Intelligence.-Conferences. suffered great loss in her removal from us. But in submission to the will of God, we desire to check the least rising murmur; knowing that our present loss is her eternal gain. In her last affliction she was remarkably patient and perfectly resigned to the will of God. With much apparent satisfaction of mind she exclaimed, a short time before her death. 'The great work is now done. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Our esteemed brother Stubbins called to see her on the morning of the day she died, and she remarked as soon as she saw him, 'I shall not be here long.' When he replied in his emphatic manner. Well-the shorter your life in this world, the longer in eternity.' She CONFERENCES. 227 only lingered a few more short hoursand so sweetly and calmly did her happy spirit pass away, that one would have almost conceived she had fallen into a gentle slumber. As we looked upon those features, which seemed still lovely, even in death, we could not help exclaiming-Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.' Her death was improved the following Sabbath by the pastor of the church with which she was connected, to a very attentive and subdued congregation, from the words in 2 Kings ii. 12. My Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.' D. G. Intelligence. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Vale Chapel, on Easter Tuesday, April 3rd, 1861." The morning service was opened by Rev. B. Wood, and Rev. W. Gray preached from 1 Cor. iv. 20. The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.' At two o'clock in the afternoon the Conference assembled for business. Rev. T. R. Stevenson engaged in prayer, and the Rev. T. Horsfield presided. Thirty-eight were reported as baptized, and five candidates remain. The second church, Bradford, and the church at Clayton reported that they bad held special services which had resulted in an increased number of enquirers, and in blessing to the churches themselves. The church at Rochdale has paid off £20 of debt, and invited Mr. Matthew Fox, (city Missionary of Manchester), to become their minister, and he entered upon his labours the last Lord's-day in April. The church at Todmorden has invited Mr. Josiah Finn, of Leicester, to take the oversight of them, and he entered upon the pastorate the first Sabbath in May. The following resolutions were adopted : 1. That the case from the Bradford, second church, asking for Home Mission help be referred to the next Conference. 2. That the next Conference be held at Burnley, on Whit-Tuesday, and as the Burnley-lane chapel is expected to be opened on that day, that we dispense with the Conference sermon, and meet for business in the morning, at half-past ten o'clock. 3. That we recommend the Bunyan Library to the attention of our churches and the Sabbath-school Libraries. The last half hour of Conference was spent in prayer. T. HORSFIELD, Sec. was proposed that we meet only twice a year instead of three times, the attendance in January being usually very small. Decision in the matter was deferred until the next Conference. The Secretary, having recently returned from a visit to America, was requested to give some account of his travels, and of the Free-will Baptists in the United States. The thanks of the Conference were voted him after his address. The next Conference is to be at Nuneaton on the second Monday in September; the Rev. Mr. Lees, of Walsall, to preach in the morning. THOMAS GOADBY, Sec. BAPTISMS. NOTTINGHAM, Broad-street-On the first Sabbath in February this year, we received six friends by baptism, two of them were the daughters of our highly respected deacon, Mr. R. Pole, and two others from our station at Daybrook. On the first Sabbath in April, we added nine by baptism. Seven of these are youths in the Sabbath-school, and we trust ere long there will be several of their companions follow their example. Our congregations are improving, especially on Sunday evenings, and altogether we have reason to thank God and take courage.' T. H. LOUTH, North gate.-The ordinance of baptism was administered to two persons on Sunday, March 3rd, and to three others on Thursday, April 25th. The text on the former occasion was the narrative of the eunuch's baptism; and on the latter, the words, Whatsoever he saith unto thee, do it.' ROCHDALE.-On Lord's-day, April 29th, two friends were baptized, after an excellent sermon on the subject, by our minister, Mr. M. W. Fox, who commenced his stated labours amongst us on that day. J. N. MACCLESFIELD. On the 29th of April, one person was baptized by our pastor. May the 5th, eight others put on Christ. In the evening they were received into the church with two others. The congregations were good, and the services impressive. LEAKE.-On Sunday, May 5th, 1861, eight young men were baptized, all of whom are accustomed to pray at our social prayer meetings. We had a numerous attendance at the Lord's table, and a good day. CASTLE DONINGTON.-On Sunday, May 5th, after a sermon by our minister, he baptized five persons. J. B. RIPLEY, Derbyshire.-On the first Sabbath in May, six persons were baptized, three of these are young men out of the adult class. We expect more shortly. R. A. BROUGHTON.-On Sunday, May 5th, 1861, we baptized one believer. Congregation good and attentive. ANNIVERSARIES. ALFORD.-The third anniversary of our Sabbath-school was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, April 28th and 29th. As our place of worship was considered far too small, the whole of the services took place in the Corn Exchange, which was engaged for the occasion. On the former day, two sermons were delivered by the Rev. John Clifford, B.A., of London, to large congregations. On Monday, the children were regaled with tea and plumcake; after which, the teachers and friends, numbering upwards of 200 sat down to tea. In the evening, a public meeting was held, when several hymus which had been selected for the occasion were sung by the children, and addresses delivered by Rev. J. C. Smith, pastor; J. Clifford, B.A.; W. Wilson, Wesleyan; and W. Orton, of Louth. The whole proceeds of the anniversary amount to £22 128. 11d., being an increase of £3 over last year. J. K. PETERBOROUGH. Anniversary services in connexion with the General Baptist Chapel, West-gate, were held on Lord's-day, April 28th, when Dr. Burns, of London, preached two sermons to good congregations. On the following day, a tea meeting was held in the Assembly-room; about 220 sat down to tea. At seven o'clock, a public meeting was held; the Rev. T. Barrass presided, Rev. J. S. Rendell offered prayer, and addresses were delivered by Revs. Dr. Burns, T. T. Wilson, J. B Pike, A. Murray, S. S. Allsop, T. Watts, and J. Ashworth. The Rev. J. Intelligence.-Recognition Service, Weekly Offering, &c. 229 B. Blanch concluded with prayer. | isolated position of the church renThe attendance was very large, and it dered it impracticable to secure the was pleasing to see the different bodies services of ministers of our own body. of Christians in the city and neighbour. The next subject was, What have the hood represented both in the congrega- members a right to expect of each tion and on the platform. By weekly other? This was replied to by the contributions, subscriptions, collections, Rev. B. Freeman. The Rev. J. Moss, and tea meeting, a sufficient amount of Tenterden, concluded the series of was raised to pay off the whole of the subjects by discussing the question, chapel debt of £132 10s. Od. WeWhat is the right relation of the desire to express our gratitude to God church to the Sabbath school?' The for his goodness to us; and to Christian addresses were all characterized by friends for their sympathy with us in propriety and point, being scriptural T. B. in sentiment and manly in tone. The attendance was large, and the services throughout were felt to be fraught with pleasure and profit. this effort. NEW LENTON. - On Lord's day, May 12, Thomas Cooper preached for our Sabbath-school. Collections £25. WEEKLY OFFERING. RECOGNITION Service. SMARDEN.-Services of a highly in BROAD-STREET, NOTTINGHAM. An teresting character were held in Zion account of the introduction of the Chapel, on Monday, April 29th, on Weekly Offering.- At our annual the occasion of the public recognition church meeting on the 15th of January of the Rev. J. H. Wood as pastor of last, it was found that our expenditure the church belonging to the New Con- had exceeded the year's income. This nexion of General Baptists. Mr. S. J. had been the case on several previous Banks (P.B.), of Canterbury, read a occasions, and had necessitated extra suitable portion of Scripture and subscriptions. Our treasurer said, 'I prayed. Mr. T. Rofe, one of the am inclined to propose that we try the deacons, stated the circumstances which weekly offering,' another friend inled to the invitation to the pastorate, stantly arose and said, that is the very after which Mr. Wood briefly narrated thing which I came this night to probis spiritual and ministerial history, pose; Mr. Earp's letters and statements and gave a summary of doctrinal views. have convinced me that it is the best The Rev. B. Freeman, of Sutton, then mode of meeting the financial claims offered the recognition prayer. The upon the church. These brethren had Rev. E. Bally, of Staplehurst, followed not consulted on the matter, and the with an address on the question 'What proposal was altogether a surprise to the have the church a right to expect of church. The meeting resolved to take up the pastor?' Rev. J. Moss concluded the question forthwith, and after an inthe afternoon service with prayer. teresting discussion, we resolved to invite Public tea was provided, which gave the Rev. John Ross, of London, (the provery general satisfaction to the numer-pounder of the system) to visit us and ous company who sat down to the social enjoyment. In the evening, the first address was given by Mr. W. Jull, of Staplehurst, whose kind services, as pulpit supply, have been so efficiently rendered, and gratefully appreciated by the church, since the resignation of its respected pastor, the Rev. T. Rofe. Mr. Jull's address was in reply to the question, 'What has the pastor a right to expect from the church? Dr. Burns had been requested to deliver the first address, but was, unhappily for us, engaged at Peterborough on that day. It was very much regretted that the to explain the best way to proceed. He accordingly came; preached to us on the last Sabbath in January, and on the Monday evening gave us a lecture, in which he set forth his views at greater length and answered objections, &c. The result of his visit was highly satisfactory, and led to a far greater unanimity of feeling than we should otherwise have secured. The next step was, to call a meeting of the church and seat holders, in order to ascertain the mind of the friends. At this meeting it was soon evident that Mr. Ross had made many converts to the system of weekly storing.' Various suggestions | other means by which funds have in a very friendly spirit were made, and the meeting ultimately passed the following resolutions. (1) That we pledge ourselves to commence and carry on through the year the system of laying aside out of our income a certain portion, as God hath prospered us. (2) That we abolish quarterly collections and subscriptions. That all the sittings shall be free, and that we adopt the 'weekly offering,' by means of the registered envelope for the support of the cause. (3) That all persons now occupying sittings be confirmed in the possession of the same. (4) That those of our friends who do not approve of these alterations, pay their pew rents and subscriptions as hitherto, and they be requested to put into the weekly offering boxes once a quarter, any sum they may think fit in lieu of the quarterly collection. Thus it will be seen no one is forced into the new system, and no one is deprived of his accustomed seat in the chapel. We commenced operations on the second Sabbath in March, and the result hitherto is highly satisfactory. Our poor members find it very convenient, and our more wealthy friends are thereby more frequently reminded how much they owe to their Lord. If the payments keep up, our yearly income will be increasing nearly £100 per annum, and we think there will be no diminution because we are pledged to weekly storing. The money is now brought to God's house in a willing and cheerful spirit. Last Sunday we had our school sermons. We had the largest collection known for twenty years, and our weekly offering only fell short eight shillings. The following circular was sent to every member and seat-holder:: Baptist Chapel, Broad-street, May 3rd, 1861. DEAR FRIEND,-You are doubtless aware that our church has decided to adopt the mode of contribution to religious purposes, commonly called the weekly offering.' It is not intended to give up collections for the Sunday School, for the Foreign Mission, the College, and similar public objects; but to substitute the weekly offering for pew-rents, quarterly-collections, and hitherto been raised for the maintenance of worship in connexion with our own chapel. The purpose of the present circular is, to give practical directions for the carrying out of the plan. Boxes for the reception of offerings, will be placed at the several entrances of the chapel. Along with this circular you will receive thirteen envelopes, numbered, one for each week in the quarter. On the first day of the week you are requested to place in one of these envelopes your contribution for the support of the cause of God amongst us, and to drop it into one of the boxes as you enter the chapel, at either the morning or evening service. Once a quarter, a meeting of the church and congregation will be held, at which the sum contributed during the quarter by each, will be announced. No person's name will be mentioned, but the numbers of the envelopes will be stated; and as you will know your own number you will be able to ascertain whether the amount given by you has been duly received and entered. The adoption of this plan is not imperative upon any. If you disapprove of it, you are at perfect liberty to continue contributing in the mode you have been accustomed to,-paying your pew-rent and subscription (if any) to the same persons as have hitherto received them, and putting into one of the boxes from time to time, such an equivalent for the sum usually contributed at quarterly collections as good feeling may dictate. If you retain the envelopes now forwarded, it will be presumed that you have decided to adopt the envelope plan; if however, you decline to adopt it, be so kind as to return them to one of the deacons. If you are a parent, and anxious to train up your children in the habit of contributing to the cause of God, the deacons will be happy to forward to you the requisite envelopes on application. The advantages attendant on the weekly-offering system are chiefly two. In the first place, the duty and privilege of honouring the Lord with our substance, and thus co-operating with Him in the extension of His kingdom are by this means brought every week Intelligence.-Miscellaneous. before us. And secondly, giving is thus made much more easy to the comparatively poor. Many will give a penny or two-pence a week easily and gladly, who would find it hard to spare one or two shillings at once. On these grounds it is hoped that although your first feelings may be against the adoption of the system, you will not reject it without serious thought. In any case, let not the duty of laying by in store,' as God has prospered you, be forgotten; and whatever mode of giving you may select, strive to do everything as unto the Lord,' and remembering that God loveth a cheerful giver.' It should perhaps be added that if you resolve to employ the envelopes, you will retain a right to your sitting just as though you paid a stipulated seat-rent. So also, if any friend wish for a sitting he may have one appropriated to him on application to the appointed seat-letters. With the envelopes, however, the amount contributed will be left entirely to your own sense of what Christian duty requires. If any further information be needed the deacons will be glad to impart it. Believe me, dear friend, your's on behalf of the church in Broad-street, WM. R. STEVENSON, Pastor.' P.S. I would advise any large churches who may be thinking about this matter to invite Mr. Ross, of Hackney, to visit them. The expense will be trifling compared with the benefit derived. MISCELLANEOUS. T. HILL. SHEFFIELD, Cemetery-road Chapel Bazaar. The bazaar in aid of the fund for liquidating the debt on the Baptist Chapel, Cemetery-road, was opened in the Vestry Hall, on Tuesday, April 3rd, and continued on the two following days. The debt amounts to £1500, towards which £500 has been raised by subscriptions and donations in money. The bazaar was undertaken with the object of raising an additional £500, so as to reduce the debt to the very moderate sum of £500. We are glad to say that although the bazaar has not as yet fully attained the object for which it was undertaken, it has been attended with a success exceeding what 231 The suc in the present depressed state of trade its promoters had anticipated. cess was not undeserved, the display of goods being not only very varied and extensive, but also unusually rich and attractive for a congregational bazaar. The goods were arranged on seven stalls extending round the room, an eighth stall laden chiefly with silver plated goods, and other articles of Sheffield manafacture, occupying the centre. The ladies' stalls comprised every imaginable article, from silk counterpanes to baby's frocks of a useful character; and from splendid curtains of Nottingham lace, and the richest of Ottaman covers, through innumerable gradations, to the prettiest of chimney mats and necklaces in the ornamental class. The style of workmanship of the more useful articles was pronounced of the very best, and the fancy goods comprised numerous articles of exquisite taste. Immense must have been the toil of delicate fingers in producing so much that was useful and beautiful. Five of the side stalls and the centre stall were provided by the ladies of the congregation, with the assistance of their friends. Of the remaining two, the promoters are indebted to the kindness of the ladies of the Townhead-street congregation for one, and to their Nottingham friends for the other. The ladies who presided at the different stalls were, Mrs. Hiller and Mrs. Rodgers; Mrs. George Hiller and Miss Hemingway; Mrs. John Sissons, Mrs. G.Ward, and Mrs. Barratt; Mrs. South and Mrs. Crow; Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Peat; at the Nottingham stall, Misses Mallet, Bayley, and Baker; and at the Townhead stall, Miss Hides and Miss C. Larom. Messrs. Hall and Ward were in attendance at the centre stall, which contained many articles of the chastest design and workmanship. The refreshment stall, which was laden with delicacies, occupied one of the side rooms, Mrs. Sedgreave, Mrs. Roome, Miss Davies, and Miss Ward presiding. Master and Miss Sewell, of Rotherham, played selections of music at intervals during Tuesday, on the evening of which day, Dr. Sewell and the choir of Rotherham Church kindly gave their services. On the succeeding |