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A FEW LINES ADDRESSED TO C. W. BANKS.

blood! Cursed is the man who, while he preacheth against covetousness, which is idolatry, has the golden wedge hidden in the midst of his tent. For these are the real troublers of Israel, and not the men who meet Ahab in the garden of Naboth. Of old the prophets exposed Israel to banishment, and the priests robbed him by not executing justice to idolators; and now good men, who are not good ministers of Jesus Christ, are the first and greatest robbers that satan can possibly employ; for, with such in his hand, he can gull the sincere, while he ransacks the temple of the Most High? With mere natural men, though the most noble of Hagar's race, he could not do half the mischief. (See 2 Kings xii. 17; xviii. 15, 16.) For these, being the almoners of divine bounty, distribute not by reason of the straitness of their own bowels, false prudence, or the love of lucre. And being the spies of the good land, even while yet boasting of their own personal entrance there in the article of experience, conduct not their hearers thither, so as to dwell there, by reason of that unbelieving timidity and cowardly fear which limits both the grace and the power of the Holy One, and even insinuates a breach of his infallible promise! For we know that some (with whom it seems that wisdom shall die) hold that an establishment of judgement is arrogance-full assurance is presumption-and religion beyond doubt and fear is hypocrisy! Moving in a contracted circle of legal bondage, which they have well trodden--yea, trodden for years, in the deserts of Sinai, the few chickens that run at their special note, are the finest birds in the whole world! And after all, the few crumbs they give is of the manna of Moses, and not the old corn of the land of Canaan. Hence such stewards, not being faithful in the true riches, rob themselves of their real joy, Jehovah of his glory, and his people of their true gospel comfort; so that, as we have said, they are naked and hungry; naked of external habiliments, that the world behold their shame in their irregular and inconsistent life: naked of their internal robes of righteousness, salvation, and praise, so that they have no boldness of access to the throne of that grace in which they stand, nor can they 'rejoice evermore' in hope of the glory of God; hungry, because the gospel is only partially preached, and the blood of the covenant-the wine of consolation, doled out a drop now and then, as though large and frequent draughts would soon impoverish the glorious wine-press of Jehovah's everlasting love.

Friends and brethren, startle not though we thus dig in the walls. Too long have we been working without, while the evil was within; therefore we turn round to ourselves to the temple of God, and dig in

the walls of those chambers where the priests sleep; and could we awake but a few with this our new year's knocking, the toil of the mattock would be amply repaid, and the embrace of love, and kiss of holy charity should salute any brother so aroused. THE EDITOR'S FRIEND,

A Few Lines,

Intended as a word of consolation to that faithful and tried servant of God, and of the Churches of Christ on earth,

CHARLES WATERS BANKS.

OH, why is thy spirit so sad?

The furnace, tho' hot, cannot harm;
Thy Redeemer still sits at the head,
Then cease, poor soul, cease thy alarm.
Tho' its sparks ne'er ascended so high,
Tho' its flames never rag'd so severe,
Thy merciful Saviour's nigh,

Thy shelter and refuge is near.
Its burning shall not overwhelm.

Its heat cannot burn up thy soul!-
Jesu's love is thy sovereign balm,

Thy Captain will bring thee thro' all.
Stand still for awhile and look on,

While Jehovah thy battles shall fight,
He will break every obstacle down,
And all that seems wrong shall be right.
Tho' thine enemies slander and rage;
Though friends from thy soul stand aloof!
Remember, that He whose engag'd

To uphold thee, will deal with them both.
Thy soul through its raging shall pass,

And come out of its burning refin'd.
Thou shal't loose nothing there but the dross,
While the gold shall more brilliantly shine.
Thy kind Jesus still loves thee too well

To give thee real cause for alarm:
He pluck'd thee a fire-brand from hell,
And he'll carry thee honourably home.
Then why is thy poor soul cast down?
Thy Saviour will make all things right;
Raise thine head-it shall yet wear a crown
In the beautiful regions of light.
Fail not in his strength to go forth,

Faint not in thy labour of love,
Thou dost honour thy Lord upon earth,
He will honour and own thee above.
And ye Churches, I now speak to you,
In the name of his Lord and your God,
That ye fail not to send him aid now,
He's your brother, bought with the same blood,
He's your servant in doctrine and word,

He's your teacher and minister too,
Help him then for the sake of your Lord,
And that Lord will return it to you.
And now, thou great Saviour of men,

Come quickly with help from above,
Appear for thy poor saint again,
He is one of the sons of thy love.

Remember, great God, he's but dust,

While fierce billows roll o'er his soul;
For thine honour how keen is his thirst,
In love then uphold him through all.
May he still, blessed Saviour, hold on,

And finish the work thou hast giv'n,
Till thou bring forth the robe and the crown,
And the harp, for thy servant in heaven.
HELEN MARIA ALLINGHAM.

[When the Author of these lines brought them to us she positively desired their insertion; and we could not refuse.--ED.]

Recognition of Mr. C. H. Coles, of Brentford, Middlesex :
With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Cause at that Place.

THE Recognition of Mr. C. H. COLES, late
of Reading, as pastor of the Baptist Church
meeting for worship at Old Brentford, Mid-
dlesex, took place on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 1849.
In the morning, Mr. Curtis, of Homerton
Row, stated the nature of a gospel church,
and asked the usual questions:
mencing by asking the church for a state-
ment of the Lord's dealings with them in
bringing Mr. Coles amongst them: which
Mr. Lindley answered, by reading a written
statement, of which the following is an
outline :-

com

good friend and brother, Mr. Castleden,
who not only visited us himself, but directed
us to men of God as supplies; and we had
reason to bless the Lord that it was the
desire of our souls, while we were anxious
to escape
the vortex of Arminianism, we
were equally desirous to keep clear of the
quagmire of Antinomianism.

"In 1825, Mr. Jones, now of London, came to supply, and, after a term, was chosen pastor. Under his ministry the church grew much in the fundamental doctrines of "In December, 1818, the all wise provi- the gospel, and were much established in the dence of God, through an unexpected event, things pertaining to the kingdom; but, after having brought a few of the Lord's people a period of six years and a half, this union, together in Brentford, it was thought advis- so congenial, and that had proved so beneable to meet for prayer to ask direction of ficial, was dissolved, and our pastor removed the Lord as to the propriety of opening a to London; but the Lord had not designed place for public worship. After this meet- that we should long remain as sheep having ing, the friends, desirous of watching the no under-shepherd; for, upon the removal providence of God, soon heard a convenient of Mr. Jones, Mr. Robinson came and blew place might be obtained, and, on applica- the gospel trumpet in a sweet experimental tion, found their wishes realised; and on strain, and the hearts of the people were January 31st, 1819, the place was opened, united to him in a bond not easily broken. when, for the first time, the glorious gospel Mr. Robinson became the pastor, laboured of the ever blessed God was preached there. amongst us thirteen years, was made useful, With deep anxieties and wrestlings with the had many seals to his ministry, and lived in Lord, we met from time to time, fearing the affections of his people. lest we should not have the sanction of the served the church this period he was reAfter having Great Head of the Church, but we were moved in providence, to the grief of many soon brought to see the hand of the Lord who had partaken with him, from time to was quick and powerful: sinners were stopped time, of the rich provisions that had been in their mad career, and savingly brought spread on the gospel table in our midst, to sit at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in and had felt themselves enriched and blessed their right mind.' Feeling thus encouraged, from 'the fulness of him that filleth all in we thought it advisable a church should be all.' It is now five years since we were left formed of the Particular Baptist denomina- in a destitute state; but the covenant God tion, which took place at the Baptist Meet- of Israel never forsook his church. Most ing-house, Hammersmith, June 7th, 1819. of the settled ministers who are united with The church commenced with ten members; us in those truths, despised by professor and and in September ten more were added; profane, have come forward to help us, in some of whom are removed from us in pro- the name of the Lord, against the mighty;' vidence; some fallen asleep; and six re- and we take the present opportunity of exmaining in church-fellowship at this time. pressing our gratitude for their kindness, In the summer of 1819 the meeting-house and blessing God, who has not cast off his was enlarged, and re-opened for worship in people whom he foreknew; but while we September of the same year. At this time felt the kindness of our friends, there was a Mr. David Jones, of Hereford, was recom-deep anxiety in the minds of many among mended to us as a man likely to suit as us, that the Lord would appear and send us pastor, and, after a few weeks' probation, a servant of his who should go in and out was chosen to that office; but a very short before us, leading us, instrumentally, into period proved, that while the people expected the green pastures and beside the still waters a free grace gospel to be preached in their of the sanctuary: but though we had been midst, and full salvation declared, not de- favoured to hear several of the Lord's serpendent on the creature, that we were vants, there was no one to whom the eyes loaded with conditions and man's abilities, of the people were generally directed till and God, who is the same yesterday, to-day, February last, when Mr. Coles, of Reading, and for ever, disappointed. After one year came to preach the word one Lord's-day in we separated, and casting ourselves on the our midst; and although we had no excare of the Good Shepherd of Israel, we pectation of Mr. Coles further than as a prayed to be directed to men of truth. At supply, not being aware at the time he was this time we became acquainted with our moveable, yet the hearts of the people, as VOL V. F

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RECOGNITION OF MR. C. H. COLES.

the heart of one man, seemed lifted up to God that his will might be known. Mr. Coles having preached two or three times, we were informed it was his intention to leave Reading; and on March 25th the church met, when it was unanimously agreed to give him a three months' invitation; and on April 29th we received an answer from him accepting the same.

"On July 3rd the church again met to hear from each other how the word had been received when it was found that the Lord had sent the word with life and power to the souls of the people. A spirit of prayer being poured out to know the will of God, it was proposed and seconded, that Mr. Coles be invited to take the pastoral charge, and the church being quite unanimous, I was sent to him with many prayers; and on July 26th an answer received from Mr. Coles accepting the same. His labours among us have been received with heartfelt pleasure and profit; and we trust that what we have attended to has been under the direction of the Great Shepherd of Israel, and that the union thus entered into may be lasting as life. Since Mr. Coles commenced his labours we have had many additions to the church, and with heartfelt pleasure we appear before the Lord and his people to testify our approbation of the labours of his servant; and have solicited you, sir, with others of his ministers, to witness the union now formed, and pray God that it may be cemented with love and blood, and that his servant may be spared and blessed to the edification and establishment of his church; that his labours may be accompanied by the power of the Holy Ghost in the salvation of a numerous seed that shall rise up to call our Jesus blessed, and peace and prosperity attend Zion's gates in our midst.

a

a statement of his call by grace, and to the ministry; as also a declaration of those sentiments he intended to advocate there? To which Mr. C. replied. An outline of which follows:

rising to give you a brief account of the Dear Brother, Christian Friends :-In Lord's dealings with my soul, I pray God to bring all things to my remembrance, and that you will hear me patiently.

I was born in sin, shapen in iniquity,' and drew my first natural breath at a place called Garden Cottage, Stockwell, Surrey. When a boy I narrowly escaped being drowned in the Thames, while living with an uncle and aunt at Kingston, who had some intention of bringing me up as they had no child of their own. was not my path. So I was soon returned Portland Town, Marylebone. Soon after to my parents, who were now living at this I had the following remarkable dream: which is as fresh at this time as it was then.

But this

I dreamed that I was going to my father in the Regents Park; and just as I was in the Park Road, within a stone's throw of Mr. Foreman's chapel, I thought the world was at an end, I saw the elements on fire, heard the thunder roll, and all nature into paleness, and I saw the women with seemed to tremble-all faces were turned their offspring in their arms, tearing their hair from their heads! Now all this did not appear to move me the least; for I, perfectly composed, and with the uttermost deliberation, went up into a corner, and kneeling down began to pray; and while I was thus engaged, a white cloud caught me up above all the confusion and the shrieks which I heard; and then I saw nothing but the sun as at noon-day. And tated in my mind as to the end of the world, while in this cloud I awoke, fearfully agiand what would become of me, for I usually reversed my dreams, when a boy. This soon wore off; but at times it would return with great freshness.

A few years after this time we went to live at Pains Hill, Chobham, in Surrey; and here it was that my vile nature and wicked heart, did more especially break out in open act, for I had a great love for horses; the stable became my constant resort, the coachman was a most depraved man, and I early learned to lie and swear to an awful extent; so much so that I tremble when I look back to think that God did not cut me down with a stroke. I had every opportunity of giving vent to the abominations of my heart, as I did not sleep under the same roof with my parents. At the early age of thirteen I have been at the tavern until two or three o'clock in the morning.

"We feel happy to state Mr. Coles and the church meeting here are quite agreed relative to the truth as it is in Jesus; that while he fearlessly and unflinchingly preaches salvation is of the Lord, the people, feeling themselves helpless and needy, find it suitable and seasonable sound; and our hearts' desire and prayer to God is that his servant may be kept faithful unto death, and see the pleasure of the Lord prosper in his hands. Mr. Coles is a member with us by regular dismission from Reading. The number of members in our church book at this time is eighty-nine; and we trust the Lord will bless the labours of our pastor, that there daily may be added to the church such as shall be saved. Thus having noticed the the world would force itself, at times, leadings of Divine Providence on our part, on my mind, so that I knew not what we pray the Lord to enable his servants to do. One day, when in the orange house that have kindly come to see us in his name on the estate, watering the trees, I had a to give us suitable admonitions, faithful very strange feeling come over me. warnings, and advice needed. Amen." was musing, the tears came into my eyes; Mr. Curtis then asked Mr. Coles to give 'and it was as if some one said to me 'pray;'

Now, in the midst of all this the end of

As I

RECOGNITION OF MR C. H. COLES.

and the Lord's prayer came into my mind in a moment; and so indignant did I feel at the thought of prayer that I put it from me in great anger. Oh! the depravity of the heart-and the opposition to all that is good!

I left Chobham for London about the year 1835; and came to live at a livery stable, at Islington, where I was for nine months, working hard, spending my wages, and sleeping in the hay-loft all the time. My health began to decline, and some thought that I was in a decline. Oh! the awful sights that I did behold here is enough to make one shudder; and yet God did preserve me, that I detested what I saw. Now, in another stable there was a set of thieves; and although I detested the above, I would have gladly taken part in the spoils of these; but, strange to say, they would not have me in their company. This was at that time a mystery to me, but it is as clear as the sun now; for they were soon afterwards found out, and some transported.

After living here nine months I left, and went to live with a cabinet maker, in London. While here, I met with another singular preservation:-One day as I was driving through London, I was thrown out of the cart, and the wheel nearly went over my head. This brings to my mind another, and that was, one day while helping my father to roll the walk with a large iron roller, I fell flat upon my face, the roller coming over me, and yet did not as much as break a bone; if it had touched my head, I must have been crushed to death, but

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and lie so much as heretofore I had done; but now and then it would break out afresh, for as yet the love of sin was there; it was the consequence of sin that I dreaded, namely death. At times, on going to bed, I would try to repeat a prayer I was taught when a boy; but as I could not recollect the whole, I thought God would not hear a part. Sometimes I would try to be sorry for my sins, and even to cry; for I had some idea about 'repentance and reformation of life' before I could be saved. But to cry was impossible; and I then thought there was no true sorrow without tears. My fellow servant would often speak to me about these matters; and I now felt well disposed to listen, and would ponder these things over, and wish I was like her. At last I determined to commence. I thought I would say a prayer night and morning-leave off swearingand be good; the next thing was, what prayers should they be? So, one night after the family were gone to bed, I got my prayer-book to look out the prayers, but I could find none that I thought suitable, so I resolved that, as I was soon going to London, I would then procure a prayer-book; so for the present I would leave prayer until I had the book. Oh, how anxious I looked forward to the time when I should have the book and begin prayer, then I thought all will be well. A few days after this, one night when I was going up the dark stairs, these words came with great force to my mind, as I was thinking about my prayers-Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.' Oh, what I then felt no tongue can describe; I verily thought that before morning I should be in hell; for I began to think 'I have been looking forward to the time when I should buy my book and say my prayers, but now God has come to call me to a solemn account for all my sins! I shall surely be lost and damned for ever!' As soon as I could get by myself, and all the family were gone to bed, my fears and dread increased to such a pitch that I trembled and fell down before God; for the first time those words burst forth from my heart-' God be merciful to me a sinner;' for I wanted no book now that I felt this, for my life and state were in such a woeful condition; so much Soon after this the providence of God reso that the bed did shake under me; I moved me to Upper Clapton, Middlesex, covered myself up in the clothes, for fear where I was living with a female servant the devil should fetch me, and drag me who I hope feared God. The first Sabbath down to hell, my just but dread abode. O, I was there I went to Hackney Church; how I did beg that God would spare me but and when I had returned home, and had a little while, and not cut me down that sat down to dinner, I observed my fellow-moment, and what I would do if he did but servant put her hand to her face, and inwardly ask a blessing. Oh! the feeling that I had in my mind at that moment I cannot describe, for I thought I had sat down like a beast to eat and drink, but this woman had thanked God for his mercies! Now, seeing her ways, I did feel disposed to make fresh resolutions; and as I was now come away from my old companions in iniquity, I did cease to swear

"Not a single shaft can hit,

Until the God of love sees fit." By the time I left this place my parents were come to live at Islington. I was at home a few months. I now began to think somewhat of my life, and of a reformation, as I seemed to think I should not go to heaven without something of this; but how to begin I did not know. Many times have I resolved to alter; and many solemn vows have I made, when I have been in the play-house; for I have there thought the place would fall in upon me when there; and I have declared I would enter no more for fear; but no sooner were my fears removed than my carnal nature was carried away as with a flood.

spare my life! O, the fool indeed that I have been! Had I but left off swearing, and lying, and the like but sooner! But now it is too late. I have had many convictions and opportunities to have reformed my wicked life, but now it is in vain to hope.' But to cease to cry to God for mercy was impossible. O, how I did wonder from morning to morning, and night to night, that I was still spared; for

40

RECOGNITION OF MR. C. H. COLES.

from a chapter when visiting the sick, and was almost mad to go abroad as a missionary, and for which I offered many prayers. Some have said, 'You will be a preacher, you ought to go to college.' And, for aught I know, if the Lord had not soon driven me out of all this, I should; but God had designed my teaching was to be in another school. Now, all this time I was in the dark about the truth, and yet there was a secret desire in my heart to know the truth; and some fears I had at times lest I should be wrong, for I knew not as yet my real state nor God's way of saving sinners; for although God had begun to discover sin to me, yet the heart was unbroken, and the nature of God's law unknown.

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thou fool did continually follow me at all times, and at all places, for, as yet, I could see no way of escape from this dreadful state; for at this time I knew not God's way of saving sinners, only I thought that had I but turned when I had those convictions, there might have been hope. My fellow servant would take every opportunity of trying to comfort me, quoting many precious Scriptures, and assuring me I should be saved, and exhorting me to believe. But God's threatenings against the sinner, together with my state, did seem to outweigh them all; so that I felt nothing but despair. Now the devil would tempt me from day to day to destroy myself; ' for,' saith he, 'you cannot be worse; all hope is gone for ever, because you did not turn to God before.' This temptation would Now it occurred at a prayer-meeting that come when I was cleaning the carving a man, in his prayer, spoke of God being a knife of a morning, and at times I felt that sovereign, loving Jacob, and hating Esau, I must fall in with it, and yet there was a and the like; which I did not notice at struggle within against it. Just about the time; but one man (a Wesleyan) did; this time I went to an independent chapel and never came after to my knowledge. close by; that night there was a funeral Now, I felt concerned to know the reason, sermon for one who died very happy; and for I took him to be a very holy man of oh, how I was taken with that part where God, and at that time I felt a great attachhe spoke of the son praying over the dying ment to the Wesleyans, and often attended father; I could have parted with all I their meetings. Now one day as I was possessed, had I been but like that son; out, I met this man, and began to enquire for I thought he must be a good young the reason of his non-attendance, when man-these are the people that are going he began to tell me about what this man to heaven-and this is the minister of God;' had repeated in his prayer. This man, for all appeared holy in my eyes. I now said he, believes in election.' 'Election,' took every opportunity of going to the said I, 'what is that?' He answeredchapel, and the members took notice of me, This man believes God made a part of the and often spoke to me about my soul, as human race to damn them-and these men they soon found out I was under convic- believe that there are little children in tions. They assured me Christ died for all; hell.' I was horrified at such a statement; he was ready to save all; I had only to be- and so filled was I with hellish rage, that I lieve; that was my duty, yea, my sin if I said, 'If this is God's way of saving sindid not. But such was the nature of my ners, I would rather be damned. Oh, what sins that I could not draw such favorable a dreadful doctrine is this! Where does conclusions. My fellow servant lent me a he profess to find it?' He told me in the book called, James's Anxious Enquirer; ninth chapter of the Romans; but of course and told me if I read that with prayer, she he did not believe one word of it. As soon had no doubt I should find peace. I took as I reached home and got a Bible, to my the book, and felt determined to follow greatest surprise there was election as whatever it said, if I could but find peace. clear as the sun at noon-day, and the very So I went to work; read it on my knees; words that the man repeated in his prayer. but alas! I found it impossible to keep up Oh, how surprised I was! I could scarcely to the mark. However, with this book, believe my own eyes; and the more I read, and the legal preaching, together with the to my astonishment the clearer it appeared, people, I began to think it was my duty to so that the Bible appeared now to be full believe, and my sin if I did not. My fears, of that doctrine. Now, I began to think 'I too, now, were somewhat abated; and I be-am in a dreadful state. What have I been gan to look at the ten commandments. thinking, doing and saying? God has an Well, thought I, there are some of them I elect people that is his way of saving sinhave not broke; and I began to think that ners. I began to see that all my former after all I was not so bad as I thought; profession was in the flesh, and as to call and as I had now left off my sins and re- God my Father, that was presumption. O! pented, now God was willing to receive me, the fool that I have been! I could not and therefore I need not despair. So my hear the preaching as heretofore; my wounds were slightly healed, and the out- mouth was stopped as to prayer, and my side cleansed; but the inside as filthy as life became a burden; a flood of blasever; but did not know it; and all that phemous thoughts were continually flowI heard from pulpit or people did but building into my mind, and at times I could me up in this vain confidence and fleshly religion. I now began to think what I should do for God? So I became a Sunday school teacher, tract distributor, prayed at the prayer-meetings and even spoke

hardly keep from belching them out; I pitied the horse that I drove; and wished myself anything so long as I was not accountable to God. Oh, that I had never uttered those words, that I had rather be

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