est, it will soon be over, and then, if true mourners after Christ, it will be all well, for it "shall be well with the righteous," eternally, for ever well; "And then, O how sweet the conqueror's song." A few days before the Spirit departed, our brother was sorely tried and was in some distressing trouble of soul, but the Lord was pleased to break in upon his soul, and he was enabled to say, "The Lord is my portion. Happy, happy; I'm going home!" Two or three days after, he said to his beloved partner, I said I had something to say to you; Now come, let me tell you I have had a sore conflict with the enemy, but all is well; I shall soon be at home; Christ is with me; 'I know in whom I have believed ;' 66 LINES IN MEMORY ОР HARRIET LEES. HARRIET LEES departed this life November 25th, 1857, aged 35 years. She was brought by the Holy Spirit, to know and feel she was a sinner; that the LORD JESUS CHRIST was her Saviour in life and in death. She adored the wonders of eternal electing love; and often said upon her dying bed, & Why did the Lord choose me to life ?" She fell asleep in Jesus "blessed are the dead who die in the Lord": when He comes in glory, she will be found amongst the ransomed. The following verses were composed by her brother-in law, Robert Daggett, of Hulme, near Manchester, where she died. When Jesus calls believers home, They cheerfully resign their breath: 'I shall see his face, and wear a starry From heaven to guard them angels come crown ;' Don't sorrow for me; keep your place; stand Three sweet hymns were sung, I believe, selected by the departed,-401, 402, and 403, Stevens's Selection-two verses of which allow me to close with, "In vain my fancy strives to paint Her mansion near the throne." Through the cold arms of conquer'd death. Our Churches, their Pastors, and their People. THE PRESENT EXCITEMENT FOR PREACHING; AND MR. JAMES WELLS'S SERMON IN THE SURREY GARDENS MUSIC HALL. cess. "WE certainly live"-(as our fathers and grandfathers before us, would have said) "in extraordinary times!" As regards the immense amount of preaching, we surely shall not err, if we say, there never were such days before. The Puseyites have opened Westminster Abbey for Sunday evening services: it is full to overflowing. The aristocratic Dissenters have opened Exeter Hall for the same purpose; it is crowded to exMr. Spurgeon, as every body knows, has opened the Surrey Gardens Music Hall; and he keeps it full from top to toe. Beside this, we have in our part of the metropolis, preaching stations, and lecture halls almost in every street; forsooth, we say, we ought to be good people now-a-days. Every denomination seems on the stretch to do its utmost to gather up, and to get in the masses to hear something: the days are surely come, when the prophecy is fulfilling-"Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." and we suppose-although we are neither in their cabinet, nor acquainted with their secrets or movements, but we suppose, the committee thought it would be an excellent mean of aiding their funds, if Mr. James Wells would preach for them in that spacious hall. Accordingly, they petitioned him to do so; and amazing to relate, he consented to shut up the Surrey Tabernacle on a Sunday evening; and to go into the Surrey Gardens Music Hall-and there to preach the gospel: this, we think, was "the Right Spirit.” Secondly-report says "not less than twelve thousand persons resolved to go and hear him, ten thousand (they say) obtained admission: there was also, we think, "The Right Spirit." Thirdly, the sermon itself-as printed—we did not hear it- but as printed, is an able discourse on three points:-it exhibits thirteen charges which the Holy Ghost brings against the whole human race; it then shows how the Saviour met those thirteen charges; and how individually Before us lays a printed sermon entitled- and personally we must meet these charges, "The Right Spirit. The sermon preached or perish for ever:" the consequences of by Mr. James Wells, of the Surrey Taber- not having-and the benefits resulting from nacle, in the Surrey Gardens Music Hall, on a possession of, the Spirit of Chrift were Sunday evening, January 10th, 1858, to an faithfully declared; so that we think the serassembly of upwards of ten thousand per-mon itself, and the manner in which it was sons, on behalf of the Christian Blind Relief delivered, may well be called, "the Right Society." We have heard a great deal about Spirit." And, lastly, as the funds of the wrong spirits in these days of gospel excite- Christian Blind Relief Society received from ment; but now we have "THE RIGHT the collection £50 or more, we cannot but SPIRIT" and that in the Music Hall too; think, there was among the people "the and this right spirit described and declared Right Spirit." We hope the day will deby the unflinching Pastor of the Surrey Ta- clare that eternal blessings fell into many bernacle. We shall not criticise either the precious souls that evening and that the miniscircumstance or the sermon; some good terial crown of our brother Wells will have people have spoken to us in a very angry many a living stone from that evening's sertone; they have not considered the move vice. It is no use men being jealous and ment a "right" one at all. And the ques-angry because we little ones cannot do as the tion has been asked again and again-"Ah! was it a right spirit?" We have weighed the query; and we hold ourselves alone responsible for the answer. There appears, to us four things about the event which indicate a "right spirit." In the first place, the Christian Blind Relief Society is a "noble institution:" it affords relief to "the needy blind of every protestant denomination :". great ones do. Let us all do what we can for HIM who has done all for us-and so live and die in peace. The sermon is published by Mr. J. G. Stevenson, of 54, Paternosterrow; and The Christian Chronicle gives a portrait of Mr. Wells, and report of the proceedings. The portrait, we think, is anything but flattering. [Several reports of annual meetings have been sent too late. pondents to send earlier in the month for all internal matters.-ED.] We entreat our corresc 3 DISTRESS AND DELIVERANCE. The Experience of a Female Disciple. CHARLES STREET CHAPEL, CAMBERWELL. JAN. 15, 1858.-Christian readers.-It has pleased our covenant God to let some mercy drops fall on his church below. Myself, with some other readers of the VESSEL, thought the following statement given before the church, previous to baptism, might be useful to encourage others to follow the Lord in his own appointed ordinance of believer's baptism, and therefore will attempt to lay before you the experience of a young person. First, about the age of 17 years, when called upon to state to the church the Lord's dealings with her soul, she spake thus:-"I cannot recollect the time when first awakened to a sense of my ruined state as a sinner, but it must have been very early in life, for as far back as I can remember, I had great fear of death, and a strong desire to be released from sin, which is its sting. This thought was continually present to my mind. Oh! if the Lord would only have mercy upon me; that is all I want. I used to dread the approach of night, as then the enemy would set in upon me, and tell me that if I went to sleep I should never wake again: so that I often had sleepless nights, and oftentimes when I had such, dozed, and would start up with fright, imagining that I should wake in hell, and was compelled to spring from my bed, and fall on my knees and beg for mercy, and often did I wish myself a cat or a bird, as then I should have no soul to be troubled about. At this time the greatest stumbling block to my mind was the fact that all must believe before they could be saved. "Believe, Believe, -I used to say to myself-and what is it to believe? If I am to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and a powerful Saviour, I do believe that, but so do thousands of worldly people; I am no better than they." And, thus I used to listen attentively to catch the words of every sermon in hope that something might be said to reach my case; but no. Thus things went ou for some years, and at one time I fancied I had found the peace of God which passeth understanding, as light seemed to shine in upon me; and I thought myself secure. "Now will I praise the Lord," was the language of my soul; but after an interval of some little time, I found I had been building on my own works, thinking that by attention to means of grace, and shewing kindness to those around me, I should obtain the proof that I was born again; and so force myself into the belief that I was a child of God. But this deceptive light, God in his great mercy was pleased to remove from me; as it appears he had foreordained that, in my case his ministers should not be the instruments of leading me to a knowledge of himself, but by the word of God and letters from my dear mother, who used to speak so lovingly of Jesus, and of what he had been as a Saviour and Friend to her. He drew me gradually and almost imperceptibly to him, and the time was not far distant when the glorious light of the Holy Spirit breaking in upon my soul should cause my bondage to cease. I had been sent to France in order to acquire the language of the country, and I need scarcely say to you, that by the grace of God I returned untainted by the Popish superstitions around me, which seemed to me like so many idle mummeries. I often went to their churches that I might be able to judge for myself, but invariably returned wearied and disgusted: and here I must say I thank God that I was not first sent to the Capital; for whilst residing in the country some miles from any town, where the Roman religion, as it is called, was not set forth with that splendour which it wears in large towns, I became heartily to despise a religion which contains nothing but empty forms, and shows the hideous vices which were even then revealed to me. I was at this period earnestly longing for the bread which came down from heaven, and nothing short of Christ would satisfy the craving of my soul; but the full evidence of my interest did not come until I went to Paris. It came simply and sweetly at last, as I was one evening reading the Bible to my sister (as was my custom) while she was in bed, and having finished reading, I was turning over the leaves to find something for myself, I opened at John's gospel, 6th chapter, 37th verse, and read, "All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me, and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” and likewise the 44th verse, along with others, such as, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." These, with many others were so powerfully applied to my soul that I was led to the cenclusion that I was a great sinner, and the great Redeemer who had said he would in in no wise cast out any that came to him, would receive me who had sought him sorrowing so long, and that since the Scriptures declare that "we love him because he first loved us," I felt that since his everlasting love was fixed upon me, since I loved him as my Redeemer from death and hell, I trust I felt thankful to God for his unmerited mercy to my soul, in having brought me to himself, and assured me of my interest in his precious blood as the ground of my hope of salvation. Although since that time I have been often cast down on account of my sins, yet I have never lost sight of the Rock on which my faith is built, even Christ, until at last love has compelled me to come forward and present myself as a candidate for Baptism by Immersion, which I firmly believe to be the only Scriptural method, of baptizing. And after this, having given some satisfactory answers to a few questions respecting her views of the doctrine of the Trinity, she was unanimously received. And now, if it was not that I should be occupying too much of your room, I should like to have given some particulars related by another sister, and two brethren, previous to their Baptism. The sister referred to, was graciously set at liberty (after many year's bondage) by the Lord himself, and brought to Charles-street Chapel, where the word has been made very precious to her soul. The youngest of the brethren was convinced of his lost state as a sinner by conversation between two of his fellow workmen. He had always attended the Church of England, but did not get any food for his soul, although he tried many different ministers, and it did appear at one time as if he was determined to continue in the Church, having heard that man of God, Mr. West, preach, and profited thereby; but our God was pleased, when for many months walking in darkness, to direct his steps into the Baptist Chapel, Charles-street, where he heard the word with no small degree of feeling; and after some time the Lord spoke home the words of Isaiah, 44th chapter, 25th verse, with such power that he felt he could rejoice in the Lord as his portion, and although now frequently distressed on account of his inbred corruptions, yet he was enabled to look to Jesus, and to him only for salvation. we do that he knows what to do with us→→ where to place us-and how to get glory by us. May your new connexion be a long and prosperous one. You have made many enquiries as to my. self and prospects. In answering them, I will lay before you a brief statement of the whole matter, then you will be able better to judge of the reasons of my staying in Brighton. When I left you in Bedfordshire nearly two years ago, I think you were one among my ministerial brethren who did not think my prospects in Brighton to be very favourable; at that time I had endorsed the same opinions, and should have got out of the engagement but it was too far gone; I was therefore, in honor, bound to fulfil it. Accordingly, as you know, I left my dear people at Leighton, and settled here in April, 1856. With much Then the last brother stated that it was in thankfulness, I wish to record the goodness of Charles-street Chapel the Lord first began the my ever loving Master, who in the midst of good work of grace in his heart. He, being much conflict was pleased so graciously to own convinced of his sinful state, felt assured that my feeble instrumentality in Windsor Street nothing but the blood of the Lamb slain would Chapel. I know I displeased many in coming satisfy the justice of God, and speak peace here under the circumstances I did, but I did and pardon to his soul, which he was happy not then know so much of flattery as I do to say he had felt to be the case, and he there- now. I wish, however, to be grateful for the fore desired to follow the Lord in his own ap- kind providence which overruled all for good. pointed ordinance of believer's baptism, which During the twenty months I was in Windsor was attended to on Lord's-day evening, Jan. Street many souls were gathered in; shortly 10th, 1858. The house was well filled with after my settlement a church was formed, attentive hearers who were addressed from the which numbered, after the deductions by death words of the apostle, Gal. iii. 26th and 27th and dismissals, upwards of sixty. Nor was verses, after which an hymn was sung, and there any external circumstance of a discouragthen I was privileged to lead each of them into ing nature, if all had been right within. You the water, and solemnly baptise them in the will perhaps say, why did you think of leaving name of the eternal Trinity, Father, Son, and then? Well, for some time I had been exHoly Ghost, and if spared until the first sab- ceedingly unhappy from circumstances known bath in February, these with four others will only in the church by those who had caused then be received publicly into the fellowship them; but as the Lord was owning my labors, of the church. Now wishing grace, mercy, I bore them much longer than I otherwise and peace upon the whole church of God, and should have done. At length, finding the great success to attend all the faithful minis-"wound received in the house of my friend," ters, and much of the Spirit of love and peace upon all the members of the churches throughout the length and breadth of the land, is the heart-felt desire and earnest prayer of one of the least of the Lord's flock, who is described as one of the "steady," ones, THOMAS ATTWOOD. impairing both body and mind, I felt it my duty to leave. Just at that time, the door at Soho, London, was opened, and finding my message cordially received by the dear people there, and my mind united to them in gospel bonds, I thought nothing could be more plain. I, therefore, on receiving their unanimous invitations, tendered my resignation to the church at Windsor Street, with the view of accepting on the next day the invitation alluded to, though the parties who had been the source of my unhappiness there were hoping to cover their shame by my leaving; yet, when I offered my resignation, with that exception, the church to a member stood fast, fully determined not to accept it. That church meeting took place on Monday, Nov. 30th, and the next day I should have finished the letter I had commenced, accepting the invitation to London, but that same night, the deacons of the New Chapel, Queen Square, having heard of my intention to leave Windsorstreet, came to know if it was true, and if so, to ask me if I were at liberty to preach for them. This unlooked for invite gave a new phrase to the prospects concerning my people at Windsor-street, for almost to a man they signified that if I left they all should abandon the persons who were the cause; till now I could see nothing but the scattering of the flock, but when this door was opened, I began to hope that I should be able to see my sheep folded in the New Chapel before I left Brighton. With this hope in view, I entertained the invitation for consideration, and lost no time in laying it before my friends, which was not much trouble to do, for from before it was light, till bed time, on the Tuesday, my house was scarcely free of the members, who came to intreat me not to leave them. Such a day I never saw. The deacons of the other churchlaid the matter before their members also, who unanimously agreed to invite me and my friends to worship with them for a month, which was the period of my notice to leave. The Church at Windsor Street, met, and came to the unanimous conclusion of accepting the offer, thus allowing me to finish my notice at the Queen's Square. You will like to know what kind of a chapel we have: well, through mercy it is as nice a house for God as I have seen for many a day-and what is better, it is well filled with hearers; and now if the dews from off the eternal hills distill upon us, we shall prosper. I earnestly pray that it may be the birth place for many souls. I feel more liberty in the work than I have done in Brighton before. I suppose many will greatly criticise our proceedings, but about that I do not trouble a rush. We are all satisfied the Lord has done it, under these circumstances we could afford to dispense with man's invented forms. I hope to have an interest in your prayers, that the work of the Lord may abundantly go on; so that every future year may agree to declare that we have not been deceived in the leadings of our God. For myself I can say if I erred it has been in ignorance. I do also most sincerely desire that the church at Soho may be satisfied in being somewhat disappointed. They are & truly deserving people; may the Great Shepherd soon send an under shepherd to lead them, and feed them, beside the streams, and in the fields of gospel provisions, and may we all have eyes to see that, He doth all things well." Other matters you mention in your note, I will write again about; deeply sympathising with our dear brother W. in his heavy trial, may the good Lord support him, and give grace to resign. With Christian regard to Mrs. B. and yourself, hoping you will be greatly prospered in your new sphere, I am your brother, and companion, in the faith and patience of the kingdom of our Lord, To Mr. B JOSEPH WILKINS. The result was that on the Lord's day following, I preached my last sermon in the old chapel, in the morning, and then closed the place, (the proprietor having very kindly agreed to release the church from all further responsibiliy); in the afternoon we had à united prayer meeting in the new chapel; and in the evening, for the first time, I preached there, from a text, which for two years, had at times followed my mind, in reference to the division, which runs as follows, "What shall the receiving of them be but life from the dead ?" Of course, I was obliged, under all the circumstances, to ask the friends at Soho, to allow me a few days to see more fully what the Lord intended, though my mind was still with them. Having preached in the new chapel three Lord's days, I found myself in greater difficulties respecting leaving than before, for not only my old, but new friends united to retain me. I tried hard to perLONDON, JANUARY 13th.-Our little Lonsuade myself that I ought to go to London, don churches have been holding numerous as I had told the people there I was movea- meetings of late-at most of which, a cheerble; my friends all tried to persuade me I had ful and happy association of gospel principles, no right to go, as they had never given me up. Christian practices, and prospects of real prosAfter one of the sharpest struggles I have perity were visibly enjoyed. Beside the ever had, I was compelled, quite against my meetings which we notice in other pages, the inclination, to decline the invitation from Lon- following have been holden. At Rotherhithe, don, and to accept the unanimous one from on Tuesday, Jan. 5, the church and congrethe church at Queen's-square. I felt all gation meeting in Lucas-street, welcomed the kinds of feeling, concerning this. I rebelled, I new year, by a gathering of ministers and wept, I grieved, I pitied myself, having to con- friends to the overflowing of the place, when tend with a heavy debt. I sometimes resolved the pastor, brother Butterfield, was presented to break loose and go, but I felt a necessity by brother Samuel Cozens, on behalf of the was laid upon me, and what was I to with church, with a handsome present in the shape stand God?" At length the Lord whispered of about twenty, or more volumes of divinity; these words, "I will never leave thee, nor after which addresses were delivered by the forsake thee." The thought of such a com- brethren Chivers, Parker, Bowles, C. W. panion set my mind somewhat at rest; I can- Banks, Caunt, and others. Mr. Butterfield is not therefore but think, the Lord's hand is a young man of promising gifts; his minis. exceedingly visible in this matter. Every try is very useful; and his friends are anxious thing seems in a fair way. Having left out to build a large place. On the same evening, the bitter waters, the prospect, under the di- Shalom chapel, Oval, Hackney-road, was envine blessing, is very encouraging. On the livened by a pastor's anniversary. The venlast Monday in the year, the two churches erable Pastor Firman presided. Around him met publicly. The deacons of the Queen's-stood the brethren Godsinark, Vaughan, Marsquare having given me the right hand of fel- tin, young Ebenezer Minton, Jabez Whitterlowship, recognizing me as the Pastor of the idge, and C. W. Banks, each of whom spoke church. The two churches became united-faithfully of the one only foundation which sixty-one of our members became enrolled God has laid in Zion for sinners to build their with the church there. hopes upon. On Sunday and Monday, 66 |
