HUNTER.-Jan. 18, at Elm Avenue, New Basford, the Rev. Hugh Hunter, for thirtysix years pastor of the church at Stoney Street, Nottingham, departed this life, aged 72 years. The Nottingham Journal says of our widely known friend-" During this lengthened period (from 1830 to 1867) he was eminently influential in promoting the interests of evangelical religion in the ⚫ town and neighbourhood, and probably no minister of the denomination to which he belonged was instrumental in bringing so many individuals to make a profession of personal piety. As a preacher he was warm, zealous, and affectionate in manner, strictly evangelical in practice, and on occasions of extraordinary interest fervid and eloquent in his language. His death will occasion a deep sentiment of regret among his former friends, by whom his memory will long be regarded with esteem and veneration."

HURST.-Joseph Bakewell Hurst, the only son of George and Sarah Hurst, was born at Burton-on-Trent, Oct. 9, 1847. When about eight and a half years of age he was sent to school at Barton Fabis, where he continued five years, and was diligent, thoughtful, quiet, and persevering. Having an aptitude for epistolary correspondence, he and his elder sister indulged in a weekly interchange of letters; and as they made their intercourse religious in its character, it was very beneficial. After returning home he soon gave evidence of real piety, and on Sep. 5, 1863, was baptized and united to the church, then under the pastoral care of Rev. R. Kenney, for whom, to his death, he entertained the most cordial esteem. He delighted to make himself useful in the Redeemer's kingdom, and particularly interested himself in the choir, the Sabbath school, and library. But in the midst of his usefulness disease of the lungs presented itself, and it soon became evident, notwithstanding change of air and climate, and all that medical skill and kindness could devise, that he was appointed to die. This, however, did not cause any great alarm, but rather stimulated his confidence in his Saviour. He had a remarkably calm and humble reliance on Jesus as his Friend and Redeemer. To the writer he remarked with the utmost resignation, "It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good." "Thy will, not mine, be done." And in his last note, after describing his extreme weakness, he said, "I am trying to keep near the Saviour, and am waiting His time, endeavouring with meekness and patience to do and bear all His will concerning me." Having still his passion for music, he asked his sor rowing father a day or two before He died

to remove him to the piano; this being done, he played with his trembling fingers the first and last tunes he had played publicly in the sanctuary. After this he appeared to gather up all the strength he could command, and played the music set to "Vital spark of heavenly flame," &c., and shortly afterwards exclaimed, "That was the last effort of nature." During the last night of his life almost his last words

were,

"Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, And let me languish into life." On June 16, 1870, he calmly fell asleep in Jesus, and on the Monday following his mortal remains were interred in the cemetery, Burton-on-Trent, where they await the resurrection of the just.

"When blooming youth is snatched away
By death's resistless hand,
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay,

Which pity must demand."

MATHEWS. -On Saturday, Jan. 21, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Shallett Dale, New Walk, Leicester, the Rev. Thos. W. Mathews, the deeply loved and universally esteemed pastor of the ancient church at Boston since the year 1839, was suddenly called to his reward, in his 73rd year. For a few days he had suffered from a slight illness; but only a few hours before his death he signed a letter to us in which he expressed the hope of preaching at Praed Street chapel in February. Truly as a denomination we may take up the lament of David, “I am distressed for thee, brother; very pleasant hast thou been to me; thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." How we shall miss his sunny presence and his genial words from our annual gatherings! Our fathers: where are they? Thanks be to God, we have the answer. We are not without hope. They are for ever with the Lord.

""Tis finished-all is finished,

Their fight with death and sin;
Fling open wide the golden gates,
And let the victors in.'

YOUNG-FERNEYHOUGH.-Nov. 7, 1870, in his 21st year, Frederick Elliott Young, at his fathers residence.-Also, Nov. 30, suddenly, in his 60th year, John Young, father of the above, and for many years a zealous teacher in the Stoney Street Sunday school, and deacon of the same church. -Also, Dec. 4, suddenly, James Edward, aged 5 years and 2 months; on the 7th, Susanna Mary (Cissy) aged 3 years and 10 months; and on the 9th, of scarlet fever, John Frederick, aged 2 years and 5 months; the beloved children of James and Rebecca Ferneyhough, of Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, and grandchildren of the above John Young. "God knows best."

CONFERENCE AT CUTTACK.

Cuttack, Dec. 7, 1870.

OUR Annual Conference, which has been a very interesting and profitable time, commenced with the public services on Lord's-day, the 20th Nov.; but I must first tell you that on the afternoon of Saturday, the 19th, we had the pleasure of welcoming back to Orissa, Brother W. Bailey again to toil in the Blessed Master's service in this heathen land. We rejoiced to see that he appeared fully recovered from the painful effects of the accident he met with at Bombay, and prayed that his coming might be greatly for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom.

The public services on the Lord's-day were numerously attended and full of interest. In the failure through indisposition of Tama Patra, who had been appointed to preach the morning sermon, his place was efficiently supplied by Shem Sahu. Our young brother had but a short time to prepare; still the sermon had been carefully thought out, and did credit to the head and heart of the preacher. It was delivered, too, with affectionate earnestness and power. The text was Rev. i. 17-18, "Fear not," &c. The application of it to our present depressed state as to missionaries and native preachers was full of consolation and encouragement; and led some of us thankfully to say, "The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted." The life of Christ in heaven for the good of His church upon earth is indeed a delightful theme to dwell on. The afternoon sermon was delivered by Mr. Taylor, from a good old text-a text which has often been selected on such occasions at home-Phil. i. 27, "With one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel." The subject was seasonable, was practically treated, and adapted for general usefulness. In the evening Mr. W. Bailey preached the English sermon, from Acts i. 4-5, on the promise of the Father for which the disciples waited. The discourse was listened to with much interest, and was felt to be a word in season to many. Oh for more-much more of that "power

แ

from on high," which strengthened the first disciples of Christ to accomplish such marvels, and which will be given to us in answer to believing, fervent, united prayer. Altogether we felt that it was one of the days of the Son of Man." But I have not described all the mercies of the day. On reaching home after the morning service, I found the postman had called during my absence, and several letters which he had brought were put into my hands. Several were at once laid aside, as I had no doubt from the address they were "of the earth earthy;" but there was one addressed to the Secretary of the Orissa Mission, the handwriting of which I did not recognise. Rather hesitatingly, but supposing that the letter might, and hoping that it did, relate to the work of the Lord, I opened it, and lo!-reader, rejoice with me, and "praise God from whom all blessings flow," it contained a cheque for 250 rupees (£25) for the Orissa orphans-the more welcome as it came from a friend in Christ whose face I had never seen, and whose name I had never heard. I had heard in the sanctuary good and comfortable words" about Christ living to care for His church, and carry on His cause; and on returning, a practical illustration of the precious truth was supplied; for the cause of Christ cannot be carried on without money, and the Lord knew infinitely better than the donor that the needs which the cheque was sent to supply would soon be pressing.

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The examination of the Students and Scripture Readers took place on Monday and Tuesday. Mr. Brooks and Mr. T. Bailey examined the Students, assisted by two competent native ministers, and it was thought that a good measure of improvement had been made, while some deficiencies were pointed out. The Scripture readers and assistants were examined by Mr. Taylor and myself; and, with one exception, we thought the examination very satisfactory, and rejoiced in the evidence it furnished that the brethren had carefully prepared themselves, and were to a gratifying extent increasing in Scripture knowledge.

On Wednesday morning Conference business commenced, and we continued,

with necessary intervals, till Saturday afternoon, discussing with unbroken harmony and brotherly love the things relating to the kingdom of Christ amongst us. Mr. W. Bailey was elected chairman, and Mr. T. Bailey was appointed to assist the secretary in writing the minutes. In describing the business, I begin with the important minute on the state of the Mission, and our urgent need of more help. I wish I could hope that this would have the earnest attention which from its urgency it merits. Again and again has this vital question been brought before you, but in regard to many I can hardly hope that it has been seriously and prayerfully considered. This is disheartening, and for myself I have sometimes felt that I would be content with telling my anxieties to the Lord, and not trouble you with such appeals again; but when half resolved on this, I have felt like the prophet when he said, "I will speak no more in the name of the Lord," and he soon found that he could not help himself: the Word of the Lord was IN HIM, and it MUST COME OUT; "the burning fire shut up in his bones" could not be restrained. So once more I plead with you in the name of the brethren to ponder your obligations to Orissa, remembering the love of Christ to you, and the hope you have of being for ever with Him when earth and time have passed away. I give without comment the minute passed, only remarking, as the last sentence has a personal reference, that I did not draft the resolution.

"The enfeebled state of the Mission occupied the anxious and prayerful attention of the Conference, and it was resolved to urge the Committee to send out another Missionary with the least possible delay. The brethren would affectionately remind their friends that the care of the churches and numerous christian communities, the education and settlement for life of nearly 1200 orphans, the superintendence of the Press, the revision of the Scriptures, the preparation of educational and religious works, and the preaching of the Gospel to the heathen, as well as in our own language, involve responsibilities which they cannot satisfactorily discharge. They would further call the attention of the Committee to the painful fact that from death and other causes the staff of native ministers is smaller than it has been for several years, and that in consequence

it is impossible to supply all the congregations with efficient preachers on the Sabbath, and they would also remind them that without further help it is altogether impracticable for Brother and Sister Buckley to seek the temporary rest and change which the Committee so anxiously desire them to have, and which, after fifteen years of incessant labour, all the brethren think they so much need."

We next warmly and affectionately welcomed Brother W. Bailey back to Orissa, and recorded our earnest desire that his return might be greatly for the extension of the kingdom of Christ. Many will remember that it is 25 years since our brother entered on his work in Orissa, and all will know that the step now taken involves a temporary separation-how painful is known only to those immediately affected-from his beloved wife and family. May the grace and peace which Christ alone gives be vouchsafed in large measure, and may the pain of separation-felt here as well as there-be alleviated by the remembrance that it is "for the name of the Lord Jesus," and that He is worthy of the sacrifice. Blessed be God, the proImise of the hundredfold is firm as the pillars of heaven.

Our Bible work next came under review, and notwithstanding interruptions, progress had to be reported. The Bible Translation Society has again generously granted us £150; and a letter was read from Dr. Rufus Babcock, on behalf of the American and Foreign Bible Society, now amalgated with the Baptist Publication Society, which encouraged the hope that help would be sent before the end of the year. I am thankful to say that we have, or rather when the work now entered on is completed, which I trust will be soon, shall have a larger supply of Gospels than we have had for several years. We have finished to-day another edition of the Acts (3000 copies). It is 18 years since the former edition was separately printed. The reader remembers the suggestive way in which this important part of Holy Scripture opens-"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach," implying what the reader of this precious portion of the Divine Word should ever bear in mind that we have the teaching and works of Jesus in the Acts as well as

in the Gospels. Apostolic lips conveyed the teaching, but it was His. Apostolic men wrought the miracles, but it was by His power, and in His name; and the reader may be quite sure that if marvels of power and grace are wrought in the nineteenth century, it can only be, as it was in the first days of christianity, "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." The new edition of the New Testament, in Oriya small type, will be, I hope, printed in the course of next year, and will be very welcome. The first pocket edition, printed four years ago, has been much prized. We are printing for the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Old Testament in one volume, and also several separate books which are much needed, and will be very useful. The blessing of the Holy One has manifestly rested and is resting on the dissemination of His Word. The Bible is to the christian in Orissa, as well as in England, the fountain by whose waters his thirsty soul is refreshed, and the lamp that guides his path through this dark world to the better country. Blessed Bible! What would life be without thee? And what are gold, silver, precious stones, and all the things that the longing heart of man can desire, compared with thy priceless worth?

Our Tract work was also fully considered. The Religious Tract Society has generously sent us 138 reams of paper (value £46), which I expect will be received here to-day or to-morrow; and the American Tract Society has liberally sent us 200 dollars, which, as the Exchange is more favourable than it has been since the war, has realized £36 16s. 2d. Both these societies are old and staunch friends of the Orissa Mission. I am thankful to be able to report favourably of this important part of our work. We have a better supply of tracts than we have had for a long time past; and probably a larger number of tracts in holy song on our list than any other Mission in India. This is an important circumstance, as nothing attracts a Hindoo like verse. A new prose tract, by Makunda Das, entitled, "The Breach of the Second Commandment," was presented; and arrangements made, by which it is hoped one or more new poetic tracts will be added to the list. Questions relating to much-needed additions to our christian literature in the vernacular, and to educational works, were considered; but it is difficult to see

how much can be done in our present enfeebled state.

We had an unusually interesting meeting with the native preachers on Friday afternoon, when the different questions that had engaged our attention were fully explained and their opinions sought. We discussed with them the questionWhat more can be done to enlist the energies of the church, apart from paid agency, for the spread of the Gospel? Ghanu and Shem made some very pertinent remarks on this weighty question. The latter referred to the text, "The people had a mind to work." He expressed his fear that "the mind to work" was wanting, and said that the all-important question was, how to secure it. Yes, this is the question, and very interesting and important it is to many of our churches at home as well as in N. Lat. 20° 28' 55', E. Long. 85° 50'* But this pleasant gathering had its sorrowful memories. We could not forget that at our last Conference Mr. Miller was with us; still we felt that though absent in body he was present in spirit, and longing for the time when he would be present in the body too. Sad and solemn thoughts also occurred to some of us, as we remembered one beloved fellowlabourer, Jagoo Roul, whose familiar face had been often seen at such gatherings, but who had died since our last meeting. I can only now record the deep affection with which I cherish his memory, and the great regret I feel on account of his death, but hope on a fitting occasion, if God permit, to give the friends of the Society some particulars of his life, labours, and death. I may, however, now say that I glorify God for his conversion, and for the unblemished consistency of his christian course, from its commencement to its peaceful close. His mind was much impressed at the beginning of his religious life by Prov. iv. 18, and his holy course and growing conformity to his Saviour were a pleasing comment on this beautiful representation of the path of the just. "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord," who endowed him with suitable gifts, and "counted him faithful putting him into the ministry." I remember with much appreciation his valuable services as Assistant Tutor of the College, and in the revision of the Old and New Testaments. His last breath was spent in ascribing blessing

*The Latitude and Longitude of Cuttack Fort Flag Staff.

He

and glory to Christ, and in speaking of His love to those most dear to him. completed his forty-second year on the day of his death. The first convert God gave him was his mother; the last was his first-born son, but as this was the fruit of his precious dying testimony, he could not know of it while in the body.

A very interesting and brotherly epistle was read from Rev. J. L. Phillips on behalf of our Northern brethren, to which the Secretary was instructed to reply. Our brethren are vigorously attacking the strongholds of the foe, and their operations are conducted not only in Oriya, but in Santal and in Bengal. Zenana work is also zealously pursued ; and they have a Mission press. ourselves they have changes; and recently Dr. and Mrs. Bacheler, after many years of holy service, have left for the United States on account of Mrs. Bacheler's illness. It is feared that they will not return.

Like

In

Arrangements for Piplee occupied our most anxious and prayerful consideration. Mr. Brooks informed his brethren that he felt it his duty to return to Cuttack at the end of the year, and this rendered further action on the part of the brethren necessary; but with our present strength a satisfactory arrangement is altogether impracticable. addition to the Girl's Orphanage, which our estimable sister, Miss Packer, manages so well, there are other weighty responsibilities, as the care of the church, the superintendence of the Male Orphanage, the making known the precious gospel of Christ to the half a million of souls in the Pooree district, and the watching, with faithful loving care, over the new station at Bonamalipore: but how the difficulties of the case can best be met it is not easy, in our present circumstances, to see. In thinking of this case I was much encouraged by a text which occurred in a proof I had to correct just before the question was discussed in Conference, "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." For this light, which at present I see not, it seems to me we must wait. May it soon be bright and clear.

The reports of the stations, while disclosing some discouraging and painful circumstances, showed that a goodly number had been added to the flock of Christ. Forty-three have been baptized at Cuttack, and a few at Piplee and hoga; but the report of Berhampore

could not be given, as Mr. Taylor had to leave before the Conference broke up in consequence of the severe illness of his eldest boy. Khundittur was said not to be in a healthy state. Khoorda was reported of by Shem: the people manifested a friendly spirit, and a pleasing degree of interest in hearing the Word, but no direct conversions had occurred. On a general review of the year it must be admitted that there has been less itineracy than in many former ones. This is much to be regretted; but missionaries cannot do impossibilities, and two of our native preachers at Cuttack have been laid aside most of the year.

The Annual Missionary Meeting was held on Wednesday evening, the 23rd. The attendance was large, and the service deeply interesting. Babu D. R. Rout presided, and addresses were delivered by Ghanushyam, Kumbho, Shem, and Makunda Das. The first speaker made good use of an illustration derived from a steamer which he had seen on his recent tour down the river, and showed that in order to carry on the work of the church efficiently every one must stand in his own place, and do his own work. Kumbho clearly showed what had been done for the evangelization of Orissa by the missionaries and native ministers. Shem followed, and showed how much remained to be done which required the energies of the whole church-a topic which he handled with wisdom and faithfulness. Makunda spoke on the spirit in which it should be done, but the time was gone. It was easy, however, to learn from the hints he gave us how much he had to say that was worth hearing.

It was decided at our last Conference that there should be a brief daily service during the session; and accordingly, on Thursday evening, there was a short and lively service in the College; on Friday evening another at Christianpore; and on Saturday one at Peyton Sae. This was a novel feature of our gathering, but I hope it will be adopted in future years. On Lord's-day, the 27th, we had large and interested congregations; but I need only refer to the afternoon service, when we enjoyed the memorial of our Lord's death. Kumbho spoke in Oriya on the love of Christ, and Mr. W. Bailey in English on remembering the way in which the Lord had led us.

Such was our recent Conference. And now, in once more laying down my pen,