Chapter III: Part 3

Edward Dunn, Esq., the Secretary, read the Report, which commenced by noticing the death of the late J. B. Wilson, Esq., who had been a warm supporter of this Institution. By his will he had bequeathed to it the reversion of £2,000 three per cents. It went on to state, that the Society's premises had been altered and completed in a most satisfactory manner, but the expense had exceeded that for which provision was made. The model school carried on under the direction of Mr. Crosswell continued to maintain its high character, and was a source of the greatest satisfaction to the Committee. There had been scattered in the country 103 young persons, who had received assistance from this Society, without which they could not have been introduced to spheres of active usefulness. Persons of various Dissenting denominations, and members of the Established Church, had taken advantage of the Institution, and had manifested in their conduct towards each other that unity which bound all Christians together in the love and service of their divine Master. A number of new schools had been opened with considerable prospects of success. Since the last anniversary, Government had made a second grant of £20,000 towards promoting education, which had been accompanied by a difference in the mode of distribution, so that the schools conducted on this system had obtained only £6,800 of it. The Committee felt that whatever was done should be on broad and general principles. Grants of slates, lesson books, and other materials, had been made during the year. Fifty-nine schools, educating 7,250 children, had been aided during the same period. The report then reverted to the Society's foreign operations, and particularly noticed the desire for instruction manifested by the negroes in the West Indies. It concluded by adverting to the benefits which the Institution had conferred on the country.

William Allen, Esq., presented his accounts, as Treasurer, from which it appeared that the total receipts during the year were £2,645 10s.; the expenditure amounted to £3,482 7s. 1d.; showing a deficiency upon the general statement of the year of £836 17s. 1d. Those reports, he observed, only showed the receipts and expenditure of the current year; perhaps, on a future occasion, it would be advisable to give a statement of the Society's assets, and carry on the balance.

The principal speakers on the occasion were, Mr. Ainsworth, M.P., Mr. Pease, M.P., H. Pownall, Esq., Mr. Hume, M.P., C. Lushington, M.P.; Rev. Messrs. G. Clayton, J. Burnet, Dr. Humphreys, J. Williams, and Professor Vaughan; besides the noble Chairman, whose opening and closing address imparted no ordinary interest to the meeting, and were listened to with marks of the warmest approbation.

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PROTESTANT SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

The twenty-fourth anniversary of this important institution was held at the City of London Tavern on Saturday, the 16th of May. On no former occasion have we ever witnessed greater interest excited. At an early hour every part of the large room was crowded, and hundreds retired, unable to gain admission. On the platform we observed Mr. Brotherton, M.P.; Mr. Alderman Wood, M.P.; Mr. Ewart, M.P.; D. W. Harvey, M.P.; Mr. R. Potter, M.P.; Mr. J. Scholefield, M.P.; Mr. C. Lushington, M.P.; Mr. J. Parrat, M.P.; Dr. Brown, and several dissenting ministers.

At twelve o'clock the arrival of Lord Brougham, who had been appointed to preside on the occasion, was announced, and called forth the repeated acclamations of the assembly. His Lordship immediately took the chair, supported by John Wilks, Esq. on his right, and Mr. Alderman Wood on his left.

And here we cannot help expressing regret that our limits will not allow us to present our readers either with the opening or closing address of the Noble Chairman on this occasion. Without pledging ourselves to the correctness of every sentiment that was uttered, we have no hesitation in affirming,--which is perhaps the highest eulogium in the fewest words,--that these eloquent appeals were every way worthy of the liberal, the enlightened, the energetic =Henry Brougham=; a name which, whatever lustre it may derive from the title appended to it, will ever be indebted for its highest and most gratifying honours, to the heart, the intellect, and the character of the man.

For these speeches, together with those of Mr. O'Connell, Dr. Brown, J. Wilks, C. Lushington, D. W. Harvey, the Rev. Messrs. Stowell, Hoppus, Sibree, Morell, Dr. Morison, &c., &c., we must refer our readers to the Patriot of the 20th ult., whose ample columns will afford them a gratifying report of the meeting.

The following Resolutions were unanimously adopted:--

1. That to the great and benignant principles of Religious Freedom, =this Society=, including many hundred congregations of Protestant Dissenters of different denominations, in England and Wales, continue firmly attached: That they must alway regard every interference with the rights of conscience as offensive and unjust--as detrimental to general happiness--and as calculated to produce those hypocrisies or martyrdoms which wisdom and goodness abhor: And that such interference exists in every age when perfect social equality, irrespective of religious opinions and modes of worship, is not enjoyed; and in every country where any civil advantage is bestowed, or prejudice inflicted, in consequence only of religious opinions entertained, or modes of worship preferred.

2. That such principles should be avowed by =this Society=, if they were but humble and unconnected individuals, or if they constituted a small minority in the State; but may be more confidently cherished, and more boldly proclaimed, when Dissenters from the Established Church are great in numbers, information, independence, activity, influence, and wealth--when experience has demonstrated the wide and deep injuries which other principles and practice produce--when the energies and benefits of the _voluntary_ principle have been felicitously evinced--and when the situation of other countries proclaims that Religion and Religious Freedom best prosper together--and that no secular alliances are needful to promote the happiest influences of piety, or the progress of truth: and that, to disregard, or to insufficient attention, to these principles, =this Meeting= mainly attribute the numerous grievances which yet peculiarly affect Protestant Dissenters, and the inadequate progress made by the Legislature and successive Administrations towards their redress.

3. That among those grievances =this Meeting= include the continuance of =Church Rates=, which they had hoped, ere now, would have ceased;--and to which they object because these Church Rates press specially on peculiar portions of the people--because they might be averted by a just appropriation of property belonging to the Church--because they occasion extensively irritating feuds, and local litigation--and because they are peculiarly obnoxious to those parishioners who, conscientiously dissenting from Church Establishments, erect and maintain their own places of worship--and support their ministers--relieve the necessitous of their communion--educate the young--and defray every congregational expense, without asking or desiring assistance from the State, and at their own spontaneous and voluntary charge. That in connexion with this object, =this Meeting= sincerely express their condolence with =Mr. John Childs=, of Bungay, in the imprisonment he is now enduring in the County gaol at Ipswich, on account of his conscientious objection to the payment of Church Rates--and also its abhorrence of the system which has subjected to such cruel and unmerited sufferings, an individual who has conferred great benefits on the cause of Religion and Morality by means of the press.

4. That =this Meeting= also object to the continuance Of =the Marriage Laws=, which for the solemnization of Marriage, drag Protestant and Catholic Dissenters, in defiance of their conscientious aversion, or doctrinal opinions, to the Altars of the Established Church--and regret that their sound principles have not been regarded in the measures propounded by the last and preceding Government, for their relief. And while they acknowledge the courtesy their claims have received, they express their belief that satisfaction will never ensue till all classes have the option to consider Marriage as a religious solemnity, or as a civil contract--and to have the religious solemnity celebrated by the Ministers of the Congregations or Denomination to which they belong--nor till Marriages may be registered by a civil officer with safety and facility, and on economical terms.

5. That the want of a =National Civil Registration of Births, Marriages, and Deaths=, is also among the wrongs which =this Society= have exposed and deplore. That whilst they know that much-needed and incalculable benefits would result to _the whole Empire_ by the improvement required--that valuable statistical information would be supplied, and all property become more secure--yet that the imperfections of the present system are peculiarly oppressive and vexatious to Dissenters from the Church, and that the evils they suffer must induce them to urge for an efficient and immediate remedy with universal, anxious, and unslumbering zeal.

6. That whilst =this Meeting= acknowledge the efforts made by a former Administration, who have now succeeded to the Government, and by liberal Members of the Legislature to remove the impediments which prevent Dissenters from sharing the benefits and honours of our =National English Universities=--they have yet to complain that the spirit of intolerance, and of selfish and sectarian exclusion, has been triumphant; and that even the Charter to the London University, founded on expansive and wise principles, has been deferred: and especially as on the survey of Europe and America, and even of Scotland, they discover that Colleges and Universities, with powers of conferring degrees, have been numerously and usefully established--and as they believe that the prevalence in England of similar liberality would improve our national destinies, and give cause both for Science and Religious Liberty to rejoice.

7. That many other matters prejudicial to Dissenters require interposition and relief--as, 1. The absurd jurisdictions of the Ecclesiastical Courts, and their powers to enforce by penance and indefensible punishment the decrees they pronounce. 2. The liability of Dissenters to provide substitutes if chosen church-wardens. 3. The heavy charges arising from the want of some summary means of perpetuating the Trusts of their Chapels, without the enormous tax from frequent conveyances at present sustained. 4. The non-extension to them of the remission of duties chargeable on the materials used in the erection of their places for worship, which is allowed in favour of the churches and chapels of the Established Church. 5. The powers of the clergy to prohibit the tolling of the bell on the death or funeral of Dissenting parishioners, and to refuse the admission of their corpses into the church, and to read the Burial Service over those who die unbaptized, though interred in the parish church-yard. 6. The exclusion of Dissenting Ministers from officiating (as is permitted in Ireland) in church-yards at the interment of friends. 7. The difficulty of punishing, summarily, the interruptions of public worship by the persecuting or profligate. And 8. The right of Clergymen, however prejudiced, incompetent, and unpopular, officially to preside at Vestries of parishioners; as well as other matters, diversified and vexatious, which chiefly arise from the peculiar favour manifested to the Established Church, and the withholdment of that perfect equality as to civil rights between religionists of every class, for which =this Society= will ever contend.

8. That with such various grievances, urgent and unredressed--and regarding the dispositions manifested, by high ecclesiastical authorities and parties proud in rank and power, to agitate the people and the parliament by alarms for the Established Church, and to resist even the reasonable concessions so justly required--and believing that a crisis has arrived or is approaching, on which the early triumph or temporary retrogression of the rights of conscience may depend--=this Meeting= would urgently invoke Dissenters and Methodists, and all friends to liberal principles, throughout the empire, to be up and stirring--to prepare for new strifes and elections--to nominate and the return to the House of Commons only such Representatives as will vindicate those rights firmly and with zeal--and to afford to the present Administration the countenance and cooperation merited by their sacrifices and efforts for Freedom and Reform, and which may enable them to do justice to Ireland and Great Britain, by promptly correcting every ecclesiastical and corporation abuse.--And that =this Meeting= regard with decided approbation and gratitude the strenuous efforts now making in and out of Parliament to remove the taxes upon knowledge, satisfied that there is no greater obstacle than such taxes to religious liberty, as well as to religious instruction.

9. That the following ministers and gentlemen of different denominations constitute the Committee of the Society, with power to add to their numbers, and appoint all other officers:

Rev. F. A. Cox, LL. D.
---- W. B. Collyer, D.D. F.A.S.
---- George Collison
---- Alexander Fletcher, A.M.
---- Thomas Jackson
---- Thomas Lewis
---- John Morison, D.D.
---- Thomas Russell, A.M.
Mr. Edward Ashby
William Bateman, Esq.
James Esdaile, Esq.
Martin Prior, Esq.
Thomas Wilson, Esq.
Matthew Wood, Esq. M.P.
John Wilks, Esq. M.P.
James Young, Esq.

That cordial thanks be rendered to those by whom the duties of the office have heretofore been fulfilled--and that James B. Brown, Esq., LL. D., be requested to become Treasurer to this Institution.

10. That the Meeting avail themselves gladly of another opportunity to reiterate their grateful expressions to John Wilks, Esq., M.P., the Honorary Secretary of the Society from the formation, for the zeal and prudence he has displayed--and for the devotedness and ability with which he has often resisted intolerance and persecution, and struggled for that vital and glorious liberty, to which he has long proved himself to be entirely attached.

11. That the Society cheerfully offer their acknowledgments to those members of the Legislature who have presented their petitions and laboured on their behalf; and hailing with gratification the presence at this Meeting of =Joseph Brotherton=, Esq., M. P., =William Ewart=, Esq., M. P., =Daniel Whittle Harvey=, Esq., M. P., =Charles Lushington=, Esq., M. P., =Daniel O'Connell=, Esq., M. P., =Richard Potter=, Esq., M. P., =Joseph Scholefield=, Esq., M. P., =T. Thornely=, Esq., M.P., and =Matthew Wood=, Esq., M.P., they hope during future efforts to receive their unabated support.

12. That this Meeting are also rejoiced by the presence of the Rev. Dr. Codman, the Rev. Dr. Humphrey, the Rev. Dr. Spring, and the Rev. Mr. Baird from America--and congratulate them and the world on the proofs supplied by their interesting, enlightened, and prosperous country in favour of the voluntary principle in matters of religion, and which demonstrate that her grace and glories may be well and widely diffused without alliance to the State.

BROUGHAM, (Chairman.)

13. That =this Society=, who have hailed as Chairmen at preceding Anniversaries some of the most distinguished Royal and Noble advocates for Civil and Religious Liberty, feel peculiar pleasure in expressing their gratitude and delight that =the Rt. Hon. Lord Brougham= has presided at their Meeting this day. Assured of the cordiality and success with which for many years, he has dedicated his intellect, eloquence, and vast attainments, to the cause of Education--to the abolition of Slavery--to the accomplishment of legal, corporate, and public reforms--and to the general amelioration of his country and the world--=the Meeting= are cheered by the interest he has manifested in the claims and wrongs of the hundreds of thousands of their countrymen whom they represent--and anticipate from the powerful support he can supply that ere long victory will smile on their efforts, and that knowledge, truth, and liberty will for ever prevail.

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THE LEICESTERSHIRE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

The Baptist churches in Leicestershire, formerly connected with the Northamptonshire Association, which embraced most of the churches in the counties of Derby, Rutland, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln, Buckingham, Bedford, and Northampton, impressed with a conviction that its efficiency was considerably impaired by its extent, thought it desirable to form a separate Association, which should be more limited in its range, and more definite end concentrated in its efforts.

In pursuance of this object, a meeting of ministers and deacons, with their friends, was convened in the school-room of the Harvey Lane chapel, Leicester, on Monday, November the 10th, 1834; when the following resolutions were unanimously passed:--

1. That the churches of the Calvinistic Baptist denomination, assembling at Arnsby, Appleby, Husband's-Bosworth, Loughborough, Harvey-Lane, Leicester, Monk's-Kirby, Oadby, Sheepshead, and Sutton-in-the-Elms, do now form themselves into a Union, to be called "=The Leicestershire Baptist Association=."

2. That the great design of this Union be the promotion of the kingdom of Jesus Christ; by holding meetings for mutual exhortation and united prayer;--by affording opportunities for the cultivation of brotherly love between the ministers and members of the several churches; by endeavouring to advance the cause of the Redeemer throughout the county.

3. That this Association hold its meetings twice a year--on the Tuesday in Easter week, and on the first Tuesday in November: and that they be holden at each place connected with the Union in its turn; each minister being expected to preach in his course. And that at the Spring meeting a report of the state of the churches be received, and the business of the Association transacted.

4. That with a view to the relief of cases of ministerial distress, to assist in carrying the gospel into neglected villages, and to defray the necessary expenses of the Association, a fund be established, sustained by collections at the half-yearly meetings, as well as by private subscriptions. And that a Committee of Management be formed, composed of the ministers and deacons of the churches.

5. That all churches in the county or its vicinity, wishing to unite with the Leicestershire Association, be requested to convey their sentiments, either by letter or otherwise, through some member of the Union, at one of its regular meetings; and that such applications be attended to without delay.

6. That Mr. New, of Arnsby, be requested to act as Secretary, and Mr. C. B. Robinson, of Leicester, as Treasurer, for the first year; and that the Secretary be desired to give a fortnight's notice of each meeting to the ministers or deacons of the churches.

The Association held its first meeting at Arnsby, on Easter Tuesday, April 21. The services commenced, in the morning, at half-past ten o'clock, when communications were received from different churches; in the afternoon Mr. Aveline, of Loughborough, preached from Acts xvi. 5, "_On the present state of religion in the churches, and the best means of promoting its improvement:_" in the evening Mr. Mursell, of Leicester, preached from 1 Cor. xv. 24. The services were numerously attended, and left a very gratifying impression; from which it is hoped, that the Union may be productive of considerable good.

The next meeting of the Association will be held at the Harvey Lane chapel, Leicester, on the first Tuesday in November.

It is to be regretted that, from some misunderstanding, no numerical report was received from many of the churches; consequently, the results of the past year cannot be accurately recorded.

=J. New=, _Secretary_.

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WELLS, SOMERSETSHIRE.

The following important and interesting case of the Baptist Church in the city of Wells, is respectfully submitted to the consideration of the friends of Zion.

In the year 1814 a few persons, desirous of advancing the cause of Christ in this populous city, opened a room for the preaching of the gospel, which, being well attended, led to the purchase of some freehold property, that was converted into a chapel and burial-ground, the cost of which was £540. This case received the sanction of the ministers in the neighbourhood, among whom were the Rev. Messrs. Ryland, Roberts, Murch, Saunders, and Tidman.

Subsequent to the removal of the first minister, the Rev. J. P. Mursell fixed his residence among them, and it pleased the great Head of the Church to bless his labours to such a pre-eminent degree, that it became absolutely necessary to build the present commodious chapel, which was opened in October, 1827, by the Rev. Robert Hall.

The cause, from that period, has been growing, until the Rev. Mr. Groser, their late pastor, embraced the _sentiments_ of Mr. Irving, and renounced _believers' baptism_. Having given up his pastoral office over this church, and opened another place of worship in the city, many of the church and congregation followed him, which has placed this once flourishing interest in peculiar difficulties with regard to the finances. The sum expended in building the present chapel, including the debt remaining on the first purchase, is as follows:--

Purchase, Building, &c. 1190 15 7
Subscriptions and Contributions 890 15 7
----------
Balance due 300 0 0
----------

The ministers in the neighbourhood have kindly afforded their aid, and view this interest as one of no ordinary importance, since it presents an extensive field for the exercise of genuine benevolence. The deacons and friends, having the fullest confidence in the liberality of the Christian public, respectfully solicit _early donations_, that they may be freed from the payment of interest money, by the present debt being liquidated, and thereby be enabled to give all their support to a faithful minister of the everlasting gospel. This hope is greatly strengthened by the consideration, that, through the blessing of God, the congregation is increasing, and the prayer-meetings are well attended. The following ministers will cheerfully receive contributions for the above case:--Rev. S. Summers, T. S. Crisp, and T. Winter, Bristol; J. Jackson, Bath; T. Clarke, Paulton, near Bath; J. Mason, Norton St. Philip's, near Bath; J. P. Mursell, Leicester; T. Price, London; J. S. Bunce, Devizes; W. Jones, and J. Dyer, Frome; and Mr. C. Tyte, Watchmaker, Wells.

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CHAPELS OPENED.

KEYNSHAM, NEAR BRISTOL.

In the autumn of the last year it was found necessary to take down the old meeting-house, its dilapidated state having rendered it unsafe to worship in. A new one is erected on the same site, the internal arrangements of which are much more commodious than those of the former. It was opened for Divine worship on Tuesday, the 21st of April; on which occasion, Mr. Summers, of Broadmead, Bristol, preached in the morning, from 1 Cor. xiii. 12; Mr. Winter, of Counterslip, Bristol, in the afternoon, from Matt. xiii. 16, 17; and Mr. Lucy, of Lady Huntingdon's, Bristol, in the evening, from 1 Pet. iii. 18. The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. John Jackson and James Jackson, of Bath, Probert, of Bristol, and Fuller, of Hallen; Mr. Ayres, the pastor of the church, closing the services of the day with prayer and thanksgiving. The collection amounted to £32. The whole cost will be £700; about £300 remaining yet to be liquidated. The church and congregation, by no means opulent, have exerted themselves to the utmost, and would feel particularly grateful for such assistance from their Christian brethren as should render it unnecessary for their pastor to leave them for the purpose of soliciting contributions. They trust this new period in their history will be the commencement of a brighter day than any which has yet dawned upon them.

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THOVERTON, DEVON.

A new Baptist chapel was opened for Divine worship at Thoverton, October 2nd, 1834; when the Rev. S. Nicholson, of Plymouth, preached in the morning; and the Rev. J. Baynes, of Wellington, in the evening. Mr. Hoskins, minister of the place, was publicly ordained and recognized as pastor of the church in the afternoon, when the Rev. P. Anstie, of Exeter, described the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. S. S. Hatch, of Honiton, asked the usual questions; the Rev. C. Sharp offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Payne (Indep.), of the Western Academy, gave the charge; the Rev. Messrs. W. Blaudy (Indep.), C. Bushby, and R. Pyne, took part in the devotional services, which were numerously and respectably attended. This neat and substantial chapel, measuring 49ft. by 32ft., including two school-rooms, a small burying-ground, and expenses of writings, &c., cost only £480. Nearly one-third of the amount has been already obtained; for the remainder Mr. Hoskin is now soliciting the Christian public. The previous destitute state of this neighbourhood, and its present promising appearance, give it peculiar claims on their attention.

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SHREWTON, WILTS.

A new chapel was opened at Shrewton, Wilts, November 20, 1834. The Rev. P. Saffery, of Salisbury, was to have preached the morning sermon, but in consequence of illness, his place was kindly supplied by the Rev. C. Williams, Independent minister of Salisbury. The afternoon and evening sermons were preached by the Rev. Messrs. Day, of Wincanton, and Winter, of Bristol.

The services were interesting and impressive. The pastor of the church at Shrewton, the Rev. J. Gunning, is about to appeal to the Christian public to aid his poor but zealous flock in liquidating the debt which remains on their new place of worship; and it is hoped that he will meet with kind and liberal encouragement.

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HATHERLEIGH, DEVON.

On Thursday, the 12th of March last, the new Baptist chapel at Hatherleigh, Devon, was opened for Divine worship. In the morning, brother Veysey, of Torrington, read and prayed; and brother Nicholson, of Plymouth, preached from Matt. xiii. 33; and brother Pyne, of Bideford, closed in prayer. In the afternoon, brother Pyne read and prayed; and brother May, of Croyde, preached from Acts viii. 5. In the evening brother Pulsford, of Torrington, read and prayed; and brother Nicholson preached from John vi. 37, 38, and closed in prayer. Though the rain was tremendous all the forenoon, yet the place was crowded, and great numbers were prevented coming by the waters which overflowed the roads. This is a cause commenced by the Baptist friends of Torrington, and at present promises to be successful, far beyond the most sanguine expectations of its warmest friends.

A gallery appears to be much needed already. May the friends of the Redeemer be ready cheerfully to aid this poor but pious people in this good and very desirable work! The present erection is 45ft. by 28ft., and has cost about £300., of which not more than £50. has been raised. Here is a fine field for a home missionary. If a holy, active man could be placed there, there is good ground to expect a most abundant harvest.

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+ORDINATIONS.+

CHATHAM, KENT.

On Thursday, February 26th, the Rev. F. Overbury was publicly recognized as the pastor of the Baptist church meeting in Providence Chapel, Chatham. The Rev. R. W. Overbury, of London, commenced the service with reading and prayer. The Rev. T. Price, of Devonshire Square, delivered the introductory discourse, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Overbury's confession of faith. The Rev. W. G. Lewis, of Chatham, offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. W. H. Murch, president of Stepney College, gave the charge, from Col. i. 7; and the Rev. J. Smith, of London, preached to the people, from Phil. i. 27. The Rev. P. Thompson, A.M. (Indep.), concluded the interesting service with prayer.

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ARTILLERY-STREET, LONDON.

On Wednesday, May 20, the Rev. C. Bathurst Woodman was publicly recognized as the pastor of the church assembling in Artillery-street, Bishopsgate without. The Rev. J. B. Shenston commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; Rev. N. M. Harry, of Broad-street, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Belcher asked the usual questions; the Rev. A. Tidman, of Barbican, offered the designation prayer; and the Rev. J. E. Giles, of Salters' Hall, delivered the charge to the minister.

On the following evening, the Rev. T. Price, of Devonshire Square, preached to the people; the Rev. Messrs. Murch, president of Stepney College, Davies, of Aldermanbury, Peacock, of Spencer Place, &c., conducted the other parts of the service. The interest of the meeting on Wednesday was greatly increased by the presence of the venerable Isaiah Birt, who, though too ill to officiate, attended for the purpose of expressing his deep and affectionate interest in the welfare of his young friend, Mr. Woodman, and of the church assembling in Artillery-street chapel.

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EVESHAM, WORCESTERSHIRE.

The Rev. J. Blakeman, late of Crayford, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the Second Baptist Church, Evesham, Worcestershire (late Rev. C. Room, removed to New Park Street, London), and entered on his stated pastoral labours the first Sabbath in April last.

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DEPUTATION TO AMERICA.

The Secretaries of the Baptist Union have received a letter from Dr. Cox and Mr. Hoby, dated New York, April 15. We are happy to learn that our esteemed brethen reached the shores of America the preceding day in safety, and were then preparing to enter upon their arduous duty.

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+NOTICES.+

The first Meeting of the East Kent Particular Baptist Association will be held (Providence permitting) at Dover, on Tuesday and Wednesday, June the 9th and 10th. The brethren, T. Cramp, of St. Peter's, and Steadman, of Ramsgate, to preach. On Wednesday evening a public meeting will be held, in order to form an Auxiliary Baptist Misssionary Society for East Kent and its neighbourhood. The Rev. Eustace Carey is expected to be present.

* * * * *

The Annual Meeting of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Association of Baptist churches will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Whitsun week, in George-street chapel, Manchester. Brethren Godwin, Steadman, of Bradford, and Stephens, are to preach. In case of failure, brethren Acworth, of Leeds, Harbottle, of Accrington, and Larom.

Accommodation will be provided for such friends as may come from a distance.

* * * * *

The annual meeting of the Bristol Education Society will take place on Thursday, the 11th of June instant, at the vestry of Broadmead meeting, Bristol. The sermon will be preached by the Rev. James Acworth, of Leeds, at Broadmead meeting, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon.

* * * * *

The Annual Meeting of the =Baptist Union= will be held at New Park Street chapel, on Wednesday morning, June 17. Breakfast at six o'clock. The chair to be taken precisely at seven.

A preparatory meeting of the ministers and representatives will be held at Salters' Hall chapel, on Monday, June 15th, precisely at five o'clock in the afternoon; when it is earnestly hoped the brethren, especially those from the country, will attend.

* * * * *

The annual sermon for the Baptist Building Fund will be preached by the Rev. J. J. Davies, of Tottenham, on Sunday evening, June 14th, at Maze Pond chapel. Service to commence at half-past six.

The annual meeting will be held on Monday evening, June 22nd, at Eagle-street chapel, Red Lion Square; the chair to be taken by Joseph Fletcher, Esq., at half-past six.

RECENT DEATHS.

MRS. MARY MIDDLETON.

Died, on the 16th of April, in the eighty-fifth year of her age, Mary, relict of the Rev. J. D. Middleton, the first pastor of the Baptist church, Lewes, Sussex. For upwards of fifty years she honourably sustained the Christian character, and "came to her grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season."

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MR. NICHOLAS MEHL.

Died, on May 2nd, 1835, Mr. Nicholas Mehl, of Chiswick, a deacon of the Baptist church at Hammersmith, in his 82nd year. He was a native of Strasburg, in Germany, and left that country for England at the age of 19; was baptized by the Rev. J. Uppadine in the year 1806. He was one of the warmest friends to the Baptist cause at Hammersmith, and his unassuming simplicity of manners, purity of conduct, and marked benevolence of character, made him beloved by all who knew him. It may, with truth, be said, he devoted his time to the cause of God, paid much attention to the poor, and in promoting their comfort seemed to find his own happiness. May his aged widow, and the church with whom he has been so long connected, trace his footsteps, and follow him as far as he followed Christ. His remains were deposited in the vault beneath the school-room, attached to the Baptist meeting-house, on Thursday, the 7th of May, there to repose until the resurrection morn. The Rev. J. Uppadine improved his removal the following Sabbath morning, from Rev. vii. 14, to the end.

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THE REV. SAMUEL SAUNDERS.

On Tuesday morning, May 19, at half-past one o'clock, died, suddenly, of a fit of apoplexy, in the 56th year of his age, the Rev. Samuel Saunders, for nine years pastor of the Baptist church assembling in Byrom-street, Liverpool. By this sudden and painful stroke the church is clad in mourning, and a deep and solemn impression is made in the town at large. A memoir of the deceased may soon be expected.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

_Just Published._

The Just Cause; or, the Claims of the Dissenters Expounded, and their Conduct Vindicated.

An Appeal to the Legislature and the Nation, upon the unconstitutional Character and irreligious Tendency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment, united with the Civil Government. By A. Z.

Strict Communion Vindicated. An Answer to the Question, "Why are you a Strict Baptist?" By John Bane, minister of the Gospel, Aylsham.

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=Errata.=--In our last number, at page 185, for "tracts" of Elias Hicks, read "tenets." And in p. 186, after "bold," read "that of" the Apologist.

IRISH CHRONICLE.

JUNE, 1835.

An esteemed correspondent, in forwarding recently a valuable contribution to the funds of the Baptist Irish Society, most justly remarks, "The Society has walked, perhaps more than any other, 'by faith, and not by sight.'" And, perhaps, whatever difficulties may have attended its walk, no society has received greater encouragement calmly to pursue "the even tenor of its way," or to "walk by the same rule," and to "mind the same thing." At the same time, it may not be improper to remind the considerate and generous benefactors of the institution, that "the administration of this service not only supplieth the wants of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God."

It is intended, Providence permitting, to hold the approaching Annual Meeting of the Society at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, on Friday morning, the 19th instant. Breakfast at six o'clock, and the chair to be taken at seven precisely. It is expected that the Rev. William Thomas, of Limerick, one of the society's earliest agents, will be present, and communicate to the meeting much interesting intelligence.

On the previous Monday, the 15th instant, the claims of the society will be advocated, at the Rev. J. E. Giles's chapel, Salters' Hall, by the Rev. E. Steane, of Camberwell, who has kindly consented to preach the Annual Sermon. Service to commence at half-past six in the evening.

* * * * *

_To the_ =Secretary=.

_Limerick, April 18th, 1835._

My dear Sir,

Having only returned to this from various places where I have been visiting the schools and preaching as usual, and must go off in the morning to preach at Castle Connell and O'Briens bridge, and trying to grasp every thing, I have only time to write a few lines, and with them send the readers' journals, as they must go off by the next post, to be in time. I was much delighted with the Bristol and Keppel Street Schools, which I have just seen, though in different directions. I trust I was very useful at Ballycar, where a young lady, twenty years and two months old, was called in a few hours into eternity, the niece of Major Colpoys, and daughter of Alderman Abbott of Dublin; she died in the Lord, and left several unquestionable testimonies.

Purged in the flood which flowed from Jesu's side,
She lived a Christian, and a Christian died.

I attended her funeral, and gave several lectures at Ballycar, which I trust tended to instruct and comfort: several were much affected. I wrote since a letter, which I hope may be accompanied with a blessing to her amiable family in Dublin.

I have been since my return preaching at Castle Connell and at Cloughjordan, and have been this week to Maththeal, to try to get a place of our own in that town for preaching; it is much wanted, and it is the next town (though poor and yet populous) in consequence to Limerick in the county. Good Mr. Finch took me in his gig from Finchly, there and back; I lectured there, and he gave me £3. for the Society, and promised me another pound. He and his truly pious and worthy lady treated me with great kindness.

Your's, &c.
=W. Thomas.=

* * * * *

_To the_ =Secretary=.

_Coolany, April 20th, 1835._

Dear Brother,

Notwithstanding all the opposition that is made to some of our schools in this district, still there is every reason to believe that this opposition is useless, and, instead of the enemy accomplishing what he desires, it will by the blessing of God have a direct tendency to further the object it wishes to suppress, and strengthen the cause it aims to destroy. It appears to me that ignorance is already so far removed from the bulk of the peasantry, that every attempt to keep them from seeking instruction will prove a failure. It is evident to every one that makes a little observation, education is removing ignorance; and every attempt to stop its advancing progress will prove abortive, and from whatever persons it may proceed, will expose them to infamy and shame. However numerous may be our opposers, so long as we are pursuing the welfare of man in accordance with the principles of divine truth, whatever difficulties we may have to contend with, we need not be held in suspense with regard to the issue. May it be our concern to pursue our course in the spirit of Christians, then our feeble exertions will have the approbation and blessing of God! "And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good?"

With this you will also receive the journals of the inspectors and sabbath readers. I hope that the Lord is blessing their labours in leading sinners to the knowledge of the truth, in promoting the doctrines of the gospel, and the advancement of his own glory. Many of the people are beginning to feel anxious to read the Scriptures for themselves, and to feel the importance of taking them as their only guide; and, whilst there are some that implicitly lean to the authority of the priest, there are others who reject the traditions of men, and claim the indisputable right of judging for themselves in matters that relate to the salvation of the soul, and the glory of God.

During the present month, besides supplying at Ballina on the Sabbath during Mr. Allen's absence, I have visited several places in the country, and hope to visit them as often as I possibly can. The preaching of the gospel, accompanied by the blessing of God, like the waters of a mighty river, bears down all before it; and Jehovah has promised that it shall rise and expand, like the waters of the deluge, until it cover the whole earth, and universally prevail. A few Roman Catholics have attended preaching since I came to reside in this village. May the Lord give me wisdom and understanding that I may be wise to win souls to Christ, and more grace that I may be more devoted to his service!

Your's &c.
=J. Bates.=

* * * * *

_To the_ Rev. =J. Bates=.

_Easky, Mar. 30, 1835._

Since my last letter I travelled through parts of the counties of Latrun and Sligo, earnestly endeavouring as usual, by reading, conversation, and expounding the Scriptures, to promote the design of our Institution among my friends and acquaintances.

Within one mile of Dromahare, I entered the house of an old woman of ninety-eight years, with whom I had often-times before conversed, on the doctrine of justification by faith; when she understood I had arrived, she sent for me, stretched out her hand, and said she was happy to see me before death would call her away. I told her I was sorry to see her so low, but as it was the will of the Lord, we ought to be resigned to his will. I asked her what her dependance was? Her reply was, In Jesus Christ alone, and that she had derived great comfort from reading some tracts I had left her, the last time I was with her; I said to her, "Have you never done any thing to please God?" "O no, Sir, I was too long of that opinion, and through hearing you, and reading the parts of the Scriptures you pointed out to me, I am persuaded that all the power and the glory is the Lord's." I was rejoiced to find so great a change in this poor woman, and endeavoured to point out to her the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. I read several chapters of the word of God, and prayed with her. I conversed and read with many Protestants and Roman Catholics during my journey, as well as in the neighbourhood in which I live; many of them will pay great attention, while others think they are not safe to hear me read the Scriptures.

=F. Irwin.=

* * * * *

_To the_ Rev. =W. Thomas=.

_Ballycar, April 13, 1835._

I forward you an account of my labours, during the past month. March 17th. In Crussagh, I read Matt. xxv. to four persons, pointing out to them, from the parable of the ten virgins, the absolute necessity of watchfulness, and of being prepared to meet our Lord when he doth come. March 22nd. In Newmarket, I read 2 Cor. v. to two persons, pointing out to them the full assurance which the apostle Paul had of the immediate happiness, in eternal felicity, after death, when he could say, "We know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." One of these persons said he could not be convinced that any poor sinner could be good enough to enter heaven, or appear in the presence of God, without being cleansed from his sins in purgatory. As to goodness, our Lord declares, "after all we have done, we are unprofitable servants." And he says of the unprofitable servant, "Take and bind him, hand and foot, and cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth." Again, we read in Eph. ii. 8. "By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." Again in Titus iii. 5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." After reading different passages of Scripture to these persons, proving that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God eternal life through Jesus Christ," I endeavoured to convince them, from different passages of Scripture, that Christ, after having purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. March 28th. In Drumline, I read John v. endeavouring to impress on the minds of three persons the necessity of reading the Scriptures, and of obeying that direct command of our Lord's, who says, "Search the Scriptures." One of these persons replied, that the Scriptures ought to be read by every person, and he was convinced any person preventing others from reading them, had a great deal to answer for. April 2nd. I read to two persons Matt. vi. pointing out to them the crime of persons who repeat the Lord's prayer, who have the smallest enmity to others, showing them they were not calling upon God to forgive them, but they were calling upon him to condemn them, as long as such a spirit of hatred existed in their minds. These persons never seemed to have considered this before, and seemed much alarmed at the idea of it. April 5. In Quin, I read Luke xi. to five persons, pointing out to them the great inducement which our Lord gives to prayer, when he says, "If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him!" April 10. In Granahan, I read Acts v. to four persons, pointing out to them the dreadful visitation of God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, in consequence of a lie, showing them from different portions of Scripture, that liars are set down with murderers.

=Samuel Cross.=

* * * * *

_To_ =Rev. J. Allen=.

_Ballina, April 18, 1835._

Dear Sir,

It is now about twelve months since I entered on the active duties of my station at Easky. On beholding opposition directed against the cause of Christ from various quarters, and conscious of my own weakness, I commenced my labours with a trembling heart. In humble dependence on Him who can do infinitely more than short-sighted mortals can comprehend, I entered the field, and, the Lord's name be praised, experienced that "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong;" and though "there are many devices in man's heart, nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord shall stand." In the commencement, Roman Catholics and nominal Protestants were unwilling to come under the preaching of the gospel; but at present Roman Catholics, as well as Protestants, are regular in their attendance at preaching; and the spirit of inquiry, that prevails among both parties, exceeds any thing that I have hitherto witnessed. May not the friends of Christ hail with rapture the approach of that period, when their exertions on behalf of Ireland will be rewarded, and their hopes realized? Yes: there is at present much cause of thankfulness, that their labours have been already abundantly owned, and the word of the Lord is gone forth, and is daily prospering in the things whereunto it was sent.

During the spring, as the people can come a longer distance, the congregations, on the Sabbath-days, are larger than in winter, but on the week-days not so well attended in the villages, as the people are employed in the fields. However, I endeavour to meet them at their work, for the purpose of speaking to them about the salvation of their souls; and on these occasions I find the Irish language very useful, as the most inveterate opposers of religion, when addressed in their own tongue, are ready to hearken with attention. The conversations that occur from time to time are often very interesting.

=M. Mullarky.=

CONTRIBUTIONS.

Received by the Treasurer:--

£ s. d.
R. G., per W. L. Smith, Esq. 1 1 0
Legacy of the late Mrs. Bailey, of Brixton 200 0 0
T. Stephens, Esq., Ramsgate 1 0 0
Mrs. John Gale, Bedford 0 10 0
Mrs. Gamby, ditto 0 10 0

Received by the Rev. J. Dyer:--

Rev. J. B. Burt (Beaulieu) and friends 2 0 0
Sylvanus Fox, Esq., Wellington 0 10 0
Hetton, by Mrs. Greatrex 1 10 0
Manchester, York Street Sunday School, by Mrs. Giles. 2 2 0
Plymouth, by Rev. S. Nicholson 3 1 0
John Baylis, Esq., Ponders' End. 10 0 0
Rev. J. Stuart, Sawbridgeworth 1 1 0
Bewdley, Friends, by Rev. G. Brookes 1 15 9
Edinburgh, Friends, by Rev. W. Innes 4 0 0
Edinburgh, Friend, by Miss Haldane 1 0 0
Rev. Reynold Hogg, Kimbolton 2 2 0

By the Secretary:--

A Friend to the Baptist Irish Society,
by the Rev. C. Elven, of Bury 100 0 0
W. Paxon, Esq., ann. subs. 1 1 0
W. B. W. 5 0 0
C. Robson, Berwick 5 0 0
The Baptist Congregational Missionary Society, Berwick 5 0 0

Collected by the Rev. S. Davis,--

At Cheltenham, additional 2 2 6
Worcester, Mrs. Page 5 0 0
Birmingham 34 5 10
Liverpool 100 4 8
Bradford (Yorkshire) 3 0 0
Rochdale 8 5 0
Manchester 33 9 0
Bolton 4 0 0
Warrington 8 14 7

* * * * *

Subscriptions received by S. Marshall, Esq., 181, High Holborn; Mr. P. Millard, Bishopsgate Street; Messrs. Burls, 56, Lothbury; Rev. G. Pritchard, 4, York Place, Pentonville, gratuitous Secretary; by Messrs. Ladbrokes and Co., Bankers, Bank Buildings; by Mr. H. D. Dickie, 13, Bank Street, and Rev. Mr. Innes, Frederick Street, Edinburgh; and P. Brown, Esq., Cardigan.

LONDON: J. HADDON, PRINTER, CASTLE STREET, FINSBURY.

MISSIONARY HERALD.
CXCVIII. JUNE, 1835.

BAPTIST MISSION.

The Friends to this Mission are respectfully informed, that the following arrangements have been made for the =Annual Meetings of the Society=:--

TUESDAY, JUNE 16.

=Morning, xi.=--The Committee of the Society will assemble at the Mission House, Fen Court, when the company of all ministers of the Denomination, who may be in town, is requested.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17.

=Morning, xi.=--Sermon at the Poultry Chapel (Rev. J. Clayton's), by the Rev. =Samuel Summers=, of Bristol.

=Evening, vi.=--Sermon at Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars Road, by the Rev. =Benjamin Godwin=, of Bradford, Yorkshire.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18.

=Morning, IX.=--Meeting for prayer, at Eagle Street Meeting House. Some Minister from the country is expected to deliver an Address.

=XI.=--Annual Meeting of the Society, at Finsbury Chapel, =T. F. Buxton=, Esq., M.P., in the Chair.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

COLOMBO.

We have much pleasure in communicating the following intelligence from this important station. The baptism of twenty-four native converts in less than a year, and the formation of another church composed of those who were lately heathens, are circumstances of great interest, and must be very encouraging to our worthy brother, who has been labouring so diligently among them.

At nearly the conclusion of another year, I am reminded of my
obligations to write to you. On surveying the events which have
occurred in it, we have reason to sing both of mercy and judgment to
our heavenly Father. While much affliction has reigned around us, I
have to bless God for the continuation of my own life and health to
labour for Him. Each of the members of my own family have had to
endure a large degree of sickness and debility; yet it has not come
near to myself, except as the enervating nature of a tropical clime
has produced a considerable degree of lassitude, connected with the
labours of a Missionary life. Nor do I recollect that, during the
year I have been obliged to suspend any public exercise through
personal indisposition. This continuance of health has been rendered
more valuable in consequence of the repeated illness of my
colleague, brother Siers, who has been many times laid aside from
his work, so that I have been obliged in many instances, as far as I
could consistently with my stated engagements, to take what devolves
on him. As he is chiefly occupied in labouring among the Portuguese,
I have been under the necessity of cultivating an acquaintance with
their language, and have now acquired a sufficiency of it to preach
in it the glorious Gospel of the blessed God.

In the commencement of the year, things wore a distressing
appearance, and we went forward with our work under many
discouragements. But in the progress of the year I do not know of
any part of the time since I have been here, in which a greater
degree of the Divine blessing appears to have rested on my labours,
as far as the native population is concerned. Twenty-three
Singalese, and one Tamil man, after subjecting them to a
considerable trial, and private as well as public instruction, have
been baptized and added to the church, and they appear to continue
to walk according to the vows they have made. Sixteen of these live
contiguous to the village called Byamvillee, which I either supply
myself or some of our friends, every Sabbath-day; so that we have
now a little church in that village of twenty-eight members, to whom
the word of God is regularly preached, and the ordinances of His
house duly administered. By the aid, too, of some of the members of
our Singalese church, we have been enabled, on a Sabbath-day, to
carry on a village itinerancy to a greater extent than before. So
that, in addition to the Singalese, Portuguese, and English
services, which are conducted in our regular places of worship in
the Grand Pass, Pettah, in the Fort, and Hanwella, we have seven
places around Colombo, or in the environs of it, where there is
Singalese preaching, either every Sabbath or every other
Sabbath-day. These are independent of many places to which, on week
days, we go to make known the name of the Saviour.