How sudden the change to both parties! Our sister went up stairs a wife and came down a widow with him it was a translation from time to an eternal world. Our brother was a man of a peaceful spirit; contention and strife he loved not. It might be that his fear of offending, his innate love of peace might deter him occasionally from acting with promptness when that was really necessary. There are some who aet hastily and rashly, who enjoy discord; our brother was at the very antipodes of these. He was but a man-but he was a christian, and as such he was removed from the church and the world, and as instantaneously as the living saints shall be changed when the Son of Man shall be revealed from heaven. "Be hold I shew you a mystery, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in_a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye he was removed. His funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Hunter, form Genesis xlviii. 21;"Behold I die, but God shall be with you." There was a crowded and an attentive congregation. The pillars may be removed, but the church stands, Jesus never dies, H. H. ANN TURNER, the subject of this brief notice, was one of the young friends connected with the Lords-day school, Prospect street, Bradford. Though she was never connected with the church, yet her experience during her last illness, and her happy and triumphant death, which took place in October last, render it desirable that some brief memorial should be preserved of her. She was always of a calm and thoughtful disposition; and her last illness was blest in bringing her to Jesus. Doubtless the way had been much prepared by the prayers and instructions of a pious mother, and the seed previously Sown now began to bring forth abundant fruit. It was observed by her friends that she prayed much when left alone, and that she never desired to recover, but was always resigned to the Lord's will. From the time that she trusted in Jesus and committed the keeping of her soul into his hands, her confidence was never shaken. A fortnight before her death she sung, "A crown of bright glory is waiting for me." The evening before her death she bade all her friends farewell, and said, "I shall soon be with Jesus"-and lifted up her hands in token of victory. Friends who went to pray with her were delighted to hear her rapturous experience; and instead of having to administer comfort were themselves comforted. "I am going to my God," she said, "and he will be your God as well if you look to him. Live to the Lord, and serve him. If I should be spared I will serve the Lord better, and be baptized and join the church." In this state of mind, and with these feelings, she met death, and her happy spirit was received up into heaven, where "Methinks I see her joyful stand, She had indeed an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. May surviving friends be lured by her happy death to brighter worlds. ANN GREGSON departed this life January 19th, 1853, aged 56 years. She "Her languishing head is at rest; Its thinking and aching are o'er; Her quiet immoveable breast Is heaved by affliction no more." For many years our departed sister was a member of the church of Christ-first at Haworth, where she was baptized, and afterwards at Bradford. She was called to experience the loss of her husband, and afterwards to struggle with trying circumstances in bringing up her children; but she walked humbly and prayerfully with her God, and thus was enabled to adorn the doctrine of her Saviour. was remarkably contented and peaceful, very humble, circumspect in her walk, and diligent in business. Her attendance at the house of God, when able, and her walk as a church member, were very exemplary. We might almost say of her that she walked unblameably in love. During her affliction she was very calm, peaceful and resigned. She never murmured against her God, and never doubted his promises; and when discouraging circumstances were alluded to, she would calmly say, "The Lord will provide: I have always found him as good as his word." Visits from christian friends were much prized and enjoyed. For her children, although grown up, she sometimes felt concerned, especially for one at a distance; but her faith enabled her to leave them in His hands who had done so much for her. Her affliction was protracted, and yet her departure was very sudden. In the afternoon on which she died she was sitting up to tea, and conversing with her daughter Sarah; and amongst other things repeated those well-known lines, "Behind a frowning Providence He hides a smiling face," and immediately fell back in her chair and expired. Though we mourn her loss, yet we sorrow not as others who have no hope. May children and friends prepare to meet her. T. H. B. INTELLIGENCE. THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE assembled at Wymeswold, on Whit-Tuesday, May 17th, 1853. The morning service was opened by Mr. Gill of Melbourne; and Mr. J. C. Pike of Leicester delivered an instructive and useful sermon on "the power of God," from Psalm lxxxix, 13. "Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand." The attendance was tolerably good. The Conference met for business at a quarter past two in the afternoon. Mr. Pike of Derby prayed, and Mr. Wallis, Tutor of the Academy, was appointed to preside. According to the reports which were received from the churches 57 had been baptized since the previous Conference, and 53 remained as candidates. Most of the churches appeared to be at peace, but not very prosperous. The collection for the defraying of incidental expenses was made in accordance with the appointment of the previous Conference. The amount realized was £3. 3s. 1d. Resolved, 1.-That as the Committee is not present to report on the Northampton case, it lie over till the next Conference. 2. That, as there is no report in relation to Fleckney, this case also be deferred till the next Conference. 3. That the churches at Broughton and Hose be entered as distinct churches on the Conference list. A letter from the church at Grantham was read, soliciting the advice of the Conference respecting the obtainment of land on which to build a chapel, particularly; whether they should prefer a lease of land for sixty years, at a rental of 3d per yard per annum, or whether they should attempt to purchase freehold, which, the letter states, cannot be obtained for less than 15s. per yard. Resolved, 4.-That this Conference recommends the brethren at Grantham to accept the offer of land on lease, rather than to purchase on the terms mentioned; and that it further wishes them to take advice of the Committee respecting the quantity to be leased. 5.-That Mr. Underwood of Derby be the preacher at the next Conference, which will be held at Hugglescote, on the 20th of September. Some general remarks were made on the question of the village churches, and a letter on the subject, from Mr. Wigg of Leicester, was read. THE WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Wolvey, on Tuesday, May 10th, 1853. The morning service was opened by brother Chapman, and brother Salisbury preached from John xix. 5. The meeting for business in the afternoon, at which brother Knight presided, was opened with prayer, by brother Lewitt of Coventry. The reports from the churches were on the whole more encouraging than at the previous Conference. Sixteen had been baptized since the Conference in January last, and there are fourteen candidates. The minutes of the last Conference having been read, it was resolved : 1.-After some discussion, that the consideration of the subject of the Australian Mission be deferred to the next Confer ence. 2.-Brethren Chapman and Salisbury presented to the Conference the informa tion they had been enabled to obtain_respecting the state of the church, and of the chapel property at Cradley Heath. It was thereupon resolved, that we request the Association to consider the propriety of retaining the name of Cradley Heath on the list of churches, and also the propriety of endeavouring to secure the chapel property. 3.-It was agreed that a fraternal epistle, expressive of the sympathy and affection of the Conference, be sent to our missionary brethren in Orissa. Brother Knight was appointed to write it, and to forward it to Dr. Sutton. 4. To give additional interest to our meetings, it was agreed that the following be a subject of discussion at the close of the business of the next Conference-Catechetical Instruction; its importance, extent, and the best means of conducting it. Brethren Chapman and Salisbury were requested to write a brief paper on the subject. 4. It was resolved that the next Conference be held at Union Place, Longford, and that brother Lewitt be the preacher. In case of failure, brother Knight of Wolvey was appointed to preach. 6. That brethren W. Underwood of Derby, J. Goadby and T. W. Marshall, The meeting was concluded with prayof Loughborough, T. Hill and W. R. Steer, by brother Sargeant, (P.B.) of Wÿken, who, by request, had previously favoured the Conference with a gratifying report of the state of his own church. Brother Stenson of Nuneaton preached in the evening. J. SALISBURY, Sec. NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE.-On Tuesday, April 19th, 1853, this Conference met at Kirton-Lindsey. Brother Crooks preached in the morning, from Col. i. 18. At Epworth, &c., the cause is in much the same state as for some time past. The church there needs a suitable minis ter. From Gamston and Retford there was no report. Killingholm, peaceable, but not prosperous. Kirton, considerably improved; have several hopeful enquirers. Lincoln, one received. Misterton, no alteration. Resolved,-1. That brother Fogg be requested to attend to the case of Tuxford, in accordance with the resolution of the last Conference, and report to the next meeting. An address from the Committee of the "British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society" having been read, it was resolved, 2. That the participation of professed christians in America in the sin of slavery is a stigma upon the religion they profess -gives an occasion to infidels and sceptics to speak reproachfully of the religion of Jesus Christ-and no doubt acts as a barrier to the spread of the Gospel in their own and in other lands. We hereby record our solemn conviction that slavery is a heinous sin in the sight of God, and consequently to be abhorred by all his servants, and therefore strongly recommend the churches in this Conference to do all in their power for the abolition of this accursed system. 3. That at the next half-yearly meeting the propriety and practicability of forming a Home Missionary Society in connection with this Conference, be discussed. 4. The Treasurer and Secretary were requested to retain their offices for the ensuing three years. 5. The next Conference to be at Retford, Sep. 13. Brother Crapps to preach in the morning; or in case of failure, the Secretary. A thinly-attended public meeting was held in the evening, which was addressed by brother Crooks and the minister of the place. J. C. SMITH, Sec. ANNIVERSARIES. KIRKBY.-On Lord's-day, March 27th, 1853, we had our anniversary sermons, when we were favoured with the services of Mr. O. Hargreaves, who preached two On excellent sermons on the occasion. the Monday following, we had an excellent Tea Meeting, when a goodly number sat down to the refreshing beverage. The proceeds of the tea, in connection with the collections on the Lord's-day, were for defraying the debt on our chapel at Kirkby. After tea a meeting was held, which was well attended, when addresses were delivered by Messrs. Hargreaves, Mason, and Fox of Sutton. We are thankful to say that it is the last anniversary in connection with the chapel debt; but we hope soon to enlarge our borders, so that we shall be in debt again. PACKINGTON.-On the 1st of May two sermons were preached in the G. B. Meeting-house at this place, by the Rev. E. Bott of Barton, on behalf of the Sabbath and Day Schools. The congregations were very large. Collections, £12 8s. 2d. NORTHALLERTON AND BROMPTON, Yorkshire-On Lord's-day and Monday, the 8th, and 9th of May, services of an interesting kind were held in aid of the liquidation of the debt on the General Baptist at Brompton in the morning, and Mr. G. chapel Brompton. Our pastor preached Peacock of Masham, at Northallerton in Atty, in the evening; and the Rev. D. the afternoon. On the 9th, a tea-meeting delivered by Messrs. Pearson, Atty, was held at Northallerton; addresses were Harrison of Bedale, Peacock, Wycherley of Masham, Stubbings and Hide. J. H. SHEEPSHEAD.-On Lord's-day, April 24, 1853, the claims of our Sabbath School were advocated, in two elaborate sermons by Mr. F. Stevenson of Loughborough. The congregations were exceedingly good, and the collections, with a few handsome donations. amounted to the munificent sum of £11 10s. 6d. LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter-Gate.-The annual sermons were preached on behalf of the Sabbath School, by Rev. S. C. Sarjant, B.A., of London, on Sunday, May 8th, when upwards of £38 were collected. BURNLEY, Enon Chapel.-The first anniversary sermons of this place of worship were preached on Sunday, April 17th. The Rev. G. Mitchell, of Bacup, preached morning and evening, and the Rev. A. Strachan, of Burnley, preached in the afternoon. The anniversary tea meeting was held on Good Friday afternoon; after which a public meeting was held, when a variety of interesting recitations and addresses were given. The collections, inclusive of proceeds of the tea meeting, amounted to £22, 12s. 10d. INTELLIGENCE. MARKET HARBOROUGH.--On Wednesday, April 27th, the anniversary services in connection with the above place of worship, were commenced by the delivery of two excellent sermons; that in the morning was preached by the Rev. G. Legge, LL.D., of Leicester; and that in the evening by the Rev. G. W. Pegg, of London. On the same day a Bazaar was opened, in the Independent School-room, kindly lent for the occasion, which was continued during the two following days. Also a public teameeting was held in the school-room above the Bazaar. On Lord's-day, May 1st, two admirable sermons were preached by the Rev J. Wallis, Tutor of the G. B. College, Leicester; and on the following day Monday May 2nd,) a well attended and very interesting tea meeting was held in the Baptist chapel, to close the anniversary. On this occasion, after tea, it was stated that about a year ago the debt was £170; that previous to the present effort, it had been reduced to about £100; but that the proceeds of the Bazaar, collections, subscriptions, aud Tea meetings, left £30 of the debt remaining. This sum was promised before the meeting closed, by the friends present; so that our chapel is now entirely free from debt! To God be all the praise. The meeting was addressed by the Revds. H. Toller (Indep.) J. B. Rotherham and Mr. Bennet. The doxology was then sung, and the concluding prayer was offered by Mr. Toller. The friends separated with glad hearts, saying, "the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad!" We solicit an interest in the prayers of the Connection, that the Lord would prosper his work among us and that there may be a good General Baptist cause at Harborough. F. S. F. ALLERTON.-On Whit-Sunday, May 15, 1853, our annual School sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Goadby of Loughborough. The discourses were excellent and appropriate. The congregations were good. The collections amounted to the liberal sum of £80. BAPTISMS. LEICESTER, Vine Street.-On Lord's-day, May 1st, after the minister of the place had addressed a large and serious congregation, from Acts ii. 38, seven persons were baptized, who in the evening were cordially welcomed into the fellowship of the church. We have several other candidates and a goodly number of hopeful enquirers. STOCKPORT,-On Lord's-day, May 1, the ordinance of believers' baptism was administered to three believers. One of the candidates was our minister's sister, who 287 She has was at Stockport on a visit. been a member with the Wesleyans for some time, but seeing it her duty to follow her Lord in this ordinance, she embraced the opportunity. The other two were received into our fellowship the same evening at the Lord's-table. J. N. DONINGTON, near Louth.-April 17th, 1853, the ordinance of christian baptism was administered here to two females, after a sermon by the minister of the place from Acts xvi. 13-15; after which the Lord's-Supper was administered, and the newly-baptized were recognized by the right hand of fellowship. The friends here were much cheered by this addition, as death and other circumstances have lately thinned our ranks. T. B. LONDON, Praed Street.-On Wednesday, April 27, three persons were baptized by the Rev. S. C. Sarjant, pastor of the church. NOTTINGHAM, Broad Street.-On Lord'sday, April 3rd, eight persons were bap.. tized and added to our church. The congregation was numerous, and appeared seriously impressed by the solemn ordinance. There is a steady improvement in our congregation, which inspires us with hope for the future. day evening, April 24th, after a sermon BURNLEY, Enon Chapel.-On Lord'sby Mr. Batey, five persons were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This makes forty-one since our opening. LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter-Gate-On Lord'sday, May 1st, eight persons were added to us by Baptism. It was a season of deep interest and profit. On the following Sabbath the anniversary of our school was held, when we were favoured with the services of the Rev. S. C. Sarjant, A.B., of London, who preached two very good sermons. The collections were fully an average, amounting to £37. 12s. 91d. day, May 1st, seven persons were added to the church by baptism. NOTTINGHAM, Stoney Street.-On Lord's B. W. Y. and received into the church-8 males and 8 females; ten of whom are five hus bands and their wives. Four of the others are single persons, one of whom is the eldest daughter of the minister. In addition to the above, a young man who is a local preacher among the Primitive Methodists was baptized, but remains with his own people. It was truly a good day, and we hope one to be long remembered. Many were attracted to this little hamlet by the unusual number baptized, and we hope good was done. ORDINATION. to the Wesleyan School-room, where about 250 persons took tea, The trays had all been given, so that about £14 were realized towards the building fund. After tea the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, who had meanwhile arrived by the train, was called upon to preside; and interesting and animated addresses were delivered, by the chairman, Revds. W. Underwood, E. Stevenson, and W. G. Hillman, (Indep.) and Messrs Gathorpe of Tarporley, and Minshall of Stoke. The latter intimated that the friends at Stoke are contemplating a Bazaar in aid of the chapel fund. All the G. B. Ministers who were present signified their approval, and have since kindly intimated their willingness to have the fact of their cordial recommendation of the plan made known in the pages of the Repository. ALLERTON.-On Monday, May, 16, 1853, our respected minister, the Rev. J. Taylor, was set apart to the pastoral oversight of us as a christian church. The Rev. T. Hutton (Indep.) of Allerton, opened the May the members of the church at Stoke service; the Rev. J. Tunnicliffe of Leeds be permitted to request very earnestly the delivered the introductory discourse; the liberal and hearty co-operation in this Rev. R. Hardy gave out the hymns and matter of their friends in the Connexion asked the questions; Rev. J. Goadby of generally. The expense of the chapel Loughborough offered the ordination pray-premises and land will be about £650; and er, and delivered the charge to the minister. In the evening the Rev. R. Horsfield of Leeds preached to the church. The services were of a very interesting and impressive character, and it is ardently hoped that the union thus recognized be. tween minister and people may be both lasting and beneficial. MISCELLANEOUS. S.W. STOKE-UPON-TRENT. Laying of the Corner Stone, and proposed Bazaar.-On Monday, May 9th, the corner-stone of the New General Baptist chapel was laid at Stoke-upon-Trent. This ceremony was expected to be performed by Henry Wileman, Esq., of Longton Hall; or in case of his unavoidable absence, by his son-inlaw, Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., of Nottingham. But as the former had not returned from a long journey, and the latter had missed the train, a double disappointment was experienced. The weather too was most inclement, and deterred numbers from assembling on the site of the proposed edifice. However at the appointed time the service was commenced by the Rev. W. Underwood, of Derby, who gave out a hymn, and delivered a brief, but very appropriate address. He then introduced Mrs. Stevenson of Nottingham, daughter of Mr. Wileman, who, as the representative of her father, laid the stone, using for the purpose the rosewood mallet and silver trowel provided for the occasion by the friends at Stoke, a proceeding which excited a lively interest among the spectators. The Rev. E. Stevenson of Loughborough then offered prayer and pronounced the benediction, and the assembly adjourned the amount already obtained and promised is about £240. It is expected that the time for the opening of the chapel, and consequently for the holding of the Bazaar, will be about the end of August. Communications may be addressed, and articles forwarded, to Mr. T. Minshall, High Street; or Mr. W. Bembridge, agent, Stoke-uponTrent, Staffordshire. T. MINSHALL. LEICESTER, Friar Lane.---On Easter Tuesday, the teachers of the school connected with Friar-Lane chapel held their annual Tea Meeting, to which a special in. vitation was given to Mr. Lunn, who has been a teacher in the school for nearly thirty years. After tea, Mr. Beazley, Superintendent, was called upon to preside. After the transaction of some business connected with the school, the chairman said that perhaps the most interesting part of the business of the evening remained to be disposed of. He had with the rest of the teachers been an admirer of the course generally pursued by his friend Lunn-his punctuality, the kindness of his disposition-in fact every quality requisite for a Sabbath-School teacher, was to be found in him. After some other remarks appropriate for the occasion he was presented with a handsome silver watch, as a testimony of their esteem, with a hope that his valuable life may be spared many years. J. BEAZLEY. ILKESTON.-On Lord's-day, May 8, 1853, the Sabbath-School Sermons were preached in the G. B. Chapel, by the Rev. W. Underwood, of Derby. Collections, £10. 3s. 3d. |