.

OUR BRITISH BAPTIST CHURCHES.

MR. BAKER'S ORDINATION AT

CHELMONDISTON.

MR. EDITOR.--As I saw my ordination referred to in "Earthen Vessel," it devolves on me to give a true statement of what I was enabled to say on that occasion. I would say Brother Foreman told me to be as short and as simple in my statement as I could.

ability to preach: but I did as I was asked to do; and for the first time, addressed the school children; after which my name was put on the village plan, which plan specified the village in which we were to preach. After I had fulfilled my engagements specified in the plan, my name found no admittance on the next, without being spoken to by the planmaker; but being told by an individual, I made man a mere machine, I drew what inference I pleased. After this, I supplied at Ashfield, from thence to Crowfield; but for obvious reasons I left, and followed my busi

After singing and praying, Brother Collins stated the nature of a gospel church. Brother Felton then called on me to state the manner in which I was brought from darkness to light.

I arose in bondage and darkness, and said, "Iness at East Dereham, and the minister of the

could not tell what it was o'clock when the

Lord commenced a work of grace in my soul,
but I felt thankful that I decended from par-
ents professing godliness, and that my mother
carried me when young with a heavy heart
six miles on Lord's-days, believing it was her
duty, as a parent, to take me where the gos-
pel was preached. After this, I became a scho-
far in the Sunday-school, and in the course
of providence Mr. Elven, of Bury, preached
the anniversary sermons on behalf of the
school. I remember he spoke of the sinner's
heart by nature as a dark room, and the gos-
pel as a candle, shining therein, discovering
the nature of sin; from that time I thought
it a true picture of my heart; and I contin-
ued praying from fear of death and hell ten
years; and what I went through is not pos-
sible for me to utter. When about fifteen
years of age, I, by the kind providence of
God, was led to reside at Bury; I attended
under the ministry of Mr. Elven, and in
hearing him preach, sin became hateful; and
I was enabled to look to the Lord Jesus Christ
for comfort; and out of love to his name was
constrained to follow him in the ordinance of
baptism; and when looking through the sign
signified, the joys I shall never forget. After
this, I felt more extensively the depravity of
my nature, and my inability to stand, unless
kept by the power of God. I could not un-
derstand a yea and a nay gospel; but by
reading some numbers of the Gospel Standard,
and Mr. Irons's sermons, under the teaching
of the Spirit, I was led to see the permanency of
the covenant of grace, I would just say here,
although I did not see eye to eye with Mr
Elven, he behaved like a father in the advice
he gave me. Mr. Elven would shame many who
profess to be sound in the faith. When he
wrote my dismissal to the church where I
preached, he wrote as follows: "We want the
doctrines of the gospel in the head, the grace
of God in the heart, and gospel practice in the
life. Doctrine is soul supporting; experience
is soul-comforting; and practice is orna-
menting. O for more about the perfections of
our Lord, and less about the imperfections of
one another, as we are brethren.' But to re-
turn; as to my call to the ministry, I cannot
say much; therefore, all that I did say ought
to have been inserted. I had no particular
passage lay on my mind, declaring to me my

cause there allowed me to preach on Lord's
day evenings, he not being able to attend;
and it is, remarkable how the Lord did
bless the word through me in opening blind
eyes, and leading many from duty-faith and
arminianism and constraining them to follow the
Lord in the ordinance of baptism. I just men-
tion this, to show that I did not leave off
preaching when I left Crowfield, as has been
stated: my employers having no more employ-
ment, I left, and received a call from the lead-
ing men of the Home Mission to preach at
Stonham; and being informed that a great
many obstacles where in the way relative
to the carrying on of that cause I was advised
to accept a call from the church at Chelmon-
diston. I did so; and as I feel in some mea-
sure the preciousness of the truth, and the
value of immortal souls, God helping me, I
intend to proclaim the sovereignty of eternal
grace to perishing sinners. I do not write this
God's goodness in raising me from sin to preach
to aspire after pulpit fame; but to set forth
to a people which I think have a little discern-
ment the contemplation of which, under God's
blessing, often melts me into nothing. As to
the church over which I am placed, I would
say, I do not think they would knowingly em-
brace a young minister who aims at pulpit
fame, but having been broken down they want
to hear of the fame of Christ; and they
knew before I was ordained that I received
the blessings of the gospel in a sovereign way,
and the effect is to love the same. Mr Pegg
said he did not want to quarrel with pastor or
people; I do wonder where his discernment
was in not discerning his self-applauded dis-
cernment, and I wonder where his discernment
was blessing with his tongue upon that which
he afterward's found fault with by his pen. I
hope next time he writes he will write the
whole truth.
Chelmondiston, Suffolk.

SAMUEL BAKER.

A NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL FOR
REDHILL.

(To the Editor of THE EARTHen Vessel). DEAR SIR.-We are thankful to have to acknowledge the Lord's good hand upon the cause here, in answering prayer, that faithful ministers may be sent to preach his truth, and that the word may be spoken with, and re

has laboured hard, suffered the loss of all things, and proved himself an honest and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ; many times walking on the Sunday morning twenty miles from Staines (where he resides) to Hungary hill (where he preaches), without fee or reward, or any prospect of a wealthy incumbency. All who know the "Hungary-hill pastor" speak of him as one that labours purely out of love to Christ, love to the truth, and love to the souls of the people. We understand he is shortly to be publicly ordained, and then we hope to give an interesting account of his conversion to God, through the instrumentality of Jonathan George, now of Walworth.

THE EARTHEN VESSEL.

On Monday, Oct. 5, the harvest thanksgiving meeting was holden at Hungary-hill by C. W. Banks preaching afternoon and evening; the chapel was crowded with friends; nearly one hundred sat down to tea; and the services of the day were rendered a blessing to many. We were glad to hear that through the instrumentality of our friend Drake, the little Bethel is secured to the Particular Baptists, free of all expense.

[Nov. 1, 1857.

tions, we still think, that, (where the Lord is pleased to give a man a clear call into this office, richly anointing his head, softening and comforting his heart, and prospering the works of his hands), there is no position in all this world, more interesting, more important, or more influential, than is that good man's who is, by Jesus Christ, anointed to feed the Church of God. But how painful to nature friends wear out-their enemies and their use-to find that even ministers wear out-their fulness wear out-and the finale of this, the best of all earthly positions, is to be carried to the tomb-to be laid in the grave. Others strait betwixt two, knowing that to depart, and beside Paul, however, have often been in a to be with Jesus, is far better. Be of good cheer, ye poor, tried, servants of God!" there is a rest which remaineth for you;" and when on poor brains be overheated, nor thy poor souls that glorious rest you enter, never shall thy be sorely tempted more, the crown and King's smile will make amends for all.

You know, dear reader, we have seen William Scandrett's early ministerial career. at Sible Hedingham, a change in his peace After he had laboured nearly twenty years and prospects took place.

lee Jottings," closes up the first pastor's meThomas Jones, in his pretty book " Jubimoir in the following manner:

DEAR BROTHER BANKS.-I am sorry to hear of your heavy domestic affliction, which caused so great disappointment. I was at the station to meet you; when I found you was not come, many things crowded upon my mind. I was sad. A few words dropped into my mind, which seemed to decide the matter; so that I was prepared to receive your letter on this day. I went on to Ilchester; found four ministering brethren waiting; brethren Blake, Wisloch, Kirk, and Mr. Roberts, from Cornwall, all these send their love to you. Brother Kirk read and prayed; and brother Roberts preached a good, sound, savoury sermon, which was heard with great satisfaction. We had good congregations, and the Master's presence made the service very cheerful.

over the tabernacle. In the early part of 1822, a dark cloud cante ministry had been so successful, and his reMr. Scandrett, whose putation unsullied, through a combination of trouble ensued. As is common to all such second causes, became embarrased, and much cases, a variety of opinion existed. ties, made work for repentance. There is no Bitter feature of humanity more prominent than words were not wanting, and perhaps, all parthis, every man knows his neighbour's business better than his neigbour does; aye, better than he knows his own. Hence, hasty conclusions, and uncharitable and unjust judgments. We cannot wonder that such a subject should be prolific of reproach, censure, and malicious

On Thursday I went to Hardington, communicated to them the illness that had happened, and found the sanctuary filled withness. It led to the vacation of the pastorate, attentive hearers; there the Lord shone into and a temporary division of the church, and my soul gloriously, and the streams of gospel valley of Achor is the door hope." Here was caused sore distress to many minds. truth flowed freely. This was a great change "The to me, after having many months captivity. an able minister of Christ's gospel flooded by a We did rejoice in God, and glory in the rock torrent of prejudice and cares; and at Godof our salvation: the smiles of a sin-pardon- ted a man to guide and feed them. They sent manchester there was a faithful few, who waning God makes amends for all. G. KELLAWAY. a deputation to Sible Hedingham, who searched out the matter, and came to the conclusion WILLIAM SCANDRETT'S END. not cover. So they arranged with claimants, that there was no wrong which charity could (Concluded from page 229.) and carried off William Scandrett bodily. And their courage and kindness were amply rewarded in the long-continued and devoted services of their adopted pastor, who, for many them, and was instrumental of much good years, waved the banner of the cross among And al- both to saints and sinners. "Honour

We have often felt persuaded that no happier position could be found on this earth, than is that of “THE FAITHFUL, THE DEVOTED, AND THE USEFUL PASTOR." though our course has been one of deep trial, them!" we say, without implying or intending and painful anxiety-and, although we have any reflection on his former charge,-"we say seen many pastors in most humiliating afflic-"Honour to the men," who liberally

to

and

ANNIVERSARY AT ILCHESTER AND

HARDINGTON.

parallel A list recently sent us by one publishing-house, announces between thirty and forty volumes, written or produced by Dr. Cumming. There is scarcely any one branch theological, devotional, practical, or contro

wisely came to the rescue, and secured a benefit to themselves by overstepping reproach, and setting a fallen soldier on his feet, that he may again do battle with the King's enemies. Their estimate of his worth, and their affection for his person, are recorded on a tomb-versial-but Dr. Cumming has taken it up: and stone in the Baptist Chapel Burial Ground, his style is so perfectly easy, pleasing, and inGodmanchester, of which we subjoin a copy: telligent, his researches have been so imIn memory of William Scandrett, the faith- mense-his powers of application and adaptaful and esteemed pastor of the particular bap- tion, so clever - his controversies, generally tist church in this place during seventeen speaking, so captivating and triumphant, years. The peculiar doctrines of the gospel the professing Christian church which but that he has obtained a place and a position in which he warmly advocated in life were the joy of his soul in affliction and death. He few men can reach in any one given period of was called home to glory, June 25, 1841. world over, and it is only for him now to antime. Dr. Cumming's Works are all the Aged seventy-four years.

nounce a new one; and edition after edition are rapidly taken off. "All hail to the Dr." we say, "Honour to whom honour." And when we reflect upon his small beginning-bis obscure exodus his struggles-his labourshis most incessant toils in reading, writing, preaching, and lecturing; we say, again, as an industrious man-and perhaps, as a man sincerely desirous of doing good, he deserves the esteem and "praise of all the Churches." More especially, if, when Dr. Cumming and Eternal Truth, it cannot be said-"Thou art his Works are well weighed in the balances of found wanting."

Thus, then, we have recorded William Scandrett's pastorate. We have some more richly edifying memoirs of pastors now in glory. We hope to give a series of them.

"Jubilee Jottings" may be had, post free, to any address for five stamps sent to T. J., 3, Spencer-place, Blackheath, Kent.

REVIEWS.

DR. CUMMING'S "BAPTISMAL FONT," AND "PHASES OF APOSTACY," &c., BY

"PHILOLOGUS."

Both these works are now before us: they are before the Church at large: they are within the reach of every intelligent and truthseeking Christian: and they give rise to questions which are closely identified with the declarative glory of God, and the holy, the happy, and the consistent walk and worship of the real Christian. These Works have been thrown before us; we dared not pass them by without notice; we could not notice them without expressing our mind freely, frankly, and fully. By so doing we have lighted a fire which we suppose will not easily be tinguished. Letters from ladies and from gentlemen, epistles from "scribes well instructed," and scurrilous notes from arrogant spirits, have assailed us, simply because we announced an exposure of the fallacies of Dr. Cumming's "Baptismal Font." before the matter closes some portions of Perhaps these effusions may be introduced; at least, if we should require illustrations of overheated zealotism, we shall have a full supply. But we desire to write soberly, seriously, and effectually, or never to write at all. May the Lord give us his Spirit, his mind, his will, his truth; may he pardon in us anything like a Jehu-tone, and only let us be used for his glory, and his ransomed people's good: then, although a host should rise against us, we shall feelingly exult in the fact, that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Wherefore we shall have no real ground for fear.

Dr. John Cumming, the "Minister of the Scottish National Church, in Crown Court, Covent Garden," is one of the most prolific Christian writers of the present age. He is, in fact, a most clever, and talented book-maker and his success in obtaining circulation for nearly all his works, is, perhaps, without

:

There is, in all the Dr.'s works, a large proportion of gospel truth, most beautifully expressed; and worked out with so much that none but an eagle-eyed discriminator natural sympathy, softness, and affection, could ever dare to question the soundness of the same. He has so avoided all the sharp and certain points, as to sail smoothly down the stream; and if the Dr.'s work, called

66

The Baptismal Font," had not been so directly opposed to New Testament practice, if tively called for, if "Philologus" had not a review of his work had not been so imperaex-unintentionally-plunged us into such hot water, we had never presumed to have even named the Dr. in our humble VESSEL; but as it is, we must go on next month, if the good Master of us all will permit. In the meantime, we must recommend Baptist ministers Apostacy," published by Piper, Stevenson, and particularly to read "Philologus's Phases of Spence, price sixpence.

voured men come to a knowledge of the "deep things" of heaven: and although such men may very clearly see the mind of God in high and holy matters, they cannot convey to others, that anointing oil wherewith their own eyes have been so sacredly enlightened.

In the next place, almost every minister, and careful student of prophecy, has his favourite theory, notion, or principle, which, in many cases, we have found to be exceed ingly wide and conflicting.

Nevertheless, when we meet with a man whose whole soul is devoted to God, whose whole mind is given up to the diligent study of God's Word, whose whole aim is to exalt the Saviour, glorify his Maker, and benefit his fellow-creatures, and who, as the rich reward of these his labours, obtains special light, and heavenly understanding, we feel gratefully constrained to listen to such an one, to sit at his feet, and to catch, if possible, a little of the unction which, by God's grace, from his teaching, may descend. Such a brother, we trust, is "Gideon :" and although he may tread in some paths never opened up to us, nor trodden in by us, still, we must believe he is searching for truth. Let the elders of the Church carefully peruse this sixpenny pamphlet; and if they can discover any antiChristian mixture, let them declare it. We feel anxious to go over this work again with ten-fold more care, and report accordingly.

"THE SHUNAMMITE.-FAITH AND PROVI-
DENCE-PROVIDENCE AND GRACE-A
WORD TO PILGRIMS." By the Rev.
John Waters Banks, Assistant Chaplain,
Portsmouth. London: Partridge & Co.;|
Robert Banks & Co.

month, only refer to a much and most dearly beloved brother's book, by saying-we have read it with pure delight, and special profit. It is chaste, spiritual, encouraging, and evidently designed to help many a poor pilgrim in his heavenward journey. After making all the deductions we can for predisposed affec tions for one who is a brother both by nature and by grace, we must confess we do wish that thousands of Zion's pilgrims may enjoy "The Shunammite" as much, and even more than we have done.

In taking up this three-penny pamphlet just issued, we felt a strong desire to draw a map compassing the journeys which the writer of this review, and the author of this "Shunammite" have travelled, since that eventful Sabbath when both of us set out together in the public ministry of the word. But, it is Saturday night-it is nearing the end of the printer's month-and room in the Vessel is very scarce; we can, therefore, this

An Original

Poem, by George Bartlett, a Living Wit-
ness of the Boundless Grace of God.
London: W. H. Collingridge, City Press,
Long Lane.

"THE PILGRIM SISTERS:"

We know nothing of George Bartlett, but we exceedingly delight in the beautiful, the bold, the fearlessly outspoken, and, to us, most precious description of character he has appended to his name—“A Living Witness of the Boundless Grace of God!" Not a witness merely, but a living one. Not simply a wit ness of the grace of God, but of the boundless grace of God. Ah, George, if this be true, then "Happy art thou," and happy shalt thou be, when this vain world shall be no more.

This work contains a poetic dialogue between two sisters, in which the sacred deeps of a divine experience, the emotions of a Christ-extolling heart, and the confessions of a grace-taught spirit, are declared in a strain of purity, simplicity, and greatness, which makes us wonder whether these poems are of recent production? or are they fetched out of the old stores of ancient, and giant-like times, when divinity, faith, love, zeal, and gospelhope, were as so many strong men, who rejoiced to run a race, looking into the glories of Immanuel, and triumphing in his most delightful name?

There is no answer to be found in the book; but there are evidences sufficient that it has been written by "An Israelite indeed." Some quotations we wish to give another day.

FUND,

REDEMPTION

FOR ENTIRELY EMANCIPATING "THE EARTHEN VESSEL."

Sum announced last month, £67 4s. 114d. | cept the stamps towards redemption of EARTHEN Ashampstead, 1s; I. J., a Lover of the Truth, VESSEL, from a few friends. I would say, 1 have 1s; Mr Moneyment, 1s; A Member of Birch cause to love the VESSEL: the contents have Meadow Chapel, Brosely, 1s; Collected by Mr often been blessed to my soul]. A Friend, by C. Merritt, from friends at Mendlesham, £1 178; Mr Beacock, Wantage, 1s; E. H., Red-hill, Mrs Solomon, 10s; Mrs Beeden, Grimston-park, 2s 6d; E. Belsham, Wendover, 28 6d; M. J., 6d; Friend, by E. C. Bird, Thame, 1s; Mr R. Shalford, 1s; Mr Gideon White, Castleford, 19; Collins, High Wycombe, 108; W. Arnold, 6d; Mr John Keal, Chelsea, 58; Mr Glaskin, 6d. E. Carr, 6d; Friends, by Mr R. Mower, Shipton, 10s; W. Prouse, Devonport, 1s 3d; "A Blind Believer," 6d; "H. E. C.," Clapham, for the Redemption Fund of the VESSEL, expressive of our sympathy with the Editor, 108; Watkin Morriss, Preston, 2s; Lady, by Mr Wallis, Bexley-heath, 28 6d; Captain A. Dale, Chelmondiston, 28; A Reconciled Sinner, 18 8d; Thomas and Mary Johnson, 28 6d; C. W., and Friends, Cheltenham, 2s [C. W., Cheltenham, says: Ac

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