South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Saturday 22 April 1871, page 5


RELIGIOUS AND PHILANTHROPIC. CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

Easter Vestry Meetings.

Trinity.—The annual Vestry of Trinity Church was held in the schoolroom on Tuesday evening, at half-past 7 o'clock. The Rev. R. Reid, Rev. W. W. Ewbank, and a fair number

of seatholders were present. The accounts having been duly audited, the meeting pro ceeded to elect officers for the ensuing yoar. The following was the result:—Churchwardens —Messrs. Main and W. H. Holmes, Synods men—Sir J. H. Fisher, Dr. Gosse, and Messrs. Cawthorne and H. D. Holmes. Sidesmen— Messrs. Fox, Cox, H. D. Holmes, Couche, Haddrick, and Hines. St. Paul's, Pulteney-street.—The Easter Vestry was held on Tuesday evening. The Dean of Adelaide, and subsequently Mr. G. M. Turnbull, Minister's Warden, presided. The Incumbent reappointed Mr. G. M. Turnbull as his Warden, the seatholders re-electod Mr. W. J. Fullarton. The Synodsmen, Messrs. Turnbull, Fullarton, P. G. Smith, and Morgan, were also reappointed. The following gentlemen were appointed Sidesmen:—Messrs. Morgan, Anthony, jun., Stevenson, Meyer, Addison, jun., and Bray. The members of the Patronage Committee—Messrs. W. J. Crawford, N. Blyth. F. G. Smith, G. M. Turnbull, and W. J. Fullarton—were re-elected. It was determined that for the ensuing year the accounts, excepting old debenture account, should be amalgamated, and the amount was fixed for the incumbent's stipend. It was stated that the old debts upon the Church had during tho past year been cleared off to the extent of £99. St. Luke's, Adelaide.—The annual vestry meeting was held in the schoolroom on Thursday evening, April 13. The Rev. H. M. Pollitt, Acting Incumbent, was in the chair, and opened the proceedings with prayer. There was a moderate attendance, about a dozen seat holders being present. The balance-sheet, which was read and adopted, showed a balance of £4 2s. 6d. in hand, although there were arrears amounting to £52 16s. 8d. due to the verger and organist for salary, and to the Rev. J. Pollitt for free seats, to be cleared off. It was stated that the offertory had fallen off to the extent of £75. Mr. J. Williams was reappointed Minister's Warden, and Mr. G. Colyer was re-elected People's Warden. Messrs. Edmunds, A. Chapman, E. Gray, jun., and W. Shakespeare were ap pointed Sidesmen, and Messrs. Colyer, Wil liams, Hawthorn, and Shakespeare Synodsmen. Messrs. H. Hele and Souter were elected Auditors. The Rev. Chairman announced that from letters received by the last mail he learnt that his father, the Incumbent, was to leave England on March 25, and might be expected to reach here early in June. Mr. Boncaut, who was unable to be present, and who at the last annual meeting had given notice of motion for this meeting to discontinue the Synodal assessment, sent a telegram asking that the election of Synodsrnen might be post poned, as there were important legal questions involved. The meeting, however, decided to pro ceed with the elections, considering that it would not be advisable to sever the Church from the Diocesan Synod. With regard to the amounts clue to the Verger and Organist, the Wardens and Sidesmen were appointed a Committee with power to add to their numbers to arrange for one or more concerts to clear off the debts. The meeting then closed with the benediction. Christchurch, North Adelaide.—April 11.

—The meeting was held in the schoolroom. Present—Archdeacon Marryat, the Church wardens, and a fair attendance of seatholders. The statement of receipts and expenditure was read and adopted. It showed a marked im provement upon previous years, and at a subse quent period in the evening a resolution was passed providing for a reserve fund for repairs to the church building. Mr. W. W. Blyth was reappointed Minister's Warden, and Mr. A. Cooper was elected People's Warden. Messrs. Walters, Wicksteed, H. Y. Sparks and C. J. Sanders, were chosen Sidesmen; Messrs. Bell house, Bath, Cooper, and H. Y. Sparks, Synods men. It was resolved to appropriate the whole of the communion offertory to the use of the poor. In accordance with the new model trust deed the following gentlemen were elected the Patronage Committee—The Hon. A. Blyth, Messrs. F. Wicksteed, Sanders, sen., and J. Winnall. It was resolved to use the appendix to Hymns Ancient and Modern in the church service. Reference having been made to the very unsatisfactory state of the present organ, Mr. Dutton (the organist) remarked that he had already obtained subscriptions to an amount which would represent nearly a fourth of the cost of a new organ, and a Committee was appointed to obtain funds for this object. A letter received from the Parsonage Committee of Synod it was determined to refer to the newly-elected Wardens. Thanks having been passed to the retiring Churchwardens, Sides men, and Synodsmen, also to the Trustees of the Church for their consent to the adoption of the new trust-deed, based upon the model trust deed, the meeting terminated by the venerable Chairman offering prayer and the benediction. St. Ann's, Aldinga—April 11.—The Rev. E. K. Miller was in the chair. Mr. R. Palmer was appointed Minister's and Mr. N. Palmer Peoplo's Warden; Messrs. J. Ellis, W. Hilton, W. Cliff, and P. Martin, Sidesmen; and Mr. T. Whinnerah, Synodsman. The accounts having been audited and passed, it appeared that the debt on the building was something under £40, which it was decided to make an effort to at once liquidate. St. John's, Auburn.— April 12. The Rev. C. W. Hawkins was in the chair. Balance-sheet showing £50 in hand was read and confirmed. Dr. A. W. Walls was appointed Minister's and Mr. C. H. Richardson re-elected People's Warden. The Wardens' report alluded in con gratulatory terms to the way the congregation had held together for more than 12 months while the Church had been without a minister. The Rev. C. W. Hawkins arrived in December, and undertook his duties from 1st January, since which time he had given universal satis faction. Until his arrival services were con ducted by lay readers, and occasionally by clergymen kindly sent by the Bishop. Since 1st January Watervale had been included in this cure. There the congregation, though not very numerous at present, are much attached to the Church. The Sunday-school was stated to be in a flourishing condition, the children regular in their attendance, and the teachers earnest and interested in their work. Thanks were accorded to the retiring Wardens; also, to Mr. Rhead, whose services as harmoniumist and leader of the choir have been much appreciated. St,. Mary's, Echunga—April 12.—Present— Rev. C. G. Taplin and eight seatholders. Accounts were passed as presented by the retiring Wardens, Messrs. Lawrence and Mueller to whom thanks were given for their services. Meesrs. Lawrence and E. Bertram were appointed Wardens; Rixen and H. Treloar, Auditors; C.

H. T. Connor, Synodsman. Thanks to organist, choir, and Chairman closed the proeeedings. St. George's, Gawler—April 11.—The Incumbent, the Rev. Canon Coombs, presided, and there was a small attendance. After the Warden's accounts had been passed, and the services of the officers had been received, Dr. Lewis and Mr. T. O. Jones were re-elected Synodsmen, W. H. Gome and H. E. Bright, jun., appointed Wardens; T. White (re-chosen), W. H. Loveridge, and D. Thomas Sidesmen. The circular of the Parsonage Committee was referred to the Synodsmen. A letter offered 10 per cent. on any sum raised up to £250 for the purchase of an organ. Resolved, that sub scriptions be obtained by the Wardens for the purchase of a bell. St. James', Glenburn, April 13.—The Rev. C. W. Morse was in the chair. The accounts were passed. Mr. John Cook was appointed Minister's, and Mr. W. H. Roper elected People's Warden. Messrs. Dick and Price were chosen Auditors. It was resolved unanimously to take steps for bringing the church into union with Synod. The Trustees present reported that they had appointed Mr. John Cook Curator of the Cemetery belonging to the church. The meeting then closed. St. Peter's, Glenelg.—The Vestry meeting, held on Easter Tuesday evening at the Lecture Hall, was well attended, the Rev. H. J. Poole, A.M., officiating minister, presiding. The accounts were submitted and passed, after which a letter was read from the Treasurer of the Lecture Hall Fund, enclosing his accounts, which were also read. Messrs. R. B. Colley and Neville Blyth were re-elected Synodsmen; Messrs. R. B. Colley and George Main were re elected to act with the Wardens as a Finance Committee. The appointment of Wardens was postponed till the return, very shortly ex pected, of the incumbent, the Rev. T. Field, A.M., now on his way from England, the present Wardens, Messrs. E. W. Andrews and C. W. Holland, consenting to continue acting tem porarily. Thanks were voted to the various officers and the Chairman, after which the meeting adjourned to a future evening. St. Saviour's Church, Glen Osmond.— The Rev. W. H. Mudie, the Incumbent, was in the chair, and the meeting was opened with prayer. The accounts were referred to Messrs. Tucker and Gill for audit. Thanks were given to the retiring Wardens (Messrs. Wiles and Goldsack). Mr. Geo. Goldsack was appointed Minister's Warden, and Mr. J. H. Wiles was elected People's Warden. Messrs. J. H. Wiles and W. Pound were elected Synodsmen, and Messrs. W. Pound and J. Langley Sidesmen. The meeting was adjourned to obtain the views of the con gregation in reference to the adoption of the Hymns, Ancient and Modem. Christchurch, Kapunda.—April 11.—The Rev. T. J. Smyth, M.A., Incumbent, presided. A statement of the receipts and expenditure was read by the People's Warden, from which it appeared that a great many pew-rents were much in arrear. It was resolved that the balance-sheet be not passed in its present form, and that a Committee be formed to enquire into and report upon the accounts, and lay them, before a future meeting. Mr. Goodchild was nominated by the Incumbent as his Warden, and the seatholders appointed Mr. Buchanan. Messrs. White and Dixon were elected Synods men.

St. Matthew's, Kensington.—April 11.— The Rev. E. Jenkins, Incumbent, was in the chair. Mr. John Howell was reappointed Minister's, and Mr. Meredith elected People's Warden. Messrs. Hackett, Waterhouse, and Statley were reappointed Sidesmen, and Mr. Meredith and Mr. Howell Synodsmen. The Wardens' accounts were audited and passed, showing a balance towards Endowment Fund of £27 10s. 1½d. Various matters relative to the Endowment Fund, parsonage repairs, &c, were discussed, and thanks were given to the retiring Wardens. St. John's Macclesfield—April 11.—Present —Rev. C. G. Taplin and eight seatholders. The balance-sheet showed an increase over past years, and the accounts were passed. Thanks were accorded to the retiring Wardens, Messrs. H. Boucaut and Warman. Messrs. Warman and Downs were appointed Wardens, and Capt. Dashwood, R.N., Synodsman. Thanks were passed to organist and choir. It was rosolved to introduce the appendix to "Hymns Ancient and Modern." The proceedings closed with prayer.. St. George's, Meadows, April 15.—Present —Rev. C. Goodenough Taplin (in the chair) and several members. The accounts showed a balance of £28 18s. in hand, exclusive of a cheque for £25 from the Lord Bishop. Resolved, that the amount be paid to the Trustees to help to liquidate Church debt. Vote passed thanking late Wardens, Messrs. Jones and Cath, who were re-elected, as were Messrs. Coleman and Michelmore as Auditors. Thanks were accorded to Mr. and Mrs. C. H. T. Connor for handsome offerings, consisting of Bath stone font, table, altar cloth, and carpet. In acknowledging the compliment, Mr. Connor remarked that he had not imagined a vote would have been accorded. His and Mrs. Connor's desire was to see the church finished and beautified; and if all put their shoulders to the wheel they would not only have one of the handsomest but one of the best attended in the colony. Votes were also passed to the harmoniumist (Miss Pashwood), the choir, and the ladies and gentlemen who had spent time and trouble in decorating the build ing at Christmastide and Easter. Mr. Church warden Jones said he had been requested, as People's Warden, to present to the Rev. C. G. Taplin, as an Easter offering, a cheque, a horse, and several other articles of value. It was with pleasure he made the presentation, as it was a testimony of the respect in which their clergyman was held. The Chairman, in accepting the gift, said he should depart somewhat from the ordinary rule observed by recipients of favours of that sort, and first thank them on account of the offering itself. He appreciated the consi deration which had manifested so much kind ness towards him. He did not, however, over look the motive by which they had been actuated. He saw that, however poor and weak his ministrations had been—and they had been this—still, judging from the present, it seemed they had been appreciated by them, which cer tainly was a source of encouragement and grati fication to him. He hoped the unity and good feeling which had distinguished the tima past, and of which that occasion was an evidence, would also mark the future. The proceedings, having been opened with prayer, were in like manner closed, and a cordial and unanimous meeting terminated. St. Michael's, Mitcham.—April 11.—Present —Messrs. J. H. Cunningham, W. B. Carter, J. T. Manton, H. Taylor, J. Prince, C. Old ham, W. C. Townsend, C. J. Webb, and P. Taylor; also the Incumbent, Rev. Henry Read, M.A., in the chair. After prayer the minutes were read and confirmed; the Church wardens' balance-sheet, previously audited and printed, was adopted, showing an increase of sittings let, and, after payment of all expenses, a balance in hand of £17 1s. 8d. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs. L. W. Thrupp and J. H. Cunningham, retiring Wardens. Rev. H. Read again nominated Mr. Thrupp Clergyman's Warden; and Mr. H. S. Price was unanimously elected People's Warden. Messrs. Carter and J. Prince were appointed Sidesmen; W. C. Townsend and E. Heath Auditors ; L. W. Thrupp and N. Oldham Synodsmen. The Election Committee were reappointed, viz., Messrs. Calf, W. Bartley, and N. Oldham, to act with the Churchwardens. The Incumbent laid on the table a statement of repairs to the parsonage during the past two years, amounting to £251, of which £173 had been subscribed by the congregation, £50 had been granted by the attorneys of S. P. G., and the remainder (£28) expended by the Incumbent himself. He stated also that he had spent on the cemetery £33, raised partly by subscription, partly by leases of ground. There was in hand £10 to wards building a vestry, which it was thought desir able to proceed with. Letters from Standing Committee of Synod were read and discussed, and the meeting closed. St. John's, Mount Pleasant.—April 14.— Present—The Rev. W. A. Clayfield (in the chair), the Wardens, and 10 seatholders. The accounts were passed. The offertory had been £66; the debt, which in December, 1868, was £156, was reported cleared. Thanks were voted to the retiring Synodsmen, Wardens, Sidesmen, and Organist, and those who had done much in clearing off the debt. The following were appointed:— Synodsman, Mr. W. Hodgson,

Wardens, Messrs. Hodgson and W. A. Giles. Mr. Bushell resigned his Curatorship, and the Incumbent was appointed. Resolved, that the Parsonage be insured. St. George's, Mount Torrens.—April 13.— Present—The Rev. W. A. Clayfield (in the chair), the Wardens, and two seatholders. The accounts were passed, showing a balance in hand. After thanks to the retiring officers, Messrs. Allnutt and Townsend were elected Wardens. During the year the Churchyard has been enclosed with a substantial three-rail fence, a gate has been provided. &c. St. Philip and St. James's, Noarlunga— April 13.—The Rev. E. K. Miller presided. The accounts were audited, and the balance-sheet adopted, showing a debt of about £41 remain ing on the church. Mr. T. Dungey was re elected Warden for the congregation, and Mr. J. Mudge Minister's Warden; Messrs. W. Holley, S. Allen, and J. G. Holmes, Sides men; and Mr. G. Mudge, Synodsman. St. Thomas's, Pewsey Vale—April 12.—There was a small attendance. The accounts were read and passed, and the outgoing Churchwardens, Messrs. Wilson and Constandt, were re-elected. St. Jude's, Port Elliot—April 5.—There was a small attendance; the Incumbent in the chair. Messrs. Laurie and Welch were, appointed Wardens; Wood and H. Welch, Sidesmen; Laurie and Thornley, Synodsmen. There being sufficient money in hand for a font, it was de cided that one should be made for the Church immediately. The Churchwardens were re quested to consider the advisability of insuring the parsonage. The Chairman reported the Church day-school as progressing. The Com mittee appointed by the Vestry to improve and plant the churchyard had completed their work at the cost of some £17. The Treasurer's balance-sheet, which was audited by Mr. Addison, showed no decline in receipts. A project for adding a small chancel to the church was discussed, but no action was taken. A fund, however, is being raised, and some dona tions have been promised for that object. The church is rather small for the congregations assembling during the summer. Holy Trinity, Riverton—April 13.—The Rev. James Houghton opened the meeting with prayer. The minutes were confirmed, and the accounts, audited by Messrs. W. H. Harris and W. Moorhouse, were passed. The Cemetery accounts were also examined and adopted. Mr. R. M. Cole was reappointed Minister's and Mr. O. Homer People's Warden. Messrs. W. H. Harris and A. Horner were appointed Sidesmen, and Mr. J. Goodridge reappointed Curator of the Cemetery. Mr. A. Horner proposod— "That steps be at once taken to bring this Church into union with Synod, as part of the Parish of Riverton, Manoora, and Belvidere, and that the memorial marked A be adopted." Seconded by Mr. J. Goodridge, supported by Mr. W. Moorhouse, and carried. The memorial was then signed by those present, and Mr. R. M. Cole was elected Synodsman. The Rev. James Houghton and Messrs. J. Goodridge, O. Horner, W. H. Harris, A. Horner, R. M. Cole, and J. Forsyth were appointed a Committee to deter mine upon steps to raise the necessary funds for procuring a bell and erecting a Sunday-school building, &c. Letter from Mr. Wicksteed was read, asking what steps, if any, had been taken for keeping the church and parsonage in repair,

and for insuring against fire. It was suggested that once at least in each year the Wardens should make an examination into the state of repairs of the parsonage, &c, and they were requested to effect an insurance of the build ings. After some general conversation the meeting was closed with prayer. St. Augustine's, Streaky Bay.—Mr. D. K. Richardson, S.M., lay reader, presided. After prayer by the Chairman, the accounts, which showed a credit balance of £15, were approved. The retiring Warden, Mr. Provis, was thanked for his services, and Mr. Bell elected. St. Augustine's, Unley—April 11.—Present —Rev. H. Read, M.A. (in the chair), Rev. W. H. Mudie, and several seatholders. The War dens' balance-sheet was produced and audited, showing a balance in hand of £6 11s. 9d. The Honorary Treasurer to Building Fund (Mr. N. Oldham) forwarded account showing receipts from pew rents and offertory of £132 1s. 8d., which amount had been devoted to reducing the liabilities of the church. Mr. G. Styles was nominated Minister's Warden, Mr. R. G. Thomas appointed People's Warden, and Messrs. Ed munds and Day, Sidesmen, and Messrs. Wurm and Hawthorn Auditors. Thanks were accorded to the Revs. H. Read and W. H. Mudie for their gratuitous services. After disposing of some routine business the mooting closed. St. Andrew's, Walkerville.—April 11. The meeting was held at the schoolroom; the Rev. Canon Dove in the chair. Messrs. C. B. Young and J. B. Thomas were re-elected as Churchwardens, and Messrs. C. B. Young and Acraman as Synodsmen. The church accounts having been received, those of the day-school were submitted. There was a balance-sheet of £92, with a debt of £35 on a classroom recently built. The Chairman reported that 65 children attended, 12 of whom were paid for out of the church offertory; some others whose parents professed to pay were considerably in arrear. He thought that by economy and a greater strictness in gathering the fees the debt on the classroom would soon be paid. A night-school had been established, the fees of which were paid into the Day-school Fund. Resolved, that the Church endowment be increased from £16 to £46 per annum; also that the glebe given by Mr. Joseph Gilbert should be sold to raise the necessary sum. A. member offered the loan of whatever money might be required above that produced by the sale. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Lady Edith Fergusson for a beautiful offering she had presented to this Church, and a unanimous desire was expressed to rescue the House of God where they wor shipped in from its present mean and poverty stricken appearance. A surplus of £9 17s. in the Church accounts was voted for the improvement of the church, and promises of assistance had been given by individual members of the congre gation. The Rev. Canon Dove having expressed a wish to record his thanks to the Rev F. Williams and Mr. C. B. Young for kind assistance given during his missionary excur sions to the North, the meeting closed with prayer. St. Peter's, Williamstown—April 14.—The retiring Churchwardens, Messrs. Moritz and Snellgrove, were reappointed. St. Stephen's, Willunga.—April 12.—The meeting was well attended. Mr. Goss was ap-pointed Clergyman's and Mr. J. Allen re-elected People's Warden. Dr. Jay was chosen Synods man, and Messrs. Malpas, W. Good, and Captain Atkinson were approved as Sidesmen. It was proposed to hold evening service in the town during the winter months, many being prevented attending night service at the church because of the distance, and as there was unanimity the plan is likely to be carried out. It was also decided to accept Captain Atkinson's offer, and purchase for Church purposes land that had been selected as the site for a church in the town, when circumstances should allow of such a welcome addition to the ecclesiastical buildings of Willunga. St. Mark's, Woodside.—April 12.—Present —The Rev. W. A. Clayfield (in the chair), the Warden, and two parishioners. The accounts were passed, and thanks accorded to the Lay Readers, Churchwardens, and Organist. The Minister again chose Mr. R. Corrall as his Warden, andMr. Warren was re-elected People's Warden. The offertory was found to be larger than that of the preceding year, and although the expenses have been somewhat heavy, yet various improvements to the church were reported. St. Margaret's Woodville.—April 14.— There was a moderate attendance in the vestry, and the Rev. H. M. Pollitt, Incumbent, was in the chair. The Select Vestry made a statement of accounts, which was ordered to be audited, printed, and distributed. Messrs. Formby, Connor, Sillifant, Bartleet, Richards, Hanson, and Muecke were elected Select Vestrymen for the ensuing year. Mr. G. E. DeMole was chosen Synodsman. Christchurch, Yankalilla.—April 11.— The Rev. C. W. Morse was in the chair. After the accounts had been passed, the People's Warden drew attention to the extremely satis factory results of the weekly offertory, and a hope was expressed that the pew-rent system might shortly be abolished. Mr. Scott was reappointed Minister's Warden, and Mr. Genery re-elected People's Warden. Messrs. Hibbart and Clayton were appointed Auditors, P. Hal comb and H. Dutton Synodsmen. It was resolved that, immediately funds were in hand,

a meeting should be called to conclude the purchase of the land for a glebe and par sonage. A most hearty and unanimous meeting was then closed. St. Luke's Church.—A meeting of seat holders of this church was held in that place of worship on Thursday evening, March 30, to elect a Trustee, in the place of Mr. C. R. Darton, resigned. Above 30 were present, and Mr. J. Williams, a Churchwarden, presided. Mr. W. Shakespeare moved that Mr. Darton's resignation be accepted, speaking in high terms of the services he had rendered. Mr. W. Bishop seconded. It was pointed out that no necessity existed for such a resolution; it was, however, carried. Mr. Shakespeare then moved, and Mr. C. Hill seconded, "That the thanks of the congregation be accorded to Mr. Darton for the great interest he has always manifested in the affairs of the Church." Carried. Mr. K. S. B. Miller proposed that Mr. J. P. Boucaut be appointed. Mr. G. Colyer seconded, and the motion was carried without a dissentient. The Chairman announced that the Rev. Canon Farr would take charge of one service each Sunday, and the Wardens would try if possible to get another clergyman to take it alternately. Mr. H. E. Brookes asked if the Wardens had considered the idea of employing lay readers. The Chairman said they never had such an idea. When the Rev. Jas. Pollitt left they had a difficulty in furnish ing people with pews, and had to take some of the free seats. Now they had 355 seats to let, and the Wardens had no idea of making the position worse. Mr. Brookes spoke against the employment of lay readers, which he said was illegal. As to the probable difficulty of getting clergymen to take the services, he stated that two, one of whom was the Rev. Mr. Read, who had preached there informed him that they had been grossly insulted, and would never set foot in the church again. Mr. Shakespeare said both the Rev. Mr. Reid, of Trinity, and the Rev. Mr. Read, of Mitcham, had told him they would be most happy to preach in the church. Mr. J. P. Boucaut, in moving a vote to the Chairman, said he had never spoken unkindly of the Rev. Mr. Marshall, who knew from his lips, as he had also stated to him in a letter, that any opposition he had offered had been to the principle of a party in the Church to which he leant. He wished a great many Low Church men devoted themselves as heartily to Church work as Mr. Marshall did. He also wished to say that he had endeavoured not to assume any position with regard to the congregation which he ought not to have taken, nor had he asked the congregation to support him. He had acted from what he believed to be a conscientious duty, and thought he was supported by the main body of the congregation—(Hear, hear) —the Evangelical or Low Church party. If he thought he was wrong he should not remain in the Church to be a cause of strife, but he believed he had not acted inimically to them. It would be very hard for him, having belonged to it for 15 years, to abandon his conscientious scruples, and support what he believed to be wrong, in which opinion he was supported by many of the best men in the Church of England. He would not let his children sit in a church where erroneous views were preached. He was not quite aware

what Mr. Marshall's opinions were likely to be; probably they would ripen as he got older; but the views of the ritualistic party were preached, not only against the Church's doctrine, but against the law. He was sure Mr. Brookes did not allude to him as having insulted either of the clergymen. (Mr. Brookes—"Hear, hear.") He was sorry that Mr. Marshall should have cause to think he had been insulted at all. He had no personal feeling against him, but respected him as a God-fearing man, who did what ho believed to be right, although his views were as opposite to his as the poles were asunder. He felt very greatly indeed the compliment they had paid him in electing him as a trustee. Mr. Hill seconded, observing that he believed Mr. Boucaut enunciated the sentiments of nearly all the old congregation, many of whom he should be glad to see back again. The motion having been carried tho meeting closed. Mount Barker.—We believe that the Rev. H. J. Poole, A.M. (Pembroke College, Oxon.), . has accepted the incumbency of Christchurch, Mount Barker, with which are associated St. James's, Blakiston, and St. Thomas's, Balhannah. The rev. gentleman is at present officiating minister of St. Peter's, Glenelg, but the return of the incumbent, the Rev. Thomas Field, A.M., is expected to relieve him very shortly, and meanwhile the Rev. W. F. Marshall, late of St. Luke's, Adelaide, is acting as his curate. St. James's Church, Glenburn.— This hand some new church will be finished by aboufc the end of this month. Twelve men are working on the building, besides others preparing windows, kc. We are informed that His Excellency Sir James Forgusson, tke Bishop of Adelaide, and a number of clergymen will bo present at the opening. Church of England at Wentworth. — A meeting of the Church Committee, consisting of Messrs. W. L. Richardson, P.M., W. Gunn, J. Moody, J. Richardson, and Rev. W. Cocks, was held at the Wentworth Court-House on April 3 to accept the joint tender of Messrs. Cummins & Wright for the erection of the new building. The offer was at £1,140, and the supervision has been entrusted to the Rev. W. Cocks and the Police Magistrate. THE WESLEY AN METHODISTS. Farewell to Revs. S. Knight and S. T. Withington. On Thursday evening, March 30, tea and public meetings were held at the Draper Memorial Church to bid the Revs. S. Knight and S. T. Withington, of the First Adelaide Circuit, farewell on their leaving for other spheres of labour. There was a large propor tion of the congregation present, as well as friends from other Churches. The Rev. Thos. James, who presided, regretted that many were kept away by the Philharmonic Society's con cert, and apologized for the unavoidable absence of Mr. Colton. If he said that Mr. Knight was not a model man he meant nothing dispa raging; such in the conventional sense were not of much use. The work that men were called upon to do well was not generally performed by the so-called models. Those who had made themselves conspicuous by their great deeds wero men of strength and originality of character and power of will. They went straight on, and took no one as their guide. Mr. Knight was one of this sort, who went steadily on with the good work in his]own way. It was 16 years since he first becameacquainted with and heard him preach his trial sermon. He went on to speak of Mr. Knight's excellent qualities as a minister and pastor, and con cluded by referring in high, terms to the abilities and zeal of Mr. Withington, for whom he wished every success in his new sphere of labour. The Hon. J. Carr felt great pleasure, mixed with regret, in being present, and spoke at length on the duties, qualities, and work devolving upon ministers. He alluded in terms of praise to. the ladies who had initiated the proceedings, and deserved the highest commendation for the way theyjiad carried out their purpose. (Applause.) Mr. H. Codd referred to a class of people who com manded the respect and esteem of all they came in contact with, and included Messrs. Knight and Withington in that class. He dilated upon their individual merits ; Mrs. Knight, too, had gained the affection of all the people in the Circuit by good deeds in connection with her husband's ministry. (Applause.) Mr.J.M. Dowie made allusion to the valuable services of the gentlemen about to leave them, and their fitness for the places to which they were removing. Mr. J. Scott concurred, and Mr. J. Dungey read the following address to Messrs. Knight and Withington, signed by the Superintendent and office-bearers :— ' 'To the Revs. Samuel Knight and S. T. Withington. ' Dear Sirs— Allow us a single expression of our feelings on this occasion. 'The relationship of pastor and people as existing among us is subject to frequent sur prises, pleasant and painful— pleasant when good and gifted ministers come among us to sustain for a while the offices of their sacred calling, and painful when the union formed by . mutual sympathy, and cemented by kindly offices and genial intercourse, is severed by their removal to another field of toil. . . * . ? . . 'We neither forget nor ignore that feature in our ecclesiastical constitution which necessi tates the removal of our ministers every three years. Still we sometimes feel as if these year3

fled too fastj; and deprived us too early of those whose friendship arid valued services have firmly endeared them to our hearts. In the present case the reluctance and sorrow of the parting are increased and deepened by tho abridgmentof the full term of ministerial service on which we had fondly counted, and that only two years have been given us to enjoy the^ benefits of a relationship which we were so delightecPto form and now so deeply grieve to sever. Wo grudge not to the sister Churches tho valuable appointments which they receive in the transfer of your services. But in congratulating them on their acquisition, vie mourn that it ; has been deemed necessary to deprive us to enrich them. . . y.The retrospect of the short period of otir union presents everything on your part that, is fitted to command our respect, esteem, and affection — a faithful, laborious, and gifted ministry; a courteous, land, and painstaking pastorate; a self-sacrificing devotion to the general interests of religion, morals, and social advancement, not only within the bounds of our own Church, but wherever a door of -usefulness was open to you. These general characteristics, the details of which are familiar to us all, iden tify your names in our minds with feelings most pleasing to ourselves and honourable to you, and will be sunny memories in our recollections of Church life when you are parted from us. .'It would be mistrust, alike dishonourable nnd displeasing to tho Great Head of tho Church, a grievous wrong to you, and injury to our own souls, to doubt of success to labours so indefatigablo as yours have been, although much of the actual results must abide future development ; and we would like for your encouragement to bo able to gather together, and record our recollections of the sweets of friendship tested in genial converse. The blessedness of the communion of saints realized in social means of grace, tho consola tions of your pastorate at the sick bed, the edification of your earnest and affectionate public ministrations of the Gospel, the cases of wandering sheep brought back to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, your tender care for the lambs of the flock, and the death scenes of our friends and neighbours which have been oheered by the words of peace which you have spoken there— these recollections, and the gratitude which they awaken, we would offer you with our farewell. 'And now, dear Sirs, allow us to assure you that you carry with you to your new spheres of labour our kindest interest aud sincere prayers for your future welfare and ministerial success, and for a crown, of glory when the Chief Shepherd shall appear. ' We ask to be cpuuted still among your friend3, remembered in your thinkings, and for a share in your intercessions at the Mercy-Seat. 'For Mrs. Knight, whose whole-heartednc»3 in every good work has commandod our admi ration, permit us to say that we cherish every feeling of kindness and include in every good wish which we have expressed to her husband,' The Rev. S. Knight tendered sincere thanks to those who had spoken so kindly of his colleague and himself. Be had no record to make as to his labours in the circuit, or anything that might indicate exultation. He felt a conscious unworthiness with regard to the work in which he had been engaged; still he and his colleague had been able to report a decided increase in tho number of seatholders, and ageneral growthin the Church. They might rejoice in having reduced the church debt so much during the last two years. It was an achievement most conducive to their happiness and pros perity. They might indulge in hopeful anticipations as to the future. The welfare of the Church would be promoted under the suc ceeding ministry, and God would multiply and bless their efforts. He expressed gratitude to those who had always assisted him in his work and with whom he had grown into affectionate relationship dimng the brief period of his ministry there. Ho proceeded to speak of tho valuable assistance he had received from Mrs. Knight, who had aided and encouraged him in all his labours. He had been encouraged by her to engage in undertakings of greater magui T;udothanhewould otherwise have ventured upon. In his new field of labour he should require much more enerey and ability than he po3 sesced to carry out his duties there. A man must be possessed of genuine merit to meet tho favour of a mining population, and from his experience they were men of good sound sense and intelligence. He had had six years' experience of a mining population, and no other people had ever generated within him impulses more noble and desires more holy; He had never had his sensitiveness hurt nor self-respect outraged ; they treated him with the true spirit of kindness and consideration. (Applause.) He regretted leaving the circuit so soon, as he had alwaj's found his third year to be the freshest and best in Iris ministry. He then commenced to know and his people, their best and tenderest feelings began to be developed. Although he was fully aBye to the exigency that arose to part him from his agency in the Adelaide Circuit, he could not help a feeling of regret at leaving. The Rev. T. Raston, whom he was about to succeed at Wallaroo, possessed the requisite qualities for the good work in which ho had been engaged. The Draper Memorial Church had done much good already, and ho hoped the spirit of harmony, which had not known a note of discord, would never receive a check. He trusted they would continue zealous, and give an earnest heart to the spread of Scripture holiness. # (Applause.) The Rev. S. T. With ington said he felt a deep unworthiness and an overwhelming sense of the treatment ho had experienced. He should look back upon those two years of his ministry as the happiest and pleasantest of his life. He fully reciprocated all the kind words that had been uttered, and felt grateful for the uniform kindness he had met with from the office-bearers and congrega tion. He prayed that God's richest blessing would rest upon them individually, and crown them with great glory and exceeding joy, for Christ's sake. The proceedings then terminated. New Wesleyan Chapel, Freeling.— Good Friday was chosen as a suitable opportunity for laying the memorial-stone of a Wesleyan Chapel at Freeling — an event long looked and hoped for by many in that neighbourhood. The day 'was highly favourable, with the exception of a few gusts in the afternoon somewhat disturbing the dust. A goodly number of persons assembled from Gawler, Templers, and Sheaoak, beside those immediately connected with the .town. At about 3.30 p.m. the Rev. H. T. Burgess, Circuit minister, proceeded to the spot, whore preparations had been made, and gave out a nymn, after the singing of which Mr. Barrett read a portion of Scripture, and Mr. Jones offered prayer. Mr. Cheeney, of Tomplcrs, who had been invited by tho trustees to lay the stone, after placing a sealed bottle containing a copy of the W&sleyan Magazine,^ a preacher's plan of the Gawler Circuit, the list of stations arranged at last Conference, the trustees' names, and a copy of the Register, Advertiser, and liunyip in the recess, pro ceeded with his task. The block being duly lowered and tested, he mounted and pronounced it well and duly laid, following up this state ment with well-chosen remarks. The Rev. H. T. Burgess then spoke of the principles to be taught in the new building, and congratulated those around upon their being about to have a house set apart for God's worship. A collection was then taken up, and after singing the National Anthem the meeting adjourned to the school room, where the good things had been prepared by Mesdames Semmens, Wood, Hill, Foster, and Young. The tables in some cases were filled four times. At the public meeting Mr. J. M. Holder, the originator and Superintendent of the Sunday-School, presided, and Messrs. Burgess, Barrett, Young, and Jones were the speakers. Offerings were then made towards the building fund. On Sunday sermons were preached by the Rev. H. T. Burgess to good congregations, and another effort was made toward aiding the building fund. Total pro ceeds, £25. ' - ; CONGREGATIONAL. Welcome to the Rev. F. W. Cox. The numerous friends of the Pastor of Hindmarsh-square Congregational Church, Ade-laide, will be glad to hear that after an absence of a little over 13 months he, with Mrs. Cox and daughter, arrived at Port Adelaide early on Monday morning, April 17, per the steamer Royal Shepherd, from Melbourne, via MacDonnell and Lacepede Bays, having reached Victoria per the Highflyer on the previous Mon day. Mr. Cox was met at the Port by Messrs.

G. Scrymgour, sen., and S. Whitmore, two of the Deacons, on behalf of his Church, and was taken to his residence, Norwood. Amongst tnoso who welcomed the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Cox wo noticed— Rev. J. Lyall, Messrs. W. D. Allott, J. A. Chartier, J. M. Dowie, G. Miller, C. Smedley, and many others. Tho rev. gentle man appeared to be in excellent health, and it is confidently hoped that his holiday will not have been without advautage to the people of his charge and others within his influence. ' On Thursday evening, April 20, tea and public meetings were held at Hindmarsh-square Congregational Church to welcome the pastor, the Rev. F. W. Cox, on his return from a visit to England. There were very large attendances at each meeting. At the latter the Hon. Thomas Reynolds presided, and on tho platform in addition to the Rev. Mr. Cox, wero the Revs. A. Scales (Congregational), W. L. Binks (Wesleyan), J. Lyall ( Presbyterian), S. Mead, M.A., LL.B. (Baptist), J. Jefferis, LL.B. (Con-gregational), J. L. Parsons (Baptist), and R. S. Casely (Wesleyan). There were also noticod.in other parts of tho room the Revs. H. Cheetham (Congregational), T. Lloyd (Wesleyan), J. R. Ferguson, S. L. Harris, and E. Griffiths (Congregational). The meeting having been opened by singing, and prayer by the Rev. R. S. Casely, Mr. S. Whitmore apologized for the absence of the Revs. J. G. Millard (Wes-leyan), C. Manthorpe (Congregational), H. Fenton (New Connexion Methodist), J. David-son (Presbyterian), John Price (Baptist), and T. James (Wesleyan). Tho Chairman said they had met to welcome back amongst them their very esteemed and beloved pastor, Mr. Cox. (Applause) Whilst tho meeting took that form of welcome, it also took another form as a kind of good-by to their friend Mr. Scales. Speakuig as the mouth piece of the deacons, the Church, and the con gregation ho gave his friend Mr. Cox a most hearty welcome. [The Chairman here oxtended his right hand to the rov. gentleman.] He had taken the utmost limit of his leave of absence, and he did not blame him for doing so, for after 12 years of labour, without spariug himself, bo thought he was deserving of it. Tho woar aud tear of ministerial life must bo a constant strain upon the mind, and 12 years' ministry to one people must bo a very trying thing. Ho did not think ho could mingle among those in the mother-country and seo tho progress with out being benefited ; and they would also re ceive benefit through him, for they should expect a great deal from their pastor. He wa3 of a scientific mind, and was a great politician, and would have seen what progress had been made in theso respects in tho mother-country. He had seen the separation of the Church and State in Ireland, and would see that that was only tho thin end of tho wedge towards the separation of that monstrous injustice— State and Church in England. Mr. Cox was also a theologian, and could not have mixed with tho men whose minds moved the world without being benefited by tho intercourse. Then ho supposed he had scon another aspect of affairs at home — the great art of making war. He would not, however, speculate too much, but they might bo sure that his visit to Europe would be a great benefit to himself and to them. (Applause.) The Rev. J. Jefferis, as representing sister Churches, gave a very cordial welcome to Mr. Cox, which he did on his own part with a great deal of pleasure. The settled Congregational ministry had been but ill represented in Ade laide for twelvo months, and a great deal of responsibility had in consequonco rested upon him; but now Mr. Cox had returned, ho would be very happy to relievo him of much. Many might think it a fine thing for ministers to get such a cessation of work, and would like to get such a relaxation, but ho thought that in tho ministry something of tho kind was necessary. From his own experience he thought Mr. Cox would be far better fitted to perform bis duties than he was before. He was glad to soo he and Mrs. Cox were looking so well and strong. (Applause.) Ho had a deep and profound pleasure in welcoming him back. Ho was a sort of centre of gravity on which thoy might rely. He hoped ho would be able to preach the Gospel of Christ with his old powsr. ( Applause. ) Tho Rev. S. Mead thought most of the ministers present had come to endorse the word ' Welcome' which was inscribed over the plat form, and really to give Mr. Cox a sincere welcome— (applause) — as well as to hear what ho had to say. He thought those who were present at the farewell meeting had no doubt of tho propriety of the step about to be taken, and he did not think it would be considered other than a wise one now. Working for Christ was the greatest pleasuro they bad ; and so far as rest was needed, they took it to fit them better for the work. Tho Rev. W. L. Binks endorsed the senti ment of the last speaker when ho said that as ministers thoy had come to give Mr. Cox a hearty welcome, and to hear what he had to Bay. Ho was anxious to hear what he had to say about England in the present crisis. He was prevented from boing present at tho meoting prior to Mr. Cox taking bis departure, but ho was glad to bo present on a more- happy occa sion to welcomo him back, and ho did so mo3fc heartily. He was thankful that he and his partner in life had been preserved and brought in safety to tho colony. Representing, as he did, the Wesleyan Methodists, he might say Mr. Cox had a largo number of friends both among the ministry and laymen. (Applause.) Ho trusted his labours in connection with that Church would be very signally and specially owned of God, and that he would have an interest in their prayers as ministers of religion. They could ill spare such men from tho colony, and he was heartily glad he had returned, for they wanted a ministry that would be in opposi tion to everything unscriptural, and especially against ritualism and all other influences that opposed the progress of religion. The Rev. J. Lyall rejoiced exceedingly to see Mr. Cox and his family amongst them again. He had greatly missed his labours in their various Societies, for there was no good work in which he had not taken a part. ' Thoy expressed their gratitude to God who had brought him and his family back in safety. He stated his opinion that a change was beneficial both spiritually and physically after 12 or 13 years' labour. He trusted Mr. Cox would be long spared amongst them, and that his ministry would be ono of increasing power and usefulness. The Rev. J. L. Parsons cordially endorsed all the expressions of welcome that had been made use of, and he joined heartily in the wish that the effect of Mr. Cox's visit might not be con fined to his church and congregation, but that other ministers might get a part of the benefit. The Rev. F. W. Cox was on rising greeted with prolonged applause. He. said ho felt — to use a common expression more forcible than elegant— rather sold. He asked, when told of this meeting, 'What do you expect me to do on Thursday night; do you expect mo to give you my English experience?' He was told ' No; you have nothing to do;' but brother after brother expected a great deal, which thoy chpwed by the extreme brevity of their speeches. His own idea was that whatever h« had to say of a special character he should reserve tiu another occasion. (Applause.) It would give him a great amount of pleasure to meet them at a future time and talk to them for an hour about various things, and give the testimony of an eye-witness as to what he had seen on the continent of Europe. But there were a great many people who, when they got hold of him by the buttonhole, either actually or figuratively asked him a series of questions, and he might as well answer the questions they would be likely to ask while they were all there. ' How are you all?' would be one of the first enquiries. They had come back very well indeed. The benefit of their visit had been striking and marked, and they had been greatly benefited. The next query would be, 'What sort of a voyage did you have ?' Thoy had a very pleasant one— what he would call a pro longed yachting voyage, although they had many hard blows about Africa and the North Atlantic, showing what sea life was, and giving zest to the trip. On Easter Monday they were at Cape Town. He thought a little more infusion of life into it, even as com pared with Adelaide, would be beneficial. It seemed rather slow, but on the whole a pleasant place. They also visited St. Helena, and inspected the house in which Napoleon lived, and saw the tomb in tho valley, made famous by the many pilgrimages to it. The people there were very dull, and expected the Sulz Canal to give them their deaUi-blow t but they were not dead yot. He agreed with

.'-.'?what. Mr. Gladstone said of the Suez Canal, ?which was to the effect that France would bear tho expense and have the honour of construct-, ing it, while England would have the benefit of it; for out of 419 ships that had passed through 335 had been English. The voyage was not very long, considering it was round the Cape of Good Hope. They arrived in 91 days in good health, and the entrance into their native land was a very joyous one. The journey back was a boisterous one. The weather was very cold, and the first fortnight was the most trying he ever experienced. Their fears were not much relieved by the si^ht of a wreck, and the spot where the London foundered. The last part of the voyage was very favourable, and if they had had such a run in the first part they would have arrived in 44 days, which had never yet been done, Ho would next be asked, perhaps—' What do you think of England?' The first thing that struck him was how dull the climate was after the Australian summer of 1870. The sun was sometimes at SO3, and this temperature caused much greater depression than a much higher here. Ho missed the bright skies of Australia. It was a very dry summer, and thsre was a, want of tho customary greenness. He noticed an air of respectable antiquity in rmany of the southern towns which was not to be seen in the active maaufacturing districts further north. Another thing that struck him unpleasantly was the amount of poverty in the large centres. The eye could not turn away from the being3, whose wretchedness was obtrusive. When they considered the greatness of England, they should think that all was not right in this respect. Poverty in England was greater than in most parts of the Continent, whore riches were not so abundant, and tho ignorance which accompanied it was grosser. One might have thought of clothing a child seen in the street almost in a state of nakedness had he not known that the parents would strip them in order to find money for the gin - shop. He could not help thinking that if he were at the head of affairs he would take away the right of such parents and say, ' If you will not provide for your children, we will.' They belonged to a class of professional criminals, and would never step into the ranks of the honest workman. He could not help being impressed in London with the wealth of a certain class and the poverty of another. lie also noticed great depression among the peasantry of Englandpeople who were living en ICG ounces of solid food per week, whilo the allowance in Government institutions, such as gaols, &c, was 210 ounces. Ho had tried to impress on a great many persons that they wanted such people hero. They were poor, but honest, solfdenying, and intelligent. They did no£ want people who expected the elysium of tho working man, but those who wished for plenty on their tables without being dependent on any oue, and as the result of their own honest labour. They might not get much, but they would earn sufiicient to maintain themselves as they had not been able to do before. Another question might be, ' What do the people think of Australia?' He brought the subject forward a good deal, but he had no need to do so where he was known, for the subject was one of great interest to all classes of the people. Many of them thought the colonists were hi great danger from bushrangers, and were surprised when he said he had never seen one. Their geography was very deficient, and he had sometimes been asked whether Adelaide was a part of Mel.bouinc or whether Melbourne was a part of Adelaide. People knew more about Adelaide than about South Australia— a name which, though always deceptive since they had had the Northern Territory became an absolute absurdity. As to the question — ' Which couutry do you like best ?' it was one which he could not answer positively. He should be sony to leave Adelaide for most parts of England. (Applause.) He was a good deal in the country places, and saw the ministers of his denomination. Their position and that of the Churches was anything but a favourable one. Tho force of public opinion was much against them, and those who did not adhere to the dominant Church needed power to stand up against trying circumstances. Many persons in England were glad to hear of the result of the removal of disabilities which they had at homo. Ho should also prefer the climate of South Australia to that of London. With respect to the advantages in many ways to be obtained in Europe, and its position in tho arts, ic, it was impossible for this colony to develop sufficiently to correspond to it ; but in places where art wa'i most to be seen there was such a state of things as ho least liked to see, and he mentioned Venice as an instance of this, stating that out of a population of 00,000 one quarter of tho inhabitants were in receipt of State relief. With respect to what he saw about the war, that he must reserve. It struck him, however, that there was now a great antagonism to the German cause, and a strong sympathy with the French, in Eogland and in this colony. (No, no.) At first the feeling was in favour of the Germans, and nothing could l-c stronger than the strictures on the war being uncalled for; but now the French were eg thoroughly beaten, the side of the weaker was taken, and it was thought that the Germans ought to have retired after Sedan or Metz. He would give his reasons for thinking the Germans could not have dene less than they did. He never saw a Frenchman in England or on tho Continent who ever admitted that his people were beaten. There was another reason— there was no one in France to tell the people the real truth. Jfuo one cried, 'hold, enough,' the attack mast be continued; .and if they would not submit, tho victorious party had to conic on and mako his victory sure. (Applause.) He did not believe that at any other point could the Germans have retired without the French thinking they had to do so, and without the French claiming the honours of war. He could not help thinking that England had taken a very righteous position to all. Tho charges against her were both the same from German and French, and if the neutral was spoken of the same by both extremes it proved she had not shown favour to one or the other. The exasperation was very strong against England for the supposed exportation of arms at the beginning of the conflict, and half a million of money raised for the wounded had not sufficed to allay the feeling. The Germans would not mind what the American did, but it was felt on account of tho nearness of blood by alliance. The general opinion was that Earl Granville' had conducted the whole affair as regarded England with great ability and statesmanship. The Germans said that if England had interfered at the commencement of tho struggle the war might have been stopped, and Franco also expected iuterferencc on her side. Both parties looked upon England as a kind of arbiter. He thought England had done all she could without becoming a party to the conflict, and she would in due time, . he believed, receive her meed of praise from both contending nations. In conclusion, the rev. gentleman said their welcome, warm and hearty as it was, was- fully responded to by him. He felt great happiness in coming back and meeting i.hem, and ho could only hope that whatever there might have been in somewhat overwrought expectations about the good he would do, that he would be spared to labour with invigorated health for some time, and he trusted that they would feel more thau ever that they were banded in one cause as ministers and people; that they might feel they had the presence of God and could in* fiuence the people before them; that whilo their own souls were being nourished they might have somethiug to do with giving the Word of God to others. Might God grant them a blessing, and might all the good wishes expressed towards him and them be fully realized, for Christ's sake. (Applause.) : The Chairman theu addressed some words of farewell to the Rev. A. Scales, who had officiated during Mr. Cox's absence, remarking that the Church had not suffered while under his charge. He handed him an envelope containing a cheque, as a small token of their esteem. He hoped that God would make him an abundant blessing in that other sphere of labour which ho was entering. (Applause.) . He trusted that he might be long spared to live in South Australia, and to labour amongst them. (Applause.) The Rev. A. Scales briefly responded. He knew, he said, there had been many deficiencies in his labours, and they would find in their own minister, many things they did not in him; for while his mind had been emptying itself, Mr. Cox's had been filling. He thanked them forall the support and kindness he had received during his ministry, which had been one of

complete peace between himself and them. He was glad Mr. Cox had returned, endeared by his absence, and of the welcome he had received. The Rev. F. W. Cox wished to add one word of respect. He had scarcely had a letter from one of his people but Mr. Scales had beeu mentioned with respect and affection. He was thankful the ministry had been so effectively maintained, and thanked those other brethren who had given occasional aid. The meeting closed with the doxology and the benediction. North Adelaide Congregational Church. .'. With reference to the effort now being made by this congregation to complete their place of worship, it may be remarked that the building was erected about 10 years ago, and during tb«at period has remained in an unfinished state externally, forming in this respect a marked contrast to the interior, which is on all hands regarded as among' the most chaste of the many beautiful churches studded over the Australian Colonies. By spreading the expense over 1871 and 1872, it is proposed to entirely finish the structure. The first portion of the work, embracing the ground floor, and including the large lecture hall and several other rooms of various sizes, has been finished. When the church was being reared, it was not expected that the introduction of water into Adelaide would be so successful a scheme as it has proved, and provision was made in the building for the storage of a large quantity in two tanks at the west end of the schoolroom. As their use for this purpose is now superseded, they have been utilized into class-rooms, intended for Sunday Bible classes ; openings from them having been made into the large hall. The whole of the inside has been plastered and painted; new gasfittings have arrived per Dragon; a largo number of unsightly wooden pillars have been replaced by half tho number of light iron ones, special caro having been taken by the architects to test their strength to sustain a crowded attendance in the chapel above ; and the contract has been carried out to the entire satisfaction of the Building Committee by Mr. George Bradley, of North Adelaide, at a cost of nearly £400. A meeting of the Building Committee was held on Monday, April 3— tho Rov. James Jefferis presiding— to receive tenders for the erection of a tower 75 feet high, the external plastering, and sundry other works. The offers being higher than was expected, a SubCommittee was appointed to confer with the architects as to reducing the cost of the proposed tower, &c. The members met again on Thursday, when the Sub-Committee reported that the architects had stated that any alteration ot the j tower so as to reduce- tho height or alter tho j character would mar its beauty and harmony, j After some discussion, it was unanimously j agreed that the tower be erected in accordance j with the design submitted, and tho tender of : Messrs. May & Walters, of North Adelaide, j being the lowest, was accepted for the whole | work. The third and finishing portion, embracing . extensive accommodation for horses and car- j riages, making a new approach for vehicles j from Brougham-place, placing an iron railing j round the premises, aud various other miuor details, will be gone on with on the completion i of the second portion ; and it is hoped tiiat the whole will be finished before tho winter is over, so that a few ornamental trees may have a chance of taking root before the hot weather sets in. Tho whole of the improvements are being carried out under the superintendence of Messrs. Wright & Hamilton, the architects. j Stow Church Anniversary. i On Sunday, 16th April, services in connection with tho anniversary were held at Stow Church. In tho morning the Rev. J. G. McMichaol preached, taking for his text the words contained in 2 Kings ii. 9 — 'Aud it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, ask what I shall do for thco before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.' The Rev. J. Jefferis occupied the pulpit in the evening, taking for the basis of his discourse the words in Hebrews ii. 10 — ' For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to mako tho Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.' The anniversary services of the above Church wero continuod by a tea and public meeting on Tuesday, April 18. At the latter tho Rev. C. W. Evan presided. There was a moderate attendance. The proceedings were opened by prayer offered by the Rev. fl. Oheetham. Tho Rov. Mr. Evan said it had been his wish to take some small part in the proceedings of that evening — the fourth anniversary of the opening of thoir sanctuary — and he was glad tho position of Chairman had been assigned to him, as tho duties wcro easy to fulfil. As to the work of the past yoar, his own share in that, he regretted to say, had been very limited and imperfect; but his lack of service luul been well supplied by other brethren. Tho worship of God had been conducted from week to week and Christian work had been done. Sometimes they might feel disappointed, and fear that their labour was in vain, that their strength was spent for nought ; but tie fruit would follow, though the day might bo distant. The circumstances of tho Church during tho year had not been favourable to its prosperity; but he trusted there had beeu no serious retrogression, while in some respects there had boen progress. Having referred to the changes through death, and removals, ho expressed his hope that the coming year would l-o far better aud brighter than the past, aud that every year which followed would bo better and brighter than all the years that had gouc before. It had been something of a disappointment to them that the good minister who was expected to come and take the oversight of tho Church had decided not to come. It was a disappointment to him personally, because he had hoard, while he was in England, favourable things of Mr. Simon, and also that he would not refuse a suitable invitation from the colonies. The case of the Church was, however, iu the hands of wise and true men, who' would give themselves trouble about it, and his belief was that before the end of the year the vacancy in the pastorate would be suitably filled. Meanwhile ho would venture to say, as they desired to obtain one of the best of ministers, let them strive to be oue of the beet of Churches. An indifferent minister might do much to ruin a good Church, aud an indifferent Church might do much to mar tho ministry of a good man. In the interval of waiting and expectation the Church should give itself earnestly to the work of self-improvement and self-purification. All the feelings that crowded upon him in connection with that meeting ho dared not express, but would only say, in conclusion, that pleasant as had been many of their anniversary gatherings in the past, he hoped that future ones would be more pleasant aud interesting, and that the Master whom they served would be increasingly glorified. Mr. Alexander Hay, M.P., read a balance-sheet, showing a deficiency in the funds, which he attributed to the general depression of the past season, and felt confident would, with a little extra exertion, soon bo wiped away. Positive arrangements had not been made for tho supply of the pulpit, but he believed they would have Mr. Scales among them again, and that tho Church would continue to be as well filled as it had beeu. He stated that the Organ Fund amounted to £235. The anticipated cost of an organ was £800, and he thought if they had half that they might fairly send home the' order for the organ to be built, and obtain the remainder before it arrived; but he deprecated incurring any debt in connection with it. Mr. A. Adarason read a Sunday-school report. At the principal school the average number of scholars was 185, exhibiting a slight decrease, which it was hoped would be more than overtaken during the present year. The report of the Halifax School was encouraging,' the numbers having advanced from 61 scholai-3 and nine teachers in March, 1870, to 104 scholars and 14 teachers in 1871. A social tea meeting for the scholars and their parents and a Clothing Club were referred to as having been carried' out with success in connection with the school.; Mr. D. Robin presented a report of the Bible, classes, and gave some account' of the! studios in which they were engaged, alluding also to two social meetings which had? been held, during the year, which he had! reason to believe proved both pleasant and pro-' Stable to those concerned. The Rev. Alfred5 Scales 'then delivered a brief but instructiveaddress on the subject— 'The Place and Power of the Individual.' Ho pointed out the importance of a right Relf-ostimation, and the respon-j abilities- of each individual to employ what!

power he possessed for the 'extension of God's, kingdom and glory. A vote of thanks, oh the motisn of the .Hon. Augustine Stow, was passed to the Chairman, the Rev. Mr. Scales^the ladies for the tea, and to the choir, which under the direction of Mr. Shakespeare performed very efficiently seveial pieces of music during the evening. Thedoxology and benediction closed the proceedings. . Congregational.— The Rev. C. J. Evans has resigned the pasturate of the Gawler Congregational Church, and proceeded with his family to England. The Rev. J. C. McMichael, who has been conducting the services at Stow Church with much acceptance during the past few months, having received a warm invitation from the Gawler Congregational Church, . has accepted an engagement to take charge there, and accordingly he left per the Aldinsa steamer on Tuesday, intending to return in three weeks with his wife and family, and then enter upon his new sphere of labour. The residents of Gawler may be congratulated upon having as an accession to their ministerial ranks a gentleman of culture, power, and earnestness, who, judging from the past, will, while by all proper means seeking to defend his own opinions and extend tho principles that he cherishes, exhibit broadness of view and catholicity of sentiment. The Rev. A. Scales, who has latterly. been filling the Hindmarsh-squaro pulpit during the absence of the pastor, has undertake the supply of Stow Church for a term. THE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. The half-yearly gathering of this Association was held at the Norwood Baptist Chapel on Tuesday, April 4. The ministers assembled for prayer and conference in the morning, and in the af ternoon the BUSINESS MEETING was held, the Chairman (the Rev.- J. M. Day, of Kapunda) presiding. A hymn having been sung, aud the Rev. W. Hack having offered prayer, ' The Secretary (Rev. S. Mead, M.A., LL. B:) said it was not usual at the half-yearly meeting to give a written report, but instead a verbal outline of any special events. He was sorry that the past six months had not been marked by any decided evidences of progress. They were much in the same position as at tho anuual meeting. So far as' the membership was concerned, he was not in a position, without statistics, to state anything definitely; but he believed there had been abaut the usual number of additions to the various Churches. It struck him, however, that in most, especially in the couutry Churches, there had beeu an absence of vigour and spiritual life. In past years many of these had to report special seasons of blessing, more particularly in connection with the visits of evangelists supported by the Association; but they were without tho help of such at present, and saw a result in the comparative dullness of several country Churches. Perhaps it would bo well for a moment to refer to the loss sustained by the departure of tho Rov. Mr. Parkin. All knew that he had gone to England in the hope that the change might be beneficial to his sight. He had laboured with much perseverance and success, especially in connection with country Churches, and these felt the loss of his services. During the six months they had not received any addition to tho ministerial staff, and, indeed, had rather suffered loss than gain. He felt strongly that it was very desirable that this state of things should not go on without an effort to increase the number of brethren labouring in this colony. There was but oue student preparing for the ministry at tho College. They wanted more aid to enable them to carry on tho work, and iii order to keep pace with the growth of the colony they needed rnofe labourers. As the harvest had been more favourable than in times gone by, he hoped there would be more means, so as to gain the services of other ministers. Four or five years ago they ventured to^send to England for help; and ho was not sure but' that they needed to do so now. This was a matter which involved great responsibility, and ought to be looked at carefully. Probably there would be an additional reason if any of the present staff left. He was aware that ministers wcro rather dear goods, both as to importation and keeping them in proper order when here ; but they must endeavour to secure help from other sources than thoso now available. The College was in a very low state. They had one student, whereas it was hoped there would have been several. He was impressed with the belief that it was possible to render the organization useful, but did sot think it should be at all a fixed idea with them that because a man entered into the ministry they should regard it as for life. - While the work should not be thrown up hastily, or without good reason, their labour would not bo thrown away if a man passed through a course of study and entered the ministry for a short term of years, and then gave it up and entered upon business. Such men would be better members of Churches and more efficient lay brethren. They all folt that they wanted more lay preachers. He was inclined to belicvo it would be a good thiug if they could render somo help in the supervision of the studies of some young men, not with the idea that they should enter the ministry altogether, but bo engaged as lay brethren. He was ' sure they would never be thoroughly successful unless they employe I more of such help, and oneway to render it efficient was to give advantages in the way of study. It was not impossible to render the College available for such. Ho hoped that in the remaining halfyear they would mako more progress. FINANCIAL REPORT. The TREASURER (Mr. Jas. Smith) stated that the receipts since the annual meeting had been £61 10s. 10d., and the payments £04 14s. lid., leaving £2 18s. Id. due to tho Treasurer. The unliquidated liabilities amounted to £120. GLENFORD CHURCH. The Rev. S. Mead brought forward an application from this Church, near Port Elliot, to be united with the Association. The Rev. J. PuiCE .seconded tho motion, which was carried. GROUPING OV CHURCH KS. The Rev. S. Mead wished to mention a matter that had come before the Committee— that of the affiliation of Churches. Tho word affiliation was an unfortunate one to express the idea, and was the rock on which a motion at a previous meeting split. Tho following resolution had been agreed to by the Committee:— ' That as far as possible country Churches should be grouped under one pastorate.' This might be a little vague, but it conveyed the meaning intended very fairly. The of tenor he went into the country tho more he was impressed with the idea. The Methodists might say it was their circuit system, but it was certainly none the worse for that. If they laid this down as a principle, and carried it out according to the circumstances of different places, he thought they should do well. Where the whole attention of a Church had to be directed to supporting the pastor, it prevented the carrying on of other works, and many Churches had to apply to the Association for assistance. Some of the Churches would have to learn to get a minister only as often as possible, and not altogether. The lay agency would be of course called into requisition as often as possible. He then gave a notice of* motion on the subject. MINISTERIAL PRECKDKNCR. The Rev. J. L. Parsons had a resolution to propose which he conceived to be of some importance, or he would not have brought it forward that afternoon. He must offer a word or two of explanation to shield himself from misrepresentation or mistake. It would be in the recollection of many that the official list of those who wero entitled to private eniree at the last levee on Her Majesty's Birthday differed very materially from previous lists, in that a distinction was made between the various denominations invited. First stood the Anglican Bishop, then the Roman' Catholic Vicar-General, next those who held Her Majesty's Commission, Judges, members of Parliament, civil servants, consuls, &c, and at the foot the representatives of other religious denominations. It had been' the custom, he understood, to place all the representatives of the religious bodies together. What was done last year was therefore a departure from the previous custom. , It must ba, remembered that this colony, unlike either of the others, was founded on the principle of complete religious equality. Indeed the onlyi religious official who ever received State pay from the establishment of the colony was the Colonial Chaplain. Tt was a matter; to be ? taken notice of -if one or two ! denominations were placed in an exceptional position. .He had referred to reports) of such matters in Victoria, and New Souih

Wales. In the -4r^Msbf May 25, 1870, he found the official list iii the following order :— General Chute, the Ministry, President of the Legislative Council, Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Justice and Judges, the Anglican Bishop and his Chaplain, and the Roman Catholic Vicar-General; then the representatives of other religious bodies. They took precedence of the members of the Legislature, naval and military force3, &c. In the Sydney Morning Herald of the same date the order was— the Ministry, the Chief Justice and Judges, President and members of the Legislative Council, Bishops of Sydney and Bathurst, representatives of other religious bodies, and then the military and naval officers, consuls, &c. In those colonies tho principle of a certain connection between the Church and the State was upheld till a short time ago. He thought that theBaptLstdenomiuationasforming a part of the community were called upon toaffirm the principle of religious equality. He had no wish to say anything disrespectful to the representative of Her Majesty, but thought it his duty to move — ' That the attention of this Association having been called to the fact that in the official list of those who were invited to the private entree at the last levee the Bishop of Adelaide and tho Roman Catholic Vicar-General were placed at the head of the list, and the representatives of other religious denominations were placed at the foot of the list, this meeting hereby records that in its opinion such a distinction is opposed to the principle of religious equality upon which the colony of South Australia was founded.' It might be said that ministers had no business at levees. They did not, however, ask to be invited, -but were invited. The Chairman was asked to attend as the representative for tho time being of the Association, and he had a right to be placed on an equality with other religious denominations. | Mr. D. Fowler had much pleasure in seconding. ? Ho did not hold the opinion that ministers had no right to be at levees, but thought they had as much right as any others to show their respect for His Excellency. The Governor should, however, either not ask them at all or merely as private individuals. It was quite an infraction of the principles on which the colony was founded that these divisions should be recognised. Tho Roman Catholic ?Bishop might bo a very excellent man, bwt he had no official position. Mr. S. SUMMERS moved tho previous question. He thought that the Chairman of the Association as such had no right to stand in an official position before tho Govornsr. They were willingly separated from the State, and thoy should stand aloof. His Excellency took what action he did on his own personal responsibility, and they had no right to dictate to him. Mr. James Smitfi opposed the motion. The Rev. D. Badger (Morphott Vale; moved an amendment to tho effect that they have nothing to do with the matter. He did pot think it was an affair they should meddle with. The Governor might put any name he liked first on the list for all tke speaker cared. He did not seo how the Chairman of a voluntary Association like that, formed for spiritual purposes, could represent the denomination. Mr. A. Murray (Coromandel) deprecated tho elevation of one sect over another. They should guard carefully against the creeping in of a custom that had been so hurtful— that of having anything like a dominant Church. The Rev. W. O. Ashton (Lyndoch) seconded tho previous question. The Governor was a Churchman, and if ho chose to place Bishop Short first they should not take umbrage. It was a matter which should bo beneath their notice. Tho Rev. W. Hack (Hilton) pointed out that the Governor was not a private person, and the . list was an official one. The Rev. S. Mead said ono matter should be settled — that was how far the Association wished that the Chairman should bo regarded as representing the body to the Governor. It had been assumed that he would ropresent the denomination. If the Association asked him to do so it would be a different thing. Mr. J. A. Holden supported tho motion. When the Governor in his official position invited representatives of various denominations fliey should be on an equality. Tho Chairman for tho time being was the representative of thoir body. The Rev. J. Prick (Albcrton) differed from the proposition and amendment, and should not vote for cither. The Governor not only invited tho different bodies, but he published an official list, showing by the order the estimation in which lie held the various denominations. Ho thought they should petition the Governor to leave them alone altogether. Tho Rev. J. L. Parsons (North Adelaide) was exceedingly sorry that tho Baptists thought so littlo of themselves. If they woro Dissenters there would bo something in Mr. Summers' argu-ment, or if they were pushing themselves forward; but they were not doing that — they wero being pushed buck. This was a step towards making; other distinctions between religious, bodies. As a donomiuation they had certain privileges to defend and conserve. There might bo many occasions on which thoy wished to approach the Governor, and if that Association was an3rthinjr, the Chairman was^w se its representative. The Governor had chosen to recogm'so the Chairman of tho Baptist Association, but treated him disrespectfully by placing him at the end of the list, whilo others who had no more right were placed at the top. If there was auy communication to be made it would come or go through the Chairman. . Mr. W. K. Thomas thought it would bo desirable to put the resolution ina rather different form, and he had drawn one up which would leave the expression of opinion open as to whether the Governor should invite heads of denominations at all. It was— 'That, inasmuch as in South Australia all religious denominations are equal, it is the opinion of tho Baptist Association that if His Excellency the Governor think proper to invite the representatives of religious denominations to the private entree to the levee on Her Majesty's Birthday, as a matter of justice they should be placed together iu the list.' He believed the Queen's regulations provided that tho representatives of tho Church of England aud tho Roman Catholic Church should bo invited, but it was a matter of option with tho Governor whether the representatives of other religious bodies should he invited at all. He thought, however, the Governor had taken a wrong course in departing from the usual custom. The Rev. H. J. Lambert (Norwood) supported the motion. No doubt it was the intention of the Governor to snub them, and if they took no notice of it His Excellency might construe it into humble submission. Tho Chairman (Rev. J. M. Day, Kapuuda) could not understand how the denomination could bo represented by its Chairman, who was not in the same position as the President of the Wesleyau Conference, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly, &c. The Rev. J. L. Parsons declined to accept Mr. Thomas's proposition in place of his own. The motion was then carried. DENOMINATIONAL EVANGELIST. The Rev. S. Mead stated that the Committee had passed a motion as follows:— 'That it is desirable that the Association should engage and sustain an evangelist to labour in the country districts.' They had thought that they would be able to obtain the services of one minister, but his Church would not consent to his removal. Evening Meeting. In the afternoon a well-attended tea meeting was held in the Norwood Free Schoolroom, after which a public meeting, at which a largo number were present, was held in the chapel. After singing and prayer, -.-.... Tho Rev. J. M. Day, of Kapunda, delivered the following address:— ' Christian Brethren— My instructions from the Committee are to give an address of a semiofficial character for 20 or 25 minutes. This clearly cannot mean that my address is to be stamped with semi-official authority, since that would be inconsistent with our congregational principles. * I therefore assume that it means I am to touch . upon matters of a semi-official 'character. At any rate I shall so interpret my marching orders. Instead of confining myself to one particular subject, I shall briefly touch upon two or three subjects closely connected; with our present position and prospects as a de-; nomination, or rather as an Association. In any : .suggestions I may make it will, I am sure, be' understood that I am neither fault-finding nor, dictating, but merely taking the opportunity of

throwing out two or three suggestions that may ' be worth consideration. 'It would be unwise to disguise the fact that ' our congregational principles are in this colony put to a. very severe test, and the question may arise, are they equal to the test, or can we only hope to succeed by an occasional departure from them? I venture to say wo may hope to succeed without departing from them in the smallest degree.. I am auxious we should bo very clear upon this point, becauso we have a young community growing up in our midst, to whom tho traditions of modern connrorrationalism are almost unknown, and who^havo therefore, the more need to be well grounded in its principles. I don't like to hear, as I sometimes do, the question raised when difficulties press hard— difficulties, too, that seem to ariso from our mode of working — would it not bo better for us to adopt a modified form of suchand-such a system? In reading recently tuo .' Baptist History, ' by Dr. Crump, I have been Struck with the fact that the whole history of our denomination has been a manful struggle for the grand principles of civil and religious liberty. Happily: in this country we are -delivered from the necessity of occupying any time in the discussion, of merely, political questions. We possess tho liberty for which others had to contend. By us the whole subject may bo dismissed with the statement of the well-known principle, that the purpose for which government exists is simply the better protection of the persons and property of those, governed. Enforced religion is put out of the question at once, because it must involve persecution, direct or indirect, which will injure rather than protect the persons and property of the subject. 'The right use of this liberty by us as Christians has lost none of its importance. With the liberty to carry out the principle that tho Bible, and the Bible only, is the religion of Protestants, it becomes doubly, important that we should use that liberty aright. In fact, it must be with us not a mere creed, but a living principle; and it will not do for us to turn from it so soon as we begin to find that the offence of the Cross has not ceased. Wo must never forget that Christian liberty is not tho liberty to think and act as we like, but I the confessed obligation to follow the teaching i of the Holy Spirit as revealed to us in tho Scriptures, and to do this for ourselves — we can never shelter ourselves under the authority of great names. This is Popery and not Protestantism. Nor can we accept as a truth anything that is not a living reality to ourselves, simply becauso the denomination receives it, for this is Popery too. Tho history of our denomination also illustrates very strikingly another fact, viz., that our strength is in proportion to the living truth we posses rather thau in our denominational peculiarities, as they are called, or in the orthodoxy of our creed. Apart from the conviction of truth, a Baptist Church is the last Church to which I should belong. With us assuredly it is not by the attractiveness of tho field we shall gain buyers, but rather by tho value of the treasure hid in it. ,'I believe in having a mission, though I know somo of our brethren do not. Aud I think if wo have a special mission it is this: — To presorvo the purity and simplicity of the truth as it is in Jesus. In tho noble language of some of our brotherhood of a past age, ? we labour so to do that others who succeed us may have no cause to lament our having gone before them, and this mil we do, God permitting.' Our rejoicing in tho Lord is not so much in the character of our ancestry as in the children that God gives us, who are our joy and crown of rejoicing. Of necessity we hold very strongly that none but Christians can be received iuto the Church, and that none such ought to be excluded by any barrier, doctrinal or practical— that the Church is not a club that has tho right of receiving or rejecting members at its option, but a brothorhood that is bound to receive all with open arms whom Christ has received. If I am asked how are we to know who are Christians, and whom we ought to receive, my reply is that, admitting we may make mistakes, tho difficulty is imaginary rather than real. An Irishman soon recognises an Irishman, aud a Christian surely can soon recognise a Christian. Let us know what it is .to bo a Christian; and let our faith and hope bo in Christ, and not in the shifting ground of experience, and tho supposed difficulty will nearly vanish. It must ever be remembered thatetho experience of a Christian and a Christian experience may be two very different things, just as the experience of a soldier and a true soldierly experience may bo very different. ' Our mission, I have said (and iu saying this J am not for one moment insinuating that it is not tho professed aud real mission of other Churches too), is t.'- preserve the purity and simplicity of the truth; and history and Divine command alike teach us that we can only do this by spreading it. Let us cease to grow, and for all practical purposes wo cease to live. Growth iu grace is essential to us as Christians; tho spreading of the truth is essential to us as a Church. Tho question which our Association seeks to answer is, how can wo accomplish this? We shall all accept it as our axiom tlwit nono but Christian men can do Christian work; that tho help and countenance of others are a hindrance rather than a help. I am not unmindful that there seems to be much that is humane and lovely in the argument that if you can only get undecided persons to be interested in different departments of Christian work, you will probably win them over to the cause of Christ. I will only say in reply— Does Scripture warrant this? If it does not, daro we act upon it ? Let me guard against misapprehension. I am speaking of Christian work. I am not for one moment implying that Christiau parents should not train their children to acts of servico for Christ. I saw last Sunday what pleased me immensely. Ono of our congregation had with him his little child, who was not tall enough to reach the contribution-box. After the father had put in his contribution, he lifted up the little child that he, too, might put in his contribution. .This is right enough. But for the Church to suppose it can extend its operations by the help of thoso who aro ashamed of tho Cross of Christ, or, at „ any rate, do not understand the Gospel, is surely an anomaly. And I fear a physician might as well take as a partner a baker, who was totally ignorant of medicine. We must go deeper down for the reason. Is it not that Christians are themselves too much ashamed of the Cross? Without trying to mako ourselves peculiar in voice, gesture, lauguage, or dress, Christianityisstill sufficiently rare to mark off the Christian Church as citizens of another country, and it is needless to try to disguise our citizenship oven if it were right to do so. ' Now, in trying to carry out these principles our difficulties .begin in country places. I believe we all endeavour conscientiously to avoid mere proselytism. And I can say that with ono exception I have always lived on terms of friendly and brotherly intercourse with neighbouring ministers. I have reposed confidence in them, and I have found them repose confidence in me, and I thank God for it. Experience teaches us, I think, that our country churches aro not strong enough to build churches and maintain ministers, and if we are to adhere to the principles I have Laid down wo must come to the conclusion in many cases tho two cannot be done. For the most part our Churches are not wealthy— in the conventional sense of the word they are not respectable. Indeed we are not rich enough to be able to afford to get into debt. The rici may be able to afford it, but it is too costly a luxury for us who are poor. 'With a good deal of diffidence, and with an earnest disclaimer once ' more of any wish to find fault or to dictate, I venture to throw out one or two suggestions as to the practical working of the Association. ' Is our Association Committee .what it might lie? Would it not be better to have a more representative Committee, every district being as far as possible represented in it? .Might not the meetings, instead of being hurriedly called and hurriedly held, be fixed for stated days, say twice a quarter? And could not. eight whole days in the year be given to Committee work, so that every matter might be carefully and prayerfully considered in Committee? I think it would save us from both of the two extremes of hurrying into engagements without seeing what they involve, and of not entering into engagements because they are not placed before us. . I feel sure we should mako business if none came to its. If some now 'field of labour did not come to us we should go to it. Timo is spared for District Council.

md other meetings, and it could be spared 'or Association work. Such a plan as I -have ' luggested would diffuse and increaso the interest ntho Association and its work. Asitis.it is ao much to many of our members a mystery which reveals itself very clearly once a yoar n October, and somewhat more ob3curoly race a year in April. If time permitted, and t were wise, to do so, I could mention soma udicrous instances of misapprehension as to ;he real motivo and purpose of the Association vhich I have myself met with. 'Are wo right in leaving our chapel debts is they are ? In some places I know thoy ire a serious and a heartbreaking hinIrance. In my own caso jthoy havo caused uore trouble and worry, than ,. anything else. Could there not bo somo united action for reducing them in all cases to at least a manageablo compass. Is it impossible for us to commenco abuilding fund?. I think we should do so at once— to-night— if we smarted with * only £50. Tho longer wo delay it the moro keenly the want of it will be felt. I go a stop further than this. Might wo not obtain somehelp from England? I believe a fair statement of our position and prospects would ensure us aat.tr* cwsfea hKama * 'Turning to another department of our work, let me ask are wo using tho power of tho Press as we might? I may run counter to tho judgment of some of the brethren, but I cannot help saying I think wo are not. I have not much faith in denominational bookrooms. They aro generally a snare and adelusion. Would it not be better for us to make it worth while for a bookseller to keep tho books, periodicals, pamphlets, &c., wo read I A bookseller must understand the trade hotter than one who is a stranger to the business, and would bo bost able to have the books so that they can bo most ^ readily and quickly seen. : But more particularly 1 might we not spend money well in printiug tracts and pamplets of our own— tracts, I nieau, setting forth simply, clearly, and in a lively, vigorous style the great truths of the Gospel. I should like to see one or two pages of Tmlh and Progress every month devoted to tliia— thoso pages being afterwards stereotyped and printed in a separate form. Our forefathers used tho press largely ; aud though wo have greater liberty of speech thau thoy had, wo might uso the press with as much advantage as thoy did. 'One other matter I want to refer to briofly— Are all our members cultivating as thoy might and ought tho principles aud practice advocated by the Sj'stoniatic Beneficence Society, and aro our Churches careful to cultivate tho application of theso principles in their Church financo* I bless God for the liberality of our members, for the thoughtful liberality shown by many of them. And I refer to tho subject only booauso I believe, in' tho couutry especially, thoro is room for groat improvement yet. Without being thought egotistical, may I just refer to my own experience? From tho time whon I first earned any money at all I havo made a point of regarding a part of it as not my own at all. The Sabbath gives tho exact aualogy. One day in seven wo regard as not our own. It belongs exclusively to God, aud wo render it to Him at onco as tho acknowledgment that all our timo is His. So when wo receive ? any money, a part of it wo do not touch for our owu uso, but it at once goes to God's sorvico as au aoknowlcdgment that all that wo have is ^ His. One advantage of this is it necessitates the keeping of a regular account of income and expenditure. Another advantage^ is that putting by at once, say a tenth, as God's, we scarcely feel that wo aro {jiving at all until wo get beyond this. Tho giving will only soom to begiu whero with many people it ends. Still further, it will be found that as tho makiug of money is an art in which practice makos moro proficient, so it will be with giving. We .shall give out of our poverty as well as out. of our riches, and increased giving will begot incroasod facility in giving. 'Our Churches should, all of them, carefully cultivate this habit of regular giving. I value very littlo tho spasmodic efforts of anniversary collections. What we want is, as a deliberate and intelligent part of worship, tho weekly offoring for the Lord's servico. I beliovo if thin were more done, wo should bo savod from rash and thoughtless expenditure, and should battor understand tho good use we may mako of money for religious purposes. I havo not much confidence in the faith that is shown in spending other people's money. Wo bost show our ? faith by resolutely and systematically sotting to work with God's help to meet our liabilities by our present and personal sacrifices. ' Liberality is a privilege open to all Christians, bnt there is especial need that wo should uso it well. The pioneers in any work must always expect the lion's share of tho work, andif wo aspiro to the honour of being the founders of Churches, wo must well understand that tho lion's share of tho work, and especially of tho sacrifice, will fall upon us. Thoso who under God bought our liberty for us paid for it with persecution, imprisonment, and death. Wo, in entering upon their labours, havo fallen upon easier tunes. Lot it bo ours to show that wo cheerfully give directly to tho Lord that which in a bygone ago might liavo been wrung from us in fines. The timo which we might' havo had to spend iu prison let us spend iu tho Lord's work, or, at any rate, lot tho profit of that timo bo cheerfully given to tho Lord's treasury. Wo have not to give our body to be burned, but wo may and can give of our substanco to help in tho Lord's work. 'The great privilege is accorded to us of being living epistles, known and read of all men. Our great strength, our only strength as Christians and Churches lies in the vigour and purity of our Christianity. Having this, wo must grow. Without this nothiuff can keep us from decay. Whether as a distinct denomination wo increase much is a mattor of but little moment. But it is all important that the light which is in us should not be darkness. It is all important that wo should know tho truth, that tho truth should mako us free; that being made free by the Son, wo should bo froo indeed; and that in the energy of that freedom and in the power of tho glorious Gospel of tho blessed God, wo should be witnesses for tho truth. Then, iudeed, those who follow us would have no cause to lament our having gono boforo them.' Rev. S. Fairky, who was called on to speak, said he would take for his topic a few thoughts suggested by the comparison of their denominational work with that of tho early disciples. In tho first place, as compared with them, there was an uuduo regard paid to what might bo called officialisms— that was, that their works woro fettered by the trammels of fashion. There .was. nothing like this in connection with their Lord Jesus' work. He went about, not as a great preacher or a great teacher, but as a friend who loved thoso amongst whom ho worked. At times now ho had found that even being called a minister of tho Gospel was a hindrance to his own work. He went into a strange family, and was immediately asked, 'Are you not tho minister of such a Church ¥' when ho wished to talk with them as a personal friend and a Christian. They often found tliat even amongat Church members that too much attention was paid to this sort of thing. Not long after ho arrived in the colony he went into a church and heard what liOj aud ho believed every one present considered^ an exceedingly good sermon preached. He asked a member who sat near him who the preacher was, aud he answered, ' Oh, only a local.' He thought that most abominable, and felt very much inclined to ask, 'Is he not a Christianf If it had been given out that an M.A. with a clerical-cut coat was to have preached, the sermon would* havo been pronounced a masterpiece. It was the same with deacons as with ministers. If they visited a house as deacons he thought they would do very little good, but if they went as Christian brethren he thought thoy were likely to do a great deal /Let them not be Levites, let them not be a priesthood; but let them be like the good Samaritan, who found the man in his misery and distress, and acted to him as a friend ^ and neighbour 'would do. Ho thought the religious work was iu great danger of becoming fashionable. If it depended upon it they should find it a serious hindrance. Many young men had the idea that it was a fino thing to be a minister of the Go3p3l~ that it was better than being a mechanic or engaged iu trade, because all kinds of respect were paid to them which otherwise they would not be shown. They might, perhaps, if ,thejr had a little more scorn and. derision shown them, as the disciples had, do a good deal bettar i-ut

the cause of Christ. Then was it not the fashion to be a Sabbath-school teacher? Nearly every young person in the Church wished to be one— many from a right feeling ; but they : must guard against those who wished it merely because they desired to be better thought of by the congregation, and because the minister smiled upon them. If they got this fashion into their work they should lose their vitality, and find themselves powerless in their best endeavours. The reverend gentlemen then referred to the display made with Bibles, which he feared in many cases were wrapped carefully away from Sunday to Snnday. It was not so in the Apostles' days Then the . Christians went to fear God in secret from their enemies, know? ine tbafc perhaps the very next day they might be called upon to give an account --f their work for Jesus Christ. But after all, he did not think there was much fear of Baptists becoming fashionable, for there was the one rite of baptism. He did not find that was regarded as fashionable at Gawler, but rather as a most disgraceful proceeding. Another point was, did they not erroneously consider that the work was much less difficult to accomplish than that in .which the Apostles engaged? They had heard how the heathen came and sat . at the feet of the Apostles after worshipping blocks of wood and stone, and they said that their coh version was a grand work; but he believed they had work to do now quite as difficult as had the Apostles. Men had still idols; but instead of being of wood they were of gold. Satan had presented one with a god of fashion, fihiother with a god of pleasure, a third with a if god of wealth, all of whieh were worshipped as ' truly as did the heathen the idols made with their own hands. When they caused a man to discard his idol of gold they did as much as the Apostle when he went into Cresar's house, and turned f ome of his servants from dark superstition to the light of Christ. Let them remember that the t-arne power was needed now, and promised now, which ensured the Apostles such marvellous success, for Christ said when he left His disciples, 'Without Me ye can do nothing;' and it was the same now. Unless they had the fire from heaven, the Divine power, they could do nothing, and would be powerless even though - they might preach with the tongues of angels. If was truly as noble a thing for a man to work to-day for Christ as it was when the disciples preached on the day of Pentecost. In striving to save one soul from sin for Jesus Christ they were doing the noblest work in which it was possiWe to he engaged, and for which he believed they would obtain as noble a reward as the Apostle Paul: and they could then say with him, ' I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the Kighteous Judge shall give me in that day, and not to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing.' A collection having been made, Mr. Mead raid two or three years ago Mr. Day first touched on the question of a Building Fund, and made the rirst collection in aid of it at Mount Gambier. He was almost ashamed to say the money had been in his (Mr. Mead's) hands ever since. He should be g'ad to pay interest, and add a little to it. They had not been clear hitherto how a Building Fund could be commenced ; but he was sure if some of their friends in Adelaide could spend somo time in tlic country districts they would be more and more impressed with tho desirability of a fund being established ; and if they put their hearts and prayers into it, who knew but what byand-by they might have £10,000 as a Building Fund ? The Eev. J. L. Parsons having made an effective speech, The meeting terminated with singing and prayer. Evangelical Lutheran Church. We have been shown by the architect, Mr. J. Gumming, the plans and designs for the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is to be built in flinders-street, on the acre adjoining St. Paul's Parsonage. The building is to be Gothic in style, and a spire, which is shown in the plans, will be reared when the funds allow, but this werk will be omitted at present, it being intended to erect the tower as far as the gallery. The total internal dimensions of the building, including the vestry, will be 104 feet, width 43, height from the floor to the highest part of the coiling 30 feet. There is to be accommodation provided for 500 persons, but rathor less if the s--pirc is built, as it will affect the space devoted to the gallery. The fittings of the gallery, which it is intended to place at the south or front end, will be cedar. Tho material used for the structure will be Glen Osmond stone, with quoins and cement dressings. It is arranged that the enrichments or pinnacles in the front shall be finished irrespective of the spire. There is a considerable amount of open work about the ceiling, and communication with the outside by means of louvred openings, which are capable of regulation, is decided upon. In the front of the building are to be two rooms, one of which will be used as a minister's vestry. In the rear it is intended to construct a hall for meetings, 30 ft. by 18 ft. The land was bought three or four years ago by Mr. Sudholz and others of tho Lutheran community, and a portion of the funds for the Church was laised by means of a bazaar held last December. United Bible Classes. An interesting meeting took place on April 4, in the Stow Congregational Church. A number of members of the Bible Classes and teachers in the Sunday-schools connected with several neighbouring Churches assembled in response to an invitation of those connected with Stow Church to take tea together, and spend the evening in such a manner as might, whilst affording pleasure and interest, strengthen the feeling of co-operation which does or ought to exist between the kindred institutions of various Churches. In addition to North Adelaide and Hindniarsh-square, the Flinders-street Baptist and Presbyterian Classes were represented. The number of young people who sat down to tea, including some of the elder scholars, was over 200. It is anticipated now that the initiative has been taken, similar gatherings will follow at suitable times. After an hour had been agreeably spent in taking tea and in friendly conversation, Mr. D. Robin expressed his pleasure at the good attendance, and, on behalf of Stow Church, welcomed those who were present, remarking that if they did not undertake the ambition of breaking down the walls of partition between one denomination and another, they should at least take care that in this young country they did nothing to help to raise them up. _ A hymn having been sung, the Rev. J. C. McMichael delivered a very interesting address under the title of ' Hints for tho Study of the Bible.' He began by stating that it was a revelation from Godsomething that could not have been discovered by reason; and having pointed to some of its characteristics, such as its mysteries, its unity, and at the same time the infinite variety in the * methods in which truth was conveyed, the connection between the Old Testament and the New, and the completeness of the history of the Jewish people from the time of Abraham up to the advent of Christ, he referred to some of the arguments aud questions with regard to the inspiration of the Scriptures and the evidenees which enabled them to be* received with confidence as the Word of God to man. The coincidence between* the three contemporaneous Gospels and the existence, as proved by travellers, of habits and customs such as those described by the Scripture writers, together with many others, were alluded to as marks of the authenticity and genuineness of the Holy Word. In conclusion, after pointing out the ill effect of the improper division of the Epistles and other books by chapters, he concluded a very instructive address Jy hoping : that all of them would study Sfcthe Bible in such a manner that it might bv T*God's blessing, become the revelation of Wt to lost souls. A vote of thanks was heartily - proposed to the 'ecturer by Mr. R. Searle r' -who expressed his hope that they might hare ,? many more such meetings. This was seconded by Mr. M. Goode, and having becH carried was acknowledged by Mr. McMichael, who - stated that on his return to Victoria he shosld always carry with him pleasant^ recollections of his visit to South Australia, and .especially of that meeting.- After thanking Mr. Robin for his efforts, to which in Iai-ge measure the' -* success of the meeting was due, the proceedings ?were closed by the singing of the benediction.0

War Relief.— The fancy -bazaar and sacred concert held at. Hahndorf on Wednesday, April 19, were successful. The proceedings were opened shortly after noon with a patriotic address by Pastor Fiedler, and at night 'the musical part of the demonstration came off in the long room of Mr. Boehm's academy. Schraders Band played throughout the day, and took part in the concert. We learn that the net proceeds in aid of the German War Relief Fund amounted to £75.