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xiii. 47, and notwithstanding the pouring rain, a goodly number gathered together to hear this venerable servant of our covenant keeping God. A good tea was supplied to which upwards of twenty sat down. The evening meeting commenced by singing 309th hymn, Denham's selection "Come all ye saints of God." Mr. Blagdon having offered prayer, a statement was laid before the friends, of the way the Lord had led us into this place after two years of earnest prayer, that he would come and record his name and bless us. Mr. Wheeler delivered

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a suitable address, and the meeting was brought to a close by singing that good old hymn "All hail the power of Jesu's name. The collections were good and greatly encouraged' us. The people here are as the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, very many and very dry, and our cry is "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these dry bones," that they may live, and we wait patiently the Lord's time, then they shall stand upon their feet an exceeding great army.

DONCASTER. We gladly give the following cheering, and very Christianlike note. Mr. William Bloom, formerly a member of Mr. Flack's church, baptized six believers. On Lord's-day, December 30th, he says, "I am sure, my dear brother, you and the churches in and around London, where I have proclaimed the Word of Life, will be glad to know, the Lord is blessing my labours here. Many are awakened to a sense of their sinnership, and have received Christ by faith, as their all sufficient Saviour. Praying that all the churches may receive grace, to lay aside all wrath, bitterness, and evil speaking, and seek alone their own growth in grace, and the ingathering of the election of grace.I am, yours truly, WILLIAM BLOOM.-[To such a seasonable prayer we add our sympathising, and hearty amen; but, when such a desirable state of things will arrive, it is hard for us to guess. Still, we hope in the hearts and churches of many of the Lord's own, this blessing is to be found.-ED.]

STRICT BAPTIST CHURCH, SOUTH

AMPTON.

THE church and congregation assembling in the Victoria rooms, Southampton, for the last three years, have taken a chapel in Bedford place, near the Upper Park which was publicly opened for Divine worship on Lord's-day the 9th of December last, when the pastor Mr. William Chappell preached in the morning from Jude iii., and in the evening from Psalm cxlix. 2. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper was celebrated in the afternoon. There was a good attendance at each of the services, and the presence of God was evidently in the midst, and many found it good to be there. The chapel having been unoccupied a considerable time, was in a dilapidated state, but it has been put in repair, fresh seated, and lit

with gas the friends assembling there have been both liberal and assiduous in procuring funds to meet the necessary expenses, and have nearly been able to complete the same. The Lord be praised. "Save now, I beseech thee O Lord, O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity, Psa. cxviii. 25. Yours in the truth, W. CHAPPELL.

son.

LEE, KENT.-DACRE PARK CHAPEL.On Monday, Jan. 14th, a tea meeting was held at the above place of worship, to commemorate the accession to office of Messrs. Mote and Peploe, as deacons, in conjunction with Messrs. Buckingham and TrounA very pleasant evening was passed, enlivened with speaking and singing, and in the course of the meeting, the pastor, B. B. Wale, presented the senior deacons with testimonials expressive of the Christian love, respect, and esteem in which they were held by the church; and as a slight acknowledgement of the unwearied energy, zeal, and patience, and the harmonious working together which has characterized their deaconship during the past eleven years. To Mr. G. Buckingham were presented Kitto's Bible in two vols. and Bunyan's Works in three vols., superbly bound. To Mr. T. Trounson, who in the providence of God, has been laid aside for some time by sickness, had been sent a very comfortable and handsome easy chair. T. G. C. A.

LONG MARSTON.-On Monday, Dec. 31st. the friends associated with the young and rising Baptist cause here, had a pleasant social gathering at the chapel to celebrate the close of the departing year. In the afternoon a goodly company sat down to tea, which was nicely arranged and agreeably superintended by the ladies, and all present seemed to feel happy and quite at home. Additional interest appeared to be given to the occasion by the presence of a number of visitors from Tring, and also from Aylesbury, including among other speaking brethren, Mr. Turner, Mr. Lester, and Mr. Corby. In the evening a public meeting of a deeply interesting character was held, presided over by Mr. Corby. A suitable opening hymn having been sung, the chairman then read the twenty-third Psalm, and brother Kempster offered prayer. The meeting then assumed a most lively character, the speeches, interspersed with singing, were remarkably good and telling, and we ended the closing service of the year in high spirits.

MODEL PRAYER MEETING.- On Monday afternoon, January 7th, a special meeting for prayer was holden in the vestry of Dacre park Baptist chapel, to implore the out-pouring of the Spirit upon our churches. In less than one hour and a half, twelve petitions were presented; and parts of several beautiful hymns were sung. The pastor B. B. Wale presided; read Psalm xlvi., and implored the Lord's presence.

C. W. Banks followed; after which the brethren, W. Leach, W. Frith, Baugh, Alsop, Geo. Webb, Silverton, W. Palmer, H. Myerson, and Hunt, all addressed the Lord in earnest prayer. It was a sacred season. Tea was bountifully supplied by the ladies, Mrs. Wale, and Mrs. Buckingham, presiding; and in the evening, the public meeting for prayer, and edifying addresses, was numerously attended. Why should not ministers frequently meet in this manner?

MAYFORD.- Dear Mr. Editor, - As there was in last month's VESSEL announcement of the forming of a church, at Mayford, on New Testament principles, some friends might take it that the former church had not been as such, but allow me to say, there has been a church there for some years standing in the faith of the Gospel, but from death, providential removals, and other causes, was brought low; therefore, after fifteen years faithful preaching of the Gospel, it was considered best for me to resign; but a few friends separated from other causes, joined themselves together to try to keep open the cause, thus accounting for a new church, and by all means, I wish them God speed. Being now at liberty, I shall be most happy to serve any cause of truth.-Yours faithfully,

JAMES STEVENS.

Boro' hill, Chobham, Surrey.

PECKHAM. At the sale of useful and fancy articles, &c., which took place at Peckham, in the Christmas week, the sum of £130 was realized beyond all expenses, for the Enlargement Fund of the Rye Lane Sunday School. First rate cartes-devisite of the minister, (Mr. Moyle), and the superintendent (Mr. Congreve), also a large number of Mr. Congreve's new book, "Eight Acrostics on the Bible" were sold at the Sunday School stall, for the benefit of the School. Some remaining cartes-devisite at 1s. each, or the two for 1s. 6d., or both portraits in one carte for 1s. 3d. on receipt of stamps, post free; also the book for seven stamps, post free, may be had from Mr. Congreve, Coombe Lodge, Peckham, for benefit of the building fund.

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of meeting together. After tea, a public meeting was held. Mr. H. Drew presided, and animating addresses were delivered by the brethren Lodge, Whiting, and Isaac Pegg, who were followed by an opposite address from our zealous and persevering friend, brother Thomas Drew. This cause has much to contend with, and is deserving of the help, the sympathy, and the prayers of all who love the truth. T. J. M.

CHELTENHAM.-A telegram gives us an encouraging word for "Bethel" once the scene of the late James Smith's ministry; subsequently, the field wherein J. Bloomfield ripened for further and more extensive usefulness; for a long time, lately, good John Freeman laboured there, until he departed for a healthier and happier clime; now, after many others have preached the Gospel, we have Mr. Isaac Pegg, a talented and zealous young man, who is well received. Mr. Jones, in the public hall, is gathering up a congregation from Dr. Brown's, from the late Mr. Lewis's, from Mr. Cracknell's and from other congregations. The people say, he must soon have a monster tabernacle; but, of the sound and safe endurance of all this, we know nothing; we sincerely hope, Isaac Pegg, as the Lord's servant and instrument, may build up the walls of "Bethel" with living stones, and give glory unto the name of the Lord God of Israel.

STURRY.--We are glad to learn the Baptist church in this place is enjoying peace and prosperity. The cause in Sturry began (nearly thirty years since) out of love to the truth as it is in Jesus. That same principle has held them together, and made them fruitful. Our brother, Samuel Foster, still lies in his little hospital, and a blessed letter he wrote us on the Maidstone cause has been delayed insertion, through a pressure of labour, preventing our careful revision of it. We must bear the censure of many who know little or nothing of the perpetual efforts we are making to secure the churches of truth. We hope to redeem.

DEATH.-Died, at his residence, Well street, South Hackney, suddenly, on the 6th January, 1867, Mr. James Bennet Ashby, in the 71st year of his age. "A succourer of many." "He lived a debt r to God's grace,

Rejoiced in sin forgiven;
Died in his Father's fond embrace,

And flew from earth to heaven." MARRIAGE.-At Hoxton Academy Chapel, on New Year's-day, by Pastor E. J. Silverton, George Sankey, to Sarah, eldest daughter of Mr. T. Wrigglesworth, late of Tottenham Court road.

BAPTIZINGS.

NAME AND SITUATION OF CHAPEL.

Irthlingborough

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Trinity street, Southwark

Ebenezer, Hornsey rise

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The Hunchback Crossing- Sweeper's Conversion

and Death.

BY JAMES HOOPER, MASTER OF THE HOME FOR CRIPPLED Boys, KENSINGTON.

WE are thankful to be enabled, at any time, to record clear and conclusive testimonies of the salvation of any who have died in the faith of Jesus; but, to be honoured and favoured to publish such striking and encouraging cases as the following, is a sweet reward for the toil and anxiety connected with our work. We confidently believe more real good resulteth from faithful revelations of the saving grace of God like the following, than will ever follow the learned disquisitions of the antiChristian philosopher and essayist, who, by dint of theoretical reasoning, labours to becloud the shining forth of Divine Sovereignty. We have pleasure, too, in announcing that the following narrative will be issued in the form of a neat little book for extensive circulation.

DEAR MR. BANKS,-Although circumstances, wherein I have had all my attention engaged, have prevented me for nigh twelve months from communicating with you, yet I have not failed to watch with deep interest the Lord's dealings with you, in making you the instrument in His hands to build up another edifice, wherein the blessed Gospel in all its integrity shall be proclaimed, and the great truths which have ever been distateful and foolishness to the carnal mind by reason of its enmity to God, heralded forth with unswerving zeal, for the comfort and encouragement of those amongst our race who "sigh and cry for the iniquity done." And although there are difficulties presenting themselves, as there always are, incidental to the incipiency of any undertaking, and more especially so when it be to promote the glory of our Master (for then hell's energy is awakened and its latent power displayed); yet in the main I am sure that you, like all the blood-bought family, will rejoice and triumph in acknowledging the faithfulness of our God, and His verification of His promises in your case, wherein he says, "As thy days so shall thy strength be." And again, "I will lead the blind by a way they knew not."

Shortly after last seeing you, now more than twelve months ago, I accepted the appointment of Master of the Home for Crippled Boys. I was led in the providence of God to take the position, because, when I came from America my health was in a shattered state, and my medical advisers prohibited me from again engaging for some time in the work of the ministry; and this appearing an opening wherein I could proclaim, in a quiet way, the blessed tidings of salvation, and thereby aid in the extension of our Master's kingdom, I accepted it; and greatly has my Master honoured me in it. Souls, I believe, have been saved amongst these poor crippled lads, gathered from all parts of England, some, by kind hands and hearts, taken from off the streets of London;

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March 1, 1867. others, from dens of infamy and vice; many of them having histories that would appear romantic were they here related. Variously deformed and maimed, some without legs, others completely paralysed, and obliged to crawl along on the ground, and when all gathered together presenting a scene which would awaken the feelings of the most unsympathetic, and cause a tear of pity to fall from the eye of the most stolid. And so the Infinite Being of all mercy has felt towards them; for He has not only blessed them in a way of providence, by bringing them in here to receive of the liberality of the humane, but He has also bestowed upon several the greatest of all gifts, namely, "Life eternal." Many of them, I trust, to meet around the throne of God and the Lamb; and one in particular, whose case I am sure will interest you and your readers, is now amongst those who make merry in the better land.

T. W. was aged about fourteen years; was a hunchback, and had been a Street-Crossing-Sweeper in Cambridge Terrace, Paddington, when one day he was taken ill upon his crossing, and was placed by a kind young lady in the Orthopaedic Hospital. There he remained dangerously ill for some twelve months, and was sent, when somewhat recovered, to this institution. His manner and ways, when he entered the institution in February last, were much the same as other boys, showing that, in spite of his severe illness, and also the fact that he could not possibly, by reason of the nature of his complaint, live long in this world, that his heart was still alienated from God by wicked works, and that he did not feel his need of the Saviour's salvation. Some few months after he came in, another hunchback lad was taken dangerously ill, and one day I sent T. W. to read a chapter in the Revelations to him. That chapter was used by God while he read it, like in the Eunuch's case, to open his (T. W.'s) blind eyes. This I did not learn from him at the time, although I perceived a great change in him at this period, and not until he was himself laid upon a bed of suffering, from which he never again arose, did I fully discover that God had opened the eyes of his understanding, and caused the quickening power of the Holy Spirit to be felt by him.

He sent for me to come to him one night, and when I saw him he told me of the love of Jesus which then filled his soul; and there was a look within his poor sunken eye of such ethereal joy as one often sees in the dying Christian, and which I have thought must be a reflection of the Master's image, as He stands near to give divine consolation. I asked him when he was first led to feel his need of Jesu's blood? He told me it was whilst reading the chapter in Revelations to the other sick hunchback lad. Since that time he had never been able to erase from his conscience the solemn impressions then made; and had been at length brought to feel the love of Jesus in all its soul-satisfying power. He lingered on after this for some time suffering great pain of body, but having the peace of God within; and often have I seen him, when sweating with pain, triumphing in the love of Jesus, which filled his bosom. One night I said to him when in great pain, and when he was calling upon Jesus for relief, "Dear friend, you are not afraid to die?" His face changed in an instant from its expression of pain to one of joy, and looking up to me he said at once in a triumphant tone, "Oh no, sir, the Master died." The morning before his death, which was at length sudden, he called the domestic out of bed and asked her if she heard "that singing?" She asked him of what singing he spoke, as she heard

nothing. "Oh," said he, "they are singing so sweetly; they are singing Glory! Glory! Glory It would appear that the Master was then strengthening his soul by giving him foretastes of his heavenly home, so that he might the more cheerfully enter into the last conflict, and with greater assurance pass through the swellings of Jordan; for, in the evening of that day, I was called away from addressing the boys to see him die. When I got to his room he had almost triumphed. Speechless; yet on his brow the radiant smile of victory and glory, as though his spirit, when about to wing its flight, had received the Divine rays of consolation from the Sun of righteousness so powerfully, as even to leave upon his face its impression, and lighting up his visage with that glory which is enjoyed by all who stand before the Throne. Such a glad smile had he that it seemed to me that at that moment his face must have resembled, in its expression of gladness, that of the proto-martyr— Stephen's-when, as it was said of him, "They saw his face as it had been that of an angel."

The person that was with him just before his death, and ere he became speechless, told me that the last words he heard him utter were, "I am ready! I am ready!" And well he might have said that; for had there not for him been made an atonement by the shedding of blood, infinite in its character, by no less a person than the Son of God! and had he not been covered in the God-man's righteousness-that righteousness which beautifies, sanctifies, and adorns the most defiled-that blood which cleanses every stain?

In conclusion, allow me to say that I envy both his life and death, and take shame to myself that I so little exemplify in my life the character of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Yet courage-days and years shall glide,
And we shall lay these clods aside;
Shall be baptized in Jordan's flood,
And washed in Jesus' cleansing blood.

"Then pure, immortal, sinless, freed,
We through the Lamb shall be decreed;
Shall meet the Father face to face,
And need no more a hiding-place."

Yours, in the Covenant,

To Mr. C. W. Banks, Baptist Minister.

JAMES HOOper.

An Hour Nearer Heaven than I

“WHAT time is that, ma?"

"Three o'clock, my dear," was the reply.

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'O, I am so glad."

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thought for."

Why are you glad? what difference can it make to you?" "O! I thought it was only two, so I am an hour nearer heaven and Jesus, than I thought for."

The above conversation took place a few days since, between a dear little dying boy, and his God-fearing mother.

The writer of this narrative was requested by the father of this

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