bed-side of the sick and dying. One trait in the character of our dear friend should be mentioned, and that was his invincible objection to Sunday travelling. He invariably walked from his residence at Stoke Newingion to his mission in Clerkenwell; refraining from riding, not from Jewish scruples, but from Christian principles. During his early days he experienced very deep family trials; but by God's grace he came forth from the furnace, with love for his Heavenly Father deepened, and full of sympathy with the sorrows of others. In June last he was laid aside from all work through that illness which terminated in his death. He bore intense suffering most patiently, in full consciousness that it was his Father's hand. In September his beloved wife was taken to the better land; and though he felt the loss keenly, he expressed a belief that he should not be long after her. In the early part of March it was evident that his life was approaching its end. He told his pastor that he had no desire to live any longer. But the summons did not come till the 29th. During his last days he responded to his favourite hymns and scriptures when they were quoted to him, but his weakness prevented him from speaking more. He was interred in Abney Park Cemetery, on April 3rd, a large number of friends, including a deputation from the committee of the society, being present to pay their last tribute of respect. A friend who knew him well writes, "I always regarded him as a kind and zealous Christian gentleman. His loss will be widely felt. His painful affliction is over now; and who can tell but that it may serve to enhance the perfect peace and healing rest of the "land of pure delights." Another writes, “I can speak in the highest terms of Mr. Murphy as a Christian, and should be glad if more like him composed our Nonconformist churches -they would be more Christly in their features, I am persuaded."

He will be deeply missed by those who were near and dear to him, and

by the Society which he loved so well. His work on earth is, however, ended; and to him, we doubt not, as a sinner saved by grace, has been given the welcome," Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

J. E. H.

MRS. HARRIET SQUIRRELL. DEPARTED this life, 30th March, 1880, Mrs. Harriet Squirrell, of 47, Margaret - street, Cavendish - square. Born at Bildeston, Suffolk, September 29th, 1804.

From the reminiscences of her early days, which she loved to recall, we gather that she had a happy childhood, and was especially fond of the aged and infirm, to whom it was ever her delight to minister in many little acts of kindness; indeed, this disposition was manifest all through her life; and, although having the cares of business and a family, she was always ready to visit and help those in sickness and distress, never consulting her own ease and comfort. She was a devoted and loving sister and mother, and, as a friend, many since her death have said to the writer, "I have lost my best and truest friend."

She

From her quiet village home in Suffolk she came to London, and entered a large drapery establishment in the city, where, by her integrity, industry and perseverance she attained a good position; some bitter trials came in her way, but she passed honourably through them all. has often remarked the loving Providence that watched over her, by a Christian friend being raised up to counsel and advise. Though sometimes tempted to join the pleasure party on the Sabbath, it was not her taste. The house of her employer was the resort of good and honoured ministers, belonging to the Independent denomination, and her favourite recreation was to go and hear all the great preachers, and, always being an early riser, frequently went at 7 o'clock

on the Lord's-day morning, an hour which was then usual.

After her marriage she lived at Stowmarket, where, with my father, she attended Mr. Isaac Lingley's ministry, whom she always respected. Afterwards removing to London, they went to Mr. Stevens' Meard's-court. Her husband decided to leave Salem in 1851, when, about that time, Mr. John Bloomfield was invited to the pastorate, and preaching from Romans 8 i., "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus," she found peace and joy, and determined to join the church. She was a practical rather than a talking Christian; her place was seldom empty. She joined the church, 1852, and remained at Salem till 1867, when she became a member at Blandford-street, where her son-in-law, Mr. Towell, was then pastor. At the dissolution of that

STRICT BAPTIST MISSION. St. Thomas' Mount. Our Superintendent, Br. Doll, writing March 5th, says of this station that, The assistants are making themselves useful in outdoor village preaching, and hundreds may now be expected to hear the gospel regularly. Under the Divine blessing we may hope for larger results." This refers to the two native brethren, John Jacob and Vencatasawmy, school teachers, somewhat recently appointed, who assist Br. Noble in the work of outdoor preaching, and are proving themselves to be zealous and faithful men. "Vencatasawmy's wife, Rachel, acts as Bible woman, and is doing good work among the caste women and their families. She visits their homes, reads the Scriptures, and explains them to the mothers and their children. A caste school has been established, which is held in Rachel's house

daily from 2 to 5, the time being occupied as follows: 1 hour sewing, 1 hour for Tamil, 1 hour for Telugu.

From Vencatasawmy's tabulated report for February I noted as follows: places preached at 34, miles travelled 42, peopled preached to 972, bazaars visited 6. Cottage prayer-meetings have been recently commenced, and are held by rotation in the houses of the Church members. The day school at Bullock Lines is doing satisfactorily, the teacher David is working with zeal; there are 50 children on the roll. The school at Nazareth-pooram is still in a low state: have visited this station three times during the month and inspected the schools. A number of the children were on the sick list."

Br. Noble in his report for February, says;- By the blessing our covenant God, myself and assist ants have been preserved in health

and strength to pursue the work, preaching, teaching, &c., and during the month, in addition to the usual public services in our chapel at Bullock Lines, about forty visits have been paid to adjacent villages, &c., where the Scriptures have been read and expounded to large numbers."

Detailed accounts are given in the report of a number of these visits, one of which, being the only one for which space avails here, is as follows:

"Thursday, 19th.-This afternoon I went, accompanied by Jacob, Vencatasawmy, David, and about six school boys, to Saiedapett, a place about five miles distant from the Mount, where, in the bazaar, shaded by a large banyan tree, we took our stand. A lyric having been sung by the children, a large number of persons of all castes gathered around us. A portion of Scripture was then read, and a short address given by Jacob; but before he could complete it a few of those present were bent upon disputing with us— —their questions as far as they were in any way reasonable, were replied to. What they principally objected to was the supreme authority of Christ. They were willing to allow him a place equal to that of their chief gods, SO called, Brahma,

Vishnu, and Siva; but would not admit his supremacy as King of kings and Lord of lords. So we had to prove to them that their so-called gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, and the other thirty millions of minor gods, to say the most of them, nothing more than human beings, and by analysing their lives, as recorded in their Pouri Puraners or Sastras, we proved to them that they were not even virtuous; as some most atrocious crimes were associated with their

names. How, even in a moral sense, could they endure for a moment the light of the pure and holy life of Jesus, whose very enemies could not accuse him of one sin in his whole life. What incentive to holiness and purity of life could these so-called gods have given to their followers; whereas, our Jesus has left us, by his holy and pure life, a glorious example

that we might walk in his footsteps, and has also suffered for our sins. When we thus make a show of the deformities of their gods, the Hindoo's ire is aroused, or they, from very shame, like cowards, retire from the scene of action, and leave us in full possession of the field. After leaving the bazaar, we held a meeting for prayer in the house of one of our church members residing in that place, and a happy season we had."

There were three candidates for baptism, who had been under probation for some time; but the ordinance was expected shortly to be administered. The Sabbath-school at Bullock Lines continued to be attended about as usual by children from both day-schools. The English ments at Palaveram for adults are still held, and are well attended, and Br. Noble, who conducts them, says the people are very attentive, and he has much pleasure in these services, in which he is encouraged by Major Von Hamrigle the commandant of the veteran company of Artillery at this military station; a christian gentleman who takes a deep interest in the spiritual welfare of the men and their families.

Poonamallee. Of this station our Superintendent writes, same date, "I visited this station twice; things are getting on satisfactorily; the agents are hard at work, and the members of the church are progressing steadily in a spiritual sense, and bodily they are all well.

The school is progressing,-40 boys on the roll, 30 in daily attendance. It is divided into three classes, the teacher is giving every satisfaction, I regret we have only 3 or 4 girls; have been compelled to dismiss the female teacher; but will do my best to get another." Abel Michael, our native preacher at this station was labouring as usual, having quite recovered his health; under date Feb. 16th, he says in his report:-" Went to Coonathow, a very large village four miles away on the south of our station. It is afflicted with fever. I had large gatherings, and the people

K

listened attentively when I spoke of Jesus Christ the Great Physician and Mighty Saviour: their afflictions, no doubt, made them serious and attentive. I pray that the Lord may save some. Had a conversation with the apothecary, Mr. Gill, and returned home." Other dates give statements

respecting preaching excursions, and the Sabbath services held by the mission church, from which, coupled with Br. Doll's statements as to this station, it is hoped the Divine blessing is resting on our labours here, although, at present, no candidates for baptism are recorded.

JOHN W. CHAMBERS.

"And he took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them."

As it was in the days of His flesh, so it is now; for our Lord is still taking little children in His arms, and gathering them in that fold where they will be for ever sheltered from temptation and from sorrow. It is of one such little child that I have a short and simple story to tell.

The bright, intelligent face, and earnest gaze of John W. Chambers will never more be seen in the Sunday-school he loved so well; for, on the 18th of March, he gently passed away, to be with Jesus, in the twelfth year of his age.

He was born in Clerkenwell, in the year 1868, and from early childhood manifested a thoughtful disposition, far beyond his years. God had given him intellectual powers above many, and such was his daily progress at school, that a bright future was anticipated from one so full of promise.

He was very fond of reading, and delighted especially in history; but any book in which there was no reverent allusion to God, he had a distaste for.

Unlike so many little scholars, he always, brought to bear, in his own way, on the Sunday-school lesson, the results of his reading; and his teacher was often gratified and encouraged by his apt allusions to some circumstance in general history, which illustrated the meaning of the lesson under consideration.

Above any child that I have known, he always recognised the wonder-working hand of God in all history, and well do I remember his manifest pleasure, one Sunday afternoon, on being shown how God prepared the world for the advent of His dear Son, and the spread of the Gospel, by using the Roman power for binding the nations into one great empire; the

Greeks for diffusing a language spoken by the cultured of all nations, and the Jews for conserving the true worship of the One God.

He never came to his Sunday-school from mere motives of duty, but by his regular attendance, and the pleasure he always manifested when there, he showed that love brought him. And here let me remind my young readers, that without love no duty can be performed in the highest and noblest manner, and that without love we cannot worship God in spirit and in truth.

Above all books he loved his Bible, and during the latter part of his life he was often found alone studying its sacred

pages.

But that bright young life was drawing near to its close. He had been, apparently, a healthy boy, but towards the end of his eleventh year disease struck him, and gradually worked through his system, contorting his poor body, and causing great suffering.

He was now prevented from enjoying the sports of those with whom he had formerly played, and the writer well remembers seeing the dear child on the occasion of his Sunday-school excursion, last year, sitting under the trees, and watching his little companions enjoying themselves. Have you, dear children, ever looked on a sick friend, and felt thankful to God for the blessings of health, which you enjoy?

But how did John Chambers bear this affliction? Was he angry with God for permitting him to suffer so-did he constantly complain of his hard lot, and wonder why he was singled out to bear such pain? See, dear children, the power of God's grace in his heart, for he said to his parents: "Do not be troubled about me, it is the Lord's will that it should be 80."

He was thankful for all that was done for him, and bore his affliction unmurmuringly and patiently. I do not mean to picture him to you as one without a fault, for he, of course, had some; but through God's grace he was enabled to feel that Jesus had died for his sins.

The disease from which he suffered gaining ground; he was sent to Margate, and stayed there for six months, hoping for recovery.

Whilst there he wrote many letters, indicating very established views of divine truth, and expressing an experience more like that of a matured Christian than that of a child. On hearing of the death of certain Christian friends of his parents he wrote, that he "hoped soon to be with them, for they had gone to Jesus."

He returned from Margate in a very enfeebled condition, and it was evident to all that he was nearing his end.

His

parents remarked his exceeding patience, and his growth in grace. He said, "I am not afraid to die," and by many allusions showed that Sabbath-school instruction had been blessed to him. His parents said that he was a striking example of the fulfilment of the scripture, "Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.'

About a fortnight before he died, when left in the room by himself, he sang with great clearness and sweetness, that beautiful hymn, "Abide with Me." This hymn was one of his favourites.

He was removed from his home a few days before he died, with the hope that hospital treatment might prove beneficial, but he gradually faded away. Whilst there he wrote from memory a beautiful poem, of which he was very fond: "Mourn not the dead." His parents cherish this, and other pieces that he wrote, as touching memorials of their departed one, indicating that he was not looking upon death except as the gate to life eternal.

On the afternoon before he died, he said, "I shall not be here long; I am going home." He was then asked if he wished to go home again. No," he said, "I

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NOTICES OF BOOKS. Wayside Notes; being Unfoldings of the Truth of God amidst the Burden and Battle of Life. Pp. 498. By GEORGE COWELL, Author of "Ebbing Moments," &c., &c. London: Collingridge. These "Unfoldings," thirty-eight in number, make up a very precious volume.

don't mean that home, I mean my heavenly home. At night he was asked if he loved the Saviour. He said, "I love Him more than I love father or mother." On being asked if he had received comfort from any portion of God's Word, he said, "Yes." Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do."

After the former part of the 14th chapter of John had been read to him he said, "If I go to-night, I send my love to all." His gentle spirit did not, however, take its flight till the following morning.

This

Thus he died, and his body was committed to the grave, in sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection. little boy read and loved the Scriptures. God was true to his promise, for he found life therein. By the Holy Spirit's influence he asked of God, and God gave his best gifts to Lim, and now he abides with Jesus in the bright heaven above, around whose central throne

"Thousands of children stand,

Children, whose sins are forgiven,
A holy, happy band."

His sorrowing parents-his Sabbathschool teachers-all who loved him, here know that

"He is not dead-the child of our affectionBut gone unto that school

Where he no longer needs our poor protection, And Christ himself doth rule."

Dear children, is your hope of salvation placed in that gracious Saviour, who is "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever," and who, when on earth said,

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God." J. E. H. Chadwell-street Chapel Sunday-school.

BIBLE EXERCISES.

None of our young readers have as yet sent answers to the Exercises in last month's "Family Circle." Try, dear young friends, and see if you cannot manage them, and let us have your answers by May 15th.

It is quite cheering to find amidst the stream of flimsy divinity constantly issuing from the press, a book of such sterling worth as this making its appearance. Here is a seed-plot of thought that may furnish a humble, honest Christian teacher, whose earnest desire is to feed the Church of God with the wholesome words of sound