sided. After the Report of the Committee had been read and approved,* the following resolutions were discussed and passed. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE BAPTIST UNION MEETING HELD AT NOTTINGHAM, JULY 1, 1857. : 1. That it is a source of sincere gratification to the Union to hold its Annual Session in a locality which facilitates the attendance of brethren of the General Baptist body and that it will afford them augmented pleasure if, to the vital union which compacts the Particular and General Baptists together, there may be added an enlarged exercise of fraternal affection and co-operation. Moved by Rev. W. UNDERWOOD, of Chesham, (G. B.) Seconded by Rev. Mr. WALTERS, of Halifax, (P. B.) 2. That this Session gratefully recognizes the goodness of God to the churches of the denomination during the past year, as far as it may be gathered from the Association returns of 1856. These returns show a gross increase of 9331 members, and a clear increase of 3138; a larger clear increase than the Union has been permitted to record for seven years past, and yielding an average of three members per church. Unfeignedly thankful for this mercy, the Session would regard it as at once an answer to prayer, and an encouragement both to activity and hope. Moved by Rev. W. R. STEVENSON, M.A., of Nottingham, (G. B.) Seconded by Rev. Mr. ONCHEN, of Germany. Supported by Rev. C. STOVELL, of London, (P. B.) 3. That the Session view with extreme disappointment and regret the issue of the interview, to which this Union was a party, with the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society; and that, since the time is not come for the relinquishment of those separate efforts to which the Bible Society's restriction of 1833 gave rise, they commend the operations of the Bible Translation Society to the persevering and enlarged support of the churches, as a course required alike by justice to faithful translators of the Divine Word, and by a regard to the interests of the kingdom of Christ. Moved by Rev. W. BAILEY, G. B. Missionary. Seconded by Rev. Dr. HOBY, (P. B.) 4. That the Session see with satisfaction that the Government at length admit the necessity of dealing with the important and irritating question of Church Rates; but, assured as they are that nothing less than the entire abolition of that obnoxious impost will be satisfactory to the country, they trust that nothing less will be either proposed by the Government, or accepted by Parliament. Moved by W. HEATON, Esq., of London. Seconded by Rev. J. GOADBY, of Loughborough. This Report contained reference to the efforts made to prevent the desecration of the Sabbath by the employment of Military Bands; the resolutions adopted against Sir. J. Packington's scheme of Education; in favour of the abolition of Church Rates; also, a memorial sent to the Bible Society, on account of its illiberal and sectarian conduct as to the Baptist versions translated in Bengal; and finally, a reprint of the Government circular, sent from the General Register office, as to non-parochial Registers. It will be remembered by some of our readers that this latter subject was introduced at our last Association, and the Editor was requested to call attention to it, and to recommend all the churches that have such registers of births that have not been forwarded to the Registry office, to forward the originals, and not copies, immediately, as it is certain that the best attention will be given to them, and the best use will be made of them for the benefit of the public. Let our ministers, who have all received circulars, give immediate attention to this matter. The following is the form of address to the Commissioners. The letters, &c., must be unpaid. On Her Majesty's Service. The non-Parochial Registers' Commissioners, General Register Office, Somerset House, London. (W. C.) 5. That the Session concur in the sentiments expressed by their late Committee in relation to the Education Bill of Sir John Pakington, and that they differ entirely from the right honourable baronet as to his intended proposition of a school-rate. At the same time, the Session regard with disapprobation, and not without anxiety, the rapid yearly augmentation in the expenditure of the Committee of Council of Education, especially under the head of Capitation Grants-the most objectionable in principle of all the measures adopted by the Committee of Council, and the most pernicious in its effects. The Session also contemplates with sincere gratification the recent general Conference of the Friends of Education held in London, as the first effort of its kind intended to combine the energies of all on ground occupied in common, and in measures universally approved: a step, they believe, in the right direction, and assuredly not without beneficial effects. Moved by Rev. J. H. HINTON, M.A, of London, (P. B.) 6. That the Session fully sustain the profession of christian love towards their German brethren made by their Committee in May last; and are happy in being able to give a fresh token of their regard by appointing the Rev. C. M. Birrel of Liverpool, H Hunter, Dr. Hoby, and the Rev. J. H. Hinton, their secretary, to attend the Triennial Conference at Hamburg, in September next, as a deputation from the Union; and that the deputation also visit Copenhagen, and take a memorial to the King of Denmark and Hanover, for a similar purpose. Moved by Rev. J. B. PIKE, (G. B.) Seconded by Rev. Mr. ONCHEN, of Germany. 7. That the Session regard with the deepest and most lively interest the present position of the question of slavery in the United States of America, especially in relation to the pulpit: that, while the Union has long bewailed the wide implication of religious professors in the sin of slavery itself, the Session cannot but pronounce an emphatic and indignant condemnation of the attempt recently more strenuously made to muzzle the minsters of the Gospel in relation to it, and declare the high honour in which they hold the Rev. George B. Cheever, D.D., of New York, for the christian courage and fidelity with which he has, both from the pulpit and the press, proclaimed the whole truth of God, and vindicated the liberty of His messengers to mankind; and that a copy of this resolution be sent to Dr. Cheever. Moved by REV. M. LAROM, of Sheffield, (P. B.) 8. That the Session regard with lively interest the approaching assembly of Protestant Evangelical Christians at Berlin. They rejoice in every instance of the recognition of individual piety apart from ecclesiastical adhesion; and they trust that this gathering in particular, will, under the Divine blessing, be conducive to the extension at once of christian love, and of christian liberty. Moved by Rev. J. PRESTON, of Ashby, (G. B.) Seconded by Rev. Mr. EVANS, of Arnsley, (P. B.) The meeting adjourned to Mansfield Road chapel (G. B.) at noon, when in the school room dinner was provided by the hospitality of the Nottingham friends. The latter part of the discussions were conducted in this chapel. In the evening a public meeting was held at the Stoney Street chapel (G. B.) J. Heard, Esq., presided. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. Stevenson, of Derby, (G. B.) Mr. Walters, of Halifax, J. C. Pike, of Quorndon, (G. B.) Dr. Hoby, Mr. Onchen, and C. Stovell. The meetings were brotherly, harmonious, spirited, and well attended. The brethren of both denominations exchanged many friendly greetings, and the secretary, Rev. J. H. Hinton, declared this to have been the best meeting of the Baptist Union ever held. ORDINATION OF THE REV. JOHN ORISSA GOADBY, AS A MISSIONARY TO ORISSA. "the THE solemn and deeply interesting services connected with the designation of this young Missionary, took place at Wood-gate, Loughborough, on Tuesday, July 21st, 1857. Several circumstances conspired to induce the expectation that the attendance on this occasion would be slender. The printed notices which conveyed intelligence to the churches were unaccountably delayed, so that they arrived at their destination only a few days before the services; at Loughborough one or two gatherings had been already arranged for that day; at Nottingham there were the annual treatings of all the Sunday schools on that day; and then, in addition to the facts that there had been recently the great gathering there of the Annual Association, and there were expected the following Tuesday, the more exciting services connected with the farewell of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, at which two other Missionaries from India were announced as engaged, the season of the year, and the busy engagements of the field, demanded the presence of most of our agricultural friends at home: these things all combined, made us expect a small attendance. We were, however, pleasingly disappointed, especially in the morning. The attendance was good. The services commenced by the Rev. J. Lawton, of Wimeswold, giving out a hymn. The Rev. G. Needham, of Castle Donington, read select portions of scripture, and offered a comprehensive and appropriate general prayer. After another hymn, by the Rev. E. Stevenson, of Loughborough, the Rev. J. C. Pike, the secretary, delivered a very excellent, suitable, instructive and encouraging discourse, on need of praying for labourers for the work of the Lord," in which he took appropriate glances at the history of British Rule in India, the present troubles, the hopefulness of Missionary toil; and also of the wide field opened and opening for Missionary enterprise. The questions were proposed with great kindness and affection by the Rev. E. Bott, of Barton, and the replies by the young Missionary were brief, touching, deeply affecting, and highly satisfactory. The whole audience were more than once suffused with tears, during this part of the service. The Rev. W. Bailey, Missionary, offered the designatory prayer, accompanied by the imposition of hands. The Rev. J. Goadby, the Missionary's father, then delivered a comprehensive, affectionate and faithful charge, founded on 2 Tim. ii. 1, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." The Rev. G. Staples, of Measham, concluded the service by a short prayer. The service was not continued more than three hours, and was throughout, one of the most solemn and interesting ever held. The allusions made to Bampton, Lacey, Yates, and others, as connected with this "honoured sanctuary," and to the fathers of our mission now no more, were felt to add a most hallowed influence to the solemnities of the day. In the evening, the Rev. J. Lewitt, of Nottingham, opened the service, and the Rev. S. C. Sarjant, B.A., of Derby, delivered an interesting and instructive discourse from "He that winneth souls is wise." CONFERENCES. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Burnley Lane, June 1st, 1857. In the morning Mr. O. Hargreaves was ordained to the pastoral office over the church, meeting at the above place. The business of the Conference was attended to in the afternoon. Mr. Dunn, of Bradford, prayed, and Mr. Hargreaves presided. Verbal and written reports of the states of the churches were received, from which it appeared that fifty-four had been baptized since the last Conference, and forty-one remained as candidates. The case from Todmorden, standing over from the previous Conference, was introduced, and it was resolved, 1. That the resolution passed at Heptonstall Slack Conference, in 1856, in reference to Todmorden, be adopted. Case from Clayton. Is it requisite to have all the trustees members of the church? 2. That the Conference thinks the church at Clayton is at perfect liberty to select trustees from among their own friends, or from others, according to their discretion. 3. The brethren who have not visited Heywood, are requested to accede to the request of the church there, and supply their pulpit occasionally. Messrs. Hargreaves and Ashton to make out a list of supplies until the next Conference. 4 That the report of the Home Mission, now read by the secretary, be adopted and printed as usual. 5. That Mr. Hardy be appointed to write to those churches which do not contribute to the Home Mission, and urge them to do so annually. 6. That Messrs. Lockwood and Ingham be appointed to make arrangements for the Foreign Missionary services in the Yorkshire district. 7. Mr. Batey having intimated his purpose of resigning the pastorate at Burnley, and having also expressed a desire to raise a new cause in some townResolved: That the Conference approves of his purpose, and cordially recommends him to the attention and support of the General Home Mission Committee as a brother suitable to be employed as an agent. The next Conference to be held at Lineholme, on Tuesday, September 29th. Mr. Tunnicliff, of Leeds, to preach in the morning. J. SUTCLIFFE, Sec. ANNIVERSARIES. MARCH.-The forty-ninth Anniversary of the General Baptist Sunday School was held on Sunday and Monday, June 28th and 29th. On Sunday three excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Springthorpe of Heptonstall Slack, Yorkshire; that in the morning from John xxi. 15, in the afternoon from Prov. iv. 13, and in the evening from Matt. xxv. 24-30. They were ardent, appropriate, and animating, and so affectionately delivered, they could not but impress the mind with the importance of the subjects. On Monday, in a large tent erected by the teachers, the Sunday School children (about 120) had their annual treat of tea and plum-cake. Then they, with their teachers and friends, enjoyed themselves in social amusements in a field, kindly lent for the occasion. After singing they were addressed by Mr. Springthorpe, who concluded with prayer, and they were dismissed, highly delighted with the day. At half-past five o'clock the teachers and friends took tea, (about 250) it was a pleasing and interesting occasion, and all enjoyed themselves very much. In the evening addresses were delivered by the following gentlemen. Mr. J. Wherry, who was called to the chair, opened the meeting with a few very appropriate remarks, and then called upon Mr. Foreman, P. B., and Mr. Dyson, Wesleyan, both of March, Mr. Watts, of Wisbeach, and Mr. Springthorpe; each of the speakers were listened to with the greatest interest and attention. Mr. Springthorpe was most affectionate, ardent, and arousing to parents, teachers, and the audience at large, on the great responsibility they were under, for the use and improvement of the various talents and opportunities they enjoyed, for the benefit of their fellow-creatures. It was the largest and best meeting we ever had. J. E. CLAYTON, near Bradford.-The twenty-sixth Annual Anniversary of the General Baptist Sabbath School was held on Lord's-day June 28th, when three excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Maden, of Gambleside. We have the pleasure to record that the handsome sum of £25 2s. 6d. was realized in aid of the Sabbath School. During the past year death has deprived our school of one of our highly esteemed superintendents. It is worthy of remark, that during the past twenty three years he was not known to be absent from the school more than three times, and then through bodily indisposition. He was greatly respected by the teachers and scholars, some of the younger of whom gave him the appellation of " chapel father." BAPTISMS. J. I. C. TARPORLEY.-On Lord's-day, May 31st, after a sermon by Mr. Smith, from "What mean ye by this service," two persons were baptized by Mr. Aston, and in the afternoon were received into the fellowship of the church. The services were well attended, and as both the candidates had been connected with the established church, their baptism excited very general interest. PETERBOROUGH.-On Lord's-day, July 5th, four candidates were baptized in the General Baptist chapel, Peterborough; three of whom were received into the church; the other remains a member of the "established church." HEPTONSTALL SLACK.-In the month of December 1856, thirteen persons were baptized and added to the church; and in June 1857, seventeen others in like manner dedicated themselves to God. May they each be faithful unto death. LONGFORD, Union Place.-The ordinance of believer's baptism was administered here, by Mr. Veals, on Lord's-day, June 21st, 1857, to two males and one female. They were received into the church, at the Lord's-table, the same day. One of these is the son of a former pastor of the church here-a child of many prayers. An encouraging number of young persons are asking the way to Zion. BEESTON.-On Lord's-day, May 3rd, seven persons, one male and six females, were baptized by our minister in the name of the Sacred Three; also, on July 12th, three persons, two males and one female, put on Christ by baptism. May the Lord bless them and make them a blessing. Our chapel on each occasion was well attended, we have a goodly number of inqurers, and expect some speedy additions. T. N. NEW LENTON.-On Lord's-day, July 5, five persons put on Christ by baptism after a sermon by our new minister, the Rev. J. J. Goadby. Two of the three refer to sermons delivered by him on a former visit here as the means, under God, of bringing them to Christ. The chapel was well filled, some 500 being present, and the whole service was quiet, solemn, and impressive. About sixty were gathered around the Lord's table when these friends were received into the church. From this time may the Lord bless us. X. REMOVAL.-The Rev. J. J. Goadby, late of Market Harboro', having accepted a unanimous invitation to become the minister of the General Baptist church, New Lenton, near Nottingham, entered on his labours on Lord's day, July 5, with encouraging prospects of success. May this little one soon become a thousand! RE OPENING OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST CHAPEL, RIPLEY.-The above chapel having been considerably enlarged and improved, was re-opened for Divine service on Lord's-day, June the 14th, 1857, when two excellent and useful sermons were preached by the Rev. Samuel Mc'All, of Nottingham. The congregations were good, and the collections liberal. On the following Sabbath the Rev. R. Kenney, of Burton-upon-Trent, most efficiently occupied the pulpit, and collections were again made in furtherance of the object. This beautiful place of worship has been enlarged by adding the former school-rooms, which were taken off the end of the building; this addition has greatly improved the appearance of the chapel, besides making accommodation for 108 more people. We are also erecting new schools, which we hope to see completed immediately. As this enlargement and new erection will cost us something like £350, the help of the christian public will be gratefully received. We take this opportunity of thanking those kind friends who have aided us, and would now say to any who may feel disposed to help even at the eleventh hour, that our bazaar will open on Tuesday, the 11th of August, and will continue during the week: contributions of articles will still be gratefully received. The attendance also of friends from a distance will be esteemed a favour; and as the railway from Derby to Ripley is open, and trains run three times a day, we hope to see some Derby and other friends at Ripley at our bazaar, which will open at nine o'clock each day. Our prayer is that God would still bless our Zion. W. G. Ripley. |