pose themselves for admission to church-communion, that thereby we may be able to satisfy the church. We shall inquire into the reasons of those who frequently absent themselves from ordinances. We shall be, as much as in us lieth, reconcilers of differences that may arise, especially between such as are of our Society. We shall concern ourselves with all public accounts in any case relating to the Society. We shall inquire into the state of the poor, and distinguish between such as are of us, and such as are less nearly connected with us. We shall be as far aiding and assisting as we can in each fellowmember's temporal good. We shall concern ourselves, after the decease of any such member, as much as we can in helping and advising those who may survive. They adhered to their brethren, and bound themselves to walk according to God's law, which was given by Moses, the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord, our Lord, and his judgments, and his statutes.'-Neh. x.

29.

'Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things,' Phil. iv. 8."

The above was subscribed by Richard Meyler, David Williams, one of the deacons, and nine others. In connection with deacons, therefore, the church had now a Presbytery, or board of elders, whose duties were clearly defined, and which were substantially the same with those attended to by the elders of a regular Presbyterian church. They were, however, self-appointed, and, perhaps, had not the name of rulingelders. The utility, as well as the scriptural authority for the appointment of such officers, in an Independent church, is, however, maintained by Dr. Owen, one of the fathers of the English Independents; and also by the Rev. Matthias Morrice, in his Social Religion Exemplified.* Dr. Doddridge also entertained the views held by Owen and Morrice; so that he induced the church at Northampton to appoint ruling elders for his assistance in its inspection and government. There is but little reason to doubt of the existence of such officers in primitive times; and they are now found in several of the Independent churches in Pembrokeshire; as, for example, in those at Glyndwr, Rhosycaeran, Fishguard, and Narberth.

It was in the same year that Mr. Meyler began to keep an account of the elders' meetings, and to record, from his own recollections, many historical facts, of a curious and interesting nature. Of his book, now much decayed, and, in some places illegible, the following is the title given by its author: "A Memorial, wherein an entry is made of all Occurrences which relate to the Society, in and near Haverfordwest, under the pastoral care of Mr. Thomas Davies, who do associate themselves occasionally upon all matters which may concern their spiritual good, and the advantages of the congregation in general. It shall be for a memorial, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth.'Exod. xiii. 9. 'That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous,' Prov. ii. 20. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,' Eccl. ix. * See the above invaluable Work, abridged and edited by the late Dr. Ed. Williams, pp. 101-103. + Doddridge's Works, vol. i., p. 56.

10.

They that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name,' Mal. iv. 16." It is, indeed, an interesting monument of the piety and prudence of former times, and has occasionally been of some use in political and legal transactions. In the year 1742, it was produced in the House of Commons, "upon an order from the Chairman of the Committee of Elections." It was advantageously consulted by the agents of the late Richard Bright, Esq., of Ham-green, near Bristol; and was produced in Court at Hereford, during an important trial, in which that gentleman established his title to property of considerable value, both in Pembrokeshire, and in the West Indies. Thus was evinced the importance of church-books, especially when accurately written, and carefully kept, although "admitted as evidence in a court of law merely as any other private books or papers."*

Those who acted as ruling-elders in the chuch at Haverfordwest, met at each others' houses in rotation, and by special appointment, a custom which was pursued by themselves and their successors for many years. Of their resolutions and proceedings, the following seem to require a place here. "At a meeting in Richard Meyler's house, it was resolved, That David Williams, who holds the stock, shall, as soon as convenient, procure the Act of Toleration,t to be kept among us for public use." "Resolved, That David Williams go to Mr. Davies, our minister, and beseech him that the sacrament days at Dredgman-hill may be brought to the accustomed time." "Sept. 21, 1705, resolved, That when any day is appointed by proclamation, whether it be of thanksgiving or humiliation, we have a meeting that evening, according to what is required." From another entry, it appears that "January the 26th, 1706, was the last time Mr. Davies preached at Dredgmanhill," although, after that, he remained upwards of fourteen years at Haverfordwest. In that year, then, it may be concluded that the two branches of the church began to meet for public worship and communion at the Green only.

It

Whether Mr. Davies was married when he settled at Haverfordwest is now uncertain, but it appears that, while there, he married a second time. Of Dorothy, his first wife, nothing more is recorded than that she died in 1708. The second Mrs. Davies was a daughter of Mr. Ford, of Stone-hall, and sister of Mrs. Benjamin Stokes, of Haverfordwest. seems that they had no children, although the Register of Baptisms is not sufficient evidence of the fact. The first entry was made in 1705; from which it appears that he had been about fourteen years at the Green Meeting, before he administered the rite of admission into the visible kingdom of Christ. This, however, having been once done, was frequently repeated, since it appears, from the Register, that the number of infants baptized by Mr. Davies, was not less than seventy. In his time, Mr. Hugh Harries, of Kirkglace, the senior deacon, erected a meeting-house upon his own estate, at Trefgarn; and another place of worship was opened in the town of Pembroke, most

*The words of Sergeant Taddy, as judge in the cause above alluded to.

+ Passed in the year 1689, being the first of the reign of William and Mary.

probably by Mr. Ferriar, of Pennar. To the congregations at those places, as well as at Haverfordwest and Dredgman-hill, Mr. Davies was accustomed to preach in rotation, assisted by Mr. Harries, who declined ordination to the work, though long and frequently engaged in it. Of course, Mr. Davies was "in journeyings often," and must have spent a life of incessant labour, as he was not only a minister, but for some time also an instructor of youth.

From a trust-deed, made on the 25th of August, 1720, in the seventh year of the reign of George the First, it appears that Mr. Davies had then removed to Pembroke, although he is described as "alternately officiating in the respective chapels, or meeting-houses, in Haverfordwest, Pembroke, and Trefgarn, being all but one church." During the twenty-nine years of his ministry, it appears that he admitted to communion not less than one hundred and fiftythree persons. Of these, eight conformed to the Church of England, one of them having previously joined the Baptists. Another, whose name was Thomas Davies, became "Parson of Llanstadwell and Letterstone;" and one, towards the latter end of Queen Anne's reign, was made Collector of Excise. Only one member appears to have been expelled, and only one suspended from communion, while four others withdrew, for reasons now unknown. The character of this excellent and laborious minister is thus given by his successor, who, in a few sentences, includes all the additional information respecting him, which the writer has been able to find:"February 20, 1723, the Rev. Thomas Davies, the late worthy pastor of this congregation, departed this life at Pembroke, in the fiftyseventh year of his age, after a course of considerable usefulness, as a minister and schoolmaster. He distinguished himself by his zeal for pure religion, and by his edifying manner of preaching. He maintained, to the last, the reputation of being an able and sound divine, a great orator, and a sincere Christian. After his second marriage, he met with some troubles, which proved a hindrance to his work and success, especially among his wife's relations. I endeavoured to do justice to his memory, and to recommend a due improvement of the providence which removed him, in the two funeral sermons I preached on the occasion. The first was delivered at his meeting-house, in Pembroke, on the Sabbath after his death; the other at Haverford, on the Sabbath following, from Heb. xiii. 7, 8: 'Remember those who have had the rule over you, and have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation-Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever;'-which God grant that we may all do! Amen."

After the decease of Mr. Davies, the church in Pembroke was again united to that in Haverfordwest; and the people at Trefgarn "chose Mr. William Morrice to be their pastor." On the 20th of September, 1720, the Rev. EVAN DAVIES began to preach at the Green Meeting, and at the request of his predecessor, was chosen pastor. Of his ordination Mr. Meyler gives the following account: "June the 5th, 1723, Mr. Evan Davies was ordained pastor of this congregation. Mr. T. Perrott,* Mr. David Price, Mr. Thomas Davies (our late pastor), Mr. Then Tutor of the Presbyterian College at Car

marthen.

VOL. VIII.

Watkins, Mr. Pugh, and Mr. B, Lewis, were the ordaining ministers. Mr. Price preached, Mr. Davies offered up the ordination-prayer, and Mr. Perrott delivered the charge." In the following year, the meeting-house was improved and enlarged, at the cost of £105. In 1722, "an evening catechetical lecture was set up," which "continued for three winters." In 1732, "a meeting for prayer was commenced," which soon began to be " neglected, until the death of Mr. David Williams, when it was revived." But though several had engaged "to give attendance," it was "dropped in March, 1740, through an electioneering affair, and the disorder which followed in the town. In the same year, Mr. Davies sustained the loss of his wife, who had been a member of the church at Haverford about ten years before her marriage. She is spoken of as one who "went through much trouble, and many difficulties." He preached her funeral sermon, on the following Sabbathday, from 1 Kings, ii. 2, 3; and observes, "This was the last sermon my son Philip attended, before he went to the London Academy." It is not unreasonable, therefore, to infer the piety of Philip, and the pleasure Mr. Davies had in him. His daughter Mary was also religiously disposed, and became a member of the church under her father's care.

On the decease of Mr. Perrott, in 1733, the Carmarthen College was removed to Llwynllwyd, near the Hay, in Brecknockshire, where it was kept by the Rev. Vavasor Griffiths. On his decease in 1741, Mr. Davies was chosen as his successor, and the institution was removed to Haverfordwest. Having been educated in London, under Dr. Thomas Ridgley and Mr. Eames, he was considered as the most proper person in South Wales to whom the office of tutor could then be transferred. At this time two young men, who were members of the church under his care, became students for the ministry. These were Edward Evans, who settled at Bridgenorth in 1747, and David Jenkins, who was ordained at Battle, in Sussex, about the same time. In the church, Mr. Davies appears to have been the instrument of much usefulness, having, in the course of twenty-three years, admitted to communion about seventy-five persons. He was much encouraged and ably assisted by Mr. David Williams, one of his deacons, who was succeeded by Mr. Francis Meyler, surgeon, another invaluable friend and helper. Soon after Mr. Williams's death, his widow, her son David, and three other persons with them, were added to the church at the same time. Of another friend, Mr. John Williams, senior, Mr. Davies observes that he had been successful in training up Richard Thomas, one of his apprentices," and some others, to a religious profession, as Charles and William Hoare, and Margaret, the wife of Richard Thomas." But, while the church increased, it was also diminished, not only by death, but by the removal of members to different places, as well as in ways still more to be lamented. Some withdrew from communion, like those who forsook the Redeemer, and "walked no more with him." Three of the members went to Pennsylvania, and seven to various parts of England and Wales. One joined the Baptists, and one conformed to the Established Church.

* Bogue and Bennett's History of Dissenters, first edit., vol. iii., p. 294.

T

Mr. Davies appears to have been a man of warm and tender feelings, who was deeply affected by the loss of friends, and easily rendered unhappy by anything approaching to unkindness. That which occasioned his removal from Haverfordwest seems to have been the offence taken by some of his people at a funeral sermon which he preached for one of the members, and the indiscreet management, if it may be so called, of a case of church discipline. Of this unhappy affair, he gives the following account: "April 4, 1740, at a preparatory meeting, reproved Jennett, the wife of Oliver Jones, for her bad spirit towards the minister and people, and for her irregular walking in other respects. In consequence of such behaviour, she was required to be absent from our communion on the next Sacrament-Sunday, and till the fruits of her repentance should appear, although this was opposed by some in an improper way. She was, however, kept from the Sacrament till September, 1742, when she was re-admitted through the interference of some who espoused her cause, although they had been zealous against her. This was done before she had given any proof of amendment sufficient to satisfy the minister and some others; and it afterwards appeared that she was employed as a tool for unworthy purposes. May God grant to her, and to them, repentance and forgiveness, both for this and for all irregularities and offences, by which they render me too uneasy to live longer among them, as they seem bent on mischief!" Thus was the worthy minister of the Green Meeting induced to resign his charge and remove to Llany bri, near Carmarthen, when the college was again removed to that town, and when the Rev. Samuel Thomas was associated with Mr. Davies in the labours of tuition. Some time after this, it appears that he left Llany bri, and "took charge of a congregation in Essex." His farewell sermon at Haverfordwest seems to have been composed and delivered in such a Christian spirit, and discovers such marks of prudence and piety, that it could scarcely fail to produce a good impression, and even endear the memory of the preacher to all but such as were unhappily prejudiced against him. His own account of this sermon, inserted in the old church-book, is as follows: "Instead of having my own funeral sermon preached (as I once supposed), where I have preached the funeral sermons of others, on the 25th of September, 1743, I preached, at Haverfordwest, my farewell sermon, from Acts xx. 32: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.' shall here transcribe the conclusion of it, which was as follows:-'Now I have done with my text, and the course of my ministry in this place, yet, before I conclude, it may probably be expected that I should offer some reasons why I resolve very soon to leave you, and the many Christian friends I have in these parts, after nearly twenty-three years' settlement here, and after being, I must acknowledge, in the main, well treated by all parties. But I must be excused, however lawful or necessary I think selfvindication, on proper occasions and in proper places, from entering upon it here at this time; as it would bring in with it some personal reflections and censures, which is what I have always * See 1 Tim. v. 20.

I

endeavoured to avoid in the pulpit, as beneath the dignity of Divine Service, and seldom answering any good end. I will not, therefore, now meddle with so disagreeable a subject as the unhappy occasion of my departure, but endeavour, more than ever, henceforth to forget it. And when I and mine are removed from the sight of those who have differed with us, and are at a distance from them, I hope they will also drop all the prejudices they may now entertain. Whatever has been amiss in any of us, on either side, Father, forgive us, and lay it not to our charge! By due humiliation and seasonable repentance, may we be qualified to receive tokens of the Divine fa. vour again, that we may hereafter meet with joy at our Lord's right hand, and be found of him in peace! God grant that it may be my comfort, if I live, to hear well, O souls, of you all! And as the Apostle Paul charges the Philippians (chap. i. 27), so would I now charge you: "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." As it is my heart's desire and prayer that you may all be saved, let me recommend it to you (and 'tis what I would do with my dying breath, since I know not but it may be my last counsel of this kind), that you seek to secure your salvation as the one thing absolutely needful. Take care that you wrong not your own sculs, nor hurt the cause of religion, however it goes with you. I hope that some of you, at least, will prove my crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus-that religion will still continue to flourish among you-and that even what has now happened may turn out to the furtherance of the Gospel. "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," I again commit you, and shall continue in my prayers to do so, I hope, when I am gone, though I should see your faces here no more. But, before we part, I have one request more to make of you who are praying Christians, which is, that your prayers may go with me. We should often meet at the throne of grace, if on earth we never meet again. "Pray for us; for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly," Heb. xiii. 18. My dear friends, who love me, and are, perhaps, loath to part with me, resign me to God, and submit to Providence in this matter. Exercise your love to me and mine on this occasion by commending me and all my family, in our present removal and distress, to God's protection, blessing, and grace, which are all-sufficient. Deny not your prayers, when thus requested by one who has spent the best part of his life in praying for you, and in preaching to you. Deny not this, in return for his poor but well-meant endeavours to serve your best interests; and for this, and for all the fruits of your past love to me and mine, my beloved brethren and friends, may Heaver graciously and abundantly reward you. Amen!"

Mr. Davies was succeeded by the Rev. JENKIN JONES, a young man who had just finished his studies in Coward College, then at Northampton, under the celebrated Dr. Philip Doddridge and the Rev. Job Orton. All that is said of him in one of the church-books, is, that he "preached to the congregation for some time," and died at Haverfordwest. But, in con

sequence of a letter addressed to the writer of this history by Joshua Wilson, Esq., of London, in 1821, the object of which was to obtain information respecting Mr. Jones, inquiries were made of the oldest members of the church and congregation, and not without success. According to the account then given by the late Mr. Thomas Morris, and the late Mr. John Griffiths, Mr. Jones was suspected of Arian or Socinian principles, if he did not openly avow them. His conversation was also destitute of that gravity and of those marks of seriousness and spirituality which Dissenters were accustomed to expect in their ministers, and which are justly regarded as essential to their character and office. In consequence of these things, a division arose in the church with respect to his ordination, which was thus prevented. Mr. John Williams, mercer, having succeeded Mr. Francis Meyler, as deacon, is presumed to have been the individual who is said to have brought Mr. Jones to Haverfordwest, and determined that he should remain if it were in his power to keep him. Accordingly, under his influence, or that of some other gentleman called "Justice Williams," the major part of the church and congregation retained Mr. Jones as their minister. Against this the minority, having in vain protested, withdrew, and opened a temporary place of worship in Quay-street, where they assembled for prayer and occasional preaching until they could return to the Green, which they had no wish finally to forsake. For the desired opportunity they had but a short time to wait. Mr. Jones, being the fine gentleman, and disposed to indulge in the amusements of gentlemen, tock his gun, and went out to the fields as a sportsman! While thus imprudently, and therefore sinfully, spending a portion of his time for exercise and health, and attempting to force his way through a hedge, a thorn is said to have pierced one of his eyes, and that the injury which he thus sustained was such as to terminate in his death! Thus ended an unsuccessful ministry of less than two years' continuance, during which period the church and congregation were considered as suffering in consequence of the treatment of their former minister, whose unimproved labours many of them remembered with humiliation and sorrow. They were now again united, and soon favoured with a minister in whose choice and settlement prayer appears to have been heard, and in whose time days of peace and prosperity were long enjoyed, under the Divine blessing.

5, Gloster-street, Bristol.

JOHN BULMER.

COBOURG, CANADA WEST. DEAR SIR,-Believing that the readers of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS will be interested by hearing that God is setting his seal of approbation to the efforts of the missionaries labouring under the auspices of the Colonial Missionary Society, I hasten to lay before you a brief account of the work of God in the Congregational Church of Cobourg, Canada West, of which I am pastor. It is now upwards of two years and six months since I was called, in the providence of God, to take the charge of this people. Owing to many adverse circumstances, over which we had no control, the cause in this place was then in a very depressed condition. The

church consisted of only fourteen members, and the general attendance on the Sabbath was very small; and it was thought by many, that any further efforts to build up a prosperous church in Cobourg would be in vain. There were some, however, who felt that they could not abandon the cause, after all the struggles through which they had passed, without making one more effort in the name of God, believing that if they fainted not, in due season they would reap a spiritual harvest. These expectations have been more than realized. By means of the exertions which have been made in preaching the Gospel, and other efforts, the entire aspect of cause in Cobourg has been materially changed for the better.

our

In the month of November last we had a precious outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We were engaged in what we term "special efforts" for the salvation of souls. We had assisting us the Rev. J. Burchard, a minister of Christ well known in the United States as an Evangelist. I was led to desire his help, from what I had seen of the result of his labours in connection with the Rev. J. Roaf's church in Toronto, in the year 1843, where his exertions were crowned with great success. Our daily meetings lasted for one month, during which time the chapel was well filled, sometimes crowded to overflowing, while a deep solemnity pervaded the assembly under the preaching of the word.

Among the subjects taught in our "special efforts," were the purity, extent, and uncompromising requisitions of the holy law of God; the total depravity of human nature; the gracious remedy of the Gospel; the divine agency of the Holy Ghost in the conversion of the soul; the nature and indispensable necessity of repentance and of faith; and the final perseverance of the saints.

Mr. Burchard seems to be a man of much prayer, and perfectly evangelical in his views. As the result of these efforts, upwards of forty persons have united with our church, including many heads of families, and enterprising young people, who, we trust, as they are built up in the faith and love of the Gospel, will make active and efficient Christians. One of these young persons, a young man of great promise, intends, Providence directing his way, to give himself to the work of the ministry. Others who were the fruits of this revival have connected themselves with other churches.

In our church, at present, things have a very encouraging appearance. The preaching on the Sabbath, our prayer-meetings, Bible-classes, and Sabbath-school are all well attended. Some of the ladies belonging to us have formed themselves into a Sewing Society, for the purpose of making a bazaar, that thereby they may raise funds for our Canadian Missions. We hope to see them all workers for God and souls, and we have no doubt but it will be so if the power of godliness is kept alive amongst them. church numbers upwards of seventy.

Our

Since Mr. Burchard left us he has been labouring in the churches of Cold springs, Bowmanville, Whitby, and Markham. In Markham God has been moving in greater majesty and power upon the hearts of the people by the manifestations of his Spirit, than has ever been witnessed in that part of the country. In little more than a fortnight upwards of 120 persons appeared to be the subjects of deep religious

feelings, while most of them professed to have given their hearts to the Lord.

It is pleasing to hear of and to witness these delightful manifestations of God's power and love in the midst of our infant churches in this province. We need such encouragements as these. I trust we shall have many more of them, and that the time is not far distant when instead of its being the day of small things with us, our churches will be large and flourishing, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.

Thanking you, dear Sir, for the deep concern which you have exhibited in your Magazines and Binner (all which are read by most of our people in Cobourg) for the scriptural and spiritual advancement of our churches, and for the spread of true religion, I remain,

Yours respectfully and fraternally,
THOMAS SNELL,

Cobourg, Canada West, April 11, 1851.

HONOURED AND BELOVED BRETHREN,It is with unfeigned diffidence that I occupy the position in which your kindness has placed me.. Any apology for having ventured to comply with your wishes would be as unseemly for me to offer as for you to receive. I hold, that you have a right to the best services of any of the brethren whom your suffrages may call to preside over you -services which ought to be the more cheerfully rendered from the very honour which your call to their performance necessarily confers. In my own case, indeed, without any affected modesty, I might question the wisdom of your selection. That there are many of the brethren who have far higher claims to this distinction, I well know; and, had I been at all aware of the intention to propose my name, I should have done my utmost to prevent it. The request, however, having come to me under circumstances so unexpected, my respect for you left me no option; compliance could hardly have been avoided. same kindness which has placed me here will, I doubt not, sustain me in the discharge of the duties now devolving upon me, and will overlook the infirmities which may attend them. This much I will venture to affirm, that I will yield to none of the honoured brethren in strong and steady attachment to those principles which distinguish us as a Denomination, and in a warm interest in the prosperity of this Union. May the blessing of God continually attend it, and make our asscciation a source of far richer benefit and

The

enjoyment for the future than it has been in the past!

And now you will bear with me in the few observations which I mean to submit as introductory to the business which lies before us. Occasions such as the present afford a fit and appropriate opportunity for calling attention to any subject of special interest which may be suggested by our peculiar position, or by the events of the times which may be passing over

us.

As a body of professing Christians, having much in common with other evangelical Denominations, and yet holding principles and bearing witness to truths generally neglected or misunderstood, we do not live for ourselves, but for the common faith, for our country, and for the world. We dare not be indifferent to whatever seriously affects the cause of Christ, or serves to illustrate and confirm our distinctive principles. It is our duty to be observant of what God is doing around us. His providential dealings are continually furnishing important instruction-determining the direction of our duty, and affording manifold opportunities for the exercise of Christian grace.

The events of the few years past have been most remarkable in their character, and have led to issues to most of us wholly unexpected. But a short while ago European society seemed convulsed to its centre. The heavings of the political earthquake were felt far and near. Dynasties were overthrown as in a night. A spirit was evoked which spread rapidly from one kingdom to another, threaten