MANCHESTER. tion. The Lord's presence was greatly enjoyed by the people: it was a time of refreshDEAR SIR,-Observing a mistake in your ing from the Lord. The good Lord is still VESSEL to-day, I am obliged to inform you at work among the people here. I do expect" Mr. William FANE" does not preach at 15, some others to cast their lot amongst us here. Dickinson Street, in this city, as announced The attendance is so numerous that the place by you. Whether this mistake is intentional, is too small. For such mercies as these I feel grateful to my Lord and Master for thus blessing such a poor worm of the earth, and blessing souls-yea, living souls. Through my feeble ministry, the good Lord is blessing his own Word to so many of his own sheep here. The Lord be praised! My dear brother, may the Lord bless you as a minister of the Gospel, and also as an editor! May the "VESSEL" spread far and near with the fame of Jesus! So prays yours in Jesus, Suffolk, CHAS. E. MERRETT. BAPTIZING AGAIN IN THE SEA, AT or not, it is not for me to say; but it sounds very much like a burlesque, either upon me, decorous and unseemly. I neither feign to or upon my ministry; and if so, is highly inpreach, nor feign what I preach; but in simplicity and godly sincerity, according to the ability given, proclaim every Sunday in the above-mentioned room, the unsearchable riches of Christ. [THE mistake is entirely the printer's. He put "Fane," instead of "Tant." We are not sorry now, as it has given Mr. Tant an opportunity to speak for himself; and it will greatly rejoice our hearts to know that the Lord is abundantly blessing his ministry in Manchester.—ED.] EBENEZER, WIDCOMBE, BATH. BROTHER BANKS,-You will be glad to hear that since I have been at Ebenezer, the church and congregation have gradually increased. On the first sabbath in June we baptized seven in the river Avon,-two males, and five females, two of the number being high in years. One of the men had got a large lump on his knee; being asked how it came there, said, "it was by thirty years' knuckleing at the throne of grace." A DAY, better than a thousand, was enjoyed by the Baptist church in this village, on the 3rd of Angust, when the pastor, Mr. Carpenter, baptized seven believers in the far-famed river Orwell-one of the most beautiful saltwater rivers of which this country can boast, winding its course for a distance of about twelve miles from Ipswich, where it joins the Stour and falls into the German Ocean, the umbrageous woods and beautiful parks reaching, on either side, to the water's edge. A vessel in the harbour, with her flags hoisted -the numerous boats and windows filled with spectators-and upwards of a thousand persons standing on the shore-presented a delightful landscape. A large vessel now building served the minister for a pulpit; and the whole service being gilded with the rays of two suns, the day was felt by many to be better than a thousand. At three o'clock the chapel was again crowded to excess-the Very early in the morning I felt deeply newly-baptized party were publicly received affected, and began the sabbath with weeping into the Church, the ordinance of the Lord's prayer; and as many people had a desire to Supper was administered by the superan- hear my voice at the water, devolved on me nuated pastor, Father Double, and the soto address the people upon the ancient and lemnities terminated with the grateful accla-modern mode of baptism, and the proper permations of the people, saying, "What hath sons for it. Then brother Huntley baptized God wrought!" The Church on this day the candidates in excellent order; and there welcomed to the table of the Lord several was a striking evidence of the presence and members from London and other neighbour-power of God, while a concourse of people ing Baptist churches, who kindly visited them on the occasion. OBSERVATOR. SOMERSHAM, HUNTS. Ox Friday, August 1, at Earith Bridge, after a Sermon by Mr. Alderson Willingham, Mr. Joseph Flory baptized five believers four sisters (one his beloved wife), and one brother. It was a hallowed service. The vast concourse of persons (about 1000) appeared all attention. In the evening, brother Whiting, at the Baptist meeting, Somersham, delivered a stir. ring and encouraging sermon from Acts viii. 39. May we have many such days, and then you again of us shall hear, and God in Trinity be praised. were struck with awe. We then retired to hold our morning service in the chapel, when I spoke on Psalm 1xxii. 6, "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth." In the evening we had a good Gospel sermon from brother Huntley. The day passed in sweet harmony; some gentle breezes from the Holy Ghost; some bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness; and some gentle showers of covenant blessings. Since then the church has unanimously agreed to give me a call to the pastorate, and I am waiting, and watching, and praying, and studying the word and providence of my God, to give a decided answer. Yours in the best of bonds, AN ARMY OF RAILWAY NAVVIES AT LIMPLEY-STOKE, NEAR BATH. ESTEEMED BROTHER,-Great grace be with you, and the whole Israel of God. If the Holy Ghost was pleased to record important facts for the encouragement and information of those who should succeed the primitive Church, I feel assured we cannot err in recording what our dear Lord is pleased to accomplish, through the instrumentality of a free-grace Gospel, as faithfully proclaimed by our beloved pastor, and what delightful services we had in our little Hill of Zion on for | eleven ministers of the Gospel present; and their addresses were of a very interesting kind, congratulating our beloved pastor in his present position. Among those that spoke were our dear brethren Webster, of Trowbridge; Hawkins, of Bradford; Kellaway and Wassell, of Bath; Pearce, of Road. We may say we never had two such days in Stoke before. The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. JOHN HUNTLEY. CRANSFORD, SUFFOLK. THE King of kings has once more been pleased to sanction the ordinance of believers' baptism by immersion in this place. On Lord's day, April 13, our beloved pastor, Mr. J. Baldwin, baptized five persons in the presence of a large and attentive congregation, and among them two young men came as spectators; one had been a member of the Established Church for upwards of six years. Here the Lord was pleased to show him the errors he was then embracing, and the Scripture rule of baptism by immersion for believers only, as a pre-requisite to the Lord's table. The other, who at that time, was living in a careless and unconcerned state, was brought by invincible grace to feel the need of salvation through the atoning blood and merits of the Lord Jesus Christ; and in a few weeks, by the help of the Holy Spirit, was enabled to lay hold of the hope set before him, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast. And on Lord's day, August 10, our two brethren were baptized, and added to the Church, after a solemn and weighty discourse by our pastor, from Dan. x. 21, But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth." Thus may the Lord go on to work mightily among us, and get to Himself a great and glorious H. CHAMBERS. Lord's day, July 27, and following day. Our Lord has dealt graciously with us, in making bare his potent arm; making sinners cry out from their souls, "Lord, save, or I perish." The Lord having done this, the day was fixed to baptize, and the services were as on former occasions; an early prayer meeting, when a great number of praying souls met together from different churches; it was, in reality, a delightful prayer meeting. One event was particularly interesting. A poor old pilgrim, bent almost double with old age, leaning on his staff like the patriarch, and rejoicing and praising God in stopping his prodigal son, whom he had prayed thousands of times, and now he had come to witness his baptism. We went to the river side in procession, and there were assembled on the banks one of the largest congregations ever known. The morning was delightful, the sun shining forth gloriously. After singing, prayer was offered by our minister's second-born son, and the address delivered by his first-born son, and then our pastor went down into the water, and baptized four persons in the name of the ever-blessed Trinity. One of the men was a navvey, working on the railway which is being made through our village. God, who is rich in mercy, directed the heart of this vile blasphemer to come into our little sanctuary, and heard from our minister's lips, words that broke his heart, and sent him to Calvary for life and salvation; and in consequence of this man being baptized, we had all the navvies of the line to witness the solemn proceedings. ONE of the most spirit-animating, soul-reOut of this concourse of people, not one was joicing, Christ-exalting, and God-glorifying permitted to interrupt. We hope this service seasons in the experience of hundreds was will prove it was not vain in the Lord. The realised on Tuesday last, July 22. From other was the son of a praying parent, who one to two o'clock a scene of animation prehad drank deep into sin, fought with hands sented itself in equestrians and pedestrians, uplifted high against God, and the prayers and with numbers of various descriptions of veadmonitions of a praying father; but now com-hicles, directing their course to the river-side. pelled by sovereign and omnipotent grace, to Two suns shone forth in great magnificence throw down his weapons at the cross of Christ.-one from the second heavens, the other One woman who had regularly attended our place of worship more than twenty years, was now caught in the Gospel net. She was met with at the water side when we baptized three years ago. Thus the Lord is mysteriously working, and bringing in his chosen vessels of mercy. Our chapel was crowded, the services of a most animating nature. Our minister was assisted throughout the day by his eldest son. On the Monday, we had a tea meeting to rejoice over the Lord's goodness towards us as a Church. About 150 partook of tea. It was a delightful season, we had no less than name. COTTENHAM. (and infinitely the most glorious one of the two) blazed forth from the third heavens. Various ministerial brethren took part in the solemn service. Mr. Flanders delivered an important address; and Mr. R. G. Edwards then baptized seventeen believers in the river, whilst an holy solemnity seemed to pervade all. Greater order and attention was never seen in any chapel at any period. Mr. Ayrton preached, in the evening, sweetly about the rock Christ, to a crowded congregation; and in a word, it was " As one of the days of heaven upon earth." A CHEERFUL MEETING AT BRIDGE ON Tuesday, July 22nd, a good company assembled to a tea meeting in our new schoolroom, after which a public meeting was held in the chapel. Our pastor, Mr. Wilkins, in the chair, supported by Mr. Field, our late pastor (whose presence was pleasing to many), Mr. Corbett, Mr. Brand, and other ministers. Mr. Wilkins gave out a hymn, Mr. Manning, engaged in prayer, and Mr. Wilkins explained the object of the meeting, and said," Dear friends, most of you will remember that about six months ago, we held a meeting in this place for the purpose of endeavouring to raise funds to finish the adjoining school-room, and books for collecting were issued to many kind friends for that purpose; and as I then promised to lay before you a balance-sheet of collections and expenditure, I feel a pleasure in now doing so, as our call has been responded to in a manner that must fill our hearts with grateful emotions to our God" (he then read from balance-sheet as follows):-finishing and furnishing school with forms, gas stoves, 40-gallon boiler, &c., 1031. 38. 74d.; fees to surveyor, &c., 9.; total, 1127. 3s. 74d. There had been brought in on books three months ago 601. 8s., and he hoped that the remainder of books would bring in the means of settling the account. There had likewise been 151. expended on repairing, colouring, and painting the chapel, and he hoped with God's blessing, and his people's exertions, we should soon have it paid. But as he did not wish to take up much time, he would, with the Lord's help, before calling on his esteemed brethren, make a few remarks on the following three points, as connected with God's cause at Bridge Street. The past, present, and the prospect of the future. The future: he hoped the church, and those that wished well to the cause, would persevere in prayer for its prosperity, and manifest continually a spirit of love to all; and if we thus stood a united, prayerful band, God would give strength, and aid, and His presence. Mr. John Corbett, of Chelmsford, addressed the meeting. He showed the extent of God's gift in his Son, and how cheerfully given, and that cheerful givers were (in their measure) like God: their offerings were (for Christ's sake) acceptable to Him. The spirit of the giver, not the amount given, was what was pleasing to God: the main point to be observed was perseverance. The bee brings but little honey each time, but by perseverance she fills the bive; he had been calculating that, if the following scale was persevered in, it would soon free any cause from debt. Weekly subscribers, 20 at 18., 527. yearly; 40 at 6d., 521. ditto; 40 at 3d., 261. ditto; 100 at 1d., 217. 138. 4d. ditto; 1517. 138. 4d. yearly. He said, "Tradesmen! cannot God send you an extra customer? Fishermen! cannot He that holds the winds in his fist prosper your vessel? and does not God keep you in health? then acknowledge his mercies. Perseveringly aid to uphold his cause, and free it from debt." Не Mr. Field addressed the meeting. said, "I feel a pleasure in congratulating my brother Wilkins on his position and prospects with this people; but more particu|larly I would congratulate him on the glorious position in which, at this moment, both himself and this people stand. What is it, my brother, that constitutes the glory of our land? Look at our hospitals, our schools, and our asylums, and tell me from what source they all spring. Man, in his naturestate, would never have thought of such things. Sin had darkened his mind, harIn speaking of the past, he would venture dened his heart, enfeebled his powers, and to give a little advice, which was, that every-made him selfish and sensual, seeking his thing unpleasant should be buried in a deep own gratification by creating misery to man grave, and buried for ever. Had God (for and beast; but the operation of God the SpiChrist's sake) buried our sins in an unfathom-rit having brought light into his dark and able deep, and cannot we for his sake, bury the weaknesses of our Christian brethren? He hoped it would not be in a shallow grave, dug up again to create more offence than if it had never been put under ground. He said, there are many things in the past that must not be buried (God's past mercies); what Heaven-taught soul would wish to bury them? Had not the Lord been merciful to the Bridge Street cause? had not many been called to a knowledge of his truth there? had not many tried saints been comforted, by being brought to lean more fully on Jesus? and had not God's presence been enjoyed by many in this building? These things we must not forget. The present he compared to a cheerful spring morning; a small cloud here and there may be seen, but (with God's help) they will pass away. The church was peaceful; he believed of one mind and one heart: without, there were a few dissatisfied, but the ship must not stop because a sailor's hat is overboard. The Master's interest, and the Master's glory impel us forward, and with the Master (our Triune God) FORWARD WE WILL GO. selfish mind, he then, under the influence of And "I will say a few words on three subjects. 1st. Themes for thought; 2nd. Motives for action; 3rd. Encouragement to action. "One question-What state, before God, are you yourselves individually in? do you hate your sins and reverence your God in his dear Son? do you feel for the lost position of the many that know not God? Oh, how many of them live and die neglected by man, and may truly say, What man cares for my soul? Your presence to-night shows that you do think, that you do feel, and that you will aid the cause of suffering mankind. subscriptions from the collectors; and Mr. Brand then addressed the meeting in a congratulatory address. Mr. Wilkins then gave the following account of the collectors' success:-Received at last meeting, 601. 88.; Ditto at this meeting, 31. 138. 3d.; Total received last six months by subscription-books, 921. 18. 3d. And as the provisions for tea had all been given by the ladies, the profits thereon had to be added (as it was not yet known fully); and as many books were not yet brought in, there would be another meeting at a future day, when the remaining books would be brought "Motives for action.-What is man? ('tis true)-his foundation is in the dust; but how noble the structure that God has built thereon! Think of the value of his soul, and ask thyself, "What am I doing for God?" Man knows not what he can do till he tries; each can do something to make his brother happy and honour his God. You say I can-in; and he doubted not but that the balance not save his soul. True: God alone can do that; but remember, He uses instruments; and how know you but that your efforts may be blessed of God to the delivery of souls? Some over-rate the labour of a Christian, as Popery, that tells dying men whose lives have been spent dishonouring God to buy heaven by leaving their wealth to the Church; or they say by sufferings or labour man can win God's love. But some under-rate it, and seem to despise it. Christian friends, let great principles be kept in their right places; and if we do so, we will see in the Christian's labour to honour his God and serve his fel low man-a proof that God has loved him, and called him to a knowledge of himself, and is now working in him to will and to do the good pleasure of his Lord. "Encouragement to action-1st. Consider Jesus. He took our debt, and paid it too; and shall we not aid to clear his cause below from debt? What moved Him to do so? Love. And do not his actions prove his love? and shall not our love, if we really possess such a feeling, be made manifest by our zeal in his cause? of the debt would be completely wiped away. A LETTER FROM SAMUEL WARD, DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-Grace and peace, with the sweet enjoyment of the blessed Spirit's power and teaching, rest upon you, and upon all our dear brethren in the ministry and service of Christ. I feel they have a claim upon my poor prayers and cries for their great kindness to me and mine, which kindness I shall ever remember with a deep sense of gratitude, and a solemn mixture of joy and pain. May the richest blessings of our most blessed Jesus (in his mediatorial fulness) rest upon them, and all my dear friends that love the unmerited, rich, and distinguishing grace of God. At my farewell meeting, held in Crosby Row Chapel, I promised to send a few lines to you for the "VESSEL," and in so doing, I will be as brief as possible. Leaving the highly-favoured land of Old England, our dear friends after the flesh -dear brothers and sisters in Christ after the spirit-the breaking up of home-the Again: Consider the Apostles, the martyrs, and the early Christians. What have they not done and suffered? and how has God blessed their efforts to the salvation of souls and the spread of the Gospel? Are we not, under God, indebted to them for our present privileges? and shall we do nothing for our own and future generations? Are Satan and his agents not labouring? and shall we not labour? What better cause can we la-parting and last farewell-I shall not attempt bour in? Look at the noblest works of man -the pyramid, the palace. Nay, look at the sun, the moon, the star-bespangled sky; they will pass away, not a vestige will remain; but your labour of love in the cause of Christ will endure for ever and ever. to describe; all this was cutting and trying beyond imagination. But the Lord was allsufficient; and gave me a settled confidence, that ere long in this dark cloud, I should see the rainbow of peace, and that the famine in England would be the means under an all"Again: Let every instrumentality stand wise and gracious Providence of bringing me in its proper place as the effect of the love of to a land of plenty. We reached Liverpool, God, shown in the gratitude of the humbled and went on board the "Sultana," and sailed sinner's every act, and tending to elevate on the 21st of October. The wind was conpoor, lost, fallen man from the depths of the trary, and many fears now arose in the mind lowest hell to the glorious position of a child as to whether we should reach the far distant of God. Go forward, therefore, dear breth-shores of Melbourne. The Lord brought this ren. The way may be rugged; but God is sweet passage of Scripture to my mind, your strength, and the blessed Spirit your" While the ark was a preparing, wherein few, guide; and in the hour of weakness remember that good is done, not by power nor by might, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts."" At the conclusion of Mr. Field's address, the Committee retired to the vestry to receive that is eight souls were saved by water:" this gave me much comfort, and was, during the voyage, an every-day portion. The voyage itself was a very fine one-indeed, I may say, a mere pleasure trip. Many times during this long and tedious journey did the Lord the Lord made for myself and family, my safe arrival in this country, and the circumstances connected with my present position, all seem to say, it is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes. I say this not only for the glory of his tion of my numerous kind Christian friends. May the Lord bless them a thousand-fold for his name's sake. I hope in a short time to send you further particulars concerning our progress in the cause of God: arrangements will be made for the regular sailing of the remind me that He holds the wind in his fist, and the waters in the hollow of his hand. We had but little sickness on board; provisions good, and plenty of them; but with all these comforts, sea is sea, and land is land. Many are the trials and privations that pas-name, but for the encouragement and satisfacsengers must experience under such circumstances. We felt very much alarmed, for, out of 225 passengers, there were but three sinners that really felt the plague of the heart, myself and dear wife, and a stranger; all the rest were Wesleyans in heart, and many in profession, and two or three preach-" EARTHEN VESSEL," every month in the port ers belonging to them. We were glad when we safely landed in Melbourne, which was on the 11th of January, 1856, on a Monday. I found a place for my family, till I could hire a house; after a short time I found employment. The first Lord's day I went to Rehoboth Chapel; the minister's name, Mr. Mauritz, Baptist Minister; after I sat down in the very neat little newly-built chapel, I thanked God and took courage, and thought to myself how glad I should be if I could see some one from England. of Melbourne. The Lord help you to keep her colours well up to the mast-head of free grace, and her hold well stored with the Spirit's production; and you need not fear. THE VENERABLE HENRY DOWLING. THE announcement given last month has been confirmed. The following is from Mr. Dowling's own handwriting. Many in England rejoice greatly that this good man has been so long spared, and that, at his present advanced age, he is so highly esteemed, and still living in usefulness and in the affections of his people. Launceston, Tasmania, May 2, 1856. DEAR BROTHER BANKS, On Monday evening, January 7, 1856, at the invitation of the pastor of the Baptist church, Launceston, Tasmania, a tea-meeting, followed by a devotional service, was held, when the pastor, H. Dowling, observed that it was to him a seaLord's goodness, extending over twenty-one son of deep interest-a memorial of the years at Colchester, and the same period in Launceston, as also the fiftieth year of his testimony of the Gospel. To my surprise and joy, I saw a man of God in the house of God, that used to hear me preach at Hadlam. He was delighted, and so was I. After service, he told me that he and a few of the children of God had been like sheep scattered abroad without a shepherd, and for six or seven months past they had been wishing for and praying to the Lord of the harvest to send out a labourer into this part of his vineyard; and he said I will see some of my friends at once. He did so; and me and my dear wife were invited out to take tea the same evening, with a little company of real lovers of Gospel truth. Oh, what a welcome! happy, blessed change as to company; and after having an hour or two with these new Australian brothers and sisters, it This was followed by the testimony of was agreed upon to give me a call for three some of the brethren to the gracious favours months; and that the services should be held of our God to them as a people, with sentiin the most suitable place that could be ob-ments of affection towards the pastor, in tained. It was arranged that one of our his person and work in the ministry. It was friends should see Mr. Mauritz, and ask for the a season of instruction and refreshing-a use of the chapel on every Lord's day after time to be remembered. noon: this was readily granted; and since then, Mr. Mauritz has given up his pulpit and chapel alternately, morning and evening, each Lord's day. So we have two services each Lord's day, and preaching in it also every Wednesday evening. What the end of all this will be, I must leave with the Lord; this I may say, that it is quite clear, that the dear Lord is with us, and gives power with his blessed Word; many a poor withered hand has been healed, hard hearts softened-the halting cheered on his way-the hungry fed -the thirsty led to the healing stream of New Covenant mercy, and as the dogs begin to bark, the wolves growl, and lions roar, we hope the Lord will bring in the outcast, and restore the diseased, and thus in our midst fulfil his own sweet promise, "the lame man shall leap as an hart, and the tongue of the damb shall sing." There are three places of truth here. But there is much breaking through and complaining in our streets for want of vital, experimental truth. But I can only now say, my leaving England, the way Another meeting, cf the same character, took place on March 24, 1856, when the affectionate interest of a beloved Church was manifested by an affectionate address, accompanied by a purse containing 125 sovereigns. Not that I desired a gift; but as a fruit of the Lord's grace, it is an Eben-Ezer to his HENRY DOWLING. adored name. REVIEWS. Mr. John Kershaw's Sermon for the late Mrs. Susey Hodgson. One of the happiest ministers in all England, is JOHN Kershaw, of Rochdale, in Lancashire. In that town he was born, brought up, called by grace, put into the ministry, ordained as pastor of Hope Chapel, and preserved for a long series of years in the experimental enjoyment of Gospel truth, and in the publication of the glad tidings of salvation, while thousands have fallen on his right hand, and on his left. We had almost said we never heard one unkind word spoken in disparagement either of his cha |