Ipswich have proved their good sense by requesting the publication of such a lecture: we should be glad to hear that it had proved equally successful in its prèsent form. There could not but arise the most gratifying results from its being largely read and carefully pondered.

PIETY AND USEFULNESS A HUNDRED YEARS OLD: A MEMOIR OF MRS. ELIZABETH

BAYLEY, OF BIRMINGHAM; WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND REFLECTIONS BY J. A. JAMES. Pp. 66. London: Hamilton and Co.

An interesting memoir of a GOOD WOMAN -what more honoured title could she have?-who, after a life of holiness, died at the advanced age of a hundred and five years. It will be read with profit both by old and young.

Oh,

"IS THE YOUNG MAN SAFE?" Brightly and joyously rose the morning sun over the snow-clad Alps, giving a roseate hue to the dazzling snow, and tinging the sleeping glacier with his radiant beams; higher yet he rose in the heavens, and as his rays gathered strength, the ice-bound rivulets burst from their fetters, and leaped joyously down the mountains. Oh, thought I, as I watched them dancing in the early sunlight, these fettered streams are like our stony hearts, so cold, so lifeless, until the "bright Sun of Righteousness " arises and compels them to thaw, soften, and melt, under his life-giving beams! should not 'our course be like the freed waters, singing His praises as we travel along! While engaged in these thoughts, and in admiring the beautiful prospect, I was aroused from my meditations by the sound of many voices, and on hastening to the place from whence their cries proceeded, saw a large number of people looking anxiously at some men who were descending into the valley. "Is he found ?" the young man safe?" were the questions eagerly asked, but the answer could not yet be heard. Again, louder than before, rose the cry, "Is the young man safe?" It was shouted by the sympathizing bystanders. All waited in silent suspense for the reply; at last it came, "Yes, we have found him; he is safe!" Then arose the prolonged shout of gladness and joy, which reverberated along the mountains, and was repeated by many echoes. On enquiring what had happened, I was told that a young English gentleman, who was travelling with his tutor, had rashly ventured, the evening preceding, among the glaciers, without the knowledge of his guardian, and even without a guide. When his anxious tutor missed his charge, he immediately set out in quest

"Is

of him, with proper guides and many of the villagers. Long were their earnest efforts in vain; and they were growing faint and weary, when, in the grey of the morning, they found him near a precipice, benumbed, stupified, and nearly dead. With the help of restorative cordials, and the blessing of God, life was once more revived, and he was saved.

After hearing this account, and rendering what assistance lay in my power, I pursued my way, musing on what I had seen and heard. I moralized on the heedlessness of the youth,-thought of his narrow escape from death, and prayed that his deliverance might lead him to fly to that Saviour who is able to save from spiritual death. But my thoughts dwelt most on the cry raised by the anxious watchers in the valley, "Is the young man safe?" Never shall I forget the impression those words produced as they fell upon my ear that beauteous morning, while the joyous shouts which followed the glad tidings are indelibly fixed on my memory. My thoughts wandered back many hundred years into the past, when this same question was put by an anguished father. I pictured the gloomy wood of Ephraim,-watched the young man so tenderly loved, and who so fearfully repaid that love with ingratitude,-marked him as he received the fatal dart;-then saw his unhappy father anxiously awaiting news which he yet feared to receive,noticed the eagerness with which he asked, "Is the young man Absalom safe ?"-heard him repeat the question, and saw the inexpressible anguish on his sorrow-stricken countenance when the solemn answer revealed to him his son's death, and listened to his pathetically touching lament as he slowly retired, "O my son Absalom, would God I had died for thee, O Absalom my

son, my son!" Ah, unhappy father, no · human friend can comfort thee now; only the words of thy own sweet Psalm can afford real solace: and surely "God is thy refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

How many times, thought I, have these . mountains echoed words of sorrowful lamentation similar to those which so impress me. And should we not repeat the question as we travel along life's pathway? Might we not startle some listless wanderer in the broad road, by calling to him, and asking if be is safe for eternity? Might we not say to the worldly man of business, Art thou safe? hast thou made thy soul's salvation the great end of thy life? thou art diligent in business, but hast thou attended to the great business of eternity? Might we not speak to that young maiden, who is now entering on the busy and gay scenes of the world: Maiden, thy cheek is fair now, the fire of youth is in thine eyes, and life seems bright to thee; but art thou safe here? No, thou art surrounded with snares,pleasure is nothing but a hollow shell. Oh, look away from this world; look up to heaven; fly from earth's temptations and allurements; listen to the voice and entreaties of thy Saviour; be as the timid dove, flying from the eagle's claws, and soon thou shall be safely held to thy Saviour's bosom.

Thus musing, I journeyed on through the peaceful valley; but feeling tired, I purposed to rest at a little chalet which I

saw in the distance. On entering the humble abode, I saw a young man lying on a small pallet, very ill, tenderly watched by a young girl, the other members of the family being engaged in their ordinary out-door avocations. The young man's brow was pale, his cheek wan; but his whole face betokened peace and serenity within. I addressed him with the words which so impressed my thoughts, slightly altering the query: "Art thou safe for eternity, young man ?" Never shall I forget the sweetness that spread over his features as he calmly and firmly said, "Yes, for on Jesus' breast safely I rest." "Happy

young man, ," I exclaimed, as I drew near his couch, "thou art leaning on the only true rock; none lean on that Saviour without being safe and happy." I then told him of the scene which I had witnessed in the morning, and the train of thoughts it' had occasioned. He seemed much affected, and we joined in praising our God for his delivering mercy, and rejoiced together in the joyful hope of safety for ever with our Saviour in heaven. Ah, I thought, as I looked on his feeble, emaciated form, not long will thy happy spirit be confined to this earth: then how joyful will be thy flight to the mansions above! how safe, how secure, how happy, thou wilt be for ever! Oh, that every young man could exclaim with the dying Swiss peasant,-"Safely on Jesus' breast I am at rest!"

NOTES OF THE MONTH.

POLITICAL.

The war with Russia is now quite over, and has taken its place in the history of the world. Both in Parliament and by the country the peace has been formally recognised: in all the churches, and many of the chapels of the land, thanksgivings have been offered to the "God of Peace;" in many of the large towns there have been public rejoicings in recognition of the event; and in London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, - but a day or two ago, fireworks and illuminations, by order of the Government, completed the national rejoicing. Already the nations are falling into the old courses from which for a time the war had withdrawn them, and the discussions which it bad induced are giving place to others affecting questions of social and domestic progress. We can but again express our joy, in common with that of the whole

nation, that the great curse of war is once more withdrawn. The impression appears to have gained ground, that though the terms of peace may not be such as to fulfil the hopes which many of us entertained, they fully meet the necessities of the case, and remove, for the present at least, all danger of Russian aggression.

With regard to the Thanksgiving-day, which was appointed by the Government, our readers already know Our views. Opposed as we are on principle to all interference by the State in religious matters, there seems to be at least nothing improper in a national recognition of what is so directly a national blessing; and there was the less difficulty in Nonconformists complying with the request contained in the royal proclamation, as the Government, in appointing the day, had wisely abstained from the use of the terms of "command,' and from the "threats of the displeasure

of Almighty God," and so on, which had made former similar proclamations so offensive. We rejoice that Nonconformists were thus enabled to join in the national expression of thanksgiving. There have been too many cases in the past in which they have been prevented from taking part in what would otherwise have been truly national acts, by the thoughtless or insolent ignoring of their principles by those in power.

Of the questions which have arisen out of the war discussions, those effecting Belgium and Italy are, perhaps, the most important. The protocols of the Paris Conferences contained a speech of Count Walewski, implying a threat against Belgium for the liberty of the press granted to her subjects. Happily it was met by Belgium in such a way as to remove all danger of despotic interference. The sad state of Italy is too well known. Religious and political liberty have in several of its States, especially in Naples and Rome, been equally violated, and numberless instances of the most brutal cruelty have occurred, which have excited the horror of the whole civilised world. Through the determination of Count Cavour, the matter was brought under consideration at Paris, and the result has been an amount of discussion, which we can but hope will lead to the relief of that unhappy land.

We are glad to annource that, in connection with the peace, the Queen has been pleased to grant an amnesty to Mr. Smith O'Brien, and Messrs. Frost, Williams, and Jones. Lord Palmerston very properly justified the act in the House of Commons, by a reference to the loyalty which prevails from one end of her Majesty's dominions to the other. By such an act that loyalty will not be diminished. A deed of mercy ever "becomes a jewelled monarch better than his crown," and neither England nor Ireland will regard their Queen with less affection, because she has restored their erring patriots thus, after years of suffering, to their homes.

The most intense interest has been excited during the last week or two by the trial of William Palmer, of Rugeley. At the time we write, the trial is not concluded, though the result will, doubtless, be known to our readers before this page reaches their eye. We can but remark on the . argument which the whole case furnishes in favour of the abolition of capital punishments. Those punishments have long ceased to be defended on the principle of revenge, and it cannot but be a question for all who are interested in the prevention of crime, how far it is wise, through the severity of the punishment, to transform horror at the crime into sympathy with the criminal.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The great ecclesiastical circumstance of the month has been the recurrence of the annual religious and philanthropic meetings in London. Those meetings began as usual with the anniversaries of our own

societies, which we are happy to know were generally well attended and successful. Since then most of the other societies have held their meetings, the reports of which have filled the columns of the various papers. We call attention especially to the Triennial Conference of the Liberation of Religion Society. We are glad to find that that society is able to furnish so satisfactory a report of the past, and that it promises so well for the future. There is one subject, namely, that of church rates, on which, as it is known, we venture, with a large number of Baptists, to differ from that society; but our general confidence in its conductors is as large as ever, and as the church rate bill, the government amendments to which have caused our difference, is not, after all, likely to be carried, we will hope that this single cause of separation in principle and policy will not long remain.

Considerable satisfaction has been caused during the month by the discontinuance of the Sunday bands in the metropolitan parks. The importance which the question had assumed may be judged from the fact, that no less than two hundred and fifty thousand persons visited the parks to hear the bands on the Sunday previous to their discontinuance. The discontinuance is decided on in deference to the religious feelings of the country, so grossly violated by Sir Benjamin Hall's order. How much injury may already have been effected it is impossible to say. We do not need the Government to legislate for the defence of the Sabbath, but certainly the highest power in the realm should not set the example of violating it.

REGENT'S PARK CHAPEL.

Our readers will remember that this place of worship, erected by the munificent liberality of Sir S. M. Peto, Bart., was opened on the 1st of May, 1855, so that a year's trial has now been given to what was deemed by many a bold and somewhat hazardous experiment. On the evening of Tuesday, May 6th, a meeting was held for the purpose of laying before the friends connected with the place an account of the year's progress, when upwards of 600 sat down to tea,--both of the large schoolrooms under the chapel being used for the occasion. After tea the friends removed to the chapel, when the Rev. W. Landels read a letter from Sir Morton Peto, who had been expected to preside on the occasion, expressing his regret that a very important engagement prevented his attendance, and also his deep interest in the further development and progress of the cause. In his absence the chair was taken by Robert Lush, Esq, barrister, and addresses delivered by the minister and various members of the church. In the course of his address Mr. Landels stated that a year ago he commenced his labours there, amidst predictions of failure which were not a little calculated to damp his hopes of success. On the first Sunday in May he had come to the chapel wondering if there would be any present to hear, and to his surprise found a large congregation both

But

morning and evening. He was then told that novelty had drawn such numbers, and that very soon there would be a falling off. Those who were most interested in the place had said to him, and he himself feared, that the congregation would not continue so good for more than a few months. he need not tell the meeting how God falsified their predictions and his fears. Those who had witnessed the crowded state of the chapel lately, and the numbers who sometimes could not find accommodation, would see that the congregations had increased rather than diminished. When he came there, he did not know of one who was likely to identify himself with the place; and it would not surprise them, if at times hé felt somewhat lonely; but how different was his position now, when on Sunday last a church had been formed numbering 190 members. He felt assured, however, that they could not but feel gratified when he told them that the rental of the seats now let was almost equal to the whole current expenses, including salaries, ground-rent, and all ordinary outlay; and although, having comparatively let few at the commencement, their income during last year had not covered the expenditure, he hoped that, by their present rate of progress being continued, they might be able during the present year to meet the deficiency of the past. On the whole, he saw every reason for thanking God and taking courage. Their progress already had far exceeded his most sanguine expectations; and now he was surrounded with a number of friends ready to support him in every good work, he might reasonably hope for still greater success in future.

ONSLOW CHAPEL, BROMPTON.

The ceremony of laying the foundationstone of Onslow Baptist chapel, was performed on the afternoon of April 26th. The proceedings commenced by singing two verses of Watts's well-known psalm, "From all that dwell below the skies ;' after which the Rev. J. S. Pearsall read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer. Another hymn was then sung, and the Rev. J. Bigwood, minister of the church and congregation for whom the chapel is being erected, delivered the introductory address. Mr. Bigwood concluded by reading the document that was to be placed beneath the stone; and which was the substance of Mr. Bigwood's address, with the names of the deacons, &c., appended. Mr. Carley, in a very appropriate address, presented to the Hon. A. Kinnaird a very handsome silver trowel, and in the name of the minister and committee requested him therewith to lay the foundation-stone; to which the hon. gentleman briefly replied, and immediately commenced and completed his task, amidst the applause of the large assembly who gathered around for the purpose of witnessing the ceremony. The stone bears the following inscription:-"Onslow chapel. -This stone was laid by the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, M P., May 6th, 1856; Rev. J. Bigwood, minister; W. Mumford, architect;

T. Rudkin, builder." Addresses were then delivered by the Hon. A. Kinnaird and the Rev. Dr. Steane. Dr. Angus and the Rev. M. Hooper offered prayer. The whole of the friends, amounting to some 400, then partook of tea provided on the ground, beneath the tent of the Christian Instruction Society, after which short addresses were delivered by the Revs. B. S. Hollis, of Islington, and N. Haycroft, M. A., of Bristol. The Rev. Samuel Martin, of Westminster, preached at Thurloe chapel in the evening, on behalf of the building fund.

A

The neat and elegant place of worship which has just been erected in this place, was opened on Tuesday, May 6th. prayer meeting was held at nine o'clock, when J. Whitaker, Esq., presided. At a quarter before twelve, an introductory prayer was offered by the Rev. T. Middieditch, of Calne. The Scriptures were read, and prayer presented by the Rev. W. Kingeland (Independent), of Devizes. The Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel, M.A., then preached a very impressive sermon from Romans i. 16, and concluded the service by prayer. Dinner was provided at the Angel Hotel, of which about 130 persons partook. In the afternoon, a public meeting was held in the Town-hall, the capacious room being crowded by a very respectable audience. G. W. Anstie, Esq., was in the chair, and opened the proceedings in an appropriate speech. The Rev. C. J. Middleditch, the secretary to the committee, gave a statement of the liberal contributions received. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs. Stanford, of Devizes, Barnes, of Trowbridge, Wassell, of Bath, and Fuller, of Melksham. A very large company then sat down to tea. In the evening, the chapel was again densely crowded. The Rev. W. Barnes, of Trowbridge, read the Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. W. Brock preached a powerful and effective sermon from 1 Peter i. 25, aud closed the engagements of the day with prayer. The collections and donations of the day amounted to nearly £90.

BRIDGEWATER.

On Friday, April 18th, services of a deeply interesting character were held at the Baptist chapel in this town, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. G. M'Michael, B.A., late of Gloucester, who has recently accepted the pastorate of the church. In the afternoon the Rev. R. James, of Yeovil, commenced the service by reading and prayer, after which the Rev. N. Haycroft, M.A., of Bristol, delivered an excellent and appropriate address on "The mutual obligations of pastor and people." At the close of the service about 180 friends partook of tea in the school-room, and in the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel. J. W. Sully, Esq, one of the deacons, ably occupied the chair, and, after prayer by the Rev. G. Rodway, of Weston-super-Mare, suitable addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Horton, of Devonport, N. Hay

croft, of Bristol, R. Green, of Taunton, E." Webb, of Tiverton, E. Clarke, of Twerton, and E. H. Jones (Independent), of Bridgewater, and T. Nicholson, Esq., of Lydney..

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER.

The public recognition of the Rev. J. Brooks, as pastor of the Baptist church, Bourton-on-the-Water, took place on Tuesday, April 15th. In the afternoon, the Rev. W. Cherry, of Milton, read the Scriptures and prayed; after which, two addresses were delivered, the first by the Rev. J. M. Stephens, of Cirencester, on "The constitution of a christian church," the second by the Rev. J. Wassell, of Blockley, on

Christian union,-its importance and happy influence; after which, prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Acock, of Stowe-onthe-Wold. In the evening, the Rev. Isaac New, of Birmingham, delivered a very impressive discourse on " The reciprocal duties of pastor and people;" and the minister of the place concluded the service by prayer. No such service had been held at Bourton since the ordination of the Rev. T. Coles in 1801.

BIDEFORD.

On Wednesday, April 23rd, the members of the Baptist church, Bideford, after a social tea, held a public meeting to commemorate the completion of Mr. Arthur's seven years' ministry among them. Mr. R. Dyer, the senior deacon, after a suitable speech, presented, in behalf of the church, a substantial present to the pastor, as a mark of their unabated love and attachment, to him. Interesting speeches were then delivered by Messrs. R. Prior, T. Tucker, C. Wood, and the pastor, who reviewed the last seven years. During that period the church and Sabbath school has been more than trebled, a heavy debt on the chapel liquidated, and a new chapel at Abbotsham built and paid for.

MILE END, RICKMANSWORTH, HERTS. Very interesting services were held at the Baptist Chapel in this village on Monday, May 12th, in connection with the settlement of Mr. William Emery, as pastor; the Rev. R. Tubbs, E. Burley, G. George, W. Upton, S. Green, T. C. Carter, and J. P. Hewlett, taking part in the services. This church has been in existence between sixty and seventy years. During the past summer it has been without a pastor, and had fallen so low that great difficulty was experienced in keeping the place open. Mr. Emery preached there for some months, during which time the chapel became so crowded that the school-room and vestry had to be thrown open.

SALTER'S HALL CHAPEL, LONDON.

At the beginning of this year a proposition was submitted to the church and congregation at Salter's Hall, to dispose of their chapel, and apply the proceeds to the erection of a new edifice at Forest Hill, Sydenham. This proposal being rejected by a large majority, the Rev. J. W. Todd resigned the pastoral office. A vigorous effort having been made, and an invitation

1

given to the Rev. Jesse Hobson to resume the pastoral oversight of the church, he acceded to the request, and commenced his services on the first Sunday in April. Already there are very cheering tokens of success. WHITEFRIARS LANE, COVENTRY.

On Whit-Monday, a public tea meeting was held in St. Mary's Hall, Coventry, for the purpose of recognising the Rev. Thos. Goadby, B.A., as pastor of the General Baptist church assembling in Whitefriars Lane Chapel. The attendance was large, and the proceedings were deeply interesting. Abijah Jarvis, Esq., occupied the chair; and addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Chapman, J. Goadby, sen., E. H. Delf, W. T. Rosevear, J. Goadby, jun., Mr. Dyall, and others.

ST. MARY'S HALL, COVENTRY.

We are informed that the Rev. W. T. Rosevear has acceded to the request of his numerous friends to remain in Coventry. He commenced his ministrations in St. Mary's Hall, on Sunday morning, April 27th, to a numerous and highly respectable audience, and in the evening of the day the hall was densely crowded. His friends are very active in their endeavours to secure a good site for their new chapel.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

The Rev. Sidney R. Young has accepted the cordial and unanimous invitation of the church meeting in Lion Street, Aberga- · venny, to become their pastor, and commenced his stated ministry on Sunday, April 20th, with encouraging prospects.The Rev. John Michael, for the last ten years pastor of the church at Penuel and Llangwm, Monmouthshire, on Sunday, i April 27th, resigned his connection with that church, in order to enter on Sunday, May 4th, on the pastorate of the church at Bethany, Major, in the same county.-The Rev. Joseph Wilkins, after three years of successful labour at Linsdale, Leighton Buzzard, has resigned his charge, to the deep regret of every member of the church and congregation, to accept an invitation to settle in Windsor Street, Brighton, where a large field of labour is open before him. He commenced his labours there on Lord'sday, April 27th.-The Rev. E. Lewis, late' of Whitehaven, has accepted a unanimous call from the church at Burwell, near Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, where his ministry has been carried on since about the middle of last March.-The Rev. Thomas Lewis, after eight years and three months of successful labour, has resigned his charge of the Baptist church at Llanthewy, Monmouthshire, and has accepted the invitation of the church at Llanelly, near Abergavenny. He commenced his ministry there on the first Sunday in May.-The Rev. Mr. Cozens, late of Willenhall, having' accepted an invitation from the church at Beulah Chapel, Chapel Street, Somerstown, commenced his labours on Lord's-day, May 11th, with pleasing prospects of success.The Rev. George Cole, late of Exeter, has accepted the invitation of the church at Naunton, Gloucestershire.