After nearly making one capital mistake in reckoning one trustee dead, who, when I called on him in Canterbury, looked quite hale, in spite of years and grey hairs, we finally obtained correct information as to the whereabouts of all the old trustees. The next thing was to secure their consent, not an easy task in the way I wanted it. To their praise I say it, all the trustees were most willing to hand the chapel over to us free, but some were dubious about signing papers, and thought that connexional officers were "mighty particular." One especially looked at me very suspiciously, in spite of my honest looks, and it was not until I gave my name, &c. (having seen it before in good company), that he condescended to smile, and promised that at the proper time he would sign the transfer.

Having secured a company of new trustees, I called a meeting, and they authorised Bro. Hinks to get a new Deed. This was attended to in the readiest manner. The chapel being now made connexional property without any cost, save the legal expenses of transfer, it was resolved to renovate and improve it. The work was undertaken and satisfactorily done by Mr. Wisenden, of Worms Hill. The costs of transfer and repairs were £46.

On Sunday and Tuesday, April 20 and 22, 1873, it was re-opened. Bro. Vanstone preached on the Sunday. On Tuesday evening we had a public tea, when the chapel was crowded, friends coming from various parts of the circuit. At the evening meeting the place was densely packed. Mr. Deane, of Sittingbourne, presided; and addresses were given by Messrs. Sutton, T. Berry, M. Brokenshire, and I. B. Vanstone. By cards, collections, profits on tea, and donations, £26 of the £46 were raised at the tea of the re-opening, thus leaving a debt of £20, Mr. Hudson most generously offered to the pay £15, if I could get the connexional committee to pay the 5. I tried, but failed, and I am sorry that my failure in this matter was set down as my fault rather than my misfortune. How

ever, when I told Mr. Hudson that the Conference had refused the application, he kindly said if the money (5) could be raised by any other means, he was still good for the 15. An effort was soon made, and nearly the whole of the money raised. On Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1873, we held a tea and public meeting to raise the few shillings required, and to sing the freedom

song of the estate. In spite of the rain, there was a good company. In running over the accounts, it was found that the chapel was out of debt. A most hearty and well-deserved vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. T. Hudson, and I pray that his life may long be spared to do good, in which he delights.

The chapel now presents a nice appearance, and is in good condition. I suppose it could not be replaced (considering the value of the freehold) for much less than 150; but thank God it has not the weight of 150 pence debt on it.

The chapel is a wood structure, weather-boarded outside, and plastered within. The old "box" pulpit has given place to a neat "rostrum (thanks to Mr. Hudson), and a small porch has been erected, which has added to the comfort of the chapel.

I have pleasure in stating that the few friends there did nobly; Mrs. G. Pack has collected abont

The present great netto or £12. is a gracious outpouring of the Spirit. M. B.

SWANSEA.-For some time it has been felt very desirable to have an organ in the chapel, but for want of funds the thing was postponed, until it was considered the way for having one had become plain. Many inquiries were made, and ultimately it was decided to give the order to Mr. H. Jones, Fulham-road, London; and we feel a pleasure in stating that Mr. Jones has dealt with us in a most business-like way, and has supplied a good and beautiful instrument. The teachers of music in the town say it is very good, and we are quite satisfied with it.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, about 200 persons assembled, that they might take tea together in connection with the opening service. The services were continued the following Sunday, and the financial results were satisfactory, considering that the chapel anniversary was held only a short time ago, when the profits amounted to over £20; and also that the congregation have made a liberal response to an appeal in behalf of Hafod chapel.

We have not one whole seat in the chapel to let, and only a few that are partially let. We are thankful for the success with which we have been favoured, and trust that we shall yet see greater things. Our chapel is beautifully situated, not one in the town better; and having a united and working church, we believe the Lord of hosts will

bless us, and that we shall go on to prosper. By persevering in our work in the Lord's name, we shall be sure to produce some good results. S. H.

ST. ERVAN.-About a year ago our friends at this place held a meeting, in which they decided to repair their chapel as soon as they possibly could. The south side had shifted so much as to cause some to fear that it could not stand much longer. In the beginning of last summer, however, it was taken down and rebuilt. Soon after new backs were put to the forms, to make them more comfortable, the walls were plastered afresh, and the seats newly painted. The renovation having been completed, the chapel was re-opened on Sunday, October 12, when two instructive, impressive, and highlyappreciated sermons were preached by Mr. J. T. Hamly. On the following day, a bazaar was opened at three o'clock in a large room kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. P. Saundry. A public tea was held in the same room at five, the provisions all given by Mrs. J. Hawken, Mrs. W. Pope, and Mrs. J. Strongman. Mrs. J. Hawken, Miss Hellyar, and Miss Carnew presided at the tables. At eight we repaired to the chapel, sang and prayed, and read the list of subscribers and the amount contributed by each. At half-past nine several articles not being sold, Mr. J. Hawken, by request, kindly consented to sell them by public auction. The following is the financial result : By subscriptions £22 10 5 Labour given

Opening services, tea, and bazaar

Cost of repairs

3 79

10 13 2

£36 11 4 35 2 9 7호

Balance in treasurer's hand I

Thus showing that much may be done by united, earnest, persevering effort. Our Wesleyan friends kindly assisted us by donations, and by attending at the re-opening services. Mr. J. Hawken gave all the stone that was required, and a donation of £5. Miss Hawken brought her harmonium to the chapel, and presided at it during the services on the Sunday and Monday. Miss J. Strongman, though living as far away as Manchester, felt such an attachment to the place of her birth, and such a love to the cause of God, that she sent a donation of £2. Miss E. Rowe, from St. Columb, took charge of the bazaar, and did good service by selling a large quantity of articles at an early hour. To all friends (whose names are too many to mention) who assisted to make the reopening such a success, we hereby tender our best thanks.

There was a gracious outpouring of the Spirit realised here last winter, which resulted in the conversion of several souls. A few of these have proved unfaithful, but most of them are still connected with the church.

Within the last month a Sabbath School has been opened here, which numbers already about forty children. This is evidently a step in the line of progress. A church which has no Sunday School connected with it does not do so much for Christ as it ought to do.

May the church be visited with larger effusions of the Spirit, souls be converted, the Sabbath School prosper, and God be glorified.

R. HAWKEY.

ELHAM CIRCUIT.-Being appointed by our Pastors' Meeting to attend this series of meetings, I accordingly made my way thither on Saturday, Nov. 29. Sermons were preached in the following order: At Elham morning and afternoon, by M. Brokenshire, and in the evening by Mr. Lott. At Swingfield in the morning by Mr. Bingham, and in the evening by M. Brokenshire; and

at Stouting afternoon and evening by J. Finch.

Monday, December 1, the public meeting was held at Swingfield, presided over by Mr. Beales, of Elham, and addressed by the Brethren Finch and M. Brokenshire, and Mr. Ellen. Collections ahead.

Tuesday at Stouting. Chair taken by Mr. Andrews, and addresses were

given by Messrs. Finch, W. Smith, and M. Brokenshire. Collections a trifle in advance.

Thursday the Elham public meeting was held.

Mr. W. Smith took the chair, in the absence of Mr. Ellen through illness. Mr. Ellen was a Wesleyan, a good old Christian. At Swingfield meeting he spoke with great power; but the next morning the doctor was sent for, and since my return Brother Finch has communicated the sad intelligence that he has gone home to rest. He was ripe, and is gathered.

The tour Mr. and

The meeting at Elham was addressed by Messrs. Finch, J. J. Sutton (Wesleyan minister), and M. Brokenshire. A good congregation, and collections more than I ahead. On the three meetings the collections are more than £2 in advance of last year. to me was very enjoyable. Mrs. Finch have laboured very successfully in securing the adhesion of good friends to the cause, in reducing very considerably the chapel debts, in augmenting the missionary receipts more than fifty per cent., and in drawing larger congregations, which at Elham was very noticeable from three years ago when I attended as deputation. Brother Finch hopes to increase the missionary funds cent. per cent., and he bids fair to realise his fond hopes. The spirit of the meetings was very good.

M. BROKENSHIRE.

there is a wealthy and Ritualistic clergyman; but we have members and friends in that locality not ashamed of Nonconformity. Mr. and Mrs. Priddle cheerfully accommodated us; and their pony and vehicle rendered us great help on the Sabbath.

4th. Dinnington meeting. Congregation small; collection a little in advance; Brother Braund in the chair; Brother Bartlett and writer addressed the meeting. Miss Wheadon, with much kindness, entertained the minis

ters.

5th. Ilminster meeting. The congregation not very large, owing to the rough weather; the meeting a success: the influence good; speeches delivered with freedom; collection a little in advance. The friends in this town well deserve a chapel. Miss Dening, with her sisters, displays a very commendable zeal in connection with the cause of God.

6th. Stratton meeting. Congregation small; collection behind; but efforts are contemplated which will make the moneys right by the end of the year. A good baptism of Christian union would be very beneficial to Stratton, as well as in many other places in the Connexion. Glad to see Brother John Ching once more.

7th. Stoke meeting. Congregation small; collection a little in advance. Friends few, but cheerful and liberal. During the week friends received us with great hospitality. Visits to sick Christians were profitable. We visited two members-one at Ilminster, and the other at Stoke-more than eighty years old; both very happy. The expression of Brother H. Pine beautiful— "Religion is a first-rate thing." The writer greatly enjoyed the company of Brother Bartlett and Brother Braund. I took with me the extra number of the Christian World, containing report of meetings of the Evangelical Alliance in New York. That number was beneficial to us. The writer become impressed with one fact--the "South Petherton Mission" has rendered great help to other stations. It is reported that from Hambridge alone there are now fifteen members identified with us in our Bristol Circuit.

JOHN HICKS.

NEWPORT CIRCUIT, I.W. We have just held our first series of missionary meetings, which have been very successful financially, and, we trust, with much profit spiritually.

On Sunday, Oct. 26, sermons were preached at Gunville by Mr. W. B. Reed (the deputation); at Chale by Mr. R. Orchard and Mr. F. Attrill; at Chillerton by Mr. Mills (Methodist New Connexion minister, visiting the island,) and Mr. R. Orchard; and at Littletown by Mr. J. Horwill.

Monday, Oct. 27. Our first meeting was held at Gunville. Our friends here have long been noted for their great interest in the Missionary Society. A feeling of enthusiasm is kindled in the hearts of all, both old and young, and they look forward to the annual meeting with intense eagerness. It is, in fact, the meeting of the year: there being no chapel debt to require any effort in that direction. Last year we realised in this small village alone over £22 for the Missionary Society; and some losing sight of what can be done by earnest effort, springing from a genuine attachment to Christ and His cause, prophesied that the friends had reached their highest point-beyond this they would not be able to go. But like many others, they have proved to be false prophets. As the hour for the meeting drew on, it became manifest that the interest felt in it was not one whit less than in any former year; in fact, it was increased rather than otherwise. With eager expectation, therefore, we assembled in the chapel at the appointed hour. Our well-known friend Mr. Rice occupied the chair; and after earnest speeches had been delivered by the deputation and circuit ministers, the congregation made their speech by pouring their contributions into the "treasury of the Lord." It was then found that over £30 had been raised; a splendid proof of what may be done by earnest and systematic effort. More than £7 of this was collected by the scholars in the Sunday

School, besides £4 in the Sunday School box, which is passed round to the children to receive their pence and halfpence every Sabbath-a practice which ought to be more general, that a missionary spirit might be evoked and sustained in the hearts of the children. Our friends have already commenced their efforts for another year.

Tuesday, 28. A walk of seven miles brings us to Chale. Here we have several friends who are deeply interested in the cause of Christ. The Society has become enfeebled by constant migrations. The meeting, however, was well attended, and considerable interest manifested. We enjoyed it much. The missionary receipts were ƒ? ¡¡c. in advance of those of last year.

Wednesday, 29. This evening we held a meeting at Chillerton; it was well attended, but not so enthusiastic as the two previous ones. We again

had the assistance of our Methodist New Connexion brother, who spoke in a very fraternal manner. The receipts were a little ahead of last year's.

Thursday, 30. Meeting at Littletown; but the attendance was not so good as at the other places. Those, however, who were present, listened with interest to the addresses that were given, and manifested their sympathy with the missionary cause by contributing more than they did last year.

And thus ended our first series of missionary meetings, which have, we trust, evoked a livelier interest in the prosperity of Christ's kingdom, and strengthened the attachment of many to the Redeemer's cause.

That the true missionary spirit may be possessed by every member of all our Societies, is the prayer of J. H. SHILSON.

TO THE EDITOR.--A few particulars in relation to this circuit may prove acceptable to some of the readers of our Magazine.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

On coming into this circuit, soon after last Conference, I could not but be deeply impressed with the striking contrast presented to my view, as compared with the state of things existing

some twenty-seven years ago, when first I formed an acquaintance with this neighbourhood, having spent my first two years in the itinerancy in the Gwennap Circuit. Then all the places which now make up the Redruth Circuit (save Redruth itself), and the places which form the Hicks Mill Circuit, with the exception of Perranwell (not then worked by us), formed the

Gwennap Circnit, and the Falmouth Mission. Brother Barnden resided at Penryn, and worked the mission. Bro. Henry Reed was then pastor of Gwennap Circuit, and Brother T. Andrews and myself were his colleagues. The recollections I have of dear Brother Reed are among the most precious things I cherish; and hence it affords me much pleasure to find that there are many of our best frieuds in the neighbourhood of Hicks Mill who cherish his memory with great delight, and with feelings of reverence and love.

Hicks Mill Chapel has been considerably enlarged and improved since I was here in 1846-47, by the erection of side and end galleries, and also by the erection of large and commodious school-rooms. Death has taken away many valuable and prominent members of the Society whom I knew and loved when I was here for the first time as a minister; but the principal part of our leading friends now were leading friends then. And it is truly gratifying to find so many still connected with the Church of Christ, and earnestly labouring to promote her interests.

It is also highly encouraging that in so many cases the families of my early friends are now forming an interesting part of the Society, so that I have the pleasure in many instances of working with parents and children whom I knew when here twenty-seven years ago; and in some instances where the parents are gone to their heavenly reward, the children are now among the pillars of the Church on earth.

At Bethel, Kelley, and Deliverance, I find a few friends still true to their profession and to their God-valuable helpers to the cause-whom I knew and esteemed when here so many years ago; but I also miss many true friends from these places, who have passed away to the spirit-world. Bethel and Deliverance chapels are much as I found them twenty-seven years ago, save that in both cases the old pulpits have given place to the modern platform; but Kerley Chapel has been considerably enlarged and improved, and is now a very respectable house of prayer.

At Quenchwell we used to preach in a dwelling-house when I was last here, but now we have a very pretty and comfortable chapel, with almost an entire new society and congregation. Brother W. Verran, his sister Eliza (now Mrs. Barnett), and the mother of all the excellent family bearing that

name, are still connected with us at Quenchwell. It is an interesting sight to witness this true "Mother in Israel," as she sits in her chair by the fire, or at the table, still able, without the aid of glasses, to read the Word of God, from which she still finds comfort and support; and to see the cheerful, happy happy spirit, as evidenced by a countenance beaming with benevolence and goodness; and to hear her statements indicating a rich experience of the faithfulness and lovingkindness of God, and thus to see that the religion which gave charm to her younger days, and a beauty to her middle and riper years, still is her support and joy in old age, and that in her case most truly "the hoary head is a crown of glory."

At Perranwell, the chapel, society, and congregation are all new, save two or three who used to worship with us formerly at Hicks Mill.

Flushing is not greatly altered, except that the chief friends are now grown old and feeble, and apparently waiting for the Master's call to go up higher. No signs of progress are manifest here. A few have been called away from earth to heaven, and their places have scarcely been filled up by others, so that the Society and Sunday School are not very promising.

At Falmouth and Penryn the scene is marvellously changed. The old chapels, in out-of-the-way positions, and with most repulsive surroundings, have been abandoned for excellent and attractive chapels and school-rooms in prominent and respectable situations. Just a few friends remain as links connecting the past with the present at each place; but large and respectable societies and congregations, with flourishing Sabbath Schools, and excellent choirs of singers, are now found in these towns, and with encouraging prospects of still greater prosperity. When here twenty-seven years ago, the pastor of the circuit resided at Carharrack, and with him Bro. Andrews and I had lodgings also. There was also a room secured for us all at Camborne, where we lodged when on that side of the circuit, with the valued family of four brothers- Edward, Charles, John, and George Richards.

Truro was then a single preacher's circuit; and the Gwennap preachers changed once in eight weeks with the Falmouth and Truro preachers. Falmouth Mission, and the seven places the Hicks Mill side of the Gwennap Circuit, now form the Hicks Mill Cir.