of a very encouraging and congratulatory

character.

PRESTON.-LANCASTER-ROAD CHAPEL.-A very handsome building, intended to be one of the Bicentenary chapels raised in memory of the ejected ministers, has been commenced. The school-rooms are already finished, and the rest of the work is in a forward state; but the committee are brought to a stand-still by the failure of many promised subscriptions. The congregation and the friends in the immediate neighbourhood had undertaken to raise the handsome sum of £3,600, when the cotton famine burst upon the county and completely deprived many of the supporters of the cause of the ability to fulfil their intentions. In these circumstances the minister and committee are quite justified in asking aid from wealthy friends at a distance.

SLEAFORD.-On Friday evening, Jan. 16th, a public recognition service was held in the Corn Exchange, to welcome the Rev. G. R. Bettis as the newly-elected pastor of the Congregational church here. Tea was provided, after which a brief historical statement of the church was given by Mr. Bettis, and addresses were delivered by the Revs.

Salt, J. Shaw of Boston, E. Metcalfe of Lincoln, and others.

SOUTH MOLTON, DEVON.-The Rev. Charles Harrison has resigned his pastoracy of the Independent church, South Molton, Devon, after having held the sacred office for nearly eight years.

WELLING, KENT.-A very interesting service has been held in the Congregational Chapel to celebrate the commencement of the ninth year of the pastorate of Rev. T. Tuffield. The chair was taken by Alexander Hunter, Esq., of Westwood-house, who in a kind and feeling manner spoke of the labours of the pastor during the past eight years, and in the name of the ladies of the church presented him with an elegant purse worked by Mrs. Hunter and containing upwards of thirty-two pounds. The pastor expressed his thanks to all connected with the testimonal then presented, and reviewed with deep gratitude his labours. The meeting was afterwards addressed by the Rev. J. McCrea, incumbent of St. James's Church, Plumstead; Messrs. Pearce, Bercham, &c.

WOOLWICH.-RECTORY-PLACE CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.-This church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. W. Gill, continues greatly to prosper. In the course of a deeply interesting address at the New Year's meeting he said: "The church had commenced ten years ago with a nucleus of thirty or forty members, and now there were upon their communion

REVIEW OF

THE great event of the hour at home, is the distress among the operatives of the cotton districts, which has been very heavy, but borne with unparalleled patience, and mitigated by unparalleled sympathy. There is reason to believe, however, that things are now improving, and that the spring will witness great advancement. Cotton will go on arriving, and many of the people will find labour

roll no fewer than 316 persons.", Referring to the financial position of the undertaking, Mr. Gill said that it cost £6,500 to erect and furnish the building, and that now, only three years after, they found that a loan of £900 from one of their congregation, and £300 borrowed without interest from the Chapelbuilding Society, would cover the whole of their debt. He congratulated his congregation on such a happy state of things, and hoped that they might all increase in happiness as they increased in usefulness. Mr. T. R. Richardson, the senior deacon, said that the present was a special occasion. Their respected pastor had that day attained his fiftieth year. He congratulated their worthy pastor on having attained his jubilee under circumstances of such vigour and prosperity; surrounded as he was by the first fruits of his English labours, and happy in the confidence of his loving congregation. They all knew how for thirty years he had laboured in the cause of the glorious Gospel. During the last six years he had been their pastor, and had gone in and out amongst them, and their happiness, peace, and prosperity had flowed on like a river. In that time 205 members had been added to the church members in communion, and nearly £9,000 had been raised by the congregation towards paying for the building, and in sustaining the various institutions connected with it. Mr. Gill had gained the entire confidence of his people, and their esteem for him was greater now than ever; in proof of which, he had, in the name of the congregation, to present him with a visible expression of their feeling towards him. An oaken chest was at this stage brought forward, and Mr. Richardson took therefrom an elegant silver tea and coffee service, which he placed upon the table before the rev. chairman, who was unfeignedly surprised and visibly affected. The principal pieces in the service bore the following inscription:-"Presented to the Rev. William Gill, on his attaining the 50th year of his age, by the church and congregation worshipping in Rectory-place Chapel, Woolwich, as an expression of their high esteem for his Christian character and appreciation of his faithful services, as their pastor. 14th Jan., 1863." The Rev. W. Gill, who spoke with much emotion, said his heart was full of surprise and gratitude. He gave thanks to God that such an expression of confidence, esteem, and affection should have emanated from the congregation towards himself as their pastor. He very heartily thanked his friends for all their kindness; he pledged himself, by God's help, to continued zeal, fidelity, and love in His service for their welfare.

THE MONTH.

in other directions, till the mills once more come into full play.

In Ireland matters remain much as last month. With a change of years, however, there have been increasing signs of activity, both commercial and political, and the religious bodies are also awaking up. The chief public event has been a great meeting in Dublin in support of the Galway subsidy.

The desire for that aid has taken the form of a demand, founded in the not very ambiguous promise of the Premier. The company have fulfilled their conditions, and they now very naturally, as well as justly, look for the support they had expected. On every ground we think it would be a wise and a politic proceeding. Popery in that important town is only too rampant, and it is of great moment to introduce a powerful element of Protestantism, which could not fail from a large and growing increase of commercial transactions. The excellent Congregational pastor there, the Rev. John Lewis, has maintained a most manly struggle with difficulties which would have conquered most men, and we do hope that the time to favour his cause is now at hand, and that he will yet have reason to rejoice in all his patient sufferings and great sacrifices for the spiritual emancipation of his Romish neighbours, and the establishment of the true Gospel in conjunction with Christian freedom in Galway.

With respect to Africa, the intelligence is scanty, and the great fact which occupies all minds there, as well as many minds here, is the heresy of Bishop Colenso. The colonists are looking anxiously to England, and especially to the Anglican Hierarchy, and entertaining a hope, which we doubt not will be realized, of getting quit of a man who came professedly to enlighten the darkness, and who began by extinguishing the light! They have had quite enough of Bishop Colenso; they would hail his return as an unmitigated and fearful calamity. The various distresses which have attended the several missionaries, it is to be hoped, have come to an end. Sir R. Murchison, a few days ago, received a very interesting letter from Dr. Livingstone, narrating his dangers and difficulties, discouragements and triumphs. His afflictions have been great, but his spirit is not subdued. Concerning Mr. Moffat and his devoted coadjutors, nothing material has been heard. They are toiling steadily on in the great and weary work of heathen regeneration, and they are not labouring altogether without success.

From Madagascar, we have had ample intelligence of a character the most gratifying. The Romanists were anxious to impress Europe with the conviction that the king was in their keeping, and that at the coronation the crucifix was in the ascendant, and, in fact, that Protestant religionists were ignored. Our readers know how to treat the reports of Popery; we formerly remarked that Mr. Ellis, in due season, would tell a tale, which would only show that the portraiture drawn by priestly hands was a fancy picture. What is now wanted, then, is to pour in the Scriptures on the willing people, and to rear those structures for the publication of the Gospel, which the London Missionary Society proposes to raise by way of a grateful memorial.

In the East, the great event of the month has been the death of the Viceroy of Egypt, an event little expected by the multitudes who recently beheld his Highness in their midst at the great International Exhibition, and in those social gatherings, both in the Metropolis and in the provinces, which were held to do him honour. Of the cause of death,

nothing is yet known. It is reported to be the result of an ailment under which he has been long labouring; but there was no appearance of it while here. The fact illustrates the blindness of man for the future, and the vanity of all expectations founded in human life. Previous to his last journey-for he has been twice in Europe, he was an enlightened practical, liberal sovereign; but much was anticipated from his recent visit, and the great pains at which he was to inform himself on every subject touching the advancement of society in knowledge, arts, and commerce. From a man of such views, with a sphere of operation so favourable, in the fortyfirst year of his age, much was to be looked for, but in one hour the light has vanished! His sun went down at noon, and all his purposes have perished with him. There is, however, reason to rejoice that his successor is a man like-minded; and, although not possessing his knowledge, and culture, and experience, he seems, from his address to the Consular bodies, to be determined to walk in the footsteps of his departed uncle. On this ground, therefore, there is reason to rejoice, forasmuch as missionary operations of every sort, with the labours of the school and the printing press, are not likely to be disturbed.

Concerning Russia, there is little to be said. The work of improvement is advancing, and the emancipated serfs are beginning to conduct themselves in a manner which shows that humanity is always fit for freedom. The great difficulty of the empire is Poland, where the troubles are great, and the suffering extreme. From the proof which has been furnished by the Poles of the present and the past generation, it seems certain that they never can be subdued in spirit. They may be, as they have been, sabred, incarcerated, and banished, they may be oppressed by military magistracies, deported to Siberia, and the universities closed, but it will avail nothing. The indomitable spirit of the people is not to be reached by steel, and they have now acquired a sort of experience in the matter of passive resistance, that renders them far more formidable to the Czar than an insurgent province with an army of one hundred thousand men.

In India, matters religious remain unchanged. No event of any moment has been reported during the month, but in material matters, things advance very rapidly. The discussion about cotton-growing will be useful. Heretofore, not only has the Government given it no encouragement, but they have so oppressed it by their financial exactions, as to throw every obstacle in the way. It is now clearly ascertained that, under a wise and just administration, cotton might be grown to supply all the wants of England. The result of this would be to withdraw our influence from the support of slavery in the Southern States of America, and to furnish employment to a large and impoverished class in Hindostan and elsewhere under the British sceptre, that stand greatly in need of steady and remunerative labour. This, with the completion of the irrigating canals, and of the great trunk railway between the north and the south, which will contract the mighty expanse of territory into manageable dimensions,

and diminish the cost of carriage to the ports, together with the telegraph, will go far to lay the foundation of the complete regeneration of that great, long oppressed, but interesting people.

In New South Wales, the most notable event is the death of the excellent Dr. Ross, to which we have referred in our obituary. The "Grants for Public Worship Prohibition Bill" is in a fair way to pass; and in that event there will be an end to State endowments, and all parties will then be on a level. Some amendments have been made in the Legislative Council, but these are not material, and not likely to endanger it. A new Education Bill has been introduced into the Assembly by Mr. Cowper, and has been read a first time. The bill is substantially the same as that recently passed in Victoria. It provides for the establishment of a Board of Education, to possess authority over the existing public schools, and power to grant aid to new ones under certain conditions. There is every probability that this Bill will become law. The subject of cotton also, which, as a matter of finance, will have an ultimate bearing, occupies attention. A resolution has been carried, on the motion of Dr. Lang, for offering a bounty for the growth of cotton-the bounties determined on being threepence a pound for common cotton, and sixpence a pound for Sea Island cotton. We are pleased to observe that Mrs. Chisholm, although a Romanist, is not forgotten amid age and poverty; her claims have been before the Assembly on a proposal made by Mr.Harpur for granting that lady £3,000 as a gratuity. The House consented to go into committee to consider the amount proposed to be granted.

Queensland is in a fair way to become a most important member of the sisterhood of Australian colonies. All speak well of it, and it appears to be one of the very best fields for emigration. The Queensland Congregational Union held their annual meeting in Brisbane, under the presidency of the Rev. E. Griffith. Delegates from Ipswich and Brisbane were present, in addition to the pastors of the churches. The report of the proceedings of the past year was read by the secretary, the Rev. J. W. C. Drane, from which it appeared that steps had been taken which enabled the Rev. S. Savage to maintain his position at Rockhampton, and that other movements had been initiated which in a short time would show themselves in the occupation of other spheres of labour. The Union had taken advantage of the "Act for the Incorporation of Religious, Educational and Charitable Institutions," and sought to be incorporated under it. Sites of land, already procured, will thus be vested in the Union until local trustees are appointed. The report recommended a certain portion of the funds to be yearly put aside for the purchase of sites for churches; also the establishment of a library of classics and theology for the use of the Congregationalist body.

The subject of Home Missions is being seriously taken up by the Independents of Victoria. We have received by post a very 'full account of the annual meeting, which is of a highly cheering character. The total subscription for its support approaches £8,000 -a very large sum, certainly, for so limited a community.

The cause of truth in Hobart Town is being honourably maintained, but the difficulties to be encountered are very considerable. The world there, as everywhere, seeks to overlay the church, and Rome is still more oppressive than the world, and nothing but genuine piety can withstand their seductive influences. From the local journals we suppose that Popery is making some way, though, happily, its numbers yet are not great. Here, however, lies the peril. Protestants, in their ignorance, confound principles with persons, and, where the latter are few they think themselves safe.

Ecclesiastical affairs in Canada present an animated aspect. All sections of the church are lively and active. It need hardly be said that Popery, in particular, is exerting all its skill and all its energy to extend itself, and to absorb the population. It is gratifying, however, to observe that Protestant denominations are opening their eyes to their danger, and devising means to attack the great enemy of truth and righteousness, Christ and His church. Mr. Hammond, so favourably known in Scotland as a revivalist, and who made an appearance in St. James's Hall, London, on his way to the States last year, is making a considerable stir in various places in Canada. As usual, opinions about the movement are divided; but there can be no doubt that there, as here, his labours are attended with power for good.

Finally, we must direct our eyes to the New World, although the spectacle is so terrible as to appal and agonize. While the North, that is, the Federal States, have been still unsuccessful in their military enterprises, they are rapidly improving in their knowledge touching the rights of man. The antislavery spirit is spreading every day, and what was with the Government a matter of policy is now becoming a matter of principle. Congress and the Legislature are acting most worthily on this subject. They are sustaining the proclamation of the President to the uttermost, and the majority in his favour is so great as to inspire the confidence that there is nothing reactionary to be apprehended. The Archbishop of Dublin has transmitted a letter to Mrs. Beecher Stowe, which is like the Bishop, calm, candid, and logical, but still it by no means describes the true state of the case, either in England or in America. Public feeling in England is exceedingly improved in behalf of President Lincoln, and the antislavery feeling in the Federal States is now greatly in advance of the line drawn by the philosophical Bishop. Mrs. Beecher Stowe has also replied, in very eloquent terms, to the address of the ladies of England. It is not to be doubted that these expressions and interchanges of opinion will all be productive of the happiest results. There was once a talk of mediation on the part of one or more European powers; but the time has not come for successful interposition. Both the North and the South are still strong for mutual destruction, and the North appears to be in no degree discouraged by their depressing circumstances, and their uniform defeats by land, and their repeated mortifications by sea. The result, then, on the whole is, that it behoves the church of God, in pouring out their prayers, to wait with patience the movements of the Divine hand.