learning, any particular theory, in preference to any received theory. But why this should be opposed we cannot see. The examination is not a belief-test, but a knowledgetest. The object is not to discover what men believe, but what they have learnt. A similar regulation obtains in the Scriptural Examinations for B.A.'s of the University of London. The calendar states, "No answer or translation given by any candidate shall be objected to on the ground of its expressing any peculiarity of doctrinal views." In the heated atmosphere of Ireland we imagine there may be even greater need for such a provision than in the icy coldness of the London University. But what can have suggested the utter abolition of the Chairs of Moral Philosophy and Modern History? This certainly seems absurd, and yet, doubtless, it is a concession to Ultramontane prejudices which we may be obliged to let pass. A University without modern history and without ethics!-What is there left for it? Well! much, very much; but whether the same reasons that exorcise these important subjects would not apply to fivesixths of the remaining subjects we need not determine. As interested in academic culture we mourn over and protest against these vacant Chairs; but as Christians and Nonconformist politicians, we have manifold grounds, not for jubilation certainly, but for some content in Mr. Gladstone's Bill. J. CLIFFORD. SCRAPS FROM THE EDITOR'S WASTE-BASKET. I. OUR AGGRESSIVE EFFORTS. — Our advertising and intelligence columns, during the past few months, show that we are not without signs of progress. There is a steady rise in the number of baptisms reported; due in part, but not wholly, to better reporting, but to an actual increase in additions to our communion. Two new churches, one at Manchester and another at Nazebottom, have recently been formed. In chapel and school building there is considerable activity. At Allerton, Burnley, Bacup, Leicester, (Dover Street), and Wisbech, opening services are not far distant. In the important and thriving town of Macclesfield, where there is a population of more than 35,000, and only one Baptist chapel, and that an inconvenient and ill-placed one, a vigorous movement has been set on foot for a new chapel in a central position. Our friends desire to make their £800 into £1200 by April next, and deserve, as they need, our most liberal help. At Hitchin, too, a prosperous church is giving and collecting funds for the purchase of the land on which its home is placed. Having had a capital start in the gift of the Iron Chapel by our friend, Mr. R. Johnson, the generous aid of the friends of the denomination is all that is needed to crown this effort with success. North and South, East and West, we are advancing. We have a good deal of latent esprit de corps, let us show it in assisting all we can these various movements for the advance of teachings and principles we hold dear. II. THE BAPTIST HANDBOOK, 1873.—It is not right, I suppose, to expect that the statistics of so large and complex a body as the Baptists of the whole world can ever be thoroughly correct. But might not some of the errors in this year's issue have been easily avoided? I have looked over a few pages dealing with facts about which I have some personal knowledge, and am The III. HOW TO SPOIL A PRAYER MEETING. -A writer wishes to know what Paul would say if he came to our prayer meetings and found some of the leading men, Reviews. such as elders, deacons, etc., regularly absent, and engrossed in private or public business. We are hardly sure. But certainly the absence of the natural leaders is one of the readiest ways of spoiling a prayer meeting that can be discovered. Children treat servants as their fathers and mothers do; and church members mostly regard with indifference the meetings at which the officers of the church think they need not be present. But the questioner thinks Paul would rebuke these absentees and tell them they were grievously wanting in love to souls. Perhaps so. But after all, rebuke is a very poor medicine. Even children will not thrive on it. And if it be a fact that in ninety-nine out of one hundred churches the removal of a mere handful of people would leave the prayer meeting to the minister and chapelkeeper, we must find some other cure than rebuke. The whole question is important and difficult. Why does not the Church meet for prayer? The absence of the officers is part of the cause, but not the whole of it. The abundance of other meetings, the lifelessness, restraint, and coldness of the meeting itself, the lack of faith in prayer, and many other causes, operate 109 to spoil our gatherings for devotion ! "There is none that stireth up HIMSELF to take hold of thee." Let us begin there. IV. WHAT WE MUST COME TO.-Referring to the reported decline of the observance of infant baptism in the Pædobaptist churches of America the Christian Union, edited by H. W. Beecher says, the grounds of that practice "should be re-examined in the spirit of Christian frankness and uncompromising love of truth, and the ordinance either re-affirmed and vindicated, or placed on different and more tenable foundations, or definitely abandoned. Nothing so demoralizes a people as to be set for the maintenance of a creed which they do not sincerely hold; and these are the latter days of shaking and trial, when the rubbish of all creeds will surely be made manifest and cast out." These strong and brave words apply quite as much to England as to the United States. Under the influence of the exaggerations and misrepresentations of baptism made by Ritualists, and the neglect of it by Pædobaptists, baptism is gradually being displaced from the position given it by Christ and His apostles. Why cannot we have the brave and fearless re-examination Mr. Beecher asks for? Reviews. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF REMARKABLE PEOPLE, chiefly from Personal Recollection. By Spencer T. Hall, "The Sherwood Forester." London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co. 1873. pp. 450. "WHEN our children are about us," one of our greatest difficulties is to provide for them mental food which will please their taste, and, at the same time, improve their intellectual health. Among the myriad books issued from the press, great numbers of them will accomplish the former purpose, but they would be perfect poison in regard to the latter. A pleasant and wholesome book is one of the greatest blessings that we can place in the hands of youth or of age. Such a book, we hesitate not to affirm, is the one above. It is a remarkably pleasant book. For variety of subject, and for the perspicuous and interesting style in which it is written, we can scarcely conceive that any one, who has a taste for reading at all, can read a page of it without performing the exploit of the angel in the Revelation, viz., devouring the whole of it. It is an exceedingly wholesome book. It is calculated, and could not fail to correct the judgement, to chasten the imagination, to influence the will for good, to strengthen the moral powers, and to make the duties and responsibilities of life lighter and more pleasant. It is admirably adapted to soften down, if not to remove, the asperities of class against class. The wealthy and educated could not read it without having their sympathies called into exercise on behalf of their less favoured brethren, who, in the vale of poverty, are manfully struggling to elevate themselves and their race both intellectually and morally. The humble in social position could not read it without having some of their prejudices removed, and their better feelings called into exercise by the trials of those who move in a higher social sphere. Thus the gulf separating class from class, would be bridged by mutual acquaintance and sympathy, and those at the antipodes of social life will be brought to realize the fact that God hath made of one blood, not only all nations of men, but all men whether rich or poor of the same nation. It is to use a new coined word of the author-a "mentographic" album of noble men and women, including aristocrats like John Henry, Fifth Duke of Rutland, and George William Fredrick, Seventh Earl of Carlisle; Poets, like the two Montgomeries, Ebenezer Elliott, Bloomfield, and Clare, &c.; Politicians, like Cobbett, &c.; Chemists, like Brown and Liebig, &c.; Christian Philosophers, like Thomas Dick; Professors, like Wilson; Travellers, like Buckingham; and among the gentler sex Mary Russel Mitford, Florence Nightingale, Nanny Shacklock, Mrs. Jerram, Mary Howitt and Phoebe, mother of the Howitts. It is just the book for the seaside. It is beautifully illustrated by views of Lea Hurst, Haddon Hall, Brookside Cottage, the birthplace of the author; Upper Fall at Rydal; and portraits of the Author, and C. R. Pemberton, the wanderer. To lovers of narrative and descriptive poetry, the third part, consisting of "Lays from the Lakes, and other Poems," will be specially attractive. To none, however, will these sketches, and papers, and lays, be more interesting than to those readers of this Magazine who reside in the counties of Notts and Derby, for not only are we here introduced to men and women who have made these counties illustrious, but, as we pass from page to page of the book, we seem to feel the refreshing breeze of the Peak, and to hear the murmur of its streams, and to inhale the odour of the trees and flowers of that midland arcadia-Sherwood Forest. W. C. THE MORMONS AND THE SILVER MINES. By James Borwick, F.R.G.S., author of "The Last of the Tasmanians." London: Hodder and Stoughton. THE author of this work gives, in a very lucid and interesting manner, the results of a personal acquaintance with the Mormons of Utah, and a careful enquiry into their creed and practical affairs. He confirms what has long been our impression, that whenever Brigham Young, their present Prophet-Pope-Prince, departs this life, a great break-up of Mormonism, socially and politically considered, will soon follow. The description of the Silver Mines of the West will reward the perusal of the geologist, the mineralogist, and the investor. Altogether, the book is one which can be strongly recommended to seekers after correct information, pleasantly imparted upon the topics of which it treats. D. B. DANIEL, STATESMAN AND PROPHET. pp. 232. Religious Tract Society. THIS book deals mainly with the historical portions of the Book of Daniel, and forms a useful commentary on the events and persons recorded therein, as well as casts many side-lights on those portions of the Sacred Scriptures that belong or refer to the period of the captivity. The writer is conversant with the chief authorities on the questions raised in this book, and by the aid of Rawlinson, Pusey, and others, deals effectively with the difficulties, both historical and theological, of which it has become the centre. Interesting and instuctive to the general reader, the teacher also will find it a ready and able assistant in the interpretation of one of the most interesting characters and books of the Old Testament. By SUNDAY EVENINGS AT NORTHCOURT. George E. Sargent. pp. 362. Religious Tract Society. IN many farm-houses and village-homes the question often rises on a Sunday night, "well, what shall we do?" or, "what book shall we read ?" This book is a ready answer. It is a collection of stories, each separate and complete, and each illustrative of some important truth. Those who use them will be sure to keep the attention of their listeners, young and old, from flagging; to stimulate healthy thinking, and to guide in the way of righteousness and peace. It is beautifully bound, rich in engravings, and altogether fitted for a present. Church Register. MEMORIAL SERMONS. By Rev. W. Brock, D.D., and Rev. E. Medley, B.A. Stock. THESE are the two Sermons preached on the occasion of the death of the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, M.A. They are both appropriate and able; and form a fitting memento of the brave, conscientious, and holy man whose death called them forth. A BATCH OF ANNUALS. WE have received from the SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, 56, Old Bailey, the following valuable volumes:-The Child's Own Magazine is richly illustrated, full of fresh and bracing stories, sweet strains of poetry, and brief sketches. It is admirably suited to children whose ages range from three to seven. Kind Words (vol. ii.) is intended for those from seven to fourteen, and caters for them in a most successful manner. It is a pleasant companion and a cheerful in 111 structor, and will make winter evenings pass profitably and happily wherever it is welcomed. The Biblical Treasury covers the ground between fourteen and twentyone, and offers illustrations of Scripture, gathered from all sources, to our thoughtful young people. It deserves a hearty commendation. The Sunday School Teacher completes the circle. It gives essays on Sunday School work, model lessons, information about Sunday Schools, and is well fitted to make the Teacher a workman that needeth not be ashamed. The Church (Stock) for 1872, is as valuable as any volume we remember. It contains most excellent material. The Hive, (Stock), we have often commended as one of the best store-houses our Sunday School Teachers can go to. This volume is better than ever. The Methodist Family, (Osborne, 29, Farringdon Street), is a sprightly, well-edited, and useful denominational periodical. Church Register. CONFERENCES. The next meeting of the MIDLAND CONFERENCE will be on Tuesday, March 4, at Old Basford. Morning paper, "Counsels on reading, principally addressed to the young in our churches and congregations," by Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A. C. CLARKE, Secretary. The half-yearly CHESHIRE CONFERENCE will be held at Tarporley on Tuesday, April 1; Rev. W. March to be the preacher, or, in case of failure, Rev. T. P. Cook. Divine service at 11.0 am.; Conference business at 2.30 p.m. In the afternoon Mr. R. Pedley to introduce the question-"The Duty of the Church in Relation to the Liquor Traffic." Wм. MARCH, Sec. BAPTIST UNION ARBITRATION THIS Committee is now prepared to enter on operations. Dr. Angus is Chairman for the year. Applications for the services of the Committee are to be made to the Secretary of the Union, Rev. J. H. Millard, Huntingdon. CHAPELS. ASHBY AND PACKINGTON.-At the annual church meeting held at Packington, on Jan. 14, a surplus arising from the weekly offering was made up to £10, and presented to the pastor. Twenty-eight had joined the church during the year. MARRIAGES. GREENWOOD-SOUTHWELL.-Feb. 8, at the Baptist Chapel, Shore, by the Rev. J. Maden, Mr. Daniel Greenwood, of the Parrock, to Miss Martha Southwell, of Ingbottom. GROVES-WHITTAKER.-Feb. 7, at the Baptist Chapel, Sawley, by J. Stenson, Mr. Ezra Groves, to Mrs. Elizabeth Whittaker, both of Long Eaton. PYCOCK-SANDS.-Jan. 9, at the Baptist chapel, Kirton-in-Lindsey, by the Rev. J. Young, Mr. George William Pycock, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Sands, both of Kirton. KELHAM.-Jan. 27, 1872, Mrs. Kelham, (formerly Miss Mary Ann Wilders) departed this life at Kegworth, aged 22. Her last affliction was lingering and painful; but her Christian experience was often delightful! Her heaven began below! Her tender solicitude for the spiritual welfare of her young acquaintances was intense: and she requested her pastor to preach her funeral sermon from Prov. viii. 17. She sleeps in Jesus; and will long be remembered by her relatives and friends! She was the only living child of her parents; and she has left one little daughter of her own. ADKIN.-Aug. 6, 1872, Elizabeth Heap Adkin, (better known to some as Lizzie Brown) departed this life at Diseworth, aged 25. Her decease was comparatively sudden, and was deeply deplored by her relations and Christian friends. She was quite ready for the change however; and triumphantly passed away, leaving a father, a husband, and three little children to mourn her loss. The writer of these brief notices has visited many Christians on their death beds; but he has seldom, if ever, seen the power of the gospel more beautifully exemplified than in the case of the two dear young wives and mothers whose names are mentioned above! Glory to God! T. Y. EDWARDS, SARAH ANN, died Sept. 21, 1872, at the age of 20. She was a scholar in the Sabbath school at Carrington, and had been a member of the church about four years. Her illness was protracted, but she patiently endured it; and, as she neared the verge of Jordan, her faith became stronger, and that good hope she had received through grace brightened, and when the summons from the great and good Father came "The tenant pent in mortal clay "was ready, and took its triumphant flight to the realms of day. Her funeral sermon was preached on Sunday evening, Oct 13, by Mr. H. Truman, to a crowded congregation. EVANS, WILLIAM HENRY, fell asleep in Christ, Nov. 10, 1872, aged 78. He was a Wesleyan Methodist for upwards of forty years, and until about four years ago, when he was convinced that believers baptism was a Christian duty clearly taught in God's word, and when he joined the church at Carrington, of which he was a consistent, though necessarily not a very active member until the time of his departure. After a protracted illness he ended his days on earth in peace. A sermon to improve the event was preached, Dec. 15, by Mr. J. Ferneyhough, to a large congregation, from "We are saved by hope." GLEW.-Nov. 15, 1872, at West Butterwick, Lincolnshire, Thomas Glew, aged 72, a very acceptable local preacher, and for upwards of forty years connected with the General Baptists in that village. His last illness was short, but supported by the promises of the gospel. "Tones that were breathed from the lips of the departed, How we revere them when they are no more." J. S. MYERS.-Feb. 13, at Quorndon, near Loughborough, Ebenezer Myers, aged 83; for more than half a century a most consistent member of the G. B. church at that place, and for many years a faithful servant in the employ of Messrs. Balm, Hill, & Co., of Nottingham, formerly of Quorndon. PARR, CATHERINE, departed this life at Carrington, Dec. 28, 1872, aged 89. She was converted more than fifty years ago, and became a member of the Primitive Methodist church at Arnold, living a consistent life amongst the friends there for about forty years. At that time her attention was directed to baptism, when she became convinced of her duty to obey Christ by observing the ordinance, and she at once yielded to her convictions, and was immersed at Broad Street Chapel, Nottingham, joining the branch of that church at Daybrook. Removing to Carrington a few years since she obtained a transfer to the church there, of which she remained a consistent member to the time of her death. During the whole of her long pilgrimage she maintained a character free from reproach; and though not demonstrative, she never shunned to declare herself on the Lord's side, or speak a word in the cause of her Saviour. In her last illness her faith remained unshaken, and she was continually praising God for His unfailing goodness to her. Her conversation with friends who visited her at this time was extremely edifying; and after a few weeks illness she finished her course triumphantly, leaving a clear testimony behind her that she has gone to be with Christ, which is far better. REVELL.-Oct. 4, 1872, suddenly, Cecilea Ann, the beloved wife of Mr. Jesse Revell, of Hucknall Torkard, Notts., and second daughter of John and Ann Grimley, of Ibstock, Leicestershire. She joined the church at Hucknall last April; and from that time until her death she showed her love for Christ and His people by her frequent attendance at the means of grace, and by her peaceful, kind, and Christian spirit. Her death was improved by her pastor from the words, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth," &c. "Not lost, but gone before." |