THE LIFE OF DAVID AS REFLECTED IN HIS PSALMS. By Alex. Maclaren, D.D. Edinburgh: Macniven and Waliace. Price 3s. 6d.

THE Conception of a "Household Library of Expositions" is one that reflects special credit on its author, and this contribution towards carrying it out is as fine a beginning as could well be made. Dr. Maclaren's work is seen in its best form in this volume. There is an absence of that tension and strain which is characteristic of his sermons, and not always an unalloyed pleasure to those who hear him. Repose reigns in these expositions; and yet there is all the mental force, choice language, delicate and beautiful imagery, careful exegesis, and incisive statement which have made the Manchester sermons popular. David has no better mirror. than his Songs. They disclose his inmost emotions. They expose the springs of his deepest life. To understand him you must understand his Psalms: and in seeking to do this a more acceptable and able guide can hardly be found than this volume of the Household Library.

THE APPROACHING END OF THE AGE. By H. Grattan Guinness. Hodder and Stoughton. Price 7s. 6d.

THIS is one of the most elaborate and erudite works recently issued from the press on this ever interesting topic; and it is marked by qualities of heart and head which will secure it a high rank in the class of eschatological literature to which it belongs. The spirit of the author is devout, free from censoriousness, and earnestly reverent towards the Word of God. His labour has been prodigious, his ability is conspicuous, and, admitting his methods to be true, and his principles of interpretation to be accurate, his conclusions follow with convincing force. He first shows that Revelation is progressive-and bases on that an expectation of a fourth revelation of God, fuller and more perfect than any yet received, and assumes that such a fourth revelation must be another "coming" of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, personally: an assumption, which we may suggest in passing, is not warranted by anything in the previous Revelation, or in the progressiveness of Revelation itself; and is out of accord with some statements of Scripture.

The second part is devoted to a discussion of the doctrine of Progressive Interpreta

tion of Revelation; a statement of the different views held by Biblical Expositors concerning the prophetic parts of scripture; and a representation of Mr. Guinness's theory of the Apocalypse. The third deals with the fulfilled prophecies of scripture "Babylon," "The Man of Sin, Antichrist," being taken as the leading examples. But it is in the next and concluding part, our author has concentrated his strength. His array

of instances of the law of septiform periodicity in Nature is most interesting. The samples of the same law in the Hebrew system are well chosen and explained; and the application of the law to the prophetical statements, if true, is most thoroughgoing. This leads to 1923 as the critical hour in the world's history; not as a mere guess, but as a scientifically wrought-out calculation. We are unconvinced by the book; but we strongly admire both its fine spirit and its large ability.

THE NATURE OF THE ATONEMENT. By William Adamson, D.D. Hamilton

and Adams. Price 2s. 6d.

We

THE "Evangelical Union Doctrinal Series" reaches in this volume its fourth issue. We have had nothing but hearty appreciation and strong praise to express for the first volumes of this series; and we are glad that we have no abatement to make from our commendations so far as this volume, on the difficult and intricate doctrine of the atonement, is concerned. The treatment is of necessity brief, and not exhaustive; and its principal business is constructive and not destructive. have "outlines" and "suggestions;" but the "outlines" are scriptural, and the "suggestions are philosophical and practical. Obscure and misleading terms are explained, and their measure of truth and error laid bare; and the purpose of Christ in His redeeming work is expressed with a fulness and clearness that ought to make this little volume welcome wherever there is a desire to know the mind and will of God concerning the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ our Lord.

LIONEL FRANKLIN'S VICTORY. By E.

Van Sommer. Nelson & Sons. Price 3s. 6d.

THIS tale obtained the SECOND PRIZE offered by the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union for the two best Temperance

Stories; and it is so good that it seems a pity it could not also have been a first. It is saturated with good influences, and will be sure to enrich, with beneficent impulses all whose minds are sympathetic with human suffering and with efforts to alleviate it. It depicts the special and manifold temptations of human life due to the drinking customs of the age, and shows the effective manner in which living and loving souls can use the Band of Hope organization for the suppression of the evils of intemperance, and the cultivation of sobriety and goodness. Put it in the hands of your friends. Give it away as a prize. Lend it widely. Do all you can to increase its usefulness.

ALL FOR CHRIST: CHRIST FOR ALL. The Life of W. M. Bailey. By F. W. Bourne. London: Bible Christian's Book Room. Price 1s.

WE are glad to notice the growth of this "Billy Bray" series of works: and imagine that it would be difficult to find a more fitting continuation of the story of single-hearted, earnest, and self-consuming labour to save souls than is supplied in the life of this Christian minister. William Bailey was a "born" Evangelist; and wrought at his loved work with unstinted energy, fine tact, conquering directness, and invincible singleness of purpose. Christian workers will find a bath in this book as exhilirating as a plunge in the sea on a summer's morn.

JOHN PLOUGHMAN'S PICTURES. By C. H. Spurgeon. Passmore & Alabaster. Price 1s.

MOST cordial welcomes will greet this volume from all who seek an effective ally in doing Britain good, in smiting "the monster evil of drink," and in promoting the moral and spiritual welfare of men. Everybody will know that this volume has the first merit of a good book in strong force, it is "readable"-indeed you cannot well help reading on and on when once you have tasted its racy quality. Humour abounds. Pith and point are everywhere. Common sense rules on every page. Cheerfulness gleams in every paragraph and every picture. There is an affluence of power that makes the book as surprisingly cheap as it is sure to be extremely popular.

YOUNG'S ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE APPENDIXES. Edinburgh: G. & A. Young. Price 10s. 6d.

THESE appendixes form a wonderful collection of information for Sunday school teachers and divinity students. There is an analytical survey of all the

389

books, facts, and idioms of the Bible; a set of themes suitable for Sunday school teaching; a Hebrew and English and a Greek and English Lexicon to the Scriptures; and an opulence of Biblical information that will meet the wants of Bible students and expositors in tho most serviceable manner possible. To interpreters and teachers of the Bible it will be an invaluable boon.

Bows AND ARROWS FOR THINKERS AND WORKERS. Collected by George Wilson M'Cree. National Temperance Publication Depot, 337, Strand, London, W.C. Price 6d.

FEW men know a "fact" when they see it better than Mr. M'Cree, and fewer still know how to handle a fact as he does. The compiler of this work is what Carlyle calls "a man with an open eye;" and this collection of bows and arrows supplies some of the best things he has seen. is a good book, a cheap book, and it will be a useful book.

It

THE RESCUE OF CHILD-SOUL. By F. W. Crafts, A.M. S. S. Union.

A BOOK that will intensely stimulate interest in children, and wisely guide effort for their Christian culture. It has pith and point, humour and simplicity, wisdom and strength. Pastors and teachers and parents will profit by a perusal of it.

ADDRESSES TO THE WORKING PEOPLE OF BIRMINGHAM. By Arthur Mursell. Heywood.

THESE popular addresses are on such topics as "Shaking Hands," "Electro Plate," Soap and Water," and are treated in Mr. Mursell's usual practical and florid style. The aim is good, the oratory attractive, and we hope the results are enduring.

A NEW DEPARTURE IN "TRACTS" is exhibited in "FRIENDLY GREETINGS," just issued by the Religious Tract Society. It is superbly and strikingly illustrated: its contents are marked by variety, raciness, and point: and wherever you give it, it will be looked at, read, and remembered. Let the Secretaries of our Tract Societies send for it at once. It is sold at a halfpenny, and in large numbers it will be cheaper.

THE CHRISTIAN FOR SEPTEMBER is uniquely rich in illustrations of Christian work and life. Its ring is clear, and its message cheering, and its spirit stimulating to all who yearn for the salvation of men.

EASTERN CONFERENCE. - The halfyearly Conference in the Eastern District was held at Peterborough, Sept. 16th. Rev. C. Payne preached from Gal. i. 5-8.

In the afternoon the reports were given. Since the last Conference 36 has been been baptized, 16 received, 23 candidates.

A paper was read by Mr. W. R. Wherry on "The Work of Assistant Preachers." The writer was thanked, and the sympathy of the Conference with the assistant preachers in their great and important work was expressed. The scheme prepared by the Assistant Preachers' Association was also considered and approved, and brethren J. C. Jones, T. Barrass, W. Orton, A. Ekins, C. Roberts, and S. C. Colman, were appointed members of the Committee.

A resolution was passed approving of the purpose of the Trustees of the Freeman Street Chapel, GRIMSBY, to protect the rights of the denomination in the property.

It was resolved to hold the next Conference at Fleet, and to request brother E. Hall Jackson to be the preacher.

An evangelistic service was held in the evening, when there was a large attendW. ORTON, Sec.

ance.

The Autumnal meeting of the WARWICKSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Lombard Street, Birmingham, on Sept. 13.

The engagements of the day were introduced by devotional exercises conducted by the Rev. W. Oates. The Rev. Ll. H. Parsons, of Leicester, then took his place as President, and delivered an address, subject, "Personal character, and successful work," and was cordially thanked for his address.

Next came a capital paper on "Bible Study in relation to Church Life," by the Rev. E. C. Pike, B.A. The Conference stirred up its gifts, which are varied, and exercised them on the paper, to the writer's great delight. Discussion, which

was well distributed, and useful, fruited in a vote of thanks, which was well deserved. The Business Committee was then elected, after which the Conference adjourned for dinner.

At three o'clock business was resumed. Devotional exercises being concludedI. Reports from the Churches presented-Gross gains, 57; gross losses, 47; net gain, 10; candidates for baptism, 17; inquirers, 18.

II. The retiring President was thanked for his services in the chair.

III. The Rev. W. Millington, of Netherton, was unanimously elected President for 1881.

IV. The attention of the Conference having been called to a dispute at Netherton under the New Burials Act, the Rev. E. C. Pike submitted the following resolution, which was cordially adopted :"That the attention of this Conference has been called to a report in to-day's paper of a funeral service in the churchyard at Netherton, from which it appears that the Vicar of Netherton gave permission to the Rev. W. Millington to officiate at a burial service in the said churchyard on Sunday afternoon, and afterwards attempted to withdraw it: that the Curate accordingly read the burial service of the Church of England at the grave, and on Mr. Millington subsequently proceeding to read a service, forbade him to do so. The members of this Conference therefore beg to express their sympathy with their brother Millington in the action he took; they regret the folly, and, as they believe, the illegal procedure of the officials of the Established Church in causing a painful and unseemly incident in the churchyard, and they further cherish the hope that, ere long, every vestige of an ecclesiastical ascendancy, which causes a serious schism in this free nation may be swept away by the establishment of perfect religious equality before the law."

V. The Rev. W. Lees, of Walsall, having, in consequence of failing health, been advised to take a sea voyage, a resolution regretting his absence from the Conference, expressing sympathy with him in his enfeebled condition, and brimming with hopes of a safe and happy return, was moved by the Rev. W. Oates, and cordially adopted.

VI. The following alteration in the arrangement of business was agreed to, viz., that in future morning sessions the President's address be followed by Con

ference Business instead of the Conference Paper as heretofore, and that the paper be read in the afternoon, and be followed by such business as may remain to be done.

VII. It was resolved that the next Conference be at Netherton, on the first Monday in April, 1881. That the Rev. W. Lees be requested to read his paper, subject, "The Prayer-meeting in relation to Church Life." That the Secretary be the preacher. That the next Autumnal Conference be held at Salem Chapel, Longford, in September, 1881.

VIII. A richly merited vote of thanks was offered to the friends at Lombard Street for the ample, appropriate, and thoroughly satisfactory provision made for the comfort of their visitors-physical, social, and spiritual instincts, all had their feast.

IX. After tea the Conference Sermon was preached, to a good congregation, by the Rev. A. H. Lee, of Walsall, from John xx. 29. So ended a very enjoyable day. LL. HOWARD PARSONS, Sec.

CHESHIRE BAPTIST UNION. THE Annual Meeting will be held in the Grosvenor Park Chapel, Chester, on Tuesday, Oct. 26. At the morning session the Chairman, Rev. I. Preston, will deliver an address, to be followed by the Secretary's Statement, and business arising therefrom. At the afternoon session Rev. J. Harvey, of Bury, will read a paper on "Evangelistic Work." It is expected that there will be a public meeting in the evening, particulars of which will be sent to the churches in the county, and those connected with the Cheshire Conference.

ROBERT P. COOK, Secretary.

HOME MISSIONS. CONGLETON.-J. Clifford preached for the Home Mission. Collection, £3.

WIRKSWORTH.-The annual sermon was preached by J. Clifford. Collection, etc., £7.

CHAPELS.

DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.-August 30, Mr. Henry Varley preached the anniversary sermons of Junction Street Chapel in St. Mary's Gate Chapel. Collections, £25 12s. 6d.

HUGGLESCOTE.-Sept. 11, J. Clifford preached and lectured. Colls., £36 10s.

LENTON.-Sept. 13, sermons by the late pastor, Rev. J. Parkinson. On the following evening a tea and public meeting was held. The Rev. G. W. Roughton presided. The Revs. J. Parkinson, J. J.

391

Fitch, and Mr. W. Richardson and G. Smith addressed the meeting. The Secretary, in giving the report, informed the congregation the church had given the Rev. G. Alway, of Pontypool, Wales, an invitation to supply the pulpit for six months. Proceeds, £19.

LINEHOLME, near Todmorden.-Rev. J. Stutterd preached, Aug. 22. Collections, £7, towards a fund for re-pewing our chapel.

LYDGATE, Todmorden.-Chapel anniversary, Sept. 19. Preacher, Rev. E. K. Everett. Collections, £13 15s. 8d. NAZEBOTTOM. Lecture on "Oliver Cromwell," by Rev. C. Clark, of Nottingham, at the Co-operative Hall, Sept. 8th. Nett proceeds £6; appropriated to the reduction of the chapel debt.

QUEENSBURY.-A‍bazaar to clear off our debt was opened on Aug. 11th by Councillor J. L. Morley, Esq., of Bradford, and continued the three following days. The sum realized by sales and subscriptions amounts to £340, reducing the debt to about £40. The hearty efforts of our friends have been rewarded.

WEST VALE.-The annual tea and public meeting, Sept. 11: Addresses by Revs. W. Gray, J. T. Roberts, Messrs. J. Horsfall, A. Simpson, and J. Dixon. Mr. E. S. Brooke presided. Sermons were preached, Sept. 12, by Rev. W. Gray.

SCHOOLS.

HALIFAX, North Parade.-On Sunday, Aug. 29, the Young Women's Select Class presented Mr. James Moffat Logan with a number of useful books on the occasion of his teaching his class for the last time, previous to entering upon his studies at Rawdon College. In Sunday school work he has been most devoted, teaching every week, alternately, young men and young women. North Parade school parts reluctantly with Mr. L.; his increasing endeavours to enlighten and elevate young men will be much missed; but knowing his oratorical and studying powers, and retentive memory, fitting him for the higher work of preaching, they wish for him an honourable name amongst the ranks of the ministry.

WALSALL, Stafford Street.-The annual scholars tea meeting was held, Aug. 28. 200 present. Rev. A. Hampden Lee presided. Mr. E. A. Lees read an encouraging report, and prizes were distributed to the children for efficiency and regularity. WALSALL, Vicarage Walk.-A very successful flower show was held. The children had competed in the art of raising plants, and the winners received a number of money prizes.

SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES.

MARKET HARBOROUGH.-August 8th. Preacher, Rev. R. Fountain. The scholars had their annual treat on the following Wednesday.

STALYBRIDGE.-Preacher, Rev. Watson Dyson. Collections and donations, £29. WEST VALE.-July 18. Preacher, Rev. I. Preston. Collections, £53.

MINISTERIAL.

FINCH, REV. ROBERT R., late of Old Ford, Victoria Park, was recognized as pastor, of East Finchley church, July 13. The Rev. F. Tucker, B.A., presided. After Mr. Finch had given a statement of his early conversion, call to the ministry, and doctrinal views, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Batey, founder of the church, and the Revs. J. H. Barnard, J. O. Fellowes, S. W. McAll, M.A., G. Stevens, and J. R. Wood. Letters of sympathy were read from the Rev. J. Clifford and other ministers.

HUBBARD, REV. J., late of Chilwell College, has accepted the invitation of the church at Barton and Barlestone to become assistant minister, and entered upon his work on Lord's-day, Aug. 22.

LEES, REV. W., of Walsall, being out of health, has been presented with £60 by his friends on the occasion of his visit to America.

MADEN, REV. J., President of the Association, has accepted the invitation of the church at Cemetery Road, Sheffield, to the pastorate, and will commence his ministry there early in November.

M'CREE, REV. G. W., was presented, August 25, with a Bible handsomely bound in morocco, by some friends.

BAPTISMS.

BIRMINGHAM, Lombard Street.-Nine, by E. C. Pike.

CLAYTON.-One, by G. Robinson. HALIFAX.-Three, by W. Dyson. LONDON, Borough Road.-Twenty-one, by G. W. M'Cree.

LONDON, Commercial Road.-Seven, by J. Fletcher.

LONG EATON.-Eight.

STALYBRIDGE.-One, by G. Eales. SUTTERTON.-Three, by G. F. Pitts. TODMORDEN.-Three, by W. March. WIRKSWORTH.-One, by C. Springthorpe. WEST VALE.-Three, by J. T. Roberts.

MARRIAGES.

GRIGSBY-PADFIELD.-Sept. 18, at Commercial Road Chapel, London, by the Rev. J. Fletcher, Mr. T. E. Grigsby, of Forest Gate, to Miss Georgina Anna Maria Padfield, fourth daughter of Mr. G. Padfield, of Commercial Road, London. At the breakfast which followed, the pastor, in the name of the Bands of

Hope at the chapel, presented the happy pair with a handsome timepiece.

PIKE-PIKE.-Sept. 8, at Woodgate Chapel, Loughborough, by the Rev. E. C. Pike, B.A. (brother of the bride), of Birmingham, assisted by Rev. J. H. Atkinson, of Leicester, Franklin Wilberforce Pike, Old Park Grange, Enfield, to Lucy Maria, second daughter of the late Rev. J. C. Pike, of Leicester.

OBITUARIES.

ABELL.-Sept. 5, 1880, Mr. Thos. Abell passed into his heavenly rest in his 70th year. An exemplary member of St. Mary's Gate Baptist Church, Derby, for twenty-four years. For the last three years the departed had been confined to his home, yet bore all his suffering with absolute resignation and submission to the will of his heavenly Father; and, referring to his own visits, his pastor bears the testimony that he "never heard any expression from his lips that had in it an approach to the ring of complaint." His motto was, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." He waited for God; God came to him, and our brother calmly fell asleep."

DEACON, SAMUEL, senr., of Barton Fabis, died Sept. 23, 1880, aged seventy-seven years. DEACON, JOSEPH, of Ibstock, died September 18, 1880, aged sixty-six years.

EXTON.-Sept. 13, the senior deacon of the church at Market Harborough, Mr. William Exton, quietly passed away to the rest of God.

FREEMAN.-The Baptist church at Overseal has recently sustained a heavy loss by the somewhat sudden removal of one of its oldest members, William Freeman. He was brought up among the Baptists at Overseal (his father being a deacon and treasurer of the church), and in early youth gave his heart to God. On the decease of his father, about twenty years ago, he was appointed his successor as deacon and treasurer. He was, with much acceptance, engaged as a local preacher. He loved the gospel, and by his holy and consistent work commended it to others. He was retiring, modest, and unassuming; but very firm in his adherence to Christian principles and his allegiance to Christ. While truly catholic in spirit, he was an ardent lover of his own denomination. He was remarkably truthful and honest, and his integrity and uprightness was seen in all his dealings. He was generous, open-hearted, and "given to hospitality." His house, his heart, and his purse, too, were ever open to Christ's people and cause. He was sound in the faith, "mighty in the scriptures," and a loving and devoted disciple of the Lord Jesus. He was born in December, 1815, and died August 11th, 1880. He was interred in the burying-ground adjoining the chapel on the following Sunday, and a memorial sermon was preached in the evening. May we follow him as he followed Christ. J. G. A.

ORCHARD.-Sept. 14, 1880, aged 69, Mrs. F. Orchard, wife of Mr. W. Orchard, of Burtonon-Trent, and youngest daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Goadby, sen., of Ashby-de-laZouch. The last few years she had been the subject of severe and painful affliction, which was borne with great patience and resignation. NICHOLS.-Died at Moira, Derbyshire, John Nichols, aged eighty-three, he had been a consistent member of the church at Measham sixty-five years.

SUMMERFIELD.-Aug. 18, 1880, Mrs. Mary Summerfield, Derby, aged fifty-three years.

WARDLE.-June 6, 1880, at Burton-on-Trent, in his sixty-third year, Mr. William Wardle, for many years a very acceptable local preacher, and deacon of the church at Zion Chapel, Burton-on-Trent. He was one of those who "who purchase to themselves a good degree."