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Observer, May 1, 72.

us, twenty-eight broke bread that morning. | appointed a committee to give effect to During the year twenty-four have been suggestions, for interchange of preachers, added; of these, three have been baptized &c. The next meeting was appointed to be by us, fourteen were not in connexion with held at Leeds, on Lord's day, July 14th. any church, three are from the Baptists, Dinner and tea were provided in the and four are from sister churches. Three School-room, and an enjoyable day was have gone from us to sister churches, spent. We look forward, with the Divine leaving a net increase of twenty-one, and blessing, to the churches being knit closer making our present number thirty-nine. together, and consequently for a more The three who have removed were among united effort and further spread of the the original eighteen, so that all who have truth. G. H. S. been added are still with us. The increase BIRMINGHAM, SUMMER LANE.- With has been gradual. In April we added five, joy we report that the Lord's work is in June four, July two, August two, prospering in this church. The evidence October two, November three, December of the same consists in the fact that within one, January four, and February one." the past few weeks we have had the pleaSince the foregoing was written one has sure of baptizing ten persons who have been immersed. confessed faith in Christ and repentance towards God. Two are from the Lord's Day School, making four from the school within three months. There are other attentive hearers whom we hope shortly to rejoice over, even as we do now over those above-named. We have also just restored an erring brother. We are exceedingly glad to remark that these fruits appear mainly to be the result of a condition of unity and love existing in the church. May it increase more and more.

A. BROWN.

LEEDS.-We have settled down after a season of some little excitement, arising from some conflict with the Unitarians. The Rev. J. E. Carpenter advertized a course of lectures, inviting questions after each lecture. Our church advised Bro. A. Brown to attend and take such steps as might appear desirable. The result was that we hired a large hall and advertized that Bro. Brown would review the lectures and allow questions. We had good meetings, several questions were presented on the first night, and the lecturer was considerably complimented. The second meeting was excellent in point of number, and the Unitarians were there in full force. The questioning was very much protracted, the audience expressing enthusiastic satisfaction at the answers. The third meeting was good, but no questions. Our Unitarian friends had, perhaps, married a wife, or purchased a field, and could not come. The fourth and last night gave an excellent gathering with a renewal of questioning and satisfactory replies. We have had a fine opportunity for refuting error by exhibiting the truth, and making it apparent that if Unitarianism could be understood, which it cannot, it is nothing worth. G. YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES. -In compliance with a letter from Huddersfield to the Yorkshire churches inviting them to a conference, delegates from Wortley, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Mill Bridge district met in Huddersfield on Good Friday. After prayer by Bro. Walker, of Wortley, Bro. Winterbottom, of Huddersfield, was appointed chairman, and Bro. Grinstead, of Leeds, secretary. The following resolution was then passed:-"That the churches of Yorkshire form an Association for the purpose of co-operating in the spread of the truth." The Wortley delegates not at present seeing their way clear to co-operate withdrew. The Huddersfield elders were

G. LLOYD.

SPITTAL, BERWICK-ON-TWEED.-I have lately paid a second visit to the brethren here, since the Annual Meeting; but only for a few days. They have in every way been greatly blessed, and that in a short time. On March 26, 1871, they first met as a church, numbering thirty-seven. Forty have since been added-thirty by faith and baptism, and ten formerly baptized. They have had one death, four have removed to Bathgate, where, with several others, they have commenced meeting in church fellowship. The number of members now at Spittal is seventy-two. The church edifies itself to general satisfaction and comfort. They have several experienced teachers and exhorters, in whom the word of Christ dwells richly. One of their number, John Rea, does the work of an evangelist. He labours in season and out of season, and has won many to the Lord. He is very highly esteemed in the church and out of it, for his works' sake. The chapel is full of attentive hearers on Lord's-day evenings. neighbourhood is crowded with visitors in the bathing season, when able evangelistic help will be found very useful for extensive good. ED. EVANS.

The

CHELSEA.-The Lord is blessing us with additions. We have good meetings, and an interest is awakened in the things that make for our peace. On Good Friday our esteemed brother and sister Black entertained the members of the church at Dinner and Tea,

in commemoration of their twentieth wedding-day. The assembly took place in the School-room, which was tastefully decorated. The church desirous of showing their appreciation of the untiring labours of our good brother and sister, in behalf of the cause here, presented them with a handsome silver tea service, having the following inscription. "Presented to Mr. and Mrs. R. Black, as a token of love and esteem, by the Christian Church meeting in College Street Chapel, Chelsea." The meeting was edified by singing, readings, recitations and short speeches, all of which savoured of love and unity; and all present seemed determined to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. B. ELLIS. WHITEHAVEN.-Three persons have recently put on the Lord Jesus, by baptism into His name, and one has been added to the church, formerly baptized.-C. A. B.

BIRKENHEAD.-About eighteen months ago the Birkenhead church numbered about ten members, some of whom were often unable to attend owing to distance and other unfavourable circumstances. About that time some six brethren came to reside here from other churches, and about seven months ago it was decided to take a room in the Queen's Hall, Claughton Road, which would seat about eighty people. The meetings were advertised, the attendance good, and the results cheering; so that in four months after we found it necessary to move into a larger room. The meetings still increase. We now number thirty-six members, and walk in love, and peace, and joy. We have had the labours of brother Scott one Lord's-day out of three, brother Hindle visited us once, brother D. Collin three times, and the Liverpool brethren have joined heartily in the good work. We thank God for the blessings that have followed the efforts put forth.

Obituary.

JOHN PAYNE departed this life on the 20th March, in the fortieth year of his age, having been for several years a consistent member of the church in Carlisle. He was known for his strict honesty and quiet persistence in the path of duty, whatever that might be. He had been long a sufferer, and had borne his affliction with patience and fortitude. His last illness lasted nearly twelve months, during which time he gradually sank; but while the outward man was perishing, the inward man was renewed day by day; remaining conscious to the last, he fell asleep in Jesus, in the sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection. He leaves a helpless widow and three young children to mourn his death.

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Observer, May 1, '72.

In the thirty-first year of her age, ELIZA BETH COLLIN, the wife of George Collin, and eldest daughter of Bro. G. Greenwell, fell asleep in Jesus, in Carlisle, on the 23rd of March. She was immersed into Christ in the 14th year of her age. She was beloved by all who knew her. Sociable, affectionate, and frank; she had a welcome word for all who named the name of Jesus. Her hospitable desires reached far beyond our means; and within the inner circle of friends, her friendship almost amounted to passionate devotion, ever ready to manifest itself in self-sacrifice for the good or com fort of others. As a mother, she felt her responsibility to a young family, and sought to discharge it in the fear of God. She neglected not to teach them the simple lessons of the Divine Word, and they were her constant companions to the Lord's Table, where her place was never empty except by necessity. The Lord gave her to me nearly seven years ago, to be my wife, and from that day until the day when He called her to Himself, she was the crown of my earthly happiness. In all my struggles and difficulties her hopeful spirit and word of cheer gave me strength and courage; she shared all my joys with the passionate warmth and simplicity of a child, and bore my cares with the strength of a woman. In my feeble endeavours to spread the knowledge of our Redeemer's love to man, her encouragement and sympathy sustained my spirit. It is not easy to understand why such unity should be broken asunder, but we can confide in God's infinite wisdom and goodness in all his providences; and though it is with a heavy heart, it is with a clear faith we say, The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. He has graciously allowed me the companionship of one so precious to show me how true and sweet, even earth's friendships can be, when consecrated and cemented by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the hope of glory; and he has thus early recalled her to His rest, I trust, to weld another golden link into the chain of hope that binds the spirit to the heavenly home. During an illness of nearly nine months' duration, she exhibited great courage and patience, seldom encouraging any hope of recovery. For several weeks before death she had entirely separated her life and affections from every earthly association, expressing only, and constantly, her desire to depart. She loved to have us singing the songs of hope and triumph. Ten minutes before she expired, at her request lifted her out of bed into an easy chair, and while I sang of "The beautiful land on high," death put his hand upon her, and she rests with the redeemed. GEORGE COLLIN.

I

Observer, April 1, '72.

JAMES FERRIER, of Millseat, Mill of Craigston, Turriff, departed this life on the 24th of March last, aged eighty-two years. For several years past the winter months had always taken a severe hold of his feeble frame, and during the late storm he had been unable to resist it, for on the day above named he was moving about as usual in the house, went to bed at six o'clock, and by ten o'clock he quietly fell asleep in Jesus. Bro. Ferrier was well known by a large circle of Brethren, and was ever ready to advocate the apostolic order, both by the tongue and pen and by his own practical aid, was a contributor occasionally to the pages of the Harbinger. He was born in the parish of Banff, in 1790, and his parents being poor he received no education, and what he had was picked up by his own dint of application. He was engaged in farm service until 1808, when he then enlisted as a soldier, and during his service in the army was ordered to go to Holland, during the war with France; was in several engagements, and when peace was proclaimed he was discharged. He connected himself with the Established Church, but as he saw more light he left it, and went amongst the Independents; he, however, soon began to discover they did not adhere to all the ordinances of Christ, and that Infant Sprinkling was not Christian Baptism, but a human tradition, so he accordingly left them, and was immersed in September, 1830, and joined the Scotch Baptists; but he could not accept the Calvinistic creed, and left them also. Then the writings of Bro. A. Campbell, of America, began to be published by William Jones, of London, and they fell into his hands and others, so that a few proposed to act along with himself on the apostolic plan, and so he continued to the end of his life. Like a sheaf of corn fully ripe, he has been gathered into the garner of the Lord. "The memory of the just is blessed." J. G. A. WILLIAM GODSON, Sen., fell asleep in Jesus on the 30th of March, at the age of seventy-seven years. His life and example have been a great blessing to the church in this place. As senior deacon for several years, he "did what he could" to lighten the sorrows and relieve the wants of the poor brethren, and gained for himself a name that will long be tenderly remembered. The following brief outline of his life has been handed to me by his son, and will be

"On Earth we part,

read with interest by the brethren :-" My father was born February 21st, 1795. He joined the Particular Baptist Church, at Grimsby, in 1824, and was an active member of that church until he left Grimsby, in 1830. After leaving there he went to Beverley, where he became acquainted with the Scotch Baptists; and, after comparing their views and practices with the New Testament, was persuaded they were more Scriptural than those of the Particular Baptists, and, therefore, resolved to join them, which he did. He continued an active member of that church until 1841, when, on account of corruptions that had crept in, he was constrained to leave, and was unconnected with any church until 1846, when, after mature consideration, he joined "The Disciples" in Hull; having been acquainted with the writings of A. Campbell and his co-adjutors from their introduction into this country. While he was connected with the church of "The Disciples," in Hull, he devoted much of his time to its oversight and edification, which continued until 1859, when he left Hull to reside in Liverpool, where he united with "The Disciples," and endeavoured to make himself useful till age and infirmity compelled him to retire from service. Throughout his life he steadily used his influence in whatever he considered calculated to advance the good of mankind; religiously, politically and socially; and wherever he lived he gained the respect and esteem of all who knew him, for his uprightness and firm adherence to principle. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them."" G. Y. T.

An

ANNIE NEISH, at Ballarat, on the 29th December, 1871, fell asleep in Jesus, aged forty-seven years. Early in life she had been connected with the Methodists, but having had her attention directed to the command of her Saviour, she was among the first to be baptized at the Dawson Street Meeting House, in October, 1865. affectionate husband and five children sorrow for their loss, yet not as those without hope. Her illness had been long and lingering; but, at last, she quietly passed away in the very act of thanking her Lord that she feit a great deal better. Two of her children, with their father, are members of the Dawson Street Church.

With breaking heart; But on the Heavenly plains, Love hath no broken chains : Renewed, rejoined at Life's pure river,

The golden links entwine for ever:"

M.

Observer, May 1, '72.

Family Room.

DOMESTIC GOVERNMENT.-No. IV.

CHILDREN differ as widely in dis- | have been an increase of the fury position and character as men and and insubordination of the horse. women do. But let me suppose, for the sake of getting a proper background for my picture, that yours are of the very worst classheedless, disobedient, headstrong, they do not mind you. They seem to take pleasure in thwarting and provoking you. They are everlastingly doing something that you have forbidden, or failing to do something that you have required. Your life is a misery to you and you are glad to get them off to school or into the fields, anywhere out of sight and hearing. Now the truth is that there is no government here at all. Your word is empty: it conveys no authority, and consequently exercises no control. You may fret and scold and whine and complain, the livelong day; you may even fly into a rage and flog them now and then; but it does no good If anything, the children grow worse and worse; until at length you become thoroughly discouraged and fancy that your trials are greater than mortal woman ever endured before, and, what is more, that they are hopelessly incurable.

But there is a simple and, I think, infallible remedy for all this trouble. Your children are like some of those terrible kicking and biting horses that Rarey used to tame; and you are to adopt the very same principle that he did. Now you may be sure that he did not go into the stable with a long whip, and working himself up into a great passion halloo and fret and scold at the noble animal while he lashed him for his outrageous behaviour. It stands to reason that he never could have tamed him in that way. The only effect for such a proceeding would

What, then, did he do; Why he entered the stable with the utmost coolness and self-composure; he watched for his opportunity, and artfully put a powerful strap upon the horse's legs; next with a skillful hand he threw him down flat upon his side; and then it was easy to get upon his head and hold him down in spite of all struggles to rise. The effect of this was almost like magic. In a surprisingly brief space of time the horse surrendered unconditionally, and acknowledged the mastery of the man. This was the first step—the establishment of authority. It requires calmness, presence of mind and firmness, combined with an unflinching appli cation of coercive force. And you cannot fail to perceive that previous to the establishment of his authority the will of the man could have had no controlling influence upon the horse whatever. But now notice: when he is really conquered, and brought to recognize the authority and dominion of a master; in other words, when the government is established; there is immediately a radical change in the mode of procedure. With a steady hand the horse is kept in subjection, while every subsequent action is marked by gentleness and kindness. The master strokes his intelligent face, pats his arching neck, soothes his trembling spirit, recognizes and adapts himself to the peculiarities of his nature and thus gradually implants the second conviction, namely, that while he is his master he is at the same time his friend. And this is the entire process. Nothing remains now but patiently to teach him what he is to do and see that he does it. And what an apt scholar he is! How

Observer, May 1, '72.

soon he learns to yield submissively and promptly to the slightest intimation of his master's will! The gentlest touch upon the rein, the softest word, the merest hint, is all that is necessary. That horse is governed; he is governed by a master, but by a kind and good oneand he is happy in it.

I beg you to notice particularly that this plan is successful-uniformly and invariably successful. It is not like some charlatanry that succeeds in one case and fails in another: it never will, it never can fail, just because it is founded upon nature and sound philosophy, or, if you please, because it recognizes and proceeds upon the true principles of government.

of

And now let me add that these principles are of universal application. Whenever a state, a church, an army, a navy, a school or a family, is well governed, it is done in this way. Either half of this plan, like the half of a pair of scissors, is by itself good for nothing. Neither force nor kindness will succeed alone. They must be combined; they must mutually complement each other; and then the government is complete. To apply this matter to the case your children-whom, by sort of license, we are regarding as outrageously self-willed and disobedientthe very first thing to be done is to establish your authority. Until this is accomplished you need never speak to them again by way of commandment or threatening-it is simply wasting your breath. You must get the mastery, at whatever cost of labour or of time, and at whatever sacrifice of tender feeling. The predominence of your authority must be a settled point; so settled that your children will not think of making daily and hourly experiments to see whether it is settled or not. It must be placed not only beyond question, but beyond thought of question.

And how easy it is to bring about

this happy state of things! When the point is raised (and among such children as yours are supposed to be! it will very soon come up), that is, when something occurs that makes it necessary for the question of authority and mastery to be decided; -you are coolly and deliberately, without one symptom of angry passion, and without the least elevation in your voice, to take the child and punish him, and continue to punish him, if it require an hour or a week, until he thoroughly and unconditionally surrenders. Mark you, the work is not done if it is a moody, pouting, reluctant, reserved surrender. It is to be without any terms or qualifications, either expressed or implied. Parental government must be an absolute despotism, or nothing.

I cannot impress upon you too forcibly the importance of deliberation and coolness in this contest. You may easily sweep down your little boy with a flood of passion-more easily, perhaps, than you otherwise could; but the effect of it is altogether evil. To say nothing of the influence of such an example, or of the undefined feeling of contempt for you which arises in his heart, the governmental effect is simply a conviction that he is to dread your anger, and to obey you when you are in a passion. Prove, then, I pray you, your right to govern him by first governing yourself. Then the calm and resolute determination with which you go to work will itself accomplish half the task. And I do assure you if you thoroughly and properly accomplish it once, and will not yourself, undo it by mismanagement, the work will seldom or never have to be repeated. Once or twice the child may test you, just to see if you mean to be consistent in adhering to your plan; but if upon the first intimation of rebellion, you will promptly take the case in hand, begin your quiet preparations, without being at all disconcerted, and without any show

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