Histories

HORTON. ITS HISTORY, THE CHURCH, AND THE MANOR.

THE PARTICULAR BAPTISTS.

The Chapel at the top of Horton Hill was, in 1862, and for many years afterwards, the headquarters and meeting-place of the "Particular Baptists". They were so called, because, with the Calvinists, they believed in the doctrine of absolute predestination, or particular redemption. Ivimey's "English Baptism" says:-
"The confession of Faith put forth by the Baptists about the year 1643 consisted of fifty-two articles, and was strictly Calvinistical in the doctrinal part, and according to the Independent discipline. It confined the subject of baptism to grown Christians, and the mode to dipping. It a@ted of gifted lay preachers, and acknowledged a due subjection to the civil magistrate in all things lawful. Among the persons whose names were appended to the introduction to this confession was Hanserd Knollys, a pious and learned man, and a sufferer among the Anti-paedo Baptists in the persecutions of his time."
By "particular election" they believed that God has chosen a certain number in Christ to everlasting glory before the foundation of the world, according to His immutable purpose, and of his free grace and love, without the least foresight of faith, good works, or any conditions performed by the creature; and that the rest of mankind he was pleased to pass by, and ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sins, to the praise of His vindictive justice. They also believed that Jesus Christ, by his sufferings and death, made an atonement only for the sins of the elect.
In a Bible used by these Baptists in their Chapel, and now in the possession of Mr H.J.Slade, is the following statement, executed in very fine illuminated text:-

"The PARTICULAR BAPTISTS first met together for Divine worship on Monday evening, October 27th, MDCCCLXII (1862) in Mr James Butler's cottage, formerly called Reform Cottage. Mr Eli Chapel preached from the text, "Ye must be born again". John III.7. Mr Peter Stinchcombe chose the hymn DXLIIII, (Gadsby's Selection), "Jesus is the way to God, Jesus is the Way to bliss, In this Way the church has trod, Down from Adam's day to this." Mr Woolright prayed. The intention of holding the meeting was not announced until the morning of the same day, but it was well attended by an orderly congregation. God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform."

On the opposite page in the Bible are the names of those who were first baptised, and of those who baptised them. As they believed in total immersion, the baptisms took place in a brook at the other side of Haskin's Farm. The site has since been used as a sheep-washing pool.
James Butler was HJ Slade's grandfather now deceased. A Miss Butler was HJ Slade's great aunt being well off she kept up the enthusiasm of the congregation bun fights and treats and when she died she left the room to the sect. After her death the congregation dwindled to two: Mr Cook and his daughter. On Sundays they would hold services and Mr Cook would preach to his congregation of one, when he died the sect died with him.
H.J.Slade farmed Horsehoe Farm in the middle of Horton, he is now deceased, the farm was owned by his daughter who sold it to the present owners the Tileys

[Sent to Stephen Gadd by Anthony James - source not yet traced]