Life in Dereham 1798 - 1819

JAMES MURSELL PHILLIPPO

AUTO-BIOGRAPHY

Of facts in connection with the Personal History of the writer or of his Life and Correspondence from the year 1798 to 1819. Written in 1874 at the age of 76.

ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT Regents Park College Oxford

INTRODUCTION

James Mursell Phillippo who was born in Dereham on October 14^th1798 he was concerned in 1822, along with William Knibb in the fight against slavery, he was sent to Spanish Town, Jamaica as a Baptist Missionary in 1823. It is said that the prayers of Norfolk labourers, who felt themselves far from full freedom, went up on their behalf. Mr Phillippo died 1879 in Jamaica aged 81 years.

INDEX

PARENTAGE *

Dereham *

Family *

Remarkable Memory *

Imitating Preachers *

Unhelpful Memorisation *

Seven Years of Age *

Played Truant *

Little Learning *

Brutal Punishment *

Prejudices against Dissenters *

Confirmation *

CHAPTER 2 *

FROM LEAVING SCHOOL TO HIS EMPLOYMENT IN BUSINESS *

His Grandfather *

Worldly Pleasures *

Methodist and Baptists *

George Borrow *

Church Going *

Saved from Drowning *

Second Experience 0n the Neatherd *

Accident in the Mill *

Ghost of Sandy Lane *

CHAPTER 3 *

HIS CONVERSION AND ADMISSION TO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP *

Visit to Dereham Baptist *

Rejection *

Received Christ *

New Life *

CHAPTER 4 *

HIS CONNECTION WITH THE CHURCH *

Church Membership *

Baptism *

His Family Converted *

Attended Night School *

First Thoughts of a Missionary *

Preparing Himself for Mission *

Change of Employment *

His Employer *

Elsing to Dereham *

His First Sermon *

Extended Ministry *

Letter of Encouragement *

Bedside of His Master *

Day out to New Buckingham *

Stop for Breakfast *

Arrival at New Buckingham *

Question Asked *

Letter of Introduction *

Rev Kinghorn of Norwich *

CHAPTER 5 *

APPLICATION TO MISSIONARY SOCIETY AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE COMMITTEE *

Applications sent to Missionary Society *

Preaching Engagements *

No Reply from London *

Moved to Norwich *

Invitation to London *

Second Thoughts *

Visit to London *

Meeting Mr Burchell *

Anxiety *

The Interview *

Lasting Friendship *

Journal *

POSTSCRIPT *

GENEALOGY *

CHAPTER 1

PARENTAGE

Dereham

I am the individual whose life and times are now immediately under consideration the last son of Peter and Sarah Phillippo and was born on October 14^th 1798 at East Dereham Norfolk, a town thus described by George H Borrow Esq. in his "Lavengro". "Pretty quiet D - thou pattern of an English Country Town" It was also distinguished not only by picturesque beauty but also by archaeological, historical, biographical and other special interests. The Rectory of the Sanguinary Bonner afterwards Bishop of London. As the birthplace of Borrow above named, author of the "Bible in Spain" and "Lavengro " etc. But celebrated in a higher sense, as the occasional residence of the Poet Cowper and as the final resting place of his earthly remains until the morning of the general resurrection. It was from this town also that he received from his relative Mrs Bodham who with other branches of his family resided here. A portrait of his beloved mother which, though fifty years after decease, he described with such emotion in the beautiful poem described "The receipt of my Mother Picture out of Norfolk".

Family

Mr and Mrs Phillippo Senior had four surviving children, one daughter and three sons. The daughter was married to the son of a gentleman farmer at Elmham. I the eldest son James am the subject of this memoir. Of the other two lads, one was in after life a Tradesman, the other a Medical Practitioner resident in Norwich. My father was for many years of his life a respectable Master Builder and subsequently the part proprietor of an Iron Foundry at East Dereham. My mother was the eldest daughter of Mr Matthias Valintine Banyard a respectable and respected Tradesman and Farmer in the aforesaid town.

Remarkable Memory

In pursuance of the record of my early life, some incidents may be noticed which it is thought might be interesting. In early or childhood life, I exhibited signs of a desire for knowledge. When only about four or five years of age attending as a day scholar at a respectable boarding school in the town, I was regarded as possessed of a somewhat remarkable aptitude to acquire and retain, whatever I heard in conversation or what was otherwise orally related. Thus, through too young to read intelligently, I often repeated whole paragraphs of recitations from Enfield's Speaker, and other popular schoolbooks, by only hearing each piece once recited on a certain day of the week by the elder scholars. Some of whom as was not uncommon in those days were almost of mature age with whom I became an especial favourite. I also possessed the faculty of imitating the manner and tone of the speakers especially of all persons who were distinguished. By my peculiarity of voice or gesture as well as repeat the subject they read or recited; which circumstance added to the interest with which I was regarded by my friends and companions in general.

Imitating Preachers

Frequently excluding myself from observation in a garret I imitated ministers of the Gospel in their preaching and addresses or in the alternate reading of Parson and Clerk at funerals. On one occasion on Christmas Eve, when the family met together, as was their custom at that season of the year. I took little, pleasures in the amusements of my youthful relatives, seemingly rather intent on listening to the conversation of the adults of the company. And I apparently seated myself in the chimney's corner for the purpose, drew their attention and excited their remarks as to my habits of preaching and my facility in committing subjects to memory and when after much persuasion I consented to exhibit my abilities as a preacher. Considerable surprise was professed at the manner in which I acquitted myself, the Grandfather remarking 'that whoever might live to see it, he was persuaded that boy would one day become a Methodist Parson' . This is a trifling incident and has been said of many but it serves to show the bias of my youth's mind and may have been indicative of Gods purpose respecting me.

Unhelpful Memorisation

As the result of conversation which followed a wish was expressed to the extent of my ability to recite from memory by offering me a reward in money on my committing to memory a very long article from "The Gentleman Magazine". The text extended over several pages was closely and almost illegibly written, printed in small type and on a subject that was devoid of interest to the learner. And I threw the book aside in disgust and felt little inclined afterwards to cultivate this faculty. A result that was to me subsequently a source of deep regret and I felt persuaded that had the faculty of memory which I possessed, been encouraged, I might have made myself the master of almost every thing I read in books or heard in conversation.

Seven Years of Age

At about seven years of age I was sent to a school conducted by the Rev. Samuel Green, Baptist Minister at East Dereham where I was distinguished for little more than for disobedience and mischief for while I frequently rendered myself liable to chastisement. I was subsequently sent to a Grammar School at Scarning Near East Dereham, the principle of which was the Rev. Mr. ___ Rector of a village in the neighbourhood. A gentleman in high repute as a scholar but of foreboding manners and of high sacerdotal bearing. Attached to this superior classical seminary and which was beneath the same roof, was a day school conducted by Mr. _____ afterwards the Rev. Mr. ______. This institution is named by Biographer of the Rev. Robert Robertson of Cambridge as that in which he received his education wholly or in part in early life. Plus it said "In his eighth year his parents removed to Scarning where he was sent to the endowed Grammar School, a Seminary of considerable repute".

Played Truant

Here my progress was not more than of an average character, except in reading of which I was fond. And my facility in the acquisition of knowledge in general particularly in relation to Geography as has been said to my ability to commit to memory whatever I regarded as interesting or was compelled to as a task. Whilst here, I once, with other boys played the truant to see a review of the Yeoman Cavalry on a particular occasion. When, as my portion of the punishment added to a severe corporal infliction, the master being severe and capricious a tyrant as that age of tyrant school masters produced. I was required to commit to memory and to recite within a limited time, several pages of Enfields Speaker, this was accomplished with such apparent ease and so much within the limit prescribed, that tasks of the kind were never resorted to, as punishment again.

Little Learning

While great severity was practised by the master, who was as much feared by the boys as the most tyrannical slave master I have since known was by his slaves, he paid little attention to their improvement. Hence I committed the whole of the abridgement of Murrays Grammar to memory and frequently repeated it from beginning to end, but was not instructed in the application of a single rule. The same with Goldsmiths Geography which I could not work a single problem on the globe.

Brutal Punishment

Continence the subject of this record were often flogged, the hated master often administering his chastisements indiscriminately and in paroxysms of anger and rage, thus securing any thing and every thing but love from his pupils and inspiring them with a desire to improve under his instruction. On one occasion when he appears to have been excited by some circumstances of a private kind, at home or elsewhere, not an infrequent occurrence. He flogged the whole school consisting of nearly fifty boys, but on coming to the largest boys who had predetermined on resistance, one of them returned the blow of his teacher another sprang from his desk and struggled with him till he threw him on the floor. This restrained his tyranny for a time, but the assailants as may be supposed, were as a consequence expelled. The cruelty of this hateful man to his own sons was excessive, especially when hearing their Latin and other such exercises.

Prejudices against Dissenters

One thing occurred about this time, which seams worthy of record as illustrating his deep-rooted prejudices against Dissenters and of its influence on the mind of youth. Among the scholars, boys and girls, chiefly the sons and daughters of farmers in the neighbourhood were some whose parents were dissenters from the established church of which the master was a warm adherent. On the occasion the small Pox was prevalent and great fear were entertained of its increasing ravages. The master who had a large family and who seemed especially concerned, commanded the whole school to pass before him one by one. He standing in the doorway, when he interrogated each as he passed, as too whether or not he had the disease or had been inoculated for it, vaccination being then but little known or practised. To some few of these after reproving them for not frequenting the Parish Church, and speaking reproachfully also of their parents for their heathenism on that account. He manifested such unmistakable signs of scorn and pity as so impressed the youth under notice with the idea of these being disreputable characters, that they were afterwards almost entirely shunned by himself and the rest of the school. While a few years subsequently he found to his surprise and gratification their heathenism and that of their parents consisted in attending regularly a dissenting place of worship, that their parents of the boys were respectable farmers and worthy members of the Baptist Church at East Dereham.

Confirmation

At about this time owing to some ecclesiastical influence that was brought to bear upon the mind of my father. I together with my sister and younger brothers were requested to be instigated within the pale of Christianity by affusion or sprinkling of the clergyman as in infant baptism, a rite which, as my mothers views were in favour of adult baptism by immersion, she had hitherto discouraged. Not long subsequently I was confirmed by Dr. Bathurst Bishop of Norwich after which, Í was urged to be a communicant at the Church. But the partaking of the Lords Supper appeared so solemnising responsibility an act that I steadily refused from a conviction of my utter unfitness as a thoughtless, worldly-minded youth, to participate in so sacred an institution.

CHAPTER 2

FROM LEAVING SCHOOL TO HIS EMPLOYMENT IN BUSINESS

His Grandfather

I left school when about twelve or thirteen years of age, and after being a short time engaged in assisting my father in his business, which was intensive. I went to reside with my Grandfather to assist him in the superintendence of his establishment, as more in accordance with my taste and predilection. Affording me more leisure also, for the gratification of my prosperity for worldly pleasure and rendering me less subject to the severe restraints imposed on me by my father.

Worldly Pleasures

Here I indulged myself in the gratification of time and sense, to the utmost extent of the liberty. And the faculties I possessed, having former companionships, which, though not describable in some aspects, were altogether in their influence from evangelical religion. These companions however by their pursuits and conduct so far influenced the mind , as to lead me to cast of the restraints which occasional convictions of sin and religion, example and instruction of my mother had thrown around myself. I gradually declined into an irreligious course mixing with parties of pleasure at country fairs; tea gardens and bowling greens on the Sabbath Day and frequent attendance on the occasion at the theatre and other places of casual resort. Among these were club and audit feasts at which, though so young I was requested to be present as the representative of a member of the family absent from infirmity and age.

Methodist and Baptists

Such is the downward rendering of sin that I soon strove to disbelieve the Bible and the existence of a God. At this time the Methodists having succeeded in establishing a cause in the town by the purchase of a place previously occupied by the Independents. On Sabbath Evenings, I frequently with my companions disturbed their worship and treated both Minister and People with contempt, frequently deriding them as they passed along the street. Nor was my conduct less disreputable as manifesting the latest enmity of my heart, now sin had once assumed the dominion, against the venerable Baptist Minister and his congregation.

George Borrow

During this time, however I was a regular attendant at the Established Church and was a favourite with the Rector the Rev C. H. Wollaston. But equally or more so by his Clerk Philo, the later immortalised by as before said by G. H. Borrow in his "Lavengro", who took considerable pleasure in instructing his prodigy in Psalmody. At a rather earlier period than the year 1812 now under notice, I became acquainted with the author of "Lavengro" and his brother. Living but a few doors from the family residence, but from their exclusive habits of these neighbours had but few opportunities of intimate acquaintance with them.

Church Going

While I thus attended the Parish Church and by my regularity as one of the choir secured the commendation of the Rector and his Clerk and was considered by them a hopeful son of the establishment church. I occasionally on a Sabbath Evening, stole unobserved into the Independent Chapel periodically occupied by the Rev Carter of Mattishall and by Mr Y G W ____ the later a respectable tradesman in the town and an excellent Christian man, who frequently officiated as lay preacher and reader. I had frequently been the subject of religious impressions from a child occasionally leading me to all the strictness of pharisaical observances and spiritual pride but these being usually of short continuance were succeeded by increased propensities to worldliness and sin. At these periods convictions returned with increased power and filled my mind with bitter remorse; sometimes as in a voice of thunder urging to earnest repentance and decided practical reformation. They as often, however, as before, ended in a determination to indulge my appetite and passion for worldly pleasure until a more convenient season. At same time, I was under an almost abiding conviction that I should be constrained to abandon all my worldly gratification before I reached my fifteenth or sixteenth year. And as the result of my convictions I resolved to gratify my lust for pleasure before, as I regarded it, that time of melancholy and misery arrived. More than once under the influence of this feeling I ran from the house of prayer to the Theatre.

Saved from Drowning

These convictions as may be supposed, acquired urgency in proportion to the frequency with which they were overborne or exceeded particularly after the occurrence of some almost miraculous interposition of Divine providence on my behalf which seem not unworthy of detail. On more than one occasion I was almost miraculously delivered from drowning. I with other lads of the same age had determined on learning to swim and after a few efforts thought I had acquired the art. One sultry harvest day, passing alone across an extended plain called Neatherd Moor, where was a larger enclosed pond constructed as a vast bowl or basin said to have been unfathomable. I resolved to refresh myself in the cool water as well as to gratify myself with a renewed exercise of my new attainment. I succeeded in crossing the pond but on seizing the grass on the opposite side of my entrance into it, the tuft of grass gave way, I sank twice. Making a desperate effort I grasped the edge of the bank a third time which, when about to give way, I found a foothold on a ledge of clay and was thus delivered from my perilous situation. It is remarkable that on several occasions afterwards, on becoming an expert swimmer I could never though, after repeated effort fined the said ledge or the slightest projection again.

Second Experience 0n the Neatherd

A second similar occurrence was at the same place standing on the brink of the pond after my accustomed exercise with other boys a young man of the Blue Coat School in London. The son of a deceased clergyman, who had returned for his vacation to the home of his widowed mother, ventured on the pond on a pair of bladders, urged by some of his companions. When about midway his fortitude forsook him and he sank, I plunged in to his rescue but the young man, before he was aware, seized me with a death grip round the neck, and disabled me, except with one arm to move towards the bank. We were thus separated both under water, and must both have perished, but for the timely aid of one or two of the spectators on the bank.

Accident in the Mill

Subsequently these providential deliverance's I had if possible, a still narrower escape from death by what was termed at the time, a fearful accident. I was standing on the floor of a manufactory at an elevation of about 30 feet from the ground and as the result of bravado descended by the chain used for raising raw materials for manufacture in the mill. When the chain disentangling itself from the barrel, I fell with all its weight upon me. In my descent upon the side of a wagon underneath and in such a position that but for the presence of mind on part of the wagoner who broke my fall by a powerful jerk of the body, I must have been killed on the spot.

Ghost of Sandy Lane

I was also the subject of other extraordinary deliverance's, that could hardly fail to have their effect upon my mind. One only of these will be named which will not only, be regarded as a single interpretation of providence by which I was not only preserved from physical injury for life, or death. It will also show the foolish apprehension that one often indulged, even by persons of education and respectability, with respect both as to good or bad men after death. I wrote in my journal: "There had long lived in the town a Lawyer who as was said, had been a very poor boy but had raised himself to great wealth and a high position. By the oppression of the poor, the widows and the fatherless, on which account together with proud austere manner and bearing, was universally disliked and dreaded. At his death various reports were circulated and almost universally believed that he was seen in different places in the town and lanes in the neighbourhood, in chains. And that the chains were heard clanging in particular places to the horror of hundreds near his haunts, at particular times of the night. One of these haunts was said to be narrow road near the town called Sandy Lane. Being at a Harvest Home with my parents at the house of my Uncle, a farmer in the district, settled at the extremity of Sandy Lane mentioned. I did something that displeased my Father and he instructed me to go home, which were two or three miles away, it was at the late hour of eleven o'clock of a dark night. I wanted to refuse, but my Uncle sympathising with me, and knowing the circumstances, spoke encouragingly to me, and told me to take one of the large cart horses out of the stable, as it wanted shoeing and ride it, adding he would send for it in the morning. Thus instructed I rode slowly on until within about two or three hundred yards of the particular spot where it had been confidently stated this apparition had been seen, and the clanking of the chains distinctly heard. When I urged the horse down the hill, for such it was, at the utmost speed. Just at the dreaded spot the horse fell violently over something in the road and the chains clanked fearfully. The horse fell and I the rider was pitched over the animal on my head and face, but heedless of contusions and the loss of my hat and tattered vestments and with one or two domestic objects of which I had charge. At the same time having to pass through the churchyard another of the haunts of the apparitions, I ran at my utmost speed until I arrived home in a state both of body and of mind scarcely to describe. My head and face severely wounded and covered with blood to a degree that created considerable alarm in the minds of the domestics of my home and soon excited a considerable sensation throughout the town. Those previously crediting the reports in circulation, as to the reality of the apparition being confirmed in their belief and when before sceptical, inclined to think themselves mistaken.

Early the following morning several men professing superior courage followed by quite a ritual as in whose minds supposed the circumstances would have inspired special interest proceeded quickly to the spot when behold! They found that the said apparition was no other than a donkey of a well known chimney sweep who had chained the animals legs and turned him up the lane to feed or rest himself, for the night at his discretion.

CHAPTER 3

HIS CONVERSION AND ADMISSION TO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Visit to Dereham Baptist

About the time I had so reluctantly calculated upon as that at which I would be influenced to give myself up decidedly to God and his people. I was the subject of desire for which I could not account, to go to the Baptist Chapel and that not withstanding the great prejudice that existed in my mind against Baptists in particular. I resisted for some weeks as to whether I should yield to this impulse or otherwise. In the meantime, I made private inquiries as to the sittings and as to the truth of the reports of the recent accessions to the congregation of certain respectable inhabitants of the town and locality. Thus evincing a spirit of pride and self-conceit but little indicative of an incipient operation of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. I at length overcame all my scruples as though urged by an obviously yet an actually invisible power.

Rejection

I was directed to a reserved pew beneath the pulpit but was overwhelmed with shame and remorse during the service. At its close as if under a double portion of satanic influence I hastened to join my companions on the public Sunday promenade and laugh away my convictions. To such a degree was I under the power of the evil one that though persuaded the Spirit of God was striving with me. I lifted up his eyes to heaven in defiance and expressed the blasphemous wish rather to go to hell than to be a Methodist or connected with any Dissenting Denomination; in a word, to be a truly converted Christian Character. For days and weeks I aimed to quench the operations of the Spirit. But the arrows of the Lord stuck fast within me the process of which drank up my spirit, and unfitted me for the duties of my calling. But all my efforts to extract them so to moderate the pain they inflicted, was only pouring additional bitterness into the wormwood and the gall.

Received Christ

At length by the council of one who had seen my distress of mind, I ventured to the footstool of mercy. And there as I expressed it "with all my sins about me and with earnestness and fluency I can never forget I supplicated mercy through the Blood of Christ as the greatest boon that heaven could bestow. My prayer was heard and my request was granted for on rising from my knees on which I long continued praying with utmost importunity". I enjoyed a sense of pardoned sin; I felt like Christian when he lost his burden at the sight of the cross. This delightful experience supported by other evidences the most satisfactory was soon succeeded by a full assurance of forgiveness; the peace and joy attending which he could never forget. "My mind was filled with joy unspeakable. The Saviour whose person I once despised and upon whom I had impiously trampled was now the chiefest among ten thousand and " altogether lovely". He was my all in all. And fearing I should one day disgrace my profession and at last perdition "reap the reward of my doings" I longed and even prayed to depart and to be with Him".

New Life

I thus entered upon an entirely new course of life. My first efforts were the genuine offspring of pure and undefiled religion. I wrote to many of my friends and acquaintances that I knew living aliens from God and stranger to Christ and His Salvation. And I laboured earnestly to induce my former more intimate associates to unite with me in His purpose. To dedicate myself in heart and life to God; but finding my efforts for their conversion without avail, except in two or three instances. I in a kind and Christian spirit renounced further intimacy with them, though not all concern respecting them, saying that myself and they were going in two opposite directions and could be no longer be intimate companions and friends. The dissolution of the tie was painful but it was necessary. How could two walk together except they are agreed?

CHAPTER 4

HIS CONNECTION WITH THE CHURCH

Church Membership

After the lapse of about twelve months, then about the age of fifteen I offered myself as a candidate for church fellowship with the Baptist Church already named. Although not until after long and repeated struggles against my predilections for union with the Independents predilections, a fear that arose from pride and the influences that were used. Though legitimate, by some young Christian friends of that denomination with whom I had now taken sweet fellowship and whom with others of the congregation, I regarded as more kind and genial in their conduct and disposition than those composing the church of the Baptist brethren and friends. I was determined however, as God had in so manifest a manner called me by His grace to follow his Lord and Saviour fully and with all my heart, whatever the consequences might be to me personally, as to obloquy or worldly prospects.

Baptism

I therefore studied the Bible as a whole and the New Testament in particular, and sought for light of heaven upon it on my knees with that sacred book opened before me. As the result I was firmly persuaded that the ordinance of Baptism by immersion administered to adults on profession of repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was a divine institution and was binding upon me by an express and positive command. I therefore, my change of principles and conduct being fully known to the community around, proposed myself as said, to the Pastor and members of the Baptist Church and a candidate for baptism and church fellowship. On the Sabbath appointed, the Rev. Samuel Green administered the ordinance of baptism to me in the Chapel at East Dereham, amidst a considerable number of the towns people attracted by the occasion. I afterwards for the first time commemorated the dying love of the Saviour I adored as my Saviour and Lord.

His Family Converted

The event was a deeply interesting and important one as there was, apart from personal considerations, every reason to believe it had a salutary effect upon the mind of my father. Who had previously threatened to disown me on his persistence in my purpose and to prevent as far as possible my communication with the rest of the family. My father as a consequence of the change visible in his son, soon became a regular attendant at the same place of worship, while it was blessed to the decided conversion of my mother and only sister.

Attended Night School

Still residing with my Grandfather I but lately, a notary of fashion and worldly pleasure. Thus publicly casting in my lot with the despised people of God devoted my leisure hours of which I had many, to study the scriptures committing large portions of them to memory. I thirsted for improvement, in knowledge in general. And feeling that my education was defective, I placed myself at an evening school conducted by a gentleman of kind and inimitable manner. Who knowing the desire of his pupil for increased instruction, was evidently interested in imparting it to me to the best of his ability while he not infrequently expressed his conviction that I was designed for higher sphere than that he then occupied.

First Thoughts of a Missionary

After some months my mind was considerably exercised with thoughts about the heathen world. And having read earlier days the life and adventure of "Robinson Crusoe", "Cooks Voyages" etc. with deep interest. But more recently the journeys of Julius, Alfred and Gallia and other publications by Rev. Mr Campbell the African traveller, I read still more gratification with the voyage of Julius up the Senegal and his introduction of various handicrafts among the natives in the settlements he visited. In addition to his special work of preaching the gospel to them. I resolved to devote my leisure to the acquisition of as much practical knowledge of as many useful trades as possible in addition to theology, medicine and general literature in order to be prepared. As was Julius for a missionary life among the heathen, should it be the will of God as was earnestly hoped it would be to open the way for the gratification of his desires of being similarly circumstanced.

Preparing Himself for Mission

I accordingly to the astonishment of my immediate relatives, who were acquainted with my former tastes and habits, so repugnant to such employment and to whom I never indulged my thoughts on the subject. I soon sought and found opportunities to acquire the art and whole process of brick making, house building in all its departments, cabinet making and the knowledge of constructing carts and other wheeled vehicles. In addition to some practical knowledge of agriculture and of the manufacture of different articles of food and clothing. In a word I desired to be acquainted with every thing I thought might be advantageous temporally and spiritually, to the more ignorant and degraded of the heathen in Africa or elsewhere.

Change of Employment

Circumstances now occurred that threw a deep veil over my future prospects tending to frustrate my cherished purpose of spending my life in some heathen land. My Grandfather was now advanced in years, and designs were formed by his friends to settle me his grandson in business. In whole or in part on his own account to this intent an offer was made to me which was considered too advantageous an offer to be for a moment rejected; the alternative being that I must seek for another situation. To accept the proposal of my friends would be to effectually bind me to the spot in which I now lived and to extinguish all my aspirations after a higher, more useful and better life. The decision was soon made and without much delay I entered into the service of a pious individual who carried on a very extensive business as a flour and malt manufacturer, a corn-factor and farmer, as chief clerk and superintendent.

His Employer

Though this gentleman was reputed a Christian and observed all the social and public duties of religion, it was but too evident, that the world had a much greater hold of his heart, than his Christian profession justified. And thus in making haste to be rich the labours of his dependants were incessant as to leave no leisure for mental improvement or physical recreation. Though kind and somewhat considerate to me his clerk as a member of the same church and trustworthy as a servant, the situation of the latter was far from being a pleasant or a spiritually profitable one.

Elsing to Dereham

I continued there about two years and as the village in which my employer resided was some miles distant from Dereham. To and from which I used to accompany the family and some young gentlemen in a family conveyance, on the Sabbath to the House of God, the latter being apprentices. I occasionally returned on foot accompanying some of the members of the church specially appointed to a village on the way where each in his turn including the minister supplied the pulpit of a small chapel by reading a sermon, preaching or exhortation.

His First Sermon

On one of these evenings the young man whom I accompanied was taken suddenly ill on the way and was evidently unable to perform the duties required. He urged me to conduct the service in his stead. Trembling at the thought of appearing before the congregation suddenly and without any previous thought or preparation, they asked including some respectable families, I repeatedly declined. The argument of my companion at length prevailed and after the preliminary service I read a sermon with more self-possession than I expected and as appeared, much to the satisfaction of my hearers. This having reached the ears of the Deacons previously engaged on alternate Sabbath evenings, who resided at a considerable distance from the village, they almost entirely abandoned the services to me. Thus compelled as it was to the performance of ministerial duty I gradually dispensed with pulpit helps and carefully prepared my addresses that I delivered extemporaneously. These services I had reason to believe were not only acceptable to the people but also instrumental in the conversion of several of them to God.

Extended Ministry

At the same time I held occasional week evening services in the houses of the poor in the village where I resided, while my intercourse with one ore two of the young men previously named and apprentices of the establishment, was made useful to them. And one of them, who in after years were a man of property and influence, was also an influential and zealous supporter of the cause of Diss. Manifested the warmest friendship and more affectionate gratitude towards the instrument of his Salvation to the period of his death, evidenced by his letters of his generous sympathy with the former in his work.

Letter of Encouragement

The following extract of a letter from a friend a short time after I left the situation and who succeeded me in it, confirmed the fact of my usefulness to this young man and another associate in particular:

"My Dear Friend Elsing 1817

……….. I have great pleasure in informing you that Mr T and Mr G the senior apprentices were baptised on a confession of faith last month, Mr T is very much altered since I came here. He is a now I am sure truly pious etc. It must give you great pleasure to be informed that he attributes his first religious impressions to your reproofs, advice and expositions. You will regard his conversion as an answer to your prayers and take courage. Mr G too attributed his first impressions to two sermons which you preached when in E last, and another preached about the same time by Mr S of Y. May the Lord give you many more seals to your ministry.

Yours, Edwd. Wicks"

Bedside of His Master

As though to correct the ambition of the master of this great business establishment for the acquisition of wealth and distinction, he became embarrassed in his circumstances and was visited personally with a long and very dangerous illness. I sat up with him night after night for some weeks after the engagements of each day, the sufferer during his lucid intervals, unwilling for me to quit his side or to cease my spiritual exercises on his behalf. At length when partially recovered the invalid expressed a wish to speak to me his attendant in private. "Mr Phillippo" said he after gratefully acknowledging his obligations to me, "I have long thought you are not in your right place. I should be sorry to part with you and do not know what I should do without you, but I can no longer withhold from you my impressions. Have you never thought of the ministry?" I replied I had never thought or wished to exercise the ministry at home, but my mind had been longed exercised about going out as a missionary. After some kind and flattering observations on the part of Mrs T, his wife, who wished to be present, the patient added. "Have you never expressed your desire to our Pastor". I answered in the negative. It was then said, "But you should do so, and to give you a good opportunity you shall drive him to New Buckingham. He has requested the loan of my horse and gig to convey him there in a few days, but be sure you avail yourself of that opportunity.

Day out to New Buckingham

The day arrived and the Pastor and I his son in the gospel proceeded on our journey for some time in almost perfect silence. Mr Green being a person not so much calculated to excite the affections as the fears of the youth of his congregation. He at length said, on approaching a farmhouse. "There is a good man living here, we will call in. He is a very kind and friendly man when met with at public meetings abroad, let us see what he is at home. If he and his wife press us to take breakfast we will not refuse, if not we will just call and the pursue our journey"

Stop for Breakfast

Our host soon let us know that we were welcome guests and we prepared for an hours stay at least. The conversation almost at once turned upon the necessity of ministers for the supply of the churches commenced by the farmers, and necessity of greater interest on the part of Pastors to bring young men forward for the ministry. This opinion was controverted by the Pastor who said he had known several young men sent forth from churches. One or two from his own, who had not only disappointed the hopes entertained of their talents but had altogether failed as preachers and showed themselves sadly deficient in some other important qualifications. Some he continued had cost the institutions in which they were educated two or three hundred pounds each and when they left they were not worth a hundred each. The feelings and reflections of myself who sat beside his Pastor during this discussion may perhaps in some degree be conceived.

Arrival at New Buckingham

We resumed our journey again in silence broken only by the occasional remarks of the Pastor on the face of the country and some of the residences near, until we arrived at our destination, the house of a very intelligent and respectable Christian gentleman in New Buckingham. The conversation here also was of a kind not to encourage the aspirant for missionary work. The qualifications for the later service were rated very high not only as to capacity but as to temper and conduct in allusion to some recent occurrences at Serampore or some of the stations connected with the society abroad.

Question Asked

On returning home however, I the victim of this infliction was determined to introduce the subject respecting myself however fatal, for the present, the results might be to my hopes. I however successively failed in my attempts for the purpose until I nearly reached the termination of my journey homeward. I then named the subject with much trembling. Contrary to my expectations and in a tone and manner equally unanticipated the Pastor replied "Well, I have sometimes thought if providence should cast your lot in some dark country place in your own land you might make yourself useful". I said "I had no desire to remain at home or be engaged in the ministry in England, all my thoughts were for missionary work in a foreign land in even the humblest department". It was replied "Then it will be necessary for you to read books on the subjects, such especially as will inform you of the toils as well as pleasures, the disappointments as well as successes of a missionary life, study one or two languages". He promised the loan of some of the volumes he had recommended and also to put me into the way of attaining a rudimental knowledge at least of Latin and Greek.

Letter of Introduction

With the change of circumstances that soon after took place at Elsing I resigned my situation. Meanwhile my Pastor who was on the eve of leaving Dereham for a Pastorate in Huntingdonshire gave me his pupil a letter of introduction to the Rev. I Kinghorn of Norwich, stating its object and recommending a conference respecting it. With respect to this I thus wrote in my journal: "I conveyed this letter in person, on my late employer lending me a horse for the purpose. And as some evidence of my anxiety of mind as to the results of the interview with this venerable and learned minister of the gospel. From a fear of my not possessing in his judgement the requisite qualifications for the work to which I aspired, not unmixed with awe which his appearance and manner inspired. I prayed earnestly to God during the whole of the journey a distance of fourteen or fifteen miles, sometimes dismounting from my horse and retiring for the purpose, to private places along the road or in a field. And my earnestness amounting to an agony, that God would give me favour in the sight of his honoured servant, that my journey might be successful".

Rev Kinghorn of Norwich

It is only necessary to add that this venerable minister, not only his kindness and courtesy of manners soon dissipated me the candidate, the fear of him personally. But gave me encouragement to detail to him the various exercises of my mind on the subject on which I came to consult him. The later also kindly promised to write to the committee of the Baptist society on behalf of myself. Recommending me at the same time to make a direct application to the Society, detailing the circumstances of my personal history related, adding some general views of doctrinal truth and reasons for desiring missionary work. Advising me moreover to accompany my statement with a private letter to the secretary, both of which he would see, should be laid before the committee.

CHAPTER 5

APPLICATION TO MISSIONARY SOCIETY AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE COMMITTEE

Applications sent to Missionary Society

Letters were sent to the Rev. John Dyer secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society Wood Street Cheapside London. Several months passed away after this application was presented during which, I heard nothing from the Society. There followed months of almost unimaginable anxiety and earnest persevering prayer.

Preaching Engagements

For the first few weeks I visited my friends in different parts of the county, preaching and attending different religious meetings. At Aylsham, Foulsham, Fakenham, Burnham Market, added to Dereham and the villages around. I preached with apparent acceptance and met with encouragement both from ministers and people, receiving a call from one or two of them. Proposals were made to me, indeed some members of the church in my own native town and of which I was still a member (the church being at the time without a Pastor) but without avail.

No Reply from London

Weeks and months still passing onwards, during which no reply was received and for want of remunerative employment becoming a burden to my friends, I was again advised by the latter to go into business, they arguing that my prospects of a missionary life were evidently closed.

Moved to Norwich

Negotiations for my settlement in business were actually commenced but failed in their accomplishment from causes that seemed a little mysterious. A respectable situation was offered me in Norwich, not requiring permanency of residence, which I accepted and connected myself with the church under the Pastorate of my venerable friend Mr Kinghorn.

After the lapse of two or three months from this time, when but for an occasional hint from Mr Kinghorn, my hope would have totally expired.

Invitation to London

The following note was received from the Rev. John Dyer secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society dated Reading October 27^th 1819.

Mr James Phillippo

Dear Sir

Your application to the Baptist Missionary Society and the various testimonials respecting you having been considered at a late committee meeting. I am requested to apprise you of the wish of the committee that you would attend in person at the next meeting of the committee which will be held (DV) on Thursday November 25^th at eleven o'clock in the morning at the Baptist Mission rooms, 15 Wood Street Cheapside. Should the results of the interview be satisfactory to the committee, you will be instructed to proceed at once from London to a minister in Oxfordshire under whose care you will be placed in the first stage of your probation.

I am your friend and servant in the gospel,

John Dyer Secretary

The mingled feelings, which the receipt of this communication occasioned, arising from circumstances past and still existing, can scarcely be imagined but by those who have similarly situated. I thus in a certain respect at least, obtained a freedom from suspense and rest from the disturbing vicissitudes of hope and disappointment.

Second Thoughts

Such however, is human nature, that we love to expect and when expectation is disappointed or gratified we love to be again expecting. It was so now, added to the difficulty of immediately leaving my situation and the entreaties of my friends to abandon the idea of going abroad, when so much was required to be done at home. To the apprehensions of my own mind as to preaching before a committee of ministers and highly educated lay gentlemen as was understood to be required. And in apprehension of other tests that might be applied to ascertain my fitness for the work to which I aspired, I was in circumstances of no small difficulty and embarrassment.

Visit to London

There was, however, no time for hesitation (or delay). My duty was now plain and I was soon prepared for my journey. I arrived in London on the 20^th November previously to the day fixed and with a letter of introduction from my Pastor Mr Kinghorn, to the Rev Joseph Ivemey, I called on the latter, by whom I was very kindly received and encouraged. I then proceeded to the residence of my Uncle-in-Law the Rev J Denham Baptist minister at Poplar with whom I remained during my stay in London.

Meeting Mr Burchell

The meeting of committee was postponed until the evening of the 25^th the day fixed for the interview. On entering the Ante Room of the Mission House at Wood Street to which I was directed, I found there a young man who after the usual salutations were exchanged inquired if I were one of the members of committee. On my answering in the negative and adding that I was come to appear before the committee as a candidate for missionary service, what said the interrogator, are you the young man from Norfolk. On replying yes, he rose from his chair and grasping the hand of me a stranger with great warmth of feeling he said "my name is Burchell I am come for the same purpose from Gloucestershire how glad I am to meet you.

Anxiety

I like my brother candidate, having unburdened to each other our mutual exercise of mind was still as I had before anticipated the subject of great anxiety of mind as to questions that would be put to me. And as to the test of my preaching abilities; but Mr Burchell was especially anxious as to the consequences of his having formed a connection with a young lady, which from what he had heard, would likely be a cause of rejection. Asking me if I were so circumstanced or otherwise. I answered that I was under no fear of rejection on that ground, on which he Mr Burchell apprehend it and felt assured that the representation was not true.

The Interview

I was the first summoned and was somewhat relieved in mind by the retirement from the committee of the Rev Mr Utard of Serampore. While the kindly countenances of the committee and hearty introduction of me to them by the Rev. Mr. Ivemey put me at ease and assured me that my apprehensions of undue severity of tests was visionary. My examination was brief, Mr Ivemey referring to my testimonials as very satisfactory. And after some cheerful advice by Dr. Newman and some others as to my studies and the necessity of my endeavouring to preserve my present apparently good health by exercise and by occasional mirth without levity. I returned to my friend telling him that he might dismiss his fear as to the special subject of his anxiety. As on his reply to the question whether he was under engagement to any female friend, that all the committee could discus such case, was to exhort to fidelity and honourable conduct.

Lasting Friendship

Mr Burchell and I were from that time firm friends and although the former at his request proceeded to Bristol to be associated with his brother a student there. And I to Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, our epistolary intercourse was uninterrupted while in England and was continued both by correspondence and personally in Jamaica until interrupted by the departure of the former to enter into the joy of his Lord.

Journal

I wrote in my journal:

"The long prayed for and hoped for hour has at length arrived and I am really called to part with my friends and relatives. But the parting now will only be for a short season. Ere long we may perhaps part to see each other's face no more on earth. The thought of this has already absorbed my affectionate mother in tears of grief. I left the paternal roof thus with a heavy heart."

POSTSCRIPT

It was not until the autumn of 1823, Mr Phillippo received a communication from Mr Dyer informing him that the committee had fixed on the Island of Jamaica as the sphere of his labours, which was also the destination of his friend Mr Burchell. The time fixed for the departure was the month of November, and the period was short. The designation service was fixed for Wednesday the 23^rd September in Westgate Chapel Bradford. It was a solemn time, and the impression of it left an abiding mark on the future life of Mr Phillippo. One other necessary preparation had to be made-his marriage. While yet a student at Chipping Norton he met with the lady who ultimately became his wife. A strong affection ensued, and a few days before his departure he was united to Miss Hannah Selina Cecil at the parish church of her native place.

Mr Phillippo went to Spanish Town where he opened schools, built a chapel and established stations and schools in the surrounding villages. Stayed there for the rest of his life apart from a visit to U.S. in 1829, to the U.K. from 1831 to 1834 and again in 1842. During Phillippo's furlough in 1842 Dowson had oversight of the chapel. When Phillippo returned to Jamaica there was a misunderstanding between the missionaries over the pastorate of the chapel. This led to separation and the formation of a second Baptist Chapel with Dowson as its pastor.

GENEALOGY

I the subject of this Memoir was born at East Dereham in the County of Norfolk. A part of the family on the mother's side was originally from Winfarthing in the same County. The father's family was of foreign extraction as the name imports. Some have implied that the ancestors of the latter were Italian, Spanish or French. If of the latter, they were most proberly Huguenot refugees, on the revocation of the edit of Nantes. From their Christian names, added to some other considerations being perpetuated in their successors, some colouring is given either to their having been Protestants of some existing Sect in France, or were such in Spanish Netherlands or Low Countries. Who expatriated themselves or were driven from thence in about the year 1575 or 1580 by the persecutions of the Duke of Alva under Phillip II of Spain, son of Charles V.

The next most probable conclusion is that they were from the Netherlands. This family with numerous refugees disembarked at Ipswich, but being expelled that City by a combination of the Citizens they proceeded to Norwich. Where they were similarly treated and were compelled to secure themselves against the fury of the populace of the City where they were besieged by the populace several day's or weeks, with indifferent means of defence. They were at length permitted to settle in the City and County by the Authority of Queen Elizabeth and on advice of the Duke of Norfolk; they being distinguished as Manufacturers of different articles of wearing apparel hitherto unknown in England. Particularly of Bombazines, Woollen Clothes, Silks and other fabrications which constitute to the present day very considerable articles of commerce.

As another indication that these refugees were from the Netherlands and arrived in England under the circumstances represented. Is that the names of so many families in the County terminate in the letter O, as in the Netherlands and Belgium as well as in Italy: Easto, Mayo, Boldero, Philo, Phillippo, Peto etc.

As presumptive evidence of the Protestantism of the original family of the name of Phillippo, is their connection with the Church Establishment in the County and the Christian names of two Brothers who or their immediate ancestors were the only origin of the Phillippo family known among the refugees. These were named respectively Elisha and Onias. The former was for many years High Sheriff of the County and with his brother Onias is buried in St Saviours Church; thus recorded by Bloomfield and Parkins in their History of Norfolk Vol. II. "Buried in the Chancel of St Saviours Church Norwich, Elisha Phillippo Esq. and Mabell his wife of Norwich. He was High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1675. They both died in 1696. Onias his brother 1693 aged 67" " Coat of Arms Org: a Chevron: between two Roses; Gal: impaling on a Chev: a mullet".

There is said to have existed in or about the time of the reformation a sect called the Philippones but whether the originator was of the same family of that under consideration is not known. Thus in Partingtons British Cyclopaedia it is said " that in 1660 arose a sect of the Roskolucians from which proceeded the Philippones. Anabaptists and others, who though not Protestants in the strict sense of the word, agreed with them in rejection of the Papacy.

Little is known of the personal history of the two brothers Phillippo except what might be found in the early records of the City of Norwich in addition to what is recorded in Bloomfield and Parkins History. Little also is known of the character and circumstances of the immediate descendants.

That the families of that name now living, sprung from the two brothers or their immediate ancestors, there can be little or no doubt as the name appears only late known in Norfolk and may be traced to the same originals.

No one perhaps can more truly say than the subject of this Memoir:

My boast is not that I derive my birth

From loins enthroned and rulers of the earth

But higher far my proud pretensions rise

The sons of parents ascend into the skies

Added Notes

William Cowper in 1773 left Olney for East Dereham and retirement, He wrote about 68 hymns. Among his famous are "O for a Closer Walk with God!" "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood," "Hark, My Soul! It Is the Lord," "Jesus! Where ere Thy People Meet," and "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."

The Banyard families were local farmers and land owners who originally owned the land later occupied by the Yard or small cottages, which was named after them. Later the area was cleared and the council built Maisonettes for senior citizens and renamed it 'Banyard Place' Dereham Past and Present Terry Davy

Rev. Samuel Green was ordained into the Baptist Chapel at Dereham on July 26^th. 1797. He had great difficulty in the commencement of his ministry because of the lack of education but he was a man of plain good sense and discerning judgement. After only two weeks as Pastor his wife died leaving him with 3 small children. A few years later he married Elizabeth Turner a farmer’s daughter from Great Ellingham. He was a considerable preacher and under his ministry the Chapel, which had fallen to a very low condition, was built up. To supplement his annual stipend of around £20 he commenced a small private school. Mr Green’s ministry lasted almost 23 years. Towards the end of his time as Pastor he was obviously dissatisfied but did not declare his reason. The Church did not want him to leave and were sorry to see him go. He moved from Dereham to Bluntisham, Huntingdonshire in Jan.1819. History Dereham Baptist Church (Manuscript Eric Whitwell)

Robert Robinson was born in Swaffham in 1735, was educated in Hammonds Grammar School, Swaffham, and then at Scarning Grammar School, under Rev. Joseph Brett. Robinson's intentions of going into the Church but on his fathers death, straitened circumstances forced him to be apprenticed in 1749 to a hairdresser in London. Hearing Whitefield preach made him serious minded and in 1755 he became a Calvinistic-Methodist. He ministered at Mildenhall and the Tabernacle in Norwich where he married and was regarded as a "teacher of highest order". He later seceded with thirteen members and formed an Independent church in St Paul's Parish, Norwich. Robinson then turned Baptist, he received adult baptism at Great Ellingham church from the Baptist minister, Dunthorn, in 1759, and the same year, aged twenty four, became pastor on trial for a Particular Baptist Church in Stone Yard Cambridge. His great hymn, "Come Thou Fount of every Blessing," was published by Wheatley in Norwich. (Spreading the Flame by Cyril Jolly page 13)

In the diary which Mr. Phillippo kept in after-years, under date of April 10^th, 1851, he thus refers to some of the incidents of this period: -" During snatches of time, within the last two or three days. I have read Mr. Borrows 'Lavengro '-a curi6us production. He was a fellow-townsman; I knew his father, mother, brother, and himself; as also the High Church rector, and the still more aristocratic clerk, Philo, and several of the occurrences he describes- all truthful. Yes! pretty Dereham, how many recollections of bygone days did George Borrows narrative recall! Old Captain Borrow especially stood before me, a tall, gaunt, gentlemanly old man. How often, when a boy, have I gazed at the decorations on thy splendid scarlet uniform! I also knew his gallant corps, drawn mostly from that pretty town and neighbourhood. I never saw a finer set of men than were embodied in the East Anglian or West Norfolk Militia. I was at that time a great favourite of the old clerk, and also of the rector. The clerk taught me to sing, and from the gallery where I sat I often saw Captain Borrow and the author of 'Lavengro' in the family pew, while I had many a stroll with him about the lanes and alleys of the town and in places where

'The primrose, ere her time,

Peeps through the moss that clothes the hawthorn-root.''

Charles Hyde Wollaston became vicar in 1806. He was the compiler of the Dereham Hymn Book, a collection of sixty-three metrical psalms, hymns and tunes. In the preface we read "Improper warmth of expression" is "offensive". Services must be "rational and pious". He maintained the old "High Church" tradition. In 1846 he got rid of the old box pews (large square pews), where sittings were now provide for fifteen in the same space then were only four seats), the most startling thing that is recorded of him. (Dereham the Biography of a country town. By N Boston and E Puddy)

Philo. I have heard say that he blew a fife - for he was musical as well as a Christian professor - a bold fife to cheer the Guards and the brave Marines as they marched with measured step, obeying an insane command, up Bunker's height, whilst the rifles of the sturdy Yankees were sending the leaden hail sharp and thick among the red -coated ranks; for Philo had not always been a man of peace, nor an exhorter to turn the other cheek to the smiter, but even arrived at the dignity of a halberd in his country's service before his six-foot form required rest, and the grey haired veteran retired, after a long peregrination, to his native town, to enjoy ease and respectability on a pension of 'eighteen pence a day'…. Thou fine old chap, despiser of Dissenters, and hater of Papists, as became a dignified and High-Church clerk. ("Lavengro" George Borrow)

George Borrow. Ann Perfrement lived with her mother and father in Dumpling Green Dereham. Thomas Burrow met Ann when he was stationed near Dereham as a soldier, they were married at the Parish Church in 1793. After much travelling in the army they returned ten years later when George was born in a house still standing in Dumpling Green, No one would think this baby would one day travel and be remembered. George Burrow never forgot Dereham and wrote in ‘Lavengro’ about 37 years after leaving the town "On an evening of July in the year 18— at East Dereham, a beautiful little town in a certain district of East Anglia, I first saw the light". The Parish Clerk James Philo was described as one who despised the Dissenters and a hater of Papists. George Burrow was engaged by the Bible Society and the results can be read in ‘The Bible in Spain’ (History Dereham Baptist Church Manuscript)

While training at Chipping Norton James Phillippo had a very imitate friendship with a Mr Mursell another student, so much so that they sealed their friendship by an exchange of names. Mr Mursell adopting the name Phillippo, and Mr Phillippo that of Mursell. James Phillippo Mursell became the minister of the Belvoir Street Particular Baptist Church Leicester. Mursell had a great social concern for the working man. President of the Baptist Union in 1884, he strongly advocated the removal of the barriers between the General and Particular Baptists. He ministered in Leicester for fifty years, during which time he married three times. His first wife, Elizabeth died in 1835 on the birth of their daughter, who did not live long enough to be named. His second wife, Ann, died in 1855 and his third, Anna, 28 years his junior, survived him by 23 years, dying at Malvern aged 81. He was a honest, respectable, consistent Nonconformist, in every sense of the term Much missed by the dissenters of the town, James Mursell died in 1885 and was buried at Welford Road Cemetery Leicester.

To his (Phillippo's) parents he wrote: Providence has fixed my habitation for a time here, which is nearly two hundred miles remote from the place of my birth. My thoughts often disentangle themselves from the pursuits of study, and force themselves to the place of your loved abode. I am sure you keenly feel the separation. But you must remember that I am to be engaged in a glorious cause. Who would not lend a hand to dispel the darkness of Satan's kingdom, and erect upon its ruins the Kingdom of God? This world is not a place of repose for a faithful soldier of the Cross. I may be subject to many trials and difficulties that I should not be exposed to in the common walks of life at home; but how animating the thought that the conflict will soon be over, even at the longest term of service, and, if faithful, I shall be crowned with glory' and honoured with the commendation of my great Master. Oh! how blessed is the religion of Jesus! how it smoothes the furrows of care and gilds the dark paths of life! Blessed, forever blessed, be the day when I was brought to experience its blessed influence on my heart and life! Give my best love to sister, brothers, and friends.

 Taken from the Life of James Mursell Phillippo by Edward Bean Underhill, LL.D. Published by Yates & Alexander in MDCCCLXXXI.

Notes at Regents Park College Oxford.

THE PHILLIPPO FAMILY BACKGROUND

What happened to his Father Peter and his Mother Sarah the eldest daughter of Matthias Valintine Banyard a respected tradesman and farmer in Dereham. Sarah had a brother Matthias named after his father; he was a chemist in Dereham.

James Phillippo had two brothers and a sister. One brother was named Benjamin who never attained to any social distinction. He married and died childless.

The other brother Matthias attained the profession of surgery and married a woman some years his senior, who had a fortune. Of several children born only one survived Anne, who married John Aldis a bank clerk at Norwich. They had three or four children.

When James was baptised in 1816 he invited his family to the Dereham Baptist Church to witness the event; they came with some reluctance especially since his father had threatened to disown him, being a staunch member of the Parish Church. A considerable number of the town attended with the Minister Rev. Samuel Green conducting the service. What a joy it must have been when James family continued to attend the church, and his mother accepted Jesus has her Saviour.

James Father Peter Phillippo got into business difficulties and decided to go to America, after a number of years he returned for a short period, then returned to America and settled there for the rest of his life.

Mary Phillippo James sister was the eldest child of the family, she became acquainted Francis Eastoe, commonly called Frank from North Elmham. He was the youngest son of his parents. His spendthrift brother John noted as being the biggest man in Norfolk and brother-in-law Baker had so drained their father that very little left to start Frank in business. He was therefore apprenticed to a draper. Frank was steady and persevering, and finally set up in business for himself.

Although Mary and Frank lived some distance from each other they were simultaneously came to accept Christ has Savour, each wrote to each other to tell of the change. Their letters crossed, not only had Frank Eastoe been converted, But he knew he must go through the waters of Baptism and his letter announced that he was going to be baptised. Much about the same time, they were both baptised at the original Baptist Chapel now the back room of the present Church in East Dereham. Those who knew them always spoke of them as being gentle and truly winning in character.

Shortly afterwards they became engaged and then married. They had four sons James, George, William and Zaccheus (so called because he was such a tiny baby) and four daughters Amelia, Hephzibah, Hannah and Mary Ann.

At the time we were at war was on with France. Frank held on bravely but he could not weather the storm, and failed in business. Fakenham was one of the places of business. He lived in Norwich at the time, but he was hard pressed. Mary’s father Peter Phillippo turned up from the U.S.A. and advised him to emigrate to Canada, which was then just becoming known. He accordingly sold what he could, and with his large family went to Montreal.

Mary and Frank set up in business at Montreal, they worshiped at a Baptist church, and were greatly respected. It is not known how long they lived there, but an epidemic of cholera broke out and Frank and Mary Eastoe died with them, sons James, George, William and Zaccheus and Mary Ann. Leaving three daughters Amelia aged sixteen, Hephzibah and Hannah strangers in a strange land.

Amelia was sent for to Jamaica to be with her Uncle James M. Phillippo, and remained some years with James, and became an instructress to his children James, Cecil and George. After some years, she married a widower Rev. David Day, to whom she bore six children: David Clark, Ebenezer Phillippo, Jonathan Day; also daughters Amelia (Amy), Sarah Jane and Mary Ruth.

David, the eldest son went to America, and was married three times, and died childless on February 18th, 1882. Ebenezer also went to America, and married there, he had three children, of whom two died. What became of him, his wife and surviving child, is not know. Jonathan died young. Amelia and Sarah Jane stayed in Jamaica, but they had to sell the old home Barriffe Hall near Recabesse and now live in a small cottage at Mandeville. Mary Ruth Day also went to America and married, but was early left a widow in comfortable circumstances. She has no children, but adopted a little girl.

Mary and Frank’s two daughters Hephzibah and Hannah were adopted in Canada, until some time later their Grandmother Sarah Phillippo went for them. They seemed to have been there some years for Hannah was quite a small child when she went, and Hannah was about twelve or thirteen when they returned. She was six years younger than her sister Amelia.

Hannah went to Jamaica in 1842 to stay with her sister Amelia. Three years later on December 24th 1845, she married at Barriffe Hall Jamaica, to Rev. William Teal of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire England. They had thirteen children of whom the greater number died in infancy.

Hephzibah after returning to England, some years later married a man of the name of Burton. She had about seven children. Then in about 1850 they immigrated to Moreton Bay Australia.

Of James Mursell Phillippo having married Hannah Selina Cecil went to