that Bell family; perhaps a little kindness would do them good."

Short-sighted Mrs. Norton! to see no benevolence beyond what thine own hand disburses!

Johnny never came to church again. A few weeks more, and a chosen few were gathered in that low dark chamber to witness the closing scene of his short life. By broken sentences and with great difficulty he told them how he loved them all, how kind they had been to him, and forgave to Frank, for almost the hundredth time, his early persecutions. He called them all to his bedside by name, Mrs. Harris, Frank, the minister, and his parents, and told them of all his sorrow for his sins, and of his joy when he found that even for him was a salvation too great to be described, and of the

holy peace that filled his soul, while his body was wasting away. Last of all he took from beneath his pillow the little Testament and said, "Take it again, Franky, I shall not want it now, but, oh, do read it, and for poor Johnny's sake love the Lord Jesus, who died to save us all."

Johnny has gone upward, as we trust, to the home of his heavenly Father; but think you not that the golden gates opened as willingly, and the heavenly lyres poured forth as sweet notes of welcome when Johnny entered upon the bliss of Paradise, as when Mrs. Norton and Mr. Ellis shall stand before the sacred portals?

And which had you rather be, my young reader, Frank Harris the teasing schoolmate, or Frank Harris the penitent boy?

NOTES OF THE MONTH.

POLITICAL.

We are thankful to record that Peace may now be considered secure. Before this Teaches the eye of our readers, it is probable that the treaty of pacification will have been signed; but whether this be so or not, there is no doubt that hostilities have terminated with the signing of the armistice, and that before many weeks are passed, Europe will be again pursuing its old peaceful course. Whether the Peace will be of such a character as to justify unqualified rejoicing, is a question which we have not yet the means of deciding; but at the time we write, the terms which rumour brings us as the basis of settlement appear on the whole not unsatisfactory; and even should it turn out not to be so, the popular feeling, not always discriminating, will accept everywhere the cessation of hostilities with wellnigh unmixed satisfaction. The war has indeed been a calamity,-continued, it would have been a calamity the fearfulness of which it would not be easy to estimate: let us hope that the necessity for such a fearful step may never again occur: and that henceforth the nations may be permitted, and Induced, to pursue the path of social progress, without anything to impede their march, or to weaken their energies.

Parliament has been fully occupied during the month, except during the interval given to the Easter recess. Many questions have been discussed, and on each there has been quite a sufficient amount of talk, but no measures of great national importance appear likely to be carried this session. The fact is, the government expected that all their energies would have to be given to the carrying on of the war; the sudden advent of peace has left them altogether unprepared with the measures,

which, had peace been looked for, they would probably have introduced.

Not the least important event of the month is the birth of a son to the Emperor of France. Not that the birth of a son, even to an Emperor, is usually a fact of so much significance; and to the mother of each of the thousands of children born during the same week, her own son would be as dear as that of an Emperor to him. But the fact of there being a direct heir to the Imperial throne was needed to give to the French nation confidence in the régime which a Napoleon has, for the second time, established and nothing could therefore have occurred more likely to strengthen the position of Louis Napoleon than that event. No wonder that under such circumstances the rejoicings should be loud and deep. The Emperor himself probably never felt so proud, as when on Sunday, the sixteenth of March, he received the congratulations of his friends and courtiers; and never were congratulations more likely to brighten his usually impassive countenance, and warm his usually cold heart. Church and state vied with each other in the congratulations they offered. As usual, the church was most successful in the effort to heighten her congratulations to the proper degree of fulsomeness. might well, however, have spared the text from which the Abbé Deplace is said to have preached on the morning of the birth, "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini." Surely the birth of the Imperial infant might have been sufficiently honoured without the blasphemy of a priest to signalize it!

We

We wish we could close our Political Summary without a reference to the crime that is so rampant. But crime of every kind appears to be holding a carnival just

DOW. Murders have become so frequent that the papers have not space fully to reeord them. Burglaries and commercial frauds are scarcely less common. We trust that the career of JOHN SADLEIR, which has attracted so much painful interest, will be the last of its class for a long time to come !

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The only point of interest in ecclesiastical affairs, to which we deem it needful to refer, is the discussion that is going on on the question of Church Rates. The second reading of Sir Wm. Clay's bill, to which we referred last month, has been carried by a large majority-larger indeed than has ever sustained a measure of the kind before. We fear, however, that the result will be, not a victory, but a defeat. The govern ment has introduced "amendments" to the measure, which they intend to move in committee on the bill; and what surprises us most of all is that the Liberation of Religion Society, which must be held to represent the movement party amongst Dissenters, has resolved to support those amendments. The amendments really involve a compromise, which, with all deference to the zeal and judgment of the gentlemen who passed the resolutions, we could much have wished that Nonconformists had unanimously resisted. would, in our judgment, have been far better to wait a year or two for victory,especially as that must have been ultimately complete, than to accept an only partial conquest, which will in great measure prevent further progress. The result a few weeks will in all probability show. Our expectation is that the measure will turn out to be acceptable to neither party, and so be defeated or withdrawn.

QUEEN STREET CHAPEL, WOOLWICH.

It

On Tuesday, February 26th, services were held to recognise the Rev. C. Hawson as pastor of the Baptist church meeting in the above place of worship. In the afternoon the Rev. C. Box opened the service by giving out a hymn which was sung. The Rev. W. M. Thompson, of the Presbyterian church, read a portion of Scripture and prayed, and the Rev. W. Bowes delivered the introductory discourse, stating the nature of a Gospel church. Mr. George Champion, one of the deacons, then gave a very interesting account of the manner in which the church had been led to invite Mr. Hawson to the pastorate; and, in answer to the usual questions, Mr. Hawson gave a clear and satisfactory statement of the nature and foundation of his hope as a christian, his motives for entering the ministry, and of the truths he intended to make the substance of his preaching. The Rev. S. Lilly crop offered the ordination prayer. The Rev G. Hawson, of Staines, then gave a most affectionate and impressive charge to his son from the words," Make full proof of thy ministry," and the Rev. W. Woodlands concluded the service by prayer. Nearly six hundred people took

tea together, and afterwards adjourned again to the chapel, when the Rev. W. Norton, of Egham, on behalf of a few of the friends at Queen Street, presented the minister with a superbly bound Bagster's Comprehensive Bible and hymn books for the pulpit, and from the church at Staines with a valuable commentary. The Rev. Joshua Russell, of Greenwich, opened the evening service by reading and prayer. The Rev. W. Landels, of Regent's Park Chapel, preached to the people from Hebrews ii. 3, and the Rev. G. Hawson concluded with prayer. The chapel was crowded on each occasion.

SALTERS' HALL CHAPEL, LONDON.

On Thursday evening, 28th ult. a number of the friends connected with this place of worship assembled in the committee-room of the Baptist Mission House, to present a testimonial to the Rev. J. W. Todd, who during the last two years has presided over the church at Salters' Hall. The situation of this place of worship, in Cannon-street, surrounded by offices and wholesale warehouses, is very unfavourable to the congregation, while the expenses of sustaining the place are unusually heavy. Mr. Todd and many of his friends were desirous of removing the cause to one of the new streets at the foot of Holborn-hill, but this proposition not having been_unanimously adopted by the church, Mr. Todd resigned his charge in January last. A number of the members of the church and congregation, wishing to give public expression to their feeling of regard for Mr. Todd, and admiration of his ministerial character, purchased a very handsome time-piece, which they presented to him on the evening mentioned. Mr. Chandler (deacon) presided, and Mr. Stradley (deacon) addressed Mr. Todd in the name of the contributors to the testimonial. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. S. Green and other gentlemen, and after a very able and appropriate speech from Mr. Todd the meeting separated.

SALEM CHAPEL, ROMFORD.

To

This neat and commodious place of worship was erected in 1847, at a cost of more than a thousand pounds. At the time of its opening there was a debt on the original building, now used as a school room and vestry, to the amount of £300. assist this infant cause, the Committee of Dr. Newman's Fund kindly advanced two hundred pounds, to be repaid in half-yearly instalments of ten pounds. Assistance from other sources was also obtained. Thus by foreign contributions and home efforts the above thirteen hundred pounds was reduced last year to a hundred and fifty-three pounds. An offer of twenty five pounds was then made by a gentleman in the neighbourhood, if the whole of the remaining debt c uld be cleared off by the spring of 1856. On Friday, Feb. 15th, twe sermons were preached by the Rev. CH. Spurgeon, of New Park Street, to large congregations, and collections made which realised about thirty

pounds. This, with the profits of a large tea meeting, has relieved the church and congregation of all financial anxiety, and placed in their hands a beautiful place of worship entirely free from debt.

ZION CHAPEL, EAST-ROAD, CAMBRIDGE. Services in connection with the settlement of the Rev F. Johnstone, late Classical and Theological Tutor of the Baptist College, Edinburgh, as pastor over the Baptist church meeting in the above place, were held on Wednesday, February 27th. At eleven, a.m, the Rev. J. H. Millard, B A., of Huntingdon, delivered the introductory discourse on the nature and constitution of a christian church from Acts viii. 1, "The church which was at Jerusalem." The Rev. J. Flood, of Melbourne, offered the recognition prayer; after which the Rev. Jabez Burns, D.D., of London, addressed the pastor aud church with much force and appropriateness from 1 Cor. xvi. 10. At five o'clock an unusually large number assembled to take tea in the vestry, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens and various appropriate mottos. At seven o'clock a public meeting was held in the chapel. The chair was taken by R. Foster. Esq. Interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. J Flood, R. Blinkhorn, W. Robinson, W. Tritton, Dr. Burns, J. H. Millard, and J. Davies.

PARK-STREET, NOTTINGHAM.

On Monday evening, March the 10th, a number of the friends and admirers of the Rev. William Green, late minister of the Baptist chapel, Park-street, Nottingham, met together in the chapel at five o'clock, and partook of tea. The meeting derived additional interest from the circumstance, that a testimonial was to be presented to Mr. Green, who has since left the Nottingham congregation, having been called to the pastorate of a church at Bromsgrove. Mr. Bayley, one of the deacons of the church, occupied the chair, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. H. Hunter, J. Edwards, J. Wild, S. M'All, W. R. Stevenson, and John Heard, W. Vickers, W. B. Carter, J Herbert, and A. Wells, Esqrs. During the evening a purse containing about forty guineas, was presented to Mr. Green, as a testimonial of esteem from various ministers and friends in the town; also two valuable works from the members of the Baptist chapel meeting in Cross-lane, Arnold; a watch and a book from the members of Mr. Green's Bible-class. Mr. Green gave his friends his farewell in an appropriate and loving address.

GREAT GEORGE STREET CHAPEL, SALFORD.

On Sunday, March 2nd, the Rev. L. B. Brown, late of Horton College, commenced his stated ministry in the above place of worship. On the following Monday evening, March 3rd, a highly interesting church and congregational tea party was held in the school-room, to welcome Mr. Brown. After tea, Charles Wardley, Esq. was called to preside. Mr. Wiley, senior deacon of the

church, Mr. Snape, of Darwen, the Rev. R. Chenery, of Manchester, Mr. Peter Bury, Mr. Robert Perry, the Rev. Mr. Barker, of Blackburn, the Rev. Mr. Ronson, of Warrington, Mr John Johnson, the Rev. Mr. Barker, of Lockwood, the Rev. Mr. Dyson, of Rish worth, and the Rev.

L. B. Brown, addressed the meeting. During the evening, a copy of Scott's Commentary, in six volumes, elegantly bound, was presented to Mr. Wiley, on behalf of a few friends, as a mark of esteem and regret, on the occasion of his leaving Salford.

HUDDERSFIELD.

The recognition services in connection with the settlement of the Rev. J. Hanson as pastor of the Baptist church, Huddersfield, and the eleventh anniversary of the Baptist church in that town, were held on Friday, March 21st, in the chapel, Bathbuildings, In the afternoon sermons were preached by the Rev. C. Daniels, resident tutor of Horton College, Bradford, and the Rev. J. Stock, of Salendine-nook; after which a numerous company took tea in the school-room. At half-past six o'clock, a public meeting was held in the chapel, under the presidency of Mr. Henry Shaw. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, the Rev. C. Daniels, the Rev. J. Hanson, and the Rev. T. Thomas, of Meltham; and by Mr. Barker, Mr. S. Beaumont, Mr. Priestly, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. W. Haigh. The proceeds of the tea-party, which were very satisfactory, will be applied to the liquidation of the debt on the chapel.

WARMINSTER, WILTS.

Valedictory services, of an unusually interesting character, were held on Good Friday, in the Baptist chapel, Warminster, on the occasion of the esteemed pastor of the church having resigned his charge, and being about to remove to cardiff. The Rev. W. Bornes, of Trowbridge, preached in the morning. In the evening a public meeting was held. The chair was occupied by the Rev. C. J. Middleditch, of Frome. The senior deocon then rose, and presented to Mr. Howe an appropriate address, expressive of the esteem in which he had been held during the sixteen years of his ministry. The address was accompanied by a gold watch and a purse of twenty sovereigns (presented to Mr. Howe), and a portrait of Mr. Howe and a brooch (presented to Mrs. Howe). These were presented by Mr. John Reynolds, with appropriate expressions of esteem and regard. The meeting was then addressed by Mr. Howe, and by the Revs. S. Manning, W. Barnes, and E. King.

SOUTHMOLTON, DEVON.

A meeting was held on Friday, March 21st, for the public recognition of the Rev. J. B. Little (of Bristol College, and formerly of Fownhope, Herefordshire), as pastor of the Baptist church of this town. Mr. Nicholson, of Lydney, presided on the occasion. After prayer by the Rev. S. Newman, of Barnstaple, and an introductory address from the chairman, Mr. Little

stated the circumstances which led to his acceptance of the call to Southmolton, and his intentions with regard to his future ministry. Pastor and people were commended to God in prayer by the Rev. W. Cutliffe, of Brayford, the Rev. S. Newman, the Rev. R. May, Mr. Yates, of Barnstaple, and Mr. Nicholson; and Mr. Little concluded with prayer.

ISLE ABBOTT'S, CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

On Tuesday, March 11th, at the Sabbath school teachers' prayer meeting, held in the Baptist chapel, Isle Abbott's, the superintendent of the schools presented to the pastor, Mr. John Chappell, a token of the young people's esteem for him, upon his entering upon the seventh year of his pastorate among them, consisting of Kitto's "Pictorial Bible" in two volumes, and Barnes's "Notes on the books of Job, Daniel, and Revelations."

TRURO, CORNWALL.

On Tuesday, February 26th, the Rev. 11. Lawrence was recognised as the pastor of the Baptist church in this town. A prayer meeting was held in the morning, at which the Rev. S. H. Booth, of Falmouth, gave an address. In the afternoon, the Rev. R. Pengilly, formerly of Newcastle, now residing near Penzance, addressed the minister from 1 Tim. iv. 16, and received his confession of faith. The church and congregation were addressed, in the evening, by the Rev. C. Wilson, of Helston, from Col. iv. 34. The attendance throughout the day was most encouraging.

OAKHAM.

The additional school-room recently erected for the accommodation of the children attending the Sunday-schools connected with the Baptist chapel in this town, was opened on Friday, March 1st, by a numerously attended tea-meeting; after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Jenkinson (chairman), the Rev. T. Blandford (Independent), Messrs J. Barlow (superintendent of the school), Edward Cave, J. Cave, T. Islip, and G. Royce. In the intervals of the speeches several pieces of sacred music were sung by an effective choir. The donations of the Building Fund have been so liberal as to leave only about ten pounds of the cost unpaid.

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE,

The members and friends of the Mutual Improvement Society in connection with the Baptist chapel, Welbeck-street, Ashtonunder-Lyue, held a tea-meeting in the school-room, on the afternoon of March 21st. After tea, a report of the society's progress during the two years of its existence was read by Mr. E. Orrell, and Messre. Ashton and Hacking presented their president and pastor, the Rev. W. K. Armstrong, B.A., with a number of valuable books, amounting to ten volumes, in token of their esteem and gratitude for his interest in their improvement and the time he had devoted to that end. The remainder of the evening was spent in an agreeable manner, enlivened by the musical performances of the choir,

and the recitations of a number of young

men.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

Mr. F. Forbes, Aberchirder, Scotland, has accepted the invitation of the church in Park street chapel, Nottingham.-The Rev. N. Thomas, late of Priory-street chapel, Carmarthen, has resigned the pastorate of the church there, having undertaken the charge of the Tabernacle Baptist church, Cardiff. He commenced his labours at the latter place on the last Lord's-day in January.-The Rev. G. M'Michael, late of Gloucester, has accepted the cordial invitation of the Baptist church, Bridgewater, and entered upon his labours on Sunday, March 2nd. The Rev. C. Nott, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, has intimated to his people that he shall resign his charge.-The Rev. John Price has resigned the pastorate of the church at Weymouth, and has intimated his intention of leaving in April.-The Rev. G. Kerry, pastor of the church at Dorchester, having offered himself for mission service in India, has been accepted, subject to the ability of the commit:ee to send him forth The Rev. Joseph Pywell, late of Grey Friar's-street chapel, Northampton, having received a unanimous call from the church meeting in Greek-street, Stockport, commenced his labours there on the first Lord's-day in February.-The Rev. John Sole, late of Bradford, Yorkshire, has accepted a harmonious invitation from the church at Berwick, to the pastorate vacant by the death of the Rev. Alexander Kirk wood. Mr. Sole entered upon his stated services on the 9th of March.-The Rev. Josiah Green, of Darlington, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Upton-on-Severu, to become their pastor, and intends commencing his stated labours there on the first Lord's-day in April.-The Rev. G. C. Catterall, late of Boroughbridge, having accepted the pastorate of the Baptish church at Bishop Burton, entered upon his new sphere of labour on Lord's-day, March 9th.-The Rev. George Veals, formerly of Messal, Cambs., has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Union-place, Longford, near Coventry, to become their pastor, and entered on his stated labours on the 16th of March.-Mr. Andrew Bowden, Student of Horton College, Bradford, has accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist church, Hunslet, Leeds, and commenced his there stated labours the last Sunday in March. The Rev. T. M. Morris, of Horton College and the Edinburgh University, has accepted unanimous invitation from the Baptist church, Romsey, to become their pastor, and commenced his regular labours there on the third Sunday in March. The Rev. J. J. Owen, of Bolton, has accepted a cordial invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist church, Praed-street, Paddington, and entered on his labours on Lord's-day, March 2nd.-The Rev. D. M. Evans, on account of ill health, has resigned the pas torate of the church in Grosvenor-street East, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester.