even unto death ?" And if the paltry tricks which are practised in order to evade the law are compatible with truthfulness, what is falsehood? Then, too, the arrogant despisers of prophets and apostles are found amongst those who have sworn allegiance to the teachings of the books which those prophets and apostles wrote; and the doubters have given their "unfeigned assent and consent" to all the damnation denounced against unbelievers in the Athanasian creed. Let us observe in like manner what those who teach what is called evangelical truth say and do. They sprinkle a baby with water from the font, and mark his forehead with a cross, and say, "This child is regenerate and grafted into the body of Christ's church," and when the infant has grown to maturity they preach to him that it is needful he should be born again if he would see the kingdom of God. They affirm, in their sermons, that drunkards, and swearers, and adulterers have no part in God's kingdom, and they bury them all "in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life." I will not now say what this mode of procedure is, but the most unlettered person knows what it looks like; and though clergymen may comfort their hearts with Gorham judgments and country livings, What it looks like," is a very pressing question, in view of the morality of a nation thus taught and dealt with by its spiritual guides; possibly, too, in His sight who, singling out the great religionists of his day for special denunciation, exclaimed to his hearers, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Whenever a bishop is consecrated in the Established Church, a horrible mockery takes place. Those who conduct the service pray to God in respect to what they know man has already determined, and express their confidence that the new bishop is called by the Holy Ghost, when he may be but the favourite of a political party- "The Royal letters are a thing of course, A king that would, might recommend his horse, A gentleman once said, in the hearing of Dr. Johnson, that the congé d' elire might be regarded as only a strong recommendation. Dr. Johnson replied, Sir, it is such a recommendation as if I should throw you out of a two pair of stairs window, and recommend you to fall soft." If what has been already said is suggestive of terrible evils which make us hold our Nonconformity with a firmer grip than ever, one glance at the advowson market is enough to make us sicken at the idea of exchanging it for Church of Englandism. The very term "living," as applied to a parish, and the fact that "the parishioners are nothing but the live stock on the property"-the statement, on good authority, that there are upwards of 1300 of these livings at the present time in the marketthe advertisements which represent "good trout fishing," "good society," "neighbouring hounds," together with "light duties," and the absence of dissenters and poor people, as inducements to the purchaser-all cry shame on a nation that allows such an establishment to call itself the National Church. Because, by the very existence of a Church Establishment at all, injustice is done in the name of Him we hold dearest; because in this particular establishment the word of God is either shockingly perverted or rejected altogether by many who profess to be its ministers; because of the terrible influence on the national morals, exerted, as we believe, by clerical subscription, as it at present exists; because of affronts put upon the Majesty of heaven and vile traffic in the souls of men, which form part of the church system; we deeply feel and are bound unmistakably to declare the importance of fidelity to our principles as Nonconformists. Now if we are to be faithful certain things must be borne in mind. 1. We must be deeply convinced that the truth we hold is of vital moment. If we get into a way of deeming conformity and nonconformity as not so very far apart -yea, if we fail to see a gulf broad and deep between all State Churches and all Free Churches, our principles will not live. Nothing but a strong conviction can exist long in presence of prestige so considerable, and vested interests so extensive as those which belong to the establishment. The temptations to conformity are so numerous, the worldly current sets so strongly in the direction of a worldly church, that only the deep conviction of the Christian's heart that fidelity to Christ requires him to say "no," will make it possible for him to refrain from saying "yes." Fidelity to our Principles as Nonconformists. 21 2. We must manifest the uncompromising resolution which becomes those who have a battle to fight. The state-paid parson, though probably an excellent man in private life, is, by the requirements of his office, a foe to us and our principles," and we are not ignorant of his devices." We have watched him angling skilfully for rich dissenters, and plying his curates on the poor and needy. We have listened to him as he piped for the lambs of the flock to follow him, and we know that the nonconformist of position in the village who holds fast his integrity is indeed a strong man. We know that in some cases he is satisfied, though the poor people do not enter the church, if only, they will not frequent the meeting house. Only last Sunday I was informed of a case in respect to a country school connected with us at Lombardstreet. A respectable working man began to teach in the Sunday school, the clergyman found it out, told him if he wished to teach in a Sunday school he should teach in the Church school, and warned him that he might by-and-by lie on his death bed, and then who would there be to pray with him, for he (the clergyman) would not if he continued to teach in a Baptist Sunday school. And so, whether through fear of missing the parson's prayers in the hour of death, or of incurring loss through his displeasure during life, the man teaches in no school at all. The mischievous system against which we protest has a giant's strength and will use it like a giant, and it is utter folly for us to imagine we can gain anything by attempts at compromise. It is our joy to be one in spiritual fellowship with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, whether connected with the Free Churches or with the Established Church; but whilst we can co-operate in many works as brethren with the former, the very position of the latter precludes us from the privilege of manifesting cordial union. We have a very real battle to fight for Christ in this thing, and when we win it (for win it we shall) those who are conquered will learn to confess the advantages the victory has conferred upon themselves. We must gird up our loins, we must endure hardness, the dissenter in the town must not grumble at dissent, the nonconformist in the village must bear his cross, and "by that sign conquer"-maintaining his own Christian manhood, and winning in the end, the respect of his neighbours and the "well done" of his Lord. 3. We must have the bearing of men who know themselves to be free. Occasionally, one may see a dissenting preacher who evidently feels an inch taller because he has secured the approval of the vicar, and the phenomenon of a nonconformist layman, is observed, who is a very quaker at chapel, yet who seems proud to take off his hat to the church. I can think of no good reason for these freaks of feeling and of courtesy, except it be a blundering attempt at obedience to the injunction, "condescend to men of low estate," for whilst Nonconformists are free, Churchmen are ecclesiastical bondsmen; and whilst the former support their own religious institutions, the latter are thrown upon the parish. Dependent people are addicted to giving themselves airs and sometimes impose upon others by doing so. From my childhood until now I have wondered at the satisfaction with which dissenters have received small mercies at the hands of churchmen. As Nonconformists, we have no reason to blush or hold down our heads, we need to realise the blessedness of our freedom rather more, and to show that we value the superiority it affords. 4. We must be careful to exemplify the self-control and patience of Christ. Men of like passions with others, we are apt to become the victims of impatience. Truth does not march fast enough for us. The wilderness journey proves irksome, yet the discipline is all-important. And when we reach the fortress which bars the way, and whose strength frowns in defiance upon our forces, we are impatient for the assault. To do just what the Captain has told us, even though it be no more than to walk round, and no less than to repeat the process many days, is our duty and our wisdom. We must be still until the day He shall bid us shout. It is on behalf of the spirituality of God's kingdom and the purity of Christ's church, that we take our stand as Nonconformists. Loyalty to our dear Lord compels us to separate from those who, unwittingly, it may be, but really, betray His truth. We must withstand to the face those who by their church life disgrace the sacred name of Him who founded the church. For Christ's crown we plead, let us not fear to bear Christ's cross. FREDERICK SQUIER. BY REV. W. R. STEVENSON, M.A. ONE bright afternoon last March, in the early spring-time, might have been seen in the town of Nottingham, an affecting and impressive spectacle. Slowly wending its way along one of the quieter streets leading to the General Cemetery is a long and sad procession. A hearse and mourning coaches are followed by the deacons and other office-bearers of a sorrowing church. These are succeeded by a body of young men, members of a mutual improvement class; and these again by a long train of Sunday school teachers and scholars, all wearing some badge of mourning, and showing, by their staid and sorrowful looks, that no common blow has befallen them. Arrived at the Cemetery gates they are joined by a large throng of other Christian friends, most of them members of the Baptist congregation in Broad Street, others, however, representing the committee of the Nottingham Sunday School Union and other Christian bodies in the town. The Cemetery chapel is speedily filled to overflowing; little children, unable to find room elsewhere, sit upon the steps around the desk; but there is no confusion, all hearts are full, and the youngest feel that a something has happened which hushes mirth into seriousness, and makes even those to whom constant movement seems almost a necessity still with awe and sadness. The pastor's emotion scarcely permits him to proceed with the service; but remembering that we are believers in One who has conquered death and the grave, he makes an effort to restrain feeling, and for a few minutes speaks of the departed as not really dead, but only called to higher and nobler service elsewhere. At length, however, the grave is reached, a wreath of early flowers, woven by a Sunday scholar's loving hands, is placed upon the coffin, this is lowered to its final resting place,-the last words are said,-each one in that great throng comes reverently forward to take one last look, then all retire, feeling that the occurrences of many coming years will not efface from memory either the scene they have witnessed or the event which has occasioned it. Who and what was the person whose departure awakened such deep and wide spread interest? His name is given at the head of this paper. Seven years ago scarcely one in all that tearful assemblage knew of his existence. He came to Nottingham a stranger to almost everyone. But though a simple layman, a private Christian gentleman, in six-and-a-half years he had won for himself a place in the love and respect of a large community such as is gained by few even in a life-time; and he had done a work in connexion with many youthful hearts which will for ever associate him with what is best and purest in their spiritual history. Frederick Squier was a native of Pinchbeck, in Lincolnshire, where he was born on the 5th of April, 1830. His parents were members of the General Baptist church in that village, and he himself was a scholar in the Sunday school. There he distinguished himself both by his punctuality and the feats he accomplished in the committal to memory of large portions of scripture. At a comparatively early age, however, he left home and went as an apprentice to a general shop-keeper in the little town of Market Deeping. His position, whilst apprentice, was in some respects far from comfortable; and it is not unlikely that the hardships to which he was then subjected laid the foundation of a certain delicacy of health from which he afterwards suffered. It was during that period, however, before he was quite sixteen years of age, that he became a decided follower of Christ. His mother was a devoted earnest Christian, and often wrote to him and constantly prayed for him. But according to his own testimony, recorded in a paper still extant, it was the preaching of Mr. Pinney, now of Stamford, which first awakened him to serious concern for his spiritual interests. A remarkable dream also which he had about this time, relating to death and the last judgment, made a great impression upon him. He began to pray earnestly, and for some time was greatly perplexed and troubled. At length, however, through the perusal of the Bible and that wellknown and useful little work, "the Anxious Enquirer," he was led to the Saviour, and found peace through believing. Presently the subject of union with a Christian church presented itself to his attention. There was no Baptist church in Market Deeping. His master was connected with the Congregational chapel, and there he, too, was expected to attend. But our brother was by education a Baptist, and his convictions on this point were deepened by a long and earnest correspondence which ensued with friends at home. The result was that he applied for admission into the church at Pinchbeck, where, in due time, he put on Christ in the primitive mode on Feb. 11th, 1849. To many who knew our dear friend as he appeared amongst us in recent years, the following extract will be interesting as showing what he was in those early days. It is from a letter by Mr. Pinney :-" When I first saw him," says that gentleman, "he was sitting at his master's table, and appeared to me to be a quiet unobtrusive village lad. In the same place I met with him many times during my visits there. As a youth I always found him kind, attentive, and obliging. He never talked much, but was a quiet listener and a quick observer. In all the conversations on Bible topics he evinced a deep and lively interest. At the services of the Sabbath, in the Congregational chapel, he was regular and attentive to gospel truth. His early life at Market Deeping was very solitary; in the chapel at one time he was the only youth, and I used to call him the young people.' I believe, however, it was at this period of his life that the foundation of his character and future usefulness was laid." At the expiration of his apprenticeship Mr. Squier removed to Bourn, where, for a short time, he was in the employ of our well-known and respected friends Messrs. W. and E. Wherry. Here he formed the acquaintance of more than one Christian brother with whom, through life, he maintained an intimate and valued friendship. Here, too, he profited by the intelligent public ministry as well as private instruction of the Rev. J. B. Pike, then pastor of the church, and at this period both he and his pastor had serious thoughts of the gospel ministry as a suitable sphere of Christian service for him. What led to the renunciation of this idea is not known to the writer. After a time, however, Mr. Squier left Bourn, and began business on his own account in Pinchbeck. About this period also (1853) he married the lady who now survives him as his sorrowing widow. Whatever might have been our brother's course in the Christian ministry, had the Lord of Providence so ordered his life, there can be no doubt that he had excellent business capabilities. Extremely prudent, and yet quick to perceive an advantage and energetic in seizing upon it,-thrifty in small expenses, and yet ready to spend where expenditure seemed likely to bring back fair returns,—straightforward and of strict integrity, and at the same time pleasant in manner and very attentive and obliging, it is no cause for wonder that, in spite of the adverse influences to which, in an English agricultural village or country town, a Nonconformist tradesman is almost invariably exposed, Mr. Squier nevertheless succeeded. The writer has heard him say, not boastfully but modestly and thankfully, that he did not remember at any time engaging in any business speculation which proved unsuccessful. Whilst at Pinchbeck he threw himself with energy into the support and extension of the General Baptist cause there, speedily becoming superintendent of the school, assistant in the choir, and general helper in every good work. The Rev. J. Cholerton, who was minister at Pinchbeck during a good part of Mr. Squier's residence there, in a recent letter addressed to Mrs. Squier, has so well described his spirit and manner of life as a church member that we cannot do better than quote his words. "He was," says Mr. Cholerton, "a true minister's friend. To me his friendship was above all price. At the chapel his place was never empty, his work never neglected. Though the demands of business were often very urgent, you know how he would leave his business to be present at the meetings for prayer. And though often very weary on the Sabbath morning, yet he never neglected the Sunday school; and nothing caused him greater joy than to know that the cause he so deeply loved was prospering. Well do I remember our Sunday nights at your house, when, after the labours of the day were over, we used to have such refreshing and stimulating talks, beginning with the subjects of the sermons, and then not unfrequently passing on to a discussion of themes which only the few among the Master's disciples are able to bear. Nor can I forget those members' meetings' we used to hold in the upper room' at your house, and what very refreshing times they were. short, he was willing to adopt any means or do any work which at all gave promise of promoting the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom." In So passed our brother's life in Lincolnshire, happy in his marriage, industrious and successful in trade, active and useful as a member of Christ's church. But about seven years ago the failing health of Mrs. Squier, and perhaps a little desire for change on his own part, led him to resolve on a removal of residence and at least partial retirement from business. At the suggestion of a friend he visited Not tingham, and pleased with the appearance of the locality, decided to make it his future place of abode. Presently he fixed upon Broad Street as his spiritual home; and although, as we have already remarked, he went thither a perfect stranger, there was that in his appearance and manner which speedily won all hearts, and gained for him a cordial welcome into every circle. Here, too, he soon proved himself a "true minister's friend." In brotherly counsel and encouragement, in kindly Christian notice of the young people, in visits among the poor and to the homes of Sunday scholars, in assistance rendered in the conducting of religious meetings, his aid was very precious. What he had been at Pinchbeck was repeated in Nottingham, with the additional advantage that being free from the cares of business, he was able to give himself up more entirely to church work and other Christian labours. He soon joined the Sunday school in Broad Street, where his worth was speedily recognized by the teachers. He was advanced from post to post until he became superintendent, a position which he retained, amidst the universal love and respect both of teachers and scholars, up to the time of his lamented death. Most deep was the interest which he took in the spiritual welfare of the elder scholars, often talking to them privately and individually, as well as pleading with them in his public addresses. The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society chose him for its president; and during the winter months of several successive years, almost as regularly as Friday night came round, was our brother to be seen, with bright and genial face, and mingled kindness and firmness, guiding the discussions of his young friends, now, it might be, calming the excitement which too impetuous an assault or too keen a retort had aroused, and now winding up the debate with weighty words of wise suggestion or loving counsel. At the Monday night prayer-meeting, from which he was seldom absent, his help was most valuable. His prayers, without being common-place, either in matter or expression, were so simple and natural, were pervaded by so much holy earnestness, were so like the reverent pleadings of a son of God with one whom he knew to be his Divine Father, that they always awakened feelings of sacred sympathy in the hearts of those present, and not unfrequently a meeting which had been somewhat dull and flat until brother Squier prayed, became from that time lively and interesting. When, four years ago, it was decided to remodel and in other respects improve the old chapel in Broad Street, Mr. Squier was one of the most interested and active in carrying out the needful measures. Whilst the work was proceeding he was almost daily on the spot superintending the operations; and it was in good part owing to his help in this way, together with that of another valued brother likeminded with himself, that the business was accomplished so effectively as it was. It was not, however, in connection with Broad Street only that Mr. Squier's Christian energies were at this period employed. He took great interest in Chilwell College, and in particular was a most useful member of the house committee of that institution. In connection with the Foreign Mission also, both as member of the general committee and as secretary to the Nottingham auxiliary, he rendered very efficient help. In all matters of this kind he was remarkable both for his regular and punctual attendance at meetings, and for his diligent performance of any special duties assigned him. The resolutions of regret passed on the occasion of his decease in connexion with several of our public institutions show the respect and love felt for him, as well as the value attached to his services. And whilst referring to the institutions of our body it will be not inappropriate to state that not only was he an active and earnest supporter of them in the days of health and strength, but that in his last will and testament he left directions in accordance with which it will, in due time, be found that some of them at least, were also generously thought of by him on the approach of death. But the brevity to which this memorial-notice is necessarily restricted bids us hasten to the closing scene. During the summer of 1871 Mr. Squier had been somewhat seriously indisposed in health, complaining of pain in his side; but a visit to North Devon, in the month of August, appeared to have restored him. At the following Christmas, however, he visited his old friends in Lincolnshire; the weather was very damp and ungenial, and on his return home he seemed unwell. Nothing serious, however, was apprehended; he kept to his house, and had medical advice, and every week it was hoped that he would soon be all right again. But suddenly, |