disciple, in all honour and honesty, owe it to the Master he loved and from whom he received his lessons to declare his allegiance and give the Saviour the advantage of his service?

Fred hesitated a few moments before he replied. Fortunately it was getting dusk and the deep colour in his cheeks could not be clearly seen. His mind was uneasy. He felt as if those questions consumed him: and not the less severe was the censure because of the gentleness and kindness ringing in the fair questioners tones. He would fain have avoided an answer, but could not; and at once betrayed his feelings by awkwardly substituting himself for Joseph of Arimathea, saying, "perhaps he was like me, afraid of confessing Christ before men to day lest he should deny Him on the morrow."

For this turn in the conversation Miss

Mostyn, though desiring it, was unprepared, and another silence ensued, broken at last by George saying, with more than his ordinary earnestness,

Now, Fred, is that really any reason at all? Or so far as there is any reason in it is it not altogether unworthy of a Christian? I know how plausible it seems, for it beset me, and would have hindered me had not Mr. Kingston shown me that there was much more fear of the world in it than of fear of Christ. I remember he said to me, 'you do love Christ, do you not; will it not, then, be as painful to you to disgrace Him as His church. If you thought more of Christ's approbation, and less of the censure of the world, you would see that you could not make your case worse by uniting with His church.""

6

"Worse indeed,' George? did he say worse? Why where should the feeble and timorous disciple be but amongst those who will watch over him, pray for him and help him? It seems to me that the reason you urge for not seeking the fellowship of saints is really one of the strongest arguments why you should lose no time in confessing Christ before men by joining His people."

66

I confess the way you put it makes it look very unsatisfactory indeed; but you have not always taken away the influence of an objection by showing that it ought to be allowed to stand in one's way any longer. But is not secret piety enough? What is the use of joining yourself to a church? If a man lives a Christian life, does not he confess Christ in his conduct, and is not that better than anything else ?"

"If I may quote Mr. Kingston again, Fred, I reply to that not in his words

but as I remember his thoughts, secret piety is not sufficient. Christ Jesus requires confession in baptism, in worship and in life; and attendance to the third part does not set you free from the first and second. Christ Jesus deserves it. Secret discipleship denies Christ the merit and glory of His own work. Excellences of character which He has produced are not attributed to Him, but to ordinary human nature. That can't be right. The disciple himself needs it. Secret piety is personal loss. The expression of it would strengthen and perfect it. These three reasons he gave in a talk with Charles Sloman, who, you know, the other day regretted very much that he did not unite with the church years ago, and said he finds it more and more difficult every day to do it now."

Well," said Fred, "getting up from his seat, what with your reasoning George, and Mr. Kingston's, and Miss Mostyn's, I find I cannot defend myself. I will think about what you say. But I really must be going."

Before he went Maggie fetched Watson on "the secret disciple encouraged to avow His Master," and asked Fred if he would kindly read that, since they could not prolong the conversation any further.

Will any of my young friends condemn Fred Williamson because in all this talk he never uttered a word about the real stumbling-stone in his path? Will they say, "why was he not honest and outspoken? Why did he not lay bare the secrets of his heart, and deal in a thoroughly open manner with his difficulties ?" Let me beg you to remember that personal courage is a very rare quality. Many young persons have boldness enough in dealing with others, and yet are the worst of cowards in dealing with themselves. They will not shrink from an act the doing of which brings persecution from a few if they see well it will bring credit and fame from many. But to deal honestly with their own thoughts; to listen to the accusations of conscience without interrupting the speaker, to look straight into the heart without blinking when we see meanness and evil desires, and impure thoughts; ah! this requires a rare energy of will. Don't despise poor Fred

because he didn't like to confess an unpleasant and unwelcome fact. But you say he ought to have been honest. Well, was he not? I believe he really thought in his heart that the reasons he urged had some weight in them. He wanted reasons of that sort for public use, and he had heard them, perhaps, in the chapel, or in conversations with others,

and he had taken hold of them as drowning men clutch at straws, and they had seemed to him to have some force, until he had looked at them through other eyes. In that he was like many others I have known. There are secret disciples of Christ who could repeat the current objections to open discipleship with great facility without coming anywhere near the real chain that holds them to the world. A young lady was thus held for years by an intense dislike for believers baptism joined with the conviction that it was the right way of entering the church. There are two persons, husband and wife, at Garstang,

Of

who will not unite with the church of that village because the members are of inferior social rank. A business man objects because the just claims of the church on his time and money would interfere with his devotion to trade. course they do not cite these reasons to you if you talk with them, or even to themselves, except in moments when some occurrence opens like a lunette in the wall of their prison and they catch glimpses of the light of heaven. Young friends, try to be thoroughly honest with yourselves. You cannot deceive God. JOHN CLIFFORD.

SERMONS PREACHED IN UNION CHAPEL, MANCHESTER. By A. Maclaren, B.A. First Part, containing twelve sermons. Hodder & Stoughton.

WE have the greatest pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to the weekly issue of Mr. Maclaren's sermons. We have long wished that Mr. Maclaren would consent to having his sermons reported every Sabbath, and published in a cheap form, so that thousands of Christian people throughout the country-particularly ministers-who would most thankfully receive his teaching, might have the opportunity of doing so. There are, in our opinion, no discourses of the present day more worthy of appearing in print, or more calculated to develop an intelligent masculine piety than those which are delivered in Union Chapel, Manchester. The two volumes of "Sermons preached in Manchester," which appeared a few years ago, have been greatly prized by preachers as affording almost perfect examples of what a sermon should be; a faithful and logical exposition and application of the truth which is expressed or implied by the text. Mr. Maclaren never runs away from his text; never gratuitously brings anything to it. Scripture teaching is given in all its simplicity, and majesty, and power. Deep and original thought, humble piety, sound evangelicalism (a rare combination in these days), may be found in these discourses. The reader of them is never afraid of here. sies, never annoyed by the modern cant of rationalism and materialism, never vexed and bewildered by statements that carry him into the region of mysteries concerning election and predestination and sovereignty, and then suddenly dropped upon his legs

* Macmillan & Co.

again on the common ground of human responsibility and free agency, and broad general invitation. Mr. Maclaren preaches salvation for all by the gospel, a salvation provided for and offered to all, "in good faith," for our acceptance; and in answer to the question, "Why do not men come to Christ?" says, "for one plain reason, because they will not." Such sermons as these must be very acceptable to all classes of readers; but they ought to have a special interest for the members of our denomination, whose views they so fully and ably express. We give one selection from No. 17 of the series, "Pride overcoming Want," and is founded upon 2 Kings v. 11. The topics of thought suggested by these words are—I.

....

the

utter indifference of the gospel to all distinctions among men. II. the naked simplicity of God's gospel. III. the utter rejection by the gospel of all co-operation in our own cleansing. What could be truer, as an induction from the text, than the following argument against the prevalent errors of ritualism and sacramentarianism!

"Christianity comes to us-or rather instead of that abstract word let us say Christ, who is Christianity, comes to ustrusting wholly and only to spiritual remedies. He too, says, "Wash and be clean." The one power that cleanses is His blood for pardon, His Spirit for holiness. The one condition of receiving them is simple faith in Him; all externals are nothing. Forms and ceremonies, acts of worship and church ordinances, are of no avail. The bond that unites us to Him who is our life, is the medium through which life flows to us. And that one bond is faith; and that life is the life-giver who died for us. The gospel depends wholly on spiritual

forces, and is received only by spiritual acts."

"And so people feel out of their element in a region thus purely spiritual and immaterial. The heathenism which is in all of us, the sense-bound materialism which sways us all, lays hold of the pure gospel which Christ wrought and gives, and deforms it by tacking on to it an incongruous and heterogeneous appendage of rites and ceremonies, and by investing the simple ordinances which he enjoined with mysterious power. What is all that cloud of teaching about sacramental efficacy which darkens the very Sun of Righteousness but a mist born from the marshes of sense that lie undrained in so-called Christendom? It is nothing else than the modern form of ancient heathenism. It is the expression of the old desire to have God and His gifts brought within the limits of the senses. Bring down this incorporeal attenuated nothing into the low region where I dwell. Let me have good, strong, stupefying altar smoke'-to quote words familiar to some of you, in which that spirit wonderfully expressed-and let me see God made and eaten all day long' upon the altar there.

"And so we are told that such a story as this of our text points to the supernatural efficacy of baptism, and that' wash and be clean' is the symbol of that holy laver of regeneration. I need only say about that, that an external act cannot be the symbol af an external act. That is false heraldry, colour upon colour. If it is a symbol at all the material must be a symbol of the spiritual; the outward act of the inward submission to the cleansing of the soul; the washing which purified the leper of the faith by which the sinner is cleansed-and the whole story, as we say, an illustration of that divine simplicity and abstinence from all reliance on outward acts, which is the very essence of God's way of salvation by Jesus Christ."

The entire sermon is a fine exposition of gospel truth as illustrated by this incident in Hebrew history; and the twenty discourses which have already appeared are, without exception, remarkable for accuracy and soundness of thought and vigour of language. W. E. W.

OUR HOME IN THE STARS. G. J. Drew, LL.D. Stock.

A LECTURE given by Dr. Drew on this subject has been elaborated into a book of nearly a hundred pages. The object of the work is to state and defend the position that "ours is only one of the many resting places in our journey onwards, and that the inhabitants of the planets of each solar system will ultimately be gathered into one

abode." Our verdict is, " Not proven." The argument is chiefly analogical; and in so far as it bears on the probability of other planets being as habitable as this earth is, may be accepted as of considerable weight. These planets exhibit similar conditions to those found on this earth: those conditions are eminently favourable to life. God makes nothing in vain, therefore the planets with these conditions must have life. So far, good. But this does not prove the theory of the writer. Nor will the passages of Scripture about the "many mansions," the wine being drunk new in the "Father's kingdom," justify so large an inference. Much information on astronomy, life, etc., is conveyed in a style generally pleasing and eloquent, though occasionally marred by straining after effect. The printer's work leaves nothing to desire; binding is strong and beautiful, type is clear, and the work altogether is got up in a first class manner.

WESTBOURNE GROVE SERMONS. By William

Garrett Lewis. Marlborough & Co. THIS memorial of a ministry of twenty-five years consists of seventeen discourses on such diversified topics as "Following Christ," "Chariots and Horses," "Gradations of Trial," "God's Silence," "The most excellent knowledge." The sermons are, for the most part, faithful expositions of the chosen text, always simple and neat in arrangement, clear and unaffected in style, fervent and devout in spirit, evan gelical and practical in tone, and well suited for the refreshment and encouragement of the faith of the followers of Christ.

CONFERENCES.

LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Vale, near Todmorden, May 22. The morning service was opened by Rev. E. K. Everett, Rev. E. W. Cantrell preached from 1 Cor. xiv. 8, 9. Rev. W. Chapman presided at the business meeting. Baptized, 74; Candidates, 54.

Resolved:-I. That we have a paper read in the morning at the next Conference: subject-"How can we best increase the efficiency and utilize the services of our local preachers?" That we request the Rev. R. Hardy to read the second part of the paper which he has already prepared on this question, and that the subject be then open for discussion.

II. That the next Conference be held at Clayton on Wednesday, Aug. 14; and that in future Wednesday be the day in the week on which our Conferences shall be held.

III. After a statement on behalf of a number of friends who are trying to establish a new Baptist church in Hyde Road, Manchester, it was resolved :-That brethren W. Gray, T. Horsfield, and the Secretary, visit Hyde Road, and report to the next Conference.

IV. That we recommend the case of the friends at Bacup to the sympathy and help of our churches.

V. That the report of the Rev. W. Gray on the Home Mission, and the financial statement of Mr. Lister, the treasurer, be received and adopted, and the brethren were thanked and reappointed.

VI. That we thank the Dewsbury Committee for the service and help they have rendered in building the new church there.

VII. That the brethren who formed the Dewsbury Committee, with the Revs. I. Preston, G. Needham, and Mr. J. Binns, be the Home Mission Committee for the coming year.

VIII. That considering our liabilities in Home Mission work, and the interest taken in local effort to establish new churches, this Conference cannot recommend the amalgamation of our Home Mission societies.

IX. That we thank Mr. D. Wilson for his services, and reappoint him as Conference treasurer; and that a collection be made for Conference expenses when we meet at Clayton.

X. That we very cordially welcome into this Conference and district the Revs. E. K. Everett and W. Chapman, and wish them success in their spiritual labours.

XI. That we heartily recommend the church at West Vale for reception into this Association.

XII. That we request all the churches in this Conference to furnish our secretary with the amounts they have severally expended on their chapels and schools in building, enlarging, and reducing debts, &c., during the last three years, and that a statement of the amount so expended be published in our Magazine. JAMES MADEN, Secretary.

THE LONDON CONFERENCE was held at Tring on May 29th. At the meeting for business in the afternoon, the Rev. W. Sexton presided, and Rev. J. Batey offered prayer.

1. Additions since last Conference-69 baptized, 27 received, and 7 restored; also 19 remained as candidates.

II. Rushall Case.-Results of correspondence concerning it were reported, as also was the death of Rev. W. H. Black, late acting trustee; and the secretary was instructed to obtain full information from Mr. Black's executors, as to their claims on the Rushall chapel property.

III. Aylesbury Chapel Case.-Resolved: "That having received the report of the trustees, showing that new circumstances had arisen indicating the desirableness of reopening the General Baptist Chapel at Aylesbury; the trustees be requested to confer respecting it with the following brethren, Revs. Clifford and Atkinson, Messrs. Bunker and Page, of Chesham, and W. King, of Berkhampstead."

IV. The Old Connexion of General Baptists.-The Rev. J. C. Means, of London, and J. T. Kennard, of Billingshurst, were presented as delegates from the General Baptist Assembly. Brother Atkinson reported that brethren Clifford and Perry, with himself, attended the meeting held at Worship Street Chapel, on May 17, and that "they recommend (1) the Conerence to increase the number of the committee. (2) That the committee hold a meeting on the morning of the next Conference day, at which the proposals of the General Baptist Assembly shall be considered; and they (3) advise the committee to solicit the co-operation of one or more representative men of other Conferences." This recommendation was adopted, and the following brethren were added to the committee previously appointed to consider this matter:-Revs. Harcourt, Pike, Hood,

Sage, and Messrs. Towers, Bunker, Saunders, of Berkhampstead, and Marchem, of Tring.

V. The Next Conference.-To be held at Church Street, or in case of failure at Borough Road, on the first Wednesday in October,-Mr. Towers be requested to read a paper on "individual effort for the conversion of souls," and a home missionary meeting be held in the evening, the speakers to be the minister of the place where the conference is held, and Revs. Batey, Means, and Atkinson,

VI. The Removal of Rev. J. Lawton.It was unaminously resolved, "That we hereby cordially commend our brother Lawton to the confidence and esteem of the churches in the Lincolnshire Conference, and wish for him great prosperity in his work for the Master at Eastgate, Louth."

VII. The Rev. J. G. Pike read a paper on "What to do with our small churches ?" in which he recommended that some should be given up, others grouped together, and that strenuous efforts should be used to make greater those in populous neighbourhoods as Yarmouth and Ramsgate. A vote of thanks was given to the writer.

VIII. In the evening, in the Taber. nacle chapel, (kindly lent for the occasion,) brother Atkinson preached from Rev. xxii. 20. Short and impressive addresses were also given by brethren Clifford and Towers. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by brethren Clifford, Pike, Newman, Robson, and Newstead.

Many friends from London, Chesham, and the neighbourhood, attended the Conference; and its services not only greatly encouraged the friends at Tring, but also proved to be interesting and useful to all who were present. J. SAGE, Sec.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE Was held at Peterborough on Thursday, June 6, 1872. The devotional service in the morning was conducted by brother Bott. Brother Jolly preached on prayer, from Luke ix. 18. Reports from the churches showed since the last Conference, 81 had been baptized, 24 received, and that there were 39 candidates.

Resolved, I. The secretary was thanked for his past services and requested to continue in office during another three years.

II. That the next Conference should be held at Boston; brother Allsop to preach, and that the succeeding Conference should be held at Wisbech.

III. That brethren R. Wherry and Winks, be requested to inquire into the

state of affairs at Magdalen, and report to the next Conference.

IV. A committee was appointed consisting of brethren Orton, Winks, and Allsop, to promote the holding of meetings in aid of the Foreign Mission in the village churches in which such meetings are not usually held.

V. Home Mission.-The financial report of the Home Mission was read by the treasurer, and was received by the Conference. Grants were made to Whittlesea £10, to Chatteris £10, and to Fleet for Holbeach £10. Thanks were presented to Robert Wherry, Esq., for his services as treasurer, and he was requested to continue in office. A public meeting was held in the evening, when addresses were delivered by brethren Barrass, Orton, Allsop, and Robinson. WILLIAM ORTON, Sec.

GENERAL BAPTIST ASSEMBLY.-The annual meetings of the brethren of the G. B. Assembly were held on Whit-Tuesday and Wednesday at Worship Street chapel, London. The sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel Martin. It was an earnest and practical discourse. Business was transacted morning and afternoon, and a public meeting was held in the evening. A new and interesting feature was added in the celebration of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. The Rev. J. C. Means, who has held the office of Secretary for nearly forty years, retires because of the infirmities of age.

CHAPELS.

GREAT GRIMSBY.-On Sunday, May 26, our third anniversary services were celebrated, when two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Underwood, D.D. Morning subject, "The claims of God and His cause;" evening, "God's final message to mankind."-On Monday following a public tea was provided in the school-room and chapel, after which Rev. W. Underwood again preached. Subject, "Christian unity." The attendance was good at all the services.

BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street. — The sixth anniversary was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, May 26 and 27. The sermons were preached by the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., of Nottingham. Collections £28 12s. 4d.-The anniversary tea meeting was held on the following evening. A good company assembled. After tea George Atkin, Esq., took the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Lees, of Walsall; W. F. Callaway, J. J. Brown, J. Hotchkiss, and E. C. Pike, B.A., of Birmingham. The entire proceeds of the anniversary are over £60.