MR. WILKINS' FIRST

ANNIVERSARY

AT SOHO CHAPEL, OXFORD STREET. Last Tuesday was a day of special interest to the worthy pastor of Soho. Not only was it the first anniversary of his settlement in London, but also the anniversary of his first entering the ministry, and likewise his birthday. On such an evenful day the friends of Soho testified their sympathy for their pastor by presenting him with a very handsome testimonial.

During the afternoon, the friends met for the purpose of taking tea. At half-past 6 o'clock the public meeting commenced; the evening was very unfavourable, but the chapel was well filled. Mr. Wilkins presided, supported by several brethren.

Mr. Wall opened the proceedings by engaging in prayer.

The Chairman then said he must make a few observations. First, a word of welcome to his friends, brethren, and sisters in Christ, members of Soho, and to others present, who form part of the congregation. He also welcomed friends from other churches, and most heartily did he welcome his worthy brethren, the deacons, and his brethren in the ministry, to whom he tendered his most sincere thanks. His esteemed brother Faulkner was absent through illness, and his brother Cox through old age. He had received a letter from brother Maycock, who was absent through press of business. Brother Foreman was on a preaching tour in Yorkshire. Brethren Wilson and Wyard were engaged at other meetings. Having said this much, he would offer a few words about himself. That was the first anniversary of his settlement at Soho; it also happened to be the 39th anniversary of his birth; it was also 18 years since he commenced his ministry, with the following words, "Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life," he being then 21 years old. Now, in reference to the cause over which he was called to labour, his brethren and he were working together in perfect harmony; still, during the year that was past, many things told them this was not their rest. He was pleased with the success of their Sabbath school; some of the teachers he had baptized, others were inquiring. He had baptized twice during the year; he did not give numbers, neither did he know how many had been added. He believed his hearers received the Lord with profit and comfort. He hoped the meeting would be characterized by sobriety, but he was anxious also that it should be cheerful, social cheerfulness without levity.

The senior deacon, Mr. Jeffries, then, after a few suitable remarks in the name of the friends, presented Mr. Wilkins with a very handsome time-piece, a purse containing eleven guineas, and a very nice bookknife, the latter being the gift of members of the Bible-class.

Mr. Wilkins replied that he was taken somewhat by surprise by this expression of

sympathy. It was only just before the meeting commenced the matter was made known to him. There were times when expressions of kindness unfitted a man for speaking; he appreciated this avowal of love and attachment. The money was valuable; he should be foolish to say he did not value it; but he viewed the testimonial from a higher estimate as the spontaneous utterance of the sympathy of his people.

The meeting was subsequently addressed by Messrs. Palmer, Wall, Wigham, G. Webb, Meeres, Alderson, Green, &c, each expressing their sympathy with the cause of Soho, and their esteem for the present pastor.

A great part of the evening was occupied by the young friends singing various pieces, some of which were executed very creditably, in fact, it may be said to be a "singing meeting." Mr. Wall humorously observed that he was pleased to hear so much singing; he liked a singing religion, as in this world there was plenty of gloom. The tractarians were enticing the young by musical displays; it was therefore very important among dissenters to cultivate this beautiful part of worship, which alike influenced the young and delighted the aged. The Romanizers well knew if they could get the young they would also have the more advanced, and so sought by every means to entrap them.

MR. GEORGE WYARD ON THE LATE W. PALMER.

DEAR MR. EDITOR, -I was somewhat moved in my feelings, on hearing_of_the sudden departure of brother W. Palmer, late of Plaistow, and I was somewhat more moved when I read the short account of him, as recorded in the VESSEL for this month, because it brought to mind so vividly the feeling created in my heart towards him when I once heard him pray; and it was the only time I ever did hear him; and, indeed, the only time, I think, I ever saw him to recognise him. I had heard of him, but nothing that very much commended him to my affections and regard. Excuse me, dear sir, but we are so apt to be influenced by hearsay-God forgive us. The circumstance to which I refer is as follows: -A few ministerial brethren were invited to spend an hour or two together, in united prayer and praise, at Trinity chapel, Boro', and myself among the rest. I went, not knowing whom I might meet. But, recollecting the exercise for which we were gathered together was a very honourable and scriptural one, I did not very much concern myself about who might be there. I suppose there were present twelve or fourteen. All gave out a verse of a hymn, and all prayed; short and acceptable-acceptable to God and ourselves. One of the brethren that prayed was a very white-faced man, whom I did not know till I heard his name announced-it was brother Palmer, then of

Plaistow, but now no longer of Plaistow but of Paradise above. He prayed as one accustomed to have fellowship with God; as one having the life of God in his soul, and the good of Zion at heart. Nature had given him a fine manly voice; and grace had taught him to use it for God. When I heard him pray I felt much union of heart, and said within myself he is a good man, and I love him; I'll make myself better acquainted with him, if I can; and if I had known he had been so near heaven as his unlooked for death has proved he was, I should have been prompt in carrying out my inward and silent determinations. But now all is over; he has gone beyond my reach; he will not come to me, and I cannot go to him until the Father of mercies shall be pleased to say, "Child, it is enough; come home." The spirit and tone and earnestness of his prayer is still with me; and I could not help dropping the tear of sympathy when I read the account of his short illness and death, and of the circumstances connected therewith. God bless his widow and children, and take care of the church. Ministers die, but the Master lives. Yours in common salvation,

GEORGE WYARD, SEN. 197, Downham road, Islington, October 8, 1867.

N.B.-I felt I must bear this testimony. Would to God that ministers more frequently met together for prayer. I question whether there would be so much shyness, and distance, and hard thoughts of one another as there is now. O God, stir us I pray thee. [We have read this note with grateful, humble, and prayerful emotions of soul. We thank our excellent brother Wyard for it, and so will thousands we are persuaded. He has written like a father in Israel, and like a brother in the Lord. The late brother Palmer made our acquaintance on his first setting out in the ministry; and many times we have communed together, and in public have laboured together, and never for one moment did we question his sincerity in the faith of Christ. We can pray with brother Wyard, that the Lord would stir up in all his ministers and churches a great spirit of faith, of earnest prayer, and of unity of heart and hand in the cause they espouse.-ED.]

LONDON ITINERANT BAPTIST MINISTERS' ASSOCIATION. THE public meeting of this Association was held at little Alie street chapel, Whitechapel, on Tuesday, September 3, 1867. An excellent tea was prepared by friends connected with the chapel.

Public meeting commenced a little before seven; a large number of ministers and friends assembled. The chair was occupied by Mr. P. Dickerson, the highly esteemed pastor of the church at Little

Alie street (the President of the Association). After singing and prayer, the chairman introduced the business of the evening by a most interesting and appropriate speech, detailing some of the circumstances of his early itinerant labours, and the gratifying results attending them. He congratulated the Association on the encouraging aspect of the meeting, and called on the Secretary to read the report which was of a most pleasing character.

The report stated that the Association originated in a frequent meeting of a few ministerial brethren as long back as Sept., 1850, its original name being "The Baptist Ministers' Mutual Instruction Conference," of which Mr. Cousens was the Secretary. The place of meeting being altered from time to time, it was finally arranged by the kind permission of the pastor and Church at Alie street to hold their monthly meetings there.

The present objects of the Association

are:

1st. The mutual instruction and encouragement of its members by holding monthly meetings for the discussion of theological subjects: A text of Scripture is proposed for consideration at one meeting, and discussed at the next. The time of meeting, the first Tuesday in each month, from 7 till 9.

For seventeen years past, the brethren have thus continued to meet, although the numbers present have, at times, been small.

2nd. To afford facilities to causes requiring occasional, or more regular, supplies for the pulpit, application being made to the Secretary, who keeps a list of names of brethren, able and willing to preach the Gospel of the grace of God, wherever his Providence may open a door. This Association, though quiet and unassuming, has been a help to many causes which, not being able to maintain a pastor, have been assisted by the services of the brethren belonging to this Association.

3rd. A further object kept in view is the opening of places of worship in neighbourhoods where causes of truth do not exist, but in this respect little has been done for want of adequate funds. Some attempts have, however, been made which have been attended with encouraging results. We may mention the Baptist cause at Buckhurst Hill, where our brother, Henry Cousens, sustains the pastoral office. This cause originated by some of the brethren of the Association preaching in a cottage in Snakes lane, Woodford. The people in that locality, who loved the discriminating doctrines of grace, rallied round this unfurled banner of truth. This proved a home to some. Their numbers increased. They removed to a larger place, a church was formed. Our brother Cousens, in the Providence of God, was called to take the oversight of the newly formed church, to whom he continues to break the bread of life.

Testimony of an encouraging nature has often been given respecting the labours of those who have been thus employed; many a mourner has been comforted; many a captive liberated; many a thoughtless sinner brought to penitence and prayer; many anxious inquirers directed to Christ, and many of the Lord's family edified and blest. Not a few of the brethren who were members of this Association have been called to the pastorate, among whom may be mentioned brother Dearsley, of Dalston; Bracher, of West Ham; G. Webb, of Somers Town; William Webb, of Staines; Lodge, of Cumberland street, Shoreditch, and Cousens, of Buckhurst Hill, as previously mentioned.

The members of the Association have not only been employed in various parts of London and its suburbs, but in many of the counties: Kent, Surrey, Essex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Sussex. The causes at Staines, Sunningdale, Harrow, Weald, Romford, and Lessness Heath, have been for years past the sphere of labour supplied by the brethren; thus many a babe has been nourished by the sincere milk of the Word, and many an old pilgrim revived and strengthened by the old wine of the kingdom.

The Association admits none to membership who are not honourable members of a Strict Baptist Church, deeming it disorderly for brethren to go and preach the Gospel while they are not associated with some Christian Church.

The chief object in holding this public meeting is to make known the existence, and to explain the objects and operation of the Association, so that if a few Christians should be located where the Truth is not clearly preached, and desire to make some efforts for its establishment amongst them, this Association will be happy to aid them as far as possible in opening some suitable place, and sending them supplies.

The adoption of the report was then moved by Mr. Dearsley, and seconded by the patriarch, Mr. Felton.

The second resolution was moved by Mr. Wyard and seconded by Mr. Cousens :

"That this meeting, agreeing with every effort to publish the name and fame of Jesus, desires prosperity to this Association."

The third resolution moved by Mr. Flack and seconded by Mr. Woodard:—

"That this meeting, deploring the prevalence, of error in its various forms, pledges itself to countenance and encourage the ministerial brethren in their work of faith and labour of love."

The fourth resolution, moved by Mr. Bracher and seconded by Mr. Hall:

"That this meeting sympathizing with those who live in places destitute of Gospel preaching, rejoices in the efforts put forth by the members of this Association to meet such cases."

The fifth resolution, moved by Mr. Austin and seconded by Mr. Chipchase:

“That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Chairman and President of the Association, to the respected pastors for their presence and service, and to the brethren at Alie street for the use of the chapel."

All the speeches were to the point, interesting, and profitable, and it is believed that almost every lover of Christ, and His truth and cause were ready to say-It is good to be here.

Communications to be forwarded to the Secretary, Mr. J. Austin, Hertford House, Manor Road, South Hackney, N.E.

SIBLE HEDINGHAM REHOBOTH CHAPEL-DEAR MR. EDITOR-On Tuesday the 8th inst. we held our third anniversary of the opening of the above place of worship, when our brother Stringer preached in the morning from the 69th Psalm, last verse a very encouraging, and Christ-exalting sermon. He dwelt chiefly upon the name of Jesus, the name above every other name. The afternoon service was commenced by singing

"Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion, city of our God." Brother Dyer having read and implored the Divine blessing, took for his text the two last verses of the 3rd of Matthew. Having spoken upon the Three in One God in connection with a sinner's salvation, and the ordinance of Believers Baptism, he came upon the latter clause of the last verse-"In whom I am well pleased"-in His Son, in His person, work, and offering, &c. At half-past 5 about 120 persons partook of an excellent tea, after which brother Boanerges, in the person of T. Stringer, again ascended the platform, preached a very warm and animated sermon from Ezekiel iv. 3, 5. He noticed-First: "And the Spirit took me up." Not yourself, no; nor did He pick you up, and set you on the road to the heavenly Jerusalem, and leave you there to get on the best way you can. 2nd. He brought me into the inner court, into the Church court, not into formal worship, but into internal worship, and finally the glory of the Lord filled the place. Thus ended another day at Rehoboth; and we believe many have cause to say, "It was good for me to be there." And we earnestly hope that some sinner or sinners were arrested, and to Jehovah Shammah be all the glory. I am sorry to say our collections were not what we could have desired, which I believe is owing to the excessive flatness of the slate trade, which is a great endurance in these parts. Just now, I believe many a one of God's dear family have scarcely enough of that bread which perisheth. If this should meet the any of those who have a little of this world's goods to dispose of, it would be very gratefully and thankfully received by our treasurer, J. Newman, Coal Wharf, Sible Hedingham. We are very anxious

eye of

to see all just debts paid. God has been pleased to send us a deep, experimental undershepherd. Many are blessed and comforted, and some, we believe, are brought to the birth, and are only waiting for a clearer manifestation of "Jesus" in their own souls. If our debt was cleared off, it would be the means of a blessing to both pastor and people; and as the gold and silver is His, we are looking up to Him that He would give the £150 to clear off our debt. But He will be inquired for in these things; and may He grant us our request is the sincere desire of MINIMUM.

CLAPHAM.-DEAR BROTHER BANKSIn reading the EARTHEN VESSEL for this month, I find it stated on the cover that Bethesda, Cranmer Court, Clapham, has been sold to the Plymouth Brethren. Will you allow me to say that is not correct; the cause at Cranmer got into a very low condition; the attendance was very thin; when some of the Plymouth Brethren (I suppose hearing how matters were), made application to brother Flint to rent the chapel. He asked my advice. I at once said, let them have it, the congregation has fallen off; you have money of your own sunk in the building. And I certainly thought it was better, under all circumstances, to allow the Plymouth Brethren to rent the place than to sell entire to the Bible Christians or any other Arminian sect. And it is only just to brother Flint to say that he had a great desire the place should remain in the hands of the Strict Baptist body. In fact, he offered to me, if I felt inclined, to try whether I could do any good; and even now, if any Strict Baptist brother felt inclined to buy, I believe the P. B. would soon have notice to quit. But I think one Strict Baptist cause is quite enough for Clapham. Oh, that it were otherwise, for look which way you will, Zion seems under a cloud. Wishing you every blessing, I remain yours in Gospel bonds, W. CAUNT.

[We thank Mr. Caunt for this note. It confirms our statement, that Cranmer Court is not now in the Strict Baptist interest. The only difference between our statement and our friend Caunt is, we stated the chapel was "sold" to the Plymouth Brethren, but it appears it is "let." We could have wished that Mr. Caunt could have assisted Mr. Flint in retaining the same.-ED.]

CLARE, SUFFOLK.-On Sunday, September 24, 1866, Mr. S. Wilson, late of Swansea, delivered his first message in the Baptist Chapel, Clare, to the church and congregation then assembled. He was in this part of Suffolk a perfect stranger after the flesh; I am not aware he was known to any one that then heard him, only by name. Our Lord says in the 10th of John that His sheep know His voice, and a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him. Our highly esteemed brother had not proceeded

far before the voice of the chief Shepherd was distinctly recognised; through Him the gladdening and soul-cheering strains of new covenant blessings, as treasured up in our living Head, Christ Jesus (as we have been wont to hear from our once beloved pastor and still beloved brother, Mr. D. Wilson, now of Boston) sounded harmoniously through the place; and ere the first sermon was over, we could adopt the 19th verse of the 2nd chapter of Ephesians. The Holy Spirit has enabled him many times since then to open the box of precious ointment, that the odour thereof has filled the house, and to the praise and glory of Zion's triune God, be it spoken, that the loving command given by the dear Redeemer to Peter, in the 21st of John, has been carried out by him, viz., "Feed my sheep." The Lord has so filled his earthen vessel and enriched his mind with Gospel truths that every Sabbath day there are fresh discoveries of the dear Saviour realised; and we confidently hope greater things are yet to be seen. Mr. W. has been preaching here the last nine months on what is called probation, and has now accepted the pastorate. The Lord bless the union to the glory of His great name, and make it a long, loving, and prosperous one. I only add, I have often heard it asked by ministers, "Is he a Calvinist, a hyper, or what is he?" Such may perhaps be asked, of my brother Wilson. I answer-We indulge not in human distinctions; he preaches Christ as God's Bible speaks of him; he is a Christian and a man of God.— Yours faithfully, ROBERT PAGE.

BATH-BAPTIST SUNDAY-SCHOOL, EBENEZER CHAPEL.-The teachers of the Sunday-school have for some time past felt the desirability of giving to Mr. Wheatley some manifestation of their appreciation of the most valuable services he has rendered the church and school in having for many years most faithfully and efficiently discharged the duties of superintendent. Being anxious to make the testimonial one worthy his acceptance, and which should convey something beyond a token of love and esteem from the teachers, the subscription list was left open to give the friends of the chapel and school the opportunity of contributing. The presentation was made on Friday, September 27th. After the usual prayermeeting, the minister (Mr. J. Huntley) said he had a most pleasing duty to perform, and he was happy that he had been chosen as the medium through which a testimonial was to be presented to Mr. Wheatley. In the course of his remarks, he referred to the trials Mr. W. had been called upon to bear, and he trusted that the testimonial would tend to cheer and encourage him. He then handed over the testimonial, which consisted of a handsome purse of sovereigns, and an address engrossed on parchment and framed. Mr. W., in returning thanks, was so much moved that he could scarcely speak; his heart appeared too full for many

words. He most heartily thanked them all, for it was what he had never expected, and trusted he might prove himself worthy of their confidence. It was a matter of great joy to him, for at times when contemplating his many trials and crosses, he was inclined to think that he had grievously sinned against God, and therefore he was punished; but when he compared his afflictions with his blessings, his loss of health and losses in business appeared as nothing; and he was thankful that God had blessed him with so efficient a band of teachers. He again thanked them all, and sat down and wept. The meeting was closed with prayer. May God bless His churches here and elsewhere with many such happy seasons.

KINGSBRIDGE TRINITY CHAPEL. DEAR BROTHER BANKS-We held our harvest thanksgiving service on Thursday, the 10th of October. Mr. Vaughan, of Devonport, preached two stirring and appropriate sermons. Not being able to accommodate more than 200 persons in our own chapel, we deemed it wise to engage the Town Hall, both for our tea and services. The Hall in the afternoon was comfortably filled; in the evening it was crowded to excess, and a great many obliged to stand. A great number sat down to tea, talking together of the goodness of the Lord. Surely, the Lord is with us. Our chapel on Sunday evening is well filled. I have not got to preach to empty seats; and I have every reason to believe that the Lord is blessing the word to precious souls. May the Lord make the little one to become a thousand. Our chapel is somewhat hidden; but those who love the truth as it is in Jesus find it out. How sad it is to find so many preaching a yea and nay Gospel!-creature works, ceremonies, ritualism in the Established Church and out! Our dissenters are stepping after them as fast as possible.-Yours in the Gospel, JOSEPH PEARCE.

P.S.-Since I wrote you last, I have had to pass through an ordeal of affliction. In March I was laid low with bronchitis ; before I got well, my dear old father was taken ill, and expired. My sister has been ill for many weeks; through mercy she is recovering slowly. Surely, it is a tribulated path; but

"It will cease before long, Then, oh how pleasant the conqueror's song!"

for nearly 20 years. Mr. T. Collins, of Hove West, Plymouth, discoursed to the people from the words of our Lord, recorded in Matthew xxviii. 19, 20, after which Mr. Bardens conducted a believing sister into the river, and immersed her in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The service was conducted with good order throughout, and the blessing of the Lord appeared to rest upon the people, the effect of which there is reason to hope will be seen in days to come. In the afternoon and evening of the same day, harvest thanksgiving sermons were preached in the Baptist chapel by Mr. Collins. The weather was unfavourable, but the congregations were good; the Lord blessed His Word to the comfort of the people; was a day not to be forgotten; there are tokens of more prosperous times for the little church of Jesus in this place. The same day, and in the same village, the minister of the State Establishment held harvest thanksgiving services, who had as his auxiliaries the Volunteer corps and band belonging to a neighbouring town. The Lord reigneth, and the truth is, will be, and ever must be triumphant. Political Popery is dying in Italy; ecclesiastical Popery is rapidly spreading in England. Still, Jesus reigneth-the truth cannot die. The elect are being gathered, and the Redeemer shall go on to gather until all the ransomed shall return and come home to Zion, for He must reign, reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

TOTNES.-A new, neat, and commodious Baptist chapel was built at Totnes, and opened for public worship about one year since. The building, though unpretending in appearance, is in a very favourable situation; it is the only place of truth, and the only Baptist cause in the town, being strict in its order. Harvest thanksgiving services were held in this chapel in September, when sermons were preached: afternoon, at 3 o'clock; and in the evening at half-past 6 o'clock. In the afternoon the text was Psalm cxviii. 3; and in the evening from Revelations ii. 10. The chapel was filled with an attentive and devout congregation, gathered together from various churches in the neighbouring towns and villages. The presence of the Lord was enjoyed, and the people were encouraged in the Lord their God. The aspect of this rising cause is very cheering and encouraging to the heart of our brother Brown, the minister of the place. May the Lord increase them an hundred-fold!

STREET, SOMERSET.-On Monday, October 7th, the jubilee of the Baptist chapel, and the tenth anniversary of Mr. Roberts, the present pastor, was celebrated. It was indeed a joyful occasion, and will long be remembered by those who were present. Tea was provided (of which quite 130 partook), and given for the benefit of the minister by some members and