ing, she said very pointedly, "No; while in their health;"' signifying, that that was a more uncertain, and might be a much more transient thing than even their youth.'

THE GREAT THEME OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY; the Substance of a Sermon, preached before the Triennial Conference of the Free Will Baptists, at Sutton, Vermont, Oct. 10th, 1847, and published by their request. By JABEZ BURNS, D.D.,

Author of the Pulpit Cyclopædia,' &c. &c. Houlston & Stoneman, Paternoster Row.

In

THE introduction to this discourse on 1 Cor. ii. 2, consists of a series of remarks on scriptural statements, designed to show that the apostle was eminently a man of one subject, a disciple and preacher of Jesus Christ. the first division an exposition is given of the apostle's declaration. His resolve was not, it is justly observed, to exclude from his preaching the rich variety of topics included in revealed truth; but to make the crucified Redeemer his leading theme, and to render other subjects subordinate to its effective and varied exhibition. It is obvious that the thoughts and manner of the preacher became impassioned as he drew near the end of this part of his sermon. In the second part, the avowal of the apostle with regard to preaching Christ crucified is vindicated on the ground of its presenting a true system of re. ligion, in opposition to the multifarious schemes of earthly philosophy; of its con. taining the body and reality of the Jewish ceremonial, and of its being the great moral attraction of our perishing species. It con cludes with a pertinent application, directing ministers to dwell much on the doctrine of the cross in their public ministrations.

They who reflect on the intense earnestness of Dr. Burns in delivering his thoughts will be assured that when he preached this dis

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course he produced a deep impression on his audience. Its expression is often forcible; its matter always solid, evangelical, and useful in its tendency. Some parts of it are too much in the style of a sketch; several of the sentences not containing even a single proposition. This we consider to be a faulty feature, because the author has omitted to announce it as a sketch. We cordially recommend the perusal of it. The occasion on which it was delivered was an extraordinary one; and our friends will be glad to perceive that the preacher gave a faithful exhibition of the evangelical principles to which our denomina. tion is attached.

CHRISTIANITY IN ITS POWER; or piety exemplified in the heart-the family-the church-and the world. By JOHN MORISON, D.D., LL. D. London; Ward and Co., 27, Paternoster-Row.

THE object of this volume is to exhibit vital christianity in full action, and to trace its influence, first, in a single human heart, and then to mark its appropriate development in the domestic circle, in the communion of saints, and in the intercourse and duty of every day life. Dr. Morison in all his writings aims at usefulness. We very cordially commend his present work to the perusal of our readers-it is eminently adapted to promote their present and eternals welfare. THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. Tract Society.

A THRILLING account of hy far the most fearful atrocities of modern times.

THE PROTESTANT DISSENTERS' ALMANACK, for 1848. London: John Snow, 35, Paternoster Row.

THIS is a useful almanack: besides the usual information contained in such productions, it presents several valuable statistical facts.

an

We came to anchor opposite Liverpool about the same period, and the mails and dispatches were presently conveyed ashore. The passengers (in number about eighty) landed soon after six; and all those who for the previous fortnight had been companions in travel, were presently dispersed-many of them never more to meet on earth. We left Boston, Mass., on Monday, Nov. 1st, entered Halifax harbour, Nova Scotia, on the third, in a dense fog, and cleared out early on the folOur passage was rather lowing morning. We rough, through contrary winds and rain. were also delayed for six hours on Sunday the 7th, by the breaking of a part of the en

gine. We made the whole passage, however, (2,500 miles) in fourteen days, the time occupied in our passage out. Dr. Burns suffered slightly by sea sickness during the voyage. His companion was not only exempt from that malady, but also improved in health and vigour. We both landed in good health, and proceeded the following day to our friends and homes.

Our visits to the churches, and the general conference of the F. W. Baptists, were delightful and cheering; and it is with pleasure we add, that the conference appointed two of their brethren, Rev. Messrs. Woodman and Noyes, to be their deputation to our next annual Association at Boston. These brethren are expected to be in London during the 'May Meetings,' then to visit some of the Midland and Yorkshire churches; afterwards to attend the Association, and visit the Lincolnshire churches on their return.

In our new series we propose to give some account of the F. W. Baptists, their conference, &c., &c.

We had originally proposed to leave New York by a liner for England: our feelings, therefore, when we heard at Liverpool of the loss of the Stephen Whitney, from that place, may be more easily conceived than described.

THE DERBYSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Crich, August 2nd, at half-past two o'clock, P. M. After singing and prayer, a verbal account was given of the state of the churches in this district, from which it appeared that only eight had been baptized, and there were seven candidates waiting for that ordinance; but as no representative was present from Ilkeston, or report sent, we cannot furnish a correct report. In some of the churches it appeared that there was much to lament over, and in others a pleasing indication of future prosperity. Three of the churches had engaged stated ministers since the last Conference, namely, Ilkeston, brother Springthorpe; Rip. ley, brother Bilson; and Belper, brother Felkin; the latter of whom resigned his pastoral oversight of the church at Smalley in January last, purely on account of financial difficulties in the church, over which he had no control. The greater part of the time of the Conference was occupied respecting the financial matters relating to our late Home Mission at Chesterfield, with a view to their final adjustment. It is hoped that all the churches which have not done so already will come prepared to the Christmas Conference, so that brother Ward may have his claims discharged. No other business of public interest came before the meeting. In the evening a public service was conducted in the chapel, and two excellent and appropriate addresses were delivered, the one by brother Billson, to declining, lukewarm professors; and the other by brother Nightingale, to the young.

The next Conference to be held at Belper, on the 25th of December; to commence at two o'clock, P. M. J. FELKIN.

ANNIVERSARIES.

SHEFFIELD. Having just erected a new and very commodious gallery in our chapel, the services connected with its opening commenced on Wednesday, Oct. 20th, when two excellent and impressive sermons were preached by the Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby; and on Lord's-day, 24th, Rev. J. J. Owen, of Castle Donington, preached two sound and practical sermons, morning and evening. The afternoon service was conducted by Rev. Thos. Horsfield, pastor of the church, in his usually emphatic and impressive manner. On Monday evening a social tea meeting was held, which was numerously attended. Animated and enlivening addresses were delivered by Revds. J. J. Owen, C. Larom, S. Jackson, J. Clarkson, T. Horsfield, and Messrs. Brown, Orton, and Lowther. The trays were furnished gratuitously. In looking back upon our history, we have great reason to thank God and take courage. It will be very gratifying to those friends at a distance who have assisted us, to learn that their efforts have not been in vain. The chapel has only been erected five years, and it has been found necessary to erect a gallery, which will give increased accommodation to 250 people. The services throughout were well sustained, and the spirit of holy love, peace and joy animated each heart. The proceeds of the various ser. vices amounted to the handsome sum, (considering the present depression) of £25. L.

our

COVENTRY.-On Monday, Oct. 4th, a very interesting tea-meeting was held in chapel in this city. Brethren Peggs and Winks having finished their Conference business at Wolverhampton, arrived in time for the public meeting. Our liberal friend, Mr. Walker, of Nottingham, was also present, and very much promoted the object of the meeting. Aldresses were delivered by Messrs. Chapman, Shaw, Peggs, Walker, and Winks. It was arranged that efforts be made by brethren Peggs and Crofts to raise the entire arrears of interest. These friends have visited Wolvey, Hinckley, Longford, Leicester, Barton, Austrey, Nottingham, and Derby ; and in every place above mentioned they have been kindly received and aided in their efforts.

BAPTISMS.

CONINGSBY.-On Lord's-day afternoon, Sep. 26th, our pastor administered the ordinance of believers' baptism to two females. On the following Lord's-day afternoon they were received into the church by prayer and laying on of hands. The gallery was almost filled with spectators; and from the tears shed on the occasion, we hope many found it good to be there. J. F.

RIPLEY.-On Lord's-day, Nov. the 7th, 1847, four females and two males were baptized. It was indeed a most delightful sight to witness the husband and wife buried in the Saviour's baptismal grave. In the afternoon an address was given by our pastor, to the children and parents of the Sabbathschool, and in the evening an appropriate sermon was preached on the ordinance of the Lord's-supper, after which the newly baptized were received into the church. T. W.

MISCELLANEOUS.

CHATTERIS.- Our friends at this place are still endeavouring to remove their burdensome chapel debt. A public meeting was held on Oct. 19th, for the purpose of redeeming the pledges given on Nov. 2nd, 1846. Upwards of sixty persons sat down to tea. The treasurer having read over his accounts, it was ascertained that, from their bazaar, the contributions of chrisitian churches, and the collecting cards, more than £200. of the £300. had been raised. It was unanimously resolved that the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr. Sears, for having travelled some hundreds of miles on their account, and to those of their friends, at home and abroad, who had prepared articles for the bazaar; also to those young friends through whose labours and liberality the cards had been so productive. At their approaching anniversary, the friends hope entirely to liquidate their debt-about £40. The life and interest of the meeting were greatly promoted by the presence and excellent address of their warm hearted and attached friend and brother, Mr. J. Leigh, surgeon, of St. Ives.

J. L.

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upwards of one million sterling, per annum. The Methodist New Connexion.-Chapels in England, 277; Ireland, 15; Canada, 35; total, 327. Circuit preachers, 79; Ireland missionaries, 12; Canada, 35. Members, England, 15,236; Ireland, 852; Canada, 3,201. Funds of the Connexion: yearly collections for relieving distressed circuits, £1,671. 13s. 94d. Parental fund, for children, £1,602. 19s. 10d. For superannuated preachers, widows, and orphans, £2,479. 9s. 10 d. Mission fund, £3,324, 6s. 2d. Chapel fund, £1,788. 8s. 10d. Book Room account, £2,933. 5s. 4d. Besides which, there appears to have been an extraordinary effort made during the year under the name of the Jubilee fund, by which £20,000. was

raised.

Let the influential members of our churches ponder these items. Here is a body of christians not numbering as many members as we do, yet raising towards the support of aged ministers, the education of ministers' children, and the assistance of distressed circuits, and chapel funds, between seven and eight thousand pounds annually. In addition to this, between three and four thousand pounds are raised towards missionary operations; and during the last year an extraordinary fund of £20,000. was realized. What are we doing? It cannot be said that we are so exceedingly liberal to our ministers, as to render it impossible for us to do more. Who would wish to see our ministers' salaries published? The solemn but painful truth is, that the majority of our members have never been taught to aid the cause of God as they ought to do. What numbers of them there are who never think it their duty to give even a fraction at the Lord's table for the assistance of the poor.

Primitive Methodist Connexion.-Number of members, including home and foreign stations, 86,795; preachers, 502. Bible Christian Connexion. 13,553; ministers, 125.

-

-

Members,

The Baptist Denomination, (General and Particular) Churches, 1881; of these 1092 are united in thirty associations. The gross number of members in each church is about 112.

£. s. d.

Baptist Missionary Society 28,223 11 7

Relative State. Decrease 2,089

Incomes.

Decrease

2,913

Decrease

55

Irish Society

2,283 11 7

Relief Fund

5,333 10 1

2,689 3 7

3,024 6 9

The total number of members under the care of the British and Irish Conferences, including the missionary stations, is 464, 315; decrease during the year 4,749. The number of ministers, including the supernumeraries, is as follows:-in Great Britain, 1,185; in Ireland, 164; on foreign stations, 386. The funds of this religious body are very large; they have been estimated at

General Baptist Mission
Bible Translation Society

Collegiate Institutions. --Accrington, Bris tol, Haverfordwest, Horton, Leicester, Pontypool, and Stepney. Besides a theological society.

The number of Independent churches we have no means of knowing.

To the Committee of the American and Foreign Bible Society, from the Committee of the General Baptist Missionary Society. Leicester, July 22nd, 1847.

RESPECTED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.-Our valued and beloved friends, Jabez Burns, D.D., pastor of the Baptist church, Ænon chapel, London; and Joseph Goadby, pastor of the Baptist church, Dover-street, Leicester, are about to visit the United States. They come as a deputation from the Annual Association of the New Connexion of General Baptists, to the Triennial Convention of the Freewill Baptists, about to be held in Vermont. They are influential members of our missionary committee, and before they return to their native land, we wish them to wait upon you, and to present this fraternal epistle. They may then tell you how much we feel interested in your labours of love; and how much union of heart subsists between us, and those among you, who as the friends of undone men, love and imitate our compas. sionate God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Doubtless, like all others, our Freewill brethren have their defects. We are not partial to the name they bear. But whatever be their defects we regard their opposition to slavery, and their abolition efforts as truly honourable. Our deputation is directed to encourage them to persevere in these efforts whatever reproach they suffer, and whatever enmity they encounter. consider no stain on America so dark, and no national crime so heinous and so provoking of the wrath of God, as the support which, what is termed the church, gives to the crimes and cruelties of slavery.

We

Some of the missionaries of our society, on different occasions, beheld the burning funeral piles that consumed the hapless widows of India. They saw those fires, which the Marquis of Hastings, then Governor General, was implored to put out as fires which hell's own flame had kindled there.' In common with other christians we struggled against that murderous superstition, till by God's blessing we saw it fall; but we cannot be insensible to the appalling fact that the terrible system of American slavery, breaks hearts by far more countless, and murders victims immensely more numerous than did the fires of India. And what we learn from the word of your God

and ours, fully convinces us that its author is he who was a murderer from the begin. ing.' Nor is a system that has Satan for its parent made less wicked, or less worthy of its author, though among its supporters should be found some that profess to be christian ministers instead of heathen brahmins.

In addressing you, respected friends, as brethren in Christ, brethren that we hope to meet in heaven, we take it for granted that you are not supporters of that fearful system of sin and misery. Duty to ourselves and to the christian church, requires us candidly to declare that we could not address you as christians, if we supposed you to uphold the slavery that your country most inconsistently and wickedly maintains. No professing christians, especially no min. isters of the gospel, that openly or tacitly sanction the atrocious slave system, could we acknowledge as christian brethren. With such men we have no sympathy. We have no desire for any communion with them while in this world. At our Lord's table we would not meet them. Nor can we expect to meet in heaven those, who by upholding a system of oppression, cruelty, and injustice, are such recreants to the whole mind of Christ, and to the whole spirit of his gospel-a gospel that teaches us to honour all men, to defraud none, but to do unto others all that we would they should do unto us-the Saviour's golden preceptyet one which no supporter of slavery can possibly obey. Our country was long disgraced and laden with guilt, by tolerating slavery; but even then the churches and ministers of Jesus were its implacable foes, and, God helping them, they were ultimately the virtual destroyers of the monster. British christians regarded it as no palliation of the atrocities of West Indian slavery, that their countrymen were the perpetrators of its murders and its other crimes. Yet abhorred as was the conduct of those countrymen, it would have been the object of more intense abhorence, if they had professed to be ministers of christian churches and disciples of Jesus. We apprehend that in your favoured country, those christians only act worthy of the christian name, who indulge a spirit and pursue a course of uncompromising hostility to slavery.

Our self-denying and laborious brethren

in India, have been on various occasions materially assisted by your liberal grants. You have helped them greatly in circulating the most precious part of the volume of heavenly truth. The British and Foreign Bible Society, has willingly and liberally assisted them in preparing and circulating the Old Testament Scriptures; but the intolerant resolution, by which that in many respects excellent society, would have compelled our brethren to hide in darkness a christian ordinance, has prevented their receiving help for the circulation of the New Testament. The Bible Translation Society in this country, has furnished them with a little help, but so little that it has seemed to be granted with a very sparing hand. Their principal assistance for preparing and circulating that invaluable treasure, has been derived from your society. Hitherto, excepting by letter, we have had no opportunity of thanking you.

Now per

our

We

mit us, by these valued brethren, to acknowledge your christian liberality, and to tender you our cordial thanks. Though as a section of the Baptist Denomination, our numbers are not very large, yet weighty reasons rendered it imperative on churches to act distinctly from the Baptist Missionary Society. The course we deliberately adopted appears to have had the sanction of the Lord. He has blessed our exertions, and made you on various occasions, instrumental in helping them. thank you, respected brethren, in the king. dom and patience of Jesus Christ. While our missionaries in India have been gathering fruit unto life eternal, you have been fellow-workers with them in their labours of love; and when the great harvest is gathered into the garner of the Lord, they who sow, and they who reap, though they may have toiled in different lands, shall meet and rejoice together. The pleasure of greeting you, and holding communion with you, may be enjoyed by our deputation; most of us have no prospect of ever meeting you in this sublunary world, but we hope when days and years are passed,' to meet you in our Father's house.

We would not, respected brethren, merely tender our thanks for your past help, but would express our desires for your growing prosperity. We congratulate you also on the progress your society has made-so much greater than that of the Bible Translation Society in our native land; and we rejoice in knowing that hundreds of thousands in the United States, regard the leading principles of the Baptist Denomination as the dictates of the New Testament. Long may this reception of scriptural truth prevail, and may the exertions of your society to circulate the blessed book of God, through your own and other lands, be still

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more liberally supported, and more extensively blessed. For you we pray, 'Lord send prosperity.'

Respected brethren, there is one other topic on which you must allow us as lovers of the New Testament, as disciples of Him who came to seek and save the lost, to offer a few remarks. A statement has appeared in the Patriot, a highly respectable and influential nonconformist newspaper, from the Secretary of the Antislavery League, accusing the American Bible Societies generally, with entire neglect of the cruelly injured slaves. The accusation against the American Bible Society is astounding. He asserts that not one cent of the funds of that association is spent for the benefit of the slaves; in other words, not a copy of the scriptures is circulated by that society among a portion of the people (which is designedly omitted) amounting to three millions in number.' He remarks of its public meeting, that in vain does the eye wander over long and eloquent speeches to discover 'something like an expression, however remote, of sympathy with the slave, or a recognition of his right to have the scriptures -it is not to be found.' Your society is not distinctly named, so that we are allowed to hope that the accusation brought in general terms against American Bible Societies, may not apply to yours. We should rejoice to learn that yours, as a Baptist Institution, presented a perfect contrast to the conduct of the American Bible Society: nor are we surprised that a society so intollerant and persecuting as that has been towards yourselves, should neglect the downtrodden and deeply injured slaves.

But if, respected brethren, the accusation apply in any measure to your society, bear with our offering a word of expostulation. You send the sacred volume (next to the Saviour, God's best gift to man) into many countries; you scatter those leaves which are for the healing of the nations, in Europe, in Asia, on different parts of your own continent and elsewhere; and should three millions born on the same soil with you, die in darkness, because they are the wretched victims of wicked and cruel oppression? Because they are bought and sold, and spoiled and robbed of every human and christian right, and because the perpetrators of these enormities would keep them in ignorance, though they perish for ever-should christians so gratify these oppressors as to neglect their miserable and helpless prey? Christian brethren, far be it from us to charge you with this neglect; but if the general accusation against American Bible Societies, in any respect apply to you, we then beg you to consider in what light this must be viewed by Him, who is no respecter of persons; who pities with equal com