In the second place I told them for what I would praise Him; for his electing love, covenant engagements, redeeming blood, converting power, preserving mercy, and sanctifying grace, yea, for all the blessings of salvation, seeing they all come from Him; and third, how, and how long I would praise Him. I would not praise Him with that blasphemous song, which some profess to sing to his praise

strictly just, that He never twice demands a | Frederick Street. I was told that they now payment of one debt. have a stated minister at the Tabernacle and that brother Ritson has left Frederick Street some time, neither cause enjoying that prosperity we could desire. On Thursday morning I took train to Oldbury, and, passing through the town, saw handbills announcing that the Baptist chapel would be re-opened on the following Lord's day, when Mr. Buckingham, of Birmingham, and Mr. Samuel Clarke, of Hull, were expected to preach. This place has been going down for some years, and is, according to accounts I hear, in even a lower state now than it ever has been; but I trust that this re-opening of the chapel will be a recommencement of good days to them, for surely amongst the vast population of this black country we might suppose the Lord has many of his dear people. Leaving Old

"A charge to keep, I have, &c.;" but rather even as the angels do in heaven, by ascribing all the glory to Him alone; and as for how long I shall praise Him I cannot tell, I cannot count up the number of the years-but through his grace I hope to praise Him so long as I have my being, even throughout the countless ages of a never-bury, I wended my way amongst the pits to ending eternity.

the pleasantly-situated village of Gosty Hill, The last time the sound of a free-grace situated between Oldbury and Halesowen. Gospel was heard in this place was when Here they have a neat little chapel, a good brother Clarke, of Hull, was here, some six congregation, and a church of about twelve years ago: this dear man of God, and his or thirteen members. Some two years and a discourses, have been the subject of conversa-half ago they were formed into a church by tion amongst the lovers of truth here ever brother Burns, of Gornal, and brother Bridge, since; they can still tell the text, and many of Cosely, when a young man named Richard things he said in preaching; in fact, there are Yorke, whom the Lord had brought out of several who were brought, through his visit, the coal-pit, was chosen and ordained as their to see the truth, and are now found "contend- pastor. I believe he preaches the truth of ing earnestly for the faith once delivered to God to them; and although the Lord has not the saints." The friends seem to want to hear yet given him to see much fruit to his labours, as much as they can, so I have to preach yet we hope that the seed is not lost, but will again this afternoon and evening: I trust one day spring up and yield a plenteous that a cause of truth will be established here harvest,-for I cannot believe that the truth before long. If any minister of the truth is of God can be preached and no blessing folpassing this way, they would be glad for him low,-"in due season we shall reap, if we to come and preach to them; as, if they can- faint not." Leaving Gosty Hill, I descended not get the chapel, they will get some place or again amongst the pits, and came to the cotother; but they are in hopes that they will tage of brother Smith, who for many years be able to have the chapel at all times, as the has been the respected pastor of Spring Meaprincipal manager has said that it shall be dow Baptist Chapel. I found him in good open for any who wish to do good; hence health, and what pleased me still more was they sometimes have Arminians, sometimes to hear that his church never was in a more Fullerites, and next Sunday week they are prosperous state. The commodious chapel is going to have an Independent; but what of well filled, and the Lord continues to add to that?-if the prince of darkness preached the numbers of the church; we trust of them there, and I had an opportunity to preach who shall be eternally saved. In brother after, I would willingly do so, believing that Smith we have an exception to the old prothe truth of God is as pure though preached verb, "A prophet is not without honour, save in an Arminian camp as it would be preached in his own country." He was born and in a place where no other sound had ever brought up very near the spot where he been heard; so any brother passing this way now preaches, and has honour both amongst will receive a hearty welcome, either from his own people and those to whom he occabrother Keyston, whipmaker, Walker's Lane, sionally ministers elsewhere; in fact, I am or brother Mattock, shoemaker, Northall. surprised that our churches have not found him out before now, and brought him out of his privacy, for I am persuaded that he is a scribe well instructed in the things of God; but he seems well content where he is: he lives in the affections of his people, works hard all the week, and preaches three times on the Lord's day. I think it would be well for some of the lazy parsons to be bound apprentice to friend Joseph for a little time, and after that I should hope they would be ashamed to lay themselves up all the week, and read two sermons on the Sunday; but Í believe the time is come, or coming, when those drones will have to seek fresh employ, and the laborious gospel oxen will both labour

Monday, Sept. 29.-I find it a difficult thing to keep a journal whilst travelling, and therefore neglected noting down on the spot what I thought might interest you; but as I am now in my quiet little study at home, I will try to call to mind a little of what I saw and heard during the past week. On Tuesday evening, at Kettering, I had a good congregation, and found sweet liberty in speaking of Paul's words-" The election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded." On Wednesday morning I bid adieu to the Kettering friends, and took train to Birmingham. I could hear but very little of the two places of truth there, viz. the Tabernacle and

for us. His labours have been blest, in being the instrument of snatching two as brands from the burning-'Give all the glory to God's holy name, to Him the glory belongs.' At the end of three months we gave him an invitation to become our pastor, being more than two years since he came amongst us, MENDLESHAM BAPTIST CHAPEL. and the Lord still continues to own his labours: DEAR EDITOR,-On Lord's day, the 3rd since our late pastor, Mr. Wood, was laid aside, there have been 16 added to the church, of August, I had the privilege of baptizing fourteen have been added since Mr. Moores six of the Lord's people, upon a profession of has been amongst us, eleven by believers' their faith in Jesus,-four males and two febaptism, and three from other churches; and males. The Lord's presence was greatly enwe are happy to say there are others injoyed by most of the people. The numbers whom we hope the Lord has begun a good work. When Mr. Moores came amongst us, we had no sabbath-school, now we are happy to say there are nearly 60 children taught in the school; neither had we any pews, nor a gallery, nor a timepiece, all of which we now have, and all paid for, for which we desire to feel very thankful; for "what hath God wrought?" We hope the Lord will still use him as an instrument amongst us in doing much good; that many may be called out of dark-Lord directed my mind to speak from at the that these should not be baptized, which have "Can any man forbid water, received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

work of God in their souls; carnal professors revile; the sheep are fed, folded, and watered; and the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls condescends to bestow the greatest of all boons: "My peace I leave with you."

ness into his most marvellous light; that those that be already awakened may be built up in their most holy faith, and be enabled to go on their way rejoicing.

ZOAR CHAPEL, POPLAR. Ox Wednesday evening, September 24th, 1856, Mr. R. Bowles, of Zoar Chapel, Poplar, baptized four believers (three females and one male), at the Cave Adullam Chapel, Stepney (kindly lent for the occasion). Mr. Bowles preached to a large aud attentive congregagation, from John iii. 23: "And John also was baptizing in Enon, near to Salim, because there was much water there; and they came, and were baptized." From which the following things were noticed:-(1) John's divinely-appointed work - baptizing. (2) The reason assigned for choosing that place The locality-In Enon, near to Salim." (3) Because there was much water there." The inference to be deduced from the same— viz. that John required much water for his mode of administering the ordinance. (4) The conduct of the candidates-"They came

and were baptized." Each of the above heads were fully entered into; and the preacher showed that infant sprinkling was a part and pillar of Popery, and a delusion of Satan; that the only legitimate and scriptural mode of baptizing was by immersion, and the only true and proper subjects were believers, and such as "brought forth fruits meet for repentance." After singing, and imploring the Lord's special blessing at the pool, each was solemnly addressed upon the nature and obligations of the significant ordinance that they were passing through. Three out of the four were called under Mr. Bowles's ministry, and the fourth brought into Gospel liberty on Lord's day, October 5, at the table of the Lord. The pastor and deacons gave them the right hand of fellowship.

The church at Zoar, Poplar, is prospering. Truth in all its fulness is proclaimed; peace prevails; sinners come forward to declare the

assembled together on that occasion filled the chapel, and a great number of persons were standing outside. Not only upon baptizing days is the chapel filled, but every Lord's day; some of the people travelling six and seven miles to this place. The good Lord is blessing his word to many souls, and after much inquiry of the Lord we have begun to enlarge the chapel, to accommodate the many worThe Scripture the shippers that assemble.

above time was,

It is evident the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word, for they spake with tongues, and magnified God. Peter mentions their right to baptism, they having But how the Holy received the Holy Ghost. Ghost could have thus fallen on infants so as to speak with tongues and magnify God, I confess I have yet to learn. Therefore until it can be proved that infants are capable of receiving the Holy Ghost, and speaking with tongues, magnifying God, I shall object to infants possessing any right to the ordinance of baptism; neither can it be proved that infants formed a part of the household of Cornelius, or of any of the households spoken of in Scripture, nor is there any precept or presenibled together again to receive into the cedent for infant baptism in the apostles' days. In the afternoon of the same day we aschurch those six baptized followers of Jesus and to break bread; the words impressed upon my mind at that time were "It is finished." The subject was truly blessed to me and Salvation's work is many of the people. done, according to the will of God. We could say it was good to be here. The Lord's name be praised for mercies like these. Suffolk.

C. E. MERRETT.

OLD BAPTIST CHAPEL, DUNSTABLE. WEDNESDAY, Oct. 8, a sermon was preached in the afternoon by J. E. Bloomfield. The text was Zech. vi. 13: it was an excellent discourse. After the sermon a public tea meeting was held, and a goodly number were present. A public meeting was held in the evening. Mr. Rush engaged in prayer; after which, Mr. Carpenter gave a concise account of the revival and progress of the cause since he had been at Dunstable; spoke highly of the people, for very many of them had willingly strengthened his hands and shown themselves ready to work. He said the antiquity of the place had a claim on the Christian public,

A baptizing took place on August 31st, 1856. The chapel was crowded. Our brother Newton commenced the service. Our beloved pastor, in a solemn manner, and with much enlargement, drew near the throne and inercy seat of our Great High Priest, pleaded much for the presence and the blessing of the Lord upon us. Then was sung

"Do we not know the solemn word,

it being an off-shoot from the parent stock at | mercies we desire to express our humble Bedford, once under the care of that great thanks to Him that has helped us hitherto. master of allegory John Bunyan; he further stated, the meeting that night was to issue more collecting cards, to remove, if possible, the debt of 100l., and we are happy to say friends from other causes responded to the appeal, and took collecting cards, for which we very much thank them. Mr. Davies, of Leighton, addressed the meeting. He congratulated Mr. Carpenter on his present position, and trusted he would still continue prosperous. Mr. Collyer, of Ivinghoe, adverted to the circumstance that Dunstable Chapel was the first place he spoke in; he had a lively recollection of the depression of spirit he laboured under, and how the Lord was better to him than his fears, corroborating the statements made by Mr. Carpenter in reference to the rise and progress of the cause; showing that it was the parent cause of all the Baptist churches in this district. J. Wilkins, of Greenwich, congratulated the people on three things-their prosperity, their being favoured with a good ministry, and their good singing. He offered some excellent remarks on unity and simplicity, being exactly of the same opinion as David the Psalmist, that, "it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity," he could not if he would, and would not if he could, forbear rejoicing at the peace and prosperity that reigned in their midst. Mr. Bloomfield then spoke on the doctrines, the promises, and the comforts of Scripture; speaking warmly and energetically of the advantage and comfort arising from good deacons, for the purpose of supporting the minister's hands; congratulating Mr. Carpenter that he possessed such: the meeting was closed by singing and prayer.

DANE HILL AND NEWICK. DEAR EDITOR,-I send you an account of the Lord's doings with us in our dear little cause in Dane Hill and Newick. We have now been two years and six months under the pastorate of our dear brother Jos. Warren, who, through much trouble and affliction, has been honoured by his Lord and Master in dispensing the Gospel to a remnant sojourning in this part of the vineyard. My self with many others rejoice that the Lord ever sent him this way. When brother Warren first came here, Zion was laid waste, her inhabitants were scattered; we rejoice to say the Lord has made him very useful in building her up; in gathering together some of the poor afflicted ones that were scattered; in establishing the church; in comforting the comfortless; proclaiming liberty to the captive; binding up the broken in heart; and opening the prison doors to those that were bound: more, through his instrumentality, poor backsliders have been reclaimed, dead sinners have been awakened, those that were dead in trespasses and lying in wickedness have been called and brought out into the happy light and liberty of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also been favoured to see the moving of the water four times in two years and six months; for these

That we are buried with the Lord?" Our pastor took his text from Acts xvii. 11. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." He told us he had been made to search the Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, and thus he became a Baptist; he spoke very sweetly on believers' baptism, showing it to be founded on the word of God. It was an excellent discourse. That day will be remembered through a long eternity. We have many enemies against us; but He hath said, in his word, "upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," and the word that is gone out of his mouth must stand-it shall not fall to the ground. The Lord is doing a great work amongst us; we can sing

"Rejoice! the Saviour reigns

Among the sons of men;
He breaks the prisoners' chains,
And makes them free again.
Let hell oppose God's only Son,
In spite of foes is cause goes on."

A LOVER OF THE TRUTH AS IT IS IN JESUS.

THAME, OXON.

OUR Covenant God has visited the church at Thume. On Sunday, September 28th, two believers (the former a member of the Independent church at Guildford, the latter brought to a knowledge of the truth through the instrumentality of brother Juggins) were baptized according to the plan laid down by our Saviour. We went to Asket Chapel to baptize, a distance of seven miles. In the morning brother Reed gave an address from the words, "If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest."-Acts viii. 37. Brother Juggins then spoke at the water to a large audience; led the candidates into the water and immersed them, according to the Scripture rule.

The afternoon service commenced by brother Read giving out a hymn; brother Juggins then read, and prayed, and preached an excellent sermon, founded on Acts viii. 12. "They were baptized, both men and women," showing what baptism was and what it prefigured. The services of the day were solemn and interesting, and the Master's presence realised. The next Lord's day they were added to the church in accordance with (Acts ii. 42), and publicly received into full communion. Brother Juggins addressed them in a solemn and faithful manner. May the Lord still go on to bless the little church at Thame, so that the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a great nation, is our earnest prayer. B. C. E.

church of God; surely Satan is busily at work amongst our churches. May the Lord arise and have mercy upon Zion, for surely the time of her need, if not the set time to favour her, is come.

[The above letter is furnished by our brother Benjamin Davies, of Leighton, whose labours at home, at Kettering, and other places, have been, we are glad to learn, useful in many ways.-ED.]

THE CHURCH ON BERKHAMPSTEAD
COMMON.

THE ordination of brother William Moores, as pastor over the above Baptist Church, took place on Tuesday, September 16th. With permission, we quote the following brief report from a Christian weekly journal. Speaking of this ordination, the writer says:

and live; although they may not labour with | their hands, yet they will be found labouring for God weekdays as well as Sundays. With mutual good wishes I parted from brother Smith, and, after a walk of two or three miles, found myself in the town of Dudley. Here the truth of God has, more or less, been proclaimed for many years, but at present things are decidedly bad. The old Baptist chapel, being endowed, is still held by the old pastor, although it seems evident that no blessing is attending his labours, as the place is almost deserted. There has also been a division at the room, and a few are meeting at one of their friend's houses; but the majority still remain at the old place, and are in a fair way of prospering. I preached there on Thursday evening, and had nearly as full a congregation as ever I saw there. They are rather fearful, as they will soon have to give up their room, it having been sold; but "We have indisputable New Testament their eyes are up to the Lord, who, I trust, evidence (Acts xxvi. 16) that none but the will open another door for them. Surely in Lord himself can truly and effectually make a town of 60,000 inhabitants a place will be a man a minister, and I do not know any found for the preaching of God's truth,-if mistake more common, nor more disastrous, not, I say, arise and build. Amongst my than that of setting men up as pastors of congregation on Thursday evening I had the churches whom the Lord never designed, nor pleasure of seeing old Father Bridge, the ever qualified for a work so great, so responpastor of the Coppice Chapel, Coseley. I sible, and so important. Churches have been was glad to find him in excellent health; in divided and scattered, wives and families have fact, he said he was never better in his life. been ruined and rendered truly wretched, The Lord has been pleased to provide for him and good men, who might (as active members in his old days in a very bountiful way, and of churches) have been exceedingly useful, the dear old man is placed above either want have become burdens, simply because these or the cold charity of friends, so that the good men have said, 'A preaching we will enemies have taken occasion to call him co-go;' and some few weak minds have helped vetous, and have raised some evil reports on the delusion until the most fearful conseabout him; but I feel it my duty to say that quences have been the result. Oh, sir, the the report which was raised respecting his men are not few but they are many, who will carriage is altogether false, as he still con- come and crouch to poor Zion 'for a piece tinues to walk from Dudley to the Coppice of silver, and for a morsel of bread, saying, and back every Lord's day and WednesdayPut me into one of the priests' offices, that evening, and assured me that he intended to do so as long as he was able, and then to give up going there altogether. He seems very anxious to have another pastor raised up for his people before his departure, but the deacons seem to think that they have not done with their old one yet. The church at the Coppice is blessed with a good share of prosperity-not much increase in numbers, but peace and unity prevail. On Friday morning I travelled on to Wolverhampton, and was sorry to find that the church at John Street is in a very low state. They have a good preacher, a man of good ability, who, I am told, draws his hundreds when from home, but scarcely any when at home; surely a cloud hangs over this place, the reason why is known to God, and will, perhaps, some day be revealed. At Temple Street they are doing better than usual, Mr. Hatton still preaches there, and is made useful to many, although I fear conversion work is but seldom heard of. O Lord, revive thy work! From Wolverhampton I walked to Willenhall, and met with Mr. Lefevre, the new pastor of the Baptist church at Little London; he is a pleasant sociable man, but, I fear, will not be over comfortable there, as the people are divided amongst themselves. O, Satan, what hast thou done, thus to divide and to scatter the

I may eat a piece of bread.' Ignorance and idleness, pride and presumption, are the main features in their character, and too frequently the only qualifications they possess the only credentials they can produce for this highest and holiest of all the offices men can occupy under the heavens.

"The reverse of this is the case of William Moores, the village blacksmith, and the pastor of Berkhampstead Common. Although called to take the charge of souls,' yet, as these precious souls cannot take the entire charge of him, William is willing and determined, like Paul, to labour, working with his own hands,' until the fruits of his labour shall be sufficient for his temporal needs.

"Let us now take our stand in the sanctuary, and view this happy scene a little closer.

"William Moores is an inhabitant of Ivinghoe; and out of respect to him, the Ivinghoe Sacred Harmonic Society came over to conduct the orchestral parts of the service, and I must confess I never expect to hear sweeter harmony, or more delightful chanting and singing in this wilderness, than I heard that day at Berkhampstead. There was one lady in that choir who possessed a power to roll her clear and eloquent voice hither and thither, in a way surpassing all that ever I heard; and so enchanting was the effect that

it almost lifted us off the earth, and made | Mr. Wood preached under that tree a few us wish to be in heaven, where the song is Lords' days; the congregation increased, they ever new, and the songsters have immortal removed into a cow-shed in the occupation powers. Kent seems to have listened at the of the aforesaid John Bedford, which, by very keyholes of heaven's gates, when burst- their mutual help, was fitted up with a few ing out, to silence for a moment the noise of forms and windows as a place of worship. worldly cares and carnal cries, he exclaims: The Lord gave testimony to the word "Hark how the blood-bought hosts above preached, nine persons came forth, and were Conspire to praise redeeming love, baptized by immersion. We continued meeting together every Lord's day, till 1835, the Lord stili blessing the word to many that attended; the congregation still increased, the place was becoming out of repair, and not large enough to hold the people; so we began to seek for a piece of ground, whereby a more comfortable place of worship might be erected; having obtained it, this place was built, and we came to worship Almighty God in this place the first Sabbath in January, 1836.