Composed for, and read at, my first Baptizing. Now in the footsteps of the flock,' His wondrous love to prove. With solemn faith may we attend, And do thy righteous will; And may the presence of our Friend, Give us to die to sin, and rise The freeborn sons of God; Till, with the throng at thy right hand, We part to meet no more. THE PRAISES OF IMMANUEL. LET heaven's wide arches ring With Jesus' deathless fame; Let ransomed sinners sing His great and worthy name. Let all conspire who know his worth, To sound Immanuel's praises forth. Join, all ye heavenly choirs, In sweetest, noblest song; Sweep all your golden lyres, Ye happy blood-washed throng; In loudest anthems join, to swell The praises of Immanuel. Religious Intelligence. Baptisms, Recognitions, etc. BETHESDA CHAPEL, JOHN'S ROW, ST. LUKE. ON Wednesday, November 4th, Mr. James Anderson was publicly recognized as the pastor of the church meeting for worship in the above chapel. In the afternoon, brother Hazelton read a portion of Scripture and engaged in prayer, after which brother Palmer stated the nature of a gospel church, at some length, and with his usual clearness. He noticed particularly the great fact that there is a church-a fact which neither heathen governments nor our own could deny. He traced the origin of the church up to the fountain head in the will of Jehovah, and ably set forth its purely spiritual nature and character, defining its laws and ordinances, and the character of the persons who were eligible for membership. Brother Dickerson asked the usual questions: 1st. He asked one of the deacons to give some account concerning the circumstances which in the providence of God led to the election of brother Anderson to the pastoral office. Brother Briscoe (one of the deacons) stated that about three years ago their late pastor resigned. About January last, brother Atkinson of Brighton, supplied the pulpit, and was asked to recommend a minister. Shortly afterwards he wrote to recommend brother Anderson, who supplied the pulpit once in February, twice in March, four times in May, and three times in June. The members of the church (with very few exceptions) having heard the word with profit and increasing interest, came to the conclusion to give Mr. A. an invitation for three months, with a view to the pastorate, which he accepted, and which led to the further engagement which the services to-day were to recognize. 2nd. The pastor elect was asked to give ROBT. SHINDLER. some account of the means by which he was brought to a knowledge of the truth, when he in reply said, He was the child of poor parents, he had very little education, and grew up a very wicked young man. He took pleasure in sin, and walked according to the course of this world. One night (when about twenty-four years of age) he had been to a village public-house, with some old companions, and had resolved to go home sober for once, which resolve he was enabled to keep. On the way home he began to congratulate himself on his escape from the intoxicating cup and drunken companions, when suddenly the thought passed through his mind, that he was not fit to die. The past life of sin seemed, as in a few moments, to stand before the mind's eye, and the heart seemed as though it would break. It was a stormy night-the wind whistled through the trees, and the snow fell fast; notwithstanding, he wrapped his plaid round his neck, and knelt by an old oak tree and tried to pray. His trouble of mind continued, and increased so that he could neither eat, work, nor sleep as he was wont. The Wesleyans at length got to know the cause of his distress, and got him to their meetings, and he became a member with them. Soon after this he came to London, and was led among the Baptists, and after much mental conflict, was led fully to trust in the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ, and still all his hope was in a Saviour's blood. Time would not admit of it, or Mr. A. observed, he could have said much more on this subject, which would have been interesting to his friends. 3rd. Brother D. asked by what means his young friend had been led to the ministry, and in reply, brother A. stated, that from his first feeling the preciousness of Christ, he had a strong desire to make him known to others. Hence, he sought out and obtained admission into the London City Mission, where he was called upon to expound the Word of God in RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. rooms in his district, and thereby got into the habit of preaching, without any idea at the time of the pastoral office. At length he left the Mission, and had some notion of the ministry, but soon entirely gave that notion up, and six years ago went into Sussex to preach to some navvies who were engaged in making a harbor. This led to his becoming a recognized preacher of the gospel without his having sought it at the time. He had preached for brethren present, and was encouraged by them. 4th. Brother Anderson was asked to give some account of the doctrines he intended to preach, when he said, All real godliness must rest on the belief in the Being of God. Hence, the term 'godliness.' 'I believe,' said Mr. A., 'in one God, an eternal and infinite Spirit, self-existent and independent-eternal, immortal, and invisible. I cannot comprehend him. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, I cannot attain unto it. 'I believe in three persons in the GodheadGod the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, co-equal and co-eternal, independent and self-existent. I believe that the Holy Scriptures are a sufficient and full revelation of God to man, and contain all things necessary to be believed and practised by the children of God. All theological dogmas and church governments are to be tried by this rule, and whatsoever agrees not therewith should be rejected, and I entirely reject the same. Having thus stated my belief of a Triune Jehovah and his Holy Word, I proceed to give my view of man, and the plan of salvation. I believe God made man upright, very good," but that he fell and all his posterity fell in him, so that man is universally and totally depraved, sinful and utterly helpless. God did from eternity choose unto salvation from among this fallen mass, a great number which no man can number. In the fulness of time Jesus Christ died under the imputed guilt of his people, and by the sacrifice of himself put away all the sins of all the elect. 'I believe in effectual calling into this grace by the Holy Ghost, who alone is the author of life, light, and comfort; he quickens the soul, leads to Christ, works faith in the heart, and comforts the soul by applying the truth. I believe that all this is done according to a well ordered covenant settled in the counsels of eternity and the Divine will. This faith leads to holiness of life-I utterly reject the idea of creature merit on power, yet hold that vital godliness is evidenced by obeying the precepts of Scripture. 'With regard to the church and the ordinances, I agree with what Brother Palmer has said, and I make this observation not because I would copy from him, but to save time.' We learn that by a vote of the ministers present, the discourse on the nature of a gospel church is to be published. Brother Anderson was then asked to give an account of the leadings of Providence by which he had been induced to accept the call to the pastorate. His replies were similar to Brother Briscoe's, who stated the acts of the 251 church in the matter, which acts led him to believe their voice to be the voice of Jehovah. The members of the church then stood up at Brother Dickerson's request, and confirmed their call, after which the pastor elect publically announced his cordial acceptance of the office, and received the right hand of fellowship from the brethren present. In the evening an aged brother, J. A. Jones, commenced the proceedings by offering the Ordination Prayer, which was fervent and appropriate. Brother Isaac of Brighton, (Mr. A.'s late pastor), gave the charge, founding his discourse upon Col. iv, 17: Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.' The preacher dwelt upon the ministry as a work, and urged the necessity of diligence; he spoke of the threefold duties of pastor, preacher, and teacher, laying especial emphasis on the last. He gave some valuable exhortations on the 'fulfilling of the ministry,' and bare honorable testimony to Mr. A.'s character which testimony was founded on personal observation and close friendship. Brother Milner closed the solemn and interesting proceedings by an address to the church founded on Deut. i, 38,Encourage him.' He dwelt on the discouragements of the ministry and the duty of church members towards their pastors in his usual quaint and telling style. And in conclusion begged the Divine blessing on pastor and people. May the union be lasting, happy, and above all useful, in glorifying God in the feeding, comforting, cheering, and edifying such as have believed through grace, and calling many from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. Mr. Anderson preached on Lord's Day, October 25th, from Psa. xcii, 13, 14: 'Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God.' After which he baptized eight persons in the name of the Holy Trinity (four males and four females) six of which are teachers in the school, and another was a teacher with us sixteen years ago. The Lord was felt to be in our midst. After a suitable address from our pastor on Lord's Day, November 1st, he gave unto them the right hand of fellowship, and they sat down at the table of the Lord with us. SALEM CHAPEL, MEARD'S COURT, SOHO. On Tuesday Evening, November 10th, the First Anniversary of the Sabbath School recently established in connection with this place was held. After a large company of friends had partaken of tea, Mr. J. Bloomfield, pastor of the church, took the chair. From the Report we gather that the school was opened with about 26 children in August, 1855; a large room in Denmark Street have been engaged for the purpose. From that period to the present, a constant increase of children has taken place, so that there are now not less than 200 scholars registered on the school books, who are instructed by 18 male and female teachers. A Dorcas Society exists for the purpose of ading the poorer children with clothing. A Tract Society is also in operation, the children themselves being Tract distributors in the homes of their parents. The adoption of the Report was moved and seconded by Mr. Scott and Mr. Greenhalgh, deacons of the church; after which the meeting was addressed by Messrs. Moyll of Peckham, Woolacot of Wild Street, S. K. Bland, J. Smith, and Anderson, upon the various important benefits derived from Sabbath School instruction, illustrated by many striking anecdotes. The speeches were listened to with the deepest interest, and after singing and prayer the meeting separated. We cordially wish success to this young and interesting Sabbath School. MOUNT ZION CHAPEL, HILL ST., DORSET SQ. On Lord's day, October 25th, an impressive scene was witnessed in this corner of the Redeemer's kingdom. Fifteen hundred persons were assembled together to hear our beloved pastor preach a weighty, solemn, and argumentative discourse, from 1 Thess. v, 21: 'Prove all things, hold fast that which is good,' and to witness the immersion, in the name of the sacred Three, of eighteen persons, (twelve females and six males, one of them a blind man, to whom the gracious Lord has been pleased to give spiritual eyesight, to see what he has commanded, and grace to obey the commands.) It was a season that will be long remembered by many who were present, and we doubt not that the gospel seed sown on that occasion will produce its fruits. A spirit of grace and supplication is found out amongst us, and we, through grace, are looking for showers of blessings. W. H. 63, STANHOPE STREET, HAMPSTEAD ROAD. A Tea and Public Meeting was held by the church and congregation usually worshipping in this place, on Tuesday, October 6th, when about 80 persons sat down to tea. After tea, the Public Meeting was held, the pastor, Mr. R. A. Aldis occupying the chair. Brother Edgecombe invoked the divine blessing, and the following brethren addressed the meeting; Mr. John A. Jones of Jireh, on Church Matters, more especially of the old church book of Jireh Chapel,' his speech was savory, and full of sound instruction; Mr. J. L. Meeres of Bermondsey, on 'Salvation through Jesus Christ'; Mr. Wilkins of Greenwich, on 'Praying with the Understanding'; Mr. Dickerson of Little Alie Street, on the 'Wanderings of the Children of Israel'; Mr. Hazelton of Shadwell Street, on the Wants of the Church, viz., a steady, sober, spirituality of mind, in the members.' Great caution to be used in the reception of candidates, especially young ones, and the necessity of preaching the whole truth, doctrinal and preceptive. The Meeting, which was a good one, was concluded with prayer. PULHAM CHAPEL. J. G. Mr. Wright acknowledges with thanks, the receipt of 5s. from a FRIEND' in London, and 10s. from a 'SUFFOLK FARMER,' for the Pulham Chapel Case. Are there not other 'Friends,' and other 'Suffolk Farmers,' who, being debtors to grace, can with a cheerful zeal, do likewise; that the needed sum of £25 may be made up by Christmas? ANNIVERSARY OF THE WESTGATE ROAD CHAPEL, BURY ST. EDMUND'S. The Anniversary Sermons at this chapel were preached by the Rev. Samuel Collins and the Rev. Cornelius Elven, on Sunday, Oct. 25, and on the Tuesday following nearly 200 of the friends took tea together in the chapel, after which a public meeting was held, the minister, the Rev. C. Carpenter, presiding, when addresses were delivered by the Reverends S. Collins, C. Elven, A. Tyler; Mr. Howels, Mr. Houghton, and Mr. Freelove. The attendance was very large, and contained representatives of the various denominations in the town, which was highly gratifying to all parties, and rendered the meeting truly interesting and beneficial in promoting christian fellowship, and the prosperity of the cause of religion in that place. BAPTIST CHAPEL, MILL STREET, BEDFORD. On Lord's day morning, Nov. 15, Mr. Killen preached an appropriate sermon on baptism to a large and attentive congregation; after which he baptized three disciples of Christ on profession of faith. Two of them were a good mother and daughter, and the other a woman whose parents are both members of the church. It was truly another time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.' They all passed through the ordinance with great firmness and joy; many felt it good to be there, and the candidates felt in keeping of his commandments there is great reward. CLARE, SUFFOLK. On Sunday Morning, November 1st, 1857, Mr. Pells baptized four young people, teachers of the Sabbath School, (one not quite fourteen years of age), also a father and son, and two others, thus making eight in all. In the afternoon they were admitted into full communion with the church, and the day was closed with a special and solemn prayer-meeting, in which several of the brethren took an active part. There are others in the congregation whose hearts the Lord has broken, and whom he will in due time constrain by his love to honor him in like manner, and thus prove his faithfulness to his word of which he has said, 'It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.' WALLINGFORD, BERKS. On Thursday, October 29th, Mr. J. Foreman of London preached in the afternoon and evening; and after preaching in the evening, he baptised our beloved brother, Mr. Joseph Moors. MONTHLY RECORD OF PASSING EVENTS. Monthly Record of Passing Events. EXETER HALL. - This building was intended to be again occupied by twelve clergymen of the Church of England, on Sunday evenings, professedly to bring the Gospel within reach of the working classes of London. The opening sermon was to have been preached by the Bishop of London, and the concluding one by the Bishop of Gloucester; but the scheme has been temporarily frustrated by the rector of the parish in which the Hall is situated, who, like the dog in the manger, has laid his interdict upon this expansive movement of his brethren in the Establishment. We are sorry the 'new wine' is spilled, but not sorry to see another lesson given to the Evangelicals that the old bottle of the Establishment is not fitted for its reception. PUSEYISM, ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENT.A volume has been recently issued entitled, Prayers for the Dead, for the use of members of the Church of England.' The Church of England is so often proclaimed to be the bulwark of the Protestant faith in this country, that it ought to be known that from its centre proceed some of the worst forms of Romanising teaching. THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LEAGUE, at its recent Annual Meeting, while declaring itself perfectly satisfied with its progress, could only state that 10,530 persons, in all England, had signed its petitions and £533 had been subscribed to its funds. This small result from great pretensions, clearly shows that the practical hostility to Sabbath observance is confined to a handful of discontented people, and that the Sabbath breakers themselves are not intelligent enough, or earnest enough, to take part in their efforts. PEW-RENTS ABOLISHED.-The new chapel erected for a Presbyterian congregation in De Beauvoir Town, Kingsland, has been opened, with the announcements that the support of the place shall be entirely dependent on the free-will offerings of the worshippers. No seat-rents are to be charged or taken, but weekly collections will be made at the doors. The officers, while expressing their confidence that in this way the amount collected will be rather increased than diminished, state, that they have been led to adopt the resolution from a conviction that it is more in accordance with apostolic precept and practice to leave every person to give as God has prospered him, than to exact a fixed sum as the price of a seat in the house of God. We think so too. 253 THE BAPTISTS IN SWEDEN.-The reports from this country are of the most cheering character. The work of God in connection with the labors of our Baptist brethren there, is making rapid progress. It is but two years since brother Wilrey landed at Stockholm. There was then but one church and a few members. There is now an association of twenty-nine churches and 1,430 members. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes! As of old, the enemy of souls is aiding by stirring up a spirit of persecution against these infant churches, which rather promotes their increase than their diminution. The authorities seize upon the Baptist preachers and imprison them whenever they are found without the limits of their own parish-a course never pursued before in the country. One of them, a colporteur, by the name of Niles Hokanson, was confined in prison for eight days for circulating religious tracts, and finally sent home in irons and compelled to pay a considerable sum to the authorities, which they claim for their trouble in bringing him home. Since the beginning of the year, 469 persons have been baptized; six brethren have been ordained to the work of the ministry; six churches have been constituted; three Sunday Schools have been organised, and an effort is being made to induce all the members of the several churches to contribute annually, as the Lord shall prosper them, to a fund to be called the Common Treasury of the Baptists of Sweden, for the purpose of sustaining a colporteur school, sending out colporteurs, and publishing denominational books and tracts. sent INDIA. The Rev. J Gregson, recently out by the Baptist Missionary at Benares, has been requested by General Havelock to remove to Cawnpore, where he now acts as chaplain to the General's troops. Writing before the departure of the expeditionary force for the relief of Lucknow, he says: General Neil has asked me to take my meals with him while he is here, and General Havelock has lent me his large tent to preach in while he is away. There are here from 230 to 250 men in hospital; among these, at present, my duties principally lie: I go twice daily, and spend from five to fifteen minutes, according to circumstances, with each group of three or four men, who may be lying near each other. The men receive my visits with marked attention, and sometimes with great apparent pleasure.' |