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Mussulmans have been engaged in them; and their chief objèct hitherto has been to ascertain the topography of Nether Jerusalem, and the exact site of the temple. Among the other speakers was Dean Stanley, who observed that the explorations, imperfect as they have yet been, had confirmed and explained the Bible account of what had transpired in the Holy Land, and that one person, if he could, certainly would have been particularly obliged for those excavations-because his representation had been considerably rehabilitated by them-he meant our old friend Josephus. It is stated that the present expenses of the exploration amount to £300 per month: but its advocates are sanguine in their hopes that these heavy costs will be fully met.

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The Sunday Magazine contains two tales, both of which have grown to a prodigious length. We have read the Occupations of a Retired Life," and like it, but the last of its parts begins to pall upon us, and we wish to see the end of it. The other articles are of great excellence. "Joseph's Coat," by our friend, the Rev. S. Cox, of Nottingham, is in his own vein-thoughtful, practical, racy in its diction, and easy in its style. Whether the white tunic begot the dreams of Joseph is of course a mere matter of opinion, and Mr. Cox quite inoffensively says he "thinks" it did. We hesitate to adopt his view, and prefer to consider Joseph's dreams as -to use Andrew Fuller's phrase "Divine intimations of his future advancement." Dreams," said another Andrew-Willett,-" are divers ways caused. Some arise of the fulness of the belly and excess of drink -such are those of epicures. Some come of emptiness-as when a hungry or thirsty man dreams of meat and drink. Some are sent by divine revelation:-such were those of Joseph."* There is a material difference between tracing these visions to a supernatural source, and attributing them to the

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unlucky white tunic" with which his over-fond father foolishly attired him. -A German Clergyman in a fourth Jetter discusses "Ecce Homo," and gives that work so rude a shaking as to shew all its faults and fallacies, as

* Willet's Hexapla in Genesin.

they appear to the writer. Dr. Plumptre furnishes a useful "Biblical Study" in his description of the "Earthquake in the days of Uzziah." "Our Lord's Ministry in Perea," by Dr. Hanna, is given with the minuteness which marks all his Scriptural papers. The Second Epistle of Peter and the Epistle of Jude are analyzed and corrected by the Dean of Canterbury with the skill and the patience which have made him so famous a commentator. After some other articles, not to be overlooked, the Rev. Islay Burns ably sketches "The Church in the Desert, as represented by Paul of Thebes, St. Anthony, and the Monk Pacome." This bare enumeration of the contents of the Sunday will be sufficient to convince those who do not see it that as a Sixpenny Magazine it is unrivalled.

The Sword and Trowel is always worth its price for the records of the good works carried on by its Editor and his more immediate adherents. His own contributions to it are shorter than in former days, but they are as lively and keen as ever. Some of the longer papers by other pens would be considered tame and tedious if they appeared elsewhere. Even the Editor is not "always wise," or very reverent, as for instance in his "Exposition of the Psalms," when he says on the clause, "He layeth up the depth in storehouses,' ""Abundant tenderness is seen in the foresight of our heavenly Joseph, whose granaries are already filled against earth's time of need. These stores might have been, as they once were, the ammunition of vengeance: they are now part of the commissariat of mercy!" A little quaintness, if spontaneous, is pleasant; but this is so queer that we may justly take offence at it. In the Reviews also we could desire more accuracy to be combined with what is so piquant; for sometimes, through haste, not ignorance, he positively blunders. After all, the fault of attempting too much is the worst our distinguished brother can be charged with; and it is more than condoned by the effective manner in which most of his works are done. The blessing of the Lord be upon him!

The Church and The Hive are worthy of the widest support, and The Appeal is most excellent.

Denominational.

Intelligence.

UNION BAPTIST BUILDING FUND.

THE TREASURER thankfully acknowledges the receipt of the following sums, and wishes very kindly to remind other friends that their annual subscriptions are now due.

He will be glad to receive a donation or the proceeds of one collection annually from those churches who have already received benefit from the fund, and all those who wish to receive at some future time. He would also suggest to trustees, deacons, and especially ministers, that as this fund is certain to become one of considerable advantage to the denomination, and will require judicious management, that their qualification to act upon Committee should certainly have immediate attention. The amount of qualification

for ministers is left to their own inclination or ability.

From Lincolnshire Home Mis

sion Fund, per R. Wherry, Esq. Rev. C. Springthorpe

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YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE CONFERThe next Conference will be held at Halifax, on Wednesday, August 26th. The Rev. Jas. Dearden will preach in the morning, and in the evening the Rev. C. Springthorpe will read a paper on "CHURCH ORGANIZATION."

J. ALCORN, Secretary.

THE FIFTH CONFERENCE OF THE DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE BAPTIST PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION was held in the Baptist chapel, Milford, on Whit-Tuesday, June 2. Mr. W. H. Smith, of Milford, presided.

The reports from the churches supplied by the Association showed a good work was going on. The Lord has blessed the word preached and taught in the Sabbath schools, several additions having been made since last Conference.

At half-past four o'clock upwards of 120 friends took tea in the chapel, and after refreshing themselves a goodly number went out into the open air, singing and giving short addresses on the power and importance of religion, which were listened to with great attention.

In the evening a public meeting was held-Mr. Edwards, of New Basford, in the chair, when some earnest, pointed, and impressive addresses were delivered by Messrs. Plowright and Sharman (the deputation from the Nottingham Baptist Preachers' Union), William Abell, Slack, Shaw, and Millington, of Derby, on the following subjects:

1. What is essential to our progress as Baptists?

2. The duty of Nonconformists at the present crisis.

3. Can we accept Government aid in the matter of Education without doing violence to our principles as Nonconformists?

After the addresses various votes of thanks were given, the doxology sung, and the proceedings of the day terminated. G. SLACK, Secretary.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-The fourth anniversary of our chapel was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, May 24 and 25. On the Sunday two excellent sermons were preached by Rev. J. T. Barker, of Harwich, after which about £30 were collected. On the Monday we held our annual tea and public meeting. The pastor presided, and addresses were delivered by Revs. J. T. Barker, T. Bentor, W. H. Bond, and Messrs. W. Newman, W. Dicken, J. MacDougald, and J. T. Burton. Mr. W. Kiddall read the financial report, from which it appears our debt has been reduced to about £70.

SWADLINCOTE, near Burton-on-Trent.Services in connection with the settlement of the Rev. J. H. Lummis as pastor of the newly-formed church in this place were held June 28 and 30. On Lord's-day, June 28, two very suitable and impressive sermons were preached by the Rev. J. C. Pike, of Leicester, and on the succeeding Tuesday a public tea meeting was held in the Market Hall. After the removal of the tables the chair was taken by the recently-elected pastor, and very suitable addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. C. Pike, Leicester; W. Lees, Walsall;

D. Maccallum, Melbourne; W. Dyson, Measham; J. Cholerton, Ashby (Baptists); B. Frankland, Swadlincote; J. Bunting, Ashby (Wesleyans); and J. Wileman (Primitive Methodist), Church Gresley. Letters were also received from Revs. T. Mays (Independent), Ashby; C. Clarke, B.A., Ashby; J. Salisbury, M.A., Hugglescote; and J. P. Tetley, Burton-on-Trent, expressing deep regret at their inability to be present.

DERBY, Parker Street.-The anniversary sermons of the Baptist Mission school were preached on Lord's-day, July 12, by the Rev. J. Baxandall, of Wirksworth, in a tent erected at the bottom of Whitecross Street. In the morning at ten o'clock the children walked in procession and sang hymns in various places, and were listened to by a large number of people. The attendance at both services was very good, the large tent, capable of holding 500 people, being nearly filled in the evening, and the collections were in advance of last

year. On the following day a public tea meeting was held in the tent, when about 130 sat down to a good tea provided by the teachers. After the tea a public meeting was held, over which the Rev. J. Baxandall presided. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., of Osmaston Road chapel, who, in an earnest and eloquent speech, showed the necessity of movements similar to that conducted in the Mission Room, and spoke of the important position which Sunday schools will attain in future years. The Rev. J. Hall, of the Mission Hall, Ashbourn Road, also addressed the meeting, and earnestly exhorted the members of the Mission to continued and earnest effort in the district where they are carrying on their work. Stirring addresses were also given by Messrs. Slack and Millington. The progress of this mission movement, only recently commenced, has been exceedingly successful.

BEESTON.-An effort has been made by the congregation worshipping in the Beeston Baptist chapel to reduce the remaining debt of £140 resting on the premises. Six or seven individuals offered £5 each; a number of smaller donations followed; and on Tuesday, July 21, public services were held in furtherance of the object. Tea was gratuitously provided at five o'clock, and at seven public worship commenced. The Rev. Charles Vince, of Birmingham, who preached here last October, renewed his visit, and delivered a most able and useful discourse on the contrasts in human character, as illustrated in the two kings, Manasseh and Josiah. At the close of the sermon Dr. Underwood made a short statement of what was being

attempted, and of the success which had so far attended the movement. Not far short of £80 has been obtained, so that one more effort of a similar character will be sufficient to make the property free. The chapel at Beeston has no settled minister, but the pulpit is supplied by the President and Students of Chilwell College. It is hoped that before many years either the present situation of the chapel may be improved, or that a new chapel in a more suitable place may be procured. Now that the College buildings are out of debt, we should rejoice in having connected with them a good spacious sanctuary which should be equally creditable to the whole denomination.

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SMALLEY. The anniversary sermons were preached on June 7, by Mr. Jolley, of Chilwell College. Congregations good, and collections amounted to £7. On July 1st we gave the scholars their annual treat of plumcake and tea, when more than seventy sat down, after which the teachers with their friends, to the number of sixty, took tea together, when all enjoyed themselves in a field lent for the occasion until the shades of evening came on, when they repaired to the chapel. After being addressed by the superintendent, and singing appropriate hymns, the meeting was closed by prayer; and thus ended one of the happiest days in the year.

SAWLEY.-On Lord's-day, June 28, our annual sermons in support of the Sabbath school were preached by the Rev. T. W. Mathews, of Boston. The congregations were good, especially in the evening, when some were unable to gain admittance. Collections £11 11s., being in excess of several previous years. On the Monday following, the children of the Sabbath and day schools had their annual tea in the school-room. Tea was afterwards provided for friends, to which 150 sat down, the proceeds from which, after defraying the expenses connected with the children's treat, amounted to £1 2s. 8d. This was added to the collections, making them £12 13s. 8d. C. T.

CASTLE DONINGTON.-The Baptist chapel in this place having been closed four Sundays for repairs and decoration, was reopened June 21, when the Rev. E. Hall Jackson (the pastor) preached two appro priate sermons, on "Beautifying the house of our God," and "The temple; its glories and its worship." The expense was about £40, which includes the outside of the minister's house. The whole of the money was raised before the work was completed, the chapel was therefore opened without a collection.

WYSALL.-On Lord's-day, June 28, two sermons were preached in a large barn by

Mr. Frisby, Cemetery chaplain, Nottingham, on behalf of the Sunday school. The attendance was good, and the collection equal to former years.

MR. JOSEPH FLETCHER, who has just finished his studies at Chilwell College, is about to enter on his stated ministry at Vale, near Todmorden, Yorks.

MR. B. HACKETT, another of the Chilwell students, has accepted the call of the Baptist church at Macclesfield, and commences his labours on the third Lord'sday in August.

BAPTISMS.

CARRINGTON.-Five from this branch of the Stoney Street church, Nottingham, two males and three females, were baptized, with four from the parent church, on Sunday, July 5, by the Rev. J. Greenwood, M.A., pastor, who prefaced the ordinance with an excellent sermon from Acts viii. part of 37th verse-" If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest." In the evening a large number sat down at the Lord's Table at Carrington, when the candidates were received by Mr. H. Tru

man.

A large number of the congregation, non-members, remained to witness the ceremony. H. B.

WYMESWOLD.-On May 24 two females were baptized; and on July 5, after a sermon by the Rev. W. Bailey on the nature, necessity, and reward of Christian obedience, eleven more were added to the church. The chapel was crowded, and the service very impressive. Nearly all the above were brought to Christ through special services held in the spring of the year. One of the candidates was a scholar in one of our schools about sixty years ago.

SWADLINCOTE.-On Lord's-day morning, July 5, the first baptism ever administered at Swadlincote took place, when, after an appropriate sermon from Rom. vi. 3, 4, Mr. Lummis baptized three persons into the name of the Redeemer. There was a very large congregation, but the strictest order and solemnity prevailed.

DAYBROOK, Nottingham. -On Wednesday evening, June 17, after a discourse by the Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., in Broad Street chapel, four persons were baptized by the Rev. J. Batey.

BEESTON.-On Sunday morning, July 12, after a sermon by Dr. Underwood, two persons were baptized, one of whom was his youngest son.

PETERBOROUGH.-On Lord's-day, July 5, four persons were baptized by Mr. Barrass, and received into church fellowship.

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RETIREMENT OF THE HON. AND REV. B. W. NOEL.-It has been announced for some time that Mr. Noel intended resigning the pastorate of the Baptist chapel, John Street, Bedford Row, which he accepted nearly twenty years ago upon relinquishing his appointment in the Church of England. Last evening, at a Lumerously attended meeting of the church and congregation, the rev. gentleman formally severed a connection which has been one of great pleasure to himself and the people of his charge. On behalf of the church Mr. Marcus Martin presented Mr. Noel with one thousand pounds, as a token of their profound regard. Mr. Noel, after a suitable response, announced his intention of devoting himself for the future to evangelistic work.

The

LONDON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. quarterly meeting of this association was held on Tuesday, in the church at Hampstead, of which the Rev. W. Brock, jun., is minister. In the absence of the president, the Rev. Dr. Landels, the chair was taken by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, the vicepresident of the association. A conference of ministers was held in the morning, when a paper was read by the Rev. W. H. Burton, of Kingsgate Street chapel, Holborn. Dinner was provided in the school-room. Mr. Spurgeon presided, and in the course of a genial speech, referring to the fact that Mr. Brock is invited by the Churchmen of Hampstead to a meeting on the Irish Church, said he should be most happy to receive a similar invitation to an Irish Church meeting, and there to meet the Rev. Father in God, the Bishop of Oxford, with him to discuss the whole question. In the evening Mr. Spurgeon preached to a crowded congregation, on Spiritual Health." At the close of the sermon he made an appeal on behalf of the London Baptist Association.

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Notes on Public Events.

THE most seasonable subject of our Notes for the present month is the weather and the crops.

Without any rain by day or dews at night, and with a degree of heat almost tropical, the earth has been hard and arid, the pasture lands brown and bare, "the seed has perished under the clods," the brooks have dried up, and the greater part of England has reminded us of the lamentable state of Moab, when it was said; "The waters of Nimrim shall be desolate; for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing." On light and loose soils the wheat plant is thinly set, short in the stern, and almost empty in the ear. So hopeless have some farmers been of their crops repaying even the costs of collecting them, that they have had their fields placed under the plough! Hayricks are comparatively few in number, and in size more like mole-hills than mountains. Graziers have been obliged to begin the use of the scanty provender which was intended for winter consumption. Dairy produce has declined to such a degree that the ordinary price of some of it has been nearly doubled, and other kinds of it "could not be had." The effect of the failing pasturage on the condition of live stock, especially of sheep, has been painfully visible, and large numbers have been sent away, and sold at a serious sacrifice.

The consequences of the extraordinary heat and dryness have been most marked and noticeable along the lines of railways, the sparks from the engines having ignited the herbage, charred the hedges, singed the trees and saplings, and made not only the slopes but the adjacent fields black as furnaces. In many places wells and springs have become completely exhausted, water has had to be fetched from great distances, and is said, in some instances, to have been more expensive than beer!

But enough of the dark and doleful! Ill winds blow good to some, and dry seasons are not bad to everybody. Farmers and graziers may suffer, but it is said the gardeners will gain to some extent even by this great drought. The orchards everywhere are laden with abundance, the yield of plums, pears, and apples, being uncom

mon.

The fruit crop, it is thought, will prove one of the richest ever gathered in this country. On certain soils, and in the corn growing districts, the grain crops are

expected to be above the average. Their tall upright appearance, and their fine massive heads, are most assuring to the beholder, and seem to add their own emphatic amen to the Psalmist's assertion, "Verily thou shalt be fed."

While England and other parts of Europe have been suffering so severely from the drought, a New York correspondent writes thus::-"Dear Freeman, We have no news except more rain. Old Aquarius is certainly up to his business this season, and the hydraulic pressure of clouds and skies is affecting not only the courage of our farmers but the interests of every business and pursuit."

Passing from God's rule over the earth to man's sphere, we find the current month one of unusual activity. In the highest seat of legislature the Lords have pronounced their decision on Mr. Gladstone's measure for disestablishing the Irish Church after three night's keen debate. On the last three evenings the House presented a striking appearance. The space allotted to members of the House of Commons and to the general public were crowded by men of various ranks in life. Three princes of the blood royal occupied the first of the cross benches, while some foreign princes sat upstairs. The galleries surrounding the chambers of the peers were thronged by ladies, while many others could not get within them. The debate itself was one of the most vigorous and lively which is remembered to have occurred in that august assembly, and it was rendered memorable by the effort of the Bishop of Oxford to turn the entire question into a grand jest for the entertainment of the fair auditors. Mr. Spurgeon's name was sarcastically introduced, and some of his lamentations over the slender incomes of unestablished ministers were repeated in order to give force to the bishop's plea for the continuance of the present order of things. A majority of ninety-five threw out the bill, and so the whole subject is relegated to a new Parliament. A spirited letter from Mr. Spurgeon appeared in nearly all the daily papers on the Saturday following, in which "Mr. Samuel Wilberforce" was made to look not a little ridiculous.

Another debate in the Commons on the Universities Test Bill occurred on July 1,

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