I. AN OFT-FORGOTTEN MEANS OF GRACE. -The following letter calls attention to a means of usefulness not sufficiently appreciated in all Christian churches:

"Dear Brother, I hope your modesty will not refuse this letter a place in the Magazine. I am pastor of one of our churches in a small town in the Midland Counties. We are always parting with our young people, who leave us for the great towns and cities. Are our churches in large towns sufficiently anxious to care for young members from the country? A few weeks ago a young man left us for London. I had the pleasure of reading his letter home and give you this extract, I have often heard Mr.

(his pastor) speak about being courteous to strangers, but I did not feel the full force of it till this morning. I went out with the intention of going to the first place of worship I came to, but I went to two churches and one chapel and there was no one who took any notice of me or offered to put me into a pew, so I came out of all of them and went on till I came to the chapel I have spoken of before, and as soon as I got there some gentleman stepped forward and placed me in a seat at once, for which I felt very grateful; and then, as I have told you, I thought of Mr. 's words.' Need I add, that chapel, Mr. Editor, was your own. My young friend did not know you at the time. Yours fraternally,

June 6, 1873. A COUNTRY PASTOR." But is this, after all, much to the credit of Praed Street chapel? "This thing ought ye to have done." "Be courteous," is a direction carrying all the weight of Divine authority, and in no position is it more salutary than that of pew-opener in the sanctuary. Immensely advantageous is that position to one who pants for useful

ness.

I had rather be a door-keeper, or a pew-opener, than a deacon, an elder, or anything short of the preacher of the living word. The post is only second to that of

the pulpit as a vantage ground for good doing. And if ever I should be unable to preach I shall certainly compete with all my might for the pew-opener's place. I fancy it is Beecher who describes the churches as getting the most stiff, starched, unbending, vinegar-faced creature in the congregation to show strangers into their seats; and he ascribes the policy to the wit of the devil. I would rather get the man whose face shines with a welcome,whose very eyes twinkle with "Come in thou blessed of the Lord, wherefore standest thou without," and whose ready tact and loving heart will preach a second sermon. Better send the sour-faced men to the undertakers, better bury them outright, than promote them to the office of pewopener.

II. OUR LOCAL PREACHERS.-The account of the Nottingham L. P. Union on another page; the record of the formation of another L. P. Union in Yorkshire, and the fact that the Association Letter of the year is on the subject of Local Preachers show at once the great importance we attach to this most valuable agency, and the increasing efficiency that may be expected from it. The need of more evangelistic work in the villages is apparent; and this is one of the best ways of meeting the necessity. Let our churches remember these Unions in their prayers and sympathies, help in the formation of their "Libraries," and do all that they can to promote their usefulness.

III. OPEN-AIR SERVICES.-Here is a timely epistle

"Dear Sir, Please to impress on our friends, now the warm weather has arrived, the importance of open-air services. At Bourne we have four or five village stations. At one (Stainfield) the congregation is usually about thirty; now on Sunday evening last we had an open-air service, the congregation numbered one

hundred and thirty. See the difference, people who will go to no place of worship will draw up to an open-air meeting. Brethren, let us remember who was the great open air Preacher, even Jesus, our Master. Go and imitate Him. And again, good arises in another way, as it did last evening. It brings out our young men A son of the Rev. I. Preston spoke last night. T. P. ALLATT.”

That is the way, let us walk and work in it! Young men may do much good in this manner if they will adhere to a faithful delivery of the gospel message, not going aside for discussions and controversies, but from a warm and loving heart preaching Christ as the sinner's Saviour and Friend. Let them try to get good singing at these services. Some of the best children's voices in the schools might be engaged for this work. It will attract the people. The ad

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dresses should be rich in apt and homely illustration.

IV. THE AUGUST MAGAZINE AND THE ASSOCIATION.-The meetings of the Annual Assembly are held too late in the month to find a place in this issue; but a full description of the proceedings will be given in August by the secretary; and any documents ordered to be published in the Magazine will appear in our next number.

V. MINISTERS' HOLIDAYS.-Under the heading, "A Good Example," this has been sent us- "A few of the friends connected with the Dover Street church, Leicester, have just furnished their pastor with the means of going, with his wife, to the sea side for a few weeks. Might not the well-to-do members in most of our churches do as much for their ministers? A hint to the wise is enough." There are few better ways of helping the church.

PRAYER AND CONTEMPORARY CRITICISM. Five Sermons by R. H. Roberts, B.A., pp. 110. Hodder and Stoughton. THESE sermons were preached in reply to the proposals and criticisms on prayer offered by two or three scientific men and published in the Contemporary and Fortnightly last year: and they are in every way a satisfactory answer. The character of prayer, as an expression of the Christian life, is clearly defined; and the reality of help from God in response to such prayer is insisted upon with pungent reasoning based on Scripture, experience, and a sound philosophy. Marked by a spirit of conciliation, and graced with Christian courtesy, it is also firm in its tone, and clear and decided in its ring. A trenchant logic repels the attacks of these modern foes of our faith; and an able exposition defends the time-honoured strongholds of devotion. To young men it will yield salutary and abiding help.

LIVES OF THE BRITISH REFORMERS. From Wykcliffe to Foxe. New and revised edition. Religious Tract Society.

Ar no time was it more necessary to circulate broadcast true and reliable information concerning the great Reformation, its workers, spirit, teaching, and results. Members and ministers of the "Protestant Reformed" Church of England are constantly attacking the characters of our reformers with furious violence, and falsely charging them with numberless vices: and this, notwithstanding the church from which these aspersions come, was in part founded by the labours, and wholly served

by the lives of these reformers. But it is certain most of them had what it may be supposed their calumniators have not, pure conscience, a noble sense of fidelity to truth, a heroism that could dare even death itself. Wykcliffe and Knox, Ridley and Latimer, Coverdale, Bilney, and their fellow-workers, are men who have made England and the world immensely richer by their lives, and they must be held in everlasting remembrance. Our young men and women should familiarize themselves with their biographies, and catch the spirit of their consecration. We earnestly urge the purchase and study of this reissue on our friends. The work is executed with great painstaking, and is as readable as it is well executed.

SKETCHES IN THE VINEYARD. By William Smith, pp. 183. Stock.

THE vineyard is the Sunday school, and the sketches are graphic and truthful delineations of the workers found therein, both competent and incompetent, fit and unfit. Many of the sketches run over the walls of the vineyard into the neighbourhood beyond, and we have glimpses of selfseeking rectors, dispensing toryism, and baptismal regeneration; country justices brewing beer and lenient towards drunkards, etc., etc. The burden of the little book is the advocacy of a "Juvenile Christian Institute," as a remedy for the principal evils from which our Sunday schools now suffer. Discursive as the work is, it is pervaded with sound principles and is calculated to do 'good.

LITTLE BOOKS BY JOHN BUNYAN. Blackie and Son.

THE second volume of this admirable issue of Bunyan's works contains his refreshing discourse on the "Water of Life;" and the profound and searching sermon on the "Greatness of the Soul." Mr. Geo. Offor, whose name is so closely associated with Bunyan literature, is the editor of this series; and gives to each sermon a preface, and a number of useful notes, explanatory of terms passed out of use, or changed in their import.

TALES FROM THE GROVE: a book for youth. A. Withall, F.S.A. Stock. THE "Tales" in this volume have a good moral; and some of them are well told: but the poetry is ineffably poor.

HALF-A-DOZEN BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG.

IF any librarian of our Sunday schools, or paterfamilias, or friend of the young, is looking out for half-a-dozen good books to put into the hands of young people, we can unhesitatingly commend to his acceptance the following recent publications of the RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. They are all

thoroughly well adapted to their purpose: full of vivacity and sprightliness, rich in incident and illustration, and saturated with the principles of the gospel of Christ. Fanny's Bible Text will charm boys as well as girls. It is by the author of "Faithful, but not Famous," a book we noticed a short time since. A more beautiful illustration of the wisdom of resting in the "love of God" we have not lately seen. Waiting for Sailing Orders is by Mrs. G. Gladstone, and illustrates, in a racy and captivating way, the perils, joys, and hopes of fisher life at the Land's End. My Mates and I is a story of a boy who begins life in a country town, spends some time in London, battles with temptation, and conquers. It is well and simply told. Little Wavie, the Foundling of Glenderg, is the story of a wreck, and of the blessedness that came from a loving care shown to a little girl saved from the sea. Vivian and his Friends, by G. E. Sargent, is a story of the social and religious life of England two hundred years ago, and will be familiar to many of our readers from having appeared in the "Sunday at Home." Fireside Stories for Winter Evenings are brief, but stirring tales.

CONFERENCES.

The LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Heptonstall Slack, on Wednesday, June 4th, 1873. At the request of the late lamented Dr. Ingham, who should have introduced the subject for conversation in the morning, the Rev. J. Maden read a paper on, "The Baptists: their relationship to the young; what it has been, and what it ought to be!" Several ministers and delegates freely expressed their opinions on the subject. We trust our churches will be led to seek the conversion of the very young, and to admit them to the fellowship of believers. The attendance, during the whole day, was exceedingly good. The Rev. C. Springthorpe presided in the afternoon, and the following business was attended to:

Reports showed 126 baptized.

I. Resolution of condolence with Mrs. R. Ingham, of Halifax :-"That we, the ministers and representatives of the various churches in the Lancashire and Yorkshire district, assembled at Heptonstall Slack, on Wednesday, the 4th of June, 1873, express our deep sympathy with our dear sister in Christ, in the loss which she has sustained by the death of her beloved husband, the Rev. R. Ingham, D.D.; and assure her that entreaties at the throne of Divine

grace will be offered on her behalf to Him who does all things well, that she may be supported in this most trying hour of her life. Also, that we, as a body of Christians, feel deeply the loss of a faithful friend, and of a wise and judicious counsellor in all matters connected with Christ's cause." The above was carried by the Conference rising and standing in solemn silence.

II. That the application from the church at Bacup be deferred, and that the secretary lay the case before the gentleman who has promised £100 on certain conditions.

III. That we very cordially recommend the churches at Nazebottom and at Hyde Road, Manchester, for reception into the Association.

IV. Home Mission.-(1.) That the accounts be audited by Messrs. H. Halstead and G. Townsend. (2.) That the report read by the Rev. W. Gray, and the financial statement made by Mr. Lister, be accepted and adopted. (3.) That we tender our thanks to the Rev. W. Gray and Mr. J. Lister, and request them to serve during the coming year. (4.) That brethren Rhodes, Holt, and the secretary, make enquiries about an iron chapel, with a view to the use of it by the Home Mission.

V. That we thank Mr. D. Wilson for his past service, and reappoint him as Conference treasurer.

The LONDON CONFERENCE met at Hitchin, on Monday, May 26. A devotional service was held in the morning, at which brethren McCallum, Towers, Sage, and Quiney, prayed; and an address was delivered by Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., L.L.B., on "The place of prayer in the life of our Lord."

The business meeting was held in the afternoon. The Rev. J. H. Atkinson presided, and the Rev. J. G. Pike offered prayer. The Rev. D. McCallum, who has recently become pastor of the church at Chesham, was cordially welcomed to the Conference.

From the reports of the churches received, it appeared that fify-one had been baptized, twenty-two received, three restored, and there were twenty-nine candidates.

Brother Pike, instead of brother Atkinson, was appointed convener of the meeting of committee and others at the Association, to consider the proposals of the General Baptist Assembly.

Concerning Rushall it was reported that no communication had as yet been received from the trustees, and the matter was still left in the hands of brother Clifford and the secretary for further investigation. It was resolved

I. That we heartily rejoice in the work being done by our friends at Hitchin, and are glad that they have so nearly succeeded in obtaining the money to pay for the land on which their chapel stands, and warmly encourage their appeal to the churches for help in their forthcoming Bazaar.

II. That it is desirable that delegates should be appointed by this Conference to visit the smaller churches in this Conference with the view to holding evangelizing services, and promoting the spiritual life of such churches. And the following appointments were made Brethren Clifford and Pike to visit Rushall

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and Downton, and brother McCallum to visit Tring and Ford.

III. That the following case be sent to the Association: "Several members of General Baptist churches having been placed in districts where General Baptist churches are not accessible, and having united with Baptist churches outside our Association, we suggest to the Association the desirability of framing rules for the admission of such of these persons as wish it to the enjoyment of the privileges and powers of the Association."

IV. That the next Conference be held at Church Street, London, or in case of failure, at Praed Street, -that brother McCallum write a paper on "The best method of promoting and cultivating the spiritual life of the young in our schools," and that a public meeting be held in the evening, R. Johnson, Esq., to be the chairman, and that addresses be given by Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., L.L.B., on, "Why we are Christians;" by Dr. Burns on, "Why we are Protestants;" by Rev. J. G. Pike on, "Why we are Nonconformists;" and by Rev. J. H. Atkinson on, "Why we are Baptists and General Baptists."

The Rev. R. Y. Roberts read a suggestive paper on, "The instruction of the young in religious knowledge by the pastors of the churches," for which he received the best thanks of the Conference, and he was requested to send it for publication in the Magazine.

In the evening the Rev. S. Cox, of Nottingham, preached from Psalm cxix. 45, "I will walk at liberty, for I seek Thy precepts." J. SAGE, Sec.

The MIDLAND SUMMER CONFERENCE was held at Hugglescote, on Whit-Wednesday, June 4th, 1873. The morning service was opened at eleven o'clock. The Rev. J. P. Tetley read the Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. J. Fletcher preached from 1 Chronicles xiii. 6. Subject,-"The decline and revival of religion." The afternoon session opened at 2-15. Rev. H. Wood offered prayer.

I. Market Harbro.'-Mr. W. Bennett reported that the deputation had not been able to see the trust deeds as yet. Messrs. Bennett and Booker are requested to report to the next Association.

II. Non-reporting Churches.-Only five reports were received as the result of the appointment of deputations to the churches which did not report at the Spring Conference.

III. The Midland Home Mission.-The three brethren who retired from the Committee were re-elected,-Messrs. T. Hill, of Nottingham; Prince, of Derby; and Burchnall, of Stamford. H. Webster Earp,

Esq., of Melbourne, was re-appointed treasurer; and Rev. C. Clarke secretary.

IV. A vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. J. Fletcher for his useful sermon in the morning.

V. Finances.-Balance in hand last year, £3 0s. 5d. The annual collection for Conference expenses amounted to £4 3s. 14d. Total £7 3s. 6d. Expenses during the year, £2 16s. 6d.

VI. At 3-30 Dr. Underwood read his paper on "The Scripture doctrine of the Lord's Supper." Conference followed, in which about a dozen brethren took part. A vote of thanks was carried for the excellent paper, and Dr. Underwood was requested to publish it in the Magazine.

VII. The Rev. J. Wilshire read the Scriptures and prayed at the evening service, and the Rev. T. Stevenson, of Leicester, preached from Acts viii. 39. "He went on his way rejoicing."

VIII. The next Conference will be held at Archdeacon Lane, Leicester, on the third Tuesday in September, viz., Sept. 16th, 1873. Papers will be read by the Rev. H. Wood, on "Christian giving," in the morning; and by the Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., on "The relation of the family to the church, and the obligation arising out of that relationship," in the afternoon.

The warm sunshine and pure atmosphere, the large attendance, the hospitality of the Hugglescote friends, and chiefly the spiritual topics which engaged attention and elicited most fraternal interchange of thought, made this a very enjoyable and profitable Conference.

C. CLARKE, Secretary.

LOCAL PREACHERS' UNION. THE Twenty-third Annual Meeting of the General Baptist Local Preachers' Union was held on Whit-Monday, at Mansfield Road Chapel, Nottingham. There was an average attendance at the business meeting, one approved candidate for the Union was enrolled, and several of the village stations reported additions by baptism, and progress in chapel accommodation.

Besides the ordinary routine of business the officers for the ensuing year were elected, and thanks accorded to the retiring brethren. Special reference was made to one of the young men, previously proposed, who had presented himself to the College, and stands as a candidate for that institution. Another case was that of an invalid brother, who joined the Union in 1850, and has laboured with unflagging activity and extensive usefulness, but who, through partial paralysis, is a confirmed cripple, the sum of five shillings per week having been allowed him for six months, it was resolved to continue the same, and

appeal to the churches for contributions in his behalf.

An excellent tea was provided at five o'clock, when about one hundred preachers, delegates, and visitors assembled, to assist the library and improvement class recently established. Already nearly two hundred volumes have been contributed, and the committee hereby tender their thanks to Dr. Underwood for the books just to hand, other parcels having been duly acknowledged.

In the evening a public meeting was convened in the upper school-room, Mr. Councillor F. Stevenson in the chair, and very earnest addresses were delivered by brethren from Leicester, Derby, Long Eaton, and Nottingham. The Carrington Baptist choir enlivened the occasion with appropriate songs.

The subjoined statement was presented by the Secretary, in compliance with a request from the Chairman, for the information of those who might be unacquainted with the range and nature of the operations of the above Society.

The Union formerly comprised seventeen village stations, with chapel accommodation for 5,000 hearers; six of these stations have now settled ministers; there are, however, fourteen other churches not on the Nottingham plan without pastors, making in all twenty-five congregations to whom our brethren break the bread of life every Lord's-day. Some of these are branches of town churches; some at the distance of twenty miles from the town, too wide apart for co-operation; others, for local reasons, are indisposed to affiliation.

The necessity and utility of such organizations, and their value to the denomination at large, must be patent to every wellwisher of the Connexion. These brethren, from a deep sense of their personal obligation to Christ, and an actual acquaintance with the condition of the rural populations by daily contact, forego the claims of home, the seventh-day rest, the luxury of a talented ministry, and devote themselves, for a scanty remuneration or a verbal expression, to their evangelistic mission. The eleven stations now comprising this union have, during the year, baptized forty-three, and have seventeen candidates, have also enlarged and renovated three chapels, at a cost of £400, and there is one new chapel in course of erection. W. RICHARDSON, Sec.

NEW CHAPELS.

MACCLESFIELD.-The foundation stone of the new Baptist chapel in the above place, was laid on Saturday, June 7th, 1873, by David Holland, Esq. After singing, the Rev. R. P. Cooke read the 122nd Psalm. The Rev. Isaac Watts (pastor) then read a