Correspondence.

PREACHING AND PARTICULAR REDEMPTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE.

DEAR SIR,-The Baptist Magazine, for June contains a letter on "Effective Preaching," in which the point of difference between the Particular and the General Baptist is made the subject of enquiry, in its bearing on the preaching of the Gospel.

If, in the death of Christ, there be no redemption for any but the elect, since no man, whilst unconverted, can know that he is of the elect; how can any man know that there is redemption for him; and what warrant has he to trust in Christ for salvation?

This enquiry, so much like a challenge to the Particular Baptists, published in their own Magazine, could not be expected to pass without notice. Two or three letters appeared professedly in reply, but the writers seemed to prefer writing about anything else to giving a plain answer to a plain question.

The subject is not one of mere theory, but of deep practical importance. Dr. Chalmers says, "I have heard my deceased friend, Robert Hall, say of the great majority of evangelical preachers in England, that they were so encumbered with the dogmata of their creed, as positively not to know in what terms so to lay down the Gospel as that a plain man should know how to take it up." (Notes on Hill's Lectures, 8vo., p. 317.) In the present day there are some who hold it to be no part of a preacher's duty to invite sinners to the Saviour. They act consistently with the creed of particular redemption. There are others who invite the sinner, but they are not able to tell him whether or not there is any provision made for him, or whether he is among those for whom, in the words of Mr. Fuller, "Christ did not die with the intent that they should not die"; and who, by consequence, appear to be left in the same hopeless condition as Satan himself. If the atonement be infinite, it must be sufficient for him;

if, like non-elect sinners, he had not been excluded or excepted by the eternal purpose of God.

I could give you the name of a respected Particular Baptist minister (one, I suppose, of a numerous class), who can preach as earnestly as most from the text, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved"; but in private conversation he has told me that, if an awakened hearer were to come to him and ask in the agony of his soul, “Did Christ die for me, so that I may be saved"? he should not like to answer the question in that form. If there is any place in world which above all others demands the most transparent sincerity and truth, that place is the Christian pulpit; and if ever a preacher is bound to lift up Christ to draw men to him, it is in circumstances like these. To get any intelligible idea, the man must know what he is called upon to believe. Probably, he would be told he is called to believe that Christ died for the ungodly. But is the belief of this, as an abstract proposition, saving faith in the Gospel? The devils believe as much and are devils still

It is well known that in Scotland this doctrine is taught almost universally in "The Confession." In the memoirs of Dr. Chalmers, a conversation is recorded, which he held with Rev. Mr. Gemmel, shortly before his death (post, 8vo., ed., p. 772), in which it is admitted that a common objection of the sinner, when awakened, to a sense of his state is, "Perhaps I am not elected; and, therefore, I need not try." I have shown its influence on the preacher, this is its influence on the hearer.

If the doctrine of particular redemption thus cuts away the foundation of a sinner's hope and faith, it needs no other condemnation. SIGMA. Dec. 17th.

MINISTERS ENTERING THE CONNEXION. DEAR FRIEND,The committee for examining the credentials of ministers coming into our connexion, met at the vestry of St. Mary's-gate Chapel, Derby, on Tuesday, Nov. 16th, when the following resolution was passed unanimously: "That this Committee approves of the documents received and read, in reference to the moral and christian character of

Mr. Lovekin, who has applied for admission into our connexion.

His views of gospel truth, as stated by himself, appear to this committee to be in accordance with those of our denomination."

WILLIAM STEVENSON, SEN.,
H. HUNTER, Secretary.

ON WEEKLY OFFERINGS.

Obituary.

JANE JUDD, the beloved wife of Richard | the fold. She was baptised by Mr. Jones, Judd, of Spalding, departed this life March 6th, 1858. in her 28th year. Through the blessing of God, on a pious parent's instruction and example, a spirit of early piety was infused into the character of our lamented friend. While living at Sleaford in the capacity of teacher she became fully decided for God; there being no Baptist cause in that town, it was during the vacation, which was usually spent with her mother, in Spalding, that she proposed herself as a candidate for Baptism. Her repentance was deep and sincere, her love to the Saviour supreme, and her christian experience marked with such humility and sincerity, that the Church most cordially welcomed her into

F. D. COPELAND, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Copeland, of Quorndon, Leicestershire, was called to her eternal reward on January 24th, 1858.

to the house. As spring returned, she | that her desire rather was to be released fondly cherished the hope that she should from suffering, than to enjoy the presence again be able to resume the more active of her Saviour; but she would add "He duties of life, but He, who doeth all things knoweth my frame, and remembers I am well, saw otherwise, and the flower began but dust." Her last words were "I shall to fade. For two years she was, with few know, I shall know and feel what it is exceptions, confined to her home, and for to be there"; and now she is beholding, months to her chamber. It was during not as in a glass darkly, but face to face. this long period of affliction that her Her death was improved by Mr. Jones, christian graces were more matured, and from Rev. I, 18. A. NEWLING. shone forth with brighter lustre. If there was one property of her mind more observable than another, it was a cheerful and calm serenity; her heart was indeed the residence of the Holy Spirit, and she reflected the glory and beauty of that blessed inhabitant, in the patient endurance of affliction. The watchful hours of night were sweetened by meditating on passages of scripture and sacred poetry with which her mind was well stored. Her Bible, Hymn-book, Selections of Scripture Promises, and "Midnight Harmonies," were constantly on the table near her bed side; and often in the stillness of the night would she peruse the sacred volume. She once observed to her Pastor, "I feel my own unworthiness which depresses me, and makes me doubt," to which he replied, "When we look within we find much to depress our spirits, but it is our daty to look to Jesus. We are complete only in Christ's righteousness, and it is through Him we are accepted. This sentiment sweetly dispelled her fears, and she would often say "I must look to Jesus, the rock of ages, and trust to him, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." During the last fortnight it was painful to witness the great exhaustion after coughing; it was after one of those paroxysms she said

"I would not change my blest estate,
For all the world calls rich or great,
And while my faith can keep her hold,
I envy not the sinner's gold."

Not a murmur escaped her lips, and when unable to converse much, she would say "I am leaning upon Jesus. O, how kind and loving a Saviour is mine." She was afraid of manifesting impatience, and

Mrs Copeland was of highly respectable connections. She had received, in early life, a good education, and she devoted the greatest part of her life to the education of the young. For several years she had a respectable school in Loughborough. On removing to Quorndon she still continued her scholastic engagements up to her last illness. While residing in Loughborough she was a respectable and useful member of the Church, under the pastoral care of the late Rev. Thomas Stevenson. She and her husband were dismissed to the Church at Quordon, in the year 1839, and she maintained a respectable connection with the church to the end of life.

For several months she was the subject of deep affliction. She was an intelligent christian, and knew where to look for comfort and consolation. At length, however, her mental powers, in some measure gave way under the pressure of disease, but she was still able to confide in a Covenant-keeping God, and an unchanging Saviour. In her last long and painful illness she received much kind assistance from her brother-in-law, Mr. Copeland, of Nottingham, and her tried faithful servant, which greatly soothed the closing scene of life.

Her end was peace. She was buried in the burial-ground, at Quorndon, where she awaits the resurrection of the just.

Intelligence.

CONFERENCES.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE Was held at Whittlesea, on Thursday, Dec. 16th, 1858.

In the morning the Secretary read and prayed, and brother Watts, of Wisbeach. preached from Heb. xii., 1 & 2. Brother Chamberlain preached in the evening. In❘

J. S.

the afternoon, after prayer, by Brother Jones, the reports from the Churches were read, from which it appeared that sixteen had been baptised since the last conference, and that six remained candidates for baptism. Some of the reports were very interesting and hopeful.

The friends at Whittlesea were again | report, and were requested still to act in advised to obtain the best ministerial this case. supplies they can during the next three months, and Mr. Nassan was encouraged to make an earnest effort to raise the money to pay off a debt of £26 still owing by the Church at Whittlesea. It is hoped that he will meet with sympathy in this effort.

The committee appointed at the last conference to arrange for the supplying of the pulpit at Magdalen, presented their

A communication from Yarmouth having been read, such arrangements were made as, we hope, are likely to promote the good of our old and declining cause in that important town.

The next conference was appointed to be held at Pinchbeck on Thursday, March 17th, 1859, Brother Chamberlain to preach in the morning. THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary.

BAPTISMS.

|

females and one male, were baptised in our chapel, and in the afternoon were received into the church.

century,

BERKHAMSTEAD.-On Thursday evening, July 1st, 1858, after an address by our pastor, two young friends were baptised; and on the following Lord's day received MACCLESFIELD.-On Lord's day, Dec. 5, the right hand of fellowship; aad also three two male persons were baptised by our others on Dec. 2nd,, after a sermon by Mr. pastor, one of whom has been in connection Lawton, from Mark vii., 9. On the follow-with the school for more than a quarter of a ing Sabbath those friends were received to fellowship; when it was gratifying to observe a greater number of members at the Lord's table, than has been witnessed for a long time. J. S. MEASHAM.-On Sunday, Nov. 7th, 1858, after a sermon on baptism, by Rev. W. Kelly, two persons were baptised, a husband and wife. W. K. BARTON.-On Lord's day afternoon, Nov. 28, two dear friends where baptised, by Brother Norton; after which, Mr. Holroyd gave us a masterly discourse, proving the authenticity of baptism, by the "Law and the Testimony." H. I.

BARROWDEN.-On Lord's day, Dec. 5th, 1858, five young friends were baptised at Morcott, by the Rev. J. Salisbury. One of them has united with a neighbouring church. The services of the day were impressive, and we trust that lasting good will result therefrom. Others are inquiring the way of peace, and the work of God appears to be advancing among us.

BELPER.-On Lord's day morning, Dec. 5th, 1858, after a discourse on the baptism of John (John III., 23.) three persons, two

OPENING

W. G. AUSTREY.-On Lord's day, December 5, after a sermon by Mr. Goadby, of Ashby, five young friends made a public profession of their allegiance to Christ by Baptism. In the afternoon, after a suitable address the newly baptised were received into the fellowship of the church, and partook of the Saviour's dying love. The congregations were large and attentive. Many found it good to be there, and we trust the Saviour revealed himself to his people in "breaking of bread." May many more be added of such as shall be saved.

OF

Z.

BEESTON.-On Lord's day, December 12, after an appropriate sermon, by Mr. T. W. Marshall, of Loughborough, three persons were baptised by Mr. T. Newstead. One of them was a local preacher amongst the Wesleyan Reformers, and still remains with that section of Christ's church. H. C.

DOVER-STREET, LEICESTER.-On Lord's day evening, Dec. 12th, 1858, six young friends were baptised by our esteemed pastor, in the presence of a large and attentive congregation. The prospects_of_the church are very encouraging. F. G.

CHAPEL. OPENING OF THE NEW CHAPEL AT chapel, at the cost of about £120, towards WYSALL, a branch of the Leake and which we have raised by collections and Wymeswold Church. For some years the subscriptions about £85. The Chapel was friends at this place worshipped in a small opened for divine worship on Tuesday, Oct. and uncomfortable chapel. After several 19th 1858, by the Rev. J. Stevenson, A.M., unsuccessful efforts to obtain a piece of free- of Derby. Messrs. G. S'aples and W. Benhold land, upon which to erect a new place nett announced the hymns, and assisted in of worship, the proprietor of the small chapel, the devotional exercises. The Rev. H. although a churchman, most kindly offered Hunter, of Nottingham, preached on the to let us have an additional portion of land, following Sabbath, in continuation of the and to give us a lease of the whole for ninety-opening services. It is pleasing to record nine years at a nominal rent. We gladly that, in this undertaking, we have had the availed ourselves of this liberal offer, and hearty co-operation of our staunch friend have erected a comfortable and attractive Mr. George Bowley, as well as the sympa

thy and help of christians of all denomina- | to the neighbourhood. "Of Zion it shall tions in the village, and that since the be said, that this and that man was born in opening the attendance at the chapel on the her; and the highest himself shall establish Sabbath has been quite double what it her. The Lord shall count, when he was before. It is universally admitted that writeth up the people, that this man was the chapel is an ornament to the village, born there. As well the singers, as the and our prayer is that it may be a blessing players on instruments shall be there."

ANNIVERSARIES.

MISCELLANEOUS.

LEICESTER, Millstone-lane.-The Rev. | J. C. Pike, of Quorndon, has resigned the pastorate of the Baptist Church in this place. The chapel was in an unsuitable locality, as well as very inconvenient, having neither Baptistry nor Vestries, while the pecuniary strength of the people did not appear to justify the outlay that would be required for the erection of a new one. Under these circumstances