works or deservings." The clerk's conscience would not allow him to retrace his steps, and he therefore cheerfully resigned the keys of office. On doing so he civilly asked, if any charge could be brought against him for neglect of duty; the reply was, 'no, nothing but this meeting.' Here then was a cordial testimony to the integrity of a man, who for several years had served as clerk, churchwarden and constable. It was soon noised abroad that he would come to want, if not to prison, but the clerk knew it was better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man, or even in princes. He still lives on the produce of a small farm, and has, in various ways, proved the faithfulness and goodness of God, and is one of the oldest members of the congregational church at Andover.

In reviewing this scene of persecution, the mind is deeply impressed with the truth of God's own declaration, "them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." Should any reader be passing through similar trials for Christ, let his faith be strengthened by his master's promise, "verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."

CHAPTER VII.

Memorials concluded.

After the resignation of the Rev. W. Seaton, "the pulpit remained vacant till September, 1821, when the Rev. James Bidlake (now of Ludlow) became the pastor. He was instrumental in adding thirteen members to the church, and resigned the charge at midsummer, 1824. The period of Mr. Bidlake's ministry was distinguished by considerable activity in aid of the funds of the London Missionary Society;' and in prosecution of the objects of the Religious Tract Society.' About the close of his period of residence, several persons of the baptist persuasion, who had stood connected with the church and congregation, separated themselves, and built a place of worship in the highstreet, which was opened in Dec. 1824. Mr. Bidlake was succeeded, early in the following year, by the

Rev. John Jefferson, who resigned the charge at Andover, at Christmas, 1830, having accepted an invitation to succeed the late Rev. W. Harris, L.L.D., at Stoke Newington. The present number of church members is about 70; and the average attendance on public worship from 300 to 350. There is also a Sunday School of about sixty children." [See Congregational Magazine for 1831.]

The Rev. J. Jefferson was succeeded by the Rev. W. Deering from London, who occupied the pulpit until April, 1838. About this period the Independents conjointly with the anti-pædobaptists, several episcopalians and others, erected school-rooms for the education of boys and girls on the british system. A convenient dwelling house adjoining the sanctuary, was purchased about this time by the congregation, for the residence of the pastor. The former chapel house, situated in a more remote part of the town, was accordingly disposed of. The writer here cannot forbear expressing a wish, that it were more the practice among the churches to provide a manse. In small villages especially, where persecution may be rampant, or the congregation exceedingly limited, such a minister's home would be an invaluable security against oppression, poverty and other inconveniences.

During the summer of 1838, the church being without a pastor, unanimously invited the Rev. J. S. Pearsall, from Highbury College, and Glasgow Univer

sity, to take the oversight of them. His stated ministry was commenced the last sabbath in October. He was ordained to the pastorate on the 10th of April, 1839, when the following services were observed. The Rev. W. Lucy of Bristol, commenced the morning service with reading suitable portions of scripture and prayer; the introductory discourse, on the constitution of a christian church, was delivered by the Rev. Thomas Adkins, of Southampton; the Rev. C. Howell proposed the usual questions; the Rev. James Wills, of Basingstoke, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Campbell, of the Tabernacle, London, (the minister's late pastor) delivered the charge, founded on 2 Tim. iv. 5, "do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." In the evening, the Rev. John Jefferson, of Stoke Newington, (formerly the much esteemed pastor of the church) addressed the people from the words, "who is for you a faithful minister of Christ," Col. 1. 7. The other parts of the services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. W. Thorn, of Winchester; D. E. Ford, Lymington; J. Watts; Bowrey; Curwen; W. Ford; Jennings; Mudie; and Williams. The discourses were characteristic of their respective authors, and each able and impressive. About thirty ministers of different denominations were present on the occasion.

It pleased the great Head of the Church at this period, to create an increased thirst among the people

for hearing the word, and to excite a simultaneous cry throughout the congregation, 'behold now the place where we dwell is too strait for us.' Immediately after the services on Lord's day, July 22nd, 1839, the chapel was closed for nearly three months, that an enlargement might be made. During this period, the Town-hall was readily granted by the mayor, for the use of the congregation on the sabbaths ; the people were kindly permitted to hold their week-day services in the Friends' meeting-house. On October the 11th, the chapel was re-opened for divine service, when the Rev. T. Adkins of Southampton preached. This considerable enlargement was effected by the addition of a piece of freehold land, situated behind the chapel. The alteration, including repairs, occasioned an expenditure of nearly £600, which sum, during the past month, has been entirely liquidated. The interior of the building now presents a modern appearance, and is admitted to reflect great credit on the taste and judgment of the builder. A wish has recently been expressed by members of the congregation, that a further enlargement should be made, by the erection of a more commodious school-room and vestry, in contiguity with the chapel.

For a long time the neighbouring village of Hurstbourne had been visited on successive sabbaths, by members of the congregation, in the hope of establishing a religious interest. A room was obtained for