school, and it is arranged to open a day school under a native Christian teacher, believing that the religious instruction of the young is one of the best adjuncts to a missionary's work in a heathen land. The report continues as follows: "Thus we have two important stations in India and Ceylon, giving every promise of stability and growth. What the spiritual results may be we know not; but even apart from saving benefit, we regard the gospel as a tree whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, by exercising a healthful moral and social influence, even over those who never experience its spiritual power. For this purpose we attach great importance the establishment of Christian schools for the young, in which the children of the natives may be brought to see the folly and wickedness of idolatry at a time when impressions are more easily made and permanently retained." The report concludes by referring to the increased support given to the Mission by Strict Baptist churches, from a conviction of the scriptural character of its principles and operations, -stating that with fields of usefulness opening around the present stations, they hope to find ample use for the funds entrusted to their care. Various Sunday schools had contributed the sum of £56 during the year, for which they are specially thanked. Mr. Josiah Briscoe had been unanimously invited by the committee to take the co-secretaryship, which he had consented to do. This appointment was confirmed by the present meeting. The balance sheet was presented by Mr. Cooper, the treasurer. The receipts (including a balance of £76 at last audit) amounted to £223. The total expenditure during the year had been about £90; so that the balance in hand was increased to £133. This had encouraged the committee, and other fields of usefulness would shortly be occupied. Mr. Milner, in moving the adoption of the report and the election of the committee and officers, said that he knew the report was true, and that no gloss had been put upon the facts stated. It was a pleasure to good men to send the gospel to the heathen; and if it exerted merely a moral influence, it was a desirable blessing. He had not been very active in the cause of missions, for reasons hinted at by the chairman. The Strict Baptist Mission had no paid officials, and the missionaries employed he believed to be sound in the faith. his truth was no sign of love to him. With these views they asked with confidence for support. Mr. Palmer seconded the resolution, and spoke on "The expectations which scripture warrants as to the future spread of the gospel in the earth." The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Woodard was the next speaker. His subject was—" The means by which the kingdom of Christ is to be extended in the earth." Owing to the lateness of the hour, Mr. Crumpton could not enter upon the subject assigned to him. He said that he was glad to be present, and the more he thought of the Strict Baptist Mission, the more he approved of it. The speaker concluded by moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was cordially seconded by Mr. Pearson, and carried unanimously. The benediction was pronounced and the meeting separated. COLOMBO, CEYLON. FROM a recent communication received from the English Strict Baptist Church in Colombo we learn that two persons have been recently admitted upon satisfactory evidence of conversion. One was a youth of eighteen, who was baptised by Mr. James Silva, pastor of the church at Grand Pass, in the Pettah Lake, on April 5th.-Mr. Andriesz, Missionary of the Strict Baptist Mission in England, addressed the audience on the subject of baptism. During the same month the first anniversary of this newly formed mission was held, on which occasion the English and Singalese Churches broke bread unitedly. Mr. James Silva presided on the occasion, and Messrs. Wydemn, Fernando, Andriesz, and Vanleyzel addressed the meeting, which was of a fraternal and interesting character. A collection was made for the Strict Baptist Mission. During the year five members have been admitted by baptism and five by dismission. There are now sixteen members in full communion, who are banded together in love to Christ and to each other for the truth's sake. Their great need is a pastor. Mr. Andriesz acts as missionary in and around Colombo, but they are hoping the Strict Baptist Churches in England will provide them with an English brother who will go in and out among them as undershepherd to their little flock. May the Lord supply their need and increase them a hundredfold. LAYING THE doctrinal sentiments of others, but he liked adherence to principle. It was not for churches or ministers to legislate in the kingdom of Christ, and to supersede FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW SCHOOL AT STANNINGLEY. THE foundation stone of a new Baptist school was laid at Stanningley, on Saturday afternoon, June 20th. The interesting ceremony was performed by Mr. William Stead, of Rawden, in the presence of a large concourse of persons, including several ministers and prominent members of the denomination from adjacent towns, and also the scholars of the Baptist Sunday schools already existing in Stanningley. The Rev. J. Bloomfield, of Westgate chapel, Bradford, conducted the devotional services; after which, Mr. Stead laid the stone, with the usual formalities, and congratulated the inhabitants on the addition of another building wherein it was designed to promote their children's moral and intellectual good. He understood the school was to be opened on the week-day for the purposes of secular instruction; and it was his earnest prayer that God would bless and sanctify all that they did. The Rev. J. P. Chown, of Sion Chapel, Bradford, then addressed the gathering. He first spoke of the self-denying labours of Mr. Watts, and said that he (Mr. Chown) had watched him long, and the more he knew him the more he loved him. He had been privileged to do in Stanningley what few had been able to do before him. Speaking of the work in hand he said he liked to think of it in connection with those who were to be gathered together there. It was in the young that their anticipations were centered. If they could influence the children they would be blessed, and might look to the future with confidence. If they were only to think of what might be prevented by a building such as that they would feel it to be worth all the effort that might be put forth. It was a blessed thing to cure, but it was better to prevent. Lifeboats were good, but lighthouses were better. They had commenced the erection of a lighthouse that would be a beacon to many souls. But when they thought of the positive good that would spring from it they felt still more thankful. They were opening a fountain that would bless for eternity and time. He also rejoiced in the work because it was no mere sectarian movement. They said grace, mercy, and prosperity be with all them that love Jesus Christ. When they thought of the future they said bring the young together, and train them wisely and thoroughly. He wished most devoutly that peace and prosperity might rest upon them to the end of their work. The proceedings closed with a collection, singing, and prayer. The school is being built from designs by Mr. C. E. Taylor, of Bradford, and is estimated, with the freehold site included, to cost about £700; towards which, £500 have been already obtained. In addition to the general school-room, the dimensions of which will be 15 yards by 10, there will be two classrooms and kitchen conveniences. At the close of the stone-laying ceremonial the friends adjourned to the town's school-room, where an excellent tea was served. After tea a public meeting was held in the Baptist chapel, presided over by Mr. John Cooke, of Bradford. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, brethren J. Bloomfield and J. Makepeace, Bradford; E. Parker, Farsley; A. Ashworth, Bramley; H. Watts, J. Rhodes, and W. Jowett, Stanningley; and Mr. James Cole, Bradford. SUFFOLK AND NORFOLK ASSOCIATION OF PARTICULAR STRICT COMMUNION BAPTIST CHURCHES. THIS animated and interesting gathering was held on Waldringfield Heath, near Woodbridge, on the second Tuesday and Wednesday in June, consisting of the ministers and messengers of the thirty-four churches now in union, with, we believe, nearly 3000 friends from many quarters. London and its neighbourhood supplying a fair quota. The great tent belonging to the Association was surrounded with other tents for bodily refreshment, and presented in the glorious summer weather a truly pleasant sight. But more pleasant and comely was the hearty union of the multitude in the praises of God, and in the deep interest manifested during the reading of the letters. That service, with the devotional exercises, and the address of the moderator, occupied nearly four hours. Brother Bland, of Beccles, acted as moderator this year, who is, we understand, about to relinquish his position as coadjutor with the venerable George Wright. We were glad to find a more hopeful tone pervading most of the letters than last year. A considerably larger number had been baptised, and also more restored to fellowship; while the village stations and schools were generally reported in an active and healthy condition. The afternoon and evening of the first day were occupied by good and faithful sermons from Messrs. Willis, of Ipswich, and Brunt, of Norwich; and as early as six o'clock on Wednesday morning the meetings for prayer commenced, and were continued with much feeling and, we believe, holy fervour, until half-past ten, by which time a vast congregation had assembled. Brother R. Bird, of Rattlesden, read the scriptures and offered prayer, and brother Charles Hill, of Stoke-ash, delivered a truly excellent discourse, rich in gospel truth and experimental godliness, from the words, "Say unto my soul I am thy salvation." After the greater part had sat down at amply-provided tables, and the rest had refreshed themselves pic-nic fashion, the tent was again filled, the curtains rolled up, and the vast congregation spread out far and wide. The afternoon service was opened by brother Hoskin, of Norwich; and brother Sears, of Laxfield, gave a plain, earnest, useful sermon, founded on the ever welcome truth contained in the 14th and 15th verses of the 3rd chapter of St. John's gospel. After this, brother Cooper, the secretary, related some of the incidents of his visit to Germany last autumn, as delegate (in conjunction with brother Collins, of Grundisburgh) from the Association to the Triennial Conference of the German Baptist mission. Then came the parting hymn, and in a short space of time little remained save the barren heath and empty tents; but the memory of those hours and the savour of the truths will not perish. We understood that about £80 were collected, and distributed amongst the poorer churches; the same amount for the Home and Village Mission in Suffolk and the adjoining counties, and a nearly equal sum for the Ger THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH (OR BAPTIST) MAGAZINE. No. CCXCVII. SEPTEMBER 1, 1868. Essays, Expositions, &c. LOVE TO THE LORD. "O Love the Lord all ye his saints."-Psalm xxxi. 22. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." So runs the first commandment. This command is addressed to all, be they saints or otherwise. All ought to love him. All are expected to love him. It may be said that many not only do not love him-they hate him. This, alas, is true. But there is no just cause why any should hate God. He is constantly good to all. "His tender mercies are over all his works." By him all are preserved and blessed. Therefore all ought to love him with a constant and a pure love. 66 But while many hate the Lord there are some who must love him. These are the saints-the Lord's saints. To them the words in our text are specially addressed. David was one of the Lord's saints. So many deliverances had he experienced, so many mercies had he received from the Lord, that he felt he must love him. Nor could he be content to love, he must also exhort his brethren to do likewise. "O love the Lord." Love him rather than selfrather than any creature. Love him with a pure, a constant, a supreme love. 'Love the Lord all ye his saints." Let the young, the old, the rich, the poor, let all, without exception, love him. The exhortation here given is worthy of careful study. I. IT IS REASONABLE. II. IT IS NEEDFUL. III. IT IS URGENT. I. It is reasonable. We might be urged to do some things that are not reasonable. But nothing is more reasonable than this exhortation. 1.-Let us consider what we have received from the Lord. Love produces love. Now God has loved us in a most wonderful, in a most earnest, in a most abundant way. We are called "saints," or "holy ones." Once we were unholy ones. We had no love to God. We turned from him and from his ways. We delighted in those things that displease him. Is it so now? Not if we are "saints." God has given to us a new spirit, new thoughts, new desires, new conduct. His Word has become precious. His house has become our delight. His name has become more lovely to us. Now we do VOL. XXV.-NO. CCXCVII. |