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270 SCRAPS FROM THE EDITOR'S WASTE-BASKET.

meeting, says :-"There certainly was a manifestation of new life, whether galvanized or not; and one thing observable was, an earnest desire for quickened spiritual life through the preaching of an equally earnest evangelical ministry There are signs that the General Assembly, as a body, is expiring; but there are also signs that some of the churches are rising to newness of life;' but such churches are gravitating, not towards the 'deadening Unitarianism' of the day, but to the life and activities of the New Connexion; and during the last few years no service has appeared to be such a clear and open channel for the divine blessing as that held in Worship Street Chapel on June 11. A service causing each to say, 'Christ, Christ, in the fulness of His grace, we need.' Arising out of such a spiritual, uniting service, is the question, 'Why do not the New Connexion take steps for receiving such of the old body as may desire fellowship with them?' Perhaps some one will answer.

Our friend, the recently-elected pastor at Worship Street, says, "I cannot help expressing my deep regret at one thing I marked, and that is that while the assembled brethren all agreed in lamenting the steady decline of the 'body,' not one meeting was held for united prayer to the Giver of all life. My conviction is, that when the Old Assembly' shall give itself to earnest prayer, then shall the Spirit of God breathe upon the churches, the dry bones shall live, and our future meeting places, instead of echoing with the sounds of Circular Letters,' having for their subject 'Are we dead or alive,' shall ring with songs of praise and gladness."

It is not necessary for me to say how deeply I sympathize with these yearnings for increased spiritual vitality and usefulness. The conviction has been deepened for years that the differences between us, at the present juncture, are more due to misconception and prejudice as to our theological beliefs than to anything else. For myself I see no reason why we should not be one again. We cling to the UNITY of God as earnestly as they. They cling to the REVELATION OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS as earnestly as we. They hold the doctrine of the UNIVERSALITY of the Gospel provisions as well as we. They are BAPTISTS as we are. It was spiritual decay which occasioned the division. Surely spiritual vigour ought to heal it.

IV. GERMANY is in a most unquiet condition. Arrests are made from day to-day. Prisons are filling. Public meetings are suppressed, newspapers gagged, discontent is deep-seated and wide

spread. "Socialism” is organized, aggressive, and defiant. The Emperor has been attacked twice. And yet Germany does not lack soldiers in action, and soldiers in reserve. It is the most gigantic example of the military spirit and prowess in Europe, and it exhibits, in their full form, what may be expected from the effort to govern nations by the military power. Three millions of soldiers kept under arms, and every other man trained for fighting and held in "reserve," yields disquiet, suspicions, treasons, stratagems, and misery. When will the nations learn that government by the soldier is one of the worst forms of government they can adopt.

V. THE GROWTH OF "DISESTABLISHMENT" IN SCOTLAND.-Scotland is rapidly coming to the fore on the "live" question of the separation of Religion from StatePatronage and Control. The Patronage Act has helped to clear the vision, deepen and purify conviction, and intensify zeal. The votes of the Free Church Assembly during the last six years show decided progress: and the resolution just passed declares unmistakeably, and without any suppressed hesitation, that "in present circumstances no establishment of religion can supply the appropriate means of supplying the State's obligation to Religion," and declares that the present connection between the State and Religion is indefensible, and ought to be terminated. Though the characteristic Scotch caution is not altogether absent from this deliverance of opinion, yet the statement as a whole, and the petition sent to Parliament in accordance therewith, form one of the most cheering signs of our national life and activity.

VI. PROPRIETARY HOUSE AND LAND CORPORATION.-Amongst the questions addressed to us comes now and again such an inquiry as, "Can you tell us of any safe investment ?" Yes, we have said, at once invest in our "Home Missionary Society." There is nothing safer in the kingdom, and not much that will yield a better return. That answer has not satisfied everybody, and we have had to refer to less promising corporations. A young society has sent its prospectus to us, and from the names of directorsnames known to many of our readers (see advt.)-we are sure they may confide in the business ability and integrity of the conductors of the scheme, and also in the class of business they purpose transacting. Sell your Turkish bonds to Lord Beaconsfield, and invest in the Proprietary House and Land Corporation.

Reviews.

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THE BIBLICAL MUSEUM. VOL. III. OLD TESTAMENT SECTION. By J. Comper Gray. Price 4s. 6d. 384 pp. Stock. THIS Volume contains Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and 2nd Samuel, and deserves every word of commendation that we have passed on former issues in the same series. But the fame of this "Museum" makes it unnecessary for us to repeat our eulogy. Many of our readers know the value of the book, and will hail this addition to their stores of assistance in the understanding and use of the Scriptures.

THE ROMISH MASS AND ITS KINDRED DOGMAS. By Thomas Mills. Stock. THOMAS MILLS will be remembered as the author of an admirable work entitled "Sure of Heaven," and will be not less esteemed for the work he has bequeathed to the cause of true and spiritual worship on the doctrine of the "Mass." It is a capital piece of argumentative work, done well and fairly in all respects. The positions of his opponents are stated with candour, and exposed with merciless vigour and invincible reasoning. Gleams of satire flash across the page. The style is keen edged. The book is fitted to do real service in this day of growing ritualism. Let our readers put it where it can speak for Christ and His Christianity.

SHORT SKETCHES ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS. By the Rev. James Hawkins. Stock.

No sensible man would expect much from a title of such ghastly vagueness. There is but one word of promise in it; and that is the term "short." What are not "important subjects?" Does anybody know? Evidently "important subjects" are found in the nursery rhymes of children, the occupations of bees, the experiments of men of science, and the debates of theologians. Opening the

book we discover that the author's "important subjects" are indeed momentous, but surely might have been described with more pith and pungency. He deals with "God's method of salvation;" "Salvation difficult but possible," and the like, and though the book is far from taking a high place, yet it is fair to say the worst part of it is the title. The aim is devout and religious, and the affirmations made are mostly true; but the thinking is weak and vapid, the style loose and poor, and the spirit tame and cold. Those who buy it run serious risks of losing their money, for it is dear at any price.

THE HEAVENLY BRIDEGROOM AND HIS BRIDE. By H. K. Wood. Hodder & Stoughton.

Ir one can only forget all the "critical questions" suggested by the "Song of Songs" questions of date, authorship, purpose, and exegesis, and accept the "spiritual meaning" supplied by Mr. Wood, we may enjoy these devout, pleasant, and solacing musings of his. The author says that his book is intended for "ordinary readers;" and proceeding on the assumption that this collection of Canticles is a description of the love experiences of Christ and His Church, he supplies, in an easy and lucid style, and with abundant experimental, anecdotal, and biographical illustrations, a succession of addresses calculated to encourage and deepen trust, brighten hope, and increase love to the Lord Jesus. All who can suppress the critical faculty, or are not interested in its exercise, will find this book as balm for the wounded spirit, rest for the weary, and health for the sick.

FINETTE, THE NORMAN GIRL. By Mary E. Rofe. Religious Tract Society. WHILST giving a fair idea of NormanFrench life, this tale also illustrates the consequences of evil doing, the surest way of winning a Roman Catholic to the faith of Christ, and the real joy of Christian service. The children will read this story with intense interest.

DICK BOULTER, or getting on in Life. Religious Tract Society.

AN improbable and unsatisfactory story, containing not a little maudlin sentiment, and though written to exalt faith in God, sure to fail in its purpose. We should not care for lads to read it.

Church Register.

CONFERENCES.

I. CHESHIRE.-The half-yearly Cheshire Conference was held at Congleton, April 2. The Rev. I. Preston preached in the morning from 1 Cor. iii. 6, 7. Rev. J. Walker presided at the business meeting. The Revs. J. Maden, J. Walker, and Mr. R. Pedley took part in the devotional services. Baptized since last Conference, 8; one candidate.

I. HOME MISSIONS.-It was reported as to the stations in the Cheshire district, and recommended that the grant to Congleton for the ensuing year be £30, not £40; and to Audlem and Nantwich £25 instead of £35. It was thought best for the sliding scale to be adopted in respect to our Home Mission stations, with the view of encouraging them to become self-sustaining. These recommendations of the Committee were confirmed by the Conference, and sent on to the Association Committee. Conference Committee for the next year, Revs. R. Kenney, J. Maden, I. Preston, W. March, and Messrs. R. Bate, R. Booth, and R. Pedley, the convener.

II. That our best thanks be presented to Rev. I. Preston for his excellent and timely sermon.

III. That Rev. W. March be the Conference representative of the Cheshire district on the FOREIGN MISSION Committee for the ensuing year.

IV. That the next Conference be at Macclesfield. Preacher, Rev. R. P. Cook ; or, in case of failure, Rev. W. March. Mr. R. Pedley was requested to introduce some suitable subject for discussion at the afternoon session. The time of meeting in September to be left to the convenience of Macclesfield friends.

V. That this Conference very deeply deplores the present attitude of the Government in relation to the EASTERN QUESTION. It fails to see that Russia has at all interfered with British interests, and hereby expresses its decided protest against the continuance of a policy which it fears may issue in a wicked and most unnecessary war.

N.B. The Secretary sent copies of the above resolution on the Eastern Question to the Marquises of Salisbury and Hartington; also to the Daily News, Manchester Examiner, and Freeman.

WILLIAM MARCH, Secretary.

II. LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE met at Queensbury, May 22.

The morning service was opened by

the Rev. Watson Dyson, and the Rev. W. E. Bottrill preached from Zech. iv. 6. At the close of the service the reports of the churches were received. Baptized, 67; candidates, 15.

At the afternoon sitting the Rev. W. Gray, President of the Conference, delivered an address on "Revivals," upon which an interesting conversation took place, which resulted in the "Best thanks of the Conference being given to the President for his wise and timely counsels. It was then resolved:

I. That we give a hearty welcome to the REV. WATSON DYSON into the Conference, and trust that his connection with the church at Halifax may be productive of much spiritual good.

II. COMMITTEES, ETC., APPOINTED:— (1.) The Evangelistic CommitteeW. Dyson, J. S. Gill, J. Horsfall, N. H. Shaw, J. Turner, J. H. Wells, G. White, B. Wood.

(2.) Arbitration-J. Binns, W. Chapman, J. S. Gill, J. Lawton, J. Mitchell, B. Wood.

(3.) Finance-J. Lister, G. White. N.B.-The President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary, are ex-officio members of the above Committees.

(4.) Representatives to Home Mission. -J. Bramley, W. Gray, J. Lawton, J. Lister, W. Sharman.

(5.) Representatives to Foreign Mission.-W. Chapman, N. H. Shaw, J. Turner.

III. That the application from Manchester Bethel Church be referred to the Finance Committee.

IV. Eastern Question.-A resolution of a very important and earnest character was passed on this question, protesting against the necessity of war on any consideration whatsoever.

V. That this Conference rejoices to hear that the Church at North Parade, Halifax, intends to invite the Association to hold its meetings in that town next year, and recommends the Association to comply with the wish that it shall, in this case, assemble one week earlier than is customary on account of certain local inconveniences which will thus be avoided. VI. That the monthly supply of the Preston pulpit be referred to the Evangelistic Committee.

VII. That Mr. Bottrill be requested to send his sermon to the Magazine for insertion.

VII. The next Conference will be held at Denholme on the third Wednesday in Sept. The Rev. N. H. Shaw to read a

CHURCH REGISTER.

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I. The churches at Ibstock and Hyson Green were received into the Conference, and recommended for admission into the Association.

II. Messrs. John Salisbury, G. Payne, and Robert Argile, jun., were appointed to represent the Conference on the Building Committee for the erection of the new Mission Chapel at WALSALL.

III. Revs. W. Evans, J. H. Atkinson, J. W. Williams, R. F. Griffiths, J. Salisbury, and Messrs. G. Dean, J. Cholerton, Jno. Smith (Mountsorrel), W. B. Bembridge, A. Goodliffe, and G. Orchard, were appointed to represent the Conference on the HOME MISSION Committee.

IV. The Revs. W. Bishop, G. Needham, J. Salisbury, W. Evans, A. Underwood, and J. T. Almy, were appointed to represent the Conference on the FOREIGN MISSION Committee.

V. It was agreed that the following suggestion be presented for consideration at the next Association: "That a small Committee be appointed by the Association for advice, recommendation, and assistance to village churches which are desirous of grouping with a view to pastoral oversight.

VI. The following arrangements were made for the next Conference :-Time, Tuesday, Oct. 15; place, Stoney Street, Nottingham; Preacher, Rev. J. Williams, in case of failure Rev. J. J. Irving. Rev. R. F. Griffiths to read a paper in the afternoon.

VII. The Rev. J. T. Almy was cordially thanked for his excellent sermon, and the friends at Swadlincote for their kind and generous hospitality.

VIII. A paper on "Our Conferences" was read by the Rev. A. Underwood, M.A., as the substitute of his father, who was prevented from being present through indisposition. After a brief dis

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cussion it was resolved, "That the best thanks of the Conference be given to Dr. Underwood for his excellent paper, with regret for his absence; and to his son, as his substitute, for reading it." The insertion of it in the Magazine was also unanimously requested.

A public meeting was held in the evening, at which the Rev. J. J. Irving presided. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. W. Williams, E. Yemm, A. Underwood, M.A., and Mr. G. Dean. J. SALISBURY, Secretary.

IV. SOUTHERN met at Hitchin, May 29. The Rev. G. W. M'Cree in the chair.

The reports from the Churches gave evidences of activity and of individual variety in the means employed for doing good. The numbers reported-additions by baptism, 107; by profession, 254; (including 61 received from the church at Bosworth Road); by restoration 8; total additions, 369. The losses reported were by dismissal, 43; death, 19; erasure, 47; total reductions, 109. Net numerical increase, 260.

The heartiest welcome of the Conference was accorded to the Revs. W. J. Avery, of London, J. H. Callaway, of Wendover, and Geo. Wright, of Hitchin, who have settled in their respective pastorates since the last Conference. The same welcome was also given to the Rev. W. Harvey Smith, of Worship Street Chapel (late of Allerton), on his introduction as a personal member of the Conference.

The case of Rushall again occupied the attention of the Conference, and arrangements made which it is hoped may lead to a settlement.

The arrangements for the Association, so far as they were left in the hands of the local Committee, were reported to the Conference.

Home Mission Representatives for 1878-79.-Rev. G. W. M'Cree, and Messrs. J. Perry, and T. R. Waland.

Foreign Mission Representatives for 1878-79.-Revs. J. Fletcher and G. Wright.

The Rev. G. Wright and Mr. J. Perry were asked to visit the church at Smarden on behalf of the Conference, (no report having been received for some time), and to report at the next Conference.

Resolved, "That this meeting of the members of the Southern Conference of General Baptist Churches desire to express its deep regret at the death of the late Earl Russell, and to record its high appreciation of the illustrious services which, during a long and blameless life,

he rendered to National Education, Civil and Religious Liberty, and the general welfare of the British People."

Resolved," That this meeting of ministers and delegates attending the Southern Conference of General Baptist Churches, is of opinion that the Contagious Diseases Acts should immediately and unconditionally be repealed."

"Also, that a petition to the House of Commons embodying the foregoing resolution be drawn up and signed by the Chairman on behalf of the Conference."

Resolved," That this Conference deeply deplore the terrible suffering and slaughter which have been occasioned by the war between Russia and Turkey, and, therefore, rejoices in the assurance of Her Majesty's Government that the prospects of an European Congress have materially improved; and also desires to express its earnest hope that the Congress will be able to adopt efficient measures for the right and peaceful government of the peoples at present subject to the Sublime Porte; and this Conference further feels bound to recognize the great and noble services of the Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Esq., M.P., in relation to the oppressed population of Bulgaria, and his patriotic efforts to maintain peace between England and Russia; and desires to assure him of its entire admiration of his public and parliamentry labours."

The resignation of Mr. J. Wallis Chapman as Conference Secretary was accepted; the thanks of the Conference for his past services as Secretary were kindly accorded, and he was asked to remain on the business Committee till the end of the year.

The Rev. W. Harvey Smith was elected Conference Secretary. The next meeting of the Conference to be held at Commercial Road Chapel, on Wednesday, October 2nd.

A paper by S. D. Rickards, Esq., on "How to deal with the anxious," was read at the morning sitting, and earnestly discussed. The hearty thanks of the Conference were given to the writer.

A public meeting in the evening, under the presidency of the Rev. G. W. M'Cree, was held, and addresses given by Revs. J. Fletcher, J. H. Callaway, G. Wright, and J. Clifford.

J. WALLIS CHAPMAN, Secretary.

GENERAL BAPTIST ASSEMBLY MET in Worship Street Chapel, June 10 and 11. Mr. A. J. Marchant presided, and Messrs. Colman and Bainton were appointed Moderators. The Secretary road the letters from the churches; these,

though few in number (only seven churches reporting), were tolerably full of interest, and showed, in some instances, signs of returning life.

At 7.30 the annual meeting of the Juvenile Fund was held. Mr. T. N. Dyer read the report. This fund is now fiftyone years old; and a strong desire was expressed that it should grow and become of real service in "Home Mission" work.

On Tuesday business was resumed at 10 a.m. The report of the Assembly Committee was read and adopted. A resolution of welcome to brethren of the New Connexion was passed; as also was one on the Eastern Question expressive of sympathy with Mr. Gladstone in his noble efforts to save this country from an unrighteous war. The annual sermon was preached by J. Clifford, at eleven o'clock, from Matt. xvi. 18.

At 2.30 the Rev. J. C. Means, with much feeling, gave a brief account of his personal intercourse with the late Saml. Martin (whom he described as his "sainted brother"), and concluded with a resolution expressive of sympathy with the family of the deceased gentleman, and also with the Church at Trowbridge, of which church he was for so long the esteemed pastor, and where he has left behind, in the work he accomplished, a noble monument to a noble life.

It was resolved to hold an Autumnal Meeting of the Assembly at Dover.

At 7.30 a communion service was held. The Rev. C. A. Hoddinott presided. Rev. Robert Spears gave the address, and the following took part, Revs. J. Marten, J. Brinkworth, and W. H. Smith. Between seventy and eighty friends were present, and the service was one to be looked back upon with pleasing recollections.

DERBY AND

DERBYSHIRE PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION. THE twenty-seventh Conference of the above Association was held at Crich, June 11th. Business at two o'clock. The Secretary read the various reports from the churches, which showed a lack of apparent success at some of them; and a long discussion ensued on what methods could be adopted to make the work more successful. Tea was provided at 4.30, after which a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. Geo. Wilkins, of Derby, and papers were read by Mr. J. Smith, subject, "Some leading evidences of the Christian religion;" by Mr. J. Newbury, on "Obedience an evidence of faith;" by Mr. A. Burdett, on "The advantages of early piety."

H. A. BLOUNT, Sec.

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