ich it is difficult to see or hear, and the only advantage of which is
that they are an exact copy of the steeple-houses against which at one
time Nonconformist England waged remorseless war. One of the pastors of
this congregation removed to Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds, where he succeeded
Dr. Priestley; another was the author of a 'History and Description of
Derbyshire'; while one of the supplies was the Rev. Robert Alderson,
afterwards of the Octagon Chapel, Norwich, who ultimately became a lawyer
and Recorder of Norwich. Perhaps one of the most singular scenes
connected with Dissenting chapels in Ipswich was that which took place in
the old chapel in Tackard, now Tacket, Street. In 1766 the minister
there was the Rev. Mr. Edwards, who, it appears, was sent for to the gaol
to see two men who had been found guilty of house-breaking, and who,
according to the law as it then stood, were to be hung. Mr. Edwards did
so, and stayed with them two hours. As the result of this visit they
were brought to a penitent state of mind. They had heard that Mr.
Edwards had prepared a sermon for them and desired them to attend. This
was a mistake, but notwithstanding they obtained permission to go to the
chapel, where Mr. Edwards was conducting a church meeting. A report of
the purpose got abroad, and many persons came to the meeting, upon which
it was thought most proper that the church business should be laid aside,
and that Mr. Edwards should go into the pulpit. This he did, and after
singing and prayer the prisoners came in with their shackles and fetters
on. Mr. Edwards, in describing the scene, says:

'Many were moved at the sight. As for myself, I was obliged for some
time to stop to give vent to tears. When I recovered I gave out part of
a hymn suitable to the occasion, then prayed. The subject of discourse
was, "This is a faithful saying," and the poor prisoners shed abundance
of tears while I was explaining the several parts of the text, and
especially when I turned and addressed myself immediately to them. The
house was thronged, and I suppose not a dry eye in the whole
place--nothing but weeping and sorrow; and the floods of tears which
gushed from the eyes of the two prisoners were very melting.'

The good man continues: 'When we had concluded I went and spoke some
encouraging words by way of supporting them under their sorrow. They
then desired I should see them in the evening, which I did, and called
upon Mr. B