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on every hand; and we shall require all the aid you can render us through the medium of the American Bible Union. The first edition of the school bible, published at the expense of the Bible Union, is so far circulated that not one unbound copy is left at the depot. A second edition is under the press; and to-day or to-morrow I shall be under the necessity of drawing on Deacon Colgate at least for a part of the two thousand five hundred dollars promised on the 1st of October. But of our wants, &c., I will (the Lord willing) write more fully after our Triennial Conference, which commences on the 12th inst. In the meantime you will know that we want all the aid the friends of the Bible Union can render us I love you, my dear brother, and feel under lasting obligations for the great kindness you have shewn me. I could fain wish to continue. But for the present farewell. Wih affectionate regard,

Yours, in the best of bonds, J. G. ONCKEN." PERSECUTION OF THE BAPTISTS IN GERMANY- Mecklenburgh Schwerin. During the past year we have referred at length to the sufferings of the baptists on the continent, and especially in this petty state. Several remonstrances and memorials have been addressed by religious bodies in this country to the ruling powers there, but in vain. During the past summer Mr. Wegener wrote: "I have at length succeeded in obtaining a definite answer from the Grandducal Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs. Unable any longer to refrain from laying before the Grand-Duke a statement of the persecutions and sufferings I had been called upon for the last three years to endure, I availed myself for that purpose of the auspicious occasion of the birth of the first daughter to his Royal Highness; a time of rejoicing when memorials and petitions generally meet with an indulgent reception. It so happened that the little princess was born at Ludwigslust, a circumstance facilitating the transmission of my address to the Sovereign, which, with the reply from his minister, I enclose for your perusal, as indicative of the Grand Duke's feeling towards me. Vouchsafing no answer direct from himself, no investigation of my position or causes of complaint, he seems to abandon my case to the caprice of his minister, who neither vindicates nor refutes a single point referred to in my petition. My only crime is such a violation of the laws of the land as is involved in the discharge of my obligation to obey God rather than man, and for this I must suffer persecution and the spoliation of my goods. In the apprehension of my fellow-men, and according to the ministerial decision, I am, in consequence of the impracticability of obtaining

a judicial commutation of the sentence, doomed a state prisoner for life: there exists apparently no means of relief." Mr. W. proceeds to state that the cow, which some friends had redeemed for him, had been again seized; and his goat, a pig, portable dairy, clock, and book-case, had been sold. The following is a copy of the reply to the petition :-"The memorial ad. dressed by you to His Royal Highness the Grand-Duke, praying for the repeal of the sentence by which you are required to consider yourself a close prisoner in your own habitation, incurring a fine of 25rt. each time you venture across the threshold, has been duly weighed by the undersigned minister, to whom it was entrusted by the supreme authorities for reply, and he, after mature deliberation, communicates to you his decision in the following terms: 'Since the penalty from which you are suffering is the legitimate result of a voluntary and obstinately-continued violation of the existing laws of the land, there can be no reasonable ground for commuting its rigour, and as little for relaxing personal restraint, as you would only mis-employ your liberty for the purpose of travelling again with a view to promote the interests of the baptist body. Until, therefore, your dangerous efforts to disseminate baptist error in this country can be relinquished, you must not anticipate a favourable reception for your request.

(Signed) (Signature Illegible). Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs to His Royal Highness the Grand - Duke of Mecklenburgh.

To F. Wegener, Ludwigslust.""

And these men profess to be Protestants and Lutherans. How disgusting!

CONVERSION OF A CATHOLIC PRIEST.The Chicago Christian Times has a letter giving intelligence of the conversion of Joseph Kenan, catholic priest, twenty-five years of age, who has since united with the baptist church in Bloomington. He had served as priest three years. His relatives are all catholics, and some of them wealthy. The correspondent of the Times says:"About six months before he was fully decided to forsake Romanism, his mind was troubled with regard to their faith. So much was his confidence in their views of salvation weakened, that he determined to seek Christ as the only way of redemption. Some six weeks since, when about to retire to rest, having read a portion of God's word, he was deeply impressed with the words of Christ: 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.' In prayer he sought to commit himself to the blessed Jesus. After lying down upon his bed his mind was at rest. Soon, said he, my room seemed to be filled with light, as if lighted by a candle,

but after a moment it passed away, and I fell asleep. In the morning when I arose I felt like a new creature; my burden of spirit was gone, and those I once persecuted I loved. Last sabbath he was buried with Christ in baptism, and went on his way rejoicing."

JAMAICA. The sufferings of the people from cholera have been represented by the baptist missionaries on the island as very great and distressing. We rejoice to hear that subscriptions have been made by some English congregations on their behalf.

DOMESTIC.

STEPNEY COLLEGE.-The annual meeting of this institution was held in the College Chapel on Wednesday, Sep. 20, at three o'clock. On the motion of the Rev. Dr. Angus, seconded by the Rev. S. Green, W. B. Gurney, Esq., was called to the chair. After some remarks from the chairman, the Rev. W. G. Fishbourne read the Report, of which the following is a brief abstract:-During the Session twenty ministerial and two lay students have enjoyed the advantages of the institution. Four of this number have left the college, and settled under circumstances of great encouragement. Mr. James C. Fishbourne has accepted an invitation from the church at Thaxted, in Essex; Mr. H. Crassweller, B.A., from the church at Leominster; Mr. J. F. Stevenson, B. A., from the church at Long Sutton. The settlements in each of these cases resulted from unanimous invitation. Mr. J. Anderson has also offered himself for mission-service in India, and is now on his way to that country in connexion with the Baptist Missionary Society. The committee earnestly request that the supporters of the institution will remember their brethren when 'they most wish to be remembered,' and trust that the Great Shepherd will himself guide and bless them. Thirteen new applications have been received during the year; and, after careful and earnest examinations, the committee have resolved on receiving seven out of that number. The difference is, in the prospect of the coming year, somewhat serious. The number of students is increased; some of the sources of income are likely to be this next year less productive; so that it becomes necessary to make an earnest appeal for fresh help. Several subscribers have been removed by death. Only three churches have favoured the institution with collections during the year, though many have applied again and again for the services of the students. In addi. tion to other legacies, the committee have had transferred to the trustees of the college the sum of £900 consols-a bequest under the will of the late Broadley Wilson, Esq. To commemorate-this generous gift, and in the hope of inducing others to copy the

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example, the committee have resolved to request of the Annual Meeting authority to found a Broadley Wilson Scholarship in connexion with the college. Among the resolutions adopted by the committee during the year, is one which proposes to bring before the constituency of the college the question of the removal of the institution from its present locality. The step is one of great importance. The committee commend the question to the consideration of their friends. In addition to the usual subjects of study, the students have received during the session the efficient instruction of J. S. Knowles, Esq., in elocution. His aim has been to correct the mistakes to which most young speakers are liable, and so to aid our brethren to read and speak accurately and naturally. The committee have to report, with regret, the death of the Classical Tutor of the College, Dr. Gray, which took place in July last.-The Financial Statement was then submitted, from which it appeared that the total receipts, during the past year, had been £1,664 11s. 6d.; the total expenditure had been £1,578 16s. 3d.; leaving a balance in hand of £85 15s. 3d. The Rev. Mr. Stevens moved, and the Rev. Mr. Millard seconded, the adoption of the report. Mr. N. Eastty proposed, and the Rev. P. Carter seconded, various votes of thanks, while the re-appointment of officers was moved by the Rev. J. C. Wigner, and seconded by the Rev. W. Miall. The Rev. Dr. Angus, in moving a resolution respecting the Wilson scholarship, said:-"Since the adoption of that resolution by the Committee, he had written to a wealthy christian lady in the country, stating the position of the institution, and informing her that they were contemplating a removal, and bringing the instance of liberality on the part of Mr. Wilson under her notice. That lady wrote back to say that the thing commended itself to her mind; and that, though unable at present to give £1000, she had made proper arrangements for securing it to them at the time of her death, in order to form a second scholarship." The Rev. F. Clowes, for many years Classical Tutor at Bradford, in a few words, seconded the resolution, which having been carried, a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman; and, after an appropriate acknowledgment, the proceedings of the afternoon closed with prayer by Mr. Millard. The company then adjourned to the college, where a substantial tea was provided, after which they assembled in Stepney Meeting (the Rev. Mr. Kennedy's), to hear the annual address, which was delivered by James Sheridan Knowles, Esq. The proceedings of the day were then concluded with singing, and prayer by the Rev. J. H. Hinton.

HORTON COLLEGE JUBILEE.-A series of interesting public services were held at Bradford, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 1st and 2nd August, in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Northern Baptist Education Society. The ministers educated at Horton College, with other friends and supporters of the institution from all parts of the country, assembled in great force. On Tuesday evening the an. nual sermon to the students was preached by the Rev. Thomas Morris of Whitchurch, in Sion Chapel. On Wednesday morning, the Rev. Dr. Godwin delivered an eloquent and admirable "Jubilee Discourse," largely commemorative of the past history and success of the institution, and wisely suggestive of principles and plans by which its usefulness may be augmented for the future. The audience was large. The venerable doctor, some thirty years ago, became connected with Horton College as its classical tutor. He has yielded to a pressing request to print his admirable discourse. The annual meeting of the subscribers was held in the afternoon. From the report it appeared that, of the twenty-eight students with whom the late session began, seven had left from various causes, and five were being admitted as probationers, the present number being thus twenty-one. The reports of the examiners as to the diligence and progress of the students were very satisfactory. The treasurer's account also showed a balance in favour of the institution. Wm. Murgatroyd, Esq., resigned the office of treasurer; and a resolution was passed expressive of gratitude to that geutleman for his valuable services during the long period of twenty-five years. Messrs. T. Aked and W. Stead were appointed joint treasurers, and Mr. John Cooke was requested to act with the Rev. H. Dowson, as co-secretary. On Wednesday evening a large company took tea together in Westgate school-room, after which a public jubilee meeting was held in the chapel., Henry Kelsall, Esq., of Rochdale, occupied the chair, and was well supported by the officers of the institution and other gentle

men.

OPENING OF CAMDEN ROAD CHAPEL, UPPER HOLLOWAY.-Camden Road Baptist Chapel, erected by the Baptist Metropolitan Chapel-Building Society, was opened for Divine service on Tuesday, Oct. 3, when two sermons were preached, that in the morning by the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, A.M., and that in the evening by the Rev. W. Brock; several of the neighbouring Independent ministers taking part in the devotional exercises. The chapel is situate on the top of Carlton Hill, in the Camden Road, about midway between Camden Town and Upper Holloway, and in the parish of

St. Mary's, Islington. The chapel is built in the perpendicular style of Gothic architecture, of Kentish rag-stone, with Bathstone dressings. The windows, which are of large dimensions, are filled in with bays of ornamental tracery and ground-glass. The turrets above the towers are of elaborate design, and executed in terracotta,said to be imperishable. The roof is open boarded, filled in with panels intersected with carved bosses; the main timbers of the roof are filled in with Gothic tracery. The baptistry, which is of enamelled slate, is placed on the platform, and the pulpit is so constructed as to be moveable when required for baptisms or public meetings, and placed under a lofty stone arch and spacious recess, which also forms the approach to the vestries. The chapel is lighted with a large medieval chandelier of brilliant effect, and warmed with hot air passing along the aisles in stone pipes, and escaping at pleasure through brass gratings; the ventilation is rendered most complete by the admission of cold instead of hot air when required, and also Louvre ventilators into the towers, &c. The chapel is 101 feet long, and 58 feet wide, and will seat nearly 700 persons on the ground-floor, with ample free sittings. Everything has been prepared for the introduction of galleries at a future time, which will give 500 additional sittings at a comparatively small cost. The present total outlay for the building, including every expense of vestries, warming, ventilating, gas, boundary walls, gates, &c., is £5,340. The architect is Mr. Charles G. Searle, of 29, Poultry. The chapel was quite filled at both the opening services. At the conclusion of Mr. Noel's discourse, about 300 ladies and gentleman repaired to the spacious tent which had been erected in the rear of the chapel, and refreshed themselves with an excellent cold collation, which was immediately succeeded by a public meeting. Among the company we ob served Rev. Drs. Steane and Wills, Revs. O. Clarke, Fleming, C. Gilbert, Gittens, S. Green, J. H. Hinton, M.A., Hollis, J. C. Harrison, D. Katterns, W. Miall, J. M. Soule, E. White, S. M. Peto, Esq., M.P., Dr. Price, P. Broad, R. Cartwright, W. Collins, R. S. Dixon, G. Gould, J. Hill, J. McLaren, W. H. Watson, Esq., &c.

CHURCHES AND CHAPELS.-At the laying of the foundation stone of Mr. Stovel's new chapel, Mr. J. H. Hinton is reported to have said:-" Now, it struck him that the building of places of worship in its relation to the Gospel was nothing but a blunder-it was not going to the world; yet still they wanted a building for church purposes; such was the case in the earliest periods of christianity; but the notion that there must be physical churches was preposterous.

The Romanists had always reasoned so; but it was to his mind an utter bagatelle to talk of a beautiful place for God. None could ever be so beautiful as a blade of grass or a cowslip. "The heaven is my throne - the earth is my footstool-where is the house you would build unto me?" He regretted much the calling of chapels "The house of God,' The Lord's house,' and so forth. The church establishment adopts this idea, even when the church is quite empty; and hence in such a case they expect hats off. If in their buildings they saw the glory of God, it would only be as appreciated by the mind's eye. Oh! there is a vast deal too much of the notion that forms constitute religion. You may see this developed any day, at three o'clock in the afternoon, at St. Paul's, or as I saw it a few days ago in Canterbury Cathedral-attempting to palm off what there takes place, on the all-seeing eye of God, as religion. Still, whatever you do, my heart's desire for you is, that this church will renew its youth. I believe it gave direct origin to my own church at Devonshire Square, and indirectly or directly to many others; but I pray you recollect that, in your chapels you cannot do one-half of your work. I am no believer in an official minister of the Gospel. The command is to the disciples, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."

HALIFAX, A GOOD EXAMPLE. We are glad to learn from a bill which has been sent to us that the Rev. W. Walters of Halifax, is about delivering a series of lectures to the working-classes on Sunday afternoon in the Odd Fellows' Hall of that town. The topics are to be as follows:"There is a God-He is the working man's best friend. The Bible is a Divine Revelation-it is the working-man's best book. The Sabbath is a Divine Institution-it is the working-man's best day. There is a Devil-he is the working-man's worst enemy. Man is a Sinner-this is the working-man's greatest evil. Salvation is God's Gift-it is the working-man's richest possession." The attendance of the working-men and their families is especially invited. We shall be glad to learn that this example of using a secular building for religious purposes on the sabbath afternoon is being followed elsewhere.

NOTTINGHAM.-The Rev. J. A. Baynes has been suffering from a long illness, which has for some time prevented him from following the ordinary duties of his ministry, and which even now seems to require a greatly prolonged period of rest. Under these circumstances he has placed his resignation in the hands of the church, who have felt it incumbent upon them to accept it.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE HARVEST.-The deacons of Bloomsbury Chapel have sent to the committee of the North London, or University College Hospital, by R. W. Cook, Esq., out of consideration for the large demands on the hospital occasioned by the late severe epidemic, the sum of £50, a portion of the contribution by the congregation on Sunday, the 1st inst., after a sermon by the Rev. William Brock, as a thanks offering for the late abundant harvest. The deacons of Bloomsbury Chapel, have, in addition to the £50 contributed to the University College Hospital, sent a check for £27 to the Orphan Working School, "believing the charity would have extra demands upon its resources at the present time," as a further portion of the collection after a sermon by the Rev. William Brock, on the 1st instant.

TORQUAY.-Mr. B. Carto having resigned the pastorate of the baptist church, Union Street, a public tea meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, Oct. 3, previously to the departure of Mr. C. and his family for the United States. After a devotional service, farewell addresses were delivered by various ministers and friends.

J. S.

POPLAR, near London.-Mr. B. Preece, late of Grimsby, was recognized as pastor Street, Oct. 18, when Messrs. Cowper (Ind.), of the baptist church meeting in Cotton Dr. Angus, Aldis, Clowes, Whittemore, Williams, and other ministerial brethren took part in conducting the services.

HULL. Mr. R. Hall, B.A., late of Arlington, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the baptist church meeting in George Street. The friends at Arlington, on his resignation, kindly presented Mr. H. with a handsome timepiece and some plate.

CHIPPING NORTON.-Mr. James Morris was recognized as pastor of the baptist church in this town, on Friday, Sep. 22. Various ministers took part in the services, which were well attended, and of a pleasing and promising character.

lin was recognized as pastor of the church KEYNSHAM, near Bristol.-Mr. J. J. Jophere on Wednesday, Sep. 27, when several ministers and many friends were present to take part in or witness the interesting

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