Chapter XLIX: Section VII (5)

{901b} About the same time that the pens of _Armstrong_ and _Badslade_ were thus engaged, that of the elder _Kinderley_ also was employed in the same cause, as appears by the dedication and preface to his son’s volume on the _ancient and present state of the navigation of Lynn_, &c. About these times, the names of Messrs. _Steph. Allen_, _John Cary_, and _Geo. Hogg_, became enrolled among our freemen, whose descendants have ever since figured among the first families of this town.—They are thus noticed in our volume of Extracts—“Augt. 29th. 1724. Mr. St. Allen to have his ffreedom, paying 20 nobles.—Sept. 27. 1727. John Cary elected free upon paying 20 nobles.—Febr. 3. 1728–9. Granted the ffreedom to Geo. Hogg, marriner, at the request of alderman John Kidd, as his mayor’s ffreeman.”

{902} Two Irishmen, as the story goes, served in the German or imperial army during a war with the Turks. One of them, in a skirmish with some Tartars, was by one of them overpowered and taken prisoner. Upon which he called out to his comrade, “By Jasus, I _have caught a Tartar_!” “Very well,” said the other, “bring him away then;’” “_he wont come_,” answered paddy; “then come yourself,” replied his comrade; “arrah now, my dear honey,” cried he, “_but he wont let me_.” Hence the origin of the proverbial saying, when a sharper has been overmatched, that he has _catched a tartar_.

{912} The gentlemen of this town, with all their superabundant zeal for the church, ought to consider how much they owe, for what morality and religion exist here, to the exertions of those who dissent from that church. Every candid and discerning person in the town must see and acknowledge that the labours of these dissenters have very largely contributed to the reformation of the inhabitants. But for our dissenting chapels, far more than one half, perhaps three fourths of our population would have been effectually precluded from the possibility of being benefited by the public ministry of the clergy, for want of room or proper accommodation in the churches. This is a known fact. Must not the labours of the dissenters therefore be evidently and unquestionably entitled to the gratitude and encouragement of our rulers, even if their mode of instruction had _not_ been better calculated to enlighten the common people than that of the church ministers?

{913} The _Harwicks_ seem to have been peculiarly unfortunate in being treated unhandsomely and rudely by some of their townsmen, during their mayoralty. _Richard_ Harwick was said to be so treated, by _Browne_, in 1723, and _Charles_ Harwick now by this _Rudkin_. How to account for this, we are unable to say. The Harwicks might carry themselves with too much haughtiness, or, on the other hand, with too much condescension; for the one as well as the other kind of conduct has sometimes exposed people to rude and unbecoming treatment. However that was, the fact itself, as above stated, appears no less clear than remarkable.

{914} Rudkin’s successor in the common-council was the late Thomas Sommersby, the elder. Hence the following note occurs in the Hall books—“Nov. 26. 1731, Mr. Th. Sommersby chosen into the common councel, in the room of John Rudkin amoved.”—Sometime previously to the expulsion of Rudkin, Edw. Bradfield, the Town clerk, was also expelled, or discharged from his office, as appears by the following notes in the same books—“August 29. 1729, Ed. Bradfield, Town-Clerk suspended.”—again . . . “Sept. 29. 1729; Ed. Bradfield, Town-Clerk discharged.”—His offence, or the cause and reason of his discharge is not mentioned: but by the _Epitaph_ drawn up for him by his friend Dr. _Browne_, it would seem not to have been any thing very honourable or creditable to the corporation. This Epitaph, as it is of an unusual cast, and in the doctor’s best manner, may be worth preserving, and reads as follows.—

“_Behold a rare Monument of Friendship_,
_Dedicated to the Remains of_
EDWARD BRADFIELD, ATTORNEY AT LAW.
_Happy while he was Master of himself_;
_Unfortunate when he became the Servant of others_.
_His fine Patrimony_,
_And a Profession wherein he excell’d_,
_Gave him Independency_,
_And every Enjoyment_
_That could make Life agreeable_:
_But alas_!
_His accepting the office of Town-Clerk_
_Subjected him to Servility_,
_And to every Disappointment_
_That could make Death desirable_.
_His Experience of both Fortunes was remarkable_:
_In the Prosperous_, _he was follow’d_
_As if he never had an Enemy_;
_In the Adverse_, _he was deserted_
_As if he never had a Friend_.
_He died September_ 6_th_. 1736, _aged_ 47.
_Leaving a Widow_, _and an only Daughter_.
_He was Defended while living_;
_He is Covered now Dead_,
_By one who commenced_,
_Almost from the Cradle_,
_And continues his Friend_,
_Even beyond the Grave_.
William Browne, M.D. in both Universities,
And Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.”

This Epitaph is certainly creditable to the feelings and memory of Sir William Browne.—Having this occasion to mention him again, the author begs leave here to correct what he said above at page 901 relating to the question, whether or not he had been complimented with the freedom of this borough? He has since ascertained that that honour was actually conferred on him _gratis_, Febr 3 1717–18; which must have been previous to his having incurred the displeasure of the Hall. Nor can this writer discover that the same honour was withheld from any _physician_, who had settled here for any length of time, before our two present ones: (only Dr. Hamilton _purchased_ his freedom, but that was, it seems, before he had received his Doctor’s degree.) Nor yet does this same honour appear to have been withheld from any of the _clergy_ who were _Lecturers_ here, except the present Lecturer and his predecessor _Eyre_. We know not how to account for this omission on the part of our corporation, (at a time when the honour itself is daily decreasing in value,) but from a mere _want_ of _urbanity_; and we hope, in what we may have occasion to say of them hereafter, we shall never have any reason to lay any thing worse to their charge.

{917} This _Edmund Keene_ was the late bishop of Ely.

{920} The spire or steeple of South Lynn Church was not then blown down, but stood twenty years longer, and its fall was among the memorable events which distinguished the commencement of this reign. It is somewhat remarkable that the Grey Friars Steeple, the slightest of all our buildings of that kind, has hitherto withstood the severest blasts.

{927} It is said that when they had nearly completed one part of their work, and were ready to congratulate themselves on its impervious, impassable, and impregnable aspect, a _greyhound_ that followed one of the gentlemen, making a sudden spring, flew over it in an instant, which so cooled their ardour, damped their spirits, and discouraged them, that they had no longer any heart at all to proceed: for they concluded, that if that greyhound could do so, the _Highlanders_, if they came, would not fail to storm every thing of that kind that might happen to stand in their way.—So apprehensive and confident were they for some time that the rebels would come this way, that they readily gave heed to every flying and idle report that coincided with that notion. It was at one time believed, that their vanguard had nearly reached _Wisbeach_, and even that some of their scouts or spies were actually in _Marshland_. The last belief arose from the circumstance of two travelling Scotchmen happening then to pass through Marshland, whom every body took to be no other than rebel spies. A strong party was sent from Lynn to take them up, who, among other things, questioned them, if they had _arms_? To which they answered, “Yes, they had _twa_,” lifting up both their arms at the same time.

{932} The present writer is earnestly desirous to do ample justice, and give all due commendation to the persevering and unwearied exertions of the different descriptions of our Lynn dissenters. They have certainly done much good, here as well as elsewhere. After all, it must be allowed and confessed that the miserable _bigotry_, _illiberality_ and _intolerance_, which they have often discovered, and particularly _on a recent occasion_, constitute a vast and sad drawback from the merit of their exertions, and the praise to which their labours are entitled. But on this head we shall be more explicit, when we come to the _present state_ of the town.

{935} That the _evangelical clergy_ and their _patrons_ should be at all alarmed, at the growth, or progress of methodism, seems not a little singular and strange, considering that they themselves are looked upon as one sort of methodists, and have certainly and evidently contributed, in a very large measure, to the increase and prosperity of that sect. They, sorely, did not mean or wish to make their hearers dissenters, but the spirit of their system and the drift of their ministry appear to have a strong tendency that way.

{936} At Lynn, and some other places, the _Wesleyans_ alone bear the name of _Methodists_: whereas the _Whitefieldians_ are here denominated _Independents_, which name they have likewise assumed in many other places. In some of the western parts the name of Methodists is given only to them, and the others are called _Wesleyans_, and sometimes _Wesleys_: but on this subject we will say more hereafter.

{937} Whether it will so happen or not, it is certain that the _methodist Constitution_ is well worth the attention of the statesman and philosopher, as well as the historian. It is admirably calculated for making numerous proselytes, and becoming the predominant religion of a country—especially that of the _Wesleyan_ community; whose whole plan and organization discover exquisite skill and judgment, with a most deep and accurate knowledge of human nature. In all which respects John Wesley appears no way inferior to any of the heads of our modern orders or sects, from Francis and Dominic down to Emanuel Swedenburg and Joanna Southcote; not excepting Ignatius Loyola, Martin Luther, John Calvin, or even Fox and Penu and count Zinzendorff.

{941} See Belsham v. 414, &c.

{942} Belsham v. 86.

{950} The writer of the above extract further says, that during the said electioneering tumult,

“the insults on the T—rs family, the ladies not excepted, were
prodigious, especially from young *—*, who exceeded every thing that
was heard of, to my old lady and the margeries. The poor madams
zealously espousing S. J—n’s cause were most grievously abused by him
and others, with their s—rs drunkenness, their own fat a—s, and even
much worse upon their spitting in young *’s face, in the heat of
their passion out of a window, on the Election day. So that they
have had fevers.—Dr. B— has declared eternal war, in those very
words, against every branch of the T—s family, and supported Mr. F’s
interest with the rage of a madman: his W. and D. did the same, and
are yet the most billingsgate beasts imaginable.—A. T. purely for the
sake of mischief reconciled himself to his Bro. and supported his
cause with all the might of his tongue and purse.—S—*— after going
about the town with the gentlemen to promote L—d O. and S. J’s
interest, upon Mr. F’s breaking his promise he had made not to
meddle, turned to him, and was as violent as any body.—T * voted for
S. J. but did him privately all the mischief he could, and went out
of town one day, that his W. might entertain F at Supper. J. * was a
fury, and his W. the queen of furies, and to this hour is fit only
for Bedlam. All others stood tight to S. J. But he and his * have
had all their faults ript up and laid open.—At length Monday came;
and after an expense of near 2000_l._ on each side, the dear bought
poll stood thus W. 199. T. 184 F. 131.—There were players in town at
the time; so the triumphant party gave their friends an entertainment
of that sort. To ridicule D—r B— the _Busy Body_ was the play, and a
farce was added called the _Mock D—r_, which _mock Dr._ was dressed
as like Dr. B— as could be. F—’s people on their part tho’ beaten,
would shew they had good hearts; so they bespoke _Pasquin_, which is,
you know, written to ridicule corporation Elections; there is a m—r
and m—r—ss &c. They took care to dress the m—r and cripple him, so
as to resemble poor P—, and Madam m—r—ss was most specially drunk.
The shouting and insolence were prodigious, calling out, F— for ever!
between the acts, and drinking his health throughout the house, and
ending with an Epilogue made by Dr. B— comparing Sr. J—n to _Tom
Thumb_. They keep up a most indecent rage yet, and swear they’ll
never have done, till they’ve thrown out Sr. J—n. F. is coming again
in a few days, and here’s to be dainty-doings. Upon the whole, they
say, Sr. J—n was brought in upon L—d O’s shoulders, which, tho’
better than not brought in at all, sits not pleasantly upon his
stomach, any more than the expense of 2000_l._ suits his temper and
pocket.—I have been guilty of an unpardonable omission in saying
nothing of your friend madam M—x—n, who espoused Sr. J—n’s cause with
mighty warmth, and did him great service. She kept open house for
all freemen, and waited on ’em herself, and look’d exactly like a
woman that keeps a booth in a Fair, with, roast pork, bottled ale,
cider, &c. When her husband was at home, she went abroad to
outlyers, with presents, to keep them tight: and several of ’em she
had at bed and board in her house, for fear of the enemy. Dr. B—
came to her, and demanded the release of the men: she withstood him,
and defended her castle, as bravely as _Joan of Arc_ could have done,
had she been raised from the dead, against the D—r, parson M—y, and
other hussars, who were scouring every hole and corner of the town.
The close of her gallant conduct was in free conference, or rather a
pitched battle with Dr—B—’s W. upon what had passed, which was of
some hours continuance, and better worth all the money you have in
your pocket, to have seen and heard, than _Pasquin_, or the _Busy
Body_ was worth 6_d._—Next to this Heroine deserves to be mentioned
_Harvey_ the ’Pothecary, who because Sr. J— gave a relation of his a
place lately, turned against him, and against his own express
promise; drank himself into a fever, and is dead and buried. He has
left all he had to his wife, who seems very glad of her loss, as well
as her gain. _Nic. Elstobb_ was wild on the same side, and raved
till he spit blood, and was at death’s door, and is not far from it
at this time. _Martin Sand—r_ on the other side lost his senses
without a joke, and was given over for a week, but is now as well as
ever.—There never was such a funeral at Lynn as Harvey’s. The number
of persons invited was very great, but the volunteers made the chief
figure. All F’s party met at the Dog, and joined the procession,
going 2 and 2, and returned to the same place, in the same manner,
where they spent the night in drinking F for ever, and to Harvey’s
pious memory.—The next night after the _Busy Body_ was played, my L—d
and S. J. gave a Ball to all the freemen’s wives and daughters—After
a few dances by the better sort of Ladies they sat down, and L—d *’s
Son, (who rode for his cousin,) S. J, the C—r, Mr. B— and Sr. Wm.
H—b—d and the rest took shopkeepers wives and daughters, and twirl’d
’em about all the rest of the night. This gave great content.—In
return for Mr. M—x—n’s seal in S. J—’s service, the other party have
played him a trick, by getting Johnson R—s D—r, who has a right in
what remains above the mortgage in M—x—n’s House, to set it to sale;
and so, by underhand management, they forced him to buy it at a dear
rate, or he must have gone out of it.”

This long and striking extract gives a curious, but very unfavourable idea of the state of society here, or of the character and manners of our townsmen 64 years ago. The reader will hardly suppose the picture to be overcharged, when he is informed that the writer was no other than the _revd. Edm. Pyle D.D._ then _Lecturer_ of this town, who would not be likely to represent his own flock as more unruly, mischievous, and graceless than what they really were.

{955} It is hardly necessary to observe here, that all the wars, and calamities, and revolutions, that have within the last twenty years agitated and devastated the European world, are pretty generally thought to have sprung from the American war, or those wrongheaded principle which occasioned it.

{957} Small as the above number may appear, yet, if the whole of what is now called _the united kingdom_ had armed in equal proportion, it would have produced a very large force, consisting, if we are not mistaken, of no less than 200,000 men.

{959} Proverbs. 30. 20.

{960a} It is said to be already between 8 and 900 millions—a continuance of the war for a very few years more will probably complete the sum.

{960b} In the autumn or winter of 1782, the north mail was robbed one evening soon after 11 o’clock, a little beyond the long Bridge, by a lawless youth of the name of _Beeton_. A few days after he was apprehended and committed to prison, whence he made his escape on the 7th. of November, but was again taken on the 11th. at Rising. He was executed Febr. 17. 1783.

{962} The ancient usage seems to have been for the mayor to name and authorize _twelve_ of his brethren of the Hall to elect two burgesses to represent the town in parliament. Hence we read in an old record, that in the year 1487 _Robert Pillye_, then mayor, called and empowered the following twelve men to elect two persons to represent this borough in the parliament which was to meet that year: viz. John Massingham, John Bilney, Tho. Carter, Wm. Yates, Robt. Powdich, Andr. Woley, John Thorisby, Hen. Gardyner, Robt. Umfrey, Tho. Symkenson, John Trunche, and Tho. Archer: who accordingly chose _Robert Thorisbye_ and _John Tygo_.—Two years before (1485,) _Robert Braybroke_ and _William Munke_ had been chosen in like manner:—and the year following, (1488,) in the mayoralty of _John Tyge_, twelve men, called and authorised by him, chose _John Gryndell_ and _Thomas Carter_ to sit in the parliament called that year.—It seems by this that elections were then very frequent; annual perhaps, or nearly so: and each parliament continuing but one session.—The same old record mentions several other subsequent elections, always made by 12 persons called thereto by the mayor—only once, but it does not appear in what year, he seems to have nominated but _eight_, which eight are said to have called unto them four more, so making up the number of 12; which 12 chose for burgesses of parliament _Robt. Braybroke_ and _John Beels_. This might be in 1486—If so, we have here an account of four annual parliaments at that period.—Let us not, however, blame our ancestors for leaving the election of their members in the hands of 12 persons; for we do not appear to have at all mended the matter yet: our efficient or real electors are even now less than 12.

{964} Unless we should choose so to denominate the following occurrence.—“At our quarter Sessions held Nov. 15. 1785, the recorder being absent by reason of illness, sentence of transportation was passed upon one Bradley and another convict by the then mayor, the late Mr. Wm. Bagge.”

{965} See _New Annual Register_ for 1788, page (32.)

{966} “His majesty (says one of the journals of that time) is constantly at the Spa a little before six in the morning, where he drinks a glass of water, then walks half an hour with the queen and princesses, who likewise drink the water. The king takes a second glass, and about half after seven the royal party return to Fauconberg house: his majesty hands the queen and princesses to their carriages, and then sets out himself on foot. About eleven o’clock he is constancy on horseback, paying no regard to the state of the weather. The queen and princesses follow him in their carriages. They generally take the road to the hills, on the east of Cheltenham, return about two, and at seven appear again in the walks.—The great object (says the same journal) of the kings journey to Cheltenham is to keep off the gout. His complaint for some time past has been the flying gout, which his physicians could readily fix by the use of proper regimen; but his majesty dreads such a lodgment, as it would of course prevent him from using that exercise which has been so much his habit as well as inclination. Cheltenham waters are reckoned the best in the kingdom for this purpose.”—see _N. A. Register_ vol. 9. p. (26) and (28.)

{967} This is said not to have been the first time when such symptoms had made their appearance.

{968a} See New Annual Register, vol. 10. page 92.

{968b} Pitt declared that the prince had no more right to assume the regency than he had; which was deemed by many a very extraordinary and extravagant assertion.

{972} See _New Annual Register_ for 1791, page (7.)

{974} When some had written violent pamphlets against the elder Pitt, and he was urged to have them prosecuted, he smilingly answered, “No: the press, like the air, is a chartered-libertine.” The son, with all his reputed and boasted greatness, had not a mind capable of imitating such an example. (See Belsham, vol. v.) No real magnanimity, or true dignity of character was to be expected from one who could seek the ruin of his own original friends and coadjutors, the active supporters of his early politics and youthful fame, and that, forsooth, because they would not support his apostacy, but chose still to adhere to those principles which he himself used to tell them were inseparably connected with the welfare and salvation of the country.

{976} Should the work ever commence and go on, the commissioners will have to borrow money to a vast amount, which they will probably, not find a very easy matter, as other fen projects, such as those of the _river Nene_ and _Feltwell District_ especially, have turned out so miserably unpropitious to the respective creditors; that the interest of their money is now many years in arrears, with but little prospect of its being ever again liquidated. The _Nene_ commissioners are so much above their business, and so regardless of the rights of their creditors, that they sometimes will not deign to meet, so much as once a year, to examine the state of their finances and see if any thing can be spared towards the payment of their debts.—As to the gentlemen, or commissioners of the “_Feltwell_ new fen district,” they, some years ago, thought proper to represent themselves in a state of insolvency, and proposed that their creditors should advance at the rate of ten per centum of the money in their hands towards obtaining a new act of parliament to increase the drainage taxes, and so enable them thenceforth to pay interest regularly. The money was advanced, and the new act obtained, but not a shilling of interest has been yet advanced, under pretence that all the money is wanted for repairs and drainage improvements, &c. How far all this is honest or honourable we need not say; but that it will not fail to make some people in future more cautious in adventuring their money on such occasions, may be reasonably supposed and expected.

{977} That paragraph reads thus—

“Lynn, May 11. 1802. Thursday last being the day appointed for the
public reading of his majesty’s proclamation of peace in this town,
the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells and other
demonstrations of joy. At noon the Lynn Loyal Volunteers, commanded
by major Everard, paraded in the Tuesday market place. Soon after,
the mayor, accompanied by the recorder, aldermen, common-council-men,
and most of the inhabitants, proceeded in front of the line to the
market cross, when the town-crier read the proclamation of peace.
The Volunteers then fired a _feu de joie_, which was succeeded by
reiterated shouts of applause from every person present, the band
striking up ‘Rule Britannia.’ Major Everard then addressed the
corps, and after thanking them for their zeal in defence of their
country, read to them the thanks of both houses of parliament for
their meritorious past services, and informed them they were now to
be disbanded, conformably to the regulation of government, with a
reward the most gratifying, their sovereign’s approbation of their
conduct. The noncommissioned officers and privates were then
severally presented with a pecuniary donation, in lieu of a public
entertainment.”

Thus it appears that the conduct of these volunteers gained the approbation and applause not only of their fellow citizens or townsmen, but even of the higher orders of the nation, up to the very throne.

{979} The year 1797 was also distinguished in Norfolk for two great political meetings held there in the spring of that year, of which the Norfolk Remembrancer gives the following account.—

“April 25th. a county meeting was held on the Castle Hill (Norwich,)
in the open air, and a petition, praying his majesty to dismiss his
present ministers, as the most effectual means of reviving the
national credit and restoring peace, was moved by Mr. Fellowes,
seconded by Mr. Rolfe, supported by Lord Albemarle, Mr. Coke, Mr.
Mingay, Mr. Plumptre, and Mr. Trafford, and almost unanimously
adopted.”

Had the whole nation done the same it might have proved of incalculable benefit. But three days after another meeting was convened by the opposite party, to counteract the effect of the former. At this meeting, (according to the work just referred to,)

“a dutiful and loyal address to the king was moved by Sir T. Beevor,
and seconded by R. Milles Esq. and afterwards numerously signed by
the nobility, gentry, and freeholders, expressive of their reliance
on the measures adopted by the ministers for obtaining a safe and
honourable peace, and of their readiness to defend with their lives
and fortunes, the religion, laws, and constitution of their country.”

These swaggering and blustering life-and-fortune men have had their day, and a pretty long one it has proved. If the nation be not yet quite tired of their swaggering, and sick at heart of their system of war, bloodshed, violence, and endless expenditure, it seems high time it should. We surely, ought, to be fully convinced, by this time, that the politics of their opponents, so long decried among us, are infinitely better calculated than theirs for the welfare of this country.

{982} During the whole continuance of this Paper scarce any thing more remarkable appeared among its contents than the memorable controversy about the termination of the century, which caused a sad division among our wise men of that period. Some affirmed that the century actually ended with that year, 1799; while others insisted that it could not end till the conclusion of the following year, for this plain reason, that _ninety nine_ could not possibly make one _hundred_. In short, this controversy seems to have exhibited our wise men as somewhat akin to the wise men of Gotham.

{984} Of these two addresses the former, according to the _Lynn Packet_, was worded as follows—

“_To the King’s most excellent majesty_: The humble Address of the
Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-council of the borough of KING’S LYNN, in
the county of Norfolk, in Council assembled. MOST GRACIOUS
SOVEREIGN: We your Majesty’s Loyal Subjects, the Mayor, aldermen, and
common-council of the borough of King’s Lynn, in the county of
Norfolk, humbly beg leave to bear this public testimony of our horror
and indignation at the late nefarious attempt upon a life so highly
important to the welfare of these realms. We most cordially
congratulate, not only your majesty, but all friends to our country,
on your providential escape from danger so imminent; and beg leave to
express our earnest wishes and prayers, that your majesty may long
continue to reign over a free and happy people.—Given _under our
Common-Seal_, _at our Guildhall_, _the_ 21_st._ _day of May_, _in the
year of our Lord_ 1800.”

The Address from the _inhabitants_ was somewhat longer, but to the same effect, though differently worded. The former mentioned the horrid act as having excited the _indignation_, and the latter the _detestation_ of the addressers, neither of which could be very proper as applied to the conduct of a madman. The outrageous conduct of a maniac, may excite horror; but it is not easy to conceive how it can excite either indignation or detestation. Before we dismiss this subject we may just observe that _Hadfield_, _Brothers_, and _Margaret Nicholson_, were not the only personages who, in the course of this reign, were moved and impelled by the spirit of insanity to pay very extraordinary attention to the sovereign.

{985} Unless we should except the great accession of honour to our town in 1807, by the addition of the names of his royal highness _William Henry duke of Clarence_, and the right honourable _George James_, _earl of Cholmondeley_, to its list of _freemen_.

{990a} The following appeared as officiating clergy or ministers in the two churches of this parish within the time of Dr. Arrowsmith’s residence here—Messrs _Caston_, _Stalham_, _Hares_, _Swallowe_, _Emmotte_, _Nic. Toll_, _Caston_ junr. _Rawlinson_, _Purchas_, _Gatford_, _Leech_, _Almond_, _Bell_: but they were not all here at the same time; several of then being successors to such as had removed or died. There seem, however, to have been more stated and officiating ministers here then, than there are at present; and the same probably was the case afterwards during the common-wealth and protectorate.

{990b} The chief document alluded to is an old quarto MS. or record, evidently extracted from an older one, or from the Hall-books, for the use, it seems, of the clergy, and probably by some of that body, as it has passed through that channel, and is written by different hands. In this record the following notices of Mr. Arrowsmith occur—

“1630, Sept. 29. Mr. John Arrowsmith M.A. Fell. Kath. Hall, made
choice of from the university of Cambridge to be one of the Lecturers
of this town; and he is to have a ffee of 50_l._ per annum, and a
convenient dwelling house, or 5_l._ in lieu thereof—to preach twice
every Sunday, except 1st. Sunday in every month, and then but once,
and with the other Lecturer, or to preach by several turns, viz. Days
K’s entrance into ys kingdom 1st. Augt. 29th. Augt. 29th. Sept. 5th.
Nov. 25th. Dec. and to help the curate in the mynistring Sacrament
Ld’s supper, and if hereafter he shall take any benefice then this
election shall be void.”

—again—

“Dec. 10th. Mr. Arrowsmith chosen one o’Lecturers, 29th. Sept. &c.
now ordered to preach at St. N. every Sunday morning, and be respited
of’s aft. S. also to preach Wednesday every forenoon St. M. and Mr.
Caston to preach afternoons St. N. and forenoons at St. M. as
usual.—Mr. Arrowsmith and Mr Caston, Lecturers, had ffee either of ym
50_l._ a piece, and either of ym Dwelling house, or 5_l._ a piece in
lieu yereof, thr. ffees to be made up 100 marks (66_l._ 13_s._ 4_d._)
apiece, and their houses continued, or 5_l._ a piece yearly as
formerly, and yt the xii Sermons they were respited, shall in respect
of ys increase be preached by each of ym: ye increase of this ffee to
begin from Xtmas next.”

—again—

“1631, July 1st. Mr. Arrowsmith’s ffee made up the whole to 100_l._
per ann. Qterly beg. 29th. Sept. next.”

—again—

“Dec. 7th. a patent under com. seal M. and burg. at request of Mr.
Arrowsmith M.A. for his ffee of 100_l._ a year to be paid Qterly,
with such covenants and agreements as shall be thought fit to be
inserted.”

—again—

“1632, Sept. 28th. 10_l._ allowed Mr. Arrowsmith towards payment of
house rent.”

—again—

“Mar. 11th. Mr. John Arrowsmith commended to Ld. Bp. of Norwich and
Dean and Chapter to be minr. St. Nic. Chapel, K’s L. on conditions
and agreements hereafter following, viz. Yt Mr. A. still continue his
place o’pching, and to admr. Sacr. Ld’s Supper, but not to be further
tyed or charged with the duties o’ ye minister’s place, nor to
receive any part of the benefits thereof, only to have his ffee as
formerly granted him; but ye same to be performed by a man to be
appointed by ye town, and that ye town shall also dispose of all the
benefits of the place. Also agreed yt. Mr. A. shall suffer ye
parishioners from time to time to make choice of the churchwardens
and of the parish dark, as they shall think fit.”

—again—

“1633. Augt. 26th. (loco 25.) Mr. A’s. patent sealed with com. seal
for’s stipend of 100_l._ per ann. and 10_l._ for’s dwelling, but it
is directed to be deposited in Town Clerk’s hand, till Mr. A. shall
covenant in writinge with ye Major and Burgesses to perform ye order
of this house in March last, touching ye minister’s place.”

—again—

“1635, Apr. 10th. 100_l._ lent by ye House one yr to Mr. Arrowsmith,
minister St. Nicholas parish gratis, &c.”

—again—

“Sept. 14th. Mr. A’s patent delivered out to Mr. A. himself.”

—again—

“Dec. 4th. Mr. _Matts. Swallowe_ chosen Lecturer in this town, loco
Mr. Edm. Caston decd. by M. A. C. C. as far as in ym lieth, _viz._ to
preach 2ce every Ld’s day, in forenoon St. Margt. and afteroon at St
Nic. and to help to admyn. sact. Ld’s Sup. every common. day, and to
preach on ffestival days by turns with Mr. A. as Mr. Caston did, for
100 marks in money, and house, and a letter o’commendation to ye Bp.
in his behalf. And this day M A. C. C as far as in ym lies chose Mr.
Edm. Caston, son of Mr. E. C. late decd. to be curate St. Margaret’s
Church, loco Mr. Matts. Swallowe this day chose into place of Mr. E.
C. deed, he to preach every Ld’s day in ye afternoon at St.
Margaret’s Church, and to read divine service, and perform other
duties of the church as Mr. S. did for 40_l._ a yr. in money, and
such ffees and church duties as Mr. S. had, and on such conditions as
Mr. S. had the same.”

—again—

“1637, May 12th at request of Mr. John Arrowsmith, B. D, min. and
prcher of Word of God St. Nics. chap. K’s Lyn, on account of
indisposition of body, and for his convenience, ordrd. ye Wednesday
Lector in St. Margt’s shall be translated to St. Nic. chap. till
Michs. next”

—again—

“1641, Oct. 8th. Mr. Mayor to treat with Mr. Arrowsmith concerng. a
minr. for St. Margt’s church, [in the room of Mr. Gatford] and Mr.
Mayor to get some other minr. to preach on Sundays till we can be
provided with a min. and they yt preach shall have for every S.
10_s._”

[It appears that the place of minister of St. Nicholas’ was then preferable to that of St. Margaret’s; otherwise Mr. Arrowsmith, no doubt, would have had the offer of the latter]—again—

“1644, Sept 29th. Mr. John A. minister St. Nic. chap, elected to ye
Synod, and elected Mr. St. John’s Coll. Cambridge, by ye pliamt:
discharged.”

He was succeeded about a fortnight after, by _Mr. Thomas Hoogan_. But Mr Arrowsmith continued long after to be highly respected here, as appears by their applying to him when in want of ministers, and accepting those whom he recommended. Mr. W. Falkner, Fellow of Peter House, came here as late as 1658, upon his recommendation, and that of Dr. _Tuckney_.

{993} We are assured that Dr. Tho. Goodwin, afterwards the memorable president of Magdalen College, Oxford, was at this time lecturer of Trinity Church, and fellow of Catherine Hall, in Cambridge, of which Arrowsmith, who was afterwards successfully invited to Lynn, was then likewise a fellow: there can therefore be no doubt of his being the very person who was now applied to from this town. (See Aikin’s Biography.)

{994} Granger speaks of him as follows—

“_John Goodwin_, minister of Coleman Street, was a man who made more
noise in the world than any person of his age, rank, and profession.
He had the hardiness to introduce Arminianism among the Calvinists,
which he bravely and jealously defended, both in his sermons and
writings. It is hard to say whether he displayed more courage in
attacking or repelling the enemy. It is certain he had a very
powerful body to deal with, as it was said that _he was a man by
himself_: _was against every man_, _and had every man almost against
him_. His genius seemed to be adapted to polemical divinity, and to
an age of faction and tumult. He was appointed by the council of war
to attend upon Charles I. a little before his execution. This was
deemed an insult upon fallen majesty; as no man more eagerly
promoted, or more zealously defended the murder of the king. His
discourses and writings on this subject were well remembered at the
restoration; but it was also remembered, that he had sown the seeds
of division among the sectaries, which is supposed to have saved his
life.”

He was educated at Cambridge, and his sermons were much admired for their elegance and erudition. Brit. Biogr. 6. 378.—He died in 1665, aged 72.

{995} Of his matrimonial adventure we have met with the following anecdote—

“The gentlewoman who afterwards was his wife, coming with her two
elder sisters to hear him preach at _Hareby_, a village not far from
_Bullingbrook_, the clerk, after sermon, insinuating himself into
their company, asked them, which of them could like such a man as Mr.
H. for a husband? The two elder declared against it, (though they
could not but commend his preaching,) and gave their reasons drawn
from the poor circumstances ministers’ widows were often left in: but
the younger said she should think herself happy if she might have
such a man, though she begged her bread with him. This was carried
to Mr. H and she became his wife. She survived him [ten years] but
never wanted while she lived.” (_Nonconf. Mem._ vol. 2.)

{996} Mr. _Palmer_ dates the commencement of his residence and ministry here in 1647, in which he is mistaken, as appears both from the document above referred to, and also from the old parish-book of South Lynn, which prove beyond all doubt, that he was here in 1646.—The former contains the following curious memoranda—

“Oct. 2. 1646: ord. yt Wedn. 14th be a day set apart for public
thanksgiving to God for his so mercifully freeing this town fr ye
contagious disease of the _Plague_. Notice to be given to sevl minrs
by Mr. ald. John May.—It is this day also agreed and ordered that the
sevl. ministers of this Town, viz. _Mr. Almond_, _Mr. Hoogan_, _Mr.
Toll_, _Mr. Leech_, and _Mr. Horne_ if he please, shall every one of
them be intreated in his turn weekly at the Hour appointed to pray
every morning before the Hall here with the company of this House by
the space of a quarter of an hour or thereabout; and that every one
of the aldermen or comn. Counsell that shall at any time be absent
frm. such Prayer shall pay for his respective fine or brogue 6_d._ to
the use of the Poor, and yt. ys. order as to the sd. payment of 6_d._
for ye sd. absence from prayer shall be inserted in the Table of
ancient orders.”

—again—

“9, Dec. 1646: Whereas _Mr. Almond_, _Mr. Hoogan_, _Mr. Toll_, and
_Mr. Leech_, ye now ministers of this Burgh did lately present a
Petition unto ys. House concerning an order lately made in ys House
for Prayer amongst ourselves by them and _Mr. Horne_: and this day 3
of ym came into this House to desire an answer thereof; which said
Petition was now plainly read, wherein were some dark sentences and
words not well understood, whereupon ys House hath intreated and
nominated _Mr. Hudson_, _Mr. Slany_, _Mr. Bassett_, and _Mr.
Wormell_, aldermen; _Mr. Barnard Utber_, _Mr. Williams_, _Mr. Scott_,
and _Captain Joshua Greene_, a committe for that purpose, giving ym
power forthwith to request all and every the said ministers to meet
together, to make explanation of ye sd dark words and sentences; and
then to draw up such an answer thereof as they shall conceive
fitting, and tender it to this House, that being approved on may be
returned in writing.”

—again—

“14. Dec. 1646: Whereas the last Hall day the ministers’ Petition was
twice read, and referred to a Committee to consider thereof and
certify the several explanations of dark sentences by ye sd
ministers. It is ys day upon the report of ye sd. committee ord.
that _Mr. Edward Robinson_ shall return this answer to ye sd
ministers, that ys House doth adhere to their former vote, mentioned
in a former order of ys House.”

{997a} That Mr. Man was settled here as early as 1593 appears from the following passage in the old record already quoted—“1593 Mar. 18. John Man B.A. Bennet Coll. Cambr. chose usher, wages 10_l._ a yr.”—Afterwards we have it noted—“1597, Sept. 26. John Man. _M.A._ eld. M Gr. Sch. loco Nic. Eston M A.”

{997b} “Bartholomew-day (said _Locke_) was fatal to our church and religion, in throwing out a very great number of worthy, learned, pious, and orthodox divines.”

{998} He was doubtless more diligent and laborious in his ministry than any we have here now, or, perhaps, ever had since his time, of any denomination. His memory ought therefore to be revered.

{999} Some of them are controversial, in answer to Dr. Owen, Dr. Kendal, Mr. Grantham, &c. Others are funeral sermons preached at different times, at Lynn and other parts of Norfolk: one is a narrative of the penitent behaviour of _Rose Warne of Lynn_, a condemned malefactor; another is a Farewell to his parishioners at the time of his ejection in 1662; another a _Poem_, entitled _The Divine Wooer_, at the end of which is a long Epitaph drawn up by him for his friend and parishioner, Thomas Lilly, Great Great Grandfather of our Sir Martin Browne Folkes. Most of the rest are pious practical discourses, all very creditable to his memory.—From the _Farewell to his Parishioners_, it appears that the income of his vicarage was 80_l._ a year, equal we suppose to 500_l._ of our money. That income he sacrificed for conscience’ sake.

{1001a} It is not easy to conceive what should deter him from taking orders unless it were that he had some serious scruples as to the terms of ordination, which, to say the least of them, seem to be hard enough of all conscience.

{1001b} At his death he bequeathed his books to the town library: and he also bequeathed a handsome legacy to the corporation, as trustees, to lay out the interest of it in apprenticing poor children; which it is presumed, is still applied to the same benevolent purpose.

{1002a} Who immediately succeeded Mr. Horne, as minister or pastor over his people, seems uncertain. We have heard, a _Mr. Williams_ mentioned as holding that situation previously to the settlement here of the elder _Rastrick_, which seems to have taken place about 1710 or 12. Whether he was here during the whole of the intervening period we cannot say: Nor do we know any thing further of him.

{1002b} The exact number of his publications the present writer has not been able to learn. The following were the titles of some of them—A Commentary on the seven first Chapters of Revelation, 4to London, 1678, pp. 935.—A Call to Repentance, &c. 8vo London, 1682 pp. 438.—Calling and Election: or many called but few chosen. 12mo. Lond. 1674—Needful councel for lukewarm christians, 4to Lond.—The object of love, &c. to the end we may love one another. 12mo. London.

{1003} Dugdale does so repeatedly, in different parts of his works, and so does Parkin, if our memory does not fail us—

“I have seen (says he, in one place) a memorandum wrote by Gybon
Goddard Esq. Serjeant at Law and recorder of Lynn, who was a _curious
collector of Antiquities_, and died in 1671, wherein he observes that
in his time in digging to set down a new sluice a little beneath
Magdalen fall, which is about half a mile from Magdalen bridge, on
the Marshland side, there was found about 16 foot, within soyle a
grave stone of about 8 feet long, and a cart wheel near to it. The
grave-stone (he adds) is now in Magdalen Church Yard.”

{1010} They run thus—

“Orders to be observed at the Society when met together—1. That there
be a meeting of the several members every Lord’s day evening, after
divine service, for religious conference, to be managed in manner
following, viz. One of the Stewards with the whole society kneeling,
to read the Collect for the second Sunday in Advent, adding thereunto
any particular Collect according to his discretions (but he shall
make choice of no other but those appointed for Sundays and holidays)
and if a chapter be read out of the N. Test, then the Society to
discourse of the contents of that chapter, aiming thereby each to
improve himself in the undertaking thereof, and in the more lively
application thereof to his own heart and conscience, and to render
the influence more powerful to the mind both of himself and his
brethren.—That every member at his going away, according to his
ability, put what he please into the poor-box, which is heartily
wished may be done not grudgingly or of necessity, but with joy and
alacrity, for God loveth a cheerful giver: After which to conclude
with two Collects, one of the Steward’s choice, and the last to be
that in the Communion Service, (_Prevent us O Lord_, _&c._)
Moreover, beside the forementioned general method of reading and
discoursing the scriptures in order, any member hath the liberty to
raise any argument of a spiritual or religious nature, provided it be
not above our reach and capacity, nor leading to doubtful
disputations, but such as may conduce to general benefit and
advantage, to counselling the doubtful, and instructing the ignorant,
confirming the weak, and encouraging one another to run with patience
the race that is set before us. But matters of controversy to be
avoided, especially state affairs, as not belonging to us, who
pretend to be instructed by that grace of God that teacheth us to be
holy without blame before him in love. Wherefore upon deliberate
consideration, reflecting upon the confusions and distractions that
have been raised by societies on such occasions, it is ordered with
full consent, that whosoever shall pretend to start any thing of
debate or controversy concerning state affairs, after the first or
second admonition, shall be excluded from the society: also all
discourse of matters of trade, or other temporal concerns to be
forborne.—2_ndly_, that every respective member shall have liberty to
recommend an object of charity to the Stewards, to whom a
satisfactory account being given of the particular circumstances of
those unto whom they, with the consent of the rest of the society, or
the greater part of them, shall give out of the aforesaid collections
as necessity shall require.—3_rdly_, That every one that is absent
from the society at their meeting together, if on a frivolous
occasion, such as shews any backwardness to attend, or a mean and
slight esteem for the society in conformity to these rules and
orders, shall incur the penalty of 6_d._ to be paid into the bank for
defraying the necessary charges of the society, for the convenience
of meeting; and if a Steward, one shilling: but if any person’s
absence appears to be involuntary, as from a master’s restraint upon
a servant, or otherwise, not proceeding from sloth or backwardness, a
sufficient answer being given to the Steward who shall enquire the
cause, the said answer shall suffice for his absence: but if any one
be absent four times together without a very sufficient cause, he is
to be looked upon as dissaffected to the society until he gives the
Stewards satisfactory reasons for his said _absence_.—4_thly_, That
upon the Lord’s day next before Whitsunday there shall be an
_election of Stewards_ for the year ensuing, to be made in manner
following, viz. Every member of the Society to put into a bason two
tickets, whereon are written the names of the two persons he desires
may be stewards: that is to say, the one name on the one, and the
other on the other, each of the present stewards to have duplicate
votes, each putting in four tickets, having on two of them the names
of the one, and on the other two the names of the other person they
prefer for stewards: then the tickets being told over by the old
stewards, those two persons whose names are written on the greatest
number of tickets are the Stewards elect; and if at any time an
equality shall happen, then the determination to be made by
lot.—5_thty_, That for the admitting a new member into the Society it
is requisite to be introduced by one of the members, who is to
accompany him into the Society at their usual meeting, where giving
an account of the knowledge he hath of his life and conversation, if
approved of by the Stewards and the rest of the Society, the rules
and orders to be read to him; and after _one month_, if none of the
society make objection against it, he is to be admitted, by
subscribing his name to these rules and orders, expressing his
approbation of them and resolution to live up to them.—6_thly_, That
six times a year every member meet at St. Margaret’s Church to take
the holy sacrament together, extent upon unavoidable
hinderance.—7_thly_, That the major part of the society shall upon
any necessary occasion have power to make a new rule or order with
the approbation of a minister of the Church of England, which shall
be equally binding with the present upon every member of the
Society.—8_thly_, That the rules and orders be read over at least six
times every year at the usual meeting of the Society, and every
member have liberty to take a copy thereof.—9_thly_, That the person
who hath the greatest number of lots next the Stewards, shall be
deputy in the absence of one of the Stewards.—_These are the Rules
and Orders of a Religious Society in King’s Lynn_, _under the
patronage of the reverend Doctor Littel_, _Anno Domini_ 1704.”

The author has more materials relating to this remarkable society, but what has been here given throws a sufficient light upon its character and its objects. Such a society in every parish would be no way dangerous to either church or state.

{1015a} It must not here be concealed, that his reputed heterodoxy, especially in regard to the Athanasian trinity, might also be among the causes, if it was not indeed the very chief cause of his failure in the point of ecclesiastical preferment. That he was decidedly averse to Athanasianism, and made no secret of that aversion, is very well known; a remarkable instance of which was related by his son Dr. Edmd. Pyle in a letter to one of his female friends, dated August 4. 1747; a copy of which has fallen into the hands of the present writer. The passage alluded to is as follows—

“My F—r has been excessive hoarse and stuffed and oppressed on the
lungs, and after physic had in vain attempted his relief, he went
abroad, the weather being fine, to view his new ch—h, {1015b} where
they are putting up a magnificent p—lp—t, as the finishing stroke.
There the sight of the Tr—ty in Un—ty emblematically displayed in the
front pannel of the said p—l—p—t put him into such a passion, that
you would have sworn, that with distemper and indignation he must
have been suffocated: but G—d be praised nature got the better both
of the m—st—y and the disease, and the conflict produced, what
medicines could not, a free and large expectoration, which was
succeeded by a fit of as clear and audible raving, as a man would
wish to hear from a sound protestant divine, on so provoking an
occasion.”

This letter-writer to be sure was an arch and wicked dog; but there can be no doubt of his statement being founded on fact: and when it is considered how their reputed heterodoxy affected Clarke, Whiston, and others of Pyle’s eminent contemporaries, it will not appear very strange that his rewards were not equal to his merits, or that his preferments were few and inconsiderable.

{1015b} This was St. Margaret’s then rebuilt.