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strawberries, &c., all very good and very abundant. But if spared I will tell you a little about the farm, about farming, and what a man might do with a small sum of money, in another letter by and bye......

Report of our first annual meeting will be ready next week."

While the New Society is thus generally sustained, the friends of the American and Foreign Bible Society are said to be likely to raise nearly, if not quite as much as last year.

"As I draw nearer to eternity I feel the importance of being drawn nearer to the cross. My companions here are few, and I Brother Bates, formerly of Ireland, and feel as if I did not covet any, only those who now of Cascade, Dubuque county, Iowa, love the Saviour. My books all seem new United States, America, says of the Bible to me now, and after working five or six Union, in a letter dated Nov. 14, "I am hours every day, Fuller, Howe, Gurnall, surprised at the opposition made to it by Dr. and others of the same stamp, form agreea- Welsh and others; but it is gaining ground ble companions when I come in. At present every day. Its fundamental principle must we are all in our logwood cabin, but I have commend itself to every man's conscience, a little study in the new house, eight feet by and especially a Baptist conscience. Some nine, not large, but large enough at present. Baptists are coming over to it daily, who I am trying to go on steadily in my Master's opposed it at first,—and others have planted work, and pray for grace to serve him faith- one foot on the solid rock of truth, but the fully in this destitute part of his field. other is standing on the ground of expedi"A Methodist minister, who has got hold ency... The Bible Union men have abandoned of some of my tracts which I have circu- expediency, and planted both their feet on lated, has written me three times, wanting the solid rock of imperishable truth... The a public controversy, but I have no inclina- idea of giving a faithful translation to all tion for that. I told him to put anything lands, is a noble sentiment, and the instituhe had to say on paper, then all parties far tion that attempts it, must live, extend, and and wide would be permanently benefitted finally triumph. This one sentiment fills by his remarks, if the tracts were answered, my mind with joy. If Jehovah looks down and the Baptists cast into the shade......I hope that all is prosperous in the tract de partment, and in the churches holding the order of the first Christians in apostolic times."

THE AMERICAN BIBLE UNION.

with approbation on one thing in this lower world more than another, I think that he views that man with special delight, who aims to give his holy Word, faithfully translated, to every nation under heaven. contend for the sufficiency, perfection, and inspiration of the Bible, and why not contend for a faithful translation for ALL LANDS."

We

"A new paper has been established in New York, the Rev. O. B. Judd, Editor. He is son-in-law to Deacon Colgate. The paper is called the " 'New York Weekly Chronicle," and takes for its motto, "One Lord, one faith, one immersion."...It is the organ of the Bible Union. Mr. Judd is young, but talented...I hope the paper may prosper, as well as the society."

THIS Society is proceeding successfully. It is much to be regretted, that any difference of opinion should have existed, of such kind as to render its formation needful. But it is of much less importance to adhere to any particular Society, than it is to follow Christ, and sustain his cause; it is much less to be regretted that differing consciences should find it needful to act sometimes by different means, than that any conscience should violate its sense of duty towards God. NOVA SCOTIA BAPTIST CONVENTION. The New Society "makes no war," says the corresponding Secretary, upon the old, and OUR attention has been called to the folby and bye, when the slight differences lowing minutes of the fifth session upon the which exist have been thoroughly canvassed subject of the Acadia College, by the in a spirit of kindness and devotedness to esteemed secretary. truth, we hope to hear of all, or nearly all, being again thoroughly united in one mind, and in one judgment. A letter dated Nov. 20, says, "We have obtained subscriptions exceeding 15000 dollars. The purpose of "Resolved-1. That this society gratethe Board to spare no efforts and no expense fully acknowledges the kindness of the Bapto secure the most faithful version that the tists of New Brunswick, in voluntarily scholarship of the age can supply, meets adopting in connexion with the Baptists of with such acceptance, that many, while Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, making their present contributions, promise Acadia College as the collegiate institution more as soon as it may be wanted. The of the three provinces, according to certain

Whereas the Nova Scotia Baptist Education Society at its recent annual meeting at Nictaux adopted the following resolutions, viz.:

resolutions passed at the last session of the convention, and cheerfully concur in the arrangements then made for its future government and support; except as respects that regulation which requires annual change in she governors, it being the opinion of this society, and a condition on which this resolution is passed, that it would be more conducive to the interest of the college that the change should not take place more frequently than every three years, and with the power of re-election.

Fitch, M. D.; Rev. Charles Spurden; John
W. Barrs, Esq.; Rev. Edward D. Very;
Stewart Freeman, Esq.; Rev. Abraham S.
Hunt; Prof. I. L. Chipman ; Caleb R. Bill,
Esq.; William Stone, Esq.; James W. Nut-
ting, Esq.; James R. Fitch, M.D.; Mr.
Nathan S. Demill; Mr. Alexander M'L.
Seeley.

"Resolved, 4. That at the expiration of every three years six of the governors shall go out of office, subject however to re-election, and that an appointment of six be then made to complete the board. But nothing in this resolution shall be held to control or abridge the power of this convention at its pleasure to remove any one or more of the governors and appoint others in their stead, as occasion may make necessary.

"Resolved, 2. That for carrying these arrangements into effect, this society does hereby resign to the convention its control and authority over Acadia College, and direct the executive committee to apply to the legislature at its next session, so to alter the Act of Incorporation that the J. W. JOHNSTON, Chairman. government of the college may be legally "Resolved, That this convention exceedtransferred from the present governors and ingly regret that men were to be found on committee to such governors and their suc- this side of the Atlantic, or periodicals in cessors as have been, and as may be agreed England, to circulate reports with reference upon by the convention, and that the act to the financial agency appointed by this conmay be made permanent, and he otherwise vention at its late session, impugning the amended to suit the altered government of motives of this convention, and of its agents; the college. But that due provision be and we hereby attest that our action was in made that the Baptist Education Society good faith, hoping to be relieved of the debt, continue to retain their title to the real that we might be able, by the voluntary estate and buildings, until the debts and contributions of the friends of Acadia Colsecurities for which the executive commit- lege in the three provinces, to give it an tee, or any former member thereof, are or efficient annual support. may be liable, shall be discharged, or the parties be relieved therefrom-on which event arrangements shall be made for selling the title in a manner suited to promote the interest of both the academy and the College on just principles."

Therefore" Resolved, 1, That this Convention does hereby confirm the transfer of Acadia College on the terms expressed in these two resolutions."

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This honest purpose of the convention having been to a great degree frustrated by those who have injuriously interfered to misrepresent us, we acknowledge with devout gratitude the earnest and sincere regard for the college manifested by its numerous friends in the three provinces in making an unusual effort, under many depressing circumstances, to liquidate a large portion of the debt, and to support it by their free contributions in future.

"Resolved, 2. That the convention do petition the legisature of Nova Scotia to make "Resolved, That we highly approve of the the necessary alterations in the act incor- prudence and patience of our respected porating Acadia College, and to give that deputation, Rev. I. E. Bill, and Rev. John act permanency, and that Hon. J. W. John- Francis, in the trying position in which they ston, Hon. W. B. Kinnear, and Dr. Simon were placed, and acknowledge our deep inFitch, be a committee to prepare and cause debtedness to them, and also to those friends to be presented in the name of the conven- in England who, notwithstanding the mistion the petition for that purpose. And if representations alluded to, exercised their they shall see occasion, also to petition the kindest hospitalities to the deputation, and legislature of New Brunswick for extending generously responded to their plea for help, to Acadia College and its graduates such privileges as may be reasonable and just. "Resolved, 3. That the following gentlemen form a board of governors of Acadia College, together with the president of the College as an ex-officio member of the

same."

Rev. Ingraham E. Bill; Hon. J. W. John ston; Rev. William Burton; Hon. W. B. Kinnear; Rev. Samuel Robinson; Simon

particularly to Rev. Mr. Lister, Rev. Dr.
Raffles, John Houghton, and John S. De-
Wolfe, Esqrs., of Liverpool. Also to Rev.
Dr. Cox, Rev. Dr. Steane, Rev. Algernon
Wells, Rev. J. H. Hinton, A. M., Rev. Dr.
Leifchild, Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, Rev.
J. C. Galloway, A. M., Rev. Dr. Morrison,
J. Mc Gregor, and S. M. Peto, Esqrs., M's.
P., and C. D. Archibald, Esq., of London;
likewise to H. Kelsall, Esqr., of Rochdale,

to all of whom the deputation are deeply indebted for highly influential testimonials, or for handsome donations."

MR. ONCKEN IN SCOTLAND.

be about £200, and I believe he had about £500 from Glasgow, Aberdeen, and other towns in Scotland. Three Baptist churches in Glasgow, have, I believe, agreed to support one missionary. The liberty now afforded for the circulation of the Scriptures, and the preaching of the gospel on the continent, is most encouraging.

MR. ONCKEN has met with most gratifying success in Scotland. He has collected there about £726; and what he esteems of still "On Tuesday, Dec. 3, a large meeting more importance is, that, through the bless- was held, of the Edinburgh Bible Society, ing of God on his visit, a general interest has of which Mr. Oncken has been for many been awakened for the mission in Germany, years an agent, to hear his statements. and that three or four brethren will hence- The Duke of Argyle was in the chair, and forth be supported there, it is hoped, by the made an excellent speech. The Papal agScottish churches. Brother Oncken's exer-gression gave him matter, which he handled tions have however been, we regret to learn, in his own way, not sparing the Tractarians. too much for his health, and before he left Edinburgh, he was completely exhausted, so that he had to rest for a few days to recruit his strength. This was the last place he visited in Scotland.

He concluded by shewing that the Word of God, and its free, unfettered use, was the best antidote for these errors. Mr. Oncken acquitted himself well. He had a delicate course to take in a large audience of all A friend residing there, writes on Dec. denominations. While he most fully shewed 10, "Brother Oncken leaves Edinburgh to- by the number of converts and churches, morrow, after having been about five weeks the success which had attended his labours here. It has been a delightful season. He and the circulation of the Scriptures, he is a most extraordinary man. I trust the had to steer clear of purely denominational feelings he has excited regarding Germany, matter, in a meeting of a Bible Society. will not be dissipated without producing The duke expressed at the close of the some permanent good. This is the third meeting, his great gratification at hearing visit Mr. Oncken has paid to Scotland. the interesting statements from Mr. Oncken. The first was in 1837, the second in 1841. It is pleasing to see a young man in his On both those occasions I felt much inter- station, evincing such an interest in religion. ested in him, but from the wonderful He has recently written an octavo volume, success which has recently crowned the on the Church of Scotland and its peculiar labours of himself and his coadjutors, and controversies. He evidently can think for the increasing piety and fervour with which himself." all his addresses are savoured, he has on this occasion excited universal esteem for himself, and interest in the work."

Besides the above mercies, brother Oncken has to rejoice in the dedication of his son Gerhard unto God, and in this joy all who "He repeatedly preached in the Baptist know him will greatly rejoice with him. churches here. On Friday, Nov. 22, we had "The Lord," he says, "has in much mercy a social tea-party in our chapel, of the five heard my prayers at last, for the conversion Baptist churches: Mr. Christopher Ander- of my dear Gerhard, my eldest son, nineteen son's, Mr. Haldane's, Mr. Innes's, Minto years old, an event which has filled my House, and Bristo-street. About 400 were heart with unspeakable joy and gladness. present. It was a delightful meeting. Mr. O! what shall I render unto the Lord, for Oncken was quite enchanted; it reminded this marvellous display of his sovereign him so of similar meetings in Germany. He grace and power. May it influence me to said he would not designate it by such com- give myself renewedly and more unreservedly mon terms as a soirée or tea-party,-it was to my gracious Saviour."

a love-feast, a feast of love. We in Edinburgh are much indebted to Mr. Oncken in forming such a centre of attraction as to draw so many together so harmoniously. A proposal was made at that meeting, and which was well received, for the Baptist churches to unite in supporting one, if not two missionaries in Germany. It has since then been under the consideration of the respective churches. They have in the meanwhile, responded to the call made upon them. I have not heard the amount collected in Edinburgh, but I presume it will

BLACKBURN.

FOR the information and encouragement of the readers of the Primitive Church Magazine, we beg to furnish you with a brief account of the origin and progress of the recently formed Strict Baptist church at Blackburn.

On the first Lord's-day in June, 1848, Mr. Bentley, from Cork, Ireland, took the oversight of the Baptist church, meeting in Branch-road, Blackburn. After a short

time, Mr. Bentley introduced the question the majority which decided that the protest of communion, and other differences arose, should not be read, and the sub-committee which might have been settled, into which that visited us, the wish was that we should it is not necessary to enter minutely, but be separated from the church, for the purwhich were increased by his advocacy of open pose of promoting its purity. We have no communion, and its introduction into the wish to indulge in the spirit of recrimination; church. This point of difference was of we hope it will turn out for the furtherance such a nature, that even though others of mi- of the gospel; but we feel it as a painful nor importance might have been settled, it thing, that we should be regarded as the interposed a formidable barrier in the way of filth of a church, for the welfare of which we those who do, from principle, hold it to be had laboured and contributed for years, we unscriptural to receive the unbaptized into can say without boasting, or fear of contrathe church. diction, even more abundantly than those We then drew up a protest against some from whom we were separated. Some ten of the doings of Mr. Bentley, for the purpose or twelve were excluded, and five or six of laying the whole affair before the com- withdrew. For a short time we were scatmittee of the Lancashire and Cheshire County tered abroad, in a very distressed, uncomHome Mission, and asking advice, -for fortable state. We consulted together what the church at Blackburn, it should be understood, had always been a station belonging to this mission, and the support of the pastor depended mainly on its aid. The following is a copy of the protest, leaving out the names of the persons by whom it was signed.

would be best, under such circumstances, to do, and took a room, which was opened for worship by Mr. Smith, pastor of the first Baptist church, Bacup, on July 15, 1849. On Oct. 14 following, thirteen of us united, so far as we know, according to the will of Christ, and the order of the New Testament, "To the Committee," &c. to follow him, as one of his churches. The "Dear Brethren,-We, the undersigned, word of truth has been preached to us by being members of the Baptist church, meet- many neighbouring ministers who sympaing in Branch-road, Blackburn, at the time thized with us, and we have enjoyed, we when Mr. Bentley came to settle there, en- humbly hope, seasons of refreshing from the treat that you, as a committee, will take into presence of the Lord. We can say with serious consideration the present state of the astonishing gratitude, "What hath God aforesaid church. The peace of our little wrought?" The day on which we were Society has been greatly disturbed by Mr. formed into a church, five persons were bapBentley's introducing the subject of what is tized. On May 15, 1850, five others were termed open or mixed communion, which he baptized, and on Oct. 13, other three men has been determined to put in practice, were baptized; these, with two young men, though the church has scarcely known or who had formerly been members of the heard of such a practice before. This has church at Branch-road, now double the caused two of the deacons to give up their number of members we had at our comoffice, and about a third part of the members mencement. We do exceedingly rejoice in cannot feel comfortable to attend as before. the goodness of our covenant God, who hath "If you could, by any advice or influence, said, I will save her that halteth, and gather interfere to hinder the division likely to her that was driven out, and I will get them ensue, we shall be very glad ; and if it be praise and fame in every land whither they resolved to afford continued support to Mr. have been put to shame:" Zeph. iii. 19. Bentley, while persisting in this course, we We are at the present in want of more room shall be glad of advice, how that part of the for the accommodation of our hearers, and church ought to act, which cannot conscien- hope soon to obtain it. tiously agree to these proceedings, or sit P. S.-We may add, that at the formadown with them. Should you require fur- tion of the church, it was agreed that so long ther information, we are willing to give it as any two members objected to the practice you; but we do not wish to intrude on your of mixed or open communion, it should time by a long letter. We remain," &c. never be introduced. If, in any other church, Two of our number attended the next similar circumstances arise, we would say, committee meeting of the county union, in let those who suffer, not be overmuch disthe hope that this protest would be con-couraged; let them hold fast God's eternal sidered; but a majority decided that it truth; it is mighty, and must prevail.

should not be read, not even though it were agreed no discussion should take place about anything it contained, and a sub-committee was appointed to visit us. If we did not

BAPTIST TRACT SOCIETY.

The committee of the Baptist Tract So

mistake the animus and deportment, both of ciety are obliged to friends who furnish them

with accounts of the success attending the | and Mr. G. H. Davies, of King-street, Bris. circulation of their tracts, and intend to tol, who gave a very suitable address on the furnish the Editors of the Primitive Church nature of a gospel church, and referred more Magazine with occasional extracts for the particularly to the doctrine that would be information of their readers. preached, and the order observed in this The secretary of one of the auxiliaries in place. He showed in a masterly way the Lancashire writes, "One of our tract dis- difference between the principles of the tributors visited a village about two miles Baptists, and those of their fellow-christians from R. -, calling at a cottage where of the Independent and Wesleyan denomithere were a large family. It was the Lord's-nations, and also of the Establishment. He day afternoon; they were all asleep. When stated that believers were the only subjects for aroused, he asked the mother to take a baptism sanctioned by Scripture and those tract; she did, but not very pleasantly; he were the only persons professedly baptized enquired, "Do you attend any place of by Baptists.

worship?"

"When we go, it is to church." Dinner and tea were provided, and a He left the tract, No. 55, "Infant Sprink- goodly number were present from Bristol, ling! Is there any harm in it ?" The Cheddar, Clevedon, &c.

mother read it, (she was the only one that The chapel is a handsome building, and could read, though some of the daughters in every respect most convenient. It was were above twenty years of age.) In a short stated to have cost about £1100, nearly time the distributor called again, and was £600 of which had been raised amongst very kindly received; before, she was gloomy them selves.

LONDON MATERNAL ASSOCIATION.

and sad, now she appeared cheerful, invited the visitor in, saying, "God bless you, sir, for leaving me that tract; I have read it, and can never be thankful enough for it; I have THE regular meetings, for 1851, will be been in such trouble of mind, and felt my held at the vestry of New Broad-street strength fast failing me, concerning my two chapel, Bishopsgate. The following are the children that I have buried; they were never subjects for conference :-Thursday, Januchristened or sprinkled, and my neighbours ary 16th, at 12 o'clock, address to children reproach me with my neglect, and say they by Rev. T. BINNEY. Friday February 7th. are lost; this so preyed upon my spirits that Importance in the present time of our remy misery was great. The tract just came viewing the grounds of our belief in evanin time; God was pleased to shine into my gelical truths, and studying the most scripmind when I read it, and I saw that my tural method of teaching them to our children were safe without being sprinkled. children. Friday, March 7th. Formation And as I see that the christening or sprinkling of a cheerful temper. Friday, April 4th. of children is not appointed by God, I feel Importance of cherishing gratitude for all it would be a sin to have any of mine sprink- that is promising and pleasing in the dispoled." The woman is now under concern for sitions of children, rather than allowing her own soul, seeks to be taught the way of despondency or gloom because they are not salvation, constantly reads the New Testa- decidedly converted. Friday, May 2nd. ment, prays that God would teach her, and How may we best secure ourselves and our now attends a place of worship every Lord's- children from the double snares of Romanday. One of the daughters, above twenty ism and Rationalism? Friday, June 6th. years old, has become a scholar in our Sun-The end of education, and how we may fall day school, and they have requested us to hold meetings for prayer and exhortation at their cottage.

Thus the word of the Lord, by tract distribution, has free course and is glorified.

NEW BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE, WESTON

SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET.

short of it. Friday, August 1st. The cultivation of the domestic affections. Friday, September 5th. How may we account for the growing tendency to worldly conformity amongst the children of professors? Friday, October 3rd. How should parents act towards their children when they are afflicted? Friday, November 7th. The true accomplishments of women. Friday, December

ON Thursday, August 29th, 1850, the 5th. On the improper influence exerted above meeting-house was opened. upon the feelings of children.

In the morning, Mr. T. F. Newman, of Shortwood, Gloucestershire, preached an excellent sermon from Rom. v. 4, 5; and in the evening, addresses were delivered by Mr. Morris, of Clifton, on the importance of using means to convert sinners to God;

LONDON STRICT BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

ON Tuesday, Dec. 17, a public meeting of this association was held at Little Wild-street Chapel. After tea, brother Woollacott proposed for conference, "Popery,—the duty

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