fourteen persons, and thereby admitted them into this prosperous part of the visible church of Christ upon earth, (one had been previously baptized at another place in Rushden village). The place of worship was literally beseiged outside, and crammed within, with attentive hearers and observers, some having travelled twenty, thirty, and forty miles, to be present and to commune with the beloved church here. Praying for every decreed blessing to rest upon you, I remain, an ardent labourer in the best employment.

C. DRAWBRidge. Rushden, Northamptonshire, Sept. 1st, 1857.

A WORD OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO

THE BRETHREN.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,-Would you allow me, on the wrapper or any part of the October number of the VESSEL, to acknowledge sincerely the kindness of those servants of God, those ministers of the everlasting gospel, who have so cheerfully supplied my lack of service at the Surrey Tabernacle, and Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn, during my inability through affliction to appear in public.

I assure you, Mr. Editor, that it is no small comfort to my mind to see the people at the Surrey Tabernacle appreciate the grace and truth of God, in which ever of his servants the same may be manifest. This is as it should be; for we are not to be puffed up for one against another. I do feel indebted to Mr. Chivers, who ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. To Mr. Flack (Salem Chapel, New North-road) approved in Christ, whom he delighteth to honour; to Mr. Pegg (of Claxton, Norfolk), an able, and faithful witness of grace and truth; Mr. Williamson, of Notting-hill, a Joseph of Arimathea, bold and honorable; Mr. Stringer, of Gravesend, one of David's mighty men, and of the tribe of Judah; Mr. Ponsford, of Courland-grove, near Clapham, a well established disciple; the truth will be with him for ever; Mr. Hanks, of Woolwich, a hind let loose, giving goodly words; Mr. J. A. Jones, a green olive tree in the house of his God, and is just the same for God and truth as though he was but now set out on his journey; and so far from tribulations and aboundings of error quenching the fire of his love to the Saviour's name and cause, it burns hotter and higher. Thanks, living thanks to our God for this; he will leave a gospel mantle when the chariot shall come to take him to his brethren above; it will freeze no one to wear such a mantle; may he yet long be spared to shame and yet help some of us poor cold-hearted ones. To these good ministers both myself and people feel indebted, as well to others for their kind expressions of sympathy, and who have kindly signified their willingness to come over and help us.

Will, then, the above named, and I may say also unnamed ministers of truth, accept on my own part, on the part of the deacons at the Surrey Tabernacle, as also of the people, this acknowledgment of their kindness? And I am sure, Mr. Editor, none more than yourself has felt a sympathy with me and the cause I am honored to be connected with.

It would perhaps be out of place to say a word concerning myself; yet I cannot forbear saying, that, during a violent chronic rheumatism in my left arm, having subjected me to most distressing pain night and day now for six weeks; and though somewhat better, is likely to trouble me for some weeks, if not months to come. During this time I have been many times kept from appearing in publie; and they have shewn all the sympathy and kindness that any minister could desire. I cannot speak too highly of the kindness of either deacons or people. And as to my own personal experience, I was the first week of my captivity truly cast down; I felt more like an infidel than anything else, nor could I bring my own soul out of prison. Clear it was to me, if a good work went on in my I could soul, God alone could carry it on. neither pray nor anything else. Duty-faith and duty-prayer, had I been a believer in such fables, would have gone to the winds. I was shut up, and could not come forth; the chambers of imagery in my infidel nature were open, and sin of every shape and dye at work. I wondered what it all could mean; but I trust I now somewhat know what it meant; it was to prepare me for a fresh opening up to my soul of his eternal truth, he turned my captivity. The first encouraging thought that came with power was this,-Has the Lord ever failed you? I said, No, he has not. Has he not said with power to your soul, with everlasting kindness he will have mercy upon you? I said, Yes; and then upon the back of this came in kindnesses of Christian friends. I fell on my knees to give thanks to Him who delighteth in mercy; peace flowed into my soul. This is now a little more than a month ago; and my hope and heart have been comfortably sustained ever since; and so inspirited was I, that last Sabbath week I, though very sadly in body, preached three times, and perhaps never had a

better day, but it was nevertheless too much for me; I did not close my eyes the whole night; but such was the fellowship I enjoyed with eternal things all through the night, that had my time been come I could, in the strength of what I then enjoyed, have breathed my last without scarcely knowing it. Scarce should I feel death's cold embrace If Christ be in my arms.

Oh! what a Saviour is our Saviour! oh! how little we know of him! What then! am

now to moderate in doctrine? Oh! no; let me go higher, higher than ever, until the heaven of heavens shall swallow up the whole election of grace.

I am, Mr. Editor, yours sincerely in new covenant bonds, J. WELLS.

CAVE ADULLAM, OLD ROAD,
STEPNEY.

THE 34th anniversary was held August 30th, a day long to be remembered; the Lord, seemed especially to bless us with charming weather, with full congregations and with collections beyond what we expected. Mr. Thos. Chivers, preached in the morning from Is. xxvi. 4, a sound, experimental discourse; many of the

small, and the number of children had so increased | John Player; and on the 30th of June, 1844, as to render it impossible to continue their operations in so small a space; they had therefore determined by the blessing of God, to commence the work.

Mr. Porter then laid the stone; after which be made some very appropriate remarks, feeling honoured to tread in the steps of that godly man Mr. J. Swain, the first pastor of the church, who laid the first stone of the old school room some fifty years ago; stating also that he had done it with a view to glorify God, to spread the knowledge of sound protestant truth, and to benefit the rising generation, by telling them of the one foundation, Jesus Christ, whom God the Father hath laid in Zion, for poor lost sinners to build all their hopes upon.

Joseph Payne, Esq., then gave a most interesting speech, proving that he is indeed the Teacher's and Scholar's friend, concluding with some very appropriate verses, entitled "Eben

ezer."

The doxology having been sung, the friends (about 200) took tea together, which was provided by the ladies of the church and congregation, in a style and spirit, which did them great credit.

A public meeting was then held; Mr. Porter presided. Addresses were delivered by S. K. Bland, (architect of the school room) Mr. Worby, Mr. Snelgrove, Mr. Tiddy, Mr. Baker, Mr. Edgcombe, and Mr. Chislett. (C. W. Banks, Mr. George, and Mr. Butterfield were necessitated to leave early.) The profits of tea, collection, and promised, during the meeting, £74.

Should any person read this, who feels it in their heart to aid the cause of God, and truth, here is a school of nearly 300 children, who, with their teachers and friends, are doing their utmost to help themselves; hoping that others will come to their help also, and that the Lord will crown their efforts with his blessing.

Additions are being made to this old cause under Mr. Chislett's ministry.

THE LATE MR. J. HOWELL,

OF SAFFRON Walden.

66

he was baptised and admitted a member of that church. Naturally he possessed a vivid imagination, sound judgment, and a good understanding of things generally, lacking only a liberal education to fit him for a large sphere of usefulness in society. Commonly his counsel was sought by the surrounding neighbours. As in body, so in soul, he was long favoured with strength; strong in faith, giving glory to God." In every thing his state was that of one whose mind was quietly stayed on divine sovereignty, never expressing himself otherwise even in the midst of circumstantial tribulations. And when buffetted by outer-court worshippers and worldly professors concerning the doctrines of his faith, and of his heart-election, sonship, and predestination to eternal life-his usual reply was, "Oh, he will repay it," and, so singularly forgiving was he, both religiously and naturally, that I have known him to replace to them their loss of money that have unjustly sued him at the law and lost by it.

The source of his constant discomfort and trial lay in a deep-seated morbid sensibility, and irritability, the common fruit of such a constitutional root. Herein lay the opportunities for the advantage of the "world, the flesh, and the devil;" nor did they fail to take it. Howbeit, this was a means in the hand of the Lord of bringing him often into secret mourning before God, and separated him more from the world than otherwise his naturally cheerful disposition would have dictated.

I said a comfortable assurance seemed his common portion for his pilgrimage from his heavenly Father for many years. Once when standing with him in his little parlour, placing his finger upon the table with an emphasis and energy never to be forgotten, he said "Henry, it is God that does every thing in us and for us, and, if you have not arrived at this you have nothing yet." At another time, when at my house, about two years before his death, after I had been reading Phil. ii, 1, "If there be therefore any consolation JAMES HOWELL, sen., deacon of the Baptist in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any felchurch at Saffron Walden, died at the ad- lowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mervanced age of 78 years, on the 30th of Janu- cies," &c., a divine sweetness, evident from ary, 1857. He was a Builder by trade, and knowledge and experience, entered his soul, was one of the oldest inhabitants of his village. and he instantly kneeled down, and praying In 1811 he erected the chapel there in which with an unctious fervour, repeated the words the late Rev. Joseph Irons, that bold unflinch-thus-"Yes, Lord, blessed be thy name, there ing champion of the cross of Christ, for some years after published the Saviour's love and a free grace gospel. Being providentially blessed in his first marriage with a prudent, careful, heavenly-minded companion-my beloved mother-made an early profession of religion under the ministry of the Rev. Charles Simeon, of Cambridge. His religious views or impressions were then according to his age, and the pharisaical influence of the ministry he was under. It may be said that he "lived after the strictest sect thereof" until about the year 1835, when it pleased God gradually to open his eyes and convince him of the folly of his way, and bring him under the ministry of the late much esteemed

is much consolation in Christ, much comfort of love, much fellowship of the Spirit, much bowels and mercies." Again, after relating to him what I felt of late of my own evil heart and corrupt nature he immediately replied by letter "that is a good confession-true experience-that is religion."

About the age of 45, though but a youth myself, I well remember he had a sharp time of cutting down under a feeling sense and sight of sin by the law made exceeding sinful," and as is commonly the case when God brings the tempest of Sinai into an elect soul, he applied to a physician of no value in this case), who advised him to chew the Turkish root of rhubarb before breakfast every

"When all these foes are quelled,
And every danger past,
That ghastly phantom death remains
To combat with at last."

Howbeit, he was not without his foibles, corruptions, and miscarriages, the greatest of his life, perhaps, was that of an "unequal yoking "in his second marriage, in 1815. This inconsistency weakened his usefulness in the world, and his influence in the church of Christ, scattered his family, and procured to himself the rod of chastisement and circumstantial affliction to the very end of his days. Let this be a caution to them that fear God.

"Their pardon some receive at first, And then compelled to fight, They find their latter stages worst, His remains were interred in the churchAnd travel much by night." yard of the village. A sermon was preached Outward opposition to his faith, and his un- on the occasion in the afternoon of the foldisguised confession of the doctrines of the lowing Sabbath, by Mr. Wilson, pastor of the word of truth, formed no small portion of his church at Saffron Walden, from these words, fight. He proved that unavoidable decree-"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." "A man's enemies shall be they of his own Phil. i. 21. The preacher seemed sweetly household." Persecuted by one of his sons alive in his work. He spoke first of the eter by letters to a degree, perhaps, without a par-nal power and Godhead of our Lord Jesus allel, and personally assaulted by a younger Christ, and as in Trinity the self-existent one of a like spirit. He endured it with re- fountain, author, upholder, and maintainer of markable fortitude, forbearance, and patience; all life, whether vegetable, animal, or human. and with eyes full of tears, tenderness, and Secondly, of the life spiritual of Christ in the affection, he sorrowfully remarked to me soul, and of the life of an elect sinner or soul about ten months prior to his death, "I can in Christ. And here he entered into a great forgive him; he is not the only Absalom that variety of interesting particulars in the Chrisever lived in the world." Nor did he cease to tian experience;" then of the deceased; of pray for them to the end of his days. Prayer facts interesting from his knowledge of him ; was his weapon, and his sword the word of the of the conflicts and dying of a christian-not Lord; and in many remarkable instances always under the bright meridian of the Sun were the legal opposers of divine truth silenced of Righteousness-not always in the day, but and subdued under God. Yet, again, as sings sometimes in the night. Then referring to our poetthat solemn and remarkable circumstance in our Lord's death, when under the dark cloud of his heavenly Father's withdrawal from the guilt of sin, he exclaimed, "My God, my God; why hast thou forsaken me " the preacher So my dear father found it when approach- said, " And we do not read of the departure ing the "verge of Jordan," where Satan is of that cloud from the dear Redeemer until often allowed to plant his heaviest artillery he rose triumphant from the dead and the against the redeemed of God. Not afraid of grave." Lastly, he spoke sweetly for a few death, yet he was grievously assailed by Satan moments of the eternal gain of the deceased, to think, and admit that, which, of all sins, he and all the church of God dying in Christwas farthest and freest from the guilt of," And I heard a voice from heaven, saying namely, hypocrisy; for his sincerity was mani- unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which fest by the broad demands of a tender con- die in the Lord; yea, saith the Spirit, for they science in the solemn matter of divine things. rest from their labours." On the morning of the day on which he died, an attendant asked him if he thought he was near his end; he replied, "You will know all about it to-night." The last words he was heard to articulate, by one of his sons were, "Now I want all faith, hope, (and other words not distinctly caught or remembered, implying) all God's full and free salvation." OUR useful brother George Curtis, of JaThen stretching himself at full length, he fixed his eyes steadfastly upward, in which attitude he lay for some time, when a heavenly, divine, and peaceful smile was distinctly observed to pass three times over his countenance and hips, after which he spoke no more; and, about a quarter to four o'clock in the afternoon, without a groan, a struggle, or a sigh, his redeemed spirit took its flight to take possession of its eternal inheritance, where its sun shall no more go down, nor its peace be broken, "Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest."

Thus died one whose memory will be long cherished by some and blessed by others, for the savour of his testimony for God, and for the spiritual verities of his sacred word.

HENRY HOWELL.

"THE EARTHEN VESSEL"

IN CANADA.

maica-row, has indulged us with a sight of a
letter he has received from C. Joyce, of
Greensville, Upper Canada, from which we
learn that "a bookseller residing in Quebec
(700 miles from Greensville), has become
agent for THE EARTHEN VESSEL, and is
there circulating it. Mr. Joyce says, "I
have succeeded in getting subscribers for it;
and can truly declare it is highly valued by
can recommend THE EARTHEN VESSEL to
us. I hope to get more subscribers; for I
all the household of faith. We want more
of such works in Canada. I wish I could
say they are what the Baptists in Canada
appreciated; but would you believe me
when I say, I believe not more than two or