more follow and keep up with me in run-word. O may God have mercy upon them, ning, they threw stones after me, but all and forgive and save them, for His Son's of which passed. That I still could run sake! To Him be all the glory, now and so well I cannot understand now; for the for ever.-Amen. length of one mile and a-half they had pursued me. "I cannot, dear brother, as I intended, write a letter to this, for it is now already "But now when I was rid of them, and after midnight, and on this very day now just escaped with life—I was, indeed, I shall go on another short mission-tour in nearly done-now I felt all the pain every- the kingdom of Hanover; for next Sunday where, in and about my body, chiefly on a meeting is there in one place already anmy head, from which the blood was still nounced, to which, as I am told, the people running; and there I stood in the cold, of more than six different villages will atdark night, covered with blood and wounds, tend, and I might say, all persons who without a cap or a shawl, and not knowing never heard the gospel. But I have in where I was, being unacquainted, scarcely this region always to live in anxiety, beable to move a step further. All I could cause of the gensdarmes, who long since do was to thank the Lord for saving me; have desired to catch me. I would entreat to pray for my persecutors, and to ask you to pray for me continually, and to Him to direct me where to go to... praise with me the Lord for the last won"I knew that about two hours walk off derful deliverance. The chief of my wounds was Tangstedt, where I would find brethren, but at the same time I was so at a loss that I did not know whether I had to turn to the right or to the left. I was already about, being quite exhausted, to lie down in the fields till the morning, but I could not bear to see anybody in the daylight, and had also to take care that I did not, after all, fall into the hands of the gensdarmes, and so get out of one tribulation into another! therefore I walked forward, and the Lord guided me, so that at midnight I found Tangstedt, where I went into the house of a brother, who received me, and as much as he could, relieved me. Now, I will give you still, that you may be without anxiety about me and my health, also the following day : is still rather sore, but getting better, else I am in good health; but sorry I am that my coat, which was the best, is torn, and my salary will not very well allow me to get, before the second quarter of this year, a new one; but I will not trouble you with that, but do as children used to do with their parents; so I will go to my Father, and tell Him that in His service, in the holy war, my coat has been torn, and hope that I may get a new one; and why not? For who is as rich and good as He is? I trust you got from Mr. Oncken my journal, which I gave him long since. The sermons of S. I received, and feel very much obliged to you, but you still get the money for them, and you could not do better than deduct it from the salary. One petition I have now :-The last two or three numbers of the Primitive Church Magazine I have not got; would you be so kind as to send them, since I desire very much to read them. "13. After I had enjoyed a few hours' sleep, I was a great deal better, though I felt the pain all over my body, and the most care I had was with the wound on the forehead, which was rather sore, and of the length of nearly two inches. Very I trust you and your family are all quite likely, if ever I come again to England, well; my warmest love to them all. Likeyou will still see the mark of it. During wise my best respects to the members of the day I had several visits from the breth- our Committee, and ask them WHEN I shall ren, and because they saw that I was so go to Saxony. MORITZ GEISSLER, Missionary. UNITED STATES. far well again, they asked me to conduct Please write to me soon again, and send this evening their weekly prayer-meeting, me the last numbers of the Primitive.— which I at first declined, but must pro- Yours very affectionately, mise to do. When I had done so, they went and invited all the people, and these having already heard of my affair, came now chiefly out of curiosity to see me, so that before the time of service the chapel was crowded. It was then not only a wonder to the people, but also to myself, that I could already occupy the pulpit again. The Lord gave me then all the strength and words I needed, and so assisted by Him, I preached above an hour. Many were melted to tears, and I trust, touched by the (Extract from a Letter to the Editor.) "I am much interested in your efforts to promote the spread of sound and unadulterated Baptist sentiments. We have the same battle to fight here- (Virginia ;) but under circumstances of greater advantage, We find that our highest success is in simply preaching the word everywhere, in sea. aided by the Christian zeal of England, Scotland, and Ireland, every part of the country would have had the benefit of a Bible education."-The God of Providence the God of the Bible. Provincial. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BAPTIST son and out of season; and the next most promising line of effort is in getting hold of the education of the young. The Baptists of this State have expended about 700,000 dollars on this institution, over which I preside. And since its establishment so great has been the zeal awakened among us for female education, under our own denominational influence, that no less than four other institutions, claiming elevated grade, and affording extended accommodations, have arisen in this single State. Our College for young men is provided with On Tuesday evening, the 26th January an endowment of 100,000 dollars, and good last, the Baptist Church worshipping in buildings; but we must double that soon, Morice-square, Devonport, held its annual and probably establish another in the west-meeting. The members first partook of tea. ern part of the State. Thus you see what After tea, the deacons read their annual rewe are trying to do for the cause of Christ. port, which proved to be of the most enI have mentioned these things, not boast-couraging character, showing that after fully, but as intelligence which may be paying all the charges for thoroughly pleasing and cheering to you, though cleaning, painting, repairing, and embelfar way. Though separated in distance, lishing the chapel, defraying all the ordiand differing in some things, we can unite in the prayer, "Thy kingdom come!" Yours in Christian bonds, B. MANLY, JUN." INDIA. Extract from a Work written by A. CARSON, 1839. "The time is at hand when the rulers of the world must open their dominions to the word of God, or be displaced from their trust. Britain! remember to what it is you owe your exalted rank among the nations of the earth! Who called Cyrus to Babylon, and gave him the sceptre of the world for delivering the captive Jews? Fulfil then, my country! fulfil your honourable trust, and bid defiance to all the nations. Give India, give Ireland, the Bible; and frown on the threats of the demagogues at home; disregard the combination of continental despots: the nation that fears Jehovah has nothing else to fear. England! if ever you lose India or Ireland, it will be by unfaithfulness to the God of the Bible. "To what is it now owing that Great Britain is in danger of losing Ireland? To her unfaithfulness in not evangelizing it. For many an age she has suffered this country to remain in ignorance, and still she hopes to retain it by soothing and assisting superstition. Let conscience be left free as air, but let not men be hired to uphold the empire of ignorance. "Scriptural education was advancing, and had there been no interference on the part of Government, in a short time, by the exertions of the London Hibernian Society, nary current expenses of the place, and meeting the engagement entered into with the new pastor to secure his services, the treasurer was but three or four pounds in arrears. The secretary of the Sundayschools read a report, which gave a very number of children is 210, and of teachers, pleasing account of their condition. The 25, all of whom teach every Lord's-day. The increase of children on the year was 40, and of teachers, 8. Four teachers and one senior scholar had been added to the church during the year, and many others were among the enquirers. The pastor, the Rev. J. Stock, next gave in his report,-The members' names, with their residences, were read over; the losses and additions of the year were detailed; and the result was found to be that the church, which numbered 100 members at the commencement of 1857, at its close contained 130. One or two warm-hearted addresses were delivered; many hymns was a truly devout and profitable season, were sung; and many prayers offered. It calling for fervent gratitude to God. To Him be all the glory! MINISTERIAL CHANGES, ETC. The Rev. Philip Bailhache, of the Baptist College, Regent's-park, London, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church in Brown-street, Salisbury, to become their pastor, and commences his ministry there with the most favourable prospects.-The Rev. T. Hands, late travelling agent of the Bible Translation Society, has accepted the pastorate of the Baptist church assembling in the Old Meeting, Luton, Beds.-The Rev. John Frances has, on account of illness, announced his intention to resign his charge at Westmancote, in April next.-The Rev. John Myres, of Horton College, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Conistone to become their pastor, and entered on his labours the first Sabbath in February.-The following students of the Baptist College, Pontypool, have lately settled over churches in Monmouthshire Mr. R. Owens, at Lanthewy; Mr. T. Reeves, with the newly-gathered English church at Risca; Mr. T. R. Evans at Usk.-The Rev. W. J. Stuart, Ripley, removes to Stanningley and Pudsey, Yorkshire. The Rev. W. Gray also leaves Rip ley for Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. The Rev. S. J. Chew, Leicester, has become pastor at Bond-street, Birmingham.--Mr. W. C. Jones, of Regent's-park College, has accepted the pastorate of the church in Earl-street, London-road, Southwark. BAPTISMS. BEDFORD Mill-street.- On Lord's day morning, Jan. 31, Mr. Killen had the pleasure of preaching again on the subject of baptism, to a very attentive congregation. Then he immersed three young women in the name of the glorious Trinity. Whatever may be said against baptism by immersion, one thing we have proved to be certain, that God does set his seal of approbation on it, for every time it is administered here some real good springs from it. The abovenamed three young persons, each of them confessed that they received their deepest impressions from sermons on the subject, and witnessing the ordinance administered from time to time. On Lord's-day, February 7th, at the table, the three young friends, together with two brothers baptized before, and a sister, were all received into full communion; and truly it was a day of joy and thankfulness to all. added five believers to our church by baptism. For some months past, we believe, we have been able to trace cause and effect in its highest and noblest sense, for God having graciously led his servant here, to preach fully, simply, and earnestly, none but Jesus, the happy effects have been through the power of the Holy Spirit, the ingathering of many souls to Christ. DEVONPORT: Morice-square Chapel.-On Lord's-day evening, January 31st, 1858, six converts were immersed into the name of the adorable Trinity. There was a large concourse of spectators, but the utmost order and seriousness prevailed. The pastor, the Rev. J. Stock, preached and baptized. OSWALDTWISTLE: New-lane.-On the evening of January 17th, 1858, we had a very delightful baptismal service. Three persons followed the example of Jesus in holy baptism. Mr. W. E. Jackson, of Cloughfold, preached a powerful sermon on the words, "What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 1 Pet. iv. 17. The beautiful hymn, beginning "Around thy grave, Lord Jesus," &c., was then sung, and Mr. J. solemnly administered the divine ordinance. MARRIED, on April 18, 1857, at Enon Chapel, Woolwich, by Mr. C. Box, Matthew Eveling, of High-street, Islington, to Ann Elizabeth Godfrey, of Powis-street, Woolwich. Also, on December 26, 1857, at Enon Chapel, Woolwich, by Mr. C. Box, Edward Codd, of Ipswich, to Sarah Wade, of Blackheath. SUNNYSIDE, LANCASHIRE.- On Lord'sday, February 7, 1858, three persons were received by Mr. Nichols, into the church at Sunnyside, having been previously baptized on their profession of repentance and faith -including a man and his wife-and a young female from the Sabbath-school. A large number of spectators remained to witness the ordinance of the Lord's-supper, RECEIVED FOR BAPTIST EVANGELICAL and the whole service was of a most solemn and deeply interesting character; many melted in tears. The pastor preached during the day from Hosea ix. 5; and Acts ii. 37. KINGSTON-ON-THAMES,-On Wednesday, January 27th, our pastor, Mr. Medhurst, Miss Spencer, Ramsgate...P.C.M. 5 00 SOCIETY. Mr. Clements, Southwell Ditto 07 0 .Den. 1 10 90060 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.-MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1858, THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH (OR BAPTIST) MAGAZINE. No. CLXXII.-APRIL 1, 1858. Essays, Expositions, &c. OUR BAPTIST ANNIVERSARIES. THE season rapidly approaches when the representatives of the British Baptist churches will hold their usual annual meetings in the metropolis, for the purpose of reviewing the past and arranging for the future. But whether in review or in anticipation,--whether we survey what has been done, or deliberate upon what remains to be attempted,-one sole principle should be distinctly understood and acknowledged, which is, that the object of assembling is to advance the kingdom of the Redeemer among mankind. This vital principle should not be merely assumed or quietly implied; for this tame recognition will fail to give point and purpose to the occasion. And if there should be no direct and definite purpose to stamp character upon the proceedings, then the meetings will fall short of the necessity, and prove scarcely less than a mockery or a delusion. But the foregoing principle requires to be distinctly held and openly avowed: nay, it is not affirming too much to state that it should be solemnly impressed upon all who are delegated to the assemblies by the churches who depute them. The parties appointed to represent the churches should be addressed with gravity and solemnity at the time of their appointment, and faithfully reminded that they are VOL. XV.-NO. CLXXII. deputed, not for personal gratification or recreation, nor even for private fellowship with valued but long absent brethren,but to maintain and forward the great cause of Christ,-to watch narrowly against whatever may tend to impair its efficiency, and to resist any attempt (if such should be made) to convert it into a means of personal advancement or official domination. To accomplish this important object in some good degree, the following particu lars are affectionately submitted to the serious consideration of the friends of the Baptist cause. 1. The churches should labour to entertain a clear conception of the design of these annual assemblies. If on this most important point the churches themselves are wrong, then, as far as they are concerned, all their plans, purposes, and expectations will also be wrong. To them the whole enterprize will be pointless, confused, and without result. There being no distinct object at the head of action (the churches themselves constitute this head), the delegates will be selected without fitness, the measures will be crude or inappropriate, and the general anticipations, not being based on any consistent principle, will end in failure or disappointment. The churches H should labour, therefore, to understand | as when a number of these loquacious distinctly, that the object is not one of empty routine, or of worldly show, or of friendly greeting, or of vain ostentation, -but one of no less importance than to deliberate upon the best means of advancing the kingdom of Christ in the world at large; or, in other words, to consider the present condition of the Redeemer's interests, and how best to secure their triumph among mankind. II. The churches should exercise the greatest possible care in order to depute the right men. These, it should be remembered, are to represent the great interests of our Divine religion, in all that concerns the honour of Christ and the cause of his salvation. If the churches understand their own character or the purpose for which Christ has made them churches at all, they will at once admit that they are called and appointed to represent Christ among men, and that the brethren whom they employ as their deputies on these great annual occasions, can be entrusted in their turn with but the same representation. When, therefore, they are about to select brethren to act in their name, and in so grave a capacity, they should labour and pray that, above all things, they may be directed to the choice of the right men. men have been deputed to 'attend them. With "long speeches," too frequently void of point, or purpose, or power, they have given to these solemn occasions the appearance of assemblies merely brought together to hear certain men talk. The audiences have been wearied, the churches bitterly disappointed, and the great interests of Christ have been sacrificed at the shrine of a vain and empty loquacity, which has served no imaginable purpose but to prove that "the tongue can no man tame." But right men will be-1st. Men of humble, earnest piety. These men have the cause of God at heart. They love it and embrace it for themselves. For that cause they sigh, and labour, and wrestle. It is their very life. Above all they cherish it, and before their own wealth or gratification they seek its prosperity. With such men the churches may confide their dearest interests, and be solidly assured that they will not be betrayed. 2nd. Wise men. To understand "the signs of the times" and be qualified to give appropriate counsel, are marks of true wisdom. The representatives of the churches should be men of broad and capacious views,―men who look on things comprehensively;-not men of narrow, These will not be-1st. Vain men. A localized habits, but such as can survey vain man will represent himself, and no- the cause of Christ throughout the whole thing else. In the pulpit, on the plat- world, and who will be able to advise in form, or in committee, the vain man will proportion to its extended necessities. hear and speak for himself alone; and Such men are invaluable as counsellors the church whom he should represent at our annual assemblies. 3rd. Men of will be a mere cypher, or as good as dead, boldness. Timid, weak, lukewarm men, through him. Better that a church should are not equal to the duties of so great an have no representative at all, than one occasion. They should be men who will who will only represent himself.-2nd. not be afraid to open their mouths in deNor proud men. The proud man will be fence of the truth of Christ. It is a painfirst or nothing,—a king among equals, ful sight, and humiliating beyond all exupon whom, however, he will generously pression, to witness a number of men bestow his patronage, to make them feel assembled, not one of whom will venture how great a man he is. Unless a church to oppose some Diotrephes-some petty wishes to make itself appear ridiculous, official despot, whose sole will must be it will, above all others, never depute a universal law. Nothing tends so rapidly proud man to exhibit his folly in their to eat away the spirit of independence as name.-3rd. Nor loquacious men, or such a timid truculence to mistaken brethren, as are fond of making themselves heard, whose bearing is that of "lords over God's to the exclusion of more useful men. A heritage." Nor can proper freedom be loquacious man will be more concerned preserved but by men who will dare to to make "a great speech," or to "produce be bold in the face of lordly dictation. a sensation," than to "take care of the 4th. They should be faithful men, or men church of God." The annual meetings of strong convictions and of unswerving have never proved so empty and abortive | fidelity. These are not the times for half |