CONFERENCES.

EASTERN. The next meetings of this Conference will be held at Wisbech on Thursday, April 19. The Rev A. H. Smith, of Coningsby, will preach in the morning. Business at two. In the evening a public meeting in support of our Home Mission. C. BARKER, Sec.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE -THE SPRING MEETINGS will be held at Haven Green Chapel, Ealing, W., on Wednesday, April 4th. Business at three p.m. Tea at 5.30, price sixpence. Public meeting at seven, when the President, Rev. Charles Pearce, of Tring, will deliver his Inaugural Address on "How to make the most and best of the evangelizing power in our Churches." A free discussion, to be opened by Rev. R. P. Cook and Mr. Alfred Edwards, will follow.

W. J. AVERY, Secretary. WARWICKSHIRE.-The Spring meeting will be held at Salem Chapel, Longford, on Tuesday, April 24, 1883. President, Rev. W. Lees, of Walsall. Papers by Revs. A. T. Prout, Birmingham, and ́ Ll. H. Parsons, Leicester. Sermon by Rev. D. Asquith, of Nuneaton.

WARWICKSHIRE.-The Autumnal meeting of 1882 was held on Monday, Oct. 23, in Longmore Street Chapel, Birmingham. Morning Session.

The President, Rev. C. Hood, delivered a valuable address on "Tendencies of Modern Church Organization in relation to the Home Life of our Young People."

Reports from the churches showedGains, 94; Losses, 31; Candidates for baptism and fellowship, 37; Inquirers, 46. Very hospitable provision for dinner was made by the Longmore Street friends. Afternoon Session.

1. After devotional exercises a paper, subject, "The Place of Music in the Worship of the Church,' was read by Mr. Edmonds, of Walsall. So interesting and calculated to be useful was the essay that the Conference, in thanking the writer, formally signified its wish that Mr. Clifford should be asked to print the paper in the Magazine. The discussion was hearty and sensible.

2. The following ministers, who have accepted pastorates within the Conference, were cordially welcomed by the President-Revs. D. Asquith, Nuneaton; J. R. Parker, Salem, Longford; A. T. Prout, Longmore Street, Birmingham.

3. The retiring President was warmly thanked for his services, and the Rev. W. LEES appointed President for 1883.

4. The Conference decided that a collection be made at the evening meeting of the Conference, in addition to the ordinary annual subscriptions from the churches, as they were insufficient to defray expenses, and that a Statement of Conference Accounts be presented every autumn.

5.

The existing Secretary was requested to continue wearing Conference harness sine die.

6. The following arrangements for the next Conference were then made:-Place: Salem, Longford. Time: April 24, if convenient. Paper: subject," The Attitude of our Churches in Relation to other Denominations, with especial reference Writers: to the Salvation Army.' Revs. A. T. Prout and Ll. H. Parsons. Preacher Rev. D. Asquith, of Nuneaten.

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7. The warm and well merited thanks of the Conference were offered to the pastor and friends of the Longmore Street hostel for their kind attention to the comfort of their guests.

Additional interest was lent to the afternoon session by the presence of Mr. Argyle, who took very genial and helpful part in the proceedings.

After tea an Experience Meeting was held in the chapel, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Lees, A. T. Prout, and Mr. Argyle.

A Public Meeting was subsequently held in the chapel, and capital addresses were delivered by the chairman (Rev. E. W. Cantrell), Revs. W. Lees, C. Wood, and A. T. Prout. LL. H. PARSONS, Sec.

CHURCHES.

BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street.-The ladies' annual sale of work was held on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of Feb., and was a marked success. Proceeds, over £30.

CARRINGTON.-March 4th was a red letter day in the history of our church. A prayer meeting was held at seven a.m., and public service at 10.30. Nine friends put on Christ by baptism, three males and six females, the oldest being in her 76th year, and the youngest in her 20th. Brother Payne, of Chilwell College, preached morning and evening, and H. Belton baptized. This being the first public baptism by immersion in Carrington, a large congregation attended, and great interest was manifested in the event. In the afternoon, at three o'clock, the annual meeting for the distribution of scholars prizes took place. Mr. Councillor Bennett presided, and after a few words of congratulation to the fifty-five successful competitors, distributed the

CHURCH

prizes, consisting of well-selected and handsomely bound books. To stimulate the young people Mr. Bennett promised, for the next annual distribution, a valuable first prize from Mrs. Bennett to the girl who obtained the highest number of marks, and a similar prize from himself to the boy who occupied the same position on his side. In the evening the newly-baptized candidates were received into church fellowship.

NANTWICH.-On Monday, March 12th, a social tea meeting was held in connection with the pastor's Bible class. Forty to tea, including some of the Sundayschool teachers. The class has 35 members, nine of whom have been recently baptized and received into the church. The class has become a centre of Christian enterprize and activity. About twelve young persons have offered themselves for evangelistic work, and have taken districts with the view of seeking out those who do not attend any place of worship, and inviting such persons to come to the public services.

OUR MINISTERS.

BENNETT, G. H.-At Bourne, Feb. 26, were held ordination services in connection with the settlement of Mr. George H. Bennett, of Chilwell College, as pastor. The services commenced at three p.m., when the Rev. W. Orton, the late pastor, presided. Mr. S. D. Rickards, of London, read the scriptures and prayed, after which Mr. Orton gave an introductory address. The questions to the church and the minister were proposed by the Rev. J. Clifford, M.A. Mr. W. R. Wherry responded on behalf of the church; and Mr. Bennett gave a brief account of his conversion, call to the ministry, acceptance of the Bourne pastorate, and personal beliefs. The Rev. T. Barrass then offered the ordination prayer, and the Rev. T. Goadby, B A., delivered the charge to the minister from the text 1 Cor. iv. 1-3. The Rev. C. Barker, of Fleet, concluded the service with prayer. A public tea was provided in the schoolrooms, where a large company assembled. At seven o'clock a meeting was held in the chapel, which was crowded in every part. Mr. W. B. Bembridge, of Ripley, took the chair, and addresses were delivered by Mr. S. D. Rickards, Revs. E. Hall Jackson, J. Hamilton, and T. Baron, who represented the other denominations in the town; and the Rev. G. Robinson, of Hugglescote, who spoke as fellowstudent of the pastor. Mr. C. Roberts, senior deacon, and Mr. W. Bishop also addressed the meeting; and J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., delivered an address to the

church and congregation on the subject of "Reality," which will not soon, if ever, be forgotten by those who heard it. The services, as a whole, were stimulating and encouraging, and the young pastor enters upon his labours amid circumstances which augur well for the future usefulness of both minister and church.

ROBINSON, REV. G., late of Chilwell College, has accepted the pastorate of the ancient church at Hugglescote, and commenced his labours on the 11th ult., with very encouraging prospects.

DENHOLME.-Five, by J. Taylor.
HALIFAX.-Eight, by W. Dyson.
HITCHIN.-Ten, by F. J. Bird.

LONDON, Bethnal Green Road.-Six, by W. Harvey Smith.

LONDON, Westbourne Pk.-Nine, by J. Clifford. LOUGHBORO', Wood Gate.-Four, by C. W. Vick. LOUTH, Eastgate.-Three, by C. Payne. NANTWICH.-Ten, by P. Williams. NOTTINGHAM, Carrington.-March 4, nine, by H. Belton.

PETERBOROUGH.-Two, by T. Barrass. SPALDING.-Fourteen, by J. C. Jones. SUTTON ST. JAMES.-Seven, by F. J. Flatt. VALE.-Two, by W. March.

MARRIAGE.

HOLT-WADE.-Feb. 28, at North Parade Chapel, Halifax, by the Rev. W. Dyson, Josiah F. Holt, youngest son of Mr. Joseph Holt, to Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. John Wade, all of Halifax.

OBITUARIES.

HIND, MRS. ISABELLA, the beloved wife of Mr. James Hind, of London, departed this life, March 11, 1883. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr. Joshua Bailey, of Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, and sister of the late well-known Rev. William Bailey, Orissa Missionary. For many years she was an attached member of the church at Praed Street and Westbourne Park, and took a strong interest in its movements. Her illness was long and painful, but her end was quiet as the sleep of a child. In her 52nd year she entered into the wearied pilgrim's eternal rest.

SAXTON, LAURA, of Sawley, departed this life, Jan. 21st, 1883, aged 15 years. Her affliction was short but from the outset severe, and those who watched her unceasingly with the deepest sympathy and affection were all the time conscious that she would not recover. Although she was conscious only at short intervals, she told her parents that she was going to heaven, and spoke of those who were gone before. She was loving and loveable, and always cheerful, ever displayed a tender sympathy for her mother, and was never so happy as when she could assist in making lighter the cares and anxieties that were necessarily attached to a large family, of which she was the eldest. Though not a member of

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the church, at three years of age she attended the Sunday-school and at twelve she joined the choir. She loved the chapel, and always attended every prayer-meeting and service possible, and for some time before her death, had been enquiring the right way, so that she might more fully perform her Master's will. When it became known that Laura was dead, the sympathy and emotion of her companions and friends were intense, while those nearer and dearer to her were litterally broken hearted. The poet has well written, "God moves in a mysterious way."

Her voice is hushed, and she has reached the home she was nearing, and many fond hopes entertained by her parents and friends will never be realized, but the one grand, blessed hope remains

"Oh! how sweet will it be in that beautiful land,

So free from all sorrow and pain, With songs on our lips and harps in our hands,

To meet one another again."

UTTLEY, MARTHA ANN, the daughter of Wright and Mary Ann Uttley, of Lineholme, Todmorden, died Feb. 11, 1883, aged 22. Beloved for her meekness and devotion at home, she was esteemed for her stainless character in the church, and valued for her zealous service in the Sunday school. Mr. Mark Oldfield preached a memorial sermon, Feb. 18, from Job xiv. 10, to a large and sorrowing audience.

WALKER, MR. BENJAMIN, died at Stretton, near Burton, on Feb. 3rd, in his eightieth year. He was a native of the village, and in his youth attended the preaching of the General Baptists at Burton. As their place of meeting was at Bond End-the opposite side of the town to that of Stretton-he had at least three miles to walk to the Sunday and other services. He was one of the earliest members of the church, and one of the most ardent and active. Leaving Stretton he became usher in a private school; but not liking his employment, he exchanged it for one more enterprizing and lucrative in the town of Nottingham. By industry and skill in lace making he grew in the course of time, into a master in the trade, laying the foundation of that prosperity which has long been the lot of the establishment at Old Lenton. Identifying himself with the church in Broad Street, he became one of its best known members and supporters, taking his share in the Sunday-school, the choir, and other auxiliaries of the place. As a young working man, and while yet poor, he began to be" a cheerful giver." Attending a missionary meeting at which a London minister appealed for special help to meet a new demand, Mr. Walker, who had but two sovereigns in his possession, promptly gave one of them to the object. He was chided by his friends with whom he lodged for such effusive generosity: but he met their chidings by the avowal of a belief that he should be no poorer for it in the end. Throngh his future life, as he freely received, he freely gave. His donations were often large in amount, and were so extensively conferred, that he became generally known as an eminently liberal man. Few persons in his sphere of life received more frequent applications for occasional aid; and to few were such extraneous appeals addressed with more

bourhood of Nottingham for Mrs. Walker, he returned to Stretton as the tenant of the Manor Farm, under the Marquis of Anglesea, and there he passed his principal time during the last years of his life. Old and rich as he was he superintended the affairs of his large farm, and was contented with the plain but substantial accommodations which this country house afforded. He minded not high things, but condescended to things which are lowly. Under his roof at Stretton he provided a home for a bereaved relative and her fatherless children, who, in return for his bounty, ministered to his moderate wants, and managed his household affairs. But his hospitality was only a part of his readiness to maintain good works. He was a father to the poor around him, and expended a large sum, especially in the winter season, in purchasing clothing for labouring men and their wives and children. How many chapels he assisted to build-how many chapel debts he help to reduce-how many social meetings in connection with religion and temperance he presided overhow many stones he laid, and made memorials, not of his meanness but of his munificenceit is impossible to recount. He paid the entire salary of two ministers in succession who conducted mission services at New Lenton while he lived in the neighbourhood. After his removal to Stretton he preferred to attend the ministry of Mr. Wolfendale, at Tutbury, and was a liberal contributor to the funds of the ancient congregational church in that town. As age advanced he found the distance of some four miles inconvenient, especially in bad weather; so that the proposal to raise a new Baptist interest in Horninglow, comparatively near to his Stretton home, met his warm approval. He laid one of the memorial stones of the chapel in Parker Street, and became a member of the small church assembling there. His handsome donation to the fund for building school-rooms, on one side of the chapel, was the last of his useful deeds for the benefit of the rising generation. He was glad to spend his last days in fellowship with the denomina. tion he had joined in his youth; although he shewed his catholicity by attending special services in connection with other Christian bodies, and by his cheerful giving to their necessities. He will be greatly missed by the ministers and churches which he befriended, and most of all by the indigent neighbours whom he often relieved. He was affable and familiar beyond most men of his position; so that, speaking comparatively, it might be said he had no pride. His social manners made him a general favourite; but sometimes they exposed him to suspicion and censure from those who imagine mischief against a man, and speak evil one of another. His religious course was somewhat chequered, and lacked the uniformity which some would have preferred to see. But he had a large amount of what is called individuality in his character, and to be judged correctly he must be judged charitably. That he had a full share of esteem among his extensive acquaintance was clearly shown on the occasion of his death and burial. The funeral service in the Nottingham Cemetery was attended by several hundreds of people. The Free Methodist chapel at Stretton, which he assisted to build, was crowded on the Sunday after his interment to hear the Rev. J. Wolfendale, who bore testimony to the service which the deceased had rendered in his generation. And on the following Sunday evening equal respect was shown to his memory in Parker Street chapel, Burton, by the preacher and congregation. The local newspapers contained laudatory notices of him, as a thorough liberal in politics, a staunch teetotaller, and a generous philanthropist. W. UNDERWOOD. D.D.