BAPTISING AT BROSELEY: (To the Editor of the Earthen Vessel.) THOUGH long silent, I am neither quite idle, nor unobservant of passing events; but having nothing very pleasant to communicate, I have deferred writing from time to time. It is true I might have written of severe exercises, of gracious help, of deep depression, of timely relief! of weary conflict, of interposing mercy of sad desertion, and sweet visitation! but as, in this, self must in some measure be the theme, I forbear, and send you a little sketch of a day of mercy enjoyed in this land of coldness and death. Some of your readers in the neighbourhood of Plymouth will doubtless remember a good brother, named Veale, who laboured with some degree of usefulness at Kingsbridge, among the inhabitants for eleven years, and at times rendered help to the friends at Trinity Chapel, as well as other places. Circumstances which I need not enter into led him from that part of the country to Birmingham, where he became known to me before my visit to Plymouth last September. He had often spoken to me on the subject of Baptism, and asked me if I would baptise him. As I am not in much hurry in these matters, desirous of knowing something of those I am permitted to lead into that holy rite, I did not hastily conclude upon doing so; but our intimacy increasing, and opportunity being given, I found my good brother to be what I hopeda living, walking, christian man, and one calculated to be of some use in the church of God. He occasionally preached for me at Wolverhampton, which led to his being invited to Broseley, where my good brother's labours were very acceptable; and the request was again renewed that I would baptise him, to which I assented. And on Sabbath Day, April 22nd, I attended at Broseley for that purpose. On reaching there, to my pleasing surprise, I had not only to baptise my good brother, but three others also; and I could but remark a singular circumstance. On my first visit to Brosely on Whit-sunday, 1853, to preach the anniversary sermons for the school, was requested to marry two young couples on the Monday morning, and on this present visit I found two of the candidates were one of these two couples that were then married: the other was a female beyond middle age, who had been waiting for seven years, but at last constrained to yield to the force of truth and conscience. The scene on Sabbath morning reminded me of what I heard of that interest in former days: the chapel well filled with an interesting congregation; the friends delighted that once more they were about to enjoy the Lord's mercy in the scene before them. I trust the Lord's presence and blessing was enjoyed while a few plain remarks were made relative to the subject that brought us together. I aimed to make a few remarks, from "What saith the Scripture?" and I am thankful to acknowledge the Lord's help. After the service I then related the features of the Lord's dealings with my good brother as the foundation upon which I administered the ordinance, and admitted him to that holy rite -that, not in his ministerial capacity, but as a believer in Christ Jesus, and one that had found mercy, I gladly and cheerfully complied with his request, blessing God that he had learned to prize a good conscience before the frowns of the world or those brethren who set aside the plainest dictates of the word of God. The scene was solemn. The Lord's presence and blessing was enjoyed; and I trust others were stirred up to ask seriously some solemn questions between God and conscience. There was one thing that seemed a little to mar the day: necessity was laid upon me to reach Wolverhampton in time for the evening service, as I promised to preach to my own people there that eve. I have heard that the church at Brosely have since given our good brother an invitation for twelve months, which he has accepted; and as he is a living, walking christian, I trust the Lord will make him a blessing to that part of Zion. There is a vast field of labour for a man of God and truth. My prayer is that God may pour out his Spirit upon preacher and people, and that the union thus began may be strengthened till the little one become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation. I subscribe myself, not as formerly, on the Hill-top, but LOOKING OUT FROM THE VALLEY. SUNDAY SCHOOLS AT SUTTON, IN SUFFOLK. WE have recently experienced the truth of the good old motto, "Unity is strength," and we realized great pleasure in joining our friends at Waldringfield on Whit Monday, at the Anniversary of their Sabbath School, and on Whit Tuesday, May 29th, they returned the compliment; and it is truly pleasing to see ministers and churches united and living under the influence of him who said "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Our public service commenced at half-past one o'clock, on which occasion Mr. Pells, of Tunstall, gave us a very appropriate discourse from Matthew xi. 25, 26, "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." After this some of the Sunday School Children contended for four Bibles, by repeating the 103rd and 116th Psalms, Ecclesiastes xii., and the first fourteen verses of 1 John ii. It was very interesting to hear the dear children (before a large congregation) repeating those portions of Scripture they had committed to memory, and great credit is due to the teachers and others who take a deep interest in these things. It may be that some of the good seed thus sown may by and by take deep root, and under the Spirit's influence, bring forth fruit unto God. The children sang several pieces, and good old father Runnacles, of Charsfield, concluded this service by prayer. The children drank tea in the galleries, and it was a very pleasing sight, (the total number of our school is 80) then about 200 friends partook of a comfortable tea in the chapel and school-room, after which the children and friends from Waldringfield assembled in the chapel yard and prepared to start, when the children sung a piece entitled "good night." Mr. Runnacles gave an address, and I engaged in prayer. Meeting was held in Carmel on our brother's behalf, which I trust proved to be a season of sweet refreshing from the presence of the Lord: after which, some affectionate and solemn counsel and advice was given him by our beloved Pastor, from 2 Chron. xxii. 11, "Now my son, the Lord be with thee." Our brother first spake publicly in Carmel on Wednesday evening, May the 23rd. The text was from the 6th verse of the 126th Psm. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." HENRY SHOTTER. The public meeting in the evening was held in the chapel, over which I was requested to preside. After singing Mr. Pells offered up prayer; then Mr. Munro presented the bibles to the children, and gave them a short address; after which we were favoured with [The fifteen verses-as a paraphrase on the seraddresses by our brethren in the ministry-mon--require a careful revision. The writer's Runnacles, Goff, Brown, and Pells; and also, pastor could do that well. Ed.] an address from a "babe" about 16 years of age. In the course of these addresses were pointed out the discouragement as well as the encouragement the Sabbath School teacher sometimes meets with, and the co-operation of the members of the church, and the parents of the children, was earnestly solicited. Soon after nine o'clock our happy meeting was brought to a close. Thinking this may be encouraging to others who are interested in the present and everlasting well-being of the young and rising generation: perhaps you will find a place for it in your truly valuable and far-spread periodical for July, which will oblige, Yours in Jesus, DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-Believing a goodly number of the readers of the Vessel, are in the best sense of the term, free-thinkers; and that in some of their frequent cogitations, Carmel is often embraced, with all the fervency of christian desire, to learn somewhat of our estate, I have thought it good, with your permission, to notify unto them through your pages, what our covenant God appears to be doing for, and among us, at the present time; (in one particular at least) he having, as we trust, raised up our dear brother, James Butterfield, as a witness for himself, to bear forth the precious seed of life, the glad tidings of salvation, to poor, lost, and undone sinners; Our brother has spoken before the church three times, with savoury acceptance, divine power accompanying the word, with that benign, sweet, softening, and melting influence, which those that know, and love the joyful sound, long for, and delight to feel; beside which, my brother has been enabled so to speak as to extract the rankling canker of prejudice from one breast at least; and who most rejoiceth therein, my brother, as a proof afforded him of his call to the work, or the poor worm that now writeth, I know not; but trust it is in some sense mutual, for our furtherance and joy of faith. On the 22nd of April our brother supplied at Chadwell Street, for brother Hazelton, concerning which we have received an encouraging testimony. On the evening of Monday, May 14th, a special Prayer THE THINGS A CHRISTIAN LOVES TO SEE ON Lord's-day, May 27, 1855, five persons were baptised in Bethesda Chapel, Ipswich, by Mr. T. Poock, and truly it was a season of great joy to many; the sermon was founded on Acts xviii. 8; and a large number heard. May God's blessing attend it. One of the deacons composed these lines on the occasion: Oh, how I love baptising days, They are sweet times to me; That there's God's work within. I love to see them boldly come I love to see them rise again, And follow on by faith and hope, I love to meet them in God's house, Of him who hung upon the cross, I love to hear them pleading too I love to see them victors' too I love to be with them on earth, I love to meet them in the sky, Suffolk. THE LATE WILLIAM SHARP. BRIGHTON has sustained the loss of another There are in the Association eighteen Churches-seven of which are without pastors -the number of members about 1392; during the past year sixty seven has been added by baptism and experience. CORNELIUS SLIM, Sec. minister of the gospel in Mr. Wm. Sharp, who died February 24, in his 73rd year. Mr. Sharp was upwards of forty years over a congregation meeting in an upper room in the Lanes, Brighton. Mr. Sharp's views of the BAPTISING AT CHELMONDISTON, ministry were in strict accordance with those of the late W. Huntington. In his early days he gave out the hymns for Mr. Brook, for whom the Church-street Chapel was built, who, for truth and conscience sake, gave up the living of the Brighton Parish Church, St. Nicholas. Mr. Sharp's pulpit ministrations were not characterized by eloquence of words. He was a Scripture preacher, and spake as the word of God speaks. He shewed no Jezebel's proud face to deceive, nor did he use the arts of such who learn from colleges to preach, nor did he make merchandise of his holy office; for he gave up a lucrative business for a despised ministry, taking his example from the first followers of Christ, Acts ii. 37-47. Scripture authority was his rule-not ecclesiastical. Great simplicity, combined with sterling integrity and an inwrought experience of what he preached, characterised him in the pulpit. And in this strain, without deviation, he continued to the end of his work, which finished with the last Sunday of his life, having spoke on that day from the words, 'The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.' And before the next Lord's-day, after a few days' illness, he entered into his rest. As Mr. Sharp was particular and singular, as well as solemn in the pulpit; he was equally so out of it. Brighton has seen in his primitive patriarchal life, a walker with God, and a world-condemning life. The profession of the gospel in the present day, he received as without a Scripture foundation, and opposed unto the New Testament plan and order of uprightness, and as such he walked apart from it. His life exemplified the doctrine he preached -Faith wrought with him, and by works was faith made perfect.' And his end was honored of the Lord without a cloud; his sun set in joy, security, and peace. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE KENT AND SUSSEX ASSOCIATION. THE Kent and Sussex Association of Particular Baptist Churches met for conference on the 5th and 6th of June, at Salem, Brighton. The Association sermons were preached by brethren T. Wall, (of Rye,) and J. Saxby, (of Crowborough,); the brethren Grigg and Mountford, (the respected pastors of the churches at Dormon's Land and Seven Oaks,) likewise delivered savoury and refreshing discourses. The pastor, George Isaac, with the brethren Atkinson, (of Brighton,) Anderson, (of Potslade,) Alldis, (of London,) and many other ministering brethren, led the devotional exercises. Brother Lingley, the moderator, read an admirable paper on " The Atonement," which was adopted, and ordered to be printed as the circular letter of the body. SUFFOLK. ON Lord's-day, June 3rd, 1855, Four disciples were baptised in the river Orwell, in the presence of hundreds of persons, and then added to the Baptist church in this village. Our minister, Mr. Carpenter, preached in the morning from Rev. xxii. 14. At the waterside, he addressed the multitude from, "Nevertheless what saith the Scripture.' After which, he gave a solemn charge in the chapel to the newly-admitted members, in the midst of a crowded congregation. The day was exceedingly fine; not a breath of wind was stirring; the sun was shining in all its strength; the hills and woods on the banks of this noble river were newly arrayed in their richest emerald. The people standing on the shore, lining the windows, and filling the boats, presented an appearance the most interesting, while tokens of the Divine favour were enjoyed, testifying to the truth in the words of Christ, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." ONE OF THE CONGREGATION. ORIGINAL LETTER FROM AUSTRALIA. To the Church of Christ meeting for divine worship in Unicorn Yard Chapel, Tooley Street, London. BELOVED Brethren and Sisters, whom I love in the Lord,-Grace unto you and peace from God our Father. Through the rich mercy of our God I have been preserved through the dangers of the great and mighty ocean. O, bless the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I feel sure, my beloved friends, that your prayers have often ascended to our heavenly Father on my behalf, because I know that I possess so large a share of your love; and I believe our hearts are knit together with the love of God, which the apostle says, passeth knowledge. I hope, my dear friends, you are still walking in love one towards another, as was manifest to all around when I left you in October last, and that no root of bitterness has been permitted to spring up to trouble or disturb you. O, may he bless you and enable you to walk in love, for he that walketh in love dwelleth in God, for God is love. My beloved, he has been a God of love to me since I left you, yea, ever since I had a being. I sent you word when at Plymouth of the hair-breadth escape I had then experienced in the English Channel; well, my beloved, danger did not so stare us in the face all the rest of the voyage. I told you I had found a few shipmates who professed the name of Jesus, and we had com menced a Prayer Meeting, at which my soul fore me, who are sincerely asking the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward. "The Cause of God and Truth." In Four Parts, &c., &c. By JOHN GILL, D. D. Waterford: Printed at the Bonmahon Industrial School; and Published by W. H. Collingridge, 1, Long Lane, London. THIS volume is one of considerable value to rejoiced; but it pleased the Lord to let the clean;" with the Saviour's compassionate angreat enemy of our souls rob us of our privil- swer and healing. Mr. Atkinson has taken ege, and greatly afflict my soul, for great occasion from this striking event, to pourtray darkness of mind set in on me and my wife, the effects of the Holy Spirit's work in the who was very ill and kept her bed almost all heart of a quickened sinner, and the healing the voyage, and I could not find one of my power of a Saviour's precious blood. This little companions that understood what soul-dark-book may safely be placed in the hands of all ness meant; and if I attempted to speak to them of these things, they would stare at me and get away as soon as they could. So we were left alone to mourn like doves; yet, bless the Lord, he never left us to sink into despondency, or turn our backs entirely upon him, for he often appeared with some sweet promise, and thus kept us hanging upon him, from whom all our help cometh; and often would a cry escape my heart-"Lord, go beand give me again a place and a name among some of thy children." And, bless his holy name, he has heard me and answered me. It pleased the Lord to grant us a very quick and a very safe passage after we left Plymouth. O, for a grateful heart to him who holds the winds in his fist, and the waters in the hollow of his hand! On my arrival in the land of my adoption, my first concern was to find some of the Lord's people, and after going from chapel to chapel, I found there was not a Baptist cause of the same faith and order which we believe to be Scriptural; but I found a great many Baptists who were strict when in England, had joined an Independent church here under the pastorate of a Mr. Stow. After searching farther, I found a few believers worshipping the Lord in our order at North Adelaide. Brother Ketter (formerly a deacon of the church at Cave Adullam, Stepney,) is on probation of this little church, and the Lord is making it plain that this is his place by blessing his preaching to the people. Truly, I can say, his labours have been greatly blessed to my soul. He is a very humble, faithful, and savoury preacher. Surely there must be a large field of usefulness for such in this place. He was much surprised when I told him his late pastor, Mr. W. Allen, was dead. Well, my friends, as soon as I found this people after my own heart, I proposed myself and wife as members, and, thank God, they gladly received us; thus my prayers were answered. I find them, though few, a very loving, humble people, and feel quite at home among them. Is my dear brother Banks in health? Has any of my brethren or sisters gone to glory since my leaving? I must close, wishing you every New Covenant blessing for a precious Christ's sake. Amen. CHARLES & MARTHA HOOPER. SHORT REVIEWS. "The Saviour's Touch." By ISRAEL AT- the Arminian doctrines. Beside this valuable the Churches of Jesus Christ. The learned There are those who are opposed to the doctrines of election, predestination, sovereign grace, final Perseverance, &c., &c.— and, secondly, those their minds because they cannot reconcile who do believe them, but are often tried in some scriptures with the doctrines they have embraced. We say to both these, - (and especially, to that large class of young men now springing up and coming into the ministry,-) read Dr. Gill's "CAUSE OF GOD AND TRUTH." Thanks to the Lord, and to Mr. Doudney, as his instrument, for producing an edition so cheap. Where ministers are accustomed to hold weekly Bible meetings, portions of this volume might, with much advantage, we think, be read. "Biblical Criticisms." By the late WILLIAM WALES HORNE. London: Houlston & Stoneman. THE fourteenth number of the new edition of this book is now before us. The parable of the Sower is laid open in this and the preceding number. We wish in answer to constant enquiries, to inform our readers, that this work is progressing as fast as possible. The four first parts of the work may be had of any bookseller who will order them of his London agent. "A Letter to Dr, Cumming on Presbyterianism and Prophesy." London: James Manchee, Holborn Bars. THIS is a striking little tract opening "the brethren's" views of the character of the church of Christ, and of the Second Coming of our Lord. The title-page led us to expect more than we found in the contents. THE FULNESS OF CHRIST. How "glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders," is the God of our salvation! And among the wonders he has wrought, it hath pleased him that in the Lord Jesus Christ, our glorious Redeemer, all fulness should dwell. And how blessedly adapted is this fulness to the various needs of his people in the wilderness. And as whom he receives the atonement. undertake for me." And when he proves Sometimes the soul in his journey is sorely beset with the temptations of the enemy; is led to see that there is a fulness of succour but when by the testimony of the Word, he in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he was tempted in all points as we are; and that having himself suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted, how quickly does he seek that succour! and having obtained help against the temptation, how does he pour out his soul in gratitude and thankfulness to that great High Priest infirmity," and was in all points tempted who can be touched with the feeling of our like as we are, yet without sin." From their first entrance in the Divine life, they begin to feel their need of blessings which can only be supplied from this fulness, this inexhausting wisdom to direct, and strength to supible storehouse and magazine of all spiritual blessings "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." And herein we discover the wisdom of our heavenly Father, and a rich proof of his love to us, that in Him who is "the only begotten Son of the Father," "the Firstborn of every creature," the "Beginning of the creation of God," and the appointed "Head of the Church," this fulness should be treasured up for the use and benefit of all the younger brethren of the household of faith; nor need we fear that as in the case of our federal head, Adam, in whom God placed a fulness of all created good and native innocence, that our covenant Head will ever become bankrupt, and entail upon us disappointment, poverty and shame; his exalted character as the God-Man, his Personal union and Oneness with the Father, secures this fulness, while his entire Oneness with us, by taking our nature into union with his Divine Person, secures this fulness to the family of God; hence John says, "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." And how adapted to the several grades of this family are the blessings treasured up in him! To the truly convinced and quickened sinner, the Spirit in the Word testifies, that "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." To the soul whose ceaseless condition is hungering, thirsting, and panting after a sense of pardon, how encouraging this announcement! and when by faith he realises, by the application of the Holy Spirit, that the blood of Jesus Christ can and does eleanse from all sin, then the soul rejoices in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Vol. XI.-No. 127. And, indeed, through all the varied and chequered scenes of life, and amidst all the different exercises of soul, through which he passes, the believer finds an all-sufficiency of help, strength, and comfort, treasured up in that "fulness which it has pleased the Father should dwell in the Lord Jesus Christ;" and when enjoyed by faith, animates the believer, there is yet another consideration, which, in the midst of all the trials, afflictions, and perplexities, of this present life, that there is treasured up in Christ a fulness of happiness, everlasting joy, and eternal bliss, “In his presence is fulness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures for evermore." So that when we arrive at our Father's house, in addition to the mansion prepared for us, the Lamb which is the midst of the throne, shall feed us, and shall lead us to living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from our faces; so that, not only in time, but to all eternity, we shall prove, that, of his fulness have we received, both grace and glory. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." W. H. WELLS. Mile End. I |