Beccles, in Suffolk, on July 1, 1827, and was brought up under the ministry of the venerable George Wright, the honoured baptist pastor of that town. In 1846, he absconded from home; and obtained a situation in London; but before Christmas, he was back again under the parental roof very ill, but without any concern about his soul. During a residence at Bungay, in 1848, a renewal of his former anxious spiritual concern-which he had sometimes experienced under the searching ministry of Mr. Wright-were felt; but it was not until his return to the great Metropolis that he had a true knowledge of his lost condition as a sinner. This occurred while listening to the voice of Mr. Wells, when preaching from these words, who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin should live unto righteousness,' that he felt he was a sinner indeed, and that without Christ he was eternally lost. Great distress of mind followed; the Bible was a sealed book to him; and all appeared black as midnight. At times some little light appeared under the ministration of Mr. Wells, but the means the Lord was pleased to bless to the setting of his soul at happy liberty was as follows. He said: 'One night, in my bed room, I took up THE EARTHEN VESSEL; and there read the account of Caroline Morgan, who was very ill; and whom my brother Banks-(who I should have been very glad to have seen here this evening,)-had visited. She had expressed herself to be very dark, and had exclaimed, 'there is no hope-there is no hope for me.' This was just my case, and I began to compare her state with mine; and while so doing the Lord in a blessed manner spoke those words home to my soul with such happy sweetness and divine power that I can never forget it,' come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden; and I will give you rest.' It was rest indeed; I was overcome with joy. I then continued under the ministry of Mr. Wells, and found the truths he advanced to the 'savour of life' to my soul; and on December 19th, I was baptized by him at the Surrey Tabernacle.

Respecting his CALL to the MINISTRY, he said, I was often called upon to engage in prayer at the Sunday afternoon prayer-meetings at the Surrey Tabernacle; and several of the friends there thought I should be called to preach the gospel. One Sunday afternoon I felt very solemnly impressed while engaging in prayer-and during that prayer my brother Cox was much affected, and felt persuaded in his mind that I should certainly be called to preach. I was afterwards called upon, quite unexpectedly-and without an opportunity of refusing to conduct a prayer-meeting at my brother Chivers. With much trembling I commenced by speaking from Isaiah 64th, but enjoyed much liberty and sweetness while I was thus engaged. I then left London, and after sometime settled at Ipswich; but here I was continually receiving invitations to preach in the surrounding villages. At this place I entered more extensively into the drapery business, and found that it was more than I could properly attend to, to travel and preach'

I

on Sundays, and be back to my business on Monday morning. I determined I would give up the preaching; and to this end I undertook the superintendant's office in my brother Poock's Sunday School, as I thought people would not then be so void of conscience to expect or to ask me to preach. But invitations came thicker and faster, some I refused, others I accepted; but I had much rebellion about the work; and hoped the Lord would stop my mouth before the people. About this time, my business fell off rapidly, my health failed me, and I was compelled to give up all engagements, not being able even to attend to the school. When I was again restored, it was deemed advisable that I should go and preach were ever the Lord opened a door. did so. I received invitations from several destitute churches; and accepted the one at Tunstall, seventeen miles from Ipswich: here I continued to preach for twelve months, to large but poor congregations; it often costing me half they gave me to pay my travelling expenses. During this twelve months, all my temporel matters went against me; we were robbed of our rights; and turned out of our business and home by the wickedness of a solicitor and executor. Thus I was cast entirely on the providence of God. Several of my aged brethren in the ministry advised me not to settle at Tunstall, as they thought I should be wrong in so doing there being no prospect of the people being able to support me and my family. I left Tunstall; and to this day can bless God for having done so, for I have not had one vacant Sabbath since. In July, 1856, I was publicly ordained as the pastor of the church at Clare. Here the Lord much blessed my ministry, and the church and congregation increased astonishingly. In January, (present year) I supplied two Lord's-days at Deptford. By this, the friends here heard of me. 1 afterwards received an invitation to supply at Carmal, Pimlico, for a month. In reply, I said I had recently been away from home, and I could not leave for some time yet. On Sunday morning, Nov. 7, I received a letter from brother Faulkner, inviting me to supply at Soho for two Lord's-days in March. I said to Mrs. Pells, I cannot go. However, we passed it off for that day. On the following (Monday) morning, my wife said I had better reply to the letter, and advised me to say I would go for one Sabbath. I wrote accordingly; but when I posted the letter, I felt persuaded they would not have me come that distance for one Sabbath. They accepted the offer and replied that I should be expected on the day named. I came and I confess I felt an attachment to the deacons and was pleased with the Christian-like familiarity of the people. I returned to Clare; and the next day received an invitation for three Lord'sdays or more, if convenient. This set me thinking, and that very seriously too. On the Sunday, I told my deacons I wanted an interview with them; this I had; and I then told them that God-willing, I should close my labours at Clare, as their pastor, on the last Lord's-day in June. The next morning I was confirmed in the persuasion that I had acted

right for I awoke in a very blessed frame of mind, with these words, 'I will guide thee by my counsel,' &c. I said, Lord, thou shalt guide me.' I wrote to brother Faulkner, stating I would come two Lord's days in May. I would here say to the honour of the friends at Clare, that as regards financial matters, the income was increasingly more than my stated salary, but the balance was always honourably handed over to me. Had I stayed they would have built a new chapel; but I felt I must leave, and have not yet had any cause to think otherwise. When it was known that I intended leaving Clare, I had no less than eight doors open to me. However, I came here and fulfilled my engagement; and before I left, I consented to supply for the month of July. I returned to Clare, and in a few days received a letter from the deacons, saying a church meeting had been held, and they were requested to invite me for three months more. I accepted the same, believing it to be the hand of God entirely; and now I am confirmed in it-as even here he has given me seals to my ministry and

souls for my hire.

Respecting Mr. Pells VIEWS OF TRUTH, he said, I think I may say, a great part of my creed and belief is couched in the 37th verse of the 6th chapter of John, where our Lord says, 'all that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I

will in no wise cast out.' There you have three cardinal points of my religion: 1st, Eternal and Personal Election; 2nd, Effectual Calling; and 3rd, Final Perseverance. But to sum up the substance of my belief in few words; and which, by the help of the Lord, I intend ever boldly to preach, is as follows: The important doctrines of Three equal Persons in the Godhead; Eternal and Personal Election; Original Sin; Particular Redemption; Free Justification by the Imputed Righteousness of Christ alone; Efficacious Grace in Regeneration; the Final Perseverance of Real Believers; The Resurrection of the dead; The Future Judgment; the Eternal Happiness of the Righteous; and the everlasting misery of such as die impenitent. I also believe in the necessity of Baptism upon a profession of faith, as a prerequisite to the Lord's Supper; and the obligation of Be liever's to practical obedience to the declared will of Christ as King in Zion.

At the conclusion of Mr. Pells statement, Mr. James Wells addressed some excellent advice to the newly-recognised pastor. Addresses of congratulation were also delivered Woolacott, and Field, which brought to a by Messrs Bloomfield, Dickerson, Attwood, close one of the most interesting and crowded services we ever attended. There were a large number of ministers present. R.

ON Tuesday the 28th of October, Mr. Joseph Palmer was solemnly recognized as the Pastor over the Baptized church, assembling at Romney Street Chapel, Westminster. The chapel is a spacious building capable of accommodating about 1000 persons. And although it was extremely wet, there was a good attendance during the day. Many ministers were present, besides those immediately engaged in the services.

The afternoon service was commenced by Mr. B. Davies, of Greenwich, reading a chapter and engaging in prayer. Mr. W. Palmer, of Homerton, then in a very masterly manner, stated the nature of a Gospel Church. We regret that we have not a report of this statement. It was considered a bold and forcible defence of our order and discipline. After which Mr. W. Palmer asked the usual questions. As a narrative of the call by Grace, and Call to the Ministry, of Mr. Joseph Palmer, has already been published in THE EARTHEN VESSEL for 1852, it is deemed unnecessary to insert Mr. Palmer's replies here.

After the church, in the usual manner had signified their choice of Mr Joseph Palmer as Pastor, Mr. Foreman delivered a truly kind and affectionate charge, in his plain, scriptural, matter-of-fact, and acceptable way. He based his remarks upon 'Be of good courage,' &c.

The evening began by brother Webster of Trowbridge, giving out the hymn; after

which, Mr. George Wyard (late of Soho) offered prayer, especially begging God's blessing upon the church, and upon the newly elected Pastor. Much freshness, vigour, and affection was evinced by our respected brother.

Mr. James Wells, of the Surrey Tabernacle then ascended the Pulpit and preached to the church and congregation. Our brother felt himself unable to enter fully into his subject from want of time. His text was Isaiah iv. 13. At the close he strongly advocated the cause of the Pastor, and of ministers generally. His remarks were very pointed, and might perhaps appear offensive to those who are not well accquainted with our brother. But to all who knew him it is thoroughly evi dent that the true peace and prosperity of Zion, is that at which he unvariably aims. The service was necessarily long, but a lively interest appeared to be maintained until the close.

We shall close our notice by inserting in full the highly interesting account given by the senior deacon of the rise and progress of the cause at ROMNEY STREET, and of its present hopeful position.

RISE OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH, ROMNEY STREET, WESTMINSTER.

THIS Church rose out of that which was formerly under care of Mr. Burnham, meeting at Grafton Street. Mr. John Stevens was

chosen to succeed Mr. Burnham; and this circumstance was the occasion of a separation. Those who withdrew were led in providence to assemble in Lewisham street. This occurred in the year 1814. The public recognition of the church, as the Particular Baptist Church meeting in Lewisham Street, Westminster,' took place on Thursday October 5th, 1815. Twelve persons sat down to represent the church, with Mr. Henry Pain as its pastor. All these have, long since, passed out of time. In the year 1827, the want of a more commodious place of worship having long been felt, the chapel in Lewisham Street being very small and inconvenient, and, at the same time, held at a high rent; it was resolved to make every exertion to build a new place. After much difficulty in obtaining a suitable site, the Committee to whom the work was entrusted, fixed on the spot, and this building was erected. It was first opened for public worship on the 12th of March, 1821. The cost of the building, and the purchase of the freehold amounted to £3600, of this sum about £2750, through the good providence of God, and the kindness of friends, have been paid off; leaving the cause in debt at the present time about £850. While on the subject of the finances, we have to mention a most gratifying instance of munificense, and of love to the cause of Christ here; in a sister who had recently removed to a distance. She had, before leaving London, called on one of the deacons, saying she wished to leave with him £100; and on being asked to what purpose it was to be applied, answered 'keep it until I let you know.' In the month of January, 1856, she wrote, wishing to be informed of the particulars of the debt, and especially of the sum for which the building was mortgaged. She was informed that the mortgage portion of the debt was £800. In a day or two a letter was received, of which what follows is an extract.

'January 21, 1856. DEAR SIR-I received your kind letter; and am glad that you approve of the plan; but I did not say that I could pay it all at once. I have not got it; but I have got four hundred, and you have one; and five I thought would be something towards eight. I should not like to give it up to any one but yourself, and I know not how to get it to you. I think it is very safe with me, and every thing is uncertain. If anything happens to me you would not get it; if you could not spare the time to come down, some fine morning. I know the fare is dearer than it will be in the summer, but I will pay the rail,' &c.

Our sister was visited accordingly, the money received, and in a day or two afterwards, the mortgage on the chapel was reduced from £800 to £300. Our kind friend subsequently applied for, and received her dismission to a sister church in the town to which she had removed. In October, last year she exchanged the church militant for the church triumphant. In 1836, during the ministry of Mr. Hewlett, the building was vested in sixteen trustees for the use of the church and congregation for ever. Eight of

whom have since been called to give an account of their stewardship. The deacons would avail themselves of this opportunity, publicly to acknowledge their unfeigned gratitude to those friends who have kindly by their presence, their prayer, and their contributions, steadily supported the cause in its perplexities and difficulties. Near the close of November, 1854, the connexion of the then pastor with this church suddenly terminated; and we remained unsettled until in Jauuary last we heard of Mr. Palmer, who then first preached in this place. On the 18th February, the church gave him a call for three months, with a view to the pastoral charge; and on the 10th June, the church went to the ballot on the question of calling Mr. Palmer to the pastoral oversight of the church: on an examination of the votes, all were found to be in the affirmative. Mr. Palmer accepted the call; and the Lord of the vineyard has, we trust, given testimony that the movement was made under the guidance of his Holy Spirit, and that he is owning and blessing Mr. Palmers labours. There have beeh ten since added to the church, (viz: six by baptism, and four by experience); and eight others stand proposed for church fellowship. During the forty-three years of the existence of the church 711 have been admitted to church membership; of this number there have been removed by death 122; dismissed to other churches, 152; removed in providence, or from a change of ministry, 225; excluded, 100; on the church books at this time, 103.

BAPTIZING IN THE RIVER STOUR.

On Lord's-day, Nov. 7th, 1858, Mr. Plaice, baptized in the River Stour, Sudbury, Suffolk, four believers in the Lord; two brethren and two sisters, it may be said, well, what of this? it is but a common occurrence; and, therefore may not create any surprise; nor call forth any passing observation; but here many of the Lord's people err; and amongst that class, the writer would not exclude himself; ah! my brethren, have we not too often taken up the periodicals, and when we have looked to the news of the month, and come to the baptisms, just glanced them over and thought no more of it, instead of feeling called upon to rejoice, and rendering thanksgiving to God that believers are added to the church; and that sinners are being received from the grasping hand of Satan; and introduced into the glorious liberty of the Son of God: does not this feeling of apathy arise from the fact of our circumscribing our sympathy and pleasure within the section of the church that we are particularly identified with ? it is true, that has our first claim; but should not be confined there, like the worldly merchant, or artizan, who cares not for the interest of others so that they prosper; I feel persuaded that the circumstances attending this baptism will call forth thankfulness; and produce emotions of joy, when I tell you that the River Stour runs nearly round the town of Sudbury; and that part of the River where our friends were baptized was a beautiful and