THE LORD'S SUPPER HISTORICALLY CONSIDERED. By Rev. G. A. Jacob, D.D. Henry Frowde, Amen Corner.

A VALUABLE book,-containing in 82 pages a necessarily condensed, and yet clear and impartial statement of the differing views of the Lord's supper held by the more eminent church teachers from the earliest Christian times unto the present. It is avowedly based on a much larger book on the same subject published four years ago by Dr. Charles Hebert. That book consists mainly of extracts from the principal ecclesiastical authors who have written on this subject from A.D. 75 to 1875, and is thus a work for reference rather than ordinary perusal. Dr. Jacob has done good service in presenting the Christian public with the pith and marrow of his friend's somewhat ponderous volumes in brief readable form, and we hereby heartily thank him for it.

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THE ROYAL CUPBEARER; or, Lessons from the Book of Nehemiah. By Rev. Thomas Rowson. Elliot Stock. A SERIES of sermons on Nehemiah, not specially striking in thought or brilliant in style, but practical, sensible, scriptural. A quiet student of the Bible, desiring chiefly spiritual edification, may find both pleasure and profit in the perusal of this volume.

SCRIPTURE VERITIES. Germs of Thought on Biblical Subjects. By Rev. D. Pledge. Price 2s. 6d. Elliot Stock. FRIENDS of the author will no doubt be glad to have a copy of this little work, but we do not think that others will be much attracted by it. It is not lively enough for the ordinary reader, nor profound enough for the deep-thinking. If a book can do such a thing, "it falls between two stools."

CONFERENCE.

SOUTHERN. The summer meetings were held at Berkhamsted, on July 9th, under the presidency of J. Batey.

1. At the business session the reports and letters of the churches were read, which showed that the additions for the year had been 398, and the reductions 406, leaving the present membership at 3,249, or a net decrease of 8. Building projects were under consideration at Chesham, Landport, Finchley, Crouch End, and Tring. Debts had been reduced at Westbourne Park and Ealing. In the case of the new chapel at Tring, a resolution was passed warmly approving the scheme, and strongly recommending it to the churches for support.

2. The next Conference was announced to be held at Borough Road, London, Nov. 3rd.

3. Revs. J. A. Brinkworth and W. Harvey Smith were introduced and welcomed to the Conference.

4. The following resolutions were passed nem. con.:-"That this Conference deeply regrets the action of the House of Lords in rejecting the Franchise Bill, believing that the proposed Act is conducive to the moral as well as material well being of the people. And this Con

ference, while further expressing confidence in the Government, hopes that such measures may be taken as are deemed expedient for securing the prompt passing of the measure."

"This Conference urges the Government to see that in dealing with any measures in which the relationship of the sexes is brought into question, protection of minors, both girls and boys, from vicious solicitation shall be equally secured, and that the punishment for wrong doing shall apply to men equally with women."

5. G. W. M'Cree read a paper on "Stones in the way," for which he received the thanks of the Conference, and which gave rise to an interesting though brief discussion.

6. In the afternoon the members of the Conference and the visitors from London were taken in a number of carriages for a three hours' drive through some of the beautiful woodland scenery around Berkhamsted, and as the weather was all that could be desired for such an excursion, it was greatly enjoyed. The special thanks of the delegates were suitably expressed and acknowledged for this unusual source of enjoyment which had been provided by the Rev. J. F. Smythe and his fellow helpers.

7. Public worship was conducted in the evening, when the sermon was preached by C. Clark, and a collection was made in aid of the Conference funds. ROBERT P. Cook, Secretary.

CHURCHES.

DEWSBURY.-Rev. A. C. Perriam, of Ilkeston, has accepted a cordial invitation to the pastorate at Dewsbury, and will commence his work on Aug. 10th.

conver

EALING, Haven Green.-A sazione in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Working Society connected with this church was given on Tuesday, 8th July, in the lecture hall. The proceedings commenced with an organ recital in the church, followed by a musical entertainment in the lecture hall, at which the pastor, Rev. C. Clark, gave a recital of Dickens' " Boots at the Holly Tree Inn." Refreshments, in the shape of strawberries and cream were provided, and the entertainment altogether gave great pleasure to a numerous audience, a substantial sum being realised in aid of the society.

NOTTINGHAM, Broad Street. - The recognition meeting in connection with the settlement of the Rev. Owen D. Campbell, M.A., late of Edinburgh, as pastor of the church assembling in Broad Street Chapel, Nottingham, was held on Tuesday evening, June 10, in the chapel, the mayor (Mr. Alderman Manning) in the chair. Among those present were the Revs. Dr. Green, of London, formerly Principal of Rawdon College, Bradford; E. Coleman, of Manchester; W. R. Stevenson, M.A., E. Medley, B.A, R. Cowan, B.A., J. H. Hollowell, T. Goadby, B.A., J. Maden (Old Basford), R. F. Griffiths, W. Woods, R. Silby (Hyson Green), and others. Prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Maden. The chairman, in the name of the laity of the town, welcomed Mr. Campbell to Nottingham. Mr. Arnold Goodliffe, after expressing the pleasure it gave the office-bearers and members of the church to have present with them their former pastor, the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., and other ministers, made a brief statement of the reasons that led the church to invite Mr. Campbell to become their pastor. Mr. Campbell, in responding, said that what he felt that night was best expressed in the words, "Let not him that girdeth on his harness, i.e. his armour, boast himself as he that putteth it off." It was with no feeling of presumption or self-sufficiency that he

accepted his new responsibilities. But he had the gospel of Christ to preach, and trusted that, notwithstanding his deficiencies, they would have a measure of divine blessing which would justify all reasonable expectations. Mr. Campbell then proceeded to speak of two great practical problems which the Christian church is called upon to deal with. In society were two classes of men. On the one hand there were those who formed the lowest stratum, who were living in utter indifference to spiritual things. The question was being continually asked, "How were they to be reclaimed?" It seemed to him that the remedy was simple. They must regain the central idea which had been lost, viz. that each Christian church should be an evangelistic society, and then this scandal would soon be removed. On the other hand there were the well educated, middle, and higher classes of men, who were lapsing into sheer scepticism. It seemed to him that with them Christian churches, generally speaking, did not concern themselves at all at the present time. Indeed, ministers, in endeavouring to meet the wants of educated sceptics, met with the disapprobation of many of the members of their churches. He felt that the church was thus abdicating one of her chief functions. One of the crying needs of the age was that ministers should deal with the living questions of the day in a wiser and less bigoted manner than they had heretofore done. Mr. Campbell then asked of the members of the church that they would be patient, and not judge his work by superficial standards and before the time. He asked them to be jealous for the honour of their church. If they talked about the faults of the members let it give them pain, and let them remember that there was a sense in which the statement made concerning the Master should be true of each of them-"He loved the church and gave Himself for it." Addresses followed from Revs. Dr. Green, W. R. Stevenson, and others of the ministers above-named.

NOTTINGHAM, Mansfield Road. — On July 2nd, a social meeting was held in the school-room (which had been elegantly decorated with flowers and curtains for the occasion), with the object of presenting an address to Dr. Cox, to commemorate the 21st year of his ministry at that place of worship. There was a large attendance of members of the congregation and friends. The chair was occupied by Mr. W. H. Booker. Mr. T. Goodliffe,

in making the presentation, referred to the rare expository gifts of their minister, and to the numerous works which, during his ministry, he had sent forth to be the common property of the Christian church. As to the history of the church, it has been marred by no sharp dissensions, no unseemly strife. The chapel has been improved and decorated, and freed from debt. The beautifully illuminated address, the work of Mr. Earp, of Nottingham, made grateful mention of the public ministrations, and of the high personal character of Dr. Cox, of the splendid service rendered to the men of this generation by means of the "Expositor," and expressed the hope that Dr. Cox would long continue to inspire the church with his presence and teaching. J. F. Makepeace (assistant minister), F. Bradley, Jesse Hind, and H. Ashwell, followed with addresses. In reply, Dr. Cox said: Extempore speaking was always trying, and how could he occupy the place he had occupied for the last hour and listen to the kindly speeches which had been made respecting him by members of the church and others to have his thoughts thrown back over 21 years with their changes, their trials, their toils, their pleasures, and their successes, without being so strongly moved as to render utterance almost an impossibility. He could only thank them all for the esteem they had expressed of his personal character. When he looked back to the time when he came amongst them he would fain hope that something had been done for the furtherance of Christian principles and charity. They might refer with pride to the statistics, but they must remember that a church was esteemed by quality rather than by quantity. At the same time it was quite enough to remember that £2,000 had been paid off, and that more than £1,000 had been spent in improving the chapel. He thanked them for the address which had been presented him, and he trusted he should be spared to carry on the work they so generously appreciated.

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BOURNE.-The anniversary was celebrated on June 29th. The former pastor, Rev. W. Orton, preached morning and evening, and conducted a flower service in the afternoon. The services were more than usually successful.

CLAYTON.Anniversary, June 29th. Preachers, Revs. W. Jones, and D. S. Williams, of Bradford. Congregations good. Collections £40 10s. 44d.

DEWSBURY.-Two sermons and an afternoon address were delivered by Rev. J. Clifford, D.D., of London, on June 29. Collections £25 2s. 11d.

LONDON, Commercial Road. A flower service was held on July 6th, at 3 p.m., conducted by Mr. Brimley. On the 7th, at 8 p.m., Mr. Rickards gave an admirable address to the young. Rev. B. Sackett (Congregationalist) took the service on the 8th; and the service of song entitled "Samuel" was rendered on the 10th, at 8 p.m. Conductor, Mr. Cooper; organist, Mr. Edgecombe; connective readings by Rev. J. Fletcher (pastor). The annual Sunday school excursion took place on the 17th by special train to Sanderstead (Surrey) for Crohamhurst Woods. The day was most enjoyable.

LOUGHBOROUGH, Wood Gate.-Anniversary services, June 22nd. Rev. C. W. Vick and Mr. R. Hodder gave addresses in the morning. Sermons, afternoon and evening, by the Rev. J. Fletcher, of London. Very large congregations. Collections, over £70.

LYDGATE.-Anniversary, July 6th. A children's service in the morning, conducted by Mr. J. S. Gill. The preacher for the afternoon and evening was the Rev. E. K. Everett, of Gorton, who delivered two eloquent and impressive sermons. The choir, assisted by trained scholars, sung two choruses from Handel's "Messiah," viz., "Lift up your heads," "And the glory of the Lord." congregations were not quite so good as usual, and therefore a smaller collection has to be reported, which amounted to £46 168. 5 d., being about £5 less than last year.

The

NORMANTON-ON-SOAR.--School sermons were preached on July 13th, in the Board School, by Rev. T. Watkinson.

NORWICH, St. Clement's.-June 15th, sermons by S. D. Rickards, Esq., of London; and on the following evening a public meeting was held, addressed by Mr. Rickards and several local gentlemen. The services were accompanied with very cheering, spiritual and financial results.

NOTTINGHAM, Old Basford. School sermons on June 29th. Preacher, the Rev. G. Eales, M.A., of Leicester. Congregations excellent. Collections and donations £34. There are 718 scholars and 89 teachers. 30 scholars and 3 teachers have joined the church since July 1st, 1883. The building of new and commodious schools is projected. The Band of Hope has 300 members. The annual meeting took place on June 30th. Chairman, Jos. Burton, Esq.; speakers, Revs. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., G. H. James, R. F. Griffiths, R. Silby, and J. R. Godfrey.

NOTTINGHAM, Woodborough Road.-On June 22nd the ninth anniversary was celebrated by special services, morning, afternoon, and evening. Morning and evening the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, of Liverpool, preached. In the afternoon a service of sacred song, entitled "David," was admirably rendered by the children, assisted by the choir, under the direction of Mr. C. B. Hind, choir-master, the connective readings being given by Mr. Jas. Ferneyhough, jun., superintendent. The service was so highly appreciated by the crowded congregation that it is intended shortly to repeat it. The platform was decorated with choice plants and flowers, supplied by the scholars and friends. The collections amounted to £31.-The annual party was held on Saturday, June 28. The scholars and friends, to the number of about 350, went by special train to Plumtree, where they partook of an excellent tea, provided by the Secretary, Mr. Charles Booker, in his usual firstclass style. Before leaving the grounds for the station, the Rev. G. H. James, the minister, addressed a few congratulatory words to the children.

SAWLEY.-On June 22nd, the school sermons were preached by the Rev. E. Stevenson of Loughborough. The collections amounted to £24 28. Od. The children's treat took place on the following day.

TICKNALL. Derbyshire. Two excellent anniversary sermons were preached on June 29th, by the Rev. J. Alcorn, of Lytham. Congregations were large.

Collections £7 10s.

WHEELOCK HEATH.-Rev. J. Fletcher, of London, preached the S. sermons on June 29th. Collections £12 Os. 6d

MINISTERIAL.

FULLER, Rev. W., of Harrisburgh, Pennsylvania, U S.A., is spending a few months in England, and would be happy

to supply, for one Lord's-day or more, any church without a pastor, or during any pastor's summer vacation. Address, Gold Street, Saffron Walden, Essex. Mr. Fuller was formerly a Baptist minister in Accrington, and is well known to several of our brethren.

BAPTISMS.

BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street.-Three, by A. T. Prout.

CLAYTON.-Five, by J. W. Hambly.

KIRKBY WOODHOUSE.-Five, by T. Allgood. LEICESTER, Friar Lane.-Eleven, by G. Eales. LONDON, Commercial Road.-Six (one a Congregationalist) by J. Fletcher.

LONDON, Haven Green, Ealing.-Four, by C. Clark.

LONG EATON.-Three, by H. Wood. MACCLESFIELD.-Two, by Z. T. Dowen. STALYBRIDGE.-Two; DUKINFIELD, one, by C. Rushby.

MARRIAGES.

BOWERS-HILTON.-July 15, at St. George's Street Baptist chapel, Macclesfield, by the Rev. Z. T. Dowen, F.G.S., minister, Mr. David Shaw Bowers, to Miss Hilton, third daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hilton, all of Macclesfield.

EICHEL-WHARTON.-July 6, at the Baptist chapel, Old Basford, by the Rev. J. Maden, Frederick Wilhelm Rudolf Eichel, of St. Albans, to Ada Mary Wharton, of Beeston, Notts.

FRETWELL-WHEATON.-July 7, at the Baptist chapel, Crowle, Lincolnshire, by Rev. J. Stutterd, Thornton Fretwell to Annie Elizabeth Wheaton.

GREENWOOD-DEAN.-June 18, at St. George's Street chapel, Macclesfield, by the Rev. Z. T. Dowen, F.G.S., pastor, Walter Greenwood to M. A. Dean, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Dean, all of Macclesfield.

JEFFERY-HILTON.-July 15, at St. George's Street Baptist chapel, Macclesfield, by the Rev. Z. T. Dowen, F.G.S., minister, Mr. George Jeffery to Miss Selina Smith Hilton, fourth daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hilton, all of Macclesfield.

KIDDALL-SHANKSTER.-July 1, at the Flottergate church, Grimsby, by Rev. J. Wood, M.A assisted by Rev. G. Warren, James William, eldest son of Mr. William Kiddall, of Louth, corn merchant, to Nellie, younger daughter of Mr. G. Shankster, Liverpool House, Grimsby.

WILSON-BINNS.-July 14, at North Parade chapel, Halifax, by Rev. W. Dyson, Samuel Robertshaw Wilson, M.A., Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools, to Annie, second daughter of Councillor Binns, Princess Street, Halifax.

OBITUARIES.

FERNEYHOUGH.-On the 29th of June, aged fourteen years, Willie, eldest surviving son of James and Rebecca Ferneyhough, of Newstead Grove, Nottingham.

HICKMAN, ANN, widow, died June 21st, 1884, aged seventy-seven years. For forty-two years she was a consistent member of the G. B. church at Boston, a most regular attendant of the means of grace, a good listener, and faithful witness. H. P. Y.