Miss Annie Hopkinson then presented a mallet, and spoke in similar terms, adding that she would always regard it as an honour to have tendered it to one so distinguished.

Mr. Leatham thanked each of the ladies in a few appropriate words.

The ceremony of laying the stone then took place, and Mr. Leatham afterwards said-In the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I declare this stone to be duly and truly laid. After mounting the stone,

Mr. Leatham, who was received with cheers, said -I think we have the authority of an eminent statesman for saying that a new church is sometimes a new centre of darkness. My own feeling is that wherever the Gospel is faithfully preached, whether in church or chapel, there we have a centre of light, even politically; and whatever may be our opinion as to the political outcomings of a new church there can be no hesitation, I think, in our minds as to the political outcomings of a new chapel. Wherever a new chapel is founded there, in our view, we have a new centre of light; and therefore I think there would have been no incongruity if, as a politician, and at the request of politicians, I had consented to take part in laying this stone. I have always maintained that a man's politics were worth but little if his religion were not their animating soul; and that, further, a man's religion is worth but little, at least in relation to those immediately around him, if it does not impel him to take his share in the most religious of struggles-the great fight of truth and justice which we call politics. And because I do not divest myself of my political character this day, I hope you will not suppose I am insensible to the strictly religious aspect of this ceremony. It is impossible to refer to the unhappy but necessary differences of opinion which tend to throw us asunder without, upon an occasion like this, being forcibly reminded of that great bond of union which draws us together, and binds us together as one great family in Christ. And if I have thus glanced at the former, it is chiefly in order that, without sacrificing one particle of our individuality or one iota of our principles, we may long the more by contrast for the blessed and unbroken concord which we hope and believe awaits us all. And surely, my friends, the prospect of the time when all human differences and discord shall cease, ought to teach us that charity towards those who differ from ourselves with which political life is perhaps too little seasoned, but which is the highest and, I had almost said, the most imperative precept which our religion enjoins. Armed, then, by these two Christian virtuescharity to those who differ from ourselves, and virtue or firmness in the declaration of what we believe to be the truth-I think we may stand as Christian politicians around this stone, and offer up our prayers that this rising edifice may be in every sense a centre of light-a centre round which willing hearts may bow in spiritual worship, and from which they may go forth filled with the highest purpose, and a real courage to fight that good fight of faith which, whether in politics or religion, overcomes the world.

The Rev. W. Cocker, D.D., of Leeds, delivered an address, in the course of which he said that God should be worshipped privately as well as publicly. Wherever there had been an idea of a God, with whatever absurdities and superstitions it might have been associated, the propriety and the obligation of public worship had been felt and acknowledged. Even the temples and sacrifices and superstitious ceremonies of paganism abundantly testified this; and the difference between the pagan worship and theirs was that they knew whom they worshipped, and they had the Gospel of the Son of God. They purposed raising that building for the public worship of God, and the Gospel would be preached there in all its simplicity and purity. The denomination in whose interests the chapel was being raised was Protestant; they believed in the glorious Reformation; they were Protestant Dissenters, for they believed that the Church of Jesus Christ was a Divine institution, to be governed by those who constituted it; and they were political Dissenters, insomuch as that from which they dissented was political. However they might regard Methodism, they

could not help admitting that it had been of incalculable benefit to people not only here but in distant lands. He referred to his having forty years ago preached his first or second sermon in Deighton Chapel, and the interest he felt in the ceremony of that day, and he hoped the work of the place would go on increasing.

Mr. France moved, and the Rev. T. D. Crothers seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr. Leatham for his attendance on that occasion.

Mr. Leatham, in reply, said it had given him great pleasure to be present, and he trusted he might be enabled, under a kind Providence, to assist on many similar occasions.

A similar vote of thanks was given to the Mayor.

The Rev. J. K. Jackson having given out another hymn, the benediction was pronounced and the proceedings concluded.

Subsequently a tea-meeting, which was largely attended, was held in the schoolroom, and this was followed by a meeting in the chapel, presided over by Mr. Godfrey Sykes, of Huddersfield. There was a very good

attendance.

The Chairman in the course of a short address said that no institution had done so much for education as the pulpit had done, and therefore it was deserving of the warmest encouragement from all sincere friends of education.

Mr. H. Langley, the secretary, read the statement which was read in the afternoon, and expressed a hope that the work accomplished in the new chapel would far transcend that which had been accomplished in the old

one.

The Rev. J. W. Williams spoke of the great pleasure he felt in being present that day, and he said that there must be no new doctrine taught in the new chapel.

The Rev. C. D. Ward said that within the last ten years there had been nine new chapels and seven new schools provided in that district, at a cost of £53,300, and of that amount more than £40,000 had been raised. There had been provided more than 5000 additional sittings in their places of worship, and room for 3500 additional scholars, and this was no mean work to have accomplished. He urged his hearers to manifest increased diligence in the cause of religion.

The Rev. Dr. Cocker followed with an address, in which he spoke of the importance of politics, and of men taking a right view of them. The Church of Rome said it never persecuted; although they had it in the decrees of their Councils that heretics were to suffer confiscation of property, exile, imprisonment, and death, the Church said it never persecuted, but handed heretics over to the political power. Was it not of some importance, then, that they should know what were their politics and who their politicians were? Would the chairman like to be under a political system which would adjudge him deserving of having his ears cut off, his nose slit, or his thumbs screwed for presiding over that meeting? Hardly. Why, politics were the nation's regulations as to its rights and liberties-as to its freedom and independence and the right of every man to exercise his own mind free as the light, unfettered as the winds, in forming his opinions. Politics were things they were not to be troubled about! He could only say if they did not trouble themselves about them, politics would not trouble them. They had that right, the right of free speech; but it would not have been so years ago under the Papal system. If Luther and Wycliffe had had the same kind of liberty and privilege which people possessed now, they would have had a mighty power, and they would have been able to accomplish much more than they did. But they had not the power. And why? Because tyrants and tyrannies had always feared the gatherings of the people. It must be remembered that if they had these opportunities of their social gatherings, and unrestricted freedom of speech, it was because the politics of the nation had been moulded and taken a different shape. They must not conceive the idea of delivering the politics

of the nation to the evil powers. No, no. They must have the politics of the nation kept in harmony with the principles of God's eternal truth, with the inalienable rights and privileges of men, and in order to do that they must be alive to the political movements going on in the world. Do not let them think that they should be commended for their selfishness, listlessness, laziness, or their want of patriotism, and that other men were to be blamed for their generosity, patriotism, and heroism. He did not say that a man should run mad after politics, or that a man should consecrate to politics the time that should be spent in providing for the necessities and comforts of a varied household. But whilst he looked after the affairs of his own household, he might take interest in the affairs of the country, and in taking that interest he will be taking a practical interest in the affairs of his household, and the household of his neighbours and friends, and the interests of his country at large.

The Rev. L. Stoney afterwards addressed the meeting, and the usual votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close. The collections, with the profits of the tea-meeting, amounted to £100 2s. 3d.

On Sunday, January 2nd, the Rev. Law Stoney conducted the last services in the old chapel. A liberal collection was made on each occasion. The evening congregation, which was very large, was deeply affected by the preacher's pathetic appeals.

MANCHESTER NORTH CIRCUIT.

SPECIAL SERVICES.

SPECIAL services were held during the months of November and December at Salem, Culcheth, and Miles Platting Chapels. The prayer-meetings which preceded the services at Salem and Culcheth were well attended, and considerable spiritual power was realised. The Rev. J. W. Williams preached almost every evening at Culcheth for a fortnight, and every evening some were brought to Christ. Believers were quickened, backsliders were reclaimed, and unbelievers were convinced of sin and sought pardon through Christ. Amongst these a considerable number were young people, who have been put under the care of two pious young women, who meet them for religious conversation and instruction every Sunday afternoon after the opening of the Sunday school, this class being considered one of the Sundayschool classes.

The week's special services at Salem were conducted by the Revs. J. W. Williams, T. Addyman, W. Wilshaw, G. Packer, and W. F. Newsam, and were also very successful, several remarkable conversions having taken place during the services.

A fortnight's special services at Miles Platting came to a close on December 18th, at which many sought and found the Lord. The singing of Sankey's hymns at these services gave them additional interest, and were the means of preparing the hearts of the people for the close appeals of the preacher. We are thankful to God that about one hundred have recorded their names as having either been quickened, or restored, or saved. God be the praise.

MILES PLATTING CHAPEL, WILSON STREET.

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The dry rot having, for the second time, got into the floor of this chapel, it became necessary for the trustees to take measures at once for putting the chapel into a safe condition. They resolved about six months ago that the chapel should be re-floored; and that, as the heating apparatus had failed, it should either be altered or a new one put in. In the course of these alterations others suggested themselves, as the erection of a new platform pulpit and communion, and surrounding the chapel with skirtingboards. Several practical joiners connected with the Society generously decided to execute these alterations without cost to the estate so far as their

labour was concerned, the value of which labour during over one thousand hours amounts to about £60. The chapel was closed two or three months, the congregation worshipping in the schoolroom; and on Sunday, December 5th, it was re-opened by Messrs. J. J. Harwood, R. Hankinson, and the Rev. J. W. Williams. The chapel was crowded at the services, and every one pronounced it to be beautiful.

On the 11th a tea-meeting was held. Mr. Alderman Jenkinson took the chair; and the Revs. H. Marsden, G. Packer, J. W. Williams, and Councillor Harwood addressed the meeting. The meeting was enthusiastic, and the enthusiasm rose to its height when Mr. Councillor Harwood announced that he would give the whole cost of beautifying the chapel; viz, £27. From the report it appeared that the total cost of the alterations and improvements, including £60 the estimated cost of the labour given by the friends, was about £175. Towards this subscriptions have been either paid or promised to the amount of . . . . . £83 16 0

2012

6

1 4 9

3 0 0

£108 13 3

£60 0 0

£168 13 3

Leaving £7 still to be raised. But as one subscription of £12 10s. was an old debt, and as the usual anniversary sermon's collection must be deducted to meet current expenses, the total amount still to be raised will be about £25.

Notices of New Books.

Letters of St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. Translated by the REV. J. G. CUNNINGHAM. T. and T. Clark.

THIS is the thirteenth volume of the works of St. Augustine as published by Messrs. Clark. The great influence which Augustine's writings have had on the belief of Christendom, as well as the intrinsic excellence of a considerable portion of them, make it desirable that all Christian teachers should be acquainted with them as far as possible at first hand. The terms of subscription on which this edition is issued brings it within the reach of most, if not of all. We strongly advise those who have the means to obtain the whole series.

Moses: A Biblical Study. By J. J. VAN OOSTERZEE, D.D. Translated from the Dutch by JAMES KENNEDY., B.D. T. and T. Clark. 1876.

We have already commended to the attention of our readers Dr. Oosterzee's "Year of Salvation." The work we now notice is of equal excellence with that. It consists of twelve discourses on the life and character of Moses, which the Christian may read, for his personal edification, and the minister to be instructed in the best way of drawing from Scripture biography lessons for our guidance at the present day.

The following extract will indicate the style and spirit of the work :— THE USES OF TRIAL.

"If you remove the word 'temptation' from the history of Moses, then his name as one who dared the worst under the influence of faith-who staked all that was precious, though to gain what was more precious still-becomes an empty sound. For it is not till the heavenly Refiner puts the gold-your faith -into the hottest furnace, that its reality and its amount, its worth and durability, become quite evident. The Christian's soul is like a garden of the Lord; but that the trees which have been planted there may scatter forth their perfumes everywhere around, He must from time to time send storms, to liberate the balmy odour and present it to the weary traveller. It is not much to choose the service of the Lord, and range oneself among His friends, when it is possible, withal, still to retain a hold of Egypt's treasures, and to suffer no reproach of any kind for His name's sake. But when just, as in Moses' case, it is impossible to keep the two at once-when we must take some most decided step, for which we know full well beforehand that the world will frown on us; when we must sacrifice upon the altar of a God-devoted heart the honour and the favour of our fellowmen; then will appear the true account of our much boasted faith, of which, in peaceful days, we could discourse and sing so fluently; then will appear the difference between a seeming faith and life with God; then, when the sun of persecution has arisen, the seed that has sprung up in stony ground will wither utterly, and only that which has been sown in good soil will produce good fruit. Why should you Christians wonder, then, when you discover that the tree which tests and tries us men has been transplanted out of paradise into all regions of the world? Or why should you desire to be at once delivered from all strife? Without the fiery trial at that seductive court, Moses would not have been himself; the Christian, too, is called to show how he can conquer through his faith, not when out of the world, but in the world. And now, when God's grand purpose with regard to Moses has been actually carried out, and when the man leaves his first training school, quite destitute of Egypt's wealth, but rich in faith, has he great reason to complain?"

Principles of New Testament Quotation Established and Applied to Biblical Science. By the Rev. JAMES SCOTT, M.A., B.D. T. and T. Clark. 1875.

"THIS work consists of five principal parts-the forms of New Testament quotation, together with their analogous patristic and classical forms, their principles of interpretation, the vindication of these principles, and their application to Biblical studies. Its object is to verify and vindicate them by the analogy of patristic, ecclesiastical, and classical citation, and to apply the principles evolved to Biblical doctrine, exegesis, and apologetics."

Students of Scripture will be thankful for this work. It deals with a very important subject; a subject, too, as difficult as it is important, one branch of which-"the principles of interpretation involved in the quotations of the New Testament from the Old"-being a source of painful perplexity to most who wish to read the Word of God with a satisfied intelligence. The author's treatment of his subject strikes us as masterly, and the need he speaks of he supplies-"to shed some light on a broad and dark domain of Scripture, and also furnish keys of solution." The following extracts will give some idea of the value of the work :—

PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION.

"The grammatical principle is the first law of all interpretation, and though it may appear self-evident, and in no need of vindication, it has been widely controverted and counteracted. It is equally applicable to literal and topical texts, both of which are to be interpreted grammatically, according to the proper sense of the circumstances. This sense, whether literal, topical, or typical, is always one and not many, even when it combines two correlated and analogous though