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The
HISTORY and ANTIQUITIES
OF
AND
MEETING HOUSES,
IN
LONDON, WESTMINSTER^ AND SOUTHWARK;
.INCLUDING THE
LIVES OF THEIR MINISTERS,
FROM
THE RISE OF NONCONFORMITY TO THE PRESENT TIME.
WITH
AN APPENDIX ON THE
ORIGIN, PROGRESS, AND PRESENT STATE
OF
CHRISTIANITY IN BRITAIN

IN FOUR VOLUMES.
BY WALTER WILSON,
OF THE INNER TEMPLE.
VOL. I.

Eonbon :
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR ;
SOLD BY W. BUTTON AND SON, PATERNOSTER ROty j
T. WILLIAMS AND SON, STATIONERS' COURT ; AND
J. CONDER, BUCKLERSBUBY.
1803,

11. Edwards, Printer,
Grant Court, Fleet Street, London*

PREFACE,

"^ hen an author appears before the bar of the
public, he puts himself in a situation of great
responsibility, which is increased in proportion
as his facts or opinions are liable to be disputed.
A writer of history should be, above all other
people, an attentive observer of human nature.
Facts derive their principal value from their ap
plication to character. Revolutions in empires
may become important by an exhibition of the
baser passions ; but they are only valuable in as
much as they conduce to the welfare of the people.
So, in the history of individuals, those traits of
character are to be pointed out, and chiefly in
sisted upon, which are calculated to subserve
the benefit of society. Perhaps no subject re
quires to be treated with so much judgment as
ecclesiastical history ; and yet there is no branch
of knowledge that has been more shamefully
perverted to the baleful purposes of priestcraft
and superstition. The history of the Church is
any thing rather than a history of Christianity.
Clothed in the venerable garb of antiquity, the
grossest delusions have been imposed upon the
understanding ; and the greatest crimes have
been sheltered behind the presumed saeredness

if PREFACE.
of the clerical character. It is only of late years
that the veil has been drawn aside, and that pre
tended saints have been shown in their true co-
jours. In the hands of a skilful writer, endowed
with judgment, and acquainted with the spiri
tuality of religion, ecclesiastical history is a topic
that might be treated upon with much interest,
as affording a variety of incidents that are calcu
lated both for amusement and instruction. Much
has been done towards clearing away the rub
bish of former writers by Mr. Milner ; but a
church-history of our own country, written
upon really Christian principles, is still a desi
deratum. It is quite natural that popish writers should
bend the facts of ecclesiastical history to support
the vast fabric of clerical dominion, so essential
to the existence of their church ; but that Pro
testant writers should have fallen into the same
error is not a little extraordinary. Unfortu
nately, the subject has been handled principally
by persons who have been more concerned to
exalt the dignity of the priesthood than to pro
mote the kingdom of Christ. Hence the in
sufferable pride, the sectarian bigotry, and the
malicious representations of churchmen, when
they are writing concerning those who do not
belong to their communion. In support of these
charges, we need only refer to the writings of
fleylin, Collier, Wood, Echard, Kennett, and
a thousand more that might be named, who,
whatever may be their merits as valiant cham-

PREFACE. V
pions for the hierarchy, failed in the principal
requisites as historians. It is the record of
christian principles, not the prosperity of a sect,
that constitutes the beauty of ecclesiastical his
tory. The attainment of truth is the only legitimate
end of history. If destitute of this ingredient,
it may delude mankind, but cannot instruct
them ; it may serve the interests of a party, but
strikes at the foundation of religion and virtue.
To arrive at truth, we must divest ourselves of
sectarian prejudices, weigh well the opinions of
others, and be diffident of our own judgment.
True wisdom is always allied to modesty; .and
whilst it becomes us to be decided in our own
opinions, a recollection of human fallibility will
teach us a lesson of candour to others. As there
is hardly any thing more destructive to the peace
of society, so there is nothing more contemptible
than bigotry. History is full of its evil conse
quences, and we heartily despise those narrow
minds in which it was an inhabitant. In de
nouncing this disturber of the christian world,
truth makes no distinction of sects. The mind
of an Edwards was no less deformed than that
of a Wood, and whilst we use their facts, we
reject their opinions, and pity their bigotry.
A difference of opinion as to rites and cere
monies, and forms of worship, has been the
source of endless divisions amongst Christians.
But all the schisms that have taken place in the

VI PREFACE.
church would have been as harmless as the pic
ture drawn of them by the frightful mind of a
non-juror, if Christians had cultivated the spirit
of their religion, and aimed at a greater likeness
to the temper of its founder. Unfortunately,
every sect has seated itself by turns in the chair
of infallibility, and imposed its peculiar dogmas
with as much confidence as if they had descended
from heaven with a strict commission to perse
cute all who would not embrace them. Unifor
mity has been the grand idol of ecclesiastics in
all ages, and the civil power has assisted them
to proclaim its worship. Till the period of the
Reformation men bent their necks to the yoke in
submissive silence ; but the progress of know
ledge, consequent upon that event, has burst the
fetters ; and, in spite of the most cruel persecu
tions, the mind has continued to assert its
liberty. The failure of every attempt to force opinion
ought to be a sufficient lesson of its absurdity.
Upon this point enlightened men of all sects are
now pretty well agreed ; but there is still a dif
ference of opinion as to the propriety of exalting
one sect, by civil distinctions, at the expence of
another. If the sentiments advanced in the en
suing work be correct, civil establishments of
religion are utterly incompatible with the nature
of a christian church. How injurious they have
been to the interests of religion and liberty is
abundantly illustrated in the history of our own
country. In the present day they may be deemed

PREFACE. Vii
needful for pageantry and other state purposes,
but no one can, for a moment, identify them with
the kingdom of Christ, which is declared to be
" not of this world." Public opinion has already
done much towards disarming them of power,
and will probably, without any use of violence,
effectuate their downfal. Did not experience
warrant the conclusion, the nature of the thing
would be sufficient to decide that civil govern
ments may exist, and answer all the great pur
poses of society, without the patronage of any
particular sect. I know that great pains have
been taken to inculcate the idea that church and
state are so closely interwoven, that they must
live or fall together. This opinion, however, is
at variance with our history ; and 1 take it to be
a libel upon our civil constitution to place its'
existence at the mercy of a few priests. In all
states the civil power should be sufficiently
strong to- protect public morals, and to set the"
priesthood at defiance. The clergy can only be"
formidable in proportion as they are secularized
and rendered independent of the people. In
their proper station they will be useful instruc
tors, and harmless members of society.
In offering the present work to the pubJie^ the
author has no wish to kindle animosities : If he
has made some free remarks upon men and!
things, they are such only as he apprehended to
result from his facts. Liberal minds will have
no desire to screen the characters, nor palliate
the crimes of persecutors : Thia is by no means

Vlll PREFACE,'
necessary to the defence of the cause which they
espoused. An Episcopalian or a Presbyterian
may still maintain the divine right of his respec
tive church, and so lorig as he argues with de
cency and temper, shall be attended to with
respect; but when he outsteps the boundaries
of good manners, and uses railing instead of
arguments, he will be considered an unworthy
advocate, and pitied for his bigotry. If any of
my readers should think me mistaken in my
conclusions, let them follow out their convic
tions, and I shall freely give them the same li
berty of judgment that I have taken myself.
Christians who cannot debate their differences
without being angry, should leave the path of
controversy, and confine themselves to the cul
tivation of the christian graces.
History is a branch of knowledge so admira
bly adapted both to delight and instruct, that it
is no wonder enlightened people should consider
it a necessary branch of education. Of the dif
ferent classes into which it may be divided, none
has been held in greater estimation than biogra
phy. Accordingly, numerous have been the
tributes given in favour of this branch of study,
and it has been cultivated with an ardour and
success unknown at any former period. One of
the first writers who gave a polish to this class
of composition was Dr. Johnson, who possessed
an almost unbounded controul over our lan
guage ; and had his liberality been as compre
hensive as the powers of his mind, he would

PREFACE. IX
have been as. much entitled to our esteem as he
must be to our respect. Since his time, we have
had a host of writers devoted to the same pursuit,
and the public voicehas borne witness to the inter
est and utility of their labours. If religion should
be the principal study of man's life, as involving
interests that affect his future destiny, christian
biography must be a subject peculiarly interest
ing to our feelings. But this, like many other
excellent things, is capable of being perverted.
Prejudice on the one hand, and partiality on the
other, have made sad havoc with the characters
of men. To draw them with accuracy requires
temper and judgment, and a thorough acquaint
ance with the motives as well as actions of indi
viduals. A laboured panegyric is as useless as
it is often untrue; but the faithful delineation of
a life devoted to the cause of literature and reli
gion, will furnish ample topics both for reflection
and improvement.
The task which the author proposed to him
self in the ensuing work was one of no common
difficulty. To write concerning so great a variety
of persons and opinions without giving offence to
some, seemed a very hopeless undertaking;
more especially as he was not at all disposed to
countenance that temporizing spirit which, un
der the fair name of charity, so extensively pre
vails amongst the professors of religion. He
can honestly say that truth has beeD the grand
object of his inquiries, and if he has mistaken it
Vo?.. I. b

X PREFACE.
in any instance, he shall not be displeased with
any candid attempts to set him right. As the
work was not undertaken at the instance of any
denomination, so no party is liable for the sen
timents it avows. These, whether they be right
or wrong, rest wholly with the author, who has
neither disguised the truth, nor wilfully misre
presented it from fear or affection, towards any
party or individual whatsoever.
The foundation of the present performance was
laid many years ago, although without any view to
publication till within a few weeks of its appear
ance. It originated in a perusal of Mr. Neal's
life, drawn up by Dr. Toulmin, and prefixed to
his edition of the History of the Puritans. Suc
cessive inquiries added to his stock of mate
rials, till it reached the form and bulk, in which
it is now presented to the public.
Upon the utility of such an undertaking, it will
be unnecessary to enlarge. " I have often thought
it a debt due to the churches, (says Dr. Latham,)
as well as to the memory of those who have de
served well of them, if some faithful hand would
discharge it, to transmit some account of those,
who have devoted themselves to the cause and
interest of the naked truth, or gospel, in that way
wherein they could have no temptation from the
rewards of this world : It would be only a pro
per continuation of Mr. Baxter's and Dr. Cala-
my's account of our ministers brought down to
to the present time, and might serve some valua-

PREFACE. XI
ble purposes in several respects ; nor could any
unkind construction be justly put. upon it, if from
a sincere regard to the command of Christ, not
to call any one Master upon earth, they modestly
declined paying that deference, that hath been
expected, to human authority in matters of reli
gion. One would think it must recommend them
to the esteem of an age, that pretends to such a
strongsense of liberty; for the rights of conscience,
though they have been forgotten in some late re
monstrances on that head, have the best plea for
it, and in the exercise of them, there is the most
glorious enjoyment of it."*
It is greatly to be lamented that the idea of a
similar work did not occur to some person ac
quainted with the affairs of the Dissenters, at
least half a century ago ; many facts might then
have been recovered which are now buried in
oblivion. That a task of so much consequence,
seeming to require long experience, extensive in
formation, and no mean influence, should have
been undertaken by the present writer, may seem
an act of singular temerity ; and he must confess,
that could he have foreseen the difficulties he
has experienced, and the little encouragement
afforded by Dissenters to works of labour and
research, he should have hesitated in entering
upon so arduous an undertaking. A spirit of
inquiry as to the distinguishing features of non
conformity, has, with the exception of the Bap-
* Dr. Latham's Sermon on the death of the Rear. Matthew Bradshaw,
p. S3, 34.

XII PREFACI.
tists, wholly fled from the different sects. The
Presbyterians have either deserted to the world,
or sunk under the influence of a lukewarm mi
nistry ; and the Independents have gone over in
a body to the Methodists. Indifference and en
thusiasm have thinned the ranks of the old stock,
and those whe remain behind are lost in the
croud of modern religionists.
In the composition of the work, the author
has adopted the topographical order, as best
suited to his subject; and in ascertaining the li
mits of his divisions, has followed the best wri
ters upon the history of London. After describ
ing the situation of his places, he has given a
particular account of the different revolutions
that each has undergone, detailing the succes
sion of pastors iu each church, the variation in
numbers, doctrinal sentiment, and such other
particulars as were deemed necessary, or could
be ascertained. The lives that follow the intror
ductory matijr, will be found, perhaps, not the
least interesting part of the performance. In
drawing them up, the author has paid a parti
cular attention to facts, and as far as his mate
rials would permit, has rendered them subser
vient to the cause of literature. There being a
great sameness in character, he has usually
compressed that part of biography, and in the
application of its leading features has sometimes
consulted his own judgment in preference to the
indiscriminate adulation of partial or injudicious
friends. To serious persons, christian biogra-

PREFACE. Xlll
phy has always been a source of profitable
amusement, and in this part of his work, the
author trusts he has not neglected the great in
terests of religion. In order to this, he has not
thought it necessary to make any sacrifice of
principle, nor to compromise the leading fea
tures of nonconformity. The power of religion
never shone in brighter lustre than it did in
many of the worthies here recorded; and the
talents they displayed in defending the great
truths of Christianity, raised them to an equal
eminence with their conforming brethren. If
these excellent charactei's are to be construed
by modern Dissenters into formalists and bigots,
the author cannot expect a treatment much dif
ferent, nor is he desirous of better company.
The truth is, that bigotry and charity are terms
but little understood, though artfully noised
abroad till they delude the passions of the mul
titude. As there is some appearance of novelty at
tached to this performance, persons unac
quainted with Dissenters, may annex to it
notions of singularity. But they should recol
lect that our ideas are comparative ; and as the
author writes for Dissenters, he expects the
same latitude for them, that would be granted
to an antiquarian in compiling any local history.
The subject he has chosen, has been strangely
passed over by all who have undertaken to write
concerning the history of London. This can
only be attributed to those sectarian prejudices

XIV PREFACE.
that always abound amongst national Christians;
but it is high time that they should be laid aside,
and that the human character should be esti
mated by a more accurate standard. The paro
chial churches, and other public buildings in the
metropolis, have received ample illustration from
the pen of the historian, and the pages of our
biographies arecrouded with the lives of church
men. But no one has hitherto explored the
sanctuaries of Dissenters, nor recorded the bio
graphy of their pastors. To supply this chasm
the present undertaking was attempted ; and it
is presumed, that the facts recorded in these vo
lumes will afford sufficient evidence that learn
ing, talents, and piety, are not confined to any
party or denomination of Christians.
It was an object with the author to make his
work a repository of useful information. For
this purpose, he has brought together a large
collection of facts, for which, in all material
cases, he has quoted his authorities. If he has
sometimes descended to a minuteness more
acceptable to the antiquarian than to the gene
ral reader, he has not forgotten the entertainment
of. the latter, for whose sake he has occasion
ally enlivened his pages with anecdote. In the
course of his inquiries it will be found that he
has brought to light many places which were
scarcely known to be in existence, and has re
corded the lives of many excellent persons,
whose names are not to be found in any other
publication. Some apology may, perhaps, be

PREFACE. XV
deemed necessary for inserting so many of the
ejected ministers, whose lives are to be met
with in the Nonconformists' Memorial. But,
as the work would not be complete without
them, so it will be found that the accounts here
inserted interfere very little with that perform
ance, which he has^but seldom consulted. The
whole of such lives are re-written, most of them
considerably enlarged from other sources, and
some of them entirely new. Even in this view,
therefore, the two works illustrate each other.
But those worthies occupy only a small por
tion of these volumes. It is their successors
whose lives the author has most laboured, and
he hopes they will be found not altogether desti
tute of interest. That a work consisting almost
wholly of facts and dates should be free from er
rors, is not to be expected : That they are so nu
merous the author greatly regrets, and must cast
himself upon the reader's indulgence.
In the ensuing pages, the reader will meet
with frequent references to places of which
he will not find any account. To explain this,
it is necessary to inform him, that the author
designed, originally, to extend his work through
the whole of the British metropolis, and the cir
cumjacent villages ; but finding that he could
not comprise the whole in four volumes, he
has restricted himself to those places that are
within the cities of London and Westminr
ster, and the Borough of South wark. Jf those
who feel interested in the performance, regret

XVI PREFACE.

that it is not extended to another volume, so as
to include all the places they could wish, they
must not blame the author, but those to whom
it appertains to encourage such an undertaking.
Posterity will, perhaps, think that it reflects
no credit upon Dissenters of the present day
that they can scarcely muster three hundred
persons who feel interested in what concerns
the affairs of their own churches; That the
work is not better deserving their patronage is
matter of regret to the author, who wishes it
had fallen into abler hands.
For the facts upon which this history is
founded, the author has had recourse to a
variety of sources, both printed and manuscript,
as well as to oral information. The valuable
records belonging to the societies in White's-
alley, Barbican, Devonshire-square, New-court,
and Stepney, have afforded him many useful
particulars relating to contemporary churches.
That the Dissenters in general haye not been
more careful in preserving their records, and in
noting down the transactions relating to their
body seems very surprising, and argues a care
lessness that merits censure. In the infancy of
their societies they were more particular; but
as their discipline relaxed, they grew remiss in
the registry of events, and their early records
having fallen into private hands are, in most
cases, lost. Most of our old churches know
little more of their history than what is derived
from tradition; a defect which the present

PREFACE. Xvii
work is intended to supply. Amongst the per
sons to whom he has been most indebted, he
has to acknowledge his obligations, primarily,
to the late Rev. Josiah Lewis, who took much
pains in making similar collections, which he
communicated to the author. For many use
ful facts relating to the General Baptists he has
been indebted to the late venerable Mr. Ste
phen Lowdell, who also permitted him to exa
mine some ancient manuscripts belonging to
that denomination. That ornament to the Dis
senters, the late Rev. Samuel Palmer, whose
long standing, and extensive acquaintance, gave
him great facilities for information, communicated
to the author a number of facts, as also, a manu
script account of the Dissenters in London from
1695 to 1731, which has been of considerable use.
His obligations are next due to Dr. Toulmin, of
Birmingham ; Dr. Rees and Dr. Winter, of Lon
don, for much collateral information ; but there
is no one from whom he has received more
valuable communications as from Mr. Isaac
James of Bristol, whose extensive researches
into the history of Dissenters has, perhaps,
never been exceeded. To Mr. Joseph Meen,
of Biggleswade, he is indebted for the loan of
a valuable manuscript ; and to the Rev. G. Bur-
der, R. Burnside, G. Greig, J. Martin, T. Tayler,
T. Thomas, T. Morgan, J. Evans, S. Hacket, J.
Stewart, and Mr. B. Coxhead, of London ; the
Rev. J. Philipps, of Clapham; B. Brook, of Tut-
bury; R. Frost, of Duninow; T. P. Bull, of
Vol. I. c

Xvili FREFACE.
Newport Pagnell ; J. Jefferson, of Basingstoke ;
W. Kingsbury, of Southampton \ J. Sutclitf, of
Olney ; J. Townsend, of Ealand ; J. Barker, of
Towcester ; J. Hickman, of Wattesfield ; Mr.
James Conder, of Ipswich ; Mr. J. Whittuck, of
Bristol ; also, to ihe late Rev. J. Barber, Dr. R.
Young, and S. Girle, of London, for a variety
of communications, too numerous to particu
larize, and to whom the author desires publicly
to return his thanks. Also to the trustees of
Dr. Williams's Library, Red Cross-street, for
liberty to consult the valuable library of .that
institution, and to take engravings from the por
traits deposited there.
To the patronage of the public, he now
commits his labours with becoming deference,
not insensible of many imperfections that
attend them, but still not without hope that
they will receive the approbation of the liberal
and judicious of all denominations.

Camden Town,
May 1, 1814.

CONTENTS OF
VOLUME I.

RISE OF THE FIRST NONCONFORMING CHURCHES Page
Protestant Congregation in London, in the
reign of Queen Mary, - 3
First Presbyterian Church in England - 9
The Brownist Congregation about London, - 13
First Independent Church in England, - 3d
CITY OF LONDON, EASTERN DIVISION.
Crutched Friars, Baptist, - - 53
Poor Jewry-lane, English Presbyterian, - 55
J^wry-street, Calvinistic Methodist, - 128
Mark-lane, Independent, - - 134
Turners'-Hall, General Baptist, - 135
 Reformed Quakers, - 137
 Independent, - ' - 139
 Particular Baptist, - 143
•  Independent, - - 146
Weigh- House, Independent, - - 148
Grace-church-street, Particular Baptist, - 205
Pewterers'-Hall, Independent, - - 208
Lime-street, Independent, - - 212
Bury-street, Independent, - - 251
Crosby-square, Presbyterian, - - 529
¦ ' ' - Rellyanists, * - 358

XXIV CONTENTS. Page
Great St. Helen's, Particular Baptist, - 362
Little St. Helen's, Presbyterian, - - 3o*3
Camomile-street, Independent, - - 387
Hounsditch, Particular Baptist, <¦> - 392
Gravel-lane, Hounsditch, Presbyterian, - 397
Bishopsgate-street, Presbyterian and Independent, S98
Hand-alley, Presbyterian, - - 399
Devonshire-square, Particular Baptist, - 400
SOUTHERN DIVISION.
Great Eastcheap, Particular Baptist, - 457
Miles's-lane, Independent, - - 462
 ditto, - - - 467
—  Scotch Seceders, - - 519
Dyers'- Hall, Extinct, - - - 525
Joyners'-Hall, Particular Baptist, - 526
Plumbers'-Hall, - - 533
Tallow-Chandlers'-Hall, Particular Baptist, - 535

RISE

OF

THE FIRST

jtoncottformms Cjmrcjes;

COMPRISING,

1. PROTESTANT CONGREGATION IN LONDON, IN THE REIGN 01
QUEEN MARY.
S. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN ENGLAND.
3. THE BROWNIST CONGREGATION ABOUT LONDON.
4. FIRST INDEPENDENT CHURCH IN ENGLAND,

Vol. I.

THE

HISTORY and ANTIQUITIES

OF

DISSENTING CHURCHES,
SfC. SfG.

PROTESTANT CONGREGATION IN LONDON,
IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN MARY.

_L HE Churches of this kingdom had been overspread, for
many centuries, with the darkest mist of ignorance and su
perstition ; and, as far as appears, without any considerable
opposition, till the famous John Wickliffe arose, the Morn
ing Star of the Reformation. The sanguinary laws, enacted.
by our Monarchs after his death, prevented a public avowal
of his" opinions, till the time of Henry VIII. who having
quarrelled with the Pope, revenged himself by becoming the
open patron of the Reformed. The absurd and capricious
conduct of this King occasioned a great fluctuation of Reli
gion during the whole of his reign. Under his excellent
son, Edward VI. the Reformation made a rapid progress,
but was suddenly arrested by the immature death of that
amiable young Prince, after a short reign of six years. There
are few persons but have been made acquainted from their
infancy with the shocking barbarities that disgraced the reign

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

Protestant Congregation in London in the Reign of Queen Mary.
of Queen Mary, and will transmit her name with infamy
to the latest period of time. Popery having regained the
ascendancy, and become the religion of the State, many
Protestants withdrew into foreign countries. Of those who
remained at home, congregations were formed in different
parts of the country, but the most considerable met in and
about London.
This Church, which there seems great propriety in placing
at the head of our history, was formed soon after Queen
Mary's accession, and consisted of about 200 members.
Their meetings were held alternately near Aldgate, and
Blackfriars, in Thames-street, and in ships upon the river.
Sometimes they assembled in the villages about London,
and especially at Islington, that they might the more easily
elude the Bishop's officers and spies. To screen themselves
from the notice of their persecutors, they often met in the
night, and in secret places, and experienced some remarka--
ble providential deliverances.*
The public devotions of this society were conducted suc
cessively by the following ministers, whose names are pre
served by the industrious Mr. Clark.
Edmund Scambler, D. D. This excellent pre
late was born at Gressingham in Lancashire, and re
ceived his education in the University of Cambridge. In
the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, he united himself to
the Protestant congregation, and became their first pastor.
Persecution, however, compelled him in a little time to re
linquish this situation; when he probably retired abroad.
Soon after the accession of Elizabeth, he was made chap
lain to Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, through whose
interest he rose to high preferment in the church. In 1560
he was consecrated Bishop of Peterborough, and translated
to Norwich in 1584.f It should be recorded to his credit

* Clark's Martyrology, p. 515, 516.
t Godwin dc PrsesuIibuSjAnglia:, p. 44 1 ,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

Protestant Congregation in London in the Reign of Queen Mary.
that in his exalted state, he conducted himself with great
prudence and moderation. He was a learned man, and very
zealous against the Papists'. His concern for the diffusion of
religion, led him to. encourage associations among the clergy
for that desirable end.* But as they were countenanced and
attended by persons who were stigmatized as Puritans, the
Queen put an immediate stop to their proceedings. Dr.
Scambler died May 7, 1597, aged 85 years, and was bu
ried in the cathedral church at Norwich. -j-
Mr. FowLER. — Dr. Scambler was succeeded by a Mr.
Fowler, of whom no account has reached us.
John Rough, a native of Scotland, came into
England for freedom of religion, in the preceding reign.
Upon the accession of Queen Mary, he retired into Frize-
land, where he laboured hard for his living ; but meeting
with many difficulties, he returned to London, joined the
Protestant congregation, and after a short time was chosen
their pastor. He continued faithfully to execute his office,
teaching and confirming them in the truth of the Gospel, till,
by the treachery of a false brother, he was betrayed into the
hands of the Romanists. He was apprehended with Mr.
Cuthbert Simpson and several others, at a house in Isling
ton, where the church were about to assemble, as was their
custom., for prayer and preaching the word; and being
taken before the council, after several examinations, he was
sent prisoner to Newgate, and his case committed to the
management of Bonner. The character of this man, whose
hands were so deeply stained with innocent blood, needs no
colouring in this place; the faithful page of history will
always hold it up to the execration of mankind. In his
hands, Mr. Rough met with the most relentless cruelty.
Not contented with degrading and delivering him over to the
* Neal's History of the Puritans, vol. i. p. 1 83.
f Wood's Athense Oxon, vol. i, p, 697.

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

. . Protestant Congregation1 in London in the Reign of Queen Mary.
secular power, the furious prelate flew upon him, and
plucked the very beard from his face. At length, after
hiuch rough usage, he ended his life joyfully in the flames,
Dec. 1577.*
Augustine Bernher, whose name indicates him
to have been a foreigner. He resided some time with the
excellent Bishop Latimer, and witnessed his martyrdom.
He also imbibed much of the spirit of that extraordinary
man, whose sermons he introduced to the public with a long
dedication to the Lady Katherine, Duchess of Suffolk, of
whose remarkable preservation during the Marian persecu
tion, a particular account is preserved by Mr. Fox. Mr.
Bernher had the satisfaction to witness the re-establishment
of the Reformed religion under Queen Elizabeth; and
afterwards resided at South-Ham in Warwickshire, from
whence he dates his dedication, October 2, 1570.
Thomas Bentham, D. D. born at Shei bourne in
Yorkshire, and educated at Magdalen College, Oxford. Upon
Queen Mary's accession, he was deprived of his Fellowship-
when he retired to Zurich, and then to Basil, where he be
came preacher to the English exiles. Afterwards, beino-
recalled by his Protestant brethren, he was made Superin
tendent of their congregation in London. In this situation
he continued till the death of the Queen, encouragino- and
confirming his people in their faith by his pious discipline,
constant preaching, and resolute behaviour in the Protestant
catise. Under his care and direction, they often met by hun
dreds for divine worship, without discovery, notwithstanding
£ey were under the nose of the vigilant and cruel Bonner.f
Upon the accession of Elizabeth, he was nominated to the Bi
shopric of Litchfield and Coventry; ^hich he filled with great
moderation till his death, Feb. 21, 1578-9.^ Dr. Benthi
* Fox's Acts and Monuments, vol. iii. p. 722 — Clark's Martyrology
p. 495-6. t Heylyn's History of the Reformation, p. 79 B0
% Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. i. p. 192, 704,

OF PISSENTING CHURCHES.

Protestant Congregation in London in the Reign of Queen Mary.
— ¦¦¦ -¦ ^ ' j
was held in great repute for learning and piety. It was with
considerable reluctance that he complied with the Queen's
injunctions for suppressing the prophecyings. His letter to
his Archdeacon upon this subject,* bears strong marks of a
pious mind ; but at the same time shows the extent to which
the Queen carried her prerogative, and the blind obedience
she exacted from her subjects. The Prophecyings, were
religious meetings instituted by the clergy, for explaining the
scriptures, and promoting knowledge and piety. One very
important benefit arising from them was, that they occa
sioned a familiar intercourse between the clergy and their
people, and excited a laudable emulation in watching over
their respective flocks. The Queen complained of them to
the Archbishop,f as nurseries of Puritanism; she said that
the laity neglected their seculiar affairs by repairing to these
meetings, which filled their heads with notions, and might
occasion disputes and seditions in the state. She moreover
told him, that it was good for the church to have but few
preachers, three or four in a county being sufficient; and
peremptorily commanded him to suppress them. The Arch
bishop, however, instead of obeying the commands of his
royal mistress, thought that she had made some infringement
upon his office, and wrote her a long and earnest letter, de
claring that his conscience would not suffer him to comply
with her injunctions. This so inflamed the Queen, that she
sequestered the Archbishop from his office, and he never
afterwards recovered her favour.^
Cuthbert Simpson. — Before we close this article, it
-will be proper to make some mention of Mr. Cuthbert Simp
son, a deacon of the church now under consideration. He was
a pious, faithful and zealous man, labouring incessantly to pre
serve the flock from the errors of popery, and to secure them
from the dangers of persecution. His apprehension at Isling-
* See Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 239.
•j- Dr, Edmund Grindal. JNeal, ubi supra, p. 289 — 40.

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

Protestant Congregation in London in the Reign of Queen Mary.
ton at the same time with Mr. Rough, has been noticed above.
Indeed, at this time the whole church was in the utmost
danger. It was the office of Mr- Simpson to keep a book
containing the names of the persons belonging to the con
gregation, which book he always carried to their private
assemblies. • But it happened through the good providence
of God, that on the day of his apprehension, he left it with
Mrs. Rough, the minister's wife, (a) Two or three, days after
this, Mr. Simpson was sent to the Tower. During his
confinement there, the Recorder of London examined him
strictly as to the persons who attended the English service ;
and because he would discover neither the book, nor the
names, he was cruelly racked three several times, but
without effect. The Lieutenant of the Tower also caused
an arrow to be tied between his two fore-fingers, and drew
it out so violently as to cause the blood to gush forth.
These marble-hearted men not being able to move the con
stancy of our Confessor, consigned him over to Bonner, who
bore this testimony concerning him before a number of spec
tators : " You see what a personable man this is ; and for
his patience, if he were not an heretic, I should much com
mend him ; for he has been thrice racked in one day, and in
my house he hath endured some sorrow, and yet I never
saw his patience once moved." But notwithstanding this,
Bonner condemned him, ordering him first into the stocks
in his coal-house, and from thence to Smithfield, where
with Mr. Fox and Mr. Devenish, two others of the church
taken at Islington, he ended his life in the flames.*
(a) A few nights before his apprehension, Mr. Rough had the following.
remarkable dream. He thought he saw Mr. Simpson taken by two of the
guard, and with him the book above-mentioned. This giving him much
trouble he awoke; and related the dream to his wife. Afterwards, falling
asleep, he again dreamt the same thing. Upon his awaking the second
time, he determined to go immediately to Mr. Simpson, and put him upon
his guard ; but while he was getting ready, Mr. Simpson came in with the
book, which he deposited with Mrs. Rough, as above related.—  Clark's
JUartyrology, ubi supra. * Clark's Martyrology, p. 497.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. ' 9

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN
ENGLAND.
J. HE first Presbyterian Church in England was erected at
Wandsworth, near London, in the year 1572.
The Reformation as established in England by Queen
Elizabeth was materially defective, and came far short of
what was designed by those who had the chief hand in pro-t
moting it. The Queen imbibed much of her father's tem
per ; she was vain, cruel and intolerant, fond of Popish rites
and ceremonies, and affected great magnificence in her de
votions. Her own arbitrary will was the supreme law of
the land, from which she would suffer no deviation. By
sanguinary laws she attempted to bring all her subjects to one
uniform opinion in religious matters, but this being impos
sible, persecution followed, and fines, bonds and imprison
ment, and sometimes death itself, awaited those who pre
sumed to differ from her.
Most of our English Reformers were much averse to
every thing that savoured of Popery, and aimed to abolish
gradually all the remaining vestiges of it from the church.
Those who were exiles for religion in Queen Mary's days,
returned home upon Elizabeth's accession, hoping to
obtain such a form of worship as they had observed in
the best reformed churches abroad. But in this they
were disappointed, the Queen had modelled the churcli
according to her own fancy, and preferred those only who
would fall in with her establishment; leaving the rest
in the same threadbare, starving condition they exhibi
ted, when first returned from abroad. Among these
were the learned and industrious John Fox the Martyro-
logist, (b) old father Miles Coverdale, and many -other
(b) Mr. Fox in a letter to his friend Dr. Humphreys, writes thus ; " I
still wear the same clothes, and remain in the same sordid condition that
Vol. I. c

10 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

First Presbyterian Church in England.

excellent divines, who were some of the greatest orna
ments of our church. These desired a further reformation ;
but not being able to obtain it, petitioned the Queen
for an indulgence in things that were indifferent. This
being denied, the heads of the Puritans held a solemn
consultation, in which after prayer, and a serious debate
about the lawfulness and necessity of separation, they
came to this conclusion, that " since they could not
have the word of God preached, nor the sacraments admi
nistered without idolatrous geare, and since there had been
a separate congregation in London, and another at Geneva,
in Queen Mary's time, which used a book and order of
preaching, administration of the sacraments and discipline,
that the great Mr. Calvin had approved of, and which was
free from the superstitions of the English service; that
therefore it was their duty in their present circumstances, to
break off from the public churches, and to assemble as they
had opportunity, in private houses, or elsewhere, to worship
God in a manner that might not offend against the light of
their consciences."* This was the aera of the separation,
A. D. 1566. After which they continued to hold private
assemblies for worship ; but the Queen and her Bishops soon
made them feel their vengeance ; their meetings were distur
bed, and those who attended them apprehended, and sent in
large numbers to Bridewell, and other prisons, for con
viction. There being no further prospect of a reformation by the
legislature, some of the leading Puritans agreed to attempt
it in a more private wayj for this purpose they erected a
Presbytery at Wandsworth, a village five miles from London,
conveniently situated for the brethren, as standing on the
England received me in, when I first came home out of Germany j nor do I
change mySfegree or order, which is that of the mendicants, or if you will
of the friars preachers. Thus pleasantly did this grave and learned Divine
reproach the ingratitude of his times.— —Neal, ubi supra, p. 1 ig,;
* Neat's Puritans, vol. i. p. 15*.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 11

First Presbyterian Church in England.

banks of the river Thames. The heads of the association
were Mr. Field, lecturer of Wandsworth, Mr. Smith of
Mitcham, Mr. Crane, of Roehampton, Messrs. Wilcox,
Standen, Jackson, Bonham, Saintloe and Edmonds; to
whom afterwards were joined Messrs. Travers, Charke, Bar
ber, Gardiner, Crook, Egerton, and a number of very con
siderable laymen. On the 20th of November, 1572, eleven
elders were chosen, and their offices described in a register
entitled, "" The Orders of Wandsworth." This, says Mr.
Neal, was the first Presbyterian Church in England. All
imaginable care was taken to keep their proceedings secret,
though without success ; for the Bishop, whose eye was upon
them, gave immediate intelligence to the High Commission,
upon which the Queen issued out a proclamation for putting
the act of Uniformity in execution. But though the Com
missioners knew of the Presbytery, they could not discover
the members, nor prevent others being erected in neighbour
ing counties.*
Most of the above persons were Divines of considerable
eminence, beneficed in the Church of England, and much
esteemed by the people for their useful preaching, and exem
plary Uvea. But this could not protect them from the fury
of the Queen and her Bishops, who were infinitely more
concerned to preserve a few unprofitable rites and cere
monies, than to promote the instruction of (he people and
the peace of the church. A rigorous conformity was the
idol they setup, and those who would not worship that idol,
were deprived of their livings, and hurried to jails, as whole
some methods to remove their scruples. But the liarder the
Puritans were pressed, the more were they disaffected to the
national establishment, and the more resolute in their at
tempts for a reformation of discipline. There was a book
in high esteem among them, entitled, Disciplina Ecclesia
sacra ex Dei verbo descripta ; that is, " The holy discipline
of tire Church described in the word of God." It was drawn

* Neal, ubi supra, p. 202.,

12 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
First Presbyterian Church in England.
up in Latin by Mr. Travers, a learned Puritan, and printed
at Geneva about the year 1574. Afterwards, being reviewed
and corrected, it was translated into English, in 1584. A pre
face was added by Mr. Cartwright, for general use ; but,
while printing at Cambridge, the Archbishop* ordered i*»t«ibe
seized, and advised that all the copies should be burnt as fac-%
tious and seditious. After Mr. Cartwright's death, a copy was
found in his study, and reprinted in 1644, under this new
title, " A Directory of Government anciently contended for,
and as far as the times would suffer, practised by the first
Nonconformists in the days of Queen Elizabeth ; found in
.the study of the most accomplished Mr. Thomas Cartwright,
after his decease, and reserved to be published for such a
time as this. Published by authority.'' This book contains
the substance of those alterations in discipline, which the
Puritans of those times contended for, and was subscribed by
a number of their most eminent Divines.-f- A copy of it may
be seen in the Appendix to Neal's History of the Puritans.
The history of the Church during the reign of Eliza
beth, presents a melancholy picture of discord, bigotry
and intolerance. It is much to be lamented that the Bi
shops of those times, many of whom were men of learning
and piety, should'' condescend to become so far the tool of
the prerogative, as to oppress their brethren, and be the in
struments of sowing divisions in the Church. If the Refor
mation had been formed upon a broader basis, the confusions
that followed would in all probability have been prevented.
The rights of conscience, however, were not then fully
understood, nor indeed, were they publicly asserted for
above a century afterwards. Though the doctrines of the
Reformed were established by law, that most objectionable
part of popery, which erected an inquisition into the con
sciences of men, was still retained. The supremacy of the
Pope was abolished together with his infallibility; but the
name only was discarded— not the thing. A woman became
* Dr. Whitgiet. f Neal, ubi supra, p. 301.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 13

First Presbyterian Church in England.

the head of the church; her opinions were the infallible
rule of faith, and she was declared the supreme arbiter of
the consciences df her subjects. The monstrous absurdity
of these claims was left for subsequent times to explode, and
it was not till above a century afterwards, that the genuine
principles of religious liberty were throughly discussed and
explained, (c) A faithful and elegant delineation of those
times may be found in " The History of the Puritans,"
by the Rev. Daniel Neal, who has done ample justice to
his subject. This is a work that does honour to the Dissen
ters, and will perpetuate the name of its worthy author,
as long as just notions of liberty shall be entertained by
mankind.

THE BROWNIST CONGREGATION ABOUT
LONDON.
¦J. HE violent measures pursued by the court, instead of
reconciling the Puritans to the Church, drove them further
from it. Men who act upon principle, as Mr. Neal judi
ciously observes,* are not easily moved by the artillery of
canons, injunctions, subscriptions, fines, imprisonments, &c.
much less will they esteem a church that fights with such
weapons. Multitudes, by these methods, were carried away
to a total separation, and so far prejudiced as not to allow
(c) The first of our countrymen who discussed this subject upon real
Protestant principles, was the learned Dr. John Owen. The track pursued
by that great man, was followed, after a few years, by the immortal
Locke; sinee whose time, hosts of able advocates have arisen in the same
pause. * Neal's Puritans, volt i. p. 251.

14 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
The Brownist Congregation about London.
the Church of England to be a true church, nor her mi
nisters true ministers; they renounced all communion with
her, not only in the prayers and ceremonies, but also in
hearing the word and sacraments. These were the people
called Brownists, from one Robert Brown, of
whose history and principles, we shall here give a brief
account. Robert Brown descended from an ancient and ho
nourable family in Rutlandshire, (d) and was nearly related to
the Lord Treasurer Cecil. He received his education in
Corpus Christi Cpllege, Cambridge, and preached some
time in Bennet Church, where the vehemence of his deli
very gained him reputation with the people. Afterwards
he became a schoolmaster in Southwark, and then a lec
turer at Islington. Having embraced the principles of
the Puritans, he resolved to refine upon them^ and pro
duce something more perfect of his own. Accordingly,
about the year 1580, he began to inveigh openly against
the dicipline and ceremonies of the Church of Eng
land, which -he held up to the people as antichristian.
In 1581, he settled at Norwich, where the Dutch having
a numerous congregation, many of them imbibed his princi
ples. Growing confident by success, he called in the as
sistance of one Richard Harrison, a country schoolmaster
and planted churches in different places. It was not
long, however, before he was noticed by Dr. Freake Bi
shop of Norwich, who committed him to the custody of
the Sheriff of the county. After his release, Brown left the
kingdom, and settled at Middleburgh in Zealand. There
with the leave of the magistrates, he formed a church after
his own model, which he explained in a book he published
in 1582, entitled, " A Treatise of Reformation without
tarrying for any, and of the wickedness of those preachers
(n) His grandfather obtained the singular privilege of wearing his cap in
the King's presence, by a charter of Henry viii.

OF dissenting churches. 15
The Brownist Congregation about London.
who will not reform them and their charge, because they
will tarry till the Magistrate command and compel them.
Byrne Robert Brown." (e) After he had resided some little
time at Middleburg, his people began to quarrel among
themselves, and split into parties; insomuch, that Brown
growing weary of his office, returned to : England in
1585. The same year, he was convened before Archbi
shop Whitgift, to answer to one of his books; but the
prelate having by force of reasoning brought him to sub
mission, dismissed him a second time at the intercession
of the Lord Treasurer Burleigh. He then went home to his
father's house, and continued there four years. But this
lenity making little or no impression upon his mind ; his
father gave him up to his wandering course of life, and dis
charged him the family. After travelling up and down the
country with his assistant, preaching against the rulers and
forms of the church, he went to reside at Northampton.
Here his preaching soon gave offence, and he was cited be
fore Lindsell, Bishop of Peterborough, who upon his re
fusing to appear, publicly excommunicated him for con
tempt. The solemnity of this censure made such an impres
sion upon Brown, that he renounced his principles of separa
tion, and having obtained absolution, was preferred to the
rectory of Achurch, near Oundle, in Northamptonshire.
This was about the year 1590. Fuller* does not believe that
he ever formally recanted his opinions ; but that his promise
(e) Besides the above, Brown published two other pieces ; one entitled,
" A Treatise upon the 23d chapter of Matthew, both for an order of study
ing and handling the scriptures, and also for avoiding the popish disorders,
and ungodly communion of all false christians, and especially of wicked
preachers and hirelings." — The title of the other is, " A book which sheweth
the life and manners of all true christians, and how unlike they are untd
Turks and Papists, and heathen folk. Also the points and parts of all divi
nity, that is, of the revealed will and word of God, are declared by their
different, divisions and definitions following.  Biog. Brit, Art, Brown,
Note E. * Church History, B. o, p. 168.

16 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
The Brownist Congregation about London.
of a general compliance with the Church of England, im
proved by the countenance of his patron and kinsman, the
Earl of Exeter, prevailed upon the Archbishop to procure
him this favor. He adds, that Brown allowed a salary for
another person to discharge his cure ; and though he op
posed his parishioners in judgment, yet agreed in taking their
rythes. Brown was a man of good parts and some learning,
but his temper was imperious and uncontrolable ; and so
far was he from the Sabbatarian strictness espoused by his
followers, that he seemed rather a libertine than otherwise.
In a word, continues our author, he had a wife with whom
he never lived, a church in which he never preached, and as
all the other scenes of his life were stormy and turbulent,
so was his end. For being poor and proud, and very pas
sionate, he struck the constable of his parish, for demanding
the payment of certain rates ; and being beloved by nobody,
the officer summoned him before Sir Rowland St. John> a
neighbouring justice, in whose presence he behaved with so
much insolence, that he was committed to Northampton
gaol. The decrepid old man not being able to walk, was
carried thither upon a feather bed in a cart ; where not long
after, he sickened and died, A. D. 1630, in the 81st year of
his age, boasting, " That he had been committed to thirty-
two prisons, in some of which he could not tee his hand at
noon day." Such was the unhappy life and tragical end of
Robert Brown, founder of the famous sect, from him called
Brownists.*
As the principles of these people were greatly misrepre
sented by their adversaries, it will be proper here to give
some account of them. They thought that the form of
Church government should be deiriocratical ; that every dis
tinct society was a body corporate, having full power within
* Biog. Brit. vol. ii. Art. Brown.— Fuller's Church History, B. 9, p. 1(;8 _
Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 252.— Collier's Ecclesiastical History, vol. ' ii
p. 581.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 17
" ' 
The Brownist Congregation about London.
itself to admit or exclude members, to choose and ordain
officers, and, when the good of the society required it, to
depose them, without being accountable to any other juris
diction. They did not allow the priesthood to be a distinct
order ; any lay brother had the liberty of prophesying, or
giving a word of exhortation in their church assemblies ; and
it was usual after sermon, for some of the members to pro
pose questions, and confer with each other upon the doc
trines that had been delivered. They declared against all
prescribed forms of prayer ; and as for church censures,
they were for an entire separation of the ecclesiastical and
civil sword. Some of their reasons for withdrawing from the
church are not easily answered. ¦ They alleged, that the
laws of the realm, and the Queen's injunctions, had made
several unwarrantable additions to the institutions of Christ:
that there were several gross errors in the Church service :
that these additions and errors were imposed and made neces
sary to communion : that if persecution for conscience sake
was die mark of a false church, they could not believe the
church of England to be a true one. They apprehended
further, that the constitution of the hierarchy was too bad to
be mended ; that the very pillars of it were rotten, and that
the structure should be raised anew. Since, therefore,, all
Christians are obliged to preserve the ordinances of Christ
pure and undefiled, they resolved to lay a new foundation,
and keep as near as they could to the primitive pattern,
though it were at the hazard of all that was dear to them in
the world. Such were the principles of the Brownists,
whose chief error seems to have been their uncharitableness,
in unchurching the whole Christian world but themselves.*
It is apprehended that some of their sentiments bore a near
affinity to those adopted in more modern times by the fol->
lowers of Mr. Glas. * Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 253-4.
Vol. I. d

28 HISTORY AND ANTI-QUITIES

The Brownist Congregation about London.

Though the revolt of Brown, broke up his congregation
abroad, it was far from destroying the seeds of separation at
home. His followers rapidly increased, insomuch that Sir
Walter Raleigh declared in the Parliament-house, they were
hot less than 20,000, divided into several congregations, in
Norfolk and Essex, and in the parts adjacent to London.
There were, at this time, some persons of considerable
learning and piety at their head; as the two Johnsons, Mr,
Smith, Mr. Jacob, the learned Mr. Ainsworth, the rabbi
of bis age, and many others.*
The congregation about London being pretty numerous,
formed themselves into a Church ; Mr. Francis Johnson
being chosen pastor by the suffrage of the brotherhood, Mr.
Greenwood, doctor or teacher, Messrs. Bowman and Lea,
deacons, and Messrs. Studley and Kinaston, elders. This
service was performed in one day at the house of Mr. Fox,
in Nicholas-lane, in the year 1592. At the same time,
seven persons were baptized, without godfathers, or god
mothers, Mr. Johnson only washing their faces with water,
and pronouncing the form " I baptize thee in the name of
the Father, &c." The Lord's supper was also administered
in this manner : five white loaves being set upon the table
the pastor implored the blessing of God, and having broken
the bread, he delivered it to some, and the deacons to the
rest, some standing and others sitting about the table usino-
the words of the Apostle, 1 Cor. xi. 24. Take eat &c.
In like manner he gave the cup, saying, This cup is the
New Testament, &c. At the close they sung an hymn and
made a collection for the poor. When any one entered into
the church, he made this single protestation or promise, that
" he would walk with them so long, as they did walk in the
way of the Lord, and as far as might be warranted by the
word of God. "f
The congregation being obliged to meet in different places
* Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 363. f Neal, ubi supia.

¦OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 1<J

The Brownist Congregation about London.

to hide themselves from the Bishop's officers, was at length
discovered on a Lord's day at Islington, in the very same
place, where the protestant congregation met in Queen
Mary's reign. About 56 were taken prisoners, and sent
two by two, to the gaols about London, where, several of
their friends had been confined for a considerable time. On
their examination, they acknowledged to have met in fields^
in the summer season, at five o'clock in the morning of the
Lord's day, and in winter at private houses ; that they con
tinued all day in prayer and expounding the scriptures, dined
together, and afterwards made a collection for their diet,
and sent the remainder of the money to their brethren in
prison; and that they did not use the Lord's prayer, appre
hending it not to be intended by our blessed Saviour, to be
used as a form after the pouring out of the Spirit on the day
of Pentecost. Their adversaries charged them with many
extravagancies about baptism, marriage, lay preaching, &c.
from which they- vindicated themselves in a very solid and
judicious reply, shewing how far they disowned, and with
what limitations they acknowledged the charge.* Notwith-
-standing their artless confession, Mr. Smith, one of their
ministers, was remanded to the Clink, and his brethren to
the Fleet, where, by order of Mr. Justice Young, they were
confined in solitary cells. Here they died in great numbers,
some for want, and others of infectious diseases. Among
those who thus perished, was one Roger Rippon, who dy
ing ia Newgate, his fellow-prisoners wrote the following
inscription upon his coffin.
" This is the corps of Roger Rippon, a servant of Christ,
" and her Majesty's faithful subject; who is the last of 16 or
-"17, which that great enemy of God, the Archbishop of
¦" Canterbury, (Dr. John Whitgift) with his high commis-
" sioners, have murdered in Newgate, within these five
" years, manifestly for the testimony of Jesus Christ. His
** soul is now with the Lord, and his blood cries for Yen
s' Neal, ubi supra.

20 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
The Brownist Congregation about London.
" geance against that great enemy of the saints, and against
" Mr. Richard Young, (a justice of peace in London,) who
" in this and many like points, hath abused his power for
" the upholding of the Romish Antichrist, prelacy, and
" priesthood. He died A. D. 1592."*
But the severities against these pious and conscientious
persons, did not end here ; six of them were publicly exe
cuted as felons, (f) and others proscribed and banished their
country. Among the latter were Mr. Francis Johnson,
Mr. Henry Ainsworth, Mr. John Smith, Mr. John Robin
son, Mr. Henry Jacob and others, who with leave of die
States of Holland, erected churches after their own model
at Amsterdam, Arnheim, Middleburg, Leyden, and other
places.f Of Mr. Jacob we shall have occasion to speak in
the next article ; the other names require some biographical
notice in this place.
Francis Johnson. Of Mr. Johnson's early life, no
particulars have reached us. He was, probably bred up at
Cambridge, and had a living in the establishment ; but em
bracing the sentiments of the Brownists, became one of their
principal leaders. The Puritans of those times despairino- of
any further reformation, published a book, entitled " The
holy discipline of the Church, described in the word of
God ;" which being revised, was subscribed with the names
of above five hundred Divines, all beneficed in the Church
of England. Among these, occurs the name of Johnson.J
About 1591, he was apprehended and committed to prison,
togedier with some leading ministers among the Puritans'
for refusing the oath ex officio; but after some time'
upon compliance, they were released.^ The formation of
* Neal, ubi supra, p. 366-7.
(f) These were Edmund Coppinger, Elias Thackw, John Greenwood
Henry Barrow, John Penry, and  Dennis.
t Neal, ubi supra, p. 386. * Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. M4
§ Ibid. p. 358.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. %\
The Brownist Congregation about London.
the Brownist congregation, in 1592, and the choice of Mr.
Johnson for pastor has been already noticed. The following
year, he was convicted upon the statute of 31 Eliz. " To
retain the Queen's subjects in their obedience."* This act
condemned the Puritans to indiscriminate banishment. John
son retiring to Amsterdam, there erected a church after the
model of the Brownists, having the learned Mr. Henry
Ainsworth for doctor or teacher.-}- In 1598, they drew up
a confession of their faith in Latin, and dedicated it to the
universities of Leyden, St. Andrews, Heidelberg, Geneva,
and die other seminaries of Holland, Scotland, Germany,
and France. It was afterwards translated into English, and
does not differ much in dpctrine from the harmony of con
fessions.;}; Johnson was a learned man, but rigid in his principles,
and his people entertaining discordant sentiments, it was not
long before they split into parties. Three principal subjects
of debate, appear to have divided them. The first was oc
casioned by the marriage of Francis Johnson to a widow of
competent fortune, whom his brother George and his father
thought an improper match in those times of persecution. (g)
Frequent disputes took place from 1594, the time of the
marriage, till 1598 or 1599, when George Johnson, his
father, and some members of the church attached to
them, were put away on account of their behaviour in this
affair. The greater number took part with Francis the pastor.§
The next subject of dispute, related to matters of doc
trine, more especially baptism, which occasioned a schism
in the church, headed by Mr. John Smyth, who settled
with his followers at Amsterdam, and afterwards at Leyden.||
* Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 380. f Ibid. p. 436;
X Life of Ainsworth prefixed to his " two treatises," 1789.
(g) George Johnson represents he,r as addicted to luxurious living, excess
pt finery in dress, and a. lover of ease. — —Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.
' § Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra. II Ibid.

22 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
The Brownist Congregation about London.
The third controversy is confounded by Mr. Neal,* with
the first, but' it happened many years afterwards, and was
occasioned by a dispute between Johnson the pastor and
Ainsworth the teacher, on the question of discipline, which
caused another division. Francis Johnson placed the go
vernment of the church in the eldership alone ; Ainswordi
in the church of which the elders are a part. ' The event
was, that Johnson excommunicated Ainsworth and his half
of the church ; and the common account is, that Ainsworth
returned the compliment upon the opposite party ; but there
seems no foundation for the latter charge. On the contrary,
Mr. Cotton of New England observes, that " Mr. Ains
worth and his company did not excommunicate Johnson and
his party, but only withdrew, when they could no longer
live peaceably ."f Ainsworth and his adherents held a sepa
rate assembly in Amsterdam, and the two congregations
were afterwards distinguished as Franciscan and Ainsworthian
Brownists. Johnson appears to have removed soon after
to Embden, where he died, and his congregation dis
solved, (h)
Henry Ainsworth. It is much to be regretted that
we can say so little concerning a man, whose uncommon
skill in Hebrew learning, and whose excellent commentaries
on the sacred scriptures, have justly, gained him a large
share of reputation. Though a native of England, we know
of him only as residing in Holland; but at what time he
* Hist, of the Puritans, vol. i. p. 4e6.
f Cotton's Way of Congregational-Churches, p. 6.
(h) Mr. Johnson published several pieces in vindication of his particular
sentiments ; as, " An Answer to White's Discoverie of Brownism, 1606."—
" Certayne Reasons and Arguments,, proving that it is not lawful to hear,
or have any spiritual communion with the present ministry of the Church
of England, 1601," &c. &c. He also wrote against Smyth, in defence of
infant baptism ; and published some other pieces upon the controversies of
the times, the titles of which have not reached us.  Life of Ainsworth
ubi supra. f

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. Qg
The Brownist Congregation about London.
removed thither' is not exactly ascertained. It is probable,
however, that he accompanied the Brownists in their general
banishment, about 1593, having previously shared in their
persecutions. Mr. Neal enumerating some books written
against the Church of England, and seized by authority in
1589, notices one under the title of " Counter Poison," &c*
The author of this book, though not mentioned, was our
Ainsworth ; and as it probably drew him into danger and
difficulties, so it hastened his departure. Ainsworth was
certainly in Holland in 1596, when he corresponded with
the celebrated Junius. Hoornbeck relates, that he made a
voyage from thence to Ireland, and left some disciples there.-f-
His external circumstances at Amsterdam, like those of
the church in general, were very abject. He is said to have
been porter to a bookseller, who first discovered his skill in
the Hebrew language, and made it known to his country
men. Roger Williams, the founder of Providence Planta
tion in New-England, in whose testimony we have reason
to confide, informs bs, that " he lived there upon nine-
pence a week, and some boiled roots."^ The account the
Brownists give of themselves is, that " they were almost
consumed with deep poverty; loaded with reproaches; des
pised and afflicted by all."§ The reception they met with,
from a people just emerging from civil and religious oppres
sion, was very different to what -might have been expected.
The civil power, commonly in every state, more friendly to
toleration than the ecclesiastic, does not, indeed, seem to
have troubled them. But the Dutch clergy regarded them
with a jealous eye ; and they appear to have been screened
from persecution chiefly by their own insignificance. || During
this season of trial, Mr. Ainsworth did not remain idle ; for
most of his books were written at this period, and are evi-
* Neal, ubi supra, p. 338. f Summa Controversiarum, p. jto,
X Cotton's Reply to Wifiiams, p. 119.
§ Epist. Frat. Ang. F. Junio, apud Epist. Prsestaat, et Erudit.
II Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.

24 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

The Brownist Congregation about London.

dently the fruit of great reading and application. The first
work in which we find him engaged was, a translation of the
Brownist Confession of Faith into the Latin language. It
appeared in 1598, and was dedicated to the universities of
Leyden, &c. as noticed before.* In this confession the
Brownists did not intend to erect a standard for the faith of
others, but merely to vindicate themselves from that odium
under which they rested, as discontented and factious secta
ries. How different was their conduct in this respect from
that of the most famous , councils and synods, which, while
compiling systems of faith and tests of orthodoxy for other
nations and ages, have sown the seeds of discord, and ren
dered man the enemy of man.
We have already noticed the unhappy divisions that afflic
ted the Brownist church at Amsterdam. In the first, Ains
worth took part with Johnson the pastor ; but was so much
grieved at the unnatural heats which the controversy excited,
that he spoke of laying down his office as teacher. In the
next controversy, Ainsworth took an active part against
Smyth, who had espoused some sentiments afterwards main
tained by Arminius, and added to them a rejection of infant-
baptism. Of the third division, in wliich Ainsworth was
personally concerned, he published a particular account in a
book with the following title : " An animadversion to Mr.
Richard Clifton's advertisement, who under pretence of an
swering Chr. Laune's book, hath published another man's
private letter, with Mr. Francis Johnson's answer thereto.
Which letter is here justified; the answer thereto refuted;
and the true causes of the lamentable breach that hath lately
fallen out in the English exiled church at Amsterdam, mani
fested. 1713." The occasion of this breach seems to have
been a difference of opinion with respect to church disci
pline^ A second congregation was formed at Amsterdam
under the superintendence of Ainsworth, who is said to have
* Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra. t Ibid.

PF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 25

The Brownist Congregation about London.
been succeeded by the well known Mr. John Canne, author
of marginal references to the Bible.* Of this celebrated
person we shall have occasion to speak hereafter.+
It is a circumstance that deserves to be recorded to the ho
nour of Ainsworth, that in the midst of the various contro
versies that employed his pen, he preserved a meek and chris
tian spirit, and cultivated those studies which were more con
genial to his profession, as they were more beneficial to the
interests of mankind. His great work, the " Annotations on
the Five Books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Song of
Songs," was published separately in quarto, in 16 12, and
some following years. In 1627, they were collected toge
ther and reprinted at London, in one volume folio, and
again in 1639- This last edition is said to be very rare,
and is inserted in all the catalogues of scarce books. As to
the execution of the work, its merit has been established by
the strongest testimonies of foreign as well as British Divines.
Succeeding critics have adopted his remarks, and he is fre
quently cited by modern commentators. Dr. Doddridge
observes, " Ainsworth on the Pentateuch is a good book,
full of very valuable Jewish learning; and his translation in
many places to be preferred to others, especially in the
Psalms."!; The whole work was translated into Dutch, and
printed at Leuwarden, in 1690; as was a German transla
tion of the Song of Solomon, at Frankfort, in 1692. It
should be remarked, that Ainsworth's works are more
valued abroad than in his own country, insomuch that it is
not easy to produce an English writer oftener quoted, or
with greater testimonies to his "merit, and this by the learned
of all sects and opinions. §
The manner of Ainsworth's death, as related by Mr.
Neal, was sudden and singular, and not without strong
* Neal's Puritans', vol. i. p. 437. t s?e Art. Deadman's Place.
I Doddridge's Preaching Lectures. § Bibg. Brit. Art. Ainsworth.
Vol. I. e

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

The Brownist Congregation about London.

suspicion of violence. For it is reported, that having found
a diamond of great value in the streets of Amsterdam, he
advertised it in print ; and when the owner, who was a Jew,
came to demand it, he offered him any acknowledgment he
desired. Ainsworth, however, though poor, would accept
of nothing but a conference with some of the Rabbiea, upon
the propheeies of the Old Testament relating to the Messiah,
which the other promised; but not having interest sufficient to
obtain, it is thought he caused him to be poisoned.* Other ac
counts say, that he obtained this conference, and so confounded
the Jews, that from spite and malice they in this manner pot a
period to his life.-f- A modern writer,J however, seems to
doubt the truth of the whole account, from due circumstance *
of its not being mentioned by any of the editors of his post
humous pieces. Mr. Ainsworth's death, by whatever cause
it was produced, happened at the end of the year 1622, or
beginning of l623.§
Besides the pieces already mentioned, he published a
treatise " Of the Communion of Saints ;" and another enti
tled, " An arrow against idolatry." These were reprinted
together at 'Edinburgh in 1789; and to this edition was
prefixed a very copious and interesting account of die
author. He also wrote some other pieces of a contro
versial nature, tbe titles of which are specified below, {i)
* Weals Puritans, ubi supra. •(• Account of his Life, ubi supra.
X Dr. Stewart, author of his Life. $ Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.
(1) " A Defence Of the Holy Scriptures, Worship and Ministry, used in
the Christian churches separated from Antichrist, against the challenges,
cavils and contradictions of M. Smyth, in his book entitled, • The Diffe
rences of the churches of the separation." Whercunto are annexed, a feW
animadversions upon some of M. Smyth's censures in his answer made to M.
»nard. By Henry Ainsworth, Teacher of the English <wiled ehuiich at
Amsterdam. 1/90."—" The trying out of the truth, begun and prosequuted
in certain letters and passages between John Aynsworth and Henry Ayns-
worth: the one pleading for, the other against the present religion of the
church of Rome. 1615."— " Reply to the pretended Christian plea for Me
antichristian church of Rome, published against Francis Johnson. 1620 " 

OF DISSENTING CRUBCHES.

The Brownist Congregation about London.

Whatever engaged the pen of Ainsworth, was received
with proper respect, even by his adversaries; who, while
they disapproved his sentiments, could not fail to admire his
abilities. The worthy Dr. Hall, Bishop of Norwich, wb#
wrote against die .Bjrownists, always speaks of him as the
greatest man of his party ; and refers to him as their Doctor,
their Chief, their Rabbi.* He was unquestionably a person
af profound learning, exquisitely versed ia the scriptures,
andtdeepjy read in the Rabbins. He possessed a strong un*
derstanding, a quick penetration, and wonderful diligence.
His temper was meek and amiable, bis zeal foflf divine truth
fervent, aad he conducted himself with great moderatios
towards his adversaries. With the .character of Ainsworth,
drawn by the editor cjf one of his posthumous pieces,-}- we
shall close this account of him. " For the life of the map,
myself being an eye-witness, living some while with him at
Amsterdam, of his humility, sobriety, and discretion, setting
aside his preposterous zeal in the point and practice of sepa
ration, he lived and died unblamable to the world; and I am
thoroughly persuaded that his soul rests with his Saviour ."J
I'.Aa Jttboertisement touching some oljectioris against the sincerity of the Her
brew texti and the allegations of the Rabbins." This piece was reprinted in
his Annotations. Ainsworth also published, " The Book of Psalms, Eng
lished bath m prose and metre ; with annotations opening the words aswl
sentences by conference with other Scriptures." An edition of this book
was primed at Amsterdam in li644. A large treatise entitled " A Guide to
S(Qi}," is also attributed to. our author. His posthumous pieces are, " A
seasonable discourse ; or, a Censure upon a Dialogue of the Anabaptists,
entitled, A Description of what God hath predestinated aoncemjng man.
16*3.'' This piece was reprinted in l6*t. — "Certain Not«s of Mr. Ains-
worth's last Sermon on 1 Pet. ii. 4, 5. 163.0." — " The old orthodox founda
tion of religion, long since collected by that.judicious.Jind eloquent man, Mr.
Henry Ainsworth, for the benefit of his private company, and now divulge®
for the public good of till that derire to know that garner Stone, Jesus Christ
trucified. By S. W. London. l€4l.".  Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.
* Bishop Hairs Apology for the Church of England.
t " The- eld orthodox foundation of religion," &c.
„ | Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 436.— Siog. Brit. Art. Ainsworth.— Account of
his Life, ubi supra.

28 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
==) ¦ , ( ¦ ii- ¦¦ '^
The Brownist Congregation about London.
-¦¦¦¦¦¦ ¦ ¦ >¦ ¦¦ y.
John Smyth, of whom mention has been made in the
preceding account, seems to have been beneficed at Gains
borough in Lincolnshire. At what precise period he em
braced die principles of the BroWnists we are not informed ;
but he is spoken of as one of their leaders in 1592. Before
he separated, he spent nine months in studying the contro
versy ;* and held a disputation with Mr. Hildersham, and
some other Divines, on conformity to the ceremonies,
and the use of prescribed forms of prayer.f In the above
county, and on the borders of Nottinghamshire "and
Yorkshire, the principles of the separation made an ex
tensive impression.^ Two churches were formed, in one
of which Mr. Smyth presided; in the other Mr. Robin
son and Mr. Clifton. Being harassed by the High Com
mission Court, they removed to Holland. Mr. Smyth and
his followers settled at Amsterdam, A: D. 1606, and joined
themselves to the English church of which Johnson was
pastor, and Ainsworth teacher. It was not long, however,
before a very serious breach took place. The subjects of
debate that gave rise to this division, were certain opinions
very similar to those afterwards espoused by Arminius.
Smyth maintained the doctrines of free-will and universal
redemption; he opposed the predestination of particular
individuals to eternal life; as also the doctrine of original
sin; and maintained that believers might fall from that grace
which would have saved them had they continued in it. He
seems also tp have entertained some absurd and enthusiastic
notions; such as the unlawfulness of reading the scriptures
in public worship; that no translation of the Bible was the
word of God; that singing the praises of God in verses, or
set words, was without authority ; that flight in time of per
secution was unlawful; that the new-creature needed not the
» Life of Ainsworth prefixed to his two treatises.
f Crosby's History of the English Baptists, vol. i. p. 265
; Neat's' Hist, of New England, v. i. p. 75.

OF DISSENTING CHUECHES. 2g

The Brownist Congregation about1 London.

support of scriptures and ordinances, but is above them;
that perfection is attainable in the present life, &c*
Smyth differed from his brethren likewise on the subject
of baptism. The Brownists, as we have already remarked,
denied the Church of England to be a true church, or hey
ministers as acting under a divine commission ; consequently,
every ordinance administered by them, was null and void.
They were guilty, however, of this inconsistency, that while
they re-ordained their pastors and teachers, , they never
thought of repeating their baptism. This defect was easily
discovered by Smyth ; whose doubts concerning the validity
of baptism as administered in the natural church, paved the
way for his rejecting the baptism of infants altogether. JJpon
a further consideration of the subject, he saw grounds; to
consider immersion as the true and only meaning of the word
baptism, and that it should be administered to those alone
who were capable of professing their faith in Christ. , The
absurdity of Smyth's conduct appeared in nothing more conT
spicuous than in this : That not choosing to apply to the
German Baptists, and wanting a proper administrator, he
baptized himself, which procured him to be called a Se^.
Baptist.^ Crosby, indeed, has taken great pains to vindicate him
from this charge, though it seems with little success.^ His prin
ciples and conduct soon drew upon him an host of oppo
nents, the chief of whom were Johnson, Ainsworth, Robin
son, Jessop and Clifton.^ The controversy began in 1606,
about the time Smyth settled at Amsterdam. Soon after
wards he removed with his followers to Leyden, where he
* Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.— Crosby, ubi supra, p. 02, S67.
f Ljfe of Ainsworth, ubi supra- — Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 43?.
X Hist. English Baptists, vol. i. p. 95.
i Smyth wrote several books in vindication of himself and his opinions ;
as " Parallels and Censures. 1609." — " Character of the Beast." — " Diffe-
rencesofthe Churches of the separation." — " A Dialogue, of Baptism."—
," Reply to Mr. Clifton'sChristian Pica ;" and probably others, the tit(es of
which have not reached us.— —Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.— Crosby, ubi
supra, p. 268. 4f

38 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

The Brownist Congregation about London.

continued to publish various books in defence of his opinions,
till his death in the year 1610. The following year appeared
" The Confession of Faith, published in certain conclusions,
by the remainder of Mr. Smyth's company :" with an ap
pendix giving some account of his last sickness and death.* A
few articles of this confession are preserved by Crosby. -f
Mr. Smyth was succeeded in the pastoral office by Mr.
Thomas Helwisse, a member of his congregation;
Who, after sometime began to reflect on the conduct of him
self and his friends in deserting their country on account of
persecution. He resolved, therefore, to return home, that
he .nlight- share the same k»t with his suffering brethren.
Being accompanied by the greater part of his congregation,
ffiey settled in London, where they gained many profsh/tes,
and became, as is not improbably conjectured, the first
General- Baptist Society in this kingdom.;}: How long Mr.
Helwisse continued the elder of this church, or who suc
ceeded him, we are no where informed. It is greatly to he
lamented that no authentic records are preserved of the earh
state of many of our churches. For want of these, the reader
will find many chasms in the subsequent part of our history;
and where he may look for certain information, we shall be'
often guided by the dubious hand of conjecture.
John Robinson. This excellent Divine received his
education in the University of Cambridge. He was after
wards beneficed near Yarmouth in Norfolk,^ in which neigh
bourhood he had a separate congregation, which assem
bled in private houses, for about seven or eight years But
being frequently disturbed by the Bishop's officers, and his
friendsalmost rumed m the ecclesiastical courts,|| he remp-
* Crosbyj-wnul the Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra
f Appendix to vol. i. and ii. j Crosby, vol. i. p. 209-378
i Neat's Puritans, vol. i. p. 437.
|| Neal's Hist. New-England, vol. i. p. 72-3.

OF dissenting churches. SI

The Brownist Congregation about London.
ved with his congregation to Amsterdam, in 1608,* having
encountered great dangers in their passage at sea, as weJl
as at their embarkation.*}- There, with the leave of the
magistrates, they hired a meeting-house ; and Mr. Robinson
having formed a church upon the model of the Brownists,
they worshipped God publicly in their own way .J At this
time, the English exiles were greatly embroiled among
themselves : the controversy between Smyth and the other
Brownists was carried on with great warmth, insomuch, that
Amsterdam proved too hot for the gentle spirit of Robkrsenj
who, after a year's residence there, removed with his con
gregation to Leyden.^
Robinson set out upon the most rigid principles of
Brownism ; but after he had seen more of the world, and
conversed with learned men, particularly Dr. Ames, he
became more moderate, and struck out a middle way
between the Brownists and Presbyterians. Though he
always maintained the lawfulness and necessity of separating
from the Reformed Churches where he resided, yet he was
far from denying them to be true Churches. He even ad
mitted their members to occasional communion, and allowed
his own people to join with the Dutch churches in prayer
and hearing the word, though not in the sacraments and dis
cipline. This procured him the character of a Semi-Separa-
tist.|| He maintained that every church or society of Chris
tians, had complete power within itself to choose its own
officers, to administer all gospel-ordinances, and to exercise
all acts of authority and discipline over its members ; conse
quently that it was independent upon all classes, synods,
convocations and councils. He allowed, indeed, the expe
diency of these grave assemblies for reconciling differences
among churches, and giving them friendly advice ; hut not
for the exercise of any authority without the free consent of
* Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra. f Prince Chronology, p. 5, 6, &c,
X Neal, ubi supra. § Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.
II Neal's Puritans, ubi supra.

^2 HISTORY and antiquities

The Brownist Congr* Ration about London.

the churches themselves.* These are some of the principles
by which the Independents are distinguished in the present
day. When Mr. Robinson had been settled some years at
Leyden, his congregation, through the death of some aged
members, and the marriage of their children into Dutch
families, began to decline. This put them upon consulting
how to preserve their church and religion, then likely to be
lost in a strange land. At home there was not the least
prospect of a reformation, nor even of a toleration for such
as dissented from the establishment. At length, after spend
ing many days in solemn addresses to heaven for direction,
it was resolved that part of the congregation, should trans
port themselves to America, where they might enjoy liberty
of conscience, and be capable of encouraging their friends
and countrymen to follow them. They accordingly, sent
over agents into England, who having obtained a patent
from the crown, agreed with several merchants to become
adventurers in the undertaking. Several of Mr. Robinson's
congregation sold their estates, and made a common bank,
with which they purchased a small ship of sixty tons, and
hired another of one hundred and eighty. The agents sailed
into Holland with their own ship, to take in as many of the
congregation as were willing to embark, while the other
vessel was freighting with necessaries for the new plantation.
All things being ready, Mr. Robinson observed a day of
fasting and prayer with his congregation, and preached an
excellent sermon from Ezra viii. 21. J proclaimed a fast
there, at the river Ahava, that we might afflict our souls
before God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for
our little ones, and for all our substance.
He then took leave of them with the following truly o-ene-
rous and christian exhortation.
* Neal's New-England, ubi supra.

OF dissenting churches. 38
The Brownist Congregation about London.
" Brethren,
",We are now quickly to part from one another, and
" whether I may ever live to see your faces upon earth any
" more, the God of heaven only knows ; but whether the
"Lordjias appointed that or no, I charge you before God
" and his blessed angels, that you follow me no farther than
" you have seen me follow the Lord Jesus' Christ. If God
"reyeaL any thing to you by any other instrument of his, be
" as ready to receive it as eyer you was to . receive any truth
" by my- ministry ; for I am verily persuaded, the Lord has
" more truth yet to break forth out of his holy word. For
" my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of the
" Reformed Churches, who are come to a period in religion,
"and will go at present no farther than the instruments of
" their reformation. The Lutherans cannot be drawn to go
" beyond what Luther said; "whatever' part of his will our
" God has revealed to Calvin, they will rather die than
" embrace it ; and the Calvinists, you see stick fast where
" they were left by that great man of God, who yet saw not
" all things. This is ¦ a misery much to be lamented, for
" though they were burning and shining' lights in their times,
" yet they penetrated not into the whole Council of God,'
" but were they, now living, would be as willing to em-
" brace further light as that which they first received. I
" beseech you -remember, it is an article of your ,church
" covenant, that you be ready to receive whatever truth
"shall be made known to you from the written ward, of
" God. Remember that, and every other article of your
" sacred covenant. Rut I must herewithdl exhort you to
" take heed what you receive as truth ; examine it, consider
" it, and compare it with other scriptures of truth, before
you receive it ; for it is not possible the Christian world
" should come so lately out of such thick anti-christian
u darkness, and that perfection of knowledge should bfeak
Vol. I. f

ti

34 history and antiquities
The Brownist Congregation about London.
" forth at once. I must also advise you to abandon, avoid,
"and shake off the name of Brownists; it is a mere
v nick-name, and a brand for the making religion and the
" professors of it odious to the Christian world."
On the first of July, 1620, this small band of Christian
adventurers (in number about one hundred and twenty) went
from Leyden to Delfthaven, whither Mr. Robinson- and the
elders of his congregation accompanied them. They- con
tinued together all night ; and next morning, after mutual
embraces, Mr. Robinson kneeled down on the sea-shore,
and with a fervent prayer committed them to the protection
and blessing of heaven.* The leader of the Colony was Mr.
William Brewster, a wise and prudent man> of whom the
reader will find some account in the note below»(JK) Mr.
•Neat's Puritans, ubi supra, p. 490. — New-England, p., 73-79.
(x) Mr. William Brewster received a.- learned education in the. University
of Cambridge. His first employment was in the service, of Mr. Davison,
Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth, with whom he went over to Holland
and was entrusted with affairs of great importance, particularly with the
keys of the cautionary towns. He afterwards lived much respected- in his
own country, till the severity of the times obliged him to.return to Holland,
where he became first a member, and afterwards a ruling elder o£Mri Robin
son's congregation at Leyden. When he was sixty years of age, he had the
courage and resolution to put himself at the head of the colony, ' which first
peopled NewEngland. They sailed from Delfthaven August 5, and, after
a long and dangerous voyage, arrived at Cape Cod, November 9/1620
Upon their landing they divided the ground by lot, . according to the number,
of persons in each family ; and having agreed upon some laws, chose 1
governor, and named the place of their settlement New-Plymouth. Inex
pressible were the hardships they, underwent the first winter. The' fatigues
of their late voyage, the severity of the. weather, and the want of .oeomrier
occasioned a sad mortality, which swept away half the qolony ; and' of those.
who remained alive, not above six or seven at a time were capable-of belpinc
the rest. But as the spring returned they began to recover, and receiving
some fresh supplies, from England, they maintained- their station and-laid
the foundation of one of the noblest settlements in. America, which after
that t,me_ proved an asylum for the Protestant Nonconformists under, a»
their oppressions. Mr. Brewster shared the fatigues and hardships of the
infant colony with the utmost bravery. He was not an ordained minister

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES; S5
The Brownist Congregation about London.
Robinson designed to accompany the remaining part of his
congregation to America, in person, but before he could
fulfil his intention, it pleased God to remove him to a
better world, in the fiftieth year of his age, A. D. 1626^
The life of this amiable man, both in public and private,
exhibited a fair transcript of those nurherous virtues that ele
vate and adorn the human character. In his younger days,
he was distinguished for good sense and solid learning ; and
as his mind began to expand, he acquired that moderate and
pacific temper for which he was greatly celebrated among
Christians of different communions. His uncommon probity
and diffusive benevolence recommended him highly to the
Dutch ministers and professors, with whom he lived in the
most perfect harmony.' They lamented his death- as a public
loss ; and as a testimony of their esteem and affection, though '
he was not of their communion, honoured with their pre
sence his funeral solemnities. Mr. Robinson wrote several
learned treatises, to justify his separation from the Church of
England, which were universally esteemed, and reprinted
after his death, (l) He was indeed an admirable disputant,
as appears by his public disputations in the University of
Leyden, when the Arminian controversy agitated and divided
but being a man of learning and piety, he preached to them above seven
years, till they could provide themselves with a pastor. He was heldin the
greatest respect both by the magistrates and people ; and after a long life, in
which he suffered ,niueh on account of religion, he died in peace, April is,
1643, in the 84th year of his age.  Neal's Hist. New-England, vol. i.
p.'79and 211.
(l) The following are the titles of such of Mr. Robinson's pieces as have
come to our knowledge : " A Justification of Separation from the Church of
England-, against Bernard. 1S10." — "A Treatise on Communion, &c.
I814."  " Apologia justa et necessaria quorundam Christiaoorum, aque
contumeliose ac communitse dictorum Brownistarum ac Barrowistarum, per
Johannem Robinsonum, Anglo-Leidensem, suo, et ecclesise nomine, cui
prseficitur. 161J}." — A Translation of the same book by himself. 1644. — An
Appendix to Mr. Perkins's Six Principles of Christian Religion. 1641. — He
also wrote some piecesa gainst Smyth in the controversy concerning Baptism,
and on some -points of christian doctrine.— Life of Ainsworth, ubi supra.

36 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
First Independent Church in England.
the churches of Holland. The death of this excellent man
proved a serious loss to the remaining branch of the church
at Leyden, which immediately separated. Most, of the
members retired to Amsterdam; but, after a few years,
joined their brethren in New-England.* This Mr. Robin
son was the father of the Independents.

FIRST INDEPENDENT CHURCH IN
ENGLAND.

IN the preceding article, we have traced the origin of the
Independents to Mr. Robinson ; it will be proper now to
observe, that Mr. Jacob having embraced his sentiments of
discipline and Church government, transplanted them into
his Own country, and laid ' the foundation of the First
Independent Church in England,
Henry Jacob was a native of Kent, and born about
the year 1563, At sixteen years of age, he became a com
moner of St. Mary-Hall, Oxford, and took the degrees in
arts, Entering into holy orders, he was made precentor of
Christ Church College, and afterwards beneficed at Cheri-
ton in his native county ; but he must have quitted this living
before 1591. Wood describes him as a most zealous Puri-
tan.f It was about this time that he embraced the principles
of the Brownists ; though he never carried them to that un
charitable extent which was the worst feature in their cha
racter. Upon the general banishment of that people, in
* Neal's New-England, vol. i. p. 1 1 o.—Morse's American Geography
P- 15?- + Wood's Athense, vol. i. p. 464. '

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 37

* First Independent Churchill Englan.d
1593, Mr. Jacob retired to HollandJ* but must have
returned to England before 1597- In that year, a contro
versy arose concerning the true interpretation of that article
in the Apbstle's Creed whicrrrelated to the descent of Christ
into hell. Bishop Bilson, in some sermons at Paul's Cross,
maintained the literal sense of the passage ; and affirmed that
he went thither not to suffer, but to wrest the keys of hell
and death out of the hands of the devil. This seems to
have been the prevailing doctrine of the times. f The first
of our countrymen who ventured to oppose it was the
celebrated Mr. Hugh Broughton, who fully demonstrated
that the word hades did not mean hell, the abode of the
wicked ; but the state of the dead, or the invisible world. J
The Bishop's sermons had not made their appearance long
in the world, before Mr. Jacob drew up a reply, which he
published under the following title; " A Treatise of the
Sufferings and Victory of Christ in the work of our Re
demption, &c. written against certain Errors in these points,
publicly preached in London, 1597. Lond. 1598. oct.J'
The points defended by Mr. Jacob, in the above treatise,
were (1.) That Christ suffered for us the wrath of God,
which we may well term the pains of hell, or hellish sor
rows. (2.) That the soul of Christ, after his death, did not
actually descend into hell. In 1600 he published his " De
fence of a treatise touching die Sufferings and -Victory of
Christ in the work of our Redemption."^ ' The writings of
Mr. Jacob and other Puritans upon this subject, roused
the attention and indignation of Queen Elizabeth, who com
manded the Bishop " Neither to desert the doctrine, nor to
let the calling which he bore in the Church of God to be
trampled under foot by'such unquiet refusers of truth and
authoritie."|| This occasioned him to write his " Survey of
* Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 386. t Ibid, p. 331.
X Biog. Brit. vol. ii. Art. Broughton.
§ Wood's Athenae Ojton. vol. i. p. 465,
|j Bibg. Brit. vol. ii. Art. Bilson,

38 HISTORY. AND ANTIQUITIES

First Independent Church in England.

Christ's Sufferings* for Man's Redemption : and of his des
cent to Hades, or Hel, for our deliverance. Land. 1604."*
Prior to the publication of his last treatise, Mr. Jacob ap
pears to have removed to Amsterdam, where he was engaged
in some disputes with the Brownists. The question agitated
was, " Whether the Church of England be a true Church."
This the Brownists generally denied ; but was affirmed and
defended by Mr. Jacob, who was much less rigid in his
opinions. The particulars of this controversy may be ga
thered from a book he published in 1599, entitled, " Of
the Church and Ministry of England, written in two Trea-^
tises against the Reasons and Objections of Mr. Francis
Johnson. Middieburg. 1599. 4to." It was during these
debates, and about the year last mentioned, that he settled
at Middieburg in Zealand, where he gathered a church
among the English exiles, over whom he continued pastor
several years. Though Mr. Jacob considered die Church
of England to be a true church, yet he believed there
were several tilings appended to her discipline and wor
ship that needed Reformation. Accordingly, in 1604,
he published his thoughts upon this subject, in a treatise
entitled, "Reasons taken out of God's word and the
best human Testimonies, proving a Necessity of Reforming
our Churches of England, &c." The same year, he gave
to the public, " A position against vain-glorious, and that
which is falsely called, learned preaching." This piece
was designed to expose the quibbling and scholastic method
of preaching, so prevalent in his , time. About 1609 or
1610, Mr- Jacob performed a journey to Leyden, where
conversing with Mr. Robinson, he embraced his opinions
of church-government, since known by the name of Inde-
pendency.f This change in his sentiments appears to have
been the result of cool and deliberate inquiry ; and he pub
lished to the world the result of his convictions in a treatise
* Biog. Brit. vol. ii. Art. Bilson.
tNeal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 438, 470,

<>F DISSENTING' CHURCHES. gCJ
First Independent Church in England.
entitled, " The Divine beginning and institution of Christ's
true, visible, and material Church. Leyden, 1610. Svo."
Soon : after the publication of this piece he returned to his
congregation at Middieburg. - The following year he drew
up: a treatise, designed to explain and confirm the former
one, entitled,' " A Declaration and opening of certain Points,
with a sound Confirmation of some others, in a treatise
entitled, The Divine beginning, fyc. Middieburg. 1611."*
Mr. Jacob, after being absent several years from his native
country, returned to London in the year l6l6. Here he
formed a design of raising a separate congregation, similar
to those in Holland; and imparted his intention to Mr.
Dod, and some other learned Puritans, who foreseeing no
prospect of a national reformation, expressed their entire
approbation of his conduct. He accordingly summoned
several of his friends together; and having obtained their
consent to unite' in church-fellowship, for a purer adminis
tration of Christian Ordinances, laid the foundation of the
first Independent or Congregational Church in England.
The method of proceeding upon this occasion was as fol
lows : — Having observed a day of solemn fasting and prayer
for a blessing upon their undertaking, each member of the
society, towards the close of the solemnity, made a public
confession of his faith in Jesus Christ. Then standing
together, they joined hands, and solemnly covenanted with
each other, in the presence of Almighty God, to walk toge
ther in all God's ways and ordinances; according as he
had already revealed, or should further make known to
them. Mr. Jacob was chosen their pastor by the suffrage
of the brotherhood, and proper persons were appointed
to the Office of deacons, ' with fasting and prayer, and
imposition of hands. The same year, (I6l6) Mr. Jacoh
published" A Protestation, or Confession, in the name of
certain Christians, shewing how far they agreed with the
* Wood's Athens Oxon, ubi supra.

40 ' HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
First Independent Church in England.
Church of England, and wherein they differed, with the
reasons of their dissent drawn from Scripture." To this
piece was added, a petition to the King for the Toleration of
such Christians. This was followed soon after, by another
piece, entitled, " A Collection of sound Reasons, shewing
how necessary it is for all Christians to walk in all the ways
and ordinances of God in purity, and in a right way." — Mr.
Jacob continued with his congregation about eight years,
but in 1624, being desirous to extend his usefulness, he
went with their consent to Virginia, where he soon after died.*
John Lathorp. Upon Mr. Jacob's retiring to
America, the congregation chose for his successor a Mr.
J»ohn Lathorp, of whose history but few particulars have
reached us. He was trained to the ministry in the Church
of England, and received his, education, most probably,
in the University of Cambridge. Afterwards he had a
living in Kent, but renouncing his orders, became paStoF
of this little society. The congregation, whicli had hitherto
assembled in private, and shifted from house to house,
began now to assume courage, and ventured to shew
themselves in public. It was not long, however, before"
they were discovered by Tomlinson the Bishop's pursue-
vant, at the house of Mr. Humphrey Barnet, a brewer's
clerk, in Black-Fryars ; where, on April 29, 1632, forty-
two of them were apprehended, and only eighteen escaped.
Of those who were taken, some were confined in the
Clink, and others in New Prison and the Gate-House,
where they continued about two years. They were then
released upon bail, except Mr. Lathorp, for whom no
favour could be obtained. He therefore petitioned the
King for liberty to depart the lingdom ; which being
granted, he went in the year 1634, to New-England
being accompanied thither by about thirty of his congre-
* Neal's Puritans, vol, i. p. 446-?.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 41
First Independent Church in England.
gation. Mr. Lathorp was a man of learning, and of a
meek- and quiet spirit ; but met witb-some uneasiness from
his people, upon the following occasion. It appears that
some of the society entertained doubts as to the validity
of baptism performed by their own minister; and one
person who indulged these scruples, carried his child to be
re-baptized at the parish-church. This giving offence
to several persons, the subject was discussed at a general
meeting of- the society ; when the question being put, it
was carried in the negative, and resolved by the majority,
not to make any declaration at present, Whether or no
parish churches were true churches'? This decision being
unacceptable to the more rigid, they desired their dismission ;
and uniting with some others who were dissatisfied about the
lawfulness .of infant-baptism, formed a new society, which
was the earliest of the Baptist denomination, in London.
This separation took place in the year 1633.* The re
mainder of Mr,*Lathorp's Church renewed their covenant,
to walk together in the ways of God, so far as he had
made them known, or should make them known to them,
and to forsake all false, ways; and so steady were they
no their vows, that hardly an instance can be produced of
one that deserted the church, under the severest persecu-
tions.f Mr. Lathorp, being driven from his native coun
try, settled at Barnstable, in New-England, where he formed
a congregation ; but how long he survived, or what became
of him afterwards, we are no wheffe informed.
Henry Jessey, M. A.— After Mr. Lathorp's re
moval, *the congregation chose for his successor the learned
Mr. Henry Jessey. This amiable and pious divine, was
born Sept. 3, 1601, at West Rowton, in the North Riding
* Crosby's History of the English .Baptists, vol. i. p. 148.
,, f Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 662-3.. , r
Vol. I. ©

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

Tirst Independent Church in England.
of Yorkshire, near which place his father was minister. At
seventeen years of age, he was sent to St. John's College,
Cambridge, where he continued six years. During this
time he made a rapid progress in the languages, particu
larly the Hebrew, Syriac and Chaldee, and acquainted him
self with the writings of the Rabbins. In 1624, he re
moved into the family of old Mr. Brampton Gurdon, of
Assington in Suffolk, where he lived as chaplain about nine
years, and applied himself to the study of physic.
In 1627, he received episcopal ordination, and became
very useful in his neighbourhood, by preaching and distri
buting good books among the poor. At this time he had
some considerable offers of preferment, but waved compli
ance till 1633, when he accepted the living of Aughton,
nine miles from York, in the room of Mr. Alder, who had
been removed for nonconformity. But Mr. Jessey was not
likely to continue there long, as he could not conform, even
so far as his predecessor. Accordingly, the next year, he
was ejected for not using the ceremonies, and for presuming
to take down a crucifix. On this, he was received into die
family of Sir Matthew Boynton, of Barneston, in York
shire, by whose encouragement he preached mere and at
Rowsby, a neighbouring parish, and was much noticed for
his piety, humility,, and excellent preaching.
In 1635, Mr. Jessey removed with his patron to London,
and the next year to Hedgley-House, near Uxbridge. He
had not been long there before he was earnestly solicited to
take the pastoral charge of a congregation in London, lately
under the care of Mr. Lathorp. They had often heard him
preach to their satisfaction; and it was well known, .that, in
the present order of things, he would accept no preferment
ui the national church. His great modesty for some time
prevented his compliance; but, at length, after much con
sideration and prayer, he accepted their call about Mid
summer, 1637, and laboured among them with <,reat faith
fulness till his death. In London, frequent storms of per

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 43

First Independent Church in England.

secution awaited him. The congregation being assembled
at Queenhithe, Feb. 21, 1637-8, the greater part were
seized and carried away by the bishop's pursuivants. In
May following, they met with a similar disturbance in ano
ther place. On April 21, 1640, several congregations be
ing assembled on Tower-hill, to seek God by fasting and
prayer, they were interrupted and imprisoned in the Tower ;
but being bound over by Archbishop Laud to answer at
the next sessions, they were soon released, and the prose
cutors did not think it advisable to proceed any further. On
August 22, 1641, Mr. Jessey, with five of his congrega
tion, were seized by order of the Lord Mayor, and com
mitted prisoners to Wood-street Compter ; but, on appealing
to Parliament, diey were released.
Hitherto, Mr. Jessey must be considered as a Paado-
Baptist, but some circumstances now took place, that led
to an alteration of his sentiments. The -year after his settle
ment widi his congregation, several persons left it and
joined the Baptists. In 1639, and some following years, a
much .greater number followed tiieir example. This put
Mr. Jessey upon studying the controversy. The result was,
that he himself also changed his sentiments ; though not
without great deliberation, many prayers, and frequent con
ferences with pious and learned men of different persua
sions. His first conviction was about the mode of baptism;
and though he continued two or three years to baptize
children, he did it by immersion. About the year 1644,
the controversy with respect to the subjects of baptism was
revived in his church, when several gave up infant-
baptism, and among the rest Mr. Jessey. He would not,
however, absolutely determine the point, till he had con
sulted some learned and judicious ministers, as Dr. Good
win, Mr. Nye, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Cradock, &c. but
these giving him no satisfaction, in June, 1645, he sub
mitted to immersion, which was performed by Mr. Hanserd
Knollys. Notwithstanding this change in his sentiments, he

44 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
First Independent Church in England,
, maintained the same christian love and charity for good men
of all denominations. As a proof of this, he had always
some Paedo-Baptists^in his church, whom he admitted to
communion. He could, not think that any particular senti
ments concerning baptism, should be the boundary of church
fellowship ; and took great pains to, promote a like cathohe
spirit among others. Mr. Jessey divided his labours in the
ministry according to the Catholicism of his principles.
Every Lord's-day afternoon, he was among Kis own people.
In the morning, he usually preached at St. George's church,
Southwark, where he seems to have been rector. He also
preached once a week at. Ely-House, and in the Savoy to
the wounded soldiers.
Besides his constant labours in ,the ministry, Mr. Jessey.
was employed many^ years upon a new translation of the
Bible, in which he was assisted by many learned men, both
at home and abroad. This, he made the great master-study
of his life ; and, in order to evince its necessity, observed,
that Archbishop Bancroft, who was supervisor of the pre
sent translation, altered it in fourteen places, to make it
speak the language of prelacy, (m) Mr. Jessey had nearly
completed this great work when the Restoration took place ;
but the subsequent turn to public affairs, obliged him to lay
it aside, and this noble design, eventually, proved abortive.
The year 1657 afforded Mr. Jessey a favourable opportunity
of displaying hjs benevolence, The Swedes and Poles
being engaged in war, the poor Jews at Jerusalem were in a
most distressed state ; all supplies from their rich brethren
in other countries, upon whom they depended for subsist-
ence, being cut off. This induced Mr. Jessey- to raise a
collection for thpir relief; and he sent them ,£300, with
letters, strongly persuading them to embrace Christianity.
(m) Dr. Miles Smith, afterwards Bishop of Glocester, who was one of
the Translators of the Bible, and wrote the Preface, complained of the
Archbishop's unwarrantable alterations ; " But" says he, " he is so po,
tent, there is no contradicting him."

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 45
First independent Church in England.
Upon the Restoration, iirjl660,-he was ejected from his
living at St. George's, and silenced from his public ministry.
This, however, was only the forerunner of other troubles.
He was seized Nov. 27, 166 1, and kept in the messenger's
hands till released by the privy council, after a month's
illegal imprisonment. On August 30, 1662, he* was again
apprehended, upon false information9, and confined six
months in the messenger's house, till, by an order of council,
he was agaiii^ released Feb. 20th following. An account of
his examinations before the- Privy Council* was drawn up
and published by the celebrated Gadbury.* Crosby says, he
died while under imprisonment ;f but this is a mistake.
About five or six months after, his release, , he was taken ill
\ - - '
of the distemper which put a period to his labours and suf
ferings;: and having experienced much of the, consola
tions of religion, was at length, gently dismissed; from die
prison of the body, Sept. 4,; 1663, when he had just
completed his 63d year, (n) The character of this vener
able man was of that estimable nature, as greatly to distin
guish him in his day. His benevolence was diffusive, and
of the most disinterested kind. Above thirty families de
pended upon him for their subsistence ; nor did lie confine
his charity to persons of his own persuasion. That he.might
have the more extensive means of; doing good, as well as be
more entirely devoted to his sacred work, he chose a §ihgle
life ; thereby sacrificing his individual happiness to the public
* Kennet's Chronicle, p. 858. f History of the Baptists, vol. %p. 320.
. (n) That grand libeller of the Nonconformists, Asthony Wood, gives
the following farcical account of Mr. Jessey's death and burial. "At
length, . (says he) paying his last debt to nature, Sept, 4, 1663, being
then accounted the oracle and idol of the faction, was on the seventh of the
same month laid to sleep with his fathers, in a hole made in the yard.
joining to Old Bedlam, near Moorfields, in the suburbs of London, attended
with a strange medley of fanatics,, mostly Anabaptists, that met upon the
very point of time, all at the same instanT, to do honour" to their departed
brother. Some years after, came out a short account of his life and death,
but full of ridiculous ani absurd earnings, &c."— Fasti Oxon. vol. i. p. 239.

46 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
-¦¦¦-- ' ' f,
First Independent Church in England.
welfare. His piety was of the most ardent as well as rational
nature ; and effectually supported him under the severest
.trials, and in the prospect of dissolution.* As an author, he
is at present but little known, though he published several
pieces, the titles of which are specified below, (o)
It is not certainly known where Mr. Jessey's meeting
house was situated ; but as he was buried- from Woodmon-
ger's-Hall, Duke's-Place, it is highly probable that he
preached there during some of the latter years of his life.
From a manuscript quoted by Crosby,f we learn, that Mr.
Jessey's congregation being too numerous to meet together
in one place, without danger of being discovered, divided
by mutual consent in 1640, and, henceforward, became
two churches. " Just half," says the manuscript, " being
with Mr. Praise-God Barebone, and the other half with*.
Mr. Henry Jessey." Mr. Barebone's name appears with
some celebrity on the page of history as reputed godfather
* Wood's Fasti, Oxon. vol. i. p. 238— Crosby's Hist, of the Baptists,
vol. i. p. 307-323.— Calamy's Cont. p. 45-51 — Nonconformist's Memo
rial, vol. i. p. l29~135.-iLife and Death of Mr. Henry Jessey. 1671.
(o) His Works are, l. A Catechism for Children— 2. A Scripture Kaleni.
dar from 1046 to 1660. — 3. The exceeding Riches of Grace advanced in the
Experience of Mrs. Sarah Wright. 1647 -—4. Storehouse of Provision for
resolving Cases of Conscience. 1650.— 5. Scripture Motives for Kalendar
Reformation, partly urged formerly by Mr. J. B. renewed and enlarged by
H. Jessey. 1650.— 6. Description and Explanation of 268 Places in Jerusa
lem, and the Suburbs thereof, with a large Map. 1653.— 7. Lord's loud .
Call to England : being a true Relation of some late, various and wonderful
Judgments, or handy Works of God, by Earthquakes, Lightning, &c. lffi!o.
—8. Miscellanea Sacra : divers necessary Truths seasonably published, &c.
1605.-9. A Looking glass for Children : being a Narrative of God's gracious
Dealings with some little Children. 1674.— He wrote a Preface to Grayle's
•' ModestVindication of theDoctrine of Conditions in the Covenant ofGrace •"
and another to "The English-Greek Lexicon; containing the Derivations
and Significations of all the Words in the New Testament. 1 66 1 ." In this
Work he had a capital concern.— He is also supposed to be the Author of
" Mirabilis Annus ; or the Year of Prodigies and Wonders, &c. 1669."
t Hist, of the English Baptists, vol. iii. p. 4 1 .

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 47
First Independent Chcirch in England.
to one of Cromwell's parliaments. Though we know very
little of him in the character of a divine, yet as he appears to
have been pastor of a congregation in London, he is entitled
to some notice in this place.
Praise-God Barebone was by occupation a> leather-
seller, in Fleet-street, and, according to Rapin, passed among
Iris neighbours for a notable speaker, being used to entertain
them with long harangues upon the times.* This pointed
him out to the notice of Cromwell, who nominated him a
member of the legislative body that succeeded th& long par
liament in 1653. In this assembly, he greatly distinguished
himself for his activity ; insomuch that the members, who
were but little skilled in politics, received from him, in
derision, the appellation of Barebone's Parliament ,*f* Upon
the dissolution of this body, about five months afterwards^
Barebone appears to have retired from any concern in the
government ; and we hear nothing further of him till
February 1659-60.J Monk being then in London with a
view of restoring the King, and intent upon the re-admission
of the secluded members, Barebone appeared at the head
of a numerous rabble, alarming even to that intrepid general,
and presented a petition to parliament against the regal
interest. Monk, who knew the popularity of Barebone,
was obliged to make a general muster of his army, and
wrote a letter to the parliament, expostulating with them
" for giving too much countenance to that furious zealot and
his adherents."^ The petitioners, however, received the
thanks of the house, for the expression of their good affec
tions to die parliament. || The same year, he was concerned
in the publication of a book against the Court of Charles
the Second, entitled, " News from Brussels, in a letter
* Rapin's Hist, of England, vol. ii. p. 590.
T Granger's Biog. Hist,- of England, vol. iii. p. 68.
J Rennet's Chronicle, p. 52. § Granger, ubi supra.
II Kennet's • Chronicle, p. 52.

48 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
First Independent Church in England.
from a near attendant on his Majesty's person, to a person
of honour here. Dated March 10, 1659, O. S." A
reverend prelate* stiles this " a rascally piece against the
" King to expose him to the hatred of his people/' It
ought to be observed, that the reputed author of this book
was Marclimont_Neefiham, alW Barbone only his agent in
conveying it to the printer or bookseller.-^- On the thirtieth
of the foregoing month, Mr. Barebone was summoned
before the council of state, to answer to some matters ob
jected against him ; but on sighing an engagement not to
act in opposition to the existing government, or to disturb
the same, he was discharged from further attendance.^
After the Restoration he was looked upon with a jealous
eye, and on Nov. 26, .166 1, was apprehended, together
with ¦ Major John Wildman, and James Harrington, Esq.
and committed prisoner to the Tower, where he was con
fined for some time.§ On the meeting of parliament early
in the following year,|| the Lord Chancellor^ thought fit to
alarm the house with the noise of plots and conspiracies,
and enumerated the names of several persons whom he
reported to be engaged in traitorous designs against the
government. Among these were Major Wildman, Major
Hains, Alderman Ireton, Mr. Praise-God Barebone, &c.**
How far the charge against these persons was substantiated,
or whether it was only a political engine of government to
get rid of suspected individuals, we will not take upon us
to say. Certain it is, that Mr. Barebone had now to con
tend with the strong arm of the civil power, which was
directed with all the acrimony of party prejudice against
persons of his stamp.
The principles and conduct of this man are not suffi
ciently detailed in history, to form a just estimate of
* Op, Kennet apud Chronicle, p. 80. t Ibid.
X Bp. Kennet apud Chronicle, p. 101. § Ibid. p. 56;
|| January 10, 1661-2. If Lord Clarendon.
' ** Rennet's Chronicle, p, 602.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 49
First Independent Church in England.
their real nature and tendency. It seems probable, how
ever, from the preceding facts, connected with the history
of the times in which he lived, that he drank' somewhat
into the wild enthusiastic notions that disgraced some pre
vailing sects in his day. This might lead him into certain
extravagancies of conduct, which are not otherwise to
be accounted for. The time of Mr. Barebone's death is
not mentioned by any author we have met with, nor are we
acquainted widi any further particulars of his history. It
may be observed, however, for the amusement of the reader,
that there were three brothers of this faniily, each of whom
had a sentence for his christian name, viz. Praise-God
Barebone ; Christ-came-into-the-world-to-save Barebone -j and
If-Christ-had-not-died-thou-hast-been-damned Barebone :
some are said to have omitted the former part of the sen
tence, and to have called him only " Damned Barebone."*5
This stile of naming individuals was exceedingly common in
the time of the civil wars. It was said that the genealogy
of our Saviour might be learnt from the names in Crom
well's regiments ; and that the muster-master used no other
list than the first chapter of Matthew, (p) It should bo
observed, however, that the absurdity of naming children
after this manner, was not. peculiar to that period ; but was
in use long before, and the practice continues, in some
measure, even to the present day.
* Granger's Biog.Hist. of England, vol. iii. p. 68.
(p) A jury was returned in the county of Sussex of the following names :
Accepted Trevor, ofNorsham. Return Spelman, ofWatling.
Redeemed Cotrlpton, of Battle. Be-faithful Joiner, of Britling.
Faint-not Hewet, of Heathfield. Fly-Debate Robert, of Britling.
Make-peace Heaton, of Hare. Fight-the-good-fcght-ef-faithYfhite, of
God-reward Smart, of Fivehurst. • Emer.
Stand-fast-on-high Stringer, of More-fruit Fowler, of East-Hadley.
Crowhurst. Hope-for Bending, of East-Hadley.
Earth Adams, ofWarbleton. Graceful Harding, of Lewes.
Called Lower, ofWarbleton. Weep-not Billings, of Lewes.
Kill-Sin Pimple, ofWitham. Met k Brewer, ofOkeham.
Vol. I. «

50 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES', &C.
First Independent Church, in England.
Henry Forty. — After the death of Mr. Jessey, some
disputes arose in his church on the subject of mixed com
munion, which produced a separation. Those who opposed
it withdrew, and chose for their pastor Mr. Henry Forty,
then a member of the congregation. After some years, he
accepted a call from the Baptist church at Abingdon, in
Berkshire. He was a man of eminent piety, and under
went great trials and sufferings on account of religion ; but,
it pleased God to make him an honoured instrument in his
hands for the conversion of many, particularly his own father
and mother. In the reign of Charles the Second, he was
imprisoned in Exeter jail, for the testimony of a good con
science ; and, to the disgrace of the times, was suffered to
continue in confinement twelve years. At length, having
lived an unspotted life, he finished his course peaceably, in
the 67th year of his age, A. D. 1692. He seems to have
been buried in Southwark, so that it is probable he died
there. Mr. Benjamin Keach preached his funeral sermon,
and afterwards published it, with an elegy on his death.
When Mr. Forty retired to Abingdon,, his people joined
with Mr. KifBn's congregation in Devonshire-square.*
What became of the other branch of Mr. Jessey's church
we have not been able to discover.
* Crosby's Hist, of the English Baptists, vol. iii. p. loo.— and Mr. Reach's
Sermon on the death of Mr. Forty,

Btoemtng Cjmrc{)*s

IN THE

CITY OF LONDON

EASTERN DIVISION.

CONTAINING,

S. CRUTCHED FRIARS.
2. POOR JEWRY LANE.
S. JEWRY-STREET.
4. MARK-LANE.
5. TURNERS'-HALL,PHILPOT-LANE.
6. -WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EAST
CHEAP.
7. GRACECHURCH-STREET.
8. PEWTERER'S-HALL, LIM&STR.
9. PAVED ALLEY, DITTO.

10. BERRY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE,
11. CROSBY-SQUARE.
12. GREAT ST. HELEN'S.
13. LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.
14. CAMOMlLESTREET.
15. HOUNDSDITCH.
16. GRAVEL-LANE, DITTO.
17. BISHOPSGATE^TREET.
18. HAND ALLEY, DITTO.
19. DEVONSHIRE-SOUARE, DITTO.

( 53 )
CRUTCHED FRIARS.
BAPTIST, EXTINCT.
(jRUTCHED, Crouched, or Crossed Friars, the first
place that falls under our notice, according to the division
we have adopted, is situated in Aldgate Ward, at the eastern
extremity of the city. It is so called from the Fratres
Sancti Crucis, or Brethren of the Holy Cross, who had a ,
house at the south east corner of Hart-street. It was founded
about 1298, by Ralph Hosier and William Sabernes, who
became friars on their own foundation. Originally they
carried in their hands an iron cross, which was afterwards
changed for one of silver. On their garments1 they wore a
cross of red cloth. Towards die beginning of the reign of
Henry VIIL some lands were granted to this fraternity, on
condition that they should pray for the prosperity of the city.
The unlucky detection of a friar, in the commission of a
fact that was contra bonos mores, hastened the dissolution
of the monastery, which was granted by King Henry VIIL
to Sir Thomas Wyatt, who built a handsome mansion on
the site. The friars' hall was converted into a glass-house,
the first manufactory of that article ^in England. On the
fourth of September, 1575, it was destroyed by fire. The
site is now occupied by the East India Company's Tea
Warehouse.* In an early state of the Baptist interest, there was a con
gregation of that persuasion, -whose place of meeting was
in Crutched Friars. " They had been part of a society of
Independents, under die care of Mr. John Lathorp, and
afterwards of Mr. Henry Jessey, but peaceably withdrew,
in 1639, upon an alteration in their sentiments with respect
to baptism. A manuscript of Mr. Kiffm's quoted by Cros
by,*!* notices the separation in the following terms. "In
« Mainland's Hist, of Lpndon, vol. ii. p. 782.
t Crosby's Hist, of the Baptists, vol. iii. p. 82.

54 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CRUTCHED-FK.IARS.— Baptist, Extinct.
the year 1639, another congregation of Baptists was formed,
whose place of meeting was in Crutched-Fryars ; the chief
promoters of which were Mr. Green, Mr. Paul Hobson,
and Captain Spencer." — Concerning the first and last of
diese names we are wholly in the dark. Crosby mentions a
Mr. John Green, who, soon after the Restoration, was im
prisoned in Lincoln jail, for half a year, along with Mr.
Grantham,* Possibly he might be the person intended
here. In Rennet's Chronicle, Captain Spencer is noticed
as one of the leaders of a plot to dethrone the King.f Of
Mr. Paul Hobson, we are enabled to speak with greater
certainty. •
Paul Hobson was a Captain in the army during the
civil wars ; and Mr. Robinson relates some scandalous
indecencies committed by his soldiers, in contempt of
infant-baptism. In 1645, he was taken into custody by the
governor of Newport-Pagnel, for preaching against infant-
baptism, and for reflecting upon the ordinance of parliament
against lay-preachers. After being confined there a short
time, Sir Samuel Luke,(o) the governor, sent him prisoner to
London. His case was soon brought before the committee
of examination; and having some powerful friends, upon
being heard, he was immediately discharged. After this,
he preached publicly at a meeting-house in Moorfields. In
1646, he subscribed die Confession of Faith, set forth by
the seven Baptist Churches in London. At the Restora
tion, he was chaplain of Eton College, from whence he was
ejected for nonconformity .J What became of him after
wards we are no where informed. — It is probable this is die
same society that afterwards met in Houndsditch. I I
* Crosby's Hist, of the Baptists, vol. iii. p. 82.
t Rennet's Chronicle, p. 840.
(9) The hero of Hudibras, the celebrated poem of Butler, was the above-
mentioned Sir Samuel Luke, with whom the poet resided during the inter
regnum. —Biog. Brit. Art. Butler.
X Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 226. and iii, 26.— Noncon. Memorial.
vol. i, p. 000.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 55
POOR JEWRY LANE.
ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN, EXTINCT.

XOOR JEWRY LANE, now called Jewry-street, was
so denominated from the number of Jews who inhabited the
neighbourhood. The meeting-house, which is at present-
occupied by the Methodists, is of ancient date, and was
probably erected in the reign of King Charles II. but for
whom is uncertain. A society of Presbyterians met there
statedly for upwards of a century, and enjoyed the labours
of some of the most considerable Divines among the Dis
senters. With our utmost researches, we have not been
able to trace the origin of the church. The first pastor
' upon record is Mr. Timothy Cruso, who settled here a
little before the Revolution. In his time, there was a flou
rishing church and congregation. After the death of Mr.
Cruso, diere were two candidates for the pastoral office,
Mr. (afterwards Dr.) William Harris, and Mr. Timothy
Shepherd, afterwards of Braintree, who had a majority of
the church by one voice ; but by art and management the
election was overruled. This circumstance occasioned a
large breach in the society, which it never recovered. In
the time of Dr. Lardner and Dr. Benson, the church was
in a very low state ; for though they were men of learning
and talents, and deserve honourable mention, on account of
their labours in defending Christianity against infidels, yet
their sentiments and ' mode of preaching were extremely un
popular, and but ill adapted to preserve the church from a
languishing state. After some feeble attempts to revive the
expiring interest, the society dissolved in the year 1774, and
the meeting-house was disposed of to the Methodists.
In conformity to our plan, we shall now present the
reader with some biographical sketches of the several Minis
ters who have officiated at this place, whether as pastors, or

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY LANE.— English Presbyterian, Extinct.
assistants, whose names together with the time of their set
tlement and removal, may be gathered from the following
table :

Ministers' Names.

Timodiy Cruso, M. A. .
Francis Fuller, M. A. . .
William Harris, D. D. . .
Samuel Rosewell, . . . .
John Billingsley, . . -y-. .
Samuel Harvey, 
Nathaniel Lardner, D. D.
George Benson, D. D. .
Ebenezer Radcliffe, ...
Richard Price, D. D.
John Calder, D. D. . .

As Pastors,

From

To

16

1098

1740
1762

1697

1740

1762
1774

Assistants.

From

16
17011706
1722
17!
1760
1763
1770

To

1701
1705
1722
17291751
1762
1770
17741

Timothy Cruso, M. A. This learned divine, and
very eminent preacher, was born about the year 1657. We
have no materials that furnishes us with any particulars con
cerning his parentage, or the place of his birth. It appears
from a manuscript he left behind him, that, when a youth,
he was favoured with the friendship and counsel of that pious
and venerable Divine, Mr. Oliver Bowles, fadier to Mr.
Edward Bowles, a Nonconformist Minister at York. Mr.
Cruso attended him during his last illness, and received the
following affectionate advice from him, the day before his
death, which happened Sept. 5, 1674.— " Have a care of
" yourself, Timothy, in this evil world ; and be not so en
tangled with the vanityes of it, as to lose the substance for
the shadow. Seeing that thou designest thyselfe for the
work and office of the ministry, I would advise you never
to trouble your hearers with uselesse or contending noti
ons ; but rather preach all in piacticalls, that you may set
them upon doing, and more advance a holy life. I would

6v DISSENTING CHURCHES. 57

 POOR JEWR.Y LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
" hot any longer live that idle and unserviceable life'which
" I have lately done ; and therefore if God hath some work
"Jfor mee yet to do 'here, hee will continue mee yet here;
" but if hot, I am sure there is better work for mee in hea-
"Ven, wh6reby I -shall act for his praise and glory more.
'" When I took my last leave of him, h6e said, Farewell
" Timothy ; and if I See thee not any more in this world
" (as indeed he did not) I hope I shall in the nest, which is'
" a better ! (and so I hope also, said Mr. Cruso) Only
" reihember (continues Mr. Bowles) to keep a good coh-
" -Science, arid walk close with God. Which last words hfe
" twice repeated with a <x>iisidefable emphasis, that it might
" work a deeper impression, and the greater observation."*
The libove Mr. Oliver Bowles Was a rhembfer of the West-
Minster assembly, and is -said by Dr. Cdlariiy f to be " of
Sutton in Bedfbrifehire ;" but whether he died there We are
lxiotJmibriried. Mr. CnisO received a liberal education for the ministry,'
first at a private academy among Jflife Nonconformists ; and
afterwards in Onfe of the universities of Ndrfli-Britairi, where
he rfeSided some veal's, 'arid took the oVegiee of Master of
-Arts. Before he entered upon ;his ministerial employment.
it is iprdbable he spent sOnte 'time' fc chaplain, or tutor, in a
private :forrrily, a very usual practice for young niihisters at
that time; arid it is certain the Dissenters hate derived no
advantage by chscbritinuing so laudable a custom. It does
not appear whether Mr. Cruso preached any where statedly
before he settled in London ; which we suppose to have
been ahdut the time of King James's Indulgence, in 1687*
After the divisidn in the Pinners'-Hall lecture, occasioned
by the exclusion of Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Daniel Williams, in
1694, Mr. Cruso was chosen to fill up one of the vacancies.
This argties him to have been in high depute as a preacher,
• Theol. Bib. Mag. vol.- iv. p. 138-9. * Account, p. 779.
Vol. L I

58 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES ¦*-
POOR JEWRY LANE.— English Presbyterian, Extinct.
that distinction being conferred only upon the most eminent
Divines, in and about the metropolis. At that lecture he
delivered many elaborate discourses, which he wrote at full
length in long-hand, accurately composed, and very judi
cious. From these a sufficient number was selected after
his death to form a moderate size volume, which was pub
lished in 1699, with a recommendatory Preface by the Rev.
Matthew Mead.
Mr. Cruso's qualificatious for the ministry were very con
siderable. He had laid in a large stock both of divine and
human learning, which he cultivated with care, and im
proved by close application and industry. He possessed a
sound mind, and a steady judgment in the great doctrines of
the gospel, which he explained with clearness and precision,
and enforced with a becoming solemnity/ His views of the
nature and importance of the ministerial office, would never
snffer him to enter the pulpit in an unprepared and careless
manner ; for though he looked up with becoming reverence
to the promised presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit,
he thought this was only to be obtained in the use of means,
and, therefore, never neglected a diligent preparation in his
study. He was a minister that excelled in pulpit talents.
His compositions were judicious, exact, serious, and prac
tical. He possessed a solid judgment, and a rich and lively
invention. His voice was clear and melodious ; his manner
eloquent and persuasive ; and his deportment in every res
pect so agreeable, that he could hardly fail of commanding
the attention of the most dull and inconsiderate of his hear
ers. These qualifications were happily directed to the no
blest purposes. Mr. Cruso esteemed it his highest honour to
be a faithful minister of Jesus Christ; he took great delight
in his work, and consecrated all his efforts to the best in
terests of the souls of men. And his labours were attended
with a remarkable degree of acceptance and success. He
was justly esteemed one of the greatest preachers of die a°-e

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 59
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
in which he lived; and presided over a numerous and
flourishing church to the day of his death.
Mr. Cruso was a hearty friend to civil and religious liberty.
No man rejoiced more at the downfal of despotism and
popery, and the re-establishment of British freedom by the
glorious revolution, under the immortal King William. In
commemoration of that happy event, he preached and pub
lished a discourse, in which, after gratefully acknowledging
the interposition of Providence, he expresses his admiration
for the hero, our deliverer. With regard to the religious
disputes .which agitated the nation in his time, Mr. Cruso,
from a principle of conscience, sided with the Nonconform
ists ; but he inculcated love and forbearance among chris
tians of all denominations: He entertained a strong sense
of the injustice and barbarity of that fatal act, which, in one
day, extinguished so many burning and shining lights, and
may be considered as a step to all the calamities which ob
scured that and the succeeding reign. The anniversary of
the Bartholomew ejectment, he never failed to commemo
rate by a sermon on the 24th of August, when he took
occasion to enforce strongly the necessity of a national re
pentance for that great national sin. Mr. Cruso's religious
sentiments harmonized, entirely, with those of the Assembly
of Divines at Westminster ; and for the doctrines contained
in their celebrated confession, he was a strenuous and able
advocate. This truly great and excellent man, to use an expression
of Mr. Mead, " lived too fast ;" hot like many, who shorten
their days by sinful excesses, but as a taper which wastes
itself to give light to others. His bodily constitution, natu
rally weak, was greatly impaired by constant study and in
cessant labours. His extraordinary zeal for the interest of
Christ and the souls of men, animated him to increasing
desires for usefulness ; and his ardent mind continually aspir
ing to greater knowledge and higher attainments, at length
overreached his strength, and brought him to the grave, in

60 H.ISTORY AND ANTIQUITIEjS-

F00R. JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
the midst of his, days.* His death was hastened- by an.
asthmatic complaint, which deprived the church of one, of
her brightest ornaments, on November 26, 1.697,. in. the
41st year of his age. The celebrated Mr. Matthew Mead.
preached and published a sermon upon his death, from Rom.
viii. 11. If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus front
the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the-
dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit
that dwelletk in you. It is a very curious discourse, upon
an uncommon subject, and treated, in an able and perspir.
cuous manner. The drift of the author is to prove, that
the Spirit of God dwells in believers, not only by his. gifts;
and graces, but in a real personal manner. This union he
supposes to continue equally after death, and, that the bodies.;
of the saint? are. the dwelling-places of the Holy Ghost,
even while they are dead and lying in the grave. As a conT.
sequence of this, they will be reanimated and raised at the.
last day, by the energy of that same Spirit, which dwells, in
their dust as a principle of resurrection power. Mr. Mead.
has not a single word concerning Mr. Cruso's history, but
contents himself, with the following brief account of hjscha'
racter and death.
 " I know you expect (says Mr. Mead) that. I should;.
say something of the person deceased, and not pass him- by
in silence. But I acknowledge myself very unfit for. this,
province, it being a work I rarely engage in ; as haying, no
authority to take the commission out of the, hands of his.flwn
works, they are to praise him in the gates, and not I. And,
yet it is not fit, when every mean virtue mothers hath its,
funeral trumpet, that so much excelling w;orth as was in
him should be forgotten, and the memory of it buried with
him. Should I spe^k, of his. carriage and behaviour in the
various, relations he stood. in— as a son to his surviving mo
ther— as a husband to his wife— as a father, while he, had-
*. Mr. Mead's Pref. to Mr. Cruso's Sermons at Pinners'-Hall.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 6T
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
children — as a master to servants— as a friend to his friends
I might herein propound, him as. a pattern to many, for he
excelled most. And that is a good man indeed, who.is good
in all, relations. But his great, and chief- care was to fill up his
relation to God in Christ, and that not only, as a christian
and a believer, but as a minister of Christ, and, a pastor, to
that flock which the Holy Ghost had committed to his
charge. I must say, Godihad fitted him for this work and
service above many of his brethren, in betrusting him with
such gifts and talents as but very few have received. And
how diligent and faithful was he in laying them out, and so
improving them in his master's service ? How zealous was
he for Christ! How laborious in his work ! How sound in
the faith ! How- great in prayer ! How apt to teach ! And
how all was crowned with success, is evident in the many
comfortable seals which God gave to his ministry among
you. And though his natural parts were great, and made
much greater by the blessing of God upon his unwearied-'
industry ; yet that he neither leaned upon them, nor trusted1
to them, appeared by his constant lahour and study for every-
sermon. They that, were discerning christians, and did1'
wisely observe the suitable matter- he prepared, the- exact
method in which it was orderedy the taking dress with which
it was- clothed, the charming manner in which it was uttered,
could not but say, that- he did not offer to God that which
cost him nothing. His great delight was in his work, for
he knew how well it becomes a disciple to be as his Lord,
whose delight was- to do the will of God. And therefore
he was fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. And this made
him willing to spend, and to be spent, till by degrees he
Wasted, and consumed himself — I would have said no more
of him, were it: not to obviate some false and malicious
whispers ; as if he died in great darkness, and under much
trouble of conscience. I was with him the day before he
died, and among other things I asked him,, how it was with
him concerning lus spiritual state. He told me, " That he-

62 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
had a firm confidence of hope in the infinite righteousness of
Jesus Christ." I then asked him (and desired that he would
be as plain with me, as I desired to be faithful to him) if
there was any particular thing that lay as a burden upon his
conscience. He replied, " No, he blessed God, there was
not. But that which troubled him in general was, that in
the course of his ministry he had not honoured God as he
ought to have done ; nor had he been so faithful to the souls
of men as he should have been : but yet in this he could
appeal to God, that whatever by-ends might come in, and
mingle themselves, which he renounced, yet the glory of
God in the conversion and salvation of souls was the great
end he aimed at in the whole course of his ministry." And
blessed is that servant (adds Mr. Mead) whom his Lord when
he comes shall find so doing."*
Mr. Cruso's remains were interred in Stepney Church
yard, where a handsome tomb was erected over his grave,
with a Latin inscription to his memory. This we shall
insert, together with a translation, for the benefit of the
English reader. It appears from the same stone that Mr,
Cruso had a brother named Nathaniel, who was a valuable
- person. Of the two brothers it is said, they were " Lovely
and pleasant in their lives and in their deaths." It was pro
bably a daughter of this Nathaniel, who was mother to the
late excellent Dr. Wilton. A list of Mr. Cruso's works
is inserted in the note below.-f-
» Mr. Mead's Sermon on Mr. Cruso's death, p. 30j 31.
t Woiiks.—i. The Duty and Support of Believers in Life and Death s
Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Smith. 1638.— 2. The Period of Human Life deter
mined by the Divine Will : a Funeral Sermon on the Death of Mr. Henry
Brownsword, who deceased April -iy, 1688 ; on Psa. iii. 2.-3. The
mighty Wonders of a Merciful Providence : in a Sermon preached Jan. 31,
1688-9, being the Day of Public Thanksgiving to God for the great Deliver
ance of this Kingdom, by his Highness the Prince of Orange. On Numb.
xxiii 28.-4. The Usefulness of Spiritual Wisdom with a Temporal Inherit
ance : in a Sermon preached March li, 1688-9, at the Entrance of a young
Man upon his Habitation and particular Calling. On Eccles. vii. 1 1 .— s. The

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 63
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
M. S.
TIM0TIIEI CRUSO,
Evangelii Ministri egregie iidelis.
Turn exiniia pietate quam praidara eruditionc ornati,
Concionatoris ad persuadendum compositi canori copiosi judicio subtili
atqne limato ingenio acerrimo,
Industria incredibili,
Conjugis amantissimi,
Patris Clementissirai,
Amici Firmissirai,
Propter lenitatem suis,
Propter singularem humanitatem omnibus,
lucundi, qui gregem Christi pascendo exaturando vigilis, cutis,
Laboribus Fractus.
Quod sui est Mortale Asthmaticus
Deposuit et
Ad sumrai Fastoris sdes cone ion etnque Beatorum anhelan;
Ascendit die Nov : 2D, 1697.
/F.tat. sua? 41.

Church's Plea for the Divine Presence to prosper human Force : in a Fast
Sermon, June 5, 1689. — 6. The Excellency of the Protestant Faith, as to
its Objects and Supports : in a Sermon preached Nov. 5, I689. — 7. The
Christian leaver ; or a Discourse opening the Nature of Participation with, and
demonstrating the Necessity of Mortification by Clurist : in two Sermons on
John xiii. 8. 1690. — S. The Duty and Blessing of a tender Conscience plainly
stated, and earnestly recommended to all that regard Acceptance with God,
and the Prosperity of their Souls : the Substance of several Sermons on
2 Kings, xxii. 19.— 9. God the Guide of Youth : briefly opened and urged in
a Sermon preached with a special relation to young Persons, Jan. 1, 1694-5.
On Jer. iii. 4. — 10. An earnest Plea for constant Attendance at the Lord's
Table : in a Sermon preached June 4, 1696. On 1 Sam. xx. 27. — 11. Eleven
Discourses upon Dives and Lazaras. lrjtjX^— 12. The three last Sermons
of the late Rev. Mr. Cruso ; to which is added, his Sermon on Nov. 5,
1697, with a Preface by the Rev. Francis Fuller. 1698.— 13. Twenty-four
Sermons preached at the Merchants' Lecture, at Pinners'-Hall. By the late
Rev. T. Cruso, M. A. with a Preface by the Rev. Matthew Mead. 1699.
The two last pieces were posthumous.

64 HlsWfeV AND ANTI$UITI«Efc

POOR JEWRY LANE  'English Presbyterian, 'Extinct.

Translation.

Sacred lo the Memory
Of TIMOTHY CRUSO,
A minister of the gospel
Of extraordinary faithfulness,
"Who adorned his character
No less by his eminent piety, thau by his excellent learning.
He was an eloquent, melodious, and persuasive preacher,
, Of a rich and penetrating judgment,
With which he united a polished and lively invention.
He was a man of indefatigable industry,
A most aifectionate husband,
A most indulgent father,
A most steady friend ;
To whom he endeared himself by the gentleness of his manners.
As well as by his uncommon benignity to all.
He took great delight in feeding the flock of Christ,
But his constitution was at length broken
By incessant patchings, studies and labours.
An asthmatic complaint
Consigned his mortal part to this Tomb;
r and
His soul aspiring towards the abode of the Chief Shepherd.
And the Assembly of the Blessed,
Took its flight Nov. 26, 1607,
In the 4-is't ye^r of his ag'e.

Francis Fuller, M. A.— Mr. Cruso enjoyed for
sonve time, the stated assistance 6f the Rev. -Francis FulleY,
son to Mr. John Fuller, a „pious and eminent minister in
London, who was ejected, in 1662, from St. Martin's,
Itfonmonger4ane * He trained up three sons -to the minis
try, all of whom proved scholars and celebrated preacher's.
The two eldest, Dr. Thomas, and Dr. Samuel Fuller, con
formed at the Restoration ; but Mr. Francis Fuller, the
youngest, continued a Nonconformist till his death.f He
* Calamy'a Account, j>. 46.
f Jer, White's Serm. on the Death of Mr. Fr. Fuller, nmo.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. &Q

POORJEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
received his education in Queen's College, Cambridge,
where he proceeded Master of Arts ; and hi 1663, he was
incorporated in the University of Oxford.* Dr. Calamy
mentions him as ejected from Warcifp, or, as it should be,
from Werkworth, in Northamptonshire^ where he was
curate to Dr. Temple.f He afterwards preached some
time in the West of England; but, at length, settled
in London, as colleague with Mr. Craso, at Grutched-
Friars. Mr. Fuller was a man of considerable learning, which
descended to him as an hereditary accomplishment ; fory
as Mr. Jer. White observes, it belonged to his family to bef
learned. The same author also remarks, that, though he
was the youngest of the three brothers, he was excelled
by the other two, only in age and fortune ; his con
science not allowing him to make that advantage of his
education which they did. As a preacher, he was se
rious, judicious and evangelical ; and ,he lived in the
practice of what he preached. To a, sound judgment he
united much genius, and oftentimes mixed with his in
structions some lively and pleasant remarks, which greatly
tended to captivate and delight his hearers* His obser
vations also, were often pertinent, and left great im
pressions upon their minds. The subjects he discussed
were weighty and sublime, and he delivered them in a
chaste, easy and perspicuous style. Though he connected
himself chiefly with the Presbyterians, he never espoused
any party as such, but gave the right-hand of fellowship
to good men of all denominations. He measured spi-1
ritual persons and things, not by a consent in opinions^
or a conformity to this or that outward form ; but by
the influence of religion, upon the character and con
duct. Love to real goodness was the principle that pre-
* Wood's Fasti, vol. ii, p. 1 58. f Calaroy's Ace. p. 497.
Vol. I. . k

66 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES  '
POi'R IF. tVRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
dominated in his breast, and gave a colouring to all his
concerns jfij.life, whetjhex civil or sacjr,ed.f,. He was,, a.true
lover of .his country, and heartily asserted our civil liber
ties, as the best bulwark of our religious privileges. In
private life, he had the art of pleasing his friends by a
certain facetiousness of conversation, for which his family
was remarkable. But while this rendered his company de
sirable, he was careful to mix with it that instruction which
made him a no less profitable than pleasant companion.*
Mr. Fuller died in London, July 21, 1701, aged 64. His
friend, Mr. Jeremiah White, preached his funeral sermon,
on 2 Thess. iv. 14. and afterwards published it, with some
account of his character. (R) ;:"
William Harris, D. D.— This eminent Divine was
born, most probably, in London, about the year 1675.
Though we have no account of his parents, it should seem
they were,; pious persons, and instructed him, betimes, in
the principles of religion. From a child, he is said to. have
known the holy scriptures.: In his youthful days, he joined
himself to a society of young men, who met once a week
for prayer,-. reading, , and^. religious conversation; for the
mutual communication of knowledge f and with a view of
strengthening each other against the solicitations of evil com
pany. Of this society, the excellent Dr. Grosvenor was
likewise a member. It is somewhat extraordinary that we
find no mention made of the names of Dr. Harris's
tutors. There is, however, some reason for supposing,
that he pursued his studies for the ministry under the
* Mr. White's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Fuller, p. 110—118.
(n) He published the following Wo RKs^'llules how to use the World —
A Treatise of Faith and Repentance. 1684.— Of the Shortness of Time!—
Words to give the young man knowledge and Direction. 1685.-1 A Treatise
of Grace and Duty. 1688.— Peace in war by Christ the Prince of Peace- a
Fast Sermon, June 2S, 1696.— Mr. Orton pronounces some of these pieces
to be very excellent, entertaining and useful.

HcJcenrtftll J,

.inD^WiUiamr libran/Rtd Cross -.i'trrfl '.
ZortdonPub? SefitnfjBOB, b„ Man,, /I < W.^ Sh»„. ,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 6?
POOH JEWRY L.4>iE  English Presbyterian, Extinct,
tuition of the celebrated Mr. Timothy Jollie, at Atter-
cliffe, in Yorkshire. But, be this as it may, there is
abundant evidence that, he made a very considerable pro
gress in the languages, philosophy, divinity, history, and
other branches, of learning. He began Ho preach when
very young ; but entered the pulpit with an unusual degree
of furniture, and with that solidity of judgment, for
which he was remarkable throughout, life. His first ap
pearance in public, was as assistant to Mr. Henry
Read, in Gravel-lane, Southwark. From thence, in 1698,
he was called to succeed the Rev. Timothy Cruso, in the
pastoral care of the congregation at Crutched- Friars. His
great modesty and humility, made him hesitate, for some
time, upon his acceptance of this call; being diffident of
his fitness to fill up the place of so excellent and popular a
preacher. His anxiety he sometimes expressed in the words
of Jeremiah,* Ah, Lord God ! behold I cannot speak,
for I am a child. But then, he received encouragement
from what immediately follows : And the Lord said unto
me, Say not I am a child) for thou shalt go to all that I
shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee, thou shalt
speakt .For I am with thee.f The result of this debate
with himself, after consultation with his friends, was to ac
cept the invitation of the church; and, in a little time, he
was set apart to the pastoral office, with fasting and prayer,
and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, which he
always^ thought a scriptural mode of ordination. It was
about this time that he obtained the keys of the meeting
house, andi spent there, by himself, a whole day in fasting
and prayer to God for his direction, and blessing in the
work he had just undertaken. The efficacy of die prayers
of that day, was very visible in his growing abilities, in his
. acceptance as a preacher, and in his eminent usefulness both
in the civil and sacred concerns of life.
•Chap, i.'ver. 6. fVer. 7, 8.

68 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
As a preacher, the compositions of Dr. Harris are allowed
by judges to be very accurate. His method was always
clear and distinct. The orderly division of his discourses
greatly assisted the memory, and was the fruit of much study
and serious deliberation. His language was compact and
concise, sententious, and nervous, clothed with strong
sense, carrying conviction to the mind, and bearing down
opposition with irresistible force, He discovered a fine
imagination in the choice of his similies, and regulated
it with judgment His delivery was grave and manly,
and his voice strong, though somewhat interrupted by
a hoarseness at the outset of his speaking ; this, how-..
ever, gradually cleared itself as he proceeded, till he made
'his audience glow with the same warmth he himself
felt towards the application, which was always pathetic
and affecting. His preaching was adapted to the several
states and exigencies pf mankind, The subjects he dis*
cussed, comprised the most important points of religion,
with their grounds and evidences, and the various duties
of the Christian life. These he enforced by .the strongest
motives. The celebrity which Dr. Harris acquired as a preacher,
often called him from his own pulpit, not only to stated
lectures, but also, to officiate on public and particular
opcasions. He was, for above thirty years, one of the
preachers of the Friday evening lecture at the Weigh-house,
in Little Eastcheap. The design, of this service, which was
set on foot at the commencement of the seventeenth century,
was to encourage the delightful exercise of psalmody, and
promote in our assemblies a greater harmony and devotion
in conducting that important part of divine worship. His
colleagues in this lecture, were, Dr. Jabez Earle, Dr. Ben
jamin Grosvenor, Mr. Thomas Reynolds, Mr. John New-.
man, and Mr. Thomas Bradbury. On the d^ath of the
Rev. William Tong, Dr. Harris was chosen, April 12,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 6§
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
1727, one of the six preachers of the Merchants' Lecture,
at Salters'-Hall. In 1735, when there was an alarm con
cerning the increase of Popery, he united with several mi
nisters in conducting a course of sermons against the principal
errors of tire Church of Rome. The subject allotted for
his discussion, was the absurd, doctrine of Transubstantia-
tion. On funeral occasions, ancl at the public ordination of
ministers, his assistance was frequently required, and his
performances always met with great acceptance. Of this,
the many single sermons he published are a convincing
proof. But it was not merely as a preacher that Dr. Harris dis
tinguished himself. The other branches of the pastoral
office, he performed in a manner that was highly creditable
to him as a minister of the gospel : for, with fidelity and
tenderness, he admonished, warned, advised and comforted
his flock, in private, as the circumstances of things required.
His skill as a casuist is abundantly evident in some of his
printed discourses ; and he rendered it subservient to die
instruction of his people, in their monthly exercises on the
Monday evening after the administration of the Lord's-
supper, when he spoke to a question given in before. It
was a mark of Dr. Harris's good sense, that, notwithstand
ing the exactness of -his own compositions, he was a
candid hearer of others. To younger ministers he proved
a good friend and patron, and exhibited both in his
preaching and conversation, an excellent model for their
imitation. As the ground-Work of all his attainments and useful
ness, Dr. Harris acquired, from early life, an intimate ac
quaintance with the sacred scriptures. These he read, not
only as a Christian, for the daily bread of his spiritual life,
but as a Christian minister and critic. This, he was ena-:
bled to do, by a familiar acquaintance with the original
languages. It was an observation of his, with regard to
scripture criticism, that w without some knowledge of it,

70 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
 . *  ,
no man can thoroughly understand his Bible, or make a
proper use of it." From the Scriptures alone, as the foun
tain of truth, he derived all his notions on subjects of. reli
gion ; and having once formed his judgment, it was difficult
to move him. Should the reader inquire, to what party he
belonged ? Dr. Grosvenor shall answer, " To me he seemed
to be of no party. Men might call him by what name they
pleased ; he was fond of no denomination but that of a
Christian. Truth had him of her side, and he embraced
her as heartily as if she brought along with her a dowry of
worldly emolument." If this description be thought too
indefinite, we will add, that Dr. Harris was a firm Protes
tant Dissenter, of the Presbyterian denomination, but a
hearty lover of good men of every persuasion, and a decided
assertor of evangelical fruth; equally opposing those who
denied the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, or exhibited it
as consisting wholly of promises without any commands.
His high veneration for the oracles of God, inclined him al
ways to encourage the labours of learned men, who endear
voured to explain them. Of such writings he made a veiy
extensive collection, which, ' with the remainder of his
books, consisting of a very large and valuable assortment,
in various branches of learning, he bequeathed by will, to
Dr. Williams's library, in Redcross-street ; where is likewise
preserved a very fine painting of the Doctor. But, how
ever useful literature may be, and undoubtedly is, to a pubr
lie instructor, there are, at the same time, other qualifica
tions that ought always to be joined with it. A preacher
of the Christian religion who is not himself a Christian, who
\has never tasted the grace of God, nor received Christ Jesus
the Lord, so as to walk in him, is a very unfit person to
instruct others. While Dr. Harris attended to the fields
of other men, he did not neglect to cultivate his own vine^
yard. In private life, his character appeared equally amiable,
He was a watchful guardian over his own family, a faithful

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 71

POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct:

monitor, an affectionate friend. , He had a great command
over his temper and words ; was scarcely ever seen to be
angry ; and seldom spoke to the disadvantage of any one.
His friendship was uniform and steady ; not deserting, but
liberally relieving, those who were in distress ; and admi-
nistring consolation suited to their necessities. \ He' was
happy in the esteem and respect of numbers of his brethren
in the ministry, and in other stations ; being fitted, by his
extensive attainments, to associate with persons of know
ledge and judgment, in the higher walks of life. At the
same time, he could condescend to meaner persons, and
was equally happy in their society, provided they discovered
an inquisitive temper, and a good understanding in the
things of religion. In the congregation to which he stood
related for the space of forty-two years, he enjoyed much
comfort, and experienced some particular tokens of then-
regard ; nor was he wanting in constancy and zeal to pro
mote their best interests, both in public and private. In
deed, when we consider the number and variety of his
engagements ; his zeal and assiduity for the public service ;
the large epistolary correspondence he maintained with a
numerous acquaintance ; the abundance of good offices he
performed in private, together with his concern in many
great and useful designs of a more public nature, it may-be
difficult to conceive how he could have sufficient time
and strength for what he did. But he loved employ
ment, could endure, long and close application, and was'
blessed with a quick apprehension, which fitted him for
dispatch. Dr. Harris had an uncommon veneration for the elder
ministers of the seventeenth century. ' He highly valued
their character and great usefulness, from a grateful sense
of his obligations for their countenance and assistance ; for
the pleasure of their conversation ; and for the benefit he
received from their learned labours. From these worthies,
he acquired a knowledge of many things, that enriched his

HISTORY AND' 'ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct. v
memory, and, of which, he was always very communica
tive. This made his company both entertaining and - in
structive. And yet, he was above being enslaved by an
attachment to human authority. It was, doubtless, from
this consideration, that he declined uniting with the sub
scribing ministers, at the Salter's-Hall Synod, in 1719.
His name, therefore, appears among the non-subscribers.
As a just testimony to his merit, the universities of Aber
deen and Edinburgh conferred on him, without his know
ledge, and in the most respectful manner, the highest literary
honours. At length, after an useful and laborious life, spent in the
service of God, and the souls of men, being mercifully ex
empted from the painful sufferings of a lingering and tedious
sickness, he slumbered only a few days, and then fell asleep
in Jesus, May 25, 1740, aged 65 years.* His remains
were interred May 30, in Dr. Williams's vault, Bunhill-
Fields ; and his friend, Dr. Obadiah Huglies, delivered a
very suitable address at the grave. On the following Lord's-
day, an excellent sermon was preached on the occasion of
his death, by Dr. Benjamin Grosvenor, from Psa. cii. 17.
Dr. Lardner, also, delivered a suitable discourse, upon the
same melancholy event, from 2 Thess. i. 10. They were
both published, and are the principal sources from whence
we have taken the present article.
,. Dr. Harris's character as , an author stands hi"h in the
literary as well as the religious world. He was reckoned
the greatest master of the English tongue among the Dis
senters. His style was plain and easy, and his thoughts
substantial. Dr. Grosvenor ranks his works among the
standards of the English language, which he considers
as having derived some embellishments from his man
ner of writing. He published a variety of single ser-
* Dr. Grosvenor's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Harris— and Dr. Lardner's
Sermon on the same occasion.

OF DlSSENTftNG CHURCHES. 73
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian , l.xtinrtl
mons ;(s) besides which he was the author of several publi
cations of a larger size; The first of these was a practical
(s) The following are the titles of them. 1. A Sermon at Salter's-Hall
to the Society for Reformation of Manners, June 29, 1702. — 2. A fast Ser
mon, Jan. 29, 1703-4, with a special Reference to the late dreadful Storm
andTempest. Isa.xxix. 6. 1706. — 3. A Wedding Sermon. — 4.The Mischief of
Evil Company, preached on Easter Monday, April 14, 1707, Prov. i, 16.—
5. On the General Mourning for the Death of Prince George. Eccles. xii. 5,
1708. — 6. On the Excellence of Singing ; at the Eastcheap Lecture. Psa.
cxlvii. 1. 1708. — On Prayer ; at the same Lecture. 2 Tim. ii. 1. 1711. —
8. Directions for Hearing the Word ; at the same. Luke viii. 18. 1713.—
9. On the Pope's Supremacy, Nov. 5, 1713. Matt. xvi. 18. — 10. The Na
ture and Reasonableness of Consideration ; preached at the OklJewry, to a
Society of Young Men, June 28, 1716. 2 Tim. ii. 7. — II- A Thanksgiving
Sermon for the Suppression of the late unnatural Rebellion, June 7, 1716.
Psa. lxviii. 20. — 12. Objections against Reading the Scriptures considered ;
at the Eastcheap Lecture. Matt. xxii. 99. 1717. — 13. Consolations in the
Death of aged Christians ; preached at CrouGbed-Fryars on the Death of
Mrs. Dorcas Billingsley, Dec. 29, 1717. Job v. 26. — 14. Of the Sin against
the Holy G-host, Matt. xii. 31, 32. 1718. — 15. Consolations in the Death
of good Men ; preached at Hackney on the Death of Mrs. Bathshua Barker,
Sept. 18, 1719. 1 Thess. iv. 8. — 16. Readiness for the coming of the Lord ;
preached at Cheshunt, on the sudden Death of Mr. Thomas Pickard, Feb.
14, 1719-20. Matt. xxiv. 44. — 17. On the Coronation. Psa.xcvii. 1. 1721.
—18. A Christian's Groans in the mortal Body, and Desires of the heavenly
Happiness ; preached at Crouched- Fryars on the Death of the Rev. John
Billingsley, May 13, 1722. 2 Cor., v. 2. — 19. On the Nature of the Pastoral
Office: or, The Apostle Peter's Exhortation to the Elders of the Church,
¦briefly considered ; preached at Ongar in Essex, May 7, 1725, at the Ordi
nation of Mr. John Tren, and Mr. Benjamin Owen. — 20. The happy End
of a, useful Life; preached at Crouched-Fryars, May 16, 1725, on the
Death of Mr. John Mercer. Acts xiii. 26. — 21. The Reasonableness of be
lieving in Christ, and the Unreasonableness of Infidelity ; two Sermons
preached at Salter's-Hall, May 21 and 28, 1728. John ii. 45, 46. With
an Appendix, containing brief Remarks on the Case of Lazarus, relating to
Mr. Woolston's fifth Discourse on Miracles. 1 739. — 22. Consolations in the
Death of good Men in the midst of their Days ; preached at Crouched-
Fryars, April 27, 1729, on the Death of the Rev. Samuel Harvey, Psa.
cii. 23, 24. — 23. The Love of Christ's Appearance, the Character of a sin
cere Christian ; preached in Southwark, on the Death of the Rev. Joshua
Oldfield, D. D. Nov. 23, 1729. 2 Tim. iy. 8. — 24. Faithfulness in the
Vol. I. 1,

74 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE.— English Presbyterian, Extinct.
treatise, entitled, " Self-Dedication, personal and sacramental,
explained and enforced.'7 12mo. This passed through more
thaii one edition. In 1717, he published a small piece,
entitled, " Two Questions of present Importance, briefly
stated and argued." In 1724, there appeared irom the
press, a large volume of sermons, under the title of " Prac
tical Discourses on the principal Representations of the
Messiah, throughout the Old Testament." These Dis
courses, soon after their publication, were handsomely
spoken of by Dr. Watts, and have been held in great repuV
tation. They were composed with reference, though not
as a direct answer, to Mr. Collins's Discourse on the Grounds
Christian Ministry, briefly represented and argued ; at the Ordination of
Mr. Thomas Payne, at Stratford by Bow, Essex, Oct. 2, 1729-. 1 Cor.
iv. 2. — 25. Finishing the Christian Course considered and argued; preached
in New Broad-street, Petty-France, on the Death of the Rev. John Evans,
May 23, 1730, in the 51st Year of his Age. Oct. 20, 1724. — 26. Of Despi
sing Young Ministers ; preached at Haberdasher's-Hall, Dec. is, 1730, at
the Ordination of Mr. William Ford, and Mr. Samuel Parks. 1 Tim. iv. 12,
— 27. Of Deliverance by Christ from the Fears of Death ; preached at Wap-
ping, on the Death of Mrs. Sarah Bush, wife of the Rev. William Bush,
June 13, 1731. Heb. ii. 15. — 28. Lukewarmness in Religion represented
and reproved ; in two Sermons at Salter's-Hall, Nov. 2 and 16, 1 73 1 ; with
a Discourse on False-Zeal. 1732. — 29. Diligence in the Christian Life, ne
cessary to be found in Peace ; preached at Kingston-upon-Thames, on the
Death of the Rev. Daniel Mayo, June 24, 1733. Acts vii. 59. — 31. On
Transubstantiation ; at Salter's-Hall, Feb. 13, 1734-5. Luke xxii. 19, 20. 
32. A second Discourse concerning Transubstantiation, in which the sixth
Chapter of John's Gospel is particularly considered ; preached at Salter's-
Hall, April 22, 1735. John vi. 53. — 33. A Christian's Desire to depart, or
Willingness to die ; preached at the Old Jewry, on the Death of Mrs. Lydia
Leavesley, Wife of the Rev. Thomas Leavesley, June 29, 1735. Philip.
i. 23. — Consolations in the Death of Wicked Relations. 2 Sam. xiii. 33. 1736.
— 35. Consolations in the Death of Infants. Matt. iii. is. 1736.  36. The
Nature of the Lord's Supper, and the Obligations to it, briefly considered ;
with a serious Exhortation to a due Attendance upon it ; in four Discourses
preached at Salter's-Hall, Nov. and Dec. 1736.— 37. A Discourse, preached
August 1, 1737. — 38. The Case of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of the
Israelites in the Wilderness, practically considered ; in two Discourses,
I73gandl740. Gen. xviii.32. 1 Cor, x. 11.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 75
POOR JEWRY LANE.— English Presbyterian, Extinct. "" '1
and Reasons of the Christian Religion. In the Preface, he
recommends them to the people of his charge, with whom
he observes " he had long lived in uninterrupted peace,
and with many marks of distinguished respect/' At the
conclusion, he observes of the constant aim of his labours,
" Such as they are, I make a humble sacrifice of .them to
the honour of the blessed Redeemer, and lay them at his
feet ; having no higher ambition in this world, than to serve
his interest, and to be accepted of him ; nor higher expec
tation of hope, than to be with him, and behold his glory."
In 1736, he gave to the public, a volume of " Funeral
Discourses ; in two parts: containing, (1.) Consolations op
the Death of our Friends. (2.) Preparations for our own
Death." They had been preached at distant times, and on
different occasions ; many of them had been published
singly, and they were now brought together in one view.
Dr. Harris also published, " A Practical Illustration of the
Book of Esther." In 1703, he was entrusted by the execu
tors of Mr. Nathaniel Taylor, with the publication of the
posthumous pieces of that celebrated preacher, to which he
prefixed a Preface ; " an example, (says Dr. Lardner) of
that excellent manner by which all his writings are distin
guished." In 1725, he was employed to revise the second
edition of Dr. Manton's Sermons on the U9th Psalm, to
which he prefixed, Memoirs of the Author. These were
afterwards printed separately in octavo. He was also con
cerned with Dr. Evans, in the publication of two volumes
of Sermons, by the great Mr. John Howe, on " The Spi
rit's Influence on the Church, and on Particular Persons."
It ought not to be omitted, that Dr. Harris was one of the
continuators of Matthew Henry's Exposition; and wrote
the Commentary upon the Epistles to the Philippians and
Colossians. (t)
(t) Besides the above Dr. William Harris, there was another writer of the
same names, also a Dissenting Minister, and a celebrated historian. The
latter was a native of.Salisbury, and received his academical learning under

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR IEWB.Y LANE:— English Presbyterian, Extinct.

Samuel Rose well, M. A. — Dr. Harris had various
ministers successively to assist him. The first, was the
pious and excellent Mr. Samuel Rosewell, who was chosen
Mr. Grove, and Dr. Amory, at Taunton. At that period, he was remark;
able for pregnant piarts, and a love of books. He began to preach when
very young ; it is apprehended, before he was nineteen years of age His
first settlement was with a dissenting congregation at St. Loo, in Cornwall.
From thence he removed to the city of Wells, were he was ordained April
15, 1741. Mr. Samuel Billingsley, of Ashwick, and Dr. Amory, of
Taunton, assisted on the occasion. Mr. Harris did not continue many years
at Wells ; but, on marrying Miss Bovet, of Honiton, he removed to that
town, to reside with two uncles of that lady, and preached the remainder
of his life to a small society, at Luppit, in the neighbourhood. In Sep
tember 1 765, the University of Glasgow conferred upori him the degree of
Doctor of Divinity, through the interest of his friend, the late Thomas
Hollis, Esq.
Dr. Harris's first essay in the walk of literature, in which he afterwards
made a distinguished figure, was the Life of Hugh Peters, after the manner
of Bayle. In 1753, he published " An historical and critical Account of the
Life and Writings of James I." upon the model of the fore-mentioned wri
ter ; drawn from State Papers and original documents. This was followed
in 1758, by-the Life of Charles I. upon the same plan. These publications
attracted the notice, and secured him the friendship, of the munificent Mr.
Thomas Hollis, who, from time to time, assisted him with many valuable
books and papers, for the furtherance of his design. In the year 1762,' he
gave m the public, the Life of Oliver Cromwell, in one large volume octavo ;
and in 1766, the Life of Charles II. in two volumes octavo. Both were
executed in the same manner, and gained the Author increasing reputation.
The characteristic qualities of Dr. Harris as an historian, are diligence in
collecting materials ; exact fidelity in quoting authorities ; impartiality in
stating facts ; and an ardent zeal for civil and religious liberty. It has been
justly observed, that while Eachard, Hume and SmoUet, and other writers
of their stamp, composed their histories for the use of Kings, or rather
tyrants, to instruct them how to rule at pleasure ; Rapin, Harris, Wilson,
Osborne, &c. wrote for the use of the people, to show them that they could
claim an equal protection in their privileges and liberties, by a right ante
rior to the authority conferred upon Kings.* Dr. Harris adopted the man
ner of Bayle, as it gave him an opportunity to enter into disquisitions, and
to indulge reflections in the notes, which, in the text, would have inter
rupted the narrative. His abilities and merits as an historian, introduce??
him to an acquaintance and correspondence with some of the most eminent
* Memoirs of Thomas Hollis, Esq; vol. i. p. 210.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 77
POOR JEWRY LANE  .English Presbytei ian, Extinct.
(about 1701, in the room of Mr. Francis Fuller, before-
mentioned.* In this connexion he continued a few years,
preaching with great acceptance, till 1705, when he ac
cepted an invitation to assist the learned Mr. John Howe,
pastor of a congregation in Silver-street, to which article
we refer for a further account of Mr. Rosewell. The va
cancy at Crutched-Friars, occasioned by his removal, was
filled up the following year, by the Rev. John Billingsley,
from Hull.
John Billingsley was born at Chesterfield, in Der
byshire, about the year 1657- His father, the Rev. John
Billingsley, M. A. was the ejected minister of that place ;
a man of great piety and worth, and a faithful industrious
preacher. He died May 30, 1684. A particular account
of him may be seen in Dr. Calamy's Abridgment,-)- toge
ther with a handsome Latin epitaph, drawn up by this his
only surviving son. After passing through a preparatory
course of education, he was admitted a member of Trinity
College, Cambridge ; but, when neither his inclination nor
circumstances, allowed his longer continuance at the Uni
versity, he was placed under the care of the famous Mr.
Edward Reyner, of Lincoln. He afterwards had consider
able assistance in his studies, from his worthy father, and
characters in his day; as Lord Orford, Archdeacon Blackburn, Dr. Birch,
Mrs. Macauley, Dr. Mayhew of Boston, Mr. Theophilus Lindsey, &c. Be
sides the foregoing works, it is conjectured that he was the author of a tract,
without his name, in answer to " An Essay on Establishments in Reli
gion ;" which passed as the work of Mr. Rotherham, but was suspected to
have been dictated, or at least revised, by Archbjshop Seeker. He was,
likewise, the editor of a volume of Sermons, by the late Mr. William West,
of Exeter. An ill state of health, broughton by nocturnal studies, when
the mornings had been spent in relaxation, and converse with neighbouring
friends, impeded his application to further historical investigations, and ter
minated his life, on February 4, 1770, when he was only 50 years of age.
Monthly Magazine for August, 1800.
*MS. f Vol. ii. p. 169.

78 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY IANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.

his uncle Whitiock, of Nottingham. He was ordained to
the ministry by fasting and prayer, and imposition of hands,
at the same time with Mr. Joshua Oldfield, Mr. Samuel
Cotes, and Mr. Samuel Rose : the ministers engaged in the
service, were his father Mr. John Billingsley, Mr. Robert
Porter, Mr. John Oldfield, Mr. Edward Prime, and Mr.
William Cotes, all names of renown in that part of the
country, Mr. Billingsley entered upon the ministry in the darkest
part of the reign of King Charles the Second, as did several
other worthy- ministers, though without any prospect of
worldly advantage, or, even opportunity of public service ;
but under the greatest difficulties and discouragements. His
first services were at Chesterfield, where he was engaged
only on the evening of the Lord's-day. After the death of
his father, it is probable he resided some time with Mr.
Edward Prime, at Sheffield, of whom he says, " This ex
cellent person was to me many years as a father, instructing,
counselling and comforting me ; and his name and memory
will always be most precious to me."* Afterwards he
preached for seven years at Selston, to a plain but serious
auditory. From thence he removed to Kingston-upon-
Hull, where he lived ten years with as great usefulness and
reputation, as any minister in those parts- About the year
1706, the providence of God directed Mr. Billingsley to
London, and he was chosen colleague with Dr. William
Harris, at Crutched-Friars. This service he undertook
with the advice and opinion of several worthy minis
ters, his particular friends ; and continued preaching about
fifteen years, as constantly as the frequent returns of
bodily disorder would admit. " I ever esteemed him (says
Dr. Harris) a great blessing to the congregation ; and I
believe he was thought so by every one in it. We lived
(together, through that course of time, in a most perfect un-
* Preface to Mr. Fern's Sermon on the Death of Mr, Prime.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 79
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
interrupted friendship and endearment : his labours and his
memory will be always precious in my account."*
For several years, during the winter season, Mr. Billing
sley spent his Lord's-day evenings in a catechetical exercise
to a numerous congregation at the Old Jewry. On these
occasions, he expounded both the shorter and larger cate
chism of the assembly of Divines, and went over the prin
cipal points of the popish controversy. Many persons,
especially of the younger sort, who attended this lecture,
afterwards remembered it with pleasure ; and God remark
ably owned and blessed his endeavours for sound instruction,
and saving conversion. When the controversy concerning
the Trinity was so warmly agitated in the West of England,
at the beginning of the eighteenth century, the Dissenting
ministers in London, with a view of composing the diffe
rences, convened a synod at Salter's-Hall in 1719; but un
happily split upon the rock of subscription, and still further
widened the breach. Mr. Billingsley divided with those
who were against subscribing ; not from any disaffection, to
the doctrine, but because he apprehended it interfered with
that fundamental principle of Protestant Dissent, The un
lawfulness of requiring subscription to human tests in matters
of religion. In this affair, no man was more anxiously
careful to see his way clear, or more throughly satisfied in
the judgment he had formed with so much deliberation.
Mr. Billingsley laboured under the great infelicity of a
crazy constitution, which, he used to say, he brought into
the world with him ; and was much exercised with weak
ness and pain. He has often gone into the pulpit without
any comfortable rest the preceding night, and groaning under
the burthen of the mortal body. On such occasions, he
used to repeat an expression he heard from the mouth of
that excellent man, Mr. Richard Baxter, who was greatly
afflicted in a similar way ; " When we are sick we groan,
* Harris's Funeral Discourses, p. 253.

80 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES -a
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct. 1
when we are well we lust ; sickness is our burthen, health
is our snare." During his long and various exercises, he
expressed a patient submission, and humble resignation to
the Divine will ; and was only solicitous that his faith and
patience might hold out to the end. It was a great disad
vantage to him under his afflictions, that his natural temper
was melancholy and timorous ; this circumstance, however,
made his humility shine with the more distinguished lustre:
" When I discoursed with him (says Dr. Harris) concerning
his spiritual state, and future prospects in his last sickness,
he spake to this sense ; ' I hope my heart has been right
with God : I think I have made it the business of my life to
please him. I have an humble confidence in the covenant
faithfulness of a gracious God, and the precious merit of
the Redeemer's blood; but pretend not to transports of
affection, and rapturous joys ; for, says he, you know my
temper and make."* During his illness, he preserved a
most profound reverence of the glorious majesty of God ;
the highest thoughts, and most ardent affection to the
blessed Redeemer ; and his soul was full of love to all good
men. He possessed a settled peace and composure of
mind ; nor did his bodily weakness, or fearful temper,
which ever made him cautious and humble, appear to dis
turb his peace, or give him uneasiness of mind. This
excellent and useful minister departed to the world of
spirits May 2, 1722, in the 65th year of his age. His
remains were interred in Bunhill-Fields ; and on Lord's-
day, May 13, Dr. Harris delivered the funeral sermon at
Crutched-Friars, from 2 Cor. v. 2. For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which
is from heaven.
To the above remarks upon Mr. Billingsley 's life, we
will subjoin a few particulars of his character. As a
preacher, his discourses were solid and judicious, the result
* Harris's Funeral Discourses, p. 257.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 8i

POOR JEtfliV. LAN &.— English Presbyterian, Extinct.

of mature thought and diligent preparation. It is recorded
to his honour, that he never satisfied himself with loose or
sudden composures ; nor allowed any ' idle neglects, - or un
guarded -liberties in what concerned the honour of divine
truth, and the welfare of the souls of men. His manner
was grave and serious ; and sometimes, upon awakening and
important subjects, very solemn and awful; such as exceed
ingly engaged the attention, and affected the heart. The
subjects he handled were the peculiar doctrines of the Gos
pel, by which he enforced the duties of religion. His usual
method- was, to reduce his subject into propositions, ai)d
then apply it to the cases of different hearers. In prayer,
he greatly excelled; and upon particular occasions, was
remarkable for the pertinence as well as fulness of his mat
ter. " The many opportunities we have had of praying toge
ther (says Dr. Harris,) in private families, and upon- parti
cular-emergencies, have given very? affecting and instructing
instances of it." As to his ' personal character, he was a
man of great sincerity and plainness of heart ; and of a very
serious spirit. His highest care and ambition was to please
God, and be accepted of him. He was a diligent inquirer
after knowledge, and used great application to inform his
mind, and fit himself for his sacred work. In the study of
the ancient and modern languages he took particular plea?
sure, and acquired. considerable skill as a critic. But, under
all his attainments he was exceedingly 'modest and humble,
paid great deference to the judgment of others, and was
always ready to receive information from the meanest per
son, . He was Temarkable for a peculiar tenderness of mind,
and' a scrupulous conscientiousness in all his concerns; and
through a long course and many trials, his conversation was
unblamable and exemplary. Of the reputation of younger
ministers he was extremely tender ; greatly delighted in their
conversation; and rejoiced much in the serious spirit, and
excellent accomplishments, with which many of them were
Vol. I. m

82 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
endowed. He had a large acquaintance among serious and
judicious people of all denominations ; and possessed a
general love and esteem. " 1 believe (says Dr. Harris) he
is thought by all who knew him, a loss to the world, and
to the church of God."*
Mr. Billingsley had the singular happiness of seeing five
children grown up and disposed of in the world, who were
all dutiful and religious. One of these was a Dissenting
minister at Dover, where, after several years, marrying a
sister of Sir Philip Yorke, afterwards Lord Chancellor
Hardwicke, he was induced to conform, and accept a good
living in the church, together with a prebend in Bristol
Cathedral. In this station he continued till the day of his
death. He was a moderate conformist, and maintained a
friendly intercourse with the Dissenters to the last. He
left two sons ; one of whom was made clerk of the patents
in the reign of George the Second ; and the other was bred
a clergyman.-]- (u)
Samuel Harvey. — This pious and excellent young
minister was a native of Birmingham, and born about the
* Dr. Harris's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Billingsley, p. 35—49.
f Nonconformist's Memorial, vol. i. p. 402, note.
(u) The following is a list of Mr. Billingsley's publications.— 1 . The Be
liever's Daily Exercise ; or the Scripture Precept of being in the Fear of
Gpd all the Day long: Explained and urged in four Sermons. 1690.— 2, A
Reformation Sermon preached at Hull, Jan. 10, 1690-1700. Jude 22, 23.
3. Two Sermons upon 2 Peter, v. 6. 1700— 4. A Reformation Sermon
preached in London, July 1, 1706. Ezra v. 2.-5. A Sermon on the 5th
of November, preached at Crutched Fryars. 1710.— 6. Doing Good to all
encouraged and directed ; in a Sermon on Gal. vi. 10. 1710.— 7 A Call to
hayerfrom the City to the Country. i7i9._8. A Thanksgiving Sermon,
Jan. 20, 17H-15.-9. A Brief Discourse of Schism.— 10. A Funeral Ser-
mon upon the premature Death of Mr. John Dudley, who departed this Life
atLe.cester,Jan.5, 1715-16.-11. An Exposition of the Epistle of Jude j
in the Continuation of Matthew Henry's Exposition.-l2. A Volume of
Sermons against Popery, 1723.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 83

POOR JEWRY LANE  English Pnsbytc7-ian, Extinct.

year 1699- Almost as soon as he could speak, he gave
manifest indications of a very serious spirit ; and by the
gravity of his deportment in the first years of life, exhibited
something superior to the manners of a child. He told a
¦worthy minister, his dear and intimate friend, (w) " That as
long as he could remember any thing, he remembered his
being concerned for the salvation of his soul ; and he always
preferred his books and his closet, to the diversions of child
hood." This serious disposition was productive of the most
happy consequences, even while a school-boy; for con
versing with one of his companions upon religious sub
jects, it proved the means of his conversion, and he after
wards became a preacher. We are informed, that from the
fifth year of his age, die impressions of the best things were
never effaced from his mind. He loved' the conversation of
ministers and Christians, especially when it turned upon
religious subjects ; and he received great assistance from an
elder sister of eminent piety. His hahits of seriousness, cou
pled with a natural love of learning, engaged much of his time
in reading the works of our best practical Divines ; and fitted
him for the ministry, to which he had a strong inclination.
He pursued his studies sometime under the care
of the pious and ingenious Mi-. John Reynolds, of
Shrewsbury. From thence he removed to be under die
tuition of the celebrated Mr. Samuel Jones, of Tewkesbury;
but he appeals to have finished his studies at Findern, in
Derbyshire, under Mr. Thomas Hill, and Dr. Ebenezer
Latham. Though this change of tutors could not have
operated to^his advantage, he is said, nevertheless, to have
made great improvements in the most useful parts of learn-
(w) The Rev. Edward Brodhurst, a very valuable minister and tutor at
Birmingham, who was removed by death, in the midst of his usefulness,
July 21, 1730, in the 39th year of his age. He was the intimate friend and
correspondent of the celebrated Dr. Watts, who drew up his epitaph in La
tin, which may be met with in the Doctor's " Reliquiae Juveniles," and
contains a full delineation of his excellent character.

84 , HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
ing, and to have acquired, a- critical skill in the Greek
tongue. But he applied himself chiefly to the study- of di
vinity ; both as more agreeable' to the temper of his mind,
and to his future prospects in life. From this> he was not
to be diverted by any worldly motives. When his tender5
and prudent father feared lest his stature should render him
despicable, and be an obstruction to his acceptance and-use-
fulness in the world ; he declared to a friend, as his deliberate
judgment, " That he was willing to undergo any pains or
reproach for the term of life, if he might be the instrument
of saving one soul." And it pleased God to grant him his ,
desire for usefulness, without being subject to those incon
veniences which his father apprehended. While at the aca
demy, he used to have set meetings with a select number of
his fellow-students designed for the ministry ; to implore the
blessing of God upon their studies ; a custom, which, after
his settlement in London, he proposed to some younger mi
nisters of his particular acquaintance. He spent many
hours, and sometimes parts of a day, in solemn prayer to
God, and in delightful communion with him. Such was
the ardent zeal of this extraordinary young man, such the
specimens of his early piety !
Soon after the death of Mr. Billingsley, in 1722, 'Mr,
Harvey was chosen assistant to Dr. William Harris,, at
Crutched-Fryars. Having now taken upon him the ministry,
he resolved to study over th6 church-controversy, and not
rest in the first impressions of education. With this view,
he read with close application and impartiality, the Lon
don Cases, and other principal books on both sides, the
question. At length, upon mature deliberation, he be
came fixed in moderate nonconformity ; which he thought
grounded upon the fundamental principles of the Refor
mation, the perfection of the Scriptures, the sole au
thority of. Christ in his. church, and the unalienable right of
every man to judge for himself, according to the best" light
and advantages afforded him. Mr. Harvey stood firm up^n

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 85
POOR JEWRY LANE.  EnglishO>resbyterian, Extinct.
this basis. He did not, however, confine religion to a
party ; but freely owned and embraced all who loved Christ,
and held the essentials of religion, however they were distin
guished among men.
When Mr; Harvey had been settled almost seven years at
Crutched-Fryars, he received an invitation to become pastor
of the Independent congregation at Sudbury, in Suffolk, in
the room of the Rev. Joshua Foster, Vvh > removed to Ba
singstoke, Hants, at the latter end of 1728. This call
produced great anxiety in Mr. Harvey's mind; being de
sirous to know the will of God, by carefully weighing the
circumstances attending his removal, before he finally deter
mined. His friends, in general, apprehended his abilities
fitter for London, where there was the greatest sphere of
service. But the uncommon affection of the people at
Sudbury, and the value they expressed for him ; together
with the apprehensions he entertained of greater usefulness
among a considerable number of veiy serious persons, at
length, inclined' him to settle there. When he was admo
nished by an elder minister, of the weakness of his consti
tution, he said, " He was willing to venture his life in the
service of God, wherever he should call him ; that it was a
good workj and he served a good Master, and was not soli
citous about the event." It pleased God, however, to dis
appoint the expectations of the good people at Sudbury ;
for before Mr. Harvey could remove thither, he was taken
to a better world.
When he was attacked with his last sickness, he' was
reading- over the Christian Writers of the three first Centu
ries. His disorder was a slow fever, -which proved fatal,
through the' weakness of his constitution,"' before he was ap
prehended to' be in danger. Venturing abroad while the
fever was upon him, he much-exhausted his spirits in a
conversation with some younger ^persons, who greatly valued
his- ministry. At the beginning of his illness, when his
books were packed up for his removal, he said to a friend,

86 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE,  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
" Perhaps I have a longer journey to go than to Sudbury."
And so it proved ; for he died the day previous to the one
he had fixed for his journey thither. He designed to have
taken a solemn leave of the congregation at Crutched-
Fryars, for whom he had always expressed a sincere value,
in a farewell sermon, which he had nearly composed for the
purpose. The subject he fixed upon was, The Apostolical
Benediction, in 2 Cor. xiii. 14. and he designed to have
published it, as a mark of respect to his late hearers ; but
the ill state of his health would not allow him to finish it.
The slow advance of his distemper at first, and the sudden
turn of it afterwards, prevented him from expressing his
thoughts concerning death, and giving those advices, which,
doubtless, he would have .done, greatly to the edification of
those about him. The night before he died, he was often
heard to pray fervently, .till nature being at length exhausted,
he resigned his spirit into the hands of his Redeemer,
April 17, 1729, in the 31st year of his age. Dr. Harris
preached his funeral sermon at Crutched-Fryars, on Psa.
cii. 23, 24.
The character of this excellent man appears in the most
amiable light. His natural abilities were above the common
rate. He possessed a sound judgment, a quick apprehen
sion, and a tenacious memory. As he read much, so he
digested and retained what he read ; and he had a surprising
faculty of repeating the sermons he heard. In conversation,
he discovered great justness and compass of thought, a na
tural ease and propriety of expression, and in his counte
nance and speech was exhibited a happy mixture of liveli
ness and gravity. In his ministerial capacity, he was fur
nished greatly beyond his years. His discourses were al
ways upon the most weighty and serious subjects, composed
with great judgment, and arranged in the best order. He
delivered himself with a manly decency, and with becoming
warmth and zeal ; which while they engaged attention and
gave delight, procured him the esteem of the serious and

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 87
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
judicious. Instead of displaying in the pulpit a vain osten
tation of learning and wit, he chose, rather, to appear seri
ous; as one who was in good earnest himself, and intent
upon doing good to the souls of men. He took great pains
to press upon his hearers the vast importance of the media
tion of Christ, and the standing influences of the Holy Spirit,
as the grand peculiarities of the Christian dispensation ; and
feared that the want of due regard to them, was one great
reason of the languishing state of religion, and of the fre
quent revolts from the Christian interest. How far his ap
prehensions have been justified, in the state of many of our
churches, for the last half century, deserves the most serious
consideration. In private life, Mr. Harvey exhibited all
the graces of the christian character. He was a man of
strict integrity, a stranger to artifice and deceit, and re
markably conscientious in all his words and actions. It is
recorded to his honour, that he was never head to speak evil
of any man. His mind was deeply tinctured with religion,
and he ever discovered an uncommon degree of genuine,
unaffected piety, (x) Religious conversation was his great
delight, and he seldom cared to bear part in any other; being
strongly persuaded of die good that might be done by it,
when managed with discretion. Here he shone to great
advantage ; being free, communicative, and cheerful. He
was ever inquisitive after truth*; zealous for what he thought
important, especially in what related to vital and practical
religion ; and greatly lamented the visible decays of it,
among Christians of different communions. A worthy mi
nister, who was intimately acquainted with him from his
youth, declared, " That in the latter part of his life, he
considered him as a Christian fully grown, and arrived to
(x) It appears that he kept a diary of the state of his soul, and of the most
remarkable providences of God, for more than sixteen years together ; in
which are many wise and judicious remarks, and the most devout reflec
tions and ejaculations, bewailing the disorders of his mind, imploring the
Divine aid, adoring the Divine mercy, &c.

88 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
"I'OOrTeWRY LANE.  EngUshlPresbylerian, Extinct.
the most adyancecl steps of the Divine life, which are to be
found among men on earth." Dr. Harris observes of him,
*' I must bear this testimony to his memory from the most
intimate acquaintance, and I know I have, the concurrency
of my brethren, who best knew him ; That I never knew
any young minister of so serious a spirit, and so earnestly
set for doing good. He was . indeed ripe for service, and
ripe for rjeaven betimes. I can truly say, that I never1 heard
him without pleasure, and often with admiration."* The
excellent Dr. Watts, who had a great esteem for Mr. -Harr
vey, drew up the following epitaph to. his memory*-
Here He the ruins of a lowly tent,
Where the seraphic soul of Harvey spent
Its mortal years. How did his genius shine,
Like heaven's bright Envoy .clad, in powers divinel
"When from his lips the grace or vengeance broke,
•Twas majesty in arms, 'twas melting mercy spoke..;
"What worlds of worth lay crowded in the breast !
Too strait the mansion for th' illustrious guest.
Zeal, like a flame, shot from the realms of day, >
Aids the slow fever to consume the clay,
And bears the Saint up thro' the starry road
Triumphant : So Elijah went to God.
What happy Prophet shall his mantle find.
Heir to the double portion of his mind » . .

Nathaniel Lardner, D. D. — This learned and
eminent Divine, was born at Hawkehurst, in Kent, June 6
1684. Of his father, the Rev. Richard Lardner, who was
a respectable and worthy minister among the , Protestant
Dissenters, we shall have, occasion to make distinct men
tion, in the course of the present work. His mother was
one of the daughters of Mr. Nathaniel Collyer, formerly of
the borough of Southwark, but who afterwards retired to
* Dr. Harris's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Harvey, p. 97—45.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. g£j
POOR IEWUY LANli  English /'nsbyierian, ExLir.ct.
Hawkehurst, a large village, south of Cranbrook, and lying
in that part of Kent which borders upon Sussex. It was
probably at his grandfather's house that young Lardner was
born. Where he received his grammatical education cannot
now be ascertained; though, from his father's residence at
Deal, it is supposed to have been at that place. From the
grammar-school, he was removed to an academy in Hoxton-
square, under the superintendance of those eminent Divines^
Messrs. Spademan, Lorimer, and Oldfield. Here he must
have continued but a short time 5 for towards the latter end
of 1699, being then only in his sixteenth year, he was sent
to prosecute his studies at Utrecht. He was accompanied
thither by Mr. Martin Tomkins, afterwards a Dissenting
minister, and a writer of some eminence ; and they found
there the celebrated Mr. Daniel Neal. The Professors of the
University at that time were D' Uries, Graevius, and Bur-
man, names of no small celebrity in the literary world.
Under such tutors, Mr. Lardner made suitable improve
ments in various branches of learning ; and brought back
with him a testimonial from Professor Burman to that pur
pose. After spending somewhat more than three yeai s at
Utrecht, Mr. Lardner removed to Leyden, where he stu
died about six months. In 1703, he returned to England, in
company with Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Neal, and joined him
self to the Independent Church in Miles's-lane, under the
pastoral care of the Rev. Matthew Clarke. The six following
years he spent in close study, and diligent preparation for
the sacred profession he had in view.*
Mr. Lardner did not hastily press himself into the minis
try, for it was not till he was above twenty-five years of age
that he entered the pulpit. He preached his first sermon
for his friend Mr. Martin Tomkins, at Stoke-Newington.
The subject of his discourse was, Rom. i. 16. For J am
* Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the late Rev.. Nathaniel Lard
ner, D.D. p. I — 3f
Vol. L n

<)0 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.

not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, 8cc. We have no in-
fofnfcttion concerning him during the four years that suc
ceeded this event ; but, it is probable he preached fre
quently for his father, who was then pastor of a congregation
in London. In the year 1713, he was invited to reside in
the family of Lady Treby, widow of Sir George Treby, (Y)
in quality of chaplain to her ladyship, and tutor to her
youngest son, Brindley Treby. To this proposal he ac
ceded ; and it need not be said, how well qualified he was,
by his knowledge, judgment and learning, to undertake
such a trust. After he had superintended the studies of Mr*
Treby for three years, he accompanied him in an excursion
into France, the Austrian Netherlands, and the United Pro'-'
vinces, which employed four months. From a journal
which Mr. Lardner kept of this tour, it was evident that he
did not lose the opportunity it afforded him of making exact
and judicious observations on the manners and customs of
the inhabitants whom he saw and visited, and on the edifices'
and curiosities of the countries through which he passed;
After his return, he continued to reside in the family of
Lady Treby, till 1721, the time of her ladyship's death.
By this event, he was removed from a situation which seemi
to have been an agreeable one, and was thrown into circum
stances of perplexity and suspense. . His own remarks will
show the state of his mind at that time. " I am yet at a
loss, (says he) how to dispose of myself. I can say I am
desirous of being useful in the world. Without this* no
external advantages relating to myself will" make me happy;
and yet I have no prospect of being serviceable in the work
of the ministry ; having preached many years without being
favoured with the approbation and choice of any one co*
gregation."* (y) Sir George Treby, Knight, was appointed Lord Chief Justice of the
Court of Common Pleas, in 1692, and sustained that high office with 'gnat-
ability and integrity, till his decease in 170*.
* Memoirs, ubi supra, p. 4.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 9\
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
That such a man as Dr. Lardner should be suffered to
lie so long neglected, has been matter of surprise to some
persons, who haye been inclined to censure the Dissenter^
upon that account. It should be observed, however, that
he had not then commenced author, and his talents weie
only iaaown in the private circte of his acquaintance. But,
besides ibis, diere were some material circumstances that
coatribuited to render him unpopular. In his best days, be
possessed but an indifferent elocution ; and he dropped his
words greatly in the pulpit. To this may be added, that
(he matter of his discourses, as well as his mode of compo
sition, was not calculated to strike the multitude. It was
also about this time that he became afflicted with a deafness
that increased upop him as he advanced in years. This
calamity was not a little heightened by the death of his pupil
Mr. Treby, (z) for whom he entertained the highest affec
tion and esteem. On the subject of his deafness, he writes
thus in the beginning of the year 1724, " Mr- Cornish
preached ; but I was not able to hear any tiling he said, nor
so much as the sound of his voice. I am, indeed, at pre
sent so deaf, that when I sit in the pulpit, and the congre
gation is singing, I can hardly tell whether lhey are singing
or not."*
It is a circumstance not generally known, that Mr. Lard
ner commenced his stated labours in the ministry, at an
ancient meeting-house in Hoxton-square. Here he preached
for a few years, as assistant to his father, Mr. Richard Lard
ner. -f At the time of his leaving Lady Treby's family, he
was a member of a literary society, consisting of ministers and
lay gentlemen, who met on Monday evenings, at Chew?s
Coffee-house, in Bow-lane, Cheapside. He was also a
member of another society, which met at the same place,
on a Thursday, and consisted entirely of ministers. One of
(z) This event happened in l?23.
» Memoirs, ubi supra, p. 11. f MS,

92 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY l.ANE.  English Piesby'irian, Extinct.
the objects they had in view, was to compose a Concordance
to the Bible ; and they began to methodize the book of Pro
verbs for that purpose. But by some means or other, the
design was never completed. In the year 1723, he was
concerned, with several other ministers, in conducting a
course of lectures, on a Tuesday evening, at the 014 Jewry.
In his turn, on these occasions, he delivered three admi
rable discourses on the Credibility of the Gospel History ;
which, probably, laid the foundation of his great work.
Ceitain it is, that, from this time, he was diligently engaged
in writing the first part of his Credibility. His modesty,
however, was such, that he was doubtful about the publica
tion of it, and greatly regretted, that, by the decease of his
friend and pupil, Mr. Treby, he was deprived of his advice,
on this and other occasions. At length, getting the better
of his diffidence, he published in 1727, hi two volumes
oetnvo, the first part of " The Credibility of the Gospel
History ; or, the facts occasionally mentioned in the New
Testament confirmed by passages of ancient authors, who
were contemporary with our Saviour, or his Apostles, or
livtd near their time." An appendix was subjoined, con
cerning the time, of Herod's death. It is scarcely necessary
to say how well this work was received by the learned of all
denominations. It is, indeed, an invaluable performance ;
replete with admirable instruction, sound learning, and just
criticism ; and it hath rendered the most essential service to
Christianity. A second edition was soon called for, and a
third was published in 1741.*
In the beginning of February, 1728, the course of Mr.
Lardner's studies was interrupted, and his life threatened by
the attack of a violent fever, which proved of long continu
ance. For some time his recovery was despaired of by his
relatives and, friends; but he was relieved, and at length,
happily restored to health, by the divine blessing on the
* Kippis/s Life of Dr. Lardner, prefixed to his works, p. 1 2.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

POOR JF.WK.Y LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
prescriptions of Dr. (afterwards, Sir Edward) Hulse, who
was called in to consult with the other physicians. It was
not long after his recovery, that he settled at Poor Jewry
Lane, Crutched-Fryars. For preaching a casual sermon
there on the 24th of August, 1729, he was unexpectedly
invited to become assistant to Dr. William Harr.s ; and
entered upon his office on the 14th of September fol
lowing.* At this time, the religious woild was engaged in an im
portant controversy, relative to the Christian revelation,
Mr. Woolston, by reading Origen, and other mystical wri
ters, had been led to embrace an allegorical mode of
explaining the scriptures, which he carried to a most extra
vagant and ridiculous excess. After several absurd publi
cations, he contended, in a tract entitled, " The Moderator
between an Infidel and an Apostate," that the Miracles of
our Saviour were not real, or ever actually wrought. For
this work, a prosecution was commenced against him, in
1726, by the Attorney General; but, in consequence of Mr.
Whiston's intercession, it was laid aside. Mr. Woolston
was not induced by this indulgence, to continue in silence.
He pursued the subject through the following years, till
1730, in six discourses, and two defences t)f them ; in
which he not only maintained his former principles, but
treated the Miracles of our Saviour with a licentiousness,
buffoonery, and insolence, that was strongly indicative of
malignant infidelity. The prosecution, therefore, was re
newed against him; and, being tried before Lord Chief
Justice Raymond, he was condemned in one year's impri
sonment, and a fine of a hundred pounds. But a far bet*
ter method of confuting Mr. Woolston, was adopted by
many learned Divines, who wrote against him. Among
these, Mr. Lardner appeared to no small advantage. His
work upon this occasion, published "fet the latter end of
'Memoirs, ubi supra, p. 11, 12.

94 HISTORY AN© ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
1729, was entitled, " A Vindication of Three of our
Blessed Saviour's Miracles, viz. The Raising of Jairus's
Daughter, the Widow of Nain's Son, and Lazarus." This
Vindication, which was composed with reference to Mr.
Woolstoa's fifth discourse, was undoubtedly one of the best
treatises which appeared in that controversy. It abounds
with admirable and judicious observations, and contains a
complete defence of three of the most important of our
Lord's miracles. Accordingly, it was very favourably re
ceived by the Learned world, and soon came to a second.
edition. Mr. Lardner was not one of those who approved
of the prosecution which was carried on against Mr. Wool?
ston by the civil magistrate. In his preface, therefore, he
has made some excellent remarks on the subject of free
inquiry and discussion. If men be permitted to deliver
their sentiments freely in matters of religion, and to propose
their objections against Christianity itself, he declares it to
be his opinion, that there would he no reason to be in pain
for the event. He justly observes, that all force on the
minds of men, in matters of belief, is contrary to the
spirit of Christianity; and that severity instead of doing
good, has always done harm. The force of this remark,
is abundantly verified by matter of fact.. Dr. Waddington,
at that tune Bishop of Chichester, who was highly pleased
with Mr. Lardner's Vindication, did not equally approve of
the preface ; and, therefore, wrote to him upon the sub
ject. Several letters passed between them on the occasion,
and they are couched in terms of mutual civility and
respect.* In 1733, appeared the first volume of the second part of
" The Credibility of the Gospel History; or the principal
Facts of the New Testament confirmed by Passages from
ancient Authors, who were contemporary with our Saviour,
or his Apostles, or lived near their time." Ihe testimonies
* Kippis's Life of Dr. Lardner, p. 15— is.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 95
POOR JEWRY" LANE.  English Presbyteiian, Extinct.
produced and considered, in this volume, were those of
Barnabas, Clement, Hernias,- Ignatius, Polycarp, Papias,
Justin Martyr, Dionysius of Corinth, Titian, Hegesippus,
MelitOj Ireneus, and Athenagoras. Our author also treats
on a fragment called, Clement's Second Epistle, the ' rela^
tion of Polycarp's Martyrdom, the Evangelists in the reign
of Trajan, the Epistle to Diognatus, and the Epistle of the
Churches of Vienne and Lyons. In the Introduction) he
has giverr an admirable summary of the history of the New
Testament. The testimonies of approbation he r6ceived>
in consequence of this work, were exceedingly numerous •
and it was so highly valued abroad, as to be translated by
two learned foreigners,, into Latin and Low Dutch. Th^
second volume of the second part of the Credibility, ap-i
peared in 1735. The subjects of this Volume were> Mil-
tiades, Theophilus of Antioch, Pantaeneus, Clement of
Alexandriay Polycrates, Heraclitusy and several other Vvri«-
ters near the end of the second cfentury ;• also Hermias, Se-
fapioa> Tertullian, together with a number of authors who
required only to be shortly mentioned, and certain supposi
tious writings of the second century ; such as the Aets of
Paul and Thecla, the Sibylline Oracles, the Testaments of
the Twelve Patriarchs, the Recognition's, the Clementine^
Homilies, and the Clementine Epitome. Among these
different articles, those which relate to Clement of Alexan
dria and Tertullian, are peculiarly important, and the re
marks on the Apocryphal works are very Curious and useful.
The farther Mr. Lardner proceeded in his design, the more
did he advance in esteem and reputation among learned men
of all denominations.*
In November 1736, our author was attacked by another
severe and dangerous fever ; and the effects of it were such,
that he did not recover his health, so far as to be able to
preach, till late in the spring of 1737- In that year, he
* Kippis, ubi supra, p. 20—23.

96 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JErt'RV LANE.— English Presbyterian, Extinct.
published his " Counsels of Prudence for the Use of Young
People; a Discourse on the Wisdom of the Serpent, and.
the Innocence of the Dove : in which are recommended
general Rules of Prudence ; with particular Directions re
lating to Business, Conversation, Friendship, and Useful
ness." This discourse was generally and justly admired ;•
and it received the particular commendation of Dr. Seeker,
then Bishop of Oxford. In 1738, Mr. Lardner gave to the
public, the third volume of the second part of the Credibi
lity. This volume carried the evidence down to the year
233, and included Minucius Felix, Apollonius, Caius, As-
terius Urbanus, Alexander Bishop of Jerusalem, Hippoly-
tus, Ammonius, Julius Africanus, Origen, and Fermilian.
Some of these articles are of interesting importance, parti
cularly that of Origen. The following- year, our author
published two discourses, entitled, " A Caution against
Conformity to this World." These may justly be consi
dered as a sequel to the Counsels of Prudence. Early in
January, 1740, appeared the fourth volume of the second
part of the Credibility. This volume commences with an
account of various writers of less note in the former part of
the third century. Our author then proceeds to the consi
deration of Noetus, and others who were called heretics at
that period ; such as the Valesians, the Angelics, the Apos
tolus, and tlie Origenists. But the volume is chiefly de
voted to Gregory Bishop of Neocesarea; Dionysius of
Alexandria ; and Cyprian of Carthage. The two last arti
cles are very copious and curious.*
In the year 1740, Mr. Lardner suffered a severe domes
tic affliction, in the death of his venerable father, in the
87th year of his age. With his worthy parent he had resided
ever since he quitted Lady Treby's family ; and this event
affected him in a very sensible manner. The same year, he
sustained another loss in the death of his respectable' and
• Kippis, ubi supra, p. 24—28.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 97

_ , P.QOR. JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
highly valued colleague Dr. William Harris ; on which
occasion, he1 preached and printed a suitable discourse.
Soon after this event, he had an unanimous invitation to
undertake the pastoral charge of the Society in Poor Jewry
Lane^ 'in' conjunction with some other minister, of wnoiri
they "should- make 'choice: To this he was strongly urged
by his friend Mr.' Joseph Hallet, of Exeter, whom he con
sulted upon the occasion1; hut for reasons at present un
known, he declined fakirig a share in the pastoral office. It
is probable that his deafness contributed, among other
causes,' to this determination. In November, Mr. (after
wards Dr;) George Benson, was chosen sole pastor of the
Society," and our author Continued assistant preacher.*
It was not till the year 1 743, that Mr. Lardner was ena
bled to give to the public,' the fifth volume of the second
part of the Credibility^ ' This volume comprehended Corne
lius Lucius^ ' and DionysiuS, bishops of Rome; No varus,
Commodian,' Malchiori, Anatolius^ 'and three ' Others', bi
shops of Laodicea ; Theognostus ; Thfeorias, bishop of Alex
andria ; Pierius)' presbyrer of the same church ; two Dori-
theuses; Victdrihus,"T)ishbp of Pettaw; Methodius} bishop
of Olympus in Lycia ;" Lucian^ presbytar of Aritibch ; He-
sychlus, bishop in Egypt ; Parhphylius, presbyter of Caesa-
rea ;- Phileas, bishop of Thuihis in Egypt;' Philoromus?
receiver-general at Alexandra'; Peter/ bishop of Alexan
dria, and ' the Miletians. "In 'ah" advertisenreht, 'prefixed' to
the volume, bur author expresses ' his ' apprehensions that
some person's might be ready !tb chargVhim with prolixity ;
but he offers, at the Same time, Very satisfactory reasons for
the' method "he1 has pursued. Among bthe> things, he ob
serves, thaftlie "particular design'or* his work' was to enable
persons of ordinary capacities, %ih.b had hot an opportunity
of reading" maiiy authors, to judg^for the'mselves concerning
* Memoirs, ubi supra, p. 86 — 95.
Vol. I. o

9& HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
i ' " ' ^^^= j :
PO0RJEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
the external evidence of the facts related in the New Testa
ment. This volume of his great work was followed, the
same year, by another valuable performance, entitled, " The
Circumstances of the Jewish People an Argument for the
Truth of the Christian Religion." It consists of three dis
courses on Rom. xi. 11. and is handled with great perspi-,
cuity and success.* It was in the year last mentioned, that
death made another inroad in. his family, by the decease of
the Rev. Daniel Neal, who had married his sister. And
the following year (1744) he lost another distant relation by
marriage,. Dr. Jeremiah Hunt, who was one of his most
intimate and beloved friends. This latter event, he im
proved in a funeral discourse, which he afterwards pub
lished^ In 1745, Mr. Lardner favoured the public with another
volume of his great work, being the sixth of the second
part. Excepting one chapter, relating to Archelaus, bishop
in Mesopotamia, the whole volume was devoted to the
Manichees ; and the account of them is both curious and
instructive. The same year, he revised and published a
volume of posthumous sermons of the Rev. Mr. Kirby
Reyner, of Bristol ; to which he prefixed a brief account of
the audror. It was in the beginning of this year, that Mr.
Lardner received a diploma from the Marischal College of
Aberdeen, conferring upon him the degree of Doctor in
Divinity. This was an honour which our author did not
solicit, but which, when bestowed in so obliging a manner,
he did not think it became him to refuse ; preserving herein
the due medium, between seeking for such a distinction,
and despising it when offered. In 1746, Dr. Lardner was
appointed one of the correspondent members at London, of
the Society in Scotland, for propagating Christian Know
ledge, and Protestant Principles, in the northern parts of
that country, and the adjacent islands. In 1748, he was
* Kippis, ubi supra, p. 31—33.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 99
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
engaged in superintending a new edition of the two first
volumes of the second part of the Credibility ; and in the
same year, he published the seventh volume of that part.
The persons of whom an account was given, and whose tes
timonies were recited in this volume, were Arnobius, Lac-
tantius; Alexander, bishop of Alexandria; Arras and his
followers, and Constantine the Great, the first Christian
Emperor. There were, likewise, two chapters on the
Donatists, and on the burning of the Scriptures in the time
of the Dioclesian persecution. It will appear from these
names, that most of the articles are of peculiar importance.
The character of Constantine is drawn with equal judgment
and candour ; and he discusses the fable of the cross, in the
most sagacious and convincing manner.*
A new edition of the third volume of the second part of
the Credibility was called for in 1750; and in the course of
the same year appeared the eighth volume. It began with
the council of Nice, and then proceeded to Eusebius, bi
shop of Caesarea. The other persons and subjects treated of
were, Marcellus, bishop of AnCyra in Galatia ; Eusta-
thius, bishop of Antioch ; Athanasius, bishop of Alexan
dria ; a dialogue against the Marcionites, Juvencus, Julius
Firmicus Maternus, Cyril of Jerusalem, the Audians, Hi
lary of Poictiers, Aerius, the council of Laodicea, Epipha-
nius, Bishop in Cyprus ; and the Apostolical Constitutions
and Canons. In this volume, the two first articles are of
peculiar importance. At the conclusion of the account of
the council of Nice, are some admirable reflections on the
conduct of that council, and on the pernicious effects of
introducing subscriptions, authority, and force into the
Christian Church. The history of Eusebius is very copious,
and contains many excellent observations concerning the
divisions of the sacred books, the character of the writers
of them, and the employment of the Apostles, and aposto-
* Kippis, ubi supra, p. 35 — SJ).

j.00 HISTORY, AND ANTIQUITIES

PO ORTEWKV LkUli.— English PresbyttrianTCxG n c t .

lical men.* In the, same,, year, ,pur, authpr published, ,a
volume, of sermons, the subject? of which are,, entirely .of a
practical nature. In 1751, he. resigned the office pf morn
ing preacher at Crutched-Fryars • .His reasons , for . this de
termination, were,,, die cpntinuance and even, increase of his,
deafness, jthe smallqess, of the morning auditory, and the
importanceof.red,eeming1time for.carrying on ^iis,long,work.
He preached his last sermon on the 23d, pf June ; having
been assistant at Poor Jewry L<me, nearly, ^wenty-two years.
The subject of his farewell ciiscourse was, 2 Cor. iv..l8.
While we: look not at the things which are seen,, but at the
things whi^h are not {sgen ; for ijhe things whiph, axe,y seen
are temporal, but ;$]\e things wl\ich are, not, seep,, are
eternal. -\
The ninth iYoJume of. the second part of the Credibility
appeared in 17,52. . The persons treated of, .were Riietipius,
bishop of, Autun ; Triphyllius, Foi tunatianus, Phptinus ;
Eusebius, bishpp of Vercelli ; Lucifer, bishop ,tqf( Cag-
liari in Sardinia ; Gregory, bishop of Elvira.; Ph^badius,
bishop of Agen; Caius Marius Victprinus jf-Lfer ; '. Apoljina-
rius, bishop of Laqdjicea; Damasus, bishop , .pf j Rpnje, ;
Basil, bishop pf Caesarea in Cappadocia; Gregory I^fa-
zianzen ; AmPm'0Chills) bishop of Icpniu,ni ; Gregory, bi-
fhop.of Nyssa in Cappadocia; Didymus , of Alexandria,
Ephrem the, Syrian, tjbedjesu ; Pacjau,, bishop of, Par^e.-
lbna; Optatus of Milevi ; Ambrose, bishop of ^Mjlan,;
'^H^iEV®' b:ishoPlf9f Tarsus; Philaster and Gaudentius,
bishops ,pf Brescia j.Sophrpnius, and Theodore,, ".bjshop!,?!
Mopsuestia inCilicia. ./There is 'ajs^p a , long, and c^urjpus.
chapter concerning the pr^yiianists,' and a shorter, pne 're>-
^y6,*0- F9mmentary upon thirteen of Paul's! ^pisjtl^s, ascri
bed by many to Hilary, deacon of(Rpme. Tq,$js Volume
were subjoined, " j Remarks, upon Mr. .Bower's Account of
fe,Mfnifhees'.iin ^ Oft0*!.! y,?MWe of ",'fejHistory of die
* Kippis, ubi supra, p. 40. + JVIernoirs, ubi supra, p. 107.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 101
POOIi. JEWUY LANE..  English Bresbyteiian.Entinei.
Popes." In i this year, a. second impression was called for
of the Discourses on the Circumstances of the Jewish Peo
ple. The, next year produced the tenth volume of the
second part of the, Credibility ; in which the persons treated
of are few in number, but very important with respect to
tiieir .character, .works , and;. testimony. They are Jerome;
Rufinus ; , AugUstin,! bishop of Hippo ; and John Chrysos-
tom, bishop of Constantinople. A short chapter is intro
duced, on the third council of Carthage. Two ouier pub
lications came from the pen, of Dr. Lardner the same year.
The first was, " A . Dissertation upon the two Epistles
ascribed to Clement of Rome, lately. i. published by Mr.
Wetstein ; with large Extracts out of them, and, an Argument
shpwing them not to be genuine;" The other production
of Dr. Lardner .appeared without his name, and was enti
tled, " Aui Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation
and Fall of. Man." In this piece, our author adopts the
lateral sense of the history of our first parents, and, ..after
having critically explained )the narration, deduces from it a
variety, of important observations.*
Dr. Lardner was now drawing to the , conclusion, of the
second part of the Credibility. ,In 1754>: the eleventh vo
lume, of it was published, containing a succinct history of
the principal Christian writers from the, fifth, to die twelfth
centuries, inclusive ; with their testimony to the books of
the New Testament. The persons introduced in this, vo
lume, were more than forty in number, it not being, neces
sary to make the articles so large and particular, as had
been, requisite at a more early period. An appendix was
added, giving , an account of the ecclesiastical histories^ of
Socrates, Sosomen, and Theodoret. As such a quantity
and variety of matter was comprehended in this great work,
an epitome of it became very desirable, . to assist the me
mory, and to display, .at one view, the force of the argu-

• Kippis'sLife of Lardner, ,p.,44 — 47.

102 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LA.WE.-r-English Presbyterian, Extinct.
ment. Accordingly this was undertaken by the author him
self, who, in the twelfth and last volume of the second part,
which was published in 1755, gave a general review of his
design, and an admirable recapitulation of the eleven pre
ceding volumes, with some new additional observations.
Lists were added of various readings, and of texts explained;
together with an alphabetical catalogue of Christian au
thors, sects and writings, and an alphabetical table of prin
cipal matters.*
About this time, Dr. Lardner, in cbnjunction with Dr.
Chandler, Dr. John Ward, and Mr. Edward Sandercock,
was engaged in perusing, and preparing for the press, some
posthumous dissertations of the Rev. Moses Lowman, a
learned dissenting minister at Clapham. In 1756, he pub
lished the first and second volumes of " The Supplement to
the Credibility of the Gospel History ;" and the following
year a third volume, which completed the work. The first
volume of the Supplement contained general observations
upon the Canon of the New Testament, and a history of the
four Evangelists, with the evidences for the genuineness of
the four Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles, and an
«xamination of the times in which these books were written.
There is, likewise, a chapter concerning the time when the
Apostles left Judaea, to preach the Christian religion in
other countries; which event, our author thinks, could not
have taken place until after the council at Jerusalem. The
volume concludes with a discussion of the question, whether
either of the first three Evangelists had seen the gospels of
the others before he wrote his own ; and is determined in the
negative. The second volume comprehended the history of
the Apostle Paul, displayed the evidences for the genuine
ness of his fourteen Epistles, particularly that to the He
brews, and ascertained the times in which they were written.
Through the whole were interspersed many curious remarks ;
• Kippis, ubi supra, p. 48—50.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 105
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
and the two concluding chapters were employed in shewing,
that the Epistle inscribed to the Ephesians, was actually
addressed to them, and that the churches of Colosse and
Laodicea were planted by Paul. In the third volume the
seven catholic Epistles, and the Revelation of John, was
considered, and histories given of James, Peter, and Jude.
The order of the books of the New Testament is examined,,
and proofs afforded that they were early known, read, and
made use of by Christians. In conclusion it is shewn, that
there is no reason to believe that any of the sacred books of
the New Testament have been lost. It would not be easy
to say too much in praise of this work. The different ques
tions are discussed with a depth of investigation, and an ac
curacy of judgment, which are worthy of the highest admi
ration. JDr. Watson, bishop of Landaff, has inserted this
Supplement in his valuable collection of Theological Tracts.
The execution of this work, completed one grand part of
Dr. Lardner's design, which was, to produce, at large, the
testimonies of Christian writers to the books of the New
Testament. It was a work of thirty-three years, and must
have cost him immense labour. He had a design of pub
lishing another volume of testimonies to the principal facts
of the New Testament ; but for some reason, it was never
carried into effect. Perhaps, upon reflection, he might
judge, that almost every tiling he might wish to say upon
this subject, would be found in the volumes already pub
lished.* In the year 1757, Dr. Lardner, in conjunction with the
Rev. Caleb Fleming, revised for publication, and intro
duced with a preface, a posthumous tract of Mr. Thomas
Moore, entitled, " An Inquiry into the Nature of our Sa
viour's agony in the garden." (z) In the following year ap-
• Kippis's, ubi supra, p. 50 — 55 .
(z) Mr. Moore was a woollen-draper, in Holywell-street, Strand ; a
thinking man, and studious in the scriptures. The design of his pamphlet

104 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE'.— .En^'ZisA Presbyterian, Extinct.
peared twb productions from his own pen '. ' The first was'
" The' case of the Demoniacs," mentioned in the New Tes
tament; being 'four Discourses upon Mark' v.' 19, with an
Appendix for the further Illustration of 'the Subject:" In
this work, Dr. LardherJ ' maintains the hypothesis formerly
supported by Mr. Joseph Mede, and hibre^iately1 by Dr.
Sykes, and the celebrated Mr.1 Hugh Farmer. This
scheme,' which supposes the detaoriiacs to'1 'have been only
diseased, Or lunatic per sbhs', ' and hot actually possessed by
evil spirits, has gained ground of late years; but it lias been
considered by many persons as invblvihg the most injurious
consequences ; being hot only contrary* to the whole tenor
of scripture' evidence, but subversive even of Christianity
itself.' The subject is certainly an important' one,' 'and de
serves the serious attention of fevfery' inquisitive reader, (a)
The other publication of Dr. Lardrier's this year, was ano
nymous, and entitled, " A Letter to Jonas Hanway,Esq\
in which some reasons are assigned why houses for the: re
ception of penitent women, who have been disorderly in
their lives/' ought' 'not to be called • Magdalen Houses."
Mary Magdalen, as' our author shows; was not the sinner
recorded iii the seventh chapter* Of Luke, but a woman of
distinction and excellent character j 'who, for a while,' la
boured under some bodily indisposition, which our Lord
miraculously healed. ' To stamp infamy upon her name;
therefore, is not only highly injurious, hut a direct violation
of the sacred history.*
was'tb account for our Lord's agony,' from the series of events which 'betel
him during the latter part of his ministry, without supposing it to have
been the result of any prasternatural inflictions. It is certainly an ingenious
performance ; but how far it is calculated to do honour to the Redeemer,
must be left to the reader's judgment.
(a; Those who wish to inform themselves upon this subject, may con
sult the writings of Sykes, Lardner and Farmer, on the one side; and of
Fell and Worthington, who answered them.' Fell's book is a master-piece
of acute criticism. ' • Kippis, ubi supra, p. 56, 57.

1
OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 105
POUIS. JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
In the year 1759, Dr. Lardner published, but without
his name, " A Letter written in the year 1730, concerning
the question, Whether the Logos supplied the place of a
human Soul in the person of Jesus Christ." The reason
why this did not appear sooner, perhaps, was because the
author. had not fully made up his mind on the subject.
There were now added, " Two Postscripts : The first,
containing an Explication of the words, the Spirit, the
Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, as used in the Scriptures :
The second, containing Remarks upon the third Part of the
late Bishop of Clogher's Vindication of the Histories of the
Old and New Testaments." In this treatise, Dr. Lardner
opposes the Arian hypothesis, to which he acknowledges he
had once, for a while, been much inclined ; but which he
now thought irreconcileable to reason.* Instead of this, he
labours to support a scheme, which we apprehend to be
much more irreconcileable, we will not say to reason, but
to the sacred scriptures, the only touchstone of a doctrine
that is purely a matter of Revelation. It is with extreme
concern, that we place so great a man as Dr. Lardner on
the list of Socinian authors, who, however respectable, on
account of their labours in the cause of literature, have con
tributed by their writings to poison the streams of divine
truth, and promote an universal scepticism in matters of
belief, (b)
A second volume of Sermons, on various subjects, was
published by our author in 1760. They are of a more
critical nature than those he gave to the world ten years
* Kippis, , ubi supra, p. 58, 59.
(b) We have somewhere met with an observation of the celebrated Dr.
Taylor of Norwich^ which is much to our present purpose. The Doctor,
who was a zealous Socinian, and a learned tutor at Warrington, expressed
his surprise " how it happened that most of his pupils turned Deists."
The fact, it seems, he admitted ; but he never thought of accounting for it
from the sceptical tendency of Socinian principles.
Vol. I. v

106 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.

before. The same year, the eleventh volume of the Inedi
bility, and the two first volumes of the Supplement came to
a second edition. The fifth volume had been reprinted in
1756, and the fourth and sixth in 1758. About this time,
he revised the manuscript of a Treatise on the True Doctrine
of the New Testament concerning Jesus Christ ; written by
the Rev. Paul Cardale, (c) a Dissenting Minister at Eve
sham, in Worcestershire. It is introduced by a long dis
course on Free Inquiry in Matters of Religion, and con
tains a particular defence of the Socinian scheme. In 1761
and 1762, Dr. Lardner communicated four papers to a
periodical work, called, " The Library." The tenth vo
lume of the Credibility came to a new edition in the former
year, as did the eleventh in 1762, and the eighth in 1766.
It was in 1762, that our author published his " Remarks
on the late Dr. Ward's Dissertations on several Passages
of the Sacred Scriptures ; wherein are shown, beside
other things, that John computed the hours of the day-
after the Jewish manner; who are the Greeks, John xii -
who the Grecians, Acts vi ; the design of the Apostolic
decree, Acts xv ; that there was but one sort of Jewish
proselytes ; wherein lay the fault of Peter ; and how
Paul may be vindicated." In 1764, he published some
(c) Mr. Cardale was educated for the ministry under Dr. Latham, at
Findern, in Derbyshire. About the year J 735, he settled at Evesham,
where he preached about forty years, till his death, early in 1775. At the
last, he had about twenty people to hear him, having ruined a fine congre
gation by his very learned, dry, and critical discpurses, an extreme heavi.
ness in the pulpit, and an almost total neglect of pastoral visits and private
instruction^ He wrote several pieces in a dull, tedious way, in favour of
Socinianism. In common with other writers of his stamp, he endeavours
to impress his readers with an idea that every creed promulgated under the
name of Christian, is equally acceptable to the Divine Being ; or in other
words, that there is no such thing as religious truth. His publications
according to Dr. Kippis,* had considerable influence in drawing over per
sons to his own opinions.
f Orton's Letters to Dissenting Ministers, vol. i. p, u4.
X Life of Lardner, p. fl?.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 107
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
strictures on Dr. Macknight's Harmony of the Four
Gospels, so far as related to the History of our Saviour's
Resurrection.* Amidst these various productions of a smaller nature, Dr.
Lardner continued the prosecution of his grand object.
Accordingly, in 1764, he gave to the world, in quarto, the
first volume of " A large Collection of ancient Jewish and
Heathen Testimonies to the Truth of the Christian Reli
gion." This volume contained the authors of the first cen
tury. The heathen testimonies were, ' the pretended Epistle
of Afogarus, King of Edessa ; the Knowledge which the
Emperor Tiberius had of our Lord ; a monumental inscrip
tion concerning the Christians in the time of Nero ; Pliny
the elder ; Tacitus ; Martial ; Juvenal ; and Suetonius.
But the volume is chiefly occupied with the Jewish testimo
nies, the principal of which is that of Josephus. He has
taken great .pains in .examining the celebrated passage in
that historian relating to Jesus Christ ; which he pronounces
an interpolation. The learned Dr. Chandler, who was con
vinced of its genuineness, addressed a letter on the subject
to our author, who returned a written reply. In more re
cent times, the passage has been defended with great
strength of reasoning, by the late Mr. Jacob Bryant, The
second .volume of our author appeared in 1765, containing
the Heathen Testimonies of the Second Century. The
persons treated of are Pliny the younger, andT-rajan; Epic-
tetus the Stoic, and Arrian ; the Emperor Adrian ; Brut-
tius Prassens ; Phlegou, Thallus, and Dionysius the Areo-
pagite ; the Emperor Titus Antoninus the Pious ; the
Emperor Marcus Antoninus the Philosopher ; Apuleius ;
the early adversaries of Christianity, and particularly Celsus ;
Lucian of Samosata -s Aristides the Sophist ; Dion Chry-
sostom, and Galen. The third -volume of the Collection of
Testimonies was published in 1766, and contains an account
* Kippis, ubi supra, p. 63 — 70.

10S HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY IANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.

of the Heathen Writers of the Third Century. This volume,
which extended to the conversion of Constantine the Great,
abounded like the two former ones, with much valuable
information. The persecution to which the professors of
the Gospel were exposed, and particularly that under the
Emperor Dioclesian, are here amply considered. A pecu
liar attention is likewise paid to Porphyry, and to his objec
tions against the authenticity of the book of Daniel. In the
chapter that relates to Diogenes Laertius, our author has
introduced a very curious criticism on the altar to the un
known God, at Athens, mentioned in the Acts of the
Apostles. The fourth volume of the Testimonies appeared
in 1767, and contained the Heathen Writers of the Fourth,
Fifth, and Sixth Centuries ; to which was added, the State
of Gentilism under the Christian Emperors. Among the
persons mentioned, Julian, Ammianus Marcellinus, and
Libanus are particularly distinguished. He has also in
troduced to our notice, not a few persons of great learning,
and fine abilities, who were still tenacious of the pagan
rites, and fond of all the fables upon which they are founded.
In the copious article concerning Julian, a very important
point came under Dr. Lardner's consideration ; this was the
attempt of that Emperor to rebuild Jerusalem, and the
frustration of it by a miraculous interposition. The miracle
is recorded, not only by three contemporary Christian wri
ters, Gregory Nazianzen, Chrysostom, and Ambrose, but
also by the heathen historian Ammianus Marcellinus. It is
mentioned, likewise, by liufinus, Socrates, Sozomen, Theo-
doret, and other ancient authors. Bishop Warburton
also, wrote a very elaborate treatise in defence of the
miracle; and scarcely any learned man suggested a dcubt
concerning it; excepting M. Basnage, in his history of
the Jews. Dr. Lardner, however, after the fullest exa
mination, was obliged to hesitate upon the subject,
This fourth volume completed our author's original de-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 109
POOH JKWKY L.iNE — -English Presbyterian, Lxtmct.
sign, at the period of forty-three years from its com
mencement.* Providence spared the life of Dr. Lardner to a long
term ; and, his hearing excepted, he retained to the last,
the use of his faculties in a very perfect degree. At length,
in the summer of 1 768, and the 85th year of his age, he
was seized with a decline, which carried him off in a few
weeks, at Hawkehurst, the place of his nativity, where he
had a small paternal estate. He had been removed thither,
in the hope that he might recruit his strengdi by a change
of air, and relaxation from study. At his particular request,
no funeral sermon was preached upon his death. His re
mains were conveyed to town, and deposited in Bunhill-
Fields, in the vault belonging to the family of the Neals.
He gave strict orders that his funeral should be as private as
possible. Four coaches and a hearse constituted all the
funeral appearance. There were no pall-bearers, and
he even forbad feathers ; but that was not complied with.
Four ministers preceded the corpse. These were Mr. Ebe-
nezer Radcliff, and Doctors Price, Amory, and Fleming.
Mr. Radcliff delivered the oration. § Sometime afterwards,
the following inscription was placed upon his tomb.
The REV NATHANIEL LARDNER, D. D.
Author of the Credibility of the Gospel Hi6t,ory,
Antient Jewish and Heathen Testimonies ¦
To the Truth of the Christian Religion,
And several other smaller pieces;
Monuments of his
Learning, Judgment, Candour, Impartiality, Beneficence, and true Piety.
He was born at Hawkeburst in the County of Kent,
June the Ctb, 1684,
And died on a visit there
July 24, 1168,
In the 85th Year of his Age.
An Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile !
* Kippis, ubi supra, p. 71 — 8g.
§ Prot. Diss. Mag. vol. iv. p. 434.

MO HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
¦ ¦ 'i
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
In the parish church at Hawkehurst is a neat marble slab,
fixed to a pillar near the pulpit, containing the following in
scription : NATHANIEL LARDNER, D. D.
Drew 'his first and latest breath at Hall-Honse
In this Parish.
Benevolent as a Gentleman,
Indefatigable as a Scholar,
Exemplary as a Christian Minister,
Wherever he resided.
His usefulness was prolonged to his 85th Year,
When
Having established the Credibility of the Records
Of our Common Salvation,
Without partiality and beyond reply,
Their promises became his eternal inheritance,
July 14, I16B.
From reverence to the Memory of his Uncle, these truths were inscribed-by
David Jennings, 1189.

The length to which we have extended the life of Dr.
Lardner, leaves but little room to dilate upon his character:
and this is the less necessary, as his merits have been appre
ciated by the wise and learned, of all denominations. His
proficiency in that branch of learning to which he turned
his principal attention, as well as his extraordinary diligence,
will recommend him to the esteem and veneration of poste
rity. The most learned advocates for revelation in modern
times have been greatly indebted to his labours ; and his
writings have been translated into the principal modern lan
guages. In his private deportment, his manners were polite,
gentle and obliging. He had seen much of the world in
the early part of life, which was of singular use to him, as
he possessed great sagacity of observation. Notwithstanding
his deafness, he was continually visited by persons of various
professions and countries, who were supplied with pens,
ink and paper, through which medium they communicated
their thoughts, with any questions they wished to propose.
To these, as they were severally written, he replied with

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. Ill
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
great freedom aud cheerfulness, and in a way that was both
instructive and entertaining. The benevolence of Dr.
, Lardner's temper has been highly spoken of, together with
the candour and moderation with which he maintained his
sentiments ,* These, most certainly, were amiable fea
tures in his character. We wish it could be added, that
his zeal for the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, corres
ponded with his other excellent qualities, and especially
with the ability he discovered, in defending the outworks of
Revelation. His writings, certainly, would not have been
the less valuable, but they would have been infinitely more
useful to mankind. It is greatly to be regretted that a
writer of our author's ability and worth, should have lent
his assistance to the dissemination of principles so deroga
tory to the honour of our blessed Redeemer, as well as so
destructive to the faith and hope of Christians. Alas, of
what value is Christianity when stripped of her brightest
ornaments, and left with nothing but naked walls ! Should
our moderation be questioned in what concerns the present
remarks, our shelter is the certainty and importance of
Divine Truth. Charity, for a system that stabs at the very
vitals of Christianity, is no longer a virtue, but a crime.
Before we close the present article, it will be proper to
take some notice of Dr. Lardner's posthumous publications.
There came out, in 17 69, Memoirs of his Life and Writ
ings; to which were annexed eight sermons upon various
subjects. In 1776, was published, A short Letter, which
our author had sent, in 1762, to Mr. Caleb Fleming, upon
the Personality of the Spirit. When Dr. Lardner began
his great work, he declined writing the history of the Here
tics of the two first centuries, on account of the difficulty
of the subject, and for some other reasons. He intended,
however, to take it up on a future occasion ; and when he
had finished his Jewish and Heathen Testimonies, began to
make collections for the purpose ; but he did not live to
« Kippis, ubi supra, p. 90, 91.

112 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JUWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
finish them. Some parts of the work, indeed, were fitted
for the press, having received his last corrections ; but
others were so imperfect, that it was doubted for a consi
derable time whether they were proper to be laid before
the public. However, upon mature deliberation, his pa
pers were put into the hands of the Rev. John Hogg, a
Dissenting minister at Exeter, who having revised and com
pleted them, they were published in 1780, in one volume,
quarto, under the title of " The History of. the Heretics of
the two first Centuries after Christ : containing an Account of
their Time, and Opinions, and Testimonies to the Books of
the New Testament. To which are prefixed, General
Observations concerning Heretics." Though this volume is
not, upon the whole, so valuable and important as some
of the former ones, it is possessed, nevertheless, of very
considerable merit. The last posthumous publication of
Dr. Lardner, appeared in 1784. It is entitled, " Two
Schemes of a Trinity considered, and the Divine Unity
asserted." This work consists of four discourses upon Phi-
lippians ii. 5 — 11. The first represents the commonly re
ceived opinion of the Trinity; the second describes the
Arian scheme ; the third treats on the Nazarean doctrine ;
and the fourth explains the text according to that doctrine.
Our author had himself transcribed these sermons for the
press, with particular directions to the printer; but they
lay concealed till this year, when they were given to the
public, by the Rev. John Wiche, a Dissenting minister of
the General Baptist persuasion, at Maidstone in Kent.* In
the year 1788, the whole of our author's works were col
lected together and reprinted in seven volumes, octavo,
under the superintendence of the Rev. Baxter Cole. To the
first volume was prefixed a very copious life of the author,
drawn up by Dr. Kippis. They are now become scarce
and fetch a high price. • Kippis, ubi supra, p. 83 — 86.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 113
POO It. JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
George Benson, D. D. — This learned and eminent
Divine, was born of respectable and pious parents, (d) at
Great Salkeld, in Cumberland, on the first of September,
l6"99. He was early distinguished for seriousness of tem
per, and a great attachment to books ; and he applied him
self so closely to study, that, at eleven years of age he is
said to have been able to read in the Greek Testament.
This induced his parents to dedicate him to the ministry. '
After having passed through a course of grammar-learning,
he was sent to an academy, kept by Dr. Dixon, at White
haven, where he continued about a year. From thence 'he
was removed to the University of Glasgow, where he com
pleted his academical studies.*
About the close of the year 1721, Mr. Benson came to
London, and having been examined and approved by several
of the most eminent Presbyterian ministers, he began to
preach, first at Chertsey, and afterwards in the metropolis.
At this time, the learned Dr. Calamy took him into his
family, and treated him with great kindness and friendship.
By the recommendation of that great man, he afterwards
went to Abingdon, in Berkshire, and was chosen pastor of
(d) The family of the Bensons was originally from London. Towards the
latter end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, John Benson, the Doctor's great
grandfather left the metropolis and settled at Great Salkeld, where the
family made a considerable figure. He had thirteen sons, from the eldest
of whom the late Lord Bingley descended. In the civil wars, occasioned by
the mal-administration of King Charles the First, George Benson, the
Doctor's grandfather, and the youngest of these sons, engaged on the side
of liberty and the Parliament, and suffered considerably in his fortune, par
ticularly from the Scots, previous to the battle of Worcester. He was a
Puritan Divine, and had the living of Bridekirk,. in his native county, from
whence he was ejected at the Restoration. He afterwards retired into Lan
cashire, where he preached privately till his death, in 1691, aged 78.  '
Amory's Memoirs, of the Life, Character and Writings of Dr. Benson, prt-
fixed to his History of the Life of Christ, p. 3,4.
* Mr. Pickard's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Benson, p. 26.
Vol. I, Q

114 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English, Presbyterian, Extinct.
a congregation of Protestant Dissenters in that town. He
was ordained on the 27th of March, 1723, Dr. Calamy,
and five other ministers, oniciating on the occasion. ' At
Abingdon he continued seven years, and spent that time in a
diligent application to study. It appears that Mr. Benson
had, in early life, been instructed in those principles that
are usually termed Calvinistical ; and that he preached
them during the first years of his ministry. While at Abing
don, he published three practical discourses, addressed to
young persons, which were well received. These, however,
on ' account of their evangelical tendency, he afterwards
caused to be suppressed. In 1726, he married Mrs. Eliza
beth Hills, widow, with whom he lived very happily, for
fourteen years. After his marriage, he seems to have had
a design of studying physic, but laid it aside. Mr. Benson
continued at Abingdon till 1729, when he was obliged to
leave that place on account of the Arminian sentiments he
had lately embraced, which were very generally disapproved
by his people.* He then removed to London, and ac
cepted an invitation to become pastor' of a congregation in
King John's Court, Southwark. Here he continued eleven
years.-j- The light which -the celebrated Mr. Locke had thrown
on some of the most obscure and difficult parts of Paul's
Epistles, by his close attention to the original design with
which they were written, and by carefully pursuing the
thread of the authoi's reasoning, induced and encouraged
Mr. Benson, as it had before done Mr. Pierce, to attempt
the illustration of the other Epistles of Paul, in a similar
method.;}: Accordingly, in 1731, he published, in quarto,
" A Paraphrase and Notes on St. Paul's ^Epistle to Phile
mon. Attempted in Imitation of Mr. Locke's Manner.
* MS. penes me,
f Amory's Memoirs of the Life, Character and Writings of Dr. Benson,
prefixed to his History of the Life of Christ..
X Amory, ubi supra, p. 8,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES, 115
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
With an Appendix, in, which is shewn, That St. Paul could
neither be an Enthusiast, nor an Impostor : And conse
quently, die Christian Religion must be (as he has repre
sented it) Heavenly and Divine." It is well known that the
argument in this Appendix was afterwards improved and
illustrated with great force and elegance, by the celebrated
Lord Lyttleton. Mr. . Benson's first publication on the
Epistles meeting with a very favourable reception, he pro
ceeded in his design with great diligence, and in the same
year published his Paraphrase and Notes on Paul's 'first
Epistle to the Thessalonians. This was1 followed, the. next
year, by his labours on the second Epistle. To the last
were annexed, two Dissertations; 1. Concerning the King
dom of God. 2. Concerning the Man of Sin. In 1733,
he gave to the public, his thoughts on the first Epistle to
Timothy, to which was subjoined, an Appendix concerning
inspiration. The same year appeared the Paraphrase and
Notes upon Titus, accompanied by an Essay concerning
tii£ Abolition of the Ceremonial Law. In 1734, our au
thor produced his observations upon the second Epistle to
Timothy. To this was annexed, an Essay, in two parts :
1. Concerning the Settlement of the primitive Church :
2. Concerning the Religious Worship of the Christians,.
whilst the Spiritual Gifts continued.
Mr. Benson having completed his design, as far as related to
Paul's Epistles, proceeded to explain, after the same manner,
the seven Catholic Epistles. In 1 738, appeared the Paraphrase
and Notes on the Epistle of James; with an Essay to reconcile
that Apostle with the writings of Paul, on the subject of
justification. Our author proceeded next to the two Epis
tles of Peter. To the former was annexed, a Dissertation,
to explain what is meant by Christ's preaching to the spirits
in prison. To the Paraphrase upon the second Epistle of
Peter, published in 1745, was annexed the author's obser
vations upon the Epistle of Jude. In the year 1749, he
gave to the public 'his Paraphrase and Notes upon the three

11<S HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct..
Epistles of John; including two Dissertations: 1. On the
genuineness of that disputed text, 1 John, v. 7, 8. For there
are three that bear record in heaven, fyc. 2. On 1 John,
16, 17- concerning a sin unto death, and a sin not unto
death. This completed our author's design, after he had
been employed upon it for the space of nineteen years.
The Paraphrase and Notes upon the six Epistles of Paul
were collected together and reprinted in one volume, in
1752. They were followed, in 1756, by the seven Catho
lic Epistles ; forming together, two handsome volumes in
quarto. To this edition were added, for convenience of
reference, five separate indexes ; containing the Hebrew and
Greek words, the different readings, texts incidentally ex
plained, and a table of English words.*
During the time that Mr. Benson was engaged in this
arduous undertaking, he found time to compose, and present
to the public, other works of an important nature. In
1738, he published in three thin volumes, quarto, " The
History of the First Planting of the Christian Religion,
taken from the Acts of the Apostles, and their Epistles.
Together with the remarkable Facts of the Jewish and Ro
man History, which affected the Christians during this pe
riod." In the preface Mr. Benson observes, that " it had
been the care and study of some years, as far as his health,
and other affairs, would permit." Dr. Amory observes, f
that, " in this work, besides illustrating- the history of the
Acts, and most of the Epistles, by a view of the history of
the times, the occasion of the several Epistles, and the
state of die churches to whom they were addressed, he hath
established the truth of the Christian Religion on a number
of facts, the most public, important and incontestable ; the
relations of which we have from eye-witnesses of unquestion
able integrity, and which produced such extensive alterations
* Benson on the Epistles, fast and. second editions,
f Memoirs, ubi supra, p. lo.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 11?
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
in the moral and religious state of the world, as .cannot be
rationally accounted for, without admitting the reality of
these facts, and the truth of these relations." At the end
of the second volume, the • author has added a Dissertation,
designed to show, " That Luke was die author of the Acts
of the Apostles ; that he published that book while many of
the Apostles and primitive Christians, who knew the facts,
were alive, to attest the same. And, supposing that it is
an authentic history, Christianity must certainly, and of
course be a divine revelation, and worthy of the highest
regard."* This work came to a second edition in 1756,
. .... '
and received some considerable additions from the author.
In the year 1740, Mr. Benson was chosen pastor of the
congregation of Protestant Dissenters, in Poor Jewry Lane,
Crutched-Friars, in the room of Dr. WTilliam Harris ; and
in this situation he continued till his death*. It has been
noticed in the preceding article, that he enjoyed for several
years the assistance of the Very eminent and learned Dr.
Nathaniel Lardner. Notwithstanding the difference of their
opinions upon several subjects, which they debated with
great freedom and good humour, they lived together in the
greatest harmony and friendship, which was only interrupted
by death. Mr. Benson having the misfortune to lose his
first wife in 17.40, was married a second time in 1742, to
Mrs. Mary Kettle, daughter of Mr. William Kettle, of
Birmingham, (e) About the same time, he received an
unanimous invitation to become joint-pastor of the Pres
byterian congregation at Birmingham, with Mr. Samuel
Bourn. But this he declined. In 1743, he published, in
octavo, his treatise on " The Reasonableness of the Chris
tian Religion, as delivered in the Scriptures." This book
was at first published as an answer to " Christianity not
founded on Argument." But the author's design extended
•Preface, p, 4.
(e) She was a Lady of a very amiable temper, and died in 1754. Dr.
Benson had no children by either of his wives.

118 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
farther, and may be regarded, as Dr. Leland observes,
" not merely as an argument to that pamphlet, but as a
good defence of Christianity in general."* A second edi
tion was published in 1746, to which was added an appen
dix, containing a vindication of some things which had been
objected against in the work. A third edition, revised and
corrected, with alterations and additions, was published in
1759, in two volumes, octavo. In the year 1744, in con
sideration of our author's great learning and abilities, the
University of Aberdeen conferred on him the degree of
Doctor in Divinity. It appears that a similar honour was
designed him from the University of Glasgow, .but was
opposed by some persons who considered him unsound in
the faith. When the scheme was mentioned, one of the
members spoke of him with abhorrence as an avowed *
Socinian. f It was in the same year that our author pub
lished, " A summary View of the Evidences of ' Christ's
> Resurrection," in answer to " The Resurrection of Jesus
considered;" written by one who stiles himself " A Moral
Philosopher-" In the year 1745, our author was employed in revising
for the press, in two volumes quarto, the work of a late
learned friend, entitled, " A Critical and Chronological
History of the Rise, Progress, Declension, and Revival of
Knowledge, chiefly Religious: In two Periods. 1. The
Period of Tradition from Adam to Moses. 2. The Period
of Letters from Moses to Christ." By Dr. Thomas Win-
dor, of Liverpool. To this work, Dr. Benson prefixed
some memoirs of the author's life. In the following vear,
he was engaged in preparing for the press, " A plain Ac
count of the Nature and End of the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper, adapted to the Use of such Protestants as
do not Use the Book of Common- Prayer." This was a
* Leland's View of the Deistical Writers, vol. i. p. 164. 5th edition.
f Biographia Britannica, vol. ii. Art. Benson.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 1 \Q'

POOR JEWRY LANE  English- Presbyterian, Extinct.

slight alteration of Bishop Hoadley's Treatise on the same
subject. In 1747, Dr. Benson published a volume of Sermons on
various subjects. A copy of these he presented to Dr.
Thomas Herring, Archbishop of Canterbury, with congra
tulations on his elevation to that See. The letter of thanks
which the Archbishop wrote to him upon this occasion, on
account of the excellent spirit it breathes, shall be inserted
below, (f) In ,1748, our author collected into one volume,
octavo, several Tracts which he had formerly printed sepa
rately, and had passed to a second edition. Their titles are,
1. A Dissertation on 2 Thess. ii. 1 — 12. In which it is
shown, that die Bishop of Rome is the Man of Sin, &c.
2. A Letter to a Friend concerning the End and Design of
Prayer : or the Reasonableness of praying to an unchange
ably wise, powerful and good God. In Answer to the Ob
jections of the modern Infidels. 3. A Postscript to the
(f) " Reverend Sir,
" I cannot satisfy myself with having sent a cold and common
" answer of thanks, for your volume of most excellent and useful Sermons.
" I do it in this manner with great esteem and cordiality. I thank you,
"at the same time, as becomes me tp do, for. your very obliging good
" wishes. The subject on which my friends congratulate me, is, in truth,
" matter of constant anxiety to me. I hope I have an honest intention,
" and for the rest I must rely on the good grace of God, and the counsel
" and assistance of my friends.
"I think it happy, that I am calledup to this high station at a time,.
" when spite and rancour, and narrowness of spirit, are out of countenance ;
" when we breathe the benign and comfortable air of liberty and tolera-
" tion ; and the teachers of our common religion make it their business to
" extend its essential influence, and join in supporting its true interest and
"honour. No times ever called more loudly upon Protestants for zealj,
" and security, and charity. " I un,
" Reverend Sir,
Kennington, , " Your assured friend,
Feb. 2, "1747-8. " T. CANTUAR."*
* Memoirs, ubi supra, p. 1 5 .

120 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE. — '-English Presbyterian, Extinct.
Letter on Prayer> concerning the Views which we ought to
have in Praying ; the drawing up proper Forms ; the, Use
of Scripture Language ; the Confession of such Sins only,
as we are conscious we have been guilty of. 4. The 30th
Dissertation of Maximus Tyrius, concerning this question,
Whether we ought to pray to God, or no ? Translated from
the Greek. 5. Remarks on the foregoing Dissertation of
Maximus Tyrius. 6. The Doctrine of Predestination re
viewed : or the Nature of the Councils and Decrees of
God; and the Rise and Occasion of the Scripture Language
concerning them. 7- A brief Account of Calvin's causing
Servetus to be burned at Geneva, for an heretic. To this
edition, which is called the third, is added a Supplement,
containing, (1.) A Defence of the brief Account of Calvin's
Treatment of Servetus. (2.) A brief Account of Arch
bishop Laud's cruel Treatment of Dr. Leighton. (3.) An
Essay concerning the Belief of Things, which are above
Reason. These Tracts came to another edition in 1753.
It may be remarked, that the account which our author
gives of Calvin's conduct towards Servetus, gave great
offence, and we apprehend justly'; for it contains a very
exaggerated statement of what must ever be considered th»
worst feature in the character of that Reformer, (g)
Dr. Benson's labours in the cause of sacred literature,
met with a very favourable reception both at home and in
foreign countries ; (h) and procured him the friendship and
(s) Besides the above works, Dr. Benson published, a small tract enti
tled, " Second Thoughts concerning the Sufferings and Death of Christ, as
a propitiatory Sacrifice for the Sins of the World, and a Satisfaction to
Divine Justice."— Also two Sermons -. one occasioned by the Death of the
Rev. James Read, preached at New Broad-street, Petty-France, Aug. 24,
1755, on 2 Cor. v. 4. The other entitled, " The Gospel Method of Justi
fication." (h) In Germany, the reputation of tbe Paraphrases and Notes on the
Epistles, was so great, that John David Michaelis, one cf the Professors of
Hebrew and Philosophy, in the University of Gottingen, in the Electorate
of Hanover, a gentleman of distinguished learning, and still superior judg-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 121
POOR JEWRY' LANE— English Presbyterian, Extinct.
i
esteem of many persons of eminence and distinction, both
in and out of the establishment. Among his friends and
correspondents, were Lord Chancellor King, Lord Bar-
rington, Bishop Hoadly, Bishop Butler, Bishop Coney-
beare, Dr. TSrylor of Norwich, Mr. Bourn of Birming
ham, Dr. Wishart of Edinburgh ; Dr. Duchal, and Dr.
Leland, of Dublin ; Dr. Mayhew of New-England, Pro
fessor Michaelis of Gottingen, besides many other learned
and ingenious persons. Dr. Edmund Law, Bishop of
Carlisle, was also his particular friend ; and as a proof of his
friendship, at Dr. Benson's request, permitted his Disserta
tion on Mark ix. 49, 50, to be inserted in the Appendix
to the Life of Christ, though not prepared by him for
the press. Dr. Benson appears, likewise, to have been
upon very friendly terms with Dr. Watts, though their dif
ference of sentiment in some points was considerable;
They occasionally corresponded together ; and some of Dr.
ment, undertook the laborious task of translating them into Latin, begin
ning with Mr. Pierce's Paraphrase on the Epistle to the Hebrews, and Dr.
Benson's on the Epistle of James, both which were published in 1746,
with additional notes of the translator. There was also prefixed a recom
mendatory preface of another eminent German Professor, Sigismund James
Baumgarten. The Dissertation annexed to the Paraphrase of the first
Epistle of John, on the authenticity of verses seven and eight of the fifth
chapter, was translated into Latin by Andrew Goetlib Marsch, a learned
Divine of the Lutheran persuasion, in the Duchy of Mecklenburg, who
added large notes ; in which he defended the genuineness of the text against
the Doctor's objections.* Mons. Bamberger, a Protestant Divine at Berlin,
also translated into his own language, the Doctor's Treatise upon the Re
surrection of Jesus Christ ;'• his "Essay concerning the Belief of Things,
which are above Reason ;" and, his " Plain Account of the Lord's Supper."
It seems he also began his Paraphrase and Notes upon the Epistles, f His
Letter on Prayer was translated into High Dutch, by Dr. Kortholt, then
of Vienna, but afterwards Professor of Divinity, in the University of Got-
tingen.J • Amory, ubi supra, p. 12, 13. t Biog. Brit, ubi supra.
1 Benson's Collection of Tracts, preface.
Vol. I. R

122 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.

Benson's earlier pieces were submitted to Dr. Watts's
perusal.* An indefatigable application to his studies, together with
the constant exercise of preaching, at length, so impaired
the constitution of Dr. Benson, that he found it necessary
to quit his public ministry. He intended to devote the
remainder of his days to a peaceful retirement ; and it was
the general hope of his friends, that he might have been
enabled to continue the prosecution of his studies for some
years, though he was not capable of the fatigues of the pas
toral charge. But the rapid manner in which he declined,
disappointed their expectations. Happily, he was npt suf
fered to linger on the bed of .sickness, under tormenting
pains ; but was removed after a very short cessation from
his public labours. He died in a very composed and re
signed manner, on the 6th of April, 1762, in the 63d year
of his age.f The Rev. Ebenezer Radcliff delivered the
oration at his interment in Bunhill-Fields, and on Lord's-
day, April the 18th, his funeral sermon was preached at
Crutched-Friars, by the Rev. Edward Pickard, from Matt.
xxv. 21. Well done, thou good and faithful servant, &c.
Dr. Benson was a remarkable instance of the happy
effects of a learned industry. It is well known that he was
not a man of great original genius ; that he had small powers
of invention and fancy ; and that he had not applied to the
cultivation of elegance and taste in composition. When at
the University, we are assured that he w as thought to be
but a dull lad by his fellow-students, and that they expected
nothing considerable from him. But, by the force of ap
plication, he outstripped his more liveiy companions, and
produced works of real and lasting utility and merit.t
Dr. Benson was a firm Protestant Dissenter, and a zea-
* Biog. Brit, ubi supra.
f Mr. Pickard's Sermon, and Biog. Brit, ubi supra.
X Biog. Brit, ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 123
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
lous advocate for free inquiry, and the right of private judg
ment. His regard to the dissenting interest, he testified by
his will ; leaving one hundred pounds to the fund for the
relief of poor ministers and students, and the same sum to
that for widows and orphans.* His religious sentiments are
well known to have harmonized with those of Socinus ;
and the freedom with which he expressed his opinions, ex
posed him to much censure. This has been attributed to
narrowness of mind and a want of candour ; while others,
perhaps, will call it a zeal for truth. It is certain that
Socinianism had not then made that rapid progress among
the Dissenters, which it did afterwards. Dr. Benson's
usual method of preaching was critically to explain the
Scripture, and then to inculcate duty. His being, short
sighted was a great inconvenience to him, in the public
delivery of his discourses ; and his natural temper prevented
his excelling in a warm and pathetic address to the passions
of his hearers. But his appearance was grave and venerable,
and he is said to have had " an air of seriousness and sin
cerity in his manner, which had a very good effect upon his
auditors."-)- It is certain, however, that he was very unpo
pular as a preacher. His peculiar sentiments gave a certain
cast to his sermons, and rendered them devoid of that energy
which is so well calculated to interest the feelings and warm
the heart. That he took great pains in studying the Scrip
tures, is evident from his own writings, as well as from the
testimony of others ; and of his ability and zeal in defending
Christianity against Infidels, there can be no doubt. His
integrity, also, was unquestioned, " I believe no earthly
consideration (says Mr. Pickard) could have tempted him
to speak or act contrary to the dictates of his judgment and
conscience ; or to what he apprehended to be the will of
* Pickard's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 30.
t Biog Brit, ubi supra.

124 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
God."* What a pity is it, therefore, that so much good
sense, learning, and worth, should be directed to undermine
those doctrines of Christianity, whicht the bulk of Christians
in all ages, have considered the bulwarks of religion, and
upon which they have rested all their earthly consolation,
as well as their hopes of future happiness. The anomaly
of this procedure in the divine government can only be
satisfactorily explained at a future day. Dr. Benson loved
the conversation of men of letters, especially those whose
studies were similar to his own. He belonged many years
to a society, in which he took much pleasure, consisting of
Divines and other literary persons, who met once a week,
during the winter season, and debated freely upon some of
the most important and curious subjects of critical and
theological learning. Among the members of this society
were Dr. Jeremiah Hunt, Dr. Lardner, Professor Ward,
Dr. Avery, Philip Glover, Esq. auth<""r* of " An Inquiry
concerning Virtue and Happiness," and other gentlemen of
similar views.*)- Besides his constant labours in preaching
and writing, Dr. Benson employed a portion of his time in
assisting the studies of young Divines ; and for many years,
he had one or more living with him, who applied them
selves to the critical study of the Scriptures under his imme
diate eye. Some of these, by the figure they afterwards
made, did honour to their tutor; particularly Dr. Mac-
knight, author of the Harmony of the Gospels, and Mr.
John Alexander, a Dissenting Minister at Birmingham.^:
Dr. Benson left behind him, in manuscript, " The His
tory of the Life of Jesus Christ, taken from the New
Testament, with Observations and Reflections proper to
illustrate the Excellence of his Character, and the Divinity
of his Mission and Religion." To which were added,
several critical dissertations. The whole was published
* Sermon on the Death of Dr. Benson, p. 30.
t Amory, ubi supra, p. 17. J Ibid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 125
POOR JEWRY LANE.  English Presbyterian, Extinct. ,
together, in 1764, in one volume, quarto, to which was
prefixed a fine mezzotinto print of the author. Dr. Amory,
who was the editor, also added some memoirs of the life,
character, and writings of Dr. Benson, to which we are
indebted for much of the preceding account. Dr. New-
come, late Primate of Ireland, in the Appendix to his
Harmony of the Gospels, printed in 1778, inserted Dr.
Benson's manner of harmonizing the accounts of Christ's
Resurrection, from his Life of Christ. In the Appendix
to the first volume of the Theological Repository, second
edition, are inserted two curious letters from Dr. Shaw to
Dr. Benson, relative to the passage of the Israelites through
the Red Sea."*
Ebenezer Radcliff. — Upon Dr. Lardner's resig
nation of the office of assistant preacher at Poor Jewry
Lane, Dr. Benson undertook the whole service for about
eight years and a half; till his growing infirmities obliged
the church to look out for an assistant, and the Rev. Ebe
nezer Radcliff was chosen to that service. As this gentle
man is still living, our readers will not expect that we should
enter into a minute detail respecting his history and cha
racter. Some few particulars will, however, be expected.
Mr. Radcliff is a native of Yorkshire, and received his edu
cation for the ministry under the celebrated Dr. Philip
Doddridge. His first settlement, we believe, was at Stam
ford, in Lincolnshire/ in 1750, as successor to the Rev.
Timothy Laugher, who removed to Nailswoith, in Gloces-
tershire, and afterwards to Hackney, near London. In
December, 1751, he removed to Boston, in the same
county, and continued there till December, 1759. He then
removed to Walthamstow, in Essex, as Afternoon-preacher
to the congregation of Protestant Dissenters, and colleague
with the celebrated Mr. Hugh Farmer. Shortly after, he
* Biog. Brit, ubi supra.

126 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
POOR TE'.VllY LANF.  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
was chosen Morning-preacher to the congregation in Poor
Jewry Lane; and, upon the resignation of Dr. Benson,
early in 1762, sole pastor. In this relation, he continued
upwards of twelve years, still preserving his connexion at
Walthamstow. Mr. Radcliff was one of those ministers
who strenuously supported the application to Parliament,
for the repeal of the Test Act, in 1772. The denial of
redress, in the matter of subscription, at that time, roused
his indignation in a sermon composed expressly upon the
occasion, and afterwards published, dedicated to His Grace
the Duke of Richmond. Though this discourse was cha
racterized by many just remarks, and a manly assertion of
religious liberty, yet, at the same time, it contained some
exceptionable passages, and was considered at the time as
much too violent. The congregation in Poor Jewry Lane
being in a very reduced state, dissolved in the year 1774.
After this, Mr. Radcliff continued to preach for a short
time at Walthamstow ; but, at length, wholly declined the
ministry. Since then, he has resided in the above village,
in the style of a private gentleman. Mr. Radcliff is one
of the Trustees of Dr. Williams's Library, in Redcross-
street.* Richard Price, D. D.— Not long after the choice
of Mr. Radcliff to suceeed Dr. Benson, the celebrated Dr.
Price, then pastor of a congregation at Newington-green,
was elected Afternoon-preacher at Poor Jewry Lane. This
situation he retained till the year 1770, when, being chosen
pastor of the congregation at the Gravel-Pit meeting, in
Hackney, he resigned, in favour of the same service at
Newington-green.f As we shall have occasion to mention
Dr. Price in other parts of this work, we wave entering
into further particulars respecting him in this place.
* Private Information.
t Priestley's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Price, p, 39.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 127
POOR JEWRY LANE  English Presbyterian, Extinct.
John Calder, D. D. — Upon the resignation of
Dr. Price, the afternoon service in Poor Jewry Lane was
undertaken by Dr. Calder. This gentleman (who is still
living) is a native of Scotland, and received his education in the
University of Aberdeen, from whence he received his degree.
He was settled some time with a congregation at Alnwick,
in Northumberland, where he married a lady of consider
able fortune. From thence he removed to London, and
succeeded Dr. Price as already mentioned. After the dis
solution of the society in Poor Jewry Lane, Dr. Calder
retired to Hammersmith, where he devoted himself chiefly
to his literary labours. Since that time he has not under
taken any stated work in the ministry ; and he is now a
member of Mr. Belsham's congregation m Essex-street.*
Thus we are brought to the close of a society, which
we have traced through successive changes, for nearly the
period of a century. From the facts that have passed under
our observation, we may derive some lessons pf profitable
instruction. We shall not, however, detain the reader any fur
ther than by reminding him, that, though individual churches
may experience those changes which are common to every
thing in the present life, yet, that the church of Christ is per
petual. It withstands equally the blasts of persecution, and
the snares of worldly grandeur ; nor is it at all affected by
the errors and prejudices of mistaken friends, or the open
attacks of avowed enemies. And happy is every one who
shall be honoured with a name and a place within the gates
of the heavenly Jerusalem.
* Private Information.

( 128 )

JEWRY-STREET.

CALVINISTIC METHODISTS.
JL HOUGH the present article has respect to the same
place as the preceding one, yet as we are now to speak of a
different society, and the old name of Poor Jewry Lane
has given place to that of Jewry-street, we have adopted
the latter as the name by which it js at present most known.
Upon the , dissolution of the old Presbyterian Society, the
meeting-house was shut up for a short time ; but, in 1775,
Sir William Plomer, the proprietor of the premises, granted
a lease for twenty-one years, to three persons, who fitted
up the place for the late Mr. Henry Mead, who died a short
time since at Reading. Mr. Mead, however, being then
in orders in the Church of England, did not think fit to
take upon him the charge, and never preached there, (i)
(r) The Rev. Henry Mead was born in the year 1745, in or near the
city of Bath. When a youth, he was put apprentice to a low mechanic ;
but left his master and went off to London. Here he soon became immersed
in all the dissipations of a gay metropolis. Being led on one occasion to
Tottenham Court Chapel, with a view of diverting himself at the expence
of that man of God, Mr. George Whitefield, it happened that Mr. Howell
Davis was the preacher. Mr. Mead being greatly affected by the awakening
discourse of that faithful minister, went home and assumed a profession of
religion. Afterwards, being desirous of engaging in the ministry, he ap
plied, through Mr. Whitefield, for admission into the Countess of Hunting
don's College at Trevecca ; and went there in 1767. It appears that he did
not preach long in that connection, having taken orders in the Church of
England prior to his marriage in 1776. Previous to this he became minis
ter of Ram's Chapel, Hackney, and was chosen lecturer of St. John's, Wap-
ping. Afterwards, he preached a morning lecture at the German Chapel in
Goodman's-Fields, and had a weekly lecture at Little Trinity Church in the
Minories. He was very near becoming minister of Jewrj -street Chapel,
and had purchased the organ, which was built for the Little Minories
Church ; but he is said to have been dissuaded from it by the late Mr.
Romaine. After this, he preached a morning lecture at St. Pancras, and
took a small chapel at Somer's-Town. At length, his health beginning to

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 129
JEWItY-SrKEET  -Caltinistic Methodists.
After this, the late Mr. Aldridge was appointed. Upon
the expiration of the lease in 1796, it was renewed for ano
ther twenty-one years, by the present trustees. Jewry-street
Chapel, as it is now called, carries the appearance of an
ancient building, and does not seem materially altered from
its former state. When it was opened upon the presenf
plan, an organ was erected in the front gallery, and the li
turgy of the Church of England introduced. Though the
present minister professes himself an Independent, the peo
ple cannot with strict propriety be called Dissenters ; indeed
many of them avow their preference to the natiortal estab
lishment, for which reason we have termed them Calvinistic
Methodists. Besides the usual services on the morning and
evening of the Lord's-day, there is a lecture here on a Thurs
day, and a prayer-meeting on a Monday evening.*
The ministers of this chapel since it was opened upon its
present plan, are as follows.

Ministers' Nam es. From | To

William Aldridge,
Richard Povah,
John Ball,' . .

1776 1797
1801

1797180118

William Aldridge, was born at Warminster, in
Wiltshire,- in the year 1737. His youth appears to have
been spent in the pursuit of pleasure and worldly gratifica-
decline, he went in 1797, to Henley upon Thames, where he experienced
great benefit from the air. Unable, however, to recover his spirits, he did
not resume his stated labours, but visited various parts of Yorkshire, Hamp
shire,- &c. About 1802, he retired to Reading, where he occasionally
assisted the Rev. Herbert Marsh. His death, occasioned by the rupture of
a blood vessel, happened on the 19th of October, 1807, when he was 62
years of age. Mr. Mead was not a man of the firs,t rate abilities, but be
was generally esteemed as a preacher. His views of divine truth were,
what are usually termed Calvinistic, and to them he continued firmly at
tached to the last. — Evang. Mag. for January and April, 1807.
* Private Information.
Vol. I. s

130 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
JEWRY-STREET.  Calvinistic Methodists.
tion, and it was not till his twenty-fourth year that he re
ceived those first serious impressions that produced a saving
change in his mind and conduct. At this time, he was
under great distress of soul, his sins appeared in a most
awful light, and it was a considerable time before he expe
rienced deliverance. Having a strong inclination to the
ministry, he Was introduced to the Countess of Huntingdon's
College, at Trevecca, in South Wales, and became one of
her senior students. Having continued there the usual
time allotted to study, he preached some years in her Lady
ship's connexion, which gave him an opportunity of visiting
various parts of England.*
In September, 1771, Lady Huntingdon receiving an ano
nymous letter, requesting her to send a minister to Margate,
in the Isle of Thanet, describing.it as a licentious place,
particularly at the watering season, she made known the
contents of it to Mr. Aldridge,. giving him the liberty to
select any student in the College, to accompany and
assist him in this important work. Mr. Aldridge fixed
upon a Mr. Joseph Cook, who died in 1790, a missionary
in South Carolina. Being utterly unknown to any person
at Margate, they began to preach out of doors. Many at
tended, and meeting with success, they extended their la
bours to other places. About this time, many persons in
Dover having left Mr. Wesley's Societies, gave them a
pressing invitation, which they accepted. Mr. Aldridge
preached at Dover, for the first time, in the market-place,
on a Lord's-day, but met with great opposition. The Pres
byterian meeting-house, which had been shut up a consi
derable time, was thenefore procured, and Mr. Aldridge
continued to preach in it while he resided at Dover.
Afterwards it was agreed, that Mr. Aldridge, and his col
league should supply Dover and Margate alternately, chang
ing every week.-j-
* Bryson's Sermon on the death of the Rev. W. Aldridge, p. 14.  and
pmate Information.
T Baptist Register, vol. i. p. 501, 502.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 131
JEWRY-STREET.  Calvinistic Methodists.
• ¦  r_
The Countess of Huntingdon, who never suffered her
students to continue long in one place, afterwards appointed
Mr. Aldridge to supply the Mulberry-Garden Chapel, in
Wapping. There, his ministry was so well received by the
congregation, that they united in a petition to the Countess,
to have his labours continued for some time longer ; but, it
being a maxim with her Ladyship, never to comply with
the wishes of her congregations in this particular, she pe
remptorily refused. This occasioned his leaving her con
nexion in 1776, and Jewry-street Chapel being then vacant,
Mr. Aldri 'ge was invited to settle there as the stated offici
ating minister. In this connexion he continued upwards of
twenty years, and was greatly beloved by an affectionate
congregation.* As a preacher, Mr. Aldridge was extremely popular.
He delivered his discourses with perspicuity and ardour ;
his ideas were generally arranged with propriety, and
his subjects mostly selected with judgment. His minis
terial labours, especially in the younger part of his life, were
very successful ; and he had the singular felicity of intro
ducing into the ministry, no less than sixteen or seventeen
young men, from his own communion. Mr. Aldridge's
health began to decline visibly for a considerable time before
his death. Early and continued exertions, joined to ad
vanced years, at length, made rapid depredations on his life,
and hastened his final illness. This seems to have been a
complication of disorders, which he '.-bore with the same
placid serenity which distinguished him in health. His
dying expressions discovered a steady peace, arising from a
conscious interest in his Redeemer, and a well founded hope
of a blissful immortality.f He died on Tuesday morning
February the 28th, 1797, in the sixtieth year of his age.
The Rev. George Gold delivered the address at his inter
ment in Bunhill-Fields, on March the 7th; and on the
» Private Information.
f Bryson's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. W. Aldridge, p. 18,

132 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
J EWR Y.STREE I'.  Calvinistic Methodists.
following Lord's-day, two funeral sermons were preached
for him at Jewry-street Chapel : that in the morning by.
the Rev. Anthony Crole, and that in the evening by
the Rev. Thomas Bryson. The three services were af
terwards printed. Mr. Aldridge published " The Doc
trine of the Trinity, stated, proved, and defended ;" and
a funeral sermon on the death of the Countess of Hunt
ingdon, (k)
Richard Povah. — During his last illness, Mr. Al
dridge had the occasional assistance of the Rev. Richard
Povah. This gentleman, is son to a minister, formerly in
' the Countess's connexion, but since then, pastor of a con
gregation at Kennington. He was educated at Corpus
Christi College, Cambridge. After he left the University,
he preached occasionally in the Countess of Huntingdon's
Chapels, and ,at various other places, till he settled at Jewry-
tit) It will be expected that we should not pass over altogether in silence,
a Mr. Bryan, who preached at Jewry-street along with Mr. Aldridge, during
the eariy part of his ministry in that place. This gentleman was a native of
Yorkshire, and pursued his studies for the ministry in the Countess of
Huntingdon's College, at Trevecca. It seems he did not itinerate long in
that connexion. Erasmus, a Greek bishop, having visited London, in
1703, laid his hands upon several persons who could not procure ordination
from the English bishops. Mr. Bryan being desirous of episcopal ordina
tion, applied to him for that purpose, and easily obtained it. After this,
he became minister of a congregation at Sheffield. Having contracted an
acquaintance with Mr. A.ldridge while at College, it was afterwards main
tained by a mutual correspondence; and when Mr. Aldridge settled at
Jewry-street, Mr. Bryan constantly spent three months of theyear in Lon
don, preaching in the pulpit of his friend, who, during that interval, sup
plied the chapel at Sheffield. Mr. Bryan was afflicted for many years, at
intervals, with an unhappy dejection of spirits, which bordered upon de
rangement. To such a height did his disorder sometimes proceed, that he
has attempted, in the frenzy of despair, to make away with himself.
Nevertheless, his friends considered him to be a truly good man, and he
was enabled, eventually, to overcome the temptations of the adversary.
He died many years ago, and was buried under his own pulpit at Shef
field, — Private information.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 133
JEWRY-STREET.  Calvinistic Methudists.
street, where he was chosen to succeed Mr. Aldridge. As
Mr. Povah had not hitherto been ordained to the work of
the ministry, he now applied for orders in the Church of
England. These he speedily obtained, and it was no great
while before he took an opportunity of discovering his zeal
for the national establishment. When he had been settled
nearly four years at Jewry-street, he communicated to the
Trustees, his desire to have the chapel consecrated, and
placed under the jurisdiction of the bishop of London.
But the managers, though many of them decidedly attached
to the Church of England, declined placing themselves
under- the episcopal care, as they well knew, that by so
doing, they should deprive themselves of the right to choose
their own minister. After some debate upbn the subject,
it was agreed that Mr. Povah should resign his ministry at
Jewry-street, which he did, at Midsummer 1801. Since
their he has become curate and lecturer of St. James's,
Duke's-place.* John Ball, the present minister of Jewry-street Cha
pel, is a native of Windsor, and was born about the year
1770. Being designed for the water} he spent a part of his
youth upon" the river Thames ; but Providence intending
him for a higher and more important employment, he en
tered the newly instituted academy at Mile-End, under the
superintendence of Dr. Addington. Soon after his entrance
upon the ' ministry, he went over to Ireland, where he had
a meeting-housfe, and preached several years. Afterwards,
he. returned to England, and settled with a congregation at
Westbury, in Wiltshire ; from whence, after a few years, he
removed to London, to succeed Mr. Povah at Jewry-street.
Being recommended to that congregation by the Rev. Mat
thew Wilks, of the Tabernacle, he was requested in the month
of July, 1801, to pay them a visit for a few weeks upon
* Private Information.

134 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MARK-LANE  Independent.
trial ; and his ministry being approved, he was invited, in
October following, to take upon him the pastoral office.
Though Mr. Ball professes himself a strict Independent, he
has continued to read the Common Prayer, and, a few years
ago, united with the Methodist associated congregations.
Since his removal to London, Mr. Ball has enjoyed but an
indifferent state of health ; and we are sorry to add, that he
is now in that disordered condition, that it is hardly expected
he will ever be able to preach again.*
In 1807, Mr. Ball took up the cudgels in defence of the
Rev. Rowland Hill, in a pamphlet entitled, " Animadver
sions on a late Pamphlet, entitled, An admonitory Epistle
to the Rev. Rowland Hill, A. M. occasioned by the Repub
lication of his Spiritual Characteristics, or most curious Sale
of Curates." It is written in an ill temper, and has been
severely censured by the Reviewers.

MARK-LANE. INDEPENDENT.

XxT the time of the Revolution, in 1688, the Independent
church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Chauncey,
is said to have assembled at the house of a Dr. Clarke in
Mark-lane. It was there that the celebrated Dr. Watts was
ordained to the pastoral office ; and he preached there during
the first two or three years of his ministry. At Midsummer
1704, the church removed to Pinner's^Hall ; and from
thence, in 1708, to the present meeting-house, in White-
Horse- Yard, Duke's-Place, St. Mary Axe. To that place
we refer the reader for a particular account of Dr. Watts's
church. * Private Information.

( 135 )
TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE,

JL HILPOT-LANE reaches from Fenchurch-street North,
to Little Eastcheap South, and is situated in Langbourn
Ward, but the greatest part is in Billingsgate Ward. The
Company of Turners, it seems, formerly had their Hall
here ; but their present one is situated on College Hill. At
the time of the Revolution in 1688, Turners'-Hall was used
as a meeting-house for Nonconformists. This is the earliest
account we have of it in that connexion. It was occupied
successively by several different societies, for upwards of
half a century. After this, it was shut up for some time, but
at length taken down ; and the memory of it has, for many
years, been entirely effaced from the neighbourhood-. The
first Dissenting society we find mentioned as meeting here,
was of the General Baptist persuasion. The people who
occupied it next in succession can scarcely be placed under
any denomination. They were followed by another society
likewise of a peculiar cast. A congregation of Particular
Baptists next occupied it ; and they were followed by a peo
ple of the Independent persuasion. We shall consider them
separately in this order, beginning with the
GENERAL BAPTISTS.
This Society was collected, in the year 1688, by the Rev.
Richard Allen, a respectable minister among the Ge
neral Baptists. The occasion of its formation was this.
The church at White's Alley, with which Mr. Allen was
connected, both as a member and a preacher, adhered with
rigid tenacity to the practice of laying on of hands on bap
tized believers. This, indeed, formed an essential article
in their constitution. Any deviation, therefore, from this
practice was considered as an infringement upon the rules of
the society, and subjected the offending person to exclusion.
Mr. Allen, it seems, had his doubts with respect to the

136 HISTORY and antiquities
TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  General Baptists.
divine right of this institution ; at least, he thought the mat
ter should be left indifferent, and not made an indispensable
requisite to church communion. This opinion, as opportu
nity offered, he declared publicly in the church ; which
giving offence, it occasioned some debates, and a separation
ensued. The matter was deemed of so much consequence,
that several other churches, who adliered to the practice in
question, were invited, by their representatives, to attend at
White's Alley, to discuss the subject, and sanction by their
presence whatever proceeding the church should think fit to
adopt. Accordingly, a church-meeting was held at White's
Alley, June 18,^1688, when the following resolution was
passed, and signed by six elders of sister churches.
" For as much as Brother Allen hath this present day,
" and at several' other times, and upon several occasions,
" denied the ordinance of laying on of hands upon baptized
" believers to be a principle of Christ's doctrine, whereof
" complaint having been made, and the matter several times "
".debated, at several church meetings, and adjourned to
" this, day, whether Brother Allen having declared his opinion
" against this ordinance, it be for the preservation of the
" truths of the gospel, and for the peace of the church,
" that Brother Allen shall continue in the ministry as a
" preacher amongst us, upon debate of the matter by the
" elders of the several congregations in communion with us,
" and of the church now assembled about this matter, the
" Church of Christ do hereby unanimously agree, That
" Brother Allen be for the present suspended from being a
" minister amongst us."*
Mr. Allen being excluded the ministry at White's Alley,
hi consequence of the above resolution, proceeded to gather
a separate church at Turners'-Hall, where he preached
about seven years to a small, but affectionate people,
and was much respected by his brethren. In l6y5, on a
* MS. penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 137
TURNERS'-HALL, PH1LP0T-LANE.  Reformed Quakers.
vacancy in the General Baptist church in Paul's- Alley, Bar
bican, occasioned by the death of the Rev. Thomas Plant,
Mr. Allen was unanimously invited to take upon him the
pastorship of that society. His attachment to the people
at Turners'-Hall, caused him to hesitate, and he refused to
desert his little flock. However, on union between the two
churches being agreed upon, Mr. Allen removed to Bar
bican, where the union was publicly recognized, June 12,
1695.* A further account of Mr. Allen, will be given
under the article " Paul's-Alley."
REFORMED QUAKERS.
After the removal of Mr. Allen's -congregation, the
meeting-house at Turners'-Hall was occupied for some
time by a Mr. George Keith, who seems to have been
a singular character, and his congregation as much so. In
1698, there was published a pamphlet, entitled, " A
friendly Epistle to Mr. George Keith, and the Reformed
Quakers at Turners'-Hall : with some Animadversions on a
Discourse about a right Administrator of Baptism, &c.
and of Episcopacy : with a Postscript about the Education
of Children, &c. By Calvin Philanax." From the title of
this piece, the reader will be led to infer considerable eccen
tricity in the sentiments of Mr. Keith, (j) After continuing
several years among the Nonconformists, he thought fit, in
* MS. penes me.
(J) In the " View of all Religions," by Hannah Adams, there is the
following article, but whether it refers to the above person, does not seem
quite certain. " Keithians, a party which separated from the Quakers,
in Pennsylvania, in the year 1691 . They were headed by the famous George
Keith, from whence they derived their name. Those who persisted in their
separation after their leader deserted them, practised baptism, and received
the Lord's-Supper. This party were also called Quaker Baptists, because
they retained (he language, dress, and manners of the Quakers.
Vol. I. t

138 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  Independents.
the year 1700, to go over to the Church of England. On
May the 5th he preached his farewell sermon at Turners'-
Hall; and on the Lord's-day following, May 12, he deli
vered two initiatory discourses amongst his new friends, at
St. George's, Botolph-lane, near Billingsgate, from Luke
i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking
hi all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord
blameless. A most singular text for such an occasion> and
conformable with his other sigularities. After a while, Mr.
Keith was presented to the rectory of Edburton in Sus
sex; but what became of him afterwards, we no where
learn.* (l) * MS. penes me.
(i) In the continuation of Granger's Biographical History of England,
published a short time since, some mention is made of a George Keith,
who is styled Minister of the Gospel. Of this person there is a wooden
cut, in tbe title to his " Guide, or the Christian Pathway to Everlasting
Life.'' 1700, 8vo. In the book above-mentioned, there is the following
account of him. " This disgrace to the clerical character was, at one
time, the most active of the marrying parsons in the Fleet. Driven from
Scotland for his attachment to episcopacy, he settled in London ; and to
procure a maintenance, commenced the same trade since so successfully
carried on by the Blacksmith of Gretna Green. Few persons so much in
jured the public morals, or so much distressed families, as this unworthy
man, and his brethren the priests of Hymen ; who even had their setters
to ask people passing, whether they wanted a clergyman to marry them :
and the ceremony was frequently still further profaned by the intoxication
of the priest and the parties. Keith and his journeymen, it was said, in
one morning, during the Whitsun-holidays, at May-Fair Chapel, locked
together a greater number of couples than had been married at any ten
churches within the billg. of mortality. He had transferred his practice to
this place, and continued to officiate there for many years, till he was
again obliged to take refuge in the Fleet. At length the Bishop of London,
taking cognizance of the abuse, excommunicated him, and the sentence '
was repeated in May-Fair Chapel."* From some eccentricities recorded ef
this man, we strongly suspect him to be the same with the person above-
mentioned. The chief difficulty regards his being driven from Scotland on
account of episcopacy. Perhaps this may be incorrect.
* Noble's continuation of Granger, vol. iii. p. 144.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 139
TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT.LANE.  Independents.
INDEPENDENTS.
After the conformity of Mr. Keith, his congregation at
Turners'-Hall was soon dispersed. The place Was then
taken by Mr. Joseph Jacob, a person of considerable note
in his day, but of no less eccentricity ; and concerning whom
we are happy to have it in our power to lay before the
reader the following particulars^ which have never appeared
in print, and may be considered authentic.
Joseph Jacob. — This singular person was born about
the year 1667, but the place of his birth is not mentionedl
His parents belonged to that denomination of people called
Quakers, and trained him up in the same principles ; but he
appears to have renounced them pretty early in life. He was
bred to the trade of a linen-draper, and followed that pro
fession for sometime in London. At an early period, he
seems to have discovered those singular traits of character,
which distinguished him throughout life. He was warm in
the cause of civil and religious liberty ; arid was an utter
enemy to the designs and practices of those who were plot- -
ting the overthrow of our constitution, in the reign of King
James the Second. At the Revolution, he discovered his
zeal by mounting a horse, and going to meet King William
in the West. The storm blowing over, and the affairs of
the nation putting on a favourable aspect, Mr. Jacob began
to profess himself a Protestant Dissenter, of the congrega
tional persuasion ; and being desirous of becoming a preacher,
he, with a view to qualify himself for that profession, put
himself under the tuition of the Rev. Robert Traile, a
learned and eminent Divine, at that time, in the metropolis.
Upon his first appearance in public, he manifested that he
was no ordinary person, and soon gathered a numerous
congregation. About 1697, Mr. Jacob set up .a weekly lecture at Mr.
Gouge's meeting-house, near the Three Cranes, Thames-

140 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
TURNERS'-HALL, PIIILFOT-LAKE.  Independents.
street, where he was much followed. Being naturally of a
bold daring spirit, and having an unaccountable propensity
to find fault with his betters, in which he seems to have
much delighted, he took occasion frequently, at this lecture,
to interfere more than he ought to have done, with the pub
lic affairs of the government. His conduct in this respect,
drew upon him, as might be expected, much censure, and
was certainly calculated to bring him into no small trouble.
The matter soon reached the Parliament-house ; and Mr,
Shallet, one of Mr. Gouge's people, being then a member
of Parliament, took up the business at a church meeting,
complained loudly of Mr. Jacob's behaviour, and insisted
upon his being dismissed from his lecture at that place;
which was complied with. This resolute proceeding, how
ever, served only to exasperate Mr. Jacob, who, before he
took leave of the place, fell foul upon several veiy worthy
ministers, and amongst others, upon the valuable Mr. Mat
thew Mead. At the same time, he produced in the pulpit,
one of Mr. Mead's books, out of which he read what he
thought proper, and then ridiculed and lampooned it as
served his pleasure. And this being his farewell sermon at
that place, he concluded with telling the people, that he
shook off the dust of his feet as a testimony against them,
because they would not receive his gospel ; and this he actu
ally attempted in the literal sense.
Notwithstanding the singularities which marked his cha
racter, Mr. Jacob still had numerous friends ; and when he
was. deprived of his lecture at the Three Cranes, they pro
ceeded to build him a new meeting-house, in Parish-street,
Southwark. This was in l6yS. Here he soon had a nu
merous audience ; and he set about forming- his people into
a regular church, which he was determined should be more
pure than any that had been before him. For this purpose,
he drew up a church-covenant, which he obliged all his
members to sign ; but of what particulars it was composed,
cannot, at this distance of time, be recovered. However

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 141
TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  Independents.
we may form some judgment of the leading features of it,
from certain singular customs observed in his church, which
have come to our knowledge. He passed an order, ob
liging the whole of the congregation to stand during the
time of singing. This, though by no means an uncommon
thing in the present day, was then looked upon as a great
no vel ty. In this reformed church all periwigs were dis
carded ; the men members wore whiskers upon their upper
lips, in which Mr. Jacob set them an example; and an
order passed for the regulation of the women's garb. The
members of this church were rfot allowed to attend public
worship at any other place, not even if their business occa
sionally called them to a distance ; nor were they suffered to
intermarry with other churches. The relations of life could
be filled up1 only from this perfect society; nor could any
person, excepting Mr. Jacob, be safely employed to solem
nize the marriage union. These articles, cum multis aliis,
were the distinguishing features of this very singular church,
which stood aloof from the other bodies of Dissenters.
Some persons not conforming to the new rules, were forth
with excommunicated. But this harsh usage only offended
others, who withdrew in consequence. This proved a great
detriment to Mr. Jacob ; and, in the end, his church
dwindled away so far that he was obliged to quit his
meeting-house. This was about the year 1702. However,
he still went on in his usual way ; for being of a courageous
temper, and having always a number of admirers, he made
shift to stand his ground. The next place he occupied as a
meeting-house, was Turners'-Hall. Here he proceeded, as
formerly, to pollute his pulpit, by animadverting upon
public characters ; reflecting- particularly upon King William,
and ridiculing many worthy ministers in the metropolis ; such
as Mr. Howe, Mr. Traile, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Bragge, &c.
From Turners'-Hall he removed to Currier's-Hall, Cripple-
gate, which was the last stage of his performance. There
he went on much in the same way, till his followers gra-

i42 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  Independents.
dually deserted him, and he was taken away by death,
June the 26th, 1722, when he was 55 years of age; and
with him died the Reformed Church of which he was
pastor.* As to the character of Mr. Jacob, the reader will be
enabled to form a pretty correct idea of it, from the pre
ceding sketch of his history. He was a man of considerable
natural talents, and possessed some learning. His zeal was
ardent, and his courage undaunted. He despised danger,
ridiculed the idea of singularity, and set himself above the
reach of vulgar prejudice. He had, for many years, an
uncommon influence over his followers, and, had he pos
sessed sufficient discretion to govern his conduct, he would
not only have ensured respect, but have acquired considera
ble weight with his brethren, and his name would have been
handed down with credit to the Dissenting cause. But like
Ishmael of old, and not unlike one of his descendants in
the present day, it? might be said of him, that his hand was
against every man, and every man's hand against him.
However, we must leave him, and his defects, to the scru
tiny of that day, when every man's work shall be made
manifest : For the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire ; and the fire shall try every man's work
of what sort it is. We have seen two or three single
sermons of Mr. Jacob, preached at Turners'-Hall, which
we believe is all that he has in print. This extraordinary
man lies buried in Bunhill-Fields, beneath a handsome
tomb, containing the following inscription :
In hopes of a part in the first resurrection.
To the Memory
Of Mr. JOSEPH JACOB,
An Apostolic Preacher,
Who died the 26th of 4 mo. 17S2,
Aged 55.
Also, SARAH JACOB, his wife; and two of their Daughters.
* MS. penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

143

TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  Particular Baptists.

PARTICULAR BAPTISTS.
After the death of Mr. Jacob, the meeting-house at
Turners'-Hall was taken by a congregation of Particular
Baptists. This society originated in the following circum
stance. Upon the death of Mr. William Collins, pastor of
an ancient Particular Baptist Church, in Spitalfields, the
majority of that Society agreed to unite with another church,
of the same persuasion, that met at Lorimer's-Hall. They
also agreed to bring in the practice of singing psalms, which
was beginning, just then, to be introduced among the Bap
tists ; and was not received without considerable opposition.
It appears that several members disliking this innovation,
separated from the rest, claiming to themselves the title of
the Old Church, because they adhered to their ancient con
stitution and settlement. These resolving to keep up their
church-statey and conduct public worship upon their former
plan, hired the meeting-house at Turners'-Hall, and chose
Mr. Ebenezer Wilson for their pastor. They continued to
assemble there for about twenty-three years ; but, in 1727,
removed to Devonshire-square, and united with one of the
congregations which met in that place.* The following
persons were pastors of this Society while they met at Tur
ners'-Hall.

Ministirs' Names.

From

To

Ebenezer Wilson, -------
Sayer Rudd, ---------

17041716
1725

17141723
1727

Ebenezer Wilson. — He was son to the Rev. John
Wilson, many years pastor of the Baptist congregation at

MS. penes me.

144 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
TURNEltS'-HALL, PH1LP0T-I ANE- — Particular Baptists,
Hitchin, Herts. Part of his education he received under
the Rev. John Shuttlewood, an ejected minister, who kept
his seminary at Sulby, near Welfofd, in Northamptonshire.*
It appears from Crosby, that he was, also, sometime under
the tuition of the celebrated Mr. Timothy Jollie, at Atter-
cliffe, in Yorkshire, f At the close of his studies, he settled
at Bristol, as assistant minister to one of the Baptist con
gregations in that city. It is not quite certain whether he
preached at Broadmead, or the Pithay. We had some
notion that it was at the latter place, as assistant to old Mr.
Andrew Gilford ; but a memorandum before us mentions a
Mr. Wilson, a learned man, who kept a school in that
city, and was assistant to Mr. Thomas Vauxe, pastor at
Broad-mead. While at Bristol, Mr. Wilson married the
daughter of the Rev. George Fownes, who was minister
at High-Wycombe, and afterwards preached at Broad-
mead. By this lady, he had five or six children, one of
whom was the Rev. Samuel Wilson, a respectable minister
in Goodman 's-Fields. About the year 1704, Mr. Wilson
removed to London, to take charge of the congregation at
Turners'-Hall, and continued in that situation till his death,
in 1714. He was a very worthy man, and a good scholar ;
but not popular as a preacher. On this account, his con
gregation was but small ; nevertheless, it consisted of some
wealthy persons, so that he had a tolerable maintenance,
and being greatly respected, they contributed largely to his
support. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev.
Edward Wallin, but not printed. J
Thomas Dewhurst. — After a vacancy of about two
years, Mr. Wilson was succeeded by a Mr. Thomas Dew
hurst. This gentleman came from Backop in Lancashire,
* Nonconformist's Memorial, vol. ii. p. 398.
t Crosby's Hist, of the English Baptists, vol. iv. p. 316'.
X Crosby, ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES; 145
TURNERS'-HALL, PII1LPOI-LANE  Particular Baptists.
where he was member of a Baptist church under the care
of the Rev. Richard Ashworth. He was received a member
at Turners'-Hall, Aug. 19, 17 16, and after a further trial
of his ministerial gifts, was ordained to the pastoral office
on the 29th of the same month. Mr. Wallin opened the
work of the day, and was the mouth of the church upon
the occasion ; two members of the church prayed ; Mr.
Mark Key gave a word of exhortation to the minister, and
Mr. John Skepp. preached to the church ; Mr. Dewhurst
then closed the work of the day with prayer. He continued
at Turners'-Hall ahout seven years, till 1723, when he
either died, or removed to Some other place.* Mr. Dew
hurst was one of the subscribing brethren at the Salter's-
Hall Synod in 1719-
Sayer Rudd. — Mr. Dewhurst was succeeded, after a
considerable interval, by die Rev. Sayer Rudd, then a
member of Mr. Wallin's church at the Maze-Pond, South
ward He was publicly set apart, with laying on of hands,
July 2, 1725. The following year, upon the death of the
Rev. Mark Key, the church at Devonshire-square, ex
pressed a desire of putting themselves under the care of Mr.
Rudd, and invited him to preach for them several times,
with that view. At length an union between the two
churches was agreed to, upon condition that the people at
Devonshire-square should dissolve their church state, and
join Mr. Rudd's congregation, which was to remove from
Turners'-Hall, and meet henceforward in Devonshire-
square. After several letters had passed between them on
the subject, the union was publicly recognized June 27,
1727. i" , ' As Mr. Rudd will again fall under our notice
more than once in the course of the present work, we shall
omit any further mention of him in this place.
* MS. penes me. f Ibid.
Vol. I. u

146 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  Independents.

INDEPENDENTS.
Upon the removal of Mr. Rudd's congregation, Turners-
Hall was taken by a society of Independents, who v/ere a
branch of Mr. Hussey's church in Petticoat-lane. After
the death of that celebrated man, which happened in 1726,
the discontents which had for sometime subsisted in his
church, greatly increased, and all attempts for the restora
tion of harmony proving ineffectual, a' separation* followed.
The majority having withdrawn, assembled for public wor
ship, for a short time, in <r private house, which they li
censed for that purpose. About 1727, they removed into
Turners'-Hall, where they continued to conduct the worship
among themselves, with the occasional assistance of such
ministers as they could procure to preach for them. They
afterwards experienced some considerable difficulties, and
began to fall to pieces among themselves ; insomuch that
several persons left them, (m) After this they were com
pelled to lay aside preaching altogether ; and met only on
the latter part of the Lord's-day. On these occasions, they
spent their time in imploring the divine countenance and
blessing ; praying earnestly, that God would send them a
pastor after his own heart. At this time, Mr. William
Bentley, a very active deacon of the church, received a call
to exercise his preaching gifts, and many persons were ex
tremely desirous of introducing him to the ministerial office.
If we may believe his own account, he was not a little
backward in attending to the request of the church. How-
fin) From an entry in the church books belongisg to the Society in
Collier's Rents, Southwark, it appears that propositions were made for an
union with the church at Turners'-Hall, and several messages passed upon
the subject. The correspondence took place in the spring of l?3o, and it
seems as if the union had been effected. But, if so, the church at Turners'.
Hall must have been different from the one of which we are now
speaking.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 147
TURNERS'-HALL, PHILPOT-LANE.  Independents.
ever, having got the, better of his modesty, he had a further
call to a more public display of his preaching talents, by
conducting the whole worship as usual, on the Lord's-day.
He was then sent forth to preach the gospel, and being set
apart by the church, with solemn prayer^ he entered upon
his public work, Dec. 7, 1729- But the members of this
society, being still debarred from the Lord's-Supper, and
the ordinance of baptism, for -want of a proper adminis
trator, set themselves to inquire how they might overcome
this difficulty. At length after searching the scriptures, and
consulting the writings of Dr. Goodwin, Dr. Owen, and
Dr. Chamey, who confirmed them much in their opinion,
they determined to have a rulingrelder, and gave Mr. Bent-
ley a call to that office. After continuing for sometime in
this state, with comfort and satisfaction on both sides, the
church began to think it would he better for them to have a
proper pastor. For this purpose, they spent several days in
imploring the divine direetionj and at length, came to an
unanimous resolution, that Mr. Bentley should be fixed in
the pastoral office. Having signified his acceptance of this
call, a day was appointed to set him apart by fasting and
prayer. As they were not in connexion with any board, and
the London ministers did not notice them, the service was
conducted entirely among themselves. Mr. Bocket, one of
the deacons was deputed by the church to be their mouth
upon the occasion ; «nd he transacted the chief service of
the day. After some of the brethren had engaged in prayer,
Mr. Bocket desired die church to renew their call, which
was done accordingly- Mr. Bentley then declared his ac
ceptance of the pastoral office, and gave a short acconnt of
his call to the ministry. After this, Mr. Bocket exhorted
the minister, from Col. iv. 17 ; and the church, from
1 Thess. v. 12, 13. Some of the brethren then went to
prayer, and the service concluded with singing.* Mr,
" The Lord the helper of bis people ;" by Mr. Bentley, p. 1—92,

148 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
i
WEIGH HOUSE. LITTLE EA.St'CHEAP  Independent.
Bentley continued to preach at Turners'-Hall, till 1740,
when his congregation having grown numerous, removed to
a larger meeting-house, in Crispin-street, Spitalfields.f
Under that article we shall give a further account of Mr.
Bentley. (n)

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.

INDEPENDENT.

J. HE King's Weigh-House is situated at the corner of
Love-lane, in Little Eastcheap. On the same site formerly
stood the church of St. Andrew Hubbard, which was burnt
in the fire of London, and the parish united to that of St.
Mary-Hill. The King's Weigh-House then stood in Corn-
hill ; but after tills catastrophe, was removed to the spot
where it now stands. The object of this building was,
(for the prevention of frauds,) to weigh merchandise brought
from beyond sea, by the King's beam ; but of late years,
little has been done in this way, as there was no compulsive
power, and the merchants alleged it to be an unnecessary
¦f MS. penes me.
(n) Mr. Wesley, in one of his Journals, has the following paragraph ;
"Thursd.Sept. a?, 1739- 1 went in the afternoon to a society at Dept-
ford, and then at six came to Turners'-Hall, which holds by computation
two thousand persons. The press, both within and without, was very
great. In the beginning of the expounding, there being a large vault be
neath, the main beam which supported the floor broke. The floor imme
diately sunk, which occasioned much noise and confusion among the peo
ple. But two or three days before, a man had filled the vault with hogs
heads of tobacco; so that the floor, after sinking a foot or two, rested
upon them ; and I went on without interruption."

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 149
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASrCIIEAP.^-2)idepe«tto<t.
trouble and expence. It was under the government of a
master, and four master-porters, with labouring-porters,
who used to have carts and horses to fetch the merchants' -
goods to the beam, and to carry them back. The appoint
ments were in the gift of the Grocers' Company. Over this
building stood the former meeting-house ; from which cir
cumstance it derived its name. It was built in 1697, for
Mr. Thomas Reynolds, and after standing nearly a century,
was taken down, when many human bones were dug from
the foundation. The Weigh-Hous'e being discontinued, a
large warehouse was erected in its room, and over it the
present meeting-house, which was finished in 1795. It is a
large, handsome, oblong building, with three deep galleries,
and an upper one for a charity-school. The pews, in the
body of the meeting, are raised one above the other, in a
very tasty manner. The pulpit stands somewhat higher than
customary, but has a light appearance, and is very hand
some. In short, the whole is fitted up in an expensive
manner, and in a style of great elegance.
The Society assembling at the Weigh-House is of early
origin, being collected in the reign of King Charles the
Second, soon after the Act of Uniformity, by Mr. Samuel
Slater. It met originally at St. Katherine's, and afterwards
in Cannon-street, or rather, in Great Eastcheap,; and re
moved from thence to the Weigh-House. From., a small
this became a large and flourishing Society, and having
many wealthy persons belonging to it, made, for many years,
the largest collection for the fund of any congregation in
London, Salter's-Hall excepted. The pastors of the church
before the present one, carried their contributions for country
ministers to the Presbyterian fund, but Mr. Clayton, soon
after his settlement, joined the Independents. In point of
religious sentiment, there has been but little variation ; and
for numbers, and affluence, it is at present one (of the
most respectable of our Dissenting Churches. During the
greatest part of the last century, a lecture was preached at

150

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

WEIGH-HOUSE. LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
the Weigh-House, on a Friday evening, by some of the
most eminent ministers, of different denominations, in Lon
don. Four volumes of sermons, on singing, praying, hear
ing the word, and reading the scriptures, delivered in an
early stage of the lecture, were afterwards published. An
annual sermon in commemoration of the great fire, in 1666,
which began near this place, was also preached here for a
century afterwards. The following table will give the
reader, at one view, the names of the different ministers who
have been connected with the church, at the Weigh-House,
both as pastors and assistants.

Ministers' Names.

Samuel Slater, Sen.
Richard Kentish, .
Thomas Kentish, .
John Knowles, . .
Thomas Reynolds, .
Jabez Earle, . „
James Read,
James Wood,
Samuel Sanderson, .
William Langford, .
Samuel Palmer,
Edward Vennor,
Samuel Wilton, . .
John Clayton, . .

As Pastors.

From j To

As Assistants.

From

1662 1670
16701695
16951727

1662

1672

To

1727 1742

1742

17761779

1775

1778 18- -

1699
1707
1720
1730
1736
1763
1767

16—
1685
1707
17201727
1736
174217661775

Samuel Slater, Sen.— Of this venerable Divine, but
little information is now to be obtained. As he is not men
tioned by Wood, it is probable that he received his educa
tion in the University of Cambridge. After preaching about

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 151
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
ten years at some place in the country, he removed to Lon
don, and became minister of the collegiate chapel of St
Katherine's, in the Tower. He continued in the city during
the time of the plague, in 1625, when many others left it,
and endeavoured by his good offices to alleviate the miseries
of the suffering inhabitants. Though his income did not
exceed forty pounds a-year, he lived upon it very contentedly,
being happy in the esteem and affection of his parishioners.
After preaching nearly forty years at St. Katherine's, this
venerable man was deprived of his small living, in 1662, for
not violating his conscience by subscribing the Act of Uni
formity. Something of his disposition and strain of preach
ing may be learnt from his farewell sermon, on 1 John, v.
1 and 21. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ ia
born of God, and he that loveth him that begat, loveth
him also that is begotten of him. Little children keep
yourselves from idols. The discourse is plain and practical,
and addressed to the conscience. Concerning the imme
diate occasion of it, he remarks, " I suppose you all know
there is an act come forth by supreme authority, and it is
not for us to quarrel at it, but to submit as far as we can
with a good conscience ; there being many besides myself
who cannot comply with the injunctions, but are willing
rather to submit to the penalty. You have had the benefit
of my poor labours for nearly forty years ; during which I
have performed my service to God, Christ, and his people,
and I bless his name, not without acceptance and success.
My work, so far as I know, in this course, as in the weekly
course, is now at an end. My desire is, that you whose
hearts have been mclined to wait upon God in the way of
my ministry, may be kept faithful, and that you may have
the blessing of the everlasting covenant upon your souls :
that you may have the power of this doctrine, held forth in
this sermon, put forth upon your hearts, that as you believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, you may carry it
suitably to your profession: that you may walk in love to

152 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEJGII-H0USE, LITTLE JEASTCHEAP.  Independent.
God, love to Christ, and love to one another : that you
may labour to" manifest a noble generous spirit, in over
coming the world, its errors,, corruptions, false doctrines,
and unwarrantable worship : that you may in all things
labour to approve yourselves. And little ch Idren keep
yourselves from idols. Amen." *
After his ejectment, Mr. Slater collected a small society
at St. Katherine's, and continued to exercise his ministry in
private, as he had opportunity. This venerable man died
about the year 1670, when he must have been between
eighty and ninety years of age. He had been a preacher
sixty years, and was considerably above seventy years old,
when he was silenced. Dr. Calamy speaks of him as a
man of eminent piety, of great plainness, and remarkable
sincerity .f He left a son in the ministry of the same name,
who was likewise one of the Bartholomew Confessors, and
afterwards preached to a congregation in Crosby-square.
Under that article we shall have occasion to give a particular
account of him.
Mr. Slater published a metrical version of the Songs of
Moses,. Deborah, Hannah,, and Solomon, and of the
Church in the xxvi of Isaiah. 8vo. 1653. Also, " The
Plague Check'd ; in a Letter to a Friend." 8vo. 1665. He
was also the author of several other pieces, the titles of
which have not reached us. After his death, appeared his
" Treatise of Growth in Grace ; in nineteen Sermons."
Svo. 16714 The editor of this volume, in an address to
the reader, speaks of Mr. Slater as " A Reverend, laborious
and judicious preacher, whose growth in grace was well
known." Richard Kentish.— He was fellow-labourer with
Mr. Slater at St. Katherine's in the Tower, and ejected at
* Farewell Sermons, p, 469.
t Calamy's Continuation, p. 39, 40, j Ibid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 153
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.. — -Independent.
the same time.* This is all the account that is left us Con
cerning him. Some circumstances, however, lead us to
think that he contiuued to assist Mr. Slater in his noncon
forming society, after Bartholomew-day. It does not ap
pear what relation he was to the other ejected ministers of
the same name. Probably he was_ brother to-. Mr. Thomas
Kentish, who was deprived of the living of Middleton, in
the bishopric of Durham,, soon after the Restoration. If
this be correct, he was uncle to the person mentioned in
the next article. Mr. Richard Kentish published nothing,
we believe, excepting a sermon, preached before the long-
parliament, Nov. 24, 1647, on Rev. ii. 2. |
Thomas Kentish. — This excellent and useful minis
ter was son to the Rev. Thomas Kentish, who was ejected
soon after the Restoration, from Middleton, in the bishopric
of Durham. He brought up three sons to the ministry, and
died in London full of years.f Of the three sons just men
tioned, the subject of the present biographical sketch, is
the only one of whom we find the least notice ; and the
memorials concerning him are extremely scanty. He is not
mentioned by the Oxford historian, though a member of
that University ; the probable reason of which is, that he
was never graduated. He was, also, living when the first
edition of Wood's work made its appearance. Dr. Calamy
informs Us, that he received his education in Pembroke
College.^ At the Restoration, he was rector of Overton,
in Hampshire, but did not enjoy it long afterwards, being
deprived by the Act of Uniformity, in 1662. He then
retired to London, and succeeded Mr. Slater as pastor of
the Society at St. Katherine's, which removed soon after
wards to Cannon-street. This good man suffered much
* Calamy's Continuation, p. 40. f Calamy's Account, p, 290.
X Calamy's Continuation, p. 518.
Vol. I. x

154 HISTORY ANTJ ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.- — Independent.
from the persecuting spirit of the times. Being on one
occasion in Mr. Janeway's pulpit, at Rotherhithe, he was
seized by the troopers, and taken to the Marshalsea, where
he was some time confined a prisoner. Mr. Kentish died
in 1695, and was succeeded in his congregation by Mr.
Thomas Reynolds. Dr. Calamy gives him the character of
a very serious, useful, friendly, candid person.* He left
two soils in the ministry, one in Southwark, and the other
at Bristol; but they neither of them long survived their
father. It does not appear that Mr. Kentish ever published
any thing.
John Knowles, sometime colleague with Mr. Thomas
Kentish. He was a native of Lincolnshire, and pursued
his studies at Magdalen College, Cambridge, where he was
chamber-fellow with Mr. Vines. In 1625, he was chosen
Fellow of Katherine-Hall, where he had full employment
as a tutor. He had forty pupils under his care at one time,
many of whom became persons of consideration and worth.
About the year 1650, twelve of them were members of
parliament, and no less than thirty eminent preachers.
Before the death of Dr. Sibbes, who was master of Ka
therine-Hall, a fellowship became vacant in Magdalen Col
lege, for which archbishop Laud recommended one of his
bell-ringers at Lambeth. This was a great stretch of au
thority, and designed to promote a quarrel if he was refused,
or to have a spy there if accepted. Dr. Sibbes, who was
not for provoking persons in power, told the fellows that
Lambeth-House would be obeyed; that the person was
young, and might prove hopeful ; so he was chosen accord
ingly. But fifty years afterwards Mr. Knowles observed,
that nothing troubled him more tiian the vote he gave upon
that occasion. The man thus forced upon them, proved a
mere timeserver. He went thither of the Lambeth cast;
•Account, p. 351.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 156
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP. — -Independent.
but as the times changed, became a Presbyterian, an
Independent, every thing that prevailed; and in every
way violent. At last, he wrote a book, called, " St.
Austin imitated in his Retractations ;" but this he was
ready enough to retract upon a fresh change in the govern
ment.* Upon the death of Dr. Sibbes, there was a great contest
about a successor to the vacant Mastership ; but the choice,
at length, fell upon Dr. Brownrig, who proved a most
worthy and exemplary person. While Mr. Knowles was,
with great pleasure and usefulness, leading a college-life, he
received an invitation from the Mayor and Aldermen of
Colchester, to be their lecturer. This he accepted, and
applied himself to his work with great acceptance and suc
cess. While at this place,' he became intimately acquainted
with the famous Mr. John Rogers of Dedham, whose eyes
he closed, and whose funeral sermon he preached. He
also recommended to them his worthy successor, Mr.
Matthew Newcomen. The schoolmaster's place at Col
chester becoming vacant, Mr. Knowles and the Mayor car
ried the election for a person in opposition to the recom
mendation of archbishop Laud ; who was so incensed, that
he would not suffer Mr. Knowles to continue there any
longer. His licence being revoked in 1639, he went to
New-England, and became teacher to the church at Water-
town, of which Mr. George Philips was pastor. There he
continued about ten years, when he was sent to Virginia, to
preach the gospel, in conjunction with Mr,. Thompson of
Braintree. At their first coming, the governor entertained
them courteously ; but when he found they were inimical to
the surplice, common prayer, &c. he would not allow them
4o preach in the places of public worship. They, however,
continued to preach there privately, for some time, and did
• Dr. Calamy's Account, p. 605, 606.

156 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
much good. Mr. Knowles has often been heard to say,
that he never saw so much, of the blessing of God upon his
ministry as there, and at Colchester. At length, they were
forced to remove ; and it was to them a remarkably kind
providence : for no sooner were they on board the ship,
in which they were to have sailed, than there was a
general rising of the Indians, who massacred all the Eng
lish, sparing neither old nor young. Mr. Knowles then
returned to Watertown, when he made but a short con
tinuance. After an absence of more than eleven years, Mr. Knowles
returned back to England, about the year 1650. Soon
after, he became a preacher in the cathedral at Bristol,
where he lived in great credit and usefulness; At the Re
storation, he was ejected from this place ; and in 1662, si
lenced with the rest of his brethren. He then returned to
London, where he continued preaching in private as he had
opportunity. During the great plague, in 166.5, he was
very useful to such as continued in the city ; visiting rich
and poor, without distinction, and regardless of danger.
Upon King Charles's Indulgence, in 1672, he preached
statedly, to a people at St. Katherine's, as colleague with
Mr. Thomas Kentish. In London, he underwent some
severe persecutions, and experienced as many remarkable
deliverances. When some of his friends dissuaded him from
preaching, lest he should be cast into prison, he answered,
" In truth, I had rather be in a jail, where I might have a
number of souls, to whom I might preach the truths of my
blessed Master, than live idle in my own house, without
any such opportunities." Like his Redeemer, he made it
the business of his life to go about doing good ; and so fer
vent was he in his work, that he sometimes preached till he
fell down. His discourses in company, concerning the
dealings of God with him, his temptations and afflictions,
his deliverances and supports, were so many affecting ser-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 157
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
mons. This valuable man lived to a good old age, and died
April 10, 1685.*
Thomas Reynolds. — This eminent and useful minis
ter, was born in London, about the year 1667. His father
was a protestant Dissenter, a religious man, and a member
of Mr. Howe's church in Silver-street. Our author, who
was his eldest son, he designed for the profession of the law.
Accordingly, he was placed betimes, under the care of Mr.
Singleton, of Clerkenwell-Close, who made a considerable
figure at that time, for classical literature. Having conti
nued with this gentleman a proper time, he was sent to pro
secute his studies at Oxford. But there things did not
answer his expectation. The tutor under whom he studied
being particularly disagreeable to him, he desired that he
might be recalled, and was gratified in his request. Soon
after his return to London, the court revived the persecution
against the Dissenters'.-}- Not being allowed to worship
publicly, agreeably to his own choice, he was compelled to
hear as he could, and attended the ministry of Mr. Smithy's,
at Cripplegate church. Under the preaching of that gen
tleman, Mr. Reynolds received great satisfaction and profit.
It pleased God to work effectual conviction upon his mind,
insomuch that he received a new bias ; all his thoughts about
the law vanished at once ; and he resolved to devote himself
to God in the work of the ministry, even though bonds and
imprisonment might attend it. His father observing the
uncommon concern of spirit which he now discovered, toge
ther with the influence it produced, endeavoured to divert
him from his purpose ; urging the difficulties that attended
the ministry among the nonconformists at that period. To
' Calamy's Account, p. 605 — 60S.  Nonconformist's Memorial, vol,
.ii. p. 173 — 175.  -Mather's History of New-England, B. III. p. 216.
f This must have been about 16S1, or 1682, when Dr. Stillingfleet's
mischief of separation so provoked the papal fury.

158 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
this, young Mr. Reynolds replied, " That he foresaw these
discouragements, and acknowledged that the advantage as to
this world, lay in the other scale : yet upon this view of the
case, he preferred being a minister of Jesus Christ ; and if
he might be successful in bringing one soul to him, it would
yield him more satisfaction than thousands of gold and sil
ver." The force of this reasoning, doubtless, yielded secret
satisfaction to the heart of Mr. Reynolds's father, though
it disappointed his original intentions.*
Mr. Reynolds having chosen the ministry among the non
conformists, the next care of his father was to give him a
suitable education for that profession. With this view, he
placed him under the care of Mr. Charles Morton, at
Newington-green ; a gentleman, who, for a considerable
course of time, taught university learning, with applause.
Mr. Reynolds was admitted a member of his academy,
March 27, 168.3, before he had completed his sixteenth
year. At this seminary, he chose for his companions the
most solid and serious ; such as had the best taste for learn
ing, as well as the greatest emulation to excel. And, as he
came behind none in real piety, so, he had his share of
reputation as a scholar. The troubles of the noncon
formists increasing, and their seminaries being looked upon
by the government with an evil eye ; some young persons en
gaged in the same studies, and with the same views, judged
it prudent to retire abroad, and fixed upon Geneva as the
most eligible place, where they might not only pursue then-
studies unmolested, but likewise have the benefit of a public
university. Mr. Reynolds, sensible of these advantages, re
quested his father, that he might make one of the number,
which was readily granted. There, they attended the lec
tures of the deservedly celebrated Dr. Francis Tur-
retine.-f- * Mr. Wood's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. Thomas Reynolds,
p. 30, 31. f Ibid. p. 32,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. I5JJ
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTTE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
Mr. Reynolds had not been long at Geneva, before it
pleased God to suffer him (the better to fit him for the
work of the ministry) to be exercised with great doubts as
to his spiritual state. Darkness and fears continued to grow
upon him, and his spiritual troubles ran so high, that he
seemed to be not many removes from despair. ¦ But the
clouds scattered by degrees ; and it pleased God to bless
the conversation of a worthy person, providentially there at
the time, by which means he was restored to a solid, settled
peace of mind.*
Having spent some time at Geneva, he removed to the
United Netherlands ; and studied at the University of
Utrecht.. Here the philosophy professor was the famous
De Vries, and Witsius the professor of divinity ; men who
shone among the first lights, in their more private charac
ters as Christians, as well as in the faculties which they
publicly professed. Under the disadvantage of ill health, he
made a good proficiency in useful learning ; and it has been
remarked to his honour, by those who knew him abroad,
that the seriousness of his spirit was beyond what was ordi
narily seen in such a stage of life, and his ability in prayer
as extraordinary.']-
Having passed through the requisite preparatory studies,
Mr- Reynolds returned home, and preached occasionally
about the metropolis. He had not been long there before
his fame as a solid, judicious, edifying preacher, was so
noised abroad, that the congregation under the pastoral care
of the learned Mr. John Howe, in Silver-street, being then
in want of an assistant, invited him to serve them in the work
of the gospel. In this station he behaved with so much
modesty, that he gained an high interest in the esteem both
of. pastor and people. J While in this situation, Mr. Rey
nolds was ordained at the first public meeting held. for that
* Mr. Wood's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Thomas Reynolds -p. 33
t Ibid. X Ibid, ubi supra, p. 34.

160 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
>a WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
purpose, among the Dissenters, after the act of Uniformity.
The service was conducted at Dr. Annesley's meeting-house,
Little St. Helen's, June 22; 1694. Six other young men
were ordained at the same time, and the work was per
formed by several aged nonconforming ministers.*
Sometime after, upon the death of Mr. Thomas Kentish,
a worthy ejected minister, in 1695, he was invited to suc
ceed him in the pastoral care of a small congregation, in
Cannon-street. This application was made, not without fears
as to the issue. The church consisted of not more than
sixteen or seventeen men ; the auditory in proportion. The
encouragement therefore, to a reflecting person, could not
be very great. Besides, he was then in a church of prin
cipal note, had a respectable and flourishing audience, and
was amidst a number of hearty generous friends : so that,' to
an eye of sense, it could not but appear that he must be a
considerable loser by falling in with the proposal. His
removal was strongly opposed by some persons of the first
rank and influence in the church at Silver-street ; as also by
his father, who was a member of that society. They also
promised to enlarge his income, though it was already above
what he had any rational prospect of receiving from the
other congregation. But notwithstanding these circum
stances, he resolved to accept the call, observing that there
was so much of the hand of God in the unanimity and affec
tion expressed by the people who had invited him, that he '
wpuld take his lot with them, and leave the event.f
Mr. Reynolds had not been settled long in this new situa
tion before things began to assume a better appearance.
His ministry met with very general acceptance, and the
congregation rapidly increased. This greatly encouraged
him in his labours, and made him acquiesce the more in his
removal. In a short time, his church became so numerous
* Calamy's Continuation, p. 635.
f Mr. Wood's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 34, 35.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 161
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
that it was found necessary to provide a larger meeting
house ; and having obtained leave to build a new one, over
the King's Weigh-House, they removed thither, in 1697-
Here we cannot help remarking as somewhat extraordinary,
and much to the credit of Mr- Reynolds, that his people
should be so much augmented both in numbers and influ
ence, in such a short time, as to be able to enter upon so
large a concern as the one we have just mentioned. And
we would here observe, that those persons strangely mis
calculated the matter who supposed that the interest of non
conformity would die with the more immediate sufferers
for it. On the contrary we have seen the same thing exem
plified in this case which has been remarked in many others,
that the more any particular opinions have been persecuted
and held up to derision, so much the more have they flou
rished and gained ground. The reason is obvious ; injured
innocence will always obtain admirers, and the cause for
which people are persecuted will naturally be sought out :
thus free inquiry will be promoted, and truth obtain her
admirers, notwithstanding the opposition of self-interested
zealots. But to return.
Mr. Reynolds continued labouring with his congregation
for above thirty years, much to his own reputation and • the
public benefit. He was a plain, serious, and affectionate
preacher, and had many seals to his ministiy. In dis
charging the duties of the pastoral office, he was an example
of great diligence and fidelity. His public discourses were
solid and judicious, remarkably adapted to strike the con
sciences of men, to persuade them of the reality of religion,
and rouse them to a serious concern for the salvation of their
souls. The subjects he insisted upon were the important
points of faith and practice, and he endeavoured to interest
his hearers in the glorious truths >of the gospel revelation.*
*
* Wood's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 37-
Vol. I. y

162 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
The zeal he discovered for some important doctrines of
Christianity, exposed him to much obloquy from persons
who held them with a looser hand ; ,or at least did not lay
that stress upon them which he did. For the cause, of
Christ, and especially for poor country ministers, he was a
remarkable pleader ; and God gave him in a liberal manner,
the hearts and purses of his people.
The reputation which Mr. Reynolds acquired as a
preacher, often called forth his talents upon funeral and
other public occasions. The many discourses he was pre
vailed upon to print, afford a good specimen of his pulpit
abilities, as well as of the seriousness of his spirit. He was
called to fill up the place of lecturer in some of the most
considerable pulpits, in and about London. At the com
mencement of the Friday evening lecture at the Weigh-
house, early in the eighteenth century ; .Mr. Reynolds was
one of the first six ministers chosen to conduct it. He was
also elected one of the preachers, on a Tuesday morning, of
the merchant's lecture at Salter's-Hall. His people, for
many years, kept up a friendly union with the churches un
der the care of Dr. John Evans, and Mr. Benjamin Robin
son, in their monthly preparations for the Lord's-Supper,
and, also, in their quarterly meetings for fasting and prayer ;
till the harmony of this association was disturbed by the
affair of Mr. James Read, which shall be noticed pre
sently. In the year 17 19, the Dissenting churches in the West of
England, were thrown into a flame, in consequence of some
of their ministers having embraced Arianism. This pro
duced a long controversy, which was carried on with great
bitterness on both sides. At length, the matter being re
ferred to the London ministers, they met together in a synod
at Salter's-Hall, to consider of advices to be sent to their
brethren in the West, with a view of composing the differ- .
ences. But it so happened that they could not agree among
themselves ; and, as is generally the case with large bodies'

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 163
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
they split into parties, and still furdier widened the breach.
It being proposed in this assembly, that, in order to support
their orthodox brethren in the West, the ministers present
should make a declaration of their own sentiments with
regard to the Trinity, by subscribing the first article of the
Church of England, and the answers to the fifth and sixth
questions in the Assembly's Catechism, the matter- was
violently opposed, as an infringement of Christian liberty,
and they divided into two parties of subscribers and non-
subscribers. Mr. Reynolds, from a motive of conscience,
united with the former ; and justified their conduct with
great zeal and ability. To a belief of the doctrine of the
ever blessed Trinity, he attached < very great importance.
The true eternal Godhead of the Son, and Spirit, he looked
upon as the corner-stone -of Christianity ; all our hopes of
happiness depending upon a practical belief of this doctrine.
He was one of the four London ministers, who wrote a
pamphlet, entitled, " The Doctrine of the Blessed Trinity
stated and defended." The part he undertook was, Some
Heads of Advice relating to that Doctrine. This was just
before their unhappy differences, which ended in the division
above-mentioned. Mr. Reynolds continued steadfast to the
last, in the doctrine which he had thus publicly defended.
On all proper occasions, he took -care to warn his people
against those who would draw them off, in this point, to
another gospel. And he died in the same faith which he
preached ; rejoicing in having thus borne his testimony to a
doctrine so essential to the comfort and hope of Chris
tians.* (o) * Mr. Wood's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 39.
, (o) It appears that some unfavourable reports were spread by Mr. Rey
nolds's enemies, concerning the share he had taken in the business of sub
scription at Salters'-Hall ; as if he had altered his mind on that subject.
He has, however, publicly exposed the falsehood of those aspersions. "I
take this opportunity (says he) to wipe off a foul reproach from myself, as
if I had repented of what I had done, and that I should go mourning for it

164 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
Not long after the disputes just mentioned, Mr. Reynolds
was engaged in another controversy, of a very unpleasant
nature, with his assistant, the Rev. James Read. This
gentleman, during the debates at the Salters'-Hall Synod,
had taken the opposite side to Mr. Reynolds. He had,
also, given some reason to suspect that, in his notions con
cerning the Trinity, he had deviated from the interpretation
generally received by those who are reputed orthodox.
This produced some heats in Mr. Reynolds's church, and
occasioned Mr. Read's dismission, July 20, 1720. Some
time after, a particular account of this affair was laid
before the public, and produced much recrimination on
both sides ; but we reserve any further mention of it till we
come to speak of Mr. Read in a separate article.
The fatigue and anxiety experienced by Mr. Reynolds
during this troublesome and perplexing affair, greatly injured
his health, so that he preached and administered the Lord's-
Supper only one Lord's-day after Mr. Read's dismission,
before he fell into such indisposition of body, as gave but
little hopes of his life. He was confined above three
months, during which time, his character was much insulted
and abused ; artful methods were made use of to entice
away his people ; and every mean devised, that could pos
sibly distress him. His enemies spread a malicious report
as if his disorder had affected his senses, and he would never
be able to appear again in the pulpit ; but through the
goodness of God, he was wonderfully restored, and his
church preserved from divisions. So that, out of three
to the grave. I declare it utterly false ; but, believe, That, indeed, so it
would have been if I had omitted what 1 have judged, and do still judge,
to have been my duty. I pray God most heartily to forgive those, who, by
this, and many other false reports, and subtle methods, have endeavoured
to injure my reputation, and to lessen the small use, which God is pleased
to make of me. I bear ill will to none, and have a great deal of comfort to
find I dare not treat others as some have treated me." — Life of the Rev.
William Hocker, affixed to the Sermon upon his death, by the Rev. Thomas
Reynolds, p. 52.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 165
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
hundred communicants, of which Mr. Reynolds's church
consisted, there were not more than ten or twelve who left
it upon Mr. Read's account.*
In the year 1723, Mr. Reynolds was engaged in another
controversy with the Rev. Simon Browne. This gentleman
had taken some offence at a passage in a sermon preached
by our author, upon the death of the pious and excellent
Mr. Samuel Pomfret; as also to the preface prefixed to
that discourse. The subject in dispute, related to the
Salters'-Hall controversy, and the old affair of subscription,
Mr. Browne's pamphlet, it must be acknowledged, is writ
ten with great keenness and show of argument, but, the un
ceremonious manner in which he treats Mr. Reynolds, and
his subscribing brethren, ought to be spoken of hi terms of
severe reprobation. In the answer to Mr. Browne's Letter,
published by Mr. Reynolds, he points out some gross mis
representations of facts, and vindicates himself from the
injurious reflections cast upon his character. " I have suf
fered long (says he) by false reports, though whilst my Op-
posers did content themselves with more private methods of
defamation, I only defended myself against them, as they
came in my way ; but since Mr. Browne has thought fit to
attack me in print, and to renew the assault again in his late
postscript, (to the second edition of his letter) I must stand
condemned before the world, or be thought perfectly stupid,
if I do not answer for myself in a manner as public as that
in which I am accused ."f Mr. Reynolds then gives a par
ticular account of the transactions between himself and Mr.
Read, and closes his pamphlet with the following reflec
tions. " I have not imitated Mr. Browne in his abusive
way of writing, as never daring to break through the boun
daries of religion, truth, and good manners, to shew a little
* Mr. Reynolds's Answer to the Rev. Simon -Browne, p. 52, 53.
f Answer to the Rev. Mr. Simon Browne's Letter. By Thomas Rey
nolds, p. 8.

166 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
wit. If he will be profane, prostitute his character, belie
and defame a brother minister to make sport, and gain
reputation among wanton scoffers, I can assure him he is far
from being the object of my envy. My business is to slight .
his wit, and to see what he has of truth or argument, which,
when examined into, is but of small account."* We
thought it necessary to introduce the above extracts in vindi
cation of Mr. Reynolds, because the several writers of Mr.
Browne's Life, have noticed the pamphlet of that gentleman
in such terms of unqualified praise as must lead the reader
to form a very unfavourable idea of his opponent.
The health of Mr. Reynolds had been declining for some
years. His constant labours, and public' cares, the load of
business upon his hands, and the frequent returns of acute
bodily pain, together with the unkindnesses he met with
from some persons who ought to have treated him with
more honour, .tended in a very considerable degree to break
his constitution. It was his frequent prayer that he might
not outlive his usefulness. And it pleased God to grant
him his request ; for, the last time he appeared in public,
which was at the Lord's-Table, it was remarked, that he
had never been more lively and affectionate, more enlarged
and edifying than upon that occasion. It was also his de
sire, that he might not die under a cloud, and thereby
bring dishonour upon Christ, or cast a stumbling-block in
the way of his people. In this particular he was also heard.
Mr. Wood, his assistant, who visited him at this period,
observes, " I have often been called to attend on God's
people in their dying hours, have been more than once with
dying ministers, but remember not to have seen more of
God's special and gracious presence, or so much of the
light of his countenance. "f He died in the possession of
* Answer to the Rev. Mr. Simon Browne's Letter. By Thomas Rey
nolds, p. 102. t Mr. Wood's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 26.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 16?
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
a clear and strong judgment. One of his last acts, was to
pray for his church ; and bless them in the name of the
Lord. And how the Spirit of God helped him undethis
infirmities of \body, when he had the sentence of death in
himself, the reader will be able to judge by the following
brief narrative of his last day's conversation with some of his
friends. To his sorrowful wife he said, " My dear, had I power
with God as Abraham ; I would improve it to secure the
best of blessings for you, for my children, and for the
whole church of Christ. Let my God be your's ; be faith
ful unto death ; it will not be long till we meet where we
shall never part, never more be sad." Quickly after he
said, " O the joys I feel ! my heavenly Father is carrying
me to heaven in his arms ; I am going thither on a bed of
roses. I feared this hour, lest my pains should extort an
impatient word, or cause that I should seem to be uneasy
under his hand ; I have often wished to die praising God,
how kind is he who gives me leave so to do ! Trust my
God, he will not fail those who put their trust in him. O
the comforts I feel ! what blessed company shall I soon be
in ! what a mercy to be taken hence amidst my sympa
thising friends !" Having blessed particularly the branches
of his family, he ordered one who was present, to tell his
people as opportunity offered, that their dying minister sent,
his i love and thanks to them, for their kindness to him.
" Tell them (said he) that I send them my dying blessing ;
and if I were in the pulpit, and all my people about me, I
would as far as a minister of Jesus Christ can do it, bless
them in the name of my great Lord." When he was cau
tioned against speaking too much, as what did sensibly
weaken him, in his low condition, he replied, " I have served
my Lord living, and I am now doing it dying."* No cloud
sullied his countenance to the last ; his end was peace, and
* Mr. Wood's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 26, 27.

168 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
he finished his course with joy, August the 25th, 1727,
aged about sixty years. The Rev. James Wood preached
his funeral sermon, from 2 Cor. i. 12. For our rejoicing is
this, the testimony of our conscience, fyc.
Thus lived and died the Rev. Thomas Reynolds, a mi
nister of no ordinary reputation for zeal, piety and ministe
rial usefulness ; and, who, on account of his attachment to
some peculiar doctrines of revelation, endured as large a
share of obloquy as almost any minister in his day, the
famous Mr. Bradbury, perhaps, excepted. By the divine
blessing upon his skilful and diligent labours, he raised his
congregation from a low state, to one of the most flourishing
and wealthy societies among the Presbyterians. His fidelity
and zeal procured him honour and acceptance in many
churches of Christ, but more especially in the affections of
his own people. But, though highly valued by others, he
thought meanly of himself ; and lived under a prevailing
sense of his weakness and deficiency, in the performance of
religious duties. In his last will, made a few years before
his death, he says, " If Mr. Wood shall consent to preach
a sermon on the occasion of my death, and shall think fit to
say any thing of me therein, let it be no more than this ;
that the not being able to do more good, was the greatest
burthen which attended me throughout my whole life ; and
the incomprehensible, infinite mercy of God, through the
Lord Jesus Christ, is my only refuge, my chief support
under the prospect of death."*
Mr. Reynolds was no less remarkable for prudence, than
zeal, affection, and faithfulness, in the discharge of the
ministerial office. He was well acquainted with mankind,
and understood the world as well as most men in his station.
In short, he lived, in as full reputation as most ministers of
his age, and few died more sincerely or generally lamented-!
* Mr. Wood's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 4o.
t Ibid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. Ifl'gf
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP. Independent.
His writings, which consist chiefly of single sermons, shall
be enumerated in the note below, (p)
Jabez Earle, D. D. — This venerable Divine, who
died within the memory of many persons still living, when
he had attained, almost, to the years of a patriarch, com
menced his stated ministry, in 1699> as assistant to the Rev.
Thomas Reynolds. He preached at the Weigh-House
about eight years; but, in 1707, removed to Hanover-
street, Long Acre, where his labours were prolonged^ to
more than sixty years. To that place we refer the reader
for a more particular account of this extraordinary man.
James Read. — Upon the removal of Mr. Earle, the
place of assistant-preacher, at the Weigh-Housie, was filled
(p) Works. — j. Sermon preached to the Societies for Reformation of
Manners, in London and Westminster, Feb. 19, 1699, Prov. ix. 7, 8. —
2. A Sermon on the Death of the Rev. John Ashwood, with an Account of
his Life and Character ; and an Address'to the Orphans of Religious Parents.
1706.— 3. Objections against Singing considered: In the Eastcheap Lec
tures. Psa. Ixvri. 3, 4. 1708  4. An Account of the Life of Mrs. Mary
Terry, who died Dec. 8, 1708, in the 18th year of her age ; together with
her Funeral Sermon, on Prov. viii. 17. 1709. Dedicated to Mrs. Mary
Terry, the author's mother-in-law. — 5. Directions for the Gift and Grace
of Prayer : In the Eastcheap Lectures. Luke xi. 1. 1711. — 6. An Account
of the Life of Mrs. Clissold, who departed this Life Dec. 12, 1711, in the
29th year of her age ; together with her Funeral Sermon. Luke i. 4'5. — 7.
Exhortation to hearing theWord : in the Eastcheap Lectures. Heb. iii. 7. 1 7 13.
— 8. A Funeral Sermon for Mr. Thomas Clissold, who died May 24, 1713,
in the 3 1st Year of his Age. Eccles. ix. 3 0. 1713. — 9. A Funeral Sermon for
Mrs. Eleanor Murdin, Who died May 31, 1713.-— 10. The Nature of Reading
the Scriptures : In the Eastcheap Lectures. Acts xiii. 15. 1717. — TI. Some
Advices relating to the Doctrine of the Trinity. 1719. — 12. A Funeral Ser
mon for fhe late Reverend and pious Mr. William Hooker, who died
Dec. 12, 1721 ; with some Account of his Life. Acts xx. 37, 38. 1722. —
13. A Funeral Sermon for the late Rev. and pious Mr. Samuel Pomfret,
whodeceasedJan.il, 1721-2. Acts xx. 31, 32. 1722. — An Answer to the
Rev. Mr. Simon Browne's Letter to Mr. Thomas Reynolds. 1723.
Vol. L z

170 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
~WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
up by the Rev. James Read, brother to Mr. Henry Read,
of St. Thomas's, Southwark. ,He was appointed to this
situation in 1707, and continued his ministry with accept
ance, both to pastor and people, till the fatal Salters'-Hall
controversy caused a separation. Mr. Read, as we have
hinted above, joined the non-subscribing ministers, and
thereby, took the opposite side to Mr. Reynolds. This
gave much dissatisfaction to the congregation at the Weigh-
House, many of whom discontinued their attendance upon
Mr. Read's ministry. Mr. Reynolds, it seems, so far from
countenancing this neglect, used his endeavours to restore
him to their good opinion ; expressing for him great per
sonal regard, as well as the highest idea of his integrity and
friendship. At this time, a few persons in the church en
deavoured to raise a party against Mr. Reynolds ; and these
having espoused the cause of Mr. Read, attempted a divi
sion. Several church meetings were held upon the business ;
and, it being thought expedient, that pastor and assistant
should be of one mind in religious matters, Mr. Reynolds
was desired to wait upon Mr. Read, to know his senti
ments, particularly as to what regarded the truth and impor
tance of the doctrine of the Trinity. Two questions more
especially, were pressed home upon Mr. Read's considera
tion. 1. Whether a person that pays religious worship to
Christ, but at the same time disowns him to be truly and
properly God, (that is, in the strictest and strongest /sense
of the word) be chargeable with downright idolatry ? 2.
Whether such a one has forfeited his claim to Christian
communion? After some delay, Mr. Read, at a church
meeting, held July 15, 1720, and convened expressly for
the purpose, publicly declared that he could not agree with
Mr. Reynolds in the affirmative of those questions.
This gave great dissatisfaction to the whole company,
which soon afterwards broke up. From this time, it ap
peared pretty evident that Mr. Read could not continue
much longer in connexion with the church at the Weigh-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 171
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
House. Accordingly, at a meeting held July 9,0, the fol
lowing resolution was agreed to : " We, the underwritten,
" finding Mr. Read to differ in his sentiments from Mr.
*" Reynolds, in some points that we hold of consequence in
" religion, do not see how they can discharge the office of
" the ministry together consistent with the peace and edifi-
" cation of our church. And, therefore, we are of opinion,
" that Mr. Reynolds, our pastor, do part with Mr. Read,
" and desire it may be done as speedily, and in as friendly
" a maimer as may be." With this resolution, Mr. Rey
nolds acquainted Mr. Read, in a letter, dated July 26, in
which he observes, " Your disagreement with me in senti
ment about matters of so great consequence, and your way
of managing, have given me and my people a world of
trouble and grief, both on your own and many other ac
counts that are obvious. I have always testified a just
esteem and love for you, and have had a great deal of ease
and pleasure in the concurrence of your labours with mine,
and should have rejoiced as much as any man in the conti
nuance of them, had not this difference rendered it utterly in
consistent with my own, and the peace and edification of my
people. But these tilings, and the concern I have fori
truth, must take place of personal regard. However, as the
resolution that has been taken by me and my people, has
not proceeded from any private pique, but from conscience
and necessary self-defence; so I shall endeavour to be as
much your friend as I can consistent with these, and the
duties I owe to God and those he hath placed under my
care."* The above is a brief, but, we believe, faithful account of
a very unpleasant transaction, which drew much censure
upon Mr. Reynolds, at the time, nor, are we disposed,
entirely, to justify his conduct. That a religious society has
a right at any time to inquire into the principles as well as
* Mr. Reynolds's Letter to the Rev. Simon Browne, p. 12—51.

170 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
, WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
practice of its minister, and to choose whether they will
continue him in that relation, we are fully of opinion. And
while we think Mr. Read must be acquitted of any attempts
to divide the church, we do not know how far any jealousies
that crept in, might render it prudent in Mr. Reynolds to
retain him any longer as his assistant. At the same time,
we quite disapprove the means that were made use of, to
accomplish his dismission. There was no direct charge of
heterodoxy against Mr. Read, nor does Mr. Reynolds
intimate a suspicion that he had embraced the Arian
heresy. To entangle him, therefore, with such abstract
propositions as those above-mentioned, was neither friendly
nor ingenuous. Though Mr. Reynolds had made up his
mind for the affirmative of those questions, we are not quite
clear that Mr. Read's hesitation upon the point, was a suffi
cient ground for depriving him of the ministry, much less
for casting him out of the society. To start such questions,
was calculated to promote jealousy and division ; and appears
quite unnecessary even though the circumstances of the
church might render a separation expedient. We strongly
suspect the latter to have been the case. Immediately after
his dismission from the Weigh-House, Mr. Read was invited
to Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Evans's pulpit, and proposed for
his assistant. To this office he was, soon afterwards, cho-,
sen ; and upon the death of that excellent person, succeeded
to the pastoral charge. A more particular account of Mr,
Read's life and character, will be given under the article
New Broad-street, Petty-France,
James Wood. — Of tins worthy and excellent minister
our information is extremely confined. His own modesty
forbad any funeral sermon ; and though his request was not
exactly complied with, the one that was published, contains
not a single fact of his personal history. The time and ch>
cumstances of his birth, together with the particulars of his
.education, therefore, we are compelled to leave in the sanie

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 173

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.

obscurity that we find them. In the year 1713, he was or
dained pastor of the Presbyterian congregation in New-court,
Cary-street, Lincoln's-inn-fields. The principal part of the
service upon that occasion, fell upon the Rev. Matthew
Henry ; and it was the last work of the kind, in which that
excellent person engaged. In this church, Mr. Wood suc
ceeded to the celebrated Mr. Daniel Burgess. Upon the
dismission of Mr. James Read, in 1720, Mr. Wood was
called to fill up the place of morning-preacher at the Weigh-
House; and, having an assistant appointed for him at New-
court, he continued, for about seven years, to supply both
places, alternately.*
It must have been about this time that he was called to
assist a senior minister, in a catechetical lecture at the Old
Jewry. This service, it is apprehended, he did not conduct
any great length of time ; but resigned early in 1723-4. He
preached his farewell sermon February 23, in that year, and
afterwards committed it to the press. It is entitled, " Stead
fastness in Religion recommended;" and the text is, 2 Pet.
iii. 17, 18. Upon his services at this exercise, he has the
following remarks. " I do sincerely profess, that I reckon
myself with the meanest of those who have served you. Yet,
can say, that however unworthy, I have endeavoured to be
faithful. As I never forbore what I judged to be the truth
of G°d> through fear of displeasing any ; neither have I ever
offered what appeared to me to be such, with a view to the
soothing or gratifying any creature. Your practice in attend
ing to the explication of it, shews the esteem you have, of
the excellent composure, of the Reverend Assembly of Di
vines, at Westminster. While I heartily approve your judg
ment, I must remind you that I always endeavoured to found
your faith of the doctrines contained in it, upon the scrip
tures themselves, no where short of them ; and as far as I
have gone in the practical part, I have laboured to convince
* MS. penes me.

174 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTTE EASTCHEAP  Independent.

you, that I laid no burthen upon any man, which God him
self did not bind upon him ; leaving you after all, to judge
for yourselves."*
The discourse just mentioned, was followed by the pub
lication of another, in the same year ; preached at New-
court, June 14 ; it was occasioned by the death of Mrs.
Anne Kellev, daughter of Ellis Crisp, of the county of
Surry, Esq. the eldest son of Tobias Crisp, D. D. minister
of Brinkworth, in Wiltshire, and well known on account of
the peculiar strain of his writings. The text of this dis
course, is Matt. xxiv. 44. and Mr. Wood has given a par
ticular account of the excellent character of the deceased.
In the year 1726, a weekly lecture, on a Friday morning,
was founded at thie meeting-house in Little St. Helen's, by
the well known William Coward, of Walthamstow, Esq.
It was opened by the excellent Mr. Matthew Clarke, of
Miles's-lane, and was conducted originally by six ministers.
Mr. Clarke's first coadjutors were, Mr. Hubbard, of Step^
ney ; Mr. Godwin, of St. Helen's ; Mr. Hall, of Moor-
fields ; Mr. Gibbs, of Hackney ; and Mr. Wood.
In the year 1727, Mr. Wood sustained a heavy loss by
the death of his highly esteemed friend, the Rev. Thomas
Reynolds. Upon this occasion, he preached a suitable dis
course to the bereaved church,- from 2 Cor. i. 12. It was
afterwards published, and contains a particular account of
the deceased^ Soon afterwards, our author was called to
succeed his departed friend, as pastor of the congregation
at the Weigh-House ; and he entirely resigned his con
nexion with the church at New-court. Soon after he settled
in this situation, he left the Presbyterian board, and carried
the contributions of his church to the Independent fund.f
Early in 1729, there appeared a volume of sermons,
preached at Mr. Coward's Friday lecture, at Little St.
* Mr. Wood's Farewell Sermon at the Old Jewry, p. 21, 22.
f MS. penes me.

OP DISSENTING CHURCHES. 175
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
Helen's. In this collection, there were two by Mr. Wood,
The subject is, " The Redeemer's Concern for the Sinner's
Salvation considered and applied ;" and the text, John vii.
27. In the same year, Mr. Wood appeared again before
the public, in a funeral sermon, on the death of the Rev.
Joseph Hill, preached at Haberdashers'-Hall, Feb. 9- The
title of the discourse is, " The Believer's committing of
his Soul to Christ considered ;" the text 2 Tim. i. 12. At
the' close, there is some account of the life and character
of the deceased. His next publication was a sermon for
the benefit of the Gravel-lane Charity-school, entitled,
" Readiness to good Works, and largeness of Mind in them,
recommended;" preached in Gravel-lane, Southwark, Jan. 1,
1731-2. The text is, 1 Tim. vi. 17—19- In 1733, Mr.
Wood was called to perform the last office of respect for
that faithful and useful minister, the Rev, Daniel Wilcox.
The funeral sermon which he preached upon this occasion
at Monkwell-street, was afterwards published. It is enti
tled, " The Returning our Spirits to him that gave them,
considered ;" the text Psa. xxxi. 5.
In the year 1737, Mr. Wood was called to sustain a loss
of a severer nature than any we have yet mentioned. On
the 14th of October, in that year, his wife, Mrs. Houor
Wood, was taken to her everlasting rest. She was the
daughter of Dr. William Dawes, President of the Royal
College of Physicians ; and grand-daughter to Dr. John
Littleton, Master of the Temple, whose brother was the"
famous Lord-Keeper of that name. She was a woman of
universal piety, and shone in all the relations of domestic
life.* Dr. Langford, who preached her funeral sermon,
gave a particular account of her amiable character- It
pleased God to exercise Mr. Wood with some heavy afflic
tions in the latter part of his life. These he bore with great
patience and resignation, often expressing his gratitude to
* Langrbrd't Sermon on the Death of Mrs. Honor Wood, p. 27.

I76 history And Antiquities
1 if
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
God for inward supports, and consolations. In his last
illness, and in the near views of death, he declared his joyful
hope of that rest which remains for the people of God ;
and expressed an earnest desire to be with Christ. With
his dying breath, he bore his testimony to the truth and
power of the gospel he had preached, which was his support
in the afflictions of life, and in the prospects of eternity.*
He finished his work before he had past the meridian of life,
and received the reward of the promised inheritance, May 15,
1742. Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Langford, his assistant, im
proved his death, in a funeral discourse to the congregation
at the Weigh-House, from Phil. i. 21. For me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.
Mr. Wood was a man of excellent ministerial abilities,
and a lively, good preacher. He possessed popular talents,
and met with great acceptance and success in various places,
particularly in the church to which he stood related for
nearly twenty-two years. His spirit was deeply impressed
with the great truths of the gospel, and he contended ear
nestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. His printed
discourses, which afford a good specimen of his pulpit com
positions, are highly evangelical and scriptural. The great
points of faith and practice he connected together, without
exalting one to the prejudice of the other. For the supreme
Godhead of Jesus Christ,, and his claims to divine worship,
he was a strenuous advocate ; and, in other points of doc
trine, his sentiments harmonized strictly with those of the
Reverend Assembly of Divines, as expressed in their con
fession of faith. That he did not encourage a merely spe
culative faith, however, is evident from the following pas
sage. " Let not that knowledge satisfy you, which is not
sanctifying. If you only learn here to out-talk other people,
while your righteousness is far from exceeding theirs, this
head knowledge will only make you more like the devil*
* Langford's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. James Wood, p. 28*'

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 177
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
who is very intelligent, yet a devil still. Many a man has
gone down to hell very orthodox ; has thought justly, but
perished because he did not act accordingly. A right way
of thinking, if it is not accompanied with a right way of
living, will but greaten our guilt, and inflame our reckon
ing."* Besides the sermons already mentioned, Mr. Wood
was the author of some excellent discourses on the parable
of the ten virgins', m which there is a remarkable spirit of
piety, and a rich variety of the most serious and useful re
flections', adapted to the cases of saints and sinners.f
Samuel Sand-erson. — This pious and amiable man,
was bora at Sheffield, in Yorkshire, about the year 1702.
He received his grammar learning under Mr. Clarke of
Hull; the well known author of several sehool-hooks.
Under this gentleman, he acquired1 a good knowledge of both
the Latin and Greek classics. He commenced his academi
cal studies under the celebrated Mr. Timothy Jollie, tutor
of a flourishing academy at Attereliffe, in Yorkshire1. He,
also, became a member of Mr. J'ollie's church at Shef
field, (q) Mr. Sanderson finished his studies in London,
under the learned Mr. John Earnes; F. R. S'. the colleague
of Di". Ridglfey. After completing the course of his educa
tion, he resided' for some time at Kensington:, as chaplain to
the family' of  Birch, Esq. cursitor-Baron of the Ex-
* Mr. Wood's Farewell Sermon at the Old Jewry, p. 22, 23,
f Mr. Langford's Sermon^ ubi supra.
(g)i Irt the list of members of Mr. Jollie's church at Sheffield, are- also
the names' of the celebrated1 Mr. Thomas Bradbur-y, and Mr. Thomas
Skcke'r, wHo was', afterwards-, under the care of Mir. Jones, of Tewkes
bury' and' became archbishop of Canterbury. Hence, it is evident, that
thei bishop of London was mistaken in saying, as he does in his Life of
SacRE», that' "he never was in communion with the Dissenters." So far
from this being the case, that, eminent man actually preached among the
Nonconformists, and delivenjd-a probationary sermon in the meeting-house
at Bolseveiy in Derbyshire.
Vol. I. a a

178 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
chequer. He also preached occasionally in and about the
metropolis. From a manuscript list of Dissenting Ministers,
in and about London, in 1727, it appears that Mr. Sander
son preached, in that year, to an Independent congregation
at Kensington. About the year 1732, he was chosen
assistant to the Rev. James Wood, minister at the Weigh-
House, in Eastcheap ; from whence he removed, Feb. 26,
1737, to be assistant to the Rev. Ebenezer Chandler, (r)
pastor of the Dissenting congregation at Bedford.
Mr. Sanderson's labours were so highly approved by the
congregation at Bedford, that, on May 14, I' 740, he was
ordained co-pastor with Mr. Chandler ; and that venera
ble man becoming blind and superannuated, about four
years after, the whole service devolved upon him. At
Bedford, he married a daughter of Mr. Thomas Woodward,
a respectable brewer, who enjoyed great esteem and influ
ence in the town, as well as in the congregation. She was
a lady of excellent sense, as well as great piety ; in whom he
was exceedingly happy, but had no children. Her eldest
sister was married to the Rev. James Belsham, (father to
the Rev. Thomas Belsham,) who resided many years at
Bedford, and preached at Newport-Pagnei ; but before he
took the charge of that congregation, used, on the sacrament-
day, to assist his brother Sanderson. The whole family
lived in great harmony and friendship. Mr. Sanderson al
ways expressed great satisfaction in his situation at Bedford.
(r) Mr. Chandler was the immediate successor of the famous Mr. John
Bunyan. He was a Pcedobaptist, and a member of an Independent church
in London, under the pastoral eare of the Rev. Richard Taylor. ' Being
invited down to Bedford, his ministerial services proved acceptable ; and he
iwas ordained there, Nov. 3, 1691. Under his ministry, the congregation
ncreased so much as to require a larger meeting-house, which was erected '
in the year 1 707. With this congregation, he'laboured almost sixty years,
to a good old age. In the tatter parr of his life, increasing infirmities
greatly unfitted him for public work. In March, 1744, he was totally laid
aside, and on June :1k 24th, 1747, was gathered to his fathers.  Dr.
Ryland's Sermon on the Death of the &ev. Joshua Symonds. Appendix.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 179
* WEIGH HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
not only on account of his connexions with an amiable family
there, and the general respect he met with in the town, but
the very considerable success which attended his ministerial
labours. Under him, the church and congregation conti
nued in a very flourishing condition ; and the meeting-house,
though a very large one, was completely filled to the last.
Peace and harmony were preserved in the society notwith
standing some diversity of sentiment, particularly about bap
tism, a subject which he never brought forward for discus
sion, nor did he ever baptize any children in public, through
fear of moving that controversy. He always dreaded a
division, and studied the things that made for peace. By
his prudence and good temper, he preserved the congrega
tion from those animosities which took place after his
death. Mr. Sanderson was diligently attentive to the duties of
his station, very seldom absenting himself from his flock.
He constantly preached twice on the Lord's-day ; and, in
the evening, encouraged some of his hearers, who took
down the substance of his sermons, in short-hand, to repeat
thenr in the meeting. This exercise was accompanied with
prayer, and designed chiefly for those who could not attend
both the other service^, or who had not families to occupy
them at home. During the winter season, he had a lecture
every Tuesday evening ; and, in the summer, he catechised
the children, for which service he was peculiarly qualified,
and in which he was eminently useful. He addressed his.
catechumens in so familiar, condescending, and affectionate
a manner, as was adapted to secure their love both to him
and to religion. In the summer, he also preached occasi
onally in the neighbouring villages, whither it' was esteemed
a privilege by some of his young friends to attend him.
Every Thursday evening, he had a meeting for prayer at his
own house, for the space of one hour, when he was par
ticularly solicitous to have the prayers of the brethren,
with a view to the work of the following sabbath.

1,80 HJ.STORy AND ANTIQUITIES

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.

Mr. Sanderson was blessed with a good constiiution, and
enjoyed such a considerable share of health, that he was
but rarely interrupted in his public work. The disorder
that proved fatal to him, was a nervous fever, by which he
was confined but eight days, and debarred from preaching
only one sabbath. In this respect his wishes were gratified ;
for, he had always desired that he might not outlive hi*
usefulness. The last time he appeared in the pulpit, he
preached from these words ; Neither count I my life dear
unto me, so that I may finish my course zcith joy.. The
manner in which he finished his course, is thus described by
the Rev; Samuel Palmer, who was an eye-witness of his
faith and christian joy. " As soon as I heard of his illness,
I went to see him. And though it was to me a melancholy
visit, at was a truly edifying one. I never before, or since,
saw so much of the power and excellence of religion. I
sat up with him one whole night, great part of which he
spent in prayer and praise, or in conversation with .me,
giving me his fatherly counsel, and relating the state of his
mind on the review of life, and in the prospect of another
world, to which he considered himself as near; for he ex-,
pected from the first that his sickness would be unto death.
He bore it with the greatest patience and resignation to the
divine will, often repeating those words of Job, Though ke
slay me, yet will, I trust in him. And those of Paul, on
which he commented in a striking manner, These light
afflictions which are but for a moment, work out for us a
far more exceeding and an eternal weigM of gioiy. He
blessed God he was not slavishly afraid of death, nor yet
greatly desirous of living ; and added, * were I peoraniited to
cbuse for myself, I would refer it to God and say, Lord,
not as I will, but as thou wilt.' After this, he conversed
with several of his other friends, with great freedom, almost
to the last, much to their edification, who took down some
of his memorable sayings. He spent much of his time in
prayer, particularly in iatercession for the world, for this

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. J8il
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
kingdom, for the church of Christ, and for his nearest
friends ; but more especially for his church and congregation,
among whom, he reflected with satisfaction, he had laboured
many years with great pleasure, and not without some suc
cess. He desired his hearers might know that he died in
the same faith which he had professed, and that he felt the
power of those blessed truths which he had preached, in
supporting and comforting his soul on his dying bed. He
continued in prayer till his breath was exhausted, and gently
fell asleep in Jesus, Jan. 24, 1766, aged 63 years."* Mr.
Sanderson was buried January 29, in the ground belonging
to his own meeting-house. The Rev. Samuel Palmer, of
Hackney, spoke at the grave, and afterwards preached the
funeral sennon, from 1 Pet. v. 4. And when the cl&tf
Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown <of glory
that fadeth not away. This discourse was afterwards
printed. The character of Mr. Sanderson was amiable in every
point of view ; and, perhaps, few ministers have exhibited a
brighter model of Christian excellence. He was a man of
polite behaviour, of great humility and candour, and of un
common benevolence and sweetness of temper, accompanied
with habitual cheerfulness. This secured him the respect
and esteem of all who were acquainted with him, whether
among the Dissenters or in the establishment. He possessed
a happy method of ingratiating himself with children and
young persons ; was eminent for piety and devotion ; and
had a singular talent for introducing serious" discourse, even
in mixed company, so as not only to avoid giving offence,
but to leave a favourable impression of his character, on
the minds of those who were no friends to his principles, or
to religion itself. As a minister of the gospel, he was
highly exemplary 4 being conscientious and diligent in all
the duties of the pastoral office. Though he did not posses*
*. Theol. Bib. Magazine, for April, 1S06.

182 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES '¦' " ¦ — w
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
any shining or popular talents as a preacher, yet, his dis
courses were acceptable and useful. Indeed, in this par
ticular, he scarcely did himself justice. For, being pre
vailed upon by his people, to preach without notes, contrary
to his former custom, his great diffidence was a bar to that
fluency in public speaking, which was enjoyed by many of
his inferiors. In point of sentiment, he was strictly Cal
vinistic ; but his preaching was seldom very doctrinal, much
less controversial : it was chiefly practical and experimental.
His voice was clear, though not strong; so that he was
distinctly heard by a large congregation, without any exer
tion. His manner of address was plain, easy, and unaffec
ted ; much in the conversation style ; so that he was under
stood by the most illiterate. In prayer, he possessed great
variety, both as to matter and order. His language was
plain and simple, his expressions scriptural and pertinent,
and his delivery grave and solemn, well suited to the pur
poses of devotion. He had, also, this great excellence
in his prayers, that they were never long and tedious, twenty
minutes being their utmost extent. As he was careful to
guard his flock against errors in general, so he was parti
cularly strenuous against Antinomianism. In this view, he
much recommended Flavel on Mental Errors. Being a
man of learning himself, though he was candid to his unedu
cated brethren in the neighbourhood, and admitted some of
them into his pulpit) he was zealous for a learned ministry.
He, therefore, encouraged young men, who were inclined
to the ministerial office, to pass through a course of acade
mical studies. Several, who were in necessitous circum
stances, he materially assisted, with the help of a few
friends, in the expence of their education ; and he, himself, :
previously initiated them, at his own house, in the Latin
and Greek languages. He used particularly to inculcate
upon his young friends lessons of humility, (of which he
was a bright pattern,) and strongly cautioned them against
being too forward to appear in public. But, when the

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 183
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
proper time came for their .entering the pulpit, he took a
pleasure in putting them into his own, heard them with
candour, and gave them the kindest encouragement. Mr.
Sanderson brought up a nephew to the ministry, Mr. John
Hall, now preacher to the English church at Rotterdam.
He was succeeded in his congregation at Bedford, by Mr.
Joshua Symonds, on whose becoming a Baptist, a separa
tion took place, and Mr. Thomas Smith was chosen pastor
of the new interest. His great modesty prevented him from
ever publishing any thing, and he ordered all his sermons
and manuscripts to be burnt.*
William Langeord, D. D. — This respectable Di
vine was born Sept. 29, 1704, at Westfield, near Battle, in
Sussex. He descended from pious parents, and his father
died when he was not more than three or four years old.
Soon afterwards, his mother removed to Tenterden, in
Kent, where the Doctor received his grammar learning
under one Mr. Hammond, who, it is apprehended was a
clergyman as well as a schoolmaster. Under this gentle
man, our young scholar made uncommon proficiency in the
classics, and on one occasion, by the appointment of his
master, he committed to memory the whole poem of
Horace de Arte Poetica, consisting of nearly five hundred
verses. From Tenterden, in the year 1721, or 1722, he
went for academical learning to the University of Glasgow.
In March, 1723, he drew up what he styles a Covenant-
Transaction with God, in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is
dated Glasgow-College, and may be seen in the sermon
preached upon his death by Dr. Gibbons. At Glasgow,
he continued to prosecute his studies, conducting himself in
the most exemplary manner till May ,1727, when he quitted s
the College, having previously taken the degree of Master
of Arts. ,
•Theol. Bib. Magazine, ubi supra, — and Mr. Palmer's Sermon on the
Death of Mr. Sanderson,

184 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTIE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
Upon his return from Scotland, Mr. Langford was soon
fixed with a congregation at Gravesend, m Kent, where he
was ordained to the pastoral office, and continued about
seven years. In the year 1734, upon the decease of the
Rev. Daniel Mayo, he removed to London, to become co-
pastor with the Rev. Thomas Bures", at Silver-street. In
the following year, he was chosen into the Lord's-day
morning lecture at Little St. Helen's ; and he published two
discourses, preached on the first of August, in different
years, to the society that support that service. As he was
engaged at Silver-street only on one part of the Lord's-day,
he was invited, in 1736, to become assistant to the Rev.
James Wood, at the Weigh-House. This invitation he
accepted, and continued to preach alternately at both places
till June 1742, when he succeeded Mr. Wood in the pas
toral office, and relinquished his services at Silver-street.
Mr. Langford continued sole pastor of the church at the
Weigh-House, till his death; being a period of nearly
thirty-three years. During the chief part of the time, he
performed the whole service himself; but latterly he had
some young ministers to assist him. Soon after his settle
ment at the Weigh-House, he was chosen one of the
preachers of tiie Friday-Ieeture, at that place, in conjunc
tion with Dr. Chandler, Dr. Lawrence, and Mr. Godwin.
And> in 17SS, the King?s-College, at Aberdeen, at the
motion, unknown to himself, of a brother in the ministry,.
conferred on him the degree of Doctor in Divinity.
For some time before Iris decease, Dr. Langford seemed,
as one expresses it, " to be on the borders of heaven."
There was a remarkable spirituality in the temper of hi*
mindi, which discovered itself particularly in the administra
tion of baptism, and of the Lord's-Supper. As for his
^departure from our world, it was easy and gentle. His
constitution had been evidently declining for some time
before. An hoarseness which compelled him to whisper,
rather than speak, had hung, upon him for some years, and, at

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 185

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.

last heavily oppressed him, and greatly hindered his public
usefulness. He Was never heard to murmur, or complain,
under the divine dispensations, though, to him, it was
doubtless a severe trial. With a view of alleviating the
burthen of his afflictions, and the hope, in some measure,
of reviving his health, he retired to a friend's house at
Croydon. He removed thither on the afternoon of Saturday,
April 22, 1775, walked in the garden, and was cheerful in
the evening. At the usual time, he retired to bed, passed
some hours in a restless manner, and, at about four o'clock
on the Lord's-day morning, was evidently struck with death.
At six, without a sigh or a groan, as if he had been literally
falling asleep, he breathed his last, and, having just lived
to begin another sabbath on earth, entered on his everlasting
sabbath in glory. He was heard to say in the night, though,
as it is supposed, not apprehending that he was heard by
any, " I have been in pain through fear and unbelief, but
now all is removed by faith." Dr. Langford was in his 71st
year. He was removed to town, and interred in Bunhill-
. .fields, May the 3d. (s) Dr. Gibbons delivered the address
at the grave, and also preached the funeral sermon at the
Weigh-House, from Rev. xiv. 13. And I heard a voice
from heaven, saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord, from 'henceforth.
Dr. Langford was a man of good abilities. He possessed
a clear understanding, and a sound judgment. His reason-
(s) The following inscription is recorded upon his grave-stone in Bunhill-
fields. Tbe Remains
Of the: Be*v: WILLIAM LANGFORD, D. Dj
Are hetfe deposited.
Wlio, beloved by his family
And the Churth-esoT which he i^as" successively Pastor,
Departed this life April 23, 1175.
Aged ii.

VOU. I. B B

F86 ' HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  .Independent.
ings and observations upon subjects were just, pertinent, and
weighty; his compositions easy, orderly, and substantial,
not without the mixture, at times, of a lively and beautiful
description, and some remarks that were rather new and
surprising. His views of the doctrines of the Gospel were
what are generally termed Calvinistical. Not that he called
any man master on earth, but, the sentiments, which ap
peared to him to be contained in the Bible, and which he
deduced thence, agreed with the tenets of that eminent Re
former. He maintained a strict watch over his own heart,
and the whole of his behaviour was exemplary.* Dr.
Langford published several single sermons, the titles of
which shall be specified below, (t)
Samuel Palmer. — Dr. Langford was assisted, for a
short time, by the Rev. Samuel Palmer, now of Hackney.
He delivered his first sermon at the Weigh-House, June 10,
1763 ; from which time he preached occasionally till Jan. 20,
* Dr. Gibbons's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Langford, p. 18 — 31.
(t) 1. The best Improvement of public Mercies and Deliverances ; or,
England's Duty and Interest : represented in a Sermon to the Society that
supports the Lord's-day morning lecture at Little St. Helen's, August 2,
1736. — 2. A Sermon, occasioned by the Death of Mrs. Honor Wood, who
departed this Life, Oct. 14, 1737. Psa. xxiii. 4.— 3. The Life and Death
of a Christian opened and applied, in a Sermon occasioned by the Death of
the Rev. James Wood, May 15, 1742. Phil. i. 21.-4. The Improvement
of the Death of faithful Ministers : a Sermon preached at Silver-street Oct.
11, 1747, on the Death of the Rev. Thomas Bures. 2 Cor. iv. 12.  5. A
Sermon for the Benefit of the Charity-School in Gravel-lane, Southwark,
1 74 7 -8. —6. A Sermon at the Ordination of the Rev. John Sheldon, at
Canterbury, Aug.9, 1749. 2 Cor. v. is.— 7. A Sermon occasioned by the'
Death of the Rev. Edward Godwin ; preached at Little St. Helen's, April 8,
1764. John xii. 26.— 8. A Charge at the Ordination of the Rev. Thomas
Prentice. 1764. — 9. A Sermon at the Admission of the Rev. John Trotter,
D. D. to the pastoral office in Swallow-street, Jan. 10, 1770. Acts xxiii. 11. 
10. Truth and Love united : a Sermon to the Correspondent Board in Lon
don of the Honourable Society in Scotland for propagating Christian Know
ledge. 1774 — 11. A second Sermon to the Society that supports the Morn
ing Lecture at Little St. Helen's.

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OT DISSENTING CHURCHES. 187
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent,
1765, when he was appointed regular assistant and morning
preacher at this place. In the following year, Mr. Hunt,
of Hackney, being laid aside from his public work, Mr.
Palmer, who was their afternoon-preacher at that place,
removed thither entirely, -and relinquished his services at the
Weigh-House. He preached his farewell sermon there,
Dec. 28, 1766. Though he had the choice of both places,
he wisely preferred the retreat of a country1 village, to
the bustle and caprice of the metropolis.* This venera
ble minister has distinguished himself by some valua
ble publications in behalf of Nonconformity; on which
account, as well as in some other respects, he will be
entitled to the esteem of all true Protestant Dissen
ters. We shall have to notice some further particulars
concerning him, under the article Mare-street, Hack
ney. ^ '
Edward Vennor. — Upon Mr. Palmer's removal to
Hackney, Mr. Edward Vennor, who married Dr. Lang-
ford's daughter, was appointed his assistant. This gentle
man, who is still living, is a native of Warwick, and re
ceived his academical education at Mile-End, iinder Doc
tors Walker, Conder, and Gibbons. Upon the death of
Dr. Langford, he removed to Ware, in Hertfordshire, as
assistant to the Rev. William Lister ; upon whose death, in
1778, the congregation divided. A new meeting-house was
built, in which Mr. Vennor became the fixed pastor, and
where he still preaches. Both interests are in a very low
state.f Samuel Wilton, D. D. — This excellent minister was
born in London, in the year 1744. He was the eldest son
.of Mr. Samuel Wilton, an eminent hosier, in Newgate-
street, in partnership with the very respectable Mr. Thomas
* Private Information. f lvid.

188 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.

Holmes, whose wife's sister he mairied. This lady, whose
christian name was Grace, was the daughter of a Mr.
Avery, and a descendant of the celebrated Mr. Timothy
Cruso. (u)
During his earliest years, Mr. Wilton was placed under
the care of a maiden aunt, his father's eldest sister, Mrs.
Elizabeth Wilton, who, in connexion with Mrs. Rachael
King, sister to Dr. William King, of Hare-court, for many
years, kept a boardingrschool for young ladies in Hackney.
There is reason to believe that her early instructions,
in connexion with those of his pious parents, were pf
use to form his tender mind to that lively sense of
divine tilings which he early discovered. She ex
pressed the warmest affection for him, so long as he
lived, and the highest respect for his memory to the
(u) Both the parents survived their son, whose death, though an. inex
pressible affliction, they bore with a truly christian patience and resignation.
They were, indeed, persons of an amiable spirit as well as of exemplary
piety. Mr. Wilton was many years member, and a deacon of the church
in Old Gravel-lane, Wapping, under the pastoral care of the learned Dr.
David Jennings. He died at Homerton, Jan. 21, 1779, aged 68. The
Rev. Noah Hill, now pastor of the same church, preached and printed a
sermon upon his death, containing a just and striking account of bis amiable '
character. Besides Dr. Wilton, these excellent persons had another son,
and three daughters, all of whom they had the pleasure to see following
them to heaven. Mr. Thomas Wilton, the son, was engaged in the same
business as his father, but died at an early period, of a most painful and
lingering disorder. He was a youth of distinguished piety, who had pro
mised great usefulness in the world, and the church of Christ. Dr. Gib
bons, of whose church he was a member, preached and printed a sermon
upon occasion of his death, which happened August 5, 1776, in thcsist
year of his age. It contains an edifying account both of his character, and
his manner of leaving the world. One of the daughters above-mentioned,
was admitted Feb. 1, 1765, at the same time with her brother just men
tioned, a member of the church at Haberdashers'-Hall. She was early
married to Mr. Joseph Parker, son to the Mr. Parker, who was Dr. Watts's
Amanuensis.-rrr-T/ieoiogicqZ Magazine for July 1 801. -^iifr. Hill's Sermpra
for Mr. Samuel Wilton—and Dr. Gibbons's Sermon for Mr. Thomas
Wilton.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 189

WEIGH-IIPUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
day of her death, which took place many years after
wards.* (w)
Mr. Wilton received his classical learning, in which he
was a great proficient, in the grammar-school of Christ-
Church Hospital, in the precincts of which his father
lived, (x) His tutor was the Rev. Mr. Townley, a
learned man, and a clergyman of the established church,
who ever manifested the most respectful regard to his pupil,
as one who did him singular honour. He entered upon
academical studies under . the direction of the eminent Dr.
David Jennings, who dying before they were finished, he
completed them under the Doctor's assistant and successor,
Dr. Samuel Morton Savage, of whose church he also be
came a member. Soon afterwards, the academy was re
moved to Hoxton, and the students were boarded by Dr.
Abraham Rees, who was chosen mathematical tutor, and
Dr. Andrew Kippis, teacher of the Belles- Lettres.f Mr.
Wilton conducted himself, in every respect, suitably to his
character, as a candidate for the sacred ministry, so as to
enjoy the respect and love of his fellow-pupils, as well as
the distinguished regard of his pastor and tutors. J (y)
• Theological Magazine for July, isol.
(w) Mrs. Elizabeth Wilton died at Hackney, May 13, 1799, at the ad
vanced age of 91. • She retained her faculties in a remarkable degree to the
last ; and, like most of her family, was eminent for faith and piety. —
Prot. Diss. Magazine, vol. vi. p. 240.
(x) His house stood on the spot where a new grammar-school was erected
a few years ago. -
• f Orton's Letters to Dissenting Ministers, vol. ii. Appendix.
X Mr. Palmer's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Wilton, p. 23.
(y) Dr. Rees observes, that, " Mr. Wilton, who was his pupil in
Mathematics, Astronomy, and Philosophy, made considerable proficiency
in those departments of science, and that his talents, attainments and cha
racter deserve high commendation." — One of his fellow-pupils, also, added
the following testimony : " He had the fullest claim to their esteem and
love, for he was most exemplary for his assiduity and attainments ; for a
respectful attention to his tutors, and for his courteousness and unaffected
kindness to his fellow-pupils. One trait, in particular, of his disposition

1Q0 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
While he pursued his academical studies, he continued to
reside in his father's house, where he was a comfort and a
blessing to the whole family. As this was a very hospitable
mansion, to which a number of worthy ministers, both in
town and country, had frequent access, he formed with
many of them an early acquaintance. This was of no small
advantage to himself, and afterwards proved, in some res
pects, a blessing to several of them, particularly those settled
in the country, whose circumstances rendered that assistance
acceptable, which he had afterwards the ability, and which
it was one of his highest gratifications, to bestow. Here
also, several of his fellow-students, and some of his con
temporaries in another academy, met with a kind entertain
ment from his friends, and established a friendship with
him, to their mutual pleasure and profit, (z) As was, also,
the case with some young scholars of good characters and
abilities, who were on the foundation of the school to which
his father's house was so contiguous.*
Mr. Wilton having finished his studies, came forth to the
discharge of ministerial duties, with a mind richly furnished,
towards them is worthy of being recorded. His ardour in the pursuit of
knowledge, and of every qualification for the important work to which he
had consecrated himself, was entirely free from jealousy and selfishness.
He was solicitous to excite and cherish the same ardour in his associates.
He was, at that early period of his life, modestly communicative, and a
zealous promoter of useful conversation. At his father's house, and at the
apartments of his fellow-students, he would join with them in reading the
classits, and in pursuing other branches of literature : and though a reci
procal communication was the idea under which he represented the design
of those meetings, his liberality in imparting information was equal to his
superior abilities and furniture. On such occasions, too, and at every
suitable opportunity, he would, in the most amiable, and unoffending
manner possible, suggest hints respecting the spirit, conduct and views,
which became those who were under a course of education for the Christian
Ministry. — Orion's Letters to Dissenting Ministers, vol. ii. Appendix.
(z) One of this number was the respectable and well known Mr. Kings
bury, of Southampton. * Theological Magazine, ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 1(J1
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
both with knowledge and piety. He entered upon the pas
toral office at Lower Tooting, in Surry, where he succeeded
the learned Dr. Henry Miles, F. R. S- whose widow
erected a new meeting-house, at her own expence. He
was ordained June 18, 1766. Dr. Kippis delivered the
introductory discourse ; Dr. Savage gave the charge ; and
Dr. Furneaux preached to the people. Though his talents
qualified him for a larger sphere, and he might have settled
in the city, he prudently preferred this retired situation, that
he might improve his ministerial furniture. As the interest
at Tooting was greatly declined, he wished to be instru
mental in reviving it ; and was speedily gratified. He no
sooner undertook the care of* the church, than he applied
himself in earnest to the duties of his office. Besides the
ordinary services on the Lord's-day, he statedly preached a
lecture on the Wednesday evening. He, also, immediately
undertook the useful, but too much neglected, work of
catechising children, and was very diligent in visiting his
flock ; especially the poor, and those who were in afflicting
circumstances. Nor did he confine his labours to the
people of his charge. He frequently engaged in occasional
services in the neighbourhood ; besides more stated ones, in
concurrence with several of his brethren, on the Lord's-day ,
evening. . And he did not labour in vain ; his ministry
being succeeded, in many instances, for promoting the
great ends which he always kept in view. He not only
found the number of his stated hearers increase, but had
the satisfaction of seeing many additions to his church, se
veral of whom were effectually converted to God by his
means.* Besides the schemes for usefulness just mentioned, Dr.
Wilton united with a select society of his brethren, who met
once a month at each other's houses, with a view to their
mutual improvement and usefulness as Christian ministers.
One principal object which they had in view was to promote
•Mr. Palmer's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 24, 25. ....

192 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  .Independent.'
.•-:  i-  t
the preaching of the gospel in villages; and to furnish poor
country congregations with plain and zealous preachers.
For this purpose, they contributed, with the assistance of
some of their benevolent hearers, and other Christian frifends,
towards the expence of maintaining lectures in such places
in the country as had no stated preaching in the ordinary
season of divine worship. By this means, the usefulness of
some of their brethren was promoted, in devoting their
Lord's-day evenings to preaching, in adjacent villages.
They likewise assisted in the expence of supporting a few
pious young men, disposed to the work of the ministry,
in a short course of studies, sufficient to qualify them for
serving such societies as did not require ministers of pro
found learning. To their maintenance, also, they contri
buted, for a short time after they went forth to preach ; in
the hope of their being instrumental towards the revival and
increase of such congregations as were so much reduced, or
so small and poor, as to be unable to support a minister
themselves. Several such young persons were trained up
under the late Mr. Gentleman, then pastor of a new Inde
pendent church at Shrewsbury ; and some of them are, at
this day, blessings to the churches. The members of this
friendly society proposed, likewise, to unite in carrying on
lectures themselves, at their own expence, on the Lord's-
day evenings, in places where their help might be accepta
ble, and a door opened for their admission. The first place
of this kind which offered, and, indeed, the only one where
they themselves personally appeared, was Mortlake, in Surry ;
a village, but a few miles from Tooting, and where Mr.
Wilton procured their welcome reception. Here, Mr.
Lowe, one of Dr. Gibbons's church, fitted up a room, in
his- own house, (a) in a very commodious manner, and ge-
(a) A good meeting-house was then, and is yet standing at Mortlake ;
but the congregation having become extinct,, the son of the last minister
let it, upon a lease, for a low secular purpose, and all attempts to receiver
it proved fruitless. A striking instance, among many, to show the necessity
of a proper deed; oftrust, where new meeting-houses- are erected.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. IQS
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
nerally entertained those preachers, who continued, in their
turns, to bestow their labours here, with considerable en
couragement, till this gentleman removed to. a distance.
As Mr. Wilton was one of the most' zealous members
of this friendly arid truly useful society, while he resided
at Tooting,, so he continued the same after his removal to
London. Soon after his' settlement at Tooting, he married Mrs.
Mary Mattick, niece of the above-mentioned Mr. Holmes.
She was a lady of many excellent endowments, and possessed
a handsome fortune, which enabled him toi gratify, to a
greater extent, his benevolent disposition. By her, he had
three sons and a daughter, who, at the time of his decease,
were too young to estimate the worth of such a father, and
to be fully sensible of the loss they sustained by his death.
The daughter was cut off at an early period-; but all the
sous survive.
In= consequence of Mr. Wilton's intimate acquaintance
with Dr. William Gordon, who succeeded Dr. Jennings- in
the church to which his father had belonged, and his corres-
pondenee with him after his removal to America, he 're
ceived a Doctor's diploma from the College in' New Jersey.
This was a title of distinction which he had no ambition
to possess, and which he would hardly have accepted from
any other quarter. For, if in any thing he discovered what
approached to an; enthusiastic zeal, it was for the success
of Americay iav her struggle for independence. , With this,
he thought, the interest of liberty, civil and religious,
both in that, and the mo#er country,, was intimately
connected* His zeal for liberty was, indeed,, great,, but
not so great as for the interest of vital religion; and
he shewed himself ever ready to adopt such measures
as appeared likely to promote it. He approved himr
self a truly «vaHgfllieal and laborious minister of tile
glorious gospel1, and' was instant in season and out of
Vol. I. c c

ig4 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
season, to promote the cause of Christ, and the good of
souls. Dr. Wilton* discovered a warm and laudable zeal for the
support of the Dissenting Interest. Upon occasion of the
• application to parliament, in the years 1772 and 1773, for
the relief of Protestant Dissenting Ministers, Tutors, and
School-masters, in the business of subscription, he was
appointed one of the members of the cominittee who con
ducted that application. To this situation he was chosen
in the room of Dr. Conder, who resigned. If in any thing
the zeal of Dr. Wilton seemed to carry him beyond the
bounds of moderation, it was in the glorious cause of civil
and religious liberty. But, in defending these he must be
acquitted of any sinister design, and especially of any thing
like malevolence towards the persons of those against whom
he wrote. Wherever he thought the interest of truth or
justice concerned, he possessed spirit equal to his ability,
to defend himself and the cause he espoused. When several
ministers about London, who opposed the application to
parliament, circulated a printed paper, containing their
reasons for so doing, (b) Dr. Wilton became the able apo
logist of his brethren who supported the application. The
(b) As some of our readers may be desirous to know who it was tbat
opposed the application, we shall here insert their names.

David Muir,
John Rogers,
Thomas Towle,-
Samuel Brewer,
Edward Hitchin,
Thomas Oswald,
John Potts,

John Trotter,
John Macgowan,
George Stephens,
Joseph Popplewell,
Henry Hunter,
John Kello.

It is deserving remark, that, of these thirteen ministers, seven were Scotch
men, who, from their educational prejudices, might be supposed favour
able to church establishments. It need hot, therefore, be wondered at,
that'they should unite in the support of penal laws, which are considered '
their best bulwarks.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 1Q5
i il
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
title of his pamphlet was, " An Apology for the Renewal
of an Application to Parliament by the Protestant Dissent
ing Ministers. Addressed to the Thirteen Ministers who
protested against it. In which the Evidence and Force of
their Reasons are fairly examined, and the Application is
shown to be neither inconsistent with the .Principles of
Orthodoxy, or Loyalty. 1773." In an advertisement pre
fixed to this pamphlet, "the author observes, that " It being
always his sincere wish, to live in brotherly love and union
with all the ministers of the gospel, he was extremely sorry
for the sad occasion, of thus opposing the sentiments of any
of his brethren.; and especially, of those with whom he has
long been personally acquainted. But, as those reasons
were printed, and distributed among the members of par
liament, with a view of obstructing the success of an appli
cation, in which, he thinks, not only his own personal
security, but that of many of his brethren are particularly
interested ; but the cause of truth and religious liberty in
general equally concerned; and that they had likewise a
tendency to .prejudice the minds of Christians against die
petitioners ; on these accounts he could be no longer silent."
In 1774, Dr. Wilton published, " A Review of some of
the Articles of the Church of England, to which a Sub
scription is required of Protestant Dissenting Ministers."
Both these publications met with a cordial reception from
the public, and are drawn up with much good temper, as
well as great force of argument.
As Dr. Wilton's zeal was founded upon knowledge, so it was
regulated by charity. He maintained a friendly intercourse with
several worthy members and ministers of the established church,
whom he was ever ready to embrace as brethren. In what he
said and wrote upon the controversy between them and us,
he was actuated by a pure regard to truth, to the sacred rights
of conscience, and die best interests of mankind. Though
he thought nothing small, in which the honour of Christ,

196 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
'¦"  -M.JH..I ... ..  l.  1- 1^,—.  „lul-X., HUl'llll . ..,..,
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
.J-J.u...».....o^.  r, '.,...  aiu^u-3-. :¦¦ -¦-..  :mi.... ... ,
and the interest of religion were concerned ; yej, the grand
objects of his zeal were, the great matters of faith and prac
tice, concerning which all good men are agreed. These,
he devoted his life to promote ; nor did he think his Hie
dear to him so that he might be instrumental to so glorious
an end.* »
Upon the death of the worthy Dr. William Lajigford,
Dr. Wilton Was invited to undertake the pastoral charge of
the church and congregation at the Weigh-House, which he
accepted in the year 1776. Here he was highly esteemed ;
and, though not attended by a great crowd of admirers, the
interest which had been sunk very low, began gradually to
revive, and some valuable additions, especially of young
persons, were made to the church. His heart was much
set upon doing good ; and he formed several schemes of
usefulness, which had his life been prolonged, would
have yielded essential benefit to the cause of Christianity at
large.f The last public service in which Dr. Wilton engaged,
was a labour of love, at an evening lecture, March 2<), 1778,
in the pulpit of his highly esteemed friend and neighbour, (c)
the Rev. Samuel Palmer. His subject was, Psa. cxix. 125.
I am thy servant, give me understanding, that I may
know thy testimonies; words very expressive of his own
character, and the prevailing desire of his heart. On the
Saturday following, he found himself much indisposed, but
having to preach a funeral sermon the next day, for the
improvement of a very distressing providence, he was fully
bent upon performing that friendly office. Instead, there
fore, of providing any assistance, or taking that care of him
self which his own situation required, he sat up late to study,
(which was his prevailing fault,) and when he retired to rest,
many hours beyond the time he ought to have done, he
¦"» Mr.'palmer's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 29, 30. f Ibid. p.«f>.
(c) Upon his leaving Tooting, Dr. Wilton went to reside at Hackney.

OF DISSENTING "CHUR-CHES; l>97
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.- — Independent.
found himself in a high fever, which, for want of timely
assistance, made so rapid a progress, as to baffle all medical
attempts to extinguish the flame. The disorder proved
putrid, and its effects were soon apprehended to be fatal.
He, himself, considered it as the message of death ; which,
however, he viewed without die least dismay, and he was
not only willing, but even desirous to depart and be with
Christ.* He, therefore, with great calmness, set his house
-in order, by settling some temporal affairs ; for his eternal
ones had been settled long before. For several days, he
was a good deal delirious, but, iu the afternoon of the day
in which he died, he had a lucid interval , and gave delightful
evidence to his mourning friends that he was ripe for glory.
He said to an intimate friend, who came from the city to
visit him, (after having spoken with great composure upon
some secular affairs,) " You now see me in the near view
of death, and rejoice in the prospect. It has been my de
light to preach the gospel of Christ and promote his glory. I
am not afraid to die, for I know whom I have believed, and
am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com
mitted unto him against that day." He then said, " You
will go to prayer with me. Let us offer a few more peti
tions to God before we enter the world of praise, from
which I am at no great distance." Soon after, some other
friends coming into the room, he, with a pleasing smile
on his countenance, broke out into an affectionate prayer
for them, which he concluded with saying, " Come Lord
Jesus, come quickly." One of them expressing some hope
and desire that he might yet be recovered, he asked, in the
language of reproof, " Do you wish me to come back again
into the wilderness ? No, I do not wish to return one step.
I am not afraid to die." He humbly lamented his imper
fections; but at the same time expressed his confidence.
* Theological Magazine, ubi supra.

198 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES -j-
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
" I have had my doubts, (says he) but my hope is well
founded. I have had such manifestations of the love of God,
that I do not, I cannot doubt." He then expressed the
most lively and delightful views and foretastes of the hea
venly happiness, in such transporting language, as greatly
astonished the by-standers^ who were not able fully to
describe it. Having expressed a desire to see his intimate
friend, the Rev. Samuel Palmer, " once more (as he ex
pressed it) before they met in glory," he was immediately
sent for. . On approaching his bed, and saying, " This is
the most painful meeting we have ever had," he very cheer-.
fully answered, " We shall soon meet again." Upon Mr.
Palmer's congratulating him on the strong consolation he
enjoyed, he expressed the continuance of it, and then re
peated those words of the Apostle, i" know in whom I have
believed, 8,c. Hereupon, his delirium returned, and the
symptoms of his dissolution drew on apace. For a consi
derable time he struggled hard, apparently under great
agony, attended at times with doleful groans ; but even
these were mingled with hallelujahs, which he frequently
repeated, till, at length, nature being entirely spent, his
breath gradually failed, and at midnight, April 3, 1778,
after an illness of only six days, and in the 34th year of his
age, he gently fell asleep in Jesus. His funeral sermon
was preached'at the Weigh-House, at his own request, by
the Rev. Samuel Palmer, on 2 Tim. i. 12. being the last
words that he spoke.
Dr. Wilton's remains were interred in the family vault, in
Bunhill-Fields, where a vast concourse of sincere mourners
were assembled to lament his loss. His pastor and tutor,
Dr. Savage, delivered the address at the grave, which was
printed at the end of the funeral, discourse, and discovers
strong emotions of grief, as well as the highest esteem for
the memory of the deceased. Upon his tomb-stone is the
following inscription :

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 199
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
Underneath are deposited the Remains
Of SAMUEL WILTON, D. D.
Some time Pastor of a Christian Church at Tooting, in Surry,
And afterwards at the Weigh-House, Eastcheap.
He was an honest man,
A Christian of primitive simplicity,
A Minister of nncommon talents, natural and acquired,
A Pastor most affectionate, vigilant and faithful :
While a bold assertor of what appeared to him truth,
He always shewed a mild and catholic spirit towards gainsayers,
Iii no character were Christian zeal and charity more happily united-
As he lived esteemed, beloved and honoured,
So he died xiniversally lamented, ,
3d Aprilj 1778,
Aged 34.
Dr. Wilton was eminently formed for usefulness, both by
nature and religion. With regard to natural. endowments he
was greatly distinguished by a retentive memory, which was
called forth upon some important occasions. He could not
only recollect what, at any time, he had premeditated for
the pulpit, but likewise what he heard from other persons,
so as to be able to repeat a speech or sermon, if he thought
it worth retaining, almost verbatim. When the city of Lon
don attempted to invade the privileges of Dissenters, it was
partly from his memory, as well as that of Dr. Furneaux,
that the celebrated speech of Lord Mansfield was published,
for establishing their rights upon that occasion. To this
important faculty he united a lively, imagination, a solid
judgment, and a ready utterance. So that, though he al
ways studied, he seldom wrote his discourses ; which, how
ever, when he retained the full possession of himself, often
had the appearance of elaborate composures. He had a
wonderful readiness in composition, whatever subject he took
in hand, and a rich fund of ideas ; so that his chief difficulty
in writing was that of moving his pen with a rapidity equal-
to the flow of his thoughts and expressions. His acquired
abilities were, also, considerable. Though he made, no
parade of his learning, he was by no means deficient in that

200 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP  Independent.
particular. His mind was richly stored with sentiments on
all the several subjects of practical and experimental divinity.
With controversial matters his acquaintance was not inferior ;
•but he knew too well the great design of the Christian mi
nistry, and the worth of souls, to shew' it in his public dis
courses. There was an uncommon savour, fervency, and
affection in his preaching, which was not adapted to amuse
the fancy, much less irritate the passions, but to touch the
conscience, to warm the affections, and comfort and ani
mate the soul. His prayers were copious and highly devo
tional, evidently flowing from a heart deeply affected with a
¦sense of divine things. In this part of divine worship, he
possessed an uncommon variety, as well as an unusual fluency
pf language and readiness of utterance. But his delivery
was too rapid, both in prayer and preaching ; his sentences
too long ; and, in consequence of his uncommon flow of
ideas, his whole services too prolix. On these accounts,
together with a habit he had contracted, of keeping his eyes
fixed upon his Bible, as if he was. reading, and his too great
uniformity of pronunciation, he was less popular than a
person of his talents would otherwise have been. In his
private character, the several virtues of the Christian Ufe,
eminently shone in his habitual, temper and conversation.
He possessed the social affections as strongly as any man.
This led him to cultivate a very general acquaintance with
ministers, and others, of different denominations and reli
gious- aentimentE. Towards them he discovered such an
amiable sweetness and cheerfulness of temper, and so much
candour towards then- distinguishing opinions, and yet, at
the same time, such an. openness in declaring, as well as
truly Christian spirit in maintaining his own, as greatly en
deared': him. to all vAose good opinion was worth securing,
and as did honour to the evangelical sentiments which he
esp&used. With regard to his own views of Christianity,
hA might be pranouireed an Independent, and a moderate
Calvinist. And while he was very candid towards those

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 201
WEIGH-HOUSE, "LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
who dissented from him, he was not indifferent to his own
principles. Upon the whole, Dr. Wilton was a man in
whose character were combined as many excellencies as are
usually to be met with among mortals ; and his removal, at
so early a period, was a singular loss to the interests of reli
gion, particularly among the Dissenters.*
Dr. Wilton laboured under some habitual complaints
which indisposed him for an intense application to study,
and especially to the use of his pen, from which, otherwise,
the public might have expected something important. From
what he did publish, which was extorted by temporary Occa
sions, and written with great haste, the reader will form no
mean idea of his mental powers. Two of his publications,
upon the affair of subscription, have been already noticed.
Besides these, he published only three single sermons. One
was occasioned by the death of Mr. Joseph Longhurst ;
preached at Lower Tooting, in Surry, June 18, 1769- It
contains a very particular and instructive account of the life
and death of a very worthy man, in an obscure situation.
The other sermons of Dr. Wilton were preached upon
charitable occasions : one at Mr. Towle's meeting-house,
London Wall, for the benefit of the charity-school in Bar
tholomew-close ; the other at St. Thomas's, for the charity-
school in Gravel-lane, Southwark. They are both calcu
lated for general utility .-f
John Clayton. — Upon the death of Dr. Wilton, the
Rev. Robert Gentleman, of Shrewsbury, was invited to
succeed him in the pastoral office, but declined. After a
short interval, the vacancy was filled up by the Rev. John
Clayton, the present minister at the Weigh-House. This
gentleman was born about the year 1753, at a small village,
* Palmer's Sermon, — Theological Magazine, — andOrton's Letters, ubi supra,
t Orton's Letters to Dissenting Ministers, ubi supra.
Vol. I. d d

202 HISTORY and antiquities
WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTTE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
called Clayton, near Choiley, in Lancashire. His parents
were reputable persons, and strongly attached to the Church
of England. Being designed for the medical profession,
he spent part of his youth at Manchester ; and, after
wards followed the same line of business, for a short
time, in London. It appears, that his first serious im
pressions were received under the preaching of the late
excellent Mr. Romaine. Some time after, having a strong
inclination to the ministry, he was admitted a student
in the College of Trevecca, in South- Wales, under the pa
tronage of the late Countess of Huntingdon. Here he
possessed some advantages for learning above the other
students, being appointed steward of the house ; which
office required his constant attendance. At the close
of his academical course, he continued to preach for some
time in her ladyship's chapels, and also at the Taber
nacle in Moorfields. It seems that he was at one time
upon the eve of receiving episcopal ordination ; but upon
further investigation, was led to dissent for reasons that ap
peared to him of sufficient weight, particularly that he might
avoid a prostitution of the Lord's-Supper, to unworthy per
sons and purposes. The reading of Towgood's Letters are
said to have had great weight with him in this decision. This
was when he was about twenty-three years of age. Upon his
quitting the Countess's connexion, he was chosen assistant to
the Rev. Sir Harry Trelawney,(c) who was pastor of an Li
fe) Sir Harry Trelawney, descended from Sir Jonathan Trelawney, one
of the seven bishops who were committed to the Tower, in the reign of
King James the Second. He was educated at Christ-Church, Oxford. After
wards, deserting the Church of England,' he became pastor of an Indepen
dent congregation at West Loo, in Cornwall. He was ordained at South
ampton, April 22, 1777. In a little time he left the orthodox, and
attached himself to those whom he called rational Dissenters. Sir Harry
vindicated his nonconformity in " A Letter addressed to the Rev. Thomas
Alcock, M. A. vicar of Runcorn, in Cheshire, and of St. Budeaux,
Devon." In this pamphlet, he insists chiefly upon these two points ;
1. That subscription to articles that we do not believe, is a dishonest, and

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 203

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.

dependent congregation, at West Loo, in Cornwall. An alte
ration taking place, in the sentiments of that gentleman, Mr.
Clayton removed to London, and preached a short time as pro
bationer at the Weigh-House. In November, 1778, he was
ordained to the pastoral office. The service was conducted in
the following order : Mr. Jennings, of Islington, began with
reading and prayer ; Dr. Gibbons delivered the introductory
discourse ; Mr. Richard Winter prayed the ordination prayer ;
Dr. Trotter gave the charge ; Dr. Hunter prayed ; and Mr.
Brewer preached and concluded. Soon after his settlement
in London, Mr. Clayton was united in marriage to Miss
Flower, eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Flower,
of Cannon-street. With this Jady, he possessed a handsome
fortune. Mr. Clayton, at his entrance upon the ministry, did
not excite very great expectations, but, in a little time,
discovered considerable abilities, and has obtained an es
tablished reputation as a preacher. In point of religious
sentiment, he is thoroughly orthodox. Many years ago,
he was chosen into the Merchants' lecture, on a Tues
day morning, formerly at Pinners'-Hall, but now, at New
Broad-street. Of the force of example, and the excellence
of Mr. Clayton's domestic discipline, we cannot have a
stronger proof, than by taking a survey of his family.
Though it often happens, from what cause we will not
prevaricating business : 2. That by remaining a Dissenter, he secured that
freedom of mind, which is the birthright, and unalterable privilege of every
rational creature. Notwithstanding this declaration, so inconsistent is the
conduct of human beings, Sir Harry, immediately after returns to Oxford,
procures ordination in the national establishment, and is made a country
rector in the West of England ; in which station he is likely to remain.
Robinson's words upon hearing that Trelawney had conformed, should hold
out a caution to those Dissenters who are ambitious of imitating his example.
He observes, " That they rarely obtain preferment by conforming : that
when their ministers are ordained in the church, they usually become
stationary, and receive little but mortification and disappointment." 
\J3yer's Life nf Robinson, p. 181.

204 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

WEIGH-HOUSE, LITTLE EASTCHEAP.  Independent.
stay to inquire into, that the sons of the Prophets, more
commonly than others, prove sons of Belial ; yet, we have
here a noble confutation of that scandal. Mr. Clayton
has the honour of enumerating three sons, all Dissenting
ministers, of promising expectations, and two of them
pastors of congregations in London, or the vicinity. This
is a circumstance that will always be mentioned to his
praise. Mr. Clayton has appeared several times before the public in
the character of an author, though chiefly as a sermon writer.
In 1786, he published, " A Charge at the Ordination of
the Rev. Joseph Brooksbank." In 1789, " A Discourse
on the Snares of Prosperity ; to which was added, An Essay
on Visiting." In 1791, " A Charge at the Ordination of
the Rev. James Knight. And, in the same year, " A Ser
mon occasioned by the late Riots at Birmingham : with a
prefixed Address to the Public, intended to remove the
Reproach lately fallen on Protestant Dissenters." This
last discourse gave general offence at the time, and met with
severe reprehension from several Divines of approved ortho
doxy, particularly Mr. Fell. But by none was it opposed
with greater ability and force of argument, than by the Rev.
Robert Hall, in a pamphlet, entitled, " Christianity consis
tent with a Love of Freedom." Besides these, Mr. Clay
ton has published some other single sermons, as " A
Thanksgiving Sermon for the Peace, ] 802 ;" and " two
Charges at the Ordination of each of his Sons." A few
years ago, he was engaged in a controversy with a member
of his own church, on the unlawfulness of public amuse
ments ; in the course of which he published two pamphlets.
But it will not be necessary to state the particulars, as the
subject is still fresh in the minds of the religious public.*"
* Some of the facts in the above narrative, are taken from the Spiritual
Magazine, for 1783.. The remainder are derived from private information,
or from the author's own observation.

( 205 )

GRACECHURCH-STREET.

PARTICULAR BAPTISTS.

XN the reign of King Charles the Second, the Particular
Baptists had a meeting-house in Grace-church-street, but
the precise spot where it was situated, cannot now be ascer
tained. Respecting the history of the Society that occupied
it, but little, likewise, is known. The interest appears to
have been but small. We learn from Crosby, that, at the
period above-mentioned, the pastor of this church was Dr.
De Veil, a foreign Divine. The same author also informs
us, that the former minister renounced his religion through
fear of persecution, and soon after destroyed himself in the
greatest horror.* We find this church referred to, in an
old manuscript, under the year 1692, but how long it ex
isted after that period, we cannot take upon us to say. Of
Dr. De Veil's history, we shall present the reader with a
brief abstract.
Carolus Maria De Veil, D. D. was born at
Metz, in Lorrain,-!- of Jewish parents, and educated in that
religion. - But, by perusing the prophetical part of the Old
Testament, and comparing it with the New, he was led,
while very young, to embrace Christianity. This so enra
ged his father, that, with a drawn sword, he attempted to
kill him ; but was prevented by some persons^ present. His
great abilities soon advanced him to considerable preferment
in the Gallican church. He became a canon-regular of St.
Augustin, prior of St. Ambrose, at Melun, and professor of.
Divinity in the University of Anjou, where he proceeded
* Crosby's History of the English Baptists, vol. iii. p. 109.
f Birch's Life of Archbishop Tillotson, p. 76.

206 . HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
GRACECHURCH-ST11EET.  Particular Baptists. ¦
Doctor of Divinity. In the year 1672, he published a
commentary on the gospels of Mark and Luke, in which,
besides a literal exposition of the text; he took opportunity
to defend the errors and superstitions of the Church of Rome.
This so advanced his reputation, that he was appointed to
assist in writing against the Hugunots, the then main adver
saries of the Catholics in France. This employment led
him to examine the controversies between the Papists and
Protestants, to whose principles he had been hitherto a
stranger ; and finding the truth on their side, he freely
followed the dictates of his mind. However, to prevent
the consequences that were likely to attend a change of his
principles, he fled to Holland, where he abjured Popery,
in 1677, and soon after, came over to England. Here lie
soon became acquainted with Bishop Stillingfleet, Bishop
Compton, Bishop Lloyd, Dr. Tillotson, Dr. Sharp, Dr.
Patrick, and other clergymen of the greatest dignity and
worth. He was soon admitted into orders in the church,
and became chaplain and tutor, in a family of distinction.
In 1678, he revised his commentary on Matthew and
Mark ; and in the following year, published a literal expli
cation of Solomon's Song, which he dedicated to Sir
Joseph Williamson, President of the Royal Society. This
work was so well received by the clergy, both at home and
abroad, that they encouraged him to proceed in expounding
the other parts of the sacred writings. Upon this, he pub
lished, in 1680, his literal exposition of the Minor Pro
phets, which he dedicated to Lord Chancellor Finch. These
publications strongly recommended him to Dr. Compton,
bishop of London, who gave him all possible encourage
ment, and granted him free admittance, at all times, into
his library. There, he met with some writings of the Eng
lish Baptists ; and the arguments they made use of, appear
ing to him to be founded on the word of God, lie, without
hesitation, embraced their opinions. After this, he ob
tained an interview with the famous Mr. Hansord Knollis ;

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 207
GRACECHURCH-STREET  Particular Baptists.
and became intimately acquainted with Mr. John Gosnold,
with whose learning and conversation, he was so much
taken, that he soon became a member of, his congregation.
Such a proselyte as Dr. De Veil, brought no small honour
to the Baptists. But he lost all his old friends, as well as
his employments, with the exception of Dr. Tillotson, who
valued men for their merits, not their opinions. Not long
after this change in his sentiments, he wrote his literal expla
nation of the Acts of die Apostles. It was printed at
London in 1684, and the following year translated by the
author from the Latin, into the English language.* In this
piece, he vindicates the principles and practices of the Bap
tists, with much learning and good judgment. After this,
Dr. De Veil practised physic for his maintenance, and he
received an annual stipend from the Baptists till his death.
As he was not a perfect master of the English language, he
never succeeded as a preacher. He was, however, a grave
and judicious Divine, a skilful grammarian, and a pious
good man.f He had a brother, Lewis De Compeigne De
Veil, who, also, embraced the Protestant religion. He
was a learned man, and, before he came to England, inter
preter of the Oriental languages to the King of France.^
* Birch's Life of Tillotson, p. 16, 77-
f Crosby, ubi supra, vol. iv. p. 252 — 259.
X Birch's Life of Tillotson, p. 75, 76.

( 208 )
PEWTERERS'-HALL, LIME-STREET.
INDEPENDENT, EXTINCT.
JT EWTERERS'-HALL is situated on the West side of
Lime-street, nearly opposite Cullum-street ; and is in Lang-
bourn Ward. It was one of the city halls appropriated to
the use of the Nonconformists in the reign of Charles the
Second, when they were prohibited preaching in the churches.
An Independent congregation assembled here, soon after
the Bartholomew ejectment, under the pastoral care of the
Rev. Robert Bragge, who was deprived of a living in the
neighbourhood. But he, most probably, gathered the
church before the Restoration. After continuing several
years in a flourishing state, it became extinct under his suc
cessor, the Rev. John Wowen, in 1715. What became of
Pewterers'-Hall, after this event, we no where learn, but it
was, most probably, never afterwards occupied as a meet
ing-house. Of the above ministers, and, also, of another,
who was colleague with Mr. Bragge, we shall here present
the reader with a brief account.
Robert Bragge. — He was born in the year 1627, and
was son to a gentleman, who, upon the breaking out of die
civil wars, became a captain in the parliament army. Upon
the surrender of Oxford, in 1 646, he was sent to Wadham Col
lege, of which Dr.Wilkins was Warden. After studying there
the regular time, he was chosen fellow. Coming, afterwards,
to London, he settled in the parish of Alhallows the Great,
Thames-street, where he gathered a church, upon the Inde
pendent plan, of which he continued pastor till the day of
his death.* It does not seem quite certain whether Mr.
Bragge ever held the living of Alhallows. If he did, he
* Calamy's Account, p. 51.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 209
TEWTERERS'-HALL, LIME-STREET.  Independent, Extinct.
must have quitted it some time before Bartholomew-day, as
Mr. John Blemell was instituted to that living, June 12,
1662.* However, he was certainly silenced by the Bartho
lomew Act, as effectually as if he had been ejected. In
Kennet's Chronicle we find mention of the following reso
lution of the Rump parliament, February, 1659-60. " Or
dered, that it be referred to the committee for plundered
ministers, to put Mr. Brague into the place formerly con
ferred on Mr. Burgess."-f- The place vacated by the latter,
appears to have been a living at Portsmouth, in consequence
of his appointment as chaplain to the regiment of Colonel
Sir John Lenthal. Whether this person be the same as our
Mr. Bragge, and if so, whether he was ever appointed to
the living above-mentioned, appears quite uncertain. After
the Restoration, Mr. Bragge's congregation met at Pew-
terers'-Hall, Lime-street, where he preached till his death,
April 14, 1704, aged 77 years. He was a man of great
humility and sincerity, and of a very peaceable temper.^
His remains were interred in Bunhill-Fields, in the same
vault, where the celebrated Mr. John Bunyan had been
buried above fifteen years before. Mr. Bragge left a son
in the ministry among the Dissenters, of both his names,
who succeeded Mr. Nathaniel Mather, and whom we shall
have occasion to notice under the next article. His only
publications, were two single sermons, upon funeral occa
sions. One for the Rev. Ralph Venning, in 1673 ; the
other for the Rev. Thomas Wadsworth, in I676. He
also joined with some other ministers, in an epistle before
Mr. Faldo's book against Quakerism. § Mr. Bragge's
name is also affixed to the renunciation of Vernier's plot,
published by the Independent ministers in London, in
1660. ||
* Newcourt's Repertorum, vol. i. p. 249. f Kennet's Chronicle, p. 34-
X Calamy's Account, p. 51. § Continuation, p. 74,
|| Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 592.
Vol. I. e e

210 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PEWTERERS'-HALL, LIME-STREET.  Independent, Extinct.
Ralph Venning. — Mr. Bragge enjoyed for some
years the assistance of the Rev. Ralph Venning. This ex
cellent' Divine was born about the year 1620, and pursued
his academical studies in Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
Dr. Calamy speaks of him as ejected from the lectureship
of St. Olave, Southwark, which, it seems, was all die pre-*
ferment he enjoyed when the Bartholomew Act took place.
After his ejectment, he preached as colleague with Mr.
Bragge, at Pewterers'-Hall. He was a person of eminent
ministerial gifts, an excellent and powerful preacher, very
popular, and much followed. For the poor, he was a most
importunate and prevalent pleader, having such a way of
recommending charity as frequently prevailed with people to
give, who had gone to church with resolutions to the con
trary. He accordingly collected for the poor, some hun
dreds of pounds annually. Mr. Venning died March 10,
1673, aged 53 years.* He was buried in Bunhill-Fields,
in the presence, (as Wood informs us) of very many Non
conformists.-}- His funeral sermon was preached by his
colleague, the Rev. Robert Bragge, from Matt. ix. 38. It
was afterwards published, but contains scarcely a single
particular relating to the life and character of the de
ceased, (d) After the death of Mr. Venning, Mr. Bragge,
most probably, had other ministers to assist him ; but their
names have not reached us. He was succeeded by the per
son next mentioned. ?Calamy's Account, p. 22. Continuation, p. is.
f Wood's Athense, vol. ii. p. 514.
(d) Woiiks. — Mr. Venning published the following treatises : 1. Ortho
dox and Miscellaneous Paradoxes : or, a Believer clearing Truth by seeming
Contradictions. 1647. 12mo. — 2. A Warning to Backsliders : a Sermon
before the LordMayor and Aldermen of London, Rev. ii., 5. 1654. 
3. The Way to Happiness^ — 4. Mercies' Memorial. — 5. Canaan's Flowings ;
or Milk and Honey. — 6. The New Command renewed. — 7. Mysteries
and Revelations.— 8. Things worth thinking on, or Helps to Piety. — 9. Sin
the Plague of Plagues ; or, sinful Fear the worst of Evils. — lo. His Fare
well Sermon at St, Olave's, Southwark, Heb. x. 23. 1663. — 11. His Re-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 211
PEWTERERS'-HALL, LIME-STREET.— Independent, Extinct.
John Wowen, or Jonathan Owen, for there seems
to be some difficulty with regard to his real name. A manu
script, to which we shall have frequent occasion to refer in
the course of the present work, speaks of him under the
'former name, as the founder of the Independent church in
Deadman's-Place, Southwark. There he had a numerous
congregation, and was very popular. But falling out with
his people, he left , them about 1702, and, after a short
time, was chosen to succeed Mr. Bragge, at Pewterers'-
Hall.* He continued to preach there till 1715, when he
embraced the principles of the Baptists, and went down to
Bristol, where he assisted the Rev. Andrew Gifford, at
the Pithay-meeting.f Crosby records the same facts of a
Mr. Jonathan Owen, \ from whence there, can be no doubt
but he was the same person. Calamy mentions a Mr. John
Wowen,§ who was silenced by the Act of Uniformity, and
appears to be the person of whom we are speaking. But
•we defer entering into a discussion of this subject, as we
shall have some further particulars to relate under the article
Deadman's-Place. Upon Mr. Wowen's leaving Pew-
terers'-Hall, his church broke up, and the people separated
into other societies.
mains. To this Book is prefixed, the Author's Portrait, by Hollar. —
12. A Spiritual. Garden of sweet-smelling Flowers; or, Mr. Ralph Ven-
ning's Divine Sentences. This is in a Book, entitled, Saints' Memorials :
or, Words fitly spoken, like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver. Being a
Collection of Divine Sentences, written and delivered by those late Reverend
and eminent Ministers, Mr. Edmund Calamy, Mr. Joseph Caryl, Mr.
Ralph Venning, and Mr. James Janeway. London. 1674. svo. In the
Frontispiece to this Book, there is a Portrait of each of these Ministers, in
-four squares. Mr. Venning, also, had a hand in the English-Greek Lexicon,
published in 1661. * MS. penes me.
f Crosby's History of the Baptists, vol. iv. p. 168. J Ibid.
§ Calamy's Account, p. 777. Contin. p. 896.

( 212 )
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.
INDEPENDENT.
-L AVED-ALLEY, of which, at present, no traces re
main, was situated at the upper end of Lime-street, towards
Leadenhall-street, and the site has been many years covered
by a wing of the East India-House. The meeting-house,
which was a large building, with three capacious galleries,
was erected about the time of King Charles's Indulgence,
in 1672. The congregation that assembled in it was of
early origin ; being gathered by the celebrated Dr. Thomas
Goodwin, soon after his return from Holland, at the begin
ning of the long parliament, in 1640. Their first place of
meeting was in the parish of St. Dunstan in the East, but
the exact spot cannot be ascertained. Suffice it to say,
that it was somewhere about Thames-street. The congre
gation was for many years very considerable both for num
bers and opulence, and made the largest collection for the
fund of any church in London. The meeting-house being
conveniently situated, was made use of for the purpose of
several lectures. Mr. Bragge preached one on the Lord's-
day evening for several years. There was, also, a catecheti
cal lecture here on a Wednesday evening, which was re
moved to Little St. Helen's. In 1730, Mr. Coward fixed
upon it as a proper place for carrying on a course of lectures
on the most important doctrines of the gospel. They were
twenty-six in number, and were preached by nine minis
ters * of approved character and abilities. The lecture was
opened November the 12th, 1730, and continued weekly
till April 8, 1731. The discourses delivered at it were
afterwards published, in two volumes octavo, and are
esteemed among the best defences of Calvinism. The church
•There were Mr. Robert Bragge, Dr. Abraham Taylor, Mr.
John Sladen, Mr. Peter Goodwin, Mr. John Hurrion, Mr. Thomas
Bradbury, Mr. Thomas Hall, Mr. Samuel Wilson, and Dr. John
Gill. The two last weie of the Baptist denomination.

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

213

PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
in Lime-street continued to flourish under a succession of
valuable ministers, till Christmas, 1755, when the East
India Company having purchased a large plot of ground,
including the spot where the meeting-house stood, the con
gregation was compelled to quit. Soon after, it was taken
down, to make way for the enlargement of the Company's
premises. Mr. Richardson, who was the pastor, at that
time, having- relinquished his charge, the congregation di
vided into two branches. One of these went off to Artil
lery-street, where Mr. Richardson resumed the pastoral
office. The remaining branch removed to Miles's-lane, and
chose for their pastor the Rev. William Porter. After
assembling there about ten years, they built the present
meeting-house in Camomile-street. The history of these
two branches we shall take up in their proper order. We
now proceed to give the succession of ministers at the old
church, in Lime-street, distinguishing pastors from assistants.

Ministers' Names.

Thomas Goodwin, D. D.
Thomas Harrison, D. D.
Thomas Mallery,
John Collins, Sen.
Francis Howel, M. A. .
John King, 
Nathaniel Mather, M. A.
Robert Trail, M. A. . .
John Collins, Jun. .
Robert Bragge, . . .
Philip Gibbs, . . . .
John Atkinson, ....
John Hill, 
John Richardson, .

As Pastors.

From To

1640 1650
l65o'l65 .
165 Jl6..
16.. 1687

16881698 1698

1697
1714 1738

As Assistants

From To

1616801688

171517321735
1736

16791688 1697

172917351736 1755

214 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
Thomas Goodavin, D. D. — This learned and emi
nent Divine, who was one of the principal leaders of the
Independents, during the reign of Charles the First, was
born October 5, 1600, at Rolesby, in Norfolk. His pa
rents, who were religious persons, devoted him early to the
work of the ministry, and gave him a suitable education with
that view. After obtaining a competent knowledge of the
Latin and Greek languages, he was sent, at thirteen years
of age, to Christ's College, Cambridge ; where his good
natural abilities were so improved by diligent study, as to
secure him great esteem in the University.
In 1616, he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts.* After
continuing at Christ's College about six years, he removed,
in 1619, to Katherine-Hall, under the tuition of the famous
Dr. Sibbes. In the following year, he proceeded Master of
Arts,f was chosen fellow, and a lecturer in the University.
After some time, he proceeded Doctor in Divinity .J
During the first six years which he spent at College, he
walked in the vanity of his mind. Ambitious designs en
tirely engrossed his attention, and his whole aim was to
obtain preferment and applause. But God, who had de
signed him to higher purposes was pleased to change his
heart, and turn the course of his life to his own service and
glory. It appears from his own account of his conversion,
and of his experience both before and after, that, from the
time he was six years old, he had strong impressions of reli
gion upon his mind, which led him to the performance of
common duties. At his first going to College, he con
stantly attended the Lord's-Supper ; but, his good inclina
tions were often overcome, and he relapsed into sin. At
one time, having made uncommon preparation for the
Lord's-Supper at Whitsuntide, expecting to be thereby so
confirmed, as never again to fall away, his tutor observing
* Kennet's Chronicle, p. 935. f Ibid.
X Dr. Goodwin's Life, prefixed to the fifth volume of his works.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 215
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
him come to receive, sent to forbid him. To this, he
seems to have been actuated on account of his youth. It
was such a disappointment, however, to young Goodwin, as
to discourage him from attending the ministry of the Puritans.
From that time, he left off prayer, gave himself up to a
worldly course of life, and followed such studies as were
merely calculated to display the wit and learning of the
preacher. At length, on a certain day, (Oct. 16, 1620,)
while at Cambridge, his attention was engaged by the tolling
of a bell for a funeral, and a sermon being expected, one
of his companions persuaded him to stay and hear it. Being
then averse to serious preaching, he was not much inclined
to follow 'this proposal ; but finding Dr. Bambridge, a witty
man, was to preach, he staid to hear him. The Doctor
preached from Luke xix. 41, 42. And when he was come
near, he beheld the city and wept over it, saying, If thqu
hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things
which belong unto thy peace ! But now they are hid from
thine eyes. Though Mr. Goodwin had heard the sermon
before, yet the preacher's manner greatly engaged his atten
tion. The observations he made were " That every man
has his day, or a time in which grace is offered him — that
if he neglects it, God is just in hiding it from his eyes —
and that it behoves every man to pray against blindness of
mind, and hardness of heart." The sermon was closed with
a warm exhortation to an immediate repentance and return
to God. Though the remarks he had heard were far from
being uncommon, yet, he was so much affected, that he
told his companions,- he hoped he should be the better for
that sermon as long as he lived. Instead of spending the
evening in mirth as he intended, he returned to his own
College, and passed it in retirement. His mind was now
greatly oppressed with a sense of the evil of sin, and its
dreadful consequences. He saw the vanity of his former
religion, and the deficiency there was in the root of all his
devotion, the flowers of which had withered because they

216 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
 ' -*
wanted moisture in the heart to afford them nourishment.
He now found the disposition of his mind entirely changed.
Instead of vain-glory, and the love of academic praise, be
proposed the glory of God as the end of all his actions ; and,
in his preaching, wholly discarded the affectation of wit, and
a flimsy eloquence.*
After his conversion, Dr. Goodwin became a celebrated
preacher in the University, and was instrumental in turning
many to the love and practice of serious religion. In 1628,
he was chosen to the lectureship of Trinity Church, in Cam
bridge, though not without opposition from Dr. Buckridge,
bishop of Ely. It also appears, that, in 1632, he was pre
sented by the King to the vicarage of the same church.
Afterwards, being in his conscience dissatisfied with the
terms of conformity, he quitted the University, together
with his preferments, in 1634. Though this step was con
trary to his worldly interest, yet, as he acted with sincerity,
he often expressed great joy and thankfulness ; and received
great encouragement in the acceptance and success of his
ministry .-f-
The persecution in England growing hot, under the gui
dance of Archbishop Laud, Dr. Goodwin, that he might
enjoy liberty of conscience, retired to Holland, in 16.39,
and settled as pastor of the English church an Arnheim, in
Guelderland. (e) At the beginning of the long parliament,
* Lite of Dr. Goodwin, ubi supra, — and Nonconformist's Memorial, vol. i.
p. 237— 239. t Hid.
(e) In 1638, a year hefore he retired abroad, he married Elizabeth,
daughter of Mr. Alderman Prescot. This lady dying, he was espoused, in
1649, to Miss Mary Hammond, then only in her seventeenth year. Dr.
Goodwin was very happy in both these ladies. By the former, he had an
only daughter, who was married to Mr. John Mason, a citizen of London.
By his second wife, he had two sons and two daughters. Of the eldest son,
who bore both his names, and was a. Dissenting minister first in London,
and afterwards at Pinner, in Middlesex, we shall have occasion to ifpeak in
the progress of this work. Richard, the second son, died on a voyage to the
East Indies, where he was going as one of the Company's factors. Both the
daughters died in their infancy. — Life of Dr. Goodwin, prefixed to the fifth
volume of his works. \

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 217
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-.STREET.  Independent.
he returned to England ; and, coming to London, gathered
an Independent congregation, in the parish of St. Dunstan
in the East, Thames-street. In 1643, he was chosen a
member of the Assembly of Divines, at Westminster, and
by his modesty and meekness, gained the esteem of that
venerable body, notwithstanding he was one of the Dissent
ing brethren. Of the transactions of this assembly he took
notes, which he left in fourteen or fifteen volumes. In
1647, he had invitations from Mr. John Cotton, and other
worthy ministers, to remove to New-England, which he
was so much inclined to do, as to put a great part of his
library on shipboard. But the persuasions of friends, to
whose advice he paid great deference, made him alter his
resolution.* By an order of parliament, dated Jan. 8,
1649-50, he was appointed President of Magdalen College,
Oxford, with the privilege of nominating fellows and demies,
in such places as should hecome vacant by death, or by the
possessors refusing to take the engagement.-f Being in high
favour with Oliver Cromwell, he was nominated, iir 1653,
upon a committee of Divines, to draw up a catalogue, of
fundamentals, to be presented to parliament ; and, the same
year, was made one of the Triers for the approval of Mi
nisters.! In the following year, he was appointed one of
the assistants to the Commissioners of Oxfordshire, for the
removal of scandalous and insufficient preachers. § He was,
also, one of the principal ministers who composed the synod
of congregational churches, which met at the Savoy, in
1658, for the purpose of framing a confession qf faith for
the Independent churches. ||
Upon his appointment to the Presidentship, Dr. Good
win applied himself diligently to promote learning and piety
* Life of Dr. G°°Awin, ubi supra. f Ibid,
X Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 443, 4*7.
f Wood's \Fasti, vol. ii. p. 104. || Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 50ft.
Vol. I. f f

218 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET .—Independent.
in his College. His candid and ingenuous behaviour, and
his catholic charity for good men of different persuasions,
gained him the esteem of those who had been most averse
to his promotion. In conferring places of preferment, he
was not biassed by party motives ; real merit being the sole
standard of his conduct. He preached constantly at St.
Mary's, and sometimes in the College chapel ; and set up a
weekly meeting for religious purposes, at his own lodgings.
Here he also formed a church, upon the Independent plan,
of which, among others, Mr. Thankful Owen, Mr. Francis
Howel, Mr. Theophilus Gale, and Mr. Stephen Charnock,
were members.* The learned Mr. John Howe was, at
that time, a member of the same College. As he had an
established reputation, and did not offer to join the society,
Dr. Goodwin took occasion to speak to him upon the sub
ject, expressing, at the same time, his surprise and concern
at his neglect. Mr. Howe told him very frankly, " The
only reason was, that he understood they laid a great stress
upon some peculiarities for which he had no fondness,
though he could give others their liberty, without any unkind
thoughts of them ; but, if they would jidmit him into their
society upon catholic terms, he would readily join them."
The Doctor embraced him, saying, he would do it with all
his heart, and that he knew it would be much to the satis
faction and edification of the rest. A proof that Dr. Good
win was not so narrow minded as some have represented
him.f Soon after the Restoration, he was dismissed from his
Presidentship, when he retired to London, whither many of
his church followed him. Here, he continued in the faith
ful discharge of his ministiy, living a retired life, which he
spent in prayer, reading and meditation. The authors he
most valued and studied were, Augustine, Calvin, Muscu-
lus, Zanchius, Paraeus, Waleus, Gomarus, Altingius, and
* Life of Dr. Goodwin, ubi supra. f Calamy's Life of Howe, p. 10, 1 1.

OS DISSENTING CHURCHES. 219
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
Amesius ; and among the schoolmen, Suarez and Estius.
And, as he had furnished his' library with a good collection
of commentators, so he made good use of them. But the
scriptures, as containing an inexhaustible treasure of divine
knowledge, were what he chiefly studied. Upon the glo
rious doctrines contained in the inspired volume, his mind
soared with the greatest delight. In the dreadful fire of
London, which consumed a considerable part of the city,
A. D. 1666, he lost above half his library, to the value of
five hundred pounds. Upon this he observed, that God had
struck him in a very sensible part, and acknowledged it as a
rebuke of Providence, for having loved his library too much.
He was thankful, however, that the loss fell chiefly upon
books of human learning, those on divinity being preserved,
though they were exposed, apparently, to the greatest dan
ger. As the exercise of faith and patience reconciled him
to this providence, so he wrote a discourse upon the subject,
which he soon afterwards printed. The labours of this
eminent man were terminated by means of a rapid fever,
which carried him off in a few days, Feb. 23, 1679-80, in
the 80th year of his age. In his last moments, he enjoyed
the fullest assurance of faith, and expressed himself with so
much joy, thankfulness, and admiration of the free grace of
God, as extremely affected all who heard him.*
Dr. Goodwin was a very considerable scholar, a man of
extensive reading, and an eminent Divine. Mr. Wood
styles him and Dr. Owen, " the two Atlassesand Patriarchs
of Independency." He was, however, by no means equal
to Dr. Owen. In the common register of the University, he
is said to be, In scriptis in re theologica quamplurimis orbi
notus ; that is, " well known to the world by many theolo
gical writings." His works, which consist of five folio
volumes, besides many single pieces, published in his life
time, and since his death, have been much read and esteemed,
* Life of Dr. Goodwin, ubi supra.

220 HISTORY AND aNtiqiJities
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
particularly by Calvinists of the supra-lapsarian cast, to
which our author belonged. His style is plain and familiar;
but very diffuse, homely and tedious. He had a remarkable
talent at exposition, in which he made great use of his cri
tical learning; and was very successful in explaining ab
struse and difficult texts. The least particles of speech
came under his notice, and, in numberless instances, he has
made it appear, how much depends upon little words, which
are too generally overlooked. He had a genius to dive into
the bottom of a subject, " to study it down," as he used to
express it, not contenting himself with a superficial know
ledge. As from the extent of his own library he was ena
bled to consult the best authors, so he had the advantage of
an intimate acquaintance with some of the greatest Chris
tians of his age. This enabled him to treat his subjects in
an experimental manner, and to appear with advantage when
he discussed cases of conscience. He was much addicted
to retirement and deep contemplation, had been much exer
cised in the controversies that agitated the age in which he
lived, and had a deep insight into the grace of God, and
the covenant of grace. In the course of his ministry, he
went oyer the grand points of religion, and thoroughly di-
jested them in his own mind. His observations were clear,
genuine and natural, often above common observation, and
he confirmed them by pertinent scripture references. He
discovered a deep insight into the sublime mysteries of the
gospel, and by a plain and familiar method, brought them
down to the level of common capacities. He was in hi«h
esteem with Oliver Cromwell, and visited him on his dying
bed.* Of Dr. Goodwin, and his writings, we shall have
occasion to make further mention, in the course of the
present work.*
* Life of Dr. Goodwin, prefixed lo the first volume of his works.— Non
conformist's Memoiial, vol. i. p. 236-241  Calamy's Account, p. 60,
fA.~ Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 716."  Wood's Fasti, vol. ii. p. 104.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 221
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
Thomas Harrison, D. D. was born at Kingston-
upon-Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. While a
youth his parents removed to New-England,* where they
trained him up to the ministry, and gave him the best educa
tion which the country, at that time, afforded. In the early
part of his ministry, he was chaplain to the governor of
Virginia, who appears to have been a great enemy and per
secutor of the Puritans. When Mr. Knowles of Water-
town, and Mr. Thompson of Braintree, undertook a mis
sion to the Indians of Virginia, the governor finding them
disaffected to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of Eng
land, ordered them to depart the country immediately. Mr.
Harrison, though he seemed openly to plead for their con
tinuance, and liberty to preach ; yet, secretly wished their
dismission. This, lie afterwards owned, with shame and
contrition. But the departure of the missionaries was fol
lowed by a most dreadful occurrence, which some persons
looked upon as a retaliation of Providence. The good men
were no sooner embarked, than there was a general rising of
the Indians, who miserably massacred the English, sparing
neither old nor young. Those whom they met in the streets
they deliberately murdered, and burned such as thought
themselves secure in their own houses. No less than five
hundred persons are reported to have been killed upon this
occasion ; besides other mischief done to the plantations.
Among those who escaped the massacre, some were gathered
into church order by Mr. Harrison, who, after this provi
dence, became quite another man. Indeed, it was a signal
warning to the despisers of the gospel. But the govemor
was only the uiore hardened, and dismissed his chaplain,
who was how grown too serious for him. This circum
stance induced him to leave the country .-f-
Upon his return to England, Mr. Harrison settled in
London, where he soon became a celebrated preacher.
* Calamy's Account, p. 121. f Ibid. p. 607.

222 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
About 1650, he was chosen to succeed Dr. Goodwin, in
his gathered church, at St. Dunstan's in the East, and was
extremely followed. In this situation he continued but a
few years, when he left the city, but, upon what occasion,
does not appear. He then went to reside at Brombrough-
Hall, in Wirral, where he preached constantly. In 1657,
he went over to Ireland with Henry Cromwell, youngest
son to Oliver, Lord Protector, who appointed him Lord
Lieutenant of that kingdom. In his family, Mr. Harrison
lived with great respect, and preached some years at Christ-
Church, in Dublin, with universal applause. He continued
there till the turn of the times, when he returned back to
England, and fixed his residence in the city of Chester.
There he preached for some time in the cathedral, to a large
and attentive auditory, till he was silenced by the Act of
Uniformity.* From a list of graduates at Cambridge, by
virtue of his Majesty's letters mandatory, from Oct. 10,
1660, to Oct. JO, l66l, it seems that Mr. Harrison ob
tained his Doctor's degree from that University. f Dr.
Calamy, however, says that he received it from the Uni
versity of Dublin.J It is possible both may be right.
Dr. Harrison being silenced in England, again crossed
the sea to Dublin, where he had before met with unusual
respect. In that city, he continued the exercise of his
ministry in private, having a flourishing congregation, and
many persons of quality for his constant auditors. His po
pularity, however, did not fail to stir up much envy. He
was, indeed, a most agreeable preacher, and had a peculiar
way of insinuating himself into the affections of his hearers.
Though he wrote his sermons at full length, yet, he took
great pains to impress them upon his memory, so that he
could deliver them without the use of his notes. He had
also an extraordinary gift in prayer ; being noted for such a
* Calamy's Account, p. 121, 122. f Kennet's Chronicle, p. 546.
X Calamy's Account, p. 607.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 223
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent. ¦.
wonderful fluency, as well as peculiar flow of elo
quence, as excited the admiration of all who heard him.
In his manners, he was a complete gentleman ; and while
his conversation was courted by the greatest persons, he
could condescend to be free with the meanest. Lord Tho-
mond, who had a sincere value for him, as well as a high
opinion of his abilities, used to say, " That he had rather
hear Dr. Harrison say grace over an egg, than hear the
bishops pray and preach." He was congregational in his
judgment as to church discipline ; and though his people
were universally of another stamp, yet he managed matters
with such discretion, temper and moderation, that there
never was the least clashing, or danger of a division. When
he died, the whole city of Dublin seemed to lament the loss
of him, and there was a general mourning. His funeral was
attended by persons of all ranks ; and the sermon upon the
occasion was preached by Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Daniel
Williams, then pastor of another congregation in the same
city. The time of Dr. Harrison's death is not mentioned.
He left behind him a valuable library, and among other
manuscripts a large folio, containing a whole system of
Divinity. His only publications were " Topica Sacra ; or,
Spiritual Pleadings : and a Funeral Sermon, for Lady
Susannah Reynolds, preached at Lawrence Jewry, Feb. IS,
1654, on Gen. xlvii. 9-"*
Thomas Mallery. — Of this person, but few biogra
phical particulars can be obtained. It is likely that he was
descended from a member of parliament in the reign of
King James the First, who, for talking with too great
liberty upon state affairs, was committed to prison, together
with some other leading members ; as Sir Edward Coke,
Sir Robert Philips, Mr. Selden, and Mr. Pym. This was
* Calamy's Account, p. 122, 123. Contin. p. 169.

224 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAYED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.— Independent.
in 1621.* As he is not mentioned by Anthony Wood, it is
probable that he received his education in the University of
Cambridge. We find no mention of Mr. Mallery in any
lists of ministers who were appointed to manage ecclesiastical
matters during the inter-regnum ; so that, it is probable, he
took no active part in the transactions of those times. Upon
the removal of Dr. Harrison, he was chosen to succeed him
as pastor of the congregational church, at St. Dunstan's in
the East, gathered by Dr. Goodwin. He was, also,"chosen
lecturer of St. Michael's, Crooked-lane, and preached a
lecture at Deptford.-f- These were all the preferments he
held at the Restoration. In Kennet's Chronicle there is
the following entry. " Thomas Mallory, S. T. P. presented
July 30, 1660, to a prebend of Chester, void by the death
of Essex Clark, last incumbent."^ Though this must
have been a different person from our author, it is
probable he was some relation. After the insurrection
of Vernier, the Independents, with a view to vindicate
themselves from all suspicion of having a share in that
mad transaction, published " A Renunciation and Declara
tion of the Congregational Churches, and public Preachers
of the said Judgment, living in and about the City of Lon
don, against the late horrid Insurrection and Rebellion,
acted in the said City." Dated Jan. 1660-1. Mr. Mal
lery 's name is affixed to this declaration, which disowns the
principle of a fifth monarchy, or the personal reign of King
Jesus upon earth, as dishonourable to him, and prejudicial
to his church. It also speaks with abhorrence of propa
gating this, or any other opinion, by force, or blood.§ Af
ter this, we hear nothing further of Mr. Mallery, nor is even
the time of his death mentioned. It is probable, however,
that this .event took place before King's Charles's Indulgence
in 1672, when Mr. Collins appears to have been pastor of
Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 494. f Calamy's Account, p. 36, 391.
X Kennet's Chronicle, p. 333. § Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 592.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 225
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
the church now under consideration. Dr. Calamy has no
account of him excepting this short character, " He was a
person of an exemplary conversation, and very faithful in
his ministry."* He was congregational in his judgment with
regard to church-government, and had a considerable congre
gation to the day of his death. Mr. Mallery has a sermon
in the Morning Exercise at Cripplegate, on " The Concep
tions we should form of God in Duty." There is, also, a
small volume of his in print, entitled, " The inseparable com
munion of a Believer with God in his Love ;" being the
substance of several Sermons on Rom. viii. 38, 39- 8vo.
1674. He also joined with Mr. Greenhill and Mr. Caryl,
in a preface to Mr. Malbon's Discourse on Life and
Death.f John Collins. — Of this excellent Divine and eminent
preacher, the accounts that are preserved are extremely de
fective. We are not acquainted even with the place of his
birth ; but it appears that, in early life, he went over with
an English colony to America. In the churches of New-
England, his family was in considerable repute. Of his
father, Cotton Mather gives this simple account. " There
was • a good old man, called Collins, the deacon of the
church at Cambridge, who is now gone to heaven; but,
before he went thither, had the satisfaction to see several
most worthy sons become very famous persons in their gene
ration : sons, that having worthily served their generation,
are now gone thither as well as he."j; The following anec
dote is related of Mr. Collins, during his youth. Having
received a wound by a fall, which had nearly cost him his
life, that famous Divine, Mr. Thomas Shepard, happened to
some up to him just as he lay gasping for breath. He im-
• Calamy's Contin. p. 53. f Ibid.
X Mather's History of New- England, B. iv. p. 199.
Vol. I. gg

226 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

PAVED- Al LEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.

mediately addressed him in the following consolatory terms
" I have just now been wrestling with the Lord for thy life,
and God hath granted me my desire ; young man, thou
shalt not die but live ; but remember that now the Lord
says, Surely thou wilt now fear him, and receive instruc-,
tion."* The life thus preserved, proved, afterwards, a con
siderable benefit to the churches in Great-Britain, but espe
cially in London, where he spent the chief part of his
public ministry. .
Mr. Collins pursued his studies for the ministry in Harvard
College, Cambridge. Cotton Mather mentions him in a
list of graduates thus : " 1649, Joannes Collins, Socius;"
from whence it appears that he became a fellow of Harvard
College, in that year. The President of the College at
that time was Mr. Henry Dunstar, of whom the reader will
find some account in Mather's History of New-England.f
Here Mr. Collins made considerable progress in his studies,
was eminent for diligence and piety, and soon after he left
the University, became an admired preacher.
It does not appear that Mr. Collins was ever settled with
a congregation in America. 'Soon after he commenced
preacher, he returned to England, and found Cromwell at
the summit of his power. Afterwards, he became chaplain
to General Monk, whom he accompanied in his march
from Scotland into England.^ At the Restoration, he was
not in possession of any benefice, and therefore, not
, ejected ; but he was silenced by the Act of Uniformity in
1662. He, afterwards, succeeded Mr. Mallery, as pastor
of a considerable Independent church in London.^ Upon
the establishment of the Merchant's lecture, at Pinners'-
Hall, hi 1672, Mr. Collins was chosen one of the first six
lecturers. And it is observable, that he, and Dr. Owen,
were the only Independents selected for this purpose ; the
* Mather, ubi supra, p. 200. f B. iii. p. 99. B. iv. p. 128.
X Calamy's Account, p. 837, S38. § Ibid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 227
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
other preachers being chosen from the Presbyterian deno
mination.* In these situations Mr. Collins continued till
his death, which happened Dec. 3, 1687, hut at what age,
we are no where informed. When this good man lay upon
his dying bed, that eminent minister, the Rev. Matthew
Mead, being to preach in his turn at Pinners'-Hall, poured
out such an affectionate prayer for his recovery, that there
was scarcely one dry eye to be seen in the numerous con-
gregation.i- Mr. Collins was a minister of uncommon abilities, and
.greatly signalized himself as a preacher. Such were the
charms of his eloquence, that few persons could go from
under his preaching displeased, or unaffected.J With the
sacred scriptures he possessed a thorough acquaintance, and
applied himself with great diligence, to the several duties of
the pastoral office. In private life, he discovered a most
amiable temper, and was very charitable to all good men,
without confining himself to a party.^ He left a son in the
ministry, who succeeded Mr. Nathaniel Mather, in his own
congregation, as joint-pastor with the Rev. Robert Bragge.
Mr. Collins was interred in Bunhill-Fields. Cotton Ma
ther has preserved his Latin epitaph,j| which, as our cha
racter of him is so short, we shall here subjoin, together
with an English translation, (f)
• NeaTs Puritans, vol. ii. p. 688.
t Mather's History of New-England, B. iv. p. 200,
X Mather, ubi supra. § Calamy's Acccunt, p. 838.
|i History of New-England, -ubi supra.
(i) Works. — Mr. Collins has a sermon in the third volume of the Morn
ing Exercise, upon this question : " How are the religious of a nation the
strength of it." Also, another in the second volume of the London Collec
tion of Farewell Sermons, on Jude 3. Besides these, he has nothing, we
believe, in print, excepting a preface to Mr. Venning's Remains, and ano
ther to Mr, Michael's Treatise on Eternal Glory.*
* Calamy's Account, p. 838. Contin. p. 96s-

228 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
JOANNES COLLINS,
Indolis Optima Pueruius, Patrem Pietate insignem,
Castiorem Dei cnltum, et Limatiorem
Ecclesise disciplinam, anhelantem,
. In Americanum Anglorum, secutus est Colonium,
Ubi qua Gynniasiis, qua Cantabrigiensi isthic collegio,
(Deo indefessis adspirante studiis)
Scriba factus ad Regnuin ccelorum instruetissimus,
Antiquse cum foenore, rependitur Angliae.
Scotia; etiam celebrium Ministrorum Gens fertilis,
Et audivit, et mirata est concionantem.
Utrobiq; multos Christo lucrifecit ;
Plures in Christo sedificavit.
Frasertim hac in Metropoli, Gregis gratissimi Pastor;
Nil segnis Otii gnavo indulgens Animo ;
Nee laboribus, morbisq ; fracto parcens Corpori ;
Meditando, Pradicaudo, Conferendo, Votaq ; faciendo,
Vitam insumpsit fragilem,
Ut seternae aliorum Vitas consuleret ;
Quo Ecc.lesiarum itaq ; nulla pastorem optimum,
Aut vivum magis Venerata est,
Aut magis indoluit inorienti.
M. D'i> Die IIIs. Anno .Era Christianas.
M.DC.LXXXVII.

Translation.
Here rest the Remains
Of the Rev. JOHN COLLINS,
Who, when a child discovered the most promising disposition.
When a Father, he excelled in Piety ;
A sincere worshipper of God,
Ardently promoting the pure discipline of the Church.
He followed an English Colony to America,
Where he entered as a Student in Cambridge College.
God assisting him in his unwearied studies,
He became a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of heaven
When he returned to Old England richly compensated for his labours.
He also went to Scotland,
A country fruitful in celebrated preachers,
Whom he heard and admired in the Assembly.
In both which places he turned many to Christ,
And built up more in their most holy faith •
Especially in this Metropolis, where he was Pastor of a most grateful flock.
He did not indulge himself in indolence,
But diligently improved the powers of his mind
Kot sparing his body, which was broken by labours and diseases
By meditaUon, by preaching, by conversation, and by prayer,
He greatly impaired a weakly constitution,
That he might attend to the eternal concerns of others ¦
For which he was held in such high esteem by the churches,
Being considered the best of Pastors
That it is difficult, to say, Whether he was most respected whilst livinj
Or regretted now dead.
He departed Dec. 3, I68T.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 229'
PAVED ALLEY, LIME-STREET. — Independent.
Francis Howel, M. A. Fellow of Exeter College,
Oxford, also one of the Proctors of the University, and
Reader of Moral Philosophy. In 1 654, he was appointed
by the Protector Oliver, one of the New Visitors of that
University ; and soon afterwards Principal of Jesus College.
After the Restoration, he was deprived of his preferments
by King Charles's Commissioners. Upon this, he retired
to London, and being congregational in his judgment; be
came fellow-labourer with Mr. John Collins, to whose
congregation he preached one part of the Lord's-day with
great acceptance. He died at Bethnal-green, on the 8th
or 10th of March, 1679, and was buried in Bunhill-Fields,
in tlie presence of a great number of Nonconformists.*
John King. — After the decease of Mr. Howell, a Mr.
John King was invited to become assistant to Mr. Collins ;
and he preached in this connexion about seven years. In
January, 1687-8, he was invited to become assistant teacher
to the Independent church at Yarmouth, and accepted the
call. The following year, he had an invitation to the pas
toral office in the same church, but declined ; and in 1690,
he was discharged from that connexion. -[ What became of
him afterwards, we no where learn.
Nathaniel Mather. — There have been few fami
lies in the Christian church that have contributed more
essentially to serve its best interests, by their pious and
diligent labours, than that of the Mathers. The father of
this numerous family, was the Rev. Richard Mather,
an eminent Puritan Divine, in Lancashire, who, for the
sake of a good conscience, and the undisturbed exercise of
his ministry, was compelled to leave his country. He re
moved to America in 1635, and having a call from a con-
• Calamy's Account, p. 5g. — Wood's Fasti, vol. ii. p. 64.
f Baptist Annual Register, vol. iv. p. 641, 645.

2S0 history and antiquities
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
gregation at Dorchester, continued to labour there, with
great usefulness, till his death, April 22, 1669, in the 73d
year of his age.* Many years before his death, he had
the comfort of seeing four sons, preachers of no mean con
sideration. 1. Samuel Mather, who, at nine years of
age, went over with his father to New-England, and was
educated in Harvard College. Afterwards, removing to
Ireland, he became a senior fellow of Trinity College, Dub
lin, and a preacher at St. Nicholas church ; but, at the
Restoration, he lost all his preferments, and continued the
exercise of his ministry in private till his death, Oct. 29,
1671, in his 46th year .f 2. Nathaniel Mather, the
subject of the present memoir. 3. Eleazar Mather,
who was also educated in Harvard College, and became
pastor of a church at Northampton, in New-England, where
he laboured eleven years, till his death, July 24, 1669,
aged 32 years.;}: 4. Increase Mather, who was born, '
educated, and spent the chief part of his life in New-
England. He was many years President of Harvard Col
lege, and pastor of a church at Boston, where he died
August 23, 1723, at the great age of 84.§ By a daughter
of Mr. John Cotton, a famous New-England Divine, he
had three sons. 1. Cotton Mather, D. D. pastor of
a church at Boston, and well known to the world by his
many valuable writings. 2. Nathaniel Mather, who
died in New-England, at the age of nineteen, Oct. 17,
1688 ; and of whose early piety an account was published
by his elder brother.|| 3. Samuel Mather, who had
a small congregation at Witney, in Oxfordshire, and pub
lished several pieces of a valuable nature.^[
* Mather's History of New-England, B. iii. p. 122  130.
I Ibid. B. iv. p. 143—153. X Md. B. iii. p. 130.
§ Calamy's Continuation, p. 494 — 500.
II Mather's History of New-England, B. iv. p. 208.
^ Calamy, ubi supra,

OF DISSENTING churches. 251
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
Nathaniel, the second son of Richard Mather above-
mentioned, was born in the county of Lancaster, March
30, 1630.* When his father removed to New-England,
he was only five years of age. In 1647, he became a gra
duate of Harvard College, f where he made a considerable
proficiency in literature. But, he finished his studies in
England, where he also commenced preacher. His first
preferment was the living of Harberton, near Totness, in
Devonshire. In 1656, he was presented by Oliver Crom
well, to that of Barnstaple, in the same county. This was
the sequestered living of Mr. Martin Blake, a pious, learned
and moderate man, who, it seems, met with much ill usage.
But to this, Mr. Mather cannot be chargeable with being
in the least accessary. At the Restoration, he lost all his
preferments ; and, retiring to Holland, became pastor of the
English congregation at Rotterdam.
Upon the death of his brother, Mr. Samuel Mather, in 1 67 1,
he went over to Ireland, and succeeded him as pastor of a
congregation, in Dublin. There he continued several years.
Some time after his settlement in Ireland, he published a valu
able manuscript left behind by his brother, being a course of
Sermons upon the Types of the Old Testament. It was
printed in 1683, and has been considered one of the best
treatises upon the subject. In 1688, Mr. Mather removed
to England, to take the pastoral charge of a numerous con
gregation in Lime-street, in the room of Mr. John Collins,
deceased. It appears that the celebrated Dr. Daniel Wil
liams, also, preached as a candidate, at the same time,
and had a considerable number of votes. Mr. Mather
was likewise chosen one of the Merchants' lecturers
at Pinners'-Hall. Several sermons which he delivered
in his turn at that lecture, were afterwards printed. At
length, after a diligent and faithful discharge of the minis
terial duties, for the space of forty-seven years, this excel-
* Watts's Epitaph for the Rev. Nathaniel Mather, apud " Lyric Poems.'*
t Mather's History of New-England, B. iv. p. 136.

232 history and antiquities
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
lent man was taken to his rest, July 26, 1697, aged 67
year.* Mr. Mather was tall in stature, and of a mildly majestic
aspect. To a penetrating genius, he united solid and exten
sive learning. But above these advantages, his piety shone
with a distinguished lustre. He possessed a most amiable
spirit, and gave the most striking proofs of an unaffected
modesty. Having himself imbibed much of the temper of
Jesus Christ, and experienced largely of that grace which
bringeth salvation, he was anxious that it might be commu-
hicated to others. Of the Christian faith, he was an able
defender, as well as a bright ornament. He was a
judicious, zealous, and affectionate preacher ; his aspect
was venerable, his gesture pleasing, and his pronuncia
tion agreeable. In his public discourses, there was nei
ther a lavish display, nor an inelegant penury of oratorial
excellence ; while the dignity of his subjects superceded the
necessity of rhetorical embellishments. In addressing sin
ners, he possessed an awfulness in his manner, that was
greatly calculated to strike the arrows of conviction, and
interest the feelings of the mind. And he was equally
skilful in administering those consolations which flow
from a believing view of die gospel. Nevertheless, he
-possessed a certain heaviness in the pulpit, which ren
dered him unpopular. In his private visits to his peo
ple, he adapted his conversation to their several cases ;
always aiming at their spiritual instruction, and to diffuse the
savour of the Redeemer's name, wherever he went. He sus
tained the attacks of corporal pain, and a tiresome affliction,
with invincible fortitude, and, at length, in full assurance of
faith, made a triumphant departure to his everlasting reward.f
Mr. Mather was interred in Bunhill-Fields, where a
Latin inscription was placed upon his monument ; which we
* Calamy's Account, p. 238. Contin. p. 2 5?.— Nonconformist's Memorial,
vol. ii. p. 4.
t Epitaph for the Rev. Nathaniel Mather, by Isaac Watts, ubi supra,— m&
MS. penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. £33
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent..
shall insert, together with an English translation. Dr.
Watts, also, drew up an epitapli to his memory. It is very
descriptive ; but on account of its extraordinary length, must
be omitted in this place. Those who are desirous of read
ing it, may have recourse to the Doctor's Lyric Poems, (g)
Sub hoc rrconditnr tumulo Vir admodum Reverendus
NATHANAEL MATHER,
Richardi Mattieri Filius,
Utriusq; ANGLIC Decus.
Edidit haec nostra, in agro Lahcastriensi :
Imbuit Literatnrft, & Magistri Laurea honestavit
Altera ilia transmarina.
• Qua propter tempo mm acerbitatem
Parvulus adtiuc cum patre recesserat.
Inde reversns, Ecclesiae quse est DUBLTNII apud Hibernos,
Communi sxiffragio praeficitur.
Unde ad banc urbem accersitus,
Pastorali munere cum vita defunctus est.
Si laudes quseris, paucis accipe ;
Animi dotibus fuit dives, Liter) s eruditissimus
Judicio perpolitus, ingenio acer,
Cuj usque Muneris Naturae & Doctrinal potens:
Sacravit omnia in serviendo Deo.
Omnino instructissimus ad officium,
Beati servatoTis Evangelium sincere promulgavit ;
Oruavitque vita decora;
Comitate, Modestia, Patientia mixta.
Pietatis Exemplar maxime illustre ;
Semper sibi par, & sibi coiistans.
Christianus Religiosissimus,
Maritus indulgentissimas,
Conscionator aptus & operosus,
Pastor Fidelis & Vigilans.
t'n sacree Functionis Exercitiis, arte pia celavit homincm*
Ut solus conspiceretur D^usj
vOmni deniq ; Virtute praeditus & Laude dignissimus.
Sed ah ! Quantus Dolor 1 mortuus est.
Plerophoria tamen Fidei, ccelestem adiit Gloriam,
Et triumphum 26'Julii,
#rae Christianas M.DC XCVTI.
JEtat. LXVII.
(g) Works.' — ]. The Righteousness of God by Faith, upon all, without
difference, who believe. In two Sermons, preached at Pinners'-Hall.
Rom. iii. 22. — 2. A Discussion of the Lawfulness of a Pastor's acting as an
Officer in other Churches, besides that of which he is called to take the
oversight. — 3. Twenty-three select Sermons, preached at Pinners'-Hall, and
Lime-street." Wherein several Cases of Conscience, and other weighty
Matters are propounded and handled. 1701. — 4. A Fast Sermon, on 1 Cor,
xi. 30. 1711.
Vol. I. h h

$34 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.

Translation.

Under this tomb is lard
The Rev. Mr. NATHANIEL MATHER,
The honour of both Englands,
The county of Lancaster, in. our England,
Gave him birth :
And the American England
Trained him up in literature,
And honoured him with the degree of Master of Arts :
To which country, when he was very young.
Through the severity ot the times,
He fled with his father.
Returning thence,
He was unanimously chosen Pastor
Of a church at Dublin, in Ireland ;
Whence being called by a Christian Society
To this city,
He here closed his life and pastorship.
If you inquire his merits,
Take his character in a few words :
He had rich endowments of mind.
Was profoundly learned.
Had an exact judgment,
And a most piercing understanding :
In a word, Nature and Science
Enriched him with all their stores,
And all were consecrated to the service of his God.
He was well qualified
For all the branches ef his work .
He faithfully preached
The Gospel of his blessed Redeemer,
And adorned it with a most exemplary life.
In him benevolence, modesty and patience
Mingled their glories, '
And he was a most illustrious pattern of holiness.
He was always equal, and constant to himself;
A most pious Christian,
A most tender husband,
An able and laborious minister.
And a faithful and vigilant Pastor.
In. the exercise of his sacred office
He with an holy art concealed the man,
That the Lord alone might be exalted *
In fine, he was ennobled with every virtue,
And was meritorious of the highest praise.
But, alas! how severe the affliction, " he is gone."
But with a full sail of faith,
He entered his port of glory,
And began his everlasting triumph.
He died July 26, 1697,
Aged 61.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 235 .
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
Robert Trail, M. A. — This excellent Divine des
cended from an ancient family in the county of Fife.
Walter Trail, Bishop of St. Andrew's, in the reign of Ro
bert the Third, A. D. 1385, purchased the estate of Blebo>
in the above county, and ^bequeathed it to his nephew.
Andrew Trail, the great grandfather of our author, was a
younger brother of the family of Blebo. Following the
profession of a soldier, he rose to the rank of a colonel, and
was for some time in the service of the city of Bruges, and
other towns in Flanders, in die wars which they carried on
in defence of their liberties^ against Philip II. King df
Spain ; when he left this service, his arrears amounted to
2,700 1. for which he received a bond secured upon the pro
perty of the States. He then served -under the King of
-Navarre, afterwards Henry IV. of France, in the civil wars
of that kingdom; and had occasion to do that prince
considerable service in taking a town by stratagem. Upon
his return to Britain, he was made a gentleman of Prince
Henry's privy-chamber. His son, James Trail, endea
voured to recover the sum due to his father by the cities of
Flanders ; and, upon a petition to King James, which was
referred to Sir Harry Martin, Judge of the Admiralty, he
obtained a warrant to arrest a ship belonging to the city of
Bruges, which was done accordingly. But the Duke of
Buckingham being gained by the adverse party, the ship was
seon released; nor could he ever afterwards recover any
part of the debt. This circumstance, together with the ex-
pence of the prosecution, brought him into such difficulties,
that he was obliged to dispose of a small estate in the parish
of Deninno, in the county of Fife. His son, Robert Trail,
the father of our author, was minister, first of Ely in Fife,
and afterwards of the Grey-Friars church, Edinburgh. This
excellent man, who was much distinguished for his fidelity
and zeal in discharging the duties of his function, suffered
greatly from the persecuting spirit of the times. After a
¦cruel imprisonment, he was banished his country, and took

236 history and antiquities
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
refuge in Holland. By Jean Annan, of the family of Auch-
terallan, he had three sons and three daughters. William,
minister of Borthwick ; Robert, the subject of 'the present
memoir ; James, a lieutenant of the garrison in Stirling
Castle ; Helen, married to Mr. Thomas Paterson, minister
of Borthwick ; Agnes, married to Sir James Stewart,
of Good-trees, Lord Advocate of Scotland ; and Mar
garet,, married to James Scot, of Bristo, writer in Edin
burgh.* Robert Trail was born at Ely, in the county of
Fife, in the month of May, 1642. After the usual prepa
ratory course of grammatical education, he was sent to the
University of Edinburgh. There, he recommended himself
to his- tutors, by his excellent capacity, and diligent appli
cation to study. Having resolved to devote himself to
the work of the ministry, he applied closely, for some
years, to the study of divinity. Afterwards, having under
gone with approbation, the different trials required by the
Scotch Presbytery, he was licensed by an association of
Nonconformist ministers of the Presbyterian persuasion, to
preach the gospel. -f
Episcopacy being at that time the established religion of
Scotland, the most injurious measures were adopted, in
order to exact a rigorous conformity. Mr. Trail's father
being then in banishment, his family, which he left behind
in Scotland, was reduced to great straits, so that Our author
had no settled residence. In 1666, he was obliged to con
ceal himself for some time, as were his mother and elder
brother, because some copies of a book, entitled, " An
apologetic Relation, &c." which the privy council had or
dered to be publicly burnt, were found in Mrs. Trail's
house. At that time the Presbyterians were treated with
the greatest severity. The privy council, at the instigation
* Life of the Rev. Robert Trail, prefixed to his works, in 3 vols. Svo. vol. i.
t Ibid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 237
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
1 i ' . 11
of the bishops, was continually harassing them by tyrannical
edicts; enjoining conformity to the established 'church, under
civil pains and penalties, and enforcing their arbitrary and
intolerant decrees, by the terror of military execution.
These harsh and unjustifiable methods provoked many of
that oppressed and unhappy people to such a degree, that they
took up arms in despair, and advanced the length of Pent-
land-hills, near Edinburgh. There they were totally de
feated, and dispersed in an engagement with die King's
troops. Mr. Trail being suspected of having joined those
who were in arms, a proclamation for apprehending him
was issued by the council. This obliged him to retire into
Holland, to his father, where he arrived in the beginning of
1667. There, he was employed, for some time, in assist
ing Nethenus, professor of divinity in the University of
Utrecht, in the publication of Rutherford's Examen Armi-
nianismi. In the preface, Nethenus speaks of Mr. Trail as
a learned, pious, prudent, and industrious young man, wor
thy the praise and admiration of every lover of sound doc
trine and true eloquence.* (h)
How long Mr. Trail continued abroad we are no where
informed; but we find him in London, in 1670, when he
was ordained to the ministry of the gospel, after the Pres
byterian model. Soon after, he returned into Scotland,
where he preached publicly, but the persecuting fury of the
prelatical party soon broke out against him with increased
violence. On the nineteenth of July, 1677, he was appre-
* Life of Mr. Trail, ubi supra.
(h) The words of Nethenus are thus : " Attulit mihi manuscriptum
autoris, doctus, pius, prudens, et industrius juvenis vir D. Robertus Tral-
lius, patris cognominis ob Christi causam veritatisque confessionem.exulis,
haud degener filius, sacra theolograe et ministerii evangelici candidatus,
mihi, in procuranda & promovenda hijus libri editione, adjutor destinatus ;
qui et partes suas diligenter, fideliter, et constanter, ad finem usque obiit,
dignus proinde laude & amore omnium, orthodoxae veritatis, & clarissimi
Rhetorfortis p. m. amatorum & cultorum. — Life of the Rev. Robert Trail,
prefixed to his works.

«38 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
• PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
hended and brought before the council ; where, being ac
cused of having held field-conventicles, he acknowledged
that he had held meetings in a private house. On being
questioned, whether he had not preached at field-conventi
cles, he referred it to proof, the law having made it a cri
minal offence. He owned that he had conversed with Mr.
Welch, when on the English border, and that he was or
dained to the ministry, by Presbyterian ministers at London,
in 1670. But refusing to clear himself by oath, he was
committed prisoner to the Bass. Major Johnston, who
apprehended him, obtained a thousand pounds for his trou
ble. We have no account at what time he was released.
But he was afterwards an useful minister in London, where
he laboured many years, with great diligence, zeal, and
success.* Mr. Trail was a preacher in London, (though it does
not appear to what congregation) in 1682. In October
of that year, he delivered a sermon from 2 Tim. iv. 16.
upon the following question : " By what means may minis
ters best win souls ?" This discpurse was published in the
Continuation of the Morning Exercises, in the following
year. After the Revolution, Mr. Trail was chosen col
league with the Rev. Nathaniel Mather, and continued to
preach statedly in Lime-street, till Mr. Mather's death.
After this event, he gathered a sepaiate congregation, of
which he was pastor several years.
Mr. Trail, who was warmly attached to diose doctrines
that are usually called Calvinistic, took a zealous concern in
the controversy that followed the publication of the works
of Dr. Crisp. In 1692, he published his " Vindication of
the Protestant Doctrine of Justification, and of its first
Preachers and Professors, from the unjust Charge of Anti-
nomianism. In a Letter from the Author to a Minister in

Biographia Scoticana, preface. — Woodrow's History of the Church «f
Scotland.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 239?
\ PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
the .Country." In this piece, our author discovers great
zeal against Arminianism, and is not a little displeased with
those Divines who took what was then called the middle
way, and wrote against Dr. Crisp. At the same time, he
vindicates himself, and his brethren who took the same side,
from the charge of Antinomianism. At the latter end of
1694, and the beginning of 1695, he preached a course of
sermons on Heb. x. 20 — 24, entitled, " A steadfast Adhe
rence to the Profession of our Faith." They were not pub
lished till after the author's death ; and when they made
their appearance, in 1718, were introduced with a recom
mendation by the Reverend William Tong, John Nesbit,
and Matthew Clarke. To a subsequent edition recom
mended by the Rev. James Hervey, and dated Weston-
Favel, July 8, 1755, there were added, Two Letters to his
wife and children; both written by him in the time, of his
banishment. Also some advices relating to some important
duties. In 1696, Mr. Trail published " Thirteen Sermons
upon the Throne of Grace ; from Heb. iv. 16." From the
preface to these discourses, it appears that the author was
not in the habit of reading his sermons ; but made use, only,
of short notes, containing the heads of doctrines, and scrip
tures confirming them. His Sixteen Sermons on the Lord's-
Prayer, (John xxvii. 24.) made their appearance in 1705.
Mr. Trail's writings have been held in great esteem by pious,
persons, particularly in Scotland, where they have passed
through several impressions.
Mr. Trail lived to witness several vicissitudes in the civil
and religious concerns of his country. He had seen the
hierarchy and regal power overthrown, and rise again with
greater power and splendour from their ruins. After this,
he had observed an overstrained prerogative giving birth to
liberty, and toleration taking the place of a persecuting
spirit. Of the blessings that attended the glorious Revolu
tion, he was duly sensible ; and rejoiced in the prospect of
their continuance, by the settlement of the Protestant sue-

240 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
cession in the illustrious house of Hanover. Mr. Trail
died in the month of May, 17 16, aged 74 years.*
Mr. Trail's works were collected together, and published,
at Glasgow, in three volumes, octavo, in 1775. But be
sides these, two small volumes have been since published in
addition ; one containing seven, and the other eleven ser
mons. The simple and evangelical strain of Mr. Trail's
writings have been useful to many, and will continue to be
so, while a taste for scriptural religion is in request. We un
derstand that a new edition of his works is now in the press.
John Collins, Jun. son to the before-mentioned Mr-
Collins, was born in the city of London, about the year
1673. After passing through a course of preparatory studies
at home, he removed to Holland, and spent some time in
the University of Utrecht. There he had the advantage of
sitting under the instructions of some of the most eminent
Professors, which, at that time, adorned the several branches
of literature. Upon his return from abroad, he was chosen
to succeed Mr. Nathaniel Mather, as minister of a very
considerable congregation in Lime-street. He was ordained
co-pastor with the Rev. Robert Bragge, some time in the
year 1698 ; and, not long after, was elected one of the
Merchants' lecturers at Pinners'-Hall. In 1702, he was
engaged at the ordination, in Mark-lane, of the celebrated
Dr. Isaac Watts.
Mr. Collins was a good preacher, and a serious Christian,
but his discourses not being well connected, and his delivery
singular, he had not a large auditory. Such, however, was
the general excellence of his character, that he was held in
great esteem by the churches.f He died in the prime of
life, and very suddenly, on March 19, 1714, when he was
little more than forty years of age. The excellent Mr.
-Matthew Henry, who was upon terms of intimate friend
ship with Mr. Collins, takes notice of his death with more
• Life o{ Mr. Trail, ubi supra. t MS. penes mt.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 241
PAVED-ALLEY,' LIME-STREET.  Independent.
than ordinary concern of mind. .In his diary, is found the
following memorandum : " March 20, 17 14. Mr. Col
lins, co-pastor with Mr. Brague, and one of the lecturers of
Pinners'-Hall, a serious, holy person, aged, I suppose,
somewhat above forty, preached in his turn the last Tuesday
lecture, and was here in Hackney yesterday, with Mr.
Powell, about some of his uncle's charities, and dined at Mr.
Lydes', prayed with Mrs. Lydes, and went home between
three and four. In the evening, some young men of the
congregation used to meet at his house for prayer and reli
gious conference. He went to his study, and ordered to be
called when they came. His maid, after some time, went
and told him they were come. He answered, " He would
come to them presently ;" was heard to unlpck his study
door, and come out, but immediately fell down dead. This
providence is very affecting to me," adds Mr. Henry.* —
" It is very remarkable, says Mr. Tong, that when he was
going out of Mrs. Lydes' chamber, who was then in a dying
condition, he turned again and desired the servant to tell her
mistress, he should soon meet her in heaven ; and, about
ten days after, March 2<), that good gentlewoman finished
her course in her sleep-''^
Robert Bragge, a minister of great respectability,
and of some note in his day, among the Dissenters of die
Independent denomination, was born in London, about the
time of the great plague, in 1665. His grandfather was
a captain in the parliament army ; and his father, the
Rev. Robert Bragge, a worthy and respectable minister in
London, of the congregational persuasion ; but silenced
by the black Bartholomew act, in 1662. J Under the
fostering care of a pious and intelligent father, Mr.
* Tong's Life of Matthew Henry, p. 367,368. fluid.
X Calamy's Account, p. 51.
Vol. t. i i

242 H'lStdRY AND antiquities
> ' ¦¦
P*VED-ALLEY, L: ME-STREET.  Independent.
Bragge made early progress in the paths of knowledge
and piety.
Being designed for the work of the ministry, to which his
own views were directed, he was placed under the care of
suitable tutors ; but the names of those who directed his
youthful studies, have not reached us. It is probable that,
after passing through a course of preparatory education at
home, he went over to the University of Utrecht, and there
finished his academical course. The Nonconformists of that
period being excluded the English Universities, on account
of the oaths and subscriptions introduced at the Restoration,
were compelled to have recourse to more private methods
of instruction. It was fortunate for them that there were so
many Divines of learning and piety, who had the courage,
as well as ability, to undertake so arduous an employment.
By this means, the ejected ministers left behind them a race
of Divines as fully qualified for their work, as if they had
been bred up under the wings of the establishment. It was
also, a considerable advantage that the foreign universities
were accessible, free from those shackles that were imposed
at home. For, though this method of education was expen
sive, yet the opportunities for improvement were commen
surate, and afforded them the advantage of sitting under the
most eminent Professors of that day.
Upon his return home, Mr. Bragge began to preach in
various places about the metropolis. He entered upon the
ministry with considerable advantages. His father was then
a senior minister in London, and being much respected, his
countenance and patronage was of considerable service in
introducing young Mr. Bragge to the notice of other minis
ters, whose preaching and conversation tended much to form
his mind, and to qualify him for future usefulness. He had
not begun to preach long before some of his friends invited
him to undertake a lecture on the Lord's-day evening at
Salters'-Hall. This meeting-house was conveniently situated

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.

for the citizens, and the use of it being kindly granted by
Mr. Nathaniel.Taylor, the minister of the place, Mr. Bragge
preached there, for some time, with great acceptance and
popularity, to a crowded audience.*
Upon the death of Mr. Nathaniel Mather, pastor of the
congregational church, in Paved-alley, Lime-street, Mr.
Bragge Was invited to succeed him in the pastoral charge,
in conjunction with Mr. John Collins. They were ordained
together to tire pastoral office, in the year 1698. It is
somewhat remarkable, that Mr. Bragge's father, who was
Kving at that time, was pastor to another congregation in
the same street. Soon after his ordination, Mr. Bragge
removed his lecture from Salters'-Hall, to his own place;
and it was observed that this proved a nursery to his church,
his labours in this occasional service being owned to the
conversion of many souls. Besides die evening lecture, Mr.
Bragge preached at Lime-street statedly, in the morning,
till the death of Mr. Collins, when, at the unanimous re
quest of the church, he undertook the whole pastoral charge.
This he executed with great diligence and fidelity, and with
various assistants, till the day of his death.f
A few years after his settlement at Lime-street, Mr.
Bragge was chosen one of the Merchants' lecturers, on a
Tuesday morning, at Pinners'-Hall. In V719, when the
disputes concerning the Trinity were so warmly agitated,
and occasioned the famous synod at Salters'-Hall, Mr<
Bragge rbdk a' part in the debates of that assembly ; and,
being a zealous advocate for the doctrine of the Trinity, as
likewise for subscribing to the truth of it, ;he was one of the
ministers who signed the roll, and took his lot with the sub'
scribers. Some years after this event, a scheme having been
formed for setting up a lecture, at which a course of ser
mons Was to be preached upon the most important doctrine*

MS. penes mt. f' Ibid.

244 history and antiquities
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.
- —
of the gospel; Mr. Bragge's meeting-house was fixed upon
as most conveniently situated for carrying on such a design.
It was instituted chiefly under the patronage of William
Coward, of Walthamstow, Esq. and nine ministers of
considerable abilities, and of known Calvinistic sentiments,
of whom Mr. Bragge was one, were selected to preach in
their turn. The lecture was opened November 12, 1730,
when Mr. Bragge preached an introductory discourse, from
Isaiah lix. 19- When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against
him. In the course of the lecture, he also delivered four
sermons upon the doctrine of Justification, from Gal. ii. 16.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the
¦law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have be
lieved in Christ, that we might be justified by the faith
of Christ, and not by the works of the law ; for by the
works of the law, shall no flesh be justified. These dis
courses were afterwards printed in the Lime-street col
lection. Mr. Bragge had the felicity of enjoying a good constitu
tion, and was continued in his usefulness, till the infirmities
of age grew upon him, and gave warning of his dissolution.
At length, after a long course of unwearied labours in the
service of his Divine Master, he was taken peacefully to
rest, February 12, 1737-8, when he was 72 years of age;
having- been pastor of the church in Lime-street, almost
forty years. His remains were interred in Bunhill-Fields,
beneath a handsome tomb, where the remains of the cele
brated Mr. John Bunyan, author of the Pilgrim's Progress,
are likewise deppsited.(i)
(i) Over the vault has been erected a handsome tomb-stone, containing
an account of the several persons buried there. As the inscriptions afford
us some information relating to Mr. Bragge's family connections, we shall
insert them for the satisfaction of the curious reader.

of dissenting churches. 245
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
Two discourses were preached and published upon the
occasion of Mr. Bragge's death, by the Rev. Thomas Brad
bury, from Philip, iii. 8,9- That I may win Christ, and
Here lies the body of Mr. JOHN STRUDWICK,* who died the 15th January,
1697, aged 43 years.
Also the body of Mrs. PHGEBE BRAGGE.t who died the I5th of July, 1718
aged 49 years,
Here also lies the body of the Rev. ROBERT BRAGGE, Minister of the Gos
pel, who departed this life, February 12, 1737, x talis 72.
Mr. THEOPHILUS BRAGGE, died, September the 25th, 1768, aged 29 years.
Dr. ROBERT BRAGGE.J died June 13, 1777, aged 77 years.
Also, Mrs. ANNE JENNION, great grand-daughter of the Rev. ROBERT
BRAGGE, died the 9th of February, 1780, aged 62 years.
Also, Mrs. SARAH POOLE, daughter of Mrs. Anne Jennion, died the 9th of
September, 1784, aged 32 years. Also lyeth here two of their infant Children.
On the Right Side.
Here also lieth the Remains of Mrs, AKNE HOLYHEAD, Sister of the above-
mentioned Mrs. Sarah Poole, who, after having laboured above twelve-months
through much pain and weakness, from a fatal fall, calmly resigned her breath,
the 2d Nov. 1788, aged 33 years.
Here also lies the precious Remains of a most affectionate Sister, Mrs. ELI
ZABETH JENNINGS, who died in the Lord the nth of June, 1798, aged 61
years. On the Left Side.
Mr. JOHN BUNYAN, author of the Pilgrim's Progress, Ob. 12th August, 1688,
*t. 60.
Undisturbed rests here the unfettered clay of Mr. JOHN JENNINGS, late
of Newgate Street, who, after many wearisome days and nights; finished well
his course the 6th of March, 1800, aged 57 years.
Entombed in this vault the Remains of that once blooming young man, Mr.
JOHN LONG, late of Abbott's-Langley, Herts, (a cousin of Mr. Jennings's)
who, after endaiing the pains of a deep consumption, a few months, willingly
resigned his departing spirit,. in view of a better state, the 16th of August, 1804,
aged 24 years. At the Foot.
Here rests in hopes of future bliss, the once amiable and much admired
youth, Ensign JOSEPH JENNINGS POOLE, of the 3d Regiment of Royal East
India Volunteers, who, through a rapid consumption, fell asleep in Jesus; the
31st January, 1799, aged 22 years, and was interred with military honours.

* Mr. Strudwick was a grocer on Snow-hill. It was at his house that the cele
brated Mr. John Bunyan breathed his last. Hence we account for his being
buried in this vault. There feems to have been some family connexion between
Mr. Strudwick, and Mr. Bragge. It is probable that the latter married a daugh
ter of the former.
t Probably the Wife of the Rev, Robert Bragge.
t A physician, and son to the Rev. Robert Bragge. He seems, also, to have
had another son' a portrait-painter.

246 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
be found in him. The only mention made of the deceased,
is to be found in the following short paragraph. " Our
deceased friend, who made it his last request that I should
serve you in this place, upon this occasion, has been so well
known, that, as you cannot be supposed to want his cha
racter, I cannot be expected to give it. Nor would I at all
run into the popular vanity now, because that was never his
practice, and was always my abhorrence. Very often,
funeral enlargements are full of partiality and hypocrisy, and
are no less than offering incense to the dead, and no better
than laying a snare for the living. I need not mention his
affability ; his generous and charitable carriage ; his easiness
of temper under great and uncommon afflictions. Neither
he, nor any other, can have a good report, but through
faith. But, let me only observe, that this doctrine lived in
his soul, and his soul in that. They were pleasant together
in life, and at death were not divided. But I will keep my
word, and stop short of those enlargements, which he and
I have often talked of widi a mutual satisfaction."*
In order to supply, in some measure^ Mr. Bradbury's
deficiency, we shall add a few farther particulars relating to
Mr. Bragge's public character. He possessed good advan
tages for the acquisition of human learning, which he dili
gently improved by close application to study. To a critical
knowledge of the learned languages, he united a familiar
acquaintance with the best writers, ancient and modern. \
He had thoroughly digested the arguments advanced in
support of divine revelation, and took great pains in coming
at an accurate knowledge of the doctrines of the gospel.
His religious sentiments, after mature investigation, came
nearest to those of Calvin ; but he maintained them with a
becoming moderation, and was never transported beyond
the rules of decency and good manners. Though his attach
ments were strong, and he would never sacrifice what he
* Mr. Bradbury's Sermon on the death of Mr. Bragge, p. 20.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET"  Independent.

apprehended to be truth, out of deference to the opinions
of others, yet he always maintained the most enlarged charity
towards those who differed from him, and honoured. the
image of his Lord and Master, wherever it was to be found.
Amongst those of his own denomination, he was held in
considerable repute, and enjoyed the esteeem of many wor
thy .persons of other communions. As a preacher, he was
plain, familiar, and serious ; and, though his discourses
were not the most laboured, yet they were attended with
great success ; so that he had a flourishing church and con
gregation to the last. This is the more remarkable, as his
method of preaching is said to have been somewhat tiresome.
It was his custom, as we are informed, to make the most
of his subject, by preaching several discourses upon the same
text. There is a story related of him, but for the truth of
which we cannot be responsible, that, in one part of his
life, he was employed no less than four months in deve
loping the mysteries of Joseph's coat, from Genesis xxxvii. 3.
And he made him a coat of many colours. In allusion to,
this circumstance, Mr. Bragge was thus characterized, in
some lines descriptive of the Dissenting ministers, at that
period : Eternal Bragge, in never-ending strains,
Unfolds the wonders Joseph's Coat contains ;
Of every hue describes a different cause,
And from each patch a solemn mystery draws,
In reply to the above "lines, the following were handed
about soon afterwards :
The unwearied Bragge, with zeal, in moving strains,
Unfolds the mysteries Scripture-book contains ;
Marks evecy truth, of error shews the cause,
And from each mystery useful doctrine draws..
The characters of men have been often misrepresented
by the strength of partiality on the, one hand, and by the

548 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
force of prejudice on the other : in such cases it is safest to
steer a middle course. Though we cannot admire the poetic
genius displayed in either of the above stanzas, yet, we may
conclude from their contents, that there is some foundation
for the anecdote above-mentioned. The method of preach
ing here described, though it might suit the' taste of people,
at that time, would be extremely unpopular in the present
day, when it is customary to exhaust a subject in a single
discourse. However, it is certain that Mr. Bragge had a
numerous congregation, and it was one of the wealthiest in
London, collecting, annually, for the congregational fund,
the sum of three hundred pounds. This exceeded what was
raised by any other church in London, of either denomina
tion. It was further observed of Mr. Bragge, that he used
often to preach against Atheism, Deism, Arminianism,
Arianism, Socinianism, Neonomianism, and Antinomian-
ism. But, though he took this freedom in the pulpit,*from
whence some concluded he was of a censorious temper, yet,
it was remarked, that he could never be drawn to speak evil,
or to the prejudice of any man's personal character. In
private life, he maintained a close walk with God, and was
himself an exemplary pattern of the Christian character.*
Besides the five sermons published in the Lime-street
collection, Mr. Bragge was the author of " A brief Essay
concerning the soul of man ; shewing what, and how noble a
Being it is. To which is added, A Short Answer to that
weighty Inquiry, Watchman, what of the night t Occa
sioned by the cruelty of the Jesuits at Thorn." This tract
came to a second edition, in 1725. He left corrected for
the press, a small treatise, which appeared after his death,
in one volume octavo, entitled, " Church Discipline accord
ing to its ancient standard, as it was practised in primitive
times. 1739." An appendix was added, containing a short
Scriptural Account of a Teaching Elder. It was dedicated
* MS, penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 24$
Mill' - PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET  Independent.
to the Manager's of the Pinners'-Hall Lecture, at whose
request it was written. In Dr. Williams's Library, Red
Cross-street, there is preserved a fine picture of Mr.
Bragge, painted by his son. It was copied in mezzo tin to,
by Faber, in 1738. He is represented sitting in a chair,
with his morning gown, and a velvet cap. '
Philip Gibbs." — Mr. Bragge having succeeded to the
whole pastoral charge, after the death of Mr. Collins, the
church thought it necessary to provide him an assistant ', and
the Rev. Philip Gibbs was chosen to that service in- 1715.
This gentleman continued his connexion with the church in
Lime-street> about fourteen years; but, in 1729, he re
moved to Hackney, to be colleague with the Rev. John
Barker. At that place, the reader will find some further
account of him,
John Atkinson. — After the departure of Mr. Gibbs,
Mr. Bragge undertook the whole service for about three
years ; but, in consequence of his growing infirmities, it was
judged expedient to appoint him an associate in the minis
terial office. The Rev. John Atkinso»,*a young ministeij
who had not long finished his (Studies, which he pursued
under Dr. Ridgley, and Mr. Eames, Was ichosen to the
office of teaching-elder, December 4>„1732. If may not
be amiss to observe, in this place, that. Mr. Bragge looked .
upon the office of teaching-elder, as of divine appointment,
and equivalent to that of co-pastor. But he disliked the
latter term as unscriptaraL His opinion upon this subject
may be seen in the Appendix to his Treatise upon Church
Discipline. Mr. Atkinson's labours in this office were but
of short continuance ; for he was removed by death, in the
prime of life, in the month of April, 1735.*
* MS. penes me.
Vo L. I. K K

350 history and antiquities

PAVED-ALLEY, LIME-STREET.  Independent.

John Hill. — But a short time elapsed after the death
of Mf. Atkinson, before his place was supplied by the Rev.
John Hill, who removed from Stoke-Newirtgtorj. He was
ordained to the office of teaching-welder, in Lime-street,
May 19, 1735 ; but, in the following year, accepted a call
to become co-pastor with Dr. Ridgley, at the Three-
Craues.f Under that article, we shall present the reader
with a more particular account of Mi'. Hill.
John Richardson. — The vacancy occasioned by the
removal of Mr. Hill, was filled up the same year, by the
Rev. John Richardson. This gentleman received his acadie-
mical education under Dr. Ridgley and Ma-. Eames. Upon
the death of Mr. Bragge, he succeeded to the .whole
pastoral office. At his first setting out in die ministry, he
was much followed, but his popularity afterwards declined.
He possessed but slender talents, nor was he, as a preacher,
remarkably judicious. He continued to preach in lime-
street, till Christmas 1755, when he resigned the pastoral
charge. After this, the meeting-house being tak«m down,
the congregation divided. Mr. Richardson, with part of the
people, went to the meeting-house in Artillery-street, then
vacant, by the removal of Mr. Hitchin's congregation to
White Row.* He continued to preach there till his dea|h ;
but, for further particulars we refer the reader to that place.
Thus, this ancient church, after subsisting under one form
for about a hundred and fifteen years, separated into two
branches. Their separate histories will be taken up, in the
order we have prescribed to ourselves in the present work.
* MS. penes me.

( 251 )
BURY-STREET, St. MARY AXE.

independent.

D,

'uke's-Place, Bury-Street, St. Mary Axe,
stands on the site of the dissolved Priory of the Holy
Trinity, called Christ Church. It was founded A. D 1 108,
by Matilda, Queen of Henry I. through the persuasions of
Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Richard Beaumeis,
Bishop of London. After bestowing upon it considerable
endowments, she gave the church to Norman, the first
Canon Regular in all England, for Canons of the order of
St. Augustin. In process of time, this convent swallowed
up four parishes, became rich in lands and ornaments, and
surpassed all the priories in the same county. It is even
reported to have been the richest in England. The prior
was always an alderman of London, of Portsoken-Ward ;
who, if he happened to be exceedingly pious, appointed a
substitute to transact temporal matters. On solemn days,
he rode through the city, with the other aldermen, but in
his monastic habit. At the dissolution of monasteries in the
reign of Henry the Eighth, the Priory of the Holy Trinity,
on account of its riches, was fixed upon as an early spoil.
It was given by that Monarch (July 1531) to Sir Thomas
Audley, Speaker of the House of Commons, and afterwards
Lord Chancellor. On the- site, he erected a noble mansion,
in which he resided till his death, in 1544. By the marriage
of his daughter and sole-heiress, Margaret, to Thomas Duke
of Norfolk, the estate descended to the Howard family, and
received the name of Duke's-Place. The Duke losing his
head upon Tower-hill, the mansion passed to his eldest son,
Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, who sold it, A. D. 1592,
to the mayor, commonalty and citizens of London. Some
remains of this edifice may still be traced, enveloped in

252 history and antiquities
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
more modern buildings, from which it appears, that the
architecture was of the Saxon style. Out of this priory
arose the present church of St. James, so called from King
James I. in whose reign it was built, A. D. 1622. For
merly, some persons of consideration had their houses in
this neighbourhood; such as the Abbots nof Bury, corruptly
called Bevis Marks ; Sir Francis Walsingham ; Sir Thomas
Wyat ; the Earl of Northumberland, &c. The Jews, who
form the principal inhabitants, and have four synagogues,
settled here, principally, in the time of Oliver Cromwell.*
The meeting-house in Duke's-Place was erected in the
jear 1708, for the congregation under the care of the cele
brated Dr. Isaac Watts. It does not exactly appear where
they originally assembled ; though it must have been in this
neighbourhood. Mr. Caryl, who was the first pastor, re
sided in Bury-street ; and during the latter part of his time,
at least, his meeting-house was in Leadenhall-street. In Dr.
Chauncey's time, they assembled at the house of a Dr.
Clark, in Mark-lane. At Midsummer 1704, they removed
on account of the decayed state of the building, to Pin
ner 's-Hall, which they occupied in the afternoon only
till 1708, when they took possession of their new meeting
house in Duke's-Place. It was opened on Lord's-day,
October the 3d, with suitable exercises of devotion ; and
the celebrated Mr. Thomas Bradbury preached upon the
occasion. The expence of the building was not quite
,£650. The original contract was with Mr. Charles Great,
who leased a part of his garden, viz. forty feet front, and
fifty feet in depth, for a term of fifty years, at a ground rent
of twenty pounds per annum. It is a large substantial square
building, with three galleries of considerable dimensions. A
short time since, it underwent a thorough repair, and two
new fire-places were built.
The church was collected soon after the Black Bartholo-
* Strype's, Maitland's, and Pennant's Histories of London.

OP DISSENTING CHURCHES. 253
BURY-S1REET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
mew Act, in 1662, by the celebrated Mr. Joseph Carylj
and consisted of some of his former hearers at St. Magnus,
London-Bridge. After his death, his people invited the
learned Dr. John Owen, then pastor of another society, at
no 'great distance. Both congregations having agreed to
unite, they assembled together for the first time, June the
5th, 1675. At the time of their coalescing, the united
church consisted of one hundred and seventy-one members ;
amongst whom were Lord Charles Fleetwood, Sir John
Hartopp, Colonel Desborough, Colonel Berry, and other
oflicersof the army; also Lady Abney, Lady Hartopp, Lady
\£ere Wilkinson, Lady Tompson, Mrs. Bendish, grand
daughter of Oliver Cromwell, &c. &c. This church is re
markable for the number of ejected ministers who have pre
sided over it. We have an account of no less than eight of
those worthies in this connexion. There has been a consi
derable variation in the state of the Society for the last cen
tury and upwards. Prior to Dr. Chauncey, it appears to
have been in a flourishing condition; but in his time it
declined. There was a great revival under Dr. Watts, who
had a large and respectable audience. During the latter
part of Dr. Savage's time, the interest was in a very low state.
Though a learned man, and a judicious, as well as evange
lical preacher, his labours were not attended with that suc
cess which frequently accompanies meaner abilities. At
the settlement of the present pastor, it was expected that his
popular, talents would have a considerable influence in re
viving the congregation ; but they have failed of that desired
effect. During the year 1733, a course of sermons by several
ministers, (k) was preached at this meeting-house, under the
patronage of the well-known Mr. William Coward, of Wal
thamstow. They were published in 1735, under the title
(k) These were Dr. Isaac Watts, Dr. John Goyse, Dr. David Jen
nings, Mr. Samoel Price, Mr. Daniel Neal, and Mr. John HUB
BARD.

254

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
of " Faith and Practice represented in Fifty-four Sermons
on the principal Heads of the Christian Religion." Few of
our readers need be informed of the merit of the Bury-street
Sermons. In January 1798, a lecture to the Jews was set
on foot at this place by some ministers of the Calvinistic
persuasion, and several discourses delivered here were after
wards printed. But the descendants of Abraham turning
a deaf ear to the admonitions of their benevolent instructors,
the lecture was discontinued. At present the place is open
only for those services usual among Dissenters.
We shall now lay before the reader, a list of those minis
ters who have been connected with the church in Bury-streetr,
distinguishing pastors from assistants.

Ministers' Names.

Joseph Caryl, M. A. . . .
William Bearman, ....
John Owen, D. D. . . .
Robert Ferguson, ....
David Clarkson, B. D. . .
Isaac Loeffs, M. A. . . .
Isaac Chauncey, M. D. .
Edward Terry, M. A. . .
Isaac Watts, D. D. ...
Samuel Price, 
Meredith Townshend, . .
Samuel Morton Savage, D. D
Thomas Porter, ....
Josiah Thompson,
Thomas Beck, 

As Pastors.

As Assistants.

From

To

from

To

It 660

1673

_

—

—

—

16..

16..

1673

1683

—

—

—

—

16..

16..

1682

1687

—

—

168.

1689

—

—

1687

1702

—

—

—

—

16..

1697

1702

1748

1698

1702

1713

1756

1703

1713

—

—

1742

1746

1753

1787

1747

1753

17 ..

1764

17..

1764

1765

17 •¦

1765

17..

1788

18..

—



OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. »55
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
Joseph Caryl, M. A.— This excellent Divine was
born in the city of London, A. D. 1602. His parents
were respectable persons ; and intending him for the minis
try, sent him, at seventeen years of age, to Exeter College,
Oxford. There he had the benefit of a good tutor, and in
a short time, became a noted disputant. In 1627, he pro
ceeded Master of Arts, and entering into holy orders,
preached, for sortie time, in and about the city of Oxford.
Afterwards, removing to London, and being " puritanically
affected," as Wood terms it, he was chosen preacher to the
honourable Society of Lihcoln's-Inn, where he continued
several years with good applause. In 1643, he was ap
pointed a member of the assembly of Divines, at Westmin
ster, and became a frequent preacher before the Long Par
liament. About the same time, he was constituted one of
the licencers of the press- In 1645, he was presented to
the living of St. Magnus, near London-Bridge, became a
zealous preacher, and continued to do much good till he
was ejected soon after the Restoration.*
Mr. Caryl was employed several times by the parliament
to attend upon King Charles the First. In January, 1646,
he was nominated, together with Mr. Stephen Marshall,
chaplain to the Commissioners, who were sent to the King
at Newcastle, in order to an accommodation for peace.
Removing thence, by easy journies, to Holmby-house, in
Northamptonshire, the two chaplains performed divine wor
ship in the chapel there ; but the King never attended. He
spent his Sundays in private ; and though they waited at ta-
. ble, he would not so much as admit them to ask a blessing, (l)
* Wood's Athense Oxon. vol. ii. p. 512.
(l) Wood, who mentions this circumstance, relates the following
carious anecdote. " 'Tis said that Marshall did on a time put himself
mote forward than was meet to say grace, and, while he was long in form
ing his chaps, as the manner was among the saints, and making ugly faces,
his Majesty iS»d grace Mimself, and was fallen to his meat, and had eaten
up some part of his dinner, before Marshall had *nded the blessing : but
Caryl was not so impudent." — Wood's Athenae, vol. ii. jn. 512. 513.

250 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
' i — =  *— "•
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE." — Independent.
In September, 1648, Mr. Caryl attended the Commis
sioners at the treaty of Newport, in the Isle of Wight ; and
on the 30th of January following, a few hours before the
King suffered death, was ordered, with several other minis
ters, to visit that unhappy prince, and afford him such
consolations as were suited to his condition. But he de
clined their services. In April, 1649, Mr. Caryl, Mr.
Nye, and Mr. Marshall were employed 'by the officers of
the army to invite the secluded members to resume 'their
places in the parliament-house. When Oliver Cromwell
was sent to Scotland in 1650, Mr. Caryl accompanied him
thither, by order of parliament, along with Dr. John Owen.
At the latter end of 1653, he was nominated one of the
triers for the approbation of public ministers ; and, in the
following year, an assistant to the commissioners of London,
appointed by parliament for displacing ignorant and scanda
lous ministers, &c. He was also a member of the com
mittee of Independent Divines, who met at the Savoy in
1658, in order to prepare and publish to the world an uni
form confession of their faith.* In November, 1659", he
accompanied Major-General Whalley, and Colonel Goflfe
into Scotland, to acquaint General Monk with the true state
of affairs in England, and prevent the further effusion of
blood. On the 14th of March following, he was again
nominated upon the committee for the approval and admis
sion of ministers.f In 1660, soon after the Restoration, he
joined with several other ministers in protesting against Ven-
ner's plot.J
Mr. Caryl continued at his living of St. Magnus, till)
Bartholomew-day, 1662, when he was ejected for noncon
formity. After this, he gathered a separate congregation
amongst his former hearers, to whom he preached as the
times would permit, till death, the great silencer, removed
• Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 506; f Wood's Athens Oion, ubi supra,
X Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 592;

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 257
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
him to his everlasting rest. He died at his' house in Bury-
street, Feb. 7, 1672-3, aged 7 1 years.*
Mr. Henry Dorney, in a letter to his' brother, gives the
following account of Mr. Caryl's deadi. " That famous and
laborious minister, Mr. Joseph Carril, your ancient friend
and companion, is departed this life, aged about seventy-one
years; his death greatly lamented by die people of God
throughout this city. About die beginning of his sickness
I was widi him, and he inquired concerning you, as he was
wont to do ; and perceiving him to be somewhat weak,
though he did not then keep his chamber, I desired him,
while he was yet alive, to pray for you ; wfiich motion he
cheerfully and readily embraced. And coming to him again,
about three days before his death, found him very weak,
and past hope of life. He then told me, as well as I could
understand hiin, (for his speech was low), that he had re
membered his promise to me concerning you. I think good
to mention' this particular passage, to provoke you to all
seriousness in reference to your own soul, whose eternal
welfare lay so much upon the heart of this servant of Christ
His labours were great, his studies incessant, his conversa
tion unspotted, his sincerity, faith; zeal, and 'wisdom gave a
fragrant smell among the churches and servants of Christ.
His sickness, though painful, borne with patience, and joy
in believing:; and so he parted from time to eternity, under
full sail of desire and joy in the Holy Spirit. He lived his
own sermons. He did at last desire his friends to forbear
speaking to him, that so he might retire to himself; which
time they perceived he spent in prayer; oftentimes lifting up
his hands a little, and at length, his friends seeing not his
hands to move, drew near and perceived he was silently
departed from them, leaving many mournful hearts be-
hind."f • Wood, ubi supra, — and Noncon. Mem. vol. i. p. 146.
t Dorney's Contemplations, Letter 113. p. <J|l?, 993>
Vol. I. 1. 1.

258 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
Mr. Caryl was a moderate Independent, a very pious and
humble man, and of indefatigable industry. Even Wood
calls him " a learned and zealous Nonconformist."* He
was author of a considerable number of sermons ; but his
great work is, " A Commentary on the Book of Job," in
two folio volumes of a very large bulk. It is also printed in
12 vols, quarto. Though this work possesses very great
merit, yet its formidable size has been a great obstruction to
its usefulness. One just remark, however, has been made.
upon its utility, that it is a veiy sufficient exercise for the
virtue of patience, which it was chiefly intended to inculcate
and improve. f There is a good abridgment of it in the
second volume of Poole's Synopsis, (m)
» Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. p. 515.
f Granger's Biog. Hist, of England, vol. iii. p. 313.
(m) His Works. — Several Sermons, as 1. The Works of Ephesus ex
plained in a fast Sermon before the House of Commons, April 27, 1642.
Rev. ii. 2, 3. — 2. David's Prayer for Solomon. 1643. — 3. The Nature,
Solemnity, Grounds, Property and Benefit of a Sacred Covenant, &c.
preached at Westminster, Oct. 6, 1643. Nehem. ix. 88. — 4. The Saint's
Thankful Acclamation at Christ's Redemption, of his great Power, and the
Initials of his Kingdom : a Thanksgiving Sermon before the House of Com
mons, April 23, 1644, for the Victory gained by Lord Fairfax at Selby, in
Yorkshire. Rev. xi. 16, 17.— 5. Arraignment of Unbelief as the grand Cause
of our National Non-establishment : a Fast Sermon before the House of
Commons, May 28, 1645. Isa. vii. 9. — 6. Heaven and Earth embracing, or
God and Man approaching : a Fast Sermon before the House of Commons,
Jan. 28, 1645. Jam. iv. 8.-7. Joy out-joyed, &c. a Thanksgiving Sermon
at St. Martin's in the Fields, Feb. 19, 1645, for the Reduction of Chester by
the Parliament Forces under the command of Sir William Brereton. Luke
jw. 20. — s. England's plus ultra, both of hoped Mercies and required Du
ties : a Thanksgiving Sermon before the Houses of Parliament, Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, and Assembly of Divines, April 2, 1646, for the Recovery
of the West, and the disbanding 5000 of the King's Horse, &c. Psa. cxviii.
17. — 0- A Fast Sermon before the House of Commons, July 29, 1646. —
10. A Thanksgiving Sermon before the Parliament at St. Margaret's, West
minster, Oct. viii. 16. Psa. cxi. 1 — 5.  11. A Fast Sermon before the
Parliament, Sept. 24, 1656. Jer. iv. g. — 12. A Sermon. 1657. — 13. A Fast
and Thanksgiving Sermon before the Parliament, in August and October,
I659. — 14. Farewell Sermon at St. Magnus, on Rev. iii. 4. 1662.— Expo-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 259
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William Beaeman. — Our information respecting this
gentleman is very confined. Wood takes no notice of him
amongst the Oxford writers, so that it is probable he re
ceived his education in the University of Cambridge. When
the act of Uniformity took place, in 1662, he was Lecturer
of St. Thomas's, Southwark. Upon his leaving the congre
gation at that place, he preached a most affectionate fare
well discourse, from Acts xx. 1 7 — 38, printed in the Lon
don Collection. It is accurately drawn up, and seems to
have been his only publication. After his ejectment, he
joined himself to Mr. Caryl's congregation, , of which he
became one of the first niembers. It is probable that he,
also, assisted Mr. Caryl in the ministerial office. We have
certain information of his preaching occasionally to this
church, #s well as to another upon the Pavement, in Moor-
fields ; hut, we believe he never undertook any pastoral
charge. At the next church-meeting, after the resignation
of Dr. Chauncey, April 15, 1701, he was desired to take
the chair, and to preach during the church's vacancy ; but
the latter he deelined, probably through age and weakness.
Mr. Bearman continued a member of this Society, through
its successive changes, till called away by .death, October 7,
1703, when he must have been considerably advanced in
life.* Dr. Calamy gives him this character: "He was a
very pious and sober person, and a good preacher ;"f which
sition, wjth practical Observations, on the Book of Job, delivered in several
Sermons and Lectures in St. Magnus Church, 2 vols, folio. 1676  1677.
witfi a Portrait of the Author. — The Nature and Principles of Love, as the
End of the Commandment, declared in some of his last Sermons. . With a
Preface by Dr. Owen. 8vo. 1674. — Gospel-Love, Heart-Purity, and the
flourishing of the Righteous : being his last Sermon. Lond. 1674-5. — He
had a principal hand in the English-Greek Lexicon, containing the Deriva
tions, and various Significations of all the Words in the New-Testament,
8ro. I661. — Also, in the Saints' Memorial ; or Collection of Divine Sen
tences, by several Presbyterian Ministers. 1674.  Wood's Athence Oxon.
vol. ii. p. 513, 514.
* MS. penes me. f Calamy's Account, p. 35.

$60 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST MARY AXE  Independent.
is all the Doctor says of him, excepting that he lived many
years after his ejectment, in Hoxton-square. In addition to
this it may be observed, that he was a man of considerable
fortune, and equal benevolence. He left his estate to cha
ritable purposes, but did not defer his charity till after his
death. What Cotton Mather says of Mr. John Eliot, the
renowned apostle of the Indians, may, with justice, be ap
plied to Mr. Bearman. t( He did not put off his charity to
be put in his last will, as many, who therein shew that their
charity is against their will : but he was his own adminis
trator, he made his own hands his executors, and his own
eyes his overseers."* Mr. Bearman erected, in his life
time, eight alms-houses for poor women, at Hoxton, which
he endowed with a yearly stipend, besides a quantity of coals.
These have, of late years, been increased. In one of the
apartments of these alms-houses, better fitted up than the
rest, and which had an opening into his own garden, he
used> at stated times, to attend and pray with the poor wo
men, and give them a word of exhortation. The door
through which he used to enter is still to be seen, though
fastened up. But a much more extensive charity was de
vised by his will, and left to the discretion of his trustees.
From the produce of his estate, the value of which has con
siderably increased, many necessitous persons in private life,
as well as poor 'Dissenting ministers, have been essentially
relieved, and several students for the ministry greatly as
sisted in their academical studies ; as also, some in
grammar-learning, a charity which the Dissenters greatly
needed-T Jghn Owen, D. D. the prince of modern Divines,
derived his pedigree from Lewis Owen, of Kwyn, near
Dollegelle, Esq. who was lineally descended from a younger
* Mather's History of New-England, B. iii. p. isi.
t Nonconformist's Memorial, vol. i. p. 192.

OE DISSENTING CHURCHES. 261
'- BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
son of Keweryn ap Gwrgan, prince of Glamorgan, and
Lord of CardifF; this being the last family of the five regal
tribes of Wales. From Susan, the daughter of Griffith, the
fifth son of the above Lewis Owen, who was married to
Humphrey Owen, of the same family, but another line,
descended Henry Owen, the youngest of fifteen children.
This Henry was bred a scholar, and having passed through
his academical studies at Oxford, was, after some time,
chosen minister at Stadham, in that county. On account of
his extraordinary zeal in the cause of Reformation, he was
reckoned a strict puritan. At length, after many years of
reputation and usefulness, he. died in a good old age, leav
ing several children, our author being the second son.
John Owen was born at Stadham, in the year 1616.
He received his grammar-learning chiefly under Mr. Edward
Sylvester, in All-Saints' parish, Oxford ; and made such
proficiency in his studies, that at twelve years of age, he was
admitted a student in Queen's College. There, he pursued
his studies with incredible diligence, allowing himself, for
several years, not above four hours sleep in a night ; so that
he soon made a considerable progress in learning. How
ever, his whole aim at that time, as he himself afterwards
confessed, was to raise himself to some eminence in church
or state, to either of which he was then indifferent. His
father having a large family, could not afford him any con
siderable maintenance at the University, but he was liberally
supplied by an uncle, one of his father's brothers, a gentle
man of a good estate in Wales ; who having no children of
his own, designed to have made him his heir. In 1635,
being Only nineteen years of age, he proceeded Master
of Arts ; and continued in the College about two years
longer. About this time, Dr. Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury,
and Chancellor of Oxford, having imposed several super
stitious rites on the University, under pain of expulsion,
they were resisted by Mr. Owen, who having received some

262 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
impressions of a religious nature, was inspired with a zeal
for the purity of divine worship, and a reformation in the
church. This change of his judgment soon discovered itself,
and his friends immediately forsook him as one infected with
Puritanism. Upon the whole, he was become so much the
object of resentment to the Laudensian party, that he was
forced to leave the College. It was about this time that he
became exercised with many perplexing thoughts concerning
his spiritual state, which, with his outward troubles, threw
him into a deep melancholy that lasted three months ; and
it Was near five years before he attained to a settled peace.
At the commencement of the civil wars, he espoused the
cause of the Parliament, which was so strongly resented by
his uncle, a zealous loyalist, that he withdrew his favour,
and settled his estate upon another person. At this time
Providence interposed in his favour. Sir Robert Dormer,
of Ashcot, in the parish of Great Milton, took him into his
family as chaplain, and tutor to his eldest son, in which
employments, he acquitted himself with reputation. He,
afterwards, became chaplain to John Lord Lovelace, of
Hurley, in Berkshire, who, though a loyalist, treated him
with great civility ; but going, at length, into the King's
army, Mr. Owen came up to London, and took lodgings in
Charter-House Yard. On one Lord's-day, going to Alder-
manbury church, with a view of hearing Mr. Calamy, it
happened that a stranger preached ; and though he could
never afterwards learn his name, notwithstanding the most
diligent inquiry, the discourse was made singularly useful in
removing his doubts, and restoring him to that peace and
comfort which he enjoyed as long as he lived.
Mr. Owen's bodily health, as well as mental peace being
restored, he applied himself to write his " Display of Armi
nianism," which appeared in 1642, and met with great ac
ceptance from the public. In such esteem was this book
held by the ruling party at that time, that it recommended
the author to the committee for ejecting scandalous minis--

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 263
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ters, who, through Mr. White, their chairman, presented
him to the living of Fordham, in Essex. In this situation
he continued about a year and a half, to the great satisfac
tion of the parish, and adjoining country. During his resi
dence at Fordham, he married his first wife,(N) by whom
he had several children, ajl of whom he outlived. Upon a
report drat the sequestered incumbent was dead, the patron,
who was not well-affected towards Mr. Owen, presented
another person to die living. Upon this, the people at
Coggeshall, about five miles distant, earnestly invited him
to be their minister ; and the Earl of Warwick readily gave
him the living. There he preached to a more numerous,
as well as judicious, congregation, (having seldom fewer
than two thousand hearers,) with great success.
Hitherto Mr. Owen had followed the Presbyterian model
of church-government, but, upon further inquiry, he be
came convinced that the congregational plan was most agree
able to the New Testament. His judgment upon this point,
he communicated to the world in two distinct publica
tions, (o) At Coggeshall, he formed a church upon con-
(n) Her maiden name is said to have been Rooke ; but this is not cer
tain. She was a person of excellent character, and died at the Doctor's
house in Charter- House Yard, though in what year is not known. By this
lady he had eleven children, who all died young, excepting one daughter,
who married a Welch gentleman ; but this proving an unhappy match, the
Doctor took her home to his own house, where she died of a consumption.
He married, for his second wife, the widow of Thomas D'Oyley, Esq. bro
ther to Sir John D'Oyley, of Chishelhampton, near Stadham, Oxford
shire. Her maiden name was Michel, and she descended from a family
of eminence at Kingston-Russel, in Dorsetshire. She was a lady of extra-
ordinary piety and good sense ; of an affectionate temper ; and brought him
a considerable fortune, which with his own plentiful income, enabled kim
to keep his carriage, and country-house at Ealing, near Acton, in Middled.
sex, where he lived in a very hospitable manner. Mrs. Owen survived
the Doctor several years. Her funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Watts,
Jan. 30, 1703-4.
(o) See his " Inquiry into Evangelical Churches." 1S81 , and his " True
Nature of Gospel Churches." 1689.

264 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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gregational principles, which continued in a flourishing con
dition under a succession Qf pastors,, for many years. But
so great a man could not be long concealed. In 1646, he
was sent for to preach before the Parliament, as he did fre
quently afterwards, upon particular occasions, particularly
the day after the death of Charles the First. In 1649? pre
vious to his intended departure for Coggeshall, calling to take
leave of General Fairfax, with whom he became acquainted
at the siege of Colchester, he met with Lieutenant-General
Cromwell. As this was their first interview, Cromwell laid
his hands upon Mr. Owen's shoulders in a familiar way,
saying, " Sir, you are the person I must be acquainted
with." Mr. Owen modestly replied, " That will be much
more to my advantage than yours." To this Cromwell an
swered, " We shall soon see that." He then took him by
the hand, and leading him into Lord Fairfax's garden, from
that time contracted an intimate friendship, which continued
till his death. Cromwell being then about to sail with an
expedition to Ireland, to take vengeance for the blood bar
barously shed in that kingdom, desired Mr. Owen to accom
pany him thither, and reside in the College at Dublin.
Though he would willingly have excused himself from this
journey, being desirous of returning to his people at Cog
geshall, yet he was obliged to comply. He went to Ireland
in a private manner, and continued there about six months,
preaching, and superintending the affairs of the College.
Afterwards, with Cromwell's leave, he re-embarked for
England, and returning to Coggeshall, was received joyfully
by his people. But he had scarcely arrived there before he
was ordered to London, to preach at Whitehall.
In September, 1650,. Mr. Owen was desired by Crom
well to accompany him into Scotland, along with Mr. Caryl ;
but being averse to the journey, an order of parliament
was procured to enforce his compliance. He staid at Edin
burgh about half a year, and then returning to England,
went once more to Coggeshall, in the hope of spending

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 265
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there the remainder of his days. But Providence had de
signed him for a more public station, and he was eventually
called to preside over the University of Oxford. The first
intelligence he had of his preferment was, from one of the
weekly newspapers at Coggeshall, which contained the fol
lowing paragraph : " The House taking into . consideration
the worth and usefulness of Mr. John Owen, student of
Queen's College, Master of Arts, has ordered that he be
settled in the deanery of Christ-Church, in Oxford, in the
room of Dr. Reynolds." Soon afterwards he received a
letter from the principal students of that College, inviting
him thither, and expressing their satisfaction in his appoint
ment, which took place March 18, 1651. — Oliver Crom
well, Chancellor of the University, being then in Scotland,
and finding it inconvenient to attend to the duties which that
office imposed, by an instrument dated Oct. 16, 1652, de
legated his authority for the time being, to Mr. John
Owen, and some other Divines, who were to hear causes,
and take into consideration other matters.which required his
consent. In the following year (Sept. 26,) he was chosen
Vice-Chancellor of the University ; and on Dec. 23, 1655,
diplomated Doctor of Divinity, (p) About die same time,
he was appointed one of the Commissioners for the appro-
(p) Dr. Owen expressed a very great indifference to all titles of distinction.
Upqn a certain high-churchman refusing to style him Reverend, he wrote
thus : " For the title of Reverend, 1 do give him notice, that I have very
little valued it ever since I haye considered the saying of Luther : Nunquam
periclitatur Religio nisi inter Reverendissimos. (Religion never was endan
gered except among the most Reverends.) So that he may, as to me, for
bear it for the future, and call me as the Quakers do, and it shall suffice.
And, for that of Doctor, it was conferred on me by the University in my
absence, and against my consent, as they have expressed it under their pub
lic seal : nor doth any thing but gratitude and respect unto them, make me
once own it ; and freed from that obligation, I should never use it more :
nor did I use it, until some were offended with me, and blamed me for my
neglect." — Defence of Review of Schism, prefixed to Mr. Cotton's Defence
against Cawdry, p. 97, 98.
Vol. L mm

266 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
bation of public preachers ; and a member of the committee
for ejecting scandalous and insufficient ministers. In 1654,
he was elected burgess for the University of Oxford ; buit did
not sit long in parliament.
For these preferments, Dr. Owen was indebted to the
favour and friendship of Oliver Cromwell, who, having
eclipsed the power of the Presbyterian party, raised the In
dependents upon its ruins. The honourable trust now com
mitted to him, he managed with singular prudence for the
space of five years. He took care to restrain the vicious, to
encourage the pious, and to prefer men of learning and in
dustry. Under his administration, the whole body of the
University was reduced into good order, and , furnished with
a number of excellent scholars, as well as persons of distin
guished piety. Towards the Presbyterians as well as Epis
copalians, he discovered great moderation. To the former
he gave several vacant livings at his disposal, and the latter
he was ever ready to oblige. A large congregation met
statedly under his eye, to celebrate divine service according
to the liturgy of the Church of England, but, though fre
quently urged, he never gave them the least disturbance.
At home, he was hospitable and generous -r charitable to the
poor, especially to poor scholars ; some of whom he took
into his family, maintained at his own charge, and gave an
academical education. The moderation and gentleness of
temper he discovered while in power, gained him universal
love and respect ; but when occasion required, he could
exercise that degree of authority which was necessary to
preserve a proper discipline. Such was the high character
sustained by Dr. Owen while he presided over the Univer
sity. As for the ridiculous libels retailed against him by
Anthony Wood, they can serve only to expose the folly of
that poor illiberal writer. (o> The Rev. James Granger, it
(a) Mr. Wood represents him as, a perjured person, a time-server, a
hypocrite whose godliness was gain, and a blasphemer ; and as if this was

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 267
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worthy conforming clergyman, entertained a more just sense
of our author's worth. He speaks of him as a man of more
learning and politeness than any of the Independents ; and as
exceeded by none of that party in probity and piety. " Sup
posing it necessary (says he) for one of his persuasion to be
placed at the head of the University, none y/as so proper as
this person ; who governed it several years with much pru
dence and moderation, when faction and animosity seemed
to be a part of every religion."*
Notwithstanding his engagements as Vice-Chancellor, Dr.
Owen still redeemed time for his studies ; preached every
other Lord's-day at St. Mary's, and often at Stadham, as
well as other places; and employed himself in writing many
excellent books. At the earnest request of the University,
he published, in 1653, his Diatriba de Justitia Divind,
against the authors of the Racovian Catechism, particularly
Crellius and Socinus. In the preface to the Reader, he
takes notice, that he was but just returned from the farther
most parts of the island ; and from an expedition to foreign
countries, whither he had been sent for the sake of the
gospel : As also, that his health was somewhat impaired.
He dedicated this book to Oliver Cromwell, and mentions
not sufficient, he has also made him a fop. All which means no more
than this : That when Dr. Owen entered himself a member of the Univer
sity of Oxford, he Was of the established church, and took the usual oaths ;
that he turned Independent, preached and acted as other Independents did,
took- the oath called the Engagement, and accepted of preferment from
Cromwell ; that he was a man of a good person and behaviour, and liked to
go well dressed. — " We must be extremely cautious (says Mr. Granger) how
we form our judgment of characters at this period ; (he difference of a few
modes or ceremonies in religious worship, has been the souice of infinite
prejudice and misrepresentation. The practice of some of the splenetic
writers of this period, reminds me of the painter well known by the appella
tion of Hellish Brueghel, who had so accustomed himself to painting of
witches, imps, and devils, that he sometimes made but little difference
betwixt his human and infernal figures."  Granger's Biog. Hist, of
England, vol. iii.jo. 301,302.
* Granger's Biog. Hist, of England, vol. iii. p. 301.

268 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
his being advanced, by his means, to the post of Vice-
Chancellor. But as he speaks very modestly of himself and
his book, so he abstams from those fulsome compliments
which it is usual for authors to bestow upon their patrons,
especially when so high in power. In 1654, appeared his
treatise on " The Saints' Perseverance," in answer to Mr.
John Goodwin's book, entitled, " Redemption Redeemed."
It is a valuable performance, full of strong reasoning, and
written with an admirable spirit. In the preface is to be
found a variety of useful matter, describing the reception
which this doctrine has met with in various ages of the
church. He has, also, some remarks upon Dr. Hammond,
and the primitive episcopacy ; points out the interpolations
in the Epistles of Ignatius ; and the forgery of the Aposto
lical Constitutions. In the following year appeared his
" Vindiciae Evangelica? ; or, The Mystery of the Gospel
vindicated, and Socinianism examined." This book was
chiefly written against Biddle the Socinian, who had pub
lished two catechisms upon the plan of the Racovian, drawn
up by Valentius Smalcius, which the Doctor likewise exa
mines. It is an accurate and elaborate performance, and
was undertaken at the desire of the Council of State. In a
large preface, he gives a particular history of the opposition
that has been made to the doctrine of the Trinity, especially
the Deity of Christ, beginning at Simon Magus, down to
his own time. He also points out the disingenuous subter
fuges resorted to by the enemies of this doctrine, and the
means they made use of to deceive the people.
Dr. Owen continued Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Oxford till 1657, when he gave place to Dr. Conant. At
the Savoy conference in 1658, he took an active part, and
had a principal hand in drawing up the confession of faith of
the Congregational Churches. In 1659, not long after
Richard Cromwell succeeded to the Protectorate, he was
cast out of his deanery, and succeeded by Dr. Edward Rey
nolds, afterwards bishop of Norwich. The changes in the

OE DISSENTING CHURCHES. 269
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government that rapidly followed, are well known to every
reader of English history. It may be proper to observe,
that Dr. Owen has been charged by Mr. Baxter, and some
other writers, with having had a considerable hand in
Richard's downfal. This, however, he denied, and the
writer of his life has taken no small pains in endeavouring to
invalidate the charge. After he quitted his public employ
ments in Oxford, he went to reside at Stadham, the place
of his birth, where he possessed a good estate ; and conti
nued to live there privately till the Restoration. During
this recess, his time was employed in preaching, and in
writing many useful books, calculated to serve the common
interests of religion and learning.
At the accession of Charles the Second, Dr. Owen was
not in possession of any preferment in the church, but had
collected a congregation at Stadham, where he continued to
preach till persecution forced him from place to place, and
he, at length, settled in London. Here he contracted an
acquaintance with some of the most eminent persons in
Church and State, and might have risen to considerable pre
ferment had he chosen to conform. In 1661, was published
his Latin treatise, " De Natura, Ortu, Progressu, &
Studio verae Theologiae." It is a learned and elaborate
performance, and was afterwards reprinted at Bremen, in
Germany. The next year there came out a book, called,
Fiat Lux, written by John Vincent Lane, a Franciscan
Friar, who, under the pretence of recommending modera
tion and charity, laboured to draw over his readers to the
church of Rome, as the only infallible cure of church divi
sions. Two impressions of this book were printed before it
fell under the Doctor's notice ; but it .was, at length, sent
him by a person of quality, with a desire that he would write
a reply. This he readily undertook, and, in the same year,
sent forth his *' Animadversions on Fiat Lux. By a Pro
testant." This piece meeting widi very general acceptance,
greatly irritated the friar, who published a sheet or two by

2/0 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES — *-¦
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE,  Independent.
way of reply. This produced the Doctor's answer, entitled,
" A Vindication of Animadversions on Fiat Lux." 1664.
There was some difficulty in obtaining a licence for this per
formance- The bishops, who were appointed by act of par
liament, the principal licencers of books in divinity, having
examined it, started two objections. 1. That whenever the
Doctor had occasion to mention the evangelists and apostles,
even Peter himself, he left out the title of saint. 2. That
he endeavoured to prove in this book, that it could not be
determined whether Peter was ever at Rome. To the first
the Doctor replied, that the title of Evangelist or Apostle,
given to them in scripture, was much more glorious than the
appellation of saint ; for in that name all the people of God
were alike honoured : nevertheless, to please them, he
yielded to that addition. But, as to the other objection, he
would by no means consent to any alteration, unless they
could prove him mistaken. Indeed, he rather preferred
suppressing the book altogether; and, it is probable, it would
never have seen the light, had it not been for the interference
of Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State, who wrote to
the Bishop of London to grant his licence without any fur
ther restraint. This book recommended him to the esteem
of the Lord Chancellor Clarendon, who sent for him,
through Sir Bulstrode Whitlocke, and after acknowledging
the service he had rendered by his late books, assured him;
" That he had deserved the best of any English Protestant
of late years." He moreover declared, that the church was
bound to own and advance him ; and, at the same time,
offered him preferment if he would conform. The Chan
cellor also observed, that there was one thing which greatly
surprised him, " That he, being so learned a man, and so
well acquainted with church-history, should embrace the
novel opinion of Independency, for which, in his judgment,
so little could be said." The Doctor replied, " That, in
deed, he had spent some part of his time in reading over
the history of the church ; and offered to prove against

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any bishop whom his lordship might select, that this was the
plan of government practised in the church for several hun
dred years after Christ." — " Say you so (said the Chan
cellor), then I am much mistaken." They had some farther
discourse concerning liberty of conscience, during which the
Doctor expressed the most enlarged views upon the subject.
Notwithstanding die service which Dr. Owen had rendered
to the Church of England, in his late controversy, he was
still persecuted from place to place, so that he began to
entertain serious thoughts of leaving his native country.' At
this period, he received an invitation from his brethren in
New-England, who pressed him to remove thither, and
take upon him the Presidency of .Harvard College. This
call, after mature deliberation, he thought fit to accept, and
actually made preparations for his voyage : but the court
getting scent of his design, he was stopped by particular
orders from the King.
About this time, it pleased God to visit the nation with
the dreadful calamities of pestilence and fire. These heavy
judgments happening at a juncture when religion was ba
nished die court, and some of its brightest ornaments per
secuted into corners, was considered by some persons as not
a litde remarkable. Even Clarendon himself, who was
banished his country, in 1667, could not help observing
that " his affairs, never prospered after the Oxford Act."
The laws against nonconformists being somewhat relaxed,
Dr. Owen preached in London to a congregation of his
own gathering, consisting, among other persons, of many
officers in the army. He also set up a lecture to which
many persons of quality, as well as eminent citizens, re
sorted. Taking a journey, upon one occasion, to visit his
old friends at Oxford, and look after his family estate, lie
narrowly escaped being taken by some troopers. After this,
he had fresh invitations to New-England, and also to ^he
United Provinces, where he was strongly solicited to become
Professor of Divinitv in one of the Dutch Universities.

272 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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In the year 1668, he published his Exposition of the
hundred and thirtieth Psalm, in which he treats largely of
gospel-forgiveness. It is an excellent performance, and
well calculated to afford consolation under distress of mind.
In the same year, he gave to the world the first volume of
his Exposition upon the Epistle to the Hebrews ; the fourth
and last volume appeared in 1684. It is not easy to convey
to the reader a just idea of the value and usefulness of this
laborious and extensive work. It is filled with a great va
riety of rabbinical and other learning ; he has thrown consi
derable light upon some obscure and difficult texts ; and
adapted the whole to the faith and comfort of Christians.
In several parts, he has enumerated the main arguments of
Socinian writers, and obviated their principal objections,
At the latter end of 1669, Mr. Samuel Parker wrote his
" Discourse of Ecclesiastical Polity ; and the Power of the
civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion." It was first
preached in the chapel at Lambeth, and afterwards printed
by order of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This so inflated
his mind that he said to the Earl of Anglesey, " Let us see,
my Lord, whether any of your chaplains can answer it."
Upon which, Dr. Owen published, in die same year, his
"Truth and Innocence vindicated." The publication of
this book greatly advanced his reputation, and mortified the
pride of his antagonist. Parker was a man of violent pas
sions, without any sense of religion, and of as little decency
as virtue. His writings inculcated the most slavish princi
ples of passive obedience, and he shews himself as little
acquainted with the rights of conscience, as with the feelings
of humanity. Besides Dr. Owen, he met with another
formidable opponent in Mr. Andrew Marvel, a gentleman.
of good sense, remarkable wit, and uncommon integrity.
The " Rehearsal Transprosed," which he wrote in answer to
Parker, brought down his high spirit, and set him com
pletely at rest.

OF' DISSENTING CHURCHES. 273

BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
The parliament which met in 1 670, fell upon the Non
conformists more furiously than ever. The act against con
venticles was revived, and carried through both houses, with
a high hand. Dr. Owen was desired to draw up some rea
sons against it, which were laid before the lords by several
eminent citizens and persons of distinction. The paper was
entitled, " The State of the Kingdom, with Respect to the
present Bill against Conventicles." The whole Bench of
bishops voted for this inhuman act, with only two excep
tions — Dr. Wilkins, Bishop of Chester, and Dr. Rainbow,
Bishop of Carlisle; whose names, on account of their
Christian moderation, ought always to be mentioned with
honour, (g) This barbarous act was executed with the
greatest rigour, to the utter ruin of many families, as well as
private individuals.
Upon the death of the Rev. Joseph Caryl, in 1673,
Dr. Owen was invited to succeed him in the charge of a
very numerous congregation in Leadenhall-street, of which
several persons of quality were stated members. As the
Doctor was then pastor of another congregation, they both
agreed to unite.; and the union took place, June 5, 1673.
In the following year he published, in folio, Jl A Discourse
concerning the Holy Spirit." This work met with great
acceptance at its first appearance, and has, ever since, been
held in the highest esteem by serious and judicious Chris
tians. It is indeed, an admirable performance, and the
subject managed ¦" with that depth of judgment, solidity
¦of argument, and fervour of piety, which characterize his
(c) Bishop Wilkins having spoien against the bill in the house, the
King sent for him, and desired him to be quiet. Dr. Wilkins replied, " he
thought the act to be an ill thing both in conscience and policy ; therefore,
as he was an Englishman and a bishop, he was bound to oppose it: and
since by, the laws and constitution of England, and by his Majesty's favour,
he had a right to debate and vote, he was neither afraid nor ashamed to
own his opinion in that matter." — Neal's Puritans, vol ii. p. 671.
Vol. L n n

274 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-ST1. EET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
theological performances."* A new edition of this work,
in three volumes octavo, was published in Scotland, in 1791.
About three years afterwards, there appeared a very good
abridgment of it, by the Rev. George Burder ; and a second
impression, with improvements, has very lately be given to
the public. Another work of importance and merit pro
duced by our author, made its appearance in 1677, under
the title of " The Doctrine of Justification by Faith,
through the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, ex
plained, confirmed, and vindicated." In this treatise, he
pursued a method that evinced moie than ordinary judgment
and skill. After laying down the scripture doctrine by nu
merous citations, he applies the whole to the experience of
real Christians, and effectually removes the stale objection
against its moral tendency. In 1679 appeared his excellent
treatise on " The Glorious Mystery of the Person of
Christ ;" in which he considers his two-fold nature of God
and Man, the relation he bears to his church, and the exer
cise of his Mediatorial office ; together widi the grounds
and reasons of his Incarnation, and the divine honours that
are due to him from every real Christian. The piety, zeal,
and learning, which run through the whole of this perform
ance, cannot fail to raise the admiration of all who love our
Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Thus we see with what faithfulness and diligence this
great man employed his talents for the service of the church.
He was continually writing something that might contribute
to that noble design ; and, though it Mould be tedious, in this
place, to give a particular account of every book he pub
lished, yet, those we have enumerated, are sufficient to gain
him the esteem of every wise and good man. They pro
cured him, at the time, the admiration and friendship of
many persons of quality and worth, who took great delight
in his conversation. Among these may be enumerated the
* Preface to purder's Abridgment.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 27 £

BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
Earl of Orrery, the Earl of Anglesea, the Lord Willoughby'
of Parham, the Lord Wharton, the Lord Berkley, Sir John
Trevor, one of the Principal Secretaries of State, &c. &c.
Even King Charles himself, and die Duke of York, paid
particular respect to him. When the Doctor was at Tun-
bridge, drinking the waters, the Duke sent for him to his
tent, and entered into a long conversation on the subject of
Nonconformity. After his return to London, the King did
him the like honour, conversed with him for the space of
two hours together, and, after assurance of his favour and
respect, told him that he might have access to his person as
often as he pleased. At the same time die King assured
him how sensible he was of the wrong he had done to the
Dissenters, declaring himself a friend to liberty of consci
ence ; and, as a proof of his sincerity, gave him a thousand
guineas to distribute among those who had suffered most by
the late severities. The Doctor had, also, some friends
among the dignified clergy, particularly Doctor Wilkins,
Bishop of Chester, and Dr. Barlow, Bishop of Lincoln,
formerly his tutor. It is well known that Dr. Owen applied
to the latter for the release of the celebrated Mr. John
Bunyan, who had been confined in jail twelve years upon
an excommunication for nonconformity. . When the bishop
received the Doctor's letter, he told the person who deli
vered it, that he had a particular kindness for Dr. Owen,
and would deny him nothing he could do legally ; and de
siring his service, said, he would strain a point to oblige
him. In this particular, however, he scarcely fulfilled his
word. The same bishop, upon one occasion, asked him,
" What can you object against our liturgical worship, that I
cannot answer ?" The Doctor's reply, it seems, occasioned
the bishop to pause ; upon which the former said, " Don't
answer suddenly, but take time till our next meeting,"
which never happened.
It is not surprising that a life so actively employed, should
decline under the weight of growing infirmities, His hard

276 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
studies, and indefatigable labours in preaching and writing,
brought upon him the stone, a distemper common to the-
studious. This, together with an asthma, made great in
roads upon his constitution ; frequently laid him aside frOm
public work, and some times confined him to his chamber.
During these intervals, he was employed in writing several
excellent books. One of these " The Grace and Duty of
being Spiritually Minded," appeared in 1681, and was the
result of his own meditations not long before his death. He
wrote it, as he informs us, "in a season wherein he was
every way unable to do any thing for the edification of
others, and far from expectation that he ever should be able
any more in this world." Great was the attention paid to
him by his friends, in his declining years. He had frequent
invitations to the country houses of persons of quality, par
ticularly that of Philip Lord Wharton, at AVoburn, in Buck
inghamshire, where he was visited by many persons of rank,
and enjoyed the company of several of his nonconforming
brethren ; the seat of that nobleman, being an asylum for
persecuted ministers. He afterwards resided sometime at
Kensington. One day, when coming to town, he was over
taken in the Strand, by two informers, who immediately
seized his carriage. Upon this a mob gathered around him;
but he was discharged by the interposition of Sir Edmund-
bury Godfrey, a justice of peace, who happened to be
passing at die time. From Kensington, Dr. Owen removed
to a house of his own, at Ealing, where he finished his
course. He there employed his thoughts on a future state,
and composed his excellent " Meditations on the Glory of
Christ," in which he breathes the devotion of a soul that was
daily ripening for the heavenly world.
As the Doctor was of a cheerful temper, he bore the
racking pains which usually accompany the stone, with that
patience and resignation which became so great a man, and
so excellent a Christian. He was confined above a month,
and suffered much by violent pains in his head. His con-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 277
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY". AXE.:  Independent.
versation during this time, was agreeable to the main course
of his life, heavenly and spiritual. He expressed much con
cern on account of the calamitous times, particularly the af
flictions of the Nonconformists, which threatened the Pro
testant churches over Europe. On the morning of the day in
which he died, Mr. Thomas Payne, an eminent tutor, and
dissenting minister, at Saffron- Walden, in Essex, who was
entrusted by the Doctor with the publication of the performance
last mentioned, came in to see him, and said, " Doctor, I have
just been putting your book, On the Glory of Christ, to the
press :" To which Dr. Owen answered, " I am glad to hear
that that performance is put to the press ;" and then lifting
up both his hands and eyes, as in a kind of rapture, he said,
" But Oh ! brother Payne, the long looked-for day is come
at last, in which I shall see that glory in another manner than
I have ever done, or was capable of doing in this world." (r)
(r) The above is a sufficient confutation of the vile calumny propagated by
Anthony Wood, who says, " At length, he, the said Dr. Owen, having
spent most of his time in continual agitation to carry on the cause, to pro
mote his own interest, and gain the applause of people, he did very unwil
lingly lay down his head and die, having, a little before, been knowing of,
and consenting to the Presbyterian plot, &c.'' Though the character of Dr.
Owen can suffer no injury from the foul pen of this scandalous writer, ne
vertheless, the following letter, dictated to a. friend, will show the temper
of his mind in the prospect of dissolution, only two days before his death.
To CHARLES FLEETWOOD, Esq.
Dear Sir,
Although I am notable to write one word myself, yet I am very desirous
to speak one word more to you in this world, and do it by the hand of my
wife. Tbe continuance of your entire kindness, knowing what it is accom
panied withal, is not only greatly valued by me, but will be a refreshment
to me, as it is even in my dying hour. 1 am going to him whom my soul
has loved, or rather, who has loved me with an everlasting love ; which is
the whole ground of all my consolation. The passage is very irksome and
wearisome, through strong pains of various sorts, which are all issued in an
intermitting fever. All things were provided to carry me to London to-day,
according to the advice of my physician ; but, while the great pilot is in it,

278 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
In this pious and heavenly frame he departed to the world
of glory, on Bartholomew-day (August 24) 1683, in the 67di
year of his age. He was speechless for some hours before
his death, but very sensible, frequently lifting up his eyes and
hands with great devotion. Dr. Cox and Dr. (afterwards Sir
Edmund) King, who attended as his physicians, ascribed his
dying agonies to the strength of his brain. He was removed
from Ealing to Bunhill-Fields, Sept. 4 ; his funeral being at
tended by sixty-seven carriages belonging to noblemen and
gentlemen of his acquaintance, besides many mourning
coaches and gentlemen on horseback. Over his vault was
erected a monument of freestone, containing the following-
Latin inscription drawn up by the Rev. Thomas Gilbert, of
Oxford : JOHANNES OWEN, S. T. P.
Agro Oxoniensi Oriundus;
Patre in?igni Theologo Theologus ipse Insignior;
Et seculi hujus Insignissimis annumerandtis:
Communibus Humanioruin Literarum Suppetiis,
Mensura pavnru Coinuiuni, Instructus ;
Omnibus, quasi bene Ordinala Auciljarnm Sene,
Ab illo jtibsis suae Faroulari Theologiae:
Theologias Polemics-, Practical, et quam vocant Casuiun
(Harum enim Omnium, qua; magis sun habenda erat, ambigitui')
In ilia, Viribus plusquam Herculeis, serpentibus tribus,
Arminio, Socino, Cano, Venenosa Strinxit Guttura:
In ista suo prior, acl verbi Amussim, Expertus Pectore,
Uuiver5am Sp. S<" CEconomiam Aliis tradidit :
Et, missis Cajteris, Cclnit ipse, Sensitque,
Beatam quam scripsit, cum Deo Communionem :
In terris Viator couiprehensori in ccelis proximus :
In Causum Theologia, Singulis Oraculi instar habitus;
Quibus Opus erat, et copia, Consulendi :
Scriba ad Regnum Crelorum usquequoque institutus ;
Multis piivatos infra Parities, a Suggeslo Pluiibu-,
the loss of a poor under-rower will be inconsiderable. Live and pray, and
hope and wait patiently, and do not despond ; the promise stands invincible,
that he will never leave us nor forsake us. I am greatly afflicted at the dis
temper of your dear Lady. The good Lord stand by her, and support and
deliver her. My affectionate respects to her, and the rest of your relations,
who are so dear to me in the Lord. Remember your dying friend with all
fervency. I rest upon it that you do so, and am your's entirely,
August 82, 1683. j. OWEN.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 279
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
A Prelo omnibus, ad eandem scop um collineantibns,
Pura Doctrinae Evangelicae Lampas Prreluxit ;
Et sensini, non sine aliorum, suoque sensu,
Sic preelucendo Perilt,
Assiduis Infirmitatibus Obsiti,
Morbis Creberrirans Impetiti,
Durisque Laboribus potisbimum Attriti, Corporis,
(Fabricas, donee ita Quassatee, Spectabilis) Ruinas,
Deo ultra Fruendi Cupida, Deseruit ;
Die, ii TerrenisProtestatibus, Pluriinis facto Fatali ;
Illi, aCcalesti N limine, fehci reddito ;
M-cums Scilicet Augusti XXIV0. Anno a Partn Virgineo.
M.DC.LXXXIII*. JEtat. LXVI1°.

Translation,
JOHN OWEN, D.D.
Born in the County of Oxford,
The son of an eminent Minister,
Himself more eminent,
And worthy to be enrolled
Among the first Divines of the age.
Furnished with human literature
In all its kinds,
And in all its degrees,
He called forth all his knowledge
In an orderly train
To serve the interests of Religion,
And minister in the Sanctuary of his God.
In.' Divinity, practic, polemic, and casuistical,
He excelled others, and was in all equal to himself.
The Arminian, Socinian, and Popish errors,
Those Hydras, whose contaminated breath
And deadly poison infested the Church,
He, with more than Herculean labour,
Repulsed, vanquished, and d^troyed.
The whole economy of redeeming grace.
Revealed ami applied by the Holy Spirit,
He deeply investigated and communicated to others.
Having first felt its divine energy,
According to its draught in the Holy Scriptures,
Transfused into his own bosom.
Superior to all terrene pursuits,
He constantly cherished, and largely experienced,
That blissful communion with Deity
He so admirably describes in his writings.
While on the road to Heaven
His elevated mind
Almost comprehended
Its full glories and joys.
When he was consulted
On cases of conscience
His resolutions contained

280 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
The wisdom of an Oracle.
He was a scribe every way instructed
In the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
In conversation he held up to many,
In his public discourses to more,
In his publications from the press to all,
Who were set out for the celestial Zion,
The effulgent lamp of evangelical truth
To guide their steps to immortal glory.
While he was thus diffusing his divine light,
With his own inward sensations,
And the observations of his afflicted friends,
His earthly tabernacle gradually decayed,
Till at length his deeply sanctified soul,
Longing for the fruition of its God,
Quitted the body : in younger age
A most comely and majestic form ;
But in the latter stages of life,
Depressed by constant infirmities,
Emaciated with frequent diseases,
And above all crushed under the weight
Of intense and unremitting studies,
It became an incommodious mansion
For the vigorous exertions of the spirit
In the service of its God.
He left the world on a day
Dreadful to the Church
By the cruelties of men,
But blissful to himself
By the plaudits of his God,
August 24, 1683, aged 67.
Dr. Owen was formed by nature to command attention,
and his personal as well as mental accomplishments eminendy
qualified him to be the leader of a party. Tall in stature, he
possessed a grave aspect, a comely and majestic figure, and
his deportment was every way that of a gentleman. His
large capacity of mind, ready invention, and good judgment,
being improved by education, rendered him a person of in
comparable abilities. Of the university, over which he pre
sided, he was one of the brightest ornaments ; a perfect master
of the languages, and thoroughly versed in the ancient writers.
Even Anthony Wood, after much abuse, speaks of him, from
his own knowledge, as " a person well skilled in the tongues,
rabbinical learning, Jewish rites and customs ; that he had
a great command of his English pen, and was one of the most
genteel and fairest writers who have appeared against the

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

. BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent. ,
Church of England." Dr. StillingHeet observes, "• Our
author treated him with civility and decent language, for
which he thanked him ;" and Mr. Dodwell,. who would not
allow the Nonconformists to be Christians, says, that " he
was of a better temper than most of his brethren^ as abstain
ing from personal slanders, and confining himself wholly to
the cause." His numerous writings afford convincing proof
of his abilities as a divine ; that he was well skilled in pole
mical divinity, and familiarly acquainted with the writers of
the primitive church. He was an excellent preacher, pos
sessed a persuasive elocution, and could move the affections
of his hearers at pleasure. Though his sermons were mostly
delivered without notes, they were studied and welt digested;
so that he could at any time, without premeditation, deliver
himself pertinently upon any subject. With his immense
stores of learning, he possessed a remarkable facility in resolv
ing cases of conscience, and addressing persons under temp
tation, desertion, and affliction. As to his temper, he was af
fable, courteous, and sociable ; a great master of his passions,
and of such a moderate healing spirit, that, had others been
like-minded, the divisions which then agitated the church,
would easily have been prevented. It ought to be mentioned
to the honour of Dr. Owen, that he seems to have been one
of the first of our countrymen who entertained just and libera^
notions of the right of private judgment, and of toleration.
His sentiments on these subjects he was honest enough to
avow,, when he was at the summit of preferment, as he con
tinued to do afterwards in his writings ; and he supported the
generous principles afterwards maintained by Mr. Locke.
His singular worth engaged the respect of many considerable
persons at home and abroad. Some foreign divines having
read his Latin discourses, applied themselves to learn the
English language, that they might enjoy the benefit of his
ether Works ; and not a few took journies to England, on
Yol. I. o o

282 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
.BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  -Independent.
purpose to converse with him.* His labours as a minister
and a writer were incredible : Of the latter, the reader will
form some judgment by the list of bis printed Works inserted
below, (s)
* Life of Dr. Owen prefixed to his Sermons in folio and octavo. — Wood's
Athenae, Oxon. vol. ii. p. 737-747. — Nonconformist's Memorial, vol. r..
p. 198-208.
(s) His Works. — Polio. 1. The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseveranc*
explained and confirmed. 1654. — 2. An Exposition of the Epistle to the
Hebrews. 4 vols. 1668-1 684. — 3. A Discourse of the Holy Spirit. 1674. —
4. A complete Collection of his Sermons formerly published, with others
never before printed : Also several Tracts now first published from MSS.
with others grown very scarce, viz. l . Several practical Cases of Conscience
resolved. 2. Of Marrying after Divorce in Case of Adultery. 3. Of Infant
Baptism. 4. A Word of Advice to the Citizens of London. 5. The State of
the Kingdom. 6. An Account of the Grounds and Reasons why Protestant
Dissenters desire their Liberty. 7. The Case of Present Distresses on Non»'
conformity examined. 8. A Letter concerning the Matter of the present
Excommunications. 9. An Answer to this Question : May a true Church
Err or Mistake in administering Church Censures? 10. Some short Reflec
tions on a slandergus Libel against the Doctor. 11. Five Latin Orations
when he was Vice Chancellor of Oxford. To this Volume are prefixed,
some Memoirs of the Doctor's Life, with several of his Letters; and his Fu
neral Sermon, preached by Mr. Clarkson. Land. 1721.
Quarto. 1. A Display of Arminianism. 1043. — 2. The Duty of Pastors
and People distinguished. 1644. — 3. Salus Electorum, Sanguis Jesu : Or,
The Death of Death, in the Death of Christ. 1648. — 4. Of the Death of
Christ. 1650. — 5. Vindicie Evangelicre: Or, The Mystery of the Gospel
vindicated, &c. in Answer to J. Biddle. 1655.— 6. Of Communion with
God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1657. — 7. ©loXoyoufMK* : Sive de Naturtj
Ortu, Progressu, &Studio Verse Theologiae. 1661. — 8. An Exposition of the
130th Psalm. 1668. — 9. The Doctrine of Justification by Faith through the
imputed Righteousness of Christ, explained, &c. 1677.— ;10. The glorious -J
Mystery of the Person of Christ, God and Man. 1679. — 11. The Grace and;
Duty of being Spiritually-Minded. 1681 — 12. An Enquiry into the Origi
nal, Nature, Institution, Power, Order, and Communion of Evangelical,
Churches. 1681. — 13. The true Nature of a Gospel Church, and its Go
vernment. 16B9. — 14. A Review of the Annotations of Grotius. 1656. 
15. A Discourse concerning Liturgies and their Imposition. 1662. — 16, In
dulgence and Toleration considered, in a Letter. 1667. — 17. A Peace Of
fering, or Plea for Indulgence. 1667. — 18. The Church of Rome no safe
Guide. 1679. — 19. Some Considerations about Union among Protestant*.
:C*o. — SO. A Vindioation of the Nonconformists from the Charge of

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 28S
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
Robert Ferguson was a native of Scotland. It does
not appear when he came into England ; but at the Restora
tion he was in possession of die living of Godmarsham, in
Kent, which he was obliged to relinquish on Bartholomew-
Day, 1062. After his ejectment, he taught tiniversity-learn-
ing at Islington, and preached as assistant to Dr. Owen ; but,
at length, ran so far into political matters as to fall under
general censure. He was very intimate with Lord Shaftes-
Schism. 1680. — 21. An Account of the Nature of the Protestant Religion.
1682. — 22. Three Sermons in the Morning Exercises.
¦Qetavo. l. TwoCatechisms. 1645. — 2. Eshcol: Or, Rules for Church-
fellowship. 1648. — 3. Diatriba de Justitia Divina. 1653.*— 4. Of the Mor
tification of Sin in Believers. 1656. — S. A Discovery of the true Nature of
Schism. 1657. — 6. A Review of the true Nature of Schism, with aVindi-
cation of Congregational Churches. 1657. — 7- Of the Nature and Power of
Temptation. 1653. — 8. A Defence of Cotton against Ciwdry. 1658. — 9.
Exercitationes Quatuor pro Sacris Scripturis. 1658. — 1 ofVThe Divine Ori
ginal and Authority of the Scriptures. 1659. — 11. A Primmer for -Children, i
1660. — 12. Animadversions on Fiat Lux. 166*. — 13. Vindication of those
Animadversions. 1664. — 14. A brief Instruction in the Worship of God.
J667. — 15. The Nature of indwelling Sin. 1668. — 16. Truth and Innocence
vindicated ; fn a Survey of a Discourse of Eoclesiastical Polky. I669. — 17.
A brief Vindication of the Doctrine of the Trinity. 1669. — 18. Of the Sab
bath, and the Divine Institution of the Lord's Day. 1671. — 19. Of Evange
lical Love, Church Peace, and Unity. 1673. — 20. A Vindication of his Book
of Communion with God, from tiie exceptions of Sherlock. 1674. — 21.
The Nature of Apostacy from the Profession of the Gospel. 1676. — 22. The
Reason of Faith in the Scriptures. 1677. — 23. The Ways and Means of
Understanding the Mind of God in the Scriptures. 1678. — 24. An humble
Testimony to the Goodness and Severity of God in his dealing with sinful
Churches and Nations. 1681. — 25. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayer.
1682. — 26. Meditations on the Glory of Christ in his Person and Offices.
1684. — 97. Of the Dominion pf Sin and Grace. 1688. — 48. Two Discourses
of the Work of the Spirit. 1693. — 29. Evidences of the Faith of God's Elect.
I69S.  30. Thirteen Sermons, from a MS. in the possession of Mrs.
Cooke, of Newington, and never before printed. Besides these, he had a
hand in the English Annotations begun by Matthew Poole ; and wrote Pre
faces to several other Works, as Clark's Annotations ; the Works of Dr.
Thomas Taylor ; Durham on Solomon's Song ; Scudder's Christian's Walk ;
Powel's Concordance ; Gale on Jansenism ; Caryl's Sermons ; Ashwood's
-best Treasury, See.

284 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
bury, whom he followed into Holland; but returned with
the Duke of Monmouth in 1685, and was with his army in
(he West. After the defeat of that unfortunate prince, Mr.
Ferguson made shift to escape, and retired again to Holland-
He continued there till the Revolution, in 1688, when he
came over with King William, who gave him a good place.
In a little time, however, he became disgusted, plotted
against his benefactor, and was ever after the boldest and
most active man of the Jacobite party. He was, indeed, a
man by himself, and behaved so that his brethren in the
ministry were ashamed of him. Always plotting, he found
a way to escape : it is somewhat singular, that though he
was in the first proclamation published by King Charles the
Second, upon occasion of what was called The Presbyterian
Plot, and warrants were issued to seize the accused persons,
yet Legat the messenger had strict charge from Mr. Secre
tary Jenkyns, not to take Mr. Ferguson, but to let him
escape. This is a mystery not to be unravelled ¦without sup
posing him a state intelligencer, employed to betray others.
The latter part of his life he .spent in the same continual
agitation ; embroiled himself with the government of Queen
Anne ; and, at length, died very poor and low, in the year
1714.* Bishop Rurnet, who was well acquainted with
the history of those times, gives him the following cha
racter. " Ferguson was a hot and bold man, whose
spirit was naturally turned to plotting : lie was always
unquiet; and setting people on to some mischief; I knew
a private thing of Jhim, by which' it appeared he was a
profligate knave, and could cheat those that trusted him
entirely. He was cast out by the Presbyterians, and then
went among the Independents, where his boldness raised
him to some figure, though he was at bottom a very empty
man. He 'had the management of a secret press, and of a
purse that maintained it, and gave about most of the pam-
• Calamy's Account, p. 383, 384. Contin. p. 544.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 285
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
phlets wrote on that side. With some, he passed for the
author of them ; and such was his vanity, because this made
him more considerable, that he was not ill-pleased to have
that believed, though it only exposed him so much the
more"* (t)
David Clarkson, B. D. — This excellent Divine,
who succeeded Dr. Owen in the pastoral charge of the
Society now under consideration, was born at Bradford, in
Yorkshire, in the month of February, 1621-2. At an early
age, he was sent to the University of Cambridge, where he
made great proficiency in his studies, became Fellow of
Clare-Hall, and a noted tutor in his College. Among
odiers whom he had under his care, was the celebrated Dr.
John Tillotson, who always maintained for him that singular
respect which he had contracted while under his tuition.-f-
In a course of time, he was presented to the living of Mort
lake, in Surry, which he held till Bartholomew-day, 1662,
when he was ejected for nonconformity. After this, he
gave himself up to reading and meditation, shifting from one
place of obscurity to another, till the times suffered him to
appear openly. He was chosen co-pastor with Dr. Owen,
in July, 1682, and upon the Doctor's-death, in the follow
ing year, succeeded to the whole charge. In this situation,
he continued till his own death, which was sudden and un
expected ; yet, as he declared, no surprise to him ; for he
was entirely resigned to the will of God, and desired to live
no longer than he could be serviceable. " His soul (says
* Burnet's History of his own Time, vol. i. p. 542.
(t) Mr. Ferguson published, A sober Inquiry into the Nature, Measure,
and Principle of Moral Virtue. 1673. — The Interest of Religion ; with the
import and use of Scripture Metaphors, and some Reflections on Mr. Sher
lock's Writings, particularly his Discourse on the Knowledge of Christ .
1675. — A Discourse concerning Justification. — And many political Pam
phlets ; among the rest, The Duke of Monmouth's Manifesto, on his land
ing at Lyme. 168 5. 1
f Birch's Life of Tillotson, p. 4.

286 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. -MARY AXE.  Independent.
Dr. Bates) was supported with the blessed hope of enjoying
God in glory. With holy Simeon, he^ had Christ in his
arms, and departed in peace to see the salvation pf God
above," June 14, 1686, in the 65th year of his age. His
funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Bates, on John iv. 2.
In my Father's house are many mansions, fyc*
Mr. Clarkson's character is thus drawn by the Doctor.
" He was a man of sincere godliness, and true holiness,
which is the divine part of a minister, without which all
other accomplishments are not likely to be effectual for the
great end of the ministry, that is, to translate sinners from
the kingdom of darkness, int6 the kingdom of God's dear
Son. That he might be thoroughly furnished for his work,
he diligently improved his time for the acquisition of know
ledge ; being very sensible (to use his own words), That
the blood of the soul runs out. in wasted time'. In humility
and modesty he greatly excelled. These noble qualities led
him to conceal his name from the public in some excellent
publications, which discovered his learning and judgment.
He was well satisfied to serve the church, and illustrate the
truth, while he remained in his beloved secrecy. His tem
per was calm, not ruffled with passions, but gentle and kind;
and in his controversial writings, he displayed an equal tenor
of mind. In his conversation a comely gravity, mixed with
an innocent cheerfulness, attracted universal respect and
love. In the discharge of his sacred work, his intellectual
abilities, and holy affections were very evident. He disco
vered a striking solemnity in prayer, and his preaching was
very instructive, and persuasive. The matter of his sermons
was always judiciously derived from his text, and remarkable
for depth and clearness. In his language, there was neither
a rude neglect, nor gaudy display of eloquence. Whilst
* Calamy's Account, p. 667. — Continuation, p. 813, 814. — Noncon»
formist's Memorial, vol. iii. p. 103, 384. — Neal's History of the Puritans,
vol. ii. p. 776.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. fi87
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
i 'i i.^
opportunity continued, with alacrity and diligence, and con
stant resolution, he served his blessed Master, till a lan
guishing distemper extinguished the lamp of life, and re
moved him to a more noble employment in heaven."* The
excellent Mr. Richard Baxter speaks of Mr. Clarkson as
" A Divine of extraordinary worth for solid judgment, heal
ing moderate principles, acquaintance with the fathers, great
ministerial abilities, and a godly upright life."+
As an author, Mr. Clarkson gained most celebrity by his
treatise entitled, " No Evidence of Diocesan Episcopacy in ,
the primitive Times ;" 1681, 4to. in answer to Dr. Stilling-
fleet. " This book (says Mr. Granger) shows him to have
been a man of great reading in church-history."^ He also
published a discourse against the Romanists, in 4to>_ enti
tled, " The Practical Divinity of the Papists proved de
tractive of Christianity and Men's Souls." Likewise two
Sermons in the Morning Exercises, one at Cripplegate, the
other against Popery ; and a funeral sermon for Dr. Owen,
prefixed to the collection of the Doctor's sermons. After
his death was published, A Discourse on Free Grace; ano
ther on Episcopacy ; and a third against Liturgies.^ In '
I696, there came from the press a collection of his sermons
in one large volume folio ; to which was prefixed, a fine
portrait of the author, engraved by White. Mr. Rowe
and Mr. Mead introduced them to the world with the fol
lowing short preface : " The Rev. Mr. Clarkson was so
esteemed for his excellent abilities, that there needs no
adorning testimony, to those who knew him ; and the fol
lowing sermons, wherein the signatures of his spirit are very
conspicuous, will sufficiently recommend his worth to those
who did not know him. They are printed from his original
* Funeral Sermon for the Rev. David Clarkson, apud, Bates's Works, p.
749, 750.
f Reliquiae Baxtrianae, P. iii. p. 97.
X Granger's Biog. Hist, of England, vol. iii. p. 310.
% Calamy's Account, p. 667, 668.

288 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.— Independent.
papers, and, with the divine blessing, will be very useful to
instruct and persuade men to be seriously religious."* Mr.
Granger, above quoted, says, " These sermons are esteemed
judicious ; are written in an unaffected syle and good me-
thod."t Isaac Loeffs, M. A. educated in Peter-House, Cam
bridge, of which he became Fellow. Dr. Calamy has pre
served the following testimonial to his character, while at
the University, by Dr. Lazarus Seaman, Master of the Col-:
lege. " These are to certify whom it may concern, that
Isaac Loeffs, M. A. of the last year, and Fellow of Peter-
House, Cambridge, is of a godly life and conversation, or
thodox in judgment, and well affected to the parliament.
In witness whereof I have subscribed my hand, La. Seaman,
Magr. C. S. P." Dated Sept. 9, 1648. After this follows
the Latin testimonial of Henry Rich, Earl of Holland,
Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, dated Dec. 9>
in the same year ; certifying that Mr. Isaac Loeffs was ad
mitted to the degree of Master of Arts, at the appointed
time, and annual commencement, in 1648, and that he was
a discreet person, whose learning, good life, and laudable
conversation, qualified him for that degree, and could not
be called in question by the envy of slanderous, or malice of
insidious persons, &c. In the year 1652, Mr. Loeffs was
presented to the living of Shenley, in Hertfordshire, vacant
by the resignation of Mr. Stephen Jones, in 1650. The
patron of the living was John Crew, of Crew, in the county
of Chester, Esq. who had transferred his right of nomina
tion to three of the parishioners, frorn whom Mr. Loeffs
received a legal presentation. Mr. Loeffs continued in pos
session of this living till the Restoration, when he was ejected
for nonconformity. Some time afterwards he came to Lon
don, and was chosen lecturer of St. Magnus, London-
* Preface to Mr. Clarkson's Sermons. f Granger, ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 28$
¦i' ' " ' "¦ \ — r-itr
KURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
Bridge, but was deprived of this situation also, by the act
of Uniformity, in 1662. After this, as Dr. Calamy informs
us, he became assistant to Dr. Owen, in his gathered church.
It is probable, however, that he was co-pastor with Mr.
Clarkson, whom he succeeded. In the church-book, his
name stands in the list of pastors, immediately after .the
latter. We know nothing further concerning him, excepting
that he died July 10, 1689-* Mr. Loeffs published a
treatise on " The Soul's Ascension in a State of Separation."
8vo. 1670.
Isaac Chauncey, -M. A. and M. D. eldest son of
Mr. Charles Chauncy, minister of Ware, in Hertfordshire,
of whose sufferings in the High Commission Court, Rush-
worth has preserved a particular account.f He was sus
pended and silenced by Archbishop Laud, for refusing to
read the book of sports ; and having suffered for noncon
formity by fines and imprisonment in his own country, be
came an exile in New-England. He arrived there in 1638,
and upon the removal of Mr. Dunstar, was made President
of Harvard College, in which office he continued till his
death, Feb. 2, l6?l, leaving six sons, all bred to the mi
nistry. Their names were Isaac, the subject of the present
memoir ; Ichabod, one of the ministers silenced by the Bar
tholomew Act, and afterwards an eminent physician in
Bristol ; Barnabas, Nathaniel, Elnathan, and Israel, all
ministers in New-England. It was observed of all the sons,
that, like their excellent father, they had a skill in medicine
added to their other accomplishments .\
Isaac Chauncey was born at Ware, in Hertfordshire, but
* Calamy's Account, p. 33, 360 — Cont'rn. p. 36, 524. — Nonconformist's-
Memorial, vol. ii. p. 312, 313.
f Rushworth's Historical Collections for the year 1629.
J Mather's Hist, of New-England, B. iii. p. 140.
Vol. I. B P

2t)0 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
in what year is not mentioned., He could not, however,
have been more than two or three years of age when his
father removed to New- England. His mind having been
formed by a preparatory course of education, he was entered
a student at Harvard College, in the year 1651, at the same
time with his brother Ichabod Chauncey. It is probable
that he finished his studies in England, either at Oxford or
Cambridge. Some little time before the Restoration, he
was presented to the living of Woodborough, in Wiltshire,
where he continued till the act of Uniformity ejected him,
in 1662. After this he removed to Andover, where he was
pastor of a congregational church, which met in the same
place of worship with another congregation under the pas
toral care of the Rev. Samuel Sprint. This latter gentle
man attempted a coalition between the two churches, and
had brought Dr. Chauncey to give his consent ; but some of
the people opposed and frustrated the design. Having '
quitted Andover sometime after the recalling, of King
Charles's Indulgence, he came to London, with a design of
acting chiefly as a physician. Here, in the month of Octo
ber, 1687, he had a call to succeed Mr. Clarkson in the
pastoral office, in conjunction with Mr. Loeffs. In this
situation he continued fourteen years ; and during his time,
the church met at the house of a Dr. Clark, in Mark-lane.
Dr. Chauncey was a Divine of considerable learning ; but
rigid in his principles, and very unpopular as a preacher.
He greatly distinguished himself in the controversy that fol
lowed the publication of Dr. Crisp's works, by his zeal
against Dr. Williams, and what was then called the Neono-
mian doctrine. This he frequently made the subject of his
ministry. But what rendered him chiefly unpopular, was
his frequent preaching upon the order and discipline of
gospel churches, by which he, at last, preached away most
of his people,* This determined him, at length, wholly to
* MS. penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 2Q1
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
quit the ministry, and no entreaties could prevail widi him
to the contrary. He resigned his charge, April 15, 1701,
and, not long afterwards, Mr. {afterwards the celebrated
Dr.) Isaac Watts, was chosen -his successor. After his
removal 'to London, Dr. Chauncey was chosen tutor of a
new academical institution, among the Nonconformists of
the Congregational persuasion, over which he presided till
his death, Feb. 28, 1712. (u) He was succeeded by those
learned persons Dr. Thomas Ridgley, and Mr. John
Eames.* The institution still exists, at Homerton, under
the superintendence of the Rev. John Pye Smith, ©. D.
and is known by the name of the Fund-board Society.
Edward Terry, M. A. was son to the Rev. Edward
Terry, rector of Great Greenford, in Middlesex, who ac
companied -Sir Thomas Roe, in his embassy to the Great
Mogul, at whose court he resided for more than two years.
Wood speaks of him as " An ingenious and polite man, of
a pious and exemplary conversation, a good preacher, and
much respected by the neighbourhood where he lived." He
died Oct. 8, l660.f
iGreenford was probably the birth-place of his son Edward
Terry, who pursued his studies in University College, Ox
ford, of which he became fellow, and where he took his
degree of M. A. Here he devoted himself, for many years,
to the instruction of youth, in which employment he was
made very useful. He also obtained great fame for his
(u) Dr. Chauncey published, The Divine Institution of Congregational
Churches. — The Interest of Churches : or, a Scripture Plea for Steadfast
ness in Gospel Order. 1690. — Neonomianisrh Unmasked ; or, the ancient e
Gospel pleaded against the other called, A new Law or Gospel. 1*92. — An ¦
Essay on the Interpretation of the Angel Gabriel's Prophecy, Daniel ix. 24. — '
Christ's Ascension to fill all Things; a Sermon at Horsleydown, &c. — The
Doctrine according to Godliness ; in the Way of Catechism. 1700.
* Calamy's Account, p. 761. Contin. p. 877. Nonconformist's Memorial,
vol. iii. p. 380.
f Wpod's Athenee Oxon. vol. ii. p. 253.

292 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
exercises in the University ; particularly for his funeral ora
tion at the interment of Dr. Joshua Hoyle, the Master of
his College, Regius Professor of Divinity in the University,
and a Member of the Assembly of Divines. Mr. Terry
succeeded his father in the living of Great Greenford, to
which he was admitted, Feb. 27, l66l.* He did not,
however^ "enjoy it long, being ejected for nonconformity, on
Bartholomew-day, in the following year. After this, we
hear nothing further of him till the time of the Revolution ;
when he was assistant to Dr. Chauncey. He continued a
member of the church after he was incapacitated for preach
ing, which was several years before his death ; but he took
great pleasure in hearing others read to him. Dr. Calamy
gives him the character of a man " Of a very mild disposi
tion, of a blameless life, and very charitable ; much honoured
for his work's sake, and a lover of peace and truth."
After enjoying a greater measure of health than most men,
he was suddenly removed in a lethargic fit, which seized
him about ten o'clock at night, on March 7, 1715-6, and
carried him off at two o'clock the next morning.-f- He must
have been considerably advanced in life.
Isaac Watts, D. D. — This illustrious Divine was
born July 17, I674, at Southampton, where his father kept
a respectable boarding-school, for young gentlemen. He
was an intelligent and pious man, a Dissenter from principle,
and deacon in the congregation at Southampton. It appears
that he possessed some paternal property ; but was much
injured in his circumstances by the persecutions of the times,
having been more than once imprisoned for nonconformity,
louring his confinement, Mrs. Watts has been known to sit
on- a stone near the prison-door, suckling her infant son
Isaac. Notwithstanding this, Mr. Watts reared a large
family with much respectability, and died in a good old
* Newcourt's Repertorum, vol. i. p. 61 5.
f Calamy's Account, p. 472. Contin, p. 614.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 293
BURY-STREET, Sf. MARY AXE.  Independent.
t . =3-
age, Feb. 10, 1736-7;* " having the happiness indulged to
few parents, of living to see his son eminent for literature,
and venerable for piety ."+
The Doctor was the eldest of nine children, and given to
books from his infancy. Before he could speak plain,
when he had any money given him, he would run to his
mother and cry, " A book ! a book ! buy a book !" At four
years old he began to learn Latin ; and about seven, to lisp
in poetic numbers. Good Mrs. Watts, it seems, sometimes
employed the pupils, after school hours, in writing a few
lines, for which she rewarded them with a farthing. On
one of these occasions, her son Isaac being required to do
the same, his aspiring muse indited, the following couplet :
" I write not for a farthing, but to try
How I your farthing writers can outvie."
At an early age, he was placed under the care of Mr. Pin-
borne, a clergyman of the establishment, and master of the
free-school in Southampton ; (x) to whom, at the age of
twenty, his grateful muse dedicated an elegant Latin ode.
His early proficiency in learning, being noticed by Dr.
Speed, the physician, and some other gentlemen, they pro
posed to raise a subscription for his support at one of the
universities ; but, notwithstanding the disadvantages of the
times, Mr. Watts chose rather to take his lot with the Dis
senters. " Such -he was (observes Dr. Johnson) as every
Christian church would rejoice to have adopted."
At sixteen years of age, he was sent to an academy in
the vicinity of London, under the superintendence of the
• Gibbons's Life of Watts, p. I. «
f Johnson's Lives of the English Poets; art. Watts.
(x) Mr. Pinhorne was Rector of All Saints in the same town, Preben
dary of Leckford, and Vicar of Eling in the New-Forest, Hants. He was
held in repute for learning, and bore the character of a worthy man. A
monument was erected to his memory at Eling, bearing this inscription :
Here lies the body of the Rev. Mr. John Pinhorne, Prebendary of Leckford,
and Vicar of Eling, who died June 8, 1714, aged 62."

294 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
Rev. Thomas Rowe, pastor of an Independent-church, then
meeting at Girdlers'-Hall, of which his pupil became a
member, in 1693 ; being then in his nineteenth year. " I
have been credibly informed, (says Dr. Jennings) that while
he resided in this college of learning, his behaviour was
not only so inoffensive that his tutor declared he never gave
him any occasion of reproof, but so exenjplary that he
often proposed him as a pattern to his other pupils for
imitation."* Among his fellow-students were Mr. John
Hughes, the poet ; Mr. Josiah Hort, afterwards Arch
bishop of Tuam ; and Mr. Samuel Say, a Dissenting mi7
nister in Westminster. " Some Latin essays, supposed to
have been written as exercises at this academy, (according
to Dr. Johnson) shew a degree of knowledge, both philo
sophical and theological, such as very few attain by a
much longer course of study." While at the academy, he
cultivated an acquaintance with the muses ; or as himself
modestly expresses it, was " a maker of verses from fifteen
to fifty ;" and, in his youth, he appears to have paid atten
tion to Latin poetry. Some of his productions at this pe
riod, are remarkably easy and elegant. His method of
study was to impress upon his memory the contents of the
books he read, by abridging them 5 and by interleavements
to amplify one system with supplements from another.
The reader may form a correct idea of his manner of read
ing by having recourse to the very instructive specimens
adduced by Dr. Gibbons and Mr. Palmer, (y)
Mr. Watts having finished his academical studies at the
age of twenty, returned to his father's house, where he con-
* Funeral Sermon for Dr. Watts, p. 21 . .
(y) It was customary with Dr. Watts to make remarks in the margin
of his books, and in the blank leaves to write an account of what was most
distinguishing in them, to insert his opinion of the whole, to state his
objections to what he thought exceptionable, and to illustrate and con
firm what appeared to him just and important.  Palmer's Life of
IVatH, p. 5. note.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 295
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
tinned two years. Instead of entering immediately on his
public work, he employed this period in study and devotion,
following those pursuits that were more immediately con
nected with his intended profession. At this time, a circum
stance occurred which laid the foundation of his future po
pularity as a Christian poet. The composures sung by the
congregation at Southampton, being of a very humble class,
and so little to our author's taste, he could not forbear re
presenting the matter to his father, who, knowing his poetical
turn, desired him to try if he could do better. He did so:
one hymn after another was produced and approved ; and he
was encouraged to proceed till, in process of time, there was
a sufficient number, to fill a volume.*
From under the roof of his father, he was invited to reside
in the family of Sir John Hartopp, Bart, at Stoke-Newing-
ton, as tutor to his son. In this employment he spent five
years ; and, during that time, devoted himself to a diligent
study of the sacred Scriptures. He preached his first sermon
on the birth-day that completed his twenty-fourth year, A.D.
1698, and his ministry meeting with acceptance, he was, in
the same year, chosen assistant to Dr. Chauncey, pastor of
the Independent congregation in Mark-lane. His ministe
rial labours, however, were soon interrupted by a painful ill
ness, of five months continuance-; in which he learned that
patience in suffering was a part of Christian duty no less
important than activity in labour. His health being gradually
restored, he received a call to succeed Dr. Chauncey in the
pastoral office, which he accepted the very day on which
King William died— a day very discouraging and alarming to
the dissenting interest. Ten days after, being the 18th of
March, 1702, he was solemnly ordained to the pastoral of
fice.^ The ministers engaged on this occasion were, the
Rev. Matthew Clarke, Thomas Collins, Thomas Ridgley,
Benoni Rowe, and Thomas Rowe, his tutor .J
* Gibbons's Life of Watts, p. 254. f Ibid. p. 92 — 97'.
X Baptist Annual Register, vol. iv. p. 554.

296 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  -Independent.
Not long after his entrance on this charge, he was again
visited by a painful and alarming illness, which threatened an
early period to his usefulness. His confinement was long,
his recovery slow, and his constitution considerably impaired.
It was, therefore, judged necessary to provide him an assist
ant, and the Rev. Samuel Price was chosen to that office in
July, 1703. Mr. Watts's exertions, however, kept pace with
his recovery ; and he was enabled to preach more than ever
to the edification of his hearers. In the prosecution of his
various plans of usefulness, he met with no material interrup
tion till September, 1712, when he was seized again with a
> fever of such violence, that shook his constitution, and left a
weakness upon his nerves, from which he never wholly reco
vered. For more than four years he was entirely laid aside
from the exercise of his ministry, and it was not till October,
1716, that he was enabled to resume his public labours. The
affection of his people during this season of trial, was striking
ly exemplified in their solicitude for his recovery. Particular
days were set apart to intercede with God in prayer for so
desirable an event, and many of his brethren in the ministiy
assisted upon those occasions. At Mr. Watts's desire, Mr.
Price, his assistant, was now associated with him in the pastoral
office; to which he was ordained in March 1713. Between
these Amiable men there existed an inviolable friendship,
which continued through life*
The painful and distressing state to which Mr. Watts was
reduced by this sickness, inspired his friends with a tender
and becoming sympathy, and particularly engaged the bene
volent attention of Sir Thomas Abney, Knt. and Alderman
of London, (z) who received him into his house ; where,
" Gibbons's Life of Watts, p. 98-101.
(2) Sir Thomas Abney was descended from an ancient and honourable
family at Wilsley, in the County of Derby. He was born in January 16D9 ;
and his mother dying when he was young, his father sent him to a school at
Loughborough, in the County of Leicester, that he might be under the eye
of a pious aunt, whose instructions were conducive to those serious impres
sions whioh ever after remained upon his mind. In I693 he was elected

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 297
BURY-STREET, .ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
with a constancy of friendship, and uniformity of conduct not
often to be found, he was treated for thirty-six years, with
all the kindness that friendship could prompt, and all the at
tention that respect could dictate. Sir Thomas died about
eight years afterwards, but he continued with his lady and her
daughter to the end of his life. " A coalition like this (says
Dr. Johnson) a state in which the notions of patronage and
dependence were overpowered by the perception of recipro
cal benefits, deserves a particular memorial." In this family
he experienced all the tenderness and care which the lan
guishing state of his health required. Whatever wealth could
supply, or affection suggest, to alleviate his afflictions, he
enjoyed to the full extent of his wishes. The following
anecdote, related by Mr. Toplady, who received it from the
Countess of Huntingdon, will serve to confirm what is said
of the happy terms upon which he lived with this benevolent
family. The Countess being on a visit to Dr. Watts, at
Sheriff of London and Middlesex, and, before the expiration of his year, Al
derman of Vintry-Ward. He also received the honour of Knighthood from
King William. In 1700 he was chosen Lord Mayor, some years before his
tnrn ; and, the same year, procured an Address to the King against the Pre
tender, which gained him considerable popularity. In 1701 he was chosen
a Member of Parliament for the City of London, and continued the ornament
of religion and his country till his death, Feb 6, 1721-2, in the 83d year of
his age. Sir Thomas, in early life, cast his lot with the Nonconformists;
and joined the church in Silver-street, under the care of Dr. Jacomb, and
afterwards of the learned Mr. John Howe. For his first wife he married the
daughter of the famous Mr. Joseph Caryl, who lived with him very happily
above twenty years. In 1700 he married his second wife, Mrs. Mary Gun-
ston, eldest daughter of Mr. John Gnnston, of Stoke-Newington, who sur
vived till Jan. 12, 1749-50. The following anecdote places the piety of Sir
Thomas Abney in so striking a light, that it eannot fail to interest the serious
reader. It was his custom to keep up the duty of prayer in his family, dur
ing the whole of his Mayoralty. On the evening of the day he entered upon
his office, he withdrew, without any notice, from the public assembly at
Guildhall, after supper, went to h is house, there performed family worship,
and then returned to the company  Jer. Smith's Funeral Sermon for Sir
T. Abney — and Gibbons's Life of Watts.
Vol. I. q q

298 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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Stoke-Newington, was thus accosted by him : " Your lady
ship is come to see me on a very remarkable day." " Why
is this day so remarkable ?" answered the Countess. " This
very day thirty years (replied the Doctor) I dame to the house
of my good friend Sir Thomas Abney, intending to spend but
a single week under his friendly roof ; and I have extended
my visit to the length of thirty years." Lady Abney, who
was present, immediately said, " Sir, what you term a long
thirty years visit, I consider as the shortest visit my family
ever received."* His gratitude, in the review of his obliga
tions, during a thirty-six years residence with her Ladyship,
is strongly marked in a passage of his will, where he speaks
of " the generous and tender care shewn him by her Ladyship
and her family, in his long illness many years ago, when he
was capable of no service, and also, her eminent friendship
and goodness during his continuance in the family ever
since, f
It has been observed of literary men, and particularly Di
vines, that from the even tenor of their lives they afford but
little interesting matter for the biographer. This may be
true of some persons, but will not apply to such characters
as Watts, whose writings have instructed as well as delighted
thousands, and will continue to produce the same happy ef
fects to the end of time. We are not indeed to look for
those surprising events which characterize the intrigues of the
statesman, or the deeds of the hero, but for something vastly
more adapted to the great purposes of intellectual and moral
improvement. This is effected by reviewing the lives of
those who have exemplified the beauties of unaffected de
votion, and shewn the way to substantial happiness, and im
mortal honour. " Extraordinary incidents, and curious anec
dotes, are not to be expected in the life of a man, whose ex
cursions were bounded by a few miles in the neighbourhood
of the metropolis ; who had formed no domestic relations ;
* Gospel Magazine, 1776, p. 41.
t Dr, Jennings's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Watts, p. 26.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 299.
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.— Independent'
whose bodily afflictions often, and after long seasons, incapa
citated him for every duty, and for every pleasure, but such
as were purely intellectual and spiritual ; and who, when in
health, perhaps rather shunned social intercourse, as incom
patible with his literary pursuits and, his ministerial obliga
tions. But whoever is capable of appreciating the import
ance of learning and philosophy, when sanctified by an ardent
zeal for the glory of God, by gentleness, humility, and unre
mitted exertions for the best interests of the world ; or who
ever possesses the noble ambition of attaining such eminence
in wisdom, piety, and usefulness, and of imbibing any degree
of that elevation of mind, so conspicuous in this great man,
may anticipate more substantial rarities, the zest of which he
will never lose, while he needs the aid of instruction, or the
animating influence of an example so full of grace and
beauty."* From the time of Mr. Watts's reception into the above
family, his life, when not interrupted by sickness, was con
stantly employed upon some scheme for advancing the im
provement of mankind. This is evidenced by his successive
publications. " Their number and variety (says Dr. John-
so«) shew the intenseness of his industry and the extent of his
capacity." In reviewing the writings of Dr. Watts, and his
character as an author, we shall consider him as a poet, as
an instructor of youth, as a philosopher, and as a divine.
The first fruits of his genius were given to the public in
his " Hone Lyrica; or Lyric Poems," published in 1706.
Of the merit of these composures Dr. Johnson was so tho
roughly convinced, as to insert them in his edition of the Eng
lish Poets. Concerning the Author he observes, " As a
poet, had he been only a poet, he would probably have stood
high among the authors with whom he is now associated.
For his judgment was exact, and he noted beauties and faults
with very nice discernment ; his imagination, as the Dacian
* Life of Dr. Watts prefixed to his Works. Leeds edition.

300 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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battle proves, was vigorous and active, and the stores of
knowledge were large by which his fancy was to be supplied.
His ear was well tuned, and his diction was elegant and co
pious." This commendation is followed by an extraordinary
assertion with respect to devotional poetry ; that " the pau
city of its topics enforces perpetual repetition, and the sanc
tity fthe matter rejects the ornaments of figurative diction."
But, so far from this- being true, there is nothing whatever
that supplies a greater variety of topics, or is better adapted
to admit of poetical images, as religion. Witness the sub
lime composures of many of the sacred writers, particularly
the prophets, in which the loftiest images and boldest figures
are introduced in almost every line. The Preface to the
Lyric Poems contains an ample defence of this species of
composition. The author shews that the sacred poet pos
sesses advantages almost infinite in the variety, as well as the
dignity of his topics; and that they reject no embellishments,
though they require them to be used with judgment. Of the
comparative merits between our author and other writers of
the same class, Dr. Johnson observes, " It is sufficient for
Watts to have done better than others, what no man has done
well." It was no small testimony to the poetic talents of Watts,
that was shewn him by Mr. Cave, the original printer and
proprietor of the Gentleman's Magazine, who, in order to
excite emulation, and procure for his work productions of
real genius, proposed to give certain rewards to his poetical
correspondents, and wrote to Dr. Watts, requesting him to
decide upon their respective merits. His natural modesty
revolted at the idea of becoming a literary judge; but, on
being pressed, he gave his opinion widi so much candour,
and judicious discrimination, that all parties expressed their
gratitude, and cheerfully acquiesced in his decision.
The year after the publication of the Lyric Poems, ap
pealed his volume of Hymns, to the occasion of which we
have before alluded. The copyright was sold to Lawrence

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 301
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the bookseller, for only ten pounds !* though, could now it
be re-assumed, it would probably be worth as many thou
sands. This production meeting with a rapid sale, and being
very generally approved, the author was encouraged to at
tempt a version of the Psalms. His long cessation from
public labour, occasioned by the severe illness before-men
tioned, enabled him to follow up this design, which, as his
health gradually amended, he completed in 1719, when they
were first published, and four thousand sold within the year.
These are generally allowed to excel all his other poetical
performances. Considered as a composition for the use of
Christian societies, they may be justly pronounced superior to
every other work of the kind ; and they have given the name
of AVatts a kind of immortality in our worshipping assemblies.
Whatever defects may be noticed in the manner of conduct
ing public worship in our dissenting congregations, in the de
lightful exercise of psalmody they far outstrip their brethren
of the Establishment. Who that has a taste for this sublime
part of devotion, does not prefer the elegant composures of
Watts, before the jingling rhymes that are constantly chaunted
in the parish churches? Though the volume of Hymns
composed by our author, are not equal to the Psalms, yet
they contain many specimens of sublime and devotional piety,
well calculated for the edification of Christian societies; and
which are highly recommended by the plainness of the com
position and the smoothness of the verse. If in some in
stances they may be thought less judicious than the Psalms,
it should be remembered that many of them were composed
when a youth. With respect to the reports propagated by
some Arian and Socinian writers, that the author revised
these composures a little before his death, in order to render
them as they say, " wholly unexceptionable to every Chris
tian professor," they" deserve not the least attention. Dr.
Watts possessed two extensive acknowledge of human nature
to entertain so chimerical a project.*f"
* Life of Watts prefixed to his " Practical Works," p. 14.
f Palmer's Life of Watts, p. 26 — 28, note.

302 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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It could not have been long after this period that our
author published his " Divine and Moral Songs for Child
ren ;" a work admirably adapted to entertain and instruct the
infant mind. The number in constant circulation throughout
Great Britain and America is prodigious. In England alone,
the consumption exceeds 50,000 annually.* As to the merit
of these composures, it has been estimated by the wise and
good of all denominations, and received the stamp of exten
sive usefulness. Besides the Songs for Children, he com
posed some other pieces adapted to juvenile minds. One of
these, "' The Art of Reading," published in 1720, was
compiled for the use of the younger branches of the family
under whose benevolent roof he resided. This was followed,
in 1725, by " The Elements of Geography and Astronomy,"
dedicated to Mr. John Eames ; " A Book of Catechisms ;"
" Prayers for Children ;" " A Discourse on the Education of
Children and Youth;" and " A short View of Scrpture
History." These several pieces, all adapted for the use of
younger minds, are so many monuments of the author's be
nevolence and piety, in stooping from the higher branches of
literature, to converse with the lisping infant. " For children
(says Dr. Johnson) he condescended to lay aside the scholar,
the philosopher, and the wit, to write little poems of devo
tion, and systems of instruction adapted to their wants and
capacities, from the dawn of reason through its gradations of
advance in the morning of life. Every man, acquainted with
the common principles of human nature, will look with ve
neration on the writer who is at one time combating Locke,
and at another, making a catechism for children in their
fourth year. A voluntary descent from the dignity of science
is perhaps the hardest lesson that humility can teach."
The philosophical writings of Dr. Watts, which next fall
under our notice, have justly gained him no small share of
reputation. The immortal discourse on " Logic," pub-
* Life of Watts prefixed to his " Practical Works," p, 19.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. SO.'}
\ BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
lished in 1724, while it exhibited the true system of rea
soning, rejected that wretched system of quibbling, which
had hitherto disgraced the schools. Though other authors
had written upon the subject, and prepared many of
the materials, yet, it remained for Watts to simplify the
system, and reduce it to general use. The Logic was
soon received into the English Universities ; and in the
year 17*1, Bishop Seeker tells the author, " It was
by no means the only piece of his read there with high
esteem."* Lord Barrington calls it a book by which, not
only the youth of England, but all who ale not too lazy, or
too wise to learn, may be taught to think and write better
than they do ; and adds, " I intend, as some have done
Erasmus, or a piece of Cicero — to read it over once a
a year."-]- In 1733, appeared his " Philosophical Essays" on various
subjects ; to which was added, " A System of Ontology,"
which has been much admired. In one of his disquisitions
he has been charged with confounding the idea of space, with
that of empty space ; but chiefly, we believe, by those me
taphysicians who have pleaded for a vacuum in nature. The
most useful lesson to be derived from this volume, however,
is, that it impresses upon the reader a conviction of the
contracted limits of the human mind, and the uncertainty
attending 1 the mere deductions of reason, unaided by reve
lation. The next work that falls under our notice, was one of
the most important, not only of those produced by Dr.
Watts, but that ever appeared in the English language.
We allude to the first part of " The Improvement of the
Mind ; or, a Supplement to the Art of Logic, containing a
Variety of Remarks and Rules for the Attainment of useful
Knowledge in Religion, in the Sciences, and in common
Life." It made its appearance in 1741, and as the author
• Gibbons's Lift of Watts, p. 353. f Ibid. p. 405.

304 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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confesses, had been the labour of more than twenty years :
The second part was left in MS. and published by the edi
tors of his works. Dr. Johnson says of this treatise, " Few
books have been perused by me with greater pleasure than
his Improvement of the Mind, of which the radical prin
ciples may indeed be found in Locke's Conduct of the Un
derstanding; but they are so expanded and ramified by
Watts, as to confer upon him the merit of a work in the
highest degree useful and pleasing. Whoever has the care
of instructing others, may be charged with deficiency in his
duty if this book is not recommended."
We are now to take some notice of the Doctor's Theolo
gical writings, which for their number and value, have not
been exceeded by any Divine of modern times. The per
spicuity and elegance of his expression, and the richness of
his imagination, enliven the most common subjects, and add
lustre to the most interesting. The multiplicity and diversity
of his native and acquired talents are every where conspi
cuous ; and the application of these talents uniformly disco
vers an accurate knowledge of human nature, a high vene
ration of the gospel, an unshaken attachment to the cause
of Christian liberty, and an habitual readiness for any sacri
fice to the virtue and happiness of mankind. " Whatever
he took in hand (says Dr. Johnson) was, by his incessant
solicitude for souls, converted to theology. As piety pre
dominated in his mind, it is diffused over his works ¦ it is
difficult to read a page without learning, or at least, wishing
to be better. The attention is caught by indirect instruct
tion, and he that sat down only to reason, is on a sudden
compelled to pray."
During the first years of his ministry, he delivered a set
of discourses to a number of young persons, who associated
for prayer in the vestry of his meeting-house. These were
afterwards corrected, and arranged in a little volume entitled,
" A Guide to Prayer," in which the subject is scientifically
considered, and we are taught to pray by rule, without a

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 305
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form. The method pursued in this discourse is extremely
judicious, and the author's directions full of piety and wis
dom. In 1721, appeared the first volume of his Sermons.
The occasion of writing them he has himself explained.
His repeated afflictions had very much circumscribed his
public labours ; for a long time he was unable to preach at
all, and when he did, it was with such weakness and pain,
that he was often obliged to retire immediately to bed, and
have the room closed in darkness and silence. And, as he
was incapacitated for public labour, so he was also for the
more private duties of the pastoral office ; such as visiting
the sick, and conversing with his flock at their habitations.
This filled him with anxietyi and regret, and induced him to
present his people with a volume of discourses from the
press, that they might read in their families die same truths
which they had heard from his lips.* Though these dis
courses contain some slight inaccuracies, as well as redun
dancies of expression, yet they abound with many just re
marks. The originality of thought, and many happy illus
trations that run through them, discover die genius of die
writer; and the perspicuity as well as simplicity of their
style, render them familiar to the meanest capacities. To
this may be added, that they contain a rich display of evan
gelical truth and Christian experience. A second volume
of sermons on die Christian Morals, appeared in 1723,
and a third volume in 1734. Lady Hertford mentions a
pleasing instance of the utility of our author's sermons, in
the case of a man who had been a bad husband, and a
drunkard twenty years ; but, by reading them was converted
to a course of life just the reverse.+
In 1722, he published his excellent discourses on " Death
and Heaven," preached upon the death of Sir John Har-
• Preface to his Sermons, vol. i.
t Life of Dr. Watts, prefixed to his " Practical Works."
Vol. I. b. k

306 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
topp and his lady. These sermons, which contain many
ingenious conjectures concerning the employment of heaven,
were so highly esteemed by the celebrated Professor Frank,
diat he caused them to be translated into German ; and his
successor, Dr. Rambach, wrote a recommendation in very
strong and emphatic language.* But the principal work of
this year was " The Christian Doctrine of the Trinity, or
Father, Son, and Spirit, three Persons and one God, asserted
and proved, with their Divine Rights and Honours vindi
cated by plain Evidence of Scripture, without the Aid or
Incumbrance of human Schemes." This was his first piece
upon the subject, and was followed, soon after, by " Seven
Dissertations relating to the Christian Doctrine of the Tri
nity : in two Parts." (a)
* Life of Watts, prefixed to his " Practical Works."
(a) As Dr. Watts deviated from what is called the Orthodox Doctrine of
the Trinity, it may not be improper briefly to state what were his views
upon the subject. In the treatises above mentioned, he discovers his par
tiality to the doctrine of the pre-existence of Christ's human soul, which
laid the foundation of his future system, called the Indwelling Scheme.
This supposes " That the Godhead, the Deity itself, personally distin
guished as the Father, was united to the man Christ Jesus, in consequence
of which union, or indwelling of the Godhead, he became properly God."
This union he supposes to have existed anterior to our Saviour's appearance
in the flesh, and that the human soul of Christ existed with the Father
from before the foundation of the world." In his " Useful and important
Questions concerning Jesus the Son of God," published in 1746, he labours
to shew that the term Son of God, does not expressly relate to his Deity,
but to his mediatorial character and human nature. With regard to his
Divine nature, he supposes the Godhead of Christ, and the Godhead of the
Father, to be one and the same. At the latter end of the year before-
mentioned, he gave to the public his three Discourses on " The Glory of
Christ as God-Man," which was his last publication on the subject, and
goes over the same ground as his former pieces. With respect to the Holy
Spirit, the Doctor seems not to have held the common notion of his real
personality, as distinct from the Father, supposing it to mean the Divine
Power, or Influence, or God himself exerting his influence. It is no part
of our design to confirm, or condemn, the Doctor's opinions upon these
points. Every human scheme of so sublime a doctrine as that of the Tri
nity, is liable to difficulties ; and the unmeaning jargon that has been in

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 307
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In the year 1731, the Doctor gave to the public his
valuable " Essay on the Strength and Weakness of Human
Reason." A copy of this work, presented to Dr. Gibson,
Bishop of London, was the occasion of his opening a cor
respondence widi -that prelate. About the same time ap
peared his " Discourses on the Love of God, and die Use
and Abuse of the Passions in Religion." The object of
these discourses was to lead men from the frigid zone of
Christianity (mis-named rational religion), into the warmer
region of Divine love, which is here shewn to be the proper
climate of the Christian. The Doctor proves that Chris
tianity not only admits, but demands the warmest of our
affections ; and that the cool and cautious religionist errs just
as far from true reason as from piety.* " The Redeemer
and Sanctifier; or the Sacrifice of Christ, and the Opera
tions of the Spirit, vindicated," was published about 1735.
Bishop Gibson, to whom the Doctor presented a copy,
says, " He read it with great satisfaction and delight." He
adds, " The seeing so shameful a departure from true Chris
tianity, on the two points which are the subject of your book,
has long been a sensible concern and grief to me, and espe
cially when I see it countenanced and propagated by many
who call themselves Christians, but are in reality little more
than Deists ; for (says he) if the great work of our Redemp
tion, and the blessed fruits of it are to be laid aside, I can
not see that the Christian name signifies much." The good
bishop particularly laments this defection among some of the
vented in order to explain it, has only added to its obscurity, and been the
source of endless contentions and divisions in the church. If those who
preach, or write, upon this doctrine, would confine themselves to the sim
ple language of scripture, they would not only be more intelligible, but
more successful in putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men, who-would
fain set up their own fallible reason in opposition to the Wisdom of God.
Those who wish for a more particular account of Dr Watts's sentiments with
respect to the Trinity, may have recourse to his own writings, or to his
Life by the Rev. Samuel Palmer.
* Life of Watts, prefixed to his " Practical Works."

308 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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Dissenters, who, he confesses, a had been hitherto, without
exception, zealous for them."*
In 1739, appeared his valuable " Discourses on the
World to come ; or, the Joys and Sorrows of departed
Souls at Death, and the Glory or Terror of the Resurrec
tion. To which is prefixed, An Essay towards the Proof
of a separate State of Souls after death ;" a subject which
he has treated in the most awful yet affectionate manner,
adapted to every age and situation in life. Another of his'
publications was, " The Ruin and Recovery of Mankind ;
or, an Attempt to Vindicate the Scriptural Account of these
great Events upon the plain Principles of Reason ; with an
Answer to various Difficulties relating to Original Sin, the
Universal Depravation of Nature, and the overspreading
Cause of Death ; general Offers of Grace to all Men, and
the certain Salvation of some ; the Case of the Heathen
Nations, and the State of dying Infants." This long title
will give the reader an idea of the curious subjects discussed
in this book, which contains some new and remarkable sen
timents. Among others is the following singular opinion,
as Dr. Doddridge terms it : " That the sin of Adam has
subjected all his posterity not only to death, but to the utter
extinction of being ; the consequence of which is, that all
those who die in their infancy fall into a state of annihilation,
excepting those who are the seed of God's people, who by
virtue of the blessings of the covenant made with Abraham,
and the promise to the seed of the righteous, shall through
the grace and power of Christ, obtain part in a happy resur
rection, in which other infants shall have no share."* Since
the time of Dr. Watts, the subject of the Divine conduct
towards infants, has been treated in a manner far more
scriptural, as well as more satisfactory, to the parental
feelings. * Gibbons's Life of Watts, p. 359, 360.
f Doddridge's Lectures, vol, ii. p. 210.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 309
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The last of his publications we shall notice was, " Ortho
doxy and Charity United." The great object of this piece,
and of the Doctor's life, waS to place the doctrines of the
fall — the atonement — divine influence — the necessity of re
pentance, faith, and holiness, (which formed his system of
orthodoxy) in a point of view consistent widi their truth and
importance ; at the same time endeavouring to lessen die
smaller differences among Christians respecting inferior points
of sentiment, or rather forms of expression, and to promote
charity and forbearance. The Doctor thought {and who
does not think ?) that the chief difference between real be
lievers lies rather in terms than things. Habits of education
and of reading, create these differences ; but in the exercises
of devotion, they are melted down in the beautiful language
of scriptural piety. It was not only in his book (says Dr.
Johnson) but in his mind that orthodoxy was united widi
charity." To this work was appended an ingenious Essay,
entided, " Self- Love ahd Virtue reconciled only by Reli
gion."* Besides the works already mentioned, our author pub
lished a variety of other pieces, all excellent in ther nature,
but too numerous to be here described. Such as we have
not noticed shall be enumerated in the note below, (b)
* Life of Watts, prefixed to his " Practical Works."
(b) A Sermon, preached at Salters'-Hall, to the Societies for Reformation
of Manners. 1707. — Defence against the Temptations to Self-Murder. 1726.
— A Sermon at Bury-street, occasioned by the Death of George I. 1727.  A
Discourse on Charity Schools. 1728. — A Caveat against Infidelity, or, the
Danger of Apostacy from the Christian Faith. 1729. — An humble Attempt
towards the Revival of Practical Religion among Christians, particularly
Protestant Dissenters. 1731. — Reliquiae Juveniles ; Miscellaneous Thoughts
in Prose and Verse, on natural, moral and divine Subjects. — Written chiefly
in younger Years. 1734. — Nine Sermons in the Bury-street Collection. 1 735.
— Remnants of Time employed, in Prose and Verse. 1736. — An Essay on
Humility, as exemplified in the Character of St. Paul. 1737. — Essay on the
Holiness of Times and Places, &c. 1738. — An Essay on Civil Power in
Things Sacred. 1739. — The Doctrine of the Passions explained and impro
ved. — Questions proper for Students in Divinity.--A short Essay towards

310 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
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The reputation acquired by our author, in the various de
partments of literature, resounded far beyond the limits of
his own country ; and procured him a large correspondence
with learned and worthy persons, both at home and abroad.
It was, therefore, with great propriety that he received, in
1728, from the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen, an
unsolicited diploma, creating him Doctor of Divinity.
" Academical honours (says Dr. Johnson) would have more
value if they were always bestowed with equal judgment."
Another writer (Mr. Toplady) has this observation upon the
subject : " Learned seminaries would retrieve the departing
respectability of then diplomas, were they only presented to
(I will not say, such men as Dr. Watts ; for few such men are
in any age to be found : But to) persons of piety, orthodoxy,
erudition, and virtue."* " The presenting such titles to
people who eitiier can pay for them, (observes another
writer) or whose silly vanity prompts them to have their
names ushered in with a sound, without any just qualification
in the world beside, exposes the honours of a University to
contempt, and the persons who bear them to ridicule. The
name of Doctor, though it cannot make a man intuitively
the Improvement of Psalmody. — The Harmony of all Religions. 1742. —
An Essay on the Freedom of the Will. 1746. — Evangelical Discourses on
several Subjects : To which is added, An Essay on the Towers and Contests
of Flesh and Spirit. 1747. — The rational Foundation of a Christian Church.
1 747. — Besides these, the Doctor wrote several Prefaces to the Works of
others. He left the care of his Papers and Manuscripts to Dr. Doddridge
and Dr. Jennings, who published a complete Edition of his Works in Quarto.
1749. These having become exceeding scarce and valuable, a new Edition
was published in 1802, in 7 vols. Svo. under the superintendance of the
Rev. Edward Parsons, of Leeds, and the Rev. Dr. Williams, of Rotherham.
This Edition has, also, been some time out of print. Many years after his
death, were published what is called his " Posthumous Works." The first
volume consisting of Poetry, is considered a gross imposition upon the pub
lic. The Letters between the Doctor and his friends, contained in the se
cond volume, are curious, and probably authentic.
* Gospel Magazine for 1 776.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 3H
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE— Independent.
learned or wise, should give the world a just expectation not
to find him at least either weak or illiterate."*
The closing scenes of Dr. Watts's pilgrimage were such as
might be expected from a life of such exalted piety and de
votion. The delicacy of his constitution . and repeated sick
ness soon brought upon him the infirmities of age ; and these
were greatly promoted by midnight studies. He was for se
veral years together gready distressed with insomnia, or con
tinual wakefulness. Very often he could obtain no sleep for
several nights successively, excepting such as was forced by
medical preparations; and, not unfrequently, opiates lost
their virtue, and served only to aggravate his malady. Yet,
through the goodness of God, and the kind attention of friends,
his feeble frame was lengthened out to a period beyond the
common lot of mortals. But though the taper of life burned
slowly to the socket, its flame was brilliant to the last. He
beheld his approaching dissolution with a mind perfectly
composed, without the least dismay, or shadow of a doubt
as to his future happiness. His trust in God, through Jesus
the Mediator, remained unshaken to the last. With appli
cation to himself he often repeated die words of Paul to the
Hebrews : " Ye have need of patience, that after ye have
done the will of God, ye may receive the promise." When
he has found his spirit tending to impatience, he would thus
check himself, " The business of a Christian is to bear the
will of God as well as to do it. If I were in health I could
only be doing that, and that I may do now. The best thing
in obedience is a regard to the will of God, and the way to
that is to get our inclinations and aversions as much mortified
as we can." When almost worn out and broken down by in
firmities, he observed, in conversation with a friend, " That
he remembered an aged minister used to say, that the most
learned and knowing Christians, when they come to die, have
•nly the same plain promises of the gospel for their support
* Middleton's Biographia Evangelica, vol. iv. p. 370.

312 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
as the common and unlearned ; and so (said he) I find it.
They are the plain promises of the gospel which are my. sup
port, and I bless God they are plain promises, which do not
require much labour or pains to understand them, for I can
do nothing now but look into my Bible for some promise
to support me, and live upon that." Again, " I should be
glad to read more, yet not in order to be confirmed more in
the truth of the Christian religion, or in the truth of its pro
mises, fori believe them enough to venture an eternity upon
them." On retiring to rest, he would declare with the
sweetest composure, "That if his master was to say to him
he had no more work for him to do, he should be glad to be
dismissed that night." At other times he would say, " I
bless God I can lie down with comfort at night, not being
solicitous whether I awake in this world or another."*
Mr. Joseph Parker, ,a person of most respectable charac
ter, and for about.twenty-one years the Doctor's amanuensis,
sent the following intelligence concerning him to his brother,
at Southampton, the day before his death, Nov. 24, 1748,
"I wrote to you by the last post that we apprehended my
master very near his end, and that we thought it not possihle
he should be alive when the letter reached your hands ; and
it will no doubt greatly surprise you to hear that he still lives.
We ourselves are amazed at it. He passed through the last
night in the main quiet and easy, but for five hours would re
ceive nothing within his lips. I was down in his chamber
early in the morning, and found him quite sensible. I begged
he would be pleased to take a little liquid to moisten his
.mouth, and he received at my hands three tearspeonfuls, and
has done the like several times this day. Upon inquiry he
told me he lay easy, and his mind peaceful and serene. I
said to him this, morning diat he had taught us how to live,
and was now teaching us how to die by his patience and com
posure, for he has been remarkably in this frame for several
* Gibbons's Life of. Watts, p. gi 1—316.

Of DISSENTING- CHURCHES. 313
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days past. He replied, ' Yes.' I told him, I hoped he ex
perienced the comfort of these words, ' I will never leave
thee nor forsake thee." He answered, ' I do.' The ease
of body and calmness of mind which he enjoys is a great
merey to him and to us. His sick chamber has nothing ter
rifying in it. He is an upright man, and I doubt not but his
end will be peace. We are ready to use the words of Job
and say, ' We shall seek him in the morning but tie shall not
be.' But God only knows, by whose power he is upheld in
life, and for wise purposes, no doubt. He told' me he liked
I should be with him. All other business is put off, and I am
in the house night and day. I woiild administer all the relief
that is in my power. He is worthy of all that can be done for
him. I am your faithful and truly afflicted servant." On
the 26th of November, the day after the Doctor's decease,
Mr. Parker wrote again to' the same person, " At length the
fatal news is come. The spirit of the good man, my dear
master, took its flight fr6m the body t6 worlds unseen and
joys unknown, yesterday in the afferrioori, without a struggle
or a groan. My Lady Abney and Mrs. Abney are supported
as well as we can reasonably expect. It is an house of
mourning and tears, for I have told you before now that we
all attended upon him, and served him upon a principle of
love and esteem- May God forgive us all tiiat we have im
proved no more by him, while we enjoyed him."*
Thus died, after an honourable and useful life, the truly
great and excellent Dr. Watts, Nov. 25, 1748, in the 75th
year of his age. His remains were deposited in Bunhill-
Fielda ; and as a testimony to his affection and liberality, his
pall was: supported by six Ministers, selected equally from the
three denominations. Dr. Samuel Chandler delivered the
oration at the graee, and Dr. Jennings preached the funeral
sermon to his bereaved church, from Heb. xi. 4. Similar
testimonies of respect Were paid to his memory by several
• Gibbons's Life of Watts, p. 318, 319.
Vot, I. s s

314 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES '
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other Ministers in different parts of England. But while his
various excellencies procured him these honours, he, in his
lifetime, was concerned to prevent whatever might be con
sidered as inconsistent with the humility of his character. A
handsome tomb-stone was erected over his grave, bearing
the following humble inscription, composed by himself:
" Isaac Watts, D.D. Pastor of a Church in London,
Successor of the Rev. Mr. Joseph Caryl, Dr. John
Owen, Mr. David Clarkson, and Dr. Isaac
Chauncey, after Fifty Years of feeble Labours in the
Gospel, interrupted by four Years of tiresome Sickness, was
at last dismiss'd to Rest, Nov. 25, A.D. 1748, Mt. 75.
2 Cor. v. 8. Absent from the Body, present with the
Lord. Col. iii, 4. When Christ, who is our Life, shall ap
pear, I shall also appear with him in Glory.
IN vno iesv omnia.
This Monument, on which the above modest Inscription
is placed, by order of the Deceas'd, was erected, as a small
Testimony of Regard to his Memory, by Sir John Hartopp,
Bart, and Dame Mary Abney."
To the foregoing account of Dr. Watts's life, we will sub
join a few particulars illustrative of his character. In his per
sonal appearance there was little that could interest die ad
mirers of external comeliness. He was low of stature, (c)
(not much above five feet) and his bodily presence weak ; yet.
(c) The Doctor being once in a Coffee-room with some friends, he over
heard a Gentleman asking, rather contemptuously, " What, is that the
great Doctor Watts ?" When turning round suddenly, and in good humour,
he repeated a stanza from his Lyric Poems, which produced a silent ad
miration : " Were I so tall to reach the pole,
" Or mete the ocean with my span,
" I must be measured by my soul :
" The mind's the standard of the man."
Hore Lyrics, False Greatness,

of dissenting churches. 315

BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
there was a certain dignity in his countenance, and such
piercing expression in his eyes, as commanded attention and
awe. As a preacher he ranked with the most eminent.
Though he used very little action, his manner was animated.
In his preparations for the ministry, he wrote and committed
to memory the leading features of his sermons, amplifying as
he found occasion, with the utmost ease and freedom. Such
were his flow of thoughts, as well as promptitude of lan-
_guage, that he never failed to acquit himself with credit. At
the conclusion of weighty sentences it was his custom to
pause, that he might quicken the attention, and add greater
solemnity to the weighty truths he delivered. The correct
ness of his pronunciation, the elegance of his diction, and the
grandeur of his sentiments,, obtained him an uncommon share
of popularity. " I once mentioned (says Dr. Johnson) the
reputation which Mr. (Dr.) Foster had gained by his proper
delivery to my friend Dr. Hawkesworth, who told me, that
in the act of pronunciation he was far inferior to Dr. Watts."
Though it is much to be questioned whether this information
be accurate, yet, it is certain that the discourses of Dr.
Watts were far better to general edification.
In health he was remarkable for vivacity in conversation,
and for ready wit ; though he never shewed a fondness for
displaying it, especially in. satire, to which his amiable tem^
per was naturally averse. " Wit fell from him (says Dr.
Gibbons) like occasional fire from heaven ; and, like the
ethereal flame, was ever vivid and penetrating." By his na
tural temper he was quick of resentment; but by his esta
blished and habitual practice, he was gentle, modest, and in
offensive. His tenderness appeared in his attention to child
ren and to the poor. Though his long and repeated illnesses
gave him little opportunity for visiting, yet, when those oc
casions occurred, he would always fill his pockets with hymns
and catechisms ; and where he was known and expected, the
young people would flock around him to receive them. A
third part of his income he devoted to the purposes pf charity,

316 histqry and antiquities

BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXIL.— Independent.
and when laid aside from public labours, he refused to re
ceive his . salary. As the Doctor was free and cheerful in
conversation, so his remarks were constandy directed to
some valuable end. On his last visit to his father at South
ampton, Richard Ellcock, a servant in the family was or
dered to accompany him a day's journey homeward. On
this occasion, the Doctor entered into such 3 serious discourse
with him, as proved the means of his conversion, and he ever
after lived an ornament to his character. In early life. Dr.
Watts is said to have formed an attachment to the pious and
amiable Miss Singer, afterwards Mrs. Rowe ; but if this was
ever any thing more than a platonic passion, it subsided into a
pure and sincere friendship ; in consequence of which that
lady, at her death, committed her papers to his care.
As an author, no man's posthumous claim upon the grati
tude of the church, and of his country, can be urged with a
more imperative tone. The natural strength of his genius,
which he cultivated and improved by a very considerable ac
quaintance with the most celebrated writers, both ancient and
modern, had enriched his mind with a large and uncommon
store of just sentiments, and useful knowledge of various
kinds. His soul was too noble and large, to he confined
within narrow limits ; he could not be content to leave any
path of learning untried, nor rest in a total ignorance of any
science, the knowledge of which might be for his own im
provement, or might in any way tend to enlarge his capacity
of being useful to others. Though that which gave him the
most remarkable pre-eminence was the extent and sublimity
of his imagination, how few excelled, or even equalled him
in quickness of apprehension, and solidity of judgment; and
having also a faithful memory to retain what he collected
from the labours of others, he was able to pay it back again
into the common treasury of learning- with a large increase.
It is a question whether any author before him ever appeared
with reputation on such a variety of subjects, as he has done,
both as a prose writer, and a poet. However, this we may

of dissenting churches. 317
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  -Independent.
venture to say, that tiiere has been no writer of late years,
whose works have been so widely dispersed both at home
and abroad, in such constant use, and translated into such a
variety of languages ; many of which will remain more dura
ble monuments of his great talents, dian any representation
that can be made of them, though it were graven on pillars
of brass.*
It would be easy to adduce testimonies in abundance to
the talents and piety of Dr. Watts, two however shall suffice ;
aud these selected from enemies, (c) Dr. Vicessirnus Knox,
in his " Christian Philosophy," says, " For my own part, I
cannot but think this good man approached as nearly to
Christian perfection as any mortal ever did in this sublunary
state ; and therefore I consider him as a better interpreter of
the Christian doctrine than the most learned critics, who,
proud of dieir reason and their learning, despised or neg
lected the very life and soul of Christianity ; the living, ever
lasting gospel, the supernatural influence of divine grace ;
and be it ever remembered, that Dr. Watts was a man who
studied the abstrusest sciences, and was as well qualified to
become a verbal critic, or a logical disputant on the scrip
ture, as die most learned among the Doctors of the Sor-
bonne, or the greatest proficients in polemical divinity. I
mention this circumstance for the consideration of diose who
insinuate diat the doctrines of grace cannot be entertained
but by ignorant, as well as fanatical persons ; by persons
un-initiated in the mysteries of philosophy."
" Few men (says Dr. Johnson) have left' behind such
» Dr. Jennings's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Watts, p. 27, S3.
(c) Dr. Johnson's high-church principles are well known : A remarkable
instance of his bigotry will be noticed above. To call Dr. Knox an enemy
-may seem strange, after the panegyric above quoted ; but for a solution of-
the difficulty, we refer to his Sermon at the opening of the Chapel belonging
to the Philanthropic Reform, Nov. 9, 1806; which, however, contains
not a tenth part of the contemptible bigotry and nonsense, expressed in the
delivery.

318 history and antiquities
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY ;AXE  -Independent.
purity of character, or such monuments of labrious piety.
He has provided instruction for all ages, from those who
are lisping their first lessons, to the enlightened readers of
Mallebranche and Locke ; he has left neither corporeal nor
spiritual nature unexamined ; he has taught the art of rea
soning and the science of the stars. His character, there
fore, must be formed from the multiplicity and diversity of
his attainments, rather than from any single performance;
for it would not be safe to claim for him the highest rank in
any single denomination of literary dignity ; yet perhaps there
was nothing in which he would not have excelled, if he had
not divided his powers to different pursuits." The same
author, after a critique upon his poetry, before noticed, con
clude thus : " And happy will be that reader whose mind is
disposed by his verses or his prose, to imitate him in all but
his nonconformity, to copy his benevolence to man, and his
reverence to God."* (d)
Samuel Price, whose name is identified widi that
of Watts, as having been his colleague in the ministry for
* Life of Watts by Gibbons, Johnson, Palmer, prefixed to his Work,
Leed's edition ;— and to his Practical Works. AM° funeral Sermons for him
by Jennings, Milner,, and Ajhworth.
(d) The exception taken by Dr. Johnson to the nonconformity of Watts,
discovers a littleness of mind unworthy so great a man. After the warm
eulogium .upon his talents, benevolence and piety, who could expect so un
necessary, a caution, and so miserably out of place? Was the caveat here
introduced a diminution of his literary, or a blot upon his religious reputa
tion? Or was .the mind of Dr. Johnson so debased by a churlish bigotry,
that he supposed a conformity to certain rites and ceremonies, the criterion
of true excellence ? Certain it is, that the character of Dr. Watts was
so singularly irreproachable, that, excepting in a matter of conscience,
nothing could be alleged against him. In his liberal soul were united all
those excellencies that form the very reverse of a party-zealot ; and if a
meek and lowly mind could shield the -memory of any man from the en
venomed influence of this detestable spirit, his nonconformity had never
been mentioned but with a view of recommending tbe virtues by which it
was so greatly adorned, ltis probable that Dr. Johnson never studied the
grounds of Nonconformity, otherwise he would have entertained a better
opinion of the understandings, as well as integrity, of its advocates.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 319
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
more than forty years, was a native of Wales, and pursued
his academical studies under the celebrated Mr. Timothy
Jollie, at Attercliffe, near Sheffield, in Yorkshire. In July,
1703, he was chosen assistant to Dr. Watts ; and during the
long illness of that great and excellent man, was, upon his
recommendation, and at his express desire, chosen by the
church to the office of joint-pastor, to which he was or
dained March 3, 1713; Messrs. Nesbitt, Bragge, Collins,
Ridgley, and Foxon, assisted on the occasion. This con
nexion subsisted with the utmost harmony during a. long
course of years, till dissolved by death. Mr. Price survived
his amiable colleague but little more than seven years, and
died lamented by persons of various persuasions, April 21,
1756, having been connected with the church in Bury-
street, almost 53 years. He was uncle to the late celebrated
Dr. Richard Price.
During a long life Mr. Price supported an exemplary
character for probity and virtue. He was a man of sound
and solid sense, a judicious, useful preacher, and eminent
for his gift in prayer. He possessed great sagacity ; was
very able, faithful, and ready to advise, and communicate
his mind in serviceable hints and caution^ to his friends.
His disposition was friendly and peaceable, and he laid him
self out to do good, in which he much delighted. He was
highly esteemed by his excellent friend Dr. Watts, who, in
his will, styles him " his faithful friend and companion in
the labours of the ministry ;" and mentions a legacy he be
queaths him " as only a small testimony of his great affection
for him on account of his services of love during the many
harmonious years of their fellowship in the work . of the
gospel." Mr. Price lies buried in Bunhill-Fields, when a hand
some tomb-stone is erected to his memory, containing the
following modest lines, which he himself directed in his last
will, and also desired that he might be buried as near as
possible to his honoured colleague.

M,0 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
" Here lies the body ofMr. Samuel Price, whoserved
with the truly Rev. Dr. Watts in the gospel, under the cha*
racier of his assistant and co-pastor 45 years, to whose unin
terrupted goodness and candour he has been highly obliged
so great a part of his life. He died in hopes of being toge
ther for ever with the Lord, the 21st April, 1756."
Mr. Price's publications are not numerous : they consist,
we believe, only of the following sermons. To the Society
who support the Morning Lecture at Little St. Helen's,
August 1, 1724.— To the Societies for Reformation of
Manners: preached at Salters'-Hall, June 28, 1725. —
Nine Sermons in the Bury-street Collection, 1735. — A
Charge at the Ordination of the Rev. John Angus, at
Bishop's-Stortford, 1748. — A Sermon on the Death of
Dame Mary Abriey. 1750.*
Meredith Town sh end. — Mr. Price feeling the in
firmities of age growing upon him, found it necessary to have
an assistant, and Mr. Meredith' Townshend was chosen1 to
that service, February 5, 1742. He continued in this situa
tion till June, 1746, when he settled at Hull, in Yorkshire,
from whence he removed to Stoke-Newington. He was
held in high esteem by the church in Bury-street, on account
of his excellent preaching and exeriiplary character.-)-
Samuel Morton Savage, D. D. — -This learned
and respectable Divine was born in London, July 19, 1721.
His grandfather on- the paternal side, was the Rev. John
Savage, pastor of die seventh-day Baptist church, in Mill-
yard, Goodman's-fields ; and1 on the maternal, Mr. Abra
ham Toulmin, who, though educated in the medical line,
kept a school in Old Gravel-lane, Wapping. He derived
his name Morton from his father's mother ; and from pater-
• Gibbons's Life of Watts, p. 151. note,
f MS, penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 321
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nal claims had the honour of very noble connexions. The
family of the Savages was related to Dr. Hugh Boulter,
Primate of Ireland ; and he considered himself as the direct
lineal descendant of John Savage, the first Earl of Rivers
of that family, to whose estate,: when the title became ex
tinct, he had an undoubted right, though he never claimed
it* By a religious education, Dr. Savage was led into an
early acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures ; and the read
ing some books on practical religion, was the means of
awakening in hirn an earnest concern for his eternal interests.
" The great things of salvation shone into his mind in so
forcible and convincing a manner, as not only to bear down
all objections and command the assent, but so as to carry
away his soul with joy, mixed with such an awful admiration
as if God himself had been personally speaking to him."j
His: religious views and impressions ran much into that train
of thought which distinguishes the writings of our old Di
vines on the subject of conversion ; and their effects were
lasting. It was the design of his friends to place him in the national
church, under the patronage of his relative, the Lord Pri
mate of Ireland ; but this scheme was dropt in deference to
his own judgment, which determined him for nonconformity.
Encouraged and assisted by Dr. Watts, to whose acquaint
ance he had introduced himself, by means of a letter, he
entered on academical studies under the learned Mr. John
Eames; on whose death, in 1744*, Dr. -David Jennings
being chosen Divinity Professor, made it a condition of his
filling that post, that Mr. Savage, who had not then finished
his academical course, should be his colleague, to lecture
on mathematics, natural philosophy, and other branches
* Life of Dr. Savage, prefixed to his Sermons, by Dr. Toulmin, p.' 1, a.
t Bennet's Sermons on the Death of Dr. Savage, p. 34.
Vol. I. ti

322 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
of literature and science. This province he supported with
reputation till 1763, when Dr. Jennings died, and the semi
nary, under the direction of Mr. Coward's trustees, assumed
a new form, and was removed to Hoxton. Mr. Savage
was placed in the divinity chair, and had for his colleagues
in the other branches of science, the late Dr. Kippis, and
Dr. Rees.
After preaching some time occasionally, he was chosen,
in December, 1747, assistant to the justly esteemed Mr.
Samuel Price, and was afterwards associated with him in
the pastoral office ; to which he was ordained in 1753. On
the death of Mr. Price, in 1756, he became sole pastor,
which office he held with various assistants, till he resigned
it, after a connexion of forty years, at Christmas; 1787-
Previously to this> at Midsummer, 1785, he quitted the
academy, not of necessity, as he expressed it, but of choice,
chiefly that he might have time to employ himself, then late
in the evening of life, (above 64,) in studies for his own
personal satisfaction and improvement. He received the
degree of Bachelor in Divinity, from the Royal College of
Aberdeen, in April, 1764 ; and the degree of Doctor in
Divinity, from the Marischal College of the same university,
in November, 1767- (d)
Besides his pastoral connexion with the Independent
church in Bury-street, Dr. Savage officiated, for some
years, as afternoon preacher to the Presbyterian congrega
tion in Hanover-street, under the ministry of the venerable
Dr. Earle. He entered on this office at Christmas, 1759,
and continued in it till Lady-day, 1766. He was also one
of the preachers of the Thursday lecture in that place from
November, 1760, till Christmas, 1767, when it was drop
ped. Of Mr. Coward's Friday lecture, at Little St. Helen's,
(d) In 1752, he married Miss Houlme, only daughter of Mr. George
Houlme, stock-broker, in Hoxton-square ; by whom he left two daugh
ters. This lady dying in 1763, he continued a widower till 1770, when
he married Miss Hannah Wilkin, who survived him.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 323
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent-
he was likewise a lecturer from July, 1761, to November,
1790. From October, 1769, to January, 1775, he preached
constantly at Clapham, in the afternoon of those Lord's-
days, on which Dr. Furneaux was even lecturer at Salters'-
Hall. It ought also, to be mentioned to his honour, that
he was one of the gentlemen with whom originated, in 1772,
the design of applying to parliament for relief in the. matter
of subscription, and by whose active exertions the affair was
brought to a favourable termination.*
Close application to study, in the early period of life,
protracted far beyond midnight, greatly affected the health
of Dr. Savage, and injured his constitution; which, as it
was strong, held out to an advanced period. Towards the
close of life, his health gradually declined ; but his death was
occasioned by a singular obstruction in his throat, thought,
by the physician who attended him, to be an internal swell
ing of the oesophagus, which gave the painful apprehension
that he must be starved to death. The oesophagus gradually
became so contracted, that he was unable to swallow any
nourishment, except by single drops ; so that his family and
friends had the mortification of seeing him dying by inches,
and at length reduced to a skeleton, till he was literally
starved to death. He was at last so emaciated, that the
bones absolutely fretted the skin to soreness, and all but
came through it.+ As a natural consequence of the linger
ing nature of his disease, the dark valley was for a consi
derable time open before him, but he was not terrified by
the prospect : "lam descending (said he, with the greatest
serenity,) gradually into it ; die face of death is smooth to
me." He acknowledged, indeed, that he did not feel those
joys, which some have experienced in their last moments,
and that there were seasons when he was sensible of fear ;
but it was transient. Though he possessed a nervous habit,
and had formerly laboured under great fears of death, yet
•Toulmin's Life of Savage, ubi supra, p. 4 — 9.
t Gentleman's Maga?ine, Feb. 1791, p. 191.

324 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
11 ' L ¦ ¦ ¦ ' " »'  '¦ » .'
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
now his habitual frame was serene and cheerful ; his fears
were scattered ; and a divine peace filled his mind : he sup
ported his illness in a manner that became the man and the
Christian. Not one impatient repining, . or discontented
word proceeded out of his lips. His calm and cheerful 4r>
quiescence in the will of God was highly pleasing and- in
structive ; and his conversation well adapted to fill those
who heard it with an holy veneration and love of true' piety.
A little before his dissolution, being asked whether he wished
for any thing ? He replied, " I only long for my release ;"
which was granted him in the most gentle manner, without
a sigh or a groan, February 21, 1791, in the 70th year of
his age.*
Dr. Savage possessed good natural abilities, which were
improved by close study, and an intimate acquaintance with
the various branches of literature. As a preacher, his dis
courses were distinguished by good sense, perspicuity, pre
cision and accuracy ; and they were pervaded by a serious
evangelical spirit. Though his delivery was not adornecUry
a studied eloquence, it was warm and energetic. His
preaching, however, though highly esteemed by some, was
never encouraged by a large auditory ; nor was his apparent
success in proportion to his learning, abilities,, and piety.
•Whatever were the causes, " no criminality (observes Mr.
Towle) rested withJum. Most earnestly did he desire that
the great ends, in order to the attaintment of which he was
advanced to the stations he filled, might be faithfully and
punctually accomplished. For this purpose, he laboured
with indefatigable zeal and diligence. When he had reason
to fear his labours were not successful, the thought pierced
his heart with an anguish peculiarly pungent, but when there
was ground to hope that success crowned them, his whole
soul was filled with sensations exquisitely delightful."-]- In
* Mr. Bennet's Sermon, and Mr. Towle's Address at the grave.
J- Mr. Towle's Address, p. 44.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 32»
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
the capacity of a tutor, besides the many acts of friendship
which he performed for particular students, he acted with
a truly generous spirit, recommended the cause of learning
and piety, and encouraged free inquiry. He possessed a
valuable library, of which he made a proper use. His read
ing was careful and diligent ; and his books by the references
and remarks written in the margin, bore on almost every
page, strong proofs of die care and judgment with which
they were perused. As an instance of his patient assiduity,
it is recorded that he read over the folio and octavo editions
of " The Antient Universal History" together, to compare
and note the variations between them. By extensive reading
he acquired much valuable knowledge ; particularly excelled
in mathematical science, and had a taste for poetry. His
great love of retirement gave him opportunities for his lite
rary pursuits ; but rendered him the less amiable in social
converse. In point of religious sentiment, he was an Inde
pendent, and a moderate Calvinist ; and in his intercourse
with other denominations behaved with the greatest candour.
Evangelical principles commanded his assent, engaged his
love, and governed his actions.* His publications consist
of a few single sermons, which shall be specified below, (e)
* Toulmin's Life of Savage, p. 13 — 19.
(e) 1. An Introductory Discourse at the Ordination of the Rev. William
Ford, Jun. at Miles's-lane, Dec. 14, 1757.— 2. The Duty of Subjects to
honour the King : a Sermon on the Accession of-Gcorge III. Nov. 30, 1760.
I Pet. ii. 17. — 3. Good men dismissed in Peace : a Sermon on the Death
of the Rev. David Jennings, D. D. Sept. 26, 1762. Luke ii. 29, 30. — 4.
The Wisdom of being Religious : a Sermon at St. Thomas's, Jan. 1, 1703.
Job xxviii. 28. — i. A Discourse on the Lord's Supper, i2mp. 1763.— 6. A
Charge at -the Ordination of the Rev. Samuel Wilton, June 18,1766, at
Lower Tooting, in Surry «— 7. An Oration at the Interment of the Rev. Dr.
Samuel Wilton, in Bunhill-Fields, April 10, 1778. — 8. National Reforma
tion the Way to prevent National Ruin : a Sermon at the Monthly Exercise
on Account of the State of public Affairs ; preached at Haberdashers'-Hall,
Feb. 20, 1782,'Jer. xviii. 7, 8. — After Dr. Savage's death, several Sermons
which he had transcribed for the press, were published in one volume-,
octavo, with some memoirs of his life, drawn up by his relative Dr. Joshua
Toulmin, then of Taunton, but now of Birmingham.

326 history and antiquities
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
Dr. Savage was interred in Bunhill-Fields, beneath a
handsome tomb-stone, bearing the following inscription.
* Sacred
To (lie Memory of the
REV. SAMUEL MORTON SAVAGE, D.D.
Foriy Years Pastor of
A Congregational Church amongProtestant Dissenters
In BURY-STREET, LONDON ;
Formerly under the care of
The eminently pious and learned Dr. ISAAC WATTS ;
And Professor of Divinity
In the Academy late at Hoxton,
Founded by William Coward, of Walthamstow, Esq.
Hn superior natural abilities, extensive literature, and uniform piety, '
Rendered him greatly respected by those who knew him.
And enabled him with honour and fidelity
To discharge the duties of private and public life.
The approach of death,
Though attended with circumstances peculiarly trying,
He met with exemplary patience,
And Christian fortitude,
And joyful hope.
He died the 21st February, 1791,
In the 70th year of his age.
As Dr. Savage preached only in the morning at Bury-
street, he had various ministers to assist him in the after
noon. The first statedly engaged in this service was the
Rev. Thomas Porter, for about four or five years. He
was followed by the late Rev. Josiah Thompson, who
preached several years at Bury-street, in the afternoon, after
he went to reside in St. Mary Axe. Of both these minis
ters we shall have occasion to speak elsewhere, and there
fore, forbear enlarging upon their characters in this place.
After Mr. Thompson's removal to Clapham, the afternoon
service in Bury-street was discontinued till 1779, when the
use of the place for that portion of the Lord's-day was granted
to the General Baptist Societies under the care of Mr.
Joseph Brown, and Dr. Joseph Jeffries, till they removed
to Worship-street, in 1781.

OP DISSENTINS CHURCHES. 327
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE  Independent.
Thomas Beck, the present minister of Bury-street
meeting, was born in Bermondsey parish, Southwark, about
the year 1755. His first serious impressions are said to
have been received under the preaching of the Rev. John
Langford, minister of a meeting in Blacksfields ; but while
he was an apprentice, he frequently attended public worship
at the places in connexion with the late Rev. John Wesley.
He began to preach before he was out of his time, and the
sphere of his early labours is said to have been Kennington,
near Newington, in the county of Surry. At his setting-
out in the ministry, he was extremely popular ; and very
soon had an invitation to Morpeth, in Northumberland.
But this he declined, intending at that time to go to the
Countess of Huntingdon's College at Trevecca ; though
through some means or other, his intention was never ful
filled. About 1776, or 1777, he had a chapel taken for
him in Hermitage-street, Wapping ; where he preached
about a twelvemonth. After this, he was introduced to
Mr. Whitefield's connexion, preached sometimes at the
Tabernacle, • and under the patronage of Mr. Keene, went
frequently to Mitcham, and occasionally to Bristol. ' He
also became acquainted with Dr. Peckwell, for; whom he
sometimes preached at Westminster chapel. From the
Tabernacle connexion^ he had a call to Gravesend, which
he accepted, and •ontinued there about nine years. While
at this place, he published a sermon occasioned by the death
of Mrs. Susannah Link, who died Jan. 30, 1781, aged
22 years. This we believe was the only sermon he ever
printed. While at Gravesend, he also published an allego
rical poem, entitled, " The Three Youths ;" and an Elegy
on the death of Dr. Peckwell.
In the month of April, 1788, Mr. Beck was invited to
succeed Dr. Savage, at Bury-street. The congregation was
then in a very low state, and notwithstanding the attempts
that have been made to revive it, has continued so ever since.

3«8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BURY-STREET, ST. MARY AXE.  Independent.
Some time after his settlement at Bury-street, Mr. Beck
had an invitation from the church in East- Lane, Walworth,
before Mr. Swain was chosen pastor. . But this he declined.
A few years ago he built a small chapel in his own garden;
at Deptford, where there is service every Lord's-day in the
winter season, and three times in summer.
Since his settlement in London, Mr. Beck has given to
the public several specimens of his abilities as a poet. In
1795, he published, "The Passions taught by Truth; an
allegorical Poem :" in which " the excellence of evangelical
truth, in its application to the passions and interests of man
kind, is clearly demonstrated, and embellished with much
fertility and vivacity of imagination."* In the following
year appeared " The Mission, a Poem ;" and since then
several Elegies : as one for Dr. Hunter ; another for Cow-
per, the poet ; and a third for the late Rev. John Newton.
In 1806, he presented the public with a small volume,
of a satirical nature, entitled, "The Age of Frivolity; by
Timothy Touch'em ;" which came to a second edition in
the following year. We understand he has another volume
•f Poems in the press, nearly ready for publication.
There is a good endowment belonging to this church,
and it would have been still more considerable had not part
of the principal been sunk in the time^jf Dr. Savage, to de
fray the expences of repairs.-}- .
* Evangelioal Mag. for June, 1795, p. 256. f Private Information*

( 329 )

CROSBY-SQUARE.

INDEPENDENT.  EXTINCT.

Cl

/ROSBY-SQUARE, situated on the East side of Bi-
shopsgate-sti'eet, takes its name from Sir John Crosby, grocer
and woolman, who erected a magnificent mansion on the
site ; Alice Ashfield, Prioress of St. Helen's, having
granted him a lease of certain lands and tenements, for
ninety-nine years, from 1466, at an annual rent of 111. 6s.
8d. The house was built of Stone and timber, very large
and beautiful, and the highest at that time in London. Sir
John was sheriff and alderman of London, in 1470, knighted
by Edward III. in the following year, and died iii 1475—
so short a time did he live to enjoy this stately structure !
In the reign of EdSvard V. it was the city residence of
Richard Duke of Glocester, afterwards Richard III. who
here contrived the measures that eventually secured him the
crown, by dethroning his nephew, and murdering' the two
innocents in the tower. Iii 1542,* Henry VIIL made a
grant of diese premises to Antonio Bonvici, a rich Italian
merchant, who made them his residence. In the reign of
Elizabedi, Crosby-House was appropriated to foreign am
bassadors. Henry Ramelius, chancellor of Denmark, re
sided here in 1586, as did the ambassador of France. It
was afterwards purchased by Sir John Spencer, alderman of
London, who kept his mayoralty here, in 1594. The
chief part of this noble structure has been long since pulled
down, and the site built upon ; the hall mis-called Richard
the Illd.'s chapel, still remains, and is very entire. It is a
beautiful Gothic building, with a bow window on one side ;
Vol. I. rj v

330 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE  Independent, Extinct. •
the roof is of timber and much to be admired. In the reign
of Charles the Second, it was appropriated to the Noncon
formists, who occupied it as a meeting-house for upwards
of a century. For the last thirty years it has been used for
inferior purposes ; and is at present occupied by a wool-
packer.* The Society assembling in Crosby-Square was collected
soon after the act of Uniformity, by the Rev. Thomas Wat
son, the ejected minister of St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He
was an eminent Presbyterian Divine, and laid the foundation
of a very flourishing society. During the early part of the
ministry of Dr. Grosvenor, the congregation was very large
and rich, and, at one time, made the largest annual collec
tion for the fund,, of any Presbyterian church in London.
But as the Doctor grew in years, he became incapacitated
for active exertion, and a disorder in his palate contributed
not a little to lessen his popularity, so that the congregation
gradually declined ; nor did the preaching of bis successors
ever succeed in causing a revival. At length, upon the expi
ration of the lease, in 1769, the church not finding itself in
a condition sufficiently prosperous to warrant a renewal of it,
agreed to dissolve ; and the remaining members joined them
selves to other societies. After this, a lease of the meeting
house was taken by the well-known Mr. James Relly,
who preached here to a Society of his own formation,
till his death-. With respect to the Presbyterian church, the
following is, we believe, a pretty accurate list of the mi
nisters who have been connected with it, whether as pastors
or assistants. * Histories of London, by Strype, Maitland, and Pennant..

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

331

CROSBY.SQUARE.  Independent, Extinct.

Ministxrs' Names.

As Pastors.

As Assistants

From To

From To

Thomas Watson, M. A. . .
Stephen Charnock, B. D.
Samuel Slater, M. A. . .
John Reynolds, 
Daniel Alexander, . . . .
Benjamin Grosvenor, D. D.
Samuel Wright, D. D. . .
John Barker, 
Clerk Oldsworth, . . . .
Edmund Calamy, Jun. . .
John Hodge, D. D . . .
Richard Jones, 

16621675 1680

1704

1616801704

1749

16
1693170517081715 1726

17491763

1762 1769

16911704 170817141726
1749

Thomas Watson, M. A. received his education in
Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for
being a hard student. In the time of .the civil wars, A. D.
1646, he became rector of the parish of St. Stephen's, Wal-
brook, where he executed the office of a faithful pastor, with
great diligence and assiduity, for Dearly sixteen years. His
pious and useful labours soon spread his fame in the city,
and procured him very general respect, which he carried
with him to his grave.* During the commotions that agi
tated the nation in his time, Mr. Watson discovered great
loyalty and attachment to the person of King Charles the
First, and totally disapproved the methods made use of by
the army to bring him to trial. He also joined the Presby-

* Calamy's Account, p. 37.

33'2 HISTORY AND . ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY SQUARE.  Independent, Extinct.
terian ministers in a remonstrance to General Cromwell, and
the Council of War, against the death of that monarch.*
After this, in 1651, he was concerned with some other per
sons in carrying 011 a correspondence with the Scots, for the
purpose of bringing in King Charles II. which being discor
vered, he was apprehended and committed prisoner to the
Tower, along with Dr. Drake, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Jackson,
Mr. Robinson, Mr. Blackmore, arid Mr. Haviland. These,
after some time, on their petitioning for mercy, and pro
mising Submission to the government, were released ; but
Mr. Christopher Love, an eminent Presbyterian minister,
was publicjiy executed as a terror) to others, f
Mr. Watson continued at his living till Bartholomew-day,
1662, whien he was ejected for nonconformity. There are
three farewel sermons of his in the London collection ; and
another, printed separate, but without the author's, know>
ledge, said to have been preached at St. Stephen^, Wal-
•brook, August 17 : it is entitled, " The Pastor's , Love ex
pressed to a loving People," from Acts xx. 28. Sorrowing
most of all for the words that he spake, that they should
see his face no. more.% Notwithstanding the rigorous execu
tion of this unnatural act, Mr. Watson continued the exer
cise of his ministry in private as Providence gave him oppor
tunity. After the fire of London, in 1666, when the
churches were burnt, and the parish-ministers unemployed
for want of places of worship, the nonconformists fitted up
large rooms with pulpits, seats and galleries, for the recep
tion of those who had an inclination to attend. Of this
number was Mr. Watson.§ Upon die Indulgence in 1672,
he licenced the great hall in Crosby-House, then belonging
to Sir John Langham, who patronized the Nonconformists.
There he preached for several years ; till, at length, his
strength wearing away, he retired into Essex, where he died
* Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 36a. f Ibid. p. 404.
X Kennet's Chronicle, p. 74 «. § NeuUs Puritans, vol. ii. p. 6f.fi.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. SS3
, " " " - - ' i i r
CROSBY-SQUARE  Independent, Extinct.
suddenly in his closet at prayer.* The time of Mr. Wat
son's death is not mentioned ; but we apprehend it to have
happened about a year after the Revolution.
Mr. Watson was a man of considerable learning, a popu
lar but judicious preacher, and eminent in the gift of prayer.
Of the latter, the following anecdote affords a sufficient
proof. Once on a lecture»day, before the Bartholomew
Act took place, the learned Bishop Richardson came to hear
him, and was so well pleased with his senrion, but especially
with the prayer after it, that he followed him home, re
turned him his thanks, and desired' a copy of it. " Alas !
(said Mr. Watson) that is what I ¦ cannot give, for I do not
use to pen my prayers ; it was no studied thing, but uttered
pro re nata, as God enabled me, from the abundance of
my heart and affections." Upon this, the good bishop went
away, wondering that any man could pray in so excellent a
manner extempore.-^ Mr. Watson published a variety of
books upon practical subjects, and of a useful nature ; the
titles of which shall be specified below, (f) But his prin
cipal work was a body of divinity, in 176 sermons upon the
Assembly's Catechism, which did not appear till after his
deadi. It was published in one volume folio, in 1692, and
* Calamy's Account, ubi supra. f Ibid.
(r) His Wobks'. — Sermons and Works, 2 vols. 12mo. 1657. — Discourses
on the Beatitudes. 1600.— The Christian's Charter, shewing the Privileges
ofaBeliever. 1661 -Tr-The Art of Divine Contentment. 1661. — A Discourse
of Meditation ; with several occasional Sermons. 1661. — The Godly Man's
Charactgn^A Word of Comfort to the Church of God. — The Doctrine of
Repentance. 1668. — Heaven taken by Storm. 1669. — The Mischief of Sin.
1671. — A Divine Cordial; or, the Privilege of those that love God.— The
Holy Eucharist. — The Duty of Self-denial. — A Fast Sermon before the Com
mons. 1649. Heb. iv. 14. — Religion our true Interest. Mai. iii. 16—18.—
A Plea for the Godly ; or, Excellence of the Righteous. — The Saints' De
light.1 — Sermons before the Lord Mayor, on public Occasions. — Funeral
Sermons for Mr. Hodges.; Mr. Jacob Stock 5 Mr. John Wells ; and Mr.
Henry Stubbs. — Four Sermons in the Morning Exercises, — Three Farewel
Sermons. 1602, — A Body of Divinity. 1692.

334 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Independent, Extinct.
accompanied with a portrait of the author by Sturt ; toge
ther with a Recommendatory Preface by the Rev. William
Lorimer, and the attestation of twenty-five, other ministers,
of principal note in that day. A hew edition of this work,
in two volumes octavo, was published a few years since.
Stephen Charnock, B. D. descended from an an
cient family in Lancashire, was born in 1628, in the parish
of St. Katherine-Cree, London, where his father, Richard
Charnock, practised as a solicitor. At a proper age, he
was sent to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he had
for his tutor Dr. William Sancroft, Archbishop of Canter
bury. Upon leaving the College, he went to reside in a
private family; and, afterwards, spent some time in the
exercise of his ministry in Southwark, where he was made
very useful. About l649,'he went to Oxford, and in the
following year, obtained a fellowship in New-College. In
1652, he was incorporated Master of Arts, as he had before
stood in Cambridge. Two years after, he became senior
Proctor of the University, " being then taken notice of
(says Wood) by the godly party for his singular gifts, and
had in reputation by the then most learned Presbyterians;,
and therefore he was the more frequently put upon public
work." Upon the expiration of his Proctorship, in 1656,
he went over to Ireland, and resided in the family of Henry
Cromwell. In Dublin he continued the exercise of his mi
nistry, about four or five years, being held in high esteem
by the most serious and judicious Christians, of different
denominations ; and he had many persons of distinction for
his constant hearers. While he resided in that city, it is
apprehended, he received his degree of B. D. from Trinity
College. The Restoration putting an end to his ministry in
Dublin, he returned to London, where he spent fifteen
years in retirement ; and for his farther improvement, took
a tour occasionally to France and Holland. At length, in
1675, he accepted a call to become joint-pastor of a con-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 335
CROSBY-SQUARE  Independent, Extinct.
gregation in Crosby-Square, with the Rev. Thomas Watson.
In this connexion he continued about five years, till he was
removed by death, July 27, 1680, in the 53d year of his
age. On the 30th of the same month, his remains were
conveyed from Whitechapel, the place of his decease, to his
meeting-house in Crosby-Square, and from thence to St.
Michael's church, Cornhill, where they were deposited, and
where a funeral sermon was delivered upon the occasion,
by his fellow-collegian in the university, the Rev. John
Johnson.* The character of Charnock is so well known, and his
writings held in such general esteem, diat we need say the
less in his commendation. He was, as to manners and de
portment, venerable and grave, like an aged person from his
youth ; a man of excellent abilities, strong judgment, and
singular genius. His attainments in learning were of the
first order ; having been, throughout life, a most diligent
and methodical student, and a great redeemer of time, res
cuing not only his restless hours in the night, but even the
time that was spent in walking, from those impertinencies
and fruitless vanities, which so often fill up the minds of
men, and steal away their hearts from those nobler objects
that more justly challenge their regard. He constantly wrote
down his thoughts upon those occasions, which furnished
him with many materials for his most elaborate discourses.
With the learned languages he had a very extensive acquaint
ance. Mr. Johnson,, his intimate friend, says, " he never
knew a man in all his life, who had attained near to that
skill that Mr. Charnock had, in the originals of the Old and
New Testament, except Mr. Thomas Cawton." In the
talent of preaching he had few equals. His sermons were
chiefly of a practical nature, yet rational and argumentative,
reaching to the understandings, as well as the affections of
• Wood's Athense Oxon. vol. ii. p. 6S7, 65».

336 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUAREi.  Independent, Extinct.
his hearers. When controversies came in his way, he dis
cussed them with great acuteness and judgment, and disco
vered no less skill in applying them to practice. Though
his preaching was considered by some persons as too high
for the vulgar, and better suited to the more intelligent sort
of Christians, yet, if sometimes deep, he was never abstruse,
and handled the great mysteries of the gospel with much
clearness and perspicuity : " So that if -he were above most,
it was only because most were below him."
In his younger days, he delivered his sermons without
notes, but as he grew in years, and his memory began to
fail, he penned and read them verbatim. Though he was
not popular, on account of his disadvantageous way of read
ing with a glass, yet his preaching was much esteemed by
the more judicious sort of hearers. He spent most of his
time in his study, which made him somewhat reserved in
conversation ; but where he was well acquainted, he could
be very free and communicative ; and he selected his Society
from the more serious, as well as intelligent part of man
kind. His library, furnished with a curious, though not a
very' large collection of books, was unfortunately destroyed
in the fire of London. In such reputation was he held by
his brethren, that many able ministers loved to sit at his
feet, for the benefit of those instructions which tiiey could
not get by many books, or by the sermons of others. In
the course of his ministry at Crosby-Square, he intended to
have presented his hearers with a complete body of divinity ;
but his sun was set at the threshold of this design. He had
entered upon a set of discourses on the Existence and Attri
butes of God, which he did not live to finish. While he
treated upon these subjects, they inspired him with so lively
an interest as seemed to indicate his near and rapid ap
proach to his everlasting rest. It was, for some time
before his death, his longing desire to be in heaven, where
there is the perfection of grace and holiness ; and he ex-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 337

CROSBY-SQUARE  Presbyterian, Extinct.
pressed a lively hope that he should quickly enjoy that
felicity.* Mr. Charnock published nothing in his lifetime excepting
a single sermon on " The Sinfulness and Cure of Thoughts ;"
in the Supplement to the Morning Exercise at Cripplegate.
His other valuable writings were given to the public after his
death, by Mr. Adams and Mr. Veal, to whom he had com
mitted his papers. The first piece they published was his
excellent " Discourse on Divine Providence," in 168/J; to -
which they prefixed some account of the life and character
of the author. This was followed, in 1681, byhis"Dis-v
courses on die Existence and Attributes of God," in one
large volume folio ; to which was afterwards added another
volume, consisting of discourses on " Regeneration, Recon
ciliation, The Lord's-Supper," and various other important
subjects. A second edition of his works, in two volumes •
folio, appeared in 1684; and a third edition in 1702. To
these several expressions was prefixed a good portrait of the
author, engraved by R. White. His " Two Discourses on
Man's Enmity to God, and on the Salvation of Sinners,"
were printed separately in octavo, in 1699- These several
discourses were left behind him in the same form he usually
wrote them for the pulpit. It is no unfavourable sign of
the present times, that the works of Charnock are rising in
the estimation of the religious world, and consequently, be
coming scarce. Their merit, indeed, can scarcely be rated
too high ; for though they may want that perfection and
beauty of style which they would, doubtless, have received
had the author himself prepared themfor the press ; yet for
strengdi of reasoning, solidity of judgment, and sublimity of
genius, they are equalled by few, and excelled by none.
To these observations, we shall subjoin the testimony of
« Mr. Johnson's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Charnock— and Preface to
Mr. Charnock's " Discourse on Divine Providence.''
Vol. I. xx

338 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
i ,mte
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
a late writer, Mr. Toplady ; " I have met (says he) widi
many treatises on the Divine Perfections ; but with none
which any way equals that of Mr. Charnock. Perspicuity,
and depth ; metaphysical sublimity, and evangelical simpli
city; immense learning, and plain, but irrefragable' reason
ing, conspire to render that performance one of the most
inestimable productions that ever did honour to the sancti
fied judgment and genius of a human being. If I thought
myself at all adequate to the task, I would endeavour to
circulate the outlines of so rich a treasure into more hands,
by reduciug the substance of it within the compass of, an
octavo volume. Was such a design properly executed, a
more important service could hardly be rendered to the
cause of religion, virtue, and knowledge. Many people are
frightened at a folio of more than 800 pages, who might
have both leisure and inclination to avail themselves of a
well-digested compendium." Few of our readers need be
informed that this task was executed, in 1797, by the Rev.
Griffith Williams. In the course of the present year (1808)
the inestimably " Treatise on Divine Providence," was re
printed, in a neat manner, in crown octavo, and accompa
nied with a fine portrait of the author.
Samuel Slater, M. A. — This pious and excellent
Divine was a native of London, and had the honour to
descend from pious parents. Of his father, the Rev. Sa
muel Slater, who was ejected from St. Katherine's, Tower,
we have spoken in a preceding article.* After passing
through the elementary principles of learning at the gram
mar-school, Mr. Slater was sent to complete his studies at
the University of Cambridge, where he proceeded M. A.
He there attained great proficiency in the most useful parts
of knowledge, and upon his appearance in public, disco
vered tiiat he was qualified for eminent usefulness in the sta-
•See the Wkigh-House, Little Eastcheap.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 339
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
tion assigned him by Providence. The first place that was
favoured with his stated labours, was Nayland, in Suffolk,
where he continued several years. From thence he removed
to Bury St. Edmunds, in the same county, a sphere of
more extensive labours and usefulness. There he exercised
•his ministry with great diligence, faithfulness, and success,
trll disabled by "those in power, whose spleen and ma
lignity against persons of his spirit and temper, supplied the
place of law. This evil disposition discovered itself at the
first assizes after the restoration, when he, and Mr. Claget,
his fellow-labourer in the same town, were prosecuted for
not reading die book of common-prayer.* Thus early did
-he begin to feel that storm, which about two years after
wards, on Bartholomew-day, 1662, drove him, and many
other excellent ministers, for some years, into obscurity.
Mr. Slater being vigorously opposed for nonconformity at
Bury St. Edmunds, removed to London, where he took
advantage of the indulgence granted by King Charles the
Second, for the employment of his talents in the ministry,
^nd cheerfully embraced every opportunity put into his hands
for public service and usefulness. Upon the death of the
reverend and learned Mr. Stephen Charnock, in 1680, he
became joint -pastor ef a congregation in Crostry-Square,
where he laboured with great acceptance and fidelity to the
day of'his death.
Mr. Slater -possessed very considerable talents for the mi
nistry. His public discourses, both as to the matter and
-style of them, were admirably suited to the great end of
preaching — the edification of his hearers. As his compo
sures were drawn up with great exactness, so his matter was
solid and substantial ; his style plain, pithy, and sententious ;
and he possessed a grave, natural elocution, calculated to
leave impressions of seriousness upon those who heard him.
Me was thoroughly acquainted with the scriptures, which he
* Calamy's Account, p. 646.

340 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
studied with close attention ; was well versed in practical
divinity ; and always kept a considerable stock of sermons
beforehand. Though he enlarged upon most subjects be
yond what is usual, yet, it was always with an useful and
entertaining variety; and his applications were at once so
mild and gentle, and at the same time so close and con
vincing, that they stole imperceptibly upon the hearts of his
hearers. Being of a tender sympathizing spirit, he was ena
bled to discharge, with great advantage, one part of his
ministerial work — visiting the sick. On those occasions his
expressions were remarkably tender, his prayers fervent, and
much to the purpose ; for he possessed a singular felicity of
adapting his petitions to the particular exigencies of the per
sons he prayed for. In the whole of his ministry, his great
aim was to do good. And it pleased God to crown his
labours with much success, making him an instrument of
great usefulness, in his day ; and though he lived to a good
old age, he had a large congregation to the last. He ad
hered strictly to the good old Protestant doctrines, was a
singular honour to the ministerial character, and much va-.
lued by all who knew him, or were acquainted with his
writings.* His natural temper was excellent and amiable; and the
grace of God had rendered it much more so. In this par
ticular he had few equals, and no superior. A cheerful
serenity always sat upon his countenance, and pourtrayed
the benignity of his disposition. In his behaviour he happily
united the gravity of the Divine, and the good breeding of
the gentleman. He was very easy of access, condescending
to his inferiors, and obliging to all : not of a meddling or
censorious temper, nor did he affect to intrude into the
affairs of others. Instead of interfering with other men's
vineyards, he took care to keep and dress his own. He was
an extensive blessing to all who knew him ; a bright ornar
' Mr. Alexander's Sermon on the D.eath of the Rev. Samuel Slater,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 341

CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct. i
ment to religion in every relation of life ; and a faithful,
diligent, and laborious pastor, who watched for souls as one
that must give an account. He studied, prayed, and preached
with a sincere aim to promote the sanctification and salva
tion of his hearers — to ripen them by grace for glory ; and
he was always ready to instruct, comfort, and encourage
any who were under spiritual distress. In short, his wise,
prudent, and truly Christian conduct rendered him an emi
nent blessing to the church of Christ, especially to that part
of it over which Providence had placed him.*
It pleased God to prolong Mr. Slater's life to an advanced
period, and he descended the vale of death without feeling
any of those acute pains which are the usual attendants of
malignant diseases. The thread of life was gradually worn
asunder, and his soul left its tenement without any apparent
agony at parting. The excellent Dr. Grosvenor, who was
present the last time he appeared in public, (at least on a
sacramental occasion) has the following remarkable passage
in his diary, concerning Mr. Slater : — " The last sacrament
he administered (says the Doctor) I received with him. He
looked upon himself as near his end. At the close, he took
a solemn leave of the congregation, and ended with these
words, which were delivered on his part with the solemnity
of a dying. patriarch blessing his children, and with the au
thority of an apostle : ' I charge you before God, that you
prepare to meet me at the day of judgment, as my crown
of joy, and that not one of you be found wanting to meet
me there at the right hand of God."T
.During his confinement, Mr. Slater was visited by several
of his brethren in the ministry. The Rev. Mr. Alexander,
his colleague, who attended him on one of these occasions,
observes, " The last time I was with him, when I asked
him what the inward frame and temper of his spirit was, ho
* Mr. Alexander's Sermon, ubi supra.
f Mr. Barker's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Grosvenor, p. 31, note.

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
told me, He blessed God he had peace, though not joy-
good hope through grace — supported, though not trans
ported." Another minister who visited him a few days be
fore he died, said to him, " Sir, you have served God very
faithfully, and you may expect from him great supports in
your illness." He answered, " It is true, but God owes me
nothing — he is not in my debt." And, being told again,
there were many excellent promises for him to lay hold upon-;
be answered, " But God must give me the hand to lay hold
upon them with." During his long weakness, the Lord
graciously favoured him with his presence ; Satan was never
suffered to molest him ; but he enjoyed uninterrupted peace
and tranquillity within, and his graces shined to the last.*
Then, like" the gentle expiring of a lamp that ceased to be
fed, or like the bright luminary of the morning, who, after
cheering us for awhile with his benignant rays, leaves us gra
dually at night ; so did this good man calmly descend into
the valley of death, a»d left behind him but the shadow of
departed light. He died May '24, 1704. (g)
Two funeral sermons were preached and published upon
occasion of his death. One by the Rev. William Tong,
who observes concerning Mr. Slater, that " He passed
through the world with as clear and unspotted a reputation
as any one." The other discourse was by the Rev. Daniel
Alexander, who bears a strong testimony to his singular
worth. There are two portraits of Mr. Slater, one an en
graving, the other a mezzotinto ; but they are bodi scarce.
His publications will be mentioned in the note below, (h)
* Mr. Alexander's Sermon, ubi supra.
(g) Mr. Slater married the widow of Mr. Hood, daughter of Mr. Harman
Sheafe, of London, son of Mr. Harman Sheafe, of Cranbrook, in Kent.
This lady survived him.
(h) A Discourse of Family Religion, in 18 Sermons. — A Discourse on
family Prayer — Another on Closet Prayer. — A Discourse on the Precious-
aiess of God's Thoughts towards his People. — A Thanksgiving Sermon on
Ahe Discovery of the horrid Plot. — A Sermon before Sir John Shorter, Lord

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 345
CROSBY-SQUARE  Presbyterian, Extinct.
John Reynolds. — As this. person is not mentioned by
Anthony Wood, it is probable that he received his education
in die University of Cambridge. At the Restoration he was
minister of Roughton, in Norfolk, where he was ejected
for nonconformity. Coming afterwards to London, he was
chosen colleague with Mr. Slater, at Crosby-Square. He
was one of the ministers who, on the part of the Presby
terians, went up to King James II. with the address of
thanks for his indulgence, in 1687-* Mr. Slater, who
preached his funeral sermon, speaks of him as a person of
considerable abilities and learning, and well accomplished for
his work ; as a truly gracious humble Christian, a profitable
preacher, an able catechist, and a faithful friend. Also as a
wise man, a maker of peace, unreprovable, and exemplary
in his conversation. Mr. Reynolds died November 25,
169 l.f
Daniel Alexander. — With the history of this gen
tleman prior to his settlement at Crosby- Square, we are
entirely unacquainted. In 1693, he was chosen assistant to
Mr. Slater, and was happy in this connexion till Mr. Sla
ter's death, when some uneasiness arising in the congregation
occasioned his leaving Crosby-Square. Of this circum
stance he speaks thus : " I had the honour and advantage
to be an assistant to him (Mr. Slater) near eleven years, in
all which time not the least tincture of jealousy, or suspicion,
Mayor, 1688. — A Sermon to young Men. Dec. 25, 1688. — And Funeral
Sermons for the following ministers : Mr. Thomas Vincent, 1678. — Mr. *>
Thomas Gilson, 16£0. — Mr. John Oakes, 1688. — Mr. John Reynolds, ^
1691. — Mr. Richard Fincher, l§#a. — Mr. William Rathband^.^695. —
And Mr'. George_Day, 1697. — Also, a Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Lobb, wife
of the Rev. Stephen Lobb, 1691. — N. B. The above catalogue is a strong
proof of Mr. Slater's respectability as a Divine, and popularity as a
preacher. * Biog. Brit. vol. i. Art. Alsop.
t Calamy's Account, p. 480. Contin. p. 623. — and Mr. Slater's Sermon.
on the Death of Mr. Reynolds.

,144 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE  Presbyterian, Extinct.
obtained to hinder our usefulness, or mutual confidence -f
but I was always treated by him with that unparalleled can
dour, condescending affability, endearing kindness, and sin
cere respect, which rendered my work in that relation much
more pleasant and desirable than otherwise it would have
been, as is now manifest from the quite contrary treatment I
have met with since his death."* About 1704, Mr. Alex
ander removed to Armourers'-Hall, where he preached to
a congregation till his death, Sept. 3, 1709, when he war
49 years of age. He lies buried in Bunhill-Fields.
Benjamin Grosvenor, D. D.(i) — This eminent
and truly excellent Divine, was born ' in London, on the
first of January, 1695. His father was an, eminent uphol
sterer ; but, in the latter part of his life, met with consi
derable difficulties, from which he was kindly relieved by his
son. At an early age he discovered marks of a sprightly
genius, and became impressed with the importance of divine
things, which were strongly inculcated by his pious parents.
When only ten years old, he had such an awful view of the
evil of sin, and such terrifying convictions upon his tender
mind, that his life became quite a burden ; till, at length,
through the providence of God, he was led to hear a sermon
at a meeting in Gravel-lane, Southwark, from a minister,
whose name he never knew, that satisfied his doubts, re
moved his fears, and gave him clear views of the gospel
method of salvation. From this time, his soul found its
true rest ; and, henceforward, the duties of religion were
his greatest delight. He no longer relished the diversions
common to youth ; but after school-hours, retired to his
closet, spending many hours in prayer and devout medita
tion, and in reading books on divine subjects. To such a
length did he carry these exercises, that his good parents,
* Mr. Alexander's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Slater. Preface.
(i) In some of his early publications, he spells his name Gravekor.

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OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 345
C ROSB Y-SQUA RE.  Presbyterian, Extinct?
who rejoiced at the; eminent piety of their son, nevertheless,
were apprehensive, lest he should impair his health, and
hazard his constitution.
¦ It will be easy to conceive that a mind so powerfully
affected with the truth and importance of religion, would
feel a strong bias to the profession of the ministry. Such
was ther ardour he possessed at this period, that he thought
he should be able to convert all who heard, him : that he
could say so much concerning the love of God to mankind,
the condescension and compassion of the Redeemer, the
worth of the soul, the excellence and evidence of the gospel,
the glory and dignity of heavenly things, and the vanity and
insignificance of those trifles which commonly alienate the
affections from God, together with the glorious or tremen
dous consequences of a timely acceptance, or total refusal
of the gospel salvation, as would certainly fasten the arrow
of conviction so deep in the heart of a sinner, that he should
not be able to extract it.
At length, with the consent of his parents, he entered
upon a course of studies suited to the profession he had
chosen ; and in 1693, was placed, for academical learning,
under the tuition of the celebrated Mr. Timothy Jollie, at
Attercliffe, in Yorkshire. Of this amiable man he speaks
in terms of singular respect ; and as a preacher, seems evi
dently to have formed himself upon his model, (k) In 1695,
(k) The Rev. Timothy Jollie, son to the Rev. Thomas Jollie, ejected
from Althome, in Lancashire, was born about the year 1660. He pursued
his academical studies under the Rev. Richard Frankland, at Rathmill, in
Yorkshire, and was ordained pastor of a congregational church at Sheffield,
April 28, 1681. The following year, he had his goods distrained, and
was thrown into rigorous confinement in the castle of York. Some years
afterwards he succeeded Mr. Frankland in the care of the academy; and
had the honour of furnishing our churches with a considerable number of
Divines, who greatly distinguished themselves in their day. Of his amiable
character, Di. Grosvenor has left the following instructive account. " He
was a man of an excellent spirit, of great spirituality and sweetness of tem
per. The orders of his house were strict and regular ; and few tutors main
lined them better, and with so little severity. Every thing here was systc-
Vq*,. I. Y Y

346 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

CROSBY-SQUARE  Presbyterian, Extinct.

he returned to London, and continued his studies under
several masters, particularly the Hebrew language under
Monsieur Capell, who had formerly been Professor of the
Oriental languages at Saumur, in France, but had fled to
England for that liberty of conscience which was denied him
in his native land.*
This seems the proper place to notice a circumstance in
Dr. Grosvenoj-'s life, which has been passed over by his
biographers. In very early life he appears to have connected
himself with the Baptists. Such was the uncommon serious
ness of his disposition, that at fourteen years of age, he was
baptized by Mr. Benjamin Keach, became a member of
his church, and continued so about seven or eight years. It
seems that he began to preach privately at the house of Mr.
Keach, who finding, him a youth of promising abilities, en
couraged him to pursue a course of studies for the ministry.
Soon after his return from the academy, be declared his
« Mr. Barker's Sermon onthe Death of Dr. Grosvenor, p. 23 — 29.
matical. But the defects in his institution, as to classical learning, free
philosophy, and the catholic divinity, were made amends for to those who
were designed for the pulpit, by something those pupils who had any taste,
took from him in his public performances. He had a charming voice, flow
ing, and of a musical sound ; a natural eloquence ; his elocution and ges
ture were such as would adorn an orator. The pathetic was sometimes so
heightened with that divine enthusiasm, which is peculiar to true devotion,
that he would make our hearts glow with a feivour, which he kindled in
the breasts even of those, who endeavoured all they could, not to be moved
by him. There have been tutors of greater learning, who have been capa
ble of laying out a greater compass of education ; but, at the same time it
must be acknowledged that the relish for practical religion ; that devotional
spirit which was so imprbved by his example ; that sweetness of temper
and benevolent turn of mind, which a soul of any thing the same make,
insensibly catches from such an example, are things not every where to be
met with ; and yet have such an influence towards our usefulness and
acceptance as ministers, as cannot easily be supplied by any other quali-
ties."f Mr. Jollie died, at Attercliffe, where he resided, April 28, 1714.
His funeral sermon was preached by his assistant, Mr. John De La Rose,
and contains a description of his excellent character.
f Mr. Barker's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Grosvenor, p. 37, 28.

OT DISSENTING CHURCHES. 347
^i'ii CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
opinion in favour of infant-baptism, and die Presbyterian
form of church-government ; also, that unordained persons
ought not to preach. " These things (says Crosby) moved
the .church to deal plainly with him. They recommended
to him the reading impartially Mr. Tombes' Examen ; and
appointed proper persons to discourse these points with him.
After much time spent between the church and him in con
troversy upon these points, without any .-effect, he desired a
•dismission. But, not being ^determined where to fix him
self, they were necessarily obliged to grant his request, and
did .dismiss him in a general manner from his membership
with them."* (l)
It was about this time that his mind became exercised
with serious doubts as to the propriety of undertaking the
ministerial office. These scruples he ascribes partly to the
¦disputes amongst Christians, and his natural aversion to con
troversy. He likewise saw a <very ill taste among the peo
ple, exemplified in their crying up one minister at the ex-
pence of another. However, he blessed God that he at
length recovered from these discouragements, though they
¦cost him many anxious hours, and many prayers and tears.
Mr. Grosvenor entered upon his public work, in the year
1699, having first passed his trials before several ministers
eminent for their soundness in doctrine, and gravity of man
ners : these were Mr. John Quick, Mr. John Spademan,
Mr. Thomas Rowe, Mr. Robert Fleming, Mr. Joshua
Oldfield, Mr. John Nesbitt, and Mr. William Harris. In
the. same year, he was chosen assistant to Mr. Oldfield, at
Maid-lane, Southwark. But the distinguished abilities he
displayed as a preacher were not confined long to this sta-
.tion. In the year 1700, he preached as a candidate for the
* Crosby's English Baptists, vol. iv. p. 203.
(t.) 'From'CroSby's account the reader will naturally conclude that Mr.
-Grosvenor received a peaceable dismission. The contrary, however, was
.the.fact, and it afterwards operated to his injury. Most of the ministers
of that period, at least of the Independent and Presbyterian denomina
tions, considered him to hav* been treated with harshness and injustice.

348 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROS BY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct..
pastoral office at Stepney, in the room of the celebrated
Matthew Mead; (m) and in 1702, engaged in alecture at the
Old Jewry, in conjunction with his amiable friend Mr.
Samuel Rosewell. It was supported by some of the most
eminent .citizens of London ; and they conducted it for some
time, with considerable reputation. After Mr. Grosvenor
had been thus employed about two years, he was chosen to
succeed the venerable Mr. Samuel Slater, as pastor of the
Presbyterian congregation in Crosby-Square. He was or
dained July 11, 1704, and soon raised the church to a flou
rishing state, in which it continued many years without any
considerable declension. This increase rendered it proper
for him to have an assistant, and several valuable ministers
served him successively in that office.*
In the year 1703, Mr. Grosvenor married Mrs. Mary
South, daughter of Captain Henry South, of Bethnal-green^
a family of eminence among the Dissenters. Of this lady,
he observes, " She was of a handsome fortune, a comelier
person, and of the most excellent disposition."- They lived
happily together till 1707, when she was suddenly removed
by death, soon after her supposed happy recovery on the
birth of her second child. This marriage, produced one
son, Benjamin South Grosvenor, who died many years be
fore the Doctor ; and a daughter who died an infant. In
1712, Mr. Grosvenor married his second wife, Mrs. Eliza
beth Prince, by whom he had four sons, of whom the
youngest only survived him. It appears from Mr. Barker's
account, that the children inherited neither their father's
prudence nor piety, which occasioned him very heavy afflic
tion ; but he supported it with a patience and resignation
that religion alone could inspire.f
(m) This appears from the church books belonging to the Independent
Society at that place. It is probable Mr. Grosvenor would have settled
there, had it not been for the unfavourable impression derived from his ex
communication by Mr. Reach's church.
* Mr. Barker's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 29 — 31. f Ibid. p. 31  34.

OS DISSENTING CHURCHES. 349
CROSBY-SQUARE.^— Presbyterian, Extinct.
The popularity of Mr. Grosvenor as a preacher ; his
singular acumen and lively imagination, his graceful utter
ance, and fervent devotion, recommended him to some of
die most considerable lectures about London. Besides the
one at the Old Jewry already mentioned, he was one of the
first preachers of the Friday evening lecture at the Weigh-
House, set on foot at die beginning of the eighteenth cen
tury. The subjects discussed at the outset related to some
important parts of divine worship; and several discourses
delivered in 1707, and some following years, were after
wards published. In 1716, Mr. Grosvenor was chosen into
the merchant's-lecture, upon a Tuesday morning, at Salters'-
Hall. The University of Edinburgh taking into considera
tion his extraordinary merits, conferred upon him, in 1730,
in the most respectful manner, and widiout his previous
knowledge, the degree of Doctor in Divinity. In 1735,
when the nation was under the alarm of Popery, some dis
senting ministers in- London, chiefly of the Presbyterian de
nomination, undertook a course of sermons at Salters'-Hall,
against the principal errors of the church of Rome. It fell
to the lot of Dr. Grosvenor, who was of this number, to
discuss the subject of persecution, which he exposed in
very strong -colours. :i''
Dr. Grosvenor continued in the faithful discharge of the
various duties of the pastoral office till 1749, when age and
infirmities compelled him to relinquish his charge, having
been a minister in London during the period of fifty ye&rsi
At the same time he resigned his lectureship at Salters'-
Hall. The remainder of his life he spent in a devout retire
ment ; in the performance of good offices among his friends ;
and in reading the best authors ; so that scarcely any new
book, on the subject of religion, or polite learning, escaped
his notice.
At length, the disorder that terminated his life, increased
so fast upon him, that his constitution was quite w orn out ;
but though many perceived his groans, he was never heard

350 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
to murmur or repine. His setting sun shone brilliant to the
last, and, as he descended into the vale of death, he expe
rienced those divine consolations which had supported him
during an honourable and useful career. His views of death,
while in the midst of health, are strikingly represented in the
following anecdote. Being at the funeral of Dr. Watts, a
friend said to him, " Well Dr. Grosvenor, you have seen
the end of Dr. Watts, and you will soon follow; what
think you of death ?" — " Think of it (replied the Doctor),
why, when -death comes, I shall smile upon death, if God
smiles upon me." — " I never perceived him to express any
fear of dyings (says Mr. Barker,) he viewed the darksome
valley without any gloom or horror, he had long rejoiced in
hope of the glory of God, firmly believing in Jesus as the
resurrection and the life, and in that God who raised up
Christ from the dead, as a pledge and earnest that he
would quicken the mortal bodies of his faithful servants,
by his Spirit which dwelleth in them. And this temper of
mind, owing in part to- a natural sweetness of disposition,
but principally to the supports of a divine faith, he preserved
to the last. I took an affecting leave of him the night he
retired into his chamber, where he remained seven weeks ;
during which his pain was very violent, but his patience had
its perfect work. In my last visit he told me, no body
knew what he endured, but he did not murmur or complain.
He lost his speech some days, but not his senses, till he
slept in Jesus, on Lord's-day morning, August the 27th,
1758, in the ,83d year of his age."* His remains were in
terred in Bunhill-Fields ; and an excellent discourse upon
occasion of his death, was preached at Crosby-Square, by
the Rev. John Barker, who had been his assistant and inti
mate friend for near half a century.
Dr. Grosvenor was low of stature, but his appearance
manly and graceful ; and though his constitution was rather
• Mr. Barker's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 09, 4p.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 3&\
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
tender than robust, yet he was seldom laid aside from public
work. His voice, though small, was sweet and melodious,
especially till the year 1726, when, in consequence of a
violent inflammation, he was obliged to submit to the pain
ful operation of having the uvula cut out of his mouth.
This, ever after, occasioned an impediment in his pronun
ciation. Nevertheless, he had so great a skill in managing
his voice, owing, perhaps, in some measure, to his know-4
ledge of music, that few preachers were more capable of
affecting and commanding an audience. His judgment and
faith in the doctrines of the Christian religion, were steady
and unshaken. Upon the points disputed among Christians,
h e might be pronounced a mode'rate Calvinist, nor did his
sentiments ever undergo any material alteration ; yet, he
detested censoriousness, and abounded- in candour and mo
deration. He possessed great mildness of temper, and a
lively brilliant wit ; was of a friendly disposition, and enjoyed
an habitual cheerfulness, which rendered his pastoral visits
peculiarly acceptable.* As a writer, he is peculiarly en
gaging from his devotional turn, uncommon remarks, and
deep acquaintance, with history. His language is always
pure, his sentences well formed, and his ideas embellished
with the most appropriate decorations. A list of his, publi
cations shall be given in the note below, (m)
* Mr. Barker's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 35 — 38.
(m) His Works. — l. An Essay on Health. — 2. The Convulsions of
Nature subservient to the Interests of the Church : a Sermon occasioned by
the dreadful Storm, Nov. 26, 1703, and accommodated to the Design of
the public Fast, Jan. ig, 1704. Hosea viii. 7. — 3, A Confession of Faith at
his Ordination. 1704. — 4. Piety triumphant over Wickedness : preached at
Salters'-Hall, to the Societies for Reformation of Manners, July 2, 1705.
Prov. xi. U. — 5. Exhortation to the Duty of Singing : at the Eastcheap Lec
ture. Psa. lvii. 8. 1708. — 6. The Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of
England : a Sermon at Crosby-Square, on Nov. 5, 1709, on occasion of our
Deliverance from Popery and Slavery. Psa. xlviii. 3. — 7. Rejoice with Trem*
bling: a Thanksgiving Sermon, Nov. 7, 1710. Psa. xi. 2. — 8. The Excel-
Unc« of the Duty of Prayer : at the Eastcheap Lecture. Psa. lxxiii. %*,

352 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
w ¦ ,
Samuel Wright, D. D. — Dr. Grosvenor's first assis
tant was Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Samuel Wright, who wa*
chosen to that service in 1705. He continued in this situa
tion till 1708, when, upon the death of the Rev. Matthew
Sylvester, he removed to Black-friars, and afterwards to
Carter-lane. There he became well known by his popular
1711. — 9. Dying in Faith : a Discourse on the Funeral of Mr. Peter Huson,
who died Dec. 29, 1711. Heb. xi. 13. 1712. — 10. The Temper of Jesus
towards his Enemies ; and his Grace to the Chief of Sinners. Luke xxiv. 4?.
1712.— 11. A Sermon on the Name Jesus, Matt. i. 21. — 12. A Discourse
on the Christian Name, Acts xi. 26. — 1 3 . The Dissolution of the earthly
House of this Tabernacle : occasioned by the Death of Mrs. Mary Franklyn ;
with some Account of her Life and Sufferings for Nonconformity, 2 Cor.
v. 1. 1713. — 14. The Obligations to Hearing the Word : at the Eastcheap
Lecture, James i. 19. 1713. — 15. The Preservative of Virtuous Youth :
preached to a Society of young Persons, at the Old Jewry, May 17, 1714.
Psa. xviii. 23. — 16. The Influence of Christ's Intercession : preached Jan. 1,
1714, in Gravel-lane, Southwark. Luke xiii. 8. — 17. Precious Death: a
Sermon at Crosby-Square, Jan. 1, 171(1, occasioned by the Death of Mrs.
Susannah Rudge. Psa. cxvi. 15. — 18. Directions for the Profitable Reading
{he Scriptures: at the Eastcheap Lecture. James i. 21. 1717. — 19. The
burning of London by the Papists ; or, a Memorial to Protestants on Sept.
2.— 20. The Mourner Relieved. — 21. God the Author of the Exaltaiiori
and Prosperity of Kings : preached to a Society of young Men in Jewin-
street, Oct. 20, 17 19, the Day of the Coronation of King George I. Psa.
cxxxii. 18. — 22. God's Goodwill to Great Britain: at the Lord's-Day
Morning Lecture in Little St. Helen's, May 28, 1720, the Birth-Day of his
Majesty King George I. Deut. xxxiii. 16. — 23. Observations upon Sudden
Death : occasioned by the late frequent Instances of it both in City and
Country. l7«o. — 24. Preparation for Death, the best Preservative against
the Plague : the Substance of two Sermons, preached at the Merchant's
Lecture, at Salters'-Hall, Jan. 17 and 31, 1721. Luke xii. 47. — 25. The
Death of the Righteous improved : preached at Crosby-Square, Nov. 10,
1723, on the Death of John Deacle, Esq. Heb. vi. 12. — 26. Persecution
and Cruelty in the Principles, Practices, and Spirit of the Church of Rome :
preached at Salters'-Hall, April 10, 1735. — 27. God's Eternity the Mourn
er's Comfort: preached at Crutched- Friars, June S, 1740, on the Death
of the Rev. Williams Harris, D. D. Psa. cii. 27  Dr. Grosvenor was one of
the authors of the occasional paper, published in 3 vols, octavo, in 1716.
He wrote the first number on " Bigotry ;" also the Essays on " Moral Re
formation." It is probable that he also published some other things that

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. S53
CROSBY.SQUARE  Presbyterian, Extinct.
talents and useful preaching, of which we shall have occa
sion to speak more particularly when we come to that
place. John Barker. — Mr. Wright was succeeded in the
office of assistant by the Rev. John Barker; who, for up
wards of four years, continued to assist Dr. Grosvenor,
" with whom, (says he) I lived in perfect harmony, and still
review with pleasure, and account my honour."* In 1714,
Mr. Barker removed to Hackney, to succeed the celebrated
Matthew Henry. From thence, after several years, he ac
cepted an invitation to Salters'-Hall ; and at both places
appeared with great respectability and usefulness. Of thi3
excellent man the reader may expect a more particular ac
count hereafter.
Clerk Oldsworth. — Dr. Grosvenor's next assistant
was the Rev. Clerk Oldsworth. Of this gentleman, but '
litde information can be procured. It appears that he re
ceived his education iri the college of Glasgow, upon what may
be called Dr. Williams s foundation. He was ordained at the
Old Jewry, Jan. 11, 1721, at the same time with Mr.
Obadiah Hughes, Mr. Thomas Newman, and Mr. John
Smith. After this, he continued to assist Dr. Grosvenor
till his deadi, which happened in the prime of life, about
the year 1726. We find his name among the non-
subscribing ministers at the Salters'-Hall Synod, in 1719-
have not come to our knowledge. " An authentic Account of several
Things done and agreed upon by the Dissenting Ministers, lately assem
bled at Salters'-Hall," published in 1719, has been ascribed to him;
though we know not upon what authority. It was the first publication in
defence of the Non-Subscribing Ministers, of whom Dr. Grosvenor was
one.  Some of the above pieces have been collected into one volume,
octavo, and lately published, with a recommendatory preface by the Rev.
David Bogue, of Gosport.
• Mr. Barker's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Grosvenor. p. »s.
Vol. I. z z

354 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
Edmund Calamy, B. D. was son to the celebrated
Dr. Edmund Calamy, of Westminster, author of the abridg
ment of Mr. Baxter's Life and Times. It is probable. that
he was educated for the ministry, first in Scotland, and after
wards in Holland, at both which places, his father possessed
considerable connexions. Returning to London, he was
chosen, in 1723, to preach a Tuesday lecture at the Old
Jewry, in conjunction with several other ministers of the-
younger class. In the year 1726, he was chosen assistant
to Dr. Grosvenor, at Crosby-Square ; in which situation he
continued till the Doctor's resignation in, 1749,. when he also
declined preaching. After this, he lived a few years in
retirement, till his deadi, which happened in St. John's-
square, June 13, 1755. Mr. Calamy was a learned and
ingenious man, of great worth, and much respected in his
day. He had a brother, Mr. Adam Calamy, who was
educated at Mr. Watkins's academy, Spital-square, and bred
to the profession of an attorney. He was one of the earliest
writers in the Gentleman's Magazine. The subjects on
which he chiefly exercised his pen, were essays in polemical
theology and civil liberty ; and he distinguished himself by
the assumed signature of " A Consistent Protestant."
John Hodge, D. D. a learned and respectable minis
ter of the Presbyterian denomination, of whose life it is not
in our power to lay before the reader many particulars. He
received his academical education at Taunton, under the
learned Mr. Henry Grove, for whom he ever afterwards re
tained an affectionate remembrance. The place where he
spent the first years of his ministry was, we believe, at Deal,
in the county of Kent. From thence he removed to Glo-
cester, where he continued to labour with great reputation,
for a considerable period. Dr. Grosvenor being disabled
for public service, which made it expedient for him to resign
the pastoral office in 1749, Dr. Hodge accepted an invita
tion to succeed him at Crosby-Square. At the time of his

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 355
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
-settlement in that place, the congregation was in a very low
state. And notwithstanding his pulpit composures were very
sensible and devotional, and his manner of delivery just,
though not striking, he was not so happy as to raise the
church ; but as die old members died, or families removed,
it continued sinking. At length, the infirmities of advanced
life, obliged him to resign the pastoral relation, about the
year 1761 >or 1762. After this, he lived for some time in
retirement, preaching only occasionally, till he was removed
by death, August 18, 1767. As an acknowledgment of the
benefits he received during the course of his academical
studies, he bequeathed to the academy .of Taunton, his
valuable library of books. Upon the dissolution of that
¦seminary, they were removed to Exeter.
Dr. Hodge >was a learned and respectable man, of mode
rate ^sentiments, and an excellent preacher. He favoured
the republic of letters with a valuable set of discourses, in
one ^volume, octavo, upon the Evidences of Christianity.
They are written in a comprehensive, judicious, and ner
vous manner, and have been highly spoken of by good
judges. He also published several single sermons : as one
upon New-year's Day, at St. Thomas's, Southwark— ano
ther at the morning lecture, Little St. Helen's, August 1,
1751 — and a third occasioned by the death of die Rev.
John Mason, author of the treatise on Self-knowledge ;
preached atCheshunt, Herts, Feb. 20, 1763. Dr. Hodge
also drew up an account of Mr. May's Life, prefixed to his
sermons. -1755. (n|)
(n) Dr. Hodge hada son educating for the ministry at Daventry, under
Dr. Ashworth, 'tat -who was removed by death in the following affecting
manner. A fire happening in the town, greatly alarmed the family at the
academy. Mr. Hodge desirous of rendering his assistance, became ex
tremely actiye at the scene of distress ; but returned home greatly fatigued,
and his clothes soaked with water. This occasioned a fever, and produced
a train of disorders that issued in his death. Of this event he had a remark
able premonition, which he hinted to a friend several days before it hap
pened j and taking a walk into the church-yard, fixed upon the spot where he
.tailed X» be buried.— Private Information.

356 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
Ri chard Jones . — Upon the resignation of Dr. Hodge,
the principal members invited the Rev. Richard Jones, for
merly a pupil of Dr. Doddridge, but who had been settled
some years with the Presbyterian congregation in Green-
street, Cambridge. Hopes were entertained that the con
gregation in Crosby-Square would revive under his ministry,
but the experiment did not succeed to the extent desired.
The lease of the meeting-house expiring about five or six
years afterwards, the state of the Society was too discou
raging to warrant a renewal ; so that they agreed to dissolve
their church-state, and the remaining members dispersed into
other societies. This affecting event took place October 1,
1769, when Mr. Jones delivered a farewell discourse, suited
to the occasion, from Titus ii. 13. Looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
In this sermon, which was afterwards printed, Mr. Jones
takes leave of his church in the following words : " As we
are now met together for the last time in this place, as a
Christian Society, and in a mutual relation, there is a special
propriety in my discoursing to you on that appearing of
Christ, our preparation for which is die great end of all reli
gious institutions ; and to which I hope all my ministrations
have more or less had a reference. See that you be ready
for this appearing of Christ ; and that none of you be want
ing at his right hand when he shall come to judgment. I
close my public services among you with the professions of
my sincere respect and esteem for you, and widi my wishes
for your happiness, temporal and eternal. With this dis
course, and the celebration of the Lord's-Supper, my rela
tion to you, as a pastor and teacher, will expire ; but there
is one relation tiiat I shall ever bear you, in whatever place
or station of service I may be hereafter fixed : for I shall
always be you.r's to the utmost of my power, in all the offices
of friendship, love and gratitude. I have no doubt but that
the future charges of my life will be under the direction of

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 357
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
that Great Being, in whose favour I hope to make my final
remove out of it : and if I had been more useful to you
during die short time of my connexion with you, it would
have afforded me a very exalted pleasure amidst all the pain
of our present parting. Make a serious business of religion,
wheresoever you go, now that our gates are desolate : nor
let it ever appear that you have hitherto heard in vain.
The public devotions of this house have in past years been
¦conducted by those who were ornaments to human nature,
as well as to a particular denomination of Christians : ap
prove yourselves the worthy disciples of such teachers.
Such of you as knew diis place in its prosperous days, must
for many late years have experienced similar emotions with
those old men amongst the Jews, who wept at seeing the
sad difference there was between the second temple and the
first. The church cof Christ, though not of this world,
will in some measure partake of its changes and variations :
and we of this Society must be reconciled to the disagreeable
alterations that time and death have made amongst us.
Amidst all the instability of this world, as to both its civil
and religious concerns, let me lead your thoughts forwards
to a higher and a better : where all the connexions and rela
tions that are founded in religion and virtue, shall be more
permanent, as well as more delightful."*
Mr. Jones, soon after his leaving Crosby-Square, settled
with the Presbyterian congregation at Peckham, where he
preached for a considerable number of years, and was suc
ceeded by the Rev. W. B. Collyer. Some further parti
culars relating to his life and character, will be given under
that article. ' Mr. Jones's Sermon at Crosby-Square, p. 24 — 31.

358 history and antiquities

CROSBY-SQUARE.  Rellyanists.

RELLYANISTS.

T.

HE Rellyanists, or Rellyan Universalists,
take their name from James Relly, the leader of
a religious sect, whose distinguishing tenets have received
the name of Antinomianism. They, however, disclaim
the term, for which reason we have avoided using it
upon the present occasion. It is no uncommon thing in
controversies concerning the doctrines of grace ; even where
the differences have been much smaller than those between
Mr. Relly and his opponents, for one party to brand the
other with the opprobrious epithets of Antinomian, or Ar-
minian. " Each may hold principles, (it has been very
justly remarked,) the consequences of which may be thought
to lead, or may really lead in theory, to the alleged issue :
but, though it be just to point out the legimitate conse
quences of a principle with a view to evince the true nature
of it, yet candour forbids the ascribing of any thing to a
person beyond what he perceives or avows."* Were these
sentiments more generally attended to, there would be less
acrimony in our religious disputes, as well as greater una
nimity among persons who avowedly differ in opinion.
Not long after the dissolution of the Presbyterian Society
in Crosby-Square, the meeting-house was taken upon lease,
by Mr. James Relly, of whom we are enabled to present
the reader with the following authentic account, (o)
James Relly was born at Jefferson, in the county
of Pembroke, North- Wales, in the year 1720. His pa
rents were respectable persons ; and placed him for educa
tion at the grammar-school in that town. At the usual age,
* Theol. Diet. Perth. Art. Antinomians.
(o) The Substance of this narrative was received from a respectable mem
ber of the religious community, now under our notice, to whom the auth»
desires to return hit acknowledgments.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. S5§
CROSBY-SQUARE  ReUyanists.
he was put apprentice to a cow-farrier, in which occupation
he is said to have excelled, on account of his activity, and
great bodily strength. Relly was a wild ungovernable youth,
and addicted to bad company. The occasion of his refor
mation is said to have been as follows. On a certain Sun
day, he agreed with some other lads of his own stamp, to
go and hear Mr. Whitefield preach, that he might have an
opportunity of laughing at the Methodists. They com
menced their sport by making a noise, and ridiculing the
preacher, to the disturbance of the congregation. At length,
Mr. Whitefield's discourse, which was delivered with his
usual energy, so rivetted the attention of young Relly, that,
when his companions wished him to retire, he resolved to
stay behind, and from that time became serious. He now
had many conflicts with himself, on his past life and future
expectations. Mr. Relly having formed an acquaintance with Mr.
Whitefield, became one of his most strenuous supporters ;
and, in a little time, commenced preacher. His first stated
ministeral charge was at Ridllangiregg, near Nasboth, in
South-Wales, where he continued to preach some years.
During his residence at this place, he took frequent journies
to Bristol ; and, on his way, would often stop at Kingswood,
and other places, to discourse with the colliers. At this
period he was extremely popular ; but a separation taking
place between him and Mr. Whitefield, gave a new turn to
his connexions. This breach has been attributed by Mr.
Belly's followers, to jealousy on the part of Mr. Whitefield;
but the character of that great man was formed upon princi
ples of too noble and disinterested a nature, to admit of so
degrading an idea. It was probably occasioned by an alte
ration in Mr. Relly's sentiments.
After this affair, Mr. Relly came to London, where he
soon United himself with the Universalists. His first preach
ing-place, as far as we are acquainted, was Coach-Makers'
Hall, where he had a numerous congregation. Notwith-

360 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CROSBY-SQUARE.  Rellyanists.
standing the size of the place, which was far from being
small, the court-yard was often filled with hearers ; and his
voice was so powerful, as well as impressive, that it was
capable of being heard at a great distance. At this time, he
wrote several of his books ; and his preaching and writings
created no small stir in the religious world. A variety of
persons attacked his peculiar sentiments, which they consi
dered to be direct Antinomianism ; and the founder of the
sect was charged with many scandalous practices. The
term Antinomian is said to have been first applied to him by
Mr. John Wesley, and it has been fixed upon his followers
ever since. The odium attached to his opinions, on account
of the immoral tendency which they were represented to
have, produced a great influence upon his followers, who
gradually deserted him till he had but few left. In process of
time, he took the meeting-house, in Bartholomew-Close,where
he continued till the expiration of the lease, at«Midsummer,
1769; soon after which he removed into the ohi meeting
house in Crosby- Square, where he continued to preach till his
death, which took place on the 25th of April, 1778, in the
58th year of his age. His remains were interred in the Baptist
burial-ground, Maze-Pond, Southwark, where a neat monu
ment is erected to his memory. There were two elegies written
upon his death ; one by the late Mr. Barrow — the other by
Mrs. Mary Burton. He left a widow and one daughter,
who is still living, and the mother of a numerous family.
James Relly was a man of plain rough manners, but of
strong natural abilities, and of a generous disposition. Con
cerning the nature and tendency of his principles, it is pro
bable that most of our readers have formed dieir opinions.
He believed that Christ as a Mediator was so united to
mankind, that his actions was theirs, his obedience and suf
ferings theirs ; and, consequently, that he has as fully re
stored the whole human race to the Divine favour, as if all
had obeyed or suffered in their own persons; and, upon
this persuasion, he preached a finished salvation, called by

Of DISSENTING CHURCHES. 361
CROSBY-SQUARE  Rellyunists.
the apostle Jude,, The common Salvation. By this, Relly
understood the final restitution of all fallen intelligences.
He published a variety of pieces in defence of his peculiar
sentiments, of which a complete catalogue shall be inserted
in the note below, (p) There are two portraits of him ; one
engraved by June — the other by Sylvester Harding.
We shall close this account of Mr. Relly, with the in
scription upon his tomb-stone in Maze-Pond burial-
ground : Beneath this Stone are deposited the Remains of
Mr. JAMES RELLY,
Who departed this life, April 25th, 1718,
Aged 56 years.
Being honoured with a divine commission ,
To Preach the Glad Tidings of the Great Salvation
To all People, :
He made fall proof of his ministry,
£y endeavouring to rejoice the minds of meu
With Heavenly Troth,
Knowing, with the Apostle, what it was
To be an Ambassador of Christ,
By Honour and Dishonour,
By evil Report and good Report,
As Deceivers and yet True,
As Unknown, yet Well Known,
As dying and behold we live,
As chastened yet not killed,
As sorrowful yet always rejoicing,
As poor yet making many rich,
Aa having nothing, and yet possessing all things,1 * •
S Cor. vi. 8— 10. ;., :: .
{«) 1. Remarks on a pamphlet, entitled, " A Dialogue, between a True;
Methodist and an Erroneous Methodist." 1751. — 2. Christ the Covenant,
of the People. 1753.— 3. The Trial of Spirits. 1756.— 4. A Collection of*
Hymns.— 5. Union; or, a Treatise on the Consanguinity' and Affinity
between Christ and his Church. 1759. — The Cherubimieal MysteryJ— .
7. Anti-Christ resisted. I7fil.— .8. Christ the Christian's Life :, a Sermoh|
January 30, 1762.-9. The Sadducee detected and refuted. 1764.-^-10. The,
Eunuch for the Kingdom of Heaven's Sake.— 11. The Salt of' Sacrifice,
or, the -One Baptism. — 1?. An Elegy on the Death of the Rev. George
"Whitefield. 177Q.-"-13. Christian Liberty. I77&. — 14. Epistles: or, the1
Great Salvation contemplated. 1776.  He also left in Manuscript the
following: 1. A Discourse on the Lord's-Supper.--2. The History of
Prince Llewellyn, in 4 Parts; divided into Scenes, and adapted for the.
Stage. — 3. The Ministry of the New-Testament : or, the Substance of a
Discourse on that Subjects
Vol. I. S A

( 362 )

GREAT ST. HELEN'S.

PARTICULAR BAPTIST.

J. HE Church of St. Helen, which gives name to the
surrounding buildings, was founded in the reign of Henry
II. by one Ranulph, who granted it to the dean and chapter
of St. Paul's. It received its name from St. Helena, the
mother of Constantine the Great, to whom it was dedicated.
In the vicinity of this church stood formerly a meeting
house, used for that purpose in the time of the Long-par
liament, by the famous Mr. Hansard Knollys. The only
account we have of it is that related by Crosby :* " When
Mr. Knollys found that his preaching in the churches,
though but occasionally, gave so much offence, and brought
so much trouble on himself, he set up a separate meeting in
Great St. Helen's, London, where the people flocked to
hear him, and he had commonly- a thousand auditors. But
this was rather a greater offence to his Presbyterian brethren,
than his former method. Now they complained that he
was too near the church, and that he kept his meetings at
the same times that they had their public worship. And
first they prevailed upon his landlord to warn him out of
that place ; next, he was summoned to appear before a
committee of Divines at Westminster, who commanded
him to preach no more." What became of the meeting
house after Mr.J Knollys quitted it, we no where learn: but
of this eminent man, and of the church he collected, we shall
have occasion to make particular mention hereafter.
* History of the English Baptists, vol. i. p. £29, SDO.

( 363 )

LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.

PRESBYTERIAN.  EXTINCT.

1 jtttt.e St. Helen's, immediately adjoining to Great
St. Helen's, on the east side of Bishopsgate-street, stood on
the site of the Priory of St. Helena, founded in the year
1212, by William Fitzwilliam, a goldsmith, for the order
of Benedictine Nuns. At the dissolution of the monasteries,
it was granted by Henry VIIL to Sir Richard Cromwell,
alias Williams, great grandfather of Oliver Cromwell. In
the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it was purchased by the Lea-
thersellers' company, who, with part of the materials, erected
on the site their beautful hall, the largest and most elegant
at that time in London. This hall, together with the ad
joining buildings, was lately taken down, to make way for
the handsome range of new buildings, called St. Helen's
Place.* The meeting-house in Little St. Helen's, was erected
aboutthe time of King Charles's Indulgence in 1672. It
was a moderate-size building, with three good galleries, and
being conveniently situated, was often made use of for lec
tures, and other public services among the Dissenters. The
first public ordination held by the Nonconformists, after the
Bartholomew Act, was performed at this place, June 22,
1694. Of this extraordinary service, which was conducted
with peculiar solemnity, and lasted from ten o'clock in the
morning till six in the evening, we shall' present the reader
with a particular account hereafter. The Friday morning
lecture founded by Mr. Coward, in 1726, was carried on at
this place till the demolition of the meeting-house ; when it
was removed to Camomile-street. There was also a lecture
* Sttype, Maitland and Pennant's Histories of London.

364 history and antiquities
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
here, for many years, upon a Lord's-day morning, at seven
o'clock, during the summer season, in commemoration of
the happy accession of King George the First, to the throne
of these kingdoms. It was conducted by various ministers,
without respect to denomination, and is, also, removed to
Camomile-street. The catechetical lecture on a Wednesday
evening, formerly at Lime-street, was removed to this place;
and a casuistical exercise, on a Lord's-day evening, was
conducted here, for some years, by Mr. Pike and Mr, Hay-
ward, Several cases of conscience which they discussed
upon these occasions, were published in two volumes, duo
decimo, in 1755 ; and as they possess considerable merit,
have since then been reprinted.
The church which assembled at this place for considera
bly more than a century, was collected in the reign of King
Charles the Second, by Dr. Samuel Annesley, a celebrated
nonconforming minister. In his time the congregation was
considerable, both for numbers and property^ and continued
in a flourishing state for many years after his death. At
length, the congregation so far declined, that after the death
of Mr. Kello, in 1790, they dissolved their church state.
The meeting-house in Little St. Helen's, was then occupied
by Mr. William Brown, who after preaching there a short
time, removed his people in 1792, to Cumberland-street,
Shoreditch. The place was then taken by the Rev. Chris
topher Frederic Triebner, a German Lutheran Divine, who
had raised a small society in Brown's-lane, Spitalfields ;
but, in consequence of a division, conducted part of the
people, in 1792, to Little St. Helen's. Mr. Treibner was
a man of respectable character, and occupied die place
about two years, when the lease expiring, he removed to the
meeting-house in Great Eastcheap, formerly occupied by a
Society of Baptists. A Mr. Underwood then occupied it
for about a twelvemonth, till the place was shut up. In
October, 1794, a lecture on a Sunday evening, was opened
at St. Helen's, by Mr. David Rivers, who, for a short

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

S65

LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
time, entertained his hearers with some pulpit essays in tiiis
place, and then removed to Monkwell-street. The last ser
mon preached at St. Helen's, was at Mr. Coward's Friday
lecture, May 15, 1795, by the Rev. Samuel Palmer, of
Hackney. This ancient building was then shut up for a few
years; but in 1799, was entirely taken down, and some
handsome houses erected upon the site.
The ministers of the old Presbyterian congregation were
as follows :

As Pastors.
As Assistants.
Ministers' Names.
From
To
From
To
Samuel Annesley, D. D.
John Woodhouse, . .
Benjamin Robinson, .
Harman Hood, .
Edward Godwin,
Thomas Prentice, . .
George Stephens, M. A.
James Kello, . .
16.. 1697 1701 1722
1764
17.. 1781
16961701 1724176417..17801790
17.. 1721
| II
|| 111
Samuel Annesley, LL. D. — This eminent noncon
formist Divine was born of religious parents, at Kelling-
worth, near Warwick, A. D. 1620.* He descended of a
good family, and could claim noble connexions ; being first
cousin to Arthur Annesley, Earl of Anglesey, and Lord
Privy Seal in the reign of Charles II. f His father dying
when he was only four years old, the care of his education
Dr. Williams's Sermon on the Death of Dr. Annesley, p. 133,
f Calamy's Contin. p. 73.
366 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
devolved upon his mother, a very prudent and pious woman.
He was so early under serious impressions, that' he often
declared, "he never knew 'the time when he was not con
verted ;" and this religious disposition strongly inclined him
to the ministry, from his very infancy.* From this he was
not discouraged by an affecting dream during his childhood,
That he was to be a minister, and should be sent for by the)
Bishop of London, te be burnt as a martyr. ,f At Mi
chaelmas term, 1635, being fifteen years of age, he was
admitted a student in Queen's College, Oxford, where, at
the usual times, he took his degrees in Arts. While at the
university, he was particularly remarkable for temperance
and industry. He usually drank nothing but water, and
though he is said to have been but of slow parts, yet he
supplied this defect in nature, by prodigious application.!
There is some dispute with respect to his ordination; that
is to say, whether he received it from a bishop, or according
to the Presbyterian method : Anthony Wood asserts the for
mer, and Dr. Calamy the latter ; it is possible both may be
right.§ In 1644, he became chaplain to the Earl of War
wick, the admiral of the parliament's fleet. In process of
time, his exemplary conduct, united to the great interest
he possessed with persons in power, procured him a very
good establishment at Cliff, in Kent. This was a very
valuable living ; for besides a revenue of four hundred per
annum, it is also a peculiar, a great jurisdiction belonging
to the incumbent, who holds a court, in which every thing
relating to wills, marriage contracts, &c. are decided.||
Here he succeeded Dr. Griffith Higges, the sequestered mi
nister. At the commencement of his labours, he met with
considerable difficulties, the people being rude and ignorant.
* Dr.Williams's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 134, 135;
t Calamy's Contin. p. 64. J Wood's Athense, vol. ii. p. 966.
§ Wood, ubi supra, — Calamy's Contin.— Biog. Brit. Art. Annfisley,
H Biog. Brit. Art. Annesley.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. S67
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
So high did they carry their opposition, as frequently to
assault him with spits, forks, and stones, often threatening
his life. But he was fortified with courage, and declared,
that, " Let them use him as they would, he was resolved to
continue with them, till God had fitted them by his ministry
to entertain a better, who should succeed him ; hut solemnly
declared, that when they became so prepared, he would
leave die place." In a few years his ministry met with sur
prising success, and the people "were greatly reformed.*
In July, 1648, Mr. Annesley was- called to London, to
preach the Fast sermon before the House of Commons,
which-, by their order, was printed. But, though greatly
approved by the parliament, it gave ' much offence to Some
Other per-sOns, as reflecting upon the King, then a prisoner
in the Isle of Wight. This is the ground of Mr. Wood's
bitterness against him ; and it cannot be denied that the
author went all the lengths of the Presbyterian party.^
It was about this time that he 'was honoured by the Univer
sity of Oxford, with the title of Doctor of Laws, conferred
upon him at the instance of Philip Earl of Pembroke.^ On
the 25th of August, in the same year, he again went to sea
with his patron the Earl of Warwick, who* was employed in
giving chase to that part of the English navy which werit
over to the then prince, afterwards King Charles II. § After
continuing at sea more than three months, he returned to
London in the December following.
Some time after this, having procured a suitable successor,
he resigned his Kentish living, much against the will of his
parishioners, that he might fulfil his promise to thetn when
they were in a different temper. Not long aftier, in 1652,
Providence directed his removal to London, by the unanir
mous choice of the inhabitants of St. John the Evangelist,
* Dr. Williams's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 138. (
t Biog. Brit, ubi supra. X Ibid."
$ Heath's Chronicle, P. i. p. 176.

368 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
-HTl .-Sg'
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
' ~;
Friday-street.* In 1657, he was nominated by Oliver,
Lord-Protector, lecturer of St. Paul's ; and, in the follow
ing year, the Protector Richard presented him to the living
of St. Giles's, Cripplegate.f But this presentation growing
quickly useless, he, in 1660, procured another from the
trustees for the maintenance of ministers, J being also a com
missioner for' the approbation and admission of ministers of
the gospel, after the Presbyterian mode.§ His second pre
sentation growing as much out of date as the first, he ob
tained, August 28, 1660, a third presentation, of a more
legal nature, from King Charles II. |[ Yet even this did not
keep him there long ; for on Bartholomew-day, 1662, he
was ejected for nonconformity ; having been removed from
his lectureship at St. Paul's, about two years before.^" It is
said that the Earl of Anglesey, who was his near relation,
took some pains to persuade him to conform, and even
afford him considerable preferment in the church, in case he
complied.** But as the Doctor acted from a principle pf
conscience, he declined the offer ; and continued to preach
privately during that, and the following reign, '
Upon the Indulgence in 1672, Dr. Annesley licenced a
meeting-house in Little St. Helen's, where he raised a flou
rishing Society, of which he continued pastor till his death.
After the division in the Pinners'-Hall lecture, in 1694, and
the establishment of a new one at Salters'-Hall, Dr. Annes
ley was one of the ministers chosen to fill up the number at
the latter place, in conjunction with Dr. Bates and Mr.
Howe.ft After the death of Mr. Case, he undertook the
chief management of the morning lecture, of which he had
been the main support.JJ
* Dr. Williams's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 137.
f Calamy's Contin. p. OS, 69. J Ibid. p. 70.
$ Wood's Athens, vol. ii. p. 967. || Calamy's Contin. p. 71.
5 Dr. Williams's Sermon, ubi supra. »» Calamy's Contin. p. 78v
ft Wrf. PS 978. XI Account, p. 48.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 369
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.— Presbyterian, Extinct.
... As Dr. Annesley possessed a considerable paternal
estate, he was enabled to do much good ; not only pro
viding for the education and subsistence of several minis
ters, but devoting a tenth part of his income to charitable
purposes.* Though his nonconformity created him many
troubles, yet it produced no inward uneasiness. His goods
were distrained for keeping a conventicle ; but Dr. Calamy
remarks it as a judgment of God, that a justice of peace
died, as he was signing a warrant to apprehend him.f As
he had a very strong constitution, so he laboured earnestly
in the work of the ministry for no less than fifty-five years.
In the early part of his life, he is said to have been under
darkness of mind, but for the last thirty years he enjoyed
uninterrupted peace, and assurance of God's covenant love.
At length,, he was attacked by a painful distemper, which,
after seventeen weeks intolerable torture, put a period to his
life.J He was perfectly resigned to the conduct of Provi
dence during the whole of his illness, and departed trium
phantly to his eternal rest, Dec. 31, I696, in the 77th year
of his age. Dr. Daniel Williams preached his funeral ser
mon, and afterwards published it, with an account of his
life and character.
Dr. Annesley was a Divine of considerable eminence, and
extensive usefulness. Of a pious, prudent, and liberal spi
rit ; and a warm, pathetic, as well as constant preacher.
Before he was silenced he often preached three times a day ;
and afterwards, twice every Lord's-day, even till his last
sickness. The last time he entered the pulpit, being dis
suaded from preaching on account of his illness, he said,
" I must work while it is day." He was very eminent as
a textuary, and had great skill in resolving cases of consci
ence. His zeal to do good was equal to his ability. When
he heard of any minister oppressed with poverty, he
immediately employed himself for his relief. He was also
* Calamy's Account, p. 48. t •"'"'• J ^"^
Vol. I. S b

370 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
very useful in filling vacant churches, and was the means of in
troducing the gospel into many dark and benighted villages.
The poor looked upon him as their common father ; and he
spent much in distributing bibles, catechisms, and other
useful books. His assiduous labours, and extensive benefi
cence, were accompanied with many other amiable qualities,
which rendered his character truly estimable. The cele
brated Mr. Richard Baxter, who knew hot how to flatter,
or fear any man, passes this eulogium upon him. " Dr.
Annesley is a most sincere, godly, hnmble man,, totally, de
voted to God."*
Dr. Annesley left a son, Benjamin Annesley ;. and two
daughters. Judith, the eldest, married a Mr. James Fro-
mantle, whose son, Annesley Fromantle, was educated for
the ministry, at the college of Glasgow. The odier daugh
ter, Ann Annesley, was married to the Rev. Samuel, Wes
ley, father to the late celebrated John Wesley. She was a
sensible and pious woman, and bore nineteen children, of
whom three were ministers ; Samuel, John and Charles.
Of Dr. Annesley's writings, a catalogue will he given in the
note below, (p)
* Dr. Williams's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 138 — 143.
(p) His Works. — l. A Fast Sermon before the House of Commons,
July 26, 1648. Job xxvii. 5, 6. — 2. Communion with God; two Sermons
at St. Pauls: the first, Septembers, 1654 ; the second, March 25, l655>
Psa. Ixxiii. 25, 26. — 3. A Sermon at St. Lawrence Jewry, to the Gentlemen,
Natives of Wiltshire. Nov. 9, 1654. 1 Chron. xii. 38-40. — i. On the Co
venant of Grace : and on being universally and exactly Conscientious :
two Sermons in the Morning Exercise at Cripplegate ; Acts xxiv. 16. and
Matt. vii. 12. — 5. A Sermon at the Funeral of the Rev. William Whitaker,
late Minister of Magladen, Bermondsey. Zech. i. 5,6. 1673. — 6. How we
may attain to Love God with all our Hearts, and Souls, and Minds: a
Sermon in the Supplement to the Morning Exercise at Cripplegate, Matt.
xxii. 37, 38. 1674. — 7. A Sermon on Heb. viii. 6. in the Morning Exercise
Methodized. 1676. — 8. Of Indulgences : a Sermon on Heb. x. 4. in the
Morning Exercise against Popery. 1075. — 9. How the adherent Vanity of
every Condition is most effectually abated by serious Godliness : a Sermon
in the Continuation of the Morning Exercises. 1683..— 10. How we may

OT DISSENTING CHURCHES' 371
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
John Woodhouse, an eminent tutor and minister
among the Nonconformists, received his education in die
University of Cambridge. It having pleased God to work
effectually upon his heart in his tender years, he escaped the
snares of a college life ; and his remarkable seriousness pro
cured his admittance into the society of some of the gravest
Divines. From the University, while but young, he re
moved into the family of Lady Grantham, in quality of
chaplain. There he resided several years, and spent much
of Iris time in retirement, in the acquisition of knowledge, and
in devotional exercises. As an early pledge of more extensive
usefulness, his labours were happily successful to the conver
sion of some persons in the family where he resided. At
.tiiis period, Providence directed him to a pious gentle
woman under great doubts and perplexities of mind, by
whose conversation he was remarkably 'fitted to administer
consolation to others under like circumstances.
When the Uniformity Act took place, Mr. Woodhouse
appears to have resided in Nottinghamshire ; among the si
lenced ministers of which county, he is enumerated by Dr.
-Calamy. He afterwards removed to Sherif-hales in Shrop-
sbire, where he opened an academy for training up young
men to the ministry, among the nonconformists; and he
supported it many years with great reputation. His merit
in this particular is the more remarkable, as he did it not
from necessity, having a good fortune with the lady be mar
ried, (q) But this he considered a farther obligation to use-
give Christ a satisfactory Account, why we attend upon the Ministry of the
Word; a Sermon in the Casuistical Morning Exercise. 1690. — 11. A Ser
mon at the Funeral of the Rev. Thomas Brand ; with an Account of his
Life : Joshua i. 2. 1692. — Dr. Annesley was the editor of four volumes of N
the Morning Exercises above-mentioned, and wrote a preface to each of
them. He also wrote a preface to Mr. Richard Alleine's " Instructions
about Heart Work ;" and joined with Dr. Owen in a preface to Mr. Elisha
Cole's " Practical Treatise of God's Sovereignty."  {food's Athena, and
Biog. Brit, ubi supra.
(a) She was the daughter of Major Hubbard, of Leicestershire ; a lady ef
angular piety, as well as handsome fortune.

372 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S:  Presbyterian, Extinct.
fulness. His dexterity in governing, by a due mixture of
gentleness and authority, gave him no small advantage over
his pupils. Till enfeebled by a painful distemper, his dili
gence was extraordinary. He piously managed his hpuse as
a nursery for heaven, as well as a school for learning ; and
the many excellent persons, both in the ministry and other
professions, who were educated under him, gave sufficient
proofs of his ability fqr his office, as well as fidelity in the
management of it. He recommended to his pupils a plain,
warm, familiar way of preaching, as most adapted for use
fulness ; and while he impressed upon them the importance
of the ministerial office, many acknowledged him for their
spiritual father. In the exercise of his employment, he en
dured many threatenings, losses and imprisonments ; but
having counted the cost, these never diverted him from his
designs. Among other eminent persons educated under his
care, were the following : Mr. Benjamin Bennet, of New
castle-upon-Tyne, author of the Christian Oratory; Mr.
John Ratcliffe, of Rotherhithe ; Mr. Matthew Clarke, of
Miles's-lane ; Mr. Benjamin Robinson, of Little St. He
len's ; and Mr. John Newman, of Salters'-Hall, London.
Besides his employment as a tutor, Mr. Woodhouse
exerted himself with great zeal and activity as a preacher of
the gospel. In this he was encouraged by the seriousness
and affection of his hearers. About the vale of Beaver,
he diffused saving light with great success, and was instru
mental in the conversion of some who were remarkable des-
pisers of the gospel. In other places he had, also, many
seals to hjs ministry. He would often say, " I am much
afraid of my work, from a sense of my own indisposition
and insufficiency ; but when I looked up to God for help,
I have found his presence warming and enlarging me : and
yet, \vhat I had thought best prepared hath had least suc
cess." He dreaded an useless life ; and when some unhappy
circumstances occasioned him to break up the academy, it
was his frequent complaint, " Now every field is unplea-

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OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 373
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
n - — - - : .... - .... .t^.
sant, for fear I shall liye to no purppse." Not long affef-
wards, however, he received an invitation to succeed Dr.
Annesley at Little St. Helen's, where he cbntinued in the
faithful discharge of his ministry, till his death. Within a
few days of that event, he took a solemn leave of his people,
in a sermon delivered with his usual warmth and affection.
He enjoyed the exercise of reason till the last ; prayed with
great fervour ; was full of inward comfort ; and died without
a groan, in the year 1700, but at what age does not ap-r
pear, (r)
Benjamin Robinson, a learned and respectable mi
nister among the Presbyterians, was born at Derby, of pious
parents^ in the year 1666. His mother died only a few
days ?fter his birth, but, Providence designing him for emi
nent service in the church, watched over his tender years ;
and his good father took strict care of his education. At a
proper age, he was sent to the grammar-school at Derby,
under die superintendence of that polite scholar and valuable
minister, Mr. Samuel Ogden. Having made considerable
proficiency, in the learned languages, he was placed under
the tuition of the Rev. John Woodhouse, at Sherif-hales,
in Shropshire, where he finished his academical studies.
From under the care of Mr. Woodhouse, he removed into
the family of Sir John Gell, where he applied so closely to
study, as greatly to injure his health. He there became
personally acquainted with that great and good man, the
venerable Mr. Richard Baxter, in whose defence, against
the charge of Socinianism, he, many years after, wrote an
accurate and learned Plea. After some time, he removed
into the family of Mr. Samuel Saunders, of Normanton, as
(r) Mr. Woodhouse published, a Sermon on the Death" of Mrs. Jane
Papillon. 'Rev. xiy, 13. 1698.— A' Catalogue of Sins, (highly useful for
self-examination.) 1699. — And a Sermon to the Societies for Reformation
of Manners.

374- HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
domestic chaplain. The conversation of this family, and a
valuable library to which he had access, rendered his situa
tion very agreeable ; and he had the satisfaction of being
greatly respected. Here, he also preached publicly in turn
with several other ministers, {s) and his labours found great
acceptance and success.
Mr. Saunders dying, and Mr. Robinson altering his con
dition, he removed to Findern, in Derbyshire. There he
was solemnly ordained to the work of the ministry, Oct. 10,
1688, in conjunction with his much-esteemed friend, Mr.
Nathaniel Oldfield. Notwithstanding the discouraging state
¦of (the times, he applied to his work with great zeal, and
becoming seriousness of spirit. His labours were not con
fined to 'his own immediate charge, but extended to other
places, and he established several lectures at considerable
distances. His learning, piety, and good sense, united with
a most obliging behaviour, introduced him to an acquaint
ance with many worthy persons among the clergy and others,
from whom he received such offers of preferment in the na
tional church, as were not to be resisted, except upon a
principle of conscience. At Findern, he set up a private
grammar-school, in the year 1 693, for which he was cited
into the bishop's-court ; but upon personal application to
Dr. Lloyd, the then Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, with
whom he was acquainted, he soon obtained relief. The
good bishop took this opportunity of entering into an amica
ble debate with Mr. Robinson, on the subject of noncon
formity, which continued till two in the morning; when
Mr. Robinson was dismissed with particular marks of favour
from that prelate, who afterwards held a correspondence
with him in writing. About this time, if not sooner, he
became acquainted with that great and excellent man, Mr.
John Howe, who discovering his great worth, resolved to
embrace the earliest opportunity of bringing him to London,
(V) The Rev. Mr. Whitiock, Mr. Barret, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Cross.

ct dissenting churches, 375
¦^ ' • • , ¦ ' —
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
From Findern, Mr. Robinson was called to Hungerford,
in Berkshire. This invitation he accepted upon the recom
mendation of Mr. Howe, who meeting him there, con
ducted his setdement with a solemnity peculiar to himself.
He exercised his ministry in that place, with great accept
ance, for seven years ; and, at the earnest request of some
of his brethren, in 1696, set up a private academy. This
procured him enemies ; and complaint being made to Dr.
Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, he was sent for by that excel
lent prelate, then in his , progress, on a visitation, through
Hungerford. Mr. Robinson having waited on the bishop,
gave him such satisfactory reasons for his nonconformity,
and for that undertaking in particular, as laid the foundation
of an intimate friendship ever after.
As he was well qualified for the work of a tutor, so he
laboured in it with great constancy, and was favoured with
remarkable success. He had the honour of training up
many persons, who proved useful ornaments to the church ;
and was a skilful guide to many younger ministers, in private
sonversation, and upon public occasions.
Mr. Howe, who, from their first acquaintance, had en
tertained an uncommon esteem for Mr. Robinson, longed
for an opportunity of bringing him to the metropolis. This
he at length effected. For in the year 1700, upon the death
of Mr. Woodhouse, who had recommended Mr. Robinson
to his people, as a fit person to succeed him, he received an
unanimous invitation to take the pastoral charge of the con
gregation in Little St. Helen's, which he accepted. When
he removed to London, he was in the prime of life, and his
mental powers in full vigour. Besides his stated work,
while his strength permitted, he frequently engaged in lec
tures, and other occasional services ; so that there were few
pulpits in London, of any note, that were not sometimes
favoured with his presence. Upon the deatii of that worthy
minister, Mr. George Hammond, in 1705, he was chosen
t ne of the preachers of the Merchants' Lecture, at Salters'-

376 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
Hall ; and he supplied his turn with great constancy, and
encouraging success. In his declining state, when growing
infirmities would not admit of constant labour, he has some
times reserved himself for that pulpit ; knowing that at
Salters'-Hall he should not only meet with some of his own
people, but have an opportunity of preaching to greater
numbers, and to a mixed congregation. And it was remark
able with what zeal and fervency he would address so large
as well as serious an auditory.*
As this eminent man bore a faithful testimony, for God by
an honourable and useful life, so he was peculiarly favoured
in the circumstances of his death. It is a mercy to some,
who cannot so well bear a lengthened conflict with the king
of terrors, that God takes them to himself by some critical
distemper, that soon puts an end to the combat. This tried
soldier of Christ had a long and sensible engagement with
the last enemy, but his soul was always triumphant. For
several months before his last confinement, he had a bad
state of health, which frequently disabled him from public
service. At this time, those who conversed with him, could
not but observe, that the more he was oppressed with bodily
indisposition, the more flourishing and vigorous were his
Christian graces. When the great subjects of religion were
the topics of conversation, the powers of his mind did not
seem in the least impaired. His patience and resignation
were surprising to all around him ; for though he longed to
be at rest, he was willing to wait God's time, and humbly
submit himself to whatever awaited him.
A worthy minister who visited him a few days before he
was taken speechless, gives the following account of their
conversation. " I found him in a most heavenly frame.
The grace that was in him shined forth with wonderful
Strength and lustre, as it had done all the time of his sick-
• S»rr4on <m the Death of the Rev. and learned Mr. Benjamin Robinson, by-
John Cumming, M. A. p. 51 — 62.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 377
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.- — Presbyterian, Extinct.
ness. Inquiring how it was with him, he replied, Exceed
ing weak in body, but as to the state of his soul, he could
say it was well widi him, and that matters had of a long
time been settled between God and him, upon a good and
solid foundation. He declared again and again, that he had
no darkness, no not a cloud to interfere between him and
the cheerful light of God's countenance ; that he was full of
peace, and felt an inward joy that was unspeakable. Upon
his friend saying, Sir, this is heaven in the beginnings of it,
he answered, widi tears of consolation, It is heaven ! and if
so mueh is to be enjoyed here, what shall we enjoy in die
celestial glory ? Speaking of the use God had made of him
in his ministry, he said, He had the witness in himself, that
from the time of his first devoting himself to his Lord and
Master Jesus Christ, in that honourable and blessed work,
he had made it his business to serve him faithfully, to that
very day. Reflecting on his great weakness, and approach
ing dissolution, he said, That as he found his infirmities in^
creasing upon him, so- he found his inward pleasures, from
the prospect of that happiness which was before him, to
grow in proportion. His friend observes, that all the facul
ties of his mind seemed as sprightly and vigorous as if he
ailed nothing."
When taking his last farewell of his family, he left the
following solemn charge with his children: " You are,
(says he) to my knowledge,, the children of the covenant, for
four or five generations. Do not suffer the entail to be cut
off. It would be a great surprise to me, if heaven could
admit of such a tiling, to find at last you have lost your way
diither. I devoted you to God in baptism, when infants,
and you have confirmed it by your public and solemn en
gagements to him at the Lord's table. Remember the vows
of God are upon you. If you forsake him, you contract
double guilt, and must expect a heavier doom and punish
ment. " To his youngest childt with the same fatherly
Voi.X Sc

378 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLEST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
affection and concern, he recommended the words of dying
David to Solomon, " Know thou the God of thy father,
and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind :
for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the
imaginations of the thoughts : if thou seek him, he will be
found of thee ; but if thou forsake him, he will cast >thee off
for ever." The last words he was heard to speak, were
those of Simeon, when he had his Saviour in his arms, with
which he cheerfully and triumphantly commended his depart
ing soul to God : " Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant
depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation : and,
with these eyes, I shall see thy glory." After this manner,
he spent many wearisome days, and painful nights, continu
ally rejoicing in God, till at length, after eight weeks con
finement to his bed, he triumphantly departed to his eternal
rest, April 30, 1724, aged 58 years. His remains wer«
interred in Bunhill-Fields, and the Rev. John Cumming
preached his funeral sermon, which was afterwards pub
lished, with a copious account of his life and character.*
Mr. Robinson was in person well-formed, of a sprightly
constitution, and an agreeable aspect. His natural capacity
was of a superior order, and he had acquired a large stock
of the most useful learning. He was not satisfied with a
superficial knowledge of things, nor carried away with mere
sound; but his penetration was deep, and his judgment.
solid. These qualifications rendered him an able champion
for the faith. He could see through the disguises of error,
and dispel those mists with which they are sometimes shaded,
even by the learned. His thoughts were distinct, and. his
recollection easy. He possessed a nervous way of reason
ing, and forced conviction, not by a deceitful eloquence,
but by dint of argument. As he was eminently furnished
for all the duties of die ministerial . office, so. no man was
more faithful in the discharge of. them. His sermons were
• Mr. Cummung's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 84 — 02.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 379
9' ' ' =
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
directed to the great and necessary points of Christian faith
and practice, which he'discussed upon evangelical4principles.,
Being sensible, that, whatever pretences man may make to
probity and virtue, upon common natural principles, yet
that the grace and truth of the gospel are the only effectual
springs of true holiness, he was careful to press these things
upon the minds of his hearers. His manner of preaching,
suited to the dignity of his subjects, was grave, serious, and
affecting. He could compose with great ease and rapidity,
insomuch that it was observed, " he could do more in an
hour, than most men in a day."- Yet his performances ap
peared the result of laboured study, and long reflection.
His eloquence was natural and manly, well'adapted to argu
mentation. He possessed a warm and steady zeal for the
leading doctrines of Christianity ; was a Dissenter upon
principle ; yet, of the most enlarged charity towards those
who differed from him ; and pleaded for a free and impartial
toleration. As he was eminently distinguished for his gifts
and graces, so his whole conduct was exemplary, and an
ornament to his sacred profession.*
As an author, Mr. Robinson did not appear very fre
quently before the public, but the few pieces he produced
gave strong indications of his superior abilities, and met with
great acceptance in the world. His first publication was a
sermon preached at Salters'-Hall, to the Societies for Refor
mation of Manners, June 30, 1701, the text, Psa. cvi.
30, 31. — In 170J), he published, " A Review of the case of
Liturgies, and their imposition ; in answer to Mr. Bennet's
Brief History of pre-composed set Forms of Prayer, and his
Discourse of joint Prayer." To this Mr. Bennet wrote a
reply, which was answered by Mr- Robinson, and produced
a second letter from Mr. Bennet. This was a controversy
of some importance, and Called forth no inconsiderable ta
lent. Some sentiments advanced by Mr. Bennet, were
* Mr. Cumming's Sermon, ubi supra* p. 62 — 84.

380 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
considered not only contrary to the general sense of Dissen
ters, but as a shock upon the reason of mankind. It is no
wonder, therefore, that his book met with animadversion.
Two pamphlets by way of answer to it, were written by
Mr. John Horsley, ancestor to the late bishop of that name.
It was also severely reprehended by some of hisN own bre
thren, particularly by Dr. Wainewright, Mr. Ollyffe, and
Dr. John Edwards, in his " Christian Preacher."* — Another
controversy that engaged the pen of Mr. Robinson, related
to the Trinity, the defence of which doctrine occupied much
of his thoughts in the latter years of his life. It is well known
that he was one of the four London ministers who wrote the
tract, entitled, " The Doctrine of the Ever Blessed Trinity
stated and defended, 1719;" in which he discusses the
scripture evidence with great clearness and ability. His zeal
for the importance of this doctrine, he discovered on a
variety of occasions, and took a considerable share in the
disputes at Salters'-Hall, where he joined the subscribing
ministers, — Another of his publications was, a sermon, enti
tled, " The Protestant Succession refused by Men, but
owned by God;" preached May 28, 1719, die anniversary
of the King's birth-day. He also wrote prefaces to several
books, such as to Mr. Bartlet's Discourse concerning the
Pardon of Sin, 1704; to Hitchin's Infant's Cause Pleaded,
1706; to Brown's Real Christian; and to Warner's Discourse
on Salvation, &c. And it is not improbable tiiat he published
some other things which have not passed under our notice.
Harman Hood. — Mr. Robinson was assisted several
years by a Mr. Harman Hood, who also preached an even
ing lecture at St. Thomas's, Southwark, in conjunction
with Dr. Wright. But increasing illness compelled him to
relinquish both these services about the year 1720. He
survived Mr. Robinson, and fuinished Mr. dimming with
* Biog. Brit. vol. ii. Art. Bennet.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 381
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.  Presbyterian, Extinct.
several particulars relating to his life. His name is among
the subscribing ministers, at the Salters'-Hall Synod, in
1719- The above are all the particulars we know concern
ing him, excepting that he appears to have been some way
related to Mr. Samuel Slater, mentioned in a foregoing
article. That excellent person is said to have married the
widow of Mr. Hood, daughter to Mr. Harman Sheafe,
of London, son of Mr. Harman Sheafe, of Cranbrook, in
Kent. Edward Godwin. — This respectable minister was
boni at Newbury, in Berkshire,* about the, year 1695.
Being designed for the ministry, he was sent, at a proper
age, to an academy at Tewkesbury, superintended by the
Reverend and learned Mr. Samuel Jones, at that time, a
very eminent tutor among the nonconformists, (t) Under
* Private Information.
(t) Mr. Samuel Jones, who was of Welch extraction, received his
education in Holland, under the learned Perizohius. He kept his academy
first, at Glocester, from whence, in 1712, he removed to Tewkesbury,
where, we. believe, he was also pastor of a congregation. Of his method
of education, a very interesting account may be seen, in a letter written in,
1711, by Mr. (afterwards archbishop) Seeker, then one of Mr. Jones's
pupils, to the celebrated Dr. Isaac Watts.f Mr. Seeker speaks highly of tha
advantages he enjoyed at this seminary, which he calls " an extraordinary
place of education." Mr. Jones obliged his pupils to rise at five o'clock
every morning, and always to speak Latin, except when they mixed with .
the family.—" We pass our time very agreeably (says Mr. Seeker) betwixt
study and conversation with our tutor, who is always ready to discourse
freely of any thing that is useful, and allows us either then, or at lecture,
all imaginable liberty of making objections against his opinions, and prose
cuting them as far as we can. In this and every thing else, heshews him
self so much a gentleman, and manifests so great an affection and tender
ness for his pupils, as cannot but command respect and love." — WKen Dr,
Doddridge set on foot his academy, his friend Dr. Clark communicated to
him, Mr. Jones's Lectures on Jewish Antiquities. A copy of these, very
jjeatly written, in two volumes octavo, is preserved jn Dr. Williams's
f See Gibbons's Memoirs of Watts, p. 346,

38'i HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
-  ; . ' ' =^c
LITTLE ST. HELEN •S-^-Prcsbyterian, Extinct.
the tuition of this excellent person, Mr. Godwin made con
siderable proficiency in learning, which he improved by long
and close application. Such was the high opinion enter
tained of his abilities and worth, that, upon the death of his
tutor, he received a pressing invitation to succeed him in
the important province of educating young men to the mi
nistry. This, however, he modestly declined.* Upon his
leaving the academy, he settled with a congregation at
Hungerford, in Berkshire ; where he preached about a year
or two, in the capacity of an assistant. He also officiated as
joint-tutor of an academy in the same town.-f-
Mr. Godwin settled in London, in the year 1721, as
assistant to Mr. Benjamin Robinson, at Little St. Helen's.
In the following year, he was ordained co-pastor ; and upon
Mr. Robinson's death, in 1724, succeeded to the whole
charge. J As Mr. Godwin was a very lively and ready
preacher, the congregation which had declined under his
predecessor, soon experienced a considerable revival. § He
had not been long settled in London, before he was chqsen
to preach at some of the most popular lectures among the
Dissenters. The first he was called to engage in, was at the
Old Jewry, on a Tuesday evening, about the year 1723.
His associates in this lecture, were Mr. Nathaniel Lardner,
library. Of Mr. Jones's ability as a tutor, we cannot but form a very high
opinion from the merit and eminence of raany of his pupils, among whom
were the following : — Dr. Samuel Chandler, and Dr. Andrew Gifford, of
London; Mr. Thomas Mole, of Hackney; Mr. Richard Pearsall, of Taun
ton ; Mr. Henry Franqis, of Southampton ; Mr. Jeremiah Jones, the
learned author of " A new and full Method of setting the Canonical Au
thority of the New Testament ;'' Dr. Daniel Scott, well known to the
world by his learned and valuable writings ; Dr. Joseph Butler, afterward!
Bishop of Durham, the author of that most learned and valuable perform
ance, " The Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion ;" and Dr. Thomas
Seeker, who also conforming to the Church of England, rose to the See of
Canterbury. * Dr. Langford's, Sermon upon the Death of Mr. Godwin, p. 2*.
-f- Private Information. J Dr. Langford's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 39.
§ MS. penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 388
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S.— Presbyterian, Extinct.
Mr. Obadiah Hughes, Mr. Samuel Chandler, Mr. Thomas
Harrison, and Mr. John Kinch. The latter resigned, after
a short time, as did also Mr. Godwin; and their places
were supplied by Mr. Calamy, and Mr. Mole.* Upon
the institution of Mr. Coward's Friday lecture, at Little St.
Helen's, in the year 1726, Mr. Godwin was among the first
ministers chosen to conduct it. The lecture was opened by
the celebrated Mr. Matthew Clarke, and his associates were
Mr. John Hubbard, Mr. Thomas Hall, Mr. Philip Gibbs,
Mr. James Wood, and Mr. Godwin. -f After some consi
derable time, he was chosen one of the Merchants' lecturers
upon a Tuesday morning at Salters'-Hall ; and likewise
into the Friday evening lecture, at the Weigh-House, in
conjunction with Dr. Langford, Dr. Chandler, and Dr.
Lawrence.;}; The latter years of Mr. Godwin's life, were imbittered
by many bodily infirmities, which, nevertheless, he bore
with Christian fortitude and resignation ; continuing in his
ministerial work, as long as he had any strength remaining.
At length, after labouring in this part of the vineyard, for
more than forty years, with reputation to himself, and use
fulness to others, the lamp of life having gradually wasted,
Was, at last, almost insensibly extinguished, on the 21st of
.March, 1764, in the 69th year of his age.§ His remains
were interred in Bunhill-Fields, and Dr. Langford delivered
a funeral discourse to his afflicted church, from John xii. 26.
If any man serve me, let him follow me ; and where I am,
there shall also my servant be.
The character of Mr. Godwin is well known to many
persons still living. By great assiduity, and intense applica
tion to study, even to the injury of his constitution, he ac
quired a large stock of knowledge ; and being much devoted
to religious retirement, by the blessing of God, he became
* Kippis*s Life of Lardner, p. 6. t Coward's Lecture Sermons.
J Private Informatitn, \ Dr. Langford's Sermon, ubi supra, p. so.

384 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
a scribe well instructed in the things of the kingdom. The
great and peculiar doctrines of the gospel were his delight.
These he opened with judgment, defended with zeal, and
applied iii lively addresses to the consciences of his hearers.
In prayer he was concise, clear, and spiritual ; and upon
•xtraordinary occasions, remarkably copious, free, and ex
cellent. He was a person of great humility, meekness, and
patience; of few words in conversation, (u) but open and
undisguised. As a Dissenter, he acted upon the principle'
pf Christian liberty, and adorned his profession by a mode-
fate and peaceable spirit. Besides attending to the concerns
pf his own particular flock, he took a lively interest in the
welfare of other churches, particularly those in the country ;
which appeared by his unwearied diligence in the manage
ment of some public trusts, for the support of the Dissent
ing interest. In short, few persons passed through the world
with a more fair and unspotted reputation, or more gene
rally esteemed by good men of all denominations.* (x)
(u) Of his great taciturnity, we have heard the following anecdote related?
ljiy a person who was well acquainted with the circumstance. Mr. Godwin
falling into company one day with Dr. Gill, who was equally remarkable
for his few words in conversation, and there being some other persons pre
sent, they expected lo derive much instruction from what passed between
two Divines of so much learning and gravity. They were, however, greatly
disappointed. Suspecting that their presence was the cause of this tacitur
nity, they withdrew from the room, leaving the two Divines tete k tete,
each occupying a corner of the fire-place. One of these persons having the
curiosity to know what would pass between them now they were alone,
took a convenient station near the key-hole of the door. The result of the
observation, however, was, that they still continued sitting in the same
posture, without breaking silence, Dr. Gill being employed in rubbinghis
legs, after his usual manner.
* Dr. Langford's Sermon, ubi supra, p. 29 — 30.
(x) Mr. Godwin printed the following single Sermons : 1. The wonder
ful Work of God, an Obligation to continual Gratitude : preached at the
Morning Lecture, Little St. Helen's, August 1, 1727. Psa. x. 7, 8. — 2. A
Funeral Sermon on the sudden Death of Mr. William Voyce, Jan. 26, 1728,
in the sGth year of his age : preached at Little St. Helen's- Mark. xiii.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 385
LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Piesbyterian, Extinct.
Mr. Godwin married the widow of his excellent tutor,
Mr. Samuel Jones. She was the daughter of Mr. John
Weaver, a worthy ejected minister, who was a considerable
loser by his nonconformity. By this lady, Mr, Godwin had
two sons. The eldest, though not trained to the ministry,
preached a short time in Mr. Whitefield's connexion, but
died in early life. The other son was educated under Dr.
Doddridge, at Northampton, and settled at Wisbeach, in
Cambridgeshire, where he continued twelve years. In 1758,
he removed to Debenham, in Suffolk, but not being settled
so agreeably as could be wished, he removed, in 1760, to
Guestwick, in Norfolk, where he continued till his death,
in November, 1772, in the 50th year of his age. This
gentleman was father to the present Mr. Godwin, well
known to the w'orld by his " Political Justice," and other
writings.* The following inscription is upon Mr. Godwin's tomb->
stone, in Bunhill-Fields. To the Memory of the
REV. EDWARD GODWIN,
Who was Pastor of the Church of Christ!
At Little St. Helen's, London,
For upwards of 40 years.
He had uncommon natural abilities.
Improved with close application^
And attended with remarkable Humility,
Piety, and Sincerity;
Was an earnest promoter of the Truths of the Gosp«Iy
And was esteemed by good and learned men
Whilst living,
And now greatly lamented'.
He died March 21, 1161,
In the <i9th year of his age.
• Private Information*
35.-37.  a. Christ's Glory in his Incarnation, and the Fullness of his
Grace and Truth : two Sermons on John i. 14. preached at Little St. He
len's, Oct. 25, and Nov. 8, 1728; in the Collection of Coward's Lecture
Sermons. 1729.— 4. The Gain of the Whole World, rio Compensation for
the Loss of the Soul : a Sermon for the Benefit of the Gravel-lane Charity-
School, Jan.i, 1733. Mark viii. 36.— 5. A Sermon at tbe Ordination of the
Vol. I. 3»

.'38© HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
t i . . m.
/LITTLE ST. HELEN'S  Presbyterian, Extinct.
Thomas Prentice. — Mr.- Godwin being disabled
from constant service, Mr* Thomas Prentice, who received
his education at Mile-End, under Doctors Conder, Walker
and Gibbons, was chosen his assistant in 1762. Not long
after Mr. Godwin's death, in 1764, Mr. Prentice succeeded
to the pastoral office. In this situation he continued but a
short time, when embracing the Saudemanian sentiments, his
connexion with this church became dissolved. After this,
Mr. Prentice joined the Sandemanian Society in Bull-and-
Mouth-street, now meeting at Jacob's Well; but after a
few years, retired to Nottingham, where he is still living,
and carries on a manufacturing concern.*
George Stephens, M. A. — After the departure of
Mr. Prentice, the Rev. George Stephens, a Scotsman, was
invited to undertake the pastoral office, which he accepted.
In this situation he continued a few years, till his death, at
the latter end of 1780, or the beginning of 1781. Mr.
Stephens had the misfortune to be blind with one eye ; but
diis was not his greatest defect. He was an imprudent
man, and became involved in his circumstances. We could
also subjoin some other particulars not greatly to his honour,
which cast a cloud over the evening of his life ; but as these
can add neidier to the instruction of the living, nor the
benefit of the dead, it is best they should be suppressed.f
James Kello, brother to the present Mr. Kello, of
Bethnal-green, was born about the year 1755, in the city
of London ; and pursued his academical studies at Homer-
Rcv. William Langford, at the Weigh-House. 1742. — 6. A Sermon, enti
tled',. The Danger of delaying Sinners. — Mr. Godwin, who was the intimate
friend of Dr. Doddridge, superintended the printing of the Family Exposi
tor, and corrected the proof sheets from the press. He also inspected the
manuscript before it went thither, and made several important alterations,.
which Dr. Doddridge acknowledges to be " very much for the better."
• Private Informality, f Hid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 587
CAMOMILE-STREET.  Independent.
ton, under Doctors Conder, Gibbons and Fisher. At his
leaving the academy, he settled with a congregation at
Hertford, from whence he removed to London, to succeed
Mr. Stephens, at Little St. Helen's. Here he preached
widi some acceptance for the space of eight years, when
he was removed by death, in the midst of his days, Feb. 4,
1790, aged but 35 years. He is said to have possessed
but slender talents, and to have affected too much of the
fop.* His remains were interred in. Bunhill-Fields, and
¦with his deatii, the church over which he was pastor, may
be said to have died also. The succeeding revolutions that
the meeting-house underwent, till it was entirely taken
down, have been noticed at the commencement of this
article.

CAMOMILE-STREET.

INDEPENDENT,

AN a former article, we have given a copious account of
the rise and progress of the ancient congregational church,
of which that in Camomile-street is a branch. The Society
in Lime-street being obliged to quit their meeting-house upon
the expiration of their lease, at Christmas, 1755, and Mr.
Richardson, their pastor, having relinquished his charge, the
church divided. That which was considered the largest
branch, and who retained possession of the church books,
• Private Information.

388 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
:¦ ¦ -
CAMOMILE-Sl'REET.  Independent.
i ¦ ' ¦ Ti
removed to the , meeting-house in Miles's-lane, with which
they were accommodated on the morning of the Lord's-day,
by Mr. Jollie's congregation. Within a few months after
their removal, Mr. William Porter was chosen pastor, and
continued to preach in Miles's-lane for about ten years. At
the expiration of that period, the congregation erected a new
meeting-house in Camomile-street. It was opened in the
year 1766, and is a good brick-building, of a moderate size,
with three galleries. In 1795, Mr. Coward's Friday-
morning lecture was removed to this place from Little St.
Helen's. In 1802, Mr. Buck's congregation assembled
here for a short time, on the afternoon and evening of the
Lord's-day, while their new meeting-house was building.
The church in Camomile-street is upon the Independent
plan, and before the settlement of die present minister,
was at a very low ebb ; but is now in a flourishing con
dition. The following have been pastors of this Society since the
division above-mentioned.

Ministers' Names.

From

To

William Porter,
John Reynolds,
John Clayton, .

1756
1774 1805

17731803 18..

William Porter, the first minister of this Society,
was born in the neighbourhood of Royston, in the county of
Kent. He received his education at Mile-End, under Doc^
tors Conder, Walker and Gibbous. Not longer after he
finished his academical studies, he was chosen pastor of this
church, and ordained at Miles's-lane, August 7 1756.
For the space of ten years, he divided his labours between
two places ; preaching in the morning at Miles's-lane and
in the afternoon at an ancient meeting-house in Hoxton-

O* DISSENTING CHURCHES. 38f>
CAM0JH LBS lit KET  Independent.
'•¦ ¦  *
square, to the same congregation. But the distance between
the two places being very inconvenient, and the latter by far
too small to accommodate the people, they erected a new
meeting-house in Camomile-street, which was opened in the
year 1766. In this new situation, Mr. Porter continued
about seven years, when his faculties became somewhat
disordered ; which being attributed by some persons to a
different circumstance, occasioned a ferment in die church,
and obliged him to leave the place. He, in consequence,
resigned his charge, in a letter to the church, dated Feb. 4,
1773. After this, Mr. Porter removed to Chesham, Bucks,
but did not, we believe, undertake any ministerial charge.
In younger life, he possessed a very handsome person, and
striking address. As a preacher, he was lively and agree
able, and, at one time, amazingly popular. But he was
never remarkably judicious, not taking sufficient pains with
his sermons ; by which means he contracted a loose and lazy
habit of composition.* Mr. Porter published a sermon oc
casioned by the death of Robert Cruttenden, Esq. preached
at Miles's-lane, Aug. 7, 1763, on Psa. xxxi. 5. To this
sermon were affixed some poetical composures by the
deceased (y) * Private Information.
(y) Mr. Cruttenden was nephew to the Rev. Robert Bragge, pastor of
the congregation in Lime-street. He was educated for, and called to the
ministry ; and preached frequently in his uncle's pulpit. At this time he
received offers of a handsome provision in the established church ; but
these he declined. However, being destitute pf the spirit of his office,
and finding that his conscience would not permit him to believe the truths
which he from time to time delivered from the pulpit, he had the honesty
to desist from preaching, and betook himself to a secular employment.
This he pursued with considerable success, and in process of time, was
chosen the Lord Mayor's Common Hunt, a place of considerable profit.
But, losing a great part of his substance in the South Sea bubble, he sold
his place, and lived in a private manner, upon the property he had left,
and the profits of a place in the Post-office. In this situation, and in the
fifty-second year of his age, the Lord was pleased to pluck him as a fire-
' brand out of the burning. In what manner he himself informs us, in the

390 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
CAMOMILE-STREET.  Independent.
John Reynolds. — This respectable minister was born
in London, in the year 1739- Being designed for trade, he
was apprenticed to a watch-maker, and became a member
of Mr. Hitchin's church, in White-row, Spitalfields. It
seems that he had no regular education for the ministry, but
the want of this was, in some measure, compensated by intense
application to study ; by which means he acquired a respec
table acquaintance with the languages, with natural philo
sophy, theology, and other branches of science. After his
entrance upon the ministry, he preached a short time at
Newport, in Essex, but did not settle there. Afterwards,
he had a call from the Dissenting congregation at Haverhill,
in Suffolk, where he succeeded the Rev. Thomas Mildway.
He continued there till September 1773, when he removed
to London, to succeed Mr. Porter, at Camomile-street.
He was set apart to the pastoral office in that place, March
2, 1774. In this situation, he laboured upwards of thirty
years, till he was removed by death, December 7, 1803, in
the 65th year of his age. Mr. Reynolds's health had been
declining for at least a year or two before he died. He was
able, however, diough somewhat indisposed in body, to
preach and administer the Lord's-Supper, the Sabbath
before his death. On the Monday following, he went to
Denmark-hill, to baptize a child of Captain James Wilson.
In the evening, he returned in a carriage to Shoreditch
church, and in walking from thence to his house in Hoxton-
square, the cold seized- his lungs. All efforts to restore
accustomed heat proved in vain ; and he departed about two
narrative of his experience, delivered before Mr. Richardson's church, at
the time of his being admitted a member, June 4, 1743, and afterwards
published, with a recommendation by the Rev, George Whitefield. He
survived his conversion upwards of twenty years, and during that time, bore
a noble testimony to the truth and power of religion, After the division in
the church at Lime-street, Mr. Cruttenden adhered to the branch in Miles's-
lane. He died happily June 23, 176D, aged 73.  Mr. Porter's Sermon.
»ti the Death of Robert Grutteni.cn.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 391
CAMOMILE-STKEET/  Independent.
o'clock on the Wednesday morning. On Wednesday,
December 14, his remains were interred in Bunhill-Fields,
when Mr. Brooksbank delivered an address at the grave ;
and on the ensuing Lord's-day, Mr. Thorpe preached the
funeral sermon, to the bereaved church in Camomile-street,
but did not publish it.
Mr. Reynolds was in person about the middle size, ra
ther stout built, and of an agreeable countenance. As a
preacher, he was extremely unpopular, and the congrega
tion sunk under his care. His sermons, however, disco
vered marks of labour, were well composed, and stored
with suitable ideas. On these accounts, though his preach
ing never attracted a Croud, yet it was esteemed by the more
judicious. To a clear judgment he united a sound under
standing, and retentive memory ; and his mind being en-
riched by habits of reading and reflection, he proved an
agreeable and instructive companion. , His judgment con
cerning the great truths of the gospel coincided with those
of Calvin, and to those doctrines he expressed a zealous.
attachment. His inquisitive mind was directed to various
objects of curious and interesting research; and he left
behind him at his death, a well chosen library of books,.
and other curiosities, which he had diligently collected. In
early life, he cultivated a close intimacy and friendship with
the learned Mr. Samuel Pike. Mr. Reynolds had also
formed an intimate friendship with the late celebrated
Robert Robinson, of Cambridge ; and notwithstanding
their difference upon some points, frequently met together
when the latter was in London, and debated their senti
ments with much temper and good humour.* Mr. Reynolds,
we believe, never appeared before the public, in the cba*
racter of an author. • Pmatt Information.

39* HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
' . -^
HOUNDSDITCH  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
Upon his grave-stone, in Bunhill-Fields, there is the fol
lowing inscription : In Memory of the
REV. JOHN REYNOLDS,
Late of Hoxton-Sqnare,.
And for Thirty years
Pastor of the Independent Church
In Camomile-Street,
He died Dec. 1, 180S;
Aged C4 years.
John Clayton, Jun. — After the church in Camo
mile-street had been destitute a full twelvemonth, the Rev.'
John Clayton, Jun. was invited to- the pastoral office. This
gentleman is eldest son to Mr. Clayton, of the Weigh-
House ; received his education at Homerton, and settled
first at Kensington, from whence he removed to Camomile-
street. He was set apart in the latter place, April 4, 1805.
Though at the time of his settlement, the congregation was
in a very low state, yet his labours have' been successful ir*
raising it to a very flourishing condition.-

HOUNDSDITCH.

PARTICULAR BAPTIST. — EXTINCT.

XJL-oundsditch was anciently called the City-Ditch,
from its being the general acceptance of filth, and especially
dead dogs, conveyed from the city. In process of time it
was enclosed with a mud wall ; but was afterwards filled up,
and the ground levelled, and built upon.*
* Maitland's History of London, v. ii p. 1007.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 391
H01TNDSD11CH  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
In the reigns of Charles and James II. a Baptist church met
Bomewhere about Houndsditch, in the neighbourhood of
Aldgate, but the precise spot is not ascertained. Nor are we
able to communicate many particulars concerning the pas
tors of this Society. Crosby informs us, that Mr. Henry
D'Anvers was joint-elder of a baptized congregation, near
Aldgate ; but when and where, or who was his colleague,
he no where mentions. We strongly suspect this to be the
same church with die one we have mentioned at Crutched-
Friars, in an early part of this work. If so, it is probable
Mr. D'Anvers might have succeeded Paul Hobson.
It appears from Edwards's Gangra;na, that the Baptists
had a meeting-house about Aldgate, as early as 1646. That
Gangraene author relates the following curious circum
stance that transpired there. " About Aldgate, in London,
there was a great meeting of many sectaries, and among
others Master Knowles, and Master Jesse, for the restoring
of an old blind woman to her sight, by anointing her with
oil in the name of the Lord. It was conducted after this
manner. The old blind woman was set in the midst of the
room, and she first prayed aloud, (all the company joining
with her,) to this effect : That God would bless his own
ordinances and institutions for the restoring of her sight.
After she had done praying, Master Knowles prayed for
some space of time to the same effect, for a blessing upon
this anointing with oil ; and, after prayer, she was anointed
with oil, the person who performed this ceremony, repeat
ing diese words : The Lord Jesus give, or restore thee thy
fight."* Henry D'Anvers, a writer of some note among the
Anti-paedo Baptists of the seventeenth century, descended
from respectable parents. Of his history but few particulars
? Edwards's Gangrsena, Part iii. p. 19.
Vol. L 5t

394 HISTORY and ANTIQUITIES
HOUNDSDITCH  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
are known. He appears to have been a colonel in the par
liament army, as also governor of Stafford, and a justice of
the peace, sometime before the usurpation of Oliver Cromwell :
and we are told that he was well beloved among the peo
ple, being noted for one who would take no bribes. It was
at this time that he embraced the principles of the Baptists,
and also of the fifth monarchy men, though, it is said, he
could not fall in with their practices. After the restoration
he appears to have suffered considerably on account of his
nonconformity. As he possessed a considerable estate, of
about four hundred per annum, he made it over to trustees,
that it might not be claimed by his persecutors, (z) In the
reign of Charles the Second, Mr. D'Anvers was joint-elder
of a baptized congregation near Aldgate. But his principler
rendering him obnoxious to the government, a proclamation
was issued, offering one hundred pounds for his apprehen
sion. He was, at length, taken and sent prisoner to the
Tower ; but his lady having great interest at court, and there
being no charge of consequence against him, he was re
leased upon bail, about the year 1675. In the reign of
James II. he attended some private meetings at which
matters were concerted in favour of the Duke of Mon
mouth ; but the scheme of that unfortunate prince miscar
rying, Mr. D'Anvers fled into Holland, where he died
about a year after the Duke was beheaded, A. D. 1686.
Crosby speaks of him as " a worthy man, of an unspotted
life and conversation."*
As Mr. D'Anvers .was engaged in a controversy of some
importance, both as it regards the subject, and the persons
who were concerned in it, the reader will expect some ac
count of his writings. In 1674, appeared the second edi
tion of his " Treatise of Baptism : wherein that of Believers,
and that of Infants, is examined by the Scriptures. With
(z) Crosby's Account of Mr. D'Anvers is so confused that it is difficult
to distinguish whether some of the above particulars refer to father, or sou.
* Crosby's English Baptists, vol. iii. p. oo — 97,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 395
HOUNDSDITCH.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
the History of both out of Antiquity ; making it appear,
that Infants' Baptism was not practised for near four Hun
dred Years after Christ : with the fabulous Traditions, and
erroneous Grounds upon which it was, by the Popei's Canons
(with Gossips, Chrysm, Exorcism, Baptizing of Churches
and Bells, and other Popish Rites,) founded. And that die
famous Waldensian, and old British Churches, Lollards and
Wicklifians, and other Christians witnessed against it. With
the History of Christianity amongst the Ancient Britons and
Waldensians." We have given the full title of this book,
in order to prepare the reader for much curious matter
which he may expect in the perusal. Without deciding
upon the merits of the argument, it is not too much to say,
that in this performance Mr., D'Anvers displays gieat labour
and ingenuity ; a good knowledge of ecclesiastical history,
and of the writings of the ancients ; and that he takes such a
comprehensive view of the subject, as to deserve the atten
tion of those who are desirous of acquainting themselves
with the controversy. This treatise of Mr. D'Anvers soon
brought upon him a number of adversaries, particularly Mr.
Wills, Mr. Blinman, and Mr. Baxter. To these he replied
in three distinct treatises, in 1675. Mr. Wills having
charged Mr. D'Anvers with misquoting his authors, and
perverting their sense, appealed to the Baptists upon the
subject. This occasioned some of Mr. D'Anvers's brethren
to print a short paper in his vindication. It was signed by
Hans. Knollys, Will. Kyffen, Dan. Dyke, Jo. Gosnold,
Hen. Forty, Tho. De Laune.
Besides his pieces upon baptism, Mr. D'Anvers pub
lished, " A Treatise of Laying on of Hands, with the
History thereof, both from Scripture and Antiquity.
1674." In Iris History of Baptism, is an advertisement
to the following effect. " There is by die same author,
a book lately printed, called, Theopolis, or City of God,
in opposition to the city of the Nations : being a com
ment upon Rev. chap. xx. 31. In which the mystery

396 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES, &C [ ' _ ' '¦¦'
HOUNDSDITCH. — -Particular Baptist, ixtinct.
of the two states, worlds, and kingdoms, Christ's and Anti
christ's ; the two cities, Jerusalem and Babylon ; the two
women, the bride and whore ; the two creatures, Lamb and
Beast, are particularly unfolded. With a more distinct ac
count than any yet extant, of the great battle of Armaged
don, and the success thereof, in the taking and destroying,
and imprisoning of Dragon, Beast, and False-prophet ; and
the thousand years reign succeeding the same. With the
many scriptural arguments why those two prophecies of the
great battle, and thousand years reign, in point of time, do
precede, or are to be before the personal coming of^Jesus
Christ, whose said personal coining and appearing, with his
kingdom and reign on the earth with all the saints, is de
scribed, particularly asserted, and treated on. — A piece
which may be very useful to any that would have information
into these truths, and are desirous of moie distinct light and
knowledge into that blessed book, and Prophecy of the Re
velation, so fully declaring the condition and state of the
church in these last times." None of the above pieces are
mentioned by Crosby.
Edward Man. — Mr. D'Anvers was succeeded by a
Mr. Edward Man, in 1687. This circumstance we collect
from an ancient manuscript ; and is the only particular re
lating to his life that we are acquainted with. Li the con
fession of faith put forth by the Particular Baptists, in l6§9,
Mr. Edward Man is mentioned as pastor of a congregation
in Houndsditch. Respecting Mr. Man's successors, and
the state of this church in after times, we are entirely in the
dark. But though we hear of no farther mention of a church
in Houndsditch, of this denomination, it is not improbable,
but it removed to some other place ; and if so, will fall
under our notice, in the succeeding part of this work.

( 397 )

GRAVEL-LANE, HOUNDSDITCH.

PRESBYTERIAN.  EXTINCT.

Ti

'©

HE meeting-house in Gravel-lane, Houndsditch, was
erected about the time of the Revolution in 1688, for the
well-known Mr. Samuel Pomfret. His former meeting
was in Winchester-street, but tiiat place giving way, his
people built a new one in Gravel-lane, It was a wooden'
building, of very considerable dimensions, with three capa
cious galleries ; and capable of accommodating 1500 people.
Mr. Pomfret was a minister of uncommon popularity, a
lively, awakening preacher, and an instrument of much good
in his day. He had a larger number of communicants than
any other church in London, and notwithstanding his im
mense labours, held out to a good old age. In the latter
part of his life lie was assisted by Mr. William Hocker, like
wise an excellent minister. They died within a month of
each other, in 1721-2 ; and were succeeded by Mr. Den-
ham, from Glocester. About 1730, Mr. William May was
chosen his assistant. The congregation being somewhat
reduced, though still respectable both for numbers, and
opulence, after assembling at this place for about half a
century, erected a smaller, but more substantial meeting
house, in Great Alie-street, Goodman's-fields, to which
place we refer the reader for a more particular account of
the above valuable ministers. The meeting-house in Gravel-
lane, was afterwards occupied as a wool-warehouse, and is
still in existence. But nothing of its original state is now to
be seen, excepting the wooden walls.

( 398 )

BISHOPSGATE-STREET.

PRESBYTERIAN AND INDEPENDENT.  EXTINCT.

X HIS is among the many places in the early times of the
Nonconformists which cannot now be identified. In the
reign of Charles the Second, a Presbyterian Society met
somewhere without Bishopsgate ; but by whom it was
collected, is unknown. All that we know respecting it
is, that the last pastor was Mr. Abraham Hume, a Scots
man, whom we shall have occasion to mention under a fu
ture article, (a) The Society appears to have been dispersed
by a storm of persecution, raised at the latter end of the
reign of King Charles the Second, or the beginning of the
reign of King James.*
Besides the Presbyterian Society above-mentioned, there
was an Independent congregation met many years afterwards,
in Bishopsgate-street ; bufwe know as little of this interest
as of the former one. In a list of Independent churches in
London, in 1727, there is one mentioned in Bishopsgate-
street, of which the pastor was Mr. John Cox, and his
assistant Mr. Thomas Davies.-f Of these gentlemen we
know nothing beside their mere names ; excepting that Mr.
Cox left the ministry in 1730, when, it is apprehended, his
church broke up. With respect to the origin of this Society,
it must have been some years later than 1695. It probably
arose out of a neighbouring congregation, continued for a
short while, and then suddenly expired.
(u) See Hanover-street, Lgno-acre.
* Mr. Fleming's Sermpn on the Death of Mr. Hume, p. 4S.
T MS. penes me.

< 399 )

HAND-ALLEY, BISHOPSGATE-STREET.

PRESBYTERIAN.  EXTINCT.

JLIand-Alley is situated on the south side of Bishops
gate-street, a little without the gate. Here stood, formerly,
a large meeting-house, occupied near seventy years by a very
respectable congregation of Presbyterians. It was erected
soon after Bartholomew-day, 1662, for the famous Mr.
Thomas Vincent, whose name will always be mentioned with
honour, on account of his disinterested labours during the
dreadful plague, in 1665. After die great fire, which
quickly succeeded the former calamity, most of the parish-
churches being burnt, Mr. Vincent's meeting-house was vio
lently taken from him for the use of the parochial minister,
while his church was rebuilding. Maitland, who mentions
this circumstance, describes it as " a large place, with three
galleries, thirty large pews, and many benches and forms."*
After some time, Mr. Vincent recovered the use of his
meeting-house, and preached there till his death, in 1678.
He was succeeded by Mr. John Oakes, as he was, by the
celebrated Dr. Daniel Williams ; who was followed in th«
pastoral office by the pious and learned Dr. John Evans,
author of those excellent discourses on the Christian Tem
per. A few months before the death of this excellent per
son, his congregation, which was very numerous and wealthy,
built him a- new meeting-house, in New Broad-street, Petty-
France, to which place they removed in 1729. Not long
after, the meeting-house in Hand-alley was pulled down^
and houses erected on the site. The lives of the pastors of
this church, will come more properly under our notice, in
the article New Broad-street, Petty-France.
* Maitland's History of London, vol. i. p. 4SS.

( 400 )

DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.

PARTICULAR BAPTIST.

D,

'evonshire-Square stands on the site of what was
called Fisher's-Folly, from Jasper Fisher, citizen and gold
smith, one of the six clerks in Chancery, and a justice of
peace, who erected a large and magnificent mansion here.
The owner being a man of no great birth or fortune, and
involved, in his circumstances, his building so sumptuous a
house was considered a piece of extravagant ostentation. It,
therefore, received the name of Fisher's-Folly. This man
sion afterwards belonged to the Earl of Oxford, from whom
it passed to the Earl of Devonshire, who gave name to the
street and square, built upon its ruins.*
The meeting-house now under consideration, stands in a
paved yard, behind Devonshire-square, called Meeting-house
Yard. It is an oblong building, of moderate dimensions,
and has two galleries. Notwithstanding the alterations it has
undergone, it still carries the marks of an ancient structure,
though the precise date of it cannot be ascertained. The
probability is, that it was erected soon after the formation of
the church, a little before the Protectorate of Oliver Crom
well. After the fire of London, it was wrested from the
lawful owners, and converted into a tabernacle for an epis
copal congregation, till the parish-churches were rebuilt ;
when the Baptists regained possession. In the time of Mr.
Stevens, about half a century ago, it was new-fronted, and
otherwise improved. The church assembling here, is one of
the earliest of the Baptist denomination in London. In a
former article we have traced the rise of the' Baptist churches'
to Mr. Lathorp's congregation. The members of the first
* Strype's, Maitland's, and Pennant's Histories of London.

OF dissenting churches. 401
DEVONSHIRE-SQUAKE.  Particular Baptist.
separation from his church settled in Wapping, and chose
Mr. Spilsbury for their pastor. In process of time some
disputes arose in this church, on the subject of mixed com
munion. Those who were against it withdrew, and formed
a separate Society, under the care of Mr. William Kiffin.
The separation is said to have taken place in 1653, soon
after - which the present meeting-house was built. There
is a report very prevalent, that Sir Robert Tichborne, Knt.
and alderman of London, preached here frequently during
the iuter-regnum. (b)
(b) Sir Robert Tichborne, Knt. was a native of London, but descended,
most probably, from the Tichbornes of Hampshire, formerly Lords Ferrard,
in Ireland, and another branch Baronets in England. During the civil wars,
he entered into the army, became a colonel of militia, and obtained from
Fairfax, the lieutenancy of the Tower. He appears to have been one of the
greatest advocates for the death of King Charles I. presented a petition from
the common council of London for his trial, was a commissioner of the high
court of justice, gave judgment, and signed the warrant for execution.
When the long-parliament was turned out, in 1653, he was appointed a
member of the committee, and represented the city of London in the par
liament which gave .Oliver Cromwell the Protectorship. Before this, he
was chosen alderman of London, and elected Lord-Mayor, Dec. 15, 165&.
He was knighted by Oliver Cromwell, and made one of the Lords of the
other house. This so attached him to the Crpmwell interest, that he pro
posed restoring Richard to the sovereign power. He was, however, ap
pointed one of the second committee of safety, in 1SS9. At the Restora
tion, he was a prisoner to the Serjeant at Arms, from w.hom he withdrew,
but came in again, and was tried and condemned. He acknowledged his
activity in the King's death, and that he signed the warrant for his execu
tion ; but, added he, " had 1 known then what I do now, I would have
chosen a red-hot oven to have gone into, as soon as that meeting ; I was led
into the fact for want of years, and I beg that your lordships will be instru
mental to the King and parliament on my behaW." This humiliation saved
his life, but he never regained his liberty, dying in the Tower ; but the
time is not known.* It appears from Maitland, that he resided in a
wooden-house, at the upper end of Fitche's-court, Noble-street, Falcon-
sqoare. This house strangely escaped in the dreadful fire of London, when
the surrounding -houses were entirely consumed--)- He was author of an
excellent book, entitled, " A Cluster of Canaan's Grapes."
* Noble's Memoirs of Cromwill, vol. i. p. 416, 417.
t Maitland's History of London, vol. ii. p. 762.
Vol. I. 3 f

402

HISTOKY AND ANTIQUITIES

DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.

For several years past there has been a lecture at Devon
shire-square, on a Lord's-day evening, conducted by a num
ber of ministers of different denominations. The Wednes
day evening lecture, formerly at Great-Eastcheap, being
removed to this -place, was preached some years by Mr.
Swain, who had a crouded audience ; and after his death by
Dr. Jenkins. The church in Devonshire-square is one of
those that constitute the Particular Baptist fund, for the re
lief of poor ministers and churches, in England, Wales, &c.
The following is a list of the pastors and assistants in the
church at Devonshire-square, from the origin of the Society
to the present time :

Ministers' Names.

As Pastors.

As Assistants.

From

To

From

To

William Kiffin, ....

16

16921666
1688
1716
1726
1733
17481760
17641780
18..

16..
1703
1722
1722
1726

1666
1706
17..
17..
1733

George Braithwaite, M. A. . . .
Timothy Thomas, ......

1666
16681690
1706
1726
1734
17^50
17621767
1782

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OF DISSENTING CHTJECHES. 40$
DEVONSHIRESQTJARE^ — Partiatim- Baptist.
William Kiffin. — This celebrated person, who made
so distinguished a figure among the Anti-Pcedobaptists of the
seventeenth century, was, probably, a native of London, and
born about the year I6l6. The family .of the Kiffios appears
to have, come origmaUy.fjrom Wales, /where the name signi
fies a borderer.* He had the misfortune to lose Jus parents
at an early age ; for.it having pleased God to visit die metro
polis with a dreadfuf plague in 1625, they were swept away
by that dismal calamity, which proved nearly fatal to him
self. Having six plague-boils upon his body, nothing but
death was looked for ; nevertheless, he wonderfully recovered.
Being left an orphan at nine years of age, he was taken
under the care of such friends as remained alive ; who pos
sessing, themselves of the property left him by his parents,
and afterwards, failing,- only a small part was recovered by
Mr. Kiffin.f
In 1629, he was put apprentice to John Lilburn, of tur
bulent memory, who, during the reign of Charles the First,
followed, the profession of a brewer, in London; but after
the commencement of the civil war, obtained a cqlpnel's com
mission in the parliament's service. At this time, young
Kiffin had no sense of religion upon his mind. Growing
melancholy upon a view of his outward condition, he resolved
to leaye his master ; and accomplished his intention early one
morning, being then fifteen years of age. Wandering about
the streets of London, he happened to pass by St. Antholin's
church, and seeing some people go in, he followed them.
The preacher was Mr. Foxley, who, discoursing upon the
fifth commandment, unfolded die duty of semnts to mas
ters. This was so applicable to the case of young Kiffin,
as to create bis astonishment. He thought the preacher
knew, and addressed hirn personally. The effect was, that
* Noble's Memoirs of the House of Cromwell, vol. ii. p. .454.
f MS. Account of Mr. KifHn's Life, communicated by one of his
descendants.

404 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
Kiffin returned immediately to his master, before his absence
was discovered.*
The impression made upon his mind by this discourse
made him resolve to attend the preaching of the Puritans.
Accordingly, soon afterwards, he went to hear Mr. Norton,
who was the morning-preacher at the same place. His text
was Isa. Ivii. 18. There is no peace saith my God to the
wicked ; from which he took occasion to shew what true
peace was, and that no man could obtain it without an in
terest in Jesus Christ : " which sermon (says Mr. Kiffin)
took very great impression on my heart, being convinced 1?
had not that peace, and how to obtain an interest in Christ
Jesus I knew not ; which occasioned great perplexity in my
soul. I every day saw myself more and more sinful, and
vile. Pray, I could not, nor believe in Jesus Christ I could
not, and thought myself shut up in unbelief ; and, although
I desired to mourn under the sense of my sin, yet I saw
there was no proportion suitable to that evil nature which I
found working strongly in my soul. I only took up resolu
tions to attend upon the most powerful preaching, which
accordingly I did ; by means of which, I found some relief
(many times) from the sense of a possibility tiiat, notwith
standing my sinful state, I might at last obtain mercy. I
took up resolutions to leave sin ; and, although to will
was present sometimes, yet, how to perform I had no
power."f After some time, he went to hear Mr. Davenport, in
Coleman-street. His subject was, 1 John, i. 7. And the
blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.
From which he shewed the efficacy of the blood of Christ
both to pardon, and cleanse from sin, answering many ob
jections that the unbelieving heart of man would raise against
that full satisfaction, which Je6us Christ has made for sin
ners : " Many of which (says Mr. Kiffin) I found to be
* MS. ubi supra, f Ibid,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 405
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
such that I made in my own heart : as the sense of unwor-
thiness, and willingness to be better, before I wrould come
to Christ for life> with many other of die like kind. Which
sermon was of great satisfaction to my soul ; and I thought
I found my heart greatly to close with this riches, and free-
ness of grace, which God held forth to poor sinners in Jesus
Christ. I found my fears to vanish, and my heart filled
with love to Jesus Christ. I saw sin viler than ever, and
my heart more abhorring it; and soon after hearing Mr.
Norton, from Luke i. 6\j. And hath raised up a horn of
salvation for us in the house of his servant David; he
shewed that Jesus Christ was mightily accomplished with
power and ability to save his people : my faith was exceed
ingly strengthened in the fulness of that satisfaction which
Jesus Christ had given to the Father for poor sinners, and
was enabled to believe my interest therein. Then I found
some ability to pray, and to meditate upon the riches of this
grace ; that I could say with David, When I awake, I am
still with thee. I found the power of inbred corruption
scatter, and my heart on fire in holy love to Christ."*
Mr. Kiffin, like most young converts, having but a slen
der acquaintance with the deceitfulness of his own heart,
thought that it would be proof against the power of sin and
corruption. He, therefore, much wondered when he heard
ancient Christians complain so much of the strength of sin in
their hearts. " In this frame of peace and rest (says he), I
continued for near three months, rejoicing in the grace of
God, and was ready to say, that by his favour, he had
made my mountain so strong that I should never be removed.
But a new storm began to arise in my soul ; for under the
comfort and peace I enjoyed, I thought the power of inbred
corruption had been so broken within me, that I should
never have found it prevail over me any more. I began to
feel my confidence in God to abate, my comforts to lessen,
* MS; ubi supra.

406 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
and the motions of sin to revive with greater strength than
ever. In every duty I performed, my heart was so carnal
that duties were a burden to me, and by reason thereof I
was a burden to myself. My comforts were gone, and in
all the duties of religion, I was as a man that had no
strength ; yet durst I not omit the performance of any,
having some secret hopes that the Lord would not utterly
cast me off in displeasure, although my fears were stronger
than my hopes. I was daily questioning, whether all that
I formerly enjoyed, might be any more than such a taste of
the good word of God, and powers of the world to come,
as those had enjoyed which fell away."*
Mr. Kiffin continued many weeks in great distress of mind,
ashamed of opening his case to any person. And it was
still further strengthened by a conversation he overheard in
company with some Christians, whom he understood to
assert that " the least measure of true grace, was for a man
to know that he had grace." As he mistook their meaning,
be unhappily drew the conclusion, that he had no grace ;
which confirmed him in his former dark thoughts. From
these, however, he was in some measure relieved by a
sermon at London-Stone church. It was a preparation
for the Lord's-Supper, and the preacher Mr. Moline. " In
the beginning of his sermon (says Mr, Kiffin) he laid down
this for truth, that to prepare a man for the right receiving
the sacrament, it was absolutely necessary he should have
grace, and the least measure of grace was sufficient. He
then fell upon that question, what the least measure of grace
was f and before he gave a positive answer, proved that to
know a man had grace, could not be the least measure, but
-a very large degree of grace, being a reflect act of faith, &c.
and then gave several characters of the least measure of true
grace. J greatly wondered within myself (continues Mr.
Kiffin) to hear him fall upon that which did so greatly and
* MS. ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 407
DEVONSHIRE-SOUARE  Particular Baptist.
particularly concern me ; and also found, in my own soul,
some small begimiings of those signs of true grace which he
laid down. This wonderfully relieved my hopes again ; God
being pleased to give me some strength to depend upon his
grace more than I had received for many weeks before. ; my
resolutions being strengthened to follow God, and to wait
upon him in every duty, whatsoever his pleasure might be
towards me at the last."*
It would be tedious to follow Mr. Kiffin through all the
variations of his experience. Those who are acquainted
with the history of Mr. John Bunyan, and other eminent
Christians, who have been exercised with temptations, will
be able, in some measure, to anticipate the experience of
Mr. Kiffin.
The famous Mr. John Godwin settling in London, about
the latter end of 1632, Mr. Kiffin constantly attended his
ministry, which he found much to his advantage. About
the same time, also, he became acquainted with several
young men, who being apprentices, had no other opportu
nity for conversation but the Lord's-day. It was their Con
stant practice to attend the morning lecture, at six o'clock,
at Cornhill, and Christ- Church ; and they met together an
hour before, for prayer, and religious conversation.^"
Mr. Davenport, Mr. Hooker, and several odier ministers,
leaving the kingdom on account of religion, Mr. Kiffin "was
put upon studying the grounds of Nonconformity. To this
end, he furnished himself with all the books and manuscripts
upon the subject, that he could obtain ; and consulted seve
ral ministers, who, instead of satisfying him, rather despised
his youth, and discovered more passion than reason, though
afterwards they saw occasion to condemn the very things
concerning which he desired satisfaction. Disappointed in
this quarter, he searched the scriptures more diligently, and
received much satisfaction from the preaching of Mr. Glover,
• MS. ubi supra. f Ibid.

408 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
and Mr. Burroughs, the former of whom went to New-
England, and the latter to Holland.*
After some time, Mr. Kiffin joined himself to an ancient
Society of Independents, under the pastoral care of Mr.
John Lathorp ; and afterwards of the celebrated Mr. Henry
Jessey. Being now twenty-two years of age, he formed a
resolution of going to New-England, but was prevented by
a particular providence ; and soon afterwards entered into
the married state, with a person who belonged to the same
congregation. This being a time of peculiar severity against
Nonconformists, the congregation was forced to meet early
in the morning, or late at night. It was about this time that
Mr. Kjffin was desired to exercise his abilities m public ;
and though the meeting was often disturbed, yet he was pre
served from the hands of his enemies. Being assembled' one
Lord's-day, at a house upon Tower-hill, as he was coming
out, several rude persons were about the door, and assaulted
him with stones ; but he received no material injury, though
one hit him upon the eye. About a year after, he was sent
for to visit a poor man, in Nightingale-lane, who proved to
be the very person that disturbed the meeting upon Tower-
hill. He observed, that he was then as well as most men ;
but from that time was taken ill, and had since .so wasted.
away, that his bones nearly came through his skin. He then
desired Mr. Kiffin to pray for him, and died that day.f
Not long after, Mr. Kiffin was taken at a meeting in
Southwark, and carried before some justices of' the peace.
The assizes happening the next day, Judge Mallet com
mitted him to the White Lion Prison, where he remained
for some time a prisoner, till the judge returned from his
circuit in Kent. While in confinement, some of the pri
soners conceiving a prejudice against him, carried their ma
lice so far as to contrive his destruction. Their first plan
was to murder him at once ; but being deterred from this,
* MS. ubi supra. t Hid.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.- 409
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
they accused him to Judge Mallet, of speaking treasonable
words against the King. Notwithstanding the falsity of this
charge, and the intercession of Lord Brooke, he was refused
bail ; and continued in confinement till the Judge was him
self committed to the Tower, upon an impeachment of the
House of Commons.*
Mr. Kiffin being deprived of his paternal fortune through
the dishonesty of his relations, was left to his own exertions
for a maintenance. When he quitted the service of " Free
born John," to whom he was apprenticed, as above-men
tioned, he embarked in trade as a merchant, on his own
account; in which he was very successful. In 1643, he
went over to Holland, with a small adventure ; which proving
advantageous, he returned home, and by persuasion of the
church of which he was a member, intermitted his secular
employment for die study of the scriptures. Having nearly-
spent the produce of, his former speculation, he went again
to Holland, at the latter end of 1645, and was so fortunate
as to realize several thousand pounds. This enabled hini,
upon his return, to preach gratuitously, without being bur
densome to the churches. After this, Mr. Kiffin had several
opportunities of raising his fortune : As first, by the Act of
Navigation, prohibiting the importation of all goods, ex
cepting upon English bottoms ; and afterwards, during the
war that broke out between the English and Dutch, when
an order of council passed, encouraging the merchants to
import tar, hemp, and cordage, for the parliament's fleet,
for which they were to be indulged with bringing home a
proportionate quantity of prohibited goods. By these means,
and by the blessing of God npon his lawful endeavours, he
amassed a very considerable fortune.f
The credit acquired by Mr. Kiffin as a man of business,
procured him to be entrusted by the parliament, in 1647>
* MS. uli supra. f Ibid.
Vol. h s «

410 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVoftsHIRE-SQUARE.-^.ParMcK'iirr Baptist.
as an assessor of the taxes to be raised for Middlesex.
His great affluence, united with the general, and deserved
esteem in which he was held, placed him amongst the
foremost of his denomination in the city, and gave him great
influence with the Dissenters in general. An instance of
this kind occurred during Oliver's Protectorate, when he
wrote to those of his persuasion in Ireland, exhorting them
to live peaceably, and submit to the civil magistrate.* Of
his influence with men in power, some instances will be
mentioned in the progress of this narrative.
Having brought Mr. Kiffin to that situation in which he
niay be said to be at the pinttacle of worldly prosperity, we
proceed to give some account of his religious connexions
during this period. It has been already noticed, that he
was in communion with an Independent congregation, under
the care of Mr. Jessey. After he had been connected a few
years with that Society, he embraced the principles of the
Baptists, and in 1638, was dismissed widi several other
members, to the Baptist congregation in Wapping, under
the care of Mr. John Spilsbury. In a course of time, a
controversy arose in that church, on the propriety of adfnit-
ting persons to preach, who had not been baptized by im
mersion. This produced an amicable separation, headed
by Mr. Kiffin, who seems to have been averse to the plan
of mixed communion ; but the two Societies kept up a
friendly correspondence. f To this separation, the church
in Devonshire-sqUare, owes its origin ; but, in what year it
todk place seems not quite certain. We have sdfen a memo
randum which places it in 1653. Mr. Kiffin, however,
must have been a pastor much earlier, as his name is united
with that of Patient, in the Confession Of Faith, published
by the Seven Baptist churches in London, ; in 1644.
But Mr. Kiffin did not confine his labours to a single con-
• Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, vol. ii. p. 462.
f MS. ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 411
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.— Particular Baptist.
gregation : He travelled with his colleague, Mr. Thomas
Patient, into various parts of the kingdom, t,p propagate
and establish his mode of faith. The Rev. Thomas Ed
wards, who was then the Presbyterian champion, and author
of the " Gangraena," accuses him of many extravagancies,
likening his conduct to that of a mountebank, and charged
him with not only praying by the sick, but anointing them,
as is practised by die Roman-Catholic clergy, (c) " Many
such heathenish and atheistical passages with baseness, (says
Edwards,) I could relate of this man, and some of his mem
bers, and some others, but it would too much intrench upon
modesty, and your patience." (d) " But it is probable,"
(c) Edwards's account of this affair is as follows : " One thing more
(and is most of all considerable} of Kiffin's new found light, so called,
which I had from some eye and ear witnesses of his members, who were
prrsent at Kiffin's and Patience's visitation of one of their members, whose
name is Palmer, living in Smithfield, and laying hands upon her, did also
anoint her with oil. The worrfan recovering, came into their conventicle-
house, and there, befo're many people, said,' That physicians left her as
they found her, but brother Kiffin and Patience anointing, her, she suddenly
recovered ; for which, in that place, she desired thanks might be put up ;
which Kiffin did also relate, and did, according to the woman's desire, re
turn thanks."  Edwards's Gangroma, Part i. p. 6.
(d) As a specimen of Mr. Edwards's style when speaking of the sectaries,
that is, of those who were not Presbyterians, we will present the reader
with an extract from his account of Mr. Kiffin. " Another of these fellows,
who counts himself inferior to none of the rest of his seduced brethren, one,
whose name is Will. Kiffin, sometimes servant to a brewer, (whose name
is Lilburn, who was lately put into Newgate, upon occasion of scandalizing
the Speaker of the honourable House of Commons,) this man's man is now
become a pretended preacher, and to that end hath by his enticing words,
seduced and gathered a schismatical rabble of deluded children, servants,
and people without either parents' or masters' consent. (This truth is not
unknown by some of a near relation to me, whose giddy-headed children
and servants are his poor slavish proselytes.) For a further manifestation of
him in a pamphlet called, " The Confession of Faith of the Seven Anabap-
tistical Churches, there he is underwritten first, as metropolitan of that fra
ternity. I could relate, if time would permit, of somewhat 1 have had to
do with him, in which he appeared to me to be a mountebank." — Edwards's
(ra,ngrama, P. i. p. a.

412 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.- — Particular Baptist.
says a more candid writer, " that this behaviour was nothing
more than what men of his sentiments constantly practised ;
it is certain his conduct was the exact reverse of his accuser,
whose bigotry and narrowness of mind was (were) excessive.( e)
On the contrary, Mr. Kiffin shewed a most Christian pati
ence and forbearance, answering all these railing accusations
by a very meek and sensible letter, humbly requesting leave
for himself and his followers to object to. what they saw pro
per in Mr. Edwards's preaching."* (f)
* Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, v. ii. p. 455.
{%) As a proof of this, we shall quote what he says of toleration : " Tole
ration (says Mr. Edwards) will make the kingdom a chaos, a Babel, another
Amsterdam, a Sodom, an Egypt, a Babylon, yea worse than all these ;
certainly it would be the most provoking sin against God, that ever parlia
ment was guilty of in this kingdom ; it proves the cause and foundation
of all kinds of damnable heresies, and blasphemies. Toleration ls tne
grand work of the devil, his master-piece and chief engine he works by at
this time, to uphold his tottering kingdom ; it is the most compendious,
ready sure way to destroy all religion, lay all waste and bring in all evil J (t
is a most transcendant, cathplique and fundamental evil for this kingdom
of any that can be imagined. As original sin is the fundamental sin, all sin
having the seed and spawn of all in it ; so toleration hath all errors in it,
and all evils ; it is against the whole stream and current of scripture, both
in the Old and New Testament, both in matters of faith and manners, both
general and particular commands ; it overthrows all relations, both poli
tical, ecclesiastical, and ceconomical, &c." And speaking of the various
sectaries endeavouring to obtain freedom for their religious opinions, he
says, " All the devils in hell, and their instruments, were at work to pro.
mote toleration."-|- If Mr. Edwards survived the Restoration, and the Act
of Uniformity,, he most probably altered his sentiments respecting religious
liberty. f Edwards's Gangraena, P. i. p. 57, 58.
(?) Mr. Edwards preached a lecture at Christ-Church, London, where
he took occasion to declaim against the " Sectaries," with the same viru
lence that he does in his writings. On one of these occasions Mr. Kiffin
sent the following letter to him in the pulpit.
To Mr. EDWARDS.
"Sin,
" You stand as one professing yourself 10 be instructed by Christ, with
abilities from God to throw down drror ; and therefore to that end do

OF. DISSENTING CHURCHES. 413
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
On the 17 th of October, 1642, Mr. Kiffin, and three
other Baptists,' held a disputation in Southwark, with that
celebrated champion, Dr. Daniel Featly. The only ac
count we have of this dispute, is that given to the public by
the Doctor, about two years afterwards, in a book enti
tled, " The Dippers Dipt : or, the Anabaptists Duck'd and
Plung'd over Head and Ears, at a Disputation in South
wark." Whatever of argument is contained in this book,
the Doctor has loaded his adversaries with plenty of abuse.
In order that the reader may not entertain too favourable an
idea of Uieir character, he relates some remarkable stories
to prove them, 1. An illiterate and sottish sect. 2. A lying
and blasphemous sect. 3. An impure and carnal sect. 4.
A cruel and bloody sect. 5. A profane and sacrilegious
sect. And he sums up the whole by recording some fearful
judgments of God upon the ringleaders of the sect. In such
refoute was the Doctor's book held at that time, that it
pjpsed through no less than six editions in as many years.*
'" In 1645, was published, " A Looking-Glass for the Ana-
bapiists, dnd the rest of the separatists : therein they may
clearly behold a brief confutation of a certain unlicensed,
scandalous pamphlet, entitled, The P^emonstrance of the
Anabaptists, by Way of Vindication of their Separation.
The Impertinencies, Incongruities, Non-consequences, Fal
sities, and Obstinacy of William Kiffin, the Author and
grand Ringleader of that seduced Sect is discovered and laid
open to the View of every indifferent-eyed Reader that will
preach every third day : May it therefore please you, and those that employ
you in that work, to give them leave whom you se brand, as publicly to
object against what you say, when your sermon is ended, as you declare
yourself; and we hope it will be an increase of further light to all that fear
God, and put a large advantage into your hands, if you have the truth on
your side, to cause it to shine with more evidence, and I hope we shall do
it with moderation as becometh Christians. Your's,
WILLIAM KIFFIN."
* Featly's " Dippers Dipt." 6th edit. 1651.

414 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEV0NSII) 'I G-lQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
not shut his Eyes against the Truth. With certain queries,
vindicated from Anabaptistical Glosses, together with others
propounded for the Information and Conviction, (if possible)
Reformation, of the said William Kiffin and his Proselytes.
By Josiah Ricraft, a Well-wilier to the Truth." The
curious tract to which this long title is prefixed, consists
only of twenty-six pages, in the quarto form. It contains a
number of queries, with Kiffin's answers, and Ricraft's re
plies. This " Well-wilier to the Truth," was a merchant
of London, a bigotted Presbyterian, and sufficiently con
ceited of his polemical abilities, as appears by the above
piece. He also wrote " A Book of Alphabets ;" and'a
small volume, entitled, " A Survey of England's Cham
pions, and Truth's Faithful Patriots, &c." Svo. 1645, called
by Mr. Wood " a canting book."* It contains an account
of twenty-one persons who distinguished themselves in the
civil wars, with their portraits prefixed. A copy of this
book is extremely valuable, and difficult to be procured.
When Mr. Kiffin was at Coventry, he held another public
disputation in defence of his peculiar sentiments. ' The com
batants were Mr. Kiffin and Mr. Knollys, on the side of the
Baptists ; and Dr. Bryan, and Dr. Grew, for the Peedo-
Baptists. The debate was managed with good temper, and
great moderation. Both sides, as is usual in such cases,
claimed the victory ; and much to their honour, they parted
good friends. -f*
Some time after, Mr. Kiffin was prosecuted on the ordi
nance of parliament for punishing blasphemies and heresies.
He was convened before the Lord-Mayor of London, at
Guildhall, on Thursday, July 12, 1655, and charged with
a breach of the ordinance, by preaching, " That the bap
tism of infants is unlawful." But the Lord-Mayor being
then busy, the execution of the penalty required by the act,
* Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. p. las.
f Crosby's History of the Baptists, vol. iii. p. 5.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 415
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
was deferred till Monday following.* Mr. Kiffin seems to
have been treated by the Lord- Mayor with particular marks
of favour, and it is very likely that he afterwards heard no
more of the prosecution.
General Monk coming to London a little before the Re
storation, took up his quarters near Mr. Kiffin's house ; but
he proved a troublesome neighbour. For, soon afterwards,
he sent some soldiers at midnight, to seize upon Mr. Kiffin,
and some other persons, and carry them to the guard at St.
Paul's. The pretence was, that they had arms concealed
in their houses, and this was rumoured about die city, on
the following day. But, as these persons were peaceable
citizens, and no soldiers, they sent to Sir Thomas Almin,
Lord Mayor, in order to disprove the scandalous report ;
and stated that they had no arms, excepting such as were
usual for housekeepers. At the same time, they entreated a
speedy examination into their case, that they might not be
detained, unjustly, from their several callings. Upon this,
the Lord Mayor ordered the letter to be read in common-
council ; and their innocence being evident, proper officers
were sent to the general, requiring their release, and the
restoration of their arms, which was complied with.-f-
After the Restoration, Mr. Kiffin, as might be supposed,
became a very obnoxious character, both on account of the
religious opinions he professed, and the ample estate with
which Providence had favoured him. For about six months,
he enjoyed tolerable repose ; but the Printess of Orange
dying, a plot was laid to his charge, which, if it had taken
effect, wou'd have been attended with the loss of his pro
perty and life. A letter was forged from Taunton, to this
effect. " That the Princess of Orange being now dead,
they were ready to put their design in execution ; and that
Mr. Kiffin, according to his promise, was to provide,
and send down powder, match, bullet, &c, for they be-
•Crosby, vol. i. p.. 21 5. i f MS, penes me.

416 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
lieved the word, That one of them should chase a thousand."
This letter being put into the hands of the government, Mr.
Kiffin was seized on a Saturday, at midnight, and carried to
the guard at AVhitehall. There he continued the whole of
the next day, subject to many taunts and threats of the sol
diers, and not .suffered to speak with a single person. In
the evening, he was ordered before General Monk, and
others of the council, who questioned him upon the contents
of the said letter. Mr. Kiffin alleged his ignorance of the
person, from whom it was said to be written, and expressed
his abhorrence of every attempt to distHrb the peace of the
kingdom. After examination, he was remanded into custody
of the soldiers. On the following day, he was taken under
a guard of soldiers to Serjeants' Inn, to be examined before
Lord Chief Justice Foster. Mr. Kiffin having obtained
liberty to speak for himself, told his lordship, that the
very contents of the letter would prove it a forgery. For,
in the first place, it dated the rise of the plot, from the death
of the Princess of Orange ; whereas the letter was dated at
Taunton, three days before she died. This, his lordship
acknowledged to be a considerable objection, and finding it
correct, observed, that it was possible the date might be
incorrect, and, nevertheless, the contents true. Mr. Kiffin
replied, that he left this to his lordship's consideration ; but
he had another remark to make which could be no mistake.
It was this : That it, was morally impossible any letter could
be written from London to Taunton, and from Taunton
back again, between the time of the Princess's death, and
his seizure ; for, as the Princess died on the Monday night,
no advice could be given of it by post till the next evening,
nor could an answer be received before the Monday follow
ing. Now, as he was put in confinement the Saturday pre
ceding, this circumstance must prove it a forgery. Upon
this, the judge looking steadfastly at the lieutenant-colonel,
whose prisoner he was, expressed great anger at so mali
cious a proceeding, and discharging Mr. Kiffin, told him

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 417
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
he was perfectly satisfied of his innocence ; and that, if he
could find out the authors of the letter, he would punish
them severely. The famous Mr. Henry Jessey was, also,
implicated in this letter, and discharged at the same time.*
Not long after this narrow escape, Mr. Kiffin was appre
hended on a Lord's-day, at a meeting in Shoreditch. Being-
taken before Sir Thomas Bide, he was committed to the
New-Prison, togedier with several other persons, but, after
four days, was released. After this, it pleased God to grant
him a short respite, till he was called to manage an affair
that nearly occasioned his ruin. The Hamburg Company
endeavouring to establish themselves at tiiis time, obtained
from the King a proclamation for an exclusive trade in
woollen manufactures, to Holland and Germany. This
greatly affecting the other merchants, several who resided at
Exeter, and other parts in the West of England, wrote to
their representatives in parliament, to counteract this mea
sure ; acquainting them that Mr. Kiffin was a very likely
person to give information on the subject. A committee of
¦the House of Commons being appointed to inquire into the
business, Mr. Kiffin was ordered to attend, which he did
several times ; and the committee reported to the House,
their opinion against the measure. It was then resolved to
petition die King to call in his proclamation ; but before
he complied, he resolved to hear the matter discussed in
council. Mr. Kiffin being summoned to attend, his ene
mies made themselves sure of having him in the Gate-house.
To this end, they charged him with speaking against his
Majesty's prerogative, and with disloyal practices in the late
times. But the King and council being satisfied that an ex
clusive trade was prejudicial to the interests of the country,
recalled the proclamation, and thus Mr. Kiffin's enemies
were disappointed. Indeed, so apparent was his innocence,
* MS. ubi supra.
Vol. I. 3 h

418 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
that the King ever afterwards entertained a good opinion of
him, as did several members of the council. Lord Arling
ton told him, that in every list he received, of disaffected
persons, proper to be secured, his name was inserted ;
yet the King would never believe any thing against him.
The Lord Chancellor Clarendon, also, stood very much
his friend.*
About a year after this event, Mr. Kiffiu met with another
trial, which greatly endangered his life. He was again
seized at midnight by Mr. Wickham, one of the messengers
of the council, at "the instance of the Duke of Buckingham.
Being conveyed to York-house, he continued there under a
guard of soldiers till the next night ; when he was convened
before the Duke, who charged him with having hired two
men to kill the King, and in case they failed, widi an inten
tion of doing the business himself. In order to extort con
fession, the Duke promised him safety if he would tell the
truth. Mr. Kiffin surprised at the charge, expressed his
greatest abhorrence of such a design, even towards the
meanest man in the kingdom, much more towards his Ma
jesty ; and told the Duke, that he could not be the King's
friend, if he offered to screen tbe life of any man in his wits,
who entertained so wicked a thing. The Duke told him,
that he knew he could speak fair enough for himself, as he
had so often done before the privy-council ; but the charge
would be made good by two witnesses. He then remanded
him to the custody of die soldiers, with strict orders not to
suffer any communication with him ; but about two hour*
after, he was committed to the care of Wickham, die mes
senger. Though Mr. Kiffin was conscious of his innocence,
yet he was not a little terrified at the treatment he met with ;
but it pleased the Lord to comfort and strengthen him for
the day of trouble. On the following day, Lady Ranelagh
paid him a visit, and inquiring into his case, advised him to
* MS. ubi. supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 419
DEVONSHIRE-SQUAKE.  Particular Baptist.
write a letter to the Lord Chancellor, to acquaint him with
his circumstances, and offered to deliver it herself. She
accordingly gave it into the hands of the Chancellor, who
informed her that no such charge had been made before the
council, but he would acquaint the King with it the next
day. This he punctually performed, and an order was made
for his discharge, without tbe payment of fees,
Mr. Kiffin now thought that the storm was blown over ;
and understanding how much he was indebted to the kind
ness of the Lord Chancellor, went to his house the next
morning to pay his acknowledgments. As he was waiting
without, the Lord Chief Justice Bridgeman, Sir Jeffery
Palmer, his Majesty's Attorney-general, Sir Heneage Finch,
Solicitor-general, and Sir Richard Brown, a judge, came
to the Chancellor upon business. After a while, Mr. Kiffin
was called in, and questioned how he, being a prisoner,
came there. To which he replied, that he was come to
return the Chancellor thanks for interceding with the King
on' hia behalf, by which means he had gained his liberty.
The Chancellor acknowledged that an order had passed to
that effect ; but observed, that the Duke of Buckingham
had afterwards brought in his charge, and a subsequent
order was made for his detention. The Chancellor then
told him, that he must return into the messenger's custody,
but he would use his exertions to obtain for him a fair and
speedy trial. Mr. Kiffin, knowing his innocence, expressed
his cheerful acquiescence. The Chancellor then desired
him to go to Whitehall, in his name, and try if he could
persuade the King to take bail for his appearance. But his
Majesty being from home, Mr. Kiffin returned into the
city, and having procured two substantial citizens for his
bail, hastened back again. By the good providence of God,
it happened that the Chancellor was now with the King ;
and Mr. Kiffin having sent ' in his name, received for an
swer, that he might go home, but must be ready to appear
when called for. His deliverance at this time he ascribed

420 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES-
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE. — Particular Baptist.
solely to the Lord Chancellor, as the page who brought
him the message, told him that the King seemed very
angry.* Some time after, he was sent for by Sir Richard Brown,
to know where he had been during the summer. Mr. Kiffin
told him, chiefly in London, but sometimes with his family
at a kinsman's house, in Hertfordshire. Sir Richard then
asked him, if he had not engaged the people with whom he
walked, to enter into a covenant against the government.
Mr. Kiffin told him, that the end of their meeting was to
edify each other in matters of religion, without concerning
themselves with the government. To which the odier re
plied, that he had a witness present who could substantiate
die charge, which, he would inquire farther into. He then
told him, that as he came to him voluntarily, upon sending
for, he might go home, till he heard farther from him ;
which never happened.-)-
It was about this time, that some soldiers broke into his
house, ransacked his papers, and carried him prisoner to
the guard at the Exchange. Sir Thomas Player, the com
mander, after asking him several questions, said, that he had
a special order to secure him, but if he would pass his word
to be forth coming when sent for, he would let him go. To
this Mr. Kiffin consented, and, afterwards, enjoyed a long
interval of peace. J
The laws against Nonconformists being executed with
severity, Mr. Kiffin was apprehended at a meeting, and
prosecuted for the penalty of forty pounds, which he depo
sited in the hands of the officer. But finding a flaw in the
proceedings, he obtained ~ a verdict in his favour, though it
cost him thirty pounds. It had,' however, this good effect,
that many poor persons, who were prosecuted upon the same
account, were now relieved, the informers being afraid to
proceed against them. About 1682, he was again prose-
* MS. ubi supra. f Ibid. + Ibid,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 4€l
¦¦»'¦¦¦ ¦ «. -
DEVONSU IRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist,
cuted for fifteen meetings, in the penalty of three hundred
pounds. The informers managed their matters so secretly
as to get the record for the money in court before Mr.
Kiffin was acquainted with the transaction. But it happened
that there were some errors in this record also ; and Mr.
Kiffin having some friends in court, they moved, that the
cause should be heard before an order was made to amend
them. In the mean time, Mr. Kiffin being informed of the
particulars, employed able counsel ; and after several hear
ings, the informers let die suit drop.*
In 1684, when the discovery of the Popish Plot, gave
the court an opportunity of sacrificing those noble patriots
Lord William Russel, and Algernon Sidney, strong attempts
were made to involve Mr. Kiffin in the common ruin. But
nothing to his prejudice could be extracted from the wit
nesses. At this time several persons fled to Holland ; and
among others, Sir Thomas Armstrong, who was outlawed.
Some of his friends having transmitted him money by means
of exchequer bills, the court got scent of it ; and the offence
being laid at the door of Mr. Joseph Hayes, Mr. Kiffin's
son-in-law, he was apprehended, and tried for his life.
Hayes, whose circumstances were ruined by this affair, nar
rowly escaped the halter, which the court, under Charles
the Second, earnestly desired to be put about his neck.-)-
The trial was curious and important, as it struck at the root
of mercantile liberty. A good account of it is given by
Burnet.J Upon his return home from this trial, in which it may be
supposed he took considerable interest, Mr. Kiffin found a
packet of letters, which had been left at his house by some
unknown person about half an hour before. Upon his open
ing them, he found one directed to the Lord Chief Justice
» MS. ubi supra.
f Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, vol. ii. p. 462.
X Burnet's History pf his Own Times, vol, i. p. 599.

422 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES ¦ 'I ¦ Ml
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular liaplLt.
Jeffries, and another to himself, full of tin eats and treason
able expressions. As he could not but suspect some mali
cious design, he immediately sent them to Jeffries, whose
clerk told Mr. Kiffin's servant, that he knew the hand
writing. This still further strengthened his suspicions ; and
it is not a little surprising that he never heard any thing fur
ther concerning them.*
Some particulars above related, will convince the reader,
that Mr. Kiffin was in great favour with his sovereign, and
with some of the most considerable persons about his court.
Perhaps it may be difficult to account for this circumstance,
unless we suppose his skill as a merchant, and the property
he acquired, had any weight. His principles, certainly,
were not in his favour, he being a Dissenter of the most ob
noxious sort. Though we cannot vouch for the authenticity
of the following anecdote, it is too curious to be omitted. —
King Charles the Second, it is well known, was often in
want of money, to defray the expences of his pleasures, and
would sometimes condescend to borrow of his subjects. On
one of these occasions, it was currently reported, that he
sent to Mr. Kiffin, to borrow of b\m forty thousand pounds,
Mr. Kiffin apologized for not having it in his power to lend
his Majesty so much, but told the messenger, that if it
would be of any service, he would present him with ten
thousand, which was accepted ; and Mr. Kiffin used after
wards to say, that in so doing, he had saved thirty thousand
pounds.f It is certain that Mr. Kiffin had much interest
with the King, and was often a successful advocate at court,
for his persecuted brethren. One or two instances deserve
mention. When the laws against the Nonconformists made their
appearance, several magistrates in Buckinghamshire disco*
vered great zeal in executing them ; and having filled the
county jail, hired two large houses in Aylesbury, which they
* MS. penes me. f Crosby, vol. iii. p. S.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 423
DEVONSHIRE-SOU ARE  Particular Baptist.
converted into prisons. Not contented with the ordinary
process of imprisonment, and confiscation of property, they
endeavoured to revive the old practice of punishing heretics
with banishment and death. In this they were sanctioned
by a clause in the .':35th of Eliz. which enacted, That any
person legally convicted of being present at a conventicle,
if after three months imprisonment, he should refuse to con
form, ' or abjure the realm, he shall suffer death as a felon,
without benefit of clergy. An attempt was made to carry
this severe law into execution; and, after a mock trial, these
zealous magistrates passed sentence of death upon ten men
and two women, all Baptists, who were remanded back to
prison, till the time appointed for dieir execution. Imme
diately after their condemnation, the son of one of the con
demned persons took horse for London, and acquainted Mr.
Kiffin with the circumstances. Upon which, they proceeded
with great expedition, to the house of Lord Chancellor
Hyde, and entreated him to lay the case before his Ma
jesty, which he readily did. The King seemed very much
surprised that any of his subjects should be put to death for
their religion, and inquired whether there was any law that
authorized such proceedings. Being informed upon this
point, he promised his pardon, and gave orders accordingly.
But when it was considered, that the form of passing a par
don would require some time, and that those who had so
hastily passed sentence of death, might be as rash in the
execution of it, Mr. Kiffin applied for an immediate re
prieve, which his Majesty readily granted ; and it was dis
patched to Aylesbury by the same messenger who brought
the dismal tidings. At the next assizes, the judge brought
down the King's pardon, and liberated the prisoners ; which
put some stop to the violent proceedings in that part of the
country.* Another occasion, upon which Mr. Kiffin exerted himself
* Crosby, vol. ii. p. ISO — 185.

4,24 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.

on behalf of his denomination, occurred in 1673, upon the
publication of a libel against the Baptists, entitled, " Bax
ter baptized in Blood." This scurrilous pamphlet charged
¦upon the Baptists, the murder of Mr. Josiah Baxter, a
minister of New-England, for no other reason than because
he had worsted them in disputation ; and to render diat
party the more odious, it was written with a minuteness of
detail that carried with it the most artful shew of plausibility.
Mr. Kiffin, to counteract the ill consequences of such a
publication, went in person to the King, and so effectually
stated his complaint, that an order was issued to have the
book examined in council. This was accordingly done, and
the forgery being sufficiently proved, an order of council to
that effect was published in the Gazette, and Dr. Parker,
the licenser, compelled to publish a testimonial to the same
purpose.* King Charles the Second dying in February, 1684-5, was
succeeded by his brother, James the Second. Li the sum
mer of that year, the Duke of Monmouth landed at Lyme,
and setting up his standard, invited the people to take up
arms against the gloomy tyrant. But this ill-judged expe
dition, soon afterwards, cost him his head. Among the
unfortunate persons who attached themselves to his cause,
were two grandsons of Mr. Kiffin, Benjamin and William
Hewling ; the latter of whom accompanied the Duke from
Holland, whither he had been sent to complete his educa
tion. These interesting youths being taken prisoners, were
conveyed to London, and lodged in Newgate. It having
been reported, that the King meant to make examples only
Of a few, and leave his officers to make the best bargains
they could for the remainder, Mr. Kiffin offered, through a
great personage, three thousand pounds for the lives of his
grandsons. But he missed the right door ; for Judge Jeffe-
ries getting scent of these contracts, in which he .was not
• Crosby, v»l. ii. p. 278. and vol. iii. p. 4.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 425
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
included, was provoked to the greater cruelty, insomuch
that but few escaped. Among the sufferers were these un
fortunate youths. During their confinement, and at the
place of execution, they behaved in the most resigned, yet
dignified manner ; and met their deaths widi the most Chris
tian fortitude. Of all the unhappy victims that were sacri
ficed upon this occasion, none were more pitied than these
two brothers. Their youth, (one not quite twenty, the other
only twenty-one,) their beauty, their being the only sons of
their mother, and she a widow ; their extraordinary piety,
resignation, even excessive joy at their approaching fate,
made all men look up with horror at a throne, which, in
stead of being that of mercy, was not only severe justice,
but excess of cruelty. For these unfortunate youths were
flattered with life ; and while in prison, treated with the
greatest inhumanity, nay, shameful barbarity. The flintiness
of the King's heart cannot be more strikingly illustrated than
in the fate of these two brothers. When their sister, Han
nah Hewling, presented a petition to him on their behalf,
she was introduced by Lord Churchill, afterwards Duke of
Marlborough. While waiting in the anti-chamber for ad
mittance, Lord Churchill, standing near the chimney-piece,
assured her of his most hearty wishes for the success of her
petition ; " But, Madam, said he, I dare not flatter you
with any such hopes, for that marble is as capable of feel
ing compassion as the King's heart."*
As Mr. Kiffin happened to be related to these unfortunate
youths, it is not surprising that the Jacobite party looked
Upon him with jealousy and suspicion. At the trial of Wil
liam Hewling, Jeffries observed in public court, that his
grandfather Kiffin deserved, equally with him, that death
which he was likely to suffer. This great storm being over,
« Mr. Kiffin's Life, ubi iupm.— -Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, vol, iu-r-
Western Martyrology.— and Toulmin's History of Taujtt#n.
Vol. I. . 3 1

426 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

D'EVONSHIHE-SQUARB  Particular Baptist.

there seemed to be less restraint upon the Favourite court
design of introducing Popery. For this purpose, before the
sitting of parliament, the members Were tampered with in
order to extract a promise of voting for the repeal of the;
Test laws. Though, in general, they refused to pledge
themselves npon the subject, yet the Papists held tbeir public
meetings, and their insolence grew to such a height as to
alarm all true Protestants. The court observing this, set on
foot a new project, which was to engage the Nonconformists
on their side, by promising them an equal -authority in the
nation with other Protestants. By thus setting the Dissen
ters against the Church of England, they thought of strength*
ening the Popish interest. But though some persons, under
a sense of their former sufferings gladly accepted this gleam
of liberty, yet the majority refused to fall in with the design.
Among the latter was Mr. Kiffin, who exerted himself stre
nuously against it. The King, however, persevered "in his
plans, and resolved to introduce some Dissenters into places
of trust.
Mr. Kiffin was personally known to the marble-hearted
James, who, no less than his brother Charles, was disposed
to favour him. Having arbitrarily deprived the city of i{8
old charter, and determined to put some Dissenters into the
magistracy, he sent to Mr. Kiffin to attend him at court,
When he went thither in obedience to the King's command,
he found many lords and gentlemen. The King immedi*
ately coming up to him, addressed him with all the little
grace of which he was master. He talked of his " favour to
the Dissenters," in the court stile of the season ; and con*
eluded with telling Mr. Kiffin, " he had put him down as
an alderman in his new charter:" — " Sire," replied Mf.
Kiffin, " I am a very old man, and have withdrawn myself
from all kind of business for some years past, and • am inca
pable of doing any service in such an affair, to your Majesty
or the city ; — besides, Sire," continues the old man, fixing
his eyes steadfastly upon the King, while the tears ran down

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 43?
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  -Particular Baptist.
his cheeks, " the death of my grandsons, gave a wound to
my heart, which is still bleeding, and never will close, but
in the grave i" 'The King was deeply struck by the manner,
tbe freedom, and the spirit of this unexpected rebuke. A
total silence ensued, while the galled countenance of James
seemed to shrink from die horrid remembrance. In a mi
nute or two, however, he recovered himself enough to say,
" Mr. Kiffin', I shall find a balsam for that sore," and
immediately turned about to a lord in waiting.* (o)
Mr. Kiffin was now placed in a very awkward situation,
from which there were no means of escape. Through some
lords and gentlemen about the court, he interceded with the
King to reverse his appointment, but without effect. He
was told that the great interest he had in the city might be
of service to his Majesty ; and as to the death of his grandr
children, and loss of their estates, it should be made up to
him by any honour or advantage he could reasonably ,desire>
This, however, was no temptation to Mr. Kiffin, who was
fully convinced that the court designed nothing less than the
total ruin of the Protestant religion. As he delayed accept
ing the office, and six weeks had elapsed since the time he
received the summons, Sir John Peake, the then Lord
Mayor, declared publicly in court, that Mr. Kiffin ought to
be sent to Newgate ; and, in the course of a few days, he
understood it was intended to put him into the Crown-office,
* Noble's Memoirs, yol. vi. p. 463.
(•c) A reproof equally unexpected and equally deserved, this unfeeling
monarch received, at an extraordinary council, which he called soon after
the landing-of the Prince pf Orange ; when, amidst the silent company, he
apptifid.himself to the Earl of Bedford, father to the beheaded Lord Russel,
-saying, " My Lord, you are a good man, and have great influence ; you
can-do much for me at this time ;" to which the Earl replied, "laman
old man, and can do but little ;" then added, with a sigh, ' ' I "had once a
son, who could now have been very serviceable to your Majesty ;" which
words, says Echard, struck the King half dearl with silence and confusion.—
EeharaVs History of England.

428 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.'  Particular Baptist.
and proceed against him with the utmost severity. Upon
this he resolved to take the advice of able counsel, who told
him his danger was very great. That if he accepted the
office, it would cost him five hundred pounds ; but if he
refused, he might be fined from ten to thirty thousand,
according to the pleasure of the judge. He, therefore,
thought it better to comply. Not long after, the King was
invited to dine in the city, when each of the aldermen were
obliged to lay down fifty pounds to cover the expences. Mr.
Kiffin was, also, put into the commission of the peace, and
made one of the lieutenancy. But he meddled very little
with civil concerns. During the nine months he Continued
alderman of Cheap Ward, he was held in great respect, and
studied to promote the welfare of the city. At length he
was discharged from the troublesome office.*
Mr. Kiffin continued in the exercise of his ministry, with
various colleagues, to a good old age. Like the great apos
tle of the Gentiles, he passed dirough evil report and good
report ; and though greatly reviled by some men on account
of the unpopularity of his opinions, yet this very circum
stance occasioned his being held in high reputation by others.
In estimating the characters of persons at this period of our
history, there is great danger of misrepresentation, through
the prejudice of party writers ; and it requires no inconsi
derable knowledge of human nature to avoid splitting upon
this rock. Mr. Kiffin had the courage and integrity to avow
his opinions at a time when it was dangerous to do so ; and
had they been as absurd, or as dangerous as they were reprft-
sented, neither the weapon of abuse, nor the civil sword
were proper instruments for his conviction. It is a distin
guishing feature of truth, that it invites inquiry : to stifle it
is the mark of a bad cause, and the certain resort of bigot*.
Though Mr. Kiffin spent the chief part of his life in a
* MS. ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 429
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
storm, it was his happiness to die in peace. This event
took place December 29th, 1701, in the 86th year of
his age.
Some of the outlines of Mr. Kiffin's character may be
gathered from the preceding narrative. He possessed good
natural talents, and the bent of his inclination led him to
make theology his principal study. Crosby says, he was " a
great disputant, and when joined with others, generally had
the preference."* His temper appears to have been mild
and amiable, and in propagating his peculiar tenets, he be
haved with great moderation and decency. Though bigotry
was the reigning vice of the times, he seems to have had as
little of it as most men ; and exerted his influence with per
sons in power, to repress it in others.
A noble instance" of his generosity occurred when the
French Protestants took refuge in England. He received
under his protection, a family of considerable rank, fitted up
and furnished a house for their reception, provided them
with servants, and entirely maintained them at his own ex-
pence. Afterwards, when this family recovered some part
of their ruined fortune, he would not diminish it a single
shilling, by taking any retribution for the services he had
rendered them.-j-
He was deservedly held in great esteem by his bre
thren; and the large property he acquired in business,
gave him considerable weight in all their concerns. It also
enabled him to do much good, and to dispense the word of
life without being burthensome to the churches. His
religious principles were strict Calvinism, and excepting
upon the point of baptism, he does not appear to
have deviated from the standards of orthodoxy in his
time. His name is affixed to the two confessions of
* Crosby's English Baptists, vol. iii. p. 3.
t Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, vol. ii. p. 464.

430 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptilt. .
faith, set forth by the Particular Baptists, in 1644, and
1689- (h) ,
Though Mr. Kiffin but rarely meddled with politics him
self, yet his connexions were amongst the warmest patriots
of those warm times. One of bis daughters married Mr.
Benjamin Hewling, a Turkey merchant, of considerable
fortune, in London, who, happily for himself, died before
his two sons, the unfortunate youths above-mentioned.
After his death, they were carefully brought up by a tender
mother,' and by their maternal grand-father, Mr. Kiffin.*
Another of his daughters was married to Hayes the Banker,
before-mentioned. He had, also, another daughter, mar
ried to Mr. Thomas Liddel ; and several sons. The eldest
died a young man, aged about twenty. His second son
having an inclination to travel abroad, Was accompanied by
a young minister as far as Leghorn ; and proceeding by him
self to Venice, there entered too freely into conversation
upon religious subjects, and was poisoned by a Popish
priest. Mr. Kiffin lived happily with his wife, for the
space of forty-four years. Concerning her he says, " I can
truly say, I never knew her utter the least discontent under
all the various providences that attended me, or her ; but
eyeing the hand of God in them, so as to be a constant
encourager of me in the ways of God. Her death was to
me the greatest - sorrow that I ever met with in tiiis world."
She died October 5, l682.f Mr. Kiffin's grand-daughter,
Hannah Hewling, about a year after the execution of her
brother, married Major Henry Cromwell, grandson to the
celebrated Oliver. From this marriage is descended , the
present surviving branch of that once illustrious family .J
(h) It is not known that Mr. Kiffin ever published any thing, excepting
a single piece, entitled, " A sober Discourse of Right to Church-Commu-
siion ;" in which he pleads for strict communion.
* Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, vol. ii. p. 454.
f MS. ubi supra.
X Dr. Gibbons's Sermon on the Death of Wm. Cromwell, Esq. Appendix.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 431
DEVOSSIJI RE-SI3U ARE  Particular Baptist.
Upon his tonnVstorie in Bunhill-Fields, was the following
inscription ; preserved by the industrious Mr. Strype, in his
edition of Stow's Survey of London.
WILLIAM KIFFEN,
Eldest Sbn of William Kiffen of London, Merchant,
(And an Anabaptist Preacher) (I)
Died in the Lord, August the 31st, 1669,
In the 21st year of his age.
Also,
PRISCILI.A LIDDEL,
Wife of Robert Liddel,
And Daughter of William Kiffen,
Who fell asleep in the lord, March IS, 1619,
Aged 24.
And
HANNA, late Wife of William Kiffen,
And Mother to the above-named William and Priscilla
Who fell asleep in the Lord, the 6th of October, 1682;
In the 67th year of her age.
And
HARRY KIFFEN,
Son of the above-said William Kiffen,
Dec. e, 1698, aged 44.
Also,
HENRIETTA, late Wife of John Catcher,
Ang. 15, 1698, aged 22.
And
WILLIAM KIFFEN, the Elder,
Of London, Merchant,
Husband to the above-said Hanna, '
And Father to the above-said William, Harry, and Priscill^,
Dec. 29, 1101,
In the 86th year of his age.
(I). The word* in a parenthesis were, most probably, inserted by Strype.

Thomas Patient, was some time an Independent!
minister in New-England, where, he embraced the senti
ments of the Baptists. This was, probably, the reason he
is not mentioned by Cotton Mather, who seems to have

43S HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE  Particular Baptist.
possessed a portion of that bigotry which disgraced some of
his countrymen. Patient not being suffered to live quietly on
the other side of the Atlantic, crossed over to England about
the time of the commencement of the civil wars, and be
came colleague with Mr. Kiffin. Their names are united
in the confession of faith, put forth by the seven Baptist
churches in London, in 1644. After this, he travelled
about the country, and was very industrious in propagating
his opinions. Crosby informs us, that he went over to Ire
land, with General Fleetwood, Lord- Lieutenant of that
kingdom, who having displaced Dr. Winter, appointed
Patient to preach in the cathedral.* In Dublin, he was
also chaplain to Colonel John Jones, who married the sister
of Oliver Cromwell, and was one of the lords of his other-
house. Colonel Jones is described as a person lost in fana
ticism, which led him to prefer his favorite chaplain Patient
before the regular clergy. Accordingly, he was appointed
to preach before Jones and the council, in Christ-Church,
Dublin, every Sunday .f It appears from Milton's State
Papers, that Patient travelled into different parts of Ireland,
along with the English army : He dates a letter from the
head-quarters, Kilkenny, April 15, 1650. Crosby says,
that he was very instrumental in promoting the interest of
the Baptists in that country ; and was probably the founder
of the Baptist church at Clough-Keating, which, at the time
he wrote, was very numerous.^
We have no account in what year Mr. Patient returned to
England, but it was, most probably, after the Restoration.
Being chosen to the office of joint-elder with Mr. Kiffin, he
was set apart in Devonshire-square, June 28, 1666 ; Mr.
Harrison, and Mr. Knollys, assisting upon the occasion.^
In this office, however, he was not suffered to continue
• Crosby's History of the Baptists, vol. iii. p. 42.
f Noble's Memoirs of Cromwell, vol. ii. p. 215.
X Crosby, ubi supra. § MS. penes me.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 433
DEV0NSIII 11 ESQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
long, by reason of death ; as appears by the following me
morandum in the church-books belonging to the Society.
" July 30, 1666, Thomas Patient was, on the 29th instant,
discharged by death from his work and office, he being then
taken from -the evil to come ; and having rested from all his
labours, leaving a blessed savour behind him of his great
usefulness, and sober conversation. This his sudden removal
being looked upon to be his own great advantage, but the
church's sore loss. On this day he was carried to his "rave,
accompanied by the members of this and other congrega
tions, in a Christian, comely, and decent manner." Mr.
Patient published nothing besides a single treatise in quarto,
on the subject of Baptism. \
Daniel Dyke, M. A. a learned minister of the Bap
tist persuasion, was born about the year 1617, at Epping,
in Essex, where his father, Mr. Jeremiah Dyke, a good
old puritan, was the parochial minister. The famous Mr.
Daniel Dyke, author of an excellent treatise on " The De-
ceitfulness of the Human Heart," and minister first at Cog
geshall, in Essex, but afterwards at St. Alban's, in Hert
fordshire, at the former of which places he was suspended
by Bishop Aylmer, was the brother of this gentleman, and
uncle to our Divine.
Mr. Daniel Dyke the younger, after being sufficiently
instructed at private schools, was sent to the University of
Cambridge, where he took the degree of Master of Arts.
At his leaving the university, he received episcopal ordina
tion, and had not long entered upon the ministry before he
became noticed for his great learning, and useful preaching.
It is not surprising, therefore, that he received suitable pre
ferment. Accordingly, after some time, he was presented
to Hadham Magna, in Hertfordshire, a living of consi
derable value. , He was, also, made one of the chaplains in
ordinary to Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector, and in 1653,
Vol. I. 3 k

434 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SOU ARE.  Particular Baptist.
one of the Triers for the approval and admission of minis
ters 4 an office for which his learning, judgment, and piety
rendered him well qualified. Previously to this he had em
braced the sentiments of the Baptists, and appears to have
been the only one in this commission, with the' exception of
Mr. Tonibes, and Mr. Jessey.
Upon the Restoration, Mr. Dyke discovered his great
integrity, by refusing to conform to the episcopal govern
ment, and to the ceremonies of the Church of England. . In
contemplation, therefore, of the approaching storm, , he vo
luntarily resigned his living. When his intimate friend Mr.
Case, who was one of the ministers deputed to wait upon
the King at the Hague, endeavoured to dissuade ihim from
his purpose, telling him what a hopeful prospect they had
from the King's behaviour, &c. Mr. Dyke told' him
plainly, " That they did but deceive and flatter themselves :
That if the King was sincere in his show of piety, and great
respect to them and their religion ; yet when he came to-be
settled, the party that had formerly adhered to him, and die
creatures that would come over with him, would have the
management of public affairs, and circumvent .all their de
signs, and in all probability not only turn them out, but
take away their liberty too." The wisdom and justice of
these remarks were fully justified by the King's subsequent
conduct. After Mr. Dyke had resigned his living, he preached as
often as he had opportunity, and through some kiud appear
ance of Providence, was generally preserved from the. rage
and malice of his persecutors. Though he lived in ;two or
three great storms, and had several writs out against him,
yet he never was imprisoned more than one night. After
preaching a year upon trial, he was chosen colleague widi
Mr. Kiffin, at Devonshire-squat e, and set apart to the
office of joint-elder, February- 17, 1668 ; Mr. Knollys,
Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Kiffin, officiating upon the occa-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 4S5
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
sion.* . In this station he continued a faithful labourer, till
removed by death, in 1688, when he was about 70 yeais
of age. His remains were interred in Bunhill-Fields, and
his funeral sermon preached by Mr. Warner.
Mr. Dyke was a man of so much modesty, that he could
never be prevailed upon to appear in print. His name,
however, stands with some others in two or three printed
papers, in the composing of which it is supposed he had
some concern. These were, The Quaker's Appeal an
swered ; or, a full Relation of the Occasion, Progress, and
Issue of a Meeting at Barbican, between the Baptists and
Quakers" 1674.—" The Baptist's Answer to Mr. Wills'*
Appeal." 1675, &c. — " Recommendatory Epistle before
Mr. Cox's Confutation of the Errors of Thomas Collier."
He also edited a volume of sermons by his father .-j-
Richard Adams. — As Mr. Adams is not mentioned
by the Oxford historian,, it is probable that he received his
education in the University of Cambridge. We have no
account of him before the Restoration, when he had the
living of Humberstone, in Leicestershire ; but which he
was forced to relinquish by the act of uniformity, in 1662.
After his ejectment, he married ; and set up a meeting in
his own house, at Mountsorrel, where he preached about
fourteen years. As many persons resorted to hear him, it
excited the jealousy of a neighbouring justice, of the name
of Babington, who, though a sober man, was very severe
with him, and oppressed the Dissenters more than all the
other justices in that county. He fined Mr. Adams twelve-
pence per day, and sent to the officers of the parish to make
distress for it. Though the consciences of these men smote
diem in their unhallowed work, yet the threats of the justice
induced them to seize his pewter, and send it to the pew-
* MS. penes me.
}¦ Crosby's History of the Baptists, vol. i. p. 355 — 359.

4;i6 history and antiquities
DEVONsIIIH E-SQU A R F„  Particular Baptist.
terer's, which, however, they refused to buy. After this,
the justice sent for Mr. Adams, and told him he was not
against his keeping school, if he would cease to preach ;
otherwise he must expect to be troubled. Crosby informs
us, that this justice died soon after by excessive bleeding.*
How far this may be considered a retaliation of Providence,
we do not take upon us to say. But, though it may be
presumption in us to determine precisely what are the judg
ments of God, yet it cannot be denied, that he has some
times displayed his power in such a striking manner, and
accompanied by so many remarkable coincidences, that it
would argue extreme insensibility, were they to pass unno
ticed. Though we are far from crediting- all the numerous
tales of this kind upon record, yet if we believe that the
Almighty superintends the concerns of his church, we cannot
suppose him indifferent to the sufferings of his people ; more
especially as he has set a particular mark upon persecutors.
This will be a sufficient apology for our introducing such
frequent references to the Divine interposition.
Towards the latter end of the reign of King Charles II.
Mr. Adams removed to London, and was chosen minister
of a congregation at Shad-Thames, Bermondsey. From
thence, upon the death of the Rev. Daniel Dyke, he was
called to be joint-elder with Mr. Kiffin, at Devonshire-
square. He was ordained to that office in October, 1690,
and the service was managed with great solemnity, by Mr.
Knollys, Mr. William Collins, Mr. Hercules Collins, Sec. For
several years after his settlement in Devonshire-square, sing
ing the praises of God in public worship, was a thing utterly
unknown to the congregation. Indeed, most of the Baptist
churches at this period, seem to have avoided it as an anti-
christian infection. It was not till December, 1701, that
this enlivening part of devotion was introduced to Mr.
Adams's church; and even then it wasused, for some time, with
* Crosby's History of the Baptists, vol. iii. p. 08.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES' 437
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE. — Particular Baptist.
extreme, caution. Mr. Adams, who was a man of great piety
and integrity, lived to a very great age,' but was disabled from
constant preaching several years before his death, which hap
pened in the year 1716.* ¦, ¦:¦.;.
Mark Key. — ;Of this worthy minister, but few memo
rials remain. His parents, though in poor circumstances,
were pious persons, of the General Baptist persuasion, and
members of the church in White's Alley, Moorfields. With
this society Mr. Key was himself connected in the early part
of his life, first as a member, and afterwards as a preacher.
He was called into the ministry, April l691> and in the same
year, chosen assistant preacher to that church. This office
he resigned, on account of ill health, in April 1695, and re
tired into the country for ,the benefit of the air. In the fol
lowing year, we find him again in London, preaching to dif
ferent societies in the Baptist connection, both of the General
and Particular persuasion. On the 27th of February,
1701-2, he was received into communion with the church in
Devonshire-square, and in June following, to adopt the pras-
eology then in use, was called to exercise his gift ; which
being approved, he was unanimously chosen assistant to Mr.
Adams, February 4, 1702-3. Upon this occasion, he was
requested by the church, to remove his lecture from White's
Alley to Devonshire-square, with which he complied.
It should seem that Mr. Key possessed popular talents for
the ministry, as several attempts were made to remove him
from the situation in which he was now fixed. Within a
month after his settlement in the assistant's office at Devon
shire-square, he received a call to be pastor of a church in
Wapping. In the month of June following, the Baptist
church at Warwick sent him a similar invitation ; as did the
church in Petticoat-lane, about six months afterwards.
Such, however, was the affection of the people to whom he
* MS. penes me.

438 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
now ministered, that, at their earnest solicitations, he rejected
these proposals. It was not long before the church in De
vonshire-square testified their esteefti, by calling him to the
office of joint-pastor. Their invitation is dated December
27, 1.705, and on the same day in the following year, he was
ordained to the elder's office. The sermon upon the Occa
sion, was preached by the Rev. Joseph Maisters. The ce
remony of ordination was performed with laying on of hands,
Mr. Adams saying, " I do declare by the authority of Christ
and this church, that my brother Mark Key, is by the church
appointed and ordained a joint elder, pastor, or overseer,
with myself over her."
As Mr. Adams grew in years, the chief burden of the
pastoral office devolved upon Mr. Key, who appears to have
been an active and vigilant pastor, and much esteemed by the
church. Mr. Adams dying in 1716, Mr. Key continued sole
pastor till his deadi in 1726. The following account of his
funeral is preserved in the church-books of the Society.
" June 23, 1726. It having been reported that it hath pleased
Almighty God, in the all-wise dispensation" of his provi
dence, to exercise this church with the loss of our well-be
loved brother Mark Key, our late pastor, and that several of
the brethren have had a meeting, to consider of the funeral,
it was thought proper to propose, and agreed, (1.) That the
corps be carried from the Meeting-house, and interred in the
burial-ground, Bunhill-Fields, on Monday the 27th instant.
(2.) That a sermon be preached on the occasion by Mr.
Richardson, to begin at four o'Clock precisely. (3.) That
Mr. Noble, or Mr. Wallin, be desired to pronounce a fu
neral oration at the grave. (3.) That the following minis
ters be invited to support the pall, viz. Mr. Noble, Mr. Wal
lin, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Rees, Mr. Ridgeway, and Mr.
Arnold, all being pastors of churches. (5.) That the fol
lowing pastors and ministers be also invited, viz. Mr. Bar
row, Mr. Gill, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Rudd, Mr.
Mulliner, Mr. Bidle, Mr. Ring, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Towns-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 4HQ
DEYONSHIRE--QI ARE.  Particular Baptist.
bend, Mr. Townshead the seventh day minister, Mr. Sand-
ford, Mr. Davenport, and Mr. Morton. (6.) That hat
bands, glovps, and cloaks be provided -for all the ministers.
(7-) That all die brethren are desired to provide themselves
hat-hands, gloves, and cloaks, for their more decent attend
ance at the funeral."* Though Mr. Key never appeared
before die public as an author, nor does he appear to have
possessed any literai'y endowments ; yet, the above extract
will serve to shew that he was held in very great respect bv
his church.
In February, 3722, Mr. John Toaisand Mr. Charles
Bowler, members of the church in Devonshire-square, who
hadbeen called into the ministry, were desired to assist Mr. Key
-on the morning of the Lord's-day ; to which they consented.
Concerning tiiese persons, we can furnish-no particulars, ex
cepting that the name of Mr. Toms appears upon the list of
subscribing ministers, at the Salters'-Hall Synod, in 1719-+
Sayer Rudd, M. D. Upon the death of Mr. Key, the
late Dr. Andrew Gifford, then assistant to his father at Bris
tol, was invited to the pastoral office at Devonshire-square,
but declined. After this, the attention of the church was di
rected to Mr. Sayer Rudd, pastor of a congregation at Tur
ners'-Hall ; and in order to accomplish his removal, it was
proposed that the two churches should unite. Several let
ters passed between them upon the occasion ; and on ;the
2.3th of December 1726, it was agreed that the church at
Turners'-Hall, should meet writh that in Devonshire-square,
oiijthe following Lord's-day. One difficulty, however, re
mained. The people at Turners'-Hall enjoyed a considera
ble bequest, to which they were entitled only while a dis
tinct church. In order to preserve tbis, it was finally agreed,
that the church hi Devonshire-square, then consisting of 158
* MS. penes me, f MS. penes m\c.

440 HI.STO.RYl AND antiquities
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
members, should' dissolve, and* afterwards- s be received into
communion with the other, society:. , ... . ,.n
Tuesday, June 27, 1727, being the day appointed for
'consummating this business, Mr. Toms was chosen to be the
mouth of the church in Devonshire-square. Having first
engaged in prayer, he afterwards delivered a very seasonable
and pertinent discourse concerning the nature and ends of
church-fellowship, asserting the independence of every church
and congregation, and, its power to transact within itself, all
affairs relating to the glory of God, and their own edifica
tion ; for the promoting of which ends, they might not only
form themselves into a body, but if they should see occasion,
afterwards dissolve, and give themselves up to another com
munity. After this, he reminded the church to which he
stood related, of the several steps they had taken since the de
cease of their late. pastor, in order. to their settlement with
another ; at the same time, letting them know, that what
they were now about to do, was not the, effect of precipi
tancy and rashness, but of mature deliberation, conference,
and prayer. He then acquainted them, that having, on the
7th of May last, come to a resolution to dissolve their present
church state, they were now met to fufil their design ; and
putting it to the vote, it was unanimously agreed, that from
that time, their church should be dissolved.
Mr. Rudd then addressed his own church as follows :
My brethren and sisters — " I am now to address myself to
you over whom the providence of God has placed me as
overseer. You have been witnesses to what has passed on
the part of the church, late under the pastoral care of Mr.
Mark Key, deceased. They have dissolved their church
state, and now offer themselves for communion to you ; and
forasmuch as you have already signified your readiness to re
ceive them into your communion, by giving them an invita
tion thereto, your silence now is a sufficient testimony that
you recognise and confirm your satisfaction in admitting
them as members with you." After this Mr. Rudd pro-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 44i
DEVON. Ml I RE-SQUARE.  Particular r.aptist.
ceeded to declare that he did in the, name of the Lord Jesu
Christ, and as the mouth of the church, receive them into
full communion, to partake of all the ordinances and institu
tions which Christ has appointed in his house. The two
churches having then united, several regulations were drawu
up for their mutual benefit ; and the members present hav
ing signed their names, the Lord's supper was administered,
and the congregation dismissed.
Mr. Rudd continued pastor of the united church, till 1733.
In the April of that year, he signified his intention of taking
a tour to France ; which being disapproved by the church,
they refused their consent. In the following month, how
ever, it appears that he took which is commonly called
" French leave :" For at a church-meeting held June 3, it
was reported that Mr. Rudd was gone to France ; and agreed,
that his salary should be withheld till he gave satisfaction.
From this time, Mr. Rudd's connection with the church in
Devonshire-square was dissolved.* Of Iris after-history we
shall have occasion to make mention in a future article.
John Rudd, a member at Turners '-Hall, accompa
nied his brother to Devonshire-square, where he preached
occasionally as an assistant. In 1732, he accepted an invi
tation to become pastor of the Particular Baptist church, in
Broad-street, Wapping, at which place we shall make fur
ther mention of him.
George Braithwaite, M. A. — Within nine months
after Mr. Rudd's departure, the church was once more
agreeably settled in the Rev. George Braithwaite. This wor
thy and respectable minister was born in the year 1681, at
Fornacefells, in Lancashire. His parents, and indeed the
whole of his relations were zealous members of the Church
* MS. penes me.
Vol. I. n

442 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.-^-7'articMto- Baptist.
¦ thii „¦ mi... ' " k " " '¦"¦¦- -» ..'
of England ; and from his infancy, devoted him to the mi
nistry in that church, with a view to his. succeeding an uncle,
who was a celebrated preacher in that part of the country.
He was, accordingly, sent to a grammar-school near the
place of his nativity ; whence, after a while, he removed to a.
more noted seminary in Yorkshire, where he continued till
such time as he was sent to the University. There he atten
ded the several lectures, and the usual course of academical
exercises ; and prosecuting his studies with diligence, took
his degree of Master of Arts. Not long after, some domes
tic occurrences obliged him to leave this seat of learning. In
consequence of the illness of a near relation, who was sup
posed to be at the point of death, he was hastened home ;
and after this, had no opportunity of returning.
Mr. Braithwaite, in early life, became a subject of divine
grace, and was made to' experience the value of those bles
sings, which it was intended he should dispense to others. Ifc
was while a youth also, that he embraced the distinguishing
tenets of the Baptists, before he knew that there were any
people of that profession in the world. But it is presumed,
that he did not long remain uninformed as to this particular.
Some time after his leaving the University, he came to Lon
don, and joined a church of that persuasion under the care of
the Rev. David Crossley, near Cripplegate. This was in the
year 1706, when he was about twenty-five years of age.
But Mr. Braithwaite's talents were not designed to be con
cealed long in this state of comparative obscurity. Though
he consented for a while to sit down as a private church-mem
ber, yet the furniture he had acquired, fitted him in no small
degree to be an instructor of others. His abilities for the mi^
nistry were first tried and approved by the church with which
he communicated ; and after solemn fasting and prayer, he
was recommended by them to the great work of preaching-
the everlasting gospel.
About this time he received considerable offers from his
relations and friends, who were very desirous that be should

Or DISSENTING CHURCHES. 44S
DF.VON^ill I.E-SQTJ AH E. — Partunlar fla/'tist.
settle in the Church of England. But this not being agreea
ble to his judgment', he cheerfully sacrificed all outward ad
vantages to the honour of Christ, and the peace of his own
conscience. He had formerly determined, that if God
should call him by his grace, and put him into the ministry, ,
he would devote the first fruits of his labours to the poor ig
norant people in his native place. lie, accordingly, went
down into Lancashire, where a divine blessing accompanying
his preaching, he soon gathered a church, and for some time
went on very comfortably. At length, a difference arising
about the terms of communion, a separation became necessary.
But it was a very amicable one ; Mr. Braithwaite being en
abled to conduct himself with that amiable and truly christian
¦spirit, which so greatly distinguished him. Though his lon
ger continuance with this people was impracticable, yet he
was resolved to leave them with some mark of his affection.
Accordingly, he generously confirmed to the congregation
and their successors for ever, the place of worship, the bu
rial-ground, and die baptistery -which were all situated upon
his own estate.
After this, he settled with a congregation at Bridlington,
in Yorkshiie, where he preached several years with reputa
tion and success ; and in all probability had ended his days
there, had not his zeal against prevailing intemperance ren
dered his situation uneasy. Tt was with •«. view to serve the
best interests of his people, that, on this occasion, he pub
lished a small treatise against unnecessary frequenting public
bouses, which gave great offence. His unsettled state being-
made known to bis friends in London, they recommended
him to the congregation in Devonshire-square, which he
found no difficulty in accepting. He accordingly removed
to London, and was set apart in that place, March 28, 1734,
Dr, Gill gave the charge, and Mr. Wilson preached to the
people. In this situation, Mr. Braithwaite continued to the
time of his death.
In each of the above places, his ministry met with accept-

444 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
- ' ¦ — —¦ — '
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
ance and success. His preaching was plain, serious and
affectionate ; and he had a remarkable gift in prayer. In
this exercise he was noted for a holy importunity ; and ex
pressed himself with so much fervour, that it was thought
to injure his constitution. He was enabled to maintain a
close walk with God; and for two and thirty years together,
kept an exact account, of the frame of his spirit, in llie closet,
the family, and the world. The reflections with which his
account is interspersed, discover the breathings of a truly
pious mind. In his conversation he was friendly, affable,
and courteous ; and took every opportunity of introducing
something that might tend to edification. He possessed a
natural warmth of temper, of which he was sensible, and
would often acknowledge with regret. His circumstances
in the former part of life, were easy and plentiful ; but,
as is often the case with Dissenting ministers, a large
family, and confined income, greatly reduced them. In the
latter part of his ministry, he met with some sharp, and un
expected troubles, which took great effect upon his spirits,
and tended, in no small degree, to break a constitution
naturally good. He lived, however, to see the clouds in a
good measure disperse, for which he heartily thanked God, a
little before his dissolution.
His decay was gentle and gradual ; and for the most part
without pain, or sickness : His .understanding was clear and
unclouded ; his conversation heavenly ; and his satisfaction
as to a better world, full and uninterrupted. He would
say to the honour of sovereign grace, he had no fears, no
doubts, and longed to be at home, where the wicked cease
from troubling, and where his weary soul would be at rest.
At length, it pleased God to grant him his desire; and his
death was so remarkably easy, that, without, a figure, he
might be said to falj asleep in Jesus.* He died July 19th,
1748, in the 67th year of his age. His funeral sermon was
>Mr. Wjlson's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. George Braithwaite, p. 4?,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 445
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
preached at Devonshire-square, July 24th, by the Rev.
Samuel Wilson, on 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. / have fought a good
fight, fyc. a text chosen by the deceased.
In this discourse, Mr. Wilson says, " I persuade myself
that every one who was acquainted with the remarkable
modesty and humility of the Rev. Mr. George Braithwaite,
deceased, will readily acquit him of the charge of vanity in
the choice of these words as the subject of his funeral dis
course. I shall not easily forget the serious and very affec
tionate manner in which, a little before his death, he spoke
to me upon this head : My dear brother, said he, (for that
was the manner of the good man, always warm and pathetic,)
I have nothing to boast of, far be it from me ; but I bless
God, he has, through his grace, enabled me, in a measure,
to be faithful. And I look upon it as a singular mercy,
that I have not to charge myself with a single instance, in
which I have been left to baulk my conscience, as to any
one h-uth of the gospel, or ordinance of Christ, out of fear,
or in favour to any man." — u Glorious mercy ! adds Mr.
Wilson, to have, in the view of eternity, the testimony of a
good conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, he
had his conversation in the wo: Id; and at the same time to
see his obligation to a higher hand, and thankfully to ac
knowledge that, by the grace of God he was what he
was."*(K) • Mr. Wilson's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. George Braithwaite,
p. 29—33.
(k) Mr. Braithwaite's publications consist of, 1. The Nation's Reproach,
and the Church's Grief; or, a serious needful Word of Advice to those who
needlessly frequent Taverns, and Public-houses, and often spend ihe Even
ing there. In a -Letter to my Neighbour, and Countrymen. — 2. The Saint's
Desire in Time, and Happiness in Eternity -. a Sermon occasioned by the
Death of Mr. Humphrey Trend; preached near Devonshire-square, Dec. 19,
1736. Psa. xvii. IS. — 3. The Conflicts and Conquest of the born of God ;
or, Faith's Victory and T riumph over the World : a Sermon preachetj
Aug. 30,, 1741, on the Death of Mrs. MaryNewsham. 1 John, v. 4,

446 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEs'ONSHll' i-.-s',lU AttE.  P ntica.lar Bnyi,'
John Stevens . — A few months after the death of Mr.
Braithwaite, Mr. Henry Lord, of Baccup, was requested
to pav a probationary visit to the church in Devoiishire-
square ; but he declining, Mr. John Stevens was invited in
November, in 1 749, to supply the vacancy for three months.
At the expiration of that time, he received a call to the
pastoral office, which he accepted ; and was ordained in
May 1750. Here his preaching attracted great notice, and
he was amazingly popular. So great was his reputation,
that, upon the resignation of Dr. Gill, he was chosen, in
conjunction with Mr. Brine, to conduct the Wednesday
evening lecture in Great-Eastcheap. For the space of ten
years, he maintained a fair character, and was held in great
esteem by his brethren. But, at the end of that period, an
unhappy circumstance took place, which cast a cloud over his
character for the remainder of life. He was, in consequence,
dismissed from the office of pastor at Devonshire-square,
and excluded the Society. . Though the circumstances of
the case were too well authenticated at the time, yet there
were not wanting some persons who believed him innocent ;
and their attachment was strengthened by a pamphlet pub
lished by Mr. Stevens in his own vindication. As many of
these persons adliered to him, he took the lease of a
meeting-house, in Red- Cross-street, wheie he formed a
new church, and preached till his death.* Some further
particulars relating to his life and writings, may be expected
in our account of that place.
Walter Richards. — The church in Devonshire-
square remained destitute of a pastor for some considerable
¦tune after Mr. Stevens's dismission. At length, on the 12th
of September, 1762, it was agreed to give Mr. Walter
Richards, of Birmingham, a call to the pastoral office.
• Private Information.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 447
DF.VONSHtKE-SQUARE  PaHicular Baptist. ...
This he accepted, and received the following letter of dis
mission from the Baptist church at Birmingham, dated
Nov. 14, 1762.
" The baptized church of Christj meeting in Cannon-
street, Birmingham, holding the doctrine of particular elec
tion, and final perseverance, send their Christian and most
respectful salutation to the church of -Christ, of the same
faith and order, meeting near Devonshire-square.
Dear and beloved Brethren, Whereas it hath pleased the all-
wise God, in the course of his kind and good providence, (for
he worketh all things after the council of his own will,) to cast
the lot of our beloved brother, Mr. Walter Richards,
amongst you, and as we are desired to give him a letter of
recommendation to you, we cheerfully comply with the re
quest, and would observe, That our brother Richards is a
member in full communion with us, his principles and mo
ral character agreeable to us, and as becometh the gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ. And we observe, moreover, that
our brotiier before-named, was, at a time, appointed for
that solemn purpose, approved and set apart as a minister
of the gospel, or to preach- the word of God, in which
character he now resides with, and labours amongst you ;
and, therefore, we dismiss and recommend him to your
communion as a member, and minister of the gospel. As
to his abilities for the weighty and solemn work in which he
is engaged, you are acquainted with them, which makes it
needless we should say any thing on that head : And, there
fore, we have only to say, that it will afford us all imagina
ble pleasure, to hear of his honour and prosperity amongst
you. Our prayers to your God and ours, we hope, will be
constant, and fervent, on his account. His name and me
mory are precious to us, and we trust ever will be. The
Lord has done great things for him, and, we hope, hath
still greater things in reversion for him. O ! may he help
you much who have believed through grace ; and, also, be
a happy means of large additions to you of such as shall be

418 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE  P irticular Baplist.
saved. He is sound in the faith ; God grant he may con
tinue so. In a word, may he be a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. May
he continue faithful unto death, and the Lord grant him a
crown of life. Finally, may the whole of his conduct and
conversation, most evidently prove that he is a sincere lover
of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and you. We com
mend him and you to God, and the word of his grace, and
conclude, your most affectionate brethren in the faith and
fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord. Signed,
_ James Turner, Pastor, &c. &c."*
Mr. Richards was ordained to the pastoral office in De
vonshire-square, Dec. 16, 1762. Dr. Gill gave the charge,
and Mr. Wallin preached to the people. Through some
means or other, the preaching of Mr. Richards did not give
general satisfaction to the church, which was the occasion
of his continuing but a short time in this connexion. He, in
consequence, resigned the pastoral office, April 23, 1764.
After this, Mr. Richards went over to Ireland, and settled
with a congregation at Cork, where we believe, he is still
living.-j- John Macgowan. — A few months after the depar
ture of Mr. Richards, the Rev. Richard Hutchings, pastor
of a congregation at Long-Buckby, in Northamptonshire,
preached for some time upon trial, and was near settling ;
but the church not being quite unanimous, he declined their
call. Some time after, Mr. Macgowan, who had preached
with great acceptance, was invited to undertake the pastoral
office, with which he complied.
This gentleman was a native of Scotland, and born at Edin
burgh, about the year 1726. Of his early life we possess but
little information. After receiving a common school-educa-
* MS. penes me. f Private Information.

OI-- DISSENTING CHURCHES. 449
r . 
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
tion, he was placed out to the trade of a weaver; but how long
he followed this occupation we are not able to say. In early
life he connected himself with the Wesleyan Methodists,
amongst whom he received his first religious impressions. In
this connexion he also became a preacher. Afterwards
embracing the Calvinistic sentiments, he joined the In
dependents, and at length the Particular Baptists. For
some ye»rs, he was settled with a congregation of that per
suasion at Bridgnorth, in Shropshire ; where he laboured
under great discouragements for want of success. This in
duced him to embrace the earliest opportunity .of removing
to some other place. In July, 1766, die church in De
vonshire-square, sent him an invitation to preach upon trial ;
and his ministry being approved, lie was called, in the Sep
tember following, to the pastoral office. He was received
into communion Dec. 15 ; and set apart on the 29th of
July, 1767. Mr. Clarke opened the meeting with prayer ;
Dr. Gill proposed the questions ; Mr. Wallin preached to
the minister ; Dr. Stennett to the people ; and Mr. Burford
concluded with prayer. In this connexion Mr. Macgowan
continued nearly fifteen years, till he was removed by death,
Nov. 25, 1780, in the 55th year of his age.*
Of the franie of his mind, during his illness, we have the
following particular account, drawn up by the Rev. John
Reynolds. " I frequently visited him (says Mr. Reynolds)
in his last sickness, when he took occasion, as opportunity
offered, of opening to me his whole heart. At one time he
was in great darkness of soul, and lamented exceedingly the
withdrawings of the presence of God. Two things, he said,
had deeply exercised his thoughts. The one was, how
those heavy and complicated afflictions, which God had seen
fit to lay upon him, could work so as to promote his real good.
And the other was, that God, his best friend, should keep
at a distance from his soul, when he knew how much his
• MS. penes me.
Vol.1. 3 m

450 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
mind was distressed for tbe light of his countenance. ' O !'
said he, turning to me, and speaking with great earnestness
' my soul longeth and panteth for God, for the living God ¦
his love-visits would cheer my soul, and make this heavy
affliction sit light upon me. The wonted presence of Jesus
my Redeemer, I cannot do without, — I trust he will return
to me soon ; — yea, I know he will in his own time ; for he
knows how much I need the influence of his grace.' In
diis conversation he often mentioned the depravity of his
nature, and what a burden he found it ; — ' My heart,' said
he, ' is more and more vile, — every day I have such humi
liating views of heart-corruption as weighs me down, — I,
Wonder whether any of the Lord's people see tilings in the
same light I do.' And then turning to me, he said, ' And
do you find it so my brother ?' Upon my answering him in
the affirmative, he replied, ' I am glad of that.'
" The next time, which was the last of my conversing
with him, I found him in a sweet and heavenly frame : His
countenance indicated the serenity of his mind. On my
entering the room, he exclaimed, ' O, my dear brother,
how rejoiced am I to see you ! sit down, and hear of the
loving-kindness of my God. You see me as ill as I can be
in this world, and as well as I can be whilst in the body.
Methinks I have as much of heaven as I can hold.' Then
tears of joy, like a river, flowed from his eyes ; and his
inward pleasurable frame interrupted his speech for a time.
He broke silence with saying, ' The work will soon be
over ; — you see what you must soon experience ; — but death
to me, has nothing terrific in it ; — I have not an anxious
thought ; — the will of God, and my will are one ; — 'tis all
right, quite mysterious — We are to part here ; but we shall
meet again. — You cannot conceive the pleasure I feel in
this reflection, viz. that I have not shunned to declare
(according to my light and ability) the whole counsel of
God ; — I can die on the doctrines which I have preached, —
they are true, — I find them so. — Go on to preach the gospel

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.- 451
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
of Christ, and mind not what the world may say of you.' All
the while I sat silent ; and rising up to take my leave, fear
ing he would spend his strengdi too much, he immediately
took me by the hand, and weeping over each other, we
wished mutual blessings. Upon parting, be said, ' My dear
brother, farewell — I shall see you no more.' — Thus (con
tinues Mr, Reynolds) I left my much esteemed friend and
brother ; and the next news I heard of him was, that on the
Saturday evening his immortal spirit left the body to go to
the world of light and bliss, and keep an eternal sabbath with
God, angels, and saints."* His funeral sermon was preach
ed by Mr. Benjamin Wallin, from Zech. iii. 2. Is not this a
• brand pluckt from the fire? a text chosen by the deceased.
Dr. Stennet delivered the address at his interment in Bun-
hill-fields, where the following inscription may be seen ;upon
his grave-stone ; Herelies
JOHN MACGOWAN, U. D. M.
Who at the hand of God
Merited nothing hut final destruction
Yet through grace was enabled to hope
In a finished salvation -
He died Nov. 25, 1780, Aged 51 years.
Eph. ii. 8.
for by grace are ye saved through faith,
And that not of yourselves ; it-is the gift of God.
Mr. Macgowan possessed talents of a peculiar and strik
ing nature, which might have been displayed with advantage
in a very different station, had his natural inclination finally
prevailed. But an ardent zeal for the gospel of Christ, en
gaged all the powers of his mind. He possessed good na
tural abilities, a lively imagination, and retractive memory.
As a preacher, he was faithful, judicious, and affectionate.
His humility was very remarkable. He experienced great
# Macgowan on Ruth. Preface.

452 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
conflicts in the discharge of the ministerial office, on account
of an habitual sense of his guilt and corruptions, which fre
quently overwhelmed him with shame, when he appeared in
public* His sentiments upon theological subjects, harmo
nized in general, with those of Calvin. He was a zealous
Trinitarian ; but with regard to the sonship of Christ, and
the pre-existence of his human soul, he deviated from repu
ted orthodoxy. He did not conceive the phrase " Son of
God," to be properly a divine title ; but rather understood it
as an inferior or mediatorial character. Yet this did not les
sen his esteem for his many worthy brethren who thought
otherwise, and maintained what is called, " the eternal ge
neration of the Son of God ;" on the contrary, he read their
works with pleasure. With regard to the human soul of
Christ, he inclined to the pre-existent scheme.-f- As a com
panion and friend, he was highly spoken of, and held in great
esteem by his brethren. Mr. Macgowan (says Mr. Rey
nolds) was one of the most valuable and improving compa
nions I ever had the honour of an intimacy with. We visi
ted often, and our conversation usually turned on important
subjects, which proved very instructive to my own mind.
The natural cheerfulness of his temper, the ease and fami
liarity with which he communicated his ideas, his great in
tegrity1 and unaffected piety, rendered him the pleasant com
panion, the amiable Christian, and the sincere friend: no
one more sensibly felt the loss of him than myself. "J His
constitution was naturally delicate, but greatly weakened by
hard study, and frequent, laborious preaching, which brought
on a lingering illness, that, after a few weeks confinement,
terminated his life.||
As an author, Mr. Macgowan is well known in the
world, on account of the singular subjects he has chosen,
* Mr. Wallin's Sermon on the Death of the Rev. John Macgowan, p 29.
t Private information. + Macgowan on Ruth. Preface.
[| Mr. Wallin's Sermon, p. 30.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 453
v
DEVONSHIRE.SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
and the peculiarity of style with which he has treated them.
In some of his pieces he has allegorized to an excess ; his
characters are distorted ; and his colouring much too high.
He also treats his opponents with unjustifiable severity ; and
endeavours to work upon the passions' by thbse artifices which
can only mislead the ignorant and inexperienced. We have
better evidence for the doctrines of the gospel, than those af
forded by ghosts and spectres. His writings, however, are in
great esteem amongst a numerous class of readers; and it
must be acknowledged, that some of his pieces are written
with greatsmartness. Accordingly, they have passed through
several editions. The titles of his publications will be given
below.(L) Timothy Thomas, the present minister at Devon
shire-square, is a native of Leominster, where his father, the
Rev. Joshua Thomas, was many years a worthy and respect-
(l) A Letter to the Rev. John Allen, on the Doctrine of the Trinity. —
2. Death ; a Vision : Or the solemn Departure of Saints and Sinners, repre
sented under the Similitude of a Dream. — 3. Familiar Epistles to the Rev. Dr.
Priestley. — 4. Sociniarrism brought to the Test ; or Christ proved to be the
adorable God, ora notorious Imposter. In a series of Letters to the Rev.
Dr. Priestley. — s. A curious Letter to the Rev. Edward Brydges Blacker,
LL. D. occasioned by his Sermon preached before the Bishop of Exeter, at
the Consecration of St. Aubin's Chapel, in Dock-Town, Plymouth. — 7. In.
fernal Conference ; or Dialogues of Devils1; in which the many Vices which
abound in the civil and religious World, doctrinal and practical, are traced to
their pi oper Sources. 12mo. N. B. There is also an edition of this book in
one volume svo. — 7. The Life of Joseph, the Son of Israel. In eight Books.
Chiefly designed to allure young Minds to a love of the sacred Scriptures.—
8. The Arian's and Socinian's Monitor. — g. Priestcraft defended ; a Sermon
occasioned by the Expulsion of Six young Gentlemen from the University of
Oxford, 1768. — 10. The Sure Foundation ; a Sermon on the Death of the
Rev. Benjamin Messer ; preached at Grafton-strect, June 21, 1772. 2 Tim.
ii. 19. — 1 1. The Cleansing Fountain opened , a Sermon on John i. Jr. occa
sioned by the Death of Mrs. Elizabeth Bensted, March 11, 1773; — 12. A
Looking-Glass, for the Professors of Religion ; in seven Tracts on praatical
Subjects. — 13. The Foundery Budget opened; or the Arcana of Wes-
leyanism, 1780. — 14. Discourses on the Book oi Ruth, and other important
Subjects. Revised and prefaced by the Rev. John Reynolds, Svo. 1781.

454 -HISTORY A.ND ANTIQUITIES
DEVONSHIRE-SQUARE.  Particular Baptist.
able minister, of the Anti-Paedobaptist denomination. In
1778, Mr. Thomas went to Bristol Academy, under the
tuition of those excellent persons, Mr. Hugh Evans, and his
-son Dr. Caleb Evans, whose sister he married. In 1781, he
was called to fill up the vacancy in the church at, Devon
shire-square, occasioned by the death of Mr. Macgowan ;
and was ordained on the 30th of September in that year.
Mr. Wallin delivered the introductory discourse, and propo
sed the questions ; his father Mr. Joshua Thomas gave the
charge ; and Mr. Booth preached to the people- The text
selected for the charge was somewhat remarkable: 0
Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust. 1 Tim.
vi. 20. In mentioning this circumstance it is but justice to
observe that Mr. Thomas was not one of those ministers who
love punning in the pulpit — who cannot forego a joke, even
at the expence of decency of good manners. Though by these
means too many gain the admiration of a gaping multitude,
yet, they were arts that he abhorred ; being as much unsuit-
ed to the gravity and dignity of the pulpit, as to the solemnity
of divine worship. For several years past, Mr. Thomas has
kept an academy at Islington, in which are taught the elemen
tary principles of education. During the last administration,
when a change took place in the allotment of the Regium
Donum, the share falling to the Baptists, was made over to
Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Dore ; who have had the distribution
of it ever since.

3!tssenting Cfmre&es

il>r TUB

CITY OF LONDON

SOUTHERN DIVISION.

CONTAININC,

1. GREAT-EASTCHEAP.
2. MILES'S-LANE. r
3. DYERS'-HALL.
4. JOINERS' HALL.
S. PLUMBERS' -HALL.
6. TALLOW-CHANDLERS'-HALL.
7. SALTERS'-HALL.
S. CUTLERS'-HAU,

9. BUCKINGHAM HOUSE.
10. THREE-CRANES.
11. OREAT ST. THOMAS APOSTLE.
IS. BOW-LANE,
13. BROKEN.WHARF.
14. CARTER-LANE.
15. FRIARS'-STREET.
16. MEETING-HOUSE COURX-

< 451 )

GREAT-EASTCHEAP.

PARTICULAR BAPTIST.  EXTINCT.

JL HE origin of this Church, like that of many others*
particularly that of the Baptist denomination, is involved in
great obscurity. Though we have taken some pains in exa
mining manuscripts, and comparing lists of ministers, during
the latter half of the seventeenth century, our researches,
with regard to the article before us, have not met with the
desired success. It seems, that about the year 1696, two
societies of the Baptist denomination, then destitute of
pastors, agreed to unite under the ministry of Mr. John
Noble. One of these, very probably, was the church in
Gracechurch^street, noticed in a former article- Mr.
Noble, after labouring thirty-four years in this connexion,
was gathered to his fathers. His successor was Mr. Samuel
Dew, in whose time the congregation very much declined ;
and the lease of the meeting-house expiring about 1 7.60,
they dissolved their church state. Most of the surviving
members joined themselves to the church in Horsleydown,
under the care of Dr. Gill. During the chief part of Mr.
Noble's time, the church assembled at Tallow-Chandlers'-
Hall, Dowgate-hill, from whence they removed to Maiden
head-court, Great-Eastcheap. Though the exact date of
this removal is not mentioned, it must have been between
the years 1727 and 1730. For many years a lecture was
carried on at this place on a Wednesday evening. Dr. Gill
preached it alone nearly thirty years. After his resignation,
Mr. Brine, and Mr. Stevens, conducted it jointly for a few
years ; after which it was removed to Cripplegate. There
it was carried on for some time by four ministers ; Mr-
Vol. L 3»

458

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

GREAT EASTCHEAP  Particular Baptist, Extinct.

Brine, Dr. Stennett, Mr. Burford, and Mr. Clarke. ' The
lecture was afterwards removed to Little St. Helen's, and
from thence to Devonshire-square, where Mr. Swain
preached it alone, with great popularity for a few years.
He was succeeded in this lecture, as well as in his congre
gation, by Dr. Jenkins.
In pursuance of our plan, we proceed to give some ac
count of the ministers of this Society, so far as our infor
mation reaches, and which we shall introduce with the fol
lowing table.

Ministers' Names.

John Noble,
Samuel Wilson,
John Davenport,
Samuel Dew,

As Pastors.

From To

1690

1731

1730

1706

As Assistants.

From To

172 1727

1726
17-.

John Noble. — This worthy minister was born about
the year 1 66'0, and had the advantage to descend from reli
gious parents. When very young, he was accustomed to
attend with them upon divine worship among the Dissenters.
On one of these occasions, he was apprehended, and sent
to the common jail, where he endured great hardship. But
though he begun to suffer thus early for the profession of
religion, yet, as himself has remarked, he was all this while
destitute of its power. It pleased God, however, to make
his confinement subservient to a saving change upon his heart.
While in prison, he pursued his studies with diligence, and
made a considerable progress in useful knowledge ; so tliat,-
upon proper occasions, he was enabled to defend, as well as
preach the gospel. Soon after his enlargement, he was

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 459

GUEAl'-EAaTCIIEAl'.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
baptized upon a profession of faith, and received into church-
fellowship. In a little time, his abilities for the ministry
became so apparent, that he was sent forth to preach die
gospel, and his labours were accompanied widi great suc
cess. For some time he preached to several churches in the
country, only occasionally, not chusing to undertake a pas
toral charge. He also taught grammar learning at this
period, that he might be the less chargeable to poor
churches. After spending, some time in the country, where
his ministry was both acceptable and useful, he received a
call from two congregations in London, about the same
lime ; but as he could not accede to bodi their requests, the
high esteem thev entertained of him, induced them to unite.
In this situation Mr. Noble continued widi great honour and
usefulness, for about thirty-four years, till he was removed
by deadi, June 12, 1730, in the 71st year of bis age. His
funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Edward Walhn, from
Phil. i. SI. For me to lite is Christ, and to die is
gain* In this discourse Mr. Wallin gives a particular description
of Mr. Noble's religious character ; from whence it appears
that " his manner of recommending truth to odv.rs was not
with excellency of speech, or wisdom of words, but he
chose plainness of speech, and such a way of expression as
was out of the common road, yet so enlivened with many
striking sentences, as commanded attention, and carried with
them much light und conviction.' In his preaching he
dwelt much on die free grace of God, which was his delight
ful subject. He, also, frequently insisted upon the leading
doctrines of the gospel. The it:.g>ii to which he carried his
speculations upon some subjects-, occasioned many persons
to charge him with loosening the obligations to moral dunes;
but thoush the manner in which Ik stated sum.' doctrines
mi«ht have this tendency, yet, the thing itself was the re-
* Mr. Wallin's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Noble, p. 31 — 38.

460 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
GREAT-EAR I'CHEAP.  Particular Baptist, Extinrl.
motest from his intention. On the contrary, he laboured to
improve the doctrine of grace to a strict regard for the pre
cepts of the gospel. The zeal he discovered in defending
the peculiarities of the supra-lapsarian scheme, sometimes
led him into uncharitable censures of his brethren ; but it
was remarked, that when he took the chair at the monthly
association of Baptist ministers, he behaved with great pru
dence and moderation. In his last illness, he expressed a
cheerful resignation to the divine pleasure, declaring that the
truths he had preached to others, were the comfort and sup^
port of his own soul in the near views of death and eternity.
He was buried in the ground belonging to the Park-Metting,
Southwark.* Mr. Noble was assisted in the latter part of his life by
several ministers. One of these was the learned Mr. Sa^
muel Wilson, afterwards of Goodinan's-Fieids, concerning
whom we shall have occasion to make particular mention
hereafter. Mr. Wilson removing to Bioad street, Wapping,
about the year 1726, was succeeded by Mi. Peter Da
venport, to whose name we can add no particulars. Mr.
Noble was succeeded in the pastoral office by Mr. Dew.
Samuel Dew. — Concerning this gentleman our infor
mation is extremely slender. His origin appears to have been
humble, and he was bred to the trade of a stone-cutter ; but
how long he followed this profession, we are not able to say.
His mind being seriously impressed, he applied in early life
io the study of the sacred scriptures, and having embraced the
principles of the Baptists, commenced preacher in that deno
mination. After spending a few years in occasional labours, he
settled with a Baptist congreation at Mitchel-Dean, in Glo-
cestershire, where he was very popular, and not a little useful,
In 1731, he removed to London, to succeed Mr. Noble, af
» Mr. Wallin's Sermon, ubi supra. — Crosby's History of the Baptists, rol. iv.
p. 375— 3p0,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 4fjl

GREAT-EASICHI'AP  Particular Baptist, F.\tinct.
Great-Eastcheap. Here his popularity abated, nor did his
labours meet with diat success with which they had formerly
been attended. In consequence, his congregation greatly
declined, and, at length, upon the expiration of their lease
about 1760, dissolved their church state. After this, Mr.
Dew did not assume any ministerial charge, but preached oc
casionally for his brethren, and communicated with the
church upon Horsleydown, under the pastoral care of Dr.
Gill. Mr. Dew was a man of respectable character, and
esteemed a good preacher by the admirers of high Calvinism.
But the manner in which he explained some doctrines, was
considered by many persons as having an Antinomian ten
dency. Nothing, however, could be farther from his de
sign. His only publication that we have met with, is a fu
neral sennon for Mrs. Mary Bevois, preached at Mr.
Gill's meeting-house, April 1, 1735, on Job xix. 25. Mr.
Dew survived the dissolution of his church only a fe«r
years,* The meeting-house in Great Eastcheap, after the Baptists
quitted it, was never occupied by a regular Dissenting
church ; but has passed through the hands of various adven
turers. It was taken first by Mr. Richard Elliot, who wa*
assisted by the late Mr. Thomas Tuppen, of Bath, and held
it from 1760 to 1773, when he removed to Glass-house-yard.
Mr. West, a builder, who afterwards erected a meeting-house
at Hammersmith, then occupied it for a short time. Upon
his removal, the Swedenborgians held it for some years.
The meeting-house was afterwards taken by the Rev. Chris
topher Frederic Triebner, a German Lutheran Divine, who
occupied it about two years. Mr. Waterman, also, preached
here for some time before he settled at Ratcliff; but, we
believe, his services were confined to an evening lecture.
About eight years ago, the meeting-house was taken down,
• Private Information.

463 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MlLES'S-LAlNE.  Independent, Extinct. First Cb(urch.
together with the adjoining buildings, and all traces, even
of the court, are now lost in a large liouse and warehouse
erected upon the site.

MILES'S-LANE.

INDEPENDENT.  EXTINCT.

First Church.

Mi

.ILES'S-LANE, properly St. Mtchael's-Lane,
so called from the saint to whom the parochial church is
dedicated, falls into Cannon-street, at the north end, and on
the south into Crooked-lane, and so into Thames-street.
The meeting-house stands in a paved court, called Meeting
house-yard, on the right hand side from Cannon-street. It
is a large, substantial brick-building, with three good gal
leries ; and is one of the oldest places of worship among the
Dissenters. Though the exact date of the building is not
now to be obtained, there is good evidence that it must have
been erected very soon after the restoration of Charles the
Second. Being a large and commodious place, it was fixed
upon as a prey to the parish minister, when his church was
consumed in the fire of London, A. D. 1666 ; nor could
the rightful owners regain possession till the new church was
built. This was the fate of many other meeting-houses, at
that time, and places in a strong light the unprincipled power
of the ecclesiastical government, during the reign of Charles
the Second,

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

463

MILES'S-LA^JE  Independent, Extinct. First'Church.
The meeting-house in Miles's-lane, was occupied in its
early state by two different congregationis, both Independent.
Each of them is become extinct ; one in our own time,
under the late Dr. Stephen Addington ; the other nearly a
century ago. These we shall take up separately in their pro
per order ; beginning with the latter, as least known ; and
better suited to chronological precision.
The first church that falls under our notice, was collected
soon after the act of Uniformity, by the Rev. Matthew Bar
ker, the ejected minister of St. Leonard's, Eastcheap. Mr.
Baxter mentions him among the Independent Ministers, who
began to set up their separate meetings after the fire of
London, in 1666. His congregation assembled at Miles's-
lane on the morning of the Lord's-day ; and he continued
their pastor through successive persecutions, between thirty
and forty years. He was succeeded in the pastoral charge,
by the Rev. John Short, in whose time the congregation
greatly declined ; so that, at his death, which happened in
I718-, they dissolved into other societies. About two or
three years prior to this event, they removed to some other
meeting-house. Both these ministers were Calvinists, and
men of good learning and reputation, by which they helped
to support the cause of Nonconformity, at a time when its
enemies expected that it would sink into oblivion. We shall
follow up our plan by giving a brief account of each of these
Divines.

Ministehs' Names.

From

To

Matthew Barker,
John Short,

1662 1698

1698
1718

Matthew Barker, M. A. — This excellent minister
was born about the year 16 19, at Cransley, a small village

464 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  -Independent, Ej.ti.icL, i'n»l Cluuch.
near Broughton, in Northamptonshire. Being designed for
the ministry, he was placed at a proper age, at Trinity Col
lege, Cambridge ; and having taken his degrees, removed to
Banbury, in Oxfordshire, where he superintended an acade
my. On the breaking out of the civil war in 1641, he was
forced to leave that place, and retired to London. Soon
afterwards, he was chosen minister of St. James's, Garlick-
hill, in which situation he continued about five years.
Thence, he removed to Mortlake, in Surry, being invited to
the lectureship at that place, by some citizens who resided
there in the summer. On the death of Mr. Robrough, in
1650, he was called to the living of St. Leonard's, East-
cheap, which he held till Bartholomew-day, 1662, when,
not being able to satisfy himself in some things required by
the act of Uniformity, he was forced to resign. He,
however, continued in the ministry, though with many ha
zards and difficulties ; preaching to a separate congregation
of his own gathering, as the times would allow. It does
not appear where his people first met for public worship,
but as they were composed of some of his old parishioners,
it, probably, was somewhere in the same neighbourhood.
The meeting-house in Miles's-lane, being erected early in
the reign of Charles the Second, they were allowed the
joint use of that place, and Mr. Barker preached to them
for many years with great acceptance, till the time of his
death, which happened March 25th, 16Q8, being then in
his 80th year.
From a MS. account of Mr. Barker's life, left behind
him at his death, he appears to have been a person Of great
sincerity, and remarkable humility ; much addicted to prayer,
very diffident concerning the success of his ministry, and
ardently concerned for the promotion of true godliness. He
was a man of considerable learning, great piety, and uni
versal candour and moderation. As he disliked contro
versy, he earnestly avoided it, laying but little stress upon
points of inferior importance, in which he was sensible

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 465

MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. First Church.

others were as much at liberty to differ from bini, as he from
them. This apprehension evidently governed his practice.
He discovered a peculiar pleasure in conversing with
young ministers ; with whom he used great freedom,
without regard to any difference of sentiment in smaller
matters ; cheerfully encouraging them in the work they had
undertaken, and rejoicing in the prospect of their use
fulness, when, through age, his own abilities visibly de
clined.* (m)
John Short. — This learned Divine descended from a
respectable family in the West of England. His grandfather,
Mr. John Short, was a gentleman of good estate at Aish-
water, in Devonshire, but a great enemy to the Noncon
formists. So exasperated was he against his son for not
conforming at the Restoration, that he resolved to disinherit
him ; and left his estate to another person. This was the
Rev. Ames Short, who was ejected from Lyme-Regis, in
Dorsetshire, and passed through many sufferings on the
score of nonconformity. He was a grave and serious Divine,
much the gentleman, and a pleasant companion. He died
suddenly, July 15, 1697, aged 81. His son, Mr. John
• Calamy's Account, p. 45. — Contin. p. 63. — Nonconformist's Memorial,
vol. i. p. 144.
(h) Works. — Mr. Barker published, 1. Natural Theology; or, the,
Knowledge of God. — 2. A Discourse on Family Prayer.— 3. Reformed Reli
gion; or, theright Use of Christianity described in its Excellency and Use
fulness in the whole Life of Man. 1Q1Q. — 4. Plores Intellecluales y or, select -,
Notions, Sentences and Observations, out of several Authors, especially for
the Use of young Scholars entering into the Ministry. — 5. Three Sermons in
the Morning Exercises. — 6. Two Sermons, preached upon public Occa
sions.— 7 . Annotations on the two Epistles to the Thessalonians ; in the
Continuation of Mr. Poole. — Mr. Barker, also, had a hand in the English-
Greek Lexicon.
Vol. 1. So

466 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
1 ¦ i ¦ ...   ¦¦ ~. , |,|| .. -, ,, ^
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. First Church.
Short, of whom we are now to speak, was exposed, when a
child, to all the severity of .persecution, in common with his
father. Dr. Calamy relates an affair which happened to him
at that period, and places the barbarous proceedings of those
times in a very strong light. Old Mr. Short being confined
prisoner to his own house, by the Five Mile Act, in 1665,
the county-troops often entered the town to search after him,
and rifled his house. Being several times disappointed, they
became enraged ; and one of them caught his son, fixed a
pistol to his breast, and threatened to kill him, if he did not
tell where his father was. The child answered, " My father
does ' not acquaint me whither he goes." As they were
searching the chimnies, chests, boxes, &c. they threatened
the servant-maid after the same manner. She said, " My
master doth not hide himself in such places ; he has a better
Protector." To which they made this reply, " The devil
take him and his Protector too !"
Mr. Short was educated for the ministry among the Non
conformists, but at what seminary we are not able to say.
It is highly probable that he passed some time in one of the
universities of Holland. Having finished his studies, he set
up an academy at Lyme, where he was very useful in
training young men to the ministry ; and occasionally
preached for his father, who had a private meeting in that
town. He afterwards removed to Colyton, in Devonshire,
where he followed the same profession. Upon the death of
the Rev. Matthew Barker, in 1698, he was invited to Lon
don, to succeed him in his congregation at Miles's-lane. In
this connexion he continued till his deatii, which happened
about the year 1718. Mr. Short was a man of considerabh?
learning, of great piety, and of a sound judgment. He had
the misfortune to have an impediment in his utterance, which
was a great denial to him, and occasioned his not being
heard with pleasure in the pulpit ; so that the congregati6n
sunk under his administration. A few years before his death

OF DISSENTING, CHURCHES. 407

MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
they removed to another meeting-house ; and upon the de
cease of their pastor, dissolved their church-state, and mixed
with other societies.*

MILES'S-LANE.
INDEPENDENT.  EXTINCT.
Second Chunk.

AlAVlNG dismissed the former Society, we proceed to
give some account of the other Independent church, to
whom the meeting-house in Miles s-lane, properly belonged.
It was erected in the early part of the reign of Charles II.
as before-mentioned, for the use of the Rev. Stephen Ford,
and the congregation under his care. The Society, how*
ever, existed many years prior to this. We strongly suspect
that it was gathered during the long parliament, by the Rev.
Sydrach Synipson, one of the Westminster Assembly, and
an eminent Independent Divine, during the interregnum.
In his time, the congregation met in St. Mary-Abchurch,
Cannon-street 4 but where it assembled after his death, till
the present meeting-house was built, we are not able to say.
Mr- Short's congregation removing about 1715, the church
bow sinder consideration, which had hitherto met for public
worship in the afternoon only, occupied the place on both
parts of die day. This Society was originally very large and
* Calamy's Continuation, p. 418, &c— Neale's Life of-Matthew Clarke,
prefixed to his Sermons, p. 33.

/

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct Second Church.
respectable, and composed of many persons of good sub
stance. Towards the latter end of Mr. Ford's life, the
congregation gradually declined ; and was, at length, reduced
so low, that though he was obliged to have an assistant,
they could not raise for him a sufficient maintenance. After
his death, however, the congregation greatly revived under
the successful labours of the excellent Mr. Matthew Clarke,
one of the most popular ministers of his day. Upon his
decease, and the choice of Mr. Jollie for pastor, in 1726, an
unhappy breach took place ; when several of the members
withdrew, and founded the present church in New BroaaV
Street. Though this circumstance operated unfavourably for
the Society in Miles's-lane, nevertheless, Mr. Jollie was
enabled to stand his ground, and maintained a respectable
congregation to the day of his death. A short time previous
to this event, he relinquished the afternoon service to Mr.
William Porter, whose congregation was accommodated
with the use of the meeting-house on that part of the day,
for the space of ten years, when they removed to a new
place of worship, in Camomile-street. In the time of Mr.
William Ford, who was Mr. Jollie's successor, the congre
gation was in a low state ; and continued so under Dr.
Addington, notwithstanding he attracted some notice for a
short time after his settlement in London. A* length, Dr.
Addington's growing infirmities, and the necessities of a
neighbouring congregation, led the w,ay to an arrangement
that gave mutual satisfaction, and eventually issued in the
dissolution of his church. The congregation at the Weigh-
House, under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Clayton,
having determined to erect a new meeting-house, were look
ing out for a temporary place of worship, while their new
one was building. At' this time, Dr. Addington being dis
abled from engaging in more than one service on the sabbath,
agreed to resign his pulpit on the other part of the day to
Mr. Clayton. This was the state of things for several
months. But the Weigh-House being finished at the beginr

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES..

469

MILES'S-LANE. — Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

ning of 1795, Mr. Clayton's congregation returned thither.
This proved a discouragement to Dr. Addington's church ;
and his infirmities still increasing, he resigned the pastoral
office, June 14, J795. After this, his people kept toge
ther but a short time ; for not agreeing upon the choice of a
successor, and the Society being greatly reduced, they
thought it best to dissolve their church-state. In point of
religious sentiment, there does not appear to have been any
materjal alteration in this Society, since the time of its com?
mencement. The several ministers, whose lives we are
about to record, have been distinguished by their zealous
attachment to the doctrines of die gospel. For though the
separation that look place upon Mr. Jollie's settlement, was
occasioned nominally by a difference of sentiment, yet, it
does not appear that he differed much from his predecessors.
The cry of heterodoxy has often been raised against the most
valuable ministers of Christ; and sported by bigots with
more zeal to support the dogmas of a party, than to serve, the
interests of genuine religion.
Upon the dissolution of Dr. Addington's church, the
meeting-house was taken by a Society of Scotch Seceders,
whose, history will pass under our revision in the next article
In the mean-time we will present the reader with some
account of the pastors in the Independent Society, whose
names and succession may be seen at one view, in the fob-
lowing table.

Ministers' Names.
Sydrach Sympson, . . .
Stephe.n Ford, 
Matthew Clarke, ....
Timothy Jollie, ....
William Ford, Jun. . . .
Stephen Addington, D. D. .

From

To

164.

1658

166.

1694

1692

1726

1726

1757

1757

1781

1781

1795

470 HISTOftY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
Sydrach Sympson, whom Mr. Neal Styles " ajueek
arid quiet Divine, of the Independent persuasion,*'* received
his education in the University of Cambridge. He after
wards became a celebrated preacher in London.^ Being
appointed curate and lecturer of St. Margaret, Fish-street,
his preaching soon gave offence to Archbishop Laud, who,
at a metropolitical visitation, in the summer of 1635, con
vened Mr. Sympson, and several odier Divines, before him,
for a breach of the canons. Most of them having submitted
at this time, were dismissed.^ But the intemperate bigotry
of Laud, and the violent manner in which he exacted con
formity, drove many eminent Divines out of the kingdom.
Some retired to Holland, and others to New-England.
Amongst the former were Dr. Thomas Goodwin, Mr.
Philip Nye, Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs, Mr. William Bridge,
and Mr. Sydrach Sympson. These were afterwards the
five pillars of the Independent, or congregational party ;
and, in the Assembly of Divines, were distinguished by the
name of the Dissenting Brethren.^
Mr. Sympson afterwards returning to England, was
chosen in 1643, a member of the Assembly of Divines, at
Westminster ; and gave constant attendance. || In their de
bates he conducted himself with great temper and modera
tion. He was one of the Divines who published, and
presented to the house, in 1643, An Apologetical Narration
on the part of the Independents :^f Bishop Kennet says, he
was silenced for sometime from preaching, because he dif
fered in judgment from the Assembly m points of church dis
cipline ; but was restored to his liberty,- October 28, 1646.**
In 1650, he was appointed, by the parliamentary visitors,
Master of Pembroke-Hall, Cambridge, in the room of Mr.
Vines, who refused the engagement.ft It being proposed by
* Neale's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 518. f Ibid. vol. i. p. 023.
J liid. p. 585. § Ibid. p. 623. || Ibid. vol. ii, p. 41.
5 Ibid. p. 98. ** Ibid. vol. i. p. 518. ff Ibid. p. 39s.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 47 1

MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

parliament to tolerate all who agreed in the fundamental
doctrines of Christianity, a committee was appointed, in
1654, to draw up a catalogue of fundamentals. Mr. Symp
son was a member of this committee, and had a principal
band in drawing up some articles-; which, however, were
not presented to the house ; and, so, were never acted
upon.* In the same year, he was constituted by 311 order
qf council, a commissioner for the approbation of pnhlic
preachers. The commissioners were in all thirty-eight;
selected from the three denominations ; and are commonly
known by the name of Tryers.\ In 1655, he was appointed
under a commission from Oliver Cromwell, one of the New
Visitors to die University of Cambridge, in order to regulate
and secure the education of youth.J In the time of the
long parliament, he gathered a congregation in London,
upon the Independent plan, which met in Abchurch, near
Cannon-street. Mr. Sympson was a Divine of considerable
learning ; and of great piety and devotion. In his last sick
ness he was under some darkness, and melancholy apprehensi
ons ; upon which account, some of his friends, and brethren,
assembled in his house, to assist him with their prayers. In
tbe evening, when they took their leave, he thanked them,
and said, he was now satisfied in his soul ; and lifting up his
bands towards heaven, said, " he is come, he is come ;" and
died that night, A. D. l658.§
Mr. Sympson was succeeded in his living of St. Mary-
Abchurch, by Mr. John Kitchin,, a Presbyterian Divine,
who was ejected at the Restoration. After this, his congre
gational church must have met privately ; but the name of
bis successor we are not able to determine with certainty.
We have before us the names of several Independent mi
nisters who had congregations at this period ; but it is diffi
cult to assign them their particular spheres of labour. As
• Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 443. f Ibid. p. 447.
t Ibid. p..4fi«-/ i Ibid. p. 518.

472 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
Mr. Ford came to London soon after Bartholomew-day, it
is probable that not many years elapsed after Mr. Sympsort's
death, before he took charge of the church.
Stephen Ford. — He pursued his studies at Oxford,
though at what College does not appear. Wood has passed
him over in silence, and Calamy has done but little towards
supplying that defect. He appears to have been a truly dis
interested character, and influenced by the most ardent wishes
to promote the best interests of the people of his charge.
During the inter-regnum, he was presented to the living of
Chipping-Norton, in Oxfordshire, where, in a short time,
he had the satisfaction to find his labours crowned with emi
nent success. In an epistle to his people, still extant, he
says, " When the blessed God inclined my heart to the
ministry, my earnest request was, that he would be pleased
to cast my lot in a place where I might be eminently useful
in the church and cause of Christ. — At the time I became
your minister, I had three places offered me : one of them
was worth near twenty times as much as this poor vicarage.
But I found my heart more inclined towards you than towards
any of the said places ; and, through grace, I refused them
all for your sakes."
When the black Bartholomew Act passed, August 24,
1662, he was obliged to quit his living because he could not
satisfy himself to conform. He, however, still continued to
preach privately, as he had opportunity ; and was instru
mental in raising a congregation of Protestant Dissenters in
that place, which exists to this day. He became their first
pastor, was much beloved by them, and his labours were
very successful. But he was sadly harassed on account of
nonconformity, and, at length, some of his enemies threatened
his life ; so that he was forced to fly to London, where he
often preached in the time of the plague, when others fled
into the country for escape. Upon his leaving Chipping-
Norton, the interest of religion in that town visibly declined;

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 47S

MlLT^S LAN Z. - InHepe, d,'iit. Extinct. Second Church.

He left an address with his people in the most faithful and
affectionate terms, in which he says, " Now my beloved,
the returns that I expect and dessire of you, for all the suf
ferings that I have undergone, and am likely still to undergo,
for your sake ; for all my temporal losses, for my care and
pains, labour and travail for your everlasting happiness, are,
That you will be pleased to read, consider and practise these
following duties." He then exhorts them to serious self-
examination, watchfulness and prayer ; and dissuades them
from conformity to the world, 8tc. — Upon his coming to
London, he settled with a congregation in Miles's-lane,
Cannon-street, and continued to officiate as their pastor,
nearly thirty years. He also set up a catechetical lecture,
for young men, on Lord's-day mornings, at seven o'clock ;
but afterwards changed it to the evening, and, it was hoped,
did much good.*
As Mr. Ford advanced in years, he grew infirm, and his
congregation declined, which made it necessary to provide
him an assistant. The Rev. Matthew Clarke, being in
Loudon, in 168>), gave Mr. Ford's congregation an occa
sional sermon, from which they conceived such great expec
tations, that upon his return home, they sent him an unani
mous invitation to assist their aged pastor. This, after some
deliberation, he accepted ; and in the course of a year or
two, was ordained joint-pastor. The Reverend and aged
Mr. Ford, did not survive this last act more than two years.
After seeing his congregation comfortably settled widi a pro
mising young minister, he resigned his spirit in peace, and
was received to his reward, sometime in the year 1694,
being then far advanced in life, though his exact age doth
not appear .+ (n)
• Calamy's Ace. p. Mo. Contin. p. 70S. — Noncon. Mem. vol. iii. p. 181.
f Neal's Memoirs of the Rev. Matthew Clarke, prefixed to his Sermon, p. 33.
(n) Works.— Mr. Ford • published, Scripture Rules which Jesus Christ,
Vox. I. ftp

474 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

MTLES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

Matthew Clarke, an eminent Divine among the In
dependent Dissenters, descended of a reputable family in the
county of Salop. His father, the Rev. Matthew Clarke was
ejected by the act of Uniformity in 1 662, from Narborough.
in Leicestershire; and compelled by the violence of persecu
tion to retire to a solitary house in Leicester Forest, where
his only son Matthew was born, February 2, 1663-4. Upon
the Five-mile act taking place in the following year, Mr.
Clarke removed his family first lo Stoke-Golding, and after
wards to little Bowden ; but the times growing more favour
able, he at length settled at Market Harborough, where he
gathered a congregation of Protestant Dissenters, amongst
whom he laboured with great acceptance and usefulness
above forty years. But such was the severity of the times,
that this reverend person, who was universally beloved by
the whole country, suffered imprisonment three several times
in Leicester jail, for no other crime than preaching : and in
the latter end of the reign of king Charles II. was prosecuted
upon the Oxford Act, and his goods.seized for the payment
of the fine. But under all these disadvantages,, Mr. Clarke
took particular care of the education of his son, whom he
himself instructed in the learned languages ; and on account of
his eager thirst after divine knowledge, determined to dedi
cate to the work of the ministry.*
While Mr. Clarke resided in his father's liouse, he enjoyed
the company of some other young gentlemen, who boarded
there with a view to the University. Under the instruction
of his excellent parent, he made himself master of the Latin,
Greek, and several of the oriental languages, to which he
afterwards added the Italian and French : the latter of which,
he spoke and wrote with uncommon fluency and exactness.
hath given his Churches to walk by ; which was approved of and consented.
to by all. the members of the Church, at Chipping-Norton, — An lipistle to
the People of his Care. — Discourses on a Gospel Church ; and on Regenera
tion, 1675.
* Memoirs of the Rev. Matthew Clarke, prefixed tojiis sermons by the
* Rev. Daniel Neal, page 7 — 9.

OF DISSENTIN© CHURCHES. 475
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, p;xtinct. Second church.
Being prepared for academical learning, he was placed under
the care of the Reverend and learned Mr. John Woodhouse,
an eminent tutor at Sheriff-hales, in Shropshire, with whom
he finished his preparatory studies. In order still further to
fit him for the pulpit, he went to London for the benefit of
conversing with learned men, and forming himself upon the
model of the most celebrated preachers of that day. He
continued in the metropolis nearly two years, and joined in
communion with the church at Girdlers'-Hall, under the pas
toral care of the Rev. George Griffith. After this, he re
turned into Leicestershire, and formed an acquaintance with the
most experienced Christians in that part of the country. At
this time, he was much noticed on account of his seriousness
of spirit, his courteous behaviour, and that humility and pru
dence which distinguished him beyond his years.*
He entered upon his ministerial work, in the year 1684,
a time of as great severity against Protestant Dissenters, as
had been known since the restoration of King Charles the
Second. At his first appearance in public, he met with great
acceptance. Novelty drew many to hear him, and those
whose prejudices were invincible, could not but admire his
great abilities, and decent behaviour in the pulpit. During
the three years he assisted his father at Market Harborough,
large additions were made to die church ; besides which,
he laid the foundation of several Dissenting Churches in the
neighbouring country. His engaging behaviour endeared
him so much to the people in those parts, that they were very
desirous of his continuance. Upon his coming to London
in 1687, his friends persuaded him to supply the congrega
tion at Sandwich in Kent, for a few Lord's-days. This was
the church of which the excellent Mr. Pomfret had been.
pastor, till being imprisoned for preaching, he made his es
cape, and fled the country in disguise. After Mr. Clarke had
been there about a month or six weeks, the people expressed
* Memoirs, &c. page ji, is.

476 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

such esteem for his ministry, and used such arguments as dfri
tained him for two years; and nothing but his father's pressing
importunities prevailed with them to give up their interest in
him at last. At Sandwich his labours were very successful,,
and he left behind him a name that was mentioned with res
pect for many years afterwards.*
In 1689, he returned to London^ where there was a great
demand for young ministers. But. after a few weeks he re
turned to his father, and accepted the choice of the church
to become his assistant. While in London, he preached nn
occasional sermon to Mr. Ford's congregation in Miles's
Lane, by which they conceived such a favourable opinion of
his abilities, as to send him an invitation to assist their aged
pastor . The arguments and intreaties used on this occasion,
procured his own and his father's consent ; but being a mem
ber of the church at Harborough, and their assistant^ he
would not finally accept the call without their permission.
The people were for some time unwilling to part with hinty
and used their best endeavours for his detention ; but being
at length satisfied with the call of Divine providence, they con
sented to his removal. -f-
Mr. Clarke settled in London under great disadvantages^
his friends not having a pulpit to give him, for so much as
one part of the Lord's-day. Mr. Barker's congregation as
sembled at Miles's lane in tbe morning ; and Mr. Ford
preached to his own people in the afternoon, as long as his
health would admit. This being the case, Mr. Clarke set up
an evening lecture, vthich was very much frequented, and
proved a young nursery to the congregation. To add to his
discouragements, Mr. Ford's church and auditory were re
duced so low, that they could not raise him a sufficient
maintenance, with which they were almost ashamed to ac
quaint him ; but they were surprised with his humble and
modest reply : " That he had cast himself upon the provi-
• Memoirs, &c. page 12, 18. f Ibid, page 14, 15.

OF DISSENTIN6 CHURCHES. 477
» ¦ ¦ .... . ' _ '
M! I.ES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
deuce Of God, which had always provided well for him ;
therefore as he had no reason to question their doing for him
according to their ability* he should be satisfied widi the wuT
of God, and be content to fare as God should bless them
together." It was some time before the providence of God smiled
upon this undertaking s, for though Mr. Ford was in the de
cline of life, he was un will ing to be thought to have outlived
his usefulness, and therefore filled the pulpit oftener than
was desired. This hindered the increase of the eongi egation,
and together with some other unkmdnesses which Mr.
Clarke met with, laid him under great discouragements. At
length it was agreed, with Mr. Ford's consent, to choose him
co-pastor, and admit him to stated service every other
Lord's-day, as well as at other times when Mr. Ford was
disabled. About this time, May 1692, he was solemnly or
dained to the pastoral office, with imposition of hands, by se
veral ministers, amongst whom were Mr. Ford, Mr. Griffith,
and Mr. Barker. A few days previous to this service, he set
apart some time to inquire into his spiritual state, humbly
to confess his sins, and implore a blessing on his future la
bours. At the same time he entered into a solemn covenant
with God ; which together with the motives that influenced
him in this affair, miay be seen at leogth in die Memoirs of
his life, published by Mr. Neal; and they- afford eminent
proofs of his sincere piety, humility, and entire deVotedness-
to the will of God.
Mr. Ford dying in 1694. Mr. Clarke succeeded him in
the whole of the service, and in a short time he had a crowded
audience. About two years after this event, Providence di
rected him to the choice of a most agreeable wife, in tha
person of Mrs. Anne Frith, daughter of Mr. Robert Frith»
who bad been several times Mayor of Windsor. By thit
lady he left behind, him a son and a daughter. In the year
• Memoirs, &c. page 16 — S3.

478 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent; Extinct. Second Church. '
1697, three of the Pinners'-Hall lecturers died, within two
months of each other.(o) This made way for the choice of
Mr. Clarke, who preached in his turn at that lecture with
great reputation till his death.*
The high esteem in which Mr. Clarke was held among
Dissenters of all denominations, occasioned frequent appli
cations to him for his occasional services. As he was at lei
sure on one part of the Lord's-day, and was ever ready to
give his assistance, he frequently officiated for his brethren,
so that he usually preached twice or three times on the sab
bath, and several times in the week. His unwearied labours
however, seem to have carried him beyond his strength ; and
he persisted in the same course till he had greatly injured his
constitution. By constant preaching, his blood became so
heated, that by degrees he lost his natural appetite and rest ;
but the imprudence of his conduct did not fully appear, till
the spring of 1707, when he exhibited symptoms of a violent
cold, and-obstruction of his lungs. These being neglected at
first, and happening at an unfavourable season of tbe year,
produced a malignant fever, which was one and twenty days
before it came to a crisis. Though he had the advice of the
most eminent physicians, his disorder proved of that obsti
nate nature, that no hopes were entertained of his recovery.
His whole mass of blood was corrupted, and the pores of
his body dried up. In order to promote secretion, he had
blisters, fresh pigeons applied to his feet every twelve hours,
and bottles of warm water under his arms ; but the symp
toms were every day more threatening. His congregation,
as might be supposed, was deeply affected with his case, and
appointed seasons for public prayer and intercession upon his
account ; which were continued for nine several days, and as
sisted by most of the city ministers. Mr. Clarke himself
was not insensible of the danger of his case, and therefore
(o) These were Mr. Thomas Cole, Mr. Nathaniel Mather, and Mr. Tim«-
thy Crusoe. * Memoirs, &c. page 23 — 25.

OP DISSENTING CHURCHES. 479
MH.rtS'S r.ANK  i-.dependeni, E\tiucl Si-fund church.
while he had the use of his reason, settled his worldly affairs ;
and having, taken a solemn leave of his wife, who was dis
solved in tears by his bed-side, he resigned himself in hum-i
ble devotion to the will of God. B^ing apprehensive
that he was near his end, he desired Mr. Watts might be sent
for to pray with hiin. That excellent person says, he obser
ved in him a sweet calmness and composure of mind, a firm
and steady reliance upon the merits of Christ alone for his
salvation, and an humble resignation of himself to the will of
God whether for life or death. He then assisted him in his
devotions, and as a person departing out of the world, recom
mended him to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eter-r
nal life. Though the physicians gave no hopes of his reco
very, they continued to watch the distemper, .that they might
be ready to assist any efforts of nature. When they, appre
hended that the next paroxysm would be his last ; one of
them proposed the use of bark, which the rest were afraid
would hasten his death. Others advised the richest and
highest cordial that could be prepared, which was ordered to
be taken in a very large quantity, as the last assistance that
could be afforded. The effect of this prescription was sud
den and apparent. His fever gradually abated, nature dis
charged itself by degrees of the distemper, and after some
weeks he recovered.*
Notwithstanding Mr. Clarke's recovery from this severe
fit of illness, it so shattered his constitution, that though he
enjoyed a pretty good state of health for some years after, he
would frequently complain of disorders in his head, which at
length, turned to a gouty humour, and settled in his feet.
Upon his appearance in public, his chureh appointed April
23, 1707, as a day of solemn thanksgiving to God for his re
covery. The Rev. William Tong, an eminent presbyterian
minister, preached from Phil. ii. 27- " For ifideed he was
sick and nigh unto death, but God, had mercy on him;
• Memoirs, &c. page 2? — 30.

480 HISTORY AND A NTIQUtTI Efc
Mir.ES'S-LANl'  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
after which Mr. Clarke with great humility and devotion
first returned thanks to God, and then acknowledged with
all affection and gratitude his obligations to his brethren,
who had wrestled with God for so unworthy a life • assuring-
them it should be devoted, as God enabled him, to the ser
vice of Christ and his church. The first time he appeared
in the pulpit, he preached a most affectionate sermon from
Psal. cxviii. 18. The Lord has chastened me sore, but has
not given me over to death ; in which he expressed the tem
per of his mind upon his sick bed in the following words :
" I had the sentence of death within myself, and concluded
tiiat I was deprived of the residue of my years, and should see
the Lord no more in the land of the living, but under these
apprehensions, I had some good hope through grace diat I
should see and enjoy him in the other and better world; hav
ing committed my soul into the hands of the Lord Jesus
Christ, I was persuaded he would present it to the Father
without spot and' blemish. Though I had not those rap
tures which some have experienced upon a death-bed, yet I
had so much faith as enabled me to stay myself upon God,
trusting in the righteousness of my glorious Redeemer.
When I was free from those confusions and disorders which
the violence of my distemper brought upon me, I did not al
low myself io speak or think hardly of God, but was enabled
to acquiesce in his sovereign pleasure, saying, ' If the Lord
has any further service for me, he will bring me back into
his house, but if he has no further pleasure in me, here I am,
let him do as seems good in his sight.'' — And so lasting were
the impressions which this providence made upon him, that
he noticed the anniversary return of it, in his family devotions,
as long as he lived. f
When Mr. Clarke feturned to his work, he abated nothing
ofhis former labours, but preached as frequently as before his
illness, Iu the year 1708, the nation sustained an unspeak-
* Memoirs, ftc. page so, 31 .

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 48t
¦ .'
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
able loss in the death of his Royal Highness George, Prince
of Denmark, whose powerful influence over his royal con
sort Queen Anne, was not discovered till some time after his
death, when her majesty gave into measures too apparently
prejudicial to the interests of her people, and the Protestant
succession. Upon this occasion, addresses of condolence
were sent up from all parts of the kingdom, and Mr. Clarke,
at the head of the Dissenters, waited on the Queen, and was
received alone into the royal closet, clothed with mourning
suitably to the solemn occasion.
After this, his reputation and usefulness continued to in
crease, till another melancholy providence befel him. In the
month of November, 1715, as he was returning home out of
Southwark, where he had been to visit a friend, his foot slipt
over against the church in Tooley-street, and one of his legs
bending under him, both the bones of it snapt asunder. He
was immediately lifted into a coach, and went home in it
alone to the surprise of his family. The bones being set by
skilful surgeons, were healed in the usual manner, without
any remarkable accident. He was obliged, however, to
keep his bed for a month or six weeks, which so weakened
his constitution, that though he retired into the country to
recover his strength, and was entertained with cheerfulness
at the country seats of several of his friends, in the neigh
bourhood of the metropolis, his spirits were apparently de
pressed, nor did he ever recover his former vivacity and
briskness.* Hitherto Mr. Clarke had preached but one part of the
Lord's-day in his own pulpit, but the church which assem
bled there in the morning, removing to another place, the
whole service devolved upon him. This he performed regu
larly for some time, to the manifest injury of his constitu
tion.; for instead of regular fits of the gout in his feet, which
* Memoirs of the Rev. Matthew Clarke, p. 31—33.
Vol. I. 3 9

482 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
1 ' -' - - . • V  ¦-¦'¦¦ 
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct, Second Church.
he used to have once a year, the humours began .now to float
into the noble parts, and to affect his head and stomach.
He now lost his appetite, his bulk became considerably di
minished, and though his legs would sometimes swell, it
was not in the power of medical aid to expel the disorder to
his extremities. In these unhappy circumstances, his church
thought it high time to provide him an assistant. They
accordingly, in 1720, chose, with great unanimity, and with
his entire approbation, the Rev. Timothy Jollie, of Sheffield.
This gentleman lived in great friendship with Mr. Clarke for
six years, reverencing him as a father, and endeavouring to
form his method of preaching upon so excellent a model.
The assistance he now enjoyed, w.as not,, however, of that
service to him which it might have been, could he have
been persuaded to resist the importunity of his friends, who
were pressing him into their service upon every occasion.
Instead of remitting his labours, he accepted in the same
year that Mr. Jollie was chosen, a new lecture at Mr,
Earle's meeting-house, Hanover-street, to be conducted by
six mininisters, on Thursday mornings, for the service of that
end of the town. Here he gained fresh reputation, and
spread his character into those parts of London and West-?
minster, where it was not so well known before. In 1722,
he was chosen again to carry up the address of the Protes
tant Dissenter?, cangratulating his Majesty upon the disco
very of the plot to bring in the Pretender and Popery.*
During this time there was something that sat very heavy
upon Mr. Clarke's mind, and contributed not a little to im
pair his health. We allude to the unhappy divisions amongst
his brethren, occasioned by their assembling at Salters'^
Hall, to consult about advices for peace, to be sent into the
West-country, where the harnlony of the churches was dis
turbed by the revival of some disputes relating to the doc
trine of the Trinity. When the London ministers met toge-
* Memoirs, §ic. p. 33 — 35.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 483
MILES'S-LANE.— —Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
ther, it was debated, whether they ought not first to make a
declaration of their own faith in that article, before tiiey
gave advice to their brethren. This was opposed by many,
as foreign to the design of the assembly, and as that which
might possibly lay the foundation of a division among them
selves ; and upon the question, it was carried by a small
majority in the negative. But the brethren on the other side
of the question, thought this an affair of such consequence,
that they came to the next session of the assembly, deter
mined to recal the former question, and if the majority did
not consent, then to invite as many as would join them, to
subscribe the first article of the Church of England, and
the answers to the fifth and sixth questions of the Assem
bly's Catechism, as a test of their agreement in this article
of faith. The warmth and passion with which the debate
of that day was conducted, prevailed with some of the bre
thren to withdraw from so much noise and clamour, and
unhappily divided the rest into two parties Of subscribers and
non-subscribers. Mr. Clarke sided with those who were
for subscribing the articles, and after the breaking up of the
assembly, thought it his duty to confirm the faith of his
people in the important doctrine of the eternal Deity of our
Blessed Saviour, by preaching on the subject ; as did most
of the Dissenting ministers in London, of all denomina
tions, about that time. Having discharged his conscience
in this particular, he would never allow himself to suspect
those of heresy, or lukewarmriess in the faith, who merely
differed from him with respect to the expediency of sub
scribing. He was, therefore, ready to join with those of
either party, whom he had reason to believe sound in the
faith, upon all opportunities of worship ; but this Christian
temper gave occasion to some narrow-minded persons to
spread reports to his disadvantage. These calumnies he
would have neglected if he had been in perfect health ; but
being advanced in years, and depressed in his spirits, they
filled his heart with the deepest concern. He mourned over

484 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
the unhappy state of the Dissenting interest, lamented die
divisions amongst his brethren in public and private, and
prayed earnestly that God would pour out a better spirit
upon the contending parties. When he found that he could
do but little service by his persuasions, he withdrew very
much from public conversation, resolving to spend the short
remainder ofhis days in silence and solitude.*
We have now brought this reverend person to the last
stage of his existence.. In the spring before his death, he
spent a few weeks with his intimate friend, Mr. Coward,
of Walthamstow ; by which gentleman he had been em
ployed, but a little before, in opening a lecture on a Friday
morning, at Little St. Helen's. From Walthamstow, Mr.
Clarke removed about Midsummer, to Tooting in Surry,
where he was first seized with an asthmatic disorder, which,
by the application of proper medicines, was quickly re
moved. He continued pretty well the remaining part of
the summer ; but being obliged to return to Tooting, in the
dead of the following winter, on account of the death of the
Rev. Francis Freeman, the Dissenting minister of that place,
he was seized with the gout in his head and stomach. For a
short time he was deprived of his senses, his complexion
changed yellow, and his asthma returned with more violence
than ever. From this time he had strong apprehensions of
his approaching end ; for though his friends encouraged him,
and the physicians did every thing they could for his support,
yet he felt such an inward decay of nature, and failure of
spirits, as no medicine could reach. He never recovered
his complexion, nor could the physicians drive the gout into
his feet. However, he continued preaching, even when he
had the greatest difficulty to get into the pulpit ; and some
of his last sermons, composed with a view to his own case,
from Psa. xciv. 19. In the multitude of my thoughts
within me, thy comforts delight my soul, were in the
* Memoirs, &c. p. 35 — 37.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 485
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
opinion of some good judges, among the best they had ever
heard.* About the middle of February, he went with his family,
for the benefit of the air and exercise, to Stoke-Newington ;
and rode out as often as the weather would permit. " Here,
(says Mr. Neale,) I visited him, and observed that he endea
voured to be cheerful for the entertainment of his friends ;
though his spirits and strength were exhausted. When we
were alone, he opened his heart, wounded with the divi
sions among his brethren, which he was satisfied, without
some remarkable appearance of God, would end in the loss
of the vital power of religion from among them ; die glo
rious- Spirit of God, in his converting and sanctifying opera
tions, being already, in a great measure, departed from
their assemblies. — But, says he, / shall shortly be out of
the way — I am not far from the place where the weary are
at rest. This was the last conversation I had with him ;
for a few days after, the humours which had already filled
his legs, and floated about his body in different shapes and
forms, seized his vitals, and put an end to his life in three
days." — He had been very cheerful on Wednesday evening,
and prayed in his family with unusual fervour and devotion ;
but about five o'clock on Thursday morning, he awoke and
complained of a rising in his throat, which, upon his taking
something, was removed. About seven it returned again,
and after endeavouring in vain, to discharge his stomach, he
was suddenly deprived of speech. His wife and family being
alarmed, they immediately brought him in a coach to Lon
don. When he entered his own house, he was sensible, and
seemed to be well pleased that - he was at home. A few
hours after he was in bed, he lost the use of one side of his
body, and the next day fell into a kind of lethargy, in which
he continued till about eight, o'clock on the Lord's-day morn
ing, when his pacific soul ascended to his great Redeemer,
» Memoirs, &c. p. 38.

486 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES1S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
March 27, 1726, after he had lived 62 years, seven weeks
and two days.* His funeral sermon was preached by the
Rev. Daniel Neal, from Matt. xxv. 2i. His Lord said
unto him, Well done thou good and faithful servant, fyc.
Such was the end of that faithful and laborious servant of
Christ, the Rev. Matthew Clarke. He was of a comely
person, Something taller than the middle size, and of pro*
portionable bulk. He had a grave and venerable aspect ;
his features were slrong and masculine ; he had a piercing
eye ; and always an agreeable smile in his face. His like
ness is strikingly represented in a large, well-finished mezzo-
tinto portrait, by George White. Mi. Clarke united in an
eminent degree the gentleman and the Christian. He \vaS
courteous and affable ; and in his conversation SO cheerful -
and entertaining, as made his company acceptable to all his
acquaintance. In his life and manners he exhibited a pat
tern of uncommon piety and integrity ; was humble and
modest even to a fault ; and in the latter part of his life,
timorous and diffident of himself, which was his greatest
foible. He passed through the world in a most inoffeiisivfi
manner, without the least blemish upon his moral character,
having as many friends, and as few enemies, as any man of
his profession, f
His family was a well-governed society, in which the
worship of God, and social duties were regularly performed.
Though his circumstances in the world were not large, he
always kept a hospitable table ; which was often spread for
the entertainment of his poor brethren in the ministry, and
others, to whose necessities he continually ministered. Few'
men of his profession had fairer opportunities of making a
large provision for their family ; but he had an aversion to
every thing that looked like covetousness, and therefore chose
rather to do honour to religion, by living agreeably to his
character, and station. The affairs of his church, which
* Memoirs, &c. p. 39 — 4C f Ibid. p. 4o.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 487
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
was numerous, and composed of persons of different tem
pers and dipositions, he managed with great prudence, and
discretion ; discharging the office of a vigilant and faithful
pastor, by public instruction, and by an annual visitation of
the families of his church, as long as his health would per
mit- He was extremely happy in composing differences ;
and in all church debates, moderated with that wisdom and
pacific temper, as effectually gained him the hearts of his
people. But Mr. Clarke's influence was not confined within
the narrow limits of his family and church. He corres
ponded with his poor brethren in different parts of England,
and by his great interest in the city, collected large sums of
money for their support, which he carefully distributed to
- the most necessitous and deserving. He was an original
member of the society of Congregational Ministers and
Gentlemen, united for the support of the gospel in the
Country ; and the welfare of this institution was upon his
heart when he left the world ; for the very last sermon he
preached in his own pulpit, was an exhortation to his people
to continue their encouragement of it, by a liberal contri
bution, which he received with great thankfulness and
pleasure.* Mr. Clarke possessed an extensive acquaintance with the
oriental languages, which he derived as it were by inherit
ance ; his father being one of the best critics of his age.
To good learning he united a solid judgment in religious
matters ; and being addicted very much in his younger years
to reading and meditation, he made himself complete master
of the several controversies that were agitated in the Chris
tian church- In his private judgment he followed the sen
timents of the judicious Calvin, and was never wanting in a
true Christian zeal for those points which he judged of most
importance. It must be mentioned, however, to his lasting
honour, that he was a person of great candour and modera-
» Memoirs, &c. p. *5 — 27.

488 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
tion ; and in all the controversies of the age, was careful to
avoid extremes. Though he constantly preached the doc
trines he believed, and practised those forms of worship
which appeared to him most consonant to the word of God ;
yet he never made his own judgment a standard of the faith
and practice ofhis brethren. His soul was too generous, and
his charity too extensive, to confine' salvation within the limits
of a single party ; he was, therefore, willing to assist among
societies of different denominations, and to give the right
hand of fellowship to all who held the same glorious Head
with himself. He loved the image of Christ wherever he
beheld it ; while he feared that an unbounded pretence to
charity, would lessen a concern for the glorious truths of
the gospel, he was no less fearful, lest an ungoverned zeal
for truth, should make a shameful inroad upon Christian
love.* It was the great desire of his life to see his brethren
in the ministry, adorn the doctrines they professed, by a
suitable walk and conversation. He would often say, " That
men were to be esteemed as much for their manner of life,
as for their art of preaching ; and that an orthodox head
would not atone for a corrupt life."-f
Many of the younger candidates for divinity, applied to
him for directions in their studies, and attended his ministry
to form themselves by so excellent a model ; for if Mr.
Clarke triumphed any where, it was in the pulpit. His
grave and majestic behaviour, his commanding voice, his
agreeable pronunciation, attended with a proper fervency of
spirit, struck his audience with an awful reverence. His
method was just and regular, his subjects well chosen, and
he spoke of the sublimest doctrines of our holy religion, in
an intelligible manner. Having convinced the judgment of
his hearers, he seldom failed of awakening their consciences,
and touching their affections. Though his language was
» Mr. Neal's Funeral Sermon for the Rev. Matthew Clarke, p, 36—40.
f Ibid. p. 43.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 489
* . . 
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
plain and familiar, he carefully avoided low and vulgar ex
pressions, which he used to say, exposed religion to con
tempt, and had a tendency to make men laugh, at a time
when, above all others, they ought to be most serious.*
In all his discourses he endeavoured to give every text its
proper meaning : " For, (says he, in one of his printed ser
mons,) allusions may be, and are often made ; but to inter
pret scripture merely by the sound of words, is playing widi
our bibles, and trifling in the preacher, as it serves only to
impose on the people, and induces them to think the text
speaks what it never intended."f Upon the whole, he was
an admired, as well as a useful preacher. An evidence of
this was the great success that attended his ministry. In all
places where he statedly laboured, he commanded a serious
and crouded audience ; and left behind him at his death,
one of the most numerous and flourishing congregations iu
the metropolis. \ He was so happy as to have his ministerial
usefulness continued to the very last; and though the croud
of business which was always upon his hands, together with
his natural modesty and diffidence, would not allow him to
transmit his name to posterity, yet all who were acquainted
with him bore this testimony, That he deserved to be ranked
among the best and most useful Divines of the age in which
he lived.S) (p)
* Memoirs, &c. p. 27. and Funeral Sermon, p. 41.
f Sermon at the Ordination of Mr. Hurrion, p. 11.
X Funeral Sermon, p. 42. 5 Memoirs, &c. p. 40, 4 1 .
{t) Works. — Mr. Clarke published in his lifetime, the following dis
courses : l . A Sermon, preached to the Societies for Reformation of Man
ners, July 2, 1711, from Zech. iii. 8,9. — 2. The Wisdom of this World
made foolish : a Sermon, preached at the Merchants' Lecture, in Broad-
street, September, 1714, on 1 Cor. i. So.— 3. Zeal for God's House, ex
pressed in a holy Resolution not to forsake it : a Sermon, preached at Little
St. Helen's, May 28, 1716, on Nehem. x. 3J).— 4. The Nature and Advan
tage of trusting in God : a Sermon, preached at the Funeral ef the Rev. Mr.
Vol. I. 3 r

490 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
- ¦-'¦¦-'¦ - . ' ' rr , ¦ • ' ,'• '" i| _ L
M ILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church .
Mr. Clarke's remains were deposited in a vault at the
East end of the burying-ground in Bunhill-Fields; over
which a neat monument was erected at the expence of his
church, with an inscription in Latin, composed by the
ingenious Dr. Isaac Watts, who has likewise given an
English translation. They are as follows :
M- S.
In hoc sepukhro conditur
MATTHjEUS CLARKE,
Patris venerandi filius cognornmitf,
SJec ipae minus venerandus;
Uteris sac ris et humanis
A prima state innutritus :
Linguarum scientissimns I
In manere Concionatorio
1 Eximins, operosus et felix :
In officio Fastorali
Rdelis et Vigilans :
Inter Theologorum Dissidla
Moderatus et Paciriens:
Ad omnia Fietatis munia
Promptus semper et alacris :
Conjux, frater, pater, amicus,
Inter prcestantissimos:
Erga ernes ominum ordines
EgregU benevolns.
Cnaj veri innumeras invicta modcstia dotes
Celavit, nee fama profert, nee copia fandi
E»t tumalo concessa : Sed olim marmore rupto
©stendet ventura dies ; proeconia co:Ii
xJarrabuct ; judex agnoscet, & omnia plandent,
Abi, Viator, ubicunq; terrarum fueris,
Hsc audies.
Natus est agio Leicestriensi, A. D. 1664.
Obiit Londini, 21" die Martii, 1126.
Mtat. suae 62.
Multum dilectus, multum desidcratus.
Thomas Simmons, March 17, 1717-18, on Psa. lxxu 1.— 5. A Funeral
Sermon for the Rev. Mr. Thomas Mitchell, preached at Stepney, Jan. li,
t7«, on Acts xiii. 36.— 6. God seen in the Mount; or, Israel's Deliver-

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES- 491
¦'¦¦' ' ¦ •' ¦¦..'*
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
Translation.
Sacred to Memory.
X#this sepulchre lies buried -
MATTHEW CLARKE,
A son bearing' the name
Of his venerable father,
Nor less venerable himself;
Train'd up from his youngest year*
In sacred and human learning:
Very skilful in the languages :
In the gift of preaching
Excellent, laborious, and successful:
In the pastoral office
Faithful and vigilant :
Among the controversies of Divines
Moderate always and pacific :
Ever ready for all the duties of piety;
Among husbands, brothers, fathers, friends,
He had few equals :
And his carriage toward all mankind wa*
Eminently benevolent.
But what rich stores of grace lay hid behind
The veil of modesty, no human mind
Can search, no friend declare, nor fame reveal,
Nor has this mournful marble power to tell.
Yet there's a hastening hour, it comes, it comes,
To rouze the sleeping dead, to burst the tombs
And set the saint in view. All eyes behold :
"While the vast record of the skies unroll' d,
Rehearse his works, and spread his worth abroad ;
The Judge approves, and heaven and earth applaud.
Go Traveller; and wheresoe'er
Thy wandering feet shall rest
In distant lands, thy ear shall hear
His name pronounced and blest.
He was born in Leicestershire, in the year 1664,
He died at London, March 27, 1126,
Aged 62 years.
Much beloved, and much lamented.
ance, and their Enemies' Destruction ; a Sermon, preached at the Mer*
thants* Lecture, in Broad-street, May 22, 1722, on Exod.xv. 9-- 11.— 7.
A Sermon , preached at the Funeral of the Rev. Mr. Jeremiah Smith, who

49S HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
Timothy Jollie. — If any men are supposed to be
ennobled by the worthy deeds of their parents or ancestors,
or by their sufferings in a righteous cause ; surely the des
cendants of eminent saints and servants of God, have the
best title to that honour. Such a claim had the Rev. Timo
thy Jollie, of Miles's-lane. Both his grandfathers were
worthy ministers, confessors in the cause of noncon
formity, and sufferers for conscience-sake ; who, with
about two thousand more, were obliged to quit their livings
by the fatal Bartholomew Act, in 1662 ; because they could
not comply with the terms that were imposed not by the
gospel of Christ, but by the act of Uniformity. The Rev.
Thomas Jollie was ejected from Altham, in Lancashire ;.
and the Rev. James Fisher, his maternal grandfather, from
Sheffield, in Yorkshire. They were both men of great
piety and worth, and suffered much by fines and imprison
ments, from the violent spirit of the times. Mr. Jollie's
father, the Rev. Timothy Jollie, who, also, was a consi
derable sufferer in the cause of nonconformity, was an emi-
departed this Life, August 20, 1723, on-l Peter, v. 4. — 8. A Sermon, oc«
casioned by the Death of the Rev. Mr. John Foxon, who departed this Life
October 26, 1723, on John xix. 30. — 9. Of being Blessed, and made a
Blessing: a Sermon, preached on New- Year's Day, 1724, for the Benefit
of the Charity-School in Gravel-lane, Southwark, on Gen. xii. 2.  10. Of
rightly dividing the Word of Truth : a Sermon, preached at the setting
apart the Rev. Mr. Hurrion, to the Office and Work of' a Pastor in Mr
Nesbitt's Church, 1724, on 2 Tim. ii. 15. — 11. A successful Ministry the
Blessing of God : a Sermon, preached at the setting apart the Rev. Mr,
Wright, to the Office and Work of a Pastor in the late Mr. Foxon's Church,
1724, on 1 Cor, iii. e. — The above eleven Sermons were collected together
and re-published after Mr. Clarke's death, by the Rev. Daniel Neal • who
added three other Sermons from Mr. Clarke's Manuscripts, entitled, " The
Gospel Invitation," preached at the Rev. Mr. Earle's meeting-house, Hano
ver-street, 1721, on Luke xiv. 23. To these are subjoined the discourse
preached upon Mr. Clarke's death. The volume is introduced with some
account of the author's life, and a good engraving 0/ him by Pine Svo.
J727.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 493
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
nent tutor at AtterclifTe, in Yorkshire, and pastor of a con
gregation at Sheffield, in the same county.
Mr. Jollie was born at Attercliffe, the place of his father's
residence, in the year 1692. The advantages he enjoyed in
early life, both with respect to human learning and religious
instruction, may very well be conceived. After passing
through a course of preparatory studies, he entered Upon
academical learning, under the direction of his father, who,
we may be sure, would be particularly concerned for the
improvement of his own son, and would spare no pains in
furnishing him with suitable qualifications for the work of
the ministry, both as a scholar, and as a Christian. Nor
did Mr. Jollie disappoint the expectations of his friends ; for
he entered on his sacred employment with good acceptance,
and with very considerable applause. •
Some of the first years of his ministry were spent in as
sisting the Rev. John Wadsworth, at Sheffield, in Yorkshire,
the same church of which his father had been pastor for many
years. There he acquired great reputation as a preacher,
and was greatly beloved and valued by all his connexions.
His fame reaching London, he was invited in 1720, by the
church in Miles's-lane, to assist their excellent pastor, the
Rev. Matthew Clarke, with whom he lived in great friend
ship for six years. Updn Mr. Clarke's decease in March,
1726, Mr. Jollie was chosen by a majority of the church,
to succeed him in the pastoral office, to which he was so
lemnly set apart in September following. Previous to his
ordination, he was examined as to his faith, by the ministers
who assisted in that work ; amongst whom were Dr. Ridg
ley, Mr. Hurrion, and Mr. Sladen, who all jointly and
separately expressed their full satisfaction in the frank and
open declaration that he had made. But notwithstanding
this, several persons were dissatisfied with the choice, which
occasioned a melancholy breach in the church, on the charge
of a defect in Mr. Jollie's orthodoxy. It was first promoted
by a few persons who had more zeal for the interests of a

4Q4 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
party than for the cause of real godliness ; and what made
the case more lamentable was, that they were countenanced
by several ministers of reputation ; who, however, had rea
son afterwards to bewail their conduct. The consequence
was, that 63 members withdrew, 19 men, and 44 women,
who formed themselves into a separate church, and chose
Mr. Guyse, of Hertford, to be their pastor. After such a
breach, and so many circumstances concurring to depress
the church, it is no wonder that difficulties ensued ; but Mr.
Jollie overcame them all, and though his congregation was
not so numerous as before, it still continued respectable,
and his station was as easy as that of most ministers of his
day.* Mr. Jollie's character, in whatever view it be considered,
presents us with an amiable transcript of those religious prin
ciples which so powerfully influenced his mind in health, in
sickness, and at the hour of death. He was a sound, grave
Divine ; steadfast in his adherence to the truths of the gos
pel ; and so unblamable in the whole of his behaviour, as to
disarm the tongue of slander, and present an example truly-
worthy of imitation. In hjs temper he approved himself a
true and genuine disciple of the meek and humble Jesus, a
follower of the Lamb of God, a minister of the gospel of
peace. The strain of his preaching was always to speak the
truth in love; not to blow up the fire of contention, but to
raise the flame of divine love in the hearts of his hearers.
Few have maintained a more inoffensive behaviour — few
have gone off" the stage with a more unblemished character
than he did.
This amiable man was afflicted almost from his earliest
years, with a painful disteroper,(Q) which often confined him
• MS. penes me.
(a) Mr. Jollie's disorder was the gout. Notwithstanding it frequently
interrupted him in performing the stated duties of his office, he maintained
an unabated afiection for the house of God, and was never more agreeably'

OF DISSENTING CHUKCHE9. 495

MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

for weeks together from his public work. This, no doubt,
greatly obstructed his usefulness ; but though he was pre
vented from labouring in the pulpit, such as visited and con
versed with him in those seasons of confinement, might learn
from him, and from his example, a very instructive lesson of
patience, and of quiet submission to the will of God. He
saw the rod as in his father's hand. He considered his afflic
tions not as judgments, but as trials ; and he looked forward
by faith to the happy and glorious issue of them. On these
occasions he would often repeat those animating words,
1 Pet. i. 8. " That the trial of your faith being much more
precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with
fire, might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at
the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom, having not seen, ye
love." And though the pains of nature, and other troubles
that befel him, were sometimes difficult to bear, yet he was
never permitted to faint in the day of adversity ; but would
often encourage himself as the Apostle Paul did, and say,
" I can do all things through Clirist who strengtheneth
me." When in the last weeks of his wearisome pilgrimage, he
had received the sentence of death in himself, he not only
possessed his soul in patience, under the pressing infirmities
of a decaying body, and continued to exercise that meek and
quiet submission to the will of God, for which he had all
along been eminent, under the various and tedious afflictions
of his life ; but more thau so, he rejoiced in the hope of the
glory of God ; for he knew and could assuredly say, that he,
was going to Christ and to a better world ; where he should
feel pain no more, where he should no more meet with
employed than when proclaiming from the pulpit the unsearchable riches
of Christ. The writer of this has been told that he used frequently to be
brought into his meeting in a sedan chair, which remained at the bot
tom of the pulpit's stairs ready to convey him away when he had" dene
preaching.

496 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
trouble, and from whence sin and Sorrow are for ever ex
cluded. During the weeks of his last sickness, when he had the
free use of his intellectual powers, prayers and praises were
in a manner his constant employment. The two nights
preceding his death were almost wholly spent in singing
praises to his God and Saviour, though with a faint and
feeble voice, yet with evident tokens of an elevated soul, en
raptured with the flames of divine love : And so, he made
an easy transit from the imperfect praises of this world, to
the perfect praises of heaven. Thus honourably did this ex
cellent man finish his mortal career, August 3d, 1757» in
the sixty-sixth year of his age ; having been a preacher for
more than forty years, thirty-seven of which had been spent
in connexion with the church in Miles's-lane. His intimate
friend, Dr. Jennings, who had for many years exchanged
pulpits with him twice in the month, preached his funeral
sermon from Philip, i. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt
two, $cC.*(r)
William F8rd, Jun. — This pious and amiable man
had the honour to descend from ancestors, who, for several
generations, distinguished themselves by their zeal and suffer
ings in the cause of primitive Christianity. Among them,
he numbered several faithful ministers of the gospel, whose
disinterested labours, and remarkable usefulness, have trans
mitted their names with veneration to posterity. His great-
great-grandfather was the Rev. John Vincent, a minister in
the North of England, who was so harassed for his noncon
formity, that, though he had many children, not two of
»D. Jenning's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Jollie, p. 31—34.
(») It is not within our knowledge that Mr. Jollie published more than
* single Sermon,* entitled, " Christ's dominion, the Christian's joy J"
preached August 1st, 1730, to the Society that support the Lord's-day
morning lecture, at Little St. Helen's ; en Psalm czlix. 3.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 497
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Sfcond Church.
them were born in the same county.* This venerable con
fessor left two sons, Thomas and Nathaniel Vincent, both
ministers, and sufferers on the same account. The former
is well known by his useful labours in London, during the
time of the plague ; and the latter, by his astonishing zeal
and courage, amidst the most cruel persecutions. Of these
excellent men, we shall have an opportunity of giving a
more particular account in the progress of this work. A
daughter of Mr. Nathaniel Vincent, was married to a Mr.
Ford, a very respectable merchant in London, by whom she
had two sons, John and William Ford, both Dissenting
ministers. The former was settled some time at Sudbury,
in Suffolk ; and the latter at Castle-Hedingham, in Essex ;
where they lived greatly respected, for many years. Mr.
William Ford left three sons : William, the subject of our
present notice ; John, a physician and preacher, who died
a few years since ; and Webb Ford.-f-
William Ford, Jun. was born at Castle-Hedingham, in
the year 17.16. While a youth, he is said to have discovered
those amiable traits of character which distinguished him in
after life. The example of his pious parents, connected
with religious instruction, had a powerful influence upon his
mind and conduct, which were regulated by habits of virtue
and piety. As his inclination to the ministry was early and
ardent, so it was greatly encouraged by his pious father, who
afforded him every opportunity of becoming an able mi
nister of the New-Testament. After passing through a pre
paratory course of education, he was placed under the care
of the learned Dr. David Jennings, with whom he finished
his academical studies. At his leaving this seminary, he
was chosen to assist his tutor, in the ministry, at Old Gra
vel-lane, Wapping; and not long after, became assistant,
» Calamy's Contin. p. 30.
f Evangelical Magazine for Dec. 1806, p. 530, 5*1.
Vol. I. 3 s

49,8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
also, to Mr. Jollie, at Miles's-lane. Upon Mr. Jollie's
death, he succeeded to the pastoral charge, at the latter
place, and was ordained Dec. 14, 1757- Upon this occa-
' sion, Dr. Savage delivered the introductory discourse ; Dr.
Jennings gave the charge ; and Mr. William Ford, Sen.
preached to the people. In this situation Mr. Ford conti
nued till .the year 1781, when, in the meridian of life, he
was compelled, through severe affliction, to relinquish the
duties of the pastoral office ; and he retired to Windsor.
There, when not disabled, he continued to preached in a
private house, till death removed him to a better world, on
the 23d of January, 1783, in the 47th year of his age. His
remains were removed to London, for interment in Bunhill-
Fields : The Rev. Joseph Barber delivered the oration at
his grave ; and Dr. Addington preached a funeral sermon to
the people ofhis late charge, from Psa. xxxvii. 37. Murk
the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of
that man is peace.
Though Mr. Ford was removed early in life, which
was a source of affliction to his friends, yet, it was none
to him. His mind had early received that pious tinc
ture, which future years advanced to very considerable at
tainments in the divine life. He possessed a sweet natural
temper, which was much improved by the Spirit and prin
ciples of the gospel. As a Christian he had few equals ;
and was, in an eminent degree, remarkable for a spirit of
humility, which shone through his whole life and conversa
tion. Though he possessed talents for the ministry, and his
attainments in human and divine knowledge, well qualified
him for his work, yet he was not so generally acceptable as
a preacher, as some others, who did not possess his qualifi
cations. His unpopularity was occasioned, doubtless, by
an extreme heaviness in the pulpit. It is no disparagement,
however, to his brethren, to introduce a remark of the late
Dr. Gibbons, " That he had heard much worse sermons at
Pinners'-Hall lecture, than those made by Mr. Ford."

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 499
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And it may be further remarked, that he was held in great
esteem by those who were acquainted with his worth. It
was the will of God to visit him with a long and distressing
illness, which, at length, carried him off; but he was,
through the whole, very patient and submissive to the dis
posal of heaven, and very composed and happy in his soul.
The fears of death were dissipated, and with a cheerful
hope he waited, under great languor and pains of body,
for his dismission to that rest which remains for the people
of God.* (s)
Stephen Addington, D. D. the seventh son of
Samuel and Mary Addington, was born at Northampton, on
the 9th of June, 1729. His father, who was by trade a
hatter, was a member of the congregation of Dissenters
under the care of Dr. Philip Doddridge, who then kept his
academy in that town. His mother was a Baptist, and be
longed to the society of that denomination, at what was
called the Little Meeting-house, of which Mr. Shepherd
was minister.
The opening of Mr. Addington's life, was also the dawn
of his character ; for in his youth he was distinguished for
his serious piety. It was this, especially, which introduced
him to the notice of his father's minister, by whose recom
mendation he was designated to the sacred office, and under
whose care, after receiving such advantages as the town af
forded for grammatical learning, he was placed at about 17
* Dr. Addington's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Ford. — Mr. Barber's Ad
dress. — And Private Information,
(s) Works. — Mr. Ford published, ]. An Oration at the Interment
of Dr. Jennings. 1762. — S. A Scripture Catechism. — 3. Sermons to Trades
men.— 4. The Religious Care of Families recommended \ in a Sermonto
Young People, Dec. 25, 1709- Gen. xviii. 19. — 5. Two Sermons on the
Lord's-Supper — 6. A Discourse on Religious Liberty. Acts iy. 1 9, 20. — 7. A
Sermon on the Death of his Wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ford, who departed this
Life, May 31, 1781, in the 5ist Year of her Age. Psa. lxxiii. 24.

500 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE. — Independent,] Extinct. Second Church.
years of age. His family residing in the town, he did not
become an inmate with that of Dr. Doddridge, but attended
daily in his class at the lecture of the academy. This cir
cumstance, though unfavourable to the establishment of a
particular intimacy, does not appear to have prevented, on
the part of that respectable tutor, during the remainder of
his life, a degree of friendship for his pupil, which led him
to take a kind, and almost parental interest, in all his con
cerns ; nor did it prevent a suitable respect and affection on
the part of the pupil. The extensive learning and extraor
dinary industry, the exemplary piety, the active benevo
lence, and steady friendship of that excellent man, and bright
ornament of the Christian church, were not less the subjects
of delightful conversation, in the privacy of Mr. Adding
ton's life, than they have been the theme of justeulogium to
an impartial posterity.
With such a model continually presented to his view, it is
no wonder that Mr. Addington should, have aimed at a resem
blance, both in his deportment and manners. Accordingly,
it is probable, that some foundation existed for the remark
which was made at his first appearance in a public capacity,
that there was a very observable imitation of his tutor. Of
Mr. Addington's acquirements previous to his admission into
the academy, there are no means of obtaining any satisfactory
account. It was in this seminary probably, diat he was fur
nished with most of the knowledge, both literary and prr>
fessional, which was designed to qualify him for the office
of the Christian ministry. Here too, it may be presumed,
he formed those habits of industrious application, which
afterwards prevailed in a remarkable degree through a large
portion of his life.
At the close of the usual term of residence at Northamp
ton, he received an invitation to settle with a small congre
gation of Dissenters at Spaldwick, in Huntingdonshire, with
which, by the advice of his tutor, he complied. His father
dying about the same time, the son became charged with the

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 501

MILES'S-LANE.— rlndependent, Extinct. Second Church.

care of his widowed mother ; and after settling the affairs of
the family in the town of Northampton, removed with her
in the year 1750, to his new residence at Spaldwick. This
good woman continued in the house of her son till after his
marriage, and under his immediate protection, till the time
of her death ; which took place at Market-Harborough, in
the year 1768.
At Spaldwick, Mr. Addington's ministry proved very
acceptable. From this circumstance, and from the affection
of the people, he was inclined to remain longer in that situa
tion than had been at first proposed : For his worthy tutor,
under whose direction he had the happiness of acting, had
from the first suggested his desire of seeing him fixed at
Market-Harborough, where he had himself exercised his
ministry, and where he had commenced his academical la
bours some years before. The unsettled state of the So
ciety in that place, also, presented the probability of an
opening. But the period was now approaching, when he was for
ever to be deprived of the friendship and counsels of his
affectionate guide and instructor, Dr. Doddridge. This il
lustrious man died at Lisbon, Oct. 26, 1751. Not many
months after this afflictive event, Mr. Addington's thoughts
were directed to the marriage state. The companion of his
choice was a Miss Reymes, a young lady nearly of his own
age, and the daughter of Mr Robert Reymes, of Norwich,
a descendant of a very ancient and respectable family, in the
county of Norfolk. She likewise had the happiness of being
a particular friend of Dr. Doddridge, and was on a visit at
his house, when the acquaintance commenced. The union
took place Feb. 13, 1752.
A few weeks only after this event, the situation was offered
to Mr. Addington's acceptance, which had been chosen
and marked out for him, in the wishes, at least, of his
affectionate foster-parent. There had for many years ex
isted at Harborough, a large and flourishing Society of Dis-

502 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
senters, first collected about 1673, by the Rev. Matthew
Clarke, who was ejected from Narborough, in the same
county. He was succeeded by an excellent minister, the
Rev. David Some, who preached there a great number of
years, and to whom Dr. Doddridge was assistant. From
his death, in May, 17 37, it does not appear, that the people
had been satisfactorily settled with a minister. Upon the
resignation of their pastor in the beginning of the year 1752,
their choice was divided between two persons, who had
been proposed by their respective friends. At length it was
wisely agreed by both parties, to withdraw their suffrages
from each, in favour of a third candidate, if one could be
found who should be agreeable to the whole congregation.
At this juncture Mr. Addington was recommended to them
by a neighbouring minister ; (t) and soon afterwards rer
ceived an unanimous invitation to settle among them. With
this he thought it his duty to comply ; both as it opened to
him a large sphere for exertion, and as it would probably
enable him the better to provide for his now enlarged family
demands. Accordingly, in the month of July, 1752, he re-
moved to Harborough, and there established himself in the
very house where his good friend had lived, and first com
menced his academical instructions.
The first five years of his residence at Harborough were
devoted, almost exclusively, to the duties of his pastoral
office. He was ordained in the month of September, 1753 ;
on which occasion the service was conducted by the Rev.
Mr. Gilbert, of Northampton ; Mr. Guthridge, of Oun-
dle ; Mr. Boyce, of Kettering ; Mr. Gregson, of Rothr
well ; and Dr. Ashworth, of Daventry.
His congregation was considerable in number, and con
sisted very much of persons residing in the numerous vil
lages around Harborough ; some of them at the distance of
(t) The Rev. Mr. Gilbert, of Oakhampton, afterwards successor to Dr.
Doddridge, at Northampton.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 503
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
several miles. Amongst those persons he spent a large por
tion of his time, visiting and preaching in their houses ; and
taking a particular and most friendly share in all their inter
ests. So entirely did he appear to possess the confidence
and affection of his people, that he became scarcely less
their friend and counsellor in their various secular concerns,
thaw their spiritual guide and instructor. He was in the
habit of performing for them the kindest offices ; and was at
some considerable pains to acquire such a degree of know
ledge and skill in other professional departments than his
own, as would render him capable of giving useful assist
ance to tbe poorer classes of his neighbours. It is really
entertaining to recollect the eagerness with which these
worthy people resorted to their minister for such direction in
their little affairs, as would supersede the necessity of apply
ing for legal or medical advice.
These, and many others of a similar kind which might
be mentioned, are only incidental circumstances, arising out
of the intimacy of the connexion which subsisted between
the minister and his people. The grand and leading object
of that connexion was, doubtless, their moral improvement,
and spiritual welfare ; but to the promotion of this object,
the intimacy of the relation, and its various circumstances,
were all happily subservient.
In pursuance of the same design, it was Mr. Addington's
custom to distribute and associate as many of his people as
he could into classes, according to their age, sex, and situa
tion ; with a view to their moral improvement. In those
societies they were in the habit of meeting at stated times,
for prayer and religious conference ; often attended by their
minister ; but the societies were always under his superin
tendence ; and once in every year, about Christmas, each
of them spent a cheerful evening together at his house.
Even the female servants had also their annual day ; on
which, after assembling in the meeting-house, and spending
a part of the afternoon in cleaning and beautifying some of

504 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE  -Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
its furniture, they partook of a social and friendly entertain
ment provided for them.
Independently of his more common and frequent visits in
the families ofhis people, to inquire into their health, and to
assist them according to his ability and their necessities, he
had stated occasions in the summer season of going into the
neighbouring villages to preach in the houses of his friends,
and to discharge such pastoral duties amongst them as be
came requisite. During these visits numbers would flock
together, and listen with earnest attention to his familiar dis
courses and exhortations ; while they testified their affection,
by a marked attention towards his person and services.
With a similar disposition did they receive his visits to them
in sickness ; and for himself he has often been known to
declare in his family, the benefit and pleasure which he has
enjoyed in attending to their conversation, and in witnessing
their conduct under circumstances which are calculated to
put both principles and characters to the proof. From per
sons in the humblest station, and of the meanest external
attainments, under the pressure of poverty and severe afflic
tions, he has often confessed, that he derived such lessons
of cheerful resignation to the appointments of Providence,
and even of gratitude for mercies with which the condition
of the sufferers did not prevent their perceiving themselves
to be indulged, as he had not found in more apparently fa
voured situations, and as he hoped ever, for his own sake,
to remember and to improve.
The services of the sabbath appear to have derived a
more than usual degree of interest from the circumstances
above related. It was pleasant to observe the zeal and regu
larity with which the congregation at Harborough, assem
bled to wait on the ministry of the gospel. Neither distance
of abode, nor unfavourable seasons, were usually sufficient
to prevent their attendance, nor their punctuality to the ap
pointed hours of service. These particulars, as well as the
seriousness of their demeanour in public worship, their

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 505
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
devout participation in sacred exercises, and their eager
attention to the preaching of the word, were so remarkable,
as commonly to excite the observation of strangers ; whilst
it rendered the office of the ministry peculiarly pleasant.
" Of Mr. Addington's talents for the ministry, or the parti
cular manner in which he discharged its duties, I do not
(says his biographer) consider myself qualified to judge
correctly. It will not, I believe, be too much to say, That
amongst his own people, his labours were both acceptable
and beneficial to the great purposes of the Christian ministry.
His sermons, especially during the greater part of his resi
dence at Harborough, appear to have been composed with
considerable care, and are for the most part written nearly
entirely in short hand ; although in preaching he did not
always confine himself to his notes. l The subjects were
chiefly of the experimental and practical kind ; and his deli
very would, I suppose, be considered as animated and affec
tionate. His manner was certainly less governed by the fa
shionable maxims of oratory, than by his own feelings, and
the appearance of bis hearers at the time : impressive per
haps, and not seldom successful in arresting their attention,
and conveying to their minds, with considerable force, the
truths he was solicitous to impart, or the sentiments and
affections he wished to cultivate."
The foregoing view of Mr. Addington's character, exhi
bits the pastoral connexion in an amiable and engaging point
of view ; and forms a strong contrast to the manner in which
it appears in too many instances in the present day ; wherein,
as far as relates to the generality of his flock, the minister
knows but little more of them than what he collects, either
from public report, or from their profession on the Lord's-
day. The public ministration of the word and ordinances of
the gospel are unquestionably principal means of salvation ;
Vol. I. 3 t

506 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
but these public services are considerably aided in their effi
cacy by private and individual intercourses. The familiar
acquaintance which is thus obtained with the character and
circumstances of the people, gives a suitable direction to the
public counsels of their minister ; whilst the confidence
which they at the same time acquire in his friendship and
affectionate regards for their best interests, cannot fail to
assist the impression, and promote the salutary influence of
these counsels on their minds.
In the sixth year of his residence at Harborough, Mr.
Addington entered upon a new engagement, which necessa
rily demanded a considerable share of that time which had
hitherto been devoted either to his family, or to ministerial
and pastoral duties.
At Kibworth, a village distant about five miles from Har
borough, a boarding-school for young gentlemen had been
for many years under the care of the Rev. Mr. Aikin, father
of the present distinguished writer, and philosopher Dr-
John Aikin, and the no less celebrated Mrs. Barbauld. By
the removal of Mr. Aikin, at this period, to Warrington, to
take charge of the academy there, the school was neces
sarily relinquished ; and it was recommended to Mr. Ad
dington by Mr. Aikin, and others, to commence an under
taking of this kind at Harborough. Accordingly he offered
himself to the friends of Mr. Aikin, as his successor ; and
opened his house for that purpose in the year 1758- From
this -time, he was more closely occupied than before, and
his pursuits and engagements were diversified and increased.
His habits of application, however, enabled him to keep
pace with the multiplied demands ; and besides these, we
find him voluntarily entering on a variety of undertakings, in
furtherance of his purposes in the different departments of
his duty, which were not necessarily required of him. Witb
an increasing family of his own ; with the care of the educa
tion of youth, to the number of from thirty to forty ; with
the charge of a congregation, under circumstances which

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 507
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
required no small attention ; and possessed at the same time
of a constitution which, from his earliest years, to the close
of life, could never be denominated healthy ; it would not
have been surprising if he had found neither leisure nor incli
nation for any other engagements, than such as were con
stantly to be expected of him. It appears, however, that
whilst these several concerns were upon his hands, he pub
lished a considerable number of books on various subjects,
connected with his profession as a minister and a tutor ;
many of which could not be executed without much labour
and application. During a part also of this period, he ex
tended his pastoral charge to the congregation at Kibworth.
The number of his scholars rendered it necessary for him to
keep two assistants ; the one to teach writing and arithmetic,
and the other to assist him in the classics : for the latter, he
usually chose a young minister who had finished his theolo
gical studies, and commenced preacher ; so that he availed
himself of this gentleman's assistance on the Sabbath. It
was the preaching assistant's business to officiate at Kib
worth, three Sabbaths in every month, and on the fourth to
take Mr. Addington's place at Harborough, whilst he went
to supply the congregation in that village, and to administer
the ordinances of baptism and of the Lord's-supper. This
management was designed at fiist merely as a temporary ac
commodation to the people at Kibworth, till they should be
provided with a suitable minister. From various causes,
however, it was continued for a considerable time, not less
than two years and a half, and added to Mr. Addington's
regular engagements. Besides these, he was much in the
habit of attending meetings of ministers, in different parts of
the adjacent county ; and was often called to take an active
share in the services on these occasions.
It will be supposed, that, to accomplish such manifold
purposes, no inconsiderable care in the management of
time, and diligence in the improvement of it, became requi
site. He was a truly diligent man ; from six to seven hours

508 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
of the day he was constantly in his school ; the duty of family
prayer, morning and evening, occupied about another hour ;
the meals of the young, gentlemen, which it was his custom
to attend, at least an hour and half more ; making together
nine hours of each day, devoted to the youth under his
charge. The remainder, after deducting what was required
for family meals, was divided between a certain portion of
exercise usually taken on horseback, in the middle of the
day ; visits to his people, and other acquaintances ; and his
study. Throughout this period, he was by no means a
strong and healthy man ; he had many severe and dangerous
sicknesses, which were attributed to excessive application to
business. The same cause operating upon a constitution of
an originally feeble texture, was assigned for that valetudi
nary state which was habitual with him ; and which, at ra
ther an early period of life, terminated in a sudden diminu
tion of his active powers.
After continuing these exertions for nearly thirty years,
reckoning from his first settlement at Harborough, he began
to apprehend some failure, if not of his strength, at least of
that activity in the application of it, which was requisite in
the discharge of his various duties. Under this impression,
it seemed prudent to contract the sphere of these duties ; and
the only method that presented itself of doing this was, by
relinquishing his school, and confining his public services to
the care of his congregation. Accordingly, after delibe
rating for a time, this resolution was adopted, and he was
preparing to carry it into effect, when circumstances oc
curred, which eventually issued in a total change of situa
tion. At different periods of his life it had been proposed to
ihm, to remove from Harborough, into situations which
were supposed to open to him a more extensive sphere of
usefulness. Once, indeed, lie had been actually prevailed
upon, to accept the charge of a considerable congregation in
London; when the importunity of his people, between

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES- 509
MILES'S-LANE. — Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
whom and himself there had ever subsisted the most cordial
affection, prevailed over the resolution he had adopted, and
changed his determination to remove. Upon the present
occasion, however, although this mutual affection had not
suffered the smallest diminution, an invitation, which he re
ceived to settle in London, was recommended to his accept
ance by a number of circumstances, rather singular in their
concurrence at this juncture ; and not only justifying his
removal, but rendering it, though painful in the extreme to
die separating parties, apparently an act of duty and pro
priety, which was confirmed by future reflections and expe
rience. It was not without the severest struggles that he resigned
the connexion which had long been endeared to him, by
every thing calculated to produce, and to cherish recipro
cally in the parties, the most cordial esteem, and the liveliest
affection. The connexion, indeed, might be said not even
now to have been broken up ; but rather exchanged for an
intimacy, differing only in the mode, not in the degree of its
friendship ; and continued under its new modification with
unabated sincerity and pleasure, to the end of his life. As
long as his health allowed him to travel, and, indeed, when'
he was under the pressure of infirmities, which must have
suspended every idea of visiting at a distance any but the
dearest friends, he persisted in making frequent journies to
Harborough ; and keeping up that affectionate intercourse,
which had proved, through the greatest part of his life, the
source of some of his best gratifications. He left Harbo
rough in the month of October, 1781 ; and was set apart to
the pastoral office in Miles's-lane, London, on the 9PJ of
November following: the service was conducted by the
Rev. Mr. Ford, his predecessor; Mr. Towle, Mr. Old-
ing, Mr. Winter, Dr. Gibbons, and Mr. Brewer.
From the commencement to the close of this connexion,
which was at the same time the close of his ministry, he was
uniformly happy in the kindness and generous friendship of

510 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
his people. The ministry was ever his favourite occupation ;
that to which he devoted the best of his powers, and the
warmest of his affections ; and he was never so happy as
when he had reason to believe, that by the blessing of the
Great Head of the Church, it was rendered successful to its
important object and end. In this success, in various de
grees, he had more or less occasion to rejoice in all the
periods of his life ; and the joy which it inspired, whilst
accompanied with the liveliest gratitude, was at the same
time productive of renewed zeal and activity in the pur
suit. Mr. Addington had not been settled in London a year and
a half, before a new employment was opened to his views.
The countenance of a few respectable friends to the further
ance of the gospel, had for some time been given to a plan
of educating a select number of persons for the ministry, by
appointing them to receive stated lectures in private, from
certain gentlemen, themselves, also, ministers, of the neces
sary abilities and qualifications. The obvious inconveniences
and imperfections of this plan were now proposed to be
remedied, by designating the young men to a fixed abode,
and more regular and systematic discipline, both literary and
moral, in the academic form, and under the direction of a
resident tutor. This office was proposed to Mr. Adding
ton's acceptance ; and it is difficult to state the grounds of
his compliance in any other way, than by supposing him to
be prevailed upon, equally by the solicitations of persons,
whose judgment and whose friendship had a claim to his
deference ; and by the constant and active desire of his own
mind to be useful. Indeed, it cannot be considered but
with surprise, that after having, under some consciousness
of declining strength, unequal to the extensive engagements
which had been pressing upon him for a number of years,
but recently resigned a part of these engagements, for the
sake of confining himself to his principal object ; he should

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 511
MILES'S-LAN E.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
again be induced to venture upon a new and arduous em
ployment. In the month of January, 1783, a house was opened at
Mile-End, for the purpose of academical instruction, under
the name of the -Evangelical-Academy. To the duties of
this new engagement, however disproportionate his strength,
Mr. Addington brought all his zeal, and devoted his abilities
of every kind, suitable to the occasion. And it is so far
satisfactory, that his diligence was crowned with a propor
tion of success, at least equal to every moderate and rational
expectation. It was during this period, also, that his
friends, desirous of testifying their esteem for his character,
and of procuring for him a distinction suitable to his new
and important function, obtained the requisite testimonials
to entitle him to the degree of Doctor in Divinity. It hap
pened that the badge of this intended honour arrived at a
juncture when, if any thing was necessary to exhibit to him
the vanity of such distinctions, the most striking admonition
was full in his view, in a most severe and dangerous
illness. He had entered upon his situation as tutor, but ten
months, when he was attacked by a violent disease, which
laid him by for several weeks. It seized him in the form of
a severe and painful hiccough ; which, with very few inter
missions, continued for no less than nine days, notwithstand
ing he had the best medical advice. From this illness,
however, though exceedingly emaciated and weakened, he at
length recovered, more completely than was expected ; and
afterwards resumed his application to business with his
wonted activity. Of all his pursuits, the ministry was that
which was ever most dear to him. He was already in the
habit of preaching three times every sabbath regularly, be
sides occasional services in the week at his own and other
places. But considering that a weekly service might be
established at his house at Mile-End, with a prospect of
benefit to a populous neighbourhood, he opened there a

512 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second. Church.
lecture, which was continued every Friday evening, became
well attended, and proved, according to repeated assurances
which he received, both acceptable and useful. So plea
sant, indeed, was this service rendered both to himself and
his hearers, that he maintained it with the utmost regularity
as long as he was able to engage in public ; and even after
he had resigned every other official duty, he persevered in
this engagement with constant assiduity and affection. Such
was the zeal of Dr. Addington's mind, that it seemed as if
the fresh excitement which was called up by his new em
ployments, was, for a time at least, accompanied with
something like a temporary renovation of his active powers.
Amidst (hi various avocations into which he had again en
tered, he found both opportunity and inclination to prepare
and publish different works. The principal of these was,
his ''¦ Life of the Apostle Paul, with critical and practical
Remarks on his Discourses and Writings ;" published in
1784. When he entered on the business of the academy, he was
in the 54th year of his age ; and nearly in the state of health
which had been common to him throughout the greatest
part of his life ; only, as must necessarily be the case, with
less of the vigour and activity which belong to life's early
and meridian stages ; and that naturally declining energy still
further diminished by causes which have been already no
ticed. But under the circumstances in which he was now
placed, a few years were sufficient to exhaust completely the
residue of his strength. To effect this, afflictions and trials
of various kinds contributed their share. Disease and death
were making inroads into his family, and trenching most
materially on his comforts and his hopes. The companion
of his life, who had enjoyed rather a remarkable share of
health and cheerfulness, and had even assiduously devoted
them to his happiness ; was now confined to her chamber
by an illness of such extraordinary severity and continuance,
as to render her "ultimate recovery from it scarcely less mira-

OF DISSENTING' CHURCHES. 513
MllXS'SZAtiX..— Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
culous than merciful. Of one ofhis children he was already
bereaved ; and others were threatened by the approach of
complaints which, in the issue proved fatal.1 Thus, his
family, , which had ever been the object of his cares, and the
scene of his pleasures, he was now called to contemplate
with pain and apprehension ; and when he stood most in
need of the assistance, the support, and the consolations of
domestic society, its pleasures were withdrawn.
At length he was again severely visited in his own person.
On the 10th of December, L789> he was seized with a para
lytic affection, which, though not violent enough to 'lay him
at once totally aside from his employments, proved the me
lancholy introduction to an extended series of diseases and
infirmity. By the aid' of medicine, assisted by the repeated
use of Bath waters, his various complaints were mitigated,
and partial recoveries obtained for upwards of six years from
the date of the attack ; but during the whole time, he went
through most of his labours under much weakness. The
academy;, which in his affliction became to him a source of
many and vexatious trials, originating in the base misconduct
of one or two individuals ; he most gladly resigned f; at the
close of the year 1790 : but as some disappointment was
likely to be experienced from his successor not being ready
to take the office at the period fixed upon in his notice of
resignation, he remained in the situation, at the request of
the managers, for three months longer ; but at Lady^day,
1791, the academy was removed to Hoxton, and placed
under the care of the Rev, Robert Simpson. Still amongst
his people his services continued to be received with kind
ness, and favoured widi every accommodation, so long as
he was at all capable of exercising his ministry. When his
Jimbs, enfeebled by disease, were no longer able to support
him in the pulpit, and his faultering voice could scarcely be
heard through the place of meeting, he was encouraged by
their candid and kind attentions, to devote the little remain-
Vol. I. SB

514 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

der of his strength to the duties of the sanctuary. This was
his consolation : for amongst all the painful circumstances
which conspired to cast a gloom .over some of his latter
years, nothing appeared to distress him so much as the ap
prehension of being altogether disabled and laid aside — an
useless, broken vessel.
The apprehension itself was in fact realized : but like
many of the painful forebodings of mankind, the reality was
unattended with the distress which had been anticipated.
His last declining path was rendered smoother than he had
feared. The comforts of his domestic life were mercifully
restored to him by the unexpected recovery of Mrs. Adding
ton. The resignation of his academic enagagement released
him from an intolerable burthen ; and though he had still to
sustain an increasing weight of bodily affliction and infirmity ;
yet the habitual calmness and serenity of, his mind were no
longer disturbed by the fatigues and vexations which that
appointment had brought upon him. It is thought that he
was never more uniformly cheerful than in the interval be
tween this period and the close of his life. He had attained
to a degree of patience under his afflictions, and resignation
to the will of Providence, which had ever been the object
of his desire and prayer. His public services were conti
nued ; he was again happy in the bosom of his family ; en
joyed his visits to his numerous frieads ; and, although
unable to walk a step without assistance, undertook journies
to a considerable distance, particularly to revisit his old and
endeared connexions at Harborough, On these occasions,
as well as at home, he was?,' in proportion to his strength;
abundant in ministerial labours ; which, it was remarked;
were never more earnest, never more affectionate.
His cessation from these labours vfos gradual, and highly
favoured by an arrangement with a neighbouring congrega
tion, whose plkce of worship was abotit to be taken down
and rebuilt. The evening service had been already relin
quished ; so that the duties of the morning and afternoon

OF DI3SBNTING CHURCHB9. 515

MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.

were divided between himself and the minister of the other
congregation. By the continuance of this plan, he re
mained in active employment many months longer than he
would otherwise have been capable ; and in the end, when
the other congregation retired to their new place; the con
viction of his being unable to resume an additional service,
rendered his total withdrawment much less painful to him
than it would have been, had he been compelled by his
infirmities to abandon the whole together. His letter of
resignation was dated June 14, 1795. It declares his grate
ful sense of the many kind offices, and affectionate regards
which he had received from his friends during his residence
in London ; together with an assurance of continuing to
them the best tokens of esteem and thankfulness yet in his
power, by continual prayer on their behalf: adding his re
quest, also, for that further testimony of their friendship, by
supplicating the Almighty, that he might be kept in a
waiting frame, and, whenever the Lord should come, be
found ready.
Thus Calmly closed upon him the scene of his stated
ministerial and pastoral duties. Undoubtedly he was affected
by the consideration of outliving the character in which he
had ever most delighted ; but it was far from proving to him
the painful trial he had once supposed, when threatened
with a sudden suspension, before his ' powers were so sen
sibly exhausted. Old age, in its characters, if not in its
years, was now upon him ; the season of activity was spent ;
he had long perceived that his earthly tabernacle was dis
solving ; and the energies of his mind were fast sinking into
that state of declension, in which the busy scenes and
offices of life cease to produce their wonted interest.
His regular engagements being now ceased, he felt him
self at liberty to spend the rest of the summer in the coun
try, amongst his children and acquaintances. The visits he
made, upon this journey were manifestly undertaken with the

516 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES *
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
impression of bidding adieu to his family and friends. The
sentiment was strong in his own mind, and his appearance
and manners could not fail of exciting a correspondent fore
boding in theirs. It is true, he exerted himself to the ut
most of his power in every situation ; but all was evidently
tending to dissolution. In the pulpit (for this was not yet
totally relinquished) he discovered a great degree of anima
tion ; but his strength was gone. In company he was
cheerful, and received much enjoyment from the society and
affection of those about him ; but conversation was become
little more than a mere interchange of friendship. His dis
position had always been kind and affectionate ; and his
kindness and affection were now more conspicuous than
ever. There was a calmness also, and serenity in his mind,
which it was interesting to observe ; and he usually took
leave of his friends, under the full persuasion that he was to
see them no more on earth, with the expression of his earnest
concern, that they might be prepared to meet in a better
world. He returned to London in October ; and with -the little
strength which yet remained, continued to fulfil his few en
gagements ; but the increasing cold of the winter as it
advanced, affected him severely. He had projected a review
of his sermons, with a design to select a volume for publi
cation ; but in this he made very little progress. " I feel,
(says he, in a letter of January 24, 1796,) almost incapable
of every exertion ; at best, exertions which a while ago,
seemed delightful and desirable, appear now formidable la
bour. Both my legs and arms seems to be losing all their
elasticity ; and to be little better than as heavy weights hang
ing to a body too feeble to move them. It is, however, my
great mercy that they are seldom in much pain. The Lord
strengthen my faith, and grant me grace to finish my course
with joy ; and to wait with a truly waiting frame, till my
change come."

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 517
MILES'S-LANE.  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
That change was near at hand. On the first three or ^
four days of February, he had a slight attack of erysipelas in
his face ; which, however, did not then mdicate any material
alteration of his general health. The evening of the sixth he
had spent as usual with his family, and after supper was
rather remarkably cheerful. At a little before eleven; his
accustomed hour of retiring, he was carried up towards his
chamber ; but had not reached the top of the stairs when
he was 'perceived to be sinking in his chair. It was the
stroke of death. With some more assistance he was laid
upon his bed, and immediately expired. He was then in
his 67th year.
His remains were interred in Bunhill-Fields, on Monday
the 15th of the same month ; and the funeral service was
performed by his long-esteemed friend, the Rev. Samuel
Palmer, of Hackney; by whom also, as well as by the
Rev. Samuel Brewer, at his favourite lecture, at Mile-
End, sermons were preached to assist such of the living
as were interested, in the proper improvement of the
event. The character of Dr. Addington has been so interwoven
in the preceding sketch, that little, remains to be added.
His personal habits were orderly and correct. He was grave
in his deportment, and temperate in all his enjoyments ; yet
not indisposed to cheerfulness. In his dometic and social
relations, he was amiable, friendly, and useful. As a hus
band and a parent, he was devoted to his family. As far as
he was actuated in his habitual diligence, by what are com
monly termed motives of interest, it was the interest of his
family that prevailed. His anxiety for his children went far
beyond their temporal advantages. It discovered itself in
every conversation he had with them, and in every letter he
wrote. Frailties and imperfections undoubtedly he had,
but they were not such as to tarnish the lustre of his pro
fession as a believer in Jesus Christ, or as a minister of the

518 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE  Independent, Extinct. Second Church.
gospel; in the faith and hope of which he lived and
died.*(u) * Theol. Magazine for Jan. Feb. and March, 1803, vol. iii.
(u) Wonxs.— In the early part ofhis life, he appears to have projected a
Work of considerable magnitude, in which he carried his design so far as
to publish a prospectus ; but which, as he elsewhere mentions, partly on
account of ill health, and partly from want of time, he was obliged to relin
quish. The prospectus was affixed to the first of the publications in the
following list, and is entitled, " Some Account »f a Greek-English Con
cordance to the New Testament, upon a Plan entirely new ; with a Speci
men of the Work, as it is now preparing for the Press."
1. A Dissertation on the Religious Knowledge of the ancient Jews and
Patriarchs ; containing an Inquiry into the Evidence of their Belief and Ex
pectation of a Future State. 4to. 1757. — 2. A Greek-Grammar, drawn up
in Question and Answer, nearly on the Pan of Ruddiman's Rudiments of
the Latin. 12mo. 1761.-3. A complete System of Arithmetic, vulgarand
decimal ; with a List of foreign Coins, and their Value in English Money ;
the Principles of Mensuration ; and a short Appendix on Land-Surveying.
S vols. Svo. — 4. Maxims, religious and prudential ; with a Sermon to
young People. i2mo. — 5. The Youth's Geographical Grammar, with
Maps; one large Index of Countries, and another of Towns; geographical
Definitions and Problems on the Terrestrial Globe ; with an Account of the
different Religions, and Forms of Government, established in all the known
Parts of the World. 12mo. 1770. — 0. An Inquiry into the Reasons for and
against enclosing the opening Fields. — 7. Eusebes to Philetus ; Letters from
a Father to a Son, on a devout Temper and Life. 12moi 176I. — 8. The
Christian Minister's Reasons for baptizing Infants ; and administering the
Ordinance'by Sprinkling, or pouring of Water. 121110. 1779. — 9. A-Sum-
mary of the Christian Minister's Reasons for baptizing Infants, &c. in
Question and Answer. — 10. The Importance of attending early upon public
Worship. — 11. Resignation the Duty of Mourners : a Funeral Discourse on
the Death of Mr. Thomas Dawson, of Coventry ; from Job ix. 12. 1773. —
12. A practical Treatise on Afflictions and Recovery ; with a Discourse on
Visiting the Sick, and suitable Hymns. l2mo. 1779. — IS. A Collection of
Psalm Tunes for public Worship ; to which are added, se?eral other Tunes
in peculiar Metre ; with a short Introduction to Singing. 178O. — 14. A
Collection of Anthems. 1780. — 1 5. A Letter to the Deputies of the Congre
gations' of Dissenters in London, on the Test Act. l2mo. — 18. Peace the
End of the perfect Man. A Sermon, preached at Miles's-lane, on the
Death of the Rev. William Ford. To which is added, the Oration at his
Interment, by Joseph Barber. Psa. xxxvii. 37. 1783. — 17. The Life of
Paul the Apostle, with critical and practical Remarks on his Discourses
and Writings. 8Y0. 1784.-1$. The Divine Architect : a Sermon, preached

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 519

MILES'S-LANE  Scotch Seceders.

MILES'S-LANE.

SCOTCH SECEDERS.

U PON the dissolution of Dr. Addington's church, the
meeting-house in Miles's-lane was shut up ; but it did not
remain long unoccupied. Mr. Easton's congregation of
Seceders, being in want of a place of worship, entered into
an agreement for a lease of this place, and have occupied it
ever since. As some of our readers may possibly be unac
quainted with the origin and distinction of this denomination
of Christians, we will here give a brief account of them.
Seceders are Dissenters from the kirk, or church of
Scotland. The term comes from the Latin word secedo,
to separate, or withdraw, from any society. They origi
nated in the two brothers, Messrs. Ralph and Ebenezer
Erskine, and some other respectable ministers of the church
of Scotland. The occasion was this ; in 1732, more than
forty ministers presented an address to die general assembly,
specifying in a variety of instances, what they considered to
be great defections from die established constitution of the
church, and craving a redress of these grievances. A peti
tion to the same effect, subscribed by several hundreds of
elders, and private Christians, was offered at the same
before the Middlesex Society for educating Poor Children in the Protestant
Religion, on laying the first Stone of a Building to be erected in Cannon-
street, New Road, Whitechapel. 1785.— 19. The Dying Believer's Confi
dence, in bis exalted Redeemer : a Sermon, preached at Deptford, Oct. 16,
1785, on Occasion of the much lamented Death of the Rev. John Olding ;
Acts vii. 59, 1785.— 20. The People of God imploring Appearances of bis
Work, &c. A Sermon, preached at laying the Foundation of the new
Independent Meeting in Baddow-lane, Chelmsford. — si. A People perishing
for Lack of Knowledge : a Sermon, preached at Salters'-Hall, before the
Corresponding Board in London, of the Society in Scotland for propagating
Christian Knowledge in the Highlands and Islands. 1780.

520 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Scotch Seceders.
time ; but the assembly refused a hearing to both, and en
acted, that the election of ministers to vacant charges, when
an accepted presentation did take place, should be compe
tent only to a conjunct meeting of elders and heritors, being
Protestants. To this act many objections were made, both
by ministers and private Christians. They asserted, that
more than thirty to one in every parish were not possessed
of landed property, and were, on that account, deprived of
what they deemed their natural right to choose their own
pastors. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, minister at Stirling, distinguished
himself by a bold and determined opposition to the measures
of the assembly. Being at that time moderator of the synod
of Perth and Stirling, he opened the meeting at Perth, with
a sermon from Psa. cxviii. 22. in which he remonstrated
with great freedom against the act of the' preceding assem
bly > with regard to the settlement of ministers. A formal
complaint was lodged against him ; to which Mr. Erskine
gave in his answers ; and after three days warm reasoning on
this affair, the synod found him censurable. Against this
sentence he protested, and appealed to the next general
assembly. When this met in May, 1733, it affirmed the
sentence of the synod, and appointed Mr. Erskine to be
rebuked and admonished from the chair. Upon which he
protested, that, as the assembly had found him censurable,
and had rebuked him for doing what he conceived to be
agreeable to the word of God, and the standard of the
church, he should be at liberty to preach die same truths,
and to testify against the same, or similar evils, on every
proper occasion. To this protest Messrs. William Wilson,
Alexander Moncrief, and James Fisher, all ministers, gave
in a written adherence, under the form of instrument, and
these four withdrew, intending to return to their respective
charges, and act agreeably to their protest, whenever they
should have an opportunity.
Had the affair rested here, there never would have been a

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 521
MILES'S-LANE.  Scotch Seceders.
secession ; but the assembly resolving to carry on the process,
cited them, by their officer, to compeer next day. They
obeyed the citation, and a committee was appointed to
persuade them to withdraw their protest ; which they refu
sing, were ordered to appear before the commission in
August following, and in. case of non-compliance, they were
threatened with suspension. The commission met in August
accordingly, and the four ministers, still adhering to their
protest, were suspended from the exercise of their office,
and in November following, were deprived of their respec
tive charges, and declared no longer ministers of their
church ; at the same time, prohibiting any other ministers to
employ them. From this sera the secession may properly be
dated. The ministers were supported by Messrs. Ralph
Erskine, Thomas Mair, John M'Laurin, John Currie, James
Wardlaw, and Thomas Nairn; who protested against the
sentence of the commission, and that it should be lawful for
them to complain of it to any subsequent general assembly
of the church.
The ejected ministers now erected themselves into an
ecclesiastical court, which they called, The Associated Pres
bytery, and preached occasionally to numbers of the people,
who joined them in different parts of die country. Some
time after, several ministers of the established church joined
them ; and had meeting-houses erected, where they preached
till their deaths. In 1745, the seceding ministers were be
come so numerous, that they were erected into three diffe
rent presbyteries, under one synod, when a very unprofitable
dispute divided them into two parties. The burgess oath in
some of the royal boroughs of Scotland, contains the follow
ing clause : " I profess and allow with my heart the true
religion presently professed within this realm, and autho
rized by the law thereof ; I will abide at, and defend the
same to my life's end, renouncing the Romish religion,
called Papistry." — The two Erskine's, Mr. Fisher, and
Vol. I. 3x

52^2 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Scotch Seceders.
others, affirmed, that this oath was not contrary to the prin
ciples of the secession, and might be lawfully taken ; Messrs.
Moncrief, Mair, Gib, and others, contended on the other
hand, that it was a virtual renunciation of their testimony ;
and so keenly was this controversy agitated, that they split
into two parties, the Burghers, who took the oath ; and the
Anti-Burghers, who condemned it. This rupture took place-
in 17477 since which time they have bad separate com
munion, and have been under the jurisdiction of different
synods. The Seceders are now become 'very numerous, not only
in Scotland, but also in Ireland and America. They adhere
strenuously to the Westminster Confession of Faith ; and if
any of their ministers teach doctrines contrary thereto, they
are sure of being thrown out of their communion. They
believe that the people have a natural right to choose their
own pastors, and the settlement of their ministers always
proceeds upon a popular election. This, indeed, is the
chief point in which they differ from the church of Scotland.*
It is lamentable to observe, that the church of flie
secession, imbibed much of the bigotry and intolerant spirit
of the mother church. We have a remarkable instance of
this during Mr. Whitefield's journey in Scotland, in 1741.
His first labours were in Messrs. Erskines' meeting-house at
Dumferlin. Great persuasions were used to detain him
there, and as great to keep him from preaching for, and
visiting the Rev. Mr. Wardlaw, who had been colleague to
Mr. Ralph Erskine, above twenty years, but was looked
upon as perjured for not adhering to solemn league and cor
venant. This was new apd unintelligible language to Mr.
Whitefield; it was, therefore,, proposed that the members
of the Associate Presbytery should be convened,, in order to
instruct him on the subject. Being assembled, he inquired
the cause of their meeting ; they answered to discourse, and
* Buck's Theol. Diet. Art. Seceder, vol. ii. p. 408—414.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 52St
MILES'S-LANE.  Scotch Seceders,
set him right about church government, and the solemn
league and covenant. He replied, they might save them
selves' the trouble, for he had no scruple about it ; and that
settling church government, and preaching about the solemn
league and covenant, was not his place ; that he had not
made the subject his study, being too busy about matters
which he judged of greater importance. Several replied,
that every pin of the tabernacle was precious. He answered;
that in every building, there were outside and inside work
men ; that the latter, at present, was his province ; that if
they thought themselves called to the former, they might
proceed in their own way, and he would proceed in his.
He then asked them seriously, what they would have him to
do ? The answer was, that he was not desired to subscribe
immediately to the solemn league and covenant, but to
preach only for them, till he had further light. He asked,
Why only for them ? Mr. Ralph Erskine said, " They were
die Lord's people.'' He then asked, Were no other the
Lord's people but themselves ? If not, and if others were
the devil's people, they had more need to be preached to ;
that for his part, all places were alike to him ; and that if
the Pope himself would lend him his pulpit, he would gladly
proclaim in it the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was afterwards proposed that he should take two of their
brethren with him to America, to settle presbytery there.
But he asked, Suppose a number of Independents should
come, and declare, that after the greatest search, they were con
vinced that Independency was the right church government,
and would disturb nobody, if tolerated ; should they be tole
rated ? They answered, No ! — Sooa after the assembly broke
up, when Mr. Whitefield retired in disgust, and an open
breach ensued.*
There are but three congregations of Seceders in London.
That at Miles's-lane, originated in an amicable separation
* Gillies's Life of Whitefield, p. 78 -77.

524 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
MILES'S-LANE.  Scotch Seceders.
from the church in Wells-street, Oxford-street, under the
pastoral charge of the Rev. Alexander Waugh. Many ofhis
people residing in the city, and finding the distance too
great, to attend constantly at their own place ; thought it
would be more convenient to open a meeting for their use at
this end of the town, still preserving their connexion with
the old church. They assembled for some years in an old
building in Meeting-house-court, Redcross-strcet ; where
Mr. Waiigh used to preach to them regularly once a month.
In process of time they thought it would be better to have a
minister wholly resident with them, and chose the Rev.
Alexander Easton.*
Alexander Easton, a native of Scotland, and edu
cated at the University of Edinburgh. He was ordained to
the pastoral office over this church, September 17, 1792.
For the sake of convenience, the service was conducted at
the large meeting-house in Monkwell-street, which was ob
ligingly offered to them for the purpose. The ministers
engaged on the occasion were Doctors Rutledge and Hunter;
and Messrs. Steven, Love, and Waugh ; the latter of whom
preached. It is remarkable that Mr. Easton's credentials
did not arrive from Scotland till the morning of his ordina
tion. About three years afterwards, the congregation began
to look out for a more convenient place of worship, and the
meeting-house in Miles's-lane being then vacant, by the dis
solution of Dr. Addington's church, they entered into an
agreement for a> lease. After undergoing a thorough repair,
it was re-opened on Friday evening, December 25, 1795.
Mr. Easton preached a suitable discourse upon the occasion,
from Isaiah iv. 5. In the course of a few years, Mr.
- Easton being incapacitated for preaching, retired into Scot
land, in the year 1800, and is still employed there in the
tuition of youth.-)- * Private Information. f Hid.

OF. DISSENTING CHURCHES. 525
DVERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET  Extinct.
John Rae, a native of . Scotland, and educated for the
ministry in the University of Edinburgh. Being licensed
to preach the gospel, he was admitted to the pastoral charge
of a congregation belonging to the Secession, at St. An-
drews. From thence, in consequence of a deed of transla
tion by the associate synod, he was introduced Oct. 21,
1805, to the pastoral charge of the church in Miles's-lane,
after there had been a vacancy of nearly five years. Mr.
Rae is the present pastor ; and the congregation not very-
large.

DYERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.

EXTINCT.

.L/yers'-Hall, before the fire in London, was situated
near Old Swan-lane, on the south side of Upper Thames-
street; but being destroyed in the great conflagration, in
1666, a number of warehouses was erected on the site.
After this, the company converted one of their houses in
Little Elbow-lane, into a Hall, where they have continued
since then, to transact their business.* In the reign of
Charles the Second, Dyers'-Hall, or, as is more probable,
an adjoining building belonging to the Company, was used
as a meeting-house for Nonconformists ; but a particular
history of it is not now to be obtained. It appears from
Calamy,t tnat Mr. Thomas Lye, ejected from Alhallows,
Lombard-street, had some property in this place, and pro-
• Maitland's London. t Continuation, p. 945.

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.

bably preached to a congregation here. According to
Wood,* he " held forth in conventicles" at Clapham;
where he was buried in 1684. These accounts seem incon
sistent ; but it is possible both may be true. Calamy also
informs us, that Mr. Jeremiah Marsden's church, from
Founders'-Hall, met some time, by Mr. Lye's permission,
at Dyers'-Hall.f This little is all we know concerning this
place. Of Mr. Lye we shall have to speak more particu
larly under the article Clapham.

JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.

PARTICULAR BAPTIST. — EXTINCT.

«J oiner9'-Hall, situated in Joiners'-Hall Buildings, for
merly called Friars'-lane, and before that Greenwich-lane,
was used as a meeting-house, towards the latter end of the
seventeenth century, by a congregation of Particular Bap
tists. The origin of tliis society, like that of many others,
is involved in obscurity. Though it is probable this was one
of the early churches of that denomination, yet we can trace
it no farther back than the reign of Charles II. when a Mr.
John Harris was the pastor. In the time of his successor,
the congregation removed to Pinners'-Hall, vacant by the re
moval of Dr. Watts's church to Bury-street, in 1708.
There they continued to assemble in the afternoon of the
Lords-day only, till 1723, when they removed to Devon
shire-square, where the church became extinct under Mr.
» Athena Oxon. vol. ii. p. 761 . f Calamy, ubi supra.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES.

527

JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
Clendon Dawkes, about the year 1751. In its early state,
this was one of the most considerable churches of the Baptist
denomination, on account both of the number of members,
and the many wealthy persons who belonged to it. But' in
aftertimes it greatly declined, so that diere were but few
members left at the time of its breaking up * The elders
and ministers of this church, from the earliest period we can
trace it, were as follows :

Ministers' Names.

As Pastors.

From To

As Assistants

From To

John Harris,
Tobias Russell, . .
Thomas Mariot,
Joseph Maisters,
Thomas Richardson,
Clendon Dawkes, .

16.

1692
1718 1735

1691

1717 17301751

16..
16..

16,16.

John Harris. — Of this gentleman our information is
extremely brief. He was pastor of this church in 1679;
and died about 1691. His name is affixed to the Confes
sion of Faith put forth by the Particular Baptist churches m
1689, denying Arminianism. Crosby has no account of
him, nor does he even mention his name. He was suc
ceeded iri the elder's office by Mr. Maisters.
Tobias Russel, and Thomas Mariot, were mi
nisters in this society, at the same time that Mr. Harris was
elder. It should be remarked, that these offices were per
fectly distinct, and prevailed very generally among the Bap-

t Private Infatmation.

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct. -
tist churches in the seventeenth century. The office of elder
was eqifal in dignity and power, and somewhat similar in
nature, to that of bishop, or pastor, in the most strict
Dissenting churches in the present day. It was his office to
dispense all Christian ordinances, and to preside in all mat
ters that related to the welfare of his flock. The office of
minister resembled, in some measure, the modern one of
assistant. He was generally chosen from the congregation,
and his business was to preach, and to visit the flock. If he
possessed talents for the ministry, and proved an acceptable
preacher, it often happened that he was called to the pastoral
office, either in his own church, or in some other society.
The names of both the above ministers are affixed to the
Baptist Confession of Fafth, in 1689.
Joseph Maisters . — This worthy minister was born at
Kingsdown, near Ilchester, in Somersetshire, Nov. 13, 1640.
He received his education at Magdalen College, Oxford,
under the tuition of the celebrated Dr. Thomas Goodwin,
and continued there about four years, till the Restoration.
The ceremonies then introduced, inclined him to re
move to Magdalen Hall, being at that time standing for
his degree of B. A. which was denied him purely for his
refusing conformity. After such usage he had little heart to
stay At the university ; he therefore quitted it, and followed
his studies in private, preaching occasionally as he had op
portunity. At length he settled with a society of Christians
at Theobald's, in Hertfordshire, being ordained Oct. 30,
1667. He continued to preach to them for a number of
years, and at length accepted an invitation to become elder
of a Baptist congregation, at Joiners'-Hall, iii die city of
London. His church in the country was then reduced to a
very small number, and met in the Presbyterian meeting
house, the ministers of the two congregations dividing the
work between them. As he was not willing to desert his
little flock, it was agreed upon his removal, that they should

QF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 529
JOINERS'-HALI,, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
join his church in London ; and he went dqwn once a
month to preach, and to administer the Lord's-supper to
them in the country. . In this connexion he continued till his
death, which happened April 6th, 1717, in the 77tn year
of his age. He was interred in Bunhill-Fields, and his
funeral sermon preached by Mr- (afterwards Dr.) Jeremiah
Hunt, on Prov. xiy. 32.
Mr. Maisters, in early life, became the subject of those
religious impressions which had a happy influence upon his
conduct in more advanced years. The force ofhis principles
enabled him, at a critical period, to relinquish a station
which promised considerable profit and app}ause. Hi? good
natural abilities qualified him for extensive service ; and he
was biassed with a native modesty and mildness of temper,
which were improved by care, and heightened by religion.
His fancy Was clear and lively, and continued with him to
an age, when usually it takes its flight; and he regulated it
with so much judgment, as not to outrun correctness of
thought. His memory was so strong that, though he lived
to an advanced age, any abatement of it was scarcely dis
cernible. He was a very plain, serious, and judicious
preacher ; in doctrinal sentiments a professed Calvinist ; and
though he never used a pompous style, or fervent delivery,
yet his preaching was generally acceptable, and admired by
many serious and judicious Christians of different persua
sions. He wrote down in his study the chief part of his
discourses, which he committed to memory ; and as it was
very retentive, he forbore the use of notes. As a Chris
tian, he maintained an unblemished character ; was mild
and gentle, temperate and humble, to a degree not com
monly attained. His candour was remarkable ; and his love
extended to all who bore the image of God, however they
differed from him in opinion. " Iri a word, (says Dr.
Hunt,) he was so happy as to pass a life of almost seventy-
seven years without a blemish. Blessed saint ! Uncommon
Vol. I. 3 y

530 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
instance ! Worthy our imitation ! So beautiful even is this
imperfect sketch of so amiable a life."
His death was equally remarkable : When he had faith
fully served his Lord above fifty years, a few months before
his death, he fell under a decay of nature, without any con
siderable sense of pain, or uneasiness of sickness. " When
I paid him a visit, (says Dr. Hunt,) three days before his
- decease, he appeared perfectly serene and calm : The hope
he expressed of future happiness, was not the rapturous
assurance of some Christians of less extent of thought ; the
humble and knowing saint owning his many imperfections,
had recourse to the merits and intercession of his Lord.
When I was going to take my leave of him, he took me by
the hand, and gave me a steady and a piercing look, which
had in it a mixture of concern ; I am so weak (says he) that
I cannot now so well pray in my family : The good man
thought it strange that the intercourse he had maintained with
God in his family so many years, should be interrupted, little
thinking his kind Father would so soon turn his prayer into
praise. The manner of his dying was such as literally agreed
to the account scripture gives of the departure of true Chris
tians, Falling asleep in Jesus."*
Thomas Richardson. — Mr. Maisters was suc
ceeded in 17 18, by the Rev. Thomas Richardson. In 1723,
he removed his congregation from Pinners'-Hall to Devon
shire-square, then occupied by another congregation of Par
ticular Baptists, under the pastoral care of Mr. Mark Key.
The two Societies met alternately on both parts of the day,
during the whole of Mr. Richardson's time; but after his
death, the morning service was wholly allotted to this So
ciety. Mr. Richardson continued to preach there till his
* Crosby's Hist. Eng. Baptists, vol. iv. p. 343. — Calamy's Contin. p. 107.
Noncon. Mem. vol. i. p. S46<— Dr. Hunt's Sermon on the Death of the Rev.
Joseph Maisters.

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 531
JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
death, which took place early in 1 730. He was one of the
Non-subscribing ministers at the Salters'-Hall Synod, in
1719. His only publication that we have met with, is a
sermon, entitled, " The Conflict and Crown of a Christian ;"
occasioned by the death of Dame Mary Page, relict of Sir
Gregory Page ; preached at Devonshire-square, March 23,
1728-9, on 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. Mr. Thomas Harrison, of
Wild-street, also published a sermon on the same occa
sion, in which it was thought he did not use Mr. Richardson
.well. Clendon Dawkes. — After a vacancy of more than
two years, Mr. Hugh Evans, of Bristol, was invited to be
come pastor of this church ; but he declining, Mr. Dawkes
was chosen in 1735. This gentleman is supposed to have
come originally from Wellingborough, in Northamptonshire,
and was well known in London, where he preached among
the Particular Baptists a considerable number of years.
He settled, in early life, with an ancient congregation in
Broad-street, Wapping, where he succeeded a .Mr. Edward
Elliot, about the year 1719, or 1720. In this situation he
continued till Christmas, 1726, when he resigned his charge,
and accepted a call to become pastor of a newly constituted
church in Collier's-Rents, Southwark. This connexion,
however, was but of short duration, for Mr. Dawkes left
his people early in 1730; though upon what account we can
find no where mentioned. The probable reason, however,
was his partiality to strict communion ; the church in Col
lier's-Rents being formed upon the mixed plan.*
After spending about three or four years without any set
tled charge, Mr. Dawkes was chosen about 1734, or 1735,
to succeed Mr. Richardson as pastor of the Society that met
in the afternoon at Devonshire-square. With this people he
continued above sixteen years ; but their numbers being
* Private Information.

532 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
JOINERS'-HALL, THAMES-STREET.  Particular Baptist, Extinct.
greatly reduced by deaths and removals, they were, at length,
under the necessity of dissolving -their church state. This
event is said to have taken place about the year 1751. After
this, Mr. Dawkes accepted a call from the Baptist church
at Hemel-Hempstead, in Hertfordshire, where he finished
his course, December 12, 1758, but at what age does not
appear.* Mr. Dawkes was a learned man, and an -acceptable
preacher. His religious sentiments were high Calvinism,
but he seems to have carried himself with moderation to
wards his brethren. Mr. Brine, of London, preached his
funeral sermon, at Hemel-Hempstead, and afterwards pub
lished it. The text, which was chosen by the deceased, was
2 Cor. v. 1 . For we know that if the earthly house of this
taberitacle were dissolved, fyc. That part of the discourse
which relates to Mr. Dawkes, is as follows : " It may now
be expected that I should give a character of him, and a
beauteous representation might be given of him ; but I must
inform you, that he laid an injunction upon me, not to en
large upon his character, and that he expressed a dislike of
bestowing encomiums upon the dead ; however, a few words
concerning him may surely be allowed. He was meek,
humble, and modest ; wise, and learned ; diligent in study,
there is reason to think, to the prejudice of his constitution.
He had an enlarged acquaintance with the evangelical
scheme, and a spiritual savour of the truths of the gospel.
In his last long illness, which issued in his death, he was
remarkably favoured with the gracious presence of God, and
filled with a holy adoration of sovereign grace and mercy.
Those glorious truths, which, in the course of his ministry,
he recommended to you, were the matter of his support,
consolation, and unspeakable joy, in the views of his dissolu-
tion."f » Private Information.
f Mr. Brine's Sermon on the Death of Mr. Dawkes, p. 98, 29.

( 533 )

PLUMBERS'-HALL.

X lumbERs'-Hall is situated in Chequer-yard, Dow-
gate-hill. It is not within our knowledge that any Dissenting
church ever met here statedly, but we notice the place on
account of the following circumstance, mentioned by our
respectable historian, Mr. Daniel Neal. It appears from
that author, that in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the Puritans
held a meeting here ; but were disturbed by the sheriffs, and
many of them sent to prison. On the 19th of June, 1567,
they agreed to have a sermon and communion at Plumbers'-
Hall, which they hired for that day, under pretence of a
wedding. But here the sheriffs of London detected and
broke them up, when they were assembled to the number
of about a hundred. Most of them were taken into custody,
and some sent to the Counter. On the following day, seven
or eight of the chief were brought before the Bishop of
London, Dean Goodman, Archdeacon Watts, and Sir
Roger Martin, the Lord Mayor. The Bishop charged them
with absenting from their parish churches, and with setting up
separate assemblies for prayer and teaching, and administer
ing the sacrament. He told them, by these proceedings they
condemned the Church of England, which was well reform
ed according to the word of God ; and those martyrs who
shed their blood for it. To which one of them replied in
the name of the rest, that they condemned them not, but
Only stood for the truth of God's word. Then the Bishop
asked the ancientest of them, Mr. John Smith, what he
could answer ? To which he replied, " That they thanked
God for the Reformation ; that as long as they could hear
the word of God preached without the idolatrous gear about
it, they never assembled in private houses ; but when it came
to this point, that all their preachers were displaced who
Would not subscribe to the apparel, so that they could hear

534 . HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
PLTJMBERS'-HALL,
none of them in the church for the space of seven or eight
weeks, except father Coverdale, they began to consult what
to do, and remembering there had been a congregation of
Protestants in the city of London, in Queen Mary's days,
and another of English exiles at Geneva, that used a book
framed by them there, they resolved to meet privately toge
ther, and use the said book." And finally, Mr. Smith of
fered in the name of the rest, to yield, and do penance at
Paul's Cross, if the Bishop and Commissioners, could re
prove that book, or any thing else that they held, by the
word of God.
The Bishop told him they could not reprove the book,
but that was no sufficient answer for his not going to church.
To which Mr. Smith replied, that, " he would as soon go
to mass, as to some churches, and particularly to his own
parish church ; for the minister that officiated there was a
very papist." Others said the same of other parish priests.
The Bishop asked, if they accused any of them by name ;
upon which one of them named Mr. Bedel, who was pre
sent ; but the Bishop would not inquire into the accusation.
After some conversation respecting the habits, the Bishop
asserted that princes had authority to command what God
had left indifferent, which some of them urged him to prove ;
"but the Bishop would not enter into the debate, alleging the
judgment of the learned Bullinger : To which Mr. Smith
replied, That, perhaps they could shew Bullinger against
Bullinger, in the affair of the habits. The Bishop ask
ed them whether they would be determined by the church
of Geneva. Mr. Smith replied, " That they reverenced the
learned in Geneva, and in other places, but did not build
their faith and religion upon them." After much warm de
bating, in which they defended their conduct as built upon
the word of God, which was of higher authority than the
command of earthly princes, they were sent to Bridewell,
and closely confined there above a year. At length, their
patience and constancy having been sufficiently tried, they

OF DISSENTING CHURCHES. 535
TALLOW-CHANDLERS'-HALL  Particular Baptists.
were released by an order from the lords of the council, with
an admonition to behave better for the future.* How far
these severities were justifiable by the laws of God, or con
sistent with that universal rule of conduct laid down by our
Lord, Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do
ye even so io them, must be left to the judgment of the im
partial reader.

TALLOWrCHANDLERS'-HALL.

PARTICULAR BAPTISTS.

T,

allow-Chandlers'-Hall, a large handsome build
ing, with piazzas, adorned with columns and arches of the
Tuscan order, is situated on the west side of Dowgate-street,
Upper Thames-street. This is one of the many city halls,
which, in the seventeenth century, were let out to the Non
conformists for meeting-houses. Our knowledge concerning
it in this connexion, however, is not very extensive. We
have notice of two congregations, both of the Particular
Baptist 'persuasion, who successively occupied it. Mr.
Elias Keach, son to Mr. Benjamin Keach, gathered a
church, which met first at Wapping, and afterwards in
Goodman's-fields. From the latter place they appear to
have removed, but not in his time, to Tallow-Chandlers'-
Hall, where they published a confession of their faith.
They afterwards built a new meeting-house in Angel-alley,
Whitechapel, where we shall give a more particular account
of this church. — The other congregation that occupied
* Neal's Hist, of the Puritans, vol, i. p. 161, 163, 164.

536 history and antiquities, Sec.
TALLOW-CHANDLERS'-HAXL.- — Particular Baptists.
Tallow-Chandlers'-Hall, and met there a considerable num
ber of years, was the Society under the pastoral care of ths
Rev, John Noble, who, about the year 1728, or 1729,
removed his people to a new meeting-house, in Great East-
cheap. The eminent Mr. Samuel Wilson, of Goodman's-
fields, commenced his ministry by a Lord's-day evening
lecture, opened for him at Tallow-Chandlers'-Hall. This
little is all that we know concerning the place.

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

R. EDWARDS, PRINTER, CRANEVCOURT, FLEET-STREET.

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