died, "I am going to receive a kingdom." This he said with such strong confidence and joy beaming in his countenance, which was a strong proof that he held Jesus for a hope and anchor to his soul both sure and steadfast.

SAMUEL ATKINSON.

FANNY ELLIS, KIRKBY.—It is not our privilege to be able to give a detail of her early history, or even of her conversion. But for more than forty years she was united in fellowship with the G. B. church at Kirkby and Wood-house, during which period she maintained, through divine grace, a pious and consistent career. In her attachment to the means of grace, until decrepitude and infirmity forbid her constant attendance, she was a worthy example for our imitation. Upon the ordinance of the Lord's house she set an high estimation, and in her breast there was a response to the sentiments of the Psalmist, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts." During her protracted life she was the subject of much suffering and pain, which she bore with Christian-like fortitude and resignation, her confidence and hope being fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ. He was her sun to enlighten her path when clouds and darkness gathered around her, and her defence was that arm which kept her through faith unto salvation. In patience did she wait all the days of her appointed time, till the change came. On July 18th, 1857, she departed this life, aged eighty-two years.

For her to die was gain, and doubtless her ransomed spirit, freed from the shackles of mortality, is now in the presence of Jesus, whom she so long, and so ardently loved.

Mr. Plowright preached her funeral discourse on Lord's-day, August 9th, 1857, from that appropriate scripture recorded in Hebrews vi. 11, 12.

May her consistent life and peaceful death be sanctified to the good of the church and her family.

A. B. K.

MISS MARY SUTCLIFFE departed this life July the 20th, 1857, in the 27th year of her age. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. John Sutcliffe, of Ovenden, and formerly of Midge Hole, near Hebden Bridge. She united with the church at Heptonstall Slack by baptism in September, 1849, and evinced her love to the Saviour's cause by attendance on the means of grace, by assistance in the Sunday school, and in other ways, until business led to a removal of the family into the neighbourhood of Halifax, in the year 1855. Here she commenced the work of Sunday school teaching, in connection with the G. B. church at Halifax, and continued the same until her naturally delicate frame was prostrated by the affliction which terminated in her removal to that world where consumption, and all other afflictions, will never be known. She was confined to her room, and principally to her bed, for some months before her decease. During this period she oft realized the sensible presence of her God, and was much refreshed by the portions of divine truth which came to her remembrance. She anticipated her departure with submission to the will of God, knowing in whom she had believed, and rejoicing she was in the Saviour's hands. She manifested an earnest desire that the whole family might meet in heaven. Not long before her dissolution, a hymn being read at her request. The one was selected which begins,

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds;"

the last verse of which appeared to afford especial interest and pleasure:

"Till then I would thy love proclaim

With every fleeting breath;

And may the music of thy name

Refresh my soul in death."

The spirit, if not the words of her dying moments, was, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." A discourse in improvement of her death, was delivered by Mr. Ingham, from II. Cor. v. 1. Her life and death say to the undecided, that true religion is the one thing needful, and bid them to seek the

Lord while he may be found: whilst the Christian is exhorted by the same to be "steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

THOMAS COOKE, of Longwhatten, was baptized in the spring of 1844, and was an honourable member and a useful teacher in the Sabbath school. He was taken ill about June, 1856, and after a partial recovery, which excited the hope of ultimate restoration, he again sank under affliction, and his mortal conflict, on the 17th of September, 1857, in the 33rd year of his age. Our brother bore his affliction with much patience, having a strong faith in Christ, to whom he committed his soul.

Our friend has left a widow and five small children to mourn his loss. On Lord's day, October the 11th, Mr. Allsop, of Castle Donington, improved his death to a very large congregation from II. Thes. ii. 16, a text chosen by the deceased several weeks before he died. May we all be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

J. MEAKIN.

Intelligence.

CONFERENCE.

THE CHESHIRE CONFERENCE will assemble at Macclesfield on Easter Tuesday, (April 6) when Mr. Smith of Tarporley will preach in the morning.

ANNIVERSARIES.

H. SMITH.

BIRMINGHAM.-On Tuesday evening, December 29th., the annual Tea-Meeting was held in Lombard Street Chapel; the provisions were (as usual) kindly given by the friends, and between two and three hundred partook of tea. The chapel was beautifully decorated by our young friends for the occasion. The evergreens, and mottos, in various parts of the chapel, contributed much to the effect and enjoyment of the evening.

BIRMINGHAM.-Rev. G. Cheatle.-Monday, January 11th, 1858, being the forty-eighth anniversary of our esteemed pastor's ministry over the General Baptist Church here, the members held a tea-meeting in the school room to commemorate the event, which was numerously attended. Mr. Cheatle gave an interesting account of his early days, and of his coming to Birmingham; as well as referred with deep feeling to the changes which have taken place during this period. One member only survives who was united with the church when he came. This was a most harmonious and happy meeting, and will not soon be forgotten. Gratitude for sparing mercies and holy joy seemed to pervade every

bosom.

BAPTISMS.

J. S.

SUTTERTON.-On Lord's-day, January 3rd, 1858, after a very appropriate and excellent sermon by our beloved pastor, J. H. Wood, two male friends, teachers in our Sabbath School, publicly professed their attachment to Christ before many witnesses, by being baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. On the following Sabbath they were received into fellowship and communion. We trust, that as the year has been commenced with manifest tokens of the Divine presence amongst us, that its course will be marked by a larger amount of spiritual prosperity than as hitherto been realized.

May our two young friends be useful and faithful, holding forth the word of life in whatever sphere they may be placed, so that when their earthly existence shall terminate, they may enjoy the reward of the faithful in the land of blessedG. M.

ness.

NOTTINGHAM.-Stoney Street. On Lord's-day February 7th, twelve dear friends were baptized, and in the afternoon at the Lord's table were received into the fellowship of the church. There were also two friends baptized at the same time, in addition to the above, belonging to the Methodist Society. Our chapel in the morning was very full, and the congregation was attentive.

B. W. Y. STALEY BRIDGE.-On Sunday morning, January 31st, our pastor, Mr. Sutcliffe, preached from Acts viii. 36. "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" And at the close of the service, in the presence of a large congregation, baptized three believers who were desirous to follow the example of their Lord. On the following Sabbath they were received into church fellowship, and it was pleasing to see a mother and daughter seated together for the first time at the table of the Lord. Our other young friend would also have been accompanied by her sister in the observance of these solemn ordinances had not a serious illness prevented her, and it may be that she will soon be admitted into the church triumphant above. God has begun a good work amongst our young people. A goodly number are enquiring what they must do to be saved? Many of our friends, especially the aged, are going to their reward. Death is introducing them

unto life

J. P.

BARTON.-On Lord's day, October 4th, 1857 one young man was baptized, and added to the church here; and on November 29th, three females did likewise. May they adorn the profession thus made.

BROUGHTON.-On Lord's-day, January 17th, the ordinance of believers baptism was administered in the above place to one person, after a sermon by Mr. Hoe, from 2 Kings vii. 9.

OPENINGS.

BAGWORTH.-The chapel here, having undergone a thorough improvement, and two neat school-rooms erected, opening services took place, on Monday, November 30th, when the Rev. T. Mays, of Ashby, preached two very acceptable sermons. Between the afternoon and evening services, tea was provided in the new schoolrooms, trays for which, were gratuitously furnished by the friends.

On Lord's day, December 6th, the Rev. W. Kelly, of Leicester, preached, and the services closed by a tea-meeting on the Monday. The cost of the schoolrooms, and other improvements, amounts to about £137, towards which have been collected and subscribed, about £92.

BURNLEY.-Union Chapel. On Sunday afternoon last, January 24th, this place of worship, formerly occupied by the Swedenborgians, was re-opened for public worship and a Sabbath school. The Rev. J. Batey, with whose ministry the place will now be connected, preached to a crowded congregation from Exodus xx. 24, after which a collection was made on behalf of the place. Mr. Batey announced his intention to preach in the chapel every Sunday afternoon, and as usual, morning and evening, in the room in Croft Street.

Notes of the Month.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

Feb. 19. In the Episcopalian section of this country several things have occurred during the past month worthy of note. Archdeacon Denison has been acquitted by the Judical Committee of the Privy Council, on the ground that the charges against him were not preferred in time! thus leaving the question of heretical doctrine untouched. Accordingly the Archdeacon took a prominent part in the proceedings of Convocation, whose proceedings about a Revision of the Liturgy, coadjutor Bishops, and resistance to the new Marriage Law, amount to nothing. The Archbishop of Canterbury has introduced a bill into the House

of Lords to enable Bishops to originate special services in populous parishes. Lord Shaftesbury has withdrawn his bill, but the prelate's is so prelatic that it will defeat its own purpose.

The Westminster Abbey Sunday evening services continue to be well attended. The same may be said of Exeter Hall, &c. Subscriptions both for "High Church purposes," and for the Special Indian Fund, flow from different parties in the Establishment, showing the spirit of each to be for the hierarchy, and for the salvation of men. The Bishop of Calcutta died January 3rd.

The London Missionary Society ask for £6,000 a year additional income for missionary efforts in India, and for £5,000 for two years over and above this, in special donations. We hope they will obtain their desire. Dr. Morison, thirty years the respected Editor of the Evangelical Magazine, has resigned his office through indisposition. Rev. J. Stoughton succeeds him. Dr. Livingstone, the African traveller and missionary, goes out this time as British Consul, and with the means and authority to execute mercantile and benevolent purposes. He will not forget, we hope and believe, his sacred office. The Baptist Missionary Society have determined to re-occupy their old stations in India, increase the number of missionaries, open new stations, and to obtain extra and special funds for this purpose. They also petition Parliament that the future government of India shall separate itself from all idolatrous usages. The news from Australia shews that Baptist churches are increasing in that new country. They ask for help from England. A very grave dispute is rife among the Presbyterians in Scotland about the introduction of organs into their places of worship.

In America the progress of Baptist principles is rapid. Many revivals are reported. In Madagascar the persecutions of the christians have been very severe. In Austria the Emperor has signified his purpose to protect the reformed churches. In France active efforts for evangelization among protestants are being repressed. In Sweden the Estates (Parliament) have vetoed the feeble attempts of the Government in favour of religious liberty.

GENERAL.

PERHAPS when parliament is sitting we should first note their proceedings. It resumed its labours February 4th. Lord Palmerston proposes to alter the law of England about foreign refugees, to render any conspiracy of theirs against the life of a foreign prince a felony This offends some, as being done to please the Emperor of France.* We have already several French police in this country. The bill for the abolition of the Company's Government of India, is under discussion as to its introduction. The Company have had several meetings, have presented a long and elaborate petition, and its advocates display considerable resolution, but severe opposition to the Government will only damage the Company in the estimation of Englishmen. "I do confidently assert," said Sir G. C. Lewis, in the debate on the 12th, "that no civilized Government ever existed on the face of the earth which was more corrupt, more perfidious, and more rapacious, than the East India Company, from 1758, to 1784." If it has improved, it has been from influence from without. It is time its inglorious and infidel, and idolatrous, and mohammedan patronizing rule was brought to an end. A deputation on Church Rates waited upon Lord Palmerston some weeks ago, but the wily premier avoided committing himself in any way. His jugglery was understood, and Sir J. Trelawney, two days ago, brought in a bill for their complete abolition, and carried the second reading by a majority of about one hundred. premier may be about as sincere with his proposed Reform Bill. Lord Grey, son of the Lord Grey of 1832, has published a pamphlet, the purport of which is, that any arrangement that gives more power in parliament to the people of England will be most disastrous! To "the privileged classes," we presume. Such is the feeler put out by the old whig party.

The

Other matters have very much engaged public attention. The marriage of the Princess Royal; the fetes, the deputations, the presents, the progress to * He was defeated in the evening, Feb. 12; resigned his government Feb. 20; and Lord Derby is forming an Administration !! What next?

Germany, the reception at Berlin, &c. &c., seem to indicate that both the English and Prussians, and all the world regard this alliance with Prussia as a most auspicious event. May it be so! The Protestant interest in Europe needs to look after itself, for Popery and absolutism have well-nigh crushed out all the hearts and liberties of the nations.

The news from India has been increasingly favourable during the past month. Troops are being brought together, the rebels are being dispersed, and some of the plunder secreted by Nena Sahib has been recovered. The miscreant begins to feel that his position is not very secure.

News from China to December 30th, shows that Canton was then under the power of the English and French, who, after the bombardment, had, with little loss, taken the forts on the east and north of the city. Would that the Emperor understood that the Europeans wish for trade and intercourse, and that he had counsellors and commanders who would teach him. Yeh is prisoner.

The French conspirators will be shortly put on their trial. The bombs were manufactured in Birmingham by a very respectable person. The Emperor is gagging the press in France, and refugees are fleeing to England for protection. Some doubt whether his present measures, which have certainly done him damage in England, will not make his throne in France less secure. A comparison between him and the Domitian of Rome, has been sagaciously made; cool, sullen, crafty, vindictive, &c. Moreover, our wish is that he may reign, for he has done more to keep France quiet and prosperous, than many who have gone before him.

From Naples we learn that one of the English prisoners, Watt, is insane, driven mad by Bomba's cruel and illegal treatment. How patient at times is John Bull ! The Bund in Germany has some dispute about the Duchies of Schleswig Holstein. We do not quite understand it, though it gives out hot scintillations.

The American President has given his sanction to the Kansas constitution, which involves slavery. In this he is consistent with his pro-slavery principles. The whole thing may yet rectify itself. The progress of the invasion of Mormondom is retarded by the winter. The news of the death of Havelock was received in New York with every mark of public respect. Our ambassador in Philadelphia is very popular and conciliatory.

The emancipation of the Serfs of Russia seems to be more promising than at any previous period. The Emperor takes the lead. What a mighty empire Russia would be if her resources were all developed by a free people!

The Dutch Minister is bringing in a measure for the emancipation of slavery in the Dutch Colonies.

The weather during the past month has been unusually dry and mild. The price of corn low, but trade only slowly revives.

Missionary Observer.

We have received intelligence that our friends Bailey, and Goadby, arrived safely at their destination; that they attended the conference at Cuttack; that Mr. Bailey was stationed at Berhampore, Mr. John Goadby with Mr. Taylor at Piplee; and that Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson are on their way home. Particulars, however, have not come to hand. We regret to hear that the health of Mr. Stubbins is unsatisfactory.

EXTRACTS OF A LETTER FROM REV. J. O. GOADBY TO
HIS PARENTS.

Cuttack, January 1st, 1858.

MY VERY DEAR PARENTS.--Another year has rolled away, and I cannot resist the tendency to look back upon the past, and to allow my spirit to scan once more