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piece of plum cake. As the teacher of the young ladies' Bible class, I was asked to be present, and we closed a most affecting and delightful evening with singing, "There is a happy land;" a short exposition on 66 a tearless heaven;" and prayer. I must not forget to add that one young widow had some time to wait before she could get her baby from the eager hands

of so many willing nurses. It was born the day before the father went to sea, never to return.

With best wishes for the prosperity of the Magazine under your able editorship, I remain,

Affectionately yours in Jesus,
JAMES LEWITT.

Church Register.

CONFERENCES.

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The YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE assembled at North Street Chapel, Leeds, on Monday, Dec. 27, 1869.

At the morning service the Rev. I. Preston read the Scriptures and prayed, and the Rev. J. Fletcher, of Vale, preached from Matthew xiii. 52.

At two o'clock p.m. the Conference met for business, when the Rev. R. Horsfield presided, and the Rev. J. Taylor offered prayer. The churches reported that twentyfour persons had been baptized since last Conference, and that eleven remained as candidates.

Among others, the following resolutions were passed :

:

1. That the auditors of the accounts of the Home Mission Treasurer are hereby respectfully requested to present their report to next Conference.

2. That we hereby respectfully request the Dewsbury Committee to select three gentlemen whom the Conference shall deem competent to sign the promissory notes on its behalf which it shall have occasion to issue in the fulfilment of its promise to pay £1000 towards the erection of a new chapel in Dewsbury; that we hereby undertake to indemnify the gentlemen who may be so selected from all pecuniary responsibility and loss; and recommend their appointment as trustees of the aforesaid chapel.

3. That we hereby cordially welcome the Revs. I. Preston, J. Taylor, and J. Andrews, into this Conference and district.

4. That the next Conference be held at Clow Bridge, near Burnley, June 8, 1870; that the Rev. George Needham be the

preacher, and in case of failure the Rev. J. Andrews. Morning service to commence at eleven o'clock, J. ALCORN, Secretary.

TESTIMONIALS, &c.

HITCHIN, Walsworth Road.-Rev. J. H. Atkinson presided at the first members' meeting, held Jan. 3. In the course of the meeting a new year's gift was presented to the pastor, in reply to which Mr. Atkinson alluded to the great kindness he had received in his new pastorate, and spoke with thankfulness of the fact that the church, which was formed less than six months ago with six members, now numbers forty-eight.

LINCOLN, St. Benedict's Square.—At a social tea, Jan. 4, provided gratuitously by Mr. and Mrs. John Penney, the sum of £10 10s. was spontaneously raised and given to the pastor as an expression of the esteem of the church and congregation.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-The Bible class, and other friends of the church and congregation, presented to their late pastor, the Rev. C. Payne, on the occasion of his leaving Louth, an album, together with the sum of £11, as a token of their esteem. The Dorcas Society also presented Mrs. Payne with a handsome and well-furnished work-basket.

MELBOURNE.-At the annual church meeting, Dec. 25, Mr. John Earp, who retires from the office of treasurer on account of failing health, was presented by the members of the church with a copy of

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Bagster's Commentary wholly Biblical," as an expression of their esteem and regard for his genuine piety and exemplary character, as also of their high appreciation of the assiduity and fidelity he displayed in the management of the financial affairs of the church for a long series of years; accompanied with the fervent wish that he may continue to enjoy the sunlight of his precious Saviour until he is taken up higher to be for ever with the Lord. It was also a pleasing feature in connection with the above meeting that, notwithstanding great depression in trade during the past year,

Church Register.

at its close the treasurer of the church had a balance in hand. This we ascribe to the blessing of God on the weekly offering system in its integrity and entirety.

CHRISTMAS MEETINGS, &c. CARRINGTON.-Benevolent Society.—Annual meeting, Dec. 19. The report was full of interest, and stated that five hundred visits had been paid to the poor and afflicted during the year, and £18 14s. distributed amongst them, out of an income of £20 4s. 10d.

HALIFAX, West Vale Branch.-A bazaar was held at Christmas for the sale of the goods left from our former bazaar, and it realized £100, making in all £600.

MILFORD.-Annual tea meeting, Dec. 25. Two hundred present. Mr. Jennens, of Duffield, presided. Several addresses were delivered by members of the church. It was felt to be the best meeting ever held in this place of worship.

PETERBOROUGH.-Jan. 11, 12, Christmas trees and stalls for the sale of useful and fancy articles were arranged in the Baptist Chapel, New Fletton. £27 were realized for the building fund of the new chapel, Queen Street, Peterborough.

QUEENSBURY. - Dec. 25th, about five hundred persons sat down to an excellent tea given by the ladies of the congregation. After tea a public meeting was held, and an agreeable evening spent. Proceeds of tea and donations, £41 16s.

WALSALL.-Jan. 17, Congregation Soirée. The Rev. W. Lees presided, and stated that during a ministry of nearly ten years, four hundred "souls" had joined the church, and that during the last year thirty-two persons had been received, and £1,020 collected for building fund and various other purposes.

SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES. CARRINGTON.-Annual meeting, Dec. 25. Recitations were given by the children, addresses by several friends, and thirtyfour prizes were distributed for early and regular attendance. The report showed an increase in the number of children, in the money obtained for the school, and in that deposited in the Penny Bank; and also that five teachers and one scholar had joined the church.

LINCOLN, St. Benedict's Square.—Annual meeting, Jan. 13. Report stated that the number of children had increased during the year, that the financial condition of the school was satisfactory, but that the chief feature in the year's history was that during the closing weeks of the year the Lord had blessed their labours, and brought many of the children to Himself. The good work in the school has passed on to the church.

57

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-Dec. 25, the report was extremely satisfactory.

Eight scholars had united with the church. Collections for Juvenile Mission increased from £29 7s. 1d. last year to nearly £36. Addresses by Rev. G. Hester, Messrs. L. Hiller, Wheeler, Atkinson, Price, Eare, Smith, Clemerson. On Dec. 30, a tea was given to more than four hundred scholars, and afterwards they joined in a "Children's Concert."

HALIFAX, Ovenden Branch.-About two thousand yards of ground have been purchased. A new school will first be built upon it, and used as a preaching place.

REOPENING OF CHAPEL.

WALSALL.-The Baptist Chapel, Stafford Street, was reopened, Dec. 9, by the Rev. J. Burns, D.D. On Sunday, Dec. 12, two sermons were preached by the Rev. Dr. Underwood, and one by the Rev. C. Vince. On the 19th Rev. W. Lees, pastor of the church, preached twice. Collections over £92. The chapel is not only renovated, but greatly enlarged, and will now seat 750. There are new school-rooms, a lecture-room that will seat 250, rooms for senior and infant classes, vestries, &c. Architect, Mr. G. Ingall, Birmingham. Builders, Messrs. Trow & Sons, Wednesbury. Cost, £1,800. With a little help from friends we hope soon to clear off the debt.

RECOGNITION SERVICE.

NANTWICH, Cheshire.-On the first Sabbath of November, 1869, the Rev. E. K. Everett, private student from Nottingham, commenced his ministry here. Already the chapel is well filled on the Sabbath evening, and the need of a better place of worship is felt. On Monday, Jan. 17, 1870, a recognition tea meeting was held in the Town Hall. After tea, J. Lord, Esq., M.D., of Crewe, presided at the public meeting. Excellent addresses were delivered by the Rev. R. Kenney, on " The Christian Minister, his office and work:" Rev. T. E. Rawlings, Congleton, "Individual Effort:" Rev. W. H. Allen, Crewe, "Enthusiasm in Christian Work :" Rev. R. S. Lewis (Independent) "Spirituality:" Rev. C. Crawshaw (Wesleyan), "Dignity and usefulness of a regular ministry:" Rev. W. Skinner, "Ministerial courage."

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ABBOTT.-Jane Abbott departed this life, December 3, 1869, aged forty-four. She had been a member of the General Baptist Church, Carrington, over ten years. Though trained in the ways of religion from infancy, she did not decide to give her heart to God till middle life. On the 6th of February, 1859, she, along with her husband, was baptized. Her cheerful, earnest piety, and deep attachment to the church of Christ, were very manifest. She was loved most by those who knew her best. She was a faithful and affectionate mother-firm, yet kind; and she did not fail of her reward, for three of her children were converted to God. During an affliction of two years she enjoyed the power and consolation of God's gospel in an extraordinary degree.

BETTISON.-Dec. 7, 1869, Mr. J. Bettison, aged 18, died suddenly, by being caught in some machinery while doing his duty at the Snibstone Colliery. His character was so lovely and promising, and his habits were so devout and godly, that he is lamented by all. About five hundred followed his funeral, among whom were large numbers of the scholars of the Sunday school, with which he was connected.

HUNTER.-Elizabeth Hunter fell asleep in Jesus, Aug. 3, 1869, aged thirty-seven. She was for many years a member of the General Baptist Church, Old Basford, and is remembered as a consistent Christian, a faithful and loving friend, who often forgot herself in her sympathy with and efforts for others. She was called very suddenly away from her friends while in a state of unconsciousness, and thus was debarred the privilege of bearing witness

to the power and grace of Christ in the hour of death. But her holy life will long live as a sweet and refreshing recollection in the memory of her friends. Absent from the body, she is present with the Lord.

JARROM.-Died, Jan. 22, in her ninetieth year, Mary, widow of the late Rev. J. Jarrom, of Wisbech, many years Baptist minister in that town.

SMITH.-Mr. T. Smith, aged sixty, died Nov. 19, 1869. He had been a member of a Raptist church for twenty-six years, and for the last twelve years had been deacon of the church at Coalville. His was the first house opened for preaching in this place by the late Rev. T. Orton, of Hugglescote, and which was the commencement of the Coalville church. His character was greatly respected by all the men with whom he worked in the collieries of this neighbourhood. He was eminently a man of prayer, especially family prayer; and had the happiness of seeing the whole of his eleven children either taken early to the Saviour, or early added to the church below. He used the office of deacon well. His self-denial and generosity were very great. The cause of Christ was dearer to him than thousands of gold and silver. His memory is fragrant, and he rests from his labours.

SMITH.-Jan. 5, at March, Mr. John Smith, merchant. He was born at Tydd St. Giles, May 2, 1795; baptized at Wisbeach in 1809; removed to March in 1817; elected deacon of the church there 1824; and after a long and trying affliction he calmly passed away "to be with Christ,

which is far better."

Missionary Observer.

A WORD TO THE CHURCHES.

66

ARE

THE COMMITTEE AND THE CHURCHES TIRED OF ORISSA AND THE MISSION, THAT OUR CRIES FOR HELP ARE UNHEEDED ?"

SUCH is the very anxious and painful question which has been asked by the senior missionary-a man not given to write or speak unadvisedly; a man who for a quarter of a century has nobly discharged his trust; a man worn down with hard toil, and who sees no one to take his place when he is gone! Certain we are that John Buckley, who from his earliest days has been so intensely devoted to the denomination, would never have asked this question if he had not keenly felt the indifference of the churches to the Mission. When so many personal appeals, and united appeals (and some of them of the most touching character), produce no effect, we need not wonder that our brethren and sisters should lose heart and be almost driven to despair.

We have not been slow to seize upon the notoriety which of late years has been given to the Mission by the testimonials of approbation from the chief dignitaries of the Established Church and gentlemen of the highest rank in Her Majesty's service, and we did not fail to note that the Times, during the late famine, made special reference and gave special commendation, in a leading article, to the zeal and devotedness of the missionaries. And we thought it a mark of especial honour that the Government of India, which a few years ago was so extremely careful not to countenance missionaries at all, should officially thank our brethren for the important service they had rendered during the famine, and should moreover entrust them with a sum of money for the famine orphans, nearly double what is contributed by all our churches in England!

We should have thought, had we not painful evidence to the contrary, that these remarkable facts would have given a stimulus to our efforts, the like of which had never been known before.

If our fathers, whose sympathies were aroused by the one fact of the wretched state of the heathen, "without hope and without God in the world," could have seen what we have seen, how would their zeal have been fired, and what willing sacrifice they would have made for the cause!

Twenty-six years ago the Committee determined to send out five additional missionaries, and in less than two years five men were in the field-three in India and two in China. Since then the Connexion has extended its borders and increased in numbers and wealth, and yet the Committee affirm that with their present income they can only sustain five missionaries, or just half the staff we had twenty-four years ago!

The founders of the Society sought the guiding hand of God for their first men, and the signal success of the Mission has shown as clearly as if a revelation had been given from heaven, that Orissa was to be our chosen sphere. Making allowance for the terrible loss by famine, our portion of the field (if we include the hill tribes) contains one-fifth of the population of England. Can the Committee and the denomination rest satisfied to leave these four millions of deluded idolaters to five European missionaries and fifteen or sixteen native assistants? A town in England containing 100,000 inhabitants would be thought lamentably destitute if it had no more religious teachers; and though the Oriyas differ in language and colour, yet they are as much our fellow subjects as our own countrymen.

We entreat all who love the Mission to consider well on how few lives, humanly speaking, this work seems to depend. "The fathers" in the mission field "do not live for ever." Brother Buckley has seen twenty-five years, and brother Miller twenty-four years, of unwearied service. Common prudence would dictate that these two brethren should have a furlough at once, but in the present state of affairs, while they have any energy left, they cannot leave their posts.

The many hundreds of orphans which have been entrusted to our missionaries must be taught some trade or calling, and located for life. This will involve an amount of labour, anxiety, and watchfulness that none but those on the spot can know.

A secular and religious literature has to be created for our rapidly increasing christian community, and this important work must for the most part rest with the missionaries.

The European missionary must defend the rights of converts from heathenism, and to do this many a hard battle must be fought with powerful zemindars in the courts of justice.

New stations must be planted as openings occur, and the little christian colonies must often have the paternal counsel and guidance of the missionary. "But beside those things that are without, there is that which cometh upon them daily, the care of all the churches."

If the friends of the Orissa Mission do not wish to see their brethren crushed with their heavy responsibilities, let them listen at once to their cry, and send them a reinforcement. The appeal by the Secretary in the last Magazine is for funds: however wise the Committee may be, and however strong may be their sympathy, they are powerless without money. Believing as I do that the Mission still lives in the warmest affections of by far the majority of our members, I cannot but think if the right means were used the help would be found. Let a vigorous canvass be made by the deputations in all our churches, in accordance with the resolution at the last Committee meeting, and before the end of the year we shall be able to send, not one, but two more into the field. Orissa has become dear to us from long possession; its very soil has been made sacred by the ashes of so many devoted men and women; its people have become precious in our sight for their heroic testimony to the power of the gospel, and their cheerful sacrifices for the truth: and now that the power of the priesthood is gone, and the idols are being cast from their thrones, are we so faint that we cannot possess the victory?

"Men of God, to you we cry;
Rests on you our tearful eye;
Help us, christians, or we die,
Die in dark despair."

W. BAILEY.

MR. BROOKS'S ARRIVAL AT

CUTTACK.

LETTER FROM REV. W. MILLER.

Camp Kendarapara,
Dec. 6, 1869.

My dear Brother,-You and all the friends of the Mission will, I am sure, be thankful to learn that our dear brother and sister Brooks, with their son, have, through the abounding mercy of our heavenly Father, reached Cuttack in health and safety. It was the privilege of Mr. and Mrs. Bond and Mrs. Miller and myself to meet them at the anchorage, False Point Bay, on board the steamer in which they came from Calcutta. We left Cuttack on the evening of 29th November, and passing through the canal, forty miles in length, and proceeding down the river some twenty miles, we arrived near the anchorage on the morning of Dec. 1st. Expecting the steamer to reach on the evening of that day, we were disappointed when she did not make her appearance. Next morning, however, at about nine o'clock, she was seen entering the Bay. Immediately afterwards a dense fog came on, which completely hid her from our view until we had reached within a short distance of her. Happy, indeed, were we to behold and welcome our dear friends back to Orissa after so long an absence. Having seen our brother's shattered and alarming state of health just before he left India, his present healthy and robust appearance took us by surprise, and awakened feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving to Him who healeth all our diseases, and redeemeth our life from destruction. We found on board the steamer a christian friend of the same name as our brother, who had also come from Cuttack to meet two children; and five sisters and a brother, who had all recently arrived from England: hence there were twelve persons on board of the same name. We left the steamer with our friends at 4 p.m., and got as far as Khunhursee, a distance of ten miles, soon after sunset, where we remained during the night. This was a noted place during the late famine, as most of the rice imported by Government was in the first instance stowed away here, and thence forwarded to the different centres of relief. We found one of the native christians here in charge. The poor fellow complained of the loneliness

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