the commencement of the G. B. cause in this place, one hundred years ago. In the morning, Rev J. Goadby, the pastor of the Church, gave an historical retrospect of the Church in this place and neighbourhood, the substance of which will appear in our next number. In the evening, Rev J. P. Mursell, of Leicester. delivered an eloquent discourse, from Hosea viii. 11, 12, on the value of a divine Revelation. Collections were made at the close to defray the expense of various improvements in the old chapel.

BAPTISMS.

LONDON, Commercial Road.- In August last eight were joined to the church, having first given themselves to the Lord and then to his people, according to his word. It was a very pleasant and profitable service. On the last day of November ten persons were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; some of them were young; one was a daughter of one of our most active members-a branch of the "Dan Taylor" family. There were also a husband and wife, who had long lived in the ways of sin-but had, by Divine grace been brought to see themselves as sinners, and the Lord Jesus as an all-sufficient Saviour. They were given as an answer to prayer by some pious relatives, and should make us all more anxious to bring

our friends who are unconverted to Jesus

Others are enquiring, and we hope soon to see these scenes renewed. Our pastor gave a most excellent address on the occasion.

SALFORD.-On Lord's-day, Nov. 27, one believer put on Christ by baptism, who, along with three from other churches, was received into the fellowship of the church the following Lord's-day. May they all endure to the end. R. G. B.

HEPTONSTALL SLACK.-On Saturday, December 3, at three o'clock, p.m., nine persons submitted to the baptismal rite, in the presence of numerous spectators: and the same day our minister gave them the right hand of fellowship. The season was truly one of refreshing from the presence

of the Lord.

BROMPTON.-On Lord's-day, Nov. 20th, one person, from Romanby branch, was baptized, after a sermon by Mr. Stubbings, from Matt. iii. 13-17, and publicly received into the church at Northallerton on Lord's day, Dec. 4th.

STOKE-UPON-TRENT.-On Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, three persons, two males and one female, put on Christ by baptism, after a very solemn and suitable discourse by the Rev. J. G. Pike of Derby, Mr. Pedley of VOL. 1.-N. S. C

Wheelock Heath, administered the ordinance. This being the first time the ordinance of believer's baptism had been administered in Stoke for many years— perhaps during the present generation—a very large number were attracted to witness it: our new chapel was crowded, and numbers who could not get inside stood round the windows.

The sermon, from John xiv. 23, was very impressive and convincing; the powerful appeals of the venerable preacher apparently made a deep impression on the hearers. May this be the beginning of better days, and may the great Head of the church smile upon us and bless us.

T. M.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter Gate.-In the commencement of November we baptized two persons, and on the first Sabbath in December they were received into the full communion of the churh at the Lord's table. This was felt to be an unusually happy season.

OPENINGS, &c.

STOKE-UPON-TRENT.-This neat and substantial edifice was opened for divine worship on Lord's-day, Nov. 13th, when two appropriate sermons were preached by Dr. Burns of London; in the morning from 2 Chron. v. 13-14; and in the evening from Acts xxviii. 30.

On the following day a tea-meeting was held in the chapel, the attendance at which quite astonished the most sanguine of the friends. The place was well filled twice, those who had first sat down retiring to make room for others; altogether nearly 500 partook of the refreshing beverage; and many returned unable to gain admitance. After tea, H. Wileman, Esq., presided, according to previous arrangement; and stirring and animated addresses were delivered by Mr. Pedley, Wheelock Heath; Rev. G. Needham, Audlem; Dr. Burns; B. Walker, Esq., Nottingham; L. J. Ab ington, Esq., Hanby; Rev. I. Preston, Ashby; and Mr. Gathorpe, Tarporley. Mr. Walker at the close of his speech generously presented a second subscription of £5 to the building fund.

The services were continued on Lord's

day, Nov. 20th, when the venerable J. G. Pike, of Derby, preached in the morning, from Isaiah xix. part of 20th verse," And he shall send them a Saviour, and a great one; and he shall deliver them." In the evening, from Daniel xii. 2, 3. In the afternoon of the same day the Rev. E. Stevenson of Loughborough preached, from Phil. i. 27. The attendance on these occasions was not large, except the evening services, when the chapel was well filled in every part.

The opening services were concluded on Monday evening, Nov. 28th, with a lecture by L. J. Abington, Esq., of Hanley, on "Arabian Antiquities; or, a Cry from the Rocks of the Desert on behalf of the veracity of the Sacred Scriptures." On this occasion the chapel was well filled; and the lecture was a very able and deeply interesting one, shewing that the inscriptions on the rocks in the neighbourhood of Mount Sinai were records of the principal events which befel Israel during their sojourn in the wilderness, &c; indeed the substance of this lecture would form a very suitable and instructive article for the pages of this magazine.

The collections, together with the profits of the tea-meeting, amounted to the liberal sum of £63 14s 6d, exclusive of the £5 mentioned above, and also a donation of a like amount from Rev. I. Stubbins of India, per Rev. J. G. Pike.

The chapel is a neat and substantial brick edifice, with stone cornice, and window and door architraves. It is in one of the best localities of the town, and capable of accommodating about 300 persons; it has no gallery, but is sufficiently lofty to admit of one being erected when needed. The baptistry is lined on the sides with Minton's patent white tiles, and the bottom thereof with light buff. It is supplied with water gratuitously from the "Potteries Waterworks Company."

There is sufficient land to enlarge the building at any time, or to erect school

rooms.

The total cost is not at present ascertained; but is expected to be about £750, including land, gas fittings, &c.; towards which, with the help of kind friends, we have now raised about £320.

In conclusion we beg to remind the readers of the G. B. Magazine of our Bazaar for the liquidation of the heavy sum at present on the building. This Bazaar is intended to be held at Easter next; and contributions of useful and fancy articles are most respectfully solicited. Should any friend who reads this feel disposed to help a few humble, but we hope sincere and devoted disciples, either by sending articles for the Bazaar or contributions by post office orders, or postage stamps, any donation, however small in itself, will be most thankfully received and promptly acknowledged by

THOMAS MINSHALL. CRICH.-THE very neat and substantial gallery recently erected in the General Baptist Chapel, Crich, was opened to the public on Sunday, Nov. 27, when two very impressive and eloquent discourses were preached by the Rev. Evan Davies, of Riddings; that in the afternoon from Gal. vi. 9;

and that in the evening from Matt. xxv. 21. On the following day a public tea meeting was held, after which very interesting addresses were given by Mr Jeffries, (the Chairman) Rev. E. Davies, Mr Higdon and Mr Bush. During the progress of the meeting the chairman opened and read a note from J. Smedley, Esq, of Sea Mills, containing a cheque for £10. towards defraying the expenses of the erection; and on a vote of thanks being moved to that gentleman, for his munificient donation, the entire audience rose from their seats, to give expression to their gratitude. It is needless to enlarge upon the benevolence of one whose "praise is in all the churches." The extent of his christian liberality may be inferred from the fact that he gives away the entire profits of an extensive Hosiery and Cotton Manufac tory. The collections, with the proceeds of the tea, (the trays being given,) together with Mr. Smedley's donation, amounted to the very handsome sum of £25; which, with previous subscriptions, will only leave from £8 to £10 unpaid; and this we confidently hope soon to realize. "And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."-Gal. vi. 9.

In

FORMATION OF A NEW CHURCH AT LONGTON, IN THE STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES.— The effort originated by Mr. H. Wileman, late of London, to establish a Baptist church at Longton, has already been crowned with encouraging success. July last, the Town Hall which he hired for the purpose, was opened for divine worship by Mr. Goadby. The room is well adapted for the object, being spacious and lofty, and able to accommodate a considerable number of hearers. The services hitherto have been mostly conducted by ministers connected with the Midland Conference. The congregations have been, and still are, very encouraging; nor has the Lord's blessing on the labours of his servants been withheld. A tract was printed and put into circulation, answering the questions, Who, and what are the Baptists? for in that neighbourhood little was known about them. After a time several that had become regular hearers, and that had received spiritual benefit, desired to confess their Lord by being buried with him in baptism. At the same time several persons that were members of Baptist churches, but who were prevented by residing at Longton, from enjoying intercourse with their distant friends, desired to be united in church communion. It was, therefore, determined, without more delay, to gratify their desire by forming a new church. This event took place on

Wednesday, Nov. 23rd. On the preceding Lord's-day, Mr. E. Stevenson of Loughborough supplied the pulpit in the Town Hall, and preached two interesting and instructive discourses. The next evening he, in conjunction with Mr. Pike of Derby, by Mr. Wileman's desire, conversed with five candidates for baptism-a sixth was prevented from meeting them. They were gratified with the account given by these friends of their views and christian experience, and cordially approved of their being admitted to baptism and church fellowship. On Tuesday evening these six candidates, and three received by the church at Stoke, were baptized in the new baptistry of the chapel there, then used for the first time, and presenting a strange sight to many that were present, from a neighbourhood where probably the ordinance had never been witnessed before. The congregation was very numerous, and on the whole orderly, while many were very attentive. Mr. Pike preached on love to Christ, and obedience as its fruit-obedience displayed in attention to his ordinances, as well as in other ways; and showed what, according to the New Testament, were the mode, and the subjects, and the importance of baptism. Mr. R. Pedley, minister of Wheelock Heath chapel, then baptized the nine candidates. A short chorus praising the Lord was sung in each case after the officiating minister had pronounced the baptismal words. The congregation then dispersed. Those who love the Saviour will pray that many such scenes may be witnessed in the new chapel at Stoke.

On Wednesday evening, the church at Longton was formed in the Town Hall. The minister who preached at the baptism conducted the service. The number uniting to form the church was seventeen. Six of these were friends baptized the preceding evening, four were members of Mr. Wileman's family, and seven others were, or had been, members of various Baptist churches, but now residing in that neighbourhood. The friends purposing to unite on this occasion, sat in front of the pulpit. A discourse was delivered on the privileges of members of the church of Christ, and on their duties to their Lord, to each other, and to the world around them. They were then requested, if they wished to unite as a church in christian fellowship, and if they promised, with the Lord's help, to be faithful members of his church, to express this by each holding up the right hand. When this was done, special prayer for them as a christian church, was offered up-prayer that abundant blessings might descend on them, and that the church then united might be a blessing

to many through distant years. After this the Lord's-supper was administered to those who had now professed their union with each other, as the disciples of Jesus, and to a few members of the sister church at Stoke, who united with them on this solemn occasion. Some of those thus forming a new church, had been for years the followers of the Lord; others were the fruit of the Divine blessing on the preaching of the gospel in the Town Hall.

The formation of a christian church, in the midst of a population of perhaps twenty thousand persons, is not a light or unimportant event. Many in future years may probably be gathered into connection with it and into union with its Head. Many in the enjoyment of such union may be trained up to join the triumphant church in heaven. Nor is it too much to suppose, that perhaps for centuries such a church may be the centre of light, and the source of streams of salvation to numbers that are yet unborn. Christian churches

now exist that have existed for two centu

ries or more; and in their case all that has now been supposed has doubtless been realized. How important is the establishment of another christian church, and how earnestly should christians pray that the establishment of that at Longton may be a blessing to the dwellers there for ages yet to come. Thus will the efforts of those who laid the foundation, who were the first stones in the spiritual building, be blessed and prospered long after they have finished their course and entered into rest.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Our

LONDON, Commercial Road.--On Monday, Dec. 5, we had a tea-meeting to consider the propriety of reducing the chapel debt, which presses very heavily upon us. beloved pastor took the chair; when it was proposed by one of the brethren that £500 should be cleared off during the next two years. This was warmly responded to, and nearly £200 was promised by persons present; and we have no doubt that the amount will be raised through the kindness of many friends who have a high regard for this place of worship, and the friends meeting there-it being the first church of General Baptists in London, formerly under the pastorate of the venerable Dan Taylor. If there are any country friends who may please to assist us, we shall be glad of their help.

J. B.

BIRMINGHAM SCHOLASTIC INSTITUTION FOR SONS OF MINISTERS.-The testimonials of the examination for Dec., 1853, given by J. B. Nelson, M.D., G. Wallis, Head

"OUR FATHER,"

I SEE him in the glorious sun,

That lends such light to earth and sky; That paints them both with beauteous tints, To glad the heart and fire the eye!

I see Him, too, in moon and stars,

That shine on earth serenely bright; That seem to whisper "Hope" to man, For day succeeds the darkest night. Obey the precepts Jesus taught,

And, when the storms of life are o'er, The star of faith shall guide thee home, To dwell with him for evermore!

I hear him in the gentle wind,

That seems to say, with still small voice, "It is our Father' mild and kind,

And all His children should rejoice."

I hear Him, too, when winds blow loud, When thunders roar and tempests rage, And feel he is a God of power,

And all our griefs he can assuage!

Is this our Father? love and might
So blended there? Oh, let us raise,
From humble minds and hearts all pure,
A long, loud song of ardent praise.

MAN GOING TO HIS LONG HOME.

BY MR. HENRY FLETCHER.

THERE are the homes of childhood,
Radiant with mirth and glee;
No shadow on this glorious world,
An infant's eye can see.

There are the homes of boyhood,
Lighted by dreams of youth;
Ere yet a false and sinful world
Hath marred the sound of truth.

There are the bridal homes,
Where hope and love preside;
And life's full current bounds along,
Checked by no adverse tide.

Then come the homes of parents,
Where olive branches flourish;
A father's care, a mother's love,
These young plantations nourish.

There is the old man's home,

Whose sun is in the west;

Where tottering steps, and drooping age, Point to the land of rest.

The long, long home is reached,
Man lays him down to die;
And yet the falling christian sees
Another home is nigh.

That home of many mansions,

That house not made with hands; And bright, through every future age, The heavenly building stands.

Father of love prepare us

For this our lasting home; And then our closing prayer shall be, "Lord Jesus, quickly come."

"ARISE, SHINE; FOR THY LIGHT IS COME."

ARISE and shine! awake and sing! Shake off the chains that bound thee! The glory of the Eternal King,

O Zion! shall surround thee.

Though darkness over all the earth
Hath stretched her sable wing,
A living light, of heavenly birth,

From out the midst shall spring.
Thou in its radiance clothed shalt be,
The dazzled world surprising,
And Gentile kings shall crowd to see
The brightness of thy rising.

While distant tribes, in glad accord,
With gold and incense come;
Thy sons and daughters from abroad
Shall hasten fondly home.

City of God! supremely blest!

Thy foes are vanquished now;
And they who once thy sons oppress'd,
Low at thy feet shall bow.

No more shall rise within thy land,
The voice of pain and woe,

No more the spoiler's ruthless hand
Shall lay thy altars low.

Lo! he hath heard thy mourning cry,
He hasteth to deliver,

And every sorrow, every sigh,

Shall flee away for ever!

My public labours in Yorkshire commenced at BRADFORD, on Lord's-day, August 21st. Preached morning and afternoon at Prospect chapel, and in the evening at Bethel chapel, Infirmary-street. In the morning, from Matt. vi. 6, the subject of closet prayer was enlarged on, and the importance of connecting prayer with all that we did for the advancement of the kingdom of Immanuel, was urged on the attention of the people. The afternoon text was John vi. 37, and in the evening the theme of discourse was the awakening appeal of the prophet to a slumbering church"Arise, shine, for thy light is come," &c. When the labours of the day were closed, I could say with Whitfield, "Weary in the work, but not weary of it." On Monday evening I addressed the young people at Prospect chapel, and was glad to see that all were present, and appeared interested with the details given. On Tuesday evening the united Missionary meeting was held at Bethel chapel. The attendance was gratifying. Mr. Sole, minister of the place, presided, and Messrs. Horsefield, Hardy of Queenshead, (with whom I was associated at Wisbech, and whom I had not seen for fourteen years) Taylor of Allerton, Thompson (Presbyterian), and Stevens (Independent), with myself, took part in the service, which was deemed a very interesting one. The Presbyterian friend, in proposing a resolution which I seconded, to the effect that the goodness of God to the Orissa Mission should encourage its friends to continue and increase their efforts, candidly confessed his ignorance of Orissa and the Mission, but said that as the revolution embodied a general principle-that the more gracious God was to us, the more we should work for him-he should speak to that point. Intelligent and respectable ministers ought, in my judgment, to know something about Orissa, its idolatry and its missions; they should not be ignorant, that for thirty

years the servants of Christ have been labouring to do, what Buchanan hoped some christian institution would,"undermine that hateful idolatry, and put out the memory of it for ever. The Independent brother remarked that he had listened with intense interest to all that had been said-that he had never before listen ed to such facts as some that had been narrated, and should never forget them.

On Wednesday evening, the 24th, I preached a missionary sermon at ALLERTON, from Romans i. 14, 15. Brethren Horsefield and Sole conducted the devotional parts of the service. The time was thought unsuitable, being the week before the feast, but the attendance and collection were deemed moderately encouraging. The next morning made one or two calls with brother Taylor, and was much amused with the names of some of the places pointed out-Lane Bottom, Egypt, World's End, Wonderful, and at some distance, Paradise, and perhaps Canaan too. Saltaire was pointed out to me in the distance, but time did not admit of our going over it. Your readers will have subsequently seen in the public prints the opening of this extensive and remarkable place. It is said that it will be the largest factory in the world. I was informed that most of the manufacturers in the vicinity of Bradford, as well as Titus Salt, from whom Saltaire receives its name, had been, under God, the makers of their own fortunes. May they remember the words recorded Deut. viii. 18,-forgotten, alas! by too many,-"Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth."

After tea on Thursday, Mr. Taylor and I walked over to CLAYTON. It rained all the way, and the distance seemed long. Mr. Asten, not Mr. Sagar, as stated in the Minutes, is minister here. Dissatisfaction was expressed that it had not been arranged for me to preach ̊ here on the