effectual punishment you can give an enemy is to return good for evil."

"Yes, and if you have children," Samuel added, "teach them to treat kindly the poor and despised; warm and generous hearts beat as often beneath a threadbare coat as beneath the finest broadcloth. If what I have done this morning causes one of our worthy poor to be more kindly con

"

sidered, I shall be well repaid for all my trouble."

A few hours after, William received his money, and Samuel his mortgage, and from that day they have been warm and faithful friends; and William, through Samuel's influence, has become a wiser and a better

man.

GO TO GOD FOR EVERYTHING. "BUT," says one, "how can I have the face to draw near to God when my troubles are not religious troubles; when my difficulties are all of a lower and secular kind? and how can I bring such things as these to God?"

O, then, your thought of God has been that he only interested himself in religious things. How did he come to make a body with you?

Nothing is unimportant which has a relation to that immortality in which you are to stand. Your troubles and pains are as important to God as the chant of angels. All the incidents and accidents of life are instruments in the formation of your soul. Why, there is not a thing in a man, from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, that has not more or less to do with the fashioning of his eternal condition. If you would bring your secular troubles, your every-day affairs, to God oftener, you would find more freshness and joy in reli

gious life. One reason why the religious life of people is so impoverished and so conventional is, that they do not carry personality with it. It is not their daily life. The things that are strongest on them and about them are not the things that belong to their religion. The power of their life goes in one channel, and their religion in another. But the power of a man's life and his religion must go together, or he cannot be thoroughly and truly a Christian, or have the full enjoyment of Christianity. Then carry your clothes to God; carry your gains to him; carry your bargains to him; carry your mistakes, and other people's mistakes, to him. Go to him with the thousand infelicities that make you unhappy, and other people about you unhappy. So, not irreverently, not heedlessly, but penetrated with this feeling, that as the summer is made up of myriads of little things that suit its abundance and wealth, so your life is made up of these little things.-Henry Ward Beecher.

AFRICAN DARKNESS AND

SUPERSTITION.

MISSIONARY labour among the Pagan tribes of Africa is a very different thing from missionary work among the civilized but heathen peoples of the East. There is, indeed, the same estrangement of the heart from God; but in the case of the African, there are added to it the vices and cruelties of savage life, with the entire absence of all the usages and habits of civilized men. Customs exist among the various tribes, by

which the chiefs usually abide in their intercourse with each other; but the government of each tribe is a lawless despotism, which sacrifices life without scruple, and practices the vilest deeds.

Let us attempt, from facts furnished us by our missionary, the Rev. J. Diboll, to give our readers a picture of the social condition of the people among whom the African missionaries toil. Thus, one day in June last, Mr. Diboll writes:-"The din of war is now sounding in my ears; the men in the

three towns in which I was preaching yesterday are fighting, and, as I hear, killing each other. Should I tell you that they are experiencing a rate of mortality unusually severe, that they are mad upon their superstitions, that their witchcraft fails them, that they are looking with suspicion upon one another, and that a vessel has been wrecked lately, and the natives have found much property in the water, and are getting tipsy over their findings, you may know something of the state of things here."

But this does not dishearten the missionary. Again he writes:-" On Lord's day, as I was going out to preach among the people who had so recently been fighting, I found them dressed and armed for war. I hastened to all the chiefs in the neighbourhood, spoke to them of peace and love, and had the happiness to see the men disperse, with the assurance that there would be no fighting. I had several opportunities that day of preaching to persons of distinction, who had been brought together to deliberate on the state of affairs. They heard me patiently, and parted in peace."

When taking possession of his new station at John Aqua's town, Mr. Diboll did not see a single female in the neighbourhood wearing a garment: a wrapper round the loins was all their dress, and some had not even that. Many of the children came to school without a thread of any kind upon their persons. But the women are often very cruelly treated. One day, going to Charley Didos' town, Mr. Diboll saw a woman chained to a tree. She had two fresh wounds on her head, each about two inches long, and another across the collar-bone, and sundry cuts about the back and sides. She was a slave. The missionary sought her master, who was on the beach, and at his solicitation the poor creature was released. A few days later, he saw another woman laden with very heavy chains, in the town where he resides. Both these women were recently bought, and had been torn from their husbands and children elsewhere. They suffered for having tried to get back to their country and friends.

As an illustration of African customs, we may give the following:-A short time ago a near relative of King Aqua died, and his death was followed by great confusion and noise. On the death of a man, the women abstain from washing themselves for nine

On

days, cover their breasts with soot and ashes, shave all the hair off the head, eat Indian corn and other light food (this they call fasting), and dance and make sore lamentation. On the ninth day they hold a festival, during which they eat, drink, dance, shout, and beat vehemently their drums. These festivals usually follow an attack upon some neighbouring town, when they murder two or three of the inhabitants and bring in their heads as trophies. the death of a chief, it is often the case that some of his people are charged with having caused his death by witchcraft. When recently one died, a slave was ac cused of this crime, and because he could not pass the "Sassu water ordeal, the whole of his row of small country houses was burnt to the ground, and his plantain trees were destroyed. The man himself was driven into the bush, where he tried twice to hang himself: both times the rope broke. He said that he should not try any more, "because God no will for him to die yet."

But the gross superstitions of the people sometimes lead to human sacrifices being made to propitiate the dark spirits they dread. Thus, on the 22nd of last December, two poor creatures were stolen from one of the neighbouring tribes, and one of them killed in honour of the spirit of a departed chief. Some of the mission people who were in that part of the country were seized, but the prompt arrival of a canoe from the mission saved their lives.

It is gratifying to know that the presence of the missionaries often prevents wars from breaking out, and their interposition saves the lives of captives and slaves doomed to death. The chiefs usually welcome the messengers of peace among them, and will even quarrel with each other to secure their residence in the towns over which they rule. Their utter ignorance is a great obstacle to the progress of the Gospel; still many hear with pleasure the words of life. Says Mr. Diboll: "The people here will, some of them, listen very attentively to what we say, will acknowledge that they never heard words so good, that they have nothing at all to put in the place where our words go, and that if all the people loved our word the world would be a fine place. But no more; he no be black man fashion. We father left we them fashion we do, and we do um.' So said one of my neighbours who is beginning to talk English. The Sabbath is unknown

here, and men are unused to set speech. It will be some time before the people will acquire a love for Christian Sabbath usages. But now and then a sunbeam crosses our path, and from it we gather all the hope we can. Lately a chief who lives about five miles away, after I had done preaching to him, said, 'If God Almighty wants me, me I want him too.' A few days since I was there again, and after preaching, he said, I do not know if my people want this word; but me I do want it.' I hope to see the day when it may be said that he has it indeed."

Much faith and patience will be required to establish the kingdom of Christ among a people so degraded, to impart to them even the rudiments of knowledge, and to awaken a desire for the comforts and advantages of civilization. This end our missionaries diligently strive to attain. On the Cameroons

GENERAL.

river, at Bethel station, a church has been formed of more than fifty persons, who were once immersed in all the degradations of Paganism, but have been gathered to Christ's footstool. The New Testament and portions of the Old have been translated and printed, together with a few school-books ; and five or six stations have been founded amongst them, from which the Light of Life may spread. Our readers will largely aid our brethren by their prayers, that amid many perils their lives may be preserved. Plain and simple garments are very useful, both for children who attend school, and adults who wish to frequent the house of God. As Mr. Saker will shortly return to Africa, it is desirable that any gifts of this kind should soon be prepared and forwarded to the Mission House, to go out with him.

AT the time we write the great issue of peace and war appears to hang trembling in the balance. The Conference on Danish affairs, which has met so often, has met, according to all the accounts, in vain; and if all the efforts of the members of the Conference should prove ultimately to have been fruitless, then we suppose there will be no alternative but another appeal to arms. The grave question for us is, what course our Government will take if war should again be resorted to. It were foolish to venture on any prediction or even guess here, when probably the matter will be decided before this page appears. At present, all the probabilities point, alas, to war.

The Parliamentary history of the month has been of more interest than importance. The Government has been teased with questions about Denmark, to which their pledge of secresy has prevented them from giving satisfactory replies. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has carried his Government Annuities Bill through its third reading. The Attorney-General has been compelled to withdraw his Church Buildings Acts Amendment Bill, by which, as we stated in a former number, Church-rates would have been made legal in from one to two thousand additional parishes!

The past month has witnessed the departure of two men once remarkable. Mr. W. J. Fox, the eloquent former member for Oldham, died on the 3rd ult.; and Mr. William Smith O'Brien, the former Irish agitator and convict, died on the 19th ult. Mr. O'Brien had for many years lived almost in retirement. One interesting incident we have heard told respecting him, which we have not seen in print. When he was in Clonmel Gaol, under sentence of death, he sent his portrait to his mother, with these words underwritten:

"Whether on the gallows high,

Or in the battle's van,

The noblest place for man to die,
Is where he dies for man."

SOUTH MOLTON, DEVON.-An interesting meeting was held on Tuesday, May 17th, in connection with the Baptist friends at South Molton, Devon. The object of it was to raise a fund for the purpose of building a house as a residence for the minister. A piece of freehold land adjoining the chapel was purchased some years ago, and is properly placed in trust for the object stated. The ground, as well as the chapel and schoolrooms, are entirely free from debt. The church and congregation, however, have, from various causes, been reduced to a very low state, and consequently are quite unable to support a minister, or to raise funds for the house." About three years since, Mr. Saunders, of Brixham, having resigned his pastorate there, came reside in this town, and was induced to occupy the pulpit till some other and better arrangement might be made; this he has continued to do up to the present time. But feeling, from his age and its concomitants, that he cannot long go on with his

to

present labours, he felt anxious to attempt something for the permanent benefit of the Baptist cause in the town; hence the project of the house. On Whitsunday, May 15th, the Rev. J. Teall, of Woolwich (formerly minister at South Molton), preached morning and evening, when the subject was brought before the people; and also at a teameeting on the Tuesday evening following, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs. Teall, J. R. Wood, of Barnstaple, M. Saunders, J. Darracot, Esq., of Appledore, and Mr. Blackwell. The Rev. W. Cutcliffe, of Brayford, and Mr. Andrew, of South Molton (Independent), took part in the services. The meetings were numerously attended, and much kindliness of feeling was manifested. Collections were made on the occasion; a subscription has been entered into ; and it is hoped that in the course of the next twelve months a sufficient amount may be raised to justify a contract for the building, which it is thought may be concluded for £200.

HEATH STREET CHAPEL, HAMPSTEAD.-Services were held on Thursday, June 9th, in this place of worship, to commemorate at the same time the third anniversary of its opening and the extinction of the debt. The Rev. W. M. Punshon, M.A., preached in the afternoon to a large congregation from Acts i. 8, and in the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel, which was again filled. James Harvey, Esq., one of the deacons of the church, presided, and after a few opening remarks of congratulation, called on the treasurer of the building fund, S. Baylis, Esq., to present the financial statement. It appeared from this that the entire cost of the chapel and school-room had been upwards of £6,300, and that at its opening in July, 1861, there remained as a debt upon the building £4,000. Shortly after that a resolute effort had been set on foot to raise £3,000 as soon as possible, with the intention of leaving the last £1,000 to future years. By the munificent help of one individual in particular, the cordial co-operation of Christian friends in other churches, and the telling and repeated subscriptions of the members of the congregation itself, this object was happily achieved at the end of last year. The remaining £1,000 had then been privately attempted, and the generous kindness of a few friends had left the congregation no alternative but to complete its liquidation at once. This had now been done, and the Treasurer was able to hand over to the trustees of the chapel the mortgage-deed, with a receipt in full for the entire amount. Mr. R. Ware, senior trustee, took possession of the deed, with a few appropriate remarks. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. W. Brock, of Bloomsbury; the Rev. John Matheson, of the Presbyterian church, Hampstead; Hugh Rose, Esq., of Edinburgh; C. E. Mudie, Esq.; and the Rev. W. Brock, jun., the minister of the chapel.

SEER GREEN, BUCKS.-Monday, June 6th, was a day that will not be speedily forgotten by the members of the Baptist church and congregation assembling in this village. Ever since the enlargement of the chapel in 1857, the friends have had to contend with a considerable debt, which had seriously taxed their resources. At the anniversary in 1863 they were favoured with a visit from the Rev. J. Teall, of Woolwich, who on being acquainted with the financial difficulties facetiously remarked, "Make an effort to pay off all in the next twelve months, and, if spared, I will run down and preach the funeral sermon of the debt." offer the friends resolved to accept, collecting cards were issued, and success crowned the effort. On the day above named, in the afternoon, the chapel was well filled, and Mr. Teall preached a most in

This

structive and powerful sermon from Rev. i. As the weather was remarkably fine, tables for were spread in the open air, in an adjoin orchard: 160 friends partook of tea. A pu meeting was held at six o'clock, when the cha in every part was densely crowded, and numb outside. Mr. Spratley, of Amersham, was ve to the chair, and, after singing and prayer, dresses were delivered by Messrs. Teall, of W wich, Stembridge, of High Wycombe, New of Chalfont St. Giles, and Curtis, of Chalfont Peter. Mr. Swallow, the secretary, read the account, and, before the meeting closed, Mr. La the treasurer, announced that the property free from debt, except what is due to the Bap Building Fund, in London, the repayments which would be made by the friends at Seer Gr themselves.

BLOCKLEY, WORCESTERSHIRE. On Frid April 22nd, services were held in connection the departure of the Rev. J. Wassall to Bost United States. Tea was provided in the scho room, and afterwards a public meeting was he and was numerously attended, the Rev. Wassall in the chair. After singing, the Rev. 1 Cherry offered prayer. Mr. Wassall gave address, referring to the circumstances which 1 to his emigration to America, and etating th during his eight years and a half spent Blockley, he had been permitted to add nearly members to the church, and had recei uniform kindness from all parties. The Rev. W. Heritage spoke in high terms of Mr. Wassa ministerial and fraternal services. The Rev. W Allen, of Oxford, bore cheerful testimony to t Christian consistency and excellent busine ability of Mr. Wassall during an intima acquaintance of nearly twenty years. Mr. Geor Smith, in an address referring to the usefulness Mr. Wassall, expressing the best wishes of th church for his future prosperity, presented hi with a purse of gold as a token of the affections regard of his congregation and the inhabitants the town. Mr. Nicholls presented Mrs. Wass with a tea aud coffee service, presented by t Bible-class she had so long and so efficiently co ducted. Several Independent ministers we present, and expressed their high esteem for M Wassall. But one feeling was manifested-than fulness for the enjoyment of his friendship a co-operation in the past, and earnest desire for future success.

AMERSHAM, BUCKS.-On Wednesday, June 1 a social meeting was held at the Lower Chap Amersham, upon the occasion of the leaving the Rev. John Price, who has just resigned t pastorate of this church. After tea the chair w taken by the senior deacon, Mr. J. H. Morte The Chairman made a few opening remarks, a then called upon Mr. Clarke and Mr. Holt, t two other deacons, and Mr. G.Washington Morr to address the meeting. Mr. Holt, in the course his remarks, stated that if Mr. Price could on have heard the expressions of affection with whi the subscriptions had been universally present they would ring in his ears and gladden his her throughout his entire life. Mr. J. H. Morten ferred to the dealings of God in his wise dispens tions to the church and congregation, and express the deep regret felt at the resignation of the p tor. The Chairman then presented Mr. Price wi a purse containing fifty guineas, as a token of fection and esteem. Mr. Price responded, e pressing the deep affection he entertained towar the church and congregation, and acknowledgi with much feeling the kindness he had constant received, Mr. G. W. Morris gave a few words

encouragement to the church and congregation from a retrospect of the past.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON.-The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon preached two sermons on the bowling-green belonging to the "Red Horse," on Tuesday, June 7th. The weather was favourable, and the congregations large and respectable. In the evening it is computed that about 2,000 were present. The collections amounted to £51 12s. 2d., which will be divided between Mr. Spurgeon's College and the school-room lately erected in Payton Street, Stratford-on-Avon. Riveted attention was paid to the preacher, whose afternoon subject was "The healing of the lame man at Lystra" (Acts xiv. 7-10), and in the evening, "The Lamb and his redeemed in glory" (Rev. xiv. 1-3). The services were at first announced to be held in the Pavilion recently erected for the celebration of the Shakspeare tercentenary, which was kindly granted by Messrs. Branson and Murray, of Birmingham, the proprietors. But, as it was on land belonging to another owner, the legal agent of this latter gentleman, being highly indignant that such a use should be made of such a building, addressed a letter to the contractors, stating that it could not be "used for such a purpose. This course of

proceeding has been very far from securing popularity to the author, while it has increased the sympathy with our Baptist friends in this town.

ROTHERHAM.-Public services were held in the Baptist chapel, Rotherham, on Friday, June 10th, to publicly recognise the Rev. J. Arnold, student of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's College, London, as pastor of the church in that place. The introductory portion of the service in the afternoon was conducted by the Rev. J. P. Campbell, of Sheffield, who also put the usual questions to the church and pastor, which were satisfactorily answered. Prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Vaughan (Independent), of Masbro', after which the Rev. G. Rodgers, theological tutor of Mr. Spurgeon's College, delivered the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. C. Larom, of Sheffield, to the church. The service was closed by the Rev. J. Compston, of Barnsley, offering prayer. The congregation then adjourned to the school-room to tea, when about 220 sat down, after which a public meeting was held in the chapel. James Yates, Esq., J.P., presided. Interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. F. Falding, D.D., tutor of Rotherham College (Independent), J. P. Campbell, C. Larom, of Sheffield, G. Rodgers, of London, J. Fisher, of Rawmarsh, J. Arnold, and several friends of the

town.

RAYLEIGH, ESSEX.-On Tuesday, May 17th, the large and handsome school just completed was opened. A sermon was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. Daniel Katterns, of Hackney, from the text, "He went about doing good;

after

which upwards of 300 persons took tea in the new school-room. A public meeting was held in the chapel at night, when the Rev. Messrs. Cave, Wastell, and Lanthois, of London; and the Rev. Messrs. Hayward, Oliver, Richardson, Nugent, Taylor, and other ministers from the surrounding towns and villages, delivered congratulatory addresses. Mr. J. Blomfield, the secretary, read the report, showing that the £430 required to meet the sum expended had entirely been made up by the money received that day, which, including a second cheque of £25 received from Samuel Morley, Esq., amounted to £49 11s. At the close of the meeting a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. John Sudbury, of Halstead, for his kind gift of the design for the building, &c. In addition to the above work, the building of a room at the back of the school is contemplated, which can be

used as a class-room and for other useful purposes, the cost of which will be about £30.

WALLINGFORD, BERKS.-The Baptist chapel in this place, which has recently undergone considerable alteration and repair, was re-opened on Sunday, May 22nd, when two sermons were preached to numerous congregations by the pastor, the Rev. T. Brooks. On Monday evening a tea-meeting was held in the school-room, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. The Rev. T. Brooks presided, and gave a brief statement of the steps which led to the improvement of the place. Mr. Hawkins gave an account of the pecuniary position of the undertaking. Addresses were then delivered by the Revs. P. Scorey, W. T. Rosevear, J. Aldis, of Reading, W. Allen, of Oxford, and other friends. The building presents a very marked improvement, and contrasts very favourably with the plain, old-fashioned aspect it for so many years wore. The cost of the restoration will be nearly £400. Towards this amount £112 has been already subscribed; £29 10s. was collected (including the proceeds of the teameeting on Monday) after the services, and sufficient is promised the payment of which will extend over three years-to liquidate the whole debt, with the exception of about £65.

HARLINGTON, MIDDLESEX.-The Rev. T. C. Atkinson, who for several months past has ministered to the Baptist church, Harlington, was publicly recognised as the pastor of the church on Tuesday, June 7th. The ordination service commenced with praise, and prayer offered by the Rev. E. J. Evans. The usual questions were asked by the Rev. J. Gibson, and replied to by Mr. Atkinson in a lucid statement of his Christian experience, doctrinal opinions, views of the Christian ministry, and of the manner in which he proposed to discharge the duties of the pastoral office. The ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Gibson. The charge was given by the Rev. R. P. Clarke, of Uxbridge, who took for his text the words, "A good minister of Jesus Christ," from which he discoursed on the duties, responsibilities, and resources of a good minister. The closing prayer was offered and the benediction pronounced by the Rev. W. Freeman. The Revs. G. Robbins and T. F. Penn also took part in the service. In the evening the Rev. W. Miall preached a sermon to the church and congregation, and the Revs. G. Robbins and A. Gliddon conducted the devotional exercises.

YARMOUTH, NORFOLK.-On Thursday, June 2nd, the Baptist chapel which has been recently erected upon the ground formerly known as "The Bleach," facing Crown Road and St. George's Denes, was formally opened by special religious services. The chapel is a neat, unpretending structure of white brick, and is seated for the accommodation of about 400 persons. The total cost of the building, including the ground, was about £1,500. At the morning service, the Rev. Mr. Price, the pastor, gave out the hymns, the Rev. Mr. Green read the lessons, and the Rev. Mr. Robinson, of Cambridge, preached, and took for his text, Deut. xxxii. 3, 4, "Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the rock, his work is perfect." At two o'clock about 100 friends sat down to an excellent dinner at the Corn Hall, Mr. G. Blake in the chair. The company was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Price (who stated that the collection in the morning had been £67), the Revs. T. A. Wheeler and G. Gould, of Norwich, the Rev. W. Simpson (Wesleyan), Rev. W. Tritton, and other gentlemen.

PORTMADOC, CARNARVONSHIRE.-Very interesting services were held at the above place on