BERKHAMPSTEAD.-Our chapel, with its light and elegant spire, is an ornament to the town. Its erection, six years since, cost an outlay of £1,777, and now is entirely paid for. The last £50 were generously contributed by Mrs. Pegg, whose ancestors have been connected with the church for two hundred years. This successful issue is largely due to the persevering and business like attention of the Rev. J. Lawton, who, after a faithful and not unsuccessful pastorate of more than fourteen years, is about removing to Eastgate Chapel, Louth, Lincolnshire. Steps have been taken toward the presentation, by the town of Berkhampstead, of a testimonial to Mr. Lawton, who has arranged to leave about the middle of February.

CENTENARY FUND.-Collections from the scholars and teachers of the Netherton Sunday school, on Feb. 4, towards the Centenary Fund, 19s.

MACCLESFIELD.-A tea and public meeting was held in the G. B. school-room, Jan. 22, to elect a building committee, and to inaugurate a fund for erecting a new chapel. There was a good attendance, and much enthusiasm displayed. Promises were made amounting to nearly £500. We shall, however, need much help from friends outside, and trust, that by their assistance, the necessary sum will be realized, and before the chapel is opened. Contributions will be thankfully received and acknowledged by the pastor, Rev. Isaac Watts, and the Sec., Mr. M. Clarke, 40, High Street, Sutton, Macclesfield.

RIPLEY-Centenary Movement. - After awarding to the denominational fund £35, we have made a successful effort to reduce the debt on our chapel and schools. The bazaar realized £240; collections, lecture by our pastor, &c., £32, making over £270; with which we reduce our debt by £200, and purchase a class room, and small strip of land necessary to complete our property. The boys and girls of our school threw themselves into the effort, and raised stalls that affected our total in a gratifying de

gree. Hearty thanks are given to all who have in any way aided us.

MINISTERIAL.

PIKE.-The Rev. E. C. Pike, B.A., of Coventry, has accepted a unanimous invi. tation to the pastorate of the church, Lombard Street, Birmingham.

RICHARDSON.-Recognition services in connection with the settlement of the Rev. G. D. Richardson as pastor of the church at Union Place, Longford, took place Jan. 29. Nearly 400 sat down to tea, gratuitously provided by the friends of the church and congregation. After tea a most enthusi. astic meeting was held. Stirring speeches were made by the Revs. E. C. Pike, W. B. Davis, D. Asquith, and R. Morris. The chair being ably occupied by the Rev. J. P. Barnett. A very pleasing incident occurred during the public meeting; it was proposed to present the newly-elected pastor with a few pounds worth of books as a memento of the recognition services.

SALTER-A tea meeting was held in Ebenezer chapel, Netherton, Dudley, Jan. 22, to welcome the Rev. W. Salter as pastor of the Netherton church. Over 200 persons took tea, and about 300 were present at the public meeting. The Rev. W. Cousins presided. The Rev. C. Clarke, B.A., gave the address of welcome to the pastor in the name of the church, to which the Rev. W. Salter, responded. The Rev. W. Lees specially addressed the church members.

PRESENTATIONS.

COVENTRY.-On Feb. 12, a timepiece and a purse of money, in token of appreciation of Mr. Pike's past services, were presented to him. The timepiece is set in black marble, and bears the following inscription" Presented to the Rev. E. C. Pike, B.A., on the occasion of his leaving Coventry, as a token of respect and esteem. February 12th, 1872." The gift was purchased by the result of a subscription, in which the members of the church and congregation heartily joined.

LENTON.-On Friday, Feb. 9, a beautiful easy chair and timepiece were presented to the Rev. J. Fletcher as a birthday present, by the members of the church and congregation, in token of their high appre ciation of his labours. Mr. John Saxby, one of the deacons, presided, and Mr. J. Renals made the presentation. Mr. Fletcher appropriately acknowledged the gift.

SAWLEY.-On Sunday, Feb. 11, the members of the adult class connected with the church presented their teacher, Mr. C.

Turner, with Dr. Adam Clark's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, as a token of their regard and esteem.

THE COLLEGE.

As the present number of Students is below the average, and as three of them are expected to complete their course at the end of the present session, it seems needful to make an early announcement of the vacancies which are in prospect, and to seek the co-operation of the ministers and churches in filling them up. On referring to the old minute books of the Institution I find it is no new thing to have to complain of a lack of men-although the more common want in former days was the want of money. In a season of worldly prosperity, such as England is now enjoying, candidates for the Christian ministry are likely to be more scarce than they were in past times.

While for those who desire the office, but who have no passion for learning and no ambition equal to that of being early inducted to the pastorate, an easier mode of admission than through our College is now available. Will our pastors

and deacons consider whether there are any young men in the churches whom they could advise or encourage to devote themselves to the work which, however imperfect its present recompenses may be, is higher in its character than all other employment, and whose future rewards will be ample and eternal ?

W. UNDERWOOD.

BAPTISMS.

COVENTRY.-Dec. 3, four; Jan. 7, six; Feb. 4, four; by H. Cross.

DENHOLME.-Dec. 17, three, by J. Taylor. LONDON, Praed Street.- Jan. 31, five. LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter Gate.-Jan. 7, four, by E. Stevenson.

OLD BASFORD.--Feb. 4, three, by W. Dyson. PETERBORO'.-Jan. 28, four, by T. Barrass. RIPLEY.-Feb. 7, three, by E. H. Jackson. WENDOVER.-Feb. 1, two, by J. Sage.

CLAXTON-JONES.-Jan. 25, at the G. B. chapel, Boston, by the Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., brother of the bride, Mr. Alexander Claxton, of Norwich, to Emma, youngest daughter of the late Rev. J. Jones, March.

COOKE-MOORE.-Jan. 2, at the G. B. chapel, Quorndon, hy the Rev. J. C. Pike, William Edward, youngest son of Mr. Thomas Cooke, Bridge House, Quorndon, to Alice, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Charles Moore, Mansfield Villa, Quorndon.

HILL-SYKES.-Feb. 5, at the G. B. chapel, Crowle, Lincolnshire, by Rev. J. Stutterd, Mr. William Hill, to Miss Mary Isle Sykes, both of Crowle.

SANDERSON-HILL.-Jan. 27, at Edgeside, by Rev. J. Stapleton, Mr. William Sanderson, of Evan Hill, to Miss Sophia Ashworth, of Hales.

FARROW.-Jan. 12, Mrs. Elizabeth Farrow, of Strubley, aged 72. She became a member of the Maltby and Alford church during the ministry of the late Rev. James Kiddall, having been baptized by him on May 24, 1838. She manifested deep interest in the cause of Christ, but was often prevented by lameness from attending the services of the sanctuary during the last few years of her life. She was a friend to ministers of the gospel, esteeming them highly for their works sake. Her illness lasted only for a few days, and during that time she was unable to speak. In her life, however, whilst professing to trust in Jesus for salvation, she strove to tread in the footsteps of her Master, and to manifest His spirit. Being kind and generous, without ostentation, she was respected generally, and her departure from us is lamented with sincere sorrow. We find consolation, however, in the thought that our loss is her gain, for "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."

KELLEM.-William Kellem was born at Lockington, May 4, 1782. His parents were pious. In his youth he was led to hear the Rev. T. Pickering at the Baptist chapel, Castle Donington. He was converted and baptized in 1803. He became a teacher in the Sabbath school. Although he had to walk about two miles, he attended the means of grace twice on the Sabbath and once on the week-night regularly. He maintained a Christian character throughout his long pilgrimage. A short time before his death he was unable to attend the public means of grace through age and infirmity, which he often regretted; but would even then often ask after the welfare of the cause. In his last illness he maintained a strong confidence in God his Saviour. The writer visited him in his last illness, and asked whether he felt the Saviour precious; he said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

HISTORY OF MONI MA.

BY REV. G. TAYLOR.

"Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season."

THE above precious promise has recently been beautifully verified in the case of our dear sister in the Lord, MONI MA, who sweetly "fell asleep in Jesus on the evening of Oct. 1st, in the 65th year of her age.

As she was among the firstfruits of Ganjam, and as her career throughout has been so satisfactory, and her end so triumphant, I am hopeful that a brief account of her history will be interesting and encouraging to the supporters and friends of the Mission.

Moni Ma was the wife of Deenabundhu, the first convert to christianity in Ganjam. She was baptized by brother Wilkinson in the year 1842. It appears that her husband's conversion was to Moni Ma a very sad trial, and for some time after the event she refused to live with him, and went with her children to live at the house of her husband's brother. Still the truths she had repeatedly heard from the lips of her husband while an inquirer continued to exert their influence on her conscience, and she began to reason thus: "If my husband is right, then all we are wrong;" and very shortly afterwards made up her mind to join him at the earliest opportunity.

The following account of her, given about this time by Mrs. Wilkinson, then at Ganjam, will best supply her early history:

"The other day I had a pleasing conversation with the wife of Deenabundhu. I shall give it nearly verbatim, as any attempt at improvement or embellishment would be but a poor substitute for its own native simplicity. She came, as she frequently does, for religious conversation; told me how anxious she was to be baptized, and to unite with other christians at the Lord's table. I asked her some questions relative to the state of her feelings formerly, and wherein they now differed. I said, 'How did you feel when your husband began to inquire about christianity ?'

She replied, 'When my husband first came to the sabib's house to teach the children, my mind was very easy about myself and him too; but he had not been there long before he began to bring home strange books, which he used to spend many hours reading. I asked him why he did so? He replied, These are true; come, sit down and listen. I became angry, and refused to listen. These are not like our shastres, they are devoured by these as by fire. I said, What! will you lose your good name and forsake your brethren and sisters, friends and relations, to live with the sahib? I dare say you will. Then my mind for many days was sorrowful; so I sent a messenger from the brahmin's street, where we lived, to a distant street, where my husband's brother lived, saying, Go, tell them the thing that has come to pass in our house. Bid them all come quickly and talk to my husband, perhaps he will mind them. So they all came, and we mourned one with another, as the Hindoos do when a death has happened in a family. I was so unhappy for three days; I cried, and could not cook our food. While we were all weeping, my husband smiled and said, If you will all listen, I will make known to you some of the truths I read here. So he read and explained to us the Nestar-rutnakara-Jewel-mine of salvation. While he was reading my mind began to change. I thought, who can tell but these are true. When my husband went to live among the christians, I and my children were taken to the house of my husband's brother. While there I thought, if my husband is right we are all wrong, and resolved to go to him as soon as I could; and when I heard that he was coming for us my heart was joyful. And now, since I have lived here, I have learned to walk the good way with my husband. Formerly, though sunk in sin, I was not unhappy on account of it; now I have much sorrow of heart because I am a sinner, but trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.' On my expressing a hope that she would pray for her children, and endeavour to train them

as a christian mother should do, and not as she did in the times of her ignorance, she said, 'I do pray for them and try to teach them what is right;' and added, 'Yesterday my little boy (six years old) went to the next house, and while the woman was gone to the well for water he brought away some tamarinds. I was grieved, and said, That was very naughty; you must go and return them, and beg to be forgiven. He obliged me and did so.' This very simple anecdote may possess little interest where almost every mother would have done the same; but contrasted with the manner in which heathen females treat the faults and sins of their children, it gave me a pleasure which I cannot describe."

In a letter subsequent to the above, Mr. Wilkinson wrote:-' "One of the candidates on this occasion is the wife of Deenabundhu, our schoolmaster. Her name is Moni Ma (mother of jewels). Her first impressions arose from hearing her husband reading the tracts he obtained. Although she has a large family she has learned to read, and is undoubtedly the best specimen of a Hindoo female we have met with."

On carefully examining the church book, during the period of the nearly thirty years of her membership, I have not discovered a single instance in which discipline was needed; and as to the time during which it has been my privilege to watch over her, I can in all truthfulness testify that I do not know a more consistent christian. Her appreciation of the means of grace was clearly evinced by the regularity of her presence in the house of God. Nothing, I believe, but personal or relative affliction ever kept Moni Ma from the Lord'sday services. As a mother, she "ruled her house well," and had-to an extent rarely seen in this country, and often, alas! not in more favoured lands-"her children in subjection with all gravity;" and as a consequence she secured the obedience and love of her large family. Specially was she anxious about their spiritual welfare, giving them "line upon line and precept upon precept," and often with prayers and tears pleaded with and for them that they might be saved.

On asking Daniel the other day to furnish me with a few particulars of his mother's life, he replied, "My heart is

so full of grief when I think of her as 'no more,' and the consequent loss we have sustained, I feel too overwhelmed either to write or speak of her. As to her concern for my spiritual welfare and that of my brothers and sisters, from my earliest days I distinctly recollect with what anxious tears and prayers she sought to keep us from the paths of the wicked, and to prevent our going in the way of evil men; and how earnestly and often she besought us to come to Christ that we might have life." The Lord so honoured her efforts with His blessing that she was permitted to see all her children baptized and added to the church, and her eldest son, Daniel, "using the office of a deacon well."

While speaking with her eldest daughter, Moni, the other day, I casually obtained a glimpse into her "inner life." Moni remarked: "It was my mother's practice often to retire for private devotion, and statedly twice a day. Sometimes the family were more busy than usual at the appointed hour for prayer; and I remember my mother to have said once and again, that if on such busy days she has attempted to go beyond the time, she has felt such a want of something; as though some person had come and taken away a portion of that wherein her very life consisted; and she has been obliged to cast aside the work on hand, and repair at once to the throne of grace, and then she has been able to go on her way rejoicing." She evidently felt, with the Psalmist, "All my springs are in thee."

As a neighbour Moni Ma was respected and loved by all-a fact accounted for in great measure by another fact, viz., that she was systematically a "keeper at home."

For some time before her death she had taken a deep interest in our girls' asylum; and while Mrs. Taylor was away from the station she and her eldest daughter rendered most efficient and valuable help; in fact, I scarcely know what I should have done in this department but for their assistance. And it is quite gratifying to see how thoroughly she won the esteem and affection of the girls during the short time she had charge of them. Her death was a very sorrowful event to them all.

During her last illness Mrs. Taylor

and I visited her repeatedly, and toward the close of her life twice daily; and I can truly say that on no occasion did we go without feeling spiritually benefitted.

Her sufferings at times were very excruciating, and once or twice she said to me, "I have told the Lord that if it is His will to take me I am ready to go, but if to spare me I am willing to stay; only I beg He will be pleased not to allow me to continue to suffer thus." Whether this was said somewhat in the spirit of impatience, or from a feeling of inability to continue to endure, we hardly knew. However, long before the end every feeling of this kind had disappeared, and she suffered with a patience and submission akin to that of Him who hath "left us an example that we should follow His steps."

A few days before she died I said to her, "Ma, how do you feel in the prospect of death?" To which she replied, in a spirit and with an emphasis that quite surprised us, "I can smile at death. I have not the least fear, for the Lord is with me. He has given me more than threescore years of life, and during that time has never suffered me to want for anything-thanks to His blessed name. Why should I wish to live any longer? My home is in heaven. In my Father's house are many mansions." She then added, "I have no anxiety about anything save my children, whom I now commit into your hands, that you may continue to instruct them and lead them on in the way to heaven. My chief desire is that they may all be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." The day following, Daniel asked her about the state of her mind, and in reply she said, My soul is joyful in God my Saviour.' She then solemnly addressed her children, who were standing around her, on the utter vanity of everything below, and exhorted them to set their affections on things above. She spoke specially to those of them who had children, and begged they would instruct them to walk in the ways of the Lord, that so eventually they all might follow her to heaven. The next day, Moni, weeping bitterly, said to her, "Mother, I want to go with you to heaven." Her mother replied, "Daughter, you cannot come with me now. Fear the Lord, and hold fast the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end; and then, when He calls you, you shall follow me.

Be

not afraid, the Lord will take care of you, for a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His permission."

A little while before her death, she repeated with much feeling a hymn of which she was very fond-on Heavenand the first verse of which describes the Lord Jesus as alone possessing the keys of death and the invisible world. She then said, alluding to the first verse of the hymn, "Yes, in His hands alone are the keys; He has not yet opened the door, but He will do shortly, and I shall then enter heaven and be for ever with the Lord." In this blessed state of mind she continued until nine o'clock on Sunday night, Oct. 1st, when it pleased the Lord to welcome her into that rest which remaineth for His people.

"O may I triumph so,

When all my warfare's past,
And, dying, find my latest foo
Under my feet at last."

Such were our feelings and such our prayer as we attended the closing hours of dear Moni Ma. It was a high privilege to be permitted to attend and witness so blessed and happy a death.

I cannot refrain from saying that, in regard to Moni Ma, "other men laboured, and we have entered into their labours." The Annual Report for 1846 contains the following:- "Mr. Lacey, referring to Deenabundhu, observes that if Mr. Wilkinson had done nothing more than instrumentally converting him, he would not have gone to India in vain. Through him and his estimable partner, Deenabundhu and his wife received the truth, and the former was introduced into the native ministry." We fully sympathise with Mr. Lacey's remarks, and feel that the Lord highly honoured our dear friends when he made them the means of calling out of heathen darkness, into the light and liberty of the gospel, Deenabundhu and his wife, Moni Ma. Greatly as brother and sister Wilkinson must have rejoiced on the event of our departed sister's conversion, I feel persuaded they will rejoice tenfold more to hear that she thus held fast the beginning of her confidence stedfast unto the end, and that an entrance so abundantly has been administered unto her into the everlasting kingdom of God's dear Son. "She came to her grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season.