THE PAPAL CONTROVERSY and the position of Dissenters: a Lecture delivered in the Corn Exchange, Nottingham, Dec. 23rd, 1850. By G. A. SYME, M.A., Minister of the Baptist Chapel, Mansfield Road. A. Hall & Virtue, Paternoster Row. Mr. Syme has exercised his undoubted right of delivering and publishing his sentiments on the recent papal question. He thinks the present agitation not altogether useless,' but caricatures and condemns those who have openly expressed their hostility to the popish aggression as 'lost in a fog,' and not knowing what to do.' Mr. S. at some length shews that popery is on the wane in Italy, in Germany, and in France, that its recent increase in England has been the consequence of Tractarianism,' and is more apparent than real, and that 'the tendency of things in England' is adverse to the extension of the popedom. All this is true, and the public expressions of protestant and free opinion have happily demonstrated the latter observation. Mr. S. informs us, that the territorial titles as sumed by popish bishops, mean 'nothing | more, hitherto at least, than jurisdiction in spiritual matters, over those who chose to submit to it, residing within certain geographical limits,' a statement obviously at variance with their own writers, and not quite consistent with Mr. Syme's subsequent admissions, that 'popery drives at temporal power,' that it is subtle and malignant,' that 'it can be every thing, and is ready to do any thing' to effect its purpose. We agree with him that the chief power by which popery is to be suppressed is the power of truth, and that it is right to demand of the Government to undo,' and to cease to patronize Romanism by grants of public money. We go, however, a step further. We have no doubt that the agitation of the papal question will do good. It will suppress the popish tendencies of the Established clergy, it will awaken all consistent christians to more earnest attention to the maintenance and diffusion of truth, and it will shew the papal party how utterly mistaken they have been in their expectations as to the preparedness of England to submit to the triple crown of the man of sin.' OBITUARY. SARAH BUTTERS, the subject of the pre- | sent brief sketch, was born Sep. 5th, 1780. Partly in consequence of her advanced age, little is known of her early life, but what is known possesses considerable interest. When young she became united to the G. B. church, Fleet, under the pastorate of Mr. Burgess, and adorned her profession by a christian and devoted life. In 1802 she was united in marriage to J. Butters, Esq., of Spalding, with whom she lived in devoted and ardent attachment until her decease. The object of the writer of these remarks is not merely to eulogize or to present a gaudy picture, but simply to place before the mind of the reader those moral and religious features of a departed and beloved sister, the imitation of which may be conducive to personal piety. To those who know anything about Mrs. Butters it is almost unnecessary to say that she was a woman of firm and decided principles; very little of imaginative excitement was discoverable. She acted systematically rather from a matured judgment than from effervescing emotions. Decision of character, blended with a deliberating and calculating reason, appear to have been among her most prominent and valuable qualities. Whenever the right was once discovered there was no hesitating, no vacilating, no VOL. 13.-N. S. F evasion of self-denial, no truckling to a fallacious and time-serving expediency. She formed her opinions by thought and investigation, and then acted upon them with promptness and energy. Her liberality and untiring efforts for the temporal and spiritual good of her fellow-creatures, and especially on behalf of the widow and orphan, will long be held in remembrance with deep gratitude by those who were the objects of her care and kindness. She was not however easily to be imposed upon by mere pretended distress; the strolling impostor who follows a life of degraded beggary in order to live in a state of idleness, rarely met with countenance from our departed friend. She rather acted in this as in other matters, on scriptural principles,'Whoso hath this world's goods and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?' She must first see the need. She wished to know of the existence of real distress, and then no heart and no hand were ever more ready to grant relief. One point, however, worthy of notice is, she did not wait until applications were actually made for her assistance, but rather, like her sympathizing and long-sighted Master, she went about doing good. She was happy in the humble cottage of the poor as well as in the hall of the wealthy; and much of her time was spent in visiting the depressed and needy children of God, in drying their tears and ministering to their wants. Her benevolence was not confined to this sphere, but was manifested as conspicuously in the support of valuable religious institutions, and in pleading with the influential on their behalf. These active exertions for the cause of Christ, and the good of humanity, terminated not until they were suspended by the severe stroke of a most painful and distressing af fliction. Though unable for several months, personally, to undertake christian visitation, yet her thoughts and sympathies were fre quently engaged on the objects of distress; and she has often, when confined by disease, commended to her friends those who appeared to her to be specially deserving of attention. She bore her affliction with an exemplary patience and resignation. Her latter days were vastly cheered by the reflection that she had embraced religion in early life; and to those who visited her at this time nothing was so pleasing as her unshaken confidence in Christ, and her deep-seated christian principle. For many years she had been a diligent student of the Word of God; and in consequence of this, even when unable any longer to read, she appeared to possess an almost inexhaustible fund of scripture passages and sentiments, which were most ap. propriately and beautifully applied. Nothing was more delightful to the writer's own mind than this one feature,-there was manifestly a spirit deeply impressed with the Word of God, a kind of religious association which displayed itself even to the last. On one oc. casion, when visiting her, I remarked, Well Mrs. Butters, you have been brought very low by affliction. Ah,' she replied, with an energy and sweetness indescribable, 'I was brought low, but He helped me.' On another occasion, a friend said to her, 'You are anticipating a glorious state.' 'Yes,' she replied, 'There on a green and flowery mount Several other instances of the same aptness, in scriptural illustration, might be afforded were it necessary. We mention these chiefly with the view of urging upon young christians the vast importance of studying evangelical sentiments now, that the tedium and painfulness of affliction may be relieved by the possession of materials for sweet and profitable meditation. Our departed friend expired on the 15th of August, 1850. How consoling to the minds of her friends, and especially to the heart of her bereaved and mourning partner, is the reflection that though she has gone she is not lost. No! she has gone to bloom in healthful and youthful vigour in a brighter and better world; she has gone from the lights and shadows of this life, to light without a shadow, to day without night, to happiness without alloy, to the pure water of eternal life in which no sediment can settle. Could we have so cruel a heart as to wish her back again? back from the throne of God and the Lamb, to dwell amidst the corruption and troubles of this vain world? Rather let us dwell on the happiness of our deceased pious friend, and be stimulated to pursue our journey to that world where we shall meet to part no more; no disease of the body, or weariness of mind shall be there; no tears of suspicion in a father's love; no funerals there; the soil of that better land will never be broken up by the sexton's mattock, or the sentence, 'dust to dust,' be pronounced. How different from earth! Our departed and beloved sister was here a devoted christian, but still imperfect; now she is perfect. How inferior are even the excellent of earth to the excellent of heaven. Here, even the finest gold has its alloy, the most precious stone has its flaw, the most glistening crystal is dimmed by impurity; but there, the white robes are without a stain, the fragrance of the incense of untarnished devotion rises uncontaminated by the noxious vapours of earth; the melody of the lip is undisturbed by the ruffles of passion; the song of the heart is untouched by discord and strife; no taint on the individual, no taint on the society, no unsatisfied desire, no rising of anger, no emotion of envy, no duplicity or suspicion, or reserve, but all open-heartedness and happiness and love. Blessed Saviour, keep my dearest friend, for it is far better. X. Z. WILLIAM WELLS.-In the church of Christ examples are not wanting in proof of the apostle's assertion,-that God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of that kingdom which he hath prepared for them that love him. William Wells, late a member of the General Baptist church at Castleacre, Norfolk, sustained an exemplary character, exhibiting as that character did, the power of divine grace to subdue all things to its quickening influence, ' to raise the poor and needy out of the dunghill, to set him among princes;' to sustain the mind in perfect peace under the most trying circumstances of poverty, affliction and death. Our departed friend was born at Riboro, a small village in this county. His parents were poor,to which was added ignorance of that enjoyment which the religion of the Bible inspires. But possessing a character of moral conscientiousness, it was their desire to train up their children in what they conceived to be 'the way they should go.' Then however there were no Sabbath schools; and penury closed the door upon other instruction, save what his maternal parent was enabled to impart. Yet notwithstanding his limited mental culture, our departed brother when arrived to manhood's years, was looked upon by the world as a strictly moral character, being upright in his dealings and a constant attend. ant at the Established Church; where however it appears he never obtained a definite conception of the existence of that God he 'ignorantly worshipped.' At length, however, those deeds of darkness and days of sin were to be reckoned with the things that had passed away; the Holy Scriptures, applied by the Spirit, soon gave him a clear knowledge of those truths which alone can make wise unto salvation; they formed in him the determination to be on the Lord's side; a most clear and satisfactory light was given him on the great subject of redemption and justification through Christ alone, that in them was the highest display of the divine perfections, the happiest relief for his burdened conscience, and the most powerful incentive to unfeigned holiness of heart and life. frowns, nor courted the smiles of any man, when the interests of religion, and the salvation of souls were concerned. Sensible that many of the applications made by his pastor were 'like water spilt upon the ground,' he often reproved face to face, and was enabled to say, as Nathan to David, 'thou art the man.' His conscientious observance of the various duties enjoined upon him, and his zeal-especially in making known to his neighbours the truths of the gospel, made it manifest that he was a partaker of his Master's spirit. It now remains for us to make a few remarks respecting his sickness and death. The week previous to his departure be was with us at the Wednesday evening lecture; and on that occasion having the presentiment, observed that it would be the last time he should meet his pastor and friends in the house of God below, and pointing into the graveyard, said where his remains should be laid. The truthfulness of these statements we as a church have realized, for on the Wednesday evening following, July 17, 1850, our respected brother quitted his earthly clay, and entered into the joy of his Lord, at the age of eightysix years, During his short sickness his pastor visited him, and on entering his room found his happy spirit breathing forth in singing, 'A charge to keep I have, By his self-abasement our departed friend clearly evinced how much he was under the influence of the holy spirit. To the end of his course he accounted himself to be an unprofitable servant, which was ever the burden of his sigh; and he was especially abased when reflecting on his past anxiety, respecting, as he would say, his 'poor, old, perishable body.' He possessed' a broken and a contrite heart,' A God to glorify,' &c. and exercised a holy watchfulness over himself, On being asked how he felt in the prospect of that in the discharge of his duties he might death, he replied, 'I find Christ to be prepreserve an eye single to God's glory, dis- cious;' and lifting up his feeble hands, exclaiming the very idea of personal merit, for claimed,' He is with me in the valley.' Reachhe would quaintly say, that it was an unfiting out his hand to bid his pastor farewell, he word in a sinner's mouth,' and that he rested alone on what Christ has done and suffered, for acceptance and eternal life. May our hope spring from the same source, and rest on the same foundation. He was an ardent and affectionate lover of all who loved our Lord Jesus Christ; at the same time was partial to the General Baptists, believing the doctrines they held forth to be, without adulteration, the word of the living God. Yet wherever he beheld the image of Christ, he acknowledged its existence, and admired its reflection. Nor will this be wondered at, when we observe in him a peculiar earnestness in making fresh accessions to hls scriptural knowledge; he would be constantly drawing water from these wells of salvation. Thus comparatively unassisted, his mind became richly stored with those truths which make wise the most simple heart. In possession of these virtues he became deeply interested in, and rejoiced over, the conversion of sinners, at home and abroad, and in the establishment of societies whose object was the glory of God, and to diffuse the principles of peace on earth and good will to men.' In personal reproof he boldly asserted the authority of God, and we believe, feared not the 6 · said, 'The Lord be with thy spirit.' On ask- THOMAS ASBERRY was a valued member of the church at Hugglescote. Previous to his decease he resided at Coalville, of which school he had for some time been the superintendent. A notice of his death ought to have appeared more than a year since, but owing to the numerous engagements of the writer at that time, this duty has hitherto been neglected. He was born Oct. 16, 1809, at Polesworth, in the county of Warwick. Of his early life little is known. What little education he received, was in the national school of that village, and as he was sent to work at an early age, his opportunity for receiving instruction was necessarily limited to the church Sabbath school. Nothing higher appears to have been aimed at by his instructors in a religious point of view, than a knowledge of the catechism and collects of the establishment. This did not satisfy the mind of our deceased brother, who appears at an early period to have been the subject of serious impressions. He began therefore to seek among the despised dissenters the spiritual instruction he could not previously obtain. His mind was in consequence much enlightened, and his good desires considerably strengthened, yet he does not appear to have become the subject of a saving change of heart until he had attained his thirty-fouth year. He had then been for some years a husband and a father. He resided at that time at Coalville, and having attended for some time the ministrations of the late revered T. Orton, he began to see the way of truth more clearly, and ultimately became a new creature.' He and his wife, who had experienced a similar change, were accordingly baptized November 1843, and united with the church at Hugglescote. Our deceased brother soon entered heartily upon the work of Sabbathschool tuition, for which, notwithstanding the disadvantages connected with his early education, he was eminently qualified. He had diligently improved himself during his leisure hours, and acquired an amount of solid and scriptural knowledge, which qualified him to impart that instruction which in his own case he had felt so desirable. He was assiduous in his attempts to bring his youthful charge to a knowledge of salvation through Christ. His prayers were remarkably appropriate and fervent, and his ad. dresses were so affectionate, spiritual, and pointed, that they could not fail to impress the minds of his youthful charge. But his zealous labours were drawing to a close. In Feb, 1847, while engaged in his regular employ in the coal mines, a large stone fell from the roof and crushed him to the earth. On being extricated from this awful position, his chest, and especially his head, were so frightfully mangled, that it was thought he could not possibly survive many hours. But the worst fears of his friends were not at that time realized. He gradually regained his strength, and in a few months was found again engaged in his favourite employ of Sabbath-school tuition. His near escape from death had given additional seriousness to his addresses, and by the growing spirituality of his conversation it was evident that he was rapidly meetening for the inheritance of the saints in light. Yet little did his friends apprehend he would so soon and so suddenly be removed thither. In April, 1849, another stone fell upon him and at once extinguished the vital spark, and before his mangled remains could be borne to his afflicted family, his spirit was prostrate before the throne of that Saviour he ardently loved and diligently served. The high respect in which our brother was held by all who knew him, was evinced by the numbers which followed his mortal remains to their last resting place in the burial ground at Hugglescote. A funeral sermon was preached on the following Lord's day evening, at Coalville, by Mr. Smith, from Rev. xiv. 13, to an overflowing congregation. His eldest daughter has since joined the church on earth, and his youngest soon followed its beloved parent to heaven. H. S. C. MR. JOHN MILSON died, Aug. 21st, 1850, aged thirty-eight. This friend for several years, and until the time of his departure, had been the subject of a very distressing affliction. His removal, however, was very sudden. On the day previous to that on which he died he was as well, if not a little better in health than usual. After some light employment in the course of the day, he retired, about his usual time, and slept comfortably while between five and six o'clock the following morning. On awaking, he asked Mrs. M. for a drink of water; she perceived on his making the attempt that he was unable, without great difficulty, to swallow. Some friends were called in; a medical gentleman and Mr. Kiddall were also sent for, but before the latter two could reach the house of our deceased brother he had fallen asleep to awake no more until that moment in which Christ, as the resurrection and the life, shall call the dead from their beds of dust. This good friend lived a stranger to practical and experimental godliness, until recently. On the opening of Walker Gate chapel, Louth, in January, 1849, he and his wife became attendants there, and were appointed to the office of door-keepers. They presently evinced something of the feelings of the Psalmist when he said, 'I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.' Mr. M. soon gave evidence of a change of heart; was baptized and cordially received into the church in the April following the opening of the house of God above-named. Our deceased friend, while deeply solicitous for the salvation of all around him, was all anxiety for the spiritual interests of his wife, and would frequently say:-'If I could but see her with us I could die happily.' This he lived to see. Mrs. M., with some others, was baptized a few months ago. Our brother M. has been to us a very useful member. Unable as he was to visit among the friends, he would often invite those whom he deemed serious hearers to his home, in order that he might converse with them respecting the best things. The day before his death he mentioned the names of a few friends, whom he intended to send for, in order that they might be led onwards in the ways of the Lord. By this course, 'he, being dead, yet speaketh.' Amidst his afflictions, the mind of our friend was very graciously supported. One day, when suffering much, he said to this effect, if not precisely in these words:-'I would rather suffer all this than part from what I enjoy in my soul-aye, that I would.' And how cheering the fact, that just before our dear friend, for the last time, lay down upon his pillow, his wife read a portion of the holy Scriptures; and he conducted prayer. How important a matter is family worship! The circumstances attending the death of this brother would have been less interesting, if, for any cause on this evening the usual practice of the family's worshiping together had been omitted. Our sympathies are enlisted for the bereaved family. A widow and five young children are thus left to buffet with the difficulties of time. Our hope is, that those industrious habits to which Mrs. M. is accustomed, may enable her, with God's blessing, and the kind consideration of friends, to procure the necessaries of life for herself and family. That the promises of God to the widow and the fatherless may be graciously realized, and that ultimately, Mrs. M., and hers, may go to him who has gone to heaven before them, is the ardent prayer of many. Our friend's death was improved from Job. x. 12.- -a text chosen for the purpose contemplated, by his widow. J. KIDDALL. MR. GEORGE COMPTON, formerly of Withybrook, died at Stockingford, near Nuneaton, at the residence of his daughter, aged seventytwo. His parents were both members of the G. B. church at Hinckley, and were eminently distinguished for piety. Being desirous for the spiritual welfare of their neighbours, they opened their house for worship, and invited the ministers from Hinckley to come over to Withybrook and preach the gospel there; so that our deceased friend was trained up in means of grace from his childhood. About the seventeenth year of his age, the gospel was made the power of God to his salvation.' From the revelation of the New Testament he found that christian baptism was enjoined by the Lord Jesus Christ as a visible test of obedience, faith, and love; he therefore applied to the church to be admitted to gospel ordinances and christian fellowship, and was cheerfully received; this was in the year 1794. Thirteen more were baptized at the same time, by Mr. Benjamin Shipman of Hinckley. At the time of our friend's death only one of the members survived him. Our beloved brother was eminent for patience, meekness, and quietude. He was a man of peace, both in his family, in the church, and in the world. He was a liberal supporter of the cause with which he had identified himself: his hand, his heart, his house, were always open for Jesus and his followers. The leading doc trines of the gospel he held with a firm grasp; he felt their efficacy, he enjoyed their influence, living and dying. About nineteen years since he lost his beloved wife by death. This deeply affected him, but remembering the admonition, Be still, and know that I am God,' he was devoutly resigned and supported. His last end was peaceful and serene. From the closing conversation which he had with his daughter, he seemed to shake hands with death, and smiled to be free.' He was interred by the side of his beloved wife, in the burying ground belonging to the Baptist chapel, Monks Kirby, at which place his death was improved by the writer of this account, from Luke ii. 29, 30, and on the following Sabbath at Wolvey, from Matt. xxiv. 44, to crowded and attentive congregations. Our deceased friend has left in this vale of tears a son and daughter; may they be followers of them who through faith and patience now inherit the promises.' WILLIAM ROWLEY died at Burton Hastings, at the age of seventy-eight. He had been in fellowship with the G. B. church at Wolvey nearly fifty years. He was the only surviving one of the thirteen that were baptized with brother Compton, referred to in the preceding memoir. When about nineteen years of age he went to reside at Burton, with Mr. John Ward, to learn the trade of a blacksmith. Mr. Ward and his wife being members of the church at Wolvey, prevailed upon our deceased friend to attend the ministration of the gospel with them. The word was blessed to his soul; he was brought thereby to a deep sense of his lost state as a sinner, to give himself to the Saviour for salvation, and unite with his people for the enjoyment of gospel privileges. He held fast his profession without wavering to the end. He was a willing and cheerful supporter of the interests of Zion, and sought her extension and increase, bath by his influ ence and prayers. He made by will a provision that it should not suffer in a pecuniary sense any loss by his death. Thus he pursued the even tenor of his way, speaking of the peace and consolation which the gospel communicated, accompanied with mental prayer, evidenced by the moving or raising of the hand, till strength failed and the weary wheels of life stood still. His death was improved by the writer, the following Sabbath afternoon, at Wolvey, from Heb. iv. 9, and in the evening of the same day at Burton, from Rev. xiv. 13, in the house which he had occupied for many years-to crowded congregations. J. KNIGHT. MRS. MARY ANN TUNNICLIFF, the late wife of the Rev. J. Tunnicliff, G. B. minister, Leeds, departed this life on Lord's day, Dec. 22nd, 1850, aged forty-three years. |