A TODMORDEN, Wellington Road. "Father Christmas tree in aid of the bazaar fund was held in the school-room on Dec. 22nd and 24th. The opening took place on Saturday afternoon, and a fair number of persons congregated. The pastor, Rev. W. March, declared the sale open. The stall which gave the name to the affair was heavily laden with toys of almost every description, and was liberally patronised both by children and the representatives of Santa Claus. In the afternoon of the 22nd there were performances on the piano by the Misses Barker, Bank View, and the Misses Read, Eastwood; and in the evening the sales were suspended for an hour and half while a concert on a small scale was gone through. The proceeds amounted to £36, and after paying expenses a good sum will be left to hand over to the bazaar, which is to be held in September next. The annual tea meeting was held on Christinas Day. Over 300 had tea. About 500 were present at the evening meeting. An interesting programme was gone through, consisting of addresses by the chairman (Rev. W. March), Mr. J. S. Gill, and Mr. Fred Cunliffe, of Nottingham College; music by the choir, and recitations and a dialogue by scholars. MINISTERIAL. BIRMINGHAM, Longmore Street.-On Dec. 23rd Mr. J. P. Warner (deacon) presented to Rev. A. T. Prout (pastor), on behalf of the church and congregation, a purse of gold, with the congratulations and good wishes of the friends, on the occasion of his marriage. The pastor responded with a few grateful and encouraging words. IBSTOCK.-On Dec. 24th the members of the church and congregation presented the pastor, Rev. J. Watmough, with a Christmas hamper worth about £6. NOTTINGHAM, Hyson Green - At a social gathering held on Christmas Eve, a cheque for £10 10s. was handed to the pastor (R. Silby) as a slight recognition of his extra pastoral work in raising funds for the new chapel. The church has also resolved to make a substantial addition to the stipend. SHEFFIELD. On Dec. 3rd the Rev. E. Carrington was publicly recognized as the pastor of Cemetery Road church. Mr. C. Atkinson, senior deacon, presided. Mr. F. Eberlin briefly referred to the circumstances which led to the church inviting Mr. Carrington; who then in a short address, but brimful of inspiriting cheerfulness and enthusiasm, stated that he had come to Sheffield expecting and hoping for hard work, and desiring the union to issue in increased spiritual aggression and victory. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., and the charge to the church by Rev. Dr. Underwood. Addresses followed by Revs. J. Bailey, J. Flather, and J. Breakey, and Messrs. Nicholson and Bradley. The meeting was well attended and most enthusiastic. BAPTISMS. AUDLEM.-Six, by G. Towler. ILKESTON, Queen Street.-Five (one a Primitive KEGWORTH.-Two, by W. A. Davies. KIRKBY WOODHOUSE.-Three, by T. Lawrance. LEICESTER, Friar Lane.-Six, by G. Eales. LONDON, Haven Green, Ealing.-Six, by C. Clark. LONGFORD, Salem.-Five, by J. R. Parker. MACCLESFIELD, St. George's Street.-Eight, by Z. T. Dowen. MARKET HARBOROUGH.-Three, by J. Wild. NANTWICH.-Six, four of them forming an entire household, by P. Williams. NORWICH, St. Clement's.-Eight, by G. Taylor. NOTTINGHAM, Old Basford.-Two, by J. Maden. NOTTINGHAM, New Basford.-Four young men, by W. R. Stevenson. PETERBOROUGH.-Five, and two at Stanground, by T. Barrass. RETFORD.-Four (one from Doncaster), by S. SHEFFIELD, Cemetery Road. - Four, by E. MARRIAGE. SMITH-MEADS.-Dec. 25, at the Baptist chapel, Sawley, by the Rev. J. Stenson, Mr. Joseph Smith, to Harriet Allen Meads, both of Sawley. OBITUARIES. PIKE, SARAH SANDARS, the elder daughter of the late Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derby, died on Dec. 17th, at Holmesdale, Torquay, aged 70 years, and was interred at Derby. SMITH, SARAH ANN, daughter of Mr. Jesse Smith, one of the deacons of Salem church, Longford, fell asleep in Jesus on Dec. 11th, aged 42. The deceased was for many years a devoted member of the church, and during a long and painful illness was enabled to give the most decided and satisfactory evidence that she was being greatly sustained and cheered by the love and presence of Jesus. Throughout her illness the countenance she wore and the words she uttered were beautifully expressive of the peace of God which she enjoyed. A meek and quiet spirit marked her life, and her death was most peaceful and happy. The funeral, which was largely attended, was condueted by her pastor, Rev. J. R. Parker. THE MISSIONARY OBSERVER. FEBRUARY, 1884. The Orissa Missionary Conference. IN perusing the following account of the Orissa Missionary Conference, our friends will be pleased with the variety and importance of the work that is being done; will be impressed with the great need which exists for more labourers; and will, we trust, be encouraged to pray more and give more that the needs of the Mission may be supplied. Dr. Buckley writes: Once more I report our Cuttack, November 20th, 1883. ORISSA MISSIONARY CONFERENCE, and my first note is, as it ever should be, thankfulness to God who has mercifully preserved us through the changes and trials of another year, and permitted us to render a little service to His holy cause. The sermons were preached on Lord's day, the 4th November, and the business meetings began in the College on the 5th, Mr. Pike being chosen chairman, and Mr. Bailey appointed to assist the secretary. I cannot write the 5th of November-the day on which we began our work, without recording my deep sense of thankfulness for the national mercies which the day brings to remembrance, especially for the deliverance from Popish domination and arbitrary power nearly two hundred years ago. God forbid that England should ever forget how much she owes to the Reformation in the sixteenth century, and to the bloodless revolution of 1688. England could never have been what she is to-day but for her Protestant principles; and her power would wane to-morrow if Papal superstition predominated. I cling to the hope, some ominous symptoms notwithstanding, that England has still, as Bunyan expresses it, "a dislike to Roman wares." This by the way. Much important business was transacted--more indeed than usual -relating to the work of God in Orissa, and our sittings were protracted till the 14th. The friends of the Mission know that MR. AND MRS. PIKE are, after ten years' faithful service, entitled to their furlough. We affectionately commended our esteemed friends to the loving and faithful care of the chief Shepherd, and to the confidence and affection of the Committee, assured that they will receive, as they deserve, a hearty welcome. We hope that Mr. Pike's visits to the churches will stir up Missionary zeal and devotedness; that you will obtain the additional £500 needed to your yearly income; and that Orissa will receive a reinforcement of able and faithful labourers which she so much needs for the carrying on and extension of the good work. Let none of our friends think that any one will do for a Missionary. We want men whose hearts the Lord has touched-who are imbued with deep and tender compassion for souls-who have confidence in the Gospel message, and who mean to preach Christ and none but Christ. "Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end." Mr. and Mrs. Pike, with their three sons, left us on Tuesday, the 13th, and are to embark on the S.S. Dacca, on the 22nd. It seems but a little while since we first welcomed them to our home; but ten eventful years, with all their changes, have passed, and we are all so much nearer the happy home which many dear friends during these years have entered. It is sweet at parting with friends to realize that we are one in Christ, and that, united to Him, "Mountains rise, and oceans roll To sever us in vain." Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. O to always realize this precious thought! The brethren passed A KIND RESOLUTION about Mrs. Buckley and myself. It was thought desirable that at the close of the cold season we should "rest awhile" and have a complete change. The weather is just now as pleasant and delightful as could be wished, but in a few months it will be hotter. I cannot say that I need the change myself, but Mrs. Buckley was, during the rains, often seriously indisposed, and on her account such a change would, if practicable, be no doubt desirable. It is a comfort to believe that at the right time the way in which we should walk will be made plain. "I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me;" And when that step is taken, the next will be plain, and so on, and so on to the end. "He will be our guide even unto death." The and of native churches being self-supporting, was pretty fully discussed, feeling generally expressed was that the only satisfactory solution for the present would be for approved native brethren to be associated with the Missionaries as copastors at each of the principal stations. In such an arrangement we should heartily concur. It would be understood that the native Christians would support the men they selected, or at least do so to the extent of their ability. In regard to the substations, it was considered that in every case a portion of the salary of the brother who ministers at the place should be paid by the people. Much has been written the last five years about the native pastorate that has not been wise and well-considered; and some things have been done that have been very mischievous. It is well to gain wisdom from past mistakes. "The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you." In the discussion of the subject it has often been overlooked that a plurality of elders or bishops obtained in the primitive churches, and a wise consideration of this would have prevented many errors. The important directions of the Apostle,-"Let all things be done unto edifying. Let all things be done decently and in order. Let all your things be done with love"-should never be forgotten in the management of church affairs. The object to be secured is that all the members should "stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel," and that is the best plan which is the most effectual in securing this. * THE STATE OF THE PRINTING OFFICE FUNDS was brought up by Mr. Mulholland, and received the attention which it well deserves. In the management of such a concern there should be a sufficient reserve fund to meet all contingencies; but beyond this all the profits belong to the Mission. We devoted 250 rupees from interest account towards our tract work, and I have no doubt this will be very satisfactory to friends at home. Probably many may not know that the Mission Press has for more than thirty years paid all the expenses of management, including, of course, the salary of the Superintendent; and it has in many ways rendered invaluable services to the Mission. Our Scriptures and tracts have been much more accurately printed than they could have been at any other * Acts xiv. 23; Philipp. i. 1; Titus i. 5, &c. THE ORISSA MISSIONARY CONFERENCE. 75 Press in or out of the province; many of our native Christians have by this means obtained a decent and comfortable maintenance; and in addition to the management of the office, the Superintendent has always done a considerable amount of Mission work. Our beloved brother, Mr. Brooks, did this for forty years, and Mr. Mulholland is zealously pursuing the same course. The proposal of THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, in relation to the word baptize, to sanction a marginal note-"Some translate the word immerse' "-was considered, and the following minute adopted: "Agreed, That the Conference fully recognizes the great and important work which the Society is doing throughout the world, and cordially reciprocates the friendly feeling in which the proposal originated, but does not think that in existing circumstances it can be accepted as a satisfactory settlement of the question. Such a note would, as it appears to us, be almost certain to convey the idea that only a few thus translated the word; and in separate Gospels circulated among the Hindoos (which is a very important part of our work), we think it very undesirable to give alternate renderings, especially as the word in question occurs in one or other of its forms in the four Gospels about a hundred times. Our position in Orissa is different from that of the brethren in Bengal, as we and the brethren from the United States are the only missionaries in the Province, and we are all Baptists. Moreover, from the time of Dr. Carey to the present the word has always been translated doobana (immerse). If there had been Pædobaptist missionaries in Orissa we should have had to reconsider our position, or there must have been two Testaments in circulation differing on this one point; but considering all the circumstances of the case we cannot think it right to alter. We are grateful for the important help received from the Bible Translation Society for this essential part of our work, and trust that it will receive, as it deserves, the liberal support of all our churches." Many other important questions, into which I cannot fully enter, received considerable attention. The examination of the students in THE MISSION COLLEGE was as usual attended to in the Conference week. Satisfaction was expressed by the Examiners that "the number of students was in advance of former years" (six); and it was added, “The spirit of the young men left nothing to be desired, and the attainments of several were fully equal to the average of former years. The sermons and essays, especially those of the senior student, evinced careful and vigorous thinking, and were also thoroughly practical and evangelical in tone. We believe that the young men give undoubted promise of future usefulness." Two of themKaplaswara Das and Jacob Sahu--having completed the usual course of three years, were received as native preachers on probation. THE NATIVE PREACHERS met with us two or three times, and anxious that all our sub-stations might have the advantages of ministerial watchfulness, we seriously considered where each might most usefully exercise his ministry. The death of George Das, which had occurred since last Conference, was recorded with solemn feelings on our minutes; but the summons found him doing the Master's work. It is more sad to state that it was found necessary to cut off from the list of the Society's agents the name of Narain Varsistan. The records of the previous Conference will show that discipline had been exercised, but alas! it was in vain. His conduct was altogether unworthy of the Christian profession. He was not a person of any eminence amongst us, and probably few of my readers will remember his name. We have on the whole much reason for thankfulness and encouragement in our native ministry. We have had from the beginning men of no mean ability engaged in the work, and we have still. Such men are invaluable. The Lord of the harvest greatly multiply them! Our hope for Orissa rests, under God, on an able and faithful native ministry. OUR EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS were not overlooked. It is of the highest importance to lay hold of the young, and train them in the good and the right way. A report was given of our English school for native lads that was opened six months ago. The attendance now numbers 85, and more are expected. The Conference expressed an earnest hope that the Committee would agree to pay the salary of the head master (rupees 50, or £5 per month), and deemed this to be essential to the efficiency of the school. A year ago it was stated that the Second Female Orphanage premises had been cheerfully relinquished for the purpose of erecting an Orphan Home for European and Eurasian children. Dr. Stewart will build this at his own cost. We are all warmly interested in the success of the Orphanage. Your readers will be gratified to know that the building is making satisfactory progress, and that when completed it will be an ornament to our city. OUR BIBLE AND TRACT OPERATIONS occupied much of our time, but though the detail cannot here be given, all will agree that it is an essential part of our work, and all will rejoice to know that it is carried on more vigorously than heretofore. When shall the day arrive that the lamp of life shall shine in every home in Orissa, and all her millions rejoice in the light? "It is not for us to know the times and the seasons;" it is sufficient for us to be assured that our prayers and iabours are hastening on that blessed consummation; but let us not forget that ere that bright morning dawn, our agencies must be multiplied a thousand fold. THE PUBLIC SERVICES connected with the Conference commenced on Lord's-day, Nov. 4th, when three sermons were preached. Mr. Vaughan preached in the morning from 2 Kings vii. 9— "This is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace." The afternoon sermon was preached by babu Thoma Santra from Matt. vi. 13, latter part. Mr. Bailey preached the English sermon in the evening from Psalm xlvi. 4-"There is a river," &c. The attendance at all the services was cheering, and it was a day of good things. On the Wednesday evening following babu Makunda Das read a paper on the independence of native churches, and it was followed by a free discussion, presided over by Mr. Pike. It was said to be a good meeting, but I was unable to be present. The missionary meeting on Thursday evening was a very lively and interesting one. Babu Daniel Mahanty, of Berhampore, presided, and addresses were delivered by the chairman, and babus Bala Krishnoo, Niladri Naik, Shem Sahu, and Mr. Heberlet. The congregation was very large, and some stirring remarks were made. The total abstinence meeting was held on Friday evening and was well attended. Mr. Miller presided. The Secretary, babu A. C. Dass, read the report, and addresses were delivered in English by Mr. Young and Mr. Vaughan, and in the vernacular by babu Shem Sahu and Mr. Heberlet. The service of song added to the interest of the meeting. The last public service was the memorial of our Lord's death on the following Sabbath afternoon. Addresses in Oriya and English were delivered by the pastors-the one on "the precious blood of Christ," and the other on "I sat down under His shadow with great delight," &c. Prayer was offered in English by Mr. Bailey and in Oriya by babu Shem Sahu. It was a time of spiritual enjoyment. I have said that I was unable to be present at the Wednesday evening meeting, and may here explain the cause. In the morning I called on a Christian friend in the Government service, and invited him to dine with us in the evening, and he promised to do so; but how true it is that "we know not what a day may bring forth!" In the afternoon he was brought in a state of unconciousness to our house; nor did consciousness return till early the following morning, when he woke up, wondering where he was and what had happened to him. In going to his work at one of the Government offices his horse took fright, became unmanageable, and dashing furiously against some steps, upset the trap, and threw his master stunned and senseless on the ground. For a time the gravest apprehensions were entertained, and it was feared that the great change was at hand; but the Lord had mercy. Medical aid was promptly and skilfully rendered, and after twelve or thirteen days' nursing he has returned home, thankful, as are all his friends, for the great mercy which the Lord has shown to him; but it will be some time before he wholly recovers from the effects of the accident. And now I close the record of another Conference, commending the Mission in Orissa to the loving sympathy and zealous support of all our friends, and above all to the effectual blessing of our God and Saviour. He has blessed it greatly in the past, and, in answer to prayer, will bless it much more abundantly in days to come. |