I. THE AUTUMNAL SESSION OF THE BAPTIST UNION, held in London for the first time, has been a most gratifying success. The meetings were largely attended, the spirit was enthusiastic, and the work was, in the main, well done. Foreign Missions will be large gainers from this gathering; and some of the Funds of the Union will probably be increased.

The one lament amongst London men, on all sides, is the intolerable want of courtesy of some of those for whom hospitality was provided, but who did not come up to town, and who showed no sign. Possibly mistakes occurred in some cases through sheer accident, and no one is to blame; but the evidence will not, in charity, allow that kindly construction to be put upon many instances. This, however, is so unpleasant and so irritating a topic that I forbear to say more than to express my profound pleasure that not one of those who has so irredeemably discredited himself is, as far as I can learn, a "General." If there had been one, certainly we would have voted a sum of money at our next Association to send him to school again, to learn genuine politeness.

II. THE "DAILY CHRISTIAN WORLD" AND THE BAPTIST UNION.-A new feature in connection with our Autumnal Session was the issue of a "Daily," by the spirited proprietor of the "Christian World." It was an admirable venture, and the four issues form a capital photograph of the work of the week. We hope it will not be long before the "DAILY Christian World" is established on a permanent basis. No other paper has so fine a chance of success; and, taken altogether, no other paper so deserves to succeed. It is too late in the day to speak of the commanding ability it displays, of its conspicuous promptitude and universality in the matter of religious news, of the breadth of its sympathies, and of the robustness of its tone. Set going as a "Daily," it would be likely to set much else going of a really beneficent character.

III. DULCIGNO, so it seems, is ceded at last. The Porte has relaxed. Mr. Gladstone's policy has conquered, according to his prophecy, and the Berlin Treaty is vindicated. Accession of territory to Montenegro was a part of that Treaty. Dulcigno was not the part labelled in the Treaty for the Montenegrins, but the alteration was made in favour of Turkey, and the sacrifice demanded from her was reduced. how characteristically obstinate and deceptive the action of Turkey has been.

Yet

The Porte is the King John of our era; and his subjects are in a worse state than England was in 1206 to 1215. Subse

quent ages will be grateful that our day has a worthy parallel to the brave, unselfish, and philanthropic Langton in the Woodsman of Hawarden.

IV. JOSEPH COOK, of Boston, may be said to have started on his mission in defence of Christianity in Great Britain this morning, Oct. 15, at the breakfast given by Mr. George Williams at the Y. M. C. A. Long since we made the acquaintance, by the aid of the press, of this splendidly drilled, grandly endowed, and glowingly earnest man. From the first we felt that he was a new man, of immense power and originality as a thinker, of wide and balanced knowledge on the subjects with which he deals, working with a solid intuitional philosophy, animated with an intense love of truth, and obviously fitted to do the work in relation to scientific theology that Christianity more needs just now than any other; and listening to him this morning deepened that conviction more than ever. He is intense. Mr. Cook's plan is to show that in all departments of science and philosophy the latest assured results harmonise with an intelligent interpretation of Scripture, and with a vigour that never fails, a research that, within its own sphere, is never at fault, and a logic that is always crushing and conclusive, he defends Christianity. He is a thinker, and therefore a believer; and again, therefore, he does not stand sponsor for the accumulated mistakes and errors of previous and existing expositors; but, in the main, his work is the finest defence of the "faith of Christ" it has been our lot to see. We urge every minister, student, local preacher, and every thinker in our churches and out, to take the first chance of hearing his magnetic words.

V. THE END OF THE WORLD.-1881 will be a momentous year. The signs are fearfully portentous of dreadful doom. Of all possible conjunctions of figures none could be more peculiar or more symbolical than those which mark this year. Stupendous events will happen in 1881. All things conspire to tell that before its last moment has struck the crack of doom will sound. Look at the ominous signs! 1881. The sum of its digits is 9x9. It is divisible by 9 without remainder. The remaining quotient consists of two prime factors, 11 and 19. It reads the same both ways. If 18 be set under 81, and the two added,

the sum is 99. If the 18 be reversed, and then added to 81, the sum is 162, the sum of the digits of which is 9. The 162 is also divisible by 9, giving a quotient of 18, which is a second time divisible by 9. If the 81 be reversed and added to 18, the sum is 36, which is also divisible by 9, and the sum of its digits is also 9. Could anything be more suggestive or prophetic? No doubt the world will end in 1881. Q. E. D. Sell out your property and go to Cook's offices for a ticket to Salt Lake. Get the "Signs of the Times," and take its Editor with you, and whatever you do, don't come back again!

VI. HOW TO STOP BRIBERY.-The Election Commissions now sitting show that the Chief Ally of Bribery in England is the beer-house and the public-house. Electoral corruption finds its most flexible and facile agent in the "glass of beer." Oxford and Chester, Sandwich and Deal, proclaim clearly that all who care for purity of election ought to work, first and mainly, to get rid of our social customs of treating and drinking; and, secondly, for the closing of all public-houses during the time of a political election; and, thirdly, for the disfranchisement of all boroughs small enough to be easily bought.

VII. DRINK AND MISSIONS.-At a great meeting of the Baptist Missionary Society, held in Exeter Hall, Oct. 5, the Rev. Richard Glover, of Bristol, remarked upon the "dismal littleness" of the work that had been expended upon the foreign mission field, and asked: "How much do you think has been spent in the last eighty years by all the Protestant Christian missionary societies of the world, and all the Bible societies put together? Not more than England spends every three or four months on drink. Now, take it in-not more in these eighty years, on all this high philanthropy, than is spent every three months on drink in England alone. What is that over the world-over its thousand millions of heathen people?"

VIII. NOT THE CLIMATE THAT KILLS. -At a missionary service held in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, the Rev. W. Etherington, when speaking of the difficulties of a missionary life, said: "So far as the climate of India is concerned, speaking from personal and extended observation, I feel quite prepared to say that the man who goes to India to engage in mission work, and is prepared to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, and who will eat to live and not live to eatsuch a man need not fear the climate of India. I say this because there are two

I

young men just going to India, and they may possibly think there is much to be feared with regard to the climate. think it all-important to say that I have lived on the plains of India, never having seen one of the sanatoria of the country for more than fourteen years, with almost uninterrupted good health; and I know full well that there are many Englishmen living now in India, and enjoying life, who, if they had remained in this climate, would have been killed by it."

IX. FAINTING IN CHURCH.-It seems strange at first sight, but not at all wonderful when we come to look closely into the conditions and circumstances of the case, that fainting in church should be a frequent occurrence, and in some congregations even reach the proportions of an epidemic. There can be no question that the ventilation of many churches and places of worship, which are wont to be crowded, is radically defective, and the vitiated atmosphere inevitably affects the weakly as a powerful depressant. This is a matter which requires attention. Medical officers of districts might bring more influence to bear on churchwardens and the wardens of chapels, that measures may be taken to receive the ingress of pure air without draught and the escape of foul vapours. Meanwhile it cannot be doubted that there is room for a little serious argument on this subject, and ministers might do well to remonstrate from the pulpit with congregations in which the "habit" of fainting is prevalent. In some of the chapels attached to lunatic asylums there are special apartments for the accommodation of epileptics who have "fits." It would almost seem that in some churches and chapels there should be rooms set apart for the retirement of those who contemplate fainting.-The Lancet.

X. A UNITARIAN CONFESSION-The Christian Life, a Unitarian organ published in London, repeats the hoary and suspicious lament that the atmosphere of Unitarianism is cold and dead. "The converts whom we gain," it says, "find their devotional life decline in their new home, and any children of strong devotional instincts who are born in our midst can seldom find a permanent abiding place in their native church.” "It is, indeed, remarkable how, with all our pretensions to liberty, and with all our pretensions to philosophy, neither the liberty nor the philosophy have usually been deep enough either to win the allegiance of men of great religious genius, or even to retain the allegiance of such men when birth or accident placed them amongst us."

YOUNG ENGLAND: an Illustrated Magazine for Recreation and Instruction. Young England Office, 56 and 6), Old Bailey.

THIS is the beau idéal of a magazine for the young. It's illustrations are telling and abundant; its information as to science and cricket, history and lawn tennis, travel and football, is most extensive, accurate, and interesting; its stories of travel, and incidents of adventure, are thrilling, and its tone is robust and healthy throughout. Young England will surely be the better for this serial. A new vol. begins Now. Send for the first number

at once.

MY EXPERIENCE OF THE CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH. By H. M. Prior. Stratford: Wilson & Whitworth.

IRVINGISM is subjected to a drastic exposure by one who has been a minister of one of the seven churches in London for twenty years, and is now a Rationalist. The experiences illustrate the casual manner in which a "sect" may originate, and the natural growth of vested interests about such an "accident;" they also show the baseless grounds on which Irvingism rests, and ought to facilitate its collapse.

A SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF BELIEF IN A FUTURE LIFE. By J. P. Hopps. Price 18. Williams & Norgate. THIS brochure is a skilful and cogent resumé of the evidence recently furnished by scientific men in favour of the reality of an unseen universe. Mr. Hopps has collected his materials from diverse fields, arranged them with skill, and constructed an argument that ought to carry conviction to minds given to weigh probabilities. The little work is calculated to do real good.

THE PICTORIAL NEW TESTAMENT FOR THE YOUNG. Stock.

THIS is prepared in three forms, one of them at a penny, a second at twopence, and another at threepence. Each one is a marvel of cheapness; and, considering the price, also of clearness of type, and fulness of information. Here are maps, historical introductions, illustrations, etc.; but we hope there are not many who will be condemned to take their New Testament in this cheap and painfully blinding form.

BROOKS' POPULAR BOTANY. 282, Strand, W.C.

THIS is being published in weekly numbers and in monthly parts. The first number, now before us, promises well. The plates are good, and the descriptive matter accurate, fairly extensive, interesting, informing, and well expressed. The work will deal largely with the useful plants, and will treat them with reference to the food necessities of the people, to the flower garden, and medicine. Six illustrations will accompany each twopenny number. Our readers, young and old, will do well to invest in BROOKS' POPULAR BOTANY.

THE CHILD'S OWN MAGAZINE FOR 1880. Sunday School Union.

IT is a perfect little gem. It captivates by its pictures, its well told tales, and its merry rhymes. Let all the children have it. It will not only keep them out of mishief, but it will help them to be good, and to do good.

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE. By J. T. Briscoe. Baptist Tract and Book Society.

ANYTHING that would help any one to read the Bible we should be eager to commend; but we cannot see any real good this book is fitted to do. The Baptist Tract and Book Society can surely do better work than this.

WHAT CHURCH? AND THE ONLY FAITH AND FOLD. By C. Bullock, B.D. Fourth and Enlarged Edition. Hand and Heart Office.

We are glad to see this work in its fourth edition. It states the Anglican's position with incisive force, and in the best temper, and deserves a large circulation.

JOURNALS AND JOURNALISM, with a Guide for Literary Beginners, by John Oldcastle, is a book published in genuine old fashioned style by Field and Tuer, and is strongly to be recommended to the large class for whom it is written. It is replete with interesting facts connected with the history of literary men; with their autographs and their chequered experiences; and it has some valuable hints to those making a start in a literary

career.

CONFERENCES.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE.-The Autumnal Session was held at Borough Road Chapel, London, Sept. 29, 1880, under the presidency of the Rev. G. Wright.

Business Session was opened at 3.30 by a brief devotional service. The Revs. D. McCallum and C. Starling took part,

The President gave the right hand of fellowship to Mr. Starling, whose church was received at the Spring Conference.

The Rev. J. A. ANDREWS, pastor of the Old G. B. church at Headcorn, was unanimously received as a PERSONAL Member, and welcomed in like manner.

Reports from Churches were read, showing additions, 120; reductions, 42; nett increase, 78.

Reports from Committee.-The Committee Reported (1.) that the New Trust for RAMSGATE CHAPEL property was completed, and the legal expenses paid. (2.) That the case of Rushall was in the hands of the lawyer, but not sufficiently ripe for any definite statement. (3.) The church recently formed in NUTFORD HALL, NUTFORD PLACE, EDGWARE ROAD, Marylebone, pastor, J. P. Chapman, applied, and was nominated for membership in the Conference.

Election of Officers.-The following were elected for the ensuing year-President, W. Harvey Smith; Secretary, W. J. Avery; the Treasurer, Mr. W. Morgan, and the old Committee, were re-elected; and the Rev. J. F. Jones was asked to arrange for Foreign Mission Services.

Next Conference.-Agreed, that the next Conference be held at Wendover, or in case of failure at Tring.

A paper was then read by the Rev. J. F. Jones, on "Can the members of our churches consistently render support to the British Stage?" for which he received the hearty and well-merited thanks of the Conference. A spirited discussion on the paper was commenced by the Rev. G. W. M'Cree, followed by the Revs. J. Batey, J. Fletcher, J. Clifford, and others, and concluded with a reply from the writer of the paper. The tone of the debate was intensely earnest and devout, full of sound reasoning, and evidently expressed the feeling of the meeting in giving a decided negative to the question of the paper.

Public Meeting.-At 7.30 an interesting lecture was delivered by the Rev. Dawson Burns, M.A., on "America as I found it." A collection for the Home Mis

sion formed a practical conclusion to an enjoyable Conference.

W. H. SMITH, Secretary.

CHAPELS.

DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.-Oct. 10, the Rev. J. W. Williams, pastor, preached a thanksgiving sermon from Gen. viii. 22. Subject: "The Teachings of Harvest." 1. That God's faithfulness to His word never fails. 2. Every harvest teaches us that God has inseparably connected true and earnest toil with blessed results. 3. Every harvest should remind men of the ripening principles of the Divine government.

ISLEHAM.-Oct. 13, a harvest thanksgiving sermon was preached by Rev. W. J. Avery, after which 180 sat down to tea. In the evening a well attended meeting was held, when addresses were given by Rev. W. J. Avery, and neighbouring ministers.

LEEDS, Wintoun Street.-The Rev. John Spurgeon (father of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon) preached for us on Tuesday evening, Sept. 21, and on the following Tuesday we had a sale of work, consisting of useful and ornamental articles, on behalf of our current expenses.

CHAPEL ANNIVERSARIES. BOURN.-Sept. 26th, Rev. C. Payne preached. Collections and tea, £43 18s.

HITCHIN.-Oct. 10. Preacher, Rev. H. B. Robinson. R. Johnson, Esq., presided at the public meeting, October 11, and addresses were delivered by Revs. H. B. Robinson, J. Dixon, F. G. Marchant, J. T. Roberts (West Vale), G. Wright, the pastor, and W. Perry. Proceeds, £45.

LEICESTER, Friar Lane.-Sept. 19, two sermons were preached by the Rev. Professor Goadby, B.A., of Chilwell College. On the Monday following the tea meeting was held, after which Mr. Goadby delivered an eloquent lecture on America, making special reference to his late visit. The Wednesday following the Rev. H. S. Brown, of Liverpool, delivered a lecture on "How to make the best of it." Tuesday, Oct. 19, two sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Spurgeon, jun., of Greenwich,

LONDON, Church Street.-49th anniversary, Oct. 10th. Preachers, Revs. J. F. Jones and D. Burns, M.A. The following evening tea and public meeting. Chairman, Rev. D. Burns, M.A. Speakers, Revs. W. A. Blake, W. Brown, J. Fletcher,

Dr. Angus, and J. F. Jones, and Norman Kerr, M.D. It was stated that the debt incurred by the alterations of the chapel had been entirely removed.

LONGTON.-Oct. 10. Preacher, Rev. W. Bishop. 400 to tea on Oct. 11. Rev. C. T. Johnson, pastor, presided, and reported 61 added to the church. Addresses were delivered by Revs. W. Bishop, C. Chambers, A. E. Seddon, T. H. Howshall, and Messrs. Wellingham and Morton. Collections, £6 148.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-Oct. 3, Rev. W. Orton preached. Next day, after the public tea, the pastor gave a lecture on Life in the Western States." Nett proceeds, £12 18.

66

MOUNTSORREL.-Sept. 19, Mr. H. Godkin preached the first anniversary sermons. On Monday there was a public tea, the trays kindly given by members and friends. In the evening Mr. E. C. Ellis of Derby, delivered his exceedingly interesting lecture on his recent tour to the South of France and Italy. The proceeds, including £8 specially given for the occasion by members, amounted to £23. Mr. J. S. Smith presided.

SCHOOLS.

IBSTOCK-Laying of Memorial Stones. -Our schools, built in 1836, have for a long time been unsuitable and inadequate for the requirements of the parish. The teachers, therefore, resolved to pull down the old schools, and re-build on the same site. The ceremony of laying the memorial stones was performed, Sept. 22. The chairman, Rev. J. Salisbury, M.A., read a lengthy sketch of the origin and history of the school. It was founded in 1820, and conducted in the chapel for fifteen years. The following gentlemen were next presented with trowels by Mrs. King, Mrs. Fletcher, Miss Jacques, and Miss Walker, and proceeded to lay a memorial stone, viz., Mr. Councillor Wilford, and Mr. G. Payne, of Leicester; Mr. J. F. Homer, of Birmingham, and Mr. Thos. Bailey, Ibstock, who had been a teacher of the school forty years ago. Tea was supplied gratuitously by Mr. and Mrs. Allen. In the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. H. Dennis. The chairman congratulated the meeting on the efforts they were making to extend their operations, and urged them to continue their endeavours to reduce the debt. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. D. Pick, J. F. Homer, G. Payne, and W. Compton. Total proceeds, £46 10s. 10d.

MINISTERIAL.

ROBINSON, REV. H. B., acting under medical advice, has resigned the pastorate

of Ely Place church, Wisbech. He has accepted the invitation of the church at Kettering. We deeply condole with our brother in his illness, and trust he will speedily recover his strength.

WATKINSON, REV. T., having resigned the pastorate of the church at Newthorpe, a farewell service was held, Oct. 4. Thos. Bailey, Esq., presided, and during the evening presented Mr. Watkinson with a purse of money and a watch. Rev. C. W. Butler, and others, addressed the meeting, which was full of regrets at Mr. W.'s removal. Mr. W. is open to supply vacant pulpits, and his address is 218, St. Anne's Well Road, Nottingham.

BAPTISMS.

ARNOLD.-Two, by J. Winterbotham.
BIRCHCLIFFE.-Ten, by W. Gray.

LEEDS, Wintoun Street-August 30, our pastor, Rev. W. Sharman, had the pleasure of baptizing thirteen candidates in connection with the Church of the Second Advent," a body of believers who meet in an upper room in the Shambles, and are doing good work for the Master.

LONDON, Church St.-Three, by J. F. Jones. LONDON, Commercial Road.-Three, by J. Fletcher.

MACCLESFIELD.-Three, by J. Maden.
MOUNTSORREL.-Two, by A. Greer.

NETHERSEAL.-Two, by Mr. Shakespeare.
NORWICH.-Six, by G. Taylor.

PETERBOROUGH.-Five, by T. Barrass.
WHITWICK.-Two, by F. Mantle.

OBITUARIES.

BOORMAN.-The G. B. church at Headcorn, Kent, has recently sustained a great loss by the death of its oldest member and senior deacon, Mr. A. Boorman. He came of an old G. B. family; his father was for many years Treasurer of the church, and from old records, it appears, was "zealous of good works." Mr. Boorman, just deceased, was born in the year 1795, and in 1823 was baptized and joined the church. In the year 1825 Mr. Boorman the elder died; his son was then appointed acting Trustee of the chapel property, and Treasurer of the church, and in this capacity he served till death, a period of fifty-five years. Though a man of substance, he was simple in his habits of life, straightforward in business, and charitable in disposition. Our brother was no fickle professor; he stood by his own church, through its many changes and varying fortunes, for fifty-seven years, and when others forsook the place he was known to say again and again, "If every one else forsake the chapel I shall go." He was a man of rare Christian fidelity; he lived above suspicion; he was worthy of being trusted, and he was trusted. For several months before his death he was conscious that his end was drawing near. In his affliction he was, perhaps, never very triumphant, yet he possessed the "good hope through grace." He was specially cheered by the Saviour's words, "In my Father's house," etc., and in the expectation of realizing this promise he passed away in perfect serenity with the setting sun of Sept. 20th. On the following Sunday the pastor preached his memorial sermon.

WOOTTON.-Oct. 8, at Princes Risborough, the Rev. W. Wootton, late of Coalville, in his thirty-fifth year. An obituary will be given next month.