picion of the truth flashed upon him. I went about several days, but I can never tell you what I suffered. I did not dare go near the peaches in the barn, and I had a hope that when they rotted, and were gone entirely, they would cease to torment me. One morn

ing my father came in, and I saw his face was sad and stern. He called mother into their room, and they talked together a while; then he came to the door, and called me. I obeyed, trembling, for I felt sure they had discovered my guilt. Father fixed his eyes on me, and pointed to some half-ripe withered peaches on the table.

666 Charlie,' he said sternly, 'do you know how these came in our barn?'

"I could not answer, but bursting into tears threw myself on the floor in a passion of grief and shame. He let me cry a while, and then he raised me up and bade me tell him all about this shameful affair. I told him all, for after what I had suffered it was almost a relief to have them know the worst.

66 6 Now,' said my father, 'you cannot restore these peaches to the tree, and make them ripen. They are good for nothing, but you must carry them to Mr. Morse, confess your crime, beg his forgiveness, and pay him for the damage done.'

"This was a hard task, I can tell you, but it had to be done. The peaches were put in a little basket, and I carried them, walking like а condemned criminal at my father's side. Did I not say they were wormwood and gall to me?"

"We found the old gentleman in his garden, and he heard my confession without anger, saying, when I was through,

666

Ah, Charles, I did not think this of you; but I hope you have learned that sin is sure to be punished in some way, and that hereafter you will never do a thing which you will be ashamed of.'

"Now, Charlie, perhaps you think I got over this very soon, but it was not So. The affair was a thorn in my pillow for months, and even now I never think of it without shame. Though I trust God has forgiven me, and it has no doubt been long forgotten by all but myself, yet I do not cease to regret it. I have told it to you as a warning, and hope you may never be tempted to commit a similar sin. Be sure if you possess yourself of anything dishonestly it will be worse than Dead Sea fruits. It may not be ashes on the lip, but it will be bitterness and poison in the soul."

WHAT CAN I DO? THIS question is sometimes put by members of our churches, and should be answered; because every Christian may do something for the cause of God.

You can look round upon your relatives, friends, and neighbours, and see who does not attend a place of worship; or who does not attend where the good news of salvation by Jesus Christ alone is preached plainly and affectionately. You can then fix upon some one, or two, or three of them, and go upon your knees and pray for them by name; beseeching God to make you instrumental in their

salvation. You can look out for a suitable opportunity to speak to them of the love of Jesus, telling them what you know and have enjoyed of that love; and try to lead them to think of the evil of sin, the value of the soul, the need of a Saviour, and the only way of salvation by His precious blood. You can take an opportunity of asking them very kindly to accompany you to hear the Gospel, and if they excuse themselves, or refuse you, be more earnest in prayer for them, and ask them again and again. When you

get them under the word, pray especially for them while the minister is preaching,

and beseech the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. Speak to them of the subject afterwards, and aim directly at the salvation of the soul. Perhaps it may be better to take one at a time; but always have your eye upon some one, for whom to "travail in birth until Christ be formed in the heart."

Never allow any stranger, about your own standing in society, to sit near you in the house of prayer without speaking a kind word, and inviting him to come again. You can help to fill the house of God with hearers, pray for the conversion of souls, point sinners to the Saviour, and aim to be instrumental in their salvation.

Remember, God's work is not wrought by human might or power, but by the spirit of the Lord of Hosts, who generally employs very feeble instruments. The Lord employs all who are willing to work, and he honours all who work for Him. Preach to all by your conduct, and to as many as you can by your tongue. Depend on the Holy Spirit alone for success; but plead with God as if all depended upon prayer, and plead with men as if all depended on your beseeching them to be reconciled to God. The hand that uses you is omnipotent, and the heart that guides that hand is love; thus connected, who should ask, "What can I do?"-Rev. J. Smith.

WITH ME IN PARADISE. "TO-DAY shalt thou be with me in

paradise." What a day to that dying man! How strange the contrast between the opening and its close, its morning and its night. Its morning saw him a culprit condemned before the bar of earthly judgment; before evening shadowed the hill of Zion, he stood accepted at the bar of heaven! The morning saw him led out through an earthly city's gates in company with one who was hooted at by the crowd that gathered round him; before night fell upon Jerusalem, the gates of another city, even the heavenly, were lifted up, and he went up through them in company with one around whom all the hosts of heaven were bowing down as He passed on to take His place beside the Father on His everlasting throne. Humblest believer in a Saviour, a like marvellous contrast is in store for you! This hour, it may be, weak and burdened. tossing on the bed of agony, in that darkened chamber of stifled sobs and dropping tears; the next hour up and away in the paradise of God, mingling with the spirits of the just made perfect, renewing death-broken friendships, gazing on the unveiled glories of the Lamb. Be thou, then, but faithful unto death; struggle on for a few more of those numbered days, or months, or years, and of that day of your departure hence, in his name I have to say it to you, Verily thou shalt be with him in Paradise.Rev. Dr. Hanna.

GENERAL.

WITH devout thankfulness we are enabled this month to recognize the apparently approaching close of the great American war. That terrible struggle, in the course of which so many thousands of lives have been lost, culminated, and we may almost hope ended, in the battles which have led to the surrender by the South of Richmond and Petersburg, and to the retreat of Jefferson Davis and the surrender of Lee. Our comfort in looking back to the conflict is, that it has made the extinction of slavery inevitable. President Lincoln, we feel assured, will allow no terms of pacifi

cation which do not include giving "liberty to the captives." We trust, also, that the North will use its advantage with moderation. Clemency and generosity is not only the duty but the policy of the conquerors. With Mr. Henry Ward Beecher, who, we believe, represents millions of his countrymen, we say, "If I had my way, I would not let one drop of blood be spilled after the close of fighting; and then I could say to the world that this great civil war has ended as none ever ended before."

The news has gone into every house in England that Richard Cobden is dead. Who

is there that has not mourned? who that has not felt as if a friend had gone? We believe that there have been few public men in England to whom the English people felt more personal attachment than they did to Richard Cobden. Every loaf of bread that enters our cottages is a memorial of his labours.

To

him chiefly we owe our untaxed bread; and thousands who know it not are "better off," better able to provide for the necessities of themselves and their families, through his noble and disinterested labours in connexion with the French treaty. His loss will be long felt. His name will be remembered as long as history shall last. Thousands, in coming years, will visit his unadorned grave, and think of him as one of the noblest and best men that England has ever produced.

Are we to be visited by the Plague? That has been a question during the past month. Much alarm has at least been felt at the progress of an epidemic which, it was said, was likely to visit us from Russia, and which has been awfully fatal there. The recent news is somewhat more assuring. It is now said that the disease is but a form of diseases that have long been too familiar in our midst, and that there is no special reason for anticipating any great increase in those diseases, if proper precautions are used. The rumour ought, at least, to teach the too often forgotten lesson of the necessity of cleanliness and attention to sanatory laws. Those-especially ministers -who have any influence with the people, ought not to omit to use it to induce the observance of those laws.

The Annual Meetings of our denominational societies are over for another year. At the time we write, it is impossible to give any account of them, further than to say that they have been unusually successful, and that the reports have been gratifying as well as interesting. The Baptist Missionary Society reports a small balance in hand, though its committee express their anxiety that, if the work is to be efficiently maintained, the regular income of the Society should be increased. The Baptist Irish Society and the Baptist Home Missionary Society have been united by an almost unanimous vote. The Baptist Union has had an interesting session, the discussion on the condition of rural churches being especially interesting and important.

No less than seven aged ministers of the denomination have been removed during the past month. Mr. Pengilly, of Croydon, Mr. Lewis, of Cheltenham, Mr. Upton, of St. Albans, Mr. Elliott, of Newnham, Mr. Pyne, of Weston, Mr. May, of Barnstaple, Mr. Hawson, formerly of Staines; all these brethren have been called to their rest and their reward. Never do we remember a month in which so many have been called away. "I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write; blessed are the dead that

die in the Lord from henceforth; they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them."

DOMESTIC.

CITY-ROAD, WINCHESTER.-On Tuesday, April 4th, the new chapel in this place was opened for public worship. The services of the day were commenced at noon by a special prayer-meeting. At half-past two o'clock there was a public service, the devotional part of which was conducted by the Revs. J. Davis, of Portsea, and the Rev. W. H. Fuller (Independent) of Winchester. The Rev. W. Robinson, of Cambridge, preached a powerful sermon from Deut. xxxii. 4. After this service the friends met together in the large room of the Corn Exchange for tea. The room was crowded, between 200 and 300 persons being present. In the evening at half-past six, there was a public meeting in the chapel, at which W. Heaton, Esq., of London, presided. After the pastor, the Rev. T. M. Thorpe, had made a few statements respecting the history of the church, most interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. Mr. Gray, of Newport; J. Davis of Portsea; F. Wills, of Andover; C. Williams, of Southampton; Mr. Parsons, of Andover; Revs. W. Robinson, of Cambridge; R. Cavan, of Southampton; S. Beavan, Esq.; Revs. W. H. Fuller, and T. R. Jones. of Winchester. The services were well attended, and were both pleasant and profitable. On the following Sunday sermons were preached by the Rev. T. M. Thorpe, and collections made. The chapel is in the Italian style; it will seat at present about 400 persons, and can be enlarged if required, by the addition of side galleries. The cost of the building, including the purchase of ground, is about £1,200.

LANDPORT.-On Wednesday, March 8th, the ceremony of laying the memorial-stone of a new Baptist chapel at Lake-road, Landport, was performed by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon. Many of the ministers of the town were present, and a large number of specta

tors.

The proceedings were commenced by the Rev. G. Hastings, of Buckland, giving out a hymn, after which the Rev. J. Davis, of Portsea, read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer. The Rev. J. Hunt Cooke, of Southsea, then addressed the meeting, after which the Rev. E. G. Gange, the pastor of the church, gave an account of the pecuniary! affairs. Mr. Spurgeon then offered prayer for the Divine blessing upon the undertaking, the pastor, and people, and gave a pleasing and instructive address. He then performed the ceremony of laying the memorial-stone to commemorate God's goodness in the past, and as a testimony of their faith in Him for time to come. The ceremony was concluded with the Benediction. In the evening Mr. Spurgeon preached at King-street Chapel (kindly lent for the occasion) on behalf of the building fund). The chapel, although the largest in

the town, was densely crowded. The amount realized by the afternoon and evening services, including a donation of £50 from Mr. Spurgeon, was about £210.

HUNTINGDON.-Tuesday, April 11th, was a day of more than ordinary interest and pleasure to many of the Nonconformists of Huntingdon, inasmuch as active exertions have recently been made to raise a fund for the erection of a commodlous church under the pastorate of the Rev, J. H. Millard, B. A., and this day was set apart as a kind of anniversary of the formation of the fund, to make a further appeal to the public, and to report progress at a public meeting. A service was held in the Union Chapel, in the afternoon, when the Rev. W. Brock, of Bloomsbury, London, preached a masterly sermon to a numerous congregation. In the afternoon 300 persons sat down to tea in the Corn Exchange, where the public meeting was held in the evening. The chair was occupied by Bateman Brown, Esq. After prayer by the Rev. W. Robinson, of Cambridge, and an introductory address by the chairman, speeches were delivered by the Revs. T. Lloyd, J. Brown, W. Brock, G. Penman, and J. H. Millard, and by C. F. Foster and G. E. Foster, Esqs., of Cambridge, and M. Foster, Esq., of Huntingdon. Upwards of £200 was subscribed and collected during the day, making the total amount to be relied upon upwards of £3,700. WICK, CAITHNESS-SHIRE. - A Baptist chapel has just been erected in this place for the accommodation of the church which has for forty-three years assembled in an " upper

room

" in the High-street. The chapel is substantially and neatly built, and will accommodate about 600 persons. The opening services took place on Sunday, March 5th, when the Rev. J. E. Dovey, of Edinburgh, preached morning, afternoon, and evening, to large congregations. At the close of the morning service the church united in the observance of the Lord's Supper, when the Rev. R. C. Sowerby (the pastor), Mr. Dovey, and Mr. Scott (Keiss), conducted the services. On the following Monday a tea-meeting was held, attended by not less than 500 persons. W. Waters, Esq., ex-provost, presided. Interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. Dr. Lillie (Established), J. Currie (Congregational), J. Peill (E. U.), A. Key, (U. P.), J. Scott, J. E. Dovey, and R. C. Sowerby. The cost of the new chapel was stated to be about £1,720, towards completing the payment of which the assistance of friends was urgently desired.

RICKMANSWORTH.-On Wednesday, April

12th, a recognition service was held in the Baptist Chapel, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. R. Bayne, as pastor of the church. A tea-meeting, at which between seventy and eighty were present, was followed by a public meeting under the presidency of

the Rev. Dr. Steane. After a lucid general statement of ecclesiastical principles by the chairman, and many kind expressions of fraternal regard to the pastor, Dr. Hurndall, one of the deacons, stated the circumstances which had led to the union now recognized, and the pastor, in appropriate terms, addressed the assembly. Addresses of cordial welcome were delivered by the Rev. W. W. Evans (formerly a missionary in India), Rev. T. Peters, J. J. Smith, Esq., of Watford, Revs. G. Warn, of Sarratt, and W. C. Ellis, of Chenies. Several other gentlemen took part in the service.

LOCKWOOD, NEAR HUDDERSFIELD.-The Baptist Chapel in this place, which has been closed for two months or more for the purposes of alteration, painting, cleansing, &c., was re-opened on Wednesday afternoon, March 29. The proceedings commenced by services being held in the chapel, the Rev. J. Makepeace, of Bradford, preaching an eloquent sermon to a full congregation, a collection being made at the close. After the service a tea-meeting for friends from a distance took place in the school room, of which upwards of 100 partook. In the evening a public meeting was held in the school room, presided over by G. T. Kemp, Esq., of Rochdale. Mr. Joshua Shaw, the secretary, Mr. N. Berry, the treasurer, the Revs. J. Barker, H. Dowson, J. P. Campbell, and Thomas Thomas, of Meltham, then addressed the meeting in a highly interesting manner. Before the meeting closed it was announced that all the money required had been given or promised.

STEEP LANE, NEAR HALIFAX.-Mr. Wm. Haigh was recognized as pastor of the above church on Good Friday, April 14th. The Rev. J. Bottomley (Independent) read the Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. J. Green, of Hebdenbridge, stated the nature and order of a Christian church. The Rev. P. Scot asked the usual questions. The Rev. W. E. Goodman, formerly minister of the place, offered the ordination prayer. At the close of this service the friends took tea together in the school room, after which the Rev. H. W. Holmes, of Pole Moor, Mr. Haigh's former pastor, gave the charge to the minister, and the Rev. T. Michael, of Halifax, addressed the church and congregation. The services were well attended.

MILTON, CAMBS.-The new Baptist Chapel in this village was opened for Divine worship on Thursday, March 23rd, when the Rev. J. T. Wigner, of Lynn, preached, after which a goodly number sat down to tea. In the evening a public meeting was held, when G. Livett, Esq., of Cambridge, occupied the chair, and appropriate addresses were delivered by the Revs. E. S. Neale, J. C. Wells, J. T. Wigner, J. A. Comfort, and G. Sear. The chapel, which is a very neat brick building, is quite an ornament to the village, and is capa

ble of seating 160 persons; the total cost of which, including fencing, &c., will be about £200.' About £120 is already promised. The services were continued on Sunday, the 26th when the Rev. J. Keed, of Cambridge, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. G. Sear in the evening.

LECHLADE. A recognition service, in connection with the settlement of Mr. W. Wheeler as pastor of the Baptist Church, was held on Wednesday, April 5th. About 100 persons partook of tea; after which the Rev. J. Smith, of Langford, read the Scriptures and offered prayer; the Rev. A. W. Heritage, of Naunton, stated the circumstances which led to Mr. Wheeler's settlement at Lechlade; the Rev. J. Frise, of Fairford, described the nature of a Christian church, and asked the usual questions, in responding to which Mr. Wheeler gave an account of his conversion, and labours as a village preacher; the Rev. T. Perkins, of Faringdon, offered the recognition prayer; the Rev. B. Arthur, of Coate, addressed the minister, and the Rev. R. Breeze, of Swindon, the church.

WOODSTOCK, OXON.-On Sunday, April 2, being the anniversary of the settlement of the Rev. T. C. Hughes (late of the Metropolitan Tabernacle College) as pastor, two excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. B. Arthur, of Coate; and on Tuesday, April 4th, a public recognition service took place. The Revs. B. Arthur, W. Allen, of Oxford, T. Ness, assistant pastor at the Metropolitan Tabernacle; and F. F. Medcalf, of Middleton Cheney, took part in the services. About 100 persons afterwards partook of tea in the Town-hall, after which a public meeting was held in the chapel, presided over by the pastor, when addresses were delivered by each of the ministers above named, and the Revs. W. Irvine, of Shipton, and Davis of Charlbury.

KINGSGATE CHAPEL, LONDON.-The recognition of the Rev. W. Burton, formerly of Mr. Spurgeon's College, as pastor of this church, was celebrated on Wednesday, April 5th.

A sermon suitable to the occasion was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, A tea-meeting was afterwards held, attended by upwards of 200 persons; and at six o'clock the recognition services commenced, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon in the chair. Interesting addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Rev. J. Rogers, the Rev. J. Offord, Mr. Crassweller (senior deacon), the Rev. W. Burton, and the Rev. J. A. Spurgeon.

YATES-STREET, BIRMINGHAM.- -On Tuesday, April 4, services were held in the above place of worship in recognition of the pastorate of the Rev. T. W. Thomas. The afternoon service was opened with reading and prayer by the Rev. W. L. Giles. A confession of faith was then made by Mr. Thomas. The

prayer for the young minister was offered by the Rev. G. B. Johnson, after which an eloquent charge was delivered by the Rev. Charles Short, M.A., of Swansea. In the evening, sfter reading and prayer by the Rev. J. P. Barneet, two admirable discourses were delivored by the Rev. J. J. Brown, and the Rev. C. Vines.

ST. CLEMENT'S, NORWICH.-On Tuesday evening, April 4th, the members of the church and congregation meeting in the above place of worship assembled in the schoolroom to welcome the Rev. R. G. Moses, B.A., late of Lymington), who has recently been elected to the office of pastor of the church. Three hundred friends sat down to tea, which was amply provided through the efficient superintendence of several ladies. The room was beautifully decorated for the occasion. After tea, addresses were given by the pastor, deacons, and several other gentlemen.

A

NETHERTON, WORCESTERSHIRE. Baptist Chapel has just been erected in this place for the accommodation of the church whtch has for 200 years assembled in a small chapel. The chapel is substantially and neatly built, and will accommodate about 500 persons. The opening services took place on the 12th and 19th of February. Collections, £40. The church and congregation, with the assistance of neighbouring churches, have reduced the expenses of building one-half, leaving a debt of £600, for which they appeal to a generous public. The Rev. G. Cosens, late of Usk, has accepted an invitation to become the pastor of the church, and enters on his duties with prospects of great usefulness.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.-The Rev. T. A. Williams, of Haddenham, Cambs, has accepted the hearty and unanimous invitation of the Baptist church at Swaffham, Norfolk and commenced his labours there the first Lord'sday in April.-The Rev. E. J. Silverton has resigned the pastorate of the church at Zion Chapel, Chatteris, Cambridge.-The Rev. G. Howe has intimated his intention to resign, at the end of July, the pastorate of the church at Mount Stuart-square, Cardiff.-Mr. A. Home, of the Glasgow College, has accepted the udanimous and cordial invitation of the Baptist Church, Airdrie.-The Rev. G. Howells, pastor for the last ten years of the church at Whitebrook, near Monmouth, has resigned, and removed to the charge of the church at Conistone, Lancashire.-Mr. Charles Payne, of Chilwell College, has accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist Church, Welvey, Warwickshire.Mr. Inglis, of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's College, has accepted a unanimous invitation from the church at Wotton, Beds, to become its pastor.-The Rev. James Lewitt, of Nottingham, has accepted an invitation to become the pastor of the Baptist church at present meeting in the Mechanics' Hall, Scarborough.