LIFE THOUGHTS. Talmage, D.D.

By Rev. T. De Witt London: Bemrose and Sons. Nottingham: R. J. Pike.

A FEW years ago Dr. Talmage was scarcely known in this country; his name is now familiar to many as that of one of the foremost of American preachers. This work is a selection from his sermons and writings, comprising many of their best and brightest passages. Such books are not usually much to our taste; a jewel, however bright, loses much of its brilliancy when torn from its setting; and an eloquent passage, a striking metaphor, or a poetic allegory, loses much of its power when removed from its context. This book is an exception to the rule. The extracts are made with judgment, and present a pleasant variety of subjects. To the English reader its Transatlantic origin gives it a delightful freshness and originality. The volume is neatly got up, is neither large nor costly-just the book, in fact, for a new year's present from one Christian friend to another. It deserves, as we hope it will obtain, a large circulation.

THE BEATITUDES OF THE KINGDOM.

S.

By

J. Oswald Dykes, M.A. London: Nisbet. SERMONS richer in quiet unobtrusive beauty, in persuasive heart-melting unction, in unpretentious and real scholarship, in clear expository statement, it has not been our privilege to read. Plenteous as the literature of the "Beatitudes" is, this volume is most welcome, because a most serviceable addition. The relation of the Sermon on the Mount to Christ's life and ministry is traced in the introduction with great power. The connection of the Beatitudes with each other; the beautiful way in which they break into two sets of threes around the fourth, which states the blessedness of desire; these, and many other points of great interest, are treated in a manner which indicates the power of a "master in Israel." It would be a useful book to present to ministers.

THE BIBLICAL MUSEUM. By J. C. Gray. Vols. III. and IV. London: Stock. THESE Volumes continue this most useful commentary on the New Testament from the Acts of the Apostles to the Epistle to Philemon. Those who are familiar with the author's books on the four gospels only need to be assured that the same appositeness of quotation, fulness of suggestion, and pithiness of exposition characterize his treatment of the gospel of the Risen Christ and the letters of the apostles, as

INTRODUCED by Dr. Donald Macleod, warmly commended by Dr. Guthrie, and full of great merit, this most serviceable book is sure of a prosperous career. As the parts have appeared we several times called attention to the superior quality of these illustrations, and to the skill displayed in their setting. The completed volume contains more than 1500 illustrations, a classified list of subjects, and a full index, and therefore its use may be as expeditious as its aid is certain to be effective. Teachers in pulpit, or class, or home, can have no better auxiliary.

THE BASES OF THE TEMPERANCE REFORM. By Dawson Burns, M.A. London:

Pitman.

THE author of this work shows a thorough acquaintance with all the most recent phases of the Temperance Reformation, and also with its history and results. The fundamental positions of teetotalism are stated with clearness, defended with logical acumen, and fenced off against objectors with great skill. As a reasoner Mr. Burns is careful, forcible, temperate, and wellfurnished. It is a useful vade-mecum for the teetotaller, a repository of valuable information for the temperance advocate, and a help to all who are really interested in the true welfare of men.

MORE GIFT BOOKS FOR THE
YOUNG.

IN addition to those mentioned last month we have received the following works from the Religious Tract Society, and commend them without any reservation as new year's presents to the young. The Child's Companion is a far more attractive volume than when we first made its acquaintance a quarter of a century ago. It is abreast of the age in every respect. Its pictures are numerous, well executed, and elevating to the taste. Its tales are fresh and forcible. Every way it is a great favourite with our young folks.

But if you want a book to hold the attention of a lad of nine or ten, from its first page to the last, get the Book-stall Boy of Batherton. It displays all the qualities we desire to see in the young,

and inculcates faith, and hope, and usefulness by vivid and memorable example. Wherever there are lads this book would find a hearty welcome.

As an easy and pleasant introduction to Greek history, we have not seen a better book than Tales of Heroes and Great Men of Old. Jason fetching the golden fleece, Hercules and his labours, Epaminondas, Socrates, and other famous men in early Grecian story, become familiar friends and helpful instructors to all who read through this work. The thrilling tales of mythology and history are told well, and the lessons of courage, daring truthfulness, selfrestraint, unselfishness, patriotism, are never left out of sight.

ANNUALS.

31

The Cottager and Artizan (Religious Tract Society), Good News, The British Messenger, The Gospel Trumpet (Peter Drummond, Stirling; London: Partridge), are all well suited for distribution in mission districts, amongst the poor and ignorant and lost. They are full of good news both about body and soul; and the first has the additional charm of abundant and fine pictorial illustrations.

The Christmas numbers of Good Words and of the Sunday Magazine (Strahan) are full of excellent material, vivacity, instruction, and stimulus. Christmas will be more cheery and life more useful for reading them.

NEW CHURCH.

NAZEBOTTOM, near Hebden Bridge.-Formation of a New General Baptist Church. -Since 1836 the G. B. church at Heptonstall Slack has had a branch at Nazebottom, and considering the sparseness of the population, and the position of its supporters, a fair amount of prosperity has attended it. In the course of a few years a good sized and substantial sanctuary was erected, with school room underneath. As was the case, however, with many churches in this district, the memorable cotton famine had a depressing effect upon this cause, scattering some of its friends and impoverishing the rest. But with the revival of trade, and increase of population, there was manifested an earnest desire that the cause of the Redeemer might not be left behind, and it was earnestly considered how it might best be strengthened, and made to tell for increased good on the surrounding neighbourhood. It was resolved, if possible, to obtain a minister, and efforts were put forth for that purpose, but for some time without success. Last spring, however, the Rev. J. R. Godfrey, then of Alford and Maltby, was invited to settle as pastor, which invitation was accepted, and he commenced his ministry on the first Lord's-day in June. On July 27th, a recognition service was held, when a large company of friends sat down to tea, and were present at the public meeting which followed, presided over by the Rev. C. Springthorpe, pastor of the parent church at Slack. Appropriate addresses were delivered by Revs. W. Chapman, E.W. Cantrell, James Maden, R. Silby, D. Macallam, J. Reed, (Independent), the pastor elect, and the chairman. A brief statement also was read by Mr. W. Pickles, giving an account of the history of the church, and the steps which had been taken to secure a minister, and

which had resulted in the settlement over them of Mr. Godfrey. Subsequently special services were held in the open-air on Lord's-day evenings, which were well attended, numbers being in that way induced to listen to the gospel message, who did not feel inclined to enter the sanctuary for that purpose. The regular Lord's-day congregation gradually increased, and the attendance at the week evening services and the prayer meetings also improved; and more than all, the presence of the Master was realised, and sinners were converted. It was then thought by the friends, that they would be better able to perform the work in which they were engaged, by becoming a separate church, than by continuing as a branch. They therefore made known their views to the parent church at Slack, and no serious difficulty presenting itself, their wish was acceded to, and they were amicably dismissed for that purpose. On Saturday, Nov. 9th, a meeting was held for the organization of the church. In the afternoon nine candidates were baptized in the lodge near the chapel, and afterwards tea was provided in the school-room, and was partaken of by between two and three hundred persons. The evening meeting, held in the chapel, was presided over by Rev. C. Springthorpe. After singing, the Rev. E. W. Cantrell offered prayer. A few appropriate remarks were made by the chairman, and then the Rev. W. Chapman delivered an interesting and instructive address on the constitution of a Christian church; after which those baptized believers present who were willing to be united in church fellowship, were requested to hold up their hands. Those who had before formed the branch cause, together with the newly baptized ones, did so, and received the right hand of fellowship from Rev. J. R. Godfrey Special

prayer was then offered up for the future welfare of the church, by the Rev. J. Reed. Addresses of congratulation, counsel, and sympathy followed from Revs. H. Briggs, J. Reed, the chairman, and the pastor.

CHAPELS.

CHATTERIS.-Anniversary services, Nov. 10 and 12. Preachers: T. T. Ball, Esq., of Burwell, and Rev. T. Goadby, B.A. Collections good.

LINEHOLME.-Nov. 17, chapel anniversary sermons. Preacher Rev. W. Evans, of Leicester. Collections, £11 14s. 3d. Congregations large.

SUNDAY SCHOOL.

CASTLE DONINGTON.-A service of sacred song, illustrative of Bunyan's Holy War, was given, on Dec. 10th, by the scholars of the Sunday school, several other friends kindly assisting in the singing. Right well were the various parts performed, and general satisfaction was given. The chapel (tastefully decorated for the occasion) was well filled; and the service was attended with great success. Mr. Moulton, supt. of the Wesleyan Sunday school, took the place of reader; and the best thanks of the meeting were given, as well to him, as to Miss Oldershaw, who presided at the harmonium, and to Mr. Tomkinson, the leader, for their very kind and efficient assistance.

CRADLEY HEATH.-Oct. 28, ten; Nov. 13, seven; Nov. 27, seven; by G. Cosens. CROWLE.-Dec. 1, four, by J. Stutterd. DERBY, Agard Street.-Dec. 4, one, by H. A. Blount.

DERBY, Osmaston Road.-Dec. 1, six young men, by T. Goadby.

DEWSBURY.-Nov. 24, five, by N. H. Shaw. KIRTON-IN-LINDSEY.-Oct. 29, two; Nov. 27, two; by J. Young.

LINEHOLME.Nov. 13, two, by R. Silby. LONDON, Praed Street.-Nov. 27, five. MEPAL.-July 17, five, by H. B. Robinson. NOTTINGHAM, Stoney Street.-Nov. 27, fifteen, by T. Ryder.

SHORE.-Dec. 1, twelve, by J. Maden. WHITWICK.-Dec. 8, six, by C. T. Johnson.

MARRIAGES.

KEMP-MACKINDER.-Nov. 14, at Queen Street chapel, Peterborough, by Rev. T. Barrass, Mr. Baptist Kemp, of Sibbertoft, to Miss Mary Mackinder, of Peterborough. TUPHOLME-WATSON.-Nov. 21, at the same place, Mr. Beeston Tupholme, of Sheffield, to Miss Sarah Ann Watson, of Peterborough.

ATTERSLEY.-Oct. 26, of 14, Mile End Road, London, E., Charles Thomas, the eldest son of Mr. Chas. Attersley, one of the deacons of Commercial Road chapel. Though very young-only 23--when called to enter into rest, our friend had for several years been a disciple of Christ, and a member of His church. The early years of his union with the church gave great promise to his friends and fellow members of future usefulness in the service of the Lord. But the disease which eventually cut short his days threw a dark shadow over his mind during the last two or three years of his life. Yet, though he passed through much mental darkness, he ever expressed himself as safe in the Lord. He knew whom he had trusted. motto which was put on the card presented to him upon his entrance upon the labours of a Sabbath school teacher-"Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe"-he seemed to have adopted for a life motto, even to its end. A few hours before his death he sang, "Sun of my soul, my Saviour dear, It is not night if thou be near."

The

That Saviour has now taken His servant to the land of which we read, "There is no night there." J. G. P.

TAYLOR. William Taylor, of Castle Donington, one of the senior scholars of the Sunday school, at the age of 22 fell asleep in Jesus, Oct. 30. He stood an accepted candidate for baptism, and was looking forward with pleasure to the time when, before men, he should declare himself a follower of Christ. Only for a few months prior to his death had he been a traveller on the heavenward road; therefore, in evidence of his Christian life, it can only be said, he took the deepest interest in every effort that was put forth for the extension of Jesus' kingdom, and that his death-bed scene was bright with the prospects of the future. His dying

breath was spent in repeating one of the little hymns frequently sung at the Sunday school, beginning, "I stood outside the gate," and in which, too, his voice had joined so often.