ter Chapel case, I think you are perfectly right in saying "It is useless to go to law." The extract from the trust deed is not sufficiently explicit upon the matter of "strict communion," though doubtless the chapel was intended for strict communion Baptists. The Trust of the Norwich Chapel was in the following words:-"The premises were purchased for, and intended for a place of public worship for the congregation of Particular Baptists within the City of Norwich for the time being," and that the Trustees and their heirs then were and at all times thereafter should stand seized of the said messuage and premises in trust for and for the use and benefit of the congregation of Particular Baptists, within the City of Norwich for the time being, and that the same premises should be always held and enjoyed for and as their place of public worship." The Master of the Rolls, after referring to five confessions of Faith of the Particular Baptists said that "an attentive examination of the confessions has not enabled me to discover anything in them which amounts to an assertion that the communion ought never to be administered to any one who has not been baptised by immersion upon a profession of faith."

The Master of the Rolls then refers to Mr. Jessey in 1645, and Mr. John Tombes, in the following year, as seeming to have adopted free or mixed communion, and he also refers to writings of John Bunyan in 1672 and 1673 in support of the same doctrine, and from the fact that the Particular Baptists of that day took no steps to exclude from their communion persons who, like John Bunyan, adopted the opinion of free or mixed communion. It must, therefore, said the Master of the Rolls, "be considered that it was not by those persons, even heated with the warmth of controversy, considered to be a doctrine of a fundamental character, or so essential as to constitute one of the necessary elements in the composition of the faith of a true and sincere Particular Baptist," and afterwards the Master of the Rolls says "I am therefore of opinion that this congregation is at full liberty to alter its practice in respect of communion, if such should be the opinion of the majority of its full members."

The

Court of Equity has thus pronounced that the term "Particular Baptist" does not carry with it necessarily "strict communion." It would therefore be unwise for the Colchester people to bring the matter before the Court, the decision of the Master of the Rolls will probably hereafter be referred to as a precedent by any Judge before whom any similar case may come. While the Trustees of the Colchester Chapel cannot therefore interfere, so as to prevent open communion, yet it is their duty, and they have a right to exercise such a control over the building as to prevent doctrines contrary to those specified in the Trust deed being continuously preached. As many Trust deeds of Particular Baptist Chapels are open to the same legal

construction as the Norwich Trust deed, perhaps it would be well if future ministerrs were required to give a written undertaking that they will not in any way take advantage of such weakness in the Trust, and introduce or in any way sanction open communion, and I venture to say that there are many conscientious pasters who, though settled, would sign a similar undertaking if they thought it would give any satisfaction to the churches. From the above it will be evident that the churches must not rely upon the term "Particular Baptist," but they must take special care that their Trust Deeds contain a "Strict Communion" clase. With Christian regards, I remain, yours truly, JOSEPH THRIFT, 82, Windsor-road, Holloway, 4th April, 1867.

SUFFOLK.-Dear brother Samuel Foster, I am disposed to send you one line, which I write in pencil while packed up in a close corner of a Great Eastern. I know you cannot travel with me; therefore, as you are much interested in the Kingdom of our Lord, and as you have some sympathy with me in the spread of the Gospel and in the prosperity of the Churches, I will try and take you round with me in reviewing the little visits 1 have made during the last four days to some places in the Eastern Counties. On Saturday, March 30, I travelled to Harwich, on the Essex coast. There I was favoured to converse for some time with the Harwich pastor, brother J. W. Dyer, who is labouring in the Gospel there with comfort and success. Dovercourt and Harwich are places of resort in this season; and the ministry of Mr. Dyer is often found useful to visitors, who fly from the hard driving of London life to seek health in a quieter scene. From Harwich I went on to Ipswich, where I was permitted to preach three sermons last, Sunday in Zoar Chapel. I have known Ipswich, and have holden fellowship with some of the Lord's people for many years; but I had not preached in Ipswich for some time, and I was rather diffident in anticipating my work. But, my friend, one thing the Lord said to Gideon has been mercifully true to my soul. He said, "THE WORD OF THE LORD SHALL BE THY HELP." This one blessing has been the support of my mind and the strength of my ministry now for more than a quarter of a century, and it is a blessing for which 1 desire to praise the Lord with every breath I draw. May I just relate to you how the word of the Lord was my help in this last journey? On Saturday morning last, I started from home early, and quite weary with the work I had gone through in the week, for (besides my work in the office, which at all times is heavy, especially at the end of the month) I had been down to Knowl Hill, to

THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE PASTOR, BENJAMIN MASON. And to me it was a solemn time. Some account of that aged servant of Christ, who died in his 82nd year, will, I hope, be

written by brother Brown, of Reading, who, in connection with brother Charles Vyse, and some others, has supplied the pulpit in Knowl Hill for some time. Oh, Samuel, could I tell you all the conflicts and trials, all the blessings and mercies which the ministers and people at Knowl Hill have been the subjects of, you would shed tears over it all. But that cannot be. The chapel, the parsonage, the cemetery, the pastor's garden, and all the appurtenances thereto belonging are completely hedged in by themselves. When those good ministers of Knowl Hill, brethren Webb and Benjamin Mason, were with their church and congregation assembled in their neat little Zion, they might with great propriety sing

"We are a garden walled around, Chosen and made peculiar ground." For it is one of the most select and separated spots I have ever seen. In that pulpit nearly all the ministers of Christ who have lived during this century have blown the trumpet there, and the little garden has been a healthy and happy place in its time. But brother Webb one day fell off a haystack, and in the cemetery there is a small tablet which simply tells you William Webb died at the age of sixty-nine; and in the chapel I saw his widow weeping tears of grief and sorrow, such as only widows in deed can ever shed. Now, after more than eighty years' pilgrimage, my long-tried friend, Benjamin Mason, has been called home, and as he requested I should bury him, his sons and grandson kindly invited me to the funeral. I felt it an honour to be there. We had services twice in the chapel, and a hymn, a prayer, and a few words over the grave. Thus has ended the long ministerial and mortal career of one of my most steadfast ministerial friends, of whose departure something will be found in another part of this month's "VESSEL." To come to the Ipswich journey. Three times on Lord's day, March 31st, 1867, did my most compassionate Lord help me to preach his Gospel in Zoar chapel, and every time the place was well filled up. To me, the texts, the sermons, the everything, appeared new, encouraging, and, as it were, dropping down from heaven. In the vestry in the evening, a note was on the table of a singular character; in fact it was a solemn one, which I will give another day. This solemn note led me in the evening to endeavour to trace over the footsteps of the flock. Whether the Lord sanctified the word or not, I must leave. I fear there are many in and around our churches who have fallen among thieves; now and then I meet with some of them.

I must tell you, dear Foster, I visited our beloved brother in Christ, Jabez Wright, of Ipswich. He has, like yourself, been near the brink of Jordan; but still he is held a prisoner in a frail and painful body. With him I spent a few solemn moments in prayer, and then left

Ipswich for Bergholt, where I preached on the Monday from the words, "Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee?" After the service, we had some useful converse with the people. Mr. Baldwin read the word, and pleaded with the Lord most powerfully. Our good brother the Dean read the hymns, and the cheerful singers sang like young nightingales; and truly it was good to be there.

Stowmarket was my next place. I was surprised to find their new chapel so compact and well furnished. We had a large company; and once more I met with many old Suffolk friends, and found them as firm in the faith as ever. I have much to say to you, dear brother, but I dare not write more now. I have letters from Coggeshall, Colchester, several parts of Australia, New York, Ireland, and from other parts. If they are not all fully noticed this month, you must pray that anger may not fill the breasts of the writers against your old friend CHARLES WATERS BANKS.

THE LATE BENJAMIN MASON.

DEAR BROTHER BANKS,-I should have written last night, but felt somewhat as I do now. An apathy of soul seems to creep over me when I contemplate the loss of our dear but departed brother Mason, for truly he was a father in Christ to me. I first saw him on his bed three years back, to which he has been confined three years, three months, and three days. We have many times poured out our hearts together, as you did when you came to give us your much valued lecture. Many times when we have been there, we have said, "Well, brother Mason, what are you going to say to us to-day?" His reply was "I am so low, both body and soul, that you must do it all;" but it has often pleased the Lord, when we have said a few words in prayer, to manifest Himself to him; and then, like Paul, he felt he could do all things through Christ which strengthened him. But his three favourite subjects were, 1st. "Lord, I am vile."-Job. 2nd. "Ho, every one that thirsteth."-Isaiah. 3rd. "Who are kept by the power of God through faith without sin unto salvation," &c., from which I have heard him speak with ardent zeal and love. A few Sabbaths before he died, they sent for his old friend and doctor, Hewitt. Our friends being very anxious, began to move when he came. He said, "My dear friends, what is the matter?" "Oh, the doctor is come." He said, "Do be quiet, for he can do me no good, or you either." And as soon as he saw him, he began asking the doctor how he was, and how soul matters stood with him. The doctor said, "I am not come to talk to you about these things now, but am come to see how you are." I mention this to show he was more ready to talk about Christ than to think of himself. Next Sabbath I did morning service, went to Boyne Hill to see my brother. When I came back for evening service, he was

talking to an old female friend about 70 years of age, whether she loved Jesus. Seeing the love of his soul going out so strong, I truly then felt rather low. I hung my head down. He said, Come, brother Brown, why don't you talk to us?" I said I felt I could not say a word now. He felt in a moment where I was, and said, "Come, let us have a verse or two of my favourite hymn, ('Immortal honors,' &c.), which we had many times sung around his bed. The Sabbath before he died, after morning service he said to the friends, "1 want my brother Brown to cry aloud; spare not, sound your voice like a trumpet, and go tell to sinners all around," &c. Last Sabbath he was very low; but we held morning and afternoon service with him; but being too many in the evening for to go up stairs, we had service in the chapel, after which Brother Vise, myself, and friends, went up and read psalms, engaged in prayer, and asked him if he felt comfortable in his soul? He said yes, he felt to be on the blessed Rock, Christ Jesus, and that his whole soul's salvation was secured by the finished work of Christ. We saw him no more alive; but those who were with him to the last asked him how he felt? He said his pains were great, and then in a minute or two after, these being his last words,

"Though painful at present, 'twill cease before long,

And then, oh how pleasant the conqueror's song!"

And thus he fell asleep in Jesus.

I am yours in Gospel grace, &c.,
W. BROWN.

23, Oxford Street, Reading,

April 18th 1867.

P. S.-Things are going on very quiet at Knowl Hill, the congregation being rather on the increase.

MESSRS. BLOOMFIELD AND
ANDERSON.

A Baptist minister of thirty years' standing asks if it be true that Mr. Anderson is leaving Deptford for Bradford. A London minister informs us it certainly is the case; and our correspondent says: "The two ministers, Bloomfield and Anderson, will form the nucleus for a free-grace section of the Baptist churches in the North." We can consistently but have one feeling in the matter, which is this, that Messrs. Bloomfield and Anderson may both be filled with the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, that they may, both of them, stand experimentally and manifestively in the spirit of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, when he wrote those most memorable words: "Now, then, we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled unto God." For if the ministers stand in this evangelising, sin-convicting, and soul-converting power of the Holy Ghost, they will prove a great bless

ing to the Churches in Bradford, and many will rejoice. Sinners now dead in sin will be saved, and they will rejoice. The saints who form the Churches in the north will behold the good work done, and they will rejoice; the angels in heaven will rejoice; and even those in London who are saying, "What does all this mean?" when they know the Lord is really blessfng those his servants in Bradford, they will rejoice also. And if, in due time, the Churches in Meard's Court and at Deptford should be favoured with pastors of the Lord's own sending, and if those churches should be revived and multiplied, they will turn their mourning into dancing, and freely acknowledge that the Lord worketh all things after the counsel of His own will, and worketh all together for good. If the good hand of God is not in these movements, if singleness of eye to His glory has NOT been the great moving power, if any object short of the right one should in these things be the attraction, then, not for a thousand worlds would we be the poor fellows who, after vacating the editorial chair, and turning their backs upon a London pastorate, pack up their few things, take their bundles under their arms, and, leaving the greatest city in all the world, travel off to a manufacturing town in the north, plainly telling everybody either that London is not good enough for them, or that they feel they are not good enough for London; and so into the country they descend. There may be a few thousand of the poor manufacturers flocking to hear these good men; there may be two or three hundred golden sovereigns every year for their work (and such scenes, and such "gaudy toys" are useful in their way), still, after all, there is no field in all the world like London; and when the editorial and pastoral honours are united together in the world's mighty metropolis, it ought to be a very clear vision indeed-a man of Macedonia over again, which should move such men to desert such posts, and to go so far into the North. But we add no more now. Our friends in the black country are watching these movements very closely, and we shall report progress before long.

CITY ROAD-JIREH CHAPEL, EAST ROAD. The anniversary services of the above place (where for so many years the venerable J. A. Jones has laboured) were held Lord's Day, March 31st. Mr. Crowther preached two excellent sermons. Morning text, John_iii. and 21st; evening, the Epistle of Jude, latter part of 1st verse. Mr. Anderson, in the afternoon, preached most interestingly from Isaiah xlv. and 3rd. On Tuesday, April 2nd, a powerful discourse was delivered by Mr. Foreman, after which a goodly number of friends partook of tea. The public meeting commenced at 6.30., Mr. Crowther presiding. Mr. Hawkins implored the Divine blessing. The chairman, in his able open

ing address, spoke of the necessity of waiting the Lord's time in appointing a minister to fill the pulpit, not to be too much in a hurry, &c.; then introduced the subject for discussion-Redemption, calling upon Mr. Milner, who dwelt upon the necessity and the advantage of knowing the meaning of the work of Redemption by Christ.

Mr. Wyard spoke of the moving cause, the occasional cause, and the objective cause of Redemption. Mr. Wilkins briefly mentioned the purpose of Redemption, its requirements, its completeness, its liberty, and its freeness. Mr. Dickenson gave a few weighty remarks upon the atonement of the Redeemer, followed by Mr. Foreman, upon the limits of Redemption, and most instructively respecting the blood and oil; blood upon the ear, hand, and foot; the ear to hear well, the hand to feel well, and the foot to walk well; the oil representing the Holy Spirit's work upon the believer's heart. Mr. Hazelton's concluding remarks were of experimental Redemption. The Doxology having been sung, Mr. Crowther pronounced the Benediction; and thus closed one of the most solemn and interesting meetings it has been our privilege to attend. Collections and attendance were good. We were happy to see the aged pastor, though he could take no part in the services.

CHATTERIS, CAMBS.-Mr. Silverton, preached in Zion, Chatteris, on Sunday, March 17th. The large chapel was nearly full in the morning, quite full

the afternoon, and in the evening the numers would have told near 1000 persons. Hundreds of happy faces welcomed their old friend and pastor. It was a holy, healthy, heavenly, high day. On the following Tuesday Mr. Silverton delivered a Lecture in the large Institute. The night was exceedingly unfavourable, yet the place was full before the chair was taken. The Lecturer spoke for an hour and a half, keeping up the attention to the very last word. The Lecture was said to be interesting, instructive, and amusing. Mr. E. J. Ekins presided. On the Thursday evening Mr. Silverton again preached in Zion. About 400 persons were present to hear the word. After the service many kind words were said. There was some hearty shaking of the hands and many a "God bless you." All were very kind. The five good deacons, Mr. Smith, Mr. Rodds, Mr. Wilderspin, Mr. James Smith, and Mr. John Green, agreed to pay Mr. Silverton one pound more than they usually give to London Ministers (and they never pay anyone badly). Mr. S. left the town, thankful to God and to the people of Chatteris for their kindness to him.

BERMONDSEY, NEW ROAD.—The Fifty-first anniversary of the Ebenezer Sick and Poor Society was holden on Easter Monday. Mr. Anderson (late of Deptford) preached in the afternoon from

the words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven," after which the friends took tea together. Among the company was one of the Fathers of the society, Mr. Pope, a Deacon of the late Mr. George Francis.

The meeting in the evening was well attended. Our Pastor, Mr. Thomas Chivers, occupied the chair. Brother Bradley opened the meeting by prayer. The Secretary read the Report, showing the sum distributed since the commencement of the Society amounted to £1,280 10s. 94d. During the past year, £22 5s. 6d. Mr. Wyard spoke on the "Good Samaritan;" Brother Meeres, "Good Shepherd;" Brother Blake, "Good Husbandman Brother Caunt, "Good Physician;" Josh. Chivers, "Good Tidings." Truly, it was good to be there, as most of the speakers seemed to have their Master's presence with them. Truly, "the Good Samaritan" was there, both among the speakers and hearers. Our pastor concluded by prayer. J. S. K.

WOOLWICH.-Albert Rooms. On Good Friday two Sermons were preached in the above Rooms, in the afternoon by Mr. Webster, of Stepney, and in the evening by Mr. Marks, of Cambridge. About two hundred sat down to tea. The people meeting here have been designated The Happy Family," and certainly the kind and social feeling they evinced on Friday appeared to justify the denomination. At the close of the evening service, Mr. Marks presented to the pastor, Mr. H. Hanks, a purse containing £27 10s., (to which other sums have since been added), as an expresssion of the high esteem in which the Church and congregation hold him-as a faithful minister of the Gospel of the blessed God, and as the affectionate pastor of that portion of the church of Christ.

Mr. Marks, in presenting the testimonial, expressed the gratification it afforded him in doing so, and spoke most kindly of Mr. Hanks, whom he has known and esteemed for many years. Mr. Hanks acknowledged in grateful and becoming terms the kindness of his friends; and after prayer and praise, ended another of the happy services held in the Albert Rooms.

ONE WHO WAS THERE.

BOROUGH.-TRINITY BAPTIST CHAPEL, TRINITY STREET. Sunday Evening, March 31st, the Pastor, E. J. Silverton, had the sacred pleasure to preach a sermon before baptising four followers of the Lord Jesus. The chapel was crowded. The sermon was full of fire and plain speaking. The text was taken from Isaiah lvi. 7. After preaching, the baptism took place. Three men and one woman were baptized. This reminded us of the days of old, when John and Jesus went down into the water. Mr. Silverton told the people that baby sprink

ling was not to be found in the Scripture ANYWHERE that there was not a word about it in all the word of God. God. is with us at Trinity blessing His own word. May He bless us often and bless us much.

HOMERTON.-Mr. Editor,-Permit me to correct your north-eastern correspondent in the statement made in the last month's VESSEL, attributing the low state of Homerton row to the pastor's illness. That is not the fact; and in justice to those friends who withdrew, as well as the good men who supplied the pastor's lack of service, such an assertion should be contradicted, and the truth told from credible information supplied. The low state of the cause is attributable to the un-Christian spirit and practice which prevailed manny months ago. The pastor's illness occurred some months after that time. Would it not be right for some brother who knows all the facts to give a full and faithful account? Doubtless it would have a good effect. -HOMERTON ROW.

MR. JOHN BLOOMFIELD AT BRADFORD.-The people at Westgate Chapel, Bradford, are giving their new pastor a hearty welcome. The commodious chapel has been closed for some four or five Sundays, but was re-opened on Sunday, April 7th, when three sermons were preached by Mr. Bloomfield. The spacious chapel has been beautifully renovated. During the time it has been closed, St. George's Hall, Bradford, has been engaged, where Mr. Bloomfield has been preaching to immense audiences twice each Sabbath. This hall is supposed to hold quite as many as Exeter Hall, or rather more; and if we mistake not, Mr. Spurgeon has preached there on more than one occasion.

NORWICH.-Mr. Isaac Dixon, the pastor of the Church at Felthorpe, near Norwich, finishes his labours there on the 19th of May, 1867, and will be open to serve any church requiring a faithful servant of Christ. Testimonials can be had of Mr. George Palmer, Corn and Coal Merchant, Lenwade, Norfolk.

[We may add, Mr. Dixon is a widower, quite free from the incumbrances and privileges of a family, and would be happy to devote himself to the spiritual interests of a spiritual people.]

NOTICE.-TO OUR BAPTIST BRETHREN RESIDING IN THE SUBURBAN DISTRICTS OF LONDON.-It has often been expressed by those who have been removed in providence away from church communion and the means of hearing the truth, "how desirable it would be to have the truth preached in our neighbourhood." Where

such a desire exists, please to communicate (enclosing stamped envelope for reply) with the pastor of the Baptist Church, Hornsey Rise. W. S. WATERER,

1, Shaftesbury Terrace, Hornsey Rise, N. P. S.-Baptists, awake! Other denominations are at work.

HORNSEY RISE.-EBENEZER CHAPEL, BIRKBECK ROAD.--On Thursday, April 11th, two believers were baptized by the Pastor; also one by Mr. Dann, of Finchley. "Thou art our mighty All; and we give our whole selves, O Lord, to Thee."

W. S. WATERER, Pastor.

WOBURN GREEN.--We thank our friend "W." Glad to know young brother Edgerton is useful. He is a member with Mr. Maycock. Mr. Crewse, the veteran in Sunday-school work, strongly recommends Mr. Edgerton to destitute churches.

THE LATE MR. EDWARD WARREN.— We have received the following note respecting the late esteemed friend, from his daughter :-Dear friend Banks,-In your Earthen Vessel for March you noticed the death of my dear father, the late Mr. Edward Warren, of Reading, informing your readers that he was buried near London; that was an error. My father died, or rather entered into his rest, on the 1st of January, 1867. I saw him about six weeks before he died: he was then sinking fast: he was very low and desponding: he said to me. "Oh that it were with me as in days past!" He wished his faith was as strong as a dear old lady we knew. I said: "Dear Father -you must be brought into her trials to have her faith. If the Lord has been precious in time past:

'If once the love of Christ we feel
Upon our hearts impressed,
The mack of that celestial seal
Can never be erased.'"

Again, I said, "What does God himself say? I am the same, I change not; and he never did say to the seeking seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain: and bless his dear name, he never will." But my beloved father's last words were-"On Rock-on Rock."-Yours very truly, ELIZABETH WARREN-6, Cottage Grove, Mile Endroad."

We regret that the memorial of the late Mr. Colliss, of Coggeshall, has not been forwarded to us. We assisted at his ordination, in those days when the Gospel shone more brightly in those parts than it has done lately. We always esteemed Mr. Colliss. He had his peculiarities; but he was a devout man; and of his last days we hope to receive some account.