we do for prayer and preaching, is both a weakness and a folly. A little robust manliness concerning the subject of "giving" as а means of cultivating character, and advancing the kingdom of God, would do most churches good.

VIII. THE REV. BROOK LAMBERT has resigned the living of Tamworth, and retired from the ministry of the word of God in the State Church because he is no longer able to do his work on the sum of £135 per annum. He is a man of thorough manliness, courageous industry, and of proved devotion; but the richest church in Christendom cannot retain his services. He has not, as he intimates, the influence necessary to secure one of the "plums" of the establishment, and he will not accept a living where there are more "sovereigns than souls," and there

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fore he seeks the means of subsistence in a more profitable line. The event is full of suggestions. We make only one. Mr. Lambert might, in all probability, have received very much more if he had told the people of Tamworth his condition and solicited their assistance. He would do no such thing. Without a word he retires; he goes to business at once. We admire the manly reticence. We commend the spirit that refuses to utter a word that looks like a plea for a larger income, but prefers to march straight out of the pulpit to business. It is the right way. When a minister "hints" that he wants a larger stipend he risks his power. He had better write his resignation, and scorn to retract it. But the church would readily give more than let him go. Then why did not the leaders of the Church see that and prevent his departure?

THE BIBLE AND THE NEWSPAPER. By C. H. Spurgeon. Passmore & Alabaster. WE give this book more than an ordinary welcome. "Everything Mr. Spurgeon does is right, and everything he says is as near right as human speech can be," is the creed of not a few people both in and out of this country. Mr. Spurgeon would be indignant if we were to subscribe to it: but our admiration is unusually high, our gratitude to God for him and his overflowing usefulness intensely strong, and not less for this last service to the church than for others far more elaborate and costly. For this book will vindicate the "newspaper" as a Christian study: and show to some who discard "the world" that the right thing to do with it is to use it for God and man, and not indolently ignore it. Whilst all the numbers of the Shilling Series are good, we are most pleased with this. It is original and striking, full of suggestiveness, and altogether well and thoroughly done.

CHILDREN'S WORSHIP. By Dr. Allon. Hodder & Stoughton.

THIS is the period of new hymn books. And naturally, and of right, it is so. There has been such an outburst of Christian song within these later years, that it is a wrong to churches, schools, and homes, not to bring the fresh stores to their doors. Dr. Allon's book richly deserves to be welcomed as a book of Sacred Song for home and school. It contains 652 hymns, and can be had at prices varying from 6d. to 1s. 8d. The selection is very comprehensive; and as to quality it is decidedly the best we

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF J. B. GOUGH.

By Rev. J. Thomas. F. E. Longley. Price 18. and 2s. 6d.

THE third advent of the most famous of Temperance Orators to our shores is likely to be productive of deepened interest in his career, to stimulate inquiry as to the incidents of his life and culture, and the means by which he has attained to his high position and usefulness, therefore publishers do well to take this interest at its height.

The work of Mr. Thomas is based upon "the Autobiography and Personal Recollections of John B. Gough." We commend it to all friends who care to read a helpful life-story, and to watch the unfoldings of a vigorous nature. They will find struggle and victory, temptation and failure, effort and success, pathos and power, faith and fervour, the human and divine-all that helps to make a really

NOBLE MAN.

NOTES ON THE GOSPELS: CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL. By S. A. Griffiths. Stock. ALTHOUGH this volume is mainly occupied with an exposition of the Gospel of St. Matthew, it has some brief and suggestive notes introductory to a study of the four gospels. The volume has been produced to meet the necessities of stu

dents preparing for examination, and is essentially a compilation. To such persons it will be very useful. It is hard and dry, and coldly literal, as an examination usually is: and it has the merits of brevity, comprehensiveness, and intense condensation-merits so largely in demand in any work intended for those whose main business is to get through an "exam.," and not to use an 66 exam." as a means of thoroughly mastering a subject.

MARY WITH MANY FRIENDS. By Georgina M. Moore. Marlborough & Co. THIS is a clever and admirably-written story of a bright and cheerful invalid girl, whose naturalness, sparkling wit, and brightness, make the book most fascinating. Mary is "quite a character," not without faults, as witness a tendency to indulge in "slang," but an extremely

interesting and pleasant companion. Winter evenings at the fireside will be gladdened by Mary's visit. Open the door and give her a seat by your side.

THE CHURCH AND THE LAW. By Edward Jenkins, M.P. Strahan & Co.

A REPORT of the speech made by the member for Dundee on the Romanising Practises and Tendencies in the Church of England. The drift of the speech will be in the memory of our readers. It is a singularly powerful indictment of the Ritualists; a careful exposure of their papistical beliefs and customs, and a vindication of the right of Englishmen, as Englishmen, to inquire into and control the affairs of the State Church. It is published at sixpence, and is worth circulating by thousands upon thousands.

CONFERENCES.

CHESHIRE. The next half-yearly meeting will be held at Macclesfield, on Tuesday, October 1st. Rev. R. P.

Cook to preach at eleven a.m.; or, in case of failure, Rev. W. March. Business at 2.30. During the afternoon session Mr. R. Pedley, of Wheelock Heath, will introduce the following subject to the Conference, viz., "The Importance of Utilizing the unused power in our Churches." N.B. For the convenience of ministers, delegates, and friends, dinner will be provided at one, and tea at five o'clock. W. MARCH, Sec.

The MIDLAND on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Stoney Street, Nottingham. Service at eleven. Rev. J. W. Williams to preach. The Rev. R. F. Griffiths will read a paper in the afternoon. Subject: "How to secure the Co-operation of acquainted churches." J. SALISBURY, Sec.

SOUTHERN will be held at Commercial Road Chapel, London, on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Afternoon at three-Reports of churches-Conference Business-Paper by Rev. D. Burns, M.A., on "The Place of the Pew." Evening at seven-Public meeting, presided over by Rev. G. W. M'Cree. Addresses by Revs. G. Wright and J. F. Jones on "Home Mission Work of Individual Churches," to be followed by discussion, in which the following will take part-Revs. R. Y. Roberts, J. Clifford, J. Fletcher, D. McCallum, W. J. Avery, and Messrs. Newling, Hoare, Gilmore, and Willing. W. H. SMITH, Sec.

The EASTERN CONFERENCE was held at Boston, Sept. 12. Reports showed, since the last Conference, 50 baptized; seven received; one restored; and 16 candidates. The Secretary was requested to communicate with the trustees of the "YARMOUTH Trust."

It was agreed to recommend to the ministers a sympathetic interest in the weaker churches, and the Secretary was requested to arrange for a number of ministerial visitations during the next few months.

A paper in favour of Open Communion was read by brother J. C. Jones, M.A. The cordial thanks of the Conference was presented to the writer, and he was requested to forward the paper for insertion in the Magazine.

It was agreed to request the ministers to consult the LOCAL PREACHERS in their various churches on the desirableness and practicability of forming a Local Preachers' Conference in connection with this Conference.

Brethren Orton, J. C. Jones, Barrass and Jolly, were requested to consider what town is best suited for a Home Mission Station, and report the result of their deliberations at the next Conference.

A sermon was preached in the evening by the Secretary on "The kingdom of Christ as foreshadowed in Nebuchadnezzar's dream."

The next Conference is to be held at Spalding, and a paper is to be read by brother H. B. Robinson on "Our Village Churches." WM. ORTON, Sec.

CHURCHES.

DERBY, Watson Street.-This church was commenced in 1867 by the Derby and Derbyshire Local Preachers' Association, in a small room in a private house in Long Parker Street, eight persons being present at the first service. Although the numbers were few, the workers were earnest, and a Sunday school was formed in addition to the usual Sabbath and week-day meetings, so that the room soon required enlargement. A piece of land at the corner of Clover Street and Watson Street was purchased, and in 1870 a new chapel was built, the cost, including land, being £530. The debt was cleared off in 1877, and the chapel again became too small. The present chapel has been enlarged five yards in length; and four additional class-rooms have been built at the back. The place has been thoroughly cleaned, and made as attractive as possible. Contract £400. The Rev. W. Green and Mr. Slack preached at the re-opening services. Collections, £10 9s. A tea and public meeting was held, Mr. Alderman Leech in the chair. Revs. W. Green, C. T. Johnson, and B. G. Wilkinson; Alderman Higginbottom, Ex-Mayor; Councillors Oliver, Owen, C. Leech, and Holmes; and Messrs. G. Dean, Slack, etc., gave addresses. Collection, £10. Mr. Foster had also collected £25 from a number of gentlemen, thus making a total of £45.

KEGWORTH.-Will readers of the Year Book correct statistics for Kegworth thus -Baptized, 6; received, 1; dead 2; clear increase, 5? Statistics came to hand after returns had been made to the Association.

KIRKBY AND EAST KIRKBY.-Mr. F. Pickbourne, on leaving for Chilwell College, was presented by the friends with Stanford's "Symbols of Christ," "The Life and Letters of St. Paul," and Farrar's "Life of Christ."

LOUTH, Northgate.-Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., preached the anniversary sermons, Sept. 8. G. C. Smith, Esq., presided at the meeting on the Monday, and addresses were given by the Revs. A. C. Perriam, J. C. Jones, W. Herbert, and J. Garside.

NANTWICH. Anniversary sermons were preached by Rev. I. Preston, Aug. 18, and a lecture on "Cyprus" was given by J. Clifford on the 19th.

NORWICH, St. Clement's.-The annual church and congregational tea meeting was held, Sept. 12. 200 sat down. Earnest and practical addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. W. Willis, from Canada, J. M. Dowson, and H. Trevor, Esq., and Wm. Bampton Taylor, secretary of the church, the pastor presiding. It was reported

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that during the year 24 had been baptized; 6 received; 2 excluded; and four had passed into the better land. The evening was one of much blessing.

WILLOUGHBY, Notts.-NEW CHAPEL.The village of Willoughby was all astir on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on the occasion of the opening of the new chapel. It is a neat and attractive structure, and will be found to be a useful village chapel. It is capable of seating about 200 persons, has a small school-room attached, and is exceedingly well placed in the village. J. Clifford preached the opening sermons on the Tuesday, and Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., officiated on the following Lord's-day.

WENDOVER.-On the marriage of Miss Julia Holland to Mr. Jno. T. Varney, on "Sept. 3, the church and friends presented the bride with a handsome inlaid secretaire, with engraved plate, as an expression of gratitude for her valuable and long rendered musical services, and of their desire for her welfare.

BOTTRILL, REV. W. EVANS, having resigned the pastorate of the Wellington Road Church, Todmorden, in order to study in London for a degree, the church passed a resolution regretting his resignation, and hoping that he may be very successful in the prosecution of his intended studies, preserved in health, and ever continue a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Conference passed a resolution of sympathy with him, expressing a most fervent desire that the blessing of God may rest upon him in his future course.

ANDREWS, REV. JAMES A., has resigned the pastorate of the Gambleside church,

and is now open to supply vacant churches with a view to settlement. Present address, 53, Shear Bridge Terrace, Great Horton Road, Bradford.

BAPTISMS.

CASTLE DONINGTON.-Two, by J. R. Parker. DERBY, Osmaston Road. - Four, by W. H. Tetley.

DERBY Watson Street. - Three (two from Chellaston), by G. Slack.

FLEET.-Three, by C. Barker.

HALIFAX, Lee Mount.-Three, by W. Dyson.
North Parade.-Three, by W. Dyson.
HITCHIN.-Three, by G. Wright.
LONDON, Commercial Road.-Seven, by J.
Fletcher.

NORWICH.-Three, by G. Taylor.
RETFORD.-Four, by R. Silby.

SHEEPSHED.-Ten (one from Belton church), by H. A. Blount.

SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road.-Eight, by G. Hester.

SHORE.-Twenty-nine, by J. K. Chappelle.

MARRIAGES.

HODGSON-RIPPON.-Aug. 19, at Palm Grove Chapel, Birkenhead, by Rev. W. E. Codling, assisted by Rev. R. F. Griffiths, the Rev. Thomas Rippon to Esther K. Hodgson, Hon. Secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association, Birkenhead, and daughter of Mr. Abraham Hodgson, merchant.

PRAEGER-WARR.-Sept. 12, at the Baptist Church, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, by Rev. G. Wright, Emil Arnold Praeger, eldest son of Emil Arnold Praeger, Esq., of Clifton, Bristol, to Clara Matilda (Millie) Warr, youngest daughter of Mr. Frederick Warr, of the Great Northern Railway, Hitchin.

TRUMAN-TAGG.-August 27, at the Baptist Chapel, Lenton, by the Rev. Jas. Parkinson, Mr. J. Truman to Emma Leedham, youngest daughter of Mr. S. Tagg, Gas Works, Radford.

VARNEY-HOLLAND.-Sept. 3, at the G. B. Chapel, Wendover, by the Rev. J. H. Callaway, John Thomas Varney, to Miss Julia Holland.

OBITUARIES.

DENNIS, MRS., HUGGLESCOTE.- - Here and there in the sheltered nooks of England grows up the modest and lovely flower whose history in after life is to shed its fragrance in some other home. Ellen Keightley, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Keightley, of Thorpe Acre, near Loughborough, was educated and trained under the influence and culture of home piety. Rooted in those precious principles which bud and blossom in selfdedication to Christian life, the beloved subject of this memoir was in early life baptized and became a member of the Church, Sparrow Hill, Loughborough, where, as a teacher in the Sunday School and a generally devoted servant of her Saviour, she was ready and willing for every good work. Modest, unassuming, with the bearing of an educated young lady, she carried weight and force of character into all circles where either duty or acquaintance might introduce her; and many of her old scholars and young disciples remember her to this day with reverence and love. After the death of her father and mother she became the wife of the writer in 1852, and brought with her that sweetness and fragrance which were attached to her from her youth up. The home of a widower, with three young children, was soon cheered and lighted; and it is the happiness

of a father to say that all his children loved her with true filial love. Her standing and influence in her new home soon began to be felt. Her gentle and social bearing soon drew upon the appreciation of her new friends. The church added one to its numbers whose holiness of life was an ornament to its society. Her church life was true; and so far as home hospitality, all in Christ were welcome. The visits of Robert Hall, Andrew Fuller, and other Baptist worthies to her early home were remembered with great interest. After more than a quarter of a century of married life, and the children all trained and married away (the eldest, Mrs. Wood, to the Indian Mission field,) it appears her work was done. For while husband and wife were planning and arranging for a quiet and easy home life, which no one more deserved, heart disease had for some time been working unseen, and on the 11th of April last, at the age of 68, suddenly, her Heavenly Father kissed her sweet spirit away. Her remains were laid in our own burial ground (near to the spot where lies my former beloved wife, whose obituary is recorded in this Magazine, Feb., 1850,) the solemn service being conducted by her own pastor, the Rev. J. Salisbury, M.A., who, on the following Sabbath, preached a funeral sermon to a large and sympathetic congregation, from "I am the resurrection and the life." Much respect was shown during the funeral procession; and I mention, with thanks, the blinds drawn by the clergyman. By the death of Mrs. Dennis the church has lost a "mother in Israel," her neighbours a true friend, her children a model mother, and her husband a true, loving, and invaluable wife. Hugglescote. HENRY DENNIS. MIDDLETON.-August 28th, at Louth, Mary, relict of the late George Middleton, Gent., and daughter of the late Richard Stowe, Esq. Born January 26, 1797; died August 28, 1878.

PURDY.-Rebekah Purdy was born September 13th, 1839, at Bagthorpe, in Nottinghamshire. At the age of twelve she was left motherless. On the 17th January, 1859, she was married to Thomas Purdy, with whom she lived in happiness until her death, a period extending over nineteen years. Twelve months after her marriage, through the preaching of the truth, she was led to accept Jesus as her Saviour, and was baptized at Riddings, in Derbyshire. In 1864 the family removed to Ripley, and joined the G. B. Church, of which the Rev. G. Needham was then pastor. About three years ago they removed to Ibstock, and soon after husband and wife were transferred from the G. B. communion at Ripley to Ibstock. She fell asleep in Christ on July 28th.

SHELTON. The church at Carlton, near Nottingham, has sustained a great loss in the removal of Mr. John Shelton, who died December 5th, 1877, aged 81 years. Our departed brother was baptized and joined the church soon after its formation, and for a period of nearly sixty years was a devoted, zealous, and consistent member. He sustained the office of superintendent, treasurer, and deacon, &c., honourably for many years, and only as advancing age crept upon him would the church accept his resignation. Mr. S. was a thorough G. B., but not a bigot, for as his clergyman has written of him, "In conversing with my old friend I always felt I was talking with a Christian brother, whose great desire was to please God." He was unvarying in his attendance at the house of God, affectionately inviting those he met with on the way to accompany him, or giving them a word in season, thus sowing beside all waters the seed of the kingdom. Without any suffering he calmly fell asleep in Jesus.