Our Churches, our Pastors, and ouq

People.

HEYWOOD, MANCHESTER, AND Arminian-like. Let, then, a free-grace man go into this large field-let him lovingly, faithfully, and truthfully

HULL.

"Tell to sinners all around,

What a dear Saviour he has found," and showers of blessings must follow.

Mr. John Ashworth, the author of "Strange Tales," in Rochdale, has done, is doing an extraordinary work; preparing some, at least, for an experimental ministry; he has both broken up the fallow ground, and he has cast in some good seed; and it certainly will bring forth fruit.

A few lines to Samuel Foster, of Sturry, Canterbury, on returning from the North. DEAR BROTHER,-While preaching this week in Hull, I referred to you, and to your protracted and severe affliction; therefore to you I address the following pencilled paragraphs, jotted down as I travelled from Hull to London. It is most pleasing to witness the efforts everywhere making to benefit our fellow-creatures; but, it is equally painful to be informed of the almost universal No good can result from good men looking departure from the good old fashioned doctrines shy at such men as John Ashworth, of Rochdale. and ordinances of the New Testament. In He is doing a work in which God will bless him; churches where truth was maintained, Puseyism and, again, there is Mr. Ashworth, of Heywood, has taken its place; and chapels that were who, for thirty years has presided over a Biblecrowded to hear plain and powerful preaching, class; and has, under God, thrown the precious are now thinly attended, although organs and seed of the Gospel into hundreds, if not into chanting services are introduced, as attractions thousands of immortal souls. Many of these designed to draw the people; not where the must be gathered into a good fold; and be fed preaching is void of spiritual power, the pews with the good old corn of the Redeemer's kingare but thinly filled with people. The opinion of dom. good old people is this,-that we require a body of more brave and blessed men in the ministry, Dear Samuel, pray for Zion.

Thus, it may be said, the ground has been well prepared,-John Kershaw, and the Ashworths have done their work: but they are men and soon must die; the fruit of their labour will live for scores of years after they are gone to heaven; let them, therefore, help on the infant cause; and thereby prove that all petty jealousies, all bitternesses, and unholy bígotries, are buried in an eternal oblivion.

II. Another favourable feature is-this new

cause has been watered with the tears of many of the Lord's living saints; and upon this wellwatered seed, presently, I hope, the Sun of Righteousness will shine, and glory to God will be given by thousands who sympathize with the new and struggling cause at Heywood.

Mr. Corbitt, Mr. Grindsburg, C. W. Banks, and Mr. Weightman, addressed the meeting; Mr. Ashworth spoke several times; and many weighty words were listened to by a large congregation.

Next morning, I went to Bury, to Bolton, and hence to Tyldesley, where I preached again in Countess of Huntingdon's chapel: and the next Lord's-day I was permitted to speak three times in the new chapel at Heywood; and shall be right glad to be able to report its onward peace and prosperity. I expect the rise and progress of this interesting cause will be given by the pen of one far more capable than myself.

Nov. 11th, 1864.-I crossed the Humber this morning from Hull, and on my way homeward, hope to make a note or two which may interest you, and some beside.-On Tuesday, Nov. 1st, early in the morning, I left London--employed myself all the way to Manchester in writing. Reaching Manchester safely, passed from London Road Station to Victoria Station, and proceeded to Heywood by another line. On reaching Heywood, enquired for New Baptist Chapel, and after some walking found it in a new district, standing quite by itself; a neat, strong-built place of worship, with commodious gallery behind the pulpit, well suited to hold a good Sunday school; and when the side and front galleries are thrown up, the place will well seat five or six hundred persons; and as Heywood increases, and the new districts are inhabited, it may be filled; and if the Great Head of the church will be pleased to give them a pastor after His own heart, a man in whom the Spirit of God is," a soundhearted, spirit-anointed, heaven-made, and laborious, self-denying, and soul-seeking minister of Christ's good Gospel,-if such a man can be sent to them, under divine approbation, I cannot doubt but that he would reap a bountiful harvest. The brethren Abraham Howard and Weightman, have both laboured there; and the people love them for their work's sake; and now Robert Powell, from Coggeshall, is to preach to them through December and January; which of these three God has chosen, or whether, as yet, the good man is known only to the Lord, is a mystery. It will be an honour instrumentally there to raise a cause of truth. Why should it not be? Three facts in its favour are quite certain. I.-Many good men have for many years been sowing good seed in that densely inhabited neighbourhood; John Kershaw himself has been preaching in Rochdale, and round about for near forty years; he cannot be the minister of Hope chapel another forty years; he must soon give an account of his stewardship and be here no longer steward. Beside, I remember well how much this question many to whom his ministry has been a blessing, pressed itself upon my mind;-"Upon what princannot now walk to Rochdale; and some have ciple can the fulfilment of the promise be said to families, and ought not to forsake them on the depend upon the performance of the precept?" Lord's-day. Beside all these, there are thousands Certainly not upon the principle of man's free who go not to church because it is Pusey-like, nor will; but upon that divinely co-operative princito "Jerusalem," because it is mysterious and un-ple that where God giveth grace the holy Spirit bible-like; neither go they to the Independents, calls for THE EXERCISE of that grace; as Paul General Baptists, or Methodists, for they are pointedly speaketh, "Work out your own salva

MR. GRINDSBURG AT MANCHESTER. Before I left Heywood on the Monday morning, I was favoured to have this word given to me, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." I was announced to preach that evening in Mr. Grindsburg's meeting, in Boldstreet, a little off the Chorlton- road. I was glad to receive a word to think upon that day; and to Manchester we went. And that season was very refreshing to me. A congregation of warmhearted singers, and of earnest hearers, with God's presence, helped me to speak freely of what the Christian is called upon to be by grace here; "Faithful unto death;" and of his reward hereafter "I," saith the Lord, "will give thee a crown of life.

tion with fear and trembling: for it is God which | sister; one of the latter to whom brother Kevan's worketh in you, both to will and to do of his own good pleasure."

There are three things faith dealeth with;-the covenant of grace; the Lord Jesus Christ; and the Gospel of our salvation: To each of these we are called upon to be faithful: "Be ye always mindful of the covenant," (that is one): "Looking unto Jesus," (that is two): "Holding fast the profession of your faith in the Gospel," which means, holding fast Gospel doctrines, ordinances, and precepts; never forsaking or casting contempt upon any one of them.

Mr. Grindsburg has commenced to preach Christ's Gospel in that part of Manchester where it is much needed. We were glad to find so many good old Manchester friends gathering around him. Mr. John Derbyshire, Mr. John Hudson, and others. We should be glad to learn that Mr. Taylor had dealt with Mr. Grindsburg as Mr. Smith, of Upper Temple-street, has done; inviting Mr. G. several times to supply the Upper Temple-street pulpit; thus practically introducing a ministerial brother to the Christian community in Manchester; where, we pray, he may usefully and acceptably stand for many years.

After being favoured to inspect the new and beautiful glass works, in the Chester-road, belonging to the Messrs. Derbyshire Brothers; whose new premises, show rooms, &c., &c., are worth the attention of all who are interested in the progress of that elegant art; and after looking over the coach building repository, in Clarendon square, of Mr. Wright's,-whose family kindly received me, I set sail for Hull; and was landed there late that night, quite safe, but weary and faint by the way. Hull is a famous town for churches and chapels, for halls and institutions, of every useful class and character; and the inhabitants of this great commercial and shipping town, pay a great respect to the Lord's-day; and immense congregations are gathered together. I preached in the Mechanics' Institute to a numerour company; and was cheered to hear that the church and cause increases under the ministry of their pastor, Mr. Mac Donald, who is strongly recommended to supply, cccasionally, any destítute church, who can receive a plain and truthful testimony. I found some genuine Christians in Hull; and really enjoyed spiritual communion with them; yea, some things I heard and witnessed, may form a second letter to you. Having travelled eleven days; being rather beat, forgive the barrenness of this epistle: and pray that something more profitable may next come from your much exercised, and old friend, C.W.B.

ministry was blessed of the Lord when supplying
here. Last Lord's-day, Nov. 6th, eight more
were immersed in the name of the Father, Son
and Holy Ghost, upon a profession of their faith
in the Son of God. Before time for service, the
chapel was crowded to excess; at half-past ten,
brother Webb and the candidates were by the
pool. A hymn was sung, a portion of the Word
read, solemn prayer for the divine blessing, then
another hymn, and then brother Webb addressed
the crowded audience, (going out of the usual
way on this occasion.) First he spoke on the
ordinance, then dividing his hearers into six
divisions, namely-"The curious spectator;"
next, "Those who think there is no necessity to
be baptized;" third, "The young;" fourth, "The
inquirer;" fifth, The church;" and then the
"Candidates." Brother Martin, the father of the
above-named brother and sister, again supplicated
the throne, another verse, and brother Webb bap-
tized five females and three males, in the name of
the triune Jehovah: and truly it was a most
blessed season. The Lord's presence being realized
we could sing the 126th Psalm. One of the last
eight is the daughter of that dear man of God,
Mr. Pope; who went home to glory in 1851, after
labouring here eighteen years. Seven out of the
twelve were once scholars in the school: five are
now teachers; two of the males have known the
Lord many years, but could not (through fear)
take up the cross before. O may the Lord con-
tinue to bless us as a church, and pour upon us
the spirit of grace and supplication, and upon
the whole church of Christ. So prays your un-
worthy brother,
T. GILBERT.

SIBLE HEDINGHAM-I have pleasure in recording one more good day at Sible Hedingham. On Tuesday, the 18th of October, we opened our new chapel (Rehoboth), when Mr. W. Alderson, of London, and Mr. 8. Kemp, of Glemsford, were the preachers. Amongst us were also Messrs. Smith, of Halstead, Cook, of Braintree, Powell, of Coggeshall, French, of Marks Tey, Beacock, of Yeldham, Beach, of Chelmsford, and Wheeler, our present minister. Owing to a delay on the railway, it was late before Mr. Alderson and other friends arrived, consequently the services were commenced by Mr. R. Powell, of Coggeshall, reading the 138th Psalm and imploring God's blessing. Mr. Alderson preached a good sound Gospel sermon, subject-"The name of the Lord." He particulary noticed it as referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. He spoke blessedly on the name being the password of a Christian; and he hoped MEOPHAM, KENT-DEAR BROTHER thereby to find out some few that day who would BANKS,-You feel pleasure in hearing of the pros- know that name which is above all others. The perity of the cause of God; while many readers afternoon service was commenced by Mr. will rejoice with us to know that our covenant Carriage, of Melford. Mr. S. Kemp then took his God has again visited us, after a long wintry text Luke i. 33, "And he shall reign over the season, and filled our hearts with joy, and our house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there tongues with singing. Since Mr. Lingley left us, shall be no end." He spoke first of the qualificain the Autumn of 1862, we have had various sup- tion of Christ to reign; secondly, the house of plies; and in the beginning of this year, the Jacob, the kingdom he should reign over; and church met and agreed to hold special meetings lastly, the perpetuity of his reign, “for ever." Mr. for prayer, to ask the Lord to send us one whose Kemp occupied a whole hour, and much enjoyed ministry He would own and bless to the in-gather- his subject, as did the hearers; who listened with ing of His chosen and redeemed family, and also,to marked attention to such glorious themes; it was feed, comfort, and encourage, the church of God. an enlivening and Christ-exalting sermon. Tea When brother Webb resigned his pastorate at was then supplied for 216 in the chapel. This Pimlico, we invited him to supply for us; and tea was provided for the benefit of the cause by his ministry being blessed of the Lord to the the friends; it brought in £9 7s. 6d. to the buildsouls of many, the church invited him for six ing fund. At the evening service the chapel was months, with a view to the pastorate. Since bro- densely crowded; Mr. Beacock engaged in prayer; ther Webb has been with us, our hearts have been Mr. Alderson preached a very encouraging sermon cheered with the blissful sound, "Come and hear, from Isaiah xxv. 6. He spoke of the mountains all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He as representing the church, in their creation, their hath done for my soul." On the second Lord's- greatness, their grandeur, and their loftiness; he day in August, brother Webb baptized four:-a then regarded them as being made up of particles: brother and his wife, (who had passed through here he spoke very beautifully of God's love to the much affliction, and to whom brother W.'s minis-ones; there was the one at Samaria; and the one try had been made a blessing,) and a brother and lost sheep; and he hoped there were some ones at

Bible Hedingham, who were to make up this mountain. He also noticed a mountain as an emblem of strength and power; he further observed it as being a uniting tie between earth and heaven; he said he believed the church of Christ preserved the whole world, and as soon as every particle was gathered out of it, the earth would be folded up as a garment. He concluded by addressing the people very encouragingly on their being blessed to die on the base of the mount, on a footing of security; being assured that all those who are once on this rock will ultimately reach the glorious summit, there to enjoy the presence of Him who redeemed them, for ever. asking for a collection, he said he had much When enjoyed the day at Hedingham, and was very agreeably surprised when he entered so large a chapel, and so well filled; he thought of coming to a place little more than ten feet square, instead of thirty feet by fifty. While the third good collection was being made, we sang-"All hail the power of Jesu's name;" and while the friends were leaving-"Praise God from whom all blessings flow;" thus ended a happy day at Rehoboth, Sible Hedingham.-On the following Sunday, our good brother Whorlow preached three sermons to full congregations: his text morning and afternoon was Psalm exxii. 1; another good day much enjoyed. I am requested to thank all the ministers and friends who have so liberally favoured us and assisted us, and may the God of all grace continue to bless us,-Yours faithfully,

SUFFOLK-BAPTIST CHAPEL, SUDBOURN. First anniversary of opening above chapel was held Tuesday, Nov. 15th; two sermons were preached; morning, by Mr. Pawson, of Aldringham; afternoon, by Mr. Poock, of Ipswich. A large company took tea. meeting was held; chair occupied by the minisIn evening, public ter, Mr. Large. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Baker, of Tunstall, Mr. Pawson, and Mr. Poock, and the following report was read:-"We desire at this annual gathering to give a report of the Lord's dealings with us during the past year; to express our gratitude to our covenant God and Father; and our thankfulness to friends known and unknown. In relation to the debt on the chapel, at our opening services last year we had collected, subscribed, and received, £23 17s. 44d.; collections and tea at the opening, £11 14s. 21d; promised by friends at the evening service, about £10; received from an unknown friend in Kent, £6 for the chapel, together with £1 for the minister; (our friend has since gone to his heavenly rest); Mr. W. Walker, (by Mrs. Large,) £10; a friend at Thetford, £5; collections from churches, viz., Waldringfield, Bungay, Beccles, Charsfield, Aldringham, Hadleigh, and Tunstall, £24 8s. 2d.; collections and profits of tea at Whitsuntide, new year's offering at the chapel, surplus of monthly collections, sittings, &c., £9 1s. 2 d., (our brother Large reserving only £3 per quarter for his labours); various sums received from different parts of the kingdom, £17 0s. 3d." Thus the Lord has prospered us, and been in our midst to bless, and do us good; and we desire to praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that is to come. Two persons have been baptized, and added to the church. Number of members, twentyfour; children in Sabbath school, sixty-five. Collections on Tuesday, £2 6s. 84d.; cards and donations, £1 88. This has been an undertaking for our brother Large, but the Lord has signally blessed the effort, and we trust by the liberality of Christian friends, the remaining debt, something under £100, will soon be liquidated, and the building free.

333

Cowper road, near Stoke Newington, stands a neat HORNSEY NEW TOWN-In the building called Mount Zion chape!, where twelve months since, a church was formed on Strict Baptist principles under the ministry of Mr. Cornwell. The first anniversary of this young cause was holden on Lord's-day, Nov. 13th. Sermons were preached in the morning by Mr. Holland, in afternoon by C. W. Banks, and in evening by Mr. Osmond. Tuesday, a tea and friendly meeting was holden. Mr. Cornwell presided, being surrounded by a On the following crowded audience, and several of his ministerial brethren. Mr. Cornwell is a young man of a modest, but decided spirit, of good appearance, kind deportment, and qualified to speak the truth as in the Lord it stands and shines. We may hope to be able to record, from time to time, his growth in the ministry, and the growth of the church under him. He stands in a rising neighbourhood; and a devoted minister, a willing people, a praying, and truth-loving, and Gospelliving church cannot fail of finding good success. The ministers-at least, the majority of themfurnished evidence of the goodness of God to His people in continuing to raise up a body of men willing and able to work in the vineyard. This will appear in the brief detail following. after the meeting was opened, Mr. Holland rose to present the pastor with a present, in the shape of several volumes of Gill's and Charnock's works. In a pleasant way the books were laid before Mr. Cornwell, who received them gratefully. good deacon, brother Maslin, also received a present; in fact, the kindness and happiness of the people toward their pastor and deacon appeared very delightful, When the presentation was over, C. W. Banks was called to address the meeting. in the churches under the title, "Take care of He said-There was a good feeling springing up your ministers.". The church here was carrying this out practically. As far as possible it was well

church; and in the evening baptized two be-
lievers. A large congregation, with deep and
profound attention, witnessed the administration
of that divinely appointed institution. Six ap-
plications have been made for membership. Ou
the evening of the first Sabbath of this month,
four received the right hand of fellowship; the
rest are waiting for letters of dismission. Many
others are enquiring, and we expect a large in-
crease. The congregation is enlarging; the spirit
of prayer, union, peace, and love, is poured out
upon the church. More sittings already are let
in the new chapel, bringing in a larger monetary
supply than was the case in the old one.
pastor is greatly encouraged, and determined in
the strength of his Master, still to preach the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth. The church is full of hope, life, and in-
creased activity in the cause of God; everything
is encouraging. We are thankful to God, and
take courage.
THOS. SMITH, Pastor.
[We have inserted the above note exactly as sent
by Mr. Smith, without note or comment.-ED.]

The

for ministers to seek the Lord earnestly, to enable preached upon the principles and practices of the them to take care of themselves. First, by getting their credentials clearly and comfortably sealed home in their own souls, realizing the fact, not only that the Lord had sent them, but that He was with them. This happy assurance realized, would enable a man to stand so firmly that none could much harm him. Again, a minister should labour to be well furnished in his own mind with the greatest possible variety of good Gospel matter. By praying, reading, thinking, acute observation, and by as much writing as possible, he must labour incessantly. By the help of God he must well open up three books-the Bible, the experience of good men, and the book of God's providence in conducting Israel through this desert land: and thus equipped, thus instructed, thus preserved, he would not have much to fear. Mr. Crowhurst gave us some encouraging words; he is a good and useful man; his church and congregation have so extended, they must have a larger place. The choir sang with good effect, "A day's march nearer home," and Mr. Flack delivered one of the best addresses we ever heard from him. He looked well and happy, and upon every point of interest to the meeting, he spoke pleasingly and truthfully. Mr. Holland described God's plants and His planting. Mr. Flory with great liberty and clearness threw out a testimony for truth, which was gladly received. Mr. Osmond illustrated the Christian by a reference to Samuel and David. Mr. Whitteridge, in a pithy and neat address, proves himself a man of God, who is, by patient perseverance, rising into the enjoyment of more confidence and liberty in the ministry. Mr. Rayment offered thanksgiving to God for His goodness, with faith and grateful feeling. Mr. Geo. Webb, the pastor of Zion, in Camden Town, kindly united with us: and all the preachers and people having sung-"Crown Him Lord of all." retired quite refreshed. Such meetings are really useful..

HARROW-ON-THE-HILL.-A grateful recognition of the hand of God, by the Particular, the baptized church of Jesus Christ, worshipping a triune God in this place. On Wednesday evening, Oct. 19th, a united and happy company of friends sat down to a sumptuous supper, in the neat and commodious school room belonging to the New Baptist chapel. The opening services of the two previous days being concluded, in which that noble champion of truth, Pastor C. H. Spurgeon, preached two powerful sermons, to large congregations, which were attended with the unction of truth, the power of the Spirit, and the presence of Christ. On Wednesday afternoon a minister, whilst speaking, finding there was no clock in the chapel, kindly presented a sovereign toward purchasing one.. At our social table in the evening, around which sat fifty persons rejoicing in the abundant goodness of the Lord to His people, the subject of the clock was brought forward; a clockmaker was present, the price of one ascertained, the money collected and paid then and there-it is the new clock in the new chapel; a balance was over the required sum; more than sufficient to meet the deficiency required for the new harmonium, though one friend collected in a fortnight, eight guineas for it; so that this is now free. A gentleman present enquired as to the financial matters of the new building. He was informed the cost of ground, &c., was £1,100, the loan of £150 from the Baptist Fund, £36 from the opening services, with what the friends had paid in, left only a balance of £220. £20 was promised if the £200 was collected within twelve-months; the challenge was accepted, and notwithstanding the unbounded liberality of the Harrow friends, in a very few minutes £50 was promised. We hope, by the blessing of the Lord, to accomplish this, and present the chapel free of debt to the denomination. On the Lord's day after the opening services, the pastor

PULHAM ST. MARY.-I was at the Baptist chapel, here in Norfolk, one day, and was quite happy. The large chapel is filled; the pastor, Mr. Benjamin Taylor, is a scribe well instructed. He read, and prayed, and preached, and baptized, and received members into the church, and administered the Lord's supper, and exhorted and conversed with the people; and, in all his work, his heart was warm; and his mind and mouth most industrious and fruitful in holy things. His people said his dear wife was almost entirely paralyzed; and even Mr. Taylor's health is not good. How I did wish our wealthy Christians would remember such hard-working and afflicted pastors as this. I tell you, Mr. C. W. Banks, I have travelled hundreds of miles, yea, thousands and tens of thousands, in this country, and I have seen the poverty and affliction of many pastors, and I do think it is high time that you cry out more loudly than you have ever yet done-"TAKE CARE OF YOUR MINISTERS." You VESSEL men, and Standard men, and Herald men, who represent our churches (editorially and ministerially) can do much to help our brethren, if you will but persevere. I tell you, good men of God must not be left to starve, as they have been left; let us arise and help them. The Pulham church is very fond of its pastor; and they cling to him, and support him to the utmost, but, poor souls, many hundreds of them have to rear their families upon ten shillings per week. What can they spare for Zion? One friend, in black and white, told me Mr. Taylor is writing a beautiful book on the Visions in Zechariah, I shall try and get subscribers for it-for I believe him to be a godly, honest man-although he knows nothing of this, for I am

A TRAVELLER FROM THE NORTH.

KEDINGTON BELOVED BROTHER, Many thanks for yours. How singular it appeared! My dear wife and I were standing against our door as Fanny brought the letter. My wife said, "I wonder how Mr. B. is; I would write to see if he was dead or alive;" so your note was seasonable. Last night I read again some of your " New Life," and found it good: felt a real Gospel love to you; my mind has been thinking much this morning upon the best of all subjects, love: its Author, and Revealer; it is worth all worlds to feel real holy love in the heart. I believe there are thousands deceived on this one point; the love talked about is false, and they will find it so some time. Oh, what a wonderful mercy if you and I are the subjects of pure love; I do believe we are; not unto us, no, no; love teaches its subjects to honor and glorify the Author of it. We have not yet done anything to the chapel; nor have we received any help; I think the Lord is work