SOME TEXTS TO ILLUSTRATE IT. "I AM come to set a man at variance against his father."

How is that?" Well," the father says, "I am going to bring up this boy to be a politician, and he shall be President of these United States." But Christ speaks to the boy, and he says, "I am going to be a missionary." The father says, " You shall not; " and the boy says, "I shall." And so they quarrel, the father pointing towards hell, and the boy towards heaven.

"I am come to set the daughter at variance against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." How? The mother tells the daughter to steal. She says to her, "Put two prices on the goods when you can." She says, "You are a fool! That customer never looks at the change, and you might have kept back a part just as well as not." The daughter has been touched with the Spirit of Christ, and she says, "I must do what is right; and if I do it to any more than to others, I must do it to ignorant people whom I could take advantage of." And so the mother and the daughter quarrel, the daughter being of God, and the mother being of the devil.

"And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

If a man is born in a household that runs giddily towards the world, when he, having been converted, undertakes to run towards God and heaven, he will be op posed by his own kindred. And there are no quarrels like blood quarrels.

"He that loveth father or mother more than me is nog worthy of me."

When it comes to the question, Shall I consult my peace and my ease at home, or shall I follow my conscience? Christ says, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall

find it."

He that is too intent upon gratifying the present life shall lose the larger and better life; and he that is willing to sacrifice the present life for Christ's sake shall find the larger and better life; he shall save himself.-H. W. Beecher,

THE LIVELY HOPE.

THE place that knows us now will soon know us no more for ever. Our hearts, which now beat so warmly, will, in a little while, grow cold. Our friends who now look so kindly will shortly disappear. Our homes, which to some of us are now so sweet, will ere long be desolate. Link after link that binds us to the earth will break. We shall go home. Whither shall we go? Blessed be our God and Father, we are 'begotten to a lively hope." We look for new heavens and a new earth. He hath prepared for us a city. He hath embellished for us a paradise. He is adorning for us a palaced mansion, an amaranthine bower. There already are some of our dearest kindred. There are many whom we have loved and admired. There is the general assembly of the just made perfect, and the innumerable company of angels. And shall not our bosoms burn, and our hopes aspire? Shine forth, O thou city of our God! Attract our eyes! Captivate our hearts! Let us see thy jewelled pinnacles! Let us hear thy floating melodies! What do I see and hear? My mother, my sainted mother! my brothers and sisters, my cherub brothers and sisters! You, O ye fair and noble spirits, who entranced my young desire, and enkindled my mature ambition! And thee, O my Saviour, with thy countenance of love, thy diadem of majesty! I see your waving arms; I hear your beckoning voice. There they are gathered together safe from every storm, triumphant over every evil; and they say to us, Come and join us in our everlasting blessedness. Come and hear part in our song of praise. Come and share our adoration, friendship, progress, and works of love. They say to us, Cherish now in your carthly life that spirit and virtue of Christ which is the beginning and dawn of heaven, and we shall soon welcome you with more than human friendship to life and immortality. And shall that voice speak to us in vain? I would say, No! And God grant that we all may be enabled to say, No!-Rev. Geo. Legge, LL.D.

FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS.

THE kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power-the power of godliness-though now we are fallen into another method: we have turned all religion into

faith, and our faith is nothing but the productions of interest or disputing,-it is adhering to a party, and wrangling against all the world beside; and when it is asked of what religion he is, we understand the meaning to be, what faction does he follow, what are the articles of his sect, not what is the manner of his life. And if men be zealous for their party and that interest, then they are precious men, though otherwise they be covetous as the grave, factious as Dathan, schismatical as Korah, or proud as the fallen angels. Alas! these things will not deceive us: the faith of a Christian

cannot consist in strifes about words and perverse disputings of men.

But the faith of a Christian is the best security in contracts, and a Christian's word should be as good as his bond, be cause He is faithful that promised, and a Christian should rather die than break his word, and should always be true to his trust; he should be faithful to his friend, and love as Jonathan loved David. This is the true faith to hurt no man, but to do good to all, as we have opportunity.

Faith and faithfulness are identical in the Christian vocabulary.-Jeremy Taylor.

FINANCES OF THE MISSION.

A MONTH or two ago we told our readers, that unless the income of the Missionary Society was very much increased, not only would a very heavy debt be incurred, but some of the missionaries must be recalled. On the first point the response of the churches has been most gratifying. From all quarters we learn that both ministers and people are bestirring themselves, making the most energetic efforts to recover the ground that has been lost, and devoting much time and toil to the spread of information on the operations of the Society's missionaries. Many ministers, like the pastor of Bloomsbury Chapel, London, avail themselves of the monthly meeting for prayer to recall the former history of the work, and to unite matters of present interest in our various stations with the past. Others are giving lectures on missionary work, in order to revive the missionary spirit among their people. In some places large collections have been made for the present emergency, and arrangements completed for a more permanent addition to the Society's means.

In this good work the Yorkshire churches have taken the lead. Since their meeting at Huddersfield the Rev. T. Pottenger has been most actively employed in canvassing the various congregations, assisted by some of the ministers. In almost all cases the results in donations have been large; while the increased annual subscriptions vary from 20 to 200 per cent. more than have hitherto been given to the Society's funds. As a general fact, Mr. Pottenger states that the churches are very deficient in systematic efforts to collect small sums; a

real mine yet unexplored, and to which he proposes to give his special attention. We do not doubt the same defect exists in many other places, and we trust the friends of the mission elsewhere will bear this in mind.

The Devonshire Association devoted the second Lord's day in January to special collections. The churches in Huntingdonshire are proposing to open a list for special subscriptions, their union with our Independent brethren precluding Lord's day collections for the purpose. Somersetshire has moved and collected already over £200. In Nottinghamshire a similar course is about to be taken to that in Yorkshire. Special meetings for conference are fixed to be holden at Bacup by the East Lancashire Union, also at Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, during the present month. Northamptonshire also, the parent seat of the mission, has resolved not to be behind in this labour of love. From Newcastle nearly £50, a Lord's day collection, have been received; and the Auxiliary is revived and strengthened, in order to obtain increased annual subscriptions.

The festivities of Christmas have somewhat interfered with meetings in London. But our Camberwell friends have made a Lord's day collection amounting to upwards of £100, and an increase of subscriptions to £75 more. Camden Road and Hawley Road congregations announce special collections for the 24th ult.; but the results are not known in time for us to give them. The special contributions from the church at John Street, Bedford Row, have exceeded £200.

The general result of the collections that have already reached the Treasurer up to

the end of the year 1863, on the estimate of the probable deficiency, was stated at the last quarterly meeting of the Committee to be a reduction on that estimate of £2,300. This is very gratifying so far, and should awaken our gratitude to Him whose are the silver and the gold. But our readers must not forget that while it shows the interest of the churches in the mission, there yet remains to be met, after that reduction, a probable deficiency of more than £5,700. We know that many contributions have not yet reached the Treasurer; but with that allowed for, it is evident that the most strenuous efforts must be continued to avert the calamity that we fear.

It is of course not possible at present to calculate what the results of this movement may be on the future income of the mission, and therefore to determine the grave question whether any missionaries must be recalled. All the communications received at the Mission House speak with entire unanimity on this point-no missionary must be recalled until every effort has been exhausted to raise the income to the required amount. With this unity of sentiment throughout the country, we are hopeful that the necessity will not arise; and we are sure that it need not, if systematic plans are resorted to for collecting the pence of the poor as well as the pounds of the rich.

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It is one of the most pleasing results which this difficulty has given rise to, that it has extensively awakened a desire for missionary information. Missionary Reports and 'Missionary Heralds" have for so long a period become institutions among us, that many of our young friends forget or overlook them in the attraction of the multitude of new periodicals that arise from year to year. Yet are they most interesting to every intelligent reader. There he may watch the varying phases of that conflict which, in sunshine or storm, is ever going on between the powers of evil and of good. There may he learn of triumphs of grace, of kingdoms conquered for Christ, and souls rescued from the wrath to come. There, passing, as it were, before his eyes, may be seen the daily occurring incidents of that grand progress, measured and stately as the tread of eternity, which the Prince of Peace is making towards the acquisition of the royal inheritance given to him of his Father. Let our readers acquaint themselves with the

interesting details of the missionary work, and communicate them to others: their prayers and sympathies will be called forth, and the emergency now pressing upon the Society will pass away, leaving a blessing behind it.

ARRIVAL OF MR. SMITH AT DELHI.

WE are happy to announce the arrival of of our honoured brother, the Rev. James Smith, at his old field of labour in Delhi. It will be remembered that he has been for some time in Australia, where he went for the recovery of his health; but his health and strength having been mercifully restored, he has returned to the field where God had so eminently blessed him, and where he hopes now to live and die. In his last letter Mr. Smith says,—

"I am getting fairly settled down to work again, and begin to feel some hope that the Lord will smile on the scattered churches at Delhi.

"I have commenced my daily service in the Chandni Chouk as before, and find great advantages connected with a daily stated service in the same place. The congregations are not what they once were, but they are improving, and will gradually, I hope, gather up again.

"On Monday morning I went to Delhi Durwaza, where I have replaced Collins, the preacher I left there when I went to Australia. About thirty gathered in the straw veranda of one of our Christian's houses, and it was a time of refreshing to me. We sang the old songs of Zion, in which we had so often joined in times past, and then united in thanksgiving to Him who had protected us since we had last met in Delhi. The place appears very hopeful, and I trust soon to see most of our old people restored to the church and its privileges. Two men came to my house who were inquirers before I left, and declared their intention of giving themselves to the Lord and his people.

"I have been this morning to Teluja Wara and Sudder Bazar, where I have engaged a large room for another native reader and his son (Mansukh Ray), and in two or three days I hope to see them fairly at work among the scattered people here, who were, many of them, long hopeful inquirers, and among whom I spent a great deal of labour. I visited many of them, and spoke to little bands of from six to

twelve in different places. They said they were glad to see me back, and would send their children to learn to read, as well as make an effort to do the same themselves. In these places it is the agent's duty to go among them, and spend half an hour each with families who will receive him, talking with them, reading the Scriptures or tracts, and, where there is a desire, giving lessons in reading. I hope soon to have Delhi studded over with little stations, which I shall try to make stars, giving light, if it be but a glimmering, to the surrounding people who dwell in darkness; for I am of opinion that a star, be it ever so small, is better than no light,

GENERAL.

"Our chapel is getting fast on, and will, It I hope, be ready to open in January. is a very nice building, and will, I suppose, hold 500 natives. The situation is excellent, very central and very public. Our friend Mr. Parry has laboured hard at it, and he tells me he will be about £200 short. I should be sorry for us to be burdened with a debt. The soldiers in good numbers attend our evening services, and when we get into the new building they are likely to increase. I shall have hard struggling for funds for native preachers for a little time, until my communications with friends are recommenced. Can you stir up our young friends a little to help us?"

THE great question of continental politics is, whether there shall be war between Denmark and Germany. At the time we write the position is very critical, and every day we may expect to hear that a blow has been struck the effects of which Europe will feel for many a day. The question in dispute is one in which Englishmen can feel little interest unfortunately, however, if rumour is correct, our Government has committed us to active measures on the side of Denmark should active measures become necessary. We hope that this is not the result of an alliance which made all England rejoice in the spring of last year.

Another conspiracy against the life of Louis Napoleon has been announced. There is some suspicion that it is only a police job, especially as Mazzini was charged with being the suggester of the plot, a charge which Mazzini has distinctly and indignantly denied. One reason why the suspicion of jobbing has arisen is, that the ory for liberty in France is becoming embarrassing to the Emperor, to whom it is convenient to show that the time for liberty has not yet come.

In a few days the Parliament of England will meet. The session is expected to be an important one, and it is anticipated by some that events will render a dissolution inevitable during the year,

The Queen has another grandchild, and the Prince of Wales a son. The Princess of Wales has passed quite safely through her confinement, It is said that the Queen is more cheerful since the event took place.

We are glad to state that the Baptist Missionary Society is likely to recover from its pecuniary embarrassment. The most lively interest in the subject has been evinced in every part of the country, and in most districts efforts are being made, not only to meet the present difficulty, but to increase the permanent income of the Society. We believe that even already the prospective deficit is reckoned at little more than five thousand pounds.

The following interesting paragraph is taken from The South Eastern Gazette:"The Rev. D. Jones, B.A., Nonconformist minister of Folkestone, being about to leave that town, after a pastorate of fifteen years, during which time he has won the respect and esteem of his fellow-townsmen generally, the mayor of that borough (C. Doridant,

Esq.), glad of an opportunity of promoting the increase and spread of kindly feeling, invited the corporation and several other gentlemen to a dinner at the Pavilion Hotel, to meet Mr. Jones prior to his departure. The members of the corporation, several of the magistrates, the rector of Lyminge, the Presbyterian chaplain of Shorncliffe Camp, and Nonconformist ministers of various denominations, responded to the invitation, and on Friday evening sat down to an elegant dinner, when the worthy mayor had the gratification of witnessing an exhibition, happily elicited by him. self, of genuine and hearty catholicity which perhaps few towns in the kingdom could equal. Without any compromise on the part of any, while various conscientious convictions and preferences were frankly avowed, all the gentlemen present entered most cordially in the spirit of the worthy host who had convened them, and gladly acknowledged, what was manifestly and deeply felt by all, that, notwithstanding honest difference of opinion on political, theological, or ecclesiastical matters, there yet remains, for all who love truth and charity, a broad ground on which, as Englishmen, and Christians, and Protestants, they can meet, with intense satisfaction and comfort to themselves, and to the happy increase of their mutual esteem."

DOMESTIC.

WOLVERHAMPTON.-The new and spacious Baptist chapel at Wolverhampton, the foundation-stone of which was laid in March last, by Mr. H. H. Fowler, the then mayor, was opened on Thursday, December 10th, for public worship. The new chapel is erected for the accommodation of 550 adults, and is internally sixty-seven feet by fortyfive feet; while in addition there is a large lectureroom in the basement, and vestries and a smaller lecture-room at the rear of the chapel, the accommodation of which may be increased to seat about 800 persons by the erection of side galleries. The cost of the chapel, including the site, is £3,625; and previous to the opening services the unpaid balance was £1,833. The opening services commenced at eleven o'clock on the day named, when a dedicatory prayer was offered by the Rev. G. B. Macdonald, Wesleyan minister, and an able sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Landels, of Regent's Park Chapel, London. In the afternoon

a public meeting was held, which was presided over by Mr. H. Marten. Mr. Edmonds, the treasurer, read the financial report. The Rev. W. Landels, the Rev. W. J. Bain, of Bilston, the Rev. B. C. Young, of Cosely, the Rev. C. Vince, of Birmingham, and the Rev. J. P. Carey, delivered addresses. In the evening a sermon was preached by the Rev. Hugh Stowell Brown. On the following Sunday the Rev. S. A. Tipple, of London, delivered two discourses in connection with the opening of the chapel. On Thursday, December 17th, the Rev. A. Mursell, of Manchester, preached; and on Sunday, December 20th, the Rev. Watson Smith, of Manchester. The collections at the close of the services amounted to £145.

HEPHZIBAH CHAPEL, DARLINGTON PLACE, MILE END.-A devotional service was held here on Tuesday, Jan. 5th, in connection with the formation of a new Baptist interest and the settlement of Mr. C. Gordelier as the pastor. The Rev. J. H. Blake, of Bow, presided; the Revs. W. A. Blake, Robert R. Finch, T. J. R. Temple, and others, took part, After the service the formation of the church was proceeded with; a resolution, stating the names of twelve persons, the basis of fellowship, and a brief summary of doctrinal belief, was then agreed to, the brethren recognising each other by the right hand of fellowship; a second resolution, inviting Mr. Gordelier to the pastorate, was unanimously adopted. On the following Lord's day evening, the 10th, the Lord's Supper was adminis tered, when twelve visitors, representing eight other churches in the neighbourhood, including two from the Church of England, united with the newly formed church in the sacred and solemn remembrance of the Saviour's sufferings and death. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-The annual social meeting of the Baptist church and congregation worshipping in Bewick Street Chapel was held on Monday evening, December 28th, in the lectureroom beneath the chapel, at which there was a large attendance. The Rev. W. Walters, pastor of the church, presided. In the course of his opening address the chairman adverted, in terms expressive of thankfulness to God, to the continued prosperity of the church under his care. The chapel was full every Sabbath, and the week-night services were well attended. The enlargement of the chapel was imperatively required. They had 414 members in church fellowship, 139 of whom had been received during the present pastorate. They had two Sunday-schools, with 41 teachers and 420 scholars. Their tract society was in vigorous operation, and upwards of 1,200 tracts were circulated every week by about 60 distributors. During the year a preaching-station had been established at Blaydon, and was supplied by brethren connected with the church. In addition to aid rendered to our home and foreign missions, the church sustained a missionary in East Prussia, in connection with the German Baptist Union. They had abundant cause for gratitude and hope. After Mr. Walters's address, excellent speeches were delivered by the Revs. R. Brown, G. Stewart, and R. Thompson.

LINCOLN.-The opening of the new General Baptist chapel, St. Benedict's Square, Lincoln, was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, December 13th and 14th. The public services were commenced on the Sunday by the Rev. Charles Clark, of Halifax, who preached morning and evening. In the afternoon the Rev. J. H. Wood, of Smarden, preached. In the morning and afternoon the congregations were good, but in the evening the chapel was crowded to excess. On the Monday above 600 assembled for tea in the Corn Exchange. The chair was taken by John Ward, Esq., of Bos

ton, who attended as a deputation from the trustees, The speakers were the Rev. John Cookson, M.A. (pastor of the church), the Revs. J. H. Wood (Smarden), J., Lewitt (Nottingham), T. W. Mathews (Boston), and W. Sharman (Coningsby). On Sunday, the 20th ult., the opening services were continued, and the Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., of Spalding, preached. The new building is neat as well as pretty in style, and, although comparatively free from ornamentation, is arranged with considerable architectural taste. It will comfortably seat about 350, but when filled it will accom modate 500.

PROVIDENCE CHAPEL, CANTON, CARDIFF.-This beautiful Gothic edifice, which has been built for the church over which the Rev. Josephus Bailey presides, was opened for Divine service on Lord's day, December 20th, when sermons were preached by the pastor; the Rev. J. Waite, B.A., Independent; the Rev. T. Barlow, Methodist; and the Rev. John Emlyn Jones, LL.D., of Cardiff. On Tuesday, December 22nd, a tea and public meeting was held, when about 400 friends sat down. The chair was occupied by R. Cory, sen., Esq., and able addresses were delivered by the Rev. John Williams, Newport; the Rev. E. Jones, Pentyrch; the Rev. T. Barlow, the Rev. P. Maddocks, the Rev. J. Bailey, and by Wm. Ward, Esq., editor of The Cardiff Times. The meeting, which was of a most pleasing character, was closed by a collection towards the building fund. On Lord's day, Dec. 27th, the services were continued; when sermons were preached by the Revs. J. Williams, Newport; E. Jones, Pentyrch; and J. Bailey. Collections were made after each service, and the amounts received were very encouraging to the friends of this new cause, which has every prospect of

success.

SOUTHAMPTON.-A very interesting meeting was held December 31st, 1863, at the Baptist chapel, East Street, arranged by the female Bible-class of the above Sunday-school, to present a testimonial to their teacher, Miss Ellen Lankester. The offi cers of the school and of the church were invited, and the pastor, the Rev. R. Caven, B.A., presided, After tea the meeting was commenced with prayer. Miss Lankester then gave a short history of the class since she became their teacher in January, 1856. The members now number thirty in attendance, many have joined the church, and others are inquiring. After this statement Mr. Caven, in the name of the class, presented their teacher with a handsome rosewood work-box, as a token of their affection and appreciation of her self-denying efforts among them. It was received with sincere expressions of gratitude and assurances of her continued anxiety for their welfare. Addresses were then given by the pastor and friends present; also an interesting lecture on the microscope, by Mr. D. Elboux, one of the deacons. A hymn, especially arranged on behalf of their pastor, was then sung to the National Anthem, and the proceedings were terminated by prayer.

WYLE COP, SHREWSBURY.-On Christmas Day the Baptist chapel, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, was opened. At seven o'clock a.m. a public prayermeeting was held, when the Rev. John Williams, of Holyhead, presided; at eleven o'clock a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. P. Barnett, of Birmingham; at three o'clock the Rev. D. Evans, of Dudley, preached; and at half-past six o'clock a public meeting was held in the chapel, when W. Barnett, Esq., of Cosely, presided. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. Williams, Holyhead; F. Perkin, M.A., Cosely; T. Baugh, Shrewsbury; J. Smith, Pontesbury; J. P. Barnett, Birmingham; D. Evans, Dudley; the chair,