them to identify themselves with such an association.

There are, I suppose, but few who now share in the belief expressed by some in 1844, that the founders of this Society were committing themselves to an utterly Utopian enterprise; on the contrary, the discerning public now look upon the separation of Church and State as "only a question of time," and not a few have begun to think of it as an event which may be witnessed by this, rather than by a distant generation. Even if this be considered a too sanguine view, it is obvious that there is a general shifting of the grounds on which the establishments of the country are advocated, and that we have to deal with arguments and facts, and to avert dangers, very different from those which were familiar to our fathers. Since the last Liberation Conference the whole question has entered into a new phase, and it is likely that every triennial period will, for some time to come, be similarly distinguished from that which preceeded it. It is true that almost every change indicates progress, but it also brings with it difficulty, and calls for increased zeal, and increased practical wisdom. If those who for so many years have toiled in this service feel themselves to be amply repaid by the result, they also have a deep sense of the responsibility which rests upon them at the present juncture, and eagerly desire to be strengthened by new alliances for the conflicts of the future. not therefore interested lookers-on suppose that the work will go on well enough without help from them; and let the indifferent ask themselves if it be generous always to let others bear the stress and strain of a struggle which involves the success of their own principles, and the assertion of their own rights.

Let

But such an appeal may be based on far higher than any personal grounds. The interests of religion, as opposed to worldliness-of truth against latitu dinarianism, and of principle and integrity against expediency and political chicane, demand of Nonconformists a devotion to public duty for which at one period the same urgent necessity did not exist. May they show themselves to be "men of the time, who know what Israel ought to do," and

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attest the strength of their convictions by the perfectnesss of their work! Yours faithfully,

J. CARVELL WILLIAMS.

2, Sergeants' Inn,
Fleet Street, E.C.
March, 1868.

DOVER STREET BAZAAR FOR NEW CHAPEL.

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,-Will you permit me to announce, through your pages, to our friends in all parts of the Connexion, that the ladies of the Dover Street church and congregation are busily at work preparing for a Bazaar to be held during the spring of next year in aid of funds for the erection of a new chapel, either on the present site or some other?

We therefore earnestly solicit help towards this object, either in donations, materials, or fancy and useful articles. The following members of the Bazaar Committee will gratefully receive and acknowledge any donations, &c.

Mrs. GOADBY, Evington Street. Mrs. W. WHITMORE, Wellington Street.

Mrs. HARVEY, Market Place. Mrs. COLEMAN, 2. Foxon Street, Braunstone Gate.

Mrs. WELLINGHAM, King Richard's Road.

Mrs. WILFORD, Nicholas' Square. Mrs. TYLER, 88, Northampton Street. Mrs. W. L. FAIRE, Upper New Walk. Yours truly,

J. JACKSON GOADBY. Leicester, April 20, 1868.

THE CLOSE OF THE LAST ASSOCIATION. A friend who was present at the closing service of the Louth Association anxiously inquires what results can be ascertained to have followed it, especially with reference to the young. He expresses the hope that some of the holy fire then kinIdled was carried home to the several churches, and that good reports of its operation will be given in the returns sent to the next Association. Though we do not insert our friend's letter, we thank him for his warm effusion, and

trust that such ardent utterings of the best desires for our denominational progress will become more common amongst us.

SOMETHING CONCERNING OURSELVES. -“The General Baptist Magazine," says the Freeman, "has our hearty commendation. Under its new edito

rial management it is thoughtful and interesting to an unusual degree." And the Independent, April 10, says, "The General Baptist Magazine (for this month) is mainly devoted to dedenominational matters. The notes on public events are well chosen and concisely written."

Denominational.

MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-The next Midland Conference will meet at Packington, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, on Whit-Tuesday, June 2, 1868.

The Rev. W. Bishop, of Longton, is expected to preach in the morning at eleven o'clock; in case of failure the Rev. J. Baxandall, of Wirksworth.

Packington Chapel is situated about one mile from the Ashby Railway Station.

There will be an evening meeting, to commence at six o'clock, at which the Rev. J. T. Gale will read a paper on Education.

Trains arrive at Ashby in the morning from Leicester at 10.14 and 1.9; from Burton and Derby at 8.25, 11.49, and 3.8 and leave Ashby in the evening for Leicester at 6.30 and 10.6; and for Burton and Derby at 3.48 and 8.57.

A conveyance, free of charge, will run to and from the Packington Chapel and the Ashby Bailway Station, for the accomodation of visitors.

CHARLES CLARKE, Secretary.

CHESHIRE CONFERENCE.-The next Conference will be held at Macclesfield on Whit Tuesday, June 2. The preacher will be the Rev. W. March, of Stoke-uponTrent.

YORKSHIRE HOME MISSION. The churches of the Yorkshire District are respectfully requested to have all their Collections and Subscriptions for the above object ready by the Whitsuntide Conference, which will be held at Slack; or, better still, to send them previously to the Rev. R. Ingham, Halifax. Let no church come behind in this good work.

W. GRAY, Secretary.

THE YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE CONFERENCE assembled in North Parade chapel, Halifax, on Tuesday, April 14, for the special purpose of discussing the questions of education, and the reasons why we, as a denomination, are not making greater progress.

The Conference having assembled at two p.m., the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, the junior pastor of the church, presided, and the Rev. W. Taylor and Mr. Fletcher offered up prayer.

The Rev. R. Hardy then read a paper on 66 'Education," in which he contended that education is good in itself-that the criminal portion of the educated classes simply make a bad use of a good thingthat it is the duty of parents to educate their children-that when they fail to discharge this duty it is incumbent upon the State to undertake the task-that, as Nonconformists, we cannot consistently accept State aid to enable us to impart religious instruction in our day schools-that the the only equitable system for this country is a national scheme of purely secular education-and that it should be left to the churches to train up the youth of our land in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

In the interesting debate which followed very little diversity of sentiment appeared, as nearly all the speakers approved of a secular scheme, but thought we might in the meantime accept the aid which the Government is at present willing to grant to denominational schools. At the close of the discussion it was moved and seonded, and carried with very few dissentients,

1. That this Conference considers it the duty of all parents to educate their children; that we strongly prefer the establishment of a purely secular system of national education; but that, until such a system can be obtained, we approve of our churches establishing day schools, and applying for the grants which the Govern

ment is at present willing to give in aid of secular instruction.

It was resolved

2. That the cordial thanks of this Conference be, and are hereby tendered to the Rev. R. Hardy for his excellent paper.

At this stage of the proceedings the Conference adjourned for tea, and reassembled at a quarter-past six in the evening. The Rev. R. Ingham, senior pastor of the church, presided, and the Rev. J. Finn offered up prayer.

The Rev. T. Gill then read a paper on the question, "Why are we, as a denomination, not making greater progress?" The paper dealt freely and faithfully with a number of the hindrances to spiritual prosperity and progress which are to be found in some of our churches, such as defective organization for working out plans of usefulnessdisorderly church meetings-insubordination of members-the too great encouragement given to secession, and the formation of small and feeble churches-the lack of interest displayed in home missionary operations; and amongst other remedies it suggested a strong executive - greater liberality, and, above all, a more thorough consecration of ourselves to the service of Him who loved us, and who gave Himself for us.

In the discussion which followed all the speakers appeared to agree that the hindrances upon which the paper had animadverted existed amongst us to a lamentable extent that in some of our churches we require a greater abnegation of selfwill on the part of some of our members and officers-a greater deference than is sometimes paid to those who have "the rule over us"-a more thorough subjection of heart and will to the laws of Jesus Christ as contained in the New Testament -a purer and intenser brotherly affection -and, in addition to the best form of government which may be the nearest approximation to that which obtained in the Apostolic churches, a far higher type of spiritual life and consecration to the work of the Lord.

At the close of the discussion, it was moved and seconded, and carried unanimously,

3. That the cordial thanks of this Conference be tendered to the Rev. T. Gill for his paper, and that we hereby respectfully request him to allow it to appear in the pages of our Magazine.

Mr. Gill kindly acceded to this request by promising to send the paper for insertion in the Magazine.

It was resolved,

4. That we hereby cordially welcome the Rev. J. Stapleton, of Edge-side, into this Conference and district.

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It having been stated that it would be inconvenient for the church at Lineholme to receive the Conference on Whit-Tuesday, it was moved and seconded, and carried unanimously,

5. That the next Conference be held at Heptonstall Slack on Whit-Tuesday, and that the Rev. J. Stapleton, of Edge-side, be the preacher.

After we left the meeting for the train, we were informed that the Conference had appointed the Rev. W. Taylor, of Leeds, to read a paper, on the evening of Whit-Tuesday, on "The best means of promoting the spiritual prosperity and extension of the denomination.

The churches were well represented at this special Conference; and the papers read, and the fraternal discussions which followed, were refreshing, and provocative of love and of good works.

J. ALCORN, Secretary.

OLD BASFORD. Opening of the New General Baptist Chapel.-The church and congregation at the above-named place, having decided to pull down their old chapel and to erect a new one on its site, took the necessary steps to carry the resolution into effect. It soon became evident that the sympathies, not only of a great portion of the church, but of the surrounding public, were in the movement, as promises and subscriptions were obtained amounting to over £300. With this amount in prospect, and the probable receipts of a contemplated bazaar, opening services, &c., the church agreed to proceed. On the 11th of June the work of demolition began. The old chapel being removed, the new one was commenced, and the corner stone laid July 23, 1867, by T. Nicholson, Esq., of Nottingham: the work gradually proceeded until Shrove Tuesday, when it was in a fit state for opening. The Rev. J. Clifford, LL.B., of London, preached, afternoon and evening, two eloquent sermons, the collections after which, and the proceeds from tea (held in the interval), amounted to £37. On Sunday, March 1st., the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., preached in the morning, and the Rev. H. Hunter, the pastor of the church, in the evening. On Sunday, March 8th, the Rev. Giles Hester preached morning and evening, two admirable sermons. The services were resumed on Sunday, March 22, when two powerful sermons were preached to crowded audiences by the Rev. J. Burns, D.D., of London, after which the liberal sum of £30 was collected. On the following day tea was provided, when upwards of 130 partook. After tea, a public meeting was held in the new chapel; B. Walker, Esq. presided. Mr.

R. Mellors opened the meeting by prayer, after which Mr. Burton, the secretary, stated that the outlay, including the removal of the old chapel, and all expenses incurred in the erection and opening of the new one to that time, had been about £1,389, towards which about £659 had been realized. Amongst the donations given was one of £50, from Samuel Morley, Esq., whose name was the signal for an outburst of applause. The Rev. Dr. Burns, in a thrilling speech, rivetted the attention of the meeting. Other addresses were afterwards delivered by Mr. F. Stevenson, Surgeon; the Revs. C. Forth, W. Frisby, and H. Hunter, pastor. The chairman suggested the desirability of removing the odd £30 of debt at once, and offered one third of the amount (this being his second gift of £10); the Rev. H. Hunter said he would give £5: a collection was then made, and £8 14s. 6d. realized; the rest was guaranteed, and thus the object was attained. The receipts of the two days were about £66, and the whole proceeds since the commencement about £690. The new chapel is 54 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 26 feet to ceiling, and will seat comfortably 530 persons. Its acoustic properties are spoken of very highly by those who have tried it. Its artistic appearance has been much admired. It is considered a very valuable acquisition to the town and neighbourhood, and one in every way worthy the denomination it represents. W. B. DERBY, St. Mary's Gate. Opening additional School Rooms. On Sunday April 12, two sermons were preached in the above place of worship in connection with the opening of two additional new school rooms for the accommodation of the senior Bible classes. The sermon in the morning was preached by the pastor, the Rev. Harris Crass weller, B.A., and that in the evening by the Rev. H. Ollard, F.S A. At the close of the services collections were made, which amounted to over £16. On the day following a tea meeting was held, when about 400 persons were supplied with an excellent tea; many strangers were present at this gathering to express their sympathy with the object which called them together. We specially noticed among those who were present at tea, the worshipful the Mayor of Derby (T. Roe, jun., Esq.), who was, some years ago, a scholar in the St. Mary's-gate school, and who had most willingly acceded to a request from the teachers and friends to be present on the occasion. The estimated cost of the rooms, when finished and furnished, was about £150, and of that sum about £140 has been contributed, including a donation of five guineas from the Mayor. The

meeting was presided over by the Mayor, and was addressed by the Revs. I. Stubbins, W. Crosbie, H. Crassweller, and by Messrs. F. Thompson, Secretary, W. Hall, and George Dean. The choir gave several pieces of sacred music at intervals. We congratulate our friends in St. Mary's-gate on this important addition to their splendid premises, the sight of which will no doubt delight and encourage numerous visitors, particularly Sunday school teachers, at the ensuing Association. His worship, who presided at the opening of the new rooms, is not the first Mayor of Derby who has been closely connected with this school; and we may safely predict that he will not be the last.

NOTTINGHAM.-Stoney Street.-A bazaar was held in the Exchange Hall, March 24, 25, 26, and 27, to aid in the reduction of the chapel debt. The stalls, containing a variety of useful and ornamental articles, were very effectively draped with lace curtains, and decorated with flowers and evergreens, and were presided over by various friends of the congregation. At the upper end of the room a stall containing books and pictures was tastefully arranged, and added to the effect. Plants and flowers were displayed at the entrance, and a refreshment stall, supplied with enticing commodities, and furnished to a great extent gratuitously, added to the creature comforts of the place. Music was given' at intervals during the day, and a band was in attendance each evening. The efforts made by the friends to reduce the debt were amply repaid by a large attendance and the unqualified praise bestowed. The receipts amounted to more than £320, including a few donations from friends away from us. There are a few articles yet remaining to be sold; these are to be disposed of in the school-room before the end of this month (April), and we have no doubt that the clear gain will be at least £300. We feel that we have much cause to congratulate ourselves at the result, and are truly thankful for the success we obtained. The debt remaining will be about £600.

BURTON-ON-TRENT. - On Good Friday the members of the General Baptist church and congregation of this town held their annual public tea meeting. Nearly four hundred partook of the tea, which was prepared both in the school-rooms and the chapel. After the tea a public meeting was held in the chapel, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. R. Kenney, late pastor of the church; E. W. Cantrell, Barton; W. Thomson, Burton; and Messrs. J. Jolly and R. Silby, of Chilwell College. As soon as the meeting had been opened by singing and prayer, the

Rev. J. P. Tetley, the present minister of the place, who had been announced as chairman of the meeting, begged, amidst the approving cheers of the congregation, to vacate the chair in favour of his predecessor, who, with two exceptions, had been chairman of the Good Friday tea meetings in connection with that place for the past eighteen years. The Rev. R. Kenney, having taken the chair, briefly acknowledged the kindness which placed him in that position, and then proceeded to give a very interesting and edifying sketch of the history of the General Baptist church, Burton-on-Trent, during the past forty years. Inspiriting addresses were delivered by the other speakers. Mr. Cantrell spoke on "Prosperity;" Mr. Silby on "Watching, Working, Waiting," &c.; Mr. Thomson on 66 Praying;" and Mr. Jolly on the " Importance of Christian Work." During the evening the choir sung several anthems. The trays for the tea were all provided by the liberality of friends. The proceeds of the tea are about £20, and will be devoted to the fund for the extinction of the chapel debt. The meeting was largely attended, and was in every respect

& success.

DAYBROOK.-On Tuesday evening, April 14th, a very interesting meeting was held in the Baptist chapel to celebrate the settlement of the Rev. J. Batey, late of London, formerly of Sheffield and Burnley, as pastor. Towards the close of the afternoon the village presented quite a lively appearance, from the arrival of a large number of friends from Nottingham. At five o'clock, the school-room, which was prettily decorated with festoons of evergreens and flowers, was completely filled by a company awaiting tea. After these partook of the abundant refreshments provided, they were succeeded by another batch of later arrivals. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel, which was crowded to overflowing. J. Barber, Esq., Mayor of Nottingham, presided.

The

Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., pastor of the parent church, narrated the circumstances which led to the call of Mr. Batey as the first minister of the congregation gathered there. Mr. Batey followed, giving a narration of the circumstances which led him to regard it as the will of Providence that he should settle at Daybrook. The Rev. W. Underwood, D.D., President of Chilwell College, then, in a very appropriate and impressive prayer, asked the divine blessing to rest upon the new pastor and his people. The Revs. J. Martin, M.A., J. Wild, J. Matheson, B.A., Dr. Underwood, and H. Hunter delivered affectionate and congratulatory addresses. After singing the doxology, and prayer by the pastor,

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this most pleasant and profitable meeting was brought to a close about half-past eight o'clock. J. B. MACCLESFIELD. The Rev. J. Maden having accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the church at Shore, his labours here were brought to a close by a farewell tea meeting, held in the school-room, on Monday evening, April 13, when about 150 sat down to tea. The Rev. Dr. Scott (Wesleyan), owing to a prior engagement preventing him remaining for the adjourned meeting to the chapel, then addressed the friends, expressing his high sense of the Christian worth of our late pastor, and deploring his removal as a loss to the town. The friends then adjourned to the chapel, where the meeting was presided over by the Rev. R. Kenney, late of Burton, and a former pastor of our church, who, together with the Rev. G. B. Kidd, J. Moffet (Independents), and Mr. G. Walker, of Poynton, delivered addresses suitable to the occasion. Mr. M. Clark presented to the Rev. J. Maden a purse of gold, together with thirteen volumes of standard works, bearing the following inscription-"This and the accompanying twelve volumes, together with a purse of gold, is presented by the members of the Baptist church and congregation, and other friends, to their pastor and friend, the Rev. J. Maden, as a memento of esteem and affection, and also in recognition of his services as president of the Sabbath school." Mr. Clark dwelt briefly upon the measure of success, spiritual and material, accorded to the church during Mr. Maden's pastorate of nearly ten years, and wished for our late pastor every success in his new sphere of Christian labour. Mr. Maden feelingly responded, and thanked the friends for their kindness, and gave words of counsel and hope for the future of the church. M. C.

HALIFAX.-On Good Friday the ceremony of cutting the sod on the site for the new chapel at West Vale took place. Our brother Dempster cut the sod, which was wheeled away, amidst the plaudits of the assembly, by his eldest son; after which a tea meeting was held in the preaching room, and addresses given by various speakers upon the work to be undertaken, which had been for years talked of, but which had been practically commenced that day. It is intended to lay the corner stone at Whitsuntide, by which time we expect to see the work progressed as far as the floor of the chapel (the school being underneath). The Conference as appointed has been held; the numbers rather exceeded our expectation; perhaps the privilege of hearing our member, Jas. Stansfeld, Esq., who expected to have been