INTELLIGENCE. THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE, assem. bled at Wirksworth, on Tuesday, June 6th, 1843. Mr. Goadby of Leicester, opened the morning service by reading and prayer, and Mr. Derry of Barton, preached from Zech. iv. 7. In the afternoon Mr. Kenny, the minister of the Church, presided. The general character of the reports from the Churches was very encouraging; but much regret was felt that so many Churches, and some of the largest in the district, made no report, either by representative or letter. Notwithstanding these deductions from the report of progress, it was very pleasing to hear that in the brief interval since the last Conference, 135 had been baptized, and eighty four were candidates for baptism. Inquiry was made of the representatives, whether the Churches had petitioned against Sir James Graham's obnoxious measure in its amended but not improved form. It was cordially adopted, "That the Conference is gratified to learn that the Churches generally have petitioned against the Bill, and that they will not cease to petition un. til the abhorrent measure is prevented becoming law." The Secretary was directed to sent a copy of the letter to the Churches, stimulating their attention to the Conference about a month before the next meeting. A very interesting report was given by Mr. Burroughs of his visit to Ashford and Bradwell in the past servant, and great satisfaction was expressed in its details. Mr. Kenney was deputed by the Conference to bring the whole case of these places before the Association. Regret having been expressed that some of the members of our Churches had joined the orders of Odd Fellows, Druids, &c., for pecuniary help in sickness, it was proposed by one of the ministers present, "Could not the Conference suggest some method to counteract the evils of the associations arising from Odd Fellows, Druids, and similar Institutions?" After an interesting discussion of the question, it was judged advisable to defer it till the next meeting. The next Conference to be at Melbourne, the last Tuesday in Sep., Mr. Kenney to preach in the morning, and in the evening a revival meeting. Mr. Stanion of Melbourne, preached in the evening, from Phil. ii. 16, "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain." J. PEGGS, Sec. In the absence of brother T. Hoe, the appointed preacher, brother J. C. Pike preached from Phil. i. 27, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ." A lively Home Missionary meeting was held in the evening. The reports from the Churches were chiefly of an encouraging character. About twenty persons were reported as having been baptized since the last Conference. The Secretary stated that in accordance with the wish of the last meeting, he had drawn up a circular with a form of petition on the subject of Sir J. Graham's Factories' Education Bill; a copy of which he had sent to each Church in the district, and he was not aware that a single Church had failed to take up the matter, and to forward petitions condemnatory of the Bill. The Treasurer of the Home Mission presented his accounts for the year. Brethren Lyon and Burditt were appointed to audit them. It appeared that the society was in arrears to the Treasurer more than twentysix pounds. This statement was received with much concern, and the necessity of removing such an incumbrance was strongly felt by all. After much discussion as to the best means of procedure, it was resolved, that a Committee be appointed to take steps for the liquidation of the Home Mission debt, before the next Conference, and that brethren Burditt, Yates, and the Secretary do constitute such Committee. Stamford.- Funds. It was resolved that the circumstances of the Conference do not warrant us in granting more than £40 to this station for the ensuing year. Supply. That brethren Jones, Mills, and Pike be appointed a Committee to provide a minister for Stamford. Castleacre.-The report of this station and its branches was very encouraging. On account of the heavy debt, only fifteen pounds were voted for the next year. A letter was received from brethren Scott, and Ratcliffe, in behalf of the Church at Norwich, stating their wish to form a Home Mission station at Smallborough, and soliciting help for that purpose. It was felt quite impracticable to commence any new station while the funds were so deficient. The question of a Branch Conference in Norfolk was deferred for want of time. The next Conference to be at Gosberton, on Thursday Sep. 8th, brother Mathews, of Boston, to preach. J. C. PIKE, Sec. WHETSTONE, near Leicester.-The Gen THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was eral Baptist Church at Dover Street, has held at Peterboro,' June 8, 1843. for several years conducted the preaching of the Gospel in this village, and in consequence of the increasing numbers of their congregation, the smallness of the place which they occupy, has rendered it imperative to erect one more commodious and comfortable. A piece of freehold land has therefore been purchased, and a chapel is in course of erection, capable of holding 250 persons, and also accommodations for the instruction of 100 children in the Sab. bath school. On Monday evening, July 17, the foundation of the chapel being laid, the Rev. J. Goadby delivered a very appropri ate address upon the site, founded on Ezra iii. 10, 11. A considerable number of people assembled, and it was evidently a season of peculiar pleasure and rejoicing "Be cause the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid." May this attempt to promote the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, be crowned with the Divine bless ing, and the salvation of many immortal souls. J. Y. RE OPENING OF THE GENERAL BAP. TIST CHAPEL, SAWLEY.-This neat and commodious place of worship was opened for divine service on Tuesday, July 4th, and the following Sabbath. On Tuesday, the Rev. Joseph Goadby, of Leicester, intro. duced the services of the day by reading and prayer, after which the Rev. J. H. Hinton, M.A., preached from 1 Cor. xv. 22, (former part of the verse.) In the afternoon, Rev. W. Butler, of Heptonstall Slack, read and prayed; Rev. J. Edwards, of Nottingham, preached, on the resurrection and exaltation of our Lord. Rev. R. Kenny, of Wirksworth, concluded with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. G. Cheatle, of Bir. mingham, read, and implored the divine blessing, the Rev. J. P. Mursell, of Leicester, preached from Psa. xxix. 2, (latter part;) the Rev. C. Hill Roe, of Birmingham, closed the services of the day. On the following Sabbath, the Rev. R. W. Overbury, of London, preached morning and evening, from Psa. cxxii. 1, and Saml. i. 12; and in the afternoon the Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby, from 1 Chron. xxix. 3. On Monday after noon, a tea meeting was held, and addresses were delivered by Revds. J. Corbin, W. F. Poile, Derby; R. W. Overbury, J.J.Owen, and Messrs Josiah Pike, G. Wright, and J. W. Keetley. The collections at these ser. vices amounted to between £60 and £70; nearly £200 having previously been raised among the friends. It yields us great pleasure to state that the cause at Sawley wears a very pleasing aspect. It is our earnest prayer that the glory of this latter house may be greater than that of the former. The interest in this locality was commenced under very discouraging circumstances. Messrs. Nathaniel and Thos. Pickering had to endure a storm of persecution. They were, however, strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. They persevered in their efforts, through evil as well as good report, and ultimate success crowned their labours. ANNIVERSARIES. SACHEVEREL STREET, DERBY. — On Lord's-day, June 25th, and Monday, 26th, tion of our chapel debt. On Lord's-day we held our annual services for the liquidathree sermons were preached, that in the morning by our esteemed minister, Mr. Smith, and those in the afternoon and evening by the Rev. S. Ayrton, of Chesham, our late esteemed pastor. On the Monday we held a public tea-meeting, which was well attended. After tea the company retired from the school room into the chapel, and a very interesting service followed. Mr. Smith presided, and the meeting was animatingly addressed by the Revds. GawMethodist; Josiah and Richard Pike, of thorne, Independent; Hilton, Association Derby; W. Butler, of Yorkshire; and S. Ayrton, of Chesham. The collections of the Sabbath, united with the profits of the tea-meeting, amounted to £23 more than we ever realized on any former occasion. KIRTON.-The Rev. C. Kirtland preached the annual sermons for the liquidation of the debt on our chapel, afternoon and evening of the day of our baptism, when the sum of £8 2s. 6d. was collected. The chapel throughout the day was crowded to excess, especially in the morning and evening, when great numbers who had come six or eight miles were obliged to return, not being able to get near the chapel door. Our kind friends at Kirton Hall, and two other of the principal farmers, kindly invited those who came from a distance. On the following evening, a tea meeting was held, which was numerously attended. The trays were gratuitously furnished by the three families above referred to. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. W. Easterbrook, Independent, of Tuxford; H. Jepson, Wesleyan Methodist; W. Stubbings; J. Camm, Primitive Methodist; Mr. Burkett, Particular Baptist, of Tuxford; and Mr. Mosley, Particular Baptist, of Suttonon-Trent. It is too often the case with our Churches, that when a new chapel is erected, or efforts are making to pay an old debt, that nothing can be done that year for the Foreign Mission, or the institutions of the Connexion. Though the debt of our chapel pressed heavily upon us, and we were making great exertions to reduce it, and our circumstances such that we were compelled to have the anniversary sermons in less than nine months from our last annual services, it was agreed that the missionary meeting should not be given up. The result is, that more has been collected both for the missionary cause, and our chapel debt, the last nine months, than in any year preceding, proving that an annual collection for the mission, and the different institutions of the Connexion, does not make the collections and subscriptions for the chapel less. W. N. BAPTISMS. RUSHALL. This day, July 2nd, we had an addition to our Church; four persons, one male and three females were baptized in the river Avon. There has been for some time past a persecuting spirit manifested by the clergyman of the parish and his colleagues, and this day it was more openly manifested. Just as we were about to proceed to the place where the ceremony was to be performed, Mr. Daniels, the occupier of the land through which the river runs, appeared with a letter from the Lord of the Manor, to forbid such proceedings, that he would not have his land trespassed on for such a purpose, although he (Mr. Daniels) had given leave on the previous evening. This conduct is without precedent; the Baptist cause has been established in this place near a century, Sir J., and Edward Poore, the predecessors of the present proprietor, (Lord Normanton,) always gave the Baptists liberty, to baptize their candidates in this place; the ceremony however was performed, Mr. Jesse kindly lent his meadow for the occasion. It was supposed not less than 1000 persons were present. An excellent sermon was preached by our minis. ter, from Eph. iv. 5., "One Lord, one faith, one baptism;" the candidates were then baptized, and the multitude which had witnessed the ceremony very attentively, sepa. rated in a very peaceable and decorous manner, much more so than on any former occasion. A DEACON. SHEFFIELD EYRE STREET.-We rejoice that the work of the Lord is prospering amongst us. On Lord's day, June 18th, our esteemed pastor delivered an appropriate address from Isaiah viii. 20, "To the law and to the testimony," and adminis. tered the ordinance of believers' baptism to ten persons, nine of whom were received into christian fellowship with us. R. J. STOCKPORT, CHESHIRE.-On Lord's day June 4, we assembled, at seven A.M., on the banks of the river Mersey, and whilst sing. ing, we were soon surrounded by a multi tude of spectators, many of whom were professing christians of other denominations, who listened with marked attention to the pointed address of our esteemed brother Harrison, (based on our Lord's commission,) after which he descended into the water, and baptized two individuals on a profession of their faith in Christ—the only Saviour of mankind, and lawgiver to the Church. It was a cheering day to many of us, and we hope-after the dark clouds which have long been hanging over us—that these are as drops before the shower; and may the Great Head of the Church grant that our hopes may be realized, and add unto us such as shall be saved. W. P. SACHEVEREL STREET, DERBY. — On Lord's-day morning, June 18th, the ordinance of believer's baptism was administered to eight persons. Mr. Smith preached to a crowded house, from Num. x. 29, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good;" after which he baptized the candidates. In the evening Mr. Carey Pike, of Wisbech, preached, from Phil. i. 27, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ;" and after sermon he administered the Lord's supper, and received the candi. dates into the Church. It was a very interesting and profitable day, and we desire to review it with gratitude. BELPER.-The widowed Church at this place had an addition to its numbers on Lord's day June 25th, 1843; one male and three females; brother Ball of Loughbro' preached, and brother Sims immersed the candidates. W. ILKESTON.-The ordinance of believers' baptism was administered to six candidates in this town, on Lord's day May 21. Mr. Peggs preached from Exodus xii. 26, "What mean ye by this service?" In showing what we did not mean by it, he attacked the errors of Puseyism and other notions prevalent before this new-named heresy-though having a local habitation in our land-had not obtained a name. About a thousand persons were spectators of the ordinance, the bridge and the banks of the Erewash, affording opportunity for all to see. A number of handbills were eagerly received. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE UNITED CHURCH AT BERKHAMSTEAD.-It has been the custom of the Church assembling at Berkhamstead and Chesham for many years to hold a united annual meeting, at each place alternately. On Whit Sunday, at seven o'clock in the morning of that day, a goodly number were assembled to witness the ordinance of baptism administered, when seven individuals (one of whom was far advanced in years) were immersed gregation assembled, when stirring addresses in the name of the Sacred Three. At the were delivered by Mr. R. Stocks, E. Bott, usual time of the morning service, the Rev. J. Pike, and J. G. Pike. The collections S. Ayrton delivered an appropriate and im and subscriptions, including two sovereigns pressive discourse from Acts ix. 31. In the from Rev. W. G. Sawyer, of Old Dalby, afternoon the Rev. J. Heathcoate received amounted to £15. 08. 3d. The singing on the newly baptised into the Church, by the occasion was really delightful. giving them the right hand of christian fellowship. After which the united Church partook of the mblems of the Saviour's love. Suitable addresses were delivered by the pastors. The opportunity was deeply solemn and interesting. In the evening our much esteemed pastor, the Rev. J. Heathcoate, preached an argumentative and interesting sermon from Ephesians iv. 5, to a crowded and attentive congregation. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." W. C. B. KIRTON.-Lord's day, July 9th, was a day of no common interest, and will be long remembered by us. At an early period the attention of the inhabitants was excited by observing crowds of people from all denominations flocking into the village from the adjacent towns and villages. At ten o'clock the Rev. C. Kirtland, Particular Baptist, of Newark, preached from Rom. iv. 3; after which our beloved minister, W. Stubbings, baptized one female. Three others were to have been baptized, but were prevented through heavy affliction. We have a few candidates, and many inquirers. MISCELLANEOUS. VALE OF BELVOIR.-The annual missionary services were held in the General Baptist chapel, Broughton, on Monday, June 12th, 1843. In the afternoon Mr. Pike delivered a very edifying and searching discourse. At the public meeting, in the evening, a numerous and respectable con On the following day, similar services were held in the beautiful and sequestered village of Knipton. Mr. Pike, as usual, preached in the afternoon. At the public meeting, in the evening, Mr. Clay presided, and introduced the business in a very touching address, and was ably followed by Messrs. J. Pike, R. Stocks, and the secretary. The weather was unfavourable, and the congregations unusually small. Collections and subscriptions, £4. Cheering and animating missionary services were held in the Baptist chapel, Hose, in the Vale of Belvoir, on Wednesday, June 14th, 1843. Mr. Pike preached in the afternoon. A numerous congregation assembled in the evening, who were addressed by Mr. Stocks, minister of the place, who presided, Messrs. J. Pike, J. C. Pike, and the secretary. Collections and subscriptions, £10. 12s. 101d; making the handsome sum total, for those three small villages, of £29. 13s. 14d, in aid of the mission funds. ACADEMY NOTICE.-As some of the Churches who regularly support the Academy have not forwarded their contributions for the year which closed at the Association, the secretaries earnestly request that they may be sent without delay to the new treasurer, Mr. Jas. Hodgson, Stubbing House, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Recent Beaths. Died at Measham, July 18, Mrs. Tagg. She had been a member of the Church during more than forty years. Her end was peace. POETRY. LINES ON JEREMIAH, xxiii. 29. And, like a hammer, he declares, Nor will he change whate'er he swears; As fire dispenses heat and light, So shall his word of truth, Guiding the steps of all aright, The aged and the youth. His word shall, like a hammer, break And make the guilty rebel quake, His word in each believer's heart O Lord! whene'er thy word I read, And when I quit this house of clay, W. BLOUNT. MISSIONARY OBSERVER. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE annual meeting of the General Baptist Missionary society was held at Loughborough, on Wednesday afternoon, June 28, 1843. The spacious. chapel was crowded in every part, and the elevated seats around the pulpit, were fully occupied by the General Baptist Ministers. After a hymn of praise, and prayer by the Rev. W. Pickering, James Hodgson, Esq., of Stubbing House, Hebden-bridge, was requested to preside. Having offered a few pertinent observations, the chairman called on the secretary, the Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby, to read the report. From the abstracts of this document, we gathered the following particulars : : At Calcutta the Rev. John Brooks was our missionary, and Bickarree, a native evangelist, was his assistant. The entire expense of this important station was defrayed by the munificence of a private gentleman residing in that city. The Orea population of Calcutta is from twenty-five to thirty thousand. During the past year Mr. Brooks had visited a festival at some distance and had distributed a great number of tracts to the deluded Hindoos, and had the pleasure to observe that these books were carefully kept and perused. The visitors were seen as they returned in their boats quietly reading the books they had received at the festival. Four persons have applied for baptism at this station. Mr Brooks remarks that there is not a more promising station in Orissa. He also makes painful reference to Ghaut murders and other atrocities. At Midnapore Mr. Stubbins had laboured for some time with promise of success, but his ill health had induced his medical advisers and brethren to recommend his return to England, a recommendation with which he had reluctantly complied, and was now on his voyage home. At Ganjam there had been pleasing additions to the church. Mr. Sutton, who took a journey thither some months ago, observes, that the prospect of raising a church there, is as good as it is at Berhampore. Mr. H. Wilkinson, the society's devoted missionary at Ganjam, reports the baptism of a number of converts. There was also an allusion to the interesting visit of a native Rajah to the missionary station. The first marriage of native christians at Ganjam, had taken place during the past year. parties enjoyed the mutual benefit of the benign influence of christianity on their social and domestic condition. They were the objects of each other's choice. The At Khunditta, the native christian village, the Gospel makes progress, though the friends are under the instruction of a native minister, and no European is as yet stationed there. A christian stranger, belonging to another denomination, reports himself to his American friends, as halting at this village for the night, and as being kindly and hospitably entertained, and that when they heard he was a minister, they gathered round him and besought a service. He was passing on early the next morning, but he found time to sing and pray with them, and exhort them; and he visited their houses and was delighted with the appearance of neatness and comfort which they presented; he then proceeded on his journey, glad and thankful for the enjoyment afforded to him, by the unexpected discovery of a happy village VOL. 5.-N. S. 2 I |