t of heathenism, separated from all dol worship, does not number less an nine thousand five hundred sons. It will thus be seen how wide ad important are the labours of the issionaries. But even these numbers not exhaust the extent of their inence. The report mentions that in elhi, there is, for example, a part of the city where is found an entire row dhouses, the occupants of which, in

sequence of the teaching of the misionaries, have ceased to serve idole, but who have not yet attached themselves to the Christian Church. Another incident is mentioned where a illage in Jessore was discovered to have a number of people possessing the New Testament, and who had formed for themselves some sort of creed out of it, having cast off the service of idols. Thus it would appear that the Gospel is like leaven, producing important results far beyond the direct range of the missionary's daily work.

But the missionaries have numerous methods of reaching the population. There is the distribution of Scriptures and tracts, the employment of Birle wen and colporteurs, the visiting from house to house, the lessons of pety given in day and Sunday schools.

It

appears that the Society sustains wenty-two day schools, having two the-usand seven hundred children under instruction, while there are more than six hundred persons seeking admission into the churches by baptism.

The Report gives a few very striking illustrations of the power of the Gospel, some of which we hope at a future time to place before our readers. We will here only give the dying testimonies of two or three of the converts the district of Backergunge, in Bengal

In this part of India the missionaries se the Rev. J. C. Page and the Rev. R. J. Ellis. During the year the cholera invaded the country, and a hundred and fifty of the native Christans had fallen a prey to its ravages.

Aradhodi was a member of the church at Sooazan. She was taken ill on a Sabbath day after attending the worship of the sanctuary. She soon was convinced that she should die ; but she was ready to go. Her pastor asked her about her hope in Christ. She said, "I did not become a Christian that I might be rich as regards the world's goods, but that I might through the infinite grace of God and the merits of His Son become a partaker of eternal happiness." She shortly asked her pastor for her remission. Much moved, he took her hand and said, Well, sister, I give you into the Lord's hands. I must go, for many are dying around, and I must be with them also." She shook hands and took farewell, and an hour after had gone to be with her Lord. She had been amongst the Christians eighteen or nineteen years, and had always borne a consistent character.

66

Horichund had been a Christian

about fifteen years. Soon after his seizure he read a portion of Scripture himself, and at his request the native pastor conversed and prayed with him. The disease rapidly overpowered him. Having rallied a little, the pastor said,

Horichund, you know that being born into this world we must die, and after that there is a judgment." He replied, "I do not fear death, since Jesus has overcome it. And as for the judgment, why should I be judged? My confidence is in the atonement of Christ." Next morning he fell asleep in Jesus, with the Bible he had been reading still resting on his breast, and apparently in the act of prayer.

These instances will suffice to show the reality of the work in which the missionaries are engaged. Myriads are even now before the throne, gathered out of these distant nations, clothed in white robes, washed in the blood of the Lamb.

We think it necessary to add, to avoid misapprehension, that the figures given above do not include the churches and missionaries in Jamaica.

GENERAL.

THE great question of interest during the past month has been the Reform Bill. The debate on the Second Reading of the Bill has occupied no less than seven or eight nights, and nearly all the most eminent members of the House of Comunions have taken part in the discussion. At the time we write the vote has not been taken, but not much doubt is entertained that the division will be in favour of the Government, who have announced their determination to "stick to their Bill" at all costs, and who, by this decision, have gathered around themselves the enthusiasm of all true Liberals, both in the House and the country. bably, by the time this page appears, the Bill will be in Committee, and the Government will have explained their intentions in regard to the great subject of the redistribution of seats. We trust that their second measure of Reform will as much deserve support as their first; and that both measures will be carried by the hearty support of all lovers of progress and of the people.

Pro

One measure-which may almost be called a measure of religious liberty-has been practically carried. The Parliamentary Oath Bill, which is intended to remove from the oath taken by Members of Parliament certain words which have always been offensive to Roman Catholic members, and to prescribe a uniform oath for Roman Catholics and Protestants alike, has been carried in the House of Commons by a very large majority, and has been accepted, though with grumbling, by the House of Lords. Lord Derby did not like the measure, of course he did not; but he did not think it desirable to come into conflict respecting it with "the other House."

While we write, our Annual Meetings are being held. We must defer remarks on them till our next number.

DOMESTIC.

DISS.-On Good Friday evening, March 30th, a public meeting was held in the Baptist Chapel, Diss, which was crowded to excess, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to the Rev. J. P. Lewis, of Diss, on his resigning the pastoral office in consequence of physical prostration. The Rev. C. Elven occupied the chair. The Rev. W. F. Gooch,

late of Fakenham, but now the elected su cessor of Mr. Lewis, opened the meeting w prayer, and addresses were delivered by t Revs. F. S. Barden, of Denton (Independen J. Webb, of Ipswich, W. Warren, of Wat field (Independent), H. Platten, of Tbs brooke, and S. B. Gooch, late of Fakenha The chairman, in his introductory remar stated that Mr. Lewis's ministry commen at Diss the last Sunday in May, 1837, and a singular coincidence terminated the Sabbath in May, 1865, thus exactly complet twenty-eight years of faithful and devote efforts; during which time he had bapt and added to the church 245 persons, besid others whom he had baptized, and who bi united with other churches. For many yea he toiled under the great disadvantage of a old inconvenient chapel, in a remote and ver ineligible site, but through his indefatigabl exertions there now in the centre of th town an elegant and commodious sanctuary erected at the cost of £2,100, the whole which is liquidated, £500 being contribut by the respective families of Mr. and Mr Lewis. In the course of the evening sentation was made to Mr. Lewis, consistin of a complete tea and coffee service, includ cream ewer, sugar basin, and salver, of be tiful workmanship and solid silver, with purse of gold. Mr. Lewis not being able be present, this splendid and costly testim nial was received on his behalf by the Rev. Webb, his friend and relative, and ackn ledged in suitable terms. The deepest sy pathy with Mr. Lewis, and the highe esteem for his character, were expressed all the speakers, and responded to by t

entire audience.

SOUTHAMPTON.-The Carlton (new Ba tist) chapel was opened for public worsh on Tuesday, March 20th. Two very impre sive sermons were preached by the Rev. A. Spurgeon, formerly pastor of the churc The services were well attended, in the ever ing especially the chapel was very full. the Thursday a public meeting was held the chapel, when addresses were delivered the following ministers of the town :-Re T. Atkins, C. Williams, S. March, T. Siss R. Caven, G. Gregg, and R. T. Skinner, of whom congratulated the church on its p success and future prospects. The chair w taken by the Rev. J. Collins, the pastor, s the collections at the three services amount to £26. During the past five years the gregation for whose use the new chapel h

been erected has worshipped in the Carlton loms, and the church, which was formed in $61, numbers at the present time upwards (140 members. The new place of worship remarkably well situated, and is a plain but abantial building. The site chosen is in a hity where a Bptist chapel was required,

surrounded by an increasing population. about £2,200 have been expended, not includthe price of the ground, and of this amount

£1,200 have been raised. The chapel will smmodate nearly 700 people, but

ments have been made for the erection af punies at some future time, by which 300 additional sittings will be secured. Thesis at present no schoolroom, but the charch and congregation intend fitting up jacons noms under the building, as soon their monetary position shall be such as to justly the outlay.

LINEHOLME.- On Good Friday, March 30th, and Sunday, April 1st, very interesting services were held in connection with the ordination and settlement of the Rev. J. Wolfenden, as pastor of the General Baptist Church, Lineholme. The Rev. D. Blagbrough, of Sowerby-bridge, gave out the prang hymn, read, and prayed. The Rev. J. Alern, of Burnley, delivered an eloquent discourse on the nature and constitution of a Christian Church. The questions to the Charch and pastor were proposed by the Rev. C. Springthorpe, of Heptonstall Slack, to which very satisfactory replies were given. Mr W. Greenwood, in responding on behalf of the Church, took occasion to refer to the

which had attended the efforts of the Jong minister during the sixteen months he and presided over them as a church, and the el, earnestness, and untiring energy he had ught to bear upon the great work of teding the Redeemer's kingdom. The Ber. W. Gray, of Birchcliff, offered the ordiat prayer. In the afternoon, the Rev. T. Gil, of Shore, conducted the preliminary serThe The Rev. R. Ingham, of Vale, delitered a solemn charge to the newly-ordained

r, from 2 Timothy ii. 16. The Rev. T. Gul concluded the service. In the evening the service was opened by the Rev. J. Wolfenden, after which the Rev. R. Hardy, of Queensbury, delivered a very practical address

the duty of church menibers to each other and to the world. On the Sunday evening blowing, the Rev. B. Wood, of Bradford, delivered the charge to the church.

on

TALTWAIN, MON.-Special services in section with the ordination of Mr. R. Jones, of Pontypool College, were held at Pugh, Talywain, Monmouthshire, March 4th and 5th.' Sermons were preached on the Sunday, morning and evening, by the Rev E. Williams, of Aberystwith, and in the afternoon, by Mr. J. Roberts, of Pontypool

College. On the Monday, at half-past ten, an address on "The Nature of a Christian Church," was given by the Rev. S. Jones, of Llanhiddel. The usual questions were proposed by the Rev. E. Williams, which were sati-factorily answered. Mr. Williams then offered the Ordination prayer. The charge to the church was given by the Rev. E. Evans, of Dowlais, and the charge to the minister by the Rev. T. Thomas, D.D., president of Pontypool College. At two o'clock an address on "The Office of Deacon was given by the Rev. E. Evans, followed by the ordination of six deacons, by the Rev. E. Williams, and a sermon by the Rev. S. Jones. At six o'clock, the Revs. J. Pritchard, of Noddfa, Abersychan, and E. Williams, preached. The several services were introduced by the Revs. E. Williams, J. Roberts, E. H. Davies, of Pontypool, D. B. Jones, of Canton, Cardiff, A. Hughes, of Blaenavon, and E. Evans, of Dowlais. The services were well attended, and deeply interesting.

ACTON.-On Thursday, April 5th, the recognition of the Rev. J. Keed, as the first pastor of the new church at Acton, took place. In the afternoon, the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel preached to a numerous attendance from "The Great Commission." A splendid marquee was fitted up, where an ample tea and cold collation was prepared, which was attended by about 300 gentlemen and ladies, and other friends. At half-past six, the public recognition was celebrated. The Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel delivered a charge to the pastor. This was replied to by the pastor in a brief sketch of the "special circumstances" surrounding and affecting his whole life, leading him to early decision for God, and early entrance on the work of. the ministry. The Rev. Jesse Hobson, of Salters' hall, London, then gave an address to the church. The Rev. Samuel Green, of Hammersmith, addressed the congregation. The Rev. Wm. Isaac, of Ealing, addressed the young. The devotional services of the day were sustained by the Revs. Philip Bailbache, of Hammersmith, W. P. Baltern, of Springvale, J. Varley, of Notting-hill, the pastor, and others. The chapel was filled in the evening, and the influence of the meeting was of the most hallowed character.

A

NEW-WELLS, MONTGOMERYSHIRE. public meeting was held at this place of worship, on Thursday evening, March 22nd, in order to present the Rev. M. Morgan, the minister of the place, with a testimonial, from his church and congregation. The Rev. E. Roberts, Newtown, commenced the service by reading and prayer. John Owen, Esq., of Dolnorwin Castle, was then appointed to the chair, and in a pointed and suitable manner he introduced and explained the chief object of the meeting. At the close of hi

address, he took a purse in his hand, the gift of Mrs. Owen, containing 25 sovereigns, and presented them, in the name of the congregation. Mr. Morgan then rose, and responded in his usual interesting and affectionate manner. Mr. John Thowles, of Llangollen College, then delivered a short speech of congratulation, and the Rev. E. Roberts, of Newtown, delivered a racy and humourous address. Other friends that were present were to address the meeting, but as the time did not allow, it was now brought to a close in the usual manner.

SHEFFIELD. The first anniversary of the settlement of the Rev. Giles Hester, as the pastor of the Cemetery-road Baptist Chapel, Sheffield, was celebrated on Wednesday, April 4th, by a tea-meeting, at which a goodly number were present. After tea a public meeting was held, presided over by the minister, when addresses were delivered by Messrs. G. Hiller, Ward, Atkinson, Middleton, Wright, Chambers, Cox, and Colman. The affairs of the Church are in a very prosperous condition. During the past year the congregation has trebled, and the Sabbath school has doubled. A Bible class has been formed, and numbers fifty young persons over sixteen years of age. Various other efforts have been put forth for carrying on the work of the church. The report showed that the expenditure had exceeded the income, in consequence of several improvements having been made in the chapel. On the motion of Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Wright, a subscription was at once entered into, and in a few minutes considerably over £20 was placed to the credit of the church.

EYTHORNE.-The usual annual services in connection with the Baptist Church at Eythorne, Kent, under the pastoral care of the Rev. C. W. Skemp, were held on Good Friday. In the morning the church assembled, when, after devotional exercises, the members' names were called over, and the balancesheets of the various funds furnished by the church and congregation for home and foreign purposes presented by Messrs. Troward and John Harvey, the treasurers. The Rev. W. T. Henderson, of Devonshire-square Chapel, London, preached an excellent sermon in the afternoon, on "The frailty of man and the imperishableness of the Gospel." In the evening, addresses of a character adapted to interest and profit the different classes which composed the large audience, were delivered by the Rev. W. Barker, of Hastings; G. E. Sargent, Esq., of Whitfield; the Rev. J. T. Bartram, of Deal; and the Rev. A. W. Heritage, of Canterbury. Between the services upwards of 300 persons sat down to tea.

SALFORD.-On Monday evening, April 2nd, the first anniversary of the settlement of

the Rev. J. L. Whitley, to the pastorate e the Baptist Chapel, St. George-street, Salford was held in the school-room beneath th chapel, when the friends sat down to a sub stantial tea. Excellent speeches were de livered by the Revs. A. Mursell, F. Buzy Dickerson Davis, M.A., L. G. Lee, Messrs P. Bury, T. Frost, Crossley, Woodhead, an Bowker. The report for the past year wa very encouraging, many additions havin been made to the church, since Mr. Whitley settlement in Salford. Salford presents a wi field of usefulness, there being more the 100,000 inhabitants in the Borough, and th being the only Baptist Chapel.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.-The Rev. Joh Brown, A.M., of Conlig, Newtownard Ireland, has accepted a unanimous invitati to succeed the late Rev. Joseph Harbottle, the pastorate of the Baptist church at Oswal twistle, Accrington, Lancashire. Mr. J Roberts, senior student of Pontypool College has accepted a unanimous invitation to th pastorate of the Baptist church, York Place Leeds.-Mr. D. Howells, of the same College has accepted a cordial invitation to become the pastor of the church at Mount Vernonstreet, Liverpool.-Mr. W. Davies, of the same College, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the churches at Llangyndeyrn and Meincian, CarmarthenshireMr. D. Davies, of the same College, ha accepted a cordial invitation from the churche at Lianvihangel, Crucorney, and Ewias Hard -The Rev. Edward Morse, late of the Hafd Swansea, has accepted a very cordial invita tion to the pastorate of the Baptist church a Pontrhydyryn, Monmouthshire.-Mr. Norris having left the Primitive Methodist connexion and resigned his charge at High Wycombe has accepted the pastorate of the Baptis church at Little Kingshill, for twelv months. Mr. Bax, late of Tunbridge Well having supplied the pulpit for six months has been elected pastor of the Baptist churc at Meopham, Kent.-The Rev. S Hawke has accepted the invitation of the church a East Dereham, Norfolk.-The Rev. W Leach, late of Plumstead Tabernacle, havin supplied the pulpit in Carmel Chapel, Wool wich, for three months, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church to con tinue his labours among them.-The Rev W. Osborn, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle has received and accepted a unanimou invitation to the pastorate of the church a Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.-The Rev. J Evans, late of Waterford, Ireland, ba accepted the unanimous invitation of th church at Pontesbury to become their pastor -Mr. Ebenezer M'Lean has accepted the invitation of the church at Greenock, Scot land.