A VINDICATION AND REJOINDER, in a letter to A. G., respecting his "What is Christian Baptism?" By David Wallace, Baptist Minister. Houlston and Stoneman; Heaton and Son, London. MR. WALLACE's admirable summary of pædobaptist testimonies in favour of believers' baptism, was too telling not to call for a reply. The character of the reply, as discernable from this rejoinder, is about at par with most others of its kind. The author, with a christian temper, uses the caustic, and shews triumphantly the fairness of his quotations, and the force of his arguments. There is nothing which surprises an intelligent Baptist more than the force of early education, and prejudice in relation to this vexed question. There is no evidence of infant baptism in the New Testament, and no example to warrant sprinkling, and yet how tenaciously these relics of popery are held. The Protestant Dissenters' Almanack, for the year 1859. THIS is one of the best almanacks of formation, as to Dissenting Institutions, its class. It is cheap, and contains a &c., which is of importance to every Nonlarge amount of statistical and other in-conformist. Correspondence. ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE. DEAR SIR, - In thinking about the Magazine for the coming year I have occasionally wondered whether yourself or any of your correspondents have given our Sabbath Schools a thought, I mean with reference to the Magazine: for at the present, with the exceptions of notices of anniversary sermons, we know little or nothing about our schools. The Sabbath School Teacher never thinks to look in the pages of our denominational organ for information, instruction, or advice respecting his "labour of love," or for any interchange of thought with his fellowlabourers in other churches of our denomination. Why it has been so I do not now stay to enquire, but, with your leave, Sir, I would humbly ask permission to suggest, on behalf of my co-workers and myself that you take into consideration the propriety of giving with the commencement of another year one or two pages, as the case may be, to Sunday Schools. I think, Sir, you will have no difficulty about securing sufficient matter, for I have strong faith to believe that before two months have passed away the question will be what to leave out; for if other teachers feel as I do they will be pleased to think and to know that they have a recognized place in our Magazine, and therefore, Sir, without further delay, I will venture to state what I think should be given. of every description relating to Sabbath Schools, such as Anniversaries, Quarterly and Annual Public Meetings of Friends, Teachers, and Scholars, Jubilees, Opening of New School Rooms, Statistics of our various Schools at stated intervals, I mean in reference to their increase or decrease, attendance, &c., Dismissions, School Treats, Proceedings of Sunday School Unions, Reports of Juvenile Missionary Societies, Conversions and Admissions into the Churches. All the information that can be given on the above and similar subjects would, I am sure, be of great use to the Teacher, and of general interest to the Connexion. Again, I would say that Correspondence with Teachers and others interested in the work respecting the Management, Discipline, Rules, General order, and anything else pertaining to the well-being of our sabbath schools would tend to the enlargement of our minds and create a greater interest in each other and our work. Another subject that is engaging the thoughts and consideration of the Teacher in the present day (I think more so than formerly) is, How to teach a class most successfully both for time and eternity? And, as an assistance for our teachers, let us have occasionally "Model Lessons for our classes," also suitable subjects for addresses with brief remarks how to And first let me say, Intelligence | handle our subject to the best advantage, with pointed illustrations and interesting anecdotes suitable both for the class and the address. Brief and affectionate memoirs of teachers and scholars who have finished their earthly labour, and passed away to the "Land of Spirits." Original hymns for anniversaries would be great boon, for only the sabbath school teacher knows the difficulty of selecting appropriate hymns for such occasions. a And now, Mr. Editor, I think I have stated quite enough to shew the need of giving a space for such objects, and I have no doubt if given that it will greatly enhance the interest of us all in the Magazine, more especially among the young people of our churches, for they would then find something interesting to themselves, and therefore would prefer purchasing and reading our Magazine, and thus greatly increase the sale; for on looking over the Minutes I find there are nearly 4,000 teachers alone, and say that only one tenth of them purchased the Magazine who do not now, that Obituary. MISS MARY TEMPLE, aged forty-seven,, died at Conningsby, on the 11th Sept. 1858. She was for eighteen years the devoted mistress of the General Baptist Day School. Her end was peaceful and happy, and she "being dead yet speaketh." By her removal the school in which she so long laboured, and the church of which she had been a member twenty-seven years, have sustained a severe loss; but they remember that their loss is her gain. Her means considered. she has acted in a liberal manner towards these, and the connexion she so much loved. - [In "making-up" the magazine for last month this and the following obituary were unfortunately mixed by the printer. We now re-print them in their proper form.] MARY TERRY (formerly Holsworth) was born in Quaker-lane, Little-Orton, near Bradford, April 14th, 1828, and died May 29th, 1858. She was brought to a knowledge of the truth in connexion with a revival of religion which took place during the ministry of Mr. Ingham. She was baptised and united to the Church on Lord's day, June 2nd, 1844. In six years after she became the wife of our brother, James Terry, one of our Deacons, who now mourns over her loss. She was the mother of two children, both of whom are dead. As it regards the character of our de parted sister, she was quiet and retiring, humble and devout, prayerful and zealous, patient and kind. She was a keeper at home. She looked well to the ways of her household, and eat not the bread of idleness. During the last five or six years of her life, she has been subjected to much suffering; hence her attendance upon the means of grace has been irregular. She lived more than a mile from our chapel, but, when well, she thought nothing of going and coming two, three, and sometimes four times on a Lord's day. O that in this respect all our friends would imitate her example. Her last illness was protracted and severe; but she murmured not. Often would she exclaim, "O that I had wings like a dove, then would I flee away and be at rest." On one occasion she said, "I have two bright stars in Heaven," (meaning her children) and I think they will be so pure that I scarcely dare approach them." She continued, and Jesus Christ will be there, and my old father Oh! what a happy meeting; the Lord can make me as pure as they." With these and similar expressions upon her tongue, our sister sweetly entered into the haven of eternal rest. Her death was improved on Lord's day evening, June 20th, 1858, from Eze. xxiv., 16-"I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke." "And is she dead? Has death's cold hand Is that fair form on which all took It cannot be ! Me thinks I hear Some sweet voice whispering in my ear, B. W. B. MRS. ANN WARD, relict of the late Mr. Thomas Ward, of Ripley, Derbyshire, died Sep. 28th, 1858, aged fifty-four. Mrs. Ann Ward was born at Quorndon, Leicestershire, she was the daughter of Mr. Joseph Ball of that place. When young, during a severe illness, she was led to think about her soul, and when the Lord raised her from the bed of sickness she did not forget her good resolves, but became a very regular thoughtful scholar in the sunday school, in that village. She gave her heart to God and was baptised and received into the church at Quorndon, in the year 1821, being then nearly seventeen years of age. She was particularly attached to the sabbath school and always spoke of it with very great pleasure even unto the end of her life. She became a teacher, and honourably filled her place until the time of her marriage, which took place in the year 1829. Her removal to Ripley seemed in the way of providence. She and her late husband were very zealous for the prosperity of the General Baptist Interest in Ripley, which was commenced in January, 1833. While the cause was in its infancy they regularly attended the seven o'clock Sunday morn ing prayer meeting; an experience meeting was also held in their own house for a number of years. When the Sabbath School began at Ripley, in the year 1846, she was а teacher for a considerable period, and always rejoiced in its prosperity. In March, 1858, she very suddenly lost her beloved husband by death.* This heavy stroke she bore with wonderful fortitude and submission, ever after she seemed to become more heavenly-minded. It was quite evident she was ripening for glory; her heart and soul seemed more than ever engaged with the cause of Jesus Christ. She rejoiced that she was able to continue liberally to support the cause; and the church had hoped she would be spared for many years. But how mysterious are the ways of providence!-On Sunday morning, Sep. 26th, she came into the House of God to hear Rev. W. Underwood, of Nottingham, preach; she was taken ill and soon obliged to go out, alas! never to return! She seemed much better on the Monday night, but the following morning the inflammation flew to her brain; she lingered in a state of unconsciousness until about seven o'clock in the evening, when she breathed her last. Her mortal remains were deposited in the family vault, in the chapel ground, on Saturday, Oct. 2nd, The funeral service was conducted by Rev. W, Gray, of Ashby, and on the 17th of Oct. this solemn event was improved by Rev. G. Needham, of Castle Donington. The very sudden and unexpected removal of two such valued friends as Mr. and Mrs. Ward we deeply lament, while we desire to bow in submission to the Divine will. R. A. * See the G. B. Mag, for November. Intelligence. CONFERENCES. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE met at | ports from the churches showed that 89 Shore on Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 1858. J. had been baptised since the last confeSmith, Particular Baptist, of Briercliffe, rence, and that 18 remained as candidates. near Burnley, read the scriptures and Regret was expressed that several churches prayed; and John Sutcliffe, of Staly-sent no report. bridge, preached from Col. I., 21, "Whom we preach, &c." The brethren reassembled for business at 2 p.m. The Pastor of the church presided, and Mr. Wood prayed. The re Resolutions passed 1. That the Conference become responsible for £250, on behalf of the new chapel. at Todmorden. 2. That the Treasurer of our Home Mis sion advance £50 of the above sum to the Todmorden building committee. 3. That the Rev. Thomas Horsfield, Vale Manse, near Todmorden, act both as Secretary and Treasurer of the Conference building committee. 4. That the above committee have the sanction and approval of the Conference in canvassing the Yorkshire district, in order to increase the funds of the Home Mission. 5. That the Todmorden church have our most cordial recommendation in their efforts to obtain subscriptions for their new chapel. 6. That our Secretary affectionately desire the churches in Leeds, Bromley, and Northallerton to send either a representative or a written report to our Confe rences. 7. That brother Sutcliffe be thanked for his sermon, and requested to send it for insertion in the Magazine. 8. That the thanks of the Conference be given to brother Hardy, as Secretary of the Home Mission, and that he remain in office until next June. 9. That a similar recompence be tendered to brother Springthorpe, and that he continue as Secretary of our Conference till June, 1859. 10. That the next Conference be at Birchcliffe, on Tuesday, December 28th. Mr. Batey, of Rochdale, to preach in the morning. Service to begin at half-past ten. A Conference collection in the afternoon. At the conclusion of the business a discussion arose on the question "What more can we do to extend the Redeemer's cause among us?" Brother Rhodes spoke on the importance of personal piety. Brother Hardy on the claims of our connexional institutions to a far more liberal support from the majority of our Yorkshire churches; and brother Horsfield, on the want and worth of christian love. May God bless the exhortations then given. Brother Lockwood closed the sitting with prayer. There was a Foreign Missionary Meeting at night. C. SPRINGTHORPE, Sec. ORDINATION. THE REV. J. CHORLERTON was solemnly recognized as the Pastor of the General Baptist Church, at Coalville and Whitwick, on Wednesday, October 27th. The service commenced about 1 p.m. The Rev. W. Gray, of Ashby, read suitable portions of scripture, and offered the general prayer. The Rev. R. Kenney, of Burton-on-Trent, delivered a lucid introductory discourse. The Rev. E. Bott, of Barton Fabis, proposed the questions to the minister and people, the answers to which were pleasing and satisfactory. The Rev. T. Stevenson, of Leicester, offered special prayer for the minister. The Rev. J. Goadby, of Loughborough, delivered a charge to the minister founded on Coll. iv., 17, "Take heed to the ministry, &c." In the evening the Rev. Mr. Fisher, of Hugglescote, opened the service with prayer, and the Rev. T. Gill, of Melbourne, preached to the Church on their various duties. The Rev. J. Chorlerton concluded the service with prayer. The Revs. Kelly, of Measham, Holroyd, of Barton, gave out the hymns. The congregations were large, attentive, and deeply interested. Many friends were present from Barton, Ashby, Melbourne, &c. May the smile of God rest on our young brother, and may his labours be abundantly blessed! BAPTISMS. BELPER.-On Lord's Day, Sept. 19th, after a sermon on the baptism of the Eunuch (Acts viii., 36-8). One female was baptised in the Baptist Chapel, and added to the Church. MELBOURNE.-On Lord's day morning, November 7th, 1858, a well attended and solemn service was held here. Mr. Gill selected, as the ground of his discourse, I Kings, vi., 11-14 verses, and, at its close, baptised five persons, three males, and two females. In the afternoon of the same day the | Lord's supper was administered; previous to which the newly baptised received a suitable address, and were recognized as members of the church. In the evening the subject was-"The Call of God in the Gospel, and the Duty of Man in relation to it," from Acts x., 33. It was a "high day" and our prayer and hope are that the impressions produced may lead in some cases to spiritual advancement, and in others to sound conversion. BRADFORD FIRST CHURCH.-Оn Lord's day, July 4th, we baptised six who with one restored, were received into our fel- dance was very good; the spectators ANNIVERSARIES. BELPER.-On Monday, Nov. 1st, 1858, | ten a sermon was preached by Mr. Shaw, a Tea-meeting was held in the Baptist Independent minister, of Boston, after Chapel, to assist in maintaining the cause which the scholars and teachers repaired of Christ in that place of worship, after to a field adjoining the chapel, where, which there was a public meeting, when under a spacious marquee, an excellent several pieces of sacred music were per dinner awaited them. After the repast, formed by the choir; and appropriate ad- the scholars, accompanied by the teachers, dresses were delivered by the Revds. Jes- walked in procession to a field kindly lent sop (Indep), T. Yates, of Wirksworth, for the occasion, where a variety of and W. Shakspeare. Proceeds, including amusements were provided for them. At the contributions kindly given by friends, one o'clock the visitors, about one hun£8 4s. dred and fifty, sat down to dinner. At four o'clock the children partook of an excellent tea and plum-cake; and at five o'clock the visitors and friends, about seven hundred, sat down to an excellent tea. Such a gathering is seldom seen in a little village. In the afternoon the Rev. B. Berridge, the rector of Algarkirk, distant about a mile, kindly threw open his picturesque park, gardens and church for the entertainment and inspection of visitors; and during the afternoon several hundreds availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded, and returned highly delighted. It was indeed truly gratifying to see the willingness of all, without regard to sect or party, to assist in promoting the comfort and convenience of all present. I trust that we, as teachers, shall be stimulated to greater exertions and diligence in our great work, by see SUNDAY-SCHOOL JUBILEE, SUTTERTON. -On Sunday and Monday, Sept. 12th and 13th, 1858, the fifteenth Anniversary of the General Baptist Sunday-school, Sutterton, was celebrated. On Sunday Mr. Pike, of Bourne, preached morning and evening to crowded congregations. In the afternoon the scholars received their annual rewards, consisting of books (according to merit) varying in value from one penny to one shilling and sixpence each. On Monday the village presented an, animated scene, and many a heart beat high with joy. Before daybreak a number of friends with active hands and willing hearts were engaged in completing the varied and extensive preparations. By ten o'clock conveyances began to arrive from Barton, Gosberton, and neighbouring villages. At half-past |