ment, in the providence of God, has helped me to widen my sphere of usefulness. "As was lately stated in the British Workman, I am now engaged in a useful mission amongst the industrious classes of London ;' and this is the very work for which God was strangely, and, as is now evident, kindly preparing me in Scotland, amidst the struggles I had and the hardships I underwent there. May He continue to guide, as well as preserve, your gracious Majesty and devoted subjects is the prayer of "15, Leverton Street, Gloucester place, N.W. London, March 17th, 1863." "JAMES I. HILLOCKS. "SIR CHARLES PHIPPS has received the commands of Her Majesty the Queen to acknowledge the receipt of the book which Mr. Hillocks forwarded on the 17th inst., and to thank him for it. "Windsor Castle, 19th March, 1863." The Life Battle. By J. FENN HUMM. The Book Society, 19, Paternoster row. This is a capital book for young men. It is full of fire and feeling. Let them spend fourpence upon it without delay, and learn its useful lessons. What do they they think of these words?-"A man is successful in his business and he's a lucky fellow; he has a reverse of fortune, and he is an unlucky dog. Here's luck to ye! is not only the toast of the tap-room sot, but of the refined kid-gloved dandy. Oh, I hate the very word, and I would it could be erased for ever from our vocabulary; but as it is so common amongst us, let us for a moment or two stop and inquire what it really means, and where the precious jewel is to be found. Luck is not to be found in spending twenty five shillings out of a pound-Luck is not in folding your arms and living in laziness, for everlasting complaining of the present, and sighing for the good old times— Luck is not laying in bed till eight or nine o'clock in the morning when your business requires your attendance at five or six.—Luck is not to be found in fast living, in acquiring the admirable and difficult art of squinting through an eye glass, and of being able to give utterance to the greatest possible amount of slang-Luck is not in spending your spare time-pouring over the sentimental nonsense with which our literature abounds-such as The course of true Love never did run smooth; Always be off with the old Love before you are on with the new, &c., and so forth-Luck is not to be found in wasting, nay, even worse than wasting your precious time in the bar parlour, the dancing saloon, the gin palace, the theatre, and too often in places worse still; no, no, all this sort of thing tends to what your believers in this mysterious spirit calls Bad Luck. What was it made Napoleon Emperor of France, when only thirty-three years of age, and the great Washington, when only twenty-five, Commander in chief of all the Virginian Forces? What was it made William Pitt Chancellor of the Exchequer at twenty-two, and Edmund Burke first Lord of the Treasury at twenty-three? What was it immortalized the name of saac Newton, and at the age of thirty placed him in the mathematical calate of the University of Cambridge? In brief, what is it that has made asu who was a tinker! a Franklin who was once a journeyman 4dcorge Fox who was once a shoemaker? a Shakespeare who was the son of a butcher? a Thomas Moore, who was the son of a grocer? and a Rosseau, who was the son of a watchmaker? Was it this sentimental sickening belief in luck? No, no, it was nothing short of the luck of hard working, hard plodding, and hard toiling; it was their entering upon the Life Battle with an invincible energy, and a bravery of soul that placed upon their heads the victor's crown. Luck is to be found in working, and waiting." There's good sense and lively writing, and a fair specimen of the whole book. Hymns and Sacred Poetry. By the Rev. T. HOLME, and Rev. J. HOLME. London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co.-Every temperance speaker should make himself familiar with good poetry. A line, a verse, or a complete poem is a great adornment to a speech, and will frequently attract and impress, when nothing else will. This small volume will prove valuable to our fellow-workers. The Rev. T. Holme, of East Cowton, has contributed a number of useful temperance compositions. In one of these we have a prayer for our cause, which we append as a specimen of the whole : "Bless gracious Lord! the temperance cause; And through this favoured land, By trophies won from drink's vile power, Bless gracious Lord! the temperance cause; And with thy mighty sway Dispose our senate and the Crown To cheer us on our way. Bless gracious Lord! the temperance cause; In this our war with Britain's curse, The fore front rank to take. Bless gracious Lord! the temperance cause; Be Thou our guide and friend, Thine be the glory of the work, Thy love our aim and end." CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the "BAND OF HOPE RECORD." Exchange Buildings, Northampton, 21st Sept. 1863. Dear Sir,-We feel much obliged for the gratuitous services of Mr. Blaby, which you were kind enough to place at our disposal for a fortnight. During that time he preached twice on one Sunday at the Independent Chapel, Stony Stratford, and addressed the Sunday Schools of the Independent and Baptist congregations; he also preached on another Sunday at the Reform Methodist Chapel, Wellingborough, to large congregations; he also lectured at Stony Stratford, Blisworth Gardens, Draughton, Harrington, Wellingborough, Finedon, Ringstead, Warrington, Rounds, and Wollaston, at most of which he had large and enthusiastic gatherings, and not a few expressed an earnest desire soon to see him again. His audiences numbered over 3000 souls. I am glad to say that the cause in this county is now in a very hopeful state, and has received a very great impetus from the labours of Messrs. Bell, Murphy, and Blaby, sent us by your Union. We are counting the time for the return of Mr. Bell, next month, when he will again be with us three months. I remain, yours truly, JOHN RUTHERFORD, Hon. Sec. of the Northamptonshire Temperance Union, Whitechapel, Sept. 4th, 1863 t Dear Sir, I should have written to you before this concerning the services of Mr. Bell, but I have had a severe cold and sore throat ever since Tuesday last, and have not cared to move or do anything since. as regards Mr. Bell he was very highly appreciated both by the yog and the adult audiences, which is very seldom the case in the same person. His closing sentences were given with great pathos and power, and will not soon be forgotten by those who had the privilege of hea him. Hoping to hear him again before long, and that his labours ma ne abundantly blest, I remain, yours respectfully, H. H. TIPPIR. Annals of the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union. LABOURS OF THE AGENTS. Mr. W. B. AFFLECK writes as follows:-Since I sent my last report I have lectured at the following places:-Stopper lane; Sawley; Gutsbur; Horton; Selside; Settle, also preached three times; Buckden; Starbottom; Kettlewell; Hebden; Batley, three times. The meetings have all been large and successful, and 150 signatures have been taken. Mr. W. BELL has attended meetings as follows:-St. Matthew's School, Old Pye street, Westminster; Shadwell; Peel Grove, Bethnal Green; Lansdowne Place, and Deverell Street, Old Kent Road; Bloomsbury Refuge; George Yard, Whitechapel; Union Hall, Bishopsgate; Old Windsor; Reading; Romsey; Frome; Hayle, for a week; St Ives, for a week; and Mere, Wiltshire. During the month Mr. G. BLABY has attended and addressed the following meetings:-Spa Fields, twice; Denmark Street; Earl Street; London Road; Lant Street, Borough; Collier's Rents, Little Denmark Street; Surrey Chapel; Bloomsbury Refuge; Whitfield Chapel; Southgate; and the following places in connection with the Northampton Temperance Union :-Stony Stratford; Blisworth gardens; Draughton; Harrington; Wellingborough; Finedon; Ringstead; Warmington; Rounds; and Woolaston. He has also preached eight sermons, and addressed four Sunday schools. Mr. F. SMITH has attended meetings as under :-Vauxhall Walk; Grange Road, Bermondsey; Waterloo Street, Camberwell; Moor Street, Five Dials; St. James's Walk, Clerkenwell; Plough Yard, Lincolu's inn-Fields; Windsor Street, Islington; Tottenham; Peel Grove, Bethnal Green; Little Denmark Street, St. Giles's; Prospect Row; Vauxhall Walk Wesleyan Sunday School; Salem Chapel, Bow Road; William Street, Poplar; Pond Place, Chelsea. NEW AGENT.-Many of the Societies where Mr. WILLIAM LAY has kindly attended as an honorary deputation, will be glad to learn that the Committee of the Union have made arrangements with him, so as have at their disposal the whole of his evenings for attending meetings, &c. MR. JOHN S. STURGES writes as follows:-Mr. Udall gave a capital address; I was especially pleased with his closing remarks. Alas! how many there are who think that total abstinence is saving, i.e. all we need to gain admittance into heaven; I fear that many of these will be found at last with the poor drunkard. Will you please thank Mr. Udall, and tell him, that I hope as often as he holds up the temperance cause, so often may he hold up the banner of the cross; this is often overlooked. We hope to have a prosperous time during the winter season; if God smiles upon us who can be against us? [Mr. Udall had kindly consented to address any Bands of Hope in the towns he might visit during his holidays. We wish more of our London friends would make a point of giving the Country Bands of Hope the advantage of their assistance whilst away on their holidays-Ev.] Bridgnokth.—On Thursday, 20th of August, Mr. J. Child, an honorary deputation of the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union, delivered a very interesting lecture in the Wesley School Room, on "Self denial v. Moderation," and "Total Abstinence v. Intemperance." His earnest efforts to interest and instruct were seconded by Messrs. Smallwood and Knot; with the result that a Band of Hope for Bridgnorth will open its books for the names of its friends on Thursday, the 3rd of next month, at the above-named time and place. It requires but little attention to be convinced of the utility of securing the adhesion of our young inhabitants to principles which will ensure sobriety, and a great amount of good order not otherwise attainable. UNION HALL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.-At the meeting of this society, held on Monday evening, Sept. 1st, at the hall in Artillery street, Bishopsgate, a lecture was delivered by Mr. W. Bell, a sturdy Yorkshireman, before an attentive and tolerably numerous audience of working people, some of whom appeared as though the adoption of teetotalism would greatly mend their condition. Mr. W. Rains having offered a very appropriate prayer, Mr. Rowden, the Vice-president, took the chair, and in a few words introduced Mr. W. Bell, who soon made himself quite at home with his audience. His address was interesting and edifying, and told upon the audience. Mr. Bell is not a half-and-half teetotaller, if such an expression may be used. He does not play fast and loose with publicans and gin-spinners, but boldly denounces them as the greatest enemies of the working classes; as people whose trade is alike cursed by God But whilst the lecturer spoke in strong terms against those who live by the vices of the people, his manner and his words proved and man. that his disposition is well-inclined towards all God's creatures, and he is not only very hopeful respecting the ultimate triumph of the cause he advocates, but believes that that triumph will be brought about chiefly by the multiplication of Bands of Hope, and the spread of religious truth. Fourteen persons have signed the pledge at Union Hall within the last fortnight, and a great many have done the same during the last few months. THE ALBERT TEMPERANCE HALL AND HAVERSTOCK EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.-On Saturday, September, 19, the foundation stone of this hall was laid by George Cruickshank, Esq., in the presence of a large number of people. The proceedings were commenced by Mr. Dibley, who, after some introductory remarks, read a statement to the effect that the site of the hall was originally intended for a gin palace, on account of its prominent situation. The building would consist of two halls— one 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 22 feet high; another, 33 feet by 22 feet and two committee-rooms. Mr. Cruickshank then proceeded to lay the foundation stone, beneath which were deposited, in an air-tight case, some coins, and packets of temperance tracts and newspapers; the stone having been lowered, the foreman of the works, Mr. James Kiddle applied the plumb, the stone was declared well set amid three cheers, the brass band of the Havelock Rifles playing the National Anthem, to which air the assembly sang an inaugural ode. The Rev. J. Burns, D.D., in a few remarks congratulated all present on the event, observing that the best charity was that which enabled a man to help himself, and that the principles to be inculcated in that hall should be taught in every church, chapel, and meeting house in the land; concluding by reading a tail-piece he had composed for the occasion. The other speakers were J. R. Taylor, Esq., the Rev, Dawson Burns, F. Braby, Esq., Mr. Horner, and Mr. Noble. A substantial tea was provided in a marquee erected for the occasion, to which at half-past five upwards of 400 ladies and gentlemen sat down. A vote of thanks to Mr. G. Cruickshank closed the proceedings. OBITUARY. Died, at Bishop Auckland, on the 28th of August, 1863, Hannah Blair, after a protracted and painful affliction, which was borne with christian fortitude and patience. She was a consistent member of the Bishop Auckland Band of Hope, from its commencement to her translation to our Father's heavenly mansion. The last hymn she sung before her quiet sleep, was one of our favourite hymns, often sung at the Band of Hope meetings, viz., "There is sweet rest in Heaven"; and the last audible sentences she uttered, were words of dying love to her dear companions in arms, The cold-water corps," exhorting them to remain faithful to the improvement of all their good graces, and to meet her in' heaven. I watched her eye light up with hope, just as she entered “the valley of the shadow of death, and she feared no evil." W. B. AFFLECK. J. BALE, Printer, 78, Great Titchfield-street, Marylebone. |