North Shields, June 1, 1841.
AT THE ANNUAL SESSION OF THE NORTHERN ASSOCIATION OP BAPTIST CHURCHES,It was resolved,
" 9. That a Summary account of our rise, progress, and present state, as a Denomination in the North of England, be submitted to the Association next year."Newcastle-on-Tyne, October 19, 1841.
-----------------------------MINUTE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION.
Resolved,"That the Rev. D. Douglas be requested to prepare the Summary referred to in the ninth resolution," &c.
The above Summary, by the increase of materials, &c., in the succeeding years, has increased to the present Volume.
TO THE MINISTERS, DEACONS, AND MEMBERS OF
THE BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND IN GENERAL,
AND TO THOSE OF
THE ASSOCIATED CHURCHES
IN DURHAM AND NORTHUMBERLAND
IN PARTICULAR, THIS HISTORY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHURCHES
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY THEIR HUMBLE AND DEVOTED
FRIEND AND BROTHER,
THE AUTHOR
PREFACE, THE following narrative has long been a matter of desire among the Baptist churches of the North of England. So far back as 1828 it was referred to, at the Association meeting at Broughton, in Cumberland; and each minister was to contribute his quota. The idea laid hold of the writer's mind, and from that time he began to survey his materials. These were the oldest documents of any of the churches; but written in an antique hand, and very disjointed. Their deciphering, connexion, and illustration, involved a very considerable portion of both thought and labour. The writer had little leisure, from a variety of engagements; but he began, and still persevered, till, in the midst of deep family affliction, in the early part of 1841, he had brought down his narrative from 1651 to 1821. This became known; and by the Association and their Executive Committee, that year, he was requested to publish his researches. He consented; and in 1843 he presented them to the Association, at Rowley. Prospectuses were issued; but a few blanks had to be filled up, and the churches that had hitherto lingered in sending their materials, now forwarded them. The result was a considerable derangement in the early chronology of the narrative. There then seemed no alternative but to recast it entirely. Another half-year, however, of heavy family affliction intervened, and it was, therefore, not till the beginning of 1845 that the is researches. He consented; and in 1843 he presented them to the Association, at Rowley. Prospectuses were issued; but a few blanks had to be filled up, and the churches that had hitherto lingered in sending their materials, now forwarded them. The result was a considerable derangement in the early chronology of the narrative. There then seemed no alternative but to recast it entirely. Another half-year, however, of heavy family affliction intervened, and it was, therefore, not till the beginning of 1845 that the
p. vi.
work was ready for the press. Owing also to the writer's anxiety to have it as correct and neat as a provincial press could make it, together with his own distance from the press, and the distance of those who have kindly assisted him, more delay has been occasioned than was anticipated. Having said thus much for himself, he confidently casts himself on the indulgence of the Subscribers; and trusts, that they will not only forgive his delay, but have occasion, on the whole, to say, that he "has done what he could," both to please and edify them.In the Introduction, a rapid view is given of ancient Dissent, and the evidence of opposition to Infant Sprinkling among a large portion of these Dissenters; also, a hasty sketch of the state of Britain, civil and religous, some time previous, and at the commencement, of our own narrative. The sources of the history itself are referred to throughout. These are the M.S. records of the different churches - some letters preserved in some of the older families connected with those churches - and several traditionary relations, some of later, and others of more ancient, date, which have descended from one generation to another, but on the truth of which the credit of the reader may safely rest. With regard to the execution of the work, the writer regrets some mistakes, and want of correction, which had escaped his notice in passing through the press. In reference to Mr. Wilkinson, of Broughton, at page 15, it is said, "the Lord at last convinced him of his sin." It should have been, "the Lord at last convince him of his sin!" &c. Mr. Wilkinson still remained with the Quakers; and, therefore, who it was that rallied the scattered church at Broughton, we are, as yet, in ignorance.
p. vii.
On page 116, it is said that all the adherents of Sir "William Sinclair, excepting one, returned to the Kirk: this is not correct, as his church exists to the present time. It was not Mr. P. Grant who heard Sir William, but an old man with whom he was acquainted, and who was alive in 1829. On page 122, for "Crossby," read "Crossley;" and on page 126, note, for "Thomas," read "William" Dowson. But who this William Dowson was, is still uncertain, - see page 211, note. On page 132, line 7, for "minister," read "member." Other corrections and additions may suggest themselves on perusal. The writer will be happy to receive these from any quarter; and will endeavour to secure them, so as to be rendered available at a future period.As to the remarks introduced into the narrative, some of which may be controverted, the writer can only say, that he has stated his own opinions; and has done so, as he thought, both to instruct his younger readers, and to relieve, to older ones, the tedium of the dry narration of facts. The same may also be affirmed of the notes, some of which may be thought irrelevant, but they are employed to illustrate the times referred to in the text. The account of the different families, will, of course, be uninteresting to strangers; but by the members of these families themselves they will, perhaps, be regarded as the most valuable part of the volume. As to the view given of character, on the whole, the favourable, or good-natured one, is given, deeming such a view as congenial to truth as it is to amiability. On the whole, it is hoped, that the volume may prove a useful family book to the members of our churches, in reminding the junior branches of their
p. viii.
families, of the serious responsibility which, attaches to them in the prospect of eternity, arising from the name they hear and the blood that flows in their veins; and thus, it may be, lead these young people to that reflection and decision of character which may terminate in a useful life, a peaceful death, and a glorious immortality.The author cannot conclude this Preface, without tendering his thanks to all those brethren who have kindly assisted him in this undertaking. To mention any names may appear invidious, but he cannot forbear referring to the following: The Revds. B. Pengilly, G. Sample, W. Leng, Jos. Harbottle, T. Taylor, A. Kirkwood, and B. Banks; also John Lindsay Angas, Esq., and John Fenwick, Esq., both of Newcastle; Mr. Henry Dalton, of Eaglesfield, Cumberland; Mr. John Bennison, North Shields; Mr. James Williamson, South Shields; Mr. Henry Angus Wilkinson, his principal assistant in collecting materials; and Mr. William Hague Ainsworth, of Middlesbro'; but while he expresses his warmest thanks to these kind friends, he may be allowed, also, humbly to express his gratitude to Him who has spared his life, and supported him till he has brought his researches to a termination. To His glory he devotes it, and to His blessing he humbly commends it.
Hamsterley,
near Bp. Auckland, February 26, 1846
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