Mr. Henry Collins, another member of this church, was pre-eminently distinguished in his time, being one of the wealthiest citizens of Newport in the days of her colonial glory, a munificent patron of the fine arts, and a highly respectable literary character. He donated the ground upon which the Redwood Library now stands, and was a liberal contributor to all public enterprises of a benevolent and useful character. Mr. Collins participated at all times in the labours of his brethren with much zeal and great effect; being always ready to act his part, sometimes as a messenger to the other churches, and often at home in the service of the congregation. In 1729, he was elected Trustee, and with Mr. Jonathan Weeden had the sole charge of erecting the house of worship. This venerable structure stands upon a lot of land donated by Mr. Almy to the church for that purpose. A rather singular anecdote relative to this meeting-house is on record. During the Revolutionary war, when Newport was occupied by the British army, most of the meeting-houses in the town were converted into barracks for the soldiers. The Seventh-day meeting-house was also selected for this use, but when the officer sent to take possession of it opened the door, he discovered the ten commandments, which were written on two tables representing marble, and placed over the pulpit. Pausing a moment, he ordered his men to retire, remarking that he could not spoil a house in which were written the sacred laws of God. The meeting-house was accordingly saved, although of but little use to the church during the captivity of the town. FIRST SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, HOPKINTON, RHODE ISLAND. This church was first organized in 1708, although Seventh-day Baptists, in connexion with the church at Newport, had resided here for a long period. Rev. John Maxson, their first pastor, and one of the earliest ancestors of the large and respectable family of that name, was distinguished for great oratorical fervour and pathos in public speaking, although he did not possess the advantages to be derived from a classical education. His voice is said to have been remarkably strong, clear, and harmonious; his eye mild, blue, and beaming; his countenance noble and expressive, and then he knew so well how to touch the hearts of his auditory: always beginning his discourses in a low and subdued tone, but warming with his subject, and exhibiting throughout the general course of his argumentation an air of vivacity and glowing energy; and in his appeals, an ardour, pungency, and force altogether irresistible. When addressing sinners, he would weep from sympathy and feeling; but how would his countenance irradiate and brighten when he told of a Saviour's love! He died in 1720, in a ripe old age. Rev. Joseph Clarke, who succeeded him, was ordained in 1712, and exercised his ministry with great acceptance until 1719, when he fell asleep in Jesus.