How good and great his love has been,
In sparing you to see
The age of seventy-one to-day,

And from all bondage free.

And if it is his blessed will,

May you yet live to be
An instrument in God's own hand,
Of setting many free.

We know it is your soul's delight,
To lift your Jesus high;
High lift him up we know you will,
Until you're called to die.

And when on earth your work is done,
And you to glory go,
You'll there for ever sing his love,
Who did such mercy shew.

God grant that we with you may meet
In that bright world above;
Oh, how we'll praise our cov'nant God,
For his electing love.

SOHO. SALEM CHAPEL, MEARD'S COURT.-The period of a Church's history when left without a pastor is generally a dreary one. Salem has passed through twelve months in this condition, which has helped to thin her ranks and scatter her people. There now appears a fair prospect of a more satisfactory state of things. If rightly informed, an invitation has been given to a young man, a student in the the Theological College at Bury, in Lancashire, under Mr. Dowson, the predecessor over the people; Mr. Bloomfield at present is with in Yorkshire. Mr. Ibberson is a young gentleman of richly cultivated mind, of vivid imaginary powers, of manly form, though apparently of delicate constitution. His discourses are enriched with an extreme range of reading, evincing great Biblical knowledge, and are delivered with a graceful eloquence and earnestness which rivets the attention, and cannot fail to impress the most careless hearer. If Mr. Ibberson, as it, appears highly probable, accepts the charge, and his strength proves equal to the strain of a London pastorate, there may be still in the history of old Salem a brilliant future perhaps more than equal to any period of the past. On Sunday, the 16th of February, he preached two very excellent discourses to encouraging and appreciative audiences. On some further occasion we may notice his ministry more at length, as he is expected to be in Salem again before long.

BROOMSGROVE.-Some members of the Baptist Church here, having felt it to be their duty to resign their connection therewith, and having purchased the Old Meeting House, were formed into a Church on Lord's-day, March 8th, by Rev. William Stokes, of Manchester. Mr. Stokes gave a most impressive and important address on the nature of a Christian Church. Twenty-one baptised believers were constituted members of a new society on close communion principles. To the brethren who have underken this fresh responsibility, the old

building was fragrant with sacred reminiscences. Here they had long worshipped, and here the dust of their departed brethren, fathers, and children was deposited. The situation was besides convenient, in the midst of a dense population; and what moved them most of all was that the chapel was about to be disposed to a publican to be transformed into a malthouse or drinking hall. This is the oldest Baptist Churchi in that part of the country, having been formed somewhere between 1650 and 1660. It is the Mother Church of all the Baptists in Birmingham and a distance round. For 200 years or more it was both honourable and useful. But recently it has permitted "wood, hay, stubble," to accumulate on the ancient foundation, and as a consequence it has become liberal enough to welcome to the fold those who have not "entered by the door into the sheepfold." May this new effort to return to the good old paths be abundantly blessed of God.

NORTH BRIXTON HALL.-DEAR MR. BANKS,-Will you be kind enough to insert the following in your much esteemed EARTHEN VESSEL for next month. On Tuesday, March 17th, at the above hall, (situate in St. Ann's Road, North Brixton), according to advertisement, we held the first anniversary since the enlargement, we had (with the exception of that evermemorable day, the 15th of October, 1867, when eight sermons were preached) one of the most happy days past or can in future be enjoyed, for from the commencement at eleven o'clock, when the sermon was preached by that truly and venerable and puritan, Father Wall, of Gravesend, from the third chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, twenty-ninth verse: "He that hath the bride is the Bridegroom," &c. With what power did the Holy Ghost make Himself manifest in the souls of the whole congregation without exception. Truly did I feel none of the responsibility attendant upon having those ministers who preach that Gospel which Paul denounced. three o'clock in the afternoon, there was a good attendance, including some ministers not connected with us. That genius, Mr. B. B. Wale, of Blackheath, preached from Ezekiel x. 13, "As for the wheels it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel." It was an edifying account of God's wheel of providence and grace. The delivery of the sermon took fifty minutes. At five o'clock a large number partook of tea. Shortly after tea, our chairman, that friend to our denomination, Mr. Thomas Pocock. The Chairman, after eulogising the promoter of the Hall, and the instrument of forming the Church, said he felt extremely happy to preside at their first anniversary, and he was pleased to hear the good account of the way and manner the work had been carried on; not only had God been pleased to smile on our efforts in forming a Church, but they had had to enlarge for the use of a Sunday School;

At

they had also a Bible Class established for females. He then called upon that warmhearted brother Steed, who, according to the judgment of some of the brethren, requires a little more knowledge than so much red hot zeal. Our brother (or as one termed him the Bishop of Shadwell) commenced with a passage from Nehemiah x. 37, "We will not forsake the house of our God," which caused in the course of his address much tittering and "oh, oh." He concluded his speech by telling brother Glennie not to allow any to occupy that platform with a yea and nay Gospel, or else there would be no Thomas Steed there. After some excellent speeches from the brethren Baugh, Silverton, Attwood, and Caunt the meeting closed with the doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." Surely we have cause to bless God, for it was the best day we ever had since the hall has been opened with the exception of the before-named day. The collections were good. We cannot but notice the Christian feeling of the Chairman, who contributed towards the expenses of the cause. Yours truly, W. J. GLENNIE.

ISLINGTON.

PROVIDENCE CHAPEL. On Lord's-day March 8th, three sermons were preached, and on Tuesday the 10th, a sermon, tea, and public meeting to celebrate the second anniversary of Mr. T. Baugh, who preached in the morning, Mr. Stringer in the afternoon, and Mr. Silverton in the evening; the congregations were exceedingly good. Mr. Wale preached on the Tuesday afternoon, in his usual masterly way, an excellent sermon. A good company sat down to a well provided tea; Mr. Baugh occupied the chair at the public meeting supported by Messrs. Wale, Stringer, Silverton, Mr. Kevan, and Mote. A report was read shewing that during the two years, fifty souls exactly have been added to the church, a Dorcas society established, and also a mental improvement class which is much appreciated. The church is at peace, and the people profit under the ministry, which ministry is of a higher order, intellectnally, perhaps, than many in our Baptist churches, but the grace and the gift when combined is delightful to an enlightened child of God. We have the truth in its purity, the work of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit maintained with great tenacity, doctrinal, experimental and practical truth set before us from time to timewith energy and power; the Lord being in our midst, his work in our souls we trust is progressing, and our numbers increasing, in his name we hope to go on and prosper, praying the Lord to send labourers into his vineyard, for the harvest is great, but the labourers are few. May the gifts and graces increase of those who do labour, and God's cause prosper everywhere.

WATFORD.-MR. EDITOR, -In your notice of preachings, &c., published in the

VESSEL for last month, under the heading "Watford Baptist cause, Queen street," are these words, "The worship of God having been carried on in this place for nearly four years, still continues." The fact is the members of the Strict Baptist church, which was formed in this town four years ago, rented this room in Queen street, at £6 10s. per annum, and also paid the greater portion of the rates and taxes upon the whole premises. In August last year they received the following notice from the landlord.

August 10th, 1867. To the church of Christ meeting in Queen street, Watford.

I hereby give you notice to quit and give up possession of the room you now hold of me on or before September 9th, 1867. Signed, CHARLES GOODSON.

Accordingly the church left, and now meet for worship every Lord's-day in the schoolroom situate in Woodman's yard, High street, and if those who put forth that statement are those who sent in a written notice of their withdrawal from the church's communion dated two days after the notice to quit, and which the church accepted, wish to form another church, there can be no objection to their so doing, nor to any other. But if they put forth statements calculated to mislead the public, let them not complain at our explanation. We have submitted this to Mr. H. Wise, the much esteemed pastor of Carmel chapel, Westbourne street, Pimlico, who has resided in this town forty years, he being perfectly acquainted with all the circumstances of the case can vouch for the truth of what we state, and has given us permission to use his name herein.

E. CHRISTMAS.

REPLIES TO THE QUERY, "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF VESSEL-MEN ?"

DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-On the cover of this month's VESSEL, a correspondent signing himself "Anti-Bigot" wishes to know what is to be understood by the term "A VESSEL man ?" This reminds me of a circumstance that happened nearly three years ago. I was engaged to preach at Richmond one Sabbath; while travelling on the S. W. railway, I fell in with a good brother who was going to preach at another chapel in the same vicinity. After the usual compliments of the day he at some length told me what my faith and views were concerning the sonship of Christ. I looked at him with some astonishment and said I was not aware that such were my views for I have read much on both sides of the question, and am still where Peter was when the light went out, viz., in the dark. He replied, "Your name is frequently in the EARTHEN VESSEL. And that is a periodical patronized by Mr. Wells, and we all know what his views are," so I suppose by the same rule if I were seen to leave a

stable I must be considered a horse. So if your correspondent wishes the definition of a VESSEL man it is one whose name is seen in the VESSEL. When will such sad distinction be buried without the least hope of a resurrection? Allow me in conclusion to say that I am both a VESSEL and a Standard man, for by the grace of God, I am a vessel of mercy and by the teaching and power of God determined to stand by that Standard which knows nothing among men save Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Wishing you every blessing and favour, I remain, yours in the Gospel,

W. CAUNT.

163, Newington Causeway, Southwark, March 11th, 1868.

MR. C. W. BANKS,-I beg to say without fear, that person who would call another "A VESSEL man" reproachfully, proves himself to be full of uncharitableness. Woe to that man when the sifting time comes. Woe to that man when the book of remembrance is opened, if he has an evil eye towards those who worship God in spirit and in truth. What! to dare to throw a venomous dart at another, and call him "hyper," because he is so favoured of the Lord, and has implanted within his heart that incorruptible seed which liveth and abideth for ever; and being thus favoured cannot fail to declare the whole counsel of God, because he loves God with all his heart, soul, and strength, and is determined to speak it forth in truth and soberness. This is what it means, dear sir, that heart is at enmity with God, and such will find themselves in very inferior company by and by, if grave prevent not. Let such take heed to their ways; the day will declare it. I have never had the pleasure of speaking to you, dear sir, but, bless the Lord, do love good men, and if I love the brethren, I love God. These are few words; but TRUE to the very letter. Wishing you all success and strength according to your day,

A VESSEL WOMAN.

SAXMUNDHAM.-The little church worshipping at the above place has had long conflict with their chapel debt; this place, which was originally private property cost with trust deed, £335 in 1862, it was purchased by the church, and during the six years since, by the united efforts of pastor and people, and the kind assistance of friends, the debt is brought down to £65, this sum being the remaining of £100, kindly lent by the Building fund; we are bound to reduce it not less than £10 per annum. We find this to be a heavy tax upon our financial ability, we being only a small church, and chiefly those in humble circumstances, and as we hope the Lord has appeared for us in sending us a minister, we find it necessary in order to give him adequate support to make special efforts to clear off the debt. The female part of our church and congregation are desirous of

helping in this matter, by getting up a Bazaar, purposed to be held in the Corn Hall, D.V., the first week in May. We tender our most grateful thanks to those friends, who have so kindly responded to our appeal, both by articles and donations. If this should meet the eye of any to whom we have appealed who have forgotten us, we can only say, that our prayers are that the Lord may incline their hearts to help us in this our struggle to get rid of a long felt burden. We need still further help, in order to accomplish our much desired object, therefore any article or contribution of any kind, will be most thankfully received by Messrs. Barnes, Sternfield, Cullingford and Messrs. G. Newman, Saxmnundham. We thankfully acknowledge the kind donations of Joseph Fritton, Esq. London £2; W. Beech, Esq. Chelmsford £1; the church at Crawford 16s. 2d. who had also given a collection some time since for this object, and several other kind friends smaller sums.

We are thankful to say things are looking very cheering with respect to our little cause, the Lord having brought in our

mids Mr. House, from Hadlow, having heard him five months, we have given him a call to become our pastor. Since he has been with us, the congregation has increased; the village stations are attended to overflowing; and prayer meetings, five weekly are well attended, and what is most gladdening, instances of conversion are not wanting. For these blessings we desire to give our great Jehovah all the praise. J. CULLINGFORD.

DALSTON, ALBION HALL, ALBION SQUARE. The first anniversary of the new Baptist interest at the above place was held on Wednesday, January 29th. A large. company of friends set down to an excellent tea, after which a public meeting was held, when the spacious hall was quite full. A. J. Bowser, Esq., was expected to take the chair, but unavoidably prevented, the pastor, Mr. J. Blake, presided; and stated that in their first year it had been their lot to travel up the Hill Difficulty, but still the year had been one of progress, their finances (on the weekly offerting system) had been very satisfactory, their numbers had increased, several had been baptized; others now stood proposed for membership; and many round them were asking their way to Zion. A Sunday afternoon servant's Bible Class had been started; and already had yielded fruit into life. A Sabbath school had been formed, which was rapidly increasing. Deacons had been chosen, and their hope was to establish a church in Dalston, holding the old fashioned doctrines of grace, and at the same time liberal in spirit, and devoted to the work of Christ. Messrs. W. A. Blake. J. Pearce, W. Alderson, G. Wyard, and T. Baugh, addressed the meeting, expressing their pleasure in the prosperity that God had given, and the happiness that characterised the meeting.

Brother Baugh said, he was sure his brother Blake might say, "the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, and I have a goodly heritage." A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Knight, of Brixton, to the ladies who had kindly provided the excellent tea at their own expense, which vote was of course duly seconded and adopted, and a few words of prayer brought the interesting and happy meeting to a close.

TO THE CHURCH AND CONGREGATION WORSHIPPING IN THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, CASTLEREAGH STREET, SYDNEY.

MY DEAR BRETHREN, -Through the abundant mercy of my ever gracious and faithful God, I am now restored to my usual health and strength, and am working with all my might whatsoever my hands find to do, confidently believing that the Lord will help me to accomplish the object of my mission to England, viz. the freedom of the Lord's house from out of the hands of men, and until that is accomplished, I shall not give up believing, praying, and working, in the name, fear, and strength of the Lord. By this out going mail, you will receive the third hundred pounds, and by the following mail, April, the fourth hundred will be sent. Praise ye the Lord. For your information, I shall continue a short description of my labours in this good old land, amongst the churches of Christ, and although my labours have been heavy, considering that I have only just been raised up from a very trying affiction, yet, having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day.

I left London for Tunbridge Wells, on my way to Matfield Green, and lodged for the night, at the house of my dear brother, P. Carr, who was called under my ministery; when I preached at Hadlow. While there, my attention was directed to the following lines, as being suitable to myself, wife, and family, and the people of my charge, being separated as we are by the wide, wide, sea, 16,000 miles.

When far from the hearts where our fondest thoughts centre,

Denied for a time their loved presence to share ;

In spirit, we meet, when the closet we enter,

And hold sweet communion together in prayer.

Oh! fondly think, as night curtains surround

them,

The shepherd of Israel tenderly keeps ; The angels of light are encamping around them,

They are watched by the eye that ne'er slumbers nor sleeps.

When the voice of the morning once more shall awake them,

And summon them forth to the calls of

the day;

I will think of that God who will never forsake them,

The friend ever near though all else be away.

Then why should one thought of anxiety seize us,

Though distance divide us from those whom we love;

They rest in the covenant mercy of Jesus, Their prayers meet with ours in the mansions above.

Oh! sweet bond of friendship, whate'er may betide us,

Though on life's stormy billows our bark may be driven;

Though distance, or trial, or death may divide us,

Eternal reunion awaits us in heaven.

Lord's day, February 23rd. I preached three times in the Baptist Chapel, Matfield Green. The Lord was indeed in our midst. The people who are not rich in this world, were full of sympathy toward their sister church in Sydney, and gave me a good collection, which amounted to £9 9s. 81d.

Eighteen years ago, I preached several times in that chapel. I sometimes sowed in tears the gospel seed, and now I have reaped in my several seals, who under the word then preached were delivered from the hateful ways of sins, turned to the fold and entered into the kingdom of Christ. They were glad to see me, and I rejoiced to see my children walking in the truth.

Monday, 24th. I lectured in the Town Hall, Tunbridge, near Hadlow, and was surrounded with old friends, and many to whom I had preached the word of life for some years at Hadlow. I felt myself greatly honoured of God, after an absence of more then fifteen years to be thus found, notonly to meet old friends, but in being able to say, "By the grace of God, I am what I am.' I was most kindly received and the collection was, £4 11s. 8d.

and

Tuesday, 25th. Through the strengthening and preserving mercy of the Lord, I arrived in London, and lectured in Mount Zion Chapel, Chadwell-street. Brother Hazelton took the chair, spoke well on behalf of our cause. I was happy while speaking of those things the Lord has done for us in Australia, indeed we were all happy together, and the people gave me a good collection which amounted to £20 4s. 10 d.

I lodged that night at the house of Brother Minton, but we could not go to bed till morning, for the joy and gladness we had found in the house of the Lord, for we could say, and did say, "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.'

[Owing to receiving our brother McCure's letter so late in the month, we are compelled thus abruptly to break it off. It will appear next month. We are pleased to find that he had a good meeting at Mr. John Foreman's chapel. -ED.]