tions have decreased, and that unless some vigorous effort be made, it is probable the church will cease to exist. A desire is expressed for the labours of a resident minister, and the advice and aid of the Conference are solicited. Resolved,-That the further consideration of this case be deferred till the next Conference. Resolved, That Mr. J. J. Goadby of Harborough be the preacher at the next Conference, which will be held at Castle Donington, on Whit-Tuesday, June 6th. Brother Knight of Wolvey engaged to preach for the Hinckley friends on the evening of the Conference. J. LAWTON, Sec. THE NORTH DERBYSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Wirksworth, on Friday, April 14th, 1854. Brother Stanion, minister of the place, presided. After a hymn was sung, brother Hingley, of Duffield, engaged in prayer. Written and verbal reports were then given of the state of the churches. Seven had been baptized since our last meeting, and fourteen were waiting for that ordinance. The business of the afternoon was interspersed with devotional exercises, which tended to give an interest to the proceedings. The following resolutions were passed at our business meeting. 1. That we deem it desirable, after next Christmas, to dispense with the Conference held at that season, and only have two during the year, viz., Good Friday and August. 2. That the ministers, and secretary of the Conference, form a committee to prepare a subject, or subjects, for discussion at ensuing meetings, in case there be time, after the business is closed. 3. That, with a view of making our Conferences more interesting and useful, we affectionately invite the ministers of Derby and Nottingham, to encourage us by their presence and counsel as often as practicable. [N.B. Will our brethren be so kind as to receive the invitation through this medium? Their presence would be es teemed a favour.] 4. That brother Gray of Ripley preach at the next Conference, in the evening, which will meet at Smalley, on Monday, August 7th, 1854, at two o'clock. After tea an interesting revival meeting was held, when suitable addresses were delivered by brethren Hingley, Bembridge, Argile, Gray, and Stanion. W. GRAY, Sec. THE CHESHIRE CONFERENCE met at Stoke-upon-Trent, April 14th, 1854. The Secretary offered prayer for the Divine blessing, and Mr. Minshall presided. The following is a brief view of the states of the churches. Congleton is in a very low state; and though Mr. Pedley renders all the ministerial assistance in his power, the chapel is sometimes closed on the Lord's-day. The church at Macclesfield is in the enjoyment of peace; but not so earnest in endeavours to advance the Redeemer's kingdom as is desirable. Four have been added by baptism, and one called to the church above. No change has taken place in the church at Bank Top, Macclesfield. They are few and feeble, but at peace among themselves. The friends at Stockport are under circumstances of discouragement; for although they have obtained a more suitable place of worship, and commenced a Sabbath school, their minister is terminating his ministerial labours among them. They have one candidate for baptism. The friends at Stoke are united and happy; and since the opening of their new chapel the congregations have continued to be encouraging. Their prospects are of a hopeful character: three have been baptized, one received, and one called to the church above. They have, moreover, several in the congregation enquiring for the good old way. At Tarporley their position and prospects are somewhat improved; the school is encouraging, and they are in expectation of Mr. Smith, of Coalville, shortly becoming their minister. One friend has been restored to church fellowship. At Wheelock Heath one has been re stored, and others inspire the friends with hope. The meeting was pleased to learn that no serious obstacle is in the way to hinder the church at Rocester uniting with this Conference, and respectfully entreats the friends at that place to send a more explicit statement of their wishes to the next meeting. The secretary to correspond with them on the subject. The friends at Stockport were recommended to apply to sister churches for ministerial aid; and Mr. Pedley, the H. M. Treasurer, was empowered to present the money he has in hand to the friends of the above place, to assist in meeting the expenses which may thereby be incurred. The Stoke friends to re-consider their proposal for the discontinuance of this Conference; and the churches in the district are specially desired to send representatives to the next meeting prepared to speak definitely on the subject. The Conference were thankful to hear of the peaceful and prosperous condition of the infant church at Longton, and most affectionately invite them to unite with this Conference. Mr. Pedley preached in RIPLEY.-On Lord's-day, April 2nd, two excellent sermons were preached at the G. B. chapel, by the Rev. E Stevenson of Loughborough, on behalf of the Sabbath school. Congregations large; and more than £11 were collected. GAMSTON.-On Good Friday, April 14th, a social tea meeting was held at this village, the object of which was to promote a good feeling amongst the friends; and the small profit arising therefrom to defray incidental expenses. The attendance was good, and the evening agreeably spent. The meeting was interested by several brethren from Retford. Gamston is a place of some little interest in the history of the General Baptists. There have been General Baptists existing here upwards of 130 years. From there the cause at Retford sprang. The chapel which is still in use, was built 113 years since. A few years ago, the friends tried to obtain permission to build a more commodious one; but the land-owner would not grant them it. Was the effort made now it probably would be with more hope of success. It was here, too, that Dan Taylor, that ardent searcher after truth, travelling in search of General Baptists, found men of like sentiments with his own, and was baptized in the river near Gamston, on Wednesday, February 16th, 1763; at, or near the place where numbers have since followed the Lord in his appointed way. It was here that the same individual, according to appointment, met Mr. G. Boyce, and controverted those errors in doctrine held by the General Baptists in his day, and stood in defence of those gospel truths which are held dear by every true General Baptist in this day. We are told the result was unsatisfactory. We pray that this ancient church may be blest with peace and prosperity. BAPTISMS. SHEFFIELD, Eyre Street chapel.-In the evening of Lord's-day, April 16th, after an appropriate sermon by the pastor, to a good and orderly congregation, six persons were immersed, four of whom are scholars in our Lord's day school. C. A. NOTTINGHAM, Stoney Street.-On Lord'sday, April 2nd, we baptized six persons, and they were in the afternoon received GRANTHAM.-On Lord's-day, April 9th, brother Bishop baptized three persons, one male and two females, in the Baptist chapel, Bottesford, which was kindly lent for the occasion; and they were received into the communion of the church at the Lord's-table in the evening. BIRCHCLIFF-On the first of April the ordinance of believers' baptism was administered to 14 persons. A numerous assembly witnessed the good profession made. On the following day a sermon was preached on the subject to a large congregation. As numbers of those who favour infant sprinkling were present on both occasions it is hoped they did not come in vain. J. B. L. ORDINATIONS HEPTONSTALL-SLACK-On Friday, April 14, (Good Friday), the Rev. C. Springthorpe was solemnly set apart to the pastoral office, over the G. B. church in this place. The weather was very propitious, and the hilly region round about the chapel presented an animated appearance as the hour for commencing the solemn service approached. Groups of friends were seen wending their way from all directions towards the mount Zion where they assemble. At 10.30, the spacious place being nearly filled, the Rev. J. Goadby, of Loughborough, offered a short prayer imploring the Divine presence and blessing on the services of the day. Rev. J. B. Lockwood gave out the hymns; the Rev. J. Batey, of Burnley, read suitable portions of Scripture and offered the general prayer; the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, of Staley bridge, delivered an appropriate introductory discourse, after which the usual questions were proposed to the church and the minister, by the Rev. J. Robertshaw, of Burnley-Lane. Mr. Marshall, one of the deacons, replied with great propriety on behalf of the church, and the replies given by the minister, with his confession of faith and consecration of himself to the work of the ministry, were characterized by profound and chastened emotion. than once the large congregation were suffused with tears. The designating prayer was offered by the Rev. R. Ingham, of Louth, with the imposition of hands; and an affectionate and faithful charge was delivered to the minister, by the Rev. J. Goadby, (Mr. Springthorpe's former pastor,) who closed the service. More In the afternoon the Rev. R. Ingham gave a very comprehensive address to the church, on its duties to itself and to the minister, and the Rev. C. Springthorpe concluded these highly interesting services with prayer. We have seldom attended services so impressive as these, and pray that henceforth God may smile on this church and its pastor, and bless them and make them a blessing. MISCELLANEOUS. THE NEXT ASSOCIATION.-The friends who purpose attending the next Association, to be held in Byron Street chapel, Leeds, are respectfully requested to send word of their intention to the Rev. R. Horsfield, 71, Camp Road, Leeds, not later, if at all convenient, than the 1st of June. AMERICA. THE NEBRASKA BILL. Our American brethren are opposing this new attempt to enlarge the slave territory most nobly. May they have success! The following resolutions are a fair sample of their proceedings.-ED. At a meeting of the First Free-will Baptist church and congregation, at their place of worship in Sullivan Street, New York, held on the evening of the first day of March, 1854-Rev. D. M. Graham, Moderator; E. W. Page, Clerk-it was unanimously resolved, 1. That while, as chistians, we deem it our duty to obey the injunction of Scripure that" supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for rulers, and for all in authority," we also feel bound, as christian citizens, patriots, and philanthropists, to "watch as well as "pray," that the great principles of republicanism, humanity and christianity, are not cloven down by legislators, and our fellow men subjected, through their instrumentality, to oppression, ignorance, and practical heathenism. 2. That the bill called the "Nebraska Bill," now before the Congress of the United States, if enacted, with its present provision to repeal the Missouri Compromise, will, in the opinion of this church and congregation, be a violation of public faith, a measure inimical to the peace, welfare, happiness, union, morals, and religion of the country; that its authors and supporters will be, in the language of Scripture," a throne of iniquity * * * * which frameth mischief by a law ;" and the judgments of the Almighty, who hath declared that he is "the God of the oppress ed," will, in all human probability, be visited upon this land, while a righteous retribution will overtake the perpetrators of the stupendous wrong. 3. That in view of the alarming scheme VOL. 1.-N. S. on foot in the National Legislature, we beseech the members thereof, in both Houses, to ponder the words of Holy Writ: "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do. I will be a swift witness against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts. If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter, for he that is higher than the highest regardeth, and there be higher than they "—and not plunge the country into irretrievable ruin, nor incur the just anger of the Almighty, by passing the Nebraska Bill. 4. That we respectfully and earnestly implore the President of the United States, Nebraska Bill, nor give it his approval; not to encourage the enactment of the lest the land of his birth and the people who have elevated him to his high office be dishonoured in view of other nations, his own name go down with dishonour on the historic page, and the displeasure of decree justice," be manifested at that day by whom kings reign, and princes when he cometh to judge the world. him 66 5. That we call upon all the churches in the land to appoint a day of humiliation and prayer with reference to the impending evil, if so be God will have mercy upon the inhabitants of this country, and spare them further reproach, arrest the extension of slavery, preside in our national councils, give wisdom to our rulers, restrain the devices of the wicked, have mercy upon the down-trodden and oppressed, bring the nation to repentance, cause the wrath of man to praise him, and preserve our social and religious privileges till time shall be no longer. 6. That it be recommended to all the citizens of the Free and Slave States, who prize the welfare of the Republic, the rights of man, and the favour of Almighty God, to prepare and forward petitions and remonstrances to both houses of Congress without delay, entreating them not to pass the Bill relative to Nebraska in its present form, that thus that country may be saved from the degradation and evils of slavery, and remain free for education, the Bible, and the Church of Christ. tions be signed by the Pastor and Clerk 7. Resolved, that a copy of these resoluand forwarded to the President, and to the Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled, and be published in thẹ religious newspapers. D. M. GRAHAM, Pastor. POETRY. THE DEPARTING SPIRIT. "Upon those pallid lips, So sweet even in their silence, on those eyes, Be shed-not even in thought."-SHELLEY. Weep not for her-weep not that she is passing She hath been weary here. She hath known sorrow- True, thou hast loved her—oh, how well, how dearly, The one prized friend, not for thy bright hours merely, And thou wilt miss her; and each passing hour When she hath fled, the glory will be flown. But think not, though for her the veil has lifted, No; often in thy silent hours and lonely, Some blessed influence o'er thy soul shall steal,- Some bright immortal link which ne'er shall sever, Then weep no more-tears ill befit the hour A HYMN OF PRAISE. Lord of all power and might, Thy name we sing. Thou Sovereign King. Thy love-no words can tell, Yet both were joined in one, Lord, may thy Gospel sound, Thou God of grace. From earth shall then arise, Before thy throne. Men shall in concert join, All heaven and earth combine, To sound thy praise divine, MISSIONARY OBSERVER. CONFERENCE AT CUTTACK, &c. Ar the recent Conference at Cuttack, Dr. Sutton preached in Oriya, from 1 Thess. ii. 19, 20, and Mr. Wilkinson in English, from Acts viii. 35, on the doctrine of Christ being the theme of the Christian ministry. Both the discourses were listened to with much interest and profit. At the Lord's table an address was delivered in Oriya by brother Stubbins, and one in English by brother Sutton. The latter affectingly referred to the changes which had taken place since their last gathering at Cuttack two years ago (the preceding Conference was held at Berhampore). One had departed, some were in Burmah, others in England, and some in other parts of India; and who could tell the changes that might take place before they met again? The reports from the several stations were very interesting; the additions by baptism had been very encouraging; and the particulars given by the Berhampore brethren, of the peaceful close of Erun's pilgrimage, much gratified the friends. An appropriate address was delivered to the native preachers, by Mr. Stubbins, from 2 Cor. v. 20. Before the brethren broke up, and returned to their respective We are NOTES OF A TRIP DOWN THE RIVER EASTWARD OF CUTTACK. BY REV. I. STUBBINS. (Continued from page 141.) October 28th, 1853. Waited till the Mahanudi. We had learned that 3 p.m., for the market here (Judpoor). The people then began to make their appearance, but altogether not more perhaps than one hundred assembled ; but even for this number our stay, though wearisome, was important, as it is the last market in this direction, and in a part never visited with the gospel. The villages all around are small and widely scattered; and almost all the distance to the sea below is swamp or low jungle. The attention of the people was very gratifying. After the market we made our way up a creek by the help of the tide, towards a large market was to be held on the banks of the Pijka river, and determined to reach it if possible, though it was a distance of some 30 miles. With a little coaxing I got the boatmen to promise to work all night. After leaving the market to day we were amused at the gambols of shoals of little fish, and asked one of the boatmen what fish they were. They are called four eyes," said he. Why so, have they got four eyes ?" No," said he, "they have but two; but they see with four!" This was a mystery altogether beyond our comprehension, so 66 66 66 |