Literature.

A HANDBOOK ON CHRISTIAN a divine, New Testament, and perma

BAPTISM.*

MR. INGHAM has rendered good service to the Christian church by the publication of this volume. It is voluminous, easy of reference, and, on the "import of baptism," exhaustive. He was induced to enter upon its preparation from the fugitive, inadequate, or unusable character of existing Guides and Treatises; and more especially from the conviction that an examination and exposure of the errors contained in the works

nent institution; as an initiatory rite; as neither converting nor saving; as a ordinance; as a positive institution, and practical and probably a clearly-revealed from this further probability of explicit revelation on the subject.

Thirteen sections are devoted to the import of baptism. A mere repetition of the titles of these would be wearisome. We shall therefore content ourselves with a general reference to their multifarious contents. The earlier portions are devoted to the philological aspect of of Dr. Halley and Rev. J. Stacey, the question; and the evidence of Greek would embrace such a reply to other lexicons, Greek writers, and ancient opponents as would well-nigh exhaust versions, is quoted at great length. We the subject. Ample references are have next the evidence from the practice nevertheless made to other works issued of the Greeks and the Greek church, both by Presbyterians and Episcopa- from the proselyte baptism of the Jews, lians. Mr. Ingham has written this from the concessions of Pædobaptists, Handbook "to be used in accordance from the figurative use of baptize and with need, as we use a Railway Guide, baptism, from associated words, from each looking at the place where his the distinct and wide difference of imdifficulty is noticed, where further information is obtainable." The only sugges- and from invariable adaptation. The port betwixt immerse, pour, and sprinkle, tion we can make still further to facili- section on historic evidence embraces, tate ease of reference is an index of what will be to many a most interesting scriptural passages. This, in addition to the present table of contents and apostolic contemporaries and their imrange of topics: scripture references; indices of authors quoted and subjects mediate successors; ancient baptisteries, treated upon, while not likely to swell ritual regulations, and confessions; the the bulk of the volume, would greatly acknowledgments of numerous Pædobaptists, and the concessions of Pædobaptist historians.

add to its usefulness.

Mr. Ingham's conduct as a controversialist is firm, but charitable. He has By far the larger portion of the Handnot shrunk from the honest and distinct book is taken up with the "evidence avowal of what he deems to be the from the futility of all known objections." truth; but he has written in a style that Indeed, nearly four hundred pages out we hesitate not to say, is an admirable of the whole are occupied with this illustration of the mode in which contro- branch of the subject. At first sight, versy should be conducted. "It is the this may not appear wise; but an examiearnest wish of the writer not to aug-nation of Mr. Ingham's comprehensive ment, but to diminish the distance mode of treatment will abundantly between Christians entertaining different justify the plan adopted. It is moreover sentiments;" and if fairness in stating true that in thousands of instances it is the case of an opponent, and Christian not doubt or the whole question which charity in answering it, will lessen that difference in any measure, Mr. Ingham

will have his reward.

The first eight sections of the volume are introductory, and treat of baptism as * By R. Ingham. London: Simpkin, Marshall,

& Co.

Abridged Handbook on Christian Baptism. By R. Ingham. London: Pewtress Brothers, Ave Maria Lane. Price Sixpence.

leads to indecision; but rather some quibble or fancied objection, arising from the occasional impracticability of baptism one or two passages of Holy Writ, from by immersion, or its supposed danger, or inconvenience, or inexpedience, or alleged indecency. Perhaps the last is one of the commonest; and if our space would admit we should like to quote the strong

of his Handbook Mr. Ingham will remove this conspicuous defect.

It will afford us great pleasure to hear that the remaining portion of his manuscript, on the subjects of baptism, is sufficiently matured to be committed to the press.

things which Baxter, Matthew Henry, and some modern writers have said on this point. Even the equable temper of the writer of this Handbook was ruffled in view of them; and the conviction is pressed upon us after reading the quotations that he does well to be angry. It is not, however, through mere denominational sensitiveness that Mr. The Preacher's Portfolio.*- This is Ingham's anger is stirred; but because the second series of the same work. "their (the authors quoted) reasoning The Editor gives some two hundred and maintains that the spotless Immanuel fifty outlines of sermons by eminent has left to the option of every individual that which is 'indelicate.""

European and American preachers of the present and the two past centuries. The Handbook closes with "addita" The style of sermonizing has varied so on the design, utility, and importance of much during the last half century, that baptism; and two appendices, the one many of these outlines will prove curious an appeal to Baptists and Pædobaptists rather than suggestive. Here is a pithy on charity, with respect to strict and one on Phil. iv. 6. I. Ask for everyopen communion; and the other, an thing. II. Be thankful for anything. appeal to Pædobaptists on their avowed III. Care for nothing. Some outlines sentiments as requiring them to provide are from Hall, Foster, Andrew Fuller, the pitcher and baptistery equally with

the small font or basin.

Dr. Cox, Ward Beecher. More than fifty are from the pen of the Editor, In the face of so much in this volume whose name is not given. Many of these of which we heartily approve, we are are sadly obvious and common place, reluctant to mention one thing that we and some are fanciful to the last degree. cannot but regard as a serious blemish. For instance, on John vi. 17, we have, We refer to the method Mr. Ingham has "I. Describe the circumstances of the adopted in certain quotations given as narrative. II. The instruction which it mottoes under each separate heading in conveys." And on Exodus xxix. 20; the book. As to their number, that is "I. Christians are priests. II. Some of altogether a matter of taste. But to the illustrations of the character of their quote passages from the writings of consecration. Observe its universality. divines, preceding the quotations with Blood on the extremes of the frame; on their names, and to adopt the same plan the ear, to show that all intellectual faculwith passages of Scripture placed in the ties-on the thumb, that all practical acsame list, is virtually to suggest, not- tivities-on the toe, that all personal withstanding the order in which they movements, confess its power"! He occur, that they are all on the same further adds: "On the top of the right level, and all of equal authority. Not toe-importance of cousistent walkingthat Mr. Ingham ever intended this; but a call to activity-circumspection"!!his method fairly suggests nothing else. The New Sunday School Tune Book.† The effect is most unfortunate. Thus, The Editor has specially sought in this as we run our eye down the names of tune book to meet a want created by the the authors who supply the mottoes for "New Sunday School Hymn Book," one section, we see the following: "The by supplying tunes for its peculiar Apostle John; Dr. Guthrie; Dr. Burns; metres. We commend it to the attenC. Stovel." In another list of mottoes tion of Sunday school teachers. we have this array of names: "Jesus whom and how should baptism be adminisChrist; Paul the Apostle; Dr. Ward- tered ?* This pamphlet contains two law; Bishop Wilson; Baptist Noel." lectures by Mr. Alcorn, of Burnley. In a third, this: "Jehovah; the Apostle They were delivered two years ago, and John; H. Hunter." We know that by request have been recently re-deour esteemed brother will at once repu- livered, and are now published. This diate the inference suggested; but we will at once indicate the estimation in submit that this method of classification, which they are held by Mr. Alcorn's however sanctioned by the practice of friends. some, cannot be too carefully avoided. We sincerely hope that in future editions

*Marlborough & Co.

↑ London: Jackson, Walford, & Hodder,

To

Our Churches.

CONFERENCES.

Intelligence.

The YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Byron-street, Leeds, Dec. 27.

In the evening a public Home Missionary meeting was held, when addresses were given by several ministerial brethren. R. INGHAM,

Pro, T. GILL, Secretary.

The WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE Was In the forenoon committees of the Home and Foreign Missions met in the held at Walsall on Monday, Jan. 9, 1865. chapel. The business of Conference was The morning service was opened by transacted in the afternoon. Rev. C. the Rev. W. Lees, after which the SecreLeigh prayed, and Rev. R. Horsfield, tary preached from Jude 20 and 21. minister of the place, presided. It was "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves reported that forty-four bad been bap-on your most holy faith, praying in the tized since the last Conference, and six Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love remained as candidates. After singing of God, looking for the mercy of our the doxology, the minutes of the pre- Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." vious Conference were read and approved.

1. The Foreign Mission.-A report respecting the Foreign Mission was given by the Rev. R. Horsfield, and several ministers reported what had been done in their respective churches. A plan for holding missionary meetings annually in the churches of this Conference at the same period of the year was said to be in course of preparation.

2. Home Mission.-An encouraging report was given of our Home Mission station at Dewsbury; and it was agreed that the baptized friends worshipping there be formed into a church forthwith, the arrangements for the same to be left with the Rev. B. Wood, and the friends at Dewsbury. Addresses were then given on the state of the Home Mission and its funds by the Secretary and Treasurer, Rev. C. Springthorpe and Rev. R. Ingham.

3. Chapel Building and Loan Fund for the Yorkshire District. The Rev. R. Hardy reported his correspondence on this business with the Secretary of the "Baptist Building Fund;" and it was agreed-That this Conference expresses its approval of the principle of Union between itself and the "Baptist Building Fund," but that our final decision be deferred until the Whitsuntide Conference.

The next Conference to be held at Gambleside, near Burnley, on Easter Tuesday. The Rev. W. Evans, of Stalybridge, to preach in the morning.

In the afternoon a meeting was held for receiving reports from churches, &c. Three of the churches had sent no representative, and two of them no report. In the churches which were represented twenty-six persons had been baptized since last Conference.

The Netherton friends reported that they expected to open their new chapel in February. The Walsall friends are making a vigorous effort to pay off their debt of £500, and from the liberality thus far manifested, there is reason to believe their effort will be successful.

It was stated that there were a few churches in the Conference to whom a visit from some of the ministers would be a great blessing; that as they were without pastors, and had sunk into a state of comparative coldness, their zeal and piety might be aroused by visits to their homes, and extra services in their chapels. Resolved: That brethren Lees and Harrison be requested to give up a Sunday and a whole week each to this work during the spring, and that further arrangements be deferred till next Conference.

The next Conference to be held at Cradley Heath, on Monday, May 15. Brother W. Lees, of Walsall, to preach in the morning.

The attendance was small, but a very excellent spirit pervaded the whole of the meetings. The devotional services were conducted by brethren Cosens and Bruce. J. HARRISON, Secretary.

BAPTISMS.

Our Churches.

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road. On Lord's-day, Dec. 11, 1864, four persons were baptized by the Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford. Two have been brought up in our school, and two were members of an Independent church. On Sunday, Jan. 8, two were received into church fellowship by the Rev. E. Stevenson, of Loughborough. We had a larger attendance at the Lord's table than we have had for two years past.

LEEDS, Byron Street. On Dec. 19, 1864, the ordinance of believers' baptism

was administered to twelve candidates.

65

also offered up the ordination prayer in a most impressive manner. Mr. Evans responded to the questions in a highly satisfactory manner, and Mr. Thomas Priest did the same on behalf of the church. Rev. W. Underwood, presi dent of the College, delivered an affectionate and appropriate charge from Col. iv. 17-"Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." Other portions of the service were conducted by the Revs. Gwyther, B.A., and A. Kirkland, of Amos Dyson, of Haddenham; J. H. Stalybridge; and Mr. Atkinson, of the College. At the conclusion of the ser

vice the ministers and friends sat down

Rev. R. Horsfield preached from John XV. 14. Many were deeply impressed to an excellent dinner provided in the by the force of scriptural truth. Candi- adjoining school-room; and in the afterdates are waiting the next ordinance, noon a considerable number of the memand there is a goodly number of inquirers. bers of the church and congregation BERKHAMPSTEAD AND CHESHAM. assembled and took tea together in the Twenty-one believers were baptized at upper school-room. Rev. A. Dyson Chesham, on Wednesday evening, Dec. preached a very appropriate sermon to 28, 1864. Mr. Preston delivered a brief the people in the evening. The day address, and Mr. Lawton baptized. Four was one of great enjoyment, and its of the candidates were from Berkhamp- solemn transactions will not soon be sted. May they all "endure to the end." forgotten. STALYBRIDGE.-On Lord's-day, Jan. 1st, five persons were baptized by our pastor, and in the evening were received into the church, together with six others previously baptized.

LONDON, Fraed Street. Since our anniversary in October we have had two baptisms. Wednesday, Nov. 23, six; Wednesday, Dec. 28, five.

ASHBY AND PACKINGTON.-On Dec. 25, 1864, four youthful believers were im. mersed at Packington by our pastor.

RIPLEY, Derbyshire. On the first sabbath in this year five were baptized and received into our fellowship.

MINISTERIAL.

STALYBRIDGE.-On Friday, Dec. 30, the Rev. William Evans was publicly ordained pastor of the General Baptist church in this town. At eleven o'clock service was commenced by the Rev. John Ash giving out a hymn, who afterwards read suitable portions of scripture and prayed. The introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. Richard Ingham, founded upon the words, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." The usual questions were asked by the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., classical tutor of the College, who

WIRKSWORTH, Derbyshire.-On Sunday, Jan. 1, Mr. J. Orchard, late of Chilwell College, commenced his duties as pastor of the Baptist church, Wirksworth, by a very appropriate discourse founded on 2 Thess. iii. 1. On the following day a large and interesting meeting was held to welcome him to his new sphere of labour. Tea was provided in the school-room, which had been tastefully decorated by the ladies of the church and congregation. At half-past six o'clock a meeting was held in the adjoining place of worship, at which members of all religious denominations in the town were present; Mr. Malin, the senior deacon, after being chosen as chairman, addressed a very hearty welcome to Mr. Orchard, and promised him on behalf of the church all the sympathy and help it could give to comfort and sustain him in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Hatfield, another deacon, followed, and spoke to the same purpose. Words of welcome and encouragement were given by the Rev. Mr. Wilkinson (Primitive Methodist); Mr. Buckstone (Wesleyan); Mr. Hall (Independent); Mr. Walker (United Free Church). Mr. W. E. Winks and Mr. C. Payne, fellow students of Mr. Orchard, spoke of the affection and esteem they bad ever enter.

tained towards him, and expressed their thorpe, Heptonstall Slack; and B. Dale, confidence in his abilities and piety. M.A., Halifax. Interesting pieces were Mr. Orchard then thanked the church, sung at intervals by the choir,-Mr. and those who represented other reli- Wadsworth presiding at the organ. The gious bodies, for the kind and cheering cost of the instrument is £300; this and reception they had given him, and the alteration will amount to £330. hoped that they might work harmo- About £50 was obtained by collections niously and successfully together. The and from the tea, and £180 had been services were brought to a close by sing-subscribed by the church and friends, ing and prayer.

Rev. G. HESTEE, of Loughborough, has accepted a unanimous invitation to become the pastor of Cemetery-road chapel, Sheffield, and will enter his new sphere of labour in a few weeks.

MR. W. WINKS, of Chilwell College, has accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the church at Allerton, near Bradford.

Mr. J. P. TETLEY, of Chilwell College, has also accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the church at Long Sutton.

MISCELLANEOUS.

making together £230. It is hoped in a very short time to clear off the remaining £100, as there are several promises given already towards the accomplishment of this desirable object.

TARPORLEY, Cheshire.-The Baptist Church in this town has recently purchased a front plot of land adjoining the main street, and is now preparing to build a new chapel on it. The chapel is to be in the Gothic style of architecture, with an arched ceiling. The roof externally is to be covered with ornamental

slates. The building will be of red

brick, with white stone dressings, and will contain on the ground floor accommodation for upwards of 300 persons. It will be erected with a gabled front, SAWLEY.-On Monday, Dec. 26. 1864, surmounted with a turret, and each of a public tea-meeting was held in the Bap- the angles of the eaves will be ornatist school-room. About one hundred mented with a wrought carved stone and fifty persons were present. After pinnacle. The vestibule, entered by tea a public meeting was held, when two archways, will be approached by a selection of sacred music was well per-four stone steps. The Tarporley conformed by the singing class in connection gregation have given liberal subwith the Sunday school, reflecting great scriptions towards the new project, credit on the leader. Addresses were amounting in the aggregate to £867 23. delivered at intervals by Mr. Bennett, Among the principal subscribers are Sawley, Messrs. Chapman and Summerfield, Castle Donington, and Mr. Payne of the College. The evening was so agreeably spent that we hope to see many similar ones.

Mr. Thomas Bate, £200; Mr. Joseph Aston, £200; A Friend, £100; Mr. Roger Bate, £100; Mr. William Aston, £70; Mr. Charles Bate, £50; Mr. Thomas Whalley, £30; Mr. Richard Aston and Mr. James Dickenson, £20 each; with various other sums from the congregation, making the above amount.

CHATTERIS.-On Sunday, Jan. 8, the Rev. H. Wilkinson preached two sermons, and addressed the children and young people in the afternoon. Оп Monday, the 9th, we had our annual

HALIFAX.-A new and splendid organ, built by Messrs. Wilkinson & Son, Kendal, was opened on Thursday, Dec. 8, when a deeply interesting_sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Campbell, of Bradford; and on Lord's-day, Dec. 11, two appropriate and edifying discourses were delivered by Rev. W. Underwood, principal of Chilwell College. Abel missionary meeting, which was one of a Dean, Esq., presided at the organ on these occasions. Also, on Monday, Jan. 9, a tea was provided in the school-room, which was well attended. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel, presided over by the Rev. R Ingham, formerly pastor of the church, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Gray, Birchcliffe; C. Spring-Iservices about £12.

deeply interesting character-Mr. J. Halford in the chair. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Harrap, Silverton, Wilkinson, Wilson, and J. Lyon. On Tuesday Mr. Wilkinson gave us an interesting lecture on "The Manners and Customs of India," in the Chatteris New Institute. Proceeds of all these