To be able to discover very distinctly the origin of a Christian society
of 160 years' standing, and from thence to trace the varied events of
its history, is especially interesting to those minds that love to
observe how the great Head of the Church carries on the affairs of his
kingdom by the varied operations of providence and of grace, employing
the agency of his servants, and showing the influence of Christian
principle in promoting his great designs.
If the reader will look back to the memorials of the Church at Rowell,
and will notice the itinerating labours of Mr. Davis, the third pastor,
with the success that attended them, in connexion with the efforts of
some of the brethren in that Church, he will there see how this Church
at Wellingborough originated. There were a considerable number of
persons who had derived benefit from the labours of Mr. Davis, residing
in Wellingborough and its vicinity, who had become members of the Church
at Rowell. After some time, it was thought that their number was
sufficient to form a distinct Christian community, _i.e._, an
Independent Church, with its officers. They received a regular
dismission from the Church at Rowell for this purpose. The copy of that
dismission we have given in the account of that Church (page 57), from
which they were dismissed; and we find the same preserved in the records
of this Church--the one account furnishing a complete corroboration of
the other. The first statement after this is--
The 22nd day of the eighth month, 1691, was kept solemnly in fasting
and prayer at Wellingborough by us whose names are hereafter
written, for our embodying and enchurching together; when, after
that the former part of the day was spent in prayer, direction, and
exhortation, our dismission from the Church of Christ at Rowell was
then read by their messengers.
After this it is recorded--
Having covenanted each apart, and then in the name of Christ, in
these words--"We do, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ our
crowned King, his holy angels, his people, and all the people here
present, give ourselves up to the Lord and to one another by the
will of God, joyfully promising and engaging to walk with the Lord
Jesus Christ and with his people in the observation of all Gospel
ordinances, and in the discharge of all relative duties in the house
of God, and as the presence of the Lord shall enable us"--We lifted
up our hands thereunto, and afterwards subscribed our names.
We, having been dismissed from the Church of Christ which we did
belong to, and having given up ourselves to the Lord and to one
another by the will of God, and to this subscribed, in the presence
of many witnesses, as becomes a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ,
having all the power amongst ourselves to manage all matters
belonging to us as a Church of the Lord Jesus.
After this they proceed to choose two ruling elders, who covenanted with
the people in the presence of the Lord to be faithful to the charges
committed to them; the Church also covenanted to carry it towards them
as a people to their officers. Then they chose Mr. Bettson, who had been
approved by the Church at Rowell for the ministry of the word, to become
their pastor; and on an appointed day they proceed to ordain him to this
office, in a manner similar to that which had been adopted by the Church
of which they had formerly made a part. They state--
We proceeded to ordain our brother Bettson, in which our elders
brother Henseman and brother Osborn laid their hands on brother
Bettson and prayed, setting him before the Lord, testifying to the
Lord that that was the man they had chosen to the office of a
pastor; and after prayer, laid their hands on him again, and
declared to the people that he was their pastor; and the ruling
elders gave him authority, entering into covenant with him as to
right them in their transactions. There were several pastors of
other Churches present, as Mr. Bear, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Davis,
besides brethren of other Churches.
On the 14th day of the same month they say--
We then agreed, and solemnly passed this as a Church act, that we
would not bear with any that were with us that whispered against any
of the brethren, or backbited any, looking upon it as abusing that
rule in the 18th chapter of Matthew; also very dishonourable to the
Lord Jesus, and injurious to the Church; separating between chief
friends, and giving occasion to the enemies to blaspheme.
The ministry of Mr. Bettson appears to have been evangelical, earnest,
and successful, so that 174 members were added to the Church during his
ministry, which continued for 33 years. During the early years of that
ministry much comfort and usefulness is indicated; but the latter part
of it appears to have been attended with some heavy trials.
In the earliest part of their history they held numerous
Church-meetings; had members belonging to the Church from many different
places. Occasionally they held Church-meetings at Olney, 12 miles from
Wellingborough, in which place and neighbourhood a number of the members
resided, until at length they were formed into a Church in that place.
"Mr. Bettson," it is observed, "was a man possessed of much prudence,
piety, and perseverance. His trials were many; for preceding the choice
of an assistant, another minister came to the town to preach in
opposition to Mr. Bettson. Many hearers left, and the interest was
greatly reduced."
From their Church records, it appears that they performed the marriage
ceremony among themselves. The covenant of marriage is thus expressed:--
I, J. N., take thee, M. M., to be my wedded wife, and solemnly
promise, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be a loving,
tender, and faithful husband, until death.
I, M. M., take thee, J. N., to be my wedded husband, and solemnly
promise, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be a loving,
tender, faithful, and obedient wife, until death.
"The date of the first certificate of marriage is 1692, and the date of
the last that was given 1714."
_Wellingborough, 22nd day of the 10th month._
These are to certify all whom it may concern, that Samuel Bearly and
Susannah Jeffs, both of Wellingborough, did enter into the estate of
matrimony the day and year above written. As a testimony of firmly
indenting and joining in a marriage covenant, they have hereto
unchangeably put to their hands and seals, the day and year above
written.
In the presence of the witnesses,
ROBERT BETTSON. SAMUEL BEARLY.
JOHN FOXE. SUSANNAH JEFFS.
It appears that the banns were published in the parish Church where the
parties lived, according to the following account:--
Preceding marriage, Mr. Bere received a note from the place where the
parties lived, according to the following testimony:--
"These are to certify all whom it may concern, of the banns of
matrimony between Brize, of the parish of Clifton, in the county of
Bucks, on the one part, and Ann Rollins, of this parish, in the
county of Northampton, on the other part, were published three
several times in the parish of Wollaston, without any let or
contradiction, as the Rubrick directs, by me.
"J. MARIS, Vicar of Wollaston.
"_Wollaston, July 27, 1702._"
When a Christian society is in circumstances of peculiar difficulty and
discouragement, it is important that their state should engage the
sympathies and draw forth the counsels of other Christian societies, as
a means of encouragement and assistance under the struggles to which
they are called. Acting on this principle, this Church, under its
trials, applied for advice to other Churches, and received the following
letter from the Church at Rowell, expressive of their sympathy and their
counsels:
DEAR BRETHREN IN THE LORD,--Our messengers, sent upon your desire to
assist you in your faults, informed us that you wanted advice
respecting your duty towards those members who wilfully left their
places amongst you, broke their solemn covenant with you, and
entered into a separate covenant with excommunicated persons, to
carry on a separate cause with them. Our messengers further informed
us of the unanimous advice given by the messengers of several
Churches, that you should proceed against them as covenant-breakers;
making use of Christian endeavours, evangelical admonitions, for
their recovery, if the Lord pleases to bless to the same end; and
in case of obstinacy to cut them off. Of this advice we heartily
approve as a Church of Christ; and desire that the Spirit of the
Lord may be with you in it, and enable you to go comfortably through
it, and give you success in it. We pity you under your great and
sore trials, and, as helping you, prayed for you, that you may be
filled with all the fulness of God. We pity any who have been
deluded from their duty under specious pretences, and desire that
the God of all grace would give them speedily to renounce them.
However, the Lord give unto you (the weak handed) to be found in the
way of your duty, for therein is peace. Abstain from your own
wisdom; let your weapons be spiritual and mighty through God, to
whose care we remit you, and remain your sympathizing brethren,
M. MAURICE.
THOS. REYNALS.
WILLM. FULLEN.
Sometimes a change in the ministry, when an interest is brought into
such a state that it can hardly stand its ground, has a favourable
effect; and may, under the divine blessing, be the means of bringing
about a pleasing change. Thus it proved in the history of this Church.
Mr. Bettson's age increasing and energies declining, they agreed to
invite a co-pastor. A Mr. Grant, another member of the Church at Rowell,
was chosen to this office. Finding his ministry acceptable, they wrote
to the Church at Rowell, requesting his dismission to them, that he
might be ordained as joint pastor with Mr. Bettson. The Church granted
their desire, and in their letter of dismission we find the following
passages:--
It affecteth us greatly that the Lord seemeth to smile upon his
precious cause amongst you, so that we hope the night of your
affliction is far spent, and the day of much more abounding joy and
consolation is at hand. "Weeping endureth for a night, but joy
cometh in the morning."
We are glad that any of our dear brethren and sisters, who in the
dark and cloudy day have been turned aside from their duty, are
brought to their covenanted places in the Church. We have no reason
to doubt but the Spirit of God will in a gracious manner bring
others. When He is pleased to plead, who can resist? And we hope the
same Spirit will enable you to carry it in all meekness of wisdom
toward them, leaving the issue to God.
We bless God that the ministry of our beloved brother William Grant
has been made so useful amongst you, and that the Spirit of God doth
so fit it for edification and conversion. We pray that such fruits
may abound more and more; and in order thereunto, upon your request
and his desire, the Church has ordered us, in their names, to sign
his dismission to your fellowship.
We should be very glad of the continuance of his fellowship with us,
and his labours amongst us; but seeing our dear Lord calleth him to
work amongst you, and inclineth his heart thereto, we submit, and
think it our duty to rejoice in your mercy.
In reference to the ordination of Mr. Grant, we are informed that
"letters were ordered to be written in the name of the Church to the
several Churches therein named, for their messengers to come over and
behold our order, and assist us in the ordination of brother William
Grant." Thursday, September 21st, 1723, was appointed for this purpose.
This being the day set apart for brother William Grant's ordination,
the Church assembled for it, in order to carry on the solemn work,
which was conducted as follows:--
After some time spent in prayer, the Church appointed brother
William Curtis to be their mouth to propose the matter to the
Church, and also to brother Grant. The matter being proposed to the
Church, they gave their consent, by standing up and lifting up their
hands; no objection being made by any of them. By their mouth it was
proposed to brother William Grant, whether or no he did willingly
give up himself to the Lord and his Church, to serve the Lord and
them in the work and office of a pastor; which call of God and his
people he testified that he willingly obeyed and accepted. That
being done, the messengers of the several Churches then present, as
a testimony of their joy and communion, gave the right hands of
fellowship. Then brother Hanneswell prayed, and Mr. Maurice
preached, and brother Curtis concluded the meeting with prayer; and
in the evening brother Grant preached; and so we concluded the day.
Mr. Grant's ministry proved so acceptable, that it soon became necessary
to enlarge the Old Meeting, which was done in the year 1726.
A circumstance which appears to have been rather unusual in the life of
a plain country pastor 120 years ago, took place in the history of Mr.
Grant, followed by some interesting results. "On June 11th, 1732, the
Church gave consent for Mr. Grant to go to London." This was probably
his first visit to the metropolis. What was the special occasion of such
an important step being taken does not appear; but it was on this visit
that it is supposed the following well-authenticated events took place.
"Mr. Grant was introduced to the study of a learned brother, for whom he
was to preach. This and the other book was pointed out as of great
importance, and discovering great erudition in the author. Mr. Grant
said, 'Sir, I have had no literary advantages; therefore such works are
lost to me.' 'I am very sorry, then, that you are to preach to my
people, who have always been accustomed to such ministers as have had a
very liberal education. But, Mr. Grant, if you should be confused in
your sermon, I beg you will soon close the subject.' Lady C----, seeing
Mr. Grant's homely dress, felt much timidity about him, and no small
aversion to hear him: but at the close of the service Lady C---- and
the minister were ready to testify their approbation; and from this time
such was her Ladyship's partiality to Mr. Grant, that he frequently went
to London in the week to preach a lecture, and returned for the Sabbath;
and her Ladyship often came to Wellingborough to spend the Lord's-day."
From this time Mr. Grant had a happy change in his temporal
circumstances; for, connected with the liberal aid of her Ladyship,
another event took place which terminated in his favour. One of his
hearers had L200 left her, but found great difficulty in obtaining her
right. Mr. Grant interfered, and obtained it for her. Such was her
gratitude, that she left him L100 at her death.
During the first part of Mr. Grant's ministry at Wellingborough, he had
to struggle with great pecuniary difficulties; but he now found true
what a poor woman said to him on first coming to Wellingborough--"Mr.
Grant, I wonder what induced you to come to such a reduced and poor
people; how do you think you can be supported?" Then, as the effect of
an instantaneous impression, she said, "The Lord says, 'The silver and
the gold is mine'; and you, sir, shall have your share." Mr. Grant was
in very good circumstances at the close of his life.
In 1734 they determined to build a new Meeting House. They counted the
cost of such a building, erected in a plain manner, as they thought
would then comfortably contain their congregation, and found it to be
about L200. They built the walls, and put up part of the roof; but found
themselves, being still poor and weak, under the necessity of asking the
assistance of friends. This was obtained, so that the whole expense was
shortly cleared.
Mr. Grant's ministry extended over the lengthened period of forty-eight
years, during which 259 members were added to the Church. It was on
September 9th, 1770, that he preached for the last time, being very ill,
and for some time before this having been carried to the pulpit. On
March 22nd, 1771, after a long and painful illness, borne with Christian
patience and fortitude, Mr. Grant's death took place, closing a devoted
and successful ministry.
It is observed, that "Mr. Grant was very lively in the pulpit. His work
appeared so much like the work of heaven, that it often very much
surprised his hearers." "His charity was such, that he would deprive
himself of some comforts for the benefit of the poor." A friend said to
him, "I wonder, Mr. Grant, that you do not keep a better fire this cold
weather." He replied, "other people want fires as well as myself." He
was a firm Dissenter, and had a great aversion to all saints' days, &c.
His people frequently pressed him to preach on Christmas-day: at last he
complied with reluctancy, and chose these words--"Ye are of your father
the devil, and his works will ye do."
When the dreadful fire took place at Wellingborough in 1738, such was
the distress of the inhabitants that party names were forgotten; and the
town requested the Rev. Mr. Grant and the Rev. Mr. Homes, the clergyman,
to combine in collecting for the poor sufferers. When Mr. Homes saw the
great influence that Mr. Grant had, and the unlimited respect paid to
him, he determined he would go with nobody else, even on this charitable
occasion. Mr. Homes retained a great respect for him to the close of his
days, and would frequently say, "He was an honest and great man."
In the closing years of his life, Mr. Grant was deprived of sight. An
aged woman came to him on one occasion, when two of his friends were
leading him to the pulpit, and said, "Sir, how do you do? for I cannot
see you." He rejoined, "nor can I see you; but let us rejoice: there
will be no blind people in heaven."
The following outline of a sermon is preserved from one of Mr. Grant's
manuscripts (Psalm lxxix. 8). After a long introduction, he gives the
following divisions:--
I. That God, as he is the God of Zion and the God of his Church,
does sometimes remember against his own people their former
iniquities, or the Church was mistaken here. "Oh, remember not
against us," said they, "our former iniquities." Either God did
remember against the Church their former iniquities, or I say the
Church was mistaken; for the Church apprehends it so by her prayer.
At this time she very plainly believes God did remember against her
her former iniquities, and was now dealing with her by laying his
rod upon her; therefore under it she cries, "Remember not against us
our former iniquities; let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us,
for we are brought very low."
II. When a professing people, or particular persons, are under
chastisements and the severe rebukes of their God, to plead his
tender mercies is the best argument. "Let thy tender mercies," says
the Church, "speedily prevent us;" that is, prevent our ruin, or we
should be destroyed--we should be brought to nothing as a Church if
thou sufferest the enemy to go forward in destroying them that are
useful, cutting them off as they have done in times past, and the
bodies of the saints should be still continued to be given as meat
to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of heaven, as in verse
2--then we should be brought to ruin: but, "Oh let thy," &c.
III. We see from the words of our text, that the people of God may
plead in their petitions their low estates for God's help; this may
come in by way of petition in prayer. Our miseries and God's
mercies are very proper pleas at the throne of grace. The poor
publican made use of both in his prayer: "God be merciful to me a
sinner."
IV. Something by way of use, as (1.) Does God remember the sins of
his people by way of chastisement? Let us take heed how we sin
against him. (2.) Learn from hence, when God is chastising you, and
laying his rod upon you, to turn to him that smites you, when he
calls you by his rebukes. Many turn from God. (3.) We learn from
hence, as the Church prays that God would not remember against her
former iniquities, so we should do.
The following letter is inserted because it presents some pleasing
indications of the spirit that prevailed in Mr. Grant and his people.
The Church of Christ at Wellingborough, under the pastoral care of
William Grant, to those Christian brethren and sisters who have
lately asked their dismission from the Church of Christ at
Lutterworth, under the pastoral care of John Dowley, sendeth
greeting, wishing grace and peace, &c.
DEAR BRETHREN,--We, seeking the glory of our dear Lord Jesus, and
the peace and prosperity of his cause in general, have been willing
to concern ourselves in your affair so far as to seek the Lord about
it, and then to weigh and consider well the case, which we have now
done at no less than four sundry times; and our conclusion is, that
we cannot receive you upon such a dismission: for, instead of a
recommendation, you have an accusation, that you could not come to a
temper; and then a conclusion, that your separation is groundless.
How far this accusation and conclusion are just we cannot be proper
judges, who live at so great a distance, and have no opportunity of
conversing with the members of the Church, that so we might
thoroughly know both sides; for, until then, we cannot see how we
can judge righteously in the affair.
All that we can further do in the case is, to mourn over it before
the Lord. The breaches and hurts of Zion are many. Oh (have we not
all reason to cry) that the Lord would arise in his glory, and build
up her walls, and heal all her breaches! We earnestly desire that
the Lord may appear for his cause in Lutterworth, that you may have
Christ's Gospel and his law powerfully and plainly preached amongst
you, that all that fear God in those parts may unitedly feed
together in the ways of the Lord, and your children may be
converted, and the seed of strangers also. Thus we subscribe
ourselves your brethren in the best bonds.
Owned in our Church-meeting, November 27th, 1741, and signed by us
in the name of the Church.
WM. GRANT.
The original letter, in the handwriting of Mr. Grant, is in the
possession of T. Grundy, Esq., Northampton.
When Mr. Grant's infirmities greatly increased, both he and his people
were anxious to obtain an assistant before his departure. Prayer was
presented fervently on this behalf, that they might have a pastor come
after God's own heart. The fears of the people were great, on account of
their attachment to the ministry of Mr. Grant, that no one would be so
acceptable as to keep them together; as they considered few so
acceptable in the pulpit as Mr. Grant. After several disappointments in
probationers for the office, there remained this ground of hope--unity
of spirit and prayer were given and continued.
After a time they received information of Mr. John Carver, who was
pastor of a small Church in the village of Kirtling, Cambridgeshire, as
one that was very likely to suit them. He came and preached to them two
Sabbaths. General satisfaction prevailed in the Church and congregation;
without one dissenting voice they desired him to come and remain among
them. Mr. Carver accepted their call, and removed with his family to
Wellingborough, October 30th, 1770. The ordination took place June 20th
in the following year, which appears to have been conducted according to
the more general practice of the Churches. Mr. Smith, of Oundle, read
the hymns; Mr. Hayton began in prayer; Mr. Bond, of Toft, delivered the
introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions; Mr. Simmons, of
Bedford, gave the exhortation to the people, from Col. ii. 5, 6; Mr.
Ashpiner, of Poole, in Dorset, prayed; Mr. Gregson, of Rowell, gave the
charge, from Rom. i. 16; Mr. Walker, of Olney, concluded the service.
"And, blessed be the Lord!" it is added, "it was a very solemn day.
Every part of it was conducted with great order and satisfaction."
Then we have the covenant of the Church renewed; and another covenant
after revolt, partly given in the following terms:--
We, the members of the Church of the living God assembling at
Wellingborough, having greatly revolted from our dear Lord, in a
deep sense of both former and later miscarriages against his love,
blood, honour, crown, and dignity, as King of Souls and Churches,
&c.
This seems to be imperfect, as it breaks off abruptly here.
During Mr. Carver's ministry, we find three who became members of the
Church, that afterwards became pastors of Christian societies--viz.: Mr.
Perry, the first pastor of the Church at Wollaston; Mr. Hennell, its
second pastor; and Mr. Hillyard, the first pastor of the Church at
Brigstock, and afterwards for many years minister at Olney.
In the year 1791 the present Meeting House was built. We are informed
"that there was much conversation previously on the subject; and at
length the congregation agreed to do it, if the expense could be
defrayed among themselves, without dependence on others." This was a
noble spirit. A subscription was opened among them, and found to be of
sufficient amount to warrant their proceeding in the business. While the
building was going forward they conducted a part of their service in
Cheese Lane Meeting, by the kind permission of the stated congregation
there. On the 11th of September, 1791, they met for the first time in
their new place of worship. "The satisfaction arising from having a
commodious large place of worship for ourselves and our posterity,
without assistance from anyone, was great indeed."
The following account of Mr. Carver's life, character, and ministry, was
drawn up by the late Mr. Bull, of Newport, the friend of Newton and
Cowper.
The Rev. John Carver was born A.D. 1733, at Southill, in
Bedfordshire, and was several years a member of the Independent
Church in that place, of which Church his father was a deacon. That
piety and those talents which shone with increasing lustre to the
close of his life, discovered themselves at a very early period; but
unaffected modesty and conscientious motives prevented his entering
into the ministry till he had completed his thirtieth year. He began
by privately exercising his gifts before the Church, and afterwards
established an evening lecture among his poor neighbours, to whom he
preached after the labours of the day were closed. He continued
these exercises, and some occasional services, a considerable time
before he relinquished his secular employment and devoted himself
entirely to the service of the Church. At length, however, he
accepted the unanimous and urgent invitation of a small but
affectionate congregation at Kirtling, near Newmarket, in
Cambridgeshire. With this people he remained until his removal to
Wellingborough, where he continued his ministry with great
respectability and usefulness near twenty-seven years, his life and
his labours ending on January 31st, 1797.
Mr. Carver had not the advantage of an academical education; but his
understanding, naturally vigorous, was cultivated by reading and
reflection. In conversation he was habitually serious without gloom,
and cheerful without levity. He possessed to an uncommon degree the
happy talent of giving a devotional turn to almost every subject.
Far from assuming any consequential airs, he alone seemed insensible
to what every one else perceived, that he was the life and soul of
the company. While the advanced Christian felt himself edified by
the depth and solidity of his remarks, the young, to whom he paid a
particular attention, were charmed by his affectionate address, the
simplicity of his language, and the aptness of his illustrations.
Though he did not pretend to an acquaintance with the original
languages, his biblical knowledge was truly respectable. A sound
judgment, a correct taste, and extraordinary diligence in reading and
studying the word of God, joined with a proper use of our best
commentators, enabled him to appear to great advantage as an interpreter
of Scripture.
In preaching, he never addressed the passions, but in subservience
to reason and truth. In explaining and defending the doctrines and
precepts of Christianity he was calm, perspicuous, and often very
ingenious. He was a firm but not dogmatizing advocate for the
sentiments usually styled Calvinistical. In the practical and
applicatory parts of his discourse he was peculiarly striking. His
numerous hearers will doubtless long remember with what solemnity of
voice and manner, with what pointed energy of expression, he warned
the young, the thoughtless, and the dissipated; with how much skill
and tenderness he administered the consolations of the Gospel to
those who laboured under spiritual discouragements. On these
occasions, not only his voice and gesture, but his countenance, and
not unfrequently his tears, expressed the interest he felt in their
eternal welfare. He greatly excelled in prayer. Often was his large
congregation visibly affected by the seriousness and importunity of
his addresses at a throne of grace.
In private life he was truly exemplary. As a husband and a father,
his prudence, gentleness, and love, the evenness of his temper and
regularity of his conduct, commanded the veneration and promoted the
happiness of his family. Under the pressure of great, not to say
unparalleled afflictions, he was resigned; when troubles came in
upon him as a mighty flood, his heart was still fixed, trusting in
the Lord. Those who have witnessed his deportment on the most trying
occasions have confessed their astonishment, and felt themselves
constrained to say, "Verily this is the Lord's doing, and marvellous
in our eyes."
One part of his character we must not omit. He was an eminently
peaceable man. To obtain and preserve peace he would sacrifice
everything, a good conscience only excepted. The happy fruits of
this disposition, and the beneficial effects of such an example,
will, we trust, continue to be enjoyed many years by those who have
had opportunity of observing his great anxiety and unwearied
exertions for the sake of peace.
In his last illness, though his disorder was of a very painful and
distressing nature, yet neither the extremity of his sufferings on
the one hand, nor their long continuance on the other, did ever
extort from his lips a single expression of impatience or distrust.
His understanding was unimpaired and his faith unshaken to the last
moment; and he expired in the act of repeating that triumphant song,
"O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?"
After the death of Mr. Carver, the congregation was unsettled for some
time, and was dependent on supplies through the next two or three years.
At length Mr. Bell was invited to become their pastor. But his ministry
proved of short continuance. It is said, "that he was possessed of good
talents; but was very high in doctrine, denied the Gospel call to
sinners as sinners--that he manifested too great a degree of levity,
having much jocular wit." "He came to Wellingborough like a burning
light, and went out like a candle in the estimation of many. There were,
most probably, faults on both sides; but some sad effects resulted, it
is considered, from his sentiments and his levity." He continued only
two or three years.
Mr. Renals was the next pastor of this Church. His ordination took place
January 7, 1804. On that occasion, "Mr. Hennell, of Wollaston, formerly
a deacon of the Church, engaged in supplicating the divine presence and
blessing; Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, delivered the introductory
discourse, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Renals'
confession of faith; Mr. Bull, of Newport, offered up the ordination
prayer, with imposition of hands; the charge succeeded, by Mr. Grundy,
of Lutterworth, from I Tim. iv. 6; Mr. Gill, of Harborough, addressed
the people, from Phil. ii. 29; Mr. Washbourn, fellow labourer with Mr.
Renals in the same town, concluded with prayer.
The congregation assembled again in the evening, when, after prayer by
Mr. Hillyard, of Bedford, Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached from Psalm
xxii. 30, and Mr. Phillips, of Chedworth, Gloucestershire, closed the
service with prayer." In connexion with this account it is stated, "that
a very large concourse of people, and thirty ministers, were the
agreeable witnesses of this important and happy settlement; and it is
with the sincerest pleasure we add, that the most complete union subsists
between both the Independent ministers of this town, and that the spirit
of brotherly love prevails among the people. May it be perpetual!"
Mr. Renals' ministry extended over 43 years in this situation, so that
he was one of a remarkable list of four pastors of this Church, whose
united services here make up 150 years. During the pastorate of Mr.
Renals, 113 members were added to the Church; he resigned his charge in
the year 1847.
Numerous changes had taken place in the congregation during Mr. Renals'
labours among them; there was a considerable decline in the number of
hearers in many of the latter years of his ministry, and the Church
became reduced to thirty members; this would be partly owing to another
Independent Church being formed in the town, and partly to unpleasant
circumstances that arose among them. But Mr. Renals had some sincere and
attached friends to the close of his life. He was born in the village of
Rempstone, in Nottinghamshire, April, 1769. His mother was a pious woman
of the Baptist persuasion, from whose counsels and prayers he derived
spiritual advantage. When he arrived at mature age, he resided some time
in Leicester, where he frequently heard and much admired that eminent
clergyman, the Rev. Thomas Robinson, of St. Mary's, well known for his
clear evangelical views, and for the zealous and devoted manner in which
he preached the Gospel in that town for many years. Mr. Renals
afterwards settling in Nottingham, became a member of the Church at
Castle Gate Meeting, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Richard
Alliott, by whom he was introduced to Rotherham College, which he
entered in the autumn of 1798. Being then nearly thirty years of age,
and not having had the advantages of preparatory training, the tutors
wisely deviated from their usual course, and directed his attention
chiefly to theological studies. He first preached for a time at
Hinchley, in Leicestershire, going thither in 1802, but removed to
Wellingborough in the closing part of the next year. He had a vigorous
constitution; preached three times every Lord's-day; was a warm advocate
for maintaining the afternoon service, in opposition to the modern plan
of morning and evening only. He frequently preached on a week evening,
in some of the villages in the vicinity of Wellingborough. He was a man
of genuine piety, decided attachment to the principles of the Gospel,
sterling integrity, and considerable activity. If his mind was not
strictly logical, his spirit was devotional; if his temper was not
always amiable, his heart was sincere; if prudence did not guide in
every effort, the aim, we believe, was always upright; if there was not
excessive candour, there was much genuine kindness. Advancing years
presented a softening, meliorating, ripening influence. He would labour
in the cause of God, until entirely prevented by his last affliction.
While he cordially welcomed his successor in the ministry, and offered a
fervent prayer at his ordination for him and for the people over whom he
had so long presided, "he continued preaching most Sabbaths at the
village of Finedon, whither he was preparing to go when his last
affliction compelled him to desist and relinquish the attempt." After a
few weeks of considerable suffering, borne with exemplary patience and
fortitude, enjoying perfect peace and a hope full of immortality, he
died, being nearly 80 years of age.
Mr. Cornelius Curtis Tyte, from the academy of Rotherham, was
unanimously invited as successor to Mr. Renals. He was ordained in
October, 1847, when Mr. Bellamy, of Sheffield, now of Buckingham,
delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Renals offered the ordination
prayer; and Dr. Stowell, Mr. Tyte's tutor, delivered the charge, from
Col. iv. 17. In the evening, Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached to the
people from Acts ii. 42. Since this time 21 members have been added to
the Church. The present number of communicants is 37. There are 100
children in the Sabbath-schools; in actual attendance, between 80 and
90.
Occasional services are conducted in one village in the vicinity of
Wellingborough, the village of Finedon. The happy union of the present
pastor and his people, and the harmony that subsists between them and
the other ministers and congregations generally in the town, present, we
trust, a cheering prospect for the future, that "walking in the fear of
the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, they may be greatly
edified and multiplied."