CHAPELS.

EARL SHILTON.-The old chapel in this place being in danger of falling, and the friends being under the necessity to erect a new one, the task of pulling it down commenced on Monday, April 29. The walls were so shattered that there was much difficulty in removing the roof with safety. The friends are poor, and have obtained at present but little help in their expensive undertaking. We do hope, for the sake of the old interest established here, and for the sake of the interests of religion, that they will receive all needful encouragement from those who are able to help them. Their minister, Mr. Verow, we are happy to learn, has headed the contributions with a handsome subscription.

BARNEY. The new General Baptist chapel in this village was opened on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1843, when the Rev. J. T. Wigner, of Lynn, preached two very im. pressive and arousing sermons. In the morning from Isa. lxvi. 8; in the afternoon from Joel iii. 14. There was an interesing public meeting in the evening, which was addressed by brethren Wigner, Gooch, Thompson, Cragg, Harcourt, and Wherry. On the following Lord's-day, Rev. D. Thompson preached in the morning, and the Rev. S. Gooch in the afternoon and evening. All the services were well attended, and excited great interest in the village and neighbourhood. The building was erected by a lady who has since come to reside in the place, and has been baptized, and joined our little Church. The pewing, and the whole of the interior, belong to the Church, and have cost about £40, towards which the proceeds of the above meeting, with tea, &c., about £20 has been applied. May the Lord send now prosperity!

ANNIVERSARIES.

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CASTLEACRE. The anniversary services connected with the opening of this place of worship were held on Sep. 24 and 25, 1843. On the Lord's day three sermons were preahced by Rev. J. C. Pike, of Wisbech. In the afternoon of the following day, the Rev. J. Cragg, (P. B.) of Holt, preached; after which there was a public tea, followed by a public meeting; when addresses were delivered by our venerable brother Ewen, of March, and brethren Cragg, Love, (Wesleyan) Dennis, and Wherry. Collections, including subscriptions during the year, and the proceeds of the tea, £30.

HALE. Rev. W. S. Harcourt, (P. Baptist) Holt, preached three sermons, on Lord'sday, Oct. 8, 1843, and again in the afternoon of the 9th, on behalf of the anniversary of the chapel-opening in this village. There was a public tea, and meeting in the evening,

when addresses were delivered by brethren Harcourt, Griffiths, (P. Baptist) Brock, Dennis, and Wherry. Collections, about £5.

BARTON.-On Lord's day, May 5th, 1844, two sermons were preached in the Baptist Chapel, Barton, by the Rev. J. Goadby, of Leicester, and collections made towards liquidating the chapel debt. The day following, a tea meeting was held, for which the trays were provided gratuitously. A public meeting was held in the evening, and addresses delivered by brethren Moody, (Independent.) Buckley, Brookes, Goadby, Derry, and Cotton. Collections and proceeds of the tea about £33. The Church at Barton will, in 1845, have reached its centenary, a circumstance that will awaken in the minds of many reflections and feelings of the most solemn and grateful and delightful interest. Seven individuals, in 1745, were formed, (in the language of the times,) into "a Churchstate." And what have been the results! "what hath God wrought!" It is the intention of the friends to make arrangements for a series of special religious services. J. C.

LONGFORD. We were much gratified by the valuable services of Rev. J. Burns, of London; who preached at our chapel, on Lord's.day, April 28th, on behalf of the

Sabbath-school connected with this little hill of Zion. Collections, nearly £20.

DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.-We just note this month, that the anniversary sermons were preached in this chapel on Lord's day, May 19th, by Dr. Cox, of London, and Mr. Goadby, of Leicester. A delightful tea meeting was held on the following evening. The interest of the meeting was increased by a proposal to raise, in the course of the summer, in addition to private subscription, (but including the anniversary collections,) £200, towards the liquidation of the debt. Many sums were cheerfully promised, and there is no doubt that the proposed amount will be realized.

BAPTISMS.

CASTLEACRE.-The Lord has been pleased following account of baptisms at Castleacre signally to own and bless his Word, as the

in connection with the different stations will testify. In Jan. of the present year, five persons were baptized; in Feb. eight; Mar. 24, fourteen more. April 14, one, and on the 28th of the same month, eight more. Thus making a total of thirty-six since the year commenced. We are thankful to add, that the work still goes on, as there are now several candidates for baptism. This is the Lord's doing, and to him alone be all the praise. J. W. S.

ENON CHAPEL.-On Lord's.day evening, March 31st, the divinely-instituted ordinance

sons

of baptism was administered to eleven peron a profession of their faith, by our respected pastor, Rev. J. Burns, after delivering an appropriate and animated discourse from Mark viii. 34. J. G.

PRAED STREET, PADDINGTON.-On Wednesday evening, May 1, four persons were baptized by the pastor of the Church, after a discourse by brother Goadby, of Leicester.

DOVER STREET, LEICESTER.-On Lord'sday, March 31, three persons were baptized in this place; and on the second Sabbath in May, four others submitted to the sacred rite.

WOLVERHAMPTON.- Four persons were added to the Church in this place by baptism. Mr. Shore preached, and the chapel was crowded. There are several inquirers.

EARL SHILTON.-On Lord's-day, April 28, three persons were baptized in this place.

LINCOLN.-On Lord's day, May 5, three females were baptized by Mr. S. Wright, who preached on the subject of baptism, principally with respect to its mode, from John iii. 23. The attendance was good; and order and decorum were observed by all present.

ROTHLEY-On Lord's-day, April 21, three persons were admitted to the General Baptist Church at Rothley and Sileby, by baptism. Brother J. Lindley, of Macclesfield, preached in the morning and evening. Brother W. Boulter administered the sacred rite, and brother T. Yates, of Leicester, preached in the afternoon, and administered the ordinance of the Lord's-supper.

CLAYTON.-It is interesting to know that twelve other persons have been bapized at Clayton, as the fruit of our late revival services, making, on the whole, thirty-four since the revival commenced. This addition took place on Easter Monday. Brother Tunnicliffe, of Leeds, was with us on that day, and baptized the candidates. We have many inquirers.

In

LONGFORD.-On Lord's-day, May 12, after a discourse by brother Chapman, six persons were baptized, three of whom are teachers, and one a scholar, in our Sabbath-school. the afternoon they were received into Christian fellowship, by our truly respected and venerable friend, Mr. Franklin, of Coventry, who by his invaluable advice, given in his own peculiar way, added greatly to the solemnity of this highly interesting day. Mr. Lewitt, of Leicester College, preached in the evening.

STAMFORD.-Two persons were baptized May 2nd, by W. Pentney, and received into the Church, May 5th.

received candidate.

We have one other

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BARTON. On Lord's-day, May 12, the ordinance of baptism was administered at this place, to two males and one female.

ISLEHAM.-On Thursday, May 16th, the ordinance of believers' baptism was administered to nine persons. In the evening a sermon was preached from Luke xiv. 22, "And the servant said, 'Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.""

MISCELLANEOUS.

QUORNDON. State and prospects of the Church. Since the lamented resignation of Mr. Smith, at the close of the last year, the Church has been principally supplied by the students from Leicester, whose services are generally highly approved. Our congregations have not declined, and we have been favored with some most interesting seasons. The Rev. Jos. Wallis has very kindly engaged to supply on the first Lord's-day in every month, and administer the Lord's. supper. These are anticipated and enjoyed as hallowed opportunities. Our Sunday.

school contains 36 teachers and 214 scholars. Three young men, who have passed from the rank of scholars to that of teachers, were publicly dismissed on Lord's-day, Feb. 11th, by Mr. Hunter, of Nottingham, who presented each of them with a Bible. The congregations were overflowing at our annual sermons in support of the school, on Lord's-day, March 17th, and nearly £19. were collected. The teachers, children, and singers, had their annual tea meeting the day following. Mr. Balm presided, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. E. Stevenson, Marshall, and Ball, of Loughborough. T. T.

It will be observed that there has been very little money received from Sheffield itself; the reason of which is, that the friends there had contracted a heavy debt during the commencement of the cause, through the very high rent they were obliged to pay for the room in which they worshiped, and various fittings, &c., for it, and the Sunday-school: and the Committee recommended them to apply themselves vigorously to clear off these encumbrances in the first instance, which they have accomplished to a considerable extent;

they have the interest of a heavy chapel

debt to meet also.

There are many very cheering circumstances attending the cause in Sheffield, and the Committee, whilst thanking those Churches who assist them in this undertaking, very earnestly request the other Churches in this district who have at present done nothing in furtherance of this good object, to come forward at once and assist them. T. HILL.

ANTI-STATE-CHURCH CONFERENCE.-Our limits prevent the insertion of more than a very brief outline of the proceedings of this important, and by many, much dreaded meeting. It has, however, been amply reported in the Patriot and Nonconformist papers, as well as noticed by the leading London journals; and a full and authentic report is now in the press, and will be sold to subscribers at half-a-crown each.

The Conference, composed of delegates from the various denominations of dissenters, commenced its sittings at eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning, April 31st, at the large room at the Crown and Anchor, Strand. There were near 600 delegates present, besides a number of ladies and visiters. The Rev. J. Burnett occupied the chair, and Dr. Cox, Mr. E. Miall, Josiah Conder, Esq., and the Rev. J. Kennedy, were requested to act as secretaries. Committees, to prepare the business of the Conference, and to receive subscriptions during its sittings, were appointed; after which Dr. Cox was called on to read a paper on "the history of the circumstances which led to the Conference, and a justification of the movement." This document was received, and placed on the record of the Conference. At its conclusion, the Dr. declared his determination no longer to distribute the regium donum, an announcement made with deep feeling, and received with loud cheers. Dr. Young, of Perth, moved a resolution to the effect, that this Conference was not intended to be a demon

stration of dissenting strength, but a deliberative meeting, representing such friends of religious liberty as believe that more than a merely defensive policy is requisite on the part of Nonconformists, and that a united, earnest, and scriptural effort, should be made to diffuse information, with a view of preparing the public mind for the extinction of the union between Church and State. After the adoption of this resolution, and some minor business, a very elaborate and excellent paper was read, prepared by Dr. Wardlaw. Its subject was, "The principle of voluntaryism as distinguished from a State Establishment in religion." This excellent paper, which eloquently set forth the voluntary character of the apostolic Churches, was listened to with great interest and attention, was ordered to be

placed on the recerd of the Conference,—and the meeting was adjourned until five o'clock. During this sitting, the Conference was addressed by W. S. Crawford, Esq., M. P., and Dr. Bowring, M. P., who expressed their full concurrence in the object of the Conference; and by Dr. Pye Smith, who strongly Established Church, and the Puseyism of the denounced the unscriptural principle of an Church of England.

The evening sitting commenced at five o'clock. The Rev. A. Marshall, D. D., L. L. D., of Kirkintilloch, presided. After some pun. gent remarks from the chairman, the Rev. C. Stovel moved a resolution containing the chief principles dilated on in Dr. Wardlaw's paper, and enforced it by an effective speech. It was seconded and sustained by Professor M'Michael, of Scotland, and by Joseph Sturge. Mr. Miall then read a paper on "the practical evils resulting from the union of Church and State," which was very cordially received, and ordered to be placed on the records of the Conference; and the meeting adjourned.

The Conference assembled on Wednesday morning, at ten o'clock. Dr. Young, of Perth, was called to the chair. After a brief address from the chairman, a resolution, containing the leading sentiments of Mr. Miall's paper, was proposed by the Rev. M. Shoebotham, and seconded by the Rev. J. Edwards, of Nottingham. The Rev. Mr. Massie, of Manchester, then read a paper on "State Establishments of religion, considered in the several forms of their development in the British Empire." This paper was ordered to be placed on the records of the Conference; and the Rev. E. Giles, of Leeds, moved a series of resolutions founded on Mr. Massie's paper, which were seconded by the Rev. Mr. King, of Cork. Both these gentlemen delivered long and interesting addresses, and the meeting adjourned.

At five o'clock the Conference resumed its business, and appointed the Rev. J. Ackworth, of Bradford, to preside. The Rev. A. Gor

don, of Derry, addressed the Conference on the regium donum; and Mr. Trestrail, of Cork, made a number of observations on the evil influence of the Establishment in Ireland. Mr. Hare then read a paper prepared by a barrister, on the points of union between Church and State, showing that their separa. tion involved a repeal of a variety of existing statutes, and the enactment of laws for the entire abolition of all public exactions in support of any form of religious faith, &c. This paper was adopted by the meeting, and a resolution founded on it was ably moved by the Rev. John Burnett, and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Brock, of Norwich, who spoke of himself as the representative of 200,000 Baptists in the West Indies, and read his letter of appointment, which shewed the oppressive exactions to which the dissenters in Jamaica are subject from the State Church. George Thompson, Esq., in a glowing speech, supported the resolution. The allusion to an ultimate appeal to parliament on these subjects occasioned considerable discussion, some wishing it to be immediate.

On Thursday morning, at ten o'clock, the delegates assembled, and called John Dunlop, Esq., to take the chair. After an address from the chairman, and some desultory discussion, as to the election of the future council, the Rev. J. P. Mursell, of Leicester,

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read a paper on "the means by which the Conference proposed to carry out the object which it contemplated, and the spirit in which those means should be cultivated." The Rev. Dr. Jenkyn moved a series of resolutions on this paper, and Dr. Price seconded them. After brief addresses from the Revd. Robertson, of Edinburgh; Dr. M'Farlane, of Glasgow; and Dr. Campbell, of London; the resolutions were carried. It was decided, that there should be a council of 500, and an executive committee of 50, to be chosen by ballot, by the delegates, before May 22nd.

At the evening meeting Dr. Cox presided, and a variety of minor resolutions were passed, and a number of important suggestions thrown out, and the meeting broke up.

As the Conference proposes to enlighten the public mind, in the first instance, on the great question at issue, by preparing and circulating tracts, by the employment of lecturers, and other legitimate means, it is obvious that a very considerable fund must be placed at its disposal, that its operations. may be effective. Every true-hearted dissenter must sympathize with the ultimate object of the Conference, and it behoves all fully to acquaint themselves with its plans and spirit, before they determine not to unite themselves to the movement.

MISSIONARY

LETTER FROM REV. A. SUTTON, TO J. WRIGHT, ESQ.,

Cuttack Nov. 29, 1843.

MY DEAR SIR.-It has become my pleasant duty to acknowledge, with our best thanks, your very generous benefaction to our Asy. lum. As the wish was expressed that a portion of your bounty should be given to our institutions at Ganjam, and Berhampore, and as the state of Mr. Wilkinson's health rendered it very doubtful whether he would be able to continue at his post, and consequently whether some other disposition must not be made of the children under his care, I have been unable to write you definitely up to this time; now, however, I can do it.

We have agreed to place on your account two girls in the Berhampore school, under the charge of Miss Derry, of these I expect a particular account from her to be forwarded to you hereafter. Also two boys under Mr. Wilkinson's care, either at Ganjam or Berhampore; and six children, boys and girls, in our two schools at Cuttack. Of the two boys under Mr. Wilkinson's care, I may remark, that one named Joy-Singha, is a rescued victim from the Khunds. He was among the first obtained during the Goomsur campaign. He soon gave promise of more than ordinary talent, and at an early age, (we suppose him now to be turned fifteen,) was baptized by Mr. Stubbins, now in England his talents, however, attracted more attention from European friends than he could bear, and being lifted up with pride he fell into the snare of the devil, and has remained some time excluded from Church fellowship. He has, however, for some time past, appeared very well; and the ability he still displays in acquiring any thing we can teach, gives assurance that should he not become all we wish, as a pious minister, he most likely will become very useful in the mission. At present he seems the only one of the Khund tribe likely to be useful among that degraded race. We do not, of course, abandon our hope of his restoration to the Church. The other lad under brother Wilkinson, is named Luke; a good natured boy, of fair talents, and seriously disposed: his age is about thirteen years.

Of the children in our Schools at Cuttack the girls are named Dutiya, Eliza, and Dalima. The boys, Jogi, Hurriya, and Achunta. 1. Dutiya. Her friends, a widowed mother and her son, are now Christians, but Dutiya was betrothed when they were heathens to a heathen lad of the Astrologer's caste; when her mother became a Christian, she was rejected, and found an asylum in our

OBSERVER.

schools. She is about ten years of age, a modest, quiet girl, and will, in all probability, do well. 2. Eliza is a daughter of parents of the Sabara tribe,-a race of people betwixt the regular Hindoos of the plains and the mountaineers,-her father has recently become a Christian, and is the first of this race of people; he was anxious to place his son and daughter in the school, that they might be the first of his people who ever learned to read. The boy is supported by the Church at Fleet; the girl, whose heathen name is Sukee, (English, Suck,) with a feminine termination, is about eleven years of age, and promises well. 3. Dalima, (i. e. Pomegranite) was purchased of her mother, a poor widow, during the famine of 1840, that is, we gave the mother money, and took the child into the school. There can be no bona fide purchase. She is now between eight and nine years of age. She can now read easy books. Dutiya is forward in her learning, but Eliza is only just beginning to read: they all learn the art of spinning and take part in the domestic economy. 4. Jogi. This boy was found by a European gentlemen, wandering about the country; his father and mother had died during the famine, and he was almost starved; he excited attention by picking up the bones, &c., thrown away by the above gentleman's servants, and hovering about the tent. He must have been in great distress, or a lad of respectable caste, as he evidently was, would not have done this. He is now about ten years of age, of very good ability, and reads the New Testament, &c., with ease. 5. Hurriya was found about the same time, under similar circumstances, by two of our native preachers, and brought by them to the Asylum. He is perhaps not quite so sharp as Jogi, but ranks with him in the same class, and is nearly the same age. 6. Achunta is the son of our native preacher Bamadeb. As his father itinerates a good deal, he is glad to place his son in the school, as well as for the sake of his studies. Achunta is a promising boy, and is one of my class of Sanscrit students; he is the only one unbaptized, and the only one unappropriated, or I was anxious to place one of the baptized lads on your list; there is, however, every encouragement to hope well of this boy, and more than this can hardly be said at his age; he is now about twelve years old.

I have thus made the best use of your bounty in my power at present. We are,. however, and have been for some time, contemplating the formation of a more advanced class of students; but want of more mission