Correspondence-The Bicentenary Thank-offering. 307 must be studied, closely, persistently, | object; to excite the young to an and with very great care. The acquaintance with the original effort to compress a great deal into memoirs of the men therein sketched, a little compass has necessarily and to raise a few pounds towards given a certain dryness to the book; the erection of a chapel in a village but to those who wish to study destitute of the public means of scientifically the English Tongue grace. Both objects are good. we hesitate not to say that no one book contains so much information so admirably digested as Angus's Handbook. THE MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION. By ARCHBISHOP USHER. London: Nisbet and Co., Berners-street. This discourse is reprinted from the editions of 1649 and 1677. The object of its re-issue is, to contrast the preaching of the clergy of the Anglican church two hundred years ago with that which prevails in the present day; and the re-issuer is a member of the Established Church. A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE C. B. ROBINSON, ESQ., of Leicester. By J. P. MURSELL. London: E. Marlborough and Co. Mr. Robinson was well known in Leicester. He was eminent for his piety, his liberality, and his general usefulness. He had been a deacon of the church of which Rev. J. P. Mursel is pastor for more than thirty years. His death is a loss, not only to the church of which he was so efficient a member, but to the Christian community, and to the borough In the pamphlet before us the character of Mr. Robinson is sketched by the loving hand of his pastor. BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. Compiled by REV. JAMES MALCOLM. Luton : W. Stalker. Mr. Malcolm tells us that this volume is published with a twofold The memoirs treat of Williams, the missionary, Chalmers, Kitto, and Professor Wilson. OF THE DUTIES AND PROSPECTS BAPTISTS. BY WILLIAM WAlters. London: Heaton and Son. Mr. Walters, in this discourse, first adverts to the antiquity of the Baptists, our orthodoxy, numbers, intelligence, social position, and usefulness-all showing that we have no cause to be ashamed. He then enumerates these as our duties:-To understand our principles, faithfully represent and earnestly advocate them; to remember in their maintenance and advocacy that we occupy the position of a witnessing church-witnessing to the supreme authority of the will of Christ, for a personal, intelligent, and voluntary profession of service to Christ, and for spiritual religion; and that in whatever light considered, these duties press upon us. Mr. Walters, in glancing at our prospects, speaks of the future as full of hope, increased by the accordance of our principles with the Word of God and the spiritual character of the New Testament dispensation, by the age being one of thought and enquiry, and by the concessions of those who differ from us. We heartily commend this dis. course to all Baptists. Not four thousand but forty thousand should be printed. Correspondence. THE BICENTENARY THANK-cently held at Halifax, I had the OFFERING. To the Editor of the General Baptist honour of moving a resolution, which the assembled brethren cordially adopted, affectionately requesting the churches to make DEAR SIR,-At the Association re- collections on or about the 24th of Magazine. August next, the proceeds of which | should be divided between the College Purchase Fund, and the Foreign Mission. May I, through you, address a few words to the churches in recommendation of the scheme? saying that to me there seems more sound than sense in this objection. The apostle John once said, Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed.' So I say, let us not on this coming 24th of August content ourselves with chanting Pæans on the excellence of our Nonconformist principles, and the heroism and conscientiousness of the brave 2,000; but let feeling manifest itself in action; let admiration take the form of imitation. We are not, it is true, called upon to make sacrifices for duty's sake in exactly the same form as our forefathers; but, thank God, there are ways in which we may still, if we have but loyal hearts, act out our love to Christ and His truth, and one of these ways is the liberal monetary support of Christian Institutions. First then, I ask, will it not be an appropriate expression of thankfulness to God that He has cast our lot in happier times than those of which this Bicentenary celebration reminds us? Two hundred years ago this summer-time what sadness filled the hearts of the pious throughout our land! What a multitude of sorrowful partings were taking place between pastors and congregations, between faithful shepherds and warmly-attached flocks! What painful questionings were going on in many minds as to the path of duty! With what disappointment It may be said that many of our and dismay were those stricken who friends have already given handhad been zealous for the onward somely to the New College Building march of their country in freedom Fund, and this we joyfully admit. and goodness! It is true that the But are there not thousands of our principles of religious liberty are members who have not as yet conby no means universally understood tributed a farthing to it, simply and acted upon even now; but still, because no appeal has been made to the progress made has been great. them? Their means will not allow As compared with former times them to come forward with their Nonconformity may now be said to five pounds and sovereigns, and 'walk in her silver slippers.' In- they have not as yet been asked for stead of being persecuted and pro- their half-crowns, and shillings, and scribed, we have now as Dissenters sixpences. Yet my conviction is the protection and countenance of that many of our poorer friends will the civil power. From the pulpit, feel a positive pleasure in contrithrough the press, in the public-buting their small sums to this good room, or in the open square, almost cause. Though they cannot do when we will, and how we will, we much, they will rejoice to have a are at liberty to disseminate our brick in the building, and their views of Christian truth. Surely small gifts, as we all know, will be for the light and liberty we now as acceptable to the Lord of hosts enjoy thankfulness is due! And as the larger donations of our richer how can we better express our brethren. Besides, many a little thankfulness than by the presenta- makes a mickle.' Supposing 100 tion of a free-will offering toward only of our churches to collect upon the support of agencies whose object the day in question on the average is the yet wider diffusion of a know- £10 each, the total result will be ledge of Christ's glorious gospel? £1000-a sum which, divided between the College and Foreign Mission, would both relieve the latter from its present difficulties, and with respect to the former, do much to realize the wish of our zealous treasurer, that during this Some friends, for whose opinion on many subjects I have profound respect, have deprecated what they call the clinking of the money-box' on this great Bicentenary occasion. I trust I am not presumptuous in Intelligence-Conference. year enough should be either given or promised to clear off within five years the whole debt on the building. As it regards the Foreign Mission, help is imperatively needed. Unless it be given, I apprehend that serious complications must arise. And the help may as well be given at once as a few months hence. Moreover, it will be pleasant to feel that we are all acting together, and that the work is diffused, and not left to a comparatively few liberal friends. As one of the incidental results, an increase of mutual confidence and mutual love will be the result. 309 Then, dear brethren, let arrange. ments for these collections be at once made. Let the October number of the Magazine announce a good long list of them. I am sure the churches will rejoice when the thing has been done. No one will have been hurt; a good and noble deed will have been wrought; anxieties of worthy brethren will have been dissipated; a foundation will have been laid for extended future usefulness; Christ will be glorified! Your brother in the gospel, W. R. STEVENSON. CONFERENCE. Intelligence. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Heptonstall Slack, on Whit-Tuesday, June 10, 1862. In the morning the Rev. C. Clark read the Scriptures and prayed, and the Rev. T. Gill, of Shore, preached from Matt. x. 13-16. In the afternoon the Conference met for business. Rev. C. Springthorpe presided, and Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford, prayed. According to the report, sixty-three had been baptized since the last Conference, and thirteen remained candidates for baptism. The following resolutions were passed : 1. That the minutes read be confirmed. 2. That we very cordially welcome the Rev. C. Clark, of Halifax, into this Conference and district. 3. That under existing cicumstances we feel unable to adopt Dewsbury as a Home Mission station; but that we recommend to the friendly regard and prayerful superintendence of our ministers at Bradford and Leeds, the General Baptists residing in that town. 4. That we thank the Rev. J. Taylor for his services as Home Mission Secretary, and pray that he may enjoy richly the blessings of God in his new sphere of labour. 5. That the Rev. C. Springthorpe be our Secretary for the Home Mission the next year. 6.-That we thank Rev. R. Ingham for his services as Treasurer of the Home Mission, and request him to remain in office another year. 7. That the Home Mission report prepared by the Secretary, and read by the Rev. C. Springthorpe, be adopted and forwarded to the Association. 8.-That whilst we sympathize with those of our churches who have large debts, or who painfully feel the depressed condition of trade, we think it desirable that every church select some time in each year in which the friends shall have an opportunity of contributing to the institutions of the Body. 9. That the next Conference be held at Call-lane, Leeds, August 26, and that the Rev. C. Clark, of Halifax, preach in the morning. P.S.-In consequence of certain repairs being made in Call-lane chapel, the services connected with the Conference will be held in Byron-street chapel, Leeds. O. HARGREAVES, Secretary. BAPTISMS. STOKE-UPON-TRENT.-Two females were baptized June 6th, who were received into the church on the following Lord's-day. The services on both occasions were conducted by the Rev. J. Cholerton, of Coalville, which were well attended and very interesting, and we trust will be productive of good. DERBY, Osmaston-road. On the evenings of June 11th and 18th, five persons were baptized. are the first baptisms we have had in our new chapel. All present were deeply impressed with the appropriateness of the arrangements for the observance of the ordinance of baptism. These HOSE.-June 15, five young men were baptized by Mr. F. Mantle, and in the afternoon they were received into the fellowship of the church. Seventeen years have elapsed since so many were added at one time. It was a day of rich enjoyment. We have evidence of further prosperity. BIRMINGHAM. F. M. -On Wednesday evening, June 25th, six friends were baptized by Mr. Harrison, and on the first Sabbath in July were added to the church. J. S. C. BRADFORD, First Church. On Lord's-day, July 6th, we baptized eight believers in Jesus, and in the afternoon they were received to our fellowship. We are happy to say that others are inquiring their to Zion. way B. W. B. WHITWICK.-On Lord's-day, July 13th, four persons were added to the church by baptism. ANNIVERSARIES. BROUGHTON.-On Lord's-day, May 25, we had our Sabbath-school anniversary. The Rev. E. Stevenson, of Loughborough, preached. The congregations were good, and the collections about £5. On the following day we had our annual tea meeting, after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. E. Stevenson, Messrs. Worthington, Featherston, and Edlin, Wesleyans. W. U., B. MARCH, Cambs. ·Anniversary of the Sunday-school.-On Sunday, June 15, the Rev. T. W. Mathews, of Boston, preached the sermons; and on Monday, the 16th, the children met for their usual treat. The public meeting held afterwards was well attended. It appeared from the report that nearly 300 children were under instruction in the three sections of the school; that during the year seven of the more advanced scholars had joined the church, and that many more were hopefully impressed. The entire report was of a peculiarly gratifying character. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. W. Mathews, S. S. Allsop, of Whittlesea; J. Forman; J. Codd, Wesleyan; S. Fairly, Independent; and T. T. Wilson, the pastor. In CONINGSBY.-On Lord's-day, June 15, two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Sharman, on behalf of our Sabbath and Day-school. the afternoon of the Tuesday follow. ing, the children received their annual treat of plum cake and tea. The evening meeting was well attended and suitably addressed by Revs. W. Lee, W. Sharman, and Mr. Briggs, of Horncastle. WHITWICK.-On Lord's-day, June 8th, 1862, the annual sermons on behalf of the Sunday-school, were preached by the Rev. W. Underwood, president of the Chilwell College. The congregations were good, and the collections were larger than for many years past. SHORE, near Todmorden, Yorkshire. -The annual sermons on behalf of our Sabbath-school were preached on Lord's-day, June 8th, by Rev. J. Harvey, of Cheshire. The congregations were overflowing; collections and donations over £40. GOSBERTON.-The jubilee of our Sunday-school was celebrated on The Rev. T. T. June 8 and 9. Wilson, of March, preached two sermons on the Lord's-day; and on the following day a public tea meeting was held in a marquee. Although the weather was very unpropitious, about 260 persons were present, and a larger company attended the meet Intelligence-Anniversaries, Removals, Miscellaneous. ing afterwards. The meeting was addressed by Revs. Wilson, Bevan, Cholerton, and Jones. The minister of the place, the Rev. J. A. Jones, gave an account of the origin of the school and its history during the past fifty years. Mr. Ludlow, the superintendent of the Methodist Sunday-school, who was one of our first scholars, spoke on the same subject. SAWLEY.-The anniversary sermons on behalf of our Sabbath-school were preached on Lord's-day, June 22, by the Rev. R. Nightingale, of Tipton, when the sum of £10 was realized in collections. On the Monday following the scholars had their annual treat, after which a large number of friends took tea together in the school-room. T. P. SILEBY.-On Sunday, July 6th, two sermons were preached in the General Baptist chapel, Sileby, by Rev. T. Bumpus, of Loughborough. Collections were made towards the extinction of the debt. On Tuesday, July 8th, a tea meeting was held for the same object. The trays were gratuitously furnished. After tea, a public meeting was held in the chapel, which was decorated with flowers and evergreens. Mr. J. Crosher, of Loughborough, presided. After a hymn and prayer, Mr. T. W. Marshall, of Loughborough, stated that, through the medium of Rev. T. Wilshere, a very handsome new Bible for the pulpit had been received from the Bible Society. The collections, tea, and subscriptions amounted to £21 6s. The remaining sum, nearly £11, was subscribed in the meeting. Addresses were given by Revs. J. Staddon, of Quorndon; T. Bumpus, E. Stevenson, G. Hester, and Messrs. Marshall and Baldwin, of Loughborough. A selection of sacred music was sung at intervals of the meeting. FLECKNEY.-On Lord's-day, June 29, 1862, two sermons were preached here on behalf of our Sabbath-school, in the afternoon by Rev. T. Rhys Evans, of Countesthorpe, and in the evening by Rev. F. Islip, of 311 Kibworth Harcourt. The congregations were good, and the collections liberal. On Monday, June 30, a tea meeting was held in the schoolrooms, when nearly seventy persons took tea. After tea, addresses were delivered by Revs. G. Miall and T. R. Evans, and Messrs. J. Beales, F. Webb, and J. Jarratt, of Leicester; J. Ellis, of Burton Overy; -Skinner, of Market Harborough; and G. Coltman. The Sabbath - scholars received their annual treat on WhitMonday, June 9. REMOVALS. THE REV. J. TAYLOR, of Allerton, Yorkshire, has accepted an unanimous invitation to the General Baptist church of Maltby and Alford, in Lincolnshire, and entered on his stated labours there upon the 8th day of June last. The Rev. J. Foster, of Leicester, who has for about six years taken the management of the Young Men's Christian Association of that town in connection with ministerial duties, having received a cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the General Baptist church, Wendover, Bucks., enters upon his engagements, with encouraging prospects of success, on the first Sunday in September. MISCELLANEOUS. A LEICESTERSHIRE JUSTICE IN 1662. Mr. Richard Adams was ejected from his living at Humberstone, in the county of Leicester, by the Black Bartholomew Act of 1662. After his ejectment he married a wife at Mountsorrel, and there set up a meeting in his own house. Many persons at first were afraid to appear there; afterwards it increased much, and he kept it about fourteen years. Justice Babington was very severe against him. He fined him twelve pence per day, and sent to the officers of the parish to make distress for it. The poor men were so troubled in their consciences, that they could not tell what to do. |