Parliament out of Doors.

SOON after this Magazine is in the hands of our readers, the Parliament now sitting in the House of Commons, and doing little besides sitting there, will get up," vacate its place and functions at once, and the Parliament out of doors, the Parliament of the people, will have to resume its important work.

This resumption of political duty by the people may be undertaken with hope and spirit, for it is certain that the most potent force operating in the British Parliament of 1877 has not been the easy-going aristocratic Tory party, nor the sluggish plutocratic Opposition, but the people, moved by the instincts of justice and deep-rooted sympathies; the people who thundered forth their sentiments on the Eastern Question last autumn, and have made their power felt as a moulding and formative political influence ever since.

It must not be forgotten that as a nation we are not only under the heel of Toryism, but what is worse, the Liberalism of England is not represented by the so-called Liberals in the present Parliament. That cannot be denied. Sound Liberalism is at a discount on the Opposition side in St. Stephen's, and if the people do not speak for themselves our nation will be delivered over to the uncovenanted mercies of the three great privileged classes-the plutocrats, priests, and publicans. The Opposition will not take the initiative. It is in love with the Fabian tactics of a "masterly inactivity." Hence we must have the federation of Liberals and the gathering of assemblies to express the national will. The Liberal leader will not speak, therefore the people must make up for his political dumbness. The members of the Liberal party do not know what they want. They are divided. They represent wealth and society, not principles. They have place, but the people have power, and the people must use their power, or the feeling that launched Alabamas to support American slavery, curried favour with Napoleon III., the destroyer of the French people, and still supports the nefarious dominion of the "unspeakable Turk," will commit us, during the recess, to a reactionary policy, and to all the horrors and wickednesses of a pro-Turkish war.

The motto for everybody who cares for humanity, who loves righteousness and justice, is, "let your loins be girt about, and your lamps burning." Liberal indifference is the victory of Tories and Clericalists, and in an hour when we look not for it, we shall find ourselves pledged in the name of "British interests" to the defence of the horrible enormities of Turkish misrule. We must not take our eyes off Lord Beaconsfield for a moment, or our chance is gone, the Rubicon is crossed, and Britain will cease to be the leader of the Liberalism, the Humanity, and Righteousness of Europe.

Nor must we only keep awake and on the watch; we must organize. We must confederate after the Birmingham fashion. For many reasons we are a weakened party. Mr. Goldwin Smith, in a paper of conspicuous ability, luminous reasoning, and philosophical Liberalism, in the July Fortnightly, has traced the causes of the decline and fall of the Liberal party, and suggested the methods by which it may regain its ascendancy in England, and its just influence in the councils of Europe. We are the friends of the nation at large, and the foes of privileged classes; and it is inherent in all privileged classes to put themselves first and the nation second. Mr. Gladstone is a true and earnest Liberal, and the aristocracy hate him with perfect hatred. Nonconformity is one with Liberalism in its spirit and temper, and the priests oppose it tooth and nail. Temperance movements make Liberals in the degree in which they secure sobriety and self-restraint, and the most aggressive and demonizing "interest" of the age, that of the publicans, exhausts artifice and resource to destroy them. Warring against these three combined monopolies, the aristocrat, the priest, and the publican, we must unite in order to utilize our powers, remembering that we have the strength that conquers, viz., the strength of convictions, the strength of righteousness, and the strength of humanity.

A religion that does not profoundly influence the corporate and political life of a people, covers only a tithe of human needs, and proves itself unfit to guide and help in some of the highest and most responsible duties of humanity. The Saviour of men, He is the King of the whole earth. JOHN CLIFFORD.

Our Midland Union Evangelist.

AT the Annual Meeting of the Midland Baptist Union, held at Melbourne, in September last, an interesting Paper was read by Mr. Bateman, of Leicester, on "Evangelistic Work." A conversation followed, in the course of which a proposition was made to the effect "That this Union employ an Evangelist, whose duty it shall be to visit and labour among the churches, under the direction of the Committee; and that the Committee be requested to raise funds, engage the Evangelist, and take all other needful steps for prompting this object." Many of our churches, especially in villages of the Midland District, are too feeble to sustain a pastor. Their pulpits are supplied upon the Lord's-day by the self-denying labours of our lay-preachers; nevertheless, it is believed they would both welcome and profit by the periodical visits of an efficient Evangelist. In some of these churches we are glad to know there is an earnest Christian aggressive spirit, and with a courageous godly man, suitably gifted, as a leader, they are prepared to engage occasionally in vigorous work of a special character. Others again need rousing; they have had to contend for years against State Church influence or other circumstances of a depressing character, and a week or fortnight's visit from an earnest Christian evangelist may do much to stimulate and cheer. The pastors of town churches, too, sometimes feel as though a week of services specially directed to the awakening of the undecided or irreligious, or the quickening of apathetic Christians, would be useful; and in the conduct of such services would rejoice to have help from without. In short, at the meeting at Melbourne, there was but one opinion as to the great good which might be done providing we could meet with a suitable

man.

The first question taken up by the Committee was, how the man, if met with, was to be supported. Friends at the Melbourne meeting made promises of annual subscriptions to the amount of about £40. Brethren have since canvassed Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough, Burton-on-Trent, and other places, and additional promises to the amount of about £60 have been obtained. But at least £50 more are needed in order to meet the necessities of the case; and it is hoped, not only that this sum will be raised, but that where practicable, friends will make up their minds to subscribe for not less than three years, so as to give the plan a fair trial.

After various enquiries, a brother has been found who is believed to be well suited to the work-Mr. James Manning. Mr. Manning has been pastor of Baptist Churches in various parts of England, and for the last twelve months has been resident in Nottingham. He believes, however, that evangelistic work is his vocation rather than a settled pastorate; very cheerfully, therefore, has he entered into an engagement with the Committee, and on the 1st of June commenced his work.

The Midland Baptist Union, as is well-known, includes Baptists of both sections, more particularly in the three counties of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham. It has been agreed, therefore, that Mr. Manning shall be employed on alternate months in the two sections of the denomination. He began his work at Belper (among the General Baptists), spending the greater part of the week there, preaching in the chapel, visiting from house to house, and holding open-air services.

From June 10th to the 14th he was employed at Heanor. On the 17th he passed on to Newthorpe. On the 25th and following days he visited Carrington, near Nottingham; concluding his month's work with a service in the missionroom of the Nottingham Brickmaker's Company, on the Mapperley Hills.

The following extracts from Mr. Manning's journal, not written for publication, but only for inspection by the Committee, will give an idea of the nature of his labours, at least during the summer season:

"Heanor, Lord's-day, June 10.-A regular field day. Mr. Blount, of Derby, and myself, with a noble army of Sunday school teachers and members of the church, held four open-air services in the morning in different parts of the place. Very large numbers were attracted. The services in the chapel, at

which also Mr. Blount assisted, were of a most encouraging nature. Several cases of awakening, and one professed to have found the Lord.

Monday. Visited sick and others during the day. Conducted an openair service, which was well attended. Chapel nearly full. Good prayer-meeting after service. Found a man near death, who said he supposed he was a sinner, but had never done any harm or murdered anyone.' Read, talked, and prayed with him. Friends, spare neither trouble nor expense to make these services a success."

Similar records describe the work on the following days. On Wednesday, however, a gentleman from near Manchester, and the Congregational minister of Marlpool, are mentioned as taking part in the service. This is as it should be-regular pastors, lay brethren, and the evangelist, all working heartily together for the furtherance of the Gospel.

During the month of July, Mr. Manning is labouring at Woodborough, Nottinghamshire; Burton-on-Trent, and other places in connection with our Baptist brethren of the other section.

In August his work will again be among General Baptists.

I am requested to say that any of our churches who desire a visit from Mr. Manning, should apply (for the present) to Rev. W. Woods, 8, Addison Villas, Nottingham, who will do his best to make the requisite arrangements. Also, any pecuniary help which friends are disposed to render to this good work, will be gladly received either by him or by the writer,

3, Addison Villas, Nottingham.

W. R. STEVENSON.

OUR business, Mr. Editor; verily so, as I take it, is to become and be "more noble." Possibly in the old way too, seeing we have tried now many other ways, which appear not to be "more noble," but quite the reverse of that. We, too, have the 'Resurrection," made so much of by Paul and others, still sounded in our ears, appealing to us with greater or less force in all possible ways, which we treat in a fashion decidedly ignoble; many of us alas! Seeing this fact, if it be such, is all-important, and the getting ready for it properly the one aim of the breathing struggle we call "life," why do we not do it?

May the supposition be advanced, that we have, in point of truth, lost "faith" in the "Scriptures," which the old Bereans studied to find "if these things were so;" and, therefore, are at sea, as one may say, in a very crazy tub-compass lost, rudder broken, with any number of false lights flitting around, leading to absolute wreck and ruin if followed to the end?

Which will render certain we can no longer be "more noble;" at least in the Berean sense.

Our "onward march" then, methinks, is properly a backward one, to get by all the powers of our soul some "faith" which shall be real and tangible; some compass on board; a new rudder withal; that we may know where to steer, and then stand at the wheel till death.

As I imagine this is a personal business, my business, which any amount of "talk" done never so well by others, will not avail me much in.

To be "more noble" thy business, oh! my soul.

Therefore, ask whence came I?

Whence; oh! thou thinking mysterious power-but from the "Almighty!" Who also must be the "All-wise ?"

Will He not, therefore, give me some true Light back again to Himself, that He may have His own; and I be known and know myself to be such?

Since He has called me into being, will He not also surely give me the knowledge of such way?

Verily, "more noble" to expect to find such revealed, to lay hold of such help, than to fall down with all my soul's powers, and worship the earth-born delusion called God by some, the great God getting-on-in-the-world, with no beyond whatsoever ?

Think of this brother soul, you need not talk about it yet-not for some time yet—but think of it, and let the old Berean, poring over his old Scripture, be a patent fact to you; possibly, it were well for you and I even to " go, and do likewise." "God's Word;" mine, therefore, if I am God's. For me some compass surely pointing to the Eternal, and leading me there. This, as I perceiveworthy alone of Him who made me, with all the mysteriousness of existence crushing me to the dust else—"more noble" to believe such fact!

Seek thus to be "more" worthy, "noble," thou. Let the owls hoot, loving the darkness, and staying therein; but get thy soul out of it, my brother. "Search the Scripture" in this personal way, and, doubt it not, His Spirit shall make thee too "noble," even "more noble," and ever nobler, higher, in His way-the "Way of Life." HANS REDIEWILLE.

New Chapels.

I.-MEMORIAL STONES AT CRICH.

OUR Crich friends have been exceedingly successful in the effort they are making to erect their new chapel. On Wednesday, July 11th, they had the pleasure to see laid seven memorial stones-the central one by J. C. Jones, Esq., of Manchester, and the adjoining ones by Mrs. J. Willer, of Cromford; Mrs. W. B. Bembridge, of Ripley; Mrs. S. Bennett, of Derby; Mrs. G. Slack, of Derby; Mr. Wildgoose, of Holloway; and Mrs. R. Bryan, of Crich Carr. A large company of friends from Derby, Ripley, Alfreton, and other places assembled, and speeches were made by Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., Dr. Underwood, J. C. Jones, Esq., and others. The school children formed a procession, headed by a band, occasionally singing some familiar airs, which added much to the life and harmony of the scene. A bazaar was opened at four o'clock by Councillor Hill, of Derby, and was well patronised during the evening. Lunch was provided at one o'clock, and a public tea at five o'clock; after which many enjoyed the walk to get the scenery from the top of "Crich Stand." The results of the day were most cheering. Collections, £162; bazaar, £60; lunch and tea, about £10. The bazaar being again opened on Thursday realised about £17. On Saturday two other memorial stones were laid, and another tea-meeting and bazaar was held, realising about £60 more. This latter stone laying was the result of Wednesday's enthusiasm and success; an old gentleman, a resident of Crich, offering to give them £50 if he might be allowed the privilege of laying another stone, which, of course, was granted; our friend, Mr. W. B. Bembridge, consenting to conduct the service. They have still applications on hand to be allowed to lay some other of these prolific stones. Surely such ambition may be religiously gratified! Our friends are spending about £2,000. They are but thirty-three in number; they have a splendid site; they are worthy of help. Who will not stretch out their hand to aid such a willing and noble band? They have received £507, and have promises for £150 more. The chapel will be opened in the spring.

II.-WESTBOURNE PARK CHAPEL, LONDON.

This building is so near completion that it is decided to dedicate it to the worship of God our Father, and the service of the church of His Son Jesus Christ, on Sunday evening, September 30th, at seven o'clock. This time is fixed for the "Dedicatory Service" so that EVERY member of the church and congregation may have an opportunity of attending the first service in an edifice for whose erection they have so long and so self-sacrificingly toiled. Other opening services will follow, and will be fully announced in the September Magazine. May I say that we shall be extremely pleased to see friends from all parts of the denomination at our opening services; and those who are not able to be with us would aid a good and necessary work, and greatly delight us, by forwarding their gifts for the Dedicatory Service. Do not forget us. JOHN CLIFFORD.

Church Register.