INTELLIGENCE. STRICT BAPTIST CONVENTION.-The annual meetings of the convention was held this year in the baptist chapels Eagle-street, Holborn, and Cumberland-street, Shoreditch, April 27. Morning Meeting.—The meeting for business was in Eagle-street chapel, when sums amounting to upwards of £50 were received and promised. It was also unauimously resolved that the committee of the Convention should receive contributions to aid our continental baptist brethren. Evening Meeting. The annual public meeting of the Convention was held in Cumberlandstreet chapel, when a most interesting and encouraging report was furnished of the ministering brethren who are now prosecuting their studies for the sacred work of the ministry, under the patronage of the Convention. It was also stated that one brother, now very usefully engaged, had formerly been a beneficiary of the Convention. As the grand object for which the Convention was originated is to educate young ministers in accordance with the principles of the Strict Baptists, a distinct and particular account was given of the kind of teaching and training given to the students supported by the Convention.; this was listened to with marked interest, and elicted repeated marks of approbation. From the whole it was evident that the objects the Convention contemplates are awakening much sympathy among Strict Baptists. HULL.-The church and congregation lately worshipping in Nile-street, under the pastoral care of Mr. John Pulsford, have purchased an excellent chapel, nearly new, situated in South-street. The chapel has a circular gallery, and will seat about one thousand persons, and was re-opened for worship on the first sabbath in April by Mr. P. The cost was £1950. The friends are making exertions to pay off the 1950, and they have already got about £500. As this place was held formerly by Teetotal Methodists there was no baptistry. The friends have contracted for an elevated baptistry; the ground floor of the chapel being occupied as sabbath school rooms. We have about thirty candidates for baptism, and hope to report further progress in a few weeks. Things look remarkably cheering at present. F. M. ROMFORD, Essex.-The infant baptist cause in the important town of Romford, now under the pastorate of the Rev. Ebenezer Davis, feeling much the need of a chapel in which to meet, have resolved to erect one as soon as they can raise sufficient funds. George Gould, Esq., of Soughton, has generously contributed £100, and is now benevolently engaged, in connection with the church and congregation, in raising the amount required. 247: BAPTIST UNION.-The Thirty-fifth Annual Session of the Baptist Union will be held at Norwich, on the 29th of June, 1847, and following days. The members of the Union are requested to assemble for business at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, on Tuesday evening, June 29, at five o'clock. On the same evening a sermon will be preached at the baptist chapel, St. Mary's, at seven o'clock. On Wednesday, June 30, the members of the Union to meet for business at the baptist chapel, Orford-hill, at ten o'clock. On the same evening a public meeting will be held at the baptist chapel, St. Clement's, at halfpast six o'clock. Members of the Union intending to be present are requested to intimate the same either to the Rev. W.. Brock, or to Thomas Bignold, Esq., as early as convenient, but not later than the 22nd of June, that arrangements may be made for their accommodation.-Edward Steane, J. H. Hinton, Secretaries. HENDON, Middlesex.-A baptist church was formed in the village of Hendon, near London, on what superstition has designated Good Friday; several ministers were present, and took part in the services. The chapel at Hendon had been closed for some time, but was re-opened by the baptist church, Shouldham Street, Paddington, about a year and half ago. The Head of the Church has so abundantly succeeded the labours of our friends in that village, that in future they will be relieved from supporting the cause, the people themselves having engaged to defray the expences incident to their church-state. Such is the working of the voluntary principle that these brethren are anxious to be chargeable to no man for their spiritual instruction and edification. B. P. D. STUDLEY, Warwickshire.-A neat and commodious meeting-house was opened in this village, May 12, when sermons were preached by brethren Daniell and O'Neil of Birmingham. The ground was given by T. Boulton Esq., a resident, and an Episcopalian. Studley is a populous village, the principal seat of the needle manufactory. The station is a branch of the baptist church at Cook Hill. J. E. S. HIGH WYCOMBE, Union Chapel.-It af fords us gratification to be able to state, that the clouds which recently gathered around the prospects of this new interest are clearing away, and brighter scenes are opening. BRADFORD, Yorkshire.-Mr. Ingham informs us that the bazaar for the liquidation of the debt on the General Baptist meetinghouse has already realized £300. They hope to secure £400. WIRKSWORTH. - The General Baptists have purchased ground for a cemetry, which will be open to the public as well as their own members. UNION OF TWO CHURCHES.-A union has been effected between the baptist churches of Grafton street, Soho, and Great Smith-street, Westminster. Mr. Hammond, the pastor of the latter church, to become the pastor of the now united churches; an invitation which he has felt it his duty to accept. Terms have also been agreed upon with the land lord of Grafton-street chapel, which it is intended to close for repairs. When reopened, a public recognition of the union of the two societies as one church will take place. Great Smith-street church originated in a secession from Romney-street church in 1816 of the pastor and about thirty members. Grafton-street church was deprived of its pastor by the death of Mr. Williams. PONTYPOOL: English Baptist Chapel.— This beautiful edifice, erected at the cost of £2000, was opened, April 8, by Dr. Cox of Hackney, Thomas of Abergavenny, and Parsons of Ebley. Collections £120. ORDINATIONS.-Mr. G. Warne, at Hendon, Middlesex, April 2; the ministers by whom the solemn services were conducted were Messrs. E. Smith (Independent) of Edgeware, Wallis, late of Risley, Blake of Shouldham-street, Paddington; Castledon of Hampstead, and Elliott of Shoreditch. Mr. Rees Davies, of the Pontypool college, over the baptist church at Penyuai, near Bridgend, May 4, when the following brethren engaged-D. Davies, Wauntrodau, read and prayed; J. Evans, Cowbridge, discoursed on a christian church; J. James, Bridgend, asked questions and offered prayer with laying on of hands; J. Morgan, Talyrin, gave the charge; and E. Evans, Penygarn, Pontypool, preached to the church. Several ministers preached in the evening. REMOVALS.-Mr. Ebenezer Davis late of Lewes, Sussex, to Romford, Essex-Mr. E. R. Hammond of Great Smith-street, Westminster, to Grafton-street, Soho-Mr. J. Smith of Great Yarmouth, to Hundon, Suffolk-Mr. Bentley of Limerick, to Cork -Mr. Wilson of Belfast, to Clonmel-Mr. Jesse Hobson late of Barton Mills, to Union Church, High Wycombe, Bucks-Mr. R. Brewer of West-street, Brighton, Sussex, to South Parade, Leeds. Mr. S. G. Green of High Wycombe, Bucks, to Taunton, Somersetshire-Mr. Benjamin Coombs of Bridport, Dorset, to Thaxted (Park-street), Essex-Mr. Eccles of Coleraine, Londonderry, to Belfast, Antrim-Mr. G. C. Moore, of Carrickfergus, Antrim, to Coolaney, Sligo -Mr. John Batey of Paddington, to Burnley. RESIGNATION. We are concerned to hear that the Rev. Benjamin Davies, Ph.D., of Stepney college, from some causes strictly domestic and private, contemplates returning to Canada, and that, in consequence, he has resigned his office of Theological Tutor in the Stepney Institution. Missionary. WESTERN AFRICA. EXTRACT of a letter from Captain Thomas Milbourn, of the "Dove," to Mrs. Thompson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, widow of the late Mr. Thompson, of the African mission, dated— "Clarence, Fernando Po, Jan. 27, 1847. Your kind letter of July 6, 1846, has just come to hand. Thanks to our Heavenly Father for your safe arrival at canny Newcastle. The benefit you enjoyed from the home passage is what I anticipated. I hope your path through life will be made plain, and that you will ultimately see that you have been led by a right way to a city of habitation. Through much tribulation we from whence cometh our help; and may must enter the kingdom. Look to the hills the great I AM be better unto you than ten husbands. God is love-too wise to err, and too good to be unkind; roll your burden on the Lord, for he will sustain thee. He Lord for ever! knows what is best for us. Trust in the I was glad to hear that your parrots were living, and also that little Willey was such an agreeable companion. Poor boy, he is now motherless. His poor father has written you at full length, which renders it unnecessary for any further remarks from me. Suffer me to say her latter end was all we could desire. She was like a ripe shock of corn, fit for the sickle. Mrs. Sturgeon hopes to leave in three or four weeks for England. Death, you see, is making sad inroads amongst us; three within twelve months have entered their rest; each has left a bright testimony behind, so that we do not sorrow as those that have no hope. Mrs. Sturgeon's health is very good. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are much about the same as Mr. Merrick and family are in excellent health. He is busily en. gaged in translating the New Testament into the Isubu-he has also finished a hymu book and several lessons. when you left. Captain Becroft has received recent dispatches from Spain, the purport of which is that no toleration can be allowed ns, and that we must all be off the island by the end of March. Dr. P. is determined not to start, jack or sheet, till compelled. The Governor has manifested a very kind spirit towards us for some time. We expect from him, in a few days, a written permit to continue the worship of God at this station, Every day discovers to us something respecting the degradation and cruelty of the heathen. Only a few weeks ago, on a Lord's-day morning, old Mr. Williams went to visit a small town in the Bimbia district -an interment was about to take place Religious. 249 TAHITI. It is now reported that this island, in whose welfare the religious public has been so deeply interested, has fallen into the hands of its ruthless invaders; the poor natives who had so long resisted the power of one of the mightiest nations in the world, having been compelled to surrender, partly by treachery, but chiefly through hunger. WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION MISSIONS.-We rejoice to hear of the prosperity and success of this new and active body, which now employs as many as fifty missionaries, who labour in the West Indies, Germany, America, and various parts of the united kingdom. The funds of the Society were increased £500 last year. FRANCE. It is estimated that at least 20,000 persons have renounced popery in this kingdom within the past four years. DR. HALLEY has published a reply to Mr. Stovell's book on baptism. General. AT THE TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE ANTI-STATE CHURCH ASSOCIATION, held at Crosby-hall, London, May 4, and following days, there was a very large attendance of delegates. We shall have some remarks to make hereafter on the proceedings. MINUTES OF COUNCIL.-Against granting money for educational purposesFor ditto, ditto Petitions 3,528 Signatures 479,938 734 ditto 191,911 Majority.. 2,791 358,027 Votes in the House of Commons- Majority 372 47 325 INTELLIGENCE. Mr. W. stood to witness the ceremony; the corps of a woman was put into the grave, and, awful to say, a sucking infant belonging to the deceased, in good health, was to be buried in the same grave. An effort was made to find out the father of the child, but to no purpose; the people declared that the child had no father! Mr. Williams interposed, and succeeded in rescuing the child. He brought it to the mission house, where the child was received, and will be taken care of. It appears that there is an old custom of burying the child with the mother if the father does not own it. Now, for myself, I am very well for Africa; able, I should think, to walk, upon a stretch, abont three or four miles. From this you will be able to judge as to my strength. I have recently had a long spell of health. I suppose it continued about two months. Last week, however, I had an attack of fever, which pulled me down a little. Thanks to our Heavenly Father I am recovering." In addition to the foregoing melancholy intelligence, we have to announce the return of others from the scene of their labours. The "Ethiope" has just arrived, May 8, with our widowed sister Mrs. Sturgeon, who mourns the loss of her beloved partner, the late pastor of the church at Clarence; besides being separated from a people to whose welfare she was devotedly attached. Also Mrs. Saker and child, who return to recruit their health. Mrs. Saker has left her hus band labouring almost single handed amongst the degraded Cameroons. We are happy to say that the sea voyage has been of considerable benefit to our sisters. We have received various communications from the brethren, but the limits of our pages render it necessary to defer further intelligence for a future number. AMERICAN MISSIONARIES TO CHINA. Messrs. Shuck, Johnson, and Tobey, missionaries of the Southern Baptist Convention to China, sailed recently in the ship Ashburton, for Canton, with the native Chinese preacher, Yong Seen Sang. Mr. and Mrs. Yates were prevented accompanying them by Mrs. Y.'s illness, and we regret to learn that Mr. Yates also is now ill. On account of the baste with which our friends were obliged to set sail, no religious services were held at the ship; many of the friends of missions, however, were present to give them the parting hand, and to see the ship leave the wharf. A season of prayer, also, was held immediately after, at the Mission Rooms, to commend the missionaries to the special care and protection of heaven. TWENTY ADDITIONAL MISSIONARIES have been recently appointed and delegated by the American Board for Foreign Missions. BIBLE SOCIETY.-This noble institution the Holy Scriptures, being 473,223 copies has this year issued 1,419,283 volumes of more than it has issued in any former year. The total number issued by the society, since its formation, amounts to 19,741,770 volumes. Its income this year has been £117,440 9s. 3d., and its expenditure £128,525 5s. 3d. MR. O'CONNEL has arrived in Italy. It is now stated that he is recovering his health and strength. MR. COBDEN is also sojourning in Italy, where he has been noticed with much distinction. It is a singular fact that the two great agitators are seeking rest from their labours in a country where such agitators would not be allowed. NOBLE-The managers of the day school, Vicar-lane, Coventry, have returned £200 sent by government to aid in its erection. D'AUBIGNE it is said is about to publish a volume on Oliver Cromwell. Marriages. March 4, at the baptist chapel, AtchLench, near Evesham, by Mr. Crumpton, Mr. T. Scroxton, Bromsgrove, to Mary, second daughter of B. Bomford, Esq., of Atch-Lench. April 8, at the baptist chapel, Woottonunder-Edge, by Mr. Watts, Mr. G. Fowlers, to Miss H. Allen. April 15, at the General Baptist chapel, Wirksworth, by Mr. W. Underwood of Paddington, Mr. John Fryer, to Miss Mary Amatt. April 19, at the G. B. chapel, Coningsby, Lincolnshire, by Mr. Judd, Mr. S. Cooke, officer in her Majesty's service, to Miss Jobson. April 21, at the baptist chapel, Cowl-street, Evesham, by license, by Mr. Hockin, Mr. H. Stanley, to Miss Priscilla Morris, both of Broadway. April 22, at the Registrar's office, Salford, by Mr. Morris, baptist minister, Manchester, Mr. John Entwistle, Accrington, to Miss Nancy Bury of Salford. April 27, at the baptist chapel, Thamesstreet, Wallingford, by Mr. Hatch, Mr. R. Gammon of Cholsey, to Miss M. Cooper of Wallingford. April 27, by license, at the baptist chapel, Windsor, by Mr. S. Lillycrop, Mr. T. L. Deaths. Jan. 16, at Clarence, Fernando Po, Mrs. | Monmouthshire, of which, for forty years, Newbeggin, wife of Mr. William Newbeggin, baptist missionary. [We have received a letter from Mr. N., dated Bimbia, Jan. 31, describing the progress of the illness, and the last scene. For the sake of the numerous friends of the departed, we now state that "her spirit was sustained throughout by the consolations of pure religion." In our next we shall give the particulars.] March 5, at Serampore, in the East Indies, aged 80, Mrs. Marshman, widow of the late Dr. Marshman, baptist missionary. March 16, at Princes' Risborough, Bucks, in his 80th year, Mr. Christopher Bedford, for fifty-six years an honourable and consistent member of the baptist church, and twenty-three years a deacon. For upwards of half a century he preached the glorious gospel of the blessed God in the villages around, and occasionally supplied neighbouring churches. March 21, in his 74th year, Mr. Andrew Williams, a worthy and consistent member of the baptist church, Penygarn, Pontypool, | Tanner, of St. Neot's Hunts, to Miss Jane Neighbour, of Windsor. April 28, at York-street chapel, Walworth, by Mr. Wm. Miall, baptist minister, Mr. E. Ellington of Walworth, to Emily, third daughter of C. Townley, Esq., of the Trinity House. April 29, at the baptist chapel, Woottonunder-Edge, by Mr. John Watts, Mr. Uriah Stokes, to Miss Harriet Groves. May 5, at the baptist chapel, Kensington, by the father of the bride, Mr. Edward Farmer, of Kensington, to Amelia Sophia, second daughter of Mr. Francis Wills, baptist minister, Ramsgate. May 6, at the baptist chapel, Parley, by Mr. Alcock, Mr. C. Ganlton, to Miss C. French. May 10, at the baptist chapel, Footscray, by Mr. Hamblin, Mr. H. Heath of High Wycombe, to Mrs. S. Rogers of Braisted. May 12, at the Registrar's office, Chertsey, Mr. John Smith of Walton-on-Thames, to Miss C. Colebrook, of Chertsey, members of the baptist church, Addlestone. May 12, at New Park-street baptist chapel, Southwark, by Mr. Smith, Mr. T. J. Cole, to Miss C. Warmington, members of the church. May 12, at the Lower Meeting, Saffron Walden, by Mr. F. Pollard, Mr. Benjamin Camp, to Miss Mary Lucy Adams. he had been a useful deacon. The manner of his death beautifully illustrated the words of the prophet Isaiah,-" Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." March 25, at Tonbridge Wells, aged 60, Mr. Barcham, for upwards of thirty years a highly respected and consistent member of the baptist church at Seven Oaks; but at the time of his death, of that at Tonbridge Wells, whither he had removed in 1845. It was Mr. B.'s happiness to be born of eminently pious parents; his own conversion also took place when he was only thirteen years of age, so that for forty-seven years he was enabled, by the grace of God, to hold on his way, and at length finished his course in the possession of that peace which passeth understanding. April 6, Mrs. E. A. J. Smith, of Deptford, a member of the baptist church, Lewisham Road, Greenwich, aged 67. Her last words were, "I am bought with a price-the precious blood of Jesus." Pious and useful in life, she was thus happy in death. DEATHS. April 16, at Lyme Regis, of consumption, aged 28, Mr. H. Skinner, ten years a mem ber of the baptist church. His amiable piety endeared him to all, and he met death with sweet composure. April 16, at Welshpool, Mr. Joseph Ashford, aged 83, senior deacon of the baptist church; a man of high integrity, an ornament and a pillar. Death, to him, had no terrors. April 17, Charles James, son of Mr. G. W. Fishbourne, pastor of the baptist church, Bow, near London. April 19, at South Brent, Somersetshire, in his 41st year, Mr. George Hoskins, twelve years pastor of the baptist church, Highbridge, in the same county. His health had been declining for several months past, but on Sunday, April 18, (the day before he died,) he preached twice at Burnham, and afterwards talked in a very impressive manner to several persons. He subsequently retired to rest much as usual, but about one o'clock his wife was awoke by his hard breathing, and found him speechless. Medical aid was instantly procured, but, alas! it was in vain. "The Master had come and called for him." April 19. at Kegworth, Leicestershire, trusting in the Saviour of sinners for salvation and eternal life, Miss Pamela Scotton, niece of Mr. James Taylor, pastor of the General Baptist church in that place, at whose house she expired. April 19, aged 79, Anne, wife of Mr. G. Ashley, nearly fifty years an honourable member of the baptist church, Somersetstreet, Bath. April 21, at Nottingham, Jane Catherine, daughter of Mr. James Edwards, baptist ininister, aged 11 years. April 21, at East Farleigh, Barbara, widow of the late William Wilberforce M. P., of Anti Slavery celebrity. April 22, at Saffron Walden, in her 40th year, Mrs. Harriet Gatward, a worthy member of the Upper Meeting baptist church. She was severely exercised with a long afflic tion, which ultimately terminated in consumption, throughout which she manifested in an eminent degree the meekness, patience, and resignation of the christian to her heavenly Father's will, feeling persuaded that all was well. A kind husband, and seven children, now mourn their bereave ment. April 30, at Vienna, the Arch-duke Charles, Uncle of the Emperor of Austria, who com. manded the Austrians at the celebrated battle of Wagram, in 1809, with Napoleon. April 30, at Brierly Hall, Yorkshire, of consumption, Mary Ann, eldest daughter of Mr. T. Grove. Her amiable qualities, and unaffected piety, endeared her to a numerous circle of friends. 251 May 1, at Grendon Hall, Northamptonshire, after only a few hours illness, B. L. Ward, Esq. Such was his zeal for the conversion of the world, that in his earlier years he was anxious to go as a missionary to India, or China, but as insurmountable obstacles prevented the accomplishment of his ardent wishes, he resigned himself to the will of God, and, in a private sphere at home, laboured to spread and adorn the doctrines of God his Saviour. He was an affectionate husband, a good master, and a kind benefactor to the poor. He was one of the friends of the late Andrew Fuller, and his support of the cause of God was characterized alike by benevolence and unostentation. A few weeks ago he generously gave £500 each to the General Baptist, the Particular Baptist, and the London Missionary, societies. May 2, at Nottingham, in his eighty-fifth year, Mr. James Smith, son of the late venerable Francis Smith, of Melbourne, and brother of the late Robert Smith of Nottingham, both eminent General Baptist ministers in their day. Our departed friend, of whom we shall have more to say, was a man of great respectability, high integrity, and unquestionable piety. May 2, at Hardbeach, Cambridgeshire, in peace, Mr. G. Cooper, aged 26, fifth son of Mr. Mark Cooper, deacon of the baptist church there. May 9, at Worcester, after a very short illness, Henry, eldest son of Mr. H. Poole, baptist minister, Abergavenny, in his 21st year. May 10, of consumption, Miss Mary Thomas, a member of the baptist church at Neath, aged 24, the first of our number who has been removed from earth to heaven. She was a sincere christian, and died in peace. May 10, at Saffron Walden, of consumption, in his 18th year, John Turnwell, a pious youth, one of the teachers of the Upper Meeting baptist sabbath-school. May 16, aged 66, His Excellency the Farl of Besborough, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, better known as Lord Duncannon. His lordship was one of the framers of the Reform Bill. We are gratified to hear that his lordship was sustained in his last hours by faith in the Redeemer. Recently, at Castle Camps, Cambridgeshire, after only a few days' illness, of brain fever, Mr. John Cooper, a useful and esteemed member of the baptist church, Ashdon, Essex. Mr. C. was accustomed to take great interest, and render active and valuable aid, in the religious services carried on at Camps, a village station of the church at Ashdon, to which his death is a serious loss, and also to the church of which he was an honourable member. |