that "Godliness is profitable 99 as to this life, as it qualifies man for its duties, by rectifying his attitude," by "increasing his fitness" to discharge them; by "elevating his motives," by "providing a resource in trial," and by "preparing him to quit the present scene." Those readers who are acquainted with the nerve and good sense of Mr. Hinton's writings, will not require our commendation of the tracts before us; and to those who are not, we sincerely commend their perusal. Mr. Chew's pamphlets have already had our hearty commendation. He has taken, what appears to us, the only right course with Mr. Holyoake, shewing that his writings are full of contradictions, and therefore that both he and his teachings are utterly unworthy of confidence. WATER FROM THE WELL-SPRING, for the Sabbath hours of afflicted believers: being a complete course of morning and evening meditations for every Sunday in the year. By EDWARD HENRY BICKERSTETH, M.A., CORRESPONDENCE. REPLY TO A QUERY ON PRAYER., the house of God, &c. To the Editor of the G. B. Repository. SIR,-I beg to direct your attention to a few suggestions occasioned by the following query, proposed in the number for April, 1853. "In the pulpit ministrations of ministers, is it scriptural to exhort unconverted sinners to pray ?" It is well known that unconverted men may be the subjects of serious thought, and deep conviction. An unconverted man may know, and feel, that he is leading a life which, if persisted in, must terminate in everlasting perdition. His judgment and conscience are on the side of religion; but his affections, and passions, are on the side of sin; and are carrying him away: he feels that he is being led captive, and is deeply concerned. Under these circumstances, what is more natural, and proper, than that he should pray for help to break the bonds, by which he feels himself enslaved ? An unconverted man should read the word of God, and try to understand it; with the book of God before him, would it be unscriptural for him to pray, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law?" "Give me understanding in thy truth?" An unconverted man should hear the gospel, attend Can it be wrong that he should pray, that he may not hear the word of God, and attend his house in vain? Finally, an unconverted man must repent or perish: between repentance and everlasting woe, there is, for him, no alternative, for the mouth of the Lord hath declared it. And shall he not pray, "Lord help me?" If he is aware of his danger, and sensible of his awful condition, can he do other than cry, "God be merciful to me a sinner?" Would it be, in any way, unscriptural for him to do so? If then it would be right for him to pray, can it be wrong to exhort him to it? It should be recollected that, if an unconverted man is exhorted to pray, sincere prayer is what is enjoined. It is not the prayer of the hypocrite, nor the prayer of the wicked, who is resolved to live in sin, but the prayer of one who, at least, sees his danger, and desires to escape. If men were exhorted to pray for salvation without repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, then, indeed, they would be urged to do what is opposed to the will of God; or were men taught to consider prayer as a substitute for repentance, then they would be bound to reject all such counsel, with deep abhorrence. But, it is presumed, your correspondent has nothing of that kind in view. When OBITUARY. he speaks of prayer, he is supposed to mean the kind of prayer which Montgomery so well describes, when he says, "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, Uttered, or unexpressed." To exhort any man to pray, therefore, is the same thing as urging him to culti vate a right feeling of heart, and to let that feeling ascend to God in prayer. And what if any one, feeling his need of a new heart, should make this his prayer, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me?" It may be the man is not converted, but only feels the necessity of having a new heart, and right spirit; but ought such a man to wait any longer before he prays? May not he pray for what God has promised, and which he feels so necessary ? If I am not greatly mistaken, most persons pray before they are converted. How many are the subjects of deep conviction, and great anxiety, before they receive the truth in the love of it? But where shall we find one of these that has not prayed? And shall we say they have done wrong to pray? There may indeed be something left undone, which they should have done; but, the question is, have they done wrong to pray before 235 they did that something else? The Scrip- From the persuasion that these questions must be answered in the affirmative, and for other reasons, stated in this paper, I cannot but conclude that all men should be exhorted to pray, and that it is right and scriptural for ministers to exhort unconverted sinners to pray. Should you, Mr. Editor, deem these thoughts suitable for your valuable publication, their insertion will oblige, Yours, with much regard, Norwich, April 7th, 1853. OBITUARY. MR. GEORGE DEAN died July 8, 1852. | He was born Feb. 19th, 1782, near Stanton-under-Bardon, Leicestershire; and at his death, therefore, he was a little more than seventy years of age. The subject of religion occupied his attention at an early period of his life; and having-as it was believed-given himself unto the Lord, he was baptized and received into the church at Hugglescote, July 29, 1800. He was a professor of religion, therefore, for the long period of fifty-two years; and generally speaking, a consistent professor. Not without fault, either before God or man, but a humble, prayerful, spirituallyminded, penitent believer, manifesting a decided attachment to the house and worship and cause of God; and giving pleasing evidence that his "fellowship was with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ." Like all the subjects of divine grace, he was anxious to do good; and when the friends at Hugglescote began to take steps for the establishment of a Sabbath school, they found in him a willing and efficient coadjutor. The school was opened May 9, 1809; and he was very useful as a teacher until his removal from the neighbourhood. In April, 1811, he removed to a farm at Bilstone; and though he continued a mem ber of the church at Hugglescote, and occasionally visited his friends there-to whom, as well as to the late venerable pastor of the church, the Rev. T. Orton, he was strongly attached-he usually worshipped with the church at Barton; and so long as he was able, was exemplary in his attendance. It is easy to relapse into a careless, worldly spirit, and to become by degrees most culpably negligent of the means of grace, both public and private. But we are not aware that our departed friend ever fell into this error. We generally saw him in his place in the house of God, and we have no doubt, from several conversations we had with him on the subject, that he very generally found it good to be there. Love for the house and worship of God was, perhaps, the most prominent feature of his character, and will, we trust, be as conspicuous in his family as it was in him. The few last years of his life were years of suffering, and at times his sufferings were very severe. He was not able to attend at Barton for two years and a half previous to his death, and only occasionally at Congerstone. But it was very evident to the writer that his afflictions were sanctified, and that he was gradually preparing to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. He seemed to take a deeper interest in spiritual things- manifested more tenderness of spirit-became more prayerful and communicative,-more disposed to converse on the great subject of religion, in its relation to himself and eternity. Naturally he was reserved and diffident, and continued so to the last with most persons; but there was a decided difference in his conversation with myself, and I was pleased to find that his views were so clear, and his confidence so well grounded. Deeply conscious of his sinfulness and depravity, he looked unto Jesus alone for salvation; and though somewhat timorous he had a good hope that he should not look unto him in vain. The day before he was taken worse he was able to walk about a little; and neither himself nor any one of the family had any apprehension that he was near his end. But so it was. In less than five days his spirit had passed into eternity; and on the following Sabbath, July 11th, he was buried at Barton. His funeral sermon was preached the same day, from Psalm xxvi. 8.-"Lord I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth." Nothing can be said of the state of his mind im mediately before his death, as from the peculiar nature of his affliction he was unable to speak. We cherish the hope, however, that he died in Christ, and it is our fervent prayer that his widow may look to the widow's God that his sons may know the God of their father, and that not only they but all the other branches of the family may win Christ and be found in him. J. C. B. MR. JOHN SMITH, the subject of the following sketch, was a member of the General Baptist Church at Kirkby. Unhappily for him, he was allowed in his younger days to grow up wicked, and consequently ignorant of the great truths of the Gospel. He had not the fear of God before his eyes; the example at home was not of a religious kind; so our departed friend grew up in the service of sin and Satan; and so remained until after his marriage. His partner being in the habit of attending the ministry at Woodhouse and Kirkby, felt anxious for her husband to attend; but he not being accustomed to reverence, either the sanctuary or the Sabbath, felt ashamed of being seen attending the chapel. His wife having pious relations, members of the church, they began to speak to our friend on spiritual things; and it pleased God that through the conversation of these friends, convictions were fastened on his mind, and he began to feel himself in a very awful position, so much so that at times he dare not lie in bed, but would make his wife get up in the middle of the night to pray She was at this time a candidate for baptism. This dreadful state of mind continued for some time; till at length the Saviour appeared as "the chiefest among ten thousand." This took place whilst he was thrashing in the barn, (he being a farm labourer) when he was overwhelmed with grief; and feeling his guilt to be a painful load, he leaned upon his flail, and cast his anxious eyes towards heaven, when lo! a glimpse of the Saviour on the cross (by an eye of faith) removed the awful burden, and he for the first time went on his way rejoicing. He could now sing like the prophet, "Once thou wast angry," &c. Instead of being ashamed, as formerly, he could now delight in the law of the Lord, and was very anxious to communicate the blessed news to his wife. Yea, so happy did he feel, that he did not think it too much to walk several miles to acquaint one of his friends (the late Rev. W. Garratt of Salford) with the glorious news. Having received the Lord, he felt it to be his duty to put on Christ, by attending to the ordinance of baptism, which he did in the month of April, 1832; when the Rev. J. Burrows (now of Magdalen) officiated on the occasion. Having united himself with the church, he felt anxious to do something for the spread of the truth. Being no scholar, not even able to read, he thought that he could distribute tracts; and for the space of ten years, our friend distributed these messages of mercy. Would that all professing godliness were as anxious to be useful, and to use the talents committed unto them. From the time of his baptism to his death, which took place in October 1852, he was a consistent member of the church. He was regular in his attendance on the means of grace; and according to his ability supported the cause he loved. He had his failings and imperfections; but taking him in all, he was a consistent christian. His afflictions were short, but severe; he was out of doors on the Saturday, and died on the Thursday following. His afflictions were of that nature that he was quite delirious, so that very little conversation could be had, relative to his state of mind. Once when he appeared a little more collected, he was asked if he loved the Saviour. He said he should soon be with him; and at the age of fifty-three he died, leaving a testimony that he is gone to "be with Christ, which is far better." He was interred in the burying ground at Kirkby, when friend Fox, from Sutton, officiated; and his death was improved to a large congregation, by Mr. Thos. Mee, from Basford. May his mourning widow, INTELLIGENCE. and his fatherless children, be followers of him who through faith and patience is now inheriting the promises; and may the church receive the solemn warning to be ready, not knowing when her Lord may come. WILLIAM SPENCER died at Ramsgate, Dec. 29th, 1852, in the 79th year of his age. Our friend was born at Newport Pagnel, Buckinghamshire, in 1774. In 1793 he went to sea, on board a Government vessel, and continued to follow that line of life until 1821, when he returned, having received some bodily injury in the service. God had been very merciful in preserving him amidst the heat of battle. "Had I fallen in the battle of Trafalgar," said he to the writer, "I must have gone to hell." But the Lord subsequently met him in mercy; and in the year 1821 he 237 was baptized by Mr. Thos. Christopher, and joined the G. B. Church in Ramsgate. His care over our little house of prayer in past years has been remarkable; through his aid, principally, considerable improvement and repairs were effected years ago. He was liberal and economical. "How can For some time past his energies have been failing; but he was scarcely confined to his bed one week before his removal. During these few days he said but little, but spoke with calmness and confidence respecting his change. When asked if Christ was precious, he replied, he be otherwise?" He made every arrangement as to his property, his funeral, and then gently passed away from the society of earth to that of heaven. His remains rest in the same grave with his deceased partner, who has been removed from this state about two years. INTELLIGENCE. rence. THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE, was held at Hose branch, to ascertain their concurRothley, on Easter Tuesday, March 29th, 1853. The morning service was opened by Mr. Hunter of Nottingham, and a comprehensive and practical sermon was delivered by Mr. Springthorpe, of Ilkeston, from Matt. v. 13,-"Ye are the salt of the earth," &c. The Conference met for business at a quarter past two. Mr. Goadby of Loughborough opened the meeting, and presided. About two-thirds of the churches reported. From the accounts received it appeared that there had scarcely been an average number of additions during the quarter; 51 having been baptized, and 93 remaining as candidates. The Committee for the Northampton case reported that they had been in communication upon the matter, but that nothing definite had been done. Resolved, 1, that this case lie over, and remain in the hands of brethren T. Stevenson and J. F. Winks, of Leicester. 4. That an occasional collection be made for the incidental expenses of the Conference, and that the Secretary for the time being be the Treasurer. 5. That a collection for this purpose be made at the next Conference. Several brethren spoke upon the state of the village churches, and also upon the means of sustaining them. Resolved, 6, that the discussion of the subject be ad journed till the next Conference. 7. That Mr. J. C. Pike of Leicester be the preacher at the next Conference, which will be held at Wymeswold, May the 17th. Mr. J. B. Rotherham, of Stockton-onTees, opened the service in the evening, and Mr. Lawton of Wymeswold preached. J. LAWTON Sec. THE CHESHIRE CONFERENCE met at Congleton, on the 25th of March, 1853. Mr. Gaythorp prayed for the divine blessing, and Mr. Crowther, minister of the place, presided. Bethren S. Hull, T. Stevenson, S. Wigg, and J. Hawley, reported that they had visited the friends at Fleckney, and had The church at Congleton reported that advised them to the best of their ability. they were at peace-had a few enquirers Resolved, 2, that the thanks of the Con--congregations much as last reported,ference be given to these brethren, and that the case be left in their hands till the next Conference. An application was received from the church at Broughton for reception into the Conference as a separate church. Resolved, 3, that this case lie over till the next Conference, and that the Secretary in the meantime communicate with the and the Sabbath-school still prospering. Macclesfield, peaceful and harmonious; one person has been restored to fellowship, and one accepted candidate is waiting for baptism; but they are pressed with pecuniary difficulties. The church at Bank Top sent no report. At Stockport also peace is in the ascendant. Three have been baptized, and there are three candidates for baptism. | in the Conference, urging them to make The congregation is rather on the advance, their collections and subscriptions for the and the appearance of things is hopeful in Home Mission, and bring the amount to reference to the support and continuance the next Conference. of the ministry there. It was reported of Stoke that brotherly love continues; that they are striving together for the faith of the gospel. They have a few hopeful enquirers-congregation improving-and they hope soon to commence building a house for God. At Tarporley they are endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace; but still wanting in primitive zeal. At Wheelock Heath one has been admitted by baptism. Congregations are as good as usual, and all peaceful. 1.-Agreed that the Secretary write to the church at Rocester, inviting them to unite with this Conference. 2. That the second resolution of last Conference, respecting the needful arrangements between the church at Congleton and Mr. Pedley, respecting the annual rent of the chapel and connected premises, be reiterated. 3. That as the Congleton friends are making efforts to have a bazaar towards lessening the debt on their chapel, the Conference recommends the same to be held on some convenient day in the latter end of September next; and that all friends intending to render assistance by furnishing articles be requested to send them to Mr. Crowther, minister of the place, early enough for the occasion. R. Stocks of Macclesfield preached in the forenoon, from 1 Tim. ii. 5,-" For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." The next Conference to be at Wheelock Heath. on the second Tuesday in October. Mr. Wood of Stockport to preach in the forenoon; and in the evening a Home Missionary Meeting to be held. Thanks were presented to the Secretary for his two years' services, and he was requested to keep in office. There was a public tea-meeting in the evening, when addresses were delivered by Messrs. Stocks, Wood, Pedley, Gaythorp, and others. R. STOCKS, Secretary. THE YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Manchester, March 25th, 1853. In the morning, at half-past ten, Mr. J. Sutcliffe opened the worship of God, by reading the Scriptures and prayer; and Mr. W. Robertshaw preached, from Psalm xliii. 5. The meeting for the transaction of business was commenced at two, p.m. Mr. H. Asten prayed, and was also called to preside. 1. The Secretary for the Home Mission was requested to write to all the churches 2. That churches requiring aid from the Home Mission, have their financial accounts read at this meeting so that they may be submitted to the Conference at Whitsuntide. 3 The churches at Todmorden and Manchester presented a statement of their finances; also a statement from the trustees at Nazebottom, soliciting assistance. These three cases to be decided at the next Conference. 4. In a letter from the church at Denholm it was stated that their congregations continue good, and that they are hoping to be able to purchase the plot of ground mentioned at the preceding Conference. 5. The church at Bacup sought the advice of Conference relative to the propriety of taking a larger room for public worship. They were recommended to take the large room as soon as it is at liberty. 6. The church at Call-lane, Leeds, requested the conference to recommend them to be received into the Association. The meeting most cordially assented to recommend them to be received into the Association of General Baptist churches. Statistics.-First church in Bradford, they have had a few interesting cases of conversion; baptized three, and have two candidates. At Clayton they are "faint, yet pursuing "; one has been restored. Queenshead, no visible alteration. Birchcliff, congregations are good, church united, a few inquirers, and two candidates for baptism. Heptonstall Slack, no material change. Burnley Lane, peaceable and a few inquirers. At Shore they have seven can didates and some enquirers. At Lineholm they have baptized six, and are about to enlarge their school and chapel. Gambleside, baptized one and lost two by death. Salford, baptized four and the church is, at peace. The minister has resigned and left. Stalybridge, baptized two and received one. At Bacup the congregations continue good, and they have a few inquirers. At Pudsey they have baptized one and received one. The next Conference to be at Call-lane, Leeds, on Whit-Tuesday, May 17th, 1853. The preacher, Mr. J. Horsfall, of Shore. In case of failure, Mr. W. Stubbings of Northallerton J. SUTCLIFFE, Pro. J. HODGSON, Sec. |