Forest of Rossendale. 203 



whose seed distributed in places widely apart, took root, grew, and 

 flourished, and year by year, to this day, has mightily increased. 



Mitchel, who was the elder by a few years, was probably the 

 more earnest of the two disciples. His preaching seems to have 

 been peculiarly obnoxious to those in authority, for on two 

 occasions — the first time at Goodshaw Chapel — he was taken 

 prisoner under the Conventicle Act. In his hfetime he published 

 several sermons, and in 1707, the year after his death, a work 

 which he had left behind him in MS., entitled " Jachin and Boaz; 

 or. The Faith and Order of God's House," was also published, 

 being edited by his kinsman, David Crossley, who wrote a preface 

 to the work, giving a sketch of the life of its author. In this it is 

 stated that " in reading, meditation, and prayer he was unwearied. 

 In going to hear the Word of God, though many miles, in dark 

 nights, and over dismal mountains, I and others who were his 

 constant companions, must say he was no less indefatigable. In 

 his preaching he set forth the free grace of the Gospel with that 

 peculiar fervour, simplicity, and application which presently 

 brought crowds of people from divers parts to hear him. Many at 

 first designed only to gratify their curiosity, _yet they soon found 

 their hearts and consciences so effectually touched, that they could 

 not but confess a dispensation of the Gospel was committed to 

 him. Some came like Ishmael to scoff, and not a few like Michal 

 despised him in their hearts. But those who had patience to hear 

 him, usually met with such Scripture evidence in his doctrine, and 

 with such plain marks of the genuine simplicity of his pretensions, 

 that they were often heard to say, ' The Lord is with him of a 

 truth.'" He was the first settled minister at Cloughfold, and died 

 in 1706, aged 44 years. 



Of Crossley it is recorded that in his early life he was a friend of 

 John Bunyan the Immortal Dreamer; and in his advanced age he 

 cultivated the acquaintance of George \Vhitefield. He was the 

 first pastor of the Baptist Church at Bacup. "It is said on good 

 authority that he was by occupation in his youth a stone mason, 

 and assisted at the erection of a building at Walsden, at no great 



