BAPTIST. FOREIGN, Intelligence. AUSTRALIA. From the Moreton Bay Courier of July 9, 1853, we take this paragraph. "United Congregational Church, Ipswich.A correspondent communicates some par ticulars respecting this association which The may interest a portion of our readers. Rev. Thomas Deacon, late Baptist Minister, of Bourne, Lincolnshire, having been kindly granted the use of the Court House for the purpose, commenced preaching there in March, 1851. In May, 1852, he removed to a cottage hired for a sabbath-school, but the place soon becoming too small, it was enlarged. A short time ago he had the pleasure of seeing a church formed from among his hearers, on principles which admitted to its fellowship members of the Baptist and Independent communions, without compromising their distinctive tenets. Over this congregation he now presides as remarkable for its christian and catholic spirit. In the evening, we are happy to hear, many persons attended who had never previously been seen in a place of worship at Durban; and Mr. Adams' reasons for adopting baptists' views, we are informed, led to serious consideration on the part of individuals hitherto unconcerned on the subject of religion." DOMESTIC. LONDON, Eagle Street.-On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Rev. Francis Wills, late of Cavendish Chapel, Ramsgate, was publicly recognised as pastor of this church. The afternoon service was chiefly devotional. Messrs. Owen Clarke, W. Groser, and E. Probert, conducting; and Mr. G. Wyard delivering an address on christian union. At five o'clock above 200 friends partook of tea in the school rooms in Fisher Street; after which a service was held in the chapel. Dr. Steane read the scriptures and prayed. The Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, M. A., delivered a faithful and affectionate address to the stated pastor. On Tuesday evening, the pastor, on the importance and solemn the 21st of June, they commemorated the responsibility of the ministerial office; Rev. first anniversary of the opening of their C. A. M. Shepherd, M. A., implored the present place of worship, by a tea party, at Divine blessing on the pastor and the church. which about one hundred and twenty persons Rev. W. Brock addressed the church upon sat down, including children, and several the necessity and scriptural authority of a friends of other denominations. After tea, cordial co-operation of the church with the a public meeting was held, when the pastor after which the pastor closed the addresses of the speakers were alternated by interesting services with prayer. The folsinging. The arrangements of the evening lowing ministerial brethren were present, appear to have given general satisfaction. and took part in the devotional exercises: The repast was provided by friends, so that T. M. Soule, H. Betts, J. Brook, W. G. Lewis, the whole proceeds arising from the sale of J. Bigwood, and C. Woollacott. The whole tickets might form the neucleus of a Buildof the services were of a peculiarly edifying ing Fund, for a larger and more permanent character, and no doubt will long be rememedifice, to meet the requirements of an in-bered by the vast assembly who were present, creasing congregation." NATAL, South Africa.-The Natal Mercury, of Oct 13, 1853, contains the following paragraph, a copy of which we have received from Mr. S. S. Hatch, Highgate. We understand that Mr. Adams was educated for the ministry in a pædobaptist college. "The new Baptist Chapel in this place was opened on Sunday last, when sermons were preached to crowded congregations; in the morning, by the Rev. C. Spenser, Wesleyan, and in the evening, by the Rev. T. C. Adams, the minister of the congregation, who stated the grounds of his change of views with reference to the ordinance of baptism. Liberal collections were made in aid of the incidental expenses of this building, which is now converted into a very neat and comfortable little chapel. Mr. Spencer's text was Eph. vi. 24, and his discourse was the chapel being crowded to overflowing by an apparently devout and attentive audience. LONDON, Spencer Place, Goswell Road.We had a public service on Tuesday evening, Nov. 22, to recognise Mr. D. Jennings, as the associate of Mr. Peacock, in the pastorate of the church. About two hundred and fifty sat down to tea, generously provided by John Powell, Esq., free of charge. Addresses were afterwards delivered by brethren Webb of Ipswich, and Cox of Woolwich; brethren Clark, Thomas, Rothery, and Sparke, assisting in the devotional exercises." Mr. Peacock, the senior pastor, concluded the interesting services by invoking the Divine blessing on what had been done. CHOWBENT.-Mr. T. Skemp, late of Bilston, has accepted an invitation to the pas torate of the baptist church in this populous town. On HEMEL HEMPSTEAD.-On Monday, Dec. 12, we had a public tea meeting of above two hundred, in the Assembly Room, to celebrate the settlement of Mr. N. Hawke, formerly of Guilsboro', as pastor of the baptist church here. After which Mr. Wildie supplicated the divine blessing upon pastor and people. Appropriate addresses were then delivered by Messrs. Payne of Chesham, Pratten of Box Moor, Stanion of Berkhampstead, Wildie of Box Lane, and Mr. Hawke. The position of the pastor presents a wide sphere of usefulness, and we hope that the blessing of God will attend the active efforts of his servant. F. M. WESTMINSTER, Romney Street. Wednesday, the 30th of November, services were held for the public recognition of Mr. T. S. Baker as pastor of the church worshipping in this place. Messrs. Aldis, Stovel, Dr. Angus, Ball, Blake, Cater, Cole, Gibson, Keen, Perrott, Redford, Sparke, Wyard, and other ministers, were assembled on the occasion. Mr. Sparke read and prayedMr. Keen, of Lambeth, gave an introductory address-Mr. Aldis, of Maze Pond, stated the nature of a gospel church, and asked questions-Mr. Baker gave an account of his experience, and a confession of his faith -Mr. Talbot, of Mile-end, offered prayerMr. Stovel, of Prescott Street, gave a most impressive charge from 2 Tim. ii. 1.-The time not allowing, Dr. Angus, who was to have addressed the church and congrega tion, kindly postponed his address to the evening of Lord's-day, the 8th of January-laws. Mr. Wyard, of Soho Chapel, concluded with prayer. A tone of solemnity and deep interest appeared to pervade the numerous assembly. O Lord, we beseech thee, send now prosperity." T. P. WALWORTH, Arthur Street.-The foundation stone for a new baptist chapel was laid here on Monday, Dec. 5, by Apsley Pellatt, Esq., M.P. The new building is for the use of the "Particular, or Calvinistic," baptist church, now meeting in Horsley Street, under the pastoral care of Mr. George. Many ministers and friends were present. Mr. Pellatt was very liberal, for though an Independent, he was willing to have a bap tistry at the chapel which he attended, so that those who wished might be baptized in it, This remark excited loud applause. Dr. Steane followed with an exposition of baptist principles. Mr. S. Green read a history of the church, which now numbers 400 members. About £1,500 have beeu collected. The place is to seat 700 hearers. Mr. Tiddy, late of Brussels, preached in the evening. BANBRIDGE, Ireland.-The new baptist chapel in this town was opened, Dec. 4th. The attendance was good, and the collections liberal. 'Several of the most influential gentlemen in the vicinity officiated as plate. holders, or sent liberal donations, The Marquis of Downshire kindly remitted a receipt for a year's rent of the ground as his contribution. We rejoice to hear that the new place was much needed for the increasing congregation, and that the sabbath school is in a prosperous state. LOUGHBORO', Wood Gate. The centenary of the introduction of the gospel into this town by the General Baptists, was observed on Lord's-day, Dec. 11. Mr. Goadby, the pastor of the church, gave a historical sketch of the rise and progress of the cause in the morning, and Mr. Mursell, of Leicester, preached in the evening. D PRIZE ESSAY.-To Henry Dunckley, M.A., baptist minister, Salford, has been awarded the first prize offered by the Anti-Corn-LawLeague of £250, for the best essay on the beneficial effects of the repeal of the corn There were thirty-one competitors. This is the second time Mr. D., though a young man, has secured the first position as a competing essayist. He took the first prize of £100, offered by the Religious Tract Society, "on the Working Classes" question, for which there were 150 competitors. ROTHERHAM.- We have lately been engaged with improvements, in cleansing and painting the chapel, erecting a minister's vestry, and putting up an organ. The place was re-opened, Dec. 11, with two sermons by our pastor, Mr. A. Dyson; and on the 12th, the Rev. A. Raleigh, of Masbro' College, favoured us with a sermon. We have now accomplished all these objects without involving the church in any further debt. The organ is a very suitable one for the place, and will, we hope, improve the singing. W. D. Evans, late of Horton College, Bradford, MANORBEAR, Pembrokeshire. Mr. B. J. was set apart to the service of this church as its pastor, Nov. 15. Messrs. T. D. Jones of Pembroke, H. Morgan of Pembroke Dock, classical tutor at Haverfordwest College, B. Thomas of Narberth, and T. Burditt, took part in conducting the services, which were well attended and very interesting. J. J. LEIGHTON BUZZARD.-On Monday, the 5th Dec., a tea meeting, with a religious service following, was held to welcome Mr. S. Cowdy as pastor of the first baptist church in this town. Resolutions were also adopted expressive of grateful recollection of the faithful services of Mr. E. Adey, as pastor of the church for twenty-five years. TORRINGTON.-Special services have been held at the baptist chapel, and lectures delivered by Mr. Thompson, on "The Bible and the Working Classes," and "Jesus Christ and the Working Classes," with reference, chiefly, to the enlightenment of the working portion of the population. 66 MISSIONARY. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Oldest Missionary in Bengal. -We briefly noticed in our closing number for last year, and on the last page, the removal of the venerable William Robinson, baptist Missionary at Dacca, East Indies, from the scene of his long and arduous labours to the rest of heaven. Mr. Bion, who married a daughter of Mr. Robinson, in a letter dated Sep. 16, thus describes the closing scene:"Probably you may have heard before this letter reaches you of the heavy loss our family and mission here have sustained. Our dear father and brother Robinson has entered into his rest, and finished his course. The oldest missionary in Bengal has for ever ended his toil and labours and rejoices now in eternal happiness. Long has been his pilgrimage here on earth, only four months short of seventy years, and long he struggled in this vale of tears, and not less than forty-seven years he spent in the mission field in Bengal. We have lost a kind and affectionate father, a champion of our denomination, a much experienced and valiant soldier of our Lord, and a beloved brother in the work here. He expired on the 2nd of September, at half-past nine o'clock, P.M., literally falling asleep in Jesus. I was with him night and day, and had much bless. ing at his death-bed. Though his last days were very trying for body and mind, he yet never uttered a doubt as to his safety. Most energetically he several times said, when asked, 'My hope is alone in Jesus.' I can. not tell all the particulars of his last days, but it is still impressed on our minds with what a sweet and emphatic tone he repeated the bymn, 'While on the verge of life I stand,' His end was peace, and peace with a peculiar brightness shone on his face after he expired. The evening of the following day we followed his remains to the cold and silent tomb; nearly all the European residents, and many natives, accompanied us. I spoke a few words at the grave of my dear father, but with difficulty, and ended with prayer. has left a widow and five children He un provided for, who are still here. The deceased said a few days before his death to me, 'My dear brother, write to Mr. Thomas, I am dying, but that he shall take care of my wife and poor children; I have often spent of my own substance for the work of the Lord, I hope the brethren will not leave my poor wife and children in distress.' Mrs. Robinson, with her four children, will proceed after a month to Serampore, and have them educated there. Miss Robinson, my wife's sister, will, according to her and her father's wish in his latter days, stay with us, and I will try to gather a few children, whom she can teach. My urgent request now is, as you may well expect, for another fellow-labourer at Dacca. The work here cannot be carried on by one, unless he allows himself to be soon ruined in health; and at all events the work suffers under only one." More Missionaries Engaged. We have great pleasure in stating that Mr. Martin, late of Bristol College, has been accepted for mission service in India, and Mr. John Robinson, now in secular employment at Agra, but who has long desired to devote himself to the work of the Lord, and for which, in the judgment of the brethren who know him, he is eminently fitted, has been engaged to go to Dacca to occupy the post so long filled by his father, but now vacant by his lamented death. We are not without hope next month of having to report that two other brethren have been appointed to go forth to India. With the state of funds prosperous, these brethren accepted, and others following, will, we are sure, encourage the friends of the Society to increased efforts in promoting its interests. Arrival of Missionaries.-We are happy to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Carter arrived at Point de Galle, September 22nd, after a prosperous voyage. Mrs. Carter, however, suffered a good deal for the first three weeks The Wesleyan missionaries kindly invited them to spend a few days there before proceeding to Colombo; and Mr. Carter preached their anniversary sermons. How pleasant this fraternal spirit among brethren of different parts of the Christian church, but who are engaged in the same great work in heathen lands. Missionaries Returning.-Mr. Makepeace and family are now on their way home; and we regret to add that, through ill health, Mr. Philips, of Muttra, is obliged to vacate his post. These occurrences render all the more necessary an intenser spirit of prayer and enlarged liberality, that such exigences may be speedily provided for. UNITED STATES, Free will Baptist Mission. Mr. Henry Covil, of Pinckney, Michigan, has been appointed a missionary to Orissa. He is to spend the winter in travelling and visiting the churches with brother Bacheler, and it is expected that he will sail for India next spring or summer. This appointment is designed to relieve brother Phillips of most of his Oriya labours, so that he may do more for the Santals. Some five hundred dollars a-year are expected from the American and Foreign Bible Society, to enable him to give the Bible to that people in their own language. The Committee have invited brother Phillips to come home and rest awhile; but it is not yet known whether he will return before entering upon the work of translating the Bible, or translate a season and then visit this country. Not long since, he baptized three converts, two at Santipur, and one at Patna. American Missionary Association.-We think that this Association, while it is accomplishing quite an extensive work directly for missions, is really doing, indirectly it may be, a great work for the cause of liberty; and that it should have more notice taken of it than it has heretofore had. For some years several warm friends of the missionary cause, who were also antislavery men, wished for a treasury not polluted with the bloody offerings of slavery through which to diffuse their contributions for the heathen; but for some time no such opening appeared among the larger denominations. Hence quite a number with other church connections made their donations through the Free-will Baptist Missionary Society. But this desire for a free missionary society increasing, and the dissatisfaction with the Old Boards on the slavery question augmenting, the "American Missionary Association" was organized a few years since, which body held its seventh annual meeting some two months ago at Worcester. Though only seven years in operation, the American Missionary Association has in its foreign field-six missions, as the Mendi, Siam, Sandwich Islands, Jamaica, &c., and one in contemplation among the Copts in Egypt-sixteen stations and out-stationseighteen ordained missionaries, of whom three are physicians-seventeen male assistants, and thirty-seven female assistantsseventy-two laborers, and thirteen churches. They have also a home field or department, and missionaries among our Indians, and in Kentucky and Canada, making the whole number of missionary laborers under the care of the Association, 169; being an increase, says the Report, of twenty-nine over the number reported last year. And the increase in the contributions for the current year is 33 per cent. more than the preceding year, being some more than fifty thousand dollars. The various stations are reported to be enjoying more or less of prosperity, and the whole state of things is most interesting and encouraging; and the committee add that never were the friends of the Association increasing so fast as within the past year. Its list of officers, among which are such anti-slavery men as Hon. Wm. Jackson, Lewis and Arthur Tappan, Thurston, Lee, &c., and the speakers, but more still its high and noble resolutions, and its policy so far, are a strong guarantee that the American Missionary Association will yet do a noble work for the anti-slavery cause in America, as well as for the gospel in heathen lands far away. We shall keep our eye on the movements of this Missionary Association, to mark its success, and shall expect to see it gaining in friends and funds very fast, at least unless the old Boards alter their course on the great matter of American Slavery.-Morning Star. Some account of Mary Ricketts in our next. BAPTIST-SUPPLEMENTARY. THAXTED.-Mr. J. C. Fishbourne has received and accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the baptist church in this place. ENFIELD HIGHWAY. - A new baptist church has been formed at this place, with Mr. John Beavan, lately a member of the baptist church Woolwich, as its pastor. LEICESTER, Belvoir Street.-The Annual Services, on Nov. 20, produced above £120. RELIGIOUS. DISCOVERY OF THE PALACE OF SHUSHAN. -The commissioners engaged under the mediation of England and Russia in marking the boundary-line between Persia and Turkey, have recently come upon the remains of the ancient palace of Shushan, mentioned in the books of Esther and Daniel, together with the tomb of Daniel the prophet. The locality answers to the received tradition of its position; and the internal evidence, arising from its correspondence with the description of the place recorded in sacred history, amounts almost to demonstration. 66 No The reader can turn to Esther, chap. i. 6, where he will read of a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black marble" in that palace. That pavement still exists, and corresponds to the description given in the sacred history. And in the marble columns, the dilapidated ruins, the sculpture, and the remaining marks of greatness and glory that are scattered around, the commissioners read the exact truth of the record made by the sacred penman. Not far from the palace stands a tomb; on it is sculptured the figure of a man bound hand and foot, with a huge lion in the act of springing upon him to devour him. history could speak more graphically the story of Daniel in the lions' den. The commissioners have with them a most able corps of engineers and scientific men, and other interesting discoveries may be expected. The Persian arrow-heads are found upon the palace and the tomb. Glass bottles, elegant as those placed upon the toilet-tables of the ladies of our day, have been discovered, with other indications of art and refinement, which bear out the statements of the Bible. Thus, twenty-five hundred years after the historians of Esther and Daniel made their records, their histories are verified by the peaceful movements of nations in our day.-American Paper. |