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think if the man is a son, he will be dealt with as a son; but if a bastard, he may be let alone. At the proper time God may say to him, "Shouldest thou not have compassion on thy fellow-servant, as I had pity on thee? and his Lord was wroth and delivered him to the tormentors." Suffer me to say I am not a Fullerite, neither have I any smpathy with his opinions. Permit me also to say, I am decidedly a Strict Communionist, as the following will show. A dear relative of mine, a subject of quickening grace, an Independent, often expressed a wish to commune with us, but I have sternly refused. Again, the first church meeting I attended here, nearly six years ago, I proposed the following resolution "that no person not baptized on a profession of faith be admitted to the Lord's table," this resolution was carried by a majority. I may further refer you to Mr. W. Norton, who fought so nobly in the cause, in the Norwich case, who, for some time attended my ministry. For twenty years, I was an Independent, of Mr. Huntington's cast, before I saw the fallacy of infant sprinkling. Ten years ago, God brought me into the light, and to the obedience of it. I have made no stir to get myself known, but like the snail am creeping along toward the ark which will not be closed till I am in, and all the redeemed. The covenant of grace is an eternal covenant, and when the last chosen blood-bought gracious soul is home, the Conqueror will again say, "It is finished." -I am, yours truly, J. KIDDLE.

Great Ellingham, Jan. 15, 1868.

DORSET SQUARE. MOUNT ZION CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOLS, HILL STREET. On Thursday evening, Feb. 13th, brother Hawkins met the elder scholors of these schools, and held a kind of catechetical service with them commanding in a very pleasing manner their attention for nearly two hours; the subject for the evening being the Gospel church: comprising, its divine ordination and authority; its constituted members, and their necessary qualifications; its officers, with their approved credentials, its ordinances, and observances, according to New Testament order, in their variety and harmony, and its holy and happy fellowship, and unity. The whole being supported by very appropriate scriptures, in the quotation of which, many of the children showed an aptitude and proficiency, as well as an interest, which was pleasing, and we trust profitable to manyof the listeners. It occurred to us that these services might be multiplied over this highly favoured land, to the exceeding great advantage of the numerous schools in connection with the Strict Baptist cause, and that our good brother possessed in no ordinary degree the very necessary qualifications for such work; and that it was worth an effort on the part of the lovers of truth in some systematic way to try to engage him for such a laudable purpose. Should others feel as we do on this subject,

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IPSWICH-ZOAR CHAPEL. Dear Mr. Editor, Mr. Samuel Willis, late of Clare, has been supplying this pulpit, for the past seven months, and has accepted a unanimous invitation to take the pastorate commencing January 1st. On Lord's-day Jan. 5th, Mr. W- "" was privileged to baptize three believers, and a happy day it was. I am glad to say Mr. W--, is not ashamed to speak out boldly the truth as it is in Jesus; and while there are some in Ipswich who with all the wisdom they have, try to make the people believe that infants are the subjects, and sprinkling is the mode warranted by the New Testament, Mr. Willis declared that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are the only persons who have a right to be baptized, and that immersion is the only Scriptural mode. Many rejoiced to witness the baptistry opened again, and I am happy to say many are enquiring the way to Zion with their face thitherwards. The friends at Zoar feel grateful to the great Head of the church for directing the steps of Mr. W- to Zoar. Our prayer-meetings are well attended, and the presence of the Lord manifested amongst us, and the heart-stirring ministry of Mr. Wis much ap

preciated. That he may still go on proclaiming the precious Gospel and extolling the Triune Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit whom he so delighteth to honour is the prayer of yours in Jesus.

ONE WHO WAS PRESENT.

STEPNEY.- On Sunday, Feb. 16th, special services were holden in Cave Adullam, when Mr. Webster, the pastor, and Mr. B. B. Wale, of Blackheath, preached sermons edifying and profitable to many assembled. Mr. Wale supplied the place of Mr. James Wells, who was announced, but his recent illness prevented his fulfilling his engagement at the Cave; although we are happy to announce he is fast recovering; and, to the great joy of his numerous congregation, has again occupied his own pulpit. His experience in the depth of his illness is given in "Cheering Words" for March. Mr. Webster has also been very ill. The teachers of the Sunday school held their first quarterly tea meeting since its reopening on Tuesday, Feb. 4th, and though it was not made public in any way, the vestries were crowded with friends anxious to take tea with us. Our worthy pastor, Mr J. Webster, though still suffering from his recent illness occupied the chair; speeches were delivered by the pastor, superintendent and others, hymns

and pieces being sung at intervals during the evening. The school has greatly increased since its reopening; we have on the books upwards of 100 children, and fourteen teachers, working in peace and love, and their desire is that the Lord may send his Holy Spirit down, and with success their efforts crown. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and the meeting (one of the best for some time held) was closed with prayer. H. FREEBORN, Superintendent. J. E. MOORE, Secretary, 31, Richard street, Stepney, E.

BETHNAL GREEN EVANGELICAL SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

OUR second anniversary was held in Squirries street chapel, Tuesday, Jan. 7th, The bills announced two sermons; in the afternoon by J. Cartwright, and C. W. Banks, the president of the school. As Mr. Banks could not come, Mr. Wall, of Gravesend, delivered an appropriate discourse. Between sixty and seventy friends took tea; all was cheerfulness. Although the weather was most inclement, a goodly company was present at the evening service, prayer was offered by Mr. Warren, of New Cross; T. Pickworth, Esq., who should have taken the chair, was unavoidably absent, but very kindly sent a letter and two guineas for the school; unfortunately the letter did not reach the superintendent in time to be read at the meeting. Mr. Wall, of Gravesend, presided; and gave a very encouraging address to the teachers and friends. The secretary read the report.

The number on the school register at the present time is 158 scholars, who are instructed by a band of eight teachers, three males, including the superintendent, and five females. The number of children that have been admitted since the school commenced Nov. 1865, is 296; many of whom are with us now. In March of last year, the children were rewarded for regular attendance during the year. Through the kindness and liberality of T. Pickworth, Esq., at our last meeting we were enabled to take 100 of the children to a beautiful part in Beckenham, Kent, known as Eden Park, the estate of J. Chichester, Esq., who kindly granted the use of it. The teachers meet for special prayer every fourth Sunday in the month. Although the number of teachers is small compared with the scholars yet we would thank God and take courage, adopting for our motto, this year "I will go in the strength of the Lord."

"God bless our Sabbath School," being sung to the tune of the national anthem, and the benediction pronounced, one of the happiest and most profitable meetings ever held in Squirries street was brought to a close.

ONE WHO WAS THERE.

GRAVESEND.-ZOAR CHAPEL. The

Lord is still blessing the labours of his servant, Mr. Wall. On Sunday morning, February 2nd, he led three into the watery grave; and in the afternoon he received two out of the three into Church fellowship. Our Pastor is not only blessing the aged. but the young also. The sister we received in was quite young; as for the one not received he was so blessed by the prayer meeting on the Friday before that he felt as though he must be baptised; but we hope to receive him on the first Sunday in March. We do hope and believe the Lord is doing something for little Zoar. We have sittings enquired for every week, and do not know where to find them. A YOUNG ONE.

PROTESTANTISM WAKING UP.

A GENTLEMAN sending for one of the

plates, representing "the burning of Latimer and Ridley," gives us the following note:

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Your "body" is doing much good in exposing Rome. I am one of twelve young men employed in one office. We all stand connected with different persuasions, Church, Wesleyans, Independents, and Reformers. We have the Standard, VESSEL, Sword and Trowel, and I must say the articles therein upon Popery have aroused us all. I think your accusations against us of being apathetic and indifferent rather extreme at times, I can tell you this question is being more looked into than editors seem to imagine. We mean to have some petitions for the Commons next sitting, and if you think our liberties are going to be lost without a struggle you will be deceived. Keep on. Your magazines are read where you never even dream they penetrate.

[This note encourages us to say a word respecting the plate of Latimer and Ridley. In these days of lecturing, we simply ask, would not a good lecture expository of all the persons represented in this plate, be useful in schools? We believe it would. The appearance of the martyrs approaching the stake, and the features and faces of Romish prelates, and a host of their hirelings, well pointed out, and described, would fire many a little soul with zeal against the horrors of the papacy. Every Protestant should place this plate in his house where all might see it, who dwell with him.]

IPSWICH.-A correspondent writing under date of Feb. 4th, says: - Mr. Poock had rather a severe attack last week, but was just able to preach on Sunday last, but looked sadly.

DEATH.-The excellent wife of Mr. W. Sack, (a preacher well-known in many churches,) has recently been called home. She was, for many years, a decided believer in Jesus, and a lover of His own Gospel. Our brother is well supported under this bereavement.

In the Church of England, and Out of It,

[WRITTEN EXPRESSLY FOR THE EARTHEN VESSEL."]

MR. BANKS, MY DEAR SIR,-With your permission, I have taken up my pen for the purpose of writing you a little of the Lord's dealings with me.

It was my intention to write only of the time I was a member of the Church of England; but I find on looking back, circumstances connected with my religious experience, so linked together, that it seems necessary to begin where I received my first serious impressions. Much, very much could I write of the goodness and long-suffering of my Heavenly Father, manifested toward His wayward child. I see much to favour the hope that I have always been an object of His special love. One of those "other sheep" whom He has condescended to bring into His fold. But if I were to write details, it would make my communications too long and tedious. I will therefore be as brief as I can.

I was born of religious parents at Henley-upon-Thames, Oxfordshire, April 19th, 1817. There is a large Independent cause in that town, of which my father was a member. At a very early age I was sent to the Sabbath school in connection with that place of worship. There, at the age of about ten years, I received the first arrow of conviction into my heart, which did not escape the notice of my anxious friends and instructors. I was watched over with tender solicitude by minister, deacons, and teachers. Still I remained in an undecided state, although "the Spirit had moved upon the face of the waters," God had not yet said, "Let there be light."

In 1832, Dr. A. Nettleton, of America, paid a visit to Henley, and preached several times, and under his preaching I became more deeply convinced of my sin and danger, and was, in consequence, very much distressed. I dare not go to sleep at night, lest I should die before I had obtained the pardon of my sins. One of his sermons I have great cause to remember with gratitude. It was from Col. iii, first three verses; I remember I wept bitterly, while he spoke of the vanity of the world, and I think I can see the countenance of the dear aged and venerable servant of God, as plainly as though it was but yesterday, as he very touchingly quoted some lines,

I tried each earthly charm,

In pleasure's haunts I strayed,
I sought its soothing balm,

I asked the world its aid.

But ah! no balm it had

To heal a wounded breast;

And I, forlorn and sad,

Must seek another rest;

My days of happiness are gone,
And I am left to weep alone.

The third verse, "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ› in God," led him to speak of the safety of God's people, &c., and from that time I felt a more earnest longing after Christ, and I began to see

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that my own efforts were of no avail, and that however I was invited to come to Christ, I could not come, until God the Holy Spirit gave me the power. No one had ever worked harder, or with more patience than I had, to work out a righteousness of my own, and many a sharp stroke of the rod have I had to receive before I was convinced that I could do nothing to merit the favour of God. My mind seems to have been exercised in reference to my interest in the covenant of grace, from the time I heard the before-mentioned sermon, my ideas about election, God's sovereignty, &c., were very confused, and as I was not amongst "Free grace" people, I had no one to whom I could look for instruction, but the Spirit of God was at work, and while thinking over years that are past, I can see more clearly now than I did then, how the hand of the Lord was leading me on step by step by circumstances which would appear frivolous, and unworthy of notice to many, but to me it is most interesting to trace the leadings of Providence, and think how very gradually my mind was opened to receive the substantial and wholesome truths of the Gospel, and to feel that however rough and thorny my path is, however I may be buffetted by the enemy of souls, I am safe in the hands of a faithful God, safe because He is bound by His own word, and that word cannot fail until He ceases to be God.

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But I have had to learn my lessons of Christian experience in the school of affliction. In 1837, I lost my invaluable mother, whose case proved to me that little faith is as safe in the Lord's hands as strong faith. Her timidity seems to have prevented her from making a public profession of religion, but she gave us reason to hope that she was a Christian indeed. In her we saw religion in its loveliest form; she had a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." She did not seem to enjoy the spirit of assurance until a short time before her death. My father was one night conversing with her, longing to hear something that would assure him of her safety for eternity, when to his unspeakable joy she exclaimed, "I will cast myself at the foot of the cross, and if I perish I will perish there." From that time she seems to have enjoyed peace, but her words were very few; she died with the prayer of Stephen on her lips, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." after this I joined a Particular Baptist cause at Henley, which caused me much uneasiness after, for young and inexperienced as I was, I was led into it without sufficiently counting the cost. Would to God I was the only one, but there are many in the present day, (we see it in our own village) who unite themselves to a church with far different motives than the glory of God. After I had joined the church, I soon found that the minister was a man-pleaser, and when he found the people did not like free grace doctrines he did not preach them; but the cause was not of God, and therefore it came to nought. The next few years I spent in London, and fain would I forget them for ever, for they were years of deep sorrow and suffering, such as I would hope but few experience. Still, I must not altogether pass them over, for He who had said, "I will be with thee, and keep thee in all places whither thou goest," was as good as His word, and saved me from many a snare that was laid for my feet. And during a long season of darkness and distress, He still upheld me, and of this I am assured, that a particular providence was watching over me and directing me. He had chosen me in the furnace of affliction, but I am convinced it was quite necessary,

for I had a proud heart, and I have a proud heart still, and I believe it is quite needful I should be kept very low. Some of my sweetest lessons have been learned in the valley of humiliation.

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The shock

After spending some few years in London, in hope of bettering my condition, I removed to Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. There fresh trials awaited me; I had not been there long before I received a letter, informing me of the unexpected death of one of my sisters. She suddenly lost her reason, was taken to a London hospital, and died the third day, raving mad. She was a beautiful girl, eighteen years of age, special favourite, and I had not seen her for several years. this sad news produced was too much for my weak frame, I fell ill and was confined to my bed, as near as I can remember, sixteen weeks. My sufferings at this time were intense; a stranger in a strange land, not a single friend to speak a word of spiritual comfort, or try to direct my mind upward. I thought, what will become of me? I could not realize then, that my heavenly Father was trying me as gold is tried; that He was sitting as a refiner to remove the dross, and watching for His own image in His afflicted child. The extreme weakness of my body so clogged my soul, that I sank down into a fearful state of despair; death stood ready, as though impatient for his victim, but even death must wait the command of God, before he can strike the blow. 1846, I married, and removed to Spalding, where I was again laid by with a long and dangerous illness; here my heart was again drawn out after God; I seemed to behold the hand of a particular providence stretched over me. I was enabled to bear calmly the most intense anguish. The support I experienced I was sure could come only from God, still my mind was comparatively dark, religion was at a very low ebb; Satan persuaded me that it was impossible to serve God while surrounded with so many trials and difficulties. The truth of the matter was, there had not been a thorough coming out from the world, I had not laid aside "every weight;" for a time, I believe Satan led me captive at his will.

In

From Spalding we removed to Pinchbeck, where I had a little relief from suffering for a few months, but soon relapsed into my former state. What a rebellious child must I have been to require so much to humble me! For two years my bodily afflictions were fearful, and I began to feel that I must either lose my life or my reason; the doctor pronounced my case to be hopeless, and himself requested the clergyman of the parish to visit me. Mistaken kindness! of what use is a minister in the last extremity? If there is not an understanding between God and the soul before, then farewell to hope. The minister came, but in vain for me, to all appearance my eyes were closed in death. My friends were watching, scarcely knowing whether the spirit had fled or not; no! the spirit had not fled, for the work of grace was not complete.

After a time, I partially recovered my strength, and removed to Billingboro', where better days began to dawn, but of this I will write in my next, with a few particulars in relation to my union with the Church of England. I have written much more in reference to my bodily sufferings than I like. It is not the sympathy of friends I wish for, but to magnify the distinguishing mercy and grace of God, for I feel so convinced that all these afflictions were the Lord's way of

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