such way as this that any future revision of the scriptures will work its way to general adoption. One thing we cannot but regret with regard to the revised version as here given, and that is, that there should have been so much change in the phrases when there is none in the sense.

THE YOUNG MEN'S MAGAZINE, January 1857.

IT IS WRITTEN: a Monthly Magazine for the dissemination of the truth of God. London: The Book Society, 19, Paternoster Row.

THE first gives a good variety of dishes for two-pence-ncither, however, very full nor very savoury. The second is a penny magazine, whose title assumes that no other periodicals are engaged in "disseminating the truth of God." We fear it will have but a short existence.

Correspondence.

NOTES ON THE MONTH, &c.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Magazine.

DEAR SIR,-As it has been customary of late to insert notes of the month in our Magazine, and as they are always read with interest, I send you a few on the month, the quarter, and the year.

1st.-On the Month. The first sabbath in the month is, to all right-minded christians, looked forward to with a comsiderable degree of pleasure.

The ordinance of believers' baptism is usually administered on this day, and is a source of great satisfaction when additions are made from time to time to the number of Christ's followers. On the afternoon of this day, the ordinance of the Lord's supper is attended to; and, while surrounding the table of the Lord, we hear from the minister of what our blessed master suffered on our account, and the privations he endured. The poor members are encouraged to cast their care upon the Lord, who is able to sustain them in all their trying circumstances; and, at the conclusion, the minister announces that a collection will be made for the poor of Christ's flock. Now, I am not quite sure whether this collection is thoroughly understood, but I will try to explain it. In the first place, the bread and wine have to be paid for; the remainder of the money goes to the relief of the poor friends; but the deacons frequently find a very small amount for the relief of the poor widows they are charged in God's word to take care of; and, the principal reason is, that numbers of our friends barely contribute sufficient to pay for the bread and wine they consume on these occasions; and, consequently, the deacons are unable to administer to the necessities of those poor members who really need assistance.

2nd. On the Quarter. This is a time for collecting pew rents, and also making collections for lighting and cleaning the chapel. In most of our churches the minister's salary has to be paid out of the pew rents, but it frequently happens that many of the occupiers of sittings get into arrears in their payments, and scarcely ever settle these deficiencies until the annual church meeting, at the end of the year, when the financial accounts are balanced; in consequence of which, either the minister must go short, or be compelled to go on credit for his daily bread, or the treasurer for the church has to make large advances during the year; all this arises from the want of punctuality in the payment of pew rents. The next subject is the quarterly collections for lighting and cleaning the chapel. It is a lamentable fact, that, on these occasions, we have more vacant seats than on any sabbath during the year. Who are so particular, as the individuals who absent themselves on these occasions, about their seats being perfectly clean, and a good light burning near the places they should occupy? They need not be suprised, should their seats be found dusty on the following sabbath, as dust will accumulate in all unoccupied places. These individuals would be truly shocked

were they informed on the following day that the minister, from some cause or other had neglected to occupy his place in the pulpit.

3rd.-On the Year. We have our annual report of the Academy published, with the names of the students, and also the residence of those who have entered the ministry in our connexion; but we have no account of those who have received their education at our college, at the expense of the connexion, and havė joined other denominations, or who have entered into commercial engagements. Where are these? and what are they doing? It is high time they were called upon to cash up for all the expenses they have incurred, if they are in circumstances to do so. Parents are generally expected to pay for the education of their own children, but they are not equally satisfied to pay for the education of others, to enable them to enter upon commercial pursuits.

A word or two on the resolution of the last association, respecting the most desirable locality for our academy. The association has decided that Nottingham is the place, and the committee appointed to carry out that resolution were in treaty for land whereon to build the proposed new college, when a number of friends, deeply interested in the welfare of our connexion, recommend that we should, in a kindly spirit, hand over our young men to the new Particular Baptist college in London; and what would be the consequence? Why, we should pay for their education, and the Particular Baptists would have the pick of our most talented young men. Now, it is my opinion that the association should, at their next meeting, confirm their former resolution, to make Nottingham the place; and, if the means cannot, at present, be obtained for building a college, the committee should be instructed to look out for, and rent a building, sufficiently large, at a moderate expense, until funds can be obtained to erect suitable premises.

We have also our annual association. There is one day at this annual gathering which is quite a high day-a kind of anniversary; (i.e.) the one on which the Repository business is attended to. There are about some half-dozen who seem to take pleasure in making unwarrantable attacks upon the Editor, and the matter contained in this our only denominational periodical. These friends should bear in mind that the Editor's feelings are not made of iron, nor his skin of shoe-leather, neither is the matter contained in this periodical of thet odious character which they would try to represent; and, there is no doubt, that these repeated attacks have had the effect of preventing our magazine from being supported in the manner in which it ought to have been. And should the present efforts in its behalf not be successful, I hope the cause will be attributed to the proper quarter. A SUBSCRIBER TO ALL OUR INSTITUTIONS.

ON ATTENDING CONFERENCES.

To the churches connected with the Lincolnshire Conference.

DEAR BRETHREN,-I was requested by the Conference held at Bourne on Thursday, March 12th, 1857, to write a letter to the churches in this district, for the purpose of exciting a deeper interest in our Quarterly meetings, and increasing the interest of them.

For some years the smallness of the number of brethren assembled has had a chilling efect upon our gatherings, and has deprived us of much pleasure and profit that would otherwise have been realized. This may be accounted for, in part, because our churches in this district are so distant from each other, and some of them are difficult of access. But might not these difficulties be overcome by a moderate share of determination and effort?

The difficulties certainly were not less before railways were constructed, and yet the brethren in those days assembled much more numerously and regularly than at present.

Would not the more frequent communion of the ministers and leading members of the churches be fraught with much good, both to themselves and to the churches which they represented? Were the attendance at our Conferences

larger, and the interest taken deeper, we should not have so many "failures" as we now have.

The brethren appointed to preach would earnestly strive to fill up their appointment, and to prepare sermons that would rouse our drooping energies, and fire us with fresh zeal in our Divine Master's service; whereas, now it is a common thing for a brother to be called upon to take the morning service without any time for preparation, thus causing inconvenience to himself and disappointment to the people.

We know that some of our ministers, whose remuneration is but scanty, are absent from our meetings because they do not feel able to pay the expences that would be incurred by their attendance. Will not the churches take up this matter, and resolve to pay the expence of their minister or some other representative? and will not those friends whom God has blessed with "the means seek to accompany them? Thus will the attendance at our future Conferences be increased, and their usefulness extended.

Hoping that this matter may receive the attention which its importance demands, I remain dear brethren, on behalf of the Conference,

Peterboro', March 16th, 1857.

Yours, very truly,

THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary.

CASE OF NEW FLETTON, NEAR PETERBORO’.

To all who "love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."

DEAR BRETHREN,- The members of the General Baptist Church West Gate, Peterboro', have for some time felt desirous of introducing the preaching of the Gospel into the rising and populous village of New Fletton, which is a short distance from this city, and in which there is not yet any place of worship. We have repeatedly held services in the open air, but have not been able to obtain a suitable room. For more than four years we have distributed tracts regularly in the village, and have now decided to erect a chapel there.

An eligible site of freehold land has been purchased at a cost of £40, and, by the kindness of a few friends, has been paid for. We are anxious to obtain money for the building fund as early as possible, as it is intended to commence the chapel speedily.

The Lincolnshire Conference held at Bourne yesterday, most cordially recommended this case to the sympathy and aid of the churches. Donations will be thankfully received by Mr. Bott, Long Causeway, Peterboro', or myself. I am, dear Brethren, on behalf of the Church, Yours very truly,

Spittal, Peterboro', March 13th, 1857.

THOMAS Barrass.

Obituary.

SAMUEL DUDLEY, a member of the General Baptist church, Thurlaston, was, about sixty years ago, converted to God. A little before that time, the General Baptist cause had been introduced by Mr. Parkinson, who invited Mr. Pollard, of Quorndon, to come and preach to his neighbours, who, according to his judgment, were in gross darkness, so much so, that, in matters of religion, there was not one who knew his right hand from his left. Several persons attended those occasional services, and got much good to their souls. A small chapel was afterwards erected, and Mr. Pollard preached at the opening.

Our deceased friend was one who stood outside in the afternoon, but the word reached his heart, and he resolved that, whoever might be outside at night, he would be inside: it was so, and there, in the presence of the whole congregation, he stood spiritually convicted and self-condemned. I was sure, he said, the

preacher told the truth, and I supposed that Mr. Parkinson had informed him what a rip I was.

It would appear that, up to this time, he had lived an exceedingly wicked life-wicked in all the branches of wickedness, so much so, that he was the dread and terror of the whole village. His convictions were deep, awful, and protracted; he had no rest either night or day, for the arrows of the Almighty stuck fast in him. At length he disclosed his state to a friend, who advised him to go immediately to Mr. Parkinson, and tell him how he felt; he did so, and was instructed more perfectly in the way of salvation. He quickly found his way to the Saviour, and obtained redemption through his blood: the forgiveness of sins.

He now gave himself to much reading and prayer, and enjoyed, in his own soul, the full assurance of faith." I know," he would 66 say, that Jesus is mine, and I am his." He was a living light, and by his ready and comprehensive knowledge of the New Testament, he was able to convince the wicked, to confound the hypocrite, and to comfort the saints of God.

He had but few troubles in life, and less conflicts with the spiritual foe. He would say, "I have nothing to do with the devil, and he has nothing to do with me, nor has he had since I was delivered out of his power." His circumstances were humble; but, whether full or in want, he was always cheerful and resigned. He never cared to dwell upon worldly things, but would talk delightfully upon the love of the Lord Jesus, and at last close all up with his own experience of the fact, "I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord." He finished his course December 29th, 1856, in about the 86th year of his age. The event was improved by Mr. Reeve, from "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

DANIEL PRESON, a member of the General Baptist church, Thurlaston, was called to his rest on January 14th, 1857. It appeared that he was called in early life to seek the Saviour; his heart was greatly inclined to attend to those things which made for his peace, so that his convictions were not so alarming, nor the change so remarkably striking; nevertheless, he gave proof that the root of the matter was within him. In middle life he was active and useful in the church, by assisting at prayer meetings, and giving exhortations, but latterly sunk under the weight of years and bodily infirmities, and died in the 75th year of his age. Mr. Reeve preached on the occasion, from "I know that my Redeemer liveth."

MICHAEL WEST was called about thirty years ago to consider his ways and to turn unto the Lord; he obeyed the admonition, and gave himself unto the Lord, and joined the General Baptist church, Thurlaston. He was strongly attached to the ordinances of religion, and though he laboured under great bodily infirmity, yet, he was diligent to fill up his place in the house of God. He died January 29th, 1857, aged 65.

MR. J. HALBOROUGH of Forncett St. Peter's, Norfolk, departed this life February 10, 1857. He was forty-one years a member of the General Baptist church in this place. He and his now greatly afflicted widow were baptized by Mr. Hall, the first General Baptist minister here, during the early part of his successful ministry. Our friend was one of the very few spared to adhere to the cause here, amidst all its great difficulties for the last twenty years. He was remarkable for his quiet and inoffensive demeanour, his regular attendance on the means of grace, his anxiety for the good of the cause, and, according to his means, for his liberality in its support. His Christian conduct won for him the highest esteem among his brethren, and a good report in the world. His death was improved on Lord's-day, February 15, from Revelations xiv, 13. Several of our friends are nearing the goal. Old age shews that their departure is at hand. We are happy to see that instead of the fathers are the children, and we have among them some very pleasing cases of conversion. "The Lord will yet comfort Zion."

G. MADDEYS.

Sutelligence.

CONFERENCES.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Bourne on Thursday, March 12th, 1857.

In the morning, in the absence of brother Jones, of Spalding, the Secretary preached from Fom. i 24, and brother Wood, of Sutterton, preached in the evening.

In the afternoon, after prayer by brother Cholerton, the reports from the churches were read, from which it appeared that sixteen had been baptized since the last Conference, and that fifteen remained candidates for baptism

Reference was made to the effort now put forth by the church at Castleacre, to pay off its chapel debt, and a hope was expressed that this effort might be successful.

A case having been presented from Peterboro', stating that the friends there had decided to erect a chapel at the neighbouring village of New Fletton, and wished to have the recommendation of the Conference; it was resolved,

"That we commend this case to the sympathy and aid of the churches." The resolution of the Trustees of the Lincoln property having been read, it was resolved, “That the Conference do not yet see their way clear to recommend what course should be adopted for reviving the cause at Lincoln; they would, however, urge the friends there to keep together in their church siate, and hold services as often as possible."

A long and earnest conversation was held as to the means that should be used for increasing the attendance at the Conferences, and the Secretary was requested to write to the churches on this subject.

The next Conference is appointed to be held at March, on Thursday, June 11th, 1857. Brother Pike, of Bourne, to preach in the morning.

It is earnestly hoped that all monies for the Home Mission may be forwarded to the Treasurer, Mr. R. Wherry, Wisbeach, before the June Conference; at which time, a grant will also be made to the friends at Holbeach, if special subscriptions can be obtained for that purpose. "Men of Israel, help." THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary. MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-This Conference will be held, (D.V.) at Beeston, near Nottingham, on Tuesday, the 14th of April next. Rev. J. Stevenson, M.A., of Derby, to preach in the morning.

ANNIVERSARY.

STALEY BRIDGE, Chapel Anniversary. On Sunday, March 8th, our own minister, Mr. Sutcliffe, preached two excellent sermons from Romans xii, 11, and Acts xxi, 13. After which collections were made amounting to £68 12s. It is gratifying to know that the debt on our chapel and school-rooms is being gradually lessened, and still more pleasing to see the people give checrfully as the Lord hath blessed them, thus showing that the very walls of Zion are dear unto them.

ASTERBY AND DONINGTON.-On Lord's-day, March 8th, our annual Missionary Sermon was preached at Asterby by our esteemed young friend, the Rev. J. O. Goadby, who is about proceeding to India as a Missionary. On the following Wednesday evening we had our annual Missionary Meeting at Donington, in the Primitive Methodist Chapel (kindly lent for the occasion), the minister of the church presided, and prayer having been offered by the Rev. W. Orton, of Louth, able, efficient, and interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. C. Pike, secretary, J. O. Goadby, and W. Orton. The collections and subscriptions for the past year amount to £4 16s. O‡d.

LOUTH, NORTHGATE.-The annual missionary services were held in this place