remarks are founded upon my own observation and deeply do I deplore being obliged to write thus-who is on the Lord's side, who! Look to your churches, look to your watchmen, "shake thyself from the dust," throw off the yoke of your would-be guides and be not afraid of what this person will say or what the clique, will think "Dieu et mon droit is a good motto.

sea.

If thy conscience does not condemn thee in that thou doest, it is well with thee. The smooth paths are the more dangerous, and many a ship has struck upon a hidden rock while sailing majestically over the beautiful A good look-out must be kept, the bearings, the reckonings, the soundings must be taken; the eye fixed upon the bright and morning star, the flag of God's truth at the mast head, the decks cleared for action, the pilot on board, and my Father at the helm; we shall weather the storms, sink our enemies, and finally reach the haven of rest.

WM. SNOWDON.
Uxbridge, June 18th, 1866.

READING PHILIPPIANS AT
PHILIPPI.

BEFORE leaving the scene, I sat down upon one of the prostrate columns and read the Epistle to the Philippians. The recollections, the place, the circumstances, brought home to me the contents with new

vividness and power. I had just traversed the road by which Paul and his associates approached the city. The gateway where they entered was within sight. I could hear the rushing of the stream upon the bank of which Paul declared the name of Jesus, and rejoiced over his first converts on a new continent. On my left passed the Egnatian Way, along which Epaphroditus, the bearer of the epistle, hurried with tidings of the apostle from his cell at Rome. The silent Stadium lay before me on the hill-side, of which his illustration reminded the Philippians, as he held up to them his own example for imitation in striving for the imperishable crown, which is to reward the Christian victor. Within the space under

my eye must have stood the house where the first disciples were gathered for worship and called on the name of Christ. One of the mounds around me may have been the ruins of the prison which resounded with the praises of Paul and Silas, and which the earthquake to its foundations. I thought especially of the moment when the following great words were read and heard here for the first time, and of the myriads since that moment whose souls those words have stirred to their inmost depths, in all generations, and in all parts of the earth; "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." One could not, under such circumstance, repress a new and yet more ardent prayer that the day of this universal recognition may soon come, and, in the meanwhile, that the spirit of the sublime passage may pass more fully into the lives of those who profess and call themselves Christians.-Dr. Hackett.

:

CUT FLOWERS FROM SPIRITUAL GARDENS.

BY ALFRED PEET OF SHARNBROOK.

GOD's grace in the heart will render the knowledge of the head a blessing, but without this, it may prove to us no better than a curse.

There is oftentimes a great deal of knowledge where there is but little wisdom to improve that knowledge. It is not the most knowing Christian, but the most wise Christian that sees, avoids, and escapes Satan's snares. Knowledge without wisdom

is like mettle in a blind horse, which is often an occasion of the rider's fall.

Idleness is the very source of sin. Standing pools gather mud and nourish and breed venomous creatures; and so do the hearts of idle and slothful Christians.

Many there are whose love to the saints is like Job's brooks, which in winter, when we have no need, overflow with tenders of service and showers of love; but when the season is hot and dry, and the poor thirsty traveller stands in most need of water to refresh him, then the brooks are quite dried up. But such as truly

love, will always love.

The true tears of repentance flow from the eye of faith.

Human faith is founded upon probability, Divine faith upon certainty.

There is as much difference between faith and assurance, as there is between the root and the fruit.

At regeneration, the formation of the new man is altogether complete, nor is there after this any member added, but rather a perpetual growth of those already formed.

Satan tells dead sinners that they are believers, and they hearken to him. He also tells true believers that they do not believe aright, or God, who is well pleased with the weakest believer in His dear Son would not deal so hardly with them. Thus his work of distressing the saint and deceiving and destroying the deceived goes forward. The Lord confine him, and make all his children to know his devices, that they may take the shield of faith, or in other words, that they by faith so apprehend Christ, as to hold him forth against all his horrid suggestions. The strongest believer in the world is not altogether free from doubts, fears, suspicions, misgivings, &c., which alternately prevail. While faith is high, these go down, but as soon as faith goes down, these all as fast go up.

The faith that shows me Christ is my Saviour, showed me that I was a sinner, and needed one; the faith that shows the believer he is found by the mercy hands of the second

Adam, shows him he was lost by the sinful doings of the first Adam; the true faith of God's elect, credits all what God declares, not only what he declares concerning Christ, viz., that he is the sinner's surety, ransomer, deliverer, but also what God has revealed concerning man, that, by nature, he is out of the way, undone, perishing, lost, unless the Lord saves; this faith shows the trembling and contrite that they cannot save themselves, or help the Lord in their salvation, but that salvation is alone of the Lord.

Saving faith puts perishing sinners upon fleeing from all false resting places, to make use of the Lord Jesus as a covert from the storm of God's wrath. It confides in his open wounds and cleaves fast unto him. This precious grace has first, the truth and faithfulness of Jehovah to

rest upon. Secondly, Christ, in

whom the Father's reconciled face is discovered for its object; and thirdly, complete salvation, as the fruit of free grace for its end.

NEW BOOKS.

The Watchmen of Ephraim for July, carries a varied and valuable packet of papers highly edifying to all who take an interest in the future welfare of the Church and Kingdom of Christ. Mr. John Wilson, the editor, like a vessel full of rich treasure, comes into harbour every month, with his vessel; and unloads a cargo most acceptable to literary and spiritual minds. In The Gospel Guide we have given a paper from Mr. Wilson's excellent serial, headed "English Farming in the Holy Land," which will be read by all English Churchmen with real pleasure.

John Dixon's Autobiography has recently been published; (at least, the first sixpenny part of it has appeared ;) and a copy of it has reached us, "with the author's Christian love." It is published by J. Paul; and most faithfully represents the mind, spirit, and ministerial life of that exceedingly patient, mild, quiet, neat pleasing brother in Jesus, John Dixon.

NOTES ON THE LINE.

GREAT EASTERN, July 24th, 1866. "Allby-alone," in an empty car, at early morn. 1 am being literally swung over iron rails, hoping to be thus flung into London if the Lord will, and then to climb Knaphill, to finish up brother Edward Joy's anniversary, which is holden this day. Brother Thomas Stringer is expected to sail into that neat little harbour this morning; and in the course of the forenoon and afternoon he will unload some of his cargo; and tell out some of the greatness of saving grace, and of the goodness of the Lord; after which I am just to announce, (like the Queen in Solomon's times) "That it was a true report, although the half had not been told." During the last few days, I have spoken with much liberty in Willenhall, in Bilston, in Birmingham, in Stoke Newington, in the chapel at Sturry, near Canterbury, in Glemsford, in Braintree; and attended to other things as far as time would permit. For the information of thousands, and with a view to find out some ministers for Churches destitute, I write these few lines. Brother Isaac Pegg is preaching with good success at Little London; brother Moor, from Hereford, and from Malvern, has visited "the separation cause at Willenhall; but I am told Little London and the Willenhall Churches will presently become one; and I can pray that such a union may soon become a happy, a permanent, and a prosperous fact. The chapel at Little London is a perfect beauty, for a district like that; and to see it filled with earnest believers, and with Gospel workers, would be a joyful sight. I saw the town-hall where Mr. Boxer preaches; there is some expectation that two Churches will amalgamate under his ministry; and that he will have a chapel; if so, his continuance in these parts may be protracted; but whether he considers himself as one with our Churches now; whether he has "altered his views," I decide not, God knoweth. As I travel north, south, east, and west, and hear the sighings of the saints over the desolations of Zion, my own little stanza comes in so suitable,

"Let man to man sweet pity shew; Let sins be all forgiven;

And pray as through this world we goLord! land us safe in heaven."

or.

At Bilston, Mr. Lodge is still the pastor and preacher: he quietly labours on;

and his friends and people unite with him, in seeking the good of God's chosen in the building up of Zion. I was present at their Sunday school anniversary. The singing and music were very good; Mr. Pegg's sermons were well received; and in delivering my little address in the afternoon (from the words, "To do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased,") was favoured to enjoy liberty; and then to the big and busy town of Birmingham I went, where the sight of brethren Messer, Thomas and Henry Drew; my son Vallis, and other friends, quite cheered my spirit. Constitution Hill Baptist chapel is comfortable and compact; but a stated, and richly anointed minister is required. Brother Abraham Howard has retired to Little Charlotte street; but is there not in all this kingdom a valiant David to be found, who can go into that large midland city, and fairly and successfully plant Christ's own standard? Hundreds of thousands there are in darkness. May the Lord send them the light of the Sun of Righteousness, and make His Zion there to shine.

In Samuel Foster's bed-room, where for many years he has suffered, sighed, and sometimes sung songs of thanksgiving— in that little hallowed sanctuary, I spent an hour in listening to the many things he had to tell of the Lord's goodness to him in this valley of Achor. Around his bed sat two other ministers; the one was my own brother Robert, the minister of Egerton Fostall; the other Mr. Rowden, the minister of Zoar chapel, in the city of Canterbury; and besides these, was a lady, to whom Samuel Foster's letters, conversation, and prayers, had proved a blessing. It was a cause of gladness to my heart to find that while the Lord was still keeping him in the furnace, He was also still making use of him to the spiritual advantage of precious souls. I wish we could afford to publish his letters in separate tracts; I think they would be useful all through the Churches. I left his room, to go and speak once more in what was almost my first chapel, which stands in Sturry; and where Mr. Charles Hancock, and Mr. Baker, both preach the Gospel; and the Church is increasing. I felt it to be a mercy that both in Sturry and in Canterbury, the Churches are preserved, and increasing in numbers.

Glemsford Sunday school anniversary

on the 22nd of July, was a pleasant_season. Three times I stood before large congregations; and I am thankful that the Lord did help and bless us. Last night at Braintree, we had a tea meeting and preaching service. Of the ministers and Churches in these parts, we may have a word or two another time.

MAIDSTONE AND CHATHAM. DEAR SIR,-I am glad you have noticed the cause of the people of Maidstone, who have been cut off from a Church professing to love and adhere to the truth. They have stood honourable members for years; and they only contend for right and justice. They have a convenient and commodious room in which to meet on Lord's-day; also, Monday evening prayer meetings are well attended; they are blessed with earnest praying men, and the Lord's blessing rests upon them. I should like to see them united as a Church; and, in obedience to the Lord's command in the breaking of bread in remembrance of His broken body and shed blood. It is not for me to shew the wrong done to them; I hope one of them will do that. Let us fully understand the cause why they have thus absented themselves. hope the Lord may direct you down here, that you might give them counsel and advice; or enable you to do so through the VESSEL. I have heard you with great profit in Enon chapel, Chatham; I recollect your speaking of ministers preaching for money, instead of love to souls, and to the Lord Jesus Christ. When I was favoured to hear you I was an inmate in the Union at Strood, where I had been some years afflicted with my sight. There the Lord was pleased to show me my state as a lost sinner, by applying His precious Word with power to my soul,

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." I could not express to you the horror I then felt: so great was my anguish of soul, I thought I should die that day; NOT "in the Lord;" and instead of being blessed, I should be cursed of Him, as I should not die in the Lord. This lasted for five days, during which time I could neither eat nor work, and my companions said, "religion had got hold of me; and would be the death of me." I hoped it would; but was afraid it would be otherwise; until the Lord, by His blessed Spirit, shone into my soul with a beam of heavenly light; this word was sweetly applied with power, "What fruit had ye then, in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death." I then saw the effects of sin, in death; and the fruits of righteousness, eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless His name, I can say it was all of His grace I was brought to obey. O! the refreshing seasons I have had in communion with my Lord, and in listening to the word preached, and being enabled to speak therefrom myself; for, shortly after the Lord manifested His

love to me, I had an ardent desire to labour in His vineyard, although at the time in the Union, and on one occasion, this word was applied with power, "I have anointed thee to preach the Gospel to the poor," etc. There was a light and glory round about me: I felt it to be the Lord's will that I should speak in His name. I then joined myself to a duty-faith Baptist Church at Chatham, where they had a cause in a country district. I once thought I would go and see them: it so happened no preacher came that evening. After waiting some time, I offered to open the meeting which I did. The Lord blessed the word to my soul, the people expressed their astonishment at me; and the Church appointed me as a monthly supply, beside labouring at other places with acceptance. After this Mr. Bloomfield, of London, was made the instrument, in the Lord's hand, at Enon anniversary, of bringing me out of that duty-faith system. I left the chapel of which I was then a member, and united myself with Enon, were I have continued ever since; but am not allowed to supply the village where I had been, as I had become too Calvinistic. I felt all way was shut up; and when I mentioned to Enon friends, they seemed to treat it with indifference; so I continued idle for some time; still with the same ardent desire. About the year 1858 the Lord brought me out of the Union, and placed me in a little business; He has prospered me with a comfortable home, and partner, and little one; and has opened a way although mysterious for the preaching of His Word. I was introduced by a friend to the scattered few at Maidstone, four months since; they gave me a hearing; the Lord blessed the Word to them, and they have continued to receive the Word I have been enabled to deliver; and I can say bless His name, I never felt such a door of utterance and liberty of soul as at Maidstone. The people are anxious to receive the Word with rejoicing of heart. I often feel weakness, and insufficiency for this great work; but the Lord has made His strength perfect in my weakness. I often feel like a sparrow alone on the house top. I love to dwell on, and speak of the dying love of a precious Redeemer. Yours in the Gospel, J. T. MILES.

BIGBURY, DEVON.-OPENING OF A NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL.-The new chapel built for the use of the Baptists of Bigbury was opened on Wednesday, June 27th, by a series of religious services. The building just completed is a neat, simple, unpretending, yet a pretty convenient place of worship. From the inhabitants of Bigbury and its neighbourhood, the Lord has from time to time gathered many of His chosen and redeemed, delivered them from the darkness and death of the Egyptians, and formed them for Himself, in order that they nay shew forth His praise. Some of those have passed the wintry storms of life, and are now enjoying the perfection of rest and

happiness in the kingdom of glory; others are in the wilderness hastening on their journey home; some have been called to bear public testimony of Christ and His salvation. The old chapel was built upon land to be held during a certain life; when the life dropt, the chapel became the property of the lord of the manor, who forthwith gave the people worshipping there notice to quit, and appropriated the little sanctuary to be used as a school-room by the parochial clergyman. In this crisis the people were brought to cry unto the Lord for providing them with another sanctuary where they could again meet and worship God as they and their fathers had done. The Lord had in days past favoured the cause by raising up a Christian lady, (Mrs. Wooppell) who lived in a farm near at hand, and who was a liberal supporter of the cause; but, she had been taken home to heaven two years previous. It was the good pleasure of the chief Shepherd of Israel to put it into the heart of one of her sons, Mr. Wm. Wooppell, in this emergency, to open a place on his own premises for the lovers of the Gospel of Jesus to meet in; and not only so, but in great mercy opened his heart to receive the same precious truth in his understanding and affection, which was so dearly loved by his late mother while in the body; and now near three years ago was baptised with a beloved sister and others, by Mr. F. Collins, at Howe street Baptist chapel, Plymouth; and now after about four years meeting in places temporarly fitted for the purpose; the Lord has led our brother to erect a house, in the which, if the Lord will, the ark of His truth shall permanently rest. The opening services commenced with a prayer meeting in the morning at eleven o'clock. A very good number attended; Mr. Collins presided; the brethren Pound, of Dartmouth; Tarrin, of Hoberton; Northcott, of Plymouth, and Wooppell, of Bigbury, engaged in prayer. In the afternoon a service was held, when the congregation was a large one, leaving nearly as many outside the chapel who could not get in, as there were inside. Mr. F. Pearce, of Newton Abbott, read the Scriptures and engaged in prayer; the sermon was preached by Mr. F. Collins, of Plymouth, who took his text from Nehemiah x. 39, "And we will not forsake the house of our God." After referring to the history of the building in the text, and pointing out some features of analogy between that history and the events of the day; the preacher went on to treat the text in the anti-typical and spiritual aspect, showing the nature of the house, giving a series of reasons for why God's people will not forsake the house, and then pointed attention to certain substantial advantages, which follow an affectionate and earnest attention to the house of our God. In the evening, in consequence of the large number assembled, the meeting was held in the open air in one of the large fields pertaining to our brother Wm. Wooppell; Mr.

Collins opened the meeting by giving out a hymn; Mr. B. Bardens engaged in prayer; after which the following brethren addressed the meeting: Mr. Pearce, of Newton Abbott; Mr. Bastard, of Frogmore; Mr. B. Bardens, of Plymouth, and Mr. Wm. Wooppell; Mr. R. Heath, of West Hall, closing in prayer. The brethren appeared to possess freedom in their addresses, while a most interesting assemblage paid deep attention to what was said. The scene under the auspices of the setting sun, was one of solemnity and beauty. It was a day not to be forgotten by many assembled at Bigbury on that occasion. Both at dinner and the tea a goodly number of friends sat down and partook of the refreshments provided. Collections were made after the afternoon and evening services, which were liberally responded to. "Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth."

BIRMINGHAM. - CONSTITUTION HILL CHAPEL-The friends connected with the above-named chapel, after having had to struggle with very many unlooked for troubles, were permitted to enjoy the first anniversary services on July 8th, and 9th. On Lord's-day the 8th, two sermons were preached to attentive and appreciative audiences, by T. J. Messer, and C. W. Banks, both of London. T. J. M. having supplied the pulpit seven preceding Sabbaths, was requested to deliver the morning sermon, which he did with his usual freedom, from "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee."-Psalm cxxii. 6. In the evening C. W. Banks discoursed most profitably on "For He made Him to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."-2 Cor. v. 21. As he had preached at Willenhall, and Bilston the same day, it was truly gratifying to find him so strong and happy during the evening's labour. On Monday 9th, a public tea meeting was held, which was better attended than any previous one; many Temperance friends belonging to other Churches being present. As many more persons were present than was expected, the only inconvenience was want of room, but by the good management of the deacons, the people's wants were supplied, and all appeared satisfied.

After the tea was over a public meeting was held, which was commenced by T. J. Messer giving out a few stanzas of that beautiful hymn of Medley's,

"I know that my Redeemer lives;" which was admirably sung; Mr. Wm. Taylor, a son-in-law of Mr. T. Drew, ably presiding at the harmonium. C. W. Banks having offered up a most appropriate prayer, on the motion of T. J. Messer, Mr. T. Drew was unanimously voted into the chair, the duties connected with which he also very ably discharged. The first address was delivered by T. J. Messer, on the "Good Samaritan, a lesson and a rebuke." The speaker was listened to throughout