bereavement. His dear wife, from whom he had been so long parted, rejoined him, but not for long; she soon sickened and died. On a sad Sabbath, far from all sympathizing friends, he buried her in a strange land beneath a baobab-tree, and placed a pure white cross over her sleeping dust, thus telling the tale of her life: "Those who are not aware how this brave, good English wife made a delightful home at Kolobeng, a thousand miles inland from the Cape, and as a daughter of Moffat, and a Christian lady, exercised a most beneficial influence over the rude tribes of the interior, may wonder that she should have braved the dangers and toils of this down-trodden land. She knew them all, and in the disinterested and dutiful attempt to renew her labours, was called to her rest instead. Fiat Domine voluntas tua!"

Livingstone is lost again! Engaged in a new enterprise, difficulties make many cowards. Desertions reduce his force to twenty souls. They reach a part infested by the Mafite, a lawless Zulu tribe. Should they fail to propitiate the chief, disaster is certain. But the great explorer will run the gauntlet, for somewhere beyond lies Lake Tanganyika, the missing link in the chain of lakes which feed the mysterious Nile. Hark! 'tis the shout of the dreaded Mafite. Here

they come, their spears and axes flashing in the morning sun. They must be kept at bay. Livingstone fires; two fall. All halt. Onward! A well-aimed blow, and Livingstone lies nearly headless upon the ground. Such is the substance of a story told by Moosa and some Johanna men, who hid in a thicket and saw the misaionary murdered and stripped. Great and genuine grief spread through Europe at the news. Doubts arose. The Johanna men are accomplished liars. The late Sir R. Murchison and Mr. J. S. Moffat demonstrated the improbabilities of Moosa's account. A search expedition traced the traveller beyond the spot where he was supposed to have been buried. At a later date letters from Livingstone gave assurance of his safety; still his whereabouts is unknown. Some have given him up for lost. That some misfortune has made the missionary a martyr happily cannot be certainly asserted. As a skilful swimmer dives beneath the wave, and is so long out of sight that onlookers "with parted lips and straining eyes stand gazing where he sank," when his head appears above the waters at some distant point, so we cling to the hope that Livingstone alive, will appear again on some part of the African seaboard-west, or east, or south!

SEDLEY JOHNSON.

BEFORE we proceed, however, to the consideration of the evidence, it will be well for us to realize, as nearly as we can, the condition, political, social, and religious, of the community in which the church arose; and the diffusion, internal arrangement, and general state of the church itself; as this knowledge will help us to judge more correctly of the force and bearing of the circumstances from which our conclusions must be drawn.

Two of the nations of antiquity who are best known to us, the Greeks and the Romans, had mainly determined the condition of society when, "in the fulness of the time, God sent forth His Son." Three centuries before the Christian era, the Greeks, under the Macedonian king, Alexander, had subdued all Asia to the range of the Caucasus, the shores of the Caspian Sea, the banks of the Oxus and of the Indus, the shores of the Indian Ocean and of the Persian Gulf, and the desert of Arabia. They had conquered Egypt; and Cyrenaica (the modern

pachalic of Tripoli), Southern Italy, and Sicily were already dominated by the colonies they had established. Over all this vast area they spread a knowledge of their language and their philosophy. Greek became everywhere the language of literature, read and understood by all the cultivated classes; and Greek philosophy then, as since, stimulated and guided the thoughts of men. The Jews of Europe, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt, used the Greek translation of the Old Testament; and the New Testament (with the exception, probably, of the Gospel of Matthew) and the other Christian writings of the first and second centuries were written in Greek. In fact, the common use of the Greek language was at once a means of communication and a bond of union between the widespread congregations, the aggregate of which made up the early church.

*In the Acts of the Apostles these Jews are termed "Grecians" (vi. 1, ix. 29); while the Gentiles generally are called "Greeks." In Acts xi. 20, the word should probably be "Greeks," not "Grecians."

But while the intellectual influence of the Greeks was thus extensive and permanent, their political influence was less marked and less beneficial. It is true that they broke up the great Persian Empire, but the kingdoms which they established on its ruins-Egypt, Syria, Pergamus, Bithynia, and the rest-were mere despotisms of the true Oriental type, at once licentious and tyrannical. In fact, they broke up the unity, such as it was, which had previously existed, without exciting the national spirit or improving the political condition of the nations they conquered. But wherein the Greeks failed, the sterner spirit and steadier political sagacity of the Romans succeeded. Nations and kingdoms successively yielded to the valour and discipline of their soldiers, and the conquered lands were welded by the skill of their administrators into a substantial unity. The empire of the Cæsars encircled the Mediterranean, which was thus converted into a Roman lake; it comprehended the west and south of Europe to the banks of the Rhine and of the Danube, the south west of Asia to the Euphrates, and Egypt and the rest of the north of Africa to the cataracts of the Nile and the borders of the Great Desert. Within these limits peace was established, save when ambitious men contended, as they too often did, for the imperial throne; and the numerous military roads, the remains of which still attest the marvellous skill of those who made them, rendered communication between the various provinces of the empire comparatively easy. Thus Greek culture and Roman power prepared the way for the establishment and growth of the Christian church.

Yet the means of communication were after all miserably incomplete. Public conveyances, such as modern Europe has long possessed, appear hardly to have existed. I speak not of such recent inventions as railways and steamboats, but of such older appliances as stage coaches or diligences, and packets sailing at stated times. Anything like our modern mails and post offices for the conveyance of letters appears also to have been unknown; all letters had to be sent by a private hand. In fact, private individuals had hardly any other facilities either for travelling or sending letters than such as their own resources enabled them to provide. Navigation, too, was imperfect and slow. Winter materially diminished-indeed, almost suspended—the traffic even of the tideless and then peaceful waters of the Mediterranean. We have an interest

ing example of these difficulties in the voyage of the apostle Paul from Cæsarea to Puteoli, near Naples (Acts xxvii., xxviii.), which appears to have occupied between four and five months; for three of which they were detained, winterbound, on an island in so central a position and with so fine a harbour as Malta, simply, as it would seem, for want of a vessel to take them away. Yet Paul was at this time a State prisoner, with others, under the charge of a considerable military escort, commanded by a centurion, who would have had, we may well suppose, more than common facilities for fulfilling the duty entrusted to him. Notwithstanding, then, the advantages of Greek culture and Roman administration, communication between communities so widely scattered as the primitive churches, containing few wealthy and influential members, must have been at once costly and uncertain, and therefore slow.

Another important circumstance in relation to our subject was the dearness and scarcity of books. The printing press was the invention of a much later age. All books were written by hand, and that, as we know from extant specimens, in a character which did not allow quickness of execution. Book writing was a regular handicraft, as law writing is now, and many of those engaged in it were slaves who had been trained to it; but though this prevented books from being so scarce and costly as in the middle age, when a copy of the Bible is said to have cost as much as a fat ox, they must still have been so dear as to make persons of limited means, such as composed the bulk of the primitive churches, slow to recognize changes that involved the disuse of their old books and the purchase of new ones; and this economical reason would strengthen the reluctance which religious people commonly feel to any change in their manuals either of instruction or devotion. These combined feelings would also lead to the careful preservation of old volumes, which, though publicly disused and perhaps even proscribed, would thus be so many witnesses of the usage of former days. We may judge of the strength of these feelings by the opposition aroused in our own times by the proposals for simply revising the Liturgy of the Established Church and the authorised version of the Scriptures, and by the frequent occurrence in country places of old copies of the religious works that were in popular acceptance in bygone days. One curious instance of this conservative spirit in ancient times has been

recorded. Tatian, as we shall have to notice presently, composed in the second century a gospel harmony, called "Diatessaron;" but though he fell under reproach as a heretic, and his book was said to indicate his heresy by its omissions, yet Theodoret, an orthodox bishop and church historian, three hundred years later, found in his own diocese alone two hundred copies of the book, which he pervailed on the owners to give him in exchange for copies of the four gospels. So slowly did books once held in reverence pass out of use.†

It was in such a condition of society that the Christian church was founded and grew up. Limited at first by the narrowness of Jewish feeling, which lingered in the minds of its first teachers, it soon overpassed those limits, and, mainly through the labours of its great

* Theodoret Haeret Fab i. 20, quoted by Westcott.

+ Of 361 manuscripts of the whole or part of the New Testament enumerated in the preface to Griesbach's edition of the Greek Testament, 15 were written just before, and 10 after, the introduction of printing, and of 77 the age is not given; of the remaining 259, 20 were over fifty years old at the time of the introduction of printing, 32 over a hundred and fifty, 61 over two hundred and fifty, 100 over three hundred and fifty, 25 over four hundred and fifty, 9 over five hundred and fifty, and 12 still older-one or two over a thousand years. These numbers show how carefully books were preserved before the invention of printing.

missionary Paul, established itself in distant lands. It consisted of a number of separate communities or churches, independent of each other, and not yet subject to any central authority by which general changes could be ordered or sanctioned. Such changes could only be made by general consent, tacit or expressed; and, from the social condition which I have described, they would certainly be gradual; and where they related to matters of general interest and admitted of difference of opinion, they would be sure to occasion, for a time at least, a warm and earnest contention, which would leave its mark on the records of the period.

About the middle of the second century, when our earliest witness lived, these Christian communities were widely diffused. They were to be found in Syria, Phoenicia, and Egypt; in Asia Minor Macedonia, and Greece; in Italy and Proconsular Africa; doubtless in Sicily, and probably in Gaul and other countries besides those named: that is to say, in the countries which now make up the Turkish Empire (including Egypt and the provinces of Tripoli and Tunis) and the kingdoms of Greece and Italy. How far beyond these limits they had extended at the time we are considering, we have no means of ascertaining.

WALKS WITH THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. By REV. D. Pledge. Marlborough & Co. Yates and Alexander. THESE "walks" are not designed to afford any historical portraiture of the character of the most mysterious of the Hebrew prophets, nor yet to supply an elaborate critical exposition of his words. They are "meditations" on such subjects as "Salvation," "God's Word the joy of the godly," "Effort and Prayer," and take their rise from phrases or passages in the book of Jeremiah. Just as a thoughtful man walking through a garden might take one flower after another as suggestive of different themes, so the author walks in this ancient garden of prophecy. Over fifty of these "meditations" are contained in this volume, each one of such convenient length as might easily be read by busy people either before commencing or when they have finished the duties of the day. Simplicity, spirituality, unction, and thoroughly prac tical earnestness give this book a right to a warm commendation.

J. C. MEANS.

TWENTY-FOUR TUNES. By T. Ryder. London: Tonic Sol-fa Agency, Warwick Lane.

THESE two dozen tunes have been arranged with a view to meet the necessity felt in many quarters for more music adapted to the peculiar metre hymns in our books. The music is exceedingly simple, and might be sung by almost any congregation. Mr. Ryder has succeeded in expressing the sentiments of the hymns to which his music is set. C. G.

LABOURERS TOGETHER WITH GOD. By Rev. Gordon Calthorp, M.A. Stock.

SUNDAY school teachers are just now in danger of being overdone with advice. The national movement with regard to education is supposed to warrant every speaker addressing Sabbath school workers in administering an overflowing abundance of counsel as to the way in which they shall meet the greater demands coming upon

them. Here is a volume which contemplates their encouragement. It has direc

tions not a few, but the purpose of the book is "to put the teacher in spirits, and to strengthen his hand for the work:" and this by the consideration of such truths as "to labour for God is to work with God," "the grounds on which we may expect success," "the reflex benefits of Sunday school teaching," &c. The style is simple, direct, and forcible; and the treatment earnest, able, and practical. Despondent workers will find it a message of consolation and hope.

THE FRIENDLY VISITOR, 1871. Partridge & Co.

To tract distributors, and to all who wish to do good by the circulation of literature, and of literature that is sure to be read, and when read to leave a healthy, bracing influence on the readers, this beautifully got up serial is a real help. Its advent to any home will be that of a cheerful and interesting friendly visitor, who has much to say that is worth hearing, and says it in the most attractive way. The teaching is thoroughly evangelical, the stories are racy, and the illustrations, by John Gilbert, Harrison Weir, and J. D. Watson, are con. ceived and executed with their usual and well-known skill.

PAMPHLETS, ETC.

BAPTIST HAND-BOOK FOR 1872. (Yates & Alexander). It is an admirable shilling's worth of information. Though not absolutely accurate, yet it is becoming more and more reliable and serviceable every year. The papers read at the meetings of the Union ought surely to appear in such a volume as this.

Graham's Temperance Guide for 1872, edited by D. Burns, M.A., is a cheap and full directory for teetotallers.

Our Aflicted Prince. By Rev. Geo. Martin. (Stock.)-The Nation's Prayer. by W. E. Winks. (Winks.) Two useful and interesting sermons occasioned by the illness of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales.

The Preacher's Magazine, (Marlborough) is another new magazine, and is intended for "young ministers," and the noble band of "lay and local preachers." It contains four sermons; a long quotation on the "Great Day of Atonement;" seven outlines of sermons; a few critical notes and reviews. The first sermon is an effective discourse. The first "outline" exhibits one of the glaring vices of the modern pulpit, viz, that of bringing thoughts to a text, and those thoughts altogther out of joint both with text and context. The phrase "conditions of peace" is made a peg on which to hang all the gospel. We earnestly hope young ministers" and local preachers will not imitate this.

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CONFERENCES.

The next MIDLAND CONFERENCE Will be held at Beeston, Tuesday, Feb. 20. Morning at eleven, sermon by Rev. G. Barker, of Measham. Afternoon, at 2.15, reports from the churches; paper by the Rev. T. Ryder, on "The duty of the Christian church in relation to the drink traffic."

C. CLARKE, Secretary.

The LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held in Infirmary Street chapel, Bradford, Dec. 27, 1871. The Rev. N. H. Shaw opened the morning service, and Rev. R. Silby preached from 1 Tim. iii. 16. The Rev. R. Ingham, D.D., pastor of the place, presided at the business meeting.

Several of the churches did not report; and the Secretary reminds both pastors and churches, that when no delegate is appointed, it is only courteous to the Conference to forward a written statement. Will our friends take the hint, and try to do better in this respect?

Baptized, 20; candidates, 26.

Resolved, I. That the question relating to Local Preachers be held in abeyance for the present.

II. 'That the Committee for the preparation of Conference business be elected triennially, and consist of the Secretary, with a minister and a layman who reside in his district.

III. That the Rev. R. Silby and Mr. J. S. Gill be elected to act with the Secretary.

IV. That in future there be a sermon in the morning, or a paper read, to be followed by discussion, as the Conference shall from time to time determine.

V. That the practise of calling for the names of delegates be discontinued, and that a book for the signatures of the representatives be provided.

VI. That if there be time after the business of the Conference has been transacted, it shall be devoted to free conference, or to prayer; no speaker being allowed more than ten minutes.

VII. That the church where the Conference is held be requested to hold a public meeting in the evening, or have a sermon,

and to make a collection for some object tending to promote the interests of the denomination; and that they invite the speakers or preachers; such arrangements to be subject to the approval of the Conference.

VIII. That we request the Rev. R. Ingham, D.D., with brethren J. Rhodes and J. Lister, to take the steps they think best, in conjunction with the Rev. W. Taylor, of Leeds, to secure the £5,000 now in Chancery for the building of a new Baptist chapel in that town.

IX. That we express our devout gratitude to God, and our sincere thankfulness to the friends at Dewsbury for the exertions that have been put forth, and the liberality that has culminated in the new chapel being entirely free from debt.

X. A Memorial on the Education Question was read and adopted, signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and forwarded to the chief of the Education Department.

XI. That the next Conference be held at Vale, in Whit-week, and that the Rev. E. W. Cantrell be the preacher; or, in case of failure, the Rev. E. K. Everett. The day to be fixed by the Secretary.

The Rev. W. E. Goodman, of Keighley, laid before the Conference the claims of the Society for the Education of the Children of Baptist Ministers.

JAMES MADEN, Secretary.

The DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE BAPTIST VILLAGE PREACHERS' CONFERENCE was held at Chellaston, Dec. 26. At two p.m. the business of the Conference was transacted. Church reports were encouraging, eleven having been baptized during the last six months. Warm thanks were expressed to Dr. Burns for his liberal offer of 250 volumes for the use of local preachers, and it was hoped others would assist in carrying out such a desirable object. A public meeting was held after tea, Mr. J. Richardson in the chair. Papers were read by Mr. G. Wright on "Church Discipline;" Mr. C. Smith "On the duty of the churches to their preachers;" Mr. J. Newbury on "the Future Prospects of village churches." G. SLACK, Sec.

BURNLEY, Enon Chapel.-The annual festival of the school and congregation was held as usual on Christmas-day; over 500 were present. The reports of the various organizations in connection with the chapel were most cheering, considerable progress being noted in all the departments. In the course of the evening the Rev. W. H. Allen was presented, on behalf of the church and congregation, with a purse of gold, in recognition of his earnest and successful labour as pastor. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Law, Slater, E. Heap, and Simpson.

DEWSBURY.-Our new church was opened for worship Dec. 7th. Rev. H. S. Brown preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. A. M'Laren, B.A., in the evening. The large Wesleyan chapel was borrowed for the latter service. The congregations were good, and collections amounted to nearly £60. On Sunday, Dec. 10th, Dr. Burns preached morning and evening. In the afternoon a children's service was held, and the Rev. N. H. Shaw preached. On Dec. 13th a public tea was provided, and after tea a meeting held, which was presided over by Joseph Brooke, Esq., of Huddersfield, and addressed by M. Oldroyd, jun., Esq., Revs. Dr. Burns, C. Springthorpe, B. Wood, and J. Barker, the ministers of the town. The pastor presented a balance sheet, which showed that, of the £3000 which the structure has cost, £2840 had been obtained in cash and promises. Several members of the Building Committee made additional promises on condition that the remaining £160 was realized at once in promises to be redeemed within a year. This was done, and the place was declared free of debt. Everybody seems pleased with the site, style, and execution of the church. It is a credit to the denomination, and an ornament to the town. The church at Dewsbury has only had an existence for about half a dozen years, during which time it has had hard work to do. It now ceases to receive help from the Home Mission, and becomes self-sustaining, though the hands of its members are heavily taxed for a year to come. We desire to use this opportunity of thanking all those kind friends who in any way have helped us in erecting our first house of worship. May God grant us now spiritual prosperity.