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ests of religion itself. He then, chap., III, shews the circumstances that led to its abolition in the several States. How the Baptists, by whom the idea of true liberty had been imported thither, took the lead in this work, and were sustained and followed by the Quakers and Presbyterians, and how, after the compulsory principle had been tried for two centuries, or nearly, it was at last repudiated by the New England as well as the Southern States. Chapter IV. shews the deliberateness and greatness of this change. This whole part is worthy of careful perusal. The petitions, and ultimately the enactments as to freedom of religion are very important.

Part II. refers to the voluntary principle in the United States. In Chap. I. it is shewn that 'not a single survivor of all who once wrote against the separation of Church and State,' is to be found in Connecticut, who has not long since seen that he was mistaken, and has not now found to be a blessing what he once regarded as a calamity. The testimony is now universally in favour of this separation. The testimonies that are given are very decisive. In Chapters II., III., and IV., the direct results of this adoption of voluntaryism are given, and they shew, (but we must refer our readers to the book itself for details,) that whether the number of places of worship, or of communicants, or ministers, is considered, in proportion to the population, the advantage is in favour of the States in comparison with any European population, and consequently in favour of the voluntary principle. Christianity, it is shewn, being thus thrown on its own resources, has sustained itself in vigour, and in many cases has exhibited a vitality which was unknown under the compulsory system. In addition to this, the emancipation of the churches from the State has promoted kindly feeling, true liberty, and good will, and has rendered religion, not the source of conflict, but of the handmaid of peace. Chapter V. VI.

Objections against this voluntaryism are most happily met in Chap. VII., and the sources of its power are shewn in Chap. VIII.

We recommend to our readers a careful perusal of this work. That

there may be defects in the working of voluntaryism, and that there may be some ministers scantily sustained, and that there may be districts, only partially cleared, which have but few religious privileges, will be admitted: but if vital christianity, and an efficient ministry, with moderate incomes, and an active and efficient effort on the part of christians to supply their own spiritual wants, be marks of the excellence of the voluntary principle, we feel assured that the test to which that principle has been submitted in the States, is sufficient to prove that the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, and the maintenance of christian ordinances, are vastly safer when left to the good will of christians themselves, than where they are encumbered and vitiated with the help of the state.

Mr. Hinton's book is compiled from the best authorities. It is written in a very candid temper, and will be hailed by the true voluntary as a triumphant vindication of his own views, which can never be refuted by any advocate of Establishments, how bigoted so ever he may be.

APOLLOS; or, the Scholar doing Homage to Divine Revelation. By the REV. J. SPENCER PEARSALL, Bristol. J. Snow.

This discourse, which is intended to be one of a series, on subjects suited to the times, and addressed to young men, has a very honest and healthy tone. It is well written. It rests on the basis that the inspiration of the oracles of God,' renders the final and authoritative standard of apthem of the highest authority, makes them peal, demands the diligent and devout attention of every one anxious to know the mind of God, and will infallibly lead to the reception of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to devotion to his service. We cannot but hail the preaching and publication of excellent and learned discourses like this as adapted to counteract the infidel tendency of the present times.

THE COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN DIVINE FORE-KNOWLEDGE AND HUMAN OBDURACY. A Lecture by WILLIAM BARKER, Baptist Minister, Burslem. Swan, Brothers, 45, Ann Street, Birmingham.

In the exposition of lsa. vi. 9-12, as compared with the quotations of this passage in the New Testament, we cannot but regard Mr. Barker as successful. He dis cards the idea that the passage was simply prophetical, or that God, by a secret influ

ence, did actually blind the minds and harden the hearts of the Jews. He takes the more tenable ground, viz.;-that God left them to their own wicked inclinations. They were perverse before the gospel message came; God knew that they would resist, and for their sins he permitted them thus to be their own destroyers. These thoughts are forcibly illustrated, and then are applied to the conscience. The whole subject is confessedly difficult, but the solution here given is that which most completely, perhaps, removes those views which are objectionable.

FAITH AND ORDER; Hints to Candidates for Church Fellowship. By REV. J. S. PEARSALL, Bristol, Third Thousand.

John Snow.

These hints' are useful and scriptural, teaching the young to look to the Scriptures as a safe guide, and to the apostolic churches as a pattern of church order.

PLAIN LETTERS TO PARENTS OF SUNDAY
SCHOLARS. B. L. Green, Paternoster row.

These letters, nine in number, contain very useful hints to parents. Would that the home influence and example were more in accordance with the teaching of the Sabbath school, and the tendency of the sanctuary! A few of these would be very useful to be circulated by every Sabbath-school. THE HARMONY OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS, in the words of the Authorized Version, according to Gresswells'' Harmonia Evangelica, in parallel columns, having Marginal References, and Occasional Notes; with all the events numbered in chronological succession, and geographically localized in a Frontispiece Chart of our Lord's Life and Ministry: especially adapted to exhibit the Harmonized Chronological and Geographical Structure of the four Gospel Narratives, compiled by ROBERT MIMPRISS. Varty, 31, Strand. Published in Monthly Parts.

This promises to be equal to its advertisement.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A NOTICE TO THE CHURCHES RELATIVE TO THE AGED
MINISTERS' FUND.

Yours fraternally,

DEAR BRETHREN,-As secretary to the In-, ing to the subjoined bye-laws, on or before stitution for the relief of our aged and the 31st of December, 1851. infirm Ministers and their Widows, I have great satisfaction in being able to state, that the Society is now formed, and only awaits the cordial sanction of the associated churches to render it efficient. This we trust will be generally and generously af forded. A considerable number of brethren and churches have already given their adhesion, and others are preparing to do so. It is hoped that, since many of our Ministers, from motives of delicacy, etc., decline urging this matter upon their churches, our earnest-hearted, liberalminded deacons will undertake it, and thus furnish to their pastors an additional proof of their affectionate anxiety to relieve them from all apprehensions of future temporal embarrassment.

R. NIGHTINGALE. P. S. Brethren will recollect that two guineas-one admission, and another per subscription-will be required of them, and a sum equal to two-pence per member from the churches. The address of the Treainsurer, to whom all monies may be transmitted, either by Postal Orders, or otherwise, is, MR. WM. STEVENSON, New Uttoxeter-road, Derby.

This would be doing good service to all our ministerial brethren, but especially to those who feel they must soon retire from the work it would create a confiding spirit among the junior ministers, and one of calm comfort and satisfaction among the seniors, and must prove every way immensely beneficial to the denomination. Prompt attention to the matter is desirable, as the first payment is to be made, accord..

We ought, perhaps to state that many of the brethren have expressed their cordial approval of the basis adopted by the Society. One whose opinion is worthy of respect thus writes:—

'March, Sep. 6, 1851. 'DEAR BROTHER,-I consider the proposed Ministers' Fund to be on a basis which is more likely to support it, and to render it efficient, than any one of several projects that I have known before proposed to the Connexion. Yours truly, Rev. R. Nightingale. J. JONES.'

BYE-LAWS.

1. That each minister on applying for

admission into the Institution shall state his age, and have a certificate signed by a medical man as to the state of his health; and in case of the applicant being then subject to disease, or, being likely through old age to be soon thrown on the funds of the Institution, that he shall be received by special vote only at the Annual Meeting, or that the advantages offered shall, in such cases, be specifically agreed upon, so that the funds of the Society shall not unduly suffer to the injury of the other members of the Institution. Also, that in no case shall the relief be given in case of sickness until the member has been entirely laid aside from preaching for one month, a certificate to that effect being signed by a medical gentleman, one deacon, and one member, which certificate shall be sent to the Secretary; whereupon he shall consult with the Treasurer and two of the Committee of Management, who without loss of time, shall agree to assistance being given. In cases of doubt, a special meeting of five of the members of the Committee, living nearest to the Secretary, may be convened, who shall have full power to act; though if the course they adopt is not satisfactory, an appeal may be made to the General Annual Meeting, which may reverse, or amend, the resolution of the minor meeting.

2. That in case of accumulation of funds the surplus may be invested in Freehold, or Longleasehold security; but that such investment shall only be effected by a vote of the Annual Meeting.

3. That in case any minister or church do not pay up their money for the year before the 31st of December, 10 per cent. shall be paid over the regular amount up to the period of payment, and that if this payment is not made before, or at the Annual Meeting of the Institution, the minister shall be disqualified from any further advantages from the Society. Nevertheless, a

special vote of the Annual Meeting may, at any future period, reinstate such minister in his former position.

4. That the relief afforded shall be based on the tables of some respectable Actuary; but should it afterwards appear that the scale is too high, the Annual Meeting shall be empowered to reduce the same. Also, if through unforeseen causes the number of applicants for relief should imperil the Institution, that such reduction in the amount distributed shall be made, for the time being, as may ensure its permanent stability. That in case of applicants by widows, a certificate must be sent as to the age and circumstances of the applicant, and the number of years her husband was a member of the Institution; the Board of Management regulating thereby the grants made, if it be found necessary; in all cases, however, keeping in view the benevolent aspect of the Institution.

5. That an annual Report shall be published in the Repository, or separately, as may be deemed best, and a statement of income and disbursements given.

6. That the Secretary of the Society shall be a minister, and a member of it, elected at the Annual Meeting; and that the Treasurer, not a minister, shall be a member of the Institution by subscription or donation, also elected at the Annual Meeting.

Query.

DEAR SIR.-Would some one of your correspondents oblige by an answer to the following question? Is it scriptural or not to present the joys of heaven or the terrors of hell as motives' to a religious life, and how far is it compatible to introduce them as 'persuasives to religion' while we regard supreme and purely disinterested love to God as its first and most essential element? C. L.

OBITUARY.

MR. SAMUEL ASHTON.-'Biography is a feeble struggle with death. It attempts to retain something of that spirit which can not itself be retained. Nor is this wrong or hopeless.' So wrote the lamented Hamilton, when beginning to pourtray the excellent Ely. More strong is the Poet's utterance, brought to remembrance by the character of our departed friend,

the blessedness of those who die in the Lord, on the 3rd of May, 1851, aged fortythree years. It was his privilege to receive a pious education; his father and mother having been members of the G. B. Church in this place almost from its formation; and his father, Mr. W. Ashton, Ironmonger, having been a deacon of the church for nearly thirty-five years. Decided piety in our departed friend appears not to have manifested itself till, having finished in Louth an apprenticeship with a Printer and Mr. Samuel Ashton, Louth, entered on Stationer, he had left the parental roof

'It were profane

To quench a glory lighted at the skies, And cast in shadows his illustrious close.'

to serve for a time in the well known firm of Simpkin & Co, London. Before leaving home he received from his mother, then in a state of great bodily weakness, an affec. tionate address, after the example of David, 1 Chron. xxviii. 9, and from David's words, enforcing on the mind of her youngest son, now about to proceed to a place where powerful and numerous temptations to iniquity might beset him, the importance of early, of immediate and decided piety. To this appropriate and pathetic address, to its beneficial and abiding impression on his mind, our departed brother referred in a meeting for the relation of experience not long before his decease. In London he became associated with company not unfavourable to religion. This he regarded as an answer to his father's prayer. Here convictions were deepened, and it is believed conversion was experienced, although he did not profess his christianity till he returned to make Louth his home His baptism took place on the 16th of Jan. 1834. From that time to the close of life he was an honourable and useful member. The writer's knowledge of him has been for a more limited period. But gentleness, benevolence, frankness, intelligence, and straightforwardness, were so prominent as to secure speedy confidence, esteem and affection. A natural placidity and amiableness were augmented by the grace of God. In him humility and holy activity were very apparent. His faith wrought by love. He was one to whom a benevolent project might be communicated without fear of its being selfishly and cruelly frowned into nonentity. He had a heart to feel another's woe, to assist in devising and executing liberal things, that God might be glorified, and the whole nature of man benefitted. In the church, in his friendly and family connections he occupied an important position. But it has pleased a certainly unerring and gracious, however mysterious and painful Providence, to draw from us the truthful exclamation, 'Our friend sleepeth.' His attendance on the house of God embraced the whole of the services on the Lord's-day and on the week-days. He was frequently called from home by his business, and his time of returning was often on the evening of the prayer-meeting; yet for years together was he not once known to omit the prayer meeting when in health, to make any memoranda, or to attend to any business. In these as well as in meetings for the relation of experience, the reading of God's Word, or the discharge of church business he was ever ready to render his assistance. He evidently sought the conversion of sinners, the edification of the church, and the glory of God. He knew the blessedness of giving above that of receiv

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ing. He was often elected on committees. In the (school he was superintendent, secretary, and treasurer; and, along with three others, he had been elected to the office of deacon, on the 30th, of Sep., 1850. The duties of this office he had begun to discharge with energy and discretion. But his work has now ceased.

At the last meeting of the teachers of the Sunday School, before his decease, he gave them an address according to appointment. He was not slothful in his own concerns, but by his industry and intelligence was enabled, with God's blessing, to place in a comfortable and respectable position, a beloved partner and endeared children. In his last illness, owing to the nature of the complaint, inflammation of the lungs, he was not encouraged or enabled to converse much. To kind attentions there was the constant response, 'Thank you, dear,' and to inquiries respecting his state, I am comfortable, only wanting rest.' On a Sunday morning, during this affliction, he inquired,' Is not this Sunday morning?" It was replied 'Yes.' He then with much feeling and with inexpressible sweetness of countenance, said,

'Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns
So sweet a rest to wearied minds;
Provides an antepast of heaven,

And gives this day the food of seven.' Then, going on to the last verse, he said, 'In holy duties let the day

In holy pleasures pass away;
How sweet a Sabbath thus to spend,
In hope of one that ne'er shall end.'

It was

He said to his beloved, and now bereaved partner on Good Friday, which was during his affliction,' We have not spent such a Good Friday since we were married.' replied, 'No: but undoubtedly it is in infinite wisdom.' 'O yes,' replied he, 'I would not dictate, but submit with childlike simplicity.' Not one complaint escaped his lips. It is not thought he considered his disease to be of so dangerous a character as it really was. On the morning of the day on which he died, when for a time he was raised and supported in bed by his partner, it is believed he so felt his weakness and illness that all expectations of recovery then ceased But no alarm was occasioned to him by this. He said in imitation of the first christian martyr, and of the Lord himself, 'Lord Jesus, into thy hands I commend my spirit.' Then, as if proceeding in his converse with Jesus, he said,

'Yes, thou art precious to my soul,
My transport and my trust;
Jewels to thee are gaudy toys,

And gold is sordid dust.'

He proceeded with the remainder of the hymn; although every word, on account of his weakness was not audible to those

present. As he spoke not after this his last | away,' and we would add, 'blessed be the words were,

'I'll speak the honours of thy name
With my last lab'ring breath;
Then, speechless, clasp thee in my arms
My joy in life and death.'

Thus terminated the earthly career of one who in health and vigour had adorned the doctrine of God his Saviour. He has left a widow and six children to lament their loss; but the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken

name of the Lord."' May his surviving relatives and friends not simply say, 'Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his;' but become 'followers of' him and of the Lord.' With a view to the improvement of his death, his pastor preached from 'Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.' John xi. 11.

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R. J.

INTELLIGENCE.

THE CHESHIRE CONFERENCE met at Tarporley at two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 14, 1851. Mr. Minshall of Stoke prayed, and Mr. C. Bate, acting deacon of the church at Tarporley, presided. Nothing particularly worthy of record was elicited respecting either the states or statistics of the churches represented.

A letter was received from Congleton requesting ministerial assistance in the absence of their own minister, whose avocations call him frequently from home.

It was resolved,-That Mr. D. Gathorpe visit Congleton, and preach for them on Lord's-day, 26th instant, and that brethren Stocks and Minshall join him on the following day to have an interview with the members of the church, to ascertain their state and prospects, and make such arrangements for the furtherance of the cause as may be needful.

The friends at Stockport also, sent a letter expressive of their need of a suitable minister. All the meeting could do was to express its deep sympathy with the friends at Stockport, and recommend them to apply for ministerial aid to sister churches, and the Conference advises those churches which may be thus applied to, to afford a supply for, at least, one Sabbath in half the year, free of expense, to the Stockport church.

The brethren at Audlem are most affectionately requested to reconsider their resolution.

R. Stocks preached in the morning from Phil. ii. 16, Holding forth the word of life,' &c.; and in the evening from John i. 29. Behold the Lamb of God,' &c., after which a collection was made for the Home Mission.

The next Conference to be held at Audlem on Good Friday 1852. R. Stocks to preach in the morning, and a Home Missionary meeting to be held in the evening.

THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Shore, Sep. 29th, 1851. In the morning

at half-past ten, Mr. Thos. Horsfield of Bradford opened the public worship by reading the Scriptures, and prayer; and Mr. M. Shore of Manchester preached from Psa. lxxxvii. 3.

At two p. m., the large company of christian friends re-assembled, when Mr. R. Hardy prayed, and Mr. Wm. Robertshaw was called to preside.

The first church at Bradford presented a written report by Mr. T. Horsfield, who has removed from Sheffield, and has become their stated minister. Their congregations are improving, and they have many enquirers, especially from the Sabbath school. They have meetings and preachings four evenings in the week, besides those on the Lord's-day; and they have services in the open air both on the Lord'sday and week-day.

The second church at Bradford presented a very encouraging report. Their number at present is about forty-five. They expressed their grateful sense of obligation for ministerial aid, and for Mr Thos. Horsfield administering the Lord's-supper to them. They purpose to commence building, in a short time, a commodious and spacious room for the worship of God and the Sabbath school, as they suffer very much for want of this privilege.

An unanimous resolution was again adopted, that all churches applying for financial relief from the Fund of the Home Mission, must furnish to the Conference a particular account of their receipts and disbursements.

The Secretary of the Conference received a vote of approbation for his correspondence with the Secretary for the Derby and Castle Donington Districts on this subject.

A letter was received from the church at Strangeways, Manchester, memorializing the Conference on the engagements made to assist them. Mr. M. Shore gave a pleasing report of the opening of their new chapel, and of their encouraging prospects.

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