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NEWS OF THE CHURCHES.

and a well-laden Christmas tree. In the lecture room "Tableaux Vivants" created both amusement and profit. Mr. John Varley's string band discoursed lively and tasteful music. A very hearty and united feeling prevailed, all working with a good will. Total proceeds, £103.

ILKESTON, South Street.-The old Baptist chapel having been closed several weeks for renovation and alteration, was re-opened on Sunday, Nov. 16, by Mr. C. F. Aked, of Nottingham College. Sermons were preached to large and attentive congregations. The preacher heartily congratulated them

on the

greatly improved appearance of the chapel. On the following Monday a public tea was provided, after which a very humorous lecture was delivered to a large audience by Mr. Aked; subject-" The three boxes that rule the world: the jury box, the ballot box, and the band box." Mr. W. C. Hollis presided. The services were quite a success. The improvements consist of a new roof, seats, and gas fittings, cleaning and painting; these have been made at a cost of £110. We have already realized about £60.

KILBOURNE. The anniversary and opening of new organ took place on Dec. 7th. Rev. E. Hilton, pastor, preached two sermons to large congregations. Mr. G. Cresswell presided at the organ, which has been built by Mr. J. M. Grumwell, of Derby, and gives every satisfaction.

On

the Monday following, in the Wesleyan school-room (kindly lent for the occasion), Mr. W. Lambert of Eastwood, gave his lecture on "Woman." Rev. E. Hilton took the chair. Subscription cards realised £26 98. 2d., and the collections brought the amount to £32, which is within three pounds of the sum needed.

LONG EATON.-On Tuesday evening, Nov. 18th, the Rev. H. Wood delivered a most interesting lecture in the schoolroom, under the auspices of the Mutual Improvement Class. The subject was "Eastward Ho! or, Pen Pictures from Port Said to Calcutta," being a graphic description of the places and scenery passed upon the way from one port to the other. The chair was occupied by Mr. Chambers, and a collection was taken on behalf of the funds of the class.

LYDGATE.-On Dec. 6, the ladies connected with Mount Olivet provided a tea and entertainment towards the painting fund. About 300 sat down to tea. Mrs. J. Law presided at the entertainment. Amount realised £22 10s.

NORWICH, St. Clement's.-The annual tea of the Band of Hope was held on

Dec. 4, attended by a large number of members and friends. After tea a very interesting miscellaneous entertainment was given, consisting of readings, recitations, solos, etc., which were very effliciently rendered by the choir and members of the various societies. At the close several signed the pledge, and donned the Blue Ribbon.

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NOTTINGHAM, Hyson Green. - First Anniversary in the New Premises.-Nov. 26th, lecture by Rev. Dr. Clifford, on "Clogs: Old and New." Chairman, W. H. Mallet, Esq.-Nov. 30, sermons by Rev. T. R. Stevenson.-Dec. 1, tea meeting. The report for the year showed encouraging progress in all departments. Speeches, congratulatory and inspirational, were delivered by A. Goodliffe, Esq., who presided; Revs. T. Goadby, B.A., R. F. Griffiths, J. H. Hollowell, and Mr. C. Forth. During the evening the pastor, on behalf of the Building Committee, presented an illustrated album, filled with photographs, to Mr. T. Green, as a slight recognition of his services as their secretary." The contributions and donations to the church and trust funds were on a liberal scale.

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STOKE-ON-TRENT.-On Nov. 26 a meeting was held to take farewell of Mr. and Mrs. James Morton, who sailed with their family for Sydney, New South Wales, on 2nd December. The pastor made the presentations, which consisted of an illuminated address, signed on behalf of the church by himself and the deacons; a purse containing £8 10s.; and two photographic groups presented to Mrs. Morton by her Sunday school class and the members of the Young Christians' Band. Suitable speeches were delivered by Rev. S. Hirst; Mr. J. Taylor, senior deacon; Mr. Alfred Wright, superintendent of the school; Mr. W. Nixon, representing the lay preachers; Mr. W. M. Grose and Mr. C. W. Pratt, deacon and secretary to the church. Mr. Morton feelingly responded, urging the church to greater consecration. The address, which was a most creditable production, was gratuitously illuminated by Mr. E. G. Chambers, organist, and referred to Mr. Morton's labours as a lay preacher, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and in the temperance cause; and to Mrs. Morton's indefatigable and successful efforts amongst the young, the sick, and in almost every department of church work.

VALE.-On Dec. 7th. two sermons were preached on behalf of the trust fund, by the Rev. J. Hubbard, of Heptonstall Slack. Collections £6 148.

NEWS OF THE CHURCHES.

MINISTERIAL.

REV. J. R. GODFREY ceased his min. istry of five years and a half at Bulwell, on Nov. 16, a large congregation being present in the evening. A farewell meeting, preceded by a public tea, was held on the previous Monday, Mr. S. Cox presiding, when a purse containing £22 was presented to the pastor, on behalf of the friends, by Mr. A. Bexon. Addresses were also given by Revs. W. Chapman, J. Maden, Councillors T. Hardy and J. Birch, and Mr. R. Sankey. The teachers of the Board School, of which Mr. Godfrey has been honorary treasurer for several years, have also presented him with an illuminated address, expressive of their esteem, and their regret at his removal.-Mr. Godfrey has accepted the hearty invitation of the Barton church to be co-pastor with Rev. G. Needham, and will (D.V.) commence with the new year.

PRESENTATIONS.

ASHBY.-The Rev. C. Clarke, B.A., having completed the twenty-second year of his pastorate, was on his fiftieth birthday (Dec. 4th) presented with a purse of gold by a large circle of friends, who wished to testify their high respect for his character and ministry.

DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.-On Monday evening, Dec. 8, an interesting and most successful meeting, to commemorate the silver wedding of the Rev. T. R. 'Stevenson (pastor) and Mrs. Stevenson, was. held in the school-rooms. There was a large attendance. The rooms were handsomely decorated for the occasion. Shortly after seven o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, with their two daughters and grandson, entered the well-filled room, and were greeted with hearty and continued cheering. The "Wedding March" was played upon the pianoforte by the Misses Hadfield and Miss E. E. Ellis. Congratulations followed. Refreshments were supplied throughout the evening. Mr. James Hill, secretary of the church, was entrusted to present Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson with an elegant silver tea and coffee service, bearing the inscription-"St. Mary's Gate chapel. To the Rev. T. R. and Mrs. Stevenson, on their Silver Wedding Day. Derby, Dec. 8th, 1884;" and a bag containing £25, a considerable portion of which consisted of new silver coins. The address of the secretary was couched in terms of deserved recognition of the pastor's services, and of the services of Mrs. Stevenson, during the past three years, and expressed the hope that nothing

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might ever occur between pastor and people that might tend to tarnish or diminish the lustre which the articles presented gave forth. The Rev. T. R. Stevenson, on behalf of Mrs. Stevenson and himself, suitably acknowledged the address, and the kindness of his people in gifts so unexpected. The remainder of the evening was spent most agreeably, and was interspersed with vocal and instrumental music by members of the church and congregation, and other friends. The thanks of the meeting were especially due to Messrs. R. and T. Abell, Mrs. Jerram, Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Davey, Mr. R. Hodder, and others, for their services in connection with the arrangements.

HUGGLESCOTE.-On Saturday evening, Dec. 6, the young women of Miss Lavender's bible class, presented her with a handsome easy chair, in appreciation of her kindness and work for many years. A tea was arranged for the occasion. Afterwards Mr. Dennis presided and made the presentation.

LONGFORD, Union Place. The teachers and members of the young women's bible class, have presented the Rev. H. J. Hodson with a handsomely bound copy of Cassell's Illustrated Family Bible, as a token of esteem and regard for him as their pastor.

BAPTISMS.

HALIFAX, North Parade.-Seven (one a Congregationalist), by W. Dyson.

LONDON, Bethhal Green Road. -Nine, by W. Harvey Smith.

LONDON, Commercial Road. - Four, by J. Fletcher.

LONDON, Westbourne Park.-Eight, by J. Clifford, D.D.

LONGTON.-Twelve (three for the church at

Fenton), by C. T. Johnson.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-Two, by C. Payne.
LYDGATE.-Two, by W. L. Stevenson.
MARKET HARBOROUGH.-Eight, including the
pastor's family of three, by J. Wild.
NORWICH.-Sixteen (one an Independent, and
one a Methodist), by G. Taylor.
SPALDING.-Six, by J. Č. Jones, M.A.
TODMORDEN.-One, by W. March.

OBITUARIES.

BISHOP, ELIZABETH. -Nov. 30th, at the residence of her son, in Birmingham, in the 85th year of her age, Elizabeth Bishop, widow of Charles Bishop, formerly of Nottingham, In the August and September numbers of the General Baptist Repository for the year 1887 there was a memoir of Mr. Charles Bishop, of Nottingham, written by the Rev. W. Pickering, who was then the minister of the Stoney Street church in that town. These were some of the concluding words of that memoir:"Thus died this amiable, humble Christian, in the 81st year of his age. He was an honour to divine grace through all his pilgrimage, and he now inherits the promises. He left a pious and esteemed widow to deplore her unspeaka

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NEWS OF THE CHURCHES.

ble loss, and two sons. May they inherit in time and eternity all the blessings he sought for them." That widow survived her beloved husband for the long period of forty-eight years. She had the joy of seeing both her sons following in their father's steps. One of them went before his mother to the better land. Her other son had the happiness of taking this aged mother to his own home in the beginning of 1880. That home was brightened and made glad with her gentle and loving presence, and the memory of her unselfish goodness and of her gentle Christ-like spirit remains as a gracious and blessed inspiration to all who were privileged to minister to her declining years. C. T. B.

COLMAN, ERNEST STACEY. Nov. 1st, at Peterborough, after a brief illness, Ernest Stacey, second surviving son of Samuel C. Colman, aged twenty-three years.

FARRAR, HENRY.-The church at Vale has suffered a great loss in the sudden death of Henry Farrar, its oldest deacon, and one of its oldest members. He was baptized January 1st, 1855. He had nearly reached four-score years, yet his attack was somewhat sudden, and his speedy removal created great surprise. His attendance at the means of grace, up to the last week, was marked by a regularity which was most praiseworthy. His liberality to the Orissa Mission, and his willing response to the special and ordinaryrequirements of the church, coupled with his unobtrusive piety, will remain as memorials of his quiet life.

GIBSON, SARAH, of Long Clawson, Leicestershire, was born at Melton Mowbray, March 26, 1827, and fell asleep Sept. 29, 1884. In her youth she attended the Church of England Sunday School. After her marriage to her surviving husband, Mr. G. Gibson, and her settlement at Clawson, she was impressed, and became decided by a sermon on "the Pentecost," preached by the Rev. C. Payne, then a student, and shortly after she was baptized in the Hose chapel, and was received into the fellowship of the church in the year 1863. During the twentyone years of her active Christian life she was a devout,constant, and cheerful Christian worker. A severe affliction kept her at home for nearly two years, but she was a pattern of patience, and was anxious to the last for the best interests of the school and church of her choice. Her departure was anticipated with resignation, "and it was light at eventide." The event was improved October 19, in the Clawson chapel by Mr. J. Burton, of Nottingham. W. R.

NEWTON, ANN, for more than fifty years a consistent member of the church at Stalybridge, having "served her own generation by the will of God, fell asleep," aged seventy-four years.

RUSSELL, THOMAS, late of Leicester, passed away after a brief but severe illness on August 6th. He had reached the ripe age of 77 years, and up to the last few days of his life retained all his physical and mental powers very little impaired. For over half a century he had been associated with the Archdeacon Lane church. By his earnest Christian spirit and faithful service, as well as by his upright conduct in business, he won the respect and confidence of all who knew him. For many years he was a diligent and earnest Sunday School teacher-serving as a superintendent, and afterwards as the teacher of the Young Men's Class. During a considerable part of the time, he faithfully and well filled the office of a deacon of the church. For some ten years in later life he lived in the village of Sileby. There he served on both the Burial and School Boards of the village, and threw

himself heartily into the work of the little G.B. cause. But his cherished desire was to spend his last days in connection with the Archdeacon Lane church. On the death of his wife the way seemed to open for him to realize his wish. The last eighteen months were spent in Leicester. He had eminent qualities for the visitation of the sick and aged, and as he had leisure he gave himself up to this work, and to occasional service in the Sunday School. His place in the sanctuary was never vacant when it was possible to fill it. He has gone from the church full of years and usefulness, but the loss, sincerely regretted, is to him the gain of eternal rest and reward. W. B.

STRANGWARD, CHARLOTTE, died on Nov. 2, at Peterborough, aged seventy. She had been for many years a member of the Queen Street church, and was highly esteemed for her consistent conduct and her regular attendance at the various services. "Her end was peace."

THOMPSON, SAMUEL, the deeply lamented senior deacon of the church at Long Sutton, departed this life on August 27th, aged 86 years. He was baptized at Fleet more than 60 years ago, and continued in fellowship there until the opening of the Long Sutton church, more than 40 years since. Fleet and Long Sutton were previously united. He was Sabbath School teacher and superintendent at Long Sutton before the separation; then became deacon, and honourably filled the office to the close of his long and useful life. Mr. Thompson was a man of sterling integrity and worth, and his house and heart were ever open to the lovers of the Saviour. He was a firm friend to our missions both home and foreign, and while an ardent lover of his " Own people," was very catholic in spirit. As & church member he was liberal, consistent, active, and useful. He never made an enemy or lost a friend. He came to his end like a shock of corn fully ripe. His remains were interred in the burying ground close by the chapel, in the grave he had purchased some years before. On Sunday evening, September 7th, a funeral sermon was preached by the pastor of the church to a large congregation, from Prov. xvi. 81.

His

UNDERWOOD. WILLIAM, passed to his reward September 19th. His end was anticipated only by himself. He accordingly put his house in order, and had scarcely completed his arrangements ere the summons was received. sudden,-and to the villagers,-unexpected death, has, under God's blessing, awakened many dormant Christians, and already signs of renewed activity are manifested. His dear widow is full of sincere thankfulness at such pleasing results. Mr. Underwood was born at Asfordby in 1816, joined the G.B. church at Wymeswold, under the pastoral care of the late Rev. E. Bott, over 46 years ago, and almost immediately began to preach Christ to his fellows. He migrated to Upper Broughton in 1838, married in 1845, and started a small business, and was made a deacon of the church in 1856. He identified himself with the Sunday School from the beginning, first as a teacher and latterly as superintendent. Possessing indomitable perseverance, he taught himself to read and write, and on entering business promised God, that in his success, not less than a tenth of his income should be devoted to the service of Jesus Christ. He prospered; was a liberal supporter of G.B. institutions, and almost the sole sustainer of the cause at Upper Broughton; but he will be best remembered as a secret benefactor in many a home in times of need and distress.

C. R. W. O.

THE

MISSIONARY OBSERVER.

JANUARY, 1885.

Gibing to the Lord.

BY THE REV. J. H. WILSON, D.D., EDINBURGH.

Ex. xxxv. 4-29; xxxvi. 3-7; Acts xx. 35.

ONE of the saddest and most marked characteristics of our fallen nature is our earthliness, carnality, selfishness. Bound for eternity, we live as if earth were our all. With the noblest prospects open to us, enough to excite the highest and most ardent aspirations, our soul cleaves to the dust. With a perfect pattern of unselfishness set before us in the person of the Lord Jesus, self-denying, self-forgetful, ever thinking of others and living for others, and enjoining the like on His followers,— we seek our own comfort, honour, gratification, with all the eagerness of a passion; and self-indulgence seems almost as common and as irresistible an instinct as self-defence. With an accomplished redemption, the fruit of the Redeemer's labours and tears and sufferings and death, providing for men a gracious and free salvation, and furnishing them in such "free receiving" with the most powerful motive and inducement to "free giving," there is either a persistent withholding, or a stinted, niggardly, grudging yielding to His claims for Himself and for those who are the objects of His care. Hence we are so often and in so many ways reminded of the uncertain tenure on which earthly things are held, of the pilgrim and stranger character of the earthly life, of our position as stewards, receiving all from the Lord and answerable for all to Him. Hence the frequency and urgency with which He presses His claims upon us in the matter of giving, furnishing us with the strongest motives, and, alike by precept and example, setting before us the duty and the privilege of it.

Much as the subject comes before us in Old Testament Scripture, it occupies in the New Testament a yet more prominent place, thus showing it not to be merely legal, not to be part of an economy no longer binding on us. It is put on a higher platform and urged by more influential considerations, so that a New Testament believer should, in this respect, be ahead of rather than any way behind an Old Testament saint. How the Lord should so assert and press His claims in this matter, and give such prominence to the recognition of them on the part of His people, in the record of the Church's past history, it is not difficult to understand. There are two considerations to which it may not be amiss to refer here, two lights in which the matter may be viewed, as furnishing the explanation. We may regard giving for God

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MISSIONARY OBSERVER.

1.-As an act of worship. The highest view that can be taken of giving, is, that it is an act of worship,-an offering to the Lord. It partakes of the same character as the other offerings presented to Him, which, beyond all question, were acts of worship. The very word "offering" (used in Ex. xxxv. 5, etc.) signifies properly a heave-offering, from the fact of its being lifted up, held up, offered to God. Hence, giving to God was so often associated, as it is still, with other acts of worship, itself as really and as much worship as any of them all. When I pray to God, or praise Him, I worship Him. I own myself His creature. I acknowledge His goodness. I recognize Him as the source from which all my good things have come and must come. I yield to Him my homage. I render to Him as His creature,-most of all as His redeemed creature, my tribute of submission, allegiance, thanksgiving. The bending of the knee, the opening of the lips, implies that. And the like is implied in my giving to God. I acknowledge Him as the Giver of all to me, the Owner of all I have, the rightful Proprietor of myself and of all that I call and regard as mine. It is the acknowledgement of creatureship. It is the tribute of a subject, of a servant. It is an express declaration that what I have, I hold from Him; my offering having the same relation to all else that I have, that the Sabbath has to all time, not saying, "this is mine, and that is God's," but saying, "all is God's, and this is a special token and acknowledgment of it." It is an expression of thanksgiving, devotedness, love, praise. And so, as much as in the case of the burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or peaceoffering, or sin-offering, or the more formal heave-offering, which the priest heaved or lifted up before the Lord and the people, and waved to the four quarters of heaven, in token of giving it over to the Lord, their giving to Him was an act of divine worship. As much was their bringing of these materials and offering them for His service, an act of worship rendered to Him, as when-after the temple had been completed out of the materials now presented, and consecrated and acknowledged as the place of the divine presence-the priest offered sacrifice, and the people bowed the knee and reverently adored.

What a solemnity and dignity are thus imparted to giving to God, which most of us, I fear, fail to realize. How little of worship, for the most part, there is in our giving, even where it is directly and expressly for His service! What would be thought of our engaging in other acts of worship as we do in this! What would be thought of our praying or praising as we give,-with as little thought of God, as little emotion, as little fear, regard, gratitude, love, cheerfulness, joy? Much of our giving is indeed no worship at all. It would seem a profanation of the word to call it such. We should be ashamed to claim for it that character. And yet none the less should it be such. And none the less would it be a source of comfort and help, if we realized it. When I give from right motive,-from a sense of obligation, out of gratitude for mercies received, from love to Christ and His cause and people, from a desire to aid in hastening the coming of His kingdom, with the eye on that great word of His, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me;"-when thus I give to the poor, or meet the claims of benevolence otherwise,-when I contribute to the support of ordinances or to the diffusion of the knowledge of Christ and His gospel at home or abroad,-each separate act of giving, on a large

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