CAVE ADULLAM, OLD ROAD, STEPNEY.-The Lord hath visited us to gather His lilies. Two old disciples were interred in the same grave, the one eighty-five, one of the oldest attendants at the Cave, the other a member of the Independents, expressed a wish to be baptised, but in both cases they went home without passing through the ordinance.

Next, a valued brother in the Lord, Mr. Manning. Also, Mr. Grigg, a liberal supporter of the cause whose place was never vacant. His end was peace.

"Lastly, the beloved and universally esteemed wife of our beloved pastor, at the age of seventy-eight, by the same destructive disease. Her end was peace. To her dear and sorrowing husband, she said, 'John, I am on the Rock.' They were united in Bucks about thirty-three years

wall, and from there to Stonehouse, in Devon, where they resided for fourteen years, and were favoured with many friends and much usefulFrom thence they removed

ness.

to Trowbridge, Wilts, and the happiest eight years of their connexion with the church was there; but their rest was troubled, and it was expedient to remove as her husband would never separate a people or quarrel with them, and by the voice of the Church at the Cave Adullam their lot was cast there.

Her funeral, on the 21st of January, was numerously attended by sorrowing friends, brother Stringer giving a most impressive address in the cemetery chapel, and her bereaved husband committed the body of his lamented wife to the grave in sure and certain hope.

On the following Lord's-day, the funeral sermon was preached from Romans v. 1, 2, by her deeply afflicted

PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF THE REV. JOHN BLOOMFIELD AT

BRADFORD.

[We received from Bradford the following report, which we give verbatim.-ED.]

A PUBLIC meeting was held on Tuesday evening, in Westgate chapel, for the public recognition of the Rev. John Bloomfield as the pastor of the church and congregation worshipping there. The occasion was one of great excitement and interest. Prior to the meeting, no fewer than a thousand persons connected with the congregation and other denominations partook of tea in the school-room attached to the chapel, and, with repeated sittings-down, during an interval of more than two hours, created a scene of pleasant bustle and excitement in the surrounding neighbourhood. The old school-room wore an unusually attractive appearance. The floral and other decorations on every side were unique. Beautiful pictures and choice engravings covered the walls, presenting for the nonce a perfect repertory of art-treasures. Statuary broke the straight lines of the windowsills. Suitable inscriptions and mottoes, on rich grounds, were scattered over the walls. The public meeting was held in the chapel

at seven o'clock. The spacious edifice was crowded in every part. Councillor Whitehead took the chair, and amongst the gentlemen on the platform were the Rev. John Bloomfield, the Rev. H. Dowson, the Rev. S. G. Green, the Rev. J. P. Chown, the Rev. J. Makepeace, the Rev. A. G. Russell, M.B. & C.M., the Rev. B. Wood, the Rev. R. Green (Shipley), the Rev. G. Brockway (Heaton); Messrs. David Abercrombe, John Smith, Henry Illingworth, and Wm. Stead, Councillor Douglas, Messrs. S. Watson, Walmsley, Fletcher, J. Robinson, R. Watson, T. Stead, T. P. Muff, &c. The meeting was opened with prayer and praise. The chairman addressed the meeting at some length, incidentally referring to the interesting history of the church, which has had only three pastors-Crabtree, Steadman, and Ďowson in the long period of 113 years, and narrating the circumstances under which the Rev. H. Dowson had recently retired from the pastorate, and those under which they had found his successor. He said that it was a matter of congratulation to all the members of the church and congregation that their choice of a pastor had been made so happily and so peacefully. They were assembled to give a cordial welcome to Mr. Bloomfield. He was glad to give him a

hearty welcome to a united and peaceful people. All, both deacons and people, heartily joined in giving to their dear pastor a sincere and hearty welcome. The Rev. H. Dowson, on behalf of the church, of which he was still a member, next, in their name, gave a cordial welcome to Mr. Bloomfield, pointing out the mutual duties and responsibilities of both pastor and people. The Rev. S. G. Green dwelt upon the same solemn and interesting relationships, offering much wholesome counsel and advice, especially to the people. The Rev. J. P. Chown followed, in a fraternal address. The Rev. John Bloomfield next addressed the congregation, under deep emotion, expressing his great sense of the solemn responsibility placed upon him, narrating some interesting incidents associated with his acceptance of the invitation to the pastorate, declaring his conviction that the hand of Providence had directed him in this as the way he ought to go, then uttering words of affection and sympathy towards all other denominations, and next expressing his own deep faith in the power of the Gospel to elevate the mind and to sanctify the affections, and his own earnest desire to see the church of which he was the pastor a constant and devoted witness for Christ, and to see it devoting its energies in a missionary spirit to evangelise, to elevate, and to bless all around them. The Rev. J. Makepeace and the Rev. A. G. Russell both addressed the meeting in speeches expressive of fraternal sympathy and affection. Thanks were presented by Mr. Bloomfield to the ladies who had presided at the tea tables, to the decorators of the school-room and to the chairman; and the interesting meeting was brought to a close.

BETHNAL GREEN.- SQUIRRIES STREET CHAPEL.-One of the most pleasing and really enjoyable meetings of a denominational character, which we have attended for some time past, was held in the above named chapel, on Monday evening, February the 11th, to do honour to the zealous minister who labours there, on his completing the sixty-first year of his earthly pilgrimage. After an excellent tea, a meeting was held for praise and prayer, and the delivery of a few congratulatory addresses. C. W. Banks to shew respect to whom the meeting had been convened, occupied the chair, and that faithful and venerable brother, Mr. Packer,- one of C. W. B's warmest friends commenced the interesting service of the evening by giving out a hymn. An appropriate chapter was then read by the chairman, and earnest prayer was offered by the brethren Longley and Hall. The first address was delivered by T. J. Messer, who, though only very recently returned from an exhausting four months' tour in Scotland, embraced the opportunity of evincing his respect for his old friend the pastor, by being present, at some inconvenience to himself, on the interesting

occasion. He commenced his address by referring to that striking episode in the life of the intellectual and God-honoured prophet Samuel, who, when Jehovah had by his strong arm delivered his beloved people from the hands of the ruthless Philistines, took a stone and set it up between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."-1 Sam. vii. 12. After noticing this peculiar act as being-1. A memento of gratitude; 2. A pledge of future obedience; and 3. An indication that none could deliver like Israel's Jehovah from the hands of the enemies, he referred to the deliverances wrought out for his friend the chairman, and then to his travels and labour, introducing by the way of illustration, an account of certain singular incidents which had occurred to himself whilst wandering through different parts of the kingdom, for the purpose of counteracting in some measure the dark doings of the Alcoholic foe to humanity. Mr. Packer then made a few pleasing remarks; after which, the chairman took a brief review of his past career, noticed how often the Father in heaven had proved "better to him than his boding fears;" how desirous he was still to labour gratefully, earnestly, and lovingly, to promote his glory and the welfare of redeemed sinners; and then announced, to the evident satisfaction of all present, that the ground was secured, on which he hoped to see a new house built for God. After Mr. Banks had closed his address, Mr. Hall made a few appropriate, loving remarks. T. J. Messer followed, by relating a stirring anecdote, and then the meeting was closed by the singing of that cheering hymn "Crown Him Lord of all." All the friends appeared greatly to enjoy the services, and though the meeting lasted over four hours, no signs of weariness were apparent. May the indefatigable pastor of this church be spared to enjoy the return of many similar gatherings of his friends, and when he has seen his last birthday on earth, may the writer of this brief notice meet with him in the world of purity, freedom, sunlight, and song, to join with the myriads gathered from amongst all people's kindreds and tongues, in swelling that jubilant anthem, the sweetness and power of which will increase for ever. Amen.

PHILO VERITAS.

NEW BROMPTON.-BAPTIST CHAPEL, opposite Rouse's timber - yard, Lower Brittain street, New Brompton.-A few friends have been enabled, by the hand of God, to establish and open a place for the Gospel in this dark place. On last Wednesday evening we had a Mr. Dyer, from Ballarat, who told out some good things touching David's God, Lord, and King, from the second book of Samuel; and as we do not often have a preacher we had a nice little company, and we found it a privilege to be there.-Yours most respectfully, PHILIP FLIGHT.

A GOOD EXAMPLE.

TRINITY CHAPEL, BOROUGH. BAPTIST MINISTERS in general, and those of the Strict order in particular, are seldom persons of large proportions. They are certainly the successors of the "lean kine," in a certain sense, although they are not in the general interpretation. They do not hold the doctrine of fasting; yet, against their will, they sometimes have to practise it; they may well chant

"I feel no care of coin;

Well-doing is my wealth;
My mind to me an empire is,

While grace affordeth health."

An existence is all that many of them can have; and the churches keep many of them so, out of a most religious and wholesome wish-a wish that they may be humble. And so they are, especially if their boots are looked at; many of them would like to know how to convert a new sole to their shoes. Still, one fancies, with all this forced humility, it must be hard to preach and study when the body has only been indulged with homoeopathic doses of provision. The flock, generally speaking, do not require to be kept in the humiliating posture; their case is different; so thinks the parson.

Yet, things are looking up. Baptist ministers now begin to think they ought to eat and drink, and have wherewithal to be clothed; and some of them have had the good taste to tell their people, that they can't live upon a paltry £100 a-year; they must have more money or they won't preach. Many feel this but have not the manliness to speak out. All honour to those who do.

Here is a case in point, with this noble exception-that the parson did not have to ask for an increase of salary, but the people gave it voluntarily; sweet word, yet not always understood.

The first anniversary of the recognition of Mr. E. J. Silverton, as pastor of the church meeting in Trinity chapel, Trinity street, Southwark, was held on Tuesday, February 12th, 1867. After the tea the public meeting commenced, Mr. Silverton presiding. Prayer having been offered by Mr. Benford,

The Chairman said he was very glad to see so many present. One year had passed away since his recognition as their pastor. For two or three Sundays past he had invited them to take tea with him on this anniversary; they had kindly responded, and he hoped, if spared, they would meet him on many such occasions.

Mr. F. J. Hudson, the senior deacon, then made some very appropriate remarks, concluding with reading the report, which we give in extenso :—

DEAR BRETHREN AND CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,

In bringing before you a mere outline of our history as a church of Christ, we begin where we consider God in his providence

began with us. In November, 1823, seven believers, worshipping at Rose court, Dockhead, were formed into a church; six by baptism, and one by dismissal from the cause at Church street, Blackfriars, under the pastoral care of that truly devoted servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Upton. On the 1st of June in the next year, our number having increased to twenty-three, Mr. Benjamin Lewis was chosen as the first pastor, and ordained at Unicorn yard, Tooley street, Mr. Hutchins being at that time the minister there. The following brethren were among those who took part in the service, all of whom have long since finished their labours and entered into rest: Mr.Chin, of Walworth, the pastor's pastor; Francis, of Snowsfields; Lewis, of Chatham; Upton, of Blackfriars; and Hutchins, of Tooley street. Prosperity now attended this infant cause, and the family so increased that the house at Dockhead was too small for the household, hence the use of the chapel in Dean street for Lord's-day evening services was sought and obtained; the church at Dean street being then without a pastor, on the 1st of July, 1825, the two_were 66 no longer twain," but one body. In a report read here a year ago at the recognition of our present pastor, it was stated that this church stood in some way related to the cause formerly associated with the learned Dr. Gill. A little digression becomes necessary here to explain this. After the death of that eminent veteran for the Truth, Dr. Gill, of Carter lane, Tooley street, Mr. Rippon (afterwards Dr. Rippon) was chosen to the pastorate; that choice, however, was far from unanimous; about twenty members withdrew, having with them a Mr. Button for their minister. The church remaining at Carter lane considering the separation to be entirely from conscientious motives, showed the utmost friendliness to those who left, and voted the sum of £100 to aid them in establishing a separate interest, with the promise of a further sum of £200 to be paid at the laying of the foundationstone of a new chapel, when a suitable site should be obtained for the purpose, and they recognised as a sister church. To these friends Mr. Button continued for some time to preach the Word in his own house, in Crooked lane, (now made straight), till a plot of ground was taken in Dean street, upon which the chapel was erected;-and thus is made out our connexion with the church at Dean street, which originally came out of that at Carter lane, under the ministry of Dr. Gill; and to this day we retain in membership a representative of each of these two uniting causes, viz., one female member of the church at Dockhead, and one of the church at Dean street, before that union took place. But to return;-about ten years after going to Dean street, our chapel was taken by the London and Greenwich Railway Company; in consequence of which this house was built, and opened for public worship on the 8th of December, 1835. Some alterations were found necessary, and

for a time it was closed, and re-opened the following June, when we had a debt of about £650; which was swept away entirely among ourselves in about a year. After many had been added to us, and many had left to join the Church triumphant, in 1853, having faithfully served the church for twenty-nine years, our first pastor resigned. Since that period very important changes have transpired; for nearly five years we enjoyed the sunshine of spring, and gathered our summer fruits; then the wind began to blow from the north, and our course for some years, though onward it is true, was in a downward direction; the leaves began to fall, the plants to droop their heads, and at last winter's cold chill came; the adverse clouds thickened around us, and oft did the prayer ascend from some of our hearts, "Wilt thou not revive us again, O God, that thy people may rejoice in Thee?" And surely He who hath set the day of prosperity over against the day of adversity, attended to our cry; and we meet our dear friends to-day with gladdened hearts and cheerful countenances, to unite in giving praise to Him "who hath" again "remembered us in our low estate; and whose mercy" is never clean gone, but "endureth for ever." In July, 1865, our attention was directed to our beloved brother, now our pastor, Mr. Edward James Silverton, from whom also we have gathered that his thoughts (we believe by a gracious providence) had been directed to us. At our first interview, before even engaging him as a supply, in the presence of several of our brethren, some close questions were put concerning his views of truth and church communion; and finding that in all the momentous points of faith and order we were of one mind, he was invited, and came and preached the word among us with much acceptance, and many plain indications of the Divine blessing on his labours; and in the month of November following, by the unanimous invitation of the church, he entered fully into the pastoral office; since which time our hearts have been often cheered with the welcome sound, "We will go with you, for we believe that God is with you." And still the work goes on; our Sunday school is considerably increased; our general attendance is good. On Lord's-day evenings the chapel is nearly filled; our services in the week very encouraging; and continual applications for sittings, intimate that the word is heard with savour and profit; and we may add, as a family, we are living in affection and peace, and cannot doubt but that "the God of love and peace is with us" to bless us. The following statistics of our progress, we trust, may safely lead to this conclusion: Financially, we are healthy, if not wealthy, having no debt to burden us. When our pastor came we were fully £50 in arrear; the whole of that has been cancelled, so that we may now say, "We owe no man anything, but to love one another." Still, to be enabled to maintain this honourable po

sition we need a little occasional help, having but recently made a moderate but necessary advance in the pastor's salary. For this, with all our mercies, we desire gratefully to acknowledge we are indebted to our covenant God, who has given us the following increase :-Received, by baptism, 21; by letter and visitation, 45; total received, 66. Dismissed, 5; withdrawn from, 4; deceased, 5; total, 14; nett increase, 52 during the present pastorate, being about eighteen months. "Not unto us, O Lord! not unto us! but unto thy name be all the glory." Brethren! pray for us, as we also for you; that the work of the Lord may extend and prosper, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, to the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man; even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Amen.

Mr. Silverton said that his brother Hudson had referred in a very modest way to the increase of his salary-"Recently we have made a necessary advance in our pastor's salary." The fact is (said Mr. S.), when I came here the cause was low; yet

told them I would manage with £100 for a time. Now, in a little while, the "necessary advance" which has been made is £50. (Cheers.) And I shall be happy, if by next year, Í shall be in the position to say it has been enhanced from £150 to £300. (Hear, hear.)

Addresses were then delivered by Mr. George Wyard, on "God in the Garden of Eden;" Mr. Baugh, "Noah in the Ark;" Mr. Myerson, "The Three Hebrews in the Fire;" Mr. J. Blake, "Jonah in the Ship;" Mr. T. Wall, "Our Blessed Lord in the Manger."

Messrs. Sankey, Flory, and Garrett were present, and assisted in the evening's proceedings.

BIRMINGHAM.-We conclude Mr. Abraham Howard's letter from last month:

5. This letter saith, " And from remarks made by Mr. Howard, such as this, as your minister.' How a man could assume to so important an office, without even being a member of the church, or in any way consulting the deacons or the church, I am at a loss to understand."

I do wish Mr. Drew would speak truthfully. The fair inference from the above by a stranger would be, Mr. Howard was some distant, scarcely known preacher or supply to the Birmingham church, instead of one with whom, so to speak, the whole church, the deacons" families, as I may say, not exempted, were on the most cordial footing with him. But in the Book of the Law it is written, "To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not," Lam. iii. 36. Mr. Drew at least seems to have forgotten a church meeting, convened only a short time prior to his having handed to me the book of rules. In that meeting I was present by his own request, and in reply to his question on ordination then put to me, I thanked the deacons and the church for their expression of attachment to me and my poor ministrations, and said, "As long as the Holy Spirit is to join in my ministrations, and His blessing on my labours and ministry, and my health moderately well-which at best is frail -I hoped to abide with you; and I considered

that the most important bond." I did not much believe in the validity and power of external ordination.

I have not yet, sir, as both Messrs. Williamson and Drew's letters suggest, named myself as pastor of their church. I cannot remember ever, with any authority, calling myself the minister. I will not positively deny having done so, amongst a people whom God was pleased to gather by my instrumentality. If so, it has been in discourse, in rapid speaking, from the simple flowing warmth of my heart. Indeed, until I read this letter I had no conscious conception of this transgression. Nor can I conceive how any person in church or congregation, rich or poor, ever thought I assumed by words or deeds in my office, save Mr. T. Drew, and the veriest faction possible. Nay, indeed, the church was - - though actually formed by Mr. Williamson-formed by my side, four of whom I had had the pleasure of baptizing, being in part brought to know themselves and the Lord under my preaching. The church grew up, under my care as God's servant. Most of the people loved me truly, deeply, in their hearts. I cannot now question it, only of part; and the family grew and increased continuously. Now, who hindered this; who marred it; who brought it to ruin? It is a surprise to all. Not my poor defamed isolated self; "God himself is my witness," 1 Thess. ii. 10. Nor the people as a whole; no, sir, I dare to say of my poor self, and the people as a whole, and this offending word-minister. Would it raise my dejected mind, and restore the happy past, the people would hail me minister an hundred times.

6th. This letter saith, "So matters went on, and our church did not improve under the lengthened supply of Mr. Howard."

I desire, sir, not to be rude; but Mr. Drew has again forgotten we were favoured to baptize and add to the church on both of the two last quarters of the year I was with them. Besides, it was beyond dispute, under the favour of the Lord's abiding, several-five others-were thinking on baptism as being the path of obedience for them, and would have been baptised in the following quarter, in all probability, had my ministry been continued. I can shew the proof of this if need be; and it is also as true that, because of my removal, those persons are as without a home, and waiting baptism now. It has also been remarked that several of our best congregations were our last ones.

7th. This letter saith, "As we were to have special services to raise funds to clear the chapel from debt, upon the last Lord's-day in Dec., 1865, and a public meeting on Monday, January 1st, we put upon our bills that that the chair would be taken by Mr. Howard, who had for some time supplied.""

Now, sir, we cannot dispute this statement; it is Mr. Drew's own; and he did so, not the church; but I, himself, and some of the elder part of the church, went into the vestry and asked wherefore he had done so. Mr. Drew replied, "He had with purpose." Now, I submit to the feelings and judgment of every servant of God, to whom these letters may come: Is it not proved there was cause aforehand for me to plod on in patience enduring, knowing-say believing-covert evils, as I said before, were gathering against me? Furthermore, how, when I had taken this cause by much pressing entreaty, when it was almost no cause, laden with pecuniary difficulty, came and abode with them, for ore pound per month less than they had given me, and once promised to give me, I did it willingly; and through my humble but ardent ministry, and endeavours in my office, God was pleased to prosper and increase from my first going, until we were no longer a few people in a hidden back meeting room, but a

people, an increasing church, in a goodly chape., not in a back street, but in the ancient open Ronan road to London; now anticipating the final meeting for the clearance of chapel debt, and my deacon answers me on the placards of the occasion, as the "Some time Supply." The debt was (£200) at this meeting finally cleared. It had not been expressed to me as the desire for me to take the chair-I saw it on the bills announced, as I also did of the two ministers, younger than myself, who would preach on the Lord's-day of special services; and so I knew. I will here say there was no part of a minister's work I had not been engaged in since coming into this town, from a marriage to a funeral. Did I, I ask, receive a righteous reward? For still Mr. Drew says, through your magazine, he is at a loss to understand how I could assume to the sacred office of a minister, so he advertised me as the some time supply."

I now saw and felt clearly we were approaching the apex. It was afore hard standing, and the tears rolled down my cheeks as a river. There was, however, a subsequent step or two, and my spirit quailed, my soul shook; it would bear no more, and to this hour I have not recovered.

8th. Says the letter, "On the next Lord'sday Mr. Howard handed to me a letter, containing his resignation as a minister in six Lord's-days."

On the next Lord's-day. Indeed, Mr. Editor, Mr. Drew should keep a diary, or some reference. The bills were published December 17th. and I gave Mr. Drew the above letter January 6th; three weeks elapsing, and almost a week after the public meeting. I was not so hasty.

9th. " Assigning as reasons, that his labours in the present place did not appear acceptable; and that he was humbled from a minister to a supply."

If, sir, Mr. Drew would be pleased to look at my note once more he will find I gave four valid distinct reasons. This continued perversion of all right is, sir, more than serious, seeing these things belong unto God more than unto men. And of assigning my being humbled, &c., it is indeed not true; I merely made reference to it in the postcript of my letter, not as a reason in anywise.

10th. The whole tone and framing of this letter is to make appear, 1st, the ineffectiveness of my ministry; and 2nd, that the deacon having happened to name me as supply, caused me to leap into something like passion, resign the pulpit, and leave the people. God, however, who judgeth righteously, knows it was not so. This word on the placard, indeed, was not the cause of resigning, it only hastened it; for, in deep seriousness, I informed a member of the church, and of Mr. Drew's family, of my intention some several days before the bills appeared. However, I say not but it was the convincing mark; the ground beneath my feet was gone from me.

11th. This letter also says, " From some unexplained cause, known only to God, Mr. Howard has not got on so well in the present place," &c.

The cause is known unto God; it is known also unto me, and is explainable. There indeed is a cause, but not with Mr. Howard, though we search from Beersheba to Dan. Though cast down and disquieted, yet I trust staying in the patience of a godly hope,--I am, sir, yours faithfully, A. HOWARD.

GRAVESEND.-The church of Christ meeting for the worship of the Triune Jehovah, in Zoar chapel, has been called to pass through a season of bereavement.