Correspondence. MONUMENT TO LATE REV. J. G. PIKE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE. for the present, the publication of the On behalf of the committee, DEAR SIR,-Will you allow me to inform Treasurer. QUERY.-A practice has prevailed the losing sight of so many of our young of late, having, as I imagine, an injurious members as soon as they had joined the tendency, for churches in want of a minis-church. Might not this be greatly obviter to write to pastors who are comfort- ated by relinquishing the plan of disably settled, and where there is peace and missing them from our Sabbath schools? growing prosperity. An instance of the A. N. kind has just occurred in this neighbourhood, where applications from three congregations have been made to a pastor who is beloved by his flock, highly esteemed by the townspeople, and where the cause is in a very flourishing state, and the pastor is every way comfortable, and receives a very liberal salary. I wish to inquire from your intelligent correspondents whether such a course is either scriptural or defensible. An answer will oblige, yours, &c., WM. WHITE. QUERY.-Some of the friends at the late meeting at Leicester complained of QUERY.-Is it consistent for a Christian to vote by ballot? Specially called as professing Christians are, to bear witness to the truth before the world, the above question becomes a very serious one in this temporizing age; and I should be very glad if our able friend, Mr. Liggins, (who is so well qualified to deal with it) or some other brother, who would take in its political as well as its religious aspects, would give us his opinion on a question which is no less impor ant than Yours truly, on this point, A SINCERE SCEPTIC. new. Intelligence. CONFERENCES. THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE met at Archdeacon-lane chapel, Leicester, on Tuesday, September 27th, 1859. The secretary read the Scriptures and prayed, and Rev. W. Jones, of Derby, preached from Phil. ii. 21, "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." At the business meeting in the afternoon, Rev. T. Stevenson, minister of the place, presided, and Rev. H. Hunter, of Nottingham, prayed. From written or oral reports it appeared that one hundred and seventeen had been baptized since the Whitsuntide Conference, seven had been restored to church fellowship, and ninety-three were now candidates for baptism. The minutes of the last meeting were read, and the following matters of business attended to:1. Ilkeston Case -The secretary of the committee on this case appointed at the last Conference read a report of their proceedings. It was agreed-1. That the report now read be received, and that the thanks of the Conference be presented to the committee for their attention to this case. Representatives of both parties cheerfully attested their appreciation of the gentlemanly fairness and Christian courtesy of the committee appointed to investigate the differences that have arisen at Ilkeston. Discussion arose as to the present condition of affairs. The seceders from the new chapel having still held back when invited to reunite, it was agreed-2. That this Conference being of opinion that it is undesirable to have two General Baptist churches in Ilkeston, request the committee to remain in office for the present, and if need be, pay a second visit to Ilkeston, with a view of effecting an amicable re-union of both sections of the church. 2. Concerning building a Chapel at Swadlincote.-The church at Burton-onTrent having asked for the advice of the After a protracted conversation in reference to the cause at Congleton, and the best means of rendering assistance, it was agreed, Conference as to the propriety of building | answer, if possible, to the first minute of a chapel at the village of Swadlincote, the last Conference. where they have had preaching some time, and where there is a plot of ground belonging to the connexion, it was agreed --That we most affectionately recommend the church at Burton to build a chapel at that village. Rev. J. F. Winks, at this stage of the meeting, gave an outline of the business of the special meeting to be held the next day at Friar-lane chapel, the subjects of the papers, and the names of the writers. Several friends were present at this Conference from distant parts of the connexion, who had come to be present at, and take part in, the special meeting. Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., of Nottingham, preached in the evening. The next Conference will be held at Burton-on-Trent, on the last Tuesday in December (27th.) The Rev. T. Stevenson, of Leicester, is invited to preach. J. J. GOADBY, Sec. THE CHESHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Stoke-upon-Trent, on Monday, Oct. 10th, 1859. In the morning the Rev. R. Pedley opened the service, and in the absence of the appointed preacher the secretary gave a discourse founded on Exodus xiv. 15. In the afternoon, the meeting for business began at two o'clock. The Rev. C. E. Pratt presided. The reports of the churches, though scarcely so encouraging as at the last Conference, still shew that considerable improvement has been made during the last six months. Bap. 15, resto. 2. Among the improvements effected of late, may be mentioned -first, the building of a new chapel and school-rooms by our brethren at Wheelock Heath. A very neat and commodious place of worship has been built at Wheelock, and was opened on Sunday, October 9th, 1859, by the affectionate and devoted pastor of the church, the Rev. R. Pedley. It is a pleasing fact that the new chapel has no debt upon it. The opening services were celebrated without any collection. Congleton may also be mentioned with pleasure in consequence of the repairs in the chapel, which have been effected by an outlay of from forty to fifty pounds. The cause appears to be steadily improving under the pastorate of the Rev. J. Gardner. The collections for the Home Mission being handed to the treasurer, some inquiries were made in reference to the friends at Audlem, and it was agreed, 1. That the secretary correspond with the church at Audlem, and elicit an some 2. That there be one person appointed in each church to collect for the Home Mission. 3. That the secretary write an article to be read at our next Conference. Subject, "Our Conferences." 4. That the next Conference be held at Tarporley, on Easter Tuesday. 5. That the Rev. C. E. Pratt, of Stoke, be the preacher, and in case of failure, the Rev. R. Pedley, of Wheelock Heath. 6. That the thanks of this Conference be given to the secretary for his sermon in the morning. 7. That the thanks of the Conference be given to the friends at Stoke for the manner in which they have entertained the delegates. The Rev. Mr. Page, of Newcastle, preached in the evening. JAMES MADEN, Sec. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE met at Allerton, near Bradford, Aug. 30th, 1859. In the morning the Rev. C. Springthorpe opened the service, and the Rev. J. Horsfall preached from Hosea xiv. 5, "I will be as the dew unto Israel," &c. At the afternoon sitting bro. J. Taylor presided. From written or verbal reports that were presented we learned that seventeen had been baptized, and three remained as candidates. It was a matter of regret that an unusual number of churches did not send either reports or representatives. The secretary of the Todmorden chapel building committee was instructed to call that committee together preparatory to the next Conference, and prepare a report of the building and its finances, to submit to the Conference. The church at Todmorden were also desired to present their financial statement at the same time, together with a plan for the reduction of their chapel debt. The secretary was also requested to read to the Christmas Conference annually a list of the churches in the Yorkshire district, together with the number of members in each, and the support rendered by each church to the general institutions of the body. Brethren Springthorpe and Hardy were appointed to visit those churches that have not contributed to the Home Mission, and bring in their report to the next Conference. It was agreed that the annual collection on behalf of the Conference Fund be made next Conference. That the subject of the next Conference on the extension of the body. The next sermon be, "The best means of extending | Conference will be held at Byron-street our denomination in this district." Rev. chapel, Leeds, on Tuesday, the 27th of John Taylor the preacher. December. The sermon in the evening. THOMAS HORSFIELD, Secretary. That bro. Springthorpe be sent as our representative to the Leicester meeting BAPTISMS, Rev. CROWLE, Lincolnshire. — The Thomas Lovekin baptized two persons during the past month, who were received into the fellowship of the church. On the occasion many had to go away who were unable to obtain admission. FORNCETT. We baptized four men and one woman, Oct 2. The woman keeps a church day-school in an adjoining village and remains at her church. We expect another baptism soon. Two of the men are from a place recently opened for preaching. G. M. LEICESTER, Dover-street.-On Sunday night, Sept. 18, three were baptized. Two of them were young men who had been scholars, but are now teachers in the Sunday-school. J. M. NEW LENTON.-Five friends were baptized on the first Lord's-day in October. BARTON.-On Lord's-day, Sept. 4th, seven candidates were baptized and received into the fellowship of the church. STALYBRIDGE.-On Lord's-day, Sept. 25th, after preaching from Acts xxvi. 24, 29, Mr. Sutcliffe baptized three dear friends in the presence of a good congregation. COALVILLE AND WHITWICK.-Additions to this church by baptism have been made, of two interesting youths, May 19, and two other friends Oct. 2nd. ISLEHAM.-On Lord's-day, Oct. 2, five persons were baptized. The fact, that one of the candidates was our pastor's own daughter, greatly cheered his heart. LOUTH, Walter-gate.· Four friends were baptized, Aug. 8. Bro. Wilkinson, from Orissa, preached and adminis tered the ordinance. The congregation was large and attentive. The sermon was calculated to do much good. The above-named were received into the church the following day. Brother T. R. Stevenson, who has been supplying here most acceptably a few weeks, assisted in this service. ANNIVERSARIES. J. K. STALYBRIDGE.-Our annual mission- TARPORLEY.-TWO sermons were ary services were held here on Sunday, preached by the Rev. I. Stubbins, September 18th, 1859. The Rev. H. at Tarporley, on Lord's day, October 9th, Wilkinson preached two very excellent in behalf of the Foreign Mission. The sermons, and addressed the Sabbath afternoon service was held in the town scholars in the afternoon. The proceeds hall, which was comfortably filled, and the of the year amounted to nearly £28 evening service in our chapel. On both occasions the audience were deeply interested. On the Monday evening the annual meeting was held in the hall, when addresses were delivered by the Rev. T. Williams, Presbyterian, the Rev. W. Shakespere, of Belper, Mr Dutton, and the missionary. The attendance was large, and the collections and subscriptions realised for the mission the sum of £60 9s. 10d. ILKESTON.-On Lords'-day, September 25th, the Rev. C. Springthorpe preached the first anniversary sermons in the new Baptist Chapel, Ilkeston. The congregations were good, and the collections amounted to £18 9s. VALE CHAPEL, NEAR TODMORDEN.On September 24th, the young people in connection with the Vale Chapel People's College, held their annual tea meeting. About 160 took tea, and were afterwards entertained and instructed by recitations and speeches till ten o'clock. A favourable report was given of the institution. The classes have commenced for the winter months with a full average attendance, and it is hoped that both teachers and pupils will spend their winter evenings pleasantly and profitably. The College Finances are in a good state. BARTON, BARLESTONE, &c.-Our mission anniversary services were held on Lord's-day, Sept. 11th, and three following evenings. The Rev. I. Stubbins preached at Barton and Congerstone. Missionary meetings were held at Bosworth, on Monday evening; at Barton, on Tuesday evening; and on Wednesday, the scholars of our several schools, with their teachers and friends, assembled at Barlestone to hold their juvenile tea and missionary meeting. A number of friends COALVILLE.-New school rooms, which were much needed, have been erected in connection with the General Baptist Chapel, Coalville. Sermons were preached at the opening, July 19th and 24th, by the Revs. J. Malcolm, J. Barker, LL.B., of Leicester, and I. Preston, of Chesham, July 25th. A large number of friends met for tea, after which addresses were delivered by the pastor of the church, the Rev. J. Cholerton, who presided, and the Revs. I Preston, J. Malcolm, T Mays, G. Fisher, and Mr. T. E Butler. The new rooms, which are capable of comfortably accommodating 400 children, are much admired. Very extensive alterations and improvements have also been made in the chapel by which it has been rendered very much more comfortable and commodious than it was before. Collections, donations, &c., including twenty pounds from the Whitwick colliery company, amount to about eighty pounds. We thank God, and take courage. PRESENTATION,-A meeting was held in the General Baptist Sunday School, Tetley-street, Bradford, on Thursday, Sept. 22nd, on the occasion of presenting a testimonial of esteem and regard to Mrs. S. Townend, who is leaving the school, after having been connected with it as pupil and teacher for a period of sixteen years. During the time she has acted as teacher she has been one of the most efficient in the school, and has gained the respect and esteem, not only of her class, but of the other teachers and superintendents, for her general kindness to all, and the earnestness and devotion she has manifested in the performance of her duties. After tea, to which about seventy of the teachers and scholars sat down. Mr. J. Terry, one of the superintendents, made the presentation to Mrs. Townend, in the name of the class, bearing testimony to her usefulness as a teacher, she having been instrumental in the hands of Providence of bringing some of her scholars to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and of inducing them to become members of the church. He then presented to her, in the name of the class, an elegantly bound Bible, and a to handsome tea-pot. The former bore the following inscription:-" Presented Mrs. Susannah Townend, by Mr. J. Terry, superintendent of the General Baptist School, Tetley-street, Bradford, on behalf of the fourth female Bible class, as a small token of respect and esteem for her untiring labours to promote their intellectual, spiritual, and eternal interests during a period of seven years. Signed by her scholars, September 22nd, 1859." The Rev. B. Wood returned thanks in appropriate terms on behalf of Mrs. Townend, and the proceedings soon afterwards terminated. LEICESTER.-On Tuesday evening, Oct. 4th, the second session of the Doverstreet mutual improvement class was opened by a most instructive, graphic, and eloquent lecture "On the Life, Character, and Death of General Havelock, the Christian warrior of India," by Mr. B. Baldwin, of Loughborough. The audience was large, and testified their gratitude to the lecturer by a hearty vote of thanks. J. M. LEAKE.-On Sunday, Oct 9, 1859, two sermons were preached by Mr. C. Clark, of the Baptist College, Nottingham. Collections were made towards the recent improvements made in the grave-yard by the erection of a substantial brick wall and iron gate. On the following day we had a public tea meeting. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Staples, Marshall, and Lockwood. Proceeds, about £14. WYMESWOLD.- -On Sunday, Oct 16, 1859, two sermons were preached by the Rev. G. Staples. Collections were made on behalf of the improvements male in the chapel by the introduction of gas On the Monday afternoon there was a social tea meeting, and in the evening a public service to recognize the settlement of Mr. Staples at Wymeswold, as pastor of the united church at Leake and Wymeswold; and also to recognize brethren G. Thirlby, E. Charles, and W. Corner as deacons. Addresses were delivered by Revs. E. Stevenson, of Loughborough, and J. Lockwood, of Birchcliff. MAGDALEN AND STOWBRIDGE HARVEST | Mr. Butterwick. Upwards of a hundred HOME TEA MEETINGS.-On Thursday, sat down to tea, amidst the beautiful deOct. 6th, about ninety persons took tea | corations of the place. Addresses were and engaged in friendly converse in the delivered by Messrs. A. S. Hart, King, Stowbridge chapel. After the tea, the and Dennis, from Lynn; G. Towler minister, Mr. A. S. Hart, presided, and and S. Bear, of Magdalen. Our present appropriate addresses were given by congregations, at both chapels, are as Messrs. Bear, Gore, and G. Towler. good or better than at any former period At Magdalen a similar meeting was held of this church's history. G. T. on Oct. 13th, in a barn, kindly lent by Notes of the Month. ECCLESIASTICAL. THE revival in Ulster is compelling more earnest attention. Lectures, speeches, pamphlets, letters in the daily press, and paragraphs in almost every newspaper have helped to spread information far and wide. Large attention was paid to the subject at the recent meetings of the Evangelical Alliance in Belfast, and three admirable papers on different aspects of the subject were read. The Baptist Irish Society appeal for aid to send over special help, and the Irish Evangelical Society has already bestirred itself. Gilfillan recalls his hasty speech about the revival being an authentic work of the devil, shields himself behind the chair of his Scottish forefathers, and then avows, what is not new to many, his firm belief in millenarianism. to the Crucified One; Louis Napoleon to Pontius Pilate; and Victor Immanuel to the impenitent thief. Lutheran intolerance still rages against the Baptists in the duchies of Holstein, Schleswig, and Mecklenburg. The last mentioned state occupies in this dreary work a bad pre-eminence. All Baptists are forbidden to hold religious meetings, and every person detected at such meeting is to be mulct of ten dollars. Mr. Wegener, of Ladwiglust, is again sentenced. "For baptistical intrigues, and making proselytes, as well as for having administered the Lord's-supper to his members, this being an encroachment on the rights of the State Church, he is to suffer six weeks' hard imprisonment, half the time to have bread and water, and the remaining half warm food; and to The temporal throne of Pius IX. tot-pay all expenses of the inquisition." In ters to its fall. The eldest son of the our petitions to Almighty God, let us church, by whose bayonets it has been "remember them that are in bonds as defended for ten years, declares his in- bound with them." tention to withdraw the French army from Rome. Spain dare not send material help, and contents herself with letters of condolence. Austria has herself to care for, and Italians writhe to free themselves from priestly domination, and openly rejoice at the conflicts between the church and the civil power. Meanwhile, prayers are offered to the Virgin Mary for the pope's security. British Catholics are adjured by Romish organs, but adjured in vain, to express their grief at his ignoble position; and the poor pope is sick unto death. Indeed one papist declares that he will not live till Christmas. The loss of Romagna, a fertile territory on the Adriatic, is graven on his heart, says the same writer, as Mary Tudor affirmed Calais was when wrested from her crown. Others, with bad taste, liken Pio Nono A paragraph has appeared in one of the daily papers, announcing a new movement among the evangelical clergy. It is stated that some sixty or seventy clergymen of the Establishment are about to secede and form a Free Church of England. Several popular preachers are among them. Part are leaving from an avowed dislike to state-churchism, and part, from the prevalence of Popery in the church, under the guise of Puseyism, at which heresy the bishops connive. We wish them God speed. GENERAL. The National Association for the Promotion of Social Science have recently held at Bradford, their third annual meeting. Brougham has avowed himself in favour of the Maine Liquor Law, and the Hon. W. Cowper, calls special atten |