Pulham St. Mary,

Oct. 3rd, 1883.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,-I was delighted when I saw our highly-esteemed Brother Winters's suggestion about trying to bring out a new edition of good Daniel Herbert's Hymns and Poems. I, for one, feel a special interest in this, because of the blessing the Lord made them to my soul when I was in the greatest distress of mind through Satan's suggestions and temptations. I thought all I had felt and enjoyed of good things was nothing but a delusion; and never shall I forget the horror of mind I was in. One day, seeing a book lie on my dear mother's table, which had just been borrowed, I took it up and began to read, and, to my astonishment, read the very state of mind I was in. Light and peace in a moment sprang up in my soul; I was at once delivered out of a dreadful state of bondage, and actually jumped for joy by the side of that table. It was the first volume out of which I read, and I directly procured all three volumes, in cloth, got them bound in the best style, costing me in all 18s., which I ever after looked upon as a most valuable treasure.

Being in Norwich the last month, and conversing with a godly old lady, who is over eighty years of age, she said to me, "Do write, sir, and try all you can to get Mr. Winters to go forward in his object; and, if he will, I will give you a sovereign towards a new edition of Herbert's Hymns and Poems." I will cheerfully be another sovereign, and promise to obtain all the subscribers I can. Several persons have asked me, at different times, to get them a copy ;but, of course, being out of print, I could not obtain one. May I be allowed to suggest that, as Herbert's

talent lies couched, in my humble opinion, entirely in the first and second volumes, that these two be got into one, leaving the third volume for future consideration? Many times have I Icarried the first and second volumes with me, when visiting the sick; and I can assure you that the Lord invariably blessed the reading of them to those I visited. I sincerely hope that all lovers of truth will now arise and say, “Come, let us up and work, for our God will bless us." Hoping you and dear Brother Winters will meet with every good success, I remain, Mr. Editor, yours faithfully,

B. TAYLOR.

8th Oct., 1883.

SIR,-I beg leave to forward a copy of a portion of a letter received by me a few days ago from a clerical friend, as it may be interesting to your readers :"I want to bring before you an interpretation of the difficult text, 1 Cor. xv. 29, which is given by G. W. Prentz (?), a scholarly man. He says, in Scripture, the plural is very frequently used for the purpose of generalisation-as Sarah says, 'Who would have told Abraham that Sarah should give suck to children?' (Gen. xxi. 7) though she had only one child and knew that she should have no more. In 1 Sam. xvii. 43, Goliath asks David, 'Thou comest to me with staves?' though, from v. 40, we see that David had only one staff and there are many more such cases. On the same principle, St. Paul here speaks of dead men in the plural, though he only meant one dead man, that is, Christ. The object of the Apostle is to show that Christ must have risen from the dead, or else the

;

whole faith of the Christian is vain (v. 17). The Resurrection proves Him true, proves Him such that it is perfectly appropriate to baptize in His Name. If He were not risen from the dead, He was no better than any other dead man; and then those that were

baptized in His Name were baptized merely in (or into) the name of a dead man-which would be an absurdity." As my friend says, the text is a difficult one, and various explanations have been given of it. I am, sir, your obedient servant, · ROMANUS.

METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION OF STRICT BAPTIST CHURCHES.

THE half-yearly meeting was held on Tuesday, October 9th, at Addison Park Chapel, Blythe Road, Shepherd's Bush, (Mr. P. W. Williamson's).

The delegates met at three for the despatch of business, Mr. G. W. Shepherd, President, in the chair. The hymn, 175 Stevens, was sung, and 1 John i. read, accompanied by some emphatic remarks from the Chairman, the reader, on the vital importance of the doctrine of the Deity of our Blessed Lord, as the foundation of our religion here and our hopes for eternity, and the necessity of avoiding all association with those who refuse to acknowledge the proper and essential Divinity of our dear Saviour. Prayer was offered by Brother Steele, a delegate from the Keppel Street church. The Chairman made some remarks on the beauty of Christian fellowship and unity, and expressed his gratification at the largeness of the number present to represent the associated churches, there being 14 pastors and 35 delegates in attendance. A brother being present representing the church at Ewell Road, Esher, agreed to be received at the last delegates' meeting into union, was presented with the right hand of fellowship by the president, in acknowledgment of the same. The Secretary read the minutes of the meeting held in March last, which were approved and confirmed. Also statements as to the loan and general funds of the Association, from which it appears that over £1,000 are out on loan, the quarterly pepayments of which are regularly made by the borrowing churches. The sum of

£375 is in hand available for churches needing such assistance; the capital amount of this fund, on loan and in hand, is between fourteen and fifteen hundred pounds. The general fund shows a balance of £58 in hand; since the meeting in March last, £25 have been voted for assisting friends at Eltham in fitting up a place for the worship of God, which was opened in May last; the blessing of the Lord is attending the effort, and there is a good prospect of a cause of truth being established in the place. A letter from the church at Zion, Heaton Road, Peckham, signed by S. Wadsworth and R. Fenner, deacons, withdrawing from the Association, was read and accepted. No reason was assigned for this withdrawment.

The officers and committee were named and appointed for the ensuing year, Brother James Clark, president, Brother R. E. Sears, vice-president; the committee as before, excepting Brother Langford, who has removed his pastorate to Dover, and adding Brother Shepherd, the retiring president; also the auditors, with the addition of Brother A. Steele, of Keppel Street. Our secretary, finding the duties of his office increasingly numerous and onerous, had requested the committee to ask some brother to assist him; this had been done, and Brother John Harris of Mount Zion, Hill Street, applied to on the subject, who, now being present, kindly accepted the office of assistant-secretary to the Association. The place where to hold the next annual meeting now became matter for consideration, and Pastor John Hazelton, with the delegates present from Chadwell Street, offered the use of their

place of worship, subject to the approval of their friends, which there was no doubt would be cheerfully accorded. This offer was received with thanks; the day of the meeting is March 11th, 1884.

This meeting was concluded by singing the hymn, "Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah," and a few words of prayer by the chairman.

Tea was then partaken of by a large number of friends, and the social meal was, as usual on such occasions, much enjoyed, affording as it does good opportunity for Christian converse. Every kind attention was paid to their visitors by Pastor Williamson, his spouse and friends.

In the evening a short devotional service was held, at which portions of Scripture were read (Isa. xii., and Psalms 132 and 133), several hymns of praise sung, and earnest supplication offered by Brethren Meres, Williamson, and C. Wilson. A sermon was afterwards preached by Pastor Reynolds, of Providence, Islington, who took for his text the words, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon" (Judges vii. 20). The preacher commenced his discourse by remarking that "Sin always brings disgrace as well as suffering," and referred to the history of the Israelites in the context in confirmation of the certain truth of this solemnly just connection of cause and effect in the righteous government of God. Dividing his discourse under two heads1, A mysterious connection, 2, A stirring war cry-be showed how the Lord works by means, and blesses His people in their use of them, and that the assurance of His being with us in our humble efforts in connection with His cause, should cheer, animate, and encourage us therein. He concluded by earnestly emphasing the remarks of the chairman in the afternoon respecting the necessity of holding no fellowship with those who deny the Divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The discourse was an able and impressive one, and listened to with marked attention by the numerous auditory present.

The President, on behalf of himself and friends generally, thanked our kind brethren and sisters at Addison Park Chapel for the use of their place of worship and the assiduous attention bestowed during its occupancy on the present occasion. Then, after uniting in singing the sweet hymn, "Jerusalem, my happy home," all departed in peace to our several homes; having been commended to the

care of our Covenant God in a few words of prayer by the chairman.

For the information of friends who do not see the "Annual Report," where it appears year by year, the Doctrinal Basis of this Association of Baptised Churches is given on a preceding page of this month's GOSPEL HERALD.

LAXFIELD BAPTIST CHAPEL. SPECIAL services for praise and thanksgiving to our God for another harvest were held on September 20th, at 2.30. A good gathering assembled in the chapel for united prayer and praise, presided over by our highly esteemed brother, Mr. Charles Wilson, of London, whose heart grew warm with Jesus' love, as he read and expounded the oft-read, but ever full, 103rd Psalm; and, as the riches of Divine goodness, first from our God as a God of providence, and next as a God of matchless grace and mercy, were dwelt upon by our brother in such a soul-reviving manner, many hearts echoed the declaration of David by experience, “He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." This meeting for praise and prayer closed by half-past four, and at five o'clock about 400 sat down to the well-arranged social tea, which reflected the highest credit upon our brother and sister Seaman who had undertaken the management of the same. In the evening at 6.30 the chapel was well filled and a sermon preached by the pastor. As we closed another of these soul-profitable annual gatherings, we could but look back at the goodness and mercy of our God, while afresh encouraged we "Go forward" with the inward joy, and consequent determination of the Immortal "Hart":

"This God is the God we adore,

Our faithful, unchangeable Friend;
Whose love is as large as His Power,
And neither knows measure nor end.
'Tis Jesus the first and the last,

Whose spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that's to come.'
Laxfield.
E. M.

TUNSTALL, SUFFOLK.

ON September 18th public services were held in the good old-fashioned, commo

dious meeting house on Tunstall Common, to recognise the appointment of Mr. William Glasgow, as pastor of the church.

Mr. S. K. Bland presided at the afternoon meeting, which was opened by a hymn of praise, the word of God, and prayer fervently led by Brother Disbery, deacon.

Mr. Bland gave a brief preliminary address on the nature and purpose of that Divine organisation known as "A Christian Church," and put the usual questions to the pastor-elect, who gave a most satisfactory account of the Lord's dealings with his soul in bringing him out of darkness into the light and liberty of the Gospel, of the manner of his being led into the ministry of that Gospel, and the tokens of Divine blessing attending, with a clear, satisfactory statement of his faith and judgment concerning Divine truth.

He spoke with thankfulness of having been preserved in youth from open transgression, and of having anxieties of mind described by the hymn commencing—

""Tis a point I long to know."

He was living at Chesham, Bucks, and under the preaching of Mr. Parsons ("especially when coming down low to seek to pick up the little ones") was both taught and encouraged. One discourse, from the words, "To that man will Í look," etc., was particularly blest to him. He grew in attachment to the people of God and the services of His house; felt he must seek the companionship of the people, and was encouraged to come forward and unite with them. So with those words on his mind and heart-" When she found she could not be hid," etc., he went and told the church and was baptized on Whitsunday, 1854.

He very soon became engaged in the school, and after some years took charge of the young women's Bible-class, where he received two testimonies from the Lord of His presence with him in the work. Two girls who had been of the worst in the school became of the best, and in after days dated their first serious impressions to this teaching. He was strongly exercised about speaking the Word more publicly, yet felt so unfit, and even prayed against the impulse. Yet had he peaceful joy at the evidence of blessing on his teaching, but told no one the exercises of his mind. He was asked to take a village service, but could not summon courage, was urged

again and promised, but directly after felt anxiety thereat he could not describe. He went, and took the portion that had been blest to himself "To that Man will I look," etc.; but wondered whether he had done right, though some blessing was felt in the exercise.

Some time after this one of the deacons at Lee Common (a village about three miles distant) came and asked him to take a Sunday's services. He went, but said, "I shall never forget my anguish of mind in my first sermon. I thought I should break down, but did not; I went on the common afterwards, and begged the Lord to close my lips if He did not intend me to be a preacher, but if He did, that Himself would open them. In the afternoon it was indeed a contrast. I had great liberty, and in the evening also, and my happiness in the things of God lasted all the next day."

Mr. Glasgow was now continually engaged in village preaching until, in 1866, he became pastor of the church at Gaddesden Row, Herts, removing to Bardwell, Suffolk, in 1874, remaining there until the present year; when, after preaching amongst the Tunstall people three months, and then, by mutual wish, a second three months, he had accepted their almost unanimous invitation to the pastorate (one only on the contrary).

Our brother's statement was listened to with deep interest, and the unanimity, cordial fellowship, and reviving aspect of the church, with the growing attachment to the ministry, was very cheering. Brother W. Ford, deacon, confirmed all this by his statement of the way in which the church had, during the past eighteen months been distressed and shaken, but, many standing firm, the clouds had passed, and Brother Glasgow, who had been recommended to them by Brother Bland, had been received with thankfulness and heard to protit. Brother Burwood, the senior deacon, then gave the right hand of fellowship to the pastor with kind and feeling words, and Brother Suggate did the same on behalf of the Associated Churches and ministers.

Brother Almond closed the sacred pleasurable service with fervent prayer.

A numerous company sat down to the social tea, and in the evening, Brother Large, of Sudbourne, having read the Scriptures and offered prayer, Brother C. Suggate, of Halesworth, gave an earnest,

An

THE opening services of this new place of worship, situated in Pekin Street, East India Road, took place on Thursday, October 11th. Mr. G. W. Shepherd preached in the morning a sermon that was much enjoyed; the preacher himself, however, laboured under a heavy cold, which, but for this engagement he said, would have confined him to his bed outline of this discourse appears in the present number of the Herald. There was an excellent attendance at this service. In the afternoon the chapel was quite full. Mr. C. Wilson occupied the chair with his accustomed kindness and ability. Addresses were delivered by Brethren Bennett, Carpenter, Cornwell, Lee, Wilkins, and Sears. Brother Griffith prayed. About 300 partook of tea.

In the evening there was an overflowing congregation, Mr. Rundell filled the position of chairman very efficiently. Brethren Bowles, Myerson, Noyes, and G. Webb delivered addresses; W. Webb, of Leicester, prayed. Addresses were also given by Mr. Turner, deacon and secretary; Mr. Mowatt, treasurer; and by Mr. Walters and Mr. T. Carr. Both the chairmen gave liberal donations, and some of the members of the church and congregation gave most nobly, so that, at the close of the day, the debt on the chapel was reduced £300; leaving about £600 on a thoroughly substantial freehold property, costing altogether about £2,000. To God be all the glory. Besides the brethren mentioned, there were present Messrs. Bonney, Parnell, Kemp, Tooke, Baldwin, and Kempston, who took part in the services of the day. Also many deacons and other friends from sister churches in and around London.

The chapel was much admired by all for its situation, substantiality, lightness, ventilation, convenience, and uniformity; it was also remarked that its acoustic properties appear to be very good.

An outline of this will be given (D.v.) next month.

HADLEIGH BAPTIST CHAPEL.

ANNIVERSARY services took place on Lord's-day, September 23rd, when Mr. J. Cowell, of Harwich, preached in the morning from Luke i. 1, and in the evening from Luke i. 4. The pastor (Mr. B. J. Northfield) discoursed upon Ps. iv. 7, in the afternoon. Congregations were good at each service. On Monday, September 24th, harvest thanksgiving services were held; and, although the weather was very unfavourable, over 200 partook of tea, which was followed by a public meeting, under the presidency of the pastor. After prayer by Brother Kern, interesting and earnest addresses were given by brethren Houghton, Bland, Kern, and Cowell. This was a crowded meeting, and we hope was, with the past day's services, also crowned with the Divine blessing. The chapel has recently been renovated, and with the suitable mottoes and beautiful decorations of flowers, fruits, &c., presented an inviting appearance. The net proceeds of the united services amounted to about £20, which was devoted to defraying expenses of the renovation of the chapel. The Lord is still owning and blessing the labours of His servant in our midst. On the first Lord's-day in September our hearts were cheered in beholding the immersion of two believers in the name of the glorious Trinity; and again, on October 7th, three more candidates made a public profession of their repentence towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus.

COLLEGE PARK BAPTIST CHAPEL, LEWISHAM.

VERY interesting services were held here in commemoration of the second anniversary of the pastorate of W. Hazelton, who on Lord's-day, September 30th, preached in the morning from Psa. xxx. 19. In the evening Brother Styles gave an excellent and appropriate discourse on Ps. cvii. 43, which was listened to by a large and appreciative audience. On Tuesday at 3.15 p.m., October 2nd, a large congregation assembled to hear Mr. G. W. Shepherd, who gave a most edifying and Christexalting sermon from Eph. iii. 8. The savoury remarks of our dear Brother will not easily be forgotten by many. About