sent at the overthrow of those abominations, trembled at the abundance thereof; but on hearing, probably for the first time, the awful punishments following disobedience of the commandments written by God, in the grief of his heart he rent his clothes; and being anxious to know the extent of the punishment that seemed inevitably coming upon the people, he despatched messengers to the prophetess that he might know the situation of himself and of the nation. And his character is given by the mouth of the Lord in the reply that He sent: "In that thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord." Therefore the promise is given that he should not see the great destruction that should come upon the nation, but be gathered to the sepulchre of his fathers in peace. His observance of the passover again presents his care for the commanded ordinances. Truly had there been no passover like unto the one that he renewed, for that which was commanded of old by God was rigorously obeyed. Thus were the people of Judah once more privileged to join in the sacred ceremonies ere the anger of the Lord after Josiah's death should break forth upon them. WILLIAM RICHARD BAX, age 15. BIBLE EXERCISES. 9. Which of the three temptations wherewith Satan assailed our Lord may be deemed as relating to His office as Priest, which to that of Prophet, which to His Kingly character ? 10. Name the last words of four eminent saints of God, recorded in the Bible, expressive of their faith in Christ. 11. There are four Josephs mentioned in the Bible, what may we chiefly learn from what is recorded of each. 12. What is the meaning of Phil. iv. 5. ANSWERS TO EXERCISES ON PAGE 47. 5. Advocate, Head of the Church, High Priest, Immanuel, Intercessor, King, Mighty God, Prophet, Redeemer, Son of God, Son of Man, Vine. The titles Mighty God, Son of God, and Son of Man, relate to our Lord's Person; Husband, Head of the Church, and Vine, denote relations in which He stands to His people; and Advocate, Intercessor, High Priest, King, Prophet, and Redeemer, indicate offices He sustains on their behalf. The title Immanuel is expressive both of His personal glory and of His oneness with His people, signifying as it does, God with us. 6. Burdens in Gal. vi. 2, denote infirmities and trials in which Christians should sympathize with and help each other to bear. Burden, in verse 5, means a man's own responsibility for his own conduct, which he must bear himself. 7. The great lesson to be learnt from this is self denial.-G. E. M. To which should be added, not rendering evil for evil, even when suffering wrongfully and for conscience' sake. 8. Stephen saw Jesus standing as though He rose ready to receive His martyred servant. Paul says Jesus sat, because His work was done: when Stephen saw Him stand, He only rose as it were for the moment.-G. E. M. Intelligence. METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION OF STRICT BAPTIST CHURCHES. THE ninth annual gathering of the ministers, delegates and friends of the Associated Churches in and around London, was held at Soho Chapel, Oxford Street, on Tuesday, March 9th, 1880. The engagements of the day commenced with the usual united prayer-meeting, Mr. G. W. Shepherd, presiding. Hymn 745 (Stevens' selection) having been sung, prayer was offered by brethren R. Hoddy and C. Wilson. The Chairman then read 1 Cor. iii. after which brethren W. K. Squirrel (Meopham) and W. Sidders (Chadwell-street) continued to implore the Divine blessing. Part of Ephes. iv. was then read, and the exercises were brought to a close by brother R. E. Sears (Foot's Cray.) The friends then adjourned to the School-room, where a substantial dinner was provided. The friends at Soho were evidently determined not to do things by halves, and it is but scant justice to say that their excellent arrangements left nothing to be desired. A conspicuous object at the end table was an immense bouquet, measuring at least eighteen inches across, of the choicest natural flowers which a good friend had procured from Paris; but of course the best table decorations were the tempting-looking joints, all of which we understood were provided and given by the same generous friend, in order that the profits of the dinner might be given to the Association. At half-past one, the delegates met for business, the president Mr. J. L. Meeres, in the chair. Hymn 274 was sung, and brother Dearsly offered prayer. Brother Meeres in opening the proceedings addressed a few words of welcome to the various representatives of the churches present. They were, he thought, to be congratulated on the duration of the Society, and its gradually increasing strength and usefulness, although there was much room for further extension. He took the full attendance of representatives to be an expression of their cordial interest in the object and work of the Association. That object was the glory of God, and they sought it in the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom, and particularly in endeavouring to assist weak churches to get over those difficulties which cramped their movements and hindered their progress. In conclusion, he expressed his fervent desire that the Association might be of increased benefit to the denomination. The Secretary, Mr. John Box, then read the minutes of the last delegates' meeting, held at Camden Town, October 14th, 1879, particulars of which have already been reported. On the motion of Mr. C. J. Barrat, seconded by Mr. T. Barrat, these minutes were unanimously confirmed. The Secretary then read the Report of the operations of the Association for the past year, from which the following interesting particulars are extracted: The interest and co-operation of the Churches manifestly increasing. The attendance of District Prayer Meetings most encouraging. The general condition of the Churches, as detailed in the annual letters very satisfactory, increasing zeal and interest in various societies being displayed, and Divine blessing therewith realized. Additions by baptism during the year 98. Total number of members 2,867. Teachers in Sabbath-schools number 340, and the scholars 3,263. It was unanimously resolved that the report should be adopted and submitted to the Public Meeting. The following financial statements (duly audited and found correct by brethren W. Topley and W. Kennard) were then submitted, viz. :— GENERAL FUND. From the Associated Churches, contributions amounting to £40 18s. 10d. have been received. Personal subscriptions and donations £4 10s. Od. which added to the balance at last audit showed a total of £75 13s. The expenses of management, including printing and posting of reports, advertisement, attendance and stationery, amounted to £22 11s. 7d. Gifts voted to churches requiring assistance £30, leaving a balance of £23 1s. 11d. LOAN FUND. The sum subscribed at last audit (March 10th, 1879) £374 6s. Since that date annual subscriptions amounting to £87 11s. Od. have been received. Donations, £30, and interest by treasurer to trustees, £8 2s. 6d., making a total of £499 19s. 6d. Loans free of interest have been granted to five churches, and votes passed in favour of two others, to be paid over upon the completion and enrolment of their trust deeds, which leaves the sum of £46 17s. in the hands of the trustees. On the motion of Mr. E. Mote, seconded by Mr. J. Stevens, these accounts were unanimously approved and passed. Mr. C. Wilson here desired to say a few words. It appeared that in the infancy of the Association a number of brethren lent without interest several sums of money to form the nucleus of the loan fund. Among these was a good brother, a member at Hill-street, who gave five pounds and lent ten pounds, and who during the past year has gone to a better world. His widow, although advised to call in the loan, had resolved to give it to the Association. Brother Wilson with that amount of assurance which his own liberality entitles him to use, then suggested that as the other brethren had managed to do without their money so long, might as well follow this good lady's example, (he having long ago surrendered his own £10 on loan, and given £20 besides.) The suggestion was handsomely responded to, Brother E. Mote giving up £10, Brother Topley £10, Brother Cobb £5, and the Secretary announced that his revered father had authorised him to say that his £20 was also to be considered to be a gift. The gain to the Association from our worthy sister's generosity provoking so much emulation, was therefore £55, and Mr. J. S. Anderson moved a very hearty vote of thanks to her. This being seconded by Mr. Jonathan Franklin, was unanimously carried. The Secretary then read the letters from the various churches forming the Association, only one of which had failed to comply with the rule to this effect. Of these letters we can only give the statistical extracts; but we believe the Committee contemplate publishing a more comprehensive report, when additional particulars will no doubt be given. A letter was read from the church at Wedmore Street, Upper Holloway, seeking admission to the Association, and signifying their adhesion to its doctrinal basis. On the motion of Mr. E. Mote, seconded by Mr. E. Jeffs, it was unanimously resolved that the application be acceded to. A similar letter was read from the church at Bethel Chapel, Verulam-road, St. Alban's, and on the motion of Mr. J. Stevens, seconded by Mr. Dearsly, it was unanimously resolved that this church also be received. Mr. R. Hoddy then rose to make a proposition on behalf of the Committee of the Gospel Herald and Voice of Truth, suggesting to the Association the desirability of taking over that magazine, and conducting it under its immediate supervision. After some discussion, in which several brethren took part, it was resolved, on the motion of brother Hoddy, seconded by brother Topley, "That this Association purchase the copyright and proprietorship of the Gospel Herald for the consideration of £- this arrangement to take effect from May 1st, 1880." It was then moved by brother Anderson, seconded by brother Jas. Clark, and carried unanimously, "That further arrangements in respect of the magazine be referred to the committee." Brother Meeres having vacated the chair to occupy the pulpit, it was the duty of the Vice-President to announce to the delegates the expiration of his office, and that of his official brethren. On the motion of brother Anderson, seconded by brother Wilkins, it was unanimously resolved to re-appoint the same officers for another year, viz. :— President, Mr. J. L. Meeres; Vice-President, Mr. G. W. Shepherd; Treasurer, Mr. J. O. Kennard; Hon. Solicitor, Mr. E. Mote; Auditors, Messrs. Wm. Kennard and Wm. Topley; Hon. Secretary, Mr. John Box. The Vice-President briefly returned thanks for the honour conferred and the confidence renewed. Brother Cooper moved, and Brother Goldsack seconded, the appointment of the following brethren to form the Committee for the ensuing year, with power to add to their number, viz. :-Messrs. J. S. Anderson, Thos. Barrat, Hy. Brown, H. Clark, Jas. Clark, J. H. Dearsly, W. H. Evans, W. Flack, I. Foster, J. Griffiths, J. Hazelton, R. Hoddy, E. Langford, W. Osmond, G. Pocock, I. R. Wakelin, P. W. Williamson, C. Wilson, and W. Wright. Brother James Clark, with his deacons present, then formally invited the Association to hold their next half-yearly meeting (to be held on Tuesday, October 12th) at their chapel, Heaton-road, Peckham Rye. On the motion of brother Anderson, seconded by brother Topley, this invitation was accepted with thanks. The agenda being now exhausted, brother Anderson desired before the meeting closed to propose a cordial vote of thanks to the indefatigable Secretary of the Association, Mr. John Box. Brother Topley, who seconded, and brother W. Kennard, who supported the motion, spoke in hearty acknowledgment of the industry, punctuality, and devotion of brother Box in the discharge of his office. The Vice-President added his testimony to the worth of our brother, expressing the conviction, of all who know the circumstances, that but for brother Box the Association would never have become what it is. It is needless to add that the vote was carried by acclamation. Brother Box replied in feeling and suitable terms. The meeting was then closed by the benediction. By this time brother Meeres had got half-through his sermon, and the impossibility of being in two places at one time must be our apology for omitting an outline of the discourse. The text was 1 Cor. xv. 58, and the three divisions, viz.: the Appellation, the Exhortation, and the Assurance, were exhaustively discussed. The congregation was a good one, and appeared to have been highly edified by what they were privileged to hear. Tea was now provided, and the same assiduity as before was displayed by the Soho friends in the care that the wants of all were promptly supplied. In the evening, at 6.45, a public meeting was held, the chapel being almost uncomfortably filled. Brother Meeres presided, and after singing and reading, prayer was offered by Brother Brown, of Notting Hill-gate. The Chairman then made a few opening remarks in the same spirit as those he had offered to the delegates in the afternoon. The report was then read by the Secretary, and evoked expressions of general approbation. Before proceeding further with the business of the evening, Mr. E. Mote moved that the best thanks of the Associated Churches are due, and are hereby accorded, to the pastor, deacons, and church at Soho, for the admirable manner in which they had discharged the hospitalities of the day. This was seconded by Mr. G. W. Shepherd, and carried with enthusiasm. Mr. Box made a suitable reply. Addresses were then delivered on the Apostolic Benediction, by brethren Styles, Osmond, and Anderson, for report of which we refer our readers to the intended pamphlet already referred to. Suffice it to say, that each address was marked by close thought, devout feeling, and kindliness of manner. The well-known hymn, "At anchor laid," was sung, and the President concluded the day's interesting services with prayer. We felt it good to be there, and came away deeply impressed with the loving kindness of our Covenant God in favouring us to belong to such a society of brethren beloved in the Lord. We may add that all information relating to the Association may be obtained on application to Mr. John Box, Denbigh-villa, Grove-lane, Camberwell, S.E. G. W. S. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Enaid; or, a Series of Brief Essays upon the Division of Man's Nature into Soul and Body. By RICHARD FOULKES GRIFFITHS, Baptist Minister and Barrister-at-Law. London: Elliot Stock. R. F. G. is of opinion that souls and bodies do not exist apart from each other; but that at death all consciousness ceases, not to be recovered until the resurrection morn. With this, to the Christian mind most dreary and uncomfortable doctrine, he is greatly in love, and argues for it with the ingenuity and self-assurance a clever lawyer calls into exercise when the broad facts of a case are clearly against him. Passages numerous come teeming into the mind in contradiction of the author's theory, such as 66 The dust shall return to the earth, and the spirit to God that gave it," and "Absent from the body, present with the Lord." Scripture testimony, however, is dealt with by him after the fashion customary with such would-be teachers. They put forth in effect the impudent assumption that the good men who gave us our timehonoured authorised English version of God's Word had little or no competency for their task. "Not so in the original! Not so in the original!" is the continual cry of all heresymongers; until, if their talk were attended to, the plain English reader of the Bible would begin to wonder whether a single word in the Hebrew and Greek languages ever had any fixed meaning at all. Mr. Foulkes Griffiths' book is somewhat plausibly written, and he seems to have said all that can be said in support of his wretched theory; but, believing that our English Bible fairly gives us the meaning of the writers of the sacred scriptures, we shall continue to cherish the hope entertained by the godly in all ages, that at the moment after death we shall enter on the glories of the saints in the upper world, and, above all, behold our dear Saviour face to face. The Biblical Museum (Old Testament). Vol. VII., containing Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Solomon's Song. By Equal to its predecessors in every part of its execution. Possessors of previous volumes will, of course, eagerly obtain the present one, which is as full of interesting and instructive matter as either of those that have preceded it. Preachers and others who have hitherto neglected to secure the series, should at once proceed to do so. The fund of information bearing on the Word of God contained in these volumes is truly astonishing, and all, too, of a most useful character. Home Comforts: a Book of Useful Facts for Housekeepers. London: Ward, Lock, and Co. On the issue of the sixtieth thousand of this useful little book, a further notice of it is requested in addition to what has been previously said of it in these Home comforts are, in pages. the opinion of sensible people, the best of all earthly comforts, and this pretty little book gives in a most interesting and attractive manner a number of valuable hints in relation to such important matters. Seven penny stamps, sent to the publishers, will secure post free a copy of this most useful household companion. Lebanon Leaves: Metrical Soliloquies on Passages of Holy Scripture for every day in the year. Second Edition, 2s. 6d. Tendrils in Verse. Third Edition, 2s. London: Clement Sadler Palmer, 100, Southamptonrow, by whom orders received by post will be executed post free. These volumes are by Ebenezer Palmer, formerly of 18, Paternosterrow, from whose establishment in days gone by so many sound gospel publications issued, and whither those who wanted a volume of good oldfashioned divinity that might happen to be "out of print" were wont to resort with the almost certainty of finding what they wished for. The good man was a hearer of the late Joseph Irons, of Camberwell, and his verses bear evidence of the teaching of that excellent man of God. The |