an

The Holy Spirit has apparently been poured out on the little interest, and the aged and the young have manifested repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. I assure you, Mr. Editor, I have looked on with tears of gratitude and exclaimed, 'What hath God wrought?' Different individuals of the villagers have come forward to converse with me on the sabbath evening, after the public service, and testified their anxiety to be one with Christ. Thus twelve individuals, on Tuesday, July 8, publicly put on Christ by baptism; but there being no baptistry in their little chapel, the brethren of Saffron Walden kindly lent their house of prayer for the occasion, when I preached, and my esteemed brother Burditt, the pastor of the church at Walden, baptized. Considering the smallness of the interest at Langley, the numbers were considered great; besides, one or two backsliders have been reclaimed and brought back to Jesus. Among the candidates received and baptized is an aged man, 81 years of age, brought to own Christ in the evening of life; he walked into the baptismal waters with his staff, to help him forward, when our brother Burditt observed, Here comes aged convert to own Christ with his staff; soon he will need no staff, when he reaches that better land where the infirmities of mortality shall be thrown aside. Two of the other candidates were the son and grandson of this aged convert; one about sixty and the other abont thirty-five years of age, also buried with Christ in the same baptismal waters. Thus men of three generations at oncé put on Christ, à circumstance which I apprehend does not often occur in our churches. One of the other candidates is also an aged man, of about seventy years of age, and his son and daughter, and daughter-in-law, were also added to the Redeemer's flock. Thus the members added were considerably more than those who previously formed this little Church of Jesus. On the following Sabbath, July 13th, the newly-baptized were received into the church, the right hand of fellowship being given to each, with an address suitable to the solemnity of the occasion; afterwards the Lord's-supper was administered. On this occasion the chapel was crowded in every part, by persons anxious to witness this most sólemn and interesting scene. Many persons beheld the candidates received into the fellowsihp of the church and the Lord's supper

verses were sung at the commencement of the service,

'Come in, thou blessed of the Lord,
Enter in Jesus' precious name;
We welcome you with one accord,
And trust the Saviour does the same.
Once more the welcome we repeat:
Receive assurance of our love;
Oh may we all together meet

Around the throne of God above.'

Surely such a circumstance as this will rejoice the hearts of all those who love our Zion, and who long to see the kingdom of the wicked one giving way, and the kingdom of the adorable Saviour advancing on every side. On the same occasion we baptized a pious member of an Independent church; but notwithstanding all that God has done for his cause at Langley, we hope and pray that it may be but like the drop before the shower. There are others of whom we hope well, and who we expect will shortly come forward to own their Lord and cast in their lot with the people of God.

I remain, dear sir, yours affectionately, Manor House, Edmonton. G. T. PIKE.

Queries.

DISCIPLINE.

DEAR SIR,-You would much oblige me if you would insert the following important questions on church discipline in the G. B. R.

What is the most prudent and scriptural way for a church to act towards individual members who do not fill up their places as members of the church to which they belong? To make plain what I mean I will suppose two cases.

There are individuals who for some reason or other absent themselves from their own

places of worship, and go to others, for several years. They neither ask to withdraw nor to be dismissed; their moral character is good for what is known; there is nothing against them except not filling up their place.

The second case appears to be different: there are individuals who absent themselves for years; say from one to ten. Perhaps they are not seen once in six months in any place of worship. Their moral character may be good for what is known.

The question is, should the church retain them as members and take no notice of them? or what kind of discipline would be the most scriptural? W. D. R.

ANN, the beloved wife of Mr. JOHN PRES. TON, of Quorndon, Leicestershire, and mother of the Rev. Isaac Preston of Ashby-de-la. Zouch, closed her earthly course on Tuesday, July 29th, 1851. When very young, Mrs. Preston entered the General Baptist Sabbath School, Quorndon, and continued a scholar until March 12th, 1815, when she was honourably dismissed with a copy of the Holy Scriptures. On her dismissal she became a teacher, which office she honourably and usefully filled to the time of her death, a period of 36 years. On June 23, 1816, she was baptized and received into the fellow ship of the Church, and lived in unbroken connection with it to the close of her life. For some time past our esteemed friend suffered much from an internal disease, which often threatened her dissolution, but again and again she rallied. Her beloved son baving in the course of providence become settled at Ashby, she paid him a visit to spend a week or two with him. A friend at Packington kindly invited her to spend a few days with them. She did so; and on Lord's day, July 27, attended public worship for the last time, at Packington chapel. Her son preached, and she expressed the comfort

After the

which she felt in the service. service, she returned to Ashby. On Monday morning she was not quite so well as she had been, but well enough to take tea with a few friends who called on Mr. Preston in the afternoon. After this she took supper and retired to rest, but not without some symptoms which Mr. and Mrs. Preston considered unfavourable, and which induced them to visit her room, when their fears were confirmed, and they thought it necessary to call in a medical gentleman, who at once pronounced it a hopeless case. Notwithstanding every attention, early on Tuesday morning she fell asleep in Christ. Thus, almost suddenly, closed the earthly pilgrim. age of one who as a Scholar and Teacher had been connected with our Sabbath school about half a century, and a steady and respectable member of the Church for thirtyfive years. Her body was brought to Quorndon, and was the first laid in the new piece of land lately added to our ancient burial ground. The event was improved on Sabbath evening, August 3rd, to a large and attentive congregation, in a funeral sermon by the pastor of the church, from, 'Surely the bitterness of death is past.' J. S. Q.

THE WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Walsall, on the second Tuesday in May. Mr Chapman, in the absence of brother Lewit, preached in the morning. Brother Marshall presided at the meeting in the afternoon, which was opened and concluded with prayer by brethren Shaw and Billingham, of Cradley heath. There was but little business to attend to. The reports from the churches were encouraging, twenty-seven having been baptized, and about the same number as candidates for that ordinance. Some of the time in the afternoon was occupied in friendly conversation on the obstacles to the spread of religion, when some good remarks were made, which it is hoped will prove useful.

A revival meeting was held in the evening, when animating addresses were delivered by brethren Marshall, Shaw, Williams, (P. B.) and Chapman. Brother White conducted the devotional part of the service.

The next Conference is to be held at Cradley Heath, on the second Tuesday in September. Brother Marshall of Walsall to preach. J. COLYER, Sec.

ORDINATIONS, &c.

ASHBY AND PACKINGTON.-It is arranged

that the ordination of Mr. Isaac Preston shall take place (D. V.) on Monday, September 15th. The following Ministers have engaged to take part in the services :-Rev. Messrs. Pike of Derby, Derry of Barton, Wallis and Stevenson of Leicester, Goadby and Stevenson of Loughborough, and Staddon of Quorndon. The morning service will be at Packington, to commence at half-past Ten, and the evening service at Ashby. Packington is about one mile from the Ashby Station.

On the following day (September 16th) the Midland Conference will assemble at Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The Rev. John Lawton, of Wymeswold, is appointed to preach in the morning. The business of the Conference will be attended to in the afternoon. Rev H. Hunter of Nottingham has kindly engaged to preach in the evening.

Dinner will be provided at a moderate charge on Monday by Mr John Grundy, of the Bull's Head Inn, Packington; and on Tuesday by Mr Usherwood, of the Saracen's Head, Ashby.

DENHORN, Near Halifax. Formation of a new church.-On Lord's day, July 27th, fifteen persons, living at the above place, were formed into a church, by Mr J. Hodgson

of Stubbing House and Mr R. Hardy of Queenshead. In the morning Mr Hodgson preached, from Gal. vi. 14, and in the Afternoon he gave out the hymns, read ap propriate portions of scripture, engaged in prayer, asked the questions, and gave a suitable address. The right hand was then given to each in token of their union, after which Mr Hardy addressed them and admin. istered the Lord's supper. A neat little chapel was opened at this place on the 9th of Feb. under encouraging circumstances. R. H.

STALEY BRIDGE.-July 6th, our esteemed pastor, Mr. Sutcliffe, baptized two of our female friends, who had given evidence of a change of heart. August 3rd, another of our young friends had her joy fulfilled by being baptized, and with the preceding two was received into the Church whilst seated at the table of the Lord. May they all continue to follow the example of Christ; and as they have been 'buried with him in baptism' may they also 'walk with him in newness of life.'

CONINGSBY.-On Lord's day evening, May 25th, 1851, two believers were baptized by our minister, after a thorough baptism sermon and address, to the largest congregation we ever remember seeing in the chapel on such an occasion. One of the individuals, a young man, was the child of a member, formerly a scholar, and now a teacher in our Sunday School.

On Lord's day evening, July 27th, the water was again disturbed by the baptism of four females, after a sermon from the text,' Lovest thou me?' when the congregation was larger than the chapel would hold. Two of these individuals also were children of one of our friends were formerly scholars in our school, and were impressed by the yearly sermons to the young. Many felt these seasons to be times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and prayerfully desire to see more such. C. R. J. LONDON, New Church Street,-On Tuesday evening, July 29th, after an appropriate address from Mr. Dawson Burns, six persons were baptized by the pastor, Dr Burns. And on Lord's-day forenoon, August 3rd, the pastor baptized twelve more. One of these, Mr. Harris, is minister of a small church at Kensall Green; and five were members under

his care. We rejoice to add, that there are others also purposing to obey Jesus in this ordinance.

CASTLE-DONINGTON,-On Lord's day, July 6th 1851, three persons, all declining in years, two males and one female, were baptized and added to the church at CastleDonington. Also, on Lords-day, August 3rd, three others, two males and one female, from the branch of the church at Sawley, were baptized at Castle Donington, and were in the afternoon recognized at Sawley as members of the church. May they all continue faithful, devoted, and consistent until removed to the church triumphant J. P.

ANNIVERSARIES.

QUEENSHEAD.-On the 20th of July, Mr J. Maden preached our Anniversary Sermons for the school. Collections, upwards of £32.

STALEY BRIDGE.-On Monday Afternoon, August 18th, an interesting tea-meeting was held in the School-rooms connected with the G. B. Chapel. The trays were furnished gratuitously. The attendence was good. After tea an interesting service was held, during which prayer was offered, and addresses delivered, by the pastor, the deacons, and several other brethren. The proceeds of the tea and subscriptions amounted to the handsome sum of £45 10s, which goes towards the liquidation of the debt on the Chapel and school-rooms. We desire to thank God and take courage.

1851, two excellent sermons were preached BURNLEY-LANE,-On Sunday, June 8th, by our minister, Rev. W.Robertshaw. The day was exceedingly wet and unfavourable; not13s. 4d. was collected on behalf of our withstanding the very liberal sum of £41

Sabbath-school.

REMOVALS, &c.

REV. J. C. PIKE, WISBECH. We regret to announce that Mr. J. C. Pike, after a happy ministry at Wisbech of nearly fourteen years, has been compelled by indisposi. tion to resign his charge there. The Church stated to the last association,-' Affliction and repeated bereavements in the family of our esteemed pastor, have created a painful anxiety in the minds of all of us, in regard to our furure prospects and circumstances as a church. Under the pressure of these events and the influence of the climate, the health of our pastor has appeared to fail; and it is now a serious question both with him and ourselves, whether his removal to a drier atmosphere may not be necessary for his own sake as well as that of his family. Such a separation, if it must eventually take place, will be alike painful to both pastor and people.' By the wish of the

church Mr. P. left Wisbech for a few weeks, with the hope of improving his health. It rather improved, but on his return the distressing symptoms to which he had been subject, soon appeared again. Two Physicians united in recommending his removal. One of them, a gentleman of the town, not only represented this as indispensible, but urged that it should be with as little delay as practicable. Under these circumstances, and feeling too unwell to discharge his ministry, Mr. P. felt reduced to the painful necessity of sending his resignation to the church. Till his health is recruited he designs to abstain from ministerial labour, but afterwards to pursue the work to which his life is devoted.

LONGFORD, Union-place.-We have learned with pleasure that Rev. James Salisbury of Ashby, (formerly of Horton College near Bradford,) has accepted a unanimous call to serve the church in this place.

REV THOS. SMITH, formerly pastor of the Church at Hinkley, we are informed by a friend, is disposed to accept a call to serve a destitute church.

MISCELLANEOUS.

NORWICH. Re-opening of a Chapel,-On Sunday, August 18th, the Rev. Dr. Burns, of London, preached in the morning and evening, and the Rev. George Gould in the Afternoon, at Tombland Chapel, Norwich, on its being reopened by the General Baptists of that City; by whom it will henceforth be occupied, as their regular place of worship. The congre. gations were good; the sermons, fraught with gospel truth, pressed home on the practical regard of the hearers, excited earnest attention, and were attended with a holy impression, which, it is earnestly hoped, will not be of transcient continuance, like the morning cloud or the early dew, but such as shall abide, and become eminently productive of results issuing in the salvation of souls and the glory of God. On the following Monday evening the friends, to a considerable number, met to take tea in the commodious School room adjoining St. Clements Chapel, the chair was occupied by Rev. T. Scott, who has been the pastor of the church upwards of twenty years. Inter

esting addresses were delivered by the Rev. T. A. Wheeler, Mr. Egmore, superintendent of the Norwich City Mission, Rev. Dr. Burns, Rev. George Gould, and the Rev. John Alexander. All present felt it good to be there, and the meeting separated under the deep impression that the hallowed pleasures of religion as far surpass the debasing pleasures of sin as the eternal bliss of heaven transends the fading joys of earth.

NOTTINGHAM, Mansfield Road Chapel.— On Tuesday evening, August 12th, the members of the Bible class of the Rev. G. A. Syme, M. A., numbering upwards of fifty took tea together in the School room adjoining the chapel, on the occasion of presenting to their minister a copy of the Penny Cyclopædia, in token of the admiring and affectionate regard which they feel for him as a man and as a christian teacher, and of their grateful appreciation of the scholarship displayed in his instructions, and the singularly lucid manner in which those instructions are conveyed. A few short addresses were delivered, after which selections from Stoughton's Spiritual Heroes, Parsons' Sources of Britain's Greatness, and the Poems of Campbell and Mackay, were read by members of the class. The evening passed off very pleasantly.

DARLEY, near Derby.-A number of friends held an interesting farewell service on Saturday, July 9th, on the occasion of the departure of one of our members, with her family, for America. After prayer by our pastor, several addresses were delivered to the friends about to leave us, as well as to those remaining at home. The comparative scarcity of religous opportunities were pointed out as a constant call to attention to personal piety; difficulties and duties, encouragements and discouragements, were adverted to; and our friends solemnly committed to the guardianship and guidance of our heavenly Father, who

'Rides upon the stormy'sky,
And manages the seas.'

May all our christian friends, who from various causes are compelled to leave us to dwell in foreign lands, be much blessed and made great blessings, that our Saviour's kingdom may be hastened. G. W.

In every object here I see
Something, my heart, that points at thee;
Hard as the rocks that bound the strand,
Unfruitful as the barren sand,

Deep and deceitful as the ocean,

And like the tide in constant motion.

An Act to repeal Act X. 1840. "Whereas, notwithstanding the prohibition to exact taxes and fees from pilgrims, by Act X. 1840, fees and offerings are taken of pilgrims resorting to the temple therein mentioned, on behalf of the priests and others belonging to the said temple, over which no effectual control can be had, or ought to be attempted to be had, by Government, It is de

elared and enacted as follows:

I. Act X, 1840, is repealed, but not so as to revive any regulation, or part of any regulation, thereby repealed.

II. No tax, fee, or payment of any kind shall be taken on behalf of the Government from any pilgrim resorting to the said temple, or other place of pilgrimage.

III. Nothing contained in Section XXX, Regulation XII, 1805, of the Bengal Code, or in any other Regulation or Act, binds or shall be construed to bind the Government to make or continue any donation for support of the said temple.

IV. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to forbid any person or persons having the charge or superintendence of, or officiating at the said temple, from taking their accustomed fees and offerings.

Ordered, that the Draft now read be published for general information.

Ordered, that the said Draft be reconsidered at the first meeting of the Legislative Council of India after the 2nd day of July next.

F. J. HALLIDAY,

Sec. to the Govt. of India."

6

It may be added for the purpose of explanation, that Act X, 1840, is Lord Auckland's Act, abolishing the pilgrim tax, and granting the donation which is now to be discontinued. This donation was ostensibly allowed on the ground of a paragraph in Sect. XXX, Regulation XII, 1805, of the Bengal Code; but it has long been contended by the missionaries, and is now generally admitted, that the interpretation of the paragraph in question was a mistaken one: the Draft Act decides that nothing in this or in any other Regulation or Act binds, or shall be construed to bind the Government to make or continue any donation for support of the said temple.' In publishing this Draft Act the Government have studiously avoided the use of language which might irritate their Hindoo subjects: the name of the temple is not even given it is the temple therein mentioned'—' the said temple,' &c; and for this, as it appears to me, they are to be commended. While however the publication of this Draft is an evidence that the Government of India really intend, at an early period, to clear themselves from all connexion with the shrine at Pooree, it must be remembered that the act is not actually passed; though as the orders which have led to this preliminary measure came from the honourable court, there is little doubt that the final adjustment of this long agitated question will be speedy and satisfactory. Forty five years the professedly christain rulers of this country have been unhappily connected with the polluted temple at Pooree; but it is devoutly to be hoped that this much-to-be-deplored alliance will speedily and for ever terminate.

LETTER FROM REV. J. BUCKLEY.

Cuttack, May 27, 1851.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-Are you all 'holding the rope?" You understand the allusion.

You know that when Fuller was conversing with a friend, on the special interest he felt