Ryeford Baptist

More pictures here and here.

Footnote on Sophia Wall

An obscure website here appears to show that Sophia Wall (1755-1829) was born Sophia Pritchard and first married Levi Wall (1754-1800) in 1778. He died in 1800. The first marriage appears to have produced two girls, Mary and Ann.

Ryeford

Plaque to John Skinner 1870

Old Chapel

To the manse

The manse

I made a trip today with my father-in-law to check out Ryeford, the village where Micah Thomas's first pastorate was. There is an older chapel with a manse at the back, no doubt where Thomas lived in his time. A more recent and large nineteenth century building exists in front of the older building. Inside the newer building are three plaques, two commemorating ministers after Micah Thomas and one commemorating the founding minister John Skinner. Neither are used as chapels today but are currently occupied by a firm that makes blinds. A little way up a lane from the chapels is a little graveyard with graves in various states of repair from the 1770s to the 1970s.

Thomas's handwriting

This example of Thomas's handwriting appeared un the same newspaper as the drawing. Bradney thought Thomas had the most beautiful handwriting he had seen.

The original college

This picture appeared in The Cardiff Times September 21, 1907

Preachers of the annual sermon

It would appear that throughout most of the period of the academy (1807-1835) there was an annual sermon. For most years there was, one guesses, an English sermon and a Welsh sermon (*). Below is a list which gives the names of these preachers. The original list is found here along with annual financial accounts. Unfortunately the list of preachers does not match the list of dates in the first column in any obvious way. We have attempted to make as best a match as we can and have added information about each individual preacher as far as we can and other relevant information.

1808
Thomas Roberts 1780-1841 Bristol (formerly of Brixham)

1809
David Evans 1744-1821 Maesyberllan, Breconshire

1810 (May 2)
Dr. John Ryland 1801-1888
*Titus Lewis 1773-1811 Carmarthen

1811
*D. Evans 1744-1821 Maesyberllan, Breconshire
Henry Page 1781-1833 Bristol (Worcester later)

1812
*D. Richards
John Holloway d 1831 Cardington, Cotton End (formerly Counterslip, Bristol)

1813
John Edmonds 1750-1823 Guilsborough, Northants
*Joseph Jenkins 1743-1819 Wrexham and London pastor and writer

1814
Lawrence Butterworth 1740-1828 Evesham
*Jonathan Davies Pembrokeshire (From Capel Iwan, he was Thomas's first student. He went on to be an evangelist in Pembrokeshire).

1815
*Benjamin Davies d 1816 Molleston, Pembrokeshire
Isaiah Birt 1758-1837 Plymouth

1816
*Thomas Evans 1792-1867 Shaftesbury, Dorset
C(aleb?) Evans 1823-1891??
J(ohn?). Rowland

1817
*John James 1777-1848 Pontrhydyrun (Later Bridgened)
J(oseph?) Harris (Gomer) 1773-1825 Hymn writer and pastor in Pembrokeshire

1818
John Herring 1789-1832 Cardigan
H. Williams

1819
Joseph Ivimey 1773-1834 Holborn
*James Lewis 1761-1837 Llanwenarth

1820
J. Watkins
J. Morgan

1821
Francis Hiley 1780-1860 Govilon/Llawenarth
W. Jones

1822
John Philip Davies 1786-1832 Tredegar
J. Thomas

1823
Thomas Steffe Crisp 1788-1868 Bristol
*David Davies Evans Pontrhydyrun 1787-1858 (at Carmarthen earlier, Bridgend later)

1824
John Michael Llanfachreth, Anglesey
J(ohn?) Jones d c 1844 from Abergavenny and later at Lydney and Blakemey

1825
J(oseph?) Price d 1851 After serving as assistant to J Hinton at Oxford he served in Alcester (1813-1842) then Middleton Cheney
J(ames?) Edwards 1800-1887 See here

1826
Thomas Morgan 1776-1857 Birmingham
John Evans d 1861 Brecon

1827
Thomas Winter 1790-1863 Counterslip, Bristol

1828 (Sep 3)
Isaac Mann 1785-1831 Southwark (formerly of Shipley) (Acts 18:26)

1829 (Sep 2)
John Fry d 1851 Coleford (2 Tim 2:15)

1830 (Sep 30)
William Jones 1762-1846 Cardiff

1831-1835

Unknown

Academy Report 1831

This is from the New Baptist Miscellany, Volume 5, 1831

ABERGAVENNY

Our friends are probably aware that though this Establishment exists at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, in what is reckoned an English County, its design is only to instruct young men who are natives of the principality. Nearly a century ago, a similar Institution existed at Pont-y-pool; and though at that time our denomination in Wales was very small, more than thirty ministers received assistance in their studies from the successive labours of Messrs. John Griffiths, John Matthews, and Rees Evans. As at that period only fifteen Baptist Churches existed in the principality, we cannot wonder the Institution should fail for want of support.

About the commencement of the present century it began to be felt that the Welsh Churches suffered for want of a better educated ministry. Many of the young men who were sent by the Churches to be educated in England, never returned to their native country; and hence two of the Associations in 1806 determined on the establishment of a Seminary of their own, which opened in January, 1807, at Abergavenny, under the judicious and zealous direction of the Rev. Micah Thomas, who continues ably to discharge the duties of a Tutor.

It was the original design of the Institution only to give an English and Welsh education and to continue the Students on their funds but for two years; for some time past, however, they have lengthened the term to three years, and given instructions in the elements of classical learning. Such however is the humble view our brethren take of their useful labours, that they are desirous their Seminary should not be considered as a College. However generally this term is now understood as meaning a superior Academy for persons advanced somewhat farther in life than mere youth, they wish it to be exploded. The columns of the table which follows we imagine will be understood, being on the same plan as the other Institutions of the same nature.

(A table of figures follows which we have not included here)

We ought not to dismiss this article without observing that, of the number of Students educated at Ahergavenny, more than fifty are now occupied with diligence, and we hope with success, in the duties of the pastoral office in England and Wales; and more than a few have been called in an early part of their ministry to enter on their reward. While the vineyard of the Lord is so extensive, the labourers few, and the period of exertion is both short and uncertain, may all who sustain an office of such vast importance as that of the Christian Ministry be diligent, that they may be found of their Lord in peace.

Appeal for the Academy 1824

The article below appeared in The New evangelical magazine and theological review for1824.

A Brief Account of the Origin, Character, and Expenditure of The Baptist Academical Institution At Abergavenny, connected with an Appeal on its behalf of the Friends of Education in England.

Since the arts and sciences, trade and commerce, have been so extensively cultivated in Great Britain, the aspect of society has sustained a visible alteration. An ardent zest for letters and intellectual improvement has been created and excited, the different sources of information are eagerly sought and grasped, and the people are raised to distinction and pre-eminence in knowledge and acquirement. Wales has more or less participated the change, as the country abounds with manufactories, and a considerable thirst for instruction and learning prevails. The English language is rapidly gaining ground, the youth very generally are taught that language; preaching is become frequent and indispensably necessary in it, and many English dissenting churches have been organized. Hence, nothing can be more obvious than the vast expediency that all Ministers of the Word in Wales, should be well versed in English; otherwise their sphere of usefulness is much contracted, and on the score of erudition, the instructors are liable to range far below the instructed.

Yet the Baptists in the Principality, though by no means inferior to other denominations in numbers and talent, property and respectability, did not till within these twenty years past, make any practical essay towards promoting the education of their ministers. Occasionally young men of taste and energy emerged from their state of native illiteracy, and sprang to seize the advantages kindly offered by the Bristol Education Society. But this was rather deteriorating than beneficial to their native land, as it served to translate its best talents to England.

About the year 1805. however, a few judicious and zealous friends of the Redeemer's cause in the town of Abergavenny, that deeply felt and lamented the deficiency in point of literary attainment which existed in the ministerial department, conferred on the urgent necessity of making some effort with a view to raise an Academy, in order to extend and strengthen the abilities of such pious and promising, young men as were, or might be, called out by the churches to exercise their gifts in the sacred office.

Their deliberations, matured and accompanied with many fervent prayers, were at length developed, to the ministers and congregations at large. The object contemplated and brought forward, discussed, approved at different public meetings; and to the no small gratification of the original projectors, in the beginning of 1807, a Seminary was opened at Abergavenny.

The management of the Institution was assigned to a committee, consisting of ministers and laymen in and about the Town, whose proceedings from year to year have been reported and examined at the successive anniversaries of the Society. The Tuition and Boarding of the pupils were appointed to the Writer: and this intimation naturally leads to an investigation of two very material topics designed to be embodied and exhibited in this sketch - the course of instruction pursued; - and the annual amount of expenditure.

Concerning the former - as the term of residence at the Academy was limited to two years only, though now it is extended to three, and as the young men generally were unacquainted with any language except their own vernacular tongue, little beyond a course of English instruction could be anticipated. Consequently English grammar, logic, rhetoric, composition, and divinity, united with geography and the use of the globes, have in most instances constituted the objects of study. (The Treasurer, Mr. Wyke, has for several years delivered a course of Lectures gratis, on Chemistry, and other branches of Natural Philosophy to the Students). Still in many cases, especially where previous advantages had been realized, and superior skill, combined with ardent application, did exist, some progress has been achieved in the elementary parts of classical learning.

But supposing the maximum of improvement did not carry the students beyond a capacity to read, understand, and dispense the words of eternal life in English, an important object would be secured. More, however, has already been gained, and much more may in future be expected: first, as the period of study is protracted; and next, as the most rigid care is determined to be exercised, that only men of talent and some preparatory acquirements, shall be admitted into the Academy. Under these circumstances, it is calculated that the students will be so far initiated into a knowledge of the learned languages, as to be able with facility and success to make any farther advancement in them which they may feel inclined and anxious to accomplish.

Respecting the latter - the annual amount of expenditure, the greatest accuracy shall be observed; and to this subject particular attention is earnestly requested. But, be it premised, that as it regards other similar Institutions, no invidious comparisons are designed; and that it is completely a mistaken notion when it is imagined, that the expence of living in this country is much lower than what it is in England. Bordering on large iron and coal works, and surrounded with an immense population, in this neighbourhood, at least, the price of provisions averages higher than in many of the English counties. Yet at no period has the Tutor realized more than twenty four pounds per annum for the board of each student supported by the Society; - forty pounds for his service in teaching and otherwise, wear and tear of furniture and bedding, house rent and taxes; - and two guineas to purchase coals for the use of the Library. During the first years, only twenty pounds were received for board, and nothing for coals. But for several years past, the expense of maintenance and tuition has been precisely and absolutely as stated above.

Mark, no complaint is intended, nor, as affairs now stand, is any wish of an increased allowance cherished. Nevertheless, it is hoped there will be no impropriety in stating the following indisputable fact: That with great economy, and without a family of his own, what the Reporter has hitherto derived both from his academical and ministerial employments, has hardly been sufficient to cover the regular expenses, and supply the common necessaries of life. Indeed, at the commencement of the Institution, and for some years, this was far from being the case.

More convenient premises are exceedingly desirable and requisite, and would greatly add both to the comfort and respectability of the Academy. Besides, the work of teaching, the number of pupils amounting to ten, as it now does, would be more efficiently executed in the hands of two than of one. But at present, without a much larger support than what has yet been furnished, these much needed acquisitions are entirely out of reach, and can only be contemplated as desiderata.

The inhabitants of the Principality too generally, are not so sensible of the inestimable value of an educated ministry as probably they ought to be; and it is with labour, almost herculean, annually performed, that the supply hitherto drawn from the major part of the country, has been procured. Also with regret it is remarked, that future prospects are not so encouraging as could be wished, but on the contrary, rather desponding. Still, to their honour be it recorded, that many pastors, churches and individuals, have very steadily and laudably exerted themselves in favour of the Institution.

Many English friends likewise have demonstrated their accustomed benevolence and firmness; and to those, of them that do now patronize, and such particularly as have not yet done so, but it is hoped will, when informed of the character and exigencies of the Institution, the preceding account, and the subsequent appeal, are most affectionately and respectfully submitted.

Brethren of England: The Abergavenny Academy has never yet been made sufficiently known to you, or recommended to your consideration; consequently you have not had opportunity to estimate its value, of inducement to afford it your aid. Be assured that on the point of utility, though humble in its pretensions, silent in its operations, and effecting its march without observation, it has, beneath the auspices of a gracious providence, been a source of incalculable benefit. Yet the circumstances of it are such as to awaken some concern for its perpetuity. And are there none amongst you, besides those worthy individuals who do now generously befriend it, disposed to enrol their names upon the list of its regular and permanent supporters? Are there no feelings of interest capable of being roused, excited, and impelled to action! Is it not to the credit of the Baptist denomination in England, that there is an Institution formed in Cambria, to raise the ministers of the same persuasion to a degree of literary respectability? And is it not of moment, that, in this part of the empire, the churches and congregations, so numerous, so growing, so powerful, and therefore so capable of becoming subsidiary to the spread of the gospel at home and abroad, should accompany others in the honourable career of knowledge and information? Upon these interrogatories, a negative cannot be fixed.

Then permit the Narrator, or rather the cause which he has the honour to represent, to urge and press you into a service that guarantees so ample a reward and extensive an advantage. To witness the failure and annihilation of an Establishment of some public importance, with which he and a few of his coadjutors have from its commencement been identified, and over which they have so long watched and prayed, is Too Much. But they cannot, they dare not, conceal their apprehensions. Except a larger influx of foreign aid in the shape Of DONATIONS and ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS be brought unto it, they fear for the result; unless you stretch out a fostering wing and an upholding hand to cherish and sustain it, their hopes must be paralyzed; unless you become its advocates and benefactors, at length discouragement must quench the glowing embers of praise-worthy zeal, and despair succeed to the place of fond and sanguine expectation.

One of you, whose "work of faith and labour of love," are widely diffused and duly appreciated, has for some years supported three pupils in this Academy; and withal, is a liberal annual contributor. And as a body, you are never deaf to the calls which any scheme projected to enhance the interests of Christianity, presents to your notice, and commends to your attention. Therefore it is presumed, that now you will not be singular, that note you will not depart from your usual mode; but agreeable to your wonted liberality, will kindly and promptly step forward to the assistance of an Institution, the character and struggles of which, are no longer immanifest, - the approved usefulness and farther contemplated advantages of which, entitle it to your esteem and patronage.

The Seminary proposed to your beneficent regards, is not absolutely of a local character. Though established for the education of Welshmen, and ostensibly for the benefit of the Principality, its beneficiaries are shackled with no restrictions, but are at full liberty to exercise the work of the ministry in what country soever they please. Out of more than fifty who have already enjoyed its privileges, there are several now reputably and efficiently discharging the pastoral functions amongst you. And whenever it may be agreeable and convenient to any of your churches to draw upon it for supplies, no impediment intervenes.

Hence it is conceived, that on various grounds, the Institution thus pleaded for, deserves a portion of your munificence, and is worthy of your co-operation. Its general objects - established utility - small expenditure - all combine to enforce its claims.

Micah Thomas.

At a Committee Meeting, held Oct. 1st, 1824: - Mr. Thomas read his Historical Sketch of the Institution over which he presides, together with the accompanying Appeal to our Friends in England; and being fully approved, it is now ordered to be printed and circulated among them. But we beg leave to add, that there is no funded properly whatever belonging to this Establishment: - J. Wyke; W. H. Stucley; John Daniel; Seth Evans; Ebenezer Harris; Nathaniel Richards; J.H. Morgan.

A Scale of Expenditure.

There are seven Students now upon the foundations of the Society.

To Board of the above one year at £24 each .................168 0 0

To Tuition, House Rent, Taxes, &c ................................40 0 0

To Coals for Library.........................................................2 2 0

Total expenses of Tuition and every Accommodation .....210.2s

£210. 2s. divided by seven, the number of Students educated this year by the Society, leaves for each ...................................................................................30 0 3.

It was resolved at the yearly meeting of the Society in September, that personal application be made to the Friends of the cause in England, with a view to obtain donations and annual subscriptions. The following Gentlemen will kindly receive contributions: Mr. Stephen Marshall, No. 181, High Holborn, London; Mr. W. W. Phillips, No. 2, Back, Bristol: Thomas King, Esq. Birmingham; and the Rev. Daniel Jones, Liverpool.

Ordination in Pontypool 1815

This is from the Baptist Magazine for 1816

PONTYPOOL

December 13th, 1815, the Rev. David Powell, late student of Abergavenny, was ordained over the English particular Baptist Church, at Pontypool, in the county of Monmouth. The Scriptures were read and the blessing of God supplicated, by Mr. Davis of Carewent; - Mr. Evans of Carleon delivered the introductory discourse, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith - Mr. Edmonds of Trosnant, (a village adjoining the town of Pontypool) offered the ordination prayer;- Mr. Thomas Tutor, of the Baptist Academy, at Abergavenny, gave the charge from 2 Tim. iv. 5. - Mr. Rowland, of Abergavenny, addressed the people from Deut. i. 38; - and Mr. Evans, of Brecon, concluded the morning service by prayer; who, with Mr. David Jones, student at Abergavenny, preached in the evening a double lecture.

Obituary Mrs Price and Mrs Conway 1848

These obituaries for his sisters-in-law appeared in The Baptist Magazine for January, 1849

RECENT DEATHS.

MRS. C. PRICE AND MRS. A. CONWAY.

 

These truly pious and excellent females, born in the town of Abergavenny, were two sisters, daughters of the late Mr. John and Mrs. Elizabeth Harris of Govilon, near the said town. Mrs. Price was the wife of the Rev. Joseph Price, some years ago pastor of the baptist church at Alcester; now of the baptist church at Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire. Mrs. Conway was the relict of the late Mr. John Conway, tin-plate manufacturer, Pontrhydyrhyn, in the county of Monmouth.

Mrs. Price was the elder sister, and she finished her course on the second day of last May; and Mrs. Conway, the younger, terminated her pilgrimage below on the ninth day of March immediately preceding. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not far sundered. On the paternal side they were descended from a long line of ancestors in this county, of staunch nonconforming principles, and of the baptist denomination; persons, in their day, that ranked amongst the more influential and respectable connected with their religious persuasion. Their great-grandfather, Mr. John Harry, was minister of the baptist church at Blaunagwent in Monmouthshire, a very old interest. He died in 1737, aged 63. Their grandfather, Mr. Morgan Harry, the son of John Harry, was also a minister at the Blauna, and died in 1746. He was the father of Mr. John Harris of Govilon, and of a posthumous son named Morgan after his father, which son was called to the work of the ministry, studied at the Bristol academy, and became assistant pastor at Llanwenarth, where he honourably ended his days, both as a Christian and a minister about sixty years since. The elder brother, Mr. John Harris, who changed the family name from Harry to Harris, was a man of great worth, both as a citizen and a follower of the Saviour. He was a member and a deacon of the baptist church in Frogmore Street chapel, Abergavenny, from nearly its commencement to the close of his valuable life in 1819, aged 75 yean. Mrs. Harris also, whose praise was in all the churches, and who had been a member of the church at Llanwenarth from her early youth, transferred her communion to the church at Abergavenny, in fellowship with which she happily died in 1835. Her father, the venerable Mr. Caleb Harries,for so spelled he his name, was an assistant preacher, and the highly respectable and revered pastor of the baptist church at Llanwenarth, for about half a century. He died in 1792, aged 77 years.

So paternally and maternally were the two sistcrs, the subjects of this imperfect and inadequate sketch, descended, and in their day and generation they proved themselves worthy of their parents and progenitors.

Some four or five and forty years ago, the sisters opened a ladies' school at Bristol, when Mrs. Price, then Miss Catharine Harris, was baptized at Broadmead, and became a member of the Broadmead church, at that time under the pastorate of the eminent Dr. Hyland. But in 1809 or 1810, they left Bristol, returned to Abergavenny, their native town, and conducted their seminary there. Miss C. Harris, soon after this change of locality, was dismissed from the Broadmead to the Abergavenny church, with which she continued in full fellowship till her marriage, and consequent removal to Alcester. During that interval her career was one of exemplary piety and usefulness. Every way she could, she was prompt to serve and advance the cause of the Redeemer, then in its infant state. The recollection of her lovely countenance, affable mien, superior understanding, holy life, energetic zeal, and sisterly condescension to her inferiors, is still deeply infixed in the minds of the comparatively small number of her once delighted associates that now survive, to cherish sweetly, and with freshness, the remembrance of her distinguished Christian virtues. Nor did she decline or decay in the vigour, value, and lustre of her character and religious profession, as she accomplished her pilgrimage and went down the declivity of life; but her path being that of the emphatically just, it shone more and more unto the perfect day. Her domestic bereavements she pungently felt, yet meekly and patiently endured, knowing that He whose prerogative it was to give, had likewise an undisputed right to take away. Besides, her own personal afflictions for some years prior to her lamented decease were numerous and severe. But she knew whom she had believed, and was fully persuaded that he was able to keep that which she had committed unto him against that day. She felt perfectly satisfied, that however mysterious and inscrutable many of his ways may appear, they were not only righteous, but also kindly designed and wisely ordered. When her flesh was wasted away, and the voice of the heavenly Bridegroom summoned her to go forth to meet him, she, having her lamp trimmed and her light burning, readily obeyed the call, in perfect peace resigned her spirit into his hands, and thus softly languished into life. But having for the last four and thirty years resided at so great a distance from this neighbourhood, and visiting the place only occasionally, the writer considers himself very incompetent to do justice to her worth.

Mrs. Conway, on the contrary, having been three and thirty years a member of the church over which, from its commencement in April, 1807, he has presided, comes more directly and extensively within the range and sphere of his observation. She, and her excellent partner in life, with seven others, were baptized by him, and received into the church, March 19th, 1815. In August, 1821, Mr. Conway, whose health had for some time been precarious, was rather suddenly called away, leaving seven fatherless children, the eldest about ten years of age, and the youngest a little infant, to the charge of his deeply distressed widow. But she was a woman that, on various grounds, rose much above mediocrity. Her strength of mind and abilities were of a high order, her education liberal and paramount, and her mental culture, which had been her pursuit from the early morning of life, placed her far in advance of the greater portion of her sex. Charitable and expanded in her religious views, yet strictly evangelical, she was prepared to make every allowance for obliquities incidental to the perverse influence of popular opinion, educational prejudice, and human infirmity. Nevertheless, she was not this, that, anything, or everything, which now, alas! seems pretty much to become the fashion amongst those even that are loud and clamorous in their profession of dissenting principles. Their easier aping of conformity in habiliments, architecture, and forms of worship, had no charm in her estimation. Her vast reading had familiarized her with history, both secular and ecclesiastical; and she was a fervid admirer of the illustrious founders of dissent, the puritans and nonconformists, who bravely purchased the precious pearl of British freedom, civil and religious, at the expense of all things terrestrial, dear to mortals, yes, of life itself, and whom nothing, either formidable or seductive, could intimidate or tempt to merge their distinctive sentiments and practice into that semi-conformity and nonconformity, which at present place multitudes of our contemporaries, baptists and independents, in the anomalous position of those of whom it is thus recorded: "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people. Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength; yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him."

Mrs. Conway was too decided and elevated in her religious and nonconforming principles, to sympathize and symbolize with this unnatural blending, compromise, and degeneracy. Uniform and consistent in principle, profession, and practice, she, as she believed, spoke. In other words, principle was the basis and reason of practice; and practice was the fruit, illustration, and evidence of principle. As willing to give as to take, she duly appreciated the conscientious scruples of those that differed from her in creed, rituals, and observances. But she felt it a commanding duty to be consistent with her own avowed profession.

The following remarks concerning her valuable character and life, presented by the writer to a large assembly in her funeral sermon, may not be incongruously but befittingly, introduced in this place. Having glanced at the world's fallacious estimate of character, dignity, and worth, and adverted to nature's bountiful gifts in her case, together with her improvement of those bestowments, and her superior literary acquirements, he added, "These, my friends, were not the only - no, not the chief accomplishments of Mrs. Conway. She was a genuine, a thinking, a zealous, a working, a useful, and a hallowed Christian. Not such in name only, not such by education only but such in deed and in truth. Deep and energetic were her cherished feelings of interest in the advancement of the cause of Christ at home and abroad. When, many years since, the ladies of England adopted measures to raise the character, and meliorate the state, of the oppressed and degraded females of India, by means of female education, she soon joined their ranks, and participated in the toils of their noble enterprize. Beneath her auspices, and through her exertions, a Monmouthshire School for female education was originated and was opened in Bengal, and as long as her health and strength admitted, our excellent friend was its untiring advocate and zealous promoter in her native county. Her pen, her influence, and her personal endeavours, were all made subservient to the praiseworthy object.

Singular to observe, this very day three and thirty years, 1 had the privilege to baptize and receive into the church, my highly valued sister, with her alike valued husband; and though residing at the distance of twelve miles from Abergavenny, she continued her membership with us, and generally on ordinance days we enjoyed her truly delighting fellowship.

Just twenty-one years after she joined us, she became a permanent resident of our neighbourhood; and the last twelve years of her life, and of her sojourn with us, were years of much usefulness, and to numbers, of great enjoyment. In her departure, her surviving relatives have indeed lost a friend »nd a counsellor, the church in this place a pillar, the poor a benefactress, our British school, missionary cause, and other interests, a cheerful supporter. But you need not be told the virtues and excellencies of the deceased. You have witnessed them, you have read them in her holy and devoted life.

She went down to the grave under circumstances of dire bodily sufferings. Once in her conflict with the harbingers of death, she said to the writer, 'I want more faith.' Yet her faith and hope firmly grasped the Rock of ages. And having fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith, whilst her happy spirit has joined the spirits of just men made perfect, her body rests on the soft pillows of the sepulchre, till the Lord her Redeemer descends in the clouds, and bids her come away. O that with her, we may be found on his right hand in the day of doom!"

Thus the two loving and pious sisters, Mrs. Price and Mrs. Conway, ran the Christian race, and reached the goal. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"

Micah Thomas. Abergavenny, Dec. 8, 1848.

Salvation of Sovereign Grace Part 1

The following discourse is presented to public inspection not from any desire on the part of the Author to appear in print nor would the misrepresentation of his sentiments … But placed as he is at the head of an important Institution which is ….

October 3, 1871

A Sermon etc, etc

EPHES. ii. 5.

By Grace ye are saved.

THE doctrine of salvation by grace pervades the holy scriptures from the first revelation of God's will made to fallen man, to the close of the inspired volume. We discover it in the words, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. In the promise to Abraham, that in his seed all the families of the earth should be blessed; in the numberless sacrifices that were offered to Jehovah, from the days of Abel to the advent of Christ; and in the host of predictions uttered by the prophets concerning him, this precious doctrine is strikingly revealed. The lambs that were daily immolated under the levitical economy, to expiate the guilt of the Israelites, pointed to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world: and to him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins. Encompassed with so great a cloud of witnesses to evince his Messiahship, the Lord Jesus, when the fulness of time was come, made his appearance in the land of Judea; and then the ancient doctrine of salvation by grace shone forth with such splendor, that all antecedent discoveries of it were quite eclipsed: no longer was it enveloped in types and shadows, and published in language that was, on the whole dark and ambiguous, but appeared as it were the body of heaven in its clearness.

Supplied with this inestimable treasure, the apostles went forth into all the world, explaining the way of salvation by grace, and beseeching their hearers to be reconciled to God. Grace was the charming them on which they dwelt in their public discourses and more private letters. With this they generally commenced and closed their epistles. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, are the concluding words of the sacred canon: and it is this delightful and soul-refreshing subject, that demands our attention and investigation this morning: By grace ye are saved.

Grace, a term so frequently introduced in the word of God, is employed to convey different ideas in different connexions. In one place it denotes munificence or charity; in another, the gospel is intended by it; in a third, it expresses the eternal love of God to his own peculiar people; in a fourth, it exhibits the benefits and blessings which flow to mankind from the death of Christ. In our text it seems to be designed to set forth the ground, cause, or means of the salvation of true believers, from its co-mencement to its consummation. The word in its proper import, signifies free, unobliged, undeserved favor: and hence, when we speak of the salvation of God's people, we consistently say, that they are saved by sovereign grace: for Jehovah the fountain of grace, is above all obligation to his creatures, and so is infinitely above any direction, influence, and controul from them in any thing that he performs.

An author pertinently observes,

Sovereignty is in a peculiar manner essential to all acts of grace, or grace in all cases is sovereign grace; and what is not so, is no grace at all. For, whatever good is bestowed, if he that grants it is under any original obligation to do it, or is obliged to do it from the reason and nature of things, and so owes it to him that receives it, it is only an act of justice, and of the nature of paying a debt, and there is no grace in it: for grace is free, unobliged, undeserved favor, and that which is not so, is not grace. [Quoting Samuel Hopkins in A Particular, and Critical Inquiry Into the Cause, Nature and Means of that Change in which Men are Born of God.]