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you have a certain yearly stipend, and chances of something better, as Samuel of Oxford knows well. The Church of England was never meant to be the nursery for thought. You have made up your mind immediately you matriculate at her Universities. Your career for the future is to maintain those articles. In a word, you must conform. The task has been hard, and few great men have stooped to it, and fewer still have done so and lived.-The same.

MORE POPISH FOLLY.-Leaving the square at Lucca, which contains the cathedral, built with alternate pieces of black and white marble, I entered a long and narrow street; and when I had traversed it for about half a mile, I suddenly came upon the ancient and massive church of San Martino. The church was undergoing some repairs, so I did not see it to the advantage that I could have wished. It contains some pictures by the old masters, several altars as usual, and a few monuments. But the object that struck me most, and deeply interested my attention, was a fresco painting on the west end, and on the outside. It so completely represents the effect and intention of the Roman Catholic religion, that I cannot forbear detailing it minutely here. The Virgin is represented inflicting corporal punishment upon the youthful Jesus. She holds a rod in her hand; with the other she holds the garments of the child. She is in the act of inflicting punishment. The child is in alarm, and its eyes are eagerly directed to St. Anna, the mother of the Virgin, in the background, entreating her intercession to escape the cruel ordeal. The look of the Virgin is not that of affection, but has the stern and harsh appearance which we might imagine a schoolmistress to have when engaged in a similar occupation. Under the picture is written, in very legible characters, "Jure matris rege filio." This picture is better executed than those which are generally to be found at the corners of the streets, or on the outside of the churches. It is the most remarkable, and in its subject one of the most daring, that I have seen, and contains within its compass much of the spirit that is infused into the Roman Catholic Church. Considering that the Saviour came into the world, and was born of a virgin,-that he took the nature of man upon him,—they infer that he was not only subject to the infirmities

of that nature, but with its sorrows was liable also to its sins. The book of the scripture was either closed, or told a tale to unwilling ears, that "he was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners;" and, of course, as he was free from the sins of human nature, he must have been also from the punishments with which earthly parents visit the violation of duty. We are told, indeed, "that he was subject unto them," and continued with them: but we hear from the same unerring authority, that his life was as spotless and perfect even then as his source was undeniably holy and divine; for he daily "increased in wisdom, and in favour with God and man." But revelation was to be set aside, and reverence violated, to serve an object; and so we find the Virgin Mary here exalted at the expense of the Saviour. The awful reverence with which God dwelling in the flesh should be contem. plated is here transferred altogether to another object. The argument which the representation is designed to inculcate, and the feeling they wished to produce on the mind of the beholder, was, that as mother she possessed more power than the Son, (He by whom all things were made,) and so, more than Him, was entitled to the regard, fear, homage, and worship of the christian world.-Vicary.

WORDS ABOUT WAR.-"The horrors of war are hidden under its dazzling dress. The true music of war is the shriek of the wounded, or the faint moan of the dying." Channing.

"No two things are more opposed than the christian and the warlike spirit." Paley.

"I wish nations would adopt a plan of settling their disputes without first cutting one another's throats."--Franklin.

"I consider no conquest I ever made worth one year's interest of the money it cost." Frederick the Great.

"If christian nations were nations of christians, all war would be impossible and unknown amongst them."

Soame Jenyns.

"It was not till christianity became corrupted that its followers became soldiers." Clarkson.

"Men who have nice notions about religion have no business to be soldiers." Duke of Wellington.

"The worse man, the better soldier." Napoleon.

FOREIGN.

Baptisms.

JAMAICA, Malden.-On Saturday, June 3, three males and one female were baptized by Mr. Dendy, in Spring-post river. Two of the males are young men, and have for sometime been sabbath school

teachers. A religious service was subsequently held in the chapel at Malden, when the catechumens connected with the station, in the presence of the congregation, attended their usual class for instruction; and the newly-baptized were addressed on the importance of maintaining a consistent character; and others were addressed on subjects suited to the occasion. These exercises, combined with special prayer offered by the officers of the church, occupied about three hours; and interest was kept up to the last in these engagements. On the following day the newly-baptized were admitted to full communion with the church.

Salter's Hill.-On Friday, May 19, seven persons were baptized by Mr. Dendy, in the Orange River, about three miles distant from the missionary station. Some of these were young, and had been trained in the schools at Salter's Hill. After the baptism a service was held in a house near the river, a goodly number were present, when an address was given, suitable to the occasion, to the newlybaptized persons from Rom. vi. 4, "even so we also should walk in newness of life."

DOMESTIC.

FORNCETT, Norfolk.-For some time the General Baptist church at this place has been in an unhappy and divided state, having no shepherd to guide them and feed them with the sincere milk of the word. In these circumstances a few of them resolved to meet for prayer to God for the conversion of sinners, and for a blessing to attend the labours of the brethren who proclaim to them the word of life. Their prayers were heard and answered. Several came forward and declared themselves on the Lord's side. On Lord's-day, June 25, we were visited by Mr. J. Stutterd, of Castleacre, when the solemn ordinance of believers bap tism was administered in the river. The concourse of people was unusually great -some wending their way on foot, some on mules, some on donkeys, some in gigs,

F F

some in carts and wagons, and even an omnibus was employed. At ten o'clock the solemn service commenced by singing that well known hymn,

"Believers in the days of old,

Went through the water to the fold."

The blessing of heaven was implored, and Mr. Stutterd addressed upwards of a thousand persons at the waterside, from, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;" and at the close of his

address five females and two males were

buried with Christ in baptism. In the afternoon Mr. S. preached on the revival of religion, and in the evening addressed the unconverted. The attendance was very good. Many were affected, and returned, we trust, to weep and pray. May times of refreshing visit all the churches of the Redeemer! Our prayer shall still be," Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inheritance; feed them also, and lift them up for ever."

CHESHUNT, Herts.-The following baptisms have taken place this year in connection with the small church at this place, under the pastoral care of Mr. S. K. Bland :-On Jan. 29, three believers. The first was the wife of one of our deacons, who, after long contending against the word, was at length graciously brought to receive and enjoy it. Another, against much persecution, and opposition of relatives, with firm and humble resolution obeyed her Lord. The third was a signal instance of divine grace-to all appearance brought from the deepest paths of sin with strong crying and bitter repentance.-On March 8, two. One, a long time under gloom, despondency, and the very brink of despair, receiving hope of salvation through the proclamation of the Lord's words, "Him that cometh I will in no wise cast out." The other, her own female servant, a lamb of the fold gently drawn by the cords of love.-On June 4, two. The first of these having been convinced of sin, and led through deep and sorrowful inquiry while in an hospital, was brought into the liberty of the gospel by looking to Him "in whom we have redemption through his blood: the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." The last, once the persecutor of her husband, when in May, 1853, he was

baptized amongst us, now beginning to walk with him as a fellow heir of eternal life. For these tokens of the presence of the God of salvation we rejoice and take courage.

BREACHWOOD GREEN, Herts. On Lord's-day, July 2, our pastor, Mr. D. Parkins, baptized five candidates-three females and two young men. They are all teachers in our sabbath school. Three of them not long since were scholars in the upper classes; and are now become teachers in the school in which they themselves have been greatly blest of God. The baptismal service was peculiarly solemn and interesting. The congregation as large as the chapel could contain. Many were moved to tears among the spectators; and we believe that our prayers for the Divine presence and blessing were not presented in vain. In the afternoon the candidates were added to the church, and took their places at the Lord's table, to be partakers of that ordinance at which heretofore they had often been spectators only. In the evening they each of them declared it had been to them the happiest day they had ever known. May they be enabled to go on their way rejoicing, until they become united to the glorious church above, to be for ever with the Lord!

BRADFORD, Yorkshire-Infirmary Street. -On sabbath evening, May 28, after a sermon by Mr. Sole, three believers were baptized. Two of the candidates afforded pleasing evidence of the benefits resulting from the ministration of divine truth at this place. The other had, for some time, sat under the ministry of the methodists, but recently he was led to search the scriptures in order to ascertain the will of God on baptism. Having thus been enlightened with regard to the subjects and the mode, he cheerfully followed his Saviour in his own way. These were all received into our fellowship.

HEYWOOD, Lancashire.-Three males and three females made a public profession of their attachment to the Saviour by following him through the watery grave, on Lord's-day, March 19.-Aħd on the 21st of May, six candidates thus followed their Divine Master. The Lord is doing great things for us, whereof we are glad. Mr. Britcliffe, our new minister, will, we hope, be made a useful labourer in this populous neighbourhood. J. F.

LONDON, Shouldham Street.-On Lord'sday evening, April 16, our pastor, Mr. W. A. Blake, baptized two disciples into the name of Christ. On May 28, three more followed the Saviour's footsteps in the same ordinance. And on June 18, two others made a similar profession of their attachment to their Lord. Most of the candidates were young persons. There was a good attendance on each occasion. Others are inquiring the way to Zion.

Vernon Chapel, Pentonville.-On Wednesday evening, May 31, after a discourse on believers baptism by our pastor, Mr. Owen Clarke, eight candidates were baptized on a profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by Mr. T. Cole, minister of Paradise Street chapel, Chelsea: six were females-three were from the select class of girls in the sabbath school, and the two males are teachers; one is a grandson of the late Mr. John Preston, General Baptist minister, and great grandson of the late Dan Taylor. And on Wednesday evening, June 21, Mr. Cole baptized four others in the same place; one a brother of Mr. Preston's grandson, who was baptized the month before; and the other three are father, mother, and son; the son is husband of one of the females who was baptized the month before. May many more come forward and testify their love to Jesus Christ, and conformity to his will, by being baptized in his name. If you could send us a few tracts on baptism, to give away at future baptisms to spectators, we should be very glad, for many are inquiring the way to Zion. W. P.

New Park Street.-Mr. Spurgeon, our new minister, baptized five persons on Thursday evening, June 29. One of the brethren baptized is a member of the church under the care of Rev. J. A. James of Birmingham. On the following Lord's-day fifteen persons were publicly received into the church. The readers of the Reporter doubtless know that this is the church over which Dr. Gill and Dr. Rippon successively presided.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS.-An interesting baptismal service took place here on the 25th of June, when four candidates were baptized, and thus put on a public profession of the Lord Jesus. One had long been a member of the Establishment, but when preparing for confirmation, her mind was arrested by a consideration of the scripture authority for believers' baptism. W. R. J.

BURY ST. EDMUNDS.-On the first Lord's-day in June, our pastor, Mr. Elven, baptized four believers; on which occasion he preached from, “Come, see the place where the Lord lay." I. We were invited to visit the place of the Saviour's interment in the rock. Mat, xxvii. 60. 1. As confirming the previous event of his death-an event which was circumstantially predicted by the ancient prophets; pre figured by all the sacrifices; and which involved the glorious doctrine of the atonement. 2. As assuring us of the fact of his resurrection. We look into that empty grave where the Lord bad lain, and feel that he has so blest the graves of all his saints. that we need no other consecration. We see, moreover, in his resurrection, the completion of his mediatorial work on earth, and his triumph over the king of terrors; enabling us to sing

"Death is no more the king of dread,
Since our Immanuel rose;
He took the tyrant's sting away,
And spoiled our hellish foes."

3. As inspiring us with the hope of our own resurrection. Inasmuch as he was "the firstfruits of them that slept." II. We were invited to visit the place of the Saviour's interment in the river. Matt. iii. 13. 1. The place where our Lord lay was not a basin-in which not even an infaut could be laid- but a river, in which he was "buried in baptism." 2. Neither was it an infant's burial; for "Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age. Luke iii. 23. 3. A visit, therefore, to Jordan will teach us that believers are the only proper subjects, and immersion the only proper mode of christian baptism. Then conducting the candidates to the water, all were invited to regard this baptismal grave as symbolical of the overwhelming nature of the Saviour's sufferings -our entire depravity-the for ntain set open for sin and uncleanness -and the candidates' solemn profession of dying unto the world, and living a new life unto righteousness.

Bow, Middlesex.-Two believers were baptized on Lord's day, June 25, by Mr. Balfern. One had been a Wesleyan for several years; the other was from childhood in our sabbath school, and is now a teacher. They were both received by brother Eustace Carey next sabbath; when two additional deacons were ordained. We have great cause to bless God and take courage. We have several hopeful cases in the senior classes. M.A.H.

STREET, near Glastonbury.-Mr. Little says:-"Some weeks ago we opened our baptistry, when a friend from London felt it her duty and privilege to be immersed in the name of Jesus: another friend would have gone with her, but personal affliction and family trouble prevented. On June 30, five persons, professing to be believers in the Son of God, were buried with him in baptism; three of whom have joined this church. Another, an Independent minister, continues to preach among the people of his charge. The other was a hearer from a village four miles off, where we have preaching. She was one of the Bible Christians. On the Monday evening before the baptizing, I preached in the village, and she was present. My text was: I made haste, and delayed not, to keep thy commandments.' About an hour before the baptizing she came, and asked if she might be baptized: the reply was, 'If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.' She said, 'I do believe in Jesus Christ, and I love him, and wish to obey him.' And so she was baptized. At both these services tracts were given away. If you can favour me with a grant they will be very acceptable."

WORSTEAD, Norfolk.-Our pastor addressed the people on the morning of Lord's-day, July 9, from, "Keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you." After which six persons were immersed into the names of the blessed and adorable Three. Several of the candidates were young persons, whose hearts the Lord had opened to receive the truth. Many spectators were present; our large meeting-house being nearly full. Almost after every baptism, some individuals come forward and inform us of serious impressions made upon their minds by witnessing the administration of the ordinance.

HELMDON, Northamptonshire. After preaching by Mr. Hedge, and an address by Mr. Coles, two candidates were baptized by our pastor, on Lord's-day afternoon, June 4.

One of them had for a long time been connected with the Wesleyans, but seeing it his duty to be baptized, he thus followed his Lord and Master through the baptismal stream. They were both added. W. G.

CRADLEY, Worcestershire.-Three disciples of Jesus Christ avowed their attachment to him and his cause by being baptized into his name, May 21. J. F.

SCARBOROUGH.-On ṣabbath-day, the 2nd of July, our pastor, Mr. Evans, administered the ordinance of baptism. Mr. John Marshall, who had been upward of eight years a travelling preacher amongst the Primitive Methodists, was the candidate. A large number of his friends were assembled to hear Mr. M. state his reasons for leaving them and uniting himself with the baptists. It appeared that he had been led to this decision by studying the only standard of truth. And now acting upon his convictions, he has renounced his former connexions, and incurred the censure of many: but he has satisfied his own conscience by obeying the precepts of his Lord and Master. He was highly esteemed amongst the Primitives; and we sincerely hope he may soon be called upon to labour with success in some suitable sphere of action.

J. A.

HALIFAX, Trinity Road.-On sabbath evening, May 28, sixteen persons were baptized in the above chapel, by Mr. Walters. Although our place of worship is not completed, it was judged best to administer the ordinance in it, because of the large number of spectators it would accommodate. The spacious building was crowded in every part; not fewer than thirteen hundred persons being gathered within its walls. The service was marked by the strictest propriety and devoutness. On the following Lord's-day, Mr. W. received fifteen of the newly-baptized into the fellowship

of the church. The other remains with

the Primitive Methodist Connexion. We hope several others will soon follow our friends in their profession of faith. Our congregations continue steadily to in

crease.

SMARDEN, Kent. - Four interesting young female friends from the sabbath school made a public profession of their faith in Christ and devotedness to his cause, by following their Lord and Master in baptism, May 28, after a sermon by our pastor from the words, "Why baptizest thou?" They were cordially received into our fellowship. After two years of discouragment this was a day of joy and gladness, and something like a revival season. The Lord grant it may prove the beginning of better days!

POLESWORTH, near Tamworth.-Two believers were immersed in the new bap. tistry which has recently been opened at this place, June 11. Brother Knight of Wolvey preached.

R. C.

MANORBEAR, Pembrokeshire.-Our pastor, Mr. B. J. Evans, had again the pleasure of going down into the water, July 16, when, on a profession of their faith in Jesus, he baptized six young persons-two males and four females; some of whom had to encounter considerable opposition, and from a quarter where it might have been least expected, viz.; from their nearest connexions, who should rather have set them an example of devotion to their God and Saviour. In the evening of the same day, the baptized were added to the church. May they all prove faithful! We have more inquirers. J. T.

CAMBRIDGE, Zion Chapel.-On Lord'sday evening, June 18, two believers in the Son of God professed their attachment to him in the waters of baptism. One is the mother of a family, all of whom, we trust, will soon follow in her footsteps. The other is a youth of sixteen years of age, making the fifth member in one family who have thus acknowledged Christ in about the space of fifteen months.

"All crowned with immortality,

These fruits of righteousness shall be;
Then they that reap and they that sow,
Shall everlasting triumphs know."

J. J. A.

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On

SAUNDERSFOOT, Pembrokeshire. Lord's-day afternoon, May 28, our pastor, Mr. B. Lewis, after a discourse on the baptism of Christ, immersed two females on a profession of their faith in the Son of God. Both had been members of the

Independents; and strange as it may appear, one of them had been admitted into that community without even being sprinkled in infancy, or previously to partaking of the Lord's supper. T. H. E.

BUCKINGHAM.-Our pastor, Mr. Johnson, had the pleasure of baptizing two disciples, July 16, who, together with two others previously baptized, were, on the evening of the same day, admitted into the fellowship of the church. C. J. B.

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