ページの画像
PDF
ePub

286

Bunbill Memorials.

BUNHILL MEMORIALS.

THAT interesting work to which we have so often referred, is at length complete, and forms a neat, substantial volume of about four hundred pages. It is bound in embossed cloth; is illustrated by a wood engraving of 'Bunyan's Tomb;' and is worthy of a place in every good man's library in the kingdom; as a book of reference it will be useful and entertaining to thousands, who feel any interest in the memory of the chosen servants of our God. The "DEDICATION" to the volume is just what you might expect from an aged minister of Jesus Christ; who, while he stands upon the very outmost edge of his earthly course, addresses his brethren with much solemnity and evangelical earnestness,

Speaking of this work, he says—

some trembling hearts, who through fear of death are subject to bondage.'

"And here I would offer up an humble acknowledgement to the Father of Mercies, that he has afforded me a good measure of health, so that amidst unrelaxed, or increased ministerial labour, I have been enabled to devote the 70th year of my natural life, in the compilation of these Memorials, and to fold them up on that day in which I am I bowed my spared to arrive at the age of man. knee at the commencement, and asked for this favour; and the Master has been pleased to grant me my request."

I WANT TO BELIEVE THAT

I am an Elect Vessel of Mercy. You wish to know how I came concerned about these things: first of all I went to hear the

Methodists; for two years I was with them; and thought I was very good, and that I was going to "I am aware of many imperfections running heaven by my own good works: but in the year through it; and notwithstanding all my anxious 1846 I went to Reading to live with an aunt; labours, doubtless names of many worthy minis- they attended Mr. Coles's chapel: my mind was ters will be found omitted, 'whose names are so set against the Baptists, I vowed I would not written in heaven.' Luke x. 20. 'Tis the heavenly go and hear him; however, I did go; but in records that the great Master regards, and misery: the Sunday I used to dread, still I did not my poor frail and defective Memorials. Tedi- not give up going. After I had been there two ous narrations I have studiously avoided; aiming months, I trust the dear Lord was pleased to shew rather to set before the reader the pith and the me the awful state I was in. There was bapmarrow; and I have especially sought to gain tising. When I saw them go down into the admission into their dying chambers, in order that water, my heart was broken; I never shall forI might record how blessedly the gospel they pro- get it! Oh! what I felt! I never saw baptism claim through life, supported them in the article so plain before. Ah, and I soon found my hopes of death, bore them up and carried them through were built on a false foundation; and all prejuthe swellings of Jordan. In this particular these dice towards that dear man was gone. I have 'Memorials' will be found to contain glorious been melted down under his preaching many testimony of the veracity of that faithful God, who times; never so happy now as when in the house saith to all his sent-servants, And even to your of God. " I remember hearing you preach in Lonold age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I don Street Chapel, from these words, "Many carry you.' Isa. xlvi. 4. So that the reader may waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods profitably learn how it fared at the last,' with drown it." I shall never forget it! I could have good Bunyan, whose dust lies in the midst of this sat all night. I have left Reading now. Since vast cemetry, and also with holy pilgrims which that period I have had to wade through deep he spake of in his day, whose resting places are waters; have suffered much in my soul; and have found marked out all around him; such as Mr. been kept in suspense: I want to believe that I Standfast, Old Honest, Mr. Valiant-for-Truth, am an elect vessel of mercy, but cannot; I someand very many others; how they, when the times would give all the world, if I had it in post came into the town with true tokens for possession, to be satisfied that I am one of the them,' with firm confidence in Jesus the Resur-Lord's; then I think if I was I should not be rection and the Life, passed triumphantly kept in suspense all this time; then I think again, through the river of death, to take possession of their prepared mansions in glory. O look at them, reader! behold their pallid cheeks, and listen to the last whispering words which proceeded from their quivering dying lips. They tell us We are now arrived at the end of our journey, and our toilsome days are over. We have preached Christ and him crucified: we have lived by the faith of the Son of God! We are now about to live by sight, and, to be 'for ever with the Lord.' -Our glorious elder brother, who is the head of the adopted family hath said, 'Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.' Farewell then all below! O come Lord Jesus, come quickly.'-Let my poor work be glanced at contemptuously by the mere theorist in religion, and welcome; I have not written it to gain his applause (which to me is of no value,) but, it will suit those who know Christ and the power of his resurrection;' and, it may cheer up

the Lord knows best; sometimes the door seems almost open; then it is shut again: I keep looking and expecting that my Lord will come and speak some word of comfort to me; I moan and sigh because I am so sinful, and have such hard thoughts towards the Lord; I look in the Word of God, and try to find something that will suit my case, but alas ! alas ! it appears a sealed book. I go to the throne of grace, and I feel at such a distance from the Lord, I want to get near him and cannot; then satan tells me I never can be a child of God. Not long since, one Sabbath, I was in a despairing state; I passed a restless night; in the morning, when I awoke, these words came as though some one spoke them to me, " ARISE, AND WALK !" not with any particular sweetness they were on my mind for days. I often wondered what they could mean. I love the house of God; it is a trial to me that I cannot attend regular. I like a heart-searching ministry.-E.E.

;

THE SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING.

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.

THURSDAY, November the 15th, was observed as a day for the offering up of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for removing from us that heavy scourge-the Cholera-which in about three months swept out of this vast metropolis at least 15,000 of its inhabitants. We hinted the just propriety of churches and christians uniting first, to acknowledge the good hand of God in abating the disease; and secondly, to assist the widows, orphans and destitute thousands who have been so painfully bereaved. As far as an outward form goes, the day was solemnly observed in London, and in fact, throughout the kingdom.

A dear brother in the ministry gives us in the following sketch, the substance of two most suitable discourses for such an occasion. He says

"I preached twice yesterday with much solemn liberty from these words, the sacrifice of thanksgiving,' (Lev. vii. 12.) This sacrifice is called by the ancients, 'the sacrifice of health, or salvation;' because offered in gratitude for it: this fitted nicely for the Day of Thanksgiving for the health of the body, and for the salvation of our souls. It is also called a pay-offering, whereby men paid their vows. (See Psa. cxvi. 14-17.) His vow was that he would take the cup of salvation? What salvation? 'For thou hast delivered my soul from death;'-corporeal by his providence, spiritual by his Spirit-eternal by his Son. The thank-offering mostly took place on occasions of great solemnity. It was attended to when Moses anointed the altar (Christ) and sprinkled the people (the church in type) with blood BEFORE they went into the mount to see the God of Israel, and to eat and drink; and it was the incarnate God of Israel they saw; for they speak of his feet.' The same blood being sprinkled upon the people as upon the altar, sweetly lets us into this truth, 'He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified are all one. 2. It was attended to when David set the ark in his place. 3. When Solomon dedicated the temple and the glory of God filled the house. 4. On the day of Pentecost. 5. On their arrival in the promised land. 6. After the plague was stayed. 2 Sam. xxiv. 25. See what a glorious chain! Blood on the conscience, -the ark in the heart,-the glory of God in the temple. Whose temple are we? The Spirit filling every faculty of the soul, (Acts ii.) we arrive in the promised land of wealth, where there is no want; in the large place where there is no straitness at all: then the plague is staid, and the new song is sung unto him that loved us.'

66

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

I told them some solemn things about the blood-stained altar, and the sprinkled people. I was not able to get into much beyond that. I told them a little of my seeing the altar stained with blood, before that blood cleansed my GUILTY soul; but when it was purged, then I saw the God

287

of Israel, and eat and drank abundantly; so abundantly that I was absorbed in the feast, having forgot my misery. The blood of Christ is STRONG drink for the 'ready to perish,' and delicious WINE for the bitter in soul: but how few understand it. Alas! Alas! few indeed, I fear will stand the trying test. I must forbear. Your's in a precious Christ. REBEL SAVED."

Thanksgiving Day in London.

MR. EDITOR-In common with almost all the congregations in the Metropolis, we had a most solemn assembly on Thursday last, at Jireh Meeting; having abundant cause for thanksgiving, as the Lord had entirely preserved us, both as a church and congregation, from the late pestilence.

In the even

" I

We met, a goodly number, in the afternoon, for prayer and praise; after which, about one-hundred and twenty persons partook of tea. ing, our place of worship was crowded; and after a brother had engaged in solemn prayer, I addressed the assembly from 2 Sam. xxiv. 14. am in a great strait; let us now fall into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great." It will be a season long to be remembered. The Lord was there. The following hymn, written by one of my deacons, was sung on the occasion. I send it for your insertion. I am, Mr. Editor, Your's truly,

Jireh, London, Nov. 20, 1849.

J. A. JONES.

GREAT God of providence and grace,
We humbly fall before thy face,

Thy goodness to adore :
O! put our souls in thankful tune,
Thy sparing mercy now to own,

And praise thee evermore.

Our eyes have seen thine awful hand,
Uplifted o'er our guilty land,

By pestilence and death:
While thousands have been swept away,
We're spared to meet to praise and pray,
With our preserved breath.

Though shafts have fallen thickly round,
And levell'd numbers to the ground,
Not one has fallen here;
And, as a church, we meet to raise
Our Ebenezers to thy praise,

For thy most gracious care.
"Tis all of mercy, we confess,
For we've deserved nothing less

Than thousands now cut down :
As debtors to preserving care,
We humbly now an altar rear,

To sovereign grace alone.
We bless our God he has appear'd,
And Zion's supplications heard,

Throughout our native land:
And may our rulers hear the rod,
And not provoke a holy God,
Again to lift his hand.

Now, dearest Lord, accept our praise,
And may the remnant of our days

Be more completely thine.
May God appear for Zion still,
And, if it be his blessed will,

On Britain deign to shine.-W. B.

288

SOME ACCOUNT OF A JOURNEY INTO NORTHAMPTONSHire.

SOME ACCOUNT OF A

Journey into Northamptonshire.

of

TO MY ESTEEMEd Brother and FELLOWLABOURER, SAMUEL COZENS, now Wolverhampton. Grace be thine-As I was riding on the coach this morning from Thame, in Oxfordshire, you was laid upon my mind; and I feel inclined to address these few lines to you; they will not hurt you, should they do you no good. My desire is to give you a very brief outline, not only of the things which I have passed through this week, but also of the things which have passed through my mind. 1 preached three times in London last Lord's-day, and I felt all day so poor, so contracted, and so unable to get into my subject, that I began to be afraid of the pulpit. On Monday I left London for the town of Northampton; went directly to Mr. Leach's house, where I was kindly received, and in the evening in his chapel, I again attempted to speak in the Lord's name; but, oh, Samuel! it was a hard battle-such an unsavory conflict! I feel not only disheartened, but really ashamed of my noisy and confused ministry. Brother Leach took me to Mr. John Luck's, (the benevolent receiver of poor parsons in Northampton,) where I was taken care of for the night. I am glad to tell you, Mr. Leach is steadily making his way in Northampton. He has been there about four years; he has had some sharp trials; but the Lord directed him there; the Lord has given him natural courage and inward support; seals to his ministry; souls for his hire; and many evident tokens of his loving kindness and care towards him: still, what a solemn thing it seems, that out of twentyfive thousand inhabitants, not more than two hundred will hear and support the pure gosgel of Christ! Well, I see more than ever, that a faithful, living minister, who declares the whole counsel of God-must, indeed, be enabled to endure hardness, or away from

glad in my soul, to find that the Lord had
opened his mouth in the ministry of the
Gospel. He has not run unsent; he has
not run altogether willingly; necessity has
been laid upon him; doors have been open-
ed for him; and I dared to hope that his
ministry will be permanently useful, bring-
ed sinners-and a rich reward to his own
ing glory to God-spiritual good to redeem-
soul. I do feel a strong internal desire that
the good people at Sharnbrooke, and our
dear brother A, may be kept much in fervent
prayer together-and that he, as a minister,
and they, as a people, may be strong in the
grace that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
I reflected on the many years that Charles
I walked on toward Rushden; and when
Drawbridge had laboured in this village, I
felt some reluctance in endeavouring to help
on, or to hold up another cause,
are generally painful things.

for divisions

it was what is called, Rushden Feast.' I As a total stranger, I entered the place : silently prayed that there might be a spiritual alive; the bells were ringing; the country feast for my soul. The little hamlet was all folks were all drest in their best; and every thing seemed to smile. After looking about and enquiring, I found myself in the house and presence of friend Nicholas, the minister of the new chapel there. We talked together of some of the sorrows of the way. We are to weep with those that weep, as well as rejoice with them that rejoice; but I know right well a man must pass through no small measure of the Christian's chequered path before he can walk down into the vallies, as well as ascend the mountains which lay in the way through which the pilgrims contrast between the two Rushden ministers! to Zion have to pass. I thought, what a sure of either hearing, or being in the comalthough, by-the-bye, I never had the pleapany of Mr. Drawbridge, but from the best descriptions I have heard of him, he is a bold, fearless, independent, and sometimes deeply eloquent preacher: but Master The next morning I journeyed on towards Nicholas is of an exceedingly quiet, kind, Rushden, where I was to speak that evening. and different spirit: I trust, if the Lord has In passing through Higham Ferrers, I called designed him for Rushden, that the Lord upon Mr. David Ashby; he received me hard in the gospel mines: there can be no will give him grace to dig deep, and labour with warmth and affection, gave me a good useful standing in these days without a good dinner told me a little of the Lord's good-share of right down hard work. As soon ness towards him-and I, in return, felt my heart somewhat warmed, and my tongue I felt my bonds were loosed—the love and as I was seated in the pulpit at Rushden, loosed to unite with him in acknowledging the hand of our God which hath been kindly stretched out on our behalf. Surely, the communion of saints is an indisputable and soul-comforting evidence not only of the genuineness of the Christian religion, but also of the personal interest of those who are the subjects of that holy fellowship-in the mercies and privileges of the covenant of grace. I left my friend's house truly

the truth he will be sure to turn.

light of heaven began very softly to steal in
upon my heart; and in reading, prayer, and
preaching I felt quite at home; and was
thankful I was there, believing good was to
be done: there is no doubt, however, but
that this third cause in Rushden will have
many struggles and discouragements before
they will become established.
morning (Wednesday, September 26th,) I

The next

SOME OF THE SONGS AND SIGHS OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

arose early; walked to Higham Ferrer's Station, and then took train to Aylesbury, where Mr. John Fuller met me, and drove me from thence to Ickford. Before we reached the chapel, we saw a crowd of people, and they told me it was useless to go into the pulpit, as many of the people would not be able to get into the chapel, so in the afternoon I mounted a platform in the doorway of the chapel; thus I had a congregation within, and a large assembly without. A very large party sat down to tea; and in the evening, I went into the pulpit; the chapel being crowded, and quantities standing outside. In the afternoon, brother Smith (of Oxford,) read and prayed: in the evening brother Walker, (of Thame,) read and prayed; and really, I must say, I felt my soul to be exceedingly happy that day. There appeared to me to be seven good things-good reading-good singing-good praying-good preaching good peoplegood conversation-and, above all, the good presence and blessing of our everlasting

FRIEND.

Ickford has been a very choice spot to my soul. I know I have there realised the solemn power and sweet liberty of the gospe! of Jesus Christ; and that makes me as happy as I can wish to be this side of heaven,

The Lord bless you, prays your brother in bonds. C. W. B.

SOME OF THE SONGS AND SIGHS OF

The Christian Ministry.

THERE is not a class of men upon the face of the earth that suffer so severlysink so deeply-wrestle so fervently-feel so acutely-or fear more frequently, than do the real sent-servants of the living God. They are the men that go down to the sea in ships-that do business in great waters; and often there see the wonderful works of the Lord. So on the other hand, there is not a body of men under the heavens that live nearer to God-know more of God -are so dependent on God - rejoice so blessedly in God, as do the real ministers of the everlasting Gospel. They are, says Paul-the messengers of the churches, and THE GLORY OF CHRIST. Blessed description of character! But it is even so. They are the angels of whom Christ spake to Nathaniel, when he said

[ocr errors]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." These remarks are only introductory: it being our desire (from a vast quantity of spiritual correspondence in our possession) next year to furnish some valuable and encouraging matter for true gospel ministers, of which the following is but a poor sample. I

CHRIST-THE CHURCH-AND SATAN.

289

It was near six o'clock one Tuesday evening-and at seven I had to preach-I took my pen and wrote 'I am desolate;' not one ray of light, not one portion of the word What shall I do?' said I to myself. I en-not one atom of meetness for the work. deavoured to seek unto Him who has ever helped me in times of need, but no access could I find. I silently waited; knowing He was able to supply me with all that I could need. At length it occurred to my mind that when I opened the Bible in the morning to read before prayer, this Scripture came to me with some little sweetness the swellings of Jordan, against the habita-'Behold, he shall come up like a lion from tion of the strong; but I will suddenly make him run away from her; and who is a chosen man that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?' The true church of Christ is the habitation where strength dwells. This strength is the Spirit, the grace, the love, the truth, the power of Christ. In the possession of these things the true believer is strong: and, although, Satan, like a lion, comes up from the swellboisterous waters of the fall, against the ings of Jordan-from the deep, dark, and child of grace, yet he shall not utterly prevail against him; for Christ is both in and over the souls of his saints: as a wall of fire will He defend them. These things laid in my mind the materials for a discourse but I found then, as I have many times before, a preacher not only wants a good bundle of sticks well tied together; but he wants fire to come down from heaven to set them in a blaze; or his ministry, instead of giving light and heat, will be hard and dry: and tiresome to hear.

SAYINGS OF THE LATE THOMAS REED.

but union to her Lord; and this is suf"The church has nothing to rest upon ficient to buoy her up amidst ten thousand hells, and bring her to eternal joy and happiness."

God's law is as righteous and holy as we, in our sinful nature, are unrighteous and unholy."

set his heart of love upon her." "God will have his own bride, for he has

which only looks to, upon, and centres in "If you are not possessed of a single eye, the glorious Person of Christ Jesus, your soul will be brought into bondage-it will indeed."

"I do not envy the angels of light their position, however great their bliss may be they are but SERVANTS of my Lord, who has been pleased to say unto his dear children, Henceforth I call you no more servants, but FRIENDS.""

mighty work of God the Holy Ghost upon "The great act of regeneration is the the minds of his dear people, in bringing them to hear and know his gracious voice, and to enjoy his mercy and salvation,"

[blocks in formation]

Beulah Chapel, Somerstown.

exercised with respect to some permanent
supply; we laid the matter solemnly before
the Lord, entreating him to send one who
might go in and out among us, and if it
appeared in accordance with the divine
will, ultimately be appointed to the over-
The subject being brought before
sight.
That our
the church, its decision was
brother Alldis should be invited to supply
for three months, with a view to the pasto-
rate. May the Lord bless the conclusion
come to, and cause his holy name to be
glorified therein.

We have extreme pleasure in announcing that the church's invitation has been accepted by our brother, and that he is now preaching the gospel of the sovereign, rich, free and unmerited grace of God in our midst. The Lord's name be praised.

J.

(Signed) E. Austin, J. Porter, J. Tooley,
Cheshire, W. Palmer, Deacons.

Beulah Chapel, Chapel St., Somerstown,
November 12, 1849.

Services on the Lord's-day as usual; and preaching on Thursday evenings at 7 o'clock.

Gospel Baptism :

JESUS CHRIST.

"I was brought low, and He helped me." AMIDST all the failures of man, whatblessed assurance has the believer from the fact that the word of God fails not-"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass." This it is that sustains the church in her pilgrimage state, and cheers the mourning traveller bound to Zion's holy hill. And we of Beulah, have abundant reason to bless the Lord, and to say, "He is faithful who hath promised." As a church, we have been recently placed in trying (and humanly speaking) discouraging circumstances; but we believe it to have been his ordering who doeth all things well; and already have we had cause to praise our heavenly Father for his merciful care, compassionate guidance, sustaining grace, and evident manifestation in the perplexing hour. Also, we would express our grateful thanks to those of his sent servants who, when most needed, have given wise counsel and assisted us by their ministrations. As the result of the former, we were led (hearing that he was open to a call) to invite, as a supply, Mr. Rob. Alldis, of Willingham, Cambridgeshire, who first OR, THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL OF preached for us on the 9th of September last. His arrangement was, to have remained with us two Lord's-days, but at our earnest request, and by kind consent of the deacons of the church at Willingham, we had the privilege of his ministry for six; in which period the congregation considerably increased; love, which had waxed cold, re-kindled; peace was enjoyed; vital godliness revived; and, above all, Christ evidently set forth, not only as crucified, but risen again, and entered into heaven for us. At the expiration of the above time, our beloved brother had to return home, but his leaving was much felt by us, for the Lord had made him an instrument of blessing to our souls; our hearts were drawn out towards him, and as a token of our esteem, he was invited to a Tea Meeting with the family and friends, which being with but short notice announced, on Monday evening, October 15th, we had a numerous assembly. At the table were the venerable Mr. Jones, of Jireh, and Mr. Felton, of Deptford. After the social repast, we adjourned to the chapel, and in addition to a numerous congregation were joined by Messrs. T. Pepper, Slade, and Flack, who assisted in the services of the evening, which will be long remembered.

On the Thursday, Mr. John Foreman occupied the pulpit: the Lord was with him, and the people were encouraged; and on the following Lord's-day, Messrs Newborn, Jas. Wells, and Hanks, of Cambridge, [We preached in behalf of the cause. should here state that for the efficient and acceptable services of our brother Hanks, for two Sabbaths, we are indebted to our esteemed brother Wells.]*

The minds of the brethren being much

In my last I intimated a hope that you would hear from me this month such things as you and other Baptist ministers and churches would rejoice in.

I will endeavour to be as concise in my narrative as possible, that I may not take up too much space in the Vessel. And in order to begin at the beginning, it is necessary to state that our church at Zion has, up to the last month, been what is called a mixed communion; and the Trust was chosen and appointed about half and half, to keep the church in the mixed state in which it was formed.

And we have not been allowed to have a baptistry sunk in the chapel till the present time, and in which the hand of the Lord has been most conspicuous. On Sunday night, the 7th of October I read the 5th chapter of the 1st epistle of John.

And when I came to the three that

bare witness on earth, I was led to say something about these witnesses, and to introduce and enforce the ordinance of baptism, and to shew the impropriety, the inconsistency, and the incongruity of a mixed communion church; and to affirm that it was quite an anomaly, as against all gospel rule and order; and observed you have heard, or read something in the Vessel for this month of the unhappy divisions at Peterboro'. Now I wish you to reflect, and consider whether you yourselves are not, in a measure, the origin of those divisions. You are quite aware that a conscientious Baptist cannot join you as a church, nor sit down with you at the Lord's table-is it any wonder, therefore, that they should look out elsewhere?

These things, with others that were advanced, the good Lord fastened as 'a nail in a sure place,' and the very next day they began to consult with each other. And as there are now only two of the original Trust remaining-the one a Baptist, the other not--the non-baptist was met and

« 前へ次へ »