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blind and wicked superstition." With no ordinary feelings did they several times visit the place, which, on good grounds, is believed to be the garden of Gethsemane. "We read over all the passages of Scripture relating to Gethsemane, while seated together there. Each of us occupied part of the time alone, in private meditation; and then we joined together in prayer, putting our sins into that cup which our Master drank for us here, and, pleading for our own souls, for our far distant friends, and for the flocks committed to our care." Additional interest was felt on each successive visit to this hallowed spot, and the last "left a fragrant remembrance on their minds, that can never fade away." With Bethany, the village where resided the happy family which Jesus ofttimes visited, and from which he was received up into glory, they were highly gratified. "How pleasing are all the associations that cluster around it! Perhaps there was no scene in the Holy Land which afforded us more unmingled enjoyment; we even fancied, that the curse that every where rests so visibly upon the land, had fallen more lightly here. In point of situa tion, nothing could have come up more completely to our previous imagination of the place to which Jesus delighted to retire at evening from the bustle of the city, and the vexations of the unbelieving multitude; sometimes traversing the road by which we had come, and perhaps oftener still coming up the face of the hill by the footpath that passes on the north of Gethsemane. What a peaceful scene! Amidst these trees, or in that grassy field, he may often have been seen in deep communion with the Father; and in sight of this verdant spot it was that he took his last farewell of his disciples, and went upward to resume the deep, unbroken fellowship, of 'his God and our God,' uttering blessings even at the moment when he began to be parted from them. And it was here that the two angels stood by them in white apparel, and left us this glorious message,- This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.'" At Nazareth, a town long proverbial for wickedness, they saw little to interest them. The ignorant monks of Bethlehem shewed them a marble manger, though, as their visiters were intelligent Protestants, they had the honesty to allow, that it was not the original manger, but they affirmed, that the spot was the same; which, however, there is no reason to believe. The deputation saw the fulfilment of the woe pronounced by the Divine Teacher on Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida. The remains of Capernaum, Christ's "own city," are scarcely to be found; those of Chorazin and Bethsaida are still more doubtful. We were pleased with the remark, which the distant sight of Patmos called forth, "It was intensely

interesting to get even a glance of that remarkable spot, where the beloved disciple saw the visions of God; the spot, too, where the Saviour was seen, and his voice heard, for the last time, till he comes again. It is the only spot in Europe where the Son of Man showed himself in his humanity."

There are many illustrations of Scripture in this volume which cannot fail to interest the general reader. We select two, almost at random :-"We stopped a little to examine a plough, which lay thrown aside under a tree. It was made entirely of wood, the coulter only being sheathed in a very thin plate of iron, and was therefore exceedingly light, and fit to be guided by a single hand. We at once saw how easy a matter it would be literally to fulfil the words of the prophets, 'They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,"" "A laborer was returning from the country, with his pruning-hook in his hand, a long piece of iron, curved towards the point. This pruning-hook might once have been a spear, and could easily be converted into one again. The prophets attended to the nature of things when they said, 'They shall beat their spears into pruning-hooks ;" and again, reversing the command, your pruning-hooks into spears.""

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In many of the places which the deputation visited, they saw much of the superstition of popery, and of the Greek church, especially of the former. The appendix contains a very striking article on the coincidence between modern Judaism and popery.

It appears, that the number of Jews in Palestine is about 10,000, and that their condition is deeply afflictive. Many of them are supported in part by contributions from Europe; but, unlike their brethren in France and Germany, they are firm believers in the Old Testament. The deputation express a fear that half the nation of Israel is tottering on the brink of infidelity!

In commending this work, which, we are glad to find, has already reached a third edition, to the favorable regard of our readers, we cannot but express our fervent hope that it will excite increased attention to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." and tend to accelerate the day when they, with the fulness of the Gentiles, shall be gathered into the fold of Immanuel.

THE CHRISTIAN ALMANACK, for the Year 1845. THE POCKET-BOOK ALMANACK, for 1845. THE TRACT SOCIETY'S PENNY ALMANACK, for 1845. Tract Society. THE first of these books contains a great variety of instructive and useful matter; astronomical occurrences, planets, tides, tax tables, &c. The third is small and simple, and the second is like it, only every alternate leaf is blank for memoranda.

CORRESPONDENCE.

ON PUBLIC COLLECTIONS.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository.

MY DEAR SIR,-I am not certain that I have the honor of I. B.'s acquaintance, but should he write again it is hoped that he will have the kindness to introduce himself; and in the mean time permit me to tender him my hearty thanks for having so completely demolished the silver test. Your original correspondent, sir, seemed to invite attention, not to the propriety of making public collections, but to the lawfulness of making certain collections in a particular manner; and my previous letter was chiefly designed to meet his views on that point. The remarks of I. B. contain, or imply, an objection, though not equally strong, against every public collection, and therefore against every mode in which such collection may be made; for it is obvious that there can be no right method of doing that which is morally wrong, upon which the word of God has set the seal of condemnation. That it is sinful to make public collections-that the word of God condemns the practice, is what I am anxious to see proved; and this anxiety was produced by its being asked, "If the appeal be to the word of God, will not the whole practice of public collections be found to be disapproved?"-1 Cor. xvi. 2. My remarks upon this passage were designed to show that it did not answer the end for which it was quoted, that is, that it did not disapprove of public collections. This is the only scripture that has been adduced, and even this is left undefended; nay, I am required to "shew more clearly how it can afford a precedent for soliciting the money of the unconverted in support of the Re. deemer's cause." Why truly if I can do this, so much the better, but if not it will be sufficient for me to know that it does not condemn the practice. By this time my good brother will better understand my position in this discussion. All that are associated with making public collections lie under the imputation of doing what the word of God disapproves; and under such circumstances have they not a right to ask for proof? This has already been done, but no proof has been given; and if none be forthcoming, if the sinfulness of the practice be not proved from the word of God, I shall consider myself entitled to a very honorable acquittal, however inconclusive my reasoning, or however wide my deductions may appear from the point. I might here have left the subject, and have waited for a response, had not some of my previous observations been subjected to a little friendly criticism which it is deemed necessary to notice. The writer

is still of opinion that any church has a scriptural right to make public collections if they are voluntary. The gospel ministry* by the appointment of our Lord, is to continue to the end of time; he hath ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel, but he hath not ordained any particular mode by which contributions shall be collected, and therefore if the members of any church (for the sake of perspicuity it is here confined to them) should think proper to make a collection every Lord's day, for the support of their minister, they would have the approval of the word of God in so doing. It might from time to time, announce from the pulpit, or from the press, or from both, that such collections would be made; they would then be public, that is, notorious, generally known; still it would have a scriptural right to make them. If it has not this right now it could not have it if all were pious. Is this conclusive? Further, it appears, sir, to your correspondent, that it is lawful for any church to make public collections in the ordinary way, that is, to collect of all indiscriminately who are willing to give, and this, if I can understand I. B. (for he seems to have taken care not to commit himself too far) is the point of difference. "In public collections," says I. B, "at least, when the box is taken from pew to pew, and presented before each in. dividual, a request is made to each person, irrespective of moral and spiritual character, for pecuniary support, which he grants or refuses according to his own option. This, for purely spiritual purposes, is not encouraged, according to the writer's perceptions, either in Luke x. or 1 Cor. xvi. It is persumed, however, that there is something in each of these chapters that does encourage the practice in question. I. B. says the expression, Luke x. 7, does not apparently recognize a solicitation, but anticipates an offer, and enjoins its acceptance for the reason stated.

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Well then, verse 10, anticipates some cases in which they would be rejected, and denied those necessaries to which their office entitled them; and if so, they must have placed themselves in such a position as that it was in the power both of the good and bad either to receive or reject them. How this was done our Lord clearly shows in verse 5. Their first salutation, upon entering any house, was to be, "Peace be to this house." This was the criterion, the box if you please, by which they became acquainted with the different dispositions of men, and which led to reception or rejection. It appears quite

I refer to the ministry simply and solely as a medium of proof.

evident that the disciples sent forth by Christ were cast by him, during the period of their mission, entirely upon the public; that their salutation of peace led in some cases to their reception and entertainment, gave them an opportunity of healing the sick, and of saying, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you; and that in other cases this salutation led to their rejection; that such rejection occasioned their departure, and heightened to a fearful extent the condemnation of those by whom they were thus treated. Now, unless it can be proved that all those persons that did receive and entertain the disciples were, at the time of such reception and entertainment, pious persons, and except it can be shown that the disciples did not give to the wicked an opportunity of receiving and entertaining them, and that the wicked by refusing to give such receptions and enter. tainment, did not increase their guilt and heighten their condemnation, I shall hold, not simply that there is something in this chapter that encourages public collections, for purely spiritual purposes, but something which gives to such collections, and to all other, the force and power of law. I might blot from the book the kind salutation, and allow my brother his very good-natured invitation, and even then I should have sufficient left for my purpose; I should even then argue that the rejection of something, necessarily supposed something offered; it was anticipated that some wicked men would not receive the disciples, and therefore it was anticipated that they would have the opportunity, the offer. Is it not proved that the ungodly might have received the disciples into their houses, and have supplied them with those things that were necessary? The might is all I ask for, is all I want. If they might have contributed to the support of these ministers, support may be given now by the same kind of persons; and as there is no appointed mode, it may be given in any, and therefore in public collections; and again we say that this holds in relation to all religious institutions.

Further evidence is not wanting to show that our Lord himself was sustained, during his ministry by others, or to prove that the publican and pharisee contributed to his support, see Luke vii. 36, viii. 1—3, xix. 1– 7. How, or by what means our Lord found the way to the homes and tables of these men is not of the least importance; it is quite sufficient to know that he was there, and that they did contribute to his support. Now, sir, unless it can be proved that the Saviour acted improperly, another verdict is claimed for the principle in question, viz., that it is lawful for the ungodly to aid the ministers of Christ, and to support religious institutions. And as the Lord Jesus has not ordained any method in which this shall

be given, it may be given in any, and therefore in public collections. In 1 Cor. ix. 11, Paul asks, if we have sown unto spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Spiritual blessings are the most valuable of all blessings. The apostle had been the happy instrument of conveying these to the Corinthians, and therefore it would have been no great thing if he had reaped in return their carnal things. He had a just claim upon them on the ground of benefits received; and this text clearly recognizes the principle, that those who are under obligation to religion, whether pious or not, many lawfully contribute to its support. There is not an individual in this great nation who is not under obligation to religion, and who may not therefore contribute to its support. If the church may not receive the money of the unconverted as voluntarily given in public collections, it may not receive it in any other way, and it is bound by every principle that we hold sacred, not only to refuse such aid in future, but to restore, so far as it can, the large sums received in time past. Finally, suffer me to remind I. B. that all the pious are not at present within the pale of the church, nor are all the ungodly beyond its limits; and if there be a law which makes it sinful for any but the pious to contribute to the support of religion, that law was given, it is presumed, that it might be obeyed; but it would be utterly impossible at present to receive it as a rule of action; it would require an amount of intelligence not possessed by mortals in the present state. The Lord might commu. nicate this, but until such communication was made, all good men would decline the collector's office, lest they should offend. It is not believed that the Saviour was in the habit of giving rules of action upon which it is impossible to act, and for this reason it is not thought that there is any such rule upon the subject. I fear, sir, to proceed: suffer me, however, to add, that after this free expression of opinion, I am not anxious again to return to the subject. If I. B., can demolish my premises, overturn my conclusions, and establish the opposite proposition, he will have my hearty thanks for his labors. Let this be done, or the imputation be withdrawn. I am ready to bow to the truth; but I confess that significant hints, half-uttered and halfsuppressed sentiments, are worse to me than the fear of purgatory. If the church is in error, let her be humbled and reformed; let the whole fabric of religion fall,-fall finally, fall eternally, rather than resort to and continue a sinful practice to sustain it; but let no man, without just reason, be aided in his attempts to destroy it, or furnished with an excuse for not supporting it.

I remain, my dear sir, yours respectfully,
R. HARDY.

ON THE IMPROPRIETY OF CHURCHES NOT PAYING THE EXPENSES OF THEIR PASTORS TO ATTEND CONFERENCES AND THE ASSOCIATION.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository.

DEAR SIR, I was surprized on a recent occasion to learn that some ministers in our connexion, who are settled pastors, frequently are compelled to refrain from attending conferences and the association, because the Churches over which they preside, do not reimburse them the expense thus incurred. It has been so customary with the Church to which I belong to defray these expenses, (as much so as paying the ordinary salary of the ministry,) that I took it for granted it was a universal rule, excepting in very small and destitute Churches. "Who goeth a warfare at his own charges?" may well be applied to this case. I do think where such cases exist it must have been an inadvertent oversight on the part of the officers which the diffidence and modesty of the pastor, has prevented him from bringing under their notice. Allow me, therefore, Mr. Editor, to solicit the attention of any church to whom these remarks may be applicable, immediately to remedy such an evil. There may be cases, when the meetings may be at such a distance, that the expenses would be so great that it might not be desirable for the pastor to be sent. Hoping these remarks may be beneficial and be accepted by all

parties with the candour with which they are offered. I am, &c.,

A LAY OFFICER.

HOME MISSION SERVICES.

IT has been resolved to hold an annual meeting to promote the interests of the Home Mission in the Derby and Donington cir. cuits. The first of which will be (D. V.), Melbourne, on Christmas day next. In the afternoon a public meeting will be held in the General Baptist meeting-house, when it is expected that addresses will be delivered by the Rev. J. J. Owen, J. Staddon, I. Stubbins, R. Stanion, and others.

In the evening, the Rev. I. Stubbins will preach, (D.v.), on the reciprocal interests of the Home and Foreign Missions. Service to commence at half-past two, and half-past six. As these meetings are designed to promote the zealous co-operation of all the churches comprising the above circuits, in forwarding the object of the mission, it is hoped as many as possible will attend from each church. Tea will be provided in the school-room. As the churches in the circuits usually collect, there will be no public collections on these occasions.

INTELLIGENCE.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Stamford, Sep. 26th, 1844. Brother Maddeys, of Gedney Hill, preached in the morning, from Phil. i. 27. A Home Missionary meeting was held in the evening, which was well attended. Forty-one persons were reported as baptized since the last Conference:-at Boston, nine; Bourne, three; Castleacre, two; Fleet, three; Gedney Hill, three; Magdalen, seven; March, six; Stamford, one; Whittlesea, one; Wisbech, six. A report was received from brother Jones, of March, stating, that, in compliance with the wish of the Conference, he had visited Stamford, made several calls among the friends, preached to them one Sabbath, administered the Lord's Supper, and held a Church meeting.

An application was received from brother Scott, of Norwich, for a deputation from this Conference, to attend the first half-yearly meeting of the Norfolk Branch Conference, to be held in that city Oct. 24. The application was cheerfully acceded to, and brother Jones was requested to undertake this mission, or, in case of failure, brother Yates, of Fleet.

The secretary stated, that he had fulfilled

his three years of office, and desired the Conference to appoint a successor. Resolved, that the thanks of the Conference be presented to brother Pike, for his past services, and that brother Burditt, of Long Sutton, be requested to undertake the office of secretary for the next three years.

The next Conference to be at Fleet, on Thursday, Dec. 19th. Brother Pentney, of Stamford, to preach.

J. C. PIKE, Secretary.

OPENINGS.

BRADFORD.-Our chapel was re-opened for divine service on the 20th, 27th, and 28th, of October. Messrs. Calvert, (Independent) Pottinger, (P. B.) Ingham, and Hudson, were engaged. Collections amounted to £53. 75., which sum is very nearly one half of the outlay. We have also received from Birch. cliffe £2. 1s. 6d., and from Tarporley £1. 10s. The assistance of other friends will be gratefully received, and duly acknowledged.

BAPTISMS.

LONGFORD, Union Place.-On Lord's-day, Nov. 3rd. 1844, a discourse on the subjects

and mode of christian baptism, was delivered by J. Shaw, minister of the place, from Acts viii. 35-39. After which he baptized four persons, two males and two females, and received them into the church in the usual way.

HINCKLEY.-On the 17th of March, six persons were baptized, three males, and an equal number of females; and on the 23rd of June, seven others followed their example, four males and three females, declaring their faith in Christ, by being immersed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

RAMSGATE -On Tuesday, Oct. 29th, the ordinance of believers' baptism was attended to in the ancient General Baptist chapel, Ramsgate, when two females submitted to the sacred rite, and on the following Lord'sday were received into the Church.

BOSTON. Mr. Mathews baptized one on the 31st of October. F. M.

LONDON, Enon chapel.-On Lord's-day, Oct, 27th, after an appropriate sermon by our pastor, from Acts viii. 12, he administered the sacred rite to twelve persons, eleven of whom, received, the following Lord's-day evening, the right hand of fellowship. We trust soon to report of many hopeful ones who in like manner will have put on Christ. J. G.

GEDNEY HILL.-On Lord's-day, Sep. 22, the ordinance of believers' baptism was administered by our esteemed pastor, in the new river, Parson Drove, to three persons; a very numerous assembly being present. One or two of the candidates have been rescued from the depths of Satan.

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BELPER.-On Lord's day, November 10th, the ordinance of baptism was administered to three persons, when the Rev. R. Kenny, of Wirksworth, preached from Gal. iii. and brother Sims administered the ordinance. It is a long time since we witnessed such delightful seasons. Clouds and thick darkness have too long beset our path. May this be the commencement of happier days.

CASTLE DONINGTON.-On the first Sabbath in October, two persons were baptized by Mr. Owen, after a sermon from Matt. xxviii. 18, 19, "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth," &c.

CRADELEY.-Eight persons were baptized on Lord's-day, Nov. 3.

ANNIVERSARIES.

LONG SUTTON-The anniversary services of the Baptist chapel in this town were held on the 27th, and 28th, Oct. Sermons were preached on Lord's-day by the Rev. E. H. Burton, of Portsea. On Monday afternoon, the Rev. J. T. Wigner, of Lynn, preached, after which a large number of friends took

tea together in the school-room. In the evening a public meeting was held, and addresses were delivered by the Revds. E. H. Burton, J. T. Wigner, T. Yates, Dr. Simpson, and T. Burditt. This opportunity was peculiarly interesting, and it is hoped that the solemn and impressive exhortations given, and the striking instances of usefulness related, have produced an effect, the fruits of which will appear in the future. The amount realized by these services was about £20., being an advance upon last year: besides which, there are weekly, and other subscriptions expected, that will bring in a much larger sum. On these accounts we have reason for thankfulness and rejoicing,

though in reference to the enlargement of the church and progress of the cause of Christ amongst us, we have cause for humility and sorrow. Our desires are not fulfilled, and we feel discouraged; our prayer is, that the reviving and refreshing showers may come down, so that precious souls may be gathered from an ungodly world, and be planted and flourish in the vineyard of the Lord. C. A.

STAMFORD.-The General Baptists at Stamford celebrated the anniversay of their chapel Oct. 20th, and 21st. On the Sabbath, three sermons were preached by the Rev. T. W. Mathews, of Boston, and on Monday a teameeting was held, and addresses delivered, by the Revds. Amos, Whitlock, Green, Orton, Mathews, and Pentney. The liberal sum of £9. 10s. 8d. was realized. That which rendered this anniversary so peculiarly interesting was, twelve persons, eight of whom have lately been baptized, were received as members of the church on Sabbath-day, and sat down with us at the table of the Lord. One other person was baptized, but not received into the church, as he lives at a considerable distance from Stamford. anticipate more shortly. May God send prosperity. W. P.

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BELPER.-On Lord's day, Oct. 20th, two very useful and appropriate sermons were preached in the General Baptist chapel in this place, by Mr. John Dunkley, of Exhall, near Bedworth, for the benefit of the Sundayschool connected with the above place of worship. Collections £7. 4s.

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LONDON, Ænon chapel.-The anniversary services were held Oct. 20th, 21st, and 22nd. On Lord's day two sermons were preached by J. Burns, the pastor, and a special prayer. meeting was held in the afternoon. Monday evening a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Hamilton, M.A., of the Scotch Free Church; and on the Tuesday evening, the annual tea meeting was held, which was more numerously attended than on any former occasion. Excellent addresses were delivered on the occasion, by the Rev. J.

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