The encouragement from neighbouring Ministers—A Church formed—First members—Sabbath schools—Chapel purchased—Opening sources—Separation—First pastor—Enlargement, second and third pastors.

This little despised band of Christians, amid all the evil influences at work for their dispersion, were much encouraged by the continued success that attended them.  Had the Established Church provided better spiritual food it is probable the growth of Dissent at best would have been very slow and weak; and had she, instead of the bitterness everywhere manifested, employed more conciliatory means, it would have tended materially to retard the progress of events, which the course pursued rather accelerated by producing conviction of error, and hence leading to a perusal of that volume which is and ever will be the only statute book of the court of hearers, to which duty they were specially and earnestly directed for a solution of all difficulties, a solver of all doubts, and the only safe guide in all practical matters.  They were much encouraged and assisted by many of the ministers from the surrounding Churches.  The Rev. Robert Sloper, of Devizes, who especially took the infant cause under his fostering wing, and hence during his ministry regarded it as part and parcel of his own particular charge,—a kind of out-station to the Church of that place.  Mr. Honeywell, of Melksham, was also very kind to them, visiting and encouraging them as often as his duties at home would allow.  Mr. Jackson, of Warminster, and Mr. Sibree, of Frome, were frequent visitors here.  The latter would invariably have a service on the Monday morning early before he returned home; and it is believed was the means of doing much good.  And p. 43there was the then youthful Jay, of Christian Malford, a name that will doubtless continue in the remembrance of the Christian Church for years to come.  Some of his earliest pulpit productions were delivered here; he consequently ever after felt a deep interest in its progress and prosperity.

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” that about this time several persons of respectability were induced to attend; doubtless various motives were in operation—some were attracted by the juvenility of the preacher, Mr. Jay; others with the simple yet melting piety of Mr. Sibree; and a third class would desire to hear what this new doctrine or sect was which was everywhere spoken against; of many it will be remarked, they were in the way, and the Lord met them—“a timid, feeble, youthful hand may pull the string, but an Unseen One guideth the arrow,” brought to a saving knowledge of the truth; they “laid hold of the skirts of Him that was a Jew saying, we will go with you for God is with you,” and cast in their lot with his people.

An onward course was now imperative; the next step was to organize a Christian Church—a good sign when it springs not from the spirit of faction and wish to appear something but from a healthy action—a desire to keep the commands of Christ, and become local centres of influence, lights to diffuse the Gospel.  Such we trust were the feelings that animated the first band here—a desire to promote their own individual well-being and the glory of God.  Their tried and constant friend, Mr. Sloper, met them in conference, and making every proper inquiry, agreed to form them into a distinct body.  Having laid before them the laws of Christ, the Great Head of the Church, by which they were to be governed, and to regulate their daily conduct, walk, and conversation, promising to preside over them p. 44whenever his duties at home would allow.  The following persons then gave and received of each other the right hand of fellowship:—

Mr. Richard Ward.

Mrs. Ward.

Mr. Wm. Moor.

Mrs. Mary Moor.
   

Mr. Joseph Ward.

Mrs. Ann Ward.

Mr. John Gauntlett.

Mrs. Mary Gauntlett.

Miss Ann Gauntlett.

The two last-named persons are the only ones remaining, the rest are, in the language of the Apostle, “fallen asleep in Christ.”  Miss Ann Gauntlett is a member of the Church assembling at Argyle Chapel, Bath, lately under the pastoral care of the now sainted William Jay: the other continues a member of the Church here.

In the year following, feeling their strength increase, “waxing stronger and stronger,” they proceeded to make provision for the young around them, fully entering into the spirit of that great truth which has since been so extensively carried out, viz., “that the future hope of the Christian Church must be the young,” they opened a school on the Sabbath for boys in the bakehouse of Mr. Gauntlett, the corner of Parsonage Lane, under the joint supervision of that gentleman and Mr. Joseph Ward, and one for girls at the old parsonage house, a little way up the lane, where Miss Saunders had a seminary for young ladies.  This lady took the superintendence of that department: what were the numbers of the pupils and teachers there is now no record.  These things continued until the purchase of the chapel, and the schools were removed thither, when Mr. Saunders (who with his sister about this time joined the Church) took the superintendency of the whole.

We cannot suffer an occasion like the present to pass without according to the memory of that gentleman the respect due to him for those efficient services he rendered.  The energy of mind, the p. 45business-like habits, the sanctified talent, the spontaneous generosity, the unflinching rectitude, and the unwavering firmness which so strikingly formed his character, he brought to bear upon the prosperity not only of the school, which for forty years he presided over with unvarying regularity and constancy, never during that lengthened period been five minutes beyond his time, but the cause of the Redeemer generally, which in its various departments found in him a warm supporter, and especially that part of it with which he was immediately connected as an office bearer.  Many now risen to take part in the activities of life can bear testimony to the tender amenities, the affectionate solicitude, persevering and patient assiduity by which his instructions were characterised.  We deeply deplore those events and circumstances which, under the mysterious arrangements of Divine Providence, have withdrawn the several members of his family from this locality, and thus denied the Church of one of his descendants upon whom the Paternal mantle might have fallen to supply his place, and hand down his name, zeal, piety, and energy to future generations.  We trust that that family will continue to feel a deep and lasting interest in the prosperity of this our Zion.

From the continued accessions made and the decline of those prejudices and animosities which had so long vexed them from without, it became absolutely necessary that increased accommodation should be provided.  Numerous difficulties at first presented themselves, every attempt to obtain suitable premises or a plot of ground eligible for the erection of a chapel was abortive.  After waiting some time, the meeting-house belonging to the Friends before referred to, situate at the east end of the town, was to be disposed of: such a favourable opening naturally created a wish to possess the long-desired boon.  A correspondence upon the subject p. 46was opened, and after due deliberation and counsel it was determined to embrace the offer, and the property was delivered over in trust for the especial use and service of the Church and congregation, under the denomination of I............