But alas! his sedentary occupation not suiting his constitution, gradually impaired his health, and at length he sunk into a state of nervous fever, and expired on the 26th of July, 1843, deeply lamented by his numerous circle of friends, especially by his aged parents, to whom he was endeared by the tenderest ties, being the youngest son in a family of nine children, and naturally possessing a free, generous, and affectionate disposition. His interment took place on the following Saturday evening, at the grave yard adjoining the sanctuary where he had often heard the words of eternal life; and presented a scene of undissembled grief on the part of his surviving friends. On Lord's-day, August 11th, the funeral discourse was preached to a numerous assembly, from Psalm xxxix. 4, "Lord make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am."

During the last stages of his illness our departed friend repeatedly expressed the very humble and unworthy views he enter tained of himself, and his entire dependance on the cross for acceptance with God. The cross was his only refuge and hope. This he saw alone possessed efficacy to atone for the evil of the past, and to brighten the future with the hope of a blissful immortality. The triumphs of the cross are ever worthy of being recorded; but it is presumed it may be affirmed without exaggeration, that such records derive to themselves unusual interest and importance from the times in which we live, and from the circumstances by which we are surrounded. In our own land Catholicism is now rising again from the dust, and is assuming a most formidable attitude under the garb of Puseyism, one of whose well-known and deeply deplored dogmas is reserve on the atonement. How uncongenial such a dogma with the general tenor of the New Testament, over every page of which the atonement sheds a heavenly lustre! Was the great apostle reserved

on the atonement? Did he observe the glory of Christ by giving prominence to forms, and penances, and costly offerings? No! The cross was the only motto inscribed on his banner. Though surrounded by sinners of almost every cast and dye, he propounded but one method of salvation. Whether confronted by the Pharisee, with all his hauteur and ceremony; or encountered by the Greek, with all his scholastic pride and invective, scornfully inquiring, "What will this babbler say?" whether arraigned before the courtly Festus Agrippa, and Bernice; or encompassed with the rude barbarians of Malta, men very unlike in character and pursuit,-the great apostle had but one subject, pursued but one theme, and that theme was Christ. "We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord. I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord." Amid all the error and heresy abroad, may we ever cleave to the doctrine of the cross, magnify its glory, and speak of its riches. It is an allsufficient panacea, a sovereign remedy for the malignant disease of the soul. This alone can extract the sting of death, and light up the archway to the tomb with a prospect of a brighter and better world. The cross was inestimably dear to our departed friend in his last moments. It was his sweetest solace, and the only centre of his expectation beyond the grave. May his bereaved parents aud friends be sustained in the hour of their deep sorrow, may they be preserved in the hope of the Gospel, and eventually may they meet their departed friend above, and unite with him in singing; “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us Kings and priests unto God and his father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Measham.

THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE assembled at Melbourne, on Tuesday Sep. 26, 1843. Brother Stanion, the minister of the place, presided, and brother Staddon, of Burton, implored the divine blessing.

The states of the Churches were reported, from which it appeared that, since the last Conference, one hundred and eighty three had been baptized, and one hundred and thirty were waiting for that ordinance. It was remarked, with some regret, that from some of our leading Churches there were no

G. S.

representatives, and from others there was no report. This is the more to be lamented as the postage of a letter, if no brother is able to attend, is a mere trifle.

It was reported at this Conference, that since our last meeting new chapels had been opened at Sawley, by the Church at Donington and Sawley; at Kensington, by the Church at Ilkeston; at Whetstone, by the Church in Dover Street, Leicester; and at Thrussington. New school rooms are erecting at Dover Street, Leicester; and those at

Broad Street, Nottingham, have been enlarged. It was also reported, that Byron Street chapel, Leeds, had been purchased by the brethren of the Derby and Castle Donington, and Yorkshire districts; and that it was expected to be opened for worship on Thursday, October 19th, and on Lord's-day, October 22nd, by brethren Butler, Owen, Wallis, &c. A letter from Rev. I. Stubbins, announcing his arrival on the coast of Great Britain, was read by Mr. Pike. The letter contained some interesting particulars respecting his voyage. Prayer and thanksgiving were then offered by the Conference on behalf of our beloved brother and family.

At this Conference, it was resolved:

1. That the Secretary be requested to address a circular to the Churches, urging them to send a written report to each Con. ference, where no representatives may attend. 2. "That this Conference, regarding odd fellowship as a great temptation to a wordly spirit and conduct, cautions the members of our Churches against joining societies belonging to that order.

3. The committee appointed by the last Conference to attend to the case of Ashford chapel, requested direction as to their future proceedings. It was agreed, that they be recommended to let it to the Independents, on a lease of not less than twenty years.

4. The chapel occupied by our friends at Earl Shilton being in a dilapidated state, the Church requested the advice of Conference as to the course they should pursue. It was replied, "That, as it appears to be nec. essary, on account of the state of the build ing, that a new chapel should be erected, we recommend our brethren there to make every possible effort amongst themselves, and to proceed with caution in the steps they take in this business."

5. Sheffield Case.-As it appears the income of the Home Mission for the Not. tingham district is inadequate to the sup port of brother Hudson at Sheffield, the Conference earnestly exhorts those Churches in the Nottingham and Loughborough districts, that have hitherto not contributed to their Home Mission funds, to exert themselves in the performance of this labour of love; and those who have assisted are urged to increase, as much as possible, their subscriptions. The station has been prospered of the Lord, and it will be a decided calamity, if it be not sustained.

6. The Home Missionary Committee of the Derby and Castle Donington districts solicited the sanction of the Conference to their purchase of Byron Street chapel, Leeds. This sanction was cordially granted.

At this Conference Mr. Buckley, of Market Harborough, prayed, and Mr. Kenney, of Wirksworth, preached from Phil. iii. 16. In the evening brother Owen, of Donington, prayed, and brother Pike, of Derby, preached from Gal. i. 8, "Though we, or an angel, &c."

The next Conference is to be at Leicester, Friar Lane, on Tuesday, Dec. 26th ; brother Ferneyhough, of Nottingham, to preach in the morning, and the Church to appoint a preacher for the evening.

Jos. GOADBY, Secretary, pro tem.

ANNIVERSARIES.

BABBINGTON, near Ilkeston.—On Friday afternoon, Sep. 29th, the foundation of a New Baptist chapel was laid at this colliery, which is about to be built by the proprietor, Thomas North, Esq., of Nottingham. Mr. Peggs commenced the interesting service by giving out a hymn and prayer; Mr. Hunter delivered an appropriate address, and laid the foundation stone; and Mr. Hodges, one of the Nottingham town missionaries, closed with prayer. Several ladies and gentlemen were present from Nottingham, a number of the Sabbath school children, and numerous friends of religion from the vicinity. The dimensions of the intended building are thirty-six feet by eighteen feet, and the estimated expence £226. This is exclusive of the internal fittings of the chapel, which are to be defrayed by subscriptions and collections at the opening. We should be hap py to see many such examples of one of old, of whom the elders of Israel declared, "He is worthy; for he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue."

ILKESTON.-The first anniversary of the re-opening of this chapel took place on Lord's-day, Oct 8th. Mr. Peggs preached in the morning at Kensington chapel, from 1 Sam. xx. 3. In the afternoon our vene. rated friend and father in Christ once more visited the early scene of his labours, and preached from James i. 22, and in the evening from Jer. v. 31. Mr. Pickering commenced his labours at Ilkeston, in July, 1800, having previously exercised his ministry at Ashford, in this county, for twelve years; so that our venerable brother has been fifty-five years in the ministry. It was stated to the congregations, that the whole expence of the improvement of the chapel was £175 148. 9d., towards which there had been realized from various sources £152 7s. 2d. The collections amounted to £7 3s. 4d. On Monday evening a very interesting tea-meeting was held, which was addressed by Messrs. Davis, Dyson, Crooks,

Ross, Shaw, Hardstaff, Cresswell, and Peggs. The proceeds of the tea, through subscriptions for the trays, is expected to be about £5. Much mercy crowned this anniversary The Lord say of his people, "From this day I will bless you."

PRAED STREET, PADDINGTON.-Our friends worshiping in the Tabernacle, held their second anniversary on Lord's day and on Monday evening, Oct. 15 and 16. Mr. Underwood, the pastor of the Church, preached on the Lord's-day, and on Monday evening a tea meeting was held in the school rooms; after which, the friends entered the chapel, where statements and addresses were delivered by brethren Underwood, Wileman, Goadby, of Leicester, and Bissil. Brother Patey implored the Divine blessing. The debt remaining on the galleries was about £120. The collections after the sermons on Lord's day and the profits of the tea amounted to £20. 5s. 6d., and the amount raised by collecting cards was £116. Os. 6d., making a total of £136. 6s.; so that, though some fears had been entertained of the successful issue of this effort, it amounted to sixteen pounds more than the sum required. A generous friend promised £60 for the coming year towards the liquidation of the original debt on the chapel, of £1340, providing another £60 be raised by the Church toward the same object. It was then moved by one of our friends, and seconded by a gentleman a member of the Paddington chapel, (Inde pendent,) that the challenge of our liberal brother be accepted. Brother U. then announced that he should prepare collecting cards for this object, which would be distributed among the friends at the earliest opportunity.

To shew that the brethren here have not been wholly absorbed with their own affairs, we subjoin a statement of what they have raised during the two years, or from March 14, 1841, to October, 1843, for all purposes.

£. S. d. 620 0 0 65 0 0 65 0 0 13 0 0 762 18

1

Making a total of 1525 18 1 MACCLESFIeld. On Lord's day, May 13th, 1843, the anniversary sermons were preached in behalf of the Sabbath school, Macclesfield; in the morning and afternoon by brother R. Kenney, of Wirksworth; and in the evening by friend J. Lindley. Collections £20.

M. L.

BAPTISMS.

KIRKBY.-The ordinance of believers' baptism was administered to fifteen persons, eight males, and seven females, on the 17th of Sep.

Mr. Wood from Mansfield, kindly assisted us on the occasion. The day was fine. The assembly at the water side was numerous, and good order prevailed. In the afternoon the newly baptized were received into the Church in the usual way. Most of the candidates are young, eight of the number are teachers in our SabbathWe hope schools, and three are scholars. the addresses delivered to them on that occasion will not be forgotten, but may the Lord smile on us and bless us, and may we soon have the happiness to see more of our young friends give themselves to the Lord and then to his people.

T. E.

AUSTREY.-On Lord's day October 1st, we were again favoured with the services of our esteemed and highly respected brother Shore, who preached two most excellent and impressive sermons in behalf of our chapel debt. The congregations and collections were exceeding good, larger than they have been on former occasions. On the following Wednesday evening we had a public tea meeting at Warton, which was well attended, after which a revival meeting was held, when very spirited addresses were delivered by brethren Shore, Barnes, and Collier. This was a season of great spiritual enjoyment to christians, and the unconverted seemed deeply affected, and

some since have determined to live more unto God than what they have previously done. We cannot but express the feelings of gratitude that pervade our hearts to our beloved brother Shore, who, being on his way to Cradely for the following Sabbath, spent the week amongst us. For five successive evenings we have had the pleasure of his zealous and arduous labours, which have excited considerable interest in the neighbourhood, and we cannot but an ticipate that great good will be the result.

CRADLEY HEATH.-We rejoice that the work of the Lord is reviving amongst us.

of our bazaar was so long delayed, and our friends in neighbouring Churches having complained of the shortness of it, the Church have determined upon postponing the bazaar until the third week in December, that those who may feel kindly disposed to assist us, may be accommodated with time for preparing articles, and our object pro. moted by their kind contributions. We are greatly in need of help, since in addition to the object stated in the September number of the Repository, which will require £80, we have our debt of £300 on the chapel, which we have an order to pay "in five months." H. B. H.

SMARDEN, Zion Chapel.-The anniver sary services of this chapel were held on Monday Sep. 9th. The Rev. J. Stevenson, of London, and the Rev. Mortlock Daniel, were engaged for the occasion. Brother Stevenson fulfilled his engagement, and preached a very excellent and profitable sermon from Psalm c. 4. Mr. Daniel could not be with us on account of ill-health, but kindly promised one guinea towards the collection. The Rev. H. Pauling, of Lenham, very obligingly consented to take the evening, and delivered a good discourse from Isaiah lxii. 1. The services were well attended, and the collections amounted to £75 clear of all expenses. The collec. tions were greatly promoted by the Misses Thorpe, of Sevenoaks, who generously promised to give £10 each if the congre

gations would raise £30 more, that the debt might be lowered £50. And our senior deacon also kindly engaged to add one pound to every four raised in other ways, for the anniversary. Our debt is now, we are happy to say, reduced to £225 The Revds. Jenkyn, (Independent) Grigsby, of Staplehurst, (Independent) Sycklemore, Smarden, (Particular Baptist) assisted in the devotional exercises, and brother Felkin gave out the hymns. Tea was provided in the chapel, of which many partook; and much sociality was evinced. Great praise is due to the friends who undertook to provide and officiate in this part of the business of the day. T. ROFE.

WHETSTONE, near Leicester.-A neat and commodious chapel was opened for divine worship in this village, on Tuesday, Sep. 19, and on Lord's-day, Sep. 24, 1843, in connection with the G. B. Church, Dover Street, Leicester. The preachers were, on Tuesday, Rev. T. Gough, of Clipstone, and Rev. J. Wallis, of Leicester; and on the Lord's-day, the Revds. S. Wigg, T. Stevenson, and J. Goadby, of Leicester. The attendance was overflowing, especially on the Lord's-day. Collections upwards of £35.

BURNLEY.-We are happy to hear that the G. B. chapel here has lately undergone considerable enlargement, at an expense of £500; the full half of which sum has been already collected.