The Earthen Vessel
A High-Calvinist Magazine “The Earthen Vessel and Christian Record” started in 1845 by Charles Banks (1806 -1886), a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher who served as pastor of several churches in London. He was sole editor of the magazine for more than forty years. Others who filled this role were William Winters (1834-1893), John Banks (1829-1899), Edward Mitchell (1843-1919), Ebenezer Marsh (1853-1913), James Flegg (1865-1938) and William Styles (1842-1914), to name a few. The Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches eventually acquired ownership of the magazine, which became the central platform for communications between the churches belong to or in sympathy with the Association. Although well meaning in purpose and amicable in spirit, Charles Banks opened the pages of his magazine to debate, which led to a division between the churches subscribing to it and other Strict Baptist magazines such as the Gospel Standard.
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Different Shades Of Calvinism
This article was written for the Earthen Vessel in the year 1909, the author unknown. However, there is a reference at the end which leads me to believe William Styles was the writer. His views, generally speaking, were representative of the Strict and Particular Baptist denomination at the time. Of course, this included not only the churches in association with the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches and the Strict Baptist Mission, but many other churches and believers in subscription to the Earthen Vessel. These churches and organizations were Hyper-Calvinists by creed and conviction.
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Where Are We Safe In These Times?
To our Christian friends, fellow labourers, and readers of the Earthen Vessel generally, we send the greeting of one, who, although he did, in the hour of temptation, deny Christ, yet being converted, or restored by the powerful Grace of God, was commanded by his Divine Master, to strengthen his brethren; accordingly, in addressing "them that had obtained like precious faith with us through the Righteousness of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ,”—he said to them, "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His Divine power hath given unto us all things pertaining unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Hirn that hath called us unto glory and virtue."
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Be Still And Know That I Am God
“Be Still And Know That I Am God.”—Psalm 46:10 Be still, gay heart, so heedless of thy state, Be still and know that thou wast born in sin; Regard thy ways before it is too late, Ere with thy soul eternity sets in. Be still, sad heart, and know His blood was shed, For those who feel their sins—a heavy load; ’Tis by His Spirit’s power that thou art led; Be still, sad heart, and know that He is God. Be still, lone heart, and know thy Friend above, Delights Himself to cheer thy weary days; His eye, His ear, His heart is full of love, How kind and merciful are all His ways!
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A Book Review: Memorials Of The Late John Warburton
All who cherish the memory of our now glorified friend, Mr. John Warburton, of Southill, will, we are sure, speedily purchase his autobiography just published, and will thank the editor of it, Mr. C. Hemington, of Devizes, for the able and faithful manner in which he has discharged his work. We have perused the volume with much real pleasure and profit, and heartily commend it to the careful reading of all our friends. The Letters and Meditations it contains are full of precious truth, and well calculated to meet the varied experiences of the tried family of God. Mr. Hemington, in his excellent preface to the work, says "Mr. Warburton was, in fact, a remarkable man in many ways, and take him for all in…
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In Defense Of Strict Communion
Review of a Pamphlet entitled "Seven Reasons for Free Communion at the Table of the Lord, with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." By Cornelius Elven. With the view of giving our readers at once a fair and a concise view of the positions really assumed by the writer of this "sevenfold" defence of open communion, we will enumerate, in fewer words than our author uses, his various propositions, and endeavour, (praying for the blessed guidance of the Holy Spirit,) to show their fallacious and sophistical character. Mr. Elven affirms either directly, or by inevitable implication, the following things:— 1.—That strict communion is not “christian communion,” but that free communion is:—2. That unbaptised believers ought to be admitted to the ordinance…
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Jared Smith On Various Issues, The Earthen Vessel, William Styles, A Guide To Church Fellowship (Complete)
Spurgeonism And The Strict And Particular Baptists
Dear Sir,—For some time I have felt the need of a few straight and honest words on this subject, for the instruction both of brethren who are not sentimentally with us; and also of some of the members of our own Churches. The principles which distinguish us as a section of the Baptist denomination seem to be but little known. Our own friends manifest far less determination than they used, in contending for the faith—while hardly a month passes, but I am entreated to advance the interests of brethren holding the late Mr. Spurgeon's creed, by introducing them to some of our vacant pulpits, as if their views and ours were all but identical and our differences were most immaterial and unimportant.
