expected, gave him such a sudden jerk, that it injured the spinal marrow; and when he came to his father's door, he had totally lost the use of his lower extremities. He was lifted from the saddle, and laid on that bed which was destined to prove to him the bed of death, and there he had leisure to reflect on his ways. It was when in this situation, I was asked to visit him, and he then discovered the deepest solicitude about the things that belong to his eternal peace. He eagerly listened to the representation that was given him of the evil of sin, its dreadful consequences, and the ground of hope to the guilty. He seemed much impressed with a sense of his need of pardoning mercy, and thankfully to receive it in the way that God hath revealed. Many parts of the conversations I had with him, have now escaped my recollection, but some of his expressions I shall not easily forget. On one occasion, when referring to his past life, and finding himself, at the time I visited him, unable to attend public worship, he exclaimed, "Oh, what would I give now for some of those Sabbaths which I formerly treated with contempt!" He seemed deeply to feel and to deplore his guilt, in having so heinously misimproved the precious opportunities of waiting on the public ordinances of religion, which, in the day of health, he had enjoyed; while, on another occasion, he expressed his sense of the infinite importance of the gospel. I suggested to him the propriety of his mentioning to his thoughtless companions, when they called upon him, the light in which his former life now appeared to him. He told me, in reply, that though he would be most happy to do so, he had no opportunity; that his former companions had now quite deserted him; that if they called at all, it was merely to enquire about his health, but that they seemed quite uneasy while they remained, and would not spend even a few minutes in his company. Ah, what a picture of the friendship of the world! It possesses no ingredients which can furnish a topic of consolation in the day of adversity. It was in reference, however, to this subject, and to the hope that, though he had no access to his former associates, his history might prove useful to them, that he uttered the last expression I shall quote. With an ardour and an emphasis which I cannot describe, he said, at one of the last interviews I had with him, "I earnestly pray that I may be a warning to them that forget God." May this solemn and affecting exclamation of a young man, on the bed of sickness and of death, be fastened on the recollection of every young reader, that, instead of forgetting God, he may remember his Creator in the days of his youth, and be found, in the season of youth and of health, supremely valuing that gospel which alone can give solid happiness in life, comfort in affliction, and peace in death.-Rev. W. Innes.

THE REVELATION OF CHRIST.-This began very early, even in Paradise. There the Sun of Righteousness dawned, and from thence shone more and more unto the per

perfect day. He was announced as the seed of the woman, and the bruiser of the serpent's head. Then, as the seed of Abraham, in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. Then, as the Shiloh of Judah, to whom the gathering of the people should be. Then, as the Son of David, and his Lord. Of him, Moses, in the law, and the Prophets did write. He was held forth not only in words, but in types. He was seen in Moses as a prophet, in Aaron as a priest, in Joshua as a conqueror, in Solomon as the prince of peace, in Jonah as dying and rising again. Every bleeding sacrifice expressed him as an offering for sin the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock, as the bread and water of life; the tabernacle and temple, as the residence of the divinity, in whom dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. exhibition of him may be likened unto a perfect portraiture of a most distinguished and endeared personage, at full length, rolled up on the side of a room, and which the owner gradually opens to the beholders, till the whole figure stands disclosed. So God gradually revealed the Desire of all nations, while his delighted and wondering church exclaimed, "He is fairer than the children of men," "yea, he is altogether lovely."-Jay.

The

He

THE DANGER OF ENDEAVOURING TO EFFACE EARLY RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS.-I was. present, said a worthy minister of the gospel, on an occasion which introduced this subject, I was present where an instance of this kind made a painful and indelible impression on my memory. An accomplished and amiable young woman in the town of, had been deeply affected by a sense of her spiritual danger. She was the only child of a fond and affectionate parent. The deep depression which accompanied her discovery of guilt and depravity, awakened all the jealousies of the father. dreaded the loss of that sprightliness and vivacity which constituted the life of his domestic circle. He was startled by the answers which his questions elicited, while he foresaw, or thought he foresaw, an encroachment on the hitherto unbroken tranquillity of a deceived heart. Efforts were made to remove the cause of disquietude; but they were such efforts as unsanctified wisdom directed. The bible, at last-oh, how little may a parent know the far reaching of the deed, when he snatches the Word of Life from the hand of a child-the bible and other books of religion, were removed from her possession; and their place was supplied by works of fiction. An excursion of pleasure was proposed, and declined. An offer of gayer amusement shared the same fate. Promises, remonstrances, and threatenings followed. But the father's infatuated perseverance at last brought compliance. Alas, how little may a parent be aware that he is decking his offspring with the fillets of death, and leading to the sacrifice, like a follower of Moloch! The end was accomplished. All thoughts of piety, and all concern for the immortal future, vanished

together. But oh, how, in less than a year, was the gaudy deception exploded! The fascinating and gay L- M- was prostrated by a fever that bade defiance to medical skill. The approach of death was unequivocal; and the countenance of every attendant fell, as if they had heard the flight of his arrow. I see, even now, that look directed to the father, by the dying martyr of folly. The glazing eye was dim in hopelessness; and yet there seemed a something in its expiring rays, that told reproof, and tenderness, and terror in the same glance. And that voice-its tone was decided, but sepulchral still-"My father! Last year I would have sought the Redeemer. Fath-er -your child is"-Eternity heard the remainder of the sentence; for it was not uttered in time. The wretched survivor now saw before him the fruit of a disorder whose seeds had been sown when his delighted look followed the steps of his idol in the maze of a dance. Oh, how often, when I have witnessed the earthly wisdom of a parent banishing the thoughts of eternity, have I dwelt on that expression which seemed the last reflection from a season of

departed hope, "Last year I would have sought the Redeemer !"-Rev. W. Innes.

OUR TENDENCY TO OVERLOOK COMMON MERCIES. I remember hearing this propensity happily illustrated, in conversation with that excellent man, the late Rev. C. Simeon, by the following anecdote. I do not recollect whether it occurs in that interesting and instructive account of his life, by the Rev. William Carus; but it well deserves a place here, as suggesting a useful hint both to old and young :-A pious father and his son breakfasted together, and as each had occasion to ride in opposite directions in the forenoon, they did not meet again till dinner. When they met, the first exclamation of the son was, "Oh, father, what causes of thankfulness I have. My horse came down twice, and I am altogether unhurt." "Ah, but," replied the father, "do you know, George, I have still greater cause of thankfulness." "Oh, father, what was it that happened ?" "Do you know I have ridden as far as you have done, and my horse never tripped." This anecdote Mr. Simeon told in his own lively and characteristic style. It carries its own application with it.

THE BAPTIST MISSION.

All our readers may not be aware, that at the last annual meeting of our Missionary Society, a most important change in its constitution was proposed and received with general approbation,-though it was properly deemed both desirable and accordant with the rules, to make no such fundamental change without a year's notice. At present, the qualification for membership is pecuniary only 10s. 6d. a year giving the subscriber a vote. There is nothing in the constitution to hinder unconverted men from being on the Committee, though practically such an evil neither has occurred nor is likely to do

so.

The leading idea of the proposed constitution is, that the Mission should be composed of such churches as support it. That it should be a society of churches for sending the gospel to the heathen, and not of subscribers of money merely. It is justly conceived, that this is a more scriptural and spiritual arrangement than the old one. It may be hoped, too, that it will infuse a fresh interest, on behalf of the Mission, into our churches. But how can the end be best attained ? The churches associated for missionary work must, of course, choose an executive to carry out their objects,this, it is suggested, may be done by delegates from the churches, assembling annually to elect a committee. However, the proposers of the new plan only wish the whole subject to be thoroughly considered by the denomination, before the next April meeting. Let it be done in the best christian spirit. The idea is the very reverse of

the proposal of Incorporation, its object being to spiritualize, as much as possible, the management of the Society. It has our most hearty concurrence; but we shall be quite ready to insert the views of any who may differ from us, if expressed in a christian spirit.

We confess that we had, with many others, long regretted the growing tendency to the mechanical in the arrangements of all our Societies. We had long been thinking (while most cordially co-operating with our existing Missionary Society's plans), that the best mode for awakening a just interest in Missionary work, would be for each church, or union of churches, as their pecuniary means enabled them, to send their missionaries to this spot or that, as Providence led them; hoping that the concentration of attention on their own missionary, known of course to them, and their own chosen spot of labour, would call forth interest, prayer, and contributions, in proportion to the speciality of the case. are therefore much pleased to see a proposal of the same tendency, on the whole, thus made and received.

We

On the 29th of May, we were happy to witness the unanimity and cordiality with which it was received by the ministers and messengers of the Yorkshire churches, assembled at Sheffield.

Mr. Angus has resigned the Secretaryship of the Baptist Mission, in consequence of an invitation to take the theological tutorship of Stepney college, which it is

presumed, therefore, he intends to accept. Dr. Murch is at present the tutor pro tempore The question of choosing another Secretary, or a travelling and a resident Secretary also, is now afresh in the clearest form before the denomination. Time cannot well be lost; and the question, both as to the number of Secretaries, and the person or persons for the post, is very important. It should command the immediate and prayerful attention of the churches. The Committee have also requested Mr. Angus and Mr. E. B. Underhill, the late editor of The Record, to go as a deputation to India, to investigate fully the state of our Mission there. It is to be hoped that Mr. Angus's relations with Stepney will not deprive the Mission of his invaluable help in India. We understand, that half the expense at least will be provided for by the generosity of a liberal friend to the Society.

THE REV. G. SAMPLE.

We have been requested to insert the following extract of a letter to the Rev. G. Sample, which has been addressed to him by the ministers and messengers at the recent Meeting of the Northern Association. We would only express an earnest hope that the prayer of the letter may be answered:

"We deeply regret, dear brother, that you were not in circumstances to allow your being present with us this year. Your long and painful illness has given us much sincere sorrow. We regret not only that you were absent from our Meetings, and that we were deprived of your valuable counsel this Annual Session, but that you have had so many silent Sabbaths through the severity of your affliction. This, we well know, must have been to your mind a very trying circumstance. Silence in a work that you have given so much evidence that you dearly love, must have been to you a very painful matter. Your restoration to health, in some degree at least, must, however, have thrown a ray of pleasing hope into your mind, that you may abide and continue with us all yet for a season, for our furtherance and joy of faith. It is with the greatest pleasure that we express it. that such a hope has filled our hearts with no ordinary joy. May our prayers, and the prayers of all those who love you-and there are not a few-be graciously heard and answered with regard to their and our ardent expectation. May your course on earth be greatly extended; and when that course is at length brought to a close, may you meet your endeared heavenly Master with the pleasing plaudit on his lips, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'

"We have been forcibly struck with the altered appearance of our ministerial brethren. How many have been removed;some have resigned their charges amongst us; others have been removed, we trust, to a better world; very few indeed were with us this year who were our companions a comparatively few years ago. May the circumstance be sanctified to the good of us

all; and may you, dear brother, amid all the infirmities of nature, continue to enjoy the sympathy and presence of the Master whom you have long loved and served." THE CHRISTIAN MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY. TO THE MEMBERS AND DEACONS OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

Dear Brethren,

We would briefly invite your attention to the claims of the Christian Provident Society. Full particulars may be obtained, and every requisite information for establishing local branches, by application to the chief office, 11, Chatham-Place, New-Bridge-Street, Blackfriars, London. We confine ourselves, therefore, to a cordial and earnest recommendation of the Society to all benevolent and intelligent Christians. Dissenters have certainly neglected too much social institutions of this kind. Their piety and charity have been so largely taxed for the support of their ministers, chapels, and pious poor, that they have not generally given due attention to Benefit Societies of a self-supporting kind. Churchmen, indeed, in many places reproach us unjustly with not doing our part towards public charities. Unjustly, we say, because they affirm themselves to be the respectable (i. e., according to a churchman's notion of respectability, the wealthier,) portion of society; and not only so, but though the wealthier, they pay for their worship out of our pockets. Hence we feel it very unkind of those who are so niggardly towards the worship of their God, as to save their own money, and impoverish us to pay for it, to turn round and upbraid us because they give a little, of what they save at our expense, to public charities!! But this admirable society is self-supporting. It encourages the working man, the tradesman, and the mechanic, to save. It gives him not so much charity as justice. He is indebted, indeed, to his richer friends for their gratuitous attention to the business, but not for their money. Its tables are perfectly safe. All public-house meetings, feasts, regalia, and extravagancies of every kind are forbidden. The money is none of it wasted. It is entirely unsectarian. The designation Christian applies not to any creed, but to its Christian management. No merely local society can afford the security which a national one does. repeat, therefore, our earnest request to our brethren to seek immediately the information, which will be cheerfully given.

We

THE EDITORS.

YOUNG MEN'S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION. We have received from the Secretary of the above Association, a copy of a Circular addressed to the Pastors and SundaySchool Teachers of Baptist Churches, suggesting the formation of Juvenile Missionary Auxiliaries, in connexion with Sunday-schools and the young persons in our congregations. We have much sympathy with this effort, not only as furnishing material assistance to the mission, but as cherishing a missionary spirit in the minds of the young. The regulations submitted

by the Committee, strike us as very suitable. We should be glad, did our space allow it, to insert them at length; but we have no doubt that a copy will be gladly furnished by the Secretary, Mr. J. E. Tressider, 33, Moorgate-Street, London.

BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION SOCIETY.

We are sorry to see, from a circular just issued by the Committee of the above Society, that, owing to their repeated appeals for pecuniary aid not having been met by an adequate response, its operations are likely to be discontinued. Since its commencement in January, 1845, ten students have completed their allotted term; eight of whom, are either settled as pastors, or have the expectation of being so, where they are now supplying. "It has thus been proved," say the Committee, "by an experiment, necessarily conducted on a very limited scale, that the plan is good and has been eminently successful." They have, therefore, resolved to make one more, and probably their last, appeal to the denomination. We shall be glad to hear that the Committee have succeeded in preserving, and rendering permanent, the advantages of the institution.

WEEKLY TRACT SOCIETY.

The first annual public meeting of this society was held on the 25th of April, at the Hall of Commerce, Threadneedle-St. D. W. Wise, Esq. in the chair. The report was read by the Rev. W. H. Elliott, the secretary, which contained instances of usefulness resulting from the operations of the society, and stated that the receipts for the year amounted to £242 17s. 9d., and the expenditure to £237 14s. 2d., leaving a balance in hand of £5 3s. 7d. Upwards of 70,000 tracts had been distributed, in addition to handbills. The chairman, as well as all the speakers, urged the importance. and utility of such an institution, and most strongly recommended it to the sympathies of the meeting, and the public at large. The various resolutions were moved and seconded by the Revs. John Bigwood, Dr. Jenkyn, W. Bevan, Joshua Russell, F. Woodman, and W. Tyler.

THE REGIUM DONUM.

This State bribe, consisting of the annual grant of some £1,700, has again been offered to the Dissenters of Great Britain, and voted among the Estimates, notwithstanding the protests of many members in the House of Commons in the name of the Dissenters at large. It is thus, by condescending to receive a sop in the pan for some person or persons unknown, that Dr. Rees practically contradicts the statements of all truehearted Dissenters throughout the land, where alone they can be made with effect. Who will furnish us with the names of the Dr.'s clients?

STEPNEY CHAPEL, LYNN. ENTIRE EXTINCTION OF DEBT.

Important and interesting services have just been held at Lyan, the result of which

has been the payment of the entire cost of every thing connected with the erection of Stepney Chapel. Sermons were preached on Lord's-day, June 10th, by the Revs. J. Aldis and Mr. Tindall; and on Wednesday the 13th, by the Revs. C. Elven and J. Sherman. On the morning of Thursday, forty or fifty friends breakfasted together, and were subsequently addressed by the Revs. J. Sherman, C. Elven, and others. In the evening, a very large company assembled to tea. G. Ovenden, Esq. of London, having been voted to the chair, the Rev. J.T. Wigner, the esteemed pastor, stated, that the entire amount expended in erecting, painting, and subsequently repairing the chapel (with interest of monies) was £2,829; the remaining amount of which the series of services, now concluded, had entirely cleared off.

Two neighbouring brethren having addressed the meeting, Mr. Kerkham, one of the deacons, rose, and, through the chairman, presented the pastor with a gold lever watch and chain; immediately after which, Mr. Baker, another deacon, in like manner, presented to Mrs. Wigner an elegant skeleton time-piece. Mr. Wigner acknowledged the first, and Mr. Elven, on behalf of Mrs. Wigner, the second present.

These tokens of gratitude and regard were accompanied by a double memorial engrossed on parchment, expressing the ardent love borne by the Finance Committee, the church, and congregation, to Mr. and Mrs. Wigner; and the sincere and growing appreciation cherished by all, of the devoted exertions made by the pastor and his valued partner, both for the great blessing just obtained, and the general welfare of the public. Addresses were then given by the brethren Pike, of Wisbeach; J. Reed, and W. Hardcastle, (Wesleyan Association), of Lynn; W. Harcourt, of Sutton; T. Dawbam, and G. Greaves, Esqs. &c.

SECOND BAPTIST CHAPEL, Leeds.

We have much pleasure in directing the attention of our readers, the more wealthy of them especially, to an advertisement on our last page, respecting a new Baptist chapel proposed to be erected in Leeds. We have been favoured with a sight of the plan upon which it is intended to erect the new building. It will be a neat and elegant structure, and, though the amount to be expended is not large, will do credit to the denomination. We are sure our readers will agree with us, that it is a matter of deep regret that in a town like Leeds, there should be but one Baptist chapel, and will rejoice that this defect is likely to be soon remedied. Any assistance which our friends may be disposed to render, will be thankfully received by the gentlemen named in the advertisement, or we shall ourselves be glad to be the medium of its transmission. We perceive that Dr. Acworth, the esteemed president of Horton college, has allowed his name to be published as recommending the case, and as willing to receive subscriptions.