time and the talent God gave him, to defend Divine Truth. He will yet rise and see happier days in the future. His works can be had at Stevenson's. "The Believer's Great Desire" is the title of a penny octavo, by Daniel Smither, being the substance of two sermons preached by him at Stratford, and published by J. Paul, Chapter House Court. Daniel Smither is the son of the late minister of Squirries street chapel, in Bethnal Green road. From this production we may hope the son may yet be more extensively useful than was the father, who was a minister of truth, and a man much beloved by his church and people; and his memory is dear to many still. We pray that young Daniel may grow deeper and stronger in the true grace-the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. NOTES OF THE MONTH. EAST LANE.-Mr. Alderson, and the Church with him, are looking forward to still better days. They have enjoyed some years of prosperity; but still they are growing. Mr. Alderson baptised nearly a dozen believers the last Lord's-day in June; some of them the children of many prayers. East Lane chapel is to have a new and more modern interior, whereby room will be made for friends who are constantly coming. THE NEW SURREY TABERNACLE is progressing so favourably that no fears exist as regards its being opened in September next. As the building has advanced the strong tide of zeal among the people has increased; and the noble-minded friends of truth in the Surrey Tabernacle are determined there shall be little or no debt on the place long after they are worshippers within its walls. They have spared Mr. Wells the labour of extra preaching for it; they have lightened the burden the committee had at first to bear; in fact, they have shown their faith to be a living and industrious one by the fruit it has produced, and the work it has done. Their pleasure and reward is certain. THE venerable brother Bewick has been preaching in Trinity chapel, Borough, with great advantage and acceptance to the people; but who is to be the next settled pastor there we know not. AT Old Ford, brother H. G. Maycock was publicly recognised on Whit-Tuesday, when an immense number of warm-hearted friends welcomed him there as their minister. Brother Maycock is the type of a new class of ministers in our denomination. With the soundness of John Gill, he has much of the fire of John Knox, and some of Richard Baxter's deep earnestness after the salvation of sinners. We enjoy the persuasion that Mr. Maycock's ministry will be permanently and extensively honoured. He is pure in motive, powerful in harness, and persevering in study and in his prayers to God for His blessing. With these elements the man must succeed. MR. PHILPOT has been preaching at Zoar, and continues to labour there during July. A faithful sketch of his first appearance after his illness appeared in The Gospel Guide, to which we refer our readers. Our Churches, our Pastors, and our People. OUR ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR CIRCULAR LETTERS. We know but little of associations, or of circular letters, in London. We have quite enough Strict Baptist Churches in London to form a rather strong association, if the ministers and members of our denomination thought well thus to band together; but we are not aware that there is any practical desire for such a union. In the different counties of our country, associations have long existed; many of them have recently holden their annual meetings; and have issued their "circular letters;" some of them may be noticed in our different numbers. The first note we have received is of THE SUFFOLK MEETING; of which a Christian minister writes as follows: "Our spacious tent was erected in a large park in Grundisburgh, very pleasantly situated, and delightfully shaded by large oak trees of many years' standing. Weather fine, sun shining bright, and occasional clouds passing over, affording the multitude much comfort. Must be, I should think, 3,000 persons present. On the first day, the meeting was opened by an earne-t prayer, offered up by one of the messengers of the Churches. Mr. Cooper, of Wattisham, then gave an introduction, in which very appropriate remarks were made upon God's sovereignty, showing that all the doctrines of grace were to be reduced to practice, that the creatures of God were made for work, and that all Christians should labour to promote God's good cause in the world. The letters were then read, which bore rather a gloomy character. Very many deaths occurred during the past year; several separations, and but few additions, com pared with what they had been in past years. It was observed that among those churches where the quarterly prayer meetings, and other prayer meetings, had been kept up, things wore quite a different aspect, showing that our God delights to be honoured, and will honour those that honour him. In the afternoon, while the ministers and messengers were engaged in transacting their business, Mr. Austin preached, and in the evening Mr. Wyard, of London. The attendance was large, the services cheering, and never better collections were made. Brother Wright, of Beccles, resigned his office as secretary, through infirmities and old age, after serving the association thirty-six years. Next year the association is to be held at Norton. On the second day the mes sengers met at six o'clock in the morning for prayer. The meeting was conducted by brother Brown, of Friston. After breakfast, another prayer meeting was held by the ministers. Brethren Hill and Sears preached annual sermons. Hill in the morning from Heb. ix. 24. Quite a flowery sermon, intellectual; some good ideas in it, and some great and precious truths. In the afternoon, brother Sears of Laxfield preached from Matt. xxvi. 38: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death." Plain, useful, experimental, and practical sermon, commending itself to the conscience of every man. Mr. Hawkins, from London, was present, as also Mr. Higham, both ministers. WHOM SHALL WE FOLLOW? By John Corbitt, Minister of Orford Hill, Norwich. MR. THOMAS EDWARDS, of Tunbridge Wells, in THE EARTHEN VESSEL for June, 1865, complains that the Editor did not allow him to answer certain questions put to him by John Corbitt, of Norwich, in 1863, when he first denounced water baptism. He also complains that some of his Baptist brethren have whipped him rather severely for what they think his folly; but he supposes very charitably that it is their want of a clearer insight into what is ABOLISHED, and so they stop too long in the watery dispensation, which he positively declares is ABOLISHED; for he says that he is solemnly convinced that water baptis, in any shape, is contrary to the word of God. This declaration takes the whole matter and responsibility out of the hands of men, and charges the Lord JESUS CHRIST, and his disciples, with commanding and practising what is contrary to Scripture, and not John Corbitt, but Christ and his disciples shall speak for themselves, and then let the reader judge which is the safest to follow, Thomas Edwards or Christ and his Apostles. Thomas Edwards is clearly at variance with them, and I assure him that I will neither fall out with him nor whip him; for it is to his own Master he must stand or fall, but let him remember that the Master said, "He who breaketh one of the least of my commandments and teacheth men so to do, the same shall be counted the least in the kingdom of heaven." Thomas Edwards declares he is conscientious in all he now says, and does, in denouncing believer's baptism. I would remind him that what I am about to advance is given by the inspiration of God, and ought to stand before the most conscientious feelings of any man, for the word of God must be true, and all men are liable to error. Jesus Christ was baptised to fulfil all righteousness; but this did not ABOLISH it, as Thomas Edwards asserts, for during his sojourn on earth, he witnessed and encouraged his disciples in administering it several times (John iv. 1, 2), and after his resurrection, he commanded his disciples to "teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, TEACHING them to OBSERVE all things whatsoever I command you, and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20.) But Thomas Edwards has, as he thinks, found out a better way, and declares that water baptism in any shape is contrary to the word of God; IF So, what Christ did and commanded cannot be the word of God. Again, he calls baptism a church-dividing ceremony; if so, what Christ enjoined is a church-divider; if I was to say this, I am sure I should soon find myself kicking against the pricks: and if Thos. Edwards never finds his conscience pricking him, I shall have to entertain a worse opinion of him than I have yet done; for I suppose he is a devout man, and one that feareth God (if not with all his house), and he may give much alms unto the people, and pray to God always; but he doth not say that an angel has appeared unto him, and told him what he ought to do. Corne lius had an angel sent from God to tell him to send for Peter, and that he should tell him what he ought to do. (Acts x. 6.) And when Peter had preached, and then had received the Holy Ghost, he enquires, "Can any man forbid WATER, that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts x. 47, 48.) Yet Thomas Edwards tells us that he is " vinced that water baptism in any shape is contrary to the word of God." This man accepts of Peter's challenge, and forbids water in any shape. But Peter spoke under inspiration. Thomas Edwards speaks under his solemn conviction. Let my readers follow which they please; as for me and my house, we will follow the Lord and his apostles. con Again, the angel of the Lord commanded Philip to go down to the south; he did so, and there he met the eunuch; conversed with him; went down with him into the water; baptized him on the ground of his faith on the Son of God; came up out of the water; the eunuch went on his way rejoicing; the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more. (Acts viii. 38, 39.) Again, Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them; and when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts viii. 5 and 12.) Yet Thos. Edwards believes that water baptism in any shape is contrary to the word of God. Now we that follow after Christ cannot follow Thomas Edwards and the disciples both at once; therefore my reader must choose for himself which he will follow. But Thomas Edwards speaks of spiritual baptism, or being baptized of the Spirit, and ignores water on that ground. I wish he would tell me where in the New Testament he finds either Christ or his disciples commanding men to administer that baptism to each other, or where they say that water baptism is not necessary, after receiving the Spirit; or if he pleads the particular baptism of fire, as I have heard that others do, then he has only to come forth, and heal the sick, cast out devils, speak with tongues, and raise the dead; and I for one shall be converted to his fiery baptism; though I might never pretend to it myself. I have met with some who plead for this fiery baptism, very full of fire, even so full as to belch out burning words against water baptism, and them that practise it, and declare it is unscriptural, and gendereth to bondage; and as they let these words fall with vehemence out of their mouth, I could not help remembering the words of James iii. 5, 6: "The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things; behold! how great a matter a little fire kindleth. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue amongst the members; it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire of hell." Thus, then, whether it is water baptism that divides the Church (as Thomas Edwards declares), or the tongue of slander (as James declares), I shall leave those that read to decide for themselves, and shall conclude by saying, if it is of God, ye cannot overthrow it; and if of man, it will come to nought, and no one will be finally injured by any error but them that embrace it. That the Lord may pardon all our faults, and make us wise unto salvation, is the earnest desire of yours in the Lord, JOHN CORBITT. CONSIDER-ERE YOU CHANGE. TO THE EDITOR. I DEAR SIR,-I have just read Mr. Thomas Edwards's letter addressed to you in the June number of THE EARTHEN VESSEL; and if you will grant me a little space, will attempt a reply to some of the assertions made therein, for I presume this epistle is not only intended for yourself, but all those who will not allow the ancient landmarks to be removed. Now, sir, Mr. Edwards, like others who change their sentiments of religion, is very violent against those doctrines and ordinances which he held to be from on high, as well as those who still adhere to them; and should individuals endeavour to reprobate or argue the subject they will be looked upon as "whipping" or "lash ing;" while others who, on the other hand, use means to persuade, are unhappily designated as after Judas, kissing. Now, surely, if Mr. Edwards has been led by the Holy Spirit into his present position, and has attained such peace and joy since he has put a spiritual meaning to the ordinance of baptism, which he does not deny that Christ instituted and the Apostles taught, are we not to be pitied? Ought he not to use means that we Strict Baptists might attain such spirituality, and reach such blessedness as he is in possession of? instead of which I am sorry to find he does nothing but rail against those who once were his friends, and who, believing the ordinance of believers' baptism is to be observed as much as the Lord's supper, that it was ordained to be continued to the end of the world as well as the Lord's supper; that one is not more or less spiritual than the other; and if a believer, who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, should observe one as well as the other, for one command of the blessed Lord is equal to another-cannot sanction a departure from Divine truth to please any section, however spiritual they may profess to be. If the blessed word puts the meaning on baptism as Mr. Edwards believes, surely it cannot be difficult for him to prove what he has said and done from it. Now this he has still got to do; for in the whole of his letters and pamphlets he does not attempt to disprove but what the Lord was baptized in water, did also preach it, taught the Apostles to observe it till the end of the world. And until he can come to God's word and prove his standing, I cannot believe he has been led by the Divine Spirit into his present position; for God's work is a work of harmony and not of confusion. Now, sir, Mr. Edwards puts it in his letter, "If ministers were more honest to God, to their own consciences, and their people, they would, like their Lord and Master, oftener fan the floor than they do." Well, we will see how far he has been honest. If you will look at the back numbers of the EARTHEN VESSEL for a few years, you will find, in reports of baptizing sent you by Mr. Edwards, passages in which he says, the Lord was pleased to bless him in especial ways, as well as others, in the observance of this ordinance; how he was sure it was the hand of the Lord; how the Holy Spirit was present with him; and the times of refreshing to his soul he has had in the observance of it; how he had been lifted up by the blessed Spirit; and in many letters addressed to his old members he has spoken of spiritual enjoyment in the observance of this divine command, and, specially, as happy seasons to his soul. Now, does the Holy Spirit first teach a man to observe baptism, and give him blessed enjoyment in it, and then teach him not to observe it, and give him enjoyment in speaking against it. For my part, I think the foregoing sadly against the following paragraph from Mr. Edwards' letter. He says:- "I have found my judgment, my faith, and my love, deepening in the solemn conviction that water baptism, in any shape, is contrary to the word of God; and although I have been hotly pursued and persecuted since I gave up this church-dividing ceremony, yet I do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice, that the Lord has enabled me openly and avowedly to relinquish it entirely." Now, sir, I ask you to put these statements together; is it possible the Lord can by His Holy Spirit give any soul such assurance that he is following in the footsteps of his Master, and then in the same Spirit to teach a soul the opposite, that what he has done is entirely wrong? I am sure you will say the Lord is not the author of confusion. Mr. Edwards is certainly a zealous man, but I fear he is handling the Word of God too lightly. He says, "If you ever hear of my return to it you may conclude, in connection with it, I circumcise also." Now, I do not expect him to return; he may drift elsewhere, perhaps to universalism. The Lord keep him tightly, is my prayer. W. A LETTER TO MR. JAMES WELLS ON THE HAPPY DEATH OF MR. CHARLES HUNT, OF BERMONDSEY. [WE believe many good people have no desire to read records of the deaths of the Lord's children; but we believe they should read them. There is, generally, much GENUINE REALITY— much pure and undefiled religion-much deep and painful, as well as much most blessed experience, then and there discovered. Ah! reader, the dying bed, the dying pains, the dying hours, the dying expressions, and sometimes the dying joys of believers in JESUS, are among the most powerful testimonies to the inexpressible value of the precious PERSON, BLOOD, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and INTERCESSION of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Our widowed friend, Mrs. Hunt, has given a most genuine record of her departed husband's conflicts and deliverances. We have read it; and we beseech our readers to weigh well its solemn contents.-ED.] DEAR SIR-The following are the last words of Charles Hunt, to his wife, in conversation during the preceding fortnight of his death, which word she wishes to be inserted in the EARTHEN VESSEL, for the consolation of the people of God: "I write of the happy death of my dear husband in the Lord. It is well known he was a member of the Surrey Tabernacle, in the Borough-road, about twenty-five years; during which time he attended very regularly, when he was able; but these last few years he has been suffering much with his breath; and this last winter it has been so cold he has not been able to attend: he has not been to chapel since last Christmas. I am happy to say that our experience has taught us to know the uncertainty of any . thing in this life; so that when the doctor said, 'There is no hope of your getting better,' he said, Bless the Lord, I have a good hope through Christ, in that which is to come.' In the latter end of March, I asked him if he should like to see Mr. Wells? He said, 'I should very much; it. is troubling him; or else I have several things I should like to ask him; but he has so much to do.' I did not tell him that I had sent, as I thought if he did not come, he would not be disappointed. When Mr. Wells came, on the 4th of April, he was very glad to see him; and when Mr. Wells was gone, my husband said, 'I am very glad Mr. Wells has been; for he has settled those points in my mind that I wanted to know.' I was not able to be with my husband just then, as I had the shop to attend to, but Mr. Francis was very kind to come in of an evening and sit with him, as he knew how I was situated; but on the 4th of April my husband was much worse, and my son was obliged to leave his situation and come home, and attend the shop; so that I was able to spend all my time in attending to him. My husband was that kind of man that he wanted no one's company, only those that could talk to him about the Lord Jesus Christ dying for poor lost sinners; such he felt himself to be. He would often say, 'O this evil heart of mine! I think it will sink me down to hell.' enemy set in, and told him his end was near. I shall never forget one night: the enemy set God's holy law before him : he did not sleep; nor did I; and if I spoke to him, he would say, 'Now you be quiet.' I did not know what was going on in his mind. until I heard him say, This is truly working out my own salvation with fear and trembling. I can now see this is making way for the righteousness of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.' Then he said, Hannah, I am very bad. I do not think I shall live many days before you will have to lay this poor body with that dear girl of ours.' I must just say this dear girl was the only daughter and the only bit of earthly comfort we seemed to have; and we used to fondle the thought of the blessing she would be to us in our old age; but the Lord's ways are not our ways: He was pleased to convince her of her state as a sinner, and show her if she went to heaven it was by what Jesus Christ had done. This way of salvation was shown to her, and then He took her home to glory, aged twelve years. The "Again he said, 'I cannot but feel deeply for you; for when you see her coffin, you will not be able to bear it: will you promise me you will not follow me to the grave? as I fear it will be too much for you; but you shall follow me through precious faith in (hrist hereafter.' I said, 'I cannot promise you that; but I will promise you I will bear with this great trial so far as the Lord shall enable me.' 'But Mr. Francis will manage the funeral for you; I have told him all about it, and he has promised to do so.' He then wished to see his son about managing the business, and taking care of me and the younger son he was that kind of man that always kept his temporal affairs straight; so that I can say he has kept his house in order, as we do not know what a day or an hour may bring forth; all this was settled in his mind on the 6th of April; in the evening a number of friends called to see him, among them a Mr. T. He said, 'Well, Mr. T-I am very glad you have come, for I have often felt very anxious about you: as I know you go so very regular to church; but what do you know about your never-dying soul?' Mr. T- began to talk about what we must do, but my husband said, 'Stop; if you have no better religion than that, when you come to where I now am, it will leave you; and you will be a lost man. May the Lord open your eyes, and see what a wretched state we all stand in by the fall of man.' Then he, as the Lord enabled him, endeavoured to show him the way of salvation through what Jesus Christ had done for poor lost sinners. I bless the Lord I feel it deeply myself, but I am not able to repeat the blessed language that my dear husband was enabled by the teaching of the Holy Spirit to say to him, and he told him, 'If you love this Jesus Christ, and this way of salvation, go to that man of God, James Wells, and he will tell you about them.' My husband did not care to see any one but those who could talk to him about JESUS CHRIST and Him crucified. I think the few days he lay ill, he was enabled to go through the whole of the Bible; and pick out his favourite chapters for me to read to him; and he would explain them most blessedly. Then would he say, Hannah, I wish you would help me sing.' When I would answer, Why, Charles, I cannot. I wish I could in the sense you mean." Mr. Elijah Packer came to see him on the 9th of April, and enjoyed his company very much. Mr. Francis came on the 11th, and he said, Francis, I shall want you before this week is out to lay me out; you will not disappoint us, will you?' Francis replied, No, my friend, I will not.' He had a better night, and seemed more composed, and dosing; but I saw him sinking very fast, yet perfectly sensible; and in the afternoon he got out of bed, and offered up a prayer for his family, especially the son that is abroad; such language as I am not able to utter; a king of the Lord to show them the evils of their hearts, and to be pleased to favour them with the same grace as he had showed to him. Then he said, Hannah, I wish you would help me in bed,' which I did; and he then laid down and said, I do not think I shall live the day out. I wish you would leave me for two hours.' I went outside the door; and stopped there; and when I went in again, I said, 'How do you feel now?' He was then sitting upright in bed. He said, 'O, my dear, I am going fast! and he said, 'Come, LORD JESUS, |