mend our Churches to afford their most cordial and liberal support to the schools of the British and Foreign School Society, and wherever practicable, form schools upon that principle, in connection with their places of worship." A very pleasing account was given of the day schools at Thurlaston, and Barton.

Earl Shilton.-The friends at this place are under the necessity of rebuilding their chapel, at an expense of about £200, and report that they have in hand, and promised, about £60. It was resolved, "That the Conference cordially recommend the case to the liberal support of the Churches."

Wolverhampton.-This case attracted very considerable interest, and awakened much sympathy. Brother Warren gave a very full statement. It was resolved, "That this Conference is very anxious for the establishment of a Church in this town, and requests brother Derry to exert himself to obtain from various friends £40 for the assistance of brother Shore for one year, with the prospect of his permanent settlement." Several sums were immediately promised.

The next Conference is at Burton upon. Trent, on Easter Tuesday, April 9th. Brother Cotton, of Barton, to preach in the morning, and a Revival meeting in the evening.

Brother E. Stevenson, of Loughborough, preached in the evening, from Zeph. iii. 16, "In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack." J. PEGGS, Sec.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Wisbech, Dec. 7th, 1843.

Brother T. Burditt preached in the morning, from Jer. xxxvi. 22-25.

Twenty-seven persons were reported as baptized during the quarter, viz, at Barney, four; Bourne, five; Castleacre, three; Gedney Hill, three; Gosberton, two; Magdalen, one; March, one; Stamford, four; Whittlesea, four.

A letter was received from Coningsby, where, according to the regular rotation, the next Conference would be held, pointing out the great difficulty of access to that place; at the same time an urgent request was made that the meeting might be held at Castleacre. After mature deliberation, it was resolved that the Conference in March be holden at Castleacre, and that the Secretary inform the Norfolk Churches of this arrangement, and request them to send representatives to the meeting.

The consideration of a branch Conference for Norfolk was postponed to the next Conference.

The Churches in connection with this Conference were recommended to direct their attention to the subject of providing daily education for the children connected VOL. 6.-N. S.

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THE WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE met by appointment at Birmingham 1843,* when the following resolutions were adopted:1.

That the Churches in this district be affectionately requested to give the General Baptist Repository their continued and increased support.

2. In relation to an application from the trustees of the chapel, Sutton Coldfield, resolved, "That this case cannot be entertained till it come through the Lombardstreet Church."

3. That the next Conference be held at Union-place, Longford.*

4. That Mr. Cheatle be the preacher. 5. That Messrs. Cheatle, Chamberlain, Linnet, and Deeley, be a committee to prepare a plan for altering the present order of the Conference.

The number of persons reported to have been baptized is forty-three, and eleven are waiting as candidates for that ordinance. J. DUNKLEY, Sec.

OPENINGS.

DOVER STREET, LEICESTER.-New and spacious school rooms have been erected in connection with the General Baptist chapel in this place, at a cost of upwards of £400. Two excellent sermons were preached on occasion of their opening, by the Rev. T. Toller, of Kettering, on Lord's day, Dec. 27th, when £20 were collected. On Monday, Jan. 1st, a tea-meeting was held, the proceeds of which were devoted to the same object. The amount yielded by the teameeting, including several small sums given afterwards, was £25. These sums, added to about £110 previously collected for this object, and the anniversary sermons in August, evince a pleasing degree of zeal in the cause of Sabbath-schools.

WOLVERHAMPTON.-For about two years our chapel has been closed, and the Church dissolved. During that period the members have been scattered abroad, as sheep without a shepherd; but some, feeling unsettled and uncomfortable, determined to re-open the

H

* No dates are given.-Ed.

chapel, and again form themselves into a Church. Consequently arrangements were made, and on Tuesday evening, Dec. 19th, 1843, after suitable discourses by brethren Shore and Chamberlain, those who felt disposed to re-unite in the bonds of christian fellowship were formed into a Church. On the following Lord's-day the Lord's supper was administered by brother Shore, who then gave to each the right hand of fellowship. JOHN RAYNOR.

ANNIVERSARIES.

ARCHDEACON LANE, LEICESTER.-The seventh anniversary of the rebuilding of this chapel was celebrated in Christmas week. Sermons were preached on Sunday the 24th, by the Revs. Timothy East, of Birmingham, and Henry Toller, of Harborough, after which collections towards liquidating the debt still remaining were made, and amounted to the sum of £31 5s. On Monday evening a tea meeting was held in the same place, at which the above named, and several other ministers attended. More than eight hundred friends of the voluntary principle sat down to tea. During the evening, suitable addresses were delivered by the various ministers; and the Choral Society, who had kindly given their assistance, gratified the audience by the performance of a number of pieces, whieh were executed in good style. The evening was spent in a very pleasant manner, and the handsome sum of £52 7s. was realised from the proceeds, making, with the collection on the previous day, about £82 to be applied to the reduction of the debt.

BOURN.-The eighth anniversary of the opening of the General Baptist chapel at Bourn, was celebrated on Lord's day Sep. 17th, and the following day. The Rev. W. Butler, of Heptonstall Slack, preached morning and evening on the Sabbath, and the Rev. J. Kiddall, of Louth, delivered a discourse in the afternoon: Mr. Butler preached again on Monday evening.

On Monday evening a large assemblage of friends took tea together in the old chapel, after which addresses were delivered by several friends. The congregations were large, the services interesting, and the collections amounted to the liberal sum of more than £63. That the work of the Lord may appear to his servants in this place, and his glory unto their children; that the beauty of the Lord our God may be upon them, and establish the work of their hands upon them, is the earnest prayer of a FRIEND.

KIRTON, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.-On the 25th of December our respected friend, Mr. Wood of Mansfield, visited Kirton, and preached two eloquent and impressive ser

mons for the General Baptist Home Missionary Society. Collections, £2.

TEA-MEETINGS.

FRIAR LANE, LEICESTER.-On Thursday, Dec. 28th, 1843, a tea meeting was held to commemorate the twenty-second anniver. sary of the settlement of the Rev. S. Wigg, as pastor of this Church, when about 300 members of the Church and congregation sat down to tea. As early as possible after the removal of the tea, the friends assembled in the chapel, with an addition of about 200 to their numbers. The services of the evening commenced with singing and prayer, after which an interesting and affectionate address to Mr. Wigg, alluding to his lengthened connection with the Church, its vicissitudes, prosperity, &c,* was read by Mr. Wright, the senior deacon. The address being concluded, Mr. Wigg rose and replied to it in a manner which showed that the touching allusions it contained had found their way to his heart. The deep feeling which pervaded his remarks was caught by the meeting, and a spirit of the most cordial sympathy appeared to possess the assembly. An address from the teachers of the Sabbathschool followed, which likewise breathed the tenderest sentiments toward their pastor, and the lamented dead. When this bad been briefly replied to by Mr. Wigg, an invitation was given to any members of the Church who wished to express their feelings on the occasion. Brethren Wright, Harrison, Hawley, Lewitt, and Farrent, successively addressed the meeting, and in the interval between the speeches, the choir belonging to the place sang a variety of sacred pieces prepared for the occasion, which arrangement greatly contributed to the liveliness and interest of the meeting. Such was the gratification afforded to the friends of the cause, that an annual meeting of similar nature is contemplated. We hope they will carry out their design, feeling assured that such meetings greatly promote a spirit of unity and christian affection. J. F. F.

BRADFORD.-On Jan. 1st an interesting and profitable Church tea-party was held. After tea, were singing, prayer, and appro. priate addresses, from the pastor, two of the deacons, and two other members.

Psa. cxxxiii.

QUEENSHEAD.-On Christmas day an interesting tea-meeting was held in the General Baptist school room at this place, the special object of which was to raise money to pay for a trust deed for the new burying ground. The ladies in the neighbourhood generously furnished the trays gratuitously, which enabled us, after deducting necessary expenses, to realize the sum £11.

*This address is omitted for want of room.

BAPTISMS.

HEPTONSTALL SLACK. Interesting Services. On Monday, January 1st, we had an interesting day at this place. We had a meeting for fasting and prayer, a Churchmeeting, and a baptism; all of them very numerously attended. We baptized nineteen candidates, two of them were from the Wesleyan Methodists, and two from the Metho. dist Associationists, one of whom had been a travelling preacher for several years.

On Lord's-day the 7th, a sermon was de. livered on the subject of believers' baptism, and in the afternoon, the ordinance of the Lord's-supper was administered to a large assembly of communicants. What added to the interest of this day, was the circumstance of brother Sutcliffe's meeting with us for the last time, prior to his removal to Staley bridge.

W. BUTLER.

CRADELY HEATH.-On Lord's-day, Jan. 7th, three young men, the first-fruits of the Sabbath-school, were baptized. The chapel was well attended, the services unusually solemn and interesting. It is spoken of as the happiest of days. The congregations are increasingly good, and the prospects cheering.

YARMOUTH.-Seven persons were baptized here on Lord's day Jan. 7, 1844. Part of them are from the Sabbath-school. It is pleasing to add that the congregation is increasing, and the spirit of pure religion revives.

DERBY, SACHEVEREL STREET. On Lord's day, Jan. 7th, 1844, ten were added to our number by baptism. In the morning brother Burrows, of Alfreton, preached, from Psa. lxxii. 16; and Mr. Smith addressed the spectators, and baptized. In the evening Mr. Smith preached, from Acts xi. 23, and Mr. Burrows received the newly-baptized into the Church, and administered to us the Lord's supper. It was a delightful day both to ministers and people; many described it as the happiest Sabbath they ever passed. May the Lord still grant us peace and prosperity.

LEAKE.-On Lord's day, Dec. 17th, five persons were baptized in our chapel at Leake, on a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

PORTSEA.-On Lord's-day, Dec. 31st, nine persons were added to this Church by baptism.

NORWICH.-On Lord's-day Jan. 7. eight persons were received into this Church by baptism. It is pleasing to add the cause of religion is reviving.

LYNDHURST.-We had a baptism of three persons on Lord's-day, Dec. 31, 1843. "And the same was a high day."

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ENON CHAPEL, ST. MARY-LE-BONE.On Thursday evening, Nov. 30, 1843, five persons were immersed by our respected Pastor, after an appropriate address, delivered by brother Batey. The service was interesting and edifying.

INVITATIONS, REMOVALS, &c.

MR. JOHN SUTCLIFFE, of Heptonstall Slack, has been invited to become the minister at Staley Bridge. His labours commenced on Lord's day, Jan. 14th, 1844.

RESIGNATION OF REV. A. SMITH, OF QUORNDON.-At a special Church-meeting held Dec. 25th 1843, to take into consideration a letter from brother Adam Smith, stating, that on account of his feeble and precarious health, he found it neccessary to decline the pastoral office it was resolved unanimously:"That with submissive resignation to the will of Divine Providence, and with deep regret, we accede to the wish of brother Smith; and whilst we acknowledge with thankfulness the blessed effects resulting from the faithful ministry of our beloved pastor, to the Church and to the neigbourhood, during the last ten years, we offer sincere and fervent prayer for the speedy restoration of his health, that he may be able to resume his valuable ministerial labours.

MARKET HARBOROUGH.-Mr. Buckley* terminated his ministry at this place on Lord's-day, Dec. 3rd. The morning sermon was from that animating promise recorded Heb. xiii. 5. The Lord's-supper was administered in the afternoon. Tears flowed from the eyes of several while the pastor exhorted those who had been brought to the knowledge of the truth through his instrumentality, to stand fast in the Lord, and assured them, that, next to the success of his labors in India, nothing could give him greater joy than to hear that his children at Harborough walked in the truth. Mr. B. preached his farewell sermon in the evening, to a considerable congregation, from Rev. xxii. 21, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen." May he "who loved the Church, and gave himself for it," care for this people, and speedily direct them to a pastor after his own heart!

REV. T. H. HUDSON resigned his charge of the infant Church in Sheffield, Jan 7. Further particulars next month.

REVIVAL SERVICES, &C.

CLAYTON.-On Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 4th and 5th, 1843, Mr. Tunnicliffe visited Clayton, and preached in the evening of Monday, from Rev. xiv. 4, a funeral

* Mr. Buckley requests us to inform his friends, that his address is, Ibstock, near Ashby-de-laZouch, Leicestershire.

sermon for Sarah Rawnsley and Sarah Wilkinson, two young friends, who had been brought to give themselves to the Lord at one of his former visits, and who had died rejoicing in the Lord. At the close of the service, a numerously attended prayermeeting was held, when several were apparently brought into the liberty of the Gospel. On Tuesday morning, at seven o'clock, a prayer-meeting was held, and the presence of the Lord was with his people. In the afternoon the Church assembled, and our beloved brother gave us some very serious advice, and encouraged to perseverance in the good work. In the evening of Tuesday, he preached from Luke xvi., part of 26. The congregation was good, and seriousness seemed to pervade every breast. Another prayer-meeting was held in the body of the chapel, which was crowded, and the Lord poured out the spirit of prayer upon his people. On the following morning many tears were shed, when another prayer-meeting was held. May the im. pressions made upon saints and sinners at this delightful season not soon be forgotten! On Dec. 25th (Christmas day) we had the following profitable opportunities :-In the morning a special prayer-meeting, to return thanks to Almighty God for turning the captivity of his people during the past year; in the afternoon a fellowship meeting for the Church, and the numerous inquirers we have amongst us, was held. This was a delightful and happy meeting. In the evening another special prayer-meeting closed this interesting day, and all departed saying it had been the most delightful Christmas they had spent. D. C. J.

MIDNIGHT SERVICE, Enon Chapel.On the night of Lord's day, Dec. 31st, our minister, J. Burns, according to his custom in former years. delivered a sermon at halfpast ten o'clock, from the words of Jeremiah:

"The harvest is past," &c. Although that was the fifth service during the day, the chapel was completely filled, and we trust serious impressions were made on the minds of many.

LONGFORD.-Entire Liquidation of the Debt on the Chapel.-It had long been matter of deep lamentation, to the members and friends connected with Longford Chapel, that notwithstanding the repeated efforts to remove the incumbrance on our place of worship, it was still burdened with a debt of £140., and that, too, after the usual methods had been put into requisition. Our anniversary collection scarcely covered the interest. Under these circumstances, it became a subject of great anxiety, as to how, and by what means, we might raise the principal. One friend said, that if we would make a spirited effort, and raise the whole,

he would give us £5. to start with. The subject was laid before the Church, and a resolution unanimously passed, to clear away the whole of the debt, if possible, during the current year. A committee was ap

pointed, to carry the resolution into effect. On April, 17, we held our first public tea meeting for the object. Our respected Minister delivered a spirit-stirring address on the occasion, and was followed by other friends in a similar strain. After which, various sums were promised; this, with the On proceeds of the tea, amounted to £60. August 28, we held a second tea meeting, which was most numerously and respectably attended. The trays were again furnished gratuitously. The proceeds of this meeting, with the £60. previously received, together with what the Committee had obtained since the first meeting, amounted to the splendid sum of £103. This announcement was received with great delight. On Nov. 19, we had our last sermons, for the same object, Mr. E. Stevenson, of Loughborough, preached two appropriate sermons on the occasion. On the following day we had our closing Tea Meeting, which was thronged almost to suffocation.

In the evening, Mr. Shaw opened the service with prayer. The Secretary then gave an account of the whole of the amount now received, which was £131., leaving only £9. deficient. The plates were then handed about the Chapel. This was a moment of deep anxiety, and all seemed to feel it as such; at length the proceeds were counted, and there were found 2s. beyond what was required. Appropriate addresses were then delivered, by Messrs. Chapman, G. Betts, S. Bannister, and E. Stevenson. A hymn composed for the occasion was then sung, and with a thanksgiving prayer, we concluded these highly interesting services. Thus, in nine months, besides paying all regular demands, have we raised £140. "The people had a mind to work." To God be all the praise. J. W.

ACADEMY.

STUDENTS. Of the ten Students now in the Institution, there are two, Messrs. Orton and Lewitt, whose term of preparatory study expires at Midsummer next, unless the Committee prolong their stay in the Institution. There are also two others whose term expires in the course of twelve months.

COLLECTIONS for the Academy have recently been made,-At Archdeacon Lane, £9; at Loughborough, £8. 17s.; at Broad Street, £12; at Derby, £14; at Broughton, &c., £4. 15s.; at Ilkeston, £2. 10s.; at Knipton, £2. Is.; and at Hugglescote £4. 15s.; Wendover, £3 17s. 2d.; Praed Street, London, £16.

Jos. GOADBY, Secretary.

Baptists in Canada.-There are six associations of Baptists in Canada, comprising 106 Churches, 6432 members, of whom 1138 were baptized last year.

The Freewill Baptists in the United States, have 1165 Churches, 61,372 members. 10,684 were added last year.

Sectarian Education-The Church of England has raised £150,000 amongst its members for education. The Wesleyans propose to establish 700 schools in seven years, the cost of these will not be less than £200,000. The Independents propose to raise £100,000 in four years, about £20,000 has been already advanced. This is sectarian. Well, better so than not at all. The Baptist Union Committee have issued a circular urging the Churches to promote Education on the British system. The Baptists are most liberal; but may be led in self-defence to establish Baptist congregational schools. Be it so.

The Home Missionary Society (Indep.) has seventy-four missionaries, and employs seventyfour ministers as village preachers. It has 150 stations, and 512 out-stations. It has 247 chapels, and 415 licensed rooms. Its labors are carried on in 499 parishes; it conducts 218 Sunday-schools, and has 13,445 children.

The Evangelical Magazine has passed its jubilee. Its circulation is large. It has paid £12,000 to benevolent objects out of its profits. Its Editor seems alarmed at the Witness.

The Newspapers published in the United States amount to the amazing total of 800,000,000 annu ally while all in Great Britain and Ireland are 50,500,000. Surely Jonathan is fonder of news than John Bull.

Signs of the Times.-At a recent sale of news. papers in a Midland News Room, the Morning Chronicle secured a higher price than the Times; and the Sun and Globe more than the Post and Standard.

Apostolical Succession.-A Reverend Puseyite divine, finding himself unable to make a village dissenter understand the doctrine of apostolic succession, resorted to the following domestic illustration. Passing to the fire, he pointed to the upper crevice in the pot-hooks, and said, "Do you see this ?" "Yes." "This is God Almighty; this next hole is the twelve apostles; and the succeding one is those whom the apostles or. dained; and so on in succession." A humorous friend inquires, what it is which hangs on the hook after all?-Dr. Hook should hear this.

The Undertaker General.-We learn from the "Friend of India" that the car which brought the Somnauth gates to Agra is now employed as the station hearse! Well does the Editor remark, “To what base purposes may we return, Horatio!"

Ecclesiastical Establishments.-A series of Lectures against these antichristian Institutious has been delivered by London ministers, in the General Baptist chapel, Boro.' Road. The sub. jects have been well chosen. They have been reported in the Patriot.

Welsh Calvinistic Methodists -This body of Christians has 750 chapels, 134 ministers, 270 preachers, 1772 deacons, 59,358 members, and 107,152 persons in its schools.

Deaf and Dumb.-A chapel has been opened in London for this interesting class of worship. ers. The preaching can be understood by all.

The Free Church of Scotland propose to raise 50,000 for 500 schools. 120,000 have already been raised.

Napoleon's Heart was near to being devoured by a rat; having been taken by that animal from a vessel into which it was put by a British physician. The rat had actually dragged it to its own hole when interrupted!

Switzerland--Events in all the cantons, both Catholic and Protestant, indicate the speedy emancipation of the people from civil and religious thraldom.

The late Dr. Beckwith, of York, has left £25,000 to religious (?) and charitable uses; viz., £2,000 for bells for York Minister; 3,000 for Chapter house; £10,000 for Museum, &c. N.B. There are more people in York that cannot read now, than in 1826.

The Schools in the United States amount to 47.000; and are attended by 1,845,245 scholars.

The Established Church in the West Indies. -The free negroes in Demerara, and in Jamaica, &c., are taxed for the support of Episcopal clergyman, whose object is to oppress and uproot the religious freedom of the people. The Jamaica parliament is very violent against the Baptist missionaries The lovers of tyranny owe the liberators of the negro a grudge,

The Russian Autocrat has ordered the banishment of the Polish Jews situated within fifty wrests (thirty miles) from the Austrian or Prussian frontiers. This will expel some 500,000 persons from house and home! A paternal government is Russia !!

The Endowment of the Catholic Clergy by the state, is talked of as a probable whig measure. If the tithes remain, why not give them to the popish priesthood? We should then soon have the sons of peers, and our gentry, &c., conscientiously turning papists, and becoming bishops, &c. Two establishments will be dreadful.

Madagascar.-The English have taken possession of a magnificent port in this island. We hope this event will put down the martyrdoms of Christians in the island,

Criminality of Dissenters.-A morning paper having spoken of Dissent as generating bad passions, a dissenter has tested the statement by the criminal convictions. It appears, then, that for 3,474 church people, and 1,146 papists, there were eight Baptists!! Alas for the Post!

The Weather.-At the longest day in 1843, the thermometer was lower than on the shortest, by several degrees.

A vast deal of Corn in Bond has been destroyed, having been kept until it was unwholesome. Does the God of heaven approve of such a system?

The Marquis of Westminster, one of the wealthiest of men, has subscribed £500 to the League fund.

Apostates most bitter opponents.-The vicar of Huddersfield has commenced proceedings against some respectable Dissenters for Easter dues!! He charges them as communicants, two-pence per head! The Rev. vicar was once a nonconformist!

The Patriot approves of the proposed Conference of Dissenters, against state churches, and some of the Churchmen are alarmed about it, though they say, "Who fears ?"

The persecution of the Baptists in Denmark has been renewed with increased vigour. Their adherents increase! State Churches exist only to impede and persecute truth, and perpetuate corruption, worldliness, and formality. An established Church, is not an established blessing in any country.

The Established Religions of the British Government are various, viz., Episcopacy in England; Presbyterianism in Scotland; Popery in Lower Canada; Braminism in Hindostan; Bhudhism in Ceylon, where they are supported by the state. Alas, for state religions!

Fox Hunting Clergyman.-The Rev. W. Peel, brother to the premier, wished his own name to be coupled with "fox hunting," in a toast given at an agricultural dinner. The request was received with tremendous cheers, and "the Rev. William Peel, and fox-hunting" was drunk with due honors! So much for Peel.

A barelegged people are almost the whole of the 45,000,000 Russians, who might wear our stockings if their ports were open.

An Iron Church is about to be erected, in the commune of Hornu, near Brussels.