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and graveyard with its tombs and epitaphs, so worthy of the Baptists of this interesting village and neighbourhood, the large gatherings from sister churches, and the excellent sermons and addresses greatly impressed us all. The ordination services were as follows: Mr. Horne, of Norwich, read the Scriptures and prayed, Mr. Brown of Attleborough, preached at 3 o'clock from Rev. iii. 4. After tea, which was presented by the ladies of the congregation, of which some 220 partook, a public meeting was held; Mr. Harvey read the Scriptures, and Mr. Dearle prayed. Mr. Gilbert, the senior deacon, presided over the meeting, and gave a history of the church and its former pastors; Mr. Hawkins stated the nature of a Gospel church; Mr. Ewing related his call by grace, and to the ministry, to the thrilling and solemn pleasure of us all; Mr. Brown gave the charge to the pastor, and Mr. Horne prayed the ordination prayer. Mr. Gooch, of Diss, addressed the church, Mr. Noble, of Carlton, Rode, spoke briefly, because of time, on the connection of the Sunday school to the world and the church. On the Tuesday, the children of the school had their annual treat in a meadow about a mile distant from the chapel, kindly granted for that purpose by Mr. Bryant, where they joined in various innocent sports, and the weather being fine many friends assembled to share in the pleasant holiday.

MR. KERSHAW, AND THE

DECEASED MINISTERS.

Death is continually taking down some of those whose names and labours have been fragrant in the hearts of the Lord's people. Mr. Cordwell, a citizen of Gloucester, writing to us of his journey to London, says:-"On the Sunday morning after was with you, I went to Gower-street chapel, and heard Mr. John Kershaw. He gave for his text Deut. xxxiii. 3. But his mind appeared to be so deeply impressed with the solemnity and blessedness of the saints' departure to glory, that he occupied the whole of his time in commenting on the last words of Moses, Jacob, and Stephen. He remarked that he had been led to this train of thought from circumstances with which he had been lately brought into contact. I could scarcely hear all he said; but I think the following is about the substance:-That he had recently preached at the anniversary of the Widow's church at Cirencester, where the minister (Mr. Tanner) died several months ago; and while there he heard of the departure of Mr. Beard and Mr. Gorten. He earnestly prayed for the continuance of the life of Mr. Philpot. And as to himself, Mr. Kershaw said, while feeling grateful to the Lord for the comforts and conveniences of this life, he felt more detached from the world daily, and a greater desire to live according to God's word, and as an example to the church. He then apologised for

having left the text untouched, and said it would do for some other time.

In the afternoon, I went to Wanseystreet, Walworth road, and heard Mr. Wells at his new tabernacle, this being the first time of my entering it. The tabernacle appears to be a good serviceable building, put up with common sense, economy, and exemption from the Popish ornaments with which many dissenting chapels are now contaminated. Would not Mr. Wells be able to dispose of several of my little books? With Christian respects, I remain yours sincerely, RICHARD CORD

WELL.

ORDINATION OF MR. THOMAS
STEED.

REHOBOTH CHAPEL, SHADWELL. THE thirty-seventh anniversary of the formation of this church, took place on Lord's-day, August 11th, 1867, when three sermons were preached, that in the morning and evening by Mr. Steed, that in the afternoon by Mr. Stringer, which proved favourable opportunities and were well attended.

On the Tuesday following, was the day appointed for the ordination of Mr. Steed, as pastor of the church.

The service having been opened by singing, Mr. Dixon read and prayed. Mr. Webster described the nature of a Gospel church, and in the course of his remarks referred to its materials, offices, and discipline. This part of the service being concluded, about 150 friends sat down to tea, a greater number than we have been favoured with for some time past.

The evening service commenced a little after six o'clock, Mr. Mote in the chair. Mr. Bradley engaged in prayer. Mr. Mote, in stating the object of the meeting said, "it was an important one, and as affecting the future of both it was no common union, it was akin to the marriage union, he hoped it was a union formed by God as well as by themselves, and then it would prosper. He concluded by asking Mr. Day to read the report that had been drawn up, giving an account of the rise, progress, and changes that had happened unto Rehoboth since its formation in the year 1830, which was highly interesting to those who had been associated with the cause in its infancy, and had helped in some humble measure to make its history. With regard to Mr. Steed, it set forth that he having supplied us for two years, by the will of the church, was invited to the pastorate which he accepted.

Mr. Wale then asked the usual questions, which Mr. Steed satisfactorily replied to, with much feeling, and at times with

emotion.

A show of hands was taken, which proved unanimous. Mr. Wale then gave the right hand of ordination; Mr. Stringer gave the charge to the newly appointed pastor, from Deut. xxxi. 23.; Mr. Webster the charge to the church.

This happy and important occasion was then brought to a close by singing, and Mr. Wale engaging in prayer.

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HITCHIN, HERTS. MOUNT ZION CHAPEL.-The annual festival of the Sunday school was made very encouraging this year on 11th August last. The sermons were preached by brother Hawkins, who is leaving Tunbridge Wells. The people of God here have had great opposition, because their pastor and they held immovably in adhesion to the glorious covenant relation of the Son of God, the Word, in all its divine and ancient glories, His underived, infinite, and eternal Godhead. But God has graciously blessed his labours, and they enjoy occasional additions in peace and harmony, with the closest affections to one another, through grace, perhaps equal to any church in England. The debt that fell on their own, comparatively, little band, and which was expected to crush them, is now reduced to nearly £100. The teachers and friends were much cheered at this anniversary, and had a greater gathering together of the children than ever dared to meet with them before on like occasion, it was said. These annual seasons often cheer the teachers in their arduous work, and increase their supporters and labourers. May this, and such like institutions in our churches of truth flourish the world throughout! After fourteen years' labours our brother W. Tucker's ministry is as fresh to the church as at the first. This to him, is as he feels, a marvellous mercy, and he desires the affectionate fervent prayers of the true ministers of the Gospel, and the spiritual churches of Christ. Brother Hawkins was seen, they said, to be as pleased in the field as the children themselves, as he raised the shouts of huzzahs in loyalty to the Queen, in respect for the pastor, in gratitude for the friends, and in youthful glee for these opportunities given by Christian benevolence.

KING'S LANGLEY.-DEAR SIR,-On Friday last in company with an old and esteemed brother in Christ, Mr. Hanshaw, of Watford, (who is well-known to you) we committed a departed friend to the grave. A lady whose devotion to God's ministers at King's Langley, for many years, had entitled her to the name of a mother in Israel; and at a meeting of friends afterwards, it was proposed that a brief memoir of so esteemed a Christian should be prepared by me, and sent to the EARTHEN VESSEL for insertion, (if admissible) but as the time at my disposal will not enable me to prepare such memoir before the middle of next month, I have prepared a brief notice of her death, which if you think proper to insert in September, will be gratefully appreciated by the friends at King's Langley. I am Sir, yours in Christian fellowship, HENRY BROWN. We have to record the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, who was for thirty-two

years a member of the Church of Christ at King's Langley, Herts. Our dear friend, who may be truly called a mother in Israel, departed this life on the 3rd August last, and her death has created a blank in the little assembly of saints at Langley, which will not easily be filled up. And we propose in our next, to insert a brief memoir of this aged Christian.

[From the testimony which our venerated

and beloved brother Hanshaw has borne to the Christian life and death of Mrs. Turner, we shall be thankful to Mr. H. Brown for the promised memoir.-ED.]

JIREH CHAPEL, EAST BERGHOLT -On Lord's-day July 28th, our much esteemed pastor T. Poock, with his untiring zeal for the great Master, preached two sermons in the above chapel, (on behalf of the same) and I must say, although the cause is young, there was a chapel full of warm hearts. Yes! hearts warmed by the fire of Divine love, anxious to hear and learn somewhat more of God's redeeming love. And then the earnest prayers of God's children, it reminded me of the children's hymn,

"A day's march nearer home."

Our dear brothers, W. and J. Churchard, of Ipswich were present and took part in the services, which I must again say were earnest and full of love to our heavenly Father, Son and Spirit, blessed Trinity. We finished with

"Grace 'tis a charming sound," and so it proved to be, for while faces were lit up with glory the heart and tongue shouted forth its praise to Him who did it all. There appeared a most remarkable desire in all to listen, and tears were seen trickling down the cheeks of some, oh then, dear brothers and sisters let us pray that the Holy Spirit may work in the midst of those, who live in the dark Roman Catholic village of East Bergholt. Yours in Jesus,

ONE PRESENT.

PRESENTATION TO MR. WILLIAM STOKES. -A large tea-meeting was recently held in the school-room, George-street, Oldham, Mr. Stokes in the chair, to make a present to the chairman from the teachers and friends of the Sunday school, Oldham. The true object of the meeting was kept profoundly secret up to the moment of the presentation. It consisted of a very handsome mahogany writing desk, with every article useful to a literary man. A chaste brass plate bore the following inscription:

"Presented to the Reverend William Stokes by the Sunday School teachers in connection with the Baptist church, Kingstreet, Oldham, as a token of affection, and grateful recognition of his self-denying efforts to serve them during his pastorate." Mr. Stokes, having been taken by surprise, could only acknowledge the present in very broken terms. Mr. Stokes's pastorate at

Oldham was but temporary, but in accordance with the wish of the church, would have been a permanent one, had that been practicable.

IPSWICH, BETHESDA CHAPEL.The Sunday school anniversary of this favoured cause of Christ was holden at the end of July last. The sermons of brother Hawkins, and that of brother Poock, the pastor, were each illustrative of the character, the nature, and the blessed fruits of teaching the youthful minds the pure word of God. The lessons which Hawkins gave the whole school were not only thrilling to the children themselves, but the pastor, teachers, and friends present, all united to ask him to give them a second evening on the Friday ere he left them for St. Neots. This he did, and it was gratifying to him and friends to witness elder scholars waiting for him at the station, a little after six in the morning of his departure, to bid him once more, "good bye." God has blessed Bethesda school with godly teachers, and it has gone on with the labours of the pastor, by God's grace, in adding to the church of souls, who, being saved with an everlasting salvation, had through their instrumentality, become quickened by the Spirit of God. And the prayers of teachers and friends are that God would bless them yet ten-fold.

BIRMINGHAM.-The Constitution hill Baptist chapel Anniversary this summer was a success. We find on a note the following:-"Mr. Bullen gave a Scriptural discourse in the afternoon, which was thought valaable in its doctrinal testimony, and healthy practical bearing. It dovetailed Master Williamson's sermons together well. We trust Mr. Bullen will be long and successfully devoted to the ministry of the Word. On Monday, we had a happy meeting. Mr. P. W. Williamson stood before us, as a father, as a wise counsellor, and a sympathising friend. Mr. Bullen well sustained the spirit of the meeting. Brother Lodge was very clever, and opened up some secret treasures; while brother Whiting evinced the same kind heart toward us he has ever done. Our deacons, the Messrs. Drew and Vallis, with their wives and families, were industrious and happy. I would like to add more; but not now."-A STRANGER ON THE ROAD.

NEWBURY.-The Rev. J. E. Cracknell, late of Cambray chapel, Cheltenham, was publicly recognised as the pastor of the Baptist church, Newbury, on Monday, July 15th. The Rev. John Aldis, of Reading, preached in the afternoon. After tea, the meeting was presided over by H. Flint,

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Esq., who in the name of the church, gave Mr. Cracknell, a very hearty welcome to the town. Addresses were given by the newly chosen pastor, the Revs. John Aldis, R. Jenkyn (Wesleyan) E. W. Shalders, (Congregational) and Mr. G. Buckingham, deacon of Baptist church, Blackheath.

BROCKHAMPTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. The anniversary of this cause was held on Tuesday, July 23rd. Mr. Pegg, of Bethel chapel, Cheltenham, was engaged to preach the sermons. A monster waggonette was secured to carry him, the senior deacon of Bethel, Mr. Broom, and over twenty other of the friends from Cheltenham, to Brockhampton, a distance of about nine miles. In the afternoon a large company, for a village service, were present, among whom we observed the ministerial brethren, Maybrey, Bell, and Bridgeman. After the afternoon sermon, the chapel was filled by those friends who came to partake of tea. And again, in the evening, Mr. Pegg preached the word of life to a congregation of attentive hearers, who filled the chapel, Many of the friends declared they never more enjoyed a service on the earth; and the deacons of the cause were, on their part, elated with the collections, which considerably exceeded that of former years. ONE WHO WAS PRESENT.

STEPNEY.-On Thursday, July 25th, 1867, the twelfth annual excursion of the children, teachers, and friends of the Cave Adullam Sunday-school, was held. Four vans and an omnibus were well filled; the company, accompanied by Mr. Webster, their pastor, repaired to Queen Elizabeth's Lodge, Chingford. The party returned to the chapel in good time highly gratified with the fineness of the day, and the rural beauty of the forest, and were dismissed home by the singing of a suitable hymn. An address commendatory of the good conduct of the children, and benediction by the pastor, thus terminated a day of mutual enjoyment and comfort. The school is increasing, and working efficiently under the superintendency of Mr. Henry Freeborn, aided by able and united teachers.

COGGESHALL. Coggeshall not a wreck yet: praised be the Lord of Hosts. On the first Sunday of August, I baptised two sisters, believers in eternal happiness in Christ Jesus. We also admitted two; a brother and sister, from London, to fellowship with us; also, one that returned from among the wanderers. Praise God for the increase of five. To Christ be the glory, to the Holy Ghost be the honour. As a minister of Bible truth, I am, yours respectfully, ISAAC DIXON.

BAPTIZINGS.

NAME AND SITUATION OF CHAPEL.

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Charles street, Camberwell road Rye, Sussex ...Nashas street chapel, Frome ..

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Full Satisfaction in Propect.

A SERMON DELIVERED ON LORD'S-DAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1867, IN SOHO CHAPEL, OXFORD STREET, W., BY PASTOR J. WILKINS.

"I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."-Ps. xvii. 15.

THE good man is sometimes in such a condition of mind that the present time seems to afford him little or no consolation. Such, indeed, was the case with poor Job; with David, also, when he said, "My tears have been my meat and my drink day and night;" and, doubtless, it is the condition of some in God's house this morning. Such is your present state of mind, such your experience that, like the patriarch of old, you turn first to the right hand and then to the left, and exclaim, “O, that it were with me as in days past, when the candle of the Lord shone upon me, and when in His light I could walk through darkness.” Beloved, I say again, this is the experience of many a good man and woman. The wicked man, too, may be in the same condition of mind; but then he has no consolation with it ;-not so with the Christian.

I find that comfort is derived from two sources: 1st. Past experience; and 2nd. Future joys. Yes; if this day be not a happy Sabbath, I can look back upon many such past, and say with the poet—

"Did Jesus once upon me shine?

Then Jesus is for ever mine;"

so that when the present time is destitute of comfort the past and future seem to come in, and we say of such experiences—

"Though painful at present,
"Twill cease before long;
And then, O how pleasant
The Conqueror's song ;"

and in looking to the future raise our Ebenezer and say,

"Each sweet Ebenezer we have in review,

Confirms His good pleasure to help us quite through."

It is far better to look back upon a life spent in God's service than one in the devil's. Such a review of the past as the latter is dreadful to think upon, and can bring no consolation to the soul. But we look back upon the past and see what Divine grace has saved us from; see the friendship, and foretastes of eternal joys realised, and stand amazed. But, again, if the past should seem to look dark and dreary, and you say, Well, perhaps, after all, it is only a little excitement; then, Christian, look at the future, and say, "I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness." It is as though David had said, if the past and present times fail to afford me comfort, then I'll look to the future. St. Paul could say, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness," &c. Look, then, beloved, at the future in the text, for consolation. I wish to call your attention to three things in connexion with the text this morning :

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1st. The Assimilation to Christ;

2nd. The Period of its Completion;

3rd. The Satisfaction.

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To be like Christ:

1st. The Assimilation. What a thought! "Like our glorious Emmanuel," our risen and exalted Saviour. Why, to me the very thought is almost overpowering. It has been said of one of our missionaries, that when he was translating this part of our text to the poor natives, one of them exclaimed, O, massa, that be too good." He thought to kiss the Lord's feet would be a great favour, that a greater could not be conferred upon him; and we read, "This honour have all his saints." But we remark further, this assimilation to Christ suggests two thoughts :

1st. In what it consists;

2nd. God's object contemplated in the Christian's spiritual calling. 1. In what it consists.-In the Lord's dealings with us, in our experience. I do not think myself that by being assimilated to Christ we shall be exactly like Him; no, He does not intend to deify us. Oh, no; it comes in three things-viz., being morally, mentally, and spiritually like Him—we are to be perfectly holy. There are two principles at work in our hearts now if we are real Christians-good and evil. But Jesus was entirely holy; and so in Him every individual member is holy. We are to bear the image of the heavenly, then we shall be pure; there will be no sin in our lips, hearts, or lives-quite free from sinful longings; our thirsts will be holy, desires and thoughts pure, and everything that will make our celestial bodies perfectly happy and satisfied. Indeed, the Christian has this principle in his heart already; and sometimes he says, O that I could get away from these scenes, from business cares, into some quiet glen-a retired spot-and there sit and read my Bible, and meditate upon it, and enjoy fellowship with God. I know such are your thoughts-you hate sin; but then, if you did this, you would carry yourself there with you, your evil heart would come too. Do what you will you cannot get rid of sin until you get to heaven.

But again, "bodily perfection,"-not that I believe the component parts of our bodies will enter heaven; no, but what Paul means when he says, "He shall change our vile body, and fashion it like unto His glorious body." We shall have a body adapted to its sphere; our present body is mortal and corruptible; but this mortal is to put on immortality, this corruptible must put on incorruption; and then shall be brought to pass the saying, "Death is swallowed up in victory" just, for instance, as the fish and the bird have bodies adapted to their spheres, so our bodies-they shall be free from all that is vile and gross, and be spiritual like Christ's. And not only this, but our state here will bear no comparison with that hereafter. John seems to have thought thus when he said, "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Christ's is now a state of rest, ours is one of conflict; Christ's is one of glory, ours of shame; the world mocks, hypocrites revile. But I will not tarry here further than to say, we shall be in our celestial bodieslike Him-morally and spiritually perfect.

But 2nd. Just a thought on God's object contemplated in our spiritual calling. This enters into the great economy of salvation. It is to be His own glory; and He will never leave His Church until He has assimilated it entirely to Himself. I cannot explain to you the great ma

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