BAPTIST. FOREIGN. Intelligence. IN AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY CHINA. We have extracted the next paragraph from the New York Observer. It is not denied that the leader of the insurgents, who have now overrun two thirds of the Empire, and have a fair prospect of upsetting the government, was once a pupil of an American Missionary, a man of whom the California Courier gave the following account some months ago:-"To a citizen of our own country belongs the great honor of having trained and disciplined the chief who first set in motion the ball of the revolution. His name is Rev. I. J. Roberts, a native of North Carolina, and now a baptist missionary on his own account. The chief leader and originator of the revolution is Tea pau wang, who was for a long time pupil of the Rev. Mr. Roberts. Te-pau-wang, in becoming acquainted with the principles of christianity, as well as the international relations which existed between the various christian and civilized states of the world, became convinced that it was his duty to destroy paganism, establish Christianity among the people, and to overthrow the venerable walls of China, as well as to open that country to the world. So strong were these convictions on his mind, and so anxious was he to accomplish these results, that he did not stay in Canton long enough to connect himself with the church under Mr. Roberts, but quietly left the city with a few friends, some tracts, and portions of the Old and New Testament, to commence the work of revolution in the interior. Neither Mr. Roberts nor any of his friends knew where he had gone, until they heard of his movements several hundred miles from that city. He showed himself not only a great teacher, but a great leader, and soon had around him a body of enthusiastic devotees numbering ten thousand. The Tartar Emperor, on learning this fact, ordered an army to march to the camp of the insurgents with the view of putting them all to death. The two armies met, and after a hard contest the Emperor's troops were defeated. This was the beginning of the revolution; and now more than two-thirds of China have been conqured, and that country may be said to be under a new civil administration. Te-pau-wang has recently written a letter to the Rev. Mr. Roberts, in which he invites him to the camp of the insurgents as their teacher and chaplain. In this letter he alludes to their former acquaintance, C C and to the deep impression which still remained upon his mind, from the religious instructions he had received from him. He says nearly all the provinces have come under his control-That myriads of men assembled morning and evening for worship, and to observe the ten heavenly commandments. But he confesses, with apparent regret, that few of them are deeply versed in the doctrines of the gospel. He, therefore, urges Mr. R. to come to his camp, which invitation has been accepted, and Mr. R. is now travelling, as chaplain, to the revolutionists. Mr. Roberts is an original, and we may say a remarkable man. We knew him in our boyhood, before he left for that great theatre on which he is now acting so distinguished and extraordinary a part. On making a profession of religion in Mississippi, where he was a large planter, he suddenly emancipated his slaves, leased out his plantation, and offered himself to the Baptist Board, in Boston, as a missionary to China. His proposition came so unexpectedly, and he being so little known, that body of christians declined to receive him. Nothing daunted by this refusal, he packed up his trunks, and left for China, as a missionary on his own account. Since he has been there, he has been in the service of the Northern and southern Baptist Board of Missions; but never obeyed their orders only when it suited him." DOMESTIC. WHITCHURCH, Salop.-Our chapel was reopened, after extensive repairs and improvements, on Tuesday, May 23, with two sermons by Mr. Mursell of Leicester; and a tea meeting was held, attended by about 350 persons. On the following sabbath, sermons were preached by Messrs. Manning of Frome, and Hare (Wesleyan) of Whitchurch. The chapel and school room, in their improved state, gave general satisfaction to the large congregations present at these services; and the proceeds of the collections and tea meeting amounted to one hundred pounds. J. W. RUSHDEN, Northamptonshire.—On Thursday evening, June 8, the public recognition of Mr. G. Bailey, formerly of Haddenham, Isle of Ely, as pastor of the old baptist church, Rushden, took place; when an address to the pastor and people was delivered by Mr. Peacock of London, formerly pastor of the church, from, " By love serve one another." The devotional services were conducted by several ministers. (Continued on page 220.) MISSIONARY. He spread before him the Gospels, the Acts, and the Tracts, and told him the object of my visit, which was to give him a complete knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity, He seemed grateful for the books, and entertained me hospitably. The hour of breakfast was approaching, and they had morning prayer before breakfast. He and his attendants were seated in this large hall, on cushioned chairs; one individual read a portion of scripture, and then they chanted some hymns, which the leader probably had composed. At the close of these hymns, I noticed that they chanted a literal trans CHINA. A Missionary's Visit to the Camp of the Insurgents.-Beneath we give a very interesting report from the New York Ob. server, of a visit by another American Missionary to the camp of the insurgents. "Two opinions prevail here and in Chiua in respect to the great social and political move. ment in China. We have recently had the pleasure of spending some days with the Rev. Mr. Taylor, just returned from the Celestial Empire, and we are now 'fully persuaded in our own mind,' as to the nature of the 'rebellion.' The missionaries them-lation of the Doxology. After this they all selves are divided in opinion as to the took their cushions, placed them on the meaning and end of the mighty movement, pavement, kneeled on them, closing their but as Mr. Taylor is the only one who has eyes, and lifting up their faces towards bad personal intercourse with the insurgent heaven, while the secretary of the chief (I army, we are disposed to give great respect think it was) read a prayer. At the close to his opinions, and entire credence to his of this we proceeded to breakfast in the statements. Mr. Taylor tells us that while at adjoining hall. As a guest it would have Shanghai, he determined to make an excur- been etiquette to have commenced with my sion up the river to the camp of the insur-chop sticks' first; but I waited, thinking gents, to penetrate into the midst of them, they would ask a blessing, This I told have a personal interview with their leader, them, when they informed me it was their and learn, if possible, his real designs, and custom, but it had been included in the the spirit by which he was impelled. previous prayer. I explained to them that it succeeded, after great exposure, in reaching was not exactly our course, and asked to be the city of Chin-kiang-foo, which was then allowed to do so; which they requested me their head quarters. He threw himself at to do, and I did it accordingly in Chinese.' once upon the mercy of the insurgents, who Mr. Taylor became fully acquainted with demanded of him the object of his visit. the military resources and ability of the This he refused to disclose till he was con- insurgent army, and entertains a strong ducted into the presence of the chief. conviction of their ultimate success. He my way,' he says, 'as I passed along, I says:-'I ascertained that these people frequently heard the sound of people chant- were sincere worshippers of the one true ing; and inquiring of my attendants what God; that they had sworn the exterminawas the meaning of those sounds, I was told tion of idolatry in every form; that they that the people were worshipping God; and were exceedingly friendly to foreigners, and that it was the hour of morning worship. expressed themselves desirious of becoming I saw idols thrown down in all directions more instructed in Christianity, only the as I passed through the streets, and I was difficulties at present were so great, that frequently saluted by the term 'brother.' they thought I had better wait for some This was perfectly new, for at Canton the months. This movement has for its object appellation is 'foreign devil;' and while the overthrow of the Tartar dynasty, and walking in the suburbs of Canton, you will the establishment of the old Chinese hear this perhaps a hundred times. I at Government. Therefore, it is strictly a last arrived at the head quarters, and, after patriotic movement; and we are in the passing through a number of gateways, on habit, in China, rather of calling them either side of which were curtains of yellowpatriots' then 'insurgents.' It should be silk, and a great deal of embroidered drapery of various kinds, for a distance of 300 or 400 hundred yards from the street, I came at last to the inner recess, and there I was requested to sit. Again I was interrogated as to my object, but I said I must communicate with the chief. He presently made his appearance, but, owing to the simplicity of his dress, I for some time doubted whether it was the chief. In order to remove my doubts, he took his seat in the middle of the hall, and his attendants arrayed him in his robes. And when I was persuaded he was the man, I opened my carpet-bag, 'On borne in mind that China has one-third of the human race. A struggle is therefore going on in China at this moment, that promises to work a more sudden and tremendous change, than the arms of England and France in Turkey. These Chinese 'rebels' are sworn enemies of idolatry. The people everywhere receive them, and yield their gods to destruction. Great ignorance may prevail, and much error be mingled with the faith of these warrior preachers, but there is no denying that they are crusaders, and will batter down paganism wherever they triumph. If they do overthrow the Tartar dynasty, and with it the idolatry of China, how speedy will be the illumination of that mysterious and multitudinous Empire. Three hundred and sixty millions, the most enlightened now of all pagan nations, reading the same character, will be put in possession of the Bible, and in a sense never yet seen by the world, will a nation be born in a day." We have just space to mention that the latest news is not so favourable for the insurgents; and a collision is said to have taken place between the imperialists and the British at Shanghai, the former being the aggressors. JESSORE. In the month of November two native preachers visited the town of Satgari, to be present at the Ras festival, one of the numberless feasts held in honour of the vile Krishnu. The assembling of many thousands of people at these seasons affords a favourable opportunity for proclaiming the gospel. Crowds are brought together to witness the fireworks, and to hear filthy songs accompanied by discordant drums. From morning to night the word of life was preached, and scriptures and tracts were distributed. One day, four young Baboos, the sons and nephews of the Zemindar, sent for Ali Mahommed and Waris, the native preachers, in order to discuss the respective merits of Hinduism, Mahomme. danism, and Christianity. They wished, they said, to ascertain the true religion. About three hundred Brahmins and Pundits and many respectable Mahommedans were present, who had been invited by the Baboos to their palace to listen to the discussion. The New Testament was already known to the Baboos, having received a copy of the Bengali version long before. Several passages were read, and at their request Ali interpretated them to their satisfaction. After several questions about Mahommedanism, Ali was asked his opinion of Hin. duism, which he freely gave, the Baboos agreeing with him that the Shastres were full of contradictions and unworthy of belief. The discussion ended by a full acknowledgment that Christianity was the only true religion. On their retirement from this interesting interview, one of the Baboos addressed to the native preachers the singular question, "Were the Zemindars to embrace Christianity, would it prove beneficial to the cause of truth ?" Speaking generally of their itinerant labours, they say, "We seldom meet with any who seem to be hostile to Christianity. The people are getting enlightened, and hence their prejudices against Christianity are gradually vanishing away. All carping, cavilling, and reviling, have almost ceased." There are five candidates awaiting the ordinance of baptism. BAPTIST INTELLIGENCE. (Continued from page 217.) WALES, Home Missionary Services.-A meeting of English baptists was held at Bethesda Chapel, Haverfordwest, on Tuesday, May 16. Two sermons were preached in the morning. A conference on Home Mission business was then held, when it was reported that two chapels were in course of erection. Our correspondent says:"Mr. B. Lewis, the missionary, has been unusually successful, in this hitherto barren soil, among the posterity of the Flemish race, who followed the sons of William the Norman from Flanders to this country in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and in later times as well, in the reigns of the Edwards. The baptists, for the first time, are gaining foothold in 'little England,' as it is termed, beyond Wales. Many of the Flemings were Mennonites, or Believer Baptists, when they landed here first, and several were burnt as heretics in the twelfth century at Haverfordwest for refusing to have their infants baptized. Let us hope that this people, who have been hitherto sunk in darkness, will soon behold a great light." Arrangements were then made for the supply of various stations. In the evening a public meeting was held, when several warm-hearted speeches were delivered. The people enjoyed this service much, and said it was the liveliest they ever attended. The collections were liberal. Eighty-five had been baptized in the district during the T. D. M. past eight months. Mr. J. A PASTORAL JUBILEE SERVICE. Peacock, senior pastor of the baptist church, Spencer Place, Goswell Road, London, having completed the fiftieth year of his ministerial labours, a public service was held on Thursday, June 8, in the old baptist meeting-house, Rushden, Northamptonshire, the scene of Mr. P.'s early pastoral labours. large congregation was assembled on the occasion. The venerable minister, who was in excellent health, delivered a very suitable and characteristic address, from Joshua xxiii. 14. The devotional services were conducted by several ministers; after which about 250 partook of tea, and the interview was of a cordial and refreshing character. NORTHERN ASSOCIATION OF BAPTIST CHURCHES.- The annual session of the Associated Churches of Northumberland, Durham, and Westmoreland, formed 1690, was held on the 5th and 6th of June, at North Shields. Messrs. Isaac Davis of Newcastle, and Stephen Joshua Davis of London, preached. Mr. J. D. Carrick was chosen moderator; and the questions of Church Rates and University Reform were severally introduced by Mr. Pottenger and Mr. James Potts; and petitions adopted for A very REMOVALS. Mr. C. H. Spurgeon of Waterbeach, to New Park-street, Southwark. -Mr. John Walcot of Bramley, near Leeds, to Sutton-in-Craven. Mr. W. received a beautiful purse of thirty guineas from his friends before his departure. THE LATE REV. DR. Cox.-A mural tablet, of chaste and elegant design, has been erected in Mare Street chapel, Hackney, in memory of the late Rev. Dr. Cox, for so many years pastor of the church assembling in that place. The tablet is without any other symbol or ornament than a lamp, emblematical of immortality, with which it is surmounted; and it bears the following inscription. IN LASTING MEMORY OF FRANCIS AUGUSTUS COX, D D., LL.D., Born March 7, 1783; Died September 5, 1853. His Mortal Remains, interred in the Adjoining Ground, Await the Resurrection of the Just. Converted in Childhood, At the Age of 15 he entered Bristol College, Graduating afterwards in Edinburgh University. His Labours in the Christian Ministry, Begun in 1804 at Clipstone in Northamptonshire, Were in 1806 Transferred to Cambridge, and in 1811 to Hackney. RELIGIOUS. MAY MEETINGS-1854.-We have already stated in our leader, that it would be impossible for us to give extended reports of all these, we therefore furnish the following brief view. CHURCH OF ENGLAND-Church Missionary Society.-Income, £123.915 18s. 11d., being an advance of £2,983 15s. over the past year. Education Society, formed by evangelical seceders from the National School Society. Receipts of first year £4,834. Irish Church Missions.-Employs 1,028 agents. Income, £37,182. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.- Sir Exeter HallEdward Buxton, presided. full. Income, including a legacy of £10,000 from Mr. Thomas Marriot, £114,498 14s. 3d. -being £9,116 14s. 9d. in advance. Many handsome donations from Australia. Missionary Society Income, from all sources, and for various objects, £76,781 7s. 6d. INDEPENDENTS Home Mission. -Income, £5,343 5s. 1d. Have 396 chapels and rooms for preaching and schools. Colonial Mission -Income, £7,112 12s 8d. Reported that at Sydney £10,000 had been subscribed for erecting new places of worship. VARIOUS. Chinese Evangelization Society. Income, £2,060 16s. Increase, £1,037. Distribute tracts and Gutzlaff's translation of holy scriptures. Sent out two agents; two more going. Employ six native colporteurs. Four native youths in training. Evangelical Continental Society.-Income, £1,490 19s. 10d. Labours in France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. Rev. B. W. Noel travelled and preached last year in north of England, and visited France on its behalf. British and Foreign School Society.New schools 48, Lord Russell presided. with 5,000 children. Male teacher students, 170-female, 171. Income, £15,183 9s 2d. Voluntary School Association.-Income, applied to the aid of schools refusing Government grants, £1.897 8s. 5d. Ragged School Union.-Earl of Shaftesbury, chairman. Income, £9,858, including legacies, £4.259. Nearly 20,000 children now under christian instruction and discipline. Ragged Church and Chapel Union.-A new Society. Income, £631 3s 4d. Irish Evangelical Society. Income, £1,945 11s. 11d., including a legacy of John Broadley Wilson, Esq., of £450. Christian Instruction Society. — 1,500 friends engaged visiting 40.000 families. 570 persuaded to attend worship, and 1,221 children led to schools. Beside tracts lent, 50,000 given away. Open-air preaching has produced the best effects, but is now re |