Obituary.

"Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" is the declaration of Holy Writ, and no relation in life or circumstances in the world can prevent the universal sentence from taking effect. The man of business from his office, his counter, or his farm, must descend into the grave. The father and mother of a family must leave their children orphans in the world, and pass to "the house appointed for all living." The matron and the young maid, the man of hoary hairs, and the young man in his prime, must pay the debt of nature. All! all! hurry to the last resting place.

MRS. MARTHA PARKIN, the subject of the following brief memoir, was a member of the General Baptist Church, at Kirton-in- Lindsey, Lincolnshire. She became the subject of religious impressions somewhat early in life, and was baptized and united with the church, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Felkin, on Lord's-day, February 23rd, 1833, being in her 23rd year. From that time to the day of her death, she continued a member. In 1854, symptoms of an alarming character appeared, and, after enduring intense suffering, she under went a most painful operation for cancer in the breast-the disease under which she laboured. Some time after this, her usual strength, and with it her usual cheerfulness, returned. But alas, there was "a worm at the root," and after some months, appearances indicated that there was the greatest cause for appre hension, as the complaint had not been removed, but only checked for a time. These painful appearances continued to increase until the latter end of 1856, when it became evident that the case was hopeless, and although all that affection, combined with medical skill, could effect, was done, all was unavailing; the disease coutinued slowly, but surely, to do its work. For several months her sufferings were most acute. She once compared them to every joint being in a vice screwed tight; but still her soul rested upon the promises of a faithful God, and often, when enduring the greatest agony, she would say, "my sufferings are nothing when compared with what the Saviour endured for me. In health she was active and energetic in attending to the concerns of her business and family; but when it became evident that she was approaching another world, the things of this were all resigned, and, for many weeks before her death, they seemed to cause her neither trouble nor anxiety. Her thoughts and feelings were directed to the Heavenly World as her future home. Her attachment to the house of God was very great. This was strikingly manifest on the visit of our dear friend Bailey, in May, at which time she was a great sufferer. A few days before the meeting, she said, "if I am no worse I shall go to the Missionary Meeting." Her mother, who sat by her side, asked, "how will you go, my dear child?" "Go," she replied, "I shall be carried there to be sure." Death, which is to many such a formidable matter, by the power of the Cross of Christ, was divested of all its terrors.

One who had the best means of knowing the state of her mind upon this subject, thus writes: "Never did I see death so completely disarmed; her familiarity with, and her arrangements for, and also her conversation respecting the grim monster's approach, were such as to show her complete mastery over her last foe. Her preparations, in every little thing, for his coming, were more like those for a dear friend from a distant country, than for her last and deadly enemy;" and that this was not a mistaken confidence, her trust in the dear Redeemer abundantly proved. When asked, "have you any fears respecting your future acceptance ?" she replied, "no, none at all. All my trust is upon the merits of Christ, and how can I fear? He who has been with me so many years, will not forsake me now.' On another occasion, a few days before her death, when the powers of articulation were gone, she was asked, "is all right with your soul, my dear." An effort to speak was made, but her lips had uttered their last sounds. Again she was

asked, "Is all well, and can you give a sign?" Her feeble, and almost withered hand, was slowly raised from her cancered breast, and that sign replied, Yes! yes!"all is well.”

After a long and exceedingly painful affliction, under which she was very mercifully supported by the power of Divine Grace, her happy spirit took its departure to the Heavenly rest a little after noon on Lord's-day, August 16th, 1857, at the age of 47 years, leaving behind her a widowed husband and four children. As a wife, our friend has not always been equalled, and very rarely surpassed; as a mother, she was kind and indulgent; and as a christian, exceedingly humble and unassuming. Her remains were followed to the grave by a large number of members of the church and congregation. The event was improved in a sermon by the Rev. J. Stapleton, from 2 Cor., iv, 17, to the largest congregation seen in the chapel for many years.

This short sketch cannot be better closed than by a reference to that religion which supported the deceased under a very protracted and exceedingly painful affliction. How vast its value! Only "it can make a dying bed feel soft as downy pillows are." And, just in proportion to its value, is the guilt and folly of those who neglect it. J. C. S.

Jutelligence.

CONFERENCES.

The YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Lineholme, on Tuesday, September 29th, 1857. Mr. J. B. Lockwood opened the morning service by reading the Scriptures and prayer, and Mr. Tunnicliff preached from 1 Kings, xviii, 41.

At two in the afternoon, the conference met for business. Mr Horsfall prayed, and Mr. Simons, presided.

The states of the churches were received. Since the last conference sixty-seven had been baptized, and a few remained as candidates.

It was resolved,-1. That each church in the conference be earnestly desired to contribute something to the Home Mission, once a year.

A letter was received from Mr. Hardy, stating that he did not consider himself the secretary of the Home Mission since the last conference.

Resolved,-2. That the thanks of the conference be given to Mr. Hardy for his past services, and he was desired to continue in office the ensuing year.

3. That the application from Mr. Batey and his friends to be received into the conference be postponed for the present.

4. The retiring secretary was thanked for his services, and Mr. Springthorpe was appointed to fill the office for the next year.

5. That Messrs. Horsfall and Moore be appointed to make out a list of supplies for Heywood until Christmas.

6. That Mr. R. Ingham be the preacher at the next conference; which will be held at Tetley Street, Bradford, on Tuesday, December 29th, 1857. Business in the afternoon, and public service in the evening. J. SUTCLIFFE, Secretary.

The CHESHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Tarporley, October 6. Mr. Pedley opened the morning service with prayer, &c., Rev. E. Pratt of Stoke, preached from Hebrew v, 9.

The meeting for business was presided over by Mr. Pedley, and opened with prayer by Bro. Marshall of Stoke. The following is a brief account of the state of the churches.

The church at Congleton is in a very low state, and fear there is little prospect of improvement, unless they could secure the services of a settled minister;

they have however arranged with the church at Macclesfield, so as to be able to supply the pulpit regularly on the Lord's-day. The school is still kept up, though suffering for the want of teachers. They desire an interest in the prayers of the churches.

The church at Stoke has been preserved in peace, congregations much as they have been, (they add,) "although from the faithful and untiring labours of our beloved pastor, we had hoped for greater prosperity. Our week-night prayer meetings are better attended, our Sunday school is also in a prosperous condition. We are making an energetic effort to pay off by the close of the year £100 of the very heavy debt on our chapel. We have had no addition to our numbers, but have baptized two persons belonging to the Methodist New Connexion, who still remain with that body.

The church at Macclesfield has been blest with unbroken peace, and an increase of christian love. Congregations have somewhat improved. Two male teachers have been baptized, and we have several hopeful inquirers. They have also concluded the purchase of the school property, and have the deeds completed and delivered. During the Midsummer recess they have been favoured with the frequent services of Mr. Maden, and from the beneficial result of his labours they have been induced to request the committee to sanction his settlement amongst them, but the committee have not complied with their request as Mr. Maden had not completed his studies: they wished him to remain in the college at least a year longer. Arrangements are therefore being made to supply the pulpit. The Sabbath school remains much the same.

The church at Tarporley is peaceful and united. God is blessing the efforts put forth for the conversion of sinners. Since last conference four have been baptized and added to the church, and we have three candidates for baptism.

The church at Wheelock Heath having forwarded no report, Bro. Pedley stated verbally that they had had no additions by baptism. Congregations and schools remained much as they were, they were united and peaceful, and prayed for an increase of prosperity.

1. The minutes of the last conference were read and passed.

2. The treasurer for the Home Mission reported that he had somewhat more than £4 in hand, of which he was instructed to pay three shillings to Bro. Smith for Home Missionary Reports, and £4 to the friends at Stoke towards the liquidation of their heavy chapel debt.

3. The church at Macclesfield having applied for ministerial assistance, the friends at Tarporley agreed to supply them once a month, as far as possible free of expense.

4. The next conference to be held at Macclesfield, on Easter Tuesday. Bro. Smith of Tarporley to preach.

5. A vote of thanks was presented to Rev. E. Pratt for his excellent sermon, and also to the friends at Tarporley for their hospitable entertainment.

The meeting for business was one of a peaceful and pleasing character. There was no evening meeting.

HENRY SMITH, Secretary.

ANNIVERSARIES.

HOLBEACH.-On Lord's-day, September 13th, 1857, and on the day after, we had our chapel Anniversary Services. Excellent sermons were preached by brother Chamberlain, of Fleet, on the Sabbath, and on the Monday we had a tea meeting, and a meeting for addresses in the public rooms. The tables were all occupied at tea, and through the evening the room was crowded. The speakers were the Revs. T. Barrass, A. Buracott, B.A. of Long Sutton (Independent); G. R. Rawson,

of Spalding (Reform Wesleyan); and W. Sapcote, of Holbeach (Primitive Methodist): to all of whom we feel greatly indebted for their hearty and efficient help. The collections and tea produced nearly £9.

In connection with these services, we had a bazaar in aid of the effort which we are making to liquidate the chapel debt; and we are thankful in being able to say that, during the time it was open, we took £30 8s. 8d. Several friends in different parts of the connexion have kindly assisted us in this matter, and we take this opportunity of repeating to them our hearty thanks. We had also the pleasure of receiving contributions for the bazaar from all parties in the town, and of being favoured with their presence and aid at all our meetings. May we hope that the appeal which we make in another part of the Repository,* will be successful, and that in that easy way, the friends who are anxious for the prosperity of the denomination, will aid us in our efforts to raise the cause here. J. C. H.

PACKINGTON.-On Thursday, October 1st, a large number of friends partook of tea in the chapel, tastefully decorated for the occasion, after which, the juveniles of Sabbath and day school had their annual treat. During the interval, our estimable friend Mr. Dennis, of Hugglescote, opened the Harmonium, by performing the Hallelujah Chorus, &c., &c. A public service was held in the evening, when the Rev. W. Chapman, of Longford, preached a very appropriate sermon from the following words," And Eli perceived that the Lord called the child." A spirit of kindness and love pervaded the meetings.

The trays were provided by the kindness of the friends, and the entire proceeds devoted to the school funds. May the Lord continue to smile upon us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us.

I. S.

MILFORD. On the 27th ult. our Anniversary Services were conducted by our much esteemed minister, when christian friends of other denominations assembled in goodly numbers to express their good feeling towards us by contributing to our funds. During each service the chapel was completely filled with most attentive worshippers, and the collections were somewhat better than usual. R. B.

STALYBRIDGE.-Annual Tea Meeting.-On Saturday evening, September 5th, we held our annual Tea Meeting to reduce the chapel debt. After tea, the meeting was addressed by brethren Brooks, Woolley, Jenkins, Heap, and the pastor of the church. The proceeds of the meeting and subscriptions amounted to the handsome sum of £33 3s. 4d.

May the Lord accept the pure offerings of our dear friends for the promotion of his own cause. As we have made a further reduction of our debt, we have

abundant cause to thank God and take courage.

STALYBRIDGE.-Missionary Anniversary.-On Lord's-day, September 20th, the Rev. W. Miller preached two very appropriate sermons on behalf of the Foreign Mission, and addressed the Sabbath scholars in the afternoon. As our dear brother went from this church, the congregations were good, and the collections considerably in advance of previous years. Collections and subscriptions £31 5s. 10 d.

TARPORLEY.-Mission Anniversary.-On Lord's day, October 4th, the Rev. W. Miller preached two sermons on behalf of the Foreign Mission. And on Monday evening the missionary tea meeting was held in the Public Hall. At this meeting E. G. Salisbury Esq., M.P., for Chester, had kindly promised to preside, but through severe indisposition was prevented. Our esteemed brother, Mr. Joseph Aston, occupied the chair, and the claims of the mission were advocated by the missionary, by the Rev. J. Goadby, of Loughborough, the Rev. H. Smith, pastor of the church, and other friends. The large assembly evinced the interest usually felt in our annual meeting, and it is gratifying to say, that on this occasion we had a deeply interested audience, and the amount contributed for the mission exceeded all former years, being, with subscriptions, £48 15s. 9d.

* This will appear next month -ED.

When this church made the special effort to send fifty guineas in June last, it was with the desire that our annual contribution might not be lessened therebywe rejoice that the result is so favourable, and we pray that God will continue to bless our missson, and make it very successful in spreading the knowledge of our Redeemer in distant India.

LONDON, Borough Road.-On Monday, September 21st, a public tea meeting was held in the school-room, for the purpose of receiving the contributions, and remaining part of donations promised, to meet the last instalment of the expense incurred in the improvements made in April last in the chapel, the cost of which amounted to £275.

The sum then due to the builder was £50, and fears were expressed that this last part of the expense would scarcely be met, as so much had already been done by the friends; yet, so cheerfully did they give again of their substance, that very speedily the sum of £71 3s. was realized, leaving, after some smaller bills had also been paid, the sum of £10 11s. 113d. in the hands of the Treasurer, over and above the entire cost of the alterations.

This announcement having been made, the pastor (Rev. J. Harcourt) desired some friends to return thanks, after which, many short and pleasing addresses were given by various members of the church, and thus the meeting was brought to a close, all departing full of confidence, in dependance upon the divine blessing, as to our future prosperity.

PINCHBECK.-The Baptist chapel in this place having been thoroughly cleaned and repaired, was re-opened on Sunday, September 13th, when two sermons were preached by Rev. J. H. Wood, of Sutterton. On the following day, a public tea meeting was held, the provision for which was gratuitously supplied by ladies in the congregation. After tea, the meeting, presided over by the Rev. J. Cholerton, minister of the place, was addressed by the Revs. J. A. Jones, J. C. Jones, M.A., J. H. Wood, J. Bevan, and Mr. S. Sharman.

We are thankful we can again testify that the Lord is the helper of his people. The friends responded heartily and liberally to the appeal made to them, and the sum realized by donations, and the proceeds of collections and tea meeting, is over £24, which, we are happy to say, will defray all expenses incurred. We hope we are now being permitted to see the dawn of brighter days. C. T.

MEASHAM.-The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon visited and preached at this place on Thursday, October 8th. The day originally appointed having been observed as the fast day, prevented Mr. S. from fulfilling his first engagement, and thus, in all probability, diminished the number of attendants. There was, however, a large attendance, estimated at from two to five thousands. The preacher acquitted himself with his usual acceptableness and fervour, and the collections &c., amounted to £104.

BURNLEY, Enon Chapel.-On Lord's-day, October 11th, two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Nicholson, of Halifax, on behalf of the school connected with the above place, when the collections, with what has since been received, amounted to £61 5s. 113. The chapel was well filled in the evening.

W. S.

PORTSEA, Clarence Street.-The fifty-second anniversary of the Sabbath School connected with this chapel was held on Lord's day, September 27th, when very eloquent and appropriate sermons were preached by the Rev. S. Spurgeon, of Havant. The chapel, which on ordinary occasions is often not more than adequate to accommodate the congregation, was, on this occasion, filled to overflowing a great many not being able to get within the doors. The singing of the children was remarkably harmonious, sweet, and delightful, and the collections exceeded in amount, those of any previous anniversary.

HALIFAX. The anniversary services of our chapel have again taken place. An excellent discourse was preached on the 6th, by the Rev. D. E. Ford, of