much to both ministers and laymen at home and abroad, and which entitled him to the appellation of a brother beloved. (Applause.) He would like to recall one or two coincidences between the history of their guest and that of the Bible Christian Church in South Australia. When he was at Sunday-school he attended a class which was taught by the late Mr. George Fife Angas; his ministry began in the same year as the mission to South Australia was opened, and he was sent to the circuit which his (the speaker's) father left to come to the colony. Then for two years he had for his colleague the lamented Samuel Keen, afterwards so useful and so beloved in this colony. (Applause.) For over a score of years their guest had held the office of treasurer and of secretary to the Bible Christian Missionary Society, and he thus had direct official connection with the colony, and to his counsel and encouragement a great deal of the success of the work of their church was due. On the happiest occasions there were some sad remembrances, and they could not but regret that they no longer had amongst them Mr. Bourne's old colleague, the Rev. Samuel Keen, his friend the Rev. James Ashton, and one who had just departed, the Rev. Joseph Rock. There were, however, still living to welcome him to South Australia, the two ministers who came to the colony first, James Way and James Rowe. It was a disappointment to them all that the first-named was not present, but they were glad to see Mr. Rowe present and looking fitted for many years more of useful labour. He had referred to the denomination as a small one, although there was an inspiration in numbers, still there was some compensation for their numerical smallness. It helped them to the grace of humility. The consciousness of how much remained to be done ought to be an incentive to activity. And then again, it prevented them from feeling that undue zeal which induced some persons to think that no work could possibly succeed unless they had a hand in it. It kept them close also to the idea of the family and kinship and brotherhood. He ventured to say that this was the great charm of their gathering. They had there amongst them a brother whose career-distinguished, brilliant, and useful as it had beenthey had watched with pride from a distance, and he on the other hand had the pleasure of clasping hands with friends from whose struggles and toils he had hitherto been separated by 16,000 miles of continent and sea. The Conference could not have given a more practical proof of its confidence in Mr. Bourne, and its endorsement of the selection of the English Conference, than it had done by its unanimous vote at the commencement of its sittings that day, and it had honoured itself as much as Mr. Bourne by electing him president. He hoped Mr. Bourne fully recognised the responsibilities he had incurred in accepting the office; he had virtually placed himself under the jurisdiction of the Conference, and of course might be sent to Port Augusta or down to the South-east. (Laughter.) At least if he got leave to go to England he would return and deliver up the seals of office to his successor. (Laughter.) He hoped that he would on going home carry such a description of the place and climate as would induce many celebrated ministers to visit them during the English winter instead of going to the south of France. Mr. Bourne had met with cordial receptions in the other colonies, but he ventured to say there was no place where he would meet with a more hearty or sincere welcome from all denominations than he would in South Australia.

(To be concluded.)

IN the seventy-second year of his age, and the forty-seventh of his ministry, Br. J. Lisle died, of congestion of the lungs, at Woodchurch, in the Tenterden Circuit, early on Sunday morning, April 2nd, 1882. Feeling very unwell on the previous Tuesday afternoon, he went to bed; the doctor was fetched to see him; but before the following Tuesday he had fallen asleep in Christ, and thus had exchanged the sorrows of earth for the pleasures of heaven. He was interred at Bird's Isle, on Thursday, April 6th. Bro. Lisle laboured long and hard for his Divine Master; but his day's work is done, and he has received and is enjoying his reward; his languor and weakness are ended, and he is in that bright and pleasant land whose inhabitants never say, “I am sick." Br. Lisle entered the Itinerant Ministry among us in 1835. R. HAWKEY.

DEATHS OF MISSIONARIES.

BR. BOURNE says, "I dare say you may hear of the death of Br. J. Rock from some other quarter, but he died a few days ago, after a very painful illness, much respected." I have not received intelligence as yet from any other quarter; but it may be stated that Br. Rock has been one of our successful ministers in South Australia, for the last 25 years, having been taken into the ministry in the Colony in 1857.

By the Observer we learn that Br. W. HOOPER, of Canada, fell asleep in Jesus, on March 1st, in his sixty-fourth year. Having entered our Itinerancy in 1840, and been superannuated only at the last Conference, our dear Brother had rendered forty-one years of active and useful service to the Denomination. The first six years were spent in England; the remaining thirty-five in America. The widows and families of our departed Brethren may be assured of the prayerful interest of all the lovers of our Zion.

W. G.

EXETER HALL MISSIONARY MEETING.

THE first Exeter Hall Meeting in aid of the Bible Christian Missionary Society is appointed to be held on Monday, May the 15th. Sir. Thomas Chambers, M.P., Recorder for the City of London, will preside. Speakers, Rev. W. B. Reed, President of the Conference; Rev. W. B. Lark, Secretary; Rev. E. E. Jenkins, M.A., Wesleyan; and Rev. Dr. Ward, New Connexion. Report by Rev. W. Luke. Bible Christians in the country having friends in London would render service to our work by apprising them of this meeting, and urging them to attend. Will they please do this? A full report of the proceedings may be expected next month.

Chapels.

CHITTERTON.

THE chapel at Chillerton, Newport Circuit, Isle of Wight, has been re-opened after enlargement and repairs. About sixty additional sittings have been provided by the alterations; and a commodious vestry built. The remaining debt had been previously discharged, and in a little time it is expected that the new outlay of about one hundred pounds will be raised. The collections and tea at the re-opening services amounted to about 15. Previous to the enlargement, applicants for sittings could not be accommodated.

BOWCOMBE.

At Bowcombe, near Carisbrooke, an iron chapel to seat about ninety persons has been opened within the last few weeks for the use of the society in the place, who have within the last few years endured much hardness for the cause of Christ amongst us, having been turned out of the dwelling house in which they met, and been necessitated to hold their preaching services and class meetings in the open air, frequently in bitter weather. Nothing could exceed the heroism of this little band, headed by their class leader Br. W. Morey, and encouraged by such local preachers as the Brethren Stephen Early and Isaac Gale. At last a friend was raised up in Mr. Holt, farmer, who, though it was not in his power to sell a site, allowed the people to erect a chapel in the corner of one of the fields which he owns. The work has been carried out under the management of a committee, and among the readiest to help and advise have been the Brs. Bennett, J. Rice and W. Ash, of Gunville. At the opening tea upwards of two hundred persons attended, and at night two crowded meetings were held simultaneously, one in the chapel, the other in a roomy shed at Mr. Holt's, near at hand. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed, the sympathy of the people with this movement having been all the greater doubtless on account of the petty persecution to which the Bowcombe friends had for a long time been subjected at the hands of a few influential residents, who if their piety be equal to their zeal against dissenters in general, and Bible Christians in particular, are certainly n danger of being righteous overmuch. The cost of the little iron chapel has been about £65, £57 of which have been already raised by the people and their friends, and ere this report is printed the few pounds still needed will doubtless have been collected.

Circuits.

JUBILEE, EAST ROAD, LONDON. "SOME droppings" of the wide-spread "showers of blessing " have happily fallen upon the people of Jubilee. A few months ago a Christian Band was formed in which above thirty children, most of whom profess to love the Saviour, are being

regularly taught and trained in the knowledge and service of God. A Bible Class has also been established. The Band of Hope has, under the superintendence of Mr. Burns, been resuscitated, and is progressing. Our cause at the Jubilee suffers greatly from the removal of its friends to the suburbs, so that while some of them retain a nominal connection with the society, their absence, and the, loss of their help, are sorely felt. The Class Meetings in particular, suffer from this cause. The week-night preaching services are, notwithstanding, better attended than they have been for some time.

The two sabbaths, February 26 and March 5, were truly memorable ones. On the first of those two days, and on the Saturday evening preceding, we were favoured with the assistance of Mrs. Terrett whose praise is in many churches.. A Branch of the "White Ribbon Gospel Temperance Army" was formed, which numbers one hundred and twenty members. The work of conversion commenced immediately. Ten on February 26, and two on March 5, professed to find peace with God; besides several others who had been previously identified with the church. On the latter Sabbath a service conducted by Mr. Hall, of Penzance, was attended with great power.

In financial matters much ground for encouragement appears. During last year a sum exceeding £70 was raised towards the cost of renovating the chapel. This year in the second week of January, a bazaar was held in aid of the circuit fund, which produced £90. The manner in which the friends, both old and new, united and laboured in this effort was exceedingly gratifying. It is now in contemplation to ask no further grant to this station from the missionary fund.

The missionary services on February 5th and 7th, succeeded well. Unfavourable circumstances prevented the attendance of several good friends, so that the congregations were rather small. But the advocacy of the cause by the deputation (our worthy and able editor,) both by sermon and speech, was highly appreciated, and the collections were over £2 in advance of last year; the latter fact being largely attributable to the kindness of our excellent chairman, Mr. Heywood, of Forest Hill.

The cause at Poplar, in all respects, improves a little.

FOREST HILL AND LEE.

W.L.

THE missionary meetings at Forest Hill, and Lee, were attended by the Deputation, the Brethren Vanstone and Batt. At the Forest Hill meeting the amount raised was £6 or £7 ahead of the previous year. The aged and esteemed Dr. Cook, of the Methodist New Conneixon, was present at this meeting, and gave an excellent speech. At Lee the greatest enthusiasm was displayed, and the meeting was of the most gratifying character; and the proceeds several pounds in excess of last year. By cards and donations, the congregation hope to raise in aid of the Missionary Society £30.

MILLOM.

THE quarterly meeting of the Millom Circuit was held on Saturday. The state of the circuit was never more cheering and encouraging than at present.

There have been added to the membership during the quarter about fifty persons. The receipts were a little in excess of the disbursements. The Rev. J. Cottle received a hearty and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the circuit for the fourth year, which was willingly and cheerfully accepted. The minister and people work together in great harmony and love. March 6th.

JOHN WILLIAMS, Circuit Steward.

ST. COLUMB.

DEAR BR. BATT,-Twenty-two years ago I was labouring in this circuit as a young man on probation. Great changes have taken place in the societies and congregations since that time. Many who were then members of our churches have "died in the Lord they rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Some have joined other religious bodies, but others are still useful members with us. We enter the same houses, and enjoy the hospitality of the same friends.

Considerable improvement has been made in chapel accommodation; six commodious sanctuaries have superseded the same number of old and inconvenient ones, but the debts on some of them are too heavy. With these few introductory remarks we haste to record several encouraging items of recent spiritual and financial

success.

CHAPELS.

On December 27th, a Christmas tree and tea were held in aid of Scarcewater chapel, both were numerously attended, and the proceeds were gratifying. Excellent lamps having been obtained by which the house of the Lord "is brilliantly illuminated; " the special effort was to meet the expense. The 17 realized accomplished the object, and reduced the debt by several pounds.

In the same week a Christmas tree was exhibited and a tea provided in behalf of the schoolroom in connection with Fraddon chapel. This effort was made principally by the Sunday-school teachers. The proceeds were about £10. The debt on the estate is heavy for the strength of the people. Blackcross chapel having undergone extensive repairs was re-opened on Sunday, January 1st. Sermons were preached by the circuit ministers. On the following Friday a bazaar and tea were held; a brisk sale was carried on, and most of the things were cleared out, The cost of the renovation is about £42, and the sum of £25 has been raised, leaving a debt for the present of £17. The interior of the chapel presents a good appearance.

MISSIONARY MEETINGS.

The missionary services have been very successful. The Brethren W. J. Hocking and S. Pollard rendered us valuable aid at ten meetings, and we have held the same number by ourselves. In almost every place the receipts are in advance, and in some places are double. The total proceeds are more than 30 per cent ahead of last year.

CONNEXIONAL LITERATURE.

We are desirous that our people should read more largely our magazines, believing it would deepen their interest in the denomination and in the cause of Christ in general. We have an increase in the circulation of the Bible Christian Magazine of 50 per cent, and also an encouraging increase of the Youth's Miscellany.

SPIRITUAL SUCCESS. FIFTY PERSONS CONVERTED.

At St. Dennis special services have been held for several weeks, and many persons have professed conversion. We have a splendid congregation, a large society, and a fine lot of praying men. At Ruthross, St. Columb minor, and Whitemoor, revival influences have also been realized. Since Christmas 50 or 60 have decided to live to Christ. R. GROSE.