Death hath visited us in quick succession, and taken from our midst two sisters and a brother. Our grief is greatly mitigated from the fact that the departed ones were consistent in their lives and happy in their deaths. They each gave a living testimony of the vitality of their religion, and the Lord greatly favoured them at the last. It was delightful to witness the calm and happy state of mind experienced by them while death was doing its solemn work, the words of the loving disciple were never more appropriate, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." Our brother, George Pearson, was well known by the ministers of our denomination and was highly and justly esteemed for his urbanity and hospitality, For two years our dear brother suffered extreme pain, and though all was done that could be done to mitigate his sufferings, nothing could remove the cause, and he sank under the intensified sufferings of body, on the 24th day of December, 1866. The church has lost a faithful and devoted deacon; the interest of Zoar lay very near his heart, and to the very last, he was concerned to promote the interest of the cause. We are supported under this bereavement, by the fact that our loss is his eternal gain; his mind was calm as he contemplated the glory that he was about to enter upon, hence he did not say "I hope" which through life was his custom, but he was enabled to say "I am going to glory." There is rest for the weary, and we have no doubt he has realized it, and is now shouting Victory, through the blood of the Lamb. We have lost a true and valued friend, no pastor was ever favoured with a more sympathizing and loving co-worker, but the Lord liveth, and blessed be our rock, and let the God of our salvation be exalted. He hath done all things well.THOS. WALL.

MR. CHARLES HILL AT MEARD'S COURT, SOHO.

"Observe how regular the planets run In stated times their courses round the

sun;

Diff'rent their bulk, their distance, their career,

And diff'rent much the compass of their year:

Yet, all the same eternal laws obey, While God's unerring finger points the way."

MR. BLOOMFIELD's removal from London has been a theme for conversation in our churches; the conclusion which many have come to is no business of ours to chronicle. We have ever been faithful in our work; of giving as much statistical matter in our magazine as space permitted. In this department of our labours some offence sometimes has been given. This has occurred without intention on our part, and

therefore, there has been no need for apology, and we have neither offered it, nor do we intend. Yet, on the other hand, some of those whom we have had a disposition to serve have intentionally thrust at us in all manner of ways; in private, at association meetings, and, in fact, everywhere when an opportunity presented. We expect no apology from such, still, we go on in the even tenor of our way. A very large amount of prosperity has been allotted us, for which we desire to thank God; and to keep on our work as long as He shall graciously please to smile upon our feeble instrumentality. A great part of our work, then, is that of a Christian Record. With regard to Mr. Bloomfield's removal, we have the best authority to believe the way was made plain; and our earnest desire for him is that he may have the blessing of Almighty God, which we believe he will. Changes are often mutually good, and we are assured that as in nature changes, which we cannot fully understand, are fulfilling their Maker's wise design, so in the great work of the Gospel ministry, many changeable circumstances which we do see are working God's great plan of salvation.

"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

This brings us to remark that Mr. C. Hill, of Stoke Ash, has supplied the pulpit of Salem chapel, for two Sundays. On the first Sunday morning, he opened his embassy, from the words of King David, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy honour dwelleth." We have no hesitation in saying the sermon was marked with deep thought, and was given in language which would be designated eloquent; while the spiritual part of it, was of a soul-inspiring character. In this last remark, we are bold to assert those who heard the preacher, will justify the statement. The manner in which that sublime passage in the Psalms, "I love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy honour dwelleth," was spiritualized, made us think highly of the preacher's power of mental and spiritual discernment. Mr. Hill's delivery is exceedingly good. One little drawback however, there is, which might have been remedied, i.e., a peculiar drop in the voice at the conclusion of every sentence. Whether Mr. Hill will again supply the pulpit at Meard's court, we know not. We must wait. When a talented preacher leaves a church, it is a difficulty to fill the vacuum. Of course the departure of Mr. Bloomfield for a larger sphere of labour, must be a great trial. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, if it be His will, soon send them another pastor.

"So it falls out That what we have we prize not to the worth

NOTTING HILL.-MR. WILLIAMSON'S ANNIVERSARY.-The sixteenth anniversary to commemorate the opening of Johnson street chapel, Notting hill, was held on Thursday, February 12th. This chapel is situated in a densely populated neighbourhood, and here the minister, Mr. Williamson, has laboured for some years, and appears to have gathered round him a numerous body of warm-hearted and sympathizing friends. In the afternoon, Mr. James Wells preached from Mark ix. 28, "Why could not we cast him out ?" From these significant words, the preacher referred to the notions of the day, that there were no such things as evil spirits, and that the words had reference merely to some disease. But, however mysterious the thing might be, preference must be given to the Word of God. It was there recorded that there were evil spirits, who trembled lest the Lord had come to torment them before their time. But since this period, Satan seemed bound, he had not the power since the Gospel dispensation. The text referred to a demoniacal possession, and he (Mr. Wells) would first point out why the Apostles could not cast out this evil spirit. Secondly, The means by which evil spirits are cast out. Thirdly, The moral taught by preserving this young man; and then the success of the father on behalf of his child. This was a difficult subject. The reason why the Apostles could not cast the evil spirit out was, because of their unbelief and want of faith. This rendered them powerless, and arose in great measure from a deficiency in their understanding. Before they set about such a work they should have asked themselves, if the Lord had set them at it. accomplish such a work, they needed first God's authority, and the presence and power of God. Satan cared no more about a Christian than about any other man, only as the Christian was influenced by Christ. The reason, therefore, why they did not succeed, they had not God's authority. If the Lord had commanded, he never ran from his word, as was instanced in many ways by Mr. Wells. Then the Saviour had said, "This kind can come forth by nothing but prayer and fasting." This prayer and fasting mentioned, must be taken more than the ordinary exercise of the Christian. Prayer here, he, the preacher, took to be the

To

Lord's intercession, and fasting was the humiliation work of Christ. The fasting of Christ consisted in abstaining from everything contrary to the law, and contrary to God's will.. Satan and the world tempted the Lord with dainty dishes, the world sought to make him king. Some might ask if he (Mr. W.), repudiated literal fasting altogether. No; if the Christian's soul was troubled or other troubles were so great, there was nothing wrong in fasting and prayer, but let it be done before God, On and not as the hypocrites before man. the preservation of this young man and the success of the father in this hopeless case, for human agency, and how Jesus took him by the hand, were points told with a point and pathos peculiar to Mr. Wells, and to which the people listened with fixed attention. The Evening Meeting. The friends having adjourned to the schoolrooms for tea, they assembled again shortly after six in increasing numbers, the chapel being well filled. The proceedings commenced by singing and prayer. The minisof the place, Mr. Williamson, presided, and read a letter of sympathy with the cause from the venerable Mr. Woollacott, who from weakness was unable to be present. The first address was by Mr. Flack, "The Blind Man's Request," who, after congratulating his friend and brother the chairman, offered a few general remarks on the subject assigned him, showing the poor blind man to be a representative of mankind generally by nature. Mr. Baugh followed on "Healed but not saved." From his remarks he had evidently studied his subject. Without loss of time he at once proceeded to show Christ in his Gospel sought to do good to all men body and soul. He healed their bodies when there was no proof that he saved their souls. It was to be feared that in this, that some in their correctness for theology and dry sentiment, were too often found in the van-guard instead of the rearguard in doing good. It must not be conceived because a man enjoyed the largest possible share of providental mercies that he was brought into a saved condition. An alteration might place externally, still not the soul saved. Then it did not as a rule follow, that those who were in the receipt of many temporal blessings were inspired with thankfulness and gratitude; neither did it follow in addition to a practical gratitude, that men who were blessed in life had more knowledge than others of God's providence. But it was demanded by God a recognition of his goodness to man. These points were severally dwelt on with a clearness and in an instructive manner. Mr. Williamson offered a few remarks to the state of the debt of the chapel. In 1866, there was owing £691 17s. 8d. to private individuals; since then that had been called in and an appropriation made to a building society to the sum of £850. It would take the friends, as matters now stood, nine years at about £85 per year to clear the chapel of all debt. Mr. Parson, of Brent

ford, then offered a few remarks on the "Faithful Servant;" Mr. Webster on "Parental Intercession," and Mr. Griffin on "The troubled waters of Siloam." Collections were made after each service towards liquidating the debt, and this harmonious gathering was brought to a close.

PULPIT UTTERANCES. · SALEM CHAPEL, MEARD'S COURT.-Mr. C. Hill, of Stoke Ash, who supplied the above cause, February 10th and 17th, is perhaps little known in the Metropolis. It is not wise to say too much on first hearing a a man, but as far as we could learn he was heard, particularly in the evening, with general acceptance. His style and broad accent, at times, sounded harsh to us Londoners, but in depth of thought and originality, Mr. Hill will compare favourably with many of his Metropolitan brethren. In the evening, he preached from "We shall be like him," 1 John iii. 2. He first noticed some of the things in which those that believe are destined to be like the Lord. Secondly, The agency by which this is to be accomplished. Then some of the great results arising from the great work being made like him. He proceeded to show some of the numerous direful effects of sin on the world and on its inhabitants, still, though the fair and beautiful form of humanity which left its Maker's hands all perfect, was soiled by sin and rendered unfit for paradise, humanity must go to heaven. How was this brought about? not by election. He, the preacher, held that great truth with a firm and sacred grasp, but he must assign it its proper place. Election could not make a man like Christ, nor redemption. A man might purchase a slave, he was black still; give him his free papers, he was the same man only in another position of life. Redemption saved from hell, it took the cross of Christ and barred the gates of hell; it liberated the slave, it prevented from hell, but it did not raise to heaven. How was this brought about, if not predestination or purchase? The first impress of the artist's chisel on fallen humanity, was found in the words, "Ye must be born again." Mr. Hill proceeded to show after this great change, then was the sinner transformed into the likeness of him according to the election of God, and by virtue of the redemption and purchase of the Son Jesus Christ. We may perhaps notice this gentleman's ministry a little more at length should another occasion offer.

able audience, happiness and joy beaming on every face." Mr. Blake opened the meeting by giving out "Kindred in Christ for his dear sake," and called upon Mr. Cowdry to pray. He then introduced G. T. Congreve, Esq., to the meeting as chairman for the evening. Mr. Congreve gave us an able and warm-hearted speech, expressing his sympathy with his brother Blake. He was glad Mr. Blake and the church had left Artillery lane chapel, as it was an inconvenient and obscure place, built according to the plan of our forefathers, in a back street, which fashion of putting chapels in out-of-the-way places he was not an admirer of; he hoped they might soon be able to build a good substantial chapel in Dalston. He believed their minister meant work, and he hoped they would be a working people in the cause of Christ, "For Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do." Many pervert the doctrines of grace, especially election, by making them an excuse for doing nothing. This ought not to be; it should rather spur them on to know that God had purposed to bless. Five things were necessary for Mr. Blake's success which were suggested by the letters of his name:-Brains, Love, Activity, Kindness, and Earnestness. He believed Mr. Blake possessed each of these qualifications. Three things were necessary on the part of the people.-First, They must minister well to the temporal wants of their pastor. Secondly, Help him in every good work, and-Thirdly, Encourage him by earnest prayer for the Divine blessing on his labours. The chairman said he was very pleased to know their minister was one who preached to sinners. He once heard Mr. Blake say "that he never preached a sermon without addressing the ungodly." A very necessary part of the minister's work, but he feared there was a lack on that point with some in our denomination. Mr. Alderson, of Walworth, then addressed the meeting. He first gave Mr. Blake a very hearty welcome, and also said, he believed he had taken the step in the fear of God. He could tell them, Mr. Blake was not there without anywhere else to go. A large cause in Cambridgeshire had invited him to their pastorate, and were most anxious to get him. Mr. Alderson then gave an excellent speech on the minister's authority and work-preach the Gospel to every creature. Many weighty remarks were given on preaching to sinners. There was an old fashioned notion that we ought not to preach to the ungodly, but he should like to know to whom Paul preached if not to such. The chairman next called upon Mr. Blake to give a few words of explanation as to the cause of his leaving Artillery street; which he did in a truly Christian spirit. He said he had intended to give no explanation, as he was quite willing to forget and forgive all that was passed; it was a very bad thing to be always poring over our troubles. If we were to write tablets of all we had suffered and keep them con

stantly before our eyes, it would almost drive
us melancholy. There were many reasons
why he was not quite at home at Artillery
street. He stated his grounds of complaint
at the church meeting when he offered his
resignation; that was the place to do it,
and not here. But one reason was, he did
not enjoy good health in London, and hav-
ing several invitations to go into the
country, he thought of doing so.
At a re-
cent church meeting, he offered his resig-
nation, when there were only three for
receiving it, and a very large number for
his stopping. This surprised him, as he
thought there were several for his going,
but the people all rallied round him, and
declared he must not go; they would deny
themselves anything to keep him. As he
had stated one reason of his resigning was,
his dissatisfaction with the chapel, the
church said they did not see why he should
leave them for that, they would try to ob-
tain a better; and at once appointed a com-
mittee to look out for a new place. That
committee had taken Albion Hall, and thus
the church had taken it through the com-
mittee. He distinctly told them three
times at the church meeting, that if they
place themselves in the hands of a com-
mittee authorising them to hire a place, of
course they would have to abide by what-
ever that committee did, and then they
were voted into power without one oppos-
ing vote ; so that if it was not the church's
own act he did not know what it could be.
As to his support, he had for a long time
been growing in the belief, that it was bet-
ter for a minister to live by faith and de-
pending on the voluntary gifts of the
people than on a fixed salary, and, therefore,
in starting afresh, he had told the people he
would not let them have the trouble of mak-
ing up a fixed salary, but adopt the weekly
offering principle. He had stayed because
he loved the people; he knew they were
deeply attached to him, and he had no fear
as to financial matters. They had come
there first to try to do good in the neigh-
bourhood, and seek the salvation of souls;
and secondly, to live together in union and
peace, which they mean to do. At the
elose of Mr. Blake's speech, the chairman
gave out a verse from Denham's-

"Lord, we welcome thy dear servant,
Messenger of Gospel peace."

And it was cheering to see how heartily every person in the audience and minister on the platform rose and sang it. Mr. Flack next gave an interesting speech on the spirit in which to raise a new cause, which he said must be a spirit of diligence, faith, and prayer. He believed Mr. Blake loved the truth and preached it in this spirit, and wished them great success. The chairman then said it was suggested that they should raise the first quarter's rent that evening, (which was £14); if they did this, it would be turning the meeting to a good account, and to prove his practical sympathy, he handed to Mr. Blake a cheque for £2 2s. This kind start was cheerfully followed,

the amount was soon made up, and in fact, half-a-crown too much was taken by mistake. The chairman next presented to the pastor a very handsome pulpit Bible, in the name of the ladies of the congregation, as a token of their appreciation of his ministry, which kind gift Mr. Blake acknowledged in feeling and suitable terms. It was now getting late. Brethren Baugh, Silverton, and Wyard, senior, were to have spoken on given subjects, but having no time to do so, each rose, and with a few loving and weighty_remarks, welcomed Mr. Blake to Albion Hall, and wished him God-speed. "All hail the power of Jesu's name was sung, the benediction pronounced, and thus closed one of the warmest and most interesting meetings it was ever our privilege to join in.

יי

"A MODEL PRAYER MEETING." TO THE EDITOR OF THE "EARTHEN VESSEL' DEAR SIR,-I was much struck, and greatly delighted, with the brief account of the "model prayer meeting" reported in the VESSEL for the present month. Having moved among our Baptist churches of various degrees of sentiment for some years past, I have been long convinced that the great want of our age is, the spirit of fervent wrestling prayer. We have been given far too much to run after fine preaching, or deep preaching, or something of the sort, to the great neglect of united mighty prayer. Hence, I regarded as a very healthy sign that "model prayer meeting" at Dacre Park chapel. To me, it afforded intense interest to read of the brethren Wale, Banks, Leach, Frith, Baugh, Alsop, Webb, Silverton, Palmer, Myerson, and Hunt, as gathered together for so holy a purpose, and I was half disposed to complain that my own remoteness from such a company prevented my adding one more to their number. If a very obscure member of the same general body, may be permitted to suggest a word of counsel, I would say to those and other brethren, Go on in this spirit. Multiply these 'model prayer meetings.' Hold them in all the London districts, and as far beyond as time and opportunity will permit. Give your covenant God no rest till he make our Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (Isa. lxii. 6, 7). spirit of prayer always precedes the blessing, and if that spirit be cultivated with earnestness and faith, rely upon it, brethren, that there is a large blessing in store for our churches. Trusting you will kindly excuse this liberty.-I remain, Mr. Editor, yours faithfully,

The

WILLIAM STOKES. Manchester, Feb. 12, 1867.

Death.

Recently, after a short illness, Mrs. Cook, of Grange walk, Bermondsey. Highly esteemed for her humble spirit, and great benevolence. especially to "the poor of the household of faith."