CHAPTER XVI.

WILLIAM PENDLEBURY, M.A., SIXTH MINISTER, AND HIS REMARKABLE ASSISTANT, RICHARD BARON.

[William Pendlebury, b. 11th August, 1714, at Leeds; Ed. Glasgow, 1736--M.A.; min. Rotherham, 1738-gone in 1744; conformed, rector of Bury Thorpe, Yorks; d. 20th February, 1766.]

[Richard Baron, b. at Leeds; Ed. Glasgow, 1737-1740; M.A. ord; 1753, at Pinner's Hall; in. Rotherham, assistant, 1740-1743 to William Pendlebury; London, d. 23rd? February, 1768.]

W

-1768;

VILLIAM PENDLEBURY was a son of William Pendlebury, minister, 1706 2-1729, of Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds (by his second wife, Annie, daughter of Thomas Fenton, of Hunslet), who in that position published a small bound volume, entitled "The Practical Influences of the Speculative: Doctrine of CHRISTIANITY Demonstrated in a Discourse upon i. Tim., vi., 3. Last Clause, by W. Pendlebury." The title page bears the motto:-"Inologia est Scientia affectiva practica," and also states, London: Printed for Eman. Matthews at the Bible in Paternoster Row; and John Swale, Bookseller in Leeds. M.D.C.C.XXVI." In the preface he explains, 'The Substance of what I have to offer to the world, was delivered towards the close of the last year in several sermons to the congregation, to which I statedly minister." He also adds, " 'Tis the explaining (as far as may be) the defending and applying the main principles of Christianity, in which all serious and knowing Christians are agreed, which is delightful, pleasant work, I desire to spend the remains of my life in." The volume is still worth examination as illustrating the religious views of the Dissenters of the period. It contains 191 pages, and is divided into 13 sections. The theological doctrines therein are altogether Trinitarian. In support of the Trinity, among the Scriptural Texts adduced, is the one now considered

spurious, entitled, that of the " Heavenly Witnesses."-"There are three which bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these Three are One.' I. John, 5-7." Urges the author, "They do not only agree in one and the same testimony, but they are one, i.e., as I understand it and believe, one in essence." Equally explicit and orthodox is he on the "Incarnation of the Son of God," "Christ's sufferings for our sin," and "Intercession for us," "Future judgment," ," "Resurrection of the Body," &c. His final Reflection is, "Lastly, give me leave to add this other Reflection, that in vain some even cry up morality without Faith, when there can be no such thing as virtue or good works, but what flow from faith, they may make loud Boasts, but unless they believe in Christ and abide in his Doctrine they can never bring forth good fruits; but they are to be esteemed as so many branches cast forth and withered, because they have no communication with the Root, and are destitute of those vital influence (s) which flow from Christ the Head." The reference to this volume will serve to depict the Christian doctrines preached in the Presbyterian chapels generally. Up to this period the Presbyterian ministers and congregations remained Trinitarian.

Of the son, William Pendlebury, very little is recorded. He was appointed in 1736, by Dr. Williams's trustees to an exhibition of £10, on Dr. Williams's foundation, as a student at Glasgow, where he graduated as M.A. It is uncertain when he entered on his ministry at Rotherham, probably soon after 1738, where he only remained a few years, presumably to 1744. He has left behind him a published sermon, printed at York by Cæsar Ward, 1744. The title page is headed, "National Repentance and Reformation: The Way to obtain National Blessings," and the description is, "A Sermon Preach'd at Rotherham, in Yorkshire, on the eleventh April, 1744, being the DAY appointed for a GENERAL FAST. By William Pendlebury, M.A." It is to be borne in mind how in the following year, 1745, occurred the famous and romantic invasion of England by Charles Edward Stuart, the Pretender to the throne of Britain, supported by a host of the Scottish Clans, to seize the throne, then occupied by George II. Had he

been supported, as he was led to expect, by the English gentry and Catholics, the Stuart line would have been restored. The Presbyterians thoroughly opposed any return of the suspected Catholic descendants of the exiled James II. The retreat and defeat of the Scottish forces at Culloden is a well-known story told by the "Wizard of the North," Sir Walter Scott.

Some few of the patient readers of this narrative might like the full contents of the Rotherham minister's sermon to be printed here for their persual, but it is possible the majority will be well content with what space only permits, a brief epitome of the same. The text, Joel ii., 12, 13, is treated under five heads, with the old fashioned "Lastly." "In treating this subject we shall," states the preacher,

1st endeavour to prove that the universe is governed by the Providence of God." God made the world, and therefore we may certainly conclude that he takes care of it, and governs all things according to his most perfect will," &c.

"2nd. That God oftentimes sees fit to punish Nations for their Sins." It is highly probable in itself that God, who has an utter aversion to all moral evil, will testify his wrath and indignation against a guilty people for their crying sins, by his dreadful judgments.' The more publick virtues of mercy and compassion, beneficence and charity, the love of our country, respect to magistrates, peace and order, promote and advance the Common Weal.'

"3rd. That it is fit and proper for a people to appoint some particular times and seasons for humiliation, and to implore the mercy and deprecate the judgments of Almighty God."

'It is to this that we are this day called by our pious Sovereign to humble ourselves before God, before the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,' &c.

"4th. That nothing but, a sincere Repentance a thorough and general reformation can give them any good ground to hope for the Divine Protection, and preservation from their enemies."