In Memoriam: Elizabeth Annie Lawton. THE first "vacant chair" in the home of our brother, the Rev. John Lawton, of Heptonstall Slack, is that of his youngest child, aged nearly nineteen. The sorrow can be understood by most mourners who have passed through a similar trial; but only those who know something of her firm faith, and the equally firm faith of the crushed hearts that survive her, can understand the confident Christian calmness with which they are saying, "it is well." But they can say it unhesitatingly, because they sincerely believe it. Her father was for some years the pastor of our Church at Great Berkhampstead, and she was born there, August 25th, 1861. Constitutionally frail, she needed much tender care from her earliest childhood. It was this delicacy, possibly that gave tone to her life-both in its elegant preferences, its modes of employment, and its general spirit. For hers was a "gentle life "—its very friendliness, albeit largely winning, was noticeably quiet. No doubt the "piety at home" also exerted very considerable influence both upon her general character and her early avowal of attachment to Christ. When the great Christian change really passed upon her spirit, the writer is unable accurately to say. She attended her father's enquirers' meetings for several years, and not unlikely was one of a highly favoured class, who, nurtured under Christian influences, are really unaware of the exact time of conversion, but who, in their anxiety to fix a date, usually fix too late a one. Be this as it may, she felt sufficiently satisfied that she had "passed from death unto life" to join the Church at the age of about fifteen years and a half. Shortly afterwards she became a Teacher in the Sunday School, and in various other ways shewed that she was interested in the service of her Redeemer. In this way life moved on for about three years; and then came the tale which has to be told so frequently. Consumption had set in. At first, like many other similar patients, she expected she would recover. She was cheerful, and for several months there was no material change. But during the spring of this year, graver symptoms appeared, which dissipated all hope of restoration, and left her face to face with death. A trying time to many a one at nineteen, but often more trying in prospect than in realization, especially if the stricken one has "good hope," through Christ, of heaven. And this was Annie's case. Herself and her relatives were alike cheered by her confidence. Many good people dread the approach of "the last enemy," but when the time comes for his appearance, they are hardly conscious that he is an enemy. In Christ, all things are theirs, and amongst the "all things" is death, which appears rather as a helper than a foe. Illustration of this was seen repeatedly in the last weeks of Annie's life. Sinking, restless, weary though she was, she was cheered by quietly-joyous anticipations of a better world to come, and by thoughts of joyous recognition of previously departed friends. And at length she came to say, "I do want to go to heaven." And she has had her wish; had it in more ways than one. Several times she expressed a desire to die on Sunday, and her desire was granted. Sunday morning, June 27th, had dawned, when one of her aunts heard her say, "I am about to leave this home for heaven,” and in a few minutes she was gone. The day had broken and the shadows had fled away. A COUSIN. One Drop of Juk. FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS. "I DON'T See why you won't let me play with Will Hunt," pouted Walter Kirk. “I know he does not always mind his mother, and smokes cigars, and once in a while swears just a little; but I have been brought up better than that. He won't hurt me, and I should think you would trust me. Perhaps I can do him some good." "Walter," said his mother, "take this glass of pure, cold water, and put just one drop of ink into it." "O mother who would have thought one drop would blacken a glass so!" "Yes, it has changed the colour of the whole, has it not? It is a shame to do that. Just put one drop of clear water in, and restore its purity," said Mrs. Kirk. "Why, mother, you are laughing at me. One drop, or a dozen, or fifty, won't do that." "No, my son; and, therefore, I can not allow one drop of Will Hunt's evil nature to mingle with your careful training, many drops of which will make no impression on him."-New York Weekly Witness. Scraps from the Editor's Waste-Basket. I. THE HAVEN GREEN CHAPEL, EALING. -Please read carefully the advertisement of the "stone-laying" of this chapel, for Tuesday, Aug. 3. All General Baptists are specially interested in this work. Be sure to send a representative "gift," if you cannot come. II. THE DEPUTATION TO THE FREE WILL BAPTISTS OF AMERICA. It is a matter of acute regret to me that I could not avail myself of the honour done me by the Association to visit our brethren in America. Life in America has had for years a special fascination for me The unseen country, in its vastness and variety, casts a spell over me. The great political problem being worked out moves me profoundly. With the religious life and work of the States I have communed every week for years. "Ultimate America" suggests questions of prodigious gravity and boundless inspiration. Hence, when I was so heartily and unanimously put on the deputation, I was very grateful. But in accepting the duties of the Presidency of the London Baptist Association, I had taken work which is imperative till it is finished The stonelaying of Haven Green Chapel was arranged for Tuesday, Aug. 3. The Meetings in America we found were fixed for July 21, and following days. The first duty in time was the first in claim. Therefore I had to report to the Committee of Exigencies "my exigency." That Committee forthwith appointed Professor Goadby in my place, and he, along with Mr. Burns, set sail in the Abyssinia, July 10. We all wish their visit may be happy and useful, and that they may return in safety. III. OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL IN ROME. -I am deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity which, at a moment's appeal, contributed nearly £18 at the Sunday School Conference in Nottingham. It was the best crown that vigorous meeting could have. At the Centenary Service of our five schools held at Westbourne Park, nearly £10 were given. Other gifts are to hand. Dewsbury is moving. But we need more than £50 yet. Do not forget that. obituaries, items of information, etc., etc. They shall see the light at the earliest possible moment. V. A NEW DEPARTURE IN OUR COLLEGE LIFE.—It was a "happy thought" of the present students to invite the CHILWELL MEN to breakfast on the Friday of the Association week. The breakfast was sumptuous. The talk at the table was "students" talk, and a stranger cannot understand the world of meaning in that description. This is a new thing under the sun, and deserves to be chronicled as an event of denominational significance. We predict a fine future for the present race of Chilwell men! Let them look out for it! VI. LEICESTER SCHOOL BOARD.-The Midland Free Press says:-"The election of the Rev. W. Evans to the seat on the School Board rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr. Adams will, we doubt not, give very general satisfaction. Mr. Evans has been a resident in Leicester now for a considerable period; he takes a deep interest in the social and political questions which from time to time stir the minds of the people; he has gained the respect of a large circle outside the pale of his own congregation, and is known to be a most indefatigable worker. He would come well within Mr. Gladstone's definition of a Radical, as "a man in earnest." Mr. Evans is acquainted with the needs and circumstances of the poor, and will no doubt support a policy of forbearance so far as is consistent with the accomplishment of the work for which the Board was called into existence, that of seeing that every child in the town is educated. VII. MR. FROUDE ON THE BAPTISTS.Mr. Froude's biographical sketch of Bunyan appears in the series of "English Men of Letters." Speaking of Bunyan's early life, Mr. Froude says: "In the language of the time he became convinced of sin and joined the Baptists, the most thorough-going and consistent of all the Protestant sects. If the Sacrament of baptism is not a magical form, but is a personal act, in which the baptized person devotes himself to Christ's service, to baptize children at an age when they cannot understand what they are doing may well seem irrational and even impious." VIII. BRADLAUGH.-The letter from "an Old Member" on this topic shall have full attention in our next. THE LIFE OF JOSEPH BARKER. Written by himself. Edited by his nephew, John Thomas Barker. London: Hodder & Stoughton. THIS is a sad but profoundly interesting history of a man who was once a powerful preacher of the gospel, and a victorious champion of the faith against professional infidel lecturers, but who afterwards became a Secularist emissary himself. For many dark days he lectured against the Evangel of Salvation, and undermined the faith of thousands both in England and America. Able, courageous, and eloquent, a masterly debater, and a homely orator of consummate skill, he did at one time great good, and at another time immense mischief. Happily he returned to the creed of his younger days, resumed his labours in the pulpit, and died a Christian. We knew him well. Our first tract was written against his errors; and, we rejoice to know, that he died in the faith of Christ. His life contains many lessons for ministers and churches; and, also, for those young men who think Doubt better than Faith, and we trust they will all lay them well to heart. G. W. M. THE HOMILETICAL QUARTERLY, July, 1880. Dickinson. Price 2s. THE third paper on Calvinism and Arminianism, by Rev. J. A. Beet, is an acute, comprehensive, and logical statement of the position occupied by General Baptists, and is worth the whole cost of this issue, Altogether this is one of the best numbers of the Homiletical Quarterly we have read, and entitles it to take the first rank in biblical, expository, and homiletical literature. THE TEMPERANCE BIBLE COMMENTARY. By F. R. Lees, Ph.D., and D. Burns, M.A. S. W. Partridge. WE give a hearty greeting to the "FIFTH ENGLISH EDITION, WITH SUPPLEMENT," of this valuable Commentary. It is especially gratifying that the demand for a work of this kind is so extensive. No better indication could be afforded of the growing hold the Temperance Reformation has upon the intelligence and the Christian thought and will of the nation. We accept it as a sign that the church of Christ, in its various divisions, is unprecedently eager to understand the duty waiting to be discharged with regard to the complete removal of our capital 66 national evil. On the ability, carefulness, acumen, and force of the commentary we need not dilate again. It will suffice if we say the supplemental" matter consists of Dr. Norman Ker's exhaustive reply to Rev. Mr. Wilson, showing that "unfermented wine is a fact;" Mr. Burns' well-reasoned and effective reply to Dr. Hayman's article in the Church Quarterly Review; and a separate Index to the supplemental matter. SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY MUSIC. Arranged for Girls and Boys. By Henry Dennis. London: Novello. Leicester: Winks & Son. Price 2s. IT is a serious business selecting the anniversary hymns and tunes, is it not? The committee is carefully selected and regularly appointed; the meeting is held, and the treasures of each member of committee ransacked. "We had that three years ago." "They had that at Go-a-head Street last year." "The words are all right; but the music :" and so on ad infinitum. Blessed is he who comes to the relief of such a committee, as our friend Mr. Dennis does, with a collection of "words" that every one will admire and enjoy, set to "music" that is bright and cheerful, stimulating and inspiring. We are glad the author has at last permitted others than the dwellers under the shadow of Charnwood Forest access to his treasures. There is more to follow. THE BIBLICAL MUSEUM. Vol. VIII. Isaiah. By J. Comper Gray. Stock. MR. GRAY maintains, in the most admirable manner, the appropriateness of the title he has given to this illustration of the meaning of the sacred scriptures. It is a "Museum" of biblical treasures, gathered with much care, selected with wisdom and arranged with rare skill. The facts of history and biography, the contributions of poets and philosophers, no less than the writings of preachers and expositors yield their best for the enriching of this volume on Isaiah. THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF THE BAPTISTS. By Chas. Williams. Baptist Tract Society. THIS is a second edition of Mr. William's book, and is issued at the low price of one shilling, so that it may reach all our young people. It is a well-reasoned statement of the position, principles, and history of Baptists, and ought to have "free course" throughout our churches. Church Register. Information should be sent by the 16th of the month to 51, Porchester Road, Westbourne Park CHAPELS. London, W. EAST KIRKBY.-Mr. William Cotes was presented, on June 20, by Mr. W. Fox, senior deacon, on behalf of the teachers and friends, with the "Life of Robert Raikes," "What Baptists Believe," and a gift in money, as a token of respect and esteem, upon the occasion of his leaving for Market Harborough. Although young he had endeared himself to the church, the school, and the Temperance Society, by the hearty manner in which he laboured in the various departments of Christian work. He was a deacon and secretary of the church, superintendent of the Sabbath school, and secretary for the Foreign Mission. Our earnest prayer is that, although removed from us, he may be made increasingly useful in the place to which he has gone. LEICESTER, Dover Street. NEW SCHOOLS.-Memorial stones were laid, July 14, by Chas. Roberts, Esq., senior, Councillor J. Wilford, and E. Wood, Esq. Mr. Wilford has held office as a superintendent for thirty years, and Mr. Wood was formerly a scholar and teacher in the school. Tea was provided in the Belvoir Street school-room, and a sermon afterwards preached in the adjoining chapel by the Rev. J. Clifford, LL.B. Collections made at the stone laying and sermon, £90. WEST BUTTERWICK.-The chapel was re-opened, July 11, after having undergone extensive alterations and improvements. The chapel is the third that has been erected on this site. It is surrounded by a burying ground, in which lie the ashes of many who stood by God's cause in troublous times. See Magazine, 1879, p. 327.) The opening services were conducted by the Rev. W. M. Anderson, of Epworth, pastor. The attendance was most encouraging, and the collections liberal. On Monday a public tea was held, at which more than one hundred persons sat down. At seven p.m. a public meeting was held in the chapel. Mr. Anderson presided. The speakers were Rev. J. Stutterd, Crowle, and Mr. S. Johnson, Epworth. SCHOOLS. LOUTH, Eastgate.-The first session of our Sunday school Normal Class was closed, June 18, by a written examination and a public review. The students acquitted themselves well in the scrip ture examination; and showed in their essays on the various aspects of the Sunday school work, that the "modern methods," which had been discussed in the class, had not only arrested their attention, but had won their enthusiastic support. The second session has just opened with a larger attendance and a growing hope. ANNIVERSARIES. ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH. June 20th. Preacher, Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A. Collections, £32. Preacher, BARROWDEN.-June 13. Professor Berlyn, M.C.P. Large congregations. Collections in advance of previous years. The Professor lectured on Monday on the "Manners and Customs of the Jews." BURNLEY, Ebenezer.-Preacher, Rev. W. Stott. Leonard Clements, Esq., gave an address in the afternoon. Collections, £114 4s.-£9 in advance of last year. CHATTERIS.-June 13. Preacher, Mr. T. T. Ball. Collections, £7 10s. CLAYTON.-June 27. Preachers, Rev. J. Turner and Mr. W. Jones. Collections, £53 16s. 8d., £3 in excess of last year. COLEORTON.-June 27. Preacher, Rev. C. Payne, of Louth. Collections, £10 11s. DEWSBURY.-Sermons by Rev. G. W. M'Cree, and address by Mr. Rennison, June 27. Lecture by Mr. M'Cree on the 29th. Collections, £31. KIRKBY WOODHOUSE. Preacher, Mr. J. Burton. and collections good. next day. June 27th. Congregations Annual treat LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood Gate.-Preacher, Rev. G. Jarman. Collections, £51 14s. 6d., exceeding that of very many years, with the exception of last year. MEASHAM.-June 27. Preacher, Rev. J. Clifford. Collections, £22 12s. NORWICH.-June 13. Preachers, Rev. G. Taylor and Rev. G Percival. W. H. Dakin, Esq, presided at the annual meeting on the Monday. Mr. J. W. Taylor read an encouraging report. Seven scholars have joined the church, and many others are seeking for the light. The pastor read extracts from the Life of Robert Raikes from the Magazine; and addresses were given by Col. S. D. Young and H. Trevor, Esq. NOTTINGHAM, Old Basford.-Preacher, the pastor, Rev. J. Alcorn. Crowded congregations. Collections, £40 88.-largest ever realized. On the Monday, the children having had their usual treat, upwards of 200 sat down to tea, after which a large public meeting was held in the chapel, the pastor presiding. Addresses delivered by Messrs. Hopewell, Cox, Bee, Smith, Buckworth, Burton, and Bexon. The most successful anniversary since the erection of the chapel. QUEENSBURY, near Bradford.-July 18. Preacher, Rev. W. March. Crowded congregations. Collections, £52 11s. SAWLEY.-June 20. Preacher, Mr. Godkin, of Loughborough. Collections, £19 10s. Annual treat next day. SHORE.-June 20. Preacher, Rev. I. Preston. Collections, £90 1s. Od. TODMORDEN, Wellington Road.-June 27. Preachers, Revs. C. Clark, of Nottingham, and W. March (pastor). Collections, £56 12s.-ten guineas more than last year. BAPTISMS. ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH.-Two from the Senior Girl's Class, one the pastor's eldest daughter. CHATTERIS.-Four, by J. F. Bird. EAST KIRKBY.-One (seventy-three years of age), by G. Robinson. ILKESTON.-Three, by A. C, Perriam. LEICESTER, Carley Street.-Three, by J. C. Forth. LONDON, Borough Road.-Four, by G. W. M'Cree. LONDON, Commercial Road.-Seven, by J. Fletcher. LONDON, Praed Street, &c.-One. LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood Gate. - Six, by G. Jarman. NOTTINGHAM, Old Basford. - Seven, by J. Alcorn. SHORE.-Seven, by J. K. Chappelle. TODMORDEN.-Three, by W. March. MARRIAGES. ARMSTRONG-BROWN.-July 13, at Wood Gate Chapel, Loughborough, by Rev. G. Jarman, M. Ezra Armstrong, printer, Loughborough, to Mary Jane, second daughter of the late Mr. Edward Brown, of Loughborough. HARRISON-MACKAY.-June 23, at the Congregational Church, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, by the Rev. F. Trestrail, F.R.G.S., President of the Baptist Union, assisted by the father of the bride, the Rev. John Harrison, of Niton, I. W., to Jessie White, eldest daughter of the Rev. Alexander Mackay, LL.D., formerly of Edinburgh. WARD-FLETCHER.-June 22, at Nottingham, Mr. John James Ward, to Miss Mary Ann Fletcher. WOODROFFE-GREEN.-June 8, at Wood Gate Chapel, Loughborough, by Rev. G. Jarman, Mr. James Woodroffe, of Park Cottage, Loughborough, to Mary, second daughter of Mr. Thos. Green, Burton Villas, Loughborough. OBITUARIES. BENNETT, MRS. ELIZABETH, was born at Oxton, July 6, 1840, and removed to Nottingham when she was sixteen years of age. She attended the Broad Street Wesleyan Chapel during the same year, was converted, and became a member of the church there. In 1868 she attended the G. B. Chapel, Carrington, and in 1869 she was baptized and joined the church, and maintained her membership faithfully until her death. Married to Mr. Charles Bennett, she went to reside near Mapperley, and when a mission chapel was built near her residence she frequently attended the services there. During the past six months many souls have been brought to Christ, largely through the earnest and devout labours of our departed sister. It is feared this work brought on her last illness; but during the nine or ten days it lasted, she showed the most complete resignation to her heavenly Father's will, and expressed her firm conviction that whatever might be the issue, it would be for her own spiritual welfare, the good of precious souls, and the furtherance of God's cause in the neighbourhood. She manifested the deepest concern for the young converts; and on one occasion, when addressing them, she said she felt something like "Billy Bray" must have done when, under similar circumstances, he said he should like to take the lambs into his arms and carry them straight away to heaven before any harm could overtake them. had frequent glimpses, in her short illness, of the glory which was soon to be revealed to her, and at length calmly fell asleep in Jesus on Sunday, June 13, 1880. The service, on Sunday evening, June 20, on the occasion of her funeral sermon was of a very solemn and impressive character. The chapel was crowded. Mr. H. Belton conducted the devotional part of the service, and Mr. H. Truman preached from Revelations vii. 17. She Fox.-Dec. 18, 1879, at East Kirkby, after a protracted illness, Mr. Frederick Fox, jun., fell asleep in Jesus. He was born, May 11, 1858, and from his infancy was led by Christian parents to the house of God. At the age of seventeen he gave himself to the Saviour, and was baptized and received into the church, March 7, 1875. He now became a teacher in the Sabbath school, and gave promise of usefulness; but instead of bearing the burden and heat of the day he was soon laid upon a bed of sickness. His trust and confidence in Christ as an all sufficient Saviour increased as his end approached; and after patiently enduring the pain and weariness attendant upon a long and severe affliction, he triumphantly passed from "the church militant to the church triumphant." TOOGOOD, MRS., wife of Edward Toogood, departed this life at Sawley, Oct. 20, 1879, aged 58 years. She joined the church August, 1865, and remained a consistent member until her death. Her affliction was of a painful character, but borne with Christian fortitude. She very much enjoyed the religious conversation of those who visited her, and her ardent hope was that her death might be the means of the spiritual life of her children. WILSON, MR.-June 30, 1880, Mr. Samuel Wilson, of Derby, aged 55 years. He was one of the first six baptized in St. Mary's Gate Chapel, June 26, 1842, and with him passed away the last of the six. He became a standardbearer for Christ at 18 years of age, and from 1844, when he began village preaching, till 1873, when failing health compelled him to retire from active labour, his life was one of usefulness and noble service. He assisted in founding the Juvenile Missionary Society, 35 years ago, and the train of influence he set in motion by his Christian industry and patient toil will continue to act for good, both in his home and social sphere, as well as in the Christian fields in which he laboured. During the last four years Brother Wilson was heavily afflicted, and able but seldom to attend God's house, yet he bore all suffering with cheerful resignation. |