generally, and advised further efforts being put forth by the teachers, with the view of doing their part in combating the spread of those contagious errors which now abound to so great a degree in the metropolis, as well as throughout the country. He also spoke of the base literature of the present day, and alluded to the excellent periodicals now issued; which, he thought, should be placed in the hands of all children, for the purpose of counteracting the specious literature which at present abounds. After some remarks concerning the beneficial effects of Ragged-schools, the speaker said he was sorry that Salem was at present without a pastor; but advised the teachers as well as members to remain united and firmly banded together. A gentleman in the body of the meeting (who wished to present himself as "an old Sunday-school teacher ") here solicited and obtained the permission of the Chairman to address the meeting for a few minutes respecting Sabbath-school work. MR. SMITH then rose for the purpose of passing a comment or two on the Report. He stated that it had not, in any manner, been overdrawn; but was, in fact, if anything, somewhat too modest. He spoke, also, in commendatory terms of the classes for young men and young women. MR. FREEMAN, the Superintendent of the School, made a few observations concerning the diminution in the number of scholars, which he showed was not so great as might be supposed from the wording of the Report. The books of Salem school were always strictly kept, and balanced every month; whereas, in some schools a considerable degree of laxity was shown in this matter. Still, when compared with the populous district in which the School was located, he would freely admit that the numbers were somewhat limited; although they were, on the other hand, not so discouraging when placed in comparison with some other schools in the metropolis, many of which possessed in The CHAIRMAN then said he had great pleasure in calling upon his esteemed friend, MR. JOSEPH SMITH; who spoke of the long friendship which had existed between this church and Mr. Alderson, as being one cause of the teachers having invited him to preside on this occasion; but another and still more important reason was, that the Chairman had always been a warm advocate of Sabbath-school work; and remarked eulogistically of the venerable Mr. Woollacott that he might be considered, as it were, one of the pioneers of the Sab-finitely greater advantages than the Salem bath-school cause. He then spoke of the dire errors (Romanism, Ritualism, and Rationalism) which prevailed to so great a degree in the neighbourhood of the chapel; and said that the only power which could effectually prevail against those errors was the Word of God. The religion of the Lord Jesus Christ was a religion of fixed principles; but that fact was not to prevent our putting forth every effort to combat error in all its varied forms. He then spoke in the most sympathetic and encouraging manner to the teachers, nearly all of whom, he was glad to state, had tasted that the Lord is gracious, and had made an open profession of their faith by joining the baptized church of Christ at Salem. The speaker remarked, in conclusion, that the way to get good was to do good; and that it was impossible to im-bution. part benefit to others without in return obtaining the smile of God. MR. HODDY, being then called upon, offered some judicious remarks. He stated that the Sabbath-school had the prayers of the members of the church, that the Holy Spirit's influence might rest on the work. Among other observations concerning the object of the present meeting, he stated that, as a deacon, he had had the pleasure of being one of those who took an active part in establishing the Sabbathschool of Salem. school-one cause being the impossibility of at present meeting with a schoolhouse in closer proximity to the chapel. He perfectly coincided with the previous speakers, respecting the spread of those pernicious "isms" which now so fatally abound in the neighbourhood; and said that one counteracting effort had been put forth in the locality by the establishing of a School for Foreign Children, the management of which had been undertaken by the Salem school. In conclusion, he moved a cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman for his kindness in presiding. MR. CURSONS (Superintendent of the School for Foreign Children) seconded the vote of thanks. He also stated that the collecting cards for the Sabbath-school Building Fund were now ready for distri The motion having been put and carried unanimously, MR. ALDERSON thanked the meeting; and said he felt deeply grateful for the manner in which he had been received. He gave utterance to the sympathy he entertained respecting the sentiments put forth by the previous speakers, and hoped the views which had been enunciated would be turned to practical account. The scholars then sang, "Our loving Redeemer;" after which the Chairman closed with the benediction. ORDINATION SERVICES AT SALEM | Mr. Cattell, had engaged to come to Ram CHAPEL, RAMSEY. ON Wednesday, the 17th May, public recognition services were held as above in connection with the settlement of Mr. J. Cattell to the pastorate, rendered vacant by the decease of Mr. David Irish. The services were opened by Mr. J. Bloomfield, of Bradford; who delivered, in the afternoon, a very able and impressive discourse from Acts v. 20: "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." The chapel was filled by a large and attentive congregation; and at 5 o'clock there was a public tea, which was well attended. A public meeting was held in the evening, at which Mr. H. T. Grigg, of Dorman's Land, Surrey, presided. After an appropriate hymn had been given out by Mr. Baker, B.A., of Ramsey, a suitable portion of Scripture read by Mr. Williams, of Peterborough, and a fervent prayer offered by Mr. Willis, of Somersham, The CHAIRMAN said he occupied that position in accordance with the wishes of the brethren around him. Many years had passed since God, in his providence, had brought him and their new minister together; whose religion was not simply a profession, his life being in harmony with the gospel. He (the chairman) felt an interest in the people who manifested such an interest in his friend, and congratulated him on coming to Ramsey, and the church on having a man of such Christian consistency. Mr. WILLIAM BEHAGG, the elder deacon, then gave an account of the formation of the church in 1857; its growth under the pastoral care of their late minister, Mr. David Irish, and the unanimous call of Mr. Cattell to the vacant pastorate. Mr. CATTELL, at the request of the Chairman, related his experience, and explained his doctrinal sentiments which, he said, accorded with the views of their church and the articles of their faith. He also feelingly adverted to the marked kindness of the people, which had operated in some measure as a sort of stumbling-block, insomuch that he had feared that his decision to come to Ramsey might be influenced by selfish motives. Mr. J. BLOOMFIELD, in addressing the pastor, said he was happy to be with them on that occasion, though he thought with some emotion of their late pastor, who had laboured so lovingly, earnestly, and successfully amongst them. He was glad when he heard that his esteemed friend, sey; nor was he surprised that he should speak of their kindness; but, he regretted to say, that it was a stumbling block that few ministers had to complain of. He was very pleased with the union that had taken place, and believed they would never have reason to regret it. There was sometimes difficulty in finding the right sort of man. The work of the minister was the most important and solemn. Eternity only could disclose the solemn results of a faithful, earnest, and scriptural ministry. It was essential that a minister should have a personal and saving acquaintance with the religion of Christ. He was glad to see the other Baptist minister of the town on the platform, and trusted that the brotherly feeling would continue, and increase. The difference in the religious world for the most part was in opinion, and not in real love and power within. He trusted that they might be long spared, and frequently meet, and seek to spread the name and fame of Him who ought to be higher than all mere creeds. It was important for a minister to have a clear conception of the difference between law and gospel. The cross of Christ was the theme of the primitive preachers, who determined to know nothing amongst men but Christ and him crucified. It was also essential that a minister should be endowed with the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit; and he would urge upon him to study deeply the oracles of God; and trusted that he would seek by earnest prayer the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel was the great instrument of awakening sinners. healthy, spiritual, and truthful minister would always seek to promote union amongst believers in Christ; for the church is one glorious brotherhood, the religion of Christ levelling all differences. The speaker closed his address, of which the above is a very imperfect outline, by heartily commending the new pastor to his church and congregation. Mr. D. ASHBY, of Whittlesea, followed in a suitable address to the church; and was succeeded by Mr. E. WHITING, of Needingworth, who gave some very excellent counsel to the congregation. Mr. T. BAKER, of Ramsey, congratulated the people assembling in Salem Chapel, on their choice of a pastor; and had great pleasure in welcoming Mr. Cattell, with whom it had been his happiness to work for some months past, as a brother minister. A The meeting in the evening was well attended. BRISCOE, Printer, Banner-street, Bunhill-row, Finsbury. THE VOICE OF TRUTH; 44 OR, Baptist Record. SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE." IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY; IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY; IN ALL THINGS, CHARITY. JULY, 1867. Expositions and Essays. A COMPREHENSIVE PROMISE; Being the FAREWELL SERMON of Mr. Anderson, delivered at Zion Chapel, New Cross Road, Deptford, May 26th, 1867. "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."-Phil. iv. 19. We know something of the past,—and who that knows the Lord can look back without seeing abundant cause for thankfulness? To use the language of Scripture, we can say his mercies have been "new every morning ;" and, like Joshua, the Christian can say, let his path have been ever so painful, "Not one thing hath failed of all the good things the Lord hath promised." We must confess that "goodness and mercy have followed us all our days ;" and, with one of old, we can lift up our Ebenezer and exclaim, "Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." Oh for more grateful hearts! Shame upon us for our forgetfulness of divine mercies, and thanklessness for the constant care and guidance of our God! His mercies have been so common and multitudinous, that we have been unmindful of them till they have passed away; and in the losing of them we have learned their value. I said, we know something of the past; but the future-that word "future"-takes our thoughts to the other side of things; for we may say we know nothing of the future. To-morrow never comes; and yet, strange to say, we are ever looking for to-morrow. We stand in absolute uncertainty, not knowing what a day may bring forth. This is a great mercy; for if we saw our distant mercies, we should want them nearer, and that would be a source of sorrow and discomfort, and we might be horrified to see some of the trials and crosses awaiting us in the distance. But is the Christian living from day to day in absolute uncertainty? No; it is the privilege of every regenerated man to appropriate to himself the promise in our text, and if we can do so, why need we fear? My hearer, canst thou use these words? Canst thou lay claim to the love of the great Creator and Sustainer of the universe? Canst thou in truth say of him, "He is my God?" Then what hast thou to fear? The Apostle lays this claim as if God were all his. This is a mystery and a truth, that, while I can claim the Deity for myself, every Christian can do the same; for God VOL. VI.-NO. LXVII., NEW SERIES. N is a whole God in Christ Jesus to every one that believeth. Hence the Apostle, though very poor in this world's goods, could say he was very rich. Paul had alluded to the kindness of the Philippians in sending him help, while a prisoner at Rome; and he shows them how sensible he was of their kindness to him, and of the sacrifices they had made for his sake. How seldom we hear of people making sacrifices for the truth's sake in these days! And what return does the Apostle make these Philippians? What consolations does he offer them? In the words of our text he promises, " My God shall supply all your need," etc. We invite your attention to two things:-First, The divine benevolence; and Second, The channel through which that benevolence is exercised. I. THE DIVINE BENEVOLENCE mentioned in our text. "The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works;" yet there is a special benevolence exercised by him. Paul is writing to the members of the Philippian church; and it is the duty and privilege of the believer to be identified with the church of God on earth. Though a believer may neglect to avail himself of this privilege, or be prevented by circumstances from so doing, yet he is not to be treated as an unbeliever; for there may be those whose names are enrolled in church books here, and yet have never been written in the Lamb's book of life. How, then, am I to tell if I am an object of this special benevolence ?-if I am interested in God's eternal love? Only by the evidence of my regeneration. Am I born again? Am I seeking mercy from a penitent sense of iny need? Then I may lay on him the hand of appropriating faith and say, "My God." I wish specially to direct your attention to this, the extent of the Lord's goodness; because we are prone to look at second causes. We are ever prone to lose sight of the Master, while looking at the servant. There is nothing you can lose but God can make it up. He will supply all your need. What more do you want? What better guarantee would you have? Where is there any ground for complaint? Take this Scripture in the light of a promissory note (and you may do so). You may not have anything in your hand but the paper, but you present that at the bank. The sig nature is acknowledged, the coffers are full, the demand is met; and, though it lasts you only for to-day, the promise is still in hand. You may use it to-morrow; for it stands good through all time. You may use it also with regard to temporal things. Some of you can hardly tell how you have lived during the past six or twelve months. All you can say is, as you look back, “God has supplied my need." All things are at his command, and all agencies beneath his control; and he will supply your every necessity. Our text does not say he will supply all your desire, or all you think you want. But, like the Psalmist, it says, "The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Hence, if the rod be good for us, he will not withhold it; if adversity be good for us, he will bring us into it. We often make great mistakes about our special needs. We are naturally selfish. We love ease, and are fond of sunshine rather than the storm and gloom. Yet the Lord knoweth best what is good for us. Job said he thought he should die in his nest, and he feathered it well. I do not blame him for it, for who would lie among thorns, when he could repose on down? But God put some sharp thorns into Job's nest, and he felt them keenly; but in all his references to the stirring up of his nest, he charged not God foolishly, though tempted to do so by one of whom he might have expected better things. Job thought to die in his nest; but it was not good for him, so God stirred it up; and I doubt not that afterwards he could have said with David, "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word." We should bear in mind that there are a great many things we need which are very painful. God does not enter into details; but, when anything is removed we do not wish to lose, we may be sure that there is a necessity for it. Peter writes, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations ;"-not one temptation or trial; not even a two-fold one; but many folded: fold upon fold, temptation upon temptation; yet in all this we are to rejoice, because of the necessity for them. 16 II. THE CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH THIS DIVINE BENEVOLENCE IS EXERCISED. "By Christ Jesus." We understand the Apostle here to allude to the mediatorial position which Christ holds. He is to his people what Joseph was to his brethren and others in the land of Egypt. He had been brought out of the prison, exalted to a position next to the throne, and to him were given the keys of the storehouse of Egypt. Jesus is the great medium through whom all our supplies, spiritual and temporal, are given. When his disciples begged of him to send the multitude away, when tired and hungry, and the day was far spent, Jesus said, "They need not depart." The Christian need not leave his Lord and Master for a morsel of bread. It is by him and through him we obtain access unto God. "I am the way, the truth, and the life," said he; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.' And again: "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." It is for Jesus Christ's sake his gifts are bestowed upon his people. Do you need mercy? God will give it; but it is for Jesus Christ's sake. Do you feel your need of anything? You must come in his name, that he may have the honour and glory of all we receive from the divine bounty. He has ascended up on high; he has led captivity captive, and received gifts for men. It is not only by Christ Jesus, and for his sake; but all prayer and worship rendered to God are received through him, and through him alone. He is our great High Priest; wherefore it is said he now stands in the presence of God for us. He hears the groans, and counts the tears of his afflicted people. He knows their necessities exactly; "for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Abstract Deity, pure Divinity, can have no communion with fallen humanity; hence the necessity of a mediator-one who is acquainted with both parties. Jesus is such. In him the Godhead shines upon man, and to his Father God he stands as the representative of his brethren. There is no other way to God than through the God-man Christ Jesus. If you do not come to God by him, you can never come at all: you will know him not in time, and will be shut out from his presence through all eternity. Are you seeking him, earnestly desiring pardon, and grace, and acceptance? Hear his gracious words: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' 66 In conclusion.—These riches are inexhaustible; they will last through all time ; the need of every believer will be supplied; and through all eternity the glorified host of the redeemed will draw all their supplies through the same channel. Amen. "WHAT MEANETH THIS?" (Continued from page 128.) A FEW weeks only had passed before our friends took another stroll. It had been a sultry day, not a breeze seemed to be moving, and they chose for their walk the cliffs on the sea-side, knowing that if a breath of air were to be enjoyed anywhere, it was there. They had not walked far before, almost overpowered by the heat, they sat them' down on a rock commanding an extensive view of both sea and land. As they sat down, John repeated the well-known hymn of Toplady's: "Rock of ages cleft for me," &c. and added, "That hymn always suits me, and I think it will suit me in my dying moments. William." It is a nice hymn, but these lines suit me better "On the rock of ages founded What shall shake my sure repose? I may smile at all my foes." This renewed the conversation so abruptly broken off in our last paper. This conversation was lengthy; many things were hastily and angrily said, as is too |