ABIDE with me, fast falls the eventide, The darkness thickens; Lord, with me abide,

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day,

Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with

me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,

But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,

Familiar, condescending, patient, free, Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of

kings,

But kind and good with healing in Thy wings,

Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea:

Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,

And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,

Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee: On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour;

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be ?

Through cloud and sunshine O abide with me!

The writer of this imperfect notice will never forget the sacred and solemn pleasure with which he for the first time joined in singing this hymn, which was at the chapel at Walton-on-the-Naze some ten years ago. Since then it has been a frequent Sabbath evening closing song at home, as forming a very appropriate finish to the sacred services of the hallowed day. As the first line of the last verse suggests the idea of the popish practice of holding a material cross before the eyes of a dying person, some books have it thus: "Reveal Thyself before my closing eyes," or similarly altered. The author, however, was a truly evangelical preacher, and meant only by the words thus used the atonement of Christ to which the saints of God in their dying hour turn their eyes with peculiar earnestness and expectancy.

The hymn, it may be observed, is not in any of the books in general use amongst the Strict Baptists excepting Stevens', in which selection may likewise be found most of the favourite hymns of more modern date that are in like manner omitted from other compilations used among us as books of praise, (See Advt.) Barnsbury. R. H.

THE STRICT BAPTIST MISSION. REPORTS for the month of November have been received from our Mis

sionaries in Madras. Also a letter from Br. Doll, our Superintendent, dated December 20th. He had been ill

with fever, together with brethren Noble and Michael and some of the teachers, occasioned by the sudden change in the weather from intense heat to the cold of the rainy season. All, however, were recovering; but owing to the state of the weather not much work had been done at St. Thomas' Mount, beyond holding the usual services at the chapel; from the same cause, and the illness of two of the candidates, an intended baptism had been postponed. Br. Doll, how

ever, states in his letter that John Jacob, the Nazareth-pooram teacher, was baptized on Dec. 14, and that other baptisms were expected shortly to take place at St. Thomas' Mount. Br. Doll's own church at Chintadrepettah has recently been favoured with some showers of blessing, and twelve persons added to its membership. This church has not long since constituted itself a Missionary Society, under the title of the "South Indian Baptist Mission," and a brother has been ordained as its missionary to labour in the City of Madras. Other English Strict Baptist Churches in India are invited to unite in this effort which is to be principally directed to the European and Eurasian population.

At Pomamallee, Abel Michael had laboured during the month as much as the state of his health permitted. At the date of Br. Doll's letter he was well in health, and at his work as usual. Of this brother's labours we receive a regular journalistic report every month, which is usually very interesting. The following is an extract from the one for November:

"Wed., 12th.-On my way to the village of Parthepaidoo I was accosted by a number of inhabitants of the village, called Coopum, who requested me to preach to them. I discoursed here for nearly two hours, I think, if not more. Very thankful to the Lord I am that the people listened to me all this time with rivetted attention. On my leaving them, they besought me to do them the favour of visiting them frequently."

Concerning the Schools, accounts are expected to be given next month,

nothing fresh of importance respecting them appearing in the present reports.

GERMAN BAPTIST MISSION.

The Quarterly Reporter, of this Mission, in its last issue, states that the venerable and beloved Oncken, now in his eightieth year, was on the 22nd of November suddenly taken seriously ill, and for a time the issue seemed The latest news from very doubtful. Hamburg, however, reported him as being better, and it was hoped that at least he might be spared to see the return of his birthday, on January 26. Br. Bland has forwarded for insertion the following interesting account of

THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT BERLIN.

About forty years ago an engraver in Berlin read an account in a German periodical of Mr. and Mrs. Judson's work in Burmah; and the description given of a baptism by them there struck him as being identical with the descriptions in the New Testament, and as widely different from the baptism practised in the German churches. Shortly afterwards this brother was providentially led to Hamburg, and found the little company who used to meet in Mr. Oncken's private house. The word preached was accompanied with power. A number of circumstances afterwards occurred which deeply exercised his mind, together with the minds of a few other Christians anxious to know the truth; and ultimately Mr. Oncken received an urgent request to come over to instruct these brethren "in the way of the Lord more perfectly." Evening after evening earnest debates and conferences took place in the private houses of the brethren, and were often continued long after midnight-all searching eagerly to know what was the simple teaching of the Scripture and the revealed will of God. With great clearness Mr. Oncken set forth the Biblical foundation of the Church of Christ, its organization, and the proper mode and subjects of baptism. These instructions produced a

great effect, although the conflicts which it was felt such a decided step would issue in, as well as the bitter feeling likely to be engendered, and the complete separation from many with whom they had formerly been associated in Christian service, made them hesitate for some time before fully and openly avowing their determination to follow only the teaching of the Word of God. Ultimately, however, they were led to the full decision, and resolved that at whatever cost they would be faithful to their convictions of divine truth.

May 13th, 1837, was the significant day when the first Baptists in Berlin were immersed. At three o'clock in the morning a little company, anxious to obey Christ, moved out through the Stralau Gate to the Lake of Rummelsberg. At that time its shores were covered with lovely forests and thickets which was favourable for the robing of the candidates. The rising sun gilded the fields, and peaceful and calm was the mirror-like surface of the lake. Here Mr. Oncken, after a solemn address and prayer, baptized four brethren and two sisters. Strong emotions overcame all, when, after the immersion, they knelt down upon the shore and poured out their souls in fervent thanksgiving. The following afternoon the little church was constituted at the house of one of the members; the Lord's Supper celebrated, and ultimately the engraver (named G. W. Lehmann), was chosen as their leader and preacher; and Mr. Oncken the following day left Berlin.

But threatening clouds now arose. Officers of police were sent to the house in which Mr. Oncken had been staying, and in consequence of the threats made it was deemed judicious at once to hold the meetings in another house. Years of persecution, trial, and vicissi

tudes were experienced. Some, wearied with the continual annoyances to which they were exposed, succumbed to State-church influences; others who had promised well, apostatized; whilst from the want of experience, or lack of spiritual insight on the part of others, the young church seriously suffered. But the divine promise did not fail and if "in a little wrath God had hid his face from them for a moment," yet" with everlasting kindness did He have mercy on them and gather them.

In May, 1840, the number of candidates for baptism having again increased, it was proposed that Mr. Lehmann should visit England, and be formally "recognized by the Baptist ministers. This it was thought would probably be more respected by the Prussian authorities. Accordingly a public service was held in Salter's Hall Chapel, London, at which several leading Baptist ministers of the day took part.

Returning to Berlin, Mr. Lehmann entered upon his duties as pastor of the little church, and has remained there ever since. He is now in his 81st year. In consequence of a stroke of paralysis he has recently relinquished his pastorate; he has, however, so far recovered as to be able to resume some portion of his preaching and other engagements. The main care of the church now devolves upon his son, Mr. Joseph Lehmann, who has for some years been associated with his father as co-pastor. The church here now numbers 665 members. They have a commodious and substantial place of worship in a commanding street of the city; all political disabilities are now removed; and at a large number of preaching stations the members are seeking to make known the Gospel to those around them.

LESSONS FROM THE FALLEN BRIDGE.

EVEN the youngest of my readers

has heard of the melancholy calamity by which upwards of seventy persons were hurried into eternity without a

moment's warning, and scores of families made desolate, on the last Sabbath of the old year. When it was first surmised that the Tay Bridge had given way, it could scarcely be believed; but now the sad, sad report is no longer news; and time having been afforded for calm reflection, a few brief lessons may be gathered therefrom: for is there not a voice above the surging billows, and louder than the rushing winds-a voice that speaks to the heart, and tells us of the power of God? He who "holds the winds in His fists, and the waters in the hollow of His hand," at times seems, as it were, to relax His hold, that His creatures may be conscious of His power. Then how feeble does man appear, with all his boasted science, his vaunted skill, his daring projects! The work of years is brought to desolation in a moment, blown down by the breath of the Almighty.

While such a storm was raging, was it not presumption to seek to dash across the bridge? It will be said by some.- "The train was bound to be at a given place by a given time." Was it? Did it reach its destination ? Would a mariner have dared to put to sea in such a tempest? There is a power superior to man's, and man is bound to recognise this fact. The prophet Habakkuk inquires, "Was the Lord displeased against the rivers ? Was Thine anger against the rivers ? Was Thy wrath against the sea, that Thou didst ride upon Thy horses and Thy chariots of salvation?" Nay; neither was it so when He rode in His chariots of destruction. I would not venture to call it a judgment, yet so solemn a calamity ought to awaken inquiry; for has not God said, "Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy"? and is the railway traffic of the present age consistent with the observance of this command? Even in Scotland-high as she stands in this respect is there not room for improvement? Let those who employ the public conveyances to carry them to their respective places of worship lay this matter to heart, and ask themselves,—are they consistent in so ob

serving the Sabbath as to be the means of depriving others of the day of rest ?

The suddenness of the calamity also suggests the solemn warning-"Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prepared or unprepared, Death respected not the person of any. The aged and the young alike were hurried into the presence of their Maker; yet while they themselves had no warning, they become a warning to others; for should not the searching inquiry arise in every heart-Is soul safe? Alas! how many trust to a death-bed repentance as a preparation for eternity! This is a delusion of Satan; for we may never have a death bed; and repentance is no preparation, because it is no reparation.

my

"Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone :

Christ must save, and Christ alone!"

To what to whom are you trusting, dear young reader, the weight of your immortal soul? There are other bridges to which men trust their everlasting all, which, like that which spanned the Firth of Tay, will not stand. The bridge of one's own good works is a structure upon which much labour has been bestowed. Its foundations may be deep; it may rise in stately magnificence and beauty; but will it bear? Will it stand the storm of death? Alas! no; for the Scripture has declared " 'By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified.' Salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast."

Neither will the bridge of God's mere mercy prove sufficient in the dying hour. The structure is altogether too light. The fabric is without a base, except it be a broken law. This can never bear one's weight; for

"A God all mercy is a God unjust."

But in Jesus Christ we have a bridge that cannot fail-a salvation whose solid foundations are based in the immutable justice of God, yet interlaced with the softer attributes of love and mercy. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid." The

5. Enumerate twelve of the titles given to our blessed Lord in the Bible, and then point out which of them refer to His personal glories, which to His relative characters, and which to His official dignities. In other words, those that severally relate to His person, His affinity to His people, and the offices He sustains on their behalf.

6. What is the difference between the "burdens" in Gal. vi. 2, and the "burden" in the 5th verse of the same chapter.

1. In what respects is Christ_propounded as our example in 1 Peter

ii. 21.

3. The "one offering" means the death of Christ, by which He has put away the sins of His people for ever. Spiritual sacrifices" mean the prayers, praises, and other services of God's people presented to Him in faith and love through Christ Jesus. sacrifice of our Lord was an atoning one; ours are not so in any sense whatever, and only accepted through His mediation as expressions of grateful affection or humble supplication.

The

4. The words when uttered by the returning prodigal, Luke xv. 21, by David, in 2 Sam. xii. 13 and other places, expressed true penitence. When uttered by Balaam and Judas they arose from a fear of the vengeance of God against sin, or a sense of His anger against the committer of it. The former state of mind is described by the word contrition, the latter by the word remorse.

Appropriate answers, which are embodied in the above, in respect of Nos. 1, 2, and 3, have been received from "G. E. M.," as also correct references to passages of Scripture in regard to No. 4.

Two young friends have sent in essays in response to the offer of last month; one of these, however, is not attested as required-this omission must be supplied. Other of our young friends who intend to compete, will please remember to send in their essays on or before the 20th of the present month, when adjudication will be made.

MOUNT ZION CHAPEL, CHAD-
WELL STREET, CLERKEN-
WELL.
TESTIMONIAL TO MR. MINTON, THE

SENIOR DEACON.

ON Thursday evening, January 22,

an interesting service was held, for the purpose of showing our Christian love and esteem to our aged brother Minton, on his partial retirement, owing to advanced age, from the duties he had so long and so ably discharged. The usual sermon by our pastor, Mr. Hazel