testimony he received of God; (4) his trans- ROSS. [We give the following note with much pleasure.-ED.] DEAR BROTHER.-I received a note from Ross yesterday, which I think encouraging. The prosperity of Zion is at all times pleasing to the Lord's family to hear. .C The writer says, I am happy to inform you that our little cause is going on as well as we could reasonably expect, considering all things. The congregation keeps up tolerably well, and there were more present last night (i.e. Lord'sday, May 24th,) than I have seen before. The Sabbath School increases, and I am glad to tell you that we have four or five persons who have expressed a wish to be baptized and join us; so it would seem that the Lord is blessing his own word amongst us. To his own name be all the praise. I trust that is only the first fruits of a most abundant harvest. The Lord grant it for his name and mercy sake." I was much pleased with the above account, and hope that "the little one may become a thousand." Yours faithfully in Jesus, JOSEPH MOORE. BERKHAMPSTEAD COMMON, BERKS. [WILLIAM MOORES is one of the few pastors of whom it may be said he is happy and useful among his people, and his people contented with, and thankful for, their minister. This is not the case everywhere. Our readers will be pleased with the following:] Dear Sir, I send you a few lines Common, holden on May 26th. Mr. Bloomfield respecting our anniversary at Berkhampstead preached in the morning from Romans viii. 14. He felt himself at home in the work. O how sweet to sit at the Saviour's feet, and hear him say, "This is the way, walk ye in it." The faces of many shone as though they were receiving some of that oil which causes the face to shine, and the heart to LEIGHTON BUZZARD, BEDS, Our anniversary on May 7th, passed off remarkably well; both morning and evening glow with love to the Saviour. A good number we had the pleasure of hearing our good old dined with us. In the afternoon, our worthy friend, Mr Murrell, of St. Neot's; he seems friend, Wyard, of Tring, came up before the people still to enjoy good health, but complains of with Psalm cxxxvi. 1. It was a happy time indeed. loss of memory, although I am sure, to hear About 120 took tea. In the evening Brother Bloomfield came up as bold as a lion, and preached from him preach, you would suppose his memory to 1 Cor. i. 21. Our brother having to leave us, rebe as good as ever: he preaches the gospel in quested that the people would give a good colleca sober, sensible, way; his words are weighty, tion; and that the friends, with the plates, would and his sentences are full of meaning; he is go to the pews; so my old friend Collyer, with so simple, that the most ignorant can easily myself, received what the friends were kind to understand him, yet his matter is so good, that bestow. After which, I related a little of the Lord's goodness towards us as a church, stating the numthe most refined are well pleased with him.ber of church members: also of our outlay in paintIn the afternoon, we had the pleasure of hearing and repairing; and my desire to pay off the ing our old pastor, Mr. Wilkins, now of debt we had contracted in building a little stable Brighton, his sermon was weighty and pow- adjoining the chapel. The Lord opened the hearts of the people, and out came their money; and I erful, and gave decisive proof that he is still a was constrained to say-What has God wrought at man of deep thought, and earnest study. In Berkhampstead Common? Our God is still with the evening, our present pastor, Mr. B. us, and we trust still blessing the people; and we Davies, read a statement, in which, after shew- think there are many that are ready to say, "This ing our position financially, he stated that people shall be my people, and their God shall be during the past year, thirteen members have my God." The Lord is very good to me, a poor been added to the church, and two have thing in the path of tribulation, having to labour hard at the anvil six days, and to preach three withdrawn from us; so that we have a clear times on Lord's-day. The exercise of my poor increase of eleven members, which is certainly soul sometimes is great: I toil all night, and can an encouraging proof of the Lord's kindness take nothing; but the Sabbath comes on; here I to usward. Throughout the day our congre- am before the people, with their eyes and ears all gations were good, and the proceeds of the open to hear what I have to say. Ah! brother, this leads us out of self into Christ, and to say, where is anniversary amounted to £10. Truly we have the blessedness I knew when first I saw the Lord? cause to thank our God, and press forward. O the importance of preaching the gospel of the Son A FRIEND. of God to poor sinners! In our day, it is to be feared, many are looking after pulpit talent more than the plain, simple truths of the gospel; and this, I believe, is one reason there is so much deadness and coldness amongst professors. A minister of the gospel is something like a merchant ship often has to do business in deep waters. I find which fetches her cargo from a far country; he this is the way to the kingdom: but, says Christ, "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Dear brother, there are reasons for rejoicing as feel when the Lord brings me to his feet, and comwell as weeping: and O the sweetness I sometimes forts my soul! With what pleasure can I then adopt the language of Peter, and say, "it is good to be here." Let us, as the ministers of Christ, try and get the prayers of the church; I do prize them more than their gold and silver. When the church love how good it is, and how heartily they can pray and minister are bound up together in one band of for each other, and the Lord hearkens to such prayers as these. But when there is shyness between minister and members, O the danger they are in-no real union-no speaking about the things of God. See, brethren, how earnest the apostle Paul was when he said, "Brethren, pray for us." I think I have the prayers of the church at Berkhampstead Common, though I am unworthy of such a blessing. June 8th. WM. MOORES. WANTAGE. THE anniversary of the Baptist Church, Wallingford-street, Wantage, was held on Friday, May 22nd. Mr. C. W. Banks preached two sermons; in the afternoon from John xvii. 22, 23the matter fetched from this great subject was overwhelming, heart-cheering, soul-comforting, God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, and many rejoiced at the joyful sound. The subject in the evening was 1 John iv. 15, 16. The preacher's mind was lighted up by the Holy Spirit, and the great secrets of Jehovah's bosom were laid open in a most blessed manner. The attendance was far beyond all our expectation. A tea meeting was held in the Garston Chapel, kindly lent for the occasion, Our female friends provided the tea at their own expense, and the whole produce was devoted to the building fund. The collections were very satisfactory. A good feeling prevailed; we had many friends of other denominations uniting to partake of the common bounties of God's providence; and in the preaching we had living and immortal food for the redeemed family of God, sealed home with the power of the Holy Spirit. It has been said, that such a meeting was never known at Wantage. The Lord has done, and is doing, great things for us, whereof we have cause to be glad. If any kind friends can lend us a helping hand, so that a chapel may be built for the numerous people that flock to hear the word of the Lord, we, as a little church, shall feel truly grateful-by contributions, however small, given to Mr. Banks, or forwarded to us at Wantage. Brother Banks was instrumental in forming the church some ten years since, and he can testify to the prosperity that is now attending us. Brethren, help us, if you can; for Wantage is almost deluged with Puseyism; free and sovereign grace, salvation by blood, and justification by perfect obedience, are the blessed truths set at naught and despised by every pharisee. "Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his; and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from his iniquity." J. BEACOCK, Pastor. P.S.-Our little chapel is still crowded, and many are obliged to stand outside, and have the windows open to hear. to God there were greater developements of the work of the Spirit in the hearts of Zion's children ! On Sabbath evening, June the 7th, our three friends, baptized on the 17th of May, were received into the church, and partook of the Lord's Supper with those members of the church then present. I have been favoured with meeting the Lord's people around his table many times in various parts of this Kingdom; but on no occasion did I ever feel my mind more free from bondage; my soul seemed to be engaged with God, but how short those hallowed seasons. Something from within, or something from without, takes our mind away from God, his word, and ordinance, and we seem to fall into the arms of death, and all is grief and misery. May the great God bless this part of his church with more gospel light, liberty, peace, and prosperity; and that she may live to the praise of Zion's King. A POOR AND NEEDY ONE. BROSELY, SALOP. On BIRCH Meadow Chapel, Brosely, Salop. Sabbath evening, May 17th, Henry Veale, who has been near three years preaching a free-grace gospel here, baptized three persons, who gave evidence of being blessed under his ministry. The Lord was present with us: the attendance was good; the people gave good attention to the word spoken; and it was a solemn time. Our senior deacon gave a short address to the people: he said, My dear friends, I felt great solemnity of mind while our minister was speaking. Our text was John iii. 23: "And they came and were baptized." We spoke in the following order: 1st, "who they were that come:" 2nd, to whom they came : and 3rd, "the end and design of their coming." We hope the Three One Jehovah will remember this part of his professing church on earth after so much division and trouble arising from the works of the flesh, and that we may enjoy peace and see better days. My heart is pained within me when think of Zion. She doth not seem to be much alive to the glory and honour of her one Head and Husband the Lord Jesus Christ. There are great developments of the corruption of the flesh. Would BAPTIST CHAPEL, THAME, OXON. MR. EDITOR.-Our anniversary services took place on Wednesday, May 27th. Two excellent sermons were preached by Mr. J. Hazelton, of London. He spoke in the afternoon from Psalm xcvii. 1, 2: "The Lord reigneth;" and delivered a faithful and profitable discourse. Upwards of sixty friends partook of tea; previous to which, Mr. Hazelton rose, and, in an appropriate speech, said, he had now a pleasing duty to perform, which was to present to Mr. Thomas Juggins, in the name of the church and congregation, two volumes, viz., Keach's "Exposition of the Parables," and Key to open Scripture Metaphors." as a mark of esteem and respect for his Christian character and gratuitous labours among them. Mr. Juggins, with much feeling, and evidently taken by surprise, thanked the friends for their kind present. After tea, the company enjoyed a delighful walk in Mr. J. H. Seymour's beautiful grounds: the afternoon was very fine: all nature seemed to smile, and to join together to praise the God of creation, reminding us of the words of the Psalmist, when meditating on the works of God, "O Lord, how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches;" while we poor sinners met to praise him for his goodness, and to acknowledge his providence and grace. In the evening a goodly number attended, and listened to a most eloquent sermon from Hebrews xiii. 20: "Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant." It was a rich gospel sermon; the Lord opened the mouth of the preacher; and while speaking of his Master his whole frame quivered with emotion, and he seemed filled with an holy fire. The people listened with as much eager attention as if they had not heard a sermon for a long time. The services closed, leaving a sweet savour on the minds of the people. The collections were good. "Then give all the glory to his holy name, To him all the glory belongs: Be ours the high joy to sound forth his praise, And crown him in each of our songs.' E. C. BIRD. A LETTER WITH GOOD NEWS FROM AUSTALIA, BY JOHN BUNYAN MCCURE. MY DEAR BROTHER.-In a former communication, which appeared in the VESSEL, you was informed that we had been united together as a church; that we had opened another place of worship, at a rent of £2 per week. We thus continued for some time; but I could not feel that the Lord was with us: there was the absence of love, union, spirituality and prayer; indeed, from the commencement to the close, there were two canker worms continually eating off the root of our peace and union. I am thinking of giving you an account of the manner we, as a church, was treated by them; however, it has come home to them both, they are in the Lord's hands. And seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you (1 Thess. ii. 1, 6), it is only for us to stand still while the Lord renders to every man according to his deeds. Rom. ii. 6. A LETTER TO MR. WILLIAM FENNER, NO. I. They succeeded in making their party, therefore we were no longer at peace among ourselves. I felt to have but little confidence in the people as a body, and was persuaded that we could not go on much longer; indeed, it appeared to be such a cold, half-hearted affair, it was not desirable that it should. About this time, it pleased the Lord that I should pass through great trials in my business,, and the very moment that was the case there were some who appeared thankful in having an opportunity to make a thrust at me, that I might fall; they reported the most cruel, foul and libellous things of me that they could. I have no desire to expose them by particularizing, the sore trials I experienced through them; the Lord has over ruled it for my good, therefore I will record his mercies, for the Lord was on my side, and for me he has graciously appeared, according to the precious word he gave me, Psalm lxxi. 20, 21. He has fulfilled this in my business, for the Lord has in this respect done great things for me; but especially in the more sacred, and to me the more desirable, privileges of church fellowship. A few wherein you express a desire that the sub- It would ill become me to slight your request, because you have been a steady hearer of the word as spoken by me ever since the Lord restored me to my delightful work. Your house, your heart, your hands, have al of us are now united together in heart as a Par-ways been opened to receive and encourage ticular Baptist Church; and we have, indeed, great cause for thankfulness, because we are of one heart and one mind: and the Lord has shown himself on our side in a way that he never did before, in giving power and life with the preaching of his precious word. The backslider is reclaimed; the sinner converted, and the doubting soul has been comforted; indeed, the Lord has revived us again so that his people rejoice in him. We have some pleasing instances of the Lord being in our midst. I will get some of our friends to give you the particulars of some of the cases referred to after they have been baptised. We have services every Lord's-day morning and evening, and Wednesday and Friday evening. I do believe that the dear Lord has appointed brighter and happier days for his Zion in me; you have continued with me in all my tribulations; you have watched and known me in all my trials; you were instrumental in opening Windmill-street Chapel for me to speak in on Wednesday evenings, where many souls were blest; you opened Hephzibah Chapel for me to preach in on Friday evenings, where for more than seven years I spoke to many hundreds of people; and I know some were called out of darkness, and not a few joined our church, through the word preached by me at Mile End. Moreover, your late venerable father and mother were both most excellent friends to the gospel kingdom. Your late beloved wife was one of the most spiritual and devoted members of our community; almost all your children have sat under my ministry; and none of them have wan Australia than what we have seen. dered from the truth. I feel bound, therefore, by many sacred ties, to do as your note demands. Before I do so, allow me to express a hope that your request, and my compliance, may be ultimately found to the Divinely appointed means for constraining both you, and your present useful and spiritual partner in life, to cast in your lot with us; and no longer to turn a deaf ear to that sacred injunction"THIS DO, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME." It has been our happiness, as a church, of late, to gather in many precious souls; and our church meetings have been refreshing and comforting unto our souls. When I came to address the church, the ful in being able to say that we are all well, and desire our love to you and all our dear friends. I am waiting to hear from Hadlow, and then I will write again. and soul, I remain, my dear brother, yours in Wishing you peace and prosperity in body our precious Lord Jesus, JOHN BUNYAN MCCURE. Moorabool-st., Geelong, Feb., 1857. A GOSPEL REMEDY FOR HEALING BREACHES, &c., &c., IN OUR GOSPEL CHURCHES. congregation, and the new members, Paul's words entered very pleasantly into my mind "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us unto the glory of God." I find it quite impossible to give you the address this month, but you shall have it in August, if the Lord will spare your grateful brother in the faith, CHARLES WATERS BANKS. THE DEATH OF THOS. STRINGER, JUN. Lines on the Death of my dear Boy, Thomas Stringer, who died of the yellow fever in Brazil, South America, May 29, 1856, on his voyage to Madras, East Indies (aged fourteen years and five months), which painful intelligence I rereceived on Friday, May 29, 1857, one year after his departure. THOMAS, dear child, thou art with us no more ; Delivered from a world of sin, of toil, and pain, again. DEVONPORT. 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 006 says: I have sent you 8s. 6d. from Mr John Rowe, and Mr. M. Rowe, his son, Lefton; also 10s. from a 0 friend at Stoke, Devonport, through the testimony you gave in Mr. Babb's Chapel, Plymouth 0 18 6 From Dunmow, J. J. Burton J. G. R. B. R. Sims and wife 0 J. J. J. Greenslade and friends, Devonport 090 030 near Lisson ers 016 REDEMPTION FUND, FOR ENTIRELY EMANCIPATING "THE EARTHEN VESSEL." 0 0 [We shall occupy a small corner each month in recording the sums received, and the names of the parties by whom sent, until the Committee can announce the publication free from all financial difficulties. It will not be possible to give but a small portion this month; but the list will be continued every month until every name and sum is registered, and the deed of the re-purchase added thereto.-ED.] £ s. d. £ s. d. 50 Solemn the stroke! but 'twas a Father's hand land. done. 0 1 0 1 0 0 We thought we should-yea, hoped to-see thy But, ah! our hopes and thoughts are gone, are 050 050 minister of 6 The doleful tidings came, "Thomas, thy son, is dead." £ s. d. 0 0 W. Lay 0 0 6 Collection at Ji- 0 0 6 J. D. May, Ux- 006 2 6 030 • 020 Whitter • idge. 1 0 0 Nichols E. Spier W. Slack W. Winslow (To be continued next month). • PLYMOUTH:Sub- • Jubilee Services AT SIBLE HEDINGHAM, ESSEX; AND A REVIEW OF THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN THAT PLACE. [JUBILEE services and ministerial jubilees are not events of common occurrence. How very few-even of the most successful ministers-labour with one church for fifty years! And how very seldom are we favoured to record the jubilee even of a Christian Church! This has made us the more anxious to furnish an account of the jubilee services at Sible Hedingham in June; and our efforts have not been in vain, we have brief notices of these meetings; but, upon the whole, the most comprehensive is the following; for which, as well as for the others, we sincerely thank our kind correspondents.-ED.J war. BELOVED SIR,-I will try and give you a line relative to the Jubilee at Hedingham. The weather was rather unfavourable, but a goodly number of people assembled; some ministers also; such as brethren Thurston, of Halstead; Powell, of Keddington; Simpson, of Sudbury; Mr. Tann, now supplying at Hedingham; and young Pells, of Clare, who read and prayed in the afternoon; after which, Mr. Bloomfield took for his text 2 Cor. i. 21, "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God." From which he preached blessedly for nearly an hour and a half; and spoke sweetly upon the anointing under several heads. I noticed one in particular, namely, "the preciousness of the anointing." He said that the name of Christ was so fragrant and so perfuming that one cannot walk with him without carrying the savor; he will savor of Christ wherever he goes. What was it made the clod of earth so beautiful in smell? It is but a clod of earth, from whence then hath it this fragrance? It has been bedewed with the rose. Thus it is with the minister; he is but a clod of earth: from whence then is this fragrance? He dwells with the rose of Sharon; and must carry the sweet fragrance wherever he goes. Also, the man that reads his Bible much; having its blessed truths written in his heart, will carry the contents of it wherever he goes: he will savor of the Bible: yea, he will be like a walking Bible. "Read the Bible!" (said the good man) "Do read this blessed book; though you should pass by all that I have said, read the word of God." earth." This, he said, may be true in a two After tea, Mr. Bloomfield preached again. And after a hymn was sung, he read the 46th Psalm, and expounded it. On that part-good, for he makes all things to work together for good to them that love him; hence he says, "Be still and know that I am God." But to be still then we say is most emphati LE come, behold the works of the Lord: what desolations he hath made in the earth, he maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the VOL. XIII.-No. 149. I |
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