ROSS.

took its flight to the realms of light and joy | THE OPEN COMMUNION CHURCH IN and rest, of which Holy Land he had had so many views, and to that heavenly inheritance he had so long, so sweetly anticipated, August 19, 1856, aged 58. His daughter, Anne Wells, who died two years and four months before him, said on her dying bed," Father, you will not be long after me, your glass is almost run out" meaning his hour-glass. On the follow. ing Lord's-day, August 24, the mortal remains of Mr. W. H. Wells were committed to the. silent tomb, Bow Cemetery; surrounded by a very great congregation, who were very attentive, though the service continued two hours. Three ministers and one friend took part with deep solemnity and fervour.

from Mr. Moore, with intelligence of church IN a recent number we inserted a letter matters. It appears from subsequent communications, that in some things our correspondent erred a little. We wish-when our friends write of new causes-they would let the old ones alone; unless they can fully substantiate any exposure they may make of the proclamation of any dangerous doctrine, or fatal heresy. We would never flinch from reference to other people's deficiencies, discrea bold resistance of deadly errors; but any pancies, or divisions, only gender strife, which Mr. Parker commenced the solemn service, to be Baptist ministers-were honest and conwe wish to avoid. If ministers-who profess by giving out the well-known hymn of Dr.sistent, we should have no open communion Watts

"Why should we mourn departed friends, Or shrink at death's alarms,

'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends, To call them to his arms.' He then offered prayer; after which, Mr. Shipway, of Cave Adullam, and Mr. Hawes, engaged. Mr. Kirkness concluded the solemn service over the grave.

On Lord's day, August 31st, 1856, Mr. Kirkness preached the funeral sermon of Mr. Wells at Brunswick Chapel, Mile End Road, from the 57th chapter of Isaiah, 1st verse. He said he had known Mr. Wells more than thirty years; while he was yet very young, he had a most ardent desire to become a preacher of the Gospel. About that time, he had deep and sore conflicts with the great adversary; but, being of a very reserved disposition, he did not tell any one then-he was peculiarly favoured with a heavenly mind. Mr. Kirkness said more than once he had seen him called from the pew, to occupy the pulpit, when he had preached with as much readiness and freedom, as if he had received timely notice; so imbued was his whole soul with heavenly things: he was a remarkably happy man; he was a very great lover of the Bible; very peaceful to all men; like the Apostle, worked willingly with his own hands knowing that he had in heaven an enduring substance. He regarded not whatever aspect labour bore, for, during those hours, he held sweet converse with God and Heaven. But he was also remarkable for his great reserve. He had many trials, but we heard nothing of them; many interpositions of Providence, but they are not noted; he had many deliverances, but we hear nothing of them; here he was at fault. As a minister of the to the last; for he loved his Master's work Gospel, he was sound, warm, and vigorous dearly, and ever manifested such contentment in all the movements of his dealings with him, that it is no marvel that he should fall asleep in Jesus, saying, Happy, happy! Happy, happy! This interesting service closed by that beautiful hymn, of which he was very fond:

"Vital spark of heavenly flame." And never did hymn suit the departed saint more, or sung with sweeter melody. A CHRISTIAN LADY.

churches. 64
Expediency," in the order of
God's house, is a dangerous thing. We insert
the following letter simply on the ground of
justice to the minister and church referred

to:

Ross, October 24, 1856.

Mr. J. Moore, in the October number of the DEAR SIR,-I have just seen a letter from EARTHEN VESSEL. As it reflects seriously upon the character and conduct of the church under my pastoral care (to say nothing of my own), I feel bound to notice it. will see that, as a matter of mere justice, I When you have read my letter, I trust you can claim the same publicity for it, which Moore did not make more particular inquiries you have given to his. I am sorry that Mr. before he ventured to write of a distant church as he has. Our strict communion friends were as well able as I am to expose the erroneousness of some of his statements.

Γ

have repeatedly laid before them the facts of
the case: many of these, indeed, lie within
their own personal knowledge. Mr. Moore
states that the church under my care has
been a Particular Baptist Church "only in
name." This is a strange misstatement. I
can confidently assert that it is, and has ever
been, a Particular Baptist Church in
and not merely in name.

Mr. Moore continues, "In this cause there have been some really sterling men, whose minds have been led to understand the Lord's word, as to the character of his kingdom," &c. I pass by the ambiguity of this sentence (I' sincerely hope an undesigned one), for it may be did not understand the Lord's Word just as understood to imply that those inembers who their strict communion brethren did, were terises the latter part of the quotation, which not "really sterling men." I would only notice the immodest presumption which charac insinuates so broadly that we open commuword " in relation to a point upon which the nionists do not "understand the Lord's best and wisest of men have held different opinions.

Mr. Moore goes on to say, "Whatever may have been the notions of others upon these subjects, they, i. e. our strict communion friends, have been enabled to measure spirit ual things by the measure of the sanctuary, and they have given preference to God's rule

and measure in these matters." Here is an- rent for a long period until it should be setother insinuation. I beg to assure you and tled, and it is still unpaid. Another, when I him that we too endeavour "to measure proposed a person for church fellowship, acspiritual things by the measure of the sanc- tually moved an amendment to the effect, tuary, and give preference to God's rule and "that no additional members be received until measure in these" and in all "matters." We the communion question be settled." It is, are glad to believe that our strict communion moreover, incorrect to call the recent decision friends are conscientious in maintaining their of the church "a change in its laws." The peculiar views; that they have a zeal for original law of the church was, as I have God (though we cannot think it is a zeal ac- proved, that open communion should be alcording to knowledge); why cannot Mr. | lowed; and this law has never been formally Moore believe the same of us? We conscien- repealed. tiously believe that the principle of open Mr. Moore says that our "strict friends have communion is in accordance with the will been driven from their long-loved home." of God, and of the great Head of the church; They withdrew voluntarily, and in opposition as well as expedient in itself. Is not Mr. to the written opinion of the church, that Moore's charity large enough to give us credit they might conscientiously remain, and that for this? He says that he endeavoured to it was their duty to do so. He adds, "They show the newly-formed church, "that true have fought the battle nobly and unflinch Christian love was first drawn out and mani-ingly." That they fought it unflinchingly I fested to the great Author of salvation, and then to his people." I am not aware how he illustrated this topic. Did he mean to insinuate that ours is a fulse Christian love because it is "first drawn out and manifested to" Christ's people, and then to the Saviour? If so, he has greatly mistaken its character.

To quote again from Mr. Moore's letter, "The subject of open communion has followed the advocacy of loose doctrinal views, and has for a great number of years been the source of many unhappy debates: but till recently the majority were always on the strict side of the question." Any one of the friends who have lately left us could have told Mr. Moore that these statements are inaccurate. "The subject," preceded the ad vocacy of all doctrinal views whatsoever. It is recorded in the church book that on the very day on which the church was formed, "with the exception of one individual it was agreed to admit members of Independent churches to occasional communion." It is not, therefore, true that "till recently the majority were always on the strict side of the question."

And what does Mr. Moore mean by "the advocacy ey of loose doctrinal views," which he says preceded many years of recent unhappy debate? He seems to refer to the ministry of the Rev. E. A. Claypole, which

extended from 1828 to 1849. But the statement that Mr. Claypole was an "advocate of loose doctrinal views," is one wholly without foundation, and which Mr. Moore would find it very difficult to prove.

freely admit; but when I remember the insulting language which more than one of them addressed to their pastor in open church meeting, I am forced to question the propriety of the other epithet.

I have felt it my bounden duty to write in this strain, as Mr. Moore's letter appears to me to call for notice and censure, on account of the insinuations and misstatements which it contains. I am, dear sir, yours truly,

FREDERICK LEONARD.

HIGH WYCOMBE.

BROTHER CAWSE has received and accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Newland to become their pastor, and has now a threefold settlement-first, in the confidence and affections of the people; secondly, tor's cottage beside the chapel, his address in ministerial usefulness; thirdly, in the pas Newland, High Wycombe, Bucks." This good now being "Mr. Cawse, Baptist Chapel, brother having been brought out of the Congregational infant-sprinkling churches, we hope at his public settlement to have the pleasure of recording the manner by which the Lord led him to unite himself with our despised section of the Church.

MR. FLACK'S MINISTRY.

ON Tuesday, Nov. 18, a crowded meeting was holden in Dorchester Hall, Mintern-street, in To quote again,-" However, there has been the New North-road, Hoxton, to congratulate a change in the ministry, and by a determined Mr. Flack and his friends on the good success effort there is now a change in the law also." the Lord favoured them with in the publicaYour readers will certainly infer from this tion of the Gospel. After tea the meeting language that my predecessors in the pas was addressed by the pastor Flack and by the toral office held on the subject of communion brethren Samuel Cozens, P. W. Williamson, different views from those which I hold. Joseph Wilkins, Charles Waters Banks, DixThis, however, is not the case. Every one son, &c., on the Gospel of God. It was a of them was, like myself, an open commu- model meeting; the subject was well susnionist. They may also infer that the recent tained; the brethren were all in the right decision of the church was mainly brought spirit. Could such meetings be more frequent, about by me, or by the open communion we think, under God, they would revive our members. The fact is, the strict members drooping churches. Brother Flack is much themselves loudly demanded a settlement of honoured. We hope God will help them to the question. One of them (one of the chief build a good chapel in that new and populous supporters of the place) withheld his pew-neighbourhood.

A LITTLE CHURCH.
STURRY, NEAR CANTERBURY, KENT.

But some years since a Mr. Knott went down as a supply, and although from weighty causes the influential members and deacons could MY DEAR BROTHER,-I have long been wait- not for conscience sake suffer him to remain, ing and hoping to hear from you, but have he opened another place of meeting, and took waited in vain. Your heavy trials and afflictions away with him about two-thirds of the church have laid heavy on my mind, and often have I and of the congregation. What a scourge for carried them to a throne of grace, that the Lord the people of God was this! You will, perwould appear for you. Perhaps you thought haps, and many of your readers, remember I was gone home. No, my brother, I am still Mr. Knott, as preaching years ago in London, in the wilderness, in the sorrowful vale with first at Squirries-street, Bethnal Green, and all the trials attendant on so long and painful subsequently at Bloomsbury Chapel, Comafflictions. Bad indeed have been my suffer-mercial-road, where Mr. G. Bayfield now sucings; still, as my day my strength has been; the visits of his grace are very sweet. This morning, after waiting upon the Lord with some sweetness and liberty, this verse came with life and power,

"Fear not; I am with thee, O, be not dismay'd,

I-I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I will strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

cessfully labours. In a town of nearly thirty thousand inhabitants, it seems as though better things might be hoped for. There are also some rooms opened by another cluster of friends, also divided off from Providence Chapel. Mr. Gunner was preaching for them on the 26th. With the blessing of God, I should say a powerful and truthful preacher of the Gospel would meet with support.

There are several free-will places in the town, both Baptist and Independent; but the flock of slaughter can only feed upon those very truths, and drink at those waters which such characters defile with their feet.

I hope next month to send you a lengthened review of the cause of truth in John Bunyan's old town, if you think it will be acceptable to the church of God.

JOSEPH PALMER. 8, Cranbourn-street, Leicester-square.

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand." Then this portion of his holy Word, "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." Bless the Lord, O my soul. I must tell you a little good news. A strict Baptist church was formed here in August by Mr. Gerrard of seven believers; one added since; and on October 28th, four were baptized, and last Sabbath were added to the church: the dear Lord was with them. Two of them were Brother Fulforth's daughtersseals and first-fruits of Mr. Hancock's ministry; the other two were males to whom the Word had been much blessed. So the little band now consists of eleven members and their pastor. They are dwelling together in love and unity; the Lord is with them, and greatly blesses the Word. What hath Godgress of the cause during the past six months. Wrought! SAMUEL FOSTER.

[This young Mr. Hancock is the immediate descendant of a family greatly honoured of the Lord. The Editor of this magazine first laboured in the same place, and is therefore deeply grateful to find the Lord has raised up another minister to feed the family of Heaven in those parts. We shall ever pray that great peace and real prosperity may with them be found.-ED.]

CHURCHES IN MAIDSTONE. DEAR FRIEND,-I send a few scraps about the cause of God at Maidstone. It is, indeed, very low there, and that, as it appears, through strife and division. I spoke for the friends at Providence Chapel, Moat Road, on Lord's day, October 26th, but the place was so very thinly attended, and produced within me such a heavy depression of spirits, that it was with difficulty I got through the day. There are evidently some few gracious souls connected with that place, and the Word seemed to fall acceptably upon their souls. But the cause is evidently under a cloud; but perhaps some day they may prove the poet's words true,"Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw." Mr. Leader, Mr. Dappel, and Mr. Slim have each in turn been pastors over this church. It has in past years known much prosperity.

THE VOLUNTARY PRINCIPLE. A LARGE and very pleasant meeting was holden in "Zion," Goldington Crescent, Old St. Pancras Road, on Monday, Nov. 10th. Mr. James Nunn, the pastor, presided. Mr. Marks, the worthy and indefatigable deacon, gave a cheerful and interesting report of the pro

That chapel had been built and opened six years. It cost 1400l. As near as possible, they had paid off 100l. per annum, besides all other expenses, the pastor's provision included, and the maintenance of a good Sunday school. Even during the last six months, near fifty pounds had been contributed toward the building fund. A steady onward course had been pursued; the Gospel had been faithfully, experimentally, and successfully preached, and Mr. Marks hoped they should live to see the whole debt cleared off. C. W. Banks said it was his privilege to preach one of the sermons at the opening of that chapel. The text was Zech. viii. 12:-"The seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things." He said, "The report brother Marks had given of the six years they had been in that place fully convinced him, that those precious promises had been fully verified in the work of the ministry, in the experience of the people, and in the success of the cause." He said, "One of the names given to Jerusalem-Aholibah-which is translated- My tent and my tabernacle is in her,'-seemed to him to represent Mr. Nunn's position. In that sacred enclosure

wherein Zion" stands, is both his 'tent,' | for rest and refreshing, and his tabernacle for worship. Mr. Nunn was something like the harvestman, who, after hard toil, retired to rejoice with the joy of harvest. The joy of harvest was said to be threefold:-a joy of safety—the crops gathered in; a joy of sufficiency-enough to meet all demands; a joy of satisfaction. When a man realises the fruit of his labours to the content of his heart, he can then rejoice. So the Christian: when sheltered in Christ he is safe; when he views by faith the fulness of Christ, he discovers a sufficiency for all his needs; and when he goes into the tabernacle, eats the shrewbread, holds communion with God at the mercy seat, and is enlightened into all the glorious mysteries of the kingdom of grace, then he is satisfied." Mr. Jenkins delivered a stirring address on the privileges of a faithful Gospel ministry. Messrs. Thomas Attwood, Firman, and Searle were present, and took part in the meeting, and the choir sang several beautiful pieces, which added greatly to the sacred pleasures of the evening.

HOXTON TABERNACLE.

ON Sabbath day, Sept. 27th, the seventh annual services commemorative of the ordination of Mr. J. P. Searle were held in the above chapel. The pastor preached as usual, though labouring under severe indisposition. On the following Monday the annual tea and public meeting was held, which was numerously attended, the proceeds of which, with the subseription made by the church and congregation, were given to the pastor as the annual token of love and esteem for his work's sake. The meeting was effectively addressed by our old, tried, and constant friend, Brother Thomas Jones, in one of his cheerful speeches, by Brother Jenkins, Brother Nunn, and others.

BETHESDA CHAPEL, IPSWICH. ON Lord's day, November 6th, the ordinance of baptism was administered to six persons, by T. Poock, in Bethesda Chapel, Ipswich; on which occasion he preached from Col. ii. 12, to a large and attentive congregation. The candidates were truly and bless. edly helped to enjoy the presence and power of their Lord in his own appointed way. Perhaps not very frequently is seen a more affecting sight. One of the candidates had her aged ungodly parents, who, having heard, came from a distance to see their daughter go through the ordinance. Mr. Poock addressed them in a very touching way, with their daughter's hand in his from the head of the baptistery; the poor old man and woman hung their heads and appeared somewhat affected. O that our God may overrule it for his glory in calling them from sin, and quicken them to life. And one other came willingly forth, trembling and crying as though his heart would burst. This man had been a cruel drunken husband, who had gone on to such lengths of iniquity, that he appeared to have had a legion of devils in him; and one night he went home tempted to murder his wife and dear children, and just as his door. was opened the God of Heaven suddenly alarmed his guilty conscience, to feel the evil of his sin, when, instead of committing the horrid act of fourfold murder, he falls at once against the door, and for the first time prays, "God be merciful to me, and bless my wife and my dear children." For some time he laboured under a dreadful state of mind, but has found mercy; left off drinking for years anything but tea and water, and God made him a blessing to her he was tempted to mur der. They both bend at the same family altar, were baptized the same day, and are both members of the same church. Hallelujah!

ORDINATION OF MR. HENRY LAST.

Mr. Counsellor Payne favoured us with his company, and gave us a most appropriate and ON October 3rd, 1856, the ordination of telling address, founded on the words of an Mr. Henry Last over the Baptist church old harvest narrative, which he adapted to at Waldingfield, Suffolk, took place. Mr. the seven years' pastoral labour which we Poock, of Ipswich, stated the nature of a were that night met to commemorate, alluding gospel church, taking Acts xiv. 23, as the most sweetly to the continued progress of the ground of his remarks. His statements were work, in which he showed we had ploughed to the point-clear, honest, and faithful. He well in the conversion of sinners, sowed well then called upon Mr. Last solemnly and truly, the good old doctrines of our holy fan, as in the sight of the Lord, and in the hear reaped well the old corn or tried saints, or ing of the assembled church of God, to give else they would not have Continued with us, an honest account of his call by grace, his mown well the grass or feeble ones, carried call to the ministry, especially his call to that well those who had continued with us till place in particular, his views of divine truth, death, housed well at last in the heavenly what doctrines he had preached, and what, by garner above. Thus he showed that God had divine help, he intended to preach. Mr. Last not permitted one load of his own wheat to be rose up, evidently impressed with the solemn overthrown, but watched over his own work, importance of his position, and gave a very sending fruitful showers and ripening sun. simple, truthful, unvarnished, satisfactory acLike Barnabas," he was glad when he came count of the Lord's mercy and goodness to and saw the work of the Lord," and exhorted him, and by him, that warmed our souls most us all with purpose of heart to cleave unto blessedly. The senior deacon told the dealthe Lord, saying we had indeed cause to sing ings of God to them as a church, and how sa the "Harvest-home," which he prayed we tisfied they were the Lord had sent brother might all do in the final harvest of the resur-Last to them. Mr. Poock called upon the rection. Our anniversary services terminated with two good sermons preached by our friend C. H. Spurgeon-From a Correspondent.

church to confirm their call by holding up their right hands, upon the deacon to give the right hand to Mr. Last, upon Mr. Last. to

do so to the deacon, and to brother Felton to give his in token of recognising Mr. Last as a brother in the Lord, and a fellow-labourer in the Gospel, which he most affectionately did. Mr. Poock declared his own feelings, gave a congratulatory short address, and concluded by solemn prayer.

Brother Felton, of Zoar Chapel, Ipswich, prayed most ardently in the afternoon, and gave a charge to our brother Last worthy of being in print, from 2 Tim. iv. 2, "Preach the word" He pointed out his work as to matter and manner, encouragement and discouragement, dwelling clearly upon the blessedness of preaching Christ, the Word, in all the will, work, and way of God's salvation to us poor sinners; his very heart appeared to be affectionately engaged for the glory of his Master, and for the good of his cause.

In the evening brother Large read and prayed; brother Collins was expected, but illness prevented, so brother Poock gave the people a charge from Deut. i. 38, "Encourage him." The congregation was good, solemnly attentive, the sermon was weighty, and we doubt not the blessing of God will crown the services of that day. May every blessing rest upon our brother, upon his labours, and upon the church at Waldingfield. Amen!

with motives of mischievous malignity;' speaks of the 'tiny-headed arrow of strict communion;' snarls in contemptuous mockery at a letter of remonstrance and in a previous article, we find him baptizing, or rather aspersing, the City Press, 1, Long-lane, London, by the dyslogistic name of the headquarters of Antinomianism !'

These few words are sufficient to show what kind of charity and sympathy we may look for from that section of the professing world represented by the Patriot. We hardly think there is another section of the Christian community so deeply persecuted as the Particular Baptist Church. Surely this is no bad sign? DEATH OF MRS. ANN BRASSINGTON.

FELL asleep in Jesus, on Lord's day, Oct. 19th, at the good old age of ninety years, Ann Brassington, of 9, York-street, City-road, member of the Church of Christ meeting for the worship of God in Mount Zion Chapel, Chadwell-street, Clerkenwell. She was a living witness of the faithfulness of her covenant God in Christ, in whom she had been brought to trust for more than half a century, a tree of the Lord's right-hand planting, rooted and grounded in love, and evidenced by bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God. She was a hoper in the dear Redeemer, lived upon Him, fell asleep in Him, and now is for ever satisfied, being with Him and like Him.

THE STRICT BAPTIST SOCIETY, FOR PROMOTING THE DOCTRINES, PRECEPTS, AND ORDINANCES OF THE GOSPEL. SUCH is the name of a new effort to concentrate ministerial power and influence for the furtherance of the truth as it is in Jesus; at least, so it is declared; but we are not yet in a position to venture anything more than a passing notice. We observe Mr. Thomas Jones is the corresponding secretary; and in his heart, head, and hands, we have confidence. A man so disposed to do good to Zion is not to be found every day. We hope he will see more prosperity in connection with this ef-rection morn." fort than he has been favoured with in previous associations.

it.

The society is but in its infancy; young as it is, a wild Hare has made a fierce attack upon The noble secretary beat off the animal; and Mr. Palmer has attended to its wounds. And in two letters, published in his pamphlet entitled, “ Protesters and PeaceMakers," we plainly perceive that the attack referred to has been considered in a very serious light. One or two sentences rather rudely torn out of Mr. Palmer's letters will give our distant friends an idea of the unhappy attempt made by the Patriot to cast contempt upon the new society. Mr. Palmer, writing to the editor respecting the editor's animadversions, says,

Her mortal remains were deposited in the silent tomb at Abney-park Cemetery on Tuesday, October 28, in the presence of a great many interested spectators and friends; upon which occasion her pastor, Mr. Hazelton, addressed the friends from the appropriate words, "Sleep in Jesus,"-three words, but a volume in them. First, the precious name of Jesus to the true believer; secondly, the blessedness of union to Him; and, thirdly, the glorious effects-"they sleep in Him until the resur

On Lord's-day evening, November 2, Mr. Hazelton improved the solemn event by preaching to a large congregation from the words chosen by our aged friend in Psalm cxvi. 7:-" Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." He spoke sweetly and experimentally, first, of the glorious and only rest of the quickened soul-the person, work, blood, and righteousness of the great Son of God; secondly, the ardent desire of the true Christian expressed-" Return unto thy rest;" thirdly, the argument used" for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee."

Thus aged saints, matured by grace, are being transplanted from this little garden of the Lord to bloom immortally where everlasting spring abides; but thanks to his holy name, He is bringing others in and watering the seed sown, making it productive to our souls' welfare and his own eternal praise.

"Now for his articles on the Soho meeting, held by the 'Strict Baptists.' They, and particularly their ministers, are described as a very peculiar class,' but of utter insignificance; sneered at as the little knot;' contemned as ! nameless inventors;' stigmatized as 'a So- FEAR OF DEATH.-I cannot say I have so ciety of Baptist Stokers;' branded as 'incen- lived that I should not be afraid to die; but diaries; accused of 'concocting a plot;' and this I can say, I have so learned Christ that brutalised by the compound epithet of Soho I am not afraid to die.-Stephen Marshall, Pursuers. The same journal charges them Puritan.