THE LORD'S PRAYER. A Practical Medi

tation. By Newman Hall, LL.B. T. and T. Clark.

ALTHOUGH rightly described as a "practical meditation," yet it would be wrong for readers to conclude that it is wanting in careful criticism and exegesis. The author of "Come to Jesus" is present in the pertinent illustration and forcible appeal scattered throughout the volume; but there is a copiousness of quotation from the best sources, and a wisdom and thoroughness of treatment of debateable points which will render the work no less helpful to the teacher and preacher than to the meditative Christian. His discussions on "Free Prayer," "Forms," "the Devil" and "the Evil One," and "the Use of the Lord's prayer," are sustained by well-balanced reasoning, and his conclusions are characterized by sound sense.

STUDIES IN THE CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES. By A. Mair, D.D. T. and T. Clark. STARTING from Theism Dr. Mair constructs a solid defence of Christianity out of some of its most indestructible materials, and provides at once a refuge from trouble for the doubter, and a protection for those attacked. The potency and impotency of Physical Science is well and clearly stated, and the subjects of Miracles, Revelation, the Resurrection, and the Unique Personality of Christ, are handled with an ability, tact, and fairness that must do much good. It is an able resume of some of the leading defences of the Christian Religion.

HANDBOOKS FOR BIBLE CLASSES. Lessons on the Life of Jesus. By Rev. W. Serymgeour, M.A. T. and T. Clark. Or the several excellences of this volume we may name the fact that the quotations from the New Testament are taken from the Revised Version; the extensive and helpful references to pertinent literature on each particular topic; the brief hints to teachers and questions for students; and the "harmony" of the gospel narratives. Bible classes purposing a systematic study of the life of Christand this ought to be attempted in every Bible class should avail themselves of the help of this valuable Handbook.

CHRISTIAN WOMANHOOD. By Mary Prior Hack. Hodder & Stoughton. THE authoress of this volume is favourably known by her earlier books, "Consecrated Women" and "Self-Surrender." Here she resumes the long story of Christian excellence and devotion as exhibited in

the lives of memorable women.

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pages contain interesting and instructive sketches of Mary Fletcher, the diligent servant of the church, and faithful wife of "the seraphic" Fletcher, of Madeley; of Mary Hall, the strong, patient, and prayerful wife of John Vine Hall; Mary Bowles Browne; a companion and a truehearted "friend" of "Charlotte Elizabeth," a "plain" Elizabeth, the last Duchess of Gordon, who adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour in high places; Harriet Perfect, patient in suffering, and eager to give; Mary Ker, a pattern of consecration to the welfare of her children; Mary Calvert, the courageous, wise, and enthusiastic missionary in Fiji; Anna Backhouse, another fine example of the Christian goodness grown in the favourable atmosphere of the Society of Friends ; and that sweet songstress of the church and home, Frances Ridley Havergal. The book is finely adapted as a present for girls and young women.

CHURCH REGISTER FOR 1884. All communications for this department of the Magazine must be sent from this date to the REV. JOSEPH FLETCHER, 322, COMMERCIAL ROAD, LONDON, E., on or before the 15th of the month.

CONFERENCE.

THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE held its annual meetings at Commercial Road Chapel, E., Nov. 5. There were present thirty ministers and delegates-nine out of twenty-one churches being represented. Rev. C. Pearce presided. At 3.0 p.m. prayer was offered by Rev. J. H. Callaway, and business commenced.

I. Chapel Property.-Rev. J. Fletcher. in reviewing the Honiton case for the past four years, during which there have been correspondence and negociations concerning it, stated that "in April, 1882, Vice-Chancellor Hall made an order appointing new trustees, and expressing opinion of court as to persons entitled; that on April 3, 1883, Mr. Justice Kay made an order vesting the chapel and appurtenances in new trustees; that in September last the costs of all parties had been taxed; that a balance of £461 38. 10d. consols remains; that the dividends on this amount will be paid to the trustees; and that the key of the chapel had been placed in his (Mr. Fletcher's) hands." Resolved, "That the report be accepted, and that Mr. Fletcher be requested to convene a meeting of the new trustees as speedily as possible."

II. Personal Members. It was reported that as the Rev. W. V. Young had emigrated to Brisbane, his membership in the Conference had lapsed. Rev. J. T. Roberts, of Luton (late of West Vale), was elected to membership upon the motion of the Secretary, seconded by Rev. W. J. Staynes.

III. Spring Meetings.-The Conference will next meet at Westbourne Park Chapel, on Wednesday, April 2, 1884, as arranged by the Committee.

IV. Balance Sheets were presented for the "Conference" and "Hester Annuity" Funds, and adopted; whereupon the following resolutions were passed:

(1.) "That we heartily thank the Auditors, Messrs. W. Carter and J. Garner, for their examination of the accounts now submitted."

(2.) "That we gratefully acknowledge the kind interest manifested by J. W. Garrett Pegg, Esq., of Chesham, in the movement by which an annuity has

been secured to the Rev. Giles Hester -recognizing especially his painstaking services as Treasurer of the Fund."*

(3.) "That we heartily thank Mr. Avery for his services as Secretary to the "Hester Fund."

(4.) "That we vote the sum of £5 to the Baptist Union Augmentation Fund."

V. Baptist Union Funds.-The foregoing resolution was passed after an address from the Rev. S. H. Booth; and it was also resolved upon the motion of Revs. W. J. Staynes and J. Fletcher, "That having heard the statement of the Rev. S. H. Booth concerning the Baptist Union Annuity, Augmentation, Education, and General Expenses Funds, we earnestly request the churches in this Conference to take the matter into their consideration, and to respond liberally to the appeals that will be made to them individually through Mr. Avery."

VI. Elections for 1884.-President— Rev. John Batey. Vice-President-Mr. Thomas Grigsby (Commercial Road). Treasurer-Mr. W. Morgan (Praed St.) Secretary Rev. R. P. Cook. Committee-Messrs. W. J. Avery, F. J. Bird, J. Clifford, J. Fletcher, A. H. Moore, J. F. Smythe, and W. B. Taylor. J. Clifford moved, Mr. W. Morgan seconded, and it was heartily agreed-"That a special vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Avery upon his retirement from the Secretariat, after three years' service, for the diligence, devotion, and thoroughness with which he has discharged the duties of the office." Mr. Avery responded in terms of warm appreciation, not only of this vote, but also of the kindness that had been shown to him generally by the brethren, and especially by the London ministers in a presentation of books recently made.

VII. "The Bitter Cry of Outcast London." -J. Clifford next gave an address on "The Church's response to the Bitter Cry," for which he received the best thanks of the Conference upon the motion of Rev. J. A. Andrews and Mr. J. Neal. Discussion was continued by the Revs.. W. T. Moore (Editor of the Christian Commonwealth), R. P. Cook, and W. J. Avery; and it was resolved that Dr. Burns and J. Clifford, with the Secretary, be requested to prepare a

* Mr. Pegg has replied as follows:-"I fear that the little I was able to do in the matter has been over-estimated, but I am much obliged for so full a recognition of it. ... I cannot say more for myself than that I have been very glad to help the Fund by the willing discharge of the duties of my office."

memorial to the Legislature, on behalf of the Conference, in favor of (1) Municipal Reform for London, (2) the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the condition of the poor, and suggest the necessary remedies, and (3) the speedy enactment of a measure for securing to the people Local Option in regard to the liquor traffic which is so fruitful a source of evil.

VIII. Public Meeting.-After tea in the school-room, the evening meeting was held in the chapel, and was well attended. Rev. W. Harvey Smith offered prayer, and addresses were given by the President, Mr. S. D. Rickards, and Revs. J. A. Andrews and W. J. Staynes.

W. J. AVERY, Secretary.

CHAPELS.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-Luther Commemoration Services.-The four hundredth anniversary of the birth of Luther was celebrated as follows:-On Friday evening, Nov. 9th, a lecture was delivered by Rev. C. Playll (Congregationalist) on "Some minor causes of the Reformation; or, how Europe was prepared for Luther." On Sunday, Nov. 11th, in the morning, the Rev. C. Payne preached on "The Principles of the Reformation"; and in the evening "The Life-work of Luther" was presented in a service of song.

MACCLESFIELD. The Rev. Henry Varley preached for ten days at St. George Street Chapel. The meetings have been very large, often overflowing the capacity of the chapel, and have been full of quiet yet deep religious feeling. Mr. Varley's "lecture to men only" was delivered in the Brunswick Wesleyan Chapel, and was attended by 1,100 men; his powerful appeals for true sobriety and high morality were loudly cheered by the vast audience.

NORWICH.-St. Clement's BAND OF HOPE and Gospel Temperance Society held its annual meeting Nov. 15th. Rev. Geo, Taylor presided. A very encouraging report was given by the Secretary. Seventy pledges were taken during the year. Addresses delivered by Messrs. R. W. C. Skoyles, Mingay, Weyer, and J. W. Taylor. A special feature of the meeting was the performance of the St. Clement's String Band which has recently been formed.

were

was

STOKE-ON-TRENT. On Nov. 7th an interesting and profitable service held, at which the newly appointed deacons Messrs. Lewis, Pratt, and Morton were solemnly set apart to their office. Rev. S. Hirst addressed the three brethren and the church, after

467

which each of the brethren spoke briefly. The three senior deacons were present, and one of them commended their colleagues to God in prayer. On Nov. 12th the annual tea and public meeting was held, the pastor in the chair, addresses being delivered by Revs. T. Harkey and P. H. Blaikie. About 250 sat down to tea in the schools, and the attendance at the following meeting was still larger.

WOLVEY.-Oct. 21st a harvest thanksgiving service was held, when three sermons were preached by Rev. Willott Rice (pastor). Church was tastefully decorated for the occasion with fruits and flowers. Collections, £9 7s. This service was quite a new feature in our history.

CHAPEL ANNIVERSARIES. LONDON, Praed Street.-Oct. 21 and 22. W. J. Avery preached. After tea on Monday a public meeting was held in the chapel, over which Mr. Avery presided. Addresses were given by J. Clifford, M.A., Messrs. J. Burleigh, E. Cayford, W. C. James, T. Lilley, W. Morgan, and H. Sampson. The tone of the meeting was very cheery, and we are grateful to report that of the £353 expended on a new organ and in the improvement of the building two years ago, nothing remains to be paid.

LONGFORD, Salem Chapel.-22nd Oct. Preacher, Rev. Thos. Coop. The following day over three hundred friends assembled to tea, after which a public meeting was held, presided over by the Rev. John R. Parker. A sale of fancy and useful articles was held in the afternoon. The proceeds enabled the friends to pay off the last instalment due to the Building Fund, and cleared the amount required for the recent alterations in chapel and school-rooms.

WHITWICK. - Oct. 28th. Preacher, Rev. E. Stevenson. On the Monday following S. Peach, Esq., gave a service of song ("The Sunny Side"). Collections, £6 11s. 6d.