May the Lord reward their labors of love with many tokens of his love and mercy! Some have thought the obscurity and uncomfortability of the place we meet in, was a great obstacle to the prosperity of the cause, but thanks be to God who has put it into the heart of a kind and generous friend to build us a neat little place in a very beautiful situation, in the centre of a population of about 100,000 souls: the place is nicely fitted up with pews and forms to accommodate about 150, entirely at the good man's own expence.

why the bush is not burnt; and may the good wiil of him that dwelt in the bush arrest their attention and break down their hearts, and lead them with weeping and supplication to his throne of grace and mercy. There are ten members from Stallybridge and ten from Ashton joined together in fellowship, and may it please the Lord to cement us together with true Christian love, that we love one another with pure heart fervently. I forgot to mention that the place of worship is situate at the top of Currier Lane, Ashtonunder-lyne.

I think there is a good field of usefulness here for a faithful gospel minister: and our hearts are going out to the Lord to send us a labourer into his vineyard.

4, Kay Street, Feb. 2. GEORGE WOOD.

MOUNT ZION,

HILL STREET, DORSET SQUARE.

On Lord's-day, Jan. 27th, through the tender mercy of a covenant God in Christ, and by the mighty working power of God the Holy Ghost, we have been favoured to witness the baptising of nineteen persons on the above-named night, by our beloved pastor, J. Foreman. One of this number is one of God's ancient people, being a natural descendant of Abraham; and now, by sovereign grace, made a partaker of the faith of Abraham, and of the true circumcision in the heart. The chapel attentive and well-conducted audience; and was crowded in every available place, by an from Matt. iii. 1, which we pray and trust our brother preached a sermon on baptism in of still more of the ransomed by blood, the may be blessed of our God to the gathering trophies of conquering grace, and the objects of everlasting love. Peace reigns, prosperity church increased; and, above all, which engladdens our hearts; prayer is answered, the To our God be all the glory, and from us unsures these blessings, the truth is maintained. ceasing prayer with thanksgiving. W. H.

Is this not an example worthy of being made known to the ends of the earth? In the midst of our difficulties, this man came forward and nobly proposed to the friends of truth in Ashton and Stally bridge that he would build us a place one story at the end of two cottages, and give us a written document that we should have it for seven years at one shilling per year, if we would furnish the inside. This was cheerfully accepted, and we commenced building on this proposition; but some of the friends wished him to raise it the same height as the cottages, so that we might put a small gallery in: he agreed to this, though it put him to about 50 pounds extra expence; but we agreed to pay him interest for this at five per cent. The place was furnished; and the contractor wanted his money for the inside work; but we had scarcely one third of it ready; some were unable to pay, and some unwilling; here we were ashamed and grieved, not knowing what to do; and it pressed out many a sigh from my soul for the Lord to appear for us; so he did, by the same worthy friend. He now came forward and promised to return all the money that had been collected for fitting up the place, and to let it us for 5 pounds per year, and we have taken the place on these conditions. I am sorry to have to say that the good intentions of the man has been watched with as much jealousy as if he was going to make 50 per cent by his money; and he has often been much hurt by the cold attention paid to the subject; but surely the great goodness the Lord has manifested unto us, will lead the people to repentance and to be more diligent in business and more fervent in spirit in the service of God! We applied to the two great gospel illuminators of Lanca- On Monday, February 4th, the half-yearly shire to open our place, but they refused to Tea meeting was held; when about ninety lend us a ray of their light; they pass us by persons took tea, which is considered a goodwith as cold indifference as the priest and Le-ly number, as Zoar is but a small place, not vite of old. May the Lord lead them to con- seating more than 120 persons. sider the obligations they are under as his our pastor took the chair, and the public servants-to follow the example of the good meeting commenced by singing a very approSamaritan. May the Lord in his mercy de- priate hymn composed for the occasion. Broliver us from such a spirit of prejudice and ther Battson then implored the Divine blesbigotry, and enable us to maintain that liberty sing; and our pastor rose to speak of some of and freedom which our forefathers bought the wonders which our Saviour had wrought so dearly with their blood: and may we by for us: he said it was twelve months that day his grace be enabled to stand fast in the liber- since he first came to Holloway as a supply, ty of the gospel, and not be entangled with at which time things appeared to be in a low any yoke but the sweet and easy yoke which state, but he was happy to say the Lord has the gospel imposes upon us as believers in the been pleased to grant us a revival. Since Lord Jesus Christ; and may he bless us with May last, he had baptised 17 persons; five a deep concern to walk as becometh the gospel have also been received by dismission; making of peace, and to let our light shine before men. an increase of 22 members. He then stated And, oh, may we have the happy privilege of what things he considered necessary for the seeing many care less sinners turning aside prosperity of Zion; first, increase of popula into our little place to see the strange sight-tion,-children must be born in her; second,

ZOAR CHAPEL, HOLLOWAY.

After tea,

good commerce, there must be constant com-
munication between the inhabitants, and the
throne of heaven; third, pure air,-a pure
gospel ministry, and the breathing forth of
the Holy Spirit, felt and enjoyed are indis-
pensable. Having tuned our voices once
more in praise, Mr. Whittle addressed the
meeting, both pleasingly and profitably upon
the things hinted at by our pastor. Another
song, in which all united, was sung; Mr.
Banks addressed the meeting, grounding his
remarks on Psalm cxxii. 1. He first shewed
what it was that caused gladness in going to
the house of the Lord, and what it was that
caused sorrow; giving us a little of his own
experience in this matter. It being now
quite time to close the meeting, we once more
raised our voices in a song of praise, and Bro-
ther Terry closed the meeting with prayer.
J. B.

WILLENHALL.

FROM Mr. William Stokes's "History of the Midland Association," we take the follow. ing brief review of the church Mr. Samuel Cozens has just left.

nation. An unprejudiced reading of this book, under God, will go far to settle unstable minds as regards the true Scripture character of Church order, as observed by the Strict Baptist churches in this country.-ED.

BAPTIST CHURCH, NEWICK.

DEAR SIR,-I hope I can say the cause of Christ, in this place, is steadily moving onward. We commenced the year by holding a tea meeting on new year's day. The friends began to assemble about 4 o'clock in the afternoon; and a good number sat down to a very comfortable tea about 5 o'clock, in the chapel. After all had comfortably regailed themslves, the chapel began to fill; and at half-past 6, the public meeting commenced. Mr. Warren, minister, in the chair, began by singing

"Kindred in Christ for his dear sake," &c.

Mr. Pennett then engaged in prayer; and the chairman opened the meeting by expressing the pleasure he felt in meeting so many friends at the very threshold of the year; remarking that in the past year many changes had taken place in many respects; and in re

called

After a

"The Baptist cause in this rapidly-increa-ferring to the state of many churches, he was sing town may be dated from the year 1784, others declining; but it was not so at Newick. sorry to say some were shaken, some divided, when Mr. Richard Bayliss, of Cosely, was invited to preach in a private house that had During the past year, they had much to be thankful for; been occupied in the previous year by a pious and the church had increased, and he hoped the congregation had increased, student of Lady Huntingdon's connection, Mr. Thomas Jones. This young man is tra- they would see better days. He then called ditionally reported to have preached the first on brother Baddock, who gave a very suitable gospel sermon ever heard in Willenhall. Mr. the words "Behold how good it is for brethren to address taking as the ground for his remarks Bayliss was soon after joined in this holy work dwell together in unity," and "Let brotherly by Mr. Bissell and Mr. Smith, both of Cosely, love continue." by whom, unitedly, the gospel continued to be of love, the blessedness of that love, as the He spoke of the ancient date preached with manifest tokens of a divine blessing until 1792. The baptized believers essence of all real religion. The chairman then having increased to thirteen in number, they address in reference to the times and seasons, upon Mr. Bennett, who gave a suitable were formed into a separate church by dismis- and expressed his happiness in meeting on such sion from Cosely, and at once gave a call to Mr. Bayliss to become their pastor, which he an occasion; and shewed why he thought it accepted. This holy, man laboured among few congratulatory remarks from the chairgood to begin the year in this way. then with much success until 1804, when he was removed to his reward. The church join-man, a verse or two of that well known hymn ed the Association in 1792. The private house was exchanged for a small meeting-house, and blessing continuing to attend the 'supplies' who followed Mr. Bayliss, a chapel was opened in 1811, and the cause carried on under much encouragement until 1828, when Mr. Wassell became the second pastor. He held this office until 1840, Mr. J Davis being or dained co-pastor in October of that year. Mr. Francis followed Mr. Davis. In 1844 Mr. Jones became pastor, and in 1850, Mr. S. Cozens succeeded to the pastorate, and holds the office at the present time. After being a member of the Association for sixty-two years the church withdrew in 1854, but the reasons for this step are not stated on the minutes. The last report from this church was in 1851, the members at that period being 105 in number."

We may remark that the more we look into Mr. Stokes's volume, the more we are convinced that an extensive circulation of this volume, would be useful to the Baptist denomi

was sung

"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in christian love,
The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above."

The Chairman pronounced the benediction; and the meeting separated about nine o'clock, many declaring it was the happiest meeting they ever attended.

We have also to record, to the honour of our gracious Lord, and perhaps for the encouragement of some of the tried ones-that the Lord hath visited his people. We were favoured to meet at the water again on the last Lord'sday in January. Mr. Warren baptised two persons, in the midst of a chapel filled with people. He remarked, that ten months ago that day he was baptising in that place, and one of the present candidates was there as a mere spectator. Wonder, O heavens, and bo astonished, O earth!" It was here the Lord met her; stopped her; convinced her of her sin, and sent her home a poor broken hearted

72

sinner. He also remarked, that the Lord had ANOTHER DEBORAH! A MOTHER IN ISRAEL INDEED! favoured him greatly-he led five down into the water, and they were evidently seals to his ministry. One of that number, a poor, afflicted person, who was getting very pious in her way, had just obtained a new prayer book, and was very devout-but in the evening she must needs come to Chapel, and more than once the Lord gave her such a sense of her sinnership, that she was constrained to lay aside the new prayer book; and her prayers were now groans and sighs. The Lord her a sense of her sin, and cloathed her with shame, that she felt so ashamed of herself that she looked for somewhere to creep out of the sight of Jehovah. But there is no doing this. Blessed be his dear name, mercy and goodness follow his loved ones. I name this as an encouragement to some one in like trials.

GOOD TIDINGS FROM AMERICA!

gave

"True religion's more than notion, Something must be known and felt."

ZION CHAPEL, WHITTLESEA.

"A ministerial Watch-word for 1858," by the pastor, Mr. David Ashby, has been printed and published. While that address urges home important and seasonable truths, it indirectly tells us, the pastor is happy and useful in his work-the people do not forget him, and the cause prospers under him. These are happy tidings in such days of declension and division as are fast coming on us.

"HIMSELF HATH DONE IT."
ISAIAH XXXVIII. 15.

Himself hath done it all-O how those words
Should bush to silence every murmuring thought
Himself hath done it-he who loves me best;

MY DEAR BROTHER.-At the request of our venerable brother, Mr. Samuel Lane, I have enclosed two letters from a departed sister in the Lord, once living in Hull, but for many years of the latter part of her life, she resided in America. Should you deem them worthy of a place in your EARTHEN VESSEL, you will oblige several readers of that periodical. They appear to breathe the savoury and holy truths of the everlasting gospel. You will be pleased to hear that our venerable brother Lane, in the 82nd year of his age, yet proclaims the glorious gospel of the blessed God; and that at times with the vigour of a man at 50: the Lord hath enabled him to preach a full, and free, and finished salvation in Hull for more than 40

years. Praying that all covenant blessings
may abound towards you, Yours in Jesus,
15, New King St.,
Hull, Feb. 13.

J. CLARK.

To Mr. Samuel Lane.

MY VERY DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD.— I received your kind letter dated Feb. 18th, in answer to mine; and a short time ago I received by the ship Aurora the books, and the handsome little present from your dear daughter. I would have written sooner, but the Lord was pleased to lay me down in a bed of sickness. The mountain was so great that I fell under it; all my friends had given me up, and they expected that the Lord was

He who my soul with his own blood hath bought. about uniting me to my dear Bond, but they

Himself hath done it,- Can it then be aught
Than full of wisdom, full of tenderest love!
Not one unneeded sorrow will he send,

To teach this wandering heart no more to rove.
Himself hath done it,-Yes, although severe
May seem the stroke, and bitter be the cup,
"Tis his own hand that holds it, and I know
He'll give me grace to drink it meekly up.
Himself hath done it,-O, no arm but his
Could e'er sustain beneath earth's dreary lot;
But while I know he's doing all things well,
My heart his loving-kindness questions not.
Himself hath done it,-he who's search'd me
through,

Sees how I cleave to earth's ensnaring ties;
And so he breaks each feed on which my soul
Too much for happiness and joy relies.

Himself hath done it,-he would have me see,

What broken cisterns human friends must prove;
That I may turn and quench my burning thirst
At his own fount of ever-living love.

Himself hath done it, then I fain would say,
Thy will in all things evermore be done;
E'en though that will remove whom best I love,
While Jesus lives I cannot be alone.

Himself hath done it,-precious, precious words;
Himself! my Father, Saviour, Brother, Friend;
Whose faithfulness no variation knows,
Who having loved me, loves me to the end.
And when in his eternal presence blest,
I at his feet my crown immortal cast;
I'll gladly own, with all his ransomed saints,
Himself hath done it all-from first to last.

Yes!

were mistaken; it was not an affliction, but
it proved a blessing. No tongue can tell the
happiness I felt. I was carried far above all
things. O if I could give you an idea of
the blessed dreams and visions I had?
and at the very time that my friends thought
the breath was leaving me, I felt, and was
confident that the time of my departure was
not then come; and I felt assured that I
would be raised up again in his name, and
declare the truth.

At the time of my illness there was one thing troubled me. An Arminian preacher called to see me; and shortly after there was a story in circulation, stating that I had changed my views, and that I had sent for this man. Immediately thought on dear Toplady. If the Lord was about to take me, I prayed that he might give me strength to be taken out to some public place, that I might declare that my soul was once more established, rooted, and grounded in that one everlasting, electing, and predestinating love of the One Trinity-that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Í have been more blessed, if possible, than ever, with living in that new creation-that is, living with Christ, my All, and in all. I can truly say with Paul, that "It is not I who sinned, but sin that dwelleth in me."

I have received several letters of consola

tion from those whom I believe are brethren that the Holy Ghost will lift the glorious in the faith; and they are in the ministryone from England, and others from different parts of America; and I have received many calls from my brethren in the Lord.