The pastor, Mr. D. Crumpton, preached at eleven, and at half-past six o'clock, at the close of the evening service, immersed four believers in the presence of a large, and most orderly congregation, many evidently feeling it to be a solemn and blessed season. In the afternoon, at three, brother Higham, of Camden Town, preached an excellent sermon, founded on the words, "Things that accompany salvation." (Hebrews vi. 9.) It came with power. The following Tuesday, November 5th, at three in the afternoon, brother Wall, of Gravesend, read the Scriptures and prayed, and brother G. Moyle, of Rye lane, Peckham, preached an unusually good and effective discourse from the words, "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth." (Isaiah lxii. 1.) At five a goodly number of friends gathered for tea, in the upper school-room. It was soon found that all could not be there accommodated, and additional tables were laid in the lower school-room, all comfortably provided for. The female members of the church and congregation furnished, at their own cost, all the tables, and consequently the whole proceeds of the tea will go to the funds of the church. At a quarter past six a public meeting was held in the chapel, the pastor, presiding; brother Box, of Woolwich, offered prayer. The Chairman then expressed the pleasure it gave him to see so many present, and especially so many from neighbouring churches; he took it as an evidence of their approval and goodwill, and for their information, observed that he wished it distinctly understood that the cause was not commenced at Stormont House in opposition to any one, neither did they open that place in the spirit of opposition, but solely from a desire to promote each other's spiritual good, and to advance the kingdom and glory of Jesus Christ. He then alluded to the success God had given them, observing that at their first meeting, two years ago, there were not twenty persons present, now they had large and increasing congregations; and the Church, which was formed in the April of last year, numbers more than fifty members, and others were seeking admission. Love and peace reigned, and the true fellowship of the Gospel was enjoyed; for all which, he, and his people, felt grateful to God, and desired to give him all the glory. He regretted the absence of several honoured ministerial brethren, who had kindly promised to be with them, and the more regretted it as several of them were prevented by affliction. The meeting was afterwards addressed by brethren Frith, of New Bexley, Wall, of Gravesend, Box, of Woolwich, Wilkins, of Soho, Osmond, of Bermondsey, and George Thomas Congreve, Esq., of Coombe Lodge, Peckham; Brother Moyle was also upon the platform, and entered

very heartily into the spirit of the several addresses, all of which were remarkably judicious and suitable, and had a happy influence on all present. The entire services were well attended, and the contributions exceeded £25. We would take this opportunity of thanking those friends who came from Soho, Mount Zion (Mr. Foreman's), Keppel street, Peckham, and other places to encourage and help us. The Lord will reward them. To the Eternal Three in One, be equal and endless glory.

THE CHURCHES IN KENT.-DEAP. BROTHER BANKS,-Having lately visited a good deal of Kent, I find that some of the causes are really in a healthy state. Erith friends still move on slowly; Dartford cause appears to be far from flourishing; Gravesend friends to appear to be happy, and under pastor Wall the cause prospers. At Strood, truth is maintained, the little Zoar with brother Whilbitt speaking to them. Chatham, Enon, not so well attended as when, eight years back, I ministered to them. They have been shaken much by changes; nevertheless abide by the whole truth; and all that they now pray for is a labourer, of loving, living, longing spirit; bold, but gentle; spiritual, but simple, in the sincerity of the Gospel. Such a Godsent man in Chatham would find willing hearts and hands. In the highways and byeways of Chatham there is work to be done. At Sittingbourne, Sheerness, and Faversham, things are low in the Gospel; but still they hold to truth, and are helped. At each, a branch from Newington College, is making efforts to raise a cause after the order of Government there. These Baptist causes, therefore, have some things. to contend for and some to contend against. But the Lord reigneth; he that is not against the Gospel of Christ is for it and his glory no neutral ground. My chief object in thus writing, these remarks falling in my way, was to speak of Sturry. At Canterbury the cause of truth is very low; but Maidstone is better. Sturry is a favoured. spot; they have a neat house to worhip God; and in your old friend Samuel Foster's home the Gospel practically is preached, and its power daily felt. In that sick chamber I was favoured to spend a few hours, that will never be off memory while it shall last. Think, ye favoured ones, of one not yet fifty years of age, once a strong framefor fourteen years laid on a bed of pain and suffering, none to send support but his heavenly Father; what mystery do we read in these lines of life's history? Covenantmercy lays a man of God upon a bed of suf-fering. For what? That in him he may show his long-suffering, and the patience of the saint. This child of grace shall witness. for the God of truth, that it is not might or power but the Spirit that brings sinners to his feet. He shall be in this furnace to speak forth of the power of God, and out of weakness shall come forth strength. His

long state of suffering shall bring many to
visit; these visits shall be the open door
for our afflicted brother Foster, to tell of sin
and salvation. The word spoken in much
affliction becomes the power of God unto
salvation; and many elect vessels of mercy
have been brought by the word thus spoken
under the power of the Spirit of the Word,
to sigh for sin felt, and sing of salvation
coming to the heart, wounded by the Spirit
in the sick chamber at Sturry; this and
that one has been born, and the highest
established many in the way. Here, then,
we see wisdom in this long affliction. Fur-,
ther, this brother and family are witnesses
of the constant care God ever manifests to
those that trust in him. For fourteen years
the Lord has raised up those whose hearts
are right, and means in hand to minister to
their daily needs, though often the last few
sticks are but as the last handful of meal.
Yet it failed not; they have been fed;
bread hath been given and water sure.
Here is one of those that God keeps at
school, that he may prove to others how he
can sustain when heart and flesh fail. How
did my heart rejoice when he told me of the
interposition of his covenant God. Many
were the tears that flowed when he spoke
of the many that had been the hand sent of
God to supply their daily need, especially
our excellent brother, Mr. Carr. With what
feeling hath he spoken of his great kind-
ness; how much they felt his loss. I do
pray that the dear friends that loved brother
Carr will remember Samuel Foster, of
Sturry. My only motive in calling atten-
tion to this miracle of grace is, that others
passing that way may call in and get re-
freshed as did your brother, in Gospel
bonds,
J. RAYMENT.

8, Noel terrace, Cambridge street,
Camberwell.

ISLINGTON. PROVIDENCE CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY.-The annual services were held on Lord's-day, November 10th. This is the seventeenth year of its existence, but it never has been known to be more prosperous, believing fully that the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts one towards another, but more especially to God and his truth. Mr. T. Baugh, pastor, preached in the morning and evening in his usual intelligent and instructive manner, two excellent sermons, which were received with much pleasure and profit. That in the afternoon by Mr. James Wells, who was listened to by a crowded assembly, many of whom were from neighbouring churches. On the following Monday Mr. Glaskin, of Brighton, the late pastor, preached at three o'clock an excellent sermon, to a good company of friends, all of whom sat down to tea, and it seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed; after which, a deeply interesting public meeting followed, when the chapel was well filled with an intelligent and respectable audience, who commenced by singing, and Mr. Lodge prayed; after which the chairman, Mr. T. Baugh, made a few appro

priate and sympathetic remarks, when he sat down making room for those of his brethren who were invited to speak, after calling upon Mr. Whale, who made a good, eloquent, and instructive speech, which was well received, upon "A Church Minister's Labours." Mr. Glaskin then spoke of his former feeling and of his present to the church, and thanked God for sending so good and useful a minister to them, and was pleased to see the unity which was manifested; he was pleased to be there, and wished them God speed. Mr. Silverton then spoke in his usual cheerful manner, of the good work and how they were helped through. Mr. Comfort made a very good speech, which kept up the interest of the meeting. A few words were then spoken by the brethren Holmes and Lodge. The chairman then concluded, expressing his sincere thanks to his brethren in the ministry, and also to the congregation; and offered to return his help should any of them need it. This meeting is a little out of the usual way, for it manifested so much of the eleventh commandment, that each should esteem each other better than themselves, for all seemed to aim at the benefit of immortal souls and the glory of God. It was one of the best meetings that ever I attended.

WEST HAM, ESSEX.-The Tenth Anniversary of Mr. Bracher's coming amongst this people was held Tuesday, October 8th, when about eighty persons sat down to tea, mostly members and hearers, with some few visitors. There was a good supply of tea, &c., and the friends seemed quite happy. In the evening the chapel was well filled, when after singing and prayer by brother Flack, the chairman briefly introduced the subject of the evening, God's command to Aaron to bless the people (Numbers vi. 24-26), in the course of which he stated that he had his trials and comforts as a minister, and a people with limited means. They had, during his stay there, cleared the old debt for the building, purchased the freehold, of which sum there was due to the friend who advanced the money £70 of the £200 borrowed; and recently they had made a convenient place for preparing the things needed at all social gatherings, and to defray which they hoped to be assisted this evening. They also felt anxious to raise a Sabbath school, so soon as means could be obtained to erect suitable accommodation. G. Wyard spoke on the words of 24th verse, "The Lord keep thee," &c., and it was truly a cheering address. Brother Woodward, of Ilford, followed with the next verse, wherein the same vein of Gospel doctrine and experience was set forth for the encouragement and instruction of Zion. Our good friend Flack took up the 26th verse, and in that cheerful yet sober, loving spirit, peculiar to him, touched upon many points of our Christian pilgrimage, wherein we needed the light of His countenance, who alone can cheer this

darksome vale, and enable us to go on our way with renewed strength. This was altogether a profitable meeting; the Divine favour was experienced by many; and the addresses were accompanied with the sweet unction of the Holy Spirit. We do hope that the day is not far distant when there will be a stretch forth of the curtains of our habitation, and a good and useful school

HACKEY ROAD-CLAREMONT BAPTIST CHAPEL, TEMPLE STREET, DURHAM STREET. -Special services were held in the above place to welcome A. W. Kaye, on Lord'sday, October 27th, when three sermons were preached:-in the morning, by Mr. J. Osborn, minister of the place, from Psalm cxxxiii. 1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity;" in the afternoon, Mr. A. W. Kaye spoke from Isaiah xli. 13, "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee;" and at night, from Luke vii., and part of 47th verse, "For she loved much." On Monday night, 28th, a special prayer meeting was held. On Tuesday, 29th, at3 p.m., Mr. Timothy Baugh preached an excellent discourse from Col. i. 12, "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." At 5 p.m. about 80 sat down to a good tea, thanks for which are due to the ladies Bryant, Morgan, Stanton, Ray, and others. At 6.45 the public meeting commenced by singing

"Come let us join our cheerful songs." After prayer by Mr. Smith, the chair was taken by A. W. Kay, and addresses of a very encouraging character were delivered by Messrs. T. Baugh, C. W. Banks, J. Osborn, W. Waite, J. Flory, W. H. Lee, and H. W. Smith. It being near ten o'clock,

"All hail, the power of Jesus' name" was sung with earnestness, and the chairman pronounced the benediction; closing this very happy meeting with thanks to all friends.

BERMONDSEY NEW ROAD.-The following has been addressed to Mr. Chivers:MY DEAR PASTOR,-We (the under-signed), a portion of your late flock worshipping at "Ebenezer," Webb street, Bermondsey, feeling desirous of showing our loving sympathy with, and esteem and regard for you, and our attachment to the glorious truths you have been enabled so blessedly to lay before us from time to time, to the satisfying of our souls with the "bread of life," have been making a feeble effort to raise a small "testimonial" to give expression to that feeling, which we herewith enclose, begging your acceptance of the same. We are painfully humbled at the smallness of the amount, but we happily know your kindly disposition too well to feel you will despise the offering, however small, that conveys the heartfelt gratitude of a few, poor in this world's goods, but rich in the

faith of God's elect. Praying, in all sincerity, that our adorable Lord will abundantly bless and prosper you, and strengthen you in body, mind, and soul; and that He having called you to another sphere of labour will graciously grant you a continuance of His loving favours; stirring up in the minds of the people an affectionate regard for you, that hearing in love they may the better be enabled to delight themselves in Him who is "love," and thus thrive and fatten on the feasts of good things He shall help you to lay before them until, having "finished our course,' we with you and them shall meet to part Oh! that He might hasten the happy, happy time,

no more.

Come, Lord Jesus! O come quickly, Tho' time flies, to us 'tis long; Tasting "grace," we pant for "glory," Yearn to sing the nuptial song. Permit us, dear pastor, to subscribe ourselves yours, in the sweetest of bonds,

Mr. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Wood, Miss Parsons, Mr. Harman, Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Perkins, Miss Odling, Mr. and Mrs. Muggeridge, Mr. Hayward, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Attewell, Mr. E. Abington, Mr. Platt, Mr. Pike, Mr. James Wells, Mr. and Mrs. Cowtan, Miss Cowtan, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. East, Mr. Francis, Mr. Hunt. Mr. Chivers, in accepting the above, desires very gratefully to acknowledge the Christian kindness as manifested towards him, and hopes the Lord may reward the friends for their sympathy and love.

33, Warner street, New Kent road, November 19, 1867.

[We have also received the following note respecting our excellent young brother, who is now supplying the pulpit at Ebenezer, Bermondsey, where we hope the Lord may bless him.-ED.]

DEAR BROTHER BANKS, Last Sabbath evening, November 10th, I paid a visit to Ebenezer, Bermondsey New road. Truly the God of Israel was there, and with our young brother supplying, who took his text from Matthew xi. 28, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." May the Lord bless his labour, who, though young in years, has been wonderfully taught and led by our Heavenly Father, to cast his burden on the Almighty Saviour, to extol the Lord, and bring the sinner low. He gloriously set forth Jehovah, and the operation of the Holy Spirit. The good clerk, brother Stringer, announced that brother Lawrence would supply for the present quarter gratuitously, and if the church liked till they were out of debt. A spirit of love and unity appeared to exist among the deacons and people. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bless the church and people with an outpouring of His Holy Spirit, so prays, ONE THAT WAS THERE.

WALTHAM ABBEY.-DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-In the November issue of THE

EARTHEN VESSEL, an insertion was made relative to Bethel Baptist chapel, Waltham Abbey, publicly announcing the resignation of Mr. F. Green from his pastoral office in that place, which he has faithfully and honourably filled for the past year and a half. Will you kindly favour the above-mentioned cause, whose only aim and desire is to stand fast by the grace of God, for the defence of the Truth, the privilege to revocate that premature statement made by the beloved pastor, and that the Church, in conjunction with him, do unanimously agree not to sever that bond which unites them in Christian fellowship as pastor and people, under any immediate circumstance whatever. Although the Strict Baptist Church here has now been in existence for nearly fifty years, and some of the most able men of truth throughout our denomination have, at different times, spoken from this pulpit, inasmuch that it has been designated by our fatherly divines "The School of the Prophets," it has nevertheless never been known as a flourishing cause, elated by any fleshly excitement. Yet, notwithstanding the oppression, and the varied disadvantages under which it has laboured from its commencement up to the present time, the church is dwelling now in peace and unity together; and through the rich mercy of God the Father, and the sweet manifestation of Christ by the Holy Ghost, in agreement with that covenant ordered in all things and sure, there is experienced in some humble measure, the enjoyment of real spiritual prosperity in the despised cause of God at Waltham Abbey.-Faithfully yours, F. GREEN, pastor; JOHN BURGESS, W. WINTERS, deacons.

FROME.-Interesting presentations. On Monday, October 28, a most interesting meeting was held in Naishes street Baptist chapel, for the purpose of presenting Mr. Noah Rogers, of Trowbridge, with a beautifully illuminated address, executed by Mr. Thomas Barter, Bath, artist, as a memento of a warm-hearted and devoted church and congregation for his valuable services as their pastor for a period of twenty years; a duty he is now obliged to resign through affliction; yet, that God may long spare his life, and that the church may have for many years the advice and counsel of so devoted a friend is the earnest prayer of his people. The meeting was presided over by Mr. George Cox, of Bath. A hymn having been sung, Mr. Samuel Littleton (who has occupied the pulpit for the past two years, and has now an invitato the pastorate), then offered prayer. After an address by the Chairman, a presentation was made by Mr. Thomas Harding, the Elder, to Mr. Rogers, with great emotion; at the same time, presentations were made to Mrs. Rogers, of an inlaid ivory work-box, by Mrs. Wheeler; and to the two Misses Rogers, of Albums, by Mrs. Littleton. After which, Mr. Deacon pre

sented to Mr. Littleton a very handsome copy of Scott's Bible. Mr. Rogers returned thanks in a very feeling and appropriate manner, expressing his strong attachment to the Church and congregation, commending them to the care of our Triune Jehovah. The meeting was addressed by many Christian friends, and terminated by praise and prayer. Amongst those on the platform were the Revs. W. Burton, Case, Lapham, Barnett, Grist, and other friends. Upwards of 200 sat down to tea; and in the evening the chapel (which was profusely decorated with flowers, evergreens, and suitable mottoes) was crowded in every part.

STEPNEY.-We bless the great Shepherd of his chosen, loved, and redeemed flock for favouring us with good seasons and collections, at our anniversary on the 29th of September, and 1st of October. Excellent sermons were preached by our kind brother Wells in the afternoon, and by Mr. Wall, of Gravesend, in the evening, to crowded and deeply interested congregations. And on the following Tuesday evening, at the social tea, a good feeling pervaded those present. Our brother B. B. Wale, of Dacre Park, concluded these delightful services with a sermon replete with ability, sound doctrine, and deep experience. We are well attended, and in peace. Thus the Lord is favouring us at the Cave Adullam, which being now renovated in the exterior and interior, presents a more pleasing appearance. The collections covered the expenses, leaving a balance for the general fund which, in the distress that surrounds us and diminished resources, proved very acceptable. Bless the Lord for his goodness and mercy. Wednesday evening, October 30th, the pastor baptized five, four females, and one male, who, with a sister previously baptized, were received into full communion on the following Lord's day evening. During my protracted affliction no person applied; but when the gracious Master had sufficiently restored his unworthy servant, candidates came forward, and this delightful and Scriptural ordinance was administered in the

On

presence of a numerous congregation; many of whom were deeply affected. The husband of one of the baptised sisters is now proposed for next ordinance, which we trust will be ere long. What hath God wrought for the honoured old Cave? Imploring the Lord to bless your ministerial and editorial labours, I remain, dear brother Banks, your affectionate friend and fellowlabourer, JOHN WEBSTER.

JIREH CHAPEL, East road, City road, London. The Angel of Death has been in our midst, and removed one of our oldest and most esteemed members, Mrs. Drew, who sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, October 20th last. Her illness was short, she having been with us at the Lord's table on the first Lord's day of the month, and at the

Lord's house on the Lord's day previous to her departure. But her peace was great, her sight of truth clear, and her faith in Christ crucified precious, so, in reply to a Christian brother, who said to her a little before she left all below "You cannot do without Jesus? she added, "And his precious blood." She had been an honourable member of this church during the long pastorate of the venerable John Andrews Jones, whom she highly valued, but she has left one other member only to survive her, who were members of the church when our valued and now aged pastor entered on his charge here. The earthly remains of our sister were interred in Abney Park cemetery, in the presence of loving friends, by our respected brother Griffin, who also improved her death in Jireh, in a solemn and impressive sermon from that appropriate and impressive text, "To die is gain," on the evening of the following Sabbath. It is cheering to see, while that faithful servant of God, our old pastor, is now waiting and longing to enter into the joy of the Lord, whose truth he has so gloriously greached to us, and while now and then some of our old friends are called home, that under the ministry of Mr. Griffin, the same old truths of the everlasting Gospel, our chapel is filling, and our church increasing in attachment to the same. May he be long spared to us in all godliness, in all fidelity to his Lord's honour and with great usefulness and happiness in the church.-G. P.

LINCOLNSHIRE. - Our brother W. Wilson says:-I have been to Sleaford. Mr. Samuel preaches, and is prospering. They tell me there is a good plain preacher of the Gospel at Heckington; and there is

а

cause at Swineshead, where Mr. H. Dexter preaches. I have been to Bicker, where I preach in a schoolroom. I began, on the first Sabbath in November, a six months' probation over two churchesBillingborough and Threekingham. They are both small causes. I hope the Lord will increase them. Mr. W. came here with me on the 12th of October. After I had preached four Sabbaths the Lord was pleased to lay his afflicting hand upon us both. The Lord has been gracious unto us in raising us both up again; so that I have been able to preach the last three Sabbaths. At Billingborough there is one of Mr. Spurgeon's young men preaching at the Public Hall. Threekingham is a small cause; but they have nothing to oppose them, there is no other Dissenting place in the village, they are tokens of the truth, and the chapel fills. Until lately the chapel was held by Unitarians; that cause broke down; a church has been formed on Trinitarian principles. Let me have an interest in your prayers.

GRAVESEND.-Zoar chapel Sunday school. The annual teachers' tea-meeting

The

was on Tuesday, November 12. The friends met for tea at five; about two hundred sat down. A public meeting was held. Mr. Wall presided. After singing and prayer, Mr. Combs, the superintendent, read the report, which showed that the Lord's hand had been with us during the past year. The school room had been enlarged, and paid for. We have ninety scholars and thirteen teachers. teachers are working in love, peace, and union, and the library has been enlarged. every child received a present on the past Sabbath. Mr. Nash then read the financial statement, which showed we were £4 5s. in debt to the treasurer. After this we had good addresses from Mr. Wale, of Blackheath, Mr. Teal, of Woolwich, Mr. Silverton, of London, Mr. Neville, of Sutton at Hone, and Mr. Webb, of Eynesford. We must say the Lord heard and answered our prayers. The chapel was full in the evening. We had enough to get out of debt; and not a farthing more. Now we can say, "the Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad."-Yours, &c., T. C. L.

HILLINGDON HEATH, GUTTERIDGE STREET.-On Tuesday, October 15th, the Harvest Thanksgiving service was held fn connection with this place. Mr. T. Stringer preached in the afternoon from Psalm cvii. 1, "O, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, and his mercy endureth for ever.' The speaker referred to the goodness of the Lord in providence and in grace; his goodness in the past, present, and future, and deserving our thanks to all eternity. for distinguishing grace, abounding grace, harmonious grace-his mercy enduring for ever. At five o'clock, a nice little company of Christian friends partook of tea, and, at six o'clock, a public meeting was held, when addresses were delivered by Mr. Ponsford, Mr. R. Wheeler, Mr. Stringer and Mr. Snowden, the latter being unanimously voted to the chair. We were cheered by the presence of friends from Clapham, Colnbrook, London, Longford, &c. A good discourse in the afternoon. good tea. Good addresses in the evening, and truly we could say, O give thanks unto the Lord, for his mercy endureth for ever. A collection was made in aid of the cause.

WIMBLEDON.-The Lord is blessing our Pastor's labours. We had four added to the Church of Christ on first Sunday in November. We rejoiced while we heard our pastor addressing the young Christians. Two of the candidates were brought under the ministry of our pastor quite against their will! What a mercy for us, God has his will towards us. Mr. Snow has been instrumental in bring four to the foot of the cross, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of their faith. May the Lord give him many many more seals to his ministry prays a sinner saved by grace.