Hadleigh-heath chapel. It has been enlarged, and its congregation has much increased. I will add nothing to this. Our Lord only knoweth what further changes the churches of truth will undergo;-the lack of a powerful ministry has been to us a great affliction. The dews of heaven descend on thee, prays, thine for ever, C. W. B.

GOOD FRIDAY.-Ever since the time when the Saviour of the world was nailed to the tree, until the beginning of this century, this day has been throughout all Christendom regarded as the most solemn of all days in the year. It is still celebrated with the most profound solemnity in all countries professing the Christian faith, excepting in this island, which we love to call the most Christian country in the world. We will not mention the peculiar ecclesiastical pomp and circumstance with which on that day divine service is performed in the Roman Catholic and Greek churches; but we may state that in the Protestant countries of Northern Germany, where Rationalism abounds, and in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, where the teachings of Luther are most scrupulously and religiously followed, this day is still held in the highest degree of veneration as the anniversary of the death of the Redeemer, and the dawning of the day of salvation. In Germany this day is called the still Friday; in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia the long Friday; both terms sufficiently expressive of the manner in which it is kept holy. In the Established Church of this country, too, where by a singular contrast it is called Good Friday, it is kept as one of the holidays of the church. The Nonconformists alone, considering that no day is more holy than another, excepting the Lord's Sabbath day, pass it over in silence, or at most, treat it only as a holiday, a day of recreation and amusement; though not entirely so either, for the great majority of our Baptist churches in London on that day hold religious gatherings, some of which are of more than ordinary interest. At Mount Zion, Mr. John Foreman's three sermons were preached to numerous and attentive congregations, and this being the thirty-eighth anniversary of the pastorate of this venerable Foreman of the Particular Baptist churches (our readers will pardon the pun), many, doubtless, expected some allusions to be made to this fact; but, if so, they were disappointed, for it was not even named. The morning service was conducted by Mr. James Wells, of the Surrey Tabernacle, who preached from Zech. xii. 8. We shall not attempt here to reproduce any of the sermons preached here this day, but will only mention mention in passim, that Mr. Wells explained as his belief, that David and the angel of the Lord, spoken of in the text, signify Jesus Christ; that "angel" means messenger-God's messenger; that "Evangelia" means joyful message, trans

once

lated "Gospel;" and that the messenger is fourfold in his character, devoted to his God, intercessory, a messenger of the covenant, and of universal dominion. "Satan" he explained as meaning simply "the adversary." He also condemned the opinion entertained of the millennium, that Christ will reign a thousand years on earth; his saints will reign, but not Christ. The afternoon service was conducted by Mr. Foreman himself, who preached from Acts xxviii. 31. In his sermon, which the venerable preacher styled, "A ramble over all these things," he touched on election, eternal redemption, and regeneration; and explained the "Kingdom of God" to mean the Christian church and dispensation. Speaking of the Shepherd and the sheep, he thought that the beasts of prey now threatening the flock were error, hypocrisy, and the lusts of the world. Baptism and the Lord's Supper he approved of as being ordained by Christ, whom he called the refiner of prayers, but condemned them as sacraments. Lastly, the evening service was conducted by Mr. Collins, of Grundisburgh. He took for his text the first portion of Isaiah xii. 2: "Behold, God is my salvation." Of all the preachers of the day, Mr. Collins was the only one who made even the slightest allusion to the character of the day. We honour him for this. In the course of his excellent sermon, full of truth, he said that he was almost afraid of being in the pulpit, which had been occupied by such "big guns;" but we can assure Mr. Collins, if this should meet his eye, that we could be quite content if we were permitted to sit under his ministry. Collections were made after each service, which, we trust, proved satisfactory.

SALEM CHAPEL MEARD'S COURT, SOHO, -On Wednesday, 19th April, the teachers and friends of the Sabbath school in connection with this church, held their ninth anniversary. Tea was provided. At the meeting Mr. Bloomfield presided; Mr. Hyde prayed. The Chairman, in the course of his opening address, made some nice remarks: he was thankful for all that had been done during the past few years, and even amazed at the results produced. This place has stood well for all the purposes of good, and during the few years of its existence it had ever been more or less a working church. Though the chapel was only capable of seating 800 persons, there were, nevertheless, upwards of 400 actual church members. Some few years ago they had no school; no Dorcas Society; but now they had all these; and the church had discharged its obligations beyond all others. There certainly had been times of depres sion; but there had also been times of prosperity. Winter and rain will come, as well as summer and sunshine. He rejoiced that the school now enjoyed a state of pros

perity never before attained, and expressed his contentment and satisfaction with the superintendent and teachers. Many had been their difficulties for want of a proper schoolroom, which is situated at some distance from the chapel; nor were they likely as yet to have one to suit their increasing wants. Every teacher, with the exception of one, was a member of the church, and there seemed to be among them a growing love to the word of God, and a growing impression that their labours are being blessed by the Holy Spirit. When men forget the power of the Holy Ghost, or cease to feel their entire dependence on the Spirit of God, all their works crumble and fall to naught. He said that Sabbath schools had proved to be one of the most powerful institutions of this country, and where has been the secret of this?-the blessing of God. If schools are to be made to prosper, the promoters must feel their entire dependence on the Holy Spirit; and this should be awakened in the hearts and minds of themselves and of the people. It was this alone that supported the reformers of old and all administrative men of any importance. Without this Luther and Calvin would have been feeble men indeed. What but the Spirit of God could have made these men of such penetration and power! We must ever realize the truth of the word, and bear in mind that God has said, "Them that honour me I will honour."

The Secretary, Mr. Bearn, read the report, which showed that the school has been in existence nearly ten years; that there is at present a total of 169 scholars, of whom there are 57 boys, 93 girls, and 19 infants; and 19 teachers of both sexes. The teachers in conjunction with the Tract Society, meet every second Lord's-day. Mr. Henneker, the late superintendent, was in October last, on his retirement, presented by the pastor and teachers with a memorial and address, and Mr. Foreman had been elected his successor. The school still meets at the "Eclectic" Hall in Denmarkstreet, but cannot get the desired attendance of children; hence the school has as yet proved to be of little usefulness as regards the immediate district. The Secretary, therefore, proposed that a fund be established for the erection of a school near the chapel. He also named that the teachers and scholars some time ago had contributed freely £30 to a neighbouring church for sending missionaries to India. The library of the school consists of some 200 volumes, but many of these are old and torn; gifts of appropriate new books would therefore be thankfully received.

Mr. Tibbets (a deacon of the church), moved the adoption of the report, and closed a very neat and acceptable address with expressing his fervent hope that all Christians may study closely the Bible, and be guided entirely by the word of God.

Mr. Fowler followed. The report was unanimously adopted.

Mr. Hoddy (deacon), in a few remarks

expressed his great satisfaction with the report.

Mr. Scott, among other things, said that it was good for men of all degrees to work; that the greatest men had been promoters of Sunday schools, such as Cowper, Newton, Hill, and others, who have left us examples worthy of imitation.

Mr. Rawlins appeared on behalf of the Sunday school union; he had been brought up in a Sunday school; he found that in "Salem" there were some 400 church members, and thought this ought to be a good stock to produce plenty of teachers. Within one square mile, taking this chapel as the centre, there are 2,000 children under fifteen years of age not under Sabbath school influence. Why might not the chapel itself be used as a schoolroom? Places of worship ought not to lie waste on Sabbath afternoons. The people of "Salem" ought to endeavour to add to their chapel a school with class-rooms.

Mr. Smith (deacon), gave a few good words; and the meeting was useful, cheerful, and expressive of a good work progressing.

KEDINGTON. - MR. EDITOR,-Some time previous to Good Friday, the female portion of the church and congregation at Kedington chapel, resolved upon the plan of providing and giving the necessaries for a public tea, the proceeds of the same to go to the building fund; and they did it cheerfully, and plentifully; so that by the day all things were ready, for which they have the thanks of friends. Brother Wilson, from Clare, and friends with him, paid us a kindly visit. Mr. Wilson preached in the afternoon and evening two excellent, establishing, cheering, and comforting discourses. I never heard him better; and I hope many can testify the same: he expressed and manifested a spirit of sympathy with us and our pastor. It is comforting amidst all things in this sin-blighted world for brethren so to dwell in unity. The cards brought in realized £18 98. 1d. Several more to come yet; and others gone out on the second voyage, which we hope will all come home richly laden. With the tea and a collection we found, at the close, more than £23 to put to the fund, most of which has been paid over to our treasurer, and we are an organized body, with building committee, treasurer, surveyor of works, &c. We expect almost to rebuild the chapel; make it longer, with a vestry and gallery, &c, as we want the room. If you are spared to come to see us the sixteenth time, I hope all the above will be accomplished. It was Good Friday to us in every sense: the Lord be praised. Now if any friend, seeing this, will kindly send us a little help, or give it to you; if there is any in London, or anywhere else, that will help, any sum in stamps, or any other way, will be thankfully received, as it will be a large undertaking for us considering our position in life and locality; but we feel the needs be

for it; and by the Lord's help we will press on, and we hope press through.-JOHN DILLISTONE, Woodland-green, near Haverhill, Suffolk.

[We heartily wish our words could be as powerful as are the feelings of our heart toward Kedington; we would help them, and no mistake. We have offended the friend who gave us 5s., because we called it a poor pittance. We did not mean it so of her, but of ourselves; a poor sum for us to raise; but she must forgive our blunder; and pray God to help the blessed little church at Kedington.-ED.]

WEEKLY OBSERVANCE OF THE

LORD'S SUPPER.

TO THE EDITOR.-MY DEAR SIR,-In reference to Mr. Messer's remark, that the Baptist churches in Scotland have weekly communion in the Lord's supper, my mind has been exercised in considering that, if they are right in that observance, the Strict Baptists in England are wrong in attending to it only once a month. As there is no reason to believe that the English Baptists are less sincere in their desire to maintain the Lord's authority, and to walk in all his ordinances and commandments blameless, than their Baptist brethren in Scotland, permit me to make one or two observations on the matter, trusting that it may lead to further inquiry and examination of the subject, and that the Churches of Christ may be guided in all things by "What saith the Lord ?" and hate every false way.

It is plain to the mind of every unprejudiced Christian who reads the book of Acts and the letters of the Apostles to the churches, that the first Christians came together every first day of the week for divine worship; in other words, to express their faith and hope in, and their love to their crucified, risen, and glorified Redeemer. Their worship consisted of praise, prayer, reading, and expounding the Scriptures, almsgiving, and breaking bread; i.e., the observance of the Lord's Supper. Now surely it will be conceded by all Christ's true people, that the observance of the Lord's Supper is as intelligent, as solemn, as edifying, and as Christhonouring an act of spiritual worship, as any other which they can observe; especially when we remember his own words, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love." "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come unto him, and will sup with him and he with me." From an examination of these and kindred promises, there is the evidence of Scripture to prove that Christ's special blessing and presence and the comforts of the Holy Spirit are connected with keeping the divine word and ordinances in the way which they have been delivered unto us.

This brings to view another question which of all others is the most solemn and trying to my mind; viz., Christ's authority in his own church, and in the order of his

worship, from which authority there can be no appeal. Therefore, as the first Christian churches were commanded by the apostles to observe the Lord's Supper every first day of the week, can it be right to observe it only once a month? Is not this disregarding the Lord's authority, and dishonouring to his wisdom, who hath appointed his ordinances as much for his people's happiness, as for the glory of his own name? What reasons or grounds of expediency on our part can stand against his authority, in the face of his positive precept, "This do in remembrance of me?" Just as much reason is there to assume that we are to assemble together only once a month for prayer and praise, and hearing the word, as to assume that we are to observe the Lord's Supper monthly.

Further, the wisdom and authority of Christ under the new covenant dispensation can no more be called in question than the authority of Jehovah when he commanded Moses: "See that thou make everything according to the pattern which I showed thee in the mount." Can it be proved that the Lord who was jealous over the purity of his worship under the old covenant dispensation is less so now? Is not "to obey better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams," and better to remember the words of the prophet: "Them that honour me I will honour, but they who despise me shall be lightly esteemed," than the traditions and customs of men?

It is a difficult thing to remove prejudices already formed, or to change the existence of things which have been sanctioned by long usage and the approbation of good men, but touching a matter affecting the Lord's authority and the prayerful desire of Christ's people to do his will in all things, to remain silent, or to continue indifferent to these things, must be wrong. I trust, however, your readers, and more especially, Mr. Editor, your ministerial brethren, will give the subject of my letter their serious consideration, for I have no other desire than that the Lord Jesus Christ should be honoured, and his dying love for his people set forth as he himself has appointed. Therefore, may the Divine Spirit of grace give us wisdom and understanding to do the will of Christ in all things, and his name shall have the glory. Amen. Cambridge Heath, N.E.

R. B.

STEPNEY.-CAVE ADULLAM. - The third anniversary of the chapel and school building fund was celebrated by a tea and public meeting on Tuesday, April 11th. After tea a public meeting was holden; Mr. Webster, the pastor, presided. Mr. Brunt offered prayer. The Chairman, in a short opening speech, mentioned the origin of the Cave Adullam Building Society, which was commenced some four or five years ago by the teachers and scholars in the Sunday school for the purpose of raising a fund for building a new chapel and school, the lease of the old Cave

Adullam terminating in a few years. He then called on Mr. Culyer, the Hon. Sec., to read the financial report, which showed that at the end of 1861 the amount in hand was £22 14s. 7d., which was deposited in the Commercial-road Savings' Bank, but

was

subsequently transferred to the Bloomsbury Bank. The net balance now deposited in that bank amounts to £86 11s. 6d. The Secretary in his report also announced that a system of weekly subscriptions would be begun, for which purpose printed envelopes would be distributed, to be on every Lord's-day deposited in the collecting boxes. The Chairman then called on Mr. Palmer, of Homerton, who, in moving the adoption of the report, made a speech full of good sense and business-like advice. He spoke on building in various senses, on the voluntary principle, and concluded with the hope that there would be more spiritual worshippers, with full hearts and full hands, and that the work would be carried on with much earnestness, Christian feeling, and success. Mr. Williamson, of Notting-hill in seconding the adoption of the report, addressed himself more particularly to the young friends, scholars, and teachers, strongly condemning the vice of avarice and covetousness, congratulating them on the commencemence of the movement in the school, counselling them to work well and harmoniously in the cause of God, and concluding his address somewhat in these words, "Ye young ones, work with the elder, and you elder ones, take the young into your counsel, and may God grant that you may all be ready to do the work." Mr. Hawkins made an able address on the "Authority on which to build the House," as founded on Exodus xxv. 2, 3, and incidentally named that one of the Sunday scholars had contributed a bag containing 6s. 6d. in farthings, thereby showing that much may be done by small means. Mr. Brunt spoke on the voluntary principle as acceptable to our God, who disposes our people to give freely. He said that he knew the Cave Adullam thirty years ago; and advised friends not to give too freely at first, and then to decline in their offerings; but to continue steadily to give their share; and to support the pastor and the present house. Mr. Higham, of Camden-town, moved, that the names of the officers and committee, as read, be adopted; and in a very interesting address, gave an account of the origin of the church where he officiated as pastor. He said that he began five years ago with a congregation of nine persons; that two years later they had increased to 120; and then requiring a chapel of their own, they borrowed the money, bought a site, and built a chapel, the debt on which they have already reduced by £120. He advised the friends of Cave Adullam not to wait till the expiry of the lease, but to follow the example of his church, and to begin at once. Mr. Woodward, of Ilford, was to have followed the above speaker, but was forced to leave on

The laying of the foundation-stones for the enlargement of the old Baptist chapel, for the ministry of the pastor, Alfred Peet, took place on Good Friday, April 14th. The service commenced at two o'clock by the pastor giving out a hymn. A fervent prayer for the Divine blessing to rest upon the pastor and people was offered up by Mr. Bull, of Wellingboro'. Addresses were delivered by pastors Robinson, of Staughton, and J. Wyard, of St. Neots; Mr. Peet then gave a short account of the history, faith and practice of the Church; after which, he presented Mr. James Ward, of Souldrop, with a silver trowel, in the names of the church, congregation, and friends, as a token of gratitude for what he had done, and is still doing, for this cause; also, a French polished mallet, a gift of the architect. The stones were then laid by Mr. Ward, and his sisters, Mrs. Deacon and Miss Ward, who placed thereon £200 towards the expenses of the building. The following ministers were present on this interesting occasion, viz.: Parsons Willis, of Raunds; W. Ward, of Irthlingboro', W. Dexter, of Thurleigh; W. Wilson, of Risely. About 370 sat down to tea. Mr. Bull, of the Tabernacle, Wellingboro', preached in the evening. The old chapel was crowded; the collections of the day amounted to £32 5s. 6d, The chapel will be re-opened July 11th, by Mr. James Wells and Mr. John Foreman. The alterations will cost about £600. There was a large influx of the friends of Mr. Peet's, from St. Neots, Bedford, Irthlingboro' Risely, Thurleigh, &c., who came to assist in the laudable object the Church and congregation had in view, some of whom came from a distance of thirty miles, among whom was J. Mote, Esq., Hon. Solicitor to Strict Communion Baptist Society. The whole proceedings of the day were marked by a true spirit of Christian sympathy and love for this young pastor and his people.

CLARE, SUFFOLK.-We have again to record some tokens of the Lord's favour towards us. Zion's immortal King and glorious Head continues to bestow upon us his royal bounties, and to enrich us with a continual flow of Gospel blessings. On the Sabbath of March 5th, 1865, two brethren were added to the church after being baptized by our beloved pastor, Mr. Wilson, whose ministry has been made a great blessing unto them. We trust this addition to our numbers may be approved of by the Lord to the increase of spiritual strength and prosperity, and the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ. It was truly a holy day to many of the Lord's people, a reviving,

cheering, delightful Sabbath. The attendance upon the means of grace throughout the day was large, especially in the afternoon, when our young friend, Willis, preached a sound, good, experimental sermon, founded upon the 71st Psalm, and the first verse; and although we are often nervously anxious as to our soul's prosperity and spiritual health, yet we have much cause for gratitude, and a good hope that the mighty Spirit of God is working yet more extensively amongst us, although like the unseen wind, "He bloweth where he listeth," and now and then we are favoured to see his gracious operations made manifest. "Come, thou south wind, blow as upon the garden of the Lord that the spices thereof may flow out."

LONDON PARTICULAR BAPTIST ITINERANT ASSOCIATION.-The quarterly meeting of this Society was held as proposed. The chair was taken by Mr. Dickerson, who implored the Divine blessing for the continued usefulness and objects of the Society in supplying destitute churches, and opening causes in neighbourhoods where desirable and opportunity offers. The lecture was by Mr. Palmer, who notwithstanding labouring under bodily indisposition discharged his engagement with great ability. The subject may be regarded as preliminary to others we may expect to hear from him, and as embodying many excellent and useful topics. After an encouraging address by Mr. Dickerson, a warm and cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. D. and Mr. P., for their kind and able services, and as expressive of the unanimity and pleasure participated in by the members and friends, Mr. Wyard has kindly engaged to deliver the lecture at the quarterly meeting in July. The members (and brethren wishing to unite) are reminded that the usual monthly meeting is held the first Tuesday in the month.-R. DOWDALL, Secretary.-1, Brecknock-crescent, N.W.

- On

RYEFORD, GLO'STERSHIRE. Good Friday, the anniversary sermons were preached by Mr. S. Cozens, Lincoln street, London. The morning subject was "The death of Christ," which was discoursed upon with great solemnity and deep feeling. After which the preacher made an earnest appeal to the sympathy of the people to make some sacrifice for Him who sacrificed Himself for them. To which the people responded in a noble collection. The evening subject-"The life of the Church," -to which, for an hour and a-half, the

people listened with breathless silence, and after which the preacher was so exhausted that he was obliged to leave the pulpit, and the pastor concluded the service. In the afternoon Mr. Telley entertained the friends by delivering an intelligent and thoughtful lecture on Nonconformity; after which 353 persons partook of tea; and to the comfort and encouragement of the friends the day's collections exceeded by some pounds those of last year. The morning congregation was good, but in the evening the chapel and vestries were filled to overflowing; and while some could not receive the discriminating truths advanced, many received the Word with gladness.

BRAINTREE. SALEM BAPTIST CHAPEL.-Commemoration services were held on Tuesday, March 21st, to celebrate the first anniversary of the ordination of Mr. G. Cook, when three sermons were preached; that in the morning by Mr. Cook (pastor of the place); and those in the afternoon and evening by Mr. W. Alderson, of East - lane, Walworth, who, in the afternoon, selected for his text 1 Peter i. 19, "Precious blood." We have not had the pleasure to listen to such a masterly address for a long time. After tea two very handsomely bound volumes were presented to Mr. Cook by the Bible-class, through Mr. Alderson, who gave an effective and encouraging address. We pray that so youthful a minister as Mr. Cook may have his hands strengthened by many of thefathers in Israel." The Lord bless him. He prays earnestly, preaches boldly, and labours incessantly. That he may be favoured with much of the Master's presence is the prayer of E. R.

Deaths.

ON Thursday, April 20th, aged 66 years, Mary Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Thomas Forrest. She was a member of the old Baptist Church, Wandsworth, upwards of forty-four years, being baptized Dec. 11th, 1821, and transplanted from the Independent church in the same village. During the whole of her life she had been subject to bondage through fear of death; but this fear was entirely removed for three weeks prior to her decease; and her end was peace.

THE late Mr. John Pells's, only sister, Mrs. Cullingford, of Saxmundham, ceparted in peace, on Wednesday, March 22nd, 1865. Her bereaved and sorrowing husband has furnished a very precious testimony of her faith, life, and last days; but it cannot appear before June.