Church, at St. Thomas's Mount, is keeping together in the unity and faith of the gospel, and the attendance at the public services is encouraging. The school at Bullock Lines is doing pretty well. Owing, however, to a rumour that had prevailed amongst the ignorant Hindoos, that their children were to be kidnapped for sacrificial purposes, and their heads cast into the sea to expedite the completion of the Madras Harbour works, some of them had refused to allow their little ones to attend the school. Notwithstanding the ludicrous absurdity of this rumour, it seems that it was impossible to reason them out of a belief in it, and that time alone would remove the impression from their minds. The school at Nazareth Pooram is still in a very low state, which condition of things there having now continued for a very long time, it will be matter for consideration whether the labours of our teachers would not be more fruitful if removed to some other location. The caste school, for which some of our kind friends sent us some sewing materials a short time since, is giving satisfaction to our superintendent. At Palaveram brother Noble reports attentive hearers of the word at the Sepoy Lines, the streets, and bazaars. According to arrangements, our brother would leave St. Thomas's Mount for Ceylon on or about the first of last month. Our energetic superintendent, brother Doll, with characteristic hopefulness, speaks with much confidence as to the future of this station, by the blessing of God, in connection with his taking the direct charge of it. He states that from our native preacher, Vencatasawmy's, report, he gathers that during the month of July, Vencatasawmy went to 55 places, bazaars, streets, villages, and hamlets, addressing in all about a thousand people; visited 48 houses, travelled 70 miles, and distributed 392 tracts. Taking this as an honest report of work fairly done, let us hope that much good will result from so much sowing of the seed of the kingdom.

At Poonamallee our native brother, Abel Michael, seems to be labouring with renewed diligence and zeal, as extracts from his journal that follow will show :

"Wednesday, July 7th.-Went to Namen, a village seven miles west of our station. On my way, preached at Coothempaukum to over 20 Caste Hindoos, to whom, after reading a portion of Matt. xxii., I spoke on the marriage of the King's Son, shewing what grace and salvation

are to poor sinners who feel their guilt and burden. That such can never make themselves free; but the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, and the blood of Christ alone, can give them liberty, life, pardon, peace, joy, and salvation. One man from the crowd boldly asked me whether he would get 15 rupees if he embraced Christianity. To this I replied that I was speaking of something far more important and substantial, viz., faith in the Lord Jesus, and the unspeakable value of his immortal soul, and made remarks on these subjects. From here I proceeded to Namen, where I addressed a number of people on salvation by Jesus Christ alone for ruined man, and that He alone can meet the needs of a poor weary sinner. "Friday, 9th. Started early this morning for Chethoocander, a village about 7 miles N.W. of our station, containing about 100 houses besides its parcherries, or non-caste hamlets. It has a large temple dedicated to Siva, before which is a large tank built with granite stones. Oh how strong the devil is in this place! I preached, notwithstanding, in three places from 9 to 12, the Lord helping, one of them just opposite the house of the moonsiff, or village magistrate, to a goodly number of people. The Lord Jesus and His cross was my only theme. The moonsiff heard all I said, and sent his children to ask me in. From this place I went to Ramapuram, which is two miles further on, and addressed about 15 people.

Thursday, 29th.-Went to Mavellore Coopem, eight miles west of our station; preached and disputed for several hours."

At this last named place, brother Doll says, there is a spirit of inquiry on the subject of baptism, there being in that village a number of professing Christians belonging to the Church Missionary Society. He states that everything is doing satisfactorily at this station; that the new school teacher is working well, and that 31 children attend the school.

The above, with other entries in his journal, shows that during the month (July) Abel Michael preached in twelve of the villages, or hamlets, surrounding his station, some of which are eight or nine miles distant. This, besides the regular services on the Lord's day at Poonamalle. Might not this be commended for imitation to some of the labourers in the gospel field in the rural districts at home, where the inhabitants

are about as ignorant of the gospel of the grace of God as the poor heathen in India ?

SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THIS MISSION EARNESTLY REQUESTED.

THE Committee earnestly request the pastors and deacons of the churches connected with this mission to urge upon the

brethren at their prayer meetings to make special supplication for the Lord's blessing on this effort to extend His kingdom. Particularly is this desired to be done on Monday evening, Nov. 1st, that much of the Divine presence and blessing may be realised on the following day, at our Anniversary gatherings at Avenue Chapel, Camden Town.

WONDERFUL.

Wonderful Altar, and wonderful Flame, Wonderful Incense and wonderful Lamb; Wonderful Temple, more glorious than thou,

Wonderful gem, on Jerusalem's brow! Wonderful, when in the fulness of days Wonderful harbingers heralded praise; Wonderful, when Thy life journey begun, Wonderful, when a poor Carpenter's Son; Wonderful Child, to whom sages attend, Wonderful, when at the grave of Thy friend;

Wonderful, filling five thousand with food, Wonderful, when at the baptism flood; Wonderful Healer! from sickness to save, Wonderful stiller of tempest and wave; Wonderful, when in Gethsemane's grove, Wonderful instance of wonderful love! Wonderful, standing accused and forlorn, Wonderful, bearing reproaches and scorn; Wonderful dying on Calvary's hill, Wonderful Pardoner of penitents still; Wonderful Conqueror of death and the tomb,

Wonderful soaring triumphantly home; Wonderful, when the pearl portals displayed

Wonderful entrance invitingly made;
Wonderful now, Intercessor in heaven,
Wonderful Giver of every bliss given;
Wonderful Ruler of kingdoms and kings,
Wonderful Author of wonderful things;
Wonderful, when the last trumpet hath
sounded,
[rounded;
Wonderful, coming with angels sur-
Wonderful, when like a shoreless sea,
Wonderful, myriads await Thy decree;
Wonderful, rising to glory again,
Wonderful multitudes filling Thy train;
Wonderful, when Thy redeemed shout on
high,

Wonderful, when the glad cherubs reply;
Wonderful, while countless ages roll on,
Wonderful Lord, on a wonderful throne!
"Tendrils in Verse."

A Popular Guide to Baptism, by JOHN ALCORN, 80 pp. Price 9d. London: Baptist Tract and Book Society, Castlestreet, Holborn.

The author, in four concise lectures, two on the subjects, and two on the mode of baptism has presented a clear and scriptural view of the sacred ordinance which our dear Redeemer, in His last address to His apostles, enjoined upon believers in His holy gospel. He also very satisfactorily disposes of the usual arguments with which our Pædo-baptist friends are accustomed to defend their practice, and answers fairly and convincingly the objections they bring against

our own.

The question of the meaning of the Greek words bapto and baptizo is discussed in a manner that creates astonishment that it should ever have been a question amongst the learned at all. In like manner the Greek words which signify to sprinkle, wash, and pour, are shewn never to be used in the New Testament in connection with the ordinance of baptism, making us wonder how good men, when they sprinkle a child, can bring themselves to say they baptize it.

The work may be considered as an excellent "Hand Book" on the subject of Baptism, inasmuch as it contains the pith of many larger volumes, in a small compass, and at a very low price. The folfowing words, with which it closes, are commended to those who, having believed through grace, have not yet confessed their Lord in the manner of His own appointing ::- "Faith always has been, and is now, an energetic and laborious worker, working by love; and love is the most potent power in the moral universe, -love is the fulfilling of the law. Upon all, then, who trust in, and love our Lord Jesus Christ, is the command obligatory: ARISE AND BE IMMERSED.

A few Meditations on the 42nd Chapter of Isaiah, in verse, by WILLIAM CHAPMAN. Price 2d.

In very humble verse, the writer gives us his thoughts upon the character of our Lord, as the Servant of Jehovah; conjoining with that designation, in about

240 lines, references to every past of our blessed Immanuel's work on behalf of His dear people, every title and relation, He bears in connection with them, and many things occurring in His life whilst on earth. There is much plain gospel truth expressed in these lines, and it is very evident that the writer is a firm believer in the essential Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. This our friend, an aged Baptist minister in his 73rd year, wishes to be understood, having been converted from being a believer in "the doctrine of eternal generation," partly by reading Mr. Crowther's sermon, "The Word made Flesh." For renouncing that opinion, it seems, he has suffered some reproach and unkindness at the hands of former friends and associates. He hopes the publication of his tract will be "the means of removing, in some measure, that violent prejudice from the minds of those who truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, yet have separated from the communion they otherwise would enjoy." It is to be hoped it will; for why should not good and gracious men, who are sound in the doctrine of the Trinity, and in the corres pondent doctrines of the distinct and proper Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost, have fellowship with each other, notwithstanding some differences of opinion as to human explanations of those all-important verities?

By a note on the second page of the tract we are informed that it may be had of Mr. Maskell, Ely, Cambs, and that the entire proceeds of the sale will be devoted to the repairs of Salem Chapel, Ely.

The Preacher's Analyst, a Monthly Homi

lectical Magazine, and help in preparation for the Pulpit. Conducted by J. S. BIRD, B.A. Price 4d. London: Elliot Stock.

Intended, also, and adapted for the use of Sabbath school teachers. The number before us is that for August, 1880, being No. 7 of Vol. 4: it is well and respectably got up in quarto size, on toned paper, and has "Sketches" according with the "Prayer Book" calendar; thus princi pally adapting it for members of the Church of England, who, we may there

fore suppose, are considered by the conductor to be more in need of such forms of help than other people. Its theology is what is called moderate Calvinism, or, rather, Baxterianism; nevertheless, with an occasional objectionable phrase or thought, it contains much that is really good and true; and to those preachers and teachers who, for lack of ability or of time, find a difficulty in preparing their addresses, may prove of considerable

use.

How to read the Bible. A series of Bible

Readings, embracing the whole of the Scriptures, arranged in chronological order, with the Spiritual Lessons. Pp. 330. Compiled by JOHN T. BRISCOE. London: The Baptist Tract and Book Society, Castle-street, Holborn.

The intention of the compiler, as expressed in his modest preface, is to furnish a "help to the intelligent and devotional study of Scripture." In carrying out this object he has exercised great care, industry, and judgment; and as the result we have a very serviceable aid to the reading of God's most Holy Word, which the printer and binder havc embodied in a neat and portable volume.

In accordance with this chronological method of reading the different parts of the Bible, the Book of Job is placed between the confusion of tongues and the call of Abraham, that being the period in which the good man of Uz is believed to have lived upon the earth; the prophecies are blended with the histories of the times in which the prophets lived, and the Psalms occupy positions that agree with their ascertained or supposed historical connection. In like manner the Epistles are interspersed with the narration of the circumstances in the lives of their writers under which they were written, and the history of events in the life of our Lord, as narrated by the four evangelists, arranged and “ harmonized."

The following extract will serve to

show in part the author's method, page 277:

THE VOYAGE TO ROME: SHIPWRECK. Acts xxvii. From Cesarea to Myra; from Myra to the Fair Havens; thence to Melita.

LESSONS.-Christian principle better than worldly prudence.-Christianity a regnant power; Paul becomes practically the commander. The power of him who can say, "I believe God."-Faith and the use of means the remedy against despair.— The Divine purpose does not dispense with human agency.-(Compare 22, 31.)

Our brother, with much labour and research, has thus produced a book that may be very advantageously used as a companion to the Bible, containing as it does, in a small compass, much that will prove of great value as an accompaniment to the daily or occasional perusal of the sacred page. To the young Bible student, the Sabbath-school teacher, the mission worker, to which classes of readers the author more especially dedicates his effort, the book will prove of great advantage. as, indeed, it will to all lovers of the Word of God who may procure it, not having the means to obtain, or the time to read, larger works. Exception, however, must be taken to one or two things that have met the eye in looking through this book. Thus (p. 122) the Song of Solomon is called " a sacred drama," and on following pages parcelled out as a number of scenes. This is after the manner of German philosophers, some of whom write so much learned trash about the sacred page, and not after good Dr. Gill and the godly English Puritan divines. It is sufficient, in describing the structure of the "Song of Songs," to say that it is a sacred allegory. It is not pleasant to the devout mind to think of the Holy Spirit as being the inventor of theatricals, or as the imitator of play wrights.

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Again, on page 177, the following remark occurs :- "Christ took our lower nature-the flesh-that He might reach our higher-the spirit." The meaning of this is not easy to understand, nor does the reference given (Heb. ii. 16) help in the matter. The evident meaning of that verse is that our Lord did not undertake to save angels, but the spiritual seed of Abraham; the design and ends of His becoming a partaker of flesh and blood" are set forth in verses 14, 15, and 17 in the same context. Brethren who occupy the position of teachers in the Church of God do well to express their thoughts as far as possible in words that accord with the

66

phraseology of Scripture; there is no such form of expression in the Bible as "Christ reaching our higher nature."

Our esteemed brother's theology also is at times somewhat at fault; as, for instance, when, in remarks on the Hebrew epistle, he speaks of Christ as "representing our nature in His priestly exaltation." It would be more correct to say His people than " our nature." Other instances occur wherein the speciality of our Lord's work in connection with His chosen and redeemed people is not sufficiently presented to view, and on the whole our good friend may be considered as a more skilful guide in matters experimental and practical than in those that pertain to doctrine. The following remarks in "Lessons," from Matt. xiv. 22, 23, are very excellent:

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF STRICT BAPTIST CHURCHES.

a

Mr.

ON Monday, September 13th, friendly meeting was held in St. John's Green Chapel, Colchester, to consider the propriety of forming a Society under the above title, with a view to strengthen the Strict Baptists in the County of Essex. W. Beech, Esq., of Chelmsford, occupied the chair, and was supported by several ministers and deacons from the neighbouring churches. Mr. Beech read, by request of the friends present, certain articles of faith, which were to form the doctrinal basis of the Association; after which, a number of rules were also read and adopted. The articles and rules were ordered to be printed and circulated throughout the County of Essex. W. Brown, pastor of St. John's Green Chapel, will forward circulars to any of the Cambridgeshire churches on application, with the hope that many of the friends will unite with the Society contemplated, and thus by their combined efforts, render practical help to poor churches in both counties, as also "aid in the establishment of preaching stations in localities where our denomination is unrepresented." A public meeting was held in the chapel in the evening-Mr. Beech presiding. Mr. Cottis, of Epping, offered prayer; and after some serious and suitable remarks by the chairman, on the nature of the meeting, the following

INTERMENTS UNDER THE BURIAL LAWS AMENDMENT ACT.

THE first interment under this Act took place in the parish churchyard of Beckenham, on Thursday, 9th ult. The officiating minister was Mr. George Samuel, Baptist, of Penge Tabernacle, who interred the remains of one of the members of his church. The service consisted of an extempore prayer, the reading of passages of scripture, and the singing of a hymn. The occasion excited some interest, and several clergymen and strangers were present. The service, which lasted half an hour, was marked throughout by befitting solemnity. No allu sion was made to the exceptional character of the occasion. On the 12th ult. (Lord's day) a young Baptist collier was buried in Netherton churchyard. His friends, during the week, had obtained permission from the vicar for Mr. Millington, Baptist minister, to read a service. This consent was afterwards withdrawn, and the curate, in the name of the vicar, the bishop, and the Queen, dared Mr. Millington to proceed; he, however, did so, and finished the service, and the curate walked away strongly protesting. From the Daily News.