"Gospel Light in a Dark Lantern," by Thomas Whittle. Everybody in the Churches of Truth knows Thomas Whittle to be an eloquent, pleasant, faithful and upright preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and one who is much beloved for his works' sake by many established Christians. He is now preaching to the good people who were gathered by the late Gad Southall, in Taylor's Depository, near the Elephant and Castle. He is also the editor of a new poetical periodical, called "Gospel Light," &c., which contains sweet and wholesome pieces. But surely Thomas Whittle does not call himself a dark lantern? "Popery: Its Origin, Nature, and Productions." By R. Cordwell, of Gloucester. Concise and faithful; clear and instructing. Nothing to be Sorry for." This is the title of No. 332, of "Surrey Tabernacle Pulpit." A Sermon. By Mr. James Wells. When we read it we said "it is too good to be true." Yet it must be true, because it is based on scriptural doctrines, and evidenced by all the experiences of good people in all ages. "Boaz and Ruth," and "Divine Sovereignty." These two tracts, by Mr. Dickins, are poetic letters in the rough: truth without any polish. Salvation and Christian experience, without any creative gloss. They can both be had at our office. Mr. R. Govett's works "On the Righteousness of God," and other productions, can in future be had by order from our office. A list of them, with reviews, we hope soon to give. MR. JAMES WELLS'S NEW SURREY TABERNACLE. A VERY fine and beautiful picture, representing the elevation and exterior of the above building, has been prepared, and can now be had as per advertisment. From the circular issued we quote the following:"The building now in course of erection in Wansey-street, Walworthroad, five minutes' walk from the "Elephant and Castle," is in the Italian style, and will have a portico of six Ionic columns. There will be a large vestry at the side, with convenient vestries for the minister and deacons ; accommodation will be provided for about two thousand persons; the walls will be of white brick and solid stone dressing. The building internally will be 89 feet by 64 feet; the total outside length, iucluding vestries, will be 135 feet. The cost is estimated at over £9,000, and it is expected to be opened in September. The sum collected by donations and weekly subscriptions for the new building is now £5,125, besides various promises, amounting to £800, payable as it progresses. These funds have been derived principally from the congregation who have supported the cause for many years, during which time, through the instrumentality of the ministry, £7,500 has been collected and distributed among the poor and various benevolent societies. The assistance of friends who have shared in the occasional labours of our beloved minister, as well as of all who are willing to aid in the erection of a house for the worship of God, is earnestly solicited, that the building may be opened unencumbered by any debt." Our Churches, our Pastors, and our People. OUR LONDON CHURCHES. Ar the moment of writing these few lines, the telegrams announce four events of some note. 1. The Confederate Lee, the great Southern General in America has surrendered: it is hoped America will cease to be the horrible slaughter-house it has been now for some few years. Oh! how one's soul grieves over such unholy bloodshed and cruelty. If it has really come to an end, surely all England must lift up her heart to God in thanksgiving. As to America herself, we fear she is such a thoroughly religious hypocrite, we can hardly take any notice of what she may do. The second event is, the Russian epidemic; which it is feared will soon reach these shores. The papers are teeming with letters and warnings, and prescriptions; but, we pray the Lord to spare us, guilty though we be, from such a visit ation. Another note, is the opening of Westminster Abbey for Sunday evening services. The Dean preached on the " Valley of dry bones." It was a philosophical, general, and national discourse. Such a scene it is said was never seen before. Thousands upon thousands of persons could not get near the doors. The Dean of Westminster is exceedingly popular; how far he is opposed to the Gospel we stop not here to enquire; but were we to review, with care, the works, the sermons, the writings, &c., of all these great men, whether in the Church or out of it, whether openly or not Arminian, we should find history, reason, philosophy, and a specious charity, pervade the whole body of theologians, more or less, and that their preaching is of an outside character, and being destitute of the SPIRIT, it never attempts to enter into Man-Soul; the revelation of JESUS CHRIST, in a sinner's heart, by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT; which is the root, the experimental root of all real, vital religion, is not only left out, but treated with contempt. The key-note of the Gospel, seems nearly lost in the public ministry; but it is as safe as ever in the Book and blessing of Heaven: it reads thus, "Go to MY BRETHREN; and say unto them,, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." The relationship stands the same, much as by our modern divines the secret may be ignored. Another event-notes from the country inform us-Mr. Bloomfield is ill, and cannot fulfil all his engagements. It is hoped this is but temporary. We are often ill; and soon, like many more, must pass away, and leave our work to be better done by others. May the LORD Himself light up our way, when over Jordan's narrow sea we cross; and may Mr. Bloomfield and all the ministers be strong to labour while in the world they stay. An effort is making to establish a good truthful Baptist cause at Stratford in the Lecture Hall, where Thomas Stringer preaches every Wednesday evening; and the brethren Alsop, Bradley, Smithers, Steed, and others preach on Sundays. On the 28th of March, a large tea meeting was holden; brother Thomas Stringer was in the chair; and a cheerful president he made. He called upon his helpers Steed, Maycock, Stanley, C. W. Banks, Christmas, and others, to speak to the people. It was a pleasant and encouraging evening. We hope Mr. Fowler will be the means of raising a church in that place. He is both fighting and fearing daily ;-may many run to his aid. Mr. Samuel Milner's tenth pastorate at Keppel-street, in Russell-square, was holden on the 28th March, 1865, when a pleasant evening was spent. After many friends had taken tea, Mr. Milner, and his brethren Alderson, Bloomfield, Foreman, Hazelton, Wyard, Higham, Green, and others, conducted the meeting. Mr. Milner was cheerful, and satisfied with his position. All was peace and good prosperity. It must be grateful and joyful to Samuel Milner thus to stand in honour and in truth. Mr. Higham's anniversary at Camdentown exhibited much growth in the cause; in both his own church and in his brother Geo. Webb's, at Zion (the late Mr. Nunn's) increase is seen. The Cave Adullam Building Society held their third anniversary on the 11th of April. Mr. Webster, the pastor, presided. He is better. We hope he will soon return to the days of his youth. Mr. Culyer's report of the Society's progress came too late; but it will be useful another month. On Easter Monday Mr. Chivers's Sick Society meeting was holden. The report read showed that the funds were still well maintained, £37 3s. 6d. having been subscribed during the year. Useful and interesting addresses were given by the brethren Meeres, Caunt, Butterfield, and Alderson; the deacons Wood, Stringer, Knott, Laurence, and friend Garrett, also assisted in the services. As usual, it was all that could be desired. It is said Mr. Chivers will preach in Trinity chapel, in the Borough, during May, but we are not yet authorised to announce it. Mr. Hawkins has resigned, and Trinity is open; but whether brother Thomas Chivers is the successor or not, we leave. On Easter Tuesday, at Mount Zion Chapel, in the Barking-road, was_celebrated anniversary services. Mr. James Wells, Mr. Thomas Stringer, and the pastor, Mr. William Palmer, preached Gospel sermons. In the evening meeting, W. Palmer, J. Stringer, C. W. Banks, J. Inwards, S. Cozens, P. Dickerson, J. Wise, G. Webb, W. Cowdry, and others, assisted in carrying on a truly comfortable season. HALESWORTH.-The Lord is working. This rejoices our hearts, gives us fresh courage, and stronger desires to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. As a church we are under deep obligation to Almighty God for His reviving and saving grace. The ministry of our beloved pastor, Mr. W. Gooding, is blessed to the Church and people. Those who have believed through the mighty power of God's grace are comforted and established in their most holy faith; others, who were dead in their sins, are brought to life through the power of Christ's resurrection. Thus, we have good reasons to rejoice, and to take fresh courage. March 5th.-Our pastor, after discoursing from Acts viii. 37, descended from the pulpit, and after a few solemn remarks, had the pleasure of immersing two brethren upon a confession of their faith in the name of the Holy Trinity. One of the candidates is but a youth, and teacher in the Sabbath school, but, like youthful Samuel, brought from the drudgery of sin to hold communion with the Sacred Three;-may he thrive and flourish as a tree planted by the river's brink. The other brother, a member of the Independents, but since he has put on Christ, or has given a public proof of his unfeigned attachment to Christ and His cause, he has felt constrained to come and cast in his lot with us. April 2nd. Our pastor again had the pleasure of administering the ordinance of believers' baptism. He immersed four believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The same day, after an address was given, they were received into church fellowship. We are happy to say others are coming forward to tell what great things God hath wrought for them. CHARLES MASTERSON, Lowestoft. FRESSINGFIELD.-Good Friday being a general holiday, the friends of the Baptist interest in this place felt they could not spend it better than in the service of the King of saints. The members, therefore, met at 3.30 p.m., and held a special church meeting to consider the spiritual and financial prospects of this branch of Christ's Zion, which were exceedingly satisfactory; and also to hear an address read, composed for the occasion by the pastor, Mr. Pegg. The friends, in number about 75, then sat down to a well-provided tea, which was enjoyed far more than such gatherings usually are. In the evening we met for prayer, when our number was increased to about 250. Six of the brethren interceded for us at the throne of mercy; and we felt they did so under the influence and direction of the Spirit of the living God; and it is, THEREFORE, that we believe the answer of the Lord in a mercy-way will be given thereto. TROPHIMUS. READING.-We are going on happily at Providence Chapel, Reading, and prospering. Mr. Wyard has been down into the water three times since he has been here. On Good Friday we had one of our best meetings; near 300 sat down to tea; after which, a public meeting. Mr. Wyard presided. Parson Alldis gave an address; and a very young brother spoke some nice things upon the willing sacrifice of Christ, and of His love to His people. He said he desired to exalt Christ and abase the creature lift the glorious Christ-man high! The choir sang some pieces, for which thanks are due. David says, "I will sing with the heart, and with the understanding also." Praying that providence may prosper, and spread out on the right hand and on the left. ALDRINGHAM.-We always feel a pleasure in thinking upon that sacred spot, the old Baptist chapel on Aldringham Common. We visited it many years since, and can never forget the time. Since then, dear Skelton, Brand, and others, have stood there in usefulness. Now, our brother Henry Pawson is the pastor; and the Lord is honouring him. Our prayer shall certainly be that the great Head of the Church may there keep and bless him for many years. PLYMOUTH.-" We have Mr. Edwards from Tunbridge Wells, at Trinity. He is a pleasant, happy, and good preacher; it comes out of his heart; and we are anxious to have him for our pastor; but whether he will leave the Wells, and his many friends there, for us, is not known, as yet, to those who are not in the cabinet." CRANBROOK.-I am not far from Cranbrook, and the ministry of Mr. Smart is the most faithful and searching I ever had the privilege of sitting under; he is gathering a goodly number of hearers at the late Mr. Beeman's chapel. MEETING AT THE SURREY TABERNACLE ON GOOD FRIDAY. BELOVED BROTHER IN CHRIST.-IN your last letter you refer to the building of the new Surrey Tabernacle, and as I was invited to attend the meeting on Good Friday, the 14th of this April, 1865, I will give you a few descriptive words. In the first place, let me tell you 1occupied part of the morning on Good Friday in careful searching into the history of "The Surrey Tabernacle;" and I clearly discovered that a church has had an existence here for more than fifty years, and that the pastorate-so far as I could discover-had been holden by three ministers; first, the original builder, Mr. ; and, secondly, the present pastor, Mr. James Wells. regards the first pastor, Mr. As I know nothing beyond what I have read and heard. I have read letters, sermons, experiences, expositions, &c., and from them I am constrained to believe he was a child of God, a minister of Christ, an heir of glory, and a deeply exercised saint and sorrowing believer in this vale of tears. I quietly and confidently believe his ransomed spirit is now before the throne of God and the Lamb. That was charged with some unhappy fault I know very well. What it was I know not; nor will I ever care to know. His life and letters, with critical notes, I hope to give entire in The Gospel Guide, because I am persuaded there are thousands of afflicted souls now in Christendom to whom these heart-bleeding, but Saviourhonouring testimonies will be a great blessing. Good old William Allen said to me, before he died, "I once went to Crosbyrow Chapel to hear ; it was on a week-day evening. I could scarcely get into the place; but I was blessedly convinced that, had there not been strong prejudices against him, no chapel in London would have been large enough to hold the people who would flock to hear him." I have never forgotten that testimony from that dear man of God, William Allon, and I honestly hope that this reference, and my tracing up the history of the Surrey Tabernacle to its commencement, will not be offensive to any, but rather tend to strengthen our faith in the fact, that "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief." I was much comforted in my retired reflections and researches into the history of that noble cause-THE SURREY TABERNACLE-most decidedly it is the grandest demonstration of God's mercy and favour toward His people that England has. There is not another in all the world to equal it; and if James Wells could have practically and systematically worked up a variety of auxiliaries, as Mr. Spurgeon has done; if the Surrey Tabernacle pastor and people had established schools, colleges, lectures, ladies' classes, elders' communities, dissolving views and diagram exhibitions, with all their attendant and consequent paraphernalia, no one can estimate the extent to which the Surrey Tabernacle cause would long since have reached; but the fact is here. James Wells was designed by God (and has been used and honoured), instrumentally to lead thousands of the election of grace into the truth; and in ministerially building them up in their most holy faith. THIS-even THIS-has been the work HIS God has given him to do; he has stuck fast unto it. He is one of the safest ministerial lines you can travel by; he never runs off the new covenant line; he is always sure to start from the junction formed by a THREE-ONE JEHOVAIL, and keeping close by the river of electing love, runs so close to the fountain of atoning blood, that every sin-bitten and Spirittaught Israelite may look to the once bleeding Sacrifice and be healed; and being thus healed, brother James (under special and spiritual direction) will lead you through some such portions of Immanuel's land, and open up such beauties in the Person and kingdom of JESUS CHRIST, as sometimes to fill your souls with delight; and stop he never will until he has run you right into the desired haven-the haven of eternal glory. I do not think he has any sympathy with Dr. Zimpel's scheme for laying down a railway from Jaffa to Jerusalem;-as regards the thousand years' millennial reign, he carries a high viaduct over it, and looks only with contempt on those who fully believe that JESUS will take his bride through that lovely valley previously to the final and fearfully-glorious consummation of all things. Dear brother Collins, pardon this digression! I have lately not only read 's experience, but I have also carefully perused Mr. James Wells's testimony of the way and manner in which the Lord led him, and in a spiritual point of view, it has knit my soul closer to him than ever; and as my motive is pure in this reference, so my mind is free from all anxiety as regards any influence it may have upon weaker intellects, and jealously affected spirits, and in my fifty years' review of the church's history, I quite mean to include James Wells's life with others, and which the succeeding GUIDES will contain I reached the Surrey Tabernacle on Good Friday afternoon just as Mr. Wells was closing his discourse. The following hymn which Mr. Wells read at the end of his sermon, and which the people sang most blessedly, made a deep impression on my mind. These are the words: [Not being able to get the book, I must give the hymn next month.] About 1,200 took tea in the chapel. There was a rare gathering of the ancient men of Israel there; and considering services were being holden in nearly all the chapels in London, it was marvellous to see such crowds up stairs and down, and so many ministers present. There was a sprinkling of the sterling young men who are to perpetuate the work when we worn-out ones are laid aside. For instance, there was brother Dyer, now the pastor of the Harwich Church; ah, he looked so happy; and at Bergholt, he told me, the speech made by brother Wells did him much good. There was brother Alsop there. He has been brought from the Primitive Methodists over to us Particular Baptists; and is a kind of twin-brother to H. G. Maycock. I have had the honour to baptize them both; and I believe both Maycock and Alsop will be useful ministers in our churches for years to come. Elijah Packer was there, too; and I never heard him sing with greater power. On opening the meeting, Mr. Wells delivered an address full of old Testament truth. Mr. Edward Bute read the report of the Building Committee. Mr. Carr spoke exceedingly well of the happy state of the church, of the unity and sympathy existing between deacons and minister, and of their fervent prayers that God our Father would long spare Mr. Wells's life. Mr. William Palmer, of Homerton, then gave the people some really good words. He clearly showed that unless we were hyper-Calvinists, we could not be really in the truth of the Gospel. He declared that John Calvin's writings contained a contradictory mixture of free-will with free grace; and that Andrew Fuller drew his system from Calvin; in fact, that all the yea and nay systems of the day are only so many degenerating deductions from the theology of Calvin. As Mr. Palmer was discoursing upon the great theme, I silently reflected upon two things. I. I thought how imperfect in some things many of the most eminent servants of Christ have been! II. What great use the Lord has made of them, although in many things they knew not His mind. Was I to work out these thoughts by practical illustrations, where should I stop? Ah! where? Father J. A. Jones then ascended the pulpit; and spoke at some length, which the people heard gladly. My turn came next. I had thought enough of THE PERPETUITY OF THE MINISTRY-the progress of the cause at the Surrey Tabernacle, of Christ's Church at large, and of the ultimate perfection of Zion, to occupy at least an hour; but I was to occupy only fifteen minutes; it was nearly nine o'clock; the people had heard enough. Many were leaving, and in a few hurried and confused words I scrambled over my thoughts, and instead of clearly and consecutively opening my mind, I only tore in shreds the thoughts of my heart, and sat down ashamed, while the people wondered what I was aiming at. At least, so it appeared to me. Brother Wall, of Gravesend, gave the final address, and soon all was over. If we live a few months longer, the opening services of the new Tabernacle will be recorded by us, or some one for us; meantime in GOSPEL GUIDE some historical papers may be given, leading up to, and preparing for, the opening of the most magnificent chapel ever erected for the proclamation of a free graceGospel. EAST BERGHOLT.-I have written the previous notes of Mr. Wells's meeting in a Great Eastern, going to, and returning from that aristocratic and Popish village, called East Bergholt, about three miles from Manningtree Station, and beautifully planted on an eminence between Colchester and Harwich, nearly approximating to the suburbs of Ipswich. I have preached in East Bergholt in the Methodist Chapel years ago, and sometimes in a waggon out in meadows; at other times in cottage kitchens. Mrs. Eliza Baldwin has prayed in East Bergholt for years that God would enable her to set up a tabernacle for His truth and worship in the midst of a people so bitterly opposed to the simplicity of the Gospel. For a long time it seemed impossible; but now about one mile from the White Horse (an excellent inn, where Mr. and Mrs. Richards make Christian people specially comfortable) stands "JIREH" chapel, a most unique square, genteel, and truly comfortable house for prayer and praise, and preaching Christ's Gospel. It is a branch of Mr. Poock's church in Ipswich; and the friends there have done much to help on the work, but at this time there is a balance due to the builder, and a sum to be paid to the gentleman of whom the land was purchased; besides this, there is a sum of nearly £150 to be paid punctually, in monthly instalments, to the building society; and these demands lie heavy on the heart and hands of that mother in Israel, Mrs. Baldwin; and the dear people are struggling hard to set the house free from all encumbrances, and to add unto it a vestry, so essentially necessary; a baptistry, and other occasions. I would be thankful if means could be raised to set this sweet little Jireh free. During the summer many thousands of the Lord's family will be visiting Harwich, Dovercourt, Walton-on-the-Naze, &c. I would invite them to drive one day to East Bergholt, and there survey the sacred spot; and during the season special services might be holden, and the visitors around united. Brother Dyer, of Harwich, will be preaching on Sunday afternoons during the season, in the Assembly Rooms, at Dovercourt. I hope the Lord will bless his efforts. He was with us yesterday at Bergholt, and many friends from different corners came to give us a kind and encouraging word, among them was Mr. French, late of Cheltenham, who is chosen pastorat Thorple-Soken, where a cause has long existed. Hadleigh church has lost its pastor, Matthews, and Mr. Charles Smith is now the minister; but the people are praying for a peace and prosperity not yet fully realised. The church at Hadleigh-heath is considered by some as lost to us. "A Farmer's Son" (said a Hadleigh friend to me), under the auspices of Mr. Spurgeon, has got |