Reviews. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S MANUAL. By W. H. Groser, B.Sc. S. S. Union. MR. GROSER has won such a position of authority on all matters pertaining to Sunday school work, that we are prepared to welcome anything from his pen on such a theme as the principles and methods of instruction. This work will add largely to his influence and usefulness. It is a safe, complete, and luminous guide to the Sunday school teacher; describes his qualifications and special studies, with accuracy and insight; pictures the child heart, mind and life, with tact and discrimination, discusses the government of classes and the discipline of the school, and at the same time stimulates to loving labour by the most powerful motives. ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. By James Martin, B.A. Hodder & Stoughton. Price 3s. 6d. THIS is the third edition of a book which has won for itself a foremost place amongst manuals expository of the literary and historical aspects of the words of Christ and of His apostles. As a compendium of valuable information it is not surpassed by anything of equal size and price. Its information is thoroughly reliable, the arrangement is clear, the style concise; in short, viewed in relation to its purpose it is a masterly work. Our young men would do well to make its contents their own. PYRAMID FACTS AND FANCIES. By James Borwick, F.R.G.S. London: Kegan, Paul, & Co., 1, Paternoster Square. THE Great Pyramid was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; it is the only one that survives in its integrity; and it is not less a wonder than it ever was. Mr. Borwick offers, in this small volume, the essence of many large ones in regard to questions of interest, such as, What is the Great Pyramid? when built? by whom built? for what built? The answers that have been given to the last question are forty-seven! This is truly a short work on a great topic, and it is as satisfactory as the present state of our knowledge permits it to be. MY PET'S GIFT BOOK. Religious Tract Society. Price 4s. THIS is indeed a gem of a book. Happy is the child that gets it. Paper, pictures, illuminations, binding, reading, all are of the first rank in value. Let all the pets have it. It is the New Year's Gift Book for the little ones. THE HERMIT OF LIVRY. By Emma Leslie. S. S. Union. A TALE of the days of brave John Calvin, based upon the best authorities, and told with a skill and energy that renders the facts interesting as real life, suggestive as a well written lesson, and inspiring as a war song. AGATHA'S TRUST: AND HOW SHE KEPT IT. By Julia Chandler. S. S. Union. Is a touching story, brimming over with pathos, kindling generous emotions, inspiring faith in God and goodness, and stimulating a heroic fortitude. It is worthy of a forward place amongst the issues of the S. S. U., and that is saying a great deal. ETTIE KNOTT: OR, SILVER-LINED CLOUDS. By Winter Daisy. S. S. Union. A SUFFERING child is led into the light of the gospel, and finds the secret of God's unspeakable peace, the blessedness of a life of trust, and the strength and joy of a life of work for others. It is an old, old story, in a new and attractive setting. JESSIES TROUBLES, AND WHAT BECAME OF THEM. S. S. Union. IF you wish to comfort mourning and lonely hearts, to fire them with hopefulness when in distress, and to sustain in them the faith that even sorrows work good for the good, this is the book to get. THE WILMOTS. By Efie Stanley. Stock. THIS is a tale of South Australian life, and affords vivid glimpses of the way our cousins live at our feet. Chiefly occupied with the task of tracing the various fortunes of the Wilmots, it shows that Christ alone is sufficient for the urgent needs of human hearts. THE DYING SAVIOUR AND THE GIPSY GIRL. By Marie Hall. Hodder & Stoughton. Price 1s. Of all the stories of this story crowded season this has captivated us most completely. We were obliged to read it through. It held us as with a magician's spell. It is brief, but thrilling: soon told, but very powerful. THE STORY LIZZE TOLD. Stoughton. Price 1s. CHURCH REGISTER. Hodder and THE authoress of "Stepping Heavenward" only needs to have her work named, not commended, to our readers. This little book tells how a little sufferer from spinal disease conquered herself by the exercise of a spirit of resolute and sustained courage, and became a light and joy to others. It touches our tenderest emotions, and feeds our best thoughts and purposes. BOY AND MAN. Religious Tract Society. Price 4s. THIS is an exposition, in story form, of fundamental principles of conduct and character in a way lads will understand and enjoy. Life will be easier and richer for the youth who suffers himself to be captivated by this tale, and led forward by its teaching. It is a bracing, kindly, helpful book. KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS AND THEIR GOOD GIFT. Religious Tract Society. Price 3s. 6d. WILL show "little maidens" what sort of purposes to form and cherish, and what to expect concerning them. Some of their faults will be exposed, their hearts may be made more grateful, and their lives better. 31 CORRIE. ROBERT DAWSON; OR, THE BRAVE BOY. ANGEL'S CHRISTMAS. Religious Tract Society. THREE seasonable stories, characterized by ability in the conception, vigour in the telling, and goodness of purpose. They teach admirable lessons in an admirable style. The first costs eighteenpence, the second a shilling, and the third sixpence. THE BELLA AND HER CREW. By H. S. Hill. Marlborough & Co. Is just the work for boys who like a telling sea-story; and what boy does not? It has incident, "hair-breadth escapes," and all else that makes the youthful reader stand tiptoe with expectation. MAZIE'S JOY. By L. J. Tomlinson. A GIRL'S book, well-intentioned and wellwrought out, dispensing gladness as a means to strength, and strength as a source of gladness. Girls who read this book will be stronger for it. OUR OWN ALMANACK AND CHRISTIAN COUNSELLOR FOR 1878. Arranged by W. J. Mayers. Twopence. AN excellent adviser every way. The quotations are apt, and illustrations are good. We warmly commend it. Church Register. CONFERENCE. The LANCASHIRE and YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE will be held at Lineholme on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 1878. Morning serIvice at 10.30. The Rev. J. Turner will read a paper on "Sabbath Observance in relation to Personal Piety and Church Prosperity." Discussion thereon. The reports of the churches will, if possible, be taken at this sitting, on account of the important business to be introduced at the afternoon session. W, SHARMAN, Sec. NOTTINGHAM LOCAL PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION HELD its Quarterly Meeting, Dec. 3, at Woodborough Road, Nottingham. Business in the afternoon was followed by tea, and then a spirited public meeting was held. Mr. J. Sharman, President, spoke on the spiritual life in relation to preaching. Rev. F. G. Buckingham on Earnestness. Rev. G. H. Malins on truth and love. Messrs. J. Buck on life in the church, and T. Antill on practical holiness in the preacher, The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 4, at three p.m., at Mansfield Road, Nottingham. Paper by Mr. A. H. Procter on "The Divinity of Christ." All Baptist preachers are cordially invited. J. J. WARD, Sec. CHURCHES. BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street.-Dec. 9 was the second anniversary of the pastorate of the Rev. W. Oates. Special services were held, and the pastor stated that forty-nine persons had been added to the church in the two years, and now there were many inquirers. The church is healthy spiritually and financially. HALIFAX. On Nov. 13, at North Parade School, under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association, J. D. Hutchinson, Esq., M.P. for Halifax, delivered a lecture on the "Halifax Dialect." Attendance, a perfect cram. LOUTH, Eastgate.-Anniversary_services were held, Nov. 24. Rev. E. H. Jackson preached in the morning, and Rev. J. Harrison at night. T. Hay, Esq., presided at the public meeting on the 25th, and addresses were delivered by Revs. W. Herbert, E. H. Jackson, B. B. Waddy, J. H. Allchurch, and the pastor, A. C. Perriam. The services were stimulating and enjoyable, and the financial profit larger than in former years. NOTTINGHAM, NEW IRON CHAPEL, Old Basford. This chapel, erected to supply the need of a religiously-destitute part of Old Basford, was opened for worship on Dec. 9, 1877, when a sermon was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. Watson Dyson, the pastor of the parent church, and in the evening by Mr. W. Richardson, of Nottingham. On the following day a tea party was held, and afterwards a public meeting, presided over by Mr. Alderman Gripper. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. E. Medley, B.A., and C. D. Crouch; Councillors Burton, Felkin, Renals, and Wilkinson; and Messrs. J. Burton, and Chas. Forth. On the following Sunday, Dec. 16, two sermons were preached by Mr. T. Antill, of Red Hill. The proceeds of the opening services amounted to upwards of £45. About £220 had been raised previously to the opening; and as the building, etc., will cost £360, there remains only £95 to be provided, a good proportion of which is expected to be in hand early in the new year. RYDE, I. W., Park Road. The anniversary services have just been held, Rev. J. Harrison preaching on the Sunday, and presiding at the annual meeting. Addresses were given at the latter by the Revs. H. O. Mackey, Mead, Hooke, and Wilkinson; and it was reported that the membership of fifty at the date of Mr. Harrison's acceptance of the pastorate, five years ago, was now one hundred. WESTBOURNE PARK CHAPEL.-Owing to the great kindness of our many friends in different parts of the country, we had a splendid show at our bazaar, and realized the gratifying sum of £430, making a total gained by our opening services of over £1,400. We are deeply grateful to God for the abounding mercy He has shown us in this responsible task of opening this new chapel. Our many friends will be glad to hear that the services are not simply well attended, but mostly crowded, and that additions are being made rapidly to our numbers. Our Sunday school has already nearly 300 children. The Young Women's Association reaches over sixty in the Westbourne Park department. The Young Men's Bible Class is well started. Bands of Hope for juniors and seniors are in efficient operation. To our very many friends and helpers we feel a gratitude utterly beyond expression. MINISTERIAL. BOTT, REV. E., retired from the pastorate of the church at Sutterton at the close of the year, after eight years' labour there, and forty years' service to the denomination. Our brother carries with him into his less active, but not necessarily less useful life (Moses did his best work in the closing period of his career), the affections of many beloved friends, for whose welfare he toiled in his various pastorates; and the warm fraternal regard of his brethren in the ministry. DYSON, REV. WATSON, of Old Basford, Nottingham, has accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the church at North Parade, Halifax, and proposes to begin his labours there in February. IRVING, REV. JOHN J., late of Chicago, was recognized as pastor at Swadlincote, Nov. 27. After tea a public meeting was held. Mr. George Dean presided. Mr. Henry Cooper gave a short resumé of the eleven years' history of the church, and the steps which led to the settlement of the new pastor. The Rev. J. J. Irving stated that his work would be to preach Christ; and addresses were given by the Revs. J. Askew, A. Underwood, M.A., J. T. Owers, J. Salisbury, M.A., A. R. Humphreys, J. Latham, and Messrs. F. Mantle, Ellis, W. Irving, the venerable father of the pastor, and Mr. Cholerton. BAPTISMS. ALLERTON.-Eight, by J. Bentley. BURNLEY, Enon.-Four, by J. Turner. BIRMINGHAM.-Nine, by W. Oates. LEICESTER, Dover Street.--Four, by W. Evans. LONG EATON.-Four, by C. T. Johnson. LYNDHURST.-One, by W. H. Payne. MORTON.-Six, by W. Orton. NANTWICH.-One, by R. P. Cook. TODMORDEN.-Four, by J. K. Chappelle. OBITUARIES. BENNETT.-Mr. Wm., of Sawley, departed this life Dec. 18, much beloved and deeply regretted. EBBET.-Nov. 7, Mary, the beloved wife of Captain S. R. Ebbet, of New Clee, Great Grimsby, and eldest daughter of the late George Middleton, Gent., Louth, Lincolnshire. THE MISSIONARY OBSERVER. JANUARY, 1878. Important Notice. THE "Juvenile Missionary Herald," not being generally apreciated, has been given up. In its stead we have decided to localize, or denominationalize, the "Illustrated Missionary News"-edited by Mr. H. Grattan Guinness-an excellent monthly periodical, containing information and illustrations from all parts of the mission field. It will be published under the title of the "GENERAL BAPTIST MISSION RECORD," and the first three columns will contain information relating more especially to our own work in Orissa and Rome. It is proposed to supply a copy gratis to all juvenile collectors of not less than threepence per week, or one shilling per month. And it is suggested that in connection with each school or church some one be appointed to whom the "RECORD" may be sent, and who shall receive the contributions from the collectors monthly, making over to them, at the same time, a copy of the magazine. In this way the interest of the collectors will be maintained; regularity in collecting and paying the money will be secured; the Magazine will be properly distributed; and any who may have to leave the district before the year expires will not go unrewarded. On information being given to the Secretary as to the number of collectors of one shilling per month and upwards, he will be happy to forward the Record accordingly. Schools and friends that may wish to encourage and reward those who do not come under the above rule, and yet who are deserving (for many who obtain but small sums have to work very hard), may have any number at sixpence per half-dozen copies, post paid. Friends so disposed may, in this way, render great service both to the collectors and the cause. Soliciting the co-operation and prayers of all true friends of the Mission, we commit this new effort to the God of missions, with the earnest hope that it may be used for the furtherance of His own glory. Juvenile Collectors of five shillings per year will be supplied with the photograph of a missionary as before. W. B. BEMBRIDGE, Treasurer. The late Mrs. Charles Lacey. Cuttack, November 20th, 1877. MY DEAR BROTHER HILL,-You will have heard some time before this reaches you, per telegram sent by Mr. Bond, that dear sister Lacey died on the night of the 14th inst., at nine o'clock. A full account of the closing scenes, which will be forwarded to you, is being furnished by Miss Packer. The removal was so sudden, that though sent for almost immediately after she was attacked, Mrs. Miller, myself, and daughters did not reach the house until she had been dead some minutes. Alas! what a shock to our feelings to find that life was extinct; that she who had through a long course of years been the light and attraction of the house had disappeared; that we had heard her familiar voice and received her hearty welcome for the last time. With sad and sorely stricken hearts, all felt that we had lost in the beloved absent one, one of the best of earthly friends-one who had ever shown a mother's love and anxiety for our welfare, and whose place none could fill. Yes, we could not but weep -not, indeed, on her account, for she had come to the grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in its season; but for ourselves, for her children, her motherless and fatherless grandchildren, for the church and Mission of which she was the oldest member, and the large number of heathen of all classes who daily resorted to her for medicine and advice on behalf of themselves and their families, and who had implicit confidence in her skill and readiness at all times to help. The next day, up to the time of the closing of the coffin, an almost uninterrupted stream of men, women, and children-Christians, Hindoos, and Mussulmans-poured into the room to take their last look of the earthly tenement of her who had so often ministered to their wants. The brow had lost all its wrinkles, and the whole face seemed so placid, so life-like, that a stranger might have imagined she was in a deep sleep. European gentlemen and ladies also were present, and expressed in touching terms their appreciation of the deceased. At half-past four o'clock the funeral procession, which was a very large one, composed of natives and Europeans, started for the cemetery. The leading native Christians requested that the horse might be removed, so that they might draw the hearse and remove the coffin to the grave. Standing near the grave, which is next to brother Lacey's, in the presence of hundreds of persons, brother Buckley read the service and delivered an appropriate and solemn address in English; and Sebo Patra, our oldest native minister, who was, I believe, baptized by brother Lacey, offered a prayer in Oriya. following Lord's-day afternoon I preached a funeral sermon in Oriya from Job v. 26, and brother Buckley one in the evening in English from 2 Tim. i. 12, to a large and deeply interested congregation. I must not dwell longer on this subject now, as I have other matters to refer to, and my time is limited. The I was greatly shocked a few hours ago to hear of the death of Chimena Babu's wife. She was here, apparently in the best of health, the day Mrs. Lacey died, and went from our house to see Mrs. L. She was at chapel and heard the funeral sermon last Sunday afternoon. I have not yet heard the particulars of her death. She was attacked yesterday about noon, and died at midnight, She has always been a very nice, consistent woman, in many respects more like a European than a native. Poor Chimena, what a loss to him! I am very busy sending off the native brethren on their different tours. The Herald starts on the Brahminee trip to-morrow. I hope to join as last year at Bowlpore. Three brethren leave for the Hurriapore, Taldanda, and Khurjung districts. Two more go north to work with Damudar, who will be joined by brother Buckley early next month. Another party leave for the Khandaraparee and Chandbalee district on the 23rd inst. I am thankful to say all the mission friends are at present pretty well. I am feeling much better, but still feeble, and have to be very careful in my diet. I dread a return of the hot season, but desire to trust entirely in Him in whose hand are our times. W. MILLER. |