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siderable number were unable to obtain admission. Mr. Stocks again preached in the afternoon, and administered the Lord's supper. One of the candidates baptized was upwards of eighty years of age. We have had two baptisms previous to the above in the same place since the commencement of the year; one on Lord's. day, March 21st, when six persons were baptized, two males and four females; the other on May 9th, when three were baptized, two males and one female. On each of these occasions Mr. Stocks preached. The congregations were very good; particularly so on March 21st, when the chapel was excessively crowded. We would here acknowledge the goodness of the Lord towards us, in thus blessing the faithful, ac. tive, and laborious exertions of our highlyesteemed minister, and pray that the good work may still go on and prosper, and that numbers may be added unto us, such as shall be everlastingly saved.

T. B.

BAPTISM AT HALIFAX.-On Lord's. day, August 8th, the ordinance of christian im mersion was administered in our chapel to seven individuals, three males and four fe males. The ordinance of the Lord's-sup. per was administered in the evening, when the newly baptized were received into the Church, together with three others, one of whom had previously been a member with us, and is now again restored to the fellowship of the Church. The other two had also been members of Baptist Churches; one of a P. B. Church at Colne, in Lanca. shire; and the other of a Baptist Church in the south of England. Having removed from their friends into this neighbourhood on account of trade, their love to the Saviour had waxed cold, and they had become carnal; but are now returned to the shepherd and bishop of their souls, resolving that they will dedicate the remaining part of their lives to the promotion of his glory who has called them out of darkness into his marvellous light.

BAPTISM AT HINCKLEY.-On Lord'sday, August 1, 1841, the ordinance of believer's baptism was administered to five females in the General Baptist chapel, Hinckley, on which occasion the Rev. J. Taylor preached a very useful sermon, from Col. ii. 12; after which our beloved pastor gave a very touching address, then went down and administered the sacred rite. This was a day of great interest to us.

J. PRATT. BAPTISM AT ISLEHAM-On Tuesday, August 3rd, the ordinance of baptism was administered in the river near this place. Fifteen, chiefly young persons, were bap

tized. Several of them had been scholars, and are now teachers in the Sabbath-school; and the teachers and friends were much delighted and encouraged to hear two of them speak of the good effects of the affectionate and persevering exhortations of their teachers. How important it is that our teachers should be solicitous for the salvation of the childrens' souls; and that they should pursue it with unwearied diligence. Their efforts may appear useless for a time, but what a reward is success. The Rev. Mr. Beddow, of Barton Mills, delivered an address on the occasion; and in the evening we had a prayer-meeting. The services were very interesting; and it will, we hope, be found that they were rendered useful.

J. COTTON.

BROOK STREET, DERBY.-We understand that some special religious services were held by the Church assembling in Brook Street, Derby, on Lord's-day, Aug. 22nd, 1841, to commemorate its formation. It has now existed just fifty years. We hope to be able to give a more particular account of these services in our next number.

BOSTON.-Our friends here have fixed Sunday and Monday, the 26th and 27th of the present month, for the anniversary services of their New Chapel. The Rev. John Stevenson, A. M., of London, is to be the preacher.

BAPTISM IN CORFU-" Mr. Love, an American missionary who has been labouring in Greece some years, has recently transmitted to the society by which he is supported the following interesting account of the baptism of a Greek convert.

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'The 12th of August was to us a day of interest. We repaired to a beautiful little bay of the Mediterranean, and, sheltered of an aged olive, I read and explained the there from a noontide sun by the branches sixth chapter of Romans. a Greek hymn to the tune called 'Grenville,' and prayed. After which, I baptized Apostolos In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. We came up out of the water, and again commended ourselves to God by prayer, supplicating his blessing upon the act, which in obedience to his command we had just performed, and in imploring his mercy upon the perishing multitudes among whom we dwell. It was a day too of deep interest to our beloved Greek brother. How fervently before descending into the symbolical grave of his crucified Lord, did he pray for a complete death to sin; and after coming up out of the water, how earnestly did he supplicate the grace of God, and the con

stant abiding of the Holy Spirit, that he might walk in newness of life, and adorn, by a godly conversation, the profession which he had now made in the presence of a number of witnesses.

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"Two pious English friends, an officer of the medical staff, and his lady, with whom we were spending a little time in the country for the benefit of my health, accompanied us to witness this interesting An entire change has recently taken place in their views with reference to the ordinance, and this was the first scriptural baptism which the doctor had ever wit nessed. It was delightful to see how the simplicity and significance of the ordinance witnessed for God in their minds, though they had the disadvantage of understand ing nothing of the exercises connected with it, only as Mrs. Love briefly interpreted. A number of Greeks, attracted to the spot by our reading, singing, and prayers, seated themselves under an adjacant tree, and witnessed the ordinance in a very respectful and becoming manner. The crew of a small craft, moored at the beech a few rods distant, looked on silently, and with much apparent interest. Apostolos has a son of sixteen, the only surviving member of his family, who was also present.

"Our brother has long desired to obey the command of Jesus in this ordinance, and it was attended with a peace of mind which he represented that he had never before felt. He was accustomed, in his own conclusive way of reasoning, frequently to say, 'My parents put me into the water when I was an infant, as they would dip a stick. But how that can be my obeying the command of God to be baptized, I am not able to see.'

"Our English friends present, saw in the administration of this ordinance a dawning for Greece, Others, perhaps, may see a darkening. As for me, the command being clear, the duty was plain.

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"The transactions of the 12th of August are well known throughout the city of Corfu, and generally throughout the island. The reproach of sprinkling,' so many times cast upon the missionaries, and upon us in common with others, by the natives, is, so far as we are concerned, wiped away. They say of us no more, that we are 'no christians, because we have not been baptized.' I have never seen a Greek belonging to the Greek Church, who regarded any thing other than immersion as baptism.

"But the bearing of this transaction on the subject of believers' baptism' is by far more important. Intelligent Greeks understand that their present practice of baptizing unconscious infants is an innovation; that

it was their ancient practice to baptize only disciples. The following ancient formula touching this point is still every where read in the churches, and to an understanding Greek carries with it all the force of a demonstration. Osoi catechoumenoi proerchete catechoumenoi' (literally) as many as are catechumens, come forward.' It was the declaration of the officiating priest in ancient times, (and kept up still, as a mere matter of form) when he came forth to read the liturgy in connexion with administering the eucharist, and its import is, that those who do not sustain the character of catechoumenoi, not being baptized into the church, are to withdraw; a laconic mode of speaking, by which in addressing an affirmative to one class, the negative is announced to another; and when a part, and the first part, is put for the whole and what naturally succeeds. And as the word 'catechoumenoi' necessarily implies understanding, on the part of the candidate for baptism, so the question what class of persons were baptized, whether infants or otherwise?' is, in the mind of the Greek, without controversy. They know that we do not baptize our little children, and that we require, as a pre-requisite to baptism, a state of mind that an infant is incapable of possessing. And on learning the practice of Baptists they not unfrequently reply, For so our fathers anciently did.

"There is still another view which our Greek friends take of the subject, which to me is no less interesting. Referring to the baptism of Apostolos, say they, It accuses our faith. But are we not the orthodox! the peculiar people of God—the only Christians? To these questions we answer them distinctly, 'No.' Except ye repent and be converted to God, and cease from sinning, and from loving your sins, you cannot be saved.' Since the baptism of Apostolos, the spirit of inquiry seems to be greatly on the increase. There are, perhaps, twelve or fifteen intelligent Greeks in Corfu, who have been met, inch by inch, on the whole system of Christianity, according to the New Testament, and completely vanquished. These are now searching the Scriptures, to see if these things be so.' Oh, Sir, if this be of the Holy Spirit, these poor perishing souls will be converted. But if not, they will fall away into infidelity."

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A DIFFICULTY.—“Our episcopal friends,” says the Baptist Record, "are beginning to agitate the subject of the proper and primitive manner of administering baptism. One of their bishops some time ago openly de. clared that there was no baptism now in the episcopal church. That the baptists,

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it was true, had the proper mode, but as their administrators were not episcopally ordained, they had no authority to perform the ceremony; and that baptism could only be introduced by some bishop travelling to Greece, receiving the ordinance at the hands of a Greek bishop, and then administering it to his brethren in this country.

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.-The annual

meeting of the South Lincolnshire General Baptist Sunday-school Union, held at Boston on the 29th ult., was very encouraging. Gratifying reports were presented, from various schools connected with the Union, in some of which great progress has been

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made. At Boston a new school has been commenced in Witham-green, a densly populated and neglected part of the town, which already numbers about 120 scholars. An eloquent and suitable sermon preached by the Rev. T. Yates, of Fleet, which he was requested to publish. Address. es were delivered by Messrs. Judd, Peggs, Mathews, Green, Yates, Sharman, Golsworthy, Everard, Scargall, and others. Mr. Noble, presided at the public meeting.

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.-The ninety-eighth annual meeting of the Wesleyan Conference commenced sitting in Oldham street' chapel, at Manchester, on Wednesday. About four hundred ministers

were present. The Education committee
stated that a large increase had taken place
in the number of day schools, and that it
was their intention, for the present, to de-
vote the interest of the grant from the Cen-
tenary Fund towards the maintenance of
teachers at the Glasgow Normal school.
At the meeting of the Missionary committee
it appeared that from the great debt of the
society, amounting to no less than £39,000,
but few additional missionaries have been
Coast. The aspect of this debt was gloomy,
sent out, chiefly to Ashantee and the Gold
and would prove a serious check. Two new
Theological Institutions were spoken of as
now proceeding, one at Didsbury, near
Manchester, and another at Richmond,
near London.
and a secretary, Rev. Dr. Hannah, were
A president, Rev. J. Dixon,
chosen for the conference. The treasurer
of the Centenary Appropriation committee

announced that he had received up to that

time £120,000, The conference was occupied during the whole of Thursday and Friday, in investigating the characters of the ministers, and considering any charges that were made. The "gown question," as it has been termed, has been mooted, and it has been decided that the gown should not be worn, and the conduct of one of the ministers who appeared in one was referred to a committee.

VARIETIES.

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CONTENTMENT.-Is that beast that hath Let us take the apostles meaning rather two or three mountains to graze on better than a little bee that feeds on dew or manna, and lives upon what falls every morning from the storehouses of heaven, clouds, and Providence? Can a man quench his thirst better out of a river than a full urn, or drink better from the fountain which is finely paved with marble, than when it swells over the green turf?-Jeremy Taylor.

HARMONY.-He who cultivates peace with others does them a kindness; but he does himself a greater, by the returns to his own breast. If you brighten a knife it will smooth the stone on which you brighten it. This is the case with nations; they who promote peace find happy returns. War is the reverse. The life of a man is a serious thing-it is his all, and ought not to be wantonly trifled away. War is one of the greatest plagues of man; and I am sorry it is a plague much courted. A bleeding man and a bleeding nation take long to recover. W. Hutton. ANGER-"Let not the sun go down upon your wrath," (Eph. iv. 26.) to carry news to the antipodes of thy revengeful nature.

than his words, and with all possible speed depose our passions, not understanding the apostle so literally as that we may take leave to be angry till sunset,' for then might our wrath lengthen with the days, and men in Greenland, where days last above a quarter of a year, have plentiful scope for revenge. -Dr. T. Fuller.

IDLENESS.-The Egyptians held idleness to be a capital crime amongst the Lucans: he who lent money to an idle man could not recover it by law. The Lacedemonians, called the idle to account; and the Corinthians delivered them up to the crucifix. Antonius Pius caused the houses to be unroofed which sheltered the idle. - Ward's Miscellany.

THE IMPERFECTION OF OUR BEST ACTIONS. Oh the wandering! Oh the deadness! the dullness, the unfruitfulness of thy spirit in religious duties! Man is a creature apt to hug himself in religious services, and to pride himself in holy duties, and to stroke himself after duties, and to warm himself by the sparks of his own fire, his own perform

ances, though he does lie down in sorrow theory and practice of music. They were for it. (Isaiah 1. 11.) Whenever thou comest off from holy services, sit down and look over the spots, blots, and blemishes that cleave to your choicest services. The fairest day has its clouds; the richest jewels their flaws; the finest faces their spots; the fairest copies their blots; and so have our fairest and finest duties.-Brookes.

MUSIC. An excellent clergyman, professing much knowledge of human nature, instructed his large family of daughters in the

all observed to be exceedingly amiable and happy. A friend inquired if there was any secret in his mode of education. He replied, "When anything disturbs their temper, I say to them Sing; and if I hear them speak against any person, I call them to sing to me, and so they have sung away all causes of discontent, and every disposition to scandal." Young voices around the domestic altar, breathing sacred music at the hour of morning and evening devotion, are a sweet and touching accompaniment.-Mrs. Sigourney.

POETRY.

ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. T. STEVENSON, OF LOUGHBOROUGH.

WE mourn thy servant's death, O Lord!
The faithful preacher of thy word,
Who long has sought with steadfast aim
To spread the Saviour's glorious name.
The Pastor, Teacher, Friend is gone,
Who long has made thy counsels known;
His mem'ry we would cherish here,
Who know his worth-his name revere.
His great philanthropy and zeal,
Led him to act for others weal:
Instilling knowledge:-students found
His counsels wise, instruction sound.

His piety and christian love,

Did oft his deep compassion move;

And while his Church most felt his care,
The youthful minds received their share.
He preached salvation all around,
Wherever dying souls were found;
Declared the only way to God
Was through the great Redeemer's blood.
He now is gone to enjoy that rest
Prepared for him among the bless'd,
Loud hallelujahs to proclaim,
And glorify his Saviour's name.

In heaven's bright mansions finds a place,
A trophy of redeeming grace,

And seated on his Saviour's throne,
Ascribes the grace to Him alone.

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SWEET home, above the skies, where Jesus reigns So near the fount of happiness divine;

In majesty, all changeless and divine!
Where he maintains his high imperial throne
In dignity supreme. The sainted throng
Obsequious bend to him, or spread their wings
For instant flight, his orders to obey.

The tenants of that region need no sun
To shed its lustre there, for light and life,
Fresh emanating from the Deity,
Create immortal day! The Sun of bliss
For ever shines in heaven's unclouded sky;
No night succeeds, to fling its shadows o'er
The radiant landscape, or eclipse from view
The bright effulgence of his noon-tide beams.
There grows the tree of life, most richly stor❜d
With golden fruit, alluring to the eye;
While spirits pure, who dwell beneath its shade,
And gaze extatic on its fadeless verdure,
Without restriction eat, and live for ever!
In that celestial Eden all is joy
The most refin'd. No sin can enter there,
Nor one of all the complicated woes
That follow in its train. The heart that bled
With anguish so intense while here below,
Shall find a balm, infallible to cure.
The eye that often wept the secret tear
Shall weep no more; no trickling sorrows flow

But while eternal years pursue their round,
The mind, with all its noble powers, shall rise
In sanctity, intelligence, and love,
Till lost in thee, thou essence infinite!
Mysterious name! where all perfection dwells.

Thrice welcome home! the object of my hope,
And I shall soon be there to taste its sweets
With full salvation blest! What raptures then
My bosom shall inspire! How will my tongue,
Taught by some kindred seraph, tune his praise
Who groan'd, and agoniz'd, and died for me.

Amidst the shining throng my harp shall sound,
"Worthy the Lamb all honour to receive,
For he was slain. On Calvary he hung,
And paid the price of my redemption there;
But when he died he conquered; death receiv'd
A mortal wound, while all the powers of hell
Fled in confusion from the tragic scene.
Then he ascended to his Father's throne
With triumph crown'd. Salvation to his name!"

Roll on ye ling'ring days, ye move too slow
For me. When shall I quit this pris'n of clay,
And wing my mystic flight to heaven, my home?
That moment will arrive, then earth, adieu!
My feet shall tread your dreary wastes no more.

J. B.

MISSIONARY OBSERVER.

MR. JOHN BROOKS.

REFERRING to the weather, Mr. B. observes, in a letter to his parents, dated Midnapore, April 21, 1841 :-"While I am writing, I am obliged to wipe the prespiration from my hands every five minutes. You would smile could you see me ;-no coat or waistcoat-my clothing extremely light-a man pulling a large frame over my head to agitate the air, and produce a little coolness. During the last night, which was oppreswas obliged to fan myself, set open the This heat, of course, we expect at this

sively hot, we had no rest.

doors, but all to no purpose. season of the year.

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Our children are quite well. My dear wife is quite well and happy, and I am in good health.

Since I began to write I have been interrupted by a young man of Penang, who came a few weeks since to Midnapore to see his brother. He came a hardened sinner, but I trust will return a penitent, humble christian. He heard me preach some Lord's-days ago from "Behold now is the day of salvation." The text was fulfilled in him, for he became awakened to a sense of sin, and his neglect of the offers of mercy; he sought in earnest and has found peace. I intend to baptize him next Lord's-day week. The situation I hold now, my dear father, I feel to be a responsible one. May our Heavenly Father enable me to fulfil all its duties.

If we should not see each other again in this world, may we meet in Heaven at last, is the prayer of Your affectionate Son,

ANNIVERSARY AT BROUGHTON, &c.

JOHN.

THE annual missionary services were held in the General Baptist Chapel, Broughton, on the 22nd of June last. Mr. Pike preached in the afternoon. In the evening the public meeting was held, when weighty and impressive addresses were delivered by Messrs. R. Stocks, S. Ayrton, and J. G. Pike. Collections and subscription, £9. 11s. 4d.

June 23rd, similar services were held in the Baptist Chapel, Hose, in the vale of Belvoir. Mr. Pike delivered a discourse in the afternoon on the "one thing needful." In the evening the cause of missions was ably and efficiently advocated, and much suitable information afforded by Mr. R. Stocks, S. Ayrton, and J. G. Pike. The congregations at Hose were numerous and attentive. Collections and subscriptions, £12. 15s. 5d. No disreputable amounts for such small villages as Broughton and Hose.

On the 24th of June, the missionary meeting was held in the General Baptist Chapel, in the beautiful and rural village of Knipton, near Belvoir Castle. Mr. Hatton presided; and very animated and powerful speeches were delivered by Messrs Stocks, Ayrton, Pike, and Haigh. Mr. Pike preached in the afternoon. Collections and subscriptions, £4. 18s. Od. VOL. 3.-N. S.

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