sense of gratitude to the preserving mercy of God for the past, and on whose care and keeping he threw himself unreservedly for the future. Amongst the brethren present were Messrs. Foreman, Milner, Chivers, Hazelton, Box, Bloomfield, Woodward, Neville, Higham, Woollacott, Tiercely. Mr. Palmer was prevented through illness, and Mr. Anderson having to attend a funeral.

Addresses were delivered of a kind, Christian character. Many pleasing testimonies were borne, the trials, the blessings of the godly were referred to and the happy lot, and high honour of such favoured ministers as Mr. Dickerson, whose jubilee they were met to celebrate, were themes which the several brethren whose names are mentioned above, dilated on.

The evening was improved by some beautiful selections from Mendelssohn, which were sung in a manner which reflected great credit on the choir, and may be mentioned as rather a novelty among our Strict Baptist places of worship.

LITTLE LONDON, WILLENHALL. -DEAR BROTHER,-Although the notice of the cause in this place in February EARTHEN VESSEL was not sent by me, yet, as pastor of a Church denominated by Mr. Boxer, "rotten," I have a right as representative of the people, to say a word about Mr. B's. mis-representations. You are perfectly aware when Churches receive ministers without characters, without honourable dismissals from former spheres of labour, such Churches do and will suffer. Those under my ministerial charge can bear witness to this statement. But defence and not attack is my object in writing. Mr. B's. ideas of the "genius of Christianity," differs radically from mine; if being chairman at concerts be the "genius of Christianity," then the Little London people were "sunk so low," they could not perceive it. Mr. B. further says it (the Baptist cause) had been so abstract, that life had withered within it." Now abstract means in pure Saxon, "separate, not connected with surrounding objects." How otherwise did he wish to see the people? Mr. B. told the people that when ministering to a charge previously to coming to Little London, he had been compelled to keep to the five points, like a man doomed to be pulling at five bells; but promised in future to give rein to his imagination, a promise he kept to the very letter. Perhaps to act in concert with this voluntary revolution, he wished the Baptist interest to be more concrete. Mr. B. informs us that notwithstanding he found "rotten material to display his kindly and tenderly solicitude about, yet even this he tried to raise. (Query-Was it a kindly act to elevate rotten material?) Sorry I am to say that the people were elevated even unto a horrible notoriety for divisions. Let the Gomar street people say I am an obstacle to their re-union at Little London, and I

would resign my pastorate, even though that step made me a pauper. My late dear people know I often offered to leave them, if only seven members in a Church of seventy wished it. Mr. B. says he has taken with him the soundest part of the Church. (Query-Were they, as well as Gomar street people and us, not quite sound?) These best parts of a rotten whole were one male and seven females. The statement about the congregation is false; surely two was not the sum total left to attend upon the preached Word, at a chapel capable of seating 800 people. As to the tinsel wearing off a new minister, if manageable in three years, I reply, 1st, When the people are tired of me, I shall not wish to push myself upon them. 2nd, When honesty in the five points, &c., will not do for Willenhall, I will leave, and not disgrace myself by bespattering them. Do you believe, sir, the following ministers were men of such ignorance, that nobody but Mr. B. could perceive the rottenness of the persons baptised by them? Mr. Wassell baptised 14; Mr. Davies 6; Mr. T. Francis 19; Mr. Jones 20: Mr. Cozens 28; Mr. Gwinnell 10, and Mr. Pearce, 11. This carries us over Mr. B's. 27 years (30 was wrong) of periodical outbreaks. However, despite all those disturbances, I find the people's money did "coalesce," if the people did not, for from July 14th, 1861, to June 24th, 1865, Mr. B. received according to the Church book £426 5s. During the above period no less a sum than £891 14s. 6d. was raised by the people and expended; all which is independent of all private charity. If the people are not much, you see they can do somewhat. And in the face of every discouragement they labour still, for since December 3rd last, they have managed to obtain and pay away £52 18s. 10d. This place is a spot where such men as Kershaw, De Frane, Creasey, and Francis have ministered, and I trust may yet be a home for the saints of the Most High. If any wish to know more of our affairs, we yet will give to any follower of Jesus such an entertainment as becometh Christians. To use Mr. language, "I kindly solicit them to come and see for themselves." Yours in the truth, ISAAC PEGG.

B.'s.

[It is due to Mr. Isaac Pegg, to state, we have omitted several sentences in different parts of his letter, because while we desire truth to be defended, we will not perpetuate strife if we can avoid it. It is a grief beyond all expression, to find ministers professing to hold the truth, either departing therefrom, or falling into unhappy contention.-ED.]

BARROW-IN-FURNESS.-The following note expresses the fear and feeling of tens of thousands in this country at this moment; and yet the ministers and Churches are almost inactive. Are we really come to the state of the wise and foolish virgins? Are we all sleeping together? The enemy is both awake and

at work, to an extent far beyond all that our people imagine. Our correspondent says:-On March 11th we had a petition to each house ready for signatures. When we heard the second reading was past, and it was too late, it made me tremble to find that such a law is passing, which may lead to fires being lighted in this our land to burn the saints of the Most High; it is fearful. Who of us shall stand the fiery test? One thing is certain, that it will but fulfil the purposes of an all-seeing and righteous God. We set apart a portion of our evening service, March 11th, for prayer and supplication on behalf of the plague among the cattle, that it might be removed from them. After singing and reading the Word of God, brother Crane engaged in prayer, a hymn was sung, and brother Betts prayed, another hymn, and brother Lowther took for his text "But now, O Lord, &c."Isaiah Ixiv. 8. The word through His servant does come with power to the hearts of some of us little ones, and we are made to feed and rejoice in our hearts to see the heart of His servant rejoiced in beholding seals to his ministry. Pray for us that the Holy Spirit may descend and accompany the Word through His servant with a divine power, so that those who are yet in nature's darkness, may be brought to know Him, and that those who know something of His truth may be stablished, strengthened, and settled.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT. - Rehoboth. On Tuesday, March 13th, Mr. W. Hawkins, late of Trinity chapel, Southwark, was recognised as pastor of the above church. Brother Wall, of Gravesend, preached an excellent sermon in the afternoon, to a numerous and attentive congregation, subject-The Apostolic Church. Brother Webster read a prayer, Mr. Glaskin concluded. At five o'clock a good attendance at tea in the chapel, Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Ashby presiding. In the evening Mr. Hawkins gave an account of his conversion, under his venerable father-in-law, John Andrews Jones, and call to the ministry, which proved highly interesting and satisfactory. Brother Webster, as senior minister, gave him the right hand of fellowship on account of his ministerial brethren, and joined the hands of brother Ashby, deacon and pastor, after an expression publicly, by the congregation, of their approval of the union; after which brother Webster, of Cave Adullam, London, gave an address from Revelation i. 16; brother Glaskin, of Bond street, Brighton, on the golden candlesticks; and brother Hazelton, of London, gave the concluding address. These, though rather long, were listened to with great attention. Brother Wall delivered the recognition prayer, the pastor closing with the benediction. The crowded audience all expressed their delight and profit from the services. Collections were liberally made for the Aged and Infirm Baptist Ministers' and Widow's Fund. May the Great Head of the Church eminently bless our dear

brother in his new sphere of interesting labour in this highly picturesque and romantic locality.

SHOREDITCH. - Providence Baptist Chapel, Cumberland street. On Lord's-day, February 25th, the 222nd anniversary of the above cause of Christ was held. Our esteemed pastor, morning and evening, Mr. Myerson, in the afternoon. The Lord was enjoyed by His blood-bought people; this made them lively in the best things, and showed their love (tangibly) to their pastor. On the following Tuesday, 27th, Mr. Webster occupied the pulpit in the afternoon; being a father in Israel he spoke comfortably to the children. At 5 o'clock a thorough good company met to take tea (provided by the friends). All were happy, and right down enjoyed each others company. After tea a brief account of the rise and progress of this old established cause of Christ was read. In the evening, Mr. J. Wells preached a good Gospel sermon, and (although there were meetings at two neighbouring churches) we had a full house. The Lord is blessing the word of His grace to the souls of the people, by His faithful and zealous servant, Mr. W. Lodge. By the blessing of God we were able to give the WHOLE of the proceeds of these services to our pastor, which amounted to £10 (after all expenses were paid). It is through this medium Mr. Lodge expresses his gratitude to the dear friends for their liberality, and thanks his brethren in the ministry for their kindness in coming to encourage him in his work. We closed this happy day with

"For ever with the Lord,
Amen, so let it be."

BIRMINGHAM.-MR. EDITOR,-I take for granted you wish your magazine to convey correct information to the Churches, allow me therefore to correct very serious errors which have crept in respecting the Church at Birmingham. In the February number you say Mr. Howard has resigned the pastorate, after labouring ten years. You are aware that at first the cause was a branch of the Church at Notting Hill. At our Church meeting, April, 1864, it was resolved that the brethren at Birmingham should be formed into a separate Church; and in May thirteen members were dismissed for that purpose, and on the 22nd of the month I formed them into a Strict Baptist Church. I first opened the place September 8th, 1862; you will see by these dates how long the Church has existed. My reason for advising the formation of the Church was, that Mr. Howard might possibly see his way clear to settle over the people without my being in his way. Several times on visiting the Church I reasoned with Mr. Howard on his unreasonableness in wishing for better direction from the Lord as to becoming the stated minister, than the expressed wish of the people, and the blessing of God upon the Word. Mr. Howard on my last visit told me-"He

had been east, north, and south, and he meant to go west before he settled anywhere." He has never been the pastor; he has never even been in membership with the Church. Yours truly, P. W. WILLIAMSON.

Mr.

LEISTON, SAXMUNDHAM, John Roots, the eldest son of our beloved brother Roots, has been suddenly removed from this time's state to the eternal world, leaving a widow and five children to lament his loss. His death was caused by the explosion of a bottle of chemicals. After enduring with much patience very great suffering for seven days', his eyes being burnt out of his head, he expired on Sunday, the 14th of January. Thus our dear brother and his beloved partner have been involved in deep sorrow. The afflictive event has cast a gloom over the village of Luton (Kent), where the beloved deceased was wellknown. Our brother Roots wishes us to say he should have written to his many dear friends in Suffolk, but personal affliction, together with other causes, have prevented. We doubt not the friends will deeply sympathise with the bereaved, and earnestly pray that light and consolation may break upon their souls through this dark cloud, from the light of the countenance of our loving Jesus. THOMAS.

NORWICH.-Dear Brother,-I am requested by a few of the brethren of the church at Orford hill, to ask you to insert the following: The anniversary of our Sunday school took place on the 19th inst., when a goodly number of the friends, and about seventy children sat down to a tea provided for them; after which the children recited some very appropriate pieces for the occasion, which showed that, although the Church was in a widowhood state, the school was in a prosperous one. During the evening addresses were delivered by Brothers Field, of Saxlingham, Norfolk; Gowen, late of Pitt's street, Norwich; Brown, of Friston, Suffolk. The chair was occupied by Mr. John Kempster, Norwich, who showed, by his appropriate and affectionate remarks, that he was no novice in conducting such meetings. Seldom or never has there been a greater manifestation of unanimity and affection than was displayed on this occasion. We trust that the Great Master of assemblies was there. Yours, in the bonds of the Gospel, W. DAWSON, A Member of Orford hill.

NEW BEXLEY.-On Wednesday, February 28th, the members of the Church and Bible class, the Sunday school teachers and the tract distributors, met in the chapel to partake of a tea generously given by T. M. Whittaker, Esq., of East Lodge, New Bexley. After tea Mr. Whittaker and other friends, spoke of the interests of the various agencies, and how they were to be promoted. The meeting was characterized for unity of feeling and action, and suggestions were

made relative to enlarging and inproving the chapel, which will be taken into consideration at an early day. The Lord is evidently with us, and although we should still like to see "greater things than these," yet there is much room for thankfulness that the success of increase has been so large as to amount to one member in each week since the coming of the present pastor.

STAINES. BAPTIST CHAPEL. This Church has been without a pastor for six years, during which time it has been supplied by various brethren. They have now after much prayer and patient waiting and watching, unanimously invited Mr. W. Webb, 2, Globe street, Bethnal Green, to take the pastoral care of them in the Lord, which our dear brother has kindly accepted, and will commence his pastoral labours on the first Sunday in July. He has been preaching among us the last ten months with much acceptance and usefulness, and it is our earnest prayer that the Lord will abundantly bless our brother's labours, to the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, the ingathering of sinners, and building up of saints in the glorious principles of our most holy religion. F. T. TURNER. GLEMSFORD Providence chapel.A teacher's tea meeting was holden Thursday, February 1st. The pastor, deacons, and singers, met with the teachers on the occasion. All were thankful for an opportunity afforded them in thus meeting together. In the evening Mr. Moulton, superintendent of the Sabbath school, delilivered a very interesting lecture in the chapel on civil and religious liberty. There was a good attendance. The lecturer was listened to with pleasure; and we hope it may stimulate us as a people to pray earnestly, and contend faithfully, for extended privileges of civil and religious liberty.

WYCOMBE, BUCKS.-Dear Brother, --Mr. Brunt (late of Plumstead) is now with us, having accepted a six months' call, and the prospects are very encouraging, the chapel nearly full. We thank those brethren who have supplied for us during the time we were without a pastor, and hope the Lord will do a great work here in bringing in the outcasts, that many may be again constrained to say with heart and soul,

"In Zion let us all appear,

And keep God's holy day."
Yours, in Jesus, R. COLLINS.

WILLENHALL.-Baptist chapel, Little London. Lord's-day, Feb. 11th, we had the pleasure of witnessing our pastor administer the ordinance of believer's baptism. This is the first time the ordinance of baptism has been administered for nearly five years; but we trust that the Lord has begun to manifest His approval of the labours of Mr. Isaac Pegg in this place. The people

begin to gather round us: we had nearly 300 people to listen to and witness the scene. We trust this is the beginning of a revival here. J. B.

SIBLE HEDINGHAM, ESSEX.-On Sunday, March 4th, we had a high day here. The morning being fine, many people gathered to witness that blessed ordinance of baptism. Before the service commenced, the place was filled with attentive hearers. A sermon was preached by myself from Acts ii. 38; wherein we showed five things, (1) A divine command; (2) A divine practice; (3) The divine names in which it was performed; (4) A divine evidence of sin forgiven; (5) A divine blessing promised. After the sermon I baptised three candidates upon a profession of their faith, and received them with two others into the Church. In the afternoon brother Whorlow, of Sudbury, preached to a chapel full of people a most blessed sermon; also in the evening another discourse, when our dear brother's soul was quite alive, and to use his own words, "he was quite at home in the work, and the people were much blest." We cannot for a moment doubt from what we have heard since, but that the Lord was in our midst on that day, which we hope future days will prove. It was the best day Hedingham has seen for the last few years. May the great Head of the Church still continue to shine upon us, and all the Church of God. So prays yours in Him that liveth for ever and ever, J. WHEELER.

BERMONDSEY, NEW ROAD.-Ebenezer chapel, Webb street. On Tuesday, March 6th, the annual meeting of the Sunday school was holden, when a cheering report of the progress of the institution was presented. Sir John Thwaites, (chairman of Metropolitan Board of Works) presided, and was supported on his left by Thos. Pocock, Esq., and on his right by Thos. Pillow, Esq.; Messrs. Alderson, Wyard, Meeres, Whitteridge, and others were present, and spokę in a cheerful manner; especially our aged friend Pocock, who never was better heard by all than on this occasion; his remarks were pointed, homely, and encouraging.

us. The spacious chapel was quite filled with an attentive audience, and great order and solemnity characterised the large assembly.

STOKE NEWINGTON.-Mount Zion chapel, (late Mr. Pepper's) in St. Matthias road, near Stoke Newington Green, was re-opened, Sunday, March 18th, 1866, for Mr. Cornwell, and the friends worshipping under his ministry. Sermons were preached by C. W. Banks, Mr. James Wells, and C. Cornwell; and on the following Tuesday, a tea and public meeting was holden. The chapel has been thoroughly repaired, and is neat and commodious.

SUTTON.-This church in the Isle of Ely, under the ministry of brother R. G. Edwards, is now looking well. The word is powerful, the congregations are large, and the minister and the people are happily working together. We have sometimes misrepresented this cause through correspondents; but we believe now we have a reliable testimony; and in this cheering report, many will rejoice.

SOUTHAMPTON. - January 4th, at East street Baptist chapel, (kindly lent for the occasion), after a sermon from Matt. xxviii. 19, 20, Mr. W. Chappell minister of Victoria rooms, in the same town, baptized four believers, who with another previously baptized, were on the following Lord's-day received into the church.

BRIXTON ROAD-Gospel Hall, Little Ann street. A public tea and public meeting was held on Tuesday, 13th March. There was a good number to tea, and the hall was full at the public meeting. Mr. Wheeler opened the meeting with prayer; Mr. Atwood, Mr. Glennie, Mr. Sankey, and Mr. Silverton spoke to the people.

Deaths.

On Friday morning, March 16th, 1866, Ann, the affectionate and only daughter of the late Mr. John Fuller, of Long Lane, Southwark, aged 31. Within seven years, the two par ents, three brothers, and the only daughter have been laid in one grave.

On Friday, February 9th, in his 72nd year, Samuel Little, many years a member at the Surrey Tabernacle." On Sunday, 18th, a few friends met and witnessed the consignment of his mortal remains to the grave in Tooting Cemetery, when Mr. Welsh, of Tooting Grove chapel, made some appropriate remarks.