SARAH HODGEN, the subject of this obituary, was born in the neighbourhood of Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, Dec. 6th, 1772; and died at Burnley, July 3rd, 1846, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. She was, at the time of her death, the oldest member of the General Baptist church, Burnley Lane. She was, on many accounts, worthy of the honourable appelation of a mother in Israel;' and especially so in consideration of her long standing and usefulness as a member of this church.

Sometime after her removal to Burnley, she began to attend the ministry of the gospel at Burnley Lane chapel-it being then supplied by the ministers and occasional preachers of the Yorkshire churches, with some of whom she was personally acquainted. The word preached was blessed to her conversion; for receiving it by faith, through the operation and influences of the Spirit of God, she obtained pardon of sin, peace with God by Christ Jesus, joy in the Holy Ghost; and by baptism, admission into the fellowship of the saints. At this time, however, writes the aged pastor of one of the York. shire churches, (by whom she was baptized,) 'The cause at Burnley Lane was very low. But this did not deter her from an union with the little flock; for having given herself to the Lord, she gave herself to his people "by the will of God," in the ordinance of baptism, sometime in the month of April, 1809. She then became of great service to this little church.' To quote again from the testimony of the worthy minister above refered to, he thus writes: She took an active part in singing, encouraging others, and in supporting the cause, even beyond her ability.' As a singer, she was indeed at that time very useful, having frequently to set tunes and lead the singing of the hymns at the public services; her usefulness as an assistant singer was continued for a many years subsequently. She usually occupied a certain place in the singers' pew, which in course of time, from her long attendance, and the regularity with which she filled it, was designated 'Old Sally's corner.' And such was her attachment to singing, and her corner, that when from age and other circumstances she was necessitated to change her place, she considered it almost a calamity; and would sometimes refer to it as being, to her at least, a great privation. But after a while she got comfortably seated, and settled in the corner of another pew, a

little to the back of that she had so long occupied; and to this she continued her visits, as often as circumstances would permit, up to the date of her last illness-the issue of which was to remove her from the place, friends, duties, and privileges she held most dear on earth, into the immediate presence of him who said to his disciples, 'I go to prepare a place for you.'

Her association and history as a church member are intimately connected with the rise and progress of the General Baptist cause at Burnley; and many and varied were the changes she witnessed in this respect. She would at times feel greatly interested in relating some of the circumstances and events that had transpired; and her reminisences on these matters were evidently invested with a deep and abiding interest in her sympathies.

Many were the evidences she manifested of her attachment to the place, and to the people, with whom she worshipped. It has been already intimated that she contributed liberally of her means to the support of the cause; and this she did in a variety of ways. On baptism occasions she was, for many years, very generally in attendance for the purpose of ministering to the wants and comforts of the minister and the newly bap. tized.

In like manner did she provide the bread required in the celebration of that other most sacred ordinance, the Lord's supper. Her house, also, was for many years frequented for public prayer meetings, and stated or occasional preaching; and her door was always accessible for the entertertainment of occasional ministerial supplies, and friends from a distance. And what she did in these respects she did willingly and heartily, as unto the Lord.' When spoken to on the subject of her liberality and generosity, she would express her confidence in the providence of God, by observing, that he would not see her want; or that the Lord would provide for her. She lived long enough to prove, again and again, that her confidence had not been misplaced. The Lord raised up and provided for her friends, both in and out of the church, who would as willingly and cheerfully minister to her comfort and wants as she had been in doing the like to others.

mortal existence was somewhat sudden and unlooked for. On the Saturday evening preceding this attack, she was, apparently, as well as usual; but early on the Sunday morning she became very ill; which continued, so as to confine her to her bed, and render medical assistance necessary. In the early part of this affliction, however, she, with many of her friends and acquaintances, entertained not only a desire, but the hope, that she would again be restored to her usual state of health; and that her life might be spared to her a while longer. But it soon became apparent that this hope was not to be realized. She was taught by degrees to bow with child-like humility and submission to the will of her heavenly father, being assured that he who 'worketh after the counsel of his own will' was too wise to err, and too good to be unkind; and moreover, was firmly persuaded that he would make all things work together for good' in her case. When suffering most intensely, she would express strong confidence in God, and give assurance of her hope in Christ her Saviour; and of her firm persuasion that he would not leave nor forsake her now. She would sometimes refer to the sufferings of the Redeemer, as if to fortify her own mind under bodily suffering-accounting her own as light indeed, in comparison with what he had suffered for her. Afraid to murmur and repine, she would earnestly pray for the grace of pa tience, and an entire resignation to the di. vine will throughout her affliction. She assured those around her, from time to time, that she was resting on the rock.' On the the afternoon of Friday-the eleventh week from the commencement of her afflictionshe was released from her suffering, and called to her reward. She was interred in the grave yard adjoining to her place of worship, on the following Tuesday. An improve. ment of the solemn event was attempted, on Lord's-day afternoon, Aug. 9th, by a funeral discourse founded upon Acts xxi. 16. 'An old disciple.'

Our dear friend, (now departed) in her religious opinions and principles was a thorough General Baptist. Plain and unsophisticated were her enquiries after the 'old paths.' She could not witness in others a fickleness and fondness for change, without feeling grieved; and occasionally speaking out, very pointedly and faithfully, her views and sentiments on this subject. As a church member, neighbour, and friend, she was deservedly held in high esteem; and especially so by those who had longest known, and were most familiarly acquainted with her. Her sociable, generous, and friendly disposition, and services, commanded the esteem and respect of many christian friends in the town and neighbourhood, of the Wesleyan and other denominations of christians;

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and drew around her bed, in her sickness, many anxious inquirers; and also the kind assistance and sympathy of neighbours and friends. To many of those who visited her (especially the young,) she gave much useful advice and good counsel, as she had opportunities, in the prospect of her approaching dissolution and removal hence. has left a daughter-a member of some years standing in connexion with the same church-to mourn her loss, and to share the sympathy of a mother's friendship. May they meet in heaven,' where separations are unknown.' W. W.

She

MR. WILLIAM THIRLBY, late of Cheapside, Leicester, exchanged time for eternity Dec. 18th, 1846, in the thirty-fourth year of his age. From his earliest years he had been accustomed to attend the means of grace amongst the General Baptists; and when arriving at maturity, he united himself to the church in Dover-street, Leicester. He was generally esteemed as a decided christian, and was warmly attached to the principles of civil and religious liberty. His life was chequered with affliction. The illness by which it was brought to a close, was apparently growing on him for several years. When his end approached, and he was conscious it was near, he evinced a pleasing confidence in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and rejoiced in hope of eternal life. This as a solid rock, sustained his sinking spirit, until he passed death's gloomy vale, and entered into rest. The event was improved on Lord's day, Dec. 27th, in a discourse by his pastor, from John xi, 25, 26. May his surviving widow and relatives all realize the enjoyment of 'like precious faith.'

ANN KERR, aged thirty-five, a deserving member of the General Baptist church, Dover-street, Leicester, exchanged time for eternity Feb. 3rd, 1847. She passed through a long and extremely painful affliction, and bore her sufferings with a good measure of christian resignation. She had been a member eleven years. J. G.

MRS. F. CLAY died Dec. 15th, 1846, at Knipton, near Belvoir Castle, aged sixty-four. She was the beloved wife of Mr. Thos. Clay, deacon of the General Baptist Church in that place, and the affectionate mother of Mrs. Clare, late of the Market Place, Leicester. The deceased closed this mortal life with great affliction, and truly christian resignation, after having been near forty years an honourable member of the G. B. connexion. She was universally esteemed, and will be held in grateful remembrance by all ministers and christian friends who have occasionally visited the neighbourhood.

WM. HATTON.

THE DERBYSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Ilkeston, on the 25th of December, 1846. Brother Burrows of Alfreton preached a good and useful sermon in the morning, on christian revivals; and brother Felkin opened the meeting with prayer. The conference assembled at two o'clock P.M. After prayer by brother Ward, of Ripley, a verbal statement was given by the representatives present, of the state of the churches in the union, some of which were cheering: these were, Ilkeston and Ripley; but those from Smalley, Belper, Crich, Alfreton, and Duffield, were rather gloomy and depressing. May the Lord revive his own work, and strengthen the things that remain, and are ready to die. Fifteen had been baptized since the last conference, and there remained thirteen candidates for that ordinance.

The Home Mission at Chesterfield occupied most of the time; and from a recom. mendation of the committee of that society, it was thought best to discontinue our efforts at Chesterfield as a Home Mission station; but to remind the friends there, that they might make application to individual churches for ministerial aid, and that with some of them they might probably succeed. Agreed, also, to let the furniture remain in the preach ing place at Chesterfield, for the accommoda. tion of the friends there, so long as they shall continue to meet for worship as a General Baptist church. But should that be discontinued, that it shall be returned into the hands of those that the committee may appoint.

The next conference to be held on Good Friday, the 2nd of April, at Ripley; to com. mence at two o'clock in the afternoon. J. FELKIN, Sec.

THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Birchescliff, Dec. 29th, 1846. In the morning seven deacons were ordained to attend to the business of the church at this place. Mr. W. Crabtree, of Lineholme, read and prayed; Mr. R. Ingham, of Bradford, offered the ordination prayer, with the imposition of hands; Mr. W. Butler delivered an affectionate charge from Acts vii. 1-7.

The business of the conference commenced at two o'clock. The at church Todmorden presented thanks for ministerial supplies, and also a list of future supplies for the sanction of conference. Their wishes were acceded to, but they were reqested to let their future applications be more specific and official.

A letter was received from the church at Ovendon most gratefully acknowledging the ministerial supplies. They desired to be accommodated till next conference, as they had been the last quarter. To this there was no objection. They want more exstensive ac

commodation for their school and congregations. This was referred to Messrs. R. Hardy, of Queenshead, J. Ingham, Allerton, and R. Ingham, Bradford, as a committee; and they are requested to bring their report to the next meeting.

As Mr. Thomas Gill will shortly remove from Burnley to Melbourn, an application by the church at Burnley was made to the conference for a supply of ministers; which was granted, and referred to the financial committee for arrangement.

The meeting expressed a most sincere and lively interest in the welfare of Mr. T. Gill; rejoiced with him in his success at Burnley, and most devoutly prayed that the presence and blessing of the Lord may continue with him.

In the evening, Mr. R. Horsfield, from Leeds, preached an excellent and impressive sermon from 1 Peter iv. 18.

The next Conference to be at Burnley, on Good Friday, April 2nd, 1847. Mr. R. Hardy to preach on the subject assigned him for last meeting. JAS. HODGSON, Sec.

OPENING.

WALSALL.-Our new chapel was opened for public worship, on Monday, the 25th January; when the Rev. J. Burns, D.D., of London, preached a most suitable and impres< sive sermon. On the following Wednesday we had a tea-meeting, after which several ministers gave very animating addresses; and Dr. Burns preached to a crowded and very attentive congregation. On Lord's-day, Jan. 31st, the Rev. A. Gorden, M.A., of this town, preached in the morning, and the Rev. T. Swan, of Birmingham, afternoon and night. The attendance was very encouraging, and the discourses rich with the treasure of the gospel of salvation. Nearly £40 were realized by the above services towards the chapel fund. R. H.

ANNIVERSARIES.

Christian

LONDON. Commercial Road Instruction Society.-The annual services in connection with this society were held on the 24th and 25th of January. On Sunday, the 24th, the Rev. W Woodhouse, of Adelphi Chapel, Hackney Road, preached in the morning, from Matt. vi. 10; and our pastor in the evening, from 1 Thess. vi. 7, 8. On the following evening the friends of the society took tea together in the school-room, after which a public meeting was held in the chap-1, when interesting and impressive addresses were delivered, by the Revds. J. Skinner, J. Stevenson, M.A. E. F. Woodman, J. Pitman, Esq, secretary of the parent so. ciety, and other friends. In the report it was stated that during the past year the sphere of the society's operations had been

somewhat enlarged-that the districts visited are twenty-six in number, in which fifty visitors are actively engaged, who visit 1140 families every week; thus bringing the words of eternal life under the weekly notice of about 5000 individuals; and making an aggregate of visits during the year of 37,412. It is contemplated during the present year to employ a christian brother, either wholly or in part, as missionary in the neighbourhood of the chapel. W.

LONDON, Enon-chapel.· On Lord's-day, Jan. 10th, 1847, two sermons were preached on behalf of the Enon chapel ladies' association for visiting and relieving the poor and afflicted. In the morning by the pastor of the church, from Heb. xiii. 6; and in the evening by the Rev. Dr. Steane, of Camberwell, from Luke xv. 10. On Monday evening following, the annual meeting was held; J. K. Kent, Esq., in the chair. After the report was read, the meeting was suitably addressed by the Revds. J. L. Wiseman, R. H. Herschell, W. Underwood, W. B. Bowes, our esteemed pastor, and Messrs. W. R. Stevenson, G. East, and J. Batey. Good attendance at all the services; and the collections exceeded those of last year. It was stated in the report, that 861 tickets had been distributed during the past year for grocery, bread, coals, and potatoes; and that £53. 10s. 8d. had been expended in the assistance furnished. We trust that the anniversary services for this charity will stimulate many to renewed activity and increased liberality. J. G. Sec.

NORTHAMPTON.-On Tuesday, Oct. 20th, 1846, we held our anniversary services, when two excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Burns, D.D., of London, in College. street meeting-house, kindly lent for the occasion. A public tea-meeting was also held the same day, at which a goodly number were present. The collections, proceeds of tea, and private donations during the year, amounted to £20.

BAPTISMS.

LONDON, Enon-chapel.-On Lord's-day evening, Jan. 31st, 1847, after a truly appropriate sermon, from John iii. 23, by our respected pastor, he administered the ordinance of believers baptism to thirteen candidates. The sanctuary was densely crowded on the occasion. This solemn season was rendered deeply interesting by five of the candidates being scholars of the girls' Sab. bath-school. We rejoice to add that we have several others in our school in an inquiring state of mind. J. G. BOSTON.-We have had three or four baptisms since I last wrote to you, but there have only been one or two candidates at a time, and I therefore thought them hardly VOL. 9.-N. S.

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worth reporting. Last Sabbath (Jan. 31st,) we had a baptism in the evening-a young man lately a local preacher and 'office bearer among the Methodists; and we have received another brother from a neighbouring church, so that we trust our efforts of usefulness in the villages will be increased. F. M.

LONDON, Commercial Road.-On the last Sabbath in December, eight persons put on Christ by baptism. May they be 'steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.'

W.

PRAED STREET, Paddington.-On Wednesday evening, Feb. 3rd, four persons were baptized by Mr. Underwood. On the next Sunday evening they were received at the Lord's table, when they were presented with copies of Counsels to young believers,' and with cards to commemorate the occasion, on which were written the words of Joshua; 'Cleave unto the Lord your God as ye have done unto this day.'

LEICESTER, Dover-street.-Three persons were added to our fellowship by baptism, on Lord's-day Feb. 7, after a sermon by our pastor, on the 'moral aspect of baptism,' from 1 Pet. ii. 21. It is pleasing to record, that two of these attributed their decision to the sermons delivered on the day appointed by the Association for humiliation and prayer.

NORTHAMPTON.-On Oct. 4th, 1846, our hearts were cheered by receiving three persons into our church, after submitting to the sacred rite of baptism; and on Feb. 7, 1847, two others followed their Lord in a similar manner and were added to our number, making an addition of eighteen since Mr. Rose has been with us. Our prayer is, that they

all may endure to the end.

LEEDS, Byron-street-On Lord's-day, Feb. 14th, after a powerful sermon by our respected minister, Mr. Horsefield, to a very large congregation, three persons followed their Redeemer by putting on baptism. The General Baptist principles are calculated to do good in Leeds, where so many Puseyite and Roman errors exist, and are continuing to spread.

ROTHLEY.-We had a very interesting day on the first Sabbath in the year, when four friends publicly professed the Saviour by being baptized in his name, three of whom were or had been connected with the school. We have three candidates.

REMOVALS.

TABPORLEY.-We have given brother Shore of Wolverhampton a unanimous call to the pastorate of our church, which he has accepted; and commenced his labours with us on Lord's-day January 10th, 1847; since which time things have greatly improved amongst us

INDIA.

THE DAY OF PRAYER AT BER.
HAMPORE.

FROM MR. STUBBINS.

Tent,-Mounshya Pent,
Dec. 3rd, 1846.

I WAS affected a short time ago, in reading a statement made respecting one of the most distinguished literary characters that ever adorned our lovely isle-and that individual a pious man and a minister-That he was often tempted rather to bewail the wickedness and misery of the world than to set resolutely about the task of amending it.' To christians generally how affecting must such a statement be, yet how true it is of multitudes who profess to be shocked at the idea of not setting resolutely about amending this world of wickedness and misery. Did every professed christian feel aright on this subject, all would unite in the resolution to give God no rest till his word go forth as brightness, and his salvation as a lamp which burneth. They would wrestle like Jacob, and would not cease till they prevailed like Israel. Prayer would be first, last, middle, and without ceasing, to him with whom is the residue of the Spirit. Nor would they be satisfied with prayer alone; every coffer would be opened to him whose are the silver and gold-every tongue would urge one common plea with man-every heart would bleed, and every voice say, " Here am I, Lord send me.' The sea, comparatively, would be dried up-distance accounted nothing-hard languages be esteemed easy-in short, such devotion would scale every difficulty, beat down every barrier, and trample on every obstacle. Every christian would, in his sphere, be a missionary at home or abroad; our highways and hedges would be traversed, our houses visited, the ungodly would be warned, the inquirer directed, the trembling saint be encouraged, our young be instructed-all the means that could be devised according to the will of Christ, for contesting the powers of darkness, would be resorted to, and that with a vigour that all hell would tremble at, and quake and howl to its very centre. The Lord hasten the time! Reflections similar to the above have frequently occupied my mind, and I have felt them profitable in arousing me from lethargy, to feel more deeply, and pray more fervently, and labour more assiduously for my degraded fellow-men; and should any of your readers experience the same effect from them I shall devoutly rejoice.

We were much interested with the account of the Association, but regretted that the increase in the Connexion was so small. We were sorry too that we did not know a few days previously, the time appointed for humiliation and prayer, as we could then have united with you: as it was, we deferred our meeting till the second Monday. We prefer red having our prayer meeting among ourselves in English, but told our native friends, and left it entirely with them to have a meeting or not; and if they choose to have one, to fix the time that suited them best. They said, as tears started in the eyes of some, Shall we not feel deeply concerned, and shall we not weep and pray, when those who sent us the gospel-those through whose instrumentality we live, to whose love and compassion we owe all our hopes for time and eternity, are themselves weeping and praying because the work of the Lord is not prospering among them?' And they one and all resolved upon a meeting; but as it was not convenient for them that evening, they fixed for Thursday, when, with most holy fervour, they poured out their souls before God in prayer that he would cause his face to shine upon our connexion at home, and give prosperity to all our churches. It would have done you good, my brother-it would have done the pleaders for the mission good-it would have done the collectors and subscribers good, if they could have heard the earnestness of those who were once sunk in darkness dire as Satan himself could make it or wish it-pleading with the God of love for his blessing upon our churches. Of some they made special mention, but certainly a stranger could scarcely have recognized the names of Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Barton, London, Fleet, Wisbeach, &c., &c. I believe none of the supplicators in England prayed more feelingly than their coloured brethren in India.

Poor Sarthi, used every means to recover his wife, but all in vain. She declared with the utmost boldness, in the magistrate's court, that she would have nothing more to do with him. Still even after this he tried again, but only received the grossest abuse for his pains. Now as the word of God says, ' But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart: a brother or a sister is not in bondage in such cases; and as the magistrate gave it as his opinion, that after her avowal in open court that she would have nothing more to do with him for the reasons stated, he was quite at liberty to marry another: as the poor man suffered a great deal of inconvenience and reproach too-and further, as he wished to marry again, we concluded it would be best