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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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— 4 th , at Sohartiy Cambridgeshire , aged 49 , the Rev . John Gisburne , formerly pastor of the General Baptist Church at Trowbridge in Wiltshire . Mr . Gisburne wasanative of Gisborougli , in Yorkshire . His parents being members of the Established Church , it is most probable ,, that in the days of his youth he was taught
the doctrines and attended upon the services of that church . But it seems , that at an early period of life he used his judgment , and followed the dictates of his conscience with respect to religious subjects , as , soon after lie was 18 years of agep he joined that class of Christians
called Wesleyan Methodists , and in a short time became a preacher among them . In the year 1798 , he went to Scotland , and remained there in the capacity of a preacher for about three years He then returned to England , and continued to labour as a Methodist minister
fill the spring of the year 1803 , when his views upon the subject of Baptism underwent a change , and actiug according to Ills conviction , he was publicly baptized at Worcester , May 18 . On his return the following day to one of the places where he had been appointed to minister , he was not permitted to officiate in the
Methodist Chapel . On a paper , winch has been put into the hands of the writer , he has recorded this circumstance , and added , " so that , however unwillingly , I separate from the body of people cajied Methodists -y yet as there is now no otlier alternative , 1 must submit , and continue
to cast my care on that kind Providemce which hitherto has kindly watched over my wandering steps , and I firmly believe will lead me to a quiet habitation and sure resting-place . I know that God is toe wise to err , and too good to . suffer those who trust in him to be confounded
or remain desolate . To him , therefore , I commit my cause , with the keeping of my soul , knowing he will do all things well , aud that these seeming evils will procure lasting good . From this extract it appears that he was then the subjeca of MrONg devotional feelings . His connexion
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with the people called Methodists being dissolved , he became united with those denominated Calvigiistic Baptists . The society at Sobam of that denomination being destitute of a minister , he was recommended to them as a preacher for three months ; accordingly he carcie , and delivered his first sermon at Soham , D <*
25 * 1803 $ , and continued to preach till the three months were ended , when tlie people wished him to remain with rhcrn three months longer , at the expiration of which they expressed their desire for him to become their settled minister . But even at that time he entertained hist
and enlarged notions upon the subject of religious liberty ; indeed , it seems that he possessed a mind too strong anjd powerful to be fettered by human creeds , a spirit too investigating to be confined
within boundaries , relative % p religious matters , drawn and fixed by fallible men . Subscription to certain articles of faith being then required as a qualification for union with the society , when the desire of the members that he should continue
with them as their minister was signified to him , his reply was to this effect : I have never subscribed to any human formulary of faitli , and never intend to do it . I look upon myself as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ alone , consequently it is impossible for me to submit to any
other authority . I intend to maintain my liberty , and will never be brought under bondage by any . On no > account can I ever think of subscribing to any book but the Bible . " This objection led to serious thought and conversation , and at length the whole church , excepting
one person , agreed to the following proposal , viz . "To reject all articles of faith and covenants of human manufacture , as binding on a my member , and to subscribe to the sacred Scriptures alone . " He then consented to become their pastor , and for
several years his ministerial services were much approved . As might have been expected from a person who possessed a mind of so enlightened and liberal a cast , lie did not rest satisfied without pursuing his religious inquiries , and at length became convinced that some of the
doctrines which he Iliad believed and espoused were unscriptural . He rejected the doctrine of the Trinity , &c . When the change which had taken place in his religious views was made known , a few ot his hearers manifested great disapprobation ,
and withdrew from the religious services which lie conducted , whilst the majority adhered to lam and embraced his principles . The seceders , however , vexed at seeing '( the unanimity of the congregation , were resolved to return and by some means eject Mr . Gisburne . Finding the number of his friends increase on their
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302 Obituary . —Mr * Iceland Crostfiwait . —Mr . GUburne .
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May 17 , at Dublin , Leland Chos thwait , Esq ., aged 79 , President of the Chamber of Commerce , and a Director of the Bank of Ireland ; he was brother of the good lady whose death is announced above . As a private gentleman , and a
merchant of the first eminence , he was distinguished by the highest character for integrity and houour in ail his dealings . He was shrewd and intelligent , but of uudeviating rectitude . Up to a late period he was \ n full enjoyment of his faculties . J . H . Dublin , 2 * 1 ^ 20 , 1826 .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1826, page 302, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2548/page/50/
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