for the Master, we crave for our Mission renewed interest."

The Treasurer, Mr. Henry Cooper, read the financial statement for the year supplementing it with some telling remarks respecting the history of this Mission, and some changes that have taken place, owing to deaths and other causes, amongst its friends. But still the work was going on with encouraging tokens of the Divine blessing; the receipts for the year, including previous balance in hand, hạd been £492 10s. 41d.; the expenditure £360 19s. 9d., leaving a present balance in hand of £131 10s. 74d.

The chairman having made some suitable comments upon the report and statement, called upon Mr. Styles to move the first resolution, viz.,

"That the report now presented be adopted, and circulated under the direction of the committee; and that we gratefully acknowledge the success accorded to the Strict Baptist Mission by our gracious God during the past year; also that our very cordial thanks be given to our retiring secretary, Mr. R. Hoddy, for the efficient way in which he has discharged the duties which have devolved upon him."

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Masterson, and unanimously adopted. Mr. R. Hoddy, in returning thanks for the kind manner in which his humble services, during the five or six years he had been secretary, had been acknowledged by the present meeting, said his retirement was not owing to any diminution of interest in the Mission, for that had increased as time went on. Other duties, however, in the providence of God, having lately devolved upon him in connection with the Gospel Herald and Voice of Truth, he had found it impossible to get through the work connected with both engagements. He trusted and believed our zealous young brother, Mr. Thomas Wakelin, who had been chosen as his successor, would prove himself worthy of our confidence and regard in the manner in which he would fulfil the duties he had been requested and undertaken to discharge.

The second resolution was moved by Mr. Langford, seconded by Mr. Myerson, supported by Mr. Levinsohn, and carried unanimously, viz.,

"That the following gentlemen (names as read) be the officers for the ensuing year, with power to add to their number at any monthly meeting of the committee; and that all who regard the Strict Baptist Mission with interest, be entreated to redouble their efforts for its welfare during the coming year."

The collection was now made, which, with that of the afternoon, amounted to £8.

The third resolution was moved by Mr. Henry Hall, and seconded by Mr. James Griffith, and cordially adopted, viz.,

"That considering that the Strict Baptist Mission is in accordance with the views and practices of the Strict and Particular Baptist Churches, all such churches that have not hitherto supported it be affectionately desired to aid it by their sympathy, supplications, and support during the forthcoming twelve

months.

The fourth resolution was moved by Mr. Josiah Briscoe, and seconded by Mr. R. Hoddy, being as follows:

"That the cordial thanks of this meeting be given to our chairman, Mr. W. Kennard, for presiding; to Mr. Forman, for his able discourse in the afternoon; and to the pastor and deacons of this place for the use of their chapel and the kindly reception they have accorded to us."

This was put to the meeting, and very heartily assented to. The chairman having suitably responded, and likewise Mr. Forman, the doxology was sung, and the chairman pronounced the benediction.

Our highly esteemed brother, Mr. James Woodard, being still unable, from mental and physical weakness, to discharge the duties of the presidency of this Mission, his family, on his behalf, have withdrawn his name. The committee desire most earnestly to express their deep sense of the zeal and ability with which our dear brother laboured for the Mission during his connection with it prior to the heavy affliction which our heavenly Father has permitted to fall upon him. Also their heartfelt sym

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pathy with his beloved partner and family under this very heavy trial.

It is with much pleasure that this opportunity is taken of informing

our friends that Mr. Hazelton, pastor of the church at Mount Zion, Chadwellstreet, has kindly consented to be the president of this institution.

MOUNT ZION CHAPEL, HILL-STREET,
DORSET-SQUare.

THE forty-fourth annual meeting of the subscribers and friends of the Sabbath schools in connection with the above place of worship was held on Tuesday, 2nd ult. A goodly company met by half-past five o'clock, filling every available space in the schoolroom and vestry, and overflowing to the number of some 50 or 60 friends into the chapel, numbering in all about 220 persons, and partook of a bountifully provided tea.

A public meeting was held in the chapel at 6.30; the body of the chapel was fairly filled, and a number of friends occupied the galleries. The chair was taken by our esteemed pastor, Mr. G. W. Shepherd; and the following ministerial brethren were present to address the meeting: Messrs. Anderson, Reynolds, R. E. Sears, Box and Meeres; Mr. Styles being prevented from attending in consequence of the Strict Baptist Mission meeting being held at the same time, and at which he was present. After singing a part of the usual hymn of welcome,

The chairman read the 104th Psalm, and then called upon our esteemed brother Tinson, the superintendent of the schools, to engage in prayer.

In a fervent manner the Divine blessing was implored upon the work of the past year; those who have engaged in it; and upon the present meeting. We think the heart of every Christian present ascended with our brother's; and before we parted, realized the fact that God had heard, and regarded, our request. The chairman, in a few introductory remarks, expressed the great pleasure he felt in meeting his friends once again in connection with a cause in which he felt an ever-growing interest. That his heart and soul were in sympathy with the work of the Sabbath school, was a fact which he thought was known and felt by both teachers and children. He rejoiced that the school was favoured with so excellent a superintendent and so efficient a staff of teachers,

and wished for both great success in their labours.

The secretary, Mr. C. C. Harris, then read a most encouraging and well-written report, from which the following are extracts:

"We are grateful that we have had some fruits from our labours during the past year, for eight of our scholars and former scholars have been baptized and added to the church; there are others also, we trust, whose desire is to know where the dear Shepherd causes His flock to rest at noon. Our annual meeting last November greatly encouraged us, the presence of so many friends proving that our cause had an interest in their affections.

"The week evening Bible-class was conducted jointly by our pastor and Brother Wilson during the winter months, concluding by the end of March. This class has commenced for the present session under our pastor's care, and meets in the schoolroom every Wednesday evening after the chapel service, from 8.15 to 9.15. A very interesting series of subjects is under consideration, and young persons are affectionately invited to attend.

"On July 27th, we took our scholars, young and old, to Edgware, when, favoured with beautiful sunshine, we all enjoyed the green fields and pure air. Surely all the mercies connected with such an outing, free from accident, should be thankfully ascribed to Him who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

"September 19th, our dear pastor preached two sermons, and the collections, amounting to £20 10s. 3d., were devoted to the school funds. We thank our friends for their generous response to the appeal then made. In the afternoon of the same day, the certificates that our scholars had obtained at the Sundayschool Union examination in February were given to them by our pastor, together with a prize from your committee to each scholar who had gained a firstclass certificate, of which there were five. Altogether fifteen certificates were gained

by our scholars, viz.: senior divisiontwo first-class certificates, four secondclass ditto; junior division--three firstclass certificates, six second-class ditto. The subject of examination was Christ's Sermon on the Mount.'

"During the year, quarterly services for the scholars have been held in the chapel by our pastor; we trust the instruction then imparted may have found an abiding place in the minds of our young friends. Our library contains about 524 volumes, and is used by about 72 girls and 66 boys. Our band of hope numbers 70 members; we trust the influences used may help to stem the terrible current of intemperance. The tract society quietly pursues its labours, and distributed over 6,000 good, sound, useful tracts during the past year.

"We have on our books 23 teachers, including officers, all members of the church. Average attendance: morning, 14; afternoon, 15. Scholars: 140 boys, 148 girls. Average attendance: morning, 106; afternoon, 185. Our scholars contributed £2 110s. 10d. to the centenary fund of the Sunday-school Union. Financial statement: receipts, £52 5s. 11d.; disbursements, £45 13s. 11d."

After singing 895 hymn in Denham's Selection, Mr. Anderson moved the adoption of the report, &c., in a very hearty manner, and then proceeded to speak upon the subject assigned, viz.: "The teacher's Teacher," founded on the words in Job xxxvi. 22. After a very appropriate introduction, pointing out that the Holy Spirit is in a special manner to be understood as the Teacher's Teacher, the speaker pointed out that His teaching was absolutely necessary. "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." It was also always efficient; it mattered not whether the person were naturally wise or foolish. The wise of this world are in spiritual things "fools without this teaching," and "fools" in the world's estimation are by this teaching made "wise unto salvation." There are certain things which must be learned in the Holy Spirit's school to enable us to be of use in His kingdom; and it is the work and office of the same Spirit to give us the capacity to learn these said truths. First, He teaches those He takes in hand their own depravity. This is a very humbling lesson, and often takes a good while to learn, especially is it so in the

case of those who have been seeking to cover themselves with their own righteousness. Secondly, He reveals the glorious remedy, and thus works upon the life He has bestowed, and causes hope and love to spring up in the soul. The grace, the glory, and the suitability of the gospel, striking the heart of the sensible sinner, awakens a desire there to speak to others of this blessed theme-of a precious Christ And what more blessed work can be found for such, than teaching the children the way of salvation!

Mr. Reynolds, having been introduced to the friends by the Chairman in affectionate terms, it being his first visit to Mount Zion, cordially seconded the adoption of the Report, &c., and proceeded to speak upon "The teachers' preparation," founding his remarks upon Psa. li. 7—13; and went on to say that-1st, Regeneration was necessary as a preparation for the teacher. 2nd, The felt presence of the Holy Spirit was necessary. 3rd, It was necessary to consider the greatness and grandcur of the salvation the teacher was called to point out. It is God's salvation. It is needful to realize the joy of it in the heart. The salvation itself can never fail, although the joy of it may. Hence the Psalmist does not pray that God would restore his salvation, as if there had been any decay in it; but he asks for a restoration of the joy of it. Every child of God, more or less, has learned this by experience. Clouds have often risen and hid the sun; but the sun has never set or declined as to its own brightness. The blessed effect of God's salvation on the heart is here pointed out, namely joy. This is realized when the soul is sweetly led to take shelter beneath the shade of Calvary's Cross, and enjoy the sweets of pardoned sin. It is the possession of this joy that imparts strength to the teacher. Notice whom David says he would teach-transgressors and sinners, which children are as well as adults. Note also he does not say he would convert, but he would teach. Note also the confidence expressed, they shall be converted unto Thee, because God will honour his own truth.

The report was adopted, and officers re-elected, by a unanimous show of hands. A verse having been sung,

Mr. R. Sears, in a warm-hearted address, spoke on "The teachers' subject," 1 Sam. xii. 23. The speaker, having considered the subject, from Samuel's stand

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point, proceeded to speak of it from our standpoint, and showed how it may be compressed in two words; but words which are full of sweet and glorious truth "Jesus only."

Mr. Box, in a very instructive address, dwelt upon "The teachers' caution,' 1 Tim. i. 3, showing that caution necessarily implied imperfection and danger; and very ably setting forth the character of Timothy, and the peculiar sphere in which he was called to labour; pointing out that it was by the doctrine of "repentance toward God," and "faith in our Lord Jesus Christ;" that Ephesian and Athenian superstition have been overturned by the Apostle Paul; and that by the preaching of the gospel alone, and "no other doctrine," superstition and idolatry were destined to be finally destroyed.

It being nearly nine o'clock,

Mr. Meeres was unable to speak upon his subject," The teachers' reward;" but in a few deeply-affecting terms expressed the joy he had in being present, and at having heard his younger brethren speak of those truths which for so many years had been dear to his heart.

After singing, the benediction was pronounced; and thus ended one of those meetings which will be long remembered by many. We separated, feeling that the prayer breathed in our opening verse had been answered,

"May He, by whose kind care we meet,
Send his good Spirit from above;

Make our communications sweet,

And cause our hearts to burn with love!
JOHN HARRIS.

"

SOHO CHAPEL, OXFORD-STREET, CHRISTIAN SISTERS' SOCIETY.

THE jubilee of this society was celebrated on Wednesday, November 10th. In the afternoon Mr. Hazelton, of Chadwell-street, preached a most interesting and instructive sermon, well suited to the occasion, from Rom. xv. 26,-" For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints at Jerusalem." There was a large number of friends present to listen to this discourse, who, while being interested and edified by the utterances of the preacher, could but sympathize with him in the inconvenience occasioned by a troublesome cough, that greatly interfered with his comfort in delivering the dis

course.

About 170 friends sat down to tea.

At the evening meeting Mr. W. Kennard presided. The hymn 831 (Stevens') having been sung, and prayer offered by Mr. Beazley, the report was read by Mr. Falkner. The society was formed September 14th, 1830-more than fifty years ago-for the purpose of relieving the poor members of the church and congregation with warm clothing, blankets, coals, &c., during the winter season. The relief thus afforded since the commencement of the society is equal in amount to £1197 10s.4d. Last year 24 persons were thus assisted, 64 garments and 120 sacks of coals being distributed among them, at an expense of about £30.

The subject for the evening's addresses was, Christ's visitors in the days of His public ministry, which, in conjunction with the moving, &c., of the adoption of the report, was spoken to as follows:

Mr. Alderson, on "An Israelite indeed" (John i. 45-49.) He expressed the pleasure he had felt in listening to the good and concise report just read, spoke of the difference between righthand and left-hand blessings-the former being those of a gracious kind, the latter, providential; referred to the perfection of the life of our blessed Lord, and made some remarks on the character and noble confession of Nathaniel.

Mr. Sears spoke on "The wealthy enquirer" (Matt. xix. 16-22.) He rejoiced to see their prosperity, and believed that God would yet more abundantly bless them, together with their beloved pastor. The young man referred to in his subject was moral, upright and amiable in his character, but his love of wealth was so great that, to prove him, it was necessary for our Lord to say, "Sell all," &c. : the result being that he declined to follow Christ, and went away very sorrowful. Every true Christian, if commanded by Christ, would sell his goods.

Mr. Griffiths spoke on "A ruler of the Jews" (John iii. 1-4.) Nicodemus differed in some respects from the other two; but, like them, he needed instruction, and was surprised to hear the great Teacher proclaim the doctrine of regenerationthe need of being born again in order to enter the kingdom of God.

The collections, both of the afternoon and evening, were very satisfactory. The meetings were the most successful in every way that have been held in connection with the society. Many said, they found it good to be there.

J. F.