ling of the bell of Time, which tells that another, and another, and other, are gone before us; through noiseless rush of a world which is

ng down with gigantic footsteps

into nothingness; let not the Christian slack his hand from work; for he that doeth the will of God may defy hell Itself to quench his immortality.

MISSION WORK IN CEYLON. THERE are few places in the world pre beautiful than the island of rion. Glorious mountain scenery,

with vegetation and flowers of the most gorgeous hue, the foliage ever green and fresh, affords to the traveller mong its forests and desolate cities he most exquisite delight. Everythere are found traces of a population at has faded away, and of a state of eperity and wealth which the prent inhabitants know only by traition. Enormous tanks, the resort elephants, choked with trees; the ykes broken that retained the waters, ear to the ruins of temples and cities fmassive architecture, show that in mer ages there existed a high civiliation, an artistic culture which it is in vain to look for now. The populaGo must have been, in times long neby, far more numerous than now, de the religious faith of the people vas a vigorous and living thing.

Ceylon is now inhabited by two disnct races. The northern portion has en colonised from the continent of India. The people are Hindus in rezion, and they speak the Tamil ngue. They have brought with hem the superstitious idolatry of their native homes, so that Jaffera is the

at of the worship of the gods of Hindustan. The central and southern districts are inhabited by the true Singhalese. They are followers of Buddha. Their language, though allied to the Sanscrit, is founded on the ancient Pali, which was probably the

vulgar tongue of Magadha, the original seat of the religion of Buddha. The Singhalese are a branch of the great Aryan race which colonised southern India, and amongst whom both Brahminism and Buddhism had their rise.

It is among the Singhalese that our missionaries labour. The mission was commenced about fifty years ago by the late excellent Mr. Chater, and has made such progress that fourteen or fifteen native churches, containing 450 members, have been formed. About fourteen or fifteen hundred persons are connected with these congregations, the great majority of whom have been brought out of the darkness and apathy of Buddhism to the glorious light of the Gospel.

At

seventy-four stations, most of them situated in the depths of the forests, the word of God is preached by the missionaries, and by their eighteen native helpers. Thus day by day large numbers of persons hear the word of God, and we rejoice to know that it is not preached in vain.

During last year sixty-eight persons were baptized, a number beyond any previous accession to the churches in a single year. This would seem to bo owing, under the blessing of God, to the excitement which has of late sprung up in the very bosom of the Buddhist community itself. For many long years the priests appear to have looked upon the labours of the missionaries of all denominations with indifference and contempt. The sure

but silent progress of truth seems at last to have disturbed their apathy. They begin to fear that the Gospel will rob them of their adherents, and will overthrow the effête system of which they form a part. Hence in various places Buddhist priests have announced lectures on Christianity, and have challenged the native Christians to controversy. Such a discussion took place last year at Waragodde, in which the pastor of the Gonawelle, Juan Silver, encountered the Buddhist champion. Another took place in the Kandy district, when the Christian advocates had to confront no fewer than seven priests. The result was the overthrow of the priests, and the confirmation of the disciples of Christ in His faith and word. It is worthy of notice that the priests have not been slow to avail themselves of the sceptical writings of Parker, Newman, and Colenso.

The reports from the stations contain some interesting narratives of conversions. The wife of one of the members of, the Kandy church was baptized last year. Her husband had been a follower of Buddha; but through the exertions of the Christian brethren had become a Christian three years before. Now, through his influence his wife has been brought to the Saviour, giving satisfactory evidence that she was living in Christ, and was being led by the Holy Spirit. One old man, between seventy and eighty years of age, has been baptized, renouncing in his last days the faith of his fathers.

Another person who was seeking baptism, and had been an inquirer for a long time, died before his wish could be realised. He was shot by the accidental discharge of a gun which he had laid in his garden to destroy porcupines. After lingering a day, in the night of August 30, just as the usual prayer-meeting at his house had been

concluded, he departed in the Lord, in faith.

Another death of deep interest occurred here in April, that of a young man named Hawadiya. He had been an ignorant Buddhist, the son of parents still more stupid and stubborn in their superstitions. On account el illness he was never able to attend the Sunday services, and, indeed, neve even saw the schoolroom; bu through the conversations of ou brother M. Perera, and the reading o books, especially that precious a universally known "Come to Jesus.' he was led to a simple faitl in the Saviour, and a joy in the Holy Ghost, which, contrasted with hi former condition, were truly astound ing. His peace and joy in sicknes and death demonstrated to his neigh bours the infinite superiority of the blessed Gospel to their own fruitless fancies, and will continue to be "te the Lord for a name and a sign among them for a long time to come.

During the last few years a spirit of liberality has been growing among the churches, and each year a considerable sum is raised among them for missionary purposes. Two or three of the churches raise sufficient to support their own pastors.

The mission has lost, by the death of the Rev. James Allen, a faithful and ardent worker in the Lord's vineyard. For more than twenty years he toiled in his Master's service; but now he rests from his labours, having won the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. Two brethren only are left upon the spot to carry on the work-the Revs. H. R. Pigott and J. Waldock. The Rev. C. Corter is in this country diligently engaged in his new translation of God's Word. Who will go to fill up the place of the lost one? Is there no one ready to say 'Here am I, Lord, send me!"

DOMESTIC.

WANSEA.-The Rev. C. Short, M.A., of nt Pleasant Chapel, Swansea, having aced an invitation to the pastorate of the get Church, Sheffield, his friends deterd to manifest their love for him by prehim with a testimonial. Among the ribers were members of all religious , and the borough and county members iament, as well as the Mayor and exer of Swansea. On Tuesday, Aug. 28, lic tea-meeting was held, at which a large company sat down. After tea, the pany adjourned to the chapel, and a public ating was held. E. M. Richards, Esq.,

of the congregation, was called to the air, and was supported by a large number Eministers, and by the deacons of the church. The Chairman said he felt pleasure and pain

that occasion-pain that the church was about losing the services of a very able and good man, but pleasure that at the close of a inistry extending over fifteen years, Mr. art still lived in the affections of all who tew him. He then called upon the senior Moon, Mr. Caulker, who spoke to the good eling which had existed ever since Mr Short ad been in Swansea, and expressed his regret at a ministry so efficient and happy should disturbed. He then presented Mr. Short ith a parse, containing £156 78. 61., as a en of love from the church congregation other friends. The Rev. D. M. Evans, Lanelly, spoke of the esteem in which Mr. Shart was held in the neighbourhood. The Rev. J. Bailey, of Cardiff, and a number of

ministers, also addressed the meeting. HELL.-The Baptist Church and congreration heretofore meeting in Salthouse-lane Chapel, have long felt the necessity of a more tral and commodious place of worship. Sath-street Chapel, for many years the scene the Rev. John Pulsford's ministry, having recently been offered to them, they at once animously resolved to purchase it. After painting, cleaning, and repairs, they have tered their new sanctuary, and have celebrated the event by a series of opening serrices. On Friday evening, August 17, a patdie prayer-meeting was held under the Presidency of the Rev. L. B. Brown, pastor of the church, and addressed by the Rev. James Macpherson. On Sabbath, the 19th, two erons were preached; in the morning by the Rev. L. B. Brown, and in the evening by the Rev. H. Ollerenshaw. On Sabbath, the 26th, also, two sermons were preached; in the Burning by the Rev. A. Dodgson, and in the evening by the Rev. L. B. Brown. On Monday, the 27th, a public tea-meeting was held

in the Sailors' Institute, when a large com pany sat down to tea, gratuitously provided by the ladies of the congregation. Speeches were delivered by the Revs. A. Jukes, B.A., J. F. Smith, A. Bowden (Driffield), R. Bayley (Scarboro'), J. Macpherson, L. B. Brown; and also by J. Dalton, Esq., W. Raynor, Esq., S. J. H. Hill, Esq., solicitor, &c. Hearty greetings were offered to pastor and people on their improved position and the very cheering prospects that now appear to lie before them. Collections and attendance were exceedingly good throughout.

BATH.-On Tuesday, Aug. 28, a social teameeting was held in the schoolroom connected with Somerset-street chapel, Bath, to commemorate the twenty-seventh anniversary of the Rev. D. Wassell's pastorate, and to welcome the Rev. J. Davis, late of Arlington, as co-pastor. About 130 partook of tea. At seven o'clock a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. Wassell, who, after singing and prayer, gave, in an eloquent address, an admirable summary of his twenty-seven years' labour, referred to the great changes which time had wrought in the church and in the general character of the people of Bath since he first came among them; and also gave expression to his earnest desire for the comfort and success of his colleague, Mr. Davis. The Revs. J. Huntly, J. Bromley, and W. Dyer, afterwards delivered excellent addresses, expressing their high appreciation of Mr. Wassell's mental endowments, and catholic and Christian spirit, and desiring for Mr. Davis a course of much happiness and usefulness. Mr. Davis briefly stated some reasons why he hoped and believed Mr. Wassell and himself should co-operate harmoniously and successfully, and also thanked both pastor, ministers, and people, for their warm welcome. meeting was crowded and enthusiastic. After a vote of thanks to the ministers for their presence and sympathy, the benediction was pronounced, and this interesting service brought to a close.

The

TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE.- On Thursday, August 16, the new Baptist Chapel in this place was opened for the worship of God. In the morning at half-past ten o'clock, the Church assembled for special prayer and supplication. At two o'clock p.m., the Rev. Stowell Brown of Liverpool, preached from 1 Cor. i. 19, 21, and again in the evening from Luke xii. 49, 50. On Lord's-day, the 19th, the opening services were continued, when the Rev. Dr. Burns, of London, preached to crowded congregations in the afternoon from Ezra vii. 22, and in the evening from Haggai ii. 9. The collections

On

on the two days amounted to £115 168. Monday, the 20th, a tea-meeting was held in the Town-hall, when about four hundred persons sat down; and in the evening, at six o'clock, a public meeting was held in the chapel, which was crowded to success. The chair was taken by Mr. James Aston, of Brassey Green, and eloquent and impressive addresses were delivered by the Revs. Dr. Burns, J. Marshall (Independent), J. Johnson (Wesleyan), T. Bateman (Primitive Methodist), R. Dutton, and E. Bott, pastor of the church. The chapel is in the Gothic style, and of red brick with stone facings. The entire cost will be about £1,330, towards which upwards of £1,060 have been raised by subscription and opening services.

MIDDLETON TEESDALE.-On Sunday and Monday, August 26 and 27, interesting services were held at Hude Chapel, Middleton Teesdale, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. W. Lionel Green, formerly of Regent's Park College. The Rev. Dr. Angus, president of the college, preached two powerful sermons on the morning and evening of the Sabbath. On the Monday, afternoon and evening services were held. In the afternoon the Rev. Dr. Angus delivered the charge to the minister, the Rev. W. Fawcett, of Crosby Garrett, the charge to the church. The Revs. J. H. Lummis, T. H. Pattison, late pastor of the church, P. W. Grant, P. Gibb, and J. Hoyle, B. A., as well as the pastor, took part in this service. In the evening Dr. Angus presided at a public meeting, when addresses fraught with kindly counsel to church and pastor, were delivered by the Revs. T. H. Pattison, P. W. Grant, J. Hoyle, B.A. (Independent), J. W. Lummis, W. Darwent (Independent), W. Graham (Primitive Methodist), W. T. Adey, and W. Fawcett. The pastor, on his own behalf and that of the church, thanked his brethren for the kind help they had rendered.

BARNES, SURREY. - The new Baptist chapel recently erected in this village was opened for public worship on Monday, September 10. In the afternoon the Rev. Arthur Mursell preached from Hebrews ix. 24-28. The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Blake, of Brentford, and Green and Bailhache, of Hammersmith. About fifty friends took tea in the chapel at the close of the service. In the evening a public meeting was held, Mr. I. B. Nicholson in the chair. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Acton, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs. Green, Bailbache, and Perrat, of Hammersmith, Cox (Independent), of Putney, by the chairman, by Mr. George Vavaseur, of Barnes, and by Mr. Nicholson, senior. The entire cost of the building is £450, towards which £200 have been contributed or promised. The friends who have engaged in

this undertaking are earnestly desirous o raising the remaining £250 before the end a December, and to enter upon the new year fre from debt.

ARCHER-STREET CHAPEL, DARLINGTON, -On Tuesday evening, August 28, a meeting was held in this place in connection with the settlement of the Rev. W. T. Adey as 00 pastor with the Rev. P. W. Grant. T Rev. T. Green opened the meeting wit prayer, after which the Rev. W. Long, Stockton, asked the questions usually put t such occasions, to which Mr. Adey appropt ately replied. The Rev. E. Adey, the fath of the young minister, then offered up a me fervent and impressive prayer in behalf of h son, who was then addressed by Dr. Angust the duties of the pastoral office, and the spiriti which they ought to be discharged. Then is lowed a most impressive and interesting addre to the church by the Rev. W. Fawcett. Th ministers of the town, in succession, spoke few words of kind encouragement to the youn minister and the church. The Rev. P. W Grant, the senior minister of the church brought the proceedings to a close by prayer.

PRAED-STREET CHAPEL, PADDINGTONOn Monday evening, August 20, a soirée was held in this chapel, for the purpose of grate fully recognising the abundant blessing of God bestowed upon the labours of the Rev. J. Clifford, M.A., LL.B., during his pastorate of upwards of seven years, and to afford an opportunity for the expression of the unabated attachment of the church and congregation his ministry. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. T. P. Dexter and William Morgat (deacons of the church), with special reference to the usefulness, happiness, and prosperity the church during the last seven years. purse, containing sixty pounds, was presented to the minister as a token of the love and regard of the people for him. Mr. E. Cayf ri spoke on behalf of the contributors, and testified to the thorough heartiness and cheerfulness with which all had aided in the effort.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.-The Rev. R. G. Moses, B. A., has resigned the pastorate of the church at St. Clements, Norwich, -The Rev. J. E. Sargent having resigned the pastorate of the church at Wyken, near Coventry (which he has held for more than fourteen years), has accepted a unanimous invitation from the church st Burslem, and will enter on his stated labours the first Sunday in September.-Mr. Haddock a student of the North Wales Baptist College, has accepted a unanimous call of the Baptist church at Twyngwyr, Monmouthshire-The Rev. J. R. Taylor, of Rishworth, Yorkshire, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church in Agard-street, Derby, and enters upon his labours with pleasing prospects of usefulness.

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