FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

Hopewell, Oct. 30, 1835.

Bro. Beebe: There is considerable commotion in these parts concerning matters of religion. The New School Baptists are holding protracted or distracted meetings, accomplishing front-bench conversions.

The Central New Jersey Association, you are aware, has gone fully into every new measure, but every Baptist in this region has not bowed the knee, nor received the mark of the beast in their foreheads. The First and Second Churches in Hopewell stand firm on the ancient principles of faith, while many of our good brethren and sisters in those churches which are governed by majorities of New-lights, groan under the pressure of their bondage.

The God of Israel heard the groaning of his people in Egypt, and I have no doubt he will regard his Spiritual Israel; and in due time they will not only hear his voice, saying, “Come out of Babylon my people,” but they will find as safe a retreat as Israel did through the Red Sea. I think the wheel of providence is already moving among us for that pleasing object. A new Association has been formed by Delegates, who met at Kingwood on the 13th inst, called the Delaware River Association, and is at present composed of four Churches, to wit: Kingwood, Southampton, Canton, First Hopewell and Second Hopewell; and several others will no doubt join them. This Association is pledged to maintain, preach and practice according to our ancient articles of faith, and also to protest against either dictation, recommendation or advice to the churches. This movement has already produced no small concern amongst the New-lights; some of whom even came to our meeting at Kingwood to oppose us, but they prevailed nothing. An Old School Meeting will be held with the First Baptist Church in Hopewell, on the first Tuesday in December next, at 11 o’clock A. M. May the truth prevail till all the saints enjoy it.

C. SUYDAM