no need to wait for a call to duty. Her vineyard is around her, and if she till it well she will render the church the highest possible service: for next to God a holy mother is the strongest spiritual power in the church and the world. In their patient and loving fellowship with Christ the afflicted are forwarding, in a quiet but forcible way, the interests of the kingdom of heaven; but when these two classes are removed, what a large residue we have for the specific work and warfare of the church, and yet how little of it conforms to the rule-every one at some work or other, and each at work up to the full limit of his strength. It is computed that we have only fifteen out of every hundred professed Christians who show themselves to be animated by an eager love of human souls. These things ought not so to be. The debauched, the dissolute, the drunken and the profligate, need reclaiming. The wandering prodigal waits a loving word to assure him of a welcome to the Father's home. The young press upon us for training. The sick yearn for some human ex

pression of the sympathy of Jesus, and to hear His words of comfort once more echoing in their solitude. The doubter battles with the fierce and gloomy mysteries created by his own brain, and wishes for some one who has wrestled with the foe of doubt and thrown him, to speak peace to his heart. The timorous sigh for encouragement. The lost need even yet to be sought out by Christ's messengers so that they may be saved by Him. This day," said a joyful spirit to a friend, "is the anniversary of my conversion, and I felt I must come to thank you for the bliss of this year. I had attended this chapel for several years, but never felt the joy of pardon till a year ago you spoke to me of the love of Christ for me." Dear friends, let us speak. Human hearts thirst for the love of Jesus. They want to see and hear what Christ is to you, i.e., to one like themselves. Lead them to Him. Begin to-day. Each one seek to save somebody at once. "The night cometh when no man can work." J. CLIFFORD.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORLD.

Edited by

J. C. Gray. London: E. Stock. THE full title of this work is almost a sufficient explanation of its rich and various contents-" An encyclopædia of facts and principles illustrated by anecdotes, incidents and quotations, from the works of the most eminent writers on Sunday school matters." For some time past this valuable compilation has been issuing from the press in monthly parts, and we have before called the attention of our readers to it. It may now be had complete, and it fully justifies its more extended title. The "thorough Sunday school man," of which class we have many, will hold this volume to be an invaluable treasure, a "friend indeed because a friend in need;" and he will recur to it again and again to illustrate and enforce his views, and always to find something that will be of use. Discouraged labourers will find it as the "balm of Gilead" and the "oil of joy." Friends who are establishing a school will get answers to their questions about the qualifications for the superintendent, the duties of the secretary, how to teach infant classes, "the Sunday School Post Office," &c. &c., and so will be able to put the school on a right basis from the beginning. A signal merit of Mr. Gray's book is, that the United States, where this form of Christian enterprise is carried to a much

higher degree of perfection than here, are laid under contribution to a great extent. The experience of half a century of Sunday school work is skilfully compressed into this volume. The "Sunday School World" deserves to have a very large circulation, because it supplies in an admirable way a long felt necessity.

A HANDBOOK TO THE CHARITIES OF LONDON. By Sampson Low, junr. An entirely new edition, by C. Mackeson, London: Sampson Low, Son, & Marston HERE is a repertory of one branch of the evidences of the Christian religion, and one of the witnesses to the real and substantial progress that is being made amongst us in practical philanthropy, notwithstanding many signs of weakness and corruption in our high civilization. Men who misread prophecy and say that the world is only getting worse, and must continue to get worse, may study this handbook with profit; and those who rail at Christianity might discover in the nine hundred Charitable Institutions of London a living and forcible illustration of the secondary consequences of the religion of Jesus. Sixty-four new charities have taken shape and form in the metropolis since 1867. Hospitals, Dispensaries, Convalescent Homes, Reformatories, Or.

T. W. Blanchard. London: E. Stock. For two months past we have not been able to find room for a paper on the biography of this "Methodist Demosthenes." We hope to do soon, but cannot longer delay to direct the attention of our readers to this book. The life of this courageous and eloquent Christian minister is full of interest. It illustrates the working of Methodism and contains much of its history, and sets forth, as we intend to show by and bye, the conditions for, and the dangers of, the rhetorical temperament.

The Sunday Magazine begins a new volume with the month of October. It has risen to a most creditable position, and abounds in excellences. It is full of pleasant and wholesome reading. The papers on "Your Life and Mine," by a City man, are every way excellent. Mr. Cox's exposition of "Simon Peter goes a-fishing" is highly ingenious.

Self Forgetfulness. A Sermon by H. Simon. (Hodder & Stoughton.) This is one of those sermons that must make the devout reader better. It is enriched with striking thoughts, a quiet force, and a lofty aim.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

Sword and Trowel-Scattered NationChurch-Rainbow- Gospel StandardHive-Congregational Miscellany-Appeal -Stamp Collectors' Magazine-A Letter on Christian Union. By a Layman-A Letter to Churchmen and Dissenters. By R. G. Peter, M.A.-&c., &c.

PROPOSED MIDLAND BAPTIST UNION.

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,-Many of your readers are aware that for some time past a plan has been under discussion for the formation of a Midland Baptist Union, intended to embrace more particularly the Baptist churches of both sections of the denomination in the three counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, but beginning with the churches comprised in the General Baptist Midland Conference and in the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire Association.

It has been decided to hold the first meetings in connection with such proposed Union on the 14th and 15th of November next; and we would now, through the medium of your Magazine, call the attention of your midland county readers to the arrangements.

The place of meeting will this year be Nottingham. On Monday, Nov. 14, there will be a devotional service in Broad Street Chapel, to commence at 7.30 p.m., the Rev. T. Stevenson, of Leicester, to preside.

On Nov. 15, at 10.30 a.m., friends will assemble in George Street Chapel. Rev. Dr. Underwood will open the meeting with reading and prayer, after which the Rev. H. Crassweller, B.A., will take the chair and deliver an address. The Rev. H. M.

Foot, LL.B., will then read a paper on "Christians outside the Church." A free conference will follow on the subject of the paper.

At 1.30 p.m. there will be an adjournment for dinner; at three o'clock brethren will reassemble for business, when a report of preliminary proceedings will be given by Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., and a draft of constitution for the proposed Union will be submitted for discussion.

A public tea will be provided in the school-room of Derby Road Chapel, and at seven o'clock a service will be held in Mansfield Road Chapel, when the Rev. Thos. Goadby, B.A., will preach.

In connexion with the dinner and tea a charge will be made for each person, just as is usual at General Baptist Conferences, though possibly for future meetings another and better plan may be agreed upon.

We shall be happy to make arrangements for the accommodation of friends who wish it on Monday and Tuesday nights, providing they will write to one of the undersigned not later than Nov. 9th. Also, it will be a great convenience if friends intending to join us at dinner will forward a post card to that effect at an early date. We are, dear sir, yours very truly, W. R. STEVENSON, 3, Addi

CONFERENCES.

The CHESHIRE CONFERENCE met at Congleton, on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Rev. W. March opened the morning service. Rev. E. K. Everett preached from Luke v. 5. Rev. R. Kenney presided in the afternoon, and Rev. B. Hackett prayed. Reports showed thirteen baptized since the Easter Conference, and six candidates now. There was an average attendance of representatives and visitors, and the statistics and proceedings of the Conference were of increased interest.

1. The Home Mission Committee met at Crewe, Sept. 19, and recommended that Rev. T. E. Rawlings continue his labours as minister of the now renovated chapel at Congleton for another year, and that a church be organized there as soon as possible. The committee also recommended that Rev. E. K. Everett remain as pastor of the Audlem and Nantwich churches for another year. These three Home Mission stations are reviving and prospering; the Conference wished them increased success, and sanctioned the recommendations of the committee.

2. Mr. R. Pedley, Treasurer of the Home Mission Committee had a balance in hand last Oct. of £15 3s.; since then his receipts had risen, by collections and subscriptions, to £146 2s. 6d.; he had paid away £175, now leaving a deficiency due to the Treasurer of £28 17s. 6d. His report was received and adopted.

3. That the Home Mission Committee consist of Rev. R. Kenney, and Messrs. R. Pedley, J. Aston, R. Bate, R. Booth, and E. Birchall.

4. That our best thanks be given to Rev. E. K. Everett for his appropriate

sermon.

5. Mr. R. Pedley introduced what proved an interesting topic of conversation, the subject of "Pastoral Visitation." Messrs. R. Kenney, T. Pedley, J. Aston, Galley, and the Secretary, took part in the conversation, and there seemed to be a general impression that visiting was right, important, and necessary in the case of members of our churches and congregations, even though it had to be done at a sacrifice in the quantity and quality of the preaching; and that it should not be confined to ministers alone, but that deacons and experienced Christians would do well to help in this work.

6. That Rev. R. Kenney be requested to introduce for consideration at the next Conference the subject, "How we may best promote, in this district, the interests of

the Baptist denomination generally, and of our own denomination especially."

7. That the next Conference be at Audlem on the first Tuesday in April, 1871, and that Rev. W. March be the preacher, or, in case of failure, Mr. R. Pedley, jun. WILLIAM MARCH, Secretary.

The LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Denholme on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The Rev. W. Evans opened the morning service, and the Rev. G. Needham preached from Psalm cxviii. 25. Rev. J. Taylor, pastor of the church, presided at the business meeting. Reports show 24 baptized, and 13 candidates.

It was resolved,

1. That the Secretary shall have power to convene the committee for the preparation of Conference business at the time and place which he shall deem most convenient.

2. That pastors and churches intending to introduce business at the Conference shall give intimation of it to the Secretary at least one week before the Conference assembles.

3. That fully approving of the objects of the Centenary Fund, and believing that such an effort is greatly needed, we earnestly urge the churches in this Conference to aid it to the extent of their power during the present association year.

4. That the subject of training pastors, chiefly for village churches, be considered at our next Conference; and that we request the Rev. R. Hardy to write a short paper upon it.

5. That the next Conference be held at Todmorden on the Wednesday after Christmas-day, and that the Rev. I. Preston be the preacher; or, in case of failure, the Rev. J. Taylor. JAMES MADEN, Sec.

The LONDON CONFERENCE met in Commercial Road chapel, London, Oct. 5, at half-past two. The Rev. J. G. Pike presided. There are seventeen churches in this Conference. Only ten reported. Since the last Conference these ten have baptized sixty-eight, received twenty-six, restored two, and have twenty-nine candidates. New Church Street, Praed Street, and Hitchin together, report fifty-two baptized. It was resolved

I. That the Secretary write to the nonreporting churches, and earnestly request them to send a report of their state to the next Conference.

II. Foreign Mission.-1. That a Secretary be appointed whose duty it shall be to

arrange with the churches in the London Conference for the holding of Foreign Missionary services, so as to economize the time of the deputation, save the Society from unnecessary expense, and increase the efficiency of the services.

2. That Rev. J. Clifford be the Secretary. 3. That Revs. J. H. Atkinson, J. Law. ton, and C. Payne, be a reserve deputation.

III. Home Mission.-That we earnestly ask all the churches in the London Conference to take into consideration the desirability of making collections and subscriptions for the Home Missionary Society.

IV. Deputation from the General Baptist Assembly.-The Revs. J. C. Means, J. Marten, and T. B. W. Briggs, attended as a deputation from the General Baptist Assembly, and presented the following resolution passed at a meeting of the Committee of the General Baptist Assembly held at Worship Street, Sept. 2:-"That an invitation be given to the ministers and other members of the London Conference (New Connexion) to meet the members of this Committee at any convenient time, and that refreshments be provided."

Resolved, That we very cordially ac knowledge the courtesy and charity which have prompted the invitation to confer upon the matter of a closer union between this Conference and the General Baptist Assembly, and appoint brethren J. H. Atkinson, Dr. Burns, Wallis Chapman, J. Clifford, R. Johnson, J. Lawton, C. Payne, J. Perry, and W. Quiney, to confer together as to the desirability of so doing.

V. The next Conference.-That it be held at Chesham, in May, 1871. That J. Clifford be the preacher. That Mr. Wallis Chapman be requested to prepare a paper "On the limits to Individual Thought and Action in the Church and in the Denomination."

The evening service commenced at a quarter past six. Rev. J. Lawton read the scriptures and prayed, and Rev. J. H. Atkinson preached from Gal. vi. 14.

CHARLES PAYNE, Secretary.

The WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Cradley Heath, Sept. 27. The morning exercises commenced with devotional services, after which Mr. James Mason, of Walsall, read a paper on "The Relation of the Church of Christ to the Temperance Reformation." Mr. Mason was heartily thanked for his able and interesting paper.

In the afternoon the Rev. G. Cosens presided. Mr. R. Prince prayed. Several churches failed to report. Reports to hand stated nineteen baptized, and twenty-nine candidates. This was a smaller number than has been reported for some time past,

and it was felt to be a matter for deep humiliation before God. Brother Parsons was called upon to express our feelings in prayer.

Resolved,-1. Willenhall Chapel.—That we heartily thank brother Lees for his efforts to secure the chapel to the denomination, and regret that they have not been successful.

2. Brethren Lees and Rollason reported respecting introducing a cause at Dudley. It was resolved, "That they report again at the next Conference."

3. Brethren Lees and Cross were appointed as a deputation to the church at Austrey and Polesworth to see "how the brethren fared," no report having been received from that church for a long time past.

4. The next Conference to be held at Lombard Street, Birmingham, on the second Tuesday in April, 1871. Subject of paper, "The best means of developing and utilizing the various gifts of the church." Writer, the Secretary. Evening preacher, Rev. G. Cosens. The Rev. L. H. Parsons preached in the evening.

HENRY CROSS, Secretary.

LEICESTERSHIRE BAPTIST PREACHERS' UNION.-The fourth Conference was held at Hathern, Oct. 11. Mr. J. Coddington presided. An address was delivered by brother Riley on "The best means to ensure increased efficiency in our village churches." This was followed by discussion. The following resolution was adopted, "That we recommend village churches to select one or more of their number to take the pastoral oversight of the church; and where this is not practicable, to appoint one of their more experienced preachers to meet with them at their church meetings, and to look after any other matters relating to the prosperity of the church." In the evening a revival meeting was held, presided over by J. S. Lacey. Addresses were delivered by Mr. J. Porter, Coalville; Messrs. G. Payne and J. Mee, Leicester; Messrs. T. Moore and H. Black, Sheepshed; and Mr. J. Spendlove of New Basford. These meetings were felt to be productive of good, and were well attended. GEO. PAYNE, Secretary.

CHAPELS.

LONDON, Praed Street. Anniversary services were held Oct. 16 and 17. At the public meeting on the 17th addresses were given by the Revs. J. H. Atkinson, W. Salter, and W. Stott, and Messrs. R. F. Bayley, T. P. Dexter, A. Towers, &c. J. Clifford, the pastor, presented the annual report, from which the following quotations are made: -71 have

been received into fellowship during the year. During the twelve years of Mr. Clifford's ministry 811 persons have been added to the church. In October, 1858, the members numbered 67; in October, 1870, 503. The financial summary of receipts since Oct. 16, 1869, is,-Church Funds (pew rents and weekly offerings), &c., £408 5s. 10дd. Church Poor Fund, £59 98. Sabbath School, £43 9s. 5d. Hall Park Sabbath School, £11 78. 10 d. Tract Society, Mothers' Meeting, and General Aid Society, £67 14s. Od. Temperance Society, £18 18s. 111d. Dorcas and Sick Visiting Society, £13 17s. 6d. Mutual Improvement Society, £11 188. 10d. Young Women's Bible Class, £1 Os. 9jd. Foreign Missions, £77 4s. 6d. London

City Mission, £1. The College, £17 12s. Centenary Fund, £62 Os. 3d. New Chapel Fund, £530 16s. 10d. Total, £1324 15s. 10ąd. Of the contributions to the New Chapel Fund, about £80 were given by kind friends outside the church and congregation.

MARCH, Cambs.-New Chapel Services.On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the memorial stone of our new Centenary chapel was laid by Robert Dawbarn, junr., Esq. After a short devotional service at the Congregational chapel, the contractor, workmen, architect, clerk of work, minister, deacons, building committee, and friends, walked in procession to the site of the new building, headed by two Sunday scholars with banners. The hymn beginning, "This stone to Thee in faith we lay," was sung, the Rev. T. Goad by read the 132nd Psalm, and Rev. T. W. Mathews offered prayer. The pastor gave a brief history of the church; and then a beautifully carved stone bottle, the gift of the foreman mason, containing a record of the day's proceedings, the Magazine, Minutes, Freeman, Christian World, one of Spurgeon's Sermons, a photograph of the old chapel, a florin and penny of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, &c., was placed in the cavity by our aged friend Mr. Joseph Ewen, who laid the first brick of the new structure, his grandmother having laid the first of the old chapel in 1799. Miss Jones, of Stonea Grange, having presented Mr. Dawbarn with a handsomely engraved silver trowel from the ladies of the church and congregation, and Mr. Hutchinson, contractor, an ebony mallet, he proceeded to lay the stone, which done, he delivered an address on the necessity, purposes, associations, and claims of the new building. The Rev. T. Barrass followed, and closed the service. The large concourse of persons then passed the stone in order, depositing on it purses and offerings, amounting to more than £100. Between 800 and 400 then took tea in the room

now used by the friends for worship; and in the evening the Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., preached from 2 Cor. v. 14.-The new building will be substantial, commodious, and convenient; school and class rooms on the basement, and comfortable accommodation for 650 persons in the chapel. It will cost £2500, and we hope to open it, God willing, in March, 1871.

On

SPALDING COMMON.-New Chapel.-On Sunday, Oct. 9, two sermons were preached by the Rev. J. H. Atkinson in the Spalding chapel. Collections, £9 9s. 7 d. Wednesday following a tea and public meeting took place. Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., presided, and said that the object of the meeting was to raise £44 1s. 2d., necessary to free the new chapel from debt. Mr. Pentney gave an address, and the Rev. J. H. Atkinson said that friends at Hitchin had sent £6 to be given on condition the whole sum was raised there and then. It was speedily and enthusiastically done. The opening services of the new chapel will be held in a week or two.J. T. ATTON, Hon. Sec.

HITCHIN.-Oct. 9. Preacher, Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A. On the following Monday afternoon a sermon was preached by the Rev. F. Tucker, B.A., after which a number of the friends took tea together; and in the evening a large public meeting was held, when the Revs. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., J. Keed, J. Aldis, J. A. Comfort, and other friends gave addresses. More than 100 trays were given, and the gross proceeds of the anniversary exceeded £40.

MINISTERIAL.

REV. J. JACKSON GOADBY.-On Monday, Sept. 26, after a numerously attended tea, a farewell meeting was held in Dover Street chapel. Rev. I. Stubbins offered prayer, and addresses, expressing deep regret at Mr. Goadby's removal from Leicester, and hearty good wishes for the success of his ministry in Gravesend, were delivered by Revs. Dr. Underwood, T. Stevenson, and J. C. Pike. The chief interest centred in the presentation by Mr. Harvey, one of the deacons of the church, of a testimonial to Mr. Goadby, consisting of two purses, one given by friends in the church and congregation, and the other by some friends connected with other Dissenting congregations in Leicester. The amount of both purses was £67.

REV. I. PRESTON.-On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the first anniversary of the ministry of the Rev. I. Preston at North Parade, Halifax, was celebrated. The chair was occupied by the pastor. Addresses were given by Messrs. J. Holt, H. F. Etherington, W. Ostler, senr., D. Wilson, S. Atkin