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Mason, an ejected minister,* was much out of repairs. After the utmost his friends could do, there remained a debt of £14; for which, though much ashamed, he ventured out to beg. After calling on one or two churches, he arrived at Biggleswade, where he preached an evening lecture, and was invited by a young couple to share their hospitality for the night. After breakfast next morning, he called on the late T. Foster, Esq., to whom he presented his case, On looking over which, Mr. F. remarked, Why, Mr. M., I do not see the name of your host; how is that?" 'Well, Sir, I am a poor beggar. They were very kind, but very young and inexperienced in business, and perhaps in their zeal would have given me what was not their own, and so have done discredit to religion." "Well, friend," said Mr. F., "I highly commend your prudence; but few, I am sorry to say, on such a business, would have acted as you have done give me your case." And on ascertaining what remained of the debt, immediately gave him a cheque for the whole sum.

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[The above scrap was found among the papers of the late Mr. James Barnard of Spaldwick, who died, Nov. 20, 1853, and who was for nearly forty years a deacon of the church.]

MAHOMETAN ARTICLES OF BELIEF.1. Belief in God, who is without beginning or end, the sole Creator and Lord of the universe, having absolute power, and knowledge, and glory, and perfection. 2. Belief in his angels, who are impeccable beings, created of light; and genii (jinn,) who are peccable, created of smokeless fire. The devils, whose chief is Iblees, or Satan, or evil genii. 3. Belief in his scriptures, which are his uncreated word, revealed to his prophet. Of these there now exist, but held to be greatly corrupted, the Pentateuch of Moses, the Psalms of David, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and, in an incorrupted and incorruptible state, the Koran, which is held to have abrogated and to surpass in excellence all preceding revelations. 4. Belief in his prophets and apostles, the most distinguished of whom are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed. Jesus is held to be more excel

* Father of T. Mason, the author of Self Knowledge,

him; to have been born of a virgin, and to be the Messiah, and the word of God, and a spirit proceeding from him and not partaking of his essence, and not to be called the Son of God. Mohammed is held to be more excellent than all, the last and greatest of prophets and apostles, most excellent of the creatures of God. 5. Belief in the general resurrection and judgment, and in future rewards and punishments, chiefly of a corporeal nature; that the punishments will be eternal to all but wicked Mohammedans, and that none but Mohammedans will enter into a state of happiness. 6. Belief in God's predestination of events both good and evil.

THE COST OF WAR.-It appears that the war of 1688, after lasting nine years, and ending by the treaty of Ryswick, in 1697, cost twenty-six million pounds sterling. The war of the Spanish succession cost sixty-two millions and a half pounds sterling, without noticing the wars of the Pretender, in 1715 and 1745. The Spanish war of 1739, settled for at Aixla-Chapelle, cost fifty-four million pounds sterling. The seven years of war of 1756, which terminated with the treaty of Paris, in 1763, cost 112 millions. The American war of 1775 (a still more horrible and foolish crusade against our liberties) cost 186 million pounds sterling. The French Revolutionary war began in 1793, lasted nine years, and cost 464 million pounds sterling. The war against Buonaparte, began in 1803 and ended in 1815, cost 1,159 million pounds sterling. Only think, these horrible crusades against human liberty have cost us 2,333 millions of pounds sterling. Not to mention the carnage and blood, the miseries of the widows and orphans, and the desolation and degradation they have spread all around them. If to these sums we were to add only the Pensionlist, it would be seen to what an incredible extent we have been taxed, and how shamefully our immense national resources have been squandered. Our National Debt, sums borrowed to promote the above horrid and brutal wars and corruption, amounts to nearly 800 million pounds sterling. Besides the 1,600, millions which the French Revolution cost England, it cost France 2,600 millions, and Europe 5,000 millions sterling

FOREIGN.

INDIA, Calcutta.-One believer was baptized by Mr. Leslie, on sabbath morning, October the 16th.

Barisal.-Mr. Page writes, October 13,-" You will be glad to know that I have baptized three persons-of whom two have learned to read the scriptures at Kaligaon."

Benares.-On the 11th of September, Mr. Smith had the pleasure to baptize two converts at this station.

Birbhum.-Mr. Williamson, under date of Sept. 30, says: "About two months ago I had the pleasure of baptizing and receiving into our native church, two young men of christian parentage."

Pipli,-Orissa.—Mr. Miller writes, on the 17th of October,-" Yesterday I had the pleasure of immersing two Hindu believers."

Serampore.-Mr. Denham writes: "Three young men were baptized at this station, the first Lord's-day in November. Two are Students at Serampore College, -one a son of one of the Society's missionaries, the other a Hindu. The third candidate is from one of the Regimental bands at Barrackpore; a work of enquiry has been going on among the members of the bands for some months past, and several persons have been baptized and

added to the church."

Dum Dum -One believer was baptized here by Mr. Lewis on sabbath evening, the 6th of November.

Benares. Our aged brother, Mr. Smith, writes: "The Lord added two souls to our little flock on the 23rd of October. I preached, and Mr. Heinig baptized them." Rangoon.—On the 21st of October, our valued correspondent wrote: "We are thankful that the work of conversion still goes on among both the Burmese and Karens. We have been down to our little tank, in front of the house, every sabbath, for the month past. Last sabbath ten were baptized, making in all for the last month thirty-one Karens, and seven or eight Burmans. If I had time I would give some particulars in relation to a few of the converts to vary the reports. For instance, last sabbath, one of the ten baptized was a Goung Kyouk in the district of Laing, a man of superior mind and great influence among his

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people. Another was a Karen general, who fought seven battles with the Burmese during the war, and never lost a man; though in one battle alone they killed fifty of the enemy. In those days of his pride and glory he lost his wife, and took four more in her stead; and like some of his superiors, indulged in strong drink. He is now the husband of one wife, and has not tasted intoxicating liquors for nearly four months. sabbath we expect to baptize one of the writers in the Deputy Commissioner's Court. Ill health has been the cause of his delay for two weeks. We have many very interesting cases of almost entire households being converted: every member who has arrived at years of understanding coming forward." A Native Preacher says, many of them, having obtained new hearts, asked for baptism; and I baptized eighteen. I then made a tour among the villages belonging to my district, and baptized in almost all of them. Shnay Poo, the pastor in Thanyah, has recently baptized fifteen; and Moung Gah, the pastor of Raytho, seventy. September 11th, baptized in the city, twelve Karens. Since my last, Mr. Kincaid has baptized almost every sabbath among the Burmese. We feel that the Lord is at work here in a special manner."

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DOMESTIC.

ESSEX. A baptist minister in Nottinghamshire writes us, January 25, "Have you heard of Mr. Popley, Independent minister, of Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, adopting baptist views? I hold a letter from Mr. Gillson, now minister of the Upper Meeting, Saffron Walden, stating that he baptized him a little before Christmas. The case is rather amusing. His people applied to him to baptize some children; he said, 'I will call and baptize them.' 'No,' was the reply, 'we wish to have them done publicly.' 'Oh, but I never did so publicly; I cannot think of such a thing.' 'Yes, Sir, but you must; we should prefer it.' 'Well then if I must, I should also wish to preach a sermon upon the subject.' 'O well, Sir, do; we shall like it all the better for that.' It was thus arranged, and Mr. P. sat down to his sermon. When, lo and behold, he had not gone far in

the evidence before he stumbled-'I cannot get over this difficulty.' Another and then another arose. In fact, every prop at length failed him; and instead of a sermon in support of infant sprinkling being the result of a candid and impartial examination, he rose from his study a confirmed baptist, openly avowed his change of sentiments to his people; has since been publicly baptized by Mr. Gillson of Saffron Walden; and having, as an honest man, thrown himself upon the providence of God for his future lot, is now open to an invitation from any baptist church that may be wishful for an engagement with a manifestly sincere and faithful man of God. Let a few more of our Independent brethren try their hand at a vindication of baby baptism in the spirit of brother Popley, and we think the font will soon be abandoned for the baptistry; the people will be set a thinking too; and thus the necessity of a separation of pastor and people be superseded altogether."

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INSKIP, Lancashire.-On sabbath-day, Jan. 29, we baptized a young womanwhose case is interesting- - after a discourse on, Repent and be baptized, every one of you." A deeply-solemn feeling seemed to pervade the assembly at the water-side. You will remember inserting a letter of mine on page 238 of the Reporter for August last, which mentioned the circumstance of our "preaching fortnightly in a neighbouring little town, in a barn kindly granted by a publican." This young woman was servant to the publican, and regularly attended the preaching. The Lord brought her into the way, and now she is united with us. She left her place for conscience sake, although she had lived several years in the family. The evidences of her conversion were of a very pleasing character. May her path "shine more and more unto the perfect day!" Several of her friends and acquaintances witnessed her "good confession;" and we hope it will have a good influence on many young people. This is the second we have received from this place; and as the fortnightly preaching is continued, and is well attended, we hope more will be brought to the Saviour. A spirit of inquiry seems to be excited; and a weekly prayer meeting has just been established, in which members of the Wesleyans and Independents, with our own few friends, take mutual part.

WARWICK.-After a discourse on baptism, addressed to a very full and attentive congregation, Mr. Nash immersed four disciples of Jesus, Feb. 5. One is the son of a preacher in Wales, and most of his relations are members of the baptist church at Croesypark, where his uncle was formerly minister; but he has been led to decision of character since his settlement in this neighbourhood. Another young friend is superintendent of our sabbath school. He was awakened to a deep concern for the salvation of his soul while attending special services for the revival of religion, at John Street chapel, London, under the ministry of the Rev. B. W. Noel. But he entered into "joy and peace through believing" since his settlement at Warwick. A third is the daughter of a parish clerk, whose mother, with other relatives, are members of the baptist church at Coventry. The fourth, also the daughter of another "church" clerk, has been led to consecrate her services to the Lord in the bloom of youth. She is a teacher in our sabbath school, and the only member of the household who had not been baptized according to the Divine pattern. They were received into the church in the afternoon, and united with us in shewing forth the Lord's death.

MELBOURNE, Derbyshire -On Wednesday, February 1st, one believer was baptized; and on the following sabbath, seven others thus " put on Christ." As is frequently the case in similar circumstances, the "Recent eccentrical attack" has fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. Three facts especially are worthy of note: 1. Since the attack was made, twenty-four have been baptized and added to our fellowship. 2. Our last baptism attracted the largest congregation we have had at a morning baptismal service for a considerable period. 3. More Baptist Reporters are taken this year than have been circulated for six years. certain person is said to have declared his resolve "not to leave Melbourne until he has dried up all the baptist water in it." Present indications are by no means favourable to such a consummation: a number in our congregation are under serious impressions; others have joined the class for anxious inquirers; while some have found "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." God be for us, who can be against us?" To Him be all the glory!

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LLANIDLOES, North Wales.-The baptist cause in this town has been for some years in a low and decreasing state, owing to difference of opinion among the brotherhood. In October, 1852, the baptist church at New Chapel (three miles distance from the town) agreed to unite with us for the support of a minister. We gave a call to brother T. Evans, late of Elim, Glamorganshire; and in Feb., 1853, he settled amongst us : since which time he has been made a blessing to many. At present, our chapels in both places are crowded; several backsliders have been restored; and others baptized on their profession of repentance and faith in the Redeemer. In July last, our minister baptized three in the river Severn, Llanidloes. In September, four. In October, four and in Nov., three. On Jan. 22, at New Chapel, twelve; and here, on Feb. 5, sixteen; making a total of forty-two in both churches. There are several now before the church in both places; and we hope to go into the water often during the present year. We cordially bless God for this saving visitation, and trust it is the beginning of a prosperous season with us. Not unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name be all the glory!

E. D.

HASLINGDEN, Bury Road.-The Lord has again blessed us with tokens of his approbation. On Lord's-day evening, January 20, our pastor, Mr. Bury, after preaching a sermon on the conversion and baptism of Lydia and her household, went down into the water and buried two believers with Christ in baptism. The congregation was unusually large. Also on sabbath morning, Feb. 5, (our pastor, Mr. Bury, being unwell) Mr. Marshall of Accrington, after an impressive discourse from, "What mean ye by this service?" went down into the water and baptized two young females believers in the

Lord Jesus Christ.

E. C.

SOHAM, Cambs.-On Lord's-day evening, Jan. 29, Mr. Smith baptized a young woman, who, with another person formerly a member, was received into our fellow ship. These make eleven members added since Mr. S. came amongst us. A good work is going on; and others are coming forward. The ravages of cholera last autumn, and the more than usual poverty of the labouring class, who constitute the bulk of the congregation, have been drawbacks to our success.

ABERTILLERRY, Monmouthshire - English Baptists. Two baptismal services have taken place within the last two months. Mr. George Thomas of Pontypool college, baptized four candidates; and Mr. Lewis, baptist minister, Blainangwent, immersed three others. Both baptisms were in the open-air, and were very numerously attended. The church here is but small, and has many difficulties to contend with; still there are constant evidences that the Head of the church is watching over the little flock. The congregations are good; and from time to time encouraging proof is given that the seed sown has fallen into good ground. At present, the friends here have no chapel, but are compelled to hold their services in a room. They are, however, contemplating the erection of a chapel, and it is earnestly hoped that the ensuing summer will not pass ere it is built. There is every prospect of success, and nothing appears wanting to ensure it but a more commodious edifice in which to carry on the worship of God.

E. H. D.

CARDIFF, Canton.-The friends meeting for worship at the new chapel, Canton, being desirous of a separation from the Tabernacle church, Cardiff, of which they were a branch, were formed into a church on Monday, Dec. 26. Mr. William Owen, an assistant preacher at the Tabernacle, had kindly offered his services to supply their pulpit, free of any remuneration, until they were in a position to support a minister. His generous offer was gladly accepted; and his ordination took place the day the church was formed; when several ministers and gentlemen from different parts of the country took part in the proceedings. On Lord's-day, Jan. 22, Mr. Owen immersed a man and his wife; and they were both added to J. J. the church on the same day.

Bethany. I have the pleasure to inform you that on Thursday evening, Jan. 26, didates were immersed by Mr. Fuller, after a discourse by Mr. Jones, two canwho were added to the church.

J.J.

LEAMINGTON. Last summer, Dr. Winslow baptized a youth about fifteen years of age whose parents are members, and two females from the Church of England; one of them a niece of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Also on August 7, Dr. W. baptized two young females: and on Nov. 6, three females; one from the sabbath school, and two from the Episcopalians. On Feb. 5 of this year, Dr. W. baptized two young persons from the bible class, each about fifteen years of age. The above were all received into the church at Leamington.

RUGBY.-On Lord's-day evening, Jan. 29, after an exposition of our principles as baptists, to a crowded congregation, Mr. Angus baptized two youthful candidates on a profession of their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our principles in this town are slowly but surely making their way. They are looked upon, and received by the public generally, very

differently to what they were ten or twenty years ago. They begin to see that they are more in accordance with reason and scripture than they were wont to suppose.

LONDON-Spencer Place, Goswell Road. -On Tuesday, Feb. 7, our pastor, Mr. D. Jennings, after a discourse from, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice," had the pleasure of baptizing eight female converts on a profession of their love to the Saviour. Six are connected with the sabbath school. Others are on the road and will soon follow in their footsteps. J. G.

SALFORD-Two believers (mother and daughter) manifested their love to Christ by being baptized in his name, Jan. 29. On this occasion, our minister, Mr. Wood, preached on the conversion of Lydia, to a large and attentive congregation. May we yet have peace and prosperity.

CLERICAL UNKINDNESS.

WE have no pleasure in recording such facts as the following. Dissenters though we be, we would rather tell of the good deeds of the clergy of the Establishment; and do not fail to do so when we hear of them. But such unfeeling conduct as this calls for public notice; and it is in the hope of repressing such manifestations of clerical unkindness on the part of men calling themselves gentlemen and christians, that we publish it.

"In a quiet, picturesque village in Bucks., lives a curate, who has ever been considered a liberal man, alike the friend of churchman and dissenter. He was held in high esteem by many of his parishioners, on account of his apparent earnestness to merge all minor differences in one bond of christian unity; always taking the lead in whatever seemed likely to promote the educational and religious progress of the people. There also lives in the same village a member of his church, who some time ago was so stupid as to doubt the efficacy of infant sprinkling. The ultimate issue of this doubt was the non-performance of that ceremony on one of the infant members of his family. The curate being on intimate terms with the parents, urged its necessity;

but in vain. About a fortnight ago the youngest child died. The family burying place having been for upwards of a century within the 'sacred' precincts of the churchyard, it was the father's intention to deposit the infant's remains with those of its ancestors. But the curate refused to read the burial service; and actually started up to the house of the parents whilst overwhelmed with grief, and talked awfully of the fearful responsibilities, and awful consequences, of such a wilful neglect of God's ordinance; exhorting them to turn to 'the good old way' again; but in vain. Conviction had fastened firmly in the father's heart; and the rev. gentleman returned from his fruitless mission, vexed and disappointed.

The body was at length interred in the spacious baptist burial-ground, in equally as 'sure and certain hope' of a resurrection to eternal life. The affair has caused a sensation throughout the parish; and many whose eyes were blinded before as to the rev. gentleman's real character, are now of a different opinion respecting it. This rev. gentleman is the writer of a pamphlet, shewing that Regeneration is not necessarily connected with Baptism." R. W.