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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-04 07:13:07 -0800 |
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diff --git a/old/63315-h/63315-h.htm b/old/63315-h/63315-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 76d23cf..0000000 --- a/old/63315-h/63315-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1847 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html - PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII" /> -<title>Thirty years’ history of the church and congregation in Prince’s street chapel, Norwich, by John Alexander</title> - <style type="text/css"> -/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ -<!-- - P { margin-top: .75em; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - P.gutsumm { margin-left: 5%;} - P.poetry {margin-left: 3%; } - .GutSmall { font-size: 0.7em; } - H1, H2 { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - } - H3, H4, H5 { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - } - BODY{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - table { border-collapse: collapse; } -table {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;} - td { vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid black;} - td p { margin: 0.2em; } - .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ - - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - - .pagenum {position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: small; - text-align: right; - font-weight: normal; - color: gray; - } - img { border: none; } - img.dc { float: left; width: 50px; height: 50px; } - p.gutindent { margin-left: 2em; } - p.gutlist { margin-top: 0.1em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -1em} - div.gapspace { height: 0.8em; } - div.gapline { height: 0.8em; width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid;} - div.gapmediumline { height: 0.3em; width: 40%; margin-left:30%; - border-top: 1px solid; } - div.gapmediumdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 40%; margin-left:30%; - border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} - div.gapshortdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; - margin-left: 40%; border-top: 1px solid; - border-bottom: 1px solid; } - div.gapdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 50%; - margin-left: 25%; border-top: 1px solid; - border-bottom: 1px solid;} - div.gapshortline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; margin-left:40%; - border-top: 1px solid; } - .citation {vertical-align: super; - font-size: .5em; - text-decoration: none;} - span.red { color: red; } - body {background-color: #ffffc0; } - img.floatleft { float: left; - margin-right: 1em; - margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - img.floatright { float: right; - margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - img.clearcenter {display: block; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em} - --> - /* XML end ]]>*/ - </style> -<link rel='coverpage' href='images/cover.jpg' /> -</head> -<body> -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Thirty years’ history of the church and -congregation in Prince’s street chapel, Norwich, by John Alexander - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Thirty years' history of the church and congregation in Prince's street chapel, Norwich - - -Author: John Alexander - - - -Release Date: September 27, 2020 [eBook #63315] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THIRTY YEARS’ HISTORY OF THE -CHURCH AND CONGREGATION IN PRINCE’S STREET CHAPEL, NORWICH*** -</pre> -<p>Transcribed from the 1847 Josiah Fletcher edition by David -Price.</p> -<h1>THIRTY YEARS’ HISTORY<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">OF THE</span><br /> -CHURCH AND CONGREGATION<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">IN</span><br /> -PRINCE’S STREET CHAPEL,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">NORWICH.</span></h1> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">BY JOHN ALEXANDER,<br /> -<b>Pastor</b>.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">NORWICH:<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">JOSIAH FLETCHER, UPPER -HAYMARKET,</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">AND JARROLD AND SONS.</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">LONDON: JACKSON AND WALFORD.</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">1847.</p> -<h2><a name="pageiii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -iii</span>PREFACE.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> following history was read to -the congregation of the Rev. John Alexander, at a tea party in -St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, on Tuesday evening, April 6, -1847, which was held for the purpose of celebrating the thirtieth -year of his ministry. It is now published in compliance -with their request, and in the same style of personal address in -which it was originally delivered. After it had been read, -several members of the congregation addressed the meeting; and -the following resolutions were unanimously passed:—</p> -<p>I. Moved by Mr. Thomas Banks, seconded by Rev. J. -Bryan.</p> -<blockquote><p>“That the history of the Church and -Congregation connected with Prince’s Street Chapel, during -the last thirty years, which has now been read, should awaken in -our minds devout gratitude to God for graciously enabling us to -overcome the various difficulties which have arisen in our -course; for the enlargement, peace, and prosperity which have -been granted to the Church, and to the Institutions associated -with it; and for bringing us together at this time under -circumstances which are calculated to awaken encouraging hope for -the future.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="pageiv"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -iv</span>II. Moved by Mr. Joseph Colman, seconded by Mr. -Thomas Brooks.</p> -<blockquote><p>“That on this Thirtieth Anniversary of the -residence of our beloved Pastor in Norwich, we are devoutly -grateful to God for having first directed him hither, and for -having permitted him to labour so long and so successfully -amongst us: that we affectionately thank him, for his constant -and faithful devotedness to the work of the ministry and the -welfare of his people; and that we earnestly pray, that for yet -many years to come, he may be spared to enjoy richly the -blessings of the gospel, which he dispenses to others.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>III. Moved by Mr. Frederic Pigg, seconded by Mr. Charles -May and Mr. Josiah Fletcher,</p> -<blockquote><p>“That an increased acquaintance with the -doctrines and influence of the gospel of Christ, deepens our -conviction of the importance of steadfastly adhering, in our -Christian profession and practice, to the great and essential -truths of evangelical religion, as declared by this church at its -formation; and of promulgating them universally, in connection -with those principles of ecclesiastical polity, which we believe -to be alike in accordance with sacred scripture, and with -religious liberty.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The speeches delivered on this interesting occasion were -reported in the <i>Norfolk News</i> of April 10, 1847, and the -following account of the meeting is extracted from its -columns:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“On Tuesday evening the congregation of -Prince’s Street Chapel, Norwich, held a Soirée in -St. Andrew’s Hall, for the purpose of celebrating the -thirtieth anniversary of the ministry of the Rev. John -Alexander. About eight hundred persons of all ranks, and -including some of various religious bodies, were present, <a -name="pagev"></a><span class="pagenum">p. v</span>in testimony of -one who has earned in no common degree, the esteem of his fellow -citizens. We may refer to this tea party as an admirable -example of the mode in which occasions of public interest may be -made the means of stimulating social sympathies, and of promoting -that harmony between the wealthy and the poor, which in England -has been so long and so unhappily interrupted. We may refer -also to the review of the history of Prince’s Street -chapel, and of the church and congregation assembling there, -which was read by Mr. Alexander, as a narrative not only full of -interest to all who desire the advancement of religion, but full -of instruction to all who question the power of the voluntary -principle. Here we have an account of a chapel raised, of a -church formed, of a congregation collected to the number of 1000 -persons, of missions planted in two neighbouring hamlets, of a -large Sunday school established, and of the active and efficient -maintenance of all these during thirty years, by a comparatively -poor body of persons, at an expense altogether of upwards of -twenty-two thousand pounds. Such a result is no mean proof -of the efficacy of willinghood, when called into exercise by the -ministry of a faithful and zealous pastor, and exerted by an -affectionate and devoted people.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The history which our esteemed minister read at the meeting, -and which is now printed from his manuscript, it is hoped will be -an interesting and useful document, especially to <a -name="pagevi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. vi</span>his own -church and congregation, because it will call to their -remembrance “all the way which the Lord their God hath led -them” these thirty years; and, as a few additional copies -will be published for the use of the public, it may serve to show -to persons in general, the principles and working of a -congregational church, during a long and varied period of its -existence.</p> -<p>Some beautiful verses composed for the occasion, are inserted -at the conclusion of the history.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">JOHN VENNING,<br /> -Chairman of the Meeting.</p> -<h2><a name="page7"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 7</span>THIRTY -YEARS’ HISTORY.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Thirty</span> years are an important -period in the history of an individual, and even in the history -of the world; and during the last thirty years, many events have -occurred, especially in this country, by which society has been -materially and extensively affected. Civil and religious -liberty has been advanced; parliamentary representation has been -reformed; Test and Corporation Acts have been repealed; -Catholics, and Protestants of all denominations, have been -rendered equally eligible for civil offices, and for senatorial -seats; slavery, throughout the British Colonies, has been -abolished; commerce has been brought into fellowship with -freedom; the power of steam has increased the facilities of -manufacturing and of travelling a thousand fold; and various -institutions, for benevolent and religious purposes, have been -established in our <a name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -8</span>land. But, during these thirty years, while these -remarkable changes and improvements have been taking place, a -whole generation of human beings, not less in number than eight -hundred millions, have finished their earthly course, and have -passed into eternity!</p> -<p>During that important period, it has been my privilege to -reside in this city, and to exercise my ministry among you the -members of my church and congregation; and the close of such a -period, affords a suitable opportunity for presenting you with a -brief history of the erection of our place of worship, of the -formation and advancement of the church, and of other -circumstances, connected with our spiritual and ecclesiastical -affairs.</p> -<p>Early in the year 1817, while I was pursuing my studies -preparatory to the christian ministry, in the college at Hoxton, -now removed to Highbury, I received an invitation to visit -Norwich, and to preach, for a few Sabbaths, in the -Tabernacle. This invitation, being sanctioned and urged -upon me by the Committee of the Institution, I accepted for a -period of three weeks, and I left London, by the Day Coach, on -the morning of Good Friday, April 4th, 1817. It <a -name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 9</span>was a cold and -comfortless journey; the North-east wind blew bitterly; a -passenger on the coach filled me with anxiety and alarm by his -account of the state of things in the Tabernacle; and a few miles -before we reached the city, we were informed that, just as the -Packet was starting to Yarmouth that morning, the boiler had -burst, and eleven of the passengers had been frightfully mangled -and destroyed. On arriving at the city, I went, as I had -been directed, to the Tabernacle house, where Mr. Phillips, the -aged minister, resided, and where I expected to lodge. The -good old man and all his household had gone to bed; and when, -after loud and long knocking at the door, I awoke him from sleep, -and told him my name and my object in coming, he replied, -“I really don’t know you, Sir,” and instantly -shut down the window. This reception, or rather rejection, -though afterwards in some measure explained and apologized for, -was sufficiently discouraging; but as it was impossible to return -to London that night, I determined to sleep at the Inn, and to -wait for the disclosures of the morrow. I was then -introduced to a few of the people, who received me kindly. -The good old minister, too, interested <a name="page10"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 10</span>and amused me by his lively and -picturesque descriptions of his ministerial life; and I began to -think that perhaps I might remain till the three weeks had -expired. On the first Sunday evening, I preached a sermon -in reference to the Steam Packet catastrophe, which had happened -on the Friday. The text was Matthew xxiv, 44: -“Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye -think not, the Son of man cometh.” The place was -crowded. The Lord himself stood by me and strengthened -me. The congregation listened with impressive silence and -attention. Many minds seemed to be deeply affected; and I -left the pulpit that night, thanking God, and taking -courage. On the two following Sabbaths, the congregations -were equally large; and when they were over, I returned to -London, partly to pursue my studies, and partly to prepare an -oration on the subject of Ancient Heathenism, which I had been -appointed to deliver at the anniversary of the college; but, -before I left, I promised to return, and to preach during the -whole of the Midsummer vacation.</p> -<p>My labours at the Tabernacle were resumed on Sunday, July -6th. During this visit, the congregations were very -encouraging; and the <a name="page11"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 11</span>people were so earnest in requesting -me not to return to London at the end of the six weeks’ -vacation, that, after consulting with my tutors, I agreed to -remain till the legal opinion was given, which would determine -whether the pulpit and the place of worship were under the -control of the church, or of the Trustees. That opinion did -not arrive till the fourteenth of December. It was the -sabbath day. On going to the Tabernacle, I was informed -that the decision was in favour of the Trustees; and as I had -been invited, not by them, but by the church and congregation, I -had therefore no legal right to continue to occupy the -pulpit. I had prepared two sermons for the day. The -text in the morning was, 2 Corinthians iii, 18: “We all, -with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, -are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by -the Spirit of the Lord.” At the close of the service, -I informed the congregation of the legal decision which had been -given by the Barrister to whom the question had been referred, -and I gave notice that my last sermon in the Tabernacle would be -preached in the evening. A very large congregation -assembled, and much excitement <a name="page12"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 12</span>and perplexity prevailed. My -text was, Psalm xxx, 5: “Weeping may endure for a night, -but joy cometh in the morning.” That text, it was -often said afterwards, built the new chapel. The people -felt as if the language was prophetic; and amidst their night of -weeping, they began to look forward to the morning joy. My -own mind was, however, rather relieved by a decision which seemed -to open the way for my retirement from Norwich. I had -received the most affectionate kindness from the people; they -were evidently exceedingly desirous to secure me as their -minister; and they were willing to make any sacrifices to induce -my continuance. But the prospect of having to build a -chapel; to re-organize the church; to instruct and train up the -people in congregational principles; to originate Sunday Schools, -and other institutions; to control and calm the feelings which -had been excited by the collision with the Trustees of the -Tabernacle; and other circumstances, led me to shrink from an -undertaking for which I felt I was incapable, owing to my youth -and inexperience. The invitation to become their minister, -which was given me, and which was signed by four hundred persons, -was <a name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -13</span>therefore declined on the second of January, 1818; and I -took my place in the coach, to return to London, on my way to -Kidderminster, where I had been requested to supply. But on -the day of my departure, a deputation from the people waited on -me, and pressed upon me the invitation with such affectionate -earnestness, and with such assurances respecting the building of -a new chapel, that I felt the appeal to be irresistible, and I -promised to lay the whole matter before my tutors and friends, -and to make it the subject of serious and prayerful -re-consideration. The result was, a determination to -return; and I did return to preach my first sermon in the -Lancasterian School, on the twenty-fifth of January, 1818. -The text was, “O Lord, I beseech thee send now -prosperity”—a prayer which, from that time to the -present, the God of mercy has abundantly answered. In that -school room we worshipped twice on the Sunday, and in the French -church on the week evenings, for nearly two years. The -congregations on the sabbath, and especially in the evening, were -as large as the place could contain; many “times of -refreshing” were granted to us from the presence of the -Lord; and we often said, “This <a name="page14"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 14</span>is none other than the house of God, -and the gate of heaven!”</p> -<p>We were now anxiously occupied in seeking for a suitable piece -of ground on which to build our chapel; and after long delay, and -many difficulties, the present site was purchased, and I laid the -foundation stone, on the 16th of March, 1819. An address -was delivered on the occasion, which was afterwards published; -and the following inscription was engraved on a brass plate, -which was laid on the top of the stone, in the centre of which -were deposited several specimens of current coin: “This -plate was deposited the sixteenth day of March, one thousand -eight hundred and nineteen, and in the fifty-ninth year of the -reign of George the Third, in the foundation stone of a -Protestant Dissenting Chapel, erected on a piece of freehold -ground, in the City of Norwich, and in the parishes of St. -Michael at Plea and St. Peter Hungate, by the congregation -attending the ministry of the Rev. John Alexander.” -The building was completed in about eight months; and the time -drew near for us to enter it. The last sabbath which we -spent in the Lancasterian school room, was on November <a -name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 15</span>the 28th, -1819. The last text, was the prayer which Moses addressed -to God, in Exodus xxxiii, 15: “If thy presence go not with -us carry us not up hence.” During our meetings there, -we had enjoyed many tokens of the divine presence; the cloud of -his glory had blessed and sanctified the place; and the preacher -and the people unitedly felt, that it would be better to remain -in that humble dwelling, God being with us, than to enter our new -and beautiful chapel, unaccompanied with his presence. On -the Wednesday following, December 1st, 1819, the chapel was -opened for divine worship. The sermon in the morning was -preached by Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, and many of us remember -how our hearts glowed with holy delight when he read his text, -Exodus, xx, 24: “In all places where I record my name, I -will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.” On -leaving the School Room, we offered up the prayer, “If thy -presence go not with us, carry us not up hence;” on -entering the chapel we received the gracious answer, “I -will come unto thee, and I will bless thee;” an answer -which has been verified from that day to the present. In -the evening Dr. <a name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -16</span>Leifchild preached a most impressive sermon from -Hebrews, xii, 25: “See that ye refuse not him that -speaketh.”</p> -<p>Having thus entered the chapel, our attention was soon -directed to the desirableness of forming a church. After -much deliberation and prayer on the subject, thirteen persons of -good report among us, agreed to unite together in christian -fellowship, believing each other to be the disciples of Christ, -and having the sanction of the minister, and of various christian -brethren. On the 8th of March, 1820, they held their first -ecclesiastical meeting in the vestry of the chapel. The -Rev. William Hull, of the Old Meeting, Norwich, and the Rev. -Alexander Creak, of Yarmouth, presided. After prayer and -the reading of the scriptures, Mr. Creak described the nature and -duties of a christian church; after which Mr. William Parkinson, -one of the members, read the following declaration.</p> -<blockquote><p>“Having invited your presence, as ministers -of Jesus Christ, to recognize and acknowledge our formation into -a christian church, we deem it proper to give you a brief account -of those doctrines of religion which we profess to believe and to -experience.</p> -<p><a name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -17</span>“While we disclaim all regard to doctrines derived -merely from the word of man, we find that the religious -sentiments we profess, and which we receive as the word of God, -correspond with the doctrines commonly called Calvinistic, and -that our sentiments respecting church discipline correspond with -those which are maintained by the body of Protestant Dissenters -commonly called Independents.</p> -<p>“The doctrines contained in our religious creed, and -which we firmly believe to be recorded in the scriptures of -truth, comprise the being, perfections, and unity of God; the -union of the divine and human natures in the person of our Lord -and Saviour Jesus Christ; the personality, deity, and influences -of the Holy Spirit; the fall of man, and its awful consequences -in the universal depravity of human nature; the atonement made -for sinners by the obedience and death of Jesus Christ; the -sovereign and gracious election of the people of God to faith, -and holiness, and eternal life; their justification by faith in -‘the Lord our righteousness;’ their regeneration and -sanctification by the Holy Spirit; their adoption into the family -of heaven; their certain perseverance in grace, and final <a -name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 18</span>acceptance -with God; the resurrection of the body at the last day; and the -final judgment of all mankind at the bar of God.</p> -<p>“We consider a christian church to be a congregation of -believers, voluntarily assembling together, and submitting, in -all things, to Jesus Christ, their only Lord and Master. -Such a church we desire to become; recognizing a pastor and -deacons as our only officers, and asserting our exclusive right -to make our own independent choice of a minister, to watch over -us in the Lord, and of deacons, to attend to our temporal -concerns.</p> -<p>“The ordinances of the church we consider to be Baptism -and the Lord’s Supper. The former to be administered -to unbaptized and believing adults, and also to their infant -offspring; and the latter to be administered to those only who -profess their faith in Jesus Christ, and are joined in fellowship -with his people.</p> -<p>“Having made this declaration of our faith and practice, -in which we all most cordially unite, we confess that, as guilty -sinners, our only hope is in the righteousness of Jesus Christ; -and having, we trust, first given ourselves to the <a -name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 19</span>Lord, we -desire now in your presence, and in the presence of Almighty God, -to unite together in church fellowship, that we may enjoy the -communion of saints, and walk in the ordinances and commandments -of the Lord blamelessly.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>This declaration having been read, the ministers present -acknowledged the persons assembled to be a church of Christ, and -gave to them the right hand of fellowship; after which, the -members shook hands with each other. My dismission from the -Independent Church in Liverpool, under the pastoral care of the -Rev. P. S. Charrier, was then read, on which I was received into -membership with the newly-formed church. Of the fourteen -persons who thus composed this infant church, seven are alive and -remain unto this day: six hundred and sixty-eight persons have -since been added to them making the whole number six hundred and -eighty-two; an increase, for which devout gratitude is due to Him -by whose gracious power alone sinners are constrained first to -give themselves to the Lord, and then to his people according to -his will.</p> -<p>But though a church had thus been formed and recognized by the -pastoral representatives <a name="page20"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 20</span>of other churches, and though I had -become united with it, my membership did not, of course, -constitute me its pastor; but, on receiving an invitation from -the church to sustain that office among them, I at once accepted -it, and it was agreed that my ordination should take place at the -end of May. The independent ministers in the county, and -some of those in the neighbouring counties, were invited to -attend on the occasion, as the representatives of their churches, -in order that their sanction might be given to our proceedings; -and the following extract from the Church Book will shew the -manner in which the service was conducted.</p> -<blockquote><p>“The solemn service of Mr. Alexander’s -ordination to the pastoral office over the church assembling for -divine worship in Prince’s Street Chapel, Norwich, took -place on Wednesday morning, May 31, 1820, in the following -order.</p> -<p>“The Rev. Isaac Sloper, of Beccles, implored the divine -presence and blessing by a suitable prayer, after which he read -the third chapter of the first of Timothy.</p> -<p>“The Rev. Thomas Craig, of Bocking, delivered the -introductory discourse, which contained <a -name="page21"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 21</span>a statement -of the reasons of dissent, and of the principles of a christian -church.</p> -<p>“A brief account of the circumstances which led to Mr. -Alexander’s residence with the people was then read by Mr. -Gurney, one of the members of the church; after which all the -members testified, by holding up the right hand, that they had -unanimously invited Mr. Alexander to the pastoral office.</p> -<p>“In reply to questions proposed by Mr. Craig, Mr. -Alexander gave an account of his religious experience, and stated -his motives for entering the christian ministry; his reasons of -dissent from the Established Church; his cordial acceptance of -the call of the church; his determination, by the help of divine -grace, to approve himself as a minister of Christ; and his belief -in the great doctrines of the everlasting gospel.</p> -<p>“The Rev. George Collison, of Hackney, then offered up a -most solemn and impressive ordination prayer, connected with the -imposition of hands; after which each of the ministers present -gave to Mr. Alexander the right hand of fellowship.</p> -<p>“The Rev. Peter Samuel Charrier, of Liverpool, Mr. -Alexander’s late pastor, addressed to <a -name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 22</span>him a very -affectionate and appropriate charge, from Acts xx, 24: ‘So -that I might finish my course with joy.’</p> -<p>“The Rev. Edward Hickman, of Denton, very affectionately -and suitably addressed the church and congregation, from -Philippians i, 27: ‘Only let your conversation be as it -becometh the gospel of Christ.’</p> -<p>“The Rev. Richard Fairbrother, of Dereham, read the -hymns selected for the occasion; and the Rev. John Dennant, of -Halesworth, concluded the service with prayer.</p> -<p>“The above service was conducted in the presence of a -very numerous and attentive congregation, and evidently in the -enjoyment of His presence, who says to his ministers, ‘Lo! -I am with you always to the end of the world.’ It was -indeed a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and -never may the minister, and never may the people forget the vows -which they then formed, nor lose the impressions which they then -received. May the union, thus solemnly and publicly -recognised, continue uninterrupted and unbroken till terminated -by the stroke of death; and may the pastor and all the people -hereafter meet and dwell together in that <a -name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 23</span>holy and -happy world, where sin, and death, and sorrow, shall be known no -more.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>A church needs however not only a Pastor, as its Bishop, who -is to “give himself continually to prayer, and to the -ministry of the word,” but Deacons also, to superintend its -temporal affairs, and “to serve tables.” The -church therefore, in the first instance, chose two of its members -to that office; a number which has been increased again and -again, as the necessities of the church required. In -addition to the meetings of the church for devotional purposes, -it has always held a meeting once a month for general business, -and these meetings have been chiefly occupied in the reception of -members. Sometimes, when a member has been going to reside -in some other town, we have had to grant him a letter of -commendation and dismission to the church with which he has -wished to unite, and on which that church has received him. -Sometimes, we have had to discuss questions relative to the best -mode of proceeding in the election of officers, and in the -transaction of other business. And sometimes, we have had -to investigate charges against character, and solemnly to exclude -an unworthy <a name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -24</span>member. And when a church can keep “the -spirit of the world” from mingling with its proceedings, -its very discussions, as well as its devotions, are highly -beneficial, and contribute to the acquisition of “manly -piety,” and to the exercise of holy wisdom and of brotherly -love. On such occasions, when every brother is free to -hold, and free to express his own convictions, it is a degree of -liberty which, though liable to abuse, is one of the invaluable -privileges of the church of Christ; and when used in his spirit, -and in accordance with his directions, is one of the sources of -its strength and security. Amidst the great variety of -proceedings in which, as a church, we have had to engage, it has -been our mercy “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond -of peace.” The people have been “kindly -affectioned one towards another, and towards their pastor, in -brotherly love;” so that, amidst our many imperfections and -infirmities, God has dealt very graciously with his servants, and -the cloud of his glory has continued to rest over our -assemblies. Our church meetings, from the beginning, have -been seasons of much spiritual enjoyment and edification. -The letters which have been read to us, from such candidates for -<a name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 25</span>communion -as have been disposed to write them, and the reports of the faith -and experience of the various candidates, which have been related -to us by the brethren who have visited them, have often filled -our hearts with gladness and our eyes with tears, and have been, -beyond all description, edifying and animating to our -souls. Hundreds of those letters, still in the possession -of the pastor, many of them from the hands of beloved young -persons, and some of them written by hands which have long since -“forgot their cunning,” are among the richest rewards -of pastoral labour, and the strongest attestations to the power -and excellency of the gospel of Christ.</p> -<p>In connection with this abundant degree of peace and -prosperity, our course has however been attended, externally at -least, with difficulty and tribulation, and we have had to build -the walls of our Zion in troublous times. It was no easy -thing for a young and inexperienced minister to have the -formation and guidance of an infant church committed to his care, -and at the same time to have to give attention to reading; to -have to prepare three, and afterwards four sermons every week; -besides visiting the sick; <a name="page26"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 26</span>attending a weekly prayer-meeting; -conducting two separate Bible classes, which at one time he had -in charge; preaching occasionally at Thorpe and at Trowse, two -village stations in connection with the chapel; and attending the -committees and public meetings of various religious institutions -in the city and county. In the earlier periods of these -labours, the debt which remained on the chapel began to press -with most burdensome weight; and those who had advanced the -largest sums of money, became more than wishful for -repayment. Once, the income of the minister was taken for -the payment of the interest; but it was immediately returned to -him, doubled in amount, by an affectionate and sympathizing -congregation. One difficulty became, however, the -forerunner and progenitor of another, as is generally the case -when a chapel is burdened with an oppressive debt; and at length -the state of things became so harassing and intolerable, -especially to the pastor’s mind, that after many struggles -and much mental suffering, he wrote a letter resigning the -pastoral office, and sent it to the church on February 4th, -1825. That letter, though sent, was never opened; for just -as the church <a name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -27</span>assembled, an arrangement was completed by which the -burden of debt was diminished, and by which some persons, whose -pecuniary claims had been urgently pressed, were satisfied. -Thus our extremity became God’s opportunity; and the -minister and the people, instead of being separated, became, -through mutual suffering, still more closely and affectionately -united.</p> -<p>As the congregation had become pledged to raise between eight -and nine hundred pounds in five years, to effect the proposed -liquidation of the debt, every hand became engaged in the work, -and great labour and liberality were manifested. But our -troubles were not yet terminated. At the end of two years, -out of the five, it was discovered that the roof of the chapel, -which had been constructed on a false principle, was giving way, -and that it, together with the upper part of the walls, must be -taken down. The expence of doing this would be full three -hundred pounds; we had yet to raise more than that sum towards -the debt; how was it possible to do both? especially as the -congregation must, for some time at least, leave the chapel, and -perhaps be irrecoverably dispersed; for it was now the beginning -of winter, and four or five <a name="page28"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 28</span>months must elapse, before the place -could be repaired, and rendered fit for our return. We were -perplexed, and almost in despair. But again, by God’s -great mercy, our light rose in obscurity, and the night of -weeping was followed by the morning joy. The Lancasterian -School, the Old Meeting House, and the French Church, were kindly -granted to us, for our Sunday and our week-day worship; the -congregation, instead of sinking into despondency, was roused to -exertions the most zealous and liberal; our Christian friends in -the Old Meeting, and in St. Mary’s Chapel—Baptists as -well as Independents, affectionately sympathised with our -circumstances; and in the course of a few days presented to us -the noble sum of upwards of a hundred guineas; the walls were -re-built; a new and substantial roof was raised; and we returned -to the place on the 16th of March, 1828, with as large a -congregation as we had when we left it, and which from that time -continued to increase till every seat was occupied! Then -too, the God of all grace began to enrich us with a greater -increase of spiritual prosperity. Many sinners were -converted; the church was enlarged, and confirmed, and edified; -<a name="page29"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 29</span>our Sunday -Schools were invigorated; our interest in the place, and in each -other, was strengthened; and God himself seemed again to repeat -his gracious promise, “I will come unto thee, and I will -bless thee.”</p> -<p>Since that period we have made several alterations and -improvements in our place of worship; and on one of these -occasions, in 1842, we worshipped in the Dutch Church for the -space of two months. Our own service was in the morning and -evening; and the service of the Church of England, conducted by -the clergyman of the place, was in the afternoon. On one of -the afternoons, the service was conducted by the venerable and -excellent Bishop of the Diocese, who preached from the same -pulpit that had been occupied in the morning by the Dissenting -minister; and during our stay there, we had sermons from -ministers belonging to almost every evangelical denomination of -the Christian church. In our own place of worship too, it -has often been our privilege to contribute, in some degree, to -the general communion of saints; especially at the Lord’s -table, the first place at which Christians should meet, and the -last at which they should separate. There we <a -name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 30</span>have been -joined by Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists, -who have eaten with us of the same bread, and who have drank of -the same cup, in devout remembrance of Him, who purchased the -church with his precious blood.</p> -<p>One of the objects to which we directed our attention, soon -after the opening of the chapel, was the formation of a <i>Sunday -School</i>. Several young persons, of piety and zeal, -offered themselves as teachers, some of whom continue to the -present day, honourably and usefully employed in the beneficial -work. We began in July 1820, with eighty-one -scholars. The pastor advised the teachers to form the -committee out of their own body; to have no more rules for the -regulation of the school than circumstances rendered necessary; -to conduct all their affairs religiously; and to apply to their -minister, whenever they needed help or encouragement. This -undertaking, which has been pursued with unabating ardour and -vigour to the present day, has been abundantly prospered by the -divine blessing. Not less than three thousand children -have, from time to time, received from it some degree or other of -religious instruction. Many of these <a -name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 31</span>children have -become teachers; some of them have died in the Lord; and at our -Sunday School anniversaries, we have listened to many affecting -and spirit-stirring details of the resignation and the joyful -hope, which they have expressed in the prospect of death and -heaven. The school too, has been a fruitful nursery for the -church. For many years past, we have seldom had a church -meeting without receiving some one as a member, whose religious -impressions were either derived or deepened from his education, -or from his employment, in the school. At this time, in -addition to twenty-three youths in the monitorial class, -preparing to become teachers, there are no less than a hundred -and twenty, chiefly young persons, belonging to the church and -congregation, who are actually engaged as Sunday School Teachers -in Prince’s Street, and in our other schools; and though, -during nearly the last thirty years, they and their predecessors -have conducted the general business of the schools entirely by -themselves, yet they have co-operated steadily and cordially; no -root of bitterness has sprung up to trouble them; and, by the -grace of God, they still continue to feel and to manifest -“how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell <a -name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 32</span>together in -unity.” Such an institution, it will easily be -perceived, must have afforded great help to the interests of -religion in the congregation, and great encouragement to the -pastor. It has indeed often been his solace in adversity, -and one of his chief joys in prosperity; and his heart is glad of -the opportunity, which this festival affords, to acknowledge the -large circle of Sunday School Teachers, by whom he is surrounded, -as his fellow labourers in Christ, and as the joy and crown of -his ministry.</p> -<p>Our Sunday School operations however, have not been confined -to the chapel in Prince’s street. We have supplied -Teachers to the school in <i>Pockthorpe</i>, two of whom were -mainly instrumental in raising money for the erection of the -present spacious building, which is used for an Infant School -during the week, as well as for a Sunday School; and we have also -supplied Teachers to the school in <i>Stepping Lane</i>, and to -some others, while we have entirely supported the schools and the -chapels in the villages of Thorpe and Trowse. Mr. Alexander -began to preach in a Room at <i>Thorpe</i> in the year 1819, -which, several years afterwards, began to be supplied by some of -the members of his church. <a name="page33"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 33</span>The attendance there became at length -so numerous and encouraging, that it was determined to build a -chapel; and after encountering many discouraging difficulties, a -suitable piece of ground was obtained; and the present building -was erected, at a cost, including the ground of £450, -towards which one liberal friend contributed £100. -The chapel was opened for divine worship in 1839, and the Sunday -School was formed in the same year. Four religious services -are conducted in the chapel weekly, by members of our church; -about eighty children are instructed in the Sunday School; and -there is a Vestry Library for the use of the congregation. -The Sunday School at <i>Trowse</i> was established as early as -1821, and about seven years afterwards, we began to preach the -gospel there; but we did not occupy the present chapel till -1830. There is religious service in it four times every -week; a Sunday School containing a hundred and fifty children; -and a circulating Library for the use of the village. We -hope soon to be enabled to erect another chapel there in a better -situation, which may also be used for both Day and Sunday -Schools. During the last eight years, <a -name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 34</span>Mr. -Barnsdale, who from the beginning has devotedly laboured for the -welfare of Trowse, has been employed by us as a Missionary in the -two villages of Trowse and Thorpe, on the plan of the City -Mission; and the Reports which he has read at our quarterly -meetings, have made us acquainted, not only with the peculiar -difficulties which the gospel has to contend with in villages -situated near a large city, but also with many blessed triumphs -which that gospel has gained over human depravity, in the -regeneration and salvation of the souls of men.</p> -<p>Our thirty years have therefore been spent, not only in -overcoming our own difficulties, and in establishing and -increasing ourselves, but also in endeavouring to extend the -knowledge and influence of the gospel in the regions -beyond. This indeed is the combined duty of every religious -society. The church was instituted by its divine Lord, not -only for preserving and professing the truths of the gospel, but -also for propagating them. This, you know, has always been -urged upon you from the pulpit as a solemn duty, and though you -have perhaps sometimes felt as if you had been urged too much; -and though your pastor has sometimes <a name="page35"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 35</span>been kindly warned that his own -resources would be diminished, if he so earnestly pleaded for -foreign objects; yet, I trust, many of you have found that the -money you have given, and especially the personal efforts you -have put forth, for the spread of the gospel, have not been in -vain in the Lord, but have been spiritually advantageous to -yourselves, as well as to others. As one consequence of -these appeals and urgings, your pastor has always been associated -with many fellow-labourers in the work of the Lord, who have been -distributors of tracts, collectors for public Institutions, -christian Instruction Agents, Sunday School Teachers, conductors -of prayer meetings, and preachers of the gospel in the -neighbouring villages. And by so doing, you have been the -means of converting sinners from the error of their way, and of -saving their souls from death; your personal piety and the -prosperity of the church has been advanced; your pastor’s -heart has been strengthened and comforted; and the name of Christ -has been glorified. May the Lord of the harvest never fail -to supply us with such labourers, and may all succeeding pastors -and members of the church, be constrained, by the love of Christ, -<a name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 36</span>“to -live not to themselves, but to Him who died for them and rose -again.”</p> -<p>Several other Institutions, which it is needful or desirable -should be formed in connection with a church of Christ, exist -among us; some of which are more particularly for the use of our -own congregation, and others for the general interests of -humanity and religion. The Society for the relief of our -<i>sick and aged poor</i>, was instituted in 1821, and has all -along been most economically and efficiently conducted by a -committee of ladies, who meet for business once a month, and who -visit and relieve the needy and afflicted objects. They -have thus distributed full £330. The <i>Provident -Society</i> was instituted in 1835, and affords an opportunity -for any person in the congregation, or for any child in the -Sunday School, to secure a sum of money weekly during sickness, -and a pension for old age, by paying a proportionate monthly -subscription during health. It has received from these -payments about £200. The <i>Vestry Libraries</i>, -connected with the chapel in Prince’s Street, contain -nearly a thousand well-selected volumes on various subjects, but -especially on religious subjects; to which any persons in the <a -name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 37</span>congregation -have access, on subscribing a shilling a quarter, and to which -the Sunday School Teachers and children have access -gratuitously. Our <i>Christian Instruction Society</i>, was -formed for the purpose of paying religious visits, and for -distributing tracts, in several districts, chiefly in the -neighbourhood of the chapel; and though the subsequent -institution of the City Mission has, in some measure, superseded -its labours, there are now about fifteen agents connected with -it, and it occupies a room in King-street for religious worship -on the Sabbath. We have also auxiliaries and associations -formed among us on behalf of the <i>London Missionary -Society</i>, for sending the gospel to the heathen; on behalf of -<i>British Missions</i>, embracing the Home Missionary Society, -the Irish Evangelical Society, and the Colonial Missionary -Society; on behalf of the <i>County Association</i> for the -spread of the gospel in Norfolk; and on behalf of the <i>Norwich -City Mission</i>; besides granting collections and subscriptions -to various other religious institutions, formed for promoting the -spiritual welfare of our fellow countrymen, and of mankind at -large.</p> -<p>The amount of money required for these <a -name="page38"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 38</span>various -purposes and for the support of the ministry, has of course not -been small. A careful effort has been made, to obtain a -full and correct account; but it has been found impossible to -ascertain all the items. Since the chapel was opened, many -public collections have been made, of which there is no record, -and which are now entirely forgotten. The following account -may be considered correct as far as it goes, and at the end of it -something may be added for omissions.</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><i>Expences -connected with the Building</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">£</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">d.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Cost of ground, building, frontage, and walls, -1819–1820</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4834</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>New roof and connected expences, deducting £100 -given by other congregations</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">200</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Enclosing the chapel inside, and improving the free seats, -&c., 1832</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">91</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">17</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">9</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Children’s gallery, singing pew, 1839</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">178</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Replastering ceiling and walls, 1842</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">176</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">9</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Quarterly subscriptions paid by the seat holders, from -1818 to 1846</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8797</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">14</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><i>Institutions -connected with the Chapel</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Sunday School collections, from 1821 to 1846</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">533</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Collected at Christmas, in several years, for clothing -poor Sunday School children</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">100</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Received and distributed by the Sick and Aged Poor -Society</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">330</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Collected at Christmas, in several years, for the poor</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">153</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Collected at the Lord’s Supper, for expenses, and -for the poor</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">888</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">9</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Purses presented to the minister</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">150</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Purchase, in part, of library books</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">70</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The Provident Society</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">192</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">12</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><a -name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 39</span><i>Thorpe and -Trowse</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Towards the building of Thorpe chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">250</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rent of Trowse chapel, 1830 to 1846</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">196</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thorpe and Trowse mission, from 1839</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">348</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><i>For -Norwich</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Towards the erection of the school at Pockthorpe</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">150</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Towards the support of Pockthorpe Sunday Schools, for 18 -years</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">50</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Towards the erection of the Peafield Schools</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">140</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The Christian Instruction Society</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The City Mission</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">450</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The Norwich and Norfolk Hospital</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">25</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><i>For -Norfolk</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The Norfolk Association for the spread of the Gospel in -the county, from 1821</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">432</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">18</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Towards various chapels in the county, &c.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">187</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><i>For Great -Britain</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Irish Evangelical Society and Irish Congregational -Union</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">50</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>British Missions</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">68</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">15</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>British Society for the Jews</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">22</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Scotch Free Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">21</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Nonconformist Colleges for education of Ministers</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">75</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Collection for the distressed Irish</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">166</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center"><i>Foreign -Missions</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>London Missionary Society, including sums for Baptist -Missions, Moravians, and Irish, from 1820</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2381</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">17</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tract Society</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">478</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>The total amount of all these sums is £22,200 18s. 4d.; -and we may safely add at least £300 for subscriptions and -collections which cannot be remembered; so that, in about -twenty-nine years, there has been collected, for various -purposes, the large sum of £22,500.</p> -<p><a name="page40"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 40</span>All -this money, it must be remembered, has come from a congregation, -which though numerous, has not been rich; and it has been -contributed by them, not as a compulsory tax, but in addition to -the compulsory taxes which they have been compelled to pay -towards the Church Establishment from which they have -conscientiously dissented. We have, therefore, “not -robbed other churches” for the support of our own; but all -our contributions have been given on the voluntary principle, and -as a freewill offering, which in many cases have, no doubt, been -given as unto the Lord, and not unto men. It has indeed -been contributed by a people who have often been taught the duty -and importance of giving both money and personal efforts to the -cause of Christ, as a testimony of allegiance to their Lord and -Master, and as a means of personal prosperity and -usefulness. And let any people, under the influence of -religion, which is the true voluntary principle, be suitably -appealed to by their minister for pecuniary help, on behalf of -institutions for the spread of the gospel, and he will be far -from injuring either them or himself. They will become -better and happier by helping others, and he and his family <a -name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 41</span>will be the -better and the happier too—at least such is the testimony -which the pastor of Prince’s Street can bear, relative to -himself, and to his liberal congregation.</p> -<p>Such, brethren, is our eventful and varied history, as a -church and congregation, during the last thirty years—a -history which, on the review, most impressively reminds your -pastor of many imperfections and infirmities, which have been -connected with him as a man, a christian, and a minister; and on -account of which he finds it needful every day to humble himself -before God, and to say, “Enter not into judgment with thy -servant, O Lord;” and yet a history which, even so far as -he is concerned, has afforded many remarkable manifestations of -divine love and mercy. He had, for many years, an abundant -degree of bodily health, which enabled him to do the work of the -Lord laboriously and happily; he has had a large share of -domestic comfort and privilege, and now is surrounded by a -beloved family, most of whom are his spiritual as well as his -natural relatives, and some of whom are gone to be for ever with -the Lord; he has been privileged with a large degree of public -friendship and approbation, and <a name="page42"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 42</span>has many beloved and esteemed friends -in surrounding churches, some of whom are of other denominations, -and some of whom are the fruits of his ministry; he has, above -all these things, been abundantly honoured and blessed by the -Great Head of the church, in promoting the conversion of sinners, -and the peace and union of the church, in whose affectionate -confidence it has been his privilege to live; and though latterly -health has occasionally failed, and now and then he has been -admonished that his master will soon require his services in -another world, yet, thanks be to God, for that degree of vigour -and buoyancy which yet remains, and which he is more desirous -than ever should be consecrated to your spiritual welfare; and, -thanks be to God, for that good and joyful hope which he -cherishes, that when his earthly labours are concluded, he shall -be gathered to the fellowship of the redeemed and the Redeemer, -in the many mansions of his Father’s house.</p> -<p>But, beloved brethren, the history of the last thirty years -affords many subjects for grateful and humbling review to -yourselves, as well as to your pastor. You have erected a -noble chapel, which will be, I trust, during future years, as it -<a name="page43"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 43</span>has been -during the past, the spiritual birthplace of immortal souls; you -have had a Christian church formed among you, in which “one -is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren,” and -which, through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, has -increased, from fourteen, to nearly seven hundred members; you -have enjoyed, amidst the services of the sanctuary, many a time -of sweet and heavenly refreshing; you have, in connection with -your own place of worship, many valuable institutions, conducted -by zealous and laborious individuals, and which are the salt and -savour of the church; you have two very important and interesting -village stations under your care, in one of which you have built -a chapel, and in both of which you support a worthy missionary, -preach the gospel, and teach Sunday Schools; you have cheerfully -and sufficiently supported your own minister; you have paid your -own congregational expences; and you have contributed to various -religious objects and institutions the noble sum of twenty-two -thousand five hundred pounds; and now, at the close of the first -thirty years of your ecclesiastical history, you have assembled -together, to review the past with <a name="page44"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 44</span>humble gratitude to God; to testify -your unabated attachment to the pastor of your voluntary choice; -and to enter upon another thirty years, which, as they roll -along, will bear away many of you, and me also, into the eternal -world. “<span class="smcap">Let thy work</span>, -<span class="smcap">O Lord</span>, <span class="smcap">appear -unto thy servants</span>, <span class="smcap">and thy glory unto -their children</span>. <span class="smcap">And let the -beauty of the Lord our God be upon us</span>; <span -class="smcap">and establish thou the work of our hands upon -us</span>; <span class="smcap">yea</span>, <span -class="smcap">the work of our hands establish thou -it</span>.”</p> -<h2><a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 45</span>THE -GOOD PASTOR.</h2> -<p class="poetry"><span class="smcap">Thirty</span> years have -rolled away,<br /> -Since that holy, happy day,<br /> -When amongst us first he came,<br /> -In his Master’s cause and name,<br /> -Hearts to gladden—souls to win<br /> -From the power of death and sin.</p> -<p class="poetry">Thirty years their dews have shed<br /> -On his loved and honoured head,<br /> -Since, in all the glow of youth,<br /> -Champion of celestial truth,<br /> -He his hallowed task began,<br /> -Holiest work of fallen man.</p> -<p class="poetry">Since that holy, happy day,<br /> -Many a soul hath passed away—<br /> -Many a soul that listened long,<br /> -To the pleadings, soft, yet strong,<br /> -From his kindled lips that fell,<br /> -For the Lord he loved so well.</p> -<p class="poetry">Since that holy, happy day,<br /> -Who amongst us all can say—<br /> -Say how many hearts have felt<br /> -Stubborn pride within them melt,<br /> -As, with tenderness and love,<br /> -In the Saviour’s cause he strove?</p> -<p class="poetry"><a name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -46</span>Who shall say how many a mind,<br /> -Erewhile erring, weak, and blind,<br /> -Hath, beneath his guiding hand,<br /> -Sought and found “the better land,”—<br /> -Seen its darkness flee away<br /> -In the blaze of gospel-day?</p> -<p class="poetry">This we know and this we feel:—<br /> -Something of his quiet zeal;<br /> -Something of his holy love,<br /> -(Likest that which blooms above)<br /> -Ever quick to soothe and bless<br /> -With its tones of tenderness;</p> -<p class="poetry">Something too we all have known<br /> -Of that wisdom—all his own,<br /> -Wherewith in our darkest day<br /> -He can guide us on our way;<br /> -Something of his genial heart,<br /> -Wherein all the world hath part.</p> -<p class="poetry">Spare him Lord! and spare him long!<br /> -In thy strength may he be strong.<br /> -Spare him still to lead us on<br /> -To the fight that must be won.<br /> -But as thou wilt one day, Lord!<br /> -Take him to his high reward,<br /> -Unto us and him be given,<br /> -One eternal home in heaven!</p> -<p style="text-align: right">R. B.</p> -<h2><a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 47</span>BY THE -SAME AUTHOR.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The Preacher prom the Press</span>. -Sermons to explain and to recommend the Gospel of Jesus -Christ. 2 vols., cloth boards, Price 6s.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Death of a Minister an Event of -Peculiar Importance</span>. A Funeral Sermon for the Rev. -<span class="smcap">John Sykes</span>, of Guestwick.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Mourning Congregation reminded of the -work of their deceased Minister</span>. A Funeral Sermon -for the Rev. <span class="smcap">Joseph Kinghorn</span>, of -Norwich.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Church Membership</span>. An Appeal -to Christians on the Duty and Importance of Communion with the -Church.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Objects and Motives of Modern -Nonconformists</span>. A Sermon preached at the Opening of -Hingham Chapel.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Baptism of the Prince</span>. A -Sermon preached in anticipation of the Baptism of his Royal -Highness the Prince of Wales.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Apostolic Ways in the Church</span>. -The Introductory Discourse delivered at the Ordination of the -Rev. <span class="smcap">Andrew Reed</span>, B.A. in the Old -Meeting House, Norwich.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Christian serving his own -Generation</span>. A Sermon occasioned by the lamented -death of J. J. <span class="smcap">Gurney</span>, Esq.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Brief Memoir of J. J. Gurney</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>. With Portrait. Tenth -Thousand.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><a name="page48"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 48</span><span -class="GutSmall">NORWICH:</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">PRINTED BY JOSIAH FLETCHER, UPPER -HAYMARKET.</span></p> -<pre> - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THIRTY YEARS’ HISTORY OF THE -CHURCH AND CONGREGATION IN PRINCE’S STREET CHAPEL, NORWICH*** - - -***** This file should be named 63315-h.htm or 63315-h.zip****** - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/3/3/1/63315 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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