ORIGINAL POETRY,

TOIL ON EARTH, TRIUMPH IN HEAVEN, THE PERFECTION OF LOVE.
Lines, occasioned by the Death of
THE LATE MR. ABBOTT, OF LAMBETH.

Our

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British Baptist Churches.

BROSELEY, in Shropshire, has been heard of by every reader. Its burning well is spoken of in all Cyclopedias; and accounts of natural wonders. Admirers of the Virginian weed know of its existence by the excellence of its pipes, which have a world-wide celebrity. Its beds of coal and ironstone furnished employment to thousands, through a long period. Here large guns were formerly cast and bored for the government, and here the Earl of Dundonald erected a huge apparatus for extracting tar from coal, for which he held a patent. Broseley is divided from Madeley by the river Severn, which is spanned by the first iron bridge ever made. The scenery around is rich in landscape beauty, and the geological strata are not less interesting to the man of science. A manufactory of porcelain, not inferior to the china of Dresden and Sevres finds pleasant occupation for the ingenuous youth of both sexes, and inferior pottery is made at several works, both for home and foreign markets. But it is not for its natural properties, or its skilled productions, that Brosely claims a niche in the VESSEL; but because our God has favoured it with gospel blessings, and recorded his name there, on tables more lasting than brass or marble. (Heb. viii. 10.) Partly from tradition, and partly from written documents, we obtain the following particulars.

he is not genteel in his person, and very polite in his manners, why, he has no business and has provided him with indubitable crein the ministry, though the Lord sent him, dentials of a heavenly commission. The late John Abernethy traced almost all the diseases of his patients to the stomach, which he said was injured by cramming, often with too rich condiments, by sloth, and by foolish thinking. It is certain there is a sad amount of moral dyspepsian in the church at the present time,— what is the cause? An old lady, herself not strong, had a long walk to chapel at Broseley, from which she was seldom absent, used to say she believed the walk was the means of prolonging her life. The early annals of Christ's flock at Broseley contain a variety of incident; inconveniences endured, dangers from fogs, land floods, and roads resembling the slough of despond, none or all of which could deter the earnest, devoted disciples of our self-denying Master, from coming to keep holy-day together, and to obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. Where a church is at peace, the members united, the word blessed, and Christ precious, there is a little heaven on earth; angels must admire the scene, and devils must envy and hate as only devils can. "Rejoice with trembling" is a wholesome, though oft forgotten counsel. After a long season of spiritual prosperity, the enemy succeeded in sowing tares among the wheat, and men, who had been admitted into the fold, and even into the pulpit, on plausible professions of truthfulness, cunningly introduced another gospel, which is not another, (Gal. i. 7.) but a mixture of yea and nay, in which it were hard to distinguish whether Christ or Moses should have the preeminence. For a time this work of treachery went on in the dark; error was cautiously insinuated, not boldly declared. Hypocrites were fed, and the poor of the household were starved, and yet only a few could detect the cause. How many little bands of simple

spoiled' in a similar manner! Bastard Calvinism resembles popery, in its intriguing policy. It coos and fondles where it may not roar and bite, but let it obtain the ascendancy, and then see how much charity it hath for the high folks, as it designates the faithful in the

There was a Society of baptised believers in Broseley more than a hundred years ago, and it was known as a place of resort for those who loved the gospel, some of whom came from distant points to enjoy the ordinances of Zion. Worshippers came thither from the neighbourhood of Ludlow, the Clee hills, Wellington and Shiffnal. Hunger-bitten, world-despised Satan-harrassed, but God-loved, blood-re-hearted christians have been 'robbed and deemed guests, came ten or fifteen miles to the Master's banquetting house; and though travelstained, wet and weary, thought little of a journey so amply rewarded by the gracious smiles and rich bounty of their adorable Saviour. We are often asked, now-a-days, to sympathize with poor over done christians, who are obliged to walk a whole half mile to chapel, and who reach the place when the service is far advanced, quite fatigued, as might be expected. They are not so imprudent as to make the attempt if the weather is not tolerably fine, but when they do get there, how distressingly delicate their appetites! Perhaps they affect a contempt for college-made parsons, but if the servant in waiting has not been pretty well schooled, our velvet-eared friends cannot touch a bit of the food he places on the table. If he blunders in his grammar, if his pronunciation is not in agreement with the rules of Sheridan or Walker, if

land.

The biographer of Mr. Fletcher, the pious Fletcher, is his title in the Arminian calendars, who was vicar of the adjoining parish of Madeley, claims some credit for the vicar, for that he, at a private palaver, so convinced his baptist brother of the danger of preaching free grace, to the total exclusion of free will, that he was considered by his more rigid hearers, to be unsound ever after. Tradition tells a different tale, and denies that the Madeley vicar could make an Arminian of a man who was an Arminian before. Wherever it came from, the leaven was in the meal, discontent increased, old fashioned doctrines were

EGERTON FORSTALL, KENT.

cautiously alluded to, or wholly left out; and old Adam was coaxed or threatened in the most approved style of foundry inveiglement. By and by reserve was cast off; it was plainly stated that it is "of him that willeth," notwithstanding Paul's assertion to the contrary, and the preacher wound up his peroration with the school-book warning to idle boys,

261

was preached in which a retrospect of the past was taken, text, Zech. i. 5., "Your fathers, where are they?" On Monday the children had tea, and heard an address, in which was related a number of incidents connected with the early history of the school. On Tuesday near one hundred and fifty friends took tea together, when several speeches were made, in the course of which the origin of the cause, and its progress, were briefly stated. On the whole, we may say it was a good time, and we cannot but wish that the little flock may strive and increase, that they "may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of Zion's consolation; milk out, and be delighted with the A VISITOR. abundance of her glory."

A RURAL BISHOP, AND HIS DIOCESE, AT

EGERTON FORSTALL, KENT.

"He that will not when he may, When he will he shall have nay." Forbearance could be no longer a virtue. One of the church rose up in his seat and said "Friends, we have been served out with milk and water plentifully, with scarcely enough of the one to colour the other, but our minister effects no disguise now; he gives us water, out and out water, and that not of the purest kind. The Holy Ghost is not in his creed. Jehovah is only a candidate, and man's will is the supreme arbiter in this world and the world to come. Can you follow such a leader? I cannot, and God helping me I will have no (To the Editor of the Earthen Vessel.) more of his trash." Many agreed with the MY DEAR BROTHER BANKS.-I forward the enobjector, others stood for the pulpit, and after closed at the request of friends whom it more much argument and not a little unamiable immediately concerns; they expected to see it strife, a separation was resolved on, and finally appear long before; but on account of my proa new chapel was built in a field called Birch-tracted and solemn domestic calamity, it has been meadow, which was opened for the worship of reserve a corner in next month's VESSEL for these laid aside, with many other things. If you can the Trinity in Unity on the 21st August 1803; lines, do. I should not like the friends to suppose when Mr. John Sharp, of Bristol, preached I am forgetful of my promise. from 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20. From that time to the present, the truth of the gospel has been maintained there, and though the greater part of those who set up the banner, have fallen asleep, others have been raised in their places, who have contended for the faith once delivered to the saints, and would sanction no ministry not embracing "the whole counsel of God." And some choice christians have lived and died there, men and women who loved the habitation of the Lord's house, and the place where his honour dwelleth. Precious testimonies too, they left behind them, by which though dead, they yet speak. One who had been baptized at seventeen years of age by John Macgowan, as he lay dying, sweetly discoursed of Jesus, his love, blood and beauty; and a young maiden standing by said, "Ah! John, I wish I may die like you, and go to the same place."66 Why, do you think I am going to heaven, Martha " Yes, John, I am sure of it." "Then here are two assurances, for you are sure of it, and blessed be my God, I am sure of it, and have had the witness of it in my heart these sixty years. Mine are the sure mercies of David. I know that my Redeemer liveth, for he is with me now. Underneath me are the everlasting arms.

We two are so joined,
He cannot live in glory,
And leave me behind."

In the year 1814, a Sunday School was began at the Birch-meadow Chapel, an institution which the Lord has greatly honoured, as might be more fully reported in another paper. At the close of each ten years of its existence, a decennial Jubilee has been held, when the children have had a treat, and suitable services have been held. The chapel being fifty years old, and the school forty, it was wished to hold a sort of Jubilee for both. On Sunday evening, August 25th, a sermon

My troubles are enlarged, and very bitter indeed is the cup presented by my God and Father; for my poor wife, whom I had home, and calculated taken back to the Asylum; but, "though my on her society, has relapsed worse in mind, and is house be not so with God, (as I could wish), yet he hath made with me (or on my behalf) an everlasting covenant, ordered in ALL things, and sure. THIS is all my salvation, and all my desire."

Your's, in the vale of tears, CORNELIUS SLIM.
Oct. 17, 1854,

EGERTON is a rural district, near the Weald of Kent. In the wildest part of the parish stands a plain, commodious Baptist chapel, where good old Richard Hughes has long laboured, with patient perseverance and pleasing success. This veteran-who has held the gospel plough near forty years-travels to this spot every week from the Isle of Sheppy-a distance of more than twenty-four miles-and back again on the Monday, to resume his occupation for the support of his family; his poor wife being afflicted with unsound mind. What a humbling lesson this reads to the pride and discontent of our ease-loving parsons, when they cannot get just what they wish! to think of a poor brother, now in his 69th year, trudging on foot near fifty miles a week, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ!

For the last five years the writer has been called to preach the anniversary sermons on Good Friday; when collections are made for the use of the pastor. The congregations have always been encouraging and numerous; but last Good Friday the gathering was more numerous than ever; great numbers who could not gain admittance listened around the building while the services were ducted. In the morning brother Brooks-the supply of Zion Chapel, Sheerness-preached a seasonable discourse from Rom. iv. 25; brother Slim, of Maidstone, followed it up in the

con

262

RECOGNITION OF MR. CARTWRIGHT.

afternoon in a discourse from Heb. ix. 28. In the evening, after a substantial tea, at which nearly 200 sat down, a public tea meeting was held; the subject for discussion, "Samson's Riddle;" when the assembly was addressed by Messrs. Tyler, of Eastchurch; Drake, of Milton; Locock, of Lenham; and the brethren Brooks and Slim, who really spoke out of the fulness of their hearts, and seemed to do their best to exalt the mighty Redeemer, who on Calvary overcame death, and him who had the power of death-that is, the devil. Old Bishop Hughes presided, and dropped many pithy remarks in the course of the evening; very many could say, "Lord, it is good to be here;" and many did say, it was a Good Friday to them.

It is now about a century since the gospel was first introduced into Egerton, by the instrumentality of a few God-fearing people, who have long been gathered to their fathers; but there are yet a few aged pilgrims who remember meeting in different private houses, to hear the joyful sound proclaimed by various

ministers.

After some time, a chapel was erected, and the pulpit regularly supplied; but there was as yet no church formed, nor ordinances administered. About thirty years ago the chapel was burnt down, and the present one soon after was built, vested in trust for the use of the Particular Baptist brethren. Andrew Smith, of Rye, and W. Lewis, of Chatham, preached at the opening services, when a church was formed on Strict Communion principles.

Some time after, Mr. Paget was chosen to minister to them in holy things, and was ordained the first pastor over them. Subsequently, brother Payne late of Bessel's Green preached among them for a considerable time; and then a succession of supplies occupied the pulpit, until some twelve or fourteen years ago, our brother Hughes was sent down, who has ministered to them ever since; neither has he run in vain, nor labored in vain in the Lord; the Master has greatly honored the testimony of his servant, in gathering the outcasts of Israel to the fold, in feeding, instructing, nourishing and establishing the household of faith. Many have felt a Divine power attend the truth he proclaims, and have put on Christ in baptism, and are now united with the church, who will be his crown of rejoicing another day.

Amid the low and languishing condition of Zion generally, this is really a pleasing exception; a fertile little spot refreshed, beautified, and watered by the dew of Hermon, and rain from the celestial hills, while many churches around are drooping and sterile. Yet here is no excellency of speech, no splendid talents, shining eloquence, or human learning; but Almighty power attends this plain, straightforward exhibition of gospel truth. "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching, (not foolish preaching, certainly; but the simple proclamation of Christ crucified), to save them that believe ;" and whenever a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord shall be experienced in our churches, the

power, savour and vitality of the Holy Spirit's influence will be more eagerly and prayerfully sought after, and relied on more than gifts-yea, more than the mere letter itself. Where truth is preached, and minister or people rest there, they stop short of real good; the Holy Ghost is grieved, and God is wronged of his due, who only can make the truth effectual. It is when the Lord works with his servants that the word confirmed with signs following. "Not by human might not by creature power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." CORNELIUS SLIM.

THE PUBLIC

RECOGNITION OF MR. J. CARTWRIGHT,
WITH AN INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF THE
FALL, AND RISING AGAIN, OF THE
BAPTIST CAUSE AT LEE COMMOM.

THE public ordination of Mr. Joseph Cart-
wright, to the pastoral office over the church,
assembling in the Baptist Chapel, at Lee Com-
mon, Bucks, took place on Tuesday, October
3rd, 1854; on which occasion, it was announced
that brother Banks, of London, brother Par-
sons, of Chesham, and brother Skelton, of
Tring, would officiate in the services: but on
the arrival of very many from Tring, Chesham,
Aston Hills, Spere, and surrounding villages,
it became a matter of deep regret and disap-
pointment to all, that our beloved brother
Banks was prevented, by bodily affliction, from
being present; and we found poor Cartwright,
-whose mind and heart had been set upon
his being present, to have taken the most
prominent part in the service as having had
no rest in his spirit, because he found not his
brother Banks, on the preceding evening, at
Missenden, as he expected. There was no
time to be lost, as our brother's letter, an-
nouncing his illness, did not come to hand
until the congregation had began to assemble
in the chapel, and therefore, it was arranged
that the services of the day should be, by the
Lord's help, conducted as follows:

Brother Moulder, of Tring, as clerk, commenced by giving out a suitable hymn for the occasion, and throughout the day, his service was duly appreciated; brother Skelton read a portion of the word, and sought the Lord's presence and blessing by prayer; after which, brother Parsons, in a very able and scriptural manner, stated the nature and constitution of a Gospel Church, taking for the basis of his statement, the words "My Church," Matt. xvi. 18; and in so doing, by the help of the Lord, we trust Christ was glorified, and the people spiritually edified-as it was scripturally shewn, who the church was, what the church was, and to whom the church belongs.

After some friends, forming a most social party, had taken dinner together with the pastor, at his hospitable dwelling - the afternoon service commenced, the chapel being crowded with attentive hearers. A hymn having been sung, brother Biddin, of Speen, read the word, and approached the throne of grace with thanksgiving and prayer; brother Skelton proceeded to ask the usual questions in the first place, calling upon one of

RECOGNITION OF MR. CARTWRIGHT.

263

And after a few remarks made by our brother Skelton, occasioned by the interesting and encouraging statement thus given, wherein he greeted us as a church in the name of the Lord, he called upon our brother Cartwright, to state the dealings of God with his soul, in the matter of calling him by his grace and Spirit, from spiritual death unto life, and from darkness to light. To which he replied in substance thus:

the deacons to state-What were the circum-, the same, the Lord has been pleased to add, stances in which the church at Lee Common and to continue to add, unto our number as a were found previous to our brother Cartwright's church, and greatly to increase the number of being among them? What were the leadings the congregation. And therefore, under these of divine providence, whereby they were in- encouraging circumstances, for the which, we duced to call our brother Cartwright to minis- ever desire to render thanks to our God, who ter in holy things among them, and to take hath remembered us in our low estate, and the pastorate of that church? And, withal, to granted us increase, and love, peace, and unstate what had been the effects produced by animity together-we desire that our choice of the blessing of the Lord among them, since our brother Cartwright, as our pastor, shall he had been their minister? In reply to which, this day be thus publicly declared and recogour brother Bug made an encouraging declara- nised. tion in substance, thus: Dear friends, the church and cause of the Lord Jesus Christ at Lee Common, had been suffered to sink down so low as, that by reason thereof, and for some considerable period, it seemed as though it must dwindle even into non-existence; as on many occasions, we have met together in the vestry for public worship, and the number present has not exceeded a dozen; and being destitute of a stated ministry, it was very frequently said, "The cause cannot stand." Yet, trust, the Lord was pleased to lay it upon my heart, that as long as three continued to meet together here in the name of the Lord, for his worship, it should be mine, by the help of the Lord, to assemble with them, and still to keep the doors open; and many have been the ardent prayers of our hearts, that the Lord would appear for the raising up again of his cause here, which had been in such low estate [And here the dear man, in all the humble, heart-felt joy, and gladness of his soul's feeling, arising from what he that day witnessed at Lee Common, proceeded to exhort and to stimulate those whom he recognised as deacons of churches present, withal charging them, in the execution of their official duties, still to be at their posts, whatever may be the gloomy aspect and circumstances wherewith they may be surrounded; and although the cry-" It cannot stand; the cause must cease to exist," by reason of numbers declining, and no apparent signs of cheering success is seen -may ring in their ears, and ofttimes, sorrowfully affect their hearts, yet to be found looking where, he trusted and believed he had been made to look, even unto the Lord; and patiently to wait as he had been enabled to do, and prayerfully to watch the hand of the Lord in all things, and surely the Lord would appear for them, as he had done in behalf of Lee Common; and after apologising for the digression, he proceeded to state, that] in the midst of such low circumstances, it pleased the Lord, in his providence, to send our brother Cartwright into the neighbourhood, in the way of attending to his temporal business, from Markyate-street; he being a purchaser of trees and wood; and being here, he was induced to attend with us, among the few who were met here for worship; and under these circumstances, he was invited to speak in the Lord's name among us, and the Lord having been pleased to own and bless his labours to the gathering together again his dear people -who had been scattered during the time of our low position-and the congregation gradually increasing, the church were unanimously led to call upon him to take the pastoral office among them; since which, he having accepted

As it had been the case with most of the Lord's children, so it was his to confess, that he had lived in his youthful days a very wicked and profligate life, and had many a time spurned the counsel, and treated with contempt and indifference the advice and rebukes of a dear mother, whom he believed was a God-fearing and gracious woman. But in the midst of such a heedless course the Lord laid him down upon a bed of affliction; and in the midst of great affliction solemnly convicted his soul of sin, and made him acquainted with his lost and ruined state as a sinner; and of God in his conscience he remained for as with the condemnatory sentence of the law Word was sent by the Lord, in the hand of some time, until that blessed portion of the the Holy Ghost, with a divine and delivering his Son, cleanseth us from all sin;" and by power unto him, "The blood of Jesus Christ, Ghost which accompanied it, his soul was dethat portion, through the power of the Holy livered from condemnation, and the curse of the law, which he has felt in his conscience; and through the good hand of the Lord, his God, he trusted he was made to feel the blessedness of an interest in that free grace salvation, provided in and wrought out by the Lord Jesus Christ, for, and in behalf of the remnant, according to the election of grace; was made to walk in the ordinance of believers' baptism, and was taken into membership with the church of Christ at Speen.

Brother Skelton then called upon brother Cartwright to state what he considered his call to the work of the ministry. To which he replied:

I felt in my heart a great desire to be useful, and was found engaged in Sabbath-school teaching; and would here advice all who may be present to be in readiness to be so engaged. And whilst being found sitting under the ministry of my respected pastor-brother Biddin, of Speen, who is here present to-day-it fell out that I was called upon to speak before the church at Speen, for the purpose of their judging concerning my aptitude for preaching

when it was adjudged by them that the Lord had designed me for usefulness; and