cheerful and happy, and no doubt all the more so from the prospect of soon being encircled by a father's arms, or pressed once more to a mother's bosom. The rain fell in torrents, and late in the afternoon the porter's voice was heard shouting, 'Berkhampstead.' 1 found my way as soon as possible to the minister's house, where I was kindly received. On Lord's-day morning it rained until nearly the hour for public worship, when it ceased. Considering the state of the weather the congregation was good, and the collection not behind past years, I think a little before them. The situation of the chapel is exceedingly objectionable: on one side of the building is a ditch of stagnant water, next to that are pig-sties, about eighty or one hundred yards in front are the gas works, the effluvium of which is anything but sweet. I was pleased to find the friends had purchased a piece of land fronting the principal street, where they intend to erect a more comfortable place in which to worship God. Berkhampstead is on the whole a nice little town; the principal street has many good old buildings, occupied by many respectable families. Close by the railway station water-cresses are cultivated for the London market. Mr. Garratt's carriage brought Mr. Stubbins from Chesham, and I returned by the same conveyance. At Chesham we had an overflowing congregation in the evening, and a good collection. My home was where it has been for many years when visiting that interesting part of the country. Mr. Garratt was better in health than I expected to find him, but his aged companion was no more; the cheerful, active, useful, Mr. Andrews was gone also. Friend after friend departs. True, but Christian friends will meet again. God is the husband of the widow, the father of the fatherless. At no time bas the church at Chesham been so prosperous as at the present. God is blessing the labours of his servant there. I was pleased to find that the brethren at these branches of the same church were labouring so harmoniously and successfully. On Monday, Mr. Preston accompanied me to Berkhampstead. We had a good meeting, and on the whole well at tended. Brother Stubbins although very unwell seemed to rise above all bis weakness in his earnest pleadings for the poor heatben. I was pleased once more to meet Miss Hobbs, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Hobbs, formerly of this place; the remnants of his family honour God, and honour the character of their departed father. In the evening we returned to Chesbam. On Tuesday evening we held the missionary meeting, which was well attended. The collections and subscriptions were an improvement on past years. Mr. Lawton from Berkhampstead was with us, and the Particular Baptist Minister although very unwell, was brought in a little carriage to the chapel, and opened the meeting with prayer. On Wednesday, brother Preston, brother Pegg, from London, brother Stubbins, and myself went to Ford. This is fifteen miles from Chesham. It rained a great part of the way. Mr. Preston preached in the afternoon to a small congregation. The evening meeting was much better attended. An excellent spirit appeared to pervade every heart. There was a small increase on the past year's collections. I was pleased to find, since I visited this place before, that the chapel had been enlarged and a new front given to it. It is situated in the midst of a large hamlet, chiefly occupied by farmers; these and their families, and labourers, compose the greater part of the congregation. The self-denying and zealous friend that labours bere continues to be respected by bis friends and blessed in his labours. In passing through this district, one is led back to the days of Cromwell and Hampden and others, whose memories will ever be dear to all lovers of civil and religious liberty. There are the old trees under which they used to walk and hold converse; and yonder are the old mansions venerable in their appearance, but especially so from their associations. After the missionary meeting we returned to Chesham safe and sound. Certainly it was a fatiguing day. Thirty miles may not be considered a great distance by the rails, but it is very different through a hilly country, and by an ordinary convey. ance. On Thursday we went to Intelligence.-Miscellaneous. 267 the mercy of God, I arrived safely at Wendover. The friend who labours | labour as he had done the past week here has been a blessing to the cause. or two, England will prove worse than Considering the state of the weather-India to his constitution. Through rain-rain, the congregation was pretty good: the chapel might be two-thirds full. There was a good spirit in the meeting, and the collection quite as much as could be expected. It is rather remarkable that the lady and gentleman who keep the principal hotel are both members, and one of the deacons, a most devoted Christian, and one of long standing, has an inn also. Mr. Stubbins and I remained at Wendover, the other friends returned to Chesham. I was sorry that I did not meet with one dear friend at this place, whose house for years has been a home for the servants of Christ. 'Given to hospitality. This was his character for more than twenty years, and for ought I know, years before that. My worst wish for my friend Mr. M. is, that he had a good Christian wife, to cheer and comfort him along the journey of life, and to share with him the many earthly blessings which God has showered down upon him. My best wish for him is, that he may fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life.' Friday we left Wendover for Tring. The distance must be five or six miles. It poured in torrents the whole of the way. Short as it was, it was certainly the most uncomfortable journey we had. Our brother who lives and labours here received us kindly. I had been invited to spend the night with Mr. Butcher jun, banker, who was married to Mr. Garratt's youngest daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Butcher went with me to the meeting. The chapel was not full, but the sympathy excited in the minds of the friends on behalf of the heathen, was very apparent. The principal trade here, I mean for the lower classes, is platting straw for hats and bonnets. You may often find the women em ployed in this way as they walk along the road. There is a regular market in Tring for the sale of this platt. On Saturday morning, Mr. Stubbins and I went down to the station, (and a picture of a place it is,) he for Peterborough, and I for Nottingham. I was sorry to see him so much exhausted. Sure I am that if he is expected to SOUTH DURHAM AND NORTH YORKSHIRE FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT AND BAPTIST MINISTERS AND CHURCHES. was held in Zion Chapel, Northallerton, on June 5th, 1860. The meeting for fraternal intercourse began at two o'clock. The Rev. D. Black, of Middlesborough, read a paper on the best means of reaching the population who are neither of the church nor of the congregation. Free discussion on this and other important subjects occupied the afternoon meeting. A public meeting was held in the evening, when addresses were delivered on the following subjects:-(1) Are we to expect revivals to be occasional or permanent?-by Rev. P. W. Grant, of Darlington; (2) the individual responsibility of church members in relation to church work-by Rev W. M. Darwent, of Barnard Castle; (3) Is it not desirable to establish a closer connection between the church and congregation? and how to do it-by Rev. J. Bennett, West Hartlepool. W. S. OUR COLLEGE.-The Treasurer of the College respectfully requests those churches or subscribers who have not yet forwarded their usual subscriptions to do so forthwith, as he is anxious at once to balance the accounts. EPWORTH, Lincolnshire.-On Wednesday evening, May 16th, 1860, a handsome copy of Barnes' Notes was presented to Mr. John Gibson, junior, deacon, by the Rev. Thomas Lovekin, in the name of the friends, being a small token of respect for his unwearied zeal in promoting the interests of the church. DR. LIVINGSTONE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. - £11,500 have been voted for Dr. Livingstone's expedition, and the Cape legislature have appropriate funds for the purpose of establishing an inland communication with his party. We have great hopes of this expedition doing more than all our slave capturing squadron of the African coast towards the extinction of the slave-trade. LINCOLN. The General Baptist cause in this ancient city, which has for a length of time been on the point of extinction, appears now in a more hopeful state; better and brighter days are beginning to dawn. Since the account given in the May number of the Magazine, vigorous operations have been commenced with a view to re-establish the cause, rooms have been hired in the Corn Exchange for public worship; Rev. T. Barrass, of Peterborough, kindly supplied our pulpit on the first Sunday in May; since then we have been favoured with the services of Revs. Orton, Louth; Mathews, Boston; Wood, Sutterton; Shakespere, Belper; Cholerton, Pinchbeck: and Sissions, Sheffield. Hitherto the services have been well attended. Our incidental expenses are necessarily very heavy; still we do not feel disheartened, being persuaded that the denomination generally, and the Lincolnshire churches especially, will render us that sympathy and support which our peculiar circumstances cannot fail to elicit. On the whole, we feel we have much reason to thank God and take courage. G. F. M. REV. J. T. BROWN'S RETURN FROM JAMAICA. Last October, our highly esteemed brother, Rev. J. T. Brown, of Northampton, together with Mr. B. Underhill, left this country on a special Visit to Jamaica. A welcome meeting was held in the Northampton Corn Ex change, on Tuesday, June 12th, 1860. Many ministers and friends from neighbouring churches were present. Mr. Brown's account of Jamaica completely dispels the hideous phantom conjured up by Anthony Trollope and the Times reviewer, to stop devoted charitable deeds.' Jamaica has not gone backward. Estates well managed do yield a good return. Negroes wisely prefer working for themselves at two shillings a day, to working for masters at a shilling. The tone of public morality is higher. Unholy homes are becoming the exception, for even white men are getting married. Chapels are not dilapidated. Ministers are not starved. Black people are not as Carlyle and Trollope declare, up to their elbows in pumpkins. Pumpkins,' said a black man, who did well to be angry when Mr. Brown repeated to him the slander Pumpkins! minister, me cannot think of the two great writers just named; ling these lies! Homes are improving. how these people will meet Jesus, telJamaica has touched the ground and gained strength.' We feel persuaded words of Mr. Brown, and declare that that every reader will echo the eloquent millions that the negro might go free, they would rather pay another twenty than that Jamaica should again fall back on the barbarities, the immoralities, and the degradation of West Indian slavery. than £100 have already been subMONUMENT ΤΟ BUNYAN. More scribed towards erecting a statue, in bronze or granite, of John Bunyan in in London. one of the most public thoroughfares HOW BISHOPS MAY BECOME POPU LAR.-The British Columbia correspondent of the Times who does not believe in voluntaryism himself, admits that much of the popularity acquired by the new bishop is due to his very the first Sunday after his arrival, that candid declaration from the pulpit, on his church is self-supporting, and unconnected with the State! This is in harmony with the statements by Dr. Hills before he left England; and we hope that not bishops only, but the clergy at home, will entertain the question, whether the same principle might not prove efficacious at home. Intelligence.-Miscellaneous. We rejoice to hear that these eminently useful meetings still continue to be beld, and with very gratifying results. Many unfortunates have been rescued from a life of infamy and wretchedness. God bless the founders of these meetings; and let all Christian people pray for the blessing. 269 MIDNIGHT MEETINGS IN LONDON.- by this meeting as an unwarrantable exercise of authority, and as repugnant to the spirit of modern legislation. That the replies obtained would inevitably be to a large extent defective, ambiguous, and inaccurate; and that the proposed withdrawal of the penalty instead of mitigating the evil, would, by inducing a Lumerous section of the community to withhold the desired information, render the returns still more inconclusive. That, as no useful purpose can possibly be served by such returns, the meeting is constrained to the designs of an ecclesiastical party believe that it is intended to further who seek to cast discredit on the cenEsq., seconded by Henry Pease, Esq, sus of 1851. Moved by Apsley Pellatt, ΤΟ THE OPPONENTS OF CAUTION SLAVERY.-Two men are going about the country who are concealed friends of negro slavery-the Revs. Dr. Murray and M. Layburn. We trust our friends will take the hint, and give no heed to them. More mischief may be done by these concealed enemies to the oppressed slave than by any open foes, if the Christian public are not apprised of their true cha-M.P., and resolved:-II. That, look. racter. THE SALE OF SOULS -Advowson.— Shropshire.'-To be sold, the advowson and perpetual right of presentation to a rectory, in the northern part of the county of Salop, subject to the life of the present incumbent, aged 46. The income arising from glebe and tithe rent-charge, without including the annual value of a commodious parsonage-house, recently erected, and suitable for a gentleman's residence, is about £350 per annum. The population of the parish is wholly rural, and does not exceed 400. The rectory is situate in the vicinity of several market-towns, and about three miles from a firstclass railway station. For further particulars apply, &c. Record, March 14th, 1860. (!!) THE CENSUS BILL.-At a meeting of members of various religious bodies, convened by circular, and held at Fendall's Hotel, Westminster, on Wednesday the 6th of June, Sir. S. Morton Peto, Bart., M.P., in the chair, it was moved by the Rev. George Smith, seconded by Dr. Hoppus, and resolved:-1. That the provision in the bill for taking the next census of the population, proposing, by means of a penalty, to compel every occupier of a dwelling-house to make a return of the religious profession' of 'every living person' who may have abode in his house on a given night, is regarded ing upon this departure from the plan adopted in 1851 as a deliberate attempt to inflict political injury on dissenters by means of deceptive official statistics, the meeting urges the necessity for such an expression of opinion throughout the country as will induce Her Majesty's Ministers to abandon so indefensible a scheme, and for a distinct intimation that, if it be persisted in, neither they, nor the members of the House of Commons who may support it, can retain the confidence of the dissenting body. Moved by the Rev. J. H. Hinton, seconded by W. E. Baxter, Esq., M.P., and resolved:-III. That the following petition to the House of Commons [which was read] be signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting, and be confided for presentation to Edward Baines, Esq., M.P. Moved by the Rev. M. A. Henderson, seconded by J. T Norris, Esq., M.P., and resolved:-IV. That the copies of the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, and to the members of the House of Commons; and that the following gentlemen, with power to add to their number, be requested to act as a committee to take further measures for obtaining the required amendment of the bill: ChairmanFrank Crossley, Esq., M.P. Treasurer, James Heywood, Esq. Honorary Secretary-Charles S. Miall, Esq. Sir S. M. Peto, Bart., M.P., Edward Baines, Esq., M.P., &c., &c. PETITION. To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled. The petition of members of various religious bodies, assembled at a meeting held at Fendall's Hotel, Westminster, June 6th, 1860SHOWETH, That your Petitioners entertain strong objections to the provisions in the Census Bill requiring a statement of the religious profession of every inhabitant of the country. That, in their judgment, such a requirement would be an unwarrantable exercise of authority, and that, while it would fail to secure statistics on which any reliance could be placed, it would occasion great irritation, tend to infringements of civil rights, and be otherwise productive of mischievous results. That in many cases-whether the inquiry be enforced by a penalty or not-there will be a refusal to afford the desired information. That, in others, the replies will necessarily be too indefinite and ambiguous to be of any practical value. That, to a very serious extent, the Notes of the Month. ECCLESIASTICAL. We are glad to find that the dissenters in London are on the alert. The religious item in the Census bill has been condemned by a highly distinguished meeting, and a committee, numbering more than a score Members of Parliament, appointed to secure an amendment of the Bill. May we ask the attention of every reader to the subject; and especially urge our ministers and deacons to prepare petitions forthwith? Unless a stand be made against this religious item in the Census, we should have the country saddled with the maintenance of half-a-dozen more bishops, and perhaps with such church extension schemes as have not been witnessed for many a day. The dirty saint, Benedict Joseph Labre, of whom we gave an account some months back, has cured, according to Papist journals, a man with a broken leg, another with a broken arm, a poor woman on the point of death, and Cardinal Wiseman's palpitation of the heart! Verily the devotees of Popery are given over to a strong delusion to believe a lie.' The Irish brigade has become troublesome; the pilgrimage to Rome now projected for ་ |