I. THE GENERAL BAPTIST ALMANACK AND DIRECTORY FOR 1877 will be ready Nov. 21. Price One Penny. The advent of this "little stranger," on the 25th of Nov. last year, was hailed with a surprisingly hearty and enthusiastic welcome. Between seven and eight thousand were sold. We mean to make 1877 better than its predecessor. Friends, order at once! and order in shoals! The usual discount allowed to agents. It will be a good medium for advertisements. Send to our publishers before the 15th. In addition to the usual almanack information it will contain much that will be specially helpful and interesting to General Baptists. Our publishers will send a specimen of last year's on application to any who have not seen one.

II LOCAL PREACHERS.-Will secretaries of churches, and of Local Preachers' Associations, who desire the names of recognized Local Preachers to appear in the General Baptist Almanack for 1877, send the names and addresses to me at 51, Porchester Road, W., immediately?

III. LOCALIZATION OF OUR MAGAZINE. -Again we are asked whether our Magazine may not be localized. We shall be glad to arrange for this. The title can easily be altered. Four pages can be inserted at the beginning, containing local or church news; and the outlay may be met by using one or two of these pages for local advertisements. Our publishers will be glad to enter into arrangements for carrying out this plan for 1877.

IV. WISE HASTE.-There is much wisdom in the Latin proverb "Hasten slowly;" but there are circumstances and cases where rapid haste is wisdom, and slow haste is folly. Every blow struck whilst the iron is hot is worth a dozen when it is cold. An over cautious slowness is a mistake. The election of pastor is immensely momentous, and we would counsel prayer and deliberation and forethought as much as any one. But promptitude is as necessary as prayer; and energy is as requisite as deliberation. There is a dearth of ministers amongst us, as amongst other bodies. And what ought not to be forgotten, other churches are ready to use energetically and generously the means to take our men; and whilst we are looking here and there they are gone. It is no secret that one who has recently left our ranks has more than doubled his income. We know that

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VI. "CALLED OUT OF "6. THE MINISTRY." The other day I met with a friend in a district where I little expected him. I had known him as a minister, and lo! he was immersed in business (determined to be a Baptist to the last). "Halloa!" I said, "how is this?" Oh, I have had 'a call."" "A call! what do you mean?" I have had a call out of the ministry. I used to think I had a call to the ministry. I am sure, beyond a doubt, after four years' experience, that I now have a Divine call out of it. I missed my way, and I know it; and I hope I should never be guilty of staying at a post to which God had not called me. I'd rather beg my bread."

"Then you do not believe in once a minister always a minister ?" "No; I think it works immense mischief. A man may easily misjudge himself; but there is no need for him to stand by his false judgment for ever. Of course I would not have a man quit his post of duty for a whim, or from dislike to the hardships it brings; but let him manfully and resolutely try the stuff of which he is made, fairly and thoroughly; and if, at the end of the trial, he is obliged to say, 'Weighed in the balances of the pulpit and found wanting,' then let him get to some other balances forthwith. I believe, with Dr. Leonard Bacon, that some men are as earnestly called out of the ministry as others are called into it."

THE LIFE OF CHRIST. By F.W. Farrar, D.D.

Cassell, Petter, and Galpin.

WE wish to call the attention of ALL our readers to the SERIAL Edition of the above widely-known and highly-appreciated work. Full particulars of price, etc., will be found in an advertisement. This Serial Edition is printed on superb paper; it is enriched with brilliantly executed illustrations; its maps are models of excellence and accuracy; its illustrations of sacred places and Jewish customs, produced from photographs, are vivid and life-like; and its cheapness and mode of publication will place it within the reach of every home in the land. work which has been "a literary success to which the Annals of English Theology present no parallel" could not have had a more appropriate or unique setting. Order the first part at once, and judge for yourselves.

A

RECENT AWAKENINGS AND HIGHER HOLINESS. By A. M. Stuart, D.D. Religious Tract Society.

THESE "Words for the Times" are wise and weighty. The exhortation to a joyous and frank preaching of the gospel of Christ, in no tone of expected rejection, but as full of hope of success, is as much needed as it is like the Great Worker. The Warnings against the dangers incident to all religious awakenings, and specially due to the recent movement concerning "the Higher Life," are as temperately expressed as they are important and urgent. We commend this little book to the serious attention of our readers.

THE NEW JERUSALEM AND THE SAVED NATIONS. By an Oxford Graduate. Stock.

THIS is an exposition of the last two chapters of the book of Revelations, of the first twelve verses of the forty-seventh chapter of Ezekiel, and of the parables of the Mustard, Leaven, Hid Treasure, and Pearl. To this exposition two essays are added, one showing that the Divine nature is capable of suffering, and another intended to prove the need for suffering both in the Creator and the creature. The exposition, though not offering much that is fresh either in statement or setting, is carefully done, and even where it does not carry conviction will suggest helpful ideas to thoughtful minds. The concluding essays are ably constructed, and the reasoning is compact, coherent, and convincing.

WE have before spoken of this collection of hymns, and we have now much pleasure in introducing to our readers an admirable collection of hymn tunes. Many of them are "familiar as household words," and this is no small merit: others are new, contributed by gifted composers, such as Dr. Gauntlett, A. H. Sullivan, and J. B. Calkin. It has a fair collection of peculiar metre tunes, and much skill and good taste are shown in the adaptation of the music to the spirit and sentiment of the hymn. In both church and home this will be a useful collection.

PORTRAIT GALLERY OF BAPTIST MINIS

TERS. London: E. Marshall. OUR friends will find a full description of this group in our advertisement sheet. We have only room to say that this picture is a decided success, and worthy a place in any drawing-room. A key is published with it, by which each portrait can be easily found, and a short biographical sketch of most of the ministers renders it still more valuable. We miss many well known friends, and are sorry to know that the publisher could not prevail upon them to give their countenance to this glorious company. J. G. W.

ONLY A BEGGAR BOY. THE OLD BROWN BOOK. URSULA'S PROMISE. LIFE AT HILL FARM. STEPS DOWNWARD; OR, SARAH SEDDON'S FALL AND RECOVERY. ALWAYS TOO LATE. THE LOST FOUND. GOING TO SEA. THE NEAREST NEIGHBOUR. STICK TO THE RAFT. THE HOUSE AT THE CORNER OF BROAD STREET. SUNSHINE AFTER RAIN. LOVE SWEETENS TRUTH. Religious Tract Society. THESE are all bright, fresh, and good tales, and deserve a place in every Sunday School Library, and in every home where entertaining and useful reading is desired. Children will welcome them with delight, and will find profit in every perusal of these pages.

THE PILOT'S DAUGHTERS. By Sarah Doudney. Sunday School Union. THIS is a winning story of seaside life, gathered about the changeful experiences of two very dissimilar girls. It is full of real human interest, and puts in a graphic way the lessons of faith in God, and in righteousness, and the efficacy of human love.

CONFERENCES.

CHESHIRE. The half-yearly Conference was held at Tarporley, Oct. 10. Rev. R. F. Griffiths in the chair. In the afternoon Rev. R. P. Cook read a thoughtful "The nature and field of the paper on work," for which he was cordially thanked. Revs. J. Walker, R. F. Griffiths, W. March, and Messrs. R. Bate and J. Aston, took part in subsequent conversation upon the paper. Reports from churches were encouraging for the most part. Baptized since last Conference, 24; accepted candidates, two.

I. The Treasurer's report for the Home Mission Committee was presented and adopted, shewing an expenditure of £115 11s. 7d.; income of £81 7s. 4d.; deficit, £34 4s. 3d. Mr. R. Pedley was thanked for his valuable services.

II. That this meeting records its indignation against the Turkish Atrocities, and its sympathy with the suffering people of Bulgaria and the neighbouring provinces; and in view of the present phase of the Eastern question, expresses its conviction that it is desirable that Her Majesty should summon an autumnal meeting of Parliament.

III. That the Conference cordially supports Sir Wilford Lawson's Permissive Bill.

IV. That in future the Autumnal Conference be held the last Tuesday in Sept., so as to enable ministers and delegates to attend the Baptist Union held the first week in October.

V. That the next Conference be held the first Tuesday in April, 1877, at Wheelock Heath; Mr. Roger Bate, of Tarporley, to read a paper. W. MARCH, Sec.

was

LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE held at Edgeside, Sept. 20. The Rev. J. Watmough presided.

The morning devotional service was conducted by the Rev. W. E. Botterill, and the Rev. W. Chapman followed with a paper on "Modern Amusements in Relation to Church Life," which was freely and fully discussed and approved. Brother Chapman was requested to print it in a cheap form for circulation.

The Revs. J. Howe and J. Lawton opened the afternoon business meeting with prayer. Reports of the churchesBaptized, 51; candidates, 16.

I. That we cordially welcome the Rev. J. K. Chappelle and the Rev. S.

Shingle into this Conference, and pray that they may be abundantly prospered in their ministry.

II. That in case the Midland Conference, at its next session, foregoes its right of nomination to locality for Home Mission labour, this Conference, having the next right of nomination, hereby gives notice that it will nominate PRESTON as a suitable "locality," and the infant cause there as an appropriate sphere of home missionary operations.

III. That we earnestly commend to the churches of this Conference the Scheme to raise the G. B. Building Fund to £5,000 by promises extending over five years.

IV. That the Secretary be instructed to arrange for a Home Mission Meeting and collection, on the evening of Conference, whenever and wherever practicable, and that the selection of speakers for the meeting be left with the business committee, subject to the approval of the church whose turn it is to take the Conference.

V. It having been stated that no member of this Conference ever attends the Foreign Missionary Committee meetings, it was resolved, "That we request brethren I. Preston and W. Gray to attend the meetings of the Foreign Missionary Committee, on behalf of this Conference, for the present denominational year."

VI. That this Conference has heard, with feelings of indignation, of the ferocious acts of cruelty inflicted upon the Christian population in Bulgaria, and other provinces of European Turkey, and urges upon our Government, in conjunction with the other Powers of Europe, to insist upon the independence of the said provinces of European Turkey.

VII. That the Winter Conference be held at Todmorden; that there be a sermon in the morning; that the Rev. J. K. Chappelle be the preacher; and that there be a Home Mission meeting in the evening.

The Rev. I. Preston preached in the evening, and a collection was made in behalf of the Building Fund.

W. SHARMAN, Secretary.

The LONDON (SOUTHERN) CONFERENCE met at Church Street Chapel, on Wednesday, Sept. 27th, the Rev. D. McCallum in the chair. The reports from the churches shewed that since last Conference additions had been made by baptism, 26; by

reception, 31. The losses had been-by dismissal, 17; by death, 11; by erasure, two; leaving a net addition of 27. Number of candidates reported, 22. The church at Hitchin reported larger congregations; that at Church Street reported the engagement of a missionary assistant to the pastor.

The Rev. D. Burns, M.A., was elected president, and the Rev. J. Fletcher and Mr. R. Johnson were elected on the Business Committee for the ensuing year.

The Rev. J. Fletcher was asked to arrange for the next Foreign Mission Services in the Conference district.

Resolved, I.,-That the thanks of the Conference be given to the Rev. R. Y. Roberts for his communication respecting the church at Colwell, and that he be requested to investigate further, and to again report upon this subject.

II. With regard to a new G. B. Chapel at Finchley, after statements had been made by Rev. Mr. Batey, and others, it was resolved, "That this Conference rejoices in the movement started by our brother, the Rev. J. Batey, and recommends it to the churches for their consideration and practical help.

III. That this Conference offers a cordial welcome to the Rev. J. Batey, of Finchley, and to the Rev. W. Reynolds, late of Chilwell College, as personal members of this Conference.

IV. That this Conference rejoices to hear that the church at Lyndhurst has secured the services of the Rev. W. H. Payne as their pastor, and prays that this new union may further the kingdom of Christ upon earth, and the joy of the church and its pastor.

V. That this Conference would urge upon the churches to at once arrange for collections and obtain contributions in aid of the Home Missionary Society.

VI. That the Rev. J. Fletcher and the Secretary be requested to try and make some permanent arrangements for the benefit of the church at Rushall.

VII. That the next Conference be held at Tring on Wednesday, May 23, 1877; and that the further arrangements for the same be left with the Business Committee and the friends at Tring.

VIII. That this Conference, representing seventeen congregations of General Baptists, desires to urge upon the Government the necessity of securing for the Christian provinces of Turkey a legislative and administrative autonomy which shall place them beyond the arbitrary control of the Turkish Government.

Notices of Motion.-With respect to the English Baptist services in Paris (by Mr. R. Johnson); and, To recommend to

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the churches the Baptist Total Abstinence Society (by the Rev. D. Burns, M.A.)

In the evening a well attended meeting was held, at which addresses upon "the importance of Individual Effort in securing church prosperity" were delivered by the Revs. D. McCallum, (chairman), D. Burns, M.A., J. Fletcher, and J. Harcourt. Collection for G. B. Home Mission, over £8. J. W. CHAPMAN, Sec.

WARWICKSHIRE.--The Autumnal meeting was held, Sept. 18, at Walsall.

In the morning, after devotional exercises, the president (Rev. W. Lees), took for his subject, "Fidelity to our Principles," and delivered an address which was described, in a subsequent vote of thanks, as "Earnest, practical, and timely."

The Rev. W. Oates, of Longmore Street, Birmingham, then read a paper entitled, "How to make our Week Evening Services more interesting." The paper was well received, and evoked brisk and useful discussion. Thanks were cordially offered to Mr. Oates.

A Business Committee having been appointed, the Conference adjourned. Some fifty persons partook of a capital dinner. The afternoon session opened at half-past two. The following business was done

I. Conference Work.-The deputation appointed to act presented a report, which was adopted. It was resolved, "That a sub-committee, consisting of the Revs. W. Lees, E. C. Pike, E. W. Cantrell, and the Secretary, be appointed to confer with the friends at Polesworth in relation to ministerial oversight-the committee to be empowered to act."

II. Reports from the Churches.--Baptized, 85; received otherwise than by baptism, 21; candidates, 52; inquirers, 57.

Gross increase 27 III.

The Secretary presented a statement of accounts. The financial arrangements of the Conference were re-adjusted, and it was resolved, "That the churches of the Conference be recommended to contribute at the rate of 4s. per 100 members per annum."

IV. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring president, the Rev. W. Lees, for his services during the most successful year the Conference has ever known. With equal cordiality the Rev. E. C. Pike, B.A., was elected President for the ensuing year.

V. The following resolution on the

Bulgarian Atrocities was unanimously adopted "That this Conference regards with unspeakable horror the recent atrocities by the Turkish troops in Bulgaria,— deeply regrets that the honour of England has not been maintained in the presence of such awful crimes, and joins heartily with those who demand the deliverance of the oppressed provinces from the misrule of the merciless Turks."

VI. The Rev. J. Marshall, of Netherton, having been suddenly recalled to America by domestic affliction, the following expression of sympathy was adopted, "That this Conference deeply sympathises with brother Jabez Marshall in his affliction, and, sincerely regretting the circumstances which separate him from the Conference, and recall him to the land of his adoption, assures him of its high appreciation of the Christian character, ministerial efficiency, he has manifested during his connection with the Netherton church. The Conference will remember him with affectionate and prayerful sympathy."

VII. The assembly decided that the next Conference be held at Salem Chapel, Longford, on the second week in April, 1877. Mr. Hitchcock, of Birmingham, to write the paper. Evening preacher, the Rev. H. W. Meadow.

In the evening the Secretary preached from 1 Peter iv. 16.

So far the Conference meetings have been like the "path of the just," shining 66 more and more." The attendances were larger even than at Coventry, and the spirited character of the meetings, and the kindly warmth of the day's fellowship, seemed to surpass all former experiences. The Walsall friends set themselves to receive the Conference in a beautified sanctuary. And it came to pass that "the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected; and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it." Thanking God, and taking courage, the Conference goes shining on, even to "the perfect day."

LL. HOWARD PARSONS, Secretary.

North Finchley, that in the afternoon by the Rev. S. Wardlaw McAll, M.A., of East End, and that in the evening by the Rev. J. Barnard, of Highgate. On Thursday evening, Sept. 28, a sermon was preached by J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B. The congregations were good at all the services, and the collections towards the building fund were encouraging, bringing up the total amount to £100.

HITCHIN, Walsworth Road.-On Sunday, Oct. 8, sermons were preached by the Rev. T. Watts, of St. Albans. On Monday and Tuesday evenings services for the young were conducted by Mr. S. D. Rickards, of London, and a public meeting was held on Wednesday, evening, Oct. 11. A. Towers, Esq., of Praed Street, in the chair. Speakers, Revs. J. Fletcher, J. Aldis. The pastor, Rev. J. H. Atkinson, gave the annual statement. Members, 112-being a nett increase of six; 222 scholars, including the adult class; 27 teachers. Voluntary offerings and proceeds of last anniversary, £220 14s. 93d.-showing an average increase of 11s. 2d. per week throughout the year, or 20s. 4d. per week increase during the quarter in the new building. Collected for various objects, including Sunday School, Missions, College, etc., £63 7s. 1d. Amount received for Building Fund during the year, £727. Total income for the year, £1,011 1s. 11d. Proceeds of these services, including 54 trays and the tea given, about £25.

LEAKE AND WYMESWOLD. —. -Anniversary services were held at Leake, Oct. 16, conducted by the Rev. G. Barker. On the Monday, a public tea was provided, and, as usual, well attended-the trays, thirty-five in number, being given by the ladies and friends of the church and congregation. The meeting in the evening was the largest for many years past, and was addressed by the Rev. E. Stevenson, who presided, the Revs. J. Lemon and Morris, and other friends. At Wymeswold the Rev. E. J. Silverton preached. A public tea was provided, and more largely attended than any of its predecessors. The trays, thirty-seven in number, being given by the ladies and friends of the church and congregation. The most successful anniversary we have had. Results, over £32.

LONDON, Commercial Road.—The fiftyfifth anniversary of the chapel was celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 15. The Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., preached in the morning, and the Rev. J. Fletcher in the evening. On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the largest number we have yet had sat down to tea. At the meeting held in the chapel the pastor presided, and, referring to the various