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with the proposed text; which was this (2 Peter iii. 16), "In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction." From that solemn scripture the cobbler preached a sermon; it is headed, "The Sufficiency of the Spirit's Teaching." The clergyman heard it; the result I stop not here to describe. It was a masterly discovery of the kind of "learning" Peter referred to. That sermon was published; it was a great blessing; it has been considered suited to the times in which we live. A little band of good Protestants propose to re-issue it with the engraved frontispiece. The price will be sixpence. All friends to the dissemination of pure truth will oblige if they will send their orders for the work, addressed to "The Cobbler How Society, care of James Paul, Pulpit Office, Chapter House Court, Paternoster row." By sending one stamp, a few prospectuses will be forwarded; and a most extensive circulation of the work may thereby be accomplished.

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The Last Adam. By Lieut-Gen. H. Goodwyn, author of " Antitypical Parallels," &c. London S. W. Partridge and Co. There are, at least, three portions of this book, which furnish material for thought, critical enquiry, and prophetic reflection. The first is, the "Evidence that the church is not the kingdom, but the eve of the new creation ;' the second is, "A synopsis of the book of the apocalypse of Jesus Christ;" the third is, "Seven typical phases of the coming kingdom." The venerable and indefatigable writer of this and other volumes, is opening up veins of Biblical and prophetic study quite new to many of us who have not hitherto read some portions of the word, as he has been favoured to do. "The Last Adam, " is a handsome book; and all who carefully peruse its contents, will be convinced that Lieut-Gen. H. Goodwyn is a devout, and learned Christian author; and that his last days are given up to the promotion of an increased measure of prophetic light into, and a grow

ing knowledge of those more pure and perfect regions or dispensations, which shall be the inheritance of the redeemed ere the mystery of God shall be finished.

Capital Punishment is Murder Legalized. By J. C. L. Carson, M.D., published by Houlston and Wright. A profoundly argumentative, and most conclusive book. These twelve chapters certainly cannot be read by any unbiassed mind, without deriving advantages worth ten times the cost of purchase and time of reading. A victorious champion Dr. Carson will certainly prove, if he can but persevere. His work ought to be more than popular; it should be universally digested, and talked of in all circles of society.

The Lutheran Observer, from Philadelphia, has reached us; so has "The Protestant" from Sydney; and notices of a periodical conducted by Mr. Samuel Cozens, at Launceston. Of these, the month being nearly gone; as well as Mr. Cozens' paper on "Mixed Communion," we cannot say more now.

C. H. Spurgeon, his books, his sermons, and his institutions.” Having received several of Mr. Spurgeon's works for review, we have commenced a lengthened notice of them; and originally intended it for this month; but several things have caused us to defer it.

Elijah the Tishbite, and Elijah_the Christian, a memoir of the late Mr. E. Packer, is now ready.

We beg to call the attention of our readers to the announcement on the cover, of the issuing of the Baptist Almanack for next year. It is to be ready with the December magazines; and we ask the early assistance of ministers and deacons to furnish corrections and additions. We understand a beautiful engraving of Mr. Frith's new chapel, at Bexley, (opened this month) is to form the frontispiece.

Cheering Words for this month contains some choice pieces; and we think one-halfpenny cannot be much better spent than in the purchase of this little mouthly. The volume for this year will be ready early in December, and will form a nice little Christmas present.

What is Baptism? An Address to the Young.

DELIVERED IN THE RYE LANE, PECKHAM, SUNDAY SCHOOL, AT THEIR SPECIAL PRAYER MEETING, SABBATH AFTERNOON, AUG. 30, BY GEO. THOS. CONGREVE, SUPERINTENDENT.

MY BELOVED YOUNG FRIENDS,-It has been my happy lot to see, on various occasions, scholars and teachers of our school put on the Lord Jesus Christ by baptism. And now two of our dear scholars (one a little one,) and two of our beloved teachers, out of love for Jesus, to tell their love for him, to show they trust him as their Saviour are going down into the water tonight to be baptized in his name. I thought it desirable for this reason to hold our monthly prayer-meeting to-day.

I dare say some of my young friends here are ready to say "What is the meaning of this baptism," just as in the days of Moses, the children saw their fathers and mothers prepare the feast of the Passover, and they said "What mean you by this service" (Exodus xii. 26.) I will try and show you what we mean by baptism.

And when I say baptism, remember we do not call that baptism that some folks do, when a few drops of water are sprinkled in the face of a little child, perhaps asleep, or if not asleep, the little thing cries and shakes its head, and wonders what they are doing with it. No! we find nothing in the Bible to teach us nonsense such as that. Thebaptism the Bible teachesthe baptism Christ commands is, when I am old enough to know that I love Jesuswhen I have come to his cross and trust him as my Saviour, then in obedience to his will, I am plunged beneath the water as a token of my love for him. This is the baptism of the Bible.

I will give you one beautiful picture of baptism from the Bible. Then I will give you three ideas of its meaning.

The picture I get from the 8th of Acts. Many miles to the south of Jerusalem, is a desert stretching towards Egypt and Ethiopia. There is a road across the desert. See! there comes along the road a great man riding in his chariot, reading a roll or book. He is treasurer to a great queen-the queen of Ethiopia. He has been to Jerusalem. What for? To worship. He has heard like many others, of the God of the Jews, and anxious to worship the true God, he has been up to Jerusalem. He does not yet understand the way of salvation, but he is earnestly seeking it. He has obtained a copy of the Scriptures at Jerusalem. I dare say he bought it of the scribes for a great sum of money. He is reading of the sufferings of Christ in the fifty-third chapter of the prophet Isaiah, and wondering what it means. And while he is reading, a stranger is seen upon the roada man of middle age, and plainly dressed, like a pilgrim. He is one of the twelve Apostles. He hears the sound of wheels. A chariot is coming. An unseen voice whis'pers, "Go, Philip, ride with that man in

the chariot, and speak to him." (It was the voice of God, and so that voice says often now to ministers, "Speak to that man-that woman. Sunday school teachers, speak to that boy, that girl in your class, tell them about Jesus.") Philip runs to the chariot and speaks. "Sir, understandest thou what thou readest ?" The great man looks up from the book. He is not offended at the stranger. "How can I understand? (he says) come up and sit with me, and tell the meaning. Here is a Scripture puzzles me; I cannot understand it. 'He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.' What does the prophet mean by this? Does he speak of himself or of another?" Beautiful simplicity and earnestness! Oh, that you and I had more of the child-like simplicity of this man-that we were more ready like a little child to come and learn of Jesus. Then Philip opened his mouth and preached to him Jesus.

"And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water, and the eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized ?"

"And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

"And he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him."-Acts viii. 36, 37, 38.

And now I will try and show you in a few words the meaning of this baptism.

And FIRST. It is a beautiful figure of the sufferings of Jesus, and his glorious resurrection. In Luke xii. 50, he says, "I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened (or anxious) to accomplish it!" Yes! he was anxious to be plunged in a sea of suffering, so that he might save our souls. Water is often a figure of trouble and sorrows. Dr. Watts says of heaven,"Not a wave of trouble roll,

Across my peaceful breast." Talking of waves you should have seen the sea as I saw it, eight days ago; there was a fearful hurricane. I could scarce stand upright on the beach; the waves dashing over the parade, and casting their white foam high as the house-tops. John in Rev. xxi. speaking of heaven says, 66 I saw a new heaven and a new earth, and there was no more sea." I take that to mean that in heaven there shall be no more suffering or sorrow. Yes! the blessed Redeemer was plunged beneath a sea of sorrow, that none but God could bear. "Once was the great Redeemer plunged In Jordan's swelling flood,

To show he must be soon baptized,

In tears, and sweat, and blood." But oh! just as he rose from the waves of Jordan, so on the resurrection morning he rose. Conquerer over sin, and death, and hell; and now there is no hell for any poor soul here that trusts in Jesus,-that looks to Jesus. Think of that when you see the service of baptism (some of you) to-night.

And then the SECOND thing meant by baptism. It is a figure of the washing away of sin and rising to new life. As the body is plunged beneath the water, so, my dear friends, if you and I are saved, our guilty souls must be plunged in the Redeemer's blood.

There is a fountain filled with blood,

Drawn from Immanuel's veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains." And when in baptism the body rises from the water, it is to show that so washed by the Saviour's blood, we rise to a new life of holiness; no longer slaves of sin but servants of Jesus. Think of that when you see the service of baptism (some of you) to-night.

And then the last thing meant by baptism. It is my oath of allegiance to Christ. When a young man enters one department of the service of our queen, he declares that he will love her, honour her, and obey her; and so baptism is a declaration to the world that I love Christ-that I have given him my heart, and that by His grace I will follow him through life, until he take me to dwell with him for ever.

Is not baptism then a glorious service, full of beautiful meaning?

Have I any of our Bible classes

here

anxious to follow Christ too, uneasy they have not done so, fearing they are unworthy, but longing to be numbered with his people? I will give you a little text of five words, Job xxii. 21, Acquaint now thyself with him."

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But then the thought arises such as this, "I feel I need a Saviour, I desire to know Christ; how shall I acquaint myself with him ?"

I answer-my dear young friend, the desire to know Christ comes from him: and if he has put that desire in your heart, he will show himself to you. Yes, he will show you his hands, and feet, and side, pierced for you.

There are three ways in which if you are truly seeking Christ, you may acquaint yourself with him. For an illustration, let me suppose one of my young friends has a lover; well, she is reading a letter from him. Here are the words of his heart, and if they are written in truth, some knowledge is gained of him. Well, by-and-bye, she is thinking of him; she remembers the words of his letter, and as she thinks she seems to know him more. But at last he comes; and then they talk face to face, and walk together, and so the knowledge of one another increases, and ove perhaps increases too.

So, my young friends, there often grows an acquaintance with Christ. He is the poor sinner's lover. "Jesus, lover of my

soul." Here in the Bible I see a letter from him-the very words of his heart. Man might deceive; he cannot; and when he says, "I love them that love me," he means it. Read this letter then, and "acquaint thyself with him." And then think of him. He has a book of remembrance for those that think upon his name, and "they shall be mine (he says) when I make up my jewels." And then talk with him; go to him and take your sin, your burdens, your cares. He has said, "Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden." "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace."

I read once of a young woman, an actress, gay, and beautiful, a fine singer, who delighted often the audience of the theatres, where she went with her singing and acting. Alas! like many more, she was travelling the road to hell. One evening, going through London, she missed her way. Stopping in a small street to enquire, she heard singing in a room, and stood at the door to listen. An old woman begged her to come in, and offered her a book. They were just singing

"Depth of mercy! can there be
Mercy yet reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear,
Me, a guilty sinner, spare ?"

Oh! her heart was melted. Floods of tears rolled down her cheeks; like Mary she would have bathed the Saviour's feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. She went home, wrote and declined the engagement at the theatre. The manager wrote back, and entreated her; would she perform once more only, for the bills were out with her name; she CONSENTED. She "would come just once more," and she came. The curtain drew up, she appeared upon the stage; the time was come for her to sing, and she was looking down and silent. The band struck up again. She was silent still, then presently with hands clasped, and tears flowing down her cheeks she sang,

"Depth of mercy! can there be
Mercy yet reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear,
Me, a guilty sinner, spare ?"

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Oh, yes! he could, and there is mercy now for all who seek. My beloved young friends of the Bible classes-may God help you by his Spirit to seek, and find the Saviour. And then when you feel you can trust him that he has pardoned your sins, and you love him for his grace, to be baptized is simply one act of love to him:—and oh, how little is it that we can do to show our love for Jesus.

Hast thou the cross for me endured,
And all its shame despised;

And shall I be ashamed, O Lord,

For thee to be baptized?

This address is published as a four page tract for distribution in schools, at Is. 6d. per 100 post free, from Mr. Congreve, Coombe Lodge, Peckham; or from R. Banks, 30, Ludgate hill.

Our Churches, Our Pastors, and Our People.

TO THE CHURCH AND CONGREGATION WORSHIPPING IN THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, CASTLEREAGH STREET, SYDNEY, AND TO ALL THE FRIENDS OF CHRIST AND TRUTH, SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE COLONIES OF AUSTRALASIA.

BELOVED, "as for God his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried, he is a buckler to all those who trust in him." Therefore, I have obtained the money; the Lord told me that they that trust in him shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed but abideth for ever. I believed it, God has honoured and sustained that faith, and has in his own way, perfected that which concerneth me and you, viz., the deliverance of his house and people from that money burden under which we have groaned. Many have been the cries I have poured forth, "O Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me," My ever gracious, and faithful Lord has undertaken for me; he has opened the hearts of thousands of his dear children in England who have responded to our appeal, and have given me the amount by which all the claims upon us will be met directly I arrive in Sydney. Praise ye the Lord!

Not only have I been honoured of Gcd in getting the money, but in having souls given to me. Many have been the instances I have met with, of the word preached being blessed; therefore the Lord having a work for me to do in England, the want of the money, to save our chapel from being sold, necessitated my leaving you and my wife and children to seek the money in England, and while I have been getting it, the Lord has in a most wonderful way employed me in his vineyard here, so much so, that the money success of my mission has gone quite into the shade, before the Gospel success given to me. While I have travelled in England 10,000 miles preaching and lecturing to all sorts of people, preaching the Gospel of Christ, independent of smiles, and fearless of frowns, God the Holy Ghost blessing the word to many, what a refuge, what a shield, what a strength and what a faithful, covenant-performing God, our God has been to me! I have tried his word, and have found it to be the faithful word. Thy word endureth for ever! "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass, and as thy day so thy strength

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shall be! Alleluia! salvation, and glory,

and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God for ever and ever.

My farewell meeting will be held in the Surrey Tabernacle on Tuesday, Nov. 17th, and by the ship "Nineveh," I have arranged to leave England direct for Sydney, on the 25th of November. I shall now give you my last report of my work. since the account published in the EARTHEN VESSEL for Oct. that you may with me rejoice in the lovingkindness of the Lord, and sing

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My Father's wisdom cannot err,

His love no change or failure knows, Be mine his counsel to prefer,

And acquiesce in all he does. Lord's-day, Sep. 20th,-By particular request of the deacons of the late Mr. Abrahams' church, I was again favoured to preach to a crowded congregation in Regent street chapel. The Lord was with me, and I was helped with heart and mouth being opened to speak of those things which are more precious to the Lord's dear children, than all the world calls good and great; the Lord blessed the people, and the people blessed me in the name of the Lord. I was quite overwhelmed with their love and sympathy. I dined with Mrs. Abrahams, with whom I had communion, for she is a sister in Jesus, and a lover of the truth. While resting in the study of her late husband, I copied out of his bible the following:

"This book contains the account of the world and the inhabitants therein, it draws a faithful line of demarcation between the children of God, and of the flesh, for there are no more, it points out, without faith the final end of both. To this we have searched it, so it is, hear it, and know thou it for thy good. Amen.

GEORGE ABRAHAMS.

Monday, 21st, was the anniversary of the Surrey Tabernacle. It was truly a wonderful sight to see about 2000 persons assembled, and all so happy; flowing together in harmony to help the poor pilgrims, for the proceeds of collections was for the new asylum, which amounted to £110. That the Lord is with his people in the Surrey Tabernacle no one can question; not long since, Mr. Wells baptized thirty-one disciples. I am informed that at the church meeting, many were the tearful eyes, tears of joy, while listening to the testimony of those

who declared how that the Lord had blest the ministry of his servant to their souls. God be praised! The subject given to me to speak upon, wa salmost too much for my feelings," The Aged Pilgrim anticipating home." I am indeed anticipating the home of my loved ones, from whom I have been separated for a long while, for Christ and truth's sake; but for that, for the cause of truth, I never could have made the sacrifice that I have; which cause is my justification and consolation, and now the Lord has stamped it with his approbation! But the home, the sweet home, which the pilgrims of Zion are travelling to,

"There the wicked cease from troubling,

And there the weary are at rest." Thursday, 24th.-In the Baptist chapel, Romney street, Westminster, it was arranged for me to lecture, I was most kindly received by pastor and people. The collections £1 17s. Mr. Maycock and sister gave me £1 10s., making a total of £3 7s.

Friday, 25th. Through the kind sympathy of Mr. Henry Carr, of Croydon, who engaged the public hall, and paid the expenses thereof, I lectured to a good number of persons, notwithstanding the very unfavourable weather Mr. Kennard took he chair, and delivered a first rate chairman's speech. Brother Thurston gave out a hymn; I was very pleased to see the two Baptist ministers of Croydon who preach and love the same truth, the same Jesus, brethren, Cowell and Thurston, present on the occasion. The collection amounted to £13.

Saturday, 26th.-I arrived in Eaton Bray, in Beds, cold and weary; was most kindly received by brother Warren and his good wife, at whose house I lodged. Having had but little sleep all the week, I retired to bed early; but I could not sleep. My thoughts ran over to Sydney instead of sleeping. I am often thinking of my dear ones, and my work and people 16,000 miles away, and then it is farewell to sleep.

Lord's-day, 27th.-In the Baptist chapel, I preached three times, which was crowded, notwithstanding the stormy rain, it being the time of the "autumnal equinox." Between the morning and afternoon service, I gave an address to the Sunday school, numbering about 200, after which, the teachers held a meeting and voted 208. to me as an expression of their sympathy.

Monday, 28th. The chapel was crowded, many could not get in. For over two hours I lectured, the people listened with the geatest interest. Brother Inward, the

pastor of the Baptist church, Dunstable, took the chair. The amount of collection £7 18. 84d., school subscriptions, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, 20s., making a total of £9 1s. 84. I spent a very comfortable time with the friends, and am exceedingly encouraged with the instances of the word of the Lord having free course, running into the hearts of many, comforting some, and I hope breaking others.

Tuesday 29th.-Mr. Smith drove me to Dunstable, four miles, for which kind and helping act I was truly thankful. By train I left for Leicester, by way of Hatfield and Hitchin. While waiting for train at Hatfield, tired and weary, I retired to the waiting room; on the table was a book open presenting to me the following hymn, which spoke out the feelings and wants of my weary soul.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon my
breast.

I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad,
I found in him a resting place,
And he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold," I freely give;
The living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink, and live.
I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul re-
vived,

And now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
I am this dark world's light,
Look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright.

I looked to Jesus, and I found
In him my star, my sun;
And in that light of life, I'll walk
Till travelling days are done.
Amen, so be it.

Through the mercy of the Lord I arrived in safety at the end of that journey, and preached in brother Garrard's chapel; there was a good congregation of those who love the truth, and the God of truth was in our midst.

Wednesday 30th.-In the Temperance Hall I lectured in relation to the wonders of divine providence, and the works of the Jesuits. One young lady gave me a silver cross which she had been wearing as an ornament, not knowing that she was wearing the mark of the beast.

The amount I received in Leicester this time was £5 10s.

Thursday, Oct. 1st.-I took my farewell of dear and loving friends in Leicester, and the watchman on the walls, brother Garrard, whose face I may never see again.

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