ninety partook of an excellent tea. At the evening meeting the chapel was filled; Mr. Mote, of Blackheath, presided. Mr. Stringer, of Bermondsey, earnestly and sweetly implored the Divine blessing, after which the pastor gave a short address. The past year has been one of light and shade; heavy clouds had gathered, and for several months there were no additions. Yet God had mercifully sustained, and within the past few months the prospect had greatly changed; eight have joined the church, and others, we believe, are about to follow. The congregations steadily increased, and love and peace reigns. Pastors and Brethren in office work happily together. The Sabbathschool and Bible-class are rapidly pro gressing, and we hope a pleasing future awaits us; and, leaning upon Divine aid, we thank God and take courage. The chairman expressed the pleasure he felt in being present, also at seeing so large a company; and, after other encouraging words, called upon Brother Shepherd, who gave a very warm and excellent address on the " Fellowship of the Mystery." Brother Hand followed, who spoke of peace and unity as essential blessings in the church, after which our Brother Anderson expressed his warm attachment to his young Brother Hazelton and the friends, and led us sweetly to contemplate the Gospel, and its rich provision for the needy. Brother Hall, treasurer, confirmed the pastor's statement as to the peace and prosperity of the church, and said the church was clear of debt; pastor's salary, and all other expenses had been paid. God had provided, and he believed would continue to do so. He thought we might well say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Brother Clark, in a very loving manner, dilated on Titus i. 2, and Brother Reynolds gave some well-timed and weighty remarks upon the work of the ministry. The collections, with the proceeds from tea, amounted to over £12. few words of prayer by the pastor brought this happy meeting to a close.

WALTHAM ABBEY (EBENEZER).

October 4th, 1883.

A

spiritually speaking, ever realised within the walls of the above sanctuary. Mr. Joseph Wilkins, of Peckham, preached a sound Gospel sermon in the afternoon on the nature of thanksgiving. In the even ing Mr. G. J. Baldwin, of Limehouse, presided. Mr. James Lee offered prayer. Mr. C. W. Banks spoke of the perfection and rest of the harvest. Mr. J. Buttery was cheerful and instructive on the Jewish feasts, and that to which they pointed. Mr. F. Green dwelt on the harvest of the kingdom as the concentration of the work of God. Mr. J. W. Norton wisely dealt with the liberal provision of God as sup plying all creation's wants. Mr. F. ĤL. Noyes unfolded the essential help of God in preaching the Gospel, and the great bank from which all the needy ones were welcome to draw. A few words from Mr. Henry Lee, and his brother, Mr. James Lee, brought the happy meeting to a close. Mr. R. Alfrey, of Enfield, Mr. Saunders and Mr. Fellows united with the Brethren who spoke to make the meeting cheerful. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad; so says the pastor,, W. WINTERS.

BRIGHTON SALEM CHAPEL, BOND STREET.

THE first anniversary of Mr. C. Masterson's pastorate was commemorated on Lord's-day, September 16th, when two sermons where preached by the pastor. On the following Tuesday Mr. J. S. Anderson preached an excellent and heartcheering sermon in the afternoon, followed by a tea and public meeting; the pastor presiding. After singing the usual welcome hymn, Ps. cxv. was read, and Brother G. Webb, of Maidstone (on a visit), led us sweetly in prayer. The pastor, in his opening remarks, said the occasion reminded him of the many solemn heart-searchings he had, when he contemplated leaving his friends in London to come to Brighton, especially when he considered the low estate of Zion at Salem; but, after much earnest wrestling with the Lord in prayer, he felt to come was the right thing to do, and as months passed away, he had been more and more convinced that the step taken was of the Lord, through the many signs following the preaching of the Gospel, and from that spirit of earnest united prayer pervading

their midst, together with that hearty sympathy and co-operation of the friends in general, and especially of the officebearers of the church. The past year had been one of great mercy and many blessings. Congregations had steadily but considerably increased; prayer-meetings on Sunday mornings; Monday and Saturday evenings well sustained; while fortyfive had been added to the church, chiefly by baptism. The Good Samaritan Society had been resuscitated, a Tract Society established, the Sabbath-school increased, and in a healthy condition, the pastor's Bible-class encouraging, and the general aspect of affairs reassuring, inciting feelings of praise and thankfulness to our covenant God, from whom all true prosperity comes.

Congratulatory and suitable addresses were delivered by Brethren J. S. Anderson, T. Boxell, J. Greenyer, W. Horton, W. Turner, G. Virgo, G. Webb, and T. Read. Congregations at each of the above services were large, singing hearty; collections liberal, and, best of all, the Lord Himself was there, and to Him we would ascribe all the glory. Amen.

LITTLE STONHAM.

HARVEST Thanksgiving was held here on Wednesday, October 3rd, when, notwithstanding the inclement weather, a goodly number met together to partake of a social tea, and to listen to the Word of God from the lips of our much-esteemed friend and Brother, Mr. B. J. Northfield, who, for the first time, favoured us with a visit; and two excellent sermons were preached by him from Ruth ii. 17, first part of the verse, and Pet. i. 19. Many found it good to sit beneath the sound, being a season of searching, edifying, and comforting; we hope to be again favoured, in some future time, with his presence on the like occasion. The chapel was tastefully decorated with fruits and flowers and corn. But we see the grass witheretb, and the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God endureth for ever. S. G.

G. W. Shepherd, whose occasional ministrations in these parts are very cordially received, preached in the afternoon to the edification of the people from Col. i and xii. Tea was then enjoyed by a numerous and appreciative gathering of Christian friends. The evening meeting was kindly presided over by the late pastor of the church, J. Curtis, and edifyingly addressed by the Brethren W. Grew, G. Herring, G. W. Shepherd, and G. Wyard. The attendance was good throughout the day. Liberal collections in aid of the cause were made at the close of each service. For all these encouragements by the way, the cheering presence of friends from surround. ing districts, their kind contributions, the goodly words of the Brethren, and above all, the blessing of God, the little church at Salem desires to be very grateful, and to be stimulated thereby to renewed exertions in the Redeemer's kingdom.

HORHAM.

HARVEST Thanksgiving Services were held on Wednesday, September 19th. A good gathering assembled at the devotional service in the afternoon, at which an excellent and God-honouring address was delivered by Mr. Broome, the pastor of Fressingfield Church. At 5 o'clock a public tea was held (the trays being given by the friends of the cause to liquidate the debt incurred in painting the exterior of the chapel), at which a good company sat down. A public meeting was afterwards held, presided over by the pastor, and addresses were delivered by Brethren Denmer, Cobb, and Broome.

At the close of the above services the pastor felt great pleasure in presenting to the church and congregation the pulpit Bible, so kindly presented from an unknown friend, in response to the suggestion made by his Brother Winters in the GOSPEL HERALD for September.

SALEM, HAYES.

HARVEST Thanksgiving Services were held here on Thursday, September 20.

ZOAR, GRAVESEND.

THE friends here had a happy and joyous time on the occasion of their Harvest Festival, Tuesday, October 2nd. Not the least pleasing feature of the day was the

excellent attendance at the afternoon service, Brother Box, of Soho, occupied the pulpit, choosing an appropriate theme for his discourse.

The tea-room was very beautifully decorated with choice flowers, the tables were surrounded by cheerful guests, to whose comfort every attention was paid by Brother Shaw and his friends.

At the evening meeting Mr. Shaw presided, his thoughtful and edifying remarks being interspersed with the speeches of the Brother occupying the platform. Our honoured and esteemed friend, J. C. Johnson, by his devout utterances at the throne of grace, carried us in thought and affection very near the Lord, the holy unction resting copiously on his spirit; it was a truly refreshing season. Brother George Webb, with his usual heartiness, led us to some profitable and encouraging contemplations upon Divine goodness-a wide and ample theme. Brother Squirrell was eloquent and earnest upon the Fool's utterance, "No God;" Brother Dalton, full of good nature and radiant with smiles, made some excellent remarks upon Gratitude, and Brother Box closed with an address upon Divine unchangeableness. The services were brought to a termination in the usual manner, and with many expressions of satisfaction and spiritual enjoyment.

CHATHAM.

THE second anniversary of the opening of the new chapel, Nelson Road, was held on Lord's-day, September 30th, W. Winters, of Waltham Abbey, preached two sermons. On the following day a tea and public meeting were held, Mr. Joseph Casse, sen., presiding, read a portion of the Scriptures, and Mr. Drake offered fervent prayer. Mr. E. Casse read the annual report, which was exceedingly y encouraging, and speeches were warmly delivered by Messrs. Casse, Shaw, Dalton, and Winters. The meeting terminated joyfully.

NEWTON STREET, HOXTON.

THE third annual meeting in connection with Bethel Sunday-school was held on

Tuesday, September 23rd. The pastor, Mr. F. Green, and Mr. P. Reynolds preached on the previous Lord's-day for the benefit of the school; and, in the afternoon of Tuesday, Mr. Sinden preached, after which several friends partook of tea. Mr. Green, presiding in the evening, read Ps. cxxvii., and offered prayer. Speeches of interest bearing upon Sunday-school work and its moral and spiritual results were given by F. Green, W. Winters, J. Bennett, F. H. Noyes; Boyde (from the S. S. U.), Saunders, and Fellows. The school is in great want of teachers. It is to be hoped that the best desires of the superintendent will be speedily realised, and that Mr. Green, the kind pastor, will long be spared in usefulness at Hoxton.

W. WINTERS.

SUFFOLK AND NORFOLK HOME MIS-
SIONARY SOCIETY.

THE fifty-second annual meeting was held
at Blakenham, near Ipswich, on Wednes-
In the afternoon the
day, October 17.
chapel was well filled to hear a most excel-
lent and solemn Gospel sermon by Mr.
W. J. Styles (from Matt. xxvii. 34), and
at the evening meeting was closely crowded.

Mr. W. Houghton, pastor of the church, and treasurer of the Society, presided, and (Mr. Whorlow, of Stowmarket, having engaged in prayer) delivered a brief address.

Mr. S. K. Bland read the Report, which was a cheering one, telling of increased labour in the thirteen pastors aided in preaching in sixty-six village stations, besides open-air services.

Mr. Hill presented the financial account, showing larger contributions (£140) than for many years past, these very largely from our Metropolitan friends, and greatly owing to the zeal of our London correspondent, Mr. W. J. Styles.

Messrs. Marsh, of Laxfield, and Kem, of Ipswich, moved and seconded the adoption of the Report, and Mr. S. Cozens, of Ipswich, read an interesting paper on Missions. Mr. C. Hill and Mr. Styles followed with very profitable addresses, and the whole meeting was felt to be a thoroughly good and encouraging one throughout. The collection amounted to £7 9s.