the book is full of instruction; and will, in the main, give pleasure as well as profit to those who read it.

LECTURES ON BAPTISM. By the late W. Shirreff. With a Preface by C. H. Spurgeon. Passmore & Alabaster. Price 2s. 6d.

MR. SPURGEON is doing good service for the truth, to which our churches witness, by the publication of this volume of lectures. Much as has been produced on the subject of baptism, this volume is strikingly fresh, and is specially adapted to convince minds that move slowly, and with much carefulness, from an old and long cherished position. Put into the hands of persons with a penchant for logic and logical modes of viewing Christian duties, and fettered by Pædo-baptist associations, it will do real good. should like to converse with the man who could go through through these lectures and yet remain a Pædo-baptist.

We

Mr. Spurgeon's Preface adds greatly to the value of the book by its well-told story of the life and experience of the lecturer. Our friends will do well to buy the book and circulate it widely.

THE TESTIMONY

OF THE CHRISTIAN SACRAMENTS ON THE SUBJECT OF PERSONAL HOLINESS. By W. H. M. H. Aitken. Hodder & Stoughton. THIS is the last issue of a series of tracts thoroughly calculated to direct the thoughts of Christian's to the sources and nourishment of Christian holiness. The tracts are twopence each, and deserves a wide circulation. Mr. Aitken expounds the bearing of Baptism and the Lord's Supper upon holiness of life; and speaks of the "baptized person as not left amidst the waters," "but brought up from them into new relationships, and declared by the rite to be a new creature in Christ Jesus." We have deep pleasure in commending this tract. It would be well to give it to those who are beginning the Christian life.

99

HAMARTIA ; AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND ORIGIN OF EVIL. Stock. Price 1s.

AN acute and forcible treatment of this ancient problem that, according to Carlyle, has to be solved by each age for itself. It contains much fresh and helpful thinking; distinguishes between man's freedom of choice and freedom of power, treats evil as relative and not as absolute, as springing from his animal nature, as educational and as transitory. It is not the last word on this profound theme;

HOME: ITS AFFECTIONS AND USES. A Homily for the Times. By a Layman, lately deceased. Winks & Son, Leicester. Price Threepence.

THE "home," dear as it is to us, is in danger of losing its friends, its charm, and its healing, refining, and ennobling power. Clubs, institutes, societies, spring up on every side of us, and the home runs great risk of being left wholly to the faithful housewife and the younger children, whilst the husband and the elder members of the family are selfishly "enjoying themselves" elsewhere. This homily on "home" utters a word against this anti-social tendency, and speaks with real eloquence and forceful logic. It is true and timely, well-conceived and well planned, solid and enduring in substance, and beautiful in expression. It merits a wide circulation.

"THE HOUSE SURGEON, OR THE DOCTOR AT HOME," price 6d., issued by the Accident Insurance Company (Limited), 7, Bank Buildings, contains a number of brief practical directions for the treatment of sufferers from accidents, compiled by Mr. Alfred Smee, surgeon to the Bank of England. The subjects are just those upon which such brief, trustworthy directions as are here offered are needed from time to time, the list including broken bones, cuts, bruises, fits, apparently drowning, dislocations, ailments of the eye, burns and scalds, sunstroke, and a number of other matters of frequent Occurrence requiring prompt and welldirected action.

Afternoon Session-There was a good attendance of delegates. The Rev. W. Gray, president, in the chair, supported by Mr. James Bramley, vice-president. Reports and statistics from churches shewed sixty baptized since last Conference, and seventeen approved candidates. The following resolutions were passed :

-

I. That we heartily welcome into this Conference the Rev. J. T. Roberts, of West Vale, and Rev. Wesley Wood, of Infirmary Street Chapel, Bradford. Both were present, and replied to the vote of welcome.

II. That with regret we accept the resignation of Rev. W. Sharman as Secretary of the Conference, thanking him for his efficient services, and deeply sympathizing with him in his illness, pray that he may soon be restored. That Mr. J. S. Gill, of Todmorden, be appointed Secretary for the next three years, and that he be asked to commence his duties at this Conference. Mr. D. Wilson, of Halifax, was thanked for his services as Treasurer, and re-appointed.

III. That when churches seek aid to secure a pastor, in every such case they shall ask the advice of Conference in the selection.

IV. That the case at Northallerton and Brompton, Yorkshire, be referred to the Committee on Denominational Property.

V. That we approve of the withdrawal of the church at Manchester, and its union with the Cheshire Conference.

VI. The Rev. Richard Hardy, of Queensbury, having retired from the regular pastorate, the following resolution was unanimously passed :-"That this Conference learns, with regret, that the Rev. R. Hardy has felt it necessary

to close his long and useful ministry. It desires that the divine presence may be with him in his retirement, and greatly cheer him till his Lord shall call him to final and perfect rest in heaven."

VII. Officers for coming Year-Rev. B. Wood, President; Mr. Councillor Binns, of Halifax, Vice-President.

Committees.—1. Business: Revs. B. Wood, W. Gray, W. Dyson, Messrs. J. Binns, J. Bramley, J. Lister, and J. S. Gill. Finance: Messrs. J. Lister, J.

2.

Binns, and G. White.

3. Evangelistic Work: Revs. B. Wood, W. Sharman, W. Chapman, Messrs. J. Binns, Joseph Horsfall, and G. White.

VIII. Next Conference.-Place: Heptonstall Slack. Time: Whit Wednesday. The Rev. W. Reynolds, of Burnley, to read a paper; in case of failure, Rev. W. Dyson. Speakers for Home Mission meeting, Revs. J. T. Roberts, J. K. Chapelle, and W. Chapman.

IX. Afghanistan.-That this Conference expresses its very deep regret at the conduct of the Government in regard to Afghanistan, viz., involving this country in an unnecessary and unjust war, and in entering upon that war in an unconstitutional manner without the knowledge and consent of Parliament.

The usual Home Missionary meeting was held in the evening. The Rev. J. Turner presided. JOHN S. GILL, Sec., Greenfield House, Todmorden.

CHURCHES.

ASHBY AND PACKINGTON. - Annual members' meeting, Jan. 29. Weekly offering in four quarters of last year. Treasurer has balance in hand. The Hymnal to be introduced on first Lord'sday in March. A youthful member recommended to the Chilwell College Committee to study for the ministry. Resolved to have an organ for the Ashby Chapel. An evening service had been commenced at Packington, conducted by young members of the church. The eldest son of a much esteemed deacon, now deceased, proposed for membership. Meeting of deep interest, and great cordiality.

LONG EATON. All communications, promises of money, etc., for the new chapel, should be forwarded to the Secretary, Mr. C. G. Day, or the Treasurer, Mr. T. Hooley, North Villa, Long Eaton, Derbyshire.

LONDON, CHURCH STREET.-At the annual church meeting it was resolved to re-seat and otherwise improve the interior

of the chapel at the cost of about £600. Promises of nearly £400 were given.

LOUGHBOROUGH, WOOD GATE.-Jan. 26, sermons by H. Crassweller, B.A., and collections towards cost of new American organ, and complete set of new books for choir. The organ is one of Estey's 68 guinea ones. Total cost incurred about £73, which is all paid off. Members' annual tea meeting on the following day; quite an average attendance, and very happy meeting after, Mr. T. W. Marshall presiding. Total amount contributed for all purposes during the year £494.

LOUTH, NORTHGATE. We recently purchased a minister's house for £420. Have just had our annual sale, which realized £65. This, together with the proceeds of last year's sale, and £200 worth of shares in a building society, has enabled us easily to secure this desirable acquisition to our chapel property, and thus increase our pastor's income.

MORCOTT AND BARROWDEN.-Annual meeting, Jan. 30. Over £115 raised for all purposes. Five pounds were presented to the pastor (Rev. S. Peacock). It is proposed to spend a considerable sum, during the year, in chapel improvement. Mr. Burnham, one of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Evangelists, is engaged to hold special evangelistic services in March.

NANTWICH.-The Home Mission sermons were preached, Feb. 9, by the pastor, Rev. R. P. Cook, and Rev. F. J. Greening. Attendance good.

NEWTHORPE, Notts.-The yearly church meeting was held, Feb. 11. A goodly number met to tea, after which accounts were read and audited, and the deacons and officers re-elected.

NORWICH, ST. CLEMENT'S.-The Band of Hope gave a successful entertainment on Jan. 30. The Rev. G. Taylor occupied the chair, and Miss Mallett presided at the harmonium. The spacious school-room was filled, and so successful was the entertainment that it was repeated the following Monday in the large room of the Free Library, by request of the U. K. Alliance. The room was packed.

MINISTERIAL.

BARKER, REV. G., has resigned the pastorate of the church at Beeston, and commenced his ministry at Blaby and Whetstone.

GREENWOOD, REV. J., of Barton.--We rejoice to hear that our beloved brother is recovering from his very severe and dangerous illness. In a letter just to hand Mr. Greenwood says he will be thankful for "the prayers of Christian people, and specially of my fellow students, that I may soon be restored again to the work I

love." We are sure our brother may solace himself with the conviction that he will be remembered by many when they bow the knee to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the strong consolations of the Eternal God be with thee!

JOHNSON, REV. C. T., has accepted the pastorate of the church at Longton. On leaving Long Eaton, a purse containing ten guineas was presented to Mr. Johnson. Mr. J. commences his ministry at Longton forthwith.

REYNOLDS, REV. WALTER, has resigned the pastorate of the Ebenezer Church, Burnley, accepted an invitation to Gosford Street, Coventry, and will commence his ministry there on the first Sunday in March. During a ministry of seventeen months at Burnley, forty-six have joined the church by baptism, eleven by letter, and three by restoration, making a total addition of sixty members. There are six candidates.

BAKEWELL, ELIZABETH, of Kilburn, Derby. shire, born March 9, 1847, died Jan. 6, 1879, was an exemplary Christian, and a thorough Baptist, sure to be found at the Conference and Association gatherings when practicable. She joined the church when about twelve years of age. Though not the oldest of the family she was the first to join the church, and she lived to see all her brothers and sisters baptized (six of them). In all departments of Christian work she was earnest and useful. Her remains rest in Smalley Chapel yard, in sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection. J. B.

BOTHAMLEY, MARY ANN, the beloved wife of Parkinson Bothamley, Derby, after many years of patient suffering, passed to her rest January 19th, aged fifty-four.