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MISCELLANEOUS.

A MOTHERS' TEA MEETING in connection with the church and school at Spalding, was held, Nov. 13. Two hundred mothers sat down to a tea generously provided by Tyler Johnson, Esq. Rev. J. C. Jones took the chair. Mr. E. Foster offered prayer. Addresses, fall of illustratrations of the influence of mothers in moulding the character of their children, and showing the need of parents co-operating with teachers, were given by the Revs. J. Woolner, W. Robinson, and Messrs. J. Donnington, F. Godsmark, and J. Brett. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for their kindness.

J. T. A.

DR. WILLIAMS' SCHOLARSHIPS.-The successful competitors for the three vacant Williams' Scholarship in the Glasgow University this year are Mr. Suddard, of Bootle; Mr. Hammond, of Carmarthen; and Mr. Alfred Underwood, of Chilwell College, son of Dr. Underwood.

Marriages.

DEXTER-LACEY.- Oct. 30, at Archdeacon Lane chapel, Leicester, by the Rev. T. Stevenson, Mr. J. Dexter, farmer, Charley, to Mary, eldest daughter of Mr. J. S. Lacey, Loughborough.

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MARSHALL.

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MARSHALL Oct. 31, at Shore, by the Rev. J. Maden, Mr. Joseph Marshall, of Vale, to Miss Mary Marshall, of the Stones.

STEAD-FLATHER.-Oct. 12, at Clayton, by Rev. J. A. Andrews, Mr. George Stead, of Bank Top Horton, to Mrs. Hannah Flather, of Clayton. A copy of the Scriptures, handsomely bound and beautifully illustrated, the gift of the congregation, was presented to the newly married couple. TETLEY-GILL.-Nov. 5, 1872, at the G.B. chapel, Allerton, by the Rev. T. Gill, Mr. William Tetley, of Chellow Grange, near Bradford, to Mary, only daughter of Mr John Gill, of Biscay Height, near Allerton

Obituaries.

COOPER. April 12, 1872, Ann, the beloved wife of Henry Cooper, of Newhall, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire, entered into

rest.

Our late sister was born at Donisthorpe, Leicestershire, July 1, 1821, of poor but honest parents, named Gent; but she was left fatherless when quite an infant. When a child she attended the Sunday school at the Baptist chapel in Netherseal, and the instructions received left a good impression upon her youthful mind. On her leaving the school a New Testament was presented to her by the teachers, which was greatly valued and carefully kept throughout her life. Afterwards she was induced to attend, for some time, at the Established Church, but derived no profit from these services. Subsequently she worshipped at the Baptist chapel, Overseal, and was led to decision of character in the year 1845, under the ministry of Mr. W. Norton, and was by him baptized and received into the church. In February, 1847, she was married to Mr. Henry Cooper, who, in 1849, came to reside in Newhall. Mrs. C. remained a member at Overseal until the establishment of the Baptist cause in Swadlincote, when she, with her husband, and several others, were dismissed to form the church in that place. In her benevolent sympathy voluntarily waiting upon afflicted friends, she herself became a prey to disease, and after six days of partially unconscious suffering she passed away to the better world. Our

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friend was a most affectionate wife, and un. tiringly devoted her energies to the good of her family, in all ways seeking their temporal and spiritual welfare, while by her Christian character she was an ornament to her profession, seeking to live the gospel, and in every way in her power to be useful in the cause of Christ. She will long be greatly missed, and deeply regretted, by the sorrowing survivors of her family, and by the Baptist church in Swadlincote.

She

WINFIELD.- Feb. 8, of Stockbrook Street, Derby, Mrs. Ann Winfield, aged 78. was the oldest surviving member of the G. B. church, St Mary's Gate, Derby. In early life she became seriously impressed under the ministry of the late Rev. J. G. Pike, and was baptized in 1812. She continued a faithful member of the church sixty years, until her death, which was remarkably sudden. Whilst sitting at the breakfast table with her aged husband, she reclined back in her chair, and gently expired. We rejoice to believe that though the event was sudden, she was ready to obey the summons, through the merits of her Saviour. Her Christian course, though long, was consistent. She lived near to God, and it was her great delight to attend the means of grace, and to see her family walking in the way of truth. May her sudden removal be greatly sanctified to her husband, family, and the church.

W. W.

EIGHT PAGES EXTRA.

MY DEAR FRIENDS,—

I rejoice that by the resolution of the Association held at Nottingham in June last our Magazine is to be increased to the extent of EIGHT PAGES; and this without any alteration of the price.

Two of the additional pages will be devoted to the ever welcome sheet that carries tidings to us of the doings of God through our beloved brethren in Orissa. With more information about our Foreign Mission, surely our love for it will grow, and our help be more liberal.

The other six pages will be given to the Magazine proper. Our Magazine will then be one of the CHEAPEST; and, if we may quote the witness of many friends, one amongst the "best denominational" magazines in the kingdom.

I have made arrangements that this additional space shall increase the variety, interest, and efficiency of our organ. A talented and popular lady-writer has been secured to give a series of BRIEF STORIES. These will appear in successive months, beginning with January. Able and widely known authors, our programme shows, will again interest and profit us with their productions. A larger measure of attention will be given to Local Preachers, Sunday School Teachers, Popular Aspects of Science, and to the direct efforts of the Church of Christ to improve the Social Condition of the People by such agencies as Temperance Societies, etc.

My chief wish is that this periodical should be the Magazine of all General Baptists in the nation; a real and effective help to all our denominational institutions, and to all who believe and teach an utterly unrestricted gospel, free as the infinite love of God, to the whole world, for whose sins He gave His Son as a propitiation. I wish to be a co-worker with our pastors in the task of making the churches strong, intelligent, hard-working, public-spirited, and efficient: and therefore I want the Magazine to have a place in every General Baptist home as well as in every General Baptist Church. To realize this every church of a hundred members ought to circulate rather more than thirty Magazines a month, or one for every three members. This is a low calculation, and yet it is not reached in some churches, whilst in others it is exceeded.

Now, dear friends, let me ask you to help your Magazine for 1873. The Association has little money to spend in advertising. We trust you. "Ye are our advertisement." Every reader can aid in extending the sphere of its usefulness. Talk about it, criticise it, recommend it, give it away, lend it, announce it from the pulpit and in the school, and our most sanguine expectations will be realized.

Ever yours, in the hopes and labours of the blessed Gospel,
JOHN CLIFFORD.

22, Alpha Road, N.W., Dec. 1, 1872.

Missionary Observer.

NEW YEAR'S SACRAMENTAL COLLECTIONS FOR THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF MISSIONARIES.

THE Committee of the Foreign Mission beg to remind their friends that the first Sabbath of the year is the time appointed for making Sacramental Collections simultaneously in the churches in aid of the Fund for the Widows and Orphans of Missionaries. The amount required to pay the several Insurance Premiums is nearly one hundred and fifteen pounds. It is most desirable that this should be raised apart from the ordinary funds of the Society. In no case is it contemplated that the poor of our churches should suffer by the Sacramental Collections All that is asked for is, that an extra effort be made on that day, and that the surplus over and above the usual collection be given to the fund. Should the first Sabbath of the year be found an inconvenient time to any church, it is suggested that the collection might be made on the first Sabbath of February or March.

It is requested that all Sacramental Collections may be remitted direct to the Treasurer or Secretary, and separately from the regular Contributions of the Auxiliary. Attention to this request will prevent confusion in the accounts, as it is particularly wished to keep the receipts for the Widows. and Orphans Fund distinct from the ordinary receipts of the Mission.

EXTRACT FROM A RECENT LETTER FROM MRS. BUCKLEY. WE beg the earnest and prayerful attention of our readers to the touching statements and appeals of our beloved sister. After describing her feeble state of health, she adds:

"I have been obliged to go from home for a few days together, and have paid a flying visit to Piplee, where I had not been for seven years. I remained there three days and two nights, and felt much better whilst there-it was a great rest. The marriages of several of the girls obliged me to return to make the necessary preparations; and the cares of home, and varied toil, soon brought back my sufferings. Then I spent two days and a night with our kind friends Mr. and Mrs. MacMillan, and since then I have been with my husband to Chaga. A way from home I rally wonderfully; and at Chaga so many of our native christians were sick I was visiting them from house to house, and by nursing and medicine trying to relieve their sufferings. I felt much better myself, and was quite free from my complaint. My appetite greatly improved. The only drawback was my

THOMAS HILL, Treasurer.

J. C. PIKE, Secretary.

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trust, for itinerant work. With a population of more than twelve hundred thousand in this Zillah, sunken in all the abominations of idolatry, there is certainly need to put forth all the strength one can command. It will be found, we think, when the census returns are complete, that we have not now on our own field more than one missionary to eight hundred thousand of the population. This is certainly a most appalling and startling fact. We are not unmindful of the efficient help of our native brethren; but several of these, like ourselves, have passed the meridian of life, and as in England so here, there is a painful lack of earnest young men to supply their place. We trust the connexion at large will ponder well the timely and forcible remarks of the chairman at the last association, and speedily reinforce our strength. Our confidence in the purpose and promise of God is not shaken; but we confess that, at times, we have painful and gloomy forebodings in reference to the future of the Mission. It requires

not days but years for a young man, whatever his talents may be, to become fully qualified for missionary work; and this gives additional importance to the appeals which the missionaries have so constantly made.

For many years past, a Telegoo, living near the mission premises at Berhampore, has been in the habit of visiting the missionaries, and has many times expressed his determination one day to confess Christ, and the only excuse for delay was the intense bitterness of his wife and family, Twentyfive years ago, when Anthravady was stationed here with his regiment, Surja Narayan was the first person to encourage him and unite with him in prayer, and ever since Anthravady has felt an earnest longing for his salvation. In the month of April last Anthravady came here on a missionary tour, with six converted sepoys, members of his church. He soon sought out his old friend, companion, and helper in former days. He reminded him of his promises made so many years before, and most affectionate and earnest appeals were made to him not to delay any longer. When Anthravady returned from his journey to the south, he feared he should have to leave his old friend as he found him. At the close of our morning service, the last Sabbath in May, Surja Narayan came

to our house and said that his mind was at last made up, and he would be baptized at once. It was arranged that he should be baptized in the afternoon. The morning, however, was far advanced, and water was so scarce that for once in my life I felt it was not easy at all times to carry out one's principles; the water had to be carried in small earthen vessels nearly a mile; but with great effort we managed to fill the baptistry in time for the service. The chapel was crowded, and an interest seemed to be awakened which reminded me forcibly of memorable days in England. The whole service was conducted by Anthravady, and his earnestness and propriety in the administration of the ordinance will not soon be forgotten. Scarcely had the service ended than Surja Narayan's relatives arrived, and their wild rage and terrible curses told us but too plainly that "a man's foes are they of his own household." No one but those who have witnessed these scenes can form any idea of the bitter persecution a Hindoo has to endure when he embraces christianity. Surja Narayan is the clerk of a wealthy native merchant. Two days after his baptism he went to his employ as usual, but he was treated in the most contemptuous manner, and every possible indignity was heaped upon him. His wife and son would not allow him to enter his own house, and he was compelled to live in a wretched but alone. He visited me frequently, and I endeavoured to encourage and strengthen him for the conflict. His family, from the first, were determined to get him to return to Hindooism, and the most subtle plans were adopted for the purpose; gradually he succumbed to their influence. I cannot think he is lost, and I am not without hope that he may yet be reclaimed, but for a time our joy is turned into mourning, and our enemies triumph over us.

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Liberal Offer to Collectors for the Mission.Missionary Services. 387

He was led into the truth by the careful study of the New Testament. Before the administration of the ordinance, in a few earnest and appropriate words, he stated the reasons for thus wishing openly to confess his faith in Christ. It may not be generally known, but it is a pleasing fact, that so many christian men who have been converted in India, have adopted our views in reference to this ordinance. An officer in another part of the country, on hearing of our dear brother's baptism, wrote to me as follows: "I was rejoiced to hear that has been led to carry into effect that which has always, since my conversion, appeared to me a very plain command of our gracious Master, and that which seems to have been the practice of believers in the times of the apostles. It is a beautiful setting forth of death and resurrection; the believer thus, in a figure, acknowledging himself utterly condemned in the flesh, and identifying himself as having died with our Lord Jesus, and risen again; it is a burial, as it were, of the corrupt old man, Rom. vi. 1, 2, 3, 4. I believe there is as much spiritual teaching and significance in believers' baptism, if looked at from a scriptural point of view, as there is in breaking bread and taking winethe memorials of the broken body, and shed blood of the Lamb of God."

THE LIBERAL OFFER TO COL-
LECTORS FOR THE MISSION.
To the Editor of the Missionary Observer.

DEAR SIR,-Permit me to refer briefly to the very liberal offer of a "Warm Friend of the Mission (see Missionary Observer for Sept. 1872) the terms of which have evidently not been understood by several friends of the good cause.

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting with the generous brother who made the offer; and asked him how its terms were to be interpreted. His reply was, in substance, the following:

While satisfied that our young people are doing nobly for the Mission, I am persuaded that the members of our churches might do much more than they do. And I feel sure that had we but a regularly organised staff of collectors, with a secretary and a treasurer-in connection with each of our churchesthe members of those churches would

do more. My firm opinion is that at
present, many of our adult friends are
never visited by a collector at all; and,
as a consequence, we lose their contri-
butions. The object of my offer was to
promote the organization of regular col-
lectors throughout the denomination, in
the proportion of one to every twenty-five
members. And, as a STIMULUS AND EN-
COURAGEMENT, I promised a subscription
of a penny a week to each of such collec-
tors. My penny is not given on condi-
tion that the collector secure twenty-
five pennies from other twenty-five
subscribers; but that he collect as
much as he is able." Hoping that this
matter will now be clearly understood,
and very earnestly wishing it may be
taken up heartily, and worked right
vigorously by the churches throughout
the connexion,

I am, yours obediently,
GEO. TAYLOR.
Sutton on Trent, near Newark,
Nov. 9th, 1872.

MISSIONARY SERVICES.

SERVICES

were held during last month at KEGWORTH AND DISEWORTH, LOUGHBOROUGH, (Woodgate), and OLD BASFORD, attended by brother Thomas Bailey, as the deputation. At ASHBY and PACKINGTON, by the Secretary and Mr. T. Bailey. At MANSFIELD, and WIRKSWORTH and SHOTTLE, by brother George Taylor. At SHEFFIELD, and DERBY (Osmaston Road) Juvenile Society, by the brethren H. Wilkinson and T. Bailey. As a whole these services have been of a very gratifying character. At Kegworth and Diseworth it was said that the meetings were the best they had had for many years, and regrets were generally expressed that of late they had not done more for the Mission.

MISS LEIGH, a young lady sent out by the Society for the Promotion of Female Education in the East, to take the place of the late Miss Guignard at Cuttack, sailed from London, on Sept. 15th, in the Walamo, for Bombay. We trust that ere this she has been welcomed by our friends in Orissa. When shall we have to announce similar intelligence in reference to Missionary brethren going forth to that important field?

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