Edward Vorley, His Life and Correspondence

by Graham Ward

Edward Vorley was the first known pastor of what was to later become Providence Baptist Church in Northampton from 1796 until 1807.  From 1807 until his death in 1838 he was pastor of the Baptist Church meeting in Ebenezer chapel, St Peter’s Lane, Leicester.

The history and ministry of Edward Vorley (1765-1838) is significant in that he forms a link between William Huntington (1745-1813) and William Gadsby (1773-1844). These last two, in their own distinctive ways, contended that true Christian believers are no more under the law as a rule of conduct. For such a belief they have been labelled Antinomians. However the charge is patently unfair for each of them asserted the importance of Gospel precepts in the believer's life, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that ye should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 6:4) Also, by God's grace, these ministers of the Gospel lived blameless lives.

Graham Ward has provided a most useful service in preparing this brief account of Vorley's life, and clearly establishing his connection with the Huntingtonians and Gadsby, the latter describing Vorley as his spiritual father. Mr Ward has also carefully transcribed Vorley's spiritual letters. These indicate that Vorley delighted in the same experimental religion which was the hallmark of the ministries of both Huntington and Gadsby.

“Edward Vorley, His Life and Correspondence” contains the complete text of all the known letters of Edward Vorley, some previously unpublished. 72 pages. The cost is £3.00 (plus p & p) and can be ordered direct from: The Huntingtonian Press, 72a Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire, UK, SO30 4EB  Telephone/Fax: 01489 786260

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