to all the churches in the Connexion:To the General Baptist Church at DEAR BRETHREN.-As the Committee of privileges for the present year, we have felt it to be our duty to meet, for the purpose of considering the government scheme of educa tion, and have unanimously resolved : That conscientiously disapproving of the principle of state interference in the education of the people,- we earnestly recommend the churches of the New Connexion promptly and vigorously to oppose the plan of government education, as developed in the Minutes of Council. We do not dictate any specific mode of action to the churches, but suppose that generally they will at least petition against this unconstitutional and dangerous measure, and we therefore annex a brief form for your adoption, if approved. We are, Yours fraternally, (Signed) G. W. PEGG, Sec. London, March 19, 1847. REVIEW. THE RECORDS OF A CHURCH OF CHRIST, meeting in Broadmead, Bristol, 16401687. Edited for the Hansard Knollys Society, with an Historical Introduction, by EDWARD BEAN UNDErhill. 8vo. pp. 500. Haddon, London. We were THE present aspect of this country in relation to ecclesiastical affairs, and the progress of religious freedom and independence, does not promise the continuance and enlargement of our liberties. In the simplicity of our hearts we have regarded the domain of conscience as having become sacred, and her rights as established by the labours, sufferings, and resolution of our forefathers. even certain of the speedy advancement of public feeling and legislation in the right direction; and ventured to anticipate a period, not very remote, when christianity, emancipated from the trammels of state connection and mere priestism, would go forth through the length and breadth of the land, to cheer and bless mankind by her heavenly gifts; and also when with renewed power and effect the light and liberty of the gospel should radiate from this land to every part of the world. We may have been mistaken-at any rate, if we have not, it is clear that these things will not be effected without a series of severe struggles. Frequent and vigorous efforts are and will be requisite to retain our present position. The aristocracy, whatever may be the liberal names by which certain of its members seek to gloze themselves withal, is pledged to the support of the established hierarchy, and strongly inclined to favour their pretensions to spiritual despotism. Even Lord John Russel, who was once thought to be liberal towards dissent, and friendly to freedom, is perhaps more inclined to Erastianism and spiritual domination than some of the high tory lords. If he is not himself a Puseyite-it is certain he countenances by his attendance at a Puseyite place, forms of worship so similar to Romish idolatry, that the papists themselves can scarcely discern the difference. What can dissenters expect from such men, but chicanery, snares, and bondage? Ever and anon they have had to struggle for the maintenance of their freedom, and they will yet have to contend more and more. It will become necessary to read with renewed earnestness the book of martyrs-the history of the nonconformists and puritans of the past-and to familiarize our minds with the workings and misdeeds of intolerant and persecuting prelates, in order to realize the evils of Star Chamber rule, and of spiritual despotism, and to fire the mind with a due measure of that bold and daring resistance to the nefarious schemes of a jesuitical govern. ment, which will be needful to prevent their success. Our present liberties were not obtained without the greatest firmness and martyr-devotion: and it will require a large portion of the same spirit to maintain and extend them against a power which is essentially selfish, antichristian, and despotic. The publications of the Hanserd Knollys Society, will, we trust, do good service in this work. When they were projected we were gratified; and felt that the preservation of the first treatises on religious freedom-and condemnatory of persecution, together with some notices of their authors and the ti: es when they lived, might be exceedingly interesting. But we see more than this use in them. In the coming struggles, they will be an armory, whence the friends of freedom may draw many a quiver, and from which they may be prepared with panoply complete for the tug of war. Success, then, to such societies! May they have plenty of supporters -readers and admirers ! and may the conflict, whenever it shall come, demonstrate to the foes of freedom that its friends appreciate its value-are able to establish its righteousand will successfully overturn all who shall rise up against it! ness, The present beautifully-printed volume constitutes the second for the year 1846, which are forwarded to subscribers of ten shillings and sixpence per annum. Vastly cheap in. REVIEW. deed, and deeply interesting. The former volume, containing Tracts on Liberty of Conscience and l'ersecution, with an historical introduction, was noticed in our pages in July last. The one now before us contains an historical introduction, embracing the period from 1640 to 1687, and various records of the Baptist church, Broadmead, Bristol, together with addenda, and an index. In giving a brief analysis of this publication, we shall begin with the valuable historical introduction; and afterwards notice some chief points in the very interesting records. The reign of Elizabeth, the subject of the first section,' was an era of conflict. Light struggled with darkness, and by the hands of its professed friends was shut up in the dark lantern of a state establishment. The world became enthroned in the church, and political considerations were of more importance than the laws of the King of kings.' Immediately on her accession, (Nov. 17, 1558) the queen gave an earnest of the course she intended to pursue. She introduced protestants into the council and excluded catholics. She assumed supreme authority in religion, forbid preaching and exposition, till the decision of parliament might be known. She retained in her chapel-the crucifix, and the vestments of popery. She intimated to the parliament her desire for uniformity. Invested with supreme power by the parliament, she instituted the court of high commission, to put down heresy. The prayer-book of Edward, with a few alterations to render it palatable to the catholics, was restored. Fines were imposed for absence from the parish church; the oath of supremacy was administered; and strange to say, out of more than nine thousand clergymen, (catholics) only one hundred and eighty seven refused compliance with it! Still for some years there was not exact uniformity. Orders were issued from court-the bishops were roused-the vestments were prescribed -the terms were, conformity or deprivation. A sketch, (sec. 2,) is given of the Puritans and their sufferings. Then follows, (sec. 3,) a brief account of the Brownists, whose views of church order were more scriptural. After which follows a more extended notice of the Baptists. (sec. 4). (To be concluded in our next.) MODERN JERUSALEM. THE LIFE OF CYRUS. Monthly Series. Tract Society. THE first of these valuable publications is an exceedingly well written history of this celebrated city, from the time of Christ down to the present period-its destruction by Titus -its partial restoration-its history during the crusades its present state &c. With the former number, or 'Ancient Jerusalem,' it forms a compendium of history most interesting, affecting, and instructive; and is an 117 honour to the society under whose auspices it is prepared and published. The life of Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, and the liberator of the Jews, comprises the substance of what can be gleaned from the various documents which have survived the wreck and ravages of time. The interest attaching to this publication is heightened by the care and judgment which has been exercised in reference to the various authorities consulted. This is a valuable number of the series. THE TRIUMPH OF TRUTH; or Henry and his sister. 18mo. pp. 112. Tract Soc. THE LIFE OF RAMON MONSALVATGE, a converted Spanish monk, of the order of Capuchins. With an introduction by the Rev. Robert Baird, D. D. 18mo. pp. 188. Tract Society. The former of these books is the production of a deceased clergyman. It is a work of fiction, but it exhibits realities of a most vital kind in an impressive and just point of view. Evangelical religion, in its truth, its power over the heart and conscience, its ability to sustain in trying circumstances, and its holy life-giving influence, is strongly contrasted with the cold, undefinable, and inoperative dogmas of Socinianism. It cannot be read without deep emotion, and real benefit. only objection we feel to it arises from the fact that the church and the unitarian meeting are the only two points of contrast. All dissenters are not Socinians, nor are all churchmen evangelical. The Of the second small volume, the best account we can give is contained in a section of Dr. Baird's introduction :- These memoirs possess a thrilling interest from beginning to the end. They tell us the history of one who was born and educated in the bosom of the Roman catholic church-not as she is when sur. rounded by the light which shines upon her in this protestant country, but when enshrouded in the bigotry, ignorance, and ferociousness, which prevail in benighted Spain. They reveal to us the heart of a Capuchin monk, who for years led a monastic life, and submitted to all its repulsive rigours with cheerfulness, in the hope of meriting the felicity of heaven, or at least abridging the pains of purgatory. They re-produce this same man on the stage, no longer as a monk, but as a soldier, a man of blood, fighting for Don Carlos and for Rome, with the same zeal which characterized his life in the monastery. But another change takes place, and the warrior monk again appears as the humble child of grace, meekly bearing insults and blows from his former fellow-soldiers and officers, whilst he goes about bearing to them the sacred Scriptures, and exhorting them to buy and read the word of Life.' OBITUARY. MRS. MARY HILL.-The delineation of christian character is a kind of moral painting; and when attempting a portraiture, the original presents deformities of structure and distortions of feature, the task imposed on the spiritual artist must be disagreeable and painful; but when the elements of character are nicely proportioned and well developed, and arrayed in the beauties of holiness, the exercise of portraying the spirit and conduct of those who have entered into rest,' is both pleasant and useful. There is nothing, then, in the object contemplated to repel the mind's complacency, while the faithful hand attempts to depict the likeness. Spots and blemishes may be discovered by the scrutinizing eye, sufficient to indicate that the subject had not already attained, neither was already perfect; that it had not received the finishing touch of the Divine Architect, whose workmanship it was: but enough will be perceived to encourage holy emulation, and to furnish reason for thanksgiving to God. In such a favourable position the writer of this brief biographical sketch feels himself placed, while performing this last tribute of christian esteem for one whose memory is eminently blessed. Mrs. Mary Hill was born on the 9th of June, in 1778. She was the eldest daughter of William and Elizabeth Beecroft, of Hungarton, in the county of Nottingham. Her maternal grandfather, Henry Smith, was a consistent dissenter and zealous christian. He was instrumental in introducing the General Baptist cause into the above village. For this purpose, in 1780, he procured a license for preaching in his house, which was continued till 1807. During the latter part of this period the preachers went from Nottingham, and their labours were attended with success: the house was generally filled with attentive hearers, and several received the truth in the love of it. The parents of Mrs. Hill were both members of the church, then under the care of the late Mr. R. Smith. Her mother was one of the excellent of the earth,' and carefully instructed her children in the knowledge of religion. She was kind and benevolent to the poor to the full extent of her ability, and embraced every favourable opportunity of impressing the minds of her neighbours with the importance of salvation. It is worthy of special remark, that she made it a rule to teach every servant she had in her house the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. At her funeral, a neighbouring farmer observed to her pastor, that her equal was not left in the village, for piety, as well as domestic management.' Her constant care in the religious education of her children was succeded with the divine ་ blessing. Her three eldest daughters became decidedly pious, and were baptized at the same time, by Mr. R. Smith, in a brook near the village, in 1796. This was truly a delightful time to the parent who had so diligently laboured to bring up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! Mary, the subject of this notice, was only in her eighteenth year. From this memorable and interesting period, she continued a consistent and eminently worthy member of the church of Christ, till, on Nov. 6th, 1846, she was called to enter into the joy of her Lord. In recording a little more fully the religious history of our departed sister, and in pointing out a few of her distinguishing excellencies, we shall only give expression to the unfeigned sentiments of our hearts, and offer a small tribute of praise to the grace which sanctified and enriched her character, and abundantly sustained and comforted her mind in affliction and death. She was naturally amiable, gentle, and affectionate; and the pious training which she received from childhood must have exerted a powerful influence in the formation of her religious character. The first deep impressions of religion were made on her mind while at school, from reading a hymn which she found at the end of a spelling book, commencing thus: These 'Why should I say, 'Tis yet too soon To seek for heaven or think of death.' The words struck her mind so forcibly, that she borrowed the book of her schoolfellow, and took a copy of the hymn in full. impressions were deepened by some pointed remarks of the late Mr. T. Rogers, at the close of a sermon, to this effect,- And now I have done preaching to sinners I have a word or two to you better sort of people. Have you never had a sinful thought? Remember the scripture says, 'The thought of foolishness is sin! These latter words laid hold of her conscience, carried conviction of guilt to her mind, and led her to seek the mercy of God, in the forgiveness of her sins through Jesus Christ. Thus, notwithstanding the correctness of her conduct, her amiableness, and admiration of religious character, she found that she had frequently broken that holy law which takes cognizance of the thoughts, affections, and desires of the heart, and pronounces the sentence of eternal death on the soul that sins but once. All ground of hope of future happiness was now destroyed, but the atoning death of the Son of God; this she gratefully welcomed, and on this she constantly relied. The language of the apostle was often on her lips, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded OBITUARY. The that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.' 'He loved me and gave himself for me.' most prominent feature in her life and conversation, was meek humility.' I have selected this poetical form of expression, be. cause it most accurately conveys my idea of her ruling passion.' It was a kind of mingled excellence, uniting lowliness before God, sweetness of disposition, and gentleness of manner, which diffused a peculiar grace over all her spirit and deportment. This lovely quality was manifest in an abiding sense of her great unworthiness, in the entire absence of all pretension to superior religious attainments, in her guarded and charitable observations concerning others, and in the kind and unassuming way in which she exercised her benevolence to the poor. It gave mildness and benignity to her countenance, and influenced even the tones of her voice. It was the prevailing and moulding spirit of her whole being, which assimilated her disposition and character so much to her Redeemer, and so powerfully attracted the esteem and affection of those who live to mourn her loss. What a lovely object to contemplate is the christian, when 'clothed with humility.' In the several stations which she was called to fill, she acted with diligence, propriety, and faithfulness. As a daughter, she was distinguished by filial affection, confidence, and obedience. It was her study to serve and please, and to promote the comfort and happiness of the domestic circle. She grew up in the family as a branch of God's right hand planting, and bore the fruits of early piety in their beauty and fragrance. Her attachments to her younger sisters were sincere, ardent, and faithful. She did not seek connexions abroad, but was their constant companion and judicious friend. Some of them still live, and bear their cheerful testimony to the devotedness of her affection, and the value of her counsels. Soon after the period of her baptism, she was deprived by death of her pious and excellent mother; and her father not marrying again, the care of the house and family for nearly twenty years almost entirely devolved upon her. The duties of this important and responsible situation she discharged with fidelity, and diligence. Inheriting in a good degree, the qualities of her worthy parent, she, in some measure, filled up the vacancy which her decease had occasioned, and exerted a most salutary influence in the guidance and confirmation of the principles of religion, which had been implanted in the minds of the junior members of the family. In this onerous and critical station she pleasingly combined the freedom and affability of the sister, with the gentle control and wisdom of the mother. 119 Her surviving sisters still retain a lively and grateful remembrance of her devoted and unweared attentions to their happiness and improvement. (To be concluded in our next.) MRS. ELIZABETH TURNER, a member of the General Baptist church, Commercial Road, London, died Jan. 15th, 1847, aged sixty-six years. For nearly forty years our departed friend was a consistent member of the church from which she has been recently removed by death. She was baptized by the late Rev. Dan Taylor, in July, 1809; and although during the last years of her life she was frequently confined at home by severe affliction, yet she uniformly manifested a deep interest in the prosperity of the Saviour's cause. During her last afflic. Often tion her sufferings were very great. has the writer found her in a state of profuse perspiration induced by the pains under which she was suffering; and although at such times, from her state of exhaustion, she could say but little as to her state of mind, yet at other seasons, intervals of comparative quietude and ease, she gave encouraging evidence that she was resting her hopes on the sure foundation. A few days before her death she expressed her desire to depart and to be with Christ; and although at that time she had received no direct premonition that the hour of her deliverance was so near at hand, her desire was soon fulfilled. Almost without a struggle or a groan, she fell asleep in Jesus on the morning of the 15th of January, leaving her bereaved partner, and four children, (all of whom have arrived at vears of maturity, and three of whom she had the happiness to welcome into the church,) to mourn her loss. May it be their happiness to meet her in heaven. The event of her death was improved by her pastor before a large and attentive congregation, from 2 Cor. v. 1. 'For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, P. eternal, in the heavens.' ELIZABETH HARRISON, died at Retford, Feb. 10th, aged fifty-nine, in the hope of the gospel. She had been a consistent member of the General Baptist church at that place for many years. MR. CHARLES DRURY, of Sunderland, died, Nov. 26, aged fifty-nine years. He formerly resided at Whetstone, near Leicester, and though not a member, was a great means of introducing the General Baptist cause into that populous village. LONDON CONFERENCE. The churches connected with this conference are respectfully reminded that the next meeting is appointed to be held at the Commercial Road chapel, on Easter Tuesday, April 6th, at two o'clock, p.m. Brother Ayrton, of Chesham, is expected to preach in the evening. G. W. PEGG, Sec. LONDON, Commercial Road.-On the last Sabbath in February, nine persons, five males and four females, put on Christ by baptism and on the following Lord's-day, seven of them, with five others recently restored to the privileges of the church, were welcomed to the Lord's-table. One of the newly-baptized is the son of one, and the brother of another highly-respected minister in the other section of the Baptist body. It is pleasing also to remark, that on the baptismal occasion we were favoured with the presence of the Rev. A. S. Muir, (Independent, from Scotland,) who kindly conducted the devotional parts of the service, and who expressed himself as much pleased in being permitted, for the first time, to witness the administration of the ordinance by immersion. WIRKSWORTH.-Lord's-day, Feb. 28th was a day much to be remembered. Four dear friends, two of each sex, were admitted to church fellowship by witnessing a good confession in immersion, after a sermon on the Divine institution and perpetual obligation of believers' baptism,' from Heb. viii. 5, by our pastor. The congregation was large; the attention serious, and we trust the seed sown will be like bread cast upon the waters, seen after many days. In the afternoon the church met at the Lord's table, when the newly-baptized were formally recognized, and received a solemn charge touching the duties, privileges, and responsibilities connected with christian discipleship. We hope the aspect of our church is cheering, but see the necessity for increased purity, spirituality, devotion, and prayer. Others in our congregations are inquiring the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward. BIRMINGHAM.-On Lord's day, March 7th, our minister, Mr. Cheatle, delivered a discourse on baptism to a large and attentive audience, and afterwards immersed seven persons, three of whom were scholars in our Sabbath-school. May the Lord add his blessing to the solemnities of this day. HALIFAX.-On Lord's-day evening, March 14, nine persons were baptized in our chapel, on which occasion our esteemed minister, Rev. J. G. Pike, junr., delivered a discourse on the profession made in baptism. The scene was truly interesting, and our friends made a good profession before a crowded audience. We are happy to state that four of the baptized are now connected with the General Baptist church recently formed at Ovendon, a village about a mile and a half from Halifax. May the Lord continue to sanction the efforts of his ministers and people by adding to us such as shall be everlastingly saved. BARROWDEN.-On the first Sabbath in December there was a baptism in this place, and four persons were added to the church. BURTON-ON-TRENT.-The ordinance of believers baptism was administered in this town on Lord's-day March 7th, by our friend W. Norton, of Cauldwell. Mr. Peggs preached on the occasion, from Matt. iii. 15. The chapel was well filled, and much holy pleasure was felt. In the afternoon the Lord's-supper was administered, and our new friends were received into fellowship. Some handbills on B. baptism were circulated. ANNIVERSARIES. A BAPTIST IRISH SOCIETY. The annual sermon will be preached at the Weigh House chapel, (Rev. T. Binney's) by Rev. W. Brock, Norwich, on Friday evening, April 23rd, service to commence at half-past six. special meeting of the members of the society will be held at the Mission House, on Monday morning, April 26th, when a draft of a new constitution will be submitted for consideration, and other business relating to the society transacted. The annual meeting will be held in Finsbury chapel, on Tuesday evening, April 27th. The chair to be taken at six o'clock, by W. Vickers, Esq. Nottingham. Dr. Price and Rev. T. James, of London; Revds. T. Wheeler, of Norwich, T. F. Newman, of Shortwood, T. Berry, of Abbeyliex, Ireland, and Rev. H. Dowson, Bradford, are expected to address the meeting. RETFORD.-On Tuesday, Feb. 16th, the members of the General Baptist church at Retford held their annual tea meeting, and though not so numerously attended as we could have wished, yet the greatest harmony and christian feeling prevailed. An instructive and useful address on the doctrine and discipline of the General Baptists, was delivered by Mr. Fogg. W. H. ALFORD.-On Jan. 20th, 1847, a public tea meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, when upwards of two hundred friends took tea together; after which, addresses were delivered by Messrs. B. Abbott, (Wesleyan,) W. Rose, (Independent,) T. W. Mathews, and R. B. Buck, Baptists. On Lord's day, Jan. 22, two excellent sermons were preached in our chapel by brother Mathews, to large congregations. Collections were made at the |