CORRESPONDENCE. a pound annually to a missionary society. She replied that it would be impossible for her to subscribe so much; but if the collector had no objection to call, she would gladly give a shilling a week. A mother of a family was asked if she could give two-and-sixpence a quarter towards the support of the church of which she was a member. She replied she could not; but would be happy to subscribe sixpence a week. Secondly, there is regularity in payment. Small sums paid regularly every week soon accumulate to something considerable; and besides it keeps the mind of the treasurer tranquil, and also enables the deacons to manage the financial affairs of the church with promptitude and comfort. They know what the income of the church is likely to be; they, accordingly, know to what extent they are authorized to undertake repairs, enlargements, or any other thing 147 which may be for the happiness and pro- Leicester. BAPTIST UNION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE. DEAR SIR,-Will you kindly allow us through the medium of your columns to announce that the Annual Session of the Baptist Union will be held on Friday, the 22nd of April, at the Mission House, Moorgate-street, at ten o'clock in thy forenoon. The chair will be taken be J. MALCOLM. the Rev. Dr. Acworth, and the introduc- E. STEANE, THE CHURCH AT YARMOUTH. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE. DEAR SIR,-The declining state of the General Baptist Church, Yarmouth, engaged the serious attention of our last Association; and brother Jones, of March, and myself were requested to visit the friends of Yarmouth, to ascertain their real condition, and what measures, under the Divine blessing, would be likely to promote their prosperity. A report of our visit was inserted in the Magazine for September, and was also presented to the Lincolnshire Conference. Since that time the case has been considered at each successive conference, and extended communications have been received from Mr. Green, Baptist Minister, Yarmouth, whose kindness in writing and preaching for our friends deserves the most grateful mention, and has been thankfully acknowledged by the church. In January last, by the advice of the Conference, the Church invited Mr. Lee, recently Minister of the Baptist Church at Pill, near Bristol, to become co-pastor' Secretaries. with Mr. Goss for twelve months. This invitation Mr. Lee accepted, and commenced his labours there forthwith. It seemed providential that Mr. Lee, who possesses some private resources, should at that time, be residing in Yarmouth and be able and willing to minister to our friends, as Mr. Goss was entirely laid aside by age and affliction. It was needful, however, that the chapel should be cleaned, painted, and repaired, which has been done at a cost of about £30. Toward this sum the Conference voted £12, which amount has been raised by special effort, the friends at Yarmouth promising to procure the remainder. The chapel is much improved in comfort and appearance, and was re-opened on Lord's day, March 6th, when the following brethren preached:-In the morning, Mr. Lee; in the afternoon, Mr. Shelley, Independent; and in the evening, Mr. Green, On Monday evening, Mr. Meffin, Countess of Huntingdon's connexion, crease." I am, dear Sir, Peterborough, THOMAS BARRASS. preached; on Tuesday, Mr. Tritton, In- | heareth prayer, and "who giveth the independent; and on Wednesday, Mr. Blackwell, Wesleyan. It is pleasant to observe that such kind sympathy and help were rendered by ministers of different religious bodies, and we cannot but hope that this effort to revive an almost expiring church may be abundantly blessed, and succeeded by Him who P.S. I have been informed that Mr. Goss died last Saturday, at the advanced age of 87; having been pastor of the church 22 years. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE. MY DEAR SIR,-Will you permit me to say one word on behalf of our native preachers in India? In the letter from Mrs. Buckley, published in the last number of the Magazine, I find the following, speaking of Thomar, she says, "I told him, as he stood shivering with cold, with his coarse country sheet wrapped round him, I thought I should ask from his kind friends at Louth a warm scarlet blanket for him." He smiled and said, "Such a gift, if they thought well to send it, would be a great boon." Speaking also of others, she says, "They have complained of feeling the cold very much at night. Their very humble salary will not furnish them with the means of purchasing a warm blanket." My friends have taken the hint and have provided for Thomar who, as you know, is our protege. There are ready for Mr. Miller to take to India a scarlet travelling rug, and three yards of scarlet broadcloth. The rug was promptly pre sented by an esteemed friend, and the cloth was as promptly paid for by voluntary offerings. Brother Wilkinson fears this kindness shown to Thomar may exert an injurious influence on the minds of other native preachers. It is not desirable to have to record "his brethren envied him," or that there should be acted over again the tragedy of " the coat of many colours;" and it cannot be for a moment doubted that the friends who support native preachers desire in every way to contribute to their health and comfort. Will you be so kind as to suggest to them how acceptable to their Hindoo brethren would be such tokens of their love? If it be thought desirable for the presents to be alike, I shall be glad to furnish any information respecting the quality of cloth, &c. I am, my dear sir, Yours fraternally, WILLIAM ORTON. Obituary. MR. WILLIAM FINN.-In sketching a brief memoir of a man whose public and private character is known to many, great care should be exercised as to the precision and accuracy of every statement made concerning him. The facts here given are chiefly from his diary, or from the statements made by the departed whilst living. Mr. William Finn was born at Leicester, in the month of September, 1808. His parents belonged to the working classes, and their son was early inured to labour. Though thus placed at a disadvantage, he appears to have early devoted the energies of his mind to reading and study, especially the study of the scriptures. Like Timothy, "from a child he knew the Holy Scriptures;" the em OBITUARY. ployment most loved in his boyhood, was to peruse the oracles of God, and at an early period every passing day was a faithful witness that his delight was in the law of the Lord. At the same time an excessive thirst for general knowledge began to develope itself. Books of general literature, and especially those of a theological tendency, were his most frequent and intimate companions. Of his physical constitution it may be affirmed that weakness was its most prominent characteristic, notwithstanding which he always evinced a determination to cultivate and improve every mental faculty that he possessed. At an early period of his life he offered himself as a candidate for fellowship with the church assembling in Friar-lane, Leicester, where he was admitted and baptized, thus making a public profession of those religious sentiments which the dictates of conscience, the careful study of the word of God, and the implored directions of the Holy Spirit had taught him to believe. At this time commenced those christian labours which he successfully prosecuted all through life. He first entered the Sabbath-school connected with the church as a teacher, and after devoting his talents and energies to that sphere of labour for a short time, such was the zeal he displayed, that he was selected to the office of superintendent before he had attained the age of seventeen years, which office he contrived to fill for some considerable time, and he not un frequently referred to this time in after life as being amongst the happiest of his days. The abilities he displayed in the school led some of the friends to entertain the idea that he was adapted for more public labours, and a more extensive field of usefulness. They, therefore, advised him to turn his attention to the subject of village preaching, and after much prayerful solicitation for divine assistance, he commenced his labours as an occasional preacher in the villages of the surrounding district. So signally were his labours in this way blessed, that he could refer to many who are now in the "church of the first-born above," who were converted through his labours. It was at the time he was thus engaged that he was married. Not satisfied with his labours as a village preacher only, he identified himself with a society for the distribution of religious tracts, became its secretary, and held that office for some considerable time. He appears to have exhibited the same ardent zeal in supplying the poor and ignorant with the silent messengers of mercy and grace as cha 149 racterised him in every other department of usefulness. He also directed his attention to cottage prayer-meetings, and often might be seen after the secular labours of the day were over, hastening along the streets of his native town to conduct the devotional exercises of many who assembled at that time in the courts and alleys for the purpose of prayer and praise. In 1834 he was called from Leicester to Ashbourne, in Derbyshire, where he statedly preached the word of reconciliation until 1836, when he returned to Leicester, and in the same year succeeded Mr. Gamble to the pastorate of the church assembling in Carley-street, over which he presided until the year 1841, when he again assumed his position as an occasional preacher. The social and political events of the day, now gained his attention; and though it was his chief delight to lift up the standard of the cross, he watched with an eager eye all the various movements which tended to promote the well-being of society, or advance the interests of civil and religious freedom; and was never ashamed of labouring both by pen and tongue in any movement that was adapted to ameliorate distress or promote the welfare of those around him; and whilst he believed it was his duty to point men to a bright and eternal future, he believed that it was no less his duty to labour for the overthrow of oppression and the establishment of righteousness and peace in the present world. In 1847, he accepted an invitation to become the minister of the church at Earl Shilton, and after labouring there for a period of seven years, he once more resumed his position as an occasional preacher, and so continued until he exchanged time for eternity, and labour for rest, though for the last two years of his life he was more especially directed to the Church of Christ at Billesdon, which had been in a low condition, but which under his fostering care was restored. Our departed friend became endeared to the hearts of the people living in that neighbourhood. The last sermon he preached was in Billesdon chapel, from Daniel ii., 44, December 12th, 1858. As a minister of the gospel, our esteemed friend strove to commend himself to every man's conscience, as in the sight of God, by proclaiming the word of truth in a plain but earnest way. Sensible of the immense value of the immortal soul, and of the importance of seeking its salvation, he endeavoured in all simplicity to make known the glad tidings of salvation through a crucified Redeemer. He rebuked, exhorted, and entreated with all long-suffering and patience. Towards the close of his life thus actively spent in the service of God, our departed brother was called to endure many and great afflictions; but amidst them all he evinced a spirit of Christian resignation to the Divine will, and as he surveyed the evidences of his acceptance with God, was enabled to rejoice greatly in hope of the glory that should follow, and though no high-sounding words of triumph attended his departure, yet with a peaceful conscience, and with christian serenity, he committed himself into the hands of his Redeemer, and calmly feel asleep in Jesus, January 6th, 1859, in the fifty-first year of his age. W. A. Intelligence. CONFERENCES. THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Pinchbeck, on Thursday, March 17th, 1859. In the morning the secretary read and prayed, and Brother Pike preached from Psalm xxvii., 4. In the evening a public service was held. In the afternoon the reports from the churches were many of them cheering, and we were gratified to learn that thirty had been baptized since the last Conference; and thirteen remained candidates for baptism. The friends at Whittlesea having again applied for advice; the Conference thought it would be desirable for them to engage a minister as soon as a suitable one could be obtained, believing that there is now a favourable opening in that town;meanwhile, that they procure the best ministerial supplies they can for the pulpit. The secretary read several letters which he had received from Mr. Green, Baptist Minister, Yarmouth, to the following effect, that Mr. Lee, recently minister of the Baptist Church at Pill, near Bristol, had accepted the invitation of our friends at Yarmouth, to become co-pastor with Mr. Goss for twelve months, and that the chapel had been repaired, cleaned, and painted at a cost of about £30; and was re-opened at the beginning of this month. The brethren in Conference, were pleased to hear that there was some hope of the cause being revived; and resolved unanimously,-that the thanks of this Conference be presented to Mr. Green, for his kindness in preaching for our friends, and conducting the correspondence. The church at Sutton St. James asked advice as to the obtaining of a minister; and such information was given to them as the Conference hoped might be useful, A cordial vote of thanks was given to Brother Pike for the able sermon which he delivered this morning, and especially, having had so short a notice. It was resolved that the next Conference be held at Peterborough, on Thursday, June 9th; and that Brother Orton be requested to preach in the morning. THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary. P.S. As the Annual Home Mission Accounts will be brought forwards at the June Conference, it is desirable that all monies for the Home Mission should be sent to the treasurer, Mr. R. Wherry, Wisbeach, before that time. BAPTISMS. MEASHAM.-On Lord's-day, Feb. 6th, after a sermon on baptism by the Rev. W. Kelly, four young persons were baptized, and in the evening received the righthand of fellowship, and partook of the Lord's-supper. PRAED-STREET, PADDINGTON.-On Feb. 27, six converts put on Christ by baptism. Three were formerly scholars in our Sabbath-school. Our chapel was full. BRADFORD.-On Lord's-day, March 6th, our pastor, the Rev. B. Wood, baptized three persons. PETERBORO'.-On Lord's-day, March 6, five candidates (including two husbands with their wives) were baptized in the General Baptist Chapel, Peterborough, and were all received into the church. LOUTH, North-gate.-INTERESTING BAPTISM.-On Sunday evening, Feb. 27th, the initiatory ordinance of the church was administered. Sixteen persons were baptized. Of these there were five husbands with their wives, and four others who are the heads of families. Mr. Burton performed the sacred rite. The pastor, Rev. William Orton, preached from Acts anxiety and alarm. Few saw what had xxviii. 22-"We desire to hear of thee happened, and it was feared one of the what thou thinkest," &c. He adapted galleries had given way. It was soon the fancy of Mr. Cooper, taking the discovered, however, that a portion of the christian era as one vast bridge, and every railings on the gallery stairs had been century an arch on which to stand and broken down by the strong pressure upon observe the "sect that has been every-it, and that several persons had fallen on where spoken against," and tracing the history of the Baptists from the present time to the very founder of christian baptism. The chapel was densely crowded long before the time of service, and hundreds were unable to obtain admission. An accident occurred while the candidates were passing through the water. A crash was heard. For a moment there was the pews below. No one was seriously injured, and the service suffered scarcely more than a momentary interruption. The next Sabbath afternoon, when the new members received the right hand of fellowship, was a solemn and delightful season. Other candidates are seeking admission into the church. To Christ be glory and dominion for ever and ever. MISCELLANEOUS. THE REV. J. BATEY.-We are glad to learn that a new chapel is about to be erected in Harriet-street, Molesworthstreet, Rochdale, for the Rev. J. Batey, formerly of Enon Chapel, in this town. -Burnley Advertiser, March 12, 1859. BRADFORD.-On Shrove Tuesday, the annual meeting of the teachers and friends of the school was held. About 300 sat down to tea. At the public meeting, Rev. B. Wood presided. Addresses were delivered, and Mr. Thos. Newboult, for more than twenty-four years secretary of the school, was publicly presented by Mr. Jas. Terry, on behalf of the teachers, with Dr. Kitto's bible, elegantly bound in two volumes, as a mark of their esteem for his fidelity and usefulness. The meeting was unusually interesting. MEASHAM BAZAAR.-The friends at Measham connected with the General Baptist Chapel, have resolved to hold a | Bazaar, in order to raise funds to place an organ in their chapel. The time fixed is about three weeks before Whitsuntide, but due notice will be given. Articles and subscriptions will be thankfully received by Mrs. H. Wileman, Mrs. H. Orgill, Mrs. Whitworth, Wheelright, and Mrs. H. Buckley, Measham. PRAED-STREET, PADDINGTON. — Mr. Edwin Dakin, whose departure to India was mentioned in last month's magazine, was a member of this church, and much esteemed teacher in the school, during his residence in London. When it became known that he was about to leave Engand, the teachers invited him to a teameeting, and presented him through their superintendent with a copy of Dr. Arnold's Life, bound in two vols. The affectionate and suitable address on presenting the book, and the very appropriate response which succeeded, will long be remembered. Notes of the Month. ECCLESIASTICAL. HIGH Churchmen will rejoice at the elevation of Dr. Hook. The vicar of Leeds has been appointed to the deanery of Chichester. He leaves with regret the the smoky metropolis of the West Riding; and announces his purpose in his new sphere distinctly enough:-"If I don't find work, I shall make it." The new Bishop of Columbia has been consecrated | in Westminster Abbey. Dr. Trower, Bishop of Glasgow, has resigned his see from ill health. Two Welsh bishops have refused to license newly-appointed gaol-chaplains at Swansea and Cardiff, because they are ignorant of the Welsh language. The Bishop of Carlisle has delivered judgment against one of his clergy for simony. It appears a gross case, and excited a good deal of attention |