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believing in Jesus as your Saviour? Christ said, Ye must be born again;" and " He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John iii. 7, 36.

Friend ponder these questions, and answer them as in the presence of God; and may the Lord bless them to your soul.

BRIEF NOTICES OF BOOKS, CHIEFLY RELIGIOUS. [The insertion of any article in these Brief Notices should not be understood as intimating our approval of the work unless that approval be expressed in an accompanying notice; nor should our disapproval be inferred from the absence of such notice. It may be gratifying to some friends to see that a book is published before we may have had time to examine its contents, so as to give our opinion.]

THE SABBATH SCHOOL EXPOSITOR: Notes, critical, explanatory, and practical, on the HOLY BIBLE. By JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D. No. 1. —Glasgow-M'Phun.

This is the first number of a Reference Bible, with notes by Dr. Campbell, beautifully printed on a clear type.

The aim in the notes is to give the results of extensive reading and investigation, rather than a statement of the process by which they have been reached, with a view of benefiting Sunday School Teachers and others; and there can be no doubt of the work being extensively circulated among that very useful class of Evangelical labourers. Still, we venture to suggest, whether a series of practical observations, however excellent, is all that is required by the numerous and influential class, for whom the work is principally designed. In our view, what is wanted, and what is desired, by a large portion of those Evangelists is, such facts, arguments, suggestions, and other data, as will guide and assist the inquiring mind in its search for scriptural truth, that it may feel fully satisfied that the sentiments it cherishes are in strict accordance with the revealed mind of the Holy Spirit. In order to secure this important object, a man must not take on trust doctrines as the result of the deep thinking of learned and pious men, but must investigate and think for himself. We make not this suggestion to discourage those engaged in the noble enterprise which has called it orth, but to contribute our mite to render the work as useful as possible.

RELIGIOUS

As regards the marginal references, in a circular to Reviewers accompanying the work, the Publisher says,-"In addition to the valuable notes supplied by DR. CAMPBELL, I may mention that I have employed an able and learned Minister of the Free Church of Scotland to verify anew every Marginal Reference, from Genesis to Revelation. I deemed this absolutely necessary; for I could not find any Marginal Bible where the References were throughout strictly applicable, in making, as they profess to do, the Bible become its own interpreter. The great bulk of these Bibles are too much upon the Concordance plan, and refer merely to where a single word occurs in another portion of the Scriptures, without keeping in view that it is the elucidation of the passage which is wanted, so that the mind of God may thereby be brought out and illustrated by His own Holy Word."

A beautiful map of "The World, as peopled by the descendants of Noah," greatly enhances the value of this number; and gives promise of further useful embellishments.

The Work being published in penny numbers, will enable every Sabbath School Teacher to possess it; and all whom our opinion is likely to influence are advised to order the work at once, as the larger the number of Subscribers, the more will the enterprising Publisher be encouraged to introduce every practicable improvement. We will readily supply any number which may be ordered by the Pastors in our denomination.

INTELLIGENCE.

TOTAL ABSTINENCE

[At the request of a juvenile correspondent we insert the following, with a VOL. XXI. THIRD SERIES.

DEMONSTRATION.

view of encouraging our young friends in the attempt more widely to diffuse 2 E

the elevating principles of Total Abstinence from all intoxicating beverages.]

A TOTAL ABSTINENCE DEMONSTRATION by eleven Bands of Hope, connected with certain Bible Christian Sabbath Schools in the Shebbear Circuit, took place on Thorn Moor, on Thursday, July 17th, and realized the most sanguine hopes of its projectors. This result is to be attributed to the indefatigable efforts of Mr. Joseph Snell, the late Pastor of the circuit, and to the Committee who so ably and willingly co-operated with him.

According to previous arrangement, the Bands of Hope had all arrived on the ground at about 14 o'clock; and as soon as the children were seated, Mr. Cephas Barker mounted a waggon and gave them an address which lasted rather more than half-an-hour. Anything like the raciness of his manner, or the humorous character of his speech, it would be impossible to convey to paper, did our space admit of a full report. He expressed his pleasure at meeting with his old friends, the children of the Shebbear Circuit Sabbath Schools: and desiring their attention for a time, briefly described the object of the Demonstration, which was, he said, mainly to show the publicans that teetotalism possessed a power in the rising generation, which would ultimately pull down every public-house in the land. He also told the children that one reason of their being brought there was, that they might have proof that their friends desired to make them happy; and gave some personal illustrations of the happiness which results to one's self from making others happy. He concluded by leading the children in three hearty cheers for teetotalism.

The Bands of Hope were then organised in a procession, headed by a brass band which played" Cheer Boys, cheer." The following Bands were present, and their names are given as they marched, priority being accorded to the largest Bands:

Salem, Rehoboth, Milton, Zion, Provi dence, Bethel, Rowden, Frithelstock, Sutcombe, Ebenezer, Twitching.

Each Band was headed by a banner. Some of the Bands were fewer in number than others, owing to their exeluding the backsliders who wished to return, and to the refusal of all signatures since the announcement of the Aggregate Meeting; their attendance on this day being thus made the reward of a consistent profession since the formation of the Band of Hope.

The procession halted at the tea-table, and 376 children sat down to a bountiful provision in the shape of a cake one pound in weight each, and plenty of tea. It was a novel and interesting sight to stand at one end of the 400 feet of tabling, and look down the long vista, which resembled the sides of a tunnel, composed of happy smiling children.

The tables were occupied, ere the tea was over, by 1,000 visitors, who cheerfully partook of the excellent provision made for them. Twenty-four female friends, each having an assistant, took trays. Ten barrels were mounted on carts to supply the 35 tea-kettles which hissed and steamed their welcome to the visitors, over four fires made in an improved gipsy fashion. A large bowery booth, entered by two leafy arched porches, had been erected in the morning under the active superintendence of Mr. Thomas Reed, of Holwell, and was occupied by respectable females who cut bread and butter, divided cake, and dealt out tea, sugar, milk and cream to the multitude with amazing celerity and willinghood. The tables were decora ted by dishes of flowers, which were arranged as garlands in the morning; but the wind had laid them low on the table. Although the tea-cups were in such an exposed situation, so excellent were the arrangements of the Thornhillhead friends, the tea was as hot as could be desired.

The Band performed a variety of well known airs, with great ability, during tea. The weather was everything that could be desired; being without rain, while a clouded sky, and a fresh breeze, made it cool and pleasant.

It was estimated that above 2,000 people had collected on the moor at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, who had come in from a large tract of country, extending from Tawstock to Bradworthy, Hartland to Hatherleigh, and Bideford to Ashwater and Holsworthy.

As the tea drew to a close, arrangements were made for commencing the public meeting, and the people drew up around a couple of waggons, which ser ved as orchestra and platform. The greatest order prevailed.

After tea MB. PENHALE stepped on the platform, and told the people that the proceedings were appointed to close at a quarter before 8 o'clock, and plea santly desired the people to turn their backs on the speakers if they attempted

to exceed the time. Mr. James Thorne offered up a suitable prayer, for the Divine blessing to accompany the attempts to promote the cause of Temperance. MR. VEYSEY, (Baptist) from Torrington presided, and after contrasting this imposing Demonstration with the state of affairs 20 years ago, when he first advocated teetotalism in a chapel in sight of the platform, he called on MR. BARKER, who commenced by expressing a hope that the audience would not be so impolite as to accede to Mr. Penhale's wishes, and turn their backs upon him if his subject proved too tempting. We regret exceedingly that we have not space for the whole of his address; but one of the speaker's original anecdotes is given. -"When advocating teetotalism at Brighton some years ago, in the course of my remarks I exhorted the Ladies to take an active part in the extension of total abstinence principles. A gentleman in the meeting rose and requested permission to put a question to the speaker. After permission had been given, the stranger asked me,' Are you aware, sir, that man is the head?" Before I had time to reply, a Quaker, with a long neck, laid his hand on my arm, and said, 'Allow me, Friend!Yes, Friend, Man is the head-our friend allows it; but doesn't thee know that Woman is the neck, and the neck can turn the head. You just try it ;' suiting the action to the word.

The speaker delivered a variety of other anecdotes in his own inimitable racy style, illustrative of the fallacy, that alcoholic liquors quench the thirst, and are necessary to the labouring man, etc. He also gave a

description of the scenes of drunkenness he witnessed in the back slums of Exeter, which he visited in disguise on the night of the late peace rejoicings; and explained the statement of the Exeter papers of the following morning that not a single case of drunkenness was reported, by the fact that the police were not visible; probably they were in the public houses in the company of the offenders! At the close of Mr. Barker's address the Band performed while a collection was made. The Chairman called on MR. JAMES THORNE of Shebbear. As the time was up, that staunch advocate of Teetotalism only moved a vote of thanks to the Committee, the Ladies, and all who had assisted to carry out the excellent arrangements. The meeting respond ed to the motion by three hearty cheers. The Doxology was then pronounced, after which the Band played "God save the Queen," and the meeting separated.

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The financial results of the meeting were most satisfactory; but apart from this the demonstration must extremely gratifying to every teetotaler; for although some of the Bands of Hope in the neighbourhood are larger than all these eleven congregated together, yet it is cheering to know that Teetotal principles are being disseminated over the wide extent of country from which those children were drawn.

These Bands of Hope are at present connected solely with the Sunday Schools which they attend; but it is to be hoped that measures will be taken to keep them together as teetotalers, after they have left their Sunday Schools.

BIBLE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.

The Committees appointed to meet preparatory to the assembling of the Conference having despatched the business which had been confided to them, on Wednesday, July the 30th, 1856, the Conference commenced its Thirty-eighth Annual Session, in Zion Chapel, Quay Street, in the town of Newport, Isle of Wight, at six o'clock in the morning; and the proceedings were terminated on Thursday, the 7th day of August, about noon.

Great harmony prevailed during the session; and notwithstanding the intense heat of the weather, the Brethren present appeared in excellent health and spirits, except our highly respected Brother, RICHARD KINSMAN, who was so ill as to be prevented altogether from attending the Conference; and was unable to leave Newport in comwith his brethren when the Conference broke up.

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The Statistics showed that an encouraging increase to the Societies

had been realized in the course of the year. The number returned in church fellowship was 2,229 more than the number reported last year; together with an increase of 50 Local Preachers, 20 Chapels, 372 Sunday School Teachers, and 2,000 Sunday Scholars. The announcement of these important augmentations to the denomination was hailed with joy and with grateful acknowledgments to the Author of every good and perfect gift; and what was very encouraging, strong hopes were expressed that the season of prosperity would be much further extended.

The question of an increase to the salaries of the Itinerant Preachers, which had been mooted last Conference-of which the large number of 33 Lay Representatives were members-was discussed and satisfactorily settled. The Committee appointed by the last Conference to consider and report upon the subject, had issued a circular expressive of their views, which had been laid before the Quarterly Meeting of each home station, and subsequently before the several District Meetings, with a view of eliciting the opinions of the friends generally. On comparing the views expressed by the various official meetings, a striking harmony was manifest as to all the principal points, whilst a variety of minor details shewed that the conclusions come to had been the result of independent thought, and not the consequence of dictation. It will require increased assiduity in collect ing, and in some quarters greater liberality in giving to the support of the ministry among us, to enable the several Quarterly Meetings to meet the increased expenditure which this addition to the salaries will occasion; and as the urgent necessity for such a measure, in or der that the Brethren may be able to prosecute their labours with comparative freedom from anxiety, was made quite manifest, it is hoped that the members and congregations throughout the connexion will so view the subject as to be aroused to such combined, generous efforts, as will effectually meet the emergency. "Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel." 1 Cor. ix. 14.

While this discussion was progressing, it became manifest that a strong opinion was entertained of the propriety and necessity of urging on those who are supported for the sole purpose of preaching the gospel," and administering the ordinances of christianity, an entire abstinence from all secular pursuits, except the sale of books furnished by our own Book Room. This led to a discussion on the subject, and a further expression of opinion, which it is hoped will have the desired effect.

The removal of chapel debts-a topic of increasing interest—was the subject of frequent remarks; and various reasons were adduced, why the brethren and friends throughout the connexion should unite in strenuous efforts to place the trust funds of our chapels in easy circumstances, and in all practicable cases entirely to free our christian sanctuaries from debt. We hope this subject will be constantly kept in view by those of our friends who have it in their power to render effectual assistance, as well as by every member and office-bearer, and that great liberality will be manifested when the Annual collection in behalf of the General Chapel Fund is made in each of our places of worship.

The catholicity of Spirit manifested towards the brethren by the

various Evangelical denominations in Newport was most gratifying and was, we trust, fully reciprocated by them The growth of this feeling among the various Protestant, Evangelical bodies of christians. is among the hopeful signs of the times. May it go on increasing continually till that prediction is fulfilled, "And there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." John x. 16.

We now proceed to give the Conference Addresses, with the expression of our earnest hope, that the timely observations they contain, especially those bearing on the importance of fully sanctifying the Sabbath of the Lord, and acting decidedly in our christian profession, will be duly pondered by all our readers.

ADDRESS TO THE SOCIETIES.

BELOVED FRIENDS :

Preserved by a gracious Providence, and permitted again to assemble at our Annual Conference, to review our past labours, investigate the state of the churches committed to our care, and adopt measures for future usefulness, as usual, we address you on subjects mutually interesting-such as affect our personal salvation and usefulness in the world.

In the prosecution of these objects, we feel it our duty to call your attention to certain circumstances which have transpired since we last addressed you, demanding from us devout thanksgiving to the God of Providence and grace.

1. A sanguinary and desolating war, which was then raging, has been happily terminated; and, while we rejoice in that event, let us not fail to pray that the causes of war may soon cease from among men, and that permanent and universal peace may prevail among the nations of the earth.

2. The efforts of some mistaken men to legalize the profanation of the Sabbath, by appropriating a portion of it to the gratification of sensual desires and worldly pleasures, under the pretence of preventing evil, have happily failed; while the tone of feeling manifested by a majority of the House of Commons on this subject is most cheering. Still, let us not forget that there are men in "high places" who are insidiously attempting to remove, by little and little, the safeguards, which, to a certain extent, have for so many years, as the fruit of the fidelity and suffering of God's people, surrounded this day of HOLY REST: witness the attempt to introduce the employment of military bands into the public parks during the Sabbath afternoon. Is not this an attempt to introduce those continental customs by which religion and morality have been so much injured throughout

Europe? Is it not by attempts like these, to amuse the public mind by mere frivolities, that the attention of the European nations has been diverted from the realities of life, till by degrees, they have been deprived by their wily rulers of their civil and religious privileges, and reduced to what is little better than a military despotism? Let us, then, become increasingly alive to the value of that HOLY DAY; and by precept and example uphold its sacred character. Let such as have the elective franchise use it conscientiously, and withhold their support from any candidate for legislative honours, who will not pledge himself to resist every attempt to legalize the violation of the Sabbath.

3. We would especially call on you to unite in devout thanksgiving for the success which on many stations has attended our united labours to bring sinners to God, resulting in an increase of 2229 united with us in church-fellowship. The last Conference was one of extensive, and we believe conscientious investigation, attended with deep emotion, as to the cause of our want of success. Many hearts were then filled with gloom and sadness, while Zion appeared as if clothed in sackcloth, but, blessed be God, on the present occasion, he has turned our mourning into joy, "and made rejoice for our sorrow," while listening to reports of the triumphs of the gospel from so many quarters. Oh! may we have grace to give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name ;" and may the souls thus hopefully converted, be the "crown of our rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus." we are sorry to inform you that this prosperity is not yet universal; there are several spots which are yet dry and sterile; we would therefore affectionately entreat you, more especially those of you who have been favoured with

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