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in conversation on a variety of topics in religion. We conversed with evident caution, anxious to discover, as far as possible, each other's thoughts, sentiments, and feelings, and to form a correct estimate of each other; desirous of laying a solid foundation for close and lasting friendship, and cooperation in the same cause. We had both read, thought and preached ourselves out of our former religious connexions, and stood alone as ministers; nor did we then know of any other connexion of ministers, or churches, who would receive us, and with whom we could be comfortably connected. Finding each other thus situated, and that the circumstances we had passed through had been a good deal similar; feeling that it was unpleasant to be cut off from all religious connexions out of a particular society, we were anxious to realize, if possible, the prospect which had opened to us of union and co-operation.

I have been the more particular in stating how my acquaintance with Mr. Vidler commenced, because it was the beginning of a new era in my life, and led, not only to my improvement, but to the religious connexions I have since had the pleasure of forming, and the scenes of public labour in which I have been engaged and I think it had some influence on his subsequent progress and course.

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On the commencement of our acquaintance, I discovered that Mr. Vidler, liberal and candid as he was, regarded what is called Arianism and Socinianism, with some degree of alarm. Intimations of this kind sometimes escaped him when he wrote to me; but his mind was not formed to be kept in ignorance, nor to resist evidence on any subject. He could not help reading, thinking, and conversing freely on all subjects, and was sure to follow the convictions of his mind, and openly profess what he believed to be

true.

I have heard him relate many circumstances which operated upon his mind, and led him to embrace the doctrine of the restoration, which prove that he was always disposed to think freely and admit the force of evidence: I cannot recollect them now, so as to state them with accuracy; but some of them were questions asked, or remarks made, by persons

in his congregation at Battle, or whom he happened to meet with in that part of the country, which made impres sion on his mind, and led to new trains of thought. He told me, more than once, that when he set out on a long journey to collect money for the building of the new meeting house at Battle, he was a Calvinist, and that he returned home from that journey with very different sentiments. This change he ascribed to what he had heard in conversation, and the books which came in his way in the course of that journey, connected with some impressions he had received as already mentioned. He gave me a very interesting account of the meeting at Lewes, when he was expelled from the particular Baptist connexion for becoming an Universalist. He had been appointed to preach the Association Sermon that year; to prevent his doing this, the ministers met the preceding day, and expelled him from the connexion.His old friend Middleton, of Lewes, who it seems highly esteemed him, was appointed to preach the Association Sermon in his stead; this was a sort of excommunication sermon. Mr. V. finding that he and his supposed heresy were the subject of the discourse, rose up and continued standing during its delivery. In the course of it, after insisting on the pernicious nature and tendency of heresy, Mr. M. seemed apprehensive some of the hearers might conclude that those who maintained such dangerous heresy, must be bad men, cautioned therm against this, and said, “ so far from it, heretics are sometimes the holiest and best of men; but they are the more dangerous on that account." On his saying, this, Mr. V. bowed. He afterwards went with the ministers who had expelled him, and dined with them and their friends at the inn. After the dinner, a suspicion was whispered round the room, that Mr. Middleton, on account of some things he had said in his sermon, was tine tured with the same heresy as Mr. V. This coming to Mr. M.'s ear, he rose and appealed to Mr. V. whether he believed such a suspicion to be well founded; on which Mr. V. rose, and declared to the company, that to the best of his knowledge and belief, Mr. M. was perfectly clear of the heresy with which himself stood charged.

Another circumstance which Mr.

Vidler mentioned as making a deep impression on his mind, was, Mr. Winchester's saying, as they were walking together," a number of things which are thought sacred truths will be found to be erroneous; and many things which are thought errors will be found Divine truths." Mr. V. requested him to state to what points he referred; this Mr. W. declined, and only added, " Go on, and you will find it all out in due time."

I visited Mr. V. again in the summer of 1799, and I think it was at this time we spent, at least, a fortnight together. He lived near Bethnal-green, and we had frequent opportunities of walking together where we were free from interruption. During this visit we investigated a number of subjects, examined the Scriptures together, and discussed freely a variety of points on which our views were different. I recollect, in particular, the existence of the devil was one of the subjects on which we entered. It was proposed to examine the passages of Scripture one by one, in which such a being is supposed to be mentioned, and to endeavour to ascertain, by attending to the context, and what ever might assist us to understand the design of the writer, the real meaning of each passage. Before we got through with this investigation, Mr. V. acknowledged, that by this mode of proceeding, the passages which are su posed to teach the popular notion, be gan to appear to him in a different light. I found during this visit he was making rapid progress in what is called heterodoxy; and the more I knew of him, the better I thought both of his understanding and his heart.

Mr. V. first visited Wisbeach and Lincolnshire, after he had given up Calvinism, in the year 1801, and had crowded congregations whenever he preached. No preacher was more popular in those parts of the country. His visit to Wisbeach was peculiarly seasonable. Some of my most respected friends in that town had been so alarmed by the sentiments I had openly avowed, that they had not dared to come to hear me for several weeks, though they still continued to respect me, and went to no other place of worship. Their friendship and Christian disposition, led them to invite Mr. V. as my friend, to their houses, and brought them again to the

meeting house. The excellent discourses he delivered, which were both doctrinal and practical, and frequent conversation with him, removed their prejudices, and reconciled them to sentiments which before gave them so much alarm.

During Mr. V.'s stay in Wisbeach, we had large parties, including persons of different religious sentiments, for the free discussion of subjects, almost every evening; and these discussions were of great use. He had at this time given up Trinitarianism, but still maintained the pre-existence of Christ. On this subject he was hard pressed in argument, in particular as the subject has a bearing on the perfect suitableness of our Lord's example, the reality of his temptations, obedience, sufferings, and death. To some questions asked him, he was so ingenuous as to acknowledge he could not reply. I remember he said one evening, when going from a large party, where there had been much free conversation and debate, "If I stay here long you will make a Socinian of me." I can never forget the many pleasing hours we spent together, in various places, from which I derived much information and profit.

Mr. Vidler visited Wisbeach and the parts of Lincolnshire adjoining, seve ral times, and had always large congregations: his company was much sought, his conversation much listened to, and he was highly respected by all the friends in the different places

he visited.

It was when, on one of his visits to Wisbeach, in the year 1802, he came forward to Boston, to assist at the settlement of the then newly formed Unitarian church and its minister, on which occasion I accom panied him, he delivered an excel lent introductory address, explanatory, of the nature of a Christian church, and the principles of Christian liberty. He afterwards delivered an address to the minister, in which among other things he stated what a Christian minister is not:-that he is not a successor of the apostles; the apostles had no successors, their office and work was peculiar to themselves :--that he is not an ambassador of Jesus Christ; he has now no ambassadors in the world; ambassadors had the seal of miracles to accredit their mission:-that he is not a steward of

mysteries; there are no mysteries in religion for him to be steward of, these were opened by the apostles, and are now plainly revealed in the gospel: -that he has no claim to the least degree of dominion over the faith and consciences of others, nor the exercise of authority in matters of religion. Then turning to the young minister, he said, you will ask me what you are and replied, you are a brother among your brethren, a servant among your fellow servants; but they think you endowed and qualified for the work of the ministry, and have therefore called you to take the lead among them, to be their minister. Then he gave the young man much suitable advice respecting the course it would be proper for him to pursue, and the manner in which he should conduct himself in the office to which he was called.

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From Boston, Mr. V. went to the marshes of Lincolnshire, where a few persons had been excommunicated by the Methodists, for doubting eternal punishment, who had written to him requesting he would visit them. He preached in the Town Hall at Louth, and in several places in the marshes in one of the latter, there was a contest about the meeting-house, of which one of the expelled persons was trustee. Mr. V. refused to enter the meeting-house except the Methodists gave their free consent to his doing it: the calm and truly Christian manner in which he conducted himself, and his endeavours to calm the perturbation of others, excited the admiration of all parties. He preached in a private house, and had many hearers, and was the first person who began to sow the seeds of Unitarianism in those marshes. Though his visit there was short, and never repeated, the few friends who knew him, have ever remembered him with affection. It was when preaching in country towns and villages, and acting as a missionary, that Mr. V. most excelled. In crowded assemblies he deeply fixed the attention, and the hearers were generally both pleased and instructed. Though some would be alarmed, and even irritated, even this produced good. An instance of this kind occurred at Lutton; a serious and pious man was so alarmed and irritated with the sentiments Mr. V. delivered, as to express himself

immediately after in the most violent manner; yet the discourse which so displeased him, took such hold of his mind, that it issued in his becoming an Unitarian, which he ever after continued, and died a member of the Unitarian church at Lutton.

The above are the principal things which occur to me as proper to communicate respecting my late much valued friend, Mr. Vidler. Your's respectfully,

SIR,

R. WRIGHT.

Stourbridge, Dec. 31, 1816. to the memory of the late Rev. LTHOUGH a tribute of respect

Benjamin Carpenter has already been forwarded to you, and a funeral discourse by his colleague has appeared from the press; yet by desire of some friends of the deceased, the following biographical memoir is presented to you for insertion.

The Rev. B. Carpenter was born at Woodrow, near Bromsgrove, April, 1752. Mr. John Carpenter, grandfather of the deceased, resided at this place till his death, at the age of 45; he was brother to the Rev. Joseph Carpenter, of Warwick and Worcester.

Philip, father of the subject of this memoir, pursued the occupation of a husbandman at the same place: he married a daughter of Mr. Lant, a respectable farmer, near Coventry, (her sister married Mr. Campion, of Newbold, near Leamington ;) he died May, 1780, aged 66, his widow survived him fourteen years: a tribute of filial respect was paid to her memory by the deceased, which was published 1794 she attained the age of 73.

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Of their twelve children, Benjamin was the seventh: another inheriting the paternal name was a youth of extraordinary promise; he was suddenly cut off at the age of 23, when apparently on the point of entering on an advantageous concern in the silk manufactory of Spitalfields. Catherine, who died at the age of 29, was

See succession of ministers in those Joseph Carpenter occurs in the account The name of congregations subjoined, book of the Dissenting congregation in Stourbridge 1706 to 1731: the accounts from 1713 to 1720, are in his hand writing.

held in high esteem by her relatives and friends, as a person of excellent disposition and considerable abilities, Joseph died some years since at Luffnan, in Rutlandshire: his son Benjamin is a student at Wymondly. William, an agriculturist at Bourne Heath, near Bromsgrove, died 1808, aged 47. Three brothers and a sister still survive, of whom George is father of Dr. Lant Carpenter, of Exeter.

THE REV. B. CARPENTER received his elementary instruction at a school in Kidderminster, and was afterwards placed under the tuition of the Rev. Joseph Baker, of Cradley, who often spoke of the moral character of his pupil, and of his diligent application and rapid progress in learning, in terms of high approbation.

Hence, he proceeded in 1768, to the Academy at Daventry, over which Dr. Caleb Ashworth then presided as theological tutor, and where the Rev. Noah Hill delivered lectures in the mathematical and classical depart

ments.

Whilst at this seminary, his tutors observed with satisfaction, and bore honourable testimonies to, his exemplary conduct, and to the indefatigable diligence and eminent success with which he prosecuted his various studies.

Having completed his academical course, towards the close of the year 1773, he officiated as minister to a congregation of Protestant Dissenters at Bloxham, in Oxfordshire, continuing however for a few months to deliver lectures on the classics to the students at Daventry.

He was soon afterwards ordained at the Dissenting chapel at Banbury.t His subsequent removals were to West Bromwich, 1775; Stourbridge, 1778; Clapham, where he was copastor with the Rev. Thomas Urwick, 1795. After three years, he retired to the neighbourhood of Stourbridge, and preached for some time to the congregations at Kenelworth and Bromsgrove alternately, and then at Bromsgrove only.

In 1807, he resumed his ministerial office at Stourbridge, and continued till the close of his life to

+ Funeral Sermon by Rev. James Scott.

officiate at that place, and at Cradley alternately in connexion with the Rev. James Scott.*

He departed this life, Saturday, Nov. 23, 1816, having on the Wednesday preceding had an apoplectic seizure.

It may justly be observed concerning our departed friend and brother, that though the nature of his disorder was such as to deprive his family and congregation of the benefit which they might otherwise have derived from his counsels and exhortations in the near prospect of dissolution; yet his countenance and demeanour fully indicated the resignation and serenity of his mind, and the peace which he enjoyed. And we may contemplate with advantage the diligent preparation which he had previously made for his great change, and his anxious desire and earnest endeavours to leave some useful impressions upon the minds of his intimate associates in the ministry, and the people of his charge, before he should be taken from them.t

"The candid and peaceable disposition of the deceased was well known, and generally acknowledged by Christians of every denomination," which it may be added, that he was highly respected in the several vicinities in which he at different times

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resided. Mr. Carpenter soon after his first settlement at Stourbridge, married Eliza, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Wright, of Oundle: his second wife was Ann, daughter of the Rev, James Hancox, of Dudley: and du ring his residence at Clapham, he married Sophia, daughter of Mr. Wells, silk mercer, Ludgate Hill, London, and widow of John Lewis, Esq. in the East India service, who survives him. Mr. Carpenter published

Two Volumes of Sermons on the Present and Future State of Man.

Four Sermons on Conformity to the World.

Two Volumes of Lectures on the Works of Creation and Doctrines of Revelation.

Various single Sermons, as, Difference of Sentiment no Objection to

* See succession of ministers subjoined. + Funeral Sermon.

Ib.

the Exercise of Mutual Love, preached
at Dudley Lecture, 1780; Funeral
Discourses for his Mother and Mrs.
Swaine; on Early Rising; on the
Harvest, 1812, the Fading Leaf.
A Liturgy, with Family Prayers,
2nd ed. 1816.

For the use of Schools.

A Short Abridgement of the Bible, 4th ed.

Selections from the book of Job, Proverbs, &c. &c.

Succession of ministers in several congregations with which the Rev. Joseph Carpenter and Rev. B. Carpenter were connected.

Worcester, Angel Street (date of
chapel, 1708).

1. Rev. Thomas Badland or Baldwin.
2. Chewning Blackmoor, son of W. B.
Palmer, died 1742.

3. Joseph Carpenter, from Warwick,
about 1746, died Jan. 29, 1758,
aged 67. Buried in Bromsgrove
churchyard.

4. Francis Blackmoor, son of Chewning, died 1761.

5. Dr. Allen, from 1759 to 1764, died 1774, aged 73.

6. John Stokes.

7. Francis Spilsbury from Bromsgrove, 1734 to 1741, removed to Salters' Hall, London, died March 3, 1782, aged 76.

8. Thomas Urwick, removed to Norborough and Clapham, died Feb. 26, 1807, aged 80.

9. Thomas Belsham from Daventry Academy, removed to Daventry.

10. Joseph Gummer from Hereford, removed to Ilminster.

11. George Osborne from West Bromwich, 1784, died Nov. 12, 1812, aged 54.

West Bromwich, Staffordshire. 1. Rev. Mr. Pearce, afterwards Dr. P. settled 1718, removed to Chalwood.

2. Richard Wilton, 1720 or 1721, died 1765, aged 82.

3. Thomas Robins, 1762, removed to Daventry, 1776.

4. Benjamin Carpenter, 1775, removed to Stourbridge, 1778.

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* Mr. Flower was educated under Mr. Woodhouse, at Sheriff Hales, Staff.; he was chaplain to Philip Foley, Esq. of Prestwood Hall: he was buried at Burton upon Trent, his native town.

† Mr. Edge, a native of Cauldwell, near Kidderminster, studied at Bridgnorth under Mr. Fleming: he was buried in the family tomb of the Spilsburys, in Kidder-` minster churchyard.

At Webb Heath, near Bromsgrove, several ancestors of the family of Kettle once resided, who were members of this congregation. Mr. W. Kettle removed to

5. John Humphrys, 1779, removed to Birmingham; one of his daughters mar

London.

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ried the Rev. Dr. Benson, another the Rev. Mr. Murray, of Chester. William, bis son, married the daughter of the Rev. Joseph removed to Carpenter, of Worcester.

8. Joel Maurice from Stretton, 1797, died Dec. 27, 1807, aged 67.

The families of Spilsbury and Twamley. were long resident in and near Bromsgrove.

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