complement of his former work. Though most cogent and compact in their reasoning, yet these lectures are so easy and enjoyable, there is such a limpid clearness in the style, and such felicity and fulness of illustration, that the reader is charmed along from page to page as by a fascinating story. The volume forms a well-knit and strongly-joined edifice; but it is as beautiful as an Oriental palace, and as delectable as the sunniest home.

CAUGHT IN THE TOILS. By Emma Leslie. Sunday School Union. Price 2s. 6d. THIS story of a convent school vividly illustrates the subtle way in which the Anglicanism of the English Church prepares the way for the acceptance of Roman Catholic dogma, and at the same time shows the craft and cunning characteristic of the propagandist policy of Rome. The tale is written with a purpose, and realizes it, and we hope it will be read by all our young people, and specially by such as are in danger of "taking" the ritualistic infection.

THE AGE OF THE GREAT PATRIARCHS. Vol. II. By Robert Tuck, B.A. Sunday School Union. Price 2s. 6d. MR. TUCK carries his work on from the renewal of the covenant at Moriah to the last days of Jacob, with the same accuracy and fulness, insight and force, that marked his previous volume noticed in our September issue; and though the high range attained in that volume is not always reached in this, yet it is one of special serviceableness to all engaged in the study of this period.

MY BIBLE STUDY FOR THE SUNDAYS OF

THE YEAR. Home Words Publishing Office, 1, Paternoster Buildings.

THIS is one of the most fitting memorials to Frances Ridley Havergal we have seen. It consists of a series of notes on passages of scripture, sent to a friend on post cards, and here reproduced. The notes are marked by the glow of a divine love, the serenity of a strong and unquestioning faith, the zeal of a Christ-inspired worker, and the joy of a child of God. The book is beautifully and elaborately executed, and forms an elegant Christmas present for a Christian friend.

EXCELSIOR; HELPS TO PROGRESS IN THOUGHT AND ACTION. Volume II. Sunday School Union. Price 3s. 6d. ONE of the charms of this stimulating and useful monthly is the variety of its themes. It passes by few topics in which

our youth are interested. Science and music, poetry and history, work and amusements, old relics and new facts, are treated with a skilled and versatile hand. We commend this serial most warmly to our young people, and are sure they will value it the more they know it.

ROBIN'S CAROL AND WHAT CAME OF IT: THE STORY OF THE ROBIN DINNERS. Edited by C. Bullock, D.D. "Hand and Heart" Publishing Office. Price 1s. A MOVEMENT was inaugurated four Christmases ago in London to give a dinner to poor children. At first the guests numbered not more than 300 or 400; then they rose to 10,000; and last year these Robin Dinners" spread far and wide over the Metropolitan district. The above book tells the story of these dinners, and is intended to aid in increasing the number; and indeed in making this institution a national one. Why not? No time is better suited than Christmas for such work, and no work better fits the Christmas-tide.

THE GARDEN, 37, Southampton Street, W.C, is a weekly, published at fourpence, and devoted to horticulture in all its branches. Its illustrations are beautiful, and its information is extensive, interesting, and valuable. It will stimulate and direct a love of nature, and add to the real riches of life.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION ADDRESSES to Parents by Rev. J. R. Wood, to Teachers by F. J. Hartley, to Scholars by J. B. Byles, to Senior Scholars by J. Jackson Wray, are of superior excellence. Teachers will do well to get them at once, and sow them broadcast. The Teacher's Pocket Book is a real friend and helper, and the International Daily Text Book a most welcome companion.

HERALD OF SALVATION, Glasgow, 40, Sauchiehall Street, is what its title describes-a herald of the forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ, and of the strength and joy of the eternal life. Christian workers will find it of much use amongst certain classes of the people.

THE INFANTS' PENNY HYMNAL is ready, and can be had of Marlborough and Co. It is a lovely collection, and will, we are sure, be a great favourite. It contains some of the sweetest songs in existence for our infant classes. Send for a copy, and judge for yourselves.

I. "QUITE A BOOK" was the verdict pronounced on our Almanack for 1881 by a bookseller. "You have given us materials for a treatise on faith in general, and of the General Baptist faith in particular, this year," said a very friendly critic. "That is a capital portrait of Mr. Cook," says a third. See the Almanack for yourselves. Order it. Give it away

amongst the young people.

II. "MAN AFTER DEATH."-We have had manifold enquires for these papers, and surprise expressed that only one article has been contributed on this topic during the year. We are sorry to move so slowly but we prefer to move slowly than insecurely. Our plan carries us through the literature of the Bible in chronological order as far as possible; and our difficulty has been the fixing of the date of the books next in order to Mosaic times. All who are conversant with such work will know that it is easy to give many days' investigations, whose results can be expressed in a few lines; and those who have read the article of Professor Robertson Smith on Hebrew

III. "CHRISTMAS GIFTS."-In giving of our abundance or our poverty for Christ's sake this Christmas, it would surely be a fitting thing if we were to give something special to CHRIST'S CHURCH. I know several churches that would move more happily, and work more effectively, if they were thus remembered. Why should you remember everybody and forget your own church? Put an extra £5 note on Christmas Sunday, or a sovereign, or a crown, into the treasury of the church. Why not? Surely it would be acceptable to Him who loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Let each one remember his church in his Christmas giving.

CONFERENCES.

THE LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Lydgate, Todmorden, on September 29th, 1880.

The morning service, at 10.30, was opened by Rev. B. Wood. Mr. Binns presided, and Rev. J. H. Smith read a paper on, "Possible Improvements in our present Methods of effecting Ministerial Changes." Discussion followed. Mr. Smith was thanked for his paper, and requested to send it to the editor of the Magazine.

The Conference met at two o'clock for business. Rev. J. Turner led the devotions, and the chair and vice-chair were occupied by Mr. Binns and Mr. White.

The Reports of the Churches were read by the Secretary, and they showed 72 baptized since last Conference, and 13 candidates. On the whole year a little advance.

I. Evangelistic Work.-The Secretary reported several completed arrangements for holding "Special Services;" and it was resolved, "That churches needing and wishing for help should apply to the Secretary."

II. Preston.-The case from the Home Mission Committee was referred to a meeting of the Trustees and the Conference Business Committee, and they were

to report their opinion to the January Conference, and meanwhile arrangements were to be made for the supply of Preston pulpit.

III. Hyde Road Library.-This library was placed at the disposal of Conference by brethren Gray and Horsfield, who held it in trust, and it was now given to the · Baptist Church at Elm Street, Manchester, which is in the care of the "M. and S. Baptist Union."

IV. Resignation of Treasurer.-Mr. D. Wilson, of Halifax, resigned, after twenty-four years service. He was cordially thanked; and Mr. J. Lister, of Hebden Bridge, appointed to the office.

V. College Finance.-Rev. W. Dyson gave the rough draft of a scheme for improving College Finance, and it was agreed to commend the scheme to the consideration of the College Committee.

VI. Burials Bill.-It was resolved, "That this Conference heartily records its feelings of approbation at the prompt and decisive action of the present Government in dealing with the 'Burials Bill,' and affording such a settlement of the question as seemed practicable at the present juncture.

VII. Next Conference to be at Burn

ley, Ebenezer, on Wednesday, Jan. 19th, 1881. Rev. G. Eales, M.A., to preach in the morning, or, in case of failure, Rev. W. March; and Revs. B. Wood, J. T. Roberts, and J. Dearden, to be the speakers at the evening meeting.

W. GRAY, Secretary.

MIDLAND CONFERENCE.-The Autumnal Conference was held at Kegworth, October 19th, 1880, the Rev. W. Bishop presiding.

A devotional service was held at 11 a.m; after which a sermon was preached on "Personal Holiness" by the Rev. G. W. Roughton, of Beeston.

At the session for business, in the afternoon, the Report of t e Committee appointed to make arrangements respecting the holding of the Conferences was received. This Committee suggested that the Conference be divided into three districts, the Eastern, or Nottingham district; the Western, or Derby district; and the Southern, or Leicester and Loughborough district; and that the Conference should be held, one in each of these districts every year; that at each Autumnal Conference the Conferences be arranged for the ensuing year; that the Business Committee for each year be the Chairman for the year, the ex-chairman, the Secretary, and the minister and one of the deacons of the place where the Conference shall meet; and that the Conferences for 1881 be held as follows:Spring Conference, March 8th, Mansfield; Whitsuntide, June 8th, Melbourne; Autumnal, October 18th, Loughborough, Baxter Gate. After several slight modifications the suggestions of the Committee were adopted. The Rev. G. Needham, of Barton, was appointed Chairman for 1881.

Next Conference to be at Mansfield. Preacher, Rev. A. Greer. A paper to be read in the Afternoon by the Rev. W. Chapman, on "The Importance of the Cultivation of a Devotional Spirit."

A very suggestive and practical paper was read by Mr. G. Adcock, of Loughborough, on "The obligation of the Churches in relation to Sunday School Work," for which he received the hearty thanks of the Conference. An interesting discussion followed in which brethren Chapman, Alcorn, Perriam, and Wright took part, and to which the writer replied.

The Chairman, the Rev. W. Bishop, was unanimously thanked for his able services during the year.

A public meeting was held in the evening, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Bishop, W. H. Tetley, J. W. Williams, E. Stevenson, G. Jarman, A. Greer, and W. Morris.

J. SALISBURY, Secretary.

CHESHIRE BAPTIST UNION. THE first Annual Conference was held, October 26th, 1880, at CHESTER.

After devotional exercises led by Rev. W. Durban and Mr. Swinton, the chairman, Rev. Isaac Preston, delivered an address on the special objects for which the Union exists. A statement by the Secretary followed, explaining the work of the Council during the year, from which it appeared that Evangelistic Services had been held by most of the churches in the Union.

At 2.30 a paper was read by Rev. J. Harvey, on "Evangelistic Work," and the following resolution was unanimously adopted :-" "That we appoint Rev. J. Harvey as a deputation to visit the churches in the county, to explain the object of the Union, and to arrange, if possible, for Evangelistic Services to be held by the various churches."

Officers and Council for the next year: Chairman, Dr. Hodgson; Vice-Chairman, Rev. W. Durban, B.A., Treasurer, Mr. R. Pedley; Secretary, Rev. R. P. Cook; Council, Revs. J. Harvey, I. Preston, J. Greening, J. Wilkinson; Messrs. Bate, Jackson, Mawson, and Simmons. Thanks were given to the Chairman for his very admirable address, with the urgent request that he would allow it to appear in print, either in the denominational papers, or in a separate form at the cost of the Union: also to Rev. J. Harvey for his valuable contribution to the subject of discusion; to the pastor and officials of the Grosvenor Park Church; and to the Chairman for his Presidency at the Conference and meetings of the council during the year. Rev. W. Durban concluded with prayer.

In the evening a public meeting was held in the school-room, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. D. Corderoy, when addresses were given by Revs. J. Harvey, R. P. Cook, and Mr. J. G. B. Mawson. The proceedings throughout were enjoyable, hearty, and unanimous.

ROBERT P. Cook, Secretary.

CHAPELS.

CLAYTON-Jubilee of the ChapelJubilee services have been held, Oct. 24, the Rev. W. Gray preaching, and giving a lecture on "Christmas Evans" the following day. The services rendered by the Rev. W. Gray were on this occasion most appropriate, the church at Birchcliffe being the parent of all the General Baptist congregations in Yorkshire, having been founded in 1763. The proceedings on Saturday, October 30th, were inaugurated by a social gathering, held

in the spacious school-room adjoining, at which upwards of 250 persons were present. The after-proceedings took place in the chapel, when Mr. John Taylor, late councillor of the Great Horton Ward, and the first minister of this chapel, occupied the chair. Mr. George Andrews read a statement, showing the early history of the church. Prior to 1827, the Baptist inhabitants of Clayton worshipped at Queenshead (now Queensbury), but in the above year a desire grew in favour of the erection of a chapel in the village of Clayton. A room was rented at the top of Deep Lane (now Crown Inn), and services were commenced. On August 7, 1828, the church was formed. The first baptism in connection with the church took place at Lidget beck, and the chapel was completed in October, 1830, at a cost of £930. The first Sunday school was established in February, 1831. During the same year an invitation was given to Mr. John Taylor, the chairman, then a student at the academy at Heptonstall, to become the minister, the pecuniary temp tation offered him being a stipend of £15 per annum. Mr. Taylor continued the minister for six years, meanwhile conducting a school in the village with great advantage to the rising generation. The church has prospered greatly, 412 persons having been received in the fifty years, the number at present being 144, while the Sunday school numbers 426 scholars and teachers. The chapel has also been enlarged, and a burial-ground added at a cost of £790, which amount is still unpaid. Handsome day and Sunday-schools have also been erected, at an expenditure of £2100, of which a sum of £300 only remains undischarged.-The Chairman gave an interesting account of his early connection with the church, and his experience as village schoolmaster, and was followed by Messrs. Joseph Mitchell, W. Craven, Sidney Barker and H. B. Andrews, deacons ; and Mr. Simeon Hirst, of Rawdon College.

DEWSBURY.-Special Evangelistic Services were held during the fortnight commencing Oct. 17th. The first weeks services, more especially for the young, were conducted by the Rev. W. Dyson, of Halifax; the second by the Rev. J. Bentley, of Allerton, the pastor of the church assisting at all the meetings. The Divine blessing attended the services, and twenty, mostly young persons in connection with the Sunday-school, were led to avow concern for their souls, and to seek spiritual guidance and enlightenment. Many of these are now rejoicing in Christ; and all, it is confidently hoped, will shortly be baptized and added to the church.

467

GRANTHAM, George Street.-Anniversary services, Oct. 24. Preacher, Rev. E. Hall Jackson. On Monday the usual tea and public meeting. The Mayor of Grantham (E. Dickenson, Esq.,) presided. Addresses were delivered by Revs. T. W. Mays, M.A., J. Kilvington, W. Whitby, and W. E. Davies, pastor, and Messrs. A. Gibson, and Councillor Schofield. Altogether a very good anniversary. On Nov. 10, the seventh annual session of Mr. Gibson's Bible Class was commenced with a tea and social meeting, the pastor presiding. A Male Adult Bible Class, for Sunday afternoons, and a Band of Hope, have been started by the pastor, and are progressing.

HALIFAX.-Rev. C. Clark preached on Oct. 31, and lectured on the day following on "Oliver Cromwell." Proceeds for renovation fund amounted to £47 15s. 6d.

Re

HEADCORN-REOPENING SERVICES.The G. B. Chapel has recently undergone several considerable repairs and improvements. New pews, and a new platform, have been inserted, and the whole edifice inside and out greatly improved. opening services were held, Oct. 20. The Rev. J. Fletcher preached at three o'clock. At five o'clock tea was served to a considerable gathering of people. In the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by James A. Andrews, pastor. Addresses were delivered by Revs. J. Fletcher, W. H. Smith, J. J. Hendon, J. Cooper, and Mr. H. Lavence. With this service was also combined the Harvest Thanksgiving, and a choice selection of grain, fruit, and flowers, were contributed by a few friends of the place.

MISTERTON.-Anniversary services were held, Nov. 14, by Messrs. J. Fern, and J. D. Newbold. 150 gathered for tea the next day, and speeches were given by Revs. R. Silby and J. Fogg, Messrs. Councillor Willey, J. Fern, and J. Newbold. The old chapel has been repaired and renovated, and is a very compact and comfortable building.

On

MORCOTT AND BARROWDEN.-The anniversary services were held Oct. 17, 18. Three excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. P. Gast. Congregations large. Collections exceeded former years. Monday the usual tea and meeting was held. Addresses by Revs. W. Skelly, W. R. Parker, and H. Howell. The pastor presided. On Wednesday, Nov. 10, an interesting lecture was delivered by the Rev. J. W. Upton, of Nassington, on "Life in a Convent."

NORTHALLERTON. — Anniversary services, Oct. 10, 11. Preacher, Rev. J. Maden. On Monday a largely attended tea meeting was held, after which a pub