liberty, we are at a loss to conjecture. The cases he introduces, of the phylactery; the 'holy kiss;' the use of the actual words of the Lord's prayer in all our devotions; the time when the eucharist is administered; the observance of holy days, or the christian Sabbath, are not parallel, nor do they afford the liberty to any one to alter the mode of christian baptism. And yet he says of the Baptists, Their right to substitute the first day for the seventh, in order to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, without a particle of scriptural law, is an authority for substituting sprinkling for immersion, even if they can prove we make the substitution with which we are charged.' But we ask, do they do this? Did not the disciples meet 'on the first day of the week'? Is it not denominated the Lord's-day'? And is not this clear precedent in effect a law? Can Dr. Halley find a clear precedent of the the apostolic christians transferring baptism from believers to infants? or of their changing immersion into sprinkling? Will Dr. H. contend, that the kiss of charity' was a divinely appointed christian ordinance? that the Lord's prayer was prescribed as an absolute form? that Christ directed his disciples to celebrate his death at any particular hour of the day? or that the command given in Deut. vi. 8, 9, was ever intended to be cbeyed literally? The air of special pleading which runs through this part of the lecture, gives us a stronger opinion of the dexterity of the Doctor, than of his decided convictions of the honesty of his case.

Dr. Halley's next effort is with Rom. vi. 3, 4, and Col. iii. 16. These passages have been very generally admitted to contain allusions to the mode of baptism, even by pædobaptist writers, as Doddridge, Pool, Wesley, Tholock, &c., &c.; and our author remarks: The Baptists say, that immersion itself the act of putting in the water-is the symbol of the service, or rather, (for they seem to allow that water is also symbolic of cleansing) is one of the symbols authorized in this ordinance. If this be true, our case is gone. I do not mean our case is gone, if there be found, in the apostolic writings, a figurative allusion to immersion, as a common mode of baptism; for that would in no way affect our reasoning; but, if it be proved that the act of immersion, and not the use of water, is the authorized symbol, the very sign or sacrament, I see not what we can do better than petition parliament to pass the bill on dissenting trusts, that in a body we may carry over with us to the Baptists, the chapels and endowments now in the possession of the Independents.' The bill is now passed, and the course will soon be clear; but, to prevent the necessity of coming over to the Baptists, Dr. Halley remarks, that the phrase, being buried with Christ by bap

tism,' is a figurative expression;' that it will admit of another,' a spiritual, and, as he thinks, a better interpretation;' that immersion no more represents a burial than sprinkling; that neither the body of Christ, nor those of the Jews, were 'let down into the earth'; that the Romans burned their dead, and deposited their ashes in an urn; that 'a burial in water must have appeared to the ancients the most incongruous of symbols'; that, though the fathers early adopted this opinion of burial by immersion', they also adopted trine immersion', and many fancies; that the representation of a burial is ineonsistent with the symbol of sanctification by by the Spirit, which all parties acknowledge to be represented in baptism'; and sums up by saying, 'On account of all these reasons, I do maintain, that in baptism there is no representation of the burial of a believer with Christ.

We should have thought, that an allusion to 'immersion, as a common mode of baptism,' in the apostolic writings, went a long way towards settling the question; and we do think that Dr. Halley's reasoning against it is either very obscure or very inconclusive. He says, that in baptism 'there is no more a burial with Christ than there is a crucifixion with him'; but he should know, that the allusion is not ours, but the inspired apostle's. St. Paul does not say we are crucified with him by baptism; but he does say we are buried with him by baptism;' and when the Doctor laughs at the ludicrous image of a man washing in a grave, or dying in a bath,' we are content to say, that the same act may be referred to as illustrating two very different things; and that, unwit. tingly, he is rather ridiculing inspired scrip. ture than the opinions of fallible men. He of course thinks he has succeeded in his effort; but with the suffrages of many of his own most learned brethren, with scripture, the consent of the fathers, and even common sense against him, he has but little of which he can boast.

sources,

both Royal

(To be concluded in our next.) ANCIENT HISTORY. The history of Greece from various authentic ancient and modern. two maps. 8vo., pp. 384. Tract Society. THIS is an exceedingly well-printed volume. Its large pages, with lines and double columns, contain a great amount of letterpress, presented in a form in which they may easily be perused. Utility and cheapness seem to have guided the publishers in the form and size of their page. What is still better, it is comprehensive and complete, embracing the earliest inhabitants of Greece, with a copious account of their civil and military transactions, from the heroic age, B. c. 1300, down to the period when its in

dependence was surrendered in the appointment of Philip of Macedon to be generalissi- . mo of Greece in the Persian war, B. c. 338. The stirring events of this extended period are brought before with the fidelity of the historian and the candour and sensibility of an enlightened christian. This circumstance gives a value to the history which will repay the labour and expence of the compilation. The second part is devoted to a history of the polity, national institutions, religion, manners and customs, arts and sciences, of the Greeks. Part III. comprizes the physical and topographical history of Greece. This book is very suitable for the general reader, and for Sabbath-school libraries. It is supplied with a copious index. It would have pleased us better if references had been inserted in the margin, to the various authorities consulted, the book, section, &c.

THE CHRISTIAN GLEANER. original and selected pieces. pp. 252. Tract Society.

Consisting of Post 8vo.

THIS handsome gilt edged volume is got up after the style of the annuals which a few years ago teemed from the press at this season. It contains sixteen beautiful engravings, and it is finished in excellent style. The articles are of various merit; some of them are exquisite, and all of them are interesting, and of a useful tendency. A delightful new year's present.

SIGHTS IN ALL SEASONS. 16mo., square, pp. 372. Tract Society.

SIGHTS in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, already noticed, are here put up in one neat, gilt edged, square volume. BARTH'S BIBLE SRORIES for the young. Old and New Testaments, 18mo., pp. 280. Tract Society.

THE name of Barth, and the fact that there are some 120 stories selected from the Old and New Testaments by him, and illustrated with many engravings, includes all that need be said to recommend this book to our friends, or indeed to any who are seeking for books for their scholars or young people. KINDNESS TO ANIMALS. By CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH. 18mo., pp. 108. Tract Society.

THIS is a very useful book. Beginning with the naming of animals by Adam, their preservation at the flood, and proceeding to give amusing and instructive anecdotes of the horse, the dog, the cat, the cow, the sheep, the ass, bears, birds, and fishes; their sagacity, susceptibility of feeling, gratitude, &c., the fair and talented writer awakens so much interest in the animal world, as not only to convince the reader of the wickedness of treating them cruelly, but also to induce a disposition of tenderness and mercy, Our children who read it will be improved by it.

THE ACADEMY LIBRARY. To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository. SIR-Permit me to follow up the appeal made to the churches in your Jan. number, on behalf of the library of our academy, by my friend Artemus. It must be obvious to the reflecting part of the denomination, that the students should be able to consult standard works on those subjects to which their attention is directed. As an eager thirst for knowledge ought to distinguish those who are admitted into the institution, so the means of obtaining it ought to be within their reach. The library is already enriched with several valuable works, for which we are indebted to the liberality and zeal of the founders of the institution, and of other friends to enlightened piety; but I would, with Artemus, affectionately and respectfully suggest the importance of making considerable additions to it. The times in which we live, call for a well-informed ministry. The ambitious projects of the church of Rome, the revival of papistical errors in the established church, the zeal with which they

are propagated, and the prevalence of the blighting dogmas of infidelity, require that ministers of the Gospel should be able not only to preach it, but to defend its principles, together with those of religious freedom, by arguments and illustrations drawn not only from their own fountains of thought, but by the compositions of superior authors, and corroborated by facts recorded in books both of ancient and modern date, and written both by friends and foes.

It is desirable that the following works, with others of the same stamp, should be immediately added to the library :

Keightley's Ditto

Ranke's History of the Popes

Lingard's History of England

Turner's, Sharon, Sacred History of the World

Ditto of the Middle Ages

Pritchard's Physical History of Man

Tract Society's Ecclesiastical History
Robinson's Travels in Palestine

Conder's Modern Traveller

Potter's Antiquities of Greece

D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation
Niebuhr's Roman History

NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, &c.

Encyclopædia Britanica, Last Edition
Macullock's Geographical Dictionary
Ditto Principles of Political Economy
Carpenter's Popular Cyclopædia of Natural Science
Tegg's Chronology

A General Atlas of Scripture Ditto
Dr. Ure's System of Geology

Bridgwater Treatises

Lyall's Elements of Geology

Ferguson's Astronomy and Mechanics

Mathematical Works, &c.

ENGLISH LITERATURE.

Milton's Works, Prose and Poetry

possess duplicates of any of the above books, to forward their spare copies as gifts to the institution. In so large a denomination as ours there must also be many readers who have their favourite authors, from converse with whom, through the medium of their publications, their own views have been expanded, and their own hearts warmed,would it be too great a mark of respect to the writers whose genius or piety is so much admired, were a complete copy of their works to be given to the academy? While I acknowledge the enlightened benevolence of some of our more wealthy friends, in sup. porting various institutions, I would earnestly yet respectfully ask them not to lose sight of the object for which we now plead. Are there not several individuals who could each of them present a donation of a number of the above-named works? One church might unite to give Ward's Standard Divinity; another to give the Bridgewater Treatises; and a third or fourth, to give any other assortment, according to the respective taste or fancy of each. It is obvious, however, for various reasons, that contributions in money, provided they are made specially for this object, and do not in the least diminish the much-needed collections for the ordinary expenses of the institution, would be the most eilgible mode of assistance. The works of highest importance, and from the best editions of them, might then be secured. But I agree with Artemus, that the committee or association must take up the subject; and I trust that vigourous efforts will be made. I am, Sir,

Yours truly,

J. WALLIS.

BENEFIT SOCIETIES.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository. DEAR SIR,-As secretary to the committee appointed at the last association to prepare rules for the formation of a general BENEFIT SOCIETY, I was thankful to see iu your last number a few observations on this important subject. The committee has. I think, effectually provided against the disaster your correspondent supposes. There may, however, be various other difficulties, which we may neither perceive nor meet; and we should therefore be obliged, and through us, the whole Connexion, for any observations any of your readers may suggest. I would request them to do so either to myself directly, or rather, through your pages, to all concerned, that not only the other members of the committee may deliberate upon them, but all the friends at the next association may more intelligently perceive how all possible advantages are secured, and all probable dangers are guarded against. I am, Sir, faithfully yours, T. W. MATHEWS.

Boston.

MR. WILLIAM MARSHALL, died at Nottingham, Nov. 10, 1844. His death was improved by the Rev. W. Pickering, on Lord's day, Nov. 24, from the words, an old disciple.' The following sketch is taken from the address then delivered by the venerable pastor, to whom the deceased was related by marriage. "William Marshall was born sometime in October 1766, at Castle Donington, in the same month and year as myself. His parents were pious and respectable General Baptists. He and 1 were baptized together in the river Trent, in the month of June, 1778, with about twenty-five others, and were both the same day united to the same christian church. He has been throughout his life a credit and ornament to his profession. He was very serious and grave in his deportment, and exemplary in the various relations of life. His talents were above mediocrity, he moved in a noiseless course, with modesty and calm tranquility. He was

an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile.' He began early, and never swerved from the course of piety to the end of life; and served the Lord in the long period of sixtyfive years.

It was pleasing to see the regularity of his attendance at the means of grace, especially at the Lord's-supper, and to hear his calm converse about the approach of death. A short time before he died, he expressed his thankfulness that he had not got his religion to seek. He was a preacher occasioally, and a considerable time a deacon of the church at Castle Donington.

ANN CLARK, died at New Mill, near Tring, Herts, September 8th, 1844, in her nineteenth year. From a child she was the subject of serious impressions. When about fourteen she occasionally attended the General Baptist chapel, and her mind be came more deeply affected with religious truth. She was baptized June 5th, 1841, and she eminently adorned her profession. She was active in distributing tracts; and when failing in strength, displayed her extreme attachment to the house of God. In her illness she evinced great confidence in Christ, and joy in the prospect of heaven. With her dying breath she encouraged her minister, expressed her gratitude to her Sabbath school teachers, and warned and exhorted her ungodly neighbours. She died peacefully and triumphantly. death was improved to a crowded auditory, from Phil. i. 22.

Her

W. S.

WILLIAM GREEN, Sen., an aged and respected member of the General Baptist Church at Hugglescote, died Oct 21st, 1844, in the 79th year of his age. He was a staunch and liberal supporter of the cause of Christ in general, and unflinchingly firm in his attachment to the Church to which he had been a respectable member many years. He was regular and constant in his attendance in the house of God, both on the Sab. bath day, and on week nights; whenever the house of God was open for public worship, his place was seldom empty. As age

and infirmities came, his desire to attend the house of God increased. His bodily frame, bowed down with the infirmities of old age, gradually sunk, without much pain of body or anxiety of mind. With child-like simplicity and composure, he fell asleep, and the weary wheels of life stood still, when his active spirit took its flight to join the church above.

SUSANNAH BIGGERDIKE, of Holbeach, widow, aged about eighty six years, died June 6th. She was an humble, meek, happy, consistent disciple, for about seventy years, having been baptized at Conningsby, by the once celebrated General Baptist Messenger, Gilbert Boyce.

MARY GREEN, of Holbeach, widow, aged probably about seventy years, died January 24th. She had not long been united to the church at Fleet, having only been dismis sed a few years from Loughborough. Her walk and conversation seemed to correspond with her profession.

ROBERT WITHERINGTON, of Holbeach, aged probably about seventy years, died June 16th. Having been a worthy member about twenty-five years.

ANN KNIGHT, of Fleet, wife of John Knight, aged fifty-one years, died July 31st. She had been a worthy and consistent member about twenty-four years.

EDWARD ROUSE, of Gedney, aged about fifty years, was suddenly summoned into the presence of his Maker, Nov. 9th. He had been unwell for a length of time, subject to fits of Epilepsy or something of that character. He had been from home on the day of his death to consult a physician at Wisbeach, and on his return apparently as well as usual, fell down in a fit, and expired almost instantaneously. His uniform piety, and trust and confidence in God, amidst all his troubles, rendered him consolation in the prospect of death.

MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-This Conference was held at Loughborough, on Tuesday, Dec, 31st, 1844. The morning service was opened by Mr. Goadby, and Mr. Hudson preached, on the claims of China'. In the evening a meeting was held, to promote a revival of religion, when addresses were delivered by Messrs. Wallis, Winks, Cotton, and Ferneyhough.

The meeting for business took place at two o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. T. Stevenson commenced with prayer, and the pastor of the church presided. The reports from the churches generally were encouraging. It was reported that the cause at Coventry was in an improving and prosperous state; that the church at Hugglescote had invited Mr. J. Lindley as an assistant to their venerable pastor; that spirited and successful efforts, for the reduction of chapel debts, had been made at Lough borough, Leicester, and other places; and that preliminaries were being arranged for the erection of a new chapel in another part of the town, by the friends at Stoney. street, Nottingham. Since the last Conference, ninety-eight have been baptized, and ninety one remain candidates for that ordi

nance.

1. It was resolved, That the thanks of this Conference be given to brother Hudson, for his excellent sermon this morning, on 'the claims of China.'

2. That the Conference recommend brother Hudson to publish the substance of his sermon.

3.

After an animated discussion of the question proposed to the last Conference, by the church at Broughton and Hose, it was resolved, That this Conference considers that baptism, administered as the ground of remission of sins, is not christian baptism.

4. A committee, consisting of brethren J. Goadby, J. F. Winks, S. Groocock, and F. Deacon, were appointed to make inquiry as to Billesdon, and report at the next Conference.

5. A report of the presperous state of the cause at Wolverhampton was sent to the Conference, accompanied by an application for pecuniary assistance. The report states, that, since their present minister entered upon his labours among them, which was twelve months ago, the church has increased from eight to fifty-six members, and that the good cause is still progressing; but, in con sequence of the circumstances of many of their members, they are quite unable to support their minister without assistance, which they request through the medium of the Conference. The Conference having no

funds, but wishing to afford their aid in so important and interesting a case, appointed brethren J. F. Winks, E. Stevenson, and B. Wood, as a committee, to collect the amount solicited.

6. An application being made to the Conference by the friends at Queniborough and Thrussington, for assistance in the erection of a vestry and conveniences for administering the ordinance of baptism, resolved, That we recommend this case to the notice and sympathy of the Churches.

7, The next Conference will be held at Stoney-street, Nottingham, on Easter Tuesday, 1845. Mr. Wallis, of Leicester, is appointed to preach in the morning. E. BOTT, Secretary.

THE DERBYSHIRE CONFERENCE.-This Conference assembled at Belper, on Wednesday, Dec. 25th. Mr. Boroughs opened the morning service by reading and prayer, and Mr. Kenney, as solicited at the last meeting, delivered a discourse on believers' baptism, from Heb. vi. 2, 'The doctrine of baptisms.' In the afternoon Mr. Dunkley, who commenced his labours at Belper on the previous Sabbath, took the chair, and Mr. Felkin opened the meeting with prayer. The Conference consists of the representatives of eight churches, and it was reported that forty one had been baptized since August, and twelve are candidates. The report from Smalley was peculiarly encouraging, twenty seven having been baptized since the death of Mr. Wilders.

1. Two letters were read from Chesterfield, speaking favourably of the aspect of the cause. The importance of a settled minister for this station is deeply felt, and Mr. Goodliffe, of Kirton, who was present, was requested to spend the next two Lord'sdays there, and, if he should see his way clear, the committee will endeavour to assist in his support. Mr. G. acceded to the request to visit Chesterfield, and the secretary was desired to write a letter upon the important subject of his visit, and, if requisite, the committee were to be summoned before next Conference.

2. Mr. Kenney reported his visit to Ashford and Bradwell. The Independents have relinquished the chapel at Ashford, having opened their new one in the beginning of the month. Particular reference was made to a minister who might probably remove into this neighbourhood, and take the care of these places. The committee met after tea, to confer upon this business.

3. The following plan of the Conferences for the next two years, was submitted to the brethren :