Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northamptonshire

INTRODUCTOR

intained for the liberties of Englishmen; nor has it been unknown in the efforts that have

nk, the Mayor himself being tainted with the heresy. A formal complaint was made to the King in council by one Richard Stannisworth, a woolstapler, that the chief magistrate, John Fox, harboured in his house James Collyn, a fierce maintainer of Lollardy (as the sentiments of Wickli

eater degree of purity in the worship of God than the sovereign would allow, and who could not conform to t

g state of things. He was brought into many troubles for Nonconformity, being several times cast into prison. On Nov. 5th, 1578

rstood that he did not account himself a full minister until he should be chosen by some particular congregation, they immediately chose him to be their minister. In 1590 he was brought into trouble on account of the Associations held in Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. He was a zealous and a

knees in fervent prayer to God, and the window of his chamber being open, he observed something thrown into the room; but he resolved to finish his prayer before he examined what it was. When he rose from his knees, he found to his great surprise that it was a purse fu

finement the inhabitants of Northampton presented a supplication to Queen Elizabeth, humbly and earnestly desiring her Majesty to grant his release, and his restoration to his beloved ministry. In this supplication they affirmed, upon their dutiful allegiance, that during his abode in that place he had lived a honest and a peaceable life; and they

ter a month's confinement, he was discharged; but when he had obtained his release, they sent their pursuivants to apprehend him, and again commit him to prison. Walton, one of them, went immediately to Northampton, and u

to Mr. F. Johnson, the pastor, and the rest of the brethren. It is addressed "to the distressed and faithful congregation of Christ in London, and all the members thereof, whether in bonds or at liberty;" and he concludes by subscribing himself, "their lovi

preacher. In 1565 he was presented to the living of Great Billing, in Northamptonshire. He was very much persecuted for his Nonconformity, and at length deprived of his living. In the year 1593 he was

s William Fleshurne, or Fletcher, B.D., rector of Abington, in 1588. Of him it is recorded, that in 1590 he was one of the Puritan ministers who associated in general synods and particular classes at Northampton, Fawsley, and other

ion, which he wore out in the study and in the pulpit. Being desirous of dying in his native county and among his old friends, he retired into Northamptonshire, where he departed this life in a most pious and devout manner in t

united with his brethren in their private associations, and took an active part in promoting the desired ecclesiastical discipline, for which, in the year 1590, he was apprehended and cast

tter known by the assumed name of Martin Mar-Prelate, were industriously though secretly disseminated by means of a travelling printing press, conducted by one Walgrave. To elude detection, the scene of its operations was frequently changed. It was first set up at Mousley, in Surrey, from whence it was removed to Fawsley, and worked in a private upper room, approached only by a winding staircase. Its next stage was to Norton, another of Sir Richard's seats. It was subsequently conveyed to Coventry, Woolston, in Warwickshire, and finally to Manchester, where it was seized by the Earl of Derby. For these clandestine proceedings Sir Richa

minister of Hanwell, in Oxfordshire, Fenny Drayton, in Leicestershire, Canons Ashby and Fawsley in this county. In a work published in 1635, entitled 'A Plain and Familiar Exposition of the Lord's Prayer,' there is a dedication to his much honoured, loving friend, Mr. Richard Knightley; where he states, "I dedicate this book unto you, that as the Lord is my witness that I pray daily for you by name (and so, by his assistance, I purpose to do while I live), so I must leave some testimony behind me to men after my de

ciples to the last, being distinguished by his fervent spirit of devotion, his entire reliance on God, his submission to t

hampton, though they did not generally come out from the Church as by law established; for they laboured to obtain a further reformation, and would rather suffer than conform to all that was required. Their principles a

HE CHURCH AT

individual that has been connected with them. The talents, the learning, the preachi

lace where Doddridge spent the greater part of his life as a pastor. In that place Doddridge laboured; there stands the pulpit in which Doddridge preached; to that vestry Doddridge retired; there he o

ah Lewis, rector of Saint Giles's, Northampton, was ejected from his living; but such was his natural reserve, and such his retired habits, that it does not appear that he ev

rsons, and would often address himself very affectionately to them, not only in his sermons, but in his visits; and that he rejoiced much when he saw anything hopeful in their characters:" of his method of preaching, that "he affected not a pompous way; nor did he dispense the truths of the Gospel with the wisdom of man's words, knowing that that was not so likely to be attended with a divine blessing-Scripture revelations, in Scripture language, were the main subjects of his discourses:" of his friendships we

viii. 46: "The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock," &c. Mr. Blowe

urch commence with the

Church of Christ at Northampton, of

stor, give their unanimous call to Thomas Shepherd to succeed him in the pastoral offi

the Church

to the will of God, do promise and covenant, in the presence of God, to walk together in all the laws and ordinances of Chr

him, did own and declare his willingness and consent to walk with them as a pastor with his peo

owing statement, from which it appears that Mr. Shep

was not under obligation to a continuance with them, by virtue of any conditional consent or promise made upon s

n of eminent piety and great usefulness, and two of his sons became devoted ministers among the Dissenters. The pastor of this Church was first at Royston, and from thence came to Northampton, and afterwards he became minister of the Independent Churc

d, 1709, after divers repeated calls, and days and times of seeking God, Rev. Thomas Tingey gave his acceptance of the call of this people, together with the reason of it, and was solemnly ordained unto the pastoral office and charge of this Church of Christ-Mr. Dowl

exerted himself, even beyond his strength, to preach the Gospel in destitute towns and villages around. On leaving Northampton he became pastor of an Independent Church in Fetter Lane. Dr. Ridgle

l the first part of the year 1729, for on September 28th of that year we find

as it is invested with some peculiar interest from the labours of Doddridge, so we think it proper to

ing Congregation

hamp

ist in Northampto

hath lain with weight upon our hearts. It hath urged us to make prayer and supplication that God, the Great Shepherd, would appear a

urselves to you, that you would come and preach among us as a candidate for a month. We leave our brethren, who will bring this, to use what further arguments they may think meet, and recommend you to the wisd

moving at this time; and from his representations, and the regard Doddridge had for his friendship, with some other circumstances, he had almost arrived at a determined refusal. But in the Church at Northampton there was much concern about the matter, and they did a

e upon your pupils, they would gladly accept of what time you could spare without any damage to them, as they are sensible that you have abilities to go through with both employments. They further urged, that should you refuse their invitation, it might expose them to the danger of division, and they could not join unanimously in any other call. Mr. Bliss also told me that they could have a house fit for your academy on easy terms, and

ct of being of great service there, and by that means in all that county, where you might be an instrument of promoting a more c

her as the trees of a wood when bent by the wind; and they are under such strong impressions about your coming to them, that it is impossible for a man to converse with them without feeling something for them. The mention of your name diffuses life and spirit

the house where he lodges, and hears a child reading a chapter in the Bible to its mother;-the only words he distinctly catches are, "As thy day so shall thy strength be." This deeply impressed him, yet he persisted in his refusal. Then a deacon of the Church, whose father was ill, presents an urgent request for him to improve his father's death when he is taken away. He dies that night. Doddridge is detained by his promise for the funeral. He is greatly assisted; many attend, and express the greatest satisfaction in his labours. While waiting for t

n at Northampton,

to undertake th

er 6th

Light for his guidance and direction, I can at length assure you that I am determined by his permission to accept of your

of your large congregation and my academy. But I hope that I have sincerely devoted my soul to God and my Redeemer; and therefore I would humbly yield myself up to what, in present circumstances, I apprehend to be his will. I take this important s

that by accepting your call I have entrusted the happiness of my life into your hands. Prepare yourselves, therefore, to cover my many infirmities with the mantle of your love, and continue to treat me with the same kindnes

ultitude of souls may have reason to praise him on that account! and let me beg that you will bear me daily on your hearts before his thron

God, the great Shepherd of his sheep, with that affection which now so peculiar

p Dod

present, as inserted by Doddrid

dnesday, December 24th. On Thursday, March 19th, 1730, I was solemnly set apart to the pastoral office by prayer, and fasting, and imposition of hands. Mr. Goodrich began with prayer and reading Eph. iv.; Mr. Dawson prayed; then Mr. Watson preached from 1 Tim. iii. 1, "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." Mr. Norris then re

etained me from my public work the two ensuing Sabbaths. The event is still dubious; but I leave my life and my dear flock in the hand of the great Shepherd, hoping w

of the presence of God with us, and may regard it as a token for good. On the 4th of February it pleased G

he Church-book, as we consider b

mong the people, under the name of elders. They acceded to the request of their pastor, and unanimously made choice of the Rev. Job Orton, Rev. John Evans, as also of Mr. John Brown, to assist the pastor in his care of the society; and also desired Mr. Samuel Heyworth, by div

xpressive of what they considered to be the duties to which they were called, and of what they regarded as necessary to the good order and prosperity of the society. The letter was gratefully received by the Church. Special Church-meeting

ist assembling on Castle Hill, Northampton,

ve among you in offices relating to the public honour, edification, and comfort of the society, we think it

within, and put away from among themselves such wicked persons." These, brethren, are the precepts of Christ, according to which, by our entering into Church fellowship, we engaged to walk; and we apprehend that the neglect of these precepts, and the discipline in the Church of Christ which should be founded upon them, is a great evil, which often provokes God to withdraw from his people, and to hinder the success of other ordinances while this is neglected. We do therefore, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, beseech you that ye would attend to these precepts, and would consent to proper measures for the regular exercise of discipline among us. And as we have observed that several have withdrawn themselves from the table of the Lord, though

a list of several persons absenting themselves from communion, of whose cases the Church will do well to judge, that such measures may be taken concerning them as the precepts of our common Lord direct; and we desire that the elders may now be commissioned, in the name of the Church, to give notice to such persons, if they think proper to attend at that meeting, that if they have anything to o

absent, our approbation of these measures may be evidently declared; and we pray that God may guide you in al

2nd,

uitable admonition and discipline. One entry we will quote, as des

on on this head; and we do hereby declare, that if any persons in stated communion with us shall become a bankrupt, or, as it is commonly expressed, fail in the world, he must expect to be cut off from our body, unless he do within two months give to the Church, by the elders, either in word or writing, such an account of

of the Church, this 1st day of Ma

rton; and he parts with him in a manner that indicates the high sense he entertained of his worth, and

ch at Shrewsbury, was solemnly recommended to God by the prayers of the Church, several hours being spent in that exercise, a

Castle Hill, Northampton, to the C

the determination of the great Head of the Church, though to us a very painful one, we think it our duty by these letters to dismiss him from our stated communion to yours; which accordingly we hereby do, blessing God for all the advantages we have enjoyed by his ministry and presence, and earnestly praying that his labours may not only be highly acceptable and delightful to you, as we are persuaded they must be, but that they may be crowned with abu

Church, at their Church-meeting, October

p Dodd

by Doddridge we

2nd,

ted, inclusive of those then found-that is, one year with another, more than 14 members each year: of which 240 only continue alive and reside still among us; of which, 58 were admitted before

eight have be

the ministry of Doddridge

elings as a pastor, we think never before published, may here be suitably introduced. It was addressed to "the Rev. Mr. Ry

on, May 1

you to the best of my little power, and think myself happy in an opportunity of doing anything to promote the kingdom of Christ amongst you or elsewhere. I beg your prayers for me. Through the Divine goodness I continue well. I have been much afflicted by the breach made in our Church by the Moravians, who have got from us a little congregation. The affliction has been increased by the death of some

ge, and heartily recommend you and

v. and d

brother and obli

oddr

the Church-book, relating

ate of the Church since January 1st, 1747, which

ce that time we have received only 15 members, and have lost 17; 12 have died or removed the last year, and only 8 of the 15 have been admitted this year; so that our decrease since Michaelmas, 1745

ed, who were admitted in 1745, made the state of affairs

I find that 22 had been admitted, and 22 removed by death or otherwi

state of the Church of which he was pastor. It shows strikingly the activity, ardour, and entire devotedness of his spirit. But, alas! it was too active and ardent for the material framework long to sustain the efforts to which it was impelled. Hence the very next entry we meet

"Centenary Memorial" of him recently sent forth by Stoughton; so that, though we would fain l

who had been one of the Doctor's students, and was afterwards settled as a minister in Devonshire. It is the same poem in substance as is given by O

a testimony of my high veneration for the memory of my dece

ur most obliged

-

, February,

following lines

or ever, ever

u greatest of

e ample, comp

sand streams of

rain of social

ligion beam'd

listen with d

ips Truth pours

studious to ins

ous sense with

zeal for God a

rn'd, and by h

oquence our ea

ssions, and ou

east seraphic

enerous flame fr

tart, by consci

t the thunder

u! O friend, in

pes, our fairest

eal we press'd t

the grave a l

ers-if streami

terness of sou

oddridge! had re

usands wept the

h Muse-oh, tre

mands him, and

oodness ever

issive to the

drop the tr

orced to pay to

orbids us to in

l allow-the s

wish him still

dire disease,

ear, suppress

im who could r

iv'ring pulse, t

at, presag'd th'

l, by consciou

s or gathering

silent surfa

entle breeze ha

faith, his sinki

ce each rising

aint shed down

his mind her

east with bliss

approaching vis

his soul-conf

om'd the diss

d on seraphs'

is dust, and towe

aw him mount

eaming with c

amy car, sub

fire-breathing

htning glimpse h

r his flight, a w

souls, enslaved

onds his arduou

appy, smile to

lcome to th' ap

rps, harmonious

oy, and charm hi

This worthy man died December 28th, 1760. We are unable to ascertain what was the condition of the Church during the ministry of Mr. Gilbert; but have some reason to conclude that it was not in a united or prosperous stat

tal from his office as pastor, minister, and teacher." This appears to have led to very painful altercations between the friends of Mr. Hextal and those that were opposed to him, which ultimately led to a separation from the Church and congregation. Those who were attached to Mr. Hextal endeavoured to regain the pulpit for him by a process of law, pleading the right of the subscribers to a vote for the pastor; but this was overruled, as contrary to the deed which gives "the power to the Church (upon giving six days' notice by the deacons) to elect, place, and displace a minister as they think proper." The result was, that Mr. Hextal's friends wi

n pastor, where he soon met with equally cruel usage, and was obliged to withdraw to a new Chapel which his friends erected for him, where he ended his days in peace. His great candour and benevolence gave occasion to morose-min

Church. Under date of April 24th, 1777, we find the names of only

t on the 2nd of March. He was dismissed from the Church at Ringwood, to be received as a member of the Church at Nort

y discourse, received the Church's account of the steps they had previously taken, read by Mr. John Wood, together with a renewal of their call; I testified likewise my acceptance of it, and delivered my confession of faith. Mr. Saunders, of Bedworth, set me apart by prayer and imposition of hands; Mr. King, of Welford, gave the charge, founded

time; it was a very comfortable season. May God grant us

7. Mr. Horsey was a man of very gentlemanly appearance and manners, great ease, affability, and much kindness; his style as a preacher pleasing, and rather attractive, n

e attendance declined; the number of members diminished. This may be the case under certain circumstances where there is no deficiency in truth, or piety, or ability, on the part of the ministry, and hence may present no certain criterion of the one or the other; and there were a number, we believe, of truly pious devout persons of evangelical sentiments, who continued under the ministry of Mr. Horsey, esteemed his character, and prized his preaching. Yet it must be allowed, we apprehend, that there was a certain vaguenes

ted to become co-pastor; but Mr. Horsey being removed by death before this connexion had been completed, Mr. Hyatt was then invited to take

's Head Lane (now King Street) Meeting, commenced the services of the day by reading and prayer; Mr. Robertson, of Wellingborough, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Toller, of Kettering, asked the usual questions; Mr. Hyatt, senior, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Morrell, of Wymondley, delivere

rated from the Church and congregation, and commenced the Unitarian in

our first Church-meeting, when the fo

embling under the pastoral c

solely to the one God the Father, agreeably to the express injunctions of our Saviour, deem it proper to withdraw, and hereby beg leave to announce our withdrawment, from the worship and communion of the Church to which we

ion with some of the subscribers, formed themselv

t Castle Hill after this

d to be co-pastor with his father in London. He preached his farewell sermon March 21st,

atory to the Christian ministry. Although but fifteen years of age when he formed this resolution, yet he was eligible for admission into Wymondley College, under the auspices of the trustees of

owing infirmities of his honoured father threw the whole weight of pastoral duties upon him; and his frame, always delicate and prone to disease, began to yield to the pressure of labour, which was too much for his strength. On the 16th of June, 1846, his venerated father died; and in nine short months after this, the happy spirit of the son was gathered to his fathers. This change came upon him somewhat by surprise. It is a well known symptom in pulmonary disorders, to look for restoration to

June, 1833, and is the present minister of this Church. The number of communi

this Church into the regular ministry. Three members of the Church are almost constan

t the roof. Commodious school-rooms were built for the Sabbath-school in the year 1825, at a cost probably of ￡500. About fourteen years ago the lower part of the Chapel was entirely repaired; lobbies made for the gallery stairs, stone steps to the galleries, new aisles, a

cher, of London, then delivered a most eloquent discourse, which was listened to with the deepest interest by an audience which filled the Chapel to overflowing. The friends dined together, and took tea at the Milton Hall. On the following Sabbath the Rev. H. Toller, of Market Harborough, preached morning and evening, with his customary power and acceptance, to overf

ddridge's table, cha

ubt, excites grateful emotions to the God of all grace from the pastor a

Shepherd st

fort to

l guides us,

imates o

E CHURCH AT K

tension of the kingdom of Christ among men. Yet the God who "makes the wrath of man to praise him," often overrules the disagreements that arise in his Churches for "the furtherance of the Gospel." In the p

and it appears that the greater part of the Church wished to have a minister who was not quite agreeable to Mr. Hextal and the major part of the subscribers. This was the occasion of much dissension. A great deal of acri

owing paragraph, which we extract as expressive of the principles he maintained, and the spirit

can appeal to those who have heard me ever since I came to this place. But it has ever been my opinion, that these doctrines, which I look upon as the distinguishing glory of the Gospel, should be maintained in the spirit of love and candour, with soft words and the strongest arguments we can use; and sorry I am that the word 'candour' should sound harsh, and give offence to any Christians, especially to any that belong to the Church and congregation that enjoyed so long such a burning and shining light as Dr. Doddridge, in whose example and ministry the zeal for Gospel truth adorned with moderation, benevolence, and charity, appea

f his ministry, and ended his days amongst

ription is on a ta

ONE A

ometime pastor of this Christian society; who remarkably exhibited in his life what he wa

ody and mind, he entered into the rest which remains

gun a.d. 1778, by Thomas Porter, pastor of the congregation that assembles in Kingshead Lane, Northampton. The last entry made by Mr. Porter is of a baptism th

is office for 45 years, as he died January 2nd, 1831, aged 66 years. The following acc

is public ministrations. The illness which terminated in his death was of short duration. On the second Sabbath in December he preached three times: on the afternoon of the day he delivered a funeral discourse, founded on the exhortation of Christ to his disciples, "Be ye also ready," and distinguished by unusual earnestness and deep solemnity; and in the evening he closed his public labours by a sermon from Psalm xxxi. 19. Though from that time till within three or four days of his departure he was too unwell to leave the house, yet no painful apprehensions of immediate danger were excited in the minds of his friends. On the Thursday night preceding his dissolution he became, however, materially worse, from which time he rapidly declined, until, on the morning of the Sabbath, he received the summons, and en

on; Mr. B. Hobson, of Welford, and Mr. T. Toller, of Kettering, conducted the devotional parts of the service. On the Sabbath following, the funeral sermon was preached to a crowded auditory, from a part of the 7th and 8th verses of the 4th chapter of the 2nd Epistle to

ption is in the Chap

y of Benj. L

years the able

te pastor of t

within th

placed by his

ial of his fa

atitude for,

rminated

th, on the 11th

th year o

e, yet the number of Church members has been comparatively few; for when Mr. Woodward became pastor, a list of members is given, numb

even Churches of Asia;' 'The Life and Times of Dr. Watts;' 'Scripture and

ered on his labours here. Since that time 25 persons have been admit

rooms were erected, at a cost of ￡336. 6s. 5d

, so that there is no surplus room to which to invite the poor. Architectural difficulties have hitherto stood in

OMMERCIAL ST

y of the late Thomas Wilson, Esq., of Highbury Place, London-a gentleman who devoted his time, his energies, and his prope

e Redeemer. After many inquiries had been made for ground that would present an eligible site on which to erect a Chapel, a purchase was made in Commercial Street for ￡600; and a neat an

. James, of Birmingham, preached a very excellent sermon in the morning, on sanct

evening, from 2 Thess. iii. 1-"Finally, brethren, pray for us, t

urn and J. Clayton, of London; Adkins, of Southampton; Gear, of

dies at Highbury, he was invited by the congregation, no

rmed in the presence of Mr. Walter Scott, late of Rowel

the Scriptures and prayed-Thomas Toller, of Kettering, delivered the introductory discourse-John Sibree, of Coventry, asked the questions, and received the confession of faith-Walter Scott, of Rowell, offered the ordinatio

rayed-J. W. Percy, of Warwick, preached to the people, from 1 T

e services of the day, in an advertis

Institution from whence he had emanated, seated on either side, received the following address from a minister of his native city, who was well authorized to bear on that occasion a public testimony to his respectable attainments, his unblemished reputation, and his amiable manners, whic

d. The Church, which was originally formed of eight members who had received dismissions from Churches to which they had previously belonged, has received fro

tablet has been erected in the porch of th

he sole expense of the late Thomas Wi

in grateful commemora

and Day Infant-schools, with class-rooms for senior scholars. The daily Infant-school numbers more than 120 children, and the Sunday Infant Class about 170. A tablet in the school-room has the following inscription:-"This Scho

ry clearly discerned of the Divine blessing attending the word of heaven