on matters of such immense importance in the economy of redemption, and in "the faith once delivered unto the saints." "But" (our readers will abruptly reply) "Matthew Henry was not a Baptist!" Matthew Henry was not that cruel opponent to the Baptists that many men called "sound men have been, and still are. Let us give his own words on the making of man. After some interesting and very telling reflections on this most stupendous and marvellous part of Jehovah's creation-work, Matthew says "It should seem as if this were the work (the making man) which he longed to be at, as if he had said, "Having, at last, settled the preliminaries, let US now apply OURSELVES unto the business -LET US MAKE MAN.' Man was to be a creature different from all that had hitherto been made. Flesh and spirit, heaven and earth, must be put together in him; and he must be allied to both worlds. Therefore God not only undertakes to make, but is pleased so to express Himself, as if He called a council to consider of the making of him, Let us make man.' The Three Persons of the Trinity, FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST, Consult about it, and concur in it, because man, when he was made, was to be dedicated and devoted to FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST. Into that great name we are, with good reason, baptized, for to that great name we owe our being. Let THEM rule man, who said, 'Let us make man.' ." When we find ourselves in company with a good out-spoken Trinitarian, we feel safe; and if our readers distinctly notice Matthew Henry's phrase"Into that great name we are baptized," they will see that we have the first-fruits of a good harvest-field, into which we hope to be instrumental in leading them, and where we hope our good Boaz has ordained that "some handfuls of purpose shall be dropped," expressly for him that writes, and for those who read, THE EARTHEN VESSEL. But here, for the present, we must lay down our pen, with the sweet anticipation, that in Matthew Henry's copious notes upon our Heavenly Father's revealed Word, we shall find a large amount of biblical, experimental, and evangelical food for such as hunger and thirst for wholesome doctrine and for living bread. "The Baptist Almanack for 1857," &c. &c. London: Partridge and Co. The year now fast coming to an end, has been remarkable for one thing among many others, i. e. the removal by death of a large number of pastors of Baptist churches. This annual register gives brief memoirs of between thirty and forty good men who have been called home to their eternal rest: among them, we notice the names of Stenson, Horseley, Skelton, Langham, Raynsford, and other brethren who have laboured with us in the fields below-but the places that knew them on earth shall know them no more for ever. As a faithful remembrancer of those who once were mourners and ministers here below, the Baptist Almanack possesses a peculiar interest to the whole of the denomination; and cannot fail to be an indispensable companion and book of reference to all the Baptist Churches in Europe, from the fact of its con taining a correct directory for London and its suburbs, "showing the pastor's name, his private address, the exact situation of his chapel, the times of service," &c., &c. The editor, in the opening address, says—“ A great number of testimonials have been received from ministers and gentlemen, expressive of the great service rendered by this yearly hand-book, enabling them with ease to find any favourite minister or sanctuary; which privilege, they, very probably, might have been denied, but for this publication." Here is a large variety of useful information compiled expressly for this work, and given to the churches for twopence. The fourpenny edition being interleaved with ruled paper, will serve the purposes of diary, note book, almanack, and directory, and certainly should be found in the pocket, and on the table, of every minister and member of our British Baptist Churches. "The Only Refuge of a Troubled Soul in Times of Affliction; or, the Mystery of the Apple Tree."-Two Sermons. By James Barry. London: E. Palmer and Son. There is no class of persons under the wide canopy of heaven that we more acutely sympathise with than those who are afflicted and troubled in their souls, mourning over sin, longing to be delivered, pardoned, justified, accepted, and preserved; and our conviction is that there is not another class of persons so despised, so forgotten, and so carelessly treated by the multitude of preachers and professors, as the silent, the sad, the sorrowful, the sin-smitten, and truth-seeking seed of Israel. For them-more than for any others in all this world-was this EARTHEN VESSEL first commenced, and for them the Editor would still desire to labour, although his spirit has been long under a load, and the powers of his mind greatly turned from its choicest aims by difficulties, reproaches, and the cold and callous carriage of many who have used him and his work to serve their own ends. "The Judge is at the door," and until He comes, we cannot perfectly decide upon any man's motive or manner of action; but how exceedingly precious in the meantime are such pieces of divinity as James Barry has here given to us. This shilling work is a sterling unfolding of the person of Christ-of the need troubled souls have of his person and work, and of the sacred blessedness of that poor shipwrecked sinner who, being led at last to banquet with Christ, exclaims, in the full joy of his soul, "As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." James Barrythe preacher of these sermons-the favourite cousin of "the Coalheaver"-and, withal, a devout, godly minister of some ages pasthas entered largely, lovingly, and delightfully into this comprehensive portion of the divine word-a word that is richly expressive of the travail of a living soul, and of the glorious fulness and immeasurable grace of a precious Christ. In next month's "Cheering Words' we hope to give a few choice pieces from these sermons. THE OLD WAY-SIDE "INN," AND THE "BANQUETTING HOUSE." Wycombe, Nov. 16, 1856. MR. EDITOR,-The inclosed piece is from an old monthly, signed J. G. I think it is worth a place in the VESSEL, if you can find room. Most of your readers are quite satisfied that salvation, from first to last, is alone of the Lord, and have not much time or inclination to read anything bordering on free-will. Only let a poor sinner be put into the stripping room, and he will never after quarrel with the Lord, for not giving all what some call a chance of salvation-finding enough to do to inquire why the Lord had mercy on him, and made him to differ Yours-R. COLLINS. "Not of works, lest any man should boast." EPH. ii. 9. PERHAPS the Christian pilgrim, on the road to Zion, will permit a fellow-traveller to remind him that there are certain apart ments, and ready furnished apartments too, into which all the King's children are assuredly brought; in one of which, upon entering, he will perceive ten lookingglasses, each glass being exceeding broad; the whole inclosed in a plain stone frame, and surmounted by a cross. I was struck, upon entering, to find that the whole of the furniture of the room, even the carpet on which I stood, and the curtains on either side the looking-glasses, were of crimson. There appeared around and about me what I conceived to be a superfluity of the crimson cloth. At this instant a tall and venerable personage, whose face was full of benignity, approached me and said, "Young man, you are a stranger in this room; permit me to conduct you through, and explain some of the valuables it contains." I nodded assent, and prepared to follow. "First," said he, "look attentively in the glasses before you." I did 80, but instantly turned away in disgust, fearing, by the appearance before me, that Satan himself had certainly appeared. Perceiving my agitation, my guide turned to me, and said, "Still continue to examine the glasses, and you will observe stranger things than these." So saying, he touched me gently on the left side. I then perceived things pass in review before me, at once so monstrous and strange, that I tremble while relating them. I observed a den of the most ravenous and ferocious beasts that can be conceived, tearing and worrying each other. Carcases, and blood, and bones, brutal and human, were strewed around in profusion. I saw a cage of VOL. XII.-No. 142. | birds (unclean); the eagle and the kite, the vulture and the cormorant, had each their places assigned them on the ground. I observed the lamb worried and bleeding; the dove torn from its mate, and the pigeon from its nest, lay fluttering and bleeding in death; while above the raven croaked, and the owl uttered its ominous screech. I turned to my guide to know the meaning, when, without satisfying me, he desired me to look again. But by this time I began to feel dizzy and faint, and found, to my surprise, that I had not (nay never had) that strength which I once fancied I possessed. My clothing, too, of which I was very proud, but which afterexperience proved was not of the best sort, began to loosen on my shoulders, and, in spite of all my endeavours, eventually fell at my feet. Dismayed at beholding my naked and destitute condition, I turned to my guide, but he had left. I looked this way and that, but there was none to help. In the agony of my mind, I cast my eyes upwards; they rested on the cross, when, to my delight and astonishment, I found myself suddenly clothed— not with the old and threadbare garments I had lost, but with a royal, princely robe, flowing from head to foot. I heard, too, the most delightful music that can be conceived, and, although the distance was so great, I could not catch the words, it was as though ten thousand harps had at once struck up to commemorate some happy event (Luke xv. 6, 7). At this instant my guide returned, and said, "You are doubtless aware of the use and value of the crimson cloth; though none to spare, those in the King's secrets positively affirm there is yet sufficient to answer all the purposes for which it was originally intended." So saying, he presented me with a ring, with this motto"I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Also with a telescope, and an ear trumpet, bidding me strictly observe the directions they contained. Upon examining them, I found engraved in small but legible characters, "To be used at sunrise." I hastily turned to inquire their effect. "By using them at the appointed time," said he, "you will perceive Him who, though invisible, is yet the chief among ten thousand; you will hear, too, N that delightful assurance, in accents sweeter | upon asking for a cordial I found, to my than the nightingale's voice, 'Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee; though black as the tents of Kedar, yet comely as the curtains of Solomon."" Just at this instant, another of the King's children entered the apartment, when my guide, having first taken a small casket of jewels from the foot of the cross, and presenting me with them, said, "Here are jewels of all sizes, descriptions, and colours, suited to the state in which you may be placed. Never part with them; you will meet with others, who, not knowing their value, despise them, and would persuade you to do the same. Be of good cheer: persevere to the end." So saying, he took my hand, and affectionately bade | me "Farewell." By this time I had become so much attached to my guide, that at parting I involuntarily dropped a tear. As soon as I was sufficiently recovered, I opened my casket to examine its contents. Upon the first jewel I found engraved, "As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man his friend." Upon another, "And a man shall be as an hidingplace from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, as rivers of waters in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Upon a third, "A friend that loveth at all times, and a brother that is born for adversity." And upon a fourth, "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass, and as thy days thy strength shall be." An assurance that suited me well, for I should have told thee, reader, that the shoes I left in the stripping room, and which I had worn from my youth upwards, were made by one Arminius, an old cobbler, re-reader, thou canst sing it with themsiding at the end of Merit Lane, and opposite to an inn known as the Good Intent (whether the landlord was a relation of one of your correspondents, who signs himself "A Blast," those who have been to this inn will be able to judge). But, however, many of the King's own children put up here at the first; but the old gentleman, besides being a bungler and a very great cheat, often putting old leather for new, was very high in his charges, and if any poor debtor could not meet his engagements, he was very insolent, and instantly put him into court; nay, although some to my knowledge offered him part, he invariably refused to take one iota less than his whole demand,-"Pay me what thou owest," was his constant cry; "Do or die," his motto. But I neither liked the fare, the landlord, nor the accommodation; for, surprise, he had nothing in the house but what was mixed. The host himself, too, had so suspicious an appearance, that I verily believe, if it were possible, he would rob Jesus Christ himself; and as to the accommodation, upon retiring to rest at night, I found there was not a single bedstead long enough to stretch myself upon But leaving the old man, his merchandize, and his insolence, I would remind the reader that I found my telescope a very useful companion; for, ascending, as I was wont to do, a hill called Prospect Hill, I gained by the use of it, not only a delightful view of the goodly land, but frequently caught a glimpse of the King in his beauty. I perceived also a beautiful expanse of ocean, with banks on either side, so high, and constructed in so peculiar a manner, that such a thing as a vessel was never known to be driven against them, either by stress of weather or any other cause, and to sustain even the least injury. By examining some ancient records, by some called the Magna Charta of salvation, I find they have been built from time immemorial, and that the architect hath gained, and continues to gain, immortal honours by their construction. In the distance, also, was an excellent harbour, into which all the King's ships eventually come, at the entrance to which I perceived a flag flying, with this motto,-" Wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ships pass thereby." I observed, too, that some of the ship's crew were exceedingly merry, and by the aid of my trumpet I caught part of a song: perhaps, dear I No galley-ship laden with oars, To pass by the strength of free-will: Its precepts are bound to fulfil. From Sinai are bound to retire, All things which the law can require. observed, also, that most of the vessels were beaten and battered, some with sails rent, masts broken, sides bulged in; yet all had this peculiarity-not one had lost its anchor: "For we have an anchor sure and stedfast, and which entereth within the veil;" and not a few entered the port in the very act of firing the signal guns of distress. "And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke xviii. 13). The sun having MAZZAROTH; OR, THE set, I descended from the mount of observation into the plain below. Having sought for some time, I at length entered an inn, and found, from the sign swinging before TWELVE SIGNS IN THE BIBLICAL the door, it was called the "Good Shepherd." There appeared to be some persons in the parlour, and pausing an instant, I found they were enjoying themselves with a hymn-the last part ran thus: No merit we claim of our own But shame and confusion of face; HEAVENS. NEARLY twelve months have rolled away since first these little papers were commenced. Not much progress has been made; the work is much greater than I Receive the salvation of grace. anticipated when I began. The Bible, of all the books in the world, is the most "Ah!" thought I, "this is different from the Good Intent: there was no melody mensely rich in heavenly matter; and so amazingly deep; full of mystery, imthere." I was reminded of these words, abounding in revelations of grace, mercy, “As in water face answereth to face, so the truth, and glory, that here we might study heart of man to man:" and, without fur- for ever, and yet for ever find fresh springs ther caution I entered. Over the fire-place of godly wisdom to refresh and to edify, to in gold letters, and in a plain gold frame, instruct and to transform, to enlarge and to hung the following invitation to the guests: exalt our immortal, our thrice happy minds. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to Hallelujah! to God, and to the Lamb! the waters, and he that hath no money; the Bible lives. It is our come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy (Joshua xv. 16), "the city of the book," or Kirjathsepher" wine and milk without money and with the city of heavenly letters:" where out price," an invitation that suited God has laid (in folds of immeasurable me, for I just recollected that I had left fulness) his counsels and decrees, his purmy last coin at the Good Intent, and that poses and plans-his thoughts, his prothey had given me no change; and, in-mises, and his just commands. The Bible, deed, I soon found that all present were as poor as myself. "Come, sir," said an elderly gentleman," allow me to hand you some good old wine, direct from the King's stores." So saying he handed me a glass. Having wished them happiness in his Majesty's name, and drank, he continued: "You perceive, sir, that in the highest sense of the word, we, as well as others, can rejoice and be merry: we can partake of the juice of the grape; we can celebrate the charming mysteries of love, in sweet immortal strains; and we can call upon those around, for not one only, but for many delightful sentiments; and now, sir, we shall be most happy to hear one from you." I felt rather confused, but remembering the words of my guide, I had recourse to my casket, and read as follows: "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love" (Song ii. 4). what is it? Let Christ himself declare. Speaking to the church, of this instrument of life-union, he says, “Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men." Caleb-in ancient times-sent out a proclamation,-"He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and TAKETH IT, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife." once said,-" If I can grasp, and get open An old minister the text in my closet, I am not afraid of the pulpit." So he that smiteth this book by hot and heavy prayers; he that taketh fast hold of the mind of God, as written in this book, by meditation, and a divine anointing, has no cause to fear of good success. Timothy should surely be written in large Paul's great ordination text to letters on the walls of our private sanctorums,-"STUDY to show thyself approved unto GOD, A WORKMAN that needeth not to WHO CAN BELIEVE?-Men talk bravely of be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD believing, that know nothing of an exercised faith. Believing is the most wonderful thing OF TRUTH." Ministers and makers of in the world; put anything of thine own to sermons, now-a-days, commence by taking it, and it is worthless. All the powers of texts which have never taken them; and nature cannot rise so high as to believe there the consequence is, they hop off as soon as is any willingness in Christ to save a sinner. they have read the Scripture; and flying The natural man can as soon create a world into some aerial regions, you see them no as believe in Christ to the saving of his soul. The man believes by faith when quickened more until they close the service by prointo life, but no man dead in sin can be a be-nouncing the benediction, forgetting that liever.-Ambassador. the great foreman of the works said self. "PREACH THE WORD;" for "We preach of Levi, who are to be purified and purged not ourselves; but CHRIST JESUS THE too-and that by the great Refiner himLORD:" therefore," Let the Word of Christ dwell IN YOU richly, in all wisdom," &c., &c. With such "the Word of the Lord has free course, and runs, and is glorified." My most precious treasure on earth is God's holy Word; and in connecting this paper with the last, in endeavouring to follow up the thoughts with which I closed last month, I would here briefly set down a few things which were thrown into my spirit on Lord's day, November 16th, 1856. There is not a man on the earth, I think, who can be more sharply tried in the ministry than I, of late, have been. Verily, in the pulpit, I have thought God had forsaken me indeed. Frequently with me there has been neither power to pray, nor pleasure in preaching. Nor could I see that the Lord was working by my word at all. Self-pity, darkness, hardness, and freezing coldness, have been so with me, that I could weep tears of blood; and, by reason of adverse circumstances and floods of sorrows from scenes around me, even my oldest friends have seemed to be frightened, wondering where the scene would end-I have many times tried to cry, as out of the belly of hell; and yet no spiritual deliverance came. On the morning to which I have referred, I can solemnly say, I arose with feelings of dismay, fearing that the pulpit would be to me a prison. But, blessed be God! His precious word is not dumb-it speaks to me still and, as I abruptly finished last month, by declaring that "the Levites are joined to the Lord," as I begin this month, by declaring that the Scriptures are instrumentally the church's "NECK," by which the body of Christ becomes united unto "THE HEAD," so, I am prepared to show how, through the Scriptures, life, strength, and nourishment divine, flow down from 66 THE HEAD" to all the members of the mystic frame, who do, in holy oneness, live with CHRIST their gracious Lord. Last month, I said "the spiritual privileges of the Levites are great" beyond all human comprehension. To confirm that point, consider for one moment the typical record of the sons of Levi, in two particulars-the features of their character, and the fulness of the grace bestowed upon them. First-the features of their character are principally these: in Numbers iii. and iv. we have special words concerning the sons of Levi, "These were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon and Kohath, and Merari." The translation of these names will give a definite illustration of the real character of all the true sons of Levi, find them where you may. "Men 1. They are Gershonites:-i. e. who have changed their pilgrimage." Saul, of Tarsus, was going "against Christ," until Jesus met him: then he "changed his pilgrimage," served another master, sought another kingdom, travelled in another path, and, by grace divine, was made a new creature, "Old things passing away; all things becoming new." Surely there is not only an outward, but an inward change of heart and life, when repentance, faith, and hope, by the Holy Spirit, are given. 2. They are "Kohathites:" i. e. they come into the congregation of the "Obedient" ones and, although in this imperfect state, there are many “wrinkles,” even in their Gospel profession: still they are "blunt," or "honest;" that is, they perseveringly seek for the "one thing needful," and "endure hardness," as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Being changed in their pilgrimage, they seek to unite themselves to the Lord's people, saying, "We will go with you; for we perceive that God is with you." It was a noted saying of St. Cyprian, "He cannot have God for his father, who owns not the church as his mother." I wish all outside believers to consider this. 3. They are "Merarites:" by "bitter" sorrows, trials and temptations, by “bitter” disappointments and crosses, they are the Lord, and being made more than conquerors through Him that loved them, they are prepared most heartily to join in the song of the faithful, in chaunting that noble anthem After a little time spent in prayer, on the morning of Lord's day, November 16, my mind was directed to that notable Scripture" provoked" to cleave most earnestly unto in Malachi" And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." My thoughts were directed first to the REFINER himself, the messenger of the covenant. I cannot here write out my thoughts on that head, as I wish to note down a few things descriptive of the sons "When trouble, like a gloomy cloud, Has gathered thick and thundered loud, He near my soul has always stood, His lovingkindness is so good." Thus, in few words, I have drawn out three |