on a Lord's-day evening, the good man so frequently officiating in the place of a minister, that he was a sort of priest in his own house. The attendance was regular; and there were several among them whose hearts God had touched. There were several at the adjacent village of Alconbury who loved the truth, and they generally added their number at these social meetings. About 1850 the friends at Alconbury, capable of holding more than 100 persons. Here now was a door always open, and one of the Alconbury friends, a Mr. Parker, used to speak to the people in the absence of a qualified minister. A Church was formed on pure Gospel principles, as acknowledged by and set forth by the Word of God; and Mr. Leech, from Northampton, has baptized several on a profession of their faith in Christ. Thus the Lord was pleased to bless, from time to time, the labours of his servants amongst them. They greatly began to feel their need of a stated minister, as frequently they were entirely without one at all. This was really a calamity to the infant cause; the people were at a stand, so they cried unto the Lord in their trouble; and, as He is ever wont, He helped them out of their distress, but in such a way as they little expected. About twelve months ago, there was a quantity of land sold by auction at Weston. Mr. Robson, of whom mention has been made before, who married Miss Barth, the late Mr. John Favell's granddaughter, came down from London, and bought a field adjacent to Weston, but lying on the road between the two villages; and out of this field he munificently gave a piece of land on which to build a chapel and vestry, with land to make the chapel twice its present size, if required. He stayed not here in his liberality to this little people; but gave them also ten guineas to encourage them to arise and build. Having such en now licensed, it was always open for worship whenever a minister of truth passed by that way, or felt in his heart a desire to visit the people. Our old friend being a member at Great Gidding, the pastor over that church occasionally used to come and speak; but the roads generally being in such a bad state, and a distance of six miles intervening, made such visits very few and far between, until about 1826, when a Mr. Tandy, the then minis-joined and hired a large loft over stables, &c., ter of Gidding, used to come more frequently, sometimes as often as once a month. But whenever the house was open, it was pleasing to see such a desire evinced by the people to hear, as the place was mostly crowded. After the Lord was pleased to remove Mr. Tandy by death, a Mr. Bull was for some years the acknowledged pastor in his room; and as the roads were by this time much improved, before he left Gidding, he used to preach here once a fortnight. Thus, by his conduct and conversation, did this good old saint declare to his neighbours around him, "Choose you whom you will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord;" and as the family of Obed-edom of old was blessed for the Ark's sake, so God in his tender mercy was pleased in very deed to bless the house of his servant. About the year 1840, a granddaughter of his, a Miss Barth, was married to a Mr. Robson, a very respectable and opulent tradesman in London. This event appeared at that time to have no connection whatever with that small mustard-seed which her grandfather was the honoured instrument of sowing in her native village; but He whose purposes must stand, and who seeth not as man seeth, had designed that event to be one big with results to that infant cause, as the sequel will show. In the June of 1844, it pleased God of his infinite mercy to release from a body of sin and death this dear and honoured saint, in the 82nd year of his age.* He was truly in the position of good old Jacob when he said, "I have waited for thy sal-couragement, what people, however diffident, vation, O Lord;" he was respected and re- could resist? Like Abraham, servant of old, vered by the villagers; and many years before they felt assured that the thing proceeded his death the generality of them used to call from the Lord, and that the Lord had now him "grandfather." His son, Thomas Favell, made room for them; they felt they must occupied the house after he left it, and still it arise and build, and call the name of the was a Bethel-a house of bread to the inha-place "Rehoboth." A subscription was set on bitants; for God had determined that the light of his truth should not be quenched, although there might be oppositions and obstructions thrown in the way. After Mr. Bull left Gidding, which was in 1848 or 1849, a Mr. Fish presided over that people; and then it was the time of Mr. Fish to bring the good news of salvation beneath that hallowed roof, where so many of the servants of the most high God had laboured before him. Mr. Thomas Favell being a member with Mr. Fish, there was no obstruction to the Word of God being still dispensed to the people from this quarter. Indeed, a hearty welcome was given to any minister of the truth who felt inclined to pay them a visit: and a meeting for prayer was now permanently established A short account of his latter days and death was written in the Gospel Herald, for June, 1845. foot amongst themselves and friends; by this means about 767. were raised, and at the opening the people offered, willingly and nobly more than 200 lbs. of meat, in beef, mutton, hams, &c., which were given for the dinner on the day of opening, when tickets were sold at 18. each for those who chose to dine in a large tent; 105 sat down to dinner; and more than 500 sat down to tea, at 6d. each. The tea was also a gift by the ladies of the village. This, with the collections at the doors, brought 361. more. Thus hath the Lord blessed his people here: and the opening of the place was a day that will be long remembered by many. The word dropped with a divine unction; it came in demonstration of spirit and with power. God has now sent them a minister also, a Mr. Hemyer, late of Kettering, who has been amongst them ever since Christmas last, and appears a minister well suited to such a position. May his labours among them be crowned with abun-in 1850, as an assistant to help him, being redant success, that this little one may become quested by the late James Twitchell, and a thousand, and this small one a strong na-other friends. This continued till February, tion; and should any one who reads this feel any 1854, when Mr. Hutchinson, and five females, sympathy towards this interesting cause, any were formed into a church, under the hands donation will be most thankfully received in of Mr. R. Searle of Two Waters, and Mr. R. postage stamps, or otherwise, addressed to Mr. Figg, of Redbourne, four of the number being John Barth, Alconbury Weston, Hunts. They those that had been called under the miare a needy people; they have done what they nistry of Mr. Hutchinson; and since that can for themselves, and it may be the Lord time, others have been added to the church; will stir up the hearts of some of his dear ser- some have been baptized by Mr. H., and some vants to render them pecuniary aid, as, beside have been received, having been members of the support of a minister, they have still a other churchos that are not now in existence, debt of 1707. on the chapel. Surely this is and the Lord is certainly blessing his labours an evidence that "God despiseth not the day here at Bedmont. of small things." Cambridge. JOSEPH. ORDINATION OF MR. HENRY HUTCH- Mr. Milner expressed his satisfaction with the statement made, and then called upon Mr. Hutchinson to state his call by grace, his call to the work of the ministry, and the doctrines he believed, to which Mr. H. answered: ON-First, his call by grace, which was simple, nothing very extraordinary, further than being deeply convinced of his state as a sinTHE morning was very fine; the sun shone; ner, and a fearful apprehension of being lost the fields, the woods, and the hedges, echoed eternally; this led him to seck for a saviour, with the praises of the feathered tribes-the sometimes hoping, sometimes doubting, and cuckoo and the nightingale reminding us of sometimes mourning, and wishing he had the return of spring-the fruit-trees, clad in never been born; but he endeavoured to keep a snowy whiteness, bespoke the approaching these things to himself, for he thought if any summer. The fields, putting forth the tender one knew what a sinner he had been, they blade, seemed to join unanimously together would surely spurn him from them. This to praise the God of creation, while a few began in 1842, and continued till the annisinners met together to praise Him for re-versary of Salem Chapel, Two Waters, in demption, and to acknowledge his providence and grace. The morning service commenced by singing 1846. Mr. Wells preached in the morning and afternoon from Acts x. 34, but he did not find what he wanted. Mr. Wells preached in the evening from Ephesians ii. 19, and though he had heard three sermons preached from those very words on the previous Lord's day, the subject on the present occasion seemed to meet his case; there he found what he needed. Mr. H. then went on to state his call to the work of the ministry. He said:After being delivered from so great a burden, and having felt the pardon of my sins, I was anxious for other sinners to hear the Gospel, for I found something in this that set forth the greatness of the love of God, the richness of his mercy, and the freeness of his grace; and if my sins could be pardoned, surely there was no doubt about any one else; if I had obtained mercy, surely there was mercy for any one else; I heard the truth preached, but to me it did not seem to go far enough, for I thought there was a deficiency in the preaching I was privileged to hear, and my heart burned with love and sympathy to poor sinners that, perhaps like myself, had been driven almost to despair; and I was anxious for the Lord to make use of me, thinking I was a brand plucked out of the fire, and that I could testify of his love, mercy, and grace; this desire continued with me. I sometimes conducted a prayer meeting in the absence of minister or deacon, but one night I had a remarkable dream; I thought I was in a certain chapel reading the 3rd of Ezekiel; it was only a dream; the next day I took my Bible and read the chapter, and when I came to these words, 'Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel,' I trembled very much; but Mr. Milner read part of the 4th chapter of of truth." Mr. Milner next called upon the Church to state the cause of their taking this step, when Mr. J. Ricket, the deacon, stated that about thirty years ago there was preaching at Bedmont, by a farmer of the name of Twitchell, and this continued until Mr. Hutchinson came, the whole of the chapter was much impressed on my mind. Some time passed, and not feeling disposed to go to chapel one Lord'sday morning, I made an excuse to stay at home; but one of the members called and asked me to go to chapel, as our minister was ill, and could not come. I went, and carried on the service, speaking from 1 Peter v. 2, 3, 4. At another time I went with an intention not to take any part in the carrying on the service, but when I entered the chapel, there was neither minister nor deacon, and I carried on the service, attempting to speak from Isaiah xxviii. 16. These were the first times I attempted to preach. Some time after this I came to Bedmont, and our departed friend, James Twitchell, knowing I had preached at Two Waters two or three times, asked me if I would speak at Bedmont, which I did. I was then requested to come as an assistant, but I did not want to come, and therefore said if our church would consent to it, I would, thinking they would not comply with the wishes of the friends at Bedmont; but one of the deacons answered, when I laid it before the church, 'If the Lord has a work for you to do at Bedmont, we cannot say anything against it;' so I had no excuse; I came to Bedmont, and about the third time I came the Lord was pleased to bless the word to one person in a way of conversion, who is now a member with us, and is present; and several of the members have been called through my instrumentality. We also have four candidates for baptism at the present time; three out of the four profess to have been called under my ministry." Mr. Hutchinson then stated his views of gospel truth, and Mr. Milner asked if he at any time changed his views of truth, if he would honestly tell the people, and he replied in the affirmative. The church were asked to signify their choice of Mr. H. as their pastor; the show of hands was taken. Mr. H. was asked if he accepted the people, to which Mr. H. replied in the affirmative, and held up his hand as an evidence of the same. Mr. Mills then asked Mr. Wells, and Mr. John Pratt of Redbourn, to give the right hand of fellowship to the newlyrecognised pastor and deacon, as a proof of their approbation of the steps they had taken, which Mr. Wells and Pratt, with Mr. Milner, readily consented to. The morning services were certainly very solemn and impressive. In the afternoon Mr. Wells delivered the charge, selecting for his text Joshua i. 6: "Be strong, and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them." Mr. Wells said: "This is merely a formal ceremony with you, as it is quite evident from your statement this morning, that you have all the elements of a good minister of the Gospel. This is only the beginning of your usefulness; but I certainly believe the Lord intends you for a larger sphere of usefulness, either here or elsewhere; but I hope it may be here. I shall, therefore, address myself to you this afternoon, and notice, first, the land in which you are to work:-secondly, the people of the land:-thirdly, the oath of God:-and fourthly, the exhortation. "First, the land in which you are to work; this is gospel land, and here are some of the boundaries described: here is, first, the wilderness; that you are no stranger to, for you gave us a proof you know something of this wilderness state:-then you come to Lebanon, which signifies white, setting forth sanctification; here you know something of being cleansed from all sin by the blood of Christ: then you come to the great river Euphrates, which will mean fruitfulness, and that I am happy to say is to be found in you; and then comes the land of the Hittites: you must not fear them, neither have anything to do with them, or they will hold you tight; they are tites; and so you will find them; and coming unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun;' my fancy leads me to look at this sea as meaning eternity, it is toward the going down of the sun." Mr. Wells spoke of the seven fruits of the land, as described in the 8th of Deuteronomy: the wheat, he said, was Christian experience; the barley-cake next; "if you cannot get any wheat," said Mr. W., " roll in a cake of barley a piece of rough experience; this will do good at times, and will knock down all the camp of the Midianites; vines come next, then figtrees; and you will often find the figs will be needed to lay upon the sores of a poor sinner; it is also a land of pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; so your work will begin with wheat and end with honey. This is very remarkable." Mr. Wells also made a few remarks upon the 3rd chapter of the 1st of Timothy, in reference to the work of the ministry. In the evening Mr. Wells preached to the Church from the 2nd Corinthians vi. 6: "We then, as workers together with him, bescech you that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." He noticed, first, the position "with God," and then being workers together with him, and lastly, the admonition. Mr. Wells showed, "if we are with God, we must first be born again; we must know something of this change, and our being with him would mean, first, reconciliation-secondly, confirmation." Very blessedly did Mr. Wells open up the doctrine of reconciliation to God by the death of his dear Son-how far we had gone in sin from the Lord, how far sin had carried us, and would have eternally destroyed us, but Jesus went to the bottom of hell for his Church-he went further in his humiliation than Satan ever can in degradation. Christ went to the bottom of hell in his sufferings, but Satan can never go to the bottom of his punishment, so that his punishment is eternal. Christ never was degraded by the sufferings He endured; He was humiliated, and He went to the bottom of hell, put an end to sin, abolished death, and triumphed over the devil; and this He did for our reconciliation; we are not only reconciled to God, but we are reconciled to the doctrines of truth. Mr. Wells gave the Church good advice. Also to the pastor. Mr. Wells spoke very blessedly concerning the work being gospel work, and how the grace of God was received in vain; thus ended a happy day with the BETHEL CHAPEL, LEIGHTON BUZ ZARD.-ELECTION OF MR. BENJAMIN DAVIS, PASTOR OF THE CHURCH. Dear Brother,—In my last communication to you, I stated that Mr. James Wilkins resigned the charge of the church on April the 6th. Since that period, several brethren have supplied the pulpit; and at your suggestion, Mr. Benjamin Davis, of South Chard, was invited as a supply. Having heard him for three Sabbaths with pleasure and profit, the church have, after deliberation and seeking the guidance of Him who holds the stars in his right hand, come to the conclusion to give Mr. Davis an unanimous invitation to the pastorate. The invitation having been accepted, he will commence his stated labours here on the first Sabbath in June. Our young friend and brother appears designed for much usefulness in the vineyards of his Lord. May much of the unction of the Holy One rest upon him! Yours in the Immutable, WM. WOODSTOCK, [THIS is the second time we have been favoured to find a suitable and useful pastor for this people. We shall be much concerned to know that our brother Benjamin is even more successful than the Wiltshire Joseph, whose branches have indeed run over the wall. Surely this "Bethel" is highly favoured, first to have a good soldier of Jesus Christ in the person of the venerable Roberts, then to have a fruitful bough in the person of Joseph Wilkins, and now in Jacob's younger son, Benjamin Davis, to possess a faithful champion, full of holy fire and mental vigour! This is Bethel indeed!-Ed.] goats should take away sin." I believe God blessed the word. Our little place is in a cottage, top of Beehive Lane, Willow Street. If any of your readers cannot find it, I would refer them to Mr. Shadrick, Tobacconist, West Street, opposite the Batch; or Mr. Hains, Kingsland Road, Dings; or Mr. Baker, 7, James Street, Pennywell Road; or me, No. 4, New Bridge J. CORBET. Street, St. Philip's. THE CHURCHES IN CHATTERIS. MR. EDITOR,-In your VESSEL of late we hear of the Millennium. There are great mysteries belonging to the Millennium. We hope some of the voyagers now at sea will be skilful enough to discover the rocks, and not run foul and founder thereby; it will require more than human skill. We hope they will be directed by spiritual understanding. Mr. Palmer seems to have spiritual understanding in this very deep, mysterious sea, and we hope he will be patient, and not refractory with those who may venture to sail on, and try to discover the deep things hidden in this ocean. Some think the period is at hand; they think so, no doubt, from observations, from circumstances and events that occur. Now, Mr. Editor, if these observers lived at Chatteris, in the Isle of Ely, they might be ready to conclude that this blessed period was fast approaching, from what has, and is, taking place. The original old Baptist Chapel, formerly called "Ilive-end Chapel," or "Old Ladson's Chapel" (it is an endowed property, at about 801. or upwards per year), and was left by two females many years ago for the use of the particular Baptist interest, The before-mentioned person, Mr. Ladson (then Baptist minister of Needingworth), had the property for his life, and preached there once a month, if he was able; at his death, different ministers occupied the pulpit, and by the management of the trustees it has been car. ried out until the present time. The last A GOSPEL COTTAGE IN BRISTOL. minister that was elected, according to the deed, was Mr. Fisher, now dead. The few DEAR BANKS,-These five years have I years Mr. Fisher was the minister of the been running up and down this city, trying place, little, very little was done in the adto hear the sound of the glorious Gospel of vance. Mr. Fisher possessed very little philanJesus, but could find none until within these thropy. Since his death, different ministers, few weeks, when I met with a Mr. George as supplies, have occupied the pulpit, and now Harris, who speaks unto a few poor people a Mr. Griffiths has been elected; and, what in a small cottage. The first time I heard was never known before, he had a public tea him, my soul was knitted unto him. Oblige on Easter Monday last, invited several neighns with a corner in the VESSEL, that others, bouring ministers, and a pleasant and profitwho reside here, may have an opportunity of able season it was; peace and joy beamed coming to hear this man. He is truly one forth in each one's countenance, and the difdecided for the truth as it is in Jesus; a man ferent ministers spoke on different subjects called to endure persecution from those who given-to call the chapel by some definite profess godliness, but who deny its power.name" Bethel" was one, "Carmel" another, There is not, as yet, any Church formed, but we are looking unto the glorious Head of the Church to manifest his all-glorious love unto us, in making known his will towards us, in forming a church upon New Testament principles. On Monday, February 25th, my father, Mr. Corbet, of Frome, passed through Bristol, and spoke unto us from those words, "For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and of In and “Salem" the other; and the place is now called Salem; and yesterday (May 18th) Mr. Griffiths commenced a Sabbath school. Chatteris it is wonderful. The cause is "blossoming as a rose. Are not these signs of something delightful? The signs of the times indicate something to glory in. A benevolent fund is also commenced to assist the poor. May they go on and prosper, is my prayer. OBSERVER. FARNHAM. DEAR BROTHER,-I am now united with the Baptist Church at Farnham, Surrey. I have been with this people since October, 1854, and trust my labour has not been in vain in the Lord; travailing in birth for some, and in bonds for others. I am also favoured with solemn nearness at the Throne of Grace, enduring hardness as a good soldier of the Cross. I have the best of armour, and much liberty in declaring the counsel of God; and feel assured while the Lord is thus with me, no enemy shall shut the door against me. WILLIAM CÆSAR. Should the following example of female heroism be thought worthy of a place in your extensive periodical, you can insert the same at your convenience. BAPTIZING AT EARITH. In this village, about one and a half mile from Somersham, and adjacent to Bluntisham, is a Baptist cause of truth: there has been preaching here for years; the late Mr. John Nottage preached some time, and was settled as their Pastor for several years. Under his ministry, the cause was much strengthened; but latterly, it was in a low state. The Church was broken up, but still the cause continued; meetings for prayer and preaching by itinerant and occasionally by stated ministers on week labourers generally held on the Lord's-day, evenings, with a hope the Lord would arise and have mercy on this little hill of Zion; and often the labours of the servants of God were made a blessing. Let this encourage such dear servants of God as have no ministerial charge, and who often think their labour is in vain." At Perth, Robert Lamb and his wife Helen were condemned to die. Her husband was Last year, brother Whiting formed the accused of interrupting a friar, who declared scattered meinbers into a Church; and last in his sermon that no one could expect salva- October three believers were baptized. Brother tion without praying to the saints. Helen Rowles went to preach to them about eighteen was charged with refusing to pray to the months ago; under his ministry the conVirgin Mary when in child-birth, declaring gregation considerably increased, and the dethat she would only pray to God in the name sire for church union arose amongst the scatof Jesus Christ. Robert was condemned to tered flock. Our brother's labours are still be hanged, Helen to be tied in a sack and useful, and on the 1st of May two believers drowned, Helen, who loved her husband (brethren) were baptized by brother Whiting. dearly, implored, as a last favour, that she Brother Alderson gave an excellent address might be allowed to die with him; she was from the words "I have a baptism to be only permitted to accompany him to the baptized with; and how am I straitened till place of execution. As she went, she ex-it be accomplished." Brother Flory conducted horted him to patience and constancy in the cause of Christ. On parting with him, she said, "Husband, be glad, we have lived together many joyful days; and this day, on which we must die, we ought to esteem the most joyful of all, because now we shall have joy for ever. Therefore I will not bid you good night, for we shall shortly meet in the Kingdom of Heaven." She saw her husband expire, and was then taken to a pool of water in the neighbourhood, where she was herself to die. Having implored her neighbours to be kind to her fatherless and motherless children, with a look of bitter sorrow, she took from her bosom the infant she was suckling, and gave it to a nurse; she then met her fate with fortitude and calmness. Great was the power of faith which could thus give up husband and children-even life itself-for Christ. It was not alone in the times of early Christianity that women and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection." A few words might have saved her life; but then these few words would have involved a denial of her Saviour -so she remained unmoved. THE LATE HENRY LANGHAM. Our brother, the pastor of Squirries Street, Bethnal Green, left this world in peace and in faith, on Monday morning, May 19th, 1856. We hope next month to give fuller particulars of his life and death. the devotional parts of the service; a large concourse gathered to see the rite administered, and to hear for themselves. Brother Whiting preached in the evening from Acts ii. 42: the house of prayer was full, and the service profitable. GREAT YARMOUTH, SALEM CHAPEL. of his grace here. Lord's-day, 18th of May, THE Lord is giving testimony to the Word Mr. James Tann (after preaching from Acts viii. 37, a soul-refreshing discourse) was favoured to baptize two believers; one, his wife, daughter of the late Mrs. Goffin. It was a high day at Salem. ST. IVES, HUNTINGDONSHIRE. ANNIVERSARY of the Crown Yard Chapel was held on Tuesday, May 28th. Mr. J. C. Philpot preached in the morning from 1 John ii. 27, a solemn, a searching, and confirming discourse on the Divine Anointing. The chapel was so over full, that a larger place (the Înstitution) was obtained for the afternoon and evening, which was crowded. Mr. Tite preached in the afternoon from Deut. xxxii. 2. He said God's doctrine was not dry doctrine. It was said, "it shall drop as the rain." It was a good savoury discourse; the dear man shows that age tells upon him. In the evening, Mr. John Kershaw was highly favoured to preach as with the Holy Ghost sent from heaven. This was his text, "Thy blessing is upon thy people." It was a blessed day for the saints. Yours faithfully. FLORY. Somersham. |