friend says:-"The executors have refused our offer of £100 per annum for Zion; and taken an offer they say of £150 and repairs. So there is an end to our hopes of saving our chapel; but it does not seem right that a place so built and carried on as Zion was, should now be diverted and turned into another channel. The parties who have it are best described as a "ragged church." Well meaning people, no doubt, but don't hold the doctrines of free-grace. We are very sorry, but if Providence allows it, our best plan is to submit. Mr. George Webb, I am told, has taken a room in Caledonian road it will hold about 80 or 100 persons. We have been making great efforts to keep the school together, and are promised some rooms in "Hart's school-room." Perhaps you may remember that before Zion was built, we met in this place as a temporary; it is now called "Camden Hall." It would have been much to be regretted that so good a school should have fallen to the ground, and Providence appears to have interposed to prevent it. There will also be service conducted there under our friend Mr. Wheeler.

MRS. JOHN BRETT.

Some account of the happy death of the above departed saint was sent unto us by her bereaved husband, but the pressure of paper at end of year, and other things, prevented its insertion. In subsequent note, brother John Brett says:-My dear wife's name before our marriage was Sarah Halls. She was born of God-fearing parents, and brought up to go to church. Her brother James Halls is a member of Mendlesham church; he and I were both baptized together sixteen years since. James Halls lost his wife the same day as I lost mine; the two sisters-in-law both lay dead together. He is a man of great faith, and is much beloved in the church at Mendlesham. He is a farmer: was very foud of his sister Sarah (my wife) and he has sent me some sweet letters of hers. On the Monday night before my wife's death the nurse asked her whether she should pray with her? "O no, no, I have done with prayer it is turned into praise." Another time she said to me, "I die in peace with all men." How I shall meet my troubles and expenses I know not; but my God has all hearts in His hands. I remain your loving brother in the Gospel, JOHN BRETT, Hatton Middlesex.

[Many friends will be glad to hear the Lord is blessing John Brett's ministry in many places. His labours are in many parts rendered useful. We hope he will forgive us for not inserting more of the sayings of his beloved wife. All who knew her, believed she lived a life of faith in Jesus; and in sweet fellowship with the Lord she departed. She is now in glory with Him in whom she believed, and that is all that any can desire to know. We trust her bereaved husband will be long spared to preach the Gospel to the comfort

of multitudes of the redeemed, and then, with Paul, to be assured a crown of righteousness is awaiting his arrival in that pure and holy kingdom where separation by death, nor sorrows from sins, are ever known.-ED.]

On

CHELMONDISTON.-"Only one." On Lord's-day Sept. 15th, I baptized a sister in the name of the Triune-Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit, in the river Orwell. It is often asked when the ordinance is about to be administered "how many are there?" if it is one, "oh, only one." Why should there be such indifference manifested at the unit? When Philip was instructed by the angel to go down to Gaza, which is desert, how many did he meet there and baptize? "Only one;" but he went on his way rejoicing. The partner of our sister was much opposed to her being baptized; the Lord was pleased to subdue his enmity; he attended the whole of the day at the several services, and has been a regular attendant since. "Who can tell?" Our sister's example has been followed with pleasing results. the Lord's-day, Nov. 10th, I was again favoured to baptise two sisters, mother and daughter-in-law; the mother seventy years of age. In both cases in administering the ordinance there were a goodly number of spectators and very great attention paid; the weather very auspicious; not a breeze, nor a ripple upon the water; and the only motion seen was the successive waves imperceptibly gliding up to high water mark; and silently demonstrating the majesty and omnipotence of him who said "Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther." This beautiful river Orwell may have been honoured in bearing the royal yachts with crowned heads, princes, and nobles to behold the verdant meads, the stable oaks in their rich foliage, and noble mansions on either side, but never more than when those sisters were immersed in its waters; and we hope it will again soon be honoured, for there are several enquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. Dear brother, the editor and brethren in the ministry, deacons and friends, who advocate and preach the yea and amen Gospel; and who are kept faithful to their trust; contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; and to this blessed, but, now despised, ordinance. It still has, when faithfully and scripturally administered, the royal broad seal of Heaven's approbation as much as when God incarnate, our Saviour was baptized in the river Jordan by John.

Lord, we Thy precepts would obey.
In thy own footsteps tread;
Would die, be buried, rise with Thee,
Our ever living head.

G. G. WHORLOW.

ST. LUKE'S.-BETHESDA CHAPEL, RATCLIFF GROVE, LEVER STREET. On the 20th November an interesting meeting was held in connection with the Sick Visi

ting Society. After tea, the chair was taken by Mr. Wyard, the pastor. The report stated that the society had been established forty-six years, having confined itself hitherto to the relief of the distress of the church and congregation only. During the past year, however, the benefits were made available for any case of distress, without regard to creed or denomination. 179 visits had been paid during the year, and the financial statement showed a small balance in hand. The lamented death of the late treasurer, Mr. Thickbroom, was noticed, as also that of Mr. Wicks, one of the visitors. Mr. Woollacott moved the adoption of the report and the election of the officers. Mr. Alderson, of East-street, Walworth, seconded the motion, insisting also on the duty of Christian liberality. He believed the Church should never confine its sympathies within its own pale, but that it was intended to be a light in the world. The Christian had nothing of his own: his talents, his property, were all his Master's. In the benevolent society with which he was connected, all the money was distributed outside the pale of the church-the members being well provided for from another source. Mr. Blake, of Dalston, spoke on "The sympathy of the Saviour with the afflicted. Mr. Griffin, on the connection between the sufferings of this present time and the eternal weight of glory which shall be revealed. A most interesting allusion was here made by a member of the church, who related that twenty years ago, a young man who had embraced infidel sentiments lay apparently at the point of death, and that a minister of the gospel visited and prayed with him, and, on taking his leave, lent him a book for perusal. These means had been blessed by God, and issued in the young man's conversion ; but that, from that happy period, he had not hitherto had the opportunity of speaking to the servant of God by means of whom he had been brought to the Saviour; but the speaker, extending his hand to Mr. Woollacott, remarked-that opportunity had at last arrived, for the young man was the speaker, and the minister was Mr. Woollacott. After a few remarks from the Chairman, in acknowledgment of the honour God had thus given him, this interesting meeting was brought to a conclusion by the benediction.

CHADWELL STREET - The fourteenth anniversary of the opening of Mount Zion chapel was commemorated on Lord'sday, Dec. 8th, and on Tuesday evening Dec. 10th, by a tea and public meeting, as announced. The weather was very unfavourable on the Lord's-day, and kept many from attending who otherwise would have done so; notwithstanding, we had some choice provision and good spiritual entertainment. A blessed sermon in the morning from John xvii. 24, "Father, I will that those whom thou hast given me

be with me where I am," &c. Brother Wilkins preached an encouraging discourse from Isaiah xliii. 25. "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thine iniquities," &c., and in the evening our pastor preached again from Isaiah xxxv. latter clause of the 9th verse, "And the redeemed shall walk there." As a proof of the truth received into the heart notwithstanding the disadvantages of the weather, and the many absentees, we had a better collection than usual. On Tuesday evening, upwards of 200 friends took tea, and at half-past six, the public meeting was held. A short statement as to the origin, rise, and progress of the cause was given by our pastor, showing that the church had increased from thirty-four members in 1852 to 411 at the present time, about sixty of whom, however, in that period had passed over Jordan, and many we have at the present time drawing near to the margin. Our young brother Griffin addressed the Lord in prayer at the opening, and our brethren Dickerson, Foreman, Meeres, Milner, Webb, and Carpenter, late of Warboys, addressed the meeting on their several subjeets in a spiritual, profitable, and edifying

manner.

HITCHIN.-Mount Zion chapel. Mr. W. Hawkins preached here on Lord's-day, Dec. 8th, and collections were made on behalf of the building fund. This excellent place of worship was opened for service in 1860, it cost £740 10s. Mr. W. Tucker's ministry has been owned of the Lord, though the friends have been very much opposed, have continued until now in godly and truthful union, and have now the pleasure to know that the sum of £510 have been paid off the cost, besides £37 for interest, but having in principal and interest now a debt of £240, they are very anxious to be free of such a burden that more might be given to their pastor. In the evening service instead of a sermon, an important scripture lesson was given according to announcement, by bills, to Sunday school children and others. A good congregation was present, who congratulated their esteemed friend Hawkins for the happiness conferred on the youthful gathering and the completeness in which they mastered the beautiful theme of the lesson, also declaring their own edification.

SOUTH HACKNEY.-Baptist chapel, Speldhurst road, near the church. On Lord's-day, Dec. 8th, the above place was opened; Mr. G. Elven preached two appropriate sermons, morning on the words of Christ" Where two or three," &c, evening "But we preach Christ crucified," &c. In the afternoon, Mr. Blake, of Dalston, preached an earnest discourse on the words of Solomon, 1 Kings viii. 29, "That thine eyes may be open towards this house night and day." On the following Tuesday, a public meeting was held, Mr. Maycock in the chair. After singing and prayer, the

president made a brief but eloquent speech, followed by Messrs. Felton, Woodard, Blake, and Dearsley, who, in suitable addresses shewed their sympathy with the object, and wished the friends God speed. In the course of the evening Mr. Austin stated the motive which prompted the friends to engage the place, to afford the Strict Baptists in the neighbourhood the privilege of a cause near their own homes. The attendance was cheering; they have reason to thank God, and take courage.

WALTHAM ABBEY.-"Truth" sends ns a long note with a view to correct some things inserted last month; and to prove the necessity of having a useful and devoted minister of the Gospel in Waltham Abbey; seeing that nearly all the different sections of the churches there are in a low state. We have hesitated much over this note by "Truth" because 1st, we do not wish to insert anything injurious to any minister; and, secondly, because we know full well that it is but few ministers who are compelled to labour hard all the week at manual labour (and under afflicting circumstances too) who can successfully sustain the pastoral office, or, usefully fill the same pulpit. The remarks of "Truth" are too true; but we wish he could essentially, benefit the cause referred too, in its own circle; we do not wish to wound any good

man.

NOTTING HILL.- Dear Brother,There is an error in your excellent report of the meeting held at Johnson street chapel. Mr. Rowley spoke warmly, and your good correspondent has misunderstood him in reference to his own conversion. Six of his children have been baptized and added to the church. He himself was called by grace through the instrumentality of his late wife, was baptized at Alperton, and was in membership for some time with the late John Stevens; he joined us at Nottinghill, about nineteen years since. Mr. Rowley says he is willing to go and preach to any church who would at the same time allow a collection towards our Memorial Fund. Yours in the faith,

P. W. WILLIAMSON.

TO THE CHURCH AND CONGREGATION WORSHIPPING IN THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, CASTLEREAGH

STREET, SYDNEY.

DEAR BRETHREN,-I have written the following brief account of my work and labours in England, descriptive of the leadings of Divine Providence, and the covenant faithfulness of our most gracious Lord, who hath said, "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass, and as thy days so shall thy strength be," which shoes the Lord has most mercifully given unto me, so that I am able to walk on in the way, and by his strength to hold on my way.

In the December number of "THE EARTHEN VESSEL" you will read the report of the meeting at the Surrey Tabernacle, which was a triumphant one. The Chris'tian kindness of Mr. Wells, his deacons, and friends, I shall never forget. I don't think that there was anyone present that night but was exceedingly thankful.

You will be pleased to know that whereever I have gone I have been well received. I am now waiting for other doors to be opened for me, for the months of January, February, and March.

The following is but a very short account of the places I have visited, the doors being opened for me in answer to prayer :

"Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel," I said to the Lord as I was walking up the Strand on Friday, November 8th. I had not walked far before I met a man who was looking upon and down into a large anti-Popery bill, exposing "Peter Dens' Theology," that sink of moral pollution, the class books for all priest. I went up to the man, and enquired of him why he was thus engaged; he replied, "We are doing all that we can to expose Roman Catholicism," &c. I then said, "The Lord enable you to go on and prosper, I have been thus engaged in Sydney for some time." The man then said, "Oh sir, I wish you would call upon our secretary, he would be glad to see you. I replied, "I will some day." The man looked at me, and said, "Sir, I wish you would call now, you would find him in his office, and I am sure that he will beglad to see you." "Very well, my friend," I answered, "I will go now." In about five minutes I called upon the Secretary of the Protestant Electoral Union, to whom I said, "I have called by the request of one of your agents, only just to say that I wish you, as a Society, success in the name of the Lord. I have, for a long while been engaged in Australia exposing the monster Popery," &c.

The gentleman said, "I feel that it is quite a providence that you have called upon me. I have received a letter from Birmingham; they want a minister to preach at the Protestant Camp, Birmingham, on Sunday, and attend a public meeting to be held in Dudley on Monday. I hope that you will go; you will have an opportunity of preaching the Gospel, and exposing that mystery of iniquity.' You don't know what good you may be the means of doing, and I have no doubt it may be the means of raising up friends for you who would help you in the matter of your church debt; therefore it is your duty to go to Birmingham, and I will pay your expenses."

Having promised the Lord that he should guide me with his counsel, who had thus opened for me this door, I promised that I would go.

[We received this letter from our brother M'Cure, just as we were completing the magazine; we are, therefore, compelled to break off thus abruptly. Next month our readers may expect a detailed report of his work since in England.]