It was reported that nearly two hundred pounds had been promised towards a new chapel at Peterborough, and it was felt to be very desirable to proceed at once with the erection. The chief difficulty was in reference to the security for money that would be further required. The committee were instructed to apply to influential friends in the different churches requesting them to unite in sharing the responsibility; and it was suggested that by an arrangement between the church and the trustees, the rent arising from land might be made available as a guarantee for the payment of interest so long as needful, which would render the responsibility very small.

ton

The committee appointed in the Fenstancase gave their report, upon which the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

1. That the church assembling at Fenstanton, having been long recognized as belonging to the Connexion, it is desirable that the most strenuous efforts be made to carry on divine worship; and that until a stated and acceptable minister can be obtained, endeavours be made to provide suitable supplies. 2. That it be recommended to make an early application to the owner of the land, on which an annuity of six pounds per annum is charged, towards the aid of the funds for car. rying on divine worship.

3. That it be further recommended, that the trustees of the different properties con. nected with the chapel, and the friends to the cause, should take an early opportunity to hold a public and social meeting, with a view specially to seek the blessing of God on their renewed efforts to extend the Redeemer's kingdom.

The next Conference to be at Whittlesea, on Thursday, June 12. Brother Simons of Pinchbeck to preach in the morning. J. C. PIKE, Sec.

BAPTISMS.

TARPORLEY.-On Tuesday evening, Feb. 11th, 1851, at the General Baptist chapel, Tarporley, Cheshire, Rev. J. Metcalf, Wesleyan minister, Northwich, was immersed in the presence of a large and attentive audience, by

Mr. Harvey of Bury, Lancashire. Mr. Metcalf has been connected more than twenty years with the Wesleyan Methodists; and the last six years has been employed as a town missionary in Northwich, and a preacher in that circuit. Before his baptism he delivered an address, in which he assigned his reasons for his change of sentiment and practice on the holy ordinance of believers' baptism. His address was particularly distinguished by kindness of spirit, and scripturalness of matter, as will be seen from the reasons here submitted as delivered.

Substance of Mr. J. Metcalf's Address.

It was my happiness and my honour to be born into the world of pious parents; and the sentiment poetically expressed is appropriate to my case.

I

'If of parents I came who honour Thy name, It was thy wisdom appointed it so.'

was early led to the house of God, and brought under the influence of a living ministry; and early in life the good Spirit produced conviction in my mind as to my real state as a sinner, exposed to wrath and ruin, and under its influence I was led to cast my soul on Christ, and thus to realize a clear and distinct sense of my pardon and acceptance through the great atonement. I became at the age of fifteen years united to that branch of the visible church called Wesleyan Methodists, and to the present that union has continued: that section of the church prac. tising infant sprinkling. I was long prejudiced in its favour, till eventually became convinced that believers' baptism was the only baptism recognized in the Word of God. I assign, then, the eight following reasons for my conforming to this ordinance :

1st. Because of the numerous passages of Scripture directly bearing upon the subject of believers' baptism; for example, Matt. xxviii. 19; Mark xvi. 15, 16; Acts ii. 41; Rom. vi. 4; Col. ii. 12; thus it is a command of Christ.

2nd. Because I think the subjects of baptism ought to be in a position to understand the nature and design of such an ordinance, which infants cannot possibly do; Acts viii. 37, xviii. 8.

3rd. Because no passage of Scripture can be furnished supporting the sprinkling of infants; and that the passage referring to Christ's having taken children up in his arms and blessed them, is no proof whatever of infant sprinkling.

4th. Because baptism is represented as a burial with Christ, &c., which cannot be represented by infant sprinkling; Rom. vi. 4; Col. ii. 12.

5th. Because Mr. Wesley, as well as most

other commentators, admits that the original mode of baptizing was by immersion; and that infant sprinkling does not appear to have been practised in the apostolic churches.

6th. Because of the example of our bles. sed Lord, who, though circumcised in conformity to the Jewish ceremony, yet he was at the age of thirty years baptized by John in Jordan, both of them going down into the water, and coming up out of the water; Matt. iii. 13-17; Mark i. 9—11.

7th. Because adult baptism is a public profession of the individual's faith in Christ as his Saviour, and a circumstance in itself so interesting as to be ever remembered.

8th. Because attending to this ordinance is a line of conduct in conformity to the rule laid down by our Lord for all his followers. He commands it: and he says, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.

HUGGLESCOTE.-On Sabbath morning, Jan. 5th, 1851, three young men were baptized by brother Yates. Brother Smith preached. On Sabbath morning, April 6th, six females were baptized by brother Smith. Brother Yates preached. On Wednesday morning, April 9th, two old persons-husband and wife-were baptized by brother Yates; one was about eighty-one, and the other about eighty-two years of age! It was thought best to baptize them privately. Only half a dozen persons were present; and the candidates went through the water with remarkable calmness and comfort. May young and old be faithful unto death; and receive the crown of life. We have four more candidates. T. Y.

NORTHAMPTON.—On the first Lord's-day in March, two persons, husband and wife, made a public profession of their attachment to the Saviour, by obeying the divine command of baptism, after an appropriate sermon from Acts ii. 41, by our esteemed minister, brother Maddeys. We have two more approved candidates; and others are enquiring the way of

salvation.

T. T. N.

NORTHALLERTON.-On Sabbath, Feb, 23rd, one female from Brompton was baptized in the Baptist chapel, Bedale, after a discourse on the conversion and baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch, by our pastor, who made an exchange with the Rev. R. Morris. The newly-baptized was received into the church at Brompton, on Lord's-day, March 9th. One candidate, on the night he gave in his name for baptism, was seized by affliction, and died four days afterwards. Mysterious are the workings of Providence. Other candidates are waiting to be baptized. T. H.

SALFORD, Zion Chapel.-On Lord's-day, April 30th, seven persons were baptized in this chapel, by the Rev. H. Dunkerly, of Harperby; six were from the Independent church at that place, over which he formerly

presided; the other was admitted into church fellowship at the Lord's table on the following Sunday.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter Gate.-On Lord'sday, April 6th, eight persons were baptized on profession of their faith; they were received into fellowship at the Lord's-table in the afternoon, in connection with two others who had previously submitted to the sacred rite.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood Gate.-Three young persons, one of them the pastor's daughter, were baptized on Lord's day, April 6th, after a sermon on the significance and importance of christian baptism. May the Lord send prosperity!

KIRTON LINDSEY.-On Lord's day, March 30th, two believers put on Christ by baptism, after a sermon from Acts xxii. 16. The congregation was large and attentive. One of the candidates has been a seat holder for ten or twelve years, and for some time past his piety has not been doubted. He has at last cast in his lot with the people of God. The other is a young female about eighteen years of age. These, with one restored, were received into the church on the following Sabbath. These tokens of our Father's smile greatly encourage us. The Lord in mercy send us many more such days. J. C. S.

W. M.

STALY BRIDGE. February 2nd, one be liever was baptized and received into church fellowship. April 6th, the duty of believers concerning the ordinance of baptism was plainly set forth and forcibly enjoined by our pastor, Mr. Sutcliffe, in a sermon from Deut. xii. 32.-' What thing soever I command you observe to do it.' The sacred rite was then administered to two young men (plants from our Sabbath school), who were received into the church the same day, whilst commemorating the love of Christ. May they abide in his love.

J. P.

preached by the Rev. G. Catterall, of Boroughbridge; at Brompton in the morning, from 2 Cor. v. 14, 15; in the evening from Mal. iv. 5; and at Northallerton in the afternoon, from John xv. 22. Collections were made on behalf of our chapel building fund. On the following evening a public tea-meeting was held at Brompton, in aid of the same cause; 190 sat down to tea, in the British school. room; after which about 500 persons assembled, when addresses were delivered by our pastor, the Revds. R. Morris of Bedale, D. Peacock of Masham, and G. Catterall. Our prospects of establishing a General Baptist cause at Brompton and Northallerton were never more encouraging.

Mr. Stubbing preached at Boroughbridge and Baldersby, on March 2nd, and received the following donations in aid of our Brompton chapel building fund:-Baldersby.-Mr. Ferley, 5s.; Mrs. Morley, 2s. 6d.; a few Friends, 7s. 6d. Boroughbridge.- Mr. Lofthouse, £1; a few Friends, 10s. 10d. Total, £2 5s. 10 d.

T. H.

LEICESTER, Carley Street.-The re-opening of the General Baptist chapel in this place was celebrated on Lord's-day April 20, 1851, when appropriate sermons were delivered by the Revds. T. Stevenson, and S. Wigg. The following afternoon there was a beautiful bazaar in one of the new school-rooms, which met with very pleasing encouragement. From two to three hundred friends partook of tea in the other school-room, after which a delightful public meeting was held in the chapel. Mr. Goadby of Loughborough presided. Brother Finn implored the divine blessing. Ef fective and useful addresses were delivered by the chairman, and brethren S. Wigg, T. Stevenson, Marsden, and Lomas (P. B.). The speakers all admired the enlargement of the chapel, and the new school-rooms, and the general improvement of the whole premises, and sought to stimulate the friends to 'strive together for the faith of the gospel.'

BRADFORD.-On Lord's day, March 23rd, three sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Burns, D.D.; Dr. Godwin being prevented by a severe attack of influenza from officiating in the morning. Collections were made towards lessening the debt upon the chapel, which, considering the state of the weather, and the circumstances through which we have been called to pass, were very liberal, amounting to £22 5s.

KIRTON-LINDSEY, Anniversary Tea Meeting.-On Good Friday, April 18th, a tea meeting was held in the chapel here, after which addresses were delivered by the minis. ter of the place (chairman,) Mr. Holling worth, Primitive Methodist; Mr. Parkin, a member of the church; and Mr. Barley, Wesleyan. It was truly pleasing to witness the christian unity manifested on this occasion,

as there were present persons connected with all the religious denominations in the town, including several members of the established church.

MISCELLANEOUS.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood-gate.- A series of special services have been held during the past week at the above chapel, commencing on Sabbath morning, April 6th, and terminating on Friday evening. The design of the meetings was to promote a revival of religion, forgotten. The Rev. J. Goadby, minister of and they have been such as will not soon be the place, made reference on the Sabbath, especially to the importance of seeking the Divine influence, and on the possibility and danger of resisting the striving of the Holy Spirit. On Monday morning, at half-past six o'clock, a prayer meeting was well attended; the subject for prayer being, The success of the Word.' On the same evening. Baynes, B. A., of Nottingham, on 'Transient a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. A. religious impressions.' The text was, 'O! Ephraim what shall I do unto you?' &c. The Rev. Gent. delivered a most eloquent, heartsearching, and earnest appeal to the crowded congregation who attended. On Tuesday morning a prayer meeting was held for the young and Sabbath school. The Rev. J. Wallis, of Leicester, preached in the evening on The importance of religious decision.' His text was- Choose this day whom ye will serve.' A most affectionate and admonitory discourse was delivered; the attendance was very good. On Wednesday morning a prayer meeting for the undecided,' and in the evening Mr. T. W. Marshall preached on Religious influence on the Christian in the world.' The text was 'Let your light so shine.' &c. The sermon was truly practical, urging to Christain like aim and conduct through all life's cares and business, and while passing through things temporal, to have an eye to things eternal. On Thursday morning a prayer meeting was held to seek 'Divine assistance in all the walks of life.' The Rev J. Staddon, of Quorndon, preached in the evening on, 'Domestic piety, or the Christain in the family.' A faithful exposition of Christain duties, especially of family worship: text, 2. Sam. vi. 12. On Friday morning prayer was made for the universal spread of the Gospel. Rev. J. Goadby preached in the evening on The value of religion in the prospect of death:' text, Deut. xxxii. 29. In his usual able manner the Rev. gentleman advocated with much earnestness an attention to the truths of Christianity, and in a most perspicuous style shewed its value and importance to all its sincere professors. There is little doubt these interesting services will be blessed for good. B. B. Loughborough.

LETTER FROM REV. J. BUCKLEY. | Camp, Kendall, S. E. of Cuttack, January 29th 1851.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-The well known motto on Doddridge's family arms, While we live let us live,'-which the doctor so happily paraphrased, occurs to me as not unsuitable for the commencement of my first letter to you after the opening of the latter half of the nineteenth century, a period the close of which comparatively few of us will be permitted to see.

'Live while you live, the epicure would say, And seize the pleasures of the present day. Live while you live, the sacred preacher cries, And give to God each moment as it flies. Lord, in my view, let both united be; I live in pleasure while I live to thee.' Happy indeed is it with us if, despising the low and unworthy pursuits of those who live for wealth and fame, we have set our eyes on an infinitely nobler object, and make His glory who loved us and gave himself for us the one object of earthly existence. Such a life is the happiest, and if thus the days of our pilgrimage be past, it will matter little when or where we 'yield up the ghost,' or where surviving friends with sighs and tears may lay our bones; the end of life and this is the all important matter-will be answered; and though before the commencement of the 20th century our appointed course may be accomplished and our names forgotten among men, yet our works will follow us into that mysterious but blessed state of existence on which we shall have entered; and unprofitable and mixed with sin as we deeply feel them to be, they will not be unremembered nor unrecompensed by our gracious Lord.

I am spending the vacation in the country, 'teaching' from day to day those things which concern the Lord Jesus,' and feel disposed to tell you a little about tent life, although such journeys and labours have been frequently described. The first thing that claims attention in a missionary's camp establishment is his tent. Mine is a com. fortable one; for I assure you it is no article of my creed that there is any merit in unnecessarily exposing ones self to privations which may endanger health, when a little prudent forethought or even expense, may obviate it. It cost when purchased six years ago, C. R. 140 (£14,) and with care is likely to last a tolerable number of years. It has verandahs, which make it more comfortable during the day and less cold in the night, as well as makes it more convenient when Mrs. Buckley can accompany

me, as she did on my last tour. ("Have we not power to lead about....a wife,' &c.) It is my study, (so far as I am able to study in the country,) closet, sitting room, dining room, dressing room, and sleeping room; and, not including the verandahs, it is three yards and a half in length and the same in breadth, It has a door at each end, and openings in the canvass on each side for the admission of light, all which are carefully bound down at night. You know there are no inns in this country, nor any christian friends whose hospitality can be enjoyed; the things therefore that are required for the journey must be taken with us for this purpose I have two hackeries, (hired) each of which is drawn by two bullocks. (A hackery is a native cart, though very much smaller than an English one,) One of my hackery men is a Choga christian, and it is often delightful, in the evening, to hear this sincere and simple hearted disciple of the Lord--for such I believe him to be-offer

his thanksgivings and prayers to Him whom his fathers knew not. Blessed are his eyes for they see, and his ears for they hear.

In telling you the different things which I have with me, I must not omit what is always brought-a box of Oriya gospels and tracts for distribution. May they communi. cate light to many benighted minds-a prayer to which I am sure you and many more will add, amen. While seeking to benefit, in the highest sense, other minds, I would not be unmindful of the improvement of my own, and hence I have for private reading a small box of English books, the contents of which vary at different times, according to one's course of reading or study. Its present contents are as follows: Hebrew Bible and Lexicon, Greek Testament and Lexicon, English Bible, (precious treasure!) Oriya Scriptures and Dictionary, Bengali Psalter, Sanscrit Psalter and Grammar, Several vols. of British Reformers, by the Tract Society, Baxter's Saint's Rest, Foster's Essays, and Jubilee of the World. A little quiet time for reading is often secured in the evening; and I desire not to forget the exhortation which says 'Give attendance to reading.' In addition to these are pens, ink, and paper, that when the heart indites good matter it may not be lost for want of recording. While provision is made for the improvement of the inward man, of which there is sufficient need, the outward man requires daily attention and renewal. 'Man wants but little here below,' is a truthful and important sentiment with which

we are all familiar; but to obtain that little when travelling in a country like this requires much previous preparation and care on the part of the mistress of the house. It would not be particularly edifying to dwell minutely on kettles, teapots, coffee pots, saucepans, salt-stands, mustard pots, plates, knives, forks, spoons, with supplies of salt, tea, coffee, sugar, rice &c. &c., all of which however are required, and are connected as I need not say, with the 'daily bread' which we are taught daily to ask of our Father in heaven. Supplies of bread, butter, meat and vegetables, are obtained every four or five days from Cuttack. I have not mentioned any questionable things, but even these may be medicinally required; and it is surely wiser to have them if wanted, than to incur the risk of wanting them without being able to procure them. Medi. cines of various kinds are indispensibly necessary and it is unsafe to travel without them. Milk may generally be procured in the villages where we encamp, and often fowls; but that which we find it most difficult to obtain when from home, and which if we could procure would often be felt to be a real luxury, is pure water. Often one turns with loathing from the filthy stuff offered us to drink. River water no one thinks of drinking, except from necessity, and well water cannot always be got; and when it can is sometimes not very good. I should be most thankful to buy water for money and to give a pretty good price for it too, if it could be got pure. Not long since I was out with two of my brethren, and one evening hearing a great disturbance outside the tent, I inquired the cause, and found that a mussulman servant of one of the brethren had committed the atrocious offence of taking a little water for his master's use from a well which was at hand; this called forth in no small degree the angry passions of the hospitable Hindoos;' they blustered and stormed, and threatened legal proceedings, and I know not what besides. The wells caste was gone; at all events their caste would go if they touched it: its purification was absolutely necessary, and this would involve expense, and hence they were so enraged. A fine exemplification this of the 'kindly affections and wholesome charities' which thirty-seven years ago Charles Marsh, on the floor of St. Stephens, eloquently ascribed to this virtuous and happy people,' -qualities on account of which he could not hear without surprize, mingled with horror, of sending out Baptists and Anabaptists to civilize and convert, such a people.' A truce however to horrors in this epistle. Inspiration tells us that in the little chamber' prepared in the wall' for the Lord's prophet there were placed for his use, "a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a

candlestick,' (or lamp,) without enlarging on the conveniences and comforts enjoyed by the prophet, may be permitted to say that I enjoy them all; yea mine is a still more favoured lot. I have a table cloth as well as a table, a chair as well as a stool, and musquito curtains as well as a bed, though the last named comfort I have never till this year allowed myself in the country; the musquitoes are however in some places so exceedingly annoying that it is worth while having a protection against them. a few things remain untold, which however are needful, as wash-hand basin, razor, strop, glass, (of the respectability of my country glass you may judge from its price, which was about two-pence) and changes of raiment. I have heard of some persons applying Matt. x. 9 10. to modern Missionaries whose circumstances are entirely different from those whom the Lord sent out; if however such persons travelled in India they would find it needful to have, at least, a little 'silver in their purses,' and very conducive to their comfort to have two coats.' Jesus Christ expects his servants in all such matters to exercise the common sense with which he has endowed them. 'In understanding be men,' is a direction of Scripture, and is abundantly sufficient to settle all such questions.

Our journeys at these times are always performed on horseback. On my last tour I rode about 260 or 270 miles. The roads are often very bad, and the sun's rays very fierce, exceedingly painful to the eyes. Rivers frequently have to be crossed; if not too deep we cross on horseback; if this be impracticable the master crosses in a boat, and the horse is swum over or taken round. This morning, when crossing a river my nag quietly lay down with me; happily it was not deep and no injury was sustained. Quicksands are more to be dreaded than any thing in these streams. Alligators abound in these rivers. I often see them when riding on the banks. We owe much to the protecting care of our Father in heaven on these journies. One night last month, when preparing to retire to rest, I heard a noise outside, and on going out to understand the cause, found that two or three people had seen a tiger, but the brute had departed. The goodness of God in preserving us and those who are with us, (who are in such cases much more exposed than ourselves) demands grateful acknowledgments. We see much of the state of the country and of the beauties of nature in these tours. One of the encampments on my last tour was a very interesting one. It was on the pleasant banks of a pretty river, under the wide-spreading branches of the banyan, and in the midst of a fine, open, fertile country, well wooded and well watered. In another place, near Khun