Then, finally, there is the prophetic voice of Christ, in the soul, which leadeth to an anticipation of the realization of the apostle's consolatory words, "When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory." Have not you, my brother, for many years, had this threefold voice in your soul? Yea, I hope, as a family, we all have. I cannot resist a word or two, upon the unity, yet the singularity of the different branches of our brotherhood, I have no doubt, but that our mother carried all us four boys to the throne of Almighty grace hundreds of times. And

is it not a cordial to your spirit, that all the family, girls and boys, profess, and I hope, possess faith inthe precious Christ of God? As regards yourself, I can never question your interest in Christ; I knew you in the days of your first love. I knew you, when I saw the true grace of Christ shining beautifully in you, and although you are now a clergyman in the Church of England, I can never believe but you are qualified for, and designed to effect a good work in your trying and arduous position. Mother's prayers have been answered in you. Then, there is our brother Robert; perhaps the most faithful in all the family. When I think upon his self-denying labours travelling every Sunday morning from Bridge to Canterbury, from Canterbury to Pluckley, and from Pluckley to Egerton Fostall, then preaching there all day and returning back at night, when I consider he has done this for years, I feel it must truly be "a work of faith, and a labour of love." Mother's prayers have been answered in him. Then, look at our dear Samuel preaching the Gospel in Ireland; and suffering great deprivations there; I rest assured mother's prayers are answered in him; although I constantly wish he was in London, where more frequently I might commune with him. Surely, we are a singular family. As regards myself, when I review the trying path I have had to tread; when I consider how afflictions in circumstances have oft o'erwhelmed me, when I hear how bishops, deans, and deacons secretly slay me; I stand amazed at the fact, that I am still called to labour in all parts of this country; and if I am not deceived, if the people deal not falsely with me, then, with Paul I may say, "the Lord stands by me." Oh, it is the heart-bleeding prayer of our poor brother, that in his eternal salvation, our mother's prayers may be answered; and the Lord glorified in not leaving one single hoof behind.

Last Monday morning, I set out for Wooburn Green, in Bucks, where I preached twice; and returned home same night.

ADVANTAGES OF ANNIVERSARIES. At these country anniversaries, I frequently meet with many excellent godly ministers, whose friendship and fellowship I enjoy. I, also, am sometimes favoured to hear of spiritual good which Christians have received either from hearing me years past

At

and gone, or from reading my simple testimonials in THE EARTHEN VESSEL, Cheering. Words, and other books. At Wooburn Green, I saw father Howard and his good wife, the parents of Abraham Howard, the Birmingham pastor; and I may call them the father and mother of the cause of truth in that village, or small manufacturing town. I dearly love old Christian friends; and with them often mingle tears and prayers, although they know I am much despised by the elder, and the nobler brethren. Wooburn green, I saw brother John Brunt, who is soon expecting to leave High Wycombe. He is a minister of high character; and of good ability; and is adapted to take the charge of any united church in any part of the world. I also saw the Penn Beacon pastor, Mr. Miller, who has long laboured on one of the highest hills in that country; and is a brother of a pure mind and of a very steady faith; quietly and honestly he serves his Master, and feeds the sheep committed to his

care.

For this good Miller there will be
A sweet reward in glory;
For he has never failed to tell

The wondrous Gospel story.

Young master Edgerton is accepted in the ministry at Wooburn Green. So, also, is Mr. Kaye, who has engaged to be my curate at Squirries street in the month of July.

It was late last Monday night when I reached home; but early on Tuesday morning, I was on my way to Tunstall, in Suffolk; where, twice again I did the best I could to preach of salvation in Jesus, the eternal Son of God. I appeared obliged to preach there from these words, "Behold! I send you forth as sheep, in the midst of wolves; be ye, therefore, wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." I think there are some wolves in the world; but I found none at Tunstall.

THE COMPARATIVE DARK STATE OF

ENGLAND.

Tunstall chapel is very large. I feel sure a thousand people might be crowded into it. It stands almost alone, in a large open part of the country; not far from the sea-side. The Gospel of the grace of God, stands in Tunstall on rather a large scale. There is nothing of weakness nor littleness about it. The chapel is spacious; the congregations are numerous, the minister, brother A. Baker, is a man of no ordinary make; and for some years now, the Lord has much honoured his labours in Tunstall; and in seven or eight of the villages round. Brother Baker is a village preacher without doubt; is one of the happy crooks in Christ's hands, whereby the sheep are brought into the fold. And yet, the inhabitants of Tunstall generally speaking, are no friends to the Gospel preached by the Lord's servant at Tunstall. I hope, ere long, to give a likeness of this good soldier of Jesus Christ; a view of the

chapel and parsonage, and a history of the interesting life of parson, place, &c. The I did Tunstall people kindly received me. my best to serve them; although I appeared to fall short of all I desired to do in the ministry of the word. There is a most efficient choir in Tunstall chapel; I enjoyed the singing much.

Aldborough, on the coast of Suffolk, is now a growing watering place. Christian people seeking health by the sea-side will find quietness in Aldborough; and from thence to Tunstall chapel will be found a picturesque, romantic, rural, and pleasing walk.

Tired as a hunted hare I went to rest in brother Baker's parsonage, on the Tuesday night; but very early the next morning, he summoned me to a good breakfast, which he and his happy wife had prepared. Greater kindness I never could receive than was administered here. But the carrier came to take me to the station; and through the groves and lanes at early dawn we sped our way, and still preserved, reached by noon Jireh chapel, on the ascending hills of East Bergholt, where again the Gospel was to be proclaimed. I was happy at Bergholt; but as a separate account is to be sent me, I stop not here. That night, after two long services I walked with the Lydia of Bergholt, and her beloved son, Master Steggalls, to the White Horse, where a bed was prepared for this weary pilgrim. Mr. and Mrs. Deeks, who manage the White Horse at Bergholt, are good people; and they make travellers wonderfully comfortable; and charge next to nothing for it, which suits a poor halfpaid workman like your brother. You rich and wealthy clergymen, may be gentlemen, but, it often seems to me, that my work is to be free indeed.

WILFUL SINNING.

As soon as I got into my bed room at the White Horse, I said, "Bless the Lord, for a quiet corner." I had not been in this room long, before there came across my soul, this doleful word, "If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin; but a fearful looking for of judg- | ment; which shall devour the adversary!" The coming of such a word, after such a happy day, staggered me, it made me feel ill. I sat down to my Bible, read the passage exactly as it came to me and I thought it was given me as a text for Mendlesham, where the next day I preached from it. The particulars of it, and of "the dreadful prayer-meeting," I purpose to publish separately; as I cannot give it all in the VESSEL. Next morning, up and at it again. Paid my bill at the White Horse, walked to Manningtree railway-station, took my ticket for Stowmarket, from whence, that praying Jabez, the Good Hart, drove me to Mendlesham, where I found pastors Baker and Bartholomew in the vestry, Frederick Runneckles in the singing desk; a host of

people in the chapel; and, by the good hand of God upon us, to work we all went. Brother Baker read the Word and offered prayer. I preached three times, Thursday afternoon and evening; and again on Friday evening; and left there this Saturday morning; and have written these few lines while roiling in a Great Eastern. Forgive all that seems wrong, and all that is wrong, in these railway reflections by your brother, C. W. B.

At Mendlesham, many ministers have laboured, who are scattered here and there in many parts of England. They will be glad to learn that Mendlesham chapel is much enlarged; the church and congregation has grown wonderfully, and the pastor Mr. Bartholomew, is God's mouth and minister for the calling and comforting of many.

HAPPY SERVICES AT RYE LANE, PECKHAM.

On Monday, June 3rd, two interesting services were held at Rye Lane Chapel, Peckham. In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, a large number of friends met in the schoolroom behind the chapel, where two memorial stones were to be laid. The Sabbath school in connection with Mr. Moyle's church under the able superintendent, Mr. G. T. Congreve (author of "Eight Acrostics on the Bible,") has been so largely blessed with prosperity that the new school-room so recently erected was found totally inadequate to accommodate the numbers desirous of joining. "The nursery at the back of the chapel" (as Mr. Congreve expressed it) was to be enlarged to double its original size by taking the end wall away and extending the sides, with other additions and improvements; and when completed, we are promised a "model school." At 3 o'clock Mr. Moyle, mounted on a temporary platform, surrounded by a number of warm supporters of Sabbath school instruction, opened the proceedings by reading and the company singing

Lord, assist us by thy grace
To instruct our infant race,
Grant us wisdom from above,
Fill us with a Saviour's love.
May we teach them day by day,
In the house and by the way,
When they rise and when they rest,
Till Thy truth shall make them blest.

A portion of the 78th Psalm was read and Mr. George Webb (of Wild street), offered prayer. Mrs. John Bland, the lady who was appointed to lay the stone of the girls' school, was then introduced by the pastor. A very interesting scene followed on Mrs. Bland proceeding to perform her pleasing task, and considerable curiosity was manifested to witness the proceedings. Having duly laid the stone, the remarks Mrs. Bland made were, then read. She esteemed it a great privilege to take part in so interesting a work; she thought much of the rising generation, and knew

what it was to have the anxious care of children, and could somewhat enter into Solomon's feelings when he said, "That the soul be without knowledge is not good." Since she had known the Lord, if there had been one object more than another that had engaged her warmest sympathies, it had been the wish of doing good to the young. Thinking of the foundation stone just laid, her mind was led to the contemplation of the foundation stone God has laid in Zion for guilty sinners to build their hopes upon. nature of that hope? No. Long life? No. called to leave this

What was the Was it riches? A name-when time-state- - that

her children might be able to say, my dear mother laid this foundation stone at Peckham Rye? No; these would not bring the least satisfaction to her mind. The hope is this: that the act this day may be blessed by a Covenant God, who has purchased us by His own precious blood. Let our prayer be, that the children may feel a deep anxiety to come and be taught the letter of God's word, and may that word be powerfully applied by the Holy Spirit to the saving of their immortal souls; may we be living witnesses that many children taught here are the chosen of God, and redeemed by that all-atoning blood! Another hymn having been sung, "Our Solicitor," (as Mr. James Mote is now called by our Strict Baptist friends) had to lay the memorial stone of the boys' school; and we had a cheerful address on the great. benefit Sabbath schools have been to England. Mr. Mote is well adapted for these kind of gatherings, as his addresses abound with sound argument and sterling advice, enlivened with some happy thoughts thrown in here and there off-handed, but always to the point, and well directed. After Mr. Mote had declared the stone duly and properly laid, and had given his address:

Mr. G. T. Congreve, in a few words, proposed votes of thanks to the lady and gentleman for having performed their task so well. The vote was very cordially given. Mr. Congreve remarked that they did not intend making any collection in the afternoon; but we felt quite sure when we heard this that our friend had some deep design on the friends' purses, the way to which he appears to be a master in discovering. Tea was abundantly supplied in a marquee erected in Hanover Park at the rear of the chapel. In the evening, at half past 6, a public meeting was held in the chapel. This meeting was of a twofold character-to mark the nineteenth anniversary of Mr. Moyle's pastorate, and to assist the school building fund. Our esteemed friend, Mr. Thomas Pocock (a name which must now be familiar to all our readers), occupied the chair, supported on his right by the pastor of the church, and on his left by the superintendent of the school, and surrounded by Messrs. Silverton, Geo. Webb (Wild-street), Baugh, Att

wood, Anderson, Florey, Dixon, Meeres, Rogers, Jackman, and others.

Mr. Pocock, in opening the proceedings, said he was there out of respect to them as a Church and love to their pastor, whom he had known since a boy; and as he looked back that evening at the 77 years he (the chairman) had been preserved in the wilderness, he felt that he and their pastor had much cause to praise and bless the Lord for his preserving care to them for such a lengthened period; they were living witnesses to the truthfulness of the promise, "As thy day, thy strength shall be." When a youth, he spent some of his happiest days in the Sabbath school connected with that good man of God, Thomas Cranfield, under whose ministry he received much real profit. He was a Sunday school man, and a strong advocate for employing as teachers only such persons who had been called by grace. Two main branches of truth should be prominently put before the children. First, impress upon their minds the fact that they are born in sin, and that the blood of Jesus Christ alone can cleanse that sin away. Respecting their worthy pastor, he understood, should he be spared till next October, he would then complete his twentieth year with them. This was a great thing to say in these days of constant changing, when one month you read of a "settlement under pleasing prospects," and the next month, or very soon after, we are told that our brother is about "removing to a larger sphere of usefulness." What was the secret of his brother Moyle's continued usefulness amongst his people? Prayer. For where a people lay near a pastor's heart, he will often be found at a throne of grace pleading there for the prosperity of the Church; and so it will be with the people for their pastor. Those Christian friends who know what it was to retire to their closet, and there in secret plead with the Lord, knew with him that there some of the happiest moments were spent; we • can tell him what we could tell no one else. He believed his brother Moyle understood this truth, and therefore he gave him the right hand of fellowship. (Here Mr. Pocock shook Mr. Moyle heartily by the hand, and the scene of two aged Christian gentlemen thus evidently warmly attached to one another, was a sight that moved not only the chairman but many in the congregation to tears.)

Mr. Moyle next spoke. He was happy to meet his brother Pocock; for many years they had known and loved one another in the truth. The first Sunday in October, 1847, he came amongst them at the old chapel on probation; it was a very anxious time to him; the cause was very low, the church numbering 30 members. He should ever remember with feelings of great affection his dear brother Congreve, one of the deacons then (the father of their present deacon); he was a man that had a tender regard for ministers, and he knew well how to speak a word in season-when the mind

is dark, the spirit cast down, we think the spring is dry, and we have no more to say, and we are of no use, it is a great blessing to a minister to have a brother to cheer you. Such a man was the late Henry Congreve; he could opine one's thoughts; and with a cheerful face, a sweet promise, and a hearty shake of the hand, he would cheer you on the way. (Might the writer suggest the careful reading of this paragraph to those brethren in office who sometimes forget the pastor has a heart?) Since then they had gradually increased, not rapidly, never with a flourish or a spring-tide, but steadily, and that had been a great mercy for him; for had they prospered greatly, he might have become proud and haughty; and had not he seen a little progress, then he was of that depressed spirit, he would not have been able to continue. What was the cause of their success? The truth had been preached, the ordinances had been maintained. He could say, there was not a more united Church in London. As to the Sunday school, he must not say much, but he must blurt out a word. It was a sort of secret-the sum of £100 was wanted towards the expense. He wished they might get it, and as a proof of the sincerity of his wish would give £5 towards it. Mr. Congreve would tell them all about it.

Mr. G. T. Congreve was pleased to meet the chairman, and though it was the first time he had presided over them, he hoped it would not be the last. Whatever difference there might be on some points, he was sure the meeting was unanimous on one, and that was, they were all glad again to meet their pastor on the occasion of his nineteenth anniversary; and for himself, his brother officers, for the church, and for the congregation, he wished him many happy returns of the day, and was glad to find him as vigorous in mind as he was nineteen years ago. Might he be spared to them many years to come! The Lord was still blessing them as a church; not with a rushing torrent, but with the silent, peaceful, flowing on of the River of Water of Life. During the past year, twenty-one members had been added to the church; the year previous twenty-three were added; the seats were let, and the chapel well filled; and they had now a large family of children. Only yesterday he examined the register (being the family nursemaid), and found they had 185 names there. Two teachers and three scholars had recently been added to the church. He had, more especially, to deal that evening with the school enlargement, and the expense. The school had so rapidly increased that the immediate enlargement was necessary. The business he had in hand was the money department. At their last October meeting, they commenced the fund; at that meeting they gathered £56 13s. 2d. In Christmas week they held a bazaar, which realized upwards of £140. They had now in hand £211 1s. 9d. The contract for the enlargement was 4637.; and

with the ground and other extras, 500. would be required. What they wanted that evening was to make the amount up to 350. He knew where the other 150. could be borrowed without interest. We now understood why Mr. Congreve told us there was to be no collection in the afternoon. He had made up his mind for 100. on the occasion, and very wisely reserved all the strength for the evening meeting, and the amount was more than obtained. The following is a portion of the list :-Mr. Moyle, 51.; Mr. and Mrs. Congreve, 204: Mrs. John Bland, 107.; Mr. James Mote, 57.; Mr. Pocock, 31. 3s.; Mr. Rogers, 54; Mr. Cowtan. 5.; Mr. Higgs (the builder), 57; Mr. Creasey and family, 107. 10s.; collected by Mr. Spencer, 10., &c.

After the collection, the school children, who occupied the gallery, sang most sweetly a beautiful piece, Mr. Congreve's daughter leading with the harmonium; Messrs. Alderson, Silverton, Baugh, Meeres, encouraged the friends in their work. Cordially Mr. Pocock was thanked for his presence, a verse was sung, the benediction pronounced, and considerably after 9 o'clock the happy gathering dispersed.

Ꭱ.

MR. JOHN CORBITT DEFENDED.

Mr. EDITOP,-Allow me to write in defence of the Gospel in the West. The editor of the GOSPEL GUIDE, for April 19th, has recorded the sayings of "A Bird of Passage." The so called bird has pointed at three ministers and places of worship in Plymouth and Devonport, but appears have its eye more particularly on Trinity Chapel, Plymouth, in the defence of which I write, leaving others to defend themselves.

to

It is well known that the Gospel has been preached at Trinity Chapel for many years, but never more fully and faithfully than it now is by our friend, Mr. John Corbitt. A more malicious libel cannot be uttered than to say, as "The Bird" has, in reference to Trinity, its minister, and the order of the Church, I feel language is not strong enough to give a decided contradiction to the assertions there given.

I would ask the so-called " Bird" what part of God's eternal truth has Mr. Corbitt denied or offered for sale? Has he ever denied the resurrection of the body of Christ, or asserted that the blood of Christ shed on Calvary is not the blood of the Covenant? Has he denied the resurrection of the body of the just and the unjust, and advocated the doctrine of the Sadducees? Has he denied the life of God in the soul as the alone work of the Holy Ghost? and set up or advocated Arminianism? Does he set aside the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, knowing it is said "As often as ye do this, ye do it in remembrance of Me?" Has he denied or offered for sale Believer's Baptism by immersion, as instituted by Christ in the New Testament, and put in the place of it infant sprinkling? What part of God's eternal truth is offered for