mistaken man if I am not made a much more useful and a happy man. I have said these things being anxious to clear others, as well as for the satisfaction of my own mind. I have been charged, in my present position, of being fettered in my preaching. I will forgive the man that can fetter me when I am in the pulpit. I have always preached what I believe to be true, and no deacon has influenced me,-if he has he has done it in an amazingly quiet way. I will forgive the man that can fetter me; neither do I believe him to be my friend who would try to gag my mouth in my preaching. My deacons have not fettered me; in church matters perhaps they have; in those things I have given up to them, they have understood these business matters best, as I did before 1 came here. In the pulpit I have never been fettered, but preached what I believe to be truth." A VISIT TO BETHANY.-On Wednesday, November the 21st, a sweet time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord was experienced by the little band of lovers of the truth as it is in Jesus, and who meet for the worship of a triune Jehovah in Jireh chapel, East Bergholt. It had been announced the previous Lord's-day that George Dyer, just returned from Australia, would preach on the following Wednesday. Accordingly, about three o'clock in the afternoon he stood before the chapel gate, in company with his brother Mr. J. W. Dyer, of Harwich; and while he gazed upon that pretty, neat, little palace, built for God, he expressed his wonder and admiration in thankful praise to our covenant God, who, in answer to the prayer of faith, had erected that place for his honour and glory. Mr. Dyer said, How wonderful were the Lord's dealings in his providence towards his flock-his own peculiar care! Little did he think when in that far-off land of Australia, he read from time to time the accounts of the rise and progress of this cause that he should stand within its walls and proclaim the precious truths of the glorious Gospel. He was gladly welcomed at Jireh cottage, where, after a profitable conversation, the friends assembled in the chapel, a hymn of praise was sung. Mr. J. W. Dyer read a portion of the word and offered up prayer; another hymn was sung, and our brother, G. Dyer, read for his text Luke xxiv. 50,"And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up his hands and blessed them." He said, 1st, there was a person spoken of in the singular number, he. 2nd, there was the plural, them-the Lord Jesus Christ and his people, and they were in close association with each other," He led them out." showed how a holy God and unholy sinners could be associated together. 1st, They were the Father's property, were given to the Son, "Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me." Objects of the Father's love, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." 2nd, The Son accepted them, He It became their surety, laid down his life for them. The Holy Spirit makes known these blessed acts of the Father and the Son by quickening and calling a poor sinner out of a state of nature into a state of grace; and having considered these conditions doctrinely, he next showed it experimentally, "He led them out." He said, It is much to be lamented in the present day that many preachers are in the habit of leading the people in, instead of leading them out,that is, they are always leading them to look at what they are in themselves, which keeps them in bondage and distress of soul, and brings no glory to God; when, as they ought, to lead them out and away from what they are in themselves, out into the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, his blood and righteousness, in which, by mighty grace, it is their privilege to stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. He noticed the locality, "BETHANY." He said the name of Bethany had a fourfold meaning, 1st. The house of song; 2nd, The house of affliction; 3rd, The house of obedience; 4th, The house of the grace of God. 1st, Bethany was the house of song to Jesus; he went from thence and rode in triumph into Jerusalem, and they cut down branches and strewed them in the way, and cried, saying, "Hosannah! blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." was the house of song: "And Jesus entered into Jerusalem and into the temple, and when eventide was come, he went out into Bethany with the twelve." Bethany was to him the house of affliction: so with the soul that is called by grace; it is all joy and peace in believing; it is a time of love; Jesus is precious; his word is their delight day and night; his people are their chosen companions. They must go with joy and gladness into Jerusalem, into the temple of the Lord; follow him in his ordinances: it is to them the house of song; they fondly think they shall abide there for ever. they have to go back to Bethany, the house of affliction; they are brought into soul trouble; the enemy sets in upon them; they have to walk in darkness, and trials without and trials within; no delight in prayer nor in the word; then they think they have no religion; they mourn and cry out, "O that it were with me as in months past!" and this brings them, 3rdly, to Bethany, "the house of obedience," and they find themselves in the footsteps of their Lord and Master, "who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." So, they find it is good and profitable to be afficted. They learn to think less of self and more of Him; they go safely; they walk humbly; they glorify God. And they are brought, 4thly, to Bethany, and it is to them "the house of the grace of God." They find allthe promises of God are yea and amen' in 66 But Christ Jesus; as their day so has their strength been; they have had their thorn in the flesh, but his grace has been sufficient; they have found their Jesus-their Surety -their Captain, to go before them, and to make them more than conquerors over all their foes; they have found him their High Priest, touched with their infirmities-in all points tempted like them, and they are enabled to come boldly unto the throne of grace, and they do obtain mercy and grace to help in every time of need,-it is Bethany, "the house of the grace of God." And it is also connected with glory, and we get here and there a glimpse: it is like the lightning's flash, but we feel it is a reality, for our God will give grace and glory, "And he lifted up his hands and blessed them," not imploringly, but as the mighty God. And they are blessed for evermore. ONE WHO FELT IT GOOD TO BE THERE. Very recently a good meeting was holden in Jireh chapel, Bergholt, when a sermon was preached by C. W. Banks; and assistance rendered in the other services by Mr. Dyer, of Harwich; Mr. Hanger, of Colchester; Mr. A. Baker, of Tunstall; the brethren Churchyard and Wright, of Ipswich; Mr. Smith, of Hadleigh, and others; the object being to assist the widow, Mrs. Eliza Baldwin, who in connection with the cause there, and being suddenly left with a young family, and a business greatly involved, is struggling hard to maintain a character and conduct, consistent with all that is dear to her heart, and essentially bound up with the interests of the Gospel and the cause of God. We most earnestly pray that this note might attract the attention of many or of some of the Lord's people who have time to spare, who have means at command, and who have a godly jealousy for the honour and spread of the Gospel of Jesus. To such we would say, Go down to East Bergholt, near Colchester, and see and hear for yourselves, and God help you all.-ED.] THE CLAY AND THE POTTER. "We are the clay and Thou our potter." -Isah lxiv. 1. Oh! happy day! Do Thou, Thy holy will. And thus adoring stand. I am the clay, The sin 'neath which I groan. I am the clay, But oh! I pant to be; Beneath Thy sway, And lost my God in Thee! I am the clay, But soon transformed by love, I'll wing my flight above. To Thine embrace restored. No longer clay, But fair as Thou art fair; Oh! long delay, Oh! pain too great to bear. East Bergholt. A. E. L. WILLENHALL, LITTLE LONDON. -Commemorative services were held here on December 3rd, it being the first year of the pastorate of Mr. Isaac Pegg, editor of the "Christian Dial," over this church. After the tea, at which a goodly number partook, the public meeting was commenced by singing, "All hail the power of Jesus' name," and prayer by one of the brethren. The friends were addressed by the chairman, the pastor. Mr. Fleming, of Wolverhampton, not being able to be there, sent his golden tribute of respect; after which, being kindly introduced, Mr. Flory spoke and said he was glad to be in their midst, and to hear what the Lord was doing there by the preaching of the gospel, which isSalvation all of grace. He rejoiced to hear that the Holy Ghost was blessing the word by his esteemed brother, their pastor. The preaching of the gospel was heaven's ordained method for the feeding, the establishing, and bringing in the election of grace; other agencies the Lord employed for this glorious end, but this was the chief; "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." And this preaching was not foolish preaching, not "old wives' fables," which he was sure his brother P. did not trade in, nor preach, making faith a condition, but the evidence of grace and of relationship to God. Mr. Whiting, of Birmingham, spoke sweetly of the work of Christ in the redemption of the Church, in its present and future manifestations of saving friendship by that friend that abides for ever. Mr. Pegg gave some account of his call by grace, which was marked by divine power in his call from infidelity, from the form into the power of godliness, and liberty of Christ,-it was solemn and weighty. The excellent choir sang several beautiful pieces, much to the pleasure of the friends, who silently said, Here may the attentive throng Imbibe thy truth and love; And converts join the song Of seraphim above; And willing crowds surround thy board With sacred joy and sweet accord. A TRAVELLER TO ZION ABOVE. you THE BEST WAY TO BUILD A NEW TABERNACLE.-A kind brother minister (who-by the bye-sent us ten shillings towards our building-fund) writes a gentle hint as follows:-"I see you are going to sing for the benefit of the funds of the New Tabernacle, but I think if could get twenty that would go to the Bank Divine and present cheques every day to him that has said "the gold and the silver is mine," and who says, "Ask and it shall be given" you, might be blessed with a surprising supply. I recollect in one instance of being connected with a church that built a place costing over £3,000, and was built and paid for before we opened it :-prayer every day and the exercise of faith the means of drawing gold and silver from the Never-failing Mint. May the Lord bless and prosper you.-Amen." We had nothing to do with the singing referred to; neither had we anything to do with the commencement of the fund for building. We leave each FRIEND to take his own course in the use of any means he thinketh best to promote the enterprise which has been set on foot. One of our deacons-who is also our preceptor-our excellent brother Hall, (in connection with other friends), has gathered round him a singing class; and by these friends the entertainment has been prepared, and isif God permit-to be perfected on Friday evening, January the 4th. We only hope the sacred words then sung may-in many cases-prove a blessing. Our ministering brother's reference to prayer we highly appreciate; and on the last night of the old year, 1866, we hope to meet many friends in Squirries-street chapel to plead for the Lord's blessing. One word more, and we have done for the present. Of course we cannot tell what a day may bring forth. How soon solemn changes may arise, we pretend not to divine; but the strong impression upon our mind is this-we must obey the call of some friends in different parts of the three kingdoms, ere the work will be strongly set on foot. The history of our removal to the East of London, and the subsequent chain of events leading up to the formation of the building committee, with some account of the material and movements of that committee, will form a singular page in the annals of Bethnal Green, its Tabernacle, and School.: We have cause to thank the Lord that now and then notes like the following lead us to hope our work is not in vain. A writer to our printer says, "I will thank you to convey the enclosed P.O. order for £2 to the Editor of the "EARTHEN VESSEL," with my Christain regards for his welfare, and my best wishes for the increased circulation of his valuable magazine. I wish him to appropriate £1 to his New Tabernacle, to help on the "top stone," and the other £1 to be divided between four of the afflicted and needy saints of Jesus, say 5s. each, for a new-year's gift, and acknowledge in the next issue who the four are." We had no difficulty in appropriating the aforesaid 20s. One of our Dorcas Society friends has handed three 5s. to three Christian widows in our church; and we immediately sent the other by the hands of a deacon to another aged and afflicted widow, who is also a member of the church at Squirries-street, and is in great distress. We have widows and poor families in abundance; and if we had £100, we could make many a heart warm with gratitude.— ED. MR. W. CROWTHER ON THE DEATH OF MR. JOHN POYNDER. The Baptist Chapel in East-road, Cityroad, was filled last Sunday evening. Mr. William Crowther, of Lockwood, preached a funeral sermon for the late Mr. Poynder. Previous to the commencement of Divine service we inquired after the health of the minister of the place, John Andrews Jones. We were informed that "he is very weak, not able to stand long at a time; he was here last breaking-bread day; but we don't much expect he'll preach again. His mental faculties are as good as ever; but the old gentleman is only easy as he lies on his couch." This was the amount of information we received of Mr. Jones's health. The late Mr. Poynder seems to have been a most intimate friend of Mr. Jones, and the parting must have been a severe stroke to the latter gentleman. The late Mr. Poynder seems to have been in very high esteem wherever he was known. He appears to have been "scrupulous to a fault." The preacher said last Sunday that if he had written an epitaph for his departed friend, it would be "An Honest Man." The text chosen for the occasion by Mr. Crowther was from Psalm i. 15, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." The sermon was listened to with deep attention. In speaking of the day of trouble, the preacher said his departed friend had had his trials. Mr. Poynder was not a miniser who took his every trouble into the pulpit; indeed he rarely mentioned them privatdy, but when he did it was to magnify Gal's grace, adding his usual words, "God is good." He had told the preacher he had read "The Bank of Faith," and thought he could write one as full of the wonders of God's goodness as Huntington. He had some severe troubles that none knew but himself and God. He had more than once thought of committing self-destruction, but he was delivered out of the snare. The preacher had known the departed for thirty years. The last time I saw him (said Mr. Crowther) I thought he would not be here long. I asked him if he was satisfied. He replied, "Quite; I am ready to go." I inquired of him if he had all he needed, when he answered that he had. He had his despondings sometimes; but his refuge was in the Gospel of Christ. When a lad fifteen years of age he came to London. He saw a bill announcing a sermon by Dr. Hawker, and having heard the doctor so well, he followed him to Plymouth, arriving there on a Saturday night, with just enough money to pay for his lodgings. On the Sunday morning he went to Charles Church. When the service was ended he wandered about the churchyard, waiting for the evening service. It happened, however, that an old lady noticed him walking about the churchyard and went and spoke to him. When she heard the circumstances, she gave him food and lodging. The next morning she took young Poynder to Dr. Hawker, who, when he had heard the circumstances, immediately sent for Mr. Bennet, his publisher, and wished him to find employment for the lad. After some time he was baptised by immersion, and in 1816 he became a minister, and sustained that office at Ely, Chatteris, Lockwood, Newick, and other places. For the last few years he had only preached occasionally. John Poynder was an honest manhonest in the Gospel and honest in the world. On one occasion he had to preach at a place where the congregation were almost all Arminians. The deacon said, "Mr. Poynder, you must give it to us softly; there is no necessity to be offensive." Mr. Poynder took for his text, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" He was not offensive, but his hearers were not left ignorant of the doctrines of the Gospel. In life and in death he loved the truth.- Gospel Guide. WHO WILL GO ?-ADELAIDE, SEPT. 1866. EXTRACT FROM LETTER: You wished me to give you any information respecting Gospel churches in this colony. We have none, are you surprised? Nevertheless, it is a fact, there are no churches who contend for the order and discipline of the New Testament; there are hundreds of God-fearing men and women here, who love the truth; but not one who can take the position of under-shepherd, and here are those who have left Gospel churches in England, who have here united themselves with Baptist churches of open order, but not a man of truth to be found over one such church. It is painful indeed, as each succeeding Lord's-day come, not to know where to go to hear Christ preached, and the doctrine of grace proclaimed. Tell the brethren in England, to think highly of their privileges and opportunities of attending such a ministry; the continual cry of the Lord's loved ones here is, "Send aman amongst us, who will thus speak. May He hear and answer speedily. I often think if those in England knew what deprivations Christians meet with in this colony, they would be more thankful that "their lives have fallen unto them in pleasant places." He We have had John Bunyan M'Cure, from Sydney here, trying to raise money to discharge a debt on their place of worship. He preached here several times. Many were pleased to have such an opportunity of hearing once more what they had been accustomed to in the oid country. speaks faithfully, fearlessly, and the truth of God fully. May God be with him, and bless him in his work of faith and labour of love! Could you prevail upon some one to come here, a man staunch to the principles of a Gospel church, one whom the Lord has taught, and able to speak to the edification of the church, the heart of many would leap for joy. I will give you more particulars next time I write, but I took up a VESSEL this morning, and I thought I would write again. Excuse haste and errors, and believe me yours ever truly in the Lord, JOSEPH ALLAN, 31, King William street, Adelaide, South Australia. BARKING ROAD, PLAISTOW.-On the 12th December a most delightful meeting was held at Mount Zion chapel, Mr. Palmer presiding. This being the annual tea meeting, a full report of God's dealings with us as a church was read by our Junior Deacon, Mr. Joseph Plant, which showed a thoroughly prosperous condition, both as regards spiritual and temporal things, for which we feel grateful to our God. This being the occasion of our brother Plant resigning his office, in consequence of his removing in the providence of God to Oundle, the Senior Deacon, Mr. John Stammers, on behalf of the church presented him with a copy of "Cassell's Illustrated Family Bible," accompanied with a suitable address, as a token of Christian regard and acknowledgment of the efficient services rendered by him in the various departments in which he took an active part. On the 2nd December six persons were received into the church, our pastor, Mr. Palmer, having baptized five of them the previous Sunday. J. H. HOXTON.-EBENEZER BAPTIST CHAPEL, HIGH STREET.-The Tenth Anniversary of pastorate of Mr. S. Green over the church worshipping in the above-named place was celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 4th, 1866. A good number of friends filled the chapel and partook of an excellent tea. At halfpast 6 the public meeting commenced, Mr. S. Green in the chair. He said in his opening remarks he was happy after ten years' labour in their midst to find the church was in peace; he lamented the last year had not been marked with so much prosperity as some of the former years. The church had lost some by removals in Providence, and several by death. Mr. Hazelton then addressed the meeting; after he had made some excellent remarks to the chairman, by way of encouragement, he turned his attention to the subject given him, which was Heb. xii. 22. He was listened to with much interest and delight. The chairman next called upon Mr. Foreman, his beloved and venerable brother, who also made a good and telling speech from part of the twentythird verse. At this stage of the meeting the deacons called upon the last-named speaker to present to Mr. Green, as a token of the church's love and esteem, a purse of gold, together with a very handsome picture, which it appears Mr. Green had often expressed a wish to possess; hoping he might be spared and continue their pastor for years to come. After Mr. G. had replied in words of the best feeling, he called upon the following brethren, namely, Milner, Alderson, and Wilkins, all of whom made excellent speeches. Mr. Flack closed with prayer. The singers at intervals sang pieces with good effect. We pray that great grace may be upon pastor and people. A SPECTATOR. TO GOOD MINISTERS OF JESUS CHRIST. TO THE EDITOR OF THE EARTHEN VESSEL. Here is an opening for any one capable of keeping a boy's day school. There is no boy's school in our town, except the subscription schools, and those are badly managed. I have a very nice chapel, vestry, and school-room, lying unoccupied for want of a minister, that would be capable of preaching a Gospel sermon, and keep a day school. I would subscribe the first year, if I found him a Gospel man, £20, towards his support; besides if he was a man of any talent he would get a good congregation, as the chapel and school is so well situated nearly in the middle of the town. We have not a Gospel place in the town; and I do think an honest Gospel man would get a large congregation. TRING.-The Baptist church at West End is still urging on its way. Special services were holden on Dec. 26th, when two sermons were preached by C. W. Banks, when the brethren Henry Hutchinson, of Bedmond; J. Searle, of Two Waters; J. Cartwright, of Buckland common; and many Christian friends assembled to encourage the hearts of the friends who have long laboured for the truth here. This cause at West end, Tring, like many other causes, requires a minister, a preacher, a studious, laborious, devoted, and earnest pastor. We would say to any really Godfearing and truth-loving man, who pants after a sphere of usefulness, here is one; Mr. Bennett is filling Alleman street chapel, and is doing a good work there. This is joyful, when contrasted with the cold and lifeless state of many of our churches. THE HISTORY OF BAPTISTS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "EARTHEN VESSEL.' SIR,-As it is evident that the "open communion" Baptists will do their utmost to crush the above work, if they possibly can, allow me space for the copy of a letter of a more encouraging character. It is from a Baptist lay gentleman of long standing, a very standard-bearer in our ranks; it has came to me spontaneously and it exposes the true cause of the opposition to my history that exists in certain quarters: "Dear Sir,-Your most valuable and interesting History of Baptists' I have read with great pleasure. It well deserves double and treble the sale it will get, though, no doubt, it will meet with a good circulation. Why it will not meet with the sale it deserves, will be, because it will tell rather forcibly in certain quarters, and with none will it be more unpalatable than with the mixed class. The real Baptist--New Testament Baptist, will owe you a large debt of gratitude. You well know that truth is not a very favourite idea, and you know too, dear sir, that the world has pretty fast hold of the churches, and they are ruled by its principles.—I am, dear sir, &c. The venerable writer of the above, now near fourscore years of age, has correctly remarked, that the history will be "unpalatable" with a certain class. It is so; but who constitute that class? Shall we go to Norwich and Ramsgate to learn who they are? or to Rochdale (West street), and to Bromsgrove, where very recently they have perverted Strict Baptist causes to purposes never contemplated by their founders? The last mentioned churchBromsgrove, has existed more than 200 years as a Strict Baptist church, but the spoilers have come down upon it at last. These men have spread a theological cattle plague among the churches; and though the infection has more than decimated the entire flock, they exhibit no signs of remorse. Yours very truly, WILLIAM STOKES. HOMERTON.-We understand Mr. W1liam Palmer has recovered from his late severe illness; and that a thanksgiving meeting was held in his chapel at Homerton last Thursday evening. BIRTH.-On Tuesday morning, 18th Decenber, the wife of E. Edwards, of Peckham a son, George Moyle Edwards. |