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praying for them who spitefully use them, and persecute them;" surely, in their own assemblies their conduct and language to each other will be the perfection of love, kindness, sympathy, forbearance, and affec. tion: and surely the word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit, and which is to conquer the world, will reign omnipotent in their assemblies; and the laws of Christ, their King, will be obeyed with scrupulous regard, both from affection to the Lawgiver, and from the intrinsic excellence of the laws themselves, and their fitness to govern regenerated souls. But, what is the fact ! Does not the leaven of the world operate in christian assemblies in the manifestation of unsanctified tempers, the outbursts of passion, the display of self. will, a disregard to the desire and feelings of their brethren, rather than the practice of self. denial, forbearance, and seeking the advantage and comfort of each other, rather than their own?

And when these evidences appear, that the "old man" of corruption has not yet been "crucified, with the affections and lusts," what means are used to put him down, and keep him down? Are the weapons always brought out of the armoury of God to fight against sin, or are carnal weapons employed? I fear the latter are employed more frequently than the former. And when carnal weapons are employed against carnal tempers and expressions, it is not likely that any real reform will be effected; but, if divine weapons were employed, there would soon be a beneficial reform secured. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the know. ledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. x. 4, 5.

But the time of Church meetings ought not to be almost wholly employed in repressing that which is evil, and attending to secular affairs; and it will not, if proper means be employed: but it should be employed in contriving and planning what new inroads can be made upon the territories of the kingdom of darkness, how God may be glorified, and sinners saved, and how the precepts of the Gospel may be more fully carried out.

But it may be inquired, What is to be done to remedy these evils? In answer to this important inquiry, with due deference to the superior wisdom and experience of the pastors, or presiding elders of our Churches, I venture to submit to their at tention the following hints, which they may

adopt, improve upon, or, if they be of no value, lay aside at their pleasure:

1. Let the pastor have the Bible before him, and let the Church solemnly pledge itself to obey it, and to be individually and collectively willing to abide by the precepts, and to act according to the laws of the New Testament, believing that in that divine treasure some precept, advice, direction, or example, may be found adapted to settle every case of importance. (See 2 Tim. iii. 16) Those who are not willing thus to be governed by the word of God have no claim to be considered as christians. (See Thess. iii. 14.)

2. For the sake of preserving order and decorum in the meeting, let none but the pastor, or presiding elder, give reproof to any one present, except he is desired or permitted to do so by the pastor, or presiding elder. This simple rule, if acted upon, would prevent much confusion, and is, I believe, agreeable to Scripture. (See Heb. xiii. 17; 2 Tim. iv. 2; and 1 Tim. v. 20.)

3. In all cases of discipline let the pastor take care that they be managed according to the directions in the word of God. Let nothing be done by partiality. (See 1 Tim. v. 21.) Let every one who is accused have a fair trial, and, when convicted, let the pastor read such scripture passage, or passages, as bear upon the point, and decide the case accordingly.

4. If one brother bring an accusation against another brother before the meeting, which has its origin in private differences, or offences, let the pastor read Matt. xviii. 15, 16, 17, our Saviour's law for private offences, and admonish the aggrieved brother to act according to that rule.

5 When improper tempers are manifested, or improper expressions are used in the meeting, let the pastor read some scripture passage, or passages, applicable to the case, which will be calculated to improve or repress the impropriety, or which will convey some valuable instruction to the erring brother.

6. When some manifest a want of forbearance, kindness, or of due consideration for the views and feelings of others, let the pastor read such passages as the following, and urge the practice of the conduct which they enjoy:-Col iii. 12, 13, 14; Eph.iv. 32; v. 1, 2.

7. When any of the friends present exhibit unsanctified tempers, and make use of improper expressions, ill-suited to the christian character, and calculated to wound the feelings of their brethren, let the pastor read such passages as the following:-Eph. iv. 29, 30, 31; Col. iii. 8.

8. If any member show a disposition to

discourage some generous or benevolent design to relieve the wants of the poor brethren, or to spread the truth, which will be attended with some labour and expense, let the pastor read the following:-James ii. 13-17; 1 John iii. 17, 18; Matt. xxv. 34-40; also the following passages, which show our Lord's example of incessant labour, self-denial, and suffering, for our benefit:- John iv. 31-34; 2 Cor. viii. 9; Phil. ii. 5-8; also the following, which show how the apostle Paul laboured and suffered for the benefit of others:-2 Cor. iv; Phil iii. 7, 8; and the following:- Mark ix. 5; Matt. iii. 13-16; Phil. ii. 15, 16; Rom. xiv. 7, 8, 9; which show that every christian ought to exert a salutary influence for the benefit of his fellow-men: and if there were no manifestations of covetous. ness, or of a want of zeal, of energy, or of self denial, to promote the truth, such passages as the above might be read, to inform the friends of their duty, and to encourage them in it.

9. If the pastor sees it his duty to admonish the Church concerning speaking evil of one another, back-biting, spreading evil reports, &c., the following passages might assist him:- Exod. xxiii. 1; Lev. xix. 16; Ps. xv. 3; 1 Cor. xiii. 4-7; Tit. iii. 2.

10. If the pastor wishes to admonish the members of the Church of the duty of mutual confession and forgiveness, the following passages might assist him:-Numb. v. 7, 8; Matt. iii. 6; Acts xix. 18; James v. 16.

11. If he should wish to admonish the Church on the necessity of watchfulness over their private conduct, lest the world should have an unfavourable opinion of religion through something they see amiss in their conduct, the following passages might assist him :- Rom. xii. 17; 2 Cor. viii. 21; Eph. xv. 15; Phil. iv. 8; 1 Thes. iv. 11, 12; 1 Peter ii. 12; iii. 15, 16.

12. If he wished to impress upon the minds of the friends assembled, that it is their duty to be more holy, and to live nearer to God, the following passages might assist him :-Rom. vi. 19, 22, 23; xii. 1; xiii. 12; 2 Cor. vii. 1; Eph. i. 4; iv. 23, 24; Phil. 1. 27; Col. i. 10; 1 Thes. ii. 12; 1 Peter i. 13-16; 2 Peter iii. 11; Acts xi. 23.

D. W.

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Number of Churches in England, 1310. In Wales, 257. In Scotland, 73. In Ireland, 36. Total, 1675. Number of Churches in Associations, 1006. Churches formed within the last three years, 105.

1418 Churches return their number of members, amounting to 131,272, and giving an average of 92 in each Church. If this average be applied to the whole number of Churches, it gives a total 154,100. This may be taken as representing a poulation of four times the number, or 616,400.

1141 Churches return the number of Sunday-scholars, amounting to 143,027. At the same ratio, the number in all the Churches would be about 210,000.

609 Churches report their village stations, amounting to 1527. At the same ratio the total number would be 4,151.

960 Churches report a clear increase during the last year, amounting to 10,402; 179 Churches report a clear decrease, amounting to 763; and 135 Churches report their numbers unchanged. The actual clear increase for the year, reported by 1274 Churches, is 9,369.

The average clear increase in these Churches during the year is about seven and a half; or the clear increase per cent. about eight and a quarter. At this ratio the clear annual increase of the whole body would be 12,558.

From the returns of the Associations it appears, that the gross increase of the Churches is to the clear increase nearly as 13 to 8; so that the gross increase of the denomination during the last year may be estimaed at 20,224, or about 12 to each Church. From the same returns it appears that, of the gross increase, fourfifths (or more than 16,000 during the last year) are received on profession-that is, with few exceptions, by baptism.

To be combined with this ratio and amount of increase are some antagonist facts. Within the last three years not less than sixty Churches have become extinct, leaving a net augmentation of only 45. Of 1144 Churches reported in detail, 314 have not had any clear increase; and of these 314, 179 have suffered a diminution. Applying this ratio to the entire number, 450 Churches-more than one fourth of the whole-must be deemed to have had no

clear increase; and 224-more than oneeighth of the whole-to have experienced a decrease. These facts evince that the denomination prospers locally rather than gen

As derived from Returns made to the Baptist erally, and show what might be expected,

Union, in April, 1843.

The following facts and calculations may be interesting to some readers.-SELECTOR.

if the success now vouchsafed to many of the Churches might be enjoyed by all.

The preceding calculations are liable to

some modifications. Sixty Churches have in three years become extinct; but, with small exceptions, the members of these have been added to other Baptist Churches, and are not lost to the denomination. They go, however, to make up its apparent in crease. Within three years 105 new Churches have been formed; but these were composed of members of other Churches, and this number goes in diminution of their apparent loss. The returns of the associations show 1643 dismissed by letter of commendation, and 1871 received in the same method, within the last year; but this is to a great extent-almost wholly-an in.

terchange between Baptist Churches, and neither loss nor gain to the body. The same returns show 1830 excluded from fellowship, and 1013 restored to it; the latter item so far cancelling the former. 505 are reported as withdrawn ; and these have generally found place in some other Church of the same communion. It is not possible at present to reduce these modifications to numerical expression.

QUERY.

What are the duties incumbent on a pastor in taking an active part in the Sabbath School? J. M.

REVIEW.

THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION: an exposition of its leading principles, practical require ments, and experimental enjoyments. By DAN TAYLOR. To which is prefixed a brief Memoir of the Author. London: Simpkin and Marshall. 12mo., pp. 336. "DAN Taylor's Fundamentals!" for this is the title by which this work is most commonly known:-how many of our friends have longed to possess a copy! and, regarding it, with propriety, as the chief and most useful work of a venerable man, now no more, have been ready to risk a little in its publication, for the sake of getting good, and doing good! Well, here it is: published by a neighbour, and presented at a moderate price. Those of our old friends who are familiar with it, and want it for their children and neighbours, may now be possessed of this treasure; and those who have not seen it, and can afford to obtain it, we would recommend to procure and read it, as one of the most clear, concise, satisfactory, complete, and practical expositions of christian principles, for its size, in our own or any language. We are very glad

to be able to commend this beautiful edition
to the attention of our readers.

SKETCH OF POPERY. Tract Society. 32mo.,
P.p. 300.

THIS is a very masterly and complete little volume. Who is the learned and excellent compiler of it is not mentioned, but both his talents and his skill in giving so complete a view of the abominations and errors, and the heathenish origin of them, which constitute the great peculiarities of popery, do very great credit to the excellent society for whom he has laboured. The various statements contained in this book are verified by wellselected facts, by quotations from popish and pagan authors, so that there is here presented to the reader a more perfect and convincing VOL. 5.-N.S.

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M'GAVIN ON "THE End of ContROVERSY;" being Strictures on Dr. Milner's work in support of Popish errors, entitled "The End of Religious Controversy." By WILLIAM M'GAVIN, ESQ. Tract Society. 32mo., pp. 416.

THIS exceedingly interesting and instructive volume, was originally published in 1822, in a series of papers in "the Protestant," a weekly chronicle published by the author. They are full of sound argument, and are well worthy of preservation, and of a wider circulation than they could secure through the medium of a local journal.

MEMOIR OF THE REV. HENRY Möwes, late
Pastor of Altenhansen and Ivanrode, in
Prussia. Principally translated from the
German, with an introduction by the Rev.
JOHN DAVIES, B. D., Rector of Gateshead,
Durham, &c. Tract Society. 18mo.,
Pp. 168.

THE rise and progress of the true doctrines of the reformation in Germany, in modern times, and the increasing triumph they are securing over the semi-infidelity which for a long series of years had obscured the theology of that land, cannot fail to interest the christian reader; nor is he unconcerned as to a knowledge of the character and movements of any of those excellent men who were instrumental in introducing this happy change. One of them is here presented to our view. His early life, privations, en. Ꮓ

gagement in the Prussian army, entering on therefore the duty of all other christians to the sacred office, conversion, faithfulness, and labours, and the subsequent events of his interesting and useful life, are worthy of attention, and will repay a perusal. This book belongs to that class of biographical works that unite the pleasing and the profitable.

ELECTRICITY: its Phenomena, Laws, and Results. Tract Society. 16mo. square, Pp. 184.

WHAT beautiful, as well as what well written and instructive books, the Tract Society publish; and scientific works too; and withal so written, as ever to lead the young and inquisitive reader from nature "up to nature's God." These are the exclamations

extorted by the sight and perusal of this beautiful little volume. When we tell our young readers, that the skill and liberality of some five or six scientific men have con

tributed to the production and illustrations of this volume, we feel assured that another word need not be advanced in its favour.

do the same. The arguments, proofs, and concessions brought to prove the premises, are very powerful; and if the inference is not sustained with equal force, the defence of it deserves a calm and attentive consideration. CHURCH MUSIC. A Sermon. Whittaker and Co., London.

VERY unsatisfactory in its argument, very feeble in its style, and none the better for having been preached twice in dissenting chapels. We like good singing, and do not greatly object to church music, if it be appropriate, but have a strong repugnance to ministers of Christ's Gospel making such matters the subject of a sermon.

THE PROPITIATORY, set forth by God, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins. Goadby, Ashby.

THIS is a clear, scriptural, and, in our view, a very convincing sermon, preached and published by an esteemed friend, a layman, on an important subject. The intention of the writer is more especially to refute THE TONGUE. THE SENSE OF SMELL. the errors and cavils of the followers of Tract Society. 16mo, square.

THESE fourpenny books, of the same form and style as others of former series, are not inferior to them either in style or embellishment.

KATHERINE. By CHARLES B. TAYLOR, M. A., Rector of St Peter's, Chester. Tract Society. 18mo., pp. 106.

A PRETTY, instructive tale, well told, divided into two parts, entitled, "The Lord'sday, and the Sunday Newspaper."

A PLEA for the Weekly Observance of the Lords supper: with suggestions as to the proper mode of its administration. London: Ward and Co.

THE object of this little book is to prove that the apostles and early christians practised weekly communion, and that it is

Emmanuel Swedenborg. It indicates considerable thought and reading, and as it may be had for a trifle, we trust will secure an extensive circulation.

PAPA AND MAMMA'S PRESENT TO THEIR DEAR CHILDREN. Nos. I and II. W. Clark, Warwick Lane.

THESE are catechisms, first on the Bible, and second on christian principles. They occupy each four pages, double columns, imperial octavo, and are replete with solid information and sound doctrine.

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OBITUARY.

THOMAS SPENCER died on the 9th day of March, 1843, aged sixty seven; an honourable and much respected member of the General Baptist Church at Rothley. A man whose judgment was well informed as it regards the first principles of the oracles of God; and seeing from divine testimony, and an acquaintance with himself, that he was a sinner, and in danger of eternal misery, he fled for refuge to Jesus, and found salvation through faith in him. He had a persua.

sion in his own mind that Jesus would take care of him; and this produced peace of mind, an affection for his Saviour, and a desire to live to his glory. He was not a man of many words; but in his works he showed that he was an Israelite indeed. Not many have left behind them so unblemished a character, or given a fuller evidence of real devotedness to God. In the last few years of his life he was afflicted with an asthmatic disorder, which he bore with exemplary pa

tience. And while he anticipated the disso. lution of his earthly tabernacle, he rejoiced in hope of inhabiting a building of God, "a house not made with hands," which death would never destroy. In his last moments, when flesh and heart were rapidly failing, he reposed a confidence in Jesus which raised him above the terrors of death and the grave.

WILLIAM GAMBLE died on January 6th, 1843, aged seventy-seven; a respectable member of the General Baptist Church at Rothley. He was brought out of darkness into light under the ministry of the late Mr. Benjamin Pollard, and united with the Church at Quorndon, of which Rothley was then a branch. In the younger part of his life, he was a respectable servant in a Gentleman's family, and through this was called for some time to reside in London, when he associated with the General Baptist Church in White chapel. He was, through frugal. ity, and the blessing of God, possessed at one time of a little property, from which he

liberally contributed toward the erection of chapel at Rothley, and also to the current expense attending the support of the cause. Firm in his attachment to the principles espoused by the General Baptist's, he advocated them; and wished to have them generally known, and firmly believed. His views of religion were simple but correct. The whole with him consisted in faith, working by love. He was a close attender on the ministry of the Word, and a great advocate for those meetings which have for their object the relation of experience, and mutual exhortation. Towards the close of his life there was evidently a failure in his mental powers; but in the decay of his memory he never forgot what Jesus had done for his soul, and appeared to possess that confidence in his Redeemer which led him to commit to his care body and soul, not doubting but he would fulfil his promise when he said, "thou shalt not perish, but have everlasting life." "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.”

INTELLIGENCE.

THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Allerton, April 18th, 1843. Mr. Tunnicliffe opened the public service by reading and prayer, and Mr. H. Hollinrake preached, from 2 Thess. iii. 1.

Mr. R. Ingham read the report of the Church at Bradford. At present it is in a state of prosperity, and solicited the Conference to offer unto God prayers and thanksgivings on its behalf. The treasurer for the Home Mission was desired to advance the interest for them on their chapel debt.

As the fund of the Home Mission has been exhausted, Messrs. Butler and Hollinrake have visited many of the friends at Heptonstall Slack and Birchcliffe, and it is gratifying that many of them have doubled their subscription. Other Churches in the district have not yet done anything: it was most earnestly requested that they collect and subscribe, and bring the amounts to the next Conference.

The Conference most deeply laments over the inattention of some of the Churches to the financial support of the fund of the Home Mission. Opportunities of doing much good are presented, but they cannot be embraced for want of means. After some conversation it was most cordially and unanimously recommended to all the Churches connected with this Conference, to furnish one shilling per annum from each member to increase the fund for this Mission.

The Church at Clayton presented thanks for ministerial supplies. They were directed to the ministers in their own neighbourhood to supply them till next Conference.

The scheme for raising money to liquid. ate the debts on our chapels, published in the Repository by Mr. W. Crabtree, was approved by the Churches. It was thought proper that some of its clauses should be revised, and that the funds should be applied exclusively to the reduction of chapel debts. It was agreed that a committee, consisting of the ministers and deacons of the Churches, should meet in the morning of the day for next Conference to devise a plan to recommend to the Conference for effective operation.

It was recommended that an address of condolence should be presented to Mrs. R. Ingham, of Sheffield, for the lamented death of her pious and invaluable husband. For the loss which she and her family, and especially the General Baptist Connexion, have sustained by his demise.

The Church at Allerton applied for finan. cial aid. As the Home Mission fund is exhausted, it was recommended that they get up a tea party; and several of the ministers engaged to attend that a small amount might be immediately raised.

The statistics of the Churches are as follows;-at Shore two have been baptized. At Lineholme four, and about a dozen inquirers. At Heptonstall Slack they have

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