Sayfadaki görseller
PDF
ePub

EXPLANATION.

"The shaded part of the map, including 30 degrees on each side the equator, represents the countries suitable for the growth of sugar, so far as climate is concerned.

“The parts entirely black represent the colony of Demerara, &c. on the Continent of South America, the Island of Jamaica, and the West India Islands, under the British flag; and are the countries to which we are at present confined for the supply of sugar, except by paying higher duties on that article from other quarters. "The part horizontally shaded includes nearly the whole of Africa, from which we are prevented obtaining sugar by the devastating effects of the slave trade, and also by prohibitions for the support of slavery in the West Indies.

"The diagonal shading represents Hindostan, from which our trade in sugar is restricted and limited by high duties. "The perpendicular shading (covering nearly the whole of the Continent of South America, the whole of Mexico, Arabia, China, New Holland, the Indian Archipelago, other islands, &c.) represents the large extent of territory from which we can derive no sugar, owing to prohibitory duties.

"All these duties and prohibitions, restricting or prohibiting us from trade in sugar with those vast territories, and consequently from the advantages of a proportionate increase in the consumption of British manufactures, to an extent that would give employment to the destitute population of Ireland and Great Britain, -all are imposed for the exclusive protection and support of slave cultivation in the West Indian colonies; colonies which form but insignificant specks in the map, in point of extent, as indeed they are insignificant and inadequate with reference to the prospective increase of commerce commensurate with the unrestricted operations of British capital, enterprise, and industry."

The following extract is from a paper circulated by the Committee, dated 9th of February, 1825, in answer to numerous applications addressed to them for their opinion on the propriety of abstaining from the use of sugar raised by slaves: "The Committee believe it to be in the power of the friends of emancipation, by giving direct encouragement to the increased production of sugar by free labour; in no long time so to lower the cost of the article, as to make it the clear interest, not only of the whole population of the United Kingdom, but of all Europe; to give a preference to such sugar, and thus to lead them, of themselves and

[ocr errors]

spontaneously, to contribute their assistance in depriving the existing system of slavery, in the Foreign as well as in the British colonies, of its main support; and thus also to put a final period to the Slave Trade, which, to the indelible disgrace of certain European powers, and in contempt of their solemn engagements, still prevail under their flags on the coast of Africa."

CRUELTY OF THE SLAVE TRADE.

EXTRACT from the "Royal Gazette and Sierre Leone Advertiser; Freetown, Saturday, Nov. 20. 1824."

"The French slave-trade has lately most considerably increased in the rivers Bonny and Old Calabar. Several new vessels have arrived, and many laden with full cargoes of human victims have left under the white flag, and manned by Frenchmen, although the capital embarked is ostensibly Spanish. In order that our readers may judge of the barbarity and want of feeling evinced by these subjects of an enlightened nation, which publicly disavows such horrible and infamous conduct, we desire to make known that Le Louis, commanded by one Oiseau, on completing her cargo of slaves in the Old Calabar a few weeks since, without the slightest spark of humanity in him, thrust the whole of these unfortunate beings between decks, (a height of only three feet,) and closed the hatches for the night. When morning made its appearance, fifty of the poor sufferers had paid the debt of nature, owing to the confined, diseased, and putrid atmosphere they were condemned to respire! The wretch coolly ordered the bodies of these miserable victims of his total want of human feeling, to be thrown into the river, and immediately proceeded on shore to complete his execrable cargo by fresh purchases of his fellow-creatures. To detail all the information we have received relative to the enormities committed by these dealers in human flesh, who feel they are protected by the nation they claim, and the flag they hoist, would horrify any but slave-dealers, who seem naturally callous to every feeling which ennobles mankind: suffice it to say, they are heart-rending, and would disgrace the most unenlightened savage.”

Formation of a New Church at

Bradford, Yorkshire.

THE Confined limits of our work have prevented us till now from inserting this long,

but interesting account of the formation of the new church at Bradford. In these transactions, we discover how dissenting churches might be "multiplied;" if their ministers and members walked "in the fear of the Lord and the comforts of the Holy Ghost." The conduct of Dr. Steadman, and his people, furnish an exemplary instance of Christian zeal, creditable to themselves, and worthy of being universally imitated. SIR,

THE pages of your miscellany recorded, a few months since, the opening of a new chapel in Bradford, Yorkshire. It may be gratifying to some of your readers, to be informed of the measures which have since been adopted, in pursuance of the original design of its erection. And, as there are some peculiarities connected with this case of rather an interesting nature, perhaps a more detailed account than is usual may not be deemed super

fluous.

On Wednesday, October 27, 1824, a public meeting was held in the above chapel, for the purpose of forming a church and recognizing a pastor. The Rev. J. Acworth, M. A. of Leeds, read the scriptures and prayed. The Rev. I. Birt of Manchester then stated the object of the meeting, and explained the nature of a gospel church; after which, at his request, the following application to the original church for a dismission, was read. "To the baptized church of Jesus Christ meeting in Westgate, Bradford, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Steadman, grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you abundantly through

our Lord Jesus Christ:

"DEAR BRETHREN, -The period is now arrived to which we have all been looking forward with the greatest interest. God has heard our prayers for the increase and prosperity of this church, and has said to us, in a manner very distinct and intelligible, 'Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtain of thine habitation.' We have seen the population of this town and neighbourhood rapidly increase, the labours of our pastor greatly blessed, our numbers, as a church, greatly augmented, and our place of worship filled. Impressed with a sense of duty to do something more for the eternal welfare of our fellow-creatures and fellow townsmen, to attempt something farther for the extension of our Redeemer's kingdom, we have, with the assistance of many valuable friends, erected another place of worship. We have seen the foundation laid, and the top stone brought forth, with gratitude; and on the 5th of May last, the

place was publicly opened for divine worship under very favourable auspices; since which time, the word has been regularly and acceptably dispensed by our esteemed brother, B. Godwin, to a very interesting congregation, a great propor tion of which are young people, many of whom have voluntarily come forward to assist in teaching the children in the Sunday school, of whom there are already upwards of two hundred. The blessing of God has, we trust, attended the ministry of the gospel; several are enquiring the way to Zion, and some are ready to make a public profession of the Saviour's name. Since it has been unanimously resolved by our brethren that it is desirable that a church be formed in our new place of worship, we, the undersigned members, who have, for the most part, regularly attended there since its opening; have, after serious derequest our dismission from you to form liberation and earnest prayer, agreed to a new church, that we may, with greater effect, pursue the important object we have in view. In making this request we have no doubt, but the desire is equally felt both by you and us to remain, as we always have been, closely united in the bonds of brotherly affection. The cause in which we are engaged is the same, our object is the same, though dis. tinct as societies, we shall, we trust, ever feel one in heart; nor can we see a connection dissolved which has been productive of so much happiness and spiritual advantage, without expressing our warmour beloved pastor, est affection for whose zeal and disinterestedness throughout the whole business, have only increased our regard. It is, also, a cause of unspeakable satisfaction to us, that every step of the procedure has been marked by so complete an unanimity of opinion and feeling, and so fervent a spirit of prayer. We conclude, by making our request, that we whose names are undersigned, may be dismissed from the church, in order, with all convenient speed, to form a new church in the place of worship lately erected in Bridge-street, Bradford. And now, brethren, allow us to request your continued supplications, that the presence and blessings of our God may ever be with us, that we may be steadfast, immoveable, always abound. ing in the work of the Lord, that the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation."

(Signed by twenty-three members.) Vestry, Sion Chapel, Bradford, September

30, 1824.

After which, the dismission was read as follows. "To their beloved brethren

and sisters above mentioned. The church of Jesus Christ baptized upon a profession of faith, assembling in Westgate, in the town of Bradford, in the county of York, sends Christian salutation:

VERY DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS, "In compliance with your request signified in your letter now before us, we hereby dismiss you from our communion, with a view to accomplish the object specified in your application to us-that of forming a Baptist Church, which shall assemble for divine worship at the newly erected place in Bridge-street, in this town; an object which lies as near our hearts, as it does near to yours. And we take this opportunity of expressing our most decided, and most cordial approbation of all the steps that have been taken, from the commencement of the undertaking in which you are engaged, both in the erection of the building, and in all the subsequent measures pursued, where by the undertaking has been conducted to its present stage.

We desire to tender our service, and our warmest thanksgivings to our Lord and yours, that he has condescended to succeed and to honour us to such a degree, as to make us the means of planting another church in this increasingly populots town, founded on those principles, which, we are fully persuaded, are most conformable to his mind and will. Instead, therefore, of feeling regret, we dismiss you with joy; and, instead of our esteem and affection towards you being lessened, we feel them increased, by your embarking so zealously in a cause from which so much honour is likely to redound to our adorable Redeemer; and so much good to accrue to our immortal

fellow-creatures.

We are gratified with the expressions of your love and esteem for us, and our pastor; and we assure you of the continuance of our regard for you. We hope we shall ever feel a lively interest in your welfare; shall always sympathize with you in your trials; and shall be ready at all times to render every assistance in our power, when such an assistance may be needed. Though two churches, we trust that, by the grace of God, we shall ever be one in heart and in design, and always co-operate with the greatest cheerfulness in whatever may contribute to our mutual good, and to the advancement in the world of the kingdom of our adorable, our common, our much-loved Lord. We desire, also, to express our thankfulness, that God has provided you with a pastor, in the person of our beloved brother Godwin, whose labours have proved so acceptable among you, and

VOL. XV11.

before whom such encouraging prospects of usefulness open; and we earnestly pray, that he may be enabled to labour successfully for years to come, and that you may ever profit by his ministry, and esteem him highly in love for his work's sake. And now, brethren, we commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. Pray for us, and rest assured, that we shall ever pray for you. And remain, beloved brethren and sisters,

Yours in our common Lord,

Signed by the pastor and members, at our church meeting, Oct. 10, 1824."

The dismission of Mr. and Mrs. Godwin from the church at Great Missenden,' Bucks. was also read. The persons who were about to unite in church-fellowship, all sitting together in the table-pew, then rose up, at Mr. Birt's request, to signify their intentions, and, having given each other the right hand of fellowship, were church. One of the members, on behalf then recognized as a distinct Christian of the rest, then declared their unanimous choice of Bro. Godwin, to be their Pastor, who signified his acceptance of their invitation. The Rev. J. Trickett, of Bramley, then implored a blessing on the union which had taken place. And after singing, the Rev. Dr. Steadman preached from Acts xii. 24. The Rev. J. Allison of Idle, then concluded in prayer.

In the evening, public service was commenced by singing; after which, the Rev. w. Bottomley, of Bingley, engaged in prayer. Dr. Steadman then delivered an address on the office of deacons, and the choice of three persons to that office was signified by one of the members on behalf of the church. After which, prayer was offered by Dr. Steadman, with imposition of hands. The Rev. J. Mann, M. A. of Shipley, then preached from Micah iv. 1,2; and Mr. Godwin closed by prayer the interesting services of a day which will long be remembered.

Since the above period, the church has and the school have increased: ten have gone on prosperously. The congregation been added by baptism, and several more are expected.

The most undiminished harmony subsists between them and the church from which they sprang; which is likely, in a little time, to have as many additions as will equal the number of those who have been dismissed.

Both churches rejoice in the prosperity of Zion, and unite in devoutly acknowledging that "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.”

Σ

CASE OF DISTRESS. A Menonite Baptist Minister from Prussia, the Rev. Benjamin Jantz, in peculiarly distressing circumstances, is now in London, who is come to England for the purpose of soliciting some pecuniary assistance from such of our friends as have the means of relieving so interesting a people as the Menonites.

This case comes well recommended, not only from the people with which he is immediately connected, but from other respectable persons on the Continent, who are willing and disposed to assist him to the utmost of their power, in conjunction with the friends in England.

gate of the subscriptions will warrant ;
and, as a considerable number of cases
mittee are particularly desirous that those
have already been presented, the Com-
Christian friends who favour the design,
would signify the amount of their in-
tended subscriptions as soon as possible
to the Secretary, Rev. James Hargreaves,
6, Fen court, or to any member of the
Committee. It is very probable that,
notwithstanding the anxiety of the Com-
mittee to circulate their addresses as
generally as possible among the contri-
butors, some names may have been unin-
tentionally omitted, in which case a line,
as above, would be esteemed an addi-
tional favour, and all information respect-
ing the Society promptly furnished. It
is hoped that a statement of the Cases
assisted in April, will be inserted in your
Magazine for June.
Feb. 14, 1825.

J. H.

Mr. Jantz expected, on coming to Eng. land, to meet with the Rev. W. H. Angas, with whom he became acquainted, in Mr. Angas's late tour among the Menonite Baptists, who, no doubt, would have espoused his cause, to introduce his distressing case to the religious public at large; but Mr. Angas is recently returned to the Continent; he has been written to Loss of a valuable Manuscript of the on the subject, and a reply is every day expected, which reply is deemed desirable previously to any application being made on behalf of Mr. J..

This valuable and useful labourer in the Lord's vineyard has been a gratuitous pastor for fifteen years, of a poor flock, consisting of nearly two hundred members over which the great Head of the Church has made him overseer.

He has been engaged in trade to a considerable extent, for the maintenance of his family, and the assistance of his people; but the depressed state of property and trade in Prussia has been the cause of his losses, and consequent distress of his family, and many of his pastoral charge.

Mr. Jantz labours under the great disadvantage of not being able to speak the English language.

London Baptist Building Fund.

To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. DEAR SIR,

Many of your readers will be gratified to learn, that the London Baptist Build. ing Fund meets with very general encouragement. Though the Committee have not yet ascertained the result of many of their applications, and find it, indeed, a matter of considerable difficulty to procure an accurate list of those friends who have been usually contributors to Country Cases, yet the amount of subscriptions already is nearly £800. According to the rules of the Society, a quarterly distribution will be made in April next, to such amount as the aggre

late Rev. A. Fuller.

By the late fire at Bristol, which consumed the printing-office of Mr. J. Fuller, we regret to learn, that a manuscript written by his late revered father, containing Expository Remarks on the Book of Job, was destroyed: as also 100 Volumes of his printed works. Nearly the whole edition, too, of Dr. Ryland's Manual, entitled "Christianæ Militiæ Viaticum," and a new edition of the Sermons of the late Rev. Mr. Toller. Mr. Fuller was insured to nearly the extent of his pecuniary loss; but the loss of the manuscript, which he had intended to publish, is irreparable.

ORDINATIONS, &c.

CUBBERLEY, NEAR CHELTENHAM.

On the of 29th August, 1823, a small Meeting-house, for divine worship, was opened, and the Rev. Messrs. Brown and Jenkyn Thomas, of Cheltenham; and White of Cirencester, preached to numerous congregations.

The gospel was first introduced to this village by Mr. Thomas Davis, a laborious itinerant, under peculiar circumstances. An individual in London sent him a parcel of tracts, with an injunction that they should not be distributed in any of the villages where he had previously distributed tracts; this induced him to explore Cubberley, about five miles from his abode, and he went with exhortations from house to house with his

tracts. The following week, two or three persons came from Cubberley to a neigh bouring village, where Mr. Davis preached. The number increased in the following weeks; and, at length they asked him to preach at their village. This he agreed to do, and after a few months, a kind individual offered a piece of freehold land for a meeting-house; and another offered to make the conveyance and trustdeed gratuitously: as there were symptoms of good being done, and as there was a populous neighbourhood, it was accepted; and Mr. Davis undertook the erection of a meeting-house. The place cost altogether about £180, of which the sum of £21 17s. 6d. only now remains unpaid; and, as our esteemed friend Davis has travelled several hundred miles already, the friends confidently hope, by this appeal to a benevolent public, that his useful time may be spared from again travelling to get up the remainder, as he must necessarily go to a considerable distance; and as he preaches in five dark villages, great part of them must be destitute whilst he is absent.

Subscriptions will be thankfully received by the Rev. John Brown, and the Rev. Jenkyn Thomas, Cheltenham; the Rev. D. White, Cirencester; Mr. T. P. Ross, Attorney, Chalford Hill; Thomas Thompson, Esq. Brixton Hill; or Mr. Ross, Attorney, No. 3, New Inn, or at Hammersmith.

[blocks in formation]

ON November 4, 1824, Mr. C. Morrell was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Malton, Yorkshire. Mr. M'Pherson, of Hull, commenced the services by reading and prayer; Mr. Harness, of Burlington, stated the nature of a gospel church, asked, of the church and their minister, the usual questions, and received their answers. Dr. Steadman, of Bradford, offered up the ordination prayer, and delivered an affectionate charge, from 2 Tim. iv. 5: Mr. Normanton, of Driffield, concluded with prayer. The services of the afternoon were commenced by Mr. Hithersay, of Hunmanby; Mr. Thonger, of Hull, preached to the church from 1 Thess. iii. 8; and Mr. Foster, of Scarborough, concluded: Dr. Steadman preached again in the evening. The Baptist interest at Malton is yet in its infancy. The agents of the Itinerant Society, a few years ago, perceiving the supply of the means of grace to be vastly disproportionate to the number of inhabitants, commenced their exertions in this place, which, attended with the blessing

of God, have resulted in the formation of this interest. The church is yet small, but is receiving frequent additions. In connection with the above services, a new Chapel was opened for divine worship, which is well attended. After the most strenuous local exertions, a considerable debt yet remains, for the liquidation of which an appeal must be made to the benevolence of the religious public.

Ordination of the Rer. B. Fuller, at

Harston, Cambridgeshire.

MR. B. Fuller, late student of the Bristol Education Society, was, on Thursday, November 11th, 1824, publicly recognized as the pastor of the Baptist Church at Harston, Cambridgeshire.

Mr. Drake, of Cambridge, commenced the interesting services of the day by reading and prayer; Mr. Compton, of Isleham, gave a concise and judicious account of a Christian church, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Fuller's confession of faith; Mr. Hopkins, of Linton, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Edmonds, of Cambridge, gave a very affectionate and most impressive charge. Mr. Wilkinson, of Walden, addressed the people with much affection and ardour; Mr. Pepper, of Melbourn, gave out the hymns; Mr. Pyne, of Duxford, concluded by prayer; and Mr. Thodey, of Cambridge, preached in the evening of the day.

The services of the day were highly interesting and profitable; many, we believe, felt it good to wait upon the Lord. be long remembered by all who were May the solemn engagements of the day

present.

ANDOVER, HANTS.

ON the 29th December, 1824, a new Meeting-house was opened for the use of the Baptist Church in Andover, Hants. On this occasion, sermons were preached by Messrs. Saffery, of Salisbury; Hinton, of Reading; and Saunders, of Frome; the devotional exercises being conducted by Messrs. Burnett, of Lockerly; Coxhead, of Winchester; Yarnold and George, of Romsey; Welch, of Newbury: Russell, of Broughton; and Davies, of Whitchurch. The services were well attended, and the collections amounted to £40. After several years of cherished desire and fervent prayer, this church was formed January 12, 1824, with the assistance of the Rev. Philip Davies, of Whitchurch. The offer of an eligible situation, has induced them to build a plain, sub

« ÖncekiDevam »