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    THE " EARTHEN VESSEL.

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    Untitled Article

    defenders of their homes above the miserable slaves of Austrian misrule ; and the French must feel that although they have in each battle turned the scales of victory in their favour , they have only done so Try a small preponderance and at a very heavy cost . The Germans cannot fi g ht as a nation for the support of the Austrian idea—let that perish ; and in upholding the German idea they ¦ will need no extraneous help . The mttst inveterate believers in Austria as a counterpoise to the aggression , of Russia or ambition of Francemust begin to feel that they have

    , been mistaken ; and not all the craft of diplomacy can ever reinstate her in the position from which she has fhJlen , as Spain fell , because she has proved herself incapable of embodying progressive ideas . USTo one hits looked to Austria for literature , for science , or for art . She has not been expected , any more than the . tribes of Africa , to give the world one serviceable th ought ; and if in her vast dominions here and there an individual has ivon mental fame , he has been no portion of her system , not indebted to the paternal government for the means of usefulness , but he

    has been an insurgent spirit , sighing for emancipation , and longing for the day when the Empire under -which he suffered would be an historical reminiscence , and no longer a heartbreaking fact . The one duty which Balance-of-Power Politicians did expect Austria to perform was , to add to the stability of the European system , and in this she has eo-regiously failed . The Manchester school would have us leave all European questions to take care of themselves , but there is too much statesmanship hi the country to suffer anything of the kind to take place , and we have to do all that we can , fairly and . honourably , to " prevent France obtaining- a paramount command over Italy , and still more to prevent Hungary falling into the hands of the Czar . Kossuth—whatever certain

    papers may say—did go to Italy b y the wish and invitation , of the French Emperor , with whom hehas by this time most likely had an interview . At Turin he was heartily welcomed by Count Cavour , and on his route the enthusiasm of the population was so strongly manifested that he had to address them in an Italian speech . The Sardinians felt that Louis Napoleon could have no hopes of holding Hungary , and they regard his willingness to assist the Hungarians as a pledge of his sincerity in the

    Austrian war . It cannot be expected that our Government would stimulate this movement ; but they should be prepared not to hinder it , and be ready , if it takes place , to accede to the wishes of the most enlightened Hungarians , and agree with other powers to settle the independence of their country , as a constitutional monarchy like that of Belgium , under a Prince who could be relied xipon to stop the progress of Russian intrigue .

    Untitled Article

    THE " TAILOR'S MISSION . " One lives and loams . More truly speaking , on <; lives and un-learns . We used to have a general idea of what a tailor was . Nothing at first sight seemed so easy of definition . What calling can be more definite than that of cloth-cutting—what art more simple than sewing ? Suck was our early conception of a tailor in those halcyon days when our trowsers were always wearing out at their knees , and the words , " bill delivered , " conveyed to our ears no definite idea . Subsequent experience has removed the kneerprptruding tendency of our

    youth , and enlarged our conception of a tailor . Far froni being only a ninth of' a man , he is nine men in one . Clothes-making is only one . and that the least , important of his avocations . W you want information , or assistance , or interest ,. go . to your tailor . If-we ever have anything to leave , we mean to get our tailor to draw up our will . It we ever take a wife , we mean to consult our tailor about our future father-in-law's position ; and il we want anything , from , a penny bill-stamp to let in a confiding friend , to a ticket at Almack ' s to seduce the affections of an heiress , we shall apply

    to our tailor , and our tailor only . We are glad to perceive that the mission oi tailors is becoming daily more appreciated . A case which lately has occupied public attention will do much to rehabilitate the cloth .. Mr . Cunningham , whose name has so undeservedly been brought into notoriety , is a specimen of oldfashioned ignorance on the subject of tailors . Mr . Bridson , his brother-in-law , is an instance of the

    " progress of enlightenment . " Mr . Cunningham and Mr . Bridson were both anxious to obtain a commission . They both set to work in different ways , and with different results . According to a story popular to our younger days we should call Mr . " Bridson "Eyes , " and Mr . " Cunningham Xo eyes . '' Mr . Cunningham believed that he had considerable claims for having a . commission mvoii him . He came of a military race . . Hi *

    father and grandfather had passed their lives in the Queen ' s service , not without distinction , lie was poor , and what little money hia mother could afford had Leen spent in iittin j , ' him for following his hereditary career . It is true he was too well instructed to be qualified for the diplomatic service , but education at the Ilor ^ e ( Juard .- - is rather a negative than a positive disqualification . Strong in the faith of ignoruiico and youth , Mr . Cunningham applied for a commission , on tin * strength of these claims , and was refused , curtly and decisively , on the ground that he . was past the regulation age . His case was tin ; converse to Pitt ' s , and as every day only made the detect greater , he swallowed his disappointment and gave up the pursuit ..

    Now came Air . Bridson ' s innings . Whether this gentleman entertained an impression , not uncommon to the manufacturing district whore he resided , that all soldiery was a mere matter ol ' irold luce and red cloth ; that , in fact , it was the uniioriii which made tho officer , and that , therefore , the tailor who made the uniform was the fountainhead of military knowledge , wo nro not invarc . ll may have been only a brilliant respiration , but from some cause or other , Mr . Uridson put his cheque-book in his pocket and culled upon hi . " own tailor . Ho had hit at once on the riirhl truck .

    I ho matter was not m his own tailor ' s lino , hut this person knew a party , also in the tailoring way of business , who would put JMi * . Ih'iilson at onco in the way of getting a com mission for his brother-in-law without purchase , The party named turned out to bo a Mr . l ' utfh , a sort ot amateur comniis . iion-agont for go mini 1 tailoring business ; and this party know a third party , a -Air Marshall , a tailor also , who could uct nt a fourth party , who could got tho commission . Mr .

    Bridson does not appear to have troubled hiinsolf about matters of detail . The price to bo paid for secret service money was agreed upon without ; much dispute ; and tho preliminaries settled , Mr . Uridson retired from the scene . It is useless repeating detail * familin i to our renders , It is enough ta any that the tailor agenoy was sot at work ; that this party acted upon that , party till at last tho influence p laced in motion was brought to bear in the highest quarters . Mr . Cunningham ' s ago -wan suddenly discovered to bo no disqualification . lie paused tl » e examination , and received his commission without

    The " Earthen Vessel.

    memories of a past state of existence . In the days of the "Megatheriums and of Protection , lledingham was the head quarters ' of the "bucolic party . Protection , however , lias passed away , together with Beresford and Chowler , and the glory of Hedinirham has . deported with them , limes have changed , and the " Iledinghamitcs ' have changed with them . Monopoly in corn has been dethroned as their . ruling principle , and " free trade inrekcrion reigns in its stead . The old" agricultural faith , " Stare super vias antiquas , " has given place to modern ideas of a go-a-head character . Dissent at Hedinoham has acquired the power which the of _ _ _ ,

    rotten in the state of a sect in widen such things can and do occur . 7 , ^ + ton In tlift sta te of a sect in wldch such things

    " Church ° " has lost . The Baptist congregation the place appears to be considerable for so small a villa ge ., The ministration of the flock was confided , some few months ago , to the care of a Mr . Shipway . This gentleman had been brought up to the trade of a tobacco-pipe and stopper maker . To the worldly mind it might appear that such a pursuit , though highl y creditable , is not calculated to fit a man for expounding the mysteries of religion ; but , then-, we are told , St . Peter was a fisherman , and St . Paul a tent-maker . In early days , too , when his hot blood was young , this minister had been addicted to theatrical ptu-suits . Nay , he had even himself

    appeared upon the "boards . To his credit , be it spoken , he did " not" succeed as an actor , and returned to pipe-making . He had a soul , however , above pipes , and took to preaching . His doctrine was what is technically called strong—savouring somewhat of the spiritual blow-pipe , with reminiscences of the furnace—and gave satisfaction to his congregation , which grew and multiplied . Unfortunately , his practice was not equal to his doctrine . Mr , Shipway , a married man , resided in tUe house of one of his flock , a Mr . Letch , who was also blessed with a wife . This lady summoned her pastor before the county magistrates , on a charge of assaulting her with improper proposals . The defendant was convicted of the charge—whether

    rightly or wrongly we have , of course , no means of saying . The deacons of the chapol very properly called upon the minister for a refutation of the charge . " Uriah Heep " liked to be despised ; Mr . Shipway liked to be suspected , and declined to attend the meeting . Upon this , his licence to preach at the chapel was withdrawn by the deacons . "Voluntary martyrdom is sweet to some minds , and Mr . Shinway was resolved to be a martyr . A . woman might swear away his character . What of that ? Christians are always suspected by tmbeliovers . Deacons might remove his licence . What of that , also ? Saints always suffer persecution . Nobody , however , should hinder him from preaching to his flock .

    Strange and sad to say , a large number of the congregation rallied about him—a crowd of some 750 persons gathered round the chapel , who broke open the doors , tore off the locks , took possession of the building , reinstated their pastor , and passed a convivial evening , varied with devotion . Food for the body , in the shape of bread and cheese and beer , was provided by the deposed minister , while the interests of the soul were also catered for by the same faithful shepherd . An injunction was obtained from tho Court of Chancery to oust the rioters and stop this disgraceful proceeding . The injunction was appealed against , and in vain . Mr . Shipway , however , though diSfeatod , was not cast down .

    THE " EARTHEN VESSEL . " What has the doctrine of baptism to do with earth P Why should the special organ of the " Baptists" rejoice in the name of the Earthen Vessel . If it were termed the " Water Jug , " or even tho " Turbid Tank , " wo could form , some conception of the idea involved in the nomenclature . But why the Earthen Vessel ? Earth is not used ior purposes of washing . Fullers' earth , indeed , is employed to remove stains . This

    explanation , however , appears to be a foroed one , and even if correct , surely the idea meant to be conveyed would" be expressed more distinctly , if the orgim of the Baptist connexion were re-baptised as tho " Pot of Mud P" A rose , however , poets tell us , would smell as sweet by any other name , and probably under any other designation the Earthen Vessel would preserve its especial savour .

    Tho Earthen Vessel does not enjoy a monopoly of anti-ptcdo-baptismal support . The Christian Cabinet is tho more modest title of its rival in the world of baptismal periodic literature . Both the Vessel and the Cabinet , our readers will be sorry to learn , have been subjected of late to a trial for libel . Consistently with their titles , tho Vessel was the more diffuse , and the Cabinet the more cautious of tho two . " In oonsequonce , while the Vessel ran some ohanco of being broken , the Cabinet only incurred tho risk of being orackoU . They wore both alike , however , in tho story ( mot an uninstnictive one ) of their tribulation , their trials , and their triumph . Siblo Hodingham , in the good county of Essex , is a plaoe not unknown to fame . Tho name recall

    The editor of the Vessel , to which Mr . Shipway had of old been a contributor , was , or is , a Mr . Mote , an attorney , who combines law with literature . It was by him the injunction was obtained , and an account of the case appeared in his own paper . Mr . Shipway united enlightened views on religion and morality with worldly acuteness' —the meekness of the dove with tho wisdom of the serpent . lie put the matter into the hands of his own attorney , who first required a bill of sale over his client ' s property to ensure payment of

    costs , and then , in Mr . Slupway's own expressive language , began ?* -working tho tiling . " Actions were brought against tho different newspapers in which aooounts of the proceedings had appeared . All proposals at explanation wore refused . Mr . Shipway wanted damages . Monov is , no doubt , the best apologyl Mr . Shipway has got in two cases his verdict and his damages . Xt is true that tho amount was only 40 s ., and without costs . Happily , virtue is its own reward . In religious matters , above all others , one ' s dirty linen should be washed at homo . Tho general discredit brought oa tho cause of religion by such a scandal is extreme . There must bo something

    Untitled Article

    .- TTTT 1 LEADEK . [ No . 484 . July 2 , 1859 . ;' m \ Jq £ ^ ¦ . ¦ __^^^ Mri ^^^^^^ ngM » W ^^ M *™' r" * M ™* f ™ '" '! 0 M * ' ^ ^ ^* ^ " ^^'" ^ iwwnw im - *^^^^^^^^^^ ¦— ' * - *~ ¦ - . — . ' —»——¦^— ^——i " ^— ssggggsgs ^ =. . ¦

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), July 2, 1859, page 794, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2301/page/14/