board, I was reminded of the language contained in Psalm cii., "I watch, and am as a sparrow upon the housetop. Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me." For had you witnessed the conduct of those around me, both infidels and scoffers, you would have said with me, "Mine enemies are sworn against me;" although through rich grace my enemies were defeated and God glorified; for had my foot slipped, no doubt they would have rejoiced, and "eaten my sins like a sweet morsel." Here would I not praise sinful self, but record it in honor of that God who "does all things well."

On May the 4th I thought of the brethren I had left behind, who often dropped a word which was like bread cast upon the watersi for it cheered my heart, and kept me heedful and cautious in my steps.

After mentioning a few general particulars, the writer says-Thanks be to my heavenly Father, the voyage is over, with fearful things that made the faces of the scoffing crew look pale; but as I am let for twelve months to a farmer at Wilberforce, thirty-five miles from Sydney, and four from Windsor, a town containing a population of about 4,000, and in which there are Wesleyans, Roman Catholics, the Scotch Church, and the National Church. So, at the end of that time, should I be spared, I hope to find some one who knows himself and Jesus. N. C. Wilberforce, near Windsor, Australia, June 17, 1855.

THE GREAT REFORMATION

has failed me of all that the Lord has pro-
mised; he has kept my soul alive in time of
famine, though I have been bereft of the
ministry and those ordinances which I love.
I had much to contend with within and with-
out, during the time I was on my voyage.
Unbelief, that trying foe, with faith did
struggle. Unbelief did often say, "Religion,
you have none worth possessing.'" But faith
enabled me to lean upon my Helper God.
The following portions of Scripture, that the
Lord gave me before I left England, much
supported me:-"Go thy way, eat thy bread
with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry
heart; for God now accepteth thy works."
Eccles. ix. 7. "Be still, and know that I am
God." Psalm xlvi. 10. In times of darkness
and sorrow, and fearful forebodings, my cry
was, "Lord, didst not thou speak those words
with power to my soul? Then enable me to
trust thee; knowing thou art too wise to
err, too good to be unkind."" The tempter
suggested the thought to me when very sick
and weak, Perhaps you will die before you
reach that far, far, far distant land; and the
men on board said so too. This, indeed, was
trying to me; for I knew I had positively
said I should reach the shore. But at such
seasons as these the Lord would again say-
"Be still, and know that I am God."
"I'll for thee work, and in thee, too;
Will guide thee safe, and bring thee through."

"

DOCTRINE;

On Feb. 26 I wrote thus, upon those words in Ecclesiastes "Go thy way,' is God's divine and sovereign command; reason not; scruple not; ask no carnal questions; for I that bid thee go am infinite in wisdom; I am the infallible Jehovah; I am excellent in working; never did anything wrong yet. It THE RICHEST SOURCE OF CONSOLATION. is I that bid thee go; leave the result with me-I will perform my own pleasure; and what you know not now you shall know hereafter. I love thee too well to let any evil or harm befall thee; I will give thee some tokens of my love, make my word meat for thee, and thou shalt love and praise me too. I am unchangeably the same in my love towards thee, therefore I will be thy Guide in all thy movements; I will keep thee every moment; I will water thee with dew from heaven; electing love thou shalt delight in preservation and final perseverance. Thou shalt experience safety in all thy seeming dangers, help in all thy troubles, light to guide thy way in sorrow to thy heavenly Father. Thou shalt cry to me, and I will answer thee. Thus thou shalt obtain favour of the Lord, and have the satisfaction of knowing that I, the mighty Jehovah, regards thy cry, and acceptest thee as my child. Thus honored thou standest in a dignified position, higher than the noblemen of this world-that is, those who are destitute of my grace and love."

I have found it an unspeakable blessing to have the Word of God to rest upon, assuring me that the Lord accepted my works; I do not mean meritoriously-but accepted them in that obedience which he required of me.

On April 26, my heart was full of fears; and as there were no God-fearing people on

The Evangelical Preacher for December (Sangster and Fletcher) contains some portions of Latimer's Sermons, which for substantial Gospel truths, can hardly be excelled. Truly the Editor says, "Luther could not have spoken more in harmony with Paul's teaching, than does Latimer." We wish we could print the following sentences in what the printers call, "Canon Type:" yea, more, we wish it to be read, received, rejoiced in, and fed upon, by tens of thousands of our people. Nothing short of a living faith in, and a powerful realization of THE GRAND TRUTHS OF THE GOSPEL, could have supported our fathers in going forth to meet the flames. Nothing short of a full and faithful publication of the same, can be food for the living church of God, even in these days. Ministering brethren! we beseech you to read old Latimer's Grimsthorpe Sermon ON JUSTI FICATION BY CHRIST ALONE. It was on Twelfth Day, in 1553. Here is a precious slice off it. Say, ye hungry, thirsty soulsis not this Gospel that you dearly love? Latimer calls it, THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE DEVIL.' "I desire you in the reverence of God to bear away this one sentence, which I will tell you now; for it shall be a good stay against the temptations of the devil. The sentence is

A GOOD STAY AGAINST

""

THE EARTHEN VESSEL,

REVIEWS.

"The Shepherd and his Flock, or the Covenant Engagements of Christ for his people."

Such is the title of a neat little work, recently published by Houlston and Stoneman; being the substance of three sermons preached by JOSEPH HAMBLIN, late of Foot's Cray, Kent. Our brother Jones, late of Chatham, has written, at the beginning, "a word for the reader," which is so informatory of the nature and claims of this work, that we quote it entire. He says,

"My brother Hamblin has opened up with much clearness and beauty, a difficult passage of Holy Writ; while he has not aimed at the gratification of the curious, but to exhibit its practical, edifying sense and meaning, as calculated to instruct and strengthen the people of God. In his elucidation of the text, he proceeds so scripturally, comparing spiritual things with spiritual,' assuming nothing, bespeaking no confidence in the preacher's judgment, but calmly and skilfully, placing the words of the Holy Ghost before his readers, he commends his subject to the enlightened conscience, and we find ourselves learning, not of the minister, but of the Master. I willingly take upon myself the responsibility of advising the publication of these discourses. The carnal or merely literary taste will find no treat here; but the living, thinking soul, cannot fail to derive profit far exceeding the cost of the book.

"For the information of those who do not know the Author, I beg leave to add, that he is a plain, honest servant of Jesus Christ; diffident to excess; has been deeply tried; and is remarkable in his ministry for confirming the sentiments he advances with a · Thus saith the Lord."

The text is Zechariah xi. 7., "I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; aud I fed the flock." In a pleasing, edifying, and simple style, our brother has penned this beautiful passage. We were tempted to quote a portion; but we would rather our readers should read the whole. This little volume is dedicated by the preacher, to his Christian friends in different places where he has laboured; and to them, as well as to many believers, the work will be acceptable.

[JAN. 1, 1856.

of Christ with a well-studied history of the life, the sufferings, and the honors of Joseph, which he makes very profitably to preach unto us, JESUS, THE SINNER'S FRIEND.

A brief quotation from the Preface, will bespeak attention, inasmuch as it breathes so much of that sweet spirit under the influence of which the Author writes and preaches. He tells us

We have known Joseph Hamblin at least fifteen years, as a solid, consistent, and faithful minister of Christ. We should rejoice to see him happily and usefully settled with a peace and truth-loving people; among whom he might spend the closing days of his earthly

career.

tify of the Person, Work, Love, Grace, Pre"The object of the following pages is to tes ciousness, Fulness, and Glory of Christ. am well aware this can never be adequately I no saint triumphant, can achieve this; and and fully accomplished. No christian, nay, less, far less, can burning seraph or lofty archangel. They may be, and ever are, telling of Jesus' blessed love; but never, never, can it be said that they have told it. The Love of Jesus is an ocean without shore, or bottom, or brim. The Grace of Jesus is infinite. The Preciousness of Jesus must be felt, must be experienced. The Fulness of Jesus is inexhaustible. from the Cross, where all the divine attributes The Glory of Jesus is best seen meet together in one undazzling focus; but which still, even there, can only be surveyed, cannot be comprehended. Why then attempt a theme confessedly ineffable? Say, rather, Why not? It ravishes the saint, it renews the sinner, it oft rouses the careless, godless slumberer and sleeper. To think and speak of Jesus, under the Spirit's blessing, enlarges the soul, elevates the affections, purifies the eternal Father, it accords with the design of heart and sanctifies the life. It pleases the the ever-blessed Spirit, it glorifies the Saviour. Understand me. I do not mean that you bring any accession of any good thing to JeEvery good thing comes from him (James i. sus which he had not before. Far from that. to attempt to bring anything to him is to dis17). Therefore you cannot glorify him thus: honour him. known; and he is the more glorified the more But he is glorified by being he is known."

"Only One Life."-London: J. Groom, Bazaar, Soho Square. In the midst of much that is excellent in this small tract, the following address to such as are real labourers in the Lord's vineyard, contains some striking sentiments, The writer says—

"To you, my beloved friends, who in vineyard, desiring to spend and be spent for various ways are labouring in the Lord's Christ, how solemn, how impressive, how animating the thought,-only one life! With you life is a reality-you have a mission to perform-you live for eternity. Kingdoms may decay, thrones crumble into dust, the proudest monuments of human power be as of your labours will endure for ever. The though they had never been, but the results

"Joseph and Jesus: being an Attempt to shed New Testament Light upon Old Testa-light first kindled in the soul by means of the ment History." By Rev. W. Lincoln, (late humble Sunday-school teacher, tract disCurate of Pudsey, Leeds; now Minister of tributor, or visitor to the sick man's chamSt. John's, London Road. (Published by ber, will never, never go out, but will conHoulston and Stoneman.) the countless ages of eternity. And one soul tinue to shine brighter and brighter through

Mr. Lincoln has here presented the church

converted seldom fails to lead to the conver-emorials of Departed Saints. sion of others, and these again to

pious pedlar leaves a little tract at the house

BOROUGH.

of Richard Baxter, and which proves the DEATH OF MR. R. J. HEAD, PETERmeans under God of his conversion. Baxter's "Saint's Rest" is made instrumental in the conversion of Doddridge, whose "Rise and Progress" was blessed to the soul of Wilber-ON force. But the history of that little tract does not stop here. Wilberforce wrote "The practical view of Christianity," which was made useful in the conversion of Leigh Richmond, the author of the "Dairyman's Daughter,"

Friday morning, December 21st, died, at Peterborough, after some months of sufferJohn Head, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. ing, from disease of the heart, Mr. Richard either personally or by hearsay, as a lover and The deceased was well known for many years,

sands of others. None, my friend, but God can calculate the full amount of good which has already resulted from the tract of the poor pedlar left at the rich man's door. Be encouraged then, and go forward in your sublime and glorious mission."

and that again has been made useful to thou-receiver of all good men; and his house and heart were open to receive and welcome all ministers of truth. In the year 1824, he (with others) was instrumental in erecting Zion Chapel, for the preaching of the unadulterated Gospel of Christ-of which the

now venerable John Carter was minister for nearly thirty years. But some few years ago, happily crept into so many churches, with an that spirit of division which, of late, has un"I am for Paul, and I for Apollos," came and the very small church and congregation upon, or into the church at Peterborough; was split into three sections. Last year, Mr. Carter, through age and infirmity, resigned the pastorate of Zion, and Mr. Tryon, who had ministered to another section, was led to desire to see peace, and union once more established, declined also, and that union is now, I trust, accomplished. And the old chapel of Zion has been considerably enlarged; and to use a phrase of Dr.Watts' (not invidiously,) new modelled with the new name of Salem. May the Lord grant, it may answer to its name, by the enjoyment of peace and harmony.

The Royal Diadem: or, The Glorious Gospel Church.-Six numbers of this new monthly periodical have been sent us for review. It is published by Aylott & Co.,- three-halfpence for each number; and contains articles somewhat answering to its noble and dignified title. We are told by the Editor that some good people thought it necessary to publish a magazine having less of the creature; and more of Jesus. Beyond all question, if "The Royal Diadem" continues to furnish savoury, original, and sound expositions of CHRIST JESUS, and His great salvation for and in His people, it will find many friends. We hope more carefully to peruse the numbers now before us; and heartily pray that the proprietors, and editors may have less of the sorrows, and more of the joys than have fallen to our lot.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT-A discussion on Capital Punishment took place on Tuesday Evening, 9th of October, 1855, at the Mechanics' Lecture Room, Lewis. The gentlemen who conducted it, according to previous announcement, were Mr. J. I. Dunlop, Minister of the Old Chapel, Lewis, and A. H. Dymond, Esq., of London, Secretary to the Society for the Abolition of the Punishment of Death. The room was crowded in every part, and great interest was manifested by the audience.

The report of the discussion, has been published by Messrs. Cash, of London; and Mr. A. Morris, of Lewis; and is worthy the careful perusal of all whose minds are exerercised on a subject so painful.

THERE are some new works which, although we do not review them, they are deserving (in a literary point of view)-of some notice: such as, "Krummacher's Suffering Saviour;" "The Man Christ Jesus," by Robert Craig; "The Religious State and Prospects of Sweden," &c., &c. A little penny book, published by J. Ragg, Birmingham, and James Paul, London, The Mighty Cross," is a precious poem for such as love the great, the essential gospel theme.

The deceased had expressed an anxious wish to be present at the re-union and opening of the chapel, which is fixed for the 27th instant, by Messrs. Philpot, Godwin, and Brown. But the Lord, I trust, has taken him to enjoy a more perfect union with saints above. The deceased has met with some censure, and a few Shimeis. It may be the Lord had bidden them. But I wish to speak of the good traits of his character; there were many redeeming points. He had his failings; who has not? Let them be buried with his old Adam nature, from whence they had their

rise.

J. C.

DEATH OF MR. MARK HEPWORTH. DEAR SIR,-I take it upon me to send you a short account respecting the death of Mr. Mark Hepworth, who died on the 22nd of October, 1855. He was a deacon of the

of one of its valuable members. He was

and under the pastoral care of Mr. J. Chislett, church formerly meeting in Princess-street, but now meeting at Hill-house, near Huddersfield. The little church here has been bereaved beloved by all who knew him in the Gospel for his simplicity of manners, his humble deportment, and especially for his love to the people of God. He was a father in Israel; always ready with his counsel and advice, towards furthering the cause of God, which lay near his heart; and though 76 years of

:

age, he was always found in the house of God, the honourable office of deacon, which he and at the means of grace encouraging fulfilled faithfully, "purchasing unto himself his brethren and sisters to seek the prosperity a good degree;" which office he held till his of Zion, by earnest and fervent prayer for the death. outpouring of the Divine Spirit upon his ministers, who came to preach unto them "the unsearchable riches of Christ." His sickness was but short about a fortnight he was confined to his home and bed. Several of his brethren visited him, and found him always happy, resting entirely upon the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ, for his acceptance; and at the closing scene the last words he uttered were,-"Grace! grace!" Thus he lived, and thus he died, resting upon the rich, free, sovereign, unmerited grace of God.

I should like to give the readers of the VESSEL Some interesting account of his life; but it will be found in his own words, in a speech delivered by him at a tea meeting in Princess Street, at which were present Mr. Chislett, Mr. Corbitt, and several other friends. (See EARTHEN VESSEL for January, 1852). It will well repay any Christian to look for the above interesting account of "Old Mark," as he was generally called. It is entitled, "The Gospel in Yorkshire." For him to live was Christ, to die was gain. Franklin, of Golcar, preached his funeral sermon to an overflowing congregation from the words of Balaam, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." I am, dear Sir, your's truly, Albion Street, Huddersfield.

SAMUEL TAYLOR.

solemn event, by a very excellent sermon, His pastor, Mr. James Wells, improved the which he preached on Sunday evening, the 23rd of December, from Psa. xxiii. 4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." We understand the sermon is to be published.

The spacious chapel was crowded in every corner, and the pulpit hung deeply with black cloth.

MR. JABEZ KEEBLE.

WE have this month to record the sudden demise of Mr. JABEZ KBEBLE, one of the valuable deacons of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough-road, London; who, after a journey of fifty years in this wilderness world, departed to join the church triumphant in glory, without a sigh, a struggle, or a groan, on Wednesday, the 12th day of December, 1855. He had for some time past been laid by from attending his usual avocation; but on the day named was considered something better, and was sitting up with his son. Suddenly his head dropped towards his shoulder. His son noticing it, asked him if he should hold his head. The good man replied, "No! let me die." And quickly his ransomed spirit left the clay tabernacle, to be for ever with the Lord. He was called to a knowledge of the truth under the ministry of the late Mr. Joseph Irons, of Camberwell; but hearing one day that a Mr. Wells was preaching a doctrine somwehat contrary to the Scriptures of truth, he went to hear him one Sabbath afternoon, some twenty-three years ago, at what was then called the Paragon Chapel, Bermondsey New Road, where Mr. Wells then preached on the Lord's-day afternoon, and where Mr. Chivers now preaches. The things advanced by Mr. Wells were blessed to the soul of Mr. Keeble, and from then till now he has regularly attended his ministry. Some six or seven years ago, he was chosen to

MRS. GILES, of Netherlegh House, Chester, peacefully breathed her last, without a struggle or a groan, on the 15th of December, aged fifty-seven years. Abundant evidence was afforded for years before, and on the bed of death, that Christ was the foundation of her every hope for salvation; and her mind was kept in perfect peace and hope to the last moment, through manifest union to him.

Mr. CONFORMITY TO THE LORD.

statutes !"-Psa. cxix. 8.
"O, that my ways were directed to keep thy

My heart often sighs for yon heaven,
To gaze on Emanuel's dear face,
To sing, that my sins are forgiven,
Through the riches of sovereign grace;
To sing that his blood
Redeemed me to God,

And set me on high with my Jesus.

if we would not have one of his arrows in We must stand away from the devil's mark our side. We must keep out of the whirl of temptation, or our heads will soon be dizzy.