in Sydney, and among my own people I have again put on the harness, and am now working with all my might. And blessed be the Lord, I must say, for he has just given me some souls and seals since my return, whom I shall baptize on Sunday next. This to me is a token for good and a sign that my work is not done in Sydney. We have just held a tea and public meeting in the chapel to welcome my return, I have sent you The Empire's report of the meeting which was a very encouraging one indeed.

By the next mail (if the Lord will) you may hear from me again.

Yours, in the Lord,

JOHN BUNYAN MCCURE.

The Sydney Empire of Wednesday, January 9, 1867, publishes the following report of the meeting:

Yesterday evening a tea and public meeting took place in the Baptist church, Castlereagh street. A large number partook of tea. Among the gentlemen who took part in the proceedings we noticed John Bunyan McCure, minister of the chapel, Messrs. Humphrey, Hibberd, Hicks, Drury, Mills, and Knibbs. It will be remembered that about seven or eight months ago, Mr. McCure went to various portions of our coast district to lecture, and to exhibit his popular dissolving views illustrative of the life of John Bunyan. Mr. McCure afterwards visited the beautiful island of Tasmania, and a portion of South Australia. The primary object of this tour appears to have been to obtain assistance to the building fund of the church in which he officiates. The meeting yesterday evening was more of a social gathering to welcome his return, after an absence of seven months; and the reception must have been very encouraging, for he was welcomed home by a large number of sincere friends. In the course of the evening he read extracts from the diary which he had kept of all his journeyings, and gave much pleasure by a narrative of scenes and occurrences, both novel and highly interesting. His observations on Tasmania, its people, its mountains and valleys, and its varied institutions, were attentively listened to, and much appreciated. His remarks on South Australia were no less gratifying, and showed that in travelling through the towns and villages of other countries his attention had been thoughtfully directed to the changing scenes above, below, and around him. Much profitable instruction could be gleaned from attending one of Mr. McCure's lectures.

SURROUNDED BY SPECIAL PROVIDENCES.

What are called special providences may be difficult to recognise, and dangerous to press on the mind as such; but in fact they are all around us, and universal. The ship goes its way with its freight and its passengers, and is overwhelmed in the storm. He who hastened to set sail in her, and was too late, is on all hands acknowledged to have been the subject of God's providential and special care. But are we to say that no such special providence kept watch over those who perished in her? God forbid !

Every one of them was just as much in the mind of our heavenly Father as he who was saved. His course was continued, theirs was brought to an end but the same loving-kindness was over both, and the same infinite wisdom shown in the lot apportioned to each.

The man in health and vigour praises God for the lengthened time of his service, and the continued power of active good; are we to suppose on this account that the poor invalid, whose life is confined to the walls of his chamber, is forgotten by God? No, indeed; he may praise Him just as much and as heartily for his hour of calm slumber, for his interval of rest from pain and sweet meditation. The aged servant of God looks back on a long career, glorifies Him for the mercies of years; but His mercies to the youth or the maiden cut down in the flower of life are just as great in their kind, just as worthy of praise.

and

Let each trace God about his own path there he may see in abundance the power of the Father, the love and sympathy of the Son, the inner pleading and witness of the Spirit.

The course of others, and some parts of his own, may be dark and perplexing to him; concerning these let him not be troubled. Enough is revealed, enough is quite clear, for continued thanks and praise, enough to prompt ever-growing trust and ever-increased resignation.

Let us live closer and closer to Him; ever feeling for His hand to guide, ever looking for His light on our path; and then we shall be safe

MY DEAR BROTHER,-I trust I can say the love of Christ constrains me to write a few lines to you by way of Christian remembrance, and as I love you in the Lord, and for truth's sake I shall testify as the Lord shall enable me of his goodness and mercy declare his faithfulness to me, a poor, needy, unworthy, sinner. I am still deep in the furnace of affliction. I have been, and am still very ill; suffering much pain; but, through mercy, I am still supported; and the Lord is faithful to his promise, "As thy days so shall thy strength be." He said unto me, "Thy grace is sufficient for thee: glory be to His name. Daily and hourly I have proved Him faithful. He is my refuge and strength; a very pleasant help in trouble. Many, my brother, are my trials, sorrows, and afflictions, but the time is near when the Lord will deliver me out of them all. He hath delivered, He doth deliver, and I trust He will yet deliver. "Other refuge have I none. Hangs my helpless soul on him.” Although I am so heavily afflicted. I can bless the Lord for putting me in the furnace; and for all His dealings with me; He daily visits my soul; gives me some sweet token of his love; lets fall a sweet handful of covenant purpose for me, that cheers my heart and makes my cup to run over with goodness and mercy. am often favoured with sweet nearness at the throne of grace; there I spend my happiest moments, in

I

communion with my God; and holy familiarity I sometimes enjoy. We talk together as friend with friend; His precious word is still precious to my soul, as the Holy Ghost opens it up in me, and applies it with life and power. I sometimes say, "Precious Bible; what a treasure! His word is my meat and my drink; the precious promises my support; and in the hour of trial and temptation I plead them at the throne of grace; put him in remembrance of his promise, and wrestle with him like Jacob of old; and will not let him go until he bless me ; he blesses me there.

Last Monday morning, I was in a low place; ill, and weary in my body, but secretly and silently waiting upon the Lord, looking and longing for a sweet word, when the Holy Ghost whispered this blessed promise with life and power, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." O Lord, sweet I found those words. I did eat them; thed ew lay all day upon my branch; and in the evening a circumstance much tried me when these gracious words dropped into my soul. "I have seen, 1 have seen the afflictions of my people that are in Egypt; I have heard their groanings," &c. For several hours in the night watches I was musing on these blessed words. I felt the Lord near to sympathise with me, and underneath were his everlasting arms, and I could sing and rejoice in the God of my salvation, who hath dealt bountifully with me. "This is my comfort in my affliction. Thy word hath quickened me. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word. Thou art my hiding place, and mys yshield. I hoped in thy word.' This, O Christian, is thy lot. Thou cleavest to the Lord by faith. He'll never leave thee; doubt not in pain, in sickness, nor in death.

My dear brother, my soul was much refreshed in reading the VESSEL this month. The very sweet testimony of the conversion and death of the hunch-back boy was much blessed to my soul; and the life and death of the dear little boy, also, was so precious I could not refrain from weeping.

Both pieces written by yourself, "Trials and triumphs of the Christian Faith;" also, "Grace and

Glory, What are They?" while I was reading, such power attended the word, I felt sweetness, savour, and unction. My soul did magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour. The Lord gave me a sweet spirit of prayer for you. I poured out my heart before him; I asked the Lord to bless you and keep you; make, and keep you faithful in his truth; bless you in your own soul, and make you a blessing to thousands. Look up, my brother, the crown is yours! Victory is sure! Lift up a precious Christ! Tell of his love and faithfulness! Tell of the glories of his person, his gracious work, love, blood, and righteousness! Lift him up lift him up on high! "Fear not, the Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour;" he knows your sorrows, your trials, and he will, in his own time, deliver you.

My dear brother, you remember in my letter to you last October, which you have not published, I gave you a short account of the Lord's delivering mercy of Mrs. John Adams of Folkestone, who was then staying at my house, she had been in great distress of soul for some months: she was on the borders of dispair; in a horror of great darkness, and fast sinking in consumption; but one evening, when I was telling her a little of the Lord's gracious dealings with my poor soul, how he had led me, kept me, and delivered, the Lord graciously blessed what he enabled me to say to her poor soul, peace and pardon flowed into her soul, sorrow and sadness fled away, her mourning was turned into joy. Christ was found in her heart the hope of glory, and her countenance was no more sad. She now went on her way rejoicing, and the glorious doctrines of sovereign grace were a strong consolation to her; while passing through the valley of the shadow of death. After a stay at my house about three weeks, she returned home, but gradually sunk until Wednesday morning, the 27th of February, 1867, when she fell asleep in Jesus without a sigh or a groan. The Lord helped me to write a letter to her after she returned, which he was pleased to bless to her soul; to him be all the glory; her peace was un

broken from the time Christ was revealed in her heart, until she fell sleep in Jesus. Jesus only was her sure refuge. Jesus only was her song; the finished work of Christ was very dear and precious to her. Monday, Feb. 25, she lost her sight, but that day she spoke much of the Lord's love and mercy. As her countenance beamed with glory, she wished her uncle to read the 103rd Psalm, and sing that sweet hymn,

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds,
In a believer's ear,"

in which she united with all her
heart and soul. Her sufferings were
great, indeed, but grace was given;
God was faithful to his promise.
Her sister said to her, "Emily,
the storm of death is coming on, will
the house fall?”

66

"Oh, no," she said, "it is built upon the Rock."

Again, speaking to her of her sufferings she said, "He has given you grace, dear."

"Yes," she said, " and more, victory is mine."

My dear wife said that on Tuesday the 26th she was asked if Jesus was still precious.

"O yes," she said, "more precious than ever; he is nearer and nearer to me."

She was looking to him, leaning upon him; and Wednesday morning, the 27th, she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

This testimony, my brother, has sweetly cheered my heart. I am willing to stay if the Lord has any more work for me to do; and long to go home when I have done his will. "Methinks I see her now at rest,

In the bright mansions love ordained; Her head reclines on Jesus' breast,

No more by sin or sorrow pained. Why should our eyes with sorrow flow, Our bosoms heave the painful sigh, When Jesus calls the saint must go, 'Twas her eternal gain to die. 'Twas through the strength of Israel's King,

She proved a conqueror when she fell; 'Tis to the praise of grace we sing,

Though of a dying saint we tell."

May the Lord bless you, my brother, be gracious unto you, is the prayer of your afflicted brother in Jesus,-SAMUEL FOSTER.

THE CHURCH AT NEWPORT PAGNELL, AND RECOGNITION OF MR. W. WARD.

RECOGNITION services held Tuesday' January 22nd, 1867. In the afternoon, Mr. Marks, of Cambridge, read 1 Timothy iii., followed by solemn prayer, so adapted to the occasion that it formed a complete wheel, having every spoke needed therein. We believe this turned in the right direction, being guided by the Holy Spirit, and left its track behind, we hope not soon to be erased. When this wheel had reached its destiny, brother Marks took another direction, stating the object of the meeting, specially to unite pastor and church together in Gospel order, giving some very wholesome counsel; the wheel turning at this crisis in various directions with apparent ease and great rapidity of expression, as though hung beneath the sweet oil of God's free-grace, travelling through regions both extensive and fertile, conveying as it passed along no small amount of the good old wine of the kingdom. Mr. F. Cross, the deacon, then gave information relative to rise and progress of the cause. This part of the service produced no small amount of interest; it was indeed plain, energetic, and consoling. He went back upon the footprints of the past, as far as the year 1660; referred to a Mr. Gibbs, who was the rector of Newport Pagnell, at which time he left the Church of England for conscience sake; he became a Dissenting minister, publishing the free-grace Gospel, combining therewith believers' baptism. Mr. Gibbs was evidently the instrument of sowing the good Gospel-seed, which afterwards sprang up in the hearts of six men, who, in the year 1716, purchased the place in which we now meet for worship. Mr. F. Cross then spoke of their being directed in special providence to Mr. Ward, their pastor, with great warmth and affection; of the unanimity of spirit which pervaded their church meetings in the choice of Mr. Ward as their pastor; and how marvellously the Lord had discovered to them that they had evidently moved in the right direction. This was unmistakably manifested in blessing their pastor's labours in the ingathering of eleven since July last; two others standing at the present time as candidates for baptism. The pastor was feeding the church with the pure Gospel of the grace of God, with such a freshness that he had not heard one single complaint made throughout the whole church. The church had passed through many difficulties; but those very desirable companions-love, peace, and unity, had turned in and took up their abode in the midst, for which we nitedly ascribe all to Christ our Head.

This was followed by Mr. Ward, by the affectionate request of Mr. Marks, his call by grace-his call to the ministry, together with his views of the truth. "My call by grace will unavoidably include a portion of that period which still remains a great grief to my soul, when thinking of my state of prodigality from and rebellion against the Lord. In this state I was the drinking man's companion, the cause of a parent's grief, a destroyer of the peace and comfort of a consistent and godly wife, wantonly bringing my children into poverty, and had not my parents regarded their necessities more than myself, the ution must ultimately have been the end. I pursued on in this course as with an iron heart, until I arrived at the very first rank of vice and disgrace; but in all this the Lord in his long suffering bore with me; moreover, in his * rich mercy and great love arrested me, and compelled me to cry God be merciful to me a sinner!" In a word (to study brevity), brother Ward very interestingly and satisfactorily stated the time when, the place where, and the manner how the Lord met him; also in his special providence led him forth out of the pit into the palace. 2. His call to the ministry, the mysterious leadings of Divine providence, the singular and extensive success which attended the labours of our brother; the relating of which brought tears very freely from the eyes of many present, some of whom were those with whom he had laboured, and in whose Christian affection he still retains a prominency. In Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, brother Ward has many living witnesses of his call to the ministry, of which we make a part, therefore can set to our seals that God is very blessedly with him ministerially. 3. His views of the truth, we having now heard him near twelve months, are unquestionably our views. Brother Ward said he believed that the whole Gospel scheme were prefaced in election, that the more carefully we read the preface of a book, the better we should understand the design of the author, and the contents of the book. That man, who most carefully and prayerfully reads the doctrine of election, will best understand the great design of God in the whole Gospel scheme of salvation, that every being and branch of the Gospel derives its nutriment from thence. Let us, then, not only eat and drink of Gospel provision, but look to its great source and be thankful-ever remembering the Provider when we partake of the provision. verse was sung; prayer was offered by brother Marks, that God's great and lasting blessing might rest upon both pastor and people; thus closed the afternoon service. In the evening, brother Marks preached from

A

Isa. xlvi. last clause of the 18 v., "Israel my glory." His leading ideas were these: First, The Church, under the name of Israel. Secondly, What the Church was for-my glory. We should like to have given the sermon in full; it were, indeed, a time of refreshing and listened to with the utmost attention. Brother Marks' services throughout were highly appreciated by all sections present on the occasion. In the behalf of the church, we remain yours, THOS. LAWMAN, Deacons. FREDK. CROSS, Newport Pagnell, Bucks.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.-A letter from Mr. Ward, Baptist minister. My dear brother Banks,-Grace, peace, and patience be multiplied to you and all our dear brethren in the ministry and the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. When I look back and think of times that are past, the many happy seasons I have spent with the Lord's ministers and the Lord's people, and think that 16,000 miles lie between us, and many circumstances tell me that in all probability I shall see them no more in the flesh, I must say it is a painful thought to me. But the Lord's will be done. I am truly glad to hear by the EARTHEN VESSEL, that my very dear brother and highly favoured man of God, Mr. J. Wells, and people, are going on so well. God Almighty bless them, and him. The deacons of the New Surrey Tabernacle have done a manly and a noble work. Go on; stand fast; ye blessed men of God. My good brother Stringer's remarks at Mr. Wells' meetings did my heart good. He is as I have often thought him to be, made of the right sort of materials; and as for you, my brother Banks, your labours of love are scattered all over the world, there are but few of our people who do not hear your voice in truth, and thousands, no doubt, are blessed thereby. Our brother Collins, of Plymouth, I am glad to see the good account respecting him. He works well, preaches well, and wears well. My brothers, J. A. Jones, T. Jones, T. Chivers, and that thoroughly good little Leach, how delighted I should be to see you all. The Lord bless and keep you all close to himself; stand fast, dear brethren, and fall not out by the way. Dear brother Banks, I was much surprised to see on the wrapper of your November VESSEL, of 1866, a statement made by you in respect to Australia, it is as follows:-You say, "No good news from Australia. Quite the reverse. G. Dyer has just returned from Australia with high testimonials, &c., &c." This statement is calculated to deceive and misguide the churches of Christ in England, as the churches in Australia have been deceived by Mr. Dyer. Permit me to tell you a few facts in respect to Mr. G. Dyer, and then those churches that want supplies can do as they please with him and his high testimonials. When Mr. Dyer visited this country the last time, he was received

Mr.

as a Christian and a man of God, by myself and others. I invited him to preach to our friends more than once. In a short time, he was also invited to preach at a small village called Preston, and soon after that, he was invited to Ballarat, to preach to the people there, and a very happy united church it seemed to me to be, (I supplied their pulpit several times); ultimately, Mr. G. Dyer became their pastor, as a minister holding the views of the Particular Baptist churches. After being there some little time and fairly made himself head and chief of that once happy little flock, he began publicly to preach the doctrine of annihilation of the wicked, which he afterwards told me he was led to see by Mr. Penrose's instrumentality at Unicorn yard chapel. The surprise and astonishment of our church and congregation can be better imagined than described. Then comes this question: how an honest, straightforward man, could hold these principles and not set them forth, if, as he said, they are so glorious, that is the complete destruction and annihilation of the wicked; then why did not Mr. Dyer preach those doctrines at my chapel, and Preston, and when he first went to Ballarat ? But no, he first told me of his friends, who hold the same views, that he (Mr. D.) held the same views for years, but did not intend to say anything about them while he was in the Colony. So much for the honesty and faithfulness of Mr. D., who is ready and willing to supply any destitute church in England. How is it Mr. Dyer did not send to you, dear Mr. Editor, his low testimonials as well as his high ones, and tell out plainly how he has scattered, and pulled down, and driven away many of God's dear children from a comfortable and happy home? Many of the congregation fled with horror from the place, and turned their backs upon such a God-dishonouring and truth-dethroning error. Why did he not tell you, that in consequence of his new light-as it was called by some-but its real name is old darkness, for it is as old and as black as Satan himself, he was not invited to preach to any particular Baptist church in Collingwood or Melbourne, although he was spending his Lord's-days hereabouts, where a straightforward Gospel mininster could have found plenty to do? I told Mr. Dyer, when he returned from Ballarat, that as he held those doctrines, I could no longer feel towards him as I had done,-no longer consider him as a servant and minister of Christ. My soul is truly grieved. This has been like a dark cloud casting its gloom upon our churches. I will only add, by way of conclusion, that the names of some, if not all, to the high testimonials, are those that are carried away by this doctrine above named; and that we Australian ministers and churches are doing nothing as your views from Mr. Dyer states. It simply means, we are doing nothing in his line of things. We hate with all our souls the doctrines of annihila