388 Correspondence- The Distressed General Baptists in Lancashire. support him for six months, and we can get on. Now though I am not quite so sanguine as that friend, yet I am convinced the people could get on, and get on well, if they were assisted to support a minister for two or three years. £50 might be needed for the first year, and perhaps £30 for the second, and £20 the third. That those amounts might be raised, easily raised in the Connexion without burdening any one, there can be no question; but who is to raise it? Perhaps the General Home Mission Committee will take the matter in hand. Planting new churches at the present time seems beyond that Committee's power; might it not attempt to save from ruin some of our feeble churches? I think it might. If indeed any regard is to be paid to population and the spiritual requirements of a people, then Cradley Heath has as strong a claim on the sympathy and aid of the Connexion as any of the large towns which have been so often talked about, but for which nothing has yet been done. On this subject more might be said, but fearing I have already trespassed on your space and the patience of your readers, I subscribe myself, F. CHAMBERLAIN. Fleet, Sep. 15, 1862. P.S. In the Minutes for this year, Cradley Heath is named with Netherton, as though the two places formed one church. This is not the case. The places are not united, nor, in my opinion, is a union between them desirable. No one man could do the work there is to be done at both places. THE DISTRESSED GENERAL BRETHREN, The Cotton Famine has caused For suffering of frightful_severity and The following Extracts from letters sent by the Pastors and Deacons of a few of our churches will shew that the necessity for relief is immediate and most urgent: One writes: 'I am speaking within bounds when I say, that full half of our members are so far involved in this distress, that they really have not enough In the family of A. C. there are to eat. six, and they have 28. 9d. a week to pay for rent; and all they have coming in is 5s. per week, B. M.; here there are seven, with not more than 4s. per week coming into the house, and out of that 2s. go for rent.' Another says: "For some time our us great suffering poor have caused anxiety. We are situated in the very midst of destitution. Many of our people who have been comparatively well-to-do are now on the verge of actual want. I cannot enumerate all the cases amongst us, as some will not own to being in distressed circumstances.' The Deacon of a small church writes: Many of our friends are seriously affected by the depression in the cotton trade, Ten or upwards of twenty directly so. twelve more are but obtaining a bare subsistence.' Another Brother relates that he had Just visited six families in succession, all of whom were out of employ, and says, families it is painful to reflect upon.' * [We gladly give insertion to the follow-The state and prospects of these ing circular at the request of the secretary, Rev. R. Horsfield, and sincerely hope that the appeal will meet with a hearty response.-Ed.] Another writes: The cotton famine will effect injuriously almost every family Intelligence Conferences. in our church. Many are suffering deeply already. Scores are at the present totally unemployed. The state of things is becoming worse among us every day.' 'I can assure you,' says another Minister, that a majority of our people have suffered, and are suffering, very severely. It is a mystery to me how some of them live. A few have been obliged, very reluctantly, to apply for Parish relief, and have obtained 1s. 6d. per head per week; others have been sent to break stones on the road for 9d. per day. Some, who think it a disgrace to apply to the Parish, will starve rather than do so; but these are glad to come to our Vestry for a loaf of bread. These friends have maintained an honourable position in life, and twelve months ago had a nice sum of money saved, but are now penniless and in want.' Believing that our Christian union is not a mere name, and that General Baptists (not directly affected by the panic) would cheerfully relieve their Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, and prove the sincerity of their love,' if only a channel were opened, through which 389 assistance could be conveyed, the Conference held at Byron Street Chapel, Leeds, on the 26th ult., requested us to receive your bounty,' and to minister to the saints.' We cheerfully comply with that request; and shall most gratefully receive, on behalf of our suffering brethren, the Collections of congregations, and Donations, by Cheques, Post Orders, or Stamps. Yours truly, RICHARD INGHAM, Vale Manse, Todmorden. JABEZ TUNNICLIFF, Beckett Street, Leeds. WILLIAM WATSON, Canal Wharf, Leeds. G. T. WOODSON, Francis Street, Leeds, Treasurer. RICHARD HORSFIELD, Newton Grove House, Leeds, Secretary. The Conference recommend that so long as the distress continues, Monthly Collections should be made in all our congregations. Intelligence. CONFERENCES. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE met at Leeds, Byron-street, August 26, 1862. The Rev. R. Horsfield presided. Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford, prayed. Thirty-four were reported as baptized since the last Conference. 1. The minutes of the last Conference were read and approved as correct. 2.-Some conversation took place respecting Dewsbury, when it was stated that there is still no opening there. 3. It was agreed; That we deeply sympathize with our suffering brethren in Lancashire, that a Relief Fund on their behalf be immediately instituted, that the Revs. R. Horsfield, J. Tunnicliff, and R. Ingham, with Messrs. Woodson and Watson, be a committee for the adoption of all approved measures, for the reception of contributions, and for their distribution; and that the Rev. R. Horsfield be requested to write on this subject for the coming Magazine. 4.-A letter from the Secretary of the Foreign Mission respecting arrangements for missionary services was read, which was committed to Revs. B. Wood and R. Hardy, that its object may be realized. 5.-Agreed, that the propriety of receiving Government aid for secular education be the subject of discussion at the next Conference. 6. That the next Conference be held at Birchcliffe, on the 26th of Dec., the Rev. C. Clark to preach in the morning. 7. That the financial accounts of the Home Mission be audited by Messrs. J. Crabtree and J. Marshall. A morning service not having been convenient at Leeds, a meeting for devotion and addresses was held in the evening, in which Revs. R. Ingham, J. Tunnicliff, and R. Horsfield took part. R. INGHAM, Secretary, pro. tem. THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Gosberton, on Thursday, Sep. 11, 1862. In the morning, brother W. Sharman read the Scriptures and prayed, and brother Dyson preached from John iii. 14, 15. In the afternoon, reports from some of the churches were presented, from which we gathered that twenty-two had been baptized since the last Conference, and that nine remained candidates for baptism. It would greatly add to the interest of the Conference if each church would either send a representative or report. A circular, received from the committee appointed by the Yorkshire Conference, to solicit help for our distressed brethren in Lancashire, having been read, it was resolved: That we recommend the churches in this district to respond to the appeal made by the committee. As there was no other business to engage our attention, the time was spent in fraternal, and we trust, profitable conversation. It was decided: That the next Conference be held at Long Sutton, on Thursday, Dec. 4, and that brother Watts be requested to preach in the morning. THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary. THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE met at Old Bassford, on Tuesday, Sep. 16. The attendance was very small. Rev. W. Chapman not being able to attend, Rev. J. F. Stevenson, B.A., kindly consented to preach. His text was 1 Sam. xx. 33. At the afternoon sitting Rev. H. Hunter presided, Mr. T. W. Marshall, of Loughborough, prayed. From the 1.-Conference Collection. It was agreed that, as the attendance was small, the collection for incidental expences should be deferred till the next Conference. 2.-Market Harborough. The case sent from this church to the Asso ciation was referred to the Midland Conference. After hearing the statement of Rev. D. Gee, the minister, it was agreed: That this Conference, sympathizing with the church at Market Harborough in the present depressed state of its finances, recommends to our churches the urgent necessity for some pecuniary assistance during the next two years.' 3.-Standing subject for free Conference. It was agreed that the old rule of taking up this question in each Conference, in the absence of any business be revived; 'What additional plans can be adopted for promoting godliness in the churches in this Conference?' 4.-Publication of the morning sermon. It was unanimously agreed to request Rev. J. F. Stevenson to allow the sermon preached in the morning to be printed in the Magazine. The next Conference will be held at Wood-gate, Loughborough, on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Rev. W. Chapman, of Melbourne, to preach, or in case of failure, Rev. J. Lewitt, of Nottingham. Rev. Giles Hester, of Loughborough, preached in the evening. J. J. GOADBY, Secretary. BAPTISMS. WHEELOCK HEATH.-On Lord'sday, June 1st, six believers were baptized, one was the youngest daughter, and the other the eldest granddaughter of the pastor, Mr. R. Intelligence-Baptisms, Anniversaries, Miscellaneous. 331 Pedley. On July 6th, five others | Baptist), in his own chapel; and in were baptized, and we have several inquirers. R. P. MARCH, Cambs.-On Lord's-day, August 17th, the Rev. T. T. Wilson preached and baptized four candidates, one of the four was the youthful daughter of one of our deacons, the first fruits of his family to Christ. An interesting case of early piety. WYMESWOLD.-We baptized four persons on Sunday morning, August 31. In the afternoon they received the right hand of fellowship, and were admitted to the Lord's table. SHEFFIELD.-On Lord's-day evening, August 31, we baptized thirteen. Of them three were Independents, and are remaining with their own people; the others were from our own congregation, and have united with the church. - SHEEPSHED. On Lord's day morning, Sept. 7th, after an appropriate discourse, six friends were baptized by Mr. Whitehead, of Melbourne. In the afternoon they were received into the fellowship of the church. LINEHOLME.-On Sunday, Sep. 14, we baptized eleven believers. In the afternoon we gave them the right hand of fellowship, and admitted them to the Lord's supper; and in the evening, at the prayer leaders' meeting, the six brethren were put on the prayer leaders' plan, to assist in the work of the Lord's vineyard. Amidst the distress of the neighbourhood from the Cotton famine, which has scattered many families, who have sought employment elsewhere, this addition to our numbers and strength is cheering. ANNIVERSARIES. N. S. BRADFORD, Infirmary-street.—The anniversary of our chapel and Sunday-school, was celebrated on Lord'sday, August 17th, on which occasion sermons were preached, in the morning, by the pastor of the church; in the afternoon, by the Rev. Henry Dowson, (Particular the evening, by Mr. Charles Rhodes. The collections amounted to the noble sum of £67 14s. 3d., the whole of which is appropriated to the liquidation of our heavy chapel debt. In addition to the above we have raised during the present year, for the same purpose, about £300. We are hoping and working. May God prosper us. J. H. B. MISCELLANEOUS. SOIREE AT THE GENERAL BAPTIST COLLEGE, CHILWELL, NEAR NOTTINGHAM.—On Tuesday, September 9, a highly interesting gathering of the friends and subscribers of the above Institution was held at Chilwell, to celebrate the opening of the session. Tea and coffee were provided in the Lecture-room and Library at five o'clock, after which the chair was taken by John Heard, Esq., of Nottingham, and prayer was offered by the Rev. G. Hester, of Loughborough. The Rev. W. Underwood, the Principal, and the Rev. J. Lewitt, the Secretary, cordially welcomed the visitors. The latter stated the position of the funds at the audit in June last, and that a bazaar was to be held in Nottingham, at the next Association, towards liquidating the debt of £1,400 now remaining of £3,200, the cost of the premises and repairs. The chairman then called upon the Rev. J. Matheson, B.A., of Nottingham, who delivered to the students a most beautiful and appropriate address, which was highly applauded by the whole assembly. He was followed by the Rev. J. Martin, B.A., of Nottingham, who spoke very ably on the advantages of a theological training for young men called to the ministry. last speaker was the Rev. J. Stevenson, M.A., of Derby, who dwelt at some length on the power necessary to a successful ministry. Votes of thanks to the chairman and the gentlemen who had so efficiently addressed the meeting were moved and seconded by R. The Pegg, Esq.. of Derby; Mr. E. Barwick, of Nottingham; the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., Classical Tutor; and Mr. T. W. Marshall, of Loughborough, Treasurer of the College. It was pleasing to see so large and influential an assembly gathered from Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough, and many other places, and to observe among the company several of the deacons and principal friends of both sections of the Baptist body, and also of the Independent denomination, who expressed their high gratification with the College premises, and their warm wishes for the success of the Institution. OPENING OF THE NEW CHAPEL, ASHBY.-We are glad to find that our Ashby friends have nearly completed their new chapel. The opening services will be held this month. The Rev. S. G. Green, B.A., of Rawdon College, and Rev. C. Stovel, of London, are engaged to preach on the first day. Full particulars will be found in the advertisement on the cover. REV. J. B. LOCKWOOD has resigned the pastorate of the church at Tarporley. Long continued indisposition after preaching has induced Mr. L. to relinquish all ministerial labour for the present. ALLERTON.-On Sunday, Sep. 14, Rev. R. Hardy, of Queens head, preached in the Baptist chapel, Allerton, on behalf of the Foreign Mission, when a collection was made for the above object. Marriages and Deaths. MARRIAGES. Aug. 6, at the General Baptist chapel, Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, by the Rev. T. Watts, of Wisbeach, assisted by the Rev. Watson Dyson, the Rev. Giles Hester, minister of Wood Gate chapel, Loughborough, to Miss Annette Peele, of Long Sutton. Aug. 17, at Little Bowden church, near Market Harborough, Lindsay, second daughter of Mr. W. Symington, to Mr. J. A. Lloyd, of London. Sep. 13, at the Baptist chapel, Allerton, by the Rev. R. Hardy, of Queenshead, Mr. J. Priestley, to Miss Eliza White, eldest daughter of Samuel White, manufacturer. Also, Mr. Reuben Knowles, to Miss Miriam White, third daughter of Mr. White. Sep. 17, at Edinburgh, Rev. W. Brock, junior, son of Rev. W. Brock, of Bloomsbury chapel, London, to Jessie. second daughter of Hugh Rose, Esq., of Hill-side crescent. DEATHS. April 27, in Central Africa, three months after joining her husband, Mrs. Livingstone the beloved and heroic wife of Dr. Livingstone. July 26, at Enderby, near Leicester, Rev. S. Haywood, aged 55. Mr. Haywood was for many years missionary in Burbice, West Indies. August 5, at Nelson Hollow, Leicestershire, Mr. Charles Hay. wood, aged 51. He was a deacon of the church at Barton-in-the-Beans. Aug. 27, at Bourne, Eliza Gregory, the beloved daughter of Rev. J. B. Pike, aged 17. Aug. 29, at Halifax, Mr. James Hodgson, late of Stubbing House, Hebden Bridge, aged 81. Sep. 15, at Stony - gate, near Leicester, J. F. Hollings, Esq. aged 57. Sep. 19, at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Mr. John Orchard, for many years a consistent and exemplary member of the General Baptist church, and a deacon. |