BAPTISM FACTS AND ANECDOTES. BRIDGEND, Glamorganshire.—Seven believers were immersed in the river on a profession of faith in the Redeemer, March 28. Five were married men, and the other two were female teachers. These, with one by letter, were added to our fellowship on the following sabbath. Mr. James being poorly, Mr. Spencer, his assistant, engaged in conducting the services. SHORTWOOD, Gloucestershire. On what is called Good Friday, Mr. Newman, pastor of this favoured and prosperous church, baptized twenty-seven believers. One was an aged female of seventy; most of the others were young people. Mr. Lewis of Cheltenham preached, and the whole service was solemn and impressive. D. W. IVINGHOE, Bucks.—A friend, writing from this village, says, "We have had as many as ten and sometimes twelve baptized at onee, but these immersions have not been made known. In future they shall be reported." TYDD ST. GILES, Lincolnshire.-Mr. Harcourt baptized four candidates on a profession of their faith in Christ, April 11. We have several other candidates and inquirers, and our congregations are now large and attentive. 199 CALDWELL.-Mr. Norton baptized two young females, April 11. Mr. Peggs, of Burton, preached. In the evening they were received at the Lord's table, nearly all the congregation staying to witness the solemn proceedings. The weather was wet, but the chapel was filled. Tracts were distributed. BURTON-ON-TRENT.-Brother Norton, of Caldwell, baptized three believers, after a discourse by Mr. Peggs, on the first sabbath in March. Tracts on baptism were given away. We have other candidates. HARTLEPOOL.-Since I wrote you we have had four believers' baptized. One was a girl of fourteen, who for some time has been anxious publicly to profess her faith in the Saviour she loved. T. C. LONDON, New Park-street.-Seven believers were baptized by Mr. Smith on the last sabbath in March. WAKEFIELD. -On Lord's-day morning, March 7, Mr. Howieson baptized two females, who were added to our fellowship on the same day. T. H. GARWAY, near Monmouth.-We have had two baptisms recently, and on each occasion two candidates. We hope religion is reviving amongst us. J. R. Baptism Facts and Anecdotes. "BAPTISM OF ST. ETHELBERT," HOUSE | administrator, may read from it as he proOF LORDS.-In the Reporter for September, 1815, page 325, we inserted some remarks on the Cartoons which had been exhibited in Westminister Hall during the summer of that year, representing the baptism of St. (King) Ethelbert. Most of these were objectionable. That by Frank Howard approached the nearest to historic truth-the King stepping down into the water. We said we should feel some interest in the decision of the judges as to which would be selected. It now appears that another has been preferred-that by Mr. Dyce. The Illustrated News, April 17, contains a representation of this Fresco, and some splendid euts of the interior of the new House of Lords, showing the prominent position which this picture occupies in the centre, over the throne. The king is here represented as kneeling, nearly denuded of all bis apparel, before two priests, in a bending attitude, the palms of his hands together before him as in prayer, on his bare knees on the floor, resting also on his toes. He has a beard, and long flowing hair behind; and, what appears to us as peculiarly bad taste, he has his crown on! One priest is holding a service book so that the other, the ceeds. And then as to the act itself, why The it? & caricature! Tell us my Lords—how was crossed the minister's mind. Suppose, Well: It is somewhat singular and said he, instead of discussing your argugratifying too that just at this juncture the ments in favour of infant baptism, we look spirited proposal of the “One Thousand at the intent of christian baptism. No! Pounds” for the best representation of the What the gentleman desired was a real and baptism of our Lord in Jordan by John, conclusive objection against infant baptism, after two years spent in preparation, is com- which was supported by all christendom, and pleted. Prince Albert has privately inspected by men of the greatest learning, ability, and the competing Pictures, and they are at this integrity. Minister.—“No objection against time exhibiting at the Chinese Rooms, Hyde infant baptism, then arises out of the nature Park Corner. Could anything have been of the sacred ministration itself. My objecmore apropo? Public attention will thus tion, sir, is very simple, and rests upon the be powerfully attracted to the subject. A surface of sound reason. Christian baptism thousand thanks to Messrs. Bell and Roe! is an act of divine worship. Divine wor A REMARKABLE INCIDENT.—A baptist ship, to be acceptable, must be personal, minister, from the country, of humble pre and offered with spirituality of mind. It tensions, had occasion to supply the pulpit cannot be performed by proxy. Christian bapof an Independent congregation in London tism on the part of the subject, is an act of for a few sabbaths, some time ago. On the homage to the person, government,and supreevening of the last of those sabbaths, the macy, of the blessed Redeemer-the incarprincipal deacon, a gentleman who was nate God. The act of Christian baptism emnot deficient in either respectability or bodies a penitential, a grateful, and a conintelligence, but a person who regarded the fiding surrender of ourselves to the person, baptists with a little suspicion, manifest care, and government, of Jesus Christ, as dislike, and superciliousness, introduced his acknowledged rightful property, in the the subject of pædobaptism. This gentle. name of the Father, of the Son, and of the man had many excellencies, but prejudice Holy Ghost. Now, sir, as such mental and was his infirmity. He had a desire, he spiritual exercises do not exist within the said, to know what this said minister had region of an infant's faculties, infants are to say about those passages of scripture not the subjects of christian baptism." Then which appeared so decidedly in favour of the matter closed. The friends parted infant baptism. The minister shrunk from amicably, but silent and thoughtful. That the task. He begged to decline it, in con event, like many others, soon passed from sideration of its unseasonableness, observ the minister's mind. A few years aftering that the prime object of the christian wards, the minister's wife visited London. ministry is to preach the gospel of salvation, A gentleman, hearing her name, politely and that was his business among them. and affectionately enquired if such a minister Baptism was very well, and important in its was her husband. He begged her to inform place, but in his esteem it was a matter of Mr. that he never could get over the but secondary consideration. This answer doctrine that christian baptism was an act of was not at all satisfactory to the gentleman. personal worship and of spiritual homage to The minister's silence was misconstrued. the Redeemer-his person, government, and The few friends present seemed surprised supremacy. He could not rest until be had and uneasy at the untoward event. The been baptized upon a profession of faith in thing became altogether embarrassing. The Christ. He now stood in membership with the church of Dr., small company prepared to withdraw. street. He pleasant day was likely to end in murky felt confident that Mr. - would be pleased darkness. A bright thought at the moment to know the fact. A in Religious Tracts. THE CHURCR CATECHISM AND CONFIR- whether popish or episcopalian." This hint MATION.–Tracts on these subjects ought of our esteemed friend shall be followed up now to be circulated by thousands and as far as we are concerned. Already we millions. An aged and consistent baptist have published an excellent tract, the best dissenter in Gloucestershire says, wheu ask- we could find, on Confirmation. And now ing for 'Tracts on Confirmation, “ Have you we must have one on the Church Catechism. one against the Church Catechism? We The new arrangements for the distribution must not be satisfied any longer with a de- of the Government Grant give a high profensive position, but boldly attack all errors, minence to the catechism. Again and SABBATH SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. 201 again it is mentioned in the new regulations. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.-An effort is now The pupils must all be able to repeat it, making to revive the baptist interest in this the monitors and masters competent to ex- large and populous village. The cause has plain it. It is evident by all this that it is long been in a depressed state. For many to be thrust forward upon the population years the administration of the ordinance more than ever. Well: we must explain it was a strange occurrence. The religious too, and then good will come out of it. The condition of the place is of the most depeople of this country, let them be taught plorable kind. My object in writing is to where they may, are distinguished by one ask if you would kindly assist us in our good quality - common sense. They can attempts to disseminate evangelical truth, soon be convinced that the leading doctrine by a grant of your tracts adapted for that of that catechism is a monstrous error, and purpose ? We have a large population, directly opposed to the word of God. We nearly one half of which are, I fear, ignorant must have a tract on the subject. Can any of the way of salvation. of our friends send us a good one, original or copied, for eight pages of the usual size? LANCASHIRE.—We have engaged a min ister who has been a town missionary. He TRACTS. is already actively engaged in visiting the GLOUCESTERSHIRE.—The church here is people and distributing tracts. A grant of only a wreck of what it was years since, your tracts would be very useful to him in when honoured with the occasional visits of this populous district. We have already Booth, Steadman, and Kinghorn. The gathered nearly 300 sabbath scholars. cursing blight that has withered many churches had nearly destroyed this. Yet Donations of Tracts have been forwarded to there are a few among us who pray for better Handbills. 4 Page. Paisley 500 days, and are willing to labour, looking for 25 Whitby 500 the divine blessing. A grant of your tracts 25 might be of service under the circumstances. Braunstone. 500 25 SABOPSHIRE.—The baptist church in this Oswestry 500 25 Horsell 500 town has been long in a very low state. 25 There is now a little movement. Could Misterton 25 500 you make us a grant ? We have two can- ATHLONE.—T. W. must now follow the didates, and the tracts might stir up a little directions at page 40, January, and his apmore attention. plication will be attended to. APPLICATIONS FOR Sabbath Schools and Education. LITERPOOL—Sunday School Institute.- SOUTHWARK, Borough Road.-A public On the 2nd of April, the morning prayer meeting was held a few weeks ago, in the meeting was held at the baptist chapel, large school-room in Suffolk-street, Lord Myrtle-street, and the conference at Great Ashley in the chair, for the promotion of George-street chapel at ten-C. Robertson, schools for the destitute-ragged schools, Esq., president. Delegates occupied the as they are generally called. About 130 centre and spectators the side pews. Each scholars had been already gathered in this paper read occupied twenty minutes, suc- vicinity. His lordship strongly recommendceeding speakers five minutes each. The ed industrial schools on the week day. The evening tea meeting was beld at the Music Rev. J. Stevenson, Rev. J. Branch, Mr. Miller, Hall, Dr. Raffles in the chair. The whole city missionary, J. Brown, Esq., and J.Payne, of the meetings were of the most exhilirating Esq., barrister at law, also addressed the and delightful character. The formation of audience. * Ragged Schools" was decidedly the pet LEICESTER.- A Ragged School has been subject of the day. opened in this town, and from a description NEWCASTLE-On-Tyne, Tuthill Stairs.— given by a teacher who visited it last sabOn Tuesday evening, April 6, about 130 bath evening, it comes fully up to the characJoung men connected with this place of ter usually given of these seminaries—the worship, took tea together, after which they scholars being ragged, dirty, rude-nay, proceeded to discuss, in order, various im- more than rude-insolent and almost unportant questions having reference to public governable. We really did not suppose utility and their own improvement and Leicester could have produced such speci. usefulness. mens of juvenile depravity. We fear there is, notwithstanding all our past efforts, a great amount of almost unknown heathenism growing up at our very doors. HALIFAX.-On Tuesday, April 6, the teachers and scholars of the select classes of the baptist sabbath-schools, Pellon Lane, took tea together, after which a very interest ing meeting was held, the pastor, Mr. Whitewood presiding. The time allowed to each speaker was ten minutes, and the subject of the addresses, "The best means of communicating instruction, and especially in the lower classes." Sixteen teachers addressed the meeting, the interest of which was kept up to the close. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, Halifax.-The twenty-seventh anniversary was held on Monday, April 5, in the new day-school attached to Sion chapel. About two hundred teachers and friends took tea. There were, it appears, in the union, forty-six schools; 2210 teachers; 9400 scholars. Average attendance of teachers, 966; scholars, 7149. Of the teachers, 1526 were once scholars, and 858 are members of christian churches. 5259 scholars are able to read the scriptures. Lending libraries, some of which number upwards of 1000 volumes, are attached to thirty-six of the schools. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Henshaw, (New Connexion,) Swan, Seales, Pridie, and Obery, (Ind.,) Smith, (Prim. Meth.,) and Whitewood, (Baptist.) BRISTOL, Pithay.-We held our school anniversary April 2. The children had been examined on the previous sabbath. Baptist. Entelligence. BAPTIST STATISTICS.-The Baptist Almanac contains some curious and interesting information on this subject. The number of baptist churches in the world is 16,035. Ordained ministers 10,092. Baptized in one year 69,017. Number of members 1,213,711. The baptist churches are thus distributed: 13,623 306 81 United States British Colonies.. West Indies Great Britain 1834 Continent of Europe Asia.... 56 About 450 teachers and friends sat down to tea, our pastor presiding, who, with several other ministers, addressed the company. We contemplate erecting new school-rooms, now that our chapel debt is paid. OUR VILLAGE SCHOOLS.-From various parts of the country we are hearing of the shabby tricks which the clergy and church folks are playing in order to draw off the children from these schools. Well: if they do these things now, what may they not be expected to do when they get the govern ment grants? CHILDREN PRAISING GOD. BY MRS. GILBERT. WE are not joining now And sing our grateful song; No: on the winds of heaven God's gracious ear is given The heart that feels and speaks his worth, May but this heart be ours, To speak in mercy's ear, And poor and mean as it may be, Africa 121 16,035 Of the churches in the United States, 1912 are Anti-Mission churches. It is observable that only sixty-two of these churches are found in the States of New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania: the remainder are in the Southern and Western States. It is further observable, that whereas the Regular Baptist churches average eighty-three members to a church, the Anti-Mission churches average only thirty-five. This is instructive as well as observable. An Anti-Mission church lacks an important element of prosperity. The Regular Baptist churches in the United States are united in Associations, of which there are 406. The numerical returns of these Associations for one year are given in the Almanac. The number baptized was 35,011. Twelve States reported a loss, amounting to 6950; eighteen States reported a gain, amounting to 14,227. Clear gain for one year, 7277. The States reporting a loss were, Maine, New Hampshire, INTELLIGENCE. Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The loss in New York (which comprises 811 churches) was 3432. The clear increase in the United States, for one year, exhibited an average of not quite two to each church: the clear increase in Canada, for the same period, was a little over two. A question may be asked: what was the average number of baptisms to each church in one year? The answer will furnish some singular results. Bap- Average to tisms. a church. United States: Regular Bap. 35,011 4 Other Baptists 18,913 203 11,465 6 Great Britain. Europe Jamaica Bahamas Burmah East Indies Canada Nova Scotia New Brunswick. 764 13 1554 25 200 13 600 12 251 4 538 4 315 3 150 2 The total number baptized in one year throughout the world, was 69,017; the general average to each church was a frac tion over four. These statements will furnish matter for reflection. Let all baptists ponder them seriously. THE FRENCH BAPTISTS-Persecution.The baptists of America, have now, for some time, sent out missionaries and colporteurs to France. Recently these agents have been exposed to much vexatious annoyance from the civic authorities, at the instigation, no doubt, of the popish clergy. By brother Ives, of Gold Hill, we have been furnished with a copy of a letter which he received from Mr. E. Willard. It is too long for our space, which we regret, as it contains several interesting facts, to which, and some gathered from other sources, we shall briefly allude. In August last, a priest, worsted in argument after a public disputation, had the mean cowardice to apply to the civil power to silence his opponent, and steps were taken for that purpose. The agents were summoned before the authorities, and illegally imprisoned-one was chained to a thief! The people generally did not approve; some saying as they led one of the agents away, "There go the Judases, leading away our Lord." Some of the hearers in the congregations have suffered personal violence, and others were intimidated and threatened. Three of the agents were cited before the tribunal, at Laon, Jan. 27. "Their examination was more becoming the Inquisition than a civil tribunal." Much interest was felt, the hall being crowded. The decision was delayed for fear of the people. At length they were fined 300 francs and costs of suit. Several were also fined for permitting worship in their houses. The three brethren appealed from this decision to the court of Amiens. The Protestants at Paris took up their cause, and Odillon Barrot was engaged to plead it. On March 25, the cause came on, and the former decision was confirmed, but modified; the brethren now appealed to the Court of Cassation. The whole of these proceedings excited much public interest in France, and will doubtless do much good. But then, in the mean time, these brethren are suffering severely. Their salaries barely afforded them sustenance before, and now they are responsible for these and other expences. They are fighting in France, the same battle for liberty to worship God, which John Bunyan and his colleagues struggled for in England two hundred years ago. To England they are anxiously looking for sympathy and help. We are willing to receive subscriptions on their behalf, and so is Mr. David Ives, baptist minister, Gold Hill, Gerard's Cross, Bucks, or Ives and Swan, 14, Paternoster-row, London. Let an active friend in each of our churches read this report to his neighbours, and pick up a few small sums from each, and send the amount by Post-office order. There are many calls for money we know, but we hope this will be heard. The French are sending much money to England to convert us to popery; let us return a little, to teach them good manners. THE BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, in connection with the Baptist Union of Scotland, has four students under the care of Mr. Francis Johnston of Edinburgh upon its funds, which are very limited, and need replenishing. We believe that this is the only institution of the kind in Scotland, and therefore is entitled to consideration. It appears that out of thirty young men who left Scotland for the English baptist colleges, only six returned to their native land -a powerful reason why Scotland should have a baptist college of its own, or its churches may be expected to wither, and droop, and die. NORTHERN ASSOCIATION.-This ancient association of baptist churches, formed 1690, is now, as regards its management, in the hands of men of business. We have before us a form or schedule, a copy of which is sent to each church, to be filled up and returned on the day of meeting. A programme of the business for each day is also published and circulated. Were all associations so convened and conducted they would be more efficient and interesting. BAPTIST UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES. -The thirty-fifth Annual Session of the Baptist Union will be held at the baptist chapels, Norwich, on June 29 and 30, and July 1 and 2. |