THE .SEVENTY-FIRST

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

BIBLE CHRISTIAN

HOME AND FOREIGN

MISSIONARY SOCIETY, FOR THE YEAR ENDING JULY,

1892.

With a. List of Collections, Subscriptions, and Dona.tions.

"ASK OF ME, AND I SHALL GIVE THEE THE HEATHEN FOR THINE

INHERITANCE, AND THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY

POSSESSION. "-PSALM ii. 8.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

LONDON;

BIBLE CHISTIAN BOOK-ROOM, 26, PATERNOSTER ROW.

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BIBLE CHRISTIAN

SOCIETY

QI;.ontmittee

BLEOTBlJ .A UGUST 3rd, 1892.

W. LEE, President.

BOTHERAS, J. BROKEN SHIRE, M. BULT,EN, R. COLES, J. HIGMA.N, W. HONEY, J. C. HORWILL, J. JEFFERY, W KEEN, J. 0., D.D. KELLEY, R. LARK, W. B. LUKE, J. LUKE, W LUKE, W. B. MICHELL, B.

MORRIS, J. NICHOLLS, W. J. RATTENBURY, S. P., C.C. REED, W. B. RUDDLE, T., B.A. SPENCER, R. STOKES, H. J. STOKES, J. TERRETT, W. TREMELLING, J. TRENGOVE, A. TURNER, G. T. VAUGHAN, W., C.C. WOOLCOCK, J.

F. W. BOURNE, Treasurer. J. DYMOND, Home Secretary. I. B. VANSTONE, Foreign Secretary.

The Committee meet at Providence Chapel, Exeter, on Wednesday, April 12th, 1893, at 9 a.m., and at Zion Chapel, St. Austell, Corn­wall, on Friday, July 28th, 1893, at 9 a.m.

Sermons in connection with the Seventy-first Anniversary were preached on Sunday, July 31st, 1892, at Quay Street Chapel, Newport, I.W., by T. E. MUNDY, J. H. BLACKWELL, and J. DYMOND; at Ryde, by M. BROKENSHIRE; at Cowes, by G. MA.TTHEWS; at Sandown, by F. W. BOURNE; and at Ventnor, by W. T. ENNOR.

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The Annual Meeting was held at Quay Street Chapel, Newport. I.W., on Monday. August 1st, beginnin[?; at iO.30 a.m. The devotional exercises were conducted by M. BROKEN SHIRE, and the chair was occupied by G. T. HUMPHREYS. Esq., of Brighton; J. DYMOND read the Report and the Treasurer's Statement.

Moved by F. W- BOURNE, and seconded by H. ELLIS. 1. That we gratefully acknowledge the blessing bestowed on many of our

stations, enabling us to report an increase of 70 admitted, 200 full members. 68 on trial, and 376 scholars; and that the income, though not equal to that of last year, is £213 above the average of the last five years; we, however, urge upon our brethren and friends the great need of larger ingatherings into our Churches, and of more self-denying liberality, that our work may be carried on with that zeal and enthusiasm which the blessing of God always crowns with success.

Moved by P. LAB DON , and seconded by S. ALLIN. 2. That we have much cause for thankfulness for the favour shewn to our

Forward Movement, the new missions opened under its auspices being in a state of vigorous life and growth; and, in view of the urgent need of the thousands massed together in our large towns, we resolve to extend our operations in their midst as rapidly as possible, that we may help to rescue them from sin, and lead them into the way of holiness and peace.

The afternoon was devoted to the China Mission. The chair was taken at 3 p.m., by the Ex-President; Dr. Keen offered the opening prayer; Miss Bailey, having given an account of her conversion, call, and present experience, was solemnly set apart for the work in China, the dedicatory prayer being offered by J. C. Honey; Mrs. Thorne, from Chao Tung Fu, and Mrs. Bourne also addressed the Meeting.

The adjourned Meeting began at 6.30 in the Drill Hall; W- B. LUKE, Esq., of London, presided, and W- HIGMAN led the assembly in prayer.

Moved by W. B. REED, and seconded by S. B. LANE. 3. That whilst thankfully recognising the earnestness and ability with which

the moral and social welfare of the nation is being promoted, we deplore the fact that such work in a Christian land should be so difficult, and its progress so slow; we are strongly of opinion that it is time that legalised temptations to drunkenness were removed, more regard paid by the legislature to the condition of the weak and helpless, and effective steps taken to arrest the stream of population from the country to the towns; and we resolve not to waver in our testimony to the power of the Gospel to save the nation as well as the individual that will believe and obey it.

Moved by the PRESIDENT, and seconded by W. JEFFERY. 4. That we rejoice in the success which has attended the labours of the

various Missionary Societies during the last hundred years, and see therein an incentive to greater exertion on our own part to extend and establish our operations to the utmost of our ability, both at home, in the colonies. and in China: and we resolve to devote ourselves with unflagging energy, and with stronger faith in God, to the conversion of the world.

MRS. THORNE spoke at this meeting also .

. *. Each annual subscriber or collector of five shillings in behalf of th& Society, is entitled to a Report.

REPORT *

INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL.

~HERE is often great disproportion between the instrument

employed and the work accomplished. A pen is a very in­significant thing in itself, yet in the hand of a Milton, a

_' Bunyan, or a Carlyle, it exerts a power which armies cannot defy. Luther's pen was mightier than all the forces his

enemies could array against him. The pen that wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin" snapped asunder the fetters of four million slaves and con­ferred upon them the rights of men.

The power is not in the instrument, but in the workman. The same weapon in other hands would not have won the field of Waterloo. Wellington's hand must wield Wellington's sword. Simple means often produce grand results. At the blast of rams' horns the walls of Jericho fell down. A trumpet, pitcher, and lamp were the only weapons Gideon's army could boast. David's simple sling and stone brought proud Goliat.h to the ground. This noble lesson is the very alphabet of Missionary enterprise. In the natural realm opposite forces balance each other, and nature maintains her equilibrium. So in the spiritual. Operating by itoilelf, a sense of weakness depresses, as a sense of Divine help elates; but both com­bined produce the twin virtues of humility and fortitude. ., When I am weak, then am I strong."

It is no small matter to minister the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. Not the letter, but the spirit. The letter is only the sign, the spirit is the thing signified. The letter killeth, but the spirit, the reality brought home to the heart by the power of the Holy Ghost, giveth life. So that the immediate and ultimate aim is to give life. 'Vhat a glorious mission. to give life to a dead world! To thiEo end the Gospel must be preached. Men must be saved, instructed, sanctified, and presented perfect in Christ Jesus.

This is not to be done by any of the ordinary forces within human reach. Man is not a machine, a thing to be moved by mechanical contri,'ance. He is not like the horse or the mule to be held in with bit and bridle. He is a bein~ that thinks, reasons, and determines. His faculties must be awakened, stimulated, and directed. He must come to himself as a spiritual being, and be convicted of sin, right­eousness, and jud~ment to come. He must come to repentance, faith, and a holy life. Happiness, character, and destiny all depend on the issue.

Great and urgent as is the work, it is opposed with a malignity and -determination unknown to everything- besides. All the resources of ·evil are arrayed against it. The adversary, the prince of the power -of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, marshals a11 the hosts of darkness to oppose it. Wicked men are his willing instruments in this deadly warfare. And the sinner himself whose salvation is being sought, unites with the enemy of his soul in

seeking his own destruction. He makes lies his refuge, sews pillows. to his arm-holes. invents every kind of excuse, and would rather do· anything than surrender and be saved. It is easier to take a city than to win a soul. "Who is sufficient for these things?" Man has done much in many departments of science and industry. He has· learnt the way to circumnavigate the globe, yoke the lightning to his car, increase the rate of motion both by land and sea, fill the world with the fruits of commerce, multiply the means of ment al and social improvement, and raise 'such expectations that the greatest triumphs of science excite no surprise. Yet he every day finds a limit to his power. He cannot add a cubit to his stature, change the character of the seasons, accelel'ate or retard the roll of the globe in its orbit, or influence in the smallest degree the ebb or flow of the tide. Man finds himself surrounded by forces which he cannot control.

It is equally, or even more so in the things of the soul. He has intelligence, expository skill. eloquence. suasive force. But he cannot sound the unbelieving heart, arouse the slumbering con­science, subdue the stubborn will, cast out the unclean spirit, bring a clean thing out of an unclean, or save the soul from death.

Then why attempt an impossibility? You are doomed to failure. Your work must come to nought. "What do these feeble Jews? Even that which they build, if a fox go up) he shall even break down their stone wall." Our enemies cannot have a meaner view of our powers than we have ourselves. Less than the least, aye, nothing at all, is our self estimate. Then why not give oyer? \\Tho would set out on an exploring expedition without means, go to war without arms, or build without capital.? The Missionary undertakes to explore the untraversed wilderness of heathenism. to conquer the world for Christ, and to build the kingdom of righteousness and peace. He goes forth to be the reproactl and the laughing-stock of men, a stumbling-block to the serious, and foolishness to the refined. N ow a man cannot help the greatness or the difficulty of the work, or the slenderness of his resources to cope with it, but can he not refrain from undertaking it? \Ve have no option. .. Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" are our marching orders. " The word of the Lord was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones" is the impelling force. " The love of Christ constraineth me 7! is the actuating and guiding motive. Yea, "Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel," shuts the last door of escape, and commits us irrevocably to the only thing that can heal the open sore of the nations of the earth. The work is upon us, we are committed to it. and we dare neither turn back nor slacken speed. .Forward is still our watcbward!

N or are we leading a forlorn hope. "We walk by faith, not by sight." For the last eighteen bundred years the issue has never been doubt­ful. However the fate of the church may have seemed to tremble in the balance, the ultimate triumph has been as sure as the testimony of God. The work is not of man. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. proceeding out of the throne .of God and the Lamb." Its origin is heaven, its progress resistless, its

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beneficence boundless, and its flow eternal. The power of God is always equal to the work of God. To Him nothing is impossible. The work is His, and He will 'do it. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." This is His donation to all missionary enterprise. Christ is in it as its vital principle. its directing will, its fountain of blessing, its conquering power, and its guarantee of ultimate and complete victory. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingd(\ms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever."

Then let no one be discouraged. or weak-hearted, o'l' faint. ,. The Lord of hosts is with us," and He is equal to every position however responsible, to every difficulty however acute, and to every demand upon our heroism, or patience, or fidelity. He is not only sufficient Himself, but He makes His people sufficient also. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Let us put on the sufficiency of God. By self-emptying, by making ourselves of no reputation; for we shall never do much for the Master while we have reputations of our own to make or maintain. By faith, assenting and consenting to the purpose, method, and power of God, and acting thereupon; every obstacle falls before the energy of true faith; iron or brazen gates open of their own accord, and imprisoned souls leap into glorious liberty. By Divine assimilation, accepting and rejoicing in the moral image of God; holiness is a necessary condition of power. By prayer, that takes in the needs of humanity, and pleads the promises of God, and is linked to the intercession of Christ. Thus being e10thed with the power of the Spirit, our mouth shall be like a sharp sword, our word as a polished shaft, and there shall be gil"en unto us the tongue of the learned. "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth." The enemy shall be confounded, sinners reproved, and the weary refreshed. " And I saw, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquer­iLg and to conquer."

As a Society, we have during the past year, had many tokens of Divine favour. There are now 115 mission stations,-38 at home, and 77 in South Australia. in Victoria, Queensland, New Zealand, and China. The Home Missions are among the collieries ot Durham, the iron mines of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumberland, in a few of the large towns of the north, in London, in South Wales, and in the agricultural districts of Kent, Hampshire, Somerset, and Devon. Many of our home circuits were once Mission Stations. In the last 16 years, 18 stations have gone off the list of missions on to that of self-supporting circuits. The missions opened during the last four years shew signs of vigorous life. Blackburn keeps well ahead. having incl"ea~ed its membership this year by 49, and held a Bazaar, which has brought in nearly £200. Bolton more than holds its own. Ilfracombe is prospering. The hall has undergone important alterations by which it has become better adapted for carrying on the work, and a chapel is being built at ",roolacombe, a rising watering place near by. The Membership is increased by five, and the missionary receipts are £5 14s. in advance. At Barry a school chapel has been built,

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and opened under encouraging circumstances, the congregations are good, members 16 more than last year, weekly offerings often reach 30s. a Sunday, and the missionary money is gone up £6 3s. 3d. Fawcett-road, Southsea, has paid for its new building, having raised from the beginning £ 1,200, and the congregation so crowds the hall that the proposed new chapel is needed at once. The extensions at Maindee (Newport, Mon.), Pontypool in the Blrenavon Mission, and Beaumont in Jersey, are all of a very promising character. The }'eturns for the home missions are more favourable this year than last, yet a few of them continue in great feebleness, especially in places where the popUlation is sparse and the hope of their becoming self­supporting is very slender. South Australia has done well. having an increase of 155 members; opened Way College with 30 day pupils and 100 boarders. had a donation of £ 1 ,000 towards founding a scholarship, for training for the ministry, set apart a young man for the work in China, and contributed £ 1 00 towards the China Fund. The year has been a trying one in Victoria. The Divine smile, how­ever, has not been withheld. and some gracious fruit has been gathered. Queensland reports an increase of 10 members. New Zealand is rapidly de"eloping; the first district meeting has been held; an increase of 71 members is reported; a young lady is set apart for China; and £40 contributed to the China }<'und. China has suffered the loss of another devoted missionary, in the death of our beloved and much valued brother S. T. Thorn~. From relia.ble testimony to hand, our brethren in China have already done a good work in that far-off land; thousands have heard the word for the first time from their lips; there are indications that the word is taking effect, and the harvest we know is certain. The Society now reports 135 missionaries, 729 local preachers, 395 chapels. 116 preaching places, 1,689 admitted, 10,395 members, 336 on trial, ~06 juvenile members, 2,801 teachers. and 21,607 scholars, being an in­crease of 2 chapels, 70 admitted, 200 members, 68 on trial, and 370 scholars; and showing a decrease of 20 local preachel's, 21 preaching places, 7 juvenile members, and 8 teachers.

Taking the home missions by themselves, the returns show a decrease of 70 admitted, and an increase of 9 local preachers, 4 chapels, 104 full members, 12 on trial, 8 teachers, and 329 scholars. Nineteen missions have each an increase of members, amounting together to 258, the highest being Blackburn 49, Tiverton and Bampton 36. Bradford 34, Blrenavon 30, Newport(Mon.) 25, Dalwood 22, Barry 16, and Barrow 16. Three report the same number as last year, and 16 a decrease to the extent of 154; one has a loss as compared with last year, of 21, another 20, another 19, another 15, another 13, two others lO each, another 8, and three others 7 each. The quarterly receipts of the Home missions, exclusive of grants, are £3,408, being £80 in advance, but this amount, even with the grants included, is insufficient to meet the disbursements, by £158. Twenty missions have a clear Quarter Board, ot which three report a surplm: of £16, and 18 have a com­bined deficiency of £176. One has a deficiency of £32, another £27. another .£:Jl. and another £18. The home missions have raised £862 miSSionary money, an increase of £22. Twenty-four have a corn-

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bined increase of £85, but 14 play havoc with that increase to the extent of £63, and reduce it, as we have seen, to £22. Still. we' are thankful for that small balance on the right side. The total sum raised for Quarter Board and Missionary purposes amounts to £4,271, about £102 more than last year. Thirteen missions are self­supporting, with the aid of their missionary money, and of this number twelve not only support themselves. but contribute something considerable towards the general work. Twenty-five require help after absorbing their missionary money, but among these are the new missjons, which cannot be expep,ted to have as yet obtained a position of self support. Eight missions have an increase of mem­bers, a clear Quarter Board, and an increase of missionary money. These are Blackburn, Tiverton, Barry, Barrow, Weston, Taunton, Tenterden, and Bolton. Fifteen fail in one of these points, but -succed in two; 9 fail in two, but succeed in 1; and six fail altogether. The year is not one of the most prosperous, but there is much reason for gladness and thanksgiving. The receipts at home for the year are £4,9t:$5, being £ LO less than last year, but £213 above the average of the last five years. The largest increases are Cardiff £21, Kilkhampton £13, Brighton £9, Calling ton £7, Kilburn, Blackburn, and Barry £6 each, Tenter­den, Ilfracombe. Elharn, and Chatham £5 each, and Jersey, Yarmouth, Chagford, and Taunton £4 each. The highest amount raised by any one Circuit is ~ewport and Hyde, £178; then comp Plymouth £160, Bristol £ 155, Shebbear £ 143, Holsworthy.£ 133. Kilkhampton £ 132, Jersey £1:25. Launceston £118, Chatham and New Brompton £100, Shanklin £97, Barnstaole £95, \Veek St. Marv £93, Exeter £92, Aberavon £86. Northiew, £85, Calling ton and 'Penzance, each £83, Portsmouth and St. Austell, each £ 80, Bideford £ 7 7, and Camelford £ 74.

I.-HOME MISSIONS.

SHEBBEAR DISTRICT.-Soutlunolton Mission suffered much during the winter from the prevailing epidemic, and as the Pastor and his family were laid aside for some weeks, no special services could be held; the uumber of members remains the same this year as last. The regular Quarter Board Receipts are small. but the special income of £34 l:~s. 2d., is commendable. The new chapel at Bishopsnympton will soon be ready for opening, and the sum of £113 in cash and promi"es has been received towards the cost. A new harmonium has been purchased at Blackwell at Ii cost of £18, and the money raised. All the funds are in advance. and at the Midsummer Quarterly Meeting a fresh resolve was -come to, and, if carried into effect, better days both spiritually and financially may reasonably be expected. Ilfracombe: The greater p:u't of the year has been spent in preparatory work. At Ilfracombe the OxfOl'd Hall has been altered and opened for public worship. It is impossible at this stage to state the permunent effect upon the attendance; up to the present, however, the con­gregations have b~en encouraging. Special efforts have been made to meet the ordinary expenditure, and lessen the liabilities; the interest halS been met and the cost of transfer defrayed. Something also is being done in aid of the alter­ation fund. The spiritual tone has somewhat improved, the weekly prayer meeting has been well attended, the blessing of the Master experienced, and a -few have been added to the society. A very desirable site hat; been secured at Woolacombe; a School-chapel is being erected, and £120 secured in cash and promises towards the building fund. As ours is the only Nonconformist Service in the immediate locality, the congregations are good, the Sunday-school is well attended, and the outlook hopeful. The year has not been without tokens of favour; but for the station to be worked successfully, liberal hdp, conseerated effort, and the baptism of the Spirit are indiepensable.

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EXETER DISTRICT.-Kingsln·idge: Dodbrooke Chapel has been renovated at a cost of about £30, and the amount raised. Hallsands Chapel has been improved and repaired, and the cost amounting to £18 lOs defrayed. There are also. a few pounds in hand as the result of special efforts, for necessary repairs at Prawle and Aveton Gifford. Nineteen have been admitted, but owing to deaths, removals, and unfaithfulness. the number of members is the same as last year. At Dodbrooke the congregations are fairly good; at each of the other places they are better, except at Chillington, where they are about the same; whilst at Hallsands both the f?ociety and congregation are considerably improved. Newton Abbot: The work of the past year has been disappointing. The Gospel has been earnestly and faithfully preached, and special efforts have been made, but little fruit appears. Not that there is any unwillingness on the part of God to bless His word, but the conditions OIl ollr part are not fulfilled. Mauy who profess to love Christ, fail to realize their privileges and responsibilities, and some are lamentably indifferent. We have also to mourn over some who a year since gave promise of good; and the removal of ReverRl interested friends and supporters has weakened our forces. The finances of tile Circuit are still difficult, neither the Trust Estate nor the Quarter Board receh'e the l:mpport necessary to their comfortable working, and the missionarv receipts are less than last year; still there is much cause for thanksgiving. God has often caused His face to shine upon us, the service~ have been seasons of refreshing-, the Sunday­school is hopeful, and there are many deeply interested friends. Tiverton and 13{t//lptoll: Special services have in some instances been hindered by the epidemlC. Au increase of 36 futI members is reported, but 16 less au trial. The Sunday­school returns show an increase of 81 scholars und 2 teachers, Petton school having been returned for the first time. The congregations are fairly good, the services enjoyed, and the sacramental ordinances appreciated; but the prayer and class meetings arp much neglected, hence our I"pirituallife is not so robust as we desire. A new schoolroom has heen built at Rackenford, and the chapel re-seated, at a cost of £150, and £96 raised. The debt on Tiverton Chapel has been reduced £35, but it is still much too heavy. A new chapel and sehoolroom are being built at Clayhanger, and £4C raised towards it Missionary and other connexioual funds have been increased. Strenuous efforts have to be made for Quarter Board, no less than £38 having been raised by sppcial mean" during the year. Temperance work is vigorously prosecuted at Tiverton and some other places, but more is needed to be done, if the ravages of strong drink are to be stemmed.

BRISTOL DISTRICT.-TmmtOit.: The year has been one of sore trials. Wehave suffered from a hard winter, munh affliction) want of work, great depression, a devastating flood, many removals, and a severe strike. The debt, however, has been redueed £50. The revival services held, thoug-h not fruitles~, were not so successful as could be wished. It is increasingly difficult to induce sinners to aecept salvation. The same means are used as of old, and some others, with the same zeal and sincerity, and yet fewer souls are saved. That so many persons should visit Music Halls. Theatres, Circuses, &c., and so few att.end our places of worship, is a vexing problem tha.t has yet to be solved. Parents absent themselves and the children follow suit. The various anniversaries continue to be seasons of prosperity and blessing. Three of our old friends, James Thorne~ Job Hutchings. and William Pole, have died; we have sufl'eredalso 17 removals. Twenty-four have been admitted. but the iI!crease of members is small. SomC1·ton: The extensive floods in the autumn, and the prevalent sickness during the winter, thinned our COnbJTegations, reduced the ordinary income, and militated against some of the missionary meetings and the regular work. Twenty names have been dropped as unworthy of membership, f'leveral have removed, and five have died, so that a decrease of twenty members is reported, or of 12, if those on trial be included. and of 23 scholars. A few of the congregations have somewhat improved, but others are stationary or diminishing, as the popu­lations are gradually decreasing. During a fortnight's missioll at South Barrow about a dozen persons professed faith in Christ. Debts have been reduced at Keinton (£10) and Somerton (£5), and at Pilton the adverse balance of £7 lOs. has been tUl"Ded into a surplus of £1 9s. 2d., the Circuit House has been rf'.novated at a cost of £11 68., without increasing the liabilities. The Circuit

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effort in January was encouraging, but having to raise so much by special efforts' is a serious strain on our iew friends, dispiriting to ministers, and a hindrance to spiritual prosperity. On the ~rounds of economy and the more energetic working of the villages, the federation of the Methodist bodies is a necessity. We8ton-8t~per-Ma1'e: There are signs of steady progress in the work generally. The almost universal affliction of the last winter affected us very much. This caused diminished congregations, and prevented special work of any kind for many weeks. An increase of six members is reported. Although the expenses have bee;n very heavy, the year closes without a deficiency. The congregation is larger and the number of rented sittings increased. In the purely spiritual aspect of the work, there is room for improvement. Some work nobly aLld self­sacrificingly; otheri'> do nothing and seem apathetic. But since the promises of God are more tban equal to all the trials of faith and patience, we steadfastly set our face to go forward. CTewkerne: The spiritual state of the mission is just the same as it has been for some few yearl> past, yet much earnest and faithful work is being done. There is a decrease of nine members, and a deficiencvof £18 19s. 6d. on the Quarter Board; but an increase of £1 19s. 3d. in Missi~nary money. Nearly all the chapels are in a good state of repair, but the congregations are small. As there are seven chapels and a preaching room, and but very few local preachers, there ought to be another minister or a hired local preacher in order to work the ground efficiently, but the want of money bars the way. P01·tland. Although special services have been conducted at both places, but few persons came to full decision for Christ. The (longregations­were for several month iii considerably thinned by the influenza, which laid aside­both preache1' and people, but a great improvement has taken place of late. Some persons hllve been discontinned as members among us, The number in church fellowship is the same as last year. A small increase of "lCholars is reported, some of whom profess faith in Christ. Thel'e is a dear Quarter Board, an increase of £26". in missionary money, and a little of the debt on the chapeb has been paid off. As our friends have giveu nobly, and now intend to beautify God's house, so we need the gift of the Holy Ghost to beautify our Christian ch~racter, and make us a greater power for good. Bridgwater.' Unity and love have prevailed in our midst, yet we cannot speak. of great success; we have not witnessed the salvation of souls in large numbers. Only 13 have been admitted, and Rfter filling 25 vacancies, seven members leRS are reported than a year ago. The Circuit collections, seat rents, and missionary receipts have all increased. The debt has been reduced £40 at Bridgwater; and· a new American organ has been placed in the chapel at Huntspill. At Chedzoy an American organ has been purchased by a friend, who has beeome responsible for the cost of it; the congregation ha:,; much improved, and there is good reason to hope that a foundation for permanent prosperity has at last been laid in connection with onr work iu that village. But all this cannot be a substitute for spiritual fruit. A more complete eousecration to God is needed. Da1wood: The Pastor's Bible Class at Dalwood for youul< people has been well sustained, as has also the class at Coombewater, and the additional service at Whitford. Fifty persons have been admitted. increasing the n~mber of members by ~2, after filling up vacancies, with 12 on trial. At Coombewater, a temperance society has been established, and about 25 persons have been enrolled; and at Easter a Sunday-school wal> formed, which has already proved to be another step in the right direction.

LONDON DIS'l'RICT.-Jubilee reports nine as having been recei ved on trial, twelve removals, two emigrations, two deaths, and a decrease of six members. In these changes several devoted and generous supporters of our various institu­tions have been lost to us, aud in the death of Mrs. Bevan one who, for many years, was a va1uable and useful worker. A very successful effort v. as made in February, realising a profit of £83, enabling U!:j to pay the debt on the Society incurred two yea~s ago. Imd meet the deficiencies on Quarter Board up to the present. The members are united, and do their best to suppnrt the funds of the church, and to carry on the work of the Sunday school, Band of Hope, and Tract Society, but the condition of the neighbourhood is such as to make it difficult to show much success according to the lab')ur bestowed. South

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Totterzham : The year has been one of toil, but of unbroken peace, and the friends -continue to shew a growing interest in our cause. The Sunday school is effi­ciently worked, and reports an increase of aJ"lOut 50 scholars and two teachers. "The Band of Hope is much improved and gives promise of great usefulness. Four or five of our young people have been truly converted, and there is evi­.dence that several others arf) being influenced for good. The services are fairly well attended. Class and prayer meetings are greatly appreciated by those who attend them. The socialist propagandism, infidel debates, and various religious services sirr.ultaneously held in the open-air close to our doors, offer attractions to many and prevent them from joining us. There is a decrease of eight members. an increase of £2 16s. 2d., missionary money, a surplus of £3 14s. 9d. at Quarter Board, and a bazaar has been held for the Trust Fund, which realised £70. Clapham: The Lord has been with us and His power manifested in our services. Some conversions have taken place, a small increase of memberR is reported, and prayer is being made for persons now under impres~ sion. The congregation it) somewhat increased, the Sunday school is improved and needs better accommodation, and it is a matter for rejoicing that several young people are in the church. Our friends continue liberally to support thC' various funds. £~9 has recently been raised by a sale of work, and though the missionary money il:! not RO much as last year, yet £35 is an exceptionally large sum for so small a Society and congregation. We are hopeful, and believe that there is yet It brighter future for us in Clapham. Kilburn: The year haR been one of incessant, happy, hopeful toil, and some encouraging reRults have been realised. The public services are usually pretty well attended, and llu'3h blessing enjoyed. The Thursday evening service is sometimes atteuded with very blessed manifestations of Divine power. The Sunday school and Band of Hope are working fairly well, and the children's Guild is much appre­ciat.ed. Great interest is taken by the Sunday school in our Missionary work, a collection being made in the classes every Lord's Day, which, with the children's cards, has brought a good sum to the fund. The chapel department looks more hopeful, £45 of the debt having been paid off. A decrease is reported of seven members; vacancies by removals, etc., amount to 20. There is a clear Quarter Board, with an increase in Missionary money of £6 15s. ~d. Woolwich: Our labour has not been in vain in the Lord. After making up losses by removal and death, our number of members is only one more than last year. The number admitted is slightly in advance. ILmong whom a:e some interesting eases. All the funds have been well sustained. £108 has been raised by .special efforts towards the Trust Funds, enabling us to meet all demands and payoff £30 debt. The Trust property in both places is in good condition, and at Plum stead there is a pleasing increase in seat rents. The Quarter Board, Missionary, and Connexional Funds indicate unabated interest on the part of our friends. The Sunday school and Band of Hope are working encouragingly. Our losses ha VA been depressing. Early in the year Mrs. Bland was taken to her heavenly rest. She was a long-tried and generous supporter of all our institutions. A great gap has been occasioned at Eltham by the eall "up higher" of our beloved brother T. Owen. Hit:! interest in the Denomination for ov('r 30 years was very real, he was liberal to a fault, and hilS place is not easily filled. His end was blessed. Sev(flLOaJ.:.~: The year has been one of varied experience. We began with the hope that many would soon be con­verted and unite with us, but our hope has not been realised. Through numerous removals and some cases of unfaithfulness, a decrease of 10 members has to be reported. being the first. decrease for five years. Because the love of some for the house of God has been so little, and because 1'0 many in our con­gregations have rejected the Saviour. we have often son'owed; but the regular .attendance of others. their deep interest in the Sunday school and Band of Hope. and their steady growth in grace have stimulated and encouraged us in our work. The Class Meeting is highly prized by some. Seal continues to pro!lper, and Knockholt friends have reduced their chapel debt to £100. Hundreds of tracts have been delivered from house to house, and much good ·done by the preaching of the Word. It is impof:sible to tabulate all the struggles and triumphs in connection with the Lord's work, but we know that our heavenly Father keeps a iull account of all we do for Him.

J 13

PORTSMOUTH DISTRICJr.-Lipkook: Some little improvement in the attendance­has taken place at Lindford and Fernhurst, also at Stanford Hill, in the evening. The ordinary receipts to Quarter Board, have slightly increased. At Fernhurst a Sunday school has been opened, and hetween 20 and 30 children attend, but the teachers are few. At Liphook a Bazaar has been held, and £50 raised towards the renovation of the ehapel. Four or five valuable workers and supporters' have been lost by removal, and five by death. Mrs. Andrew Warren, who for many years was a true and tried friend, has, after prolonged afHiction, entered into rest. Also Mr. G. R. Warren, who for 50 years was one of the chief pillars of this mission, has been received into the joy of his Lord. We are much in need of a goodly band of workers whose hearts the Lord hath touched. Crondall: Great affiiction was experienced during many months, and many of our members have passed away to their eternal home. The work here­presents many obstacles-carelessness, indifferentism, agnosticism, postivism, ritua1ism, Romanism, and other evils abound. Our congregations are small, and the members and Sunday scholars are less than last year. Our five chapels are situated in a rural district, and we suffer from removals to the towns. Farnham is situated in the centre of this station, but we have no cause there. We have not realised the revivals we expected. The Report shows five admitted, 19 decrease of members, £8 ]s. 5d. deficiency on Quarter Board account, and £3 2s. fld. decrease in Missionary money.

SOUTH WALES DIS'£RICT.-Newport (7I£on.) Never before in the history of this mission has there been a more encouraging report. The services have been full of blessing. At times we have been literally bathed in heavenly influence, our souls filled with glory, and our mouths with thanksgiving and praise. Miss North has conducted two Missions with blessed results. One immediate result was the formation of a Button-hole Brigade, that has done good work in visit­ing the sick, and holding prayer meetings in some of the lowest parts of the town. The Report shews 68 admitted, two deaths, 21 removals, an increase of 25 members, 14 on trial, 26 juvenile members, an increase of £16 in Quarter Board receipts, and £1 5s. 10d. increase in Missionary money. At Commercial Road the congregation has considerably improved, the church on the whole is spiritually healthy and vigorous; the Sunday school and Band of Hope are in a flourishing condition. At M.aindee a new Mission Hall has been opened, affording accommodation for about 500 people, and towards which upwards of £300 has been raised. The Sunday school has largely increased, and there is a prospect of a strong and flourishing cause. Blaenavo1i: Considerable activity has been displayed during the year. Altogether 76 persons have been admitted and among them 21 of the young people in our Sunday Schools; and an increase of 30 full members, or what is equal to 25 per cent., is reported. The liberality of our friends is worthy of special attention. Quarter Board receipts are in advance, upwards of £80 has been raised for the new chapel at Pontypool, and £17 towards mission work at Cwmtillery. At Talywain, a hall, seating about 60 or 70 persom~, situated in a locality which affords abundant scope for mission work, has been built and opened, mainly by the ,exertions of one of our local preachers, and the new chapel at Pontypool has been opened under auspicious circumstances. Ckepstow: The year has been one of disappointment and anxiety . We began with considerable hope, and for a few months our Pastor flung himself into his work with a freshne8s and vigour that gave hope of success. But his health failed, and for two months he could only do partial work. The assistance rendered by Mr. C. Turner has been acceptable and useful. But the afHiction of the Pastor, depression in trade, the death of some friends, and the removal of others, have all made against the success of the mission. Some of our friends do well in supporting the cause of Christ, but others do hut little. The great want of the station is some pious and active person in each church to lead and influence others. CardiJ!': The survey of our work constrains us to thank God and take courage. Despite the serious indisposition of our Pastor, which necessitated rest and change for fOUl' consecutiye months, with no supply available, the work went forward through the blessing of God on the indefatigable and united efforts of the pastor's colleague and the friends. Forty have been admitted on trial, and 11 received from other churches and Circuits, three have died in the

14

·Lord, and 42 removed, so that only a small increase of members is reported. All the funds have been most liberally sustained, the regular Circuit receipts have increased £24 ; chap(>l income at Diamond-street is £56 in advance; and at Miskin-street it is similarly encouraging, and the Missionary money amounts to £llS·, being £21 in advance The congregations are most encouraging, that at Miskin-street has considerably grown. The Sunday schools and Bands of Hope are well managed and prosperous, for "the people have a mind to work." Miss North's mission was fruitful in the quickening of believers and the conver­sion of sinners. God is with us, peace reigns, unity prevails, and " we wait the Pentecostal power." Barr.1f : We have had many tokens of Divine favour. ;Services were held. for 12 weeks in a tent, when the number of worshippers was more than doubled. The opening of our new chapel in September was attended with gratifying success, and the congregations have Mntinued encouraging. ·The Sunday school has grown rapidly, there being now 200 children on the books, and an excellent staff of teachers. The number admitted into Society is 31, but through removals and other causes we only return 16 more than last year. The Holy Spirit's power has been manifest in our services. A very

.commendable spirit of liberality has been shewn by a number of the people, by which all the funds, and especially the building fund, have been well supported. In the midst of a new population, where the people are strangers to each other, with a great struggle going on to gain a footing ;n business, and the various denominations engrossed with chapel building and seeking to establish them­selves, there is much to contend with in starting a cause like ours. Our hope is that by the blessing of God we may become increasingly prosperous and useful. Llant1'issant: An increase of one member is reported, a deficiency of £1 12s. lId. at Quarter Board, and £3 5s. Sd. decrease in Missionary money. By vigorous

. efforts, the friends continue to diminish the burdensome debts on their two

.chapels; up to Christmas a reduction of £110 took place, and since then £40 more has been raised, besides meeting extra expenditure for new lamps. a new furnaoe, and repairing harmonium. A new chapel is needed at Llanharran, where the work deepens in interest. A hired local preacher ought to be appointed at Tonyrefail, to make up for the lack of local preachers, and to extend the work to surrounding places. "The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few."

CHATHAM DISTRICT.-Sheerness: No great change in our spiritual condition has taken place. Our congregationR, which at one period considerably diminished through the prevailing sickness, have happily recovered in numbers, and the attendance on Sunday evenings has increased. Nine persons have been received as new members, but some being seafaring men have removed. The weekly offerings have reached a rather higher amount than at any previous period. The hours of worship continue to be seasons of much blessing. The young people who have passed through the Sunday-school into the Church evince a growing interest in the good cause, and thus give encouragement to the older friends. Thankful to God for past and present mercies, we cherish a hope for future prosperity. Tente,·den: We have had very manifest tokens of the saving and sustaining presence of God. A few have been received from quarter to quarter, so that we have been able to fill up tha vacancies caused by unfaithfulness, removals, and death, and report a small increase of members. To the pastor and his wife the year has been one of chastening; the fonner was laid aside for months in extreme pain, and the latter has suffered from one of the most painful maladies that flesh is heir to, thereby causing much anxiety and great expense. For matlY weeks the epidemic militated against the attendance, and the connexional and other funds suffered in consequenoe. But if many have had to live for a while under the shadow of the Divine hand, they have borne testimony to its sustaining power. The funds on the whole have been well sustained, and £20 has been raised towards improvements in our ohapel property, whioh for the most part is in good working order. We are much in need of more suitable local preachers. Would that all the Lord's people were prophets! Hastit2gS: We are glad to report progress in two or three direotions; finances shew improvement, the ordinary receipts have graduaUy risen, those of the present year show an increase of £5 over the past, and of £10 over those of two years ago, £28 has

, 15

been raised by special efforts, so that our financial position is hetter by £20 than it was a year sinee. Missionary money is £2 ahead. Improvements have been effected in two of the chapels, and Guestling chapel has been thoroughly renovated, and the cost met. To the successful work:i.n~ of this mission, three things are essential, more efficient labourers, greater liberality, and a better spirit. Ell/am : We are sorry we have not been more successful in turning men "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Though visible results have not been what we anticipated, "our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our cOllscience. that in simplicity and godly sincerity," we have striven to win souls, and build up the church of Chrit;t. We have not been without visible tokens of good, and the congregations on the whole are fairly good; the membership is two more thau last year. We have a few deeply interested friends. willing to work, and liberal in giving; this is shown by our funds being sustained, and missiollary money £5 in advance. We are thankful and hopeful. " The Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our refuge."

BRADFORD DISTRICT.-BaJTow: After Conference we set to work. The people though few, took heart, and re801ved to do theh very best. Harvest festival, chapel anniver8ary, and Christmas effort were all successful. The regular income has increased more than £15 in nine months, and the last quarter has been the best in the history of the mission. The Sunday evening congregation is especially good, and we recognise with gratitude the increased spiritual life, the glow and fervour of our mEetings, and the improved attendance at the prayer and class meetings. An increase of 16 members is reported. We have unity ill the church, and are getting a greater hold on the people in the immediate neighbourhood. We are hopeful for the future. lJalton: The commercial depreesion which has fallen upon the district in consequence of the Durham strike, gives to our report a tinge of sadness, at the same time, we have much over which to rejoice. The societies are at peace, the congregations keep up well, and the week night services are often Reasons of refreshing. We have admitted 16. but. deaths andremoval!il make our number of members two less than last year. By ordinary and special efforts Ii clear Quarter Board is secured, and by the effort of last year, £15 hal' been paid off the debt on Dalton chapel. The Sunday-schools look well. SundeTland .. We hlive admitted 31, but the unfaithfulness of some, the loss of one by death, 48 by removals, and 28 from ot.her causes, compel us to report 15 full members less. The prospects (If the misHion are, however, more encouraging than they were a year ago. The majority of the members appear to prize the class and prayer meetings, and the Divine presence is felt in our services. At Sunderland £17 has been raised by special effort, and the debt incurred at the opening, paid off, and a new heating apparatus provided at New Herrington at a cost of £20, and the money raised. The congregations at Merton and Wingate are good, and that at New Herrington is improved. Owing to the strikes our funds are behind, many of the friends having been in actual want. Our hope is that the lowest depths of depression have now been reached, and that soon we shall ascend the sunny slopes of real success, and reach the golden heights of abiding prosperity. CkveZttnd: We began the year very favourably; there was harmony in our midst. and "the people had a mind to work." At ChristmR13 we could more than meet the quarter's expenses, a happier position than had been known for years. But the stoppage of the works came, and the people became unsettled ; our work and our friends have thus been interfered with. Yet the Lord has wonderfully sustained and comforted us. While there has been thick darkness in Egypt, not for three days only, but for three months, the children of Israel have had light in their dwellings. Though the neighbourhood has gone through such a painful ordeal, we hope things will brighten, and that God will bring good out of the terrible mischief that man has made. Ennerdak: The work of the year has not resulted in an increase to our membertlhip as we had hoped. From various causes our number is 13 less than was reported last year. The attempt to open Frizington was not a success. The outlook is not promising, as there is no room for extension, and little hope of growth on the ground already occupied. Blackburn: The leakage has been considerable; 20 names have been dropped for non-attendance or unfaithfulness, and 15 have removed.

.~. 16

Considering the fact that many of the people we reoeive have been for years unaccustomed to attend any place of worsbip, and also t.he instability and un­settledness of the home life of these manufaoturing towns, this falling away is not so discouraging as at first appears. Notwithstanding this loss, an increase of 49 full members is reported, or, reckoning those on trial, a total increase of 52. We are adding year by year a number of persons to the society who take a deep interest in the work, and manifest an increasing attachment to the Denomination. The Sunday-school is looking better than ever before, and the Band of Hope has been well sustained. The missionary money is £6 7s. 7d. in advance, and the debt on the hall has been reduced £225, a second hall has been opened about a mile from the central one, where the Sunday-school is promising, and the few friends we have gathered take great interest in the services. We are convinced that much good is to be ilone there. The burden of our work is to arouse religious desires in the hearts of the people, especially the men. It is no uncommon thing to meet men who have absented themselves fmill the house of God, 20, 25, even 35 years. A person converted at Highfield Road had not attended a religious service for 35 years. The religious sentiment seems well nigh dead from sheer neglect. But" hitherto the Lord hath helped us," and we are encouraged and determined, on entering on another year's work. to keep clearly before us the omnipotence of Divine grace, and the blessedness to which even the most degraded may be raised. Bolton: The Sunday school is by far the most promising part of our work, and this was never more encouraging than now. The evil in Bolton is that many attend the Sunday-school who never attend the public services. The membership has been maintained, illis~ionary money increased by £2 13s. Sd., and £50 paid to the corporation for paving, after meeting the interest on the debt. The great need is a mighty revival of pure and undefiled religion, which shall arouse the whole society, and send them forth full of the spirit of the great Master to the grand field of labour lying close to their doors. We trust the day will soon break when there shall be real fighting with sin, and then we know that rejoicing in victory will soon appear.

n.-COLONIAL MISSIONS.

I.-SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Our Missionary work may be regarded as the voice and hand of the Church of Christ. Its aim is to proclaim the Gospel and r~scue the perishing in the regions beyond. Its agents have often been the first to preach Christ and Him crucified in new settlements, and they have done some splendid work. Through it many hundreds haye been saved, thousands of children taught the way of life. and numerous Missions have developed into self-supporting circuits, which greatly help to maintain the religious life of the Colony. This Society has certainly amply justified its existence, and there is a prospect not only of continued but of greater usefulness. By this work the Missionary genius of the Connexion is preserved, and its spiritual condition tested. "It has fostered the revival of aggressive zeal and is inspired by the spirit of consecration and culture, of which Way College' is an outward and visible sign." In proportion to the intelligent, fervent piety of our Missionary Churches, the Missionary enterprize has grown in vigour and success. The institution of the Woman's Missionary Board is an encouraging fact of the year, an evidence of growing zeal, and will doubtless prove a valuable auxiliary to the Society.

17

The work of the past year has proceeded with commendable diligence and earnestness, and God has given the increase. Open air services, house-to-house visitation, and personal appeal, have been added to the regular service of the Church. The faith and patience of some workers have been tried by trust debts, removals, lack of local preachers, and Mission deficiencies, but the cause has advanced. Many bright features mark the spiritual reports presented to the District Meetings. Enthusiasm and patience, the glad tidings of conversions, liberality, buoyant piety, meekness in trial, and triumph in death are mentioned. The general aspect is grateful, cheerful, and hopeful.

The total number admitted into fellowship is considerably in excess of last year, and after making up for all losses there is a net increase of 155 members. The experience of the year hus furnished evidence of the perfect suitability of the Gospel to the needs of the age, and the deepest cravings of the human soul.

"The opening of Port Pirie Mission deserves special mention. It succeeded at once. The congregations were good, and many persons were speedily saved. Services had been held in a hall at the Port, and a chureh is built at Solomontown, at a cost of £152, of which the sum of £74 has been raised. An acre of land in the middle of the township is secured. Fifty persons, besides twelve from other circuits, have been admitted into the Church, and, including eighteen on trial, sixty people are now banded in Church-fellowship. Two Sunday-schools are at work with 16 teachers and 114 scholars. In ten months the sum of £86 was raised for quarter-board, and £72 towards the new Church, making with Sunday-school receipts over £liO for all purposes."

In the chapel department there has been substantial progress. About double the usual sum has been spent on improvements. the handsome sum of £ 1 ,647 68. 10d. raised by special efforts, and the debt paid off is £956 9s. 3d.

No department of work is regarded with greater interest than the Sunday-school, and none calls for more careful consideration. It is most gratifying that 155 scholars have joined the Church, being 38 above the average of the past ten years. Several of the schools have contributed to the China Mission Fund, and some to the improvement of the Church property.

In educational work the year has been very eventful. .The Way College buildings, which have remained for several years ill a very unfinished state, have been completed at considerable cost, and are now among the most attractive in the neighbourhood of the city. The internal arrangements, fittivgs, and appliances are of the most modern and approved nharacter, and the whole has been pronounced by competent judges a model of what an educational institution should be.

The formal opening took place on Monday, February 1st, 1892. There was a large and influential assemblage. The College was declared opened by the Commissioner of Works, the Hon. J. G . . Tenkins, M.P. The opening was in every way successful, and the secretary was enabled to announce that the College was quite full. The Principal, W G. Torr, Esq., B.A., LL.B., has entered upon his work with great enthusiasm and every indication of success. Among the details of progress to be mentioned, and that which demands a

~

18

premier place, is the noble example of Mrs. George Crooks Shierland, who has given one thousand pounds sterling to the College to establish a scholarship in memory of her late husband. of the value of £50 sterling a year for students for the ministry of our Church in South Australia.

It is delightful to witness the growing interest of the friends in this Colony in the China Mission. For three years the average sum raised was £ 15 a year. Two years ago the sum was £47. Last year the Conference resolved" to aim at raising £ 70 a year to provide for the support of an additional Missionary." Prayer was also made that an agent" from our midst" might be raised up to go and preach the Gospel among the teeming millions of China. The sum raised is £100 Is. 6d. The Woman's Missional'y Board has nobly aided, and twenty-six circuits have shared the joy of giving the money. The prayer is also answered-the Rev. E. J. Piper having offered for the work, has been set apart for the China Mission with the full <loncurrence of the English Executive. To God be all the praise!

2.-MISSIONS IN VICTORIA. The history of this Mission is its justification and its credentials.

and should prove a grateful stimulus to all its agents and supporters. The power of the Holy Ghost has been the real spring of all its activities. In the past ten years, from 1882 to 1891 inclusive, there has been an almost unbroken run of prosperity. The total aggregate addition to the membership is 1,304, being an average of a little over 130 yearly. During the same period the total aggregate sum raised -for Missionary purposes is £16,884 7s. ld., giving a yearly average -of £1,689 8s. 10d. The two examples cited only fairly represent the progress in all other branches of service. " The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."

In the reports now to hand from this hitherto prosperous field of labour, there is a note of disappointment and dissatisfaction with the results of the toil of the year. Some extenuating circumstances are indicated, such as widespread commercial depression, the defection of a few ministers, a spirit of irreverence .that obtains largely among the young, and at one time the almost universal prevalence of the Influenza epidemic; but with an honesty of expression that augurs well for the future, our brethren in the conflict say: " \Ve know the power of the Gospel so well, that we are sure better results 'Would have been realised if there had been more consecration and self-denial in the Master's work amongst our people. But we are ho~eful, and indeed confident, that this check to our progress will bring UB and our people to a clearer realization of our need of God's power. There are amongst us cheering signs and a good .residue of spirituality, faith, and hope."

The following facts fully sustain this encouraging prospect. On the whole congregations have been good, and helpers have evinced, in an almost unprecedented commercial depression, unabated liber­ality and attachment to the church of their choice.

In some of the stations especially the power of the Holy Spirit has .accompanied the preaching of the Gospel. At Footscray an out-

19

pouring of the Spirit was realized, and thirty-two persons were con­verted as the result. At Ascot Vale some who were weary and sad because of sin came to the Saviour, among them eight of the Sunday school children. At Brunswick a few gems have been gathered for Jesus; angels haye rejoiced over repenting sinners. At North Melbourne there has been a rift in the cloud-three of the young people have decided for Christ. At Prahran a glorious work of grace has been realized. It commenced on the day the Church was re-opened. It was a wonderful time, and thirty-two conversions were witnessed. These are samples of the progress of the good work in this Colony. The total numbe!' admitted into our fellowship is 304. There is good reason to thank God and take courage.

Great activity is manifest on almost every Station for the improve­ment of Church property and the reduction of existing liabilities. This is particularly noticeable in the Melbourne, Ballarat, and Bendigo Districts. The aggregate amount spent in improvements is £1,368 lOs. 6d., and the debt paid off £718. The Jubilee and Church Debt Extinction Fund has also continued to make encourag­ing progress.

The Sunday School Work is not entirely satisfactory. More teachers are wanted, men and women full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. No doubt much good has been done, as ther.e is an increase of scholars in Church fellowship.

The visit of the Rev. T. Piper in aid of the funds of Way College, was greatly enjoyed and appreciated, and notwithstanding the pre­vailing commercial depression, the sum of £21 19s., was contributed towards the praiseworthy enterprise. Further donations are also promised and will doubtless be forwarded in due course.

The return of Br. Joseph Teague to his much-loved work in the Colony, ill an improved state of health. after his enjoyable visit to the home land, is cause for sincere gratitude to God. Long may he be spared to serve the Master in faithful Missionary toil.

It is pleasing that the contributions for Missionary purposes amounted to £2,039 4s. lId., and that the Sunday Schools have again raised the sum of £21 15s. 4d. for the support of the China Mission.

3.-MISSION IN QUEENSLAND.

This is a wide and attractive field for missionary effort, "but the labourers are few." There is urgent need for the extension of our borders in this Colony. One of our Missionaries recently visited Gympie and found scores of Cornish families, the majority of whom were originally Bible Christians. A number of them tlaid, "Mr. Bennett, if you will open a Bible Christian Church we will join."

About 200 miles beyond Gympie is a new gold mine. Paradise by name, with a population of about 500, without a place of worship. There are other places with equally inviting prospects, but with the present staff very little can be done in opening new ground. Such openings as these ought not to be allowed to pass unheeded.

On the ground already occupied much earnest effort has been bestowed " to extend the cause of Christ and secure the glory due to

20

that Name which is above every name." The result shows some substantial gain. But for the almost unprecedented commercial depression, the progress would probably have been much greater.

On the Brisbane Station there have been several additions to the churches. The progress at Clifton Terrace has been more marked than at the other three places.

"The congregations have been sustained and the Snnday-school is in a flourishing condition. Dnring the year a valuable addition has been made to the staff of teachers, and the internal working of fue school considerably improved in different ways. At Indooroopillyan occasional camp-meeting is held. At the one last held the attendance was good and the people generally expre!;ls~d a wish that another church might be built. There is no Nonconformist place of worship there, and in a few years it will become a good township."

It would be a great strength to the Station to get a permanent stand there.

On the Enoggera Station the earnest, persevering activity of the workers has been rewarded with some fruit. "Kelvin Grove is a Church of good promise." The Ghurch workers have been diligent " in season and out of season." Congregations never larger than at present. Friends are collecting for enlarging the building. The choir is rendering good service. The Sunday-school, with its staff of workers is in a flourishing condition, as also is the Band of Hope. What is now wanted is a repetition of Pentecost all over Queensland. At Bunya the congregations continue to be good and the Sunday­school encouraging. A new Church was opened for divine worship on May 22nd, with hopeful prospects. The spiritual tone of the several churches was never better than now, and leads to the earnest cry to the great Head of the Cb.urch for more abundant blessing.

The church building extension un the Hamilton Station has had to be delayed on account of some changes and the very serious general depression in trade. There is now, however, some indication of returning prosperity, and with it a hope of prosecuting this long contemplated work. The supporters of this cause have evinced considerable liberality, and notwithstanding losses by removal there is a small increase in the numerical strength of the Mission.

The three agents on this hitherto comparatively unfruitful field are iutensely longing for the fulfilment of the Word: "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed and My blessing upon thy offspring. And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses." May the Lord hasten it in His time!

4.-MISSTONS IN NEW ZEALAND.

The record of the results of the arduous labours of the year is jubilant, grateful, and inspiring. Indeed the progress of the past six years, shows an increase in every section of service, "within a fraction of 100 per cent." It is therefore confidently asserted-" We are quite sure there is in this land a bright future for our denomination." The fire of a Divine enthusiasm has given us a noble band of coura­geous workers to lead this enterprize.

A memorable event has marked the winding up of the work of the year. The rapid growth of the Mission demanded a step in advance,

21

and at the suggestion of the General Superintendent, the several stations were constituted into a District at Christchurch, on January 28th, 1892. The proceedings of the first District Meeting in New Zealand were characterized by the .. Christly spirit pervading the minds and hearts of His servants, from first to last." The following statement of the spiritual condition of the District was "unanimously adopted " :-

The reports from the various stations of the District while breathing a healthy dissatisfaction, afford much reason for hopefulness and increased efforts. In almost every mission there has been hard continuous work, and considerable success. In various places large numbers of young people have been brought to God, and are already developing into useful workers in His vineyard. Others who have tor some time been followers of Christ have, under the earnest ministry Ot our agents, been quickened into newness of life and whole-hearted -consecration. This spirit of devotedness to Christ and His cause must find its expression in the future, in renewed effort and increased success. This, on the human side, is our hope-the young and ardent filled ",ith the spirit of Christ, and thrilled with the enthusiasm of His love. But while we are specially thankful tor the conversion ot so many of the young people, we arc glad to know that numbers of old people have realized the Gospel to be the power of God unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. As might have been expected, this has resulted in a deepened interest in Missionury work and enteprise. Here and there are members and friends burning with a desire to devote them­:selve8 to the work of the foreign mission field; and this, we rejoice. has culmin­ated in the setting apart of one of our sisters to such a field of labour. We gladly recognise the fact that there has been a deepening and broadening of the spiritual life of the District, and prayerfully urge our ministers and people to use every effort to tha.t end."

The progress reported in the chapel department is very gratifying. The erection of new buildings and the improvement of those already built, have led in some cases to greatly increased congregations. The total amount raised for the year is £1,113 17s. 4d., and the total expenditure is £ 1 ,6 14 13s. I d ; this includes the cost of erecting two llew chapels, one parsonage, the purchase of a section of land at Dunedin, and £330 3s. Sd. debt paid off. The total estimated value -of the Trust Estates is £6,102. The amount raised towards this sum is £3,294, leaving a present liability of £2,808. At Christchurch the sum of £100 has been raised bv bazaar At Dunedin £255 lIs. 6d. has been raised towards the pu;chase of a site for a new church, and recently at the anniversary of the opening of the mission. about 900 persons sat down to tea in the City Hall, and the provisions were supplied by the ladies of the congregation. .. Everything there seems to go with a mighty swing." At Kaiapoi a new church to seat about 160 persons has been built, and £ 130 raised towards it. At Cromwell a new stone church has been built and £11:S7 lOs. 4d. raised towards it. Such efforts indicate deep interest and great reserve force for the extension of the kingdom of Christ.

The numerical increase is equally encouraging; admitted in the year 144, increase of members 71, and 15 juvenile members reported jor the first time. A Iso increase of 15 teachers and 191 scholars. The work of the Sunday-school has yielded some spiritual fruit-4' many of the young people having decided for the Sayiour."

The appointment of Br. F. T. Read by the Conference 1891 to strengthen the staff· of workers was seasonable. Our brother has

22

fallen into line heartily, and received a cordial welcome from the brethren and friends of the Mission, on November 12th, 1891.

This statement would be entirely incomplete without some reference to one other matter of special interest. If our brethren in New Zealand have" freely received," they have also "freely given." It is noteworthy that the vigorous life of this mission places it in the van of our Colonial Stations, in supplying an agent for our foreign field-China. Immediately after the Conference of 1891, it came to the knowledge of the Executive that Miss Cannon had laid ht:!rself on Christ's altar for the China mission. The credentials furnished by the General Superintendent were every way satisfactory, and Miss Cannon's offer was accepted. Since that time she has rendered valuable service by assisting in public meetings, both in New Zealand and Victoria, and will (D. v.) reach Yunnan in the late autumn to commence her work among the heathen. In addition to this choice gift, our friends' in the Colony have raised the sum of upwards of £40 for the China Mission Fund. "The liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand."

IlL-FOREIGN.

MISSION IN CHINA.

"When Judson had buried himself in Burma and ten years' work could show but eighteen converts, he was asked, 'What of the prospect? ' His heroic answer was, Bright as the promises of God.'" This indicates the spirit which has animated the promoters and agents of this new Mission from the first. At this stage of our work there is need, however, to brace ourselves afresh to the vastness of our undertaking by an absolute trust in the promises of God, doing our duty, and leaving results with Him. The first and ever present duty of the Church is world-wide evangelization­"preach the Gospel to every creature." Promptitude is urged by many considerations, and not the least is the fact that not less than 800,000,000 of the human race are in total ignorance of the Gospel. Could every Protestant believer-in the aggregate reckoned about 40,000,000-be brought into active participation in this work, by seeking to reach about twenty each of these unsaved souls, the work would soon be done. How easy to calculate! How difficult to­realise!

This work is warfare-" the invasion of the kingdom of Satan by the kingdom of God, and jt provokes all the deadly enmity that it provoked at the first. The servant is as his Master, the disciple as his Lord. We must drink of His cup and be baptized with His baptism." It is clear that the nobler the wurk the sorer the tempta­tion and the fiercer in many forms the assaults of the enemy. These general truths are confirmed by all the earnest workers in China to-day, and by our own agents in particular. The deadly opium curse, the malignant prejudices of the cultivated classes-with rare exceptions-as seen in recent riots and martyrdoms, the deplorable

28

ignorance and misery of the poor, the cherished idolatry-ancestral and otherwis~-of centuries, and the almost universal indulgence in gambling and gross sensuality have hQd to be faced every day and every hour. In the face of such a gigantic combination of evil, progress must for a considerable period be necessarily slow. Delay, however, can only mean greater final triumph. ., Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season ye shall I'eap if ye faint not." "He must reign until He hath put all enemies under His feet_"

The most depressing event of the year in our work has been the almost sudden and wholly unexpected death of our beloved, gifted, and indefatigable Br. S. T. Thorne, which is to us a painfullY( mysterious tvent. It was "on the 23rd of September, 1891, during the earliest moments of that memorable morning, that our \ dear brother departed to begin his morning of eternity and blessed- . ness." This occurred, too, at a time when the labours of this faithful agent were apparently most needed. Only about two llionths earlier he wrote the following encouraging words :-

"The school is more thoroughly Christian than eve!" before. All the boys and girls learn Chrjstian books half the day. Besides they repeat verses and learn hymns for the worship. And now, best of all, our lad, Yang-Kai-Ytmg, is converted. When Br_ O. Stevenson was here he and I went into the schoolroom where thE> lad was learning his evening lessons. We talked together; I pointed out Phil. iv. 7, about the peace of God, which is outside the thought of man, and inexpressible. We had it, but he had not. Then we engaged in prayer, and as soon as we knelt down, the Holy Ghost came down, and we wept and prayed together, and sang-

, I do believe, I now believe, That Jesus died for me_'

He got up and said he knew his sins were forgiven. Up he came and told Mrs. Thorne, and a sewing woman who was there as well. We prayed again all rO'Und with this woman, and the boy prayed. He did not want to be like Bar-Jesus. He wanted to be like Paul."

When it is remembered that dear Br. Thorne had become almost universally known to the inhabitants of the city and was ever ready at all calls, it will easily be understood how one of the brethren should apply to him the significant distinction, "The Apostle of Chao Tung Fu." Our comfort now is. that while the worker has been taken to his reward the blessed work remains. The following reports. adopted by the Annual Meeting, furnish matter for gratitude, reflection, and persevering effort:-

YUNNAN FU STATION, 1891. We praise God for His faithfulness during another year, and for the measure

of health enjoyed to pro!'ecute the work in this beautiful centre. In some respects the work differs from that of either Tong Chuan or Chao Tung. The people have a prouder spirit, and speak a somewhat different dialect. But there is the same superstition, the same vice, and the same antagonism to God. Consequently there is the same need of the Great Physician.

In one way and another we have pressed the claims of the Saviour, and told of His wondrous love. Crowds have come to the shop on the Horse Market Street, and while we have been preaching we have often felt the overwhelming power of the Spirit come down upon us. We have received help to combat the arguments of the people, and stand patiently the sneers and banter of some who object to the name of Jesus. This to us is a matter of great thanksgiving. Never were we able to preach more freely, and whatever may have been the effect on the people the attempt to bless others has many times been an unspeak. able blessing to our own soulb.

24

For the most part the people have been friendly, and have listened attentively to what has been said, but still we need to constantly cry for the gift of tongues in order to make the" old, old story" as plain as possible.

In the villages we have had exceptional freedom. The people have treated us with respect, and with much more affability than when formerly at first sight Bome would run away from us. We hope the ice is melting before the love of God, which we trust is in each of our hearts. Praise God!

We have attended crowded markets, but owing to the business crush, and the general restlessness, wa have not been able, as we -wish, to gain the people's attention to the blessed trnths we were teaching.

We have had great difficulty in getting people to come to the Mission House. It is far removed from the busy parts, and very few now care to exert them­selves to come to hear the truth. We are obliged to seek the people as they are not willing to seek us. We again emphasize the need of suitable premises in a busier part of this important city.

During the time of the triennial M.A. E:x:amination, when thousands of students and of others gathered from all parts of the Province, we made a special effort to let some of these strangers hear the Gospel. On the open slopes of the Five Flowers Hill. under the bright blue heavens, we put up a small tent, and day after day for many hours we preached and sold books to some thousands of people. The C. 1. M. friends joined us, and thus in relays we kept the preaching going for many hours a day. The cornet received its fust " baptism of fire" in .connection with this effort. We were all delighted with the SUCC811S of this work, and were glad to compete with the varioull show­lnen for the attention of the crowds.

In two lung journeys ioto the "regions beyond," we found Yast tracts of {~ountry well peopled with no one to witness for Jesus. When shall we have workers eDougl~ to branch out into these dark places?

This year we have constantly been brought into contact with the Aborigines, Rnd have enjoyed showing them some kindneRs and preaching to them Jesus. We would plead that something be done for thes8 interesting tribes of Yunnan. At present there is no ooe in all Western China set apart to preach the pure Gospel of Jesus to them.

For just a few weeks in the whole year there were two missionaries working together. Except these few weeks it hal'! been one man alone. The weeks together were week8 of great joy and much happy work, and make us long for the time when there shall be an efficient staff of workers here. We thank God for this year's work, and take courage for the next, knowing that great blessings are in store for us and the people.

CHAO TUNG FU STATION, i891. The report of this station may be summed up in one word, 'I Emmanuel-God

with us." Yes, the promiMe is blessedly true to day-" Lo! I am with you alway." In the past year God has been dealing with us in a remarkable way, alld as we have pen~ively watched the gradual unfoldinlrs of His providence, with the beloved dhlciple, we have exclaimed, "It i8 the Lord." We haye gone up with the Master to the Mount of Transfiguration, and our souls have had ecstasies of joy. Led by the same Spirit we have had the flntipodes of joy-the deep valley of tears and sorrow. It is with real sorrow we repMt the death during the year of dear Br. Thorne. It was all the more solemn because it was unexpected.

On the 8th of September. 1891, Br. Thorne started out for a month's tour aronnd the districts of Ko Kuei and Kuei Shan, a hitherto unvisited province. On the third day he was taken with a serious illness, which in 1:1 short time proved fatal. He returned home as soon as possible, and died on Sep­tember 23rd. It was to us an oyerwhelming sorrow.

We wish to express our unfeigned gratitude to Almighty God in sending us all unexpectedly Mr. Tai, from An Shuen Fu, without whose help we should have been involved in great difficulties. Also for the consolations of the Lord, which have abouodf1d to us-ward, especially to Mrs. Thorne, the sorrowing widow.

The general tone of our services at the chapel has been good and well

25

.'Sustained throughout the year. If the people who come constantly to our meetings are not saved, the sin lies at their own door, for many a time we have -felt ~he power of Jesus present to heal. During the month of June we had the dropping of the shower, and a blessed time it was too. One of the scholars, Yang-Kai-Yung, rejoiced in a sense of sins forgiven; the evidence was as clear from the shining of his face as from what he said. Five others professed to be saved. We are ~lad to be able to report that the boy gives every evidence of a real .change of heart. Mr. Mil., the soldier, whose life was a constant testimony of the power of the Gospel to save from sin, suffered much persecution for his Lord, and was finally driven from homp. and the district. Some of the others have since proved that they never realized the change of heart they professed. Thus by the blessing that came to the hearts of a few, the Lord gave our dear Br. Thorne to know that his four years of labour at Chao Tung were not in vain. There are three or four constant comers; we trust they are near the .Kingdom; we cry, " 0 for more power to compel the people to come in."

Before Sr. Thorne's death we made it a rule to spend our afternoons among the people, either at the street hall, or in the open air. Always on Sunday afternoons we held a public meeting at the street hall. Hundreds have heard the word. and we trust fruit may spring up soon. The presence at Chao Tung ·of Mr. Teng, of the Scotch Bible Society, for six months, did a lot of good.

The school has done very well this year, although the number of scholars has not been great. The boys have devoted half time to our Christian books, and half time to their own, with very good success. Mrs. Thorne has devoted a little time to them every day, teaching them to sing and repeat passages of .Scripture. Some of them sing uud repeat Scripture exceedingly well.

Owing to Br. Tremberth's visit to 'l'ung Chuan and the death of Br. Thorne, we have been unable to follow up village work as we should have done under more favourable circumstances. However, a few visits have been made to the near villages. More distant journeys have also bepn taken. In August .1:31'. Tremberth paid a visit to Wei-ning, a city of the Province of Kuei-cheo. The people were exceedingly friendly and willing to listen to the Gospel. A fair number of books was also sold. This is a city of importance, being on the main·road to Kuei-iltng, the capital. As soon as we have the staff we ought to -open a station there. The Romanists have no cause there yet. It is a good centre for work, and there are marketR within easy distance almost daily. Mrs. Thorne also spent a few days I1t Sa-i-ho. The absolute indifference of some, and the determined hostility of others made thE- journey rather unpleasant. But oft-times things are not what they seem! Determined opposition in some .cases is the ollly alternative to submission.

Br. Thorne visited the Ku-chai and Long-Shu District, besides Kuei Shan and Ko Kuei. Mr. Teug took a journey to Mi-liang-pa and District.

Br. Thorne carried on medical work on a fairly lar·go !Scale, and with a good .amount of success. Numbers have been eoming daily, and relief in most cases bas been given; some persons havc ~ome three or four days' journey for medicine, such is the reputation of the Missionary. The great aim has been to introduce these people to the great Physician-the Physici~n of the soul. We know of cases where life has been ~a.ved. As usual we have had a large number of opium cases. chiefly aIDong women.

We {'arry on to another year the text, "The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our Refuge."

TUNG CHUAN FU STATION, 1891. Another year haE. gone into the pa.st, and how rapid has been the flight!

Soon after our last Annual Meeting the improved state of Br. Vanstone's health and other circumstances indicated that the time had come for opening Tung Chuan Fu. Br. Dymond led the way, and reachpd Tung Chuan on March 20th, while Br. Vanstone, his wife, and child, followed four days later. All the party took up their abode in an inn outside the West Gate. On April1Sth a house was mortgaged in the Great Prosperity Street for a term of :fifteen years, for Shanghai taels 252 13. For some months a good deal of tiwe was necessarily taken up with tradesmen in getting the premises cleaned and repaired, and in furnishing. Two comfortable guest halls have been furnished

26

for .the reception of visitors, one for women and the other for men. For the Sunday s~rvice8 we use two of our largest rooms, divided by It wooden partition. The women occupy one and the meu the other, while the preacher stands in the doorway. Before long it may be desirable tn get a chapel elsewhere. .

From the time our house was taken morning and evening services have been conducted regularly with the servants and any others who came, and two services on Sundays, when the rooms have generally been crowded to the doors. On some occasions the first congregation has been dismissed and the place :filled again for a second service. Usually the Divine presence has been so manifest as to make preaching a pleasure notwithstanding the difficulties of the language. Br. Tremberth was with us for about two months and a half, and rendered good SErvice. Mr. Murray's colporteur was also here for some time, who did a good deal of preaching and bookselling on the streets. After he had gone our own native helper cume for a short time, and did a good stroke of work of the same kind.

From time to time many women have come to see Mrs. Vanstone and the children, which has afforded a favourable opportunity of preaching to them the Gospel.

Miss Hainge came here in July and stayed until October, and during that time did capital work among the women and children. '

Br. Dymond paid us a short visit in August. Soon after our arrival here our little girl was smitten down with small-pox. When we consider that one small dirty room of an inn had to) serve as hospital, dining-room, bedroom, etc., we are devoutly thankful that her life was spared, and that the contagion did not spread further. Immediately after Maude's recovery from small-pox Mrs. Van­stone waR taken ill with an attack of rheumatic fever. Soon after her recovery Maude was again taken ill with the measles. But out of all the Lord has brought us by His love.

Late in September the sudden and sad news news of dear Br. Thorne's death reached us. A journey was then taken to Chao Tung Fu. Mrs. Thorne came back with us for a short change and rest, which by God's blessing did her great good.

There has been a com:iderable demand for medicines, and much relief has been given, while some cures have been effected. That health has been restored and sufficient strength given to open this station, to get the premises in decent condition, and all the regular work kept going single-handed is matter for great thankfulness.

Our servants have seemed interested in the truth. Our private teacher, Mr. Li, is very kind, always ready to do what he can to help.

This year has been one of great trial and rioting along the Yang-tse Valley, much mission property having been destroyed, and two lives taken. That we in this Province have continued to live in peace, and not only hold our own, but have opened a new station, is no small mercy.

Our great sorrow is that we have as yet not been able to lead the people in large numbers to Christ. We crave a continuation of the incessant prayer of the Ohurch at Home. It may be that God is putting us to the test all round.

It may truly be said that in the most recent years of our China Mission work the Lord has been speaking to us by "testing fires and open graves." But instead of diminishing our efforts for the evan~ gelization of .. China's unsaved millions," there should be re-doubled earnestness for the immediate extension of the work. The toilers in the field, who are almost worn out with excessive labour. with break­ing hearts, are emphasizing the Macedonian cry, ,. Come over and help us!" And surely there is need of help.

Miss Geraldine Guinness said at the recent Antiual Meeting of the China Inland Mission:-

" There are two or three thoughts I should like to leave with you in connection with this great question. I am sure you will guess the first. It is just the burden of all hearts as we return from this great field, and that is, THE nIMENSITY OF THE NEED. No words could express to you how we feel this, how we get t()

27

realise it, what a burden it sometimes becomes upon the heart until we learn to­cast all upon Him, who is ever near our burdens to bear. Oh, the immensity of the need! . Let me mention one fact. Throughout the 18 provinces of China there are almost 1,000 (some 980) great governing centres. Walled cities, the centres of literary life, social life, examination centres, cities that represent many, many scores and hundreds of others of lesser importance. Now ofthese citieR 72 are found in the North Western Province of Kan-sub. . Out of that number how many are there without· a missionary P No less than 70 out of 72 are without a missionary.. Go further west to the great Province of Si-ch'uen. It has 140 of such cities, and about 130 of them are without the Gospel and without a resident missionary. Or come south again. I forget the exact figures as to YUNNAN, but it is just about the same thing. Taking the two Provinces of Hu-nan and Kwang-si together there are 175 governing cities in those two provinces, and those 175 have no missionary­none of the cities under them, and none of the villages, and none of the towns, and none of the country hamlets. Nowhere throughout the two provinces is there any witness to the saving love of God. Dh, dear friends, what words can express what tIlls means P"

The present situation of our own Mission must be faced, and as far as is at all possible met. How stands it?

Since the foregoing reports were written Mrs. Thorne has found it necessary to return to the Home-land on furlough. It is anticipated that after a spell of rest to recoup strength. she will be able to visit many of our stations and render valuable service in advocating the claims of China's millions before returning to her life-work in Chao Tung Fu.

The Station at Yunnan Fu, the capital, the first opened by our agents and where some interesting cases of conversion VI ere witnessed ' and much other excellent wOl'k done, has had to be given up for want of workers. This step has been an unspeakable grief to our heroic over-worked staff.

Then through repeated attacks of malaria fever the health of Br. T. G. Vanstone has been greatly impaired, and unless speedy relief can be found it will be necessary for him to return to England within about a year from this time. In addition to these painful facts, Br. S. Pollard has also become the victim of malaria, and at times it greatly prostrates him.

To meet present exigencies immediate reinforcements are demanded. The two Stations at present occupied. and that give such promise of fruit, should have two male and two female workers at each, and the capital should be re-opened with as little delay as possible with a similar band of workers. Besides these we should have a couple of extra hands to meet contingent demands.

To meet this programme in part it has been decided to send four additional agents at once: Br. E. J. Piper, of the South Australian Conference, and Miss Cannon, of New Zealand. Miss Bailey. who has been under special training since the last Conference, leaves almost immediately; but the fourth has not yet been found. It is, however, hoped all four will reach their distant field of labour by the end of the present year.

In the event of all the present staff of workers being able to con­tinue for a longer period the above reinforcements would leave room for four more workers, and without them the suggested programme could not be :filled up. To do this without delay the hearty prayerful

28

-co-operation of all our people is necessary, and is hereby earnestly invited.

A few words must be added relating to the Medical branch of this work. Each succeeding year has helped to deepen the impression t~at a fully qualified medical man is an absolute necessity, not only to give something like completeness to our staff, but to secure for our Mission aU the advantages of the influence that would accrue from the presence of a skilled Christian doctor among the Chinese, and to :give our agents the assistance they have a right to expect in seasons -of affliction. There is a splendid opening for a missionary doctor at the capital-Yunnan Fu-at the present time. Would that such a worker could be immediately sent.

I t only remains to add that the step taken by the Conference in setting apart Br. L. Savin as a medical student, is up to date every way satisfactory. Dr. Maxwell has, from time to time. furnished reports of Br. Savin's progress, all indicating his fitness for the work to which he has been appointed. There is now every reason to believe that in about two years from this time he will take his ·degrees and be prepared to enter on his life-work in China. Be it remembered that this work in its several sections can only really succeed as it is sustained by the believing prayer and un stinted liberality of our people. The watchword of the lat.e ::VII'. \Veeshima, native evangelist of Japan. was, " Advance on your knees! " "If ye .abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" "r e have again to acknowledge our great obligation to our friends -of the China Inland Mission for their generous help in many ways, and especially for the transfer of one of their most useful agents to our ranks in the person of Miss Hainge, now Mrs. Sam Pollard, who most enthusiastically entered into the labours of Mrs. Thorne on her leaving Chao Tung Fu for England. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! for there the Lord commanded the blessing~ even life for evermore."

The following Statistical Tables show that the Society has at present 135 missionaries, 729 local preachers, 395 chapels, 116 other places, 10,395 members, 336 on trial, 2,801 teachers, and 21,607 scholars, being an increase of 2 chapels, 200 members, 68 on trial (after making ~ood 163 losses by death, 11 by emigration, and 938 by remuval), and 370 scholars.

FORM OF BEQUEST.

I give unto the person or personfiO acting as Treasurer or Treasurers for the time being of the Missionary Society of the people calling themselves Bible Christians, the sum of £ sterling, free of legacy duty, to be applied to the general purposes of the said Society; and I direct that the said last-mentioned le~acies (with the duty in respect thereof) shall be fully paid out of such part of my personal estate as may legally be devoted to charitable purposes, in preference to all other payments thereout. Provided always, that in case such parts of my estate as shall be applicable to the payment of legacies shall not suffice for the payment in full of all my legacies, the charitable legacy herein before given shall abate rateably and in proportion with the other legacies.

29

HOME MISSIONS.

I.~' riJ ri ~ ~. .S,..;! Members ~ ~fil Q3 ;@~ ai ~ 1 ~~ I I W § g l ~ ~ ~ ~ '~8S'o ~oQ)~ ~ ~ ~ ~::s .~ ~ ~ OrCl ~ fl.j ~ I=l S Q)"p 'J::; Q)

I;;;:; fl.j ~ 1-1 "t:1o:S ~ ~! ~

MISSIONS.

I"'l ~ ~! ,~

Soutbmolton .......... 11 16 -3- --4- -=- -=- -3- --2- -1-0-9 ---!--- -9- --6-4-Ilfracombe . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 1 1 - - 3 12 66 3 - 15 102 Kingsbridge .....•.... 1 8 6 - 5 - 11 19 95 - - 22 156 Newton Abbot ........ 2 4 3 1 1 - 10 8 88 3 8 10 77 Tiverton and Bampton. . 2 26 9 4 4 - 16 I 21 304

1 5 - 61 431

Taunton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 11 6 - 3 - 17 i 24 2u6 1 - 39 224 Somerton ............ 2 24 9, - 5 - 29 12 219, 8 2 35 190 Weston-Super-Mare 1 4 2 - 2 - 6 i 83 ' - - 11 97 Crewkerne ........ .. .. 1 17 7 1 5 - 22 18 184 - - 36 288 Dalwood.. .... .... .... 1 8 4 - 2 - 14 50 83 12 - IS 86 Portland. . . • .. . • . .. .. . 1 6 2 - - - 6 b 53 2 3 21 158 Bridgwater .......... 1 10 3 - 3 - 22 13 130 - 23 33 243 Jubilee .............. 2 7 1 - 2 2 12 9 94: - 8 14 200-South Tottenham .... .. 1 - 1 - - 1 I 5 10 4?: 5 2 22 240 Clapham ......... _... 1 2 1 - - - 3 6 4[)~ - 2 12 108 Kilburn...... ........ 1 3 1 - - - 20 5 133i - '15 26 220 Woolwich.... ........ 2 1 2 - 4 - 9 14 91 2 4 23 174 Sevenoaks ............ 1 6 3 - 1 1 13 8 72 1: - 28 168 Liphook ........ . . . • • • 1 10 4 1 5 - 7 - 87 - - 10 87 Crondall .. . .. . ... . . • .. 1 12 6 - 4 - 28 5 114 1 - 17 198 Newport (Mon)........ 2 6 2 - 2 - 21 68 211 14 26 55 434 Blaenavon ............ I 18 6 1 3 - 10 75 151 2 - 33 324 Chepstow ............ I 29 10 - 7 - 9 - 192 - - 40 306 Cardiff . . . . . • • . . • • • • • 2 14 2 2 3 - 42 40 374 6 63 72 819 Barry .. ............ .. 1 3 1 - - - 6 31 50 - 10 14 202 Llantrissant ........•. I {) 2 1 - - 7 I 7 118

1

1 - 22 208 Sheerness .....•..•.•• 1 2 I - 2 - 71 9 63 - 15 14 128 Tenterden ..........•. I 10 6 - 1 - ~ I 142 135 - - 47 318 Hastings ............ I 10 4 - I 1 u 68 - - 23 130 Elham........ ........ I 12 5 - 4 - 12 9 113 2 - 9 67 Barrow .............. 1 1 1 - - - 2 18 63 3 12 13 170 Dalton ......• . • . • • • • 1 7 2 - 3 4 6 16 96 - 35 37 243 Sunderland.. .. . ... .. .. 1 12 4 3 1 - 48 31 1 151 6 7 89 505 Cleveland ............ 1 11 4 - 1 2 5 5 66 2 2 27 209 Bradford.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 2 1 1 - - - 38 78 7 2 20 140 Ennerdale ............ - 1 1 2 - - 7 2 31 2 - 15 85 Blackburn.. .. .• •... •• 2 1 I 1 1 - - 15 89 144 15 37 17 145 Bolton. . . • . . . . • • • • • • • • 1 - 1 - 1 - 5 15 62 - 15 16 250

Totals, 1892

'" Totals, 1891

46 326 128

47 317 123

Increase ........ - 9 ,j

Decrease •.••...•

23

30

75

77

11 469 717 4467 103 291 10258194

16 391 787 4363 91 313 1019 7871

- - - 78 104 12 6 323

7 2 I 5 70 - - 22 - -

'" After deducting Southampton returns for last year.

30 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE.

~

5~ = Sunday e.c

~ ;~ Members. '5:: oS .!i ~~ ~

Schools . 0) .~~ j;l l>- I I

CIRCUITS. 0 :31 ~ 00 0 ..l:I. c· 'fij t3 gl..2l 0) ! SCI> - oj ;H~ il~ i P:: P::~ A ~:S ~ ~ Q,>Q.>

E-4 00

- - --- - --Adelaide ......... .......... ................. ...... 1 11 3 2 4 35 1115 Bowden............................................ 1 14 4 5 5 40 187 14 Goodwood.......... ............... ................. 1 5 4 3 9 16 118 4 ·Gawler .... ............... .......................... 1 8 4 60 Yankalilla .............................. ........ 1 10 6 7 12 186 Clarendon and Willunga.... ................. 1 5 5 5 2 125 Mount Torrens .................... ............. 1 7 4 2 116 Mount Lofty ............................... ..... 1 10 9 14 54 162 12 Burrs and Hallett .... .......... ........ ........ 1 8 4 1 8 6 102 Kapunda .... ........................... ........... 1 7 5 1 5 11 70 Auburn ........... ............... ................... 1 3 6 7 9 82 Riverton ......................................... 1 1 4 10 42 Eroken Hill .............. ........................ 2 13 3 3 8 87 Kadina ............................................. 1 9 5 5 31 134 Moonts. ............................................. 1 9 5 4 8 22 223 12 Ealaklava..... ........... .......................... 1 9 6 12 23 129 2

(JrystalErook .................................... 1 9 4 1 1 5 21 104 5 Kulpara ..... ..... .... ............................ 1 9 31 2 1 11 55

K~~~~~~~~~.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ill : ~ i : 1~ ~~ I ~ Port Augusts. ............. ....... ........ ........ 1 5 2 1 1 3 7 50 - ,,; rri Wilmington....................................... 1 7 2 1 4 7 59, 4 8 I::l

~~~~ ... :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.::: i 1~ ; ~ ~g~: 1~ 3 ~ E ~~rG~:;;{~~·:::·.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~ 11 = ~ 1 If I i~ l_~. &l

Totals in G'ircuits ................... ~ 187 105 2:. ~ ~ 894 ! 2586 ~:. _i __ MISSIONS. 20 I' 0

Eastwood and Kensington .............. ..... 3 5 4 1 6 82 ~ Z

~=~~~~~.::::::::::::::::::::.::::::::::::::: ; ~ ~ ~ ~ 1~, 1~ Port Elliot............. .................. .... ....... 4 4 1 3 7 38 4 Silverton ................ ................. ...... . 1 4 2 19 4 25 Port Pirie.......................................... 1 I 1 1 1 2 50 42 18 Gladstone.......... ...................... ........ .. 1 I 3 3 3 1 21) 1 Carrieton .......................................... 2 3 8 12 83 -------------·1-- ----- - - -- - ---

Totals in Missions........... ....... 8 25 28 4 4 47 114 408 23 -------------·1-- -------- - --------

SUMlIARY.

~a:,~ .... :::::.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~ 1~ 1~ 1: 3: 1!~ ~~! ~ ~~ --------------1----------------

Totals, 1891 ........................... 34 212 183 16 40 188 508 2994 86 874 6562 Totals, 1890 ...... .............. ...... 32 221 137 14 33 269 376 283.CJ 84 881 6687 Increase................................. 2 2 7 132 155 2 Decrease ............................. 9 4 81 125

NEW ZEALAND .

CIRCUITS.

. ~ '''; I bD • oS _ ~ Ql ,.~..; "" = 5~ ~ 11 Q,> :S

~ ~~ ~ !~I~ ----------~-- ------------------- - ---

.christchurch ........................ 1 10 Addington .... ...... .... ............. 1 6 Templeton .............. ......... .... 1 1 Belfast.... .......................... 1 8 Dunedin .............................. 1 1 Wellington ........................ 1 3 Cromwell ........... ............... 1 Waikari .............................. 1 :Banks Peninsula ................. .

1 3 1 8 8

1 4 5 4-8

Totals, 1891 .......... .. Totals, 1890 ........... . Increase ................. .

8 25 10 21 8 22 8 30

8 2 Decrease ................. . 9

2 3

5 8 2

10 122 3 19 77

22 8 4 43 9 74 65

10 85 25 2

2 9 No returns

25144 365 8 5 60 294

20 84 '11 3

21 15 25

5 19

8 10 2 10

2 8

6 15 95 15 80

15 15 9

202 159

34 195

70 81

20 30

791 600 191

31

VICTORIAN CONFERENCE.

CIRCUITS.

--------------1-------- - - -------~:t:::::: =a:":::::::::::::::::':::::.::: ~ g ; = .:: ~~ ~ ~~g ~ ~ :~ ~:":~~~.::::'::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~ : : = = ~ ~ 1:~ ~ i~ a:~ .camperdown .... .......... ............... ....... 1 8 8 8 8 8 8 'i3 1 8 85 Colac ., ................ .............. ............... 1 5 8 2 - 2 2 82 - 10 59 .Ba.mbra ........................................ l 832--- 44- 636 Bal1s.rat ................................ ......... 2 11 5 1 6 18 10 175 2 99 479 Clunes .... ............ ............................. 1 3 2 2 4 6 18 72 - 26 186 {Jreswick .......................................... 1 8 8 1 1 - 2 63 - 30 l'i9 Daylesford ..... ..... .................. ........... 1 6 4 - 8 9 26 86 4 25 239 St. Arnaud ........ ................... ............ 1 - 1 4 - 1 9 30 2 13 119 Bendigo............................................. 2 6 7 - 3 15 4 165 - 118 839 .castlemaine ....................... ............ .... 2 2 5 1 1 4 2 76 - 12 149 Maldon ............................................. 1 8 4 - 4 11 5 80 1 80 177 Elmore ............................................. 1 8 5 - 1 22 2 48 - 18 111 Rochester ................. ........................ 2 3 4 2 2 17 14 110 1 20 172 Terricks....................... ..................... . 1 4 5 1 1 2 - 91 1 11 67

=b~: .. :::.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. ~ 1~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~~ = : ~: Lorquon ........ .......... ................... ..... 1 8 5 - - - 1 87 - 7 78 Noradjuha. ..... ............................. ..... 1 10 8 2 1 8 19 65 12 14 95 yanac................. ................. ... ........... 1 9 8 8 1 8 2 79 4 18 256 Warracknabea1 .................. ....... ........ 1 7 4 1 - 2 16 67 8 10 180 Numurkah .......... ............................. 2 18 8 2 1 7 1 150 1 61 821 Echuca ............................................ 1 2 4 8 - 2 2 89 - 3 18 Tungamah ........... .......... ....... .......... 1 8 8 4 - 5 5 70 3 6 59 Wamboota, N.S.W. ........................... 1 4 2 4 2 8 '; 72 4 4 34 .cahuno and Patho .............. ............. 1 3 2 3 2 - 2 23 - 6 64

Totals, 1891 .......................... 40 157 119 47 41 248 304 2454 141 768 5685 Totals, 1890 ........................... 40 177 120 56 24 278 351 2595 78 796 5789

"'-. Increase. ................... ............. - - - - 17 - - - 63 - -' .... ' Decrease ........ ........ ....... ....... - 20 1 9 - 30 47 141 - 28 104

if:"''''

STATISTICS OF THE MISSIONS, 1892.

HOME AND ABROAD.

Hom~ons ................... .. South Australian Conference Victorian Conference .......... .. Queensland ...................... .. New Zealand ....................... . .china .......... , ..................... .

TOTALS.

~ ~ bO I . lID

.~ rti = .S ~ ] 0

i~ Ql ~

= tt t~ 1i f! 0 ~~ .~ f§ bD ~~ A :a ~ ·s

~ - - - -- - -46 326 128 28 34 212 183 16 40 157 119 47

75 11 40

8 8 5 4 8 25 10 21 4 1 - 5

41 1 5 1

...; .S rd~ Members. ; i ,Sev -§ 0 .pI»

oj ~~ ! .... 11)

~ "" S~ Ql

~ ~ ~ .... ~ ... = - - .'-- - -469 717 4467 103 291 1025 188 508 2994 86 874 248 804 2454 141 768

8 16 109 - 38 25 144 365 6 15 95

6 - 1

5 '0 -§ w

--8194 6562 5685 867 791

8

Totals, 1892 ........ .... 135 729 395 116 163 11 938 1689 10895 886 806 2801 21607 • Totals, 1891 ............ 187 749 893187 188 19 943161910195 1268 318 2809 21237

Increase. ................. - - 2 - 25 - - 70 200 68 - - 370

Decrease .................. 2 20 - 21 - 8 6- 7 8 -

.. After deducting Southampton returns for last year.

1IIIU~iii"iiIUII 3 9002 106385512

::1 STATISTICS OF THE CONNEXION.

a1~ ~. (/J I':

-:=~ IlD ai § ~ ~~ Membert'. ~ ~ flCl.> 'a .~ IlD

! ~ 0'::: ':::Q" ~ .. HOME AND ABROAD. CI.>-5 CO ~ m] 0 tl ... , . -5 ~c! ~! CI.) 8 '8~ ~ ~ i .... CI.) 6 ~p.. A 's CI.)

CI.)CI.) $ ~p:: ~ '0.., ~=a Eo! tll

_1- 1>:1 < ~ - - - --- -- - - ----'

At Home .......... ................. 1581507 588 44 419 98 1650 ~ ,25330 491 8737174 40270-Abroad .............................. 89 403 267 93 88 - 469 .. 978 6928 242 15 1776 13413 Preachers' Super., etc .... n.... JtS - - --:-- - - - ~ - - -

Totals, 1892 ............ 280 1910 8551137 507 98 2119 B8tt .31258 7~ 888 8950 53683:

-- --,--------,--:-,-.' -.----Totals, 1891 ...... ..... 279 1923 854 159 431 1222161 4644 3160" 1156.,~ 967 8990' 52.;90

Increase .................. 1 - 11 - 76 - - .:..- .~, ,tt~ - - 893:

Decrease ............... ~ lif=-1-221-=T24 42 803 ~ 84~j ~; --;j-4O-=-

CASH ACCOUNT, FRO:M JULY, 1891, TO JULY 189!;;L

REOEIPTS FALMOUTH

DISTRICT. Penzance Oircuit.

£ 8. d. By Penzance pnblic

services ............ 10 16 10 Mr. Teague's ser.... 1 2 6 Mr. F. J. Tancock,

don .................. 200 Mr. Cnlyer, don .. 0 10 0 MrB. Thomas, box... 0 10 0 Mr. Hasken ......... 1 0 0 Juvenile e1fort-Maud Rogers ....... .. Freddy Hngo ....... .. Maud Stephens .... .. L. Kelynack ....... .. Janie Hill .......... .. John Edwards ..... . E. J. Hutchins .... .. W. Saunders ....... .. Bam Watkin ....... .. Bums under 6s .... .. China-

110 0 100 011 0 012 0 096 068 o 6 0 01)6 o 6 0 2 110

Mr. E. Richards ... 10 0 0 Do. (for Schools) 10 0 0

Mr. R. Dale ......... {) 0 0 - F. J. Tancock... 6 0 0 --, Culyer............ 0 10 0

1rfiss Cnlyer ......... 1 0 0 Mr. J. Drew ......... 1 10 0

66 18 10 ]iea.moor pub. Ber. 2 0 8 Katie Lawrey, colI. 1 10 0 W. J. Williams, do 0 1 6 Bums under Os.;..... 0 6 0 China-Mr. W. Bolitho...... 0 16 0 A Friend. .... .......... 0 I) 0

IS 4 2 Carfury public ser.. 2 0 10 Edward Lutey,coll 1 2 6 Lily Christopher ... 1 2 O·

£ B. d. Annie Trembath... 0 14 2 Richard Stevens ... 0 11 0 James Noy ............ 010 6 W. J. Hosking. .... 0 8 2

642 Tregarthen pnb.ser. 0 9 11 Annie Symons, coll 0 8 0 Eliz. Thomas, do ... '0 I) 0 Sums under 58....... 0 4 4

173 Tredavoe pub. aer. 0 17 7 Alice Richar4s. coll 0 I) 8 E. A. Richards, do 0 I) 7 Edith Carne ......... 0 8 7

1 12 I) . Drift public ser..... . 2 5 11 R.J .B.Richards,Qoll 1 6 8 John Clemens, do... 0 18 6 Thomas Chapple,do 0 18 6 John T. Chapple,do 0 12 0 M. J. Prowse ......... 0 6 0 C. J. Oats . ......... 0 fi 0

672 Marazion pub. ser. 0 11 10 Mrs. Hosken, col ... 0 8 6 Miss Armstrong, do 0 6 6 Sums under 6s....... 0 8 6

115 8 IJadydownspub.ser. 2 4 Nelly Prowse, colI.. 2 0 0 Priscilla Hall......... 0 11 8 Lily Mann .. .. ....... 0 11 4

4 I) 4---83147

St. Just Oircuit.

By St. Just,Pnb. ser. 5 4 2 Miss MaggIe Thomas, . don ......... ; ......... 1 0

~t:.a~~le·:::::: ~ 1~ ~ Bmall sums.... ........ 0 8 9

805

£ s. d .. Tregerest pub. ser.. 1 0 11

1 011 Brane public ser.... 1 0 0' A Friend, don ...... 0 10 0, E. T. White, do ... 0 10 0, A. M. White, do... 0 10 o·~ Miss E. Harry, box 1 lar 0 Willie Blewitt, card ,1,.."'2 0 Annie Thomas, do 0 9 O' Sydney Warren ... 0 5 6 Smallsums ......... 0 5 7

. 6 5 1 Sennen pnblic ser. 2 18 6-­MissMartbaThomas 3 4 9 Annie Roberts ...... 3 1 10· Richard Hicks,card 1 8 2 Richard Walters .. 0 4 6-

1017 9 Buryan pnb. ser.... 3 1 10 Rev. J. Teague's

lecture.............. . 0 10 O' William Osborne,cd 1 6 0 ThomasWarren,do 1 1 0-/

51810 -" . /' CripplesHillpnb.ser. 1 10 6

B8 13'6, Porthleven Oircuit.

By Porthleven pub. services ............ 5 0 0'

BoatB-Thomazine .. 1 0 0 Industry......... 1 12 0' Nile .............. 014 0 R. P ................ 010 0 Oatherine...... ... 0 I) 7 BiUy Bray ...... 1 7 3

Mrs. Eddy, don...... 2 0 O· - Burgess, do ... 0 10 0

Mast.A.A.Eddy,box 010 O' Juvenile Meeting... 0 15 3 Mast.R B.Williams,

card ............. ' ... 0 12 6·