Denominational.

THE YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE CONFERENCE assembled in North Parade chapel, Halifax, on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

At the morning service the Rev. J. T. Gale, of Loughborough, read the Scriptures and prayed, and the Rev. Jas. Dearden, of Lydgate, preached from Luke xv. 1-" Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him."

In the afternoon the Rev. J. H. Atkinson, junior pastor of the church, presided, and the Rev. J. Wolfenden, of Lineholme, offered up prayer. From the reports of the churches it appeared that thirty-one had been baptized since the last Conference, and that sixteen remained as candidates for baptism and church fellowship.

The chairman stated that the Rev. R. Ingham, the senior pastor of the church, had been seriously ill; that earnest prayer had been made by the church for his recovery; and that although he was unable to be with us to-day, he was now convalescent. The Conference was gratified to hear of the improvement in Mr. Ingham's health.

After the doxology was sung, the following business was transacted :

It was unanimously resolved

1. That the minutes now read be, and are hereby, approved and confirmed.

It having been stated by the Secretary of the Dewsbury Committee that they recommend the Conference to postpone the consideration of the Dewsbury land and chapel question, it was resolved—

2. That the consideration of the Dewsbury case be postponed till next Conference.

After a general conversation as to the desirability of having correct statistics from the churches, and of the Conference knowing at least once a year whether the churches of which it is composed decrease or increase in numbers, it was resolved

3. That the churches are hereby respectfully requested to report to the June Conference in each year the number of members gained or lost during the year; and that the Secretary is hereby respectfully requested to tabulate the numbers for the information of Conference.

It was also resolved

4. That the consideration of the question, "Shall we celebrate in this district the Centenary of our denomination?" be postponed.

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After a general conversation as to the necessity of economizing as much as possible the funds of our Foreign Missionary Society, and of securing toward this end the united action of all the churches in this district in the holding of Foreign Mission services, it was resolved

5. That the ministers and representatives of the churches now present constitute a Committee to arrange a plan according to which the Foreign Mission services in this district shall be held; and that they be, and are hereby, invested with power to appoint a sub-committee to carry into execution the scheme which may be adopted.

The Rev. J. T. Gale, of Loughborough, was then introduced to the Conference as a deputation from the Committee of "The Union Baptist Building Fund," and proceeded to assign reasons for the union of "The Chapel Building Loan Society for the Yorkshire and Lancashire Districts" with the Society which he represented, and earnestly urged that if no one knew of "any cause or just impediment" why the two should not be joined together, let the union be consummated. After a lengthy conversation respecting some of the "impediments" supposed to be in the way of union, it was resolved

6. That the thanks of this Conference are due, and are hereby, cordially tendered to the Rev. J. T. Gale for his kindness in paying us a visit, and for his earnest advocacy of the object he was deputed to promote.

It was resolved

7. That the following gentlemen be the Committee of "The Chapel Building Loan Society for the Yorkshire and Lancashire Districts," namely, Revs. R. Ingham, W. Gray, T. Gill, J. Alcorn, T. Horsfield, C. Springthorpe, R. Hardy, B. Wood, W. Taylor, J. Maden, junr., and Messrs. Rhodes and Lister. Mr. Springthorpe to be the Secretary of the Committee.

It was also resolved

8. That we hereby respectfully request the above Committee to correspond with the Committee of "The Union Baptist Building Fund" relative to the conditions of the proposed union of the two Societies, and to report their proceedings to the next Conference.

It was also resolved

9. That we hereby cordially welcome the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, of Todmorden Vale, into this Conference and district.

It was also resolved

10. That the next Conference be held at Burnley Lane, on Wednesday, Dec. 23rd; and that the Rev. Jas. Maden, junr., of Shore, be the preacher.

After tea the Committee for arranging missionary services in this district assembled, and resolved

11. That we hereby appoint the Rev. J. H. Atkinson Secretary of this Committee, and respectfully request him to carry out as far as possible the plan which has now been submitted to our attention.

At the evening Conference the Rev. C. Springthorpe read his paper on "CHURCH ORGANIZATION;" and after a friendly discussion it was resolved

12. That we hereby tender our cordial thanks to the Rev. C. Springthorpe for his excellent paper, and respectfully request him to allow it to appear in the pages of our Magazine.

It was also resolved

13. That we hereby respectfully request the Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford, to read a paper at the next Conference on the following subject, viz., "HOW MAY WE BEST

UTILIZE THE INDIVIDUAL POWER IN OUR CHURCHES FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE REDEEMER'S CAUSE?"

It was also resolved

14. That at the next Conference the paper be read at the morning sitting, and that the sermon be delivered in the evening. Morning service to commence at half-past nine o'clock.

As there was no holiday in the district, the Conference was not largely attended, but the meetings were pleasant and profitable. J. ALCORN, Secretary.

THE MIDLAND CONFERENCE met at Lenton on Tuesday, September 15th, 1868.

At the morning service the Rev. P. Gibb, of Wolsingham, Durham, read the Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. J. H. Lummis, of Swadlincote, preached from John xviii. 37-"My kingdom is not of this world."

At the afternoon meeting the Rev. W. Underwood, D.D., presided. The Rev. D. MacCallum, of Melbourne, offered prayer. From the written and oral reports it appeared that since the last Conference on Whit-Tuesday, June 2nd, six persons had been restored to fellowship, 76 were candidates, and 133 had been baptized.

The doxology was sung. The Minutes were read and confirmed.

1. Thos. Tertius Paget, Esq., M.P. for South Leicestershire, presented the petition adopted at the last Conference. His letter to the Chairman was read, in which

the honourable member said, "I have had great pleasure in presenting to the House this evening the very important petition confided to me from the General Baptist Conference. I need not assure you how happy I shall be to support in every way in my power its prayer in favour of Mr. Gladstone's Suspensory Bill. House of Commons, June 5, 1868."

2. Resolved, "We respectfully request our Secretary, at his earliest convenience, to correspond with those churches which have not reported to the Conference, and to present a statement of the results of such correspondence before we proceed to hear the reports of the churches at the ensuing Conference.

3. The case of the Queniborough Chapel Deeds and Debt was introduced by the Rev. G. Needham. Resolved. That Brethren T. Stevenson, J. C. Pike, J. J. Goadby, J. Woolley, E. Stevenson, J. T. Gale, I. Stubbins, G. Needham, and J. Hawley, form a Committee to enquire and report on this case. Mr. Hawley to be the convener of the meeting.

4. All Minutes bearing on the proposed Union of the Churches of this Conference with the Churches of the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire Association, were then read. The following resolution, adopted by the said Association at their Annual Meeting held at Derby on June 2nd, 1868, was read.

"That this Association desires to express its cordial sense of the fraternal overtures made by the Midland General Baptist Conference, and fully reciprocates the feelings which led to them.

"That the most careful deliberation and enquiry have convinced this Association that the practical difficulties in the way of a completer union between this Association and the Conference are at present insurmountable.

"That all our business, pecuniary and other, having to be transacted at the Whitsuntide Meeting, it appears to the Association undesirable to interfere with such meeting, and that, in preferring not to do so, we should consult the convenience and wishes of our General Baptist brethren no less than our own.

Committee appointed by the above Association, and arrange for such meeting.

"That considering the present season is so far advanced, the Conference thinks it would be impossible to arrange for such meeting this autumn; and further thinks that it would be inexpedient to hold any such meeting whenever the Autumnal Meeting of the Baptist Union may be in the Midland Counties.

"That it would be desirable to invite churches in the district at present unassociated to unite at such autumnal meetings."

5. The Committee, consisting of the Revs. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., S. Cox, H. Crassweller, B.A., W. Underwood, D.D., J. Stevenson, M.A., and J. Greenwood, M.A., were re-appointed to carry out the resolutions of the Conference in regard to the above proposals.

6. The next Conference will be held at Stoney Street, Nottingham, on ShroveTuesday, 1869.

7. Instead of a sermon at the morning meeting, it was resolved that the next Conference should meet at a quarter before eleven in the morning; that devotional exercises be continued till half-past eleven; that the Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., of Derby, do then read a paper on the work connected with our churches; and that the rest of the morning be occupied by fraternal conference on the subject.

8. The Rev. J. T. Gale read an admirable paper on "National Education," for which he received the thanks of the Conference; he consented, also, to the request that the paper should be printed in the Magazine.

9. The Rev. J. H. Lummis was also requested to send his sermon to our Magazine for publication.

10. The Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., preached in the evening.

CHARLES CLARKE, Secretary.

TARPORLEY. Chapel Anniversary and Liquidation of Debt.-It was in our hearts at the opening of this place of worship, two years ago, to open free of debt; but in consequence of the cattle plague, from which our friends suffered so severely, this could not be accomplished, and a debt remained of several hundred pounds. In the prospect of this, our second anniversary, it was felt to be exceedingly desirable that an effort should be made to clear the chapel and adjoining property from all encumbrance; and with this in view six gentlemen connected with the church and congregation promised, in various sums, £600; and by smaller subscriptions, of from £10 down to a few shillings, this amount was increased to

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nearly seven hundred pounds. On Lord'sday, Aug. 30, the Rev. J. Burns, D.D., of London, very kindly and efficiently served us in the ministry of the gospel. He preached two eloquent and edifying sermons, from 1 Tim. iii. 16-"The church of the living God;" and Isaiah xlii. 4"He shall not fail;" at the close of which collections were made amounting to the sum of £23 7s. 7d. On the following day was held in the Town Hall a numerously attended tea meeting; the trays being furnished gratuitously by sixteen ladies connected with other sections of the Christian church, viz., the Primitive Methodists, Wesleyans, Independents, and Church of England. A beautiful exhibition this of Christian sympathy and liberality, which we hope to reciprocate in days to come. It was estimated that upwards of three hundred persons sat down to tea. At six o'clock in the evening a crowded congregation assembled in the chapel, when prayer was offered by the pastor of the church, who presided; and addresses were delivered, characterized by wise counsel, great earnestness, and brotherly love. The speakers were the Revs. Dr. Burns, I. Cooper (Wesleyan), R. Smith (Primitive Methodist), R. Kenney, Mr. R. Dutton, Hoofield Hall, Mr. C. Bate, Mr. Jos. Aston, Brassey Green, Mr. Roger Bate, and Mr. Thos. Walley. During the meeting it was announced that the debt on the chapel and property was completely extinguished. The assembly then united in singing"Praise God from whom all blessings flow," &c. The burden of our prayer now is, "O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years. Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation." E. B.

MACCLESFIELD.-On the second Lord'sday in August two able and eloquent discourses were preached in the General Baptist chapel here, on behalf of the Sabbath school, by the Rev. J. Alcorn, of Burnley. The day was very unfavourable for the services, yet the collections and donations reached nearly £28.

PETERBOROUGH.-New Chapel.-It is intended to hold a bazaar to assist in building the new chapel in Queen Street, for the use of the congregation now worshipping in Westgate. As the work is great, a large amount of help from distant friends is needed. Contributions in money or goods will be thankfully received by Mrs. Barrass, Fletton Road; Mrs. Bradshaw, New Road; Mrs. Colman, Bridge Street; Mrs. Mackinder, North Street; Mrs. Pentney, Bridge Street; Mrs. Turner, Market Place.

LEICESTER, Friar Lane.· The Rev. J. C. Pike appeals for help in paying £1200 of the debt on his new chapel. He asks for donations of half-a-crown value in postage stamps, a sum which it would hurt no one to give, but greatly benefit him to receive. We wish the appeal may succeed; but sums of larger amount will be necessary to the attainment of the end desired. The whole debt is £2,400; but one-half is in process of liquidation by instalments spread over a term of years.

THURLASTON.-The deacons of the church at Thurlaston have requested us to insert the following note:-"For the example and encouragement of small churches, would you be so kind as to insert the following particulars in your Magazine for the next month? At the spring of this year we had Mr. W. Brooks, returned missionary from Orissa, over to make two collections for that object. The sums realized were satisfactory to him.-On the 10th of last May, Thos. Marshall, Esq., kindly came and preached our Sunday school sermons; and with what our friends sent, and we collected after both services, the liberal sum of £9 4s. 91d. was realized. -Also, on August 30 we held our chapel anniversary, when the Rev. E. W. Cantrell, of Barton, preached us two useful sermons, and our collections amounted to £6 10s. 7d. This success is surprising to us, since we have parted with not less than 112 stanch friends, who, to improve their weekly income, have taken to manufacture in Leicester. We must record our gratitude to God for all His mercies."

BERKHAMPSTEAD.-Towards the extinction of the debt on their new chapel, the General Baptists of this town raised on Tuesday last, by profits of tea and collections at the services, the sum of £18 18s. 10d. The Rev. Clement Bailhache, of Islington, preached two eloquent sermons on the occasion. The chapel, which was erected three years since at a cost of £2,000, has now little more than £200 debt remaining. During that period fifty-three members have been added to the church.

MELBOURNE. Services of a deeply interesting character were held at the Baptist chapel in this town, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. D. MacCallum, late of Cupar, Scotland, who has recently accepted the hearty invitation of the church to the pastorate. In the afternoon a large number partook of tea in the school-rooms, which were tastefully decorated with flowers, evergreens, mottoes, &c. In the evening there was a public meeting in the chapel, presided over by the newly elected pastor. After

prayer by the Rev. W. Lees, of Walsall, the chairman, in his introductory remarks, enumerated what he characterised as the human links in the chain of divine providence which led to his acceptance of the invitation, and what they might expect to be the subject matter of his public teaching. Two addresses were then deliveredone by the Rev. H. Crassweller, B.A., of Derby, to the church, on the "important relation subsisting between a minister and his people;" the other to the pastor, by the Rev. W. Lees, on "the model minister." Afterwards effective and telling addresses on various themes connected with the prosperity of a Christian church were delivered by the Rev. T. Yates, Kegworth; C. Clarke, B.A., Ashby; J. H. Lummis, Swadlincote; E. H. Jackson, Castle Donington; T. Gibb, Wolsingham; J. H. Fothergill (Independent), Melbourne. This is a very harmonious and happy settlement, and it is earnestly hoped that with the blessing of God on the ministry of Mr. MacCallum, the cause here may be greatly resuscitated and extended.

ISLEHAM. The Rev. G. Towler, formerly of Whittlesea, having recently settled here, special services were held on Monday, Aug. 31. In the afternoon the Rev. Thos. Barrass preached an interesting and useful sermon to a large congregation. Afterwards, an excellent tea, gratuitously provided by the ladies, was served to more than two hundred and fifty friends. A recognition service was held in the evening, conducted by the Rev. W. W. Cantlow, who, for nearly a quarter of a century, has been a Baptist minister in this place. Prayer was offered for the church and the pastor by the Rev. J. B. Catlow, of Soham, and appropriate addresses were given by each of the above gentlemen, and the Revs. D. Morgan, of Burwell, and J. W. Inglis, of Soham. We noticed three mottoesthe one over the pulpit-" Welcome;" another just before it-" God bless and prosper thee;" and there was one just in front of the end gallery--" Then the people rejoiced, for they offered willingly." This last was to attest to the liberality of those friends who without any solicitation privately subscribed more than £20 to defray the cost of cleaning, painting, &c., the chapel and school-room. The children in the Sabbath school were treated to tea and cake the following day, and had a very happy time with their teachers.

PRESENTATIONS.-The Rev. J. B. Lockwood has been presented with a valuable time-piece on his resignation of the pastorate of the Baptist church, Infirmary Street, Bradford. On the same occasion sundry tokens of esteem were received by

Mrs. Lockwood.-At Lombard Street, Birmingham, on Sep. 1, many friends assembled to commend to God brother George Parkes, on the occasion of his leaving them to enter Chilwell College, and to present to him a collection of books suitable for his use as a student.

MINISTER'S REMOVAL. The Rev. G. Needham, of Ripley, has accepted the call of the church, Burnley Lane, and expects shortly to begin his labours there. We wish our esteemed brother great success and comfort in his new sphere.

BAPTISMS.

COVENTRY.-On Lord's-day, Sept. 6, after a sermon by the minister, Rev. H. Cross, five persons were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. In the evening the Lord's Supper was administered, and the newlybaptized were received with great joy into the church.

NOTTINGHAM, Stoney Street.-On Sunday, Sept. 6th, we baptized twelve, and in the evening of the same day they were all received into fellowship.

LOUTH, Eastgate.-On Lord's-day, Sept. 6th, we received three persons into the church, one having been baptized Aug. 2, and the other two Aug. 30.

HOSE.-Sept. 6, four were baptized and received into the church, after sermons by the Rev. Thos. Hoe. The church here is peaceable and happy.

DERBY, Osmaston Road.-Sept. 6, twelve were baptized, after a sermon by the Rev. Thos. Goadby, B.A.

BIRMINGHAM, Lombard Street.-Sept. 3, eight were baptized, and on the following Sunday received into the church.

BRADFORD, Tetley Street.-Sept. 6, seven were baptized, who, with one restored, were added to our communion.

SPALDING.-On Lord's-day, Sep. 6, eleven persons were baptized, two of whom belong to the household of the pastor.

AUDLEM.-Sept. 6, one candidate was baptized, and received into the church. CONINGSBY.-On Lord's-day, Aug. 30, one was baptized.

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and collecting for its support. Sometimes, however, the post through which many of them are sent has failed to deliver them. Should any failure have happened this year, or should any have been omitted to be sent, it is hoped the President may be informed, that he may supply what copies may still be wanted.

Our friends will doubtless be especially interested in the list of subscribers to the College premises-a list which suggests more thoughts than it might be wise to express. The preponderating sentiment in all of us should be one of devout gratitude to God, that an undertaking so necessary to our connexional existence and usefulness has now been accomplished. If the beginning of it had been delayed, even till the present time, the accomplishment would have been attended with increased difficulties; for as the names of the donors show, we have lost by death some of our most able and willing helpers in every effort where money is wanted. The first £30 were brought to us, in two separate sums, by Mr. Hill, of Basford, who died shortly after he had given the second of the two. And out of those who lived to see the premises procured, nearly forty were removed before they were quite paid for. The largest of the contributors are now in eternity, beyond the reach and above the need of any thanks which our gratitude would award them. But this consideration tends to heighten our satisfaction with what has been done; for the work was not only good in itself, but was well-timed. A special service at the College, commemorative and congratulatory, ought to be holden during the current session. Meanwhile, let God have the praise of all past achievements, and let His more abundant blessing on the Institution be asked and expected.

THE BUILDING FUND.

THE Treasurer, Mr. Bembridge, of Ripley, thankfully acknowledges the following

sums :