appointed, and Mr. T. Stevenson appointed Secretary.

Messrs. R. Clarke, B. Gray, and R. Seals, were appointed on the Foreign Mission Committee, in the place of those who retired, and John Heard, Esq., and Mr. R. Seals, were appointed auditors. The report of the Academy, read by Mr. Goadby, was adopted; Messrs. S. Hull, W. Wilkins, and W. Stevenson, sen., placed on the Committee; and Messrs. Fred. Ewen, and T. Burditt, appointed classical examiners, and Mr. Jones, of March, the theological examiner for next year. The Secretaries and Treasurer were re-elected. The Tutor and Committee were advised to consider the propriety and practicability of the students attending the lec. tures at the Leicester Proprietary school. The reports of the various Home Mission stations were read and adopted. An excellent letter on "brotherly love," was read by brother Hunter, for which he was cordially thanked; it was ordered to be printed in the minutes, and an impression of 5000 to be printed for sale and distribution, in a separate form. The subject of the next circular letter, is, "Scriptural views of the ordinances and institutions of the Gospel, and the baneful tendency of the popish perversion of them, now widely spreading in our country;" and brother Pike, of Derby, was requested to write it. The cases of Smeeton, EarlShilton, Pinchbeck, and Carley-street, Leicester, were recommended to the pecuniary support of the Churches.

Mr. J. Stevenson moved, and Mr. Burns seconded, that, "We have witnessed with devout satisfaction and delight, the formation of the British Anti-State-Churches Association -that we cordially sympathize in its spirit and design, and earnestly recommend its objects and measures to the prayerful, zealous, and persevering attention and co-operation of all our Churches." Mr. Goadby moved, as an amendment, and it was seconded, that the question be deferred until the next Association. A very animated discussion ensued, in which the original motion was supported by Messrs. J. Stevenson, Burns, J. Wherry, Winks, T. Stevenson, and others; and the amendment, by Messrs. J. G. Pike, Goadby, Bulter, C. Pike, Jones, &c. It was ultimately carried, on a division, in which there were 51 for the original motion, 31 for the amendment, and five neutral. A resolution was passed, recommending the Churches in circumstances to do it, to support the schools conducted on the system of the British and Foreign School Society. The next Association to be at Friar lane, Leicester: brethren Burditt, of Long-Sutton, and Burton, of Portsea, to preach: in case of failure, brethren Carey Pike, of Wisbech, and T. Hoe, of Spalding. A great amount of good feeling pervaded the various meetings, and

273

GENERAL BAPTIST ACADEMY.-The annual meeting of the Committee and subscribers to this Institution, was held at Wisbech, on Wednesday, June 26. The Report of the Institution, prepared by the Secretary, with that of the brethren who had attended the examination of the students, was read and adopted. From this document it appeared, that the course of studies pursued under the present Tutor, (who is exclusively devoted to the duties of his office,) is more extended and liberal, than at any previous period in the history of the Institution. The circumstance of Mr. Wallis being relieved from the care of a Church, places him in a position far more advantageous than that occupied by former Tutors. His peculiar aptitude for his present engagements, and the ease and promptitude with which he entered at once into the very efficient course of instruction adopted, cannot but be gratifying to all who wish for a well-instructed ministry.

At this meeting letters of thanks were presented from Mr. Horsefield, who is gone to serve the Church at Wendover; and from Mr. Orton, who is serving the Church at Morcott and Barrowden; and an application from Mr. Lewitt, who is supplying the Church at Coventry, for a longer period of study. The students admitted on the Institution, who enter after the vacation, are, Mr. J. C. Sarjant, Mr. J. A. Jones, Mr. Greenwood, and Mr. C. Springthorpe.

May I be permitted to add, Mr. Editor, that the Institution is invested with the very strongest claims on the sympathies, prayers, and liberality of the Churches, and to express my hope that it may supply our Connexion with a succession of efficient ministers of the Word of life, and that its revered president may be long preserved as a guide to the rising ministry, and a blessing to the General Baptist Body. C. S.

GENERAL BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. At a meeting of the committee held at Loughborough, on Wednes

day July 17, 1844, a letter was read from J. W. Alexander, Esq., in reference to the Calcutta station; his intention not being to continue the entire support of the station, after the time specified. Mr. A., however, hopes that the labor bestowed on the Oreahs in and about Calcutta has not been in vain. Mr. Hudson.-A letter was read from one of the secretaries of the Bible Society, offering to supply brother H. with Chinese Scriptures, &c., A letter of a similar kind was also received from the Tract Society, offering to supply the Chinese missionary with their publications. A variety of information was given in reference to the best time for the departure of Mr. Hudson for China; when it was ascertained that there are ships sailing for China every month, and that the best time for sailing, is, April, May, or January, and that the summer months were least eligible. After considerable conversation, it was resolved unanimously,

"That the Committee think it desirable, if possible, to send another brother to China with brother Hudson, and settle, that if there be a reasonable prospect of getting one, brother Hudson may continue to January as the latest time for his departure; but that if no prospect of obtaining a fellow laborer appears, he shall then be at liberty to go about October, in the same vessel with Mr. Fairbrother."*

Mr. R. Ingham.-A letter from Mr. R. Ingham, of Bradford, which arrived too late for the last meeting, being read; in which our brother expressed his readiness to go to China, rather than the mission should be given up; the Committee resolved, that they would be "very happy to have brother I. engaged as a fellow-laborer with brother Hudson, and should the difficulties in his way be so far removed, that he can make an unconditional offer of his services, they would most gladly receive it." The Committee so fully approve of Mr. I., that they will not look out elsewhere, so long as there is any hope of Mr. Ingham's going; and a vote to that effect was passed.

Missionary Designation.- It was also arranged that brother Hudson's designation take place at Loughborough, about a fortnight previous to his departure, and that a valedictory service be held at non chapel, to be arranged by brethren Burns, Stevenson, and Underwood.

Want of Missionaries.-The paucity of suitable laborers was again referred to; and after some serious conversation, the following resolution was adopted :

"Feeling how entirely we depend on the Great Head of the Church to raise up

Mr. Fairbrother is connected with the London Missionary Society, and is expecting to sail early in the Autumn.

suitable missionaries, and to bless their efforts; the Committee earnestly recommend it to the Churches generally to make it a matter of special prayer that suitable laborers may he raised up; that a more abundant blessing may attend the labors of our brethren in Orissa-and that the commencement of our missionary efforts in China, may be under his special guidance and blessing."

THE MISSIONARY Box sent from Nottingham, for the native preachers, &c., included, together with many other things, thirteen separate parcels, each addressed to one of the native preachers, and containing,-for the preacher, a good scarlet woollen frock, a scarlet worsted cap, a scarlet comforter for the neck, and a pair of woollen gloves; and for the preacher's wife, a piece of good unbleached calico, seven yards long; a work-bag, in which were put, six metal table spoons, one pair of scissars, several thimbles of different sizes, bodkins, needle book and needles, pincushion and pins, tape, thread, in balls and on reels, &c., &c. Most of these thirteen parcels, if not the whole of them, contained also an affectionate note, addressed, by the party sending, to the individual native preacher for whom the parcel was intended; and expressive of christian sympathy, brotherly kindness, and the most affectionate hopes and wishes concerning them, both as to the present and the future.

In addition to these thirteen parcels, there were five others, each containing a similar suit of warm clothing, intended for other native preachers, or left to the disposal of our European missionary brethren, as they may think proper; and, in addition to these, there were considerable quantities of articles of the peculiar manufacture of Nottingham, for our European missionary sisters; also various articles in cutlery and hardware, for the missionary families; with penknives, quills, and stationary, for the schools; and pins, needles, tapes, thread, scissors, thimbles, &c., &c., for the girls and females of the asylum. There was also included a tin box, containing a very valuable present of ironmongery, cutlery, &c.; sent by our esteemed brother Ashton, of Louth. I think I am right in the name, and I do not know whether there were any other persons associated in the sending of this box or not.

B. W. THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Whittlesea, June 6th. Brother Yates of Fleet, preached in the morning, from Matt. xiii. 41. Fifty two persons were reported as baptized since the last Conference, viz., at Castleacre, twenty-three; Chatteris, two ; Fleet, four; Lincoln, three; Morcott, one; Pinchbeck, six; Spalding, six; Stamford, three; St. James, three; Whittlesea, one.

The annual report of the treasurer of the Home Mission was received, and grants were made to the stations at Stamford and Castle

acre, for the ensuing year. The newly formed Church at Pinchbeck, of which Mr. Simons is the minister, applied to be admitted into the Conference, and was received. The following resolution on the subject of daily education, was unanimously adopted by the meeting. "That this Conference recommends the Churches of the district, to keep in view the importance of providing daily education for the children in the Sabbath. schools; and where daily schools are requisite, would decidedly recommend their establishment, upon the broad principles of the British and Foreign School Society, in preference to denominational effort." The next Conference to be at Stamford, on Thursday, September 26th. Brother Maddeys, of Gedney Hill, to preach.

J. C. PIKE, Secretary.
CHAPELS.

EARL SHILTON.-This place of worship, which has been rebuilt and considerably enlarged, was re-opened for Divine worship, on Tuesday, July 9th, and on Lord's-day, July 14th, 1844. On Tuesday, the devotional exercises were conducted by Messrs. Dicks, (Independent minister, of Earl Shilton,) Beales, of Leicester; Knight, of Wolvey, and Cotton, of Barlestone; and sermons were preached in the morning and afternoon by Mr. Goadby, of Leicester; and in the evening by Mr. Green. On the Lord's-day, Mr. Wigg, of Leicester, preached in the afternoon, and Mr. Cheatle, of Birmingham, in the evening. Mr. Jarrom, of Northampton, and Mr. Smith, of Hinckley, prayed. Messrs. Winks, Verow, and Chamberlain, gave out the hymns. The congregations were good, and the collections liberal, amounting to £42. May the Lord send prosperity!

ANNIVERSARIES.

WOLVERHAMPTON.-On Lord's-day, June 23rd, 1844, sermons were preached in behalf of our Sunday School, by the Rev. M. Shore, and the Rev. J. G. Pigg, B. A., (Independent.) Collections, £8. This, for our infant cause, we consider excellent.

We are happy in having to state, that during the last six months, we have been enabled to clear off a debt of £80, which was remaining upon our school-room: T. Brenton, Esq., kindly gave us twenty sovereigns, and the rest we have succeeded in begging from other kind friends, both at home and abroad, to whom we feel sincerely grateful.

BURNLEY.-July 16th, 1844, the anniversary sermons in behalf of the General Baptist Sunday-school at this place were preached by the Rev. T. S. Baker, of Mill

275

wood, Yorkshire; the collections amounting to the liberal sum of £23. 15s. 44d. It is pleasing to add that as our school increases, the funds supplied by the kindness of our friends have been augmented. In 1842, 3, and 4, our numbers were 200, 240, 283; and our collections £11. 13s. 6; £17. Os. 24; and £23. 15s. 44. THOMAS BOOTH.

BAPTISMS.

MANSFIELD.-On Lord's-day, June 23rd, 1844, six candidates, (two of whom were Wesleyans,) were baptized in the reservoir, about a mile from the town. An appropriate sermon was preached on the subject by the water side, by the minister, the Rev. J. Wood, previous to the administration of the ordinance. From five to six thousand individuals were supposed to be present on the occasion, to witness the solemn ordinance. In the evening the candidates for fellowship were publicly received, and the day was one of unusual excitement and interest.

WOLVERHAMPTON.-On Lord's day July 7, six persons, (females,) were baptized and added to the Church.

LONGFORD.-June, 1844, after a discourse by Mr. Chapman, on the subject and mode of Christian baptism, delivered to a respectable congregation, (so far at least as numbers are concerned,) we adjourned to our usual place, the canal, where an immense concourse of spectators were already assembled.

usually felt on such occasions, was the What added greatly to the interest circumstance of there being a baptism at the same time and place, connected with our other friends, at Union Place chapel; but no inconvenience arose from this interesting fact. Mr. Shaw delivered the address, and Mr. Chapman gave out the hymn, and then immersed six persons, one male and five females. J. WRIGHT.

SHEFFIELD.-On Lord's day, June 16th, 1844, the infant cause at this place received into its fellowship, three individuals by baptism. Our respected brother Bott, of Wimeswould, was supplying us at the time, and after a useful discourse, suited to the occasion, baptized the candidates. In the afternoon the Lord's-supper was administered, and the newly baptized received the right hand of fellowship. L.

WHITTLESEA.-On Lord's day, June 30th, 1844, three useful sermons were preached in the General Baptist chapel, by the Rev. W. Butler, of Heptonstall Slack, when collections were made for the chapel debt. On the following Monday, ninety persons partook of an excellent tea, provided gratuitously by friends; after which addresses were delivered by brethren J. Wherry, Swanton, E. Steven. son, Loughborough, W. Butler, Slack, and J. Peggs, Ilkeston. H. B. H.

Infanticide in China.-It appears from credible testimony that one third of the infant children in China are destroyed. From a number of cases given by Dr. Abeel, we select the following:-At a village called Aunai, about ten miles from Amoy, I was informed that about one third of the female children were destroyed. My informant said that he had killed two out of four of his own. At Lunchiu, distant one tide from Amoy, it was the belief of the one with whom I conversed, that only one half were preserved, His estimate was backed by a confession that he himself had saved two, having destroyed three. A patient from Pulamkio, who had lived with us a long time, and had frequently heard me express my opinion of this abhorrent practice, was candid enough to acknowledge that he himself had killed one last year, and one the year before. His reason was, that he had already had three, and was unable to sustain this additional expense. I asked a man from Ngotong about the custom of his native village. He said that the inhabitants were very poor, and rice dear; that a large majority of females where early put to death; and that he himself had killed two, saving but one alive. During the summer of 1842, two Chinese nurses were engaged by the families then on the island, one of whom acknowledged that she had murdered two of her own children.

Shanghae.-Dr. Lockhart states of this place that it has a large and important trade, and it is said that about 4,000 junks resort hither every year, from the northern and southern provinces, Manillia, Siam, and Singapore. The population may be, perhaps, 300,000 for the city and suburbs. The city has, as its chief officer, a Taontae, who has also the governance of Song-keangfoo, and Soo-chew-foo. All Chinese cities are very filthy, and in this respect Shanghae does not differ from others. There are large numbers of very rich shops, and many residences of wealthy families; the people seem to be healthy and well fed; and much bustle and activity pervade all the business streets.

Healthiness of the Country. The country around the city is a level flat, there being no hills within thirty miles of the walls. It is intersected by various canals and rivulets, is remarkably fertile, being covered with a rich alluvial soil, and produces large quantities of wheat, cotton, and various vegetables. I have walked out in several directions for four or five miles, and found the country very beautiful, and in a high state of cultivation, I had been led to suppose, from the observations of others previous to my visit, that this place was very unhealthy, but I see no evidence of it, though I have paid particular attention to this point: in fact, the people appear to be strong and healthy. It is true it is now the winter season; but, if disease prevailed to any great extent here during the summer, I think there would be more evidence of it than I have found. Since wheat and vegetables are the chief products of the fields around the city, the ground must be dry, and not such a marsh as exists in and around Tinghae, or even around Ningpo. I am thus led to hope, that, under the blessing of our heavenly Father, we shall enjoy a good state of health if permitted to labor in this neighbourhood. Dr. Lockhart.

Persecution in future to be mitigated in Turkey. In August last, an Armenian youth of 18 or 20, who had turned Mahomedan, and afterward returned to the Christian religion, was beheaded at Constantinople with circumstances of great barbarity. Sir Stratford Canning, the British ambassador, exerted himself to save the youth, but in vain. The general question was earnestly and energetically taken up by him, and also by

the French and Prussian ambassadors. In the event the following " Official Declaration " was obtained, dated March 21, 1844.

It is the special and constant inention of His Highness the Sultan, that his cordial relations with the High Powers be preserved, and that a perfect reciprocal friendship be maintained and increased. The Sublime Porte engages to take effectual measures to prevent henceforward the execution and putting to death of the Christian who is an apostate.

At an audience which Sir Stratford Canning had of the Sultan on the 23rd of March, His Highness declared, "Henceforward neither shall Christianity be insulted in my dominions, nor shall Christians be in any way persecuted for their religion." Glory be to God, for this incalculably important concession! To the firm and decided course taken by Sir Stratford Canning in this business, in which he was cordially and effectually supported by the British Ministry, is, under God, to be ascribed the favorable issue to which it was at length brought.-Church Miss. Record.

Feejee Islands.-The horrid custom of strangling widows obtains in these islands. A man had died in some expedition, and the signal being hoisted when the canoes neared the shore; the missionary repaired to the house to endeavour to dissuade the widow from being strangled, and the people from doing the horrid deed. He entreated her also to love her own life, and to love her children, and live to attend and take care of them. At all this she was very much annoyed and angry; and frequently asked," Why should I live? Of what use is it? My husband is dead: for what then should I live? No," she added, "I will not live. If you will not strangle me, I will be buried alive, or jump over the cliffs." I could have wept over her delusion and blind infatuation; but she was determined not to live, and resolved to die.-Wesleyan Notices.

Burying the sick alive also attains to a fearful extent. Take the following as an example. A poor man, very ill, one day begged his friends and relatives to be "of a good mind toward him, and bury him." His friends said, they would, if it was his particular wish; but that, if they did so, they would not see each other again, for he would at once go hence. "Yes," said he, "only let it be easy for me to go. Go and dig my grave." He then blackened his face and body, and tied on a new head dress. He cautioned his relatives not to come near him, lest his disease should seize them; for he and a very bad disease had met together. When thus prepared for burial according to the Feejeean custom, they called him out, and seated him on the ground a few yards distant from the spot where they were still employed in digging his grave, On looking at the men who where thus engaged, he remarked that the hole which was being dug was exceedingly small, and scarcely big enough to cover ban. anas; and added, "Let it be mine only; dig away, children." The undertakers then laid him back, in order to wrap him up in the mats and masi which they had prepared for that purpose, On their doing this, the sick man began to cry out in good earnest, and asked, "What! are you going to bury me? Have you no love, then, to me? O desist! desist! and let me live." At this they derided him, charged him with cowardice, and asked whether they were not doing thus in compliance with his own request. They soon tied him up, and trod him down into the narrow hole. The poor man bitterly cursed them from his grave for trampling on his body; and he continued for some moments to cry out from beneath the sod, until the sound grew fainter and fainter, and at length dwindled away.-Ditto.

MISSIONARY

OBSERVER.

THE Annual Meeting of the General Baptist Missionary Society was held at the General Baptist chapel, Ely Place, Wisbech, on Wednesday, June 26th. After prayer had been offered by brother T. H. Hudson, (who has been finally accepted as a missionary to China,) Mr. R. Pegg, of Derby, was called to preside. The secretary, the Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby, read abstracts of the Report. Various details were given of the progress and labors of the missionaries. Among others, an excellent military officer was mentioned, who had displayed great facility in acquiring the language of Orissa, and zeal in the promotion of the interests of the mission; who was expected shortly to devote himself to the great work of evangelizing

the heathen.

The Rev. H. Hunter moved,

"That the Report, abstracts of which have been read, be adopted; and that it be pub. lished under the direction of the committee."

Mr. H. remarked, that there was one feature of the Report with which he was much pleased, viz., its fidelity. We wish our friends to know the real state of the Mission. While it was undesirable to misrepresent in any way the state of the Mission, he could not but feel grieved when any thing was written or published with a view to discourage its friends. There was much in the Mission to give encouragement. Whether our attention was directed to the native schools, to the children rescued from sacrifice, to the character and ability of the native preachers, or to the distribution of religious publications, there was reason to "thank God, and take courage." It was delightful to hear, that so many Christian villages had sprung up in that desert land, where the Gospel was formerly unknown; and to know, that, among the Oreahs, the domestic altar had been erected, that hymns were sung, and the daily prayer was offered up unto the living God. How interesting must these things be to the missionaries themselves; to behold the dead rising up to life and hope! VOL. 6.-N.S.

Sometimes, he said, that even, in relation to Missions, afflictions were a great blessing. They taught our dependence on God, and led us to seek his help and his grace more fervently. The visit of brother Stubbins to this country was through affliction, but it would be a blessing to our Churches. He was a man of the right stamp; his dear partner, too, was a devoted missionary. (cheers.) May God bless them, restore their health, and grant that they may return to the land of their labor, and make them instrumental in emancipating hundreds and thousands from the thraldom of idolatry and sin. "I have often been with him," observed Mr. H., "at missionary meetings, and have always been delighted with him. By his powerful and ever-varying appeals, my heart has been made better. Mr. Buckley, too, who is now on the bosom of the ocean, is a man of a right spirit. I never met with any man more devoted to his Master's cause. O that his life may be preserved, that Christ may hold him as a star in his right hand, and that he may reflect a light which shall illuminate the dense darkness of Orissa." Reference had been made to a box sent from Nottingham. The suggestion was made by brother Stubbins, that articles of clothing would be of great service to the native preachers. It was taken up by one of our friends, and to each native a number of useful articles were forwarded, accompanied by a letter, a reply to which was anticipated with great interest. A Mission to China had been contemplated. The committee had decided on that day, that Mr. Hudson should go to China. He, Mr. H., hoped that all our ministers and friends would encourage their friends steadily to support and pray for this Mission. Those Churches the most devoted to missionary objects were the most flourishing. All Christians ought now to be active, both at home and abroad, for Puseyism was making rapid strides, and Popery was gathering fresh strength. Mr. H. concluded by recommending the establishment of juvenile missionary associa2 H