t singular
character, and among the first founders of the sect of the Antinomians.'
One of the first leaders of this sect is said by Wood to have been John
Eaton, who was a minister and preacher at Wickham Market, in which
situation and capacity Smith succeeded him. This Smith published many
other tracts and sermons, chiefly fanatical and with fantastical titles.
One is described by Wood, and is called 'Directions for Seekers and
Expectants, or a Guide for Weak Christians in these discontented times.'
'I shall not give an extract from these sermons,' writes Beloe, who is
clearly, like Wood, by no means a sympathetic or appreciative critic,
'though very curious, but they are not characterized by any peculiarity
of diction, and are chiefly remarkable for the enthusiasm with which the
doctrine of the sect to which the preacher belonged is asserted and
vindicated. The hearers also must have been endowed with an
extraordinary degree of patience, as they are spun out to a great
length.' Mr. Smith's ministry at Bungay led to a contention, which
resulted in an appeal to the young Protector, Richard Cromwell. Then we
find Mr. Samuel Malbon silenced by the Act of Uniformity, who is
described as a man mighty in the Scriptures, who became pastor to the
church in Amsterdam. In 1695 we hear of a conventicle in Bungay, with a
preacher with a regularly paid stipend of 40 pounds a year. Till 1700
the congregation worshipped in a barn; but in that year the old
meeting-house was built, and let to the congregation at 10 pounds per
annum. In 1729 it was made over to the Presbyterians or Independents
worshipping there, 'for ever.' The founders of that conventicle seem to
have suffered for their faith; yet the glorious Revolution of 1688 had
been achieved, and William of Orange--who had come from a land which had
nobly sheltered the earlier Nonconformists--was seated on the throne.

Bungay, till Sydney Smith made it famous, was not much known to the
general public. It was on the borders of the county and out of the way.
The only coach that ran through it, I can remember, was a small one that
ran from Norwich through Beccles and Bungay to Yarmouth; and, if I
remember aright, on alternate days. There was, at any rate, no direct
communication between it and London. Bungay is a well-built market town,
skirted on the east and west by the navigable river Waveney, which
divides it from Norfolk, and was at one time noted for the manufacture