which I will soon send you, but having been into Devon supplying some (so called) Baptist churches, for about 5s. per Sunday, I am not very rich at present. I have several times intended to write about some of the churches in that county, but I have cast it aside as useless, for I have no good to write about them. The causes are at a low ebb, and the ministers are going madly into open communionism, which is the order of the day. But I must not

include all the ministers as infected with this fever, for good brother Pearce, of Newton, has made a bold stand for truth, and God has blessed him, and made even his religious enemies to speak well of him. I wish others would recollect that God will always honour them that honour Him, and that no one will lose in the end by standing firm for God and His truth. I can speak from experience. Twelve months ago, was turned out of the London City Mission, without one penny in my pocket, because I would not do violence to my conscience, and tell every man and woman that Christ died for them, and call upon "all men everywhere to repent." And to the praise and glory of my covenant God and Father in Christ Jesus, be it said, have lacked no good thing, my bread has been given to me, and my water has been sure and I have enjoyed a little of His manifested love, and been favoured with many love visits from my precious Christ. And I do trust I may never forget your kindness in offering to employ me, when cast adrift by the time-serving Secretaries and committee of the London City Mission. I trust that the Lord may own and bless your new sphere of labours, comfort you in your soul, and make you a blessing to thousands. Your enemies are numerous, your foes are mighty, but your God is stronger than all, and He will not put upon you too heavy a burden, nor suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. We are living in fearful times, and what the end of it will be we must leave in the hands of Him who doeth according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. The churches where a full-weight Gospel is served out, and the truth in all its bearings contended for, are but thinly attended, but where error is propounded the places are full; this is not to be found in a few places only, but all over the country. When I was in Newton Abbot, I offended five or six of brother Pearce's members, by alluding to Strict Communion, and they took their departure to the free-will shop next door. And what is more astonishing, a preacher at their head who prides himself that he has preached the truth for 26 years, but if so, why be offended with a gentle hint, that those who partook of the Lord's Supper in the early ages, had previously been baptized? But so it is, the people will not endure sound doctrine, but heap to themselves teachers, and they are not at a loss to find men who for a crust will cry, Peace,

HOUNSLOW, ZOAR CHAPEL.-Public services were held on Good Friday, April 19th, to commemorate the settlement of Mr. W. H. Evans, as pastor. In the afternoon, Mr. Anderson gave a plain and interesting sermon, from Psalm xlviii. 12, 13, setting forth, "Zion's security and the directions to tell the same to succeeding generations." About 150 friends sat down to tea, kindly served by the ladies' committee. The evening service was held at six o'clock. After singing, Mr. Drake, of Windsor, implored the divine blessing. Mr. Evans in addressing the meeting, and in allusion to the circumstances which had brought them together, presumed that they expected him to give some account of his stewardship. On the third Lord's-day in April, 1865, he first appeared among them to preach the truth as it is in Jesus; during the last fifteen months, fourteen members had been added to the church, eight by baptism, and the rest by letters of dismissal from other churches; they were at peace among themselves, and he trusted it would continue; and so long as he was with them, he hoped his conduct would be such

as

would command the respect of the aged, and win the affection of the young. He asked the help of his people; they could help him much, by their prayers, their presence, and their influence; the passive influence of their godly lives would recommend the truth he preached, and by their active influence they might bring others under the sound of the Gospel. Of the future he knew nothing, the Lord had brought him amongst them, and directly the Lord said, Get thee hence, he should go, regardless of the opinions of any The subject his ministerial brethren would speak upon was one he loved with an increasing affection, "Nonconformity," for he was a Nonconformist by birth, education, and the irresistible teaching of God the Spirit. The following ministers spoke upon the subject. Mr. Kevan, of Colnbrook, in a clear and interesting speech treated the subject, 1st, historically, and wound up his remarks by showing that the church of Christ is of necessity a nonconforming body, because His kingdom is not of this world. Mr. Griffin, of Richmond, then addressed the meeting on the internal operations of Divine grace, as conducive to true nonconformity, being effectual in its working, permanent in character, and separating in its influence. Mr. Maycock took up the third feature in the subject, the position of the church in relation to

the world; having commenced with some deadly thrusts at the many systems founded in human wisdom and encouraged under the plea of expediency, he wound up his address with some soul-warming remarks upon the words, "Ye are the light of the world." Mr. Rush, of Datchet, spoke upon the unalterable character of doctrinal truth and New Testament ordinances, showing that it was, and ever would be, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Mr. Webb, of Staines, then addressed the meeting upon the unity of believers: while there were points we might hold in charity, on all fundamental truth there could be no compromise, and urged upon believers the importance of close union as a means whereby the truth might be preserved, and expressed the hope that the day would come when local unions of Baptist ministers and churches would be established, believing it would be for the benefit of both pastors and people. We may say that the meeting was a good one. From

A WATCHER IN ZION.

BLACKHEATH.-Dear Sir, --There is a very nice little chapel named Sunfield's Baptist chapel, situated at the rear of the Sun in the Sands Inn, Blackheath. In this little chapel the glorious Gospel of the ever blessed God is proclaimed Sunday after Sunday in all its fulness, freeness, and suitability, the sum and substance being Jesus Christ and Him crucified. There has been a great struggle and effort put forth, not without earnest prayer, in order to establish a cause of truth in this vicinity, and it does really appear to be highly necessary (speaking after the manner of men) as there is no Particular Baptist cause within two miles, and the population large and increasing. W. Osmond, of Bermondsey, has been speaking the Word of Life here for the past three months, and not altogether in vain, and there is a larger attendance, and the Lord is comforting his people. On Friday, April 26th, a tea meeting was held, and we were pleased to see so many enjoying themselves over the social cup (somewhere about eighty) and the little sanctuary filled in the evening with attentive hearers. We were favoured with the kind assistance of brethren Hanks, Mote, Cowell, Bland and Osmond; others also were expected but circumstances hindered. We had a very excellent, happy and profitable meeting. Brother Mote took the chair, and brother Osmond commenced the meeting by giving out that beautiful hymn by Watts - "Salvation, oh, the joyful sound," &c. Brother Cowell, deacon of Plumstead Tabernacle, offered solemn prayer, after which brother Mote made some very appropriate remarks, and introduced the Gospel of the grace of God as the subject for the evening's consideration. After singing, brother Osmond spoke of the necessity of the preaching of the Gospel in order to the salvation of poor sinners. We then sang, "There is a fountain filled with blood," &c., after which brother Hanks in

his usual warmth and affection, spoke to the subject of Jesus Christ in his various titles, viz. :-as the Beloved, Lamb, Advocate, Nazarite, Deliverer,-acrostic of the name of the following speaker, brother Bland, whose prayers, desires, and interest is engaged in the behalf of this cause of Christ. After singing, brother Bland rose and gave a short but concise history of the chapel during the eight years of its existence, and said that his fervent desire was, that the Gospel in all its purity without adulteration, the one Gospel in all its fulness and power should be preclaimed. He longed to see the cause of God and truth thrive, prosper, and be established in this locality. After singing, brother Osmond concluded with prayer. Thus ended this most cheerful and interesting meeting. The object we have in thus writing, is simply that all friends living in this locality may be made acquainted with the fact, that the Gospel of the grace of God is preached in Sunfields Baptist chapel, and if any of the Lord's people living in this district have no place nearer to attend, we shall be happy to receive them, for yet there is room. I remain, yours in the Gospel,

ONE WHO WAS THERE.

PASTORS WITHOUT PURSES. The following note is worthy of practical attention. We give it exactly as it came to us:-Bouley Bay, Jersey. Dear Mr. Editor, -I was much delighted on Good Friday at the Surrey Tabernacle, when I heard what great things the Lord had done for them. We may truly say, if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it, but when I heard Mr. Messer assert he was so poor he had not wherewith to bury him, it made my heart ache, that among so many whom the Lord had blessed they should allow him to be in such circumstances. I should have felt happy to have seen a collection for him, and I think there ought to be. Mr. Wells can say he "has enough," let another five hundred be collected and distributed among poor ministers. My five shillings will be forth-coming at any time.. Yours, for Christ's sake, AN AFFLICTED ONE. [We shall be happy to receive and hand over any contributions sent to our office. But few persons have more opportunities of becoming acquainted with "ministers without purses," than ourselves. have frequently helped others when we really needed help ourselves; and very often have we been grieved because we could not help a poor distressed brother. During the last few years, it has fallen to our lot to preach the Gospel with but very small remuneration, and therefore we cannot do as we have done. But, can wealthy Christians, or believers, who are doing well in the world, look at this fact, that thousands of pounds are being poured into the coffers of an institution where mere boys are by wholesale manufactured into parsons, while men who have served the churches with all their might, and with

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all the grace and gift God has favoured them to enjoy for twenty, thirty, forty, and fifty years, and then are left in a state of semi-starvation! We ask, can Christian men and women, on whose heads the sun of prosperity has shined, consider this, and not feel bound to make some movement to cheer the declining days of worn-out pastors and preachers? Over thirty years have we travelled England through and proclaimed the free-grace Gospel of Jesus. What church or community of Christians have we robbed? Many, many times returning, tired up, and purse-empty; and after all, who thanks you? Say, our friends. That God who knoweth all hearts and all motives has promised not to forget the cup of cold water when given in the proper spirit. To him alone, must the poor men look for help when times of need press hard.

MR. WELLS'S VISIT TO NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-Dear Sir, - According to your request, I hereby furnish you with a brief account of Mr. James Wells's acceptable visit to this northern part of our island, to preach that Gospel which he has so successfully preached in London and many provincial towns for so many years. The services were held three times on Sunday the 12th and on Monday evening the 13th inst., in the New Town Hall-a large and beautiful building capable of holding 2,500 persons. The congregations, however, were not so large as those to whom Mr. Wells is in the habit of preaching in London and at other places. It is to be accounted for by the facts of this being his first visit and of his name being little known here; could he stay in Newcastle for a month, there is no doubt but the people would gather in large numbers. There are comparatively few people in this town who have had the opportunity of hearing the glorious truths as preached by our mutual friend. I believe, however, that the Lord has "a people" here, if not "much people," and will in his own time bring them to bow to the truth as it is in Jesus. Mr. Wells's visit may be the beginning of this dispensation of God's providence to bring about that desirable end. I did not write earlier because I was desirous of hearing the result from others. It appears that much conversation and enquiry has been produced by the sermons amongst people of other denominations, and on Thursday evening the congregation at the Strict Baptist meeting hall was larger than usual. It is, perhaps, needless to say that all the sermons were characterised by that energy of delivery, depth of thought, and originality of exposition with which most of the readers of the VESSEL are familiar. It was a great holiday for those who know and love the truths he preached, and there is more reason to be surprised and pleased at the largeness of the congregations than to be discouraged at the comparative smallness of them, for they can only be con

sidered small when compared with the immense numbers that flock to hear him in the localities where he is known. For my own part, I am thankful to the Lord that he was pleased to send his servant here; I am thankful to him that he so readily responded to the invitation to come, and I am thankful to the good deacons of the Surrey Tabernacle that they did not put obstacles in the way of his coming, but desiring the further extension of the Gospel of Jesus, acquiesced in the movement, being willing to forego the pleasure of his services for one day that others might get a blessing.-I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely in the love of the Gospel,

J. C. JOHNSON,

CLAPHAM.-Ebenezer chapel, Wurtemburg street.-Special services were held here on Tuesday, April 9th. Mr. Wells preached an instructive sermon on the words "He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear," which was listened to with sacred pleasure, and in the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. Carr, who delivered an excellent address, and remarked that the object of the meeting was to do good, and to get good; to do good to the souls of men by proclaiming the Gospel to them; and to get good in the shape of gold and silver towards the remaining debt of the chapel. Mr. Comfort offered prayer, and Mr. Wells (who had kindly stayed with us for the evening.) Mr. Williamson, Mr. Caunt, Mr. Hall, Mr. Nichols, and Mr. Comfort addressed the friends. The attendance was good, and the collections amounted to upwards of £10; a most cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting.

On Monday evening, May 13th, the Sunday School meeting was held, an excellent tea was provided and enjoyed, and a public meeting was held in the evening, Mr. Congreve in the chair, who very ably and devoutly advocated the cause of Sabbath Schools, and related several striking anecdotes, proving their usefulness. Mr. Hawkins, the secretary, read the report, and remarked that the schoolroom which was opened twelve months since, and paid for on that evening, had answered the Church's expectations. He stated that a debt had been incurred for a few extras, which it was hoped, would be discharged by the liberality of the friends assembled. Brethren G. Webb, of Wild street, and H. Wise, of Pimlico, delivered very interesting speeches which were heartily received. A collection was made, which amounted to £5 10s, which with the profits from the tea, and other contributions, would it was considered clear off the remaining debt. Mr. Hall, the pastor, thanked the chairman, ministers, and friends, and earnestly entreated the friends to continue in well-doing. The more meetings they held, the more familiar they became, and the more ready were they to attend; and the more money they gave, the more free they were to give; and

exhorted them to let their watchword be, Onward, onward. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, closed the happy meeting.

GUTTERIDGE STREET, HILLINGDON HEATH, NEAR UXBRIDGE. - On Sunday, April 28th, two sermons were preached here by Mr. S. Ponsford. It was a season of refreshing both to minister and people. On the following Tuesday, Mr. Ponsford preached at three o'clock in the afternoon. At five, an excellent tea was provided, of which nearly fifty persons partook; and at 6.30, a public meeting was held. Mr. John Weekly was unanimously called to the chair. After singing and prayer and a few introductory remarks, the chairman called upon the secretary, Mr. Snowden, to give an account of the course of the opening of this new place of worship. From this, it appears that a cause of truth was opened at Uxbridge, in December, '65, but from the difficulty of obtaining a suitable place at the end of the year '66, and the exorbitant rent asked for the Belmont hall for a further period of twelve months (viz. £60) for the Sabbath and one night per week, the friends were obliged to separate for a short time. After some trouble and anxiety, a carpenter's workshop was at last found, and at some expense, made into a nice little place for worship, capable of holding about eighty persons, which was opened as a Strict Baptist cause, on March 17th last, Mr. J. Rayment supplying for the first few Sabbaths. Mr. Snowden also stated he desired not to express one unkind word towards any neighbouring cause, they were persecuted in one place and of necessity they fled to another. There were plenty of Arminian churches, but not one to many causes of truth, and for his part, wherever a cause of truth was opened, he would say go on and prosper, and God speed. After an allusion to the odd place, the odd people (himself being one), and the Lord's people being odd stones which no earthly master-builder could shape, but the oil of God's grace flowing over these rough pieces out of the quarry of nature, they would be made to fit in the glorious temple which the Great Head of the church was fitly framing together, and when the last stone was brought home, he would be the top stone, and the shout should be, Grace, grace unto it. A few verses of a hymn, and Mr. J. Rayment was called upon to address the meeting. He spoke of the city lying four square,—the new Jerusalem, the Lamb being the light thereof, the earth having fled away, and the number, which no man can number, in one glorious company singing the praises of their God throughout eternity. Again a few verses of a hymn and Mr. Ponsford spoke affectionately to the people. He said, he was sure the Lord was with them, for he felt so happy in preaching to them. He was the last person to encourage division, but what were those dear friends to do; they could not sit at home, and they could not go where their

ADELAIDE.-Dear Brother Banks,-I wrote you a few lines in September last, complaining of the want of a Gospel church here, or a man of truth to break the bread of life to the people of God.-That lack is now supplied. A brother from the United States of America, James Bassett, came quite unexpected, but not unasked, for many, many prayers have been offered up for such a one. After a few months preaching to the people to join themselves to each other in church fellowship, and by the time this is in your hands, many more will be added unto us. Our brother was baptised by James Wells, of London, and was one of those few who met in the schoolroom which formed the nucleus of what is now supposed to be Zoar chapel, Gravesend. He is a man valiant for truth, and acceptable to the people of God. We can see the hand of God in this matter. He came just at the time when dissatisfaction seemed prevalent, and many who loved the truth felt on Lord'sday the best place was private reading of the Word and communion with God, for the most destructive errors are prevalent in this land, and preached by those who call themselves Baptists. We pray that our little cause may prosper and become a mighty power to the overturning of false and delusive doctrines, and leading the weak ones to the Saviour and establish them in the faith once delivered to the saints. Will you kindly give prominence to the fact of a church in Gospel principles being in existence in this city of Adelaide, that those leaving the old country to settle here may know they can unite with one of the same faith and order on their arrival. In my previous letter to you, I intimated my intentions of having out a few copies of the EARTHEN VESSEL for distribution. The church, or several members have united together and ordered out twenty-four copies every month for circulation. I will supply you from time to time with an account of our progress, or otherwise, and should have written to you earlier but was desirous to put you in possession of the above facts which has come about. May God smile upon us and direct us in all matters concerning the advancement of his cause and the building up of Zion. May the God of love and peace, and every grace abound unto you, and all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, is the earnest prayer of-yours in the Lord,

JOSEPH C. ALLEN, Jun.

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IRTHLINGBOROUGH.-DEAR BROTHER BANKS, -On Good Friday, April 19th, 1867, special services were held in the Baptist chapel, Irthlingborough, when two most excellent, spiritual, and powerful sermons were preached by that bold, outspoken, zealous, and highly favoured man of God, Mr. E. J. Silverton, of London. Long before the afternoon service commenced, persons on foot, and in almost every kind of vehicle, came hastening into the town. Mr. S. preached well in the afternoon from Psalm cxlix. 6. The Lord opened the mouth of his servant to speak, and the hearts of his people to receive the word of salvation; and many were blessed, strengthened, and built up in the precious Lord Jesus. five o'clock, about 300 sat down to tea, which was kindly provided and well arranged by the friends. By a few minutes past six o'clock, the chapel was crowded in every part, the aisles well filled up, and a good number round about the doors and windows, and in the vestry. Mr. S. again ascended the pulpit, taking for his text Eccl. x. 1, "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour. He set the great silver trumpet of the Gospel of the grace of God to the roof of his mouth, and gave a plain, clear, startling, and decisive sound. He preached out the distinctive and discriminating doctrines of grace. He held up Jehovah in a trinity of persons, in his sovereignty, electing, redeeming, sanctifying, and preserving a people for his own glory. One of the "dead flies" named was general invitation, at the end of a free grace sermon. a word he lifted up his voice with power against that God-dishonouring, and souldeceiving system called freewill. If it be the will of heaven, may a very great many such sons of thunder be sent forth into the world; men who will dare to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The collections exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The Lord is still with us; the hungry are fed, the poor are enriched, the naked are clothed, and the weak are strengthened. Eight have been added to the church during the last four months. On Lord's-day, April 21st, I baptized two in the name of the Holy Trinity. Others are standing ready, bless the Lord. I am yours in the Lord our Righteousness, GEORGE COOK.

In

HAPPY MEETINGS AT MENDLESHAM, SUFFOLK.

Two special meetings were lately held by the church under the pastorate of Mr. Bartholomew, the first on New Year's day, being the anniversary that day seven years of Mr. B.'s first entrance among us; during which time the ministrations of the same have been specially crowned with success; the cause never having been in so prosperous a state, during which time, in this comparatively isolated spot, 100 members

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have been added to the church; peace and unanimity have reigned, save on a recent occasion, the church voted for Mr. J. Wells preaching at our annual anniversary, when one of our good deacons who has had an ear to hear all that might be said against Mr. J. W., and nothing for, became so offended, as to take himself off, and unite himself with another people. But this movement of our good brother has no ways weakened us, it has rather served to strengthen us; as a church we wish to act independent of all foreign influence. The hue and cry against Mr. W., on account of some unguarded sentences, we fear to be more from the truths he proclaims, than from the cause alleged. And after hearing Mr. W. for ourselves, and some close conversation with him upon the Rahab question, we are quite convinced he has been unfairly represented. should be very happy to see him in our pulpit again. Our New Year's day meeting proved a very happy one; it was then resolved to have a special meeting on Good Friday. Accordingly we did so, which proved a most harmonious one; a project had been quietly set on foot at our last special meeting to give some practical testimonial of our esteem to our pastor after his seven years' labours among us. This was done by the presentation of a handsome watch and gold chain. This was attended with warm and hearty expressions of love; it was almost too much for our dear pastor, who expressed his pleasure of such proofs of the power and influence of love to him for the truth's sake, as well as his over-flowing feelings would allow him; the hearty prayers, warra speeches, and kindly greetings followed, proved it was good to be ONE OF THE NUMBER.

GLEMSFORD.-PROVIDENCE

BAPTIST CHAPEL.--The anniversary sermons on behalf of the Sabbath school connected with the above place of worship, were preached on Sunday, May 12th, 1867. That in the morning by Mr. Beach, of Chelmsford; that in the afternoon by Mr. Kemp, minister of the place; and that in the evening by Mr. T. C. Kerridge, of Luton. The hymns sung by the children were done in good style, which did them great credit. Some good selected poetry was accurately recited by eight of the smaller scholars. We had good sermons, good singing, good congregations, and good collections. On Monday afternoon, the children (120 in number) met in the chapel, where a good tea was provided for them, and of which they heartily partook. Mr. S. Wilson, Baptist minister of Clare, afterwards gave a suitable address. A public service was held in the evening. W. Beach, Esq., presided, and excellent addresses were delivered by Messrs. Novell, Kerridge, Wilson, and Kemp. The chairman made an appeal on behalf of funds for the school children's clothing club, which was readily responded to by cash and promises. The choir enlivened the