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OUR CHRISTMAS HYMN.

"There's one far-off divine event To which the whole creation moves.'

WE'LL sing our Christmas song again
Despite the strifes of wrathful men,

For ne'er since this old song was young
Has Earth been hushed to bear it sung.

Creation groaneth still in pain
With tears that drop like scalding rain;
While hoary hate and purpled pride
Half drown it in a crimson tide.

Old thrones are based on dungeons grey;
The sword is god with boundless sway;
Dark superstition dims the noon,
And holds her taper to the gloom.

There millions lift their wearied eyes
To hopeless shrines with fruitless cries;
Here chaos holds the ruder mind,
And ancient lust the baser kind.

Yet will we sing our Christmas hymn,
And men shall hear the joy-bells ring-
Are peace, good-will, a tender dream?
Shall God's high glory ne'er be seen?
Ripley.

و"

Hark! from the leafless lilac spray
Some bird foretells a summer-day-

For wintry wastes the rosy hours,
For frosty fields the thousand flowers:
So must we sing of joy to be,
And ceasless love, O Earth, to thee;
How griefs deemed old shall flee away,
Short shadows of a winter-day.

Till strife and sin can chill His love
Who wept below, and rules above,

Or puny man His heart dismay,
The world shall hear this gentle lay.
Till something change His firm kind will
His grand redemption to fulfil,

We'll sing of succoured human need,
Of vanquished hate, and pride, and greed.
Till He with kingly step shall come,
Be hope and Hallelujah sung,
Till peace to nature's heart go down,
And glory all her summits crown.

E. H. JACKSON.

Brief Notices of New Books.

BREVIATES: OR, SHORT TEXTS AND THEIR
TEACHINGS. By P. B. Power, M.A.
London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co.
MR. POWER is already very favourably
known to the reading public through his
homely and humorous tales, and the happy
art he has of "hitting a man hard without
making him lose his temper." His fame
has been increased amongst devout and
meditative Christians by his "I will's" of
the Psalms and of Christ, and his "Pivot
Words of Scripture." This new work is
of a somewhat similar character to the last
mentioned volume. The prominent word
of a text is made the centre of most prac-
tical and salutary teaching, expressed in
clear and telling phrase, and illustrated
from the abundant stores of the "expe-
rience" of human hearts. For example,
the words, "And when He had thus
spoken He went before, ascending up to
Jerusalem," is regarded as setting forth in
fact and in type the leadership of Christ.
"He went before." Christ's people have
to explore no untried, untrodden way.
Jesus has preceded them in the paths of
poverty, sorrow, weariness, rejection, and
death. He does not use His mighty
strength to outstrip us, and shake off our
dull companionship, and leave us to our-
selves, but He is ever our Leader and our
Companion. This method has its merit.

It rivets the attention on one point, and for ever afterwards associates it in the mind with impressive, inspiring, and comforting thoughts. This is an admirable "Sunday Book" for Christians generally, and would be found suggestive of much useful material to the Christian minister.

SAVING FAITH. By James Morison, D.D.
London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co.

THIS is a reprint of a work published in
1842, by Dr. Morison, the learned and
accomplished author of the critical com-
mentaries on the third of Romans and the
gospel according to Matthew.
It is a

work of high merit. The false and mis-
leading notions prevalent on this subject
are fully exposed, and the act of faith is
separated from other acts with which it is
supposed to be associated. As an exposi-
tion of "saving faith," it is in our judg-
ment unrivalled for clearness of statement,
simplicity and force of style, and appro-
priateness of illustration, and we commend
it, without any reserve, to theological stu-
dents and preachers, to those who converse
with "inquirers" on "the way of salva-
tion," and to all who desire to be "wise"
in "winning souls." It is to us, all the
more precious because it is everywhere
radiant with the clear and sweet light of

Brief Notices of New Books.

God's universal love to man shown in the gospel of His Son. We wish Dr. Morison would put a few of the appropriate sections of this work together as a small and cheap tract, to be given to those who are seeking the Lord. This might be done by printing pages 14 to 44, 63 to 94, 115 to 121, inclusive in each case. We are sure it would be very useful.

PAUL'S INVENTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN'S
POSSESSIONS. By J. H. Wood, Pailton.
Leicester: Winks & Son.

THIS sermon by our friend Mr. Wood is
published by request. It is a glowing
description of the Christian's wealth, based
on the words of Paul, "All things are
yours." We have read the discourse with
much pleasure. It is fitted to produce
gladness and joy in the heart of the disci-
ple of Christ. Mr. Wood wishes us to
say that the sermon was printed for pri-
vate circulation in the district in which he
labours, but he will be happy to send from
his reserved copies, twelve post free for
thirteen stamps, to any friend that may
desire to circulate them.

HINTS AND HELPS FOR TEACHERS AND
PARENTS. By J. Green. Fifth Thousand.
London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co.

MR. GREEN has visited more than five
hundred Sunday schools belonging to all
denominations, observed their excellences
and defects, heard from the lips of
teachers their complaints, their difficul-
ties, and their necessities; and in this
volume he undertakes the task of describ-
ing the faults of Sunday schools, and sug-
gesting remedies for them. It is a
valuable book. It is written by an earnest
practical man who is so intent upon his
work that he is not by any means afraid

371

to "find fault." Mr. Green thinks the absentees should be counted as part of the school, and efforts made to keep them in training. He is a warm advocate of catechisms, of thorough classification at any cost, and of the continuance of the teaching work through the week. Parents and teachers cannot fail to get many valuable "hints" and much real "help" from the study of this book.

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Church Register.

MIDLAND BAPTIST UNION. THE first meetings of this new organization were held in Nottingham, Nov. 14, and 15. The devotional service was conducted in Broad Street chapel, when the Rev. T. Stevenson presided, and brethren W. R. Stevenson, T. Chappell, of Boston, W. Bown, Foot, sen., and S. Cox, offered prayer. The attendance was good, and it was generally felt to be a pleasant and profitable meeting.

On Tuesday morning the friends met in George Street chapel (Rev. W. Woods). Rev. Dr. Underwood read appropriate por

tions of Scripture and prayed, after which the Chairman elect, the Rev. H. Crassweller, of Derby, delivered a very thoughtful and striking address on "Christian Union." On the motion of Rev. S. Cox, seconded by Rev. E. H. Jackson, of Ripley, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Crassweller; after which the Rev. H. M. Foot, of Derby Road chapel, Nottingham, read a paper on "Christians outside the Church." He began by referring to the undoubted fact that there are members of Christ who are not members of His professing church, and then proceeded to

point out some of the causes of this state of things. The paper was felt to be of so useful a character that later in the day a unanimous request was preferred that it might be printed in a cheap form for circulation among our churches. An interesting discussion took place in which a number of the brethren, both ministers and others, joined.

At 3 p.m., a report was read by Rev. W. R. Stevenson, detailing the circumstances which had led to the present series of meetings; a number of laws were agreed to as the basis of the Union; Mr. J. S. Wells, of Daybrook, was chosen as Treasurer, and the Rev. W. Woods as Secretary. Derby was fixed on as the next place of meeting; the Rev. H. M. Foot was selected as President for the coming year, and Rev. S. Cox as preacher for next year's evening service. Seven brethren were also chosen to act as a Committee in conjunction with the officers of the Union.

A resolution was passed inviting the Leicestershire Baptist Association to join the Union; and the General Baptist church at Walsall, represented on this occasion by its pastor, the Rev. W. Lees, was at once received.

It was agreed to recommend to the favourable notice of the churches the Freeman newspaper at its reduced price; and a strong wish being expressed by several brethren that the newly-formed Union should undertake some work of evangelization, the matter was referred to the earnest and serious attention of the Committee.

At half-past five the business session closed. Tea had been provided in the Derby Road school-room; and at half-past seven there was a public service in Mansfield Road chapel, when the Rev. T. Goadby preached a carefully prepared and interesting sermon from 1 Cor. xii. 4-7.

The attendance at all the meetings was good; the weather without was characteristic of November, but the spirit within was hearty and genial, and the universal feeling seemed to be that a beginning had been made which augured well for the future of the Union.

CONFERENCES.

The next LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE will be held in Wellington Road chapel, Todmorden, on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Morning service at eleven o'clock. Preacher, the Rev. I. Preston, of Halifax.

JAMES MADEN, Secretary.

The LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Spalding, Nov. 10. A large number of representatives were present.

In the morning brother Cantrill read the Scriptures and prayed, and brother Chapman preached from Ezekiel xxxiv. 29.

Since the last meeting thirty-one baptized, forty-five received, three restored, and twelve candidates.

An application having been made for admission into this Conference by friends at Holbeach who had withdrawn from the church at Fleet, and become a union church, it was resolved, "That this Conference cannot consistently receive the church at Holbeach."

The cordial thanks of the Conference were presented to the gentlemen who had served as a committee to endeavour to promote harmonious action between the friends at Fleet and Holbeach.

Case for the Association, to be considered at next meeting." That it seems indispensable to the efficient discharge of the duties of the Association that more time, say on Friday forenoon, be devoted to the business of the Connexion."

A Home Missionary meeting was held in the evening, when addresses were delivered by brethren J. C. Jones, Staddon, Jolly, Barrass, &c.

The next Conference is to be held at March on the first Thursday in June, 1871, and brother Bott, of Sutterton, is to be the preacher. WILLIAM ORTON, Sec.

CHAPELS.

SPALDING COMMON-New Chapel.-On Oct. 30, the opening services of this new General Baptist chapel were held. Two sermons were preached by the Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A. The chapel was crowded both times, and many were unable to gain admission. On the Monday following there was a public tea. All the trays were provided gratuitously. The public meeting was presided over by E. P. Maples, Esq. Mr. J. T. Alton, the Hon. Sec., read over the statement of accounts, which showed the chapel was free from debt. The Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., Messrs. Sharman, Godsmark, and Limmer, addressed the meeting. The collections and proceeds of the tea amounted to £12 14s. 4 d., which will go towards the furniture of the chapel. The cost of chapel and land is £245. It will accommodate over two hundred people.

FLECKNEY.-The chapel here having been closed four Sabbaths for repairs, &c., was reopened, Oct. 30. Mr. W. D. Smith, of Leicester, preached on the 31st. More than sixty friends sat down to tea, and the Rev. J. C. Pike preached in the evening. The entire expense incurred was over £26, and the subscriptions, &c., amounted to £9 15s. 1d. The church here having declined considerably within the last twenty

Church Register.

years, has now ceased to exist as a distinct church, and has united as a branch with the church in Friar Lane, Leicester. It is hoped that through the divine blessing on our united efforts the work of the Lord will revive in our midst.

NORTHALLERTON.-The chapel anniversary was held, Oct. 9, 1870. Rev. W. Gray, of Birchcliffe, preached. Next day we had a tea meeting. 263 sat down. Addresses were given at the public meeting which followed by Revs. W. Gray, W. Best, B.A., W. Grant, H. R. Masham, &c. In July last a harmonium was purchased and placed in the chapel; and Rev. W. Gray made that the subject of an address which was so interesting that he was requested to forward it to our Magazine.

NANTWICH.-The anniversary sermons were preached to excellent congregations in the Town Hall by the Rev. E. K. Everett, on Sunday, Nov. 6.

SCHOOLS.

SPALDING.-Nov. 13. Preacher, Rev. J. H. Atkinson. Collections, £11 2s. 10d. Public tea and meeting on the 14th. Addresses by Revs. J. C. Jones, M.A., J. H. Atkinson, J. Bevan, Messrs. Godsmark, Sharman, and Moore.

AUDLEM. On Sunday, Nov. 20, the opening services in connection with the new school and lecture room took place, when two sermons were preached to crowded congregations by the Rev. G. Needham, of Burnley, who also delivered a lecture on Monday, 21st, upon "Mary Queen of Scots."

RECOGNITION SERVICE.

J. J. GOADBY.-On Wednesday, Nov. 16, a recognition service was held at Windmill Street, Gravesend, on the acceptance of the pastorate by Rev. J. Jackson Goadby, of Leicester. A. Whibley (in the absence of Rev. Johnson Barker, LL.B., of New College chapel) presided. Rev. A. Sturge, of Dartford, offered prayer; and addresses were given by Revs. W. Frith, Bexley Heath; J. M. Camp, Eynsford; J. Jackson Goadby, W. Guest, Gravesend; A. Sturge, and G. W. Shepherd.

MISCELLANEOUS.

PRAED STREET CHAPEL BAZAAR.-It is intended, as the advertisement on the cover of this Magazine states, to hold a Bazaar, at the beginning of next year, towards the funds of the new chapel at Westbourne Park. More than a generation has passed since the number of General Baptist churches was increased in London. Every year our denomination

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suffers considerably, and our Societies and Institutions also, through not having more churches in London to receive those members of our faith and order who come up from the country. Will not our friends help, then, in this effort to establish another centre of Christian influence? In June last we raised somewhat over £420 towards the sum we then solicited. We hope to get some six or seven hundred pounds by our next anniversary. This Bazaar is part of our plan. Some friends have kindly promised aid. Will they and others send their articles as soon as they can, but not later than the 23rd of Dec.

CARRINGTON.-The annual sermons on behalf of our Benevolent Society were preached, Nov. 13, by the Rev. J. Felstead and Mr. W. Start. The report shewed receipts for the year, £17 15s. 6d.; distributed amongst the sick poor, without regard to sect, £17 4s. 11d.; balance in treasurer's hand, 10s. 7d.; total number on the books, 51; visits paid to the same, 510; deaths, 8; none without a ray of hope; and some who, before visited by the society, were strangers to the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses from all sin, passed away assured of acceptance with God through faith in His Son. thirty have been partially or fully restored to health, some of whom now regularly worship with us, and the remainder are still under our care. Collections, £2 3s. 6d. An interesting feature in the days proceedings being an addition of 5s. to this sum, in the form of a donation, from the parish clergyman, Rev. J. G. Wright, M.A., attesting at once the catholicity and generosity of the donor, and the high estimation in which the society is held.

About

OSMASTON ROAD LOCAL PREACHERS' AssoCIATION (Derby), held its third annual meeting, Oct. 18. Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., in the chair. The report was received, and officers appointed, and then a discussion took place on "the best method of making the weekly meetings agreeable and instructive." J. SMITH, Sec.

WEST VALE.-The second examination having taken place at the day school by Her Majesty's inspector, the report shows a decided improvement on last year in the teaching and the per centage of scholars passing. The amount of the grant this year is £86 4s. 2d.

REV. B. HACKETT will close his ministry at Macclesfield shortly. His address is Bridge Street, Sutton, Macclesfield.

BAPTISMS.

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH.-Nov. 16, five, by

C. Clarke.

COVENTRY.-Aug. 3, three; Nov. 6, ten, by H. Cross.

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LAWTON.-James Lawton, brother of the Rev. J. Lawton, Berhampstead, was born July, 1830, at Buckton Castle, near Staly. bridge, and died at Bottoms, near the same place, October 7, 1870. At the close of his life he might well have used the words of Jeremiah, "I am the man that hath seen affliction." From early youth he was frequently a sufferer. This possibly restrained him from entering into those frivolities and excesses to which many young persons devote their youth and vigour. The training also which he received from his watchful and anxious mother was calculated to induce a thoughtful and steady course of life; so that at an early age he became serious. No very striking incidents marked his conversion to God. The spiritual change was gradual and quiet in its development. At about eighteen years of age he began to attend the ministry of the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, then pastor of the General Baptist church at Stalybridge. The word was made a blessing to him. He sought and found the way of peace, and became attached to the place and people. His Christian earnest

ness now became visible; for although suffering from lameness and living a distance of two miles from the chapel, his attendance was marked in its regularity, not only at public worship, but at the experience meetings, to the great gratification of the pastor. His spirituality grew by these means, and in the early part of the year 1850, he was baptized and received into the fellowship of the church, where he endeavoured to be useful by helping the Sunday school and the choir. In 1852 he removed to Wymeswold to take charge of a British school there. His conduct here was so exemplary that his pastor wrote to a friend, "Would to God we had many like him." Circumstances led to the giving up of this school, when he returned to his native place; but after a while returned to Leicestershire, and took charge of the British school at Coalville. Here he was active in various ways, to the utmost limit of his strength, in promoting the cause of Christ. His health was not sufficient for the school, which he had to resign, but he was so interested in the work of the Lord, that he

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