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has been shewn me of my deceitful heart, lusts, pride, and vile corruptions boiling up within, is indeed beyond expression. O, the cries from morning to night, that the power of in-dwelling sin might be destroyed, a circumspect walk maintained, communion with God enjoyed, and that I might be kept from evil, that it might not grieve me. For when, by some slip of the tongue, I have spoken amiss, or have been drawn aside, I have felt the sting within, and fresh guilt upon the conscience, which makes me hang the head, become sorrowful in spirit, and beg again to be washed clean, and kept by His almighty power from sinning against Him, for the more I strove against its power, I sinned and stumbled yet the more. But amidst it all I am kept calling upon Him in real earnest, and can find rest and refuge nowhere else. I find both in the written and in the preached word every encouragement, still I want the Lord himself to say unto my soul, "I am thy salvation." The way, sir, is full of briars and thorns, tribulation and soul mourning, a little light, then great darkness,—

"My hopes and fears alternate rise,

To say

And comforts mingle with my sighs." It is a narrow way indeed, and the further I am led, the narrower it appears. Yet in looking back, I am convinced that it is the right way; in every trial the Lord has been better to me than all my fears. O, how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty, in my soul's esteem. If ever wretch was hell-deserving, I am; if ever any little deserved blessing I less; yet I feel at times filled with gratitude for the numberless blessings and benefits bestowed upon me. more perhaps will tire you, so I will hasten to conclude these remarks. What I have said is truth, not floating in the head, but daily experienced in the soul, and that but a small portion. One taste of the Saviour's love, one smile from His face, one word coming home with sweet and sacred power, will make us for a while forget all the trials of the way. And if this way leads us to that "City of Habitation," where sin and sorrow can never enter, where we shall see Him whom our souls love, face to face, O what a full and glorious recompence for all the tossing to and fro in this vale of tears! O that after a few more days, or months, or years, we may with many more, who are now walking in darkness and sorrow, arrive safe to heaven's eternal home,

"Then loudest of the crowd I'll sing,
While heaven's resounding mansions ring,
With shouts of sovereign grace."
What has been said amiss, please im-

pute to my weakness and deficiency. My desire in writing, is that if you and others can discern in me the Lord's work, it may not be hid, but spoken of to His glory. Humbly begging that when you have liberty at the throne of grace, I may have an interest in your petitions. May God Almighty bless you abundantly in providence and in grace, and enable you still to advance to His tried and afflicted people the pure Gospel of Christ. That the little spot of Zion where the Holy Ghost has placed you, may be increased indeed, is the feeble cry and desire of your humble friend, G. GOLDSMITH. Frogmore Lodge, Watton, Herts, October, 1864.

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Our Churches, our Pastors, and our People.

OUR LONDON CHURCHES.

WE shall, in the first place, call the attention of our readers to the great meeting to be holden, if the Lord will, on Good Friday evening, in the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough-road, on behalf of the New Tabernacle, now fast rising up in the Walworth-road. We are not the worshipper of any man, as some of the seemingly unsuccessful brethren term us; nor are we the slave or servant of any man. With all our afflictions, we glory in the independence, and anticipate the day, when a faithful God shall turn our captivity, and when every atom of circumstantial reproach shall be wiped away. While we idolize no man, we love most deeply, and esteem very sincerely, the pastor of the Surrey Tabernacle. We never believe him when he tries to beat down our Millennial views of the coming glory of our Lord; but, in his earnest, experimental, and truth-unfolding ministry, we rejoice; and without one feeling of envy, can ardently pray that his New Tabernacle may be as much too small as the old one has been: more than that, that a Pentecostal shower may descend upon preacher and people in their new house of prayer; and that God Almighty may grant unto them the blessedness of beholding and hearing many saved sinners coming in to declare what the Lord has done for their souls through the instrumentality of our brother, James Wells; and we also pray, that none of the happy saints-none of the living Israelites, who, for so many years, have realized the Lord's presence in the old Tabernacle,-may ever have one lingering wish backward; but, in all the fulness and joy of their hearts, may they often honestly, soberly, and practically exclaim, "The glory of this latter home is greater than the former home," although the glory of that house has been great indeed. Yes, fearlessly, we affirm, that no living minister of Christ's Gospel, no church, abiding fast by New Testament practices and principles, were ever more favoured and honoured than the Surrey Tabernacle people have been; still, as PROGRESSION has always been their triumphant watchword hitherto, why may it not be much more so for the future? With all the holy and good-tempered feelings and desires of our heart, we say, "The Lord increase and bless them more and more. Amen."

There is one thing we must meddle with. Mr. James Wells preached a sermon on the 19th of March, which contained a spiritual running commentary on what is termed "The Lord's Prayer." Now, we wish to ask one thing, Should not the church in the Surrey Tabernacle ere this quite forsake that house of clay-hold a solemn convocation-a gathering together expressly

to thank and bless the Lord for all the mercies He has showered down upon them these thirty years and more? Assuredly, we think, it would be well for them to meet. And then another meeting-or series of meetings-for united prayer to God, as Soloman prayed, that the God of grace and glory might bless them in their advancements further toward the South. We hope in this suggestion we commit no sin.

During the month of March, our London churches have still been holding their annual meetings: one of the most remarkable was on the 14th of March, in Mr. Cowdry's "Beulah Baptist Meeting," in the Mile End-road. Mr. Cowdry, in the face of many discouragements, has persevered, and is now doing his Master's work. He is a man of stern Gospel metal; fears God above many; and gathers round him some sincere friends. At his recent meeting, James Mote, Esq., presided; and the brethren Attwood, Cozens, Flack, Hall, Inwards, Meeres, Palmer, and Stringer, with a good company, assembled to encourage him. On or near Islington Green, in the Upper Street, stands Providence Chapel, where Mr. Glaskin laboured with a very devoted people; and his removal to Brighton was, to some, a painful event. Still, the church struggles on; in fact, they have increased their accommodation, and at their meeting early in March, J. C. Kemp, Esq., presided, and ministers Hawkins, Meeres, Brunt, and Inwards gave good counsel, and Mr. Waite, the senior deacon, laid before the people a cheering and prosperous report. We shall rejoice if soon we may announce the settlement of a good pastor.

OUR CHURCHES IN LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE.

(Continued from page 92.)

IF I have gone too far, I ask forgiveness; but the letter which our esteemed brother Kershaw wrote last month on the Gospel ministry in Manchester, clearly shews there is cause for explanation; and as I have abundance of papers, letters, books, &c., illustrating the purity of action in the ministers who worked in Manchester, let us in time examine them. But I come on now to Sheffield.

When I reached the station, I saw a man standing with an EARTHEN VESSEL in his hand. I said, "Is it Mr. Johnson ?" He said, "It is." So we entered Sheffield; and in the house of Mr. and Mrs. Bryhurst, I found a kind and hearty welcome. I was not well; but they cheered me, fed me, nursed me, and did all they could for my comfort, and I believe the Lord has greatly blessed them. Arrangements had been

made for me that evening to preach in an Independent chapel, where an excellent gentleman, Mr. Quick, preaches the Gospel; and, at the appointed hour, we walked to the place, and, after singing and prayer, I spoke from Paul's words, "He that is dead is free from sin." There was a gathering, and friends appeared glad to hear.

The next evening, I was to preach at Masborough, near Rotherham, where a little church is formed, and is really the only Strict Baptist Church in those parts. One of Mr. Spurgeon's students is at Masborough, and the little church sent him a bill, inviting him to announce and come; but, as the Jew says, "I add no more." İ had, in that little Masborough chapel, a rare time; grace, mercy, and truth flowed in, and as it set my heart on fire, my stammering tongue was loosed. Of the early morning preceding that evening service, I wrote the following note some time after:

I was sitting in my bed last Tuesday morning, in the barrack-serjeant's cottage in Sheffield, with a little feeling in my soul, which almost said, I would not move until something was given to me of the Lord for meditation, as I had that evening to preach to a little church in Masborough. One thing is certain, when I am out on preaching tours, I can enjoy nothing, nor go about anything, until the Spirit whispers some good word in my soul: then, when the word is given, I can go about my business, inwardly thinking all the time upon the words written in my heart. The stone, which the Lord spake of by Zechariah, came to my mind, "Upon one stone shall be seven eyes;" and silently and involuntarily I said to myself, "Those precious eyes."

The text comes in with the word "for," as though this is the cause and reason of the whole of that which came before. "For, behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes." And then comes another "behold." "Behold I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts: and I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day." "In that day, saith the Lord of Hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig-tree." These words contain the foundation and strength of GRACE; and on this foundation stands the representation of four things:-The necessity of grace; the dispensation of grace; the trial of grace, and the coronation or conquest of grace."

"He

See 1.-The Necessity of grace. shewed me Joshua." This Joshua is a type of the church, and of every vessel of mercy in its fallen condition. This Joshua is like that declaration in Isaiah lxv., where the Lord is shewing you how He will call in the Gentiles. He says, the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it, so will I do for my servant's sake.' Every vessel of mercy has a blessing in

"As

him, because he is in the gift of God, and is in the hands of Jesus. So Joshua means one who has salvation. We have salvation in the covenant and in Christ; therefore we really have it in our souls by the grace of the Spirit. I remember the little Bethel at Masborough with grateful emotions; and of it and Sheffield, I hope more may yet be said.

PLYMOUTH.-Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Union Street, Stonehouse, Devon.-On Tuesday, 21st Feb., a public tea meeting was holden (about 150 sat down), to congratulate their newly-chosen pastor, Mr. J. Flory, late of London, who having accepted their invitation, they were anxious to welcome him, his labours being appreciated by an increasing congregation. The public meeting was presided over by Mr. Flory. Mr. J. C. Page, of George-street chapel, said he was there to manifest his good feeling for the pastor and the people. He desired the best of blessings to rest on the labours of Mr. Flory. Mr. F. Collins, of How-street chapel, spoke on the Church of God most kindly. Mr. John Stock, of Devonport, gave a very interesting speech on the constitution of the Church of Christ. He felt much confidence in his brother, and though he might differ from him in a point or two, he was sure he would preach the Gospel to saint and sinner. He desired for him great good, and the people of his charge. The excellent choir enlivened the meeting with their services; and after a vote of thanks to the ladies of the committee and friends who gave the trays for the tea and to the ministers, one of the best meetings here closed.

ST. LUKE'S.-Mr. Geo. Wyard, and his friends at Bethesda, in Lever-street, St. Luke's, held the 24th anniversary of their schools on the 21st Feb. Mr. Evans delivered a thoroughly evangelical speech. Mr. Cooper, and the pastors Palmer, Anderson, Bloomfield, Meeres, and G. Webb, edified the people, and encouraged the executive of the schools. Mr. George Wyard appears quite happy here, and the exchange between him and Mr. Anderson has worked well.

MILE END.-Mr. Christmas, and the church under his ministry, have removed to Zoar Chapel, Ernest-street, Bancroftroad Mile End, where they held a pleasant and profitable address on the 15th March. His brethren Smtth, Lodge, and Taylor, delivered some short but sound sermons on the work of God. Mr. Christmas has now

for years persevered in the work of the ministry; almost standing retired from his ministering brethren. Why, we know not. We hope that in their new meeting place, they may realize a large share of the outpouring of the Spirit, that saints may be comforted, and saints gathered in.

IPSWICH.-On Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 1865, the twentieth anniversary of Mr. Poock's ministry at Bethesda chapel, and sixty-eighth year of his birthday, was held. Between four and five hundred persons sat down to tea; after which a public meeting was held, when more than 800 assembled in the chapel. Mr. Poock took the chair. The following verses were sung :We hail, once more, the glad return Of this your natal day; O may our hearts together burn, That we may praise and pray. Bethesda is a favour'd place, Which many pilgrims reach, To listen to the Gospel grace,

Which you, dear friend, do preach.
For twenty years you have been here,
Contending for the faith;

And still we hope your voice to hear,
Declaring what God saith.

We watch and listen for Christ's fame,
As sentinels on guard;
And pray that you in His great name,
May wield the Spirit's sword.
Come, Lord, and bless us, one and all,
Let faith and love increase;
May many souls be born again,

To magnify thy grace.
Our singers kind do raise their voice,
We gladly hear the sound,
O may they all with us rejoice,
And each in Christ be found.
Lord, help us to obey Thy will,

Since Christ for us was given;
And our appointed time fulfil,

Then take us home to heaven.
But we can go no further now,
The thought is too profound;
Here at thy feet we humbly bow,

Before the Lamb that's crown'd. Mr. Wilkins, of Zoar chapel, engaged in prayer. The chairman expressed himself happy in being spared to meet so many friends once more this side Jordan, and honoured with the presence of so many of the servants of the living God as brethren Collins, Seers, Whorlow, Wilkins, Dearing, Last, Brown, and Dyer, with his sons, their wives, and children. Bethesda was the mother of a large family; for she was well known by brother Bloomfield and the late brother Pells, and one of her children was now truly blessed in labouring among a people at Crowfield, and another in East Bergholt, the hot-bed of Popery. The financial state of the cause was good; soon they hoped to be quite clear. Their renewed tokens of love were many and gratefully received. Several deaths had taken place, but more were coming to fill up the number. He hoped to be kept fast by the yea and amen truths of the blessed Gospel, which the Holy Spirit had made dear to his soul. He was happy to say the cause was in peace: he and his deacons were in a good understanding, and the Sabbathschool never in a more blessed condition. Each of the brethren in the ministry con

gratulated the pastor and his flock; spoke on subjects every way suitable, seasonable, and savoury. The singers entertained us with very choice anthems; and brother Wilkins spoke by giving us a splendid motto, "Jesus only." The elder son, Thomas, addressed his father with evident feelings of love and delight, praising God for life spared, and hoped it would be long continued, and be a larger blessing made to his people there and they to him. Thanks were given to the chairman, to the ladies for their kindness in providing such an excellent tea, to the singers for their willing and respectful performances. The doxology was pronounced, and the happiest meeting we ever had concluded. T. P.

PLUMSTEAD TABERNACLE. — On Feb. 11th, T. H. Baker, of Plumstead, fell asleep in Jesus. In early life he entered the navy, and continued in it for twentysix years. Upon quitting the service, he formed a connection with a female who had been called under the ministry of the late J. Jones. Up to this period, he had lived without God and without hope in the world; but being induced, through his wife, to come under the sound of the Gospel at the Tabernacle, the Word was made spirit and life unto him. In September last his wife was baptized, which circumstance was the means of a fuller development of the grace of God in him. Several discourses having been made a special blessing to him, he had purposed showing his love to the Saviour by obeying His commands; but from this he was prevented through the afflicting hand of God. For a few weeks his mind was tranquil through a confiding faith, though not joyful from a triumphing faith. On the morning of January 21st, the Lord broke in upon his soul so gloriously, that he appeared to be caught up to the third heaven. It was delightful to see and hear him. For three weeks after this he continued with increasing bodily suffering; but not a cloud came over his mind, and with an unwavering faith he breathed his last. On Lord's-day, Feb. 19th, Mr. Leach preached from Job xix. 25, 26, and, at the close of his discourse, pointed out how the deceased had been made a partaker of like precious faith with the patriarch. The baptistry was again opened on Feb. 26th, when a man and his wife were immersed according to the New Testament order, making fourteen persons who have thus followed the Lord in five months. There having been a balance of £25 16s. 10d. due to the treasurer, the friends, by their generous contributions, have cleared it off. Love, peace, and harmony reign in our midst. Blessed be God.

PLYMOUTH.-A Correspondent says: "Trinity Chapel has lost Mr. Wale; this causes great regret, as he was much liked by every one.' Why, then, did they let him leave? Surely if the Church and

congregation had held him fast by their prayers, attendance, and support; and if the Lord had showered down His blessings on him, he could not have left! The history of "Trinity Chapel," in Plymouth, has been much like the Christian's path, during the last twenty years. For several years while good Arthur Triggs went regularly up and down its pulpit stairs, and preached Christ's Gospel so fully and cheerfully-it prospered greatly. To many souls it was a banquetting house indeed. London became a temptation to that once energetic man; he left his happy Trinity, and then, as many think, he left his home. The Londoners almost worshipped him at first. We have gone into his chapel in the Waterloo road, in 1841, when within and without crowds flocked to hear. He removed to Gower street; he returned to Plymouth; he was disappointed; again he came to London, and Crosby Row" was nearly his last scene of labour. With a heart not so full of unmingled joy as it had been, he lay down to die; yes, he has gone! We loved him as thousands did, because he loved and laboured hard to lift the Saviour's name on high. Trinity Chapel, Plymouth, was again the high, the holy, and the happy house of God in Rudman's days. Extraordinary mercies followed his ministry. Multitudes were gathered, and good was done; but soon, like a shock of corn, as fully ripe for glory as he could hold-he fell, even while lifting the banner of truth so high that the weakest babe in Zion could see and rejoice. In his earliest days, Joseph Rudman was our brother beloved, our fellow-labourer in the work; and his memory is sweet and pleasant still. We shall greatly rejoice indeed, if we live to hear his fatherless boy is led by grace Divine to tread in the steps of his father-a man signally honoured of God. When they carried poor Joseph to his grave, Trinity's days of trial commenced again. Many good men went to help them. William Allen was nearly settled over them-but not quite. We have spent happy days there, and many others have rejoiced in God within those sacred walls. But see how fast death carries our ministers away! Brethren Triggs, Rudman, Allen, Southall, and many more, are gone to rest. Good Cartwright, once the prosperous minister of Mount Zion, Devonport, gone to rest; and our London friends do not hesitate to declare their conviction that "The Cottage Lecturer," the Rev. George D. Doudney (of whose last visit to London an excellent account appears in No. 40 of The Gospel Guide) who has been preaching in Horselydown, will soon go to his rest too: yea, ere long, death will sweep our pulpits of many who yet stand in them. May God give them better men! Trinity Chapel, Plymouth, presents a door of much usefulness; and we would advise all parties

cease making strife-to commence making peace; and earnestly pleading with the Lord for a man after his own heart to raise the cause again.

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. EDGCOMBE.

AFTER a long and painful affliction, our brother entered his heavenly rest on Tuesday, March 7th, 1865. His remains were buried at Ilford Cemetery on Wednesday, March 15th, in his private grave, where sleeps the partner of his earthly affection. His body was taken from his late residence, 88, Culford-road, Kingsland, to brother Flack's chapel, Wilton-square, New North-road, the pulpit and desk being hung with black for the occasion, where a large congregation had assembled to pay their last tribute of esteem for this servant of our Lord. The solemn service commenced by brother Flack giving out an appropriate hymn. Brother Wyard, sen., then rose, and engaged in prayer with much earnestness of spirit that this bereaving dispensation might be blessed of the Lord to the good of souls. Mr. Butterfield read most impressively another hymn, and brother Dickerson delivered a very suited and encouraging address, who from his long acquaintance with our departed brother related some striking interpositions of the Divine favour toward him in his call by grace and maintenance in the work of the ministry. He said our brother Edgecombe had beaten us all, having finished his work, and gone home to rest. Brother Dickerson concluded with prayer. Having terminated the service in the chapel, we then proceeded to convey the body to the clay-clad grave, the members of the family occupying the first mourning coach, Drs. Hawthorne and Whittaker, brothers Dickerson, Flack, Alderson, and Chivers the second. Brother Stringer, Butterfield, Gordelier, and Ireson the third. Brother Chivers gave a short address at the grave, and brother Alderson concluded the solemn services with prayer. It won't be long ere we shall require others to do the same for us. May we be found ready at the Master's bidding, so shall we be for ever with the Lord. I feel it only just to say that in our brother's pecuniary trials, brother Dickerson has been instrumental in raising for our brother Edgecombe the noble sum of £60 8s. God be thanked. Also our Christian thanks are due to Drs. Hawthorne and Whittaker for their gratuitous advice during our brother's long illness, together with the unremitting care, and benevolence of Dr. Hawthorne's lady, who was constant in her kind attention to the wants of our brother. May the Lord reward them. Faithfully and affectionately the Church's servant, for the Lord's sake, THOS. CHIVERS.

"Mrs. Kemp, the youngest daughter of our late brother Edgcombe, desires publicly to express her sincere thanks to all those ministers and their churches who so willingly contributed to the fund raised by brother Chivers to pay the rent, together with all friends that so liberally ministered to the earthly comforts, and aided in defraying the funeral expenses of her late highly

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