the most convenient that can be procured.
I fully agree with him, too, on the style of
building. Our congregations have no money
to waste on Gothic, or Grecian, or ornamental
building; neatness and convenience should be
aimed at certainly. With regard to lecture-
rooms, and even school-rooms, in nine cases out |
of ten, I believe they must be dispensed with.
A good vestry behind the pulpit, the length
of which should be the width of the chapel,
from fourteen to eighteen feet in width, ca-
pable of being divided by a partition, one part
of which may be occupied by the minister,
and if a room can be built over it for a school,
may answer all the purposes contemplated.

ed to deposit, and deliver the deeds when in-
quired for. Let no deed be delivered to any
one, unless he delivers to the depositor a re-
solution of the church to which it belongs to
that effect. Let a book be kept, with the
date of the reception, and delivery of each
deed, if called for; the name of the person
from whom it was received, and the name of
the receiver; the name of the person to whom
it was delivered, and of the deliverer. Some
such plan as this would be the means of se-
curing these important writings in a way
which would be satisfactory to the churches
and safe for the property. Perhaps some
other of our brethren may suggest something
better, or propose an amendment.

In the mean time, I remain, yours truly,
Pill, Aug. 4.
J. H. MAY.

DR. CARSON'S WORK ON BAPTISM. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. MY DEAR SIR,-Many and varied are the inquiries that have been made during the last two months respecting Dr. Carson's work on baptism; yet all agree that the work is much needed, that it deserves the hearty surport of the entire body, and a prominent place in the pages of our periodical literature. At present the list of subscribers is encouraging, yet I am not without my suspicions that some of our brethren have mistaken the intent of the motto appended to the prospectus, and devolved the "individual exertion" upon myself, rather than make those kindly and necessary inquiries and applications for aid upon the success of which the publication of the work mainly depends. Let me, then, affectionately yet earnestly remind your readers, that whilst it is true, "success depends upon individual exertions," it is so only when THOSE INDIVIDUAL EXERTIONS ARE COMBINED WITH UNITED EFFORTS. It rests, therefore, with the ministers and deacons, as well as the various members of our churches, to decide whether or not the work shall appear. Another question for them to decide is, whether they are willing to support the work well, and honourably to themselves and Dr. Carson place it before the Christian public.

There is, however, a subject connected with this that is of much importance; and if you would allow me to suggest a few ideas that have passed my own mind, I should be obliged. I refer to the better security of the trust deeds of our chapels, and other property belonging to the churches. I am not aware of the existence of any public depository in which these documents may be lodged, but they appear to have been placed in many cases in irresponsible hands, and when an inquiry is made where they are, no one can tell. They were lodged by Mr. A. in the hands of Mr. B." But both Mr. A. and Mr. B. have been dead many a year; where are they now? "Of course they must be amongst Mr. B.'s papers;" but who has possession of those papers no one knows. This was the case with a church with whom I spent a few weeks some months ago, and I have reason to believe it is not an uncommon one. It is certainly of importance that these documents should be secured in a place where the parties concerned may at any time know where to find them. I have met with a communication from the late Rev. Edmund Clarke of Truro on the subject, in the Bap. Mag. 1835, page 325, relative to their arrangements in Cornwall. There the deeds are lodged in the banking-house of Messrs. Major and Co.; but this is merely local. There ought, in my view, to be some more extensive plan adopted which would suit us as a denomination. Some of the rules of the Cornwall depository may be applicable on a more extended scale. An idea has occurred In reply to many of the queries of correto me whether our colleges would not be the spondents, and for the satisfaction of your best depositories for these writings. Let readers who may not like to write for a proBristol, for instance, take the west of England, spectus or particulars,-both of which I Stepney the midland counties, Bradford the should be most happy to furnish them with, northern, and Pontypool take the princi-it may be as well to state that the price of pality. Let a fire-proof chest or closet be purchased for each place at the expense of the churches in the district, in which should be made different cells, marked alphabetically, so that the papers may be kept in alphabetical order, which would save time and trouble when a deed is called for. Let the keys be in the hands of the resident tutor for the time being, and let the senior student be appoint

the work will be, to subscribers, 78. 6d., and to non-subscribers, 12s.; and that, should sufficient encouragement be afforded, it will, in all probability, appear in the spring of next year. The new edition will comprise the substance of all Dr. Carson's minor treatises on this subject, his reply to Beecher, Henderson, Bickersteth, Brown, and others, -as well as contain much matter entirely new, of

which further notice will be given in a succeeding number of the Magazine. The whole to be divided into parts, chapters, and sections, and furnished with a copious index to the texts of scripture, classic authors, and various writers, whose works are mentioned, or whose sentiments are investigated; with a comprehensive yet minute view of the contents of the entire volume.

in deep affliction, or other circumstances of distress. This has often been found useful, and is worthy of imitation.

4. W. I. thinks benefit societies objectionable. I feel bound to differ from him in this particular. Religiously connected and well and managed they are often great blessings; if both male and female benefit societies were established in connexion with every respectable congregation, much misery would be prevented, and much good be accomplished. There may, indeed, be some cases where, to aid a poor brother or sister in keeping up their subscriptions to prevent being excluded would be proper. But though Christian friend

If, Sir, "baptists ought to present their sentiments to the world in the clearest and most complete manner," does it not become them to avail themselves of the present opportunity for so doing? And as our independent brethren are very generally ceding to us the point as regards the subjects of bap-ships are invaluable, and Christian benevotism, I cannot but think it a favourable occasion for them to obtain light respecting the mode likewise. Will they take the hint ? I am, my dear Sir, yours very truly, SPENCER MURCH. Stepney College, August 9.

THE RELIEF OF POOR CHRISTIANS.

To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. DEAR SIR,-The perusal of the letter in your number for this month signed W. I., inviting attention to the "Relief of Poor Christians," has afforded me pleasure; and I now address you with the hope that the suggestion of some additions to his plan may produce a more extended usefulness.

1. Let Christian churches carefully employ their own poor, as far as possible. Small tradesmen, mechanics, and others of different occupations and professions might be much helped in this way, and much brotherly love increased. This also applies to female industry, particularly to those who have to obtain a very precarious subsistence by close application at their needle, sometimes dependent in part on the seasons, such as milliners, dressmakers, and straw bonnet makers, with others of a like description, to whom pious ladies might be very helpful by their own patronage and recommendations.

2. Let them aid the necessitous in any way circumstances may allow. In most churches there are persons in these trying times who have seen better days; but by a series of afflictive dispensations, by some calamitous event, or by the relinquishment of employments which, though lucrative, a conscientious regard to religion forbids them to follow, are become poor; but their spirit is too noble to complain, few know their trouble, though in some cases a small supply of food from the table, or a cast-off garment from the wardrobe of some wealthier fellow-member would be acceptable.

3. In some few churches a small fund is provided, under the care of the minister and deacons, by means of which one or two pounds may be communicated privately to a member

lence always worthy of grateful remembrance, yet to the industrious and independent mind there is a tenfold sweetness in that relief which is obtained as the reward of labour, or claimed as the result of forethought and prudence.

5. Besides the above, some churches have, in part at least, provided for such members as by age or infirmity are unable to work. Some have built alms-houses; others have paid the rent of a room or apartment, which, for an aged couple, and to save them from the mixed company, horrid language, and other inconveniences of a union workhouse, must be peculiar kindness. And if wealthy Christians would oftener employ property in this way, the blessing of him who was ready to perish would oftener come upon them, and they would cause the widow's heart to leap for joy. I am, dear Sir, yours respectfully, August 12. MNASON.

EDITORIAL POSTSCRIPT.

THE London Jubilee Meetings are to com mence on the 10th of October. A list of the arrangements may be found on the second page of the wrapper.

We learn from the Baptist Advocate that at the commencement at Georgetown College. June 30, the honorary degree of M.A. was conferred on the Rev. J. M. Cramp, late of St. Peter's, now of Hastings, and the Rev. F. W. Gotch, A.B., Philosophical Tutor at Stepney College. It is pleasant to find that the learning and talents of these brethren are so far appre ciated in the United States; but higher titles have been bestowed in many cases on inferior

VOL. V.

THE

BETHTEPHIL CHAPEL AND MISSION HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S, JAMAICA.

SKETCH OF THE COMMENCEMENT

AND PRESENT STATE

OF THE

BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

mities." The recommendation to fervent and united prayer was renewed from year to year, and was extensively acted on till 1791, when a series of events commenced which proved that the Great Head of the church was granting the desires of his servants, and opening before them a door of entrance into missionary labours. Before they called he had heard, and was now about to manifest his gracious regard to his church.

"2. As in the present divided state of Christendom, it seems that each denomination, by exerting itself separately, is most likely to accomplish the great ends of a mission, it is agreed that this society be called The Particular Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel among the Heathen.

"3. As such an undertaking must needs be attended with expense, we agree immediately to open a subscription for the above purpose, and to recommend it to others.

Dr. Ryland stated, in one of the first sermons on a Baptist Missionary Anniversary "4. Every person who shall subscribe ten in London :-"Oct. 5th, 1783, I baptized in pounds at once, or ten shillings and sixpence the river Nen, a little beyond Dr. Dod- annually, shall be considered a member of the dridge's meeting-house at Northampton, a society. poor journeyman shoemaker, little thinking 5. That the Rev. John Ryland, Reynold that before nine years had elapsed, he would Hogg, William Carey, John Sutcliff, and prove the first instrument of forming a Andrew Fuller, be appointed a committee, society for sending missionaries from Eng-three of whom shall be empowered to act in land to preach the gospel to the heathen. carrying into effect the purposes of the * * Such, however, as the society. event has proved, was the purpose of the Most High; who selected for this work, not the son of one of our most learned ministers, nor of one of the most opulent of our dissenting gentlemen, but the son of a parish clerk at Paulersbury, in Northamptonshire." Such was William Carey; who, having first joined the baptist church at Olney, was called to the ministry, and became pastor of the church at Moulton; and in 1791 removed to Leicester.

"6. That the Rev. Reynold Hogg be appointed treasurer, and Rev. Andrew Fuller, secretary.

"7. That the subscriptions be paid in at the Northampton ministers' meeting, October 31st, 1792, at which time the subject shall be considered more particularly, by the committee, and other subscribers who may be present.

Signed, John Ryland, Reynold Hogg, John Sutcliff, Andrew Fuller, Abraham Greenwood, Edward Sharman, Joshua Burton, Samuel Pearce, Thomas Blundel, William Heighton, John Eayres, Joseph Timms; whose subscriptions in all amounted to £13 2s. 6d."

In the year just named, Mr. Carey published a small volume, entitled "An Inquiry into the Obligations of Christians to use means for the Conversion of the Heathens." This publication, together with sermons by the Rev. Messrs. Fuller and Sutcliff, led the At the next meeting, held at Northampton, ministers of the association already referred October 31st, the committee was joined by to, seriously to discuss the question, "Whe- the devoted Samuel Pearce, who brought ther it were not practicable, and our bounden from his friends at Birmingham a liberal duty, to attempt somewhat toward spreading contribution, and announced the commencethe gospel in the heathen world.” ment among them of the first assistant or auxiliary society.

We

May 31st, 1792, at the next annual meeting of the Association at Nottingham, Mr. "Some of the greatest difficulties we had Carey delivered a very animating discourse to encounter," wrote Mr. Fuller at a subsefrom Isaiah liv. 2, " in which he pressed two quent period, "were the following. things in particular, as expository of length- were inexperienced in the work; we knew ening our cords and strengthening our stakes, of no opening for a mission in any one part viz.-1. That we should expect great things. of the world more than another; we had no 2. That we should attempt great things." funds to meet the expense that must attend So strongly did the brethren now feel, that an undertaking of the kind; our situation in they resolved" that a plan be prepared, an inland part of the country was inconagainst the next ministers' meeting at Ket- venient for foreign correspondence; the pertering, for forming a Society among the Bap-sons who would have the management, would tists for propagating the gospel among the live at such a distance from each other as to heathen; and on October 2nd, following, render frequent consultation impracticable; the brethren, assembled at that town, unani- and finally, in forming such a society there mously agreed to the following resolutions :— "1. Desirous of making an effort for the propagation of the gospel among the heathen, agreeably to what is recommended in brother Carey's late publication on that subject, we, whose names appear in the subsequent subscription, do solemnly agree to act in society together for that purpose.

would be danger of its falling under irreligious influence. From these and other considerations, those who were expected to engage in the work, entered upon it with much fear and trembling."

While the spirit of zeal, of prudence, and of prayer, was thus cherished, the Great Head of the church was preparing to call