OUR BRITISH BAPTIST CHURCHES. Chapel is fallen into the hands of its old friends again. The two sermons have been published by Mr. James Paul; the title-page reads as follows: 66 Re-opening of Gower Street Chapel, London. The Lord's Care of His People: and The Omnipotent Jehovah. Being Two Sermons by Mr. John Kershaw, of Rochdale." The tone of these discourses would lead us to think that the preacher was very happy in his work; and the following extract will shew how deeply he had sympathised with his London friends in the retaking of this long-standing place for sterling gospel truth. In the introductory part of the morning's sermon Mr. Kershaw made the following reference to things past and things present. He said, MR. JOHN KERSHAW AT THE RE-OPENING OF GOWER ST. CHAPEL. GOWER STREET is not far from Euston Square: the chapel has, for many years, been favored to have THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST within its walls. It is a modern, spacious and convenient place of worship. Henry Fowler laboured there with considerable success for many years. After his decease, the pulpit was supplied by the best gospel preachers that could be obtained. When the fate Edward Blackstock was settled as the pastor of Gower Street, a considerable number of baptised believers separated and opened Eden Street Chapel; in which place of worship they have continued to meet for more than ten years. It is well known that Mr. Arthur Triggs possessed and preached in Gower Street ever since his removal from Waterloo Road. He has gone back to Ply-giad hearts now within these hallowed walls. mouth. We had almost said, we wish he had never left his much-loved "TRINITY" in that large town: but we are not at liberty to wish : there can be no doubt but Mr. Triggs had a work to do in London: he has done it and during his absence from Plymouth, important changes have been effected there, which (humanly speaking) could not have been effected, had Mr. Triggs not removed to London. In casting your eye only over the last ten or fifteen years, what solemn changes! what deaths! what mysterious circumstances have come over many parts of our much-loved Zion! "His purposes do ripen fast, Unfolding every hour." Well, Mr. Triggs's return homeward opened the way for the old Gower Street friends to return to their home:-they have purchased the chapel at a cost of £2,200; and on Lord's-day, January 7th, it was re-opened by Mr. John Kershaw, of Rochdale, and Mr. Cowper of the Dicker, Sussex. "I know for a certainty, that there are many Give to the What occasions your present joy and glad- ness toward us. "When I heard in my own place, that the people at Eden-street were uniting together to raise funds, with the design to buy ground, and to build a new chapel, a gloom was ever on my mind, when thinking on the subject, except when I looked to this place. ness that I felt to the Lord in my prayer, I knew "When I was with you in September last, it was said that a very eligible spot had presented itself; and you remember I said this to you, 'And what is the hand of the Lord? Well, in the morning I could not rest; and pondering these things I got up early, and took my walks; and many times I went into Gower Street, paced in front of the chapel, and then went across the John Kershaw is well known in nearly all road and looked up at it-while my heart and parts of this kingdom as a solid and savoury soul went up to the Lord, that he would, if preacher of Christ's holy gospel and seeing consistent with his sovereign pleasure, put that that he is now recognised as a leading man place into the hands of the people that had among what is generally termed "the Stand-originally worshiped in it. And from the nearard party," (all such distinctions we dislike), but while Christian men continue to be unlike their Master-while the old Corinthian spirit continues, (and continue, we suppose it will, until the millenium comes), while the church is divided into sections, and arranged under the puny and perishing little banners -"I of Paul," "I of Apollos," "I of Cephas," &c., &c.-while this state of things remain, the different parties will have their different leaders, and by their leaders' names, they will be called-and, as father Gadsby is gone home, the good pastor of Hope Chapel, Rochdale, is now, as we have said, the recognised leader of that class of people who love what is called deep, experimental preaching; it was, therefore, quite in character that the much-beloved John Kershaw should preach the opening sermons, now that Gower Street that I had some reason to believe that such would be the result. But I did not expect the thing to come so suddenly. It has come, and we are glad in our hearts for it,- The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.' "I well remember, and I hope I ever shall, the circumstances under which I opened the cause in Gadsby's Yard, Tottenham Court Road. I came to London that time with my heart and eyes open to the Lord. My esteemed neighbour, Mr. Gadsby and myself were of one heart, and one soul in the business: and some of you may remember the first text, Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Now, my friends, let us pause here a moment. In all our ways, it is our duty and privilege to acknowledge the Lord, to ponder the path of our feet, and be concerned that our steps should be ordered of the Lord, and by his word; that we may be guided by the unerring Spirit of the Lord. And if this be the case, our ends will be, the honour and glory of the Lord, in the salvation of his church, the peace and prosperity of Zion. "There is one portion of God's word which has been much stamped on my own mind; and I pray that my blessed Master may keep it more and more to my mind, and your's also, so that we may never lose sight of it. You have to do with a faithful God. The portion is this: Them that honour me I will honour, but they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.' Have we not seen the fulfilment of that portion of God's word, in reference to both declarations? Where God has been honoured and glorified, honor has been put upon instrumentality; and where there has been a forsaking of the simplicity of the Gospel, there has been a dishonouring of God; and have such as dishonoured the Lord, either in principle or practice, been highly esteemed? I trow not. He cannot esteem other instrumentality, than that which is employed in seeking the honour, and peace, and prosperity of Zion. "But, my frends, we will now go to the text. The Lord has brought you back-and the Lord keep you humble, watchful, prayerful, and striving together in the faith of the gospel, in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace; and grant that you may be increased in your own souls with the increase of God; that you may be increased with men and women as a flock; and that the Lord may ride forth among you in the chariot of the gospel; that the arrows may be swift to pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; and that the Lord may appear in his power from time to time, and seal up the souls of his chosen ones in this place." The evening's discourse on the text, "Alleluia! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth," is full of consolation for the church of Christ in these days of warfare, confusion, division and distress. We feel it to be a mercy indeed, that in Britain, and in our sinful metropolis, there are consecrated spots where God's dear children meet; and there are faithful servants whom the dear Master qualifies to feed his people; and who give good proof in these truth-despising times, that they are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. The Lord's name be praised. We sincerely trust the cause at Gower Street may now prosper, and enjoy much of the peaceful presence of a covenant God. MOUNT ZION CHAPEL, CHADWELL STREET, CLERKENWELL. Isaiah xxxiii. 21-" For there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams, wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby." We had a good day, both in providence and grace; but space will not permit, to give an account of the precious truths delivered. May we be favored still to encamp by the everlasting waters of salvation, experience the loving-kindness of our covenant God, and prove the glorious Three-One Jehovah to be to us all that he has promised to be to his dear people, and all that we continually need. On the following Tuesday evening we held our annual tea meeting: between two and three hundred friends sat down to tea. At half-past six the public meeting commenced by our pastor giving out the hymn, "Kindred in Christ, for his dear sake A hearty welcome here receive." Mr. Alldis, of Somers Town, implored the Our blessing and presence of the Lord. pastor, having stated in a few remarks the object of our meeting together, the following brief outline of the Lord's gracious and providential dealings with us during the past year, was read: "Dear Christian Friends: We have met together this evening as a church and congregation, to attempt to raise an Ebenezer to the covenant Father of all our mercies, for his great goodness manifested to us in providence and grace, during the year that has just expired. We certainly have abundant cause so to do; for the dear Lord has crowned the year with goodness, and his paths have dropped fatness;' he has done great things for "This evening we are thankful to testify Jehovah Jireh has been better than all our fears, and indeed far exceeded our most sanguine expectations; very encouraging testimonies we have had, and still continue to have, that there was a needs be for our coming to this locality. "Within these walls a numerous throng of attentive hearers have been gathered together from time to time, to hear the words of eternal life. The seed of the kingdom has been faithfully sown, the great mysteries of a free-grace salvation have been clearly, conTHE first anniversary of the opening of the stantly, and experimentally opened up; above place of worship was held on Lord's- Zion's rich provision in its great variety and day, December 10th. Three sermons were fulness has crowned the board. Her mourners preached that in the morning by Mr. C. W. have oft been fed and comforted; and the Banks, from Exodus xv. 27-"And they came Lord has graciously given testimony to his to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, own word, proclaimed with signs following: and three-score and ten palm trees: and they-Twenty-five persons have been added to encamped there by the waters." That in the afternoon by Mr. Bloomfield, from Psalm lxiii. 3 "Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee." And that in the evening by our pastor, from our number as a church during the year, seven of whom we have reason to believe the gracious Lord has given our beloved pastor as seals to his ministry in this place; so that he has not labored in vain, nor spent his strength for nought. The arm of the Lord has been revealed; the dead have been raised, the distant have been brought nigh, and our hearts from month to month have been encouraged by hearing and seeing Zion's converts coming forward, declaring, We will go with you; for we have perceived and felt that God is with you.' "We esteem it no small mercy in the present solemn day of darkness, divisions and strife, that we have been hitherto preserved in unity and peace-of one mind in the great verities of eternal truth-in doctrine, experience and practise. To our God be all the praise! for he it is that hath maintained peace in our borders, as well as filled us with the finest of the wheat. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watcheth but in vain.' scholars. "A Sabbath-school has been commenced, now numbering upwards of one hundred A Benevolent Society has also been instituted during the year, both of which institutions we trust our God will own and bless for much good in days to come. "In temporal things truly the angel of the covenant has done wondrously; while we have been constrained to look on with wonder and gratitude. Mountains have been levelled, and difficulties surmounted which appeared very formidable this time last year. With the rent of the house adjoining, upwards of £280 has been raised during the year in this place, out of which amount £84 16s. has been paid to the Building Society; £20 interest money; £31 10s. a sum of money we borrowed for a year, and £40 to the lawyer. These demands, in addition to minister's salary, and all other incidental expenses, have been met; so that we have reason thankfully to say, 'What hath God wrought?' "To our kind friends who have thus liberally assisted in supporting the cause of Christ here, the officers of the church here return their sincere thanks; for thereby their hearts have been encouraged, and their hands strengthened. "We have still much up-hill before us £49 more to pay the lawyer; a baptistry, too, is much needed; some are waiting for the pool; besides the great debt of £1200. But having obtained help of the Lord thus far, we desire gratefully to review the past, and hopefully and prayerfully go forward, with the comforting assurance that the Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our Refuge." After the above Report was read, the following ministering brethren spoke from Psalm cxxii.-Messrs. Alldis, Chislett, Foreman, Meeres, Mote, Newborn, Stenson, Smith and Wyard; each of them taking a verse of the Psalm, as the ground for their remarks. A truly interesting, happy and harmonious meeting we had; the place was well filled; our hearts were warmed; and we trust the name of the Lord glorified. We closed by singing, "Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am." May the Lord still go before us, making | crooked things straight, and rough places plain; keeping us in a watchful, prayerful, dependent position, bearing all our weight on our best Beloved. In him are all our springs; from him is all our fruit; on him hang all our hopes; and to him--who is able still to do "exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think"-to the only wise God, our Saviour, be all the praise and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. EBENEZER CHAPEL, BERMONDSEY NEW ROAD. rate the ordination of Mr. Thomas Chivers, as THE second annual meeting, to commemopastor of the above place, was held on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 1854. In the afternoon Mr. J. Bloomfield preached a good gospel sermon from Isaiah liii., and part of 10th verse—“ He shall see his seed." A goodly number then took tea. At half-past 6 the meeting commenced by singing a hymn, written for the occasion. A brief Report of the goodness of the Lord to us as a church through the past year, was then read; after which the following ministers addressed the meeting on important subjects-brethren Foreman, Wells, Ward and and manifested a good feeling to our pastor, Banks. Several other ministers were present, and to us as a church; to all of whom we return our sincere thanks. The Report shewed that we have much cause to be thankful-seeing that the Lord hath kept our minister firm and unflinching in his precious truth: and that he hath honored his servant in the proclamation of the same; by calling sinners out of darkness into his marvellous light, feeding and establishing those that have already believed, and adding unto the church continually many precious souls; also, that peace and unity hath been continued among us; for which we desire to express our heart-felt gratitude to the God of our salvation. The church (through Mr. Wells) presented their pastor with a copy of the Quarto Edition of Dr. Kitto's Pictorial Bible handMr. C., in somely bound, in four volumes. receiving the same, said that he had had abundant proof of the affection of his flock ever since he had been among them; and that he now felt quite overcome at this expression of their kindness and attachment to him, as he had not the least idea of receiving such a handsome and valuable present from them. After a few suitable remarks, he concluded, by expressing his desire that we may still be kept in unity, increasing with all the increase of God. The congregation, which was very numerous, then separated, many of them testifying that the Lord's presence had been manifested in our midst. On Thursday evening, January 4, 1855, our pastor baptised five believers in a precious Christ, who had witnessed a good confession before the church of a work of grace in their souls making twenty-four added to the church within twelve months. May he still go on to bless us with peace and prosperity, and he shall have all the praise. -- W. STRINGer. PLYMOUTH. We WE are getting on very blessedly at Howe Street, Rehoboth Baptist Chapel: the Lord has taken up every stumbling-block out of our way: he not only comes to record his name in the chapel, but also in our hearts. That great man of God, brother Fenlon, draws a great congregation, and the word drops savorily and powerfully in the hearts of tried, living souls, who are doing business in deep waters. His ministry has been made a great blessing to numbers of souls in different chapels; he is gone down deep in our hearts' affections. Our cause is flourishing every way. It looks more like an old cause than a new one; we cannot find a down-cast look, but all in good spirits, and with hearts full of praise and prayer going up, to be kept prosperous and humble at the Lord's feet. are formed into church fellowship; we have elected three deacons, gracious, humble men of God, who have stood well and long in Trinity Chapel men of good report; and our souls love them; and hope ever to honor them for their labour of love, and works of faith. We have taken in, as an addition to the church, since formed, six; and last night brother Fenlon baptised one of our old members, who came out from Trinity with us; and two young people-a man and his wife; we had a very blessed time in and through the ordinance. The people kept good order, and brother Fenlon addressed the congregation to the breaking of our hearts, and the Holy Spirit sanctified it. We have others who have made application to go through the ordinance. We are in want of no good thing: the Lord is manifestly going before us, and God the Holy Ghost is anointing our eyes to see all our path marked out with atoning blood. We attended brother Westlake's tea meeting on Wednesday evening: it was a full house. Brother Fenlon spoke, brother Rowland, and brother Easterbrook, Baptist ministers. It was held at the Baptist Chapel, Pinderbrook Street. We are in union and love with the two Baptist causes-brethren Rowland and Westlake's; and hope to continue so. We have plenty of work on the watch tower of Zion, with the trowel in one hand, and the sword of the Spirit in the other, crying to him to keep our eyes anointed to look out for satan's devices, to have wisdom to shun them, and strength given to bruise him under our feet, according to promise. Your's in love, J. G. Pembroke. IPSWICH. SEVEN persons were baptised at Bethesda Chapel, Ipswich, on Lord's-day, January 7th; and praised be the holy name of our adorable Lord, for his presence so signally vouchsafed on the occasion. The sermon, preached to a full house, was founded on Matt. iii. 13. Much, very much have we in Bethesda to be thankful for. May the good Lord revive us, and all his churches, granting more divine influence to his ministers and people: that his work, word and will may be in all things duly observed. THOMAS POOCK. SAXMUNDHAM, SUFFOLK. erected in this quiet little town, near the coast A NEW Baptist Chapel has recently been of Suffolk. It was opened a short time since, when three excellent sermons were preached by Mr. James Wells, of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough. A correspondent says "We have no church formed at present, but hope to have one if spared until Good Friday. We are as well attended on Lord'sdays as we can expect; and I believe the Lord is working in the hearts of some; I think we shall baptise even before the church is formed: such an event has not been known: the last hundred years-even if there ever was no person has been baptised in this town for any before that period." IMPORTANT and interesting services were holden on Christmas-day, in Shaw-street Chapel, Liverpool, when Mr. Vaughan was recognised as pastor of the church. A solemn discourse was delivered in the morning by Mr. Taylor, of Manchester; and in the subsequent parts of the day, Mr. John Kershaw, and other ministers, conducted the services. Mr. Vaughan enters upon the pastorate here with favorable prospects. In more senses than one, he (we hope) is related to the powers that be: and we should sincerely rejoice to see Mr. Vaughan's heart open, and his pulpit open to all the truly faithful ministers of Christ's gospel who live devoted to, and labor for, the extension of pure gospel principles. Liverpool has long been a closeborough, in a gospel sense; and from what we hear, it will so continue. A correspondent promises some interesting records. CROSBY ROW CHAPEL, KING STREET, BOROUGH. ON Monday, January 22nd, 1855, a church was formed in this place by Mr. J. A. Jones, and Mr. James Wells, under the pastoral care of Mr. Samuel Ward, late of Hadlow, Kent. In the evening an interesting meeting was holden, when much wholesome advice was given to the new pastor by some of the ministers present. Crosby Row Chapel is a place of worship, which during the last half century has seen a variety of changes; the history of which would form an interesting record. We trust the revival just commenced will prove permanent and extensive. THE MARTYRS' CHURCH, AND THE MISSIONARIES' HALL; OR, SMITHFIELD-A TYPE OF THE MILLENIUM. of the LORD JESUS, TO TESTIFY THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD." THERE is a something in the death of a real might: the Holy Ghost witnessing to his martyr, so noble, so Christ-like, so glorify- soul that bonds and afflictions would await ing to God, so expressive of the mighty, the him.) But (here comes the majesty of a invincible, the never-daunted, and undying heaven-wrought faith!) none of these things power of Divine Grace, that really it is a move me, neither count I my life dear unto feast to our souls to read the blessed testi- myself, so that I might finish my course with monies scattered up and down in the pub-joy, and the ministry which I have received lished records which a careful and kind Providence hath caused to be preserved; and we trust our readers will indulge us a little by allowing us a few moments to lay before them a remnant of what has run through the contracted channels of our ever-toiling mind, these few days past. We cannot think they will be angry with us if we endeavour to shew them that our God has had in every age, a few men who have been "faithful even unto death" and who have given the most decided evidence that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, (of human authority,) nor depth (of satanic cruelty,) nor any other creature, shall ever be able to separate (the living elect) from the love of God which is in CHRIST JESUS our Lord." Nay, "in all these things they are more than conquerors through him that loved them." What a striking and solemn contrast between men and minds of this description, and many of the men called ministers in our day! If in our day we cannot have beds of roses, and paths of ease—at least, there are not a few, if they cannot have everything their own way, they say they are persecuted men. The good Lord give us a few more earnest, living, devoted souls like Luther, of whom the pastor Punshot said: heart,—("WHAT IS TRUTH ?") he foregoes With Pilate's question on his lip and in his his brilliant prospect; parts without a sigh with academical distinction; takes monastic vows in an Augustine convent; goes, a men. dicant friar, with the convent's begging-bag, to the houses where he had been welcomed as a friend, wastes himself with voluntary penances well-nigh to the grave; studies the Among the noble attributes of a living fathers intensely, but can get no light; pores faith, the Holy Ghost most beautifully de- over the book itself with scales upon his eyes; catches a dim streak of auroral brightness, scribes two in the following terms- "It but leaves Erfurt before the glorious dawn; waxeth valiant in fight;-turning to flight until at last, in his cell at Wittemberg, there the armies of the aliens." And how valiant comes the thrice-repeated gospel whisper in the fight, were the three Hebrew children, "The just shall live by faith;" and he rises when they cried out, "Our God whom we into moral freedom, a new man unto the serve IS ABLE TO DELIVER US from the burn-Lord! He has a purpose, that Augustine ing fiery furnace, and HE WILL DELIVER US monk! That purpose is the Reformation! OUT of thine hand, O king. But, if not, Waiting with the modesty of the hero, until [what a glorious flinging themselves upon the faithfulness of a covenant God! what a holy determination to leave all in his hands -and never to give place to satan, no, not for one moment! If not,] WE WILL NOT SERVE THY GODS, nor worship_the golden image which thou hast set up." How valiant in fight, waxed the great apostle, when to the elders at Ephesus, he said, "Ye know from the first day I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons-with many tears and temptationsand how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you- testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ; and now, behold I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem. (Persuaded, by a deep inward conviction, that into Jerusalem he must go, let the consequences be what they Vol. XI.-No. 122.-March, 1855. he is forced into the strife-with the courage of the hero, he steps into the breach to do battle for the living truth. Tardy in forming Not like Erasmus, "holding the truth in unhis resolve, he is brave in his adhesion to it. righteousness," with a clear head and a craven heart; not like Carlstadt, hanging upon a grand principle the tatters of a petty vanity; not like Seckingen, a wielder of carnal wea pons, clad in glowing mail, instead of the armour of righteousness and the weapon of all prayer; but bold, disinterested, spiritual, he stands before us, God-prepared and Godupheld that valiant Luther, who, in his opening pride, amazed the Cardinal de Vio by would lose them all rather than retract the his fearless avowal, "Had I five heads, I testimony which I have borne for Christ,"that incorruptible Luther, whom the Pope's nuncio tried in vain to bribe, and of whom he wrote in his spleen, "This German beast has no regard for gold,"—that inflexible Luther D |