were allowed to go and see him. They go and "THE OLD MAN" versus SELF. send to inquire after him, and receive an answer as do other inquirers. I was this day, DEAR MR. EDITOR.-Your love of canand have been often since our pastor preached on the 6th of June, in company with the poor dour, and willing desire to hear both sides of and tried of the people. It hath caused every a question, will at once, I am sure, induce one great sorrow on account of the privation you to afford me a small space in THE of that spiritual instruction which each hath EARTHEN VESSEL, for a remark or two on received from his ministry. There is a goodly your correspondent's exposition of the term number that go from the East of London every Old Man," as we meet with it in the Bible, Lord's-day to hear him. Whitechapel, Stepney, Ratcliffe, Limehouse, Poplar, and Black-contained in your May number, at page 123. The words are these, "But allow me to tell wall; we all know each other; we are all con. versant; we have all the same views; we are you that that old gentleman is yourself, your all of one mind in the things of God. It mat- very self, that same self, which is to be judgters not whether it is old father R-, or young ed according to the deeds done in the His statement, to a great extent, brother W-; to know more and more of our body."" Lord Jesus Christ; to know more of his grace; comports with the truth of the case so far, to know more of the work and operation of the that many find a ready excuse for the obliHoly Spirit on our own souls, is the great aim quities of their moral conduct, by flinging of every one. Many have been the times when the onus off their own shoulders to that of my spirit hath been refreshed in hearing one "The Old Man." But when he asserts that or the other on our way to the chapel, relate the Old Man is yourself, your very self," what God has done for their souls, and at one time or other, have spoken of deliverances and thereby attempts to prove that the two from every temptation and snare of the devil. are identical, such an assertion does not apI remember one Lord's-day morning walking pear to quadrate with arguments sustained behind two elderly saints, when one inquired and enforced in the Scriptures. A few illusPaul, a of the other if he were at chapel on the past trations, I think would prove this. Wednesday night? The answer was, "No, I practical man, as well as an eloquent apostle, was prevented.' "Oh," replied the other, "I writes in this strain: "Mortify the deeds of wish you had, it was a discourse I can never the body," evidently meaning our natural forget." He then repeated the text and part corruptions, or in other words, "The Old of that discourse that was so greatly blest to Man." Then arises the modus operandi ? him. "Why, friend," said the other," though he informs us in another place, by saying, I was not there, yet I find by you my Master "I keep under my body," (1 Cor. ix. 27,) Then the other, putting his hand on his breast, and looking him in the face, said in clearly proving there are two parties in the the most pathetic and striking language, "O! matter. brother, don't call him Master,call him Lord." His words entered my very soul, they filled me with such love and reverence towards our beloved Lord and Saviour as words cannot express. I found vent for the joy I felt by weeping. I felt the sacred effects of this for weeks, and many times in repeating it to others, I felt a vehement and an inexpressible love to the dear Saviour, equal to what I felt when the Lord the Holy Spirit first manifested himself to me in the vision of faith, as the Saviour and Redeemer of my sin-burdened soul. But this past three weeks hath found us in a great measure as our Lord found his two disciples going to Emmaus, sorrowful and sad. On the 3rd of July, about seven in the morning, as I was in the height of the bustle and confusion of our employ, Henry Maddox (who is with me in the same employ, as he is with me a member of the same church gathered under the ministry of Mr. Huntington) came and said I have heavy tidings for you; I am grieved to tell you that our beloved pastor is was." no more. He has left us for a world of glory. He departed this life at a quarter before nine at night at Tunbridge Wells." He could say no more; he left me and retired. As soon as I arrived home, I told the melancholy news to my wife, and we sat down and for two hours gave vent to our grief. I have lost father, mother, two brothers, two sisters, and one child; but I never felt grief so real as I did at the death of a spiritual pastor. I, that is, self, keep under my body, which is to be understood as "The Old Man," at once recognizing the two agencies acting against each other; yet your correspondent insists that there are not two distinct influences operating antagonistic, but that they are identical. Were we to give credence to such a dictum as this, it would have been worse than useless for St. Paul to address the Ephesians as we find he did in the fourth chapter, wherein we read, "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;" manifestly showing a broad distinction, and the free volition of one power to shake off the dominion of the other. Then how stands it that the two are identical? May 12th, 1858. VERITAS. OF THE NATURE OF THE GOSPEL.-Cassia is like Cinnamon, it hath strength to purge and cleanse the eyes; it is good also against the stinging of an adder. It is also a picture of the Gospel, which expelleth darkness and bringeth light again; and is a general physic, which we ought to make use of against all the bitings and stingings of those poisoned worms, the devil, his ministers and servants.-Luther. Our Churches, their Pastors, and their People. To Mr. John Bunyan McCure, pastor of the Baptist church, Geelong, Australia; to Mr. Henry Dowling, Tasmania; and to all who have remembered us in the land of their adoption : Dear brethren in Christ, and sisters in the faith once delivered unto the saints.-As you are pleased to express your thanks for the notes, I desired to furnish you with a few more, for this has been one of the very best springs I ever knew for anniversary services. I think all our churches have been highly favoured. During the whole month of May, our meetings were as thick as time would admit, and I neither knew nor heard of one bad season. Since I last wrote you, I assure you we have not been lazy; but my notes are so numerous, and engagements so thick at present, I can only promise that if spared until the autumn, I will then forward you a little outline of the scenes through which we have passed. The following slip was written, among other papers, in railway boxes. I am almost ashamed to send this, it is so meagre; but, I hope, from the various notes given you this month from various sources, you will find some good news; and of many now omitted, you shall hear another time. RAILWAY REFLECTIONS. C. W. B. GREAT NORTHERN, Saturday evening, May 29, 1858. The month of May is nearly gone, it has been a busy and a blessed month as regards the gospel. After finishing my work on The Earthen Vessel," and writing letters hard up to near 3 o'clock this afternoon, I left all, and am booked for Sharnbrook, in Bedfordshire, where, if the Lord permit, I hope to stand up three times to-morrow; it being the anniversary day. The pastor of Sharnbrook, Thomas Corby, is to stand in Unicorn Yard to morrow; and I heartily wish I could feel my heart going up to the Great Fountain of Life for a blessing upon my own soul; and on all the dear servants and saints, of the Most High; but after so much labour in pulpit and for the press, I feel barren, dark, empty, and unholy-surely, I may say, "in the Lord alone have I righteousness and strength." Last Thursday evening, we had a good church meeting in our old Tooley Street Tabernacle, to hear the experience of some I hope to baptize next Tuesday evening. I told the church it was now nearly 15 years since the Lord delivered my soul from the horrors and terrors of a burdened conscience, a broken heart, and the fearful forebodings of a black and endless position. Mr. Geo. Abrabams was the instrument, although he stands aloof from me, I feel grateful love towards him, and hope in the celestial terminus of all earthly pilgrimages, and in the glorious mansions of hallowed bliss and blessedness to prove that in nothing that is essential to a sinner's salvation and to a Saviour's exaltation have I been deceived. During the last fifteen years, I have been gradually carried through the length and breath of this land, publishing as far as I could, and as well as I could, the amazing mercies of a covenant God, and now I am going where I have never been before, and must look and seek for some message from him who has said, "Lo! I am with you always even unto the ends of the earth." SHARNBROOK, Sunday morning, May 30; Before I reached here, illness came over me, felt very unwell, but I hope the Lord will help me to speak to, and for Him. My word this morning is Rev. x. 9, 10. SUNDAY EVENING.-After three full services, in the midst of crowded congregations, I am compelled to return home, although very unwell. I am brought safely through another day. In the night I was so ill, that to preach seemed impossible; but, blessed be God, I have gone through three services, have found some good liberty,-been favoured to enjoy good friends; in the house and amid the family of Mr. -,I have had every kindness nature could desire; and now homeward bound, I would another Ebenezer raise, "Hitherto the Lord hath helped me." There are three things I would name. First, this afternoon I had a sweet word to speak from,-"The sun shall be no more thy light by day, nor for brightness the moon by night, for the Lord shall be unto thee thine everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." The distinction between the gospel state, and the glory state was attempted to be shown. The rising and setting of the Sun of Righteousness in the believer's experience; the waxing and waning of Gospel ministers and gospel ordinances, in contrast with the uninterrupted freedom, felicity, and happiness of the glory state, was feebly considered; and this evening, the things in which a gospel believer can rejoice, closed the services of the day. Sharnbrook gospel church has been in existence some twenty-five years; it may be considered a daughter of an isolated church, whose bishop at one time favoured Sharnbrook with his presence, but the yellow fever has so incapacitated him that instead of standing in power, as most heartily we could wish he did, he now is considered as an object of pity, and no Christian man of sound judgment can but pity the man who would be a giant in the gospel; but fallen nature, instead of being crucified, is rampant in popish tyranny, conceit, cruelty, and dogmatism. Oh! what a mystery. Carlton is a neighbouring church to Sharnbrook, where Mr. Evans (late of Horsham, and after that of High Wycombe,) has been pastor for some years: but, a low nervous debility has laid him by for many months; and it is exceedingly desirable to remove him, if possible. There is every reason to hope he might be useful, if, from the scene of his sorrows he could be removed. I shall do my utmost to aid his departure; for the church there wans another pastor; and he needs a new field of labour. His position, at present, with a large, though loving and respectable family, is exceeding painful. Neither in the town of Bedford, nor in any of the adjacent localities, can gospel truth be said to be very prosperous. In Peterborough, Wellinborough, Kettering, and many other places in these parts, there is room for a lively, faithful, and devoted man. But where are such to be found? Thomas Corby, as pastor of Sharnbrook, is useful, and much beloved. are MONDAY, MAY 31, 1858. Goodness and mercy, like two sweet and powerful angels brought me home safe from Sharnbrook, and now, by the side of the River Thames, we are steering for Chatham, there again, hope, to lift up my voice like a trumpet, and look once more at the book of covenant mercy, redeeming power, gospel grace, and the experience of them, whose hope is in the Lord alone. The Kentish hills and valleys too, thickly and beautifully clothed, and nature sings a silent but delightful song of praise to her reviving God. Touching the eating of the book, a thought has come to my mind this morning, that the term "bitter" is not expressive simply of that which is afflictive and painful, but also of that which is purifying, strengthening, and confirming. The revelation and reception of God's holy new covenant truth, has a most powerful and a very precious effect upon all the internal passions of the regenerated soul. The revelation of truth, to a poor distressed soul is sweet, as it opens up the mercy, the pity, the compassion, and the power of a Triune Jehovah: as it discovers the Sun of Righteousness shining in the gospel firmament: as it shews those exceeding great and precious promises, like so many bright shining stars in the spiritual firmament; and, as it unfolds the compassionate doings of the Good Samaritan-the healing of the Great Physician; and, as it seems to say-" He is able (and willing, and has promised,) to save unto the uttermost, all who have fled, or are flying for refuge, to the hope set before them in the gospel. Ah! I know the revelation and reception of truth is sweet, when, like rivers of love, it rolls into your soul-sweeps away your dreadful sense of sin, and "Assures your conscience of her part, In the Redeemer's blood." Was it not sweet to David, when Nathan said "The Lord also hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die?" Was it not sweet to Hezekiah, when he could say “Behold, for peace I had great bitterness, but thou hast in love to my soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption: the living, the living, he shall praise thee as I do this day." The repetition of the living" is as though he said-I am twice recovered from the dead and dreadful powers of sin, and in this sense, I would ever praise his Thrice Holy name. Was it not sweet, when Jonah could look again, and was delivered, shouting "Salvation is of the Lord ?" and when Peter had that heart-breaking look from Jesus. senseTruth is bitter in the belly in a manifold -but, here is Chatham. "Enon resting-place of many who have left that Chapel," High-street, Chatham, is the gospel noble Baptist Chapel, in Chatham, where Mr. Lewis, (now of Cheltenham,) labored for years with the sun of prosperity shining all around him. The removal of some men from those scenes where such blessings have been poured upon them, is a source of great distress; and their subsequent amalgamation of things more congenial to the natural mind, is a dark anomaly. Ever since Mr. Lewis left Chatham, truth has been falling in the streets. The present bishop baptizes people in warm water of a Saturday evening; in fact, to make the profession of religion as palatable, as pleasant, and as popular as possible, is the order of the day. But, it will be a solemn day of rekoning for such men, if, when too late they should find, (and all deceived by them should find,) that their religion has not been that of the Bible-nor that which comes from, and leads to, JESUS CHRIST. If, from his great white throne, THE KING, to all these timeservers, should say, " depart from me, I never knew you, how inexpressibly dreadful, their condition will be! Oh, that we could, instrumentally, convince them of their folly, and of their danger too! We would not unduly alarm them; but to see men, (professing to be the servants of God, and the ministers of Christ) warping the fundamental truths of the gospel, making the ordinances of Christ's house to meet and suit the fancies of fallen sinners; these things make our souls to tremble, and fain would we shew them, if we could, their awful antagonism to all that is Biblical, and of heavenly derivation. In Enon Chapel, Chatham, there is a gospel church : we think upwards of one hundred members. But they want a PASTOR, a preacher, and a labourious evangelist in the cause of Christ. Where, in all this world, can the man be found? If this note should meet the eye of such a man, let him send a line to Mr. Terry, Enon Chapel, Chatham, Kent. These good folk had a most happy anniversary too, this year. Mr. Thomas Jones-their old and long-tried friend-preached three excellent sermons on Trinity Sunday; on the following afternoon, I had the privilege of speaking to them. A very large body of friends took tea together; and in the evening, a public meeting was held. Thomas Jones, W. Palmer, of Homerton, and the writer, delivered a few practical remarks. To be the honoured instrument of obtaining for Chatham a pastor, with heavenly virtue for his inner, and "gospel valour" for his outer covering, would be the delight of your companion in the narrow way.-C. W. B. The following reports from different parts of our British Zion, are all we can give this month. There are many more in reserve :— GREAT MEETING OF THE SUFFOLK voice of that venerable and honoured man of ASSOCIATION. Our brother John Pells, (late of Clare,) has furnished us with an elaborate report of the great meetings of the Suffolk and Norfolk Association, holden this year at Hadleigh, in the first week in June. We select from Mr. Pells's report, the following facts. Letters from 26 churches were read, some cheerful, some sad and gloomy. "Mr Collins of Grundisburgh, gave a solemn and weighty address, lamenting the sad and low condition of our churches: referring to Germany, he said, in one year 36 churches baptized 400 persons; and in Sweden a less number of churches in the same time baptize 966. During the past year the 26 churches belonging to the Association had baptized but 93. Received by experience and letters from other churches 21. Restored 6. Separated 32 (one of which was a minister. Dismissed by letter to other churches 16. Dead 59. Total number of members 2375. Number of villages preached in, 88. Sunday School Children, 1527. In the afternoon of the day, Mr. Jackson, of Colchester preached from 2 Thes. iii. 1. It was a most appropriate discourse for the churches. In the evening Mr. John Bloomfield gave us a good sermon from Acts ii. 1, 2, 3, on the great out-pouring of the Spirit." It was full of useful and telling remarks. Mr. Bird, of Rattlesden, conducted the Wednesday morning early prayer meeting. Mr. Pells says, "I said to several brethren, may God grant us a second edition of such a meeting. It was truly blessed." And at 9 o'clock the special prayer meeting commenced, conducted by Mr. Harris, of Rishangles, when seven ministers pleaded most earnestly for heaven's blessing. It was now half-past ten o'clock, the tent was crowded to excess, and hundreds were standing outside. Mr. Hill, of Stoke Ash, preached the Association sermon, from "The Lord God is a sun and a shield," &c., &c. From the time Mr. Hill commenced this sermon until the end, it was one continuous out-pouring of brilliant and blessed ideas, illustrative of grace and glory. By many it was considered "the greatest sermon they ever heard." It is hoped Mr. Hill will allow it to be published. In the afternoon, Mr. Collins preached the closing sermon from "Wilt thou not revive us again?" These happy meetings were brought to a close by singing "Blest be the tie that binds." We hope next year to hear of larger accessions OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL ROOM, TO THE EDITOR. SIR, I attended the meeting announced on your June wrapper, to open the New School Room, adjoining and connected with those who were lately members of East Street Baptist Chapel; a spot dear to hundreds, where they have sat and listened to the God, Jeffery Moody, who for many years laboured there in usefulness, great peace and harmony. From the wording of the notice, a degree of curiosty was excited,-it said, "the Trustrees, with the teachers that were turned out of the old school at East Street Chapel, respectfully inform the members that were severed from the church," &c. Here we are told that "teachers were turned out" and "members severed." The circumstances are exceedingly painful. As far as I am informed, it appears that most or all of the former deacons of East Lane have resigned their office, and left since the present minister has held the pastoral office. During the time of holding office with him, they commenced the building of a new school room on a plot of ground joining the chapel, and held on lease by them and others. During the erection of the building the deacons felt it to be their duty to resign. Part of the cost had been collected and paid during the time of their holding office: but the builder failing to obtain the balance due to him, took legal proceedings against two of the ex-deacons, the pastor, and one other person, as members of the buildThe pastor ing committee, for the amount. sought and obtained protection and release; Mr. Porter paid the builder his balance and expenses, and so put an end to litigation. Possession was then taken by the Trustees of the building; and the opening was announced for Tuesday, June 8th. The proceedings were commenced with a tea meeting, to which a good number sat down. Shortly after the opening of the doors, Mr. Chislett, and a few of his friends, entered the building: Mr. C. took possession of the chair placed for the chairman; and his friends occupied part of the platform. After tea, exactly at the time announced, Mr. W. Beach proposed, Mr. S. K. Bland seconded, and about 300 persons voted, "that Mr. J. Porter take the chair." Upon being desired to leave the chair, Mr. Chislett refused. A scene followed which we shall not attempt to describe; suffice it to say, Mr. Chislett was forcibly taken from the chair, and removed from the building. As early as quiet could be restored, the proceedings were commenced with Mr. Porter in the chair, who briefly noticed the object of the meeting. A report, signed by the lessees. was then read, from which we extract the following "The many painful circumstances that have tion with the church at East Street Chapel, have transpired during the last three years in eonneccaused the Trustees and Lessees, and many other members to separate themselves therefrom. The rights of the Trustess were considerably infringed by the forced dissolution of the Sunday School The Lessees considered the appeals made to them by their fellow sufferers, who were severed from the church, and felt it was necessary to use every exertion to stay such proceedings. Through the Lord's goodness they have succeeded ⚫ but with regard to the School premises; • they cannot but regret that the spirit of opposition which obliged them to take forcible possession of their own, keeps them for the present out of that which virtually is their own also Porter having had the remaining cost of this place • Mr. (about £190) fall on his shoulders, has cheerfully paid it; and has also fitted up the building for the Sunday School and for the accommodation of those friends who may resort thither for prayer on Tuesday evenings." Mr. S. K. Bland moved and Mr. Rayment seconded the following resolution : "This meeting sympathyzing with those who were recently members of, and worshippers with the Church at East Street Chapel, as well as with the teachers of the School, desire to unite with them in expressing their gratitude unto the Lord for his goodness in not leaving his people utterly destitute, seeing he hath preserved to them a place wherein they may meet to call upon his name." The meeting was further addressed by Mr. R. Alldis, of Somers-town; Mr. Read; Mr. B. L. Green; Mr. Long, of Tring; Mr. W. Beach; and Mr. Young, of Alfred-place. The School room is substantially and very prettily built, and is capable of seating about 400 persons. On this occasion it was most tastefully decorated with mottos, banners and ever-greens. R. UNION OF CHURCHES AT CROYDON, ON Whit Tuesday, May 18, one of the most interesting meetings ever witnessed, was holden in the old Baptist Chapel, Pump Pail, Croydon. This chapel was built in 1729; and the church has always been steadfast in the truth. On the present occasion, a good number sat down to tea at five o'clock; at half past six the meeting commenced. Mr. Moyle read the 133rd Psalm; Mr. Bracher, in a most earnest and impressive manner, implored the Divine blessing; after which, Mr. Moyle, rose and spoke to the following effect"We all know the object of our meeting here this evening; it is that of union; I approve it much. Union is God-like, for God is one-union is Christlike, for Christ and his people are one; in fact union is Christianity. I am very glad to see our brother Woodington here; I shall say the same thing before his face I intended saying behind his back; he has, after nearly ten years pastoral labours among you, resigned, because his work is done: very proper he should do so; he came to you with a most honourable Christian character; he has left you with the same; he preached to you with the ability God gave him; no man can do more; he left you in a better position than he found you, inasmuch as you have now a larger chapel than when he came; so that you have nothing to complain of in him, and he has nothing to complain of in you. With respect to the other church, they after a long and prayerful attempt to profit here, left you, and formed a church a short distance from here; they were not members of your church, they belonged to the congregation it is true; but they were perfectly at liberty to go or remain. God never intended that one man should be useful to all his people; he has appointed pastors after his own heart; and has also appointed the scene of their labours; there is not one of these people that dare say, our brother Woodington did not preach the truth; yea, and the whole truth; but as it did not feed their souls, they did quite right to go where they could hear; and the Lord appeared to be with them. Persons sitting under my humble ministry, and cannot profit, I would always rather they should leave; their remaining always begets a spirit of whispering; if any person comes to me with a whispering tale, I always say, "well, I will be sure and tell the party what you say, I will be sure and do it." Oh dear! no, Sir, I did not intend you should tell them, I came to you in confidence, I thought you were a friend." "Yes, so I am a friend of yours, but I am also a friend of the absent party, and because I am a friend, I will be sure and tell them what you say." By this means I manage to get rid of whisperings. Now, be sure you have no whispering among you; if there were no listeners, there would be no whisperers. An old divine listener both tied up together, the one by the tongue used to say, he would have the whisperer and the the other by the ear. Mr. Moyle then called upon one of the brethren to give some account of the leadings of Providence in bringing the two churches together. One of the senior deacons then read the following statement: "Our beloved brother and late pastor, Mr. Woodington, after being nine years pastor of this church, (during which time he lived and walked in harmo ny and peace with the deacons and church, and was much respected by all who knew him in the town;) having, after a serious consideration, resigned his pastorate, considering his work was done in Croydon; consequently, this church was without a pastor; and the church meeting in the schoolroom, being likewise without a pastor, and both churches being of the same faith and order, it appears to have been the unanimous wish, that the two churches should be united; that by so doing, we should not encourage those small causes, for which the present day is so noted. "That by uniting the two churches, we might be able under the Divine blessing, to raise a sound substantial cause; finding a feeling favourable to the union was prevalent on both sides, a meeting of the deacons was convened, at which the utmost harmony and good-will prevailed; each deacon being desirous to promote Zion's interest only. After which, the deacons went to their respective churches, and there the greatest unanimity prevailed-on both sides it was unanimously resolved the two churches should be united, and after much God of all grace, that he would guide us in so imprayerful consideration, and earnest appeals to the portant a step, and that he would own, honour, and bless and approve with his divine presence. Considering that all the movements in providence have pointed in this direction, therefore we are assembled here this evening, that we might be united in one church, and that from this time forward, we shall be recognised as one section of the church redeemed out of all nations, kindred, tribes, tongues and people, and are anxiously looking forward, and expecting to be among the number, of all whom thou hast given me.' These, dear Sir, whom the Saviour says-' Father, here am I, and are some of the leadings of Providence, in bringing the two churches together." members of the two churches if they approved the union: a number of hands were held up; the contrary being called for, no one holding up their hand, it was declared unanimous. A shew of hands was then called for from the deacons of each church, and Mr. Keyworth imMr. Moyle then united the hands of the senior plored the Divine blessing on the union. Mr. Moyle then said, -it is now my duty to congratu late you upon the step you have taken, which I do most heartily, and pray God it may be a long, a lasting, and prosperous union. After giving some excellent Christian advice, which will not easily be forgotten, Mr. Moyle called upon Mr. J. L. Meeres, who said-I am to address you upon a subject suited to the occasion-the subject of "union," What shall I say concerning it? God is all union, if I look at the Trinity, there is union; if we speak of redemption, there is union; if we speak of all the great and glorious doctrines of grace, there is union; if we speak of regeneration, there is union-in fact, the Bible is a book of union -it is full of it; and ought not we as Christians, be united to each other? It is the work of Satan to divide; but it is the work of God to unite; I close, wishing you every new covenant blessing. May you live in peace one with another, and may the God of peace dwell with you. Mr. 8. K. Bland sought the Lord's blessing to rest upon the service. May God graciously hear and |