he continued to visit even where there was known to be infectious disease. He would sometimes go out before breakfast in order to meet with some whom subsequently it would be difficult or impossible to advise or admonish. His death deeply affected not only those who knew their piety from their love to their Christian brethren, but many strong men who had lived in great carelessness and ungodliness. He had been at pains to instruct and admonish Lord'sday pigeon shooters, gamblers, and many others.

Although Mr. S. was eminent especially as a visiting pastor, his natural abilities and his acquired stores were very respectable. He had read with care, and was able to relate the substance of what he had read. He had given earnest and continued attention to New Testament Greek, and was able to translate the inspired Greek with a facility and correctness beyond what is attained by many with superior earlier privileges. His thoughts he could correctly and appropriately express. His eminent consistency and readiness to do good secured for him a respect, confidence, co-operation, and affection, which the angular and irregular, the less kind and humble, and the

more bigoted, are incapable of commanding. His freedom from error and failing is not to be maintained; nor is freedom from trial by any means an invariable result of fidelity to conscience. On the Sunday before his last illness commenced he preached three times, and after the last service conducted an enquirer's meeting at which two or three young men remained who had lived very carelessly. On the following evening (Monday) there were eight new enquirers, who are giving present evidence of sincerity. Mysterious is the death of our brother; but it must be right. The God of the spirits of all flesh mistakes not, nor is unkind. While many hundreds in respect for the deceased, sorrowfully followed his mortal remains to their final earthly resting place, not one could truly deny, that the Lord doeth all things well. In heaven our knowledge as well as boliness and love will be perfect. May the funeral sermons preached in all the chapels at Netherton, may the pattern of holy and devoted living our brother has left us, and may the sudden and unexpected character of his departure be sanctified to the present and eternal advantage of very, very many of us who survive.

THE INTERPRETER. By C. H. Spurgeon. Passmore & Alabaster.

THIS is a selection of passages of Scripture arranged for family worship, and briefly annotated by the hard working preacher of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. We have used this specimen number, and find the choice of passages of Scripture is made with striking aptness, and in a manner well fitted to exhibit the uses of the Old and New Testaments. The notes are brief, pertinent, and full of devotional stimulus. Many heads of families will find this a welcome help in their duties as "priests of the household."

A BATCH OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR THE YOUNG.

WE have received the following books from the Religious Tract Society, and are glad to commend them in the most unhesitating manner to the attention of parents and Sunday School Teachers, as deserving a foremost place in the book-gifts they make to their children and scholars. They are works that the young folks will be sure to read; and when read, the mind will be stored with sound principles, correct representations of facts and good impulses.

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Faithful, but not Famous, is a historical tale by the author of "Soldier Fritz," Maggie's Message," &c. It describes, in the most interesting way, the beginning of Protestantism in France. Its leading figure is Claude Leclerc, the child of a persecuted Waldensian, who is hurried away to Paris and forced to adopt the life of a monk. The poverty and suffering of his early life; his desire to see "David's Royal Fountain;" his interview with Dr. Lefevre and G. Farel; and introduction of the gospel amongst the students; his joy at finding Christ, and his subsequent life as a colporteur-all these phases are depicted

with much pathos, striking naturalness, and artistic effect. The evils of Roman Catholicism are made more palpable by their contrast with the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. It is a thoroughly good story.

Our Forest Home; its inmates and what became of them, is an admirable piece of autobiography, told in a pleasing style, and seasoned with telling incident, and affecting adventure. Every right thinking father would be glad to have such pictures and lessons as these set before and affecting his children's minds. It will be a favourite wherever it is read, and it will help to nourish kindliness, openness of dispo sition, and faith in God, in thousands of English homes.

Charley Hope's Testament is a pathetic story of the London life of an orphan lad left with no other treasure than his mother's Testament. It shows, in a most affecting way, the abiding influence of a mother's love, and the power of the word of God to guide and solace the weary spirits of those

who are reared in poverty, and have to do hourly battle with temptation.

Old Paths for Young Pilgrims.—One of the best books to put into the hands of a young Christian we have seen. It will quicken, gladden, and refresh those who are beginning life's pilgrimage to have the company of such a guide.

Rambles and Adventures in the Wilds of the West, by C. C. Hopley. This little volume opens up life in the wondrous Far West; describes its roads, much of its natural history, its towns and its people. Besides this information there is sufficient exciting adventure and apt illustration to make the book a favourite with boys.

The Scripture Pocket Book, 1873. The Young People's Pocket Book, 1873. These pocket books are "got up" with much good taste, full of useful information, enriched with prose and poetic gleanings, a passage of scripture for every day of the year, as well as the ordinary contents of an almanack.

CONFERENCES.

The next LANCASHIRE and YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE will be held at Dewsbury, on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The preacher

will be the Rev. E. K. Everett.

J. MADEN, Sec.

The WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Gosford Street Chapel, Coventry, Oct. 22nd. After devotional exercises, the Rev. E. C. Pike, B. A., of Birmingham, read an able paper on "The Importance of Fidelity to our Principles as Nonconformists." After a vigorous conversation it was resolved, "That the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Pike for his excellent paper, and that he be requested to publish it in the Magazine."

The afternoon meeting commenced at half-past two. Mr. Carpenter, of Longford, prayed. The Rev. J. Whewell (Independent minister, Coventry), was voted to the chair. Reports from several of the churches, particularly Cinderbank, were of a pleasing character. Sixty-two had been baptized since the last Conference, and twenty-eight candidates.

The following resolutions were passed: I. The recommendation of candidates for collegiate education from churches in this Conference, shall be left in the hands of a committee consisting of five ministers and five deacons to be chosen at each

on behalf of such candidates shall be made by the churches of which they are members, to the Secretary of the Conference. Brethren Pike, Parsons, G. Cheatle, and Patterson, of Birmingham; Lees and Marshall, of Walsall; Barnett and Carpenter, of Longford; Lee and Cross, of Coventry; shall be the committee for the ensuing year.

II. "That this Conference rejoices in the rapid growth of an enlightened movement in favour of the Liberation of religion from State patronage and control-expresses its entire and cordial concurrence in the mo. tion of which Mr. Miall has given notice for the next parliamentary session, and urges the churches and congregations to petition the House of Commons in support of that motion when it shall be brought forward."

III. "That this Conference feels deeply the loss, by death, of our dear brother Salter, the beloved pastor of the church at Netherton, and desires to record its deep sympathy with his bereaved widow; and also with the church now deprived of a valuable and much esteemed pastor; and humbly trusts that the Head of the church will grant grace to help in trouble, and ere long give them another pastor to break the bread of life among them."

IV. Messrs. Barton and Brittain, of Coventry, spoke of the blessings resulting

from the Cottage Prayer Meeting Association, in connection with the Gosford Street Church, and cordially recommended its adoption by the churches generally.

V. The next Conference to be held at Walsall early in April, 1873. The paper to be written by the Rev. L. H. Parsons. Subject left in the hands of a committee. The Rev. J. P. Barnett to be the preacher. Brethren Lees, Parsons, and the Secretary, to prepare the business. For the evening, Brother Salter was the appointed preacher. "But the Master had need of him."

The Rev. L. H. Parsons, of Birmingham, preached an excellent sermon from John ii. 11. HENRY CROSS, Sec.

The LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Boston on Nov. 14th. Brother Allsop preached from 1. John v. 14, 15. The reports stated 59 persons baptized, 17 received, and 19 candidates.

Magdalen.-Brethren R.Wherry, Allsop, and Winks, were requested to communicate with the friends at Magdalen, in order to bring about the harmonious working of the church.

The Missionary Meeting Committee for villages laid a plan of proposed operations before the meeting. It was received.

Isle ham.-Resolved, "This Conference strongly recommends the union of the friends at Isleham Fen, with the church under the care of Brother Towler."

The best means of providing for aged and infirm Ministers and their Widows and Orphans.—Resolved, "That we encourage our members to contribute towards 'The National Society,' and the churches to make their ministers beneficiary members thereof." The Secretary was instructed to send this resolution to the churches, together with a copy of the National Society's report.

The relation of the Church to the State.Resolved-"That this Conference, regarding the existence of a State Church as a violation of the principle of Religious Equality, hereby expresses its cordial sympathy with Mr. Miall in his efforts to promote the disestablishment and disendow. ment of the so-called Church of England; and that a copy of this resolution, signed by the chairman and secretary, be forwarded for publication in the Nonconformist newspaper.

A vote of hearty welcome was passed to Brethren Lawton and Parkes, who were present for the first time as ministers of the Lincolnshire Conference.

The Conferences of next year will be in April and September; the next Conference at Wisbech, and Brother Parkes is the appointed preacher. W. ORTON, Sec.

MIDLAND BAPTIST UNION. The annual meetings were held at Loughborough,

On Monday, Oct. 28, a prayer meeting was held. Rev. E. Stevenson presided. Rev. J. Fletcher gave the address.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., presided and delivered an address on "The men of our large towns and villages do our present Christian agencies reach them? and if not, why not?" Resolved, That this Union recommends to the churches (1) That greater attention be given to the elder youths and young men in the Sunday school, with a view to bringing them to Christ. (2) That all try to make Sunday evening services as hearty as possible, and make strangers feel that they are welcome. (3) That the members of our churches be recommended to aid the movement for the establishment of British Workmen's Homes or Public-houses without strong drink.

The Secretary's report stated that the Union included 84 churches, having in all 10,982 members, 2367 teachers, and 19,125 Sunday school scholars; that 607 persons had been baptized during the year, and that 77 members and 351 scholars represent the clear increase.

Resolved,-I. That this Union, recognising in the present position in Great Britain and Ireland of the question of the relations of Government to religion, that the final struggle on the part of Free Churches for religious equality, and on the part of the different sections of the English Establishment for supremacy over the whole, becomes every day more imminent and cannot long be delayed; and also being firmly persuaded, that in the establishment of any form of faith by the State, and especially in the attempt to rule and govern the church of Christ, the State oversteps its proper and legitimate functions; and farther, being deeply convinced of the anomaly of the continuance of the English Establishment as the church of the nation, having its legislative sanction and enjoying the ancient ecclesiastical revenues of the kingdom, when at least half the nation is outside its pale and otherwise provides by its own free-will offerings for the public worship of God, and the preaching of the gospel, therefore this Union urges upon all its members and upon all friends of religious freedom and equality throughout the land, warmly to support and aid in all suitable and appropriate ways the movement that has been set on foot for the disestablishment and disendowment of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the Episcopalian Church of England and Wales.

II. That a petition to Parliament based

on the resolution just moved be prepared and signed by all the delegates present.

III. That this Union retains its unabated dislike to all National Sectarian Education as unjust and mischievous, and recommends the members of its churches to watch, and in every possible way to oppose, the working of the 25th clause of the Elementary Education Act, and to prefer, where practicable that candidate for a seat in Parliament who will vote for its entire abolition.

IV. That this Union avows its conviction that the Parish Burial Grounds of this country are the property of the English people, irrespective of differences of religious creed, and consequently asserts the right of Nonconformists to inter their dead in such grounds, with the use of whatever religious observances appear to them to be most becoming. This Union, moreover tenders its thanks to Mr. O. Morgan, M.P., for his efforts to obtain for Nonconformists legislative sanction to their rights, and trusts that he will continue these efforts until they are crowned with deserved success.

V. That this Union rejoices in the effect that has recently been given by the proceedings at Geneva to the principle of " International Arbitration instead of War," and trusts that the example thus set by England and America will be followed by all civilized nations, and hasten the time when the rulers of Europe shall agree to a mutual disarmament in order that the myriads of human lives and millions of material treasure that are now wasted upon war may be employed in peaceful industry, and in the promotion of the intelligence and morality, the health and happiness of mankind.

The annual sermon was preached in the evening in Wood Gate Chapel by the Rev. J. T. Brown, of Northampton, on John xvii. 11. J. FLETCHER, Sec.

CHAPELS.

HITCHIN-Correction. - 152, and not "15" trays, were collected at the anniversary reported on page 339.

LONDON, Church Street.-The annual sermons were preached by Dr. Burns on Oct. 20. The annual church social tea meeting was held on the 21st, when the lecture hall was uncomfortably crowded, and the ladies trays taxed to their utmost capacity of supply. The public meeting in the chapel was crowded. Prayer was offered by the Rev. W. A. Blake. Addresses were given by Revs. E. Davies, Dawson Burns, J. Blake, J. Doxsey, J. S. Stanion, and Dr. Ellis. Dr. Burns then gave a ninety

minutes account of his tour in the United States. He referred mainly to his religious and temperance work. During the evening was sung the late Lowel Mason's exquisite piece" Bethany," and Miss Maria Walker sang, by special request, "The Star Spangled Banner." A more agreeable evening was never spent in the history of our church.

LONGFORD, Union Place.-On Sunday, Nov. 3, three sermons, characterized by great power, were preached by Nar-KarWa, an Indian chief from the far west. The spacious chapel was densely crowded, and many were obliged to go away, being unable to get in. Collections exceeded the expectations of all friends. On the 5th a tea meeting was held in the school-rooms and chapel, when a large company of friends sat down to an excellent repast. Nearly fifty trays were given by the ladies and friends of the church and congregation. In the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by the pastor, the Rev. G. D. Richardson, when stirring addresses were delivered by Nar-Kar-Wa, the Indian chief, Revs. H. Cross, J. Kiddle, T. S. Greathead, and others.

NORTHALLERTON.-Anniversary sermons were preached, Oct. 13, by the Rev. J. Maden, of Shore. On the following day the annual tea meeting was held, which was numerously attended. At the public meeting afterwards addresses were given by the Revs. J. Maden, R. Anderson, J. Myries, W. Stubbings, and G. Dowson, Esq. We thankfully acknowledge the following sums for Northallerton Chapel debt: W. B. Wrightson, Esq., Doncaster, £20; Mr. Oakes, Halifax, £5; W. J. Duncan, Esq., Edinburgh, £2 2s.; J. C. Ryley, Esq., Wigan, £2; R. Cory, Esq., Cardiff, £1; T. Foster, Esq., Farsley, 10s.

OVENDEN.-A bazaar was held in this new chapel for the reduction of the debt on Nov. 7, 8, 9, and 11. Seven stalls were set out with goods, &c. The weather was not propitious, but still a fair number of purchasers put in an appearance. The receipts amounted to £133. One classroom was filled with curiosities, and another by a complete set of gas making apparatus in full work, from the retort to the burning flame. No raffling was permitted, and no intoxicants sold. Music and singing by a glee party, and by the scholars in the gallery, enlivened the proceedings.

PINCHBECK.-Oct. 6, Rev. B. Hackett, of Holbeach, preached the anniversary sermons. Public tea on the 7th, when a good number of friends from Sutterton, Gosberton, and Spalding, joined the Pinchbeck friends at the tea tables. After tea a platform meeting was held, when addresses were given by the pastor, Rev. J. Staddon

(in the chair), Revs. A. Jones, E. Bott, J. Ellis, and Messrs. Sharman and Godsmark. WEST VALE, near Halifax-On Saturday, Oct. 18, we had our annual tea meeting, trays all given. After tea a public meeting in the chapel. In the absence of the pastor, through indisposition, Mr. J. Horsfall, our treasurer and senior deacon, presided. Addresses were given by Revs. I. Preston, W. E. Cantrell, J. S. Gill, and J. Holter, &c. On the following day two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. E. Cantrell.

SCHOOLS.

CARRINGTON.When our new schoolrooms were built part of the work had to be deferred for lack of means. In August it was resolved to get the work done before winter set in. Subscriptions were obtained from several friends, and on Lord's-day, Sept. 29, harvest thanksgiving services were held. Mr. J. Ford preached in the morning, Rev. J. Ackrill in the afternoon, and Dr. Underwood in the evening. The chapel was crowded to excess in the evening, and the collections for the day were liberal. On the Wednesday a public tea meeting was held. The improvement effected by painting, new gas fittings, ventilation, draining, &c., gave the utmost satisfaction to the teachers and subscribers. After tea the chair was occupied by Mr. W. E. Baker, when a musical entertainment was given by the Tonic Sol Fa Class, led by Mr. A. Stevenson; and suitable addresses were delivered at intervals by Messrs. W. Beardsall, W. Richardson, and H. Hopewell.

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SPALDING.-On Sunday, Oct. 27, two sermons were preached by Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., and an address was given in the afternoon to parents, etc. On the Monday a public tea was provided. 350 partook of tea, after which addresses were given in the chapel the pastor, Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., in the chair; Rev. J. Staddon opened the meeting by prayer; Revs. J. Clifford, E. Holyrod, and J. Woolner, addressed the meeting. The chapel was crowded on the Sunday and Monday evenings, and the anniversary was the most successful that has been held for some time past. The proceeds amounted to £16 15s. 8d.

MINISTERIAL.

MC CALLUM.-Rev. D. Mc Callum, Melbourne, has received and accepted a very cordial invitation to the pastorate of the G. B. church, Chesham. He hopes to begin his labours there on the third Sunday in December.

SKINGLE, REV. S.-Interesting services have just been held at Whitchurch, Hants, in connection with the ordination of the Rev. Samuel Skingle, from the Metropolitan Tabernacle College. On Oct. 20, two sermons were preached by Professor Rogers. On the 21st, a large number of friends took tea together, after which there was a public meeting for the recognition of the new pastor, when the chair was taken by the Rev. Francis Wills. After the opening exercises a statement was made on behalf of the church, showing the circumstances which had led to an invitation being given to Mr. Skingle, who then related the history of his conversion, and the steps by which he had been led to accept the office of pastor. A charge to the minister, full of wise counsel and good wishes was delivered by Professor Rogers, and an address to the members of the church was given by the Rev. P. G. Scorey, of Wokingham, formerly one of their number. The chapel has just been cleaned and painted, the old pulpit removed, and a platform erected in its place.