usually interesting: the Holy Spirit descended to water our souls by means of the services, and to refresh our hearts by the scenes of the day. Our prayer is that the great Head of the church would often visit us and all the churches of our denomination with seasons of a similar character.

A.B.

BURNLEY, ENON CHAPEL. On wednesday evening, April 1st, after a discourse from 1 Peter, iv. 11, Mr. Batey baptized three persons, one male and two females, on a profession of faith in Christ. These, with one restored, were

received at the Lord's table on the following Sabbath.

COALVILLE. Two persons were baptized on Lord's-day, February 1st, and three on April 5th, the whole of whom were added to the General Baptist church, Coalville and Whitwick. We feel that we have abundant cause to "thank God and take courage.'

RIPLEY.-On Lord's day evening, March 22nd, four persons were baptized. The chapel was full to overflowing. Two of the candidates were out of the Sabbath School. W. G. R.

ILKESTON.-Six persons were baptized on April 1st, and received into the church on the following Sunday.

BIRCHCLIFFE. On the 4th of April sixteen believers were baptized at this place. Two of them had long followed Christ as Wesleyans. On the following day, they were welcomed to the table of the Lord, and received the right hand of fellowship. May they stand fast in the faith.

ROTHLEY. On Lord's day, March 8th, three persons were baptized and added to the church; and on Lord's-day, April 5th, two more were received into fellowship by baptism.

PETERBOROUGH.-On Lord's-day, April 5th, 1857, the ordinance of believers' baptism was admidistered to three females in the General Baptist chapel, Westgate, Peterboro'.

HUGGLESCOTE.—On Lord's-day, April 5th, two persons were baptized and received into the church.

CASTLEACRE, NORFOLK.-On Lord's-day evening, March 29th, after a sermon by Mr. Stutterd, from Colossians ii. 12, "Buried with him in baptism," two brethren were immersed in the name of the Sacred Three. One of the candidates was a teacher in the Sabbath School; the other was the husband of one of our members. The Redeemer's cause is progressing, but, alas, too slowly. There is reason to fear that more souls are perishing around us than are being saved. Affecting thought.

J. H.

KIRKBY WOODHOUSE AND KIRKBY.-On Lord's-day morning, April 5th, 1857, two persons were baptized in the name of the Sacred Three, and added to the church. The very unfavourable state of the weather prevented the usual service at the water side. Mr. Ferneyhough, of Nottingham, delivered an excellent and appropriate sermon on the subject of believers' baptism in the afternoon, at Woodhouse, founded on Acts, viii chapter, 36, 37, 38, and 39 verses. We pray that these, thus "planted in the house of the Lord, may flourish abundantly in the courts of our God." A. B. K.

EYRE STREET, SHEFFIELD -On May 24, 1856, seven females put on Christ by baptism; on October 26, two males and one female; on December 20, five females and three males, and we have now thirteen candidates for baptism. Many of those who have recently joined the church have been trained in our Sabbath school. We have great pleasure in stating that the Lord is prospering the efforts that are put forth in this part of his vineyard. Our inquirers' meeting is crowded on a Sabbath evening; the Sunday evening prayer meetings are also well attended. With these tokens of the Divine favour, we rejoice greatly, and our prayer is, that God will continue to smile on us, and bless his word to the salvation of all for whom Christ has died. T. F.

Notes of the Month.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

April 20.-Judgment has at length been given on the celebrated Knightsbridge church dispute. According to this, crosses, as distinguished from crucifixes are admissible, if simply architectural ornaments; while embroidered and fancy coverings for the communion table are declared contrary to the rubric and canon. The decision cost £5,000. A clergyman had recently the simplicity to assure us that the whole upshot of this celebrated case was the bishop's envy of the good anthem singing at this church, especially as the choir was solely maintained by the voluntary offerings of the people! Dr. Donaldson, of the Book of Jasher notoriety, is again making himself conspicuous. His "Christian Orthodoxy," in which he denies the inspiration of the scriptures, and the existence of angels and evil spirits, will only add to his unenviable distinction. Dr. Hinds, the bishop of Norwich, has resigned, and the appointment of his successor has given great satisfaction to the Evangeli als. At the notorious St. Barnabas, Pimlico, there have been 206 services during Lent. The Tablet, a Roman Catholic newspaper, says that many of the ultra Tractarians have attended Roman Catholic churches during holy week, in some instances receiving the palm on Sunday in the same manner as the Catholics. Romanists openly boast in some quarters that Tractarian clergymen, in visiting their homes, avow themselves to be more in sympathy with them than with the people of their own communion. Attention is being called to the sad want of proper training for public speaking so common in the Establishment. Aptness to teach has been too much ignored among the Anglicans, in the anxiety to make her "priests" scholars and gentlemen.

Roman Catholics in this country and in Ireland are beginning to bestir themselves in the matter of preaching. On the anniversary of St. Patrick's day, Dr. Cullen prayed thus to the patron saint of Ireland, "O holy apostle, look down on this vineyard, planted by thy hands, and preserve it from the ferocious wolves now seeking to lay it waste." In Naples we learn that the energies of the people are paralyzed. Priests are everywhere, prowling in all places like birds of the night, and even presiding over lotteries. În Rome, notwithstanding the assertions of papists in this country to the contrary, Bibles are not to be had at the booksellers, except at an enormous price; and the current stock of all shops is legends of the saints, and other like books. Pretended miracles are wrought at the church of Ara Coeli, where there is a small image of Jesus. In Austria the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna has suppressed five daily papers, and forbids the insertion of anything in papers still remaining that shall keep the people apprized of the continual and dangerous encroachments of the Romish hierarchy. In France Father Ventura has been thundering away in the chapel of Tuileries against courtly vices, and especially addressed himself, on more than one occasion, to the Emperor. What new trick is this of the astute and sinister ruler of France! In Spain several sees are vacant. The property of the church is hopelessly gone. The dissolute court have absorbed what they can never repay.

The Independents have two colleges at present destitute of a principal. Dr. Halley, of Manchester, has been invited to succeed the venerable Walter Scott, at Dovedale College, Bradford. Several applications have been made for a successor to the late Dr. Harris, but as yet without any result. Rev. W. Ellis has returned from Madagascar. He was kindly treated by the Government, and had several interviews with the christians. His report has not yet appeared. Rev. J. Poore, formerly of Manchester, who went out to Australia for a few years, has recently arrived. He reports favourably of the spiritual condition of that rising colony. Sixteen additional ministers are wanted; and towards their outfit and passage, the friends of the Redeemer there have contributed £2,400.

Baptist. Our readers will rejoice to hear that Mr. Underhill, the Secretary of the P. B. Missionary Society, has arrived in England from his recent visit to India, in good health, and will speak at the annual missionary meeting.

GENERAL.

THE elections are the chief events of the month. Now they are over, all parties are speculating on the character and doings of the new House of Commons. That there is a great gain to the ranks of Liberal members is universally agreed, and also that this very gain is the chief thing which is dangerous to Lord Palmerston himself. He must either support Liberal measures, or by jugglery deceive his friends, or give place to an honester man. We believe he will do the first if compelled by a united and strong majority; he would very much prefer to do the second, and we doubt not he will try at it; but the third would be death surely to the old wily politician. If once he is cast from his post of honour and authority, his age forbids the hope of regaining his position. The election has displayed singularly the uncertainty of the favours of the people, or rather it has shown that no former services will secure that the people will follow a leader who sets at defiance their cherished opinions. Thus Leicester has rejected Walmsley because of his connection with the Sunday League. Rochdale, Miall, because he was too confident. Manchester, Gibson and Bright, because they were determined that the defunct Anti-Corn Law League should not permanently rule over and dictate to them. Cobden, Layard, Clay, and a host of others, Liberals and Dissenters too, have, on some account or other, lost their seats. Still the gain has not been to the ranks of Tories. It is supposed that there is near a hundred clear gain for the Liberal interest, and that there is a clear gain of more than thirty to the religious liberty party. Some twenty counties have ousted Tories for Liberals. and in some boroughs the reverse has obtained. The Times laments over the absence of Gibson, Cobden, Bright and others from the parliament, being afraid their agitation outside will do more to disturb the government than their speeches within. Altogether, though there are many new members in the House to whom the proceedings of legislation are strange, and though there are several good and sound reformers without a seat, we are inclined to look with favour on the present House as being more thoroughly pledged to reform and progress than any parliament since 1832. Time will prove whether these pledges will be redeemed. It is reported that Evelyn Denison, Esq., M.P. for North Nottinghamshire, will be proposed by the Government as the speaker.

Another public event, but which has made little stir, is that the Queen was safely delivered of a princess on Tuesday, April 14th. Both mother and daughter, we are thankful to learn, are doing well. It is reported that the marriage of the princess royal to the heir apparent of Prussia, is postponed until January, 1858. She will then be only nineteen. These German alliances are ominicus. They may bring danger. It is even now surmised that an unconstitutional influence has been for some time exerted over our premiers on matters pertaining to Germany, and that this has prevented even Lord Palmerston from doing what the country wished. Should this prove true, and remain uncorrected, the popularity of the Queen and Prince Albert will as surely decline as did that of George III and Queen Charlotte.

The Royal British Bank by its fearful swindlings, must be added to the great frauds committed by great people, for which this country has recently acquired celebrity. Some of the directors were duped by the managers, who made use of their credit for the purpose of duping the public.

It is feared that a murrain, which has destroyed many thousand head of cattle on the Continent, will visit this country. Measures of precaution have been adopted by the government. The effect will be a rise in the already high price of animal food. It is expected, however, that the tendency to cheap bread which the markets have evinced, will continue for some time to come.

Continental news is not over interesting. The Austrians have at last left the

principalities, and the last British ship of war has quitted the Black Sea. The government of the pricipalities is not yet fixed, and it is reported that France and England are not pleased with the Turkish appointment of Hospodar, and have not been consulted. Austria and Sardinia are diplomatically at variance. The former hates the freedom and prosperity of the latter. This renders Lombardy a region of just and deep discontent. The King of Prussia keeps up his petty quibbles with the Swiss. The French Emperor is but ill at ease, and it is said has vaticinations of evil. Spain has a new Cortes, and awaits to see what they will do.

In America the President's inaugural address expresses the hope that agitation about slavery will soon cease, whereas it is setting in with new force. The decision of the supreme court, that a negro can have no political rights, and that every State, in spite of its laws, may be the home of slavery, bids fair at last to rouse all that is good and noble in the north. General Walker is in straits. His men have deserted him.

It is thought probable that the English will have to take possession of some part of China, in order to bring the Emperor to terms. Those who look far forward are predicting that Anglo-Saxon, or Russian rule will ultimately obtain in the Celestial Empire. Either would be better than the present Tartar tyranny

Missionary Observer.

SEEBO PATRA.

The following interesting letters will be very gratifying to our readers.-ED.

Cuttack, 17th September, 1856.

I

MY DEAR BROTHER EARP,-Mr. Bailey mentioned some time ago that you had generously engaged to support a native preacher. He suggested that Seebo Patra should be appropriated to you. I mentioned this to Seebo, and requested him to write you a short account of his conversion, &c. He has done so, and I have got Miss Harrison kindly to transcribe it. The fact is I have been suffering so much lately from an affection of the liver, &c., that writing is to me pretty nearly akin to martyrdom. I have never felt so concerned about my health since my return to India as I have done within the last few weeks; and were it not for Mr. Bailey's being at home, and Mr. Miller's going home, Í should doubt whether I ought not to leave India this cold season. But I cannot see my way clear to do so now, let the consequences be what they may. suppose I might mention some particulars about Seebo. I think I may say he is, without exception, the most effective preacher we have in the bazaars. There is something so affectionate, winning, and elegant in his address that the people, almost in spite of themselves, become serious and attentive while he is preaching. I may mention that if you would like to send him out any little presents by Mr. Bailey, he has expressed a wish for a warm single blanket for the cold season, to wrap himself up in; a razor, and a pair of spectacles. He is about 45 years of age. These, or any other little tokens you might like to send, would of course be very interesting and encouraging to him. His eldest son is a nice boy of 11 or 12 years of age, and reads English nicely. Please excuse this short note. All our mission circle are about in their usual health. Mrs. Stubbins and Miss Harrison unite in Christian love to yourself, Mrs. Earp and family, and all friends. The Lord be with thy spirit!

Yours very affectionately,

J. STUBBINS.

TO J. EARP, ESQ., MELBOURNE.

September 11th, 1856. MY DEAR AND MUCH HONOURED SIR,-To you, I Seebo Patra presenting many loving Christian salutations, write this short epistle. I have never seen you that I should write to you, but I have heard of your kindness and love from my beloved pastor, Stubbins sahib, and therefore I write to you. He has told me of your favour towards me. That favour is owing to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I would bless his name for it, for he is the giver of all good, and it is he who has delivered me from all evil.

My former condition was indeed a miserable one. When I heard of the religion of the Lord, I despised it. I disputed much with his people, and my mind was exceedingly vexed by their religious conversation; for I thought in my heart, these people have lost their own caste and have come to teach me to destroy mine. I was also immersed in the worship of gods and goddesses, and other vain works. I little thought then that my religion was leading to my destruction. After a while Lacey sahib invited me to teach a school for heathen children. To this I agreed, and continued to teach for five years, but though I taught the Scriptures I did not believe in them; for I thought, these English people are only establishing a new religion, to destroy the old one of the Hindoos; certainly I can never obtain salvation by observing what they teach. It is all false. How can I believe in a God whom I see not? No, these things are only to delude men. Such were the thoughts that occupied my mind. At length Lacey sahib invited me to go to chapel, to hear preaching on a Lord's-day afternoon. I went many times. On one occasion he preached from "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Hearing this my soul was troubled, and I sighed, Alas! for me, I am born in vain, why do I not regard this instruction? These impressions continued a long time, but at length I thought, if I embrace this religion I shall lose caste, and the people will revile me; they will say, you have entered the Hardi's house.* I shall become an outcast, and be despised by all men. Meditating on these inevitable consequences, my impressions wore away, and I began again to revile the religion of Christ. Shortly after this I left the school, and returned to my father's house, in consequence of my father's death. On returning to my home I entered into various secular engagements, and thinking nothing of Christ, or his religion, gave myself up to idolatrous sports and festivities. I remained in this state for about four years. When musing one night, I thought how often I had read the word of God but had never understood the meaning of it: why do people embrace Christianity? Surely there must be some cause, and I will search it out. When I left the school I took with me a copy of the New Testament, and several other books. I therefore began to read them, but it was at night in secret, lest any one should see me and revile me, and I should only get shame for my pains. The first passage that particularly arrested my attention was, "Ask, and ye shall receive." I thought this is to teach me to ask of God, and from that time I began to pray. As I continued to pray, my mind became day by day more set on religion. I obtained clearer views of the nature and consequences of sin, and through reading the Scriptures and the immortal history of Christ (one of our poetical tracts,) I gained much instruction. I saw that sin was in itself a fearful evil, and that everlasting punishment was the fruit of it. Henceforward, through the grace of our Lord, I became the subject of renewed hopes, and my mind became daily more established in the truth. banished all fear and shame of man, and boldly read the word of God. The people saw me reading, and soon began to abuse me and make all sorts of sport. Healing them, I thought of Lacey sahib's sermon above referred to; I again read the passage, "What shall it profit a man," &c., and as I thought thereon, I inwardly exclaimed, begone ye sinful pleasures of the world, begone friends, relations, and caste mates; every earthly object begone, only let my soul be saved. Thus resolving, I gave myself more to meditation and the study of

*Hardi's house. A person of the lowest caste; a scavenger.

I