THE BAPTIST MAGAZINE. JUNE, 1835. (continued 2)

After prayer by the Rev. A. Fletcher, and some introductory remarks by the Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Bennett read a report, which consisted chiefly of an exposition and defence of the principles and operations of the Society. It excited deep interest, and drew forth repeated expressions of applause.

The receipts by subscriptions, donations, and collections, amounted to £180 4s. 6d.; and the sale of books, to Dec. 31, 1834, amounted to £128 11s. 8d. The disbursements were, printing, publication, paper, and copy-rights, £254 2s. 7d.; postages, advertisements, books for review, &c., £26 4s. 5d.; commission and advertisements for publications, £28 8s. 8d.; balance in hand, £3 8s. 10d. Their new monthly publication, The Ecclesiastical Journal, had more than paid its expenses, and the Society was not in arrears, either to printers, or to other tradesmen. The only arrear was the remuneration which, in honour, was due to those who had furnished important communications.

The Rev. C. Stovel, T. Scales, of Leeds, Mr. Davis, Blackfriars; also Mr. Brown, of Wareham, D. Wire, Esq., H. Thompson, Esq., B. Hanbury, Esq., G. Hadfield, of Manchester, and A. Pellatt, Esq., severally defended the principles of the Society, and showed the necessity for its existence.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

The thirty-first Anniversary Meeting of this Society was held on Wednesday, the 6th of May, at the great room of Exeter Hall, and was more numerously attended than any meeting since the formation of the Society. Long before the chair was taken, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather in the morning, every part of the hall, save a few seats reserved on the platform, was so closely occupied, as in many instances to be inconvenient to the parties; but even with that inconvenient pressure, there was not sufficient room for all who claimed admittance. Under these circumstances it was determined that the lower room should be opened for those who could not gain admission into the greater, and that after the Report had been read to the large meeting, it should be taken down and read in the lower room, where the Treasurer of the Society, John Thornton, Esq., had consented to take the chair. Several distinguished supporters of the Society kindly acceded to the suggestions made to them, that they should deliver their addresses to the meeting in the lower room. Amongst these were the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, Rev. C. Daley, Rev. G. Clayton, and the Rev. Dr. Morison.

At eleven o'clock Lord Bexley, the President of the Society, came on the platform. His Lordship was accompanied on the platform by the Marquis Cholmondeley, the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, Lord Lorton, Lord Mountsandford, Lord Teignmouth, Rt. Rev. the Bp. of Ohio, the Rev. Archdeacon Corrie, the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, Mr. Plumptre, M.P., Mr. Hardy, M.P., Mr. Lushington, M.P., and many other distinguished supporters of the Society.

The Secretary, the Rev. A. Brandram, read the Report, which gave statements and extracts from the communications of correspondents in various parts of the world, describing the progress of Bible distribution in those places during the year. The distribution by the Paris Bible Society had, in the year just closed, amounted to 62,194 Bibles and Testaments; the distribution of the previous year had not exceeded 55,666. The accounts from Paris contained also most gratifying intelligence of the progress of the Society in Switzerland, in some parts of which a distribution to the amount of 27,000 copies had been effected by two of the Society's colporteurs. It appeared from extracts from Dr. Pinkerton's report of the distribution of Bibles and Testaments in the North of Europe, that 27,935 copies had been distributed last year in the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, German, Polish, and other languages, and that a considerable number of these had found their way into the hands of Roman Catholics. After adverting to the satisfactory progress of Bible distribution in other parts of Germany, in Sweden, and Russia, the principal Bible Society of which latter place had already distributed 717,977 copies of the Sacred Scriptures, the Report adverted to the state of Portugal and Spain. In the former country there was now no persecution for religious opinion, but every man was allowed to choose which religion he pleased, and to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. In the Islands of the Mediterranean and in Greece, the distribution of the Holy Scriptures had gone on favourably, and the prospect was equally favourable in Moldavia, Wallachia, Bucharest, and part of Persia. In Calcutta, and other parts of the East Indies, there had been a much greater than ordinary distribution of Bibles and Testaments, and larger collections had been made to forward the objects of the Society. The accounts from New South Wales, and the Islands of the Pacific, were also most satisfactory. Two translations of the New Testament into the language of the different Islands of the Pacific had been brought to this country by the Rev. Mr. Yate and the Rev. Mr. Williams, and were now being printed by the Society. After going into some details from the accounts from Africa, which were on the whole favourable, the Report observed that they were the reverse in the States of South America. The attention of the Society had, during the last year, been greatly directed to the West Indies, with the view of an extensive distribution of the Scriptures to such of the newly emancipated negroes as could read. An extra subscription of £15,000 had been raised for the purpose of promoting that object without interfering with the general funds of the Society. The Report proceeded to give extracts from the communications from several islands, showing the earnest desire of the negroes to avail themselves of every opportunity to obtain religious instruction. It added that the first shipment made by the Society to that part of the world consisted of 73,695 copies of the Scriptures, the conveyance of which was given by the owners of the vessels without any expense to the Society. From returns from the Isle of France, it appeared that 60,000 negroes had received civil freedom, not one in ten of whom knew how to read; and the ignorance was, of course, great in proportion. Adverting to the progress made by the North American Bible Society, the Report stated that its receipts in the last year were 88,600 dollars; that its issue of Bibles and Testaments exceeded 110,000 copies, bringing up the whole distribution, since the commencement, to 1,113,000. The receipts of the past year amounted to £107,926. 1s., being the largest amount ever received in one year since the Society's first commencement. In that amount there were two items, which could not be included in the permanent income of the Society. The first was a legacy of £11,695. 12s. 9d. (less by the legacy duty), being a bequest of the late Horatio Cock, Esq.; and the other a sum of £15,000, voted exclusively for the negro fund. But when these were taken into account, the general subscriptions of the Society would be found to be little less than those of the previous year. In these were included a sum of £29,184. 13s. 7d., being the amount of free donations from auxiliaries to the Parent Society. The expenditure within the year was £84,249. 13s. 4d., leaving a balance exceeding £23,000; but the engagements of the Society amount to above £69,000. The distribution by the Society in the past year amounted to 653,604 Bibles and Testaments, and portions of the Holy Scriptures, including those sent to the West Indies, &c.; but even after deducting the latter, it would be found that there had been a considerable increase of the issues in the last year as compared with the previous years. The Report, after again adverting to the exertions made for the West Indies, and the prospect held out that those exertions would, under the Divine blessing, be attended with complete success in the religious instruction of the negro, proceeded to state that the present year, 1835, was the third centenary anniversary of the first printing of an English Bible. It then contrasted the state of society, and of England generally of that day with those of the present, and deduced the moral greatness of England now, compared with what it was then, to its exertions to promote the free circulation of the Holy Scriptures. At that time the number of copies in circulation was very small; the extent of the demand in the present day, as contrasted with that, might be judged of from this fact, that in one day last month orders had been given for 365,000 copies of new editions.

Amongst the speakers were the distinguished individuals whose names have been already mentioned, to which may be added, the Rev. Dr. Spring (representative of the American Bible Society), J. Leifchild, W. Yate, of the Church Missionary Society, Mr. Williams, and Hugh Stowell.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY.

The thirtieth Anniversary of this Institution was held at Exeter Hall, on Monday, the 11th of May. On no former occasion have we witnessed a more numerous attendance.

At twelve o'clock Lord Brougham appeared on the platform, and was received with long continued cheers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.