affection of your servant in the gospel — Samuel Nicholson." The following is the conclusion of Mr. Nicholson's Con- fession of Faith, delivered at liis ordination : — "Such are tlie views which I have been led to entertain on the principal subjects of Divine revelation. So far as I am acquainted with my own heart, I have not yielded in any instance to the force of prejudice, or given, design- edly, imdue prominence to any doctrine or precept of Holy "Writ. Yet I am far from pretending to infallibility. I dare not assert — for I do not believe — that prejudice has no influence on my mind. In retracing the past, I think that I detect some progress in my attainment of truth, and I should hear with dismay the declaration that my progress was terminated. As it woidd grieve me, could I suppose that, with my present feeble stock of knowledge, there remained nothing for me to learn ; so it would surpass my expectations to ascertain that I had nothing to unlearn. I w(nild pursue, therefore, with humility, diligeu<e, and prayer, my research in the Word of Inspiration ; prepared to detect the errors of others, yet hoping that I ma}' undfrstand my own, desiring to be led into all the trutli, though my most favourite opinions should bo contradicted, and my most deeply-rooted inoju- diccs assailed. I cordially believe that the excniso of such dispositions is not confirnMl to myself, but that it extends to a goodly company of thoso from whoso sentiments I conscientiously differ. I would, therefore, cherish towards all who love the Ix>rd Jesus Christ in sincerity, reverence and love, candour and forbearance ; and would rejoice in the pro- spect of a period at whirli tlie liglit of I)ivine revelation sliall I'O obscured no longer, Init the Sun of liighteousnoss 106 arise in uncloixded Lriglitness to set no more for ever." There was no grc^at and sudden improvement during tlie early i)art of Mr. Nieliolson's ministry, but the in- crease was steady, and some additions were, from time to time, made to the rimreh, whidi greatly encouraged him. In I80O the whole of the interior of the Chapel under- went repair. This occupied five months, during which time the congregation was permitted to assemble in the New Tabernacle (now Norley Street Chapel), a place of worship belongiug to the Independent denomination. For a great part of these five months, owing to tlie fact that Mr. Davies, the minister at the New Tabernacle, was laid aside, Mr. Nicholson ministered alone to the two congre- gations ; and during the rest of the time he shared the pulpit with Mr. Davies. The total expense of the repairs to the How Street Chapel amounted to £3G0. The building was re-opened on the 20th of February, 1831, and although much addi- tional accommodation had been provided, the whole was at once fully occupied. Previously to the return to How Street, the pastor had expressed his objection to the levying of seat-rents for the support of the ministry, and it was resolved, "That the pecuniary support of the minister shonld be left to volun- tary contributions, regulated by attachment to the truth and the measure of ability enjoyed." It was dm-ing this year that, by the death of Robert Hall, tlie Church at Broadmead, Bristol, was left without a pastor. Various ministers of the denomination were invited to supply the vacant pulpit, each for a month, and Mr. Nicholson, with the concurrence of the How Street Chnrcli, was one of the number. His ministrations were so much appreciated by the members of the Broadmead Church, tliat they gave him an invitation to become their pastor, and, in order to enforce their claim, sent two of their deacons to present the invitation, which was conveyed in the following letter : — "Eev. and Dear Sir. — Nearly nine months have elapsed since it pleased our Heavenly Father to bereave us of our dear and honoured pastor, Mr. Robert Hall. But thoiigh bereaved, we have not been left destitute ; our dear friend and minister, Mr. Crisp, is spared to us, and we have in mercy been supplied with many able and faithful servants 107 of God. We, however, feel that we are without a pastor, and with much solicitude have looked among the ministers of our denomination for a successor to our now sainted friend. We have souglit the dii'ection of the Great Head of the Church in public, sociiil, and private prayer, and our choice has fallen upon you. And now Dear Sir, at our Churcli-meeting, we unitedly invite you to hecome our pastor. Our brethren, J. Ash and R. B. Slicrring, are deputed to bear tliis letter and they will explain the details of minor arrangements. There is one subject which we feel we ought not to pass over unnoticed. You are happy Avith your present charge, successful in yoiu- min- istry, and possess the esteem and alfection of an increased and increasing congi-egation. "We feel and would express a cordial Christian friendship for all the members of your Church ; we are not insensible of their anxiety that you should cdutinue aniong them, and that we may incur the charge of imkindness in attempting to remove 3'ou. This has not been lost sight of in our deliberations, and if we did not feel tliat the interests of vital religion would be more extensively promoted by your removal hither, you would not have had this invitation from us." This letter was dated November, 1831, and was signed by 17(5 mem- bers and lUU of the regular attendants. With it Mr. Nicliolson also received private letters fi-om individual members of the iJroadmead Church, entreating him to accept tlieir call. Alter u time of most anxious suspense, he decHnod their invitation in the following letter : — "Plymouth, iJecember, 1881. Very dear brethren, — The period lias now arrived which must terminate yoiu* suspense and aiuiounce my decision on tlie very impor- tant question wliich your leftrr of invilatitm, Ivindly enforced by the friends deputed for tliat i)>irposu, submitted to me. '*! hav<! felt that your rctpiest was entitled to serious and roajiectful consideration, and tluit consequences deeply interesting tc my.self, and possibly to you also, were involved in my reply. From the responsibility of the situation in wlii(;h you have placed me J would gladly have retiri'd, if my sense of duty had allowed, or if it had been pOH.sible t^) devolve on persons more disinterested and better cjualilied than myself, the obligation of controlling 108 my steps. Tlie burden -wliicli could be fully transferred to no mortal, I liavo endeaAOured to cast on the Lord, and whilst conscious of a desire to know and do His will in this crisis of my life, I humbl}' believe, that, for the sake of Him wliose name is an ever prevailing argument, He has gTiided my way. "i liavc sympatliizcd, dear brethren, and do sympa- tliize with you, in your present bereaved condition ; and were it lawful and practicable, most readily would I contribute to your welfare in tlie way you desire. I believe that I adequately appreciate the importance of the station you invite me to occupy : such, indeed, is the estimate of it whicli I form, tliat, in the absence of other adverse considerations, a sense of my deficiencies as a Christian and a minister, would greatly discourage me from acceding to your request. " I am content, however, to place the matter on a dif- ferent basis ; and waiving objections founded on personal insufficiency, as your candour and indulgence would doubtless desire, it has been my wish to compare dis- passionately the reasons in favour of my remaining at Plymouth, with those which are alleged on behalf of your application. "I dare not, I cannot forget, that a compliance with your solicitation would dissever me from a united and affectionate people, and remove me from a sphere of labour to which it appears now to be manifest that Divine Pro- vidence several years since appointed me. It is not a little remarkable that your invitation reached me, at a time when the state of the congregation here was more hopeful, tlian I could have reported it at any former period of my ministry. I regard with extreme aversion and dread a removal unsanctioned by the Divine approbation ; and, when I perceive that the Grod of Zion, has graciously owned my efforts to repair and build up lier walls in this place ; that by present indications He is encouraging my hope of future and greater usefulness ; and that the most valued and judicious of my flock, in common with the Church at large, consider that my voluntary removal woidd tend to becloud their prospects, and perhaps to renew their adversities, I am led to conclude, that the Lord whom I serve, has ap- pointed my continuance in my present station. "And now, my dear brethren, whilst a sense of duty 109 impels me to negative your application, allow me to thank you for the place in your esteem and affection wliich your letter assigns me, and to request, that in any "way wliich your discretion may approve, you will convej' my respectful acknowledgments to those friemls in the congregation who concurred in your sentiments and wishes respecting me. May they and all your fellow-worshippers, sustain to- wards you a more intimate and permanent relation, and may your eyes speedily behold a pastor, who shall guide you in the integi-ity of his heart and the skilfulness of his hands. "For this, and every other spiritual good, I hope to intercede for you at the footstool of the Cliief Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, to whom I commend you, and for whose sake, I remain, your atfectiouate brother in the gospel — Samuel Nicholson." In reply to this, the following letter was sent from the Church at liroadmead : — "We have received your affectionate letter of the 23rd instant, conveying to us your refusal to accede to our earnest wishes that you should accept tlie pastoral charge over us. Whatever regret we may feel at your decision, we believe it is the result of much deliberation and prayer, and that it is the will of the Great Head of tlie Church that you shoidd now remain in your present station. If anything could increase the esteem and affection we feel for you, it is the motives which prompted you to decline our invitation. Prating that God may continue to bless you and make you an extensive blessing, and that you may long, very long, be spared to a united aiid happy people, wo remain, dear Sir, your all'ectionate bretlireu and sisters. Read at our Church-meeting, 19th December, 18.31." One of the deacons of the J3roadmead Church, writing to Mr. Nicholson at the same time, says : — "Long jiiid deeply sliall we lament the groat loss which we, as u ('hurch, liave sustained by }our deciding against us ; at tlio same time wo cannot but acknowledge that the motives by whicli you Jiavo been actuated are so honour- able to yonr charafter as a ChristiaTi, that you an; raised at onre in our esteem and endeared to our liearts." Mr. Ni'liolson had, before this, declined several invita- tions to (JhurfluiH in London and its neiglibcnirhood. In no 1837 he was invited to become tlie minister of the Church meeting in Dovonsliire Square, Lt^ndon ; a sentence from his reply will show the reason of his persistently refusing to leave Plymouth: — "I could not, under existing cir- cumstances and prospects, resign the station which I now occupy, without incurring, to my own apprehension at least, the fearful disadvantage and responsibility of aband- oning the post of duty." In the year 1834 the Cliurch, after much consideration, resolved on admitting Piodobaptists to full membership. This change was happily effected with kind and Christian feeling, the few members who differed quietly with- drawing. In the same year Mr. Francis Tucker (now the minister of Camden Eoad Chapel, London), a member of the Church, was commended to the work of the ministry. The following quotation from a circular issued in De- cember, 1843, will shew the reasons which led the Church shortly afterwards to erect a larger Chapel : — " The Baptist Church in Plymouth has existed for above two centuries, and though it has not hitherto ori- ginated any kindi-ed society in the town, it may be regarded as the ancestor of several neighbouring Churches. For about half a century it has assembled in a Chapel in How Sti-eet, where the present pastor, IMr. Samuel Nicholson, has occupied the pulpit upwards of twenty years, during which his character and ministry have greatly endeared him to the people of his charge, and conciliated the esteem of other Christian Societies and of the neighbouring dis- trict. When first Mr. Nicholson was called to the pastoral office the congregation was small and the society in a low and feeble condition ; but, under the Divine blessing, there has been a steady progress in tlie extension of the Chm'ch, and in the increase of the congregation, so as to require an enlargement of the place of worship, effected about thirteen years since at their exclusive charge, but which, at various subsequent periods, and particularly at the present, has 'imen found inadequate to the accommodation of families who have desired regularly to attend there. These circumstances, combined with the necessities of a population wliicli during the period of Mr Nicholson's ministry has in(;reased from about 20,000 to 40,000, have seemed to call for increased elibrts on the part of the Ill Cliiirch of Christ to supply ampler nieaxis and facilities for evangelical instruction." Land peculiarly suitable for tlie site of the New Chapel was obtained in George Street, adjoining the burying f round, which had long been the property of the How treet Church, and on loth May, 1844, its foundation-stone was laid by the respected Chairman of the Building Com- mittee, Mr. Prance. On the 17tli September, 1845, it was publicly opened for Divine worship, !Mr. Jay, of Bath, i)reachiug on the occasion. The total cost, including School-rooms attached, land, and chapel-keeper's cottage, amounted to rather more than £5000. The debt was paid off within a short time after the opening of the Chapel. In the year 1854, owing to Mr. Nicholson's failing health, permanent assistance was sought for him, and in the following year, the Rev. George Short accepted an invitation to the co-pastorate, in which office he was publicly recognised, on the 1st of January, 1856. Early in the following month, 'Mr. Nicholson was compelled to abstain entirely from preaching, and on the afternoon of the 13th of March, he peacefully entered into rest, having been the pastor of the Church for thirty-three years. The subsequent events in tlie history of the Chui'ch must be fresh in the memory of mo.st of its members. They are briefly mentioned here for the sake of those who may desire to have some record of them. ^Ir. Short, at the unanimous request of the Church, now undertook tlie sole pastorate, which office he continued to fill until the close of 1858, when lie resigned it. For about twelve; months the Church renuiined without a pa.stor. In the month of January, 1860, the Kev. T. C. Page, who had then recent!}' returned to England from a twelve years' i-esidence in Madras, acccjjted tlif unani- mous invitation of the Cliurch to become its pastor, and in th(! following month he commenced his labours in Plymoutli. In 180 1, two members of the Church, ^[r. King and Mr. Bute, d<'Voted tlieniH<-lves, witli the apjjrobation of the Churcli, to tlie work of the ministry. Mr. King is now the pa,st<»r of the Cliurch at Birkenhead, and 'Mr. Bato is a Mis.sioiiary in India. In 18(i"J, Mr. William Afoney devoted liiniself, witli the approbation of the Cliurch, to 112 the same work, and is now at Madras, as pastor of the Chiircli to which Mr. Pa^e formerly ministered. It ]iad long heen felt that there should be a more com- modious and suitable building for the use of the Sunday- school. At the beginning of the year 18G4 a piece of land adjoining the chapel was purchased for the purpose, and the foimdation-stone was laid by Mr. R. C. Serpell. Ou the 2Gth January, I860, the building was publicly opened. The ReA'. J. H. Hinton preached on the morning of that day, and in the evening a public meeting, which was very numerously attended, was held iu the new room. The total cost of the building, and the land, amounted to £3,417. The pastor had the great pleasure of announc- ing at the evening meeting that there was in hand a balance of £250, which would be applied towards the establishment of a Day-school The Daj'-school was opened in August, 1865, and has made most satisfactory progress, there being at the present time 300 names on its books. The basis upon which it was estabhshed will be seen from the following portions of a circular which was addressed to the various Noncon- formist ministers in the town : — "The Christian Church assembling in George Street, Plymouth, having erected a building for the better accom- modation of their Sunday-school, desire to have it used on week days for the promotion of a sound, voluntary, and religious education. The term voluntary is employed to designate an education which, while independent of State aid, shall not be a mere charity education, but rather a self- supporting system, in which the parents of the children taught find the principal portion of the requisite funds, only aided and encouraged, when necessary, by the coun- tenance and liberality of others. By religious education they intend an education based upon the Holy Scriptures and comprehending the great doctrines of the Divinity and Atonement of Jesus Clirist, and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit : the truths in short held in common by all Evangelical Protestant Christians. " Instead of organizing a school for the purpose on a strictly denominational basis, and retaining the manage- ment of it iu their own hands, they desire to see a school established on a basis broad enough to admit the co- operation of all EvangeUcal Nonconformists, and under 113 the management of a Committee cliosen irrespectively of denominational peculiarities. If sucli a Committee can be formed, and such a school established, they are prepared to give up the use of the building and entrances from WestweU Street. * -^ * * * Practically, co-operation in the scheme would involve : — Pirst, some pecuniary assistance during the first two or three years of the existence of the school. Second, advice and encouragement to parents to send their children to the school. Third, the cultivation among the working classes in the several congregations, of a spirit of self-reliance in the matter of the education of their children." In the year 1866, the Church resolved to adopt the practice known as the Weekly Offering. The following passage occurs in a circular issued at the close of that year : " With the commencement of the new quarter it is intended to introduce a new system of congregational collections. Instead of, as heretofore, fixing upon a particular day to collect for one special object, it has been determined to make known to the congregation at the commencement of every quarter, all the objects for which collections are requii'ed, to have boxes for receiving contributions thereto, on every Lord's Day during the quarter, and to divide the total amoimt at the end of the quarter among the several objects, in such proportions as their relative importance may require, and the amoimt at command will allow. The ■chief reason for thi.s change, is to encourage the universal adoption by the congregation of the practice, already adopted by some, of devoting systematically, week by week, a portion of their income to God ; a practice which is scriptural, and when acted upon conscientiously and prayer fully, lielpful to the spiritual life, and an addition to the pleasant associations and memories of the day and house of the Lord." It sliould be observed, tliat this relates to congregational collections only. At a Church-meeting held early in 1867, the following resolution wius unanimously adopted : " That, cousidei'ing the increase of the popuhition of Plymouth, since the erection of Gfiorge Street ("liapel, now twenty-one years since, the many instances in whicli it lias been found im- po8sii)le witliout gr(!at delay to appropriate sittings to individuals and families applying for tliem, the steady increase of tlie membership of tlie Church, the resources of 114 ■whifh God in His Providence has constituted us stewards, and the fact that every other denomination has abeady extended its chapel accommodation ; we lierehy as a Church record our conviction, that the time has come for us to take practical measures for the building of a second chapel, as soon as an eligible site can bo obtained." In accordance with this resolution, a meeting was held on the morning of the '25th Feliruary, 1 867, wlien it was decided that a site should be purchased on Mutley Plain, and con- tributions were at once promised to the amount of £3,516. At a subsequent meeting of the congregation, the amount ■was raised to about £.3,500. Tlie building was commenced soon afterwards, and the memorial stone was laid by the senior deacon, Mr. Peter Adams, on the 17th June, 1868. Early in the year 1869 Mr. Page's health failed, and his medical advisers expressed the decided opinion that the climate of Plymouth was especially injurious to his constitution. In the month of July he resigned the pas- torate, which he had held for nearly ten years. In the service in which he took his leave of the Churcli and congregation, Mr. Page referred to the recent history of the Church in the following manner: — "Tlie years we have spent together have been years of toil and anxiety — of hard work if you like, but of great blessing too. I hoped when I came to Plymouth, that God woTild permit me to labour amongst you for twenty years. I had pur- poses and plans in the future which I had hoped to see accomplished. But the ways of God are not ours, and He has seen lit to say to me, before even Imlf that period has been reached: 'Your work in Plymouth is done.' I can but leave myself in His hands. I cannot but rejoice how- ever, that so much of what I hoped to see has been accomplished. I rejoice in all that you have been en- couraged and disposed to do for religion and for the town itself. And I rejoice too, tliat God's blessing has been to such an extent among us. When I came here nine years ago, the Cliiirch numbered 389 members. Since that time, somewhat about 370 have been added. Of those who were here when I came, I find that more than one half have passed away, some to join other Churches, and many to join the Church Triumphant ; and yet at the present time the number of our membership is more than 100 greater than it was then. I rejoice in this the more^ 115 as it mil enable you to extend yoiir borders, and to de- tach a number to form the nucleus of the congregation at the new chapel, and yet leave as many remaining here as when I came among you. All this, my friends, is matter not of boasting, but of devout gratitude to Him from whom alone all success proceeds." The Chapel on Mutley Plain, of which, as has been already mentioned, the memorial stone was laid in June, 1868, was opened for public worship on the 11th of November, 1869. Tlxe following is an extract from an article which appeared in the '"Christian World," the week after tlio Chapel was opened. "Amongst the Nonconformists of the "Western counties, the Baptist Church meeting in George Street, Plymouth, has long stood in tlie front rank. Its history is a striking illustration of what great results may follow from the life and labours of one good and devoted man. The remark- able prosperity and' influential position of the Chiux-h in George Street are very largely owing to the ministry of the lute Eev. Samuel Nicholson. He became the pastor of the Church, then VvOrgliipping in How Street, on the 25th of July, 1823. His genius and cliaracter drew around him so numer(ms a congregation as to necessitate the erection of the preseiit large and commodious chapel in George Street. Mr. Nicholson died March 13th, 1856; but ' he being dead, 'yet speaketli ; ' his memor}' is yet fresli and fragrant iti Plymouth, and wherever he was known. During tlie latter part of lus life the Rev G. Short, B.A., now of Salisbury, a man of considerable ability and culture, was liis co-pastoi-, and on Mr. Nicliol- son's death he became sole pastor. In 1860 Mr. Short was succeeded by tlie Kev. T. C. Page, who liad formerly been tlie minister of an English congregation in India. The spiritual, thoughtful, and earnest ministry of Mr. Page being very successful in consolidating and increasing the Church, and many of the members having gone to residf in the rapidly growing iiorthf^rn suburbs, it was, after long deliberation, determined that part of the Church and congregation should swarm thitlicr ; and the result is the noble chapel opened on Thursday, November 11th. So far from this movement sjiringing from schism, the C^lurch, though meeting henceforth in two chapels, is to continue as one body. • 116 " Mr. Pago having-, tlirougli ill-lioalth, recently resigned his chai'ge, to the universal regret of the people and the town, the Kev. John Aldis, late of Heading, and formerly of Maze-pond, Loudon, whose distinguished talents have long been known far beyond tlie limits of his t)wn denomi- nation, lias just been unanimously chosen pastor. " The New Chapel on Mutley Plain is a splendid testi- mony to the power of willinghood. The land and building cost not less than £8,000, the greater part of which is now actually paid, and all the rest promised." About 175 members of the Church and congregation, living in the higher part of tlie town, left the Chapel in George Street, to form the nucleus of the new congregation at Mutley. In February, 1870, the Rev. Robert Lewis, of Weston- super-Mai'e, accepted the invitation of the Church to become co-pastor with Mr. Aldis, and on the first Sunday in April, he commenced his labours in l*lymouth. The review of the history of this Christian Church, extending over a period of more than two hundred and thirty years, furnishes much cause for thankfulness to God, and encourages the prayer that His blessing which lias so manifestly rested upon it in the past, may rest upon it in all the future. 11' THE INFORMATION HERE GIVEN IS GATHERED CHIEFLY FROM THE FOLLOWING SOURCES. ^£rosby'8 History of the English Baptists. Ivimey's History of the Baptists. Manuscript Copy of Sighs for Zion, 1657. (From the original in the British Museum.) Letter by Cheare (Copy from the original Manuscript), date about 1650. ■Oritjinal Copy of Words in Season, 1668. Calendar of State Papers. Charles II. Manuscript Copy of Looking Glass for Cliildren, 1672. (From the original in the British Museum.) Rippon's Baptist Register, 4 vols. Containing Records of this Church, the originals of winch were in Dr. Rippon's possession, Manuscript Letters of the Western Baptist Association. Meen's Manuscript History of Dissenting Churches, about 1780. Original Church Records, from about 1780. Memoirs of Samuel Pearce. The Baptist Miscellany, 1880. Containing Memoirs of the Rev. William Winterhotham. Report of tlx' Rev. William Winterbotham's Trials; the two Sermons, and Original I'apers relating to the- Trial. Memoir of the Kev. Isaiah Birt, baptist Magazine, 1838 JoM.N- Smiiii. Printer, 40 & 41 Trpvillp Strci't, Pi.vMofTH. THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 241610 5 D\ 'Vl ;» ^ . y-. ' ■,>J .\ . .'^^il . ' . 1 ' » ' i . \mm '•5 f^f^ ^ ■. ■ . . r 'i 4 V ,-J . ' ' ^ ■ ■ >* ;;:>! ■ * * ■ ■ '* 1 ' " -' « ■ ' . ■ ■ '*.."'" • ' »T