RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. into our communion on the first Lord's day in this month. This circumstance will remind you that not quite all the inhabitants of this town are Baptists, and what may appear more strange to you is, that there are some who profess great love to the Founder of the ordinance, but who are terribly bitter against the ordinance itself. However, we welcome their opposition, preferring it a vast deal to their smiles; and having, in the name of our God, set up our banners, we hope, by the grace of the same God, to adhere close to the standard, making the laws of the Great Captain of our salvation the rule of our conduct. With best wishes for the success of your HERALD, which was the means, in the hand of God, about fifteen years since, of conferring on me a great benefit; and begging an interest in your prayers, and those of your readers, I am, dear Mr. Editor, yours in the grace of Jesus, TIMOTHY. [We rejoice in the success attendant upon the zeal and devotedness displayed by our brother, and fervently pray that the Great Head of the church may still accompany those labors with his gracious blessing.-ED.] STOKE ASH, SUFFOLK. On the first Lord's day in November last, three disciples of the Lord Jesus publicly avowed their love to him by following him in the institutions of his house; and on last Sabbath day three more followed their good example. Although the weather was very unfavorable, the congregations were very large, and we never remember seeing a more earnest and solemn spirit pervading any assembly; it was felt that the Lord was there'; and we spent a day in the courts of Jerusalem that will not soon be forgotten. Gladdened faces met our gaze on every side, and with delight we saw the big tears roll down the cheeks, and heard the sobs of others. Thus the Lord honors and blesses the ordinances of his house and we are persuaded good was done in the name of the holy child Jesus. [We earnestly pray that brother's labors this year may be more sigour beloved nally owned and blessed by our divine Master than even the past one has been.-ED.] CRANSFORD. On Lord's day morning, January 11th, three persons (two males and one female) were baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity, by our beloved pastor, Mr. J. Baldwin, after preaching from John ii, 22, 'And they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.' It was as solemn and affecting a service as was ever witnessed in this place. These were all young persons, children of members in the church; and were called by grace under the ministry of this place. 45 There are others inquiring the way to Zion, with their face thitherward,' whom we trust will shortly put on the Lord Jesus Christ, by walking in the spirit of the ordinance of believers' baptism. H. CHAMBERS. [We trust that the desire of our friends may be speedily realised.-ED.] LION WALK, COLCHESTER. The Lord is still favoring his church in this place with the descending dews from the everlasting hills, and in making the ministry of his word fruitful and effectual. The past year has been one of great mercy, and has left behind blessed evidences of the power of the gospel to save. Nearly thirty souls have during the year been added to the number of believers; a gracious grace has pervaded the church and congregation, while a sweet fraternal union has subsisted between pastor and people. "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.' During the year several among us have fallen asleep, and exchanged the church militant for the church triumphant. Among them was our late friend, Mrs. Lake, formerly the wife of Mr. Benjamin Nice, whose munificence to the Baptists in Colchester is so well known. After a few weeks' suffering and confinement to her bed, she calmly fell asleep in Jesus, leaving behind a beloved husband and friends to mourn her loss. On the evening of December 31st, 1856, about forty of the members drank tea at the residence of Mr. Chisnell, which was served with special liberality and zeal by the sisters, to the satisfaction of all. After tea a hymn was sung, and prayer offered by brother Waterman, when Mr. Chisnell addressed the friends present in a very suitable manner, and gave expression, in affectionate terms, to the happy union enjoyed by them as pastor and flock. Addressing himself to the pastor, he stated that he was commissioned by the friends to perform the delightful task of presenting an expression of their great esteem for him, and beg his acceptance of a small pocket-book, containing above sixty pieces of silver, as a token of their regard, and a small but earnest pledge of their willingness to promote his personal and domestic comfort. With much emotion Mr. Collins acknowledged the great kindness shown him by his beloved flock, observing, that next to dwelling in the heart of Christ, he valued the happiness of having a residence in the affections of his church. Their free-will offering, and beautiful token of affection, he would accept, as given him for Christ's sake, whose humble servant he trusted he was, to whose account he would place it, and desire for them a return for their kindness an hundred-fold, in spiritual blessings. He valued this expression of their esteem, also, as a pleasing evidence that the gospel came to them not in word only, but in the power and demonstration of the Spirit,' and desired for them to wear daily the beautiful robe of charity or love, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, for Christ's sake; not forgetting to put on the mantle of a true gospel humility, submitting themselves to the Lord, and to one another in the Lord, and also to be adorned with the cloak of zeal-an attire which angels wear-contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and provoking one another to love and good works.' Several of the brethren present bore a precious testimony to the work of grace upon their hearts, their deepening obligations to the precious gospel, and their willingness to serve the interests of Zion, and to promote the happiness of their pastor, whom the Lord had so evidently given them in answer to prayer. A few of the songs of Zion, sung at intervals, contributed to make the meeting one of the Lappiest opportunities of an earthly existΒΕΤΑ. ance. WINCHESTER. DEAR SIR-The deacons of the Particular Baptist Chapel, Silver Hill, beg respectfully to state that Mr. Josiah Puntis (late of Bedford Place Chapel, Southampton), has accepted the unanimous invitation from the church to take the pastorate, commencing on the First Sabbath in the new year. Through the goodness of our covenant-keeping God we have already experienced the power of the gospel, through the ministration of his servant amongst us; and our desires are, that the Great Shepherd of Israel will condescend to smile upon this little part of his vineyard, and make it fertile with the precious dew of heaven; and that it may be manifest that our brother is sent amongst us to carry out some great purpose in connection with the Redeemer's kingdom. On Lord's day, December 8th, our esteemed pastor administered the ordinance of believer's baptism to three candidates, taking for his text, 1 John v, 8, "There are three that bear record in earth,' etc. There was a large attendance, and truly it was a solemn occasion, and one not to be soon forgotten. May it please the Lord that the seed sown may bring forth fruit to the honor and praise of his holy name, and that it may be evidenced in many coming forward to testify their willingness to enlist under the colors of king Jesus; and, in obedience to his commands, follow him in all the ways of his appoint ment. On Lord's day, January 4th, our brother Puntis, after a very impressive and appropriate address, gave the right hand of fellowship (on behalf of the church) to six persons; and what made it mere particularly interesting was, that one of them was a non-commissioned officer in the army, who was first brought to a knowledge of the truth through the instrumentality of a preached gospel in India. May the dear Lord send out his light and his truth, and bless all means used, both at home and GLEMSFORD BAPTIST CHAPEL. During the year just closed, six persons professing to believe in the Lord Jesus for a free and full salvation, were publicly baptised and added to the church at this place. Three of those were baptised on the first Lord's day in May, and the other three on the first Sabbath in December. On both occasions the congregations were large and attentive. It is truly believed among us that there are others who are sighing after a spiritual and experienced knowledge of Jesus. Alleluia. The church and congregation here have lately very cordially united in presenting their pastor and minister with a memorial of their affection and esteem; particulars of the same will be forwarded for insertion in the HERALD. The first Sabbath in the present month was Mr. Barnes's twenty-sixth anniversary at Glemsford. The prayer is that the glorious Lord Jesus may still be with him, and greatly bless him. R. B. G. RESIGNATION. Mr. Barringer, Swineshead, Lincolnshire, having decided upon relinquishing his pas toral charge in this place, will be open to supply any destitute church that loves the whole truth, and are seeking a pastor. NEWICK, SUSSEX. On the evening of New Year's day, a friendly and social tea-meeting was held at the Baptist Chapel, Newick, to record the mercy of God, and to express the church's gratitude for past favors, to congratulate each other on their present position, and implore divine blessings for the future. After tea addresses were delivered by various friends. It appears that this little hill of Zion has experienced many changes, and some of a very painful nature. Discord-that enemy to peace and unity-crept into the church, and did a great deal of mischief. But we are glad to see a revival; that peace, unity, and concord have been restored, and prosperity still attending the preaching of the gospel. Mr. Warren, their present pastor, presided on the occasion above-mentioned, and after a few introductory remarks, called upon brethren Newton, Pannett, Baldock, and Tiley to address the meeting. The subject-matter of their discourses naturally suggested itself from the time of the year. Mr. Baldock spoke sweetly on the 'Past, Present, and Future.' It was a comfortable meeting, and one which will be long remembered. May abundant suc RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. eess attend the word preached; that sinners may be converted, stints edified, and the church built up in her most holy faith! Your correspondent is a subscriber to the HERALD, and he sincerely hopes that the Editor may be long spared to prosecute the work in which he has for twenty-four years been engaged. May his labors be crowned with success, and Zion profited through his instrumentality. A WELL-WISHER. [We shall at all times be willing to insert intelligence respecting the cause of our Master in this place.-Ed.] GREAT GIDDING, HUNTS. DEAR SIR-Our beloved minister, Mr. C. Fish, has resigned his ministerial office, and his ministerial labors among us will terminate at the end of March. If you know of a man of God at liberty, who preaches the truth as advocated in your magazine, will you be so kind as to announce it in your next number, and you will oblige, yours in the gospel of Christ, J. GREEN. [We willingly insert this note, and trust that the church will speedily have directed to them a man of God thoroughly furnished unto all good works.-ED.] RECOGNITION OF MR. FIELD AT REHOBOTH CHAPEL, SHADWELL. Tuesday evening, January 20th, 1857, being appointed for the recognition of our esteemed brother Field as pastor of the church in Rehoboth Chapel, lately under the pastorate of our brother Milner a Tea Meeting was held, when a goodly number of ministers and christian friends sat down to a pleasant and cheerful cup of tea. At six o'clock the Public Meeting commenced; when, according to previous arrangement, brother Dickerson of Alie Street took the chair, and commenced the solemn service by giving out the 132ud Psalm 'Arise, O king of grace, arise'; Brother Wyard of Tring then read suitable portions of the Word of God, and offered solemn prayer; after which the chairman made a few remarks upon the nature of the service, and then called upon the deacons to give some account of their proceedings relative to their affairs; especially touching their conduct in inviting brother Field to become their pastor. To this request brother Turner responded, by reading a concise, but deeply interesting, history of the church from its rise, to the time when brother Field came amongst them; and the steps of Divine Providence, which induced the church to give him a unanimous call to the pastoral oversight over them. Frother Field was then called upon to give some account of himself, relative to what had brought about the proceedings of that evening. He first gave an interesting account of his call by grace, which called forth, we believe, the sympathies of all present; his call to the ministry; the leadings of Providence in settling him in Rehoboth; and also a brief but clear 47 statement of his views of divine truth. Long will the recollection of that hour occupied by brother Field be had in remembrance. The church then standing up, gave a public recognition of their call by a show of hands, to which brother Field responded. Upon which brother Turner gave him the right hand of fellowship, and the chairman did the same, in the name of his brethren. Brother Ball of Wandsworth then offered up prayer with great solemnity and affection. A hymn was then sung; after which brother Palmer delivered a most instructive address upon the work of the ministry. He was followed by brother Bloomfield upon the relative duties of the church to their pastor, full, and encouraging. After singing, brother Woodard offered up prayer, and the chairman concluded with the benediction. Throughout the whole of the services, every countenance seemed to indicate the feeling of the heart-It is good for us to be here.' Thus may the Lord command his blessing, even life for evermore. BAPTIST CHAPEL, MATFIELD GREEN, The children in the Sabbath Schools connected with this place of worship, to the number of one hundred and thirty, partook of a liberal dinner, Dec. 25th, consisting of meat puddings, plumpuddings, etc., which they all evidently enjoyed. The teachers and a few friends afterwards took dinner and tea, and the day was concluded with a lecture on the 7th chapter of Daniel, by the minister, Mr. R. Shindler. The schools have been in existence upwards of forty years, during which time they have afforded instruction to numbers-now in various parts of the world-who otherwise would have had no education; several others are useful members of churches who derived their first religious impressions while among the scholars in this school. Marriages. BISHOP-LINGLEY. ON December 13th, at the Baptist Chapel, Meopham, by Mr. Lingley, Minister of the place, and father of the bride, Mr. Daniel Bishop, of Hadsoll Street, Ash, to Miss Lingley, of Chapel House, Meopham. HODDEE-STANDING. At the Baptist Chapel, Matfield Green, Breuckley, Kent, Dec. 17th, by Mr. Robert Shindler, the Pastor, George Hoddee, of Boro' Green, to Sarah Standing, of Brenckley, both members of the church at Boro' Green. ALCOCK-FENNER. At the Hanover Chapel, Tonbridge Wells, Jan. 6th, 1857, by Mr. Robert Shindler, of Brenckley, John Alcock to Anna Feuner, of Mount Ephraim, Tonbridge Wells. 48 MONTHLY RECORD OF PASSING EVENTS. Monthly Record of Passing Events. DR. HARRIS, whose death has caused such general regret in the religious world, was first brought into public notice by his essay entitled Mammon, written to compete for the prize of 100 guineas offered by Dr. Conquest, for the best essay against covetousness. This celebrated production called forth more than one reply on account of the opposition it manifests to the sovereignty of God in the results of Missionary labor. He subsequently projected a series of works upon which his fame as an author will ultimately rest, which, commencing with the Pre-Adamite Earth, and Man Primaval, continued with Patriarchy, or the Patriarchal Dispensation, when it was arrested by the hand of death. It was intended, we believe, to be followed by volumes on the Mosaical, the Prophetical, and the Mediatorial Economies. It may be safely said that no works in the department of physical science as connected with theology, exhibit such profound thought, conveyed in clear and beautiful language, as the three volumes of this series that are published. While differing from many of the sentiments advanced, we have read them with deep interest and instruction. As a Christian Dr. Harris exhibits largely the graces of the christian character. He died in his 54th year. The funeral took place at Abney Park Cemetery, December 29th, when Mr. George Smith, of Poplar, delivered a funeral oration. On the following Sabbath, Mr. T. Binney, and Mr. J. Stoughton, preached funeral sermons at New College Chapel, St. John's Wood, SCRIPTURAL MUSEUM -This institution has been established at St. Martin's Hall, London, with the view of collecting materials for the elucidation of the Scriptures, and confirmation of their historical accuracy. The first of a series of lectures which has been organised in connection with this object took place on Thursday, January 8th. It was delivered by Colonel Sir H. Rawlinson, on the results of recent Oriental discoveries in connection with the verification of Holy Writ; when the distinguished lecturer gave many new and surprising details respecting his labors in deciphering the Nineveh inscriptions. DISSENTING DEPUTIES. The Annual Meeting of the Protestant Dissenting Depu ties was held at the Milton Club, Ludgate Hill, on Friday, January 9th. Mr. Apsley Pellatt, M.P., presided on the occasion. The Report stated the results of the labors of the Committee during the past year, in the various acts passed for the benefit of Dissenters, to the passing of which they had given their best aid and support, particularly the 'Places of Religious Worship Act,' and the 'Act for Altering the Law in Reference to Marriage. The Committee had, during the year, instituted legal proceedings against Mr. Alfred Lash, a clergyman, for the remarriage of parties already married in a Dissenters' Chapel at Oldham, who had consented to make an apology and to pay costs. A party had also been indicted at Hitchin for the disinterment of a corpse, and a clergyman at Behson for baptising two children in the absence of their parents, and against their will. In conclusion, the Report stated the intention of the Chairman, in case of a measure for the amendment of the Burials Act being introduced in the ensuing Session, to move the introduction of a clause dispensing with a fence, and authorising clergymen to bury in unconsecrated, and Dissenters in consecrated ground, and in parochial grounds, a privilege already enjoyed by all denominations in Ireland. The Report also referred to the difficulties in carrying out Peto's Act, relative to the trustees of Dissenting Chapels, and proposed to introduce a bill by which all property belonging to the class called 'charitable,' including not only chapels, but schools and similar institutions, might be transferred to new trustees in case of death, without expense, by giving to the trustees the character of a corporation, by a simple process of the registration of the trust deed. THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION.—A_Special Meeting of the members of this Union was held at New Broad Street Chapel, London, on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 20th and 21st. The announcement of the Meeting had excited very great interest, on account of the late Controversy,' and the belief that a motion would be brought forward in reference to Dr. Campbell, as editor of the magazines connected with the Union, in consequence of the part he has taken in the Controversy.' Mr. John Stoughton presided. After considerable discussion, a Committee was appointed, of twenty-five persons, to consider the question of separating the Union from all denominational literature, and also from the societies at present affiliated with it. The Committee to report at the Annual Meeting in May next. It was found that the proposition of separating the magazines from the Union originated with Dr. Campbell himself. A declaratory resolution, expressing their firm adherence to the doctrines of evangelical truth, was adopted by all the ministers present, and the result of the proceedings appeared to give general satisfaction. Essays. THE BENEFITS OF A GOSPEL MINISTRY. (The Circular Letter of the Kent and Sussex Association of Particular Baptist Churches. By Brother G. ISAAC, Brighton. Concluded from our last.) UNHAPPILY, there are to be found in many of the churches of our land persons who ignore an instructive ministry; persons who at least appear to prefer sensation to sentiment, and the description of morbid feelings to an exhibition of gospel-truth in its harmony and diversity, and as it exercises a benign and blessed influence on the hearts of all to whom it comes, not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.' Such persons would expel reason and common sense from the premises of religion entirely, and reduce even the spiritual man to the level of a machine, which unconsciously performs the will of him who employs it. Is not this a reflection on the God of mind? Does it not virtually deny our rationality? and is it not opposed to the spirit and tenor of New Testament writings, which address their admonitions and injunctions, their promises, precepts, and invitations to the intellect, and through the intellect reach and affect the heart? Still more unhappily, the preferences and predilections of these people are cherished and strengthened by a class of preachers who speak much truth but very little gospel; whose ministry, if it be worthy the name, savors more of the sinner than the Saviour, of the malady of moral evil than the remedy, of the corruptions of fallen nature than the consolations of Christ. Verily, such a ministry is anything but beneficial in its tendency and results; for it eateth as doth a canker, injuring all that is vital; blighting, at least, checking, the expanding hope; and filling with sadness many a heart that should be cheered and gladdened. Such preachers resemble a certain musician, who used an instrument of only one string: but there is this point of dissimilarity be tween the talented fiddler and the corruptionist preacher-the former brought MARCH. A merely intellectual ministry is also objectionable. It may be bright and sparkling, but cannot be spiritually instructive or sanctifying; it conveys no solid, no saving benefits'; it stirs up no holy feelings; it creates no warmth in the soul. It may be clear as moonlight, but must be as cold; brilliant as the shining star, but without power to bless the heart that sighs for the genial and enlightening rays of the Sun of Righteousness.' Intellectuality is, alas! the God which many adore'; an evil inflicted on a large section of the professing church. A faithful and judicious teacher will describe the feelings, and aim to minister comfort to the awakened soul, and trace the trials of Christian life. But he will not be content with reiterating a few common-place and well-known sentiments: he will endeavor to 'make full proof of his ministry,' and to make that ministry a means of benefit' to his people, by opening to the best of his ability the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and explaining and illustrating the varieties of spiritual truth. As a 'good steward of the manifold grace of God' he will aim to give each member of the household of faith' his portion of meat in due season. He will give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine'; and meditate on these things,' give himself wholly to them, that his profiting may appear to all, and that all may profit by him. But such a teacher will sometimes be pained and discouraged by the apparent 3 |