in the sense of Paul? By no means. Wherefore we say that the full results of which each Adam is the occasion or cause are not brought into play without personal disobedience or obedience. "He that believeth," &c. Without the theory in question, then, we have found what seems to us "the plainest and most obvious sense of this parallel." The theory, therefore, is not only gratuitous, but its chief defence fails.

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(3.) Of several objections, three may be added. (a) It is a prejudice against this notion that it involves what is somewhat singular in so acute a critic as Mr. Cox-a departure from the strict force of the future tense in which the act of the resurrection is described. All die in Adam, so in Christ shall all be made alive." But the resurrection has already taken place. It began in our creation. It is there in each man's "better self." It is past. Hymenæus is right. We are made alive. So our author frequently speaks. Paul says, "all

THE WORKS OF SAMUEL MANY of our readers doubtless noticed, a statement in a recent number of the Magazine to the effect that the College Committee had encouraged the purchase of a set of books, most of them rare and some costly, and forming altogether a unique collection of General Baptist literature. The price asked was thought to be extremely reasonable, and several members of the Committee themselves subscribed a sovereign each. Other friends have since contributed, and although the whole sum has not yet been forwarded to Dr. Underwood, he has had faith sufficient to complete the purchase, and to believe that what further may be needed will ere long be forthcoming. Let me express the earnest hope that our friends in the Connexion will support the President of the College in this endeavour to secure these interesting remains of our denominational literature, remembering at the same time the old adage, that "he gives twice who gives quickly."

It was not, however, so much for the purpose of expressing this hope that I took up my pen, as for asking attention to the following. Reasons which friends at Barton Fabis and the neighbourhood will readily understand led me, almost as soon as this addition to our College library had been placed upon our shelves, to examine how many of the works of Samuel Deacon were included. I found

a copy of the "Barton Hymns," the

"Cabinet of Jewels," &c.; but what I regard as the most characteristic of Mr. Deacon's writings were wanting. These are the once popular story in rhyme called "Johnny Truman," in

shall be made alive." This slight difference may make us suspicious of the theory which leads to it.

(b) It tends to confound the work of Christ as Saviour with His work as Creator. "By His obedience shall many be made righteous." Nowhere is our "life" in the spiritual sense attributed to His creative power. Every blessing of the gospel of grace is traced directly to His redeeming acts. A conception that does not harmonize with the habit of Scripture in this respect is scarcely to be trusted.

(c) Nor do we see, on this supposition, our way so clearly as usual to the New Testament doctrine of regeneration. The "new birth" seems obscured. The universal necessity for it is not so definitely marked as in the teaching of Christ in His conversation with Nicodemus. For these and other reasons we are forced to reject both the theory and its use. J. CLIFFORD.

DEACON, OF BARTON. which the author narrates in a very quaint but not unpleasing or unedifying manner the experiences of a young convert; the "Father's Advice to a Son," reprinted by the late Mr. Winks under the more taking title of the "Choice of a Wife;" and a tract entitled (if I remember rightly), "Beelzebub's Charge to his English Commissioners of the Nineteenth Century."

Now it has occurred to me that there must be some Leicestershire General Baptist possessing copies of these works, who, for the sake of adding to the completeness of this denominational collection, as well as in order to preserve from entire oblivion writings which were once so popular and useful, would be pleased to present them to us. If so, I, who so often in my youth heard the late honoured Samuel Deacon of Barton speak with such affectionate reverence and enthusiasm of his "old master," shall personally feel much obliged; and I am sure that any future historian of the General Baptists, should there ever be such a personage, ought to be grateful, inasmuch as in the works in question (more especially the first named) there is presented a more graphic view of the opinions and practices of the early General Baptists of Leicestershire than is, I think, to be found in any other quarter.

Let me only add that any friend able and willing to give a practical response to this request, may transmit his present by book-post, at the cost of one stamp per four ounces, addressed either to Dr. Underwood or myself, at the College, Chilwell, Notts.

W. R. STEVENSON.

By T. T.

THE MORNINGTON LECTURE. Lynch. London: E. Stock. THE origin of this book explains its characteristics. Mr. Lynch arranged to give to his people on the first Thursday in each month, a biographical lecture; on the second, answers to questions sent to him by any of his congregation; on the third, a directly biblical lecture; and on the fourth a discussion of some social topic of permanent interest. A selection is made from these weekly productions, and sent forth in this volume. We have lectures or discussions on such subjects as the "River Jordan," Almsgiving," "George Fox," "Church Principles," "Inspiration," "The Divinity of Christ." The lectures are replete with quiet humour, subtle thought, freshness of statement, tenderness of feeling, and catholic sympathies. Mr. Lynch has a quick eye for the good and true and beautiful in every human character, and in his judgment George Fox and Edward Irving hold high places in God's ministry to the world. The examination of knotty points is conducted with candour, fairness to opponents, and some adroitness. Here is a specimen. The question sent in is, "Is there a personal Devil? If not, how did those who say so find it out?"

"Now if there be a personal Devil, what greater proof of his craftiness could be given than to tell you that there was not such a being at all; to come himself, dressed like a gentleman, and say, 'Oh, nonsense, superstition! There is no devil -certainly not. You die, and you get comfortably into a pleasant sort of elementary paradise, but you will work your way readily up. You believed-well it does not matter whether you did or did not-in Jesus. Yes, He was a good man; but as to being God-no, no, He is not God, and there is no devil.' Is it at all unlikely that if there be a fiend, high or low, that is particularly clever, that he should talk like that? Not at all unlikely. But if ever you make light of the power of evil, you do what Jesus did not. Our Lord Jesus wrestled with the 'dragon,' and a direful wrestle it was; but He conquered, and nothing but Omnipotence could have conquered as He did; and if there be a power so tremendous that only Omnipotence can overcome it, it does not become you or me to speak lightly of it; and if we have opinions that differ from other people's it does not become us to urge them in a very forward and dogmatic way."

Lon

THE TREASURY OF DAVID. By C. H. Spurgeon. Vol. I. Psalm. i. to xxvi. don: Passmore & Alabaster. THE abundant labours and striking versatility of Mr. Spurgeon, receive another illustration in this commentary on the Psalms of David. His "original exposi tion" is already favourably known through the pages of the Sword and Trowel; and in its present form it cannot fail to obtain higher esteem and render greater service to the church of Christ. The meaning of the several Psalms we have been able to examine is faithfully and accurately expressed. The annotations are pithy, pertinent, and practical. Many passages have the ring of real eloquence. Interesting incidents are wisely introduced in illustration of the truths of the text: and there is such a savour of Christian experience, and so earnest and spiritual a tone throughout this volume, that it will be acceptable and useful where many other commentaries would be voted "dry" and tedious.

"Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings" are given in the case of each Psalm, and occupy, in several instances, thrice the amount of space devoted to the author's exposition. This part of the book forms in itself an admirably compiled "Library of quotations" for these twenty-six songs. Every school of thought is represented, and every kind of information, historical, antiquarian, and scientific, as well as theological, is supplied from nearly five hundred different writers. St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Joseph Caryl, Thomas Adams, William Gurnall, and John Trapp, are very frequently laid under tribute; and aid is also drawn from Dean Stanley, J. M. Neale, H. W. Beecher, Tholuck, Hengstenberg, and Alexander; so that he who purchases this commentary is introduced to the best thoughts of the best minds on one of the most precious portions of the word of God. The book is certainly unique, and quite justifies its title. The publishers have done their work with an excellence equaling in their department the author in his. We sincerely wish for this "Treasury of David" a large sale.

the work, and a seasonable and successful effort is made to help them in mastering difficulty and resisting temptation. "The fundamental maxim of the Christian policy of life is, that the heart be established with grace.

The one thing that stands between men and such shipwreck as the very friends might shudder at is the grace of God bending beneath and bearing the burden of the world. . . . The grace of God means and promises God's fellowship and partnership with man." Next, man needs self-discipline. "We must see our destiny, we must reinforce time by eternity, and reinforce eternity by Christ; for the love of Him is the pure and perfect discipline." But this is not all. "We must yield ourselves to God in a thoughtful, resolute, persevering cultivation of the whole circle of our powers." Then the true policy of life, beginning with the acceptance of God's grace, and following on through self-discipline and self-culture, makes "the home the theatre of life's sternest discipline, noblest duties, and purest joys. . . . . No two human beings are all in all to each other. The complement of their lives must be found in God." And passing from the inner to the outer, men must "find room in business for all that God teaches them to cultivate in home life;" and so all life must be one. Fired with a true ambition to get on, and strengthened by release from care, gained through perfect trust in God, the lights and shadows of

experience will not be misunderstood, Lut in and through all the policy of life will be to live for eternity. Such is a very meagre outline indeed of this most effective work. The book is rich in thought and admirable in execution. The illustrations are beautiful and impressive, the style is natural, and easy to a greater degree than in some of the author's previous productions, and the profound conviction, sterling manliness, and lofty aims manifest throughout, give it a foremost place amongst recent productions for young men.

NO BLIND EYES IN HEAVEN. By F. H. White. London: Morgan & Chase. This is a story of " Early Grace," told in a pleasing and natural way, of one whose cheerful piety and sweet assurance of salvation by Christ were shown at and before twelve years of age. Whilst a most welcome gift for children, older persons will not fail to get advantage from it. R. C.

OLD JONATHAN.-The February number contains a beautiful portrait of the late Mr. George Thomas, the Bristol benefactor, with a sketch of his career. Portraits are also given of the late Mr. George Peabody, of the Lord Mayor of London, and of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, Alderman Sir Joseph Causton and Sir James Vallentin, with interesting particulars respecting each.

THE SABBATH AND THE SALE OF BOOKS.

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,-In answer to the questions put by "J. H. Matthews" in the January number, I wish to say that, in order to ascertain whether a thing is scriptural or not, the Scripture must be appealed to on that particular point. The first question is, "Whether it is scriptural or unscriptural to sell books, magazines, &c., in our churches and Sunday schools on the Lord'sday?" I think it impossible to find in the Scriptures an injunction against such a course; and the Scripture being silent on the point, the practice cannot be said to be contrary to Scripture, "for where there is no law there is no sin."

As to the other question, "Can Sunday school teachers consistently tell their scholars that it is wrong to buy and sell on the Sabbath, when the very thing is practised before their eyes in the Sabbath

school?" Considering the way it is put, the answer must of course be in the negative. To sell books in the Sunday school, as a trade, on the Sabbath day comes within the fourth commandment. But to , dispose of religious books for a pecuniary consideration, or simply for a grateful acknowledgment for the purpose of spreading Christ's kingdom, cannot be a breach of the spirit of the commandment, though it might be technically; on which latter ground it was attempted by the Pharisees to fasten a breach of the commandment on the Lord Himself, the author of the commandment. Would it be wrong to sell bread, or buy it, on the Lord's-day for a starving man? If not, would it be wrong to sell Bibles on Sundays to those destitute of them, provided that they could pay? Does not the end, in some cases, justify the means? Do we keep "the Sabbath day" at all? H. F. ETHERINGTON.

Halifax.

CONFERENCES.

MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-The next Midland Conference will meet at Ripley, on Tuesday, March 8. The morning service will commence at 10.45. The following is a revised list of rules to be submitted for the consideration of the Conference:

Mr. T. Goadby suggests the following alterations in the organization, &c., of the Midland Conference, and should opportunity offer, he will submit his suggestions to the consideration of the brethren at the next Conference :

1. The Chairman, Secretary, and five brethren, to act as a Business Committee, shall be appointed annually.

2. The Conference shall meet quarterly, in March, at Whitsuntide, in September, and December.

3. Statistical reports from the churches shall be presented at the December Conference only, and in tabulated form.

4. The morning sitting shall be spent in devotion, and in fraternal conference upon questions connected with the spiritual work of the churches; the subject for Conference to be introduced by a paper or address, the introducer to be appointed before-hand, and the subject to be announced in the circulars of the Secretary.

5. The afternoon meeting shall be assigned to matters of business, to conference upon plans and agencies for usefulness in our churches, and to the work of the Midland Home Mission; and when it is practicable the consideration of questions affecting the secular interests of the churches and the working of church agencies, shall be introduced by a paper or an address by a layman.

6. The arrangements for the evening meeting shall be left with the church with whom the Conference is held; and there shall be a devotional meeting with addresses, a home missionary meeting, or a sermon, as may be thought best.

7. The Conference shall not be held in September when the Midland Baptist Union is held in that month.

C. CLARKE, Secretary. N.B.-Trains leave Derby for Ripley at 8.25 a.m. and 1.40 p.m.; returning at 8.0 p.m. Trains from Trent arrive at Codnor Park (three miles distant) at 10.41 a.m. and 1.45 p.m.; returning at 5.53 and 9.2 p.m, Friends who come by the 1.45 train will find a small train in waiting to bring them up to Butterley, which is within one mile of Ripley. A break, seating eighteen persons, and free of charge, especially for the accommodation of ladies, will meet the 10.41 train; returning to meet the train going south at 5.53.

THE DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE BAPTIST PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION held its eighth Conference at Kilbourn, Dec. 27, 1869. The afternoon was devoted to business; then a large number of friends had tea together; and in the evening a public meeting was held. Addresses were given by Messrs. J. Ford, junr., J. Newbury, senr., T. Abell, and C. Smith, on the following subjects: "Day schools in Baptist churches;""Benefits of out-door preaching;" "What haven the religious tendencies of the age may be expected to land us in ;" and Importance of increased exertion on the part of the preachers and churches of the Association."

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GEORGE SLACK, Secretary.

FAREWELL SERVICE. LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood Gate.-The Rev. J. T. Gale feeling compelled by delicate health, and under medical advice, to resign the pastorate of this church, a farewell meeting was held Nov. 3. A large com. pany assembled to tea. Mr. T. W. Marshall presided at the public meeting. Letters of apology for absence were read, also the correspondence between Mr. Gale and the church. Addresses were given by the chairman, Rev. E. Stevenson, Rev. J. Mason (Independent), Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Dexter, and Mr. Foulds (the senior deacon), who in the name of the church and congregation presented Mr. Gale with a purse of £31 as a parting gift, and as an expression of Christian affection and sympathy. Mr. Gale replied in an affectionate and touching speech, in which he reviewed his connection with the church, and expressed the grief which filled his heart that he must now leave the dear friends amongst whom he had shared, with his beloved wife, such kindness. [N.B.-Domestic affliction in the family of our correspondent has hindered the earlier insertion of the above paragraph.

CENTENARY LECTURE. HUGGLESCOTE.-Rev. T. Goadby's Centenary Lecture.-There was present at the recent delivery of this lecture Mr. Joseph Newbold, of Ibstock, who, in seconding the vote of thanks to the lecturer, said he had a distinct remembrance of many of the facts and incidents alluded to as far back as eighty-four years. Our aged and esteemed friend was baptized in 1798, and ever since that time has been an active and devoted member of the General Baptist body. All who know him love him, and hope he may be at the Centenary. He is now over ninety years old.

GREENWOOD-HOLT.-Jan. 29, at Shore, by Rev. J. Maden, Mr. J. Greenwood, of Kitsonroyd, to Miss E. Holt, of Ridgegate, Stansfield.

NEWLING-WILSON.-Feb. 2, at Northgate chapel, Louth, by Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., brother-in-law of the bridegroom, assisted by Rev. W. Chapman, Edward Fordham Newling, son of D. Newling, Esq., Spalding, to Mary Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. F. Wilson, Eastgate, Louth.

BARRASS.-Edward Barrass was born at Nailstone, in the county of Leicester, on the 7th of October, 1790. In early life he was baptized and received into the church at Hugglescote. He was very actively engaged as a teacher, and laboured also with much acceptance as a local preacher. In 1830 he emigrated to America, and was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, March 31, 1833. He became pastor successively of three churches, and "in these churches his work and worth are held in grateful remembrance. As a companion he was cheerful and agreeable; as a Christian he was devout and earnest; as a preacher he was able and sound; as a pastor he was faithful and kind; Christ crucified was his theme in ministry, and his hope in death. He toiled long and hard for the Master, and died with the harness on. He only missed one appointment during his last sickness. His memory will long be fragrant. He died at Montana, Warren County, New Jersey, on September 16, 1869, after an illness of only six days."

PAGE.

Those who have visited the chapel in Hugglescote may have noticed an old lady in bygone costume, sitting among the girls of the Sunday school. That was Mrs. Page. Year after year that was her place; and neither the infirmity of fourscore years, weather, nor circumstances prevented her taking her place in that "girls' gallery," Godly women of the stamp of our dear departed sister are but rarely met with. She was born at Markfield eighty-four years ago, and introduced into the household of Robert Hall, of Hugglescote (one of our earliest Nonconformists) at an early age, where she was brought up. She was not converted early

in life, but when the important change did take place, all her natural energy and perseverance were at once devoted to the cause of her Saviour, and never flagged till the day of her death. As a worshipper in the house of God, she was constant and devout-happier there as a " 'doorkeeper" than anywhere in the world besides. At the prayer meeting she was first, and her voice, both in prayer and praise, expressed her earnest heart and soul. Fifty years she was a Sunday school teacher, and this delight of her soul seemed even to increase as her frame became more and more feeble. Only death itself separated her from the young. Denominationally she was a "mother in Israel." Foreign missions have had the earnings of many weary hours of labour. Conferences and Associations she delighted to attend; and before the days of railways twenty miles would only be a pleasant walk. But like a shock of golden grain fully ripe, she was gathered into the garner of her Lord, July 9, 1869. The Sunday school teachers and scholars, with many other friends, followed her to her last resting place; and the Rev. J. Salisbury, M.A., preached to a crowded congregation from the text, "And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." H. D.

STEVENSON.-Jan. 2, aged twenty-two, Emma Stevenson. She was the child of godly parents, members of the Wesleyan body, and was led to "remember her Creator in the days of her youth." She became a member of the church at Carrington about six months before her death. The religion of Christ gave her great consolation in her last illness.