On Lord's-day, May 21st, 1721, Mr. Saunders preached, we suppose for the first time, at Kettering. Such was the favourable impression produced by his services on that day, that he was thought by the congregation to be a proper person to become their pastor; and they immediately began to take steps towards bringing him into this relation to them. It was treated by both parties, the Church and the minister, as a matter of high importance. The society to which Mr. Saunders ministered at Coventry was very unwilling to part with him. The Church at Kettering was equally anxious to obtain his services; and then he states, as one great reason that influenced his decision, "he should have ten times the number of people to preach to that he had at Coventry." After a suitable time for further trial, for consultation, and prayer for divine direction, he at length accepted the invitation of the Church at Kettering, and entered on his stated engagements there September 14th, 1721. He was set apart to the pastoral office by solemn services on November 23rd of the same year. The following is the account Mr. Saunders gives of the services of the day:-- Thursday, November 23rd, 1721, was appointed a day of fasting and prayer upon the account of our sitting down together. Mr. Cartwright, of Buckby, begun with prayer, and prayed well. Mr. Some read over the call of the Church, and asked my acceptance, and then prayed, and indeed prayed in prayer. Mr. Tingey, of Northampton, preached from 2 Chron. xv. 2. Mr. Jennings concluded with prayer, and Mr. Norris prayed among us in the evening. And now to thee, O God! must I give an account for this, and all my actions. I have been persuaded in my own mind, and am still, that I ought to labour where I can do most for God, and that thou, Lord, wilt take it well at the hands of thy servants that study so to do. Let us be made blessings to each other. Let us find thy presence and grace with us. Let much be done for God amongst us, that may effectually answer the clamour of malicious persons, and "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men," as well as be made confirming to thy people here. Propter Jesum Christum salvalorem nostrum, cui nunc et in secula seculorum gloria. Amen.