author comes to his work with a practical and heart-felt acquaintance with the truths of the Gospel, a mind of vigorous grasp, a just appreciation of the difficulty of passing from doubt to faith, a clear style, and an earnest desire to do good. Therefore he speaks with the accent of conviction, and yet with the tenderness that springs from the remembrance that the moral condition of the objector to Christianity is of prime importance in the estimate formed of any evidence that is offered. Mr. Wardlaw's book is divided into two parts. The first and most original part of the work discusses the principles on which evidences should be accepted; resists, by forcible logic, the now popular but irrational and unscientific demand for "higher evidence," and drives the advocates of science back to their own region of natural law. He refutes the fashionable notion that miracles add to the burden of revelation by proving that revelation itself is a miracle, and shows that as much evidence as can be fairly demanded, i.e., enough for "such practical conviction as can form solid principles of action, command the moral feelings, control the reason and the sentiments, and form a character of true virtue," is completely supplied, so that the rejector is left without excuse. The second part is a brief, cogent, and admirable summary of the evidences themselves; followed by able answers to objectors, and one of the most satisfactory discussions we have seen of the difficult subject of inspiration. We do not know a book that we could so hopefully put into the hands of sceptics, or of those Christians who have lost the freshness and energy of their faith through the poisonous influence of modern doubt.

THE BIBLICAL MUSEUM. By J. C. Gray. E. Stock.

MR. GRAY is favourably known as an able and indefatigable worker on behalf of Sunday school teachers. This Biblical Museum bids fair to be his best work. The principles of compression and comprehension were never better illustrated than in this commentary on the gospel of Matthew. The greatest quantity of matter, and that of the highest quality, is forced into the least possible space. In the thirty-two pages of this specimen part (price 3d.), carrying the reader to the end of Matthew v., you have an introduction to the New Testament and to the gospel of Matthew, notes critical and explanatory on five chapters, seventy-five homiletic notes, thirty-four anecdotal illustrations, ninety quotations from standard authors, &c., &c. Young men preparing for the ministry and Sunday school teachers will do well to get this Museum at once. How more or

better could be given for the money we cannot imagine.

THEODOSIA ERNEST. New and Illustrated Edition, with an Introduction by J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B. E. Stock.

THE most readable book on baptism in existence. It should be in all our libraries, for elder scholars; and in all our homes, both to be read and lent.

GRAHAM'S TEMPERANCE GUIDE.-Edited by Rev. D. Burns. London: Tweedie. THIS book is as invaluable to temperance people, as it is cheap. For sixpence you may know something of the various forms of temperance activity; names of advocates and of abstaining ministers of all denominations; Parliamentary proceedings in so far as they bear on the temperance question, and the action of the churches generally with regard to the repression of the evil of intemperance. It is edited in admirable style.

AND

A WINDING RILL OF THOUGHT IN RELATION TO NATURE, PROVIDENCE, GRACE. Simpkin & Co. HEART MELODIES. E. Stock. THESE are two poetical works by a lady, and are characterized by tender devotional feeling, unexceptionable sentiment, evangelical doctrine, and occasional flashes of fancy. The poetry is not of a very elevated order, but would be likely to diffuse a gentle feeling of quiet pleasure that would be acceptable to some minds.

ECUMENICAL COUNCILS. A Course of Lectures. By W. Urwick, M.A., Hatherlow. Simpkin & Co.

THIS is an admirable and very reliable digest on the subject of ecumenical councils. Our advice to all men who wish to get the pith of many books without the labour of consulting them, which treat, directly or indirectly, on councils ecumenical, is-make a speedy purchase of Mr. Urwick's book. J. J. G.

THE HIVE, Vol. III. London: E. Stock. WE are glad to renew our commendations of this Sunday school periodical. It retains its old plan, and exceeds in interest, in appropriateness of materials and thoroughness of work, former efforts. It ought to take a prominent place in the esteem of Sunday school teachers.

THE COTTAGER AND ARTIZAN FOR 1870. London: Religious Tract Society. THIS penny periodical is a marvel of cheapness, and is as fit for its work in the homes of the labouring population of the land as

MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-The next meeting will take place at Osmaston Road, Derby, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1871. Subject of the morning Conference, "Is our present mode of admitting members into our communion based on Scriptural Authority?" Introducer, the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A. To commence at eleven o'clock. C. CLARKE, Secretary.

The LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE met at Todmorden on Dec. 28.

During the morning service Mr. Edward Mitchell, of Heckmondwike, read the Scriptures and prayed, and the Rev. Isaac Preston, of Halifax, preached from Psalms xlv. 2.

A goodly number of representatives assembled for business. By the request of the church, the Rev. R. Ingham, D.D., occupied the chair.

A number of the churches did not favour the Conference with any account of their condition. Reports showed 21 baptized since the previous Conference, and 42 candidates.

It was resolved:-1. That we renew the fifth minute of the last Conference, and earnestly urge the churches of this district to aid the Centenary Fund to the full extent of their ability.

After hearing a paper read by the Rev. R. Hardy, on the subject of training pastors chiefly for village churches, it was agreed ultimately :

2. That we cordially thank Mr. Hardy for his paper, and that we postpone the consideration of this subject till our next Conference.

3. That we very heartily welcome into this Conference and district the Revs. R. Silby, of Lineholme, and W. H. Allen, of Burnley.

4. That the next Conference be held at Queensbury, in Whit-week, and that the Rev. J. Taylor, of Denholme, be the preacher; and, in case of failure, the Rev. R. Silby. JAMES MADEN, Secretary.

ANNIVERSARIES.

CHATHAM.-The annual meeting of the church worshipping in Zion chapel, Chatham, was held on Dec. 9. The pastor, the Rev. Archie M. Kinley, presided. The financial statement was read by Mr. W. Ashby, which showed that all demands had been met, and the debt reduced on Best Street school. The people have given liberally, peace and union prevail, and testimony was borne that the work of the church is prospering. Addresses were given by Messrs. Wyles, Rice, Stote, and the Rev. J. Wardley.

LONDON, Church Street.-The annual church meeting was held on Wednesday evening, Jan. 18, when the following results of the year were stated in the report: The largest number of baptisms in 1870 for several years. The best financial results for all the institutions of the church. The withdrawals and dismissals were twelve persons. The benevolent charities aided by the church (non-connexional) were, Protestant Dissenting Widows," Aged Pilgrims," Female Rescue Society," "St. Mary's Hospital," "Western Dispensary," ""Female Medical Society," "Christian Almshouses," &c., besides a liberal collection for the "Sick and Wounded" in the present war. It was stated that entire peace and unity pervaded the church.

NORWICH, Priory Yard.-Very interesting services were held Dec. 11, 12, and 13, in connection with the celebration of our bi-centenary anniversary. On Lord's-day, Dec. 11, three sermons were preachedin the morning by the Rev. W. A. McAllen; afternoon by the Rev. T. A. Wheeler; evening by the Rev. G. S. Barrett, B.A. On Monday we had a special prayer meeting. On Tuesday a public tea was provided in the school-room, after which the bi-centenary meeting was held. The Rev. R. B. Clare occupied the chair. Rev. Mr. Mummery prayed. An epitome of the history of the church from its formation in 1670 by the Rev. Thos. Grantham to the present time was given by our pastor.

The Revs. P. Colborne, G. S. Barrett, B.A., T. A. Wheeler, W. A. McAllen, and J. W. Dowson, Esq., delivered addresses. The services, considering the unfavourable weather, were well attended throughout, and entered into with great spirit by our people. The collections and subscriptions in connection with the meetings amounted to about £20, and efforts are still being made to free our long-established cause from all pecuniary encumbrance.

PETERBOROUGH.-The annual members' tea meeting of Queen Street chapel was held Jan. 9. About 200 members sat down to tea. The attendance after tea was more numerous. Brethren Colman, Pentney, Heath, Watson, Mackinder, and Markham gave addresses. The pastor gave some particulars of the work of the church, and its progress amongst them during the past year. Total number of members 272, clear increase 31. The weekly offering, started and carried out by Mr. Pentney under many difficulties, and not a little distrust by some at first, is found to work most satisfactorily, and provides a very handsome surplus of £52-£50 of which were unanimously voted to Mr. Barrass; also a permanent increase to his salary, for his self-sacrifice and untiring exertions, both in connection with the new chapel, and his devotedness in winning sinners to Christ. A purse of £20 was also presented to the beloved pastor as a new year's gift.

WALSALL.-The annual tea meeting was held on Monday, Jan. 9. The pastor, Rev. W. Lees, gave a short outline of work done during the past year. Weekly offerings, £229. Ordinance collections, £23 8s. 9d. Centenary Fund, £7. Cottage Hospital, £6 10s. Trust Fund, £22 17s. School Dorcas Society and rent for rooms, £30 12s. Organ Fund, £36 8s. Foreign Mission, £36. Building Fund, £214. The amount raised for all purposes is £605 7s. 9d. Since 1860, when Mr. Lees settled here, the church has grown from 33 to 273. The increase of the past year is about the average; 38 having been added. Revs. W. Green, H. W. Bruce, T. Caseley, and J. Hindley gave addresses. Miss Clarke presided at the organ. In May next a bazaar will be held for the reduction of the debt on the new chapel. Contributions will be gratefully received by the pastor, Rev. W. Lees.

SCHOOLS.

CARRINGTON-New School-rooms.-The memorial stone of new school-rooms was laid on Saturday, December 3, 1870. The teachers and scholars, with a few friends, met in the chapel at three o'clock p.m.,

and marched in procession (the children carrying numerous flags and banners) to the ground on which the edifice is being erected. Here a large concourse of people had assembled. The proceedings were commenced by the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., giving out a suitable hymn and offering prayer. The Secretary, Mr. J. R. Miller, read a statement containing a brief history of the origin and progress of the school, and the circumstances which led to the movement for obtaining new schoolrooms. The estimated cost of the land and buildings complete was stated to be about £350, towards which about £60 had been given or promised. Mr. H. Belton then presented to Alderman Herbert a beautiful electro silver trowel containing the following inscription, "Presented to Thomas Herbert, Esq., on laying the foundation stone of new General Baptist schools at Carrington, Dec. 3rd, 1870," and with this, after a few appropriate remarks from Mr. Herbert, the ceremony was performed. After tea, at which two hundred sat down, a large and interesting meeting was held in the chapel. Alderman Herbert presided until seven o'clock, when he had to retire, and W. E. Baker, Esq., was cordially voted to the chair. Letters of apology for non-attendance were received from E. Barwick, Esq., and Rev. F. A. Charles. Addresses of congratulation and encouragement were given by Messrs. W. E. Baker, T. Herbert, J. Burton, and Rev. T. Ryder. A. Goodliffe, Esq., entertained the meeting by giving a brief but comprehensive history of the origin, difficulties, and progress of the Sunday school movement in Nottingham and neighbourhood. Subscriptions, which are urgently needed, will be thankfully received by H. Belton, 10, Pease Hill Rise, Nottingham, or J. Brookhouse, 171, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham.

CARRINGTON.-On Dec. 26, the annual tea meeting was held. Prizes, the annual gift of Mr. J. Westmoreland, were distributed to thirty-three scholars for early attendance. Seven children recited pieces, and several friends gave addresses. The report stated that £15 8s. had been contributed to the current account, £32 to the Penny Bank, and about £80 to the new school-rooms account. The teachers wish to thank the schools forwarding the following sums in answer to their appeal for a penny subscription, Tarporley, 7s.; Crich, 8s. 7d.; Nuneaton, 12s.; Heptonstall, 13s.; Stoney Street, 14s. 9d.; Ruddington, 13s.; Polesworth, 5s. 9d.; Willington, 4s. We wish some of our larger schools would also help us. We are arranging for a bazaar. Articles will be thankfully received by the Secretary, Miss E. Stevenson, High Street, Carrington.

LINEHOLME.-The annual tea meeting in connection with the Sunday school was held on Jan. 2. The number of scholars reported, 250; being an increase of 33. During the year ten have joined the church. The meeting was presided over by the pastor, R. Silby. Speeches were given by Revs. C. Springthorpe and W. Stubbings; Messrs. J. R. Godfrey and J. Greenwood of the College, T. Marshall, R. Holden, G. Marshall, A. Cunliffe, W. Taylor.

RIPLEY.-On Monday, Jan. 2, the new year's gathering of parents and teachers took place. About 350 took tea, after which a Christmas tree was liberally patronized, and a large and happy meeting was addressed by the pastor and some of the teachers. The school now numbers more than 670 scholars and sixty teachers. During the past year eighteen scholars have joined the church. Old scholars and friends of the Ripley school are earnestly invited to help the bazaar by which we propose to extinguish the school debt next year.

dertaking, and in supplying provisions for the refreshment stall, and books for the book stall. The church, the only General Baptist church in the North Riding of Yorkshire, arose through the divine blessing on the self-denial and persevering labours of one individual, who, for twentyfive years, has preached the gospel of Christ amidst a large population where no other Baptist church exists. The smallest contribution for the bazaar will be thankfully received up to the 29th April, by the undersigned-Mrs. H. R. Smithson, Post Office; Mrs. Hird, South Parade; Miss Flintoff, Market Place; Miss Hare, Market Place; Miss and Miss A. Whittaker, Watergate Farm, all of Northallerton; and Miss Kendall, Sigston, near Northallerton.

LONDON, Praed Street.-A bazaar was held in the last week of the old year. About £180 were taken. The weather being exceedingly severe, many articles remain undisposed of It is therefore intended to have a supplementary bazaar in the spring.

SOCIETIES.

RIPLEY.-On Thursday, Jan. 12, a branch of the Liberation Society was formed in the Baptist school-room to organize the efforts of Ripley and the neighbourhood. In the evening the Rev. E. H. Jackson addressed a large public meeting in the lecture hall, and showed to the entire satisfaction of the audience that Mr. Gladstone's reasons for Disestablishment in Ireland applied equally to England. The address was repeatedly applauded, and the following resolution adopted with only six dissentient voices :-"That in the opinion of this meeting, the Church of England should for her own sake be disestablished and disendowed, and this meeting pledges itself to use all lawful means to secure this just measure speedily."

CARRINGTON.-Benevolent Society.-The annual meeting was held Dec. 31. Receipts for 1870 amounted to £19 Os. 2d. £17 14s. 8d. have been distributed, and more than 500 visits paid to the afflicted poor by this society during the year.

BAZAARS.

NORTHALLERTON. The ladies of the congregation at the General Baptist chapel, Northallerton, are preparing to hold a bazaar for the sale of useful articles, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the reduction of the debt on the chapel. Allow us most respectfully but earnestly to solicit the assistance of friends in the above un

Marriages.

BUNTING-JOYES.- Jan. 8, at the General Baptist chapel, Freeman Street, Grimsby, by licence, by the Rev. R. Smart, pastor,

John Rose Bunting, to Mary Elizabeth Joyes, both of Grimsby. This is the first marriage solemnized in this chapel.

GREENWOOD-ARMITAGE.-Dec. 31, at the Baptist chapel, Shore, by the Rev. J. Maden, Mr. Ormerod Greenwood, of Kitsonroyd, to Miss Betty Armitage, of Shore.

was

BALDWIN.-Elizabeth Baldwin was born at Clayton, Yorkshire, Nov. 21, 1815. She the daughter of Jonas and Mary Ward, and received from her parents that thoroughly godly training which resulted in her being brought to an early knowledge of salvation. At the age of fourteen she decided to live the life of the righteous, and soon avowed this determination by putting on Christ by baptism in the Clayton chapel. She was a diligent reader of the Bible. God's word was very precious to her, and the songs of Zion were hardly less estimable in her regard. She delighted to aid in the service of praise in the Lord's house. She adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour by piety and devotion in her home, by patience and meekness in affliction; and at length, on the 15th of Dec., 1869, she died possessed of a good hope through grace of immortality and eternal life.

BATE.-Jan. 2, Sarah, the beloved wife of Mr. Charles Bate, of Tarporley, aged 70 years.

BISHOP.-Dec. 26, at Holymoor Side, near Chesterfield, Edward Manlove Bishop, formerly a member of Stoney Street chapel, Nottingham.

HILLER.-Louis Hiller was born, Sept. 25, 1811, in Kunzelsau, on the river Hocher, in the kingdom of Wurtemburg. He was blessed with a pious mother, and was trained in a first class school, and brought up in the Lutheran religion. In 1833 he left his father's roof and came to Sheffield. About 1841 he was induced to attend the ministry of the Rev. Thomas Hudson, now of China. From his faithful preaching he obtained great benefit, and when the new chapel in Eyre Street was opened he was one of the first to take sittings, although he did not join the church till 1846. Full of industry and devotion, he was not long out of work. The Sabbath school was the first sphere of labour. Now as teacher, then as superintendent, he added to its usefulness and increased its success. In 1849 he undertook to conduct the "service of song in

the house of the Lord," and held that responsible post till 1868, when failing health compelled him to resign. In 1851 he was chosen a deacon, and in 1854 the treasurer of the church: and he filled both offices with a wisdom, zeal, and generosity, that led the church, in 1863, to present him with a memorial of their esteem and regard. His work being finished, he "fell on sleep," Oct. 11, 1870, uttering the word "Father" as he passed away. He was a good man always diligent in his business, glowing with devotion in public and private worship, cheerful at home and abroad, and liberal to every good cause. We may well surname him Barnabas.

HARVEY.-Selina, the beloved wife of Mr. Joseph Harvey, 70, High Street, and daughter of the late Mr. John Tyers, Highcross Street, Leicester, departed this life, trusting in the Lord, in the 48th year of her age, Dec. 2, 1870. She was baptized by her father at Dover Street chapel in Oct., 1840, and joined the church under the pastorate of the late Rev. J. Goadby. In 1846 she removed to Loughborough, and was a member of the Wood Gate church upwards of seven years. Removing again to Leicester, she was once more united with the Dover Street church, and continued a consistent and faithful member till her death. Her illness was long, but she was always cheerful, patiently waiting the call of her long and firmly trusted Saviour.

HODGKINSON.-Maria Hodgkinson was born at Newstead Abbey, Notts., in the year 1800. Though she had the advantage of a pious training, she did not give her heart to God till the age of thirty. She was a member of the Scotch Baptist church, New Basford, for many years, but removing from thence to New Lenton she cast in her lot with the General Baptists there. Her piety was steady, consistent, peaceful, and earnest, and her numerous family can bear testimony to her patience and resignation in the hour of severe trial and affliction. She died in peace, having just entered on her seventy-first year.