MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,

Not only are the ways of God wonderfully diversified, but all his ways are right. Our uneasiness under his dispensations is no evidence that they are not both wise and good. Yet, if wise and good, we are bound to submit to them, and to request his merciful aid that we may be able to walk with God, and hold fellowship with him by faith and ardent prayer. I know you greatly desire to wait on the Lord in his public courts, and to join the congregation of those who exalt the name of the Lord together. But when your natural infirmities forbid your so doing, your duty is to bow to the circumstances in which divine providence has kindly placed you. "Your food is to be daily the passover Lamb, but you are also to eat it with bitter herbs." (Ex. xii. 8.)

The pervading eye of God is upon you night and day; he knows your every sigh, and reads your heart distinctly. He is able to keep your graces all alive, and to render his footstool a resting-place to your soul. Read a few verses of his word at times, and pray over them, and the Holy Spirit will enlighten and cheer your mind. Look out such promises as may be suited to your case, and carry them to their Maker, for the grace contained in them. "Cast thy burdens on the Lord, and he will sustain thee," said David, "he will never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm lv. 22).

"Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh is there anything too hard for me?" (Jer. xxxii. 27.) "Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do everything." (Job xlii. 1, 2.) You, my sister, do not doubt this; you know there is nothing too hard for the great God on whom you call, and who has mercifully called you to trust in him. He is able to save to the uttermost; you can require no more. The infirmities of the flesh are affecting; but they, though sharp, must be short at the longest. And as to the spirit, you have, I expect, committed that to the hand of an Almighty Redeemer and Saviour, and heaven cannot make that more safe. (Ps. xxxi. 5; Acts vii. 59; 2 Tim. i. 12; Ps. lxxxiv. 12; Ps. cxxxviii. 7; 1 Tim. ii. 15.)

In the contexts last referred to, Paul

says, "The woman being deceived was in the transgression: notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety." This passage seems rather difficult, but appears intended to encourage pious females in a time of natural sorrow. The salvation here signified is a spiritual one, to which it is intimated childbearing can present no obstruction. The apostle having mentioned the first transgression of Eve, and, alluding to the sentence passed in Gen. iii. 16, he seems to bring in these remarkable words in Timothy, with a"Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing," &c., as if to comfort godly women in the trying hour of childbearing, by the knowledge of spiritual things; while still they bring forth children in sorrow, as was said in Gen. iii. 16. Thus things spiritual sanctify our troubles and help us to bear our natural pains and sorrows. We may further explain the apostle's words thus: "She shall be saved by childbirth ;" or, "Notwithstanding, there is salvation through the birth of a son. Christ is that son of the woman who was born to save his people from their sins.

Faith in Christ; love to him and his doctrines and disciples; holiness from him through the Spirit and by faith in his word and work; with sobriety, gravity, temperance, humility, and prudence, have the promise of salvation, notwithstanding the many sorrows which may intervene. Be of good cheer; time is passing, is carrying you out of your present difficulty; you are in good hands and have reason to hope to the end. I know your name is Jane, but I recommend you to be Mary for a while; adopting her language, as far as may be, as in Luke i. 46-55, 38. Send to the high courts of mercy frequently; aim to transfer your every care to him who has called you to hope in his mercy. I trust you are as well as may be reasonably expected in your circumstances. Remember me kindly to Mr. Simpkin, and to our tried sister Sarah, on whom the Lord has great mercy. God be with you always, and give you help in every time of need.

From your affectionate pastor,
JOHN STEVENS.

Nov. 24, 1841.

"PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," under whatever circumstances the solemn event may occur. To mitigate our pathway to the grave, he has mercifully drawn the veil which hides futurity. Yet too frequently the Christian, in foolish anticipation of the dying struggle,

"Feels a thousand deaths in fearing one;" and when the final hour arrives, finds that death is the gate to endless life. Sometimes, ere he is aware, the ties which bind him to earth are suddenly loosened and in a moment he exchanges earthly sorrow for heavenly joy, leaving his light afflictions, which are but for a moment, to realize that eternal weight of glory which is in reserve. Such was the end of the dear departed.

Mr. Briscoe was born in London, on September 22nd, 1790. His father was an eminently godly man, and endeavoured to train up his son in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. But although subject to restraint, he manifested no indication of a change of heart until about the age of eighteen years; for when the wholesome discipline to which he was subject was felt to be irksome, he consoled himself with the hope of engaging in sinful pleasure when he should be of age. But through the grace of God his sinful resolutions were never carried into effect; for before he reached the period of life he had so eagerly anticipated, he was made " a new creature in Christ Jesus," and his desires ran in an opposite direction. It appears that he was first led to serious thought while an apprentice, and engaged in setting up the type for a prayer, the words of which were to the following effect:-"0 Lord, I am not worthy to lift up my sinful eyes to thee."

He was baptized by the late Mr. Powell, in Mitchell-street Chapel (now taken down), and united himself with the church assembling there, in which communion he continued for about seventeen years. Mr. Powell was remarkable for his earnest maintenance of the distinctive truths of the gospel, and for his deep spirituality; and under his ministry the Christian character of Mr. Briscoe was formed. In 1827, however, he and some others separated from the church in Mitchell-street,

to form a new connection. After meeting in various places, they at length built the chapel in Regent-street, City-road, having the late Mr. William Jay as their pastor. This new association being soon dissolved by Mr. Jay's removal from the church, Mr. B. eventually found a spiritual home at Jireh (then in Central-street) under the pastorate of the late Mr. Jones. Here he continued in happy fellowship for about seven years, and formed many Christian connections which continued during his life; but in 1846, circumstances compelled him again to remove his membership, and he united himself to the church meeting at Bethesda Chapel, Lever-street, which was then under the pastoral care of Mr. Newborn, in union with which he continued during the remainder of his lifea period of about twenty-two years. In connection with the three latter churches, he was called to sustain the office of deacon, which he discharged with faithfulness and zeal.

Mr. Briscoe's christian course was marked by a quiet unostentatious manner, and by steady perseverance in the work of the Lord. Free from undue fexcitement, he was faithful to his trust in every charge, and while many failed, he remained at the post of duty. His name will be long remembered in connection with various religious societies and a large circle of friends, by whom his memory will be held dear.

The object of the present sketch, however, is not to extol human virtue, but to exhibit the grace of God; and this was magnified in the experience of the departed saint. Though in early life he passed through many temporal trials, yet after a succession of struggles he was enabled to bring up his family in comfort, all of whom it has been his happiness to see united to the church of Christ.

Though spared to a good old age, his departure was sudden at last. For years some indications of heart-disease had been observable, and, as his age increased, fears as to its ultimate issue were entertained; yet he continued to enjoy an average share of health, and persevered in active duty until the day of his departure, the 11th of August. On the morning of that day he accompanied a number of old friends to

Richmond for a day's recreation; and no signs of illness were apparent until the evening. On returning to the railway station, however, he complained of feeling unwell; but by the assistance of a vehicle which was driving past at the time, he reached the station in safety, and descended the steps, leaning on the arms of two of his friends. Arriving on the platform, however, he was unable to walk, and was carried to a seat. Medical aid was immediately obtained, but was unavailing to restore him. He became unconscious, and in a few minutes he peacefully, and without a struggle, fell asleep in Jesus, in the arms of his friends.

The family has lost a kind and devoted parent-the church an honoured and useful deacon-and society an upright and sincere member. But our loss is his gain. Yet he is not really lost to us, but gone before us; and the example he has left may well stimulate his friends who still are spared-to "be followers of those who, through faith and patience, now inherit the promises."

We need not the testimony of a dyingbed to satisfy survivors of his safety; and

Ir is worthy of remark that native Baptist Churches in India are generally found acting on the principle of Strict Communion. And yet this need be no matter of surprise, since they are formed of converts from heathenism in whom the renunciation of idolatry and profession of faith in Christ has been marked by the outward act of baptism, and have little or no contact with unbaptized Christians. The question as to the admission of the unbaptized to church-fellowship has never arisen amongst them, except where introduced by the Baptist Missionaries themselves; since when properly taught on the subject of baptism, they have very naturally concluded that it forms an indispensable and scriptural pre-requisite to all the privileges and immunities of a Church of Christ.

The labours of Baptist Missionaries among the heathen are of great importance, as the ordinance stamps the converts as obedient disciples, and thus every true convert is a gain to the cause of spiritual

religion. But, unfortunately, many Baptist Missionaries, by failing to give to baptism its proper place as an indispensable pre-requisite to church-fellowship, have deprived themselves of the advantage which their position as Baptists should have given them. When it is a matter of notoriety that many Podobaptist converts are still secret idol worshippers, and under the profession of Christianity make a gain of their new religion, and indulge still in many of the habits and practices of their heathen neighbours, it is doubly important that Baptist Missionaries should be found faithful to that spiritual and holy obedience to Christ, of which baptism is at once the outward sign and the binding pledge. Instead of this, it is too often found that their intercourse with Podobaptist Missionaries, with whom they cultivate intimate relations and to whom they give way on all occasions,-has led to a laxity in their testimony as to the distinctive doctrines and ordinances of the gospel, and that, instead of setting an example of sim

plicity and self-denial in life and character, they have imitated them in their expensive and, to say the least, unlaborious mode of living. Of course there are exceptions on both sides; some, both among Podobaptists and Open Communion Baptist Missionaries, are faithful, devoted, self-denying men, whom God has greatly blessed in their labours; but we fear that Baptist Missionaries in India, in the present day, have, as a body, greatly failed to realize their position and its duties, both among the heathen and in relation to Podobaptists around them. We wish it could be said that they have in no case repressed the efforts of native churches to carry out the will of Christ in the matter of communion and churchfellowship, or frowned upon the distribution of publications bearing upon the subject.

Strict Baptists in India have laboured under great disadvantages from these and other causes. Nevertheless they have in many cases stood firm against influential opponents, even when under open communion masters. Scattered here and there throughout India, they stand as living witnesses to apostolic doctrine and fellowship in the midst of the heathenism and nominal Christianity around them; and they are increasing. Native Baptists, where ever placed, look out for opportunities to form churches according to NewTestament order; which is all the order they know or recognize. In many cases their pastors are men whom God has not only evidently called to the work of the ministry, but who are endowed with gifts and abilities fully equal to their Strict Baptist brethren in the ministry in England. We give a few instances where this is the case :

At Madras there is a Strict Baptist church, composed partly of natives and partly of Europeans, under the care of Mr. H. F. Doll, in which primitive zeal and love abound, and inquirers after God are gathering around them continually. The same may be said of the church at St. Thomas Mount, nine miles from Madras. There is also a Strict Baptist church at Perrambore, composed principally of soldiers in the 41st Native Regiment stationed there, of which the respected Doss Anthraoady is pastor. One of the members of this church, having proceeded up the country, has organized a small native church in the place of his residence. A few brethren also having gone to reside at Conubatore, 300 miles from Madras, have formed themselves into

a church under very encouraging circumstances.

Thus it will be seen that such churches tend to self multiplication; and it is to the quiet growth of such centres of gospel light, rather than to the direct labours of European Missionaries, that we look for the spread of the gospel in India. We do not overlook or undervalue the influence of the Mission Station Schools for the

young. They are a most important agency for future good in undermining the prejudices of natives to the Christian religion-by exposing the falsity of idolatry and implanting the principles of morality and virtue. But God has always honoured the simple preaching of the gospel as his appointed means of bringing sinners to himself, and it is to this that we must look for the advancement of spiritual religion in heathen lands.

In Ceylon a process of another sort has led to the formation of a Strict Baptist Church, which bids fair to be an important agency for good in Colombo, the capital. There has long been a large native Strict Baptist Church at Grand Pass, one of the suburbs of that city, under the pastoral care of the respected Mr. James Silva, which the Baptist Missionary Society has declared to be one of the largest and most flourishing native Baptist Churches in India. Last year an English Strict Baptist Church was formed by secession from the Baptist Church at Colombo, which is under the pastoral care of Mr. Pigott, the Baptist Missionary. This church, though small, numbers a compact, earnest, zealous band of believers, and is increasing from time to time by the baptism both of European and native converts. They are, however, labouring under the great disadvantage of being without an Englishspeaking pastor. We have before us a most earnest appeal to the Strict Baptist Churches of England for help in this matter. They are desirous of doing all they can towards the expense of sending out and maintaining an English brother who would be willing to go out to them and represent very forcibly the importance of having Strict Baptists well represented in the capital town of Ceylon, where alone they have a footing in the island.

The "Strict Baptist Mission," as many of our readers know, supports a member of this church (Mr. Andriesz) as a missionary to the native Portuguese and Singalese inhabitants in and around Colombo; but neither its means, nor its professed object as a mission to the

Joy of sad hearts, and light of downcast eyes;
Dearest, thou art enshrined

In all thy fragrance in our memories;
For we must ever find
Bare thought of thee

Freshen this weary life, while weary life shall be. NEWMAN.

LYRICS FOR THE HEART, BY W. POOLE BALFERN.

THE SICK PREACHER'S PLAINT. "I am like a broken vessel."-Ps. xxxi. 12. BRUISED, useless, cast aside,

No help no hope I see,

To thee, O Lord, I raise my eyes,
To thee, O Lord, to thee!

I know that I am worthless, vain,
A thing of naught without a name,
A lamp half quenched, a flickering flame,
But thou, my God, art still the same.
Why should'st thou crush a trembling thing,
A leaf blown to and fro,

A wounded moth with broken wing,
An insect drowned in woe?

O Lord, I pray thee, now return,
Nor let thine anger ever burn;
O let me still thy favour prove,
And taste again thy changeless love!
Wilt thou pursue a timid deer,
A lamb exposed and shorn,
A little child all full of fear,

Whose strength is well-nigh gone?
I know thy saints no mercy lack,
But I'm a brand all charred and black;
Like bruised reed and smoking flax,
None more than I thy mercy tax.
Dost thou indeed despise me, Lord?
Ah, this full well I know,
And it doth pierce me like a sword,

I well might taste this woe;
For none like me thy love hath grieved,
E'en since I knew thee and believed,
None to thy grace so faithless proved,
O holy Lord, yet best beloved!

I know thou dost not need me, Lord,
Need me! So poor and weak!
Still through thy Spirit and thy word,
Thou bid'st e'en me to seek;
To seek thee, serve thee and rejoice,
To spread thy fame, to raise my voice;
And wilt thou not help me again
To show the virtues of thy name?