SARAH BENTLEY was the third daughter | of Mr. Miles Bentley, one of the deacons of the General Baptist Church, Birchcliffe; she was born at Rose House in Wadsworth, Oct. 9th, 1827. Circumstances in her case were favourable for religious impressions; her parents were both pious, by whom she was early instructed in the fear of the Lord. When able, was sent to the Sabbath school, and there had the privilege of listening to the counsels and exhortations of the late Rev. H. Hollinrake, who, every Lord's-day morning, was accustomed to address the children, and give them some passage of scripture to be used as their prayer for the ensuing week, and upon which they were questioned the following Sabbath; to which practice many ascribed their conversion, and every year additions more or less were made from the Sabbath-school to the church. The circumstances in which she were placed were, therefore, favourable for the reception of the truth-hence in her experience to the church, she said, "My privileges have been greater and more numerous than many enjoy at my age; my parents have long been members with you, so that I have been brought up in the way that I should go, and have been kept from the path of the wicked." When about fourteen years of age, two of her sisters began to attend the "experience meeting," and though younger than they, she felt a desire to go with them, but being of a modest retiring disposition, had not the courage to make her wishes known, but ultimately, through the earnest exhortations of her pastor, she, with others of her companions in the same school, agreed to attend the "experience meeting," and was afterwards baptized when about sixteen years old; from that period to the time of her departure from this life, she conducted herself as became a disciple of the Lord Jesus. She brought no disgrace on her profession; she caused no uneasiness of mind to the church by a disorderly walk and conversation. While discipline had to be exercised upon some, it was never necessary for her; and though not without imperfections, yet an early reception of the truth secured her from the contraction of those habits, which many who seek religion in later years find so hard and difficult to overcome; the means of grace were much enjoyed by her; and, however weary and fatigued by the labours of the day, she was ever forward to attend the meetings for prayer and spiritual instruction, and to quote her own words, "often returned home rejoicing." As a member of the church

387

she took a deep interest in its welfare, and as a teacher in the Sabbath-school, made herself useful in the cause of Christ. As a daughter, she was dutiful and affectionate, diligent and industrious, a lover of home. Instead of being a source of grief and anxiety and care to her parents, she was a source of comfort and consolation. In her vocation she secured the respect and esteem of her employer who said, "she was one who was diligent at her work and minded well her own business." About five years before her death, she with her parents removed to Halifax, but still retained her connexion with the Birchcliffe church, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. B. Lockwood, by whose ministrations, as well as those of his predecessor she had profited, and as long as health permitted, sat down with her brethren and sisters at that place, to commemorate the dying love of the Saviour. For the last few years her health began to decline, and ultimately symptoms of consumption made their appearance; gradually she became weaker and weaker, and at times her sufferings were very great, but she bore all with Christian fortitude and resignation; no murmuring escaped from her lips. It was her prayer that she might be supported in her affliction, and she did not pray in vain, for she was enabled to exclaim,

"" 66

"Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are." and again, "The Lord is my shepherd," "Heaven is my home," "Come, Lord Jesus, and fetch my soul away," My Jesus has done all things well." Before her departure, she earnestly requested her brothers and sisters to meet her in heaven, and on June 25th, 1859, sweetly fell asleep, in the thirty-second year of her age, having adorned her Christian profession for the space of sixteen years. Her death was improved by her pastor, July 10, 18.9, from Phil. i. 23.

He

WILLIAM BAMFORD, the son of Abraham Bamford, was born at Brown Hill, near Burnley, in April, 1789. In early life he came to reside in the town of Burnley, when he commenced business, and by great industry and good management, obtained a competency for old age. attended the ministry of the Rev. T. Gill, and was baptized by him, March 17th, 1839. He was a consistent, useful, and esteemed member of the church for twenty years. He died in Jesus, April 19th, 1859, and was interred at the Burnley cemetery, April 23rd. His

THE WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE met at Cinder Bank, Netherton, on Monday, September 12th, 1859. From the reports received it appeared that seven had been baptized since the last Conference. The business in the afternoon related chiefly to the church at Cradley Heath. The secretary stated that, in accordance with the resolution passed at the last Conference, he had written to Cradley Heath to inquire what was the nature of the transference in contemplation, and what were the provisions of the trust-deed of the chapel, but as yet he had received no reply. Several friends present gave information upon the question. No steps, it seemed, had ever been taken by the church of Cradley Heath, or by any one with the authority, or at the request of the church at Cradley Heath, to transfer the chapel to the other section of the Baptists. There had been some talk of such a step in consequence of a secession by a number of persons from a Particular Baptist church in the neighbourhood, but it was found that the trustees held the chapel on behalf of the General Baptists, and that the sanction of the denomination, as well as the trustees, would be necessary to such a transference. The friends at Cradley are few and not wealthy. The chapel debt is £270; and the interest of £12 158., with other expenses, they find it difficult to pay. The Netherton friends are at present assisting them. Cradley Heath is a populous neighbourhood, and it was thought it would be a pity that the chapel should be closed. Since the Netherton friends had taken the matter in hand the congregations had somewhat increased, and the school now numbers upwards of fifty scholars.

It was resolved:-That the church at Cradley Heath be recommended to continue to avail themselves of the help of the friends at Netherton, both in respect to the services of the Sabbath, and the

general management of their affairs. An interesting conversation then took place upon the subjects which are to come before the Special Connexion Meeting, at Leicester, on the day after the Midland Conference.

It was agreed to hold the next Conference at Walsall, on the second Monday in January, 1860, and the Rev. W. Chapman, of Longford was appointed to preach.

But few of the churches were represented at this Conterence, but the attendance of the Netherton friends was as large as could be expected. The secretary was the only delegate present from any church not in the "black country." The secretary was the only minister present from all the churches. The secretary preached in the morning, and presided at the business meeting in the afternoon. The secretary closed the Conference with prayer

THOMAS GOADBY, Secretary.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Boston, on Thursday, September 8th, 1859. In the morning, brother Shaw (Independent) read and prayed, and brother Hester preached from Acts iv. chap. 31, 32. In the afternoon, from the written or verbal reports that were presented from some of the churches, we learned that twenty-eight had been baptized since the last Conference, and that twenty-four remained candidates for baptism.

It was a matter of regret that an unusual number of churches did not send either reports or representatives.

The friends at Whittlesea, having again sought the advice of the Conference, it was resolved:-That we still advise them to obtain a suitable minister as soon as possible; and meanwhile, to procure the best supplies they can; and that we request the secretary of the Conference to assist them in their endeavours to procure supplies. Several of the brethren present

Resolved: That the following list of places, at which it is proposed the Conference shall be holden, be printed in the Magazine, and that it be adopted or amended at the next Conference. 1860. Bourne, March, Long Sutton, Wisbeach.

1861. Holbeach, Spalding, Gosberton, Fleet.

1862. Pinchbeck, Peterborough, TyddSt. Giles, Whittlesea.

A question having been asked as to whether the church at Lincoln is actually

secretary be requested to write to Mr. Mitton, of Lincoln, to ascertain the precise state of the General Baptist church in that city.

That the next Conference be held at Sutterton, on Thursday, December 8th, and that brother Mathews be requested to preach in the morning.

In the evening, a deeply interesting Home Missionary Meeting was held. in which brethren Wood, Boyden, (Methodist,) J. A. Jones, Hester, and the secretary, took part.

BIRMINGHAM.-On Lord's-day evening, August 28th, Mr. Cheatle baptized four persous, who were added to the church on the following Sabbath. Two of the candidates were teachers, and two were scholars in our Sunday schools.

J.S.C.

LOUTH, Northgate-Five persons were baptized in this place on Sunday, August 28th. An appropriate sermon was preached by the pastor, after which Mr. Burton offered fervent prayer, and administered the sacred ordinance.

PETERBORO'.-On Lord's-day, Sept. 4th, three candidates were baptized in the General Baptist Chapel, Peterboro', and were all received into the church.

LONGTON, First Church. Sept. 15th four persons were baptized by the Rev. J. W. Freckleton, at Stoke-on-Trent.

RUSHALL, Wilts.-On Sunday, Sept. 4th, a baptism of two persons took place in the river Avon, running through a meadow adjoining the chapel, and kindly lent for the purpose. After a suitable discourse by Mr. White, the minister, from Matt. xxviii. 19, 20, he immersed the candidates, man and wife, in the presence of a large concourse of people. The greatest decorum prevailed. We have several hopeful inquirers. The newly baptized "were admitted to communion with the church in the afternoon. May the good Lord still send prosperity.

J. D.

THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary.

CROWLE, Lincolnshire.-The Rev. Thos. Lovekin baptized three persons here during the past month; two of them reside at Belton, a small village four miles from here. Our meetings are very full, and the Lord is blessing His work amongst us.

SAWLEY.-On Lord's day, Sept. 11th, six persons were baptized in the river Trent, by Mr. Stenson. An appropriate baptismal sermon was preached in the morning, previous to the rite being administered, by the Rev. W. Underwood, tutor of the college. In the afternoon, the newly-baptized were received into fellowship. May they be faithful to their high calling.

RIPLEY, Derbyshire.-On Lord's-day, June 5th, three candidates were baptized and received into church fellowship; the oldest of these more than eighty years of age, and the youngest seventeen.-On Lord's-day, Sept 4th, eight more were baptized and received into church fellowship; five of these are young men from our Sabbath-school.

R. A.

MACCLESFIELD.-On Lord's-day, May 1st, eight persons publicly put on Christ, by baptism; and Sept. 4th, three more followed their Lord through the baptismal waters, after an appropriate and convincing sermon by our pastor, founded on Psalm cxix. 32, to a numerous and attentive audience; all the baptized, with two others restored, have been received into the church. May they continue to the end. J. H.

:

accommodating upwards of 300 people. It has a baptistry in front of the pulpit, and in the rear of the chanel there are vestries for baptismal and other purposes. The total cost, exclusive of the ground, will be about £400. The congregations were all good, and the collections exceeded our expectations. A Sabbath school was opened on September 3rd, with about 100 scholars. May it prove a nursery to this infant cause. J. B. R.

NEW FLETTON.-On Lord's day, September 11th, the anniversary services of the General Baptist Chapel, New Fletton, near Peterborough, were holden, when Mr. Murray Independent, preached in the afternoon, and Mr. Barrass, in the evening. On the following Tuesday 100 persons sat down to tea, the trays being gratuitously furnished. After tea a public meeting was held, when addresses were delivered by Mr. Murray, Mr Ashworth, Primitive Methodist, Mr. Rendell, Reform Methodist, and Mr. Barrass. The amount realized by collections and tea was £12, thus reducing the debt to £225.

FORNCETT.-We had our harvest thanksgiving tea meeting, Sept. 5th. Very large attendance in the afternoon, and a crowded chapel in the evening. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Stuttard, from Castleacre, and other brethren. On Thursday, Sept. 8th, we had a similar gathering at Moulton; Mr. Lee, from Yarmouth, and other brethren, addressed the meeting; it was the best of the kind we have had. Good is doing. We shall have a baptism G. M. STALYBRIDGE.-On Sept. 3rd, we held our ninth annual tea meeting, for the liquidation of the debt on our chapel. The profits of the tea, together with donations, amounted to £24 11s. 6d., making the total sum realised from these meet

soon.

|

6.

ings over £300. After tea our esteemed pastor, the Rev. John Sutcliffe, took the chair, and delivered a most affectionate and encouraging address; calling to remembrance the many solemn changes which have taken place since the commencement of his labours amongst us, in the year 1844. Some were deeply affected, and all were forcibly reminded that part of" our "host have crossed the flood." Upon the least reference to our late beloved friend, Mr. J. Brooks, many were moved to tears, for he was a great man, and a prince amongst us; the valued and attached friend of his pastor and people, and an incessantly active Christian man for 38 years; but, being fully prepared for holier society than ours, his Master took him to enjoy it. Several of the brethren afterwards addressed the audience. The meeting was one of the most interesting we have ever held. J.H.

WOLVEY.-On the 21st of August, the fifty-fifth anniversary of this school was held-a day of holy pleasure and enjoyment. Rev. C. Burrows, of Walsall, preached. Congregations large: many were unable to gain admittance. Collections, £17 78. 9d. J. K.

[Rev. C. BURROWS is open to an engagement with any other General Baptist Church, his connection with the church at Walsall having ceased.]

GREAT BERKHAMSTEAD.-On Tuesday, August 23rd, a tea meeting was held to inaugurate the movement for the erection of a new place of worship in connection with the General Baptist cause in this town. After tea a public meeting was held, and encouragement was given to the project in addresses by the Revs. C. Bailhache, W. Emery, T. D. Jones,

A. Dyson, W. Hodge, J. J. Steinitz, and J. Lawton. By a combination of changes the locality of the present chapel, never a very good one, has, for some time past, been getting worse, and is at times unhealthy and offensive; even on the day of the meeting the thing spoke for itself, so as to lead some of the brethren to express themselves very decidedly as to

ECCLESIASTICAL.

"THE whirligig time brings round its revenges," or rather, Providence, that moves the whirligig. More that three centuries and a half ago, Pope Alexander the Sixth, in a fit of singular generosity, issued bulls, wherein it was pompously announced that he gave the new world (not yet known as South America,) and all its inhabitants to the Catholic sovereign of Castile, Ferdinand, and Isabella, and to their heirs for ever! Now we read in Mexican newspapers, that Juarez, like another "bluff Hall," has decreed the confiscation of the entire property of the Romish church, in that part of South America; the sale of all the convents, a hundred and fifty, to the highest bidder, and the dispersion of their inmates! But Popery never rests. Beaten in Mexico, she is plauting her system in the isles of the Pacific. Hawaii has just been visited by ten nuns, the nucleus of a conventional establishment, who belong, forsooth, to the "order of the sacred heart of Jesus!" Meanwhile, the Italian Wolsey is deposed from his office, and the police in Rome are busy tearing placards from the walls detailing Antonelli's villanies; and nearer home, the Irish bishop of Kerry employs his leisure in "blessing bells." What a popish

farce.

English clergymen are breaking through Episcopal proprieties with a vengeance. In St. George's, East, London, the curate of Stepney, a Mr. Jennings, officiates for the Puseyite rector, Bryan King, and wears a large black beard and moustache; while in Leicester, a clergyman of the neighbourhood preaches for a Calvinistic Baptist chapel in the New Hall; and another in Wales preaches in a chapel of the Calvinist Methodist's, his curate opening the service; and the bishop of London, after preaching in an omnibus yard,

man.

The revival is spreading. Ireland no longer enjoys a monopoly. Western Scotland and Wales have caught the religious fervour, and reproduce some of its excrescences. Shame to the men who stimulate the popular craving for "physical manifestations," and so help the devil to destroy God's work. Hysteria may affect weak women; but the world will be converted by far different weapons, "the words of truth and soberness."

GENERAL.

The new Chinese war and the explosion on board the Great Eastern, startled England from her quietness on the same day. It is evident the Chinese have no great preference for John Bull, and that the treaty was never meant to be kept. Why not try some other way with the Celestials? Punished they must be, for their perfidy; but let justice be tempered with mercy, and England will surely be the gainer. Six lives have been sacrificed on board the Great Eastern, to what was everybody's business and nobody's. Universal regret now follows close upon the heels of universal triumph; and, to add deeper tinge to our sadness, the great Brunel, whose ingenious brain planned the Leviathan, is stricken down in death by overwork, before he could witness the first successful voyage of his monster ship.-Bradford and Gloucester have been passing through the excitement of great musical festivals.-The respite of the no