have seen.

Their countenances and complexion are quite English. Only one person did I see partially intoxicated since I came to the city. I was grieved, however, to see the shops nearly all open. I saw no business done, but the appearance was not in harmony with the Lord's-day.

We hire a conveyance and ride out to the judge's cottage. The distance might be five or six miles. The road is beautiful. On the right of the road is the Baltic; on the left, cottages and gardens, beyond which is the king's park, seven miles long. The judge's lady is an amiable womanspeaks English, and seemed happy in the midst of her little ones. We had a walk in the king's park, and enjoyed it very much. The judge took us to see a house standing upon an elevation in the park, to which the king sometimes invites his ministers. I was happy to find that this nobleman entertained correct views of religious liberty, and said, that as he sometimes dined with the king, he should feel very happy in doing all he could to secure the object of our visit to that country.

Perhaps Captain Young might think I was wickedly selfish; but I was pleased when he was not asked to remain; I could have sung and danced: I fear I rather provoked him by my gladness.

On our return to the city we were accompanied by the brother of the judge's lady. He said that his brother-in-law paid a tax of ten pounds, English, to the government on account of his title. On Thursday we left Copenhagen by train for Coseür. This is a small shipping town, containing a population of two thousand souls. The cholera was raging. There seemed a settled gloom resting on the place. During the three weeks previous to our arrival, out of the two thousand, one hundred and seventy-two had been struck down by this fearful disease. After dinner we walked through the town, but could not speak a word, either of warning or of comfort to a single individual.

We went on board the steamer, for Kiel. On the whole we had a comfortable passage, and at seven o'clock on Friday morning we went on shore at Kiel. This is a beautiful little town, and stands on a lovely inlet of the sea. We had about ten minutes to get to the train for Hamburgh. The country for many miles was like some of our richest English scenery. Late in the afternoon we reached Hamburgh. We took our luggage direct to the steamer for London, and then went and spent the evening at Mr. Oncken's.

Captain Young, as well as myself, were greatly cheered by the warm welcome of christian friends. Late on Friday night we went on board; the vessel was not to sail until the next morning, but we preferred sleeping on board.

Saturday was a lovely day, and every face seemed happy. I asked the captain if he would allow me to preach: he said, certainly, if I wished it. Early on Sabbath morning, the wind blew very strongly, and came round right against us. We had no service. Out of nearly thirty cabin passengers, we had nine at the breakfast table and seven to dinner. On Monday, at eleven o'clock, we reached London, all safe.

our home without one single

Mercy watched over us, and brought us to painful accident. I love England better than I ever did, and next to my beloved sovereign, I love the king of Prussia, Whatever some may say, I

believe he is a christian, and greatly desires to see christian love uniting every branch of the church of Christ.

For health and safety, to God be all the praise. No. 2, Peel Street, Nottingham,

November 12th, 1857.

Amen.

Correspondence.

THE ASSOCIATION CASE ON LITURGIES.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Magazine.

DEAR SIR, I have been very much surprised that the case from the Mansfield Road church to the Association respecting the use of a scriptural liturgy, should have produced so much alarm and consternation in the Connexion. There seems to be a great deal of misconception on the subject, and an amazing amount of ignorance, even amongst some of our oldest brethren, as to the constitution of our churches and their relation to the Association.

Our friend Stocks, in the September number, seems very much alarmed at the narrow escape we have had of being half turned over to the Church of England; supposing that if the Association had passed a resolution sanctioning the use of a liturgy all our churches would have been obliged to use it.

I should have thought, that having been a member of one of our churches so long, he would have known that each church is an independent association of christians, that the General Baptists do not recognize the right or power of any council or general assembly to regulate our faith or mode of worship, but that each church is an independent body, regulating its own affairs; so that if the Association had passed a resolution in favour of the use of a liturgy, it might not have been adopted by one of our churches.

From your correspondent in last month's Magazine it would appear that the church at Queenshead have been quite misinformed as to the object of the discussion. The SANCTION* of the Association was not asked for, and no resolution to that effect was proposed. If any church should think it right to adopt a liturgy, they can do so at any time without the sanction of the Association, neither need they be at all afraid of the "extreme disapprobation" of the church at Queenshead. I am no advocate for the use of a liturgy, but you will allow me to say, Mr. Editor, that we should be much better able to judge of the feeling of the denomination on this subject if the "pleas for," as well as the "protests against" were allowed to appear in the Magazine.

Nottingham.

I am, dear sir, yours truly,

G. B. TRUMAN.

ON THE CIRCULATION OF THE MAGAZINE.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Magazine.

DEAR SIR, Those of your readers who have attentively read the minutes of the last Association, will have observed one respecting the circulation of the General Baptist Magazine. As we are now fast approaching the end of the year, will you allow me to make a suggestion on this subject. That there should not be so many hundreds of copies sold as there are thousands of members belonging to the denomination, is surely sufficient to excite to action all who are not quite past feeling on denominational matters. A greatly enlarged circulation for 1858 may and ought to be secured. I know it is much easier to suggest plans than it is to secure their adoption. Might not however every church appoint a suitable agent for the sale of the periodical, and also elect a small but really active committee to co-operate with him in obtaining additional subscribers. By the adoption *CASE. The church in Mansfield Road desires the OPINION of the assembled brethren upon the desirableness of promoting an increased share on the part of the congregation in our devotional services by the aid of scriptural liturgies?

of this very simple and easy plan, the sale instead of 1600 would soon be 2500, or even more than 3000. Hoping that this or a better plan may be generally adopted, so as to secure the desired result, I am, dear sir,

Mountsorrel, November 7, 1857.

Yours truly,

JOHN RILEY.

P.S. It is very desirable to have it more extensively circulated among the teachers of our Sabbath schools.

ON RE-BAPTISM.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Magazine.

SIR,-Your querist asks if a Mormon of undoubted piety on joining a General Baptist church should be re-baptized. When I was minister at Macclesfield, an accepted candidate for church fellowship came to me and said that she had something which she felt it her duty to tell me. "What is it?" "I have been baptized." "Who baptized you ?" "The latter-day saints.' "Were you a member of their church ?" "No, sir." 'Did you never hear them preach ?" 'No, sir." "Did they not converse with you on the salvation of your soul ?" No, sir.' "Why did they baptize you ?" "To cure me of my fits." "Did they cure you ?" No, sir." Not believing her baptism a gospel ordinance, I baptized her.

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66

66

Yours truly,

G. MADDEYS.

Forncett, October 19th, 1857. [We think our brother "reasoned well." It is impossible to regard the ceremony referred to as christian baptism.-ED.]

ON THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF DEACONS.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Magazine.

DEAR SIR,-The subject of your querist, page 355, would doubtless have been better treated by some of your more able correspondents. I presumed it was in the absence of such my few remarks were permitted; and the desire earnestly to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints is my apology in offering the following sentiment; supported as it is, according to honest conviction, by the infallible word of God.

In your number for the present month, an officer tells us all the information he has on the subject is contained in the letter, page 390; may I then refer him to an article on this head in the General Baptist Repository, August 1832, page 295, and the circular letter addressed to the associated Baptist churches in the counties of Nottingham and Derby, 1845, which has reference also to the same topic. Other excellent works too, such as Dr. Vaughan's Lectures on the Corruptions of the Christian Church, might be read with profit in times of change like the present. But, to be still more perfect, the apostle James, chapter 1 verse 5, says If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God," and if "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," whence can we store our mind so well as by regard to our Lord's injunction, John v, 39. In the article of your querist however, it is complained that the annual election of deacons is not proved to be contrary to the teaching of the word of God, because on this point the scriptures are silent but are they ? and supposing they were, what numerous instances of absurdity have been introduced by different religious bodies, with no other argument for their support than what they call the silence of Scripture. But on the point in question the scriptures are not silent; they give a precedent, they show how to elect our deacons, and as we humbly submit, teach that "Our Lord spake his last parting words prospectively," and we think also, they apply to an appointment

made after his ascension; and not to the acts of the apostles only, but to us, in our own time, "For a thousand years in his sight are but as yesterday." Hence we have his beautiful language, John xv, 4, "Abide in me," &c. Now it is quite clear the apostles did abide in him, and the close approximation to the divine example of their Lord may account for the success of their labours, and be a reason why, in choosing their first deacons, they chose the perfect number, seven, that being used in scripture as a number of perfection. And now, if churches would abide in him, how would their life show a transformation to his divine likeness, and no altered circumstances could forbid its not only being an exact counterpart, but a fac simile of its glorious head. For "God created man in his own image," and when "He shall appear we shall be like him."

But your querist, an officer, tells us this annual practice is "adopted in a respectable General Baptist church." Now what the connexional feeling may be, I of course know not, but I happen to know two churches who have tried this scheme: one is within the last few years, and the other has since then, I believe, become almost extinct. I happened to be in their chapel a short time ago, and found it occupied by a section of the Methodists: and your Minutes too would prove it to have a name, but to be dead. Others may have "swerved, substituting the inventions of men;" but to the honour of the General Baptists, as a body, be it said, they "deem it wisest, and the safest, and, in fact, the only authorized course to pursue, to take the written word of God as the rule of faith and practice; and not to depart from the excellent way it indicates to follow any inventions of their own."* And they have been satisfied " that annual, or other periodical election would introduce a greater evil than it could possibly avoid." Much might be said upon the character and qualifications of these heavenly instructed men, but in me it would be out of place. With reference to polygamy, however, I may say that though it did exist in primitive times, it found no countenance in the apostles; they were men "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom," holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. But the exhortation of the inspired writer was highly needful, lest in the days of ignorance any impure practice should find its way into the church. We read that whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Be it ours then to be careful not to pervert scripture by not taking heed thereto." I am, dear sir,

66

Bulwell, November 13, 1857.

Yours faithfully,

JAMES GOODSON.

. APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE CHURCH AT BELPER.

To the Editor of the General Baptist Magazine.

DEAR SIR,-As a Christian Church, we have long felt that our position, our influence, and our success, were far below what they ought to be both in our neighbourhood and in the Connextion. The only course we could adopt in order to elevate our position, and promote and secure that influence and success which are so very desirable, was to obtain a suitable Minister. This has long been our conviction; and often has it been the subject of our thoughts, our conversations, and our prayers; but having ascertained our resources, we felt unequal to a Minister's adequate maintenance. Thus the efforts we have put forth from time to time have failed. At Christmas last we determined, however, to make another effort, and we invited Mr. W. Shakespeare, then a student in the Academy, to spend the Christmas week amongst us, and preach for us the Lord's-day preceding, and also the Lord's-day following, Christmas-day. On Christmas-day we had a tea meeting for the furtherance of our object, which was numerously attended, and at which a considerable sum was realized. From this time Mr. Shakespeare having

*Minutes of the Congregational Union, 1841, folio 36.

signified his determination not to listen to a call from any church until he had completed the usual term of study, we invited him to serve us once a month, and then to stay with us during the midsummer vacation. The labours of our young friend during this period were so well received, notwithstanding the low state of his health, that the whole church came forward with one voice to request that he be invited for twelve months,-Cheerfully offering at the same time, even beyond their ability, to increase their contributions for his maintenance. We invited him at Michaelmas last to serve us for the time mentioned, relying at the same time on some help from the North Derbyshire Conference.

We are now happy to state that the favourable reception our young friend met with has continued to grow and strengthen to the present time; our congregations are very much improved, and we have several applications for pews and sittings beyond the accommodation we possess, and though we still feel ourselves inadequate to his comfortable maintenance, yet trusting to the blessing of the Great Head of the Church in our attempts to establish and carry on His own cause, we fear not but He will raise up friends to help us now we are trying to help ourselves. In this confidence we feel disposed to take up the language of Holy Writ, and say, in reference to every difficulty, "Who art thou, O great mountain ?" and our prayer shall be, "That before our Zerubbabel it may become a plain.'

Belper, we may state, has a population of about 11,000 inhabitants. Our average attendance on Sunday evenings shews an increase of from 60 to 100 since our young friend came amongst us, and if our friends would kindly help us for a year or two, we do not doubt that our chapel, which will seat from four to five hundred, will be filled, and we shall be able to maintain our position without foreign aid, and do much more for our denominational institutions. Any contributions, however small, will be thankfully received by our treasurer, Mr. James Tomlinson, Chapel Street, Belper. Trusting this appeal will be responded to by some of our friends, I am, dear Sir,

In the behalf of the Church,

Yours truly,

JOHN TAYLOR.

HOLBEACH.

[The following extract from a letter by Br. I. Stubbins, will be read with interest.]

"MY DEAR BROTHER COTTON,-Your letter of the 16th of April came safely to hand a few days ago, and was, I assure you, most welcome. I cannot however but regret that you should speak in such high terms of the little I was enabled to send you. It is a source of real pleasure to do anything for Him who has redeemed us to God with his own blood, and therefore requires no thanks, nor indeed merits any. And this is especially the case when it is in connection with a place in which one feels a deep interest as I do in Holbeach. I often wonder how it is men do not feel that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and do not under the influence of that feeling cultivate a more enlarged spirit of liberality. Poor creatures, they are to be pitied! When called to die, how much will they take away with them? Alas, for all their hoarded treasure then! They did little or no good with it while they lived, and when they die it will perhaps be squandered away by those who will not thank them for it, and who might have been much better without it. Do, my brother, give my earnest christian love to all your dear friends at Holbeach, &c., and tell them my sincere hope and prayer are that they will now make a prayerful, united, and determined effort to remove every fraction of their debt. Let them ponder well that text"How much owest thou to my Lord?" Is there anything of all they have that they have not received from him? If so, let them withhold every penny of it as not belonging to him. Let them put it aside as their own property, with which God has nothing to do. O let them think how soon he could bring them down by wasting disease, or scatter their treasures by countless losses, or