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.
* * * * *
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_.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
+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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
+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."
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
=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."
It is intended, Providence permitting, to hold the approaching Annual
Meeting of the Society at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street,
on Friday morning, the 19th instant. Breakfast at six o'clock, and the
chair to be taken at seven precisely. It is expected that the Rev.
William Thomas, of Limerick, one of the society's earliest agents, will
be present, and communicate to the meeting much interesting
intelligence.
On the previous Monday, the 15th instant, the claims of the society will
be advocated, at the Rev. J. E. Giles's chapel, Salters' Hall, by the
Rev. E. Steane, of Camberwell, who has kindly consented to preach the
Annual Sermon. Service to commence at half-past six in the evening.
* * * * *
_To the_ =Secretary=.
_Limerick, April 18th, 1835._
My dear Sir,
Having only returned to this from various places where I have been
visiting the schools and preaching as usual, and must go off in the
morning to preach at Castle Connell and O'Briens bridge, and trying to
grasp every thing, I have only time to write a few lines, and with them
send the readers' journals, as they must go off by the next post, to be
in time. I was much delighted with the Bristol and Keppel Street
Schools, which I have just seen, though in different directions. I trust
I was very useful at Ballycar, where a young lady, twenty years and two
months old, was called in a few hours into eternity, the niece of Major
Colpoys, and daughter of Alderman Abbott of Dublin; she died in the
Lord, and left several unquestionable testimonies.
Purged in the flood which flowed from Jesu's side,
She lived a Christian, and a Christian died.
I attended her funeral, and gave several lectures at Ballycar, which I
trust tended to instruct and comfort: several were much affected. I
wrote since a letter, which I hope may be accompanied with a blessing to
her amiable family in Dublin.
I have been since my return preaching at Castle Connell and at
Cloughjordan, and have been this week to Maththeal, to try to get a
place of our own in that town for preaching; it is much wanted, and it
is the next town (though poor and yet populous) in consequence to
Limerick in the county. Good Mr. Finch took me in his gig from Finchly,
there and back; I lectured there, and he gave me £3. for the Society,
and promised me another pound. He and his truly pious and worthy lady
treated me with great kindness.
Your's, &c.
=W. Thomas.=
* * * * *
_To the_ =Secretary=.
_Coolany, April 20th, 1835._
Dear Brother,
Notwithstanding all the opposition that is made to some of our schools
in this district, still there is every reason to believe that this
opposition is useless, and, instead of the enemy accomplishing what he
desires, it will by the blessing of God have a direct tendency to
further the object it wishes to suppress, and strengthen the cause it
aims to destroy. It appears to me that ignorance is already so far
removed from the bulk of the peasantry, that every attempt to keep them
from seeking instruction will prove a failure. It is evident to every
one that makes a little observation, education is removing ignorance;
and every attempt to stop its advancing progress will prove abortive,
and from whatever persons it may proceed, will expose them to infamy and
shame. However numerous may be our opposers, so long as we are pursuing
the welfare of man in accordance with the principles of divine truth,
whatever difficulties we may have to contend with, we need not be held
in suspense with regard to the issue. May it be our concern to pursue
our course in the spirit of Christians, then our feeble exertions will
have the approbation and blessing of God! "And who is he that will harm
you if ye be followers of that which is good?"
With this you will also receive the journals of the inspectors and
sabbath readers. I hope that the Lord is blessing their labours in
leading sinners to the knowledge of the truth, in promoting the
doctrines of the gospel, and the advancement of his own glory. Many of
the people are beginning to feel anxious to read the Scriptures for
themselves, and to feel the importance of taking them as their only
guide; and, whilst there are some that implicitly lean to the authority
of the priest, there are others who reject the traditions of men, and
claim the indisputable right of judging for themselves in matters that
relate to the salvation of the soul, and the glory of God.