It was about this time and in some measure owing to the above proceedings5 that the chapel at Littleton (known as the Cross-roads meeting) was erected6 upon the site of a cottage and grounds purchased for that purpose, which was put in trust for the use of the Independents, and though never actually attached to the cause at Market Lavington, yet mainly dependant7 upon the friends of that place and occasionally supplied by the minister, its chief reliance is upon lay agency. A proposal was made to take it under the direction of the church here (in 1854), as it was thought likely to promote its success, but as opposition8 was made thereto by one of the trustees, the attempt was relinquished9, and they are left to their own resources.
From this, in the year 1839, a party seceded10 and formed themselves into a distinct body embracing Baptist views, and built Ebenezer chapel upon ground given by the Earl of Radnor. They have never been able to maintain a minister, but are dependant upon lay agency.
In the year 1829, an invitation was sent to the Rev11. Thomas Sturgess, then settled at Melksham, requesting him to supply the pulpit at Lavington; at the termination of his probationary12 visit, he was requested to settle over them. He complied and took up his abode13 among them. Alas14! how varied15 are the forms of evil, and how diverse are the phases in which it can appear; just as are the dispositions16 of the human mind so will there be found an adaptation in error, in perfect accordance with the nature p. 52of the reptile17 so fitly chosen as an emblem18 of the author of all evil, “The serpent,” as one of our poets has expressed it, “takes a thousand forms to cheat our soul to death,” compression or dilation19, the assumption of any device or colour, just as suits his purpose, so that the progress of truth be impeded20. We have before noted21 how one after another of the servants of Christ have been constrained22, by sinful perversity23 of their people, with wounded hearts and streaming eyes, to vacate their post; but now the scene somewhat changes, and the cause is to be assailed24 in a more vulnerable point. Ruin hovers25 over it, and how deliverance is to be obtained or from what quarter it is to come is a mystery. The debt arising from the enlargement in the time of the first pastor, and which had been suffered to continue, presses upon them, and assumes the form of a Chancery law suit: the property is attached, and the people are quite inadequate26 to combat it; but as all who are acquainted with law well know that as far as the defendant27 is concerned, it admits of no delay, but if allowed, like a leech28, will glut29 itself with the very vitals of life. The people put forth30 their utmost efforts, and then made application to the Wilts31 Association of Independent or Congregational Churches for assistance. Having no funds available for this purpose at their disposal, they recommended the case to the Churches of Christ generally—the minister of the place travelling the county to solicit32 their aid. It was his privilege soon to realise the object which enabled him to discharge the debt by which the suit was stayed. He remained till 1834, when he removed to Marlborough, where he continued some time, then left for Sidmouth, and afterwards for Collumpton. In a few years he relinquished the stated ministry33, and removed to the North of England. For the space of two years they remained without a shepherd, in a great measure arising from p. 53the diversity of temperament34 the human mind everywhere exhibits, and in no case more so than in matters of religion, especially in the democratic cast of the Dissenting35 Churches, which is an evil to be deplored37, as too often affording to one individual the opportunity of governing a Church through the power of influence exerted over minds incompetent39 to a just discrimination of things; yet, when compared with the other evil resulting from the concentration of power in one individual, in the form of patronage40 is much to be preferred, as less likely to be injurious to truth. To the reflecting mind, the fact herein advanced will receive abundant confirmation41 in the diversity of creeds42 and professions with which the Christian43 world abounds44, causing more animosity and heart-burning than any thing else, and from which very few Churches have escaped. During this interregnum their reliance was chiefly upon neighbouring ministers and what lay agency could be made available, which, unless judiciously45 employed, will of itself be productive of evil, by exalting46 some aspiring47 mind beyond his proper sphere.
In 1836, the Rev. John Young was recommended and at their invitation settled among them, but after about twelve months’ residence, owing to some unpleasant affair of a personal nature, he deemed it advisable to retire. Recourse was then had to ministerial friends far and near, and that for the space of about five years; during which they enjoyed comparative quietness and prosperity. In 1841, those who preferred a resident ministry to the dissipating mode of mere48 supplies (which, however pleasing to such as admire variety, is not the best for promoting true genuine piety49 and a steady progress in the path of holiness; nor is it calculated to foster some of the sweetest and tenderest of associations—those between pastor and people), made an effort to realize their wish; when the Rev. J. S. p. 54Gilbert was chosen to be their minister with very encouraging prospects50; but the fairest day may have its clouds. A misunderstanding arose relative to his ordination51; and although every means were used to overcome the difficulties—much as his friends regretted the issue, seeing he was not likely to be comfortable, they advised him to withdraw, and with great reluctance52 he complied. The managers, for by that name the officers were known, opened a correspondence with the Rev. C. P. Hobbs, of Highbury College; though at first he manifested a disinclination to accept the call to the pastorate, eventually he agreed, and was ordained54 in the year 1842. During his ministry the cause rose to a very respectable position, but the varying atmosphere became again overcast55 and agitated56 from a quarter unexpected and unlooked for. Mr. Hobbs’s views of church polity which he publicly professed57 at his ordination underwent a complete revolution; he therefore resigned in the early part of 1849, and conformed to the Established Church: he settled at Liverpool, but has since removed to the neighbourhood of London; and our hope is he may be made an extensive and lasting58 blessing59. At the close of the year the Rev. C. B. Holder60 took the charge and remained until 1853, when, from some unexplained cause, he followed in the wake of his predecessor61; and after for a time vacillating between the Establishment and Dissent36, as the fane of interest varied, he at last accepted the office of Scripture62 Reader under the Bishop63 of Manchester, with the promise of eventual53 ordination.
The secession of these successive pastors, after solemn averment of having well considered the opposite principles of Church government, and selecting that from conviction of its scriptural truthfulness64, was very naturally calculated to shake and overturn the faith of many, and give cause for p. 55rejoicing to their enemies. The removal and death of some of their warmest and best friends about the same time tended very much to depress the Church and engender65 a state of languor66. But hopes are entertained that the tide has turned, the crisis passed, and an amendment67 commenced. The present number of members is fifty. It had been the wish of many of the friends for a considerable time past to improve the singing, and if possible to avoid those fruitful sources of evil which many a devout68 mind has had to deplore38 and too often caused discord69, by the erection of an organ. The promising70 appearances which have arisen since the settlement of the present minister (this took place at the fall of the year 1853), seemed to afford a favourable71 opportunity for its accomplishment72. A committee was accordingly formed for this express purpose; and after a general canvass73 so much encouragement was experienced, that terms were entered into for one every way suitable for the sum of ￡40. Steps were immediately taken for its erection, and it was opened in December of the same year, when sermons from Psalm74 xlvii. 7, were preached by the pastor. The ladies of the congregation exerted themselves to provide new cushions for the pulpit and desk, and curtains for the organ gallery and windows. About the same time a pupil of the minister’s, by the productions of his pencil, not only gratified the friends with drawings of the interior and exterior75 of the chapel, but by the sale of these purchased a hot-air stove, which he presented to the Church.
On Good Friday, April 6th, 1855, a balance remaining as a debt for alterations76 necessary, and the period of a little over fifty years having elapsed from the first establishment of the Church, a jubilee tea-meeting was held, which was very numerously and respectably attended: a great many friends came from Devizes and the neighbourhood around. The p. 56place was tastefully decorated with evergreens77 for the occasion. At the back of the pulpit was placed a perpendicular78 rectangle, in the centre of which was suspended the quotation79 of Scripture, Heb. xiii. 7, 8. On either side of the pulpit were arches with similar inscriptions80, taken from Ps. cxxii. 7, and Ps. lxxxiv., 1. In front of the pulpit was hung a drawing of the shepherd, on the frame of which was:—“The memory of the just is blessed,” the date of his birth and death with his age. In front of the organ, was a double arch with single mottoes of “Fear God,” “Honour the King.” The pillars of the gallery having branches of laurel were surmounted81 with similar inscriptions of,—“Love the brotherhood,” “Honour all men,” “Unity, and dwell in love.” About 200 sat down to tea at four o’clock; after ample justice had been done to the abundant repast provided, a public meeting was held, when George W. Anstie, Esq., of Devizes, was invited to preside. The pastor read the history now given, which was received with marked approval; he also exhibited the pocket bible of the shepherd and two manuscript letters lent for the occasion; after which several persons addressed the meeting.
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1
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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pastors
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| n.（基督教的）牧师( pastor的名词复数 ) | |
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jubilee
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| n.周年纪念；欢乐 | |
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proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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6
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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dependant
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| n.依靠的，依赖的，依赖他人生活者 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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seceded
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| v.脱离，退出( secede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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probationary
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| 试用的，缓刑的 | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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dispositions
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| 安排( disposition的名词复数 )； 倾向； （财产、金钱的）处置； 气质 | |
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reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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dilation
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| n.膨胀，扩张，扩大 | |
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impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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perversity
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| n.任性；刚愎自用 | |
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assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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hovers
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| 鸟( hover的第三人称单数 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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defendant
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| n.被告；adj.处于被告地位的 | |
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leech
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| n.水蛭，吸血鬼，榨取他人利益的人；vt.以水蛭吸血；vi.依附于别人 | |
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glut
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| n.存货过多，供过于求；v.狼吞虎咽 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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wilts
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| （使）凋谢，枯萎( wilt的第三人称单数 ) | |
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solicit
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| vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意) | |
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ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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dissenting
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| adj.不同意的 | |
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dissent
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| n./v.不同意，持异议 | |
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deplored
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| v.悲叹，痛惜，强烈反对( deplore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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deplore
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| vt.哀叹，对...深感遗憾 | |
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incompetent
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| adj.无能力的，不能胜任的 | |
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patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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42
creeds
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| （尤指宗教）信条，教条( creed的名词复数 ) | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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abounds
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| v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的第三人称单数 ) | |
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45
judiciously
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| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
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exalting
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| a.令人激动的，令人喜悦的 | |
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aspiring
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| adj.有志气的；有抱负的；高耸的v.渴望；追求 | |
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48
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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50
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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51
ordination
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| n.授任圣职 | |
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52
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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53
eventual
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| adj.最后的，结局的，最终的 | |
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54
ordained
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| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
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55
overcast
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| adj.阴天的，阴暗的，愁闷的；v.遮盖，（使）变暗，包边缝；n.覆盖，阴天 | |
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agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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60
holder
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| n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物 | |
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predecessor
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| n.前辈，前任 | |
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scripture
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| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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truthfulness
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| n. 符合实际 | |
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engender
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| v.产生，引起 | |
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languor
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| n.无精力，倦怠 | |
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amendment
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| n.改正，修正，改善，修正案 | |
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devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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canvass
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| v.招徕顾客，兜售；游说；详细检查，讨论 | |
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psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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alterations
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| n.改动( alteration的名词复数 )；更改；变化；改变 | |
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evergreens
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| n.常青树，常绿植物，万年青( evergreen的名词复数 ) | |
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perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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inscriptions
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| （作者）题词( inscription的名词复数 )； 献词； 碑文； 证劵持有人的登记 | |
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surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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