164 THE RESIDENCE OF PEACE. one, and view what I for thee have done; to, To talk with the sinner's Friend, His secrets to reveal. O how delightful is it not only in the sanctuary-and in health, but in the cicled chamber, and on the bed of sickness, to be enabled, by the Spirit of the Lord, to have sweet fellowship with the Father of mercies, as our Father; and with the Son of his love, as our Saviour. Then we can join the poet, and sing, "To tell the Saviour all my wants, How pleasing is the task! Nor less, to praise him when he grants sus, be assisted by almighty grace to cast all your cares upon Him that constantly careth for you, and commit into his hands the keeping of your immortal and redeemed soul; knowing that he has solemnly engaged to guide you with his counsel, and afterwards to receive you into glory everlasting. For remember, that when heart and strength shall altogether fail you, "God will be the strength of your heart, and your portion for ever." May you indeed be found of him in peace, "Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." "Watching may you be found, Standing on hallowed ground; Listening to catch the sound That makes your joys abound." "Arise, my love, and come away From earth to realms of endless day." To the special care and keeping of the triune Jehovah, the covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I commend you with unbounded and unbroken confidence in his faithfulness to finish what his wisdom and his love has begun in you and me, poor sinful worms. Peace be with thy spirit sleeping or waking. So prays thine in the Lord of life and love, Chelsea. JOHN STENSON. SOME ANCIENT LINES ABOUT THE RESIDENCE OF PEACE. SWEET Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave, Let me once know. I sought thee in a secret cave, hollow wind did seem to answer, No: Go seek elsewhere. I did; and going, did a rainbow note. But This is the lace of Peace's coat, while I look'd, the clouds immediately I will search out the matter. Did break and scatter. Then went I to a garden, and did spy Yes, my dear sister, the glorious Lord of I dearly love those precious gospel lines: Thus may you, my dear sister in Christ Je The crown imperial. Sure, said I, But when I digg'd, I saw a worm devour At length I met a rever❜nd good old man, At Whom when for Peace Salem dwelt, who liv'd with good increase Of flock and fold. He sweetly liv'd, yet sweetness did not save But after death out of his grave, It To pluck and set. prosper'd strongly, and did soon disperse Through all the earth. For they that taste it do rehearse, secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth, Take of this grain, which in my garden grows, Make bread of it: and that repose With so much earnestness you do pursue 1635. The Sinim Prophecy: and the Cheering Prospect for effectually Planting the Gospel in China. "Behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and the west; and these from the land of Sinim."-ISAIAH. BUT very few have, to any purpose, disputed the almost certain fact, that "the land of Sinim," spoken of in the Old Testament, is those wide-spread, and exceedingly ancient dynasties, now known by the name of CHINA. According to the order of Isaiah's prophecy, the triumphs of divine truth in China will be a kind of climax-A GLORIOUS PRELIMINARY CONSUMMATION OF THE SAVIOUR'S CONQUESTS BY THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL. What a multitude of sweet and delightful anticipations such a thought gives existence to in the breast of a hearty and sincere lover of the Person, the honors, the glories, the offices, the promises, and the kingdoms of our highly-exalted and most precious LORD JESUS CHRIST! But is such a thought a mere fancy-an empty vapour-a delusive dream? Or, is it a wellgrounded, a positive, an undeniably Scriptureprinciple is it a part of heaven's revealed plan-a large item in the covenant enactments which can no more fall to the ground than the eternal throne itself? We rejoice to believe it is part of heaven's holy decree, that the gospel shall be great, and do wonders in the land of Sinim-the vastly populated China. "The extreme importance "says William Gillespie, in his work, published by Simpkin and Marshall, and entitled, The Land of Sinim; or, China and China Missions ;" "The extreme importance of the events now transpiring in China, urgently requires that the attention of the church of Christ should be turned to that quarter of the globe. A great moral as well as political revolution is now going on in that country." For ages China was shut against the gospel-but it is now opening; and a wide and effectual door it will prove to be. Now, the question is-with us, the solemn question is -WHO SHALL GO IN? "Who shall come to the help of the Lord against the mighty?" Do we not-we speak now upon our own responsibility-we speak now as Editor of this publication-and we ask, do we not circulate among gospel churches -do we not enter into the houses, and fall into the hands of thousands of Christians who firmly hold the doctrines, and stand fast by the ordinances of the New Testament-but, who do little or nothing toward carrying the blessed gospel one inch beyond their own doors? We know this question will give rise to feelings we wish never to kindle; but the fact is-WE BELIEVE THREE THINGS-and we will speak them. We believe the strict Baptist churches in this land-who love the oldfashioned gospel of Jesus Christ, never have, as yet, made any united effort for the spread of those truths which God has so richly revealed in their own souls. We believe there are no churches in all Christendom under such deep responsibilities to the great Head of the church, as are the strict, the spiritual, the truth-loving Baptist churches of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales; and we also believe that they do possess men, means, and material, for such an enterprise in exact accordance with the men, the means, and the material, which OUR MASTER had, when he his glorious gospel mission did begin. He had no Doctors of Divinity, nor spruce college lads, for his men; he had not the coffers of the national banking establishments, for his means. Nor have our churches many learned gentlemen, nor dandified academicians-but we have a large host of honest ploughmen, seedsmen, and vinedressers; of sturdy, deeptaught, handicraftsmen, and they only want, like Gideon's men, to be brought to the test, and to hear the sound of the heavenly trumpet -"the sword of the Lord and of Gideon," and they will go forth in faith-and their reward will be certain. From rich sources of information, we hope not only to interest, but to stir up the pure minds of thousands of our readers in subsequent numbers, and in "A CHINESE SUPPLEMENT.' We can only now add the following small article, which was written before one line of this introductory paper on the Sinim prophecy was thought of." A Practical Effort for more effectually carrying the Gospel into China. THIS subject has been warmly pressed upon our attention by a most zealous, enlightened, and truly benevolent Christian gentleman, who is but little known in our churches, but whose heart beats powerfully with pure desires that the Strict Baptist churches on both sides of the Atlantic should become united in an effort, (under God's blessing and guidance,) to carry the great truths, and the holy ordinances of the New Testament into that mighty field (now so fairly opening)—China. We are also furnished with much material likely to be both useful and interesting,-in introducing this subject to the notice not only of our readers, but of thousands, yea, of millions beside. We have paused, we have reflected, we have long hoped, that the Lord our God would pour out his Spirit upon our churches; clothe them with spiritual power; comfort them with the rich consolations of his sovereign, saving grace; unite and bind them up together in the fellowship of Christ; and then make them instrumental in carrying the glorious gospel of the ever-blessed God into some of those lands destined to receive the same,--but who, as yet, are sitting in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Oh, what a heart-cheering change this would be! Instead of witnessing our churches sunk in poverty, afflicted by dis sensions, and groaning under darkness of mind, desertion of soul, and distress of almost 166 OUR BRITISH BAPTIST CHURCHES. every kind-to see them rallying round the cross, living in the faith, contending earnestly for pure gospel principles and practices, and like Saul of Tarsus, with their eyes and hearts up to Jesus, crying out,—“ Lord, what wiltrying, in planting, and in practically establishthou have us to do?" These few introductory lines may be treated with contempt, and ridiculed as resulting only in the flesh; but WHO CAN TELL?-Who can tell?-The little fire that has for years burned in us to see the only real practical followers of the Apostolic churches labouring like the Apostles that fire still burns: it has often been all but quenched; but still it lives: and while we live, and while our God affords the means, we shall never cease in our humble endeavour to stir up the churches to a solemn and practical sense of the responsibility which lays upon them of being instrumental in caring THE GOSPEL OF GOD in many parts of the desert which a gracious Providence is opening up, and preparing for the same. A supplementary number will be shortly issued on this subject: while in the consecutive numbers of this work, articles will be furnished detailing such FACTS, and suggesting such hints, as may, under God, lead many to consideration, and stimulate some to co-operation. Dur British Baptist Churches. ORDINATION OF Mr. I. ATKINSON. ON Wednesday, April 17, 1854, Mr. ISRAEL Morning Service.-Mr. Geo. Murrell, of St. Neot's, gave out the 132d Psalm; after which, Mr. Field, of Greenwich, read part of Eph. iv. Mr. Murrell, of St. Neot's, then gave out the second part of the 132d Psalm. Mr. Samuel Milner, of London, then stated the nature of a of a gospel church, basing his remarks on 1 Tim. iii. 15, "The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." Mr. Milner first stated that the church was a company of faithful men and women, united together for gospel purposes, on gospel principles. He said it was common on these occasions to give our reasons for dissent; but we take higher ground. We conceive the New Testament to be the standard and test of the truth, and the church that comes nearest to the pattern of the primitive church to be the church of Christ; and all others to be dissenters. He then spoke of the church in general, the church militant, and of a gospel church in a material form: its organization, its ordinances, and its discipline. ground on which the present chapel stands, was purchased, and the building erected; and on April 13, 1825, was opened for divine worship, when Mr. John Stevens, Mr. Sedgwick, and Mr. Henry Heap preached. From this time to 1853, the Lord continued to bless the word spoken, and though the church had many difficulties, there was upon the whole great cause for thankfulness, that peace and prosperity prevailed. But it pleased the Lord in the past year to intimate to their late pastor, by a disease which terminated his mortal career, that his work was done. He was laid aside from his blessed employ, and wrote himself to a brother minister in London, requesting him to obtain Mr. Atkinson as a supply. Mr. A. complied, and his labours, together with the assistance of other ministering brethren, greatly relieved the mind of their late dear pastor; but his disease gradually progressed, and on the 26th of March, 1853, his spirit took its flight to the realms of bliss. After his interment, the pulpit was supplied by Mr. A. and various others, until at a church meeting held June 20th, 1853, it was agreed that Mr. Atkinson should be invited to supply for three months; at the end of that time, a special meeting was called, and a second invitation for three months. On the 9th of JanuMr. Milner then called upon one of the dea-ary, 1854, at a special church meeting, a third cons to give some account of the leadings of invitation for three months was agreed upon, Providence towards the church, and how they with a view to his becoming the pastor. came to make choice of Mr. Atkinson as their labours had been greatly blessed; many had pastor; when Mr. Gillman rose and made a felt the power of the word; and they had reastatement, of which the following are the main son to hope that their past season of affliction features: Mr. Sedgwick was first sent by the would be succeeded by a time of joy, and gladgreat Head of the Church to preach the gos-ness of heart, for they had perceived that the pel in Brighton. in the year 1823; the Lord blessed his labours: and on the 21st of March, 1824, a church was formed on gospel principles, composed of eleven persons. Their number continued to increase, ond on the 2nd of July, in the same year, Mr. Sedgwick was ordained pastor. He preached to crowded congregations on week-evenings, in the Cavendish Street rooms, and on the Lord's-day, in the large room at the Old Ship. The necessity of a more convenient place being felt, the erection of a chapel was determined on. The His Lord was with them. Mr. Gillman appeared much affected in reading this statement, and many shed tears with him in remembrance of their late beloved pastor. Mr. Milner then called upon those persons constituting the church, to hold up their right hands in token of their choice of Mr. A. as their pastor. While the members stood with their hands uplifted, Mr. M. expressed in a solemn manner, his hope that they might never regret the step they had taken, and that their hands might never be lifted up for the expulsion of WOOBURN GREEN.-FARNHAM. him they had just chosen. He then called upon Mr. Atkinson to hold up his hand in token that he accepted the charge. Mr. Atkinson then gave a deeply interesting account of his former days. He was born at Cambridge in 1817, and was arrested by the Almighty while on his knees by the side of his dying father. His uncle went to prayer, and while he was pouring out his soul to God, the Lord was pleased to effect the change. He was baptised by Mr. Foreman in 1837. After stating his views of truth, the way the Lord had led him into the ministry, how the Lord had opened doors for him to preach the Word, and the leadings of Divine Providence towards him up to the present time-which occupied nearly an hour, and which deeply interested the church and congregation, Mr. Milner asked the ministers present to give Mr. A. the right hand of fellowship, and likewise the church, in the person of their deacon. Mr. Foreman then affectionately addressed Mr. A. and Mr. Milner concluded by prayer. Afternoon Service.-Mr. Milner gave out the 328th hymn-Rippon's Selection. Mr. Murrell read part of Acts xx., and prayed for the future prosperity of the minister and the people. Mr. Milner then gave out the 410th hymn. Mr. John Foreman then delivered the charge from 2 Tim. ii. 17, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee an understanding in all things." Mr. F. spoke of the use of all means within the compass of revelation. Ministers were servants of the Most High, and Mr. A. had established his authority by the testimony he had given in the morning of his call to the ministry. He was a free gift to the people of God. The Lord was his Master, and HE was a practical Master. Christ was his example in all patience, sympathy, and forbearance. The Lord finds the materials with which his servants are to work; they are not sent on the warfare at their own charges. After speaking of Mr. A. as a steward, sower, preacher, teacher, and shepherd, (all these characters, said Mr. F., were to be found in the Bible), he concluded his charge. The first verse of the 415th hymn was then sung, and the afternoon service concluded by prayer. About 200 persons then sat down to tea in the school-room, and happiness seemed to prevail. Evening Service.-Mr. Gillman gave out the 144th hymn, 2nd book-Watts. Mr. Foreman read Romans xii., part of Numbers vii., and Isaiah xlii. 12, and offered up prayer. Mr. Gillman then gave out the 403rd hymn-Rippon's Selection; and Mr. Murrell preached to the church from Heb. xiii. 7, "Remember them which have the rule over you." He exhorted the people to remember Mr. A., and to consider him as given in answer to their prayers; not to be idolized nor to be despised; to consider him as the man of their choice; to remember that his character was that of a ruler; to remember him in his trials and temptations; to remember him by living in unity, by constant attendance, and by liberality. After a most impressive sermon, the 411th hymn was 167 sung; and thus ended as solemn, yet delightful a service, as many present were ever privileged to attend. J. CLARK. The Pastor Encouraged at Wooburn Green, BUCKS. I SEND a few lines to tell you of the Lord's abounding mercy to us in giving further, addition as a church. We have had no addition before for three years; this has been no small trial to me, fearing my work was done; but I have been holpen with a little help from time to time-just enough to keep me from giving up altogether. The anxiety of my mind at times as to what course to pursue has been great in the midst of it all there has been found and now I have to record his praise, for testimony in my heart an earnest cry unto the Lord to appear; has been given that the word has not fallen to the ground. What a faithful God our's is! but how faithless we often are! And for the encouragement of our brother Edwards, at Tunbridge Wells, I would just say that his piece in the February numing one of the candidates to a decision in the matber was made useful, in the Lord's hand, of bringter. She read it the first time without any particular power; she read it a second time, and it it from her mind. These words were brought to appeared to arrest her; and she could not remove her mind, "Eat, O friends; yea, drink abundantly, O beloved." She could not think what those words could mean. Soon after followed these words, "Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you;" and "them that honour me I will honour.' plainly the path she was called to walk in. The These following in succession, brought her to see Wednesday evening before she proposed herself for membership, 1 took these words for a text, "Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." I perceived in This was to her a demonstration. piece being put in the VESSEL. From whence did the March number some one was opposed to that that opposition spring? It is evident it was from the flesh, for the Spirit of God would never work in the mind of one obedience to Christ's commands. and in another disobedience; "For he is the Spirit of truth, and he shall guide into all truth." I was that individual. very much pleased with the remarks you made to Go on, brother Edwards, and proclaim Jesus as only King in Zion, and that his laws are for the obedience of all that profess to be his followers: for how can they be followers of Christ, in the strict sense of the word, unless they I know that there obey this command of his. they have never been baptised; why, they are like are some who say they are baptists, but yet the man who said, "I go, sir," but went not. It does not consist in knowing who is right, but in DOING IT. I can sympathise with one who is seeking to know the Lord's will in the matter, and with those on whom the weight of it has not been laid; but those that know it to be right, and yet do not do it, or do not practise it, I cannot justify; "He that knoweth his Lord's will and doeth it not but tell them what the Lord says in the matter: shall be beaten with many stripes." We collected with the help of some kind friends from Chesham £4 138. 10d.; making the whole on Tuesday and Sabbath day of the opening, £19 5s. 11d. These things, my brother, call for gratitude and thankfulness. Your fellow-labourer in the vineyard of the Lord, W. WILSON. Bethel Chapel, Hungary Hill, Farnham. SURREY. MR. EDITOR.-My heart rejoices that I have to inform you of the peace, unity, and prosperity of Hill, under the pastoral care of Mr. Drake, who the cause of Christ at Bethel Chapel, Hungary baptised on Lord's-day, March 26, 1854, ten believers in Christ, who gave a very satisfactory 168 OUR BRITISH BAPTIST CHURCHES. statement before the church, of a work of grace within their hearts. It is very pleasing to see them in their latter days take up the cross and despise the shame: four of them were between sixty and seventy; three between fifty and sixty; and the other three between eighteen and twenty-four. It was a most delightful day to each of their souls: all of them could say it was the answer of a good conscience. The chapel was filled to excess; a great many could not enter; and solemnity was upon every face. Our minister addressed the congregation at the pool; the Lord filled his mouth with good matter, and the blessed Spirit filled our souls. We have much to bless the dear Lord for, because he has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. In last August, eight were added; and two more on Lord's-day, June 4, 1854. The Spirit of the Lord is working with the ministrations of our pastor, pulling down strongholds, building up his own glorious image in many a poor hardhearted sinner, of whom the poor worm that writes is one. The little place had almost sunk into oblivion, yet not quite forsaken: about four years since there were only four members, and about fifteen used to attend; but now there are forty members, and the place is filled to excess. We can truly say, "The Lord has made darkness light, and crooked things straight." If the dear Lord still continue to increase us, we shall soon have to say, "Make room, for the place is too strait for us." "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform." Your affectionate brother, T. JAMES. Pastoral Jubilee Service. MR. J. PEACOCK, the senior pastor of the baptist church, Spencer Place, Goswell Road, London, having completed the fiftieth year of his ministerial labours, a public service was held on Thursday, June 8, 1854, in the old baptist meeting, Rushden, Northamptonshire, the scene of his early pastoral labours. A large congregation was assembled on the occasion. The venerable minister, who was in excellent health delivered a very suitable and characteristic address from Joshua xxiii. 14. The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. Thos. Williams, of Sharnbrook, Beds.; Rowe, of Steventon, Beds.; J. Dixon, of Riseley, Beds; and W. Kitchen, of Ringstead, Northamptonshire. After which about 250 members and friends took tea, Rushden, Northamptonshire. ON Thursday evening, June 8, 1854, the public recognition of Mr. G. Bailey, formerly, of Haddenham, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, as pastor of the Old Baptist Church, Rushden, Northamptonshire, took place; when an address to the pastor and people was delivered by Mr. J. Peacock, of London, (a former pastor of the church) from Gal. v. 13, "By love serve one another." The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. T. Baker, B.A., of Bristol College; T. Robinson, of Little Stangleton, Beds.; and J. Whittemore, the late pastor, now of Eynsford, Kent. HORLEY.-On the borders of Surrey, about three trict, is the village of Horley. No dissenting inor four miles from Red Hill, in a pretty rural disterest has ever had an existence in this place, until some twenty or thirty years since one Mr. Smith this neighbourhood. He had done so for some time came from Charlwood, and preached in a house in without any special benefit apparently attending his labours; when one evening a young man by the preacher's voice, was arrested, attracted, conthe.name of Miller was passing the house, heard victed, and truly converted to God and to the faith of the gospel. This young man became a true soldier of Jesus Christ, and is now a faithful minister of the cross. At first he opened his house for prayer; and then the Lord opened his mouth to preach; and constrained and enabled him to build a very compact and exceedingly neat chapel, where Testament ordinances are observed. a Baptist Church has been formed, and where New anniversary was held on Monday, June 12. Mr. The seventh James Wells was expected to preach morning and afternoon, and C. W. Banks in the evening. When the morning came, a note was received announcing the illness of Mr. Wells-he could not come. This was a great disappointment to a crowded congregation who had gathered round from long distances. When the service commenced no minister had ar rived. Mr. Hatton, of Smallfield, came about halfpast eleven, and was pressed into the pulpit. While the people were somewhat sad, the preacher read for his text, "The Lord is good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that blessing; and at the appointed time, the evening trust in him." The Lord made the discourse a preacher came; and the day was closed in praising the Lord for his mercies. This is indeed a sweet little garden of nuts; but even here some weeds are found to grow. Our little KEDDINGTON, (near Haverhill.)-We had a happy anniversary day on June 15th. It was our fourth annual meeting since the chapel was open; and we consider it one of the best days we have spent in this quiet corner of our native land. On the Wednesday evening previous we held a prayer-meeting. Our friend C. W. Banks gave us an address; there was a goodly number present; and the prayers of the brethren were fervent and powerful. friend gave us two sermons on the anniversary day; and our beloved pastor, brother Powell, preached to us in the afternoon. As a church, we have still to praise our God for a good measure of unity, peace, and prosperity. Our chapel debt is becoming less; but the times press hard upon our means. hope to be favoured with the company of some of the Lord's people during the summer and autumn months: it is an encouragement to us to meet with those whose hearts are truly set on holy and hea We do An Old Gospel, an Old Servant, and some venly things; and who live and love the truth as Old Saints. MY DEAR BROTHER BANKS.-I feel persuaded you will favour me with putting the following in the VESSEL. I think such a thing does not often occur. I have eight members, and two constant attendants, whose age amounts to upwards of 790 years; among them is your brother in the Lord, who has nearly reached his 72nd year. I am an old man, preaching to old people, an old gospel; one I have believed for fifty years, and preached it near forty; its theme is sweeter than ever, because it just suits old sinners like us, who find, after so many years travelling in the good old way, that if any thing were left for us to do, by way of merit, we must be lost for ever; but being among the predestinated to life eternal, our hopes are bright, seen and found in the person, work, and gospel of our adored Lord. READING, BERKS.-In Providence Chapel, London Street, on Monday, June 5, our annual sermons were preached by James Raynsford, and C. W. Banks. The friends from Bethel having now joined us, we had a good company, and a favoured season. It was a pleasing sight in the evening. When the sermon was over, our venerable brother Raynsford led his own daughter down into the pool and baptised her in the name of the Holy Three-in-One. When the dear old man stood beside the water addressing the people, and his believing child on his side, it was a sacred and a pleasing sight. We humbly hope to be favoured with many such blessed seasons; if it please the Lord to send us a devoted, faithful, and truth-telling servant in the ministry |