corner-stone, in whom both Jews and Gentiles are united: "For we preach not ourselves," says the apostle, "but Christ Jesus our Lord," and "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Such then, dear reader, being the testimony of God upon this momentous subject, let the following practical conclusions sink deeply into our minds.

1. Since God has seen fit to lay so sure and precious a foundation for his church, let us adore the riches of his grace, and render him the glory due unto his name. Unto Him who gave us his only begotten Son; unto Him who gave himself for us; and unto the Eternal Spirit, through whom he offered himself without spot unto God, be glory and dominion, for ever and ever, Amen.

2. In being built upon Christ, we know that the Church is founded on a rock; and may therefore rest assured, whatever the dangers by which it may be assailed, that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 3. Since Jesus Christ is the only foundation of the Church, those establishments of religion, which are founded in the laws, ordinances, traditions, or policy of man, are no portions of the Church of Christ; but rather antichristian and unscriptural innovations of his word. It is impossible that upon a human foundation, a heavenly structure should be built; "No other foundation can any man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

4. As the Church is founded upon Christ, it is only as individually we come by faith unto Christ, we can become members of his Church. As it is impossible to be part of the house of God, without resting on the foundation, we must seek the blessings of God's people, not through baptism or sacramental efficacy, but through that faith which unites us to Christ; "unto whom, coming as unto a living stone, ye also as living stones are built up a spiritual house."

Finally, how great the sin, either in communities or individuals, of rejecting a foundation so costly and divine; "He that stumbleth against this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder."

Behold then, once more, the tried stone, the sure foundation, and the precious corner-stone, which God has laid in Zion; and, seeing that we must be either built upon it or crushed beneath it, let us beware of converting, through unbelief, that into our ruin, which God has given us as the foundation of our hope.

G.

BAPTIST WORTHIES.-No. 3.

DANIEL DYKE, A.M.

The Dykes were a good old Puritan family, much esteemed for their learning, and piety, and talents, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Our Worthy was blessed with a father and an uncle who belonged to this abused and injured class of men, both of whom rose to eminence in their day as ministers of the gospel, and as authors of some valuable books in practical and experimental religion.

Jeremiah Dyke, A.M. his father, was minister at Epping, in Essex, in the year 1609, and was greatly beloved by his flock, both for his meekness and moderation, though a decided foe to the Popish ceremonies, against which the whole body of Puritans loudly protested. Daniel Dyke, B.D. his uncle, was a popular preacher in the counties of Essex and Herts, during the reign of Elizabeth; but though a man of unblemished character and eminent piety, he was suspended by the Bishop of London, for refusing to wear the surplice and other "rags of Popery," and was driven away from the scenes of his labour and usefulness. Old Fuller called his "Mystery of Self-deceiving," "a book that will be owned for a truth while men have any badness in them, and will be owned as a treasure while they have any goodness in them."

Daniel Dyke, A.M. the subject of the present sketch, was educated for the ministry, both in private schools and in the University of Cambridge. Having taken his degree, he was ordained and presented to the living of Great Hadham, in the county of Herts.

From his first appearance in public, as a minister of the gospel, his talents and

popular mode of preaching gained him a numerous class of friends, who formed high expectations of his future usefulness; but these were never realized within the pale of the compulsory church, inasmuch as the terms of conformity were made so rigorous that Mr. Dyke resigned his living rather than rob himself of a good conscience, and proved his sincerity by making a sacrifice of £300 per annum. It was about this time, moreover, that he avowed himself a Baptist. When he "became a man, he put away childish things."

In a short time after, the force of truth compelled him to fall back into the ranks of Nonconformity. Cromwell, who was beyond all question the patron of great and good men, made him one of his chaplains in ordinary, and soon afterwards placed his name in the list of Triers for the examination and approval of christian ministers. John Tombes, A. M. and Henry Jessey, A.M. were his Baptist colleagues in this assembly. Under the sanction of this body, several Baptist ministers were appointed to Parish Churches, being left free to make known their views on Baptism. Many of the more sturdy men of our denomination, however,-jealous of their liberties, which had been recovered by so much blood, and conscientiously opposed to any human authority in matters of religion, denounced the assembly of Triers as a modified court of High Commission, and declared that it ought to be put down as much as the Pope and the prelate.

During his chaplaincy, the name of our Worthy was appended to a proclamation of the Protector's, ordering a day of national humiliation on account of the persecution which had befallen the Waldenses in the South of France, and commanding collections to be made for their relief in all churches and chapels in the kingdom. The result of this appeal to the Protestant feelings of the nation, was the munificent sum of £32,241. 10s. 6d. While Dyke was preaching on behalf of these persecuted people, Milton, who was one of the Secretaries of State, was writing his exquisite sonnet in commemoration of their murdered friends, in which he made the

It is said respecting the children of Issachar, that "they were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." I Chron. xii. 32. It is always of importance to a kingdom, to have not only men of influence, but men of intelligence, able to take a comprehensive and accurate view of the existing state and requirements of their country, and to watch the approach of any remarkable crisis, so as to be prepared to shew what measures may be adopted to secure the general interest. Not less important is it, that the friends of Christ's kingdom should acquaint themselves with the characteristics of the times in which they live, and cultivate a degree of intelligence in reference to passing events, which will fit them for the discharge of those duties to the church and the world which the times may demand. It must be obvious, that our times present an aspect of the most exciting and momentous kind, and the Religious and Political agitations going forward, indicate the approach of some most solemn crisis.

One fact, christian reader, we would remind you of, that the Romish hierarchy are fondly expecting that the Papal power will again obtain the ascendency in Great Brilain. There is a strong hope fluctuating in the minds of the adherents of Popery, that the Roman Catholic Religion will again be the established religion of England. Some time ago the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Paris recommended his clergy to pray for England's re-conversion;

and each Thursday was set apart by the clergy of that diocese for solemn prayer and mass for that object. Is there any thing in the signs of the times to encourage this hope?

It is an indisputable fact, that Popery has been on the rapid increase for the past half century. "In 1792 there were not, in the whole of Great Britain, 30 Roman Catholic chapels; there are now 513, of which 440 are in England, 6 in Wales, and 67 in Scotland. They are governed by 17 Vicars Apostolical, 9 of whom are Bishops. In the year above-mentioned, there was not one Roman Catholic college, there are now ten, beside 17 convents, 6 seminaries of education, and chapel schools. The Roman Catholic population of England is now very little short of 3,000,000, and Ireland has 7,000,000. Do we wonder, then, at the high tone Roman Catholics assume? 'We are much gratified,' says one of them, 'with the aspect which catholicity presents to us at this moment in Great Britain.'"

Add to this another fact, that a large majority of the priesthood of the English hierarchy, have departed from the doctrines of the Reformation, and are avowing doctrines which indicate a rapid march "towards Rome." Puseyism (strictly a synonyme for Roman Catholicism!) has widely spread its pestiferous influence. The press and the pulpit are made the vehicles for denouncing those doctrines for which our fathers long and faithfully struggled-even unto death-and for instilling into the public mind the rankest errors of Popery,-"the doctrine of transubstantiation, the mediatorial character of the Virgin Mary, works of merit, the monastic system, sacramental confession, baptismal regeneration, the celibacy of the clergy, the authority of tradition, and the infallibility of the church." Nor can we overlook the recent attempt that has been made, on the part of the Congregationalists in the person of Dr. Halley, to perpetuate one of those human inventions -infant sprinkling-which has added no small amount of influence to the working of the mystery of iniquity,-the reign of the mother of harlots and the abominations of the earth! We heartily wish that the hint thrown out in "the Reporter" for January, that some Baptist Divine of talent should be urged to deliver a course of Lectures in reply to Dr. Halley-may

be taken up by the Denomination, feeling assured the Doctor might be fully and triumphantly answered.

Christian reader, "can you not discern the signs of the times ?" Then prepare yourself for action. The signs of the times should awaken you into solemn activity. The enemies of Primitive Christianity are in the field-in the church. It is for you you Baptists! to occupy prominent ground in arresting the progress of error; and disseminating pure evangelical truth, so as to emancipate our common Christianity from the thraldom of that Priestly power which threatens to restore to the temple of God "the man of sin, the son of perdition." In the whole of your life manifest uncompromising decision in your profession of personal godliness. Make the Bible and the Bible alone, your religion. Depart not from any of the commandments of God, to follow the traditions of men. Let all the principles you hold as a christian, be sustained by the truth of God. Study the Bible. Study it prayerfully; and in your study, seek the influence of the Holy Spirit, the only infallible interpreter of the word of life. J. W.

SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS.

It is very important that Sabbath School Teachers should understand for themselves, and should endeavour to instruct the rising generation, in the true meaning of those names by which different religious opinions are designated in the present day. And amongst these names, the terms Protestant, Nonconformist, and Dissenter, should be explained.

We are called Protestants because we separate ourselves from the errors and idolatries of Popery, conceiving that system to be the "Man of Sin," so solemnly denounced in the writings of the Apostle. Hence we not only separate ourselves, but protest, bear a solemn testimony, against the whole system as dangerous and unscriptural. The members of many Established Religions claim to be called Protestants, but they are only Protestants to a certain extent; inasmuch as they have re

tained many of the forms, and much of the persecuting spirit of Antichrist, which must of necessity be the case, so long as they maintain their connection with the world in their alliance to the state. True Protestants take the Bible, irrespective of all human authority, as the directory of their faith and practice.

We are called Dissenters because we differ in opinion from the Church of England (as it is termed), the Establishment of the land. This difference of sentiment not only refers to its forms and worship, many of which are absurd and unscriptural, but to the very foundation and mode of its existence, it being compulsory instead of voluntary, and supported by the arm of the civil power, instead of deriving its strength from the presence and spirit of the Head of the Church. Hence we are Nonconformists. Our principles as Dissenters, lead us to be Nonconformists in practice. We cannot unite in established forms of worship, because they are imposed by human authority, and full of vain repetitions! We cannot partake of their ordinances, because they are not observed with the simplicity of their original institution! We cannot pay the exactions they seek to extort from us, whether in the form of Church Rates or Easter Dues, because we believe such demands to be dishonourable to Christ, as the Head of his Church; and to encourage their continuance, would be like "bowing the knee to the image of Baal," and conforming to the errors of a system we are bound to subvert! These distinctions should be explained to the children connected with our dissenting communities, that they may be established in right principles, and furnished with weapons of defence for that crisis which seems to be approaching. H. D.

BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS.

The intelligence received from our Missionary Stations, continues to be of a most cheering character.

INDIA. The following extract from a letter from Mr. Wenger, cannot fail to inspire confidence in the care and integrity of our Translators, while it will shew the

laborious nature of the work in which they are engaged. The letter relates to the revision of the Bengali Old Testament. "The selection of the references," he says, "devolves upon me exclusively. The share I take in the other parts of this work is the following:-When a page, or rather a long slip amounting to about a page, has been set up, I read it, with a view to ensure a correct pointing, and orthography. This done, Dr. Yates compares it with the Hebrew, and makes the necessary alterations accordingly. Then it is corrected at the press, after which, it returns to me. I compare it with the Hebrew, and write my observations on the margin. In these I propose emendations, and state the reasons which lead me to propose them. Then I write the references at the bottom, after which, the proof goes to Dr. Yates. He reads it, weighing my suggestions, and either adopts or rejects them. Then the proof is corrected and returns to me in the shape of a page, regularly set up with the references, &c. below. This page I compare either with Dr. Carey's version, or else (and this I have commenced since we came to the Prophets) with De Wette's German translation, the best in the world, as far as I know, except in the passages which refer to the Atonement and the Divinity of Christ. The margins of such a page are again studded with suggestions. Dr. Yates next reads four pages (a form), again considering my previous remarks. In this proof he corrects chiefly the style. When he has seen it, it returns to me for correction. Another proof of four pages is usually the last Dr. Yates sees; I read that also, and a subsequent one, in which I chiefly pay attention to the typographical correctness, which being satisfactory, the proof is ordered for press. You can easily imagine that sometimes much time is spent over a few verses. Occasionally Dr. Yates and I meet personally, to discuss some particularly difficult passage. Although our progress in this way is but slow, yet we hope it is sure."

Besides his great exertions as a Translator, Mr. Wenger is the Pastor of a Native church, which he watches over

with paternal affection; and he often engages in labours as an Evangelist in the streets and highways of Calcutta. Pray for him.

AFRICA. Mr. Sturgeon has been much comforted by the arrival of the beloved brethren, whose affecting reception in Fernando-Po was described in our last number. Before their arrival, Mr. S. held revival prayer-meetings, which made a deep impression on the minds of the people. On one occasion, "the people wept aloud," and as he was about to close the meeting by prayer, the weeping became so universal that his voice could not be heard. This zealous and judicious Missionary was most careful to explain to the people the difference between mere excitement, and genuine religious feeling. On Lord's-day, August the 20th, he baptized thirteen persons. "One of them is from Old Calabar, that prolific seat of the King of Terrors. Being a man of lovely disposition and consistency of conduct," it is hoped he will be a great blessing to his countrymen. "Among the females, there is one who has been notorious for pride, malice, and cruelty; but, by the grace of God, her jewels of gold are exchanged for the ornaments of a meek and quiet spirit; and previous ferocious dispositions are supplanted by penitence, faith, and love." A great external improvement is already visible, not only in the aspect of the congregations, but in the general manners of the people in Clarence. The Enemies of the Cross

"Gaze and admire, and hate the change."

JAMAICA. We cannot refrain from reprinting from the Missionary Herald, entire, the following extract from a letter from Mr. Knibb, dated December 2nd:"The Chilmark sailed yesterday, and is now in sight of Kettering. She carries a noble band of Missionaries. If ever I wished to have my likeness taken, it was when I requested and obtained permission to steer her out of harbour, which, under the directions of the captain, I accomplished. Oh, it was an interesting sight! There stood dear Clarke, his face beaming with calm dignified joy;-there his beloved wife; there his interesting band, and the

playful children. Among the number was one whom my dear boy William, now in heaven, taught to read. There stood another who received his education from myself when at Kingston, and there a lonely widower, whose wife, after having engaged to go, was suddenly called to her rest, and was only buried three days before the vessel sailed; and who, on her death-bed, urged him to proceed to Africa; there the Superintendent of my own Sabbath School, who in parting said, ‘Take care of my brother, and speak to him about Jesus.' Oh, it was a noble sight! For all particulars I must refer you to our Herald, and to dear Clarke's letter. In twelve months, we shall have enough to freight another vessel."-It will gratify many of our readers, to know that the Missionaries who were in this country in the Autumn, for their health (Messrs. Abbott, Dutton, Oughton, & Mrs. Knibb), have reached their stations in safety, and in health. The brethren Abbott and Dutton, had the pleasure of meeting the Chilmark at sea on her way to Africa.

P. J. S.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ANTI-STATE CHURCH CONFERENCE. -Out of a Provisional Committee of more than two hundred persons of most denominations, twenty-one have been selected by the whole, as an Executive Committee to arrange for the Conference. Amongst other names we notice the following Baptists, Brock, Stovel, Price, D.D. Giles, Mursell; also, Drs. Wardlaw, Brown, and Heugh of Scotland; Dr. Pye Smith, W. S. Crawford, M.P. and Dr. Payne.

Lord J. RUSSELL, we deeply regret to see, speaks thus of dissenting principles :"The Roman Catholics are not, from their creed, disaffected to Authority, like the Dissenters, whose creed tends to Liberalism." He also re-asserts, "that ministers maintained by the voluntary system, make themselves and their doctrine subservient to the prejudices of those who pay them, and that this evil is inherent in the Vo

luntary System." It is clear, then, Dissenters can hope nothing from Lord John, whatever he may do for Papists.