£123 6s. 6d., notwithstanding the hardness of the times. The Woodstock Ladies' Association nobly contributed £12, that of Beamsville £7 15s. 3d., and that of Kingston £7 12s. 6d. The following is the

REPORT OF THE MONTREAL LADIES' ASSOCIATION.

Seriously as the different religious associations have suffered in the course of the past year from the great pecuniary distress of the community, the committee of the Montreal Ladies' Swiss Mission Association feel they have much cause for thankfulness that their feeble efforts have been in a measure crowned with success.

Semi-monthly meetings have been held, the attendance at which has averaged fifteen. Again have the committee had to return sincere thanks to their sisters in England for a renewed manifestation of deep felt interest in the prosperity of the Grande Ligne Mission, in transmitting three boxes of useful and fancy articles, from the disposal of which the sum of £18 11s. 9d. has been realized.

£5 have also been received from James Inglis, Esq., of Dumfermline (Scotland); and £3 from the Ladies' Association at Breadalbane.

Very liberal donations of useful and fancy articles from Messrs. Rennie and Greig of Lodi, New Jersey; and friends at Brockville and Beamsville, have likewise tended much to stimulate the committee to renewed exertions.

Circulars have been sent to the different churches throughout the Canadas, with a view to stir up their members to the formation of branch societies.

The entire results of the labours of the association during the year amount to £123 6s. 6 d., which, although small when contrasted with the great demands of the mission, are, nevertheless, in these depressed times, perhaps more than might have been reasonably expected.

The treasurer's accounts will show that the society has not run further in debt, but has reduced its liabilities by £600, still, however, leaving £336 6s. 6d. due to the treasurer, besides the sum of £800 in unsettled accounts, making a total of £1136 6s. 6d., of which upwards of £1000 is due to the society for monies advanced and liabilities incurred to sustain the Grande Ligne

Mission.

In view of the existing difficulties, which were all brought on in well-meant endeavours to carry on the Swiss missions, and to provide a building for theological and general education, the friends of the society cannot but feel deeply anxious. Yet there is hope, for in God's kind providence the generous and combined efforts of his servants may work deliverance, and this great mountain may

become a plain. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." The cause, we trust, is his, and he can provide for all its necessities. His holy and blessed will be done. "It may be that the Lord will work for us; for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few."

ASIA.

BRITISH CONNEXION WITH IDOLATRY AT

POOREE.

Our General Baptist brethren in Orissa have addressed to us a letter on this subject, to which we willingly give publicity. It is signed by Messrs. Lacey, Stubbins, Wilkinson, Bacheler, Brooks, Buckley, Bailey, and Miller. It is as follows:

"We shall be much obliged by your inserting in the Baptist Magazine the following resolution unanimously passed at the annual conference of the Orissa baptist missionaries, held at Cuttack from December 25th, 1848, to January 6th, 1849.

"Resolved,-That we cannot separate without tinuance by the government of India of the annual again recording our solemn conviction that the condonation to the temple at Pooree, is not only entirely unnecessary as it has been admitted by competent authorities, after the most careful examination of official documents, that no pledge whatever exists for the continuance of such donation, but that it is a heinous sin in the sight of Him by whom kings reign and princes decree justice,' directly or respectfully but earnestly implore the enlightened indirectly to support idolatry; and that we inost rulers of this country, the blessings of whose rule we cheerfully admit, and for the protection enjoyed by whose government we are sincerely thankful, to withdraw from all connexion with idolatry and its polluted shrines, but especially from the shrine at Pooree, the pilgrimage to which has been the occaand the worship at which is associated with every sion of incalculable suffering and destruction of life, thing abhorrent to God and degrading to man.'

EUROPE.

so, perhaps, the influence which these changes have had upon our religious condition and development. I can say in general, that though a dreadful degree of impiety has been manifest in the political struggles, yet this was not so much the result of the latter as the breaking out of a state long before existing, but subdued by power. But as the Lord overrules all things to the best for his elect, so in this case the furious struggle of political parties turned out to the liberty of God's people in a degree which heretofore had been quite unheard of. Surely this was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our sight. I am quite sure that this was the main reason why God has dealt so wonderfully with us in the past year.

I may be permitted to relate our special experience in this respect, which will give to our British brethren a fair specimen of the general tendency of the movement. Though in the year 1847 we had got some laws which seemed to give religious liberty in a very high degree, it was only in appearance. In fact, new chains were forged, and the ruling power was so obstinate in securing the privileges of the state clergy and to subdue all free development that we looked at the future with anxiety. We agreed to do our utmost to secure us such a degree of liberty as we must conscientiously demand to fulfil our duties to God. We resolved to ask an audience of our king, in the hope to touch his heart, and to lay before him the real state of things; for all petitions by letter had proved in vain as yet, and oppressions and fines went on their old course. We were, however, refused our desire, and told that we should ask in a letter what we wanted. Thus we were again placed in our old state, and very little hope was left of a change for the better. We, notwithstanding, followed once more that course, and drew up a petition, and when this was given in we held prayer-meetings daily to assault the throne of grace for a favourable result of our petition. Just about this time the French revolution broke out. A dear Christian brother came to us from the Rhine, who had been zealously engaged to form several independent churches there, but had experienced there the greatest persecutions also, and was now come on purpose to ask likewise an audience of the king, to find help there in his and his brethren's great distress. This also was refused. While he was still in our house, the storm broke out in our streets. We saw from our windows the bloodshed and the slaughter, and we thought it best that as quickly as possible he should try to get out of town and to his remote home. We took a very affectionate leave, not knowing how all this would turn out. We did not think in the least that this was our Lord's dealing in reply to our present petitions to his throne. But he knew full well what he would do. It was on the 19th VOL. XII.-FOURTH SERIES.

of March, the day when the victory of the people was completed, that we opened our new chapel, of which, before this, there was very little hope; so much we had been brought back in our hopes and liberties. But now all was granted at once, our long and fervent prayers heard above, and help granted in a way and manner we the least expected. Since that time we have not had the least care for our liberty, we have enjoyed it in the fullest extent, and have very fervently and frequently blessed the Lord for his wonderful works, and have hailed a movement which has given us so glorious results.

Since that time our political scenes have changed very materially. The re-action has overcome decidedly, and all goes on retrograde. Yet our religious liberty has not been impaired as yet at all. Political partic are too much on the alert against each other to take notice of us; but we are not without apprehensions that if the former powers and persons get the ascendency, our religious liberty, also, will once more be enclosed and limited. Yet we have too much experienced the power and grace of our Lord to doubt his willingness to care for us, and to be a steady help for us, therefore we fear not.

We have had then many spiritual enjoyments in our churches, and while the world was enraged in furious struggles we could have sweet peace and dwell in love's home. Many children have been born to the Lord, new churches were formed, and new spheres opened for spreading the glad tidings of salvation. Even in Vienna and Hungary, the old fortresses of catholicism and superstition, the Lord opened doors, and our dear brethren, Oncken and Hinrichs, preached there freely to great numbers of people, who listened with the greatest attention to the never-heard-of message of peace. But there, indeed, the new re-action has powerfully stopped the progress of the gospel, and this is an instance of what we may expect, if everywhere they succeed so well as in Austria. Our brother Hinrichs was compelled to quit Vienna, on certain old laws which forbid, by penalty of death, anabaptists to appear in that good and faithful town.

"We cannot deny, however, that the interests of people at large were so much drawn to politics that they were much drawn away from religion, or with our great liberty, now enjoyed, we should have had much more glorious results than we have had indeed. But it seems that now, after the hot season of revolutions has much given way to the re-action, also religion enters more into its paramount claims. We have made similar experience of that in all our churches, and the present year bids fair to become one of great harvest, so that our expectations are vast indeed. I may give further below some specimens of it.

As to our organization, I thought it highly

23

important to unite our churches on the continent as closely as possible. And as at first this would not prosper so well, I began at least to have our churches in Prussia brought together. In this I succeeded so far that in the month of July last I had the delight of seeing in Berlin representatives of most of our churches in Prussia. This was a time of great refreshing and very important. We formed a union or association, which we called, Die vereinigten Gemeinen getaufter Christen in Preussen' (The united churches of baptized Christians in Prussia). We resolved to write quarterly letters, and compose of these a quarterly report; there are now two of these, and I should feel pleasure to send you these, which would give you an interesting view of the condition of our churches, but they are printed in German, and translating them would be an immense labour. The spirit of life and love breathes in them, and they are very much welcomed here by our brethren.

"This example stirred up our brethren at large, and the result was, that in the month of January of the present year we had the great delight of seeing together in Hamburg fifty-five representatives of baptist churches of all Germany and Denmark, when we had a season of the highest spiritual enjoyments we can recollect, and resolutions were carried which will tend to our great mutual benefit. We organized a General Union of Baptist Churches in all Germany and Denmark, with the purpose of union, confession, missions, and statistics. The union is divided into four great districts, each of a particular association; viz., Prussia (Berlin). North-western Germany (Hamburg), Middle and South Germany (Eimbeck), and Denmark (Copenhagen). Thus we hope with united power to stand stronger against the mighty. carried many important resolutions concerning the guidance of our churches and their practice, and had a season of abundant refreshing, the Lord eminently in our midst. The last day was just the birthday of our father in Christ and beloved brother Oncken, who thus saw renewed his efforts for the glory of the Redeemer, and the salvation of souls. We then had a tea-meeting, and a joy and harmony prevailed which was overwhelming and never to be forgotten. We hope great and glorious results from the said union.

We

"Our present prospects are very bright indeed. Just now I am informed that our dear brother Oncken baptized, last sabbath but one, ten believers. I had the privilege of administering that ordinance to nine about the same time. Last week I made a journey to one of our stations, Tornow, some thirty miles distant, and I was overwhelmed by the grace and power of the Lord here manifested. Several were awakened and converted, others under deep concern for salvation. But

as soon as, in the first meeting, I opened my mouth, there burst forth such a degree of power from above, just as in the house of Cornelius; and indeed after we closed and held an examination, we found that from convincing evidence we were bound to receive into fellowship all the present hearers and friends who were among the brethren, eleven in number. We then proceeded to a beautiful lake, when, under the deepest emotions, I baptized these dear converts, and returned; we broke bread under such great feelings as the astonishing circumstances must inspire. I spent several days there, organized the station into a separate church, under the guidance of Mr. August Ahendroth, now consisting of twenty-five members, but under such auspices as lead to the expectation of a great increase in short time. I then visited Stettin, where I found the church again very prosperous; our dear brother Elvin from Hamburg, who so much labours for the Sunday schools, was there, and had in a few weeks gathered so many children (155), and brought all in such a nice order that it was very gratifying and promising. I preached there twice on the sabbath, and broke bread with the brethren, reaching the hand of fellowship to four new disciples, and an overwhelming feeling of the presence of the Lord prevailed. How many pressing hands and other tokens of the sweetest love in Jesus were felt and evinced!

Now returned to Berlin, I find invitations and claims from all quarters; and my time will be so fully engaged for the next months, that I do not know what will become of our church here, which, of course, must be my chief object, and where very hardly I can get away, especially on sabbath days, when meetings are crowded, so that our chapel will be too small very soon, and we must think seriously of enlarging it, which was provided for already in its construction. Only means will be wanted, or else I should begin even in the present year; for truly white is the harvest, and in a short time I shall have the joy of baptizing at least twelve other believers, who are anxiously waiting for it.

"Allow me, dear Sir, once more to express through your report my most cordial thanks for all the kindness I experienced in your blessed and beloved country, and for the rich donations by which we have been enabled to build a house for the Lord and our refuge. O how happy we are here! remote from the bustle and noise of the multitude, and yet not far at all from the centre of the city. Our hearts are gladdened whenever we see our little Zion; and our souls are enlarged when we think on what will become of all this still.

"May the Lord abundantly bless all the dear churches of your country, and may they all go on in the strength of the Lord.

Your very affectionate brother, G. W. LEHMANN.

NEW CHURCH.

WINDMILL STREET, FINSBURY SQUARE.

The somewhat ancient place of worship, said to be a relic of old Bethlehem hospital, which has been known as Windmill Street chapel, but is now called Hope Chapel, has an interest in the eyes of baptist brethren, William Jones, the author of the Biblical Cyclopædia and other works, having occupied its pulpit for many years. It has been in various hands since his decease, but it has now been taken by an infant church that has sprung up in the neighbourhood, the members of which have lately become united on baptist principles.

It was re-opened for worship on Sunday, March 25th, when the following ministers, J. Rothery, of Hoxton, J. Wheeler, pastor of the church, and J. Angus, secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society, preached on behalf of the cause.

A tea and public meeting was held on the following Tuesday evening; there was a very encouraging attendance, and the interest of the meeting was well sustained by the excellent addresses of several ministers and friends.

It may be interesting to detail briefly the history of the cause. The minister was formerly a member of Mr. Baptist Noel's congregation, under whose ministry, through divine grace, he was brought to an early decision for Christ, and he was for many years engaged as a teacher in the Sunday schools connected with St. John's chapel. In 1839 he became associated with some brethren who supplied preaching-stations in various poor districts of London, which were supported by the then existing Metropolitan Missionary Society. His attention was more particularly directed in 1840 to a part of Bethnal Green, near Shoreditch. Here an evening service was for some time kept up in a neighbouring schoolroom, and various visits paid amongst the poor. In 1842 a city missionary, labouring in the neighbourhood of the Curtain Road, earnestly requested his assistance in raising a Sunday-school. The request was complied with, after deliberation and prayer. One or two Christian friends were found willing to help, between thirty and forty children were gathered in a room in James's Street, where the missionary held his meetings, and thus the school was commenced. As it increased it demanded all Mr. Wheeler's attention. A week evening and Sunday morning service were also commenced, and it was soon clearly advisable to add a Sunday evening service.

was consequently given up, and the few already gathered by the preaching of the word now met for worship at James's Street.

Six of these who had thus been brought to a profession of the truth, were shortly after united in Christian fellowship on independent principles, at a neighbouring chapel, one or two ministerial brethren taking part in the proceedings. In a little time it became necessary to seek another place in which to assemble, and rooms were engaged in Mark Street affording better accommodation. There, since November 1842, the friends have continued to meet, and, with the assistance of a few private subscriptions, the school has been maintained, til its average attendance has increased to between ninety and a hundred children on Sunday afternoons. Although the church has not had a rapid growth, yet the Lord has continued to manifest his presence and blessing, sanctifying the place as a little Bethel. The number of members at the present time is twenty-four, the last added was one of the first boys admitted into the school.

At the beginning of the past year the minds of one and another of the brethren were convinced of the obligation they were under, as disciples of Christ, of submitting to the ordinance of baptism. Mr. W. had always dissented from the established church on the question of infant sprinkling; he had desired, agreeably to the wish of his pastor, to minister within its pale, but his opinions on this point had been an insuperable difficulty. Observation and reflection had also latterly convinced him of the unscriptural character of the union of church and state. Having, however, been sprinkled as an adult, upon a profession of faith, he had the greatest difficulty in seeing the necessity of immersion in his own case; but conversation, thought, and prayer, were at length the means of convincing him that he had never been really baptized, and therefore that the command of his Lord remained to be obeyed, more especially by him as an exampie to the flock. Rothery, of Buttesland Street, having been instrumental in producing this decision, and having taken a very kind interest in this little church, arrangements were made with him for the baptism of Mr. Wheeler and seven of his members. The service was conducted at Providence chapel, Shoreditch; several brethren in the ministry were present, some taking part. It was felt to be a season of great refreshing from the presence of the Lord, but by none more so than by the pastor himself. Since that occasion seven others have been immersed, another had been baptized many years back, but had for a time declined from the ways of the Lord.

Mr.

These baptisms were soon after followed by the determination to have a weekly communion; and it is remarkable that since obe