12/11/2020

The Leominster Association 1772

 BREVIATES

The Meeting house being to be opened here the day preceding the Association, and having previous notice thereof, most of us met safely and comfortably on Monday evening.
Tuesday morning, at the opening of the new place of worship, the public service was begun by our brother [John] Ash; and then a Sermon preached on the occasion by our brother C.[aleb] Evans from Hag. ii. 7. I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. There was a publick meeting also in the afternoon, introduced by our brother [James] Turner, and a Sermon preached by our brother [Benjamin] Francis, from 1 Kings viii. 27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth?
In the evening of the same day, the Messengers of the Churches met, and after some time spent in prayer, our brother [John] Ash was chosen Moderator The Letters were read, wherein we found that the Churches are in peace, and have the means of grace plenty among them, and some signs of the divine blessing. Herein we would acknowledge the goodness of God. That meeting was closed by prayer.
We met Wednesday morning at six When time was improved in prayer, the circular Letter drawn up by brother [Joshua] Thomas, was approv'd and sign'd. Other particulars proposed were seriously considered, and all the private Business of the Association concluded by prayer. At 10 the public meeting was opened by our brother [William] Wills [Eversholt, Beds], a Sermon was preached by our brother [Thomas] Skinner from Acts xx. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ: and the morning exercise ended by our brother [Benjamin] Francis. The afternoon service was begun by our brother [Thomas] Hiller, a Sermon preached by our brother [James] Turner from Acts xv 11. But we believe, that thro' the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they; - and the solemnity concluded by our brother C. Evans. There was a Sermon in the evening by our brother Hiller, from Rom. viii. 14. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
The Church at Sutton sent us a friendly and respectful Letter, bidding us farewel, another Association being lately set up in the neighbourhood, to which it is more convenient for them to join, They conclude their Letter thus “We thank you for all the benefit we have received, by your prayers and letters, of which the first that we know of was dated, Worcester, June 3rd. and 4th 1707“ now 65 years ago. We pray the Lord to be with you and bless you, and make you eminent blessings. May the interest of CHRIST flourish under your hands. Desiring a continued interest in your prayers and affections, we subscribe ourselves, your loving brethren in Christ."
The next Association to be at Pershore. To meet on Tuesday evening in the Whitsun-week. Our brethren Beddome and Hiller to preach. In case of failure of either, our brother [William] Wills
Put up at the Angel.
The state of the associated Churches. 
The Addition this year
Baptized 38
Received by Letters 6
                                44
Diminution
Dead 27
Dismissed 1
                                28
Increase 26

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