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Reasons for renouncing Pædo-baptism. | Dissenters to-morrow." We question the By an ANTI-PÆDOBAPTIST. Montrose A. accuracy of the concluding statement in the Rodgers, 47, High-street, Aberdeen. The following sentence: "There is an Anglican writer successfully demonstrates that infant baptism has no countenance from Scripture, renders the church corrupt, and leads to a disregard of the plainest intimations of the Saviour's will.

Showell's Minature Tracts, No. 102. Birmingham: J. W. Showell, Temple-street. Admirable little tracts for enclosing in letters to ungodly relatives, &c. No. 102, is entitled "The Unanswerable Argument,' and relates the manner in which an infidel was brought to Christ through the words, "Mr. R., I am greatly concerned for your

salvation."

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The First Annual Report of the Brighton Auxiliary Baptist Tract Society, instituted 1849. By loan and gratuitous circulation, this society has disposed of 17,449 tracts and handbills during the past year. We heartily bid our brethren at Brighton God speed, while we would express the hope that many others may imitate their example. The Baptist Tract Society is worthy of more extensive recognition and support by real Baptists throughout the kingdom, than it enjoys at the present time.

Bishop of London; but there are multitudes of people in London,-I am one of themover whom he is no bishop, and does not pretend to be so." The law regards Mr. Hinton and ourselves as members of the established church; and Charles James most decidedly, by virtue of this state of things, pretends to be our spiritual overseer.

We

The Sunday-school Teachers' Pocket Book for 1851. By S. G. GREEN, B. A. London: intend to show this excellent pocket book to B. L. Green, 62, Paternoster-row. Sunday-school teachers of our acquaintance. It need only be seen to be approved. No one of those for whom it is designed should delay to purchase a copy.

The Church, 1850. The Appeal, 1850. These cheap, excellently printed, and useful publications, are too well established to need We have observed our recommendation. their rise and progress,-we have from time to time scanned their contents, and found both profit and delight from their perusal. "The Appeal " is a specially important publication. We know nothing like it, as adapted to the unconverted of every class, The Romish Hierarchy in England. A and should hope that it has already been the Sermon preached by J. H. HINTON, M. A. means, in the hand of the Almighty Spirit, London : Houlston and Stoneman, 65, of the conversion of very many. We rePaternoster-row. We believe with our joice to know that thirty thousands of the esteemed brother, that Romanism is "the" Appeal" are circulated monthly. Were most corrupt and pernicious of all eccle- Christians more deeply imbued with the siastical systems," but that "however deeply spirit of Him who came to seek and to save the spread of Romanism is to be deplored, that which was lost,-and did they more the religious activity of Romanists cannot be zealously use every appliance for the salvacoerced." Let Protestant persecutors re- tion of their fellow-men, it would circulate member that "the chains which are forged by thousands more. We heartily wish sucfor Romanists to-day, may be forced on cess to both.

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act of grace, in mitigation of the sentence cation between Gothenburg and that part of banishment pronounced against Olaus where they live, has been almost entirely Nilsson; but Olaus Nilsson having declined stopped. These poor people have no other to petition the king for such act of grace, the means of subsistence, than that of weaving Swedish government had been under the cotton stuff on hand looms, and are employed necessity of allowing the sentence to be car- by men who, for their gain, buy great quanried into execution." tities of cotton yarn from Gothenburg, and The intelligence received from Mr. Nilsson, let it out to such poor people, to be woven at shows that he had not declined to petition a certain low rate. Now, they have for the king for such an act of grace. In a some time back, been unable to get anything letter dated Nov. 21st, and received Nov. to do in this line, and having no other way 30th, he says, "In regard to myself, the at present to get the means of support, I matter is now come to this, that the king would implore the charity of English Chrishas refused to give any alteration of the sen- tians. To send a few shillings, would be a tence passed upon me by the Götha Hof relief in this present pressure. I will give Rätt. The fourth of this month I was sum- you sure directions to brethren, who will moned to appear before the town magistrate, faithfully dispose of however small a gift will where the king's decision was communicated be given. I beg your pardon for making to me; but, at the same time, the privilege mention of this. All the brethren and sisof petitioning the king was granted me, and ters are well, and happy in the Lord. The the time of thirty-nine days granted me for Lord has preserved us, so that no one has sending in the petition. I have availed my- died of the cholera. We have rather had self of the privilege, although I have nothing the greater privilege of conversing more to hope from it, except the lengthening out freely with people upon the subject of relithe time of my stay a month or two more. gion. Praise the Lord. The district and town authorities are very

Prospects as to religious liberty in Sweden,

"The authorities will probably," says Mr. Nilsson, "send me over to Denmark, as I hope they will not push me out to RussiaSiberia. I shall probably have to leave my wife behind, until the spring. I will first visit Copenhagen, and from thence I will write, and if time is allowed me, I will endeavour to translate some things from my diary, and such other occurrences as have happened among us, if they can be of any use for you."

humane. They know that I am going into the country often, to visit my brethren, and spreading my sentiments as far as I can; [and] beside, we make no secret about our meetings here in the town, and still they have not attempted to put me in prison. May the Lord enable me to make good use of such privilege these few remaining days of my stay in Sweden. But in the country the police officers are very low-minded, bigoted men generally, and therefore I have been in great danger, even for my life, when out among the brethren. I have not been "Surely the Baptist cause-the cause of out in the country for about a month, on God and of the truth-seems to be checked account of the cholera, which has occasioned in its very infancy in Sweden. Still, I think the people in the country to prevent people the struggle attempted by such humble from travelling, especially those who have means, is not without its interest, and we come from Gothenburg. But as the cholera trust that a spirit of enquiry has been appears to be at an end, I hope that the awakened, that will not be hindered by all preventing system will soon be given up, the power that Church and State united, can and I intend, as soon as possible, to visit the put forth in Sweden. And still more, I brethren, to take my final farewell, which, think I am not mistaken in judging, from indeed, will be very trying.” what may easily be perceived, that religious liberty will doubtless be given soon, and that the banishment which I have been subjected to, has awakened a deep feeling of indigna"One circumstance," says Mr. Nilsson, tion among the more liberal-minded and "I think it my duty not to omit mentioning. enlightened part of the nation, that will help Some of our people, especially two families, to hasten the sure, though slow death of have suffered great loss, considering their religious despotism, sustained by the Swedish means, through the taking away of some of clergy. It is of no ordinary interest, that a their property, for refusing to have their large body of pious Christians, in the northern children sprinkled; and now another cir- parts of Sweden, have, notwithstanding the cumstance is making the condition of these rigour of the law, separated from the State people still worse, as it almost brings them to Church, and formed themselves into a church despair for the most necessary means of independent of the State, although on Lusupport. Under the cholera, the communi-theran principles, with infant sprinkling,

Request on behalf of the suffering brethren in the country.

and other ritual peculiarities. For this they, seated halted; my light slumbers were have had to suffer, and still continue to easily broken, and I at once recognized the suffer heavy fines, and other troubles and voice of our dear brother Hinrich, enquiring molestations, from ecclesiastical and civil for me. A hearty greeting soon took place, authorities. They have chosen their own and the carriage proceeding on its way left pastors from among their own brethren, and me at Westerstide, where a warm reception although the authorities take their infants awaited me at the house of some brethren, by force, just as they do from the Baptists, and I once more experienced how easily and to be by force sprinkled by the State Church naturally a feeling of "home" steals over minister, they (the separatists) look upon us even in the remotest places, while in the such baptism as invalid, and sprinkle anew midst of those who are one with us in the these children by the hand of their own Lord. After exchanging a few words of pastors. As these people hold strictly to mutual pleasure and welcome we retired to the Augsburg confession of faith and the Lutheran rituals, and only carry out the The next morning, brother Hinrich and principle of the separation of the Church I proceeded to the estate of Fickensholdt, from the State, they cannot easily pass sen- where we were to enjoy the kindly proffered tence of banishment against them. But hospitality of the owner; nor can I without they find means of annoying them in other emotion retrace the attention shown us by ways, so that, from what I have been in- him during our stay. May the Lord accomformed, numbers have resolved to emigrate plish in him the promises bestowed on the to America, as several already have done. benefactors of his people. This, also, will speak loudly in favour of religious liberty.

"In the month of June a meeting was held in the southern part of Sweden, consisting chiefly of eminent clergymen, who discussed the question of religious liberty, and the majority of this meeting were wholly in favour of religious freedom. Such signs, I think, are sure indications that things will not long remain as they are."

DENMARK.

rest.

On Sept. 28, brother Hinrich and I drove to Felde, to see the chapel. While still at a distance, its new red roof, peeping out from among the green trees and thatched cottages which surround it, arrested our eye pleasantly. On alighting near the chapel, our brethren Reunners and F. Oncken met us, with countenances radiant with the friendliness of genuine love. Brother Reunners was superintending the finishing touches, which were now being given, and in the meanwhile, brother Balchin, and several other brethren joined us, all indulging pleasant anticipations of a happy morrow.

Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Förster left Hull, by steamer, for Hamburg, on Friday, Nov. 29, I now proceeded to examine the building, and arrived there on the afternoon of Sunday, which, owing to its locality and good execuDec. 1. They left Hamburg again on Wed- tion, leaves an agreeable impression, although nesday, Dec. 4, for Wismar, and went from as regards the architecture it is extremely Wismar to Copenhagen. Thus far their plain. It is situated most conveniently on journey was very pleasant; but on arriving the high road, where it forms the centre of at Copenhagen on the 5th, they were put the several parishes in which the members into quarantine for four days, that is, till of the church are scattered. The building Monday afternoon, which was both unplea is railed off from the road, and the intersant and expensive. Mr. Förster entreats the prayers of brethren for the churches in Sweden, and feels very thankful for the assistance he has received from them for the chapel and mission, during his stay in England. A list of contributions is prepared, and part of it will be found in the present number.

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mediate space is to be arranged as a kind of shrubbery. One gable-end faces the road, and bears an inscription. The two walls forming the length of the chapel contain each four arched windows. The interior of the chapel is conveniently, but simply arranged, and confirms the pleasing impression made by its exterior. Between three and four hundred can be accommodated in it.

It is to a suggestion of our beloved brother, J. G. Oncken, of Hamburg, that this chapel owes its origin, and how would he have been delighted if he had been present to see the work accomplished, towards the execution of which he has so greatly contri

• One of the chapels mentioned in Mr. Oncken's circular in our November number.

buted! The ground on which the chapel is show that the present occasion had no reference built has been presented to the church by bro- whatever to the Old Testament consecration ther Meilan. He and many other brethren of a place or house; every local solemnity have made great sacrifices of time, labour, or display in the house of God, in the use of and money, towards this building. clerical robes, consecrated utensils, &c., being On rising on Sept. 29, a bright Sabbath evidently opposed to the spirit of the New morning promised a fair day, and we soon Testament, and the appearance and custom set out to Felde. We were joined by many of the apostles. We have not met to dedifriends on the way, and many more greeted cate this house, to-day, (I proceeded to say,) us on our arrival at the chapel, which gra- but ourselves we desire to dedicate anew to dually became quite filled. For the first the Lord, with renewed humility, gratitude, time the praise of God sounded within these and faith; the powers of body and soul are walls, where, from henceforth, the church anew to serve him,-you are this day to bind will meet. All hearts sang and made me- yourselves to the Lord to come up hither as lody to the Lord, and tears of devotion hal- long as your strength permits, and to depart lowed the ground. A breathless attention from hence laden with rich treasures. In and emotion marked the audience during the third part, I endeavoured to show, that the preaching of the Word; and though as for us there is even more cause for joy, than a precaution against disturbances, three gens for those who " kept the dedication of the d'armes were present, their services were house of God with joy." In spirit they kept not required. The order of worship was as before them the beautiful services of the follows:-After a prayer that the Lord temple, which were to be held in the new might be present with us to bless us, we temple at Jerusalem; but what will the sang a hymn, after which followed the prayer Father permit his children to inherit in this of our Lord, contained in Matt. vi. Another place? Oh, what wonders of grace and love hymn was then sung, after which brother F. Oncken read Psa. cxxii.; then again we raised our voices in praise, after which I preached from Ezra vi. 16—“And the children of Israel, the friends, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy." Keeping these words in view, I endeavoured to show wherein the New Testamental dedication of this house consists; and that in order to perform it we must know,

1. By what means we have attained this day.

will take place here! Jesus Christ and him crucified will be preached, and on this day be it made known, for the first time beneath these walls, that there is no other name by which men can be saved,—the preaching of the cross of Christ has commenced here this day, and what will be the results? Oh, that they could all pass before the mental eye,they who will here be wounded by the twoedged sword, who are to be overcome by the Holy Spirit, who will here fall down before the crucified, and who, though self-condemned, will venture to make their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. Yes,

2. What it is that we are to dedicate on within this dwelling of the righteous, songs this day? and,—

3. What prospects this day offers.

of joy and victory will resound, for the arm of the Lord will be exalted, and his will be the victory. How glorious the prospect this day opens before us!

In the first part, I pointed out that the expression,"children of captivity," which refers not only to the priests and children of After the sermon, another hymn was sung, Israel, whose native land was Canaan, bnt to after which, brother Back, from Leer, closed those who were born in captivity, applies with earnest prayer. At length the aposequally to us, who are born in the captivity tolical blessing closed the pleasing engageof the god of this world, in the captivity of ments of the morning, during which we had a Babylonian church establishment, and in the in a rich measure tasted the graciousness of captivity of barbarous laws, that threaten to the Lord, and felt our confidence in him punish us at every religious step, ours being a renewed and strengthened. threefold bondage. On June 10, 1843, I was arrested in this country, removed and imprisoned, because it was suspected that it was my intention to conduct a religious meeting This day I address you under the protection of the laws of the land,-this is the Lord's MR. BATES, now of Cascade, in the State work! Yes, this is a day which the Lord of Iowa, writing, Nov. 14, says, "When I has made, and we shall best keep it by re- went to Ireland, I had to pay 1s. 5d. for a joicing with child-like gratitude bestowed letter from London, and it would be six or upon us by the Giver of this house. In the seven days on the way. Now I only pay ls. second part of my discourse, I endeavoured to from England, and sometimes have received

AMERICA.

Letter from Mr. Bates, formerly of Ireland.

the Primitive Church Magazine on the 20th associations are not soon forgotten. How of the month. The post is generally ten delightful the thought of meeting in heaven, days in coming here from New York, some- and meeting in a state of perfection, where times it is only eight days.......If we are we shall see Jesus, and be like him. In prayerful and active we may do as much moving about, and growing older, I feel that in twenty years as our forefathers did in religion is the one thing reedful, and that forty....... 'Christ is all and in all.' What is our life? and what is time? Soon, very soon, we shall leave all earthly things, and enter upon the scenes of another world. By and bye it will be said, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.' O to be ready then! Then all will be well.

"As a church, we are going on very well at present. There have been nine persons added since I came here, and we now number forty-one. The congregation also is on the increase. The population, however, is continually fluctuating. Americans seem as if

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they liked to change. Several of our best "At present, my brother, we are all well, members are gone to California, 2000 miles remarkably well, and have been so since our from this, and I think that there is scarcely arrival in this new conntry; I think that an American who would not sell his farm, this is a healthy region. We are located house, &c., if some one were to go with a rather on a ridge of a high land, so that if fair price in ready cash; and then he would there is any breeze in summer, we have it, move on west. Day after day do teams of -if any wind in winter, we shall feel it, and horses, oxen, &c., pass by with new settlers, if any pure air we shall enjoy it. Some of and daily do some stop to swell the num- the earliest settlers settled in the lowlands, ber of inhabitants around us. People are thinking that it would be warmer in winter, scattered [in their dwellings,] and it is and cooler in summer, but in both they are difficult to reach them, though as a gene- mistaken. I often walk out and behold ral rule, most of them come on a Lord's- them enveloped in a thick damp fog or mist, day, some on foot, some on horses, some in while we are breathing a pure atmosphere. waggons; and these sons of toil are very All low lands too are rather unhealthy. attentive. Fevers, cholera, &c., ever seem to wind their course along streams. New settlers should remember this. I had read of it, and find it confirmed by personal observation.

"I spent one day this week with the agent of the American Bible Society, in visiting the settlers around. This society has determined to place as many Bibles or Testaments in every family in this state, as there are persons in that family who can read. Every family is to be visited. Where the people say, 'I am poor, and cannot buy,' the agent is to give. The cost price of the Testament is 2d., that of the Bible, 9d. This is a noble work, and the placing of so many copies of the Bible among the people must be attended with unspeakable good.

66

"I bought my farm of 150 acres, so I have plenty of work. The members of the church, however, got in most of my grain for me. have nearly 1000 bushels, I expect, of wheat, oats, and Indian corn,-mostly the latter, say 800 bushels. I sometimes wish that you could step in half an hour to see me. My position is very different from what it used to be, yet I am not uncomfortable, but feel happy. I read a little in the morning, de"We had our association meeting lately, vote an hour to the children, then work. when I had the pleasure of seeing several of This morning I rode five miles to see a friend the brethren. The association is composed on business; then I went to paint the outof sixteen churches. We have had some side of my house, which is now up and coprosperity in the association during the year, vered in with shingles. In the evening I still there is a lack of conversions to God, was repairing my fence, then I looked at an We certainly need more power from on high. | article in the Christian Review,' and now O, that the time, the set time, were come for I am writing to brother To morrow favouring Zion......Matters are conducted I expect to be painting again for a time, very much in the same way as in an English then glaze some of my windows, and in the association. There is perhaps a little more evening go six miles to hold a prayer-meetfreedom of discussion,-more of the demo- ing and lecture. So I go on. I have written cratic feeling to be seen, but all was order, nine articles for the periodicals here since I and edifying Some of the brethren preached came, and lectured six times on temperance. Our attendance was good, being If the mind and heart are right, man will be happy in any situation where he is useful. Referring to the death of Mr. Penny and Though my position is new, yet it is a conMrs. Ivimey, he says, "O that we may be dition that suits me rather than a crowded followers of them who through faith and city. Everything is simple and elementary. patience have inherited the promises. My In the summer we sometimes rambled in heart still clings to Eagle street. Early the woods, to get nuts, blackberries, plums,

well

nearly 500."

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