scientious scruple about receiving the 'Re gium Donum,' he relinquished his living for his principles, sustained himself by husbandry, and preached with little remuneration, became a Baptist, and was a remarkably prayerful christian. The sketch of the vicissitudes of the career of this great and good man is well drawn, and his moral and intellectual portrait, as here exhibit ed, gives us a pleasing view of one whose praise is in all our churches. A GUIDE TO THE SAVIOUR; or the Inquirer Assisted and Directed in the Way of Salvation. By A. SUTTON. Wilkins, Derby; Hamilton, London. 24mo. pp. 131. THIS book was printed in America. It is imported into this country with the hope that it may be useful. Its subject is im. portant. The manner in which it is elucidated is simple and scriptural. Its style is clear and attractive. We shall be glad to learn that it has an extensive circulation. THE SUPREMACY OF THE РОРЕ. The Monthly United Lecture, delivered in Canaan Street Chapel, March 10th, 1851, by the REV. JAMES EDWARDS, Minister of George Street Chapel, Nottingham. B. L. Green, Paternoster Row. THIS is a manly and christian protest against papal assumption. We are glad Mr. Edwards has committed it to the press, and we are not sorry that its publication has called forth the vituperations of the popish party in Nottingham. These are days in which it is incumbent on the friends of freedom, and the believers in the supreme and exclusive authority of the Word of God to speak freely, and with calmness and dignity to proclaim the truths of the Bible. After showing that the papists have challenged public attention by their overt acts; and rebuking, in appropriate terms, their dastardly custom of denouncing by name individuals obnoxious to them at their altars; the lecturer proceeds to shew that the supremacy of the pope cannot be proved by mere assertion, nor by the testimony of Scripture, nor by the conduct of Christ towards Peter, nor by Peter's conduct and history, nor by the traditionary records of Rome, and therefore concludes that such pretended supremacy is a ground STRICTURES on a Sermon, preached at Christ's Church, Coventry, on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 22nd, 1850, by the REV. H. T. HARRIS, A. B., Incumbent; by JAMES LEWITT, Minister of White Friars Lane Chapel, Coventry. Goode, Coventry. THE Incumbent of Christ's Church, Coventry, thought fit to publish a sermon in which he attempted to shew why he is a Churchman, and neither a papist nor a dissenter. He has therefore invited the strictures of all parties. Mr. Lewitt has taken up the question as a dissenter, and has conducted the defence of his order with considerable power and skill. In reference to all questions involving historical research, rious corruptions and controversies of past and an intimate acquaintance with the vaages, he appears to be quite well matched for his clerical antagonist. The tone and temper of the strictures are firm and manly, and worthy of the cause he defends. We regret that no London publisher is named. We presume, however, that the strictures may be obtained from our Leicester publisher. HANDBILLS FOR UNIVERSAL DISTRIbution. Popery or the Bible. Sears, Ivy Lane. THESE are especially adapted for circulation among the poorer classes. They consist of a well-exhibited contrast between the two systems. The Bible extracts in one column, in black, and those from popish bulls, confessions, and decrees, on the other, in red ink. The subjects are,-The circulation of the Scriptures-Sufficiency of the Scriptures-Right of Private Judgment -Prayer to the Virgin Mary-Homage to the Pope, &c. They are excellent, and may be had for four shillings per hundred. CORRESPONDENCE. CONFERENCE FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE, &c. To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository. DEAR SIR,-Will you permit me, through the medium of the Repository, to call attention to what appears to me an important matter, viz., The formation of a Conference for North Lincolnshire and part of Nottinghamshire. In this district there are six General Baptist churches within a short distance of each other; for taking Kirton as the centre, any of them may be reached in little more than twenty miles, and yet I have been here two years and a half, and still am quite unacquainted with the churches of the neighbourhood, and have seen but two of the ministers. It is admitted, that most of the churches are small and poor; this, however, is no valid reason for their being so isolated as they have hitherto been, but rather a reason why they should cherish feelings of attachment to each other for their mutual advantage and encouragement. as I was able, (not having the talent of speaking myself) I got local Baptist preachers to attend the village and preach the word occasionally, but at last our cause dwindled away.' He also mentions the case of a Mr. who began to doubt the Divinity of Christ. My correspondent, a plain, evangelical, and pious man, now, I believe, eighty years of age, said to me, Sooner than have preachers advocating such a wicked doctrine, I thought it better to let the Wesleyans come in.' He did let the Wesleyans come in, and they now hold the chapel. There is a community calling themselves General Baptists, at Horsham and Ditchling; but I hear, upon good authority, neither confess Christ's Divinity. At Lewes there was formerly a General Baptist cause, in Southover, but the chapel is done away with, and the majority have joined the Unitarians, who have a place of worship in the town. Thus, Lewes is more consistent in this respect than Horsham or Ditchling. And more than this, there are important places in the neighbourhood, into which our distinctive principles, as General Baptists, might be carried with advantage, such, for instance, as Gainsborough, an important market town, equidistant between Kirton and Retford; and more east is Brigg, another considerable town, in which there are not, perhaps, half-a-dozen Baptists. These two considerations appear sufficient I need hardly add, that Antinomianism to show, that at least an effort should be and Unitarianism are rife in this county. made to spread the Redeemer's cause in this How shall we stem the torrent? how glonorthern waste. But perhaps the readerrify the Saviour? how advance his kingasks, How do you propose to commence?' To which I reply, Letters have been sent to the different places proposed to be included, signed on behalf of the church here, by myself, our respected deacon, and two male members, suggesting a preliminary meeting at Gainsborough, to arrange future proceedings, to which meeting I respectfully invite as many of the friends of this proposal as can possibly attend. I may add, in conclusion, that as soon as the opinion of the friends in the different places has been made known, the time for holding the above-named meeting will be fixed without delay. I am, dear Sir, Kirton Lindsey, THE GENERAL BAPTISTS OF SUSSEX. dom? I ask, if there be a General Baptist Association and college, are there no young men amongst the General Baptists who have time, talent, and means, which could be directed to this part of southern Enggland. I have before stated, that I believe, from a careful perusal of Scripture-and it is my desire to cling to Scripture in matters of faith and doctrine, and make Scripture my infallible guide in all matters relative to my soul's destiny-that the General Baptists, as a religious body, most approximate with Scripture. Popery is bad, heathenism is bad, infidelity in its most flagrant sense is bad; all, all will prove as chaff before the wind: but if there be a system of religion, or which wears the garb of religion, which my soul abhors, it is denying the divinity of Christ. Where hide one's self in the day of judgment, but under the covert of a Saviour's wing? On what else can salvation rest but on the work of the Redeemer? I believe MR. EDITOR,-After some little trouble, that one who denies the whole of Scripture I have ascertained that there was a Gene- will suffer less-if there be grades of ral Baptist cause at Waldron, Horsham, punishment, which the Bible vindicates us Lewes, and Ditchling, formerly, but I hear in asserting-I believe that the openly of no other town or village in the county wicked and profane will not receive such a where there has ever been a community of share of torment as those who believe what free-will Baptists. I will take them in due they please of the Word of God, and discourse as I have placed them. And, first, believe what they please, more particularly in reference to Waldron, the private pro- the Divinity of Christ, who is stated to be perty of a small farmer, who states, My father and grandfather were Baptist ministers here, and after their decease, as long God over all, blessed for ever;' and in whom, upon whom, and by whom every thing relative to man's salvation is based. I speak out of the feelings of my heart when I say in reverence, that I believe Unitarianism the most soul-damning doctrine; and when I reflect upon the terrible judgment spoken of in the last chapter of the book of Revelation, in reference to those who add to, or detract from the Word of God, I shudder to think that there should be such a class of religionists, falsely so called. As your body seem popular in the midland counties, it will not, perhaps, be out of your province at some future time, to take into consideration the wants of Sussex, more par. ticularly when missionaries are being sent into distant lands; and I can testify as to the wants and requirements of many a village in these parts where no gospel is preached, and the people are in great darkness; and in many OBITUARY. Death of Reb. W. J. Garratt. CHANGE of air having been unavailing to the improvement or restoration of the Rev. W. J. Garratt's health, and his medical advisers in Derbyshire pronouncing his recovery hopeless, he at once resolved to come back again to Salford, and die among his people and the church of his formation. Accordingly he returned at the beginning of this month; and after taking an affectionate leave of the members of his church he resigned his spirit into the hands of his God who gave it, on Tuesday the 15th instant. He experienced great bodily suffering, but possessed perfect peace and composure of mind, being 'quite prepared to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.' At his particular request, his remains were interred on Easter-Monday, April 20th, in the chapel yard. 'Oh how she long'd To have her passport sign'd and be dismiss'd! 'Tis done, and now she's happy. The glad soul Has not a wish uncrown'd.' MRS. HAWKES, relict of the late Mr. W. Hawkes, died at Birmingham, of bronchitis, Jan. 23rd., 1851, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. Had she lived till the 19th of June she would have been a member of the church in Lombard-street sixty years. She survived her lamented husband (an account of whose death was given in the volume of the Repository for 1838) nearly thirteen years, and it may truly be said of her, she has trusted in God, continued in supplications night and day, and diligently followed every good work.' She was baptized by the late Rev. W. Taylor, of Boston, before his settlement in that town, and held fast the profession of her faith without wavering.' How many are baptized, join a church, continue a short time, then abandon their profession and forsake the society of their christian friends; but no unwatchfulness on her part, nor any troubles in the church had the effect of unsettling her mind or weakening her attachment to the cause of her christian profession her deportment she had espoused. During the long period was honourable and consistent; she adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour by the holi. ness of her practice; and happy would it be were all that name the name of Christ as careful to have their conversation becoming his gospel. She was a cheerful and happy christian, and thus she presented religion to the view of others in its loveliest and most attractive form. Her cheerful piety was the consequence of having learned to live by faith in the Son of God, and to exercise a steady mind was preserved in an eminently tranquil confidence in his atoning death; thus her and happy frame, free from those fluctuations which occasion uneasiness and gloom; indeed for a length of time she has never been heard to express any doubt respecting her personal interest in Christ, or any uncertainty as to her future happiness. In her disposition she was uniformly kind and sympathetic; the poor and afflicted of the Saviour's flock were objects of her affectionate regard, and in her have lost a friend. She loved the house of God, and regularly filled up her place in it till the infirmities accompanying old age prevented her; when this was the case, she deplored her inability to attend as formerly, and often shed a tear when seeing others pass to the sanctuary, and she could no longer join in the services of the Lord's-house. In these circumstances she might well adopt the language of the Psalmist, When I remember these things I pour out my soul in me; for I had gone with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day.' But though incapacitated from attending the public ministry of the word, she occupied much of her time in reading the scriptures, in meditation, and in prayer. Till within about a month of her dissolution, though gradually becoming more feeble, she appeared as to her general health much as she had done for some time; and when she took to her bed it was sometimes thought that having naturally a good constitution, she might yet rally, and be spared a little longer; but the time of her departure was at hand. Under her affliction, and when confined to her bed, she gratefully admired the goodness of God, and expressed her thankfulness for the comforts with which she was favoured above many others, and for the means used to alleviate her sufferings. Through the whole of her illness her peace of mind was never interrupted, the consolations derived from religion and the precious promises of God supported her, so that she enjoyed a holy composure and a sweet resignation to the will of her heavenly father; there was no fretfulness or impatience at the Lord's dealing with her, nor any uneasiness at the prospect of a dying hour; indeed from the commencement of the disease till she died, she possessed undis. turbed peace of mind, and at times, a high degree of enjoyment; no cloud darkened her prospect; and so far from being depressed, she was desirous to depart and be with Christ. In reply to the remark, 'You are happy,' she instantly and with great cheerfulness said, 'Bless the Lord for his goodness, I am happy, I know he will never leave me nor forsake me; he has promised this, and I know he will be as good as his word.' On another occasion, when that beautiful hymn, beginning, Jesus, lover of my soul,' was mentioned, she immediately took up the words, and when she repeated that passage, Hide me, O my Saviour hide, O receive my soul at last,' she clasped her hands, and with an emotion never to be forgotten by those who were present, she repeated the words, 'O receive my soul at last.' At another time she was asked, Are you still happy?' She replied, 'Yes : why should I not? there is no change in Jesus: he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.' As she lay on the bed of affliction she had much communion with her God, and once prayed, 'Cast me not off in the time of old age, forsake me not when my strength faileth.' This was not the language of doubt, for she instantly exclaimed, Cast me off! no, I am sure he will not.' She often gave vent to her feelings by repeating appropriate verses from the hymn book, as well as various passages from the Bible. These numerous and interesting quotations were not only descriptive of the comfortable state of her mind, but clearly and fully expressed her views of divine truth. Christ and his cross was all her theme, and his sufferings and death the only ground of her confidence and hope. At length she became entirely exhausted, and earnestly prayed, if it was the will of God, that she might be released. Her request was granted, and she sleeps in Jesus. May her dear children, and all with whom she was connected by the ties of religion, live as honoured, die as happy, and be as safe for ever. She was interred at the Birmingham cemetery, in the same grave with her husband, and the solemn event was improved in a discourse from Heb. xiii. 5, 'I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' The writer may be permitted to close this short account of his affectionate and faithful friend in the words of the apostle, concerning an excellent female of his time, She was a succourer of many and of myself also.' G. C. B. MARY ANN TUNNICLIFF, the late wife of the Rev. J. Tunnicliff, our beloved pastor, was brought to an acquaintance with the Saviour when about nineteen years of age. She was exceedingly fearful at the commencement of her christian course, being afraid to presume on the mercy of God to her. From a deep sense of personal unworthiness, which for several months became almost insupportable, she often with tears inquired of a companion of hers, 'Is it possible that I can be saved?' After she had obtained a clear sense of her acceptance with God she was remarkable for her decision of character; her change was evident to all. From the commencement of her religious profession until her death there was no appearance of coldness of heart or indecision of character, and during the various and severe afflictions through which she was called to pass she never complained or appeared to loose her confidence in God. She was always the comforter of her family, and especially of her beloved husband in those times of severe trial which fell to their lot, and invariably manifested more firmness of faith in the return of the Divine favour in days of darkness than any of her family appeared able to exercise. She often said to her husband, when his spirits appeared depressed, 'Look up; it will all be well in a little time.' Our departed sister had been afflicted for upwards of eighteen years. Twelve years ago her life was considered in great danger. For the last eight years her afflictions have been severe beyond the possibility of description, yet not a murmuring word was ever heard by any of the family, and even in those moments of bodily anguish, which towards the close of her life were so frequent and intense, she would sometimes weep and say, 'I fear I shall complain if this affiction continues much longer;' but to the end she was sustained and strengthened beyond expectation. As a mother she was remarkable for her attachment to her children, and the certainty of her knowing that she should soon be called to leave them sometimes brought a cloud over her heavenly prospects; however she was mer. cifully delivered from her oppressive anxiety on their account, and was enabled to leave her family entirely in the hands of God. From this time until her removal from this world she was kept in 'perfect peace. In one of her suffering moments she called her husband into her room and said, What am I to do? How long do you think I shall continue?' and and after a moment's pause she said, 'well, it will not be long, I shall soon be at the top of the hill, and then I shall receive the mansion prepared for me. O blessed Jesus, how merciful thou art to me, I am surrounded with mercies every moment!' She added, 'when I lay in the night awake, and in praise, that 6 sweet verse often comforts me 'In the dark watches of the night, I bless thee for the favours past, A few days after this period her husband said to her, as she appeared much worse than usual, My dear, I have been thinking that although I have prepared one of my sermons for the approaching Sabbath I shall not be permitted to preach it, as I fear that your removal from us will take place before that day.' She exclaimed quite in an extacy, 'Do you think so? O, bless the Lord! Will it be so ? What! in heaven before Sunday? O, help me to praise the Lord. Glory, glory to his holy name! to be at home before the Sabbath comes! O that I may. What a change! what a change! O if I had language to tell what I feel, every poor sinner should hear it, but I have not; but you will tell them what he has done for me when I am gone. Tell them how good he is-how full of love.' This was in October last. Contrary to all expectations, her life and sufferings were continued until Dec. 22nd, 1850. On the Tuesday before her death she was favoured with stronger confidence and joy in God than her friends had ever witnessed in her before; so much was her soul transported with the prospect of her coming glory, that her family and several friends who had called during the evening to see her were kept until past midnight in a state of hallowed excitement beyond the power of words to express. She conversed with each person present, making remarks appropriate to their circumstances. She said, I am impressed that I shall be called home this night: If I am, it will be well, if not, still I will trust and praise the Lord.' She requested her friends to sing a verse or two of a favourite hymn, but as no one present appeared able to command suffi cient composure of mind to comply with her desire, she began with an energy and sweetness which surprized and affected all present, to sing one of her choice verses, 'Bright angels are from glory come; They're round my bed, they fill my room, Occa Yes,' she said, 'all is well: they are ready, and so am I. When I am gone you must not mourn and weep, but rejoice and praise the Lord.' 'Go,' she said,' when all is over, and call upon all your friends and neighbours to What a help you to praise his holy name.' week,' she continued to say, 'this has been to us all, but the best is yet to come; the best for you (addressing her husband) as well as for me. This week will never be forgotten, no never.' During the last three days of her existence, her sufferings were so severe as almost to destroy the power of utterance; she said but little to any of her friends. sionally she would exclaim, 'O, how good At thou art, O Lord. I will still trust thee.' another time she said, 'It seems long: but all is right. It will not be long now.' She was very restless on Saturday evening, Dec. 21st; she scarcely recognized her friends that surrounded her through the excessive suffering of her mortal frame. About six o'clock on the morning of the Sabbath, Dec. 22nd, she appeared considerably relieved in body and wished to sleep awhile. She closed her eyes and slept until half past nine; and while her dear children were looking upon her calm and happy countenance her spirit escaped to the bosom of her Lord. Our departed sister was remarkable for humility through the whole of her christian course, and although ever anxious to be useful to those within her reach, she seemed always afraid of the notice of her friends, or the discovery of her attempts to do good. Many a time, without the knowledge of her own family, when confined to her house through affliction, would she make appointments with her friends, the mothers and inquirers of her husband's congregation, to meet her at her own house for special prayer, either for themselves or other persons in whose welfare they were interested, while her family were engaged in the worship of God in the sanctuary. Since her removal her family have discovered, in a small pocket book which she never suffered any person to see during life, the names of many individuals at Cradley, Longford, and Leeds, under the heading 'persons for whom I engage to pray daily.' Several of these have been brought to enjoy the love of God, and several times when her husband or a friend informed her of their decision for God she would say 'I am not surprised, I expected it.' Her friends have only learned since her death the ground of her expectation. Her loss is deeply felt by many, especially by her family. A. H. |