have great occasion to read David's, waiting for the coming of the Lord? O psalms of praise. I thank God that in this uncertain world he certainly gives me much of his goodness. It not only passes before me, it abides. But I have still an unsatisfied wish; with his favours, I want more of Himself—-more of that spirit which has the most powerful and divine influence over the heart.""I sat down late the other night, with no other object than to think for a few minutes on the peculiarities of my lot, and constitution of my mind. Constitutional sins were soon the subject, and I concluded that few, perhaps none, had more sins to mourn over and contend with than myself. I mourn that I mourn not." On the subject of prayer and divine ordinances she writes-"So much are we the creatures of habit, that we can scarcely think we pray, unless we enter into our closet and pray in secret; but while this is so desirable, let us rejoice that in every place we are within a sigh's reach of heaven, and that there is no place in which our hearts may not be pervaded by a spirit of prayer." "Every retiring Sabbath seems to have increased solemnity added to its departing hours, leaving one less for religious improvement and preparation for an eternal state. But in the midst of unimproved means and slighted best days, we may still say Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love! I really could not help feeling happy today, from enjoying some sweet hope that the sacrifice for my sins, which I could not make, is made for me. Every thing which Christ did and suffered I feel I require. He is my dearest Lord, and I desire to love him more." Our departed friend was frequently depressed by the prospect of death, and in her later correspondence and conversations made frequent allusions to it, although she does not appear to have had the least presentiment of her own approaching departure. Referring to some recent instances of death, she inquires of a friend, "And who is led by these events to prepare, and to live grave ! where is thy victory? May we not reply, Every where? Death is so solemn, no wonder we feel an irresistible dread. Dr. Watts had very exalted and exhilarating views of future felicity, and yet he sings, That arful day will surely come, &c. I wonder that the mysterious and awful future does not seize on the minds of men, and hold them in constant and fearful anxiety; may I not add, if without a well-founded hope, in horror? I am frequently writing bitter things against myself, because I do not find the bias of my heart and affections spontaneously towards God; and forget (though I would not remember it as an excuse) that the flesh warreth against the Spirit-this clog of clay which I dare not lay down. O my friend, sin so mars and spoils, that we need something more purifying than nitre to cleanse away the subtle intermixture. The Mahomedans use frequent ablutions of water in their far oftener need to use the ablution of religious exercises; the Christian has the blood of Christ." Again she writes-"I used to think these lines extremely beautiful, and so they are poetically, but not practically; There is a calm for those who weep, A rest for weary pilgrims found, but now I do not think it so calm to feel nothing-so very sweet to sleep with corruption. The Christian dreads death, yet longs for happiness. O that fearful launch across the river of death!" During the vacation at Christmas, 1828, she paid a visit to some beloved relatives at Hastings, hoping that change of scene would tend to benefit her then rather declining health. She seemed revived and benefited thereby, and on her return, though still unwell, prepared for entering on her active duties again; but God, in his mysterious, though allwise providence, had otherwise determined. At this period she writes-"I lately spent an evening at Mr. U.'s. He in vited us to realize the future meeting in afterwards referred as consolatory to heaven, about which we had been sing- her mind, and in some degree realized Ing. He spoke of our meeting there in in her experience. terms which afforded me sweet anticipation. I could not then, nor can I now restrain the tear. It is a theme which reaches the well-spring of my feelings; my hopes and fears are bound up in it." Unceasing prayers were offered for her recovery, but her time was come to die. On Friday afternoon, Feb. 27, 1829, her afflicted relatives witnessed her departure from this vale of tears, they doubt not, to "enter into the joy of the Lord." Little did she imagine she was so soon to be there! Her indisposition increas- She was interred in the burial ground ed, made rapid strides, and soon confined of the Baptist meeting, St. Albans, her to her room. Her disorder (typhus March 4, and on the following Sabbath fever) was of that distressing nature funeral sermons for her were preached which deprived her friends in great to crowded auditories; in the morning, measure of opportunities of conversa- at the Baptist chapel, by Rev. W. Uption; but while sensible she was calm, and no repining word escaped her lips. On the last visit of the writer, she asked him to remind her of some passage of Scripture on which she might meditate not the Judge of all the earth do right?" in her affliction. He mentioned, "Thou" The memory of the just is blessed." wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee;" to which she ton, from Isaiah xxvi. 3., and in the St. Albans. W. U. INTELLIGENCE. DOMESTIC. Recent Deaths. Died June 28, after a short illness, aged 63 years, Mr. William Wilkins, of Dilton's Marsh, Wilts, and member of the Baptist church at Westbury Leigh. Seldom, perhaps, has any private member of a Christian Died on Tuesday the 21st inst. at Chard, church been more signally useful. From aged 66, the Rev. John Toms, nearly 30 the period he first felt the value of his own years the beloved pastor of the Baptist soul to the time of his dissolution, he was Church in that town. The life and labours engaged, as opportunities occurred, in reof this excellent man terminated together. commending to others that Redeemer who He preached twice as usual on the pre- was so precious to himself. He sowed by ceding Sabbath, and while returning home the side of all waters, and the great Husfrom his chapel, was seized with apoplexy bandman did not suffer him to labour in of which he expired in 48 hours. It is vain. As his life was eminently useful, so remarkable that his morning's discourse was his end was emphatically peace. founded on Matt. xxiv. 44. Be ye also ready," in improvement of the sudden removal of a lady in his congregation. THE WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODISTS. We have received a letter from Mr. W. Jones of Pulhely, complaining that the account of Mr. W. Jones' ordination at Llangefni, in our last Number," contains an unmerited stigma cast on the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists." they On Monday the 29th July, died at Cranbrook in Kent, Mr. Thomas Ollive, for nearly forty years a member and officer in the Baptist Church there. His integrity and benevolence were highly respected, and the intelligence of his death produced in the neighbourhood an almost universal expres- In opposition to the statement that " sion of esteem, "he was a good man.' His are instructed by an uneducated ministry,' funeral sermon was preached on the ensuing he affirms, "that some were educated at Sabbath by Mr. Exall of Tenterden, from Oxford, and very many indeed are good Isa. xxvii. 5. to a crowded congregation. Welsh and English scholars, and that there " is as much scholarship amongst the Calvi-sent occasion, and to know the love of God nistic Methodists as there is amongst the other sects." That so far from "the spirit of antinomianism pervading the country," he observes, "that there are antinomians in North Wales preaching with the Calvinistic Methodists; this I flatly and fearlessly contradict." And that they are not under the influence of "prejudice against other sects," or destitute of "the social virtues," he bears the following pleasing testimony : They also join hand and heart with the other sects, to carry on the object of the Bible Society, and I can speak from repeated and constant experience of the town where I reside, that they are as liberal in their donations towards the mission, and building cases of others, as others are to them. Further, did not the Calvinistic Methodists at Llangefni prove themselves possessed of the social virtues, in their kind and liberal entertainment of our ministers and others, at our yearly Association which was held in June last in their town? And I will also observe that our yearly Association for Carnarvonshire, was held in the same month in our town, and several respectable families of the Calvinistic Methodists sent to me, as it is customary with them on similar occasions, to offer beds and entertainment for our ministers. Last year our yearly Association for this county was held at Carnarvon, and the Calvinistic Methodists kindly lent us their commodious chapel on the occasion." shed abroad in our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have been favoured to proceed with the usual, yet important business of this meeting in brotherly harmony, and have felt that our spiritual strength has been renewed by thus uniting in religious travail for the best welfare of our Society. Amidst the ordinary engagements of this meeting, we have received accounts of the sufferings of our members, in support of our Christian testimony against tithes and other ecclesiastical demands, as well as in consequence of a few claims for military purposes; the amount thus reported is upwards of 13,8001. In proceeding to unfold the Christian solicitude which has prevailed in this meeting, we would express an earnest desire that the confidence of all our dear brethren and sisters may be humbly, yet firmly, fixed upon God. He changeth not; bis compassions "are new every morning;" his promises are sure; and "his kingdom ruleth over all." His "word is settled in heaven," and his "faithfulness is unto all generations." His name "is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." It pleased the Father, in his abundant mercy and love to the human race, in their fallen and lost estate, to give his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Oh! then, that not one amongst us may, by neglecting or undervaluing this blessed meaus, come short of that rest which is prepared for the people of God. May we all, in true and living faith, accept the Saviour of men as our Redeemer and deliverer from the thraldom of sin. "In Him dwelleth all the It is no part of our design to ascertain the precise point of correctness in these counter statements of our correspondents with respect to the above particulars; but we think it our duty to state that we regretfulness of the Godhead bodily;" He is that the insertion of the obnoxious paragraph. eternal Word which in the beginning was The paper was received just at the close of with God, and was God; and who was made the month, and in the hurry of our editorial flesh, and dwelt among men. He offered duties, a thing well understood by those who himself a sacrifice for our transgressions, are in the habit of conducting a periodical "the just for the unjust;" "we have repress, it passed through our hands without demption through his blood, even the fordue notice, or we should certainly have giveness of sins." He, our ever-living drawn our pen over it. Intercessor and "Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," " is passed into the heavens," and "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” It is neither consistent with our principles, nor, we trust, with our practice, to make the record of the divine goodness to our own denomination, the medium of conveying to the public an unfavourable impression respecting others, towards whom we hope ever to stand, not in the attitude of rivals and censors, but of friends and brethren, and workers together with God.-ED. These sacred and essential truths of the Christian religion were the faith of our early predecessors, and have been uniformly upheld by our Society, from their day to the present period. It is a cause of thankfulness to us, that we can entertain the full persuasion that these truths are dear to THE YEARLY EPISTLE OF THE SOCIETY Friends in this land, in Ireland, and on the OF FRIENDS. DEAR FRIENDS, WE are reverently thankful that we have been permitted to meet together on the pre American continent; although we have to mourn over many on the other side of the Atlantic, once in fellowship with us, who have widely departed from the truth of the Gospel. The epistolary intercourse with | which shine forth in the conduct of the true our dear, brethren in those countries has and practical believer in the Christian relibeen maintained at this time to our instruc-gion. If we seek first the kingdom of God tion and comfort. and his righteousness, we shall be instructed by the example of pious men, but not blind to their infirmities; comforted by their society, but not dependent upon it; helped by religious conversation, but not disposed to enter into it hastily or superficially. If we are concerned aright for the cultivation and cleansing of our own hearts, impressed with the importance of our own stewardship unto God, and duly sensible of our own sins, and great need of forgiveness from Him, we shall become very cautious how we converse on the failings of others, and anxious not to violate that charity which is enjoined upon all; that love which is the true badge of In contemplating those highly important truths to which we have already adverted, we are renewedly convinced of the great need there is for a deep and constant sense of the infinite power and wisdom of God, and of the very limited faculties of the human mind. We ought to meditate on these things in humility and sincerity of heart; and reverently and fervently to desire that our understandings may be illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Then will our faith in their vital importance become more firmly established, and our hearts glow more and more with gratitude to God, for the inestimable blessings provided for us in the Gos-discipleship. pel of life and salvation. We are thankful that, as a Christian people, we are, through divine mercy, one in faith; but how highly incumbent is it that we should be individually concerned, not only to accept in simplicity the doctrinal truths of Holy Scripture, but earnestly to strive that we may be coming up in the practice of every Christian virtue! Look then unto Christ, dear friends, we beseech you; that you may come to know him to "dwell in your hearts by faith," and to rule there by the power of his blessed and eternal Spirit. Be awakened to the necessity of "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Let the knowledge of your proneness by nature to transgress the law of the Lord, incite you to seek after a death unto siu and a new birth unto righteousness; and ever remember, that it is by faith and repentance, by prayer and obedience, that the work of sanctification is to be carried forward. He that is concerned to live as becomes a consistent Christian (a character to which we all ought to aspire), will often meditate upon the precepts and example of our bless ed Lord and Saviour: precepts which, as they regulate the life of man, increase his happiness and usefulness, prepare him to neet with patience the trials incident to humanity, and to look forward to a participation in those joys which shall be hereafter revealed. And as we are enabled to follow, though at a distance, the great and perfect pattern set before us in the Gospel, the heart becomes expanded in love to God and man; and all those passions and dispositions are kept in subjection, the unrestrained indulgence of which destroys the peace and harmony of civil and religious society. The humble endeavour to observe the precepts of the Gospel leads to purity of heart and conduct; it induces strict integrity in all our transactions, and gives rise to the exercise of that meekness and charity A real hunger and thirst after righteousness will lead us gladly to embrace all opportunities of meeting together for the pub. lic worship of Almighty God. We shall then feel it to be one of our greatest privileges thus to draw near unto Him, and to unite in waiting upon and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. We shall rejoice to seek after the influence of his love and power, and to pour out our souls in secret supplication for the continuance of his blessing and preservation. At this time we have in an especial manner felt the advantage of being constant in availing ourselves of those opportunities which are afforded us in the course of the week of coming before Him; occasions when wo are called upon to withdraw from the cares and perplexities of life, and to seek the Lord and his strength. Nor will our approaches to the throne of grace be confined to the attendance of religious meetings. Impressed with the benefit and the need of a daily supply of heavenly help, we shall be often seeking for the renewal of our spiritual strength; and in our private retirements, as well as in select opportunities in our families, for this purpose, as also for reading the Holy Scriptures and the writings of pious authors, we shall seek to be imbued with a deep sense of the power and presence of the Almighty. Discouragements of various kinds may prevail and abound in the course of our pilgrimage; but how obvious are the danger and folly of relaxing to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!" And such are his condescension and goodness, that he at times permits those who put their whole trust in Him, consolingly to feel that there are no joys like unto the joy of his salvation. The great importance of cultivating true piety and virtue, is what we are at this time concerned earnestly to press upon every one. If this become, as it ought to be, the main object of our lives, the fruit of the Spirit will be apparent. But we are constantly to bear in mind, that this is not the place of our rest. The warfare must be maintained; we can at no period put off the armour with safety; we have an unwearied enemy to contend with, whose temptations are diversified, subtle, and insidious; the path of life is an arduous one; but, thanks be unto Him who is omnipotent, his grace is all-sufficient. As he is daily sought unto, he strengtheneth our souls, and increaseth our confidence in Him; and if we faint not, but persevere unto the end, he will give the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. "Unto Him," then, "that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by JOSIAH FORSTER, ORDINATIONS, &c. FFYNON, PEMBROKESHIRE. On Wednesday, May 20, brethren Theophilus Thomas and Richard Phillips were ordained co-pastors of the Baptist church at Ffynon, in the county of Pembroke. At ten, A.M. brother D. Phillips of Pennel, commenced the public service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; brother W. Havard delivered the introductory discourse; brother T. Williams, Salem, offered up the ordination prayer; brother T. Jones, Rhydwylim, delivered the charge to the young ministers, from Acts xx. 28.; brother H. Davies, Llangloffan, addressed the church from 1 Cor. iv. 1.; and brother J. H. Thomas, Moleston, preached to the congregation at large (chiefly in English) from Matt. xiii. 31, 32. and concluded in prayer. Divine service was conducted in the same place the previous evening, when three of the brethren were set apart to the office of deacons. Brethren M. Morris, T. Jones, B. Thomas, and S. Evans, were severally engaged in the different exercises of this interesting service. The divine presence was manifestly enjoyed on the occasion, and the very large assembly, about 2000 persons appeared deeply impressed by the solemnities of the services. ROAD, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. July 15, Mr. Jayne, late of Campden, was recognized the pastor of the Baptist church at Road, Northamptonshire. Mr. Barker of Towcester proposed the questions; Mr. Gray of Northampton addressed the minister from Col. i. 28; and Mr. Simmons of Olney the church, from 1 Thess. v. 13; and Mr. Cuttriss of Ridgmount preached in the evening from Matt. vii. 11. Mr. Smith, Bristol student, Mr. Knowles of Hackleton, Mr. Hands, Missionary from Bellory, Mr. Wheeler of Bugbrook, Mr. Howlett of Burford, Mr. Clark of Long Buckby, and Mr. Steers of Cranfield, were also engaged in the other services of the day. It is earnestly hoped that the edifying discourses and the delightful devotions of this occasion, may long be in the profitable remembrance of the large assembly present. LEIGHTON BUZZARD. or On Thursday, June 25th, the Rev. Edward Adey, late a student of the Newport Pagnell Evangelical Institution, was dained pastor of the Baptist Church at Leighton Buzzard, Beds. The Rev. Thomas Terry, of Princes Risborough, commenced by reading and prayer. The Rev. J. Brooks, of Fenny Stratford, explained the principles of nonconformity. The exaMiddleditch, of Biggleswade. The Rev. T. mination was conducted by the Rev. T. ordination prayer; the Rev. T. P. Bull, Uppendine, of Hammersmith, offered up the Tutor of Mr. Adey, delivered an appropriate charge from 1 Cor. ix. 17. Daniels, of Luton, addressed the church from Phil. ii. 2. « Fulfil ye my joy." And the Rev. M. Castleden of Woburn, concluded the solemn services of the morning. The hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Aston, Denton, Gunn, Hitchin, Phillips, Skeen and Wayne (Independents,) The Rev. Samuel Hillyard of Bedford, preached at night, and the Rev. Samuel Hobson of Maulden, at the preparatory service the preceding evening. The Rev. E. and gratifying, and the attendance numeroas The engagements of the day were solemn and respectable. The friends of this interest desire to record their gratitude to the Great Head of the church for the enjoyment of peace and the appearance of prosperity. happy to state that the increased number of hearers, renders an enlargement of the Meeting-house desirable and necessary. RAMSEY. We are On Thursday, Aug. 4th, Mr. Titus Jenkins, late of Stepney Academy, was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Ramsey, Huntingdonshire. The Rev. J. Dobson of |
