CAPEL. 259 congregational principles, admitting both predobaptists and antipredobaptists, and .Still continues' on the same broad foundation. The members of this infant society, after giving them- selvesto the Lord and to one another, unanimously those Mr. Gifford to the office of pastor. He accepted the charge, and gave himself up to the service of the Lord and his people, to walk with them, watch over them, and dispense among them-the mysteries:of the kingdom. This was about the year 1651. The principle on which they entered into church fellowship, and on which they added fresh members, Was, " Faith in Christ and luiliness,of w-;tliont respect to any outward circumstances whateVer. By this means," it is said, 6, grace and faith were encouraged, and love and amity maintained ; disputing and -occasion of janglings, and unprofitable qtiestionS, avoided; and many that were weak its faith confirmed in the blessings of eternal life." Mr. Gifford died September 21, 1656; who, on his death' bed, wrote a most excellent letter to the congregation, earnestly persuading them to continue in the faithful maintenanceof their principles, and affectionately exhorting them to 'promote peate, holiness, and brotherly love.. .RICHARD CAPEL, M.---This worthy divine Was b0111 in the city of Gloucester, in 1586, and descended from the ancient family of that name, being a near relation to Lord Capel. His father was an alderman of the city ; One who greatly promoted the cause of Christ in the plate and was a zealous friend to the suffering noncoaformists. His son was educated in Magdalen college, Oxford, where he gained a considerable reputation, and was chosen fellow of the house. He had many learned pupils, who became famous in their day ; among whom were Dr. Ficeiven, after- wards archbishop ofYork, and the celebrated Mr. William Pemble. Mr. Capel, being desirous of greater Usefulness to souls, removed from the university and entered upon the ministerial work, first at Estington, then at Pitchco,nb in his own county. He didnot enter into the sacred office fot a piece of bread, but for the advancement of the Releerner's . kingdom and the salvation of men. Therefore he had rid sooner entered upon the work, than he gave himself wholly to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine ; and his profiting Meen's MS. Collec. p. 313-417, 525; as transcribed from the origthm rburch-book at Bedford,
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