a ladies produced and sold articles both Sheffield. Cemetery-road Baptist Church and its Pastor.-The annual meeting of this church was held Jan 3rd, and besides being numerously attended, was of a very happy character, showing the excellent feeling subsisting between pastor, the Rev. H. Ashbery, and people, and their united concern for the advancement of the cause of Christ. One of the deacons, on rising to propose the passing of the treasurer's accounts, first turned to the minister and requested that he would withdraw for a short time, when it was proposed that a New Year's Gift be presented to him. The proposition was most cordially received by the meeting, and the amount suggested to be given was raised in a few minutes, the poor and those in better circumstances alike heartily contributing to it. An advancement of HEPTONSTALL-SLACK.-Our annual fes- Mr. Ashbery's salary was also proposed tivities have been once more celebrated. to the meeting, and carried with as much The memories they suggested were some- unanimity as the previous resolution. On what monitory and sorrowful. The loved Mr. Ashbery being recalled to the meetforms of many who sleep in Jesus were ing, and informed what had been done, he brought to our remembrance. As kindred expressed his grateful feelings for the in Christ our friends met at Broadstone generosity of the friends, assuring them and Nazelbottom, on the 25th of Decem- that useful as might be the material token ber, and at Slack on New Year's day. of their liberality, he would more highly The bountiful fare and the cordial greet-appreciate the united affection and prayerings at the festive board, combined with the general spirit and useful aim of the meetings afterwards, gave both pleasure and profit to all. May rolling years bear our spirits upwards to the high communion and unbroken fellowship of heaven! GOSBERTON. The members of the General Baptist Church were invited to meet their minister, the Rev. J. G. Jones, to tea on the last evening of the old year, when most of them attended. After tea Mr. Jones gave out a hymn, and offered a solemn prayer; after which the deacon, Mr. Richardson, came forward and addressed the friends; at the close he spoke a few words to the minister, and presented him with a small purse of eight pounds, as a New Year's Gift, from the Church and congregation. The meeting was then addressed by Messrs. Jones, Digby, and Long. Singing and prayer being offered at intervals by other friends. This is the first members' meeting we have had, but all felt it to be a blessed one, and declared, as far as they were concerned, it should not be the last. T. G. L. ful sympathy which he believed he in a MISCELLANEOUS. TESTIMONIAL.-At an interesting de- | votional meeting, on the evening of Dec. 21st, Mr. Smith, one of the deacons of the church, at March, read a very kind and friendly address to the minister, Mr. Jones, and in the name of the church and congregation, presented him with a handsome purse containing upwards of fifteen guineas, as a testimonial of esteem, had spent a delightful as well as a profitand affection. After a respectful acknow-able evening. ledgment of this tribute of regard by the minister, two other gentlemen made a few friendly observations; and, after repeated singing and prayer, the very agreeable meeting closed. GOSBERTON. The teachers of the General Baptist Sunday-school, invited the teachers of the other Dissenting Sunday-schools of the village to tea on Christmas-day, Dec. 25th, 1858, when most of them attended; after which the evening was spent in addresses by our minister, and the teachers of the different schools. At the close all declared they T. G. L. REV. G. STAPLES, formerly of Measham, having supplied the General Baptist Church, at Leake and Wimeswold for three months, has received and accepted a unanimous and cordial invitation to become the stated pastor. His labours commence with the current year. REV. JOSEPH TAYLOR, we regret to hear, has resigned his pastoral connexion with the church at Kegworth and Diseworth. REV. T. R. ELLIOTT, late of Hinckley and Market Harborough, is at present without an engagement, and is open to a call from any destitute church. Notes of the Month. ECCLESIASTICAL, As to the Church of England, the most important event of the month is the abollition of the services connected with three of the State holidays, viz., the 5th of November, or the gunpowder plot; the 30th of January, or the martyrdom of King Charles I; and the 29th of May, or the Restoration of King Charles II. How devout and enlightened churchmen could read and say these services without a feeling of intensest shame and confusion, we cannot conceive. To speak of James before God, as a "gracious sovereign"; of Charles I, as a model christian, and a martyr; of Charles II, as God's "anointed servant," whose recal to the throne of England demands the everlasting gratitude of all "churches of the saints," is more than most men, even tories of the purest water, can endure. The removal of these services, a concession to public feeling, was done by royal warrant, Jan. 17th, 1859. Henceforth they are not to be used in any episcopal place of worship, nor printed in the prayer-book. Their use will be illegal. The State church has been compelled, hitherto, to use these prayers; now it is bound, by the "act of uniformity," and its heavy penalties, not to pray and praise as heretofore. Statechurchism appears in this matter in its most pitiful position. It must pray and praise, not " as the Spirit, but as the State gives utterance!" The extraordinary services at St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, &c., continue well-attended. The expenses are great, and the Bishop of London asks the rich laity for subscriptions. He also proposes the union of some of the smaller parishes in London. The Bishop of Oxford denies that he ever avowed his belief in 'the seven sacraments." The Record en gages to prove the contrary if he will permit the publication of "private letters." The Bishop of Adelaide, Australia, has been requested by the Governor and other persons of rank to invite Mr. Binney to preach in the churches. The Bishop, though in advance of many at home in his liberality, feels that this is beyond his range. Church and State feeling remain in Australia, though the thing is at an end. The new Bishop of British Columbia proposes to take with him some twenty clergymen to that colony. The Independents, also, are making efforts to send ministers thither. The Russians, Americans, French and English, in their late treaties with China, have stipulated for the free profession of Christianity in the empire. Missionaries and converts are to be protected from all molestation. The French protestants have obtained, by deputation, a most gracious reception from the Emperor. He intimated that in future, he will hear their grievances himself, and not leave them in the hands of popish bishops and magistrates! The papers contain a fearful account of the martyrdom of a French bishop at Tonquin. Popery seems to be in extacies at the Prince of Wales being about to visit Rome to see its works of art. What if the Pope should, this year, find it needful once more to run away! The war impending may leave him without help. Cardinal Wiseman is ill. Diabetes, it is expected, will terminate his career. The Wesleyans are making progress in Australia. They are sending more missionaries to Africa. They are exceedingly indignant at the forcible establishment by the French of popish priests on their territories in the Friendly Islands. The establishment of "Havelock Scholarships by the Baptists, has already secured a subscription of £1,100; more money is wanted. Mr. Denham, of Serampore, has died. His death is a great loss to the Mission. He was returning to India, and fell ill in passing through Egypt, and died at Ceylon. Oct. 25th. His end was peace. The Baptist Herald regards the Queen's India proclamation with favour, though the editor wishes the part referring to religious usages had been clearer. No fears are cherished that this clause will receive any offensive interpretation. Church-rates have found a small party in Birmingham that memorialized Lord Derby in their favour. But a very overwhelming public meeting, presided over by the mayor, Sir John Ratcliffe, most enthusiastically condemned the hole and corner deputation, and the rates too. Church-rates are doomed in England. The present state of the law makes every parish in which they are levied, a scene of agitation. It is full time that "Robbery for Burnt Offering" should cease and determine. Mr. Spurgeon is to visit the United States in April, to collect for his new temple. He will do good. His nervous Saxon-English, and his fearless outspoken earnestness will be sure to procure him crowds of hearers. He will make some foes and many friends. GENERAL. REFORM meetings are being held in most large towns in England, preparatory to the meeting of Parliament, and Mr. Bright and his Reform Bill fill the public mind, and the newspapers with topics for discussion. The old Whigs praise the legislation since the Bill of 1832. They want little change, and fear the masses and the Ballot. Mr. Bright's plan is at length before the public. He would disfranchize all boroughs with less than 8,000 inhabitants. From that to 16,000 give one member; up to 25,000 leave as they are; thence to 54,000 give two members; from this to 127,000 three. Five new boroughs, with more than 310,000, to be divided into three Wards, to have two each Ward. Seven new boroughs to be created to have nine members amongst them. Some of the larger counties to have an increased number of members. The basis of the arrangement is population and taxation. The new arangement will abolish 130 seats, of which it will give 26 to the counties and 104 to the boroughs. The qualification for voting, in the counties to be £10 rental, and in the boroughs the payment of house-rates. The mode of voting to be by ballot. Thus he varies from Lord John Russell, who, in 1854, proposed to disfranchize 62 places and to give 41 extra members to the counties. What may be the Government provisions of course none can as yet tell. If they bid as high as a Conservative has lately done, Sir J. E. Wilmot, who stands for household suffrage, the disfranchisement of all towns with less than 1,000 houses; and, of the 64 vacancies thus created to give 42 to boroughs, 15 to counties, and 7 to unrepresented universities; they will go far towards securing public confidence. Mr. Roebuck, in his address to his constituents, intimates that the state of the continent rather than Reform, will chiefly occupy atttention in Parliament during the next session. The state of feeling in Italy, Lombardy, &c., is very excited. The King of Sardinia is making an alliance with France, by the marriage of Prince Napoleon with a daughter of Victor Emmanuel. Should France and Sardinia join the Lombardo-Venetians against the Austrians, for their liberation from hated tyranny, they may succeed, especially if Russia hangs threatening in the rear of Austria. The Hereditary states of Austria lie between the two largest and fairest portions of her empire, Hungary and Italy. Can soldiers, pressed from the provinces, be relied on in the day of battle? Austria, the most perfidious of monarchies, lies at the mercy of accidents. Meantime she has removed vast numbers of troops into Lombardy, and has taken possession of the small Duchies of Mantua and Modena, for purposes of protection; and her soldiers say they expect to invade the Sardinian territories. a Leaving Europe with its complications, it is worth while to look a moment to the East. Everywhere the insurgents are being suppressed, and many rebels have laid down their arms and accepted mercy. Tanta Topee, of Nana Sahib, still are at large. The "Queen of Oude" has published a counter proclamation, in which she exposes the bad faith of the English, their unrelentingness, and expresses her contempt for the Queen of England's reference to religion. It is a clever document, in some parts more easily condemned than refuted. The British Parliament will be opened by the Queen, Feb. 3rd. Before we again jot down our notes of the month we shall have heard and read more about politics both at home and abroad. Let us hope that England will not embroil herself in a European war. Our better policy will be to promote peace; and if the Italian states gain their independence, to acknowledge them at once. Italy will never be at rest under a German yoke. Missionary Observer. LETTER FROM REV. J. BUCKLEY. Cuttack, November 10th, 1858. DEAR BROTHER,-Again it devolves | noble, tender, and brilliant thoughts. upon me to furnish, for the information of your readers, a report of THE ORISSA MISSIONARY CONFERENCE, which was held at Cuttack, on the 25th of Oct., and several following days. It was held earlier than the time appointed for the convenience of dear friends, soon to be separated from us "for a season, in presence, not in heart." All our Missionary brethren now in the field were present, and we had the pleasure of welcoming amongst us two out of three of our American fellow labourers, the Rev. B. B. Smith, of Balasore, and the Rev. E. C. B. Hallam. This last named brother is the junior of their mission band. He was born in England, and left the dear old country when about thirteen years old. His father was a member, and, I believe, officer of our church at Cradeley Heath, and our young brother well remembers the name of Chamberlain, and has a lively recollection of Mr. Cheatle, as for some time before emigrating, the family resided at Birmingham. Damudar, in his own insinuating and impressive manner contrasted the views and feelings of the idolator and of the true believer in prospect of death and eternity. Kumbhoo made some suitable remarks on the necessity and importance of prayer for the gift of the Holy Ghost to render our work successful. The closing prayer was offered by Koma, and was one of the most comprehensive and fervent ever offered in the Oriya language. Such a service, conducted by native ministers, was felt to be in every view hopeful and encouraging. We cannot doubt that "the great things written in the law of God," which we have come to teach and preach in Orissa have taken deep root in the soil; and are persuaded that "after" our "decease" many will "have these things always in remembrance." Our separation will be unknown. I followed with an Oriya address on a kindred theme, founded on II Thes. ii., 1. How sweet to think of "our gathering together unto" Christ, when the service allotted to us here shall be finished. Another deeply interesting service which was held on Monday the 1st Nov. was THE ANNUAL COMMUNION SERVICE was a time of much emotion, being the last time the senior pastor of the church would meet the flock at the table of the Lord before his departure for England. minds were naturally led to think of our heavenly home. Mr. Stubbins delivered The PUBLIC SERVICES at this Conan English address on the contrast between ference were exceedingly well attended, our meetings and partings on earth, and our and were felt to be interesting and profit-meeting in that peaceful happy abode where able. The Oriya sermon was preached on Lord's-day afternoon, Oct. 24th, by Mr. Stubbins, on the mutual relation between Christ and his church, from Ephes. i., part of 22, 23-"And gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body." The attendance was very gratifying, and the discourse appropriate, and adapted to be useful. The English sermon was delivered in the evening by the writer of this letter from Rev. xiv., 6, to a larger congregation than we have had for many years on a similar occasion. The Native Missionary meeting was one of the most gratifying services of the kind we have ever had, and some friends thought that it was an improvement on the meeting of last year, which was a very delightful one. Mr. Stubbins presided, and Juggernath, from Berhampore, offered a suitable prayer. Ghuna Shyam then addressed us on the obligations of Hindoo Christians to seek the salvation of their own people, because they have received the Gospel from foreigners; and he did justice to this theme. Gunga Dhor spoke on the compassion and love of Christ, as showing us how tenderly we should feel for sinners; and gave utterance to some THE ORDINATION of three native Evangelists, Jugoo Roul, Paul, and Juggernath, from Berhampore. The service was commenced by Mr. Brooks reading select portions of scripture, after which Damudar offered prayer. The customary questions were asked with much propriety by Mr. Bailey, and the answers were listened to with deep feelings of thankfulness to God. In no former service of this kind in this heathen land has more of the presence of God been felt, or more encouraging and interesting statements made. I cannot, in this letter, enter into details which will, I trust, in some future communication, encourage the friends of the Mission; but one thing I noticed which I have observed on former occasions with interest. blesses the varied instrumentality employed by his servants. The tracts had excited God attention; the scriptures had not been read in vain; the sermons delivered in the chapel had been useful in impressing their minds; one of them referred with much feeling to the sermons of both our departed brethren. Moreover, the instruction imparted in the school (for both Jugoo and Paul were in the school) had been blessed of God. The lesson which this teaches is a very encouraging one to all faithful labourers. The great end we seek to accomplish is not achieved by one man, or by one set of means; the approval of the great Master rests on all self-denying and prayerful to it, and we must go on seeking "if by any means we may save some." The ordination prayer was offered by myself, the other missionaries uuiting in the imposition of hands; and thus closed a service which will long live in our recollection. In the interval between the morning and evening services, an interesting event of a very different character occurred. The Proclamation announcing the assumption by the Queen of the direct government of her Indian territories was read in four languages on the parade ground at Cuttack to an immense assemblage. We all testified our loyalty by attending, and by our hearty cheers for the Queen. After the excitement of such a scene-the parade of troops-the booming of cannon, and the interest manifested by the congregated thousands-all | were, I fear, less prepared than we might otherwise have been for the hallowed pleasures of the remaining service. The devotional exercises of the evening service were conducted by Sebo Patra, and the charge to the newly ordained was delivered by Mr. Stubbins from a well chosen text-II Tim. iv., 1 2, and contained, it is unneccessary to say, much suitable and important advice. Let all our friends pray that the blessing of the Lord may rest on the dear brethren who were thus set apart to "do the work of evangelists." Jugoo Roul is one of the ablest of our young ministers, and is also assistant teacher in the Academy. Paul is the first of those rescued from sacrifice, who has been devoted to the work of the ministry. Juggernath has good abilities, and will, I trust, make full proof of his ministry. He was related to the late Deenabundhoo, and was baptised by Mr. Wilkinson. The Conference was presided over by Mr. Bailey, and the business that required our attention was transacted with much christian feeling and unanimity. Balagi was restored to his position as a native preacher. He has been laid aside for several years, having suffered from a mental affliction. Inde Padhan, who has been employed for seven years past as a Colporteur on the funds of the American and Foreign Bible Society, was placed at the disposal of our Ameriçan brethren to be engaged as a native preacher. The examination of the two students, Dunai and Shem, was attended to, and was thought very creditable to their ability and application. They are very promising young men. May God raise up many more such; for our chief hope for Orissa rests under God on an efficient native ministry. Forty thousand tracts, of various kinds, were ordered to be printed, and among them were two new ones-" Come to Jesus," by Mr. Stubbins, and a selection of hymns on the love of Christ, Part III., by Makunda Das, a greatly gifted native poet. I feel thankful that God has given us such a poet, able to express those truths which are dear to all the churches of God, with so much elegance, sweetness, and unction. The completion of the Book of Psalms in Sanscrit and Oriya was thankfully recorded; but I am sorry to say that the last edition of the New Testament by Brother Sutton is entirely exhausted, and that we have not a single copy remaining to give either to a heathen or a native Christian. This is most deeply to be deplored, and has never, so far as I am aware, occurred before since the establishment of the Mission. It is some alleviation of this afflictive circumstance, that we have a large supply of the Gospels and Acts, as revised, ready for distribution; and also a good number of the Harmony of the Gospels; and to this it may be added, that all experienced missionaries know that the Gospels are much more readily understood than the Epistles; still it is to me very melancholy that we have not one copy of the most important port on of God's word to give to an enquirer, or to any of our school children, or native Christians! It was resolved to apply for help to the Bible Translation Society. Surely we shall obtain assistance soon. A letter was read from the secretary of the Christian Vernacular Education Society for India; and the secretary of Conference was directed to write in reply expressive of our hearty sympathy with the objects of this Society. It was also decided to propose to the Society the desirableness of establishing a training school at Cuttack for teachers. In prospect of Mr. Brooks taking his furlough next year, it appeared to the brethren, that the best arrangement that could be made to supply his place while absent, would be for Mr. Hill to remove to Cuttack, and take charge of the Printing Office; and this removal, it was felt, rendered necessary the removal of Mr. Goadby to Berhampore. Both the breth |