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eight years of age he was stouter in his limbs and body than most ordinary men; and so much curiosity did he excite, that he was carried about the country for a show, and by those means he accumulated a decent sum of money, by which he was able to live comfortably. This, to the poor man, was a great blessing, as his unwieldly size prevented him from doing much; besides, his health was always feeble. Who would have thought that God intended, by this man, to raise a house for his worship? Well might the poet exclaim :

"God moves in mysterious way,

His wonders to perform."

About the time our cottage was opened for preaching, this man was brought to seek the Lord, and constantly worshipped with us: indeed he principally led our singing. But his religious career was soon run: he was called to his rest. But in view of his end he made his will, and bequeathed fifty pounds towards the erection of a chapel. This was the first practical effort for that object, and was the means of calling forth the action of others. A gentleman offered a piece of ground for a site, other donations followed, and hence sprung up the chapel on Waldringfield Heath, where the Gospel has been preached for above half a century. A church consisting of from sixty to seventy members, have worshipped; and, of this Church, the pious mother and eldest sister of the writer belonged before they were called away to join that other part of the redeemed family who have crossed the flood."

In this chapel an excellent Sunday School has for many years been held, which our gracious God has at various times deigned to bless by the outpouring of his Spirit. To the anniversaries of this school the writer has often gone since his residence in London. The last visit he paid to Waldringfield was on the Whit-Tuesday of 1867. Then our hearts were cheered by hearing that several of the Sunday scholars had that year been called by grace, and added to the church.

But, fearing I shall trespass upon your space, I conclude with Christian love to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

PHILIP DICKERSON.

MY DEAR OLD PEW.

OUR chapel has been altered internally and externally, improved, beautified, reseated. The old-fashioned pews have been removed and seats of a more modern form of construction put in their place. Everybody says the alterations are really improvements; still as regards myself there is such a long string of hallowed remembrances connected with that pew where I sat so many years, that at times a sigh of regret arises at the thought of its removal. Our chapel was opened in the year 1827, my pew recollections go back as far as 1835, and I shall give them as follows:In that year a poor motherless girl was present on a baptizing occasion, a lady who occupied a seat in a small pew near the baptistry, permitted her to sit by her side for the purpose of a better view of the administration of the solemn ordinance. A memorable night it was for the young spectator, for when the candidates appeared, almighty power arrested her heart, impressing her thus: "These are washed in the blood of God's dear Son and will be gathered into His kingdom, while your guilty soul is ruined and shelterless." Tears more than words manifested the feeling induced by these solemn thoughts. In a few days after this a voyage by sea had to be undertaken by this awakened mourner, and after a few hours travelling a heavy storm arose and raged until the vessel was seriously damaged. None but those who in like manner have been ready to perish, can conceive of the solemnities of that hour, but mercifully all the passengers were saved. And when the good Mrs. W., the lady above referred to, heard of the escape of her young friend from the wreck, she exclaimed, "Ah, she could not be drowned, for she is to

live and taste of the mercy of the Lord," and her words were graciously verified. Her memory is dear, for we loved her and the hallowed spot in which she sat to worship her God and listen to the gospel of His grace during her last days on earth.

After her removal to glory another dear disciple occupied the seat who was a true daughter of Jerusalem; righteousness was seen in her walk and peacefulness characterized her spirit. She died also in a good old age. A little later on we were joined in our seat by a Christian brother with whom we had long taken sweet counsel in the things of God. He was a real Mr. Fearing, the reality of whose religion no one doubted but himself. Still pursuing, hoping, waiting, much afflicted, yet often tasting that the Lord was gracious, even to him. At the last interview we had with him before he slept in Jesus, with upraised hands he spoke sweetly of the great mercy of the Lord.

For many years another poor man waited before God in that pew, and there he learned the plan of salvation and heard much of the sweet name of the Lord. And when by great affliction he was brought near to death, his heart melted like wax under the influence of sovereign mercy. He prayed earnestly, and we believe that the gracious Father of every contrite spirit heard his groaning and answered his crying; for with his broken, dying voice, he sung aloud, "Crown Him Lord of all; wonders of grace to God belong!"

The next one who sat with us was one who in the days of his youth had been blessed under the sound of the gospel at Surrey Chapel. As he advanced in life he learned to value the doctrines of distinguishing grace, and was a hearer and admirer of the class of preachers who give prominence in their ministrations to those doctrines, for over 60 years. He was favoured to hear Dr. Hawker on his visits to London, and for some years sat under the rich ministry of Samuel Eyles Pierce, in Shoe-lane, where he was baptized. Many years he attended

the week-night lecture of Mr. Irons, at Jewin Crescent, and often spoke of the precious seasons he enjoyed under the word as dispensed by those eminent men of God. For a while he was a a member with the late John Andrew Jones, but removing westward he cast in his lot with us under the ministry of our late beloved pastor, which he greatly valued, about 30 years ago. The valuable instruction he had received had greatly ennobled his mind, the untold glories of his precious Christ were the delight of his sanctified soul and the theme of his conversation. As a saint he was clothed with humility, his death was a blessed one, and with his dying breath he implored the divine blessing upon us. The place he had occupied in our pew was afterwards frequently occupied by one who had been his companion and friend, more or less, almost from their starting in life. This friend highly appreciated our pastor's ministry and much enjoyed occasional visits to our Zion; his regular place of worship was at the east end of the town and his residence in the city. About two days before his death we paid him a visit, when he said, with many tears,

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My path here has been through much tribulation, but I am satisfied it has been the right way to the kingdom of God according to his unerring word. I enjoy a solid peace, Jesus has put my sins away." He was baptized by good old Mr. Lucombe, of the Cityroad, and had followed the Lord about 43 years, not having been called by grace until about the middle of life. And then once more, after sad bereavements, the gap was filled up among us by the presence of one who was born in a foreign land, but had long been made by divine grace, a fellow-citizen with the saints and of the household of God. Seven short years passed away and the dearlyloved foster father, the affectionate indulgent husband, the kindly-spirited neighbour, and sincere Christian, fell asleep. Of the under-shepherd who fed them we may say:

"His lips are closed in silence, hence no more, The Gospel sound to bless the contrite poor."

But the mantle of Elijah has fallen on a much-loved Elisha; the well-filled sanctuary is greatly beautified, but

still I do sometimes drop a tear at remembrances connected with my dear old pew. C. E. D.

En emoriam.

MR. M. MURPHY.

MR. MURPHY, the highly- esteemed and valued secretary of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society, was doubtless well known to many of the readers of the Gospel Herald. By his zeal and ability in the discharge of his duties, the society, during his tenure of office, made great progress; the expenditure in pensions in 1863, when his secretaryship commenced, being £2,711, and now it has advanced to an annual sum of more than £5,800. His high Christian character and unfailing geniality had also endeared him to a large circle of friends.

He was born in the year 1812, in the neighbourhood of Holborn, and dated his earliest religious impressions from Sabbath-school instruction, a department of Christian work of which he was ever afterwards a warm supporter.

His "spiritual birth-place"-to use his own words, was Fetter-lane Chapel, then under the pastoral care of Mr. George Burder, the well-known author of the "" Village Sermons." He was succeeded in the pastorate by Mr. Caleb Morris, a minister of great intellectual power, but of very weak health. Mr. Murphy derived great spiritual blessing from the ministrations of Mr. Morris, and during this time began to speak in public at one or two village mission stations. One of his earliest friends, and the one who first led him to speak, was an Independent minister, named Whitehead, who afterwards became a Strict Baptist, and settled at Hertford. Our friend's labours at this time were very heavy, for he had to apply himself steadily to business, and the hours were very long. His love to his Master, however, having been kindled

from above, could not be "choked by the cares of this world," and he was actively employed in Christian service during the whole of his spare time. He preached much in workhouses, being a member of a society which had been formed for that special purpose; and, in addition, had become the superintendent of the Sundayschool in which he was once a scholar.

He was now a partner in the business with which he had been so long connected (that of a wholesale confectioner on Holborn-hill), and he removed to Finchley, becoming an active member of the Independent church there. The cottage services which he instituted were made a great spiritual blessing; and our dear friend often had the gratification in after years of hearing that "such an one had been born there." These labours, we must remember, were carried on by one who, during the greater part of each week, was occupied in travelling long distances from his home; but his greatest joy was in his Master's service. In 1851 he joined the committee of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society, our friend, Mr. Bland, cordially recommending him for the position. Circumstances necessitated his withdrawal from his business, and in 1862, on the death of Mr. Box, he was appointed secretary of the society. He then removed to Canonbury, and joined the Independent Church worshipping at Harecourt Chapel. He was soon after chosen a deacon and evangelist, one of the mission stations being committed to his charge. This work was very dear to him, and when afflictions came upon him it was his most costly sacrifice to his heavenly Father's will. He was greatly beloved by the poor people amongst whom he laboured, and was often found by the

bed-side of the sick and dying. One trait in the character of our dear friend should be mentioned, and that was his invincible objection to Sunday travelling. He invariably walked from his residence at Stoke Newingion to his mission in Clerkenwell; refraining from riding, not from Jewish scruples, but from Christian principles. During his early days he experienced very deep family trials; but by God's grace he came forth from the furnace, with love for his Heavenly Father deepened, and full of sympathy with the sorrows of others. In June last he was laid aside from all work through that illness which terminated in his death. He bore intense suffering most patiently, in full consciousness that it was his Father's hand. In September his beloved wife was taken to the better land; and though he felt the loss keenly, he expressed a belief that he should not be long after her. In the early part of March it was evident that his life was approaching its end. He told his pastor that he had no desire to live any longer. But the summons did not come till the 29th. During his last days he responded to his favourite hymns and scriptures when they were quoted to him, but his weakness prevented him from speaking more. He was interred in Abney Park Cemetery, on April 3rd, a large number of friends, including a deputation from the committee of the society, being present to pay their last tribute of respect. A friend who knew him well writes, "I always regarded him as a kind and zealous Christian gentleman. His loss will be widely felt. His painful affliction is over now; and who can tell but that it may serve to enhance the perfect peace and healing rest of the "land of pure delights." Another

writes, "I can speak in the highest terms of Mr. Murphy as a Christian, and should be glad if more like him composed our Nonconformist churches -they would be more Christly in their features, I am persuaded."

He will be deeply missed by those who were near and dear to him, and

by the Society which he loved so well. His work on earth is, however, ended; and to him, we doubt not, as a sinner saved by grace, has been given the welcome, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

J. E. H.

MRS. HARRIET SQUIRRELL. DEPARTED this life, 30th March, 1880, Mrs. Harriet Squirrell, of 47, Margaret - street, Cavendish-square. Born at Bildeston, Suffolk, September 29th, 1804.

From the reminiscences of her early days, which she loved to recall, we gather that she had a happy childhood, and was especially fond of the aged and infirm, to whom it was ever her delight to minister in many little acts of kindness; indeed, this disposition was manifest all through her life; and, although having the cares of business and a family, she was always ready to visit and help those in sickness and distress, never consulting her own ease and comfort. She was a devoted and loving sister and mother, and, as a friend, many since her death have said to the writer, “I have lost my best and truest friend."

She

From her quiet village home in Suffolk she came to London, and entered a large drapery establishment in the city, where, by her integrity, industry and perseverance she attained a good position; some bitter trials came in her way, but she passed honourably through them all. has often remarked the loving Providence that watched over her, by a Christian friend being raised up to counsel and advise. Though sometimes tempted to join the pleasure party on the Sabbath, it was not her taste. The house of her employer was the resort of good and honoured ministers, belonging to the Independent denomination, and her favourite recreation was to go and hear all the great preachers, and, always being an early riser, frequently went at 7 o'clock

on the Lord's-day morning, an hour which was then usual.

After her marriage she lived at Stowmarket, where, with my father, she attended Mr. Isaac Lingley's ministry, whom she always respected. Afterwards removing to London, they went to Mr. Stevens' Meard's-court. Her husband decided to leave Salem in 1851, when, about that time, Mr. John Bloomfield was invited to the pastorate, and preaching from Romans 8 i., "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus," she found peace and joy, and determined to join the church. She was a practical rather than a talking Christian; her place was seldom empty. She joined the church, 1852, and remained at Salem till 1867, when she became a member at Blandford-street, where her son-in-law, Mr. Towell, was then pastor. At the dissolution of that

church, she was re-admitted to Salem, where she remained till it was given up, when, with several others, she joined Soho Chapel, Oxford-street, under the pastorate of Mr. Box.

She had been ailing for some time, when, on the morning of Good Friday last, she was suddenly attacked with paralysis, losing speech and consciousness, and, in that state, she remained till the following Tuesday morning, when she peacefully passed away to be at rest.

Her mortal remains were interred at Highgate, with her husband's, who had died in 1867. On the following Sabbath evening, Mr. Box improved the event from the words of the Psalmist, "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." After which we sat down to the table of the Lord.

PLEASANCE M. SQUIRRELL.

he Gospel Field.

"Preach the gospel to every creature; lo, I am with you alway.”

STRICT BAPTIST MISSION. St. Thomas' Mount. Our Superintendent, Br. Doll, writing March 5th, says of this station that, "The assistants are making themselves useful in outdoor village preaching, and hundreds may now be expected to hear the gospel regularly. Under the Divine blessing we may hope for larger results." This refers to the two native brethren, John Jacob and Vencatasawmy, school teachers, somewhat recently appointed, who assist Br. Noble in the work of outdoor preaching, and are proving themselves to be zealous and faithful men. "Vencatasawmy's wife, Rachel, acts as Bible woman, and is doing good work among the caste women and their families. She visits their homes, reads the Scriptures, and explains them to the mothers and their children. A caste school has been established, which is held in Rachel's house

daily from 2 to 5, the time being occupied as follows: 1 hour sewing, 1 hour for Tamil, 1 hour for Telugu

From Vencatasawmy's tabulated report for February I noted as follows: places preached at 34, miles travelled 42, peopled preached to 972, bazaars visited 6. Cottage prayer-meetings have been recently commenced, and are held by rotation in the houses of the Church members. The day school at Bullock Lines is doing satisfactorily, the teacher David is working with zeal; there are 50 children on the roll. The school at

is still in a low eth-pooram

have visited this station three times during the month and inspected the schools. A number of the children were on the sick list."

Br. Noble in his report for February, says: "By the blessing of our covenant God, myself and assist ants have been preserved in health

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