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knowing that in this thing, as in all others, what we do is mixed with sin, "in many things we offend all;" therefore, unless I saw and felt plainly and conscientiously that I was about to be engaged in an unrighteous, wicked, and on the whole, unreasonable war, I would serve faithfully and solemnly, hiding from the sting of death, from the curse of the law, the wrath to come in the person of Jesus Christ, without whom, and out of whom every man, woman, and child on the face of the globe would be without hope and without God in the world. Then what a refuge, what a glorious hiding-place, what a secure abode, what a wonderful person is Jesus Christ-adaptable, suitable, and sufficient to our every need, and how important, necessary, and true the divine declaration, "My grace is sufficient for thee;" "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

Wishing you, dear brother, an abundance of good, and hoping the Lord may bring down unexpected showers of blessings upon you and the whole Israel of God, Believe me,

Yours sincerely and truly in the truth,
FELIX MYERS.
"A" Company, 29th U.S. Infantry,
Post, near Lynchburg,
Virginia, U.S. America.

July 31st, 1867.

UNHAPPY SUICIDE OF THE LATE MR GEO. WRIGHT, BAPTIST MINISTER, OF LAKENHEATH.

FOR many years we have had correspondence with Mr. Wright, of Lakenheath; for a long period did he sustain the pastor's office there; and a man more highly respected and esteemed could scarcely be named. We have heard, for some time, of his desponding state of mind; for which various causes have been assigned, but we never anticipated a result so exceedingly painful as the following report discloses.

On Thursday morning, August 15th, a report became prevalent in the town of Bedford that an elderly gentleman had been found drowned in the river. This unhappily proved true, as will be seen from the evidence taken before Dr. Prior, borough coroner, at the inquest held at the "Ship" Inn, St. Cuthbert's, on Thursday after

noon.

John William Thornber, minister of the Particular Baptist Chapel, Castle-lane, identified the body as that of Mr. George Wright. He was a minister of the same denomination as himself, and had charge of a congregation at Lakenheath, Suffolk. He was 52 years of age. He had been visiting him during the last three weeks. He had for some time been suffering great mental

depression, brought on through the loss of his wife. The witness continued-Since he has been at my house he has been somewhat better than before. The last few days when walking with me, he asked me whether certain parts of the river were deep. He has told me that several times he has been tempted to commit self-destruction, but he had disregarded it. He has occasionally been very much tempted to blaspheme, and he has told me that he would rather die by his own hand than do it. Last night he was very much depressed, and could not come into the chapel, but remained in the vestry. We returned home at about eight; he then told me that he thought he was lost. I talked to him about an hour and a half. He afterwards fell asleep in his chair. He awoke about twelve o'clock, and then retired to his room. was very much agitated, and during the night kept coming in and out of my room -I should think about twenty times. The last time I saw him was about half-past six. I afterwards said to my wife, "Mr. Wright is very quiet, he must be asleep." She got up and went to his room, and found that he was gone. I thought he was gone to take a walk. We examined the house all through, and then went in search of him, but without success. A little girl afterwards brought the news that some one had been taken out of the river, and it was believed to be Mr. Wright. He spoke about making his will a few days ago, and Messrs. Turnley and Sharman's clerk came. the clerk's presence he told him that he had not been influenced in making his will.

He

In

He left £5 to his servant girl, £19 19s. to his housekeeper, and £200 to Mr. Thornber for his kindness. Witness said he thought deceased was worth somewhere about £1,000.

Police-constable Haynes said he went down to the river. He found the body at Mr. Rainbow's public-house. He found a purse, a pair of gloves, a bunch of keys, and 1d. on his person. Afterwards assisted in conveying the body to the "Ship"

Inn.

Ebenezer Hart said he was working at the pits near Mrs. Layton's. Mrs. Layton told him that there was some man drowning in the river. Four of them immediately rowed down the river in a boat. I saw the deceased in a floating position in the water, with his stick in both hands, where the river parts for the overshot. I put my oar under his arm. He floated round the boat, and then we got him in. He appeared quite dead.

Joseph Rainbow said-I was at work in my garden at half-past six. I saw deceased come down the path which leads from St. Cuthbert's into Thames-street. He appeared in a great hurry, and was going at the rate of five miles an hour. Shortly after he passed by my house in a very hurried manner. I saw no more of him until they sent for me at half-past nine.

At this stage of the inquiry it was stated

by the Coroner that deceased was seen by four young men in a boat before he was seen by Ebenezer Hart. One of these young men, named Matthias, who was sent for was not forthcoming.

Rowland Hill Coombs, M.R.C.S., said he was sent for to see the deceased. He

was quite dead. Used Dr. Sylvester's system to restore him, but without avail. Besides two small bruises there were other marks of violence. He was of opinion that death was caused by drowning, and he should think he had been in the water upwards of an hour.

Joseph Thomlinson, clerk to Messrs. Turnley and Shaiman, said-On Saturday last I prepared a codicil to a will for the deceased. He left £5 to his servant-girl, £19 19s. to his housekeeper, and £200 to Mr. Thornber. Deceased appeared quite satisfied. He was rather taciturn, and I had to question him several times. The instructions were originally given to me in writing. To show his state of mind, when the name "Helen" was read to him, he said to him, he said there was an "a" to be put after the "n." Twenty pounds had been put down first of all to Mr. Thornber. Deceased said that was wrong. only like twenty pence for all the kindness Mr. Thornber had shown to him.

It was

Before the evidence of the last witness was taken, the room was cleared, and on the admission of the reporters,

The Coroner said the inquest was adjourned until the next day at four o'clock.

It was stated the object of adjourning was to obtain the presence of some of the deceased's relatives, and also the parties who were in the boat and last saw him alive.

A LETTER BY MR. THOMAS EDWARDS, OF TUNBRIDGE-WELLS.

MR. EDITOR,-Who the person is who asks Mr. John Corbitt questions and signs "W. E." in your May number of the EARTHEN VESSEL, I know not. One thing, however, must strike the minds of the truth seeking ones in Zion, and that is the disposition with those who hold with water baptism (especially immersion) to shrink from an honest inquiry into those principles which they so sternly vindicate. (1.) If "W. E.'s" inquiry had been favourable to Mr, Corbitt, I question whether he would have complained, because it was signed in an anonymous way.

How long will it be ere the Lord's people learn that union with Christ is the foundation for Christian communion (not water baptism)? (2.) Surely in these days of Ritualisms and outside ceremonial, it is high time that Zion looked more after her spiritual interests. (3.) "W. E." asks plain questions, why does not Mr. C. answer them? the reason is obvious. (4.) Then, in your July number, Mr. Chambers comes forward to defend Mr. Corbitt; is it because Mr. C. needs such a shield bearer?

if so, I sympathise with him. But how does he defend his pastor? Not by answering the questions which "W.E." asks, but by asking a lot of questions quite foreign to the subject. So, "W. E.'s" fair inquiry is disposed of!

And now, Mr. Editor, allow me to ask your numerous correspondents for their Bible authority for immersion and Strict Communion. (5.) Have not our waterbaptist brethren lost their model or pattern of baptism according to the Primitive mode? (6.) When the Lord instructed Moses respecting the Tabernacle and its furniture, He commanded that all things should be made according to the pattern which was shewed him in the mount (Heb. viii. 5), and when all was completed the Lord signified His appproval of the same. But where is your pattern or model when yon adopt immersion as the mode? (7.) Can you infallibly conclude you are right? Can you prove it was not done by sprinkling or pouring water upon the candidate? Have you not lost your pattern? Where is your precedent? If it is to be found, produce it; or else cease to speculate, or what is worse, to lay such unwarrantable stress upon so doubtful and sensational a ceremony. (8.) The Lord has hid from you the original mode; that it might now be reckoned among divers baptisms, and carnal ordinances that are past; for so those view it who are satisfied with Jesus only, and with His finished work. His baptism, as well as His circumcision, was for His Church, not for Himself; and Paul also classes them both together (Colos. ii. 10-12). Surely, as ours is a spiritual dispensation, it is high time to contend for a spiritual baptism only; and then we shall have the one true baptism spoken of in Ephes. iv. 5, even one that unites all the living members of the Redeemer's body to Himself in vital union, and to each other in love. (9.) Hence such are all made to drink into one spirit, 1 Cor. xii. 13, so will the Lord's people receive each other as God for Christ's sake, hath received them; not because they have, or they have not, been baptized with water, but because they have received Christ into their hearts by precious faith. This is safe ground to give them the right hand of fellowship upon. (10.) To such, the whole spirit and liberty of the Gospel proclaims as with a trumpet tongue, "Come in, thou blessed of the Lord, wherefore standest thou without?" Did Paul tell the Corinthians to be baptized, before they came to the Lord's Table, or did he tell them to examine themselves to see if they had faith to discern the Lord's body? The characters he would have excluded from the Lord's Table are to be found in 1 Cor. v. 11, while those who are contained in 1 Cor. vi. 11, need not fear to draw nigh looking unto Jesus.

Again, how is it since our Baptist brethren are so partial to water, that they live in the neglect of one of the Saviour's plain commandments, since while there is no

plain command for immersion, yet there is a plain command for them to wash each other's feet. Let my readers see the particulars in the 13th chapter of John. Did not Jesus rise from supper, lay His garments aside, take a towel, gird Himself, pour water into a bason, and wash the disciples' feet, and then say, "If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet; for I have given you an example that you should do as have done to you?" I name this to show how possible it is for persons to pay such a strict regard to the letter of the word in baptism, and yet depart entirely from it as above described. I know my Baptist brethren are ready to say this feet washing ceremony had a spiritual meaning, and signified how ready we should be to forgive and pardon each other; as well as to show our willingness to be servants in the most menial form to the household of faith; and our need of fresh tokens of the cleansing blood of Him who by His one offering hath perfected His Church for ever. So also, with regard to water-baptism, in whatever way admin.stered, it was evidently to shew forth the cleansing, purifying, and burning testimony of the Spirit's influences upon the Church of Christ. (Matth. iii. 11; Luke iii. 16.)

And now the Gospel day has more fully broken upon us, it is time these shadows had fled sway, seeing the time of reformation is come. (Hebrews ix. 10.) "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by the which we draw nigh unto God." Let those, therefore, who condemn Ritualism in the High Church, be careful they do not adopt it in dissenting communities, by contending for ceremonies, concerning which the mode is hid from them, and upon its true signification the Church of Christ is much divided; both of which prove it among the shadows fled away. (11.) And exclusive, and unscriptural zeal for these things reminds us of the fabled dog, who, not content with the substance already in his possession, grasped eagerly at the shadow; the result you know. Let us remember that all true worshippers worship God in spirit and in truth; and that the believer's blessedness lies in resting in a finished work, for with the heart man (taught of God) believeth unto (Christ's) righteous

ness.

Hence it is written, "thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because He trusteth in thee."

Hoping the Lord's blessing may rest upon Mr. Corbitt in his new sphere of labour, and that the Lord's people may fly as a cloud and as doves to their windows under his ministry to CHRIST only (not to water baptism) and that he may become more and more spiritual; coming to a holy and Scriptural determination to receive at the Lord's Table those whom the Lord has received graciously and loved freely, and then he will, indeed, be a Strict Baptist, with a baptism which will warm his own heart

and the hearts of those to whom he ministers. THOMAS EDWARDS.

Tunbridge Wells.

[The above letter, with a very contemptuous note to the Editor, has rather surprised us. The kind friends to whom brother Thomas Edwards now ministers have, we understand, built him a nice chapel, parsonage, &c., and retiring more from the world as he has done-or thinks of doing-we never expected to hear from him again. But he comes forth like a giant refreshed with new WINE, and challengeth all the Baptists in Christendom to prove their authority for immersion. Mr. Edwards was once a Strict Baptist himself; having been blind himself, he surely can pity us poor blind Baptists a little; and seeing he comes forth to challenge us so strictly, we have felt a desire to know how he got his eyes opened so clearly, and how he was led to be quite satisfied, in renouncing Baptism, he was obeying, and more highly honouring, his Lord and Master.

but

We have inserted figures in different parts of Mr. Edwards's letter, which are designed to refer to comments, which Mr. Edwards's letter calls for; which we cannot stay now to make. Besides, we leave those several singular statements open that others may think upon them, and speak their minds.ED.]

Just

LOWER TOOTING, SURREY.-PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHAPEL.-The little church connected with the above place of worship, was for some years accustomed to meet in a cottage, but as the ministry of their pastor, Mr. H. Welsh, proved acceptable, and the number of hearers gradually increased, the rooms were found to be inadequate to our requirements. We were so poor that to build a chapel seemed quite out of our power; still, after long consideration, it was resolved to make an effort if a suitable site could be obtained. at this juncture the Lord sent us a kind friend who offered to give us a piece of ground whereon to build. This offer we thankfully accepted, and immediately commenced a subscription of a penny or three pence per week, according to our means, for the formation of a building fund; and although, of course, the principal amount had to be borrowed, the money raised in this way, and by means of collecting cards, defrayed many of the expenses that are not included in a builder's contract, but as unavoidable as those that are. In January, 1863, we had the pleasure of seeing the new chapel opened; and although it will seat more than double the number that could be accommodated in the rooms, the congregation has so much increased that the chapel is generally well filled. We have had to keep our shoulders to the wheel, and our minister has laboured amongst us for almost nothing. The result is that, besides meeting all incidental expenses

we have paid back two-thirds of the borrowed money. On the 15th of July last we held our annual summer tea-meeting, and a very happy one it was, such as will be long remembered with pleasure by most of us. In the afternoon, Mr. Wyard, senior, delivered a very solid and profitable discourse from the words, "The prayers of all saints." Notwithstanding the stormy weather, and the distance that many of our friends had to walk, we had a good attendance, and as many as could be comfortably seated partook of tea, which was provided gratuitously by our ladyfriends. In the evening we had a full house. After a hymn had been sung, Mr. Griffin called on our senior deacon to perform a duty that had been entrusted to him, and he, in an appropriate speech, in the name of the Church and congregation, requested Mr. Welch's acceptance of a small purse of gold, which had been subscribed amongst the friends as a little expression of their affection and high esteem. Our dear pastor, who was taken by surprise, and alinost too much overcome to speak, tendered his thanks in a few words. Another hymn was sung, and Mr. Griffin read, offered prayer, and gave us a most encouraging address; this was followed by more singing and an address from Mr. Ballard, and the services were concluded by prayer.

THE BRITISH AND IRISH HOME

MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

MY DEAR BROTHER Charles, -In your last note to me you ask, "do you think of coming to England this summer?" At that time I could not say; but now write to say (D.v.) I shall be in London and some parts of Kent and Sussex, about the end of the present and some part of the month of September, when I hope to have the opportunity of spending some little time with you. I trust all is going on well with you, and that in your present path you feel more than ever the favour of God, and can rejoice in the Divine presence. We are all well in health, and I trust my soul desires the light of the countenance of my Father who is in heaven, above and beyond all things of the present life. The Lord has done great things for me in many ways, and often when I would murmur my mouth is closed a sight of his great mercies. My prayer is I trust heartfelt, O that the Lord would in His great love permit me to be of some service in his vineyard, and finally of the riches of his grace give me an abundant entrance into the kingdom of his dear Son, where I trust you and I, with all our scattered relations, may meet never more to separate, in the presence of the King. My mission to England will be on behalf of the British and Irish Baptist Home Missionary Society; do you think you could be of any service by asking your numerous readers to send you a mite towards so desirable an object during that month? It would greatly cheer my heart to receive from the

VESSEL (which has been the purveyor of spiritual food to the churches of our land for about twenty-three years) some little of the gold which God has given for the carrying on of his truth in the earth. Doubtless there are among its readers those who love the Irish brother and would gladly take a portion of that store, the result of Paul's order to the churches, 1 Cor. xvi. 2, "And send it for the still further spread of the Gospel among such whose cry is, Come over and help us. I will leave the matter with you my brother believing you will will act wisely. Yours in love.

S. J. BANKS.

[We give the preceding note from our dear brother, just as it reaches us, simply adding, we hope to give notice of his preaching in London in September and also, that any communications for him forwarded to our office, will be gladly transferred to him and acknowledgments given in due course.-ED.]

WALTHAM ABBEY,-BETHEL CHAPEL. The first anniversary of the pastorate of Mr. F. Green, took place on Tuesday, July 30th. The weather being very propitious and inviting, caused many kind friends to come from various parts and to unite with the little band, amongst them, we were glad to see several friends and members of the General Baptists with their pastor, but surely, if they were subject to trammels of free-will and universal redemption, they could find no false props of that kind, bartered under that ministry so divinely set forth in both the services of the day. The pastor commenced the service by giving out that well-known hymn,

"Kindred in Christ, for His dear sake." which appeared to throw animation into all who joined in the song of praise. The dear old father in Israel, Mr. Samuel Milner, delivered a sterling discourse from the words recorded in Job vii. 17, 18, upon which he descanted most sweetly, he therein described the lapsed condition, of the election of grace, through the Adamic fall, and their exaltation in the unchangeness of the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ, to the great encouragement of the Lord's tried ones present; after which a bountiful supply of tea and cake, was served up to a numerous company of friends, who paid their most ardent respects to the same, in right earnest, the very efficient way in which it was managed refleets great credit upon the ladies who were engaged in the affair. After this repast, the pastor ascended the pulpit and read a portion of truth, and invoked the divine blessing to rest upon the evening service, by way of easing the labour of our esteemed brother John Hazelton, who suffers from a disorder of the throat, though notwith standing this, he came up in the strength of his Master, like a giant refreshed with new wine, and gave from John xvii. 10, one of the most precious vital and elaborate

discourses, that we have been favoured to hear for some time past; showing how the dear Son of God in the immutability of his attributes, was, and is, glorified in his people, from everlasting to everlasting. The savour of such a sermon cannot easily be erased from the mind, "causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak." Thus terminated one of the most happy and profitable seasons recorded in the annals of the church at Waltham, to the praise and glory of God's unspeakable grace, A BETHELITE.

DEVONPORT. EBENEZER CHAPEL, MORICETOWN, August 19, 1867.-MY DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-We have lately had that capital champion of truth in our quarters, Mr. James Wells. He has given us some precious words of the everlasting Gospel at Trinity Chapel, Plymouth; and there is every reason to believe that brother Corbitt, the manager, congregation and all who know the certain sounds of a free grace Gospel in this neighbourhood, have rejoiced, yea, and will rejoice; but you will, no doubt have an account of the anniversary meetings from a more able pen than mine. I am glad to see "his bow abideth in strength."

Towards the close of the year 1866, you were good enough to publish an account of our rise and progress, furnished by my excellent friend, Mr. Kemp (his father proclaimed Jesus and Him crucified in the pulpit I have the honour to occupy); your love for Zion leads me to believe you will be glad to hear that since that report was published, we have grown a little; the Lord has blessed his word. Our sanctuary holds only about three hundred. We have only seven sittings to let. Prayer meetings are well attended; Sabbath School has superintendents, treasurer, secretary, eighteen teachers, and 150 children; fifteen brethren, whose mouths are opened in prayer; ten trustees and deacons, who cast their best energies into our cause; and best of all, the Lord has added twenty-one members to this part of his vineyard since we opened ten months since. Last Thursday I had the pleasure to baptize four of his vessels of mercy. We have no baptistery at our chapel; but Pembroke-street chapel, in which you have preached on one of your visits here, was kindly lent for the occasion. It was a solemn and happy season, and I hope will be blessed to the decision of many.

The building, so kindly lent, is occupied by a few of the Lord's heritage who have no settled minister. Supplies, but not always regular. Will seat three hundred. Not a penny in debt. Church cannot be disturbed as long as a few members continue in communion; in the midst of a dense population; and I suppose offers an eligible opportunity for some willing servant of our Lord to stand up and proclaim his holy

name.

Pardon my intrusion; and if you can find a corner in the VESSEL for this note, it will

oblige many, who, like myself, are subscribers, and will, I hope, tend to exalt the dear name of our precious Christ.-Yours in Him, J. A. KING, Pastor.

IRTHLINGBOROUGH BAPTIST CHAPEL.-Services in commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Sabbath-school here were held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 1867, when two sermons were preached by Mr. James Wells. The day, the hymns, the prayers, and especially the two excellent discourses, will never be forgotten by the hundreds who came to cheer our hearts and to listen to the well-known voice of the "minister of the New Surrey Tabernacle." Mr. Wells never preached in Irthlingborough before; but if all is well, this is not to be his last visit. The chapel was crowded in every part long before the time of service, and every available foot of ground in the vestry, school-rooms, and chapel, even up to the pulpit door, was occupied by attentive hearers, very many of whom heard the word with joy, received it with power, and went away saying, "That man has very much to do with God, is often in His presence, and certainly carries the Bible in both heart and head." As soon as Mr. Wells ascended the pulpit in the afternoon, the young pastor (Mr. George Cook) commenced the service by reading that beautiful hymn,

"Lord, we welcome thy dear servant," &c., which I need not say was sung in right earnest by the many present, who felt they could, at the close of every verse, add a hearty amen. On the following Thursday, Mr. Cook, who was ably assisted by his loving, thoughtful, zealous, and kind coworkers, the teachers, conveyed the children and many friends (numbering in all above 300) by train to Castle Ashby, where they were supplied three times during the day with ham, cheese, cake, bread and butter, tea, &c.; and after spending several hours in the beautiful and extensive castle grounds (the seat of the Marquis of Northampton), all were to their homes brought safely, smiling, happy, and satisfied. Money received during the two days amounted to the enormous sum of £28 9s., which is more than twice as much as has ever been received in any year since the formation of the school in 1816. Bless the Lord, bless the Lord!

KENNINGHALL, NORFOLK,— Baptist Chapel. The Sunday school anniversary was held on Lord's-day, July 21st last. Mr. Hawkins preached the sermons, and in the public service of the evening, gave the children a Scripture lesson, edifying the adult as well as the youth. The recitations also of the children, their singing, &c., was a great reward to their excellent and indefatigable superintendent, Mr. Rix. On the 22nd, Mr. Ewing, the newly chosen pastor of this church was ordained in the presence of overflowing assemblies. The chapel

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