"To the Committee," &c.

-

The

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 under- would be best, under such circumstances, to stood, had always been a station belonging do, and took a room, which was opened for to this mission, and the support of the pas- worship by Mr. Smith, pastor of the first tor depended mainly on its aid. The fol- Baptist church, Bacup, on July 15, 1849. lowing is a copy of the protest, leaving out On Oct. 14 following, thirteen of us united, the names of the persons by whom it was so far as we know, according to the will of signed. Christ, and the order of the New Testament, to follow him, as one of his churches. "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 resolved to afford continued support to Mr. Bentley, while persisting in this course, we shall be glad of advice, how that part of the church ought to act, which cannot conscientiously 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

praise and fame in every land whither they have been put to shame:" Zeph. iii. 19. We are at the present in want of more room for the accommodation of our hearers, and hope soon to obtain it.

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."

LONDON MATERNAL ASSOCIATION,

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. 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 sprinkled." The woman is now under concern for her own soul, seeks to be taught the way of salvation, constantly reads the New Testament, prays that God would teach her, and now attends a place of worship every Lord'sday. One of the daughters, above twenty years old, has become a scholar in our Sunday 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.

ON Thursday, August 29th, 1850, the above meeting-house was opened.

that is promising and pleasing in the dispositions of children, rather than allowing despondency or gloom because they are not decidedly converted. Friday, May 2nd. How may we best secure ourselves and our

children from the double snares of Romanism and Rationalism? Friday, June 6th. The end of education, and how we may fall 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 5th. On the improper influence exerted upon the feelings of children.

LONDON STRICT BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, a public meeting of

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 this association was held at Little Wild-street Mr. Morris, of Clifton, on the importance Chapel. After tea, brother Woollacott proof using means to convert sinners to God; posed for conference, "Popery,—the duty

STRICT BAPTIST SOCIETY.

RECIEVED by the Treasurer for the Strict
Baptist Society :-

Mr. John Campbell, merchant,
Inverary

of Baptists ?" and called upon brethren
Bonner, Lewis, Oliver, and Ball, to express
their views. The discussion was animated
and instructive, the recent measures of the
Papacy having given to the subject a more
than ordinary interest. Although some dif-
ference of opinion existed as to the attitude
in which the aggression was to be met, the
closing remark from the chairman was warm
ly responded to: that, "as Baptists, we were
all prepared (notwithstanding our small dif- Mr.
ferences on the religious question,) to address
the Queen, not as head of the church, but

Mr. D. Fraser, Lochgilphead

£

s. d.

0 10 0 0 13 4

For Mr. Förster's Chapel Case. Allingham, (by Mr. Lewis) 100 For poor Baptists of Sweden.

supreme in the commonwealth; and to tes- Mr. John Shearer, Wick
tify our unalterable attachment and loyalty Mr. Norton

to the house of Brunswick." The Scriptures Mr. B. Lewis, B.M..
were read, and prayer offered by brother
Waller; after which, brother Dickerson
delivered a discourse on "The doctrine of
apostolic succession,-is it consistent with

the Word of God P" Our brother has kindly John Fielding .
promised to prepare a sketch of his sermon,
for insertion in the magazine next month.
The next meeting will be held at Little
Alie-street, on Tuesday, Feb. 18th; bro-
ther Bonner to deliver a lecture on
sufficiency of the Scriptures in all matters Miss M. Gordon

"The

relating to faith and practice."

Received by the treasurer:-Contribution

scription of Mr. Whorlow, 10s.

Mrs. Bason

Васир.

0 12 0

0 10 0

0 5 0

RECEIVED FOR DANISH MISSION.

£ 8. d.

0 26

Blackburn.

from church at Alie-street, £2 10s. ; sub- A Friend

PASTORAL RECOGNITION.

James Morison

ON Monday, Sept. 23, 1850, the Rev. W. B. Davies was recognised as pastor of the Baptist church, Stockport. The introductory Joseph Ainley services on the nature and constitution of Thomas Fisher a Christian church," by the Rev. T. Dawson, John Ainley....... Bacup. The address to the pastor, by the Jonathan Quarmby. Rev. W. F. Burchill, of Rochdale. The tea Mrs. Eastwood and public meeting in the evening was numerously attended. H. Kelsall, Esq., of Rochdale, in the chair. Several of the Independent ministers in town addressed the meeting, and cordially welcomed Mr. Davies to Stockport. May the connection which is now formed between the pastor and people of his charge be lasting, for the good of all concerned, and for the glory of God.

Two persons (one of each sex) made a 500 public profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, on Thursday evening, Oct. 24, and have since been added to the Scotch Baptist church, meeting at Dorchester Hall, New North-road, Hoxton. The baptistry of 33 the meeting-house in Northampton-street, St. Pancras, was kindly lent for the occasion. The parties were immersed by Mr. R. Dunning, elder, after an address by Mr. F. Crowe, from the words, "If ye love me keep my commandments."

COLERAINE.-On Lord's-day evening, Nov. 74 17 9 3rd, the ordinance of baptism was administered here by Mr. Brown, in the presence of a respectable and attentive congregation. The candidate has been for some years a member of the congregational church at Newtonlimarady, and still retains her membership in that congregation.

Printed by JOSEPH BRISCOE, 28, Banner Street, in the Parish of St. Luke, in the County of Middlesex; and published by ARTHUR HALL and GEORGE VIRTUE, 25, Paternoster Row, in the Parish of St. Faith under St. Paul's, in the City of London.-WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1st, 1851.

QUARTERLY REGISTER

OF THE

BAPTIST HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE PROGRESS OF ROMANISM IN ENGLAND:-WHAT IS TO BE DONE?

THE recent proceedings of the papal power in setting up a Romish hierarchy in England may be turned to valuable account by directing public attention to the characteristic principles and practices of the apostacy; and by urging the earnest adoption of wise and scriptural measures for checking its re-development in the midst of us. As a religious system, popery deserves the intensest aversion and opposition of every intelligent protestant. Ready enough to appeal to the scriptures whenever the occasion may serve, as a rule it denies them to the people, practically supplants their authority by tradition, corrupts to entire transformation some of their most vital doctrines, and turns their simple ordinances into monstrous and soul-destroying superstitions. By its imposing claims to infallibility and universality, and by a ritual combining the pompous splendour of ancient Judaism and paganism, it captivates the imagination; and by means of that perverted power misleads and enslaves the judgment, the conscience, the will, the whole man. Resorting to confession, penance, absolution, ritual observance, and works of supererogation, it not only fatally strengthens the self-righteous pride of the human heart, which it is the very object of the gospel to overturn, it encourages sin by giving false security to the sinner. Notwithstanding its sophistical disclaimers, in the worship of the virgin and the other saints, in the veneration it challenges for relics, and in its substitution of the crucifix for the cross, it fosters alike the spirit and the practice of idolatry. Its votaries are at the mercy of cold, hard, and not unfrequently cruel, ecclesiastics, who have no domestic ties, no social affections, no interests in common with the rest of mankind. It is to the last degree exclusive and intolerant, admitting the validity of no other orders than its own, and denouncing all other churches without exception as schismatic or heretical. It pronounces accursed all who reject its doctrines, or refuse its communion; the detail of its curses, as pronounced by several of its pontiffs, being most horrible and revolting. It has always persecuted to the utmost of its power, frequently with the most terrible secrecy, energy, and severity. It has ever been the wily, generally the open foe, of rational liberty and real progress; the friend, the guide, the instigator of the oppressor. Whatever it has done at any time for the intelligence or the freedom of man has had in view its own ultimate interest, its own glory: when that could not be promoted it has done nothing, or it has bitterly opposed. I's unscrupulous employment of whatever means may advance its purposes, and its systematic, inveterate duplicity, compel suspicion; and render it impossible, even for the most candid, to deal with it as with any other system. The country or district in which it prevails is usually characterized by the prevalence of comparative idleness, poverty, and filth. It is the master contrivance of hell; as completely adapted to the modern as was the

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