answer the petitions offered for Zion's peace and prosperity. Amen. AT CHATTERIS, in the Isle of Ely, we have to praise the Lord Jehovah ! indeed all the Redeemed family have daily; but we refer to a special day last Lord s-day, the 6th of June, it was a day that gladdened the hearts of Zionites; Mr. Joseph Wilkins, (late of Greenwich) is our preacher at Zion Chapel, and his ministry is owned and blessed much to his and our own satisfaction; he baptized five persons on the day aboved mentioned. We have a bricked place in our chapel yard, where perhaps about fifty bystanders could see the immersion of the candidates, and perhaps about one hundred persons might hear; but the minister and other friends disapproved of this place; and another was not only sought, but obtained; a place some of your readers will know, called Borough Pond, about a mile out of the town; and it was delightful to see the whole line of road, lined with carts, gigs, and family busses. It is a good place for a baptizing, and I hope will often be used instead of those contracted baptistries. It is believed upwards, of two thousand spectators were there; a fine opportunity for a minister of Jesus Christ to address his fellow creatures on the ordinance instituted by Christ himself. was good order, although so large a congregation around the pond. Our minister addressed all classes of persons; great attention was given; and we hope some good done; this took place at 3 o'clock, in the afternoon; a very affectionate address was given in the evening to the candidates, amidst a large congregation in Zion Chapel, from the words, second chap. of Ruth 12 verse; then the supper, and the new members (four females, one male,) received affectionately into the church. Such a day we have not had in Chatteris, since the days of our then reverend pastor, Mr. Thomas Bonfield. O, that many more may follow! Amen. There ORFORD HILL, NORWICH. Dear Mr. EditorWe feel no small degree of gratitude and thankfulness to our heavenly Father, and to you, his servant, for the good success which it has pleased the Lord to crown the labours of our minister, at Orford Hill Chapel, Norwich. Surely the Lord's arm was never made more bare, or his hand more visibly seen, than with us. We held our anniversary, on Sunday, May 30; Mr. Wilkins, of Chatteris, preached three excellent soul-stirring sermons; the attendance and collections were good, and in the evening, the chapel was literally crammed. On Monday evening, May 31, Mr. David Ashby, of Whittlesea, preached a good warm gospel sermon. June 1, we held our annual tea meeting, when near 250 sat down to tea, which, for quality, order, and attendance, could not be bettered; all played their parts well; and much honour is due to the deacons for their ample provisions, to those who prepared, and served it up, and to those who partook, for their unanimous expression of satisfaction; many said it was the best tea-party they ever attended. The evening service commenced by calling Mr. George Emberson, (one of Mr. Corbitt's late deacons from Chelmsford,) to the chair; who, after a short address, read a hymn, and then called upon Mr. Joseph Field to pray, which he did in a solemn and impressive manner; he then called upon Mr. Corbitt to relate his call by grace, and to the ministry, which he did, in a striking and instructive manner. One of the deacons then read the leadings of providence, in bringing Mr. Corbitt amongst them. Mr. Wilkins then called upon the members of the church to stand upon their feet, to shew their willing acceptance of Mr. Corbitt as their minister, which they did unanimously, in much cheerfulness. The deacon and Mr Corbitt then joined hands, and in the name of the Lord, Mr. C. expressed his willingness and pleasure in accept ing the charge, and the deacon, in the name of the church, expressed his delight in the union, and hoped that God would honour and bless the union to pastor and people. Mr. Wilkins then addressed the church on their relative, and spiritual obligations to their minister, in a most instructive and spiritual manner; indeed, there was so much gospel order, and spiritual information in his address that many say they never heard a more suitable charge. Mr. Ashby then delivered a congratulatory address to Mr. Corbitt, upon the honour God had put upon him, as a minister in the Lord's cause; and, having known Mr. C. many years, he rejoiced to know that he had never changed his sentiments, and told the people that he thought it impossible for any person to be deceived by John Corbitt, for he always hung his heart outside of him. A hymn was then sung, and the meeting broke up in cheerfulness. God be praised for remembering Norwich. AN OBSERVER. Our cause was low; our faith was tried; "Revive our cause, O Lord, we cried; Forsake us not in time of need. O send a man thy flock to feed. His gracious ear he kindly bent; How Christ hath saved their souls from hell. PLYMOUTH, June 9th, 1858.-Dear Brother Banks. In the midst of the numerous and deep afflictions with which Zion is being exercised, it is truly refreshing to bear tidings that the God of Israel is visiting his fainting, but yet pursuing children, in this neighbourhood, with tokens of his love. For some time past, our beloved Zion has been in a state of extreme disorganization. We have had confusion for order; division for unity; darkness for light; famine for plenty. Many are still living in this neighbourhood, who know and highly value the truth; and we still hope that Plymouth, long famed in Israel for her love to the pure and unadulterated gospel of free and sovereign grace, is not forgotten by the Lord. For the last few months, a change for the best has been gradually progressing. A spirit of prayer is poured out upon the people, a spirit of expectation for the unfolding of the mighty purposes of merey, is abroad among the people; while our glorious Immanuel is going forth in the ministry of his word, comforting the afflicted, and cheering the souls of the poor and needy with his blessing. At How-street there is a gathering of the scattered "flock," under the ministry of our esteemed brother, Mr. Collins, who, during the last month and this, is here as our supply. The word has been richly enjoyed, and made a blessing, I have reason to believe, to many. The old friends are returning; the congregation has greatly increased. Some of the most eminent servants of the Lord have been raised up to serve their Lord in the ministry of the Word in Plymouth and its neighbourhood; and still here and there are to be found our those whose trumpet gives a "certain sound." | pastor led three candidates through the ordinance At Stonehouse, the labours of Mr. Emmington of Believer's Baptism, in the presence of a Two of the candidates are blessed; thither some of our friends from crowded congregation. the other How-street have gone in the time of dearth to were mother and daughter; seek good, and have been fed there. We wish pastor's partner in life; and it was quite a time them, both minister and people, every blessing. of rejoicing, to see two believers, nearly fifty At Devonport, our friend Mr. Westlake is labour-years of age, walking in Jesu's footsteps, thereing, whose ministry is gradually gathering some by shewing to the world, they were made to bow A. COOK. of the Lord's redeemed. Then we have Mr. to the footstool of grace. Doudney, in the Establishment; Mr. Babb, at his chapel; also good supplies at Trinity and Mount Zion. CHRIST IS PREACHED! We do rejoice. We have had some of the excellent of the earth to supply at How-street, and among the many, the Editor of the EARTHEN VESSEL'S visit has received a cordial welcome. Desiring you, my dear brother, every New Covenant blessing in Christ Jesus, I remain affectionately, IOTA. ZION CHAPEL, NEWICK.-Mr. Editor, The cause of God here is surrounded with enemies; but a short time back it was tempest tossed, and those to whom it was dear at times, feared it would become a wreck. But blessed be God, his goodness was greater than our fears, for the cause has since revived; the congregations have increased; and sinners are being brought out of the quarry of nature into the glorious liberty of the gospel, under the ministry of our dear pastor, Joseph Warren. "The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our Refuge." On Wednesday, June the 2nd, we held our anniversary. Our dear friends, C. W. Banks, and Samuel Cozens delivered unto us the word of life. Mr Banks preached in the morning from Isaiah lx. 1, “arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." We can say it was a refreshing season to our souls. After the sermon was over, our pastor rose to give out the concluding hymn, but his heart was too full; be said he felt constrained to give a little history of the text, as concerned himself. He said, shortly after he came among us, in a time of deep and sore trial, he received a letter from one of his spiritual children, and as soon as he opened it, his eyes met with the words of the text. "Arise, shine." &c. And the Lord blessed the words to him, removed the trial, and opened the way before him, making the crooked places straight, and the rough places plain; and he again felt that morning a renewing of the old text. After the service was over, a good number sat down to dinner. At half past two o'clock the people again assembled; Mr. Cozens, in his able manner, delivered a good sermon. Upwards of 100 persons, partook of tea, which was well supplied. Mr. Banks preached in the evening, and in his powerful style, rivited our attention, while he held up to our view the dear and adorable name of Jesus. He led the seeking sinner to know, that if the name of Jesus was written in his heart, he had more than men or devils could take from himHe went on to shew us that the preachers of our day are ready to preach anything, and any name but Jesus; and also the blessedness of that people, where Jesus was written up, and held up to the people as the al and in all. May the Lord bless both his servants, making them an extensive blessing, to the church of the living God. On Sabbath morning, March 14, our The Retreat, Newick. DORCHESTER HALL, HOXTON NEW TOWN.This Hall was re-opened on June 13th, by the brethren Searle and Wyard. A sermon was also preached by Mr. C. W. Banks in the afternoon, June 15th, on the occasion of the removal of the church and congregation of brother Searle, from Hoxton Tabernacle. Mr. Banks came to the Hall, direct from Euston Station, after a fatiguing journey; but he preached a cheering and appropriate sermon from Jeremiah xv. 11, "The Lord said, verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil, and in the time of affliction." The friends were full of joy, at the excellent gospel matter our brother was enabled to give utterance to; after which, to the disappointment of brother Searle, and the meeting, he left, having to preach at Unicornyard the same evening. Comfortable tea was provided, after which, there was a delightful meeting. On the platform were several ministers, among whom I noticed brother Long, of Tring; Mr. James Nunn, Mr. Butler, Mr. Cave, Mr. Williams, and others. Our space will not admit of detail, but one circumstance caused a most affecting sensation: it was the presentation to Mr. Searle of a very handsome Bible, as a token of an affectionate daughter's regard and appreciation of a parent's concern and prayers We believe for her present and eternal welfare. the afternoon service, and the proceedings of the evening, will be followed by God's blessing. A COUNTRY PARSON. HALSTED, June 14th.-I have the pleasure of informing you the cause of God is looking up, through the labours of our well-beloved pastor, Mr. John Thurston. He baptized five candidates in our new baptistry, on June 6th. One sister had been bed-ridden; we never expected she would be favoured to come up to the house of God again; but she has been raised, not only to go to the Lord's courts, but to manifest her attachment to him by first giving up herself to the Lord and to his people, openly professing herself on the Lord's side. Previous to baptizing, our pastor preached from John i. 6, after which he came down from the pulpit, led the candidates down into the water, and baptized them in the name of the Holy Trinity. In the afternoon, he preached a solemn discourse from Zechariah 18th chapter, part of 7th verse. "Awake, O sword," &c. Then the newly-baptized were received into the church, after a suitable and seasonable address on their present position and their future condition in the church of God. The ordinance of the Lord's supper was administered; the Divine and Heavenly presence was powerfully felt and enjoyed. In the evening, our pastor preached from 43rd chapter of Isaiah, 11th verse, "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord." Thus a day passed over at "Providence," which, I believe, will not be forgotten by the pastor, candidates, | ignorance-the Lord not having opened her eyes the church, and the living in the congregation. until she had been led in the order of providence "What has God wrought?"-we may well to Zoar, Poplar. Therefore, considering her Bay, "Not unto us, O, Lord, not unto us; but unto thy name be all the praise." I am happy to say the Lord is blessing the labours of our pastor, amidst all his deep trials (which are not few). We are at peace in the church; may it continue and abound. I expect our pastor will baptize again shortly, at "Providence." The Lord has highly blessed his labours since (in love and mercy,) he sent him to preach to us the Word of Eternal Life. THOMAS ROOT. POPLAR.-The annual services commemorative of Zoar Baptist Chapel, William-street, East Indiaroad, were held May 23rd. Br. Haslop, Wyard, and Bowles were the preachers; the weather Raise high the banner of the Cross Bravely prepared to suffer loss, Resolved, while you your arms can wield, Backed by Jehovah's powerful word, With God the Spirit's two-edged sword motive was carnal, and not spiritual, the act of an Your's in ROBERT BOWLES. HANSLOPE, BUCKS.-The anniversary of the Baptist chapel was on Monday, June 14th. C. W. Banks preached in afternoon, from 1 Cor. xi. 3, (most savoury and profitable) dwelling especially on the three distinctive heads of the text: God, the Head of Christ; 2nd, Christ, the head of man; and 3rd, man the head of the woman. The company took tea. In the evening, a public meeting was held. Brethren Banks, Pymm (of Newport Pagnell,) Parker, of London, and others, spoke to our edification. It was a joyful meeting; the hearts of the pastor and people were quite cheered up. We wish our brother Joseph Cartwright success in the name of the Lord. His ministry at Hanslope has been very useful. W. R. LONG, Pastor of Tring. LITTLEPORT.-On Lord's-day, June 13th, the ordinance of believers' baptism was celebrated at Littleport, in the river Ouse, in the presence of about two thousand spectators. We commenced the service by singing that precious hymn, "Jesus, and shall it ever be A mortal man ashamed of thee ?" Mr. Flavell, of Erith, offered prayer; Mr Beacock (late of Wantage) gave an approprate address. There was good order, and the presence of God realized. In the afternoon and evening Mr. Beacock preached two weighty gospel sermons. Our chapel was full; praised be our God for all his favours. He is still gathering up the jewels of his love, from the fall of Adam. Littleport cause has been struggling on for years; but mercy's drops still fall; the plants are watered, and God is with us. Brother Wilkins, of Chatteris, and brother Alderson, of Willingham, preached on Tuesday the 8th, our anniversary. The word spoken was blesed to many. JAMES JESSUP, Deacon, Littleport, GLEMSFORD.-That greatly-beloved servant of Christ, Robert Barnes, still lies near the end of his journey. His Master is with him; and the church and congregation are wonderfully favoured with good supplies. E 'er long the victory will be won; Soldier of Christ! fight on! fight on! WHY BAPTISE A PERSON THE SECOND TIME?Dear brother Banks. I herewith send you a brief account of our last baptising. My reason for so doing is to meet the enquiry, "Why baptise a person the second time!"' On March 3rd, I baptised five persons at Cave Adullam chapel, Stepney (kindly lent). A great number of persons were present; quietness and solemness pervaded the whole service. Text chosen was from Romans vi. 3, 4, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptised into Christ, were baptised into his death ?" The proper persons ASKETT, BUCKS.-We held our anniversary, May -called; dead to sin, alive to the nature and sig-18th: three sermons were preached by Mr. J. nificance of the ordinance. The proper modeimmersion; a being buried, a proper deportment, even we also should walk in newness of life;" were the chief things insisted upon. One of the persons baptised by me, had been previously immersed by the Rev; but according to her own statement, at our church meeting, she had gone through the ordinance in a state of Bloomfield, and Mr. Williamson, of London. There had been a debt dragging on the chapel for more than 20 years; the balance yesterday morning, was £57 17s. 3d. The debt being referred to at the tea table, one of the deacons offered £5. The Rev. gentlemen nobly took it up; an effort was made; the pleasure of knowing that, with collections and and before they left the chapel last night they had promises, the debt was entirely removed. J. THOMPSON, Pastor. MR. WEBSTER, MR. SPENCER, AND THE CHURCH AT HARTLEY ROW. DEAR BROTHER BANKS-Having been favoured with a visit from Mr. Spencer now supplying at Zion, and received from him a satisfactory explanation of the unpleasant meeting in Hants, as related in the March number of the VESSEL, allow me to request the insertion of the following particulars in the next. Mr. Spencer declares that he did not know me when coming to speak to him, and only when a friend said, "Do you know that gentleman ?'' did he recognize me. impression was then, that he had no intention to speak, and would not have noticed me had not my waiting for, and approach to, him, attracted attention. With this feeling, the confidential note to you was penned, while suffering from exposure to the severity of the weather in this unfortunate journey. Therefore, after the candid avowal of Mr. Spencer, that portion of the charge must be unreservedly withdrawn with an expression of regret on my part, that any portion of my communication to you should have given rise to it. My by having nearly 200 miles to travel, my supply to pay 108., my accommodation at the inn for two nights; yet it is my firm opinion that it was purely a mistake, and the people did all that could have been expected in treating me kindly, and collecting 20s. towards my expences. The weather was very severe, and from its effects my system severely suffered. Imploring the Great Head of a chosen and blood-bought church, to bless your person, ministry, and editorial labours, I remain, your's very affectionately, in the work of the Lord, JOHN WEBSTER. Timbrel Villa, Trowbridge, Wilts. June 11th, 1858. [Our remarks on this in our next number. -ED.] OBITUARY. MRS. THOMAS SMITH. Died on the 21st of April, 1858, Mary, wife of Mr. Thomas Smith, Baptist Minister, Wootton, Beds, aged 28 years. The last few years of her short life, she was a remarkable instance of suffering affliction, and of patience. In addition to her other severe bodily afflictions; she was the subject of paralysis of the nerves, to such an extent that she was for years as helpless as a child; and she could neither articulate words, nor masticate her food when put into her mouth. She was weaned from the world a long time before she left it. She looked forward with perfect calmness to the period of her dissolution, with a simple faith resting upon the Saviour. Deeply convinced of the sinfulness of her heart and life, she was humbled in the dust before God and yet was enabled to believe and trust in the verenced as her almighty Saviour and Redeemer. And now, in reference to the second part the question might be asked, "What would you have thought if a junior minister, in a place where you had preached with acceptance, had passed by you into the pulpit, not even offering a kind word in prayer when there, or in any way noticing you" The impression on my mind was, that the preacher belonged to a party whose standard was exclusive. Under this influence my letter was written, and un-mercy and merits of Jesus, whom she loved and reder it should still have remained, but for the assertion of Mr. Spencer, "that he belonged to no party," and that he judged that having been invited by the church to the pulpit, he had no authority to ask me to take a part of the service. Allow me here to say, my conduct would have been different under such circumstances, to him, even with his explanation. Regretting that it had not been made at the time, my mind is now relieved of the unfavourable influence produced, and can assure him that my pledge is given that such a collision shall never again occur. And now thirdly, as the charge has been extensively circulated that they "had not invited me.' To this assertion, my unqualified negative is given. After supper on the 24th of January, the deacons and friends expressed their thanks for my visit, and then asked me to come again as they had a difficulty in procuring supplies, and it was then a critical time, the union about which many fears were expressed, being recently formed. They said the first open Lord's-day was the 4th in February, and inquired if it would suit suit me? My reply was, If it will be of any benefit to you, you shall have my services." Nothing was said about consulting the church, or writing. Therefore, it was entered in my diary, and fulfilled to my sorrow. It must be apparent that no pecuniary advantage was gained Her end was peace, and her remains were interred in the burying-ground, adjoining the chapel by Mr. Thornber, of Bedford. It is remarkable that in the last particular she had her wish. Her desire always was, to be buried in Wootton by the side of her two infants, but circumstances seemed for a time to forbid it. Her husband had felt for some time uncomfortable in the place, and had fully determined to leave it, and look out for another sphere of labour. Hence the publication of this in the VESSEL last summer; and many efforts were made to remove, but they were all frustrated, and in a remarkable manner; for when there appeared a way, he was laid aside with fever, which settled the matter at once, and thus her request was granted, and God's word fulfilled. In the best bonds, THOMAS SMITH. THE GREAT MYSTERY AND PERFECT GLORY OF The Gospel Dispensation. [PRINTED BY SPECIAL REQUEST.] "Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I THE LORD HAVE SPOKEN IT, AND I WILL DO IT."-Ezekiel Xxxvi. 36. HERE is a Glorious Proclamation! At the bottom of it, Jehovah puts his name; signs, seals, ratifies, and confirms the message, and writes, "I, THE LORD, HAVE SPOKEN IT; AND I WILL DO IT!" A Scotch divine, Dr. Guthrie, calls this, "the Gospel in Ezekiel." Let us see how God preached the Gospel Himself; let us listen to the words whereby the Almighty opened up the mysteries of the New and the Everlasting Covenant, unto his ancient servant, Ezekiel. Dr. Hawker's words on Ezekiel's prophecy are very instructing: Ezekiel means "the strength of God." The strength of God is most wonderfully dis. played in this prophecy; in raising up the prophet; in revealing heavenly things to his mind; in leading him by degrees up into an exceeding high mountain, and in not only shewing him the glory and power of the Heavenly Temple, but in enabling him to wind up the whole, by proclaiming," and the name of the city, from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE." In setting a limit to our thoughts, for a moment, let us notica: I. Through what medium, and in what manner, the Lord hath spoken. "I the Lord have spoken." II. The Great Blessings he hath promised. III. The reason he assigns for thus speaking. This is given negatively, positively and frequently. Negatively, "Not for your sakes, do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you." Positively, "I had pity for mine Holy name sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went." And this is again and again repeated. Lastly, consider, the Oath, and Solemn Promise of the Lord. "I the Lord have spoken it; and I will do it." rather an imperfection, notwithstanding all Thus 1 Cor. xiii. 8. In the eastern countries, and in the days of the Prophets particularly, and even now, modern travellers say, that generally more than half the transactions of life are carried on by signs. The Prophets delivered their mes sages by gesticulations and signs, similar to what was then in common use in common concerns, and thus made their message famEzekiel's removing unto captivity, digging iliar and easy to be understood. through the wall, not mourning for the dead and the like, were declared to be tokens and signs respecting the Lord's dealings with his people. So Jeremiah's girdle hid by the river; the potter's earthen bottle, the wooden yoke he wore about his neck; these were all to the same amount, speaking by action, instead of words, and much better understood by the people." The ser The Lord began with Ezekiel preaching unto him by signs and representations. And it is in this way "the God we adore" ofttimes preaches unto us now-although as the Psalmist says-" God speaketh once, yea, twice, yet man perceiveth it not." mons and the signs whereby the Lord preached unto Ezekiel, are of great import. Those sermons will never be out of print, they will never be without meaning: new editions of them will be given, out from time to time, so long as the sun and the moon endureth. Those sermons preached unto Ezekiel will be the standing laws of heaven-so long as the Church is in the wilderness-and even when "the Lamb's wife hath made herself ready," even then these good old sermons will be treasured up in heaven; and often will they be read again "EZEKIEL. The Prophet. His name is in the full blaze of eternal glory, shewing. very significant, meaning the strength of forth the infinite wisdom of THE GREAT God. The ministry of this man seems to THREE ONE in leading his flock so carefully have been carried on by signs and represen- and correctly "by the right way" that they tations, more than by open preaching. The Lord said that Ezekiel was for a sign unto might come unto the city of habitation." his people. Ezekiel xxiv. 24, 27. And in nothing perhaps do the customs and manners of mankind differ more, than in the method of communication to each other. Language is VOL. XIV.-No. 161 I. Through what medium; and in what manner the Lord hath spoken,-"Thou son of man, prophecy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord." The Great Bible, out of which the Lord unto Ezekiel, were, "THE preached HEAVENS :" and the four first texts were "the whirlwind:" "a great cloud" "a fire K |