able to walk scarce over the floor. Her son William Whitehead's daughter had lived some time with her; she sent for him on Thursday, told him she must die; told him to see her handsomely buried; desired that Mr. Robert Seddon would preach at her funeral, from Micah vii. the three last verses; he must give him a piece of gold that she had, and kept by her for that purpose. She continued still gradually declining, till about midnight on Tuesday night, at which time she fell asleep, October —, 1695. She was buried in her husband's grave, in Bolton Churchyard. This epitaph she hath left to be set on her stone-" A faithful widow. O admire free grace." She was a widow indeed; a lover of goodness, and good persons; and her love was not lost, being entirely loved of all good persons that knew her; and her acquaintance with such was not small. Being much cheered in her sickness by the constant concourse of such, she earnestly desired to die; afraid, as she expressed it, to return into this dirty world. She said she was neither ashamed of life, nor afraid of death. Her desire to those that prayed for her, was, that they would

pray for faith and patience that she might be content to live, if God see good, forbidding them to pray for life. She died amongst her Christian friends, children and grandchildren about her, sleeping in Jesus. What she now enjoys, is beyond what any mortal can conceive and express. She bequeathed a funeral text to me, desiring me to preach upon it at my next coming over it was Isai. xliv. 22. "I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins: return unto me for I have redeemed thee."-Accordingly I did preach on it all day, June 7th, 1696, being Lord's-day; and administered the Lord's Supper to about five hundred and nine communicants, Mr. Seddon being dead, and they being at that time without ministry; but since I hear they have got one Mr. Bourn* to be their minister."+

The Rev. S. Bourn was Mr. Seddon's nephew. See Mr. Bourn's excellent Sermons, published by his son, and recommended by the Rev. W. Tong, October, 1722.

The above is transcribed out of a volume entitled "Heywood's Family," in the handwriting of the reverend and venerable Oliver Heywood.

To lay the first stone of a public edifice is deemed an event of importance in the history of the institution or community to which it may belong. The scene is commonly attended with appropriate ceremonies; and is gazed on with interest by those assembled, from an anticipation of the pleasing or beneficial results which may issue from the event. . . .

N. S. No. 134.

On the day when the foundations of the earth were laid, the morning stars sang togther for joy; and when the mighty fabric was completed, the Great Architect himself pronounced it to be good. But when he proposed to lay the foundation of our redemption in Christ, he challenged the attention and admiration of the universe. "Behold," ," saith he, " I lay

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in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation!" Centuries were to elapse, when he thus spoke, before the event was actually to take place. But to him a thousand years are as one day, and, as if he were unable to conceal his divine complacency at the tidings he had to announce, as if he could no longer delay to unfold the glorious intelligence, he published it to the world. He saw us perishing in the error of our ways, labouring to build without a foundation, and, in the plenitude of his grace, he resolved to lay a foundation for us; and, as if he were delighted with his own purpose, as if he could not look at it without infinite exultation, he calls our attention to it as to the masterpiece of all his works. And when he thought of its happy results; when he saw, by anticipation, sinners of all ages, and of all climes, coming to Christ as living stones, and looked forward to the splendid moment when the top-stone of the spiritual edifice shall be brought forth with shoutings of grace, grace unto it; when he looked into eternity and saw the living temple stand in glorious perfection, the prospect gladdened his almighty mind, and led him to claim our admiring attention while he announced his sublime purpose.

If the commencement of any public edifice be an event of importance, who can calculate the importance of erecting a house for the express design of advancing this sublime purpose of the infi. nite God! And yet such is the object for which we have here met, to lay the foundation of a house sacred to the Triune God. What, compared with this, was the object of those who built the pyramids? we build for eternity. What, com

pared with this, was the object of those who reared the magnificent temples of antiquity-the temple of Jupiter at Olympia, of Minerva at Athens, of Diana at Ephesus? we build for him whom "heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain." What, compared with this, is the object of those even who erect the bulwark for defence, the hall for science, or the asylum for age, and poverty, and disease; necessary, and honourable, and highly useful as their designs may be, our object includes all that is excellent in such works, and to that excellence adds infinity, transcends them all as far as that which is imperishable and eternal, exceeds in importance the fleeting interests of the present.

But this is only a general account of our object. To say that we are building a house for the worship of the Triune God, would only be saying that we are Christians, and not heathens. To say that we are Protestant Christians would be only saying that we are not Papists. To say that we are Protestant Dissenting Christians would be only to distinguish ourselves from the Episcopal Establishment. We add, therefore, that we are Protestant Dissenting Christians of the Congregational Denomination.

As to our denominational bistory, it is identified with some of the brightest periods of our nation's history. It will be found that, in time past, our denomination has assisted to impart some of the most precious elements to our constitution; while, at present, it is ably contesting the foremost place in the race of education, piety, and general benevolence.

As to our doctrines, we essentially agree with the doctrinal articles of the Established Church.— We are by no means two distinct

religions. We worship the same God; hope for salvation through the same Redeemer; implore the influence of the same Holy Spirit; maintain the same scriptural obligation and rule of personal holiness: indeed, there is reason to believe, that there is less uniformity of doctrine among those who formally subscribe to a creed than among us who, in this respect, are left free. But as to our ecclesiastical polity or principles;-here we are at issue with the Establishment; at issue with every establishment, for the principle of one is the principle of all-the right of human authority in religion. We contend that the Bible is the sole and sufficient rule in all matters relating to religion; and hence we protest against the authoritative interference of any human being as treason against the throne of Christ. We contend that it is the inalienable right, as it is the incumbent duty of every man to form and follow his own opinions of the word of God; and hence we protest against the interference of the magistrate, whether it be to decree rites and ceremonies, to impose on us a minister of religion we have not chosen, or to compel our contributions for the support of an ecclesiastical polity to which we conscientiously object, we protest against it as an infraction of the first principles of conscience and right. Besides which, we think, a very little reading and observation is sufficient to show that a religious establishment must, in its very nature, be the parent of intolerance and injustice, and the fruitful source of fatal delusions on the subject of vital personal religion. The sacred edifice, then, of which we have this day met to lay the foundation, will lift up its head as a perpetual protest against all human authority in re

ligion; as a palace in which the Bible will be enthroned; and a sanctuary where conscience will find refuge and rest.

But here another question arises: if the public be not legally assessed, and compelled to furnish resources, how is the place to be built? and when completed, on what principle will it rely for support? Who, in the present day, has not heard of the voluntary principle? The thing itself, indeed, is as old as human nature, as ancient as piety, of which it forms an essential part. In all ages it has been the origin of every thing great and noble in the history of the church. It built the Jewish temple; it went forth from Jerusalem with the first preachers of the cross-planted Christian churches in all directions, triumphed in every place, and was leading Christianity to the throne of the world, till it was paralyzed by the touch, the torpedo-touch of human legislation.

But though its date is so ancient, and its exploits so numerous; and though in all our dissenting chapels it has long had "a local habitation," it is only of late that it has "received a name;" and as if it were determined to vindicate its right to the name, "it is up and doing." Not only has it studded the face of the land with dissenting places of worship, and originated all our most excellent institutions of religion and charity, but it has even bestowed on its enemy, the Establishment, many an episcopal chapel, and many a costly offering of Christian benevolence. With a noble disinterestedness, and superiority to ingratitude, it has flown to the aid of the compulsory principle, or rather, it has undertaken to supply the defects of that principle; for, at this moment, it is generously ap

pealing from door to door in behalf of the suffering clergy of Ireland; and as if only refreshed by its labours at home, it meditates the conversion of the world; it has gone forth, with an army of missionaries in its train, to re-conquer the world to the faith of Christ.

Now it is on this voluntary spirit of Christian benevolence that we rely, under God, for the erection and support of this place of worship. We levy no rate, threaten no legal process, rely on no military aid. But pointing our fellow Christians to the cross of Christ, to that fountain of all Christian obligation and gratitude, we simply ask, "how much owest thou unto thy Lord?" and leave each to assess himself for his Saviour's cause. The sacred edifice, then, of which we have this day met to lay the foundation, will stand as a perpetual protest against the selfishness of an ungodly world on the one hand, and against the monopolizing spirit and compulsory principle of an armed establishment on the other; and will lift up its head as one among ten thousand memorials of the strength and excellence of the voluntary spirit of Christian benevolence. May those who have enrolled their names among the friends of this rising edifice, prove, by their Christian liberality, the efficacy and sufficiency of that principle.

Again: it may be asked, what are to constitute the claims and attractions of this house of God? We reply, partly, the simplicity and spirituality of its worship. Here will be no architectural display-no fuming incense-nor splendid robes-nor hired melody, -nothing studied to enchant the senses. There will be no elaborate ceremonial, in which formality may indulge, and on which it may take repose. Its only incense will be

praise. Its only sacrifices, will be spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Its only exercises, such as are calculated to inform the understanding, to engage and sanctify the heart, to bring man nearer to truth and God.

Besides which, we rely also on its utility. It will be dedicated, through Christ, to the good of man. It will be a centre of usefulness to the neighbourhood around. From this place charity will go forth to minister relief to the needy, and piety to visit the sick, and the dying, and to diffuse among the living, the hallowed influence of a Christian example. And to this place numbers will flock to hear the words of eternal life. Here, ignorance will be instructed and made wise unto salvation. Here, guilt and misery will commune with mercy; will be pointed to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. Here, penitence shall shed its first tear, and utter its first prayer, and take its first step towards heaven. Here, benevolence shall yearn over human wretchedness, and devise fresh methods of usefulness: and here, zeal shall gird up its loins, and lay itself out for the good of man. And here a Christian church will be formed; a company of immortal beings be associated and trained for heaven; a number of living stones be prepared for that living temple in which will be absorbed, and into which will be collected, all that is holy, and spiritual, and divine in the universe.

And, as our crowning hope, we rely on the presence and blessing of God; of him whose withdrawment left the temple at Jerusalem a mere splendid sepulchre of departed piety, while his presence rendered the " upper room" where the disciples met, 66 none other

than the house of God, and the gate of heaven." This sacred edifice may not possess any outward attractions, will not boast the colossal magnitude of the Egyptian, the simple dignity and proportional harmony of the Grecian, or the gorgeous magnificence of the Jewish temple-but let Him who is the source of greatness condescend to take up his abode in it, to give efficacy to truth, and ardour to devotion, and it shall be sanctified and ennobled above all earthly grandeur, and be covered with "a glory that excelleth."

Let us cherish the sentiments suited to the occasion. We have met to erect a house for God-to erect a house for God where no such building stood before. The enlargement, or re-erection of an old place of worship, is attended with many pleasing associations. But the creation of a new interest, seems to call for unmingled hope, and gratitude, and joy. We are breaking up the fallow ground. We are consecrating to God a spot which has hitherto been common. We are taking possession of new land in the name of the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Here we propose to make fresh experiments of redeeming mercyand if there be truth in the word of God, they will not be made in vain. Good will be done, his word will not return to him void, his angels will rejoice over sinners who will here be brought to repentance.

Let a recollection of the day on which we are met, excite reflection. It is the first day of the year, and the anniversary of the day on which the first house of God was reared. For that oldest of all books, the Bible, states concerning that oldest of all places of divine worship, the Jewish tabernacle, that " the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, on the first day of the first month shalt

thou set up the tabernacle." That day was not selected without reasons worthy of the Being who chose it. Doubtless, it was intended to render the service more memorable and impressive to the people-to remind us that it is well to begin the year with some good work, and with aiming to serve God in a new and more acceptable manner. To impress on us that he expects from us a pledge on the first day of the year, that all its subsequent days and hours shall be spent in his service. To possess us with the conviction that if we would end the year in the enjoyment of his favour, we must begin it in the cultivation of his fear. And let the coincidence have this additional effect on us, let it lead us earnestly to implore that He whose glory filled the ancient Jewish tabernacle, may also "glorify this house of his glory."

We have adverted to the foundation which God hath laid for us in Zion. It is a characteristic of mankind generally, that they neglect this foundation and build elsewhere. How many in all our religious assemblies content themselves with being simply near this foundation. Like those heaps of stones and rubbish which lie round about a house while it is building, they are near the foundation, but not on it; they never form a part of the edifice-and when it shall be completed, they will be cleared away that they may not impair its sightliness and beauty. But it is the distinction of believers that they are built on Christ. "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, they also as living stones are built up a spiritual house." Brethren, have you thus come to Christ? It matters little to what else you may have come-to wealth, or honour, or greatness-are you coming to him? con