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rooms or enlarge our schools. The noblest hands, the finest hands were not what a painter would admire as a subject for his art, but the hands that sanctified by grace were found working for Christ and giving to his cause. Subscriptions were then handed in from the Secretary, pastor, and various friends in the body of the meeting, amounting to upwards of £30, The meeting was then addressed by Mr. Wall, of Gravesend, Mr. Meeres, Mr. Alderson, Mr. G. Wyard, and Mr. Attwood, and was afterwards closed by the Doxology, and benediction in the usual way.

DOES NOT THE WORD OF THE LORD DO GOOD?

A NOTE FROM THE MALVERN HILLS, TO MR. ALFRED W. KAYE.

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KIND CHRISTIAN BROTHER-I was sitting on a farmer's gate, at the bottom of Shycknell hill, in Purlbrook valley, opposite to the Lady Foley's estate, between Hereford and Ledbury, on the first of May, when the country postman brought me a little packet of letters, and among them was your most acceptable and truly sympathising note. Just as I was opening the letter, up rode the farmer on his fine horse; down I jumped to open the gate for him, perfectly unconscious of having committed any trespass; but to my surprise, he said, "Should not sit on the gate, you might do much damage." Without stopping to horsewhip me, or give me time to apologize, he rode off; while I stood amazed at the fact that I had done wrong. "Ah!" said something, you are always wrong." Confounded and grieved, I walked into my dear friend, Mr. Tyler's house, and into the nice room they allowed me to occupy, and there I thought over a few things; and then proceeded with my work. I can tell you, dear Alfred Kaye, that I quite believe Paul's doctrine, wherein he says know that all things work together for good to them that love God, and who are the called according to his purpose." But some of the things which set these "All things working together" are bitter to the fallen nature, even of the most devoted of the children. Bitter bottles of wild and unhealthy mixtures we often prepare for ourselves; when we learn that we have drunk some deadly poison, we expect to perish for ever; then to see the loving, tender hand of the Lord coming and turning the bitter into a wholesome medicine, which while it makes us ten thousand times more sick ourselves, we are solemnly and honestly convinced of the fact, that "the Lord is good, a stronghold in the time of trouble, and, that he knoweth them that trust in him;" this doth melt our rocky hearts with gratitude; and silently we praise the Lord.

"We

I am now passing the Malvern hills, they are grand upliftings of the earth, they invite us to look to heaven, while the ancient

city of Worcester, now full in view, and the cornfields and blossom-clothed orchards all tell us most beautifully that the everwatchful eye, and constant working hand of the Lord, are over all his works.

I have had three Sundays' work at Whitestone; and my soul doth desire to magnify the name of the Lord for his goodness in giving, and blessing, the Word. Whitestone is a most interesting spot; the chapel, and chapel-house, stand near Withington station; close to those immensely extensive "Encaustic Tile Works," belonging to Mr. Godwin, where the art of producing the most beautiful tiles is approaching a high state of perfection. The attracting and genteel villages of Lugwardine, Withington, Weston, Beggard, York-hill, the City of Hereford, and a large scattered rural population, all approximate in a varied harmony around the retiring and modest looking graveyard, school-house, and sanctuary, called "Whitestone." One feature is, to my mind, of great value to this cause, it is the Sunday and day school, both of which are under the superintendence of Miss Alice Tyler, a Christian lady well qualified to train the children under her care, in the knowledge of everything that is useful and good for this life, and for that which is to come.

When I consider that a Roman Catholic Priesthood throws its deadening efforts around this neighbourhood, that a large Romish convent stands nearly opposite to Whitestone chapel, (at a respectful distance I admit) and when it is feared that the small edge of Ritualistic idolatry is being pressed into what is termed the Church of England; when, added to all this, I see that the steady friends to Gospel truth, are fast ripening for glory, some 80, some 70; and so on, and that the pretty little children are numerous in every village and hamlet; Miss Tyler's mission and work is of immense value; and I do earnestly pray the Lord to maintain and prosper her in all the various branches of her evangelistic labour. I feel a happy and holy persuasion that Miss Tyler and the church, will reap a rich reward for works so self-denying, and so seasonably good. My last Sunday there I never wish to forget. I preached three times; baptized; and broke bread to the people at the close of the day's services. On the Monday evening, we held a kind of farewell meeting; both on the Lord's-day, and Monday, our zealous brother John Thomas, of Breame, helped us; and the seasons were refreshing. On Tuesday evening, I delivered a message secretly given to me, for the friends who meet for worship, in Lugwardine; and now I am returning to the busy city.

My dear brother, I hope your work iu Bethnal Green may be useful in winning souls, in building up the churches, and in fastening in many a heart the true knowledge of Jesus. When you have boldness of access at the throne, remember your sorrowing C. W. B.

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DEAL. PROVIDENCE CHAPEL, ST. GEORGE'S PLACE. The second anniversary was held here on Good Friday, when two sermons were preached; morning, Mr. Burbridge, minister; afternoon, Mr. Rowden, minister of Zoar chapel, Canterbury. At five, nearly fifty sat down to an excellent tea; at 6.30, chair was taken by the minister; warm addresses were delivered; during the evening some of Kent's choice hymns were sung, the love of God was shed abroad in our hearts, the atonement and preciousness of Christ richly enjoyed, the Spirit's power, unction, dew, and divine sweetness was richly enjoyed, our hearts were filled with joy and peace in believing. Truly we may say we had light and gladness, a feast, and a good day. Thus ended one of the happiest days in this place. Lovers of Gospel truth visiting East Kent this season, will find a good Gospel table well spread with the rich vines of Gospel truth in this place, doctrinal, experimental, practical, and ordinancial.

ONE WHO WAS THERE.

SHARNBROOK, BEDFORDSHIRE.The anniversary of the Baptist chapel was held here on Good Friday. We were favoured with two good Gospel sermons from Mr. Shaw, of Over; many of the Lord's people heard to their souls' profit and enjoyment. Between services, about 200 sat down to tea: brethren Inwards, of Dunstable, Chandler, of Thurleigh, as well as the pastor, Alfred Peet, took part in the services of the day. Friends from St. Neot's, Carlton, Risely. Keysoe, Thurleigh, and other places favoured us with their presence. To God be all the glory.

WHITESTONE, NEAR HEREFORD. -Here is a neat chapel, minister's house, and good opening for a school. A zealous, faithful, and qualified Baptist minister and his wife, might here find a delightful field for earnest labour. We have recently visited the place, and to any really devoted servant of Christ, we would give further particulars if required.

SHADWELL. REHOBOTH CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL. On Easter Sunday, three sermons were preached; that in the morning and evening, by Mr. Thomas Steed, pastor, and that in the afternoon, by Mr. B. B. Wale. On the Tuesday following, Mr. T. Wall preached at three o'clock, after which a tea and public meeting. Mr. Steed, in opening the proceedings, stated that the object of the meeting was to try to remove the last remains of a long standing debt upon the Sabbath school. The debt was originally £100, but had been reduced to £18, and these services had been held with the view to accomplish that end. The subjects that had been selected for the speakers were the "Five Covenants." Mr. B. B. Wale, "The Adamic Covenant;" Mr.

J. Wall, "The Noachic Covenant;" Mr. Lawrence, "The Abrahamic Covenant;" Mr. J. L. Meeres, "The Sinaitic Covenant;" Mr. T. Stringer, "The Everlasting Covenant;" upon which subjects they all spoke ably and well. Mr. J. L. Meeres, in prefacing his subject, referred to the fact of his early connections with the school, both as a teacher, and also as a trustee of the property. He concluded these few remarks by handing over £1 10s. to the Chairman, which was received with applause by the meeting.

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NOTTING HILL.-SILVER STREET CHAPEL. On Tuesday, April 8th, the second anniversary of the church under the pastorate of Mr. D. Crumpton was held. In the afternoon a good sermon was preached by Mr. Milner of Keppel street, after which about 200 friends took tea. the evening a public meeting was held, Mr. Crumpton in the chair, when the following ministers addressed the meeting: Brethren Box, Wall, Dickerson, Milner, Frith, Griffith, and Wilkins. The Gospel was truthfully preached by all, and, at the close of the day, many were able to say, "Truly this is none other than the house of God, for it has been the gate of heaven to my soul."

PULHAM ST. MARY.-On May 12th very cheering and interesting services were held in the above place. Brother Sears, of Saxfield, preached from the following words: "I have set before thee an open door," "the door was shut," and "the Lord shut him in." Rev. iii. 8. Matt. xxv. 10. Gen. vii. 16. Our brother was enabled to preach a good, stirring, Gospel sermon, and to a goodly and attentive assembly. May God's blessing crown his labours on the occasion. In the evening, the pastor of the place took the chair, and after making a few interesting remarks, Brethren Brunt, of Norwich, Brand, of Bungay, Bland of Beccles, and Noble, of Carleton Rode, were called upon to address the audience. Our brethren were favoured to speak with energy and love, and the countenances of all present bespoke heartfelt pleasure and joy. The object of the meeting was to pay off as much as possible, upon the debt of £44, the cost of our new gallery for the Sabbath school. To our astonishment and delight, the whole sum was cleared, leaving an overplus of nearly £5, which our friends intend to devote to the incidental expenses. Distant friends appeared to come together for the very purpose of giving us an astounding lift. Great credit, we are bound to say, is due to our female friends, who provided trays at their own expense, notwithstanding the very liberal sums of money which had been previously given. They provided us a good and excellent tea, clearing by this means £6, while everything passed off pleasantly. During the evening service, a little boy of about seven years of age, one

of our Sabbath school children, came to platform and laid down 15s. 3d., which he had collected for the gallery, by going about with his card in the neighbourhood. One shilling and sixpence out of this sum he laid up, having had a little money-box provided him for that purpose. Who hath despised the day of small things?" To God be all the glory for his unbounded goodness to us as a people.-B. TAYLOR.

FALKINGHAM,

BILLINGBORO', LINCOLNSHIRE.-Dear Brother, On the first Sabbath in November 1867, I began a six months' probation at Billingboro and Threekingham, which time is nearly expired. I have received unanimous invitations to the pastorate of both churches. I hope the Lord has directed me here, and that he may be pleased to bless his own word. We have lost two members by death lately; they died happy in the Lord; both of them members at Threekingham. One was 87; her path was like that of the just, "which is as the shining light, that shineth more and more until the perfect day." She said to me but a few days before her death, "Oh! I long to see my blessed Lord." I said, "Then you are still hanging to him-trusting in him ?" She answered, "I will hang to him; if he won't have me, I will cleave to him." I replied, "He will not cast you off; for he saith, Come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."" She was up the day before she died, and went off very quietly. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." The other one was a widow, her illness was very protracted; a great sufferer, and very much tried in the first part of her illness; but some time before she died I saw her, read and prayed with her, and she appeared more composed in her mind. Satan was not permitted to harass her so much afterwards. The words applied to her were selected as a funeral text, "Be still and know that I am God." These two saints were only separated for a short time; now they have met to part no more.-W. WILSON.

CHELMONDESTON.-Lord's day, May 10th, was a happy day for the friends at this place, ten believers, six males and four females being baptised in the River Orwell. The day was characteristic of the month, the weather fine, and the scenery delightfully picturesque. There was a large gathering of spectators, supposed to be about two thousand. In the morning a public meeting was held in the chapel, which was entirely devoted to prayer and praise. The ordinance of baptism was administered in the afternoon, after which the members and friends returned to the chapel, when the newly baptised brethren and sisters were received unto full communion and the ordinance of the Lord's supper administered. Many friends from Ipswich

belonging to the well known churches-Bethesda and Zoar, came to participate with us in joy and gladness at Zion's prosperity. This is as it should be. Nothing transpired to disturb our worship or mar our pleasure, but all was done decently and in order. G. G. WHORLEW.

RIPLEY. Brother C. Z. Turner's annual spring meeting was holden Wednesday, May 13th. C. W. Banks preached afternoon and evening. Tea was provided. The chapel was quite filled with many happy friends, and the services were enjoyed. The church desired C. W. Banks in the evening to present their pastor, C.Z. Turner, with a small testimonial of their sincere esteem and regard for him. This was quietly done, and gratefully acknowledged. We were thankful to see Robert Daws, Esq., Mr. Green, the proprietor of the large boot and shoe establishment, and many old friends, and young ones too-still standing fast to the cause here. At the old chapel, Mr. Collins is preaching the Gospel to the profitting of the friends who attend. At Chertsey, Mr. Turner occasionally proclaims the Gospel, and it is believed a church, on New Testament premises, will be raised there. Mr. James Wells was expected to preach at West End, Chobham, the following Tuesday, where Mr. Lambourne has, for years, faithfully filled the office of pastor. Mr. Henry Allnutt, is still spared to the Brockham church; and Mr. Henry Stanley visits the Mayford cause frequently; under his ministry many more have been gathered to hear the word of life. Some friends at Cobham have felt grieved to find brother W. Sack not so much with them, since the death of his wife. We hope, having put his hand to the plough, he will not look back.

IRTHLINGBOROUGH, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. On Lord's day evening, March 29th, 1868, Mr. George Cook, the young pastor of the Baptist church, baptised two females (teachers in the Sabbath school) in the name of the Holy Trinity, upon a profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus. Long before the time of service the chapel was crowded in every part. It was a good, high, and holy time; the Lord's presence was enjoyed, and many souls were blessed. Thirteen have been added to the church lately, and many signs and wonders have been done in the name of the Holy Child Jesus. May the Lord continue to pour out of his Spirit upon us, and we will bless his name for ever and ever. Amen.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

For want of room, notes of churches at Knowl Hill, Sturry, Deptford, Yeovil, Stepney, Hackney, Reading, Glansford, Sheerness, Minster, Markgate street, Cumberland street, the appeal for Spain, and the notes of the month, are all omitted, but we promise they shall appear in the July number.

Goodness and Beauty in the Lord.

TO MY BELOVED SON,-I feel it laid upon my mind to write a few lines to you, and, as the soul is more than the body, let me, dear boy, tell thee I am thinking this morning upon that verse in Zechariah ix. 17.

"For how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty! Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids."

GRACE and GLORY, are the two streams which flow from the complete character of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the mighty God, He is the Holy Man !! Had He not been God, He could not have taken us to glory, had He not been man, He could not have been our Saviour. But, He is God and Man in One Person, and can save us in time, and bless us to all eternity, if in Him we do but truly believe. How, my dear boy John, stands this matter with thee, and with thine? See to it, for it is eternally weighty.

The words of the prophet contain first, An Exclamation of Admiration, "How great is His goodness, how great is His beauty!" Then there there is a two-fold prophecy, or declaration : "Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.”

I. THE EXCLAMATION contains a three-fold experimental blessing. 1. The Reality of Faith, it is a solid, a sure principle; it looks to, and lays hold of the glorious person of Christ, it brings grace from His person and work, and maketh the soul rejoice. 2. There is the overflowing happiness of the soul, when it thus seeth and enjoyeth Christ! Oh, how good He is! how full of beauty! then, there is zeal here. The man that doth truly believe in, and who can heartily rejoice in Jesus, speaks aloud of His goodness and beauty, that others may hear, and see, and rejoice with Him too.

The text in Zechariah ix. 17, belongs to a very special time, it belongs to a very special character, it belongs to a special incoming of grace to the soul, and a consequent outflowing of praise to the Lord.

First. It belongs to a special time, it is the coming of the Lord. Whenever, wherever He has come in His redeeming character, there men have seen both His goodness and His beauty; Melchizedec was full of goodness and beauty to Abraham. As priest of the Most High God, he was full of beauty, and in bringing Abraham bread and wine, he was full of goodness. Melchizedec met Abraham coming from the wars, weary and faint, and not without fears, Melchizedec met him, blessed him, and fed him. Then the Lord came to Abraham in a vision, God's goodness appeared in the shield, "I am thy shield," and His beauty in the reward, "And thine exceeding great reward." So to Jacob, what a figure of goodness was the ladder, it was set up on the earth, its top reached to heaven, it was an entire ladder; as Jesus Christ is an entire Saviour; and then the angels of God ascending and descending on it, as though they would dispel Jacob's fears; if he should say, I am afraid to

venture up it, they seemed to say, look how safe we travel up and down on it; besides they seemed to tell Jacob that they would go before him, and behind him too, for "the angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear him," and so all have found it. Did Jacob see goodness in the ladder and in the angels? Then, did he not see beauty in the Lord on the top of it? The Lord God stood above it, and spoke some beautiful promises, "I am the Lord God of Abraham, the land whereon thou liest to thee will I give it," &c. Oh what beautiful promises, "I will be with thee, I will bring thee, and I will keep thee, and never leave thee." These are promises great indeed; and being fulfilled make a man beautiful in the Lord for ever.

Did not Moses see goodness and beauty in the Lord? When the law was given the first time there was goodness. It was good of the Lord to tell men His mind, and when the thunder frightened them, Moses spake three good words unto them, he said 1, Fear not; 2, he said, God is come to prove you, that His fear may be before your faces, and 3, he said, all this is "that ye sin not." The first giving of the law was as a preventive. Then Moses let the two tables fall, they were broken. When the Lord gave the law the second time, He descended in a cloud and stood with Moses, and proclaimed His Name, "The Lord, the Lord God Merciful and Gracious, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin," &c. Here was beauty indeed! A sin-forgiving God in CHRIST!

If you come into the Canticles, there is Goodness and Beauty great beyond all description. It was goodness when He said, "I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse, I have gathered my myrrh with my spice, &c., therefore, eat, O friends." Here was goodness! goodness to come at all! goodness to acknowledge the relationship!! goodness to prepare so many good things, and then to bid us welcome, "Eat, O friends, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved!" This was goodness, but when he revealed Himself as the Rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys, there was beauty. As the lily of the valleys, He is with His people in their lowest state, but as the rose of Sharon he is the glory of the church, here and for ever. When Jesus Christ came into this world, was there not goodness in every word, and in every work! "He went about DOING GOOD," He gave life, healing, and grace; to fulfil the law for us, to live a holy life for us, to bleed and die for us, was such goodness as was never seen before. And when on the Mount Tabor they saw Him, when risen from the grave, they heard Him, when ascending into Heaven they beheld Him, there they saw His beauty. How great is His goodness, how great is His beauty!

When to Saul of Tarsus He came, goodness stopped the mad persecutor, and beauty said, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." Whenever Christ comes these two are together found. A sinner saved in Christ, is a pattern of goodness and beauty too, or ought to be so.

II. These words BELONG TO A SPECIAL CHARACTER, to Christ as Zion's King, “Thy king cometh unto thee, He is just, having salvation." As a king, He is crowned by the church universally, by saved saints individually, and by His Father eternally. All the true churches crown Him Lord of all, "Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, behold Him with the crown wherewith his mother crowned Him." When sinners are espoused unto Him, then Zion crowns Him as King of kings and Lord

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