to the reports from the churches, forty-two had been baptized since the last Conference, and six remained as candidates. Eight out of the twenty-two churches which compose the Conference engaged to co-operate in the support of a Home Mission station for the Yorkshire district; viz.: Birchcliffe, Bradford, 1st. Church, Bromley Lane, Clayton, Heptonstall Slack, Queenshead, Shore, Staley bridge. Resolutions passed :

1. That the minutes of last Conference be confirmed.

2. That we are favourable to the adoption of Todmorden as a Home Mission station for this district.

3. That brethren Hardy, Horsfall, Horsfield, Vale, Lockwood, and Springthorpe, form a committee to confer with the friends at Todmorden and report to the next Conference..

4. That we regret our inability to aid the church at Heywood in the support of a minister.

Mr. J. Taylor, the representative from Heywood church, stated, that the friends there would engage to give a minister £25 per annum, and that Heywood presented a good opening for a first-rate school.

5. That we consider Mr. Batey's inquiry to be fully answered by the 4th Resolution of last Conference.

6. That the next Conference be at Heptonstall-Slack, on Tuesday, May 25th. Mr. Maden to preach in the morning, at half-past ten. Conference business in the afternoon.

Mr Hargreaves closed the meeting with prayer. Mr. Hardy preached at night. C. SPRINGTHORPE, Secretary.

The LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Holbeach, on Wednesday, March 24th, 1858. The Secretary opened the morning service with reading and prayer, and brother Cholerton preached from Luke xxiii. 49. In the afternoon, written or verbal reports were received from the majority of the churches in this district; from which we gathered that twenty-eight had been baptized since the last Conference, and that fifteen remained candidates for baptism.

The friends at Whittlesea having again applied for advice; it was resolved— That we recommend them to obtain the best ministerial supplies they may be able during the next three months.

A letter was read from one of the trustees of the chapel at Stowbridge, asking the advice of the Conference as to whether the chapel should be sold or let. Resolved

That we regret that there should seem to be any necessity either for letting or selling the above chapel, and request the secretary to write to the brethren at Wisbeach, to inquire whether it would not be possible for them to re-open it, and to arrange for the supplying of the pulpit.

A letter was likewise read from a friend at Yarmouth, giving information as to the depressed condition of the General Baptist interest there, and the advanced age and infirmities of the pastor; and inquiring whether the Conference could recommend any steps that would be fitted to revive that ancient cause. After much consultation, it was resolved,—

That the secretary be requested to obtain fuller information as to the state of the church at Yarmouth, and report to the next Conference.

The next Conference is appointed to be held at Spalding, on Thursday, June 10th, Brother Cotton to preach in the morning.

In the evening an interesting and profitable public meeting was held, in which brethren White, Wood, Cholerton, Chamberlain, Cotton, and the Secretary took part.

As the Home Mission Accounts will be made up on June 10th, it is very important that all monies should be forwarded to the Treasurer, Mr. R. Wherry, Wisbeach, before that day. THOMAS BARRASS, Secretary.

BAPTISMS.

ASHBY AND PACKINGTON.-On Lord's-day, April 4th, five persons were baptized at Ashby in the morning, and were received into the Church in the

afternoon, at Packington. The congregations were large and attentive. W. G. A. BIRCHCLIFFE.-On the third of April eight persons put on Christ by baptism at this place. May they each stand fast in the Lord.

ISLEHAM.-On Lord's-day morning, April 4th, our esteemed minister baptized thirteen persons, four males, and nine females, on a profession of their faith in Christ, and in the afternoon they were received into the Church by the right hand of fellowship. We are thankful to say that God is with us, and is abundantly blessing a preached gospel amongst us.

BARTON.-On Lord's-day, April 18th, 1858, the ordinance of believers' baptism was administered in our chapel in the afternoon, when three friends professed their allegiance to Christ by being solemnly baptized by our respected brother Norton, in the name of the triune God. Our pastor, Mr. Bott, preached a most excellent sermon founded on Romans i., 16., after which, the newly baptized were received into the Church, and the ordinance of the Lord's supper administered. The day being fine, our congregation was very large, of which a goodly number was spectators, who witnessed our order with the deepest interest. H. S. BARTON FABIS, LEICESTERSHIRE.-On Lord's-day, March 21st, after a very excellent sermon by our junior minister, Mr. Holroyd, from Isaiah i., 12, thirteen persons were baptized; eleven of them have been scholars, and six are now teachers in our Sabbath school. Most of them are from the families of our members, six being grand-daughters of our venerable friend, Mr. Deacon. In the afternoon Mr. Bott preached an appropriate sermon from Deut. xxvi., 17, 19, and after a most solemn address to the newly baptized, gave them the right hand of fellowship, and administered the Lord's supper. The day being unusually fine, our spacious chapel was crowded on both occasions. I suppose, at Barton, so many have never before, at one time, sat down to the Lord's supper. All seemed to feel that the Saviour was present.

MILFORD. We have much pleasure in stating that, on April 4th, we had the happiness of baptising five dear friends, and of receiving two others into our fellowship who had been restored from a backsliding state. In January also we baptized three, and in March, two dear friends, making in all twelve recently added to our communion. It is gratifying too to say that we have every reason to hope that the Lord is graciously leading several others out from the world to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. R. B.

BERKHAMPSTEAD.-On Lord's-day, April 4th, after an appropriate sermon by our esteemed pastor, Rev. J. Lawton, six persons put on Christ by baptism, four males, and two females; and we are happy to state there are others respecting whom we have reason to hope. May they be faithful unto death, and receive a crown of glory.

NOTTINGHAM, BROAD STREET.-On Sabbath morning, April 11th, after a sermon by our minister, from John iii., 5., six friends made a public profession of their faith in Christ by being baptized in his name; and on the afternoon of the same day were received into the church. C. T. B. SPALDING.-On Lord's-day, January 3rd, six persons were baptized and added to the church; and on Lord's-day, April 11th, eight more were baptized, and in the afternoon they were received into the church in the usual way, our pastor giving to each the right hand of fellowship. It is worthy of note, that in this addition there were two whole households, and yet there were no children; so much for the vaunted argument used by our Pædo Baptist friends, viz., that necessarily there were children, where households are mentioned in the scriptures. Our minister preached a sermon before baptising from the words, "Buy the truth and sell it not." The large chapel was crowded in every part, and the number at the ordinance of the Lord's supper was unprecedented. We rejoice to know that good is doing, and that many of our hearers are not far from the kingdom of God. W. WHITE.

BEESTON.-On Lord's-day, April 11th, our minister preached to a crowded audience, after which he baptized ten believers (all females) in the name of the Holy Trinity, and in the evening they were received into the fellowship of the church. Seven of these were scholars, and two teachers, in the Sabbath school. May they continue faithful unto death, and receive a crown of life. T. N.

ANNIVERSARIES.

CLARENCE STREET CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL.-The fifty-third anniversary of the above school was commemorated on Good Friday by a tea meeting, which, notwithstanding the very unfavourable state of the weather, was most numerously attended. The chair was taken by the Rev. G. Arnott, in the absence of the Rev. E. H. Burton, the pastor of the church, and the meeting was addressed by several gentlemen, including the superintendent, secretary, and teachers connected with the school. Mr. Arnott was compelled to leave at an early stage of the proceedings, but his place was ably supplied by Mr. John Warn, who presided over the remaining business of the evening. The report is a very satisfactory one; it appears there are at present in the school 32 teachers, 12 males and 20 females, and the number of children on the books is 284, namely-128 boys and 156 girls. The average attendance on Sunday afternoon is exceedingly encouraging, being 25 teachers and 210 children. The financial affairs are also in a healthy state, for notwithstanding £75 10s. has been paid for a piece of land adjoining the school room for the purpose of enlarging it to meet its increasing requirements, the debt remaining unpaid does not amount to £8. Other expenses are, however, inevitable, the enlargement of the school-room, &c., therefore, the liberality of friends favourable to such truly christian institutions as Sunday schools will have an opportunity of assisting the funds of this very well conducted establishment.— Portsmouth Times.

GOSBERTON.-On Sunday, March 21st, 1858, two excellent sermons were preached in the Baptist chapel by Mr. Harper Twelvetrees, of Boston, in aid of the fund of the College at Nottingham. Collections, £3 2s. 83. T. G. L. BEESTON. We held our Sabbath school anniversary services on Lord's-day, April 4th, when two sermons were preached, in the morning and evening by S. Foster, Esq., of Mansfield, and another in the afternoon by the Rev. J. Matheson, of Nottingham. All the services were well attended, and in the afternoon and evening crowded. Our collections amounted to the liberal sum of £14, being in advance of our collections on similar occasions for some past years. T. N.

BIRCHCLIFFE, Hebden Bridge.—On Friday, April 2nd, we held our annual tea meeting. Many felt it good to be there. Interesting addresses were delivered by Messrs. Shackleton, Lister, Brearly, Staniforth, of Sheffield, Rev. T. Horsfield, and the minister of the place. The union of heart and effort, which has long, by divine grace, distinguished us, was fully exemplified on the occasion. The entire proceeds, together with collections and subscriptions, amounting to upwards of £56, were applied to the reduction of the debt on the minister's house and vestries. RE-OPENING SERVICES in connection with the ancient General Baptist chapel, Boat Yard, Ramsgate. The above chapel having been closed for the purpose of being repaired and improved, was re-opened on Lord's-day, April 11th, 1858, when two sermons were preached, that in the morning by Joseph Parker, the minister of the chapel, and that in the afternoon by the Rev. J. Brook, Particular Baptist, of Broadstairs; and on Tuesday evening, 13th inst., a social tea meeting was held in the Effingham Hall, in connection with the above services, when a goodly number sat down to tea, and at seven o'clock the friends adjourned to the chapel, when the Rev. A. Powell, of St. Peters (Particular Baptist), preached. The minister and friends are thankful to be able to state that they have a little house of prayer (in our own connexion) in this fashionable town, which they would not be ashamed for any of their brethren from town or country to see.

CLARENCE STREET, PORTSEA.-The annual sermons on behalf of the debt remaining upon this chapel were preached on Sunday morning, April 11th, and on Wednesday evening, April the 14th; the former by the Rev. Thomas Cousins, of King Street chapel, (formerly Mr. Griffins) and the latter by the Rev. Howard Hinton, of London. The services were of a very pleasing and profitable kind, and the collections, without donations or subscriptions, amounted to £11. 17s, REMOVALS, &c.

REV. J. F. STEVENSON, B.A., has accepted an invitation to Mansfield Road, Nottingham, and has entered on his new sphere of labour.

REV. W. GRAY, of Ripley, has accepted and entered on the pastorate of the General Baptist church, Ashby and Packington.

REV. J. STAPLES, late of Measham, has accepted an invitation to Long Sutton, Lincolnshire.

REV. W. JONES, late pastor of the Particular Baptist church, Derby Road, Nottingham, has accepted an invitation to the General Baptist church, Sacheverel, Street Derby, and commences his ministry in May.

Rev. J. DUNN of Bradford has accepted a call to the G. B. church at Leake, &c. The REV. E. PRICE (late of Forest Row, Sussex), having received an unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the General Baptist church, at Union Place, Longford, near Coventry, has accepted the same, and began his labours there on Sunday the 18th of April.

PRESENT TO REV. W. BAILEY.

The teachers of the Sabbath School, Woodhouse Eaves, presented to the Rev. W. Bailey a beautiful dressing case on the evening before leaving for India, as a testimonial of their esteem and christian affection, he having preached their school sermons on his arrival in England, 1845, and again on his leaving for India, in 1857. The following is a copy of his reply to them :-

Cuttack, India, January 2nd, 1858.

To the Teachers of the G. B. Sabbath School, Woodhouse Eaves.-My very dear friends, Circumstances over which I had no control have prevented me earlier writing to thank you for your very kind and handsome present. A few days ago I took it out of the box where it had been carefully packed, and on looking at its contents and inscription, was forcibly carried back to the time when brethren Prichard, Preston and Beardsmore placed it before me in my own father's house, at Woodhouse. Since I have been engaged as a missionary, I have received many presents, but yours is the first testimonial I ever was honoured to receive; you wished me to have something that would be useful, but I shall prize it too much to make frequent use of it. I shall prefer placing it amongst my treasures, and shall be proud to tell my own loved children, and those rescued from heathenism, that it came from the teachers of the school where I was once a scholar where I spent some of the happiest days of my life. I cannot mention the names of all the contributors, but to all, from the largest to the smallest, convey my warmest thanks, and best wishes. It was a great privilege to meet with you again. When I left England for the first time, I never expected to revisit the scenes of my childhood and youth, and never thought to have the honour of preaching your anniversary sermons. I can never forget the crowded audiences we had on both occasions, and the deep feeling that was manifest. May it be seen in future days that the sermons then delivered were not in vain.

I feel a difficulty in saying more; I should, however, desire to encourage you all in your work of faith and labour of love. I am aware that the school is not so large as it once was, still there is much room for labour and zeal. To have the care of 80 children, who for the most part receive but little instruction on the week-day, is certainly a responsible task. You may not be able to do all that you could wish, but you may do much by perseverance and prayer to form the character of those committed to your care. The instruction you communicate can never be lost. On my way to India, on the Agamemnon, I conversed freely with a number of soldiers who had been connected with Sabbath schools in Yorkshire, and though some of them had been reckless and wicked, yet they were free to confess that they were never insensible to the instructions received in early days. I am quite sure that it is utterly impossible, either for minister, or Sabbath school teacher, to tell during his life-time how much good he may have effected. Go on, then, dear brethren, and God, even our own God, shall bless you, and make you a blessing.

In conclusion, I would exhort you to encourage the children to think of the hundreds and millions of deluded idolaters in this unhappy country, and as one, who was once a scholar, is now engaged as a teacher in India, induce them to give

a little towards sending them the gospel of Christ. I would commend you all to the gentle care of Him who gathereth the lambs in His arms. May He keep you, and help you. Live to Him, and He will recompense you at the resurrection of the just. I am, yours faithfully, W. BAILEY.

WILLINGTON NEW CHAPEL.

ON Good Friday, April 2nd, 1858, the foundation stone of a new General Baptist Chapel was laid by Mr. Wm. Gregory, of Derby. Arrangements had been made with the Midland Railway Company for a special train from Derby to Willington. The train, upon its arrival, was welcomed by a large concourse of friends interested in the ceremony.

A procession was immediately formed, headed by the village preachers, followed by the teachers and scholars of the Sunday School, the members of the church, and friends from a distance. In this order they reached the site of the intended chapel. A hymn having been given out by Mr. Walklate and sung, the Rev. John Stevenson, A.M., of Derby, offered a solemn and appropriate prayer. Mr. GREGORY then proceeded to lay the foundation stone, amidst the excitement of a large assembly, who, notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather, remained until the close of the proceedings. Afterwards Mr. Gregory delivered an interesting address, which will be long remembered by those who were privileged to hear it. In the course of his address he said:-For some years past, a number of us who take an especial interest in the General Baptist cause at Willington, have anticipated this day with great pleasure. We have for some years past been in the habit of meeting in this place on Good Friday, to enjoy social friendship and strengthen each other's faith; but if past Good Fridays have yielded a large amount of happiness, how much more does the meeting of to-day yield, when we have met to lay the foundation stone of a new House of Prayer! am gratified to meet with friends from other denominations, as their presence gives favour to our object, and shows that they are moved by the great law of love. The building to be erected is for the use of the New Connexion of General Baptists. This section of the Church of Christ was formed A.D. 1770, and consisted of churches numbering 1,221 members. It was in the year 1789 that Mr. Dan. Taylor preached in Willow-row, Derby, which resulted in the formation of the first General Baptist Church in Derby, in the year 1791. It was not until the year 1826 that the Brook-street Church attempted the formation of a branch station at Willington. The young men who then commenced preaching met with a cordial reception at the house of the late Mr. Stephen Chambersthat house also serving as a place of worship. These preachers continued to worship in humble cottages for ten or twelve years, after which a sort of stable was taken, and altered into the place of worship we now occupy. But now we have bought, and to-day we consecrate, a piece of ground upon which we intend to build a house for the worship of God. The chapel will not be a barn, it will not be a palace; it will not be grand, it will not lack convenience and comfort. Its exterior may not command admiration, but like all other such buildings, it will be one of the most important in the world. In these houses we teach no sham, we aim not to ruin. We have a higher object than science, or history, or business, or politics. These are things of a short day-the day of life-which will be forgotten in a little while. The men who will preach in this place are simple-minded men, not overdone with either native talent or learning; but they will be men who, having received the Spirit of the Lord, sit at the Master's feet to learn from Him the things they should set before the people. The doctrines to be taught in this place are drawn from the Holy Bible, and are inserted in the title deeds of the place of worship to be built here. They are,-The Divine Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures the fallen and sinful nature of man-that man can be justified by faith in the Lord Jesus-the obligation of the moral law and the necessity of holiness-the regeneration of the soul of man by the influence of the Holy Spirit the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He made a full atonement