The annual meeting was held in King Street chapel, Bristol, on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of May, Mr. G. H. Davis presiding. Mr. Middleditch of Frome was rechosen secretary. A circular letter on "The Apostolic Constitution regarding the Oversight of the Churches," written by Mr. Middleditch, senior, was adopted. Messrs. Manning and Thomas preached. Grants were made to the ministers and churches at Wells and at Weston-super-Mare. Resolutions of local interest were passed, and also the following: "That this meeting recognizes in the principles of voluntary Christianity the most effectual safeguard of civil and religious liberty; and therefore affectionately presses on the members of our churches: "The importance of cultivating an enlightened and enlarged acquaintance with the history and principles of nonconformity.' "The imperative duty of employing their influence to diffuse the knowledge of these principles, especially among the young in their own families and immediate circles. "The support of such publications as supply a cheap and intelligent advocacy of the political and the elective franchise, if secured, and the duty of lawfully and constitutionally obtaining and using it, if not already possessed. "The practical exemplification of their principles uniformly and fearlessly, so that the masses around who have been deeply prejudiced against Christianity, by the corruptions and abuses to which it has been subjected, may learn that it is not only a system of redeeming mercy, but that it is man's best prepara tion for the discharge of every social duty, and that he who is most devoted to the Saviour is the truest friend to the present, as well as to the eternal interests of his fellow men.' Stalybridge ...............J. Ash. Tottlebank .............T. Taylor. The annual meeting was held at Ashton religious rights of all classes of our fellow subjects. under-Lyne, May 30th and 31st, 1849, Mr. "The conscientious and unfettered exercise of Dawson was chosen moderator, and Mr. The annual meeting was held on the 5th and 6th of June at Cirencester. Mr. Darkin was chosen moderator, and Mr. Bliss secretary. The association sermon was preached by Mr. Bryan. A Circular Letter prepared by Mr. Blakeman on "Human Accountability," was approved and ordered to be printed. It was resolved, "That this meeting regards with interest the movement in favour of Arbitration instead of War,' and would recommend the churches of this association to endeavour to excite attention to the subject in their several localities." Crowborough ...........J. Mose. Added in 1849. Lessness Heath .........J. Blake. The annual meeting was held at Hadlow on the 5th and 6th of June. Mr. Baldock was chosen moderator, and Mr. Pope requested to continue his services as secretary. Sermons were delivered by Messrs. Slim and Mose. A Circular Letter drawn up by Mr. Jones on "The Portentous Signs of the Times," was received and ordered to be printed. The following resolutions were passed : -- "That this association recommends to the churches the 'Primitive Church Magazine,' and approves of the objects of the Strict Baptist Convention, and the Baptist Tract Society. "That for the future this association be called the Kent and Sussex Association, (leaving out the word New.)" Statistics. NEW CHURCH. In the month of October, 1847, Mr. Thorne, supervisor of inland revenue, having been appointed over the north-east district of Scotland, came to reside in the village of Longside. Being joined by his family in the beginning of the year 1848, and tasting again the sweets of domestic life, he, like the patriarchs of old, erected an altar to his God. During Mr. Thorne's short stay in Longside, he discovered, in a few instances, a desire among the people to converse on religious subjects, while many around were resting satisfied with a bare attention to the outward forms of religion. Anxious to fan the flame of love to Christ where it had already been kindled, and to be instrumental in quickening those who were dead in sin, he invited a few of his neighbours to his house one Lord's day evening, to unite with him while attending to family worship. Encouraged by the apparent interest they took in the exercises, he invited them to continue, at the same time informing them that he would be happy to meet with as many more as might feel disposed to come. The result was that on future evenings of the sacred day of rest a goodly number came together pretty regularly. Mr. Thorne, who for several years had preached the gospel in England and Wales, feeling his soul stirred within him, conferred not with flesh and blood, but straightway began to preach Christ unto them; his first address was from that interesting portion of God's word contained in Acts viii. 5-8; and the striking coincidence between Philip's going down to Samaria and Mr. Thorne's coming down to Longside, gave to the meeting an interest which cannot be expressed, but which was deeply felt by many present. After this, Mr. T. continued from sabbath to sabbath, in his own house, to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ to his fellow men, for their salvation,-exhibiting Jesus in all his dignity and glory, as well as in his great condescension, in becoming bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, that he might be fitted to suffer, bleed, and die, the just in the room of the unjust, that the vilest of the vile who believe on him might obtain pardon and eternal life. Whilst thus exhibiting the grace of God and the love of Christ, that sinners might be drawn by the cords of love, he neglected not to warn them of their danger, and urge them, with earnestness and affection, to flee from the wrath to come; showing them their responsibility, and urging upon them that it was their immediate duty to believe and be saved. A number of those who attended Mr. Thorne's ministrations at first gradually withdrew from circumstances of a local nature which it is needless to state; but their places were soon filled up by others, so that in general the attendance has on the whole been good. Those who were under concern about their souls were invited by Mr. Thorne to converse with him; and his house and heart were ever open to receive them. A few embraced the various opportunities given them of conversing with Mr. Thorne and others on the things that related to their present and eternal weal; and it was found that, by the blessing of God on the preaching of the gospel, conviction had been produced, minds enlightened, duties discovered, hearts changed, peace obtained, and some expressed their willingness to follow Christ through good and through bad report. But the question naturally arose, how were they to enjoy the fulness of the blessings of the gospel in Christian fellowship? There was no church in the vicinity with which they could now conscientiously unite; for they saw it to be their duty to put on Christ by baptism, and to join with those only who professed to be united by faith to him. There were in the surrounding district a few isolated baptists, who had long sighed for a church with which to cast in their lot; but hitherto they had no leader. Now the Lord seemed to appear in their behalf; and Mr. Thorne and those baptists who attended his services, after much consultation and prayer, resolved to form themselves into a church. Accordingly on the 11th of February of the present year, 1849, eight persons surrounded the table of the Lord, and it is hoped that they enjoyed the presence of the Master of the feast. The church, hearing that the Rev. W. Arthur of Edinburgh was soon to be in Aberdeen, requested him to visit them. Mr. Arthur most readily complied, and along with some other friends came to Longside on the second sabbath of May. As there were six candidates for baptism, Mr. Arthur intended to preach in the open air; but the morning being rainy, the services were held in the place of meeting, where a clear and scriptural view of the nature and subjects of baptism was given to an attentive audience; after which Mr. Arthur and the people repaired to the side of a small rivulet that runs through the village; and after singing portions of two hymns, &c., the six persons already referred to were baptized by Mr. Arthur in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, in the presence of a large concourse of people. In the forenoon the church "came together to break bread," when Mr. Arthur preached an excellent sermon from Ephesians v. 18, "But be filled with the Spirit." He preached again in the afternoon a very appropriate sermon, Mr. Thorne assisting him in the devotional exercises. In the evening, the members of the church met Mr. Arthur and other friends from a distance, who suggested to them the propriety of a formal organization, and the appointment of one of their number to take the oversight of them in the Lord, and one at least to fill the deacon's office. The church agreeing to the proposal, Mr. Arthur, who presided, read suitable portions of scripture, showing the qualifications of a bishop, or overseer, and called upon the church to signify the choice which it was understood they had already made. Every eye was turned to Mr. Thorne, and every heart responded to the proposal that he would undertake the duties of the pastorate; to which, expressing his dependence on divine aid, he gave his consent. After suitable portions of scripture were read relating to the office of deacon, Mr. G. Rennie was chosen to that department, and he also accepted office. Mr. Arthur then gave out a hymn, and supplicated the great Head of the church to give his blessing; after which another friend gave a short but very appropriate address to the church in reference to their privileges, pointing out the peculiarities of the congregational form of church polity, showing its scriptural character, and its superiority to episcopacy on the one hand, and presbyterianism on the other. May the dew of heaven descend on the members of this little church, that peace may be within its walls, and prosperity within its bulwarks. attend our brother Pottenger in his new station, the importance of which is great, and the need of a divine blessing to render his evangelical labours successful most urgent. BIDEFORD. On Monday July 9th, after a most delightful social tea-meeting, at which about two hundred persons sat down, Mr. B. Arthur of Bath was ordained to the pastoral office over the baptist church Bideford, North Devon. Mr. Ball of Appledore read the hymns; Mr. Beaton, independent minister of Bideford, read the scriptures and prayed; Mr. Winter of Bristol gave a short statement in reference to a gospel church, and put the usual questions; Mr. Thompson of Great Torrington offered up the ordination prayer; after which Mr. Winter gave a solemn and affectionate charge, first to the pastor and then to the church from Heb. xiii. 22, "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation," and closed the service with prayer. The attendance was very numerous, and it is hoped that the delightful feeling then produced will not soon be forgotten. ORDINATIONS. AYLSHAM, Norfolk. On Thursday, June 7, services were held in the baptist chapel Aylsham, in connection with the ordination of Mr. John Upton from Waltham Abbey to the pastoral office over the church assembling in that place; when Mr. Bane of Downham Market, having described the nature of a gospel church and stated the principles of dissent, proposed some questions to the minister and people which were responded to in appropriate answers; Mr. Spurgeon of Neatshead received the minister's confession of faith; Mr. Keen of Worstead delivered the charge to the pastor, and Mr. Venimore of Ingham preached to the church. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by Messrs. Groser of Blakeney, Roberts of Oulton, Dawson of Buxton, and Smith of Foulsham. May the connection thus formed be lasting and beneficial to both minister and people! NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. We are informed that our friend the Rev. G. Sample, who has laboured at New Court and Tuthill Stairs chapels upwards of thirty years, has been compelled to resign the duties of the pastoral office on account of an entire and unlooked-for prostration of his strength, and a consequent inability to serve the church of which he was the pastor. His resignation took place on the 11th of March last, and he is happily succeeded by the Rev. T. Pottenger, late of Islington Green. Our best wishes DARLINGTON. The Rev. J. Fyfe of Shotley Bridge has accepted the unanimous invitation of the baptist church at Darlington to become their pastor, and intends to enter upon his labours there in August. ELDON STREET, LONDON. Rev. B. Williams, late of Liverpool and formerly of the Tabernacle, Merthyr, Glamorganshire, having accepted the unanimous invitation of the church meeting at Eldon Street, will commence his pastoral labours (D.V.) on Lord's day the 12th of August. LESSNESS HEATH. Tuesday, May 29th, the ordination of Mr. J. H. Blake took place in the baptist chapel, Lessness Heath, Kent. In the morning, Mr. Wallis of Bexley Heath read and prayed; after which Mr. W. B. Bowes preached. In the afternoon Mr. Box of Woolwich read and prayed; Mr. W. B. Overbury stated the nature of a gospel church; Mr. W. A. Blake asked the usual questions, received the confession of faith, and offered the ordination prayer with laying on of hands; Mr. W. H. Bonner delivered a solemn and impressive charge from the words, "Take care of the church of God." In the evening Mr. John Box of Woolwich gave an address to the church and congregation. The services of the day were well attended. Died, June 21, 1849, at Long Crendon, Bucks, in the 66th year of his age, the Rev. T. Terry. Mr. Terry commenced his ministry at Queenborough in Kent, and removing thence, was settled over the baptist church Princes Risborough, Bucks, July 27, 1820, where he continued pastor fourteen years. Mr. Terry was afterwards the pastor of a baptist church at Askett, and finished his mortal career at Long Crendon, having been recognized as pastor of the church in that village April 23, 1846. Deep affliction of body and mind preceded his departure. His remains were interred at Princes Risborough amidst numerous spectators. MISCELLANEA. PROFITS OF THE BAPTIST MAGAZINE. The half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of this magazine was held on the 20th of July, when the following sums were voted to widows of baptist ministers. The initials alone of each widow are given, with the name of the contributor by whom she was recommended. Recommended by G..........Shem Evans, J. Preece......... A..... 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 M.........B. Evans, R. Johnstone......... N.........B. Evans, G. H. Orchard 5 0 |