I. WHAT "THEY" SAY ABOUT US.Our attention has been called several times this month, by letter and by speech, to things that are being said about OUR MAGAZINE. As we wish our readers to go on working for us, making the character of their own periodical known, and letting it have a chance to speak for itself, we cite these quotable witnesses. The Literary World says, "Mr. Clifford is making the G. B. Magazine a power in his denomination. There is something in it for every taste, and the pages sparkle with light." The Freeman says, "Mr. Clifford is doing his best to make it a success; and he ought to succeed. We say this very emphatically." The Baptist describes the February issue "as a capital number."

Mr.

II. BAPTISTS AT CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY. Our readers will rejoice with us in the success of Nonconformist students in the contests for wranglers' places in the recent examination at Cambridge. Mr. Lord, the son of a Baptist minister, heads the list; and Mr. Wilson, a member of the church at Halifax, of which our brother, the Rev. I. Preston, is pastor, has gained the high position of eighth wrangler. His father is known to and beloved by many of us as a deacon of many years of the same church. Wilson gained this post, notwithstanding he was obliged to leave Cambridge in the middle of last term by a severe illness. Doubtless his place would have been higher but for that. Mr. Wilson went to King William's College, Isle of Man, in August, 1869; and at Easter, 1871, obtained a scholarship of £50 by open examination at Christ's College, Cambridge. In the same year, at Midsummer, he received an exhibition of £40 from King William's College. The following October he entered into residence at Cambridge, and at Midsummer, 1872, his scholarship was raised to £80, and this last Midsummer to £100; and now he has signally crowned these successes with the distinction of being eighth in the wranglers' ranks.

III. THE SPRING SESSION OF THE BAPTIST UNION.-We hope the committee of the Baptist Union has seen the great desirability of a change in the order of the meetings of the Spring Session. The chairman's address, which is the pièce de resistance of the week, is given on Mon

day morning at about eleven o'clock, before ministers and delegates have had time to get in from the country, and when Londoners are all engrossed in business. The attendance, therefore, is slender, and the good done is reduced within the narrowest limits. The men of science know better than this. All preliminary and routine business is despatched on Monday and Tuesday, and not till Wednesday evening, when every delegate is present, does the chairman of the British Association give his address. Why cannot Mr. McLaren give his address on the Monday evening, in Bloomsbury chapel, at seven o'clock? The place would be full, and the possibilities of good untold. Surely two things will be avoided, any way. Mr. McLaren will not be cooped up in the Mission House, and be condemned to deliver his address in a room out of which all the good air has been eaten; nor will the Bible Translation Society and the Union illustrate Baptist union by holding two small meetings at the same hour.

IV. "MIRACLES OF HEALING."—An obviously thoughtful correspondent, referring to the "Diary of Mr. Mathews," wishes to know whether we really intend our readers to believe in the "miracles of healing" described in the last number. Our answer to "Thomas by name and by nature" is, "Not that we have dominion over your faith." The accounts cited from the diary of our beloved friend are intended to show "the man in his habit as he lived." Confessedly, at the time he recorded them he believed in them. But we need not. The power of one mind over another has often had remarkable illustrations. When we were in Scotland some years ago, we were told, on the best authority, the following story: A young lady had been ill and kept her bed for three years. A young minister, being inducted to the church of the village, paid her a pastoral visit, fell in love with her, and proposed marriage. The proposal had such an instant curative effect, that within a few hours she was up and about, busily preparing for the bridal day. From these and many similar facts, illustrative of the interaction of mind and body, and of the mediational conditions of our present life, it would be no trial to us to give credit to the records of Mr. Mathews's Diary.

THE TREASURY OF DAVID. By C. H. Spurgeon. Vol. IV., Psalm lxxix. to ciii. Passmore and Alabaster. WE heartily congratulate Mr. Spurgeon on the completion of the second third of his magnum opus. Knowing something of the tremendous pressure of other and multitudinous claims upon him, the severity and frequency of his afflictions, it is an occasion of profound gratitude to Almighty God that he has been enabled to issue another instalment of this eminently serviceable work. Exhibiting all the qualities of its predecessors, this volume deserves the higher praise because of the increased difficulty of the task. Many of the Psalms in this section are unworked mines; and whilst Mr. Spurgeon has brought up most valuable ore, and smelted it ready for use, yet, as his plan requires the collection of the work of other miners, and they are so few, the demand on his time and patience and energy has been great. But the book proves that these have been given in unstinted measure. The selections from the whole range of literature are as varied, apt, and rich as ever; and the comments and expositions are more racy, practical, and suggestive than in any former volume. Mr. Spurgeon's genius gains force by use in this his wisely-chosen field. Men and women who conduct Bible classes, and preachers and ministerial students of all types and grades, should certainly and speedily have this enriching "Treasury of David."

A RETROSPECT OF FORTY-FIVE YEARS' CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. By J. Burns, D.D., LL.D. Houlston & Co. Dickinson and Higham.

To the general reader this volume will prove exceedingly interesting, by its records of wide travel and long experience, its autobiographic incident and adventure, its account of ministerial eccentricities, and its fund of anecdote. To the Temperance man, who is always a general reader, the book will be attractive as a record of the career of one of the most prominent workers in the Temperance Reformation, and an effective exposition of the multiform aspects of that work. To the General Baptist, who, besides being a general reader, often is and ought in all cases to be a teetotaller, it will prove a charm by its notices of our history and work, and its numerous allusions to the men who have been associated

with us in labour and in hope and in reward. A book with such merits is sure of a wide circulation.

THE SETTING SUN: a Poem in seven books. By James Hurnard. Second edition, corrected and enlarged. London: F. B. Kitto, Bishopgate Without, 1871.

THE central book of the poem is devoted to a description of Colchester, its history, notable places, traditions, remarkable persons, and the author's experiences in the old town-a town interesting to the antiquarian, the topographer, and the theologian; and around this centre the other books of the poem revolve as the planets around the sun. We have but space for two samples, and we take them at random.

"I am no Goth, and love not modern Gothic;
Gothic was very well in Gothic times;
But who can bear the brand-new imitations?
Who now would walk about in Gothic coats?
This mediæval taste is covert Popery!
This passion for the quaint and the gro-
tesque-

This taste for tawdry over decoration-
These grand appealings to the outward senses,
Instead of to the oracle within us-
This love of legends of unreal life,

Of pasteboard heroes, and of duck-trussed dames,

The crude in art, the false in poetry-
Is all sheer retrogression back to Rome."
Again, he says,

"We all are slaves!

Some to a foolish crotchet of the brain,
Some to an idle habit formed in youth,
Some to a treacherous glass of sparkling
liquor,

Some to a pipe of villainous tobacco, But most of us to other people's eyes." Thus, though our author "nothing extenuates" which comes in his way that is in his opinion reprehensible, we can assure our readers that he puts down "naught in malice." We commend him, therefore, as a teacher-safe, though at times severe-kind, though faithful — bold, though not presumptuous; as a writer who has much to say worth hearing, and who gives expression to his thoughts in language sometimes trenchant, often very beautiful, and always clear; and can assure our young men especially that they will find in the "Setting Sun" a book which cannot fail to afford them intense pleasure, and one which, if its teachings be received and appropriated, will brighten their own declining days, gilding them with a glory which shall only be increased and intensified in the angel land. W. C.

MODERN PLEAS FOR STATE CHURCHES EXAMINED. By the late H. W. Parkinson. Longmans, Green, & Co. THIS most acceptable volume covers the whole ground of the debate on the subject of Religious Equality. The most recent phases of this controversy had rendered it necessary to discuss not only the subject in its relation to State action in reference to organized religious movement, but also many of the border questions, such as "The Idea of the Christian Church," "The Rise of State Churchism, Episcopacy, Church Property, Theories of Establishment," &c., &c. With unique ability of intellect and spirit, of logic and style, the late Mr. Parkinson has gone over the whole field, and left to his country in this book a legacy of imperishable value. It is incisive without being bitter, argumentative and not heavy, genial and yet thoroughly earnest, logical without dryness, considerate without weakness, eloquent without unreality, comprehensive and yet concise, full of allusions to the present currents of thought, and yet everywhere based upon eternal principles. Its influence will confirm many in the faith they have long held, convince some defenders of "Establishments" of the error of their ways, and where it fails to convict, will lift the vail of prejudice and reveal beauty and excellence where before only deformity was thought to dwell. Workers in the immediate struggle for religious equality will get deepened conviction, manlier grip, and stronger impulse from fellowship with this true, manly, inspiring, and spiritual book. Young men, get it at once; you cannot spend five shillings in a better way.

MEMORIALS OF GEORGE WRIGHT. Compiled by S. R. Bland. Stock.

MR. WRIGHT was for forty-eight years pastor of the Baptist church at Beccles, and Mr. Bland gives in this volume a brief account of his career, consisting largely of autobiographic statement-a large quantity of his letters, some of his faithful sayings, and a few of his sermons. The biography will be specially interesting to those who relish "high" doctrine.

THE SPIRITUAL LOTTERY: a Selection translated from Gerhard Terstegen's "Frommen Lotterie." By E. H. Durand. Stock.

VERSES full of sweet spiritual meaning, pervaded by soothing and healing influences, and rich in gently stimulating power. It is a book of gems.

THE EXPOSITOR FOR FEBRUARY. Edited by Rev. Samuel Cox. Hodder and Stoughton.

THE second number is richer in material, in suggestiveness, and in sterling value than the first. It leaves everything else of the same kind an immeasurable distance behind.

THE NATURAL HISTORY SCRAP Book, Religious Tract Society, is exactly the book for these winter evenings. Its chief charm is in its well-executed pictures of lions, tigers, bears, etc., etc. These abound. But with them there is a sufficient amount of information as to the habits of the animal creation, to increase the interest in the pictures, and to whet the appetite for further knowledge. Our young people will find their reward in the purchase of this book.

HALF-HOUR READINGS FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOONS. Religious Tract Society. By Rev. Thos. Milner, M.A. Eleven of these "Readings" are expositions of passages of the history of the children of Israel in Egypt; others are on the sea, catacombs of Rome, etc. They are of a miscellaneous character, short, suggestive, and helpful. They will be useful where Sunday is spent at home.

THE SILENT TEACHER. Religious Tract Society. Brief words for the weary and afflicted, uttered with much tenderness and sympathy. As a companion in the sick-room, and a friend in loneliness, it will speak healthy and healing words.

I. JOSHUA AND HIS SUCCESSORS, Part I., by W. H. Groser, B.Sc., Sunday School Union, is a handy, reliable, and most useful introduction to the Books of Joshua

and Judges. It teems with valuable information, brought up to the latest date, effectively arranged, and abundantly illustrated. Teachers taking their classes through these books will find it invaluable.

II. THE SMALL GIFT BOOKS published by the Sunday School Union, for scholars in the class, and for children in the home, could scarcely be excelled. "Sheaves from the Harvest-field of Sunday School" form a series of twenty-two stirring stories of Sunday School success. A dozen more make the series of "Olive Plants from Christian Homes." We warmly commend them to parents and teachers. They are brief, handy, elegantly got up; indeed, "just what is wanted."

Mode," and two on the "Subjects of Baptism," presented by Revs. T. Barrass, Watson Dyson, and Mr. G. F. Bayley; three copies of "Wood's History," from an unknown friend at Coventry, Mr. G. Coltman of Fleckney, and Mr. C. Bates of March; two copies of Adam Taylor, from Mr. J. Stanger Smith and myself; and one of Robinson's "History of Baptism," likewise the gift of Mr. J. S. Smith of March. To all I tender my best thanks. SOLOMON S. ALLSOP.

CONFERENCE.

The MIDLAND SPRING CONFERENCE met at Hinckley on Tuesday, Feb. 16th. In the morning, at eleven o'clock, a devotional service was held, at which the Bev. C. T. Johnson presided, and prayer was offered by brethren Lacey, Springthorpe, and Alcorn. Afterwards the Rev. W. Green preached from 1 Chron. xii. 32. Subject: The times in which we live, and the piety they demand." After the sermon brethren Evans, Staynes, and Brown prayed.

In the afternoon, at 2.15, the Conference assembled for business. In the absence, through indisposition, of the President for the year, Mr. T. W. Marshall was elected Chairman. Prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Wilshire.

I. Reports for the year were presented from the churches. These showed that 424 persons had been baptized since last Spring Conference; 34 had been restored; and there were 79 candidates. A considerable number of churches failed to report; and it was resolved that, with a view to secure such reports in future, the Secretary send a form to each church on which its return can be made.

II. Resolved, that the ministers of Leicester, and the members of the Home Mission Committee residing there, be a Committee to consider the Home Mission resolutions of last Association, and report to the next Conference. Rev. W. Bishop to be the Convener.

III. Mr. Winks reported the Evangelistic efforts in which our brother Lacey

had been engaged since last Conference, and the encouraging results which had attended them. Resolved, That we receive, with unfeigned satisfaction and pleasure, the report of the Evangelistic work done by Mr. Lacey, and devote the collection at next Conference to the funds of the movement.

IV. The next Conference is appointed to be held at Ilkeston on Whit-Wednesday. The Rev. Dr. Underwood to preach in the morning; and in case of failure the Rev. C. T. Johnson.

V. The thanks of the Conference were given to the Rev. W. Green for his sermon in the morning, and Mr. Marshall for presiding.

In the evening a public meeting was held, and was well attended. The Rev. J. Parkinson, of New Lenton, presided; and addresses were delivered by Revs. W. Bishop, W. J. Staynes, and by Messrs. Winks, Warner, Mason, G. Colver, and J. Colver. WATSON DYSON, Sec.

DERBY NONCONFORMIST BIBLE CLASS UNION.

ON Saturday, Jan. 23, a large and interesting gathering of the members and friends of the above Union, which is composed of the senior Bible classes of the various communions of Derby met for tea in the Temperance Hall. Eight hundred took tea, after which a densely crowded meeting was presided over by Mr. G. Dean, of St. Mary's Gate chapel, who is the promoter of the movement. On the platform were the representatives of the various denominations, ministers, and others. The united nonconformist choirs rendered selections from the Messiah at intervals, and Madame Whitaker sang with her wonted ability. W. Crosbie, M.A., LL.B, and the Revs. W. Griffiths, J. Wilshire, E. Hall Jackson (Ripley), and Mr. Simeon Smithard, gave addresses on the History and Principles of Nonconformity. The meeting, so largely composed of young men and women, was aptly termed by the chairman, "The Nonconformist Band of Hope," and was so enthusiastic, spirited, and successful throughout, that it is contemplated to repeat it soon in the great Drill Hall, the Temperance Hall, though holding more than 1,200, being too small for the numbers that assembled. We may add that the union is organizing itself into an association to watch over the interests of nonconformity in the town and