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WAITING FOR CHRIST.

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admit that the indolence of thought in a congregation which expects a man to sacrifice his entire life in their behalf, and to do all their thinking for them by proxy, is a most ignominious spectacle, and ought to be exterminated at any cost of order and decorum. It offers constant temptation to young men to make preaching a trading profession; and by the force of all-conquering law it causes that profession to flourish and be kept alive by the propagation of infinite shades of speculative opinion, and by mutual theological antagonisms, under the guise of what is called faithfulness to conviction. The one maxim which is alone sufficient to make all the churches fraternize, and to cause every action of church life to fall spontaneously into its right place without the aid of a salaried controller is, "Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price." Meanwhile, there is not a word to be said against a church's supporting its own preacher or preachers-with this one proviso, that payment disqualify for other office.

The church of Christ will never lack (when the need arises) apostles, prophets, evangelists, and reformers; and the pecuniary support of some of these may very possibly be legitimate church work to the end of time. Besides which, whenever the true hero appears, men instinctively recognize him, and pour their substance into his lap. The exhortation in the eighth verse of John's third epistle, "We ought to support such," then becomes almost superfluous, for really we cannot help doing it. But this is a very different thing from systematically maintaining an order which is seen to be the foundation of the most corrupt churches, and to which unthinking Dissenters are reconciled by the overshadowing and venerable examples of the Vatican and of Lambeth. JAMES WAYLEN.

For the Young.

WAITING FOR CHRIST.

"DEAR Gertrude," I said to a young friend, "why are you not a Christian ?" "I do not know," she answered; "I wish I did know. I have long wanted to be a Christian. I have prayed for it continually these three years, ever since mother died; and I am not one yet."

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But, Gertrude, Jesus Himself says, 'Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' Come to Him, my dear; take Him for your Saviour, your Master, and your Lord."

"Take Christ!" said Gertrude, with wondering earnestness; "I thought I was to wait till Christ took me."

"But what are you waiting for? Christ has provided a full salvation. He has invited you by His word; and more than this, He has called you by His Spirit, for this earnest desire of yours is His spécial, individual call to you. It came from Him."

66 And what am I to do?"

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Give yourself to Him. Say, 'Lord, I am a lost sinner, but Thy grace is infinite. Save me.""

66 'I have said that a thousand times."

"Then you have come to Him. But remember that when you take Him as your Saviour, you must also take Him as your King. Henceforth He is to be your Master, and you are to spend your life in His service."

"That is just what I want to do. Is that coming to Him? Is it so easy as that? Are you sure this is coming to Him ?"

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'Yes, if you do it with all your heart."

"I do, I do; but how am I to know that He accepts me ?"

"He says He does. His word is enough. Believe Him. He says He will in nowise cast out.' He does not answer audibly, nor give a visible sign. You must just trust His word."

"Is this so?" said Gertrude, very solemnly. "Why should I wait any longer? Why should I not take Him for my Saviour now? It is what I have desired all these years. His grace aiding me, I will serve Him all my life. It is what I sincerely wish. And am I indeed His. Already a new light dawns on all things." That new light has gone on brightening ever since. It was the gleam of the "Day-spring from on high," which "hath visited us."

Í. WHAT TO KEEP OUT OF CHAPEL.— An "Old General Baptist," who, by the by, is a form of animate existence held in the highest esteem by us, says he should like to have the opinion of the churches in reference to the use of our chapels for political, scientific, and entertaining lectures, concerts, total abstinence and good templars' meetings; and he adds, "if some of these are allowed, I should like to know where to draw the fast line, because we do not know what next may crop up and claim our sympathies. I see no way out of the difficulty but keeping our sanctuaries sacred for the worship of God and the preaching of the gospel." Though we do not know this friend, yet we do know that he expresses an idea which others hold, and which we can respect, although we deem it so closely akin to error that it might pass for it and not be misnamed. But being an "Old General Baptist," it is certain our correspondent will not attach any sacredness to bricks or stones, or whitewash or colouring. The building is not sacred. It is the purpose to which it is put that is sacred. The only "fast line" we know is in the old book, and it runs thus, "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are seemly, whatsoever things are right, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, whatever virtue there is, and whatever praise, think on these things." Anything that cannot get into that verse easily, we would lock the chapel door against. The two reasons urged for the "fast line suggested by our correspondent are(1.) that it is a divergence from the intention of the contributors to these erections; and (2.) that if some allowable things are admitted, we may find it difficult to deny the claim of unallowable things. Now, as to the latter, our deacons know how to say "No," and when to say it and as to the former, if the intentions of contributors is to rule everywhere, we must not chant the Psalms of David, save in the metres of Watts and Doddridge, nor may we surrender the "long prayer."

II. CHURCH REFORM.-The Executive Committee of the Liberation Society have published a special minute respecting the Bills brought in by Mr. Salt, Lord Lyttleton, Mr. Cross, and the Bishop of Peterborough, which they regard as indications of a consciousness that the Church of England needs serious reform, which, however, cannot be effected without going to Parliament. The Public Worship Facilities Bill is regarded as an abandonment of the parochial principle,

but will not afford adequate liberty; while it will add to the confusion now existing in the Church. It is objected to the Bills for increasing the Episcopate that the new bishops will be Statefunctionaries, and ultimately sit in Parliament that the Bills maintain the congé d' élire, and create both additional ecclesiastical courts and cathedral establishments. Admitting that more bishops may be needed, the Committee "believe that that increase ought not to be secured by an extension of the episcopal system as now established by law." Of the Church Patronage Bill it is said that, "instead of putting an end to the sale of either next presentations or advowsons, it frames new regulations for carrying on the reprobated traffic. What is declared to be a sacred trust will still be a marketable property. Promotion by purchase, instead of promotion by merit, will continue to be a characteristic of the Establishment, and the interests of parishes be sacrificed to those of individuals." While the Committee respect the aims of their framers, they believe these measures will fail to be efficacious. "The Church of England cannot, in their judgment, be brought into harmony with the feelings and the wants of the age merely by changes in the ancient machinery of a State Establishment. That it may be thoroughly reformed, it must first be disestablished. Its members will then possess the freedom enjoyed by other bodies, but now necessarily denied to them; and, in the exercise of that freedom, can carry on the Church's work without appealing to Parliament, and free from the corrupting influences of a political Establishment."

III. CHEERING NEWS.-Glad tidings abound in the church register this month. Our Conferences have been refreshed with the signs of reviving in the churches. The waters of baptism have been often stirred. The Lord is at work amongst us. Praise His name.

IV. LIBERAL OFFER TO SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS.-Last year a gentleman who was interested in the circulation of Sunday school works offered to bear the loss of supplying five hundred Sunday school teachers with the annual volume of the Hive at one shilling per copy. We understand that the same liberal offer has been made for the supply of the volume just issued. Those of our readers who may wish to obtain this helpful work should apply to F. L., care of Mr. Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row; and if the volume is to be sent by post, should enclose five stamps extra.

Reviews.

ON THE HISTORY OF EVANGELICAL By S. R. Pattison.

CHRISTIANITY.

Hodder and Stoughton.

THIS is a remarkable book, and it appears at a most opportune time. Its object is to demonstrate that the doctrine of Atonement is the real essence of Christianity, and that as it has been definitely realized and profoundly felt by the church, so has Christianity flourished amongst men, retaining at once its purity and its power. As a history, it gives one of the most important and instructive chapters that could be written. The citations are taken from the whole range of authorities on Christian doctrine; the arrangement is effective, both from the logical and the artistic point of view; and the style is clear and forcible. As an argument it successfully refutes the objection so often brought against Christianity, that its teachers are like the clocks in a jeweller's establishment, no three of them accordant; for it makes evident the settled and central oneness of doctrine at the basis of our religion. It will form an admirably helpful class book in theological colleges, and would at this juncture be more useful than any more comprehensive survey of the whole field of doctrines. Thoughtful Christians will find refreshment and stimulus in its pages, and the doubtful may obtain firmer hold of the truth as it is in Jesus.

We can scarcely imagine a more useful act than giving a copy to every student in our colleges for the training of ministers.

The typography, paper, and binding of the work are all that can be desired.

THE LAND OF THE PIGTAIL. By Ben

jamin Clarke. Sunday School Union. THIS is China from "a boy's point of view," and it is par excellence a boy's book. The condition, customs, manners, trades, religion, and life of the Chinese are "made easy" of apprehension, and interesting as a magic lantern lecture. The work will satisfy the boy's love of fun and jollity, and at the same time will give him a large quantity of solid and useful information concerning a people at whose ways we still open our eyes with astonishment. Let all the boys get this volume forthwith.

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beautiful way in which argumentative force is blended with Christian consideration, logic with love, energy of appeal with good temper, certainly ought (in so far as the mode of treating such a question affects its reception) to make the book as acceptable to opponents of believers' baptism as it is to those who support it.

THE POOR CLERK, AND HIS CROOKED SIXPENCE, by George E. Sargent, Religious Tract Society,

Is one of the best stories of the kind we have read. Brief, pathetic, and fascinating incidents, full of the reality of life, are deftly woven into the singular autobiography of a crooked sixpence; and the history of the sixpence is set with admirable skill in the affecting annals of a city clerk, who early falls into vice, but is at length led into the ways of righteousness and peace. This book is sure to be as popular as it promises to be useful.

THE TREASURE ON THE BEACH, AND WHAT IT DID FOR GILBERT WEST. By M. A. P. Sunday School Union. THIS tender and touching story shows how a boy may lose the treasure he actually sets his heart upon; and yet vastly more than the coveted treasure is worth, by the labour spent in seeking it. The libraries of the home and of the Sunday school will be enriched by this addition.

EXPOSITOR, April. Edited by Rev. Samuel Cox. Hodder and Stoughton. THE April issue of this new Magazine more than keeps pace with the promise made in the programme. Mr. Cox's "new parable" is a beautiful specimen of his style of exposition. We hope all our ministers and teachers are by this time familiar with this most valuable help in Biblical tuition.

HISTORY OF THE BAPTIZED INDEPENDENT CHURCH, SALENDINE NOOK, HUDDERSFIELD. By J. Stock, LL.D. Stock. A CHAPTER from the Baptist Chronicles of the North, brief, well written, and interesting to all students of the origin and growth of Baptist church life.

THE NEXT ASSOCIATION. THE Ministers' Reception Committee for 1875 are the Rev. W. E. Winks, Rev. T. Barrass, Rev. S. S. Allsop, Messrs. F. C. Southwell, Gromitt, and Ekins. All communications to be sent to the Rev. W. E. Winks, Wisbech, Convener.

The deacons of our churches are requested to remind the ministers who may have been elected to the pastorate amongst us during the year, and who may not be aware of the regulations of the denomination, that no names are inserted in the list of accredited ministers published in the General Baptist Year Book, unless the minister make application to the Ministers' Reception Committee before the sittings of the Association. C. CLARKE, Association Sec.

CONFERENCES.

The next LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE will be held in Burnley Lane Chapel, on Wednesday, May 19th. Service to commence at 11 a.m. The Rev. J. Lawton is the appointed preacher. J. MADEN, Secretary. The LONDON CONFERENCE will be held, Tuesday, May 25, at Berkhampstead. Rev. J. Fletcher will preach.

J. W. CHAPMAN, Sec.

The next meeting of the MIDLAND CONFERENCE will be held at Ilkeston on Whit-Wednesday, May 19. In the morning, at eleven o'clock, there will be a devotional service, after which the Rev. Dr. Underwood will preach. In the afternoon, the Conference will meet for business, which will include, amongst other matters, the new Home Mission arrangements. The Annual Collection will be made, and will be devoted to evangelistic work in the district (See Magazine for March, p. 109).

WATSON DYSON, Sec.

The half-yearly CHESHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Poynton, April 6. Rev. J. Walker preached in the morning from 1 John iv. 14, and the thanks of the Conference were given for his excellent sermon. Rev. G. Walker presided at the business meeting in the afternoon. There was a marked and gratifying increase in the number of baptisms, thirty-six having been immersed since last Conference. Reports from the churches in several cases were particularly encouraging. Attendance of delegates was moderate. Revs. C. Springthorpe and E. K. Everett took part in the devotional proceedings. The business of the Home Mission Committee was attended to after dinner.

I. That the Secretary's Annual Report of the Home Mission Committee now read be adopted, and presented to the forthcoming Association at Wisbech.

II. That Mr. R. Pedley be appointed by this Conference as its representative on the General Executive Committee for the Home Mission Unification Scheme.

III. That we cordially recommend the Association to receive the Poynton church into the Connexion upon its application.

IV. That the churches be requested to fill up the Schedules as to Chapel Property, to be sent in to J. Clifford not later than the 10th of May.

V. That the next Conference be at Macclesfield on Tuesday, Oct. 5, Rev. W. March to read a paper on some religious subject in lieu of the morning sermon; Rev. R. P. Cook to preach in case of failure.

VI. A proposition having been made to the Conference as to starting again a G. B. cause at Stockport, Rev. R. P. Cook was requested to communicate with Messrs. Borrodale and Newell by letter, so as to lay full particulars before the Home Mission Committee.

VII. That the Conference send a petition to the House of Commons in favour of the Permissive Bill; the petition to be drawn up by Rev. R. F. Griffiths and Rev. R. P. Cook, and signed by Rev. G. Walker as Chairman of the meetings. WILLIAM MARCH, Sec.

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The half

EASTERN CONFERENCE. yearly meetings were held at March, April 15. An interesting sermon was preached in the morning by brother H. B. Robinson from Matt. xxvi. 41. Brother Allsop preached in the afternoon. The reports from many of the churches were unusually cheering, 110 having been baptized since the last Conference; 45 received, and 73 now being candidates. A message of hearty thanks was received from the church at Northgate, Louth, for the assistance rendered by the ministers and churches in supplying the pulpit during their long and severe trial.

Brethren Allsop, Winks, and J. Stanger Smith, were requested to visit Stowbridge and advise the friends there as to the appointment of Trustees.

The financial statement of the Home Mission was received and passed; and Mr. Roberts was requested to serve as Treasurer during the next year.

A grant of £10 was made to Chatteris; and it was agreed to take into consideration a grant to Fleet for Holbeach at the next Conference.

The thanks of the Conference were given to the Secretary, and he was re

CHURCH REGISTER.

quested to continue his services during the next three years.

It was agreed to appoint brother H. Watts to represent this Conference as a speaker at the Home Missionary Meeting of the Association; and brethren Allsop, Barrass, and J. C. Jones to represent this Conference on any business that may arise at the Association on the Unification Scheme.

A valuable address was given by brother J. C. Jones on Inquirers' Meetings, and some useful statements were made by brother Watts, of Louth.

The next Conference will be held at Peterborough on Thursday, Sept. 16th, when brother Jones, of Spalding, is to be the preacher. W. ORTON, Sec.

CHAPELS.

BRADFORD, Infirmary Street. - The church and congregation met together in good force, March 29, to celebrate the extinction of the chapel debt. More than twenty years the friends here have been burdened with this debt. James Rhodes, Esq., occupied the chair, and gave a brief sketch of the building of the chapel, the formation of the church, and its various struggles from that day to the present. This same gentleman, who is the senior deacon, has, during the past eighteen months, given over £300 for alterations and decorations in the chapel, besides another £100 towards the removal of the above debt. The Revs. R. P. Macmaster, R. Hardy, J. Russell, B. Wood, W. Smith, and the pastor, J. J. Dalton, gave hearty congratulatory speeches. Brotherly and sympathizing excuses for unavoidable absence were received from Revs.J. P. Chown, W. H. Ibberson, J. Dann, and Dr. Russell.

BIRCHCLIFFE.-The annual tea meeting on Good Friday was well attended. A good feeling prevailed. £170 was realized, which clears the chapel of debt, and leaves £50 in hand for further improvements. God is with us, and souls are being saved.

CHESTERTON, Staffordshire.-An elegant and commodious chapel, seating about 350, was dedicated for public worship on Sunday, March 28th, when sermons were preached by Rev. W. H. Allen, of Burnley, to large congregations. The services were continued on the following Sunday by Richard Pedley, Esq., of Wheelock Heath, and Rev. H. C. Field, of Newcastle. The collections were liberal, and the services altogether encouraging.

COLEORTON-New Chapel.-The foundation-stone of a new chapel at Coleorton was laid April 14, by Mr. Porter, of Coalville. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Salisbury, minister of the

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church at Hugglescote, of which Coleorton is a branch station. The Revs. J. T. Hardy and J. Guy took part therein. After Mr. Porter had laid the stone, delivered a suitable address, and presented a generous offering, many other friends followed his example. After a tea meeting in the old chapel a public meeting was held, at which Mr. William Smith, of Coalville, presided. The minister read an interesting statement respecting the past history and present state of the Baptist cause at Coleorton. Addresses were also delivered by the Rev. J. T. Hardy and Messrs. Porter and Ball. The meetings were well attended and deeply interesting. £40 were realized by the proceedings of the day. The new chapel I will be erected near the site of the old one, and will be a neat and commodious structure.

EDGESIDE. The chapel anniversary sermons were preached, March 28, by Rev. J. Watmough. Collections, £17 5s. On April 10th our annual tea meeting for the liquidation of the chapel debt was held. The tea was given, and we realized £11. Mr. Heyworth Stott, of Bacup, presided at the public meeting. Addresses were given by the Revs. A. J. Parry, J. Watmough, R. Dixon, Esq., and others. For the last ten years this place has been burdened by a heavy debt. Happily this impediment to religious prosperity will soon be removed; brighter and better days are dawning upon us, for which we are devoutly thankful. Twelve months ago the debt was £520; since then, by our own efforts, and the practical sympathy of others, we have raised £200, leaving our present debt £320, which we hope will be entirely paid off by the October of next year. Mr. Joseph White, of Crawshawbooth, a member of a Particular Baptist church, has made the noble offer of £25 towards the £320 above named, provided we raise it by October, 1876. This certainly ought to stimulate our General Baptist friends, whom the Lord has blest with riches, to give a helping hand in this work. We are all poor. The best we can do is but little; help, therefore, will be needed. We have received donations from Messrs. D. Wilson, Halifax; J. Sutcliffe, Slack; A. Stanesby and J. S. Sutcliffe, Bacup; and we shall be glad if others will come forward and help us in giving the death-blow to our expiring adversary. Donations for this object will be thankfully received by the pastor of the church, Rev. J. Watmough, Plantation House, Cloughfold, near Manchester. Post office orders may be made payable at Cloughfold.

HEANOR. A baazaar was held in Easter week at the Town Hall, the pro

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