DERBYSHIRE.

(Continued from page 53.) ASHFORD.-General Baptist.-A General Baptist church was collected here during Cromwell's protectorate, of which the celebrated Titus Oates was a member. He presented to it several books, and among them Poole's Annotations, and Limborch's Body of Divinity, which are still preserved. About the commencement of the eighteenth century, this church enjoyed the joint ministry of Mr. WHITE and Mr. MASON. Of the latter, although he survived his colleague, but few particulars are known. Mr. White was a man of eminent ability, piety, and zeal. He died October 17, 1727. After his decease, and that of Mr. Mason, the church which had flourished greatly in their life time, rapidly declined, till at length, and for several years, there was a complete interruption of the social intercourse of its different branches which were spread over the neighbouring villages.

While the affairs of the church at Ashford were in this deplorable state, Mr. COTTON, pastor of the Baptist church in the Isle of Uxholme, visited the Peak, and collected together the scattered members of this church, to whom he preached several times, in a house at Monsal-dale. It also appears, that upon Mr. Cotton's representations of the condition of this church to two ministers, Messrs. JEFFERY and DOSSEY, of Gamston, a place distant 40 miles from Ashford, they were induced to pay a gratuitous monthly visit to this destitute church, which was at that time without a convenient place of worship, although possessed of 22 burying ground in Ashford Lane, and another at Blackwell. Messrs. Jeffery and Dossey purchased a piece of land adjoining the burying ground in Ashford Lane, where they erected a meeting-house nearly at their own expense, which was opened by Mr. Boyce, in 1761. Being also anxious that the people should be regularly supplied with religious instruction, Mr. Jeffery added to these benefactions the gift of three acres of land, which he had purchased, and erected thereon a house for the accommodation of the minister. He likewise recommended to them to elect a

Mr. Fox, then a member of the church at Gamston, to be their minister. To this suggestion they assented, and chose Mr. Fox in 1761, who immediately came to reside among them, and continued at Ashford about five years, but with little apparent success; in consequence of which he returned to Gamston.

He was succeeded in the year 1766 by Mr. KELSEY, who laboured very unsuccessfully for about 12 years; when he returned to Knipton, leaving the Baptist church at Ashford, a second time in imminent danger of becoming extinct.

In this trying situation the church sought and obtained assistance from the new Baptist connection; of which, in 1782, it became an integral part. From this time its prospects began to improve, and in 1789, Mr. WILLIAM PICKERING, one of the sons of Mr. N. Pickering, of Castle Donnington, accepted an invitation to become the settled minister at Ashford. While Mr. Pickering continued to reside in this place, he preached at Bradwell, where a small meetinghouse was erected in 1790. He also preached at Abney, Wardlaw, and other neighbouring villages. As it is common with many churches of this denomination, to defer the ordination of their ministers, until they have resided several years amongst them, Mr. Pickering was not ordained to the pastoral office, until April 6, 1794, upon which occasion the poverty of the church compelled them to solicit Mr. John Taylor alone to conduct the whole of the services. The church appeared to prosper for some time subsequent to Mr. Pickering's ordination, but a change afterwards took place, and the number of its members decreased; in consequence of which he removed to Ilkiston, in the year 1800.

After Mr. Pickering's removal, the church invited Mr. BRADBURY, one of their own members, to undertake the ministry among them, to which he assented; but pursuing a secular calling, it was soon found to be incompatible with the ministerial function, in consequence of which he discontinued the preaching at Abney, Bradwell, and Wardlaw; and the interests of religion at Ashford also declined. This led to a division in the church in 1811. The members at Abney and Bradwell form

ing one church of nine members, and those at Ashford another of about twenty members. A transient revival was the consequence of this change; but it subsided in 1814; and Mr. Bradbury then declined the ministry. In this exigency, the church called another of their members to minister among them; but a decrease in the attendance on public worship is still visible.

BAKEWELL-A new chapel was opened here by the Rev. Messrs. Scott, of Matlock, and Boden, of Sheffield, on the 15th of July, 1804.

BARROW-ON-TRENT.-From the pulpit of this parish was ejected Mr. DANIEL SHELMERDINE, M. A., who was several times imprisoned, and suffered much for nonconformity. He afterwards preached at Derby, and some other places in the county, and died at Findren in October, 1699.

BELPAR.In this populous and improving market town, which is situate eight miles north of Derby, and is said to contain more than 7000 inhabitants, there are three dissenting places of worship, belonging to the three denominations of Presbyterians, Independents, and General Baptists.

The Presbyterian congregation, which is now Unitarian in doctrine, probably owes its rise to the preaching of Mr. SAMUEL CHARLES, M. A. who was ejected from the neighbouring parish of Miekle-over, and, according to Calamy, (vol. ii. p. 183,) preached at this place. He suffered much as a nonconformist, especially at Hull, in Yorkshire, where he was brought before the magistrates, and by them committed to prison, at the instigation of the Earl of Plymouth, who was Governor of the town. The old meeting-house in Belpar, which is still standing, appears to have been erected in the year 1721; and the pulpit was at that time, and for many subsequent years, filled by different ministers from the neighbouring congregations. In 1740, galleries were added to the place, which rendered it capable of containing 250 hearers. It was about this time that the congregation abandoned their Orthodox creed for the Unitarian doctrine. In the year 1786, an opulent in dividual, named Strutt, erected, at his own expence, for this congregation, a new and very neat chapel, which would comfortably seat about 300 persons. Two side galleries, for the accommodation of a large Sunday school, composed of children who are employed at the cotton manufactory, have also been constructed at the sole cost of Mr. Strutt. The pulpit is at present occupied by the Rev. DAVID PETER DAVIES, formerly of Carmarthen, and the Rev. EVAN JONES, who divide their labours between this

congregation and four others in the adjacent villages.

The Independent congregation had its origin about 1788, when several persons from the neighbourhood of Belpar began to attend the preaching of the dissenting ministers at Derby and Matlock. Upon observing which, those ministers turned their attention to the moral and religious condition of the inhabitants of this town, and commenced an' occasional ministry in the houces of their friends in this place. This practice continued till an opportunity presented itself of obtaining the old meeting-house at a yearly rent, which was opened for public worship in the beginning of 1789, and during the ensuing twelve months was supplied by different neighbouring ministers of the Independent denomination. The attention of the inhabitants of Belpar being thus excited, numbers crowded to the place of worship to hear the "new doctrine," and the cause of religion evidently prospered, so much so that the congregation became sensible of the importance of obtaining a resident minister to watch over their spiritual interests. At this time, hearing of the benevolent exer · tions of the late Thomas Wilson, Esq. of London, with a view to the propagation of the Gospel, they sought and obtained, through him, the assistance of a young man named RICE JONES, who had been educated for the ministry under the late Dr. Edward Williams, at Oswestry. This young minister was sent by Mr. Wilson to Belpar, in the autumn of 1789, he generously engaging to assist the people in supporting Mr. Jones for one year. On the 1st of January, 1790, a church of about twenty members was formed on the congregational plan at Belpar; and in the following summer, Mr. Jones was ordained to the pastoral office over it. His connection with this church was, however, but of short duration, for at the close of the same year he removed to Litchfield.

The infant society at Belpar, being thus left destitute, invited Mr. THOMAS RATCLIFFE GAWTHORNE, a member of the Independent church at Derby, who had lately been called to the work of the ministry, to visit them as a probationer. He commenced his labours at Belpar in December 1790, and after being with the people a year, received a unanimous request to become their pastor; but did not accept it till October 1794, when he was ordained over them by Messrs. Scott, of Matlock; Moody, of Warwick; Richards, of Derby, and others. A gradual increase in the numbers of the congregation under the ministry of Mr. Gawthorne, made the necessity of a larger place of worship very apparent in the year 1798, and zealous exertions were accordingly made

by the congregation to obtain one. Haying raised nearly £300. among themselves, they purchased about half an acre of freehold land, which they vested in trustees; and at length erected on it a plain substantial stone building, without galleries, which measured on the outside 42 feet each way. The total expence of this erection was about £600. It was opened on the 3d July, 1799, by Messrs. Scott, of Matlock; Reece and Boden, of Sheffield; and Alliott, of Nottingham. Between this period and the year 1806, the congregation still increasing, it was judged necessary to erect galleries round three sides of the building, the whole expence of which was cheerfully borne by the congregation. In 1817, a still further enlargement of the meeting-house was found to be necessary, in consequence of which the end wail was taken down, and the building extended in length from 42 to 63 feet. Towards the expence of this enlargement, which amounted to £800. one of the deacons, since deceased, contributed £150. and the other subscriptions of the congregation amounted to £400. This meeting-house thus enlarged, was re-opened on the 12th May,

1818, by the Rev. James Bennett, of Rotherham; and the Rev. James Gawthorne, of Derby. The church now consists of about 170 members: and a Sunday school, containing 300 children, is supported by the congregation. There is a branch of this church which assembles at Hage; and two other small congregations, dependent upon it, meet at Kirk-ireton and Turnditeh.

The General Baptist Church in this place, is a branch of one of the same denomination at Duffield, a village four miles south of Belpar, and is connected with it in the labours of its minister and management of its concerns. The Baptist meeting-house in Belpar has been recently erected, and measures 42 feet by 36 feet, having a gallery opposite to the pulpit six seats deep. It was opened on the 2d of May, 1819, by the Rev. Messrs. Filkin, of Kegworth, and Preston, of Milbourne. The Rev. RICHARD INGHAM is the present pastor. He came to reside at Duffield in August 1812, where he was ordained to the pastoral office in June 1817, and now resides at Belpar. (To be continued.)

IN our last number, we intimated the purpose of forming a new "SOCIETY FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF EVANGELICAL DISSENTING MINISTERS, WHOSE INCOMES ARE INADEQUATE TO THEIR SUPPORT." We have now the pleasure to mention the establishment of the Institution, at a public meeting, held at the King's Head, Poultry, on Tuesday, January 14th. The meeting was both numerous and respectable: in addition to several ministers of the town and country, many of the principal members of dissenting congregations in London and its neighbourhood, were present.

William Alers Hankey, Esq. was called to the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Chairman; by the Rev. John Clayton-T. Jackson-J. Yockney-T. P. Bull-S. Blackburn-H. Lacey-E. A. Dunn, and W. Henry; also by J. B. Wilson R. Steven-J. Wilks-J. Procter-and R. H. Marten, Esq.

The following is a brief abstract of the regulations that were determined on.

Ministers assisted by this Society, must be of unexceptionable character, maintaining the sentiments of the Assembly's Catechism, in faith and practice, and whose income, from every source, does not exceed the following limits.

Unmarried ministers, £40. per annum. Married ministers, having no children, £60. per annum.

Married ministers, with less than two children, £70.-Less than four children, £80.

The widow or family of a minister are eligible to be assisted once after his decease; and in extraordinary cases ministers of somewhat higher incomes may be assisted..

Subscribers of one guinea annually, are members of the Society; and of ten guineas at one time, members for life.

Subscribers of five guineas annually, are governors; and of fifty pounds, governors for life.

The Committee consists of twelve ministers and twelve laymen.

Ministers who collect not less than ten guineas, and Secretaries of County and District Associations contributing twenty pounds, are members during the period of such contributions.

The annual meeting is to be held the third Wednesday in April.

Joseph Procter, Esq. is appointed Treasurer; the Rev. H. Lacey, Rev. J. Leifchild, and Rev. J. Yockney, the Secretaries.-The Committee consists of the following ministers and gentlemen

Rev. H. F. Burder, John Clayton, jun. George Collison, William Eccles, John Hyatt, John Innes, Thomas Jackson, Thomas Lewis, John Morison, Benjamin Rayson, James Stratten, and John

Townsend; Henry Ashley, Esq. William Bateman, Esq. Joseph Bunnell, Esq. Joseph Cecil, Esq. Samuel Davenport, Esq. John Dyer, Esq. Thomas Gribble, Esq. Joseph Oldham, Esq. Frederick Sinith, Esq. Robert Steven, Esq. Thomas Walker, Esq. and Thomas Wilson, Esq.

A subscription has commenced in a liberal and promising manner: the religious public, however, will perceive that nothing short of a large and permanent fund, will enable the Committee to carry the benevolent purposes of the Institution into effect.

Communications may be addressed to the Treasurer, No. 125, Fleet Street, or the Secretaries, at Messrs. Knight and Lacey's, No. 24, Paternoste. Row.

Port of London Society.-A general public meeting of this Society will be held at the King's Concert Room, Haymarket, on Thursday, the 13th of February, when William Wilberforce, Esq. M.P. will take the chair at twelve o'clock precisely. The Committee will then have the pleasure of presenting an interesting report of the extension of religious knowledge among seamen, and of satisfactorily proving, that while this useful but too long neglected class of our fellow-countrymen are aiding the commercial concerns of their native isle, they, at the same time, are partaking of its privileges, and, on the mighty waters, are joining with us, as the Sabbaths return, in the worship of Him whom winds, and storms, and seas obey.

Irish Tract Society.-We rejoice to find that the "Religious Tract and Book Society for Ireland" is acquiring increased approbation and support. The Irish are deluged with mischievous trash, by interested and unprincipled traffickers, and it is of the very greatest importance that their injurious effects should be counteracted by the substitution of wholesome materials for mental occupation. "The Impartial History of Ireland," "A Treatise of the Scapular," "The Irish Rogues and Rapparces," are some of the absurd and pernicious works which form the popular literature of the Irish, and it is to the disgrace of the Romish clergy, that their influence is not effectually employed to instil higher tastes and principles into the minds of those over whom they hold and exercise a despotic sway. The Society, of which we have just quoted the title, has been formed for the purpose of supplanting, by the sale, and by the gratui

tous donation of suitable books and tracts, those injurious publications which have so long and so fatally vitiated the public mind. We have before us the First Annual Report of the Glasgow Auxiliary Society, which is liberally contributing to the funds of the Parent Institution, and appealing strongly to the public feeling in behalf of the benighted and miserable inhabitants of Ireland.

Glasgow Auxiliary Highland School Society. We have read with much pleasure the Fifth Annual Report of "The Glasgow Youth's Auxiliary Society for the Support of Schools in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland." The object of the Parent Association is of the highest importance, and the plan is at once effective and economical. By a system of "Ambulatory Schools," the blessings of education, on religious principles, are extensively communicated, and it is calculated that seventy-five of these "circulating" media of instruction, "wield a power equivalent to 377 stationary schools." The letters of the examining ministers give abundant testimony to the efficiency of the system. During the year ending May, 1822, £185, after discharging all incidental expences, were remitted by this Juvenile Auxiliary for the purposes of the Institution.

Glasgow Missionary Society.-The Report of the Glasgow Missionary Society for 1822, is brief, but exceedingly interesting. It was formed in February, 1796, but various calamitous circumstances occurred to prevent the Association from following up its original plans, and for some time it acted as an auxiliary to other Institutions of the same kind. Recently, however, it has sent out Missionaries to Southern Africa, one of whom, Mr. Thomson, is under the direct patronage of Government. The other, Mr. Bennie, is actively engaged in the work among the natives of Caffraria, and his communications display zeal and intelligence. We add an extract from the Appendix to this Report, containing an important fact, which will be new to some of our readers.

"It was, it seems, the opinion of some, that the language of the Caffres contained no name for the Supreme Being. Mr. Bennie also thought so, until after being some months among them, the contrary was ascertained in a manner the most satisfactory. It has been said, that the Caffres have no name for God, and indeed, until the other day, I thought so myself. But having rode to a distant Kraal, with our interpreter, to speak to the people, and addressing my-

self to the chief, I asked him who made the sun, moon, and stars? He at once said, Ruthlanga; and yesterday, in visiting another Kraal, I made use of the term, instead of Utikla, the Hottentot term, and they seemed all to know it. I have mentioned the word to several of our own people, who say that it is the Caffre name for the Great Being who made all good things. This word,' he adds, seems to be derived from the name of the sun which is langa.''

Travellers among barbarous nations, ignorant of their language, are too apt to hazard peremptory assertions on the result of hasty inquiry and imperfect knowledge; Missionaries have better information, and we have obtained from them elucidations which we might in vain have looked for to any other quarter.

Continental Society.-The tenth number of Extracts of Correspondence of the Continental Society" shows that much good is in progress from the zealous efforts of its Missionaries. From Flanders, the south of France, the banks of the Rhine, and other places. Some interesting details occur respecting the excellent Gossner, who has been compelled, by persecution, to take refuge in Russia, and the following particulars relating to the celebrated Madame Krudener, may be acceptable to our readers.

"I do not know whether you are already acquainted, that Madame de K. has been ordered out of Petersburgh, by the Emperor, with an injunction not to appear there again. It is a long time since I left off visiting her, as she wished to lead me away from Gossner, because he is not considered a faithful Catholic: she would have had me bow before the image of the Virgin, of St. Joseph, of St. Benedict, &c. &c.; and since that time I never went to see her. Besides, Gossner tells me, that she is much incensed against him; and, as Gossner's enemies are suspicious of me, and I saw that that poor woman is a complete idolater, my determination was soon taken. At last, on account of her prophecies against the Emperor, and against Russia, she has brought an order of exile upon herself, and she may think herself well off, that it is not to Siberia. Baron B. (her son-in law) is obliged to send in his resignation, not to be turned out of office.

"Yesterday, the 18th of April, after the sermon, I went to see G- with my husband; he told us that the extravagancies of the Baroness of K-, have cast a reproach on all Evangelical meet

Earthquake in Syria.-Our readers are in possession, from the public papers, of the details of the awful visitation which has laid waste the Pashalik of Aleppo. The large and well-built city of that name, Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians, Latachia,Scanderoon, with every village and every detached cottage" in the government of Aleppo, and "some towns in the adjoining ones," on the 13th of August last, in ten or twelve seconds" were utterly ruined by an earthquake. "Twenty thou sand human beings, about a tenth of the population, were destroyed, and an equal number maimed or wounded." We shall probably recur to this affecting subject, but in the mean time, we are happy to announce that a subscription has been opened at the different London Bankers, in behalf of the sufferers. One thousand pounds have already been remitted, and we trust that our countrymen will, on this pressing occasion, maintain their high character for liberality.

Baptist Missim.--Mr. Ward writes from Serampore, that the building of the College has been considerably advanced, and that it "forms one of the finest modern pieces of architecture in India." The different translations are considerably advanced, and the whole Bible, in Sungskrit, is completed, in 5 vols. 8vo. An encouraging letter has been received from Mr. Chater, dated Colombo, Feb. 6, 1822.

Dissenters' Marriages.-- We learn that an application is intended to be made to Parliament, for an Act to allow Dissenters to solemnize their own marriages, in places licensed for the purpose. The draught of the proposed Bill is printed, and seems to have been carefully framed, with a view to the interests of all parties.

The Rev. George Payne, A.M. of Edinburgh, has accepted the Theological and Resident Tutorship in the Blackburn Academy, vacant by the removal of the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, A. M. to Stepney.

On the 25th of January, died, in the 75th year of his age, the Rev. JOHN WINTER, thirty-eight years Pastor of the Independent Church at Newbury, Bucks, greatly respected, beloved, and lamented.