not run in other people's line. I think he aims to be sensible. I trust (above all) he is taught by God's Spirit; there can be no spiritual sense without that. The text was Hebrews xiii. 14-"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come." After some excellent remarks, the preacher treated his text in the following intelligent and simple manner:-1st. The seeker. 2nd. After what does he seek? What could be more suitable for the occasion? Similar to good Bunyan's illustration of Christian turning his back upon the city of destruction, and setting out to seek a city that shall not be destroyed. And what is Baptism but a testifying to the world of that fact? An apt illustration was introduced. A certain king of France kept a buffoon; and at one time he was going a journey, but had made no preparation. The king chided him for his folly; it passed over; but the king was soon afterwards taken ill. He called the buffoon to him (not to make a jest then); he felt himself in a solemn position. He said, "I am going a long journey." The buffoon quietly made the following remark (not a very foolish one though), "Have you made preparation for the journey?" Seeing the king unprepared to die, had an effect upon him which was the cause (in the hands of God) of his conversion. We thank God he is blessing the word to the conversion of some, and constraining them to profess His name. May their numbers increase! The congregation increases at the Sunday services held at Myddelton Hall, and some have been blessed there. Surely, we should ever remember that all men have souls, for God in His sovereignty sometimes saves the most unlikely in our estimation. Well does the Scripture say, "Be careful to entertain strangers." May God's cause prosper everywhere, that multitudes of strangers may no longer be so, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God.

SUTTON, ISLE OF ELY.-The Anniversary of the Baptist Sabbath school was commenced on Lord's day, July 14th, when Mr. R. G. Edwards preached in the morning from John, 21st chapter 15th verse"Feed my lambs." In the afternoon the pastor addressed the parents, teachers and children, from Deut. 6th chap. 7th verse: "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children." Some pieces were sung, and questions answered, on the person, character, miracles, life, death, resurrection, adoration, and second coming of Christ, very nicely by the children. In the evening, the sermon was from the latter part of the 8th chapter of Romans, concerning the love of God, the love of Christ, and the eternal security of the sheep. The collections were good, and we spent a happy day. On Monday, July 15th, Mr. Charles Waters Banks preached an excellent sermon in the afternoon from Isaiah, 61st hap. 10th verse: "I will greatly rejoice in

the Lord," &c., after which a goodly number of friends partook of tea in Mr. Bedford's barn, and then returned to the chapel, when Mr. Banks again preached, in sweet liberty, and in the fulness of the blessedness of the Gospel of peace, from Hebrews, 7th chap. 25th verse: "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost,' &c. We pray that in years hence it may be seen how God has blessed these services. Oh, that the ministers of the Gospel had more of the Spirit of Jesus, and would tell us the meaning of Matthew, 6th chapter, 15th verse; surely, they would not say, will hold animosity till the sun shall shine on our heads no more. On Tuesday, July 16th, was the children's treat; and after a good play in Mr. George Ibberson's field, they were conducted to Mr. Bedford's barn, when their smiling faces testified their enjoyment of the realization of their anticipations. Having, as they considered, done justice to the consumables, without the least idea of mercy, they went again into their sports in the field. After a short interval, the barn was filled with adults to act the same part as their juvenile predecessors, and subsequently following their track to juvenile with them. But St. Swithin this year fully verified traditional records. Many thanks to the dear friends who helped us with their presence, their purse, their participation, and their prayers. Above eleven guineas were collected; and with the balance of last year in hard, about £10 remains for rewards. A SUPERINTENDENT.

NORFOLK-TO EDITOR OF EARTHEN VESSEL.-The Lord, in his providence, having removed me from Saxmundham, please give my present address. Yours in Jesus, J. BALDWIN, Old Buckingham, near Attleborough, Norfolk, July 18th, 1867.

Our Sabbath school anniversary was held on Sunday and Monday, July 14th and 15th. Mr. Dearle, of Norwich, preached the sermons on Sunday. The children recited several pieces and sung several hymns on the occasion. On Monday the teachers and children had their treat. After a public tea, a public meeting was held; Mr. Baldwin presided. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Sparham, of Shelfhanger, the late pastor of the church; Messrs. Dearle and Horne, of Norwich, and Mr. Welton, of London. The chapel was filled. The collections good.

Ezekiel about the dry bones. Secondly, the Church's recognition of God's power; lastly, the exclamation of each member of the Church, "Lord, who is like unto thee in thine everlasting love, which is the foundation of all our salvation, the wellspring of all our happiness; who is like unto thee in thy wisdom, in thy faithfulness, in thy pardoning mercy!"

In the afternoon, Mr. Dyer was led out in a very beautiful strain, well suited for the school children; his text was Psalm xlv. to 2nd verse. "Thou art fairer than the children of man," after which the children of the Bible classes repeated with great exactness the 9th chapter of St. Luke, each saying one paragraph, the boys repeating the 23rd, 24th, 122nd, 124th Psalms. Mr. Dyer preached again in the evening to a good congregation.

On the following day, Monday, the children had their annual treat in a meadow kindly lent for the occasion. A public meeting was held in the evening under the presidency of William Beach, Esq., of Chelmsford, who distributed the prizes to the children, after which the meeting was addressed by the superintendent, Mr. Smith, Mr. Dyer, and Mr. Wheeler, all the speakers seeming quite astonished at the number and value of the prizes given, and at the complete organization and method by which the school is conducted, and which reflects great credit on the superintendent and teachers. There are 105 children in the school, and the collections covered all expenses.

ONE WHO WAS THERE.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, June 20th, 1867.-Dear Brother unknown and yet well known-Grace, mercy, and peace to you and yours, from God our Father, and from Jesus Christ our Saviour. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, &c.-Dear Brother Banks---Excuse my liberty of writing to you; my motive, I trust, is for the glory of God and the good of my fellow creatures. I have been a reader of the EARTHEN VESSEL for some time in St. John, New Brunswick, and have had the pleasure of reading many volumes of the same. I am now situated in a place where there is none to be had; and having taken up my residence in the above-named place, where I trust to remain until my heavenly Father sees fit to remove me, have written to know whether you could send out some here. There are others who want them, and I doubt not but that I could get many more who would become subscribers. We cannot feast on the food we get here: there are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Church of England, and others; the Arminian doctrine is spreading over the Western hemisphere. I have been in the United States and Canada, and other colonies; but the real Gospel truth is scarce. Could you not

send me a quantity of back numbers, so that I could distribute them far and wide here? in the hope that the reading of the same might be the means of gathering a number of truth-lovers together to form a church in this desolate land. The English mail calls every other week. I have had some numbers of the CHEERING WORDS, and should be glad of more, if you feel inclined to do so; please let me know. There are thousands perishing for want of knowledge here; some partly trusting to something of their own, instead of looking out of themselves, and trusting alone to the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ah, beloved, there is no peace in a conditional salvation; this I know by experience. Salvation comes to us as free as the air we breathe, all flowing through the electing love of God the Father, in Jesus His dear Son, finished on Calvary the whole law, and applied to the hearts of the redeemed by God the Holy Ghost. Come, beloved, let us raise a note of praise to Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to whom be glory and honour and praise for ever and ever. Amen. I have written out some of the Lord's dealings with my own soul, but I shall not send it now. Some other time if I am spared. Wishing you all peace and joy in believing. Amen. From the vilest of sinners, EDWARD WILLIS. No. 15, Blower-street, Halifax,

N. Scotia, B. N. America. [We purpose sending out this good brother a quantity of the EARTHEN VESSEL. We should like to send him 10,000. This would cost about £70. We cannot possibly do it ourselves; we therefore ask our readers who can help us to do so at once. We shall send out at the end of August whatever amount we may receive up to that time. Here is a good opportunity of spreading the truth. This good brother wants to establish a cause here; he hopes the distribution of a number of our work would tend to gather the friends. Let the matter be done promptly. Therefore, all friends willing to assist The Nova Scotia Free Distribution Fund should at once send any amount to Mr. R. Banks, 4, Crane Court, Fleet-street, and in the August number we shall state the result. ---ED.]

PLYMOUTH.-Mr. Editor,-We cannot but be highly pleased to think that in all parts of the country, Trinity chapel, Plymouth, should be so anxiously looked after. Are your numerous inquirers real in their intention? Or, are they birds of passage? Can it be possible that in all parts of this highly favoured country, there are persons who have a heartfelt love for the prosperity of Zion at Trinity? If we could believe it was was all real love, it would afford us great pleasure to write a letter through the medium of your VESSEL every

on

month, so that our numerous lovers should be favoured to see how quietly and comfortably the loved one gets on. For the information of such; I will say Monday, July 22nd, we held a church meeting, when four candidates were proposed for Baptism. After Mr. Corbitt had read and prayed, each one gave their experience, which was truly soul encouraging. It is no small mercy to find the Lord so conspicuously with us to the gathering in of poor sinners. It was then decided to hold the ordinance of Believer's Baptism the following Wednesday; this was duly attended to. A goodly number of the Lord's people were present to witness the same. Truly we could, and can, say the Lord is in our midst. And this is as the beginning of months to the Baptist Cause at Trinity. It is now arranged to hold our first anniversary of the re-opening of Trinity chapel, under the pastorate of Mr. John Corbitt, on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6th and 7th August, 1867, when three sermons will be preached by Mr. James Wells, of the New Surrey Tabernacle. Services, Tuesday afternoon, 3 o'clock; Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. I am, Mr. Editor, yours faithfully, JAMES CHAMBERS. Plymouth, July, 1867.-[It is quite true anxious enquiries are made respecting Trinity. Mr. John Corbitt, has travelled and preached with great acceptance in many parts of England. He has thousands of real friends who wish him increasing success in the ministry; and they know the far west atmosphere is rather relaxing. Rumours have been flying about intimating that our good brother was not quite so strong as he has been for many years. We are glad to hear such good news.]

ASKETT.-Mr. Editor,-I have known you and your writings about twenty years. During this period, I have been subscriber to your VESSEL. pray she may be kept upon the ocean of time pushing on as she has done amongst the waves and billows of time. She brings me some cheering intelligence every month. i love to hear of the advancement of Christ's glorious kingdom, which I must be a stranger to was it not for the tidings your VESSEL brings monthly. You will recollect preaching at Askett, near Princes Risboro', some years ago, when many listened to the Word and were refreshed. There was then a considerable debt on the chapel, which has since been cleared off. The chapel was very low in the roof, imperfect lights and ventilation, so that the minister, deacons, and friends thought it would be a great comfort to the congregation to raise the roof, put in new windows, &c. This has been done, the cost of which was £51. Mr. Thompson, the minister, took a walk among his flock for contributions to meet the expenditure, and to his great joy, before he returned, he obtained the whole of the amount required. The congregation is composed chiefly of the labouring class. I

think this fact shows that Mr. Thompson is surrounded with a warm-hearted little flock. The chapel is now out of debt, and we are enjoying the comfort the alteration has made. hope the time is not far distant when we may hear your voice once more. Our dear brother, Mr. S. Milner, came down and preached two excellent sermons at our anniversary last month, and God was glorified. May God Almighty bless you in all your wide spread efforts to do good and to extend Christ's kingdom.Very faithfully, JOHN READ. Apsley Farm, Aylesbury, Bucks.

June 19, 1867.

NOTICE.-The following died in the faith of the Gospel of Christ, at the residence of Mr. J Read: Mrs. Elizabeth Simmons, the beloved wife of John Simmons, for many years a member at Soho chapel, Oxford st., afterwards, for about ten years of the above chapel. She lived the Christian, and died the Christian, at the age of seventy-three years. I could truly say, "Let me die the death of the righteous," &c.

FOXCOTE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE.DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-In giving an account of the anniversary in the above place, you in the June number of VESSEL, and in Cheering Words used some expressions respecting Mr. Jacob Short, which might lead to wrong impressions. Not that you have written anything radically untrue, but wrong inferences, and deducttions might be drawn therefrom. You speak of Mr. Short in such a way, that people would judge he is the regular officiating pastor at Foxcote. This is wrong. For many years he has been the pastor, has broken bread among the people, and directed the Church affairs; and you properly called him the "Bishop." No man is more adapted for the post. Mr. Short is a man of God, a man of character, a truthful, experimental preacher, and exercises judicious judgment. Such men, we would sell our lives rather than speak against. But I am sure he will be anxious to resign possession of unmerited praise, and give "honour to whom honour is due." And to this end, let it be known, that Messrs. Pulham, Maybrey, Downing, and Hopkins all share their turns, with Mr. Short, in preaching at Foxcote. I am anxious this should be known, because these good men never receive a farthing for their services; work all the week, and often walk (except Mr. Downing) from Cheltenham to Foxcote, a distance of five miles on a Lord's day, besides preaching twice. This statement holds good with regard to Mr. Short. May abounding grace cheer their hearts, while labouring for their Lord in Baca's Vale; and when our work is done, God grant us all to meet amid the ransomed throng, to reap our reward in smiles of sovereign love, freed from sin, Satan, and self.-Yours in a precious, precious Christ, ISAAC PEGG. Bethel chapel, Cheltenham.

WOODFORD, NORTHS.-On Lord's day, July 16, anniversary services were held in connection with the Sunday school, when three sermons were preached by Mr. E. J. Silverton, of Trinity chapel, Trinity street, London. The place was crowded with those who were desirous of hearing him whom God had heretofore remarkably blessed in this villiage; in the afternoon and evening it was impossible to accommodate the people in the interior for before the time it was so filled that when the preacher came, he was obliged to get in the pulpit the best way he could, the aisles and pulpit steps being thronged. Many were accommodated with seats outside; they were privileged to hear, the lungs of the preacher being good. Long may a Triune Jehovah spare his ambassador to blow the Gospel Trumpet. Mr. Silverton went to work in earnest, and we have every reason to believe the Master was present, for the saints of God were made to rejoice. We also hope the Holy Spirit has applied the Word with power to the sinner, as the tear was seen in many an eye. Collections were good. The day was one long to be remembered; unto God be all the honour and glory. On the following day a social tea, afteawards, public speaking on the village Green by Smith and Warren, of Kingstead, Cook, of Irthlingborough, and E. J. Šilverton, who had the attention of many a sturdy fellowwho would not have come to chapel; but by being spoken to in such an earnest, striking, solemn, yet loving way were compelled or induced to come on Thursday evening and listen again to the voice of one of the sons of Boanerges before he left this part. May God Almighty abundantly bless the labours of him and all other faithful servants, for Christ's sake, is the sincere desire of one who was favoured to be there.

KNOWL HILL.--DEAR BROTHER BANKS -We desire to thank you for your kind attention to Knowl Hill. The anniversary took place Monday, July 15th. The morning being heavy with rain at Reading, we were troubled about getting off; but it pleased God to give us fine weather; and we saw our friends off, conveyances being quite full. Five of us took train to Twyford, getting there in time to hear brother W. Perrett, of Reading, and minister of Yately, delivering a very affectionate, cheering, and soul-refreshing sermon from 2 Thessalonians, ii. 13, 14: "But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord," &c. Very appropriate remarks of the labours of our late dear brothers Webb and Mason, which drew tears of gratitude from almost every eye and heart. We then, with friends from Henley, Maidenhead, &c., &c., partook of a very refreshing tea. We had been praying that our conversation might be in heaven, from whence we look for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose presence, I believe, we had, guiding and com

forting the whole of his dear saints. In the evening, Mr. C. Adams, of London, preached from 1st Peter, 2nd chapter, part of 6th and 7th verses: "Behold, I lay in Zion," &c. &c. "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious." He felt his Master's presence. It seemed to fill every heart, and gladden every soul, and we do desire to return thanks to Almighty God for His kind and helping hand, and to our dear brethren for their kind and liberal services; and we must say with one of old, surely God is good to Israel. We trust the Lord will bless and prosper his little Hill of Zion, and again increase, strengthen, and build her up, while we would desire unitedly to ascribe the kingdom, the power and the glory to Him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. W. BROWN.

The

23, Oxford-street, Reading, July 25th, 1867. WIMBLEDON. MR. BANKS · church and friends meeting at Zoar chapel, Wimbledon, met to take a social cup of tea with their highly and much esteemed pastor, Mr. Luke Snow, after which he was presented with six very handsome volumes of Dr. Gill's Scripture Commentary. Several letters were read testifying to the glorious Gospel as preached by him, one of which I send you a copy. After the letters were read, our dear pastor gave us a very nice Christian address, expressive of the deep gratitude he felt to the Lord in thus blessing his ministry, as he took this presentation of their love and esteem toward him, though but a humble servant in the Lord's vineyard. I am happy and thankful to say, we grow (as a Church) in love, peace, and sweet Christian fellowship.

E. MORRIS. (COPY OF LETTER.)

"TO OUR DEAR PASTOR, AND BELOVED BROTHER IN CHRIST.---The Lord in His Sovereign grace and mercy having blessed the word of His truth to us in an especial manner through your ministry, in calling some from nature's darkness into His marvellous light, and in feeding, teaching, strengthening, and establishing all, in and by the doctrines of His eternal truth; as a testimony of our heartfelt gratitude to the God of all grace for putting you into the ministry and blessing your labours to our souls; and as a token of our sincere love and affection towards you for the truth's sake, we now present you with Dr Gill's Comentary, and in so doing, it is our earnest desire that the blessing of our God may accompany the gift, and that you may find nothing in it but what is in accordance to divine truth; but much that may prove both profitable and instructive. It is also our desire that it may be to you a memorial of the Lord's goodness, that your labour has not been in vain in the Lord; but whenever you use those books, may that thought encourage you still to go on in the work of the Lord, has both called you to and

blessed you in; and although He has from time to time removed one and another from you, and will, we doubt not, soon remove another in His providence, still, we do feel that neither time, place, or circumstances, can ever sever that bond of "sweet love" by which the dear Lord has united our souls together. Earnestly desiring the blessing of the Lord still to rest upon you, that many more souls may be given you as seals to your ministry, that many of the Lord's loved redeemed ones may be Spiritquickened, brought under your ministry, and receive the same blessing from it as we have done, that you with the people of your charge may continue to dwell together in unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace, to the glory of God, in the name of the Church,-Yours faithfully and affectionately, M. S.

[We rejoice to find the evangelist, Luke, is still alive, and labouring with pleasure in peace, and to the advantage of many souls.---ED.]

SURREY TABERNACLE, WALWORTH ROAD.-"Unity is strength;" and peace, unity, and love, is a trinity that will accomplish seeming impossibilities. Our readers know what this church accomplished in a short period: the full report we gave of the meeting held on Good Friday, when the debt was more than paid, showed that this church had in the short space of three-and-a-half years, raised upwards of twelve thousand pounds beyond the ordinary expenses. At the commencement of the undertaking, regular weekly subscriptions were suggested and carried into effect, and a number of ladies who took a deep interest in the movement, formed themselves into a committee with the cial object of gathering these weekly offerings; and right well, with steady perseverance they kept to their "labour of love."

spe

Through the kindness of the officers of the church, we were invited to meet these ladies, the late building committee, and the pastor and deacons of the church on Tuesday evening, July 9th. A beautiful tea was served in the deacons' vestry, and afterwards we retired to the large vestry, where one of the happiest meetings we ever attended was holden. Mr. James Wells took the chair, and was surrounded by his deacons, and the building committee, and facing the chair the twenty-five ladies who had proved so useful in gathering the weekly offerings were seated.

After singing and prayer, Mr. Wells, in a cheerful address, stated the object of their inviting the ladies there on that occasion; it was to present them with some token of the esteem and Christian affection entertained by both church and congregation for their labours. They had thought over what would be most suitable, and it was decided that nothing could be more appropriate than a Bible. Mr. Wells then took an interesting review of the undertaking fro m its commencement to its close.

It will be impossible in so short a space to attempt to give even an outline of the numerous speakers, we must, therefore, be content to summarise the proceedings.

After the Chairman's address, Mr. Thos Pocock spoke of his connection with the undertaking, and the blessing he had enjoyed in his labours. The treasurer, Mr. Carr, looked upon the gathering as 66 a harvest home meeting," and in his usual warmhearted manner, reminded the ladies of the motto he gave at their first meeting-"Faith laughs at impossibilities;" and he further showed that the undertaking had proved a source of increased unity and affection amongst the church. Mr. John Beach, who had acted as supervisor for the committee in seeing that both the materials used as also the workmanship of the building were of the best quality, offered some pleasing remarks on their unity as a church, and the blessings that had increased as they had

66

gone forward." Another hearty friend in the person of Mr. Mitson followed, and spoke of his connection with the "old, old" Surrey Tabernacle. Then Mr. Albert Bouldon, in a quiet, unassuming and Christian spirit, referred to the gratitude the Lord had implanted in his heart, for the great blessings he had received under the ministry of their pastor; and, turning to the ladies he said, 66 To you, my worst wish is, may the Gospel, through the ministry of our pastor, continue to fall as softly and endearingly precious on your souls as it has on my own." The only object he ever had, in any part he had taken in connection with the church, was the promulgation of that glorious Gospel that was instrumental in the ingathering of precious souls; and from testimonies borne at their recent church meetings, he felt justified in saying the Lord was increasing them with such as should be everlastingly saved. Mr. Isaac Backett told out some of the experience of his own soul in a sweet strain. Mr. Nicholson sat under the ministry of their pastor with great delight, and was strengthened and encouraged thereby. Quietly and in few words Mr. Mead testified, that

"There his best friends, his kindred dwell, There God his Saviour reigns."

The Treasurer's eldest son, Mr. Thomas Carr, spoke of the work of grace in his own soul; of the joys and sorrows, the peace and wars, the light and the dark, the rough and the plain, the changing scenes of the Christian life; and closed with a testimony to the good the pastor's labours had been to his soul. Mr. Hurst also made some interesting remarks, after which Mr. Butt said the language of the whole of the friends was "Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy name be all the glory;' for amongst them many were crying out, "Bless the Lord, O my soul;" the Holy Ghost was manifestly at work in their midst sinners were being brought to the foot of the Cross; and the saints were being comforted and strengthened by the Word preached. Mr. Butt having referred to the