express my personal impressions. The progress of Christianity is slow, but it is undeniable. Every year rees the Gospel brought more and more to the doors of the poorest and most ignorant outcaste people. I cannot but believe that the time may come when these classes, who have no real religious belief, and no place in the social hierarchy of their own country, will be attracted in greater numbers by the truths, the consolations, and the benefits of the Christian faith. The advance of Christianity has at all times been marked by occasional fitful and spasmodic movements in India. The present period is one of moderate progression, but it does not exclude the expectation of rapid and contagious expansions, such as were witneseed in the sixteenth century in Malabar and Madura, in the last century in Tanjore, and more recently among the Shânars in the south. "In the matter of education the cooperation of the religious societies is of course inestimable to the government and the people. At no previous time were the relations of the free educational agencies with the Government more useful and harmonions. The missionary bodies have recently assisted the State with the greatest promptitude in effecting a modification of the scale of school-fees, which the State could not have carried out in a satisfactory manner without their assent, and which was indispensable to the development of our educational resources. The same spirit of co-operation has been shown in the manner in which the missions have received the educational provisions of the Towns' Improvement Act, and the Local Funds Act. One of the greatest difficulties which this Government will meet in working these provisions for the instruction of the poor will be the influence of caste, which keeps, and will long keep, the outcaste child from the municipal and village schools. Missionary agency is, in my judgment, the only one that can at present bring the benefits of teaching home to the humblest orders of the population; and the missions will learn to shape their operations so as to avail them selves of the pecuniary help which the recent Acts open to every teaching power. But the conciliatory sentiments which unite the missions with the Government are equally conspicuous in the relations between the missions and the superior classes of the native community. Nothing has struck me more than the intelligent confidence which reigns between the missionary and the merasdar,-between the Englishman and the Hindu, between the teachers and the taught. This harmony between the Christian and the heathen must be the result of much discretion and forbearance on the part of the clergy. It is the fruit of Christian zeal, tempered by practical wisdom. Nor is it less honourable to the natives of the country that they have so quietly discerned and appreciated the motives, the temper, and the methods of the foreign teachers who labour among them with so much constancy and so much love. "In conclusion, I must express my deep sense of the importance of missions as a general civilizing agency in the south of India. Imagine all these establishments suddenly removed! How great would be the vacancy! Would not the Government lose valuab'e auxiliaries? Would not the poor lose wise and powerful friends? The weakness of European agency in this country is a frequent matter of wonder and complaint. But how much weaker would this element of good appear if the mission were obliterated from the scene! It is not easy to overrate the value in this vast empire of a class of Englishmen of pious lives and disinterested labours, living and moving in the most forsaken places, walking between the Government and the people, with devotion to both; the friends of right, the adversaries of wrong, impartial spectators of good and evil." -Rev. G. Fryar, November 8th, 1871. Total receipts of Contributions and Remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month amount to £13,137. 18s. 1d. OUR ARMY AND NAVY WORK. 1. SHORNCLIPFE AND HYTHE.-From the Rev. B. Broadley.-November, 1871. -The review of the year's work in this garrison is suggestive, -illustrates the rature and exhibits the difficulty of our Army Work, and furnishes the best evidence of its importance. Upwards of four hundred men have passed through our congregations during the year, and about forty through our classes. Of the four hundred, not ten remained with us at the end of the year; and of the forty members, only four remain who commenced the year with us; and only six, including those who joined the classes during the year. And yet our members are more numerous now than at any period during the last twelve months; and our congregations are quite up to, if not above, the average. Some remained with us only a few weeks, some a few months, and some the greater part of the year. Of those that are gone, some are in India, some in Africa, some in Canada, some in Ireland, and some in distant garrisons at home. Of some we hear good tidings, of others we hear nothing, but we labour on, believing that, "Watered by God's Almighty hand, The seed shall surely grow." I am thankful to say that our prospects of usefulness were never brighter. The congregations are large and attentive, and the majority of the members are such as any Church might be thankful to acknowledge. By a godly life and a consistent Christian profession, they are effectively scconding our efforts to do good. On November 3rd, we held our annual social meeting in the school-room of the Sandgate chapel, which was filled to overflowing. The public meeting was presided over by Captain Chapman, of the 19th Huzzars, who, in an admirable opening address, gave to the meeting an excellent tone. The subsequent addresses were all good, and the effect of the meeting excellent. VOL. XVIII.-FIFTH SERIES. 2. CURRAGH CAMP. - From the Rev. John Duncan.-November 22nd, 1871.As the Camp is now comparatively broken up for winter quarters, a short summary of our proceedings in connection with the Wesleyan work during the year may not be out of place. The attendance at the Parade and Voluntary Services on Sundays have been larger than usual, both at Newbridge Barracks and at the Curragh Camp, while the deep interest evidenced in the word preached made the three public services each Sabbath a pleasure instead of a toil. The prayer-meeting, always held after the last of these, has been generally crowned with blessings. I have preached twice on the week days in both places, after which I met the classes. The other evenings in the week have been occupied in holding various meetings. The Saturday night gathering for prayer and Christian communion has been much prized. We have had four classes; two of which have been met by myself, the other by our military brethren, one of whom was brought to Christ during the year, and has just left us to be stationed in Dublin. The other, Sergeant-Major F-, remains, and though in delicate health is still working for God. We have valuable aid, too, in our long-tried friend, Sergeant W-, of the A. Н. С. Never was I so convinced of the importance of our time-honoured institution, the class-meeting, than during my appointment here. I have been in these meetings of tens and twelves, where all spoke in clear, simple, and telling strains of the love of Christ, and of God's pardoning mercy through Him. On these occasions the speakers have often referred to home associations in England, to their Sundayschool impressions, to sermons heard, to meetings attended, to parents in heaven and on the way to heaven. Often have they earnestly called upon those assembled to engage in prayer for parents and other kindred yet unconverted. In many instances, they have subsequently pro G duced letters to show that such prayers were remarkably answered, and have requested to have thanksgivings offered to God on that account. Many of the Sabbath and week-day services have had the seal of God's approbation upon them in the conversion of souls. Some of these new-born ones have carried the heavenly seed to India and other places, declaring before they left their resolution to work for God, and live for heaven. I have had letters informing me that such resolutions have been carried out. The "Home" has been most serviceable to us in holding our meetings. It is cause of regret that our chapel, which was built of sheet-iron, of a slight texture, has suffered considerably from recent storms, and cannot be occupied much longer with safety or comfort. There is nothing for it now but to erect a new place of worship of stone, which must be much larger than the present one, as there will be an increased number of troops stationed in the Curragh in future. Will the lovers of soul, and friends of the soldiers, come to our help? to HOME-MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE. 1. JUVENILE ASSOCIATIONS. The progress of these valuable Associations is highly encouraging. In 1861-62, there were twenty-seven Associations, paying the Home-Mission Fund £231. 15s. In 1869-70, the number had increased to two hundred and thirty-one, and the sum paid to the Fund was £2,432. 11s. 11d. Last year, 1870–71, there were two hundred and sixty-eight Associa tions, and the amount received from them was £2,762. 15s. 1d. In some Circuits the contributions from these juvenile efforts exceed the yearly and the congregational collections combined! It must be remembered, that while these amounts have been paid to the Home-Mission Fund, in all cases an equal sum has been forwarded to the treasurers of our Foreign Missions; and, in many cases, a much larger sum has been sent for the latter object. Much spiritual good has resulted to the children and young people connected with these agencies. Their number will be again increased this year: many additional ones are commencing their work at the beginning of 1872; and it is to be hoped, to use the language of the Conference, in the Minutes of 1871, "that these useful Associations-aiding at once our Home and Foreign Missionswill be established in all our Circuits." 2. HACKNEY, need of a Methodist chapel in this important neighbourhood, with a population of thirteen thousand, has long been felt. During the past thirty-five years, attempts have been made, at various times, to establich Methodism in the place; but, till lately, without success. Previous to the last effort, nothing had been done for some years. At Christmas, 1868, the Public Hall was engaged for Sunday services. For a while this effort succeeded; but, ultimately, through discouragement, the withdrawal of our agency was cortemplated. It was then-October, 1870 that the ministers, and some earnest friends of Home-Mission work, determined WALTHAMSTOW.-The to exert themselves to erect a Mission school-chapel. As the result of prayerful and persevering labour, a site of freehold land, most eligibly situated, and large enough to contain the school-chapel, aud also, at a future time, a large chapel, was secured. On October 23rd, the memorial stone of this Mission chapel was laid by Mr. Bedwell, in the presence of a large concourse of friends. A subsequent meeting was hell in the Public Hall with cheering results. The Rev. C. Prest, General Secretary of the Home-Missionary Committee, the Rev. Stephen Cox, the Rev. John V. B. Shrewsbury, the ministers of the Circuit, and some others, took part in the proceedings. The sum realized on the occasion was £183.128. Id. This is the commencement of a new state of things in Walthamstow. Our HomeMissionary minister in this locality, the Rev. E. Burton, is to be congratulated on this result. 3. BETHNAL-GREEN. From the Rev. T. B. Stephenson, B.A.-November 30th, 1871.-I have been very thankful to God since I have come to this Circuit, and have had the opportunity of seeing what has been accomplished in a few years. Where seven years ago there was not a brick of Methodist property, there is now a complete and spacious establishment, includi g chapel, school-rooms, and vestrics. There is a considerable congregation, and a numerous Society. In a word, there is a broad and firm foundation for a large and flourishing church of the living God. Very much of this is, under God, owing to the exertions of the Rev. A. M'Aulay; and much also is owing to the labours of my predecessor, the Rev. G. Scott. Three years ago there were seventy-four Church-members, there are now two hundred and seventy-six. Three years ago there was no day-school, there are now upwards of four hundred dayscholars. The Sunday-school is still larger. As to finances, the chapel is out of debt; the day-schools and Sundayschools are paying their way. And as to the Society, in June, 1868, it produced £10. 98. 3d. In June, 1871, it produced £40. 33. 3 d. towards the expenses of the Cirenit. And the contributions to HomeMissions, to Foreign Missions, and other Connexional objects, are not inconsiderable. But, best of all, there is a spirit of devout and earnest piety amongst the people. The class-meeting is not considered a worn-out and useless institution. The prayer-meeting on Monday evenings seldom falls below an attendance of forty, We and more frequently approaches eighty. The old Methodist doctrines of the witness of the Spirit and entire sanctification are held in high honour; and in these things is my strongest hope of success. have had special prayer-meetings, to seek an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They were well attended; and one of them was an occasion of extraordinary spiritual influence. Several of our leaders and members have learned to claim Christ as their sanctification; and are determined to work and pray till the Lord gives us a great ingathering of souls. We are look. ing out anxiously for some Mission-rooms amongst the darkest and most depraved of the population around us, and are anticipating good fruit from labours to be prosecuted in connection with them. 4. UXBRIDGE. - From the Rev. II. W. Catton. October 17th, 1871.-We have been favoured with some success, in answer to earnest prayer, at West Drayton. This place is rapidly increasing its population, and bids fair to be an important neighbourhood. Our services are, at present, conducted in the British school, which is inconvenient, and not inviting to many who would under more favourable circumstances attend our ministry. Mr. Budgett, of Ealing, has kindly purchased and presented a site here for a chapel in the best position for our work. We are now moving for the erection of the chapel, and have held a highly-encouraging public meeting to provide funds for our purpose. We hope to raise at least £100 by Christmas, and to commence building in the coming spring. We shall be able, I doubt not, to raise the whole cost. We will raise it! We have witnessed some conversions in our services at Uxbridge, and we are praying and working for success. 5. GUILDFORD, WOKING. - In this rapidly-improving part of this HomeMissionary Circuit the foundation-stone of a chapel has been laid by Miss Pocock, daughter of Mr. W. W. Pocock, who, together with his brother, Mr. T. W. Pocock, has greatly promoted our Home-Missionary work in this locality. The site was given to the trustees by Mr. Ingoldby, of London, and the bricks for the building were presented by Mr. W. W. Pocock. A public meeting was held in a tent, and was efficiently and profitably addressed by the chairman, Mr. T. W. Pocock, Dr. Osborn, the Rev. Charles Prest, and the ministers of the Circuit. There is space enough left for the erection of a much larger chapel than the present one, which may be ultimately used for school purposes. The population near the Woking station is increasing, and doubtless a larger chapel will be required before long. Since Home-Mission work has been vigorously pursued in this neighbourhood, several chapels have been erected, and considerable additions have been made to the number of our Church-members. Could the whole of this necessitous part of England be similarly dealt with, as we hope it will, great spiritual and material benefit would crown the effort. 6. WILLITON. From the Journal of the Rev. H. Smallwood, to October 1st. -This journal shows that in this rural district the Mission work has been interrupted by the employment of the people in harvest-time, but every opportunity has been embraced of preaching in the open air, not only in villages now included in Methodist organization, but in some others, where, through an influence which must wane before the increasing force of public opinion, no persons can be found to open their houses for our services. They are willing, but are afraid to do so. Several cottage-services are well attended, and instances of conversion are gratefully acknowledged. Temperance efforts have been productive of much good among the sailors and others at Watchet, some of whom have been brought to the enjoyment of true religion. The prayer-meetings have of late been blessed seasons. House-to-house visitation is diligently attended to. In some villages all the families have been visited. 7. GLASGOW. (Raglan-Street.) - From the Rev. James P. Keeley. - September 29th, 1871.-During the quarter I have paid six hundred and fifty visits to the homes of the people in this district, and am glad to state that my visits have been well received. I have gone into the darkest and most degraded parts of the neighbourhood, and many a soul, sinking in death and hopeless despair, has been pointed to "the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world," and some of these in their last hours have found a Saviour "mighty to save." Two months ago I visited a young man dying of consumption. His mind was dark, and the circumstances by which he had been surrounded were by no means favourable to religion. I found his mother drunk upon the floor every time I visited the dying youth; sometimes she would be wild at my presence, and curse and swear the whole of the time I was praying that God would have compassion both upon her and her Several times we purchased bedlinen for the comfort of her son; but it was soon taken and sold by her, to satisfy the cravings of her debased appctite. The young man, however, found his way to Christ; and some weeks before his death gave a satisfactory testimony to the power and influence of God's Spirit to regenerate one of " the vilest of the race," for such he expressed himself as having been. His death was most blessed. In the course of the year many such cases have come under my notice. son. Open-air services. - During the whole of the summer we have had very good and successful services in the open air, especially on a Sabbath evening at half-past five o'clock. I have frequently taken my stand in a public place before the evening service, and preached unto the people the Gospel of Christ. We get good congregations out of doors, and can preach almost anywhere in this city without let or hindrance. We cannot draw as many of the people as we could desire to hear the Gospel in the chapel, but sometimes we get souls savingly converted in the open-air services. One of our most devoted members and Sabbath. school teachers was converted in this way, in the spring of the present year, as I was preaching at the corner of the street. I have stated in my previous reports of |