but interesting account of the formation of the new church at Brad ord. In these transactions, we discover how dissenting churches might be "multiplied;" if their ministers and members walked "in the fear of the Lord and the comforts of the Holy Ghost." The conduct of Dr. Steadman, and his people, furnish an exemplary instance of Christian zeal, creditable to themselves, and worthy of being universally imitated. SIR, THE pages of your miscellany recorded, a few months since, the opening of a new chapel in Bradford, Yorkshire. It may be gratifying to some of your readers, to be informed of the measures which have since been adopted, in pursuance of the original design of its erection. And, as there are some peculiarities connected with this case of rather an interesting nature, perhaps a more detailed account than is usual may not be deemed super fluous. On Wednesday, October 27, 1824, a public meeting was held in the above chapel, for the purpose of forming a church and recognizing a pastor. The Rev. J. Acworth, M. A. of Leeds, read the scriptures and prayed. The Rev. I. Birt of Manchester then stated the object of the meeting, and explained the nature of a gospel church; after which, at his request, the following application to the original church for a dismission, was read. "To the baptized church of Jesus Christ meeting in Westgate, Bradford, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Steadman, grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you abundantly through our Lord Jesus Christ: "DEAR BRETHREN, -The period is now arrived to which we have all been looking forward with the greatest interest. God has heard our prayers for the increase and prosperity of this church, and has said to us, in a manner very distinct and intelligible,Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtain of thine habitation.' We have seen the population of this town and neighbourhood rapidly increase, the labours of our pastor greatly blessed, our numbers, as a church, greatly augmented, and our place of worship filled. Impressed with a sense of duty to do something more for the eternal welfare of our fellow-creatures and fellow townsmen, to attempt something farther for the extension of our Redeemer's kingdom, we have, with the assistance of many valuable friends, erected another place of worship. We have seen the foundation laid, and the top stone brought forth, with gratitude; and on the 5th of May last, the place was publicly opened for divine worship under very favourable auspices; since which time, the word has been regularly and acceptably dispensed by our esteemed brother, B. Godwin, to a very interesting congregation, a great proportion of which are young people, many of whom have voluntarily come forward to assist in teaching the children in the Sunday school, of whom there are already upwards of two hundred. The blessing of God has, we trust, attended the ministry of the gospel; several are enquiring the way to Zion, and some are ready to make a public profession of the Saviour's name. Since it has been unanimously brethren that it is resolved by our desirable that a church be formed in our new place of worship, we, the undersigned members, who have, for the since its opening; have, after serious demost part, regularly attended there request our dismission from you to form liberation and earnest prayer, agreed to a new church, that we may, with greater effect, pursue the important object we have in view. In making this request we have no doubt, but the desire is equally felt both by you and us to remain, as we always have been, closely united in the bonds of brotherly affection. The cause in which we are engaged is the same, our object is the same, though distinct as societies, we shall, we trust, ever feel one in heart; nor can we see a con⚫ nection dissolved which has been produc tive of so much happiness and spiritual advantage, without expressing our warmest affection for our beloved pastor, whose zeal and disinterestedness throughout the whole business, have only increased our regard. It is, also, a canse of unspeakable satisfaction to us, that every step of the procedure has been marked by so complete an unanimity of opinion and feeling, and so fervent a spirit of prayer. We conclude, by making our request, that we whose names are undersigned, may be dismissed from the church, in order, with all convenient speed, to form a new church in the place of worship lately erected in Bridge-street, Bradford. And now, brethren, allow us to request your continued supplications, that the presence and blessings of our God may ever be with us, that we may be steadfast, immoveable, always abound. ing in the work of the Lord, that the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation." (Signed by twenty-three members.) Vestry, Sion Chapel, Bradford, September 30, 1824. After which, the dismission was read as follows. "To their beloved brethren and sisters above mentioned. The church of Jesus Christ baptized upon a profession of faith, assembling in Westgate, in the town of Bradford, in the county of York, sends Christian salutation: VERY DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS,"In compliance with your request signified in your letter now before us, we hereby dismiss you from our communion, with a view to accomplish the object specified in your application to us-that of forming a Baptist Church, which shall assemble for divine worship at the newlyerected place in Bridge-street, in this town; an object which lies as near our hearts, as it does near to yours. And we take this opportunity of expressing our most decided, and most cordial approbation of all the steps that have been taken, from the commencement of the undertaking in which you are engaged, both in the erection of the building, and in all the subsequent measures pursued, where by the undertaking has been conducted to its present stage. We desire to tender our service, and our warmest thanksgivings to our Lord and yours, that he has condescended to succeed and to honour us to such a degree, as to make us the means of planting another church in this increasingly populous town, founded on those principles, which, we are fully persuaded, are most conformable to his mind and will. Instead, therefore, of feeling regret, we dismiss you with joy; and, instead of our esteem and affection towards you being lessened, we feel them increased, by your embarking so zealously in a cause from which so much honour is likely to redound to our adorable Redeemer; and so much good to accrue to our immortal fellow-creatures. We are gratified with the expressions of your love and esteem for us, and our pastor; and we assure you of the continuance of our regard for you. We hope we shall ever feel a lively interest in your welfare; shall always sympathize with you in your trials; and shall be ready at all times to render every assistance in our power, when such an assistance may be needed. Though two churches, we trust that, by the grace of God, we shall ever be one in heart and in design, and always co-operate with the greatest cheerfulness in whatever may contribute to our mutual good, and to the advancement in the world of the kingdom of our adorable, our common, our much-loved Lord. We desire, also, to express our thankfulness, that God has provided you with a pastor, in the person of our beloved brother Godwin, whose labours have proved so acceptable among you, and VOL. XVII. before whom such encouraging prospects of usefulness open; and we earnestly pray, that he may be enabled to labour successfully for years to come, and that you may ever profit by his ministry, and esteem him highly in love for his work's sake. And now, brethren, we commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. Pray for us, and rest assured, that we shall ever pray for you. And remain, beloved brethren and sisters, Yours in our common Lord, Signed by the pastor and members, at our church meeting, Oct. 10, 1824.” The dismission of Mr. and Mrs. Godwin from the church at Great Missenden, Bucks. was also read. The persons who all sitting together in the table-pew, then were about to unite in church-fellowship, rose up, at Mr. Birt's request, to signify their intentions, and, having given each other the right hand of fellowship, were church. One of the members, on behalf then recognized as a distinct Christianof the rest, then declared their unanimous choice of Bro. Godwin,to be their Pastor, who signified his acceptance of their invitation. The Rev. J. Trickett, of Bramley, then implored a blessing on the union which had taken place. And after singing, the Rev. Dr. Steadman preached from Acts xii. 24. The Rev. J. Allison of Idle, then concluded in prayer. In the evening, public service was commenced by singing; after which, the Rev. W. Bottomley, of Bingley, engaged in prayer. Dr. Steadman then delivered an choice of three persons to that office was address on the office of deacons, and the signified by one of the members on behalf of the church. After which, prayer was offered by Dr. Steadman, with imposition of hands. The Rev. J. Mann, M. A. of Shipley, then preached from Micah iv. 1,2; and Mr. Godwin closed by prayer the interesting services of a day which will long be remembered. Since the above period, the church has and the school have increased: ten have gone on prosperously. The congregation been added by baptism, and several more are expected. The most undiminished harmony subsists between them and the church from which they sprang; which is likely, in a little time, to have as many additions as will equal the number of those who have been dismissed. Both churches rejoice in the prosperity of Zion, and unite in devoutly acknowledging that "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." M CASE OF DISTRESS. gate of the subscriptions will warrant ; A Menonite Baptist Minister from and, as a considerable number of cases Prussia, the Rev. Benjamin Jantz, in pe-mittee are particularly desirous that those have already been presented, the Com culiarly distressing circumstances, is now in London, who is come to England for the purpose of soliciting some pecuniary assistance from such of our friends as have the means of relieving so interesting a people as the Menonites. This case comes well recommended, not only from the people with which he is immediately connected, but from other respectable persons on the Continent, who are willing and disposed to assist him to the utmost of their power, in conjunction with the friends in England. Christian friends who favour the design, would signify the amount of their intended subscriptions as soon as possible to the Secretary, Rev. James Hargreaves, 6, Fen-court, or to any member of the Committee. It is very probable that, notwithstanding the anxiety of the Com mittee to circulate their addresses as generally as possible among the contributors, some names may have been unintentionally omitted, in which case a line, as above, would be esteemed an additional favour, and all information respecting the Society promptly furnished. It is hoped that a statement of the Cases assisted in April, will be inserted in your Magazine for June. Feb. 14, 1825. J. H. Mr. Jantz expected, on coming to England, to meet with the Rev. W. H. Angas, with whom he became acquainted, in Mr. Angas's late tour among the Menonite Baptists, who, no doubt, would have espoused his cause, to introduce his distressing case to the religious public at large; but Mr. Angas is recently returned to the Continent; he has been written to Loss of a valuable Manuscript of the on the subject, and a reply is every day expected, which reply is deemed desirable previously to any application being made on behalf of Mr. J.. This valuable and useful labourer in the Lord's vineyard has been a gratuitous pastor for fifteen years, of a poor flock, consisting of nearly two hundred members: over which the great Head of the Church has made him overseer. He has been engaged in trade to a considerable extent, for the maintenance of his family, and the assistance of his people; but the depressed state of property and trade in Prussia has been the cause of Iris losses, and consequent distress of his family, and many of his pastoral charge. Mr. Jantz labours under the great dis advantage of not being able to speak the English language. London Baptist Building Fund. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. DEAR SIR, Many of your readers will be gratified to learn, that the London Baptist Building Fund meets with very general encouragement. Though the Committee have not yet ascertained the result of many of their applications, and find it, indeed, a matter of considerable difficulty to procure an accurate list of those friends who have been usually contributors to Country Cases, yet the amount of subscriptions already is nearly £800. According to the rules of the Society, a quarterly distribution will be made in April next, to such amount as the aggre late Rev. A. Fuller. By the late firé at Bristol, which consumed the printing-office of Mr. J. Fuller, we regret to learn, that a manuscript written by his late revered father, contain ing Expository Remarks on the Book of Job, was destroyed: as also 100 Volumes of his printed works. Nearly the whole edition, too, of Dr. Ryland's Manual, entitled "Christianæ Militia Viaticum," and a new edition of the Sermons of the late Rev. Mr. Toller. Mr. Fuller was insured to nearly the extent of his pecuniary loss; but the loss of the manuscript, which he had intended to publish, is ir reparable. ORDINATIONS, &c. CUBBERLEY, NEAR CHELTENHAM. On the of 29th August, 1823, a small Meeting-house, for divine worship, was opened, and the Rev. Messrs. Brown and and Jenkyn Thomas, of Cheltenham; White of Cirencester, preached to numerous congregations. The gospel was first introduced to this village by Mr. Thomas Davis, a labori ous itinerant, under peculiar circumstances. An individual in London sent him a parcel of tracts, with an injunction that they should not be distributed in any of the villages where he had previously distributed tracts; this induced him to explore Cubberley, about five miles from his abode, and he went with exhor tations from house to house with his tracts. The following week, two or three persons came from Cubberley to a neighbouring village, where Mr. Davis preached. The number increased in the following weeks; and, at length they asked him to preach at their village. This he agreed to do, and after a few months, a kind individual offered a piece of freehold land for a meeting-house; and another offered to make the conveyance and trustdeed gratuitously: as there were symptoms of good being done, and as there was a populous neighbourhood, it was accepted; and Mr. Davis undertook the erection of a meeting-house. The place cost altogether about £180, of which the sum of £21 17s. 6d. only now remains unpaid; and, as our esteemed friend Davis has travelled several hundred miles already, the friends confidently hope, by this appeal to a benevolent public, that his useful time may be spared from again travelling to get up the remainder, as he must necessarily go to a considerable distance; and as he preaches in five dark villages, great part of them must be destitute whilst he is absent. Subscriptions will be thankfully received by the Rev. John Brown, and the Rev. Jenkyn Thomas, Cheltenham; the Rev. D. White, Cirencester; Mr. T. P. Ross, Attorney, Chalford Hill; Thomas Thompson, Esq. Brixton Hill; or Mr. Ross, Attorney, No. 3, New Inn, or at Hammersmith. ON November 4, 1824, Mr. C. Morrell was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Malton, Yorkshire. Mr. M'Pherson, of Hull, commenced the services by reading and prayer; Mr. Harness, of Burlington, stated the nature of a gospel church, asked, of the church and their minister, the usual questions, and received their answers. Dr. Steadman, of Bradford, offered up the ordination prayer, and delivered an affectionate charge, from 2 Tim. iv. 5: Mr. Normanton, of Driffield, concluded with prayer. The services of the afternoon were commenced by Mr. Hithersay, of Hunmanby; Mr. Thonger, of Hull, preached to the church from 1 Thess. iii. 8; and Mr. Foster, of Scarborough, concluded: Dr. Steadman preached again in the evening. The Baptist interest at Malton is yet in its infancy. The agents of the Itinerant Society, a few years ago, perceiving the supply of the means of grace to be vastly disproportionate to the number of inhabitants, commenced their exertions in this place, which, attended with the blessing of God, have resulted in the formation of this interest. The church is yet small, but is receiving frequent additions. In connection with the above services, a new Chapel was opened for divine worship, which is well attended. After the most strenuous local exertions, a considerable debt yet remains, for the liquidation of which an appeal must be made to the benevolence of the religious public. Ordination of the Rev. B. Fuller, at Harston, Cambridgeshire. MR. B. Fuller, late student of the Bristol Education Society, was, on Thursday, November 11th, 1824, publicly recognized as the pastor of the Baptist Church at Harston, Cambridgeshire. Mr. Drake, of Cambridge, commenced the interesting services of the day by reading and prayer; Mr. Compton, of Isleham, gave a concise and judicious account of a Christian church, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Fuller's confession of faith; Mr. Hopkins, of Linton, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Edmonds, of Cambridge, gave a very affectionate and most impressive charge. Mr. Wilkinson, of Walden, addressed the people with much affection and ardour; Mr. Pepper, of Melbourn, gave out the hymns; Mr. Pyne, of Duxford, concluded by prayer; and Mr. Thodey, of Cambridge, preached in the evening of the day. The services of the day were highly interesting and profitable; many, we believe, felt it good to wait upon the Lord. be long remembered by all who were May the solemn engagements of the day present. ANDOVER, HANTS. ON the 29th December, 1824, a new Meeting-house was opened for the use of the Baptist Church in Andover, Hants. On this occasion, sermons were preached by Messrs. Saffery, of Salisbury; Hinton, of Reading; and Saunders, of Frome; the devotional exercises being conducted by Messrs. Burnett, of Lockerly; Coxhead, of Winchester; Yarnold and George, of Romsey; Welch, of Newbury: Russell, of Broughton; and Davies, of Whitchurch. The services were well attended, and the collections amounted to £40. After several years of cherished desire and fervent prayer, this church was formed January 12, 1824, with the assistance of the Rev. Philip Davies, of Whitchurch. The offer of an eligible situation, has induced them to build a plain, sub stantial meeting-house, adapted to contain about three hundred persons, and to permit the erection of a gallery. In Andover, with the kind assistance of our independent brethren, and in the immediate neighbourhood, more than £200 have been raised towards the building; and when the case is presented to the public, it is hoped that favour will be shewn to a young interest of encouraging prospects, arising in the midst of so considerable a population. STOCKWELL, SURRY. On the 1st of February last, a Baptist Meeting-house was opened in Stockwell, Surry, raised by the exertions of between twenty and thirty members of distant Baptist churches residing in the neighbourhood of Stockwell; when three impressive sermons were preached: by the Rev. Edward Andrews, LL.D. of Beresford Chapel, Walworth, in the morning, from Joshua v. 13, 14; by the Rev. James Hargreaves, of Little Wild-street, London, in the afternoon, from 1 Peter iv. 11; and by the Rev. John Stevens, of Meard's-court, Soho, from Acts xiv. 7, in the evening. A considerable congregation is expected to attend, and a small church will shortly be formed. A proportion of the expense incurred in the erection of the meeting-house yet remains to be defrayed; and contributions, in aid of its funds, will be thankfully received, by Mr. Thompson, 425, Strand; or Mr. Gardner, Ironmonger, 17, Chapel. street, Stockwell. NOTICES. Berks and West London Home Missionary Society. held at Reading, to consider whether any DECEMBER 14, 1824, a Meeting was measures could be adopted to promote union and co-operation among the Baptist churches immediately westwards of London: when it was resolved to attempt the formation of a Home Missionary Society for the district. On this subject we are requested to insert the following NOTICE. The Meeting for the formation of the proposed Berks and West London Home Missionary Society, will be held at the Meeting-house, Eagle-street, London, on Wednesday, March 9, 1825. The provisional Committee will meet in the vestry, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, when any persons interested in the regulations to be proposed are at liberty to attend. At two in the afternoon will be held A PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY. And at half-past six in the evening, a sermon on its behalf will be preached by the Rev. J. H. Hinton, of Reading. |