IT is interesting to notice that the positive principles uniting the first members of the society were as yet very indefinite. They had clearly not formulated in their own minds any very distinct doctrine of the Church. They assembled together because they had a preference for the freer form of service of Nonconformity, and wished to worship God after the manner most consonant with their own feelings. There were associated in the congregation Dissenters of many varieties of thought, and, no doubt, of differing degrees of Dissent. It was a matter of indifference to them what might be the denominational preferences of their minister. The first invitation was sent forth by the “trustees and subscribers,” and was addressed to the Rev. John Lake, M.A., of whose views as to Church Government we know nothing, but have some reason to suppose he was a Presbyterian. This lack of any positive basis of Church fellowship was a somewhat serious obstacle to the spiritual progress of the community; and, indeed, the early records of the Church are a most instructive commentary on the necessity of trying to realise the Scriptural conception. The purely business aspect of their undertaking was for some years the most prominent one. The members of the society did not meet on a purely spiritual basis: and very imperfectly realised that the great mission of the Church was not accomplished by the provision of opportunities for their particular form of worship. Hence we are not surprised that some of the first ministers were often pained by the commercial spirit that at times prevailed in the deliberations of those responsible for carrying on the work. With the same simplicity and modesty that had characterised the initiation of the work, the chapel was apparently opened with little or no ceremony, or blowing of trumpets. Not a reference do the minutes contain to any inauguration meeting. Notice was sent to “the Right Reverend Father in God, Beilby, by Divine Providence Lord Bishop of London,” informing him that the Chapel had been erected as a place of worship for Dissenters, and requesting him to register it in his registry, “pursuant to the Act of Toleration.” Comfortable in the possession of his lordship’s nominal consent, and august episcopal sanction, the society proceeded to approach the Rev. John Neal Lake, M.A., at that time resident at Walthamstow, with a view to inducing him to undertake the ministry at Kensington. Some sixty names were attached to the invitation; and, in an admirably-worded reply, Mr. Lake accepted the position in November, 1794.