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providence and grace, we will erect another Ebenezer, for "Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." Is anything too hard for the Lord? Yours faithfully, J. K.

NEWPORT, MONMOUTHSHIRE. In this large and busy town on the borders of Wales, there are not less than six Baptist causes. The only one we are acquainted with, is that under the ministry of Mr. J. P. Thomas, whose church and congregation meet in the Albert hall. Mr. Thomas is associated with a body of most decided, truthful, and godly men; and his prospects of usefulness are encouraging. The origin of this cause casts a most painful shadow over the morality of those noisy professors who are ever ready to pour contempt upon those believers in Christ's Gospel, who cannot sanction such insults to common sense, and such blasphemous libels upon the Gospel, as the free-will people are dealing out by wholesale. But we shall not now write the history of the English Baptist church in Newport; that will come another time. Special services were holden, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, Sept. 13, 14, 15. C. W. Banks preached two sermons on Sunday, the morning from "They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy." The evening from John xvii. 26, "I have declared unto them thy praise, and will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." In "Cheering Words" we may give account of this journey into Wales. We shall not soon forget the emphatic manner in which Mr. Thomas said to us, at the close of the evening service, "In no other place in Newport would you have dared to preach that sermon without being sworn at." We thought within ourselves, the state of morals, and the standard of truth, must then be low indeed.

BOW.-NEW BAPTIST CAUSE, ALBERT TERRACE, opposite the church. This cause was commenced in May 1868, by myself; when Mr. Jas. Wells and Mr. Stringer preached. We have been steadily increasing. On August 16th, C. W. Banks preached to good congregations, both morning and evening, although the rain came down in torrents.

same; he wished the friends to know what was done with it. The total amount received in the quarter is £9 15s. 52d., expended £94s. 10d. balance in hand, 10s. 6d. Mr. Henry Stanley moved the adoption of the report, expressing his desire to see the cause prosper, said he enjoyed liberty in speaking to the friends there. Mr. Christian seconded the adoption with suitable remarks. Our brother, C. W. Banks, asked the friends to show their approval in the usual way, which was unanimous. The chairman gave out a hymn. Mr. Kemp said when he came to that locality, he went from one place to another, but could find no truth. He went to the Baptist chapel, he heard the minister ask his people to convert their neighbours; and to regenerate them. Mr. Kemp was glad to find that God's truth was now in Bow, as taught by Jesus and his apostles. At this stage C. W. Banks presented Mr. C. Longley, with a copy of Denham's selection, from brother Lee, for conducting the singing. Brother Longley returned his grateful acknowledgments' in very appropriate remarks. Flory spoke with warmth wishing us God speed. The chairman gave out the 982nd hymn; and concluded in prayer. The meeting all through was conducted in a Gospel spirit. May the great Head of tho church smile on this teeble effort for the extension of Zion. Yours, Mr. Editor, in every covenant blessing, W. H. Lee, 37, Mostyn road, Bow.

Mr.

CARDIFF.-I walked through the town on the occasion of the Marquis of Bute coming of age. This young nobleman is said to have estates in the island of Bute, in Scotland, and in this large town of Cardiff, worth at least £300,000 per annum. He has given the inhabitants of this town £50,000 to keep his birthday. The whole neighbourhood is alive, banners flying, and bells ringing, but the most pleasing sight was the several procession of fifteen thousands of children from the Sunday schools; their singing, and marching, their multitudinous and army, was grand to behold.

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TUNSTALL, SUFFOLK. On Tuesday, Aug.

18, we had a business-meeting, which was opened by brother Longley, singing,

"God moves in mysterious way." Brother Lee read the 127th Psalm, and prayed. Mr. Symonds, (proprietor of the Hackney Color Works) presided till C. W. Banks came; Mr. Symonds, in opening the business of the meeting stated the origin of the cause, and the necessity of such a place; he spoke in high terms of those who had been engaged in raising this Baptist interest; he called on Mr. W. H. Lee, to read the report. Mr. Lee stated as all the responsibility rested on him, he received all the money collected, and spent the

season.

home meeting. This service was held Sept. 9th. In the afternoon a suitable and impressive sermon was preached by brother Collins, of Grundisburgh, from 1 Cor. xv. 3, 4; it was truly a profitable and blessed At five o'clock a large company took tea together in the chapel, the ladies having done their part well in providing good things for the body. In the evening at seven o'clock, a large congregation gathered to hear another sermon preached by brother Kiddle, of Lowestoft. The text was taken from the ninth of Isaiah, and latter clause of the third verse, "They joy before thee according to the joy in harvest." This appropriate subject was

delivered in an eloquent, deliberate, and most impressive manner, which arrested the attention of the hearers, so that saint and sinner were deeply affected. In both services the Lord's people joyfully said, "Master it is good to be here." The pro

ceeds were very kindly presented to the minister Mr. John Lamb, who has laboured among the people three months and has received a further unanimous call for twelve months longer.

MR. JOHN BUNYAN MCCURE AT
OSWESTRY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE "EARTHEN VESSEL.'

DEAR SIR,-My attention has been called to Mr. J. B. McCure's letters tohis church in Sydney, in your magazine, especially to that portion referring to Oswestry. I must say it is written in an ungenerous spirit; and in explanation of what he says I would remark (1) That when the proposal was made that he should come to Oswestry, it was strongly and repeatedly urged against it that owing to the time of year, and also to the efforts which we were at the very time making for the clearing off of our own debt, his lecture would, in all probability be a failure. Notwithstanding this he came, and the prediction was verified: but for the disappointment Mr. McCure felt, who was to blame? And is not such disappointment often the lot of lecturers quite as eminent as Mr. McCure (2) That Mr. McCure was received here with all kindness,. On his arrival he was offered refreshment, but he said he did not need it. I then explained to him why I could not offer him a bed in my own house; and on my saying that I had supposed he would be glad to return to his personal friend at Shrewsbury for the night, he assented to it, and said he would go. All thought of a bed for Mr. McCure was therefore put aside. Then his run to the station, and want of refreshment before leaving were simply owing to his own indiscretion in prolonging his lecture, (against his own promise to the people) quite unnecessarily up to the very last moment before the train started. All the hurry and inconvenience, therefore, he had only himself to thank for.

Mr. McCure's remarks upon Rochdale and the minister there, are evidently in the same taste. He seems, judging from his diary, to think that all ministers are bound to give him and his lecture a most enthusiastic reception, to obtain for him large meetings and collections, or else they are no longer dear brethren, but icebergs, which freeze his glowing soul. I observe, however, that even he can say that he could have nothing to do with General Baptists; then why should not the Particu lar Baptist brother at Rochdale, for his own reasons, even decline to have anything to do with him? In short, I think Mr. McCure in writing these letters should guard against

producing uncharitable and incorrect impressions respecting those who, at least, received him courteously and kindly; and also against venting the chagrin of his very sensitive spirit upon those whom he knows have no opportunity of defending themselves. I am, dear sir, yours truly,

THE BAPTIST MINISTER AT OSWESTRY.

[Of course, we know nothing of either side beyond the testimony of each. Our brother McCure having published his case, the Oswestry minister demands an opportunity to explain. This we could not refuse.-ED.]

HIGH WYCOMBE. We have read with pleasure the report of "Harvest Thanksgiving services" holden in the church, in the vicarage, and in the town hall, at High Wycombe; and they appear to have been very different from some harvest meetings which have been quite the laughing-stock of the country. From enquiries which sometimes reach us, it is evidently not generally known that Mr. Thomas Chivers, (the late pastor for many years of Bermondsey Baptist church) is now settled at High Wycombe, where, recently, he has been the means of originating, and assisting to carry out, a series of special services for rendering public thanks to Almighty God, for the abundant supply of the fruits of the earth which have been this season, so successfully gathered in. On Wednesday, August 19th, 1868, these services commenced by prayers and a sermon from the vicar in the parish church. We have always understood that vicar of High Wycombe is a true Christian and a faithful preacher of the Gospel, and his sermon on the occasion referred to, gives confirming evidence of his being a brother beloved with whom Mr. Chivers, and the other ministers could happily asassociate. After the morning service, at which the corporation attended, the vicar invited the ministers to luncheon at his house; to unite in prayer, and to take tea. In the evening, a crowded meeting was holden in the town hall, when addresses were delivered by several ministers, among whom were Mr. Chivers and Mr. Cawse.

OLD BUCKENHAM. The eleventh anniversary of the above place was held on Sunday, Sept. 6th, when three sermons were preached by Mr. G. Dearle, of Norwich. On Monday, the 7th, 130 friends sat down to tea provided gratuitously for the benefit of the minister. In the evening recognition service, and harvest home meeting were held. Mr. Baldwin related his call by grace, call to the ministry, and leadings of divine providence to this place. Mr. Gooch sen., presided, Mr. Sparham, of Shelfhanger, Mr. Ewing, of Kenninghall, Mr. Noble, of Carlton Rode, and Mr. Gooch, jun., of Diss, gave some excellent and very interesting addresses. The chapel was

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READING.-The ninth anniversary of the opening of Providence chapel, Oxford road, was held on Tuesday, August 18th, when Mr. John Hazelton, of London, preached two blessed and Christ-exalting sermons, which were listened to with great interest. The friends expressed themselves profited and delighted; although the morning was very unfavourable we had a good attendance, about 200 partook of tea, the collections were satisfactory. The deacons with friends here feel truly grateful. After such a long course of supplies by ministerial brethren, who very kindly served us, in answer to our fervent prayers, covenant God and Father was pleased to direct our brother F. Pearce to take the oversight of these few sheep in the wilderness. In him, we have a kind, affectionate, and yet a faithful preacher of the Gospel, walking in all the apostolic doctrines of a life practically according therewith. The Lord has blessed his labours in gathering many of his people together. As a church we have peace and rest, with a gradual increase in the cause. One sister was baptized and added to our number in July, and we are hoping many more may be constrained to follow in the same footsteps. Pastor and people are very comfortable and happy with each other, to our precious Jesus be all the glory. Yours in the truth, A. MARTIN.

PLYMOUTH.-A correspondent says: Mr. Wilcoxson left Plymouth on the 26th of August, to reside at Hull, in Yorkshire, where his friends have built him a new chapel. I understand it will seat about 350 people. Mr. Hardinge, from Hastings, has engaged to preach here for a month, whether he will stop any longer I cannot say.

Notes of the Month.

MR. JOSEPH FLORY says,-You will be glad to hear I have been preaching Jesus and the resurrection, in April, May, and Jnne at Tunstall, in Suffolk, with tokens of the Divine goodness resting upon the word and the souls of the people. I heard the testimony of many, of the word being made an eternal benefit to their souls by the ministry of brother Baker. At Salem chapel, Yarmouth, I spoke to the people of the "overcomers" and their privileges. Here for nearly a quarter of a century I have been enabled to unfurl the Gospel banner; but most have passed away. Amongst them, their first pastor, the aged Weldon, brother Tann, and the devout follower of the Lord, and firm supporter of the Gospel, Mrs. Griffin, whose tombstone in the old churchyard, has this motto, S., S. G., viz., "Sinner saved by grace."

Oh for more such determined contenders for the faith in life and death! My visit to Norwich was somewhat cheered by finding brother Brunt firm in the truth, and with a good congregation in Orford hill chapel. The memory and labours of that servant of God, brother Corbitt, remain; he was spoken of with honour. I had the favour to say a few things about the "precious sons of Zion." I have had the comfort of hearing brother Stringer, who is as full of heavenly fire and zeal for the truth as ever. The God of Jacob has and will bless him very much, for the word is, "Them that honour me I will honour." There is no oscillation in brother Stringer, he speaks as "one having authority," so that men must feel the importance and blessedness of the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the "truth as it is in Jesus." Last Thursday evening I had the pleasure of hearing friend Flack; he is a sweet experimental preacher; his text was "Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." I went into the chapel cast down, and came out blessing and praising the Lord.

MR. COOK is getting quite strong again, and attributes the improvement in his health to the blessing of God upon Mr. Congreve's treatment. Mr. Cook is now able to preach two or three times a week, and has accepted an invitation from the church worshipping at Trinity chapel, Borough, London, to preach to them for three months, viz, November, December, and January. His address is 48, Brownlow road, Dalston, London.

"Will'm Martin's Flight into Zealand," is pitiable. The idea that warning signals of this kind should be raised in our churches is good, but we must have time to read the notes, and consider.

MR. BARTHOLOMEW having resigned his pastorate of the church at Mendlesham, Suffolk, after near nine years' ministrations, is open to a call from any church contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, see Matt. xxviii. 19 and 20; Acts ii. 42; 1 Cor. ix. 14.

To churches needing supplies. A brother is open to engagements with view to the pastorate. Address, W. C., care of R. Banks, 30, Ludgate hill and 'Stationers' hall court.

MARRIAGE.

Married at Providence chapel, Oxford road, Reading, Mr. Charles Vyse to Miss Eliza Knott, on Sunday, August 30, 1868.

DEATHS.

Died, August 20th, Samuel Burlington Wale, the infant son of B. B. Wale, of Blackheath.

Died, at St. Neot's, Sunday, September 13th, 1868, Susan, the beloved wife of Mr. Richard Bax, pastor of the Baptist church at St. Neot's, aged twenty-nine years.

Double for all her Sins."

"For your shame ye shall have double,

In their land they shall possess the double."
Isaiah lxi. 7.

I was walking to the place where I was appointed to preach, the first Sunday evening in October in this year, and was thinking on the great things in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, which chapter may be said to present four special features. First, the history of the day of Pentecost; secondly, a pattern of the Gospel ministry; thirdly, a truthful testimony expressive of the secret work of the Holy Ghost; lastly, a beautiful model of a New Testament church.

While silently contemplating the recorded events of the day of Pentecost, a thought crossed my mind quite original to myself; and I will lay that simple thought presently before my readers. But first, a word upon the Pentecost in a general way. As the Gospel dispensation came in by the sudden coming down of the eternally glorious third person, the HOLY GHOST, so, I believe, the Gospel dispensation will close with the sudden glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST. As the blessed Spirit came on the Pentecostal day, and gathered in a large handful of first-fruits; so the Lord Jesus Christ will come at the end of this dispensation, and gather in the abundant harvest. CHRIST was, (Himself, essentially,) "the first-fruits; afterward THEY that are Christ's, at His COMING," (1 Cor. xv. 23). Oh ! when I thought of this immensely mighty harvest my soul flew up, as to the throne of grace, saying―

With them numbered may we be,
Now, and through eternity.

The Pentecost was a jubilee of days from the passover, for when the whole fifty days from the passover were fully come, when the fiftieth day from thence arrived, then was the PENTECOST. Seven perfect weeks rolled on between the Passover and the Pentecost; so, between the beginning and the ending of this Gospel ingathering, there will be a perfection of time; and then, the CHURCH'S JUBILEE will be fully come.

Now, mark this! on the second day of the passover, on the sixteenth of Nisan, the (single) sheaf of the first-fruits was offered up; after which, and not before, it was lawful to reap the corn; Leviticus xxiii. 10, 11. There was the type of the single blessing. That period from Passover to Pentecost, had three designated titles, "the feast of weeks," ""the first-fruits of wheat-harvest," and "the feast of ingathering." All of which are delightfully applicable in a spiritual way to the Gospel dispensation.

At the end of fifty days came the Pentecost; on that day was offered the two wave-loaves, as a thanksgiving that the Jewish harvest was ended. Here was the type of "THE DOUBLE." In the salvation of God's Israel there must be the single blessing of the Passover, and the double blessing of the Pentecost. For GOD ALMIGHTY to "passover' our sins, in the person, and in the sacrifice, of His Son, is a blessing

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indeed; for "without the shedding of blood there is no remission;" to be redeemed from the curse of the law, is the great deliverance which CHRIST effected for his people; and He was the "One Sheaf of the firstfruits offered up" before the throne of God in heaven, as a pledge of the whole election of grace being ultimately brought in; and "Christ crucified" is the "One sheaf," "lifted up," in the Gospel ministry; but, still the proclamation is made, "except a man be born again, he cannot see," he cannot enter "into the kingdom of heaven." Hence, there is, to me, a fulness of rich truth in that promise in Isaiah lxi. Ah! I should say, in that bunch of promises, which flow from both the Passover and the Pentecostal feasts; for, now, not only has redemption come by the God-man, "the Son of the Father in truth and love," but, also, regeneration has come by the out-pouring of the Spirit ; so that the prediction has received its fulfilment, "therefore IN THEIR LAND THEY SHALL POSSESS THE DOUBLE." That is redemption by the passover, ("Christ our passover was sacrificed for us ;") and regeneration by the Pentecost; for, said the blessed Redeemer, "when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He shall convince of sin, He shall take of mine, and shew it unto you, and He shall lead you into all truth.” And there is literally fulfilled the grand old saying of the inspired patriarch, "And unto Him," (the Shiloh) "shall the gathering of the people be !"

"THE DOUBLE" then, is the fulness of the "two loaves;" Jesus Christ, personally, as the Great High Priest of our profession, appearing before God for us in heaven, and Jesus Christ, brought home to the souls of the redeemed, by the power of the Holy Ghost, through the Gospelmaking Isaiah's prophecy to stand out in a brilliant and blessed reality, the chief items of which are these:

"To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord;
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion;

"To give them beauty for ashes;

"The oil of joy for mourning;

"The garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

"That they might be called trees of righteousness ;

"The planting of the Lord;

"That He might be glorified."

How is all this to be accomplished? He answers, heaven-anointed men "Shall be called the ministers of our God;"

"They shall eat, (gather in) the riches of the Gentiles."

Then, being quickened by the Spirit of God, Christ being preached unto them, as Peter did on the day of Pentecost; faith in Jesus being wrought in them, the happy results follow:

"For your shame shall have double;

ye

"And for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion;

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'Therefore, in their (New Covenant Gospel) land they SHALL

POSSESS THE DOUBLE ;

"Everlasting joy shall be unto them."

If you would fairly estimate this great blessing, you must compare the preaching of Peter, on the day of Pentecost, when "there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind," and, when, "there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire; which sat upon them; and when

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