MISSIONARY MEETINGS.

PLYMOUTH.-DEAR BROTHER BOURNE,-We have this week held our second series of missionary meetings. The meeting on Monday last at Zion Street was quite a success. The sermons also by the Brethren Messrs. H. Ellis and P. Labdon on Sunday were of a high order, attended by a gracious influence, and highly appreciated by large and attentive congregations. We are indebted to these dear brethren for their valuable services both in the pulpit and on the platform.

On Monday last some 200 sat down to an excellent tea, gratuitously provided by the ladies connected with the congregation-viz., Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Sanders,

Mrs. Smale, Mrs. Symons, Miss Hendy, Mrs. Oliver, and Mrs. Lee. Tea over, the Worshipful the Mayor of Plymouth, A. Rooker, Esq., occupied the chair, and with his usual grace and eloquence gave the opening address and presided over the meeting. The report having been read and some remarks made by W. Lee, Messrs. A. Verran, H. Ellis, J. Aldis (Baptist), and P. Labdon, delivered very suitable and earnest addresses. Then came the collection, which, with the proceeds of the tea, was some £4 10s. ahead of last year's. The donations also, gathered up during the past fortnight and at the meeting, were of a most encouraging character, so that, apart from the juvenile effort which is yet to come, and the list of our excellent collectors, we were enabled to announce to the meeting a financial result of about £34.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Rooker, moved by Mr. Kinsman and seconded by Mr. Hill, and a similar expression of gratitude to the kind ladies for their valuable services, which resulted in upwards of £9 in behalf of the Missionary Society, the singing of the doxology, and prayer, brought, according to general testimony, one of the best and largest missionary meetings we have ever had at Zion Street to a happy termination; and I have no doubt we shall have a total for Plymouth of more than 50

The meeting at Torpoint on Tuesday, presided over by Mr. Yeo, and addressed by Messrs. Lee, Hill, and Ellis, passed off well, and collection as last year.

The meeting on Wednesday night at King Street, Devonport, in point of members and financial results, was not equal to our expectation. This, however, we are disposed to believe, was not so much owing to the fact that our friends there have recently raised by special effort over £30 in behalf of the improvement of their chapel, as to the fact that there were two or three other important meetings in the town, which somewhat divided the attention. But to speak truly and plainly, many of our friends- there are a few honourable exceptionshave not much of the missionary spirit, or they would not be satisfied with absenting themselves from the annual meeting, or attending elsewhere when their presence and help were required at their own chapel; nor would they be long satisfied with raising, apart from a few earnest collectors and juvenile effort, the sum of from 2 to 3 for missionary purposes. More of the Spirit of the Master and we shall do well.

Plymouth, Feb. 14th, 1874.

W. LEE. YARMOUTH.-We have held two series of meetings in this circuit. The first, in the first week of November. Monday, Newbridge, Mr. A. Morris in the chair; Tuesday Brook, Mr. G. Hendy, chairman; and on Wednesday, Norton Green, when Mr. H. Bound presided. Messrs. J. Dingle and A. Marsh advocated the claims of missions each evening, and the collection was ahead at each place.

The second series of meetings was held the last week of January. Brixton on the Monday, Mr. G. Whitewood in the chair; Tuesday, Yarmouth, Mr. J. Reed presiding; and Wednesday, Barton's Corner, under the direction of Mr. J. Bubb. Messrs. J. H. Shilson and A. Marsh addressed each meeting, assisted at Brixton by Mr. G. Wheeler, and at Yarmouth by Mr. L. Rice. Collection in each place also in advance. The attendance at the services on the Sunday and the meetings was good, the presence of the Master was felt, and the sermons and speeches gave such satisfaction that some said they "were the best missionary meetings they ever attended."

We are truly grateful for the result, and greatly encouraged to do what we can to help forward the great missionary enterprise, and to pray that its grand design may be speedily accomplished. A. MARSH. FAVERSHAM.-Believing that the generality of the readers of our Magazine are more interested in the " Connexional department" of it thau what is sometimes termed "dry orthodoxy," or even miscellaneous intelligence which carries us beyond our own borders, I venture to pen a few lines repecting my recent tour as Missionary Deputation in the Faversham Circuit.

On Sunday, January 25th, I preached twice at Teynham to numerous and attentive congregations. In this place, until a little over a year ago, the Society had almost become extinct; but, through the earnestness and unwearied toil of Mr. Manser, one of the members of the Faversham Society, the dying embers have revived. The Society has increased, the congregations greatly enlarged, and a very interesting Sunday School has been established, connected with which are several intelligent and pious teachers.

The first meeting of the series was held at Throwley, on Monday evening, January 26th, presided over by Mr. Pettifer, a Wesleyan local preacher, who, in a speech full of humour and wisdom, struck the "key-note" well, and then called upon Brother Brokenshire to read the report, who prefaced and intersected the reading of the printed document with appropriate remarks. Brother Sutton was then called upon to address the meeting, and acquitted himself well by the delivery of a chaste and excellent speech. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the writer, who, in the course of his remarks, referred to the waste of money in that which is not bread. The assertion was afterwards confirmed by the pastor, and it was truly gratifying and encouraging to find that at the close of the meeting two young men brought forward their pipes, and a second contribution, resolving by God's help never to smoke again. May many more be like-minded! The collection was considerably in advance of last year's, which indicated a growing interest in the missionary work.

Our Tuesday's meeting was held at Eastling. Here, also, a great improvement has been realized. For some years past the Society and congregation had almost died out for the want of a more suitable place in which to worship. Recently, however, through the kindness of a gentleman in the neighbourhood, a “village hall" has been erected, and thrown open to our people at a small rental. Here a crowded congregation had assembled. The Brethren M. Brokenshire, J. Sutton, and J. Finch, did their best to interest them, and by laying before them the claims of the Society elicited from them a liberal response. Perhaps it is not out of place here to suggest the propriety of having preparatory sermons preached in the future at both of these interesting places.

Our Thursday's meeting was held at Teynham, which was well attended. Mr. Manser presided. The above named brethren again delivered earnest addresses. Collections much in advance. On the three meetings upwards of £2 were received above the previous year. At Teynham our cause prospers. The friends there are contemplating building a more commodious sanctuary forthwith, which we hope will be the scene of great spiritual liberty and triumph. The circuit, on the whole, under the vigilant and vigorous management of Brother Brokenshire is in a very healthy condition, and assumes a pleasing aspect. Very cheering this to pastor and people. J. FINCH.

ST. COLUMB.-Missionary meetings have recently been held at St. Dennis, Whitemoor, Treganatha, Belovely, and Blackcross, all of which have been attended with gratifying_success.

On Sunday, January 25th, sermons were preached at St. Dennis, morning and evening, by the writer. The congregations were very large, the chapel in the evening being densely packed. The service was one of considerable power. Nearly all the congregation remained to the prayer-meeting. Seven or eight became humble penitents at the feet of Jesus, and two or three found Him to the joy of their hearts. The public meeting was held on Monday evening, Mr. Bullock in the chair. The congregation very good. Mr. Bendle and the writer delivered addresses. Good meeting. Collection ahead. A prayer-meeting followed. There appeared every indication of an extensive revival. Let the church be thoroughly united, and wrestle with God in earnest, faithful, importunate prayer, and the blessing will be realised.

Tuesday, meeting at Whitemoor. The congregation was larger than was first anticipated. Speakers same as above. Tolerably good meeting. Collection ahead.

Tregenatha, Wednesday. This was a very delightful service, Mr. Sleeman in the chair. The congregation was very good, and influence rich. Brother Bendle and the writer addressed the meeting. We believe all felt it good. to be there, and the friends evinced a growing interest in the mission cause by making the collection I more than last year's.

Thursday, meeting at Belovely. There was a very fair attendance. Chairman and speakers same as on the previous evening, but we must confess that we did not experience the same freedom in speaking. Collection in the right direction. Blackcross, on Friday. This was our last meeting for the week. Mr. Spear occupied the chair, and made some appropriate remarks. The congregation was very good. Mr. Holmes and the writer addressed the meeting. Good influence. Collection ahead. P. R. B.

BRIEF NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A Mother in Israel; or, a brief Memoir of Mrs: Elizabeth Chalcraft. By F. W. BOURNE. Bible Christian Book Room, and Hamilton, Adams, & Co.* A PRECIOUS memento of one of the choicest spirits which has adorned human society in modern times. Mrs. Chalcraft was a worthy companion of Mrs. Fletcher, Hester Ann Rogers, and many others, noted for goodness and humility, piety and usefulness, and her memoir is one of the most charming we know; it portrays a character which it would be well for the young of both sexes to imitate; the aged it will assist in personal examination, and to them also supply encouragement. In size, it is adapted to the wants of the busy and feeble, who need a few words at a time more precious than gold. We are quite sure that there are thousands of devout souls, some personally known to us, in the pleasanter walks of life, as well as thousands of young converts, who would profit greatly by reading and re-reading it, and so drinking into the spirit of Christ through the life of Mrs. Chalcraft. Happy the children of such a mother; happy the household of such a mistress; and happy the society blessed with such a member and patron. As all is so precious, written so suitably, and got up so neatly, we do not feel it necessary to make any quotations, but let the life speak for itself, and we trust that the same blessed Spirit which led Mrs. Chalcraft from youth to a green old age may lead many more in like manner, so that they may finish their course on earth in like calmness, comfort, and hope.

Sunlight Dispersing the Dismal Shadows; or, the Doctrine of Eternal Torments shown to lack Reason and Scripture. By SILAS HENN. London: Elliot Stock.

THE title of this pamphlet sufficiently explains its character and design. It is only fair to state that Mr. Henn has argued his view with no little ability and earnestness; but we must state also our belief that many of his arguments are not unanswerable, or even so forcible as he evidently considers them to be. Take as an example, the argument he bases upon the terms destroyed, destruction, and the like. Mr. Henn says, "The words destroy, destruction, are frequently applied to the soul, just as they are applied to other things capable of destruction; and, therefore, must be understood in their common sense. If the disobedient will be destroyed, they will be deprived of being; and if the destruction will be everlasting, life will never be restored. If, then, they will be everlastingly destroyed, the doctrine that they will live for ever in torments cannot be true." But to be destroyed does not always mean in the Scriptures to be deprived of being. One example, to prove this will be sufficient, though very many instances might be quoted. In Deut. iv. 26, God solemnly addresses the children of Israel thus: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed." But we know that they were not thus exterminated, and Jehovah could not have meant to threaten their extermination, or "deprive them of being," for the very next verse is, "And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you," so that the destruction threatened could only have meant, as Mr. Grant says, "the afflictive dispensations of Providence with which they were visited because of their iniquities."

A Manual on Church Architecture, for the use of the Methodist Churches. By G. HODGSON FOWLER. London: G. Lamb and Elliot Stock. WE placed this little book in the hands of a friend competent to form an opinion as to its merits, and his judgment concerning one part of it is, that the remarks of the author are very important, and on another, very judicious, and so on, and as a whole, that it cannot fail to be useful to those engaged in the work of chapelbuilding, for the practical conclusions reached, and the suggestions offered, are, with few exceptions, wise and good.

* As we could not ourselves review this little book, a friend has kindly supplied this notice.-ED.