worship, and the Thirty-nine Articles their standard of doctrine. The Church was governed by a bishop chosen by his brethren, which had two advantages, as it probably insured that they got the right man in the right place, and that he would be obeyed by those who elected him. Then they were free from State control. There were some in the body who believed it well, however, to have a State Church; but the Free of England did not exist for political purposes. It was no adjunct of the Liberation Society. But there was one thing which they had sworn against. They respected the honest Roman Catholic, but they had sworn to have no peace with Ritualism. Then they were free to exchange pulpits with all Evangelical clergymen. If a Wesleyan came and asked for their pulpit, to preach a special sermon, they would give it him. If a Baptist came, they would do the same. In conclusion, they held to the purity of the Protestant doctrines of the Church of England, which were sealed with the blood of the martyrs; and they considered that if it was good for their ancestors to shed their blood in such a cause, it was still better for them in the present day to maintain and defend it.

The Doxology was then sung, and the proceedings terminated.

LONDON.

SPA-FIELDS CHAPEL.

the

On Wednesday evening, March 29, Rev. T. E. Thoresby, in the name of the Teachers and a few of the Friends of the Vine-street Ragged School, presented to Mr. James Dix a valuable Travelling Bag, fitted up in the most complete style. This was done, according to the address of the teachers, "as a token of esteem and respect, and in appreciation of Mr. Dix's kind, generous, and valuable services; and also to express the desire of the teachers to use their utmost endeavours to co-operate with and assist him in the school." Mr. Dix has been the devoted secretary of the school for many years.

On Wednesday evening, April 12th, the Rev. T. E. Thoresby, on behalf of the members of the Psalmody Class, presented to its conductor, Mr. F. W. Willcocks, a handsome leather-covered Easy Chair, as an expression of their kind appreciation of the time and attention he has bestowed in superintending the practice of the class.

A few weeks since the Rev. T. E. Thoresby also presented the same gentleman with a Silver Salver, as a friendly expression of good-will from a few friends connected with the Chapel School.

MALVERN LINK.

COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S CHAPEL. On Tuesday evening, 21st March, 1871, the Rev. William Horn delivered, in the Malvern Link Day School-room, a lecture on "Words," which he treated in a very interesting and instructive manner. The attendance was select, but not large. Mr. James Nott, of Great Malvern, presided; and the proceeds are to be devoted to the support of the ministry of the chapel.

NEW MALDEN.

We are glad that our friends at this place are progressing so favourably. At present the advance seems to be made through "evil report." Mr. Merryweather, however, and the friends who co-operate with him, may make themselves quite easy as to any animadversions of the rector and his creatures. We speak from experience. A few more ecclesiastical squalls will brace our friend, and reduce his nervous susceptibility. His skin will thicken in the proportion that the crassness of his opponent becomes more evident; and certainly the development of clerical skulls in density has been very rapid of late.

In a recent account of the Easter Vestry Meeting at New Malden, at which the Rev. C. Stirling, the vicar, presided, and the close of which is described as rather "noisy" and tumultuous, Mr. Wale respectfully put the question to the chairman "whether he was the author of a certain pamphlet " to which reference had been previously made, and which, from all accounts, contains a considerable amount of apocryphal matter, dressed up with what pleaders call colour. Perhaps it was this last circumstance which dictated the rev. chairman's reply, he having wielded the brush. "Turning round to Mr. Wale [we quote the report of the Surrey Comet, of April 15th], and, suiting the action to the words, he said, 'Do you see any green in my eye?"" We do not know in what school or university the rev. gentleman was educated and trained. One would guess some native institution in the Falklands, or in the centre of Africa; but perhaps it would be

doing the natives an injustice. Certainly it could not have been any academy whose curriculum included good manners. It is to be hoped that the boys in Lime-grove School, New Malden, are taught better manners than their parson seems to possess. As Mr. Wale did not condescend to give a reply, we may be permitted to speak for those at a distance. As to the colour and state of Mr. Stirling's visual organ, we certainly think his eye is not healthy; and since green is reputed to be the jealous colour, no doubt there is a decided shade of green about it. Our deliberate opinion, however, is that the tinge of this colour, which is generally understood to be descriptive of immaturity, sourness, and lack of judgment, extends over the whole man. We see manifest greenness and rudeness where there ought, if anywhere in New Malden, to have been kindness and courtesy. We publish the spirited vindication of Mr. Merryweather. Neither he nor his course, however, needs any Apologia; and one thing is certain-neither the Rev. A. Williams, the excellent Vicar of Kingston, to whom the anonymous pamphlet is dedicated, nor any other gentleman, will be misled by its statements.

To the Editor of the "Surrey Comet." "Sir,-A pamphlet has been published, addressed by the Rev. Charles Stirling to the Rev. A. Williams, Vicar of Kingston, on the New Malden School Difficulty.' A profound respect for the office of a minister of the Gospel, and a sincere love for the Church, has hitherto often restrained me from defending myself from the many attacks of Mr. Stirling and his friends. Scurrilous letters published in a weekly paper, squibs, libels, placards, and baseless imputations, have been met by me with silent contempt, trusting to the opinion which my neighbours in New Malden and my friends in Kingston have formed of my character for their antidote. By this silence I fear I may have suffered in the estimation of some who have heard only Mr. Stirling's version of recent differences; and after reading the pamphlet in question, I am not surprised that it should be so. A stranger hearing the School difficulty' represented as it is represented in this pamphlet, would naturally regard me with contempt, and I can now understand those distant recognitions from old friends which on more than one occasion have pained me. The shame

ful pamphlet that has just been so extensively published will justify me, I am sure, even in the eyes of my clerical friends, in speaking plainly; for no man, let his means be ever so limited-no gentleman, let his position in social life be what it may-can be expected, even for the sake of the cloth, to quietly sit down under such imputations. I therefore hereby declare, on my word of honour, that a great portion of the pamphlet in question is untrue, that many of the facts given are grossly mis-stated; that the truth is in the most important points suppressed.

"My friends had hoped that this miserable affair, with its personalities, was gradually passing away from our minds; and that, if we could not all work hand in hand as before, each would, in his own sphere, forgetting the bitterness of the past, have striven henceforth to do his best for the welfare of New Malden. It must have pained the friends of the vicar as much as myself, that the 'implacability' of temper with which I am freely charged should thus be so unhappily displayed by my accuser. In all truth I write this with the deepest regret; but the good opinion of my neighbours and friends is dear to me and mine. "F. S. MERRYWEATHER. "New Malden, April 13, 1871."

On Friday evening last, the communicants and seat-holders of Trinity Church, New Malden, met in vestry to hear a statement of accounts, and to elect churchwardens and sidesmen for the ensuing year. The Rev. S. J. C. Dicksee (the incumbent) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of the heads and elder branches of families. The statement showed that, except a small mortgage, 127. will now cover their liabilities. The pews are letting very fast, a good portion being already taken. Messrs. F. S. Merryweather and G. S. Wale were unanimously elected churchwardens; F. S. Merryweather, Esq., being nominated by the incumbent as his warden. Messrs. W. Faux and G. R. Pilgrim were also elected unanimously as sidesmen. After the election, F. S. Merryweather, Esq., introduced the subject of an organ, when G. Himus, Esq., laid on the table 51., which was immediately increased (from himself) to 10%. The incumbent at once rose to give it practical effect, and in a few minutes nearly 50l., in different sums, was laid on the table, which, it is expected,

will, in the next few days, be largely increased; so that in a week or two a handsome organ will be placed in the church. After thanks had been unanimously voted to Messrs. Pilgrim, Ayres, Arlidge, and others, besides the Chairman, this very happy meeting closed with the Doxology and prayer.

OSWALDTWISTLE.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS.

(From the Preston Guardian of Wednesday, April 12.)

Our readers are well acquainted with the circumstances which have led to the cession of a large number of persons from the congregation of Immanuel Church, Oswaldtwistle; and in reporting the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new Sunday and Day schools we need not repeat them. Suffice it to say that the breach which has arisen between the Rev. Boulby Hazlewood and a portion of his congregation seems irreparable; and should the division result in the establishment of a Free Church of England, as it promises to do, the inhabitants of Oswaldtwistle will probably not regret the circumstance, whether considered from a religious, moral, or educational point of view. To those who have been for some time worshipping God in the rooms of the Protestant Defence Association, John-street, Saturday last will be a very memorable day, marking as it does the important event, in connexion with the new schools, of laying the corner or foundation-stones thereof by Mrs. Hoghton. The site of the new schools is at the beginning of the road leading to Newlane, and opposite the Black Dog Inn. The building will be in the Gothic style of architecture, and 14 yards by 21 yards inside, with a height of 17 feet, and will accommodate between 500 and 600 children. Mr. W. H. Bell, Accrington, is the architect, and the contractors for the stone work are Messrs. John Wardle and Howarth, of Oswaldtwislte. The joiners' and plasterers' work is not yet let. The estimated cost is 1,000l., and towards this sum Mr. and Mrs. Hoghton and family have given 2301., and Mr. Hoghton has also let the land at a nominal sum.

To celebrate the event, a flag was hoisted at the site, and a procession of the teachers and scholars of the Sunday-school arranged,

the Church and Oswaldtwistle Subscription Band being engaged to lead the procession, which started from John-street shortly after three o'clock. Following the band were the Revs. T. E. Thoresby, Spa-fields, London; J. Brunskill, Secretary to the Northern District, Tottington; the Rev. Dr. Shaw, Wheelton, and Mrs. Shaw; Mr. Peter Dodd, Wheelton; Mr. Hugh Roberts, Totting. ton; Mr. W. Hoghton, and Mr. W. E. Holt, of Stanhill. The females came next, and numbered about 186, and the boys followed, numbering 114. Several banners were carried in the procession, which proceeded down Union-road as far as the Printer's Arms, returning therefrom to Mr. Hoghton's, where Mrs. Hoghton joined the procession, and from thence to the site, where a very large number of spectators were gathered, attracted by the event and the fineness of the day. A hymn was sung, and a prayer offered by the Rev. E. Thoresby, of London; after which the Rev. Dr. Shaw, incumbent of St. Paul's, Wheelton, was called upon to present a beautiful silver trowel and level and an ivory mallet, the gift of the Committee, and supplied by Mr. Batty, of Manchester, to Mrs. Hoghton.

In doing so, Mr. SHAW said he had great pleasure in presenting her with the implements wherewith to lay the stone, and he could only re-echo the eloquent words of his friend Mr. Thoresby, that God might take that building and all in connexion with it into His holy keeping; that there the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ might be preached in all its fulness, purity, and excellence; that souls might be gathered into His fold, and that it might be an increasing blessing to all around. (Hear, hear.) The inscription on the trowel read as follows: "Presented to Mrs. Hoghton, on the occasion of laying the foundation-stone of a Free Church of England Day and Sunday. school, Roegreave, Oswaldtwistle, Saturday, April 8th, 1871."

Mrs. HOGHTON, on receiving the presents, said Reverend Sirs, Ladies, and Gentlemen,-I beg to return you my sin. cere thanks for the honour you have conferred upon me this day in placing me in the position in which I now stand, and for these beautiful presents, which I hope will be handed down to posterity as a memorial of Protestant principles; and may God, of His infinite goodness, grant me such a supply of grace and that strength of body

which will enable me in some way to make myself useful in this good work. (Hear, hear.)

A bottle containing the Preston Guardian and other papers was then placed in the cavity of the under-stone, and the cornerstone having been properly placed, Mrs. Hoghton gently tapped it with the mallet, after which she said: I declare this stone firmly laid, and may the foundation of this school be set upon a rock, and that rock Christ, and may the spirit of Ritualism never prevail against it. (Hear, hear.) May the Lord direct the leaders and teachers of this school to instil into the minds of the young the truths of the Gospel, and may their good instructions be as bread cast on the waters to be seen after many days. We are told in the Scriptures "to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Within its walls may many, both young and old, be converted from the error of their ways, and under its roof may many be brought from darkness to light, and from Satan unto God. May the Lord strengthen and assist us in standing up for the faith of the good old Church of England. (Hear, hear.) Let us be watchful, lest we be carried away by false doctrines. As friends and neighbours, let us join hand and heart, and work with a will. "Whatsoever our hands find to do, let us do it with all our might." No man having put his hand to the plough should look back. I have often heard it said that God will help those who help themselves. May the Lord be in the midst of us, and bless us, to teach and direct us, to prompt and protect us in all our doings, in order that we may do that which is right in His sight; and may He crown our efforts with success. I have declared this stone to be firmly laid, and may God grant that we may all be found firmly rested and grounded in the faith, fear, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (Applause.) Three cheers were then given for Mr. and Mrs. Hoghton, after which

The Rev. J. BRUNSKILL briefly addressed the assembly, acknowledging first their indebtedness to Almighty God for favouring them with that beautiful weather. He then said that he had no doubt that day would be a red-letter day in the history of all who had taken part in the proceedings of the day. The proceedings had been of a character to please all of them, but they

might have displeased others. If, however, they were satisfied that God blessed them, that was sufficient encouragement for them "to labour on at His command, and offer all their works to Him." Many would no doubt have asked what was the Free Church of England? Those who attended the tea meeting after would hear their principles fully explained. The object of the Free Church of England, as stated in their report, was not to interfere with the labours of any Evangelical Protestant community, whether Established or non-Established, but to introduce the Gospel of Christ into those parishes in which the clergy, by excessive Ritualism and departure from the faith, are leading people to Rome, and to assert the right of the laity in all matters affecting the agency and work of the Church. Their first principle was that they could go into any parish to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; and the next thing was, that they were free from all State control and influence. (Hear, hear.) Let them, however, clearly understand that the Free Church of England did not exist for political purposes. (Hear, hear.) They knew nothing whatever about the Liberation Society as a Church. They had members among them who thought it a misfortune to be separated from the State, and some who did not. They could either believe in establishment or the contrary. They were governed by Convocation, the bishop being elected by the suffrages of his brethren. Two things were secured by that-first, the probability was that they would get the best man; and second, those who had placed him in his position would give him that obedience which his office required. Another thing was that they could exchange pulpits with those who preached the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They had a revised Prayerbook, and the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England were their standard of doctrine and faith. Their object was not controversy, but to preach Christ and bring sinners to God. He trusted that when the Gospel was preached in that building, which would be the case until they got a church, it would be with no uncertain sound. They would have no peace with Rome or with Ritualism. In conclusion, he hoped the building would be finished without any accident. (Applause.)

A hymn was then sung, and a collection