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objects. But take the words of Christ literally and immense difficulties immediately ensue and irreconcileable contradictions follow."

Had we space, many other passages of equal force might be quoted. Dr. Pusey's theory is, that remission of sins is communicated through the Eucharist, -a doctrine so contrary to revealed truth that we wonder how any enlightened mind can for a moment entertain it. The time is come when protestants must be well grounded in the faith. Let them make the word of God their daily study, that they may be able to stand in the evil day. We sincerely thank Dr. Godwin for his able letters, and cordially recommend them to our readers.

A TRACT FOR THE TIMES. On the Atone ment of Christ, considered as to its extent; comprehending with general remarks, a brief examination of certain statements which

appeared in the Evangelical Magazine for May last. By JOHN PETHERICK, Minister of High Street Chapel, Exeter. pp. 31.

8vo. London: Jackson and Walford.

THE atonement is confessedly a doctrine of high importance, but it has been grievously misrepresented by a great variety of parties. Ingenuity has attempted to explain away those portions of holy writ which unfold this sublime and cheering theme, and exclusiveness has endeavoured to deprive our fallen race (with few favoured exceptions) of its unparalleled benefits. Happily, clearer views of truth are beginning to predominate among all evangelical christians, and it is now generally conceded that

the great sacrifice of the Son of God has opened the way for the redemption of the world, and that if man perishes, he perishes through his own wilful impenitence. As may be supposed, these comprehensive views of the Gospel have excited the ire of the ultra party. Poor men! are they afraid that God should save too many? To us it appears awful that human bigotry and selfishness should set limits to infinite benevolence.

In the Evangelical Magazine for May, 1843, it was stated on good authority, that "the whole of the congregational body in Scotland are one in their belief in the universal extent of the atonement." This statement has brought from his obscurity the author of the above tract. He seems in a perfect fright that so many should take God at his word, "that Christ tasted death for every man," and most solemnly protests against the assumption that such senticongregationalists of England. Well, ments are generally entertained by the whatever Mr. Petherick may think, it is

So.

It is

“Truth is great and must prevail.” The palmy days of hyperism are gone by, and we most heartily rejoice. passing strange that any one can take the Bible into his hands without at once perceiving that the gospel of Christ is a universal religion, and that its blessings are offered to all without money and without price. Mr. Petherick, with all his vapouring, understands not the word of God. We would recommend it again for his perusal, wishing him to remember that humility, meditation, and prayer, are essential to its truths being seen in their amplitude and majesty.

BRIEF NOTICES.

THOUGHTS ON SACRAMENTAL OCCASIONS, extracted from the Diary of the REV. PHILIP DODDridge, D. D. 16 mo. p.p. 136. Tract Society.

THERE is a sweet and melancholy interest associated with the reading of this book. It brings before the mind the spiritual exercises and meditations of one of the best of men, in connection with the most solemn ordinance of the Christian Religion. The dates and titles are given, as contained in the diary. It will be perused with great pleasure by every devout person, but more especially by ministers. There are fifty-three meditations. The first is headed," before my fourth sacrament, July 5,

1730," and the last, "Meditations at the Sacrament, June 2, 1751," little more than four months before the excellent doctor died.

FOOT-PRINTS OF POPERY; or places where

Martyrs have suffered. 24mo. pp. 100. Tract Society.

AN old man tells young Robert something about Foxe's acts and monuments," its pictures, &c., and then describes several of the places where martyrs have suffered. Coventry, Bristol, Salisbury, Canterbury, Oxford, Cambridge, &c., pass under notice with this view. The engravings in this book are numerous and excellent.

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LETTERS between the Baptist and Wesleyan almost hesitate in our judgment as to the

Ministers, Stockport.

propriety of Mr. Baker taking any notice of
his Wesleyan assailant. If the Wesleyan's
letters are a specimen of the Lectures which
are forthcoming, surely the religions public,
and especially his own party, will be under

We have perused these letters, and wish they
had not been published. The insulting ar-
rogance of the Wesleyan can neither serve
the interests of truth, nor of his party. We no obligation for their publication.

CORRESPONDENCE.

ON EMPLOYING AN EVANGELIST.

Bradford, Dec. 17th, 1843. DEAR BROTHER,-As you desire to com. municate to the Connexion the earliest intelligence of special movements in every part, I embrace the first opportunity of gratifying your wishes; and if you deem my miscellaneous remarks adapted for usefulness, and appropriately following the observations on the employment of an evangelist, you may insert them.

That the Church at Bradford, and some neighbouring Churches, approve of the employment of an evangelist, and deem brother Tunnicliff a very suitable person, is apparent from their anxiety frequently to secure his services during a portion of the week days. Whether they be able and willing to assist efficiently in supporting one is another matter. Brother T. gave addresses at Bradford on the evenings of November 27th and 28th. He preached at Clayton on the 4th and 5th of December, and again at Bradford on the 11th and following evenings of the week, Saturday excepted. The confinement of our people in factories prevents the holding of meetings during the day except by stealing a portion of the hour allotted for dinner. The intention of the speaker has been to instruct Christians as to the nature of their profession and magnitude of their responsibility, and to prove the sinner's obligations to make an immediate choice of God's service. In both these objects, the the success, through God's blessing, has been encouraging. The attempt has not been to promote excitement, but to inform the judgment, and draw the affections supremely to God. Could brother T. be released from Leeds, and devoted to this work, we doubt not his very extensive usefulness. And though the writer is deeply solicitous that the Connexion should practically regard the calls and claims of India and of China, he would rejoice to hear that ten persons had resolved to give immortality to a portion of their substance in the support of an evangelist. How much it will enhance our eternal bliss to meet in heaven with a host of ransomed souls whom

we have helped to conduct to their blest abode! Let the possessors of property, let those who have a lucrative business, or a fair remuneration for their labour, and all others, regard themseves as God's stewards, and seek to give an account with joy. Esteem that money best expended, excepting only what present need requires, by which the glory of Christ in the edification and enlargement of his Church is promoted. To improve the piety of our Churches is to promote their readiness to every good word and work, to increase our resources for every God-like object.

In last month's Repository reference was made to the statistics of our connexion. Not being able at the time to lay hold on the minutes for 1843, a comparison was made betwixt those of 1832 and 1842, from which it appeared that in ten years seven Churches had become extinct; that some others, unable to maintain their separate existence, had united with other Churches; that twenty-six Churches had experienced a diminution, nine of them having each more than 100 members, ten others having each more than 50, and the whole containing in 1832 more than 2400 members; that one Church reports an exact equality of number; that ten Churches have not added ten persons each during the ten years; and that the total increase of the Connexion is less than five per cent. per annum for each Church in the Connexion during these ten years. Shall not this be for a lamentation ? Could any of our Churches have died if the Spirit of God had been amongst them? division has crept in amongst these or other Churches, and has been their curse, does it not prove a low degree, or the entire want of pure Christianity? What has been done by these dying Churches, and, alas! by many others, to save a perishing world! During this period, on a very moderate calculation, 200 millions of souls have entered eternity without any hope of salvation through the blood of the Lamb! This is the state of a section of the Christian Church, believing in the universality of the atonement made by Jesus Christ! May not the infidel well say, 'And is this the religion that is shortly

If

to bear universal sway?' Can nothing be done? Is it attributable to God's mysterious sovereignty? Is it God's delight that the heavens over the General Baptists should be brass? Begone the blasphemous thought. The fault is in us. We are verily and exceedingly guilty. We hear of infidels circulating their tracts of poison and death. We read of Roman Catholics spreading abroad their delusions. We know that other evangelical denominations are increasing their efforts and contributions to the cause of Christ. We can do much more than our efforts and contributions have yet reached. We must do more even to maintain our position amongst the Churches of Christ. Let us say, We will do more; and He that says 'Prove me now herewith,' will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

In addition to a suitable response to the solemn and piercing appeal of brother Pike on behalf of India, let an evangelist be employed similarly to brother Pulsford. Let ministers co operate with him,-let special services be held, and all Christians be aroused to the help of the Lord, " to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

J.

P. S.-The writer would not have it understood that by numbers alone the prosperity of a Church must be estimated, nor that the same increase ought to be expected when the population is small as when it is dense. He is aware, too, that the position of some Churches has delightfully altered during the past year; but considering the number of souls that have advanced beyond the reach of Christian effort, and that are still hastening to the bar of a righteous God from all quarters of the globe, he conceives there is reason for humiliation as well as thanksgiving.

THE REV. T. PICKERING. To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository, Sir, I have read in the January number an account of the decease of Mrs. Pickering, who died a few weeks back aged 73, the widow of our late much esteemed pastor, Mr. T. Pickering, who died on Lord's day morning Nov. 15th, 1807, aged about fifty. It is said by the person who wrote the memoir of Mrs. Pickering, that it is believed that no memoir was made of her husband. But if he, or you, or any of your readers, will take the trouble to refer to the second Vol. of the General Baptist Repository, at page 287, they will find a brief memoir. His last sermon which was thought peculiarly excellent was delivered from Colossians i. 28. "Whom we preach, warning every man," &c.

It was delivered in the Methodist Chapel, lent to us, as ours at that time was undergoing an enlargement. It was indeed an excellent sermon. I heard it, and have heard many from him, but I never heard an inferior one. He was a man of sound principles. His remains were interred in the meeting house at Donington, and this was the first time it was used after the enlargement. His funeral sermon was preached at the same time by Mr. William Felkin, of Kegworth, from 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. "I have fought a good fight." &c. I heard this sermon also, and remember several observations Mr. Felkin then made.

He said he was one of the most extraordinary men he ever met with, although naturally unassuming and very diffident, yet when once introduced he was remarkably affable and conversant, and he never seemed at a loss on any subject, or doctrine, that was introduced, for the word he wanted most. He was a good'man, and faithful minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was willing to spend and be spent in the cause of Jesus Christ. Although not a man that used much action in the pulpit, yet whilst preaching on the love of Christ, previous to administering the Lord's Supper, he broke a blood vessel whilst in the pulpit, and which was a considerable time before it could be stopped; this I also saw. He consequently was laid aside from preaching for a long time, indeed he never recovered, and preached but seldom ever afterwards, and it was this circumstance that cut short his days. At his funeral the enlarged chapel was filled almost to suffocation, and the people seemed very much impressed with what they heard. A more solemn assembly I never expect to see, till the Judge shall be seated, and all nations gathered together before him. May you and I be daily looking for, and be fully prepared for that awful period. I have thought it my duty to my old and much esteemed pastor, to send you these few lines, that you may insert them in your next Repository.

And remain very sincerly,
J. BAKEWELL.

Castle Donington.

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OBITUARY.

man's conscience is not always a safe rule; many persons have been conscientious persecuters and murderers, see John xvii. 2.

The payment of tribute, by our Lord, Matt. xviii. 24, is a fact very much forced if it is made to bear on the payment of Church Rates....It scarcely seems decorous and reverential for Christian professors to take bread at the eucharist with covered hands.

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...Habak.iii. 3, is plainly a quotation from Deut. xxxiii. 2, and refers poetically to the glorious manifestations Jehovah gave of himself in the giving of the Law, and in the desert. Teman, being in mount Seir, and Paran in the South of the Wilderness. The expres. sions 66 came from" (or, to), rose up," being poetic allusions to the manifestations referred to. The double form of speech, or parallelism, is very common to Hebrew poetry....The practise of dissenters going to be married at Church is very delightful to Church people, and bishops. It fosters

59

the popish notion they wish to propagate, that marriage is a sacrament, which can only be performed by a priest, and that other marriages are unholy and unblest. It sustains the idea that the Episcopal Church is still, and ought to be, supreme; it is homage paid to established abuses, at the expense of consistency. The New Marriage Law is not what it ought to be; but that is no reason Dissenters should despise their own honor....It would be well if all the ministers of our Churches would occasionaly attend the Sabbath-schools; to hear a class, and examine the progress of the children, as well as give addresses, would be of service.... While we see no impropriety in pious females engaging in social prayer at a private meeting, or one composed of females only, to us there is something which neither comports with true female modesty, or scriptural propriety, for them to lead the devotions of a public assembly.

OBITUARY.

MR. SAMUEL BAILEY, of Thurlaston, received an early religious education. He sat, in the days of his childhood, under the preaching of Mr. Thos. Yates, to whose faithful and instructive ministry he has often borne the most affectionate testimony. He was apprenticed to Mr. Farmer, of Barton. While there he became a scholar, and afterwards a teacher, in the General Baptist Sabbath school. He was baptized and united to the General Baptist Church at Barton, May 10th, 1830. After his union with the Church he was encouraged to take part with others in conducting prayermeetings, and, though he was very diffident, he was soon encouraged to assist in preach. ing. Some time after the expiration of his apprenticeship he removed to Markfield, where he married and settled; and opened his house for the public worship of God. Such ministers as he could obtain to preach there, he cheerfully entertained; and when none went, he officiated himself. His trade not succeeding at Markfield, he removed to Thurlaston, his native village, where, in a few years, he ended his earthly career. A little before his departure, he was asked, if he found Christ precious. He replied "Yes, very precious. I disclaim," he observed, "all merit. By the grace of God I am what I am. O the love of Christ; nothing is able to separate me from the love of Christ." On Monday, June 16th, 1843, he died, in the thirty-first year of his age, exclaiming with his dying breath, "Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ!" On the following Sabbath, his death was improved by Mr. J. Hawley to a crowded and atten

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MRS. GRANGER, of Stanton, Derbyshire, departed to her everlasting rest, on Tuesday Dec. 19th, aged eighty-six. She was the daughter of the Rev. Francis Smith, the first pastor of the General Baptist Church, Melbourne, and sister to our aged and esteemed brother Mr. James Smith, of Nottingham. Mrs. G. had been a member of the Melbourne Church upwards of sixtynine years, Our sister was a modest, but very sensible and consistent disciple of Christ through her long pilgrimage. She more willing than able to be liberal to the Saviour's cause; and before prevented by the infirmities of age, was very regular and punctual in attending the public means of grace. She interested herself in the salvation of her relatives; and it was the dying assurance of her son in law, "that she had first caused him to think of right and wrong, and to remember his Creator in the days of his youth." Let all professed christian parents imitate her example; then, should they live to old age, their "hoary head will be crown of glory."

was

INTELLIGENCE.

DERBYSHIRE CONFERENCE.-This Conference assembled at Belper, on Monday afternoon, Dec. 25th, 1843. Brother Garratt opened the meeting with prayer, and brother Kenney, was called to preside. One of the Churches reported eleven baptized, and five candidates for the ordinance, but the baptisms in the other Churches, and the number of candidates were stated to be few. It was suggested that special prayer, should be offered by the Conference, that the work of conversion, may proceed rapidly in our congregations. Brethren Burrus, Peggs, and Richardson, then engaged in prayer. The interesting account was referred to of the conversion of Jabez Carey, in India, in answer to the prayers of a large assembly in London, which paused in the midst of Dr. Ripon's sermon, at the pious suggestions, of the venerable preacher, a beautiful illustrations of the promise, "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."-Isa. lxv. 24.

Chesterfield.-Brother Bumbruff stated, on behalf of Chesterfield, that two had been baptized, and three received, since the last Conference. The treasurer had £10. for the pulpit, forms, &c., for the fitting up of the chapel, after receiving several sums he then laid his account before the meeting, showing that a balance was due to him of £5 4s.; some conversation followed as to the support of the cause. It was considered economical and advisable, that the Chesterfield friends, should procure supplies for their pulpit. on the first Lord's-day in the month. Brother Kenney was desired to write a letter to the Church, on the best means of advancing the interest of religon, in the town and its vicinity.

Ashford Mr. Kenney gave a full report of the proceedings, respecting the old chapel in Ashford Lane. It appeared advisable to let the chapel to the Independent Church at Bakewell, for the term of twenty years, upon conditions of its being put into, and kept in excellent repair, a small nominal rent being paid. This step is taken with deep regret, but it appeared requisite, on account of the dilapidated state of the chapel, and the difficulty of supplying it.

Bradwell. The deeds for the securing of this chapel, prepared by a friend at Derby, were laid before the Conference, and several of the trustees signed their names. The Lord raise up for his people, "The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in."

It was suggested that some observations might be usefully made upon the subject of

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MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-This Conference which was numerously attended, assembled in Friar Lane, Leicester, on Thursday, Dec. 27th, 1843. Brother Ferneyhough being prevented attending, by an accident which occurred in the street, and by which he was considerably hurt, brother Buckley supplied "his lack of service," and preached from, 66 The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands."

In the afternoon, brother Wigg presided. Brother T. Smith, of Hinckley, opened the meeting with prayer. Several letters were received from Churches, in answer to the circular of the Secretary. From the reports of the Churches by their representatives and letters, it appears that 120 have been baptized since the last Conference, and 84 are candidates for baptism and fellowship. The meeting expressed its gratitude by singing, "From all that dwell below the skies," &c.

Smeeton. It was resolved that the friends in this village, be directed to invite the pastors in Leicester, and those who will be most likely to visit them, to administer the Lord's Supper.

Dissenters Rights in reference to Marriage in their chapels.-The following communi. cation from Spalding, addressed to the permanent committee, to watch over our rights, was laid, by Mr. Winks, the secretary, before the meeting,-"I am directed by Mr. Hoe, and our friends, to request your attention and answer to the question,-Can the registrar, or his deputy, for marriages, &c., demand the key of our chapel, and marry persons without Mr. H., as minister, or even consulting him on the subject?" It was the general im. pression that it was contrary to the law, and the spirit of the age. It was judged advisable to refer the question to the Committee in London " for the protection of the civil and religious rights of dissenters."

Melbourne.-Relative to the inquiry from this Church, "Can any thing be done by this Conference to promote the establishment of day schools in connection with our Churches?" After a very interesting discussion it was resolved, "That we recom

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