scribes the restlessness and weakness attendant upon service in Christ's kingdom without Christ's spirit; and then points out "the more excellent way." Young Christians will find it a profitable and attractive book.

GEMS OF SONG, WITH MUSIC. By G. T. Congreve. Stock.

WE are pleased to announce that this admirable collection of words and music for Sunday schools is published in the tonicsolfa notation.

TRUE AND FALSE RELIGION. THE BIBLE

AND EXPERIENCE. THE BIBLE AND ITS ENEMIES. J. H. Wood. London: Protestant Educational Institute, 12, Haymarket.

OUR friend, Mr. Wood, of Pailton, Rugby, is doing very good service to the truth by the publication of these plain tracts for plain people. They are trenchant and convincing refutations of the errors of Romanism, expressed in a kindly spirit. Persons who are anxious to defeat a system which Binney describes as an "organized conspiracy against Divine truth and human

freedom, which popery unquestionably is," will do well to distribute these tracts. They may be had at one penny each.

DAY DREAMS ABOUT MASTERS AND MEN. By W. Glenn. Leicester: Hassell, pp. 402.

THE object of this book is to let in a little light upon the condition of the agricultural labourer and his employer in the lovely vale of Belvoir. It consists of a series of conversations between different village characters, put into rhyme, and is somewhat in the style of Samuel Deacon's Johnny Trueman. It hits hard at the vices of village life; tells, in a plain and homely way, of successful efforts for their cure; is pervaded with sound principles, and likely to do good.

GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS (Blackie & Son) is the last and best of this issue. It is the great classic of experimental religion;, and deserves the next place to the Confessions of Augustine.

EBENEZER, BY A DEVONSHIRE LOCAL PREACHER, (Stock) is a practical and devout appeal for a grateful Christian life.

HOME MISSIONS.

MR. W. STEVENSON, of Derby, General Treasurer to the Home Mission, desires to acknowledge the receipt of £5-a legacy left by the late Miss Stanger, of Fleet.

CONFERENCES.

The Half-yearly CHESHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Stoke-on-Trent, Oct. 7. Rev. R. P. Cook preached in the morning from Heb. xiii. 8. Rev. R. Kenney presided at the business meeting in the afternoon. Baptized since last Conference 16, candidates 2. Reports of the churches were interesting and hopeful; the attendance of delegates was good.

1. Mr. R. Pedley presented his report as treasurer of the Home Mission Committee, showing a balance due to him of £26 10s.7d. It was accepted and passed.

2. That the Home Mission Committee consist of Messrs. J. Aston, R. Bate, R. Booth, R. Birchall, Isaac Norbury, and all ministers of contributing but unassisted churches; that R. Pedley be the treasurer, and Rev. R. P. Cook the secretary, and that these two brethren be members of the committee ex officio; that the committee and its two officers be elected annually; and that reports be sent from Home Mission

stations to half-yearly meetings of the Home Mission Committee.

3. That our cordial thanks be given to R. P. Cook, for his thoughtful and profitable sermon.

4. That the next Conference be at Congleton, on the first Tuesday in April, 1874; Rev. R. F. Griffiths to be the preacher; or, in case of failure, Rev. J. Walker.

5. That the disposal of £150, the Cheshire portion from the Centenary Fund, be left for the consideration of the Home Mission Committee, and that its recommendations be submitted to the Conference.

6. That our hearty thanks be presented to Rev. I. Watts for his excellent paper on the question, "should the distinctive names of General and Particular be retained in the Baptist denomination ;" and that it be sent for insertion in our Magazine.

7. That Rev. J. Walker be requested to write a paper for the next Conference on the best means of conducting Home Mission Work in this district.

WILLIAM MARCH, Secretary.

The LONDON CONFERENCE was held at Praed Street Chapel, on Oct. 8th; the Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., in the chair. The Rev. J. Sage having resigned the

office of Conference Secretary, Mr. J. Wallis Chapman was appoined in his place.

Since the last Conference the reports showed 57 baptized, 10 candidates, 13 received or restored.

It was reported that the committee nominated by this Conference for conferring with other brethren in the denomination respecting the proposals of the General Baptist Assembly had met during the Association week at Burnley.

The hearty thanks of the Conference were given to the Rev. J. Sage for his services as Secretary, and the Chairman was requested to write a letter on behalf of the Conference, commending him to the Christian sympathy and fellowship of the Suffolk Association.

The Revs. T. B. W. Briggs, of Dover, and J. Marten, of Peckham, attended as a deputation from the General Baptist Assembly, and brought up the following resolution passed by that Assembly, viz. :

"That the Assembly will be glad to receive into union any of the churches of the New Connexion of General Baptists which may be willing to unite with it on those broad and comprehensive principles on which this Assembly has long rested."

It was resolved that the Conference acknowledges the receipt of the above resolution, and wishes to record it for the information of the individual churches.

The Rev. J. H. Atkinson, of Hitchin, was appointed to make arrangements for the next Foreign Mission Services of the churches in this Conference.

It was unanimously resolved-That we rejoice to hear that our Brother J. G. Pike has been chosen by the unanimous vote of the Foreign Mission Committee to reinforce the feeble band of labourers for Christ in Orissa, and that he has seen his way to comply with that vote; that this Conference is glad to hear, at the same time, of the peace, unity, and prosperity of the church at Commercial Road, and prays that God may guide it to a pastor after His own heart; and further that we earnestly desire that our brother may be useful in preaching the gospel to thousands of Oriyas, and in turning them from darkness to light.

The Rev. D. McCallum, of Chesham, read "An appeal to the churches on the low state of religion," for which he received the cordial thanks of the Conference.

In the evening a public meeting was held, R. Johnson, Esq., in the chair, and addresses were given by the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, Mr. T. P. Dexter, Rev. Dr. Burns, and Rev. J. Clifford, respectively, on "Why we are Baptists and General Baptists, Nonconformists, Protestants, and Christians."

The next Conference to be held at Wendover, on Whit-Monday; the Rev. J. Harcourt to preach in the morning; the Rev.

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J. H. Atkinson to read a paper in the afternoon, and further arrangements to be announced in the May Magazine.

J. WALLIS CHAPMAN, Sec.

CHAPELS.

BILLINGSHURST.-Sixth anniversary of the Rev. J. F. Kennard's settlement. On Sunday, October 5, two discourses were preached by the Rev. F. R. Young. On the following day a tea meeting was held, and afterwards a public meeting, J. F. Kennard presiding. Addresses were given by Revs. J. Martin, M. S. Dunbar, B.A., by the Chairman, J. Sheward, F. R. Young, and Mr. R. H. Campbell. The attendance on each occasion was good, and the interest well sustained.

BOSTON. The 220th anniversary of the G. B. church, High Street, Boston, was celebrated Sept. 28th, 29th, and 30th. Mr. Henry Varley was the preacher. These services were preceded by a week of prayer. The meetings were numerously attended and blessed. On Sunday, the congregations were large, and a deep and holy impression was made. On Monday, 250 sat down to tea, and the chapel was afterward well filled to listen to addresses from Mr. Varley and other friends. On Tuesday afternoon a heart-stirring address was delivered by Mr. Varley to Christians on, "The rest of faith in the Son of God." In the evening Mr. Varley again addressed a full chapel, from the words, "Daughter, thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." May the seed sown by this servant of God spring up to the glory of His name.

BOURNE.-Our thirty-eighth anniversary was celebrated, Sept. 28, when sermons were preached by the Rev. S. S. Allsop. On the day following a tea meeting was held, when the school-room was well filled. At seven o'clock the Rev. S. S. Allsop again preached. The collections and profits arising from the tea, together amounted to £48 4s. 8d.

BURNLEY, Enon.-The chapel anniversary sermons were preached on Sunday, Sept. 28, by Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford. A social meeting of the members of the church and congregation was held on the Saturday evening preceding to celebrate the third anniversary of the pastor's settlement. The services were full of encouragement, and the financial result very satisfactory.

COALVILLE-Anniversary sermons were preached on Lord's-day, Oct. 12, by Rev. E. Stevenson. A public tea, gratuitously provided, on the 13th. Two hundred partook. Public meeting, presided over by

Thomas Deacon, of Barton, addressed by Revs. A. Johnson, J. Bateman, Leicester, W. Smith, and the pastor. Collections,

£19 12s.

ISLEHAM, Cambs.-Our sixty-first anniversary was held Oct. 1, when the Rev. W. E. Winks, of Wisbech, preached in the afternoon. A public tea meeting followed, which was well attended. At seven o'clock a public meeting was held, when the chapel was well filled. The Rev. G. Towler, the pastor, presided. Addresses were delivered by Revs. J. Smith, G. Avery, W. J. Inglis, C. Gounn, W. E. Winks. The Rev. W. W. Cantlow and Rev. J. A Wilson offered prayer. The collections were good.

MARCH, Centenary Chapel.-Our Harvest Thanksgiving Service was celebrated on October 8. The Rev. T. W. Handford, of Bloomsbury Chapel, London, preached an admirable harvest sermon in the afternoon, and at night delivered a lecture of great eloquence and power on "George Fox and the Quakers." The chapel was most tastefully decorated with flowers, fruit, and corn. Beneath the preaching desk was the text, "Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness" in white letters on a crimson ground. The services were most happy and successful. Collections, £21.

PINCHBECK. Our twenty-ninth anniversary was held, Sept. 28, 29. Two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. H. Payne, of Bugbrook (son-in-law of the pastor), and on the following day there was a bazaar for the sale of useful and fancy goods, which was well patronised. A public tea followed, and in the evening a religious service, when the pastor, the Rev. J. Staddon, presided; and addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. C. Jones, M.A., A. Jones, T. Chisholm, J. Ellis, W. H. Payne, and Messrs. Sharman and Johnson.

were

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-On Sunday, Oct. 5, anniversary sermons preached in the morning by Rev. J. Calvert, in the evening by the Rev. J. Lyth, D.D.; and on the following evening the anniversary tea meeting was held in the schoolroom. About two hundred persons sat down, and after tea the meeting adjourned to the chapel, where Mr. Batty Langley presided. In the course of the evening the chairman said it was most desirable that the whole of the debt should be cleared off the building and school-rooms. Three years ago the debt upon the place was something like £828. Promises had been made, and the debt had now been reduced to £550. There was still about £150 in promises to come in, which still further reduced the amount to £400. He hoped that they would make an effort to obtain that amount. He was sure they would be supported by other denominations. He should be very glad to give £20 towards

that object. (Cheers.) Addresses were delivered by the following ministers and gentleman: Rev. J. M. Stephens, B.A., on "Religion and Commercial Prosperity;" Rev. W. Peppercorn, LL.B., on "Manliness in Religion;" Rev. George Barrans, on "All Believers God's Clergy;" Rev. T. S. King, on "Ritualism: our Position and Duty as Protestant Christians;" Mr. Charles Castle, on "The Religious Side of Politics;" Mr. George H. Hovey, on "The Sin of Indifference." An effort will be made to clear off the entire debt by next Easter. Will the well-to-do friends of the denomination lend us a little help for the last time. The minister will be glad to receive donations.

TRING. The 142nd anniversary of the church, Tring, and the 35th of its pastor, the Rev. Wm. Sexton, was celebrated Sept. 30. Wm. Olney, Esq., of Mr. Spurgeon's church, who is a native of Tring, presided at the evening meeting, which was addressed by several ministerial brethren.

MINISTERIAL.

GRAY, REV. W.-A meeting of a very interesting character was held at Birchcliffe on Saturday, Sept. 20. An excellent tea was provided in the school-room, 200 present. After tea a meeting was held, Mr. James Lister in the chair. After Mr. H. Brearly had addressed the meeting, Mr. Jonas Greenwood, the senior deacon, presented to our beloved pastor a purse of gold containing the sum of £28 10s., given as a token of respect and high appreciation of his services rendered during the past thirteen years, the spontaneous gift of a loving people to a beloved pastor. The Rev. W. Gray replied in a very touching, feeling, and telling speech; gave some portions of his history, his college life, and his connection with this and two other churches during the past twenty-six years, just half of which he has spent in labouring at Birchcliffe. In 1860 the number of members was 285; dismissed, 35; excluded, 13; dead, 94; removed, 31; losses, 173. Present number of members, 317; clear gain, 32. During the thirteen years we have spent about £1,530 in building a new school and in improving the chapel. The meeting was afterwards addressed by Messrs. J. Thomas, J. Helliwell, G. Townsend, W. Crossley, W. H. Farrar, and W. H. Cockroft.

HARRISON, REV. J.-The recognition services of the Rev. J. Harrison (for ten years the successful pastor of the church at Lombard Street, Birmingham) as pastor of the church in Park Road, Ryde, took place Sept. 25. The Rev. J, Clifford, M.A., LL.B., of London, preached in the afternoon; and addresses were given at the

public meeting in the evening by the pastor, and the Revs. R. Y. Roberts, J. H. Cooke, R. A. Davies, and J. Clifford. The services were of the most interesting character, and the prospects of the church and pastor are full of promise of cordial co-operation, usefulness, and success.

MCCREE, REV. G. W.-The Rev. G. W. McCree, who has been so long intimately connected with the work that has been done for the temporal and spiritual wellbeing of St. Giles, has accepted the pastorate of the church, Borough Road. Those who know what Mr. McCree's work has been in the sphere he is about to quit, will readily understand that his decision to leave has been received with deep sorrow by the thousands of poor people to whom he has acted all this time in the threefold capacity of pastor, counsellor, and friend. Happily for the temperance cause, he still retains his official connection with the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union.

SHARMAN.-A public recognition service in connection with the settlement of the Rev. W. Sharman, late of Coningsby, as pastor of the church at Lineholm, was held on Saturday evening, Oct. 11. Tea was provided in the school-room at half-past four. After tea a very interesting public meeting was held in the chapel, under the presidency of the Rev. W. Chapman. The Revs. W. Gray, W. H. Allen, J. Dearden, J. R. Godfrey, W. Sharman, and Mr. Sharman, sen., of Spalding, made suitable and impressive speeches.

WALKER, REV. J.-The recognition services in connection with the settlement of the Rev. James Walker, late of Armley, as pastor of our church at Congleton, were held Oct. 6. There was a tea meeting in the afternoon largely attended. In the evening a public meeting was held. R. Pedley, Esq., presided. After the chairman's address, the pastor read a letter of congratulation from the resident Wesleyan ministers. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Moore, Rev. J. C. Storey, Rev. R. P. Cook, and the newly-elected pastor.

OUR COLLEGE.

THE session commenced at Chilwell on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with eleven students. The session usually commences the first week in September, but in consequence of new tutorial arrangements the delay was unavoidable. Much to the regret of the constituency of the college the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., has felt himself compelled to resign his duties as classical and mathematical tutor at Chilwell. The executive committee have provisionally appointed the Rev. Charles Clarke, B.A., of Ashbyde-la-Zouch, Mr. Stevenson's successor until the meeting of the Association next

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June, the power of appointing tutors being vested in the Association. The Rev. W. Landels, D.D., who had engaged to preach at the opening of the session in September, in consequence of the delay referred to, will not be able to fulfil his engagement till the 11th of November, when a special service will be held in Stoney Street chapel, Nottingham. The secretary of the college is the Rev. S. Cox, of Nottingham, to whom all applications for admission into the college are to be sent; and T. W. Marshall, Esq., Bank House, Loughborough, is the treasurer.

BAPTISMS.

AUDLEM.-Oct. 12, two, by R. P. Cook. BARTON.-Sept. 17, one, by H. Wood. BERKHAMPSTEAD.-Sept. 18, six, by J.

Harcourt.

BIRCHCLIFFE.-Oct. 5, three, by W. Gray. BOSTON.-Sept. 23, two, by J. Jolly. BURNLEY LANE.-Oct. 19, five, by G. Needham.

DERBY, Agard Street.-Oct. 12, two, by H. G. Blount.

DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.-Oct. 8, seventeen, by J. Wilshire.

ILKESTON.-Sept. 7, four; Oct. 22, ten, by Mr. Sisson, for the pastor, Rev. J. Wild. LEICESTER, Friar Lane.-Sep. 28, thir

PRIESTMAN-STEVENSON.-Sept. 30, by license, at the Baptist Chapel, Wymeswold, by the Rev. W. Morris, Henry Priestman, of Oakham, Rutlandshire, to Mary Frances, daughter of Mr. William Stevenson, of Wymeswold Lodge.

WILSON-POWELL.-Oct. 2, at the Baptist Chapel, Sansome Walk, Worcester, by the Rev. R. Vaughan Pryce, M.A., LL.B., Benjamin Wilson, of Sheffield, to Mary, second daughter of Mr. Joseph Powell, St. Johns, Worcester.

WOOD-DENNIS.-Sep. 25, at the Baptist chapel, Barton, by the Rev. W. Jarrom, assisted by the Revs. H. Wilkinson and J. G. Pike, the Rev. H. Wood, junior pastor of the Barton church, to Sarah Elizabeth Dennis, of Hugglescote.