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Our Churches, Our Pastors, and Our People.

MR. JOHN BUNYAN M'CURE.

Our brother has safely reached England from Sydney, New South Wales. His appeal to the churches was given in the EARTHEN VESSEL last month. The following letters he brings with him, which express the favour and mercy he found on the voyage, and the use the Lord was pleased to make of him. We have read portions of his log-book, which we hope will soon be published, and that the object of his mission here may be attained is our most hearty desire. We believe he is open to be invited to preach. Letters addressed to our office will find him.

The following letter is from Lieutenant John Gray, R.N.R., Commander of the S. Ship "Great Britain":

"S. Ship' Great Britain,' at Sea, 16th Oct., 1867.

"To the Rev. John Bunyan M'Cure.

"DEAR SIR-We, the undersigned fellow passengers, on the eve of what we trust will prove a prosperous voyage, beg respectfully to assure you of the warm esteem and approbation with which we view your conduct during our passage from Melbourne to Liverpool-your devoted attention to the spiritual wants of the numerous souls on board, your praiseworthy and humane care of the sick and dying. The many difficulties you met with tended rather to stimulate your exertions than to damp your ardour in a good cause.

That your future prospects in this world may, under God, be rendered as smooth and peaceful as the onerous responsibilities of your calling will allow; and that you may never cease to strive for the possession of that inestimable crown of life, the gift to those good and faithful servants of your heavenly Master, is onr united and heartfelt prayer."

(Signed by 62 passengers.)

"S. S. Great Britain,' Oct. 18, 1867. "MY DEAR SIR,-I cannot allow you to leave the ship without expressing to you my appreciation of your very great kindness and exertions for the religious, moral, and intellectual improvement of both passengers and crew, also for your kind attentions to the dying, and the last sad duties to the departed.

"Wishing you every success in your present mission, and a safe return to your family, believe me yours sincerely, "JOHN GRAY.

"To the Rev. J. B. M'Cure."

THE INAUGURATION OF A REVIVAL OF THE LONDON STRICT BAPTIST CHURCHES.

(BY A CORRESPONDENT.)

Something there was, what, none presumed to say,

Clouds lightly passing on a summer's day; Whispers and hints, which went from ear to

ear,

And mixed reports no judge on earth could clear.

Not long since, a new Strict Baptist church was opened in the North Brixton Hall; and happily the Divine blessing evidently has rested upon the undertaking. Mr. Glenny, the enterprizing deacon, and indeed the promoter of the cause, thought that as all" parties" were having meetings, why should not the Strict Baptists arise from their sloth and show their independence, as others have done? With this motive, a most novel programme was issued for a day's services to be held on Tuesday, October 15th, when eight sermons were announced to be preached on one day, and a prayermeeting to precede the sermons, that is, the opening service was to commence at seven in the morning. This programme, as it appeared publicly, met with much criticism. Some were sure it would prove a failure-the idea of eight sermons in one day! And had it been a failure, small noises would have been heard in small quarters, but it began in a humble way, and

He that is down need fear no fall,
He that is low no pride,
He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

Thus beginning lowly, these services ended nobly, beginning with a desire for the glory of the great Head of the Church, they finished, as the last hymn at the conclusion of the last sermon of these services expresses it—

Grace all the work shall crown,
Through everlasting days,

It lays in heaven the topmost stone,
And well deserves the praise.

Now to the programme. As early as seven in the morning, several of the faithful in Christ met, and prostrated themselves at the mercy-seat, beseeching the

presence of the Holy Spirit during the day's services. Breakfast followed. The first sermon was then preached (at nine o'clock) by Mr. Thomas Attwood. Text: "Glorious things are spoken of thee, Zion," &c. The first preacher was well selected; his utterance and appearance is like the morning dew-soft, and pure, and gentle; as kindly affectionate to his brethren as to be an example to them.

Ten o'clock. Preacher, Mr. Thomas Steed (minister of Rehoboth chapel, Shadwell). Text: " And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation." The ten o'clock preacher is of a different stamp to that of Mr. Attwood. Thomas Steed is somewhat like St. Peter; he cuts off not only the right ear of the priest, but cuts at anything and everything which stands opposed to his views of the "eternal decrees" of the Almighty. But Thomas Steed is an unflinching advocate of those truths which are too much ignored in the Church.

Eleven o'clock. Preacher, Mr. Thomas Wall, of Gravesend. Text: "This honour have all His saints." The venerable and godly Thomas Wall preaches what he feels. No deep thought, no eloquence. Like the perpetual dropping of water, which makes visible impress even on the adamant; sentence after sentence falls from his lips, and makes the deep impression on the hearer that the words spoken by the preacher are words of truth and soberness. The doubter and unbeliever would not have the feeling of unbelief while listening to the counsel of this rightly revered father in Christ.

Twelve o'clock. Preacher Charles Waters Banks (Editor of THE EARTHEN VESSEL) Text: "And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." Mr. Banks is certainly a workman that needeth not to be ashamed -rightly dividing the word of truth; deep thought, a well-read mind, a fluent utterance, yet now and anon a sarcastic word fixes the attention of every hearer. In a theological point of view, we can best describe the preacher by the words of Thompson

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Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and

that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels."

Mr. Timothy Baugh is an independent thinker, and an eloquent speaker, and will never be one of a party or clique; steady in speech, words rightly chosen, makes him deservedly a "rising man."

Four o'clock. Preacher, Mr. Isaac Comfort. Text: "And the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing." Comfortable words indeed, without assuming, without denunciation, "high in doctrine, lowly in mind."

Five o'clock. Tea provided, a goodly number partaking of the social beverage.

Six o'clock. Preacher, Mr. B. B. Wale. Text: "I will not meet you as a man." A high-toned intellect, with more educational endowments than generally falls to the lot of Strict Baptist ministers. Young men especially would do well to study the discourses delivered by Mr. Wale. Thoughts of the noblest, spoken in polished English. If a college could be inaugurated for young men in connection with our churches, Mr. Wale would be the right man for the professor's chair.

Seven o'clock. Preacher, Mr. E. J. Silverton. Text: "The angel of the Lord stood by." A good preacher, who is not at all particular that he pleases all. He is content to know what he does is right, and does not things because others do them. Mr. Silverton has the fiery zeal of Whitfield, and now and then eloquent passages are dashed into his fiery speeches. So, gentle critic, eight sermons by eight clergymen in one day. All went off capitally-all were pleased; and above all, permanent good was done. Another barrier to bigotry has been kicked down; and the few other barriers that are left are rotten, and will soon follow.

PECKHAM-RYE LANE.-On Tuesday evening, Oct. 8th, a very interesting meeting was held in Rye lane Baptist chapel, Peckham, to celebrate the opening of the enlarged Sunday school and class rooms. At five o'clock a large number of friends assembled in the beautiful school-rooms at the rear of the chapel, and were bountifully supplied with an excellent tea (provided gratuitously by the ladies of the congregation), thus allowing the whole proceeds of the same to go towards the debt incurred in erecting these schools. In the evening, at half-past six, a public meeting was held in the chapel. Thomas

Dare, Esq., presided, and was supported by a number of ministers and gentlemen. The chapel was full, and the gallery was occupied by the Sabbath school children. Mr. Cowdry offered prayer. George Thomas Congreve, Esq., of Coombe Lodge, the secretary (under whose able superintendence, and the blessing of the Lord upon the same, the schools have so rapidly increased), gave a pleasant and interesting statement of their growth and present position, showing what a large amount of good may be effected by unity and perseverance. Mr. Congreve's address was warmly received by the meeting. Addresses, of an interesting character, were delivered by Messrs. George Webb (of Little Wild street), Mr. Crumpton, Mr. Timothy Baugh, and others. Mr. George Moyle expressed his gratitude to the ladies who provided the tea; to the friends who had that evening handed in their subscriptions so liberally; to their excellent neighbour who had presided; and to all who had attended the meeting, and helped the

ment.

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In the course of the evening the children sang several pieces in very excellent style; among them the following, composed specially for the occasion by Mr. Congreve, was sung, and as we think it worthy of wide circulation, we here find room for it :

HOME! SWEET HOME!

Beyond the dark river a land I behold,
A country all fair, and a city of gold;
Sweet home, where the burdened and weary
find rest;

The home of my Father-the land of the blest.
Home, home, sweet, sweet, home,

The home of my Father-there's no place like home,

How soft is the air, and how pure is the light! How clear is the sky, never darkened by night! The beams of the sun neither scorch nor grow pale;

The waters of life ever flow-never fail.

Home, home, &c.

There Jesus, with all His redeemed shall appear;

His soft hand so gently shall wipe every tear; No sorrow, so sighing, no sickness is there, And angels immortal the rapture shall share. Home, home, &c.

The crowns in those mansions shall always be bright;

The robes of the ransomed shall ever be white; The harps of the blessed-their music how long!

Salvation! Salvation! how sweet is their song.
Home, home, &c.
G. T. C.

The Secretary announced that the subscriptions, profits of the tea, and other sums received that evening, amounted to about £63. A vote of thanks to the chairman being given, and the benediction pronounced, the friends separated. The school has been enlarged to double its former size, is beautifully

lighted and ventilated, every accommodation is provided, and we think deserves the title of "Model Sunday School." On the opening day it was tastefully decorated with flowers, evergreens, banners, and mottoes.

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JIREH CHAPEL, EAST ROAD, LONDON. The entrance into the eighty-ninth year of his age was commemorated on the fifteenth of October last by Mr. J. A. Jones and his friends. A goodly number met in the afternoon when Mr. Hazelton preached an admirable sermon. The text was Exodus xv. and 8th verse, "The Lord reigneth for ever and ever." The chapel was deemed ful to tea, but was crowded in the evening as it had been announced the respected veteran would be present. And present he was, cheerful and gratified, though exceedingly feeble; very many friends gladly took this opportunity of shak. ing hands and bidding once more farewell. Having been helped to stand up he spake as follows: "My dear Christian friends, I see a full house, but I am not surprised at it, for I expected it, and I am glad to see you." After a pause he proceeded to say, "I wish you all knew yourselves as sinners in the sight of God, and that, as I did many years ago, you each fled to Jesus as the only way of salvation and God." And having again rested a little he said, "All who seek find. If God did not intend you to find, He would not, I was going almost to say, He would not have taken the trouble to make you seekers. You may know a great deal of other matters, but you know nothing if you know not Christ. Oh, it is a great matter to have the fulness of the blessing of Christ. I am, my dear friends, a supra-lapsarian, I glory in love in Christ above the fall. Love above blood, and then through blood to be holy and without blame before Him in love through all eternity. Ever since I knew the Lord I could not do as I did before. If there are any who have not been stopped in doing the ways of sin, they have not yet felt that living holy change which makes the new creature. The Lord bless you, and sanctify all your bitters, turning them all into sweets, and making them to drive you more to look to Jesus. Ah! looking to Jesus implies one thing, what is it? why, that you have eyes to see! I am soon going home, I don't expect to be here any more, but may the Lord be with you, and bless you every day and always, and for ever. I thank you for all your kindness to me, I pray the Lord may return it into your bosoms sixty-fold." It

was visible to all present how feeble our dear old friend had become, and most gratified were the friends for this opporportunity to hear and see once more this aged servant of the Lord on the verge of Jordan's river. The meeting then proceeded, Mr. Milner took the chair, Mr. Pearce of Newton Abbott, prayed; Mr. Parsons of Brentford, addressed the friends on the "Holy Spirit's work in the Soul" Mr. Hawkins on "The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of a Son ;" and in his address said, the Lord had surrounded father Jones with social comforts as well heavenly. He had present all his children, one son, and six daughters, four-sonsin law, he has sixteen grandchildren, and ten great-grand children. Mr. Webster, on "the Holy Spirit as Comforter;" Mr. Attwood, Mr. Pearce, and Mr. Hazelton also followed on some precious characters of that blessed being, the Holy Spirit.

HARVEST THANKSGING SERMONS.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,-There is a pleasing service in connection with country churches which is almost unknown to those existing in London and the great cities, I allude to the harvest thanksgiving. Believers living in the country see more of the goodness of the Lord, on all hands they are surrounded by His wonderful works; they realize the truth of the saying, "God made the country, man made the town." They are able to trace almost daily the growth of the staff of life, first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear; and are thus made to feel, more fully than others, their dependence on Him who holds the winds in the hollow of His hand, who giveth the early and the latter rain, and maketh his sun to shine upon the just and the unjust. Such a service was held on Tuesday, October 8th, at Farnborough Baptist chapel, Kent. The weather was gloomy, and threatened rain, yet our dear brother, S. Blake, of Dalston, brought down a goodly number of friends, so that we had a very good gathering in the afternoon to thank God for his mercy in permitting the ingathering of the precious fruits of the earth.

Brother Blake expounded the four first verses of the 104th Psalm, so graphically descriptive of the loving kindness of the Lord of the Lord and we found it to be a time of refreshing from His presence.

After tea a public meeting was held, the chapel being crowded. Unfortunately, the loved pastor, Mr. I. Ballard, was unavoidably compelled to be absent, otherwise the meeting, by the blessing of the Holy Spirit was all that could be desired, the great Lord of the harvest being truly in our midst. Brethren Haydon, of Tooting, Blake, of Dalston, and Brewers, of West Wickham, in turn addressed the people upon the rich spiritual teaching couched the mysteries of earth's harvest-fields. The meeting, a

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We thank Thee for spring-time, for lifegiving showers,

For bright summer sunshine, and bright summer flowers,

For fruit, and for grain by which we are fed,

And the millions of England provided with bread.

Our Ebenezer we raise, and lift up our hand,

With thanks for the favours conferred on our land,

For garners well stored with the bright golden grain,

Webless Thee, our Father, again and again. We thank Thee, our Father, for spiritual bread,

The Gospel by which Thy people are fed, We thank Thee for Jesus the gift of Thy love,

For foretaste below of the blessings above. We bless Thee that life still abides in Thy Word,

That Thy Spirit is still on the barren soil poured.

That sinners who seek Thee sincerely still prove,

Jehovah, unchanging, the fountain of love.

Hear now our prayer, oh, bless our land, Within its borders still give peace, Let labour still, on every hand,

Be blest by Thee with rich increase.
Give to the powers which dwell on high,
To rule in justice without guile,
That mercy, truth, and equity,
May reign supreme in Britain's isle.
Let showers of blessing, Lord, descend,
For rich effusion on this place;
Let hardened foes become Thy friends,
And sinners yield to sovereign grace.
Fill all the saints with heavenly love,
Hear Thou the widow's plaintive cry,
In Thee let orphan children prove,
A friend, a guide, for ever nigh,
O let the Gospel's joyful sound,
Soon spread o'er earth's wide harvest
field!

From pole to pole Thy praise resound,
And earth to Thee her increase yield.

The Lord is blessing Mr. Ballard in this place; he was privileged to baptize a brother and a sister at Eynsford, on Lord's day, October 12th, and there are others we trust who are not far from the kingdom of God.-Yours truly, E. KNIGHTS.

Brixton Hill.

PLYMOUTH.-Services in commemoration of the ninth anniversary of the ministry of Mr. F. Collins at Howe street chapel, Plymouth, were held on Tuesday, the 15th of October. In the afternoon, a meeting for prayer and praise was held, commencing at three o'clock, at which an address was given, founded upon the words in 1 Samnel vii. 12, by Mr. Vaughan, of Mount Zion chapel, Devonport. Mr. Vaughan expressed his unabated attachment to the pastor and people of Howe street, and gave an affectionate address to the people upon the Lord's help to them during the past nine years. his help at the present, and the encouragement it afforded to faith in the future. Several brethren engaged in prayer. At half-past five o'clock the friends assembled partook of tea together, which was provided for the occasion; great decorum prevailed, and all appeared to enjoy the social family reunion.. The public meeting for the evening was opened at seven o'clock by singing a hymn selected for the occasion. Brother Foot, one of the deacons of the church, offered prayer; another hymn from Gadsby's selection was sung, when brother Westaway, another deacon, of the Church, rose to address the meeting. Mr. Westaway expressed his undiminished interest in the peace and prosperity of the Church of Jesus in Howe street, also in the welfare of the pastor, and the successes of the ministry. He proceeded to direct attention to evidences of the Lord's gracious presence having been manifested to them during the periods of the establishment of the church at Howe street for nearly fifteen years. After some very pertinent and encouraging observations to the people, he said he had a duty to perform, which gave him much pleasure, the friends had entrusted to him a token of their affection to their pastor, and requested him to present the same. Turning to the pastor, he remarked, "I now present you, my dear brother, with this purse containing £18, as a small but sincere token of the love the people bear to the Gospel you preach, and their affection to you as a minister of Jesus Christ, and their beloved pastor." Mr. Collins rose, and stated that he accepted the present in the same spirit in which it was given. He appreciated the present for its money value, but far, far, more as it was a practical expression of their love to God's truth, and to him as a minister of Jesus Christ. Nine years have passed since the Lord brought him among them; some who were with them then had gone to heaven; some who were with them at their meeting nine years ago were at the meeting now. Others had, by God's grace, arose to fill the vacancies in the church militant of those who were called to join the church triumphant. When the kindly Editor of THE EARTHEN VESSEL wrote to enquire if he could supply a church for a month, he had no idea at that time that the place was Plymouth; and the Church was at Howe street Baptist chapel; and when he came

and preached his first sermon from Hosea xiv. 5, "I will be as the dew unto Israel," he was persuaded that, if the Lord brought him to settle there, he would provide for him. From that time the dew had continued to descend, the holy anointing had been realized, and God had blessed the feeble testimony he had borne to the saving of the lost. He was cheered, while reading in THE EARTHEN VESSEL of a few months ago, a letter from his old friend and brother Ward, it made him glad to find that his friend, though in a distant settlement of Australia, continued to abide by the Gospel of free grace, and to sound forth the jubilee notes of the finished work of our precious Christ. He did most heartily reciprocate the kindly feelings expressed by his brother Ward, and wished him the continual presence of God his Saviour, and success in the ministry of the Gospel. Mr. Collins stated certain reason why he should be grateful: although so often he was the subject of hardness of heart, darkness of mind, and miserable ingratitude of feeling, yet he desired to enjoy a grateful heart to God for his many mercies, and again expressed his sense of kindness of the people shewn him for the last nine years and again this evening. After singing a hymn, Mr. R. Bardens addressed the meeting bearing his testimony to the blessedness of the unity of the Spirit which prevailed among the people, all flowing from the union of the church with Christ their head, and to his own oneness with the truth, the people, the cause, and his beloved pastor. Mr. Westlake, of Ebenezer chapel, Stonehouse, addressed the people upon the oneness of the Church in Christ, dwelling upon the word ONE, and expressed his hearty good wishes for the prosperity of the cause. Mr. John Easterbook, made some observations upon the solemnity and importance of the apostle Paul's direction to stand fast in the Lord, a direction especially important to the times in which we live; and bore his personal testimony to the precious blessing of Gospel peace which prevailed in our midst. Mr. George Cudlipp referred in his address to several Scriptures which set forth the blessedness of cleaving to the Lord with purpose of heart, particularly remarking upon the gladness of the heart of Barnabas when at Antioch, he saw the grace of God; and so was his own heart glad in seeing the grace of God at Howe street. The meeting, which was of a most pleasing, and, we may hope, of a profitable character, came to a close. The singing of the hymns and anthems selected, for the occasion by the choir, conducted by Mr. Griffiths, was very acceptable, and contributed to the harmony of the occasion. The Lord be praised for past mercies, and may he give us grace to trust him for what is to come.

BOSTON.-We have an excellent paper from our brother D. Wilson, whose health is better, and whose ministry is gathering many around him.

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