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General Baptist Magazine for July, and accidentally opened to an article headed "Ministering Spirits." Here I thought I should meet with something very different from the superstitious notions I had been listening to, and began to read it with avidity, but when I had finished it and had noticed particularly the offices which the writer said were performed by de`parted spirits, I began to wonder where we were drifting to.

Now, Mr. Editor, I am what you would call an unlettered man, but I should like to be a bible christian, and have all my hopes and aspirations founded on the word of God; such being the case will either you or any of your correspondents favour me with an answer to the following queries:

1st. Is there any passage in the scriptures which warrants us in believing that the Divine being ever employed a disembodied spirit to communicate any of His messages to man?

2nd.-Is there any passage of scripture which warrants us in believing disem

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STRICT AND FREE COMMUNION.

MY DEAR SIR,-I am quite sure that you are the friend of enquiry and investigation. Full and free and fair discussion you encourage, especially, as to matters pertaining Christianity. Convinced of all this, I ask through you, your readers to turn to page 344, of last month, to look at THAT, and then to look at THIS, and see Acts ii., 41, 42.

I a
I am, my dear brethren,
Louth, Sept., 1858.

J. K.

KETTERING.-During the period when it (the baptist church) practiced open communion, it enjoyed a very small measure of prosperity, and, that since its adoption of strict communion, the baptists in Kettering have increased fourfold. Not a single member was added between May, 1744, and April, 1755. In 1771 it contained forty-nine members. Mr. Fuller became its pastor in 1783, and at his death, in 1815, the number of members was one hundred and eighty. Mr. F. was a firm advocate of strict communion.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD.-A strict communion church, consisting of fifty-five members. Many of them, it is said, regret the time when the church in Lake-street became open communion, and look upon that day as the beginning of sorrows.

BURTON-ON-TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE. In 1839, it had fifty-one members; in 1841, after changing its practice, only forty-four.

COLLINGHAM, NOTTS.-This church practices open communion. In 1839, it had ninety members. 1843, eighty only.

DORCHESTER.-The church reduced to the lowest ebb, it was composed of baptists and pædobaptists, is reduced to a state of utter inefficiency, without heart or energy. Its pastor left, with a desire never again to become a pastor of a mixed church.

WALES.-The baptists here have increased in the last fifty years, nearly three times as fast as in the counties where mixed communion prevails.

The Rev. Jos. Kinghorn thus writes on mixed communion:-"Relaxation marks it in every instance; that in its course it spares neither the doctrines, nor the ordinances, nor the discipline of the gospel, but spreads like a pestilence, corruption and desolation wherever its full influence extends. Ask what are its effects as to baptism; these facts reply aloud, that it degrades it, makes it of light esteem, consigns it to an ignominious silence, exposes it to the bitter and aggravated reproach. Ask what are its effects as to the doctrines of the gospel, and they reply, 'to sap every pillar, to undermine every base, to tear up every cornerstone from the foundation, and to leave the whole pile an awful wreck !'"

Obituary.

MR. WM. GAUNT died at Rocester, Staffordshire, on Saturday, July 24th, 1858, in the 80th year of his age.

For a considerable portion of his life he followed the course of this world, living without God and without hope. Principally through the influence of his youngest daughter (an Obituary of whom appeared in this Magazine for the year 1839, page 275,) he was induced to attend our chapel, and has often referred to the manner in which during his early attendance he crept under the edge side in going to the House of God to avoid the observation of his fellow men. He was thus mercifully brought under the influence of the gospel, was led to see and lament the folly of his past life, and to seek a saving acquaintance with divine things. He was baptized in August, 1834, on the day in which the Baptist Church, in this village was formed, and continued a member up to the time of his death. He was very regular in his attendance upon the means of grace until a few months before his death, when illness and infirmities prevented him from going to the House of Prayer with that diligence and regularity which had characterized the whole of his christian profession. He was able to follow his employment till within four months of his death, when increasing infirmities obliged him to desist from exertion. His affliction was at times severe, but his mind was mercifully supported by a covenant-keeping God. In his affliction he realized God's presence and blessing, and was enabled to rejoice in the consideration that if this, "The earthly house of his tabernacle was dissolved, he had a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens."

One Sunday morning, while being attended to and comforted by his daughter, while in great agony, he suddenly rose up in bed and repeated the whole of the hymn beginning,

"Bless'd morning, whose young dawning days."

His last breath was literally spent in prayer, and without a sigh or groan he fell asleep in Jesus, and passed into the world of spirits. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." J. S.

ALICE ROBERTS was brought to a knowledge of the truth through the labours of Mr. R. Ingham, and was baptized, and became a member of the church at Tetleystreet, March 7th, 1841. Since then she has followed the Lord humbly, zealously, prayerfully, and believingly. She was characterized for regularity in her attendance upon the means of grace, and for an earnest desire to promote the divine glory. Her end was somewhat unexpected. She was only confined to her home about a week. She bore her affliction with great resignation, and was only anxious that Christ might be magnified in her body whether by life or by death. On the 16th of March, 1858, she calmly fell asleep in Jesus, realizing no doubt that "to die is gain." Her death was improved to a good congregation on Lord's Day evening, March 28th, from Mark xiv. 8, “She hath done what she could." B. W. B.

was born in Quaker-lane, near Bradford, MARY TERRY (formerly Holsworth) April 14th, 1828; died May 29th, 1858. She was induced to flee from the wrath to come in connection with some revival services held in Tetley-street Chapel in 1844. On the 2nd of June in the same year she was baptized by Mr. Ingham,

and became united with the church. In 1850 she was united in marriage to our brother James Terry, who is now one of the deacons of our church, and who is left to mourn over her loss. During the last four or five years of her life she was attend much upon the means of grace; much afflicted, and hence was not able to but her former history was characterized for punctuality, regularity, &c., and everything the church could wish.

Intelligence.

CONFERENCES.

The WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE was churches reported except Wolvey. The held at Birmingham on Monday Sept. 13, reports were hopeful and encouraging. 1858. There was no service in the morn-Baptized 19, candidates 22. The business ing. The Secretary preached in the related chiefly to the Home Mission. It evening. At the business meeting in the was resolved:afternoon the Rev. G. Cheatle presided. There was a good attendance both in the afternoon and in the evening. All the

1. That the several sums already received on behalf of the Home Mission debt be handed over at once in part pay

ment thereof, and that the brethren appointed to collect the contributions be requested to continue their services until the whole amount is raised.

2. That we deem it very desirable that the Home Missionary Society of this district, usually called the "Barton District," be resuscitated and re-organised.

2. That the Revds. W. Chapman and T. Goadby, with W. Crofts, Esq., of Wolvey, be requested to write to churches in the district, or where practicable, to visit them, to urge upon them the importance of the re-establishment of this Society, and to invite those churches that are not represented in this Conference to send two or three delegates to our next Conference, to take part in our deliberations for this object.

The matter of the formation of a Foreign Mission Auxiliary was deferred. The next Conference to be at Coventry on the second Monday in January. The Rev. G. Cheatle, of Birmingham, to preach in the morning, or, in case of failure, Rev. C. Burrows.

THOMAS GOADBY, Secretary. THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE assembled at Hugglescote, on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Mr. J. F. Stevenson, B.A., of Nottingham, preached in the morning from Mark. viii. 36, "For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Mr. Bott, of Barton, presided over the business meeting in the afternoon, and Mr. Kenney, of Burton, prayed. The attendance was good, and the reports from most of the churches very encouraging. One hundred and sixty-eight had been baptized since the Whitsuntide Conference, and seventy remain as candidates. It is greatly to be regretted that as at the last meeting so at this-sixteen churches sent neither a written nor verbal report. It would add greatly to the interest of the next, if re

ports were sent from all the churches. The minutes of the last Conference were read

1. Case from Mansfield. It was reported that the advice given in this case had been acted upon.

2. Case from Vine Street, Leicester. This case was referred by the Association to the Midland Conference. The church is in pecuniary difficulties, and asked for advice. Resolved, That, sympathizing with the friends at Vine Street in their present critical position, this Conference recommends the churches to afford them ministerial laid on the plan adopted towards the church at Longton, till the December meeting.

3. Extinct Churches. Following the recommendation of the last Association in the matter of extinct churches, it was Resolved:

(1.) That this Conference report to the next annual meeting that the church at Uppingham is extinct.

(2.) That a committee be appointed to make enquiry as to the Northampton church and the chapel still belonging to the Connexion in that town, and report to the next Conference.

(3.) That the Secretary of the Conference, and Mr. Taylor, of Kegworth, be the committee.

(4.) Australian Missions. That Messrs. J. F. Winks, J. Goadby, and J. C. Pike, be requested to act as a committee to enquire into the nature of the offer to the Connexion made by a General Baptist friend in Tasmania, and report at the next Conference.

The next Conference will be held at Mansfield Road Chapel, Nottingham, on the last Tuesday in December (28th); Mr. Goadby, of Loughboro' to preach.

Mr. J. Stevenson, M.A., of Derby, preached in the evening.

ORDINATIONS.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES AND RECOGNITION TEA MEETING, NEW LENTON.On Lord's day, Sept. 19th, two sermons were preached in the Baptist Chapel; in the morning by our Minister, and in the evening by the Rev, J. F. Stevenson, B.A., Mansfield-road, Nottingham. On the following day, a recognition tea meeting was held, in connection with the settlement with Rev. J. J. Goadby as pastor. Addresses were delivered by the Revds. W. Underwood, on the constitution of a Christian church; J. Goadby, Lough- | borough, on the duties of a pastor; J. Matheson, B.A., (Independent,) on the relation between minister and

Jos. J. GOADBY, Sec.

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constitution of apostolic churches and | Stevenson, of Leicester, gave the charge

the evils of departing from their order.
Rev. R. Kenney, of Burton, proposed
the usual questions, the Rev. E.
Stevenson, of Loughborough, offered the
ordination prayer,
and the Rev. T.

to the minister. In the evening, the Rev. H. Hunter, of Nottingham, preached to the church. There were several ministers present, and the congregations were large, attentive, and deeply interested.

BAPTISMS.

STALYBRIDGE.-On Lord's day, June 20th, ten dear friends were baptized in the General Baptist Chapel, by the Pastor of the church, after a sermon on Christian activity. The spacious chapel was well filled on the occasion. May the Lord pour out His spirit on all our churches.

LEICESTERSHIRE.

-On

BILLESDON, Lord's day, August 29th, after a suitable discourse on the subject of Christian baptism, Mr. Finn baptized one male and three females. One of the female candidates is a member of an Independent church in the neighbouring village, but was led by strong convictions, thus to be "buried" with her Lord in baptism. In the afternoon, Mr. Finn administered the Lord's supper unto us, and we had the pleasure of receiving three of the newly baptized into fellowship. "Truly God is good to Israel," and although our church has long been in a low state, we believe that better days are dawning, and that the Lord is reviving His work amongst us.

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ANNIVERSARIES.

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BEESTON.-On Lord's Day, Aug. 29th, two sermons were preached in the General Baptist Chapel, Beeston, afternoon and evening by the Rev. W. Underwood, Principal of the Baptist College, Nottingand on the following Monday afternoon, a tea meeting was held in the school-rooms, at which 150 sat down; a service was held in the chapel in the evening, when the Rev. G. Dickenson, Wesleyan, of Nottingham, preached. The Sunday and the Monday evening services were crowded, and the collections amounted to the liberal sum of £16. T. N.

MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE.-On Lord's Day, Aug 29th, 1858, the Rev. W. Gray, of Ashby, delivered two excellent sermons in the Baptist Chapel, Melbourne, and on the following day upwards of two hundred persons had tea at one shillingham; each in the spacious school-room adjoining the chapel. After tea, a large and spirited meeting was held in the chapel. The Rev. T. Gill was in the chair-Mr. J. Earp prayed-and very effective and earnest addresses, on the revival of religion and kindred themes, were delivered by the Rev. G. Needham, of Castle Donnington, W. Gray, J. Fletcher, Independent; and Mr. John Adcock, Wesleyan. The addresses were interspersed with suitable selections of sacred music, well executed by the choir of the chapel. Miss Earp presided at the organ. Other deno-school-room. minations were well represented at these services, giving a pleasing proof of the kindly feeling existing between the different sections of Christians in the town. Nearly all the trays were furnished gratuitously by members of the church and congregation, and the proceeds were several pounds in advance of last year.

BILLESDON.-On Monday, Aug. 30th, we had our annual tea meeting, for the purpose (this year) of liquidating the expenses we have recently incurred by new flooring, and otherwise improving our Upwards of 100 sat down for tea, and we are happy to state, that after highly interesting addresses from the Rev. J. Wigg, Mr. Finn, Mr. Narracott, and other Leicester friends, the whole of the expenses (amounting to more than £15) was cleared off.

STALYBRIDGE-Wakefield Road Chapel. A tea meeting was held in the school

rooms of the above chapel, on the 4th of | made towards reducing the chapel debt. September, to aid in the liquidation of The congregations were excellent, and the debt. The number which attended the preacher delivered two very useful was larger than on any former occasion. and instructive discourses. On the folThe proceeds of the tea party and the lowing Monday evening a tea meeting subscriptions of friends amounted to was held, which was well attended, and £31 6s. 1d. We are thankful to say that afterwards addresses were delivered by the debt has been reduced every year Mr. Coddington (chairman), Mr. Hemsince the opening of the chapel, without stock, of Sutton; the Rev. W. Satchell, any assistance from friends not connected Wesleyan superintendent, and Messrs. with us. The meeting was afterwards Marshall and Baldwin, of Loughborough. addressed by the pastor of the church, The chapel was tastefully decorated, and and Messrs. J. Woolley, J. Heap, J. with its crowded congregation presented Brooks, and Abel Brooks. We desire to a very pleasing appearance. The friends thank God and take courage, hoping to at Hathern regard this as the most intersee the day when we can say, "The in-esting and encouraging anniversary they cumbrance is gone." have ever held. The proceeds of the services were £7, and the remaining debt is £30.

FORNCETT. We had our harvest thanksgiving tea meeting, and Sabbathschool Anniversary, on Tuesday Sept 7th, and the gathering was very extraordinary. The chapel was most tastefully ornamented with mottoes and flowers, and an overpowering effect was given by a large chandelier, unexpectedly brought to be suspended in the centre. Tea was given to about sixty children, the largest number we ever had crowded into the chapel, and all were astonished at the order and enjoyment which prevailed. After tea the chapel was filled in every part to listen to some excellent addresses. It was the most interesting meeting we ever met with. "The Lord hath done great things for us." Yours,

G. MADDEYS. HATHERN.-The anniversary sermons at this place were preached on Lord's Day, September 19th, by Mr. Marshall, of Loughborough, when collections were

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH. Our school sermons were preached on Lord's Day, Sept. 12th, 1858, by the Rev. H. Hunter, of Nottingham. Congregations good and collections £17.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter-gate.-On Monday, the members of this church enjoyed a very highly social tea meeting. Its object was to express, not only the genial sentiments which usually pervade such meetings, but also the grateful affection of the church to its pastor, the Rev. Ed. Stevenson, who has for so many years presided over it. Prayer, hymns, and numerous animating speeches, alternating with cheerful conversation, realized the fullest developement of a Christian social meeting. No charge was made, but a voluntary contribution besides paying all expenses, added two guineas to the funds of the church.

MISCELLANEOUS.

JUBILEE SERVICES, AUSTREY. On Sunday the 29th, and Monday, the 30th, the friends here assembled to celebrate the jubilee of the formation of the Church. Mr. Winks, of Leicester, preached on the Sabbath, when he gave a very interesting account of the ancient Jewish Jubilee. The congregations were good and attentive. On Monday, afternoon, about 150 persons took tea in the chapel, after which a public meeting was held, and the cious chapel was well filled. Mr. Derry, of Austrey, opened with prayer, and Mr. Goadby, of Ashby, (who in conjunction with other friends has supplied the church since the decease of their late pastor, Mr. Barnes), read an interesting account of the rise and progress of the General Baptist cause in that place; giving an outline of the late Mr. S. Deacon's sermon at the first baptism at Austrey, and of his address at the formation of the church, in

1808. From the account read it appeared that the Rev. J. Goadby was the first Baptist minister who preached at Austrey. This was in May, 1802, from 1 Tim. i. 15. At first considerable opposition was manifested to the preaching of the word by the farmers of the village, and the friends had to endure many petty annoyances; still they persevered in their efforts, and ultimately they succeeded in forming a spa-church, and building several chapels in the neighbourhood, where preaching was regularly conducted. During the minis try of their late pastor upwards of 450 were baptized and added to the church. After reading the short history which had been prepared, Messrs. Holroyd, of Barton, and Winks of Leicester, delivered very interesting addresses. The doxology was then sung, and Mr. Holroyd concluded the meeting with prayer. was, perhaps, one of the most interesting

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