church to another, and to secure the supply of vacant pastorates with suitable men." The Board consists of ministers (why of ministers only, I know not) elected by the vote of the churches assembled in Annual Association, and therefore of men who may be presumed to have the confidence of the churches in discharging so delicate and responsible a task. Judging by the four last reports, and this is all the information I have, the work of the Board, though not extensive, seems to be useful. Such Boards, provided always that they are constituted of men-ministers and others who have the heartiest confidence of the churches they are appointed to serve, and act not separately and individually, but as a Board, collectively, and will take pains to understand the actual needs of the churches, and the character and abilities of ministers, will be one of the best agencies to be employed outside our individual churches in the task of "getting a new minister." The wisely-chosen members of such a Board will not neglect the "gem of purest ray serene" shut up in the village casket; but will, without hurting his sensitiveness, let the light fall on his brilliant surface and reflect his excellence. Nor will they mistake energy and earnestness for those solid qualities without which a Christian church may have a man, but not a pastor and a man of GOD. How to Write a Letter. FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS. HENRY CRABBE ROBINSON, of Cambridge, who was a friend of the poets, Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge, and himself celebrated as a letter-writer, one day called at a friend's house. He found the family very busy making up a parcel to send to one of the children, who was away at school. A little girl, about six years old, was playing about the room. Mr. Robinson called her to him, when the following conversation took place which may give my readers a hint or two on the important subject of letter-writing : "Well, Lizzie," said Mr. R., "every one seems to be sending something to Tommy; why don't you put in a letter ?" "Oh," said Lizzie, "I should like to very much, but you know I can't write." "Shall I write for you?" asked Mr. Robinson. "Oh, yes, please do!" "Very well, bring me pen, ink, and paper; but remember it is your letter, and you must tell me what to say." "I don't know anything." "Well, let me see," began Mr. R., ""Dear Tommy, you will be surprised to hear that last night our house was burned to the ground.' Will that do?" "Oh, no! don't say that, because it isn't true." "I see you have learned something about letter-writing; always remember through life never to put anything in a letter that is not quite true. Well, shall I say this; The kitten has been playing with her tail for the last quarter of an hour ?'" "Oh, no, not that." "Why not? I am sure that is true; I have seen it myself." "Yes, but Tommy would not care to hear that." "So," said Mr. R., "we must be careful that what we say is not only true, but worth writing, too. Now, shall I say, 'You will be glad to hear that Sam has quite recovered from the small-pox ?"" "Oh, yes, that will do nicely!" Why should I put that more than the other things ?" "Oh, because Tommy is very fond of Sam, and I am sure he will care to hear that." "Well, what shall we put next? Little brother has been very naughty, and will not say his lessons ?' " 66 "No, not that!" "I see you know well how to write a letter." Remember three things whenever you write letters. Be quite true. Tell nothing but what is worth telling, and likely to interest the person to whom you are writing. Say nothing unkind. the Editor's Waste-Basket. Scraps from from the I. MINISTERS AND THE MAGAZINE.— We are constantly receiving proofs of the indebtedness of our Magazine for its extended and extending circulation to the active sympathy of our ministers. Here is a sample received yesterday. "The circulation of the Magazine this year is more than forty; when I came it was eight." That is the progress made in two years. Last week another said, on going to a new "sphere," "I find the Magazine is not widely circulated here. I shall push it. It is the best way of increasing our denominational usefulness." We are deeply grateful to our brethren for their co-operation in the common cause, and will do our best to deserve their hearty and earnest help. II. THE BAPTIST UNION ANNUITY FUND has now reached over £42,000; thanks to the strenuous and indefatigable exertions of the Chairman of the Union, and the Secretary of the Fund. The remaining £8,000 are needed forthwith, so that Dr. Landels may be able to report the realisation of the desired sum of £50,000. Will the officers of our churches bestir themselves at once, if they have not done so, and get and send promises extending over the next five years of small and large sums to Rev. C. Williams, Accrington? Some of our friends have already given. Whoever has not, let him share in this good work whilst there is an opportunity. "The III. THE BURIALS BILL. English are just, but not amiable," said by Matthew Arnold to be the opinion of a well-bred Frenchman who has travelled in India, is scarcely applicable to the BURIALS BILL introduced into the House of Lords by the Duke of Richmond, and endorsed by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury in the interest of the "majority of his sensible dissenting brethren." As we read it we had the greatest difficulty in treating it au serieux. The speeches of Richmond and Canterbury look like an elaborate hoax. We imagined we were reading Punch's Essence of Parliament. Behold the Conservative magicians solving the "burial" problem! You shall have new churchyards; the parish, i.e., yourselves, shall pay for them; and then Dissenters -poor unamiable Dissenters-are to be allowed to be buried in silence! And this is the English incorruptibility, English justice, Dr. Tait prescribes for his "sensible dissenting brethren." This is adding insult to injury, and trying to make amiable small talk do the work of justice. But Dissenters are too "sensible" to sacrifice their parochial rights on the altar of Episcopal bamboozlement and Tory twaddle. IV. THE CLOCK PUT BACK.-Europe is to have peace, and Turkey is to be guaranteed a license, endorsed by all the Great Powers, to repeat its horrible deeds on the long-suffering people of Bulgaria. As Mr. Gladstone shows in his recent pamphlet, nothing is more powerfully demonstrated than the complicity of the Turkish Government in the fearful outrages upon the non-Mahometan inhabitants of European Turkey; the continuance of the misrule, violence, and rapine; the absence of all hope of deliverance from this reign of wrong by the free choice of the Porte itself: and yet, owing to the attitude of the British Government, the Great Powers are saying with one voice, "Do it again." This is the despicable solution of the Question of the East to which our "splendid" diplomacy has brought us. The policy of Sir Henry Elliot and the magician of Beaconsfield is in the ascendant, and we are not slow to show that it is a policy as un-English as it is base, and more unreasoning than it is perfidious. Shall we assent? Will the British people say that they are utterly indifferent to the cruelties practised by the Turks upon their Christian subjects by sending the incapable Sir Henry Elliot back to Constantinople? But however we may answer these questions, it is certain that connivance at national crimes will not prevent their punishment; and the great forces that make for righteousness will not be extinguished by gilded speeches and fair words. There will be a Question of the East still, and till it is settled in harmony with the principles of righteousness and humanity it will be irrepressible. Putting back the clock will not stop the sun! SPURGEON'S SHILLING SERIES. THE subject of the first volume of this series issued by Messrs. Passmore and Alabaster is "Christ's Glorious Achievements," and consists of Seven Sermons by Mr. Spurgeon on such topics as Christ the end of the law, the Conqueror of Satan, the Seeker and Saviour of the lost. The sermons need no describing, further than to say they are among the best preached by the pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The issue is handy, neat, and suited for the pocket and for distribution. It will, no doubt, command a large sale. THIRZA; OR, THE ATTRACTIVE POWER OF THE CROSS. Stock. THIS book of the Rev. Hermon Ball, of Elberfeld, here translated, is stated to be a narrative of facts; and assuredly it forms a most captivating story of the way in which a young Jewess was led to the Lord Jesus Christ. Whilst full of interest for Gentiles as an illustration of the power of the gospel, it is in the highest degree suited for distribution amongst Jews. This is a cheap edition, and forms the seventy-second thousand. POWER IN WEAKNESS. CENTRAL TRUTHS. By C. Stanford. Hodder & Stoughton. THIS is a cheap re-issue, in paper boards, of these widely known and highly esteemed books, at greatly reduced prices. Both this most charming piece of biography, and the attractive statement of fundamental doctrines, will be sure to obtain a more extended influence. MINOR CHARACTERS OF THE NEW TESTA MENT. By William Brock. Stock. THIS volume consists of discourses on the friends and comrades of the apostle Paul, and includes Ananias, Aquila and Priscilla, the household of Stephanas, Phoebe of Cenchrea, and others. Quiet beauty, much tenderness of feeling, a gentle and persuasive eloquence, and an earnest practical purpose, characterize these productions, and will secure for the work a hearty welcome and an enduring influence. THE SYSTEMATIC BIBLE TEACHER. Vol. I. Systematic Bible Teacher Depository, Paternoster Square. CONTAINS Some pungent statements, painful facts, and wise suggestions. It urges, with great emphasis, the necessity of bringing the home into active co-operation with the Sunday school, and gives plans for effecting it. The main difficulty is to get the plan worked-a difficulty which can only be mastered by persistently calling attention to the need for such action. WALTER'S MISTAKE; or, One Thing at a Time. By Mrs. H. B. Paull. Sunday Is a gem of a book for the young of both sexes, and specially suited for those amongst them who lack the gift of "continuity" and concentration. A more telling illustration of "one thing at a time" as the condition of efficiency we do not know. DEBRETT'S HOUSE OF COMMONS AND THE JUDICIAL BENCH, 1877, Edited by R. H. Man, Is indispensable to any one who wishes to be familiar with the personnel of the Commons, the results of the last General Election, and the composition of the Judicial Bench. It is illustrated with one thousand armorial bearings, and is replete with political and judicial information. THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS. By John Fox. Stock. THE thinking is unutterably thin and poor, the expression crooked, involved, and inartistic, and the teaching as often wrong as right. The only good things about the work are the type, paper, and covers. THE SOUL'S INQUIRIES ANSWERED. By G. W. Moon. Hatchards. THIS is the twentieth thousand of this unique text book. It is printed for distribution, and costs only 8d. We have used it for two years, and regard it as by far the best book of the kind we have yet seen. THE BARTON EXPERIMENT. By the author of "Helen's Babies." Sampson, Low, & Co. SHOULD be read by every teetotaller and every Christian. It answers the question "how to put good principles into practise" in magnificent style. It only costs a shilling. Church Register. CONFERENCES. CHESHIRE.-The Spring Conference will be held at Wheelock Heath, near Crewe, on Easter Tuesday, April 3rd. Business at 11.0 a.m. Devotional meeting at 2.30. Discussion on "Colportage," introduced by Roger Bate, Esq., of Tarporley. W. MARCH, Sec. EASTERN-The next meetings will be held at Wisbech, on Thursday, April 12, and not on the date previously announced. The Rev. J. Jolly is the preacher. W. ORTON, Sec. WARWICKSHIRE.-The spring meeting will be held on Monday, April 9, at Salem Chapel, Longford. Inaugural address by the president, Rev. E. C. Pike, B. A.; paper by Mr. Hitchcock-subject, "Hindrances by Church Members to Evangelistic Work." Hope says, "The day will be fine-company large-welcome hearty -programme full." LL. H. PARSONS, Sec. The MIDLAND SPRING CONFERENCE met at New Lenton, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1877. In the morning, at eleven o'clock, Mr. Cholerton, of Swadlincote, presided. Revs. W. Gray, W. Evans, H. Marsden, and W. E. Winks, prayed. The Rev. F. G. Buckingham preached from 2 Cor. iv. 1. At two o'clock, the Conference met for business. The Rev. W. Evans presided. I. Reports showed 504 persons baptized since March 7, 1876; 45 restored; and 128 candidates. II. Conference Secretaryship. Resolved (1.) That we most cordially thank the retiring secretary for his services during the past three years. (2.) That we request our brother, the Rev. J. Alcorn, Loughborough, to accept the secretaryship for the ensuing three years. III. Home Mission Operations. Resolved (1.) That we waive our right of choice of locality for Home Mission operations in favour of the Yorkshire Conference. (2.) That the following brethren be a Committee, whose duty it shall be to recommend a locality for Home Mission work-Revs. W. Bishop, T. Goadby, B.A., H. Marsden; Messrs. Bembridge, J. G. Winks, A. Goodliffe, F. Thompson, Jas. Hill, Geo. Dean, T. W. Marshall, E. Dalby, and B. Baldwin, with the chairman and secretary. IV. That the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, Leicester, be requested to preach at the Conference at Hugglescote, on WhitWednesday next. V. A case was presented from Stapleford. Resolved-That we confide this case to a Committee consisting of Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A.; Mr. Bennett, Sawley; Mr. W. Burton, Old Basford, and the secretary-elect. VI. The church at Broad Street, Nottingham, presented the following case:"Is it not desirable that members of churches should be at least eighteen years of age before they vote at church meetings?" After some discussion it was resolved - That the Conference deems it inadvisable to offer an opinion. VII. Resolved-That the best thanks of the Conference be offered to the Rev. F. G. Buckingham, for his interesting, impressive, and earnest sermon. A Home Missionary Meeting was held at seven p.m. F. J. Bradley, Esq., presided; and addresses were delivered by Revs. J. T. Almy, J. Clifford, J. Manning, and W. E. Winks. W. DYSON, Sec. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE G. B. LOCAL PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION. THE members and delegates of the Local Preachers' Association held their quarterly meeting at Prospect Place, March 5. Reports of the ten churches in the association cheering. 32 baptized, eight received, and eight candidates. New rules were approved, and ordered to be issued. After tea Mr. W. Richardson presided at a public meeting, and read a paper on the 'past and present of the local preacher's life." Mr. T. Bird read a paper on "the Work and Aim of the Preacher." Addresses were given by Messrs. Buck, Mee, Proctor, and Sharman. J. J. WARD, Sec. 66 CHURCHES. BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street -The annual church meeting was held, Feb. 12, the pastor, Rev. W. Oates, presiding. Report showed twenty-seven received during the past year, an increase in the general income, and £40 realized by a Christmas tree for the chapel debt. Feb. 19, a successful concert was given. GRANTHAM--NEW CHURCH.--On Lord'sday, Feb. 25, two sermons were preached in the Westgate Hall, Grantham, in connection with the formation of a General Baptist church, by the Rev. T. Goadby, B.A. At the conclusion of the evening service the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered, and twenty persons were united together in church fellowship. Any minister or friend who can help the new church are requested to communicate with Mr. Gibson, 1, Finkin Street, Grantham. TODMORDEN.-A tea and public meeting was held, Feb. 24. The whole amount of the debt, £100, was raised, and a small surplus left in hand. SCHOOLS. BELPER.-Marianne Farningham, the well known writer, lectured, Feb. 14, on behalf of our intended new schools, on the "Women of To-day." W. B. Bembridge, Esq., of Ripley in the chair. WOLVEY.-On Feb. 20th our scholars received their prizes for good attendance and conduct. The books were presented by Mr. Elliott and Mr. Garratt, the superintendent and secretary. Mr. Beamish gave the address. MINISTERIAL. ATKINSON, REV. J. H., was recognized as pastor of Friar Lane church, Leicester, Feb. 21. It was one of the largest social gatherings ever held. More than 700 persons to tea. After tea a most interesting and enthusiastic meeting was held. In the absence of the Rev. J. P. Mursel the chair was occupied by Mr. S. Mather, and on the platform, or by letter, nearly all the nonconformist denominations of the town were represented. Rev. I. Stubbins read a history of the church. Mr. W. Ashby stated the reasons why the church invited Mr. Atkinson, and in the name of the church gave him a hearty welcome. Mr. Atkinson responded, and the Rev. T. Stevenson offered prayer. Revs. W. Bishop, W. B. Bliss, J. Clifford, W. Evans, F. B. Meyer, W. E. Winks, and Messrs. Perry and G. Stafford, took part in the meeting. Friends were present from Hitchin, Sheffield, Derby, Loughborough, Quorndon,&c. JACKSON, REV. E. H., of Ripley, has accepted the hearty and unanimous invitation of the church at Northgate, Louth, and will commence his pastorate May 6. JOHNSON, REV. C. T.-Feb. 19 was a grand day in the history of the Baptists here. The recognition services of the first pastor (C. T. Johnson) of the church was held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel. In the afternoon J. Clifford preached to a large congregation. 500 were at tea. In the evening a crowded meeting was held, presided over by Councillor James Hill, Esq. Rev. F. G. Buckingham opened the meeting with prayer. Rev. E. Stevenson asked the usual questions to the deacons and pastor, and offered special prayer on the union. Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., delivered the charge to the pastor, and J. Clifford the charge to the church. Addresses were delivered by Revs. E. J. Silverton,--Stapleton, and Messrs. White and Gaskin. Collections, etc., £60 12s. ROBERTS, REV. R. Y.-The eighth anDiversary tea-meeting to celebrate the settlement of the Rev. R. Y. Roberts as pastor of Clarence Street church, Landport, was held Feb. 21. After tea the friends adjourned to the chapel adjoining, where a service of song, entitled, "Bart's Joy," was given by the Lake Road choir, assisted by 150 children, led by Mr. W. E. Green. Rev. R. Y. Roberts presided. ROBINSON, REV. H. B., was publicly recognized as the pastor of Ely Place church, Wisbech, Feb. 20. Mr. Bateman Brown presided. Addresses were given by the Revs. H. B. Robinson, T. Barrass, J. Smith, and Messrs. Cockett, Curry, Ekins, Morris, and Tyars. Mr. Robinson has laboured for seven and a half years at Chatteris, and leaves behind him a loving and attached flock. His welcome to Wisbech was most enthusiastic. BAPTISMS. BELPER.-Two, by Dr. Underwood. BIRMINGHAM, Lombard Street.-Four, by E. C. Pike. HOSE.-Three, by W. Thomas. KIRKBY.-Four. LONDON, Boro' Road.--Three, by G. W. M'Cree. LONG EATON.-Four (two from Stapleford), by C. T. Johnson. LINEHOLME.-Seven, by W. Sharman. SHORE.-Six, by J. K. Chappelle. SPALDING.-Six, by J. C. Jones. STALYBRIDGE.-Three, by S. Skingle. SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD.-Three, by C. Barker. TODMORDEN.-Three, by W. E. Bottrill. WALSALL.-Ten, by W. Lees. WIRKSWORTH.-Twelve (all but one from the Sabbath school), by J. C. Forth. MARRIAGES. NEWMAN-MERRIKIN.-March 2, at Grainthorpe, by the Rev. L. H. Earle, Wm. Newman, to Mrs. G. M. Merrikin, of Grainthorpe House. OBITUARIES. BUMPUS.-March 13, Sarah, the beloved wife of the Rev. Thos. Bumpus, of Rectory Place, Loughborough, and daughter of the late Mr. Topley, of Trent Lock, near Sawley, Derbyshire, in her fifty-fifth year, deeply beloved and lamented. Gone to be with Christ, which is far better. INGHAM.-Grace Ingham, widow of the late Rev. R. Ingham, D.D., calmly fell asleep in Jesus on Friday evening, Jan. 19, 1877, aged 72. SUTTON.-March 11, at Castle Donington, Mr. W. Sutton, formerly of Hinckley, aged 76. WARD, HARRIETT SUSANNAH, the beloved wife of J. J. Ward, of Nottingham, fell asleep in Jesus, February 11, aged 40. WILKINSON, CATHERINE JANE, only daughter of the Rev. H. Wilkinson, of Leicester, died Feb. 25, 1877. "Not lost, but gone before." |