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Independent, Orton, G. B,, White, P. M., assisted us. Collections, subscriptions, &c., amounted to £48 14s. 7d. Brother Kiddali, our senior pastor, presided at Louth, and brother J. C. Smith, our senior pastor, at Maltby. J. K.

FORNCETT.-The friends finding that the roof of their old chapel was broken in, determined on making efforts to new roof it. Three brethren promised to get or give one pound each in the course of the year; their promises encouraged others, arrangements were nade-many feared being involved in difficult.es. Lut now the work is done, and with what we have in hand and in promise the entire expense will be met. The friends seem lost in wonder. On May 24th we had a public tea meeting, which was well attended. The large congregation in the evening was addressed by Mr. Williams, Wesleyan minister, from New Buskenham, J. H. Fllett and J. Smith, Esqs., from Norwich, and Mr. Pimson. The friends give no signs of being weary in well doing. We propose to build a baptistry in the chapel yard, but the expense is at present beyond our means, but favourable signs of prosperity dawn upon us. G. MADDEYS.

BARROWDEN.-On Whit Sunday our esteemed pastor preached two excellent sermons on behalf of the Sabbath school. Although our congregations were small the collections were liberal. On the following day the children partook of their annual treat, after which a meeting was held, and several of the scholars recited select pieces of poetry. J. C.

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-On Lord's-day, May 9th, our school anniversary sermons were preached to good congregations, especially in the evening, when the place was filled to overflowing. The sermons were in the morning by our pastor, Rev. H. Ashbery, in the afternoon by the Rev. J. Breakey (Presbyterian), and in the evening by the Rev. J. E. Giles (Baptist). Collections good. C. A.

HEPTONSTAIL SLACK.-On Whit Monday we had our annual juvenile missi mary tea meeting. For a series of years the Sunday school at Slack, which at present numbers but 204 scholars and 40 teachers, has subscribed £10 or £12 per annum to the funds of the Foreign Mission. Duing the last year £11 has been raised. The evening meeting received additional interest from the presentation of a testimonial to the senior superintendent of the girls' school. The lady in question having been identified with the school 38 years, the female teachers and scholars were wishful that some token of their high appreciation of her acceptable and protracted services should be given. An effort was commenced among themselves, and a copy of Baxter's Comprehensive Bible, richly and elegantly bound, was procured, value six guineas. The following inscription is inserted within the folds of this beautiful volume :- Presented to Miss Grace Gibson, of Greenwood Lee, by the teachers and scholars of the Girls' Sabbath school, Heptonstall Slack, as a tribute of their affectionate regard for her many christian virtues; as a memento of their gratitude for her long and faithful service of thirty-eight years of unwearied toil, as a teacher and superintendent in the Sunday school; and as a pledge of their enduring esteem, and fervent prayer for her continued usefulness and future welfare." The tone of the meeting was highly spiritual and impressive; and while reference was made to the dear departed, who in the space of 38 years had passed from the pastorate, the church, the school. and the home, each seemed to feel an approach to the rapt communion of the blessed, and to say, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

On Lord's day, May 16th, the Rev. T. Stevenson, of Leicester, preached our school sermons. The congregations were large and attentive. Collectious £32 2s. 11d.

KIRTON IN LINDSEY, MISSIONARY SERVICES.-The annual missionary meeting was held in this place on Wednesday, May 26th. Mr. Stapleton, the pastor of the church, presided. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Bray, of Brigg, Orton, of Louth, and Wilkinson, the missionary. The attendance, the amounts realized by missionary boxes, and the proceeds of the meeting, were all encouraging.

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-On Lord's-day, June 6th, two sermons were preached on behalf of our Foreign Missions; that in the morning by the Rev. W. Millar, and in the evening by our pastor, Rev. H. Ashbery. On the Monday following, June 7th, the Rev. W. Millar delivered a most excellent lecture on "Missions in India." Collections not known to the writer. C. A.

HEYWOOD, LANCASHIRE. Past r's welcome. On tuesday evening, June 15, 1858, an interesting meeting was held in Queen Street school-room, Heywood, for the purpose of welcoming the Rev. J. Batey, of Burnley, as the pastor of the General Baptist church. Mr. Noble, of Rochdale, a member of the church, and son of the late Mr. Noble, fifty vears deacon of the General Baptist church, Queenshead, presided. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. T. Horsfield, Rev. T. W. Pearson, United Methodist Free Church minister, Rev. Evan Davies, Independent, Mr. Batey, and other friends. After a vote of thanks to the ministers who had attended, Mr. Pearson moved, and Mr. Davies seconded, That this meeting cordially and heartily welcome Mr. Batey to the town. It was carried unanimously. After singing the doxology the interesting proceedings terminated.

There is a population of nearly 20,000 in Heywood, and is surrounded by large towns in which there are no General Baptist churches. May this infant church be the means of extending the connexion in this locality.

Notes of the Month.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

June 17. Our notes must be written before the usual date, because of the approach of the Annual Association. In correcting proofs we may be able to add a line during the progress of that meeting indicating the course of events and their combination. At that meeting the very grave position of our Academical Institution, with the probable retirement of one or more of its offices, will demand anxious attention.

The locality of the Association this year-London-is unfavourable for the taking of a full connexional action on any matter, as the principal strength of the denomination is found in the central, east, and northern counties.

Leaving our own body, which is among the smallest tribes of Israel, we proceed to a note or two as to other organizations.

The Protestant part of the Episcopal Establishment, has been greatly shocked by the disgusting disclosures made as to the confessional instituted by the Rev. A. Poole, in the parish of St. Paul, Knightsbridge. An "indignation meeting" was held on Friday, the 11th, in Piccadilly, when the Hon. and Rev. F. Baring gave the testimony of a number of poor women as to the vile inquisitorial ordeal they had been induced to pass through. Mr. Poole denies the whole testimony of these witnesses as "entire and deliberate falsehoods." The Bishop, however, has withdrawn Mr. Poole's licence. The Bishop of Exeter has been defeated by the Tiverton Burial Board about the four feet wall separation between the cemetery grounds. The case was tried at the Court of Queen's Bench. A Bill for the permission of Jews into the House of Commons it is supposed will pass the Lords. It is not certain that Lord Derby will oppose the Church Rate Abolition Bill.

Worcester Cathedral is now to be added to those where special services are held. Open air preaching on the Royal Exchange steps by clergymen is a fact. The Archbishop of Canterbury is seeking for more missionaries for India, under

the auspices of the "Propagation Society," "Qualified Clergymen" being rather shy of India at present.

The Popish priesthocd, it seems, are prohibiting enlistment in Ireland; not from any aversion to war but from hatred of Protestant England.

It is thought by some, that an Edict of the French Emperor against Colporteurs, is intended to suppress the distribution of the Bible in France. Poor France! priest-ridden, dragocned, under the dominion of Pretorian guards and a wily despot, what awaits thee and thy children in the coming future?

Of Sweden. notorious for its intolerant Lutheran clergy, and their persecution of Baptists, we learn that six women have been banished and deprived of all their civil rights for becoming Catholics!

The abolition of "Minister's money" in Scotland, by Farliament seems not improbable.

GENERAL.

THE progress of legislation under the Tory Government is more liberal and satisfactory to reformers than under the finality Whigs. Lord John Russell when in power gave the cold shoulder to his friends; and Lord Palmerston promised and was witty, but did not perform. Eut the present Government, by the help, or to secure the support of the independent liberals, gives way to, or concedes very substantial measures. The abolition of the property qualification for members of the House of Commons has passed its third reading in the Lords, and only awaits her majesty's signature to make it law. Though the Ballot has again been rejected in the Commons, its minority acquires strength. We do not hope for so much from the Ballot as some do, but the fact that landlords compel their tenants, on pain of ejectment to vote for their nominees in the counties, makes a county election a mere sham. The Bill for the equalization of the county and borough qualifications would make some difference, as the class of voters thus created would be free from mere serfdom. It has already passed its second reading in the Commons. Lord Derby has promised to oppose it in the Lords. We shall

see.

The Neapolitan Government has succumbed to justice. It has agreed to pay £3000 compensation to the English engineers it so unjustly incarcerated, and to give up the Cagliari and her crew not to Sardinia but to England.

The French armaments, by sea and land, have awaked alarm in many minds, lest a treachercus descent on England may be designed. Low as is our opinion of the Emperor, and foolish and braggart as are his colonels, we do not think that in the face of all pacific Frenchmen, and of all Europe he would countenance a deed so vile towards a great and friendly power.

The search of vessels bearing the American flag, in the Gulf of Mexico, demands explanation between the two Governments; but there is no fear of fillibustering senators plunging the two kindred nations into a war. At least we hope not. The cable for electrical communication between England and the United States is now being laid by both nations conjointly. What a wonderful change this will make, if successful. In a few minutes it will be known in New York, what is done and said in London. Intimate relationships will lead to permanent friendship. From India the news is, on the whole, hopeful. The proclamation of Lord Canning, somewhat mcdified, is producing the best results. Rohilcund is now ours. Nana Sahib and other insurgent leaders, with varicus troops and robber bands, will give the army trouble.

It seems that affairs in China are approaching a settlement, as the forces there are mostly ordered for India.

The Queen has made a visit of state, to open for the people, Aston Park near Birmingham. She was most loyally received at Coventry and Birmingham, and went through her progress, amid gala scenes and applauding thousands, with very great propriety and dignity. Three things most worthy of note are, that she knighted the Mayor of Birmingham; that she stopped the procession of 47,000 Sunday school children, led by 30 trumpets, and 3,000 teachers to sing the National -Anthem, and was visibly and tenderly affected; and that she addressed a number

of "Working Men," selected to represent the class who had the chief interest in securing the park. As it is the first time this has been done, we record her (extempore) words: "I thank you for your great exertions in preserving this old hall to your townsmen, and I sincerely hope that the park may prove a boon to the industrious classes of Birmingham."

Alissionary Observer.

LETTER FROM THE ORISSA MISSIONARIES TO THE
MIDLAND CONFERENCE.

To the Midland Conference of General Bapti t Churches.

Camp, Patamoondie, January 30, 1858.

BELOVED BRETHREN. The affectionate and encouraging letter written by our esteemed brother Goadby was very welcome and refreshing to us, and the brethren assembled in Conference at Cuttack requested me to forward a reply reciprocating your affectionate solicitude, and assuring you of the strong consolation derived from your sympathy and prayers. In the dark and perilous days that have past, we felt that the Lord Jesus Christ was with our spiritsthat no harm could befall us without our Father's permission, and that whatever happened to us it would be overruled for good. It was sweet to think of the parting promise-"Lo, I am with you alway," &c.,-to believe that His grace would be sufficient for us, and to look forward to that better world where we shall be for ever with Him. And now, having been mercifully delivered from threatened dangers, we desire to consecrate our lives afresh to His service, and henceforth to make it our only solicitude to finish the work which He has given us to do. Next to the consolation-Oh! how precious!-derived from "leaning upon our Beloved, was that felt in the assurance that many dear friends would deeply sympathize with us, and often remember us in their prayers. You have thus, dear brethren, helped and comforted us. We love you for it, and God forbid that we should ever sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.

The terrible events of the past year can never be forgotten. The Lord give us grace to derive all that instruction from them which they are fitted to convey. Calmly reviewing the scenes through which we have past, it seems to me that we are called upon

:

First of all, to offer united and hearty thanksgiving to God for his goodness in our preservation. When I think of the magnitude of the late conspiracy to subvert the Government and murder the Europeans in India, I wonder that any of us remain alive. If the Lord had not been on our side we should all have perished. Prodigies of valour, I know, have been performed; but if He had not helped us they would have been performed in vain. The Lord has fought for us, and has given us the victory over enemies whose wickedness has never been surpassed, if, indeed, it has ever been equalled and now the 124th Psalm ought to be the favourite psalm of every Englishman in India. How great the dangers we have escaped in Orissa! Never may any of us forget that it is of "the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed." Surely none of the friends of the mission can ever forget that the 53rd Bengal Regiment, which actively participated in the horrid and unnatural tragedy at Cawnpore, was at Cuttack only eight months before that terrible massacre. You prayed for us, dear friends, in our day of trial and alam now unite with us in magnifying the mercy of our Almighty Deliverer. Thank Him that your missionaries have not been murdered, and that their be

ved wives, with other esteemed young sisters, have not been subjected to indignities which all Englishwomen dreaded a thousand times more than death. Thank Him that the children of your missionaries have not, like some other English children, been pinned to walls and left to scream out their dying agonies. Thank Him that our sanctuaries have not been razed to the ground, and our beloved flocks scattered in "the cloudy and dark day." Thank Him that, after such a season of alarm, your missionaries have been privileged to engage in their wonted itineracies without being "afraid of sudden fear, or of the desolation of the wicked." Let us all unite to give thanks unto the Lord who "hath redeemed us from our enemies; for his mercy endureth for ever."

Again. Deep humiliation before God eminently becomes us at the present solemn season. "In the day of adversity consider." I confess that I cannot decipher the design of the Host High in permitting this terrible visitation so readily as many profess to do. It still appears to me a profoundly inscrutable dispensation, that so many precious lives should have been committed into the hands of fiends in human form. I cannot either see in these awful events, that sweeping condemnation of the Government of India which many do; for the 70,000 licentious sepoys that wickedly attempted to overthrow the Government, had no grievance inscribed on their banner, and no oppression of which to complain. Moreover, the North West-the chief seat of this terrible rebellion-was, in the opinion of all competent observers, better governed than any other part of India. All impartial persons who have carefully studied the former condition of India, will, I am persuaded, readily admit, that in justice, truth, and integrity we have been incomparably superior to all former governments; but while justice and candour require this admission, let me add, that with our greater enlightment we ought to have done much more for the improvement of the pepole than we have. There is much in our connection, as a country, with India to call for shame and sorrow before God. The Honourable Court has, I admit, exerted itself most laudably in the cause of humanity, and has honestly sought the benefit of the millions committed to its care; but it opposed as long as it was able the introduction of the gospel, and frowns to this day on any of its servants that speak a word for Christ to the idolator or the mussulman. Nor have juster principles predominated at the Board of Control. No eminent statesman has for generations thought it befitting his dignity to accept the presidency of a department connected with the good government of one sixth of the human family! And till the recent calamities stirred the English feeling to its lowest depths, the discussions on India in the Imperial Parliament were generally to empty benches. Many, alas! of our countrymen in this land, have, by their ungodly deeds caused the name of God to be profaned among the heathen, so that, again and again we have been met with the cutting language, "Go and tell all this to your own people: they need it enough." Surely all this is most deeply to be deplored. But I am addressing the churches of Christ. And, brethren, are we clear? "Are there not with us, even with us, sins against the Lord our God." The Lord has a controversy with us as a people. His rod has been upon us more heavily than at any former period. Never, so far as I know, have English lives been hunted after with such blood-thirsty rage, and unprotected English women and helpless children been tortured, disgraced, and murdered as during the terrible disasters of the past year. "Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.' Happy the man who, in this day of trial, sorrows before God on account of his own sins. The Lord give us all a broken and contrite heart.

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What will be the future of India? is a deeply important question. Many of you are, no doubt, much interested in the future government of this great empire; and may not be unwilling to know the opinion of one of your own missionaries. I advocate practical measures. Changes of administration appear to me of subordinate importance. The substitution of the Queen's name for that of the company is in itself a small matter, because, as many of you must be aware, un

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