We should like to see the chapel double the size, and well filled. Brother Lodge preaches a good Gospel. Ought he not to live of the Gospel he preaches? After some remarks from the chair. Mr. Stringer was called to address the meeting, who, according to his usual energy and warmth, spoke of the one glorious salvation of the blessed God, and of his Christ. He said, how many saints had been blessed, how many had been set at liberty; if the walls could speak, how many cries and groans of God's saints would they record. A hymn being sung, Mr. Wale, of Blackheath, addressed the meeting. It was He observed it was the Gospel which brought to us news of salvation. made up of two words, "God" and "spell." It was "God'spell" to draw poor sinners to himself. The word spell had several significations as a story-here was a marvellous story about the Saviour; and God's love to poor sinners. Sometimes as a charm; in some country places they put a horse shoe over the door to keep out the evil one; this was very questionable. But he was sure God'spell had; for the more men knew of the Gospel the more and more they hated the ways of sin, and loved the ways of holiness. It was also used as a saying; there could not be a better saying than this, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." Mr. T. Baugh next addressed the meeting. Mr. Steed said, "What could such a poor thing as he do, who had to follow three kings?" I think brother Steed outdid himself. He was a little calm, being before so manykings, he was dumb-foundered in their august presence; this was all the better for him, for while he spoke with warmth, he spoke with effect from these words, "What sayest thou of thyself?" He gave some of the wise answers of God's saints in ancient days, as Solomon's in Ec. iii. 20, Job's in xxv. 40, Isaiah's in vi. 5, John's i. 23, Paul's 1 Cor. xv. 9, and Nebuchadnezzer in Dan. iv. 36; and then proceeded to show that every sinner must approach God in this way before he can find mercy and pardon in God's salvation. Brother Holmes, from Camberwell, next addressed the meeting, who said if what the last speaker said was true what would become of him to follow three kings and a fiery steed? He allowed Mr. Steed the liberty of crowning; but for his part he did not crown every man who could carve out a few sentences. It was what those sentences contained was of the chief importance; we might, in our amazement of men, give them more than was justly due to them. For the wise man said, "Great men are not always wise." There was another way to view the matter, (no doubt they might reign without asking us) but here it appears with us, but every one of the Lord's people were kings; you poor and needy in this world, you are every one of you a king. You have not received your diadem from the hands of your fellow-creatures, but from the hands of the immortal King of kings. The brightest crown that ever graced a mortal brow passed away, but yours is a crown of immortal glory, that passeth not away; eternal in the heavens. Crowns are sometimes gained by usurpation; not so yours! yours is the gift of the dear Saviour's love, who won one for each and enough for all the disciples, and the brightest of all for himself. This leads us to see what a union there is in the dear Saviour's work! All are on the same level, and what a unionall stand in the same righteousness, all made partakers of the same grace. Then what was the use of the division of the Strict Baptists and the strife amongst them? One was an EARTHEN VESSEL man, a second was a Zion's Trumpet man, a third a Voice of Truth man, a fourth, a Standard man, Now for his part he was all of them, and he could easily show all the saints to be so too. The meeting closed at nine o'clock with singing and prayer, and a collection for the pastor, and a happier meeting we have seldom witnessed. May the Lord go on to crown our brother Lodge's testimony with a blessing, giving to this part of his vineyard peace, and continual additions, and no divisions for his name's sake, amen. G. H. SAXMUNDHAM.-According to notice the friends of the above place held their bazaar for the liquidation of their chapel debt, in the Corn Hall, on Thursday and Friday, the 7th and 8th of May. Through the kindness of friends, and our own united efforts, the tables extending nearly round the hall, were furnished in such profusion as to cause some of the first visitors to express their conviction that it was the best country bazaar they ever saw. Great credit is due to the following persons for the efficient manner in which they waited at the stalls: Mrs. Barnes, Sternfield Hall, Miss Double, of Ipswich, Miss Whitehand, of Wickham Market, Mrs. Cullingford, Mrs. House, Miss Wells, Miss King, Miss Scraggs, Mrs. Thos. Newman, Miss Barnes, and Mrs. Rackham, of Saxmundham. By five o'clock, the second day, the committee had the pleasure to announce that enough had been realized to entirely clear off the debt, with small balance over. The tables having been cleared, tea was set out, to which about 150 persons sat down. The whole affair was brought to a close by a public meeting. Mr. R. E. Sears, of Laxfield, presided, and was surrounded by the following ministers, Mr. G. Hind, of Roudham, Mr. G. Frith, of Saxmundham, Independents; Mr. Flory, of London, Mr. Large, of Sudbourne, Mr. House, pastor of the church, and Mr. Robert Barnes, who had taken great interest in the affair throughout. The service was commenced by singing a hymn composed by Mr. House specially for the occasion; Mr. Bedwell, of Halesworth, engaged in prayer. The meetwas one of a very interesting nature, the chairman's remarks were most telling, and the address of each speaker of such a character as to well engage the attention of the large audience assembled. The chairman having, on behalf of the church thanked those friends who had so kindly assisted them. The meeting which was enlivened by several appropriate anthems being sung was finally closed by the doxology. Thus we desire to record to the praise of our great Jehovah a deliverance from a long felt burden, while we feel deeply grateful to all who have kindly aided us, and by which we have been enabled in so short a time to accomplish this much desired end. We are also thankful that we have a prospect of an open baptistry the first Sunday in June. STEPNEY.-CAVE ADULLAM CHAPEL AND SCHOOL BUILDING SOCIETY. Sixth anniversary tea and public meeting of this society was held Tuesday, April 28th. Thomas Pocock, Esq., in the chair. The report shewed a balance of £174 10s. 7d., and grounded its appeal for further support on the noble object in view, the erection of a building for the preaching of the Gospel and the scriptural instruction of the young; thus, by God's blessing, perpetuate the benefits of this time-honoured sanctuary as an inducement to which, called to mind the various associations connected with the place, as former pastors, including our late beloved and lamented Mr. Webster, with saints now in glory; besides many believers now on their way to heaven, feeling convinced that the due influence of these considerations will ensure that amount of further aid which persons can afford. The adoption of the report was moved by brother Wale, of Blackheath, and seconded by brother Baugh, of Islington. Brethren Silverton, Stringer, and Steed then addressed the meeting, enforcing the claims of this society upon all present. A collection was made during the evening which amounted to £5 0s. 4d. A vote of thanks having been passed unanimously to the chairman, the doxology was sung and the benediction pronounced which closed the meeting. Donations and subscriptions, however small, by Post Office Orders, or in postage stamps will be most thankfully received by Mr. George Reynolds, of 9, Wilson street, Stepney, E., now preaching to us for six months with a view to the pastorate. Mr. C. C. Abbot, of 82, Grafton street, Mile End, E., Treasurer, or of the the Hon. Sec. Thomas Culyer, 91, White Horse street, Stepney, E., who will gladly afford any further information that may be desired. CANTERBURY-The truth is preached in Zoar chapel, Burgate lane; "A friend" says, "Mr. Heritage, the minister of that new and handsome Baptist chapel, in the New road often gives the people a good Gospel sermon. The Baptists in this city, have risen up in appearance, and in numbers, during the last few years. Not very many years since, there was but one small Baptist cause; and that was up a low passage; King street chapel, under the patronage of those influential families, the Flints, the Christians, the Howlands and the Ladds, was an improvement in its appearance, and in its enterprizes; and many good men often occupied its pulpit. King street chapel has been destroyed entirely. We suppose the parties interested were afraid to let it remain, lest "the Gospel" should take possession of it. St. George's Baptist chapel, is quite in accordance with the times. Sir Morton Peto laid its corner stone, upon the condition that it should be Open-Communion. But, in Zoar, they abide by the New Testament Order; consequently, they are not either a flourishing or a wealthy cause. Mr. Cresswell still ministers at Guildhall, but the Congregationalists in Canterbury are not so grand in appearance, nor so influential in their audiences, as the Congregationalists now generally are. Over 20,000 people reside in this city; we do not think one quarter of that 20,000 can be found at any one time in all the churches and chapels put together. How is it that a city with so many clergymen, curates, pastors, missionaries, &c., is in such an heathenish condition? Whenever the Gospel has been set up there, it has been awfully cut down. The mixed and genteel ministrations now to be found in nearly all the places of worship in this clean, aristocratic, and quiet city, are making but little progress. Is it not a most alarming fact, that in a city with over 20,000 people there shall be at least one hundred clerical doctors, prebends, deans, rectors, curates, ministers, and teachers of all degrees, and yet vital godliness, and true Gospel progress, appear 30 weak? Oh! Canterbury, how painful to us are the recollections of bye gone days. SUNDAY CLAPHA M. - EBENEZER SCHOOL. On Tuesday, May 12th, the second anniversary was held, when an excellent tea was provided for the children and friends, a goodly number of whom attended. The gathering was a very happy one, and after the tables were removed, a public meeting was held presided over by Mr. Rowe, jun., minister of Heath, Bedfordshire, in the unavoidable absence of his father, Mr. W. K. Rowe, of Mansion House chapel, Camberwell. A hymn was sung, and prayer offered by Mr. Knights, when Mr. Hawkins gave an account of the school, and read a statement of the receipts and disbursements for the past year, which showed a balance in hand of £1 0s. 4d. Mr. Rowe, the chairman, then made an appropriate speech, and introduced Mr. Webb, of Little Wild street chapel, who favoured the meeting with some valuable and interesting remarks founded on the following acrostic: Soldiers of Christ arise, S ow beside all waters, H arrow it in by prayer; O ver it look to keep off the birds, The first part of which shewed a military, and the second an agricultural picture. Mr. A. W. Kaye then made a stirring appeal from the words "work while it is day." The teachers regret, Mr. Williamson, who was to be one of the speakers, was compelled to leave at too early an hour to admit of his taking part in the meeting. A selection of hymns was sung accompanied by the harmonium which was ably presided at, by Mr. Phillips, one of the teachers. Mr. Hall, the pastor, brought the meeting to a close.-C. HANKINS, Sec. DACRE PARK, LEE, KENT.-The usual Whitsuntide services were holden at this pleasantly situated chapel, on Monday, June 1st. The pastor, Burlington B. Wale delivered a very excellent discourse in the afternoon to a good company; after which tea was served to the friends, who subsequently adjourned to the lawn in front of the chapel, and with nature smiling all around, they sang right joyfully, 66 A day's march nearer home," and other favourite songs for Christian travellers bound Zionward. Shortly after seven, the chapel being then quite full, Mr. Wale took the chair, and a public meeting was held. The pastor's statement was cheerful and careful; "as a church much to be thankful for-nothing to boast of;" he was "never happier in the work than at present;" "felt more at home than ever;" and knew the people there loved him more. Peace and unity, and a Christian loving spirit reigned in their midst. Following the pastor's statement, Mr. Wall, of Gravesend, Mr. Baugh, of Islington, and Mr. Frith, of Bexley, addressed the meeting, and some excellent remarks were made. We are glad to announce that prosperity and peace are now realized in a large degree by the Dacre Park church; and we pray it may long continue and increase. We warmly commend the friends for the commodious, neat and useful school they have erected by the side of the chapel; are not afraid to say, we hope it will be a nursery for the church." 66 and we THE LATE MRS. ANNIE MARIA MOSS, OF PECKHAM. THIS aged and long-afflicted saint fell asleep in Jesus, June 7th, 1868, aged 72. Her remains were laid in the family grave Han at Nunhead, June 16th. In the cemetery chapel, at the funeral C. W. Banks said a great Bible principle was powerfully illustrated, in the life and death of this longtried child of God. Paul to Timothy said, "Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, was in the transgression," consequently, THE WOMAN IS THE GREATEST SUFFERER. Sarah was sharply tried in her faith; Rebecca in her two sons; Rachel died in that hour of pain when her son of sorrow was born, her Benoni, but his father's BENJAMIN ; Naomi said, as many a poor mother in Israel has said, "Call me not Naomi, but Marah," that is, bitter, "for the Lord hath dealt bitterly with me." nah was "in bitterness of soul; she prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore;" she said, as thousands in Israel have said, "I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit, I have poured out my soul before the Lord." For her the Lord appeared; and for all His seeking saints he will appear. That coronation and crowning promise in Isaiah lxii. 4, shews both sides of the church's state; (1) "Forsaken and desolate," (2) "Hephzibah and Beulah," "Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken, neither shall thy land any more be termed desolate; but thou shalt be called Hephzibah; and thy land Beulah; for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married." One word spoken by the Lord was verily true in the experience of our departed sister Mrs. Moss, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." God hath chosen his people in the covenant of grace, there they were adopted, and hence they are called, "the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty." They were chosen in Christ; there they were made one with him for ever. Not a few are chosen in the furnace of affiiction, there they are crucified to the world, and made willing to depart and be with the Lord for ever. For over twenty years was our friend in the fires and in the floods; many times was I favoured to kneel beside her bed, and plead and pray for her; but the last wave has beat upon her shattered barque, and now Secure from every mortal care, By sin and sorrow vexed no more, She is not lost-but gone before. It was a mournful scene to my mind when her orphan sons and daughters prepared to follow her remains to the grave. Mr. James and Mr. William, Miss Mary, Miss Eliza, and Miss Sarah, and with other relatives, and when around the grave we stood, a solemn voice seemed to say There is a calm for those who weep; What numbers of Christian friends whom I once knew have I seen laid in their grave! As I turned from the open grave, my soul in earnest secret cries to heaven did look; while all I could desire was expressed in words like these. Oh! my precious God and Saviour, 3, Victoria Park road, South C. W. B. Hackney, June 17, 1868. [Great respect was shewn to this departed sister. The tradesmen around partly closed their shops, and some of the members of the church surrounded the grave. YEOVIL.-Many friends will be glad to learn that our mutual friend in the Gospel, Mr. George Kellaway is comfortably settled in the prime of his life. He has furnished us with a striking narrative. In his note he says: "I have walked about twenty thousand miles to carry the word to the Lord's poor; and like you, I have often done it at a sacrifice. But, the Lord had determined to do something for me to help me. I speak every other Sabbath at the old cottage, and the other Sundays at Sherborne road chapel. I call myself a Baptist Itinerant. The chapel is about 300 years old. I have always encouraged the VESSEL from the first day until now; and I hope there are better days in store both for the EARTHEN VESSEL and its editor. That the God of all grace may send you down a shower of blessings is the prayer of yours in covenant and eternal relationship, G. A. KELLAWAY. [We are thankful for such kind words.] GLEMSFORD-PROVIDENCE CHAPEL. The anniversary sermons on behalf of the Sabbath school connected with the above place of worship were preached on Sunday May 10th. Those in the morning and evening by Mr. Beach of Chelmsford, and that in the afternoon by Mr. S. Wilson, of Clare. The morning service was well attended, and in the afternoon and evening the chapel was filled to overflowing. The collections and annual subscriptions amounted to £9 14s. 91d. On Monday afternoon, May 11th, the teachers and children met in the chapel where a good tea was provided to which ample justice was done. A public service was held in the evening, W. Beach, Esq., presided, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. Smith, Wilson, and Kemp, pastor. Before closing the meeting, the worthy chairman made some remarks relative to the clothing club in connection with the Sabbath school, stating he was glad to find that an increasing interest was manifest, there being now ninety-five children paying their weekly subscriptions. 25 per cent, was given to the children subscribing at the end of last year, and we hope to be 1 able to give a good percentage this year also; we have by cash and promise £7 14s. 5d. towards the fund. The number of children in Sabbath school 138, teachers 20, total 158. We desire to look with thankfulness to the great Giver of all our mercies, praying that his blessing may rest upon our united efforts for the good of the Sabbath school. SHEERNESS,-Zion chapel has for many years been the place in this town where the doctrines and the ordinances of the New Testament have been maintained. Its recent pastors, Mr. Cornelius Slim, Mr. Plyer, Mr. Merrett, and others have all been useful for a time; but they have speedily passed away. The friends here remember gratefully the labours of such men as Zechariah Turner, of Exeter; W. W. Bennett, of Tring; Kevan, of Colnbrook, W. Beacock, Palmer, and others; but they are painfully crying out for one to be sent to dwell among them, as God's mouth, to feed, to gather, to build up, and to strengthen the hearts of the saints. Old Master Munns, the poet and precentor, at the age of ninety-three, lies now near to death. The honourable brother Stanford leads on the praise department; and good men fill the pulpit, but, they want a pastor, a permanent, a practical, and a truly devout pastor. Mr. Robert Banks, of Egerton, has preached here with much acceptance; C. W. Banks, his brother, preached here two Lord's-days; and held week-evening services, and we hope the Lord will enable him to find us a sterling minister. A student from the great Metropolitan College has been sent into this isle of Sheppy; and we are told a new tabernacle is to be built, there is plenty of room (situated as we are in the midst of perhaps more than 18,000 people) for the good old Strict Baptists yet to have a flourishing cause. Lord hasten it, in his time. Your London ministers who preach and value the truth should be more concerned for their people in the provinces than they are. Think of this; Tappenden, of Ashford, is dead; none to succeed him. Page, of Challock, is dead; his chapel is almost closed. Beale, of Faversham, is dead; not one to follow him. Thus it is in many parts of good old England. The MINSTER IN SHEPPY. Mr. Stanford, jun., preaches in the chapel in this place. On Tuesday, May 19th, C. W. Banks preached here to a goodly company assembled. "Minster" the chief church of the monastery, stands on a lofty hill, from its summit you may see the German Ocean, the Medway, the Sale, the Thames, the back-bone of Kent, and the Essex coast, a scene most delightful. Here a few believers dwell. MARKYATE STREET.-Mr. Editor, I send you an account of the Lord's dealings with us, as a little church, feeling assured you will rejoice; if you knew all we have had to pass through as a little church since you preached the word in the cottage, you would say we have great cause to thank God, and take courage. We had been struggling on for a long time, and there were those around expecting, hoping, and predicting we must close our place of worship; thank God they have proved false prophets; for just at that time, the Lord in his good providence brought our esteemed brother Mr. T. Kerridge, late of Glemsford in our midst; he is with us now preaching the glorious Gospel of our blessed God; and not without success; he is made instrumental in gathering in some of the Lord's in chosen ones. May the dear Lord be pleased to bring in many more. I will write to you again when our numbers are increased. On the first Lord's-day in March, 1867, our brother was favoured to baptize one in the name of the Holy Three. She was a teacher in the school. On the first Lord's-pay in June, his heart was made glad in having to lead two lambs into the watery grave; once scholars in our school. And on the first Lord's-day of May, 1868, he was again thus honoured. I know he esteems it an honour to bring the lambs of Christ into the church. of these was a scholar in our school, the other, the youngest daughter of my brother deacon. I call them lambs, because they are young in years. Oh, what a mercy to be stopped in a course of sin, in early life! The Lord preserve them. Another sat under the word a long time; has been greatly exercised, but was enabled to come forward to follow her Master through the much despised ordinance; and then she lost her burden. Also a dear brother, in a remarkable way, was brought to hear our brother preach the word, he had formerly been a Primitive Methodist. We do not care what they have been, so that they are brought right at last. He, too, has been baptized, making seven since March, 1867. You see the Lord is with us; we are in peace among ourselves. The Lord still continue to be with us is the prayer of his unworthy servant, MOSES LACEY. One SUTTON, ISLE OF ELY.-The anni versary of the Sabbath school in connection with the Baptist cause in the above village, was celebrated on Lord's-day, May 17th, when Mr. R. G. Edwards, the pastor, preached the sermons, and addressed the parents, teachers, and children in the afternoon. On the Tuesday following, the children and friends partook of a friendly cup of tea, a goodly company being present. In the evening a large party of children of all sizes and ages, were seen enjoying themselves in the beautiful orchard of our very kind friend, George Ibberson, Esq., to whom and his beloved partner in life, we tender our hearty thanks. RAMSGATE.-Some believers in truth, who sat under Mr. Isaac Comfort's ministry when he was in Ramsgate, have erected a room to worship in, which was opened on Whit-Sunday. It is called "Albert street room, West cliff, Ramsgate." Should any minister of truth be in or near Ramsgate, they would be glad to hear him. Letters may be addressed, Mr. Henry Meader, 20, Liverpool lawn, Ramsgate. WINDSOR.-Dear brother, At Windsor, there is a Baptist cause; we have met for divine worship in a large upper room; the congregation is increasing under the ministry of those brethren who have supplied; Christmas, Lee, Price, and Brett. We have £100 towards building a chapel; a piece of ground is offered, but, we want to augment our funds to £400. If you or any of your readers could tell us how we could raise £250, we should be thankful, as we want to build a chapel to seat 200 persons. The much esteemed pastor of the Surrey Tabernacle has preached our anniversary sermons, and other highly favoured of the Lord's servants. We should be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. Signed by E. SMITH. H. EARLEY. T. LLOYD. } Deacons. KNOWL HILL, NEAR MAIDENHEAD. We have been compelled to defer insertion of this: so many "hard cases" are pressing upon us. Dear brother Banks, "I perceive the notice I wished you to insert, relative to the Knowl Hill cause was omitted. Should be glad if you would give it a place in your VESSEL for next month. We are very anxious to clear off the debt of £31, and thus liberate the people from the necessity of increasing the mortgage on the chapel. You will see I have enclosed one of our collecting cards, and shall feel greatly obliged if you could make as good use of it as possible, and thus aid us in our effort to free the people from the debt now remaining £31. Praying the dear Lord may bless and prosper you in your work and labour of love, and give you every needed blessing, Í remain, yours in Gospel bonds. BROWN. The card says: The people worshipping at Knowl Hill chapel, having been recently bereaved of their beloved pastor, Mr. Mason, who for some years lay on a bed of sickness, are now in difficulty, having a debt of £31. Feeling that we cannot surmount this without the assistance of benevolent friends, we affectionately appeal for help to a Christian public, desiring to ascribe all the blessing and honour to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Helpers together in the good work, W. Mr. CHAS. VIZE. [This is a worthy case.-ED.] STURRY, NEAR CANTERBURY. |