Part 6

8. That with such various grievances, urgent and unredressed--and regarding the dispositions manifested, by high ecclesiastical authorities and parties proud in rank and power, to agitate the people and the parliament by alarms for the Established Church, and to resist even the reasonable concessions so justly required--and believing that a crisis has arrived or is approaching, on which the early triumph or temporary retrogression of the rights of conscience may depend--=this Meeting= would urgently invoke Dissenters and Methodists, and all friends to liberal principles, throughout the empire, to be up and stirring--to prepare for new strifes and elections--to nominate and the return to the House of Commons only such Representatives as will vindicate those rights firmly and with zeal--and to afford to the present Administration the countenance and cooperation merited by their sacrifices and efforts for Freedom and Reform, and which may enable them to do justice to Ireland and Great Britain, by promptly correcting every ecclesiastical and corporation abuse.--And that =this Meeting= regard with decided approbation and gratitude the strenuous efforts now making in and out of Parliament to remove the taxes upon knowledge, satisfied that there is no greater obstacle than such taxes to religious liberty, as well as to religious instruction.

9. That the following ministers and gentlemen of different denominations constitute the Committee of the Society, with power to add to their numbers, and appoint all other officers:

Rev. F. A. Cox, LL. D. ---- W. B. Collyer, D.D. F.A.S. ---- George Collison ---- Alexander Fletcher, A.M. ---- Thomas Jackson ---- Thomas Lewis ---- John Morison, D.D. ---- Thomas Russell, A.M. Mr. Edward Ashby William Bateman, Esq. James Esdaile, Esq. Martin Prior, Esq. Thomas Wilson, Esq. Matthew Wood, Esq. M.P. John Wilks, Esq. M.P. James Young, Esq.

That cordial thanks be rendered to those by whom the duties of the office have heretofore been fulfilled--and that James B. Brown, Esq., LL. D., be requested to become Treasurer to this Institution.

10. That the Meeting avail themselves gladly of another opportunity to reiterate their grateful expressions to John Wilks, Esq., M.P., the Honorary Secretary of the Society from the formation, for the zeal and prudence he has displayed--and for the devotedness and ability with which he has often resisted intolerance and persecution, and struggled for that vital and glorious liberty, to which he has long proved himself to be entirely attached.

11. That the Society cheerfully offer their acknowledgments to those members of the Legislature who have presented their petitions and laboured on their behalf; and hailing with gratification the presence at this Meeting of =Joseph Brotherton=, Esq., M. P., =William Ewart=, Esq., M. P., =Daniel Whittle Harvey=, Esq., M. P., =Charles Lushington=, Esq., M. P., =Daniel O'Connell=, Esq., M. P., =Richard Potter=, Esq., M. P., =Joseph Scholefield=, Esq., M. P., =T. Thornely=, Esq., M.P., and =Matthew Wood=, Esq., M.P., they hope during future efforts to receive their unabated support.

12. That this Meeting are also rejoiced by the presence of the Rev. Dr. Codman, the Rev. Dr. Humphrey, the Rev. Dr. Spring, and the Rev. Mr. Baird from America--and congratulate them and the world on the proofs supplied by their interesting, enlightened, and prosperous country in favour of the voluntary principle in matters of religion, and which demonstrate that her grace and glories may be well and widely diffused without alliance to the State.

BROUGHAM, (Chairman.)

13. That =this Society=, who have hailed as Chairmen at preceding Anniversaries some of the most distinguished Royal and Noble advocates for Civil and Religious Liberty, feel peculiar pleasure in expressing their gratitude and delight that =the Rt. Hon. Lord Brougham= has presided at their Meeting this day. Assured of the cordiality and success with which for many years, he has dedicated his intellect, eloquence, and vast attainments, to the cause of Education--to the abolition of Slavery--to the accomplishment of legal, corporate, and public reforms--and to the general amelioration of his country and the world--=the Meeting= are cheered by the interest he has manifested in the claims and wrongs of the hundreds of thousands of their countrymen whom they represent--and anticipate from the powerful support he can supply that ere long victory will smile on their efforts, and that knowledge, truth, and liberty will for ever prevail.

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THE LEICESTERSHIRE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

The Baptist churches in Leicestershire, formerly connected with the Northamptonshire Association, which embraced most of the churches in the counties of Derby, Rutland, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln, Buckingham, Bedford, and Northampton, impressed with a conviction that its efficiency was considerably impaired by its extent, thought it desirable to form a separate Association, which should be more limited in its range, and more definite end concentrated in its efforts.

In pursuance of this object, a meeting of ministers and deacons, with their friends, was convened in the school-room of the Harvey Lane chapel, Leicester, on Monday, November the 10th, 1834; when the following resolutions were unanimously passed:--

1. That the churches of the Calvinistic Baptist denomination, assembling at Arnsby, Appleby, Husband's-Bosworth, Loughborough, Harvey-Lane, Leicester, Monk's-Kirby, Oadby, Sheepshead, and Sutton-in-the-Elms, do now form themselves into a Union, to be called "=The Leicestershire Baptist Association=."

2. That the great design of this Union be the promotion of the kingdom of Jesus Christ; by holding meetings for mutual exhortation and united prayer;--by affording opportunities for the cultivation of brotherly love between the ministers and members of the several churches; by endeavouring to advance the cause of the Redeemer throughout the county.

3. That this Association hold its meetings twice a year--on the Tuesday in Easter week, and on the first Tuesday in November: and that they be holden at each place connected with the Union in its turn; each minister being expected to preach in his course. And that at the Spring meeting a report of the state of the churches be received, and the business of the Association transacted.

4. That with a view to the relief of cases of ministerial distress, to assist in carrying the gospel into neglected villages, and to defray the necessary expenses of the Association, a fund be established, sustained by collections at the half-yearly meetings, as well as by private subscriptions. And that a Committee of Management be formed, composed of the ministers and deacons of the churches.

5. That all churches in the county or its vicinity, wishing to unite with the Leicestershire Association, be requested to convey their sentiments, either by letter or otherwise, through some member of the Union, at one of its regular meetings; and that such applications be attended to without delay.

6. That Mr. New, of Arnsby, be requested to act as Secretary, and Mr. C. B. Robinson, of Leicester, as Treasurer, for the first year; and that the Secretary be desired to give a fortnight's notice of each meeting to the ministers or deacons of the churches.

The Association held its first meeting at Arnsby, on Easter Tuesday, April 21. The services commenced, in the morning, at half-past ten o'clock, when communications were received from different churches; in the afternoon Mr. Aveline, of Loughborough, preached from Acts xvi. 5, "_On the present state of religion in the churches, and the best means of promoting its improvement:_" in the evening Mr. Mursell, of Leicester, preached from 1 Cor. xv. 24. The services were numerously attended, and left a very gratifying impression; from which it is hoped, that the Union may be productive of considerable good.

The next meeting of the Association will be held at the Harvey Lane chapel, Leicester, on the first Tuesday in November.

It is to be regretted that, from some misunderstanding, no numerical report was received from many of the churches; consequently, the results of the past year cannot be accurately recorded.

=J. New=, _Secretary_.

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WELLS, SOMERSETSHIRE.

The following important and interesting case of the Baptist Church in the city of Wells, is respectfully submitted to the consideration of the friends of Zion.

In the year 1814 a few persons, desirous of advancing the cause of Christ in this populous city, opened a room for the preaching of the gospel, which, being well attended, led to the purchase of some freehold property, that was converted into a chapel and burial-ground, the cost of which was £540. This case received the sanction of the ministers in the neighbourhood, among whom were the Rev. Messrs. Ryland, Roberts, Murch, Saunders, and Tidman.

Subsequent to the removal of the first minister, the Rev. J. P. Mursell fixed his residence among them, and it pleased the great Head of the Church to bless his labours to such a pre-eminent degree, that it became absolutely necessary to build the present commodious chapel, which was opened in October, 1827, by the Rev. Robert Hall.

The cause, from that period, has been growing, until the Rev. Mr. Groser, their late pastor, embraced the _sentiments_ of Mr. Irving, and renounced _believers' baptism_. Having given up his pastoral office over this church, and opened another place of worship in the city, many of the church and congregation followed him, which has placed this once flourishing interest in peculiar difficulties with regard to the finances. The sum expended in building the present chapel, including the debt remaining on the first purchase, is as follows:--

Purchase, Building, &c. 1190 15 7 Subscriptions and Contributions 890 15 7 ---------- Balance due 300 0 0 ----------

The ministers in the neighbourhood have kindly afforded their aid, and view this interest as one of no ordinary importance, since it presents an extensive field for the exercise of genuine benevolence. The deacons and friends, having the fullest confidence in the liberality of the Christian public, respectfully solicit _early donations_, that they may be freed from the payment of interest money, by the present debt being liquidated, and thereby be enabled to give all their support to a faithful minister of the everlasting gospel. This hope is greatly strengthened by the consideration, that, through the blessing of God, the congregation is increasing, and the prayer-meetings are well attended. The following ministers will cheerfully receive contributions for the above case:--Rev. S. Summers, T. S. Crisp, and T. Winter, Bristol; J. Jackson, Bath; T. Clarke, Paulton, near Bath; J. Mason, Norton St. Philip's, near Bath; J. P. Mursell, Leicester; T. Price, London; J. S. Bunce, Devizes; W. Jones, and J. Dyer, Frome; and Mr. C. Tyte, Watchmaker, Wells.

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CHAPELS OPENED.

KEYNSHAM, NEAR BRISTOL.

In the autumn of the last year it was found necessary to take down the old meeting-house, its dilapidated state having rendered it unsafe to worship in. A new one is erected on the same site, the internal arrangements of which are much more commodious than those of the former. It was opened for Divine worship on Tuesday, the 21st of April; on which occasion, Mr. Summers, of Broadmead, Bristol, preached in the morning, from 1 Cor. xiii. 12; Mr. Winter, of Counterslip, Bristol, in the afternoon, from Matt. xiii. 16, 17; and Mr. Lucy, of Lady Huntingdon's, Bristol, in the evening, from 1 Pet. iii. 18. The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. John Jackson and James Jackson, of Bath, Probert, of Bristol, and Fuller, of Hallen; Mr. Ayres, the pastor of the church, closing the services of the day with prayer and thanksgiving. The collection amounted to £32. The whole cost will be £700; about £300 remaining yet to be liquidated. The church and congregation, by no means opulent, have exerted themselves to the utmost, and would feel particularly grateful for such assistance from their Christian brethren as should render it unnecessary for their pastor to leave them for the purpose of soliciting contributions. They trust this new period in their history will be the commencement of a brighter day than any which has yet dawned upon them.

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THOVERTON, DEVON.

A new Baptist chapel was opened for Divine worship at Thoverton, October 2nd, 1834; when the Rev. S. Nicholson, of Plymouth, preached in the morning; and the Rev. J. Baynes, of Wellington, in the evening. Mr. Hoskins, minister of the place, was publicly ordained and recognized as pastor of the church in the afternoon, when the Rev. P. Anstie, of Exeter, described the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. S. S. Hatch, of Honiton, asked the usual questions; the Rev. C. Sharp offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Payne (Indep.), of the Western Academy, gave the charge; the Rev. Messrs. W. Blaudy (Indep.), C. Bushby, and R. Pyne, took part in the devotional services, which were numerously and respectably attended. This neat and substantial chapel, measuring 49ft. by 32ft., including two school-rooms, a small burying-ground, and expenses of writings, &c., cost only £480. Nearly one-third of the amount has been already obtained; for the remainder Mr. Hoskin is now soliciting the Christian public. The previous destitute state of this neighbourhood, and its present promising appearance, give it peculiar claims on their attention.

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SHREWTON, WILTS.

A new chapel was opened at Shrewton, Wilts, November 20, 1834. The Rev. P. Saffery, of Salisbury, was to have preached the morning sermon, but in consequence of illness, his place was kindly supplied by the Rev. C. Williams, Independent minister of Salisbury. The afternoon and evening sermons were preached by the Rev. Messrs. Day, of Wincanton, and Winter, of Bristol.

The services were interesting and impressive. The pastor of the church at Shrewton, the Rev. J. Gunning, is about to appeal to the Christian public to aid his poor but zealous flock in liquidating the debt which remains on their new place of worship; and it is hoped that he will meet with kind and liberal encouragement.

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HATHERLEIGH, DEVON.

On Thursday, the 12th of March last, the new Baptist chapel at Hatherleigh, Devon, was opened for Divine worship. In the morning, brother Veysey, of Torrington, read and prayed; and brother Nicholson, of Plymouth, preached from Matt. xiii. 33; and brother Pyne, of Bideford, closed in prayer. In the afternoon, brother Pyne read and prayed; and brother May, of Croyde, preached from Acts viii. 5. In the evening brother Pulsford, of Torrington, read and prayed; and brother Nicholson preached from John vi. 37, 38, and closed in prayer. Though the rain was tremendous all the forenoon, yet the place was crowded, and great numbers were prevented coming by the waters which overflowed the roads. This is a cause commenced by the Baptist friends of Torrington, and at present promises to be successful, far beyond the most sanguine expectations of its warmest friends.

A gallery appears to be much needed already. May the friends of the Redeemer be ready cheerfully to aid this poor but pious people in this good and very desirable work! The present erection is 45ft. by 28ft., and has cost about £300., of which not more than £50. has been raised. Here is a fine field for a home missionary. If a holy, active man could be placed there, there is good ground to expect a most abundant harvest.

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+ORDINATIONS.+

CHATHAM, KENT.

On Thursday, February 26th, the Rev. F. Overbury was publicly recognized as the pastor of the Baptist church meeting in Providence Chapel, Chatham. The Rev. R. W. Overbury, of London, commenced the service with reading and prayer. The Rev. T. Price, of Devonshire Square, delivered the introductory discourse, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Overbury's confession of faith. The Rev. W. G. Lewis, of Chatham, offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. W. H. Murch, president of Stepney College, gave the charge, from Col. i. 7; and the Rev. J. Smith, of London, preached to the people, from Phil. i. 27. The Rev. P. Thompson, A.M. (Indep.), concluded the interesting service with prayer.

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ARTILLERY-STREET, LONDON.

On Wednesday, May 20, the Rev. C. Bathurst Woodman was publicly recognized as the pastor of the church assembling in Artillery-street, Bishopsgate without. The Rev. J. B. Shenston commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; Rev. N. M. Harry, of Broad-street, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Belcher asked the usual questions; the Rev. A. Tidman, of Barbican, offered the designation prayer; and the Rev. J. E. Giles, of Salters' Hall, delivered the charge to the minister.

On the following evening, the Rev. T. Price, of Devonshire Square, preached to the people; the Rev. Messrs. Murch, president of Stepney College, Davies, of Aldermanbury, Peacock, of Spencer Place, &c., conducted the other parts of the service. The interest of the meeting on Wednesday was greatly increased by the presence of the venerable Isaiah Birt, who, though too ill to officiate, attended for the purpose of expressing his deep and affectionate interest in the welfare of his young friend, Mr. Woodman, and of the church assembling in Artillery-street chapel.

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EVESHAM, WORCESTERSHIRE.

The Rev. J. Blakeman, late of Crayford, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the Second Baptist Church, Evesham, Worcestershire (late Rev. C. Room, removed to New Park Street, London), and entered on his stated pastoral labours the first Sabbath in April last.

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DEPUTATION TO AMERICA.

The Secretaries of the Baptist Union have received a letter from Dr. Cox and Mr. Hoby, dated New York, April 15. We are happy to learn that our esteemed brethen reached the shores of America the preceding day in safety, and were then preparing to enter upon their arduous duty.

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+NOTICES.+

The first Meeting of the East Kent Particular Baptist Association will be held (Providence permitting) at Dover, on Tuesday and Wednesday, June the 9th and 10th. The brethren, T. Cramp, of St. Peter's, and Steadman, of Ramsgate, to preach. On Wednesday evening a public meeting will be held, in order to form an Auxiliary Baptist Misssionary Society for East Kent and its neighbourhood. The Rev. Eustace Carey is expected to be present.

* * * * *

The Annual Meeting of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Association of Baptist churches will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Whitsun week, in George-street chapel, Manchester. Brethren Godwin, Steadman, of Bradford, and Stephens, are to preach. In case of failure, brethren Acworth, of Leeds, Harbottle, of Accrington, and Larom.

Accommodation will be provided for such friends as may come from a distance.

* * * * *

The annual meeting of the Bristol Education Society will take place on Thursday, the 11th of June instant, at the vestry of Broadmead meeting, Bristol. The sermon will be preached by the Rev. James Acworth, of Leeds, at Broadmead meeting, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon.

* * * * *

The Annual Meeting of the =Baptist Union= will be held at New Park Street chapel, on Wednesday morning, June 17. Breakfast at six o'clock. The chair to be taken precisely at seven.

A preparatory meeting of the ministers and representatives will be held at Salters' Hall chapel, on Monday, June 15th, precisely at five o'clock in the afternoon; when it is earnestly hoped the brethren, especially those from the country, will attend.

* * * * *

The annual sermon for the Baptist Building Fund will be preached by the Rev. J. J. Davies, of Tottenham, on Sunday evening, June 14th, at Maze Pond chapel. Service to commence at half-past six.

The annual meeting will be held on Monday evening, June 22nd, at Eagle-street chapel, Red Lion Square; the chair to be taken by Joseph Fletcher, Esq., at half-past six.

RECENT DEATHS.

MRS. MARY MIDDLETON.

Died, on the 16th of April, in the eighty-fifth year of her age, Mary, relict of the Rev. J. D. Middleton, the first pastor of the Baptist church, Lewes, Sussex. For upwards of fifty years she honourably sustained the Christian character, and "came to her grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season."

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MR. NICHOLAS MEHL.

Died, on May 2nd, 1835, Mr. Nicholas Mehl, of Chiswick, a deacon of the Baptist church at Hammersmith, in his 82nd year. He was a native of Strasburg, in Germany, and left that country for England at the age of 19; was baptized by the Rev. J. Uppadine in the year 1806. He was one of the warmest friends to the Baptist cause at Hammersmith, and his unassuming simplicity of manners, purity of conduct, and marked benevolence of character, made him beloved by all who knew him. It may, with truth, be said, he devoted his time to the cause of God, paid much attention to the poor, and in promoting their comfort seemed to find his own happiness. May his aged widow, and the church with whom he has been so long connected, trace his footsteps, and follow him as far as he followed Christ. His remains were deposited in the vault beneath the school-room, attached to the Baptist meeting-house, on Thursday, the 7th of May, there to repose until the resurrection morn. The Rev. J. Uppadine improved his removal the following Sabbath morning, from Rev. vii. 14, to the end.

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THE REV. SAMUEL SAUNDERS.

On Tuesday morning, May 19, at half-past one o'clock, died, suddenly, of a fit of apoplexy, in the 56th year of his age, the Rev. Samuel Saunders, for nine years pastor of the Baptist church assembling in Byrom-street, Liverpool. By this sudden and painful stroke the church is clad in mourning, and a deep and solemn impression is made in the town at large. A memoir of the deceased may soon be expected.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

_Just Published._

The Just Cause; or, the Claims of the Dissenters Expounded, and their Conduct Vindicated.

An Appeal to the Legislature and the Nation, upon the unconstitutional Character and irreligious Tendency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment, united with the Civil Government. By A. Z.

Strict Communion Vindicated. An Answer to the Question, "Why are you a Strict Baptist?" By John Bane, minister of the Gospel, Aylsham.

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=Errata.=--In our last number, at page 185, for "tracts" of Elias Hicks, read "tenets." And in p. 186, after "bold," read "that of" the Apologist.

IRISH CHRONICLE.

JUNE, 1835.

An esteemed correspondent, in forwarding recently a valuable contribution to the funds of the Baptist Irish Society, most justly remarks, "The Society has walked, perhaps more than any other, 'by faith, and not by sight.'" And, perhaps, whatever difficulties may have attended its walk, no society has received greater encouragement calmly to pursue "the even tenor of its way," or to "walk by the same rule," and to "mind the same thing." At the same time, it may not be improper to remind the considerate and generous benefactors of the institution, that "the administration of this service not only supplieth the wants of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God."