Our Churches, our Pastors, and our People. OUR LONDON CHURCHES. OUR beautiful motto for the New Year was that sweet promise in Isaiah, And thou shalt know that I, the Lord, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." Certainly there are none of us in this pilgrimage state that can possibly be above the want of this promise. High and holy, good and great, as some of the brethren may consider themselves to be, when compared with their more afflicted brethren; yet none of them can do well, either here or hereafter, without this promise in powerful realization. It is a promise, too, that reaches to the ends of the earth, to the lowest depths of misery, to the darkest despondency into which any vessel of mercy can be hurled or driven by temptation, or the trial of their faith. We have printed this promise on a sheet, it can be had from the office of the GOSPEL GUIDE, 4, Crane-court, Fleet-street, for two pence; and will be a useful and pretty remembrancer for the bedroom, or study, of the real Christian. It is a precious promise; but its full value we shall not perfectly know until around the throne of God and the Lamb we are found.-Let us now resume a brief review of the position and prospects of our London churches, and their ministers.-We understand the medical adviser of brother Samuel Cozens, insists upon his taking a sea voyage: he contemplates speedily sailing for Australia This may be overruled for the good of the churches in the Australian colonies; and, with the Divine blessing, may make a strong man of our now afflicted brother Cozens. John Bunyan M'Cure, and the other hardworking brethren out yonder, will greatly welcome this over-wrought English minister and author, and his talents there will be an addition of no mean merit, if his life and strength be renewed and continued. New Year meetings in our London churches have been numerous and well sustained. Mr.Chivers's twelfth ordination anniversary was celebrated on boxing-day by addresses on "The Authorised Ministry," in which the brethren Alderson, Green, Thomas Jones, Caunt, Meeres, Wyards (father and son), took a leading part. Mr. Chivers's opening address was full of anxiety, sympathy, and earnest desire for the spread of the Gospel, and the ingathering of souls to Christ's vineyard. We heartily pray he and his brethren may see greater prosperity in the accomplishment of these desirable results of their incessant toils.-On the second of January, Mr. Anderson's first anniversary of his settlement in Zion chapel, Deptford, was celebrated by a sermon from Mr. James Wells, and a numerous meeting to tea, and for Christian fellowship. Mr. Anderson's first year has been one of progressive prosperity, and we hardly think the Deptford Zionites ever were more united and happy. The brethren Milner and Moyle were not present at the meeting, being unwell; but the pastors Alderson, Chivers, Wyard, and Griffiths, spoke on the Fruit of the Spirit," much to the edification of the meeting.-On the same day, Thomas Stringer preached in Squirrie's-street chapel, Bethnal-green; after which tea and public meeting was holden; C. W. Banks presided, and a number of ministers rendered the meeting useful in every sense. Among them were brethren Stanley, Maycock, Steed, CornRell, Dixon, Stringer, George Webb, John Harris, Gill, &c. Mr. John Mumford, on behalf of the friends, presented the pastor with a token of esteem for him; in acknowledging which he expressed the utmost confidence in his deacons and friends, and hoped large success might still attend their united efforts. Mr. Allsop, who has recently been baptized by C. W. Banks, and has been brought out of the Primitive Methodist churches, is preaching in the Lecture-hall at Stratford. This is the second Primitive Methodist preacher C. W. Banks has had the honour of baptizing. Brethren Maycock and Alsopp are men of no mean order of mind. Both of them, Maycock at Old Ford; and Alsopp, at Stratford, will, we hope, be instrumental in effecting much good. We rejoice in their accession to our church, praying God Almighty to fill them with a burning love to His name, His truth, His ordinances, and to the souls of their fellow-men. So shall their work be honoured, and the Gospel spread. The annual Sunday School meeting at Zion, in Goldington-crescent, Old St. Pancras, looked cheerful, and indicated perseverance and well-doing. The pastor, Geo. Webb, looked happy, spoke well, and was encouraged by brethren and friends around him. The report was, we think, the best we ever heard. It will be printed either in Gospel Guide or Earthen Vessel, but, as we write this in Manchester, we cannot tell in which it will appear at present. It is worthy of universal perusal. At the meeting, Mr. Flack, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Stringer, and C. W. Banks, delivered addresses: and the children-a gallery full of them-sang delightfully.-Hope Chapel, in Greenstreet, Bethnal-green, had its annual gathering last month. Mr. Wells preached. The pastor, C. E. Merrett, presided. Messrs. Felton, Blake, Woodward, and Myerson, described different kinds of trees in such an interesting manner, as to render these services quite delightful. We give a notice of Mr. Myerson's meeting at the Oval, Hackney-road, in another place. Mr. Inward, of Zoar chapel, Poplar, announces his resignation, and removal, this month. It has long been to us a painful consideration, that in a chapel so surrounded by hundreds and thousands as the East India road is, should not be the scene of great success. Brother Inward leaves it, and desires another sphere of labour: which, we hope, he soon will find; while the church at Zoar, Poplar, will want another minister and pastor; and this the Lord alone can send unto them. To Him their prayers must be directed, and on the Lord alone should they wait.-In Bromley-by-Bow, the brethren Took and Stanley, and their friends, have just holden their first anniversary meeting in Jireh, Willis-street, St. Leonard's road. H. Stanley ably presided; the friends Tooke, Clinch, and C. W. Banks, spoke to the people; and the result of the meeting, and the previous year's labour, proved that the germ of a good cause was being formed, which, if watered with heavy dews, and if the brethren are continued in devoted faithfulness, will grow into an established church. But in these times, where causes are to be raised, or increased, there must be much of three things-powerful preaching, private prayer and meditation, and a succession of meetings, gathering together the people; at which efforts to benefit them must be well conducted. To all the friends who are aiming to raise causes at Hammersmith, at Stratford, in Manchester, and all the world over, these suggestions are tendered with the purest of motives.-The church at Islington, left by Mr. Glaskin, has been well supplied by Mr. Comfort, of Ramsgate, Mr. Felton, and others. A good pastor and preacher is much wanted there. Leaving London for a moment, we have one word to say of Manchester. Within the last few months, an attempt has been made to raise a Strict Baptist Church in Hulme, a mightily populalated part of Manchester. A minister came to them, whose labour appeared destined to rapidly extend their boundaries. Many heard him well, large audiences were gathered, but suddenly a cloud burst upon his head, and he flew away. Another blow for the dear friends of Gospel truth in Manchester. On Sunday, January 22nd, C. W. Banks preached three times, and the congregations and services were encouraging beyond expectation. There is an opening for a really lively, honest, faithful, and gifted minister of Christ. Nothing short will do here. We believe Mr. John Derbyshire, of 11, Princes-street, Cornbrook, Hulme, Manchester, would gladly co-operate with any honourable man of God, whose heart and head, and hands, could be given to the work. Mr. Goodfellow, of Manchester, with many others, who once struggled hard to extend Gospel truth in this immense city, have been called home. We must abruptly close these notes. *This report is in type, and will appear next month-PRINTER, EUSTON-SQUARE.-A happy meeting at Euston-hall, 8, George-street, Eustonroad. This place was opened by Mr. W. Wait, for the proclamation of the Gospel, on the 9th of October, 1864. The first quarterly tea and public meeting was held Tuesday, January 3rd, 1865. After an excellent tea, the public meeting commenced by singing. Brother Mogford prayed; brother Wait gave the history of opening the hall for the proclamation of the Gospel in all its fulness and freeness, shewing this step was not taken to induce persons to leave other places of worship, but for those who do not attend the means of grace. Mr. C. W. Banks gave a very encouraging address, calculated to be useful to brother Wait as a young man just commencing in the work of the ministry. Mr. Attwood followed, and stated what young ministers might expect in the way of opposition, &c. After repeating the following lines, he closed by wishing brother Wait the blessings of God's presence. "Sow, sow, SOW, Always keep on sowing; God may cause the seed to grow, Always keep on praying, Mr. Webb, of Zion, followed by addresing himself more particularly to brother Wait respecting the qualifications for the work of the ministry. Mr. Osmonds spoke sweetly of the faithfulness of God, taking for his motto the great and glorious name, Jehovah Jireh, which signifies, 1st, the Lord has seen all his chosen from eternity. 2nd, the Lord doth see them in all their trials, temptations, and afflictions. 3rd, the Lord will see that every one shall arrive safe in the haven of eternal rest. 4th, the Lord will provide A refuge here, A home hereafter. After singing, brother Wait closed the meeting by prayer. The spirit of true Christian followship, and the presence of the Lord was sweetly realized and enjoyed. God grant us many such meetings. HOMERTON.- Lord's-day, December 18th, Mr. Archer preached morning and evening. Mr. Stringer in afternoon. Many found it very good; it was to all an encouraging day. This cause has had its troubles, but by the help of the Lord they continue to this day. He is blessing His word there; our numbers increase; relying upon the Lord for His promised help, we go forward. ONE THAT WAS THERE. A LETTER FROM MR. SAMUEL [WE give the following without any abridgment. We call special attention to it.] MR. EDITOR.-MY DEAR SIR,-Thanks many for your expressions of sympathy and good wishes for my welfare. I have indeed been afflicted with wave upon wave, and I have indulged the dark thought that possessed the Psalmist, when he said, "No man careth for my soul;" but "It is decreed that most must pass, The darkest paths ALONE." In the writings of men, I have met with nothing that at all represents the conflicts of my soul like Bunyan's description of the dreadful combat between Christian and Apollyon. I lost my sword; I could not take hold of a single promise-of one word to strike the foe with; but he belaboured me with a thousand infirmities, and damned me to the lowest hell, and nearly the whole of one night I was groaning, "Lost! lost! lost! lost!" Bunyan says truly, "In this combat no man can imagine unless he had SEEN and HEARD as I did what yelling and hideous roaring Apollyon made all the time of the fight; and on the other side, what sighs and groans burst from Christian's heart," &c. Some people tell us we ought not to doubt after such signal interpositions of Divine goodness and grace. The fact is, I believe that our darkest nights come after our brightest days. Abraham fell into "an horror of great darkness" immediately after the bright visions of Divine favour. The Israelites despaired of salvation soon after their deliverance from Egypt. Job left the altar of worship to meet the very troubles his sacrifices were offered to avert. Peter denies Christ after enjoying the felicities of the Mount of Transfiguration. Paul drops from the third heaven by a devilish assault of Satan. Before this terrible conflict came on, I had been carried up into the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. i.); and no place on earth seemed more desirable to me than the congregation of the dead; the grave-yard seemed attractive, and the tomb-stones looked beautiful; like a weary traveller, I wished to be at rest; and, like a child at school, I longed for the vacation to go home. But when the sun went down, everything was wrapped in thick darkness. I could not see my signs nor read my evidences, and death, which before looked like an angel of mercy, now appeared as a king of terrors, and I dreaded with awful fear his terrible approach. Death is a very different thing to those who enjoy robust health from what it is to those who, like myself, are brought in their feelings to die daily. My affliction is very peculiar; from the feeble action of the heart, I have only the pulse of a babe, and sometimes for a few seconds the action of the heart ceases altogether. Many times in the course of a night after a heavy day's work this will occur; besides which, or as an effect of which, I occasionally suffer from paralysis in the mouth, so that I cannot bring up the under jaw to articulate a word. The first time I lost my speech in preaching, the enemy suggested,-You have been praying God to stop the mouths of hirelings, and now your mouth is stopped in answer to your own prayer; but I said, I am no hireling. For a long time after I was called to speak I preached the Gospel freely without fee or reward. On another occasion, when my speech failed me, something said, That deacon there-(and the man was pointed out to me)-has been praying to God to shut your mouth, and your mouth is shut in answer to his prayer; but, strange to say, when I thought my mouth was closed for ever, the power of speech was restored, and I finished my discourse. I don't know how it is with you, but, at times, I feel so doubtful that all the people in the world could not make me believe that I am a child of God; then, like a gossamer, I am blown about with every wind of temptation; and, then, again, I feel so believing, that, "I can smile at Satan's rage, And face a frowning world." It is thought by some that my health would be better if I were to emigrate to a warmer climate, or if I were to take a trip to Egypt; but that supposes a purse of no small capacity, with rich linings of gold; but I have neither purse nor linings; but, thanks be unto God for daily bread, that is a daily mercy. He knows when there is no oil in the cruse, and when the last cake is made from the spent barrel. The meal of His Providence keeps us alive, and when we want a little extra, why, then,bless His holy name!- He FILLS the vessels with the larger communications of His goodness. What a wonder-working God He is! Sometimes I am brought very low, to teach me how dependent I am; and then He opens His hand so generously, that I am melted into wonder, love, and praise at the goodness of the Lord, and the loving kindnesses of the Lord. How hard it is for us to carry some of our temporal burdens; but how sweet it is to be enabled, by the faith of prayer, to cast them on the Lord. I can say, to the honour of His name, that I never sought Him for the supply of a real necessity without obtaining it. I have preached but very little of late, and I fear I shall be obliged to give up the ministry altogether. My last physician told me I must also give up writing, but, as long as I have strength, I must work for my children. I often want faith to leave my family in God's hands. I think about them sometimes till my heart is overwhelmed within me. I don't know why I should write thus to you; but perhaps it is for your own comfort. I do pray that you will be careful to fill your VESSEL with pure Gospel truth. These are not times for small talk, but for a bold, outspoken, fearless exhibition of the whole truth. "O for a closer walk with God." With best wishes, I remain, yours in the Gospel. S. COZENS. 13, Lincoln-street, Bow-road. THE GREAT MORAL AND EVANGELICAL PHILANTHROPIST IN SCOTLAND. SOME few men in every age have stood out, as it were, in bold relief by themselves; that is, in their particular line of things; there was not another like them. Such a man was Paul; and, after him, in every period of the world's history, there have been singular men. Rushing over the heads of thousands, and leaving centuries behind, in silent review, we boldly say, such a man is the Reverend THOMAS JAMES MESSER. Take him altogether, we know not his equal anywhere. He is a good writer, an author of no mean calibre, and yet who hears much of Messer's books? He is a most ingenious mechanic, surveyor, architect, and dentist. We have seen buildings of his erection, chaste and pretty, convenient and complete: he is a preacher of the Gospel; of a much higher order than well suits the order of minds amongst whom he frequently laboured in this country; but, above all, peering high into a most exalted standing, he is a temperance advocate. He needs, however, no feathers from us to make him fly: he is winging his way through Scotland this winter with rapidity and success. From the postscript to a letter we have just received, the following interesting paragraphs we found: Hitherto we have been greatly favoured in connection with our second tour through this romantic part of our island home. Besides preaching in free churches, U. P. churches, E. U. churches, Independent and Baptist chapels to many thousands, we have had the opportunity of addressing betwixt twenty and thirty thousand persons, at the lowest calculation, on that subject, which has for so mary years engaged my attention. Wherever we have gone, we have received the greatest possible kindness, and have had abundant cause to believe that our labours, both in the North and South of Scotland, have been greatly blessed. You will see that there is rather more liberality amongst the Scotch clergy than we witness in England. I have accepted pulpits belonging to all denominations in Scotland, except those of the Established Church and the Wesleyans. The Scotch are a church-going people; they love to hear, and to criticise sermons. There are many good people scattered all over the land, but there is much required to be done everywhere. Whisky drinking is Scotland's curse, and too many ministers neglect to bear their testimony against the drinking habits of the people. I found a very interesting Baptist church at Peterhead. I preached twice there one Sabbath, and ministered the Lord's supper to the members of the church. I also preached and broke bread with another small church at Forres. The Baptists in Scotland have weekly communion. The number of Baptists is but small. There is a fine opening in this country for a truthproclaiming Evangelist or two. There is more Arminianism in Scotland than you would imagine. There was more genuine truth preached in the days of John Knox than there is now. The ministry of the present day is learned, but there seems to be a want of power-that power which accompanied the labours of those men who in days gone by laid down their lives for the truth's sake. I have, however, come into contact with many truly excellent men during my wanderings: with men who love and proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus; and their labour is not in vain. Perhaps, on some future day, if spared, and should the Guide continue to live (and I hope it will), I may find time to write a paper descriptive of what I have seen during our second interesting tour in this beautiful country. When your stock of contributions happens to be rather low, give me a hint, and it shall be done. The weather here is now fine, but cold. During the last four months, we have had to face many a storm among the snow clad mountains of the highlands; but though I have suffered a little annoyance from rheumatic twichings in the joints and muscles, I have been physically equal to my work. Some weeks I have addressed meetings every evening, not excepting Saturday, and preached twice to large audiences on the Sabbath. I had Dr. McGelvray's free church at Aberdeen crowded when I preached in it; it is a spacious building, and its minister, the doctor, is a splendid man. Mr. Spurgeon has been here since we came, and his labours were not in vain. When I read the Scotchman's review of his labours in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Guide of Dec. 13th, I thought of a little episode in the life of the village blacksmith, Samuel Hick. On a certain occasion when passing up to the platform, a puritanical looking brother said to the good, kind old man, "Now Sammy, don't be facetious today." Samuel, on rising to address the meeting, said, "Mr. Chairman, that brother who is sitting there" (pointing to him), said, "Don't be facetious to-day-poor thing! he never made anybody either cry or laugh in all his born days." I wish you would keep the Guide free from the peppery, invidious lucubrations of fault-finding men. One mend-fault is worth twenty find-faults. Though I may differ with C. H. S. on some points, I honour him for his fearless advocacy of truth, and rejoice in the success that follows in the wake of his herculean toil. Where can you find a young minister who has laboured harder, or with greater success? All honour to him for what he has said on the subject of Baptismal regeneration! May still greater clearness of spiritual vision be given to him, and still greater success crown his labours of love. I do so much admire those writers who break a man's head, and then apply a plaster to the wound they have inflicted. The Scotchman cannot do the work C. H. S. is doing, any more than I can do yours, or you mine. But my postcript is growing too fast. I therefore lay down my pen, under the influence of an intense desire, that for many long years, if it be the will of the Father in heaven, you may "Labour on at his command, And offer all your works to him." And after that, when you shall have accomplished as an "hireling his day," you may, through sovereign, undeserved grace and love, be honoured with a place in that gorgeous, glorious city of immortals, where all the members of the ransomed family shall join together in singing that song which John heard when in the isle called Patmos "Unto him that loved us," &c. Amen. Vale! So prays T. J. MESSER. MR. MYERSON'S MEETING. MR. EDITOR, Being present at Mr. Myerson's presentation meeting, I send you account of same. Truly, Mr. Myerson's position is an enviable one; he has a vineyard of pleasant vines; he is highly esteemed for his work's sake. About 150 took tea. The ministerial brethren present were brethren Butterfield, Inward, Wise, Felton, and G. Webb. I felt truly glad to see the pastor of Shalom surrounded with so good a staff, all of them valiant for the truth. I certainly felt God was present. At half-past six, the evening meeting commenced. Mr. Myerson took the chair; on his right and left were arranged the speakers. Mr. Felton prayed in a fervent manner for God's blessing. The chapel was full. Mr. Myerson said he felt much encouraged in seeing so many present; they had much to thank God for. Five years had now nearly passed away since he first preached in that place; he was astonished at the wonderful Success that had attended his labours. Truly, God had greatly honoured him, and to him was the glory due, for he was most unworthy. This meeting was his birthday meeting, and, perhaps, they would like to know his age? Some people had thought him twenty; some had guessed him younger. Brother Butterfield said sixty. Mr. Myerson not quite so old. If God spared his life to reach that age, he hoped he would be as determined for truth as now he would be thirty-eight on Thursday. Brother Butterfield said,-I wish you many happy returns of the day. May God still continue to bless you in your important work. I have something more to say. When I left home, I thought what shall I say to the people?-a presentation meeting a birth-day meeting! and I thought of Boaz and his reapers. Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to his reapers, "The Lord be with you." Remarkable that this should be the portion so very appropriate. Boaz came from Bethlehem and Butterfield came from Bethlehem, and said as Boaz did, "The Lord be with you at Shalom." So Mr. Butterfield brought a plate of P.'s, and wished the people an appetite to enjoy them as they would a plate of peas in the summer time. The first P. would be Providence, the second P. prosperity, the third to prevent you, the last to present you. His speech was admirable, instructive, and full of affection. Brother Wise then requested to speak, as a most important matter was committed to his charge. This meeting, he said, you are aware, is a presentation meeting, and, if I mistake not, brother Butterfield will present to brother Myerson the proceeds of this meeting. I should have no objection to such a meeting myself if you would all agree to come and serve me the same; but, however, though Mr. Butterfield is to present the money, I am to introduce a presentation before his. My dear Mr. Myerson will be presented with something of greater importance, and, after keeping him in suspense, he said, it is a Bible, and would be presented by Mr. Mobbs, the senior scholar of the Bible class. The young man then advanced towards the platform, and presented his pastor with the Word of God. I never witnessed a more affecting sight; the pastor hung down his head, and the big tears stole down his cheeks, which told more than words can express; and looking on that platform, a sight presented itself that angels might stay to behold. That precious book, held in the hand of a living young Christian, brought to a knowledge of the truth under the ministrations of his pastor, before a devoted people, and to see those men of God-those ministers of Christ-with sympathising hearts weeping for very joy, was a glorious sight indeed. The feeling passed like lightning through the place, and men, women, and children were seen bathed in tears. Mr. Mobbs addressed the people in a most fervent manner, and, indeed, no one could have spoken more to the point, and presented the Bible most affectionately in the name of the Bible-class. The Bible is a most valuable one, being Bagster's Comprehensive. It was received by the pastor with evident emotion, and he managed to get out a word or two in expression of his gratitude. Mr. G. Webb next addressed the meeting in a warm and affectionate manner. After him Mr. Inward, in his usual fervour, spoke; then Mr. Wise and Mr. Blake, but was compelled to be brief. All spoke well, and, best of all, not one jarring note. Mr. J. Butterfield presented the money, and said he felt almost as much pleasure in doing so as if it was for himself; and he |