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public meeting, that a debt of upwards of £2,000 still remains on the place.

BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL ACADEMY FOR

SCOTLAND.

The tenth session of the Baptist Theological Academy for Scotland closed on Friday, March 21st, when the examination was conducted as usual in the presence of the committee and friends of the institution. The conduct of the students during the session was reported as having been most becoming and praiseworthy. They had engaged in their various studies with energy and perseverance, and had," to their power, yea, beyond their power," ministered on Lord's-day to destitute churches. The

examination was almost entirely on the Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek Scriptures, with which the students showed an acquaintance that was gratifying to those who witnessed it. During the session the academy was deprived of the services of its late respected tutor, the Rev. F. Johnstone, now of Cambridge. This lack of service the Revs. J. Pearson and J. Brown, of Leith, have been supplying. The committee are very anxious to see their academy flourish. The wants of Scotland are certainly pressing, and it is matter of regret the committee do not receive more sympathy and encouragement, in an undertaking which has already proved itself so beneficial.

HENEAGE-STREET, BIRMINGHAM.

This

Some time since our readers were informed of a movement that was being made by the church and congregation at the Baptist chapel, Heneage-street, under the care of the Rev. J. Taylor, for the erection of new school-rooms, and that the ladies were getting up a bazaar for the purpose of furnishing these rooms. bazaar was held on the 14th of April and following days, in the new school-room. The result of the three days' sale was £230, which, with £197 raised by the congregation, and £113 raised by the personal efforts of Mr. Taylor, more than meets the demand. The proceedings terminated by a tea meeting, the largest ever held in the place; about 700 persons sat down to tea. The annual meeting of the schools afterwards took place. From the report it appeared that about 800 scholars attended these schools; that there are 200 in the pastor's Bible class; that Mr. Taylor teaches during the week three classes for the study of English grammar, geography, Latin, and Greek; that thirty-five from the schools and classes have joined the church during the year. Altogether the work in this place is, through the blessing of God, greatly prospering.

CAMBERWELL.

The foundation-stone of a new chapel for the use of the church and congregation now assembling at the Mansion-house chapel, Camberwell, was laid March 18th, by Sir John Key, Bart., chaplain of the city of London, in the presence of a large

concourse of spectators. The style of the building is to be the latest period of Gothic architecture. The Rev. W. P. Tiddy, the pastor of the church for whom the new erection is designed, read a lengthy address suited to the occasion; after which addresses were delivered by the Revs. John Burnet and Dr. Steane. The devotional services were conducted by the Revs. J. Bigwood, J. George, W. Howieson, Mr. Gittens, and Dr. Steane. After the laying of the stone, a cold collation was partaken of in Camberwell Hall. A public prayermeeting was held in the Mansion-house. chapel at half-past three o'clock; and in the evening, the Rev. D. Katterns, of Hackney, preached to a large congregation.

PAULTON, SOMERSET.

The Rev. H. W. Stembridge, pastor of the Baptist church and congregation in this place, having completed the third year of his pastorate, a public tea meeeting was held on Wednesday, April 16th, to commemorate the event. After tea, Mr. Gerard, one of the deacons of the church, having taken the chair, presented the pastor, in the name of the church and congrégation, with a handsome writing desk beautifully furnished, as a small token of the respect and esteem in which he is held amongst them, both as a pastor and friend. Mr. Stembridge having very feelingly thanked the friends for this great proof of their love and esteem, the Rev. David Wassell, of Bath, then delivered a most eloquent and suitable address. Other friends having spoken, a delightful evening was spent.

HADDENHAM, ISLE OF ELY.

A meeting was held in the Baptist chapel in this place on Wednesday, April 9th, to welcome the Rev. J. Mostyn, of Horton College, Bradford, who has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate. A public meeting was held, at five o'clock, in the school-room adjoining the chapel, at which upwards of 250 sat down. At halfpast six, a public meeting was held in the chapel, at which J. O. Wilson, Esq., of Ganth, presided. The meeting was ad dressed by Mr. Biddall, and the Rev. Messrs. Mostyn, Bradfield, of Cambridge, J. Blinkhorn, of Willingham, J. Dring, of Stretham, J. E. Simmons, M.A., of Bluntisham, J. Hart, of Houghton, and Nevill Goodman, Esq. The speeches throughout were characterised by deep feeling and sympathy toward minister and church.

LUTON.

A tea meeting was held on Tuesday, April 15th, in the Lecture-room of the Baptist chapel, Wellington-street, Luton, to welcome the Rev. J. S. Stanion, the newly-elected pastor of the church assembling there. Upwards of three hundred persons sat down to tea, after which a public meeting was held in the chapel, when James Waller, Esq. occupied the chair. The chairman gave a cordial welcome to Mr. Stanion, respecting whom he expressed

the most encouraging hopes. He was followed by Mr. How, the Rev. J. Perkins, the Rev. W. W. Wake, Mr. Bailhache, of Stepney College, and by other friends. Mr. Stanion also addressed the meeting in a suitable and impressive manner.

LONG PRESTON, YORKSHIRE,

On Good Friday, March 21st, 1856, the Rev. Aaron Spencer, formerly a student with the Rev. T. Dawson, of Liverpool, was ordained over the Baptist church, Long Preston. Mr. G. Hitchin, of Horton College, the Rev. H. Dowson, of Bradford, the Rev. J. Shuttleworth, of Hellifield, and the Rev. N. Walton, of Cowling-hill, took part in the service. In the afternoon, the children of the recently formed Sabbathschool took tea together; after which there was a public tea party,-about 200 sat down to tea. In the evening, the Rev. T. Dawson, of Liverpool, gave the charge to the pastor; and the Rev. T. Bennett, of Barnoldswick, preached to the church and people. The services were all well attended.

RAWDEN.

The Baptist chapel in this place having been closed for several weeks for the pur pose of undergoing repairs, was re-opened on Lord's-day, March 23rd. The Rev. Dr. Acworth preached in the morning, the Rev. R. Holmes, minister of the chapel, in the afternoon, and the Rev. Dr. Godwin in the evening. A new pulpit has been erected, a new baptistry and warming apparatus introduced, and the whole of the interior painted and beautified. The collections amounted in the aggregate to the munificent sum of £250 7s. 2d.

SCARBOROUGH.

During the last eight or nine weeks the Baptist chapel here has been closed. Alterations within and without of a very improved character have been effected. From £250 to £300 have been expended in this work. On Friday, the 28th of March, the chapel was reopened by a special prayer. meeting, and on the following Sabbath sermons were preached by the Revs. Dr. Acworth, and S. G. Green, B.A., of Horton College. On Monday evening, a social tea-meeting for members of the church and congregation closed a series of very interesting and gratifying services. £250 has been collected towards the expenses.

STEPNEY COLLEGE.

About

Since the present session commenced, the following students from Stepney College have taken the oversight of churches: Mr. E. L. Hull, B.A., at Kimbolton; Mr. T. Watts, at Wisbeach; Mr. Scoxey, at King Stanley; Mr. G. Hawson, at Woolwich; Mr. Stanion, at Luton. Two other students are also supplying vacant churches with a view to settlement. Applications for next September ought to be completed and in the hands of the Secretary before the end of May.

WARRINGTON.

On Friday, March 21st, the Rev. H. Rowson was ordained pastor of the Baptist church assembling in Golborne-street chapel, Warrington. The Rev. J. Burton, of St. Ives, the Rev. W. F. Burchell, of Rochdale, and the Rev. J. Acworth, LL.D., of Horton Cellege, Bradford, took part. In the evening, the Rev. Hugh Stowell Brown, of Liverpool, preached to a very crowded audience.

GREAT SHELFORD.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 19th, the foundation-stone of a new Baptist chapel was laid at Great Shelford, by Richard Foster, Esq., in the presence of a large number of spectators, many of whom had come from a considerable distance. The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, during the proceedings, delivered a short address. In the evening, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon preached to a congregation of about a thousand persons.

UPPER NORWOOD.

The members of the Baptist church at Westow-hill, Upper Norwood, have unani mously agreed to a separation, for the purpose of forming another cause in that locality. The Rev. Dr. Wills will resign his present pastorate the second week in this month, to take the oversight of the new interest.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

Mr. Thomas T. Wilson, who has just finished his studies in the Baptist Theological Institution of Scotland, has accepted the invitation of the church, in the Waterloo-rooms, Edinburgh.-The Rev. Charles Forth, of Doncaster, has accepted the invitation of the Baptist church at New Basford, and commences his stated labours there on the first Sabbath in May.-The Rev. J. S. Stanion, of Stepney College, has accepted an invitation from the church in Wellington-street, Luton, to become the pastor, and commenced his labours the third Sabbath in April.-Mr. W. F. Smith, of Camberwell, has acccepted the invitation of the church at Briercliffe, near Burnley, and entered upon his stated labours on Lord's-day, April 6th.-The Rev. A. E. Fuller relinquished the pastoral charge of the English Baptist church in St. Marystreet, Cardiff, March 2nd.-Mr. E. L. Hull, B.A., late of Stepney College, has accepted the invitation of the church at Kimbolton, Hunts, and commenced his labours on the first Lord's-day in April.-Mr. Josh. Smith having been compelled through ill health to resign the pastorate of the Baptist church, Pontesbury, Shropshire, the Rev. David Lewis, who lately returned from South America, has been chosen as his successor. Mr. Lewis has acceded to the wish of the church, and commenced his stated labours the third Sabbath in April.-The Rev.T.C. Carter, after upwards of seven years' labour, resigns his connection with the church at Chenies, Bucks, in June.

THE CHURCH.

"Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."-Eph. ii. 20.

JUNE, 1856.

POWER GOETH FORTH FROM HIM!

BY DR. FRIEDR. STRAUSS.*

"Jesus said, Some one has touched me, for 1 perceive that power has gone out from me."-Luke viii. 46.

How astonished must those have been who heard these words thus spoken! And how ought we to be impressed with them and the deeds which accompany them, as they are repeated in every age and among every people! They express, in brief, the sum of our heart's communion with the Lord. It is threefold. The Lord said, Power has gone out from me, and thus informs us what, in this communion, we are to expect from Him; when he says, Some one has touched me, he states the condition required on our part; and when he adds, I perceive it, he gives us the assurance of the blessed result. These three thoughts, thus briefly expressed, may well induce us to seek the exercise of the same power on our own behalf. May He who glorified his power in blessing her then, bestow the same blessing on us now, as we meditate on his power!

She

The Lord is on his way to the house of Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, whose daughter is a-dying. He is hurried along by the anxious! father and the pressing crowd. It might be mere curiosity with the many to witness an expected miracle, while with the few there might be: a desire to have their faith in Jesus' power confirmed. But in that motley crowd there is one poor soul who is less intent on seeing the dise play of that power on others than in experiencing it on herself. repairs to Jesus under pressure of need, as much as under the excitement of hope. It was a woman whose twelve years' sickness had exhausted> her means, and the physicians had left her not only poorer, but worse and weaker. She urges her way through the crowd, not without effort. Now she is near him. But her whole nature trembles, and her lips refuse to speak. She is near her helper, but a sacred awe restrains her approach. Meanwhile the Lord hastens on, and now He is passing away. easily may the next wave of that sea of human beings sweep her back, and the opportunity be lost. This thought excites new alarm. Might I but touch his garment, I should be healed, said she to herself. Her courage is summoned once more. She presses nearer from behind, and touches the hem of his garment, and-immediately she is healed. Lord turns to the people and asks, Who touched me? All deny. Peter alone, ever ready of utterance, replies, Master, the crowd throng and press thee, and how sayest thou, Who touched me? But Jesus rejoins, Some one has touched me, for I perceive that power has gone forth from * A translation of a Sermon, preached Nov. 13th, 1825.

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The woman now seeing that her deed is not hid, with fear and trembling falls down before him, and declares before all, why she had Couched him, and how immediately she had been healed. But he said to her, Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace. Then pursued he his way to the ruler's house, to call back the dead to life. What could the disciples, the closest witnesses of this miracle, say? What could all the curious, the doubtful, and the ignorant, who stood around, say? What can we, who survey the whole course of his miracles, and his eighteen centuries of invisible yet wonderful government in his church, say? What, but that "power goeth forth from him"? Happy they who can add, My Lord, and my God! Let us now consider this power.

Should not power proceed from Him who has all power? This man, whom those of his time called Jesus, the Nazarene carpenter's son, and whom we are graciously permitted to call our Brother, is the Son of God, the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. He and the Father are one. In him dwells all the fulness of the godhead Vodily. Hence, like the Father he is omnipotent. True, that omnipotence was veiled during the moments of his humanity, yet all power was given Kim both in heaven and on earth. Was it not omnipotence that the Son of God should become man, and that the Son of Man should sit down on the right hand of the Majesty on high? Was it not omnipotence that the Most High should come down so low, and that the All-sufficient should forego his power? Was it not omnipotence that he should have and use the power to lay down his life and to take it again? Ah, how man, in his weakness, falters, when he would speak of Omnipotence! Bowed down before it how the heart trembles, how the spirit struggles to express the mystery by the loftiest figures, yet fails in the attempt! We cannot express it more strongly than by saying, All that is in him is power, and all that constitutes power is in him! His infinity, his omnipresence, his immutability, his eternity, is power! His wisdom, his holiness, his justice, is power! His love is power! All that is in him is power, is all-power! And as all that is in him is power, so all that is called power is in him and from him! What heaven calls power, what angels possess of dominion, principality, and power, what on earth is mighty or powerful, that is from him. His gift it is. The rich have no wealth, the wise no wisdom, the strong no strength, rulers no authority, the sun no light or heat, of themselves. His is the riches, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen! Why still strugglest thou, child of dust, to express the inexpressible, to bind in words what is far above all words, and to conceive in thought what is higher than all the thoughts of men or angels? Seraphim are silent and cherubim veil their faces before the Omnipotent! Be thou also still; bow down and pray!

Though depressed under a sense of weakness, hast thou adored Omnipotence, with the worshipping spirits around thee? Then in the divine light which breaks through the earthly, behold and see how power goes forth from Him to whom all power belongs. Look on the more distant that the nearer may be understood. He breathes abroad, and all things are created. He covers the deep with waters as with a garment; but at his frown they flee; at the voice of his thunder they hasten away. He looketh on the earth and it trembles, he touches the hills and they smoke. He arches out the heavens, and makes the clouds his chariot, and walks on the wings of the wind. The fields stand arrayed, now in all the flowery pride of summer, and now in the rich fulness of autumn. He speaks, and the storm-wind howls, the rains rush down, the rees drop their leaves, and the earth is stript of her beauty. Again he

speaks, and it is spring, and the face of the earth is renewed. That is power which has gone forth from him. His enemies madly resist bis might. Hell rages and sets its vast power in opposition to his all-power. One word meets its hosts in their presumptous career, and they are overthrown; and the thought of his Omnipotence is the hell of their hell. Mortals strive with him on earth. Life-long he allows their attempt. He looks on them and their sinews are unstrung; he looks on them again and they must away. Wherefore do the heathen rage and the people devise vanity? The Lord wills, and Saul wills not, and an evil spinit troubles him with melancholy and madness. The armed bands approach to take Jesus; he says, I am he, and they fall to the ground. Sau! breathes out threatening and slaughter; the Lord appears, and be is bereft of sight. Thus he reigns till all his enemies are beneath his feet. The arm of the mighty shall be broken when it rises against him, and the bows of the powerful shall be shivered when they are aimed at his cause. That is power which goes forth from him. From his destroying chastening, death-bearing power, let us now turn to his healing, savings bliss-bearing power. The woman in our gospel who has been ill for twelve years, the infirm man who lay at Bethesda's pool for thirty-seven years, he restores to health. With five loaves he feeds five thousand men, and twelve basketsful remain. Water he turns to wine. The dumb speak, the deaf hear, the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed. The daughter of Jairus, the widow's son, and Lazarus, rise from the dead. Thus, in temporal distress, he lends almighty aid. And in spi ritual too. To Abraham he gives power to offer up his own loved song to David, to resign his throne, and say, Let him do to me as seemeth good to him; to Daniel, dauntless courage to meet the hungry lions their den. Whenever a heart feels its own plague, and comes to him, e lends almighty aid. He resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Open thy mouth wide, saith he to him that hungers after righteousness, and I will fill it. To him that weeps over his sin e announces, I have heard thy prayers, I have seen thy tears. To him who implores forgiveness, he says, I blot out thy transgressions as a cloud, and thine iniquities as a thick cloud; turn thou unto me for have redeemed thee. Broken but believing hearts go forth to him and are made clean through his spoken word. They are justified and blessed, and are the standing proofs of his power, as strong men who can do all things through him that strengtheneth them, as mighty men in whose weakness his grace is mighty. Has the world ever witnessed such instances of resignation, self-denial, and voluntary endurance,—of cała delight amidst the sufferings of life, and exulting joy in the very arms of death, of self-sacrificing, self-renouncing love amidst hate and scorn, $ are exhibited by those whom his blood has cleansed from all sin? Passing by the great and well-known examples, we would only advert to the mos concealed "exploits" of those who drew their strength from him; in the hovels of uncomplaining poverty, or the sick-beds of unnursed and neg lected disease; in the corners where parents weep over and still pray for their refractory children; in the house where the iron-hand of proud authority weighs heavy on the mute dependants, or among the fetters where slandered innocence is silenced, and of whose wrongs few except the angels of God are witnesses; to these we would point and ask, Is man of himself fit for such feats as these? Do these spring from reckless daring, or ambition, or insensibility? Must not a power from on high have nerved these sufferers? And when they own that it is faith alone that upheld them, how the truth forces itself on our conviction, PowES GOETH FORTH FROM HIM!

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