Manchester, May 30, 1843. 'Dear Sir-I had put in my hand a letter of your's to a person in Manchester, seeking information respecting the new cause, which calls for a reply on behalf of myself and friends, the said person's conclusions being erroneous. It is not a party squabble, as he is pleased to term it; but a stand made for truth. The late Mr. Nunn's people have nothing to do with the cause; nor anti-backsliders: nor yourself either, which is evident; seeing you have no knowledge of our present movement; nor does it emanate from a party spirit, in opposition to any other cause. We have been members of a church in the town; but of late only occasional hearers. A variety of circumstances have been instrumental in our present movement. We have been waiting and watching, and have availed ourselves of the present position of the church of Christ; and so far as our judgment goes, we greatly lament its present state. We can say from an honest conscience, in the fear of God, our only motive is the Lord's honour, in the spread of truth, the good of his people, and the prosperity of Zion at large in this large and populous town. We are desirous of coveting the best things through the ministry of the word of God. Your ministry was useful to the writer and others of his friends when you visited Manchester. The ministry we have heard ceased to be useful to us. in forming this cause? To which we answer, that our motives were the most solemn, imperative, and overwhelming, arising from that which is most dear to God and to man-the well-being of our never-dying souls. And we ask, can there be any human considerations that ought to outweigh the claims of eternity? And we mean no reflection when we say, that the ministry which had been useful to us in times past, the Lord had now ceased to bless to us; nor can there be any who hold in greater respect the memory of the honoured servant and minister of God to whom we allude. But what were we to do?-where we so far to confer with flesh and blood as to be content without a ministry by which we could profit? Had we substituted profanity in the place of the gospel of God-had we substituted error for truth-had we given up the ways of God, we might have been entitled to the revilings which have been cast upon us; but as a cause we have been preserved; we have sought our God, and he has been entreated of us; we looked unto him, and we were enlightened, and our faces this day are not ashamed. By the help of kind friends, in temporal matters, we have, through many difficulties, arrived at our present position; having had supplies till Mr. Bidder settled among us in April, 1844, and resigned his pastoral charge June 23, 1847. After this time, we had supplies till Mr. Corbitt first came, August 8, 1847, and supplied us during the month; and it was proposed he should be sent for again, and on Friday evening, October 15, 1847, we held a special church meeting, when the members then present expressed their affection to, and desire of having Mr. Corbitt for their stated pastor. We met again on the Lord's-day following, when the same "I cannot let the present opportunity evening the matter was laid before the unanimity of mind prevailed, and the same pass without giving my humble testimony congregation, who unanimously united to the disinterested labours of Mr. Wells with the members of the church in their on behalf of the cause of truth in and decision. Mr. Corbitt was sent for, and around Manchester; the Lord has blessed them in an eminent degree, as hundreds supplied for us in the month of December, can at this day testify. Many have been 1847; towards the end of which, his mind turned from darkness to light,' and to a was decided to accept our invitation to the saving knowledge of themselves as sinners, felt and saw was divinely adapted to our pastoral office. Mr. Corbitt's ministry we and have been built up in the faith of the circumstances as a people; the cause had gospel of Christ; and not a few have been become weak and thinly attended through brought out of the yea and nay system of the day, that are now decided for truth as had as a church been called to pass through; a variety of distressing circumstances, we it is in Jesus, and an honour to the same. Notwithstanding opposition, and of this we were a few, by the help of the Lord, there has been no lack, to stay the progressed to the saints, and for a living experistriving together for the faith once deliverof truth, we have this testimony, that the word of the Lord is not bound, and that it is in vain for men to lay down a rule where people ought to worship; for if the Lord designs to bless his word at Oldham Street, or anywhere else, who shall stay his hand, or say what doest thou?' We do not disrespect the minister the less. No; we pray for him, and for his prosperity; we hope to meet with him in heaven, and join together in singing the same song: "To him that hath loved us,' &c. We have no wish to fall out by the way; but helpers of one another's prosperity. Believe me your's in the truth, 'To Mr. J. Wells. E. GOODFELLow. 'God moves in a mysterious way It may be asked, that if all these asper- mental ministry. We were favoured with a spirit of prayer, and the Lord graciously Corbitt came among us, our mourning was heard and answered us. And when Mr. turned into joy-there was a noise and a shaking among the dry bones -new life was ministered, we felt the power thereofwe have been raised up into fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. "The word by Mr. Corbitt has been at tended with power, so that we know what (To be continued in our next.) Disunion among Ministers. the congregations around them, in order to exhibit what they call littleness, for the purpose of swelling their own consequence. Do such persons know that they may be fattening some proud minds, for the slaughter of the great day? Or, admitting that much good is doing; do they shew that grace reigns? Why all this bragadocia? Surely if it is the work of God, the God of the work ought to be honoured. The entire glory should be laid at the foot of the cross; but is this the case? Let observing minds give an honest verdict. I am only surprised that Godly, sober-minded men, should countenance such baneful practices. I can truly say, if the whole gospel of Christ be preached, whether of envy, or of good-will, my soul will rejoice; but, if in these wonderful places, the entire truth came out; how soon would To the Editor of the Earthen Vessel. the dust fly! Let a Triune Jehovah be faithDEAR BROTHER IN BONDS OF GRACE:-I fully proclaimed; let the Holy Spirit's teshave it laid upon my mind, to send you a few timony be clearly set forth, in his solemn thoughts upon a subject, which appears to awakenings; quickening the soul to life; ine of great moment. We live in a day of great stripping the soul of all its native repose; profession; excitement is doing wonders, ministering the law in all its killing power but whether for a lamentation or triumph, is upon the mind, and thus exalting the wonvery questionable to thinking persons; much drous mediation, blood, righteousness, and complaint is made that ministers who are delivering mercy of the Great Surety of preaching the everlasting gospel, should evi- covenant love. I am no advocate for law dence so much distance from each other: but terrors merely. I believe that it is possible the cause is really in the ministry itself; aided to apprehend the torments of the damned, by those unthinking multitudes, who will say without a particle of saving grace; but I will Amen to almost any nonsense, or fanciful in- contend that a soul must see its ruin, before terpretation of God's word; besides, there is it will cry for a refuge. To be really lost, is such a want of honest dealing in many quar- the true road to know we are found; I thereters, which prevents an upright mind from fore affirm, that where a man is led to deal an association with such double dealing. faithfully to the consciences of his hearers, Some men have a sermon suited to such a the Holy Ghost will honour such a minister. place; others, to please their admirers, will Let the sinner be laid in the lowest place; hold up men who have been sworn foes to the let the God-man be ever exalted, whether we grace of God, as really sound in the faith, speak doctrinally, experimentally or practhey will quote lines from certain hymn books tically, it is safe to begin and continue our containing precious truth, as evidence of what ministry, by insisting upon the Spirit's work they affirm, and could you but whisper to in the new-born mind, then we shall have them to shew you the other side, what an faithful reproof; the conscience searched; awful comparison would appear. I stand in the mystery of Godliness defined; and headoubt of that man's religion, which rests ex-venly consolation administered; false religion clusively upon the verse of an uninspired hymn; and valuable as are some of our poetical compositions, yet let the infallible Book be ever more prominent: 'To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Again, we cannot but lament that sordid trickery, practised by some would-be faithful ministers of the word; tampering with the members of neighbouring churches, to induce such persons to join their ranks; regardless of all consequences, as to who they disturb or distress. This is called zeal in the cause of God; whereas, its true character is simply, 'come, see my zeal for my own glory;' they will point to their numbers, as a proof that God is with them; and impudently count will be exposed; the pharisee solemnly warned; and the real child of God will be able to trace the way marked with the worth of the cross; but this, I am confident, would thin the ranks of many, and curtail their salaries; my lord, or my lady would not like it, and therefore some lulling opiate must be introduced, to keep the fleece together. But what saith the scripture?' He that hath my word, let him speak it faithfully, taking forth the precious from the vile as God's mouth,' distinguishing mere renovation from regeneration, mere terror from true broken-heartedness; natural excitement, from felt pardon of sin, and inward peace with God; distinguish the Lord's bringings from men's draggings, we shall then know the voice of the child from the servant. Let us have volunteers, such as will bear wit. ness to the power, quickening grace, redeem- | coming together will promote the good ing love and melting mercy; we shall not then need to call upon such, and pray them to be baptized. They shall come which are ready to perish.' Such are not satisfied to hear pretty tales, and amusing anecdotes, in lieu of the gospel of the Son of God. I know it will be said-'but we shall not get so many hearers;' no, I reply, nor be allowed to amuse so many hypocrites. These my remarks, are only personal to those who are verily guilty; and to such I say, if the cap fits you, then wear it; and may the great Master of assemblies make you ashamed of your work; and teach you the good and the right way. Another ground of disunion amongst ministers, is the covering up a wrong conduct. The Lord knoweth, we are all frail, and fall before him seven times a day; he who walks nearest to God, will need the felt blood of atonement upon his best performed service; but when men trifle with`sin, and, having fallen, justify themselves in it, from such we are to withdraw; this they call persecution; the Lord knoweth, the great sinner who writes these lines, has need to magnify the amazing riches of divine mercy; and to a fallen but recovered brother, I feel it a sacred pleasure to hold out the heart and hand of friendship. We should rejoice, at the returning of the prodigal; and those whom we believe are restored by the Lord, we should hail as our brethren. Forgave it I, saith Paul, in the person of Christ:' but to justify the wicked for a reward; and to cover men's sins because of their purse, is awful conduct in a professed minister of truth; are there none such in our denomination? Let us make diligent search, and each put that soul-rending question to himself, Lord, is it I?' We ought also to be extremely careful how we recommend a minister to a people, without a full knowledge of his character ministerially and practically. · Again, it is cause of sorrow, that those of our brethren, whose talents are calculated for more public employ, do not study to serve the churches as free of charge as possible; this was the glory of the apostle Paul. I deem it extremely wrong, that where a minister is well supplied with temporals, say to the amount of £200 per annum, that such should take 10s. for merely preaching an anniversary sermon, from a collection mostly drawn from the pockets of poor working men, or industrious tradesmen; such conduct I deem wholly unbecoming a servant of the living God. Whilst we preach against the love of money in our hearers, we should be anxious to prevent their having occasion to say, 'Thou art the man.' I have always ranked amongst the poor ministers of our denomination; but I have aimed in my labours from home, especially amongst the poor, to make the gospel without charge. And if our often cause, whatever has a tendency to keep us apart, should be avoided. No minister should be left to pay his own costs; but, beyond that, he ought not to stir in reference to money; at least, not amongst the poor of the Lord's household. I would suggest that writers to ministers should always enclose a stamp, or expect no reply to their communications. I often write seven or eight letters in a day; but if it be but three-pence in a day, on an average, it is just eighteen-pence per week, or £4 per annum. This is a serious task upon £80 or £90 per annum. I mean no offence to the honest soberminded christian · - with others, I am not concerned. I have written in the sincerity of my heart, and what, through grace, I hope to practice. Wishing you much success in your many labours of love, believe me your's in the love of our great Immanuel, WM. FELTON. New Town, Deptford, Nov. 18th, 1848. [We have read the above communication with painful feelings; and if we were not fearfully persuaded that bold, presumptuous, unclean, and covetous men stand in the ministry in what may be called 'our denomination,' we should not have inserted it. But, we know it to be as much our duty to warn the churches against spiritual wickedness in high places, as it is our desire (instrumentally) to pick up poor downcast souls out of low places. Our brother Felton has spoken faithfully; but we have long desired to see Paul's conduct withstanding Peter face to face carried into practice. ED.] On the Close of the Year. AMIDST the cares of every day, How vast the blessings to us given, Upavon, near Pewsey, Nov. 11, 1848. MY DEAR BROTHER:-Grace be with thee, amen. I embrace this opportunity of sending you a line, and I trust that it will find you in the rich enjoyment of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. I am truly thankful, that, in the order of providence was directed to Trowbridge: truly, if ever I felt at home any where it was with you. And what a mercy! all the dear children of the Lord being taught by the same Spirit, are led into more or less the same things; and the same truth which suits the souls of the Lord's regenerate family at the uttermost parts of the earth, is the very same provision which the saints feed upon and love who are nearer home. And blessed be the Lord I have often found it very strengthening to my own soul that when I have been supplying miles from my own place, I find that the testimony I preach, as to the discriminating grace, love, and mercy of Jehovah is received by some, and by others rejected, so that I am a sweet savour unto some, and an ill and stinking savour unto others. And further, the preaching of these things, when received, is sure to bring about union of soul between the saints of God and the servants of God; and it is such an union as cannot easily be broken. And these things strengthen and confirm the souls of the Lord's ambassadors in the midst of the conflicts and trials of this waste howling wilderness. Truly, my brother, it is a waste howling wilderness, and lost and cast away should we be were it not that Salvation is of the Lord.' Hence for our encouragement it is written, 'He found him in a desert land; and in the waste howling wilderness he led him about, he kept him as the apple of his eye.' And into what awful places should we get my friend, if the Lord was not about our bed, and about our path; and did not in much mercy keep us night and day. True, the Lord's people do slip and slide, some of them into open sin, all into secret sin, so that they have need with the poet to exclaim, "Nothing in my hand I bring, My pathway, at the present, is very dark, and lies through much tribulation; but it is the appointed way to the kingdom. My illness has very much increased since I left Trowbridge, so that I am obliged to lie by, being under the doctor's hands, and I find that No affliction for the present is joyous, but grievous;' yet I would desire to feel thankful for the nevertheless.' Oh the sweetness of those neverthelesses! Solomon proved the blessing of the 'Nevertheless my kindness will I not take from him,' after his backsliding. Nebuchadnezzar proved the sweetness of that Nevertheless leave the stump of his root in the ground, when the rest part of the tree was to be cut down, his fruit and leaves scattered, and his boughs and branches broken off;' and those who are in the furnace of affliction shall assuredly prove the blessedness of that, 'Nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them who are exercised thereby.' Moreover, my brother, I would wish to be thankful that I am not out of Zion when I am in the furnace of affliction: His fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem;' and the name of that city, from the day of its founding, shall be Jehovah Shammah: the Lord is there. Yes, he is there as a refiner and purifier of silver; and, mark, he sits there, not walking to and fro, but he sits there and saith, I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and and take away all thy tin.' 'Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver: I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction;' and this in order that the soul may bring the Lord an offering in righteousness. But how few there are that know anything about this track. There is a generation of professors who are clean in their own eyes, filthiness; and, again, there are a few who, though in their feelings are black as the tents of Kedar, are accepted in the beloved, and are comely through the comeliness of Christ, which is put upon them. but who have never been washed from their But, much as I could wish to enlarge, time and strength warns me to conclude. I heard yesterday from dear Mr. Banks; if you see him, give my warmest love and regards to him. I desire also to be remembered to brother Prior, and the Lord make him a blessing to you-friends Davis and and Simons, with all those who love our Lord in sincerity. I purpose dropping a line to brother Prior in a day or two. I have not forgotten what you said about that sermon for the Vessel; it has exercised my mind, and, if the Lord see good, I may send it to our friend and brother Banks of the Vessel. I conclude, desiring that your cause may prosper, and your soul be fruitful in every good word and work. With kind love and christian regards to you and your dear partner in life, believe me, dear brother, to remain very truly your's in the gospel, JOSEPH RUDMAN. To Mr. Joseph Purnell, Trowbridge. The last Moments of Mr. Coleman. DEAR BROTHER-I have forwarded you the account of the death of our aged brother Coleman, as it may be of interest to the readers of the Vessel, whose edification I desire. Your's, &c. JAS. BLAKE. 14, Southampton Row, New Road, London. ON Wednesday, October 4th, our brother Coleman, pastor of the Baptist Church, Bexley Heath, Kent, fell asleep in Jesus. Of his last moments it might, indeed, be said 'his end was peace.' Four things his dying breath gave expression to as being sufficient for him, 'love, blood, power, and righteousness.' Upon the experience of these he was enabled, by grace, to breathe his soul into the hands of that God whose covenant stands for ever sure. Sabbath, October 15.-His death was im- our late brother Coleman was first set J. H. B. Letter addressed to Mr. Garrard. MY DEAR MR. GARRARD:-I had proposed writing to you a long time ago, but was hindered on account of my being entangled in a snare; for the minister I had sat under had a strong aversion to his members speaking in favourable terms of other ministers, especially those who were not his favourites; and as you did not appear to be one of those, I was fearful that some one of the people would tell him that I had written to you, and thus I be the cause of a disturbance; and at that time there was no other place that I could conveniently attend. But now, having full liberty and a seasonable opportunity, I will endeavour to relate to you some things that have befallen me since you left. Indeed I have a copy of a letter which I did intend sending to you, ever since Mrs. A. Johnson told me that you did wish to hear from me. I cannot communicate to you with ink and paper all that have transpired concerning me since you were amongst us; but I can say, that I have had many, very many sore conflicts with 'the world, the flesh, and the devil,' even as others that have travelled this road; but, through the tender mercy of God in Christ, am preserved until now. For I found that all things appeared to make against me (as I supposed); and oh, I found myself lodged in doubting castle,' which is indeed a doleful place, for there is no bottom to it except despair: so But Now, indeed, I have something to tell you, for I secretly began to fear that it would soon be all over with me in this world, as I felt my bodily health and strength fast declining, and thought I should never have the privilege of hearing a gospel ministry any more, and that I should be a cast away after all; and my case appeared to me much worse than that of those who had never heard the gospel, nor known God at all. Oh dear! I cannot tell you one-third of my feelings, for the dismal forebodings in my mind almost drove me to distraction. And the minister and people being all up in arms against me because I did not like his ministry, thus I had no spiritual friend on earth to speak with; for, while in this weak state, the doctor's orders were that none should come to speak with me. So it was dark with me indeed, even as darkness itself; and worse than all, I really began to fear that the Lord himself had forsaken me; but I am thankful to say that the Lord is as good as his word, for my hope was not quite removed from me, therefore I had a little anchor hope. Oh, how full of mercy in the midst of judgment is the Lord! Had not this been the case, I think I must have sunk for ever into black despair; but to the praise and glory of his great name, he brought my soul up again from the depths of the earth; and now I ought to have nothing to do but to praise him, for he has brought the gospel to be preached in our own house, which is the delight of my soul. And though my poor body is much better, I am still very weak, but hope the Lord will raise me up to glorify his holy name for all he has done for my soul. But whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, even as a father corrects his children, whom he loveth; and I have found his chastisements very profitable to my soul, though for twelve months I went bowed down and weeping excessively for all my folly and foolishness, and was led to feel and see the 'exceeding sinfulness of sin.' |