MINISTERIAL CHANGES. Intelligence. Mr. J. Roberts, of Pontypool College, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist church, York Place, Leeds. Mr. D. Howells, of the same college, has accepted a cordial invitation to become the pastor of the church at Mount Vernon-street, Liverpool.-Mr. W. Davies, of the same college, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the churches at Llangyndeyrn and Meincian, Carmarthenshire.-Mr. D. Davies, of the same college, has received and accepted a cordial invitation from the churches at Llanvihangel, Crucorney, and Ewias Harold. The Rev. Edward Morse, late of the Hafod, Swansea, has received and accepted a very cordial invitation to the Baptist Church at Pontrhydyryn, Monmouthshire. -On March 18th, a special service was held at Regent's Park College, in connection with the departure of the Rev. J. M. Day, for South Australia. Mr. Day goes to take charge of the church at Mt. Gambier, and has been selected for that office by Rev. W. Brock and Rev. W. Landels. He sails early in April, and will be followed by the prayers and affection of many old friends. Mr. Norris, having left the Primitive Methodist connection, and resigned his charge at High Wycombe, has accepted the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Little Kingshill, for twelve months. Mr. Norris was baptized in January last.-Mr. Bax, late of Tunbridge Wells, having supplied the pulpit for six months, has been elected pastor of the Baptist Church at Meopham, Kent. The Rev. T. J. Malyon will resign the pastorate of New Cross Union Chapel at the end of June next; and is open to receive an invitation to any Open Communion Baptist Church.-Rev. S. Hawkes has accepted the cordial invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at East Dereham, Norfolk.-Rev. W. Osborn, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, has received and accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.-The Rev. J. P. Allen, M.P., of Falmouth, has accepted a most cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the church worshipping at London-road Chapel, Leicester.-The Rev. T. Evans, late of Waterford, Ireland, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the Baptist Church at Pontesbury to become their pastor.-Mr. Ebenezer McLean has accepted the cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Greenock, Scotland. - -The Rev. C. O. Munns, of Bridgewater, has accepted the invitation of the church at Wokington. ANNIVERSARY AND OPENING SOUTHAMPTON.-The Carlton (new Baptist) Chapel was opened for public worship on March 20th. Two sermons were preached by the Rev. J. A. Spurgeon, formerly pastor of the church. The services were well attended, in the evening especially the chapel was very full. On 22nd, a public meeting was held in the chapel, when addresses were delivered by the following ministers of the town :-Revs. T. Adkins, C. Williams, S. March, T. Sissons, R. Caven, G. Gregg, and R. T. Skinner, all of whom congratulated the church on its past success and future prospects. The chair was taken by Rev. J. Collins, the pastor, and the collections at the three services amounted to £26. The church, which was formed in 1861, numbers at the present time upwards of 240 members. The new place of worship is remarkably well situated, and is a plain but substantial building. About £2,200 have been expended, not including the price of the ground, and of this amount about £1,200 have been raised. The chapel will accommodate nearly 700 people, but arrangements have been made for the erection of galleries at some future time, by which means 300 additional sittings will be secured. CLERKENWELL.-The first anniversary of the Strict Communion Church assembling at Zion Chapel, Wilderness-row, was commemorated by two sermons preached on the 25th of March by Revs. E. Hewlett and C. Woollacott. A public meeting was held on the 27th, when addresses were given by Messrs. Bloomfield, Foreman, Woollacott, and Wyard. RYDE.-On March the 6th the friends who, since the previous December, had met for Divine worship in the Assembly-room, High-street, were publicly formed into and recognized as a Church of Christ of the Particular Baptist denomination. The Rev. H. Kitching, of Landport, read the Scriptures, offered up prayer, and delivered the introductory address. One of the friends having stated the grounds upon which they were acting, the Church Covenant was read and assented to. Prayer was offered by the Rev. H. Hardin, of Towcester, for a blessing upon the newly-formed church. The Rev. E. G. Gange, of Landport, administered the Lord's Supper, accompanied with appropriate prayers and addresses. MISCELLANEOUS. TALYWAIN, MON.-Special services in connection with the ordination of Mr. R. Jones, of Pontypool College, were held at Pisgah, Tallywain, Monmouthshire, on March 4th and 5th. Sermons were preached by the Rev. E. Williams, of Aberystwith; Mr. J. Roberts, of Pontypool College; the Rev. S. Jones, of Llanhiddel; the Rev. E. Evans, of Dowlais; and the Rev. T. Thomas, D.D., President of Pontypool College. The services were well attended, and deeply interesting. ACTON.-April 5th, the recognition of the Rev. J. Keed, as the first pastor of the new church at Acton, took place. In the after noon, the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel preached to a numerous congregation. In the evening, the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel delivered a charge to the pastor. This was replied to by the pastor, in a brief sketch of the "special circumstances" leading him to early decision for God, and early entrance on the work of the ministrywhich for many years a gracious God had specially blest in his native town of Cambridge. The Rev. Jesse Hobson, of Saltershall, London, gave an address to the church. The Rev. Samuel Green, of Hammersmith, then addressed the congregation. The Rev. William Isaac, the Independent minister of Ealing, addressed the young. The devotional services of the day were sustained by Revs. Philip Bailhache, of Hammersmith, W. P. Balfern, of Spring Vale, H. Varley, of Notting Hill, the pastor, and others. The chapel was filled in the evening, and the influence of the meeting was of the most hallowed cha racter. MUMBLES.-April 3rd, services were held at Bethany Chapel, Mumbles, near Swansea, in connection with the ordination of the Rev. R. Warner, late of Bristol College. In the afternoon, the Rev. S. Nash (Wesleyan) opened the service with reading and prayer. The usual questions were asked by the Rev. C. Short, A.M., to which Mr. Warner replied in a satisfactory manner. A brief statement was then made by Mr. John Morgan, relative to the origin and progress of the church, after which the Rev. S. Davies offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. R. P. Macmaster, of Counterslip Chapel, Bristol, gave the pastoral charge. In the evening, the Rev. J. M. Evans (Independent), read the scriptures and prayed, after which a sermon was preached to the church, by the Rev. G. P. Evans, of York-place Chapel, Swansea. In addition to the ministers taking part in the services, the Rev. Professor Roberts, of Brecon College, the Rev. T. Jones, of Bedford Chapel, London, and the Rev. Reynolds, of Knelson, were present. On Wednesday evening, the Rev. R. P. Macmaster preached a sermon on behalf of the school-room building fund. WARMINSTER.-Services were held in the Baptist Chapel, Warminster, on Tuesday, April 3rd, for the purpose of designating to the work of the Christian ministry the Rev. H. Perkins, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle College. The afternoon meeting commenced at three o'clock, when the Rev. T. G. Rooke, B.A., of Frome, read portions of scripture, and offered prayer. Rev. Hugh Anderson, of Bratton, asked the usual questions, which were answered on behalf of the church by one of the deacons, and by the pastor. The prayer for the minister was offered by the Rev. W. Burton, of Frome, in the absence of Rev. S. S. Pugh, of Devizes, who had intended to take part in the services, but was prevented by severe indisposition. The Rev. G. Rogers, Theological Tutor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle College, next delivered a solemn and impressive charge to the young minister, full of practical and weighty counsel. The service was concluded by Rev. H. Anderson, of Bratton. In the evening the services were resumed in the chapel. The newly-installed pastor having taken the chair, and prayer having been offered by the Rev. T. Hind, of Westbury, the Revs. H. M. Gunn (Independent), and H. Douthwaite (Wesleyan), delivered addresses, expressive of the cordiality with which they, and the churches they represented, welcomed their fellowlabourer to the town. The Rev. S. Newman, of Salisbury, then gave an address to the church. Rev. W. Burton, G. Rogers, T. Gilbert, P. F. Pearce, E. Blewett, and Mr. Page, also addressed the meeting. THE MISSIONARY HERALD. SEVENTY-FOURTH REPORT. VERY varied have been the events of the year, the history of which it is now the duty of your Committee to record. Amidst much anxiety, with affliction and death invading the ranks of the missionary band, and dark clouds shrouding the future of the churches of Jamaica, the Committee have nevertheless had to rejoice over the blessing that has come to many portions of their missionary field. Although human energies and life may fail, and unexpected difficulties impede the triumphs of the Kingdom of God, the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. FINANCES. The accounts of the Society closed in 1863 with a balance in the Treasurer's hands of £2,723 15s. 6d., and in 1864 with one of only £8 11s. 5d. It was therefore felt by the Committee that as the expenditure for the past year had so largely exceeded the income, the whole question of Finance should be carefully considered. Very early in the year they appointed a Sub-Committee of "Ways and Means." No time was lost in preparing an estimated balance-sheet, that of the year preceding being taken as the basis of the calculation. This estimate showed a probable deficit of at least £2,000. The Sub-Committee at once addressed a communication to all the Churches in around London, proposing to meet such friends as the pastors and deacons might invite, for the purpose of prayer and conference with the officers of the Society, or one or more members of the Committee, who might be deputed to this service. This proposal was kindly met in several instances, and ultimately the pastors and deacons of these Churches met the Committee in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, on which occasion Joseph Tritton, Esq., presided. . Some time having been spent in prayer, papers were read, and submitted for discussion-by Dr. Angus, "On the individual Responsibility of Christians› to obey Christ's Law to Diffuse the Gospel in the World;" and by John C.. Marshman, Esq., "On Organization in the Churches themselves." Thes NEW SERIES, VOL. X. 24 conference was followed by a public meeting in the evening, A. A. Croll, Esq., in the chair. These services were pervaded by a devout and cordial spirit, and the Committee believe that the measures adopted have not been without tokens of the Divine blessing. The Sub-Committee subsequently gave much consideration to a proposal to divide the whole country into convenient districts, and the appointment of some one in each to undertake the superintendence thereof, visiting the Churches, animating existing organizations, forming new ones where required, and arranging for an annual public service in each Church. Their deliberations on this subject were frequent and prolonged. But the difficulties in carrying it out were found to be so great, and the probable expense so large, that it was abandoned. It is now, however, intended to communicate with the Secretaries of the various associations, requesting them to bring this subject before the pastors and delegates, and to adopt such measures as they may deem best to effect the purpose contemplated. If this be done heartily and zealously, success is sure; while the Churches will thereby be brought into more immediate co-operation with the Committee, and into more direct connection with the Mission itself. Meanwhile several friends, impressed with the necessity of more active effort to maintain the Society's operation, had a preliminary meeting during the sittings of the Baptist Union at Bradford, in October last, and a few weeks after, another meeting was held at Birmingham, when gentlemen from all parts of the country were present. The freest expression of opinion marked these gatherings, and all who took part in the discussion seemed animated by a most earnest desire to enlarge the sphere of Mission labour, and to intensify and diffuse the Missionary spirit in the Churches. After prolonged deliberation it was, on the whole, deemed most expedient, while the Committee continued their best efforts, to devolve the work of organization in the Churches on their pastors and deacons; since it is mainly through them that the Churches can be effectually moved at all. It is only needful to say that these assemblies were not summoned by the Committee; they were called together by the spontaneous act of a few leading friends. The Committee are therefore glad to refer to them as indicating a determination in those who were present to place the Society in a better financial position, and of the revival of new life and zeal in the hearts of its friends. In connection with these movements, the Committee record, with great satisfaction, the formation of the London Association, which promises not only to promote the spiritual interests of its members, and to extend the Denomination in the metropolis, but also to take in hand, with determined good will, the interest of the Mission in the numerous Churches composing it. They rejoice to know that the public meeting which followed its second quarterly meeting was wholly devoted to this object-the commodious chapel in Regent's Park being filled by an audience who were evidently most deeply interested in it. The total receipts for the year amount to £27,716 12s. 6d. and the expenditure to £30,133 12s. 6d., leaving a balance against the Society of £2,408 8s.7d. The Committee are, however, happy to state that this adverse balance is more apparent than real, which a few remarks will make quite clear. When the Rev. C. B. Lewis-who, in addition to the pastorate of the Church at Dumdum, and other important labours, more particularly assisting in the preparation and issue of the Society's translations, has, since the death of the Rev. J. Thomas, as the Committee's Indian Financial Secretary, conducted the affairs of the Mission Press in Calcutta with distinguished ability and untiring zeal-was about to visit England to recruit his health, after twenty years of faithful toil in India, the business was handed over to the care of the Rev. J. Wenger. Though not a total stranger to this work, he was by no means accustomed to it. Mr. Lewis thought it expedient to place in the Bank of Bengal a sum of £3,000, to enable Mr. Wenger to carry on this large concern with comparative comfort and ease. But for this arrangement, which the Committee cordially approved, the "press advances,” which, for this year, amount only to £1,021 10s. 4d., would have equalled those of previous years-i.e., over £3,000. Such an advance would have turned the balance to the other side of the account. The simple fact, then, is, that the money is in Calcutta instead of the hands of the Treasurer. The Committee have the satisfaction further to state that the income derived from various sources has, in almost every instance, increased, as the following instances will show. In the contributions from the Churches, the most important, perhaps, of all, the increase has been £1,328; in grants from the Bible Translation Society, and a few contributions, £105; in contributions to special objects and station funds, including the Native Preachers' Fund, contributed almost wholly by the scholars of the Sunday-schools and young people in the various congregations, £595; in the Widows' and Orphans' Fund, to which, not the wealthier Churches alone, but many of the smallest and poorest, contribute, nearly £100. The falling off for the past two years has been mainly in legacies, which have been only a little over £500. But the expression of any regret, on this account, would be exceedingly unbecoming and out of place. A notion has somehow extensively prevailed that the interest taken by the churches in the Mission has declined, and, consequently, their contributions have declined too. As this is a mistake, it is important that it should be rectified. A brief review of the past few years will place the matter in the true light. In the year 1850 the receipts from this source amounted to £12,612, and for the following ten years they only once, in 1854, exceeded £13,000. In 1860 they were £13,836. From that time down to the present day they |