remember it is a "highway," not "railway: and the mode of travelling, in a certain sense, is on foot-as your sore feet sometimes remind -though all travel by the strength and at the expense of the King. And he has an invincible mode of communicating a drawing and a propelling power, called grace, by which he, the traveller, is moved along. I will also call your attention to another traveller mentioned in the records, whose name by interpretation was a stone though he was not without feeling-well, he was one day shot, but the King being at hand, who is an excellent Physician, and wanting Peter for a particular duty, at once healed him, by which fall and recovery, he was a better soldier than before; for he was useful to the strengthening his brethren, and if you believe me, I think the Black Prince repents to this day of shooting Peter, for it is always cast in his teeth with a sneer. I may go on and tell you of many such cases, both at home and abroad, but I will forbear. I am often, my brother, astonished that, as you know it is so, the King has been pleased to give me a place amongst his gunners, or, if you would rather have the figure, his bowmen, and so I have had a little knowledge of the working of the warfare. I suppose many others have been astonished at this, seeing my sight is so good. But I am glad to inform you, we fire our guns, or draw our bows at a "venture," having only to be particular as to the shot and arrow; and as we can tell their quality by feeling, my short sight is no impediment, for the King directs the arrows himself. I have, it is true, sometimes tried to take aim, but have failed. I, therefore, spend the greatest time in selecting my shot and arrow, now finding it best to leave the aim-taking to my Omnipotent Master. You are aware such a situation is rather exposed, but being defended by bulwarks, I continue until this day, speaking of; living in, and pointing to the "highway," saying, "Behold the way to God." Excuse my ramble; with Christian love to you and yours, I remain, my dear brother, yours in Christ, JOSEPH WILKINS. Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds., March 30th, 1855. It fore God. Glad am I, dear cousin, to discover you to be under the deep and mysterious teaching of God in your immortal soul. seems the enemy of your soul has been very hard at work with you, to keep you in the path of sin, death, and destruction. He cannot bear to lose one out of his kingdom; hence he commences war, where the Lord commences a work of grace in the soul of a lost sinner. Henceforth he begins to hurl his fiery darts into the poor soul, to stop, if possible, the life of God in the soul; but what a mercy to have our dead consciences made alive by the Lord, that we should not be left to run into the condemnation or destruction of the wicked. O, I see a great mercy, my dear cousin, in your conscience being kept alive when satan hurled you on to sin with a high hand against the pricks of conscience. Ah, my dear cousin, "tis hard for us to kick against the pricks." So we proved it truly, as the dear apostle did when he was going to Damascus with a high hand to persecute the saints of God; satan would indeed stop the breath of prayer if he could; for he hates that which is implanted in the soul by God—a form of prayer he is well pleased with the more, the better because he knows them. The soul and heart are both far off from God and Christ; but when it comes forth out of a broken and contrite spirit for mercy, he will at once oppose that, and if he possibly can, stop it "For satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees." I am glad to hear, dear cousin, you have been made to weep, while you write over your conduct towards your Lord, and to hear this cry burst forth from your heart of sorrowgrief, and pain, "O Lord, have mercy upon me." Who could create that cry in your imnot; nor satan could not. Who could, then, do it? None but the Lord could do it; and he has done it; and-blessed be his holy name!-he only can and will answer it to the full joy and rejoicing of your heart and soul in him. Satan has created many forms of prayer for those that are in his own kingdom; has put many words in their mouths to compli mortal soul? You could not; nor man could ENCOURAGING WORDS ment the Lord with; but they are a stench in FOR A DISTRESSED SAINT. MY DEAR COUSIN, AND SISTER IN THE LORD.-Being favored with a little of that precious nearness of access and communion with the Lord this morning, and to enjoy sweet communion and fellowship with him through a precious Redeemer, which makes a little heaven below in my immortal soul, while here in this time state. O, this precious nearness of access to God, through a precious Mediator-how it does humble us in the dust before the Lord, to think he should thus ever look upon us in his dear Son-even upon us lost and ruined rebels! Feeling the Lord has thus blest my soul with that precious grace through his dear Son, I now attempt, in the fear of God, to drop a few lines to you, in answer to your letter of honest confession be his nostrils-a thing which he hateth. But there satan will let them rest in their own deceivings, unless the Lord, by his infinite grace, prevent them. Then, O what double and treble mercy it is to have that cry in our soul, which is of the Holy Spirit's inditing; that secret prayer which lies closely between the Lord and our own souls, from a true felt necessity of our need of spiritual things. These are the cries which the Lord loveth to hear; these are the prayers which the Lord has declared shall be rewarded openly; for he has declared positively, that Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." Then they are as much blessed in God's account as those that have been blest with his pardoning love, blood and righteousness, to remove their sin, guilt and shame. But the quickened soul longs to have it applied home to have the blessed re alization of it in their souls. Nor can they be satisfied till they have it; and the Lord says they assuredly shall have it; that is, they assuredly shall be filled; for both the longing desire, and the gift of heavenly food and righteousness, comes from the same source and living Head, even Christ Jesus; for he is made of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. O, that you and I may be ever blessed, dear cousin, with a tender conscience, to keep us from running into any evil. Your letter did not frighten me as much as you might expect or think; for I do know by experience what some of this deep teaching of God is. If the Lord did not make us to feel and know something of the desperate evils of our heart, we should never prize a Saviour's blood, nor should we ever flee for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us in the gospel; but in sin we should live, and in sin we should die, and enter upon an eternal death; but, through grace, I hope and trust, dear cousin, we are as brands plucked from the fire, and shall be saved with an everlasting salvation through a precious Redeemer, wherein we shall not be ashamed or confounded, world without end. Please to excuse this very imperfect scrawl, and may the Lord bless this very feeble attempt, for his name's sake. May the Lord in mercy keep, defend, and uphold you, is the sincere and earnest breathings of my soul for you in hope of the gospel of the grace of God, through a suffering Saviour. E. KILLICK. August 26, 1855. HARVEST THANKSGIVING MEETING AT CHESHUNT. DEAR MR. EDITOR-Will you be kind enough to give space in your weather-beaten VESSEL to the following brief account of a most interesting meeting held at our chapel on Tuesday, September 4th. Our friends were called together by the announcement, that we should hold our annual harvest thanksgiving meeting; several of our female friends set to work in real good earnest, decorating the chapel with some of the most choice flowers that the hot-house of a neighbouring gentleman could afford; others provided the wheat and oat sheaf, clusters of fruit with their branches, being displayed most tastefully in different parts of the chapel; other friends provided us with some good wholesome cake; tea was on the table at five, by which time a goodly number had gathered, who gave evident proof that they felt at home amidst the plenty of good fare. We now raised our voices in praise and thanksgiving to God for his kindness, and then prepared for the evening meeting. Our pastor, Mr. Bland, commenced by giving out a most sweet and appropriate hymn; he then called upon one of the deacons to implore the presence of the Lord of the harvest, after which our esteemed friend, Mr. Murch, of Waltham Abbey, was called upon to address the meeting, and most sweetly did he dwell upon the goodness of God to us as a nation. Mr. Bland next called upon friend Bevan, of Enfield Highway, to engage in prayer, remarking at the same time, that we ought at such meetings, to talk to God as well as talk to each other. We were then gratified in seeing our friend David Male come forward, after giving out one of Addison's beautiful hymns, upon which he made some striking remarks, he addressed the meeting in a most solemn, though cheerful, manner, a little too sermonizing perhaps, however we won't find fault. Our pastor then spoke for a few minutes only, in consequence of indisposition, and then came the parting hymn, and truly it might be said, that a shout of joy and gladness went up from that little camp. Thus ended one of the most happy meetings that ever it was our lot to attend at the little Baptist Chapel, Water-lane, Cheshunt. My chief reason, Mr. Editor, for sending you these few particulars, is that many other churches may be induced to unite together in praise and prayer to God for his goodness in not only sending us such a golden harvest, but also for such a delightful season for the ingathering of the same. I am, dear Editor, your's sincerely, Cheshunt, Herts., Sept. 10, 1855. Poetry. WHEN WILL THIS STRIFE AND WARFARE CEASE? WHEN Will this strife and warfare cease? Assert thy sway, O righteous King! And social harmony restore. Dry up the widow's starting tear, Bid drops like those for ever cease; In thy best character appear, And we will hail the "PRINCE OF PEACE." L. M. THORNton. THE CRY OF THE YOUNG CONVERT. O GOD of mercy, hear my cry, y wrath. I plead thy love-plead thou my prayer, OUR BRITISH BAPTIST CHURCHES. BAPTISING AND ANNIVERSARY AT SOUTH CHARD. MY DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD,-As I know you rejoice in the prosperity of Zion, I send you the following particulars of a good season we have had at South Chard. Last Lord's-day I baptised six persons, who having been brought to know the Lord, desired to follow him in his ordinances. At ten o'clock the members of the church and those about to be baptised met together for prayer; seven brethren engaged in that solemn exercise, and truly the Lord was there, and our souls were refreshed and strengthened; for we found that in keeping his commandments there is a great reward. At a quarter to eleven we went to the water-side, where a goodly number had already assembled. After singing a hymn, our dear brother Kellaway, from Yeovil, read part of the 3rd chapter of John, upon which he made some very appropriate and striking remarks. After he had engaged in prayer, I spoke from Matt. xxviii. 19, 20, endeavouring to shew our authority for baptising, the proper subjects, the mode of administration, and the meaning of the ordinance,-I then, according to the oldfashioned way, went with the candidates down into the water, and baptised them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. I would just say here, that one young person I baptised, the Lord has very graciously given me as a seal to my ministry; thus proving that "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." But oh, how hard it is for the minister of the gospel to wait for the due season; he wants to see the fruit as soon as the seed is sown; at least this is the case with me, for since I have been here, I have continually feared that (with regard to conversion work) I was labouring in vain, and spending my strength for naught; but, bless God, such has not been the case,-two souls have been brought, through my feeble instrumentality, out of nature's darkness,-although one has not been able yet to suck the breasts, and consequently is in a low state, yet I am confident that he who hath begun the work will carry it on, even to perfection. A young man, I was told, had pledged himself to cause a disturbance at the water-side, but the Lord graciously prevented him, and the congregation were quiet and attentive. After the afternoon service, the dear friends who had been baptised in the morning were received into the church, and together we commemorated the death of our precious Lord-it was a sweet season, a time of rejoicing, that will not soon be forgotten by us. In the afternoon and evening our brother Kellaway gave us two solid, substantial, and soul-animating discourses upon the following subjects:-Afternoon, Eph. i. 7, Redemption by Christ.-Evening, 2 Tin. i. 9, Salvation, Effectual Calling, and Eternal Election. Upon these subjects our brother seemed quite at home-his powerful imagination enabling him to illustrate them in such a way, that the attention of the congregation was rivetted, although each discourse occupied more than an hour in delivery. I feel sure that I speak the sentiments of the church when I say, that last Lord's-day was the best day we have had for some length of time, for we feasted in the banquetting house, and the banner over us was love. On Tuesday we held our annual tea meeting, which also passed off very well. The day being fine and warm, we had tea provided in the orchard adjoining the chapel. After the tea a public meeting was held, at which several neighbouring ministers were present, and spoke of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God; they told forth what they had experienced in such a blessed way, that we felt willing to forget our difference of sentiment, and unite in blessing and praising God for what he had done for our souls. feel convinced, my dear brother, that there are many who differ from us in points of doctrine who have experienced most blessedly the work of God upon their souls; and did we but know more of them, there would be a great fellow feeling existing between us, instead of that cold and bitter animosity which too often exists where there is a difference of sentiment. I do not say that persons holding opposite views should be admitted as members of our churches, for such a course would bring discord and disagreement amongst us; but what I contend for is, that charity, which suffereth long and is kind, and which ought to be shewn towards all those that love the Lord Jesus Christ, and acknowledge him as the only way of salvation. I am thankful to say that our congregation still continues good, and the Lord graciously blesses the word to the comfort of his saints. There are others whom we hope to baptise before winter, in whose souls the Lord hath wrought a work of grace, unto his dear name be all the glory. I am, dear brother, your's in the Beloved, BENJAMIN DAVIES. Sept. 5th, 1855. BLACKBURN. A TEA was given to the Sabbath School in connexion with this old established cause of truth, on Monday, August 27th. We are happy to state, that our school, of late, has been attended with great prosperity, and a great increase in numbers. Between 200 and 300 children and friends sat down to tea; and a cheerful and deeply interesting meeting was held after the tea; when addresses were delivered by Mr. Horbury, our esteemed pastor, Mr. Bates, Mr. E. Littleton, our Superintend ent, and other friends favourable to Sunday Schools. The evening was spent profitably and to purpose, and a spirit of love and attachment was manifested toward these institutions, and their aim and end. ORDINATION OF Ꮇ Ꭱ . WILLIAM AT EBENEZER CHAPEL, EAST STREET, GREENWICH. THE Ordination of Mr. W. Caunt, as Pastor of the Particular Baptist Church, assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, East Street, Greenwich, was celebrated with the usual solemnities on Tuesday, Sep. 11th, 1855. The day being fine, a great number of our London friends were there, and we were pleased on entering the little chapel, to find it full. The morning service commenced by singing a hymn, after which, Mr. Henry Langham (now supplying at Squirries Street, Bethnal Green,) read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer. CAUNT, Jehovah, we can say that, we have no cause to regret the union. Since then there has been ten added to us in church fellowship, and others are expecting to unite with us in church fellowship. which we look upon as a great mercy of our Our congregation has much increased, covenant God; and when we consider the went forth - viz., the cause in debt-the very great discouragement under which we people in a measure divided-and an uncertainty as to how the pulpit would be supplied, it clearly shows, that it was an entire work of faith. But still we have every reason Mr. Henry Hanks, of Woolwich, delivered to believe it was of the Lord. We are going a lengthened discourse (from Eph. v. 32, "Ion, we trust, in harmony, and there appears speak concerning Christ and the Church,") every prospect of success. We must again on the nature and constitution of a gospel say that, the Lord appears to bless the labours of our brother, and we believe that the choice the church was led to make, has met with the Divine sanction. We may say, that we desire to record with a feeling of gratitude, are now but very trifling in debt, which we looking up to the Triune Jehovah for future church. A verse was sung, and Mr. Hanks called upon one of the deacons to give a statement of the way in which the church had been led to call Mr. Caunt to the pastorate, to which Mr. Duly replied as follows: The church meeting for worship in this place having moved on for some three or four years in Christian union and fellowship in the doctrines of free grace, was at length brought into some slight confusion in consequence of the resignation of their pastor, who, in the order we hope, of Divine Providence, was then removed from us. This led to some serious thoughts as to whether we should hold on our way, being a little in debt, and the cause somewhat divided. Consequently, the church was called together, when it was resolved that the church should be re-formed, and with the assistance of the Lord the doors should be kept open. In the mean while we had to think where our supply for the pulpit should come from. Our late pastor, sent two from London, Mr. Bird and our present pastor, Mr. Caunt, who supplied alternately for two or three months; and though we had very much to discourage us, still we were enabled to go on. And here we must now say, that much praise was due (instrumentally) to some of our female friends, belonging to the church, whose zeal was much exercised for the worship of God still to be carried on in this place. They were determined that with God's assistance, the place should not be closed; and we have found it not to be in word only, for they have cheerfully helped us to meet every demand. The church was again called together, when it was resolved to invite our brother Caunt to supply the pulpit for three months; to which he consented, there being signs that the word was made useful. The congregation increased, and the finances seemed to improve. This led the church to call another meeting in the month of August, 1854, to give our brother a call to the pastorate, which, after much prayer, he accepted; and to the praise of the Triune direction. Our finances since brother Caunt they previously were; and although we have has been with us, have nearly doubled what not yet been able to reward our pastor, believing that it is our duty to provide for him carnal things, we hope next quarter to raise him a remuneration, though not large. The Lord has so far enabled us to keep these doors open, and now that he has given us a pastor, we pray that his blessing may in still greater abundance rest upon him and us. Mr. Hanks having thanked Mr. Duly for the very satisfactory and lucid statement just made, calied on Mr. Caunt for a short narrative of his call from darkness to light. Mr. Caunt replied: Dear Brother, and Christian Friends: I feel somewhat overwhelmed in my feelings this morning; but I will, in as brief a manner as possible, relate how the Lord called me to a knowledge of himself, and myself. Without detailing all the follies of my youth, I shall come at once to state that I was born of poor parents, and at the age of nine years, I was put to work at the shoe-making, and I shall not forget the pride and dignity with which I put my first stitches, and how eagerly I looked forward to the time when I should be a man, and work for myself. But as I grew towards proficiency, my work became tedious; and at the age of about 19 or 20, I covenanted with my father for a holiday; and the way in which I wished to spend my holiday was at the theatre. This desire was granted. think I went six times altogether; the sixth time I went, accompanied by a friend, to the Coburg, now called the Victoria Theatre, in the Waterloo Road. After had witnessed one act, I was seized with a sudden conviction that the theatre would fall. I looked around, and to myself I said, "As sure as I I Blest cross! blest sepulchre! blest rather be The Man that there was put to shame for me!" That (said I to myself) is the very thing I want. liberty of soul, which notwithstanding innu- am born, this building will fall and crush me." | of Wells. As I went I found many people My feelings may be better imagined than de- flocking together from all quarters. I heard scribed. My eyes wandered round the place, him, and the Word well suited my case. anxiously looking for a spot where I might When I returned home, they asked me how I fly for safety; and seeing a large pillar or could go there? didn't I know he was a Bapcolumn that supported the building, I thought tist? I said I didn't know what he was, but if I could get there I might be safe. I could I did know he preached Jesus Christ, and that not, from courtesy, leave altogether, so I it just corresponded with my feelings. Still, pressed through the people, and eagerly I could find no liberty. About this time I got clutched the pillar. Neither my friend, nor hold of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. I read the people, knew what was the matter with it with avidity. I found that Pilgrim started me. I was exceedingly glad when it was out in search of life. So had I. He carried a over; and hurried out with my friend. My heavy burden on his back. So did I. Pilgrim mind was so filled with terror that I could not met many and sad obstacles in the way. So did converse with him; but as I walked up the I. By-and-bye Pilgrim comes to the cross, Waterloo Road, I secretly vowed that I would where he lost his burden, and went on singing, never more enter a theatre; which vow I" Thus far did I come laden with my sin; kept, and with God's assistance believe I shall Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in, keep. I returned home in a deal of trouble. Till I came hither: what a place is this! The Sabbath was coming, and I was delighted Must here be the beginning of my bliss? at the thought; before it required the whip Must here the burden fall from off my back? and scourge to get me there-now I went Must here the strings that bound it to me cheerfully. The Sabbath came, and I walked crack? to Beresford Street Chapel, where the late Dr. Andrews then preached. I seated myself in the transept. The Dr. took his text, which I forgot, and all the sermon, with one exception. After reading his text, he laid his book down, as was his usual custom, and said, "My dear friends, it has been asserted that I am a man favourable to theatrical amusements; I recommend all such to read my sermon on the Destruction of Wellclose Square Theatre." What! thought I-you a minister, and encourage the play-goer! "Allow me to say, (continued the preacher), once for all, that I think the theatre is the golden gate of hell." I heard no more of what the preacher said but thought some one had told him concerning me; and as soon as the service was over, I retired in great distress of mind. I afterwards learned that the parents of a young man, who in spite of their wishes would run to the theatre, had requested the Dr. to say a word or two on the theatre. Thus the minister meant it for one; but God designed it for another. He went home reviling, but I went home sorrowing. In this very remarkable manner was I arrested and convinced of sin. I returned home and began to think what I must do I tried hard to reform myself; but my anguish of mind was beyond description. My sleeping place was bedewed with tears. I feared to go to sleep, lest I should awake in hell. I would often in the night call lustily to my parents; when they came to me to see what was the matter, I would not own to the truth, and replied "Nothing: nothing." I now tried hard to amend my life. The chapel was regularly attended; the Bible read; and old associations broken up. But alas! I got no better; I could obtain no relief. In this state of mind, while passing a bookseller's shop, I saw a book advertised-" Helps for Soul Devotion." Oh, thought I, that's just what I want; and with eager impetuosity I ran up the steps of the shop, to purchase the book. I got it, and read it attentively. But with all this crutch-like service, I grew no happier. At last, however, I was told of a very singular man who preached on Sabbath afternoons in the Borough Road, by the name Mr. Hanks.-Thank you, my brother. There is one part of your statement which particularly affected me- for it was in that very same place, the Coburg Theatre, that the Lord met with my soul. Will you now please to relate how the Lord called you to the Ministry: Mr. Caunt.-After I was brought into the liberty of which I have been speaking, I was led to form some connections among the hearers of Dr. Andrews-and was sometimes called upon to engage at the prayer-meetings, and occasionally opened the service. I then got engaged in the Sabbath-school, and used to address the children. One morning a person came to me, and said, "Mr. Caunt, I want you to go and speak to a few poor people at next Sabbath." Iimmediately replied, "I cannot do that." He said, "Yes, you can, you must." I again told him, “I really could not." He said, however, he should leave me to think of it, and call again on the morrow. As he left me, I walked down the shop where I am now employed; and in the spirit of prayer these words came from me, O Lord, if it be thy will for me to go next Sunday, let that man come again; if not, keep him away.' "" I considered this would be a test to prove whether the Lord intended me to go or not. The next morning, at about half-past eight o'clock, the same person entered the shop. He did not commence by asking if I would go; but, as though assured I should be there, began to tell me where and how to go, and other particulars. I viewed it as the Lord's hand, and hesitated not to say, "I will be there." |