blood of the Son of God. But of an assembly of this kind the Baptists alone are destitute. We are a rope of sand, without cement, and consequently without strength. We resemble those petty states which cover whole empires under feudal dominion: were all properly united, and the power of each directed to the best advantage, enterprizes might be attempted with success, and foes repelled with confidence-which in the scattered clans of their government are supposed to be impossible. In our present disjointed situation we are unacquainted with our own strength, we are ignorant of the effects that we could produce if united in a general system of endeavour.

The Interesting details and glorious success which have accompanied the truly intrepid steps of the Baptist Missionary Society must have warmed the heart of every lover of Jesus, who has been acquainted with them. Many of the Inhabi tants of Asiatic India converted to God; the chain of the cast broken, the very water which had been consecrated to the service of Idolatry, used for the initiatory ordinance of the Church of Christ; Idols consuming into smoke, or thrown to the moles and bats, that the regenerated Hindoo might wait for the advent of that Saviour, who delivers from the wrath to come-yet how might the influence of this institution be extended, were an annual assembly to promote it, held in the Metropolis of this nation. Pecuniary assistance would be multiplied-the minds of Ministers would receive a fresh excitement-their own feelings would be communicated to their flocks-their individual churches would be roused to fresh activity-young men of piety and talent might be influenced to volunteer their services in Missionary labours. In proof of this, reference is only requisite to be made to the meetings of a similar society in London, and to the feelings which have been produced at the designa tion of Missionaries among us.

Not to be tedious by a long detail of particulars-one other point of view in which greater union is necessary, is the extension of the Gospel in villages, and the assistance of new inte rests and indigent Churches in the support of ministers which then might be stationed among them. It is a well known fact that most of our congregations, which wear any thing like the appearance of opulence, are in cities and large towns; in villages round then the gospel is preached, churches are formed, and pastors are stationed; but a very considerable number of villages will be found far remote from cities, some of them within the precincts of congregations that cannot in any degre respectably support their own ministers, much less grant their

aid to spread the tidings of a Saviour's love in the dark places of our own land. Others, many others, lie beyond the influence of any established society, who are perishing for lack of knowledge, and the cry that ascends from their misery, is, "Come and help us." How might the cheering beams of the Gospel diffuse Salvation in those barren lands, were there but the aid afforded which universal unanimity would insure! Much, I am well aware, is done by many Ministers whose names the annals of fame will never blaze to an unbelieving world, that the blessings of the reign of heaven may be transmitted beyond their own congregations. But, alas, how comparatively feeble must their efforts be! Obliged to labour a considerable part of six days appointed for worldly occupations; preaching four times a week to their own people; neither their time or strength will permit them to exert themselves according to the desire of their hearts. What might not be done-how many more souls might be brought to God what new assemblies might be raised, if that co-operation was exerted which could be thus employ ed. It is by this mean that Mr. Wesley's followers increase the number and magnitude of their societies beyond that of any other body of Christians. Why not follow them as far as they follow Christ?

Impressed with these ideas, the mind of the writer was influ enced, in the resolution of proposing some plan, which might be maturized by the counsels, and carried into effect by the strength of the denomination to which he belongs. But on read> ing the Baptist Magazine (for June) he had the pleasure of finding his sentiments corresponding with those of others. The Essay on "Union essential to prosperity," is the piece to which reference is made. The proposal contained in that energetic appeal, will, he trusts, be introductory to the formation of that union which all must acknowledge to be so desirable. Though the writer of this article had not the honour to introduce what is there submitted to our attention, he determined to recommend what is so much in Unison with his own views; and to lend the feeble mite of his assistance towards provoking his Brethren to the carrying into execution the good work. He therefore does earnestly intreat, and sincerely hope, that efforts may be made to promote this object. Far from him be it to draw out a plan which must be pursued in it. This, he hopes, will be done by a select number, who may form a committee, who will present a Prospectus for the approval of all among us who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Need any thing be said by way of motive to stir up to this
Vol. III.

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330 AN ADDRESS TO THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION. undertaking? Motives would arise from every quarter. Its expediency is on all hands acknowledged. Thousands among us have been longing to see it carried into effect. It only re quires some one whose talents are adequate to manage, and whose opinion is sufficiently powerful to influence, to begin, and the design would meet with the most liberal encouragement. The glory of God-the interest of the kingdom of Christ-the value of time-its rapid lapse over past inactivity-the honor of our own denomination-the animation that pervades other classes of professors and the joy of our Lord into which we soon hope to enter all plead powerfully, all call affectionately, all might furnish matter of enlargement to stir up to fresh zeal. Let me just remind you, my dear Brethren, of one those pe titions which our blessed Lord presented for all his followers just before that amazing hour when he shed his blood amidst the most torturing sufferings to expiate our crimes. That they all may be one, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Jn. xvii, 21. Survey, O believer, the blessing intreated; con template the affection which is manifested; let thine eye roll over the design to be effected by the fact, does it not declare that union among christians is connected with the spread of the Gospel. That the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Let us then be active and diligent. christian, methinks I heard thy Saviour say, "Be zealous-It is high time to awake out of sleep, thy complete salvation hastens on; the field in which thou canst labour will soon be passed over, and the house of thy rest will soon be enjoyed." Let us then imitate him who said, I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work. Then will it be matter of pleasing reflection to have in any degree served our generation, and done any thing to promote an institution by which any may be brought acquainted with Christ, O how extatic must be the joys that will glow in your bosoms, when from your Father's throne in glory, you will perhaps see a distinguished number of the Heathen, joined with no small multitude of those who shall be gathered from Villages now sitting under the darkness of spiritual death, but then brought to the possession of glory, through means which you by grace have instituted! What, dear Brethren, is our hope, or joy, and crown of rejoicing; are not many of this description in the presence of Christ at his coming,

B. D.

Obituary.

REV. TITUS LEWIS. Titus Lewis was the son of the Late Rev. Lewis Thomas, Minister at Cilvowir, Pembrokeshire; whose diligence and usefulness was much approved in the church and connection in general. By trade he was a Shoe-maker, and brought up three or four boys in the same business, of whom Titus Lewis was one. About the 9th year of his age Titus was somewhat troubled in his mind with regard to his spiritual condition, and henceforth, every now and then, he was very uneasy, though for a long time he continued disobedient to God's public commandments,he lived as blame less as might be expected, as to outward morality, until he was about 20 years of age, about that time conviction began to be strong er, and the burden of his mind to be very heavy, so that he was forced to cry out "what must I do to be saved?" The Lord now began to raise expectations in the church that he was a chosen vessel of God to bring his name be..fore men and nations,

of God; the holy place of the ta bernacle of the Most High. This opportunity was so well pleasing to the society in general, that they were ready to say, "What shall become of this Man?" Ever since, he exercised his talents with great acceptance, and much improvement, so that in a short time he became greatly respected in our Israel, proclaiming the gospel of salvation, as it becometh a faithful messenger of God.

January 24th, 1798, he was ordained a pastor at Blaen-y-waun, to which charge he paid the greatest attention, and filled his office with affectionate care. The glory of God and the public interest of the Immanuel's cause, the eternal welfare of immortal souls, he at all times endeavoured to keep in view. In a few years after, Mr. L. married a young woman from the town of Carmarthen, a member at Darkgate chapel; in consequence of which he removed to Carmarthen, and resided there until his death. After Mr. Lewis's coming to Carmarthen, he took the pastoral care of the church meeting at Darkgate, and faithfully laboured amongst them, di

June 1st, 1794, he was baptized on profession of his faith, in a river by Blaen-y-waun chapel, and,viding rightly unto them the 32 others the same day. The ordinance was administered by the Rev. B. Davies, Cilvowir, and the 33 were admitted as church members at Blaen-y-waun. The people had Mr. Lewis in view, remembering his well-beloved, but deceased father. In the course of six weeks after he was baptized, he began to preach at Blaen-y-waun, from the words in the 44th Psa. and the 4th verse, There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city

word of truth. He paid much regard to his study, also travelled through north and south, east and west Wales, visiting the churches, and preaching the gospel, having many witnesses of his divine commission, and the power of God working in and through him effectually. The doctrine of free grace he most firmly believed, publicly professed, loudly proclaimed, and duly honoured, During his residence at Carmar. then, he wrote and published se.