THE MONTH.

Parliament has now separated. After one of the most wearying and exciting sessions we have had for a long time, honourable gentlemen and noble lords have gone to the moors or to the Continent, to rest their energies and to recruit their strength. The Queen, too, has been to Paris, on a visit to her "august and powerful ally," the Emperor of the French. And the Queen's visit, and the commencement of the Parliamentary holidays, have been cheered and gladdened by the news of success from the seat of war.

Sweaborg has fallen! that was the news that came unexpectedly, just as the echoes of the Queen's Speech ceased in the Halls of Westminister. It was succeeded by news equally gratifying, of a victory on the Tchnernaya over sixty thousand Russians. So that, altogether, the spirits of the people, which had been depressed by hope long deferred, have been again excited and aroused. There are many rumours from Sebastopol, among others, one of suffering and depression in the citadel from want of supplies: but it seems certain now that the Allies will have to endure another winter in the Crimea, before the great stronghold of the foe will be in their power. This is, indeed, a sad conclusion, when we remember the horrors which had to be braved by our noble fellows during the last winter; but we trust that the arrangements made for their comfort are now far more complete, and that by experience the Government has learnt wisdom.

Before Parliament dissolved they did one thing,-hastily, and without the people having the opportunity of opposing it,which we regret. It is the virtual repeal of the Sunday Closing of Public Houses Act-an act which is proved to have been of great service, especially in our large cities and towns. The thing was managed by the appointment of a Committee of Enquiry, which enquired only on one side, and reported as, previously to the enquiry, it had resolved to do. Parliament then followed up the committee by passing their bill, only nominally going through the usual forms. We trust this decision will be reversed next session, as, indeed, the event must be deplored by all well-wishers to the community.

The Pope has been making a little noise in the world again,-it is wonderful how little, by issuing two allocutions, - the former including the "Major Excommunication," against Sardinia and Spain, for their recent enactments" against the rights of the church." We have not yet heard of any serious consequences having befallen either of these countries since the allocutions. Poor Giant Pope! As old John Bunyan hath it, "though he is yet alive, he is, by reason of age, and also of the many rude brushes he met with in his younger

days, grown so crazy and stiff in his joints, that he can now do little more than sit in his cave's mouth, grinning at pilgrims as they go by, and biting his nails because he cannot come at them !"

All eyes are now turned anxiously to the sky, and to the promise it affords for the approaching harvest. The weather during the last week or two has improved greatly, and with it the prospects of a good harvest. The prospects for the wheat harvest are reported from most districts to be good; so have the prospects for other grain; and with that continued fine weather for which we may now hope, the harvest of all kinds of grain will be at least equal to the average. Notwithstanding that free-trade has moderated the danger arising from bad harvests, we are still to a great extent dependant for cheap food on there being "suitable weather" in our own land. May that

weather be continued to us, so that the losses occasioned by the war may be, at least, mitigated, and so that there may be no complaining in our streets."

HORTON COLLEGE, BRADFORD.

The anniversary and commencement services of this institution were held in Westgate chapel, Bradford, on Wednesday, August 1st. At the public meeting in the morning, the president occupied the chair. From the report, it appeared that of the twenty-four students on the list at the beginning of last session, seven had left, viz.: -Mr. J. Mackay, for the mission-field in India; Mr. E. Gibson, for the pastorate of the Baptist church at Guilsborough; Mr. J. Sage, for that of Foulsham; Mr. Kitching, for Eye; Mr. J. Davis, for the office of assistant minister to the Rev. T. Winter, of Bristol; while Mr. J. Macfarlane was about to supply the church at Greenock; and Mr. Bayly, of whose ministerial talents the report spoke highly, had been compelled by ill health to relinquish his studies, but was still engaging in occasional labours near his residence In Kent. Several candidates for admission had presented themselves, of whom nine had been selected for a three months' probationary course; the total number of students now in the institution being therefore twenty-six. The reports of the examiners gave decided and gratifying testimony to the great success with which the several branches of study had been pursued by nearly all the students. It was further stated that, in consequence of the resignation by Dr. Acworth of the post of Resident Tutor on the score of health, the Rev. C. Daniell, of Melksham, had been cordially elected to that office, Dr. Acworth retaining the Theological Tutorship and Presidential chair. The funds of the college remained in a satisfactory condition, although from the commercial depression of the neighbourhood and other causes, the balance in the Treasurer's

hands was smaller than for some years past, being little more than £50. The subscriptions for the erection of a new college had reached the sum of £5,000, in promises of £100 and upwards; and as this was half of the total estimated amount, a meeting was to be called of the donors, with the committee, for the selection of an appropriate site. The report was adopted on the motion of the Rev. W. F. Burchell, of Rochdale, seconded by the Rev. C. Larom, of Sheffield. The officers and committee for the year ensuing were then appointed. In the afternoon, the meeting above referred to, of the committee and donors to the new college, was held. The discussions were long and interesting, and a very important point was raised, as to the possibility of so affiliating the college to some great school of secular learning, as to set free the whole time and energy of the tutors for directly theological and biblical instructions. decision, however, was taken, and a subcommittee was appointed to consider the whole matter, and report to the committee at the next meeting. The sermon to the students was preached in the evening, by the Rev. C. M. Birrell, of Liverpool, from Acts vi. 4: "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word." The attendance was somewhat more numerous than usual, and we believe that the collection at the close of the service was liberal.

NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL, MARE-STREET, HACKNEY.

No

The Baptist chapel, Mare-street, Hackney, was totally destroyed by fire on the 26th of August, 1854. By this calamity a large church and congregation were to a great extent dispersed,-their temporary place of meeting being a mile distant, and not capable of accommodating half their number. The original chapel, together with its subsequent enlargements, is computed to have cost between six and seven thousand pounds. The property was covered by insurance to the amount of 3,7001. The proposed new chapel will seat comfortably 1,200 persons. It will be built in the Doric order of architecture, and will embrace ample accommodation for schools. The very solemn and interesting ceremony of laying the first stone of this new tabernacle took place on Wednesday, July 18th. Shortly after three o'clock, Dr. Hoby commeuced the service by reading the first hymn appointed, which having been read, the Rev. W. Kirkus, LL.D., read Psalms ixvii., cxxii., cxxvi., and cxxvii., and Haggai i., il. The Rev. J. Viney then read the second hymn, and the Rev. H. J. Gamble offered prayer. The Rev. D. Katterns, the esteemed pastor of the place, then delivered an address: after which J. J. Luntley, Esq., the senior deacon of the church, in a suitable address, presented Sir S. Morton Peto, Bart., with a massive silver trowel. Sir S. M. Peto, having taken the trowel, then proceeded to lay the stone. The Hon. Baronet having spread

the mortar, the huge block of stone, weighing nearly one ton, was lowered to its appointed place, and Sir Morton, with mallet, finished that part of the ceremony. About

400 persons afterwards adjourned to the Manor Rooms, where tea was provided, after which a meeting of a most interesting character was held, at which the Rev. D. Katterns presided.

A GOOD EXAMPLE.

On Monday, July 9th, 1855, the children and teachers of the Baptist Sunday schools at Aberdare and Hirwaun, joined by those of High Street chapel Sunday school, Merthyr Tydvil, were treated to tea and cake by Thomas Joseph, Esq., of Aberdare. The party, which numbered upwards of three thousand, met on the mountain situated between Merthyr and Aberdare, a picturesque part of the county of Glamorgan. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, with several ladies and gentlemen from the neighbourhood, directed the interesting proceedings. After tea several children from the various schools recited appropriate pieces in poetry and prose. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. B. Evans, of Hirwaun, T. Price, of Aberdare, J. D. Williams, of Cwmbach, T. E. James, of Powtestyll, and G. P. Evans, of Swansea. H. Vincent, Esq., of London, also delivered a short address specially directed to the children. Some beautiful pieces were sung at intervals by the several schools. A vote of thanks was passed with hearty acclamation, to Mr. Joseph and his excellent lady, which Mr. Joseph briefly acknowledged. And, after singing a hymu of united praise, the schools returned to their respective localities highly delighted with the treat which had been so kindly afforded them.

TWERTON, BATH.

On Lord's-day, July 15th, the Baptist chapel in this place, after being closed nearly two months for extensive alterations and repairs, was re-opened for divine worship. The sermon in the morning was delivered by the Rev. R. Brindley, of Percy chapel, Bath; and in the afternoon by the Rev. F. Bosworth, A.M., of Bristol; in the evening the Rev. E. Clarke, pastor of the church, read the Scriptures and offered prayer, after which the Rev. R. Wallace, of Tottenham, preached. On the following Monday, about 120 persons assembled at a public tea, after which a sermon was delivered by the Rev. C. J. Middleditch, of Frome. The services were of a most pleasing and gratifying character. The chapel now presents a singularly chaste and comfortable appearance, highly creditable to the parties who had the direction of the alterations.

BAPTIST CHAPEL, MIDWAY PLACE, LOWER ROAD, DEPTFORD.

The church meeting in this place, having given a most cordial and unanimous invitation to the Rev. Robert Reanhold Finch, to become their pastor, he has accepted the same for twelve months, and com

Died, June 30th, 1855, in his seventythird year, the Rev. Thomas Robinson, of New Basford, near Nottingham. The character of the subject of this sketch is concisely but truthfully told in the following words of Scripture: "He was a faithful man, and feared God above many. During the years in which he made a religious profession, he commanded the confidence and esteem of all the followers of Christ who knew him. He died universally regretted. Many tears were shed at his grave; and his name will be embalmed in the affectionate remembrance of a large circle of christians, of all denominations, who had the happiness of enjoying his friendship.

Mr. Robinson was born Oct. 17th, 1782, at Selston, Notts., where he resided with his parents, and received the scanty education the place afforded, till he was fourteen years of age. To gratify his desire for knowledge, and to see more of the world, he then removed to Nottingham. Soon after this, under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Bramwell, and other of the Wesleyan preachers, he became seriously impressed with the subject of religion. He worshipped with the Methodists for some time, and ultimately joined that body of christians.

About this time his mind became much exercised on the subject of Baptism. After serious thought and prayer he was convinced that the Baptists' view of this ordinance was the Scriptural one.

This

led to his leaving his Wesleyan friends, and joining a small Baptist church, then meeting in Mole Court, Nottingham (but since removed to Park Street), under the pastoral care of Mr. Samuel Ward. He was baptized in April, 1811.

He now became anxious for the salvation of those around him, and was in the habit of reading and expounding the Scriptures to such of his neighbours as he could induce

to give him a hearing. Encouraged by the prospects connected with these efforts, he fitted up a room on his own premises, where he conducted public worship, and preached the gospel, and, as the result of these labours, many were brought to the knowledge of the truth.

The village of New Basford (near Nottingham), where these operations were carried on, was rapidly increasing in population. God had smiled on the attempts made to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer, and, therefore, Mr. Robinson and his friends resolved to erect a small chapel. Several of the members of the Nottingham church resided at Basford, and the attendance at public worship being encouraging, it was thought desirable to form a church there. In 1829, this was done with the sanction of the brethren at Nottingham, and Mr. Robinson was unanimously chosen as pastor, which office he held till his death, a period of twenty-six years. During this time the chapel was enlarged to double its original size, and is now regularly filled with attentive hearers.

Mr. Robinson's health being impaired, and a manufacturing business of some magnitude necessarily demanding a portion of his time, the church thought it advisable that he should be partly relieved of the labour of the pastorate. To accomplish this, it was agreed to invite a ministering brother to aid him in his "work of faith and labour of love;" and in 1849, Mr. Wassell, of the Bradford Academy, was chosen as his fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ. Mr. Robinson's health was now gradually declining, and for about two months previous to his death he was confined to the house. He was conscious that his work was done, and that his days were fast drawing to a close. The gospel that he had for nearly half-a-century preached to others, and which was his support and consolation during a life of great anxiety and affliction, was his hope and stay in prospect of death. As he approached the "dark valley," his concern for the church and a large family became deeper and deeper. He delivered separate addresses to his children, grandchildren, the church, and the Sabbath school, in which he breathed out the fulness of his heart for their spiritual welfare.

At the request of Mr. Robinson's family and the church, Mr. Rothery, of London, an old and beloved friend, was present at bis burial, and preached his funeral sermon. He was interred on the evening of July 4th, in the burial-ground adjoining the chapel, amidst a large assemblage of relations and friends, who came with weeping eyes and heaving hearts to see the last, cold restingplace of him who in life they loved and respected, and in death lamented. service, peculiarly solemn, conducted by Mr. Wassell and Mr. Rothery, was held in the chapel, and an address delivered at the grave. Mr. Robinson's death was improved on the following Sabbath evening, from Rev. xiv. 18..

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