Referring to the above event, the following appears in a local paper." THE LATE MRS. WM. WHITE.-A funeral sermon was preached in the General Baptist Chapel, on Sunday evening last, by the Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., in memory of this deceased lady, who had in her life-time evidenced by her conduct and actions that she was a Christian in truth and in deed. The text, which had been chosen by Mrs. White, shortly prior to her decease, was Heb. xi. part of the 4th verse, being dead yet speaketh.' The reverend gentleman dwelt upon the excellencies of character and usefulness of the deceased, and shewed that actions spoke louder than words-that Mrs. White, by her consistent life and triumphant death, was an example to other members of the church-at the same time, she was a warning to those who were unbelievers; and, in this sense, 'being dead she yet spake.' The discourse was well arranged throughout, and most eloquently delivered. The large chapel was crowded in every part, and many persons were unable to obtain admittance, while not a few had to stand throughout the entire service. At the conclusion the choir sang a funeral hymn, which, in our opinion, was solemnly and effectively performed. During the evening we noticed many a weeper in the assembly, and from what we have since heard, we understand that Mrs. William White might well be remembered with tears, as she was a constant visitor among the poor and afflicted, among whom she frequently distributed money, clothes, and food." ELIZABETH HODGSON was born November 21st, 1832, at Scansby, Illingworth, near Halifax. She attended the Sabbath schools at Illingworth and Ovenden until she was fifteen years old. Then she removed to Bradford, and found her way to Tetley Street Sabbath school, where she became a teacher, and in connexion with some revival services held during Mr. T. Horsfield's ministry, she became convinced of sin, found peace through believing in Jesus, and united with the church June 5th, 1853. She was one of the lights of the world. Her piety was seen in her holy conversation, zeal, prayerfulness and liberality. She loved the cause of Christ, and laboured for its prosperity. She was particularly attached to the scholars of her class, and prayed earnestly for their salvation. During her illness she was patient, resigned, and happy. She would often exclaim, "O that I had wings like a dove, then would I flee away and be at rest." Often too, would she ask the question, "What are these arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?" She would then give the answer, "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," &c. In her greatest sufferings she found Christ precious and his grace sufficient: and the last words she uttered were part of the following: "I'll praise my maker while I've breath; "Write, blessed are Her spirit fled when she got to the end of the third line. the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." Her death was improved to a crowded congregation on Lord's-day evening, February 14th, 1858, from Phil. i. 20.-" Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death." B. W. B. HANNAH LEIGH was a member of the General Baptist church worshipping in Tetley Street, Bradford, about eleven years. The death of her daughter in 1845 was the means employed by the Almighty to bring about her conversion. After first giving herself to the Lord and then to his people, she manifested the reality of her christianity by her consistent walk. Her desire for the salvation of her children was very great. Her kindness towards her neighbours, and zeal to benefit them both temporally and spiritually was rarely equalled by one in her humble position. She was subjected to great trial, arising from persecution, affliction, and straightened circumstances; but she was always cheerful and happy. She seemed to rejoice in the Lord always. Her end was peace. After a few days illness, she died in the faith, on the 5th of December, 1857. Her death was improved on the 20th of the same month from Num. xxiii. 10.-"Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." B. W. B. Jutelligence. BAPTISMS. BIRMINGHAM.-On Lord's-day, March 7th, three young persons were baptized, on a profession of their faith in Jesus Christ; two of these were grandchildren of our pastor. We have more candidates, and our inquirers' meetings are well attended. J. S. C. BRADFORD, FIRST CHURCH.-On Lord's-day, March 7th, two were baptized and added to our Zion. May they endure to the end. COALVILLE.-Additions by baptism were made to the church at Coalville and Whitwick of two persons on Lord's-day, November 1st, 1857, and of three others February 7th, 1858. The various services on both occasions were well attended, and were unusually interesting and profitable. We have several other candidates, and a large number of inquirers, who give us much cause for hope. RIPLEY.-On Lord's-day, March 14th, 1858, six persons were baptized, in the presence of a large congregation; five of them young men, and all scholars in our Sabbath school, and the other a young woman, and an adult scholar also. Our hope is that they will be a great blessing to the church, and remain faithful unto death. R. A. GRANTHAM.-On Wednesday, March 1st, Mr. Watts baptized two friends; and on the following Sabbath they, with three others, were received into the church. We have pleasing indications of a revival. W. A. ILKESTON. Three persons were added to our church by baptism on the first Sunday in March. T. R. S. KILLINGHOLME.-On the 13th of September, 1857, in the General Baptist chapel at Killingholme, one brother was baptized and added to our church. The services of the day were fraught with deep interest to several who witnessed and took part in them. In the evening of the 18th of November, after an exposition of the third chapter in the Gospel by Matthew, we had the pleasure of beholding two sisters follow our Divine Redeemer through the watery grave. May they ever be alive unto God through Jesus Christ, and finally enter the rest that awaits the people of God. G. C. MACCLESFIELD. On the 14th of February one male friend was baptized, after a sermon by the Rev. W. Miller, founded on Joshua's wise resolve, "As for me, I will serve the Lord." ANNIVERSARIES. STALYBRIDGE.-On Lord's-day, March 14th, two faithful sermons were preached in the General Baptist chapel, by the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, minister of the place, after which the very handsome sum of £57 18s. 7d. was collected towards liquidating the debt on the premises. May our friends still persevere, as it is evident they neither labour nor pray in vain, nor do they spend their strength for nought. May they be truly blessed in their attempts to train up a people for the Lord. W. S. SUTTERTON.-On Monday, February 22nd, the second Anniversary of the pulpit ministrations of our beloved pastor, J. H. Wood, was celebrated by a tea meeting. More than 200 persons favoured us with their presence and aid. After tea, Alderman Noble, of Boston, presided at the public meeting. The Rev. T. W. Matthews, of Boston, then addressed the meeting, after which the proceeds of the tea, together with two donations amounting to £5, making a total of something more than £11, were presented to our minister, as a testimonial from the church and congregation of their high appreciation of his faithful services. Appropriate addresses were delivered in the course of the evening by Messrs. Jones, of Gosberton, Cholerton, of Pinchbeck, and other friends. Mr. Wood, labouring under deep emotion, expressed his gratitude for the manifestation of christian sympathy and affection. The choir from the Baptist chapel, Boston, contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the meeting. G. F. M. MACCLESFIELD.-On Lord's - day evening, February 14th, a sermon was preached on behalf of the Foreign Mission. On Monday, the 15th, there was a public Missionary Meeting; R. Gee, Esq., in the chair. The Rev. A. Abercromby and several other friends addressed the meeting. The Rev. W. Miller spoke at some length, and throughout there appeared to be a very good feeling. Though the collection was not so much as last year, the cause of missions was ably advocated, and we believe good will result from the efforts. MISCELLANEOUS. W. G. GRANTHAM.-Recognition of Rev. H. Watts.-On Monday evening a tea meeting was held, for the purpose of giving a public recognition of Mr. Watts as the pastor of the General Baptist church in this place. About 200 were present. A public meeting was held at seven o'clock; Mr. Bishop, formerly of Grantham, presided. Appropriate addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. Barrass, of Peterborough, Bailey, of Newark, (P. B.) Mr. Watts, and others. The meeting was well attended, and a good feeling prevailed. NEW FLETTON.-Opening of a New Chapel.-The large and populous village of New Fletton, near Peterborough, being entirely destitute of any place for public worship, the pastor and members of the General Baptist church, Peterborough, resolved to erect a chapel there; and, after much prayerful and anxious effort, are rejoiced that they have been enabled to rear "a house for God," that is both commodious and attractive. The ground is freehold, and the building is a neat one, in the early English style of architecture, and will seat more than 200 persons. On Tuesday, March 9th, 1858, the opening services were held, when the Rev. J. Burns, D.D., of London, preached two excellent sermons to large and attentive congregations. About 200 partook of tea, the trays being gratuitously furnished. On the following Lord's-day, the Rev. T. Barrass, of Peterborough, preached in the afternoon and evening. The entire cost of the building will be nearly £500, and the amount now raised by subscriptions and opening services is £260. We feel thankful that so much has been obtained, but earnestly desire that the remaining sum may soon be forthcoming. The SUTTERTON.-Removal of Debt.-The effort announced in a former number of the Magazine has, by the divine blessing, been completely_successful. friends whose aid was solicited in providing articles for the Bazaar, responded with the greatest promptness and generosity. The supply of articles was most excellent, and the sale very gratifying, realizing more than £30. The tea meeting was large, and produced a handsome profit. From these sources, together with collecting cards and private donations, the sum of £62 was obtained. The debt on the chapel was £50, on the organ £10; so that we had the pleasure of holding a thanksgiving service, to celebrate the entire removal of the pecuniary burden. The church tender sincere thanks to those friends who in any way have so kindly contributed to the result. Notes of the Mouth. H. ECCLESIASTICAL. March 19. We shall not be without matters to note down of an ecclesiastical sort, for some time to come, as all parties appear to be awake. The Roman Catholic prelates have had a meeting at Dr. Wiseman's, to elect two new bishops for England. They have chosen three, and the Pope has to take two of them. The papists are looking toward China for aggressive efforts. Their eyes are ever open to take any advantage. The services at the Abbey, Westminster, are continued by the Episcopalians. They are well attended. Strange to say, we are told, that with the exception of a few months in 1851, during the Exhibition, no English service had been held in the Abbey from its foundation, 800 years ago! The English prelates are memorializing the Government for an additional bishopric in India. A society has been formed to abolish pews in churches, and "restore them to the people.' The Presbyterian (united church,) contributions for missionary purposes during the last year amounted to £14,000. £18,000 has been raised as a fund to relieve aged and infirm ministers; and this year a great effort will be made to free the churches from debt. The Congregational board has passed a series of strong resolutions on Indian matters, condemning Government support of idolatry, and deprecating its patronage of christianity; and asserting, that if it be right for Government to support colleges, there ought to be fair play, and that christian books ought not to be excluded. They have just sent out two additional missionaries to India. The increased funds of the Wesleyan Missionary Society will result, it is expected, in an enlargement of the Kaffir Mission, and in zealous efforts for India. The prospects of the Baptist Mission in Burmah are encouraging. Many christian books have been published, and the demand for them among the Burmese and Karens is very great. The American Baptist missionaries are very hopeful as to China. Dr. Mc.Gowan expects that soon China will be effectually opened. GENERAL. While our last notes were writing the Government of Lord Palmerston was being defeated in its attempt to legislate at the dictation of Napoleon. They resigned. Lord Derby has formed a Government, with Disraeli as the leader in the Commons, where it is understood they have a minority. How a tory Government will manage a house pledged to a reform in the representation, and various other measures to which all its members are opposed, remains to be seen. They have been re-elected, and have returned to their parliamentary duties. They are very cautious in what they promise, and affect not to be a Government on sufferance." When tauntingly asked for a statement of their policy, and what they would do with Church Rates, the Jews, &c., &c., Disraeli retorted with effect, "What did you do with them?" Alas! the late Government only deceived its reforming friends who trusted in them. This one will not have their confidence, and will do no more than it is compelled to do. It may be, however, that our tory Government will retain office until Lords Palmerston and Russel, and a few leading whigs, become reconciled to each other, and agree to oust them. The news from India continues favourable, though Oude is still in the hands of the insurgents. Canton is quiet under the rule of the allied powers. It is said that the Chinese forces have obtained signal advantages over the rebels, and that this may render the Emperor less disposed to treat with the allies. The probabilities seem to be that some other port than Canton will in future become the great centre of Chinese commerce. The French have beheaded the conspirators, Orsini and Pierri; the other two, Rudio and Gomez, are to be imprisoned for life. The Emperor has become reconciled to England, but his ministers have been very overbearing in their conduct towards Switzerland, which has succumbed to him. His new laws about the police and the press seem full of fear of the French people. He will fail if he fill Paris and France with his spies. The new and offensive regulations about passports will keep hosts of holiday English and other people away. Paris will thus be impoverished and complain. The Austrians have resented the meddling of France with their passport system. The King of Prussia, it is understood, is sinking. The trials at Naples are going on. It is now understood and stated by the law officers of the crown, that the ship in which these persons were, was seized in the open sea, and not in the Naples waters, and hence that the whole matter is an act of piracy on the part of King Bomba. If so, Sardinia and England will or ought to demand redress and compensation! The petty tyrant in that case will have burnt his own fingers !* In America the Kansas difficulty is not settled. There have been some disgraceful fights in the Senate. It is expected shortly that the army sent against the Mormons will be reinforced, and commence its operations. There are disturbances in Mexico. Persecution of christians and the expulsion of foreigners prevail at Madagascar. Dr. Livingstone has sailed on his expedition from Liverpool. He is attended by some scientific gentlemen. By the Zambesi river, in east Africa, he hopes to open the interior to European commerce and civilization. An earthquake has almost destroyed Corinth; and Turkey seems to be but ill at ease. Her Montenegrin neighbours, and others, will give her trouble. The power of Islam is doomed to fade and fall. Missionary Observer. [March 25. The last Calcutta mail was wrecked off the Island of Ceylon. In this we fear, with other treasuse, was lost several letters from India.-ED.] CONFERENCE AT CUTTACK, &c. LETTER FROM REV. J. BUCKLEY. Cuttack, December 31st, 1857. DEAR BROTHER.-Many important changes-more than I can stay to chronicle-have occurred since I last wrote. I will therefore begin with an account of our recent conference, which commenced its sitting on the 18th instant; and let us devoutly bless the Lord that after a year marked by disasters and calamities unexampled in our history, we have been permitted to meet in * March 25. They have since been liberated. |