"For my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

Do you not see, friends, what a cleaving there is here to God? Here is no human tradition, no human doing; here are no formalities; but here is the soul following after God, cleaving unto God. So it goes on, "Trust in him at all times, ye people," that are one with David in this spirit of cleaving unto God, in this spirit of decision for God, in this spirit of faith in God, in this spirit of hope in God, in this spirit of love to God.

"Ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us."

God in Christ reconciling us unto himself; as it is said in the 33rd of Deuteronomy, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

CHURCHES IN THE WEST END.

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Some letters have lately appeared in this periodical, respecting the position and prospects of Mr. Wilkins, at Soho chapel, in Oxford street. We wish distinctly to acknowledge that the letter last month, signed "A PELLITE, was not read by us, nor did we intend to insert it; but being out at anniversaries for nearly two months, it went unintentionally into the printer's hands. We understand, upon good authority, that the lectures given by Mr. Wilkins were given at the request of, and greatly to the satisfaction of the church and people, and helped to remove the debt. We also can affirm that, as far as the minister and deacons are aware, not the slightest disunion exists in the church. Mr. Wilkins is preaching with acceptance and success. The deacons and church are united, and prayerfully anticipating the continued blessing of the Lord. We have applied to the gentleman who wrote the letter, and who gave his name and address; but as yet it appears a wrong address was given. We shall make further inquiries, and report accordingly.

MEARD'S COURT.--Mr. W. Stokes, of Manchester, has commenced a three months' probationary service in

the pulpit recently vacated by Mr. John Bloomfield. Our correspondent writes very favourably of Mr. Stokes's advent but Mr. Stokes, as a gentleman, as a Christian, as an author, as a philanthropist, is too well, too extensively beloved and esteemed, to require one word from us. Whether, however, he will permanently and prosperously settle down as the pastor of Mearn's Court, is a matter yet in the future.

TO THE BLESSED SPIRIT.* HOLY GHOST, dispel our sadness. Pierce the clouds of sinful night: Come, thou source of sweetest gladness, Breathe thy life, and spread thy light! Loving Spirit, God of peace, Great distributor of grace,

Rest upon this congregation!
Hear, O hear our supplication.
From that height which knows no measure,
As a gracious shower descend,
Bringing down the richest treasure

Man can wish, and God can send.
O thou glory, shining down
From the Father and the Son,

Grant us thy illumination!
Rest upon this congregation.
Come thou best of all donations

God can give, or we implore; Having thy sweet consolations,

We need wish for nothing more. Come with unction and with power; On our souls thy graces shower;

Author of the new creation, Make our hearts thy habitation. Known to thee are all recesses

Of the earth and spreading skies; Every sand the shore possesses,

Thy omnicient mind discries. Holy Fountain, wnsh us clean, Both from error and from sin;

Make us flee what thou refusest, And delight in what thou choosest. Manifest thy love for ever;

Fence us in on every side;
In distress be our reliever;

Guard and teach, support and guide:
Let thy kind effectual grace
Turn our feet from evil ways:

Show thyself our new Creator,
And conform us to thy nature.
Be our friend on each occasion

God, omnipotent to save! When we die, be our salvation;

When we're buried, be our grave.
And, when from the grave we rise,
Take us up above the skies;

Seat us with thy saints in glory,
There for ever to adore thee.

*The above is from a recent reprint of Toplady's hymns, by Sedgwick, London. The hymn is Paul Gerhardt's. Toplady is the translator. We recommend Mr Sedgwick's reprints of Toplady, to our readers,

RESPECTED FRIEND,-Having for many years been a constant reader of your monthly periodical, I have found you were ever willing to find room for intelligence from churches or individuals, respecting the progress of God's religion in this world; and now, for reasons which it would be useless here to name, I have been requested to note down a few particulars connected with the public meetings held at the above place; but, being only a plain countryman, you must not expect the following to be garnished with flowery logic, or painted over with elegant colouring, the one only object being to give your many readers a little account as to how Jehovah's work is going on in some few of the Suffolk churches, and around this corner of the globe, as noted down by some few persons at these services.

Living not a hundred miles from Southwold westward, on the morning of the first day I started with a companion on our way to Laxfield. We left the little town of Halesworth on our right hand; after having travelled some little distance through rural scenes, now covered with nature's gayest clothing, passed through the village of Walpole, situate quite in a valley. On we went to Hevingham park, where the noble mansion of Lord Huntingfield presents itself to view; but what would all the world avail, with all its riches and grandeur, if destitute of the adorning graces of the Holy Spirit, and the durable riches and righteousness found alone in the possession of an interest in Christ Jesus- the Lord our righteousness? Well, sir, a few more miles of road, and past fields better cultivated than some a few miles behind us, we arrive at the end of our then present journey, by entering the rather large and healthylooking village of Laxfield. It possesses some very nice comfortable-looking residences, one of the prettiest of which is occupied by the esteemed pastor of the Baptist chapel. A few paces onward and behold a nice large chapel is in view, within a few yards of the roadside. We pass some booths and stalls, with refreshments provided for all who like to purchase. A little further on a large flag engages the eye, and onward we press till we enter an enclosure on which stands a very large malt

ing, now turned to good account. Tables are laden with good beef and mutton, and other earthly benefits, for the comfort of such poor bodies as have pockets rich enough to dine and tea with the "upper class." Here, of course, the Levi tribe and their fortunate wives are an exception on the score of payment. All the length of pathway by the malt office was well covered specially for the occasion, by the kindness and expense of the owner. In a meadow at the rear of the build ng the Association tent was pitched, which by half-past ten o'clock was well filled, and in a few minutes more it was crowded. The leading ministers took their places on the raised platform; Mr. Brown, the respected pastor of the church at Friston, took the chair as Moderator, and commenced the proceedings by giving out the 393rd hymn selection, "Kindred in Christ," &c. Whilst this devotional part was going on, good old Mr. George Wright, of Beccles, once more took his seat on this platform; many were pleased once more to see this venerable servant of the Lord, he having stood so many years in nobly defending the cause of God and truth. He was looking weakly and thin, but as well as for some few years past. Mr. Collins read the 122nd and 67th Psalms; and a dear old pilgrim, named Masterson, from the Bungay church, prayed earnestly and fervently, proving that he was no stranger in approaching before the throne of grace. Most fervently did he pray that the ministers, and messengers, and the different churches they represented, might never be allowed to give up God's holy truth.

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The Moderator then gave a short opening address: "First, What we are. Why," said he, we are common Baptists. Our Lord and Master was a Baptist; and we wish to follow him. We feel, also, it would be no charity to give up the distinguishing characteristics of our most holy faith. Secondly," he said, "What they met for. To glorify God; to help and assist the churches that are weak; to encourage each other in the work. Ministers have hitherto been helped; and God has only a world of sinners to make saints from. Our strongholds of truth are attacked by combined effort from

without. What do we see abroad but a casting contempt upon the righteousness of Christ alone. Calvin introduced the articles which form the basis of our union; this truthful bond of union we will try to promote and defend," &c.

The reading of the letters commenced about a quarter past eleven, and ended about two o'clock.

The WATTISHAM letter was first. It said their outward circumstances were but little changed of late, not so many had been admitted by baptism as in some former years; it expressed a conviction of the church that a deeper sympathy was greatly needed toward those who have not as yet given proof of their being on the Lord's side; and that they could say to anxious seekers, "Come in, ye blessed of the Lord."

The village stations were encouraging; never was the school more prosperous, or teachers more united; four had been baptised, and one very aged member gone to glory.

The letter from BECCLES was read by the pastor, Mr. George Wright. They expressed themselves as but little satisfied with the report they had to give; but truth required an honest statement. Congregations not what they formerly were; believe the word was blessed of God to his people, but have not had one instance during the year of converting grace. A few have this year been added, but their conversion to God was of earlier date. Of some it might be said, "grey hairs are here and there upon them, yet they know it not." Prayer meetings are held from house to house by brethren, and by sisters too;-Shall not God hear and answer prayer? The whole cost of the new chapel, over £1,600, has been cleared off; last year £100 remained, but is now paid off. On Good Friday a meeting was held to celebrate God's goodness towards them, and to present the beloved pastor and his estimable wife with two easy chairs, as proofs of their sincere attachment to, and best wishes for, him who hath been their faithful pastor the long period of forty-five years.

The letter from HALESWORTH was very encouraging; congregations never larger; ministry of the pastor, Mr. Gooding, acceptable, but prayer meetings not so well attended as ought to be the case; their quarterly prayer meetings were very refreshing; village preaching for some time omitted from illness of pastor; the school, under the superintendence of their valued friend, Mr. Bedwell, goes on well; three have been baptised.

From RATTLESDEN, the letter records the long-suffering mercy of God towards

them, during a year of trial and painful circumstances; but new mercies have attended each trial; they remember the reins of government are in the hands of "Him who bore that we might never bear the Father's righteous ire." Their trials have taught and enabled them to grasp with firmer hand the great doctrines that head the CircularLetter; the congregations are good; in summer months preaching in open air; the pastor, Mr. Robert Bird, lost by death his beloved wife during this spring; four have been added by bap

tism.

The church at FRISTON, in their letter, expressed their gratitude to God for peace and unity in their midst; hope to bear in remembrance that solemn caution, "See that ye fall not out by the way." The pastor, Mr. Brown, has been with them thirty-four years, and their prayer is that he may long continue.

The GRUNDISBURGH letter looked round into the political, the moral, and the commercial world; it also has its eye upon "Popery," and the ritualistic fashions of the day, from all which it desires to turn to the stronghold of truth. The attendance is large, the church in peace; they value truth, unite in earnest prayer, for

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they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;" expect to be obliged to use the pruning knife; the pastor has been there forty years; the people's love to him unabated. During the year have held a meeting, at which the pastor was presented with gold watch and chain, and purse containing £15 10s. Good school. The first Lord's-day in June six persons were baptized in the open air, computed to be 1,500 hearers; day very fine.

The church at NORTON dwell together in love; ministry acceptable; school low; several are removed from the locality.

The LAXFIELD church gave their brethren a most hearty welcome to this association; and may the glory of the Lord fill the place. During the year they have had some things to lament over, but much to be thankful for; the congregations are large; barrenness to be attributed to sin, not to Divine sovereignty. Eight have been baptised, four have died-one, an occasional preacher for some little time of late at a small chapel near Claydon, by Ipswich, was about removing to this place, but taken ill, died in about a fortnight;-264 members, 219 scholars.

The churches at SOMERSHAM, OCCOLD, PULHAM, and CHARSFIELD sent good letters; but from those I must not make extracts on account of space.

The STOKE-ASH church writes more

cheeringly than last year; they thank God and take courage. Four have been baptised, praying parents have had their hearts gladdened, and the cause seems in the midst of much encouragement. The StokeAsh pastor is not drawn away to Meard's Court; it would be a pity for an esteemed pastor to leave a united people, where all seem in their proper element, breathing pure air freely, for the smoky fogs of London. The Stoke-Ash friends have lately given their pastor substantial proof of their attachment, by presenting him with a nice purse lined with £40.

The RISHANGLES church intends holding a thanksgiving meeting, seeing the cost of their chapel, about £1,000, is paid off, and invited all their friends to pay them a visit. Mr. Harris, the esteemed pastor, has been very useful here.

At BUNGAY, the congregations, by death and other causes, are not so good as formerly. They have a debt of about £70; want to be paid off by January next. At this juncture the assembly heartily sung,

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Lo, what an entertaining sight," &c.

Mr. William Snell has left the little cause at GREAT ASHFIELD, and Mr. Henry Cooper has succeeded him.

The new chapel at WALSHAM-LE-WILLOWS is completed, at a cost of £450, towards which the friends have raised £328 7s. 8d. Mr. Collins here stated, this chapel was very much needed, the people had used the greatest economy, and they had nobly helped themselves; and these were the people, he said, who deserved help from others. During the rebuilding of the chapel, the churchwarden, Mr. Hatten, had generously placed a commodious barn at their disposal, for which kindness they record their gratitude.

The church at TUNSTALL raises another Ebenezer to the God of all grace, for his goodness towards them during the eight years their pastor has been with them. Eight have been baptised this year.

At HADLEIGH, the cause is in a drooping state; they have not been successful with any minister since the death of their late pastor, Mr. Samuel Matthew.

At FRESSINGFIELD a pastor is not settled yet, nor is that union found that is desirable in the church.

To every soul who sincerely loves to see and hear of Zion's prosperity, the cause at HOXNE presents a pleasing aspect. The letter said they had much cause for rejoicing: the Word is blessed; sinners have trembled; school goes on well, well sustained by teachers; village gatherings very encouraging: new chapel well filled, and anticipate building a new gallery. Seventeen have been baptised, eight re

ceived, two restored. This church which was in 1862 composed of 14 members, now numbers 65; the pastor, Mr. Masterson, is greatly blessed in his work; real spiritual prosperity in a church is not always indicated by numerical accessions 'tis true, nor is a young minister, especially, at all times well balanced, when outward prosperity is at its greatest height, the Lord's grace in such case is greatly needed; may this favoured minister be kept near the throne of grace, and preserved in gospel truth, enjoy holy liberty, and give God all the glory. In 1862 the associated ministers and messengers recommended the Hoxne friends to discontinue meeting as a distinct body in this village, and to attach themselves with some other churches; but God's thoughts are not at all times as man's thoughts, nor his ways as man's ways.

At CLARE, Mr. Wilson, late of Swavesey, is still supplying on probation.

GLEMSFORD is again without a settled minister; at the old chapel, Mr. Warren has left. Spiritual life and activity is evidently at a low ebb. The letter says, with them it is the time of Jacob's trouble. Three have been baptised, one of whom is destitute of natural vision, but the mind is illuminated by the light of life.

At SAXMUNDHAM earnest prayers have been going up to God, but not answered in the way that was expected; Mr. Baldwin left in December, having lost the affections of the people; but the church more firmly united, pulpit supplied by men of truth; congregations good; school going on well.

The cause at LOWESTOFT is prosperous and encouraging. Five baptised. Mr. Kettle is preaching with acceptance.

The letter from ALDRINGHAM seems written in mournful strains; were too hasty in the choice of a minister; now destitute; want a peace-loving and peacemaking pastor.

The cause at YARMOUTII is making but slow progress under the ministry of Mr. Southgate.

The infant cause at SUDBORNE is going on well; chapel debt paid off; chapel enlarged; reopening on WhitMonday.

The church at BRADFIELD is getting on well with Mr. Wright; chapel well filled; prayer meetings well attended, more space must not be taken up by extracts from letters.

The Moderator here made a few remarks, and one party commenced a reproof upon certain ministers and persons in a manner a "plain countryman could see no necessity for. Surely all

who cannot see exactly eye to eye with Mr. in all his ideas and movements, are not "fawning sycophants; nor is it every individual outside this Association who regards him as master;" a little nap instead of this harangue, would have been quite as becoming a Christian minister, and as profitable to the people, but perhaps this difference of opinion is attributable to the weakness of a countryman. On the whole, no very great amount of outward prosperity has attended the associated churches this year, not quite a hundred have been added by baptism. Some few are happy and prosperous, many seem almost at a standstill. Many write in sorrowful strains; generally the letters had a candid and truthful appearance, and but few had superfluous matters introduced.

How is it, Mr. Editor, that when Strict Baptist churches are destitute, they so often seek the services of ministers holding Fulleritish, Open-communion, views? but perhaps on those days they are, as Mr. C. said to those present on Association day, when inviting all ministers present to partake of their hospitality, "We are all Open-communionists to-day." So the time and place makes the difference, "All things to all men." Well, no accounting for some people's taste.

In the afternoon of the first day Mr. John Foreman preached an excellent, sound, seasonable discourse from Psalm xliv. 3. This honoured servant of the Lord looked remarkably well, seemed as undaunted as ever in enforcing and defending sovereign love and grace.

Mr. Woodgate, of Otley, read, prayed, and gave out the hymns, afternoon.

Mr. Wilkins, of Soho, preached in the evening from John xvi. 13, "He will guide you into all truth." Many people liked the evening sermon much, but he certainly is not a wonderful deal better preacher for going to London.

Mr. Sears closed the evening service. During the time of reading the letters a thunder storm passed over the district; the tent canvass is getting rather worn out, having been used something like twenty years, and the rain came through rather freely, but it was amusing to witness the dislike so many Baptists seemed to have to sprinkling.

On the morning of the second day at 6 o'clock, a prayer meeting was held in the chapel, conducted by Mr. Bird, of Rattesden. At 9 o'clock a second prayer meeting was held, presided over by Mr. Brand, of Bungay. On both occasions a very large company was assembled. Wednesday morning, up till noon, the weather

was very unpropitious, reminding some present of the association meeting held at Earl Soham, twenty-four years ago, only on that occasion the rain was very much heavier. The earth being very damp, a large number were afraid to be in the tent, both chapel and tent however were very full.

Mr. Bland, of Beccles, preached in the forenoon, and Mr. Hosken, of Norwich, in the afternoon.

Mr. Collins, of Grundisburgh, preached the first association sermon in the morning; and Mr. Barnes, of Walsham-leWillows, afternoon; the former from Hebrews vii. 25, the latter from 1 Timothy i., part of 13th verse, "I obtained mercy." Mr. Barnes delivered an exceedingly well arranged and profitable discourse; the sermon in the morning by Mr. Collins was not considered by some to be so appropriate to the text selected; they would have preferred hearing the official character and work of our Great High Priest opened up, and allegiance to the kingly authority of Jesus enforced, and they could willingly have dispensed with those unkind references to the, perhaps, rather singular expressions of a greatly honoured and godly London minister made use of a year or two ago. Let those expressions be right or wrong, perhaps even Mr. Collins himself would not wish his every expression held up to public ridicule for years by a brother minister after they were uttered by him. At the conclusion of the afternoon sermon in the tent, Mr. Cooper, of Wattisham, gave an excellent and salutary address; Mr. Sears joined in grateful remarks for the very great kindness shown them by the neighbours and friends, no pains or expense having been spared to accommodate, and sung the usual parting hymn (254th selection), and the meeting closed. The next year's Association is to be held at Waldringfield, near Woodbridge; Messrs. Sears and Hill to preach; Mr. Brand, of Bungay, to write the circular letter.

The last Association held at Laxfield was on the 19th and 20th of May, 1840. On that occasion Mr. Collins was moderator; the two sermons on the first day then were preached by the late Mr. Howell, of Rattlesden, and Mr. Joseph Norris, then of Bury St. Edmunds. The Association sermons were preached second day by Mr. Austin, of Dairy lane, Ipswich, and by Mr. Cooper, of Wattisham. One extract recorded of the letters then read is, "The intelligence generally represented a state of prevailing coldness and spiritual barrenness, accompanied with many expres