of always attending to this ordinance; nothing prevented him except indisposition. These are traits which were they exhibited by all professing Christians, Ichabod' would not be written on so many of our churches. Her She could by immersion, by a series of sermons which he preached on infaut sprinkling. From that time her history is identified with the newly-formed General Baptist church in the town of Bradford. husband had already been publicly baptized and united with the same people. He was very suddenly called to his reward. Her trying course as a pastor's wife fitted Mrs. Hinchliffe for great usefulness to the infant church in Bradford. Her house was always open for the accommodation of ministers. She was the greatest minister's friend the writer ever met with. never do too much for a minister of the Gospel. Many of our Yorkshire brethren, and some now in heaven, can bear testimony to this. She had on her mind also the care of all the church. By labours, by prayers, by contributions, by example, by love unfeigned, by frequent visits to the sick, the negligent, and the enquiring, she sought to help on the work of God. In this capacity, the half she did cannot be told. Her conduct before the world was blameless. She was a living epistle of Christ, known and read of all men. The institutions of our body, as well as the church to which she belonged, were indebted to her for many a private contribution, and for many subscriptions solicited from others. Her attendance at the means of grace I was most exemplary. Still, with all this native energy of character, love to God's house, and proper exemplary conduct during a whole life, she often walked in darkness, especially during her last protracted illness. The latter years of her life were much embittered by excessive care for her family, and solicitude for her temporal affairs, which were not in a settled and prosperous state. MRS. ANN HINCHLIFFE of Bradford, was for many years an honoured and useful member of the first General Baptist church in that town. Naturally of a strong and active mind, and prompt and earnest in all she did, she was able to accomplish more than many could have done. These rare qualities, combined with an ardent love to the cause of Christ, made her universally admired and beloved, and her influence and activity have contributed largely to the establishment of the General Baptist interest in Bradford. Her memory and works are had in affectionate remembrance by a large circle of Christian and ministerial friends Her parents, Reuben and Ann Calvert, were both pious, and occupied an important position in the Independent church at Booth, in the parish of Halifax. Ann Calvert was born on 3rd Dec., 1775. In early life she was brought to know the word. Before she was twenty years of age, Rev. Jonas Hinchliffe, having just left one of the Independent colleges, became pastor of the church at Booth, and shortly after was united in wedlock to Ann Calvert. She found abundant use for all her gifts and graces as a pastor's wife. The life of her husband was a chequered one. His small stipend was eked out by the thrift of his wife. Disunion in the church at Booth led to his removal, and ultimately, after years of a blameless and devoted service, to the resignation of his ministry; the pastor's wife had to share in these trials, and Her bodily and mental powers had meanwhile become the mother of also began to fail, and these things, in thirteen children, of whom several died connection with a strong leaning to Calin infancy. Still, her love to the cause vinistic theology, darkened and deof Christ, and her activity and useful-pressed her mind, sometimes to a great ness continued. The Lord did not forget bis faithful servant in these trials. A kind friend very opportunely left them a considerable legacy. At this period they reinoved to Bradford, and while under the ministry of that holy man, the late Rev. Jonathan Glyde, Mrs. Hinchliffe was convinced of the duty of believers' baptism degree. She thought herself the greatest of sinners-sometimes feared she was beyond the reach of hope-grieved over her short comings and unworthiness, sometimes distressingly so. Still she clung to her Saviour. She departed this life, June 3rd, 1858, in the 83rd year of her age, leaving two only of her many children, Intelligence a son and a daughter, the latter of whom tenderly watched over, and as far as she could, smoothed her passage to the tomb. Her death was imimproved by Rev. B. Wood, pastor of the church, on Aug. 1, 1858, from 2 Peter i. 13, 15, to a large congregation. 27 the first members of the Harborough church. In her twenty-five years' Christian experience, there were found many dark passages of affliction and trial, but relieved by genial rays of divine sunshine. However agitated by untoward circumstances, there was always an under current of meekness and happy reliance upon the faithfulSheness of her heavenly Father. Mrs. H. is now no more, but the lesson of her life is before us. being dead yet speaketh to all survivors, but especially to all church members. In her activity, regularity, and constant interest in the welfare of the church, she was all that we could wish a member to be. So long as health and strength permitted, none took a more lively interest than she did in church meetings. For many years she had a weekly experience meeting conducted at her own house. Were all church members like her, the joy of ministers would be full, and the church of God would soon become a praise in all the earth. T.H.V. RUTH FAWSON was born at Market Harborough, in the year 1804. At the age of thirty she became seriously concerned for the salvation of her soul. At the time of her conviction, a few zealous men connected with the General Baptists opened a mission in Harborough, and commenced preaching in a small house. Our deceased sister attended these services,and under a sermon preached by Rev. J. F Winks, of Leicester, she found pardon through a crucified Saviour. She was one of In her affliction, she required no exhortation to look to Jesus and to trust in God, for already her hope was firmly fixed upon the Rock of Ages. Her last days exhibited the excellency of religion. When the physician gave her no hope of recovery, she responded, 'My time, I know is not long, Jesus will take me where I shall sing praises, and I shall groan with pain no more.' Το the Christian friends who stood around her bed she said, "The work is done! The conflict is finished.' She then prayed importunately for her children and relations. She was sensible to the last minute of her life. With a smile on her countenance, and in accents of triumph she said to weeping friends, Rejoice: I am going to my heavenly Father.' She would have repeated her favourite sentiments, 'O to grace, how great a debtor,' but the happy spirit could not brook delay, for Angels beckoned her away, and Jesus bade her come.' She died 26th Oct., 1859. Her death was improved by Mr. Searson on the following Sunday, from John xi. 25, 26. G.R.S. CONFERENCE. Intelligence. The Lincolnshire Conference was held at Sutterton, on Thursday, Dec. 8th, 1859. In the Morning brother Cholerton read and prayed, and brother Mathews preached from 1 Peter, i. 1. In the Afternoon the reports from the churches were of a cheering character, forty-six persons having been baptized since the last Conference, and nineteen remaining candidates for baptism. The following resolutions were unanimously passed : 1. That we are thankful to hear of the prosperity now enjoyed by the church at Whittlesea, and hope that a suitable minister may shortly be obtained, and in the meantime, efficient supplies procured for the pulpit. 2. That the ensuing Conferences shall be held in the following order : 1860. Bourne 1862. Coningsby Holbeach 1861. 1863. Boston Whittlesea Sutterton 3. That we thank Mr. Mitten for his letter concerning the present state of the General Baptist Church at Lincoln, and hope the time is not far distant when that church may be re suscitated. 4-That this Conference recommends the General Home Mission Committee to take up Lincoln as a Home Mission Station. 5. That this Conference advises the churches in this district to comply with the request of many Christian ministers, both in India and England, to set apart the second week in 1860 for special prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit of God 'upon all flesh.' 6-That the next Conference be held at Bourne, on March 8th, 1860, and that brother Watts, of Wisbeach, be requested to preach in the Moruing. November 2, when our pastor preached to an overflowing congregation, the chapel being filled in every part where standing room could be obtained, and many were unable to gain admission. CONINGSBY.-On Lord's-day evening, Nov. 20th, a grandson of our oldest deacon was baptized, and was received following into the church on the Sabbath. We have several candidates. PETERBOROUGH. On Lord's-day, December 4th, two candidates were baptized in the General Baptist chapel, and were admitted into church fellowship. STALYBRIDGE.-On the morning of Lord's-day, December 4th, 1859, after a sermon on the importance of Christian baptism, three beloved friends were baptized. In the afternoon, they, with four others, were received into the church by the pastor, who gave to each the right hand of fellowship. A deep feeling pervaded the assembly, and many were affected to tears. May such refreshing seasons be often enjoyed. KEGWORTH.-We had a baptism here on Lord's-day, December 4th, when nine persons, five of whom were from Diseworth,' professed a good profession before many witnesses,' in the morning, and were received into fellowship in the afternoon. It was felt by many to be a good day. LEICESTER, Friar-lane.-On Lord'sday, Dec. 4, 1859, the ordinance of believers' baptism was administered to four friends. Our junior minister, Rev. J. C. Pike, preached in the morn Hestering from Ephesians iv. 5, and baptized the candidates, and in the afternoon THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary.our senior minister, Rev. S. Wigg, re. ceived them into the fellowship of the church. In the Evening brother J. A. Jones read and prayed, and brother preached from Acts xvi. 30, 31. BAPTISMS. CHESHAM. Two young friends, sisters, were baptized on Tuesday evening, Nov. 1st, and received to communion the following Sabbath. BERKHAMPSTEAD -Six young disciples followed their Lord through the baptismal flood, on the evening of Intelligence.-Re-openings, &c. meeting, Rev. G. A. Syme gave a very graphic and interesting lecture entitled, 'A voyage round the world, with a glance at the gold diggings.' RE-OPENINGS. DERBY, Mary's-gate.-This beautiful chapel having been closed for repairs in the roof was re-opened, Dec. 18. Our pastor preached in the morning, and Rev. J. F. Stevenson, of Nottingham, in the evening. On Monday evening, Dec. 19, we had a large and interesting tea meeting. Addresses were given by Revs. T. Clements, H. Wilkinson, J. J. Goadby, H. Tarrant, J. F. Stevenson, and W. Jones. We hope by the end of next March to clear off the debt incurred by the repairs. LEICESTER, Friar-lane.-Our chapel has been closed for five weeks for cleaning, painting, and repairs. It was reopened on Nov. 13, 1859, when Rev. J. B. Pike, of Bourne, preached two sermons, morning and evening, and Rev. J. Barker (Indep.), preached in the afternoon. On Monday, we had a tea meeting. Addresses were delivered by Revs. J. C. Pike, S. Wigg, T. Stevenson, and J. B. Pike, of Bourne. Collections and subscriptions, £80. The entire cost will be about £130. We hope by another tea meeting to clear the debt off. MISSION SERVICES. BEESTON, near Nottingham. On Lord's-day, December 4th, two excellent sermons were preached in the General Baptist Chapel, Beeston, by the Rev. I. Stubbins, on behalf of our Foreign Mission Society; the services, particularly in the evening, were well attended. On the following Monday evening, a missionary meeting was beld. Addresses were delivered by Wm. Felkin, Esq., chairman, Revs. I. Stubbins, H. Wilkinson, returned missionaries, and H. Hunter, of Nottingham. The meeting was well at tended. Collections and contributions, £15 17s. 5d. T. N. MISCELLANEOUS.. 29 LEICESTER, Dover-street.-A social meeting was held on Nov. 22nd, to present Mr. Charles H. Brown with a massive and elegant silver watch and gold chain. He has for many years been the efficient leader of the choir and a devoted Sunday school teacher; and as he was about to remove to another part of the country, it was felt that he should be presented with some token of esteem and affection. His removal is a serious loss to us; but it is hoped that our loss will be the gain of some sister church. J. M. On Tuesday evening, Dec. 6th, Rev. J.Holroyd, Barlestone, delivered a most comprehensive, eloquent, and edifying lecture on The Bible: some of its distinguished features,' in the Schoolroom of Dover-street chapel, Leicester, under the auspices of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Class. In the same place, and connected with the same class, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 13, Robert Scott, Esq., Leicester, delivered a most lively and entertaining lecture, giving an account of his voyage from Liverpool to Melbourne, and of his travels in Melbourne, Sydney, Australia, Wellington, Nelson, and New Zealand, in 1853. J. M. MANSFIELD.-A benevolent lady recently called at the house of our brother, Mr. Wood, minister, and left him £50 towards the liquidation of the chapel debt. REVIVAL MOVEMENT. At Bath, Plymouth, Leicester, Nottingham, Stalybridge, Boston, Loughborough, and many other towns in all parts of England, special revival prayermeetings have been held every week. We sincerely hope that while these extra efforts are being made, the customary prayer-meetings at the various chapels will not be neglected. Those who complain of the want of interest in these, do not show much genuine love for their own places, when they cease to attend altogether. Notes of the Month. ECCLESIASTICAL. ROME makes saints out of very dirty materials. One Benedict Joseph Labre, filthier than the filthiest beggar to be found in the streets of Naples-who never changed his dress the year round, was driven by priests from confessionals and harboured no body knows how many million lice-has recently been canonized, with all due honours! Labre was like many other saints in the Romish calendar; a visit twice a week to some public bath would have made him all the more wholesome as a man, whatever it would have done to him as a saint. But in truth the Papist proverb seems to run, the dirtier the man the holier the saint. Cardinals, vicars-apostolical, bishops, priests, and friars, black, white and grey, with all their trumpery, seem in ludicrous consternation. The Pope's temporal throne is falling; and they preach, and bluster, and cajole, and threaten, but no burst of indignation arises from the Catholic church. In Ireland crowds throng to listen to exciting harangues; and little except frothy, manifestoes comes of their gatherings. In Italy Jesuits, and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Jesuits in petticoats, grow every day more odious to the people. Once start a liberal movement, and though nearly all the educated men have been trained in Jesuit seminaries, their first and universal cry is, 'Down with the Jesuits!' The poorer classes, idle, vagrant, ignorant, and superstitious, are in thraldom to the monks, who have been their nursing fathers. It will be a mighty blast that shall sweep out of the peninsular this cowled rabble. My lord Cardinal of Westminster, is in Rome, and rumour says, intends staying there. As & special favour, he has sent over a valuable cameo, blessed by himself, to be raffled for by the faithful, for the church's benefit! The new religious movement in Tuscany is provoking general attention. Men began to meet publicly in Florence for expounding the Gospels, and gathered in great crowds to listen to the addresses of their chief speaker, Muzzavella. He is said to have belonged to the Waldenses of Piedmont, then to have seceded and founded a sect called the Evangelical Society. The authorities have forbidden the assemblies, and 'the brethren ' now meet from house to house. Many copies of the Scriptures have been circulated by them. We hope to hear again of this movement. The Episcopalians are bestirring themselves in London. Exeter Hall will once more be occupied by clergymen on Sunday evenings. The Archbishop of Dublin has issued a pastoral inviting aid for the new mission to British Columbia. A large English population, and some 75,000 Indians inhabit this new territory. Miss Burdett Coutts has given £25,000 towards the mission, a noble example of cheerful liberality, worthy the imitation of professed voluntaries. The Dean of Cape Town, predicts the speedy end of statechurchism, and emphatically declares that the whole current of the world in every free country is dead against church receiving state pay. Rev. E. H. Moreton, a clergyman, having recently embraced Baptist views, was publicly immersed in the Baptist Chapel, Stoney Stratford. |