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tion, not a sacred truth nor a holy attribute of the Most High, that this (like all other errors) do not degrade. We pray that we may be kept faithful and keep nothing back that is profitable to the Church of God. If we are doing nothing with the truth, the Lord being my helper, I will do nothing with error. I hope you will insert the above in your very valuable VESSEL, as I have stated the above facts by the particular request of many of my friends. My Christian love to my dear brother Wells and yourself, brothers Leach, J. A. Jones, T. Stringer, Thomas Jones, and many others.-S. WARD, to brother Banks.

CHATHAM.-OBITUARY OF MR. JCHN ROOTS, LATE OF LUTON.-The subject of the following sketch was born at Chatham, Kent, in 1807. He could not boast of a religious training. When quite a young raan, he went to Zion chapel, Chatham, and heard the late Mr. Lewis preach from Eccles. vii. 14. The Word was attended with Divine power, he became a new creature in Christ Jesus, but was some time before he was brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God. After a few years had passed away he began to tell to others of that dear Saviour he had found, pointing them to his redeeming blood and saying, behold the way to God, he has spoken frequently in many country chapels in Kent and other places. He was also very fond of being present at anniversaries and associations of churches. It is evident the blessing of the Lord attended his ministry, giving him souls for his hire, and seals to his ministry, and he rejoiced inasmuch as they held on their way, but said he, in his last illness, "that is of no use now, I want Christ, and that is all." The affliction which terminated in death, it is supposed, arose from taking a severe cold, about two years since, driving home a long journey, one winter's evening, after preaching, which settled on his lungs. I saw him about three month previous to his departure, his cough was very distressing, he told me he wanted to go home. His medical attendant advised him to take to his bed-room, where he was confined ten weeks. A few weeks later I went to see him, he wished me to tell any inquiring friend that Jesus was as good as he promised. On the Tuesday preceding his death I received a telegram to come immediately, as he much wished to see me. He was continually supplied with ice, which he said was the greatest luxury he had ever had. He was led to pray in a very solemn manner, remembering his aged father (who is still living), aud his brothers and sisters, together with his own children. He again pleaded earnestly with God for the last time, and then said, his prayers for all were now ended, and he trusted the Lord would answer his poor petitions when he was gone. heartily thanked God for all his mercies, hoping that his illness and death might be rendered a blessing to others. He asked the

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Lord to come quickly and take him home, for he longed to see the face of his much-loved Lord. Much that he said has been forgotten, as it was not written down at the time. He wished to be left alone and undisturbed, for he said, "I want to sleep in Jesus." Whenever the doctor came, he would ask him if he thought he would live through the day. Once he replied, "Oh, yes, my dear fellow, I think so, I wish you could be freed from so much suffering, for it will be a happy change for you, as you seem so anxious to go." "I hope then," said he, "I shall not live through the night." A person called to see him, and was talking to mother in his room, he said he wished he would go away, for he wanted to hear about nothing but Jesus Christ. A Christian brother called to see him, and asked, "Have you still that hope? "Hope," he replied, "no, I don't hope now, I know." I read to him John 17th; I asked him to try and pray. He said, "I will if I can. O Lord God, thou hast lit up my candle, and suffered no one to put it out, the light shineth more and more unto the perfect day, O now shine upon me, and soon take me to thyself. Thou knowest my sufferings, my heart and my poor head (putting his hand to his head), but now my flesh and my heart faileth, be thou the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever, Amen." He was so exhausted, and said he would say more but could not. I said to him, "Well. father, you can read your title clear, can you not?" He replied, "Yes, yes, that is all right, I am on the Rock, Christ is all in all, if I perish, I shall be the first that perished trusting in Christ. It is all Christ from first to last, if not, I am lost. Now hear, for ye are my living witnesses, I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." He could say no more, but again hoped he might fall asleep in Jesus. It seemed a great trial for him to give up his dear partner with whom he had been united forty years. At length he was enabled to do so, and beckoned for us all to kiss him, saying, "Good bye, God bless you; I am dying now." The enemy was permitted fiercely to assault him. "You must die," said he, "to know what dying is. O, shall I get to heaven?" I took up the word with silent happy for God's help, and whispered in his ear, "Your life is hid with Christ in God, when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, &c. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." At length he cried with all his strength, "Father, Father, my Father." He looked full of joy, and said, "I am going to heaven, I know I am, joy, joy, joy; praise God, triumph Zion; Father, Father, my Father, I come to thee." His pains, I believe, were then over, he lay still more than an hour, except at one time when he lifted his hand to wave it, which I had wished him to do at the last if he was confident of victory. His countenance was full of joy, his wish was granted, he fell

asleep in Jesus without a struggle on Monday morning, February 25th, 1867. May it be our happy privilege to meet him in glory, and join him in singing the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. His mortal remains were interred on Monday, March 4th, at Luton. He had expressed a wish that the hymn 169th (Rippon's) should be sung at the grave, but the clergyman would not allow it to be sung, therefore, it was sung in the house, also hymn 553rd, 7th part, which hymns the deceased was very fond of. Brother J. Clark read part of 1 Thess. iv. and part of Rev. vii., and engaged in prayer with the family. May the Lord sustain and comfort our widowed sister, and prove a husband to her, and sanctify the bereavement to every member of the family.J. C.

ST. LUKE'S. BETHESDA CHAPEL, RATCLIFF-GROVE, LEVER STREET.- Three sermons were preached here on Sunday, February 24th, in aid of the funds of the Sunday school. In the morning, by Mr. Wyard; afternoon, Mr. Wilkins; and in the evening, by Mr. Dickerson. On the

following Tuesday, a tea and public meeting was held, at which Mr. G. Wyard presided; Mr. Anderson offered prayer. The Chairman said, the object of this meeting was to say something concerning the Sunday schools. It was his opinion, that originally, Sabbath school instruction was merely intended to teach the children to read, but now he thought it was to give them religious instruction as well as to teach them their letters. The aim of Sunday school instruction was to show unto them the difference of good and evil; but, as chairman, he was not there to make a speech, but to allow those surrounding him to do so. Mr. Briscoe, the secretary, read the report, from which it appears-there are now twenty-five teachers in the school, twenty-three of whom are members of the church, and thirteen were formerly scholars in the school. Children received during the year is fifty-one; total number from the commencement of the school, 3,793. Children on the books 260; average attendance, morning eighty-five; afternoon 182. There was a Young Men's Class, Tract Society, and a Female Bible Class, districts under visitation. Mr. Evans, in moving the adoption of the report, said, there were some things that they had much to rejoice in, but there were also signs of sorrow in the place as the mourning testified. Still, he hoped the teachers would take courage, and go forth in the "strength of the Lord." He believed that Sabbath schools had existed about eighty years. About sixty years ago, a few warm-hearted men first met in Surrey chapel for imparting to children religious instruction. But he was sorry to say that there was a vast difference in the children of of the Waldenses and those of the present time. He believed there was not that amount of biblical

knowledge now to be found among the children of our Sunday schools, as compared with those times when printing was but little known and books were scarce. There were many books of the present time which were not fit for them to read, and should be withheld from children. There was also a deficiency of practical supervision on the part of the superintendents that had come under his own personal observation, which was greatly to be deplored. There was a thoughtless and hasty manner in appointing teachers to classes, and there was a want of hearty co-operation too often between the pastor and superintendent. Mr. Dixon believed the teachers of their Sabbath school taught the truth to the children under their care, and that God assisted them in their work; and he was glad to see that the friends gave them their valuable aid. He hoped they would "take courage and go forth." He cordially seconded the report. Mr. Walton, the superintendent, said he would like to say a few words in reply to what Mr. Evans had stated, so as to remove any erroneous impressions that might get abroad. He believed that there were many children who knew as much of the Bible as did those of the Waldenses, the only difference being that those of the Waldenses had only one book, and that they had to commit to memory for fear of it being taken from them at any time by the Roman Catholics, while the children of the present time had many books which they could read, and were not in that fear of losing the Bible. Mr. Meeres said it gave him great pleasure in being again with them. He then entered at some length upon sympathy, sorrow, and encouragement, and Christ's sympathy with children, and his love for them. He thought it was never too soon to teach children concerning the things of everlasting life, beginning with the infant, the grown-up child, and then those who were about to enter on the busy scenes of life, to warn them against its follies and snares. He was sorry that there were, so many bad books, and some of those books were placed in the hands of the children by their parents. The teacher should have sympathy with the children in adapting their teaching to suit the minds of the little ones. The Sunday school had been blessed, and there were none who could stand up and deny it, and he believed the teachers were of the right sort, who, having put their hands to the plough, would not turn back. He prayed that the Lord would bless them in their labour of love, and that

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raised up to fill the vacancies, in many instances. At least, the large attendance at all our tea-meetings justify us in stating that there appears to be much prosperity attending the churches of truth in London.

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ISLINGTON.-MYDDELTON HALL, UPPER STREET.—The first anniversary of the pastorate of Mr. T. Baugh, was held Lord'sday, March 10th, who was helped to preach two excellent sermons :-morning, 1 Sam. ii. 8., "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and the beggar from the dunghill, and many of the Lord's outcasts," (experimentally so) found it good to be there; evening text, Ps. cii. 16., a sermon full of solemn and weighty truths, listened to by a large congregation. Mr. Wale preached in the afternoon from Rom. v. 4, and experience, hope when some good experimental truths were brought forth. Monday, 11th, Mr. Wells preached in the afternoon in Providence chapel, (as he usually does wherever he goes) to a large congregation, his text was Dan. vii. 17, 18, which words he opened up in an intelligent and profitable manner as his custom is. It appears that his congregations, who follow him, are no smaller than they ever were, notwithstanding, he has been protested against by those of our own denominations who seems almost to forget that beautiful verse, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity;" but the world says, a man's foes shall be those of his own house; it is evident that the Lord has not protested against him, for he is highly favoured still to proclaim his truth with unction and power; may he be spared to do so still is the prayer of many hundreds of God's hungry and thirsty children. Nearly 250 sat down to tea.

The evening meeting commenced with a song of praise, and the chapel crammed in every part, Mr. Flory prayed. Mr. Baugh occupied the chair; his opening remarks were few, as there were many speakers present, but he expressed his gratitude to God for such a gathering as the present, and asked the speakers to speak short, which they tolerably well adhered to. A report was then read of the progress of the church. During the past year, forty have been added, sixteen of which were baptized by Mr. Baugh. The prayer meetings and week night preaching services are better attended than they ever were, and the necessity for going to Myddelton Hall is seen in the large congregations that attend, especially on the Lord's-day evenings, there being very many more than the chapel could possibly hold. Peace dwells amongst us and prosperity too, but we look yet for a larger success to attend the preaching of the Gospel, but look alone to the power of the Holy Ghost, which we humbly pray may dwell very richly on pastor and people; we look for showers of blessings, and believe it will come too. A vote of thanks was given to the ladies who

kindly supplied the tea at their own expense, and also to one in particular who had lent the articles to drink it out of. The Rev. Daniel Jeavans then addressed the meeting, congratulating the pastor and the church on their present position. Mr. Wale then moved the first resolution, that this meeting expresses its thankfulness to Almighty God, for the success that has attended this church during the past year, he spoke well as also did Mr. Webster who seconded it and made some good remarks on love, we may speak out our principles plainly and unmistakably, but speak the same in love, there may be fidelity but not severity. T. Whittaker, Esq., supported the resolution which was carried unanimously. Mr. Wale then in an able speech moved that this meeting prays that the blessings heretofore manifested to this church may be continued and multiplied in time to come, and spoke well on the subject of prayer. Mr. Comfort seconded it in a good speech; he seemed much at home having supplied the pulpit many times when we were without a pastor. It was supported by J. Waite, Esq., and carried unanimously. Mr. Williamson then moved that this meeting desires to express its thanks to all those members present belonging to other churches who have come to our help and spoke well upon the union of churches. Mr. Palmer seconded, when a few remarks from the chairman brought this happy meeting to a close after singing and the benediction; the collections were exceedingly good, for which we are very thankful. A. W.

THE HISTORY AND PRESENT PROSPECTS OF ELD LANE BAPTIST CHAPEL, COLCHESTER. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "EARTHEN VESSEL.

DEAR SIR,-Will you allow me to address a few words to the Strict or Particular Baptists of this country, and to solicit their opinion upon the following subject. We have here a Baptist church which can be traced for upwards of 170 years as a Strict or Particular Baptist society. About thirty-five years since a rich member re-built the chapel, and endowed it with £1000, the interest of which, and a house for the pastor to live in, goes to the pastor. He also left the chapel in trust for the said society, the trust deed runs as follows: "that this place is left in trust for the use of the denomination of Protestant Dissenters called Particular Baptists, who profess the doctrines of election and final perseverance, and should be in special communion with them, holding and professing the important doctrines of a Trinity of persons in the divine essence, election, original sin, particular redemption, free justification by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, effectual calling, the final perseverance of the saints, the resurrection of the dead, the last judgment, the eternal happiness of the

righteous, and the endless torment of the wicked. The trustees shall permit and suffer the said meeting house to be used by the said society of Particular Baptists in Colchester, under such regulations, orders, and restrictions, and in the same manner as are hereinbefore recited."

Now I ask, is it right by the law of the land, or of God, to turn such a place into Mixed Communion? and allow a free will or a conditional salvation to be set forth? Iam sorry to say such is the case, and the lawyer who held the deed, and the minister, tell the trustees they have nothing to do with the case. It has been brought about in the following manner. About twenty-five years back, the church had the misfortune to choose a man who was of Mixed Communion principles; but it was with the understanding that he would never suffer or introduce it into this place. He has so far kept his word, as he has not brought it into the pulpit; but it is believed he has been privately teaching it for years. As he dare not openly break the moral obligation he laid himself under, he has acted in the following manner. He found he could not command a good congregation: the place is large, he found it hard to preach to empty seats; he knew most of the church would be glad to see some one else in the pulpit. About this time last year he called a special church meeting; he told the friends he felt his time drawing near, that he must soon resign, that as he was suffering from weakness of brain he could not preach in the hot weather, he must have help; and after much prayer he had been given to understand there was a fund connected with Mr. Spurgeon's college, to support or assist young men for the first twelve months to resuscitate declining causes. Some of the friends thought this a very good idea, as we were not in a position to keep two pastors; but others opposed it, declaring it was certain to bring about Mixed Communion. This was denied by some of the deacons as well as the pastor; of the deacons three out of four voted against it. Some thought to have a young man for a month, would do no harm; but those that saw further, said "No! for we know nothing but duty faith and Mixed Communion come from the college," but this idea was laughed at.

We were told the minister had a right to preach what he liked, as the trust deed did not specify what the minister should hold. I ask, is it common sense that a minister should talk in this way, when he knows what the church should hold? I leave others to judge. It was proposed for one young man to come for a month. When his month was up, as it was a change, most of the friends wished him to come for three months more, but when the fund for support was spoken about, this was partly opposed. A letter was read in which Mr. Spurgeon offered to preach two or three times in the year, and what it fell short of £50, he, and one of the Mixed Communion

men, would make up. It was proposed that £80 per annum should be fixed for this assistant; but we were to have no burden for the first twelve months; after our assistant had been here four months, the old pastor said he should resign at Christmas; and he wished to place the young one as entire pastor at such resignation or at his death. But it was well known that is he did resign he could not claim anything; and as he had been here so many years the Strict portion of the Church would not allow this, as they were in hopes that he would stick to his word, and not suffer Mixed Communion; therefore, they proposed that the original pastor should retain office as pastor for life, and that the young one should only be invited as an assistant, at the same time expressing themselves unfavourable to his ministry; but he accepted the invite, and the first thing almost that he has tried to introduce is this Open Table; he came here just at a time when there were some Independents leaving a young man that had taken Mr. Herrick's place. They have come to us; some soon began to show signs of leaving again unless they could sit down without being baptised; they say they do not believe it, but thing infant sprinkling to be more Scriptural than immersion; and I understand our minister says they have as much ground in the original as we Baptists have. I ask, Can such a man be eating honest bread? Unless our Strict Baptists can refute such things and proceedings as these, I think it time to come out from Dissent altogether, not that I wish to do So, for I love the Baptist cause; but I must say I would defy any Church to show a worse specimen of priestcraft than we have had in Colchester.

hope you will warn other Baptist churches against these Open Communion

men.

We are told by the lawyer who holds the deed, that the word "Particular" has nothing to do with Communion, that it refers to "Particular Redemption." Will some of our friends inform us upon the subject. Three out of five if not four of the Trustees would stand by the minority if anything can be done; but some of the mixed communion party that have been dragged into the church lately say they will spend £1,000 over it before we shall have it, so you see the spirit we have to deal with. Yours in the best of bondsW. EASLEN.

[We have further particulars of the affair,

but we defer them. This Colchester movement is but a sample of what is to be done all England over. If the popular power can sweep away Strict Communion churches, it intends to do so. Our readers know this is only a repetition of the Norwich case, and there is every prospect it will be followed by many others. There is not only a Ritualistic and Puseyite departure from the mode of worship, but there is also a popular and powerful de

parture from the practice which was found with the Nonconformist churches. Our Colchester friends are beat. Many of them knew years ago, that there was a change in the ministry; and when a minister can change, none can tell how often, nor with what he will change. It is useless to go to law; those who cannot act contrary to their consciences must worship where Gospel principle and New Testament practice are maintained. While we write these lines, our hearts bleed within us while we behold everywhere, a plausible, but immensely popular delusion sweeping away our land-marks, until soon we shall have none of them left.-ED.]

CLAPHAM.-EBENEZER CHAPEL.This church held its annual meeting of members on the last Tuesday evening in February. After a good tea had been enjoyed, the evening was spent in praise and prayer, interspersed with short speeches from the deacons and several of the members of a very pleasing and encouraging nature expressive of attachment to the grand and glorious doctrines of grace and to the ministry. The pastor, Mr. Hall, expressed his pleasure on being surrounded by warm-hearted and truth-loving friends, among whom, they could bear witness, he thoroughly dwelt, believing that in so doing, he was fulfilling the injunction of Scripture "seeking not theirs but them;" and added, that he felt very thankful for the past and present mercies. The attachment of the friends to himself, to the Word of God's grace, and the peace in which they had dwelt since they had been together, were subjects of deep gratitude to God, as was also, the measure of success which had attended their united efforts. He was glad to state that upwards of 100 members had been received into communion during his stay with them, and the chapel was so far paid for as to relieve them of all burden, while the school-room was entirely paid for. As a historian, he recorded these things with feelings of deep thankfulness, while he would not pretend to prophesy as to the future; but this he would do, exhort them most earnestly to a full use of their privileges, and a holy contention for the faith once delivered unto the saints, and then come what would, one and all might with the fullest confidence fall into the hands of the Lord for his mer

cies were great. The happy meeting

closed a little after nine o'clock.

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we cannot, as we had no reporter; but for it, and for the five pounds with which he presented the school, we all desire to tender our most sincere thanks. The meeting heard a most excellent report read by Mr. Stimson, the Secretary; and the addresses by Messrs. Flory, Webster, Lee, Charles Longley, Cornwell, Smith, Cartwright, of Tring, &c., were all lively and useful. We understand C. W. Banks intends removing from Squirries street chapel, to St. Thomas' hall, South Hackney; but of this we speak not confidently. Squirries street chapel is unhealthy, and the room required for the schools, the Bible-class, the library, &c., renders it anything but pleasant either to minister or people. We hope in all these movements, the Lord will go before, and give His presence, Gospel peace, and a permanent prosperity.

IRTHLINGBORO'-BAPTIST CHAPEL. -The Lord is still blessing the word preached here by Mr. George Cook, to the ingathering of the people. On Lord's-day, February 3rd, long before the usual time of service, the large chapel was filled in every part. Mr. C. preached a sermon, taking for his text, "Suffer little children to come unto me." &c., after which he went down into the water, gave out a hymn, and turning to the candidates enquired, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we ?" He then baptized two believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. And when he had come up out of the water he prayed most earnestly for the church and congregation. Thus we were brought to the close of a most happy meeting. Others are ready to follow the Lord. May the Lord go on still to be gracious. A testimonial consisting of the handsome sum of £10 10s. was presented to Mr. George Cook, by his warm-hearted friends, on Thursday evening, February 14th, as a token of their gratitude, love and esteem.

ST. NEOT'S, HANTS.- -A service commemorative of the eighty-third birthday of the venerable pastor, George Murrell, was held in the Assembly Rooms (kindly lent for the occasion), on March 19th. Several hundreds sat down to tea, and brother Foreman, of London, presided at the evening meeting. Brother Wilson, of Risely, opened the meeting with prayer, and after an able opening address by the chairman, Mr. Palmer, of Homerton, spoke in a subdued and chastened spirit, of the way that the Lord had led him from darkness to light, and referred in a very touching manner to his former membership of the church at St. Neot's. Mr. B. B. Wale, of Blackheath, then spoke on the unity and harmony of Divine truth, and Mr. A. Peet, of Sharnbrook, on the unity of the church. Mr. Murrell then addressed the meeting for a few moments, after which a vote of thanks was passed to the London ministers for coming down, and brother King

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