God." In his declining years especially the Bible was his daily companion. Often might he be seen perusing its pages; and in his deportment there was a manifest endeavour to act in accordance with its divine lessons. His fortitude amidst trials, and his unwavering confidence in God's providental care, were the result of his acquaintance with the promises and principles of the Word of Life. Walking by faith and living near to the Lord, he was so sustained by his truth and grace, that when he had to pass through deep waters his mind was generally serene and peaceful. To the cardinal doctrines of the gospel he was firmly attached, and would glory in nothing "save Jesus Christ and | him crucified." As a father, his demeanor was affectionate, as a master kind and considerate, and as a neighbour and friend he was respected and beloved.

For some time previous to his decease his friends observed with concern the increase of bodily infirmities, and the gradual diminution of physical strength. From the commencement of his last illness, which was of few weeks duration, he entertained the conviction, that he should not recover. All that kindness and skill could accomplish was done to arrest the disease and prolong the valued life, but notwithstanding the assiduous attention of his medical adviser, and the constant ministrations of his only daughter and others, aided by the opinions and directions of a physician, he became gradually weaker until the 29th of September, 1854, when he peacefully departed, in the 73rd year of his natural, and the 38th of his spiritual life.

Those religious principles which he had believed sustained and cheered him

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in the prospect of death. Entertaining humble views of himself as an imperfect and unworthy sinner, he had at the same time a firm faith in the all sufficiency of Christ. In conversations with the writer, and others who enquired concerning his spiritual state, the foundation of his hope, and his prospects for eternity, he gave the most satisfactory replies. Amongst other things he said, "I know whom I have believed. I have no fear. I am trusting in Christ alone, and feel that that foundation is firm as a rock." When a near relation on one occasion repeated to him the words of the apostle, "I am now ready to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith," he interrupted her, and repeated with peculiar emphasis and satisfaction,—“I have kept the faith." He "sleeps in Jesus," and in their season of sadness his surviving relatives may derive mo tives to an humble acquiescence from the cheering words:-"I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." On Lord's-day, Oct. 8th, his death was improved at Ticknall by the writer of these lines, from 2 Tim. i. 12, to an overflowing congregation.

May the good Lord raise up others to take place of the dead, may the religious friends of the departed be stimulated to greater activity and a holier life, and may his children, thankful that he was spared so long, lived so usefully, and died so peacefully, think of his numerous prayers, act in accordance with his paternal example and advice, and be prepared to meet him in heaven. Melbourne.

T. G.

THE NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE was held at Misterton, Oct. 9, 1854. One of the brethren opened the morning service with reading and prayer, and brother Rogers of Epworth preached from Ez. xxiv. 26. The meeting for business was held in the afternoon. The reports from the churches were encouraging, especially from Epworth, Belton, Crowle, and Retford. Seven have been baptized, -three at Epworth, and four at Retford. Congregations improving. Brother J. C. Smith having removed from the neighbourhood,

it was agreed that the thanks of the meeting be given him for his services as Secretary to this Conference, and that brother C. Taylor of Retford be secretary until the next Conference. The next Conference to be at Kirton, March 5, 1855. The minister from Retford to preach in the morning. C. TAYLOR, Sec.

ANNIVERSARIES.

BURNLEY, Enon Chapel.-The third anniversary of Mr. Ratey's return to Burnley was celebrated by a public tea meeting

on Nov. 4th, when upwards of 300 were present. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel of an interesting character. A number of the Sabbath scholars recited some instructive dialogues, &c. At intervals the choir performed an excellent selection of sacred music. At the commencement of the meeting a few remarks were made on the state and progress of the cause during the last three years. There had been a gradual and pleasing improvment in everything affecting the well-being of the church and Sabbath schools. Seventy-one had been added to the church, sixty of whom had been baptized since the opening of the chapel. There are a number of others inquiring their way to Zion. May they go on to perfection. Jesus reigns!

STALYBRIDGE.-The annual sermons for the benefit of the Sunday School were preached by Rev. J. Goadby of Loughborough, on Lord's-day, Nov. 12th. The congregations were very large, the sermons listened to with profound attention, the singing of the children and the choir was excellent, and the collections amounted to near £32.

PORTSEA. The twentieth anniversary of the ministry of the Rev. E. H. Burton, over the G. B. church in Clarence street chapel, was celebrated by a large teameeting, held in the Landport Hall, on Tuesday evening, Oct. 7th. W. Bilton, Esq., Chamberlain of the borough of Portsmouth, presided. The Revds. Messrs. Meadows, of Gosport, Aslott, Arnott, Jarman, and others took part in the proceedings. The spacious hall was tastefully decorated, and upwards of a thousand persons were assembled. A resolution expressive of the pleasure of the audience that Mr. Burton had been so long spared among them, and of hope that he might live and Jabour with them for many years to come, was moved seconded and supported by the ministers who were present, who with the president delivered friendly and congratulatory addresses; and it was most cordially adopted by the meeting. Mr. Burton, deeply affected, made a suitable response. Thanks were voted to the Ladies' Committee for their excellent arrangements; and to the choir for their exquisite performance of sacred music on this occassion. 66 Altogether," says the writer in the Hampshire Telegraph, "this was one of the most delightful re-unions of the kind at which it has been our good fortune to be present."

BAPTISMS.

LOUTH, Walkergate.-On the afternoon of Lord's-day, Nov. 5th, we baptized an

esteemed female friend;-one who first became a hearer amongst the G. B.'s under the ministry of Mr. Cameron. In the morning, a sermon was preached from "Naaman's dipping," and at the water side Matt. iii. was read and expounded.

J. K.

MELBOURNE.-A sermon was delivered in the Baptist Chapel, Melbourne, on Lord's-day evening, Oct. 29th, 1851, by Mr. Gill, on "a saving knowledge of Christ," from 1 John ii. 3,-" And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments," after which he baptized five young persons, three males and two females, all of whom are connected

with the Sabbath school.

BURNLEY, Enon Chapel.-On Sunday evening, Oct. 29th, after a sermon from Acts xviii. 8., Mr. Batey baptized three persons, two males and one female, on a profession of faith. The congregation was large and attentive.

REMOVAL.

J. B. B.

REV. R. STANION.-We have received the following for insertion in our pages from the Secretary of the G. B. church, Wirksworth.-ED.

"Brother Stanion having imbibed the sentiments of the Particular Baptist body, has deemed it his duty to resign the pastorate of this church; the same being ac

cepted by us we wish to recommend him as a good and faithful minister to those churches now destitute."

MISCELLANEOUS.

Gill, of Melbourne, delivered two sermons DERBY, St. Mary's Gate.-The Rev. T. to very large and attentive congregations when the liberal sum of £14 was collected at this place, on Lord's-day, Oct. 15, 1854, in behalf of the Home Mission.

NOTTINGHAM, Stoney Street.-Old Scholars' Meeting.-The teachers of Duke's Place intend to hold an Old Scholars' Tea Meeting in the school room on Christmas Day. The teachers are exceedingly anxious to see as many of their former scholars as possible, or to hear from those who are unable to attend, and will be glad if such friends will communicate with the Rev. H. Hunter, Snenton, near Nottingham, on or before that time. These meetings are intended to revive recollections which may be almost forgotten, and to ascertain what has been the result of their connection with the school in their early days.

THE ACADEMY.-At a meeting of the Committee held at the institution on Tuesday. Nov. 7, Mr. Hill, one of the senior students having intimated his strong de

Two students who had been on probation, Messrs. Taylor and Holroyd, were

One or two fresh applications were received. The treasurer stated that the funds were unusually in arrears. It is therefore very desirable that the churches should be invited to forward their subscriptions and collections with as little delay as possible, that the managers of this important Insti tution may be encouraged in their labours of love.

Nov. 20-"The war," the war is the constant and universal topic of conversation. "The latest news " is sought for with avidity, and the reverses or successes of the allied troops before Sebastopol, are the subjects of discussion in every circle, whether formed by the accidents of travel in a waiting room at a railway station, or casually gathering at the corner of a street, or snugly ensconsed round the domestic hearth. Alas! the war does not seem to be near its end. The haughty Czar is not yet humbled, his strong hold in the Crimea is not yet taken, his reinforcements are not exhausted, and the allied forces, though brave and on the whole successful, are so worn by fatigue, and thinned by the operations of war, as to require very large additions to their numbers, if they are to proceed with any hope of ultimate success. It would be impossible, and out of place in these notes, to give a diary of the operations of the armies in the Crimea. It shall suffice, then, to say that on the 17th ult., the lines of the besieging forces being ad vanced sufficiently near to commence firing, the dreadful work begun. From the British and French trenches about 115 pieces of cannon opened their fire on the Russians; while by sea the fleets of the allies opened their broadsides upon the great forts near the entrance of the harbour of Sebastopol. The ships were too far away to inflict very serious injury, while the heavy guns of the forts very materially injured some of their assailants; and it is not intended for the present, to renew the attack in this quarter. The Russians had thrown up earth-works in front of Sebastopol, so that the conflict by land was like one line of intrenchments contending with

another, the city being in the rear of the Russian operations. The Russians, too, had the advantage of being nearer their supplies, of having more and heavier guns, and large reinforcements of soldiers. Think of two entrenched lines varying from 600 to 250 yards apart, each mounted with some 120 cannons throwing shell and round shot one at another, day after day, with now and then an explosion of a ton of gunpowder, the bursting of a cannon, and the venturing out of a sortie or an army of eight, ten, or more thousand men, who are repulsed with dreadful slaught er; and this continuing for near a month, while thousands of killed and wounded are heaped up in the city, which is full of fear, and distress, and you will have a faint idea of the "operations," before this now far-famed city. On the 25th ult., the Russian General, Liprandi, assaulted the allied armies in the rear of their operations with 30,000 men, while 8,000 made a sortie from Sebastopol on the other side. Both were repulsed, but the loss of the British, especially among the light dragoons, who were led on through error to a desperate charge, was very fearful. The last intelligence we have seen, reports, that on the 5th inst., the Russian army augmented by reinforcements from the Danube, and animated by the presence of the Grand Dukes, Michael and Nicholas, attacked the allies before Sebastopol, and were driven back with a loss of some nine or ten thousand men. British and French armies also suffered considerably. It is now clearly seen that this place will not be easily taken, and that immense reinforcements are needed. Some indeed, even fear lest the allied armies should not be able to

The

maintain their position and continue their operations with any chance of success, until these reinforcements arrive. The total strength of the allies does not now exceed 60,000 of whom only 16,000 are British. When it is remembered that 30,000 of the latter landed in the Crimea, it will be seen what fearful havoc the war has made on them. It is said that forthwith some 8,000 or more British soldiers will be forwarded to the scene of conflict, and, as soon as may be, 50,000 French; while the report is that the Russians have received their last contingent. We wait in fear and alarm the result of operations during the next month, being assured that the "fortunes of war" at present are anything but promising. | The letters from the scene of action record some wonderful feats of courage and daring, many hair-breadth escapes, and much that has the effect of chilling as well as of inspiring martial ardour. It is said some thousand fresh applications for commissions have been received at the Horse Guards, and that recruiting is going on at the rate of a thousand a week? So much for the war! When shall the time come that such carnage shall end, and the nations learn war no more. The Baltic fleet is returning, and Sir C. Napier is said to be enjoying the inglorious otium cum, &c., at Hamburgh. "Sure," say some, "his fleet might now transport troops to the Black Sea."The military force of Austria is composed of 332,200 men with 664 guns. The disposition of Austria has awakened fears as to her future conduct. Certain it is that she prevented by her forces in the principalities a projected diversion on the part of Omer Pasha, which had the effect of enabling the Russian forces in Bessarabia to join the army in the Crimea. It is now said that under "no circumstances" will Austria act offensively towards Russia before next spring. Meantime negotiations are active between the German Courts. We do not expect honour or help from them.We shall see. Despotism in all the northern courts is fraternal. An heir to Francis Joseph is anticipated.From China we learn that the Chinese Insurgents, who were thought to be "almost christians," are likely to turn out "almost fiends." They are running into a wild and blasphemous fanaticism,

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one

and have assumed an hostile attitude to all foreigners." The Bible is, however, still circulated, as if two parties are in their camp- -The proposed government grants in aid of Education in India has provoked discussion; some contend that these grants have the effect of encouraging idolatry and Mahommedanism, and others showing that while the Government schools have proved a failure, the missionary schools unconnected with Government have gained ground. The Wesleyans and Jesuits receive the aid, while it has been openly repudiated by the London Mission directors at their meeting on the 23rd ult. -From Australia we learn that of the clauses of the new constituent act of Victoria" sent to this country for confirmation, appropriates £50,000 ayear for ecclesiastical purposes. A memorial has been forwarded against it containing 11,231 signatures. The bishop of Tasmania opposes it, and says that, when once the question of all cessation of state pay has been mooted, its answer in the affirmative is only a matter of time." New diggings have been found.- -American news gives the cheering report that hostility to the Nebraska Bill is displayed in great force in the elections for the next Congress. Out of the seventy members elected already for the free states, only ten are in favour of the administration, and of these five are opposed to the Nebraska Bill. There is some hope that it may be repealed next session. Large shipments of corn for England have been made at New York. Vessels have been sent to look for the missing passengers of the Arctic, but have returned finding none The news of the Victory at Alma caused general, but not universal joy in the states. In Canada the parliament was adjourned amid loud cheers on the receipt of the intelligence. The Americans have had a "baby show," which some 10,000 people attended, in connection with the Springfield fair in Cincinatti; one elderly lady took her seventeenth baby, only two months old, and claimed a premium on account of her productiveness. What next? Mrs. Jonathan seems as determined to be distinguished as her husband. Trade between New England and Canada is rapidly increasing under the new treaty. Cholera is on the decline in New York.

-Said Pasha, the viceroy of Egypt

looks, it is said, after everything himself, and the other week dismissed the captain and officers of a steamer, whom he found incompetent to manage it. The late Pasha never saw the steamer, though it cost him £150,000. The present Pasha has sent twelve young Egyptians to France, to learn the manoeuvres of the Foot Chasseurs, a corps of which he intends to introduce into his army. -In Spain the Queen opened her new Cortes on the 8th inst. Her speech contained many liberal professions. Alas, for a country that has no idea of freedom, and for a court that has no sense of shame, and which because of its vices can neither inspire respect nor loyalty! From France we hear that an old drummer is dead, who had to order the roll of the drums to prevent Louis the 16th from making a speech on the scaffold in 1793; and that he acquired the name of the " Trembler," as he was always taken with a fit of trembling when that event was referred to. His name was Pierrard, and he died at Lyons. So popular are the Emperor and the Empress of the French, that they have been in danger of being "smothered" with flowers and petitions when they ride abroad. It is expected they will pay our court a visit soon.

Near 12,000 deaths took place in London in the quarter ending Sep. 30, from cholera and diarrhea. It is now abated. Only 23 deaths occurred in the last week.- -The Greeks in London and Manchester have given openly signs of offensive joy, when any news arrived indicative of the success of the Russians. They have been rebuked, and have learned not to insult the public.Mr. John Bright has published a letter condemnatory of the war.-Sir John Franklin's fate has been discovered. Some of the relics of furniture and plate have been obtained. It is supposed that his party before they perished were driven to cannibalism. Captain Collison, who was sent in search, and for whom fears were entertained, has been heard of, and is safe. Surely it is time these fruitless and hazardous explorations of the north seas were abandoned.- -One of our Tory senators has advocated the restoration of Poland, as a barrier to Russia.- -The Regium Donum in Ireland has been vigorously exposed and condemned in a letter by John Bright to the Editor of the Northern Whig. A

project is on foot to assemble the officers and supporters of the various Evangelical Foreign Missionary Societies, to hold a conference. The Autumnal meeting of the Congregational Union was held at Newcastle, at the end of October. Papers were read by several gentlemen, and the discussions were full of useful interest.- -The attempts to suppress the liquor traffic in this country are being carried on with vigour. A large meeting of the council was recently held in Manchester. The utility of the closing of public houses in Scotland on a Sunday has been triumphantly proved.-The Bishop of Carlisle has refused to consecrate any portion of a new cemetery that is not divided by a wall four feet high and four feet deep, from the dissenting portion. Alas for bigotry! The dissenters have provided 75.9 per cent of the sittings in places of worship, that have been provided since 1801, being more than 3,000,000.-A society for improving the dwellings of the labouring classes has been formed in London, and while it has done and is doing great good, its funds bear a good interest.- -A distressing case of libel has been before the public for some time. Mr. Ainslie defended a discarded missionary of the London Society, and aspersed Dr. Tidman as having sanctioned the publication of false accusations. Dr. Tidman being compelled to prosecute, the case was gone into before Mr. Whately, Q.C., appointed arbitrator. The evidence produced by Dr. Tidman led the other counsel to give up the defence, when nominal damages were taken.-——Mr. George Mogridge, the "Old Humphrey" of the Tract Society, died in peace at Hastings, whither he had gone for his health, at the end of October, aged 67. He was the author of some 150 of the society's most popular works, besides many others, as Peter Parley." &c., for other booksellers.

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Lord Dudley Stuart, M.P. for Marylebone, died at Stockholm, on the 17th. His death will be deeply lamented, as he was a liberal, independent, humane, and highly deserving man.- -Lord Raglan is created Field Marshal.Mazzini, from his hiding place in Switzerland, tells his countrymen that the time for action has arrived. In the meantime, we are informed that the friends of Young Italy are deserting his banners.