counteracting all evil in a spirit of justice and liberty, and fostering all goodness, not by unfairness and restrictions, but by the exhibition of a nobler and fruitfuller life. The method of bringing down fire from heaven on our opponents is sharp, summary, and effective in a glorious measure, but the Highest Wisdom did not approve it. Better, infinitely better, to let the Member for Northampton make his affirmation and take his seat in the House, and try to show him, by the fruits of Christian faith, how superior it is to the blank negations of Atheism.

X. DEATH FROM STUPIDITY.—A new reading of the old law, "Thou shalt do no murder," is given by Dr. R. B. Carter, one of our most competent physiologists, in his recently published work on "Eyesight-Good and Bad." His words illustrate the way men break the commandments by doing nothing, and shortening their lives by "resting;" and "commit murder" in one of its most reprehensible forms by failing to keep the higher faculties in vigorous exercise. A man must make the best of himself if he is to live. Longevity is dependent on obedience to mental and spiritual laws as well as to physical, and life is best prolonged where our higher faculties are kept fairly employed for their destined end. "The man who would preserve the full integrity of his functions to a ripe old age, must avoid excesses of every description, and must endeavour to employ the higher faculties of his mind somewhat more energetically than is now always

customary. A time comes to every one when the physical powers begin to decay; and then, unless the brain has been kept active and recipient by exercise, there is nothing left to live, and the man perishes. We say that he died of gout, or of overeating, or of heart disease, or of kidney disease, or of the failure of the particular organ which was the first to exhibit symptoms of the approaching end. In reality, he had died of stupidity, artificially produced by neglect of the talents with which he was endowed." Don't let our old men give up their posts, but bravely and energetically fill them, meanwhile finding an abundance of work for their juniors. Moses did his best work after he was eighty, and Joshua was ready to take up the threads of his toil when his Leader was gone.

XI. IS LIFE WORTH LIVING? AN EIGHTFOLD ANSWER. By John Clifford, M.A., LL.B. This volume, neatly bound, will be ready August 1st. The North British Daily Mail, June 14, says, "The Rev. John Clifford, M.A., has published an able series of tractates answering the question, 'Is Life Worth Living?' Thoroughly orthodox, but no less scholarly in substance and sympathetic in tone, as well as popular in form, they are admirably adapted for distribution among the modern race of doubters."

XII. OUR ASSOCIATION AT NOTTINGHAM AND THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE.-The August Magazine will be devoted mainly to the papers read, reports given, discussions conducted, and advances made at the Association!

WHAT CHURCH? AND THE ONLY FAITH

AND FOLD. By C. Bullock, B.D. THIS is the fourth and enlarged edition of a really pertinent and powerful book, contrasting Romanism and Protestantism. It is written by a Churchman, but with beautiful and overflowing Christian love: a love that unchurches no Christian of any church whatever, but rejoices in the brotherhood of all who believe in Christ as the Alpha and Omega of souls, and of Christian institutions. Nevertheless Mr. Bullock is keen and intense in his antagonism to Romanism; and is not a little surprised that Dissenters can desire and toil for a separation of Church and State. Now, how is it that Mr. Bullock cannot see that our opposition to the alliance between Church and State springs out of our very fellowship with him in his antagonism to Popery? Is not the State Church the stronghold of Ritualism, and the chief, yea, the only source of the supplies for English Romanism? Free and independent churches do not foster Ritualism. Because we are Protestants out and out, we pray for and work for the total separation of Church and State, and we are urged on in our work by the spirit of Christ, the instinct of Scripture, and the teachings of historical religion. Would that Mr. Bullock could join us.

THE FORGOTTEN TRUTH; OR, THE GOSPEL OF THE HOLY GHOST, WITH SELECTED HYMNS OF THE SPIRIT. By C. Bullock, B.D. Hand and Heart Office. WE are not told specifically who the Christians are who forget this truth concerning the Holy Ghost more completely than they forget other truths, but the general averment is made that it is widely forgotten. Our experience is slight; but we should not have thought so. We scarcely ever attend a meeting of Christians without hearing "the cry for the Spirit," "prayer for the Spirit," or exhortations to "wait for the Spirit," and affirmations that "what we want is the Spirit." It is one of the commonplaces of Christian speech; and more easily said and eagerly accepted than aught else; and we are afraid it is often used as a disguised apparatus for avoiding self

censure.

This little work, however, will help to keep the truth still before us in its refreshing and stimulating forms. The exposition is clear and scriptural, the

exhortations are earnest and pungent, and the hymns are full of the power that calms, and soothes, and quickens.

THE CHRISTIAN FOR JUNE. Morgan & Chase.

THIS periodical is rich in information of evangelistic work in all parts of the world, and specially of such work as is carried on outside of the churches. It is the organ of unorganized Christianity; says very little either about the work of the churches of any name; but has a field of its own in reporting the miscellaneous efforts of individual evangelists, the meetings at the Mildmay Hall, and the like. admire the fulness of its news, and the courage with which it protests against established evils.

We

CONFERENCES.

LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE assembled at Birchcliffe, May 19. In the morning Rev. G. Eales, M.A., read and prayed, and the Rev. J. Parkinson preached from Gen. v. 24.

In the afternoon Mr. J. Binns, of Halifax, gave his inaugural address, "Religion, as affected by the changes in Modern Life," and a brief discussion followed, in which Revs. W. Sharman, J. Lawton, W. Dyson, J. T. Roberts, and others, took part. Mr. Binns was cordially thanked for his address, and requested to send it to the editor of the Magazine.

I. That the best thanks of the Conference be and are hereby given to Rev. B. Wood for his efficient conduct as President during the past year, and also to Mr. Binns as Vice-President.

II. The List of Churches was called over, and written or verbal reports given, which shewed 91 to have been baptized since January, and 54 candidates.

III. That we give a cordial welcome to this Conference and district to Rev. W. March, of Todmorden, and express our best wishes for his comfort and usefulness.

IV. That this Conference desires to record its sense of the loss sustained in the recent removal of Rev. W. CHAPMAN from this locality; his genial disposition, his warm sympathy, and his earnest cooperation in all good and useful work, had won for him the esteem of all the churches. We rejoice to hear of the good work the Lord is doing by him at Hucknall, and pray that he may long be happy and useful in his new sphere.

V. That the Rev. B. Wood be put on the Home Mission Committee, in the place of W. Gray, who retires.

VI. That the Rev. W. Gray represent this district on the Foreign Mission in place of Rev. W. Chapman, who is removed.

VII. That Mr. D. Wilson be thanked for his services as Conference Treasurer, and re-appointed.

VIII. That the "Evangelistic Committee" be authorized to spend to the amount of £10, if need be, in efforts to spread the gospel of Christ in the district.

IX. The following political resolution was carried unanimously, and a copy was ordered to be sent to Mr. Gladstone :

"That this Conference having, on several occasions, entered its protest against the unrighteous and unconstitutional proceedings of the late Conserva

tive Government, now desires to record its unbounded satisfaction at the results of the late General Election, and hails, with the greatest pleasure, the return of the Liberal party to power; and specially rejoices that the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone is once more Prime Minister of England; and to Mr. Gladstone, and other leaders of the Liberal party, this Conference offers its sincere thanks and warm congratulations.

X. That the next Conference be held at Lydgate, on Wednesday, Sept. 29th. Rev. J. H. Smith to read a paper in the morning on a subject of his own choosing, and the evening meeting to be addressed by Revs. J. Lawton, W. Dyson, and G. Eales, M.A.

At this Conference, which was well attended and very enjoyable, the evening meeting was addressed by Revs. W. March, W. Wood, and J. H. Smith. W. GRAY, Secretary.

It was agreed that brethren G. Dean, J. Cholerton, and J. J. Smith, whose names go off the list of representatives of the Conference on the Home Missionary Committee be re-appointed; and that the Revs. E. Stevenson, J. R. Parker, and the Secretary, be appointed representatives on the Foreign Missionary Committee in place of the three gentlemen whose names go off the list.

The Secretary received the cordial thanks of the Conference for his services during the past three years, and was unanimously re-elected.

A paper was read by the Rev. S. S. Allsop, "On proper behaviour during divine worship," followed by discussion, and hearty thanks to the writer.

The Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., preached in the evening.

The next Conference will be held at Kegworth on Tnesday, October 19th.

The Rev. G. W. Roughton, of Beeston, is appointed to preach in the morning.

J. SALISBURY, Secretary,

CHAPELS.

BELPER. For several years past Miss Sarah Roberts Bakewell, who has played the harmonium and been a teacher in the Sunday school, and also taken an active part in everything relating to the church and school, was married, June 1, to Mr. Charles Smith, of Heanor. In the afternoon the brother of the bride invited the members, teachers, and singers to tea in the chapel. Mr. A. Swan, of Duffield, presided at the meeting which followed, when a presentation of a handsome electro-plated tea and coffee service and cruet stand was made to the bride by Mr. Wardle, on behalf of the church and school, as a mark of esteem and affection for her past services. Addresses were afterwards given by the Rev. S. S. Allsop, Messrs. Bircumshaw, Slack, Swan, and others.

DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.--Thirty-eighth anniversary, May 30. Rev. J. W. Williams, pastor, preached. The following evening a tea meeting was held, and afterwards a public meeting, when the pastor presided; and the Secretary, Mr. J. Hill, read the annual report, which gave a satisfactory account of the condition of both the church and the Sunday schools. Several brethren gave addresses.

GRIMSBY.-Anniversary services, May 30. Preacher, Miss Parker. The Mayor, Ald. Bennett, presided at the annual public meeting; and addressss were given Revs. J. Manning, pastor, J. Smith, and Messrs. Councillors Dobson, G. Green, Tartellin, Leachman, and Pearce. It was a very successful anniversary.

HITCHIN.-Special services for Building Fund held May 23, 24. Public meeting. Mr. Mather, of Leicester, in the chair. Revs. J. H. Atkinson, G. Wright, and other ministers, took part. It was stated that the total expenditure for land and new chapel was £3,756 12s. 24d.; receipts, £3,185 18s. 11d.; leaving a balance of £570 13s. 3d. There are promises now due, £150; on Building Fund Loan, £120; leaving £300 13s. 3d., which we purpose to raise during this year.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-A special effort is being made to secure a "Parsonage." By two "Sales of Work" more than £50 have been realized. To aid in this movement the pastor has prepared a Lecture on "Uncle Sam's Farm," which he hopes to give in many of our churches during the coming winter. Churches furnishing

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room and printed bills can take half the proceeds of the lecture.-On May 21st our Juvenile Mission Band gave its first "Quarterly Entertainment," and took up a collection for the Orissa Mission.

MEPAL.-Chapel anniversary, June 2. Preacher, Rev. T. H. Smith. Report by H. B. Robinson. Speakers, Revs. J. Blake, F. J. Bird, S. Cozens, and J. F. Makepeace.

THETFORD.-Chapel anniversary, June 1. Preacher, Rev. F. J. Bird. Report by H. B. Robinson. Speakers, Revs. W. P. Huddleston, S. Howard, F. J. Bird, and Thos. Hiam, Esq.

SWADLINCOTE. - A New Organ was opened, June 13. The Rev. S. S. Allsop preached, and Mr. T. Taylor, the builder of the instrument, of Leicester, presided at the organ. On the Monday evening an organ recital and sacred concert was given. A large number of the Swadlincote Harmonic Society and other friends kindly gave their services on the occasion. Mr. H. Buckley was the conductor, and Messrs. S. Taylor and J. H. Taylor, of Leicester, and A. Lewin, of Measham, presided at the organ. Collections, £16 15s. The power of the organ is quite equal to the size of the building, and its tone is all that could be desired. The cost is £150, and the whole sum has been raised by the earnest and persistent efforts of the members of the church and congregation.

GRANTHAM.-June 13. Preacher, Rev. W. E. Davies. June 14, public tea and public meeting. Addresses by the pastor and ministers of the town. Collections in advance of previous years.

HITCHIN, Walsworth Road.-June 13. Preacher, Rev. J. H. Blake. Congregations large. An entertainment by scholars and choir on the Monday following. Collections, £17 15s. 4d. Much larger than in any previous year.

LONGTON.-May 30. Preacher, Rev. T. Goadby, B.A. Collections, £24. £6 in advance of last year. School largely

increased.

LONG WHATTON.-June 13. Preacher, Rev. W. A. Davies. Collections liberal. SHOTTLE.-June 6th. Preacher, Rev. C. Springthorpe, pastor. Collections very good. Tea on Monday. 400 present. Speakers, Revs. C. Springthorp, Messrs. Harrap of Leicester, Rowland of Ripley, Abell, Taylor, Jennens, Spencer, and Starkey. The best anniversary we have had.

TODMORDEN-Woodhouse. — May 30. Preacher, Mr. Charles Vick, of Chilwell College. Collections, £11 4s.

WALTON, near Wisbech-June 6 and 7. Preachers, H. B. Robinson and Mr. G. Miller. Speakers on Monday evening, Rev. H. B. Robinson, and Messrs. Hutchinson, Ekins, Collins, and Miller. Report by Mr. Youngs.

WILLOUGHBY.-Preacher, Mr. Godkin. Collections, £4 10s.

WIRKSWORTH.-May 16th. Preacher, Rev. J. C. Forth. Collections above the average.

MINISTERIAL.

ANDREW'S, REV. J. A.-Recognition services were held, May 19, at Headcorn, Kent. Rev. W. H. Smith, of Tenterden, preached in the afternoon. A public meeting was held in the evening. Mr. Alderman Rogers presided, and addresses were given by the Revs. W. H. Smith, of Worship Street, J. J. Kendon, T. Pearce, W. H. Smith, Tenterden, the pastor, and other friends.

BUCKINGHAM, REV. F. G., who is leaving for Australia, preached a farewell sermon at Woodborough Road, Nottingham, June 6, to a large congregation. On June 8, a large number of friends assembled for tea.

Mr. Councillor Lindley occupied the chair at the subsequent meeting, and, after reading letters from several ministers who were unable to be present, expressed his pleasure, as a member of another denomination, of bearing testimony to the fact that Mr. Buckingham was leaving traces of his earnest teaching in the minds of many people outside his own church. Addresses were given by the Revs. T. Goadby, B.A., E. Medley, B.A, and F. A. Holzhousen, expressive of their high esteem of the Christian character of Mr. Buckingham, and the valuable work he had accomplished, and their extreme regret at the loss of so genial and useful a co-worker. Mr. W. Roe, one of the deacons of the church, presented a valuable book and a purse of money on behalf of the Bible Class and friends. He said that in losing their pastor he felt they were losing a true friend and brother, one ever ready to help and sympathize with them. Buckingham was most cordially received, and in replying said how painful it was to bid farewell to a church over which he had presided for a number of years, and bade the people of his charge an affectionate farewell.

Mr.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter Gate.-Band of Hope quarterly tea meeting held, June 8th, through the kindness of Mr. C.

LENTON.-Eight, by S. Tagg.

LONDON, Praed Street, etc.-Five.
LONGTON.-Seven, by C. T. Johnson.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Baxter Gate.-Seven, by C. Savage.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-One by C. Payne.
MOSSLEY.-One, by S. Skingle.
NANTWICH.-Two, by R. P. Cook.

NOTTINGHAM, Old Basford.-Five, by J. Alcorn.
RETFORD.-Seven, by R. Silby.

RIPLEY.-Four, by L. J. Shackleford..
STALYBRIDGE.-Ten, by W. Gray.
SUTTERTON.-Three, by G. F. Pitt.

WILLOUGHBY, Notts.-Four, by W. Underwood.
WIRKSWORTH.-Six, by C. Springthorpe.

MARRIAGES.

SMITH-BAKEWELL.-June 1, at the G. B. Chapel, Belper, by the Rev. S. S. Allsop, Mr. Charles Smith, of Heanor, to Miss Sarah Roberts, third daughter of Mr. Samuel Bakewell, Kilburn, Derbyshire.

STANIFORTH-PIDD.-May 23, at the Baptist Chapel, Crowle, Lincolnshire, by Rev. J. Stutterd, Mr. Alfred Staniforth, to Miss Catherine Pidd, both members of the church and Sabbath school teachers.

VAUGHAN-SWANN.-May 26, at the Baptist Chapel, Longton, by Rev. C. T. Johnson, Mr. Henry Vaughan, to Emmilia, third daughter of Mr. John Swann, both of Longton.

OBITUARIES.

PICKERING, RICHARD, of New Lenton, was born October, 1799, died May 30, 1880. Being left an orphan while young, he was brought up by his sisters, and led to the Broad Street Baptist Chapel, Nottingham. It was during the ministry of the late Mr. Ingham he was converted to God and baptized; and when the Lenton church was formed our departed friend became one of its founders. He was gentle, unassuming, peaceable, and enduring in his attachment to the end of his life. For the last sixteen years he sustained the office of deacon. Patriarchal in his appearance and manner, he was highly esteemed both by the church and his neighbours. He died in the faith, and with his last conscious breath he welcomed the Saviour, "Come, Lord Jesus" and to his family he bade adieu, saying, "I love you allFarewell!"

TURNER, JOHN, died at Sawley, March 27th, aged 72 years. He had sustained the office of deacon for thirty-eight years, and was formerly connected with the Sunday school, both as a teacher and superintendent. For the last few years he suffered most acutely from sciatica and other bodily ailments, scarcely ever being free from pain, night or day; but he bore his sufferings with patience, and felt that God was leading him by a right way, although it was a very painful and severe one.