pollution, and is prepared to place Christianity, stripped of all those meritricious adornments and adjuncts derived from theatres and concert-halls, in its simple form before the people of this land-with a Revised Prayer-book-and wholly delivered, too, from those babyish buffooneries which seem to have such fascination for a silly and effeminate Priesthood."

Jottings from our Note-Book.

THE Special Convocation of the Free Church of England convened on May 8 was not held, in consequence of some doubt as to the legality of the

notice.

WE hear that the Rev. Dr. Gregg has been accepted by the General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church, and that he will probably be consecrated a Bishop.

THE Rev. Eustace E. Long, late of the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, East Grinstead, has accepted a most cordial and unanimous invitation to a pastorate at Oakhill, near Bath, and expects to enter on his duties in July. THE Rev. W. Lane, nor the movement with which his name has been associated, is in no way connected with the Free Church of England nor with the Reformed Episcopal Church. He has unsuccessfully applied to the latter body for consecration.

THE Incumbency of the Free Church of England, New Malden, is now vacant by the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Dicksee. The proximity of the Church to the metropolis renders it important that new life and energy should be infused into the work, and that this little Church should be fully representative of the Free Church of England, to the principles of which there is a strong attachment in New Malden.

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THE Rev. Dr. Gregg, Vicar of East Harborne, has now issued his address to his parishioners, stating that he has now decided to secede, and in a postscript, he adds: "Since the foregoing was written, I have had the honour to receive (quite unexpectedly and altogether unsought by me) a cordial and unanimous invitation' to become the Incumbent of a church and congregation, the members of which have recently in a body ceased to worship in the Church of England as by law established. That invitation I have cordially accepted (subject to the termination of my ministry here). It is our intention to build, as soon as possible, a church where we shall have the privilege of using the old Liturgy, which all Church people love, but without the sacerdotalism which all Evangelical Church people deplore."

THE revival which we need is a revival of the religion which keeps God's commandments; which tells the truth, and sticks to its promises; which cares more for a good character than a fine coat; which lives in the same direction that it prays; which denies ungodly lusts, and which can be trusted in every stress of temptation. A revival which will sweeten our homes and chasten our Press and commerce from roguery and rottenness would be a boon from heaven. A revival which will bring not only a Bible-knowledge, but a Bible-conscience to all, is what the land is dying for. The world's sorest want, to-day, is more Christ-like men and women. The preaching it needs is, more sermons in shoes.-Cuyler.

BETWEEN twenty and thirty years ago three little English boys were amusing themselves one summer afternoon. Suddenly one of them looked grave, and left off playing. "I have forgotten something," he said, “I forgot to say my prayers this morning; you must wait for me." He went quietly into a corner of the place they were in, knelt down, and reverently repeated his morning prayer. Then he returned to the others, and was soon merrily engaged in play again. This boy grew up to be a brave man, the noted Captain Hammond. He was a faithful servant to his earthly sovereign, but, better still, a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastical Register.

[All communications for this department must be sent direct to the Editor, New Malden, Surrey, not later than the 18th of the month.]

BATH.-COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S FREE CHURCH.

At the sixty-fourth Sunday-school anniversary, held on Sunday, May 13, sermons were preached by the Rev. W. E. Darby-the musical part of the service being very effectively rendered by the children and young people of the school. Collections were made after each service.

BERMUDA.-ST. GEORGE'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

"Easter Day has a very special interest for our friends of the Free Church of England, since, in addition to the larger interest which that day possesses for all Christians, it is endeared to them as the anniversary of their Church. As last year, this double character of the day was observed. The temporary place of worship was tastefully and appropriately decorated. The singing was very effective, and large congregations assembled at both services -in the evening, indeed, the room was crowded. The Rev. R. A. Bilkey, incumbent, preached, in the morning on the general, and in the evening on the local, significance of the occasion. The text in the morning was 1 Cor. xv. 19, 20; in the evening from 1 Samuel vii. 12. In connection with this, the preacher took occasion to review the history of the Church during the past two years: he pointed to the many and continuous providences which had attended it; vindicated its position and mission; called for the expres sion of devout gratitude, on account of the spiritual and material success which God had been pleased to vouchsafe; and predicted for it a happy and useful future, if its members remained faithful, not so much to party, as to their own religious instincts, and to God and His truth. The offertorywhich was given to the building fund-amounted to £11 6s. 54d.”—Bermuda Colonist.

CARDIFF.-ST. PAUL'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

"We have now ready for publication, the balance-sheet of our Church expenses and outlay from the month of April, 1876, up to the present time, and from it we learn that our present liabilities, including building fund, amount to £673 1s. 2d. To get this sum reduced, if not entirely abolished during the next twelve months, ought to be the earnest desire of all our friends. As a ready means, by which all can help more or less, we have adopted the system of quarterly cards, so that those who cannot put down at once a large sum, may, by paying so much quarterly, very materially assist in reducing the debt. One of our friends has very kindly promised, as soon as we can raise £100, that he will give a donation similar to that which he gave on a former occasion, and as that is very considerable, we trust our friends will do all they can soon, so that this particular friend may not have long to wait with his cheque."-St. Paul's Free Church Advocate.

HOLLINWOOD.-ST. JAMES'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. The Anniversary Services in aid of the Schools were held on Sunday, April 29, when two sermons were preached by the Rev. T. Worrall. In the afternoon an address to teachers and scholars was given by the Rev. J. W. Williams. Collections were made in aid of the School funds.

ILFRACOMBE.-CHRIST CHURCH FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. "We understand," says the Ilfracombe Chronicle, "that considerable

alterations are contemplated to be made in this church, in order to provide greater comfort and convenience for the congregation, and also for visitors in summer. It is proposed to entirely re-pew the nave; to widen the centre aisle, and add one or two side aisles; to fill the recesses in the east end with the Ten Commandments, the Belief, and the Lord's Prayer, and the remainder with Scriptural subjects; to raise the communion floor a step; to remove the pulpit and reading-desk from their present position to the communion end of the church; and ultimately, as the funds come in, to remodel the exterior, and give it a more ecclesiastical appearance. Only a portion of these alterations are at present in hand, and the funds for them have been provided by the congregation.'

[We are glad to hear that some of these improvements are being vigorously carried out.-ED. F.C.E.M.]

LITTLEHAMPTON.-FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

We are glad to hear that an excellent site has been secured, and that the Committee hope very shortly to begin building the permanent Church.

LUDLOW.-TRINITY FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The second social gathering of members and friends was held on Wednesday, April 25th, in the Templar Hall, which was tastefully decorated with banners and flowers for the occasion, and a very pleasant and profitable evening was spent. The proceedings commenced with devotional exercise; after which, the Rev. J. Renny gave a short address on "The Ecclesiastical Position and Principles of the Free Church of England." Later in the evening he also gave a brief lecture on "The Early Life and Conversion of St. Paul." An address was also delivered by Mr. G. Menhensoti, a member of the congregation. Tea and coffee, &c., were served, and the proceedings further enlivened by the singing of appropriate melodies, such as Scatter Seeds of Kindness," and "Work for the Night is Coming,"-Master A. M. Pughe presiding at the harmonium. A collection was made at the close in aid of the funds of the Church.

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On Sunday evening, April 29th, the Incumbent preached specially to young men, when the Church was well filled in every part with an attentive and apparently appreciative congregation. The text was: "Is the young man Absalom safe?" (2 Sam. xviii. 29); and the dangers to which young men are specially exposed and the only means of safety were clearly pointed out. The Sunday-school in connection with the Church is steadily increasing.

NEW MALDEN.-TRINITY FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The Rev. S. J. C. Dicksee has resigned the incumbency of this Church, and almost without any notice of his intention preached his farewell sermon on Sunday, May 13. Much surprise has been expressed at this hasty and inconsiderate action.

OSWALDTWISTLE.-HOLY TRINITY FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

On Sunday, May 13th, three excellent sermons were preached in this place of worship by the Rev. T. Worrall, of Everton, on behalf of the Day and Sunday-schools. The amount realized was the very handsome sum of £170 4s. 6d. Out of this sum £103 13s. 8d. was contributed by the teachers and scholars. The services were very cheerful, the congregations, which were good, taking a lively interest in the responses, and the choir, as usual, acquitted themselves in a creditable manner, selecting such tunes as could be joined in by the whole congregation. The young people take a very deep and warm interest in their school, manifested not only by their contributions, but by their labours in painting the windows, cleaning the school-room, &c., &c.

PUTNEY.-EMMANUEL FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The second Thursday in May being the anniversary of the opening of the Church, a commemoration service was held in the evening, when the Rev. T. Dodd, of Worcester, preached an eloquent sermon on Acts xiv. 7"There they preached the Gospel." A collection was made in aid of the Building Fund with a view of extinguishing the debt on the Church. The offertory realized £28 13s. 4d., which leaves the Church free from incumbrance. We congratulate the congregation and the Rev. H. O. Meyers on the year's results. Steady, persevering prayer and work have been blessed abundantly. The attendance is regular and increasing, and no less a sum than £500 has been raised during the year. These are cheering evidences of life and vigour.

SOUTHAMPTON.-ST. JOHN'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The Building Committee having met, the Congregation have unanimously resolved to make an effort to raise funds for building a Sunday-school. They are anxious to commence this important work without delay, and they have issued an appeal for subscriptions. The Sunday-school is increasing, and the want of a schoolroom is felt more and more. We wish the promoters of this good work every success.

SPALDING.-ST. JOHN'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The new organ for St. John's Free Church, now being built by Noble, of Birmingham, will (D. v.) be opened on the 29th inst. Arthur Thacker, Esq., Organist of Thorney Abbey, will preside at the instrument, and the musical part of the service will be rendered by the church choir, assisted by several members of the Peterborough Cathedral and Thorney Abbey choirs.

At a recent meeting of the congregation the yearly accounts were presented; and it is satisfactory to note that notwithstanding a slight falling off in the offertory during the last quarter, owing to the illness and enforced absence of several members of the congregation, the financial position of the church is as good as in former years.

The Rev. P. X. Eldridge has announced his intention to conduct a series of open air services in various parts of the town during the summer months; and several other evangelistic agencies are being talked of.

WESTON, NEAR BATH.

The anniversary of the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel at Weston was celebrated on the 6th and 7th May. Sermons were preached on Sunday, in the morning by Mr. John Gray, and in the evening by the Rev. S. Naylor, to good congregations. On Monday a tea meeting was held in the Schoolroom, when a large number of friends, including many from Bath and Twerton, were present. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel and the Rev. T. Wallace took the chair. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Taylor, Palmer, Smith, J. Gray, and Angell, and it was announced that the Rev. W. E. Darby had resigned the oversight of this branch church, and that the Trustees had placed it in the hands of the present managers, who had unanimously requested Mr. Gray to undertake the superintendence of affairs in the village.

WORCESTER-LADY HUNTINGDON'S FREE CHURCH.

On Sunday, May 6, the anniversary services of the Sunday-schools in connection with the above church took place, when two appropriate sermons were preached by the Rev. Thomas Dodd, the esteemed minister of the church. Special hymns were sung by the school children (who number over 600), under the able leadership of Mr. Charles Jones, organist. The congregations, both morning and evening, were very large, and the collections at the close, including donations, amounted to £55.

Notices.

ANNUAL MEETING OF CONVOCATION.

Convocation will meet in London at the end of this month. The Council at its meeting on June 12 will decide as to the time and place of meeting, and notice will be sent to the ministers and members of the Council, who will kindly make it known to the churchwardens and lay representatives.

MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.

The Meeting of the Council of the Free Church of England, will be held (D.V.) at 3, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, Westminster, on Tuesday, June 12th, at 3 o'clock. F. S. MERRYWEATHER, Hon. Sec.

MONTHLY MEETING OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT.

The Monthly Meeting of the Southern District of the Free Church of England will be held (D.V.) at 3, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, Westminster, on Tuesday June 12th, at 11 o'clock, a.m. JOHN WILKIE, Hon. Sec. to the District. MIDLAND DISTRICT MEETING.

The Spring Meeting of the above District, including ministers and representatives of the Churches in Lady Huntingdon's Trusts, and also of the Free Church of England, will be held at Emmanuel Church, Malvern, on Tuesday, June 5th, when the attendance of both ministers and laymen is respectfully invited. The meeting for business will commence at 10 o'clock in the morning, and the district Sermon will be preached by the Rev. Mr. Blore, of Brixton, in the evening. ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S CONNEXION. The fifty-seventh annual Conference of ministers and laymen will be held on Tuesday, June 26th, at Spa-fields' Chapel, London. The business of the session will commence at 10 o'clock precisely. In the evening tea will be provided in the School-room at 6 o'clock, after which the annual meeting of the Countess of Huntingdon's Missionary Society will be held, and a cordial welcome be given to the Rev. S. Williams, from Africa, who, with other friends, will address the meeting. The chair will be taken by F. W. Willcocks, Esq., Treasurer of the Society.

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS.

In future all letters, applications, and inquiries relative to the general work of the Free Church of England, should be addressed to Mr. F. S. MERRYWEATHER, Hon. Sec., Free Church of England Committee Rooms, 3, Westminster Chambers, Victoriastreet, S.W.

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO EXTENSION FUND.

Subscriptions and donations, which are urgently needed to extend the Home Protestant Mission Work of the Free Church of England, may be sent by cheque, Post-office order, or stamps, addressed to the Treasurer, T. L. WILSON, Esq., 3, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, S.W.

APPLICATIONS TO DISTRICT SECRETARIES, ETC.

Applications or inquiries relative to the opening of Free Church of England Services in parishes beset with Ritualism and Sacerdotalism, may be addressed to the President or Secretary of the District to which that application relates.

FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND EXTENSION FUND.

The Treasurer has received the following amounts: