" has failed me of all that the Lord has pro- board, I was reminded of the language contained in Psalm cii., "I watch, and am as a sparrow upon the housetop. Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me." For had you witnessed the conduct of those around me, both infidels and scoffers, you would have said with me, "Mine enemies are sworn against me;" although through rich grace my enemies were defeated and God glorified; for had my foot slipped, no doubt they would have rejoiced, and "eaten my sins like a sweet morsel." Here would I not praise sinful self, but record it in honor of that God who "does all things well." On May the 4th I thought of the brethren I had left behind, who often dropped a word which was like bread cast upon the waters; for it cheered my heart, and kept me heedful and cautious in my steps. After mentioning a few general particulars, the writer says-Thanks be to my heavenly Father, the voyage is over, with fearful things that made the faces of the scoffing crew look pale; but as I am let for twelve months to a farmer at Wilberforce, thirty-five miles from Sydney, and four from Windsor, a town containing a population of about 4,000, and in which there are Wesleyans, Roman Catholics, the Scotch Church, and the National Church. So, at the end of that time, should I be spared, I hope to find some one who knows himself and Jesus. N. C. Wilberforce, near Windsor, Australia, June 17, 1855. THE GREAT REFORMATION DOCTRINE; On Feb. 26 I wrote thus, upon those words in Ecclesiastes "Go thy way,' is God's divine and sovereign command; reason not; scruple not; ask no carnal questions; for I that bid thee go am infinite in wisdom; I am the infallible Jehovah; I am excellent in working; never did anything wrong yet. It THE RICHEST SOURCE OF CONSOLATION. is I that bid thee go; leave the result with me-I will perform my own pleasure; and what you know not now you shall know hereafter. I love thee too well to let any evil or harm befall thee; I will give thee some tokens of my love, make my word meat for thee, and thou shalt love and praise me too. I am unchangeably the same in my love towards thee, therefore I will be thy Guide in all thy movements; I will keep thee every moment; I will water thee with dew from heaven; electing love thou shalt delight in preservation and final perseverance. Thou shalt experience safety in all thy seeming dangers, help in all thy troubles, light to guide thy way in sorrow to thy heavenly Father. Thou shalt cry to me, and I will answer thee. Thus thou shalt obtain favour of the Lord, and have the satisfaction of knowing that I, the mighty Jehovah, regards thy cry, and acceptest thee as my child. Thus honored thou standest in a dignified position, higher than the noblemen of this world-that is, those who are destitute of my grace and love." I have found it an unspeakable blessing to have the Word of God to rest upon, assuring me that the Lord accepted my works; I do not mean meritoriously-but accepted them in that obedience which he required of me. On April 26, my heart was full of fears; and as there were no God-fearing people on The Evangelical Preacher for December (Sangster and Fletcher) contains some portions of Latimer's Sermons, which for substantial Gospel truths, can hardly be excelled. Truly the Editor says, "Luther could not have spoken more in harmony with Paul's teaching, than does Latimer." We wish we could print the following sentences in what the printers call, "Canon Type:" yea, more, we wish it to be read, received, rejoiced in, and fed upon, by tens of thousands of our people. Nothing short of a living faith in, and a powerful realization of THE GRAND TRUTHS OF THE GOSPEL, could have supported our fathers in going forth to meet the flames. Nothing short of a full and faithful publication of the same, can be food for the living church of God, even in these days. Ministering brethren! we beseech you to read old Latimer's Grimsthorpe Sermon ON JUSTI. FICATION BY CHRIST ALONE. It was on Twelfth Day, in 1553. Here is a precious slice off it. Say, ye hungry, thirsty soulsis not this Gospel that you dearly love? Latimer calls it, "A GOOD STAY AGAINST THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE DEVIL." "I desire you in the reverence of God to bear away this one sentence, which I will tell you now; for it shall be a good stay against the temptations of the devil. The sentence is this: Quod lex præstare non poteurat, 'That the law could not do, for it was letted by the flesh; what can the law do when it hath no let? Marry, it can justify. Sed infirmabatur per carmen; that is to say, 'by the infirmity of our flesh' man was not able to do it; the lack was in us; for we are wicked, and the law is holy and good. Now that which we lacked, that same hath God fulfilled and supplied, misso Filio suo; in that he hath sent his Son to supply that which man's work could not do: and with his fulfilling of the law and painful death he merited, that as many as believe in him, though they had done all the sins of the world, yet shall they not be damned, but are righteous before the face of God, believing in Christ; so that remission of sins and everlasting life may be sought no where else but only in Christ. Qui proprio Filio non pepercit. sed dedit pro nobis, He that spared not his only Son, but gave him for us, why should he not have given us all things with him?' By this text it appeareth, that he which hath Christ, hath all things. He hath Christ's fulfilling of the law; he hath remission of his sins; and so, consequently, everlasting life. Is not this a comfort? What greater consolation, comfort, and heart-ease can there be in heaven and earth, than that; namely, to be sure of the remission of thy sins, and that Christ bound himself unto the law, to that end that he might fulfil it to the uttermost? This, I say, is the greatest comfort; specially when the devil goeth in hand with us, and casteth our sins in our teeth; as, no doubt he forgetteth them not, but hath them (as they say) at his finger's end; when he will so go to work with us, saying, 'Sir, thou art damned; thou art a sinful wicked man; thou hast not kept God's most holy commandments; God must needs judge thee according unto his law.' "Now then, when I have the grace to have in remembrance the circumcision of Christ: when I remember that Christ hath fulfilled the law for me; that he was circumcised, that he will stand between me and my damnation when I look not upon my works, to be saved by them, but only by Christ; when I stick unto him; when I believe that my soul is washed and made clean through his blood; then I have all his goodness, for God hath given him unto me; and when I believe in him, I apply all his benefits unto me. I pray God, the Almighty, to give us such a heart that we may believe in him; for he is finis legis, 'the end of the law;' perfunctio legis, the fulfilling of the same, to the salvation of all that believe on him!' What can be more comfortable? Therefore let us believe on him and be thankful.” ZOAR BAPTIST CHAPEL, POPLAR. THE fourth anniversary of the pastorate of Mr. R. Bowles, was held Lord's-day, December 9th; brother H. Langham, of Squirriesstreet, preached an excellent discourse; (and although suffering from bodily indisposition) the power and presence of the great "Master of Assemblies was richly enjoyed. Brother Thomas Chivers preached in the afternoon; his subject being, "The Church's complete salvation, and ultimate glorification;" brother W. Bidder in the evening, producing a "Thus saith the Lord," for all that was advanced by him. On the following Tuesday, Mr. James Wells preached to the people from Ruth ii. 2. We think that this sermon (under the blessing of God) was calculated "to strengthen the weak hands, and to confirm the feeble knees," as well as to find out and to feed the little ones in the "household of faith." A large number sat down to tea, after which a public meeting was held. Mr. Bowles presided. Brother Cause invoked the divine blessing. The senior deacon stated the Lord's goodness manifested towards them as a church, whose hands had been strengthened, and his ministry greatly blessed. Many had been added to the church, the congregation increased, and a debt of nearly forty pounds cleared off, in addition to the expenses of the chapel. The meeting was addressed by brethren Edgecombe, Chivers, J. Wells, J. A. Jones, Bracher, and J. Chislett. Brother Langham concluded in prayer. The following lines were composed for the occasion by one of the friends. Our aged brother J. A. Jones gave them out in a clear, strong voice, determined to let all HEAR; and the friends sung them with life, and in real earnest. O Lord, when we behold and see Thy wond'rous works and ways; To bless thy guardian hand. To our Redeemer's crown. That would our grapes devour. W. TAFFS. ANGER and malice, like strong acids or salt, corroding humours, turn the pure milk of the word sour, so that we get no nutriment from it; so we must see to it that we lay aside all malice, envy, and evil-speaking, and as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word. REVIEWS. "The Shepherd and his Flock, or the Covenant Engagements of Christ for his people." Such is the title of a neat little work, recently published by Houlston and Stoneman; being the substance of three sermons preached by JOSEPH HAMBLIN, late of Foot's Cray, Kent. Our brother Jones, late of Chatham, has written, at the beginning, "a word for the reader," which is so informatory of the nature and claims of this work, that we quote it entire. He says, "My brother Hamblin has opened up with much clearness and beauty, a difficult passage of Holy Writ; while he has not aimed at the gratification of the curious, but to exhibit its practical, edifying sense and meaning, as calculated to instruct and strengthen the people of God. In his elucidation of the text, he proceeds so scripturally, comparing spiritual things with spiritual,' assuming nothing, bespeaking no confidence in the preacher's judgment, but calmly and skilfully, placing the words of the Holy Ghost before his readers, he commends his subject to the enlightened conscience, and we find ourselves learning, not of the minister, but of the Master. I willingly take upon myself the responsibility of advising the publication of these discourses. The carnal or merely literary taste will find no treat here; but the living, thinking soul, cannot fail to derive profit far exceeding the cost of the book. "For the information of those who do not know the Author, I beg leave to add, that he is a plain, honest servant of Jesus Christ; diffident to excess; has been deeply tried; and is remarkable in his ministry for confirming the sentiments he advances with a 'Thus saith the Lord."" The text is Zechariah xi. 7., "I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; aud I fed the flock." In a pleasing, edifying, and simple style, our brother has penned this beautiful passage. We were tempted to quote a portion; but we would rather our readers should read the whole. This little volume is dedicated by the preacher, to his Christian friends in different places where he has laboured; and to them, as well as to many believers, the work will be acceptable. We have known Joseph Hamblin at least fifteen years, as a solid, consistent, and faithful minister of Christ. We should rejoice to see him happily and usefully settled with a peace and truth-loving people; among whom he might spend the closing days of his earthly career. "Joseph and Jesus: being an Attempt to shed New Testament Light upon Old Testament History." By Rev. W. Lincoln, (late Curate of Pudsey, Leeds; now Minister of St. John's, London Road. (Published by Houlston and Stoneman,) Mr. Lincoln has here presented the church of Christ with a well-studied history of the life, the sufferings, and the honors of Joseph, which he makes very profitably to preach unto us, JESUS, THE SINNER'S FRIEND. A brief quotation from the Preface, will bespeak attention, inasmuch as it breathes so much of that sweet spirit under the influence of which the Author writes and preaches. He tells us― "The object of the following pages is to testify of the Person, Work, Love, Grace, Preciousness, Fulness, and Glory of Christ. I am well aware this can never be adequately and fully accomplished. No christian, nay, no saint triumphant, can achieve this; and less, far less, can burning seraph or lofty archangel. They may be, and ever are, telling of Jesus' blessed love; but never, never, can it be said that they have told it. The Love of Jesus is an ocean without shore, or bottom, or brim. The Grace of Jesus is infinite. The Preciousness of Jesus must be felt, must be experienced. The Fulness of Jesus is inexhaustible. The Glory of Jesus is best seen from the Cross, where all the divine attributes meet together in one undazzling focus; but which still, even there, can only be surveyed, cannot be comprehended. Why then attempt a theme confessedly ineffable? Say, rather, Why not? It ravishes the saint, it renews the sinner, it oft rouses the careless, godless slumberer and sleeper. To think and speak of Jesus, under the Spirit's blessing, enlarges the soul, elevates the affections, purifies the heart and sanctifies the life. It pleases the eternal Father, it accords with the design of the ever-blessed Spirit, it glorifies the Saviour. Understand me. I do not mean that you bring any accession of any good thing to Jesus which he had not before. Far from that. Every good thing comes from him (James i. 17). Therefore you cannot glorify him thus: to attempt to bring anything to him is to dishonour him. But he is glorified by being known; and he is the more glorified the more he is known." "Only One Life."-London: J. Groom, Bazaar, Soho Square. In the midst of much that is excellent in this small tract, the following address to such as are real labourers in the Lord's vineyard, contains some striking sentiments, The writer says— "To you, my beloved friends, who in various ways are labouring in the Lord's vineyard, desiring to spend and be spent for Christ, how solemn, how impressive, how animating the thought,-only one life! With you life is a reality-you have a mission to perform-you live for eternity. Kingdoms may decay, thrones crumble into dust, the proudest monuments of human power be as though they had never been, but the results of your labours will endure for ever. The light first kindled in the soul by means of the humble Sunday-school teacher, tract distributor, or visitor to the sick man's chamber, will never, never go out, but will continue to shine brighter and brighter through the countless ages of eternity. And one soul converted seldom fails to lead to the conver-emorials of Departed Saints. sion of others, and these again to others. pious pedlar leaves a little tract at the house prac BOROUGH. of Richard Baxter, and which proves the DEATH OF MR. R. J. HEAD, PETERmeans under God of his conversion. Baxter's "Saint's Rest" is made instrumental in the conversion of Doddridge, whose "Rise and Progress" was blessed to the soul of Wilber-ON Friday morning, December 21st, died, at force. But the history of that little tract does Peterborough, after some months of suffernot stop here. Wilberforce wrote "The ing, from disease of the heart, Mr. Richard tical view of Christianity," which was made John Head, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. useful in the conversion of Leigh Richmond, The deceased was well known for many years, the author of the "Dairyman's Daughter," either personally or by hearsay, as a lover and and that again has been made useful to thou-receiver of all good men; and his house and sands of others. None, my friend, but God heart were open to receive and welcome all can calculate the full amount of good which ministers of truth. In the year 1824, he has already resulted from the tract of the (with others) was instrumental in erecting poor pedlar left at the rich man's door. Be Zion Chapel, for the preaching of the una encouraged then, and go forward in your dulterated Gospel of Christ-of which the sublime and glorious mission." The Royal Diadem: or, The Glorious Gospel Church.-Six numbers of this new monthly periodical have been sent us for review. It is published by Aylott & Co.,-three-halfpence for each number; and contains articles somewhat answering to its noble and dignified title. We are told by the Editor that some good people thought it necessary to publish a magazine having less of the creature; and more of Jesus. Beyond all question, if "The Royal Diadem" continues to furnish savoury, original, and sound expositions of CHRIST JESUs, and His great salvation for and in His people, it will find many friends. We hope more carefully to peruse the numbers now before us; and heartily pray that the proprietors, and editors may have less of the sorrows, and more of the joys than have fallen to our lot. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT-A discussion on Capital Punishment took place on Tuesday Evening, 9th of October, 1855, at the Mechanies' Lecture Room, Lewis. The gentlemen who conducted it, according to previous announcement, were Mr. J. L. Dunlop, Minister of the Old Chapel, Lewis, and A. H. Dymond, Esq., of London, Secretary to the Society for the Abolition of the Punishment of Death. The room was crowded in every part, and great interest was manifested by the audience. The report of the discussion, has been published by Messrs. Cash, of London; and Mr. A. Morris, of Lewis; and is worthy the careful perusal of all whose minds are exerercised on a subject so painful. now venerable John Carter was minister for nearly thirty years. But some few years ago, that spirit of division which, of late, has unhappily crept into so many churches, with an "I am for Paul, and I for Apollos," came upon, or into the church at Peterborough; and the very small church and congregation was split into three sections. Last year, Mr. Carter, through age and infirmity, resigned the pastorate of Zion, and Mr. Tryon, who had ministered to another section, was led to desire to see peace, and union once more established, declined also, and that union is now, I trust, accomplished. And the old chapel of Zion has been considerably enlarged; and to use a phrase of Dr.Watts' (not invidiously,) new modelled with the new name of Salem. May the Lord grant, it may answer to its name, by the enjoyment of peace and harmony. The deceased had expressed an anxious wish to be present at the re-union and opening of the chapel, which is fixed for the 27th instant, by Messrs. Philpot, Godwin, and Brown. But the Lord, trust, has taken him to enjoy a more perfect union with saints above. The deceased has met with some censure, and a few Shimeis. It may be the Lord had bidden them. But I wish to speak of the good traits of his character; there were many redeeming points. He had his failings; who has not ? Let them be buried with his old Adam nature, from whence they had their rise. J. C. DEATH OF MR. MARK HEPWORTH. DEAR SIR,-I take it upon me to send you a short account respecting the death of Mr. Mark Hepworth, who died on the 22nd THERE are some new works which, although of October, 1855. He was a deacon of the we do not review them, they are deserving and under the pastoral care of Mr. J. Chislett, church formerly meeting in Princess-street, (in a literary point of view)-of some notice: such as, "Krummacher's Suffering Saviour;" "The Man Christ Jesus," by Robert Craig; "The Religious State and Prospects of Sweden," &c., &c. A little penny book, published by J. Ragg, Birmingham, and James Paul, London, The Mighty Cross," is a precious poem for such as love the great, the essential gospel theme. but now meeting at Hill-house, near Huddersfield. The little church here has been bereaved beloved by all who knew him in the Gospel of one of its valuable members. He was for his simplicity of manners, his humble deportment, and especially for his love to the people of God. He was a father in Israel; always ready with his counsel and advice, towards furthering the cause of God, which lay near his heart; and though 76 years of age, he was always found in the house of God, the honourable office of deacon, which he and at the means of grace encouraging fulfilled faithfully, "purchasing unto himself his brethren and sisters to seek the prosperity a good degree;" which office he held till his of Zion, by earnest and fervent prayer for the death. outpouring of the Divine Spirit upon his ministers, who came to preach unto them "the unsearchable riches of Christ." His sickness was but short about a fortnight he was confined to his home and bed. Several of his brethren visited him, and found him always happy, resting entirely upon the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ, for his acceptance; and at the closing scene the last words he uttered were,-"Grace! grace!" Thus he lived, and thus he died, resting upon the rich, free, sovereign, unmerited grace of God. I should like to give the readers of the VESSEL Some interesting account of his life; but it will be found in his own words, in a speech delivered by him at a tea meeting in Princess Street, at which were present Mr. Chislett, Mr. Corbitt, and several other friends. (See EARTHEN VESSEL for January, 1852). It will well repay any Christian to look for the above interesting account of "Old Mark," as he was generally called. It is entitled, "The Gospel in Yorkshire." For him to live was Christ, to die was gain. Franklin, of Golcar, preached his funeral sermon to an overflowing congregation from the words of Balaam, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." I am, dear Sir, your's truly, His pastor, Mr. James Wells, improved the solemn event, by a very excellent sermon, which he preached on Sunday evening, the 23rd of December, from Psa. xxiii. 4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." We understand the sermon is to be published. The spacious chapel was crowded in every corner, and the pulpit hung deeply with black cloth. MRS. GILES, of Netherlegh House, Chester, peacefully breathed her last, without a struggle or a groan, on the 15th of December, aged fifty-seven years. Abundant evidence was afforded for years before, and on the bed of death, that Christ was the foundation of her every hope for salvation; and her mind was kept in perfect peace and hope to the last moment, through manifest union to him. Mr. CONFORMITY TO THE LORD. SAMUEL TAYLOR. Albion Street, Huddersfield. MR. JABEZ KEEBLE. WE have this month to record the sudden demise of Mr. JABEZ KEEBLE, one of the valuable deacons of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough-road, London; who, after a journey of fifty years in this wilderness world, departed to join the church triumphant in glory, without a sigh, a struggle, or a groan, on Wednesday, the 12th day of December, 1855. He had for some time past been laid by from attending his usual avocation; but on the day named was considered something better, and was sitting up with his son. Suddenly his head dropped towards his shoulder. His son noticing it, asked him if he should hold his head. The good man replied, "No! let me die." And quickly his ransomed spirit left the clay tabernacle, to be for ever with the Lord. He was called to a knowledge of the truth under the ministry of the late Mr. Joseph Irons, of Camberwell; but hearing one day that a Mr. Wells was preaching a doctrine somwehat contrary to the Scriptures of truth, he went to hear him one Sabbath afternoon, some twenty-three years ago, at what was then called the Paragon Chapel, Bermondsey New Road, where Mr. Wells then preached on the Lord's-day afternoon, and where Mr. Chivers now preaches. The things advanced by Mr. Wells were blessed to the soul of Mr. Keeble, and from then till now he has regularly attended his ministry. Some six or seven years ago, he was chosen to "O, that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes !"-Pea. cxix. 8. My heart often sighs for yon heaven, And set me on high with my Jesus. I'm weary of sin and pollution; And the world's tainted breath I look on thy children uniting, Or sure I shall ne'er Go after the steps of my Jesus. I love thee, my dearest Emanuel! Blest Spirit Eternal, deliver My soul from this burthensome fear; Give grace, Lord, to stand AUTHOR OF "A CLOSET COMPANION." if we would not have one of his arrows in We must stand away from the devil's mark our side. We must keep out of the whirl of temptation, or our heads will soon be dizzy. |