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THE EARTHEN VESSEL.

[DEC. 1, 1857.

family a spirit of grace and supplication;
May the Lord pour out upon his living
for if ever there was a time for Zion to be
on her watch-tower, and pray, surely this is
the time.
form!
Oh, for more simplicity and less

attending a prayer meeting.
From one who knows the privilege of

[It Certainly is time that some consideration

BRIEF LITERARY NOTICES.

took my place in a vessel. There were only tween. There is no doubt, that if short a very few rough fellows in the vessel, and hymns were sung, and four or five were to they were intoxicated, besides the manager of take up the time, instead of two, prayer the little sailing boat. The men seeing by meetings would be better attended, especially my dress that I was a Jew, and a foreigner, as the word of God is so pointed to the subbegan to tease me first, and then ill use me; ject, as, "let your words be few," &c. they at last resolved to throw me into the river; and they would have done so, had it not been for the interference of the manager. When we arrived at the other side, we got out, and they all walked off and left me; I felt too ill to walk; and it being late at night, I remained by the river side. Being in the summer season, early in the morning, a gentleman, taking his walk on the river side, came to me, and seeing me very ill, asked me how I came there; I related to him the circumstance. He was a Jew, and recognized me as one: he be given to this subject. It has long been took me to his house, and there I remained a matter of much thought with us.-ED] for a full month under medical treatment, with little hope of my recovery. Here again I was "plucked like a brand " from the jaws of death. Upon the mount of danger the dear Lord appeared finding out. The holy apostle speaks of perils - his ways are past of robbers, and I have experienced somewhat of the same both literally and spiritually. Sin, O, what a robber it is, it robs me daily of my heavenly comforts, it robs me of the man. ifestive presence of my dear Redeemer. Satan also is another robber who spoils my heavenly peace. The world is another robber, which steals my better joys. I feel that I am in danger of these robbers daily. I am sensible if it were not for the power of God, the Holy Ghost, keeping me every moment, I should fall a victim, and bring a disgrace upon the dear Redeemer's name and cause." Since our first notice of this volume, some queries respecting its truthfulness have been forwarded to us. Mr. Samuel; he has answered them in a We laid the queries before Christian spirit, and with satisfactory evidence. Before we take a final farewell of the book, we may notice both the queries and the answers.

PRAYER MEETINGS.

"GOD 18 LOVE: OR, GLIMPSES OF THE
FATHER'S INFINITE AFFECTION FOR
HIS PEOPLE." By the Author of "The
Brother Born for Adversity."
Darton and Co., Holborn-hill. 466 pp.
London:
12mo., price 58.

mist over our mind, with reference to that There has, for many years, been a kind of most emphatic and descriptive sentence,→ "GOD IS LOVE!" We never questioned the fact; but in contemplating the character, counsels, attributes, doings, and developements of the Deity, we have scarcely ever thought of the words, "GOD IS LOVE," but selves which would so becloud the spirit, that difficulties have immediately presented themif any one had said, "Expound clearly to us For many years, in hundreds of places, and to that most mighty sentence, GOD IS LOVE,' thousands of people, we have attempted to we should at once have replied, "We cannot." unfold the beauties and blessednesses of the gospel of Christ; but in no one case could we ever, with perfect satisfaction and clearness, enter upon a subject so profound and mighty as this, that "GOD IS LOVE." It is (we have sometimes said) a relative term. In the To the Editor of the EARTHEN VESSEL. everlasting covenant of grace, in the glorious DEAR BROTHER BANKS.-I hope the remarks work of the Holy Spirit, in the gospel dispenPerson of the dear Redeemer, in the essential you have made respecting the prayer meet-sation, and in all his providential dealings ing at New Land Chapel, High Wycombe, And in each, and every one of these grand with his saints on the earth, "GOD IS LOVE. may have a salutary effect among the churches mediums of Divine manifestation, we are perin general. That prayer meetings are Scrip- suaded it is a most sublime reality that "GOD tural, and of the greatest importance, no is LOVE." Nevertheless this silent thought spiritual-taught soul will deny. But, alas! would arise again, "That is not all that is how often instead of a lively soul-anima- intended by that most decided and compreting prayer meeting; may not the meetings hensive sentence, GOD IS LOVE.'" be termed prating meetings; it is a fact individuals will occupy twenty, twenty-five and thirty minutes of the hour set apart for a prayer meeting, to the discomfiture of those that are obliged to keep their seats until the Amen; and thus through one person occupying three times the length of time he ought, only two individuals can engage, especially if long hymns are sung be

ment which stands at the head of this brief The other morning we saw the announcenotice. What! we said, has the author of purely spiritual balm for afflicted minds) "The Brother Born for Adversity" (that IS LOVE?" Yes, he has. Presently the book was in our hands. We have begun to seek written a volume on this very subject, "GoD for something from it entirely to chase away the mist referred to, and we have an hopeful

ister of the New Testament. When he has been to Joshua's school (Zech. 3) he will know how to distinguish "Things that differ," and instead of lisping sibboleth we shall hear him shout shibboleth (Judges 12. 6).

expectation that we shall not be disappointed. | a deal to learn before he will be an able minThe author is a powerful, conclusive, yet easy writer; he is one of the most laborious literary men of the day; his works have been eagerly sought for, and much honored. The present volume, "GOD IS LOVE," has been favourably reviewed already, and the demand for it has been considerable. We purpose thoroughly to investigate every particle of the work (the Lord permitting), and if this precious Bible-sun, "GOD IS LOVE," shines more clearly in our souls through the instrumentality of this beautiful volume, it will be to us a pleasure to endeavor to comfort our

readers with the same consolation which we ourselves hope to enjoy. We would extend this notice, but cannot this year.

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Unquestionably reviewing religious publications is not the least responsible department of an Editor's duties. If the work placed in the Editor's hands be of God, it is an insult to the Most High to throw it aside as waste paper; or, if in animadverting upon it, we speak disparagingly of its contents, and thus hinder its circulation, we damage that interest whose God is the Lord. On the other hand, if we should patronize, by our Editorial recommendation, that which is not of God, we do thereby promote the interest of antiChrist for, all evangelical publications whose father is God, is identified with Christ: while all other religious works, however fine the title page-however flattering the preface however flowing the language-however facinating the contents-however philological the composition-however logical the arguments, whose pedigree is not Divine, ignores Christ, and is, to all intents and purposes, Antichrist. With these convictions we feel it an important and difficult task to discharge our reviewing responsibilities.

The work before us is evidently written by a clever and educated man, and from his philosophical style of writing, we are inclined to think his talents might have been more advantageous to the scientific, than to the religious world. He ignores arminianism and calvinism; and yet hugs both. He lives between Sinai and Zion; he hears the sound of thunder, and the voice of mercy; but he is so remote from Zion, and so distant from Sinai, that he cannot define the sound of either. He is a spiritual polygamist; and, while, he would retain Sarah, he will not let Hagar go. He is the servant of two masters, and loves Moses as much as Jesus. He wears a linsey-woolsey garment, because he lives so far from the torrid zone; there pure linen is enough. He sows his field with mixed seed, that he may insure a crop; even, though it be of tares. He ploughs with the ox and the ass, because two are better than one; even, though one should be an ass. Hence the peculiar aptness of the title page which is indeed prophetic of what was to follow. We would not say that Mr. Govitt is not a good man, but he has

DR. CUMMING'S "BAPTISMAL FONT." called to Dr. Cumming's work on Baptism, It is singular that our attention should be and to "A Villager's" Questions on Baptism at the same time. The quantity of papers which have rolled in upon us this month have Doctor's "Font," Two letters are already put the "break" upon our progress with the in this number on the subject. We must not occupy more room now. We shall carefully tie up all the papers we receive, with Dr. Cumming's volume, and peruse them as opportunity serves, giving our readers, and the Doctor too, the full benefit of those valuable communications with which our brethren have favoured us. There is so much that is true, and so much that is contradictory and unproved in the Doctor's work, and in the views of our opponents, that we feel too much care and prayerful caution cannot be exercised in dealing with the subtle and popular advances made upon us by adverse powers,

MR. JAMES WELLS'S NOTE RESPECTING "PLAIN PAPERS ON THE MILLENNIUM," [We have had these "Plain Papers" by us some weeks, intending to notice them. Our brother Wells has stepped in before us with the following note, which we cheerfully give, although we consider Mr. Palmer's Papers worthy of a more extended notice. The subject itself, the views now in existence upon that subject, and the able and comprehensive manner in which Mr. Palmer has brought it before the churches, all demand what we hope to give a more enlarged review.-ED.j

DEAR MR. EDITOR. Could you kindly afford me a little space in the December number of the VESSEL, just to say that Mr. William Palmer, of Homerton, has published eleven successive tracts, or "Plain Papers,' as they are called, to be had of Houlston and Wright, Paternoster-row, and by order, of course, of all respectable booksellers?

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These Papers are upon the Millennium; the object is to shew the reign of Christ is not temporal, earthly, or local, but spiritual. And what I can but wonder at, is that these "Plain Papers" should not, ere this, have been read by every lover of the Bible throughout the land, especially by everyone who believes that the kingdom of Christ is not of this world. I say nothing of the unbounded researches of the author, or of his uncommon industry, or of his full acquaintance with all the millenarian theories, from the first of the ancient fathers, down to the present day. I say nothing of the literary excellencies of these Papers. I trouble not myself to make any remarks upon the strength of the lan

guage he employs, the force of his sentences, the propriety of arrangement, clearness of diction, and sonorous collocation of words; nor will I stop to notice the masterly way in which he sets principle by the side of principle, leaving them both room fairly to struggle with each other; nor will I describe the terrible plight into which the earthly-millennium principle is brought.

I have read these Papers with much interest, and have been edified and confirmed in what always have been my feelings and sentiments upon the millennium. I can imagine three chief causes of these Papers not being universally read.

fited by them; and the apostle says, "It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace." A good thing! well, then, if it be a good thing, it is a gospel good thing; and gospel good things are the best of all good things,

We cannot be too well established in the truth; we shall yet have plenty of trials, and plenty of adverse winds to shake us; and it takes but very little to shake some; it is then a good thing to be rooted and grounded in the truth as it is in Jesus.

I do not speak of the "Plain Papers" from the impulse of the moment; weeks have elapsed since I read them, and I have marked, learned and inwardly digested. May every lover of the truth be enabled to do the same. I am, dear Mr. Editor, yours sincerely in the truth, JAMES WELLS. 6, St. George's-place, Brixton-road, Nov. 16.

LINES

BY HER NEPHEW.

To mourn for dear departed friends
Is sorrow most sincere ;
However strong--the friendship ends
When God the solemn message sends,
And loved ones disappear.

Yet weeping o'er the tear-drenched grave
Will not restore our loss,

First, they are not in their real value much known. Secondly, many who would like to read more, really have not the time to spare so to do; the world, of necessity, absorbing nearly all their time. They have to struggle hard for the bread that perisheth. Great allowance must be made in this department. But the third cause of good substantial books ON THE DEATH OF MISS ELEANOR BAILEY, -requiring close attention and some little labour to understand-one reason such books are not more read, is the almost universal custom now of reading almost exclusively books and periodicals of mere gossip and compara tive trash; our theological skies are covered with these clouds without rain; and these wells without water are found everywhere; these upas trees overhang and poisonously shade thousands of professors, who deal so largely at these sweetmeat shops that the purity and healthiness of their taste are gone; wholesome food cannot be enjoyed by them; it is enough to tempt one to think that the churches are being prepared for some fiery judgment. We all no doubt like a little bit of light reading now and then; nor shall I be either so fastidious or hypocritical as to deny this; but then, to take a little bit of sugar candy now and then is one thing, but to attempt to live upon it is quite another thing. Therefore I wish I could see, in place of so much light reading, a little more solemn laborious reading; it would be better for us all.

Now, my object in speaking so highly of these "Plain Papers, written by Mr. Palmer, of Homerton, is that I wish others to be profited by them, as I myself have pro

Rather rejoice--thank Him who gave
His life--yea, more, the soul to save,
Expiring on the cross!

The coffined dust of one now lies

Mouldering in death's embrace,
Whose spirit lives in yonder skies
Midst all the joys which heaven supplies,
Where Christ unveils his face.
Though short her illness, yet her soul

Travailed with hopes and fears;
She felt how hard was sin's control
And longed to reach the heavenly goal,
To rest with Christ's joint heirs!
Nor did she linger long in vain,

Nor did she once despair,
For soon was snapped the mortal chain,
And life resigned its feeble reign ;-
The Saviour's hand was near!
Now she rejoices near the throne,
The radiant throne of God;
While mourning friends are left alone:
Until, O Lord, "Thy will be done,"
We wait thy sovereign nod!

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F. B.

"THE EARTHEN VESSEL." Hill, Horsham, Is; Kettering, John and Elizabeth Keyston, and a Friend, 2s 6d; Friends at Hanslope, by brother Joseph Cartwright, 58; Friend, by Mr Cox, £1; Two Friends, by ditto, 5s; Mr George Burrell, ls; Thos. Drinkwater, by Mr J. D. Rees, 18; Mrs Bryant, by ditto, 18; Mr J. D. Rees, 108; Liverpool, Friend, 2s; T. Barnes, Northampton, 6d. Per Mr Abraham Howard :-Mrs Frost, ls; Mr Ayres, ls; Mr Partridge, Is; Mrs Howard, 18; A Friend, Is. By Mr Greenslade, Devonport :-Mrs Bell, Southstreet, 28; From South-street Chapel, two Friends, 28; M. S., 28; Friend B. Stoke, 1s; J. Greenslade, 18.

FOR ENTIRELY EMANCIPATING Sum announced last month, £73 188. 8d. Miss Clark, Sandwich, 18; Mrs Wild, Hayes, 38; Mrs Moore, 1s; Hyde-park, 18 6d; A Lover of Truth, with Questions, 1s; Mrs Hacker, Bildeston, Suffolk, 28 6d; E. S. L. S., Lewes, 1s; C. H., 38; W. F. (Bexley Friend), 28; A Constant Reader, 6d; A Minister, Berkhampstead, 58; Friend C., Tring, 68; G. Peppitt, Poplar, Is 6d; Another mite, not to be acknowledged, 18; W. Z., Walthamstow, 6d; A few Friends from Sturry, near Canterbury, by Samuel Foster, 48; Two Lovers of Truth, 28; Hopeful, by Mrs Bowyer, 1s; Mrs Boys, 1s; Mr W. Pimm, Baptist Minister, Newport Pagnell, and a Friend, 78 6d; Mrs Moore, Stoke Newington, by Miss King, 28 6d; J. Cheshire, Hoxton, 18; Miss Cheshire, 1s; M. C., 6d; R. C., 6d; Mr Thos.

By Mr James Wells:-Mr Thompson, 108; Friend at Wantage, 28 6d; Mrs Lodor, 2a 6d; Mr Rose, Surrey Tabernacle, 2s 6d.

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