verse

ex

ranged, 198 are given as they were written; seventy-two with merely verbal and unimportant alterations, as, who, for that, &c.; twenty-five with a line, or part of a line, altered; four with a altered; and seven with such alterations as affect their character and structure; making in all thirty-six hymns in which alterations of importance are made. Respecting these "corrections," of which some few are improvements, and others not so,--the "sensuousness," and " treme Calvinism," which Mr. R. lays to the account of the good Dr.'s hymns, and some other matters contained in his book, we had intended to make a few remarks, but space does not avail so to do. We hope, however, that his really interesting little volume may obtain a circulation sufficient to repay him in some measure for the great pains it must have cost him to give us this "history and specimen of the first book of English sacred song," which, however, we believe was not the first book of the kind in our language; a volume of 300 hymns, entitled "Spiritual Melody," having been published in the year 1695, by Mr. Keach, the famous Baptist minister of that period, about the time Watts wrote his first hymn.

The Sower: Volume for 1880. Neat cloth, 2s. The Little Gleaner: Volume for 1880. Fancy boards, 1s. 6d. ; handsome cloth, 2s.; post free. London: Houlston. Blackheath: Wilmshurst. These two serials, originated by the late beloved Septimus Sears, and carried on by him for many years, now appear in a greatly enlarged and attractive form. The yearly volumes make capital presentation books; the contents of both being most excellent, and the getting up firstrate. The Little Gleaner is an excellent book for children, being full of instructive and interesting matter, without a line of the abominable fiction which now occupies so conspicuous a place in so many periodicals of the present day, whether for young or old. Godfearing parents, who wish their children to grow up with a healthy, truthful tone of mind, should by all means put The Little Gleaner in their hands. The Sower is full of edifying matter for seekers, and for more advanced believers; and both periodicals, being the only penny monthlies of their class that can, in the strictest sense of the word, lay claim to the designation of

pure and truthful literature, it becomes really the duty of the lovers of truth to aid in their circulation.

The Evangelical Almanac, for the year 1881. London: Partridge & Co. Price Sixpence.

This year's issue is embellished with a beautiful photograph of Dr. Watts' monument in Abney Park Cemetery. Besides the usual information, it contains a large amount of excellent matter, variously spiritual, useful, and interesting. It is the almanac for Christian families.

A Popular View of the Substance of Mr. H. Grattan Guinness's Book, on "The Approaching End of the Age." By Mrs. Guinness. Price Sixpence. Order from the Author, Harley House, Bow, London, E.

The work to which this pamphlet refers is a volume of 700 pages; to be had from the Author at 6s. 6d. ; post free; fifth edition. We have read the pamphlet with deep and solemn interest. It gives, of course, only a sort of syllabus of the larger work; but enough to explain the views of the author, which are pre-millennial; and his very elaborate, scriptural, and, to our apprehension, for the most part, convincing manner of arguing them out. The result, given as the outcome of his calculations, respecting the "Times of the Gentiles," is, "that we are now living in the interval between the two latest termini of those 'Times,' viz., A.D. 1848 and 1923," and therefore approaching the end of the present dispensation, when the "blessed Sabbath of the millennial reign of Christ " is to commence. Let our readers, who obey the divine injunction to be looking for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, send stamps for this pamphlet, the perusal of which, to them, cannot fail to be exceedingly interesting.

Baptist Visitor. A new monthly, commencing with the present month.

Issued by the Baptist Tract Society, and intended for the use of churches that adopt the plan of district visiting. It is put forth with a special view of counteracting the efforts of Ritualists and others, who are sowing error broadcast over the land. Copies supplied, with name of chapel inserted on front page, which is a pictorial one, at 5s. per 100

MOUNT ZION, HILL STREET, DORCAS

SOCIETY.

ON Tuesday, December 7th, 1880, the nineteenth anniversary of the above society was commemorated. Tea was provided in the school-room; after which a public meeting was held, at which, in the absence of our pastor, our esteemed brother Beazley occupied the chair. After singing the usual hymn of welcome, the chairman read John xiv., and made some remarks thereon; and brother W. Goodley besought the Lord's blessing on the meeting, and the objects for which it was convened. The hymn, "Keep silence, all created things," having been sung, the report of the past year's work was read, by which it appeared that upwards of seventy-two presentations of useful articles and flannel have been made to the poor, including some blankets and dresses, at a cost of £19 2s. The financial statement showed a balance in hand of 108. 1d. Brother J. Harris was called upon to move the adoption of the report, which he did; and made some remarks upon the necessity and nature of "Practical Christianity," founding his address on 1 John iii. 8.

Brother Buckoke seconded the adoption of the report, and made some suitable remarks upon the work and character of Dorcas, and commended the Society for its work during the past year. The report having been adopted, and brother Wilson having just arrived from a meeting in connection with the "Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society," was asked to address the friends, which he did, taking for his motto a text he had heard that day from a child's lips, viz., "God is love."

Brother_Barrat then spoke from the words in Psalm xl. 17, commenting very feelingly on the same. Brother Milwood, Robins, and Pocock followed, each giving expression to very hearty and loving feelings and regard to the Society's work. After singing, "All hail the power of

Jesus' name,'

the chairman closed the meeting by a brief prayer and the benediction. Certainly we spent a social, happy, and, we trust, very profitable evening; altogether, it might be described

as a very "provoking" occasion, in the sense in which it is used in Heb. x, 24.

J. H.

MOUNT ZION CHAPEL, CHADWELL STREET, CLERKENWELL.

SERVICES in connection with the twentyseventh anniversary of the opening of this place of worship, were held on Lord'sday, Dec. 12th, and on the following Tuesday. Our pastor, Mr. Hazelton, preached on the Lord's-day morning and evening, the texts being, Acts x. 36, and Isaiah xli. 13. Many friends expressed themselves as having been favoured with special times of refreshing in hearing these discourses.

On the Tuesday, about 190 persons partook of tea, including friends from Hill-street, Brentford, Chatsworth-road, Providence, Islington, and other causes, whom we were glad to see, and numerous were the fraternal greetings that took place.

At the public meeting that followed, our pastor presiding, after singing the hymn, "What cheering words are these," brother Burrell, of Watford, led us to the throne of grace, in words of grateful acknowledgment of mercies past and present, and devout supplication for blessings desired. Our pastor gave a short address, relative to his ministry at Chadwell-street, and the church of his care; after which brother Shepherd, of Hill-street, whom we were pleased to see after his recent indisposition, and so well recovered from it, spoke a few words of fraternal greeting to the assembled friends. Brethren Reynolds, Anderson, Griffith, Clark, and Box then delivered addresses on the subjects severally as signed them, which were, The Day of Ruin, Gen. ii. 17; The Day of Christ's Coming, Luke ii. 11; The Day of Trial, Deut. xxxiii. 25; The Day of Death, Eccles. vii. 1; and, The Day of the Lord, 1 Thess. v. 2; Brother Meeres was to have spoken on, The Day of Christ's Power, Ps. cx. 2, but he, having to attend the funeral of an aged friend of his, was unable to be with us; and our pastor made a few remarks on that subject.

WEDMORE STREET, HOLLOWAY.

THE church worshipping here is in a happy and prosperous state. Our worthy pastor, brother Henry Boulton, ministers divine truth to us with much acceptance. The little flock under his care has received some additions; four having been baptized during the past year, and others have joined our communion.

The congregations have increased, so that our little chapel is full. A Sabbath School was established last March, which is making satisfactory progress. But our accommodation is quite inadequate to our present requirements; the inconvenience experienced by reason of our confined space is severely felt.

We have determined, however, to make an effort to remedy this evil. The church has resolved, by the blessing of God, to raise a fund to erect a suitable chapel and schools; and there is, at present, a fair prospect of a piece of land in our immediate locality adapted to our purpose; we are therefore desirous to obtain the necessary funds as quickly as possible. A small sum is already invested. We have some promises also.

Considerable activity, in an endeavour to accomplish this desirable object, is displayed by the friends connected with us, and pecuniary help will be welcomed. Our more wealthy friends, and all in a position to aid the cause of Zion, would do well to send contributions, however small, to Mr. T. Thorn, the treasurer, 71, Grove-road, Holloway; or, if preferred, to Mr. John Box, Secretary of the Metropolitan Association, who will acknowledge the same in this Magazine.

CHATSWORTH ROAD, CLAPTON Park. SPECIAL services, in connection with the 9th anniversary of the pastor's settlement, were held on Lord's-day, Nov. 28th. The pastor, Mr. E. Langford, preached in the n orning, Mr. J. Box in the afternoon, and Mr. I. Levinsohn in the evening. The attendance at all these services was very good. The discourses

were much appreciated. The collections were liberal.

On Tuesday, 30th, there was a tea, followed by a public meeting, both of which were well attended. The pastor presided over the meeting. Brother Noyes sought the blessing of the Lord. He prayed for all we could desire.

The pastor, having briefly reviewed the gracious dealings of the Lord with him personally, and the church under his care, during the past nine years, and having referred to the institutions connected with the church, which, he was glad to say, were prosperous, called upon brother Box to address the meeting, to which he heartily responded. Having expressed his regard for the pastor, he proceeded to edify the meeting, by noticing the theme of the Gospel Ministry, which was, "Christ and the Resurrection." Our brother's remarks were very savoury and impressive, and were well received by all present. Next came brother Masterson. Referring to the pastor's opening remarks, he said he was led to reflect upon the words in Isaiah: "I will bring the blind by a way that they know not," &c. His address was full of encouragement for those who are "peeping out of obscurity." Our brother spoke with his usual fervency; and expressions of hearty approval were not wanting when he closed his speech.

Brother Reynolds was next called upon to address the meeting. His theme was "Church prosperity, upon what it depended:" the presence and power of the Holy Ghost; purity of doctrine and practice; fervent and continual prayer; also combined effort. It was our brother's first visit to us; we hope it will not be the last.

The fourth speaker was brother Herring. He thought, judging from the aspect of the neighbourhood, that the Lord had said unto us, "Behold, I have set before thee an open door!" &c. Having looked at the words from a ministerial, church, and an experimental point of view, all of which was really good, he made way for Mr. G. J. Jones, Member of the School Board for London, also Superintendent of the Homerton Evangelical Mission, whose speech was. mainly directed towards the religious aspect of the times.

The meeting was brought to a close by singing, "All hail the power of Jesus' E. LANGFORD.

name.