DEATH OF MR. THOMAS POWELL, Late Minister of the Gospel, at Rye Lane Baptist Chapel, Peckham. THIS faithful and honoured servant of God was rather suddenly removed from the Church Militant, on Lord's day, January 11th. 1846. No circumstances worthy of particular note were connected with his death-it appears he had contemplated being able to preach again to his people in the evening of the day which saw the end of his earthly career. His remains were interred in Bunhill Fields, on the following Saturday: many of his brethren in the ministry were present: the address was delivered by Mr. Benjamin Lewis, of Trinity Chapel, Borough. On the following Lord's-day evening the occasion of his death was improved by Mr. Benjamin Lewis, who read for his text, the 35th verse of the eighth chapter of Romans. By way of introduction he observed, that on this occasion he had not been left to select a text, but that their venerable and departed minister had chosen it some time previous to his departure from this life, as one suitable to improve such an event. After dilating at some length upon the precious properties of the love of Christ, the preacher said, I may say with all respect to my departed and venerable friend, that this was the sole theme of his ministry; the Christ he preached was no new Christ, it was "Jesus, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." In the course of the sermon the preacher gave a brief account of the life of Mr. Powell, of which the following is an outline : He was blessed with religious parents; and it was at a very early age, before he was fourteen, that it pleased the Lord to arrest his mind, and to give rise to religious impressions, caused by the death of an uncle. The first person to whom he mentioned anything respecting the change that had taken place, was his dear mother, and sometimes when his father was from home, he used to join with his mother at the family altar. He was baptized before he was fifteen, and admitted a member of the church meeting for worship in Mitchell Street Chapel, St Lukes's, over which his dear father was the pastor. It was not, however, until two years afterwards, at which time his dear mother departed this life, that he was much exercised as regards the ministry. Subsequent to this, he preached before the church at Mitchell Street and was approved by them, and recommended to make use of the talent God had given him, in any place where the Lord might be pleased to open a door. Shortly after this, a place of worship was opened in Hill Street, Peckham, where Mr. Powell was introduced by several eminent ministers of the gospel which led to the formation of a church in that place. In 1819, the beautiful edifice in Rye Lane, was erected, whither Mr. Powell removed, and continued assiduously to labour, up to the time of his death. His natural kindness, added to a faithful spirit, and a fruitful mind, secured for him the friendship of an extensive connexion. Scarcely conscious, he fell asleep in Jesus, Lord's day afternoon, Jan. 11, 1846, at two o'clock. Mr. Lewis finished his discourse, by affectionately addressing, respectively, the bereaved widow and children of the deceased, and the church and congregation over which he was placed. WHAT HAS GIVEN RISE TO THE DIVISION AT ZOAR ? And are the Separatists justified in the steps they have taken? MR. EARTHEN VESSEL-I have heard, as Paul said to the Corinthians, "that there be divisions among you and I partly believe it," for I am assured that nearly, if not quite, forty of the members lately united in church fellowship at Zoar, have separated themselves from the body, and that they have taken for twelve months (by way of trial,) the old chapel in Brown's Lane, Spitalfields; which they intend to re-open the first Lord's-day in March, and therein and thereafter to continue to carry on the worship of God, and the proclamation of the everlasting gospel. I am also informed that an urgent application was made to Mr. Philpot to countenance the division by preaching to them on the day of their opening; but this he could not find it convenient to do; consequently, the venerated Warburton, of Trowbridge, has been invited; and as it is thought that he never did have a very strong feeling of attachment to the cause at Öld Zoar, it is not very improbable but that the inhabitants of Spitalfields may be favoured with a visit from that long tried and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ; and that a blessing may attend his labours is most ardently the prayer of my soul. Brown's Lane Chapel, in an ancient, and a very commodious place of worship; many sects and parties have tried to establish a cause there; but have not, for any length of time succeeded. Should these separatists from Zoar be enabled to make a stand, they will be the means of planting the standard of the cross in what may, at present, be considered a very barren soil; that is supposing they have a succession of the Lord's sent servants to preach the gospel to them. But now, the question arises, "Are these separatists justified in the steps that they have taken ?" It may be said in reply to this, that we have nothing to do with that matter; that it is to their own master they stand or fall. But, dear Sir, I do most solemnly feel that we have much to do with this matter; yea, so deeply interested are we, as believers in, and followers of the truth VOL. II., PART XIV. as it is in Jesus, that unless there is reason to hope that they have a "Thus saith the LORD," for the line of conduct they have pursued, no God-fearing minister can be justified in preaching to them; neither will any of the Household of Faith be justified in assisting them to hold up their cause. While, on the other hand; if their consciences have imperatively called for, and the word and Spirit of the living God hath directed them in, this separation; if really and truly, they have, in this matter, "walked in the Spirit ;" and are seeking only the glory of God, and the peace, prosperity, and well-being of their own souls; then, indeed, they are entitled to the sympathy, the prayers, the counsel, and the countenance of the whole Israel of God. Turn then again to the question: and ask, "What has given rise to the division at Zoar?" It is now an open question for the most serious consideration of the humble and faithful followers of the Lamb of God. The language of the Apostle in his epistle to the Romans, is very strong, and seems to drive me with a double force, to the investigating of the point now in hand: he says, in closing up that comprehensive epistle, "Now I beseech you, brethren, MÄRK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS, AND OFFENCES, CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH ye have learned; and AVOID THEM." The Holy Ghost doth here, in a most solemn manner, charge the church of the living God, to "MARK" the men who cause divisions and offences; and also, to " AVOID THEM." And how solemn is the description which the Holy Ghost gives of these men who cause divisions, in Paul's first epistle to Timothy! He says, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness," that man, "is proud," i. e. (in the margin) he "is a fool;" "knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words whereof cometh envy, strife, railing, evil surmisings, perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw thyself." F brought up to the Church of England; and my father gave me a liberal education. In my childhood, I had many con circumstances in which the church has been placed, the pulpit has almost invariably been supplied by men of God, by ministers sound in the faith, deep in ex-victions, and endeavoured to help myself perience, and faithful and consistent in the observance and in the administration of the ordinances of the Lord's house: the proclamation of gospel truth has been perpetuated; many hundreds of the Lord's living family have proved it to be a Bethel to their souls; the necessities of the poor of the flock have been supplied; and when an attempt was made to turn the house of God into a place of merchandise, that attempt was nobly resisted. In these things I must rejoice, and be glad; and must pray that peace may yet be found within her walls, and prosperity within her palace. May the recent eruption be sanctified: may it be the means of stirring up her members to fervent wrestling prayer, and watchfulness and, surely, in answer to their supplications, the Lord will send them an under shepherd, a faithful watchman, an able minister, by whose instrumentality under God, there may be a healing of the breach, a restoring of paths to dwell in. I come to the other question-" Are the separatists justified in the steps they have taken ?" Before I proceed to investigate this query, let us hear what they may have to say, through the minister or ministers who may be appointed to open their place of worship for them. Since writing the above, I learn that Mr. Warburton cannot open the place referred to: but you will hear from me again. For the present farewell. A PHICOL. SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF WM. BRENDER. [WE have been favoured with the following sketch of the life of Mr. Brender, by a faithful friend and brother, who resides near to Cheltenham. William Brender, died at Gloucester, April 11, 1777; the following particulars were related by himself to his brother, while on his death-bed. We have read it with some feeling sense of the great solemn truths recorded; and of the indescribable happiness of such a state of soul. May our last end be like his, and may the publication of this brief sketch, be to the glory of God's dear Son, and the comfort of his living sheep.] I was born at Bisley, Dec. 18, 1700, and by praying; but my unconcern always was saved by grace alone: and Jesus | acquainted with Mr. J. Brotherton, and Christ crucified, became the object of my some others. When the brethren came faith. here, I also got acquainted with them, and could rejoice in the sameness of thought, judgment, and happy experience of that great salvation, obtained for the worst of sinners, by the precious blood of Jesus. I did not stay long in London, but returned home to Westbury, full of comfort, that the Lord Jesus Christ was my Saviour and my joy was amazing great. I was so transported with that grace, that at my return I laid down my office as preacher to the Baptists, and never more preached among them: my mind was so enamoured I knew not what to say, being held in so much esteem on account of my great natural parts. Now, I lie waiting in faith the coming of my Lord; and hope, out of grace, soon to be admitted into his gracious presence, there to praise his holy name for ever, in singing, "thou art worthy to receive all praise, honour, and adoration, for thou hast redeemed a poor sinner to to thyself, by thy blood." Now he rests in peace, and enjoys the end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul, in the arms of his dear Redeemer ; and we can give him that testimony, that he, by the grace of God, adhered unmovably to his dear Saviour, and was never permitted to be drawn aside from him: heknew how to value his sufferings, and never here below could praise his name to his heart's satisfaction, valuing his blood and merits far above all other treasures. Oh! how did he rejoice at the thought of being soon at home with his Lord! Then, said he, "I shall complain no more; and when dressed in his Now, to esteem myself nothing, I was thought by them to be mad, and to have lost my senses; but, being conscious of myself that I had received grace, and the forgiveness of all my sins, by faith, in the blood of my crucified Jesus, I was determined to abide by him. I had now done with all disputations, and gladly laid down all my wisdom at the feet of my crucified Saviour. Then taking leave of all in my parish, and all the world, I determined to know nothing but Jesus and him crucified. Having given up all my effects to my creditors, I set out with my wife and four children to Painswick, which was my parish, not knowing what to do. My wife did not yet know what to think of my proceedings; but, how-righteousness, I shall be most blessed ever, she with my children followed me, and my eldest daughter was soon convinced of the happiness of a poor sinner in the blood of Jesus. Coming to the top of the hill above Painswick, we sat down to gether, and sang a hymn of praise for our deliverance, with hearts full of gratitude: and coming to my old master, I told him how it was with me, and he advised me to take private lodgings. Being harvest time, I went into the fields strong in the Lord, and earned some money. I am not able to express all the turns of my Lord's providence with me, but sink in amazement when I now view all his gracious ways. man. Soon after this I went to work, at Mr. Tanner's, tallow-chandler, in Gloucester, where they knew not what to think of me, but took me however for an honest I used to walk from Painswick to work, and thought it no hardship, being filled with thanks and praise for the great mercy I (a poor sinner) had found here. I could hear no doctrine that did not His glorify my dear crucified Jesus. sweet name was, to my soul, "like ointment poured forth." Bye and bye, I got ; indeed." When in his long and tedious illness, if any one asked him how he did, he would smile and say, "Very well it will be better by and bye: all will soon be well." The day before his departure he was visited by a particular friend. He said, "All will soon be well: we have loved one another, and we shall meet again-I shall soon be at home." And when these words were repeated for him, "O, thou Lamb of God, who took away his sins, and the sins of the whole church, give him thy peace," he said, with a loud voice, “Amen;" and then seemed to doze. The day of his departure, a friend coming to him, heard him with broken accents say, " My Jesus." He died in the seventy-seventh year of his age; and he now lives in the sweet enjoyment of that salvation he so much valued and so highly prized; and said it was always complete, being completely finished by the blood of his God. Eben-ezer-the Stone of Help. 1 Sam. vii. 12. Now, my beloved brethren in the Lord This is the solemn charge given by Paul to Timothy, as regards his conduct towards those men in the church, who would not submit or consent to the wholesome words, the wholesome doctrine, and the wholesome discipline of the Lord Jesus Christ: "from all such, withdraw thyself." "Be themselves called upon to act upon the That there may have been some grievance in the church, I do not attempt to deny; but that there has been more than one Diotrephes in the matter I fully believe; not that I would point to any man, and say, he is the Diotrephes! Oh, no; what I fear, is this, that there has been seriously wanting a practical working out of what may be called the Holy Ghost's Guide to all the Churches of Christ; as recorded by St. Paul, in the 12th chapter of his epistle to the Romans. "I say," says the Apostle, "through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." WHO, THEN, are the men that have caused the division? Who are the proud and perverse disputers, who will not consent to wholesome doctrine and conduct? Are these men left behind in Old Zoar still? Or, are they the men that have come out? Surely, sir, this is a solemn question for those old and faithful watchmen and ministers of God's Gospel, who have for years supplied the pulpit at Zoar! If rottenness be at the bottom of that cause; if mammon and spiritual wickedness are predominantly reigning there: if the men that have come out, are men fearing God and eschewing evil; and, if by tyranny and Are all who have separated themselves oppression, they have been compelled to quite certain that this division has not withdraw themselves; if these things be originated in the want of a becoming so, can the faithful servants of Christ gospel humility? Have they been find it in their consciences still to uphold "kindly affectioned one to another with that which is wrecking and tearing the brotherly love; in honour preferring one Church of Christ to atoms? Surely not. another?" Have they been enabled to We do not here undertake to declare recognise and properly to esteem the these things are so; we only know that distinction which God has been pleased division after division has occurred; that to make in the constitution of the church the most awful warnings have been again militant? "Having gifts differing ;" some and again proclaimed within those walls; are to minister; some to teach; some to and a variety of concurrent.circumstances exhort; others to give or impart; (see seem to make a christian man to pause, margin of Romans xii. 8.)-and others and ask, "What is the meaning; what are to "rule with diligence." Now, if is the cause of all these disruptions? there be lets and hinderances thrown in What is the voice of God in them all the way of any of these offices; if they to me? I say again, is it not imperative are not esteemed, and honoured, and beupon the ministers of Christ who have loved; if the man who is not called to for years filled that place, to stand still give, looks with an envious and a jealous for a moment, and to consider the matter? eye on him who is; if another who is We are told that the 9th, 10th, and not called to rule, presumptuouly dic11th verses of the third epistle of John, tates and ignorantly upbraids him that is not only truly applicable to the case is; if a democratic and levelling spirit is of some that remain in the old place; permitted to take the place of a spirit of but has also been found to be a certain submission and christian love; if, in a word of direction and counsel to those word, members of churches are found who have come out. They tell us, dear walking in the flesh, speaking in the sir, in the language of John, that they flesh, acting, dictating, and rebelling in did speak unto the church at Zoar con- the flesh; instead of praying, walking, cerning certain things: but that "Dio-acting, and admonishing in the Spirit, trephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, received them not:" Yea, that he did entirely overthrow their propositions, and frustrate all their designs, and therefore they have felt why, of course, confusion, disorder, disunion, discord, (aye, and some measure of disgrace too,) must be the unhappy consequences. Without much entering into the inter |