ROTHERHITHE. SALEM CHAPEL, WILTON SQUARE, NEW NORTH ROAD, ISLINGTON. THE above place was opened on Sunday, the 8th March, by the church lately worshipping in Dorchester Hall, Mintern-street, New North-road, Hoxton, when three sermons were preached: Mr. Cozens, of Beulah Chapel, Sommers Town, in the morning; Mr. Irish, late of Warboys, in the afternoon; and Mr. Flack, minister of the place, in the evening. Collections were made after each service, and we have to thank our friends for their liberality. And on the following Monday afternoon Mr. Jas. Wells was to have preached, but for some reason, we fear from indisposition, he did not. Mr. Jos. Wilkins, of Greenwich, supplied his place. Tea was provided at 5 o'clock, and a public meeting at half-past 6 o'clock was held, when several brethren in the ministry addressed the meeting. On Monday, Feb. 2, a tea and public meeting was held at Bethlehem Baptist Meeting House. The room (which will hold about 150, and which is well adapted for a preaching station) was well nigh filled with lovers of truth, to partake of a bountiful tea, provided by six of the sisters meeting there from time to time. After which the meeting was opened as usual: when brother Butterfield stated the object of the meeting to be, not simply to gather money, but manna-for that their primary object was, to have a refreshing time from the presence of the Lord. After which our brother Chivers very ably addressed the meeting from the first verse of the 46th Psalm (being the one chosen for the occasion) shewing that God in the Trinity was "Our refuge and strength-a very present help in trouble. 1. God the Father, in the eternity of his love, is the refuge of our souls from, and to, eternity. 2. God the Son is our strength and stronghold in the day of (soul) trouble: by which strength we are enabled to flee from the wrath to come, and flee to the hope set before us in the gospel. 3. God the Spirit is "A very present help in time of trouble." Hence Paul writes, after shewing us our infirmities, &c., "But the Spirit helpeth our infirmities with groanings which cannot be uttered"-and thus is a refuge for the ignorant, who know not how to pray-for the guilty, who dare not pray-for the oppressed, who feel that they would, but cannot, pray. We found it good to listen to such and other remarks. After which our brother Bowles addressed the meeting from the 2nd verse-"Therefore, will not we fear." 1. We will not fear having gospel supplies. 2. We will not fear but that God will protect us by his grace. 3. That he will support us in providence. Our brother Parker addressed us from the 4th verse-"There is a river"-speaking of its rise, its flowings, its fulness, and its freeness. When our brother Porter (deacon of brother Chislett's) closed by speaking from the first and last verses in a savoury manner, from a remembrance of them being sealed home to his soul when grappling with unbelief, &c. It was a happy meeting; and the THE STRICT COMMUNION BIBLE people seem happily united too. LEIGHTON BUZZARD, BEDS. I understand that some of my friends think that I have left Leighton Buzzard, because of the notice which appeared in February of Mr. Barker's settle ment at Ebenezer. I beg to inform them that "Ebenezer" is another cause at the other end of the town. Mr. Flack, in the chair, briefly stated the object of the meeting, viz., the leadings of Providence in bringing us into the position we are now in, that is, having bought the above chapel for £395, and, with legal expences, will be at a cost of about £410 or £415. The friends have come forward very liberally with their donations, also in their exertions with the building fund cards, and are doing all they can. We hope if any kind friend has a donation, however small, it will be thankfully received by the Secretary, Mr. G. Sawyer, 8, Balmes Terrace, Southgate-road, KingsMarch 13, 1857. land. WISBECH. MR. J. E. PERRIN, after supplying the destitute pulpit of the New Wisbech Baptist Chapel for five months, and indications of revival and prosperity having attended the word preached, has received a cordial invitation to the pastorate, and entered on his stated labours the second Lord's-day in March. BAPTISTS IN INDIA. [WE are favored to extract from letters received, the following quotations expressive of the existence of the truth among some portions of Her Majesty's army in India.-ED.] KIRKE STATION, BOMBAY, 23rd of June, 1856. I still remain at Bethel, and hope to continue DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN JESUS, there for some time to come; for although our courtship was short, that is no reason why our-We, your brethren, being united to you all union should not be long; and I have every reason to believe that such it will prove to be, seeing the Lord has blessed my labours, and still continues in a gradual way to gather his people. Now I want to tell the readers of the VESSEL what a very happy and comfortable meeting we had on Wednesday, the 11th inst. I think I may speak for you, brother Banks, and say you felt yourself sweetly at home in speaking to us in the afternoon; and you will agree with ine in saying we had a first-rate tea, and a capital good meeting after it. The nice homely address of our brother Moores told well; it evidently came from his heart; and I am sure you told us some good things. After you were gone, and on your way to London, our brethren Woodstock and Collier gave us two good speeches: both of them stuck well to their text; showing what it was to sing the praises of our God. We feel greatly indebted to our Ivinghoe friends, who, by their musical talents, enlivened and kept up the interest of the meeting to its close. Although, perhaps, there may be but little in this brief notice of an interesting nature, yet those who were present at the meeting will agree in saying we spent a very pleasant evening. BENJAMIN DAVIES. by the strong cords of love and the bonds of the gospel truth, are desirous of giving you glad tidings respecting the body, which is Christ, the members of the same of which we form a part, being complete in him. It is with pleasure we inform you of the little business transacted of late by yours and our elder brother in the Lord: "Records of the Strict Communion Bible Baptist Church. H. M's. 14th Lt. Dragoons, Kirkee, 1856. Founded on gospel principles, on the 20th day of June, 1856. "Note.-The church was openly founded by the guidance and assistance of brother Richardson, a deacon in the above named denomination for 14 years, being chosen to that office by ten brethren in Kurrachee, 1844. We hearing of him desired him to call over to assist in this work, which we feel in our souls to be of the Lord, and to him be all the praise. "On the 21st of June, 1856, in the Moolwa river, which takes its course close by the village of Kirkee, where nine persons baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by H. Richardson, Two of the brethren from Poona being present on the occasion, the service was carried on as usnal: the whole then proceeded, shortly after, to a place of worship, where they broke bread, and partook of the cup of blessing in commemoration of the death of our risen Lord. "The day following, on the Lord's-day, one other person was baptised in the same way." Dear brothers and sisters, to us that believe Jesus is precious, and he has shown in a particular manner that he has sanctioned what has been done. How shall we be able to express our gratitude for his loving-kindness in sending such an one as br. R. to minister unto us? May Jesus who is our strong habitation, our place of refuge, our rock of defence, our all in all. May he hold us up by his everlasting arms, may he be with all who love the truth; and may help you and give you strong consolation, may you be comforted with his words, and may he enable to rejoice in that he has wrought so mighty in us, bringing down the stubborn, rebelious hearts to the dust, causing us to cry out for help, making us willing to be obedient, to be buried with him that we may also rise with him. And now believe us all to be your ever one in our exalted Head, JOHN BADCOCK. BRIEF NOTICES. KETTERING.-We have a cheering report of the excellent sermons preached by Mr. B. Davies, of Leighton Buzzard, at the re-opening of Ebenezer Chapel, in Kettering, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of March. We cannot, this month, give it in full; but we must give the closing paragraph, which is as follows:--"Our outlay in cleaning, repairing, and putting the gas in our chapel, has been about £18. We have received, by subscriptions, donations. and collections at these various services, about £12. Part of this we think it advisable to make use of in getting ministers, as we think it will be of but little use our having a clean and comfortable chapel unless we have the pulpit filled. We, therefore, make an appeal to the churches to help us, if they can, in the establishing of a cause of God in this town. Surely, in the place where Gill was born, educated, and for a time laboured, we may hope to see the "Cause of God and truth in a prosperous condition :" this is what we long to behold, and hope we shall, one day, see it. Could not our churches lend us their pastors for a Lord'sday occasionally, until the Lord is pleased to send us one! or if not, they might perhaps give us of their substance, that thus we may be enabled, from time to time, to hear the glorious sound of a free grace gospel. Our hearts desire is that this wilder ness of profession may blossom as a rose; and that this town of Kettering may again become famous for the truth of God."-To this we may add, that the anxiety and responsibility of this effort to reestablish gospel truth in Kettering lays principally upon the heart and hands of Mr. Joseph Mattocks, of Northall, Kettering, to whom communications and donations may be sent. Next month, we hope to have more to say for Kettering. We are just now sending a faithful servant of Christ to them; and we hope the Almighty King in Zion will deign to bless his labours. BRIGHTON.-In another part, we have given a report of two of the sermons preached at the opening of the New Baptist Chapel. Our correspondent says "After afternoon service, more than 300 persons took tea; and in the evening the chapel was crowded, when Mr. James Wells, of Surrey Tabernacle, preached a most interesting sermon. We are sorry that, at present, we are not in possession of even a sketch of it; but hope to have it for next month. It was a good day. 'The Lord was there."" THE EARTHEN VESSEL, was holden in Mr. Babb's PLYMOUTH.---A public meeting, in favor of spacious chapel, Plymouth. (kindly lent for the occasion,) on Friday, March 6th. Mr. Easterbrooke, Baptist Minister, presided, and opened the business of the evening in a speech expressing his great sympathy with the Editor; being fully persuaded regard for "THE EARTHEN VESSEL," and his deep that his life had been spent in an earnest service for the churches and cause of truth. Mr. Joseph Greenslade, of Devonport, in next addressing the meeting, said, "Many Christian friends in these towns, to whom Mr. Banks's ministry and THE EARTHEN VESSEL had been very useful, had requested him to visit them, and to preach again to them the truth so dear to his heart, promising to aid him in the redemption of that work. Mr. Banks had come at their request: he had preached would lay before them a statement of his position." that week in four different chapels; and now he This was done; after which, Mr. James Cousens, Mr. Foord, and Mr. Brewer delivered Christian addresses; and the following letter from Mr. Easterbrooke, the chairman, will fairly express the feeling of the meeting : and request of many of the Lord's people, you DEAR BROTHER BANKS, According to the desire were brought in safety to these towns last week, to preach the gospel of the grace of God; and the Lord being gracious to you, each time, you preached, so that the word was blessed to many souls, which has much tended to endear you to them for the use the Lord has made of you for their soul's profit; and they anticipate hearing you again in these towns soon after Midsummer. The last time you were here I did not feel so much interest in your visit as I have now. About that time there were unfavorable reports about you touching your embarassments in business; and all that I could then say was, I am quite ignorant of the true sense of these matters. But when the next VESSEL came out I felt for you, believing you to be a sent servant of our Lord Jesus: and when your "Words by the Way-Side" were issued, I felt quite settled in my mind that what had been said was false. I had long felt that my much esteemed brother Wells would not identify himself with any unless he was assured such were honest in the sight of God and man. Many are trying to sink you, and the VESSEL too, but they will labour in vain, for I believe our God is at the helm. And now, my dear brother, we who are friends and supporters of that valuable little book, are very glad you have bought it back again; and the next step is to get the money to pay it; and we hope we showed you on Friday night, in Mr. Babb's chapel, that there are some warm friends to the VESSEL in these towns; and we do hope the readers and lovers of the truths advocated in that work will join us heartily in removing the burden of £250, which is the price of her redemption; and to use every means to increase the circulation until it rises at least to 10,000 per month. I send the resolution passed at the meetWe are happy to say we have increased the circuing on Friday, March 6th, in Mr. Babb's chapel. lation by many this year. J. EASTERBROOKE. 32, Clarence-street, Plymouth, March 11th. Brewer, and carried unanimously, that, in order to It was moved by Mr. Cousens, seconded by Mr. clear off the debt of £250, the purchase price of the EARTHEN VESSEL, a shilling subscription be entered into in these towns, which will be opened until Midsummer next. Messrs. Easterbrooke and Bate, of Plymouth, and Mr. Greenslade, of Devonport, to receive the same, and forward them to the London committee. Similar meetings have been holden in Providence Chapel, Greenwich, Mr. Joseph Wilkins; in Zion Chapel, St. Pancras, Mr. James Nunn; and in Beulah Chapel, Lisson Grove; particulars of which will be given in No. 2" Words by the Way-Side," to be issued shortly. It is a cheering fact that in many parts of this Kingdom, in the Indies, the Colonies, &c., our circulation is increasing. Mr. THE LATE AND MUCH BELOVED John Warburton, Senior. OF TROWBRIDGE, wilts. Bis Life-Bis Last Days-Bis Bappq A MEMOIR AND A REVIEW. Departure. We have, for years, been represented by heaven, we consider it an honour to some interested parties, as antagonistic be permitted to hand down faithful to The Gospel Standard, and to those memorials of them to the genegood men whose views and sentiments raitons that may come after us, thus that magazine has so zealously repre- forming a gospel biographical link besented. We have always considered tween the past and the future ages of such representation to be a great mis- the Christian church in the wilderness. take, to say the least of it. From the Hence it comes to pass that this month very commencement, down to the present we lay aside many things in order to period, we have been readers and sup- give as faithful a review of the toils and porters of The Gospel Standard; and for triumphs of JOHN WARBURTON's miniexperimental religion--and there can be stry as our space and circumstances will no real religion which is not experimental allow. From the slight glance we are -we have always considered and said, enabled now to take of the material there is no publication in the known which has already come to hand, it may world, that we have ever seen or heard be that this review of the entire life of of, that has more faithfully contended| Mr. Warburton may run through several for the vital and essential work, way, numbers; especially as we are arranging and witness of the Eternal Spirit in the to give the funeral sermon, and every hearts and consciences of the Lord's re- event of any real interest to the many deemed family, than has the periodical thousands who, from the lips of our dereferred to. There are other monthlies parted friend, heard the words of grace useful in their way, but for testimonies and truth frequently with unusual savour of heart-work we think none are so de- and power. voted and useful as the Standard. John Warburton, senior, of TrowAs regards the good men who have bridge, was born at Stand, near Manbeen more immediately connected with chester, in the month of October, in the it, as pastors and preachers, we never year 1776; consequently he must have were admitted into their company; we reached his 80th year last autumn-a never sought for association with them, good old age indeed; and one that has as many have done. We have been been crowned with innumerable mercies, content to walk in the way a kind Provi- although he has not been altogether exdence has marked out for us; and in empt from tribulations and fiery trials. that way we have had both our work and Mr. Warburton's Life and Experience, our reward. But, in years which have as written by himself, has been before long since passed away (when in deep the Christian Church now for some affliction and captivity we dwelt), we years; but there is a large variety of never failed to hear these good men edifying incident connected with such a when opportunity was given; and among man's life, which may be honorably the men that were of some use to us at given; and from whence the most imthat time, none were more so than the portant lessons may be learned. In this greatly beloved William Gadsby, whose first paper we only glance at the outline, name and memory is dear to our hearts. the deeps of soul travail, the growth of Daniel Smart, John Kershaw, and espe- faith, knowledge, love, and liberty, with cially "dear old John Warburton," with all the fruits flowing therefrom,—miniothers, have often been to our faint and sterial exercises, pastoral cares, and feeble souls messengers of mercy, and evangelical labours; these must be rehelpers by the way. As, therefore, these served for future numbers. Only the good men are removed from earth to prominent steps of his life, and the cir VOL. XIII.-No. 147. G cumstances of his death, will fill up all the space we can occupy in this number. The late William Gadsby baptised John Warburton before the former was a settled pastor at Manchester. That scene, when William Gadsby stood in the water, holding John Warburton by one hand, and lifting the other to heaven, beseeching the Lord to raise him up as an instrument for the glory of the gospel, was peculiar, prophetic, and soul-enchanting. It is one of those sketches, the presentation of which would be enough, under the Divine blessing, to melt the hardest heart to softness, and to raise the timorous to confidence and joy. We shall be glad to illustrate the singularly eventful career of "the bold Wiltshire pastor," if the way be made plain. The training through which Mr. Warburton passed for, and his entrance upon the ministry, was of no ordinary character. Never were the passions of man's fallen nature more fully developed than in this good man's exercises. Never, surely, were the sovereign teachings of the blessed Spirit more wonderfully displayed: but here we must not even touch them. They shall every one be laid before our readers in due time: not even omitting the Bury, the Liverpool, the Rochdale, the Trowbridge, and other exhibitions of a man flying from, and yet so closely pursued by, the Spirit of Christ in the gospel, that he could never escape. We abruptly come to a relation of those circumstances immediately connected with his happy departure, A member of Mr. Warburton's church has furnished the following particulars, which may be relied upon as correct : "Our beloved pastor, Mr. John Warburton, began to feel his strength to decline in March, 1856; and the church agreed to get a supply for Sabbath-day mornings, so that from that time he preached but once, and that was in the evening; and I must say his sermons, from that time, were solemn and weighty. He continued thus up to October, just finishing his eighty years, and then his strength began to fail; and being afflicted with disease of the heart, he gave up altogether, and was confined to his room. At Christmas he was attacked with a complication of diseases; so that his life was despaired of; and we thought he would be released from his affliction at that time. He was very comfortable in his mind, leaving all to the will of his heavenly Father, whether to live or to die. He felt for the church, in the burden they had to support him, and pay supplies; and he, from this, resigned his pastoral office, together with his salary, trusting in the Lord The that he would support him, and never leave him nor forsake him; but the church met, voted him his full salary for six weeks. At and unanimously refused his resignation, and the end of the same he continued very ill, expecting every day to be the last. church met again, and agreed to continue his full amount of salary for six weeks longer. About this time, by the blessing of God, and his dropsy complaint was got over, and he by medical aid, his disease of heart left him; rallied in hope and expectation that there was another year or two added to his life. But, alas! the little wick brightens with a shining glare, and quickly goes out for ever. It was so with him; in three weeks or a month he he was evidently sinking, never to rise began to sink apace; his appetite failed him; again. The last fortnight he was confined to his bed, and had friends sitting up every night. We found his mind very serene, fully resigned to the will of God, and sometimes would say, "PRECIOUS JESUS! PRECIOUS JESUS! how I long to see thee face to face!" He said to his nurse one night, “I should like the Lord to send some other affliction to take me home in a moment." Then he checked himself, and said, "Wretch that I His will is best, and his dealings are all in am! to choose, or to dictate to the Almighty! love." He felt his mind at times overcast with clouds of sorrow from that sink of sin which is in the carnal heart; and he would cry out, rupts my love and communion with my God." 'My cursed sin! O, my cursed sin! it interThe promise that mostly supported him in his painful affliction, was, 66 The Lord is God; a Stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Many The Lord is God! Bless his dear name! times during his affliction he would say, he knoweth my heart: he knoweth that I trust in him: I have nowhere else to trustno other hope for my salvation, but on him, the Rock of eternal ages, which bore me up The nurse told him that one of the members in life, and will be my support in death." sent her love to him, requesting them to tell him that the precious truths she had heard from him had been her support in all her trials. He said, "Tell her, that if her, or any other, have received the blessing through my ministry, give God the glory. Never mention my worthless name.' On Wednesday night, April 1st, he was taken evidently worse; and it appeared his time was very short. In the morning his family was gathered round his bed;-he wanted to see no person but those of his family. No doubt desiring to give them his parting blessing: praying that God Almighty would be with his children; and with his partner in life. A few hours before he died, his speech failed him he could not speak he motioned for a pen and ink, and it was brought; he took the pen in his hand to write, but the pen, through weakness, dropped from his hand. He tried to speak his daughter Rachel put her ear to his mouth, and said, "Fathre, what is it you want to write? Is it about the church ?" He said "No!" "Is it anything and the choir of Zion Chapel, assisted by then dropt the pen, and joined the heavenly no more. him to the cemetery; but I have to inIt is said that two hundred followed form you that there was one hundred and thirty of his female members, all clad in crape mourning, and one hundred males crape hatbands and gloves; and after these many of the congregation in black, but without hatbands. April 10, at eleven o'clock, the corpse On Friday, On the following Monday evening, a Church the members. Two of the eldest deacons was borne upon the shoulders of six of meeting took place; and our late pastor's son John came forth, and returned thanks to the preceded, and the other six bore the pall, church for the favours shewn to his dear and the relative mourners followed the father; and made mention of a paragraph in corpse; and as soon as his mortal rethe EARTHEN VESSEL of his taking his father's mains entered the chapel the choir in the place as pastor of the church; and he said, gallery struck up singing a mournful he had no thought of coming to Trowbridge; nor never had; and more than that, he said sacred piece of music, and after the he would not come if we were to offer him a corpse was laid in the table-pew Divine thousand a year, and a coach to ride in, if he service commenced by singing,— could not see the hand of the Lord in his removal from his present church and people. THE FUNERAL took place on Friday, April 10, in the new cemetery. The corpse was carried from the residence to Zion Chapel on the shoulders of six members of Mr. W.'s church, and was laid for a short time in the communion Mr. Hatton, of Wolverhampton, addressed the congregation, and Mr. Roff, of Stow-on-the-Wold, and Mr. Mortimer, also took part in the services. pew. The corpse, after the service, was taken out of the chapel, and put in a hearse, and the procession was formed. The hearse was preceded by Mr. Spragg, Surgeon, and by the following ministers: Mr. Gorton, of Minton, Oxon; Mr. Pocock, of Seend; Mr. Nightingale, of Southwick; Mr. Katton, Mr. Roff, Mr. Mortimer, and a few friends. The pall was borne by the deacons of the church. The chief mourners of course followed the corpse, and consisted of Three of Mr. W.'s Sons-James, Gideon, Joan. Two Sons-in-Law-Mr. John Hayward and Mr. Isaac Moore. Eight Grandsons-all young men. One Husband of Grand-daughter -Mr. John Price. Mr. John Gadsby; and about 200 Members of his Congregation. On arriving at the cemetery, Mr. Gorton gave an affecting and powerful address, which will not soon be forgotten. Hymn 468 Gadsby's Selection, was then sung by the vast assembly, being led by Mr. Keates Why should I shrink at Jordan's flood," &c. I think I shall never forget the feelings of my mind as I sat in my seat, looking round upon the hangings of black cloth in folds round the gallery, and the chapel full, all clad in deep mourning, and hearing the mournful piece being sung by our choir, the tears of sorrow flowing from the eyes of many of the members, and the mortal remains of my dear pastor borne up the aisle to the pew. The scene broke my heart, and I could not help weeping at the thought that I should hear his voice no more. On Sunday evening his funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Gorton from 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8-"I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." The chapel was full to excess. A powerful discourse was delivered, and solemnity appeared to invade the hearts of the audience. May God sanctify the solemn dispensation to the good of his chosen, and his own glory, thily in the bonds of the everlasting gosis the prayer of yours truly but unworpel, JOB RAWLINGS. [The review and memorial, with every incident connected with the departure of Mr. Warburton, will be continued in our next.] |