Records of an English church of Christ
1669 - 1842




Copied from the original by

L. H. CHANNING


PRINTED BY:
Wembley Church of Christ
92, BarnhilI Road
Wembley
Middx.



PREFACE

For over twenty years Len and Joy Channing travelled the length and breadth of the country researching the history of the church in Britain. This publication is the result of their labours. It is not a history book in the normal sense of the word, but a copy of the minute book of one congregation in the north of England.

As we read from its pages it will seem as though we are sharing in their activities, sympathising with their problems and rejoicing in their triumphs. One fact that leaps at us over the centuries is the knowledge that many of the problems that the church faces today are similar to the ones faced by those seeking to follow scripture in the 17th - 19th centuries.

The publication of this book has been a ‘labour of love’ in the hope that as we see how those who have gone before have sought to apply scripture to their lives, we will be encouraged and strengthened to do the same.

Thanks are due to Sue Whitehead of Aylesbury for undertaking the daunting task of typing out all the stencils, and to the brethren at Wembley for printing and producing this book. But most of all, thanks are due to our late brother Len Channing and his wife Joy, for their enthusiasm in seeking the information contained within.
Peter Hodge, Wembley - 1985.



Please note that the original pages are separated by a short line, and some numbers were removed. The spelling remains unchanged from the copy typed by Sue Whitehead. Some formatting, such as columns and spaces between items, has been changed for ease of reading and web accessibility.



The Covenant.

This booke is for the use off that Church of Christ in Broughton Ffurnessfells and Cartmel whereof Mr. Gabrill Camelford is teaching elder. 18th day of the sixth month called August 1669. A Church of Christ was founded in order and faith drawn together in the fellowship and order of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All the house of William Rawlinge off Tottlebank in Doulton in Furness there weare present, and assisted Mr. George Lurkham pastor off a Church of Christ in Cumberland and Mr. Roger Sawrey of Broughton Tower, a member of Christ and off that particular Church in London of which Mr. George Coackine is teachinge elder. The persons joyninge themselves at this tyme

Gabrill Camelford Hugh Toweres
William ToweresJames Ffisher
Joseph ToweresJames Toweres


1.
The names off Church members.

Gabrill Camelford
Hugh Toweres
William Toweres
James Toweres
Joseph Toweres
James Ffisher
Henery Jackson
William Bands
Myles Harrison
William Braithwhit
Mrs. Eliza Sawrey
John Parker
Thomas Skeldings
John Pennington
Ann Walker
Mary Camelford
Hester Sandes
William Rawlinson 		Dead
Dead
Dead
Dead his funr. from Ps. 49.14 by I. S.
Dead
Dead
Dead the 8th day of the 7th month.
Dead
Dead 1730 funr. from 1 Cor. 13.l. by I.S.
Dead the 5th day of the 9th month.
Dead The 10th day of the 11th month.
Dead
Dead the 23rd day.
Dyed July 7 1734
Dead
Dead
Dead
Dead

2.
This 19 day
of the third
month 1672
__________		Matthew Dawson
John Poslwhat 		dead
dead
the 24th of the
sixth month (73)
__________		George Braithwhit
William Robinson		departed
dead
the 4th day
of the third
month (74)
__________		Richard Skeldingdead
the 26th of the
5th month (74)
__________		Robart Lawson at London
buried Dec. the 25/97		dead
the 16th day of the
third month (75)
__________		Agnes Towers 
the 11th day of
the fifth month
in the same yeare.
__________		Ellin Wilson 
October fourth
In the
same yeare.		Elizabeth Askew
Jane Penington
Margret Atkinson		dead
dead
dead

3.
The 12th day
of the third
month (76)		 John Atkinson
Rowland Atkinson
Leonard Park
Myles Addison
William Wilson
John Swainson
Alexander Tubman
Margritt Nealson
John Atkinson Sen.


Jenett Swaynson
Stephen Swaynson
John Towers		 dead
dead
in Ireland
withdrawn
dead
dead
dead

Dyed April 17 - funeral sermon
preached May 8 1726 from
2 Sam. 23,5.
dead
dead
dead
  
July 29 1691 John Nunns
Thom. Sceldrige		 dead
dead
Jun 3 1695 Geo. Taylor funr. preached from 1 Cor. 15 by I. S.
James Strickland
Isabell Dodgson
Hanah Holme nee Towers
+(Issabel)+ Adison
June the 26, 95. Mr. Roger Sawray gave himself up a member to this church (and departed this life to be forever with his Lord)+ August the 6th 1699. 

4.
+ (The 10th day of the 11th month called January 1693 the church being solomnly gathered together at Broughton Tower after prayer and the word preached called Mr. Roger Sawrey, Mr.David Crossley, William Braithwhaite and William Robinson to office of elders in the church.)+

Persons added to this church

                 
26th of April 1696 William Wolldead
28thJohn Wilson (dead) Agnes Denny (at London)
21st June 1696 Steven Pirt
John Wilson at London
James Taylor
Elline Wild Smith		 dead
dead
dead
Withdrawn

23 of August 1696 Robert Hartley
Robert Carter
James Pirt
John Towers		 dead
funr. serm. upon Ps. 115,16.
funr. preached upon Isa. 51,5.
buried at Hawkshead Hill 1742.

5.
Jan . 15th 1696/7
Part of the church met at Broughton Tower and broke bread and att the same time Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson upon manifestation off her union with Christ was herewith added to the church with full consent off her husband.

Added Mary Harisson — dead
Elizabeth Ashburner who dyed Sept. 17, 1781 her funeral sermon preached from Rom. 5,1 by I.S.

December the 25 1698 was added unto the church these dear brethren viz. — John Hartley
William Cawood — dead
John Askew — London

Feb. 23 1699/700 was added at Tottlebanke these five beloved of the Lord Jesus Christ
John Atkinson Jnr. — dead Edward Parke
Jeremiah Postlwaite — dead fun. from Ps. 34,19. I.S.
Izobel Atkinson — dead her funeral serm. from Ps. 73, 26 by I.S. Sarah Atkinson now Prit.

Added Mar. 3rd 1699/700 these 4 with great satisfaction to the whole church,
Mr. William Benson
Mrs. Margaret Benson
John Wilson
Elen Wilson now Park. 

6.
The confession of ffaith held forth by this Church of Christ.


Because amonge the multitude the wayes of God so herein he hath commanded his people to serve and worship him are under scandell and reproach and the people: if in those wayes doe so worship him as if they were erronious and mistaken in their ways and hold very dangerous things we would unfold and lay open, by a confession off our faith what we hold that for on any occasion, all the saints and people of God, or others, may see and understand the grounde worke that we, or rather the Lord, hath builded this fabrick and house of his upon, whereby we hope to continue all that take the scripture for their rule. Off the contrary and that our way and practice is that which God doth approve of - - - -

As to our separation in the worship of God from the generality of the world take this confession of our faith wee doe verily believe that this way of separation from the world is the way off God and that he is the author off itt which to us manifestly appears, by his separating his church from the world and the world from his church in all ages Deut. 32, 8. 1 Kings 8,53. when the church was greater than the world, then the world was to be separated from the church as when Caine was a member of Gods church in Adams ffamilie and brought an offering to the Lord as well as Adam & Abel Gen. 4, 3. The church was now greater than the world now Caine being disobedient was exempted and separated from Gods presence and from the church. But in the times of Noah when the worlde was greater than the church (Gen. 4. 11,12) then Noah and his family (who were the church) were commanded to go into the Aarke in which place they were saved when the worlde was drowned Gen. 7, 1-22,23.

(Matt. 24,28 29)   And after when the world grew more populus and mightier than the church then Abraham was called    and commanded by the Lord out of his owne country Gen. 12,l. both out of his own country and kindred (who were idolaters) to worship God in Canaan, after that God sent Moses and called Israel out of idolatrous Egypt separating wonderfully between them Exodus 5,1. And all was that they might serve the Lord first in the wilderness and after in Canaan. After that when Korah and his company rebelled against God and were obstinate therein the people were commanded to depart from the tents of those wicked men than the children separated from their parents and they that did not were destroyed Numbers 16:12, 13,14,21.

And when Israel came into Canaan God commanded them to separate from the idolaters in their worshipping of God and for this cause God gave them his ordinances and commandments, and by their obedience to them (Deut. 4:15,16), they were manifested to be the people of God (Deut. 28:9,l0). such made a real separation and itt was the practice of all the prophets of God which prophesied of the church under the new testament to separate the precious from the vile, (Jer. 15:19) and in soe doinge they were as Gods mouth.

And in the type of the new testament Christ separated and called out of the world and their way his 12 apostles and appointed ordinances among them and it was the mark off the apostles to gather the saints in all places when they came into sosieties, distinct from. the world and there way and worship unto which they were not to be conformable as Rom. 12:2 as at Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus and the rest, knowinge that the temple off God hath no agreement with idols.

2 Cor 6:14-18, Nay further without a separation the church cannot be knowne from the world, and Christ made such a difference between them, that he would not pray for the world yet he would die for the church (John. 17:9)

1 Pet. 1:18, And in that of the 18 Revela. V.4, there is a command from heaven for itt. And the layinge the ground worke of his building by the ability, direction and assistance Off the spirit of God according to the scripture off truth we were guided to lay the Lord Jesus Christ as a ffoundation that God hath appoynted to be laid in Zion. (Isa. 28:16)

This we have laid in The bottome of the worke Isa. 28,16. Whole Christ not in the least divided, but as he is in his nature perfect God equal with the Ffather (Philip. 2:6), yea the everlasting Ffather himself and perfect man soe sent out by the Ffather, and soe doinge his will (Isa. 9:6) in the work of our salvation Heb. 10:7 And for beinge filled and fitted by his spirit (Matt. 3:16,17) whereby he is said to be anoynted and sealed for the worke for God was in Christ reconcilinge the world to himself 2 Cor. 5:19 soe wee believe Ffather, Sone and Spirit according to the scriptures 1 Joh. 5:7 off one substance, power and eternity shough a great and glorious mistry.

Again we confess and profess to lay Christ in the foundation not divided but entire in all his offices as the Ffather hath made him, Kinge and Lord to rule us, as well as a Jesus to save us, an alone priest sufficient without the worke or worth of any other priest (Heb 7:25). A prophet that God hath raised in the midst of us to teach us the whole of the will of God and our duty whom we are to heare Mat.17:5 under a penalty Heb. 18:18,19 we owne him as a head and husband to make laws for the government of his own house, as well as an elder brother, a friend to relieve us. Again we profess to lay aside the least thought of our owne will, worth and works and we desire to be found depending wholly on Christ’s compleat righteousness and satisfactory obedience which thro’ grace wee believe is imputed and made over to us as 2 Cor. 5:21 Rom. 5:19 compared with Rom. 4:6,8 for our salvation and acceptance.

We have also been led to lay as a foundation the doctrine of the apostles and prophets owninge and believinge all things written and left to us in the law of the prophets both in the old and new testament, we are taught of God to owne them as the rule of our faith, life and order Isa. 8:20 being given forth by God and Christ and therefore we doe believe that all things in controversise are to be brought hear as to a touchstone for trial and judge of them and soe to put an end to them.

Ffirst accordinge to the apostles Heb. 6:1 the six principals therein told 1. Repentance from dead workes. 2. Faith towards God. 3. The doctrine off baptism as at water and of the spirit. 4. and off eternal judgement and besides these God hath taught us first to bottome all our workes on a principle off love to God and desire off his glory for his love to us (2 on a principle of thankfulness to God at least shewinge our willingness to so bee to the praise off his grace though we cannot doe what we ought or would (3. To have in all we doe a principle off deare love and affection to all the saints that bear the image of Christ in the world particularly in the places about us, we profess to love and joyne with saints as saints on the account off union with Christ more by ffar than on the account of suitabilite in all things to our judgement as far as we may discerne the worke of grace and their holdinge the head the Lord Jesus, and that they should noe principles destructive to the testament off Christ in his churches, we can agree with them with us is a dore wide enough, to entertain every sonn of the Lord of glory, we dare not barr the dore against any honest souls though the least babe in Christs ffamilie but we much desire the presence of them all, we are ready to welcome any that are ffreinds to the bridegroom lookinge upon all off them as one with us, desiringe much that we may all be helpful to each other to live up more to the honour of Christ, our table is large enough and profession suited for children younge men and ffathers among the flock of Christ that shall consent with us and desire to sitte downe with us our amonge us.

We doe profess to sitt downe with this principle that our chiefest tye and bond that binds us to our duty both to God and man and each to other is the bond of love, Christian, heavenly and unfained love and is a sweet and easie bond. (4. Is the fullfillinge of the law Rom. 13:10 and suitable to our Ffather who doth all he doth in love to us Heb. 12:6. (5. We profess and confess that we looke on itt as most necessary and profitable to make the word of Christ our Kinge. Head, husband, lord and master the outmost boundary off our libertye privelidge, on every side we are hemmed and kept in by that and are well content with itt and desire noe more than Christ doth allow us in his house, knowing that Christ makes all his people first hollye then closed and happy that he gives noe liberty from sinn Rom. 6:1 but brings liberty from sinn to his chosen ones. (6. We are safe downe on this principal that we are sensible off of our owne weaknesses and apness to miscarry in our duty to God and men, therefore in this way off God doe desire and expect to receive helpe in our personal weaknesses one from another by the watchful eyes off one over another, and to afford our utmost helpe to others as much as may be in our places according to occasions offeringe themselves before us.

(7. We hope we may say the Lord hath taught us when all is done in this and in every worke to refer the whole of all our worke to God and Christ alone, and to say not unto us but to thy name be the praise and as the 24 elders to fall downe before him that sits on the throne Rev. 4:10,11 and cast their crownes before the throne sayinge thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they were created.

These are the seven pillars that wisdome hath hewen out (Prov. 9.1) and sett her house upon among us.
Furthermore wee believe Gods eternal decree concerninge men and angels before all tyme and that he had all things in his eye or foreknowledge which came to pass in tyme as also accordinge to that eternal decree he created all things in heaven and earth by the word off his power as needinge noe more but he said and it was done, as also we believe the constant providence off God over and amongst those creatures that he created to that end that he may get his worke and will accomplished for his owne glory amonge them. Againe we believe the tale of Adam, by eatinge the forbidden fruite with the punishment that came on him and his whole posterity, by that sinn, namely a general deprevation and corruption of their original glory, and righteousness. Alsoe, we doe believe that Adam havinge broken the covenant of worke made with him in the first creation wherein he was to doe and live, God of his infinite grace and good will was pleased, in and thro the Lord Jesus Christ, he made a covenant off grace with him (these words erased and unreadable) by which man thro the worke of Christ accordinge to that covenant received an effectuall call home to God by his word and spiritt, justification from all his forepast transgressions, adoption to a state of sonshipp with God, santification thro the spiritt of God, and now all that which was required of man in the covenant was to believe in Christ and soe to live thro and in him and this ffaith soe required in and with Christ in this covenant given to the elect off God with repentance to life and what ever is required concerninge a heavenly conversation and assurance of salvation.

Further wee believe that our Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased for all his people thus in covenant with him, freedome from the guilt condemnation, access to and acceptance with the Ffather.

Againe we believe that Christ alone is and ought to bee, Lord in and over the consciences of his people and that they are by him freed from all the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thinge either contrary to or not contained in this word of his, see that to be fforced to believe any such doctrine or to obey such comands out off conscience is to betray from liberty of conscience and to shut Christ out of his kingdom.
Moreover we profess that this liberty off Conscience doth not now, ought not, in any to Indulge any sinn or cherish any lust for this Were to overthrow, the main design of the gospel, and the end of christian liberty, which is that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies sinn, satan and men we might now serve the Lord without feare, in holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes off our lives.

Againe we doe believe that this service of Christ must be accordinge to his owne prescription in all things, and that he hath not left it to the will off any to appoynt how He shall be served but his owne revealed will, states and sets out the service, as his statute law in that case provideth.

Ffurther wee doe believe that in his church prayer, spirituall praise is to be used with readings of the scriptures with preachinge and hearinge the same singinge of psalms as also administration off water baptism and the Lords supper, these are all part off religiouse worship, to be performed by Christs prescription amonge his people to the end of the world.

Againe wee doe believe a communion of saints in the world not only as united to Christ their head but as they are related each to other they are bound to maintaine a holly ffellowship and communion in the worship off God and in performinge such other spirituall services as tend to their mutuall edification, as alsoe in relievinge each other in outward things accordinge to their several abilities and necessities which communion (the especially to be exercised by them in the relation where in they stand whether in ffamily or churches) yet as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who in every place call on the name of the Lord Jesus as alsoe they hold communion by their praises and gifts given from God for good off the whole body as God affords opportunity.

Ffurther we profess to owne the civil magistrates in their places as an ordinance of God, appoynted to be a terror to evil doers and a praise to them that doe well, to rule over us soe as God may have his glory, and the people ruled, good and advantage we owne prayinge for them payinge tribute to them and other duties, we profess obedience to all their lawfull commands for conscience sake, and we desire to see all civil authority soe managed and ordered as it may in its administration stand in a dew subservencie to the interest off Christ in the world that as he is Kinge of Kings, and Lord of Lords, see his          kingdom may be kept inviolable and none may infrinch upon his preogative royal that are off lower degree. But give to Cesar the things that are Cesars and withall to God and Christ the things that are theirs.

And we doe believe that as Christ is intrusted with the government of the Church in a supreme and kingly manner soe he Hath given and committed to his church and people soe much power under him as to order and dispose of all things concerninge the same in the holdinge of their communion and sosietie, both as to receive in amonge themselves, such as shall be presented accordinge to the rule to choose their owne officers to examine matters of scandal any way arrisinge amonge themselves, to suspend on occasion from the Lords Supper, and upon occasion of obstinancie and willfull persistinge in any enormous sinn, without submission and manifest repentance to exclude or cast them out from amonge them till they shall be made ashamed off their sinn and soe by a sensible acknowledgement and promise of amendment to be fitt for a return to the church againe.

The ninth month called November and the ninth day 1669 the afore written confession and ffaith, was read in the church and consented unto.

May the 24 1700 Added to us in the Lord these viz Leonard Askew                 dead

Isabell Askew  her funeral ser. Preached April 25 1725 by ;I.S. from Psal. 26:8,9

Anne Lindon who dyed Dec. 19 1741 funeral serm. Rev. 22:14.

At a church meeting at Tottlebank on the 16th of August 1700 was comfortable added to us in the Lord Elizabeth Towers off Gleadness.

And on the 17 of October 1700 was in like manner added to us with general satisfaction – Richard Parke – dead

April 1701 Elizabeth Dodthon and John Ireland (dead)

October the 22 1708 was added to the church Elin Coward the wife of Matthew Coward of Gow that dyed 1752 fun. from Exod. 33:14 by I.S.

Added to the church in 1741
Alfe Hall dyed fun. From Ps. 15:11.
Ann Singlton dead
John Lindon dead.

22.


The church after ffastinge and prayer made choice off Mr. Gabrill Camelford to be teaching elder and did also att the same tyme sett him apart to that office in the church.
The church mett and held communion in breakinge off bread the 22 day of the 12 month 1670.
The church after prayer and the word preached made a choice off William Towers)
James Towers ) Deacons
And appoynted them to that office.

The 1st day of the 11th month 1671

The church after prayer and the word preached did choose and appoint James Ffisher to the office of deacon. William Towers and James Ffisher being removed by death the church after praise made choice off William Brethweate and John Swaynson for deacons and they were sett apart by prayer with the assistance off Mr. George Larkam pastor off that Church off Christ meetinge att Cockermouth in Cumberland.

October 11th 1690.

+(The 10th day of the 11th month called January annodoni 1695 the church being assembled together at Broughton Tower after prayer and the word preached did choose and solemnly set apart Mr. Roger Sawry, Mr. David Crossley, William Braithwaite and William Robinson to the office of elders in the church)+

Memorand

That in or about the third month called May 1695 att a church meetinge att Tottlebank after prayer, the whole church gave a call to Mr. David Crosley desiringe him to take the oversight of them as their officer.

The 27th of Ffebruary followinge Mr. David Crosley gave up himself as a member to the church of Christ and was then sett apart as teachinge elder to the church and sett apart by prayer as helps in government Mr. Roger Sawry, William Braithwaite, William Robinson.
23.


after which, The church mett at Broughton Ffebruary 20th 1695 and broke bread and att Tottlebanke Ffebruary 29 following.

June 1701 added then to the church these following
Edward Wilson who dyed Dec. 15 1728 his serm preached from 2 Sam. 14:14 by I.S.
George Brocklebanke
John Wilson Dead
Elizabeth Brocklebanke dead
Jane Wilson dead buried at Hawkeshead Hill.

Aug. 12 1701 added Mrs. Barbory Chapman dead at the same time were set appart to the office off ruling elders in the church William Benson, James Towers, Miles Harison and John Atkinson.
Also added Isabel Pennington of Bandfrisk Rd. dead. And Shire John Mawson and John Pitehall.

May 17, 1702 Richd. Addison, dead and Alice his wife.

July 20 1702 Milli Towers and Agnes Wilson also added James Braithwaite.



Concerning God

Article first. That there is one only true God off one infinite yet most wonderful essence concerning whom wee do also believe if he is infinite, eternal, almighty, transendantly wise, holy, just and most good; And if he giveth being to all things, is everywhere present, from whom nothing can be hid, without whom nothing can be done, and to whose unspeakable perfections nothing can be added. Majestrates are called gods from the similitude off their dignity, offices and functions.

Heathern idols where gods only in a ffeigned and imaginary way.

Angels were so called not only from the excellency off their ministry and office but also from the dignity off their nature compared with other creatures Psa. 4.6 The devil is called god for his great power which he exercises over men and over creatures by the just judgement of god 2 Cor. 4.4 Other things are so called in a ffigurative sense and by way of imitation as Phil. 3.19 whose god is their belly. Wee believe that there is one god and no more first from these scriptures, Deut. 6:4 & 32:39 1 Cor. 8:4 Eph. 4:5 1 Tim. 2:5 Gal. 3:20 Mat. 12:32 Isa. 44:6.

Second from these reasons ffollowing

1.      Ffrom the manner of gods revealing of himself Isa. 44.7. Psa. 86.8
2.      Ffrom the nature and kind of his majesty Isa. 42:8 Rev. 4:11 1 Tim. 1:7
3. Ffrom his dogma off perfection Psa. 89:7
4. Ffrom his omnipotency Dan. 4:32
5. More gods would be either imperfect or superfluous.
6. Because there can be but one infinite.
7. How but one first cause.
8. Lastly but one Christ in God 1 Kings 18:39.

Concerning the Holy Trinitie.

In the holy deity are three definite persons or subsistancys each off which hath the whole essence off God, yet differing notwithstanding in their incommunicable properties. style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The words, person and trinity, although they be not found in the scripture in the same syllables yet they are consonant to the scriptures and are profitably used in the church.

A person is a thing subsisting, not an accident or created quality, individual not any general but a particular one in number. Living not inanimate as a stone, understanding not a thing which hath sense only as are brute beasts. Incommunicable, not as the Divine essence which is common to three. Not sustained in another as the humane nature of Christ. Nor yet part of another as the soull of man is. The difference between essence and person is this, the essence is absolute and comunitable, the person is respective and incommunicable as a man is a man absolutely in himself, but he is a ffather in respect of an other viz his son. So God in respect off his essence is one but in respect off the trinity of persons, he is ffather, son and spirit. Yet the word person as it is applied to God does not signify only a relation or office, but a thing subsistent and truly distinct from the other persons that is it then signifies that which begetteth as in the person of the Ffather or that which is begotten as in the person of the Son, or that which proceedeth, as in the person of the holy ghost. The Ffather eternally begetteth and therefore is not the Son, but the Ffather. The Son is eternally begotten and therefore is not the Ffather but the Son. The Holy Ghost eternally proceedeth and therefore is not the Ffather or the Son but the holy spirit.

When a man begetteth a son he that begetteth comunicateth part of his essence and but a part to him that is begotten and so there are 2 distinct essences as well as persons but contraiwise in God. The Ffather in begeting comunicateth the essence of the god head whole and intire to the Son and yet retaineth it whole and intire in himself, in like manner the holy ghost proceeding hath the essence of the god head whole and intire, comunicated to him and not a part of it so that the three by three persons yet the essence is but one, and by consequence there are not three gods but three persons and one God. Wherefore it is not safe to say that the person is a part of the essence or that the essence consists of three persons ffor every person is the whole intire essence one and the same. Nor is it safe to say that there is a triplicity of persons in the god head for that notes three essences, but a trinity which notes 3 persons and one divided essence. This doctrine off the trinity is proved ffrom these scriptures. style=' 29.





Sept. 23 1715. After prayer and preaching of the word the Church made choice of James Prit and Edward Park for the office of deacons and appointed them to the work.

Jams Prit dyed Feb. 14. 1728 his funeral serm. preached Mar. 2 from Isa. 51.6      by I. S.

1751 Register of deaths continued.

Nov. 6 dyed Margt. Postlew. aged 73 buried at Tottlebank.

Nov. 8 her funeral sermon from Psl. 73.26 I. S.

Dec. 19 dyed Ann Lindow aged 74. buried at Tottlebank the 22 fun. preached from Rev, 22.14. by I.S.

1752 Jan. 3 dyed Jane Braithwt. buried Hawkshead her funeral sermon preached at Surry Bank by I. S. from Psal. 73.26

Dec. 7, 1752 dyed Elin Coward buried at Tottlebank the 10 serm. from Exod. 33.14. by I.S.

1753 dyed Mary Casson buried at Broughton church her funeral sermon at meeting from Psal. 116/7.1. I. S. Sept. 9.

Geo. Brocklebank aged 89 buried at Tottlebank Oct. 1st. Mr. Colthred preached.

1754. buried at Tottlebank Wm. Askew of Keldra (Dec. 26) Funr. from Psal. 119.15, 16 by I.S.

1755 John Askew boy buried Jan. 13.

June 4. 1714.

Mr. Thomas Richardson having obtained his dismission from the church at London over which Mr. Jo. Nesbitt is pastor, this day was received as a member of this church. And on the 11th of August following was solemnly sett apart by the church unto the pastoral office - witness his hand

Thomas Richardson.

Wm. Benson — who dyed Sept. 22 1731 fun. preached from Phil. 1.23 by I. S. & Mic. 7.1,2. expounded
James Towers
John Sweanson deacon
James Pritt.

October the 8 1714 this day Ann Singleton – dead – was added to this church.

-- -- Alfie Hoall 1714 dyed Feb. 10 1734 fun. From Psal. 16.11 by I.S.

Feb. the 2nd 1714 was added to the church John Lindow of Topinraise – dead.

31.


June 3rd 1715.
This day was added to the church Mr. Wm. Towers – dyed Sept. 5.1729 fun. Preached Psa. 119.75 by I.S.
Mrs. Jane Towers his wife late of Lownes dyed Sept. 26 1729 fun. Preached Rev. 14.13 by I.S.
Aug. 24th 1716

This day was added to the church Mrs Mary Richardson of Tottlebank.

July 12th 1717
This day Thomas Kendal & his wife were added to this church having a letter of dismission from the church of Christ situate in Cartmel Fells over which Revd. Mr. Bowen is pastor and to which they belonged.

July 12th 1717
This day Wm. Sawry of Sawry was added to this church, the church at Hawkeshead Hill to which he belonged being broken – dead –

March 20th 1718/19
This day Elizabeth Wise was added to this church – dead.

Jun the 3 month 1718
was added James Kendall.

April 26 1724 was added Thomas Kilner dyed Nov. 15 1732 fun. Preached from John 8.36.

Mary Atkinson sen & Mary Atkinson jnr dyed Nov. 19 1729.

Mary Park dyed Jan.7.1728 fun. Preached Mat. 24.44 and Deborah Wells.

32.


Memo.
That it was agreed upon by the church at a church meeting at Tottlebank held the 15 day of March 1723 that the church meeting should be one month at Tottlebank and another at Broughton and so to remain till the see cause to order the matter otherwise the first month day at Broughton will fall of good Friday the 12 of April 1713.

March the 20 1724
Mr. John Sedgfield Having obtained his dismission from the church at Liverpool this day was received as a member of this church, and on the 7th of April 1725 after having preached a sermon from Isa. 6:8 and declared his judgment about the work of the ministry, in matters of faith and discipline, he was solemnly chosen by the church by prayer and lifting up of hands into the pastoral office according to Acts 14—23, having been ordained before at Liverpool, and appointed to break bread on May 2nd at Broughton if the Lord will.

April 30 1725
at Broughton was added Henry Atkinson; and Mrs. Sedgfield by letter of recommendation from Leeds in Yorkshire.

June 25 1725
Mrs. Sarah Benson and Mrs. Agnes Benson )was baptised but not added Daughters of Mr. Wm. Benson

June 25 1725
Thomas Wilson, Mary Drinkall, Agnes Atkinson and Rachel Kendal was baptised but not yet added.

July 5 1724
Thomas Kendal and Mary Kendal his wife Lidia Sedgfield, was baptised)David Trearfon and Margret Postlewait.

August 18 1725)
Francis Briggs, William Askue and Elijah Sweanson. was baptised)

August 26 1725
baptised Mary Askue.

August 27 were added to the church those nine William Askue, Nathaniel Robison, Elijah Sweanson, Thomas Wilson, Mary Drinkall, Agnes Atkinson, Mary Askue, Rachel Kendal, Margret Postlewait.

Sept. 5 was baptised Elisabeth Pool. Added Sept. 19.

Oct. 22, was baptised John son of Robert Hartley. Oct. 24. + (John Hartley and David Treason)+ were added.

August 19 1726 was baptised and added James Lindon and Janet his wife, Jonas Linden their son and George Drinkall.

Sept. 23 was baptised and added John Lindon of Smithy Green, Elin Strickland and Ann the wife of Elijah Sweanson.

Sept. 8th 1727 was set apart to the office of elders Ed. Park, John Atkinson Senr. and Harry Atkinson.
The same day was set apart to the office of Deacons John Towers of Gleadnes and Thos. Kendal.
Was baptised John Atkinson Jnr., Jane Kilner the wife of Thos. Kilner and Sarah Holm.

Feb. 28 1728/9 was baptised and added James Hartley son of Robt. Hartley in Broughton.
Added Thom. Hartley of Oupha.

May 10 added Wm. Dixon of Oupha
+ (June th. 26 1723)+

This people being in great want of a minister, after seeking the Lord for counsel and direction, and calling in several as probationers, not being able to fix upon any, at last concluded to send Br. Park to the association or general meeting of ministers at Hoptonstal in Yorkshire, to desire their assistance. Accordingly on June 12 the ministers met together and fixed their eye on Mr. Sedgfield as most suitable for us and on the first Sabbath in August following Mr. Ashworth came along with him and stayed three weeks in which time the people being satisfied with his ministerial abilities gave him an invitation to come among them, but he being Pastor of a church at Liverpool could not promise without their consent upon which they concluded to send the following letter written by Mr. Wm. Benson. To the church of Christ at or near Liverpool, over whome the Revrd. Mr. John Sedgfield is Pastor, the church of Christ at Tottlebank in Furnessfells sendeth greeting.

Dear Brethren, we have had the trial of Mr. Sedgfields ministerial abilities, and are persuaded he may be a very useful instrument in the hand of God to carry on the work of salvation amongst us in these parts, and in case you can in love and with freedom dismiss him to us, we are fully minded to call him over to help us, but as we would not be guilty of such sins as we are ready to condemn in others as to rob other persons table to furnish our own is the only reason we send this, to which we desire your speedy answer. Subscribed by us your worthless brethren the 5 of October 1723.

Wm. Benson
Thomas Towers
James Towers
John Atkinson
John Donington
Wm. Jackson
John Sweanson
James Coward
James Prit    
   Timothy Strickland
Edward Wilson
Nathanial Skolden
John Atkinson 
James Lindon
Robert Hartley
Edward Park
John Hartley    
Richard Park
John Atkinson 
Thomas Kendall
Jerimiah Postlewhait       
  James Kendall
John Mowson 
Thomas Kilner
Jn. Christopherson          
      John Towers
Wm. Sweanson
Robert Kendall
James Troughton      
            Henry Atkinson
Elijah Sweanson          
         William Garner
Joseph Dodson
David Trearson
Wm. Sotterwhat
William Askue
Miles Drinkall
   James Askue
Robert Talor    
Robert Atkinson
John Towers


36.


To which letter the people at Liverpool made this loving and kind return.

To the church of Christ at Tottlebank in Furnessfells. The church of Christ at Liverpool sendeth greeting. Hon. Brethren, We are glad that the labours of Bro. Sedgfield is so acceptable to you and could be willing now and then to spare him a few Lord’s days till such times as you could make choice of another, but are not willing wholly to part with him as long as we can use any methods to supply his temporal necessities, which methods providence seems to be directing us to, and as the tender regard you seem to have to us in not being willing to rob our table to furnish your own, gives us encouragement to think you will not insist upon our brother’s leaving us to supply you. Se we hope he will have a tender regard to the relation he stands in to us and the welfare of Christs cause and interest among us which must in all probability to be given up and be broken in pieces and scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd if he leave us. We beg your pardon for being so dilatory in our answer, it could not be so well done till divine providence brought us altogether and now to those lines we subscribe ourselves your unworthy brethren yet willing to serve you in what we are able.

Bro. Sedgfield came again in April 1724 to pay this people another visit and upon his return they sent the following letter by him to the people at Liverpool.

To the church of Christ near Liverpool,

Dear Brethren,

We return you thanks for the assistance we have once more received from the labours of Mr. Sedgfield and could heartily wish you would take the matter into further consideration whether it will be most for the glory of God for you to detain him among you who are so small a number hath so good a supply and so little probability of success or to suffer him to come among us where in all probability he may do his Master more service in winning over souls to Christ. We are loath to urge you to far considering your case as if our own but desires you would we willing to refer the matter to the association where we purpose to meet you if the Lord will. In the meantime desiring your prayers for us we rest your unworthy brethren in ye bonds of the gospel.

(Same people as above)

The ministers and messengers being met at Sutton in Yorkshire the letters of both churches were read as follows.

To the revd. Elders and Brethren conven’d and associated at Sutton in Yorkshire the 3rd of June 1724. The church of Christ at Tottlebank in Furnessfells in Lancashire sendeth greeting.

Reverd. Brethren,

We believe that the glory and honour of Christ and the welfare of this church and people is before you, therefore with freedom we take the liberty to lay before you our necessitous circumstances, not doubting but that you will exert the uttermost of your power in advising and assisting us therein and to the end you may be informed more particularly of the state of our church than we can do by writing has despatcht messengers to speak to you face to face viz. Ed. Park and John Christopherson who is able to make report to us of your actings and proceedings.  Brethren you know the great misery we labour under and have done for sometime past is the want of a suitable minister to help us forward in the great work of salvation. We have had the benefit of Mr. Sedgfields ministerial labours and approve of him very well and shall gladly receive him if the people to whome be belongs will in a Christian way dismiss him to us, otherwise would not make ourselves guilty of that sin that we are ready to condemn in others. The matter brethren is refered to you at this convention if the people at Liverpool be willing and that the blessing of the Almighty may succeed all your endeavours shall be the prayers of your worthless brethren.

(Members)

To our beloved brethren joyn’d in association and met and assembled together at Sutton in Yorkshire, we your unworthy brethren joyned in church relation in and about Liverpool, sendeth greeting. It belongs to your function who are ministers to be eyes to the people of God in the wilderness, and to all of you to give suitable and seasonable counsel and advise to you brethren according to the light you have received and being sensible that your meeting here is to seek the welfare of our little Israel, we a small remnant of your brethren have sent John Sedgfield, Ralph Seacombe and Samuel Hunter, three of our small company, as messengers to represent our case to you and could heartily wish we had the good news to send you of the work of the Lord being revived among us but with deep humility and a sensible regret and sorrow of soul, we have reason to say it is otherwise with us.

Death is frequently lessening our number and there is little prospect of a rising generation which is a continual discouragement to Br. Sedgfield and has for sometime inclined him to leave us, which we are very loth to submit unto as long as we have any hopes of supplying his temporal necessities. For, tho’ humanly speaking there be little probability of making any addition to our number, yet we hope by his stay among us the few that we have would be kept together which upon his removal would in all likelihood be scattered abroad and a Loamini and Lonihamah writ upon us.

Wherefore, tho’ we comend Br. S. and the people behind sends for their sympathy and tenderness in waiting for our consent, yet we take it not well at their hands neither can we be reconciled to the thought of parting with our Pastor, not only upon the account of the value we have for his labours but also upon the account of the fatal consequences of his removal which seems to be nothing less than a breaking up house with us. Nevertheless in this our maloncholy cup we are willing to take your advise knowing that in the multitude of counsel there is safety, begging the Lord to show both you and us what is most for his glory and the good of his interest among us.

The case thus stated it was considered and debated by the ministers and messengers and at last they came to this conclusion.

At the association at Sutton Jun. 4 1724 upon a question put respecting Mr. Sedgfield and his continuing at Liverpool or removal to Tottlebank, after much debating the association came to this conclusion.  As to our friends at Liverpool and Tottlebank we have an equal concern for them and profess the same respect to them both but as to Mr. Sedgfields settlement at one and since it can but be one of them, it appears to us by the language of the Lord in past providences that Liverpool look out for themselves another supply and with a friendly and christian freedom resign him over to Tottlebank for that country agrees with his health there. The Lord seems as if he had much work to do there; the Lord met him and own’d him in his work there; the Lord hath led his inclinations to a kind of set moment there;

They seem to be unanimous in his behalf and in his going over several things seem to fall out in his favour. There they may maintain him without being burdensome to them. As for Liverpool his thoughts has been set upon removing from them before this place was thought on (2) He cannot avoid being over burdensome to them, (3) There has not been all the ease and unaminity that might have been wished, (4) His success inconsiderable there, (5) His spirit under some trouble and discouragement occasioned by it, (6) a considerable ministerial help being amongst them to which assistance may be called in to serve perhaps till such a time as way may be made for a considerable supply.

Richard Ashworth  
John Wilson
Alvery Jackson          
     Henry Wilkinson
Tho’ Greenwood       
    Wm. Leigh




The general meeting being over, besides the letter to the churches in general Mr. Ashworth sent the following letter to the church at Liverpool.

Dear Friends,

we hope you will take the matter of Mr. Sedgfield into consideration, lay it before and leave it with the Lord. We think you cannot but be someway satisfied in your own minds, when most disinterested cool and compos’d, that Mr. Sedgfield did never appear to be the man that was likely to be made successful for Christ’s cause amongst you.

Our advice is you will be very careful in this matter, distrust not God and providence about you future supply, stand not in his light, nor hander his candle from shining where it may give the best light, prevent him not an opportunity of distinguishing himself for the Lord and at the same time (if thro’ mistake) you should, it is likely to turn to no account to your selves but if you shall by fasting and prayer and further waiting on the Lord, find your way clear and see it your duty to resign him, and God shall help you so, we hope to see or hear of your being a happy people notwithstanding this and perhaps sustaining no great deal of damage by it. And if our counsel can be acceptable, our endeavours shall not be denied by prayer especially, and occasional supplies if you shall not find yourselves better provided till time in Gods own way be come to give you a King. And if you be patient to wait a little longer perhaps you may find yourselves as much better as Israel would have been had they waited till David the son of Jesse had arrived at all those excellencies that afterwards made him as well the desire of their eyes as an ornament to their throne.

Lenches   Richd. Ashworth.


42.


Things being thus far transacted Mr. Sedgfield came with his family to us about Agust 30 1724. But it pleasing the Lord to afflict him and wife with the ague, it for some time hindered our proceeding but at last it was agreed upon to send a request to the people at Liverpool for his dismission a copy whereof is as follows.

Dear and welbeloved christian friends,

we salute you in the Lord sincerely desiring that as you have professed yourselves to be christians you would live as does become you holy vocation and that you may increase and abound in grace, in faith and love to the Lord, to one another and to all saints. Dear brethren we doubt not but you have been made sensible of our low and languishing state having been for several years without any stated standing minister to go before us and minister to us in the Lord for which cause we often made our humble addresses to the almighty for direction and assistance in this great concern, us also made our application to several ministers & christians in divers places as we had had opportunity on this behalf, this being the best means we could think of for obtaining relief and thro’ the good providence of the Lord we were informed by some of our christian friends of Mr. Sedgfield who they verily believed might be a very suitable person for us and his circumstances considered they well hoped upon our endeavours he might be obtained and upon our application to him he was prevailed upon once and again to come among us and after serious converse with him he showed himself willing to accept of our call and give us his best assistance if it might be regular and not offensive to you.

Whereupon we wrote both to you and to him stating the case as plain as we could and at length it came to this conclusion, that all of us consented to refer this matter to be determined by the ministers and messengers at the last association and after they had taken a full view of the case respecting both parties with serious consideration thereon they judged it most expedient for Mr. Sedgfield to become a help for us and that you should with a christian freedom resign him over to us whereupon he and his family is come over among us and both he and we make this our request to you that you would please to send him his dismission from you to us in writing that he may be the more meet to take up on him the pastoral charge among us and this also will be more comodious for you for then you may with more clearness call in for your assistance such a person as by divine providence may be presented fit for you. Now, not in the least doubting but you will grant our request, we conclude this with our sincere prayers to the Lord for you that you may be guided and assisted in all your concerns to take such methods as may be for the honour of God and your present and eternal comfort, remaining your loving and truly well wishing brethren in the bonds of the blessed gospel.

Subscribed in the name of the whole church by

Wm. Benson
James Kendal
Edward Park  
John Towers
John Sweanson
John Hartley
James Pritt    
  Tho. Kendall.
John Atkinson
Jer. Postlewhaite
Richard Park

44.


This letter being sent it was considerable time before an answer was sent to it but at last they made the following return.

Dearly beloved brethren,

These may inform you that some time ago we received a letter from you earnestly desiring of us the dismission of our dear brother John Sedgfield from his pastoral care over us that he may with the more regularity take upon him the same weighty care and office amongst you and not only so but that we ourselves may with the more clearness and liberty lay out ourselves for a supply as the Lord may direct but after our long silence, the reason whereof was not the want of regard to your circumstances but our being few in number and some of those few being abroad, we could not so regularly give you an answer but now it hath pleased the Lord to bring to together and after duly considering your request it is with the greatest reluctancy that we do hereby give him a full dismission from us to you being in all measures compelled thereto, but as we could not prevail with him to stay when here so and much more we cannot reasonably expect his return to us, and far be it from us that we should in any measure (so far as it pleaseth the Lord to let us see our duty) be any way a hinderance to the growth and spreading of the everlasting gospel of our blessed Jesus and we earnestly desire that the Lord will be with and own him in his labours amongst you by making him an instrument in his hand for the pulling down the strong holds of sin and in turning many from darkness to light and that you may be a people walking together in love and unity as becomes your holy profession.

We also earnestly desire your prayers for us in our low estate that the Lord would not only direct to some that may go out and in before us but that he will abundantly bless the labours of such when directed unto that we may be built up and not pulled down that there may be some to bear up a name in those parts and not only bear a name but such as will by the power of divine grace make religion their end and aim in every respect. So shall recommend you to God and the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among them which are sanctified.

Signed at a private meeting at our Br. Hiltons in Liverpool this 12 day of Jan. 1724/5

Ralph Seacome            Elias Whitfield
Joseph Hunter                     John Hilton
Henry Houghton            Samuel Hunter

This dismission being sent the people hereafter seeking the Lord once and again by prayer, Mr. Sedgfield in some measure recovr’d, received him a member March 20 as aforesaid and a pastor April 7 1725

March 27 1730       John Adison and John Prit baptized and received into communion.

Nov. 19 1730          William Wells baptized and rec. – died June 22.86.

April 27 1732          Rachel Coward of Lancaster sister to Tho. Wilson of Riseland baptized and rec.

July 3 1733             Tamer Prit was baptized but not received going immediately to Dublin.

July 4 1733             Alice Addison and her sister Elizabeth wife of Tho. Kendal baptized and received.

July 1734                 John Addison of Well baptized and received.

May 13 1733          Mary daughter of Robt. Hartley basptized but not received removing to Cockermouth afterwards received.

Nov. 21 1735          Tho. Palmer son of Hen. Palmer of Broughton near Cockermouth in Cumberland was baptized and received (now a useful minister)

Sept. 8 1736           Was baptized and received these two viz Robert Christopherson of Bow Hall in Dunnerdale and Hannah Atkinson daughter of John Atkinson of Heathwhaite in Furver.

Sept. 18 1736 These 6 following at Greenholm
      Tho.Park son of Ed. Park Roslethorns       bapt.
       Isaac Atkinson son of John Atkinson of Hoathwt.
       Sarah Atkinson daughter of John Atkinson         
       James Askue   
       Thos. Wilson son of Wm. Wilson of Highshile      Rec.

       Eliz. Wells daug. Of Debora Wells         

Oct. 20 1736           Isabel and daughter of William Askew of Keldra baptized and received.

Sept. 7 1737           Mary Coward was baptized and received.

Oct. 22 1737           Mrs. Dodson and Abigail Keen was baptized and received.

July 28 1739           John Sedgfield the younger, John Christopherson, Jonathan Dixon, James Kendal, Wm. Addison was baptized and received members of this church.

June 20 1741         Mary the widow of John Christopherson – dyed Sept. 25 1746, and Mary Cassen was baptized.

Oct. 30 1741           Samuel Postlewhaite, Benj. Atkinson & Isabel Fell was baptized and received. They were the first baptized in the new baptizing place at Tottlebk.

July 23 1742           Was baptized and received Jonathan Gardner and Ann his wife, Mary Birket, Hannah Sedgfield, Rebecca Kendal, Agnus Gibson.

Nov. 13 1742          Was baptized and received Hannah Park

May 14 1743          Was baptized and received Mary Briggs.

May 1744                Was baptized and received John Strickland(departed)

July 8 1748             Was baptized and received Myles Sandys, Joseph Sweanson, Eliz. Sedgfield.

Aug 20 1748           Was baptized Lucy the wife of Isaac Atkinson.

Dec. 25 1750         Was baptized and received Daniel Trearson.

July 26 1751           Baptized and received Isaac Askew and John the son of Thos. Kilner.

July 28 1751 Baptized and received Elizabeth the wife of Rob. Christopherson.

June 28 1752         Baptized and July 26 received Elizabeth the wife of John Pritt and Margt. The wife of John Jackson.



May 5 1733

The Elders and brethren being assembled together at Tottlebank could not but unaminously agree that religion and the power of godliness was on the declineing hand among us that there were many removes and fee additions that the hand of the Lord seemed to be out against us and some Achan in the camp among us. It was therefore concluded that there was a necessity to stir up our selves to take hold of a departing God and because we can but use the means and leave the blessing to God it was agreed upon that our months meetings should be revived. Therefore we appoint that the first Wednesday in every month be observed beginning at Broughton from thence to Greenhelm from thence to Tottlebank then to Jer. Postleswhaits and so to Broughton circularly and because people are so backward in attending it is agreed upon that every person that does not attend or send in their reasons shall be dealt with as contemners of church order and suspended from all church priviledges till they give satisfaction to the church.

This was observed a while but to our shame it is here recorded that the world on one hand and perverse humours on another first spoiled the benefit of these opportunities and then caused them to drop.

49.


A letter of recommendation.

To the Church of Christ in Little Wild St. London or Westminster under the pastoral care of the Revd. Mr. Gifford, the Church of Christ at Tottlebank and Broughton in Furnessfells certifieth that Alice Addison was baptized upon profession of her faith and admitted into fellowship with this church and continued in relation to and communion with us till the time of her removal out of this country; and now being at so great a distance that she cannot enjoy ordinances with us here at her desire we give her this testimonial that she walked orderly and in the fear of the Lord (so far as we know) while she continued among us and was not under any offence but in full communion with this society at the time of her departure from hence and we hope thro’ the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ given her she will continue steadfast in the faith, and regular in her conversation; and having chosen to place her self among you for her edification we hope this our recommendation will be accepted.

She returned and married Tho. Park.

A letter of recommendation.

To the Church of Christ meeting at Broughton and Oulton in the county of Cumberland, We the Church of Christ at Tottlebank and Broughton in Furnessfells in Lancashire sendeth greeting in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dearly beloved brethren,

Divine providence having cast Tho. Palmer among us at several times it pleased to convince him of his duty while among us and to incline his heart to follow Christ in his ordinances desiring we would grant him the priviledge among us, which was a piece of news very grateful to us, and having given us satisfaction about a work of grace in his soul, and being regular in his conversation we admitted him to full communion with us; but now the same providence having removed him back again to the place of his nativity so that he cannot conveniently enjoy ordinances with us, we recommend him to you desiring you would receive him in the Lord as becometh saints for we give him this testimonial that he hath behaved himself among us as becometh the gospel; and we hope that thro’  the grace of God given to him he will do so among you, wherefore we desire you would watch over him and by all ways and means endeavour to promote his spiritual edification and growth in grace so commending him and you to the Lord and the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified we rest your brethren in the bonds of the gospel.

John Sedgfield Pr.

       Signed at Tottlebank July 4 1735
Ed. Park John Atkinson Elders    Geo. Drinkall
Hen. Atkinson
     John Hartley
John Sweanson
  Tho. Kilner
John Towers

Deacons    
Tho. Wilson
Tho. Kendal
      John Adison
Wm. Askue
John Pritt


To the church of Christ at Bridlington under the pastoral care of our beloved Bt. The Rev. Mr. Geo. Braithwhaite,

It having pleased almighty God by his providence to cast among you our beloved friend and brother Wm. Wells and being at so great a distance from us cannot enjoy communion with us in the ordinances of the gospel he has requested us to give him a letter of recommendation to you that he may have the priviledge of fellowship with you as long as it pleaseth God to continue his abode with you. Now we whose names are under written do certify that the said Wm. Wells was baptized and received into fellowship with the society at Tottlebank in Furnessfells, and as far as we know hath walked orderly and in the fear of the Lord all the time of his continuing with us, and was not under any offence but in full communion at his departure from hence and we hope thro’ the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ given him he will continue steadfast in the faith and an honour to the gospel.

We therefore desire you would accept of this our testimonial and admit him to occasional communion with you and that your pastor and you would watch over him and by all ways and means endeavour to promote his spiritual edification and growth in grace so commending you and him to God and the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among many that are sanctified. We rest your friends and brethren – signed as usual.


53.


The preamble or introduction to renewing the covenant. In the last century 1669 about 79 years ago after a great and sore persecution for the sake of religion, it pleased God to incline the hearts and stir up the spirits of some person in those parts of the country to rear up a tabernacle for the God of Jacob whose names are inroled in this book to their honour as those worthies are recorded in Neh. 10 who signed the church covenant when they came out of Babylon; and tho’ the number of their names were but few at first yet God who hath said tho’ thy beginning be small thy latter end shall greatly increase, successively, almost every year for some time, added to their number till the number of the names are at present 66 being sometimes more or fewer as it pleased God to make additions or removes. But alas it hath happened with this as with other churches decays and declinations have crept in among us. We have not known the worth of church priviledges by the want of them as our forefathers did so have been apt to settle upon our lees, have grown too indifferent about attending upon that worship of God which our ancestors and predecessors gave the pre-eminence to that of the public establishment, and suffered great things for, while the hearts of some of their posterity have turned back to Egypt, conform’d themselves to the religion and practice of the world, and others are very indifferent what kind of worship they attend upon whether any or none, and too many careless and trifling enough about it;

Wherefore after many deep thoughts of heart about the state of religion among us at present and being concerned for our posterity for the time to come that we may not leave religion worse than we found it, but transmit it down to our children with some advantage we are come to this result, that it is best for us to take the advice and follow the practice of our friends abroad, solemnly to renew our covenant with the Lord our God and begin all anew hoping in the use of this means among others God will revive his work in the midst of the years in judgement, remember mercy and yet cause us to rejoice in sight. Agreed upon at our church meeting April 29 1748.


55.


The covenant

Deut 29.12
Chron. 23.16         
Chap. 34.31

We who thro’ the exceeding riches of divine grace and the longsuffering of our God, are preserved to this day, and continued in our church state, being now assembled in the prescence of the great God, and in the name of Christ, being in some measure sensible of our condition, and after a humble confession of our manifold personal domestic and ecclesiastic failings, infirmities and breached of covenant, and earnest supplication for pardoning mercy and healing grace thro’ the blood of Christ as also under a deep acknowledgment of our great unworthiness to be a people in covenant with the Lord, and of our own inability to keep covenant with the Lord our God, or to perform any spiritual duty without divine assistance; we do in all humility prostrate ourselves at the footstool of God, looking upon it as an infinite mercy that dust and ashes may be admitted personally to transact in so solemn a manner with the infinitely glorious majesty of heaven and earth.

But in humble hopes of his assistance and acceptance we do each of us for our selves and jointly one with another voluntarily and freely renew our covenant with the Lord.

1. We desire to take the ever blessed God for our alsufficient portion and happiness and give up ourselves to him to be his people. We desire to take the Lord Jesus Christ his only begotten and well beloved Son for our alone and alsufficient saviour, as prophet, priest and king relying upon his blood and merits for justification, committing ourselves to his teaching and submitting to his rule and government; we desire to take the Holy Spirit for our sanctifier, guide land comforter, and to be continually under the influences thereof. To take the holy scriptures for the only rule of our faith and practice, endeavouring to square our principles, worship and lives there unto.

2. We also desire to give ourselves one to another in the Lord according to his will, covenanting with God and one with another to worship him in spirit and truth, promising to walk together as a right orderly church and society of Christ, to observe that order and discipline which Christ our King and lawgiver has appointed in his church according to the light we have received. We covenant and promise to cleave to God and his ways constantly and perseveringly as God shall asist, to keep his sabbaths more solemnly and attend upon all religions and ordinances which Christ hath instituted in his church better than we have hitherto done; We covenant and promise to love one another cordialy and sincerely; faithfully to watch over one anothers souls, and in brotherly love to exhort, reprove and encourage as their case requires; and also to submit ourselves to the government and discipline of Christ in his Church, whether by admonition or reproof, and to endeavour to discharge all covenant duties to God and one to another in the Church communion, both to our officers and to every particular member of the whole body as far as God shall enable us.

3. We would also covenant with God and one with another to perform our several relative duties of husband and wife, parents and children, masters servants and subjects, better than hitherto we have done: to set up and keep up family religion, both in respect of prayer, reading the scriptures, offering our children to God by solemn dedication, catechising and instructing them in the principles of religion and endeavour to set a holy example before them, bringing them as much as possible to publick ordinances as soon as they are capable, inculcating divine things upon them and by all ways and means endeavouring to bring them up in the nuture and admonition of the Lord: not suffering them to a customary breaking of the sabbath, a neglect of divine ordinances nor allowing them to keep company with the wicked and profane, lest they learn their ways and get a snare to their souls: and as much as possible hinder their joining themselves in marriage relation with those that are strangers to religion, being found by experience to be exceedingly prejudicial thereto.

4. As to absolute duties belonging to our particular persons, we covenant with God and one another to endeavour after a personal reformation of heart and life in anything wherein we have done amiss, promising to keep a more strict watch against our own iniquity, the sin that does so easily beset us, mortifying our sin, subdueing our corruption and endeavouring to keep ourselves from the prevailing evil of the times and places where we live, and in our places to endeavour the suppression thereof in any we are concerned with.

We covenant and promise to read the word of God, and other good books more frequently, that the word of God may dwell richly in us, and we may be able from the law and testimony to vindicate our holy religion against gainsayers: as also to make conscience of secret prayer, and endeavour to walk more closely with God, adorning the doctrine of God our saviour in all things giving no occasion to enemies to reproach our holy religion.

5. And lastly that we may the better observe all the parts and branches of this sacred covenant, we desire to rely on the aids and assistances of the divine Spirit, and wherein we fall short of doing our duty to look to God thro’ Christ for pardon: and all under an abiding sense of giving up our accounts to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead, to which covenant we set our hands in the presence of the allseeing and heart searching God, this sixth day of May in the year of our Lord 1748.

John Sedgfield       Henry Atkinson
Edward Parks       John Atkinson.
Thomas Kendall       Robt. Christopherson
Geo. Drinkall

Deacons   
  Thomas Kilner      John Pritt
Jonathan Gardner      William Askew  
   Ann Gardner      Elijah Swainson
  Sarah Atkinson      James Lindon
Mary Atkinson (mark)      Isaac Atkinson
Hannah Drinkall      Thomas Parker
Eliz. Skeldin (mark)       Thomas Park
Mary Coward       John Addison   + Eliz. Sedgfield
+ Lidia Sedgfield (mark)                      Alice Towers
+ Ann Lindon (mark)   Myles Sandys
Mary Briggs     Daniel Trearson
Elizabeth Adison Joseph Trearson (dead)
+ Eliz. Kendal (mark)  13 Aug. 1746
+ Rachel Woodburn Leonard Askew
Hannah Sedgfield + Margret Askew (mark)
John Hartley     Mary Atkinson baptized Jun. 7 1763
Jonas Lindon   Hannah Sharpe
Wm. Addison



62.


  Oct. 3 1761
Jos. Kettelby

29 June 1766
Mary Drinkall
Hannah Drinkall
Betty Swanson
Sarah Atkinson
Benj. Hartley
Joseph Hartley


The above 6 friends gave their experiences June 18 were baptized 22 June and received into church fellowship 29th.

3 Agt. 66 Mary Heartly and Ann Birket gave in their experience and John Drinkall

18 Oct. 67.
Robert Hartley John Sandys
David Parke     Robert Christopherson.
Mary Hartley Anne Birket
Mary Kettleby Isaac Hartley

The above were received into the church 11 Sept. 66.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Isaac Hartley gave his experience 10 Sept. Mary Kettelby by dismission same time.
------------------------------------------------------------------

August 18th 1765.
Mr. Joshua Kettelby having obtained his dismission from the church at Bewdley was received as a member of this church by giving him the right hand of fellowship.

18th Sept. Mr. Joshua Kettleby was ordained Pastor by Mr. Palmer, Mr. Coutthred and Ed. Parke – by prayer and laying on of hands at which time both Mr. Palmer and Mr. Coutthred preached.

These two were baptized 22 Apr. 1767
   Mary Swainson
Jonathan Dixon
N.B. These were legally received into the church

A letter from the church at Warwick to the church at Littlewild Street in London recommending Mr. Joshua Kettelby to them. To the particular Baptist Church meeting at Littlewild Street, London under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Hennet, the Church of Christ of the same faith and order meeting at Warwick sendeth this salutation.

Dearly beloved brethren, whereas our beloved Bro. and friend Mr. Joshua Kettelby, was about the year 1750 received (by a letter of dismission from the church of Bewdley) a member of this christian church and admitted to a full participation of the priviledges of the house of God, and he having signified to us that he is providentially removed to London, and is desirous of becoming a member of your church; this is to certify that during his residence in this place he behaved as a christian and a professor of the gospel ought to and in consequence of it was allowed by the joyfull approbation of this church to exercise his gift in ministerial capacity where providence might call him, and we having received testimonials of his good conduct and christian behaviour at Kidderminster where he hath resided since he removed from this place recommend him to you. Christian and friendly regards, hoping that you will receive him in the Lord and watch over him as becometh saints and communicate to him that spiritual assistance which his case may require. Requesting this from you and praying that all divine blessings may rest upon you we remain your brethren in the faith and fellowship of the gospel.

Signed at our meeting October 11th 1762. James Barhouse Thos Harison Theo. Shellburne Thos. Bristowe J. Knight Jos. Latimer Jos. Britten Benj. Hands.

This was approved of by our church 10 September 1766 – Isaac Hartley.

A copy of Mrs. Kettelbys letter of dismission from the Church of Christ at Bewdley under the pastoral care of the Reverend Mr. James Kettelby senior.

Bewdley 22 June 1766, to the baptist church of Christ meeting at Tottlebank under the pastoral care of Mr. Jos. Kettelby, the baptist Church of Christ meeting in Bewdley Worcestershire send greeting, Beloved brethren, Whereas Mary the wife of Mr. Jos. Kettelby now your minister has desired a letter of dismission from us to you to be incorporated as a member with you, this may certify you that she was baptized among us upon a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ of repentance from dead works and walked in communion with us while she abode near us and we hereby dismiss her from her membership with us and according to her desire we commend her to you to be incorporated as a member with you. Receive her therefore in the Lord to watch over her, warn, reprove, exhort, quicken and comfort as occasion may require that she may be useful in her place and station among you is the desire of your brethren in the bond of the gospel. John White the ll., James Kettelby Elder, Josiah Stockall, Timothy Tyther.



62.


An exact copy of our letter to Mr. K. excepting the preamble

Rev. Sir, Having by the good hand of divine providence been favoured with a recommendatory letter in your favour from the church of Christ meeting at Hayso, Bedfordshire, by the hand of the Reverend Johnson of Liverpool by which letter it appears to us that you are a person every way suitable to our present need as our dear and revered pastor Mr. Sedgfield is now very far agone in years and come even to the last stage of life, we are desirous requesting the divine assistance and blessings to use means for obtaining a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ to succeed our ancient pastor the Lord permiting when gone off this mortal stage in the pastoral care of this church.

Hoping therefore that you thro’ divine grace may answer our applications we unanimously and ardently desire your speedy presence among us if yet at liberty our request is that you’ll come and spend a month or two with us in consideration of which we shall defray all your charges and afford you an handsome reward for your trouble and upon further approbation make sufficient provision for the comfortable accommadation of yourself and family and we desire you’ll be pleased to favour us with a few lines upon receiving of this and advice of when you think of coming and we apprehend it would be the easiest way to come in postechaise to Lancaster where one or more of us proposeth to meet you and wait upon you over the sands hither so please to let us know when you can hope by the assistance of providence to be at Lancaster.

Rev. Sir wishing you a prosperous journey and earnestly emplore the God of all grace to grant unto you a double portion of the spirit of wisdom and revelation in all divine truth that you may come unto us in the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of Christ.

Signed at our church meeting at Tottlebank 16 Jan 1765.

We subscribe ourselves your affectionate brethren in the kingdom of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

John Sedgfield Pastor  

William Wells
Edward Park Elder
Myles Sandys
Geo. Drinkall
John Penington
Jno. Lindon

Deacons
Reg. Strickland
John Pritt
 
P.S.
We desire you’ll send an answer hurried whether you may see your way to enter immediately into the pastoral care of the church if generally approved off. Direct for Benj. Atkinson

John Hartley
Robert Christopherson
Benjamin Atkinson
Daniel Trearson
You may take quarters at the Kings Arms Mr. Robinsons and ask for Daniel Trearson.


68.


Elizabeth Fell
John Harrison
Sarah Desbrown
The above were baptized and admitted to full communion with this church 22 May 1768.

James Pritt

1769 20 August.

Be it remembered that it is this day agreed for the time being by us whose names are hereunto subscribed that the people in connection with the Church of Tottlebank residing in Broughton, Dunnerdale and Ulpha hath a right to one half of the yearly neat produce of the estate at Tottlebank and likewise of one half of the interest arising out of one hundred and twenty pounds being part of the stock belonging to Tottlebank. Persueant to which it is agreed that the Rev. Mr. Kettelby is to officiate at Broughton one whole Lords day every month agreed to by us whose names are here under written this 12th day of April 1769. Robert Christopherson 
J. Kettelby Pastor
Jonathan Dixon
Geo. Drinkall, Elder
Robert Hartley
John Lindon, Deacon

Isaac Hartley
   Wm. Braithwaite, Trustee
David Park
Benj. Atkinson, Trustee
Joseph Pritt
     Robt. Christopherson, Trustee
John Hartley
John Atkinson
Dan. Trearson.
Jonathan Dixon
Isaac Atkinson
John Adison
John Jackson
Benj. Swainson
Reg. Strickland
Thomas Kendall
John Drinkall
Wm. Wells
Isaac Askew
Myles Sandys.


N.B. The above agreement was entered into to preserve the peace of the church for the time being; and the right expressed, means one half of the ministers labours, at that time, according to church agreement; not one half of his living; which no individuals can claim.
71.


The following memorandums refer to the time from the remove of Mr. Kettelby 1770 till the year 1780 and so forth.

The Mr. Harper mentioned opposite, embraced the mystic notions and fell into licentious opinions of ante-nomianism; his conduct so scandalous, he was removed from the said Church of Warrington and left the Baptist Connection.

After the remove of Mr. Kettelby from the church at Tottelbank, we were providentially supplied in the ministry by a Mr. Hutton during the space of two years, who was afterwards called to, and settled as a Pastor in the church of Christ at Little Broughton in Cumberland. (1771,2,3)

After the remove of Mr. Hutton we were again supplied providentially (as a probationer towards taking the Pastoral charge of this Church) by a Mr. Bamford from Alcronton (1775) who stayed about three years, but on trial had, in the space of time was judged not likely for the increase and comfort of the Body; therefore he also removed. (1778) (1779) For a few months in the year 1779* we were supplied by a Mr. Harper who afterwards settled at and took the charge of the Baptized church at Warrington. (1780)

In the year 1780 it was thought prudent to renew the deed of the estate belonging to the church at Tottlebank in order to allay some differences that had for some time subsisted between the church and some members thereof living in Dunnerdale and Ulpha, as specified in some former agreements mentioned in this book, respecting a claim of these members of right to the one half of the produce of the estate at Tottlebank or to the one half of the estate. After a close inspection into this case, it was found to have been purchased by monies which the church had as a common stock belonging to the church settled in Furnessfells and Broughton. Consequently no member or members could have any personal particular or party claim but must remain as remain as common to the whole while a church in communion and that each individual has an equal right to the one common whole thereof and no more.

In the year 1780 on September the 27 Mr. Harbottle removed from Hawkshead Hill to this church, being by the church there first regularly given up to messengers sent to receive him as a Minister at the hands of the people there. His preaching and conversation being agreeable, was by the church here requested to take the pastoral charge thereof and after a relation in the presence of this church of the gracious dealings of God with his soul and the leadings of Providence from his first convictions till that time he was by the Brethren here received into full communion as a Brother on the 10th May 1783 and (in the presence of Mr. Whitfield of Hamsterly) after he had accepted the call of the church to the pastoral care was set apart thereunto on the 9 day of June following.

(1783) Mr. Whitfield preached on the occasion a suitable, pertinent and able discourse from Hebrews 13-17 in which he addressed both Minister and people.

N.B. Mr. Harbottle was ordained to the ministry at Hawkshead Hill in 1778

75.

Here follows a form of an Agreement and Resolutions the Church came to in order to promote practical godliness: agreed on at Tottlebank, Oct. 26 1783.

Whereas, we the Brethren of this Church at Tottlebank, having for many years past to our great grief and concern, beheld our Church state in an unhinged, perplexed and unsettled condition; by which we have been deprived of the sacred ordinances in a regular manner, and have been exposed to broils and contentions, destructive to our community; and which as a fire has reduced us very low, both on the accounts of our brotherly love being put out in a great measure, our zeal abating, and the great decline of practical godliness amongst us; and also the loss of our internal peace and harmony and opening the door to the deceiver of our souls, Satan, who sows Discord amongst Brethren – we, beholding those disagreeable things amongst us and being convinced that some achans are in the camp, some sins in our hearts and practices indulged and encouraged; public or private ones of omission or commission stands against us unreproved, unrepented of, and not forsaken; which as a worm in our gourd, has devoured our strength and beauty; has roused the anger of God, and called it down upon us; and caused him to withdraw himself from us; and to suspend his gracious influences and give us up into the hands of spoilers, who have spoiled us.

We, being now convinced that there is a real necessity for our returning unto the Lord, from whom we have so deeply revolted: and who invites us in compassionate language, to forsake our ways and thoughts and return unto him, and he has promised on so doing, to abundantly pardon us. We are also at this time convinced, that in order to return unto him, there is a real necessity for, and it is incumbant on us, to endeavour after oneness in sentiment and regularity in our practices. Consequently, we have agreed, and hereby we do agree, in these several following articles, to promote the cause of it amongst us, in the strength of the Lord, and by his holy and gracious assistance.

We, hereby, declare that we agree and that it is our joint sentiment and belief, that the holy

2 Tim 3.16   scriptures are of divine inspiration, and contains to us the whole of the revealed will of God, and

2 Pet 1.21   that they are the only rule of faith and practice; rejecting all the traditions of men.

2. That, the divine being, whom the sacred scriptures

1 Cor. 8.4-6 reveal, is the only true and living God. Who is in

Isa. 6.3 himself the sum of all perfection; the maker and

Rev. 4.11     upholder of all things The author and object of

Jn. 4.24 divine worship; and the Father and fountain of all

1 Jn. 4.10   bliss and happiness to his children.

3. That in this glorious Being (who as a spirit, is

1 Jn. 5.7      capable of existing and acting, infinitely beyond our scanty conceptions) there is a Divine Trinity;

Gen. 1.26   as natural, necessary and essential to Him; distinct from, and beyond all office capacity or nominal characters; and are known by the sacred

Matt 28.19   names the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; and

Eph 4.6 which sacred three are one: Eternal God –

4. That, this divine trinity were coefficients in the

Jn. 1.3          formation al all things; and that they have a

Gen. 11.7    co-agency in the economy of providence and kingdom

2 Cor. 13.14               of grace.

5.        That, man was made perfectly upright and happy in

Ecc. 7.29     his first formation, in the image of God with

Gen. 1.27    respect to the moral perfections, of righteousness Isa. 2.17    and holiness; endowed with power and ability to Isa. 3/12        keep himself in that estate, and that he was a free agent, respecting his obedience or disobedience.

6.        That, the first man was a common head to all his Rom. 5.12    posterity; and who in this righteous constitution 19                      are considered sinners in his first transgression; 18 and are all equally involved in his condemnation.

7.        That, all men as preceeding from him by common

Rom. 3.9,10 generation, are naturally corrupted and depraved; Ps. 51.5     and equally called children of wrath. Eph. 2.3

8.        That, it is impossible for any man to recover

Ps. 49.7 himself from          this lapsed condition, even by his

Eph. 2.9 utmost efforts. Jer. 2.22

9.        That, God in his divine prescience and rich mercy,

1 Pet. 1.2    foreviewing such universal apostacy,

Job. 33.24   did of his own good pleasure provide a remedy, for John 3.16   the of his peculiar love; by constituting the head Eph. 5.23       of the church (his dearly beloved Son) the saviour of the body.

10. That, in the covenant of divine grace, the Son of Jer. 30.21     God did solemnly engage himself, by supporting the Heb. 10.7                honour of the divine law, and the essential rights Ps. 69.4  of divine justice, to rescue his church (whom the Gal. 3.13        Father gave him) from the curse                 and misery occasioned by sin.

11. That pursuant to such engagements, in the fullness Gal. 4.4    of time, he became incarnate, perfectly obeyed the Jn. 1.14 law of God, and died a vicarious death, for, and Rom. 10.4  instead of, his church to obtain her redemption. 1 Pet. 3.18

12. That, by such obedience and death, he procured such

Heb. 9.12    valuable blessings of redemption; reconciliation, Col. 1.20,21   pardon, acceptance with God, and final salvation.

Gal. 1.7 Heb 5.9

13. That, without regeneration no person is a fit

Jn. 3.3          member of a Church of Christ, can enjoy those

Eph. 2.10    blessings, or enter the                  kingdom of glory.

14. That, regeneration is a divine change, and only can 2 Cor. 3.18 be effected by the word and spirit of God; whose 1 Pet. 1.23                    operations herein are powerful, quickening,

Heb 4.12     irresistible and efficacious.

15. That, all renewed persons have the spirit of God as Rom. 8.15  a spirit of adoption bestowed on them; which less Rom. 8.1 or more evidences their being in a justified state; and by faith         looking to their relation with Christ; Phil 3.9 and laying hold on his surety-righteousness, which Rom. 8.1   is graciously imputed to them, experiences a freedom from guilt and condemnation.

16. That, all such persons receive fresh supplies of Jn. 1.16 grace and strength from Christ; which overcomes the Col. 2.19            power of sin   in them, and renders them holy,

1 Thess 5.23               lively, active and spiritual in all manner of

Tit. 2. 11,12                 conversation and godliness.

17. That, all such persons are enabled to endure

Ps. 84.7 persevering unto the end; and are finally saved

Jn. 10.28     through the exceeding riches of grace

Eph. 2.8.


18. That, God hath divinely ordained for those valuable

Eph. 4.13    last mentioned, his word, ministry and other

Isa. 40.1      ordinances of his house to be observed in order Eph. 4.16     that they may grow up in him in all things.

19. That, each of the ordinances of God are of equal Matt 28.20   importance; and all ordained with and by the same authority, which ought to be revered by every child of God; and that it is a                 pouring contempt upon such

Isa. 24.5      authority, by people or churches when those solemn

Mal. 2.9 ordinances are abused in their use and disregarded or neglected on the other hand.

20. That, those standing ordinances are, the reading of Jn. 5.39    the word of God, preaching of the word of God, 2 Tim. 4.2. attending on the word preached, prayer unto God, Heb.2.1,10.25.       praising of him for his rich           mercies, baptism by  

1 Tim. 2.1.   immersion in water, the Lords supper in bread and 1 Cor. 14.15        wine taken and so forth.
Acts 8.38
1 Cor. 11.24

21. That, it is enjoined on every person, where the Mark 16.18      word of God comes, to pay the strictest attention Ps. 2.12       to it, believing to receive its contents, and to Acts 3.46         submit to its dictates; and         that contempt is poured on divine authority by a contrary conduct.

22. That, all men must give an account to God for their Ecc. 12.14 several words, thoughts and actions, whether they

2 Cor. 5.10 have been good or bad.

23. That, all men shall rise from the dead both the Acts. 26.8         just and unjust, in order to such a judgement.
Jn. 5.29

24. That, the election of grace shall receive and enjoy Matt. 25.34 the kingdom promised them in Christ: not as the Rev. 14.13 fruit of their labours; but as a donation of free and distinguishing love.

25. That, the wicked shall be punished in the line of

Rom. 11,6-13 retributive justice; according to their personal

2Thess. 1.7,8 actions, done in opposition to the light of natural reason, the law of God and gospel of Christ.

26. That, in order to such resurrection, judgement and 2 Thess. 1-7 final decision, the Lord Jesus Christ will

Tit. 2.13 personally come, to call the world before him.

Rev. 1.7

27. That, all care and diligence are required at the hand of every child of God, being members of

2 Pet. 1.3    Churches to glorify the riches of grace, prevent 9,10 any just scandal or the cause of ill and to have their calling and election sure.

These several articles drawn from and provable by the    sacred scriptures; contain an epitome of our faith. And, in order to support and stand by the same with honour, and reputation; in the name and strength of our gracious God and Father, and for his glory, and the good of our souls, and to convince each other that we are the true subjects of His Kingdom, and stop the scandalous reflections of the world; we, hereby further agree, and by those presants it is by each and all of us solemnly agreed,

That, we will endeavour by grace always to meet Ps. 89.7 together in the fear of the Lord. “Who is greatly to be feared in the assembly of his saints.”

2.      That, in our meetings for Divine worship, we will Ps. 42.2        consider ourselves to be immediately in the solemn Ex. 20.24   prescence of    God: That he is in the midst, where Matt. 18.20 two or three are gathered together.

3.   That, we will endeavour at all times, to sacrifice our own humours, interests, and prejudices for the   honour of Christ, and the common good of that church where we are connected.

4. That, we will pay the utmost respect and regard to Divine Authority, in all our moods of worship.

5.      That, we will endeavour to fill up our places in the stated meetings for the worship of God, without framing any other excuses, than we are conscious will be well pleasing to God.

  6.      That, we will attend to hear the word of God, and lay it up in our hearts, so as not to let it slip.

  7.      That, we will endeavour to guard against formality in our worship; studying our worldly concerns in the house of God; or spending our time in sleep or carelessness there.

8.      That, we will be careful to attend in due time, according to our appointments, and not have to disturb the order of worship, after it is begun.

9.      That, we will make it a point of conscience, and concern, to attend (meet) on every occasional meeting held at Tottlebank, wherein our assent, consent, dissent or advice may be required.

10.    That, in our meetings to consult of Church or secular affairs, order shall be attended to, and all due and civil respect shall be shown each Brother according to his station. The elder shall always be allowed the honour of speaking before the younger; and no advice according to Truth shall be despised from the younger.  

11.    That, every sally of passion and heat shall be strictly guarded against and in case of such outbreaking, the Minister, Deacons or any old Member are hereby empowered to call such to order, and reprove the same immediately in the spirit of meekness.

12.    That, we will keep all church decisions in our own breasts, and not expose them to the world; or even to branches of our families who are not members of this community; as the honour of communities has greatly suffered by such thoughtless conduct.

  13.    That, we will guard against a proud, imperious, censorious and evil judging disposition; as such conduct greatly injures our own happiness, and our Brothers character is opposite to the spirit of truth, of tenderness and that charity which we are told hopeth and endureth all things.

14.    That, we will read the word of God in our families and statedly pray to God in and for our families. whereby we shall seek the Divine Blessing upon, and set a becoming example before the young and rising generation. And especially, we engage to remember the case of the Church of Christ, and particularly the branch thereof, in our homes: both in our families and our closets, which we hereby also resolve to frequent in prayer unto God.

  15.    That, we will not speak disrespectfully of each others character or practices, before the world, or any of the Brethren; in a whispering, backbiting, ill designing, defaming, slanderous and detracting way, whereby we may nurse our prejudices; and hurt a character, perhaps more worthy than our own; and greatly dishonour and displease God.

16.    That, we hereby pledge ourselves to each other, that we will guard against and supress that disposition, so common in the practices of professors, of coverting what another enjoys; whereby men are led to take advantage of the weakness or the poverty of parties; to defraud out of just dues; and overreach in their commerce with any commodity. But to deal honestly, uprightly and uniformly in all our dealings one with another, and in our several businesses in this world.

17. That we will discountenance all guile and hypocricy in profession and practice; with all lying and dissemutation, all equivocating or hiding of our real meaning one from another, when called to advise on any case: But will follow truth, openness and sincerity, as in Christ, as in the sight of God.

18.     That we hereby agree to put away and discountenance all lavish, light, vain and frothy talk, with foolish jesting in our conversations, which is a superfluity of naughtiness, altogether inconsistant with the gravity, sobriety and deportment of the serious minded Christian; and all obscene words, which does not minister grace to the hearer; but proves the speaker to be carnal and vain.

19.     That, we will honour the holy name of God or any character he has graciously assumed to reveal himself by to mortals; so, as not to use the same in our conversations, in a thoughtless, common manner as the world do; but to discountenance all wicked cursing and vain swearing on any occasion whatsoever.

20.     That, we will shun all occasions of uncleanness, and walk in temperance, sobriety and chastity abhorring the evils of sensuality; as adultry, fornication, impure affections, idleness, flirting dancing and merriments or encouraging the same in any branches of our several families, which are under our command or authority; with all sinful company keeping and drunkenness; all of which are ruinous to our souls, dishonourable to God, injurious to our reputation, hurtful to our families, tarnished our profession and brings a just offence to the cross of Christ.

21. That, we will pay a due regard to the Lords day so as to lay by our secular affairs (excepting those of mere hospitality, and which calls for the exercise of our compassion) and to avoid all worldly converse thereon, or visits merely for the purpose of spending our precious time.

22. Moreover, we hereby agree, to so esteem and venerate the ordinances of God, so as to willingly put away our beloved vices, in order to enjoy those ordinances in a becoming and orderly way.

  23.   Also, that we will watch over each other in the Lord, not with a prejudiced eye so as to merely spy out each others faults and weaknesses; but with an eye of love and care to as to promote each others welfare, prevent outbreakings of sin, and encourage strict piety.

24. That, we will not indulge the freedom of exaggerating a Brothers fault; nor speak of it so as to highten it in the view of any, a practice too common in our day, to the injury of many tender minds and precious souls,

25. That, if in case of an offence given, by any Brother or Sister; we agree, that the offended party should not so much as speak of it to any member of the Church, much less to the world; but take the earliest opportunity, privately and meekly to reprove the offending, in order to the gaining of the offending party: And, to regulate this point so much neglected; we determine, either privately or publicly, to hear no complaint of any Brother or Sister till after such reproof: And that such reproof shall be administered in love, and with a design to gain the offending, otherwise the reprover is equally criminal with the offending, as he does it to let out his revenge and spleen. We agree to hear every complaint that shall be made after an orderly reproof, where the offending remains hardened and does not receive the reproof as a precious ointment to him.

The Divine Law respecting reproofs is this, that if thy Brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone; if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy Brother, but if he will not hear thee, then take with thee two or three more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established-And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: But if he neglects to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

26.    That, also, on an offence administered or given we, and each of us doth, hereby pledge ourselves, that on reproof so administered, we or each of us so offending, shall in the same spirit of meekness, acknowledge our fault, and make satisfaction for it, as directed in the sacred word of God.

  27.    That, also these several articles respecting faith and manners shall be read over at the reception of every member into this Church and in case of any offences brought publicly before the same.

28.    That each member shall stand firmly to the body of the people, in seeing the Church officers, put those several prudential regulations into execution, or any other of the laws of the Divine Redeemer, which shall seem meet and necessary, either for admission of members, correction of vices, promoting of holiness, expunging any scandles, excluding the inpenitent, or receiving such again into order.

And, as our designs are good and agreeable to the holy word of God; being to promote his honour, to intreat his gracious return amongst us, to destroy the spirit of contention and distance, to increase our comfortable experience in the ways of God, to endeavour after unity of sentiment, to further our holiness in worship and happiness in our souls, to encourage our Minister in his labours amongst us, to open a door of the admission of members to increase our number with such as shall be saved in the day of the Lord, and to render our Church state more aboundently honourable, happy, lovely and prosperous we have hereunto, (as token of our approbation of all those several articles, and by which we obligate ourselves to defend the same) subscribed our names on the day and year first above written.

Thomas Harbottle: Pastor
John Drinkall
Geo. Drinkall: Deacon
Elizabeth Fell
John Atkinson
Hannah Drinkall
Wm. Wells
Mary Drinkall+ (John Hartley)+ Hannah Atkinson
John Adison
               Hannah Garner
Myles Sandys
            Mary Atkinson
Benj. Atkinson
Benj. Swanson
Jonathon Dixon Jr.


94.


Brother Joseph Hartley (whose lot is now providentially cast amongst you)has, by a letter to us (dated the 7th of June 1784) desired and requested a letter of dismission from us in order to join with you in the faith, order and ordinances of the gospel; and all other priviledges of the house of God; as being an object exceeding agreeable to him and which he has signified he hopes will be equally so to you.

Dearly beloved brethren, tho it is in some measure weakening our hands to give up or part with a person in whom we viewed usefulness and hoped would be a pillar in this little temple of our God, we being by the fire of contention reduced to so small a number and in so great a want of useful active members, yet we cannot deny his earnest request being convinced of his being from us providentially removed and in the bowels of the dearest love and brotherly affection we give up all our connection with him and claim to him as a member beloved and honourable into your hands as a sister church in the same faith and order of the gospel resting satisfied that with all tender love on our testimony of his honourableness you will receive him as a brother and will shew him all brotherly esteem, will admonish, reprove and help him in the Lord as the case may require while he is with you in this vale of tears. And we desire to be remembered by you when near the Lord at his divine throne – Wishing you all desirable enlargement, prosperity, peace and consolation both to Pastor and people; we in behalf of the church at Tottlebank and in her name and presence conclude, affectionately your brethren in the best bonds.

Thos. Harbottle Pastor
Signed at Tottlebank) Geo. Drinkall Deacon
The day and year   )    Benj. Swanson
Above written by   )     Benj. Atkinson


Aug. 22nd 1784.                 )               Myles Sandys
Jn. Adison
Jn. Atkinson
David Park
Robt. Christopherson
1. William Askew of Beckbottom was baptized Aug. 22nd 1784 and added on the 27 thereof agreeing to the foregoing articles.

2,3 Hannah Roper and Alice Park were baptized on October the 3rd1784 and added to this church on Nov. 26 of the same year.

4. Hannah Swainson of Penny Bridge was baptized on the 3rd of September 1786.

5.          Joseph Threlkeld was baptized on the 22 of October 1786 and he and Han. Swainson were added to the church the same day.

6.          William Jackson, Waller baptized on the 10th of August 1788.

7.          William Vernon was baptized and added to the church on the 21 of August 1791.

The 23 of June 1792 Mary Hartley was received into full communion again by a letter of dismission from the church of Christ in Grafton Street under the care of Mr. Martin.
The 23 of June 1792 David Park returned and was re-admitted into fellowship again.

8.          On the 5th day of June 1795 Elizabeth Atkinson

9.          Mary Towers and (now Mary Pennington)

10.        Lydia Towers were all baptized and added to the church.

11.        On the 7 of May Benj. Wilson (since dead) was added to the church; he with Jn. Firby being previously baptized.

(numbers 11 to 39 are as in the copy made by Sue Whiteside. There appears to be numbers missing. amc)

13.        On the 3rd of September Jn. Kirby and Sarah Wilson (since dead) were added to the church –Sarah Wilson was baptized in June before.


97.


On September the 5 1790 Hannah Dixon of Old Hall in Ulpha being dismissed by a letter from Hawkeshead Hill church was received a member at Tottlebank.

14.        On October the 31 Sarah Dixon (Lancaster – Mrs. Sarah Willern) was baptized and Nov. 1 was added to the church 1801.

16.        On the 14 of September 1807 was baptized Agnus Scholic and Mary Wilson (dead) and added to the church on the 27th.

17.        On the 14 of Aug. 1808 was baptized and added to the church Esther Kirby Jun.

On 11th of August 1811 was baptized Ann Jackson, Elijah Jackson, Hannah Harbottle Jun. And (dead) Bridget Park daughter of D. Park (dead)

21. these 4 added to the church on the 18th day of August 1811. Members names Sept. 1. 1798           31 members in the church as per date.
Tho. Harbottle, Pastor
Jn. Drinkall
Jona.th. Dixon ) Deacons

Hannah Drinkall              dead
Mary Drinkall                   dead
Benj. Atkinson Sen.        dead
Benj. Swainson              dead
Hannah Swainson          dead
Wm. Askew                    dead
Wm. Jackson  
Betty Fell dead
Alice Park                       dead
David Park                      dead
Mary Atkinson                 dead
Mary Hartley
Hannah Harbottle
Joseph Threlkeld
Hannah Threlkeld
Robt. Christopherson     dead
Elizabeth Christopherson                         dead
Wm. Vernon                    left
Elizabeth Atkinson
Mary Pennington Whitstonecroft
Lydia Towers
Benj. Wilson                    dead
Sarah Wilson                  dead
Jn. Kirby
Hannah Dixon                 dead
Sarah Baysbrown Jn. & Hannah Atkinson Whitehaven    dead


99.

Members at Tottlebank Aug. 15.1808

Thomas Harbottle Pastor

Jn. Drinkall

Jonth. Dixon Deacons dead

1820
John Atkinson of Whitehaven                  dead

1812
Wm. Askew – Beckbottom                      dead

1810
Robt. Christopherson     dead

1813
David Parke                   dead

1815
Wm. Jackson

Joseph Threlkeld

Wm. Vernon withdrawne

1810
John Kirby

Mary Hartley

Mary Drinkall                   dead

1820
Hannah Harbottle

Eliz. Fell dead

1809
Mary Atkinson                 dead

1809
Hannah Swainson          dead

1819
Mary Pennington withdrawn

Lydia Briggs

Elizabeth Atkinson

Agnes Scholic

Mary Wilson

Esther Kirby

Hannah Threlkeld

Sarah Dixon Kendal

Decreased 6 last 10 years = 8 + 2 more deceased 1809.

5 added

Baptized on the 23 of Oct. 1814 Ann Cleminson, Eliz. Wilson, Mary Hartley Jun. Isabela Machell and Isaac Dixon (dead)

These 5 added to the church on November the 6 1814. And added same day Jn. Clerk (dead) admitted to Communion by letter from Mr. Griffin’s church, Kidersminster in Worstershire.

2 added Baptized October 1815 Hannah Swainson Jun. And Ebernezer Harbottle and both added to the church, Ebernezer Harbottle on October 15 1815, Hannah Swainson on June 9th 1816.

Baptized on Sep. 12 1819 Alice Holme, Thos. Scholick (dead),  Joseph Harbottle and Edwin Sandys.

Baptized on April 21 1821.
Nancy Jackson, Hannah Trearson, John Asburner and Strickland Trearson and on May 20th James Brookbank and James Walker then of Cartmel.


99.


On May 20 1821
Nancy Jackson, Hannah Trearson, John Ashburner, Strickland Trearson, James Brookbank and James Walker were all added to the church Baptized 38.

On the 21 of October 1821
was baptized and added to the church Robert Gillmore – the first that Josh. Harbottle baptized.

On the 21 of July 1822
Abigail Taylor, Sarah Atkinson, Jane Waring, Emma Kenedy, Jonathan Wilson and Thomas Trearson were baptized and on the 4 day of August they were all added to the church.

At their baptism Josh. Harbottle preached on Rom. 1.16 – I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

October 14 1822
Susan Wilson of the Low in Ulpha was added to the church having been previously baptized at Hawkshead Hill.

On the 27 of April 1823
was baptized Jane Parker (dead) Catherine Percivel Sarah Trearson and Robert Tubmern (dead) Tho. Trearson preached on Num.10.29 and Zach.8.23.

On May 11 1823
Jane Parker (dead), Catherine Parcivel and Sarah Trearson were added to the church*

On May 25 1823
George Barre, Richd. Johnson, Thomas Swainson and Isaac Bird were all baptized and added to the church.

May 11 Wm. Vernon (dead) returned to his membership again.

On July 27 1823
Mary Garnett and Thomas Harbottle were baptized and added to the church.

On the 7th
of September Robert Tubman (dead) was joined to the church and took his seat.

On the 16th of June 1824
Sarah Atkinson of Stoney Cross was baptized and the 20th was received as a member of the church.

June 30th 1824
Francis Turner of Iston in Cumberland was baptized.

These last two were baptized in Crake near Cottage by Joseph Harbottle – the Pastor being poorly.

August 1st 1824
Margaret Trearson and Mary Harbottle were baptized in Crake near Cottage by Reg. Strickland Trearson.

Nov. 7th 1824
Margaret Trearson and Mary Harbottle were received into the church.

Nov. 7th 1824
Ebenezer Harbottle and Isaac Dixon were chosen to the office of deacons.

Feb. 7-6th 1825
John. Harbottle was dismissed by letter to the church at Accrington preparatory to his taking the pastoral charge over them. Vide copy of the letter.

July 24th1825
James Briggs of Foxfield was baptized in Crake by R.S. Trearson and received into the church the following sabbath.


100.


On Sept. 21st 1825
Mrs. Betty Johnson (wife of our Br. Richd. Johnson) and Daniel Trearson of Eips were baptized by Thomas Trearson.

And November 6 Mrs. Johnson was admitted into the church.

Nov. 13
D. Trearson became a member of the church.

Nov. 29th 1825
Ann Cleminson was dismissed to the church meeting in Cockspur Street, Liverpool under the pastoral care of Moses Fisher.
Oct. 1st
1826 Mr. Stephenson, Jn. Stables and Wm. Barr were baptized in Crake near Cottage.

Nov. 12th
1826 Mrs. A. Kirby, H. Hill, Hannah Atkinson, Isaac Kirby and Mr. Riley, Broughton were baptized.

Dec. 3
were added to the church, Mr. Stephenson, Mr. Stables, Wm. Barr, Agnes Kirby, Isaac Kirby, Mr. Riley.

Dec. 25th
Susan Wilson Senr. Of Low was added to the church having been previously baptized at Hawkshead Hill.

Mar. 4. 1827
were added to the church Mr. Wilson Snr. Of Penny Bridge, having been previously baptized and Hannah Atkinson.

May 6th
Francis Turner was received as a member and added to the church, having been previously been baptized.

On May 20th
1827 Mrs. Ann Briggs (wife of our brother James Briggs) Mrs. Aggy Barr (wife of Br. Wm. Barr) Mary Wilson of Low, Betty Coward of Kirby, Edward Wilson of Low, James Postlewaite, Geo. Barr Jun. (dead) Edward Turner and Mr. Coward (the 4 last all of Kirby) were baptized.

May 27th
Betty Coward, Mr. Coward, James Postlewaite and Edward Turner were added to the church.
July 1st.
Ann Briggs, Aggy Barr, Mary Wilson, Edward Wilson and Geo. Barr (dead) were added, association letter includes these.

Aug. 5th
Mary Postlewaite, Betty Barr, Mary Ann Briggs and William Liddell were admitted into the church.

Nov. 4th
Geo. Vickers added to the church.

Oct. 28th.
Elijah Jackson and Sarah (late S. Atkinson) and Isaac Kirby were excluded for the crime of fornication.

1828 May 11th
Sam. Wilson, Wm. Gaskell, James Blacklock and Thos. Bell were baptized and added to the church the same day. Association letter includes these.
Jan. 30th
Reg. S. Trearson was dismissed to the church at Felle, Yorkshire and ordained pastor over that church. The letter includes this also.

July 6th
Thos. Sharrock of Kirby was baptized and added the same day.

Aug. 3rd.
William Elliston of Kirby was rec. into this church by letter from 1st Bap. Church in Woolwich.

101.


Aug. 3rd
1828 were baptized Nancy Dixon of Kirby and Ann Thompson of Lowick Green and added to the church.

1829 Mar. 1st
Elijah & Sarah Jackson were restored to their membership.

May 17th
Wm. Liddell was dismissed being about to go to America. (association letter)

Aug. 16th
Wm. Elliston was excluded for disorderly walking.

Sept. 25
Miss Cort of Leicester was baptized being on tour of the lakes.

Nov. 8th
Sarah Walker (late Sarah Atkinson, Stony Cragg) was a letter dismissed to the church under the pastoral care of Charles Larom at Sheffield.

1830 Sept. 26th
was baptized Ellen wife of Edward Turner, Kirby.

Oct. 6 was baptized Revd. Sam Blythe late a clergyman of the church of England which he left from conscientious motives.


Nov. 7th
Ellen Turner was added to the church.

Nov. 14th
was baptized Jane Johnson of Kirby (association letter).

1831 Jan 1st.
At a church meeting held at Tottlebank, after candid consideration and prayer, we were under the painful necessity of excluding Jn. Stables of Kirby and Elijah and Sarah Jackson of Ulverston for disorderly conduct. May this painful part of church discipline by the means of purifying the church that those members who remain may be enabled by a circumspect walk and consistent conduct to adorn the gospel.

Jan 30th
Jane Johnson was added to the church and partook of the Lord’s Supper Ordinance in communion with a few of the members who met for that purpose in Ulverston at the house of Esther Kirby who has been prevented from enjoying the public means of grace for more that 15 years by a severe affliction, it was a season of refreshing to all, especially to the invalid.

June 12th
were baptized in the river Crake, Ann Barr, Ann Sharrock and Betty Briggs all of Kirby.

July 3rd
Ann Barr, Ann Sharrock (dead) and Betty Briggs were added to the church.

102.


Copy of a letter sent to the church at Accrington in consequence of their requesting the dismission of J. Harbottle preparatory to his being ordained over them. The Church of Christ at Tottlebank, to the Church of Christ at Accrington, near Blackburn, in the county of Lancs., sendeth christian salutation.

Beloved Brethren,

Your letter requesting the dismission of our dear brother Mr. Joseph Harbottle came duly to hand and was read at our last church meting; and should have had earlier attention, but our situation as destitute of a pastor left us rather at a loss how to act, being unacquainted with the manner of doing it.

Our dear Bro. Above mentioned was baptized here on the 12th of Sept. 1819 and on the 3rd of Oct. following was added to the church, since which time his walk and conversation have been such as became the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, indeed such is the estimation in which his piety and talents were held by the church here, that the eyes of all its members were directed towards him, as the successor of his late and much esteemed and honoured Father, to the pastoral office over us. However, as we acknowledge the supreme authority of the great master of the vineyard and his right to place his labourers in what part of that vineyard he sees fit, and as he hath directed the steps of our Bro. Amongst you and by blessing and succeeding his labours made it manifest to him that it is his duty to settle with you, we, therefore, feel it to be our duty to resign him, and to dismiss him from this part of the church militant, to that part which you constitute, hoping and praying that his increasing usefulness may prove that it is for very important purposes that we are disappointed and that he is stationed at Accrington and when the purposes of God are made plain to our understandings may we have reason to rejoice together and with adoring gratitude to own that “He hath done all things well.”

Signed in behalf of the church Feb. 6th 1825 
John Drinkall
Eben. Harbottle
Isaac Dixon
Elijah Jackson.


On the 8 th of May 1825 were dismissed from the church at Tottlebank our christian brother and sister James and Jane Walker in order that they might unite with the church in Wigan they having removed to that place.

Signed
R. S. Frearson
E. Jackson.


On the 3rd of July 1825 was dismissed from the church at Tottlebank our christian brother Edwin Sandys he being about to remove to America.

Signed
Jn. Drinkall
R.S. Frearson
E. Jackson.


104.