BIRSTALL.

ON Sunday the 30th of October, three Sermons were preached in Mount Tabor Chapel, in the morning and evening by the Rev. H. Breeden, of Halifax, and in the afternoon by Mr. Thomas Wildman, of Leeds, when collections were made towards liquidating the debt upon the organ erected about twelve months ago.

On Tuesday, 1st November, the Rev. J. Guttridge preached in the afternoon at three o'clock. After the Sermon a public tea was provided, when about two hundred sat down at half-past six o'clock. The Ex-President delivered his lecture on "Philanthrophy; or, Are we not Brothers ?" to a large and attentive audience; for nearly two hours the lecturer was listened to with intense interest, and was frequently interrupted by applause. The choir sung appro priate selections of music, which elicited a well-deserved encomium from the ex-President. Upwards of £33 were raised by collections, subscriptions, and the tea, out of the original outlay of £350. There only remains a com. paratively small debt, which is intended to be liquidated at no distant period.

At the conclusion of the lecture, a hearty and unanimous vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Guttridge for his able and instructive lecture.

BRISTOL NORTH CIRCUIT.

THE prayer of the Prophet Habakkuk, "O Lord revive Thy work," uttered nearly 2,500 years since, is equally applicable in the present day, and some of the members of the churches in connexion with the Bristol North Circuit, feeling the necessity of lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes of their Zion, addressed the annexed resolution to the principal members of the Church: "Resolved that a tea meeting, consisting of the preachers, committee of management, officers, and other friends, be held in the school-room of Milk Street Chapel, on Friday evening, Nov. 4th, to take into consideration the best means of promoting the spiritual welfare of the Circuit." Upwards of eighty sat down to partake of "the

social cup," after which the meeting was presided over by the Rev. Joseph Garside, who, in a clear and forcible manner, introduced the business of the evening. The first part was devoted to prayer, and the remainder to the following topics: Family worship, prayer meetings, attendance at the Lord's Supper, special prayer for special purposes on particular days, the necessity of members of the Church urging others to become connected with them in Church fellowship, the importance of members cultivating a devotional spirit throughout the week-which were spoken to by the circuit ministers, with Messrs. W. Tuckey, Underwood, Watts, Peters, Curnock, Distin, Moon, Garlick, Padfield, Naylor, Webster, Nelson, and other friends. All present appeared agreed that the subjects brought before them were of paramount importance; and to extend the Redeemer's kingdom it was deemed desirable that each and all should feel their undivided responsibility, and give themselves to private prayer and self-examination, and endeavour, as far as practicable, to attend all the means of grace. The meeting was of a highly interesting and spiritual character, and it is earnestly desired that the results of it may be seen in the "Sacramental hosts of God's elect," giving the Lord no rest till He establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

CARDIFF.

A COMMODIOU3 and well-constructed chapel and school-room have been built by the members of the Free Church at this important seaport, and the opening services have been held. For about eight years the United Methodist Free Church has carried on its work in a small building owned by the Society of Friends. Although very acceptable in the beginning, it soon became inadequate; and the members only waited the guidance of Providence to secure a place better adapted to their necessities, and the increasing spiritual wants of Cardiff. In the summer of 1863 a very eligible site offered itself in Guildford Street, on the Marquis of Bute's property, and steps were taken to lease the same for a term of ninety-nine years.

Messrs. Hartland and Son, architects, designed a plain, substantial building as a chapel, with a school-room in the rear; and the whole of the work has been executed in the most satisfactory The manner within twelve months. chapel will seat eight hundred comfortably. There is a room for a large Sunday-school in the attached building (which also includes vestries and outoffices), and there is abundance of room at the side of the school to erect a chapel-keeper's house, when that may be desirable. The whole will cost about £2,200. In subscriptions, and from collections at the opening services, more than £1,000 has been raised. A mortgage for £1,000 has been executed, leaving about £100 to be cleared off in three months from the time of opening.

On Wednesday, the 12th of October, the edifice was dedicated to God's service, and a very delightful day it was. The Rev. J. Colman, President of the Annual Assembly, preached at three in the afternoon, and at seven in the evening, on both of which occasions the attendance was numerous and the collections liberal. The opening services were continued on the three succeeding Sundays, viz., Oct. 16, when the Rev. T. Booth, of Bristol, and the Rev. J. Guttridge, of Sheffield, preached; and on the following Monday evening, Mr. Guttridge delivered a lecture on "Philanthrophy." The Rev. W. Reed preached on Sunday, the 23rd of Oct. and attended the tea meeting on the following day. At this meeting there was a very large attendance; between eight hundred and nine hundred tickets were sold. The meeting was presided over by John Cory, Esq., and the major part of the Dissenting ministers of the town were present. It was one of the best religious meetings ever witnessed in Cardiff. The Rev. T. B. Saul, of Preston, wound up the series on the 30th and 31st of October. On the Sunday he delivered two sermons, and lectured the following night on, "The Life and Times of Richard Baxter."

Mr. William Watkiss has commenced his labours in the circuit, and will continue for some months. There is great hope for the church which has now obtained a suitable place for Christian worship; and our hope is that its erection may redound to God's glory and the salvation of many souls! W. W.

CREWE.

THE Anniversary sermons in connection with our Chapel in this place, were preached on Sunday, October the 30th, by the Rev. C. Worboys, the resident Minister. In the afternoon there was an excellent congregation, and in the evening the Chapel was crowded.

On Monday, the 31st, the annual tea meeting was held, when four hundred and fifty partook of tea in the Corn Exchange, the use of which was kindly granted by the proprietor, free of charge. Mr. G. Slater, of the Northwich Circuit presided, and in the course of a very interesting speech, congratulated the friends on the fact, that their society was keeping pace with the improving character of the town, and contrasted the state of society and religious customs in England with those of some Continental towns he had visited; especially in the mode of observing the Lord's day.

The Rev. G. Sarvent spoke of the progress that had been made in the Church and congregation, and enlarged upon the necessity of reducing the debt, £750, on the chapel. From the manner in which the question was entertained by the people, we may expect something to be done in relation to that important

OUR friends will be glad to hear that we are still progressing in this corner of the Lord's Vineyard. On Monday, the 14th inst., a Public Tea meeting was held in our chapel, when upwards of two hundred sat down to Tea. After Tea a Public Meeting was held, at which many others favoured us with their presence. We again secured the services of our much esteemed friend, Mr. William Clarke (a friend indeed to our cause,) who presided over the meeting. The Chairman addressed himself to the business of the meeting, with a zest which at once fired the hearts of

the people. After a few introductory remarks by the Circuit Preacher (Rev. G. Lowndes), stating the objects of the meeting, some heartfelt and stirring addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Gay, Rev. H. Ward, Messrs. S. Smith (Framlingham,) J. Poock, R. Reeve, and W. Miller, Ipswich, keeping up the unabating interest of the meeting until after 10 o'clock. The object of the meeting, was to aid the special efforts now being made, to defray cer tain expenses incurred in placing a small organ in our Chapel. Collecting books are in the hands of most of the friends, and by these means, together with the proceeds of the Tea, we are expecting very shortly to pay off the entire amount. The want of an instrument to improve our congregational singing pressed somewhat heavily on the minds of the friends for sometime, until at length it was resolved that a small one should be purchased; this has been done and our congregations have very much improved. The effort is now being made to clear off the balance, and we are happy to say with every prospect of success. The result of our gathering was gratifying to all present, and a spirit of kindliness and thorough heartiness pervaded the whole meeting. To God alone be all the praise.

LEEDS.

THE Annual Missionary sermons were preached on Sunday, 16th of October, by the Rev. S. Antliffe, of Derby, and Rev. G. Warne in the afternoon. On the Monday morning, a goodly number sat down to an excellent breakfast, in the spacious Town Hall, the ladies of Lady Lane gratuitously providing the needful, after which the chair was taken by Charles Carr, Esq. The meeting was addressed by the Revs. W. Patterson, T. Hacking, R. D. Maud, J. Myers, J. Hirst, G. Hargreaves, and Mr. Jerdale.

The evening meeting was afterwards held in Lady Lane Chapel. W. Hunt, Esq., presiding with great ability and fervour. Eloquent addresses were delivered by the Revs. G. Warne, S. Antliffe, J. Myers, W. Patterson, J. Hirst, and Messrs. Edwards, Baker, Carr, and Steeles.

The total amount contributed by the Leed's Circuit for the past year was £518 1 11.

Our Juvenile Missionary Auxiliaries work well, and we are very happy to learn that our esteemed friend, the Rev. J. Hirst, has now in the Press, No. I. of a series of responsive dialogues, suitable for recitations at our Juvenile Missionary meetings-a serial that is much needed, and we doubt not, will be very warmly appreciated.

LEEDS.-SCHOLEY-HILL.

SOME time ago the Earl of Mexborough visited his Yorkshire estates, and, observing very inconvenient chapel accommodation at Scholey-hill, near Methley, his Lordship determined to find a more suitable place. The old road-side smithshop, in which the church worshipped, was pulled down, and on its site he erected a very pretty chapel. On Sunday, the 25th ult., Brother Lewis, of Leeds, preached the opening sermons; and on the following day a public tea-meeting was provided. The chair was ably filled by Mr. J. Blackburn, of Hunslet. Earnest and eloquent addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Hirst, and Messrs. Wildman, Dalby, and Riesfield, of Leeds; the proceedings being varied by select pieces from the Messiah, by the Methley and Castleford choirs. At half-past nine this most interesting meeting closed with a vote of thanks to our worthy Chairman.

MANCHESTER - GROSVENOR STREET CIRCUIT. THE fourth anniversary of the opening of our chapel at Openshaw, was com memorated on Sunday, October 30th, when sermons were preached by the Revs. S. Macfarlane, J. Colman, (President), and John Mann. On the Saturday following, the congregational soirée was held, and was attended with great interest and success. Mr. John Millen presided, and addresses upon topics previously selected, were given by the Revs. John Mann and Joseph Colman, and Mr. J. H. Crosfield. The meeting was also briefly addressed by the Rev. J. Whittles, the resident minister, Wm. Howe, Esq., of the Lever Street Circuit, Messrs. H. Jones, and E. Tudor; and the chapel choir at intervals discoursed sweet music.

The Openshaw church is the youngest but one of the nine churches forming

the Circuit, but is now second to none but the parent Church. The following items from the report given by the Church Secretary may be inter esting. During the year, the chapel debt has been reduced by £40: amount raised for the ministry, £47; for the school, £31; for missions, £18; and for the poor, £6. The number of Church members is one hundred and ten; teachers, fifty-eight; scholars, five hundred and six. A few months ago, a mission school was opened about half-a-mile from the chapel; and a local plan has been formed, on which the names of fifteen brethren connected with this Church are found, for conducting Sabbath evening service there, and for holding week-night cottage meetings. Successful day-schools are in operation at both places; at the principal school under a certificated master, and at the mission under a mistress. In the summer, two campmeetings were held; and a Sabbath visitation was undertaken, in the course of which nearly 3,000 houses were visited and personal invitations given. A fortnight's special services have recently been held, and will be followed by similar services at the mission. More systematic and extensive operations for Tract distribution are in con. templation. During the winter, popular lectures will be given monthly; and temperance meetings will alternate fortnightly with the meetings of the Improvement Society.

The neighbourhood is a hard quarry to work, being almost overrun with bigotry, public-houses, infidelity, and their consequent indifference to religion; but the workmen of the Church are united and persistent, and intend by the blessing of God to go on drilling the rock here and there, and waiting patiently for the time when the Spirit of God, perhaps, with a mighty blast, shall shake the kingdom of Satan, and out of its ruins build up a noble and enduring church. J. H. C. NOTTINGHAM DISTRICT

MEETING.

THE Autumnal meeting of this District was held at Mansfield, on Tuesday, October 18, 1864, presided over by the Rev. A. Gilbert. All the Circuits in the district were represented, except Cromford and Tamworth.

The morning sitting was chiefly oc cupied in hearing reports of the spiritual state of the Circuits. The Circuits generally were reported to be in a healthy state.

It was reported to the meeting that the Nottingham Circuit had given an unanimous invitation to the Connexional Committee to arrange for the next Annual Assembly, and a resolution was adopted by the District meeting cordially approving what Nottingham had done, and unanimously promising support if needed.

A resolution expressing deep sym. pathy with the Rev. J. Caughey in his affliction, was passed by the meeting, and praying that his health may be speedily restored, that he may return to his work of preaching Christ unto the people.

A missionary meeting was held in the Chapel in the evening, presided over by R. M. Watson, Esq. He rejoiced to see our Free Churches were Missionary in their character, and that so many were successfully engaged in the Missionary enterprise. The meeting was addressed by Rev. J. S. Rendal, Mr. J. Mills, Rev. J. Schofield, Rev. J. W. Ackrill, and by Rev. C. H. Calhoun. This gentleman, who has been for twenty-seven years labouring in the Turkish Empire, under the American Board of Missions, and has, for the last seventeen years, been labouring in Syria and the Holy Land-charmed the meeting by his vivid descriptions of scenes and places which the Saviour had trod. He gave a very glowing account of the prayers of the faithful at the foot of Mount Lebanon, and if his health should be restored he will return to his Church, there to labour and die. He had already taken possession of the ground, by burying the bones of those he loved, and he be lieved the time was coming when the Lord would take full possession of the the land.

A vote of thanks to the Chair, and to the ladies for the tea, closed the first Missionary meeting. J. MILLS, Secretary of the District.

SWANSEA CIRCUIT,

OUR Chapel having been closed a month for repairs, cleaning, and painting, was re-opened on Lord's-day,

November 13th, when two Evangelical sermons were preached by the Rev. G. Fysh, of Newport, and in the afternoon the Rev. W. Williams, of Swansea, preached an excellent sermon on the importance, difficulties, and reward of patient continuance in well doing. The weather was unfavourable, but the attendance was encouraging. On the following Thursday, we held a teameeting which was well attended and very harmonious and pleasant. After tea our respected friend, Mr. Symons, occupied the chair, and addresses were delivered by the brethren, B. Davison, J. H. Adams, J. Bath, J. Palmer, T. James, G. Adams, J. P. Distin, J. Northcott, and the Circuit minister. The Chapel, which on the whole is a good one, had for some time greatly needed repairing

and renovating; indeed it had become very uncomfortable and unattractive. The work had been delayed partly, no doubt, for want of means. But a vigo rous effort has at length been made with good results; the chapel is now in a much more becoming and comfortable condition, its appearance is greatly improved, and the expenses, though considerable, have to a great extent been raised. While the Chapel was closed, we held our Sabbath services in the Town Hall, kindly lent by the Mayor. As a Church we are not without signs of spiritual prosperity. May the great Head of the Church fill our sanctuary with His gracious presence, and fulfil the precious promise, "I will glorify the house of my glory."

PEACE is not yet completely restored in New Zealand. "Only the natives of the East Coast have actually submitted. The rebel chief Rewi continues his resistance, and Thompson has not come in. The rich Waikato district, however, appears to have been abandoned by the powerful tribes formerly settled there. Taranaki, where the rebels have a strong position, will probably be the scene of the next operations. The reduction of that district may take a longer or shorter time, but the way to the final subjugation of the Maories now seems clear."

In various parts of China converts are made to the truth, and thus decisive evidence is afforded that the Chinese mind is not so stolid and incapable of appreciating Christianity as some have declared. The labours of our New Connexion brethren, Messrs. Innocent and Hall, in Tien-tein, have already been crowned with an encouraging measure of success. They have baptised fourteen converte, among whom are three intelligent and devoted local preachers. Amoy has again been the scene of religions revival. The missionaries of the London Missionary Society report, that in one of their stations (KwanK'au) six converts were baptised on one Sabbath; and that, in the city of Amoy, they have baptised ten persons in six months.

The well-known missionary ship,

CHARLES R. HOPPER.

John Williams, which was built by the contributions of the juvenile supporters of the London Missionary Society, has been lost. She struck on a reef off Danger Island, and soon afterwards went to pieces. She had forty-one souls on board; happily all were saved.

The Rev. R. R. Meadows publishes some interesting facts in relation to the religious revival which occurred in the Sivagasi District, Tinnevelly, India. Having referred to some instances of decline and apostacy, he adds,-" With these few exceptions, time has proved the reality of the revival; the converts are adorning their profession, the baptised are becoming communicants, the communicants have been growing in grace and knowledge. The congregation at Pudhur, a distinct fruit of the revival, and numbering now sixty-one persons, is going on most satisfactorily. I think, therefore, that we cannot but thank God for his favour to us in 1860, and the continuation of it now.' The Rev. H. Baker, of the Travancore Church Mission, has, within a brief period, baptised two hundred and fifty-six souls.

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The Rev. M. Ferguson, Presbyterian Chaplain of Her Majesty's 71st regiment, has commenced a mission in the territory of the Chumba, in the depths of the Himalayah; his truly Apostolic labours have been signally owned by