The source material on the beginnings of Churches of Christ in Victoria is introduced by a letter from James Stephenson, written in March 1852, which points up the influence of gold-fever on colonists and intending immigrants. Stephenson had struck it rich and had established his family on a 250 acre property just out of Geelong. This is followed by an extensive Harbinger correspondence that traces the development of small congregations in Melbourne and in country areas. Excerpts from two early histories are also included. The first of these, "The History of the Church of Christ in Victoria", appeared in the 1884 Australian Christian Witness. The second, "Looking Backwards" was written by H. G. Picton, a solicitor's clerk and prominent pioneer, for the 1897 Christian Pioneer. The final item is an issue of the Melbourne Medley, the first paper published by the membership of Churches of Christ in Victoria. A private venture, it was edited and produced by Robert Service, a Scotch immigrant whose son, James, was Premier of Victoria from 1883-1885.

B.M.H., 1852, pp. 429-431.

      The following are extracts from the letter of a Christian brother, who emigrated from the North of Ireland in November, 1849:--

      MY DEAR SIR,--I can recollect a promise I made of sending you a letter. I said then I should not write very soon, until I knew something of the country, but I must confess it is shamefully long. One thing I knew, my friends and well-wishers would hear from other people's letters, that I and my family got safe over; and having nothing very particular to mention with respect to my own affairs, I put it off, from time to time, but still kept my promise in mind.

      With some sense of the gratitude I owe to our kind Benefactor, I can say that his providential care is as much to be relied on on the one side of the globe as the other; and I am satisfied that I had as good reason for trusting myself to His care, as Noah when he entered the ark. Since the first step I set on the land of Australia until this day, I never saw one cross providence or misfortune to make me wish myself elsewhere. Even on sea, not a squall to frighten the most timid. We had 95 days' passage, and from the eldest to the youngest of my family, we are well pleased with this country. Even my dear wife, who was so unwilling to venture on sea, is now as contented and happy as most women. God grant that we may keep in mind that this is not our rest, but that we are travelling towards a better home.

      Though some of my family had to go to service at first, I can now do without letting any of them go from myself, as I have got a large farm that I can call my own, close to town; most of it within the corporation boundary line. It is 250 acres, and cost upwards of £700, being three times the price of land I could have got further from town. You will have seen by the newspapers what happened in the golden days of Australia, when many were going from here to Sidney side, on the first discovery being made about ten or twelve months ago. I thought people were mad, as I could hear of so many unlucky, though some were very fortunate there too.

      But when gold began to be found, about eight months ago, in greater abundance, within a few miles of ourselves, I was much pressed to go with my boys. I went, and four of them, any nearly as good as a man, and at some parts of the work much better. Very few had more regular success than we had. No diggings ever were found in the world, I believe, equal to this colony. Farmers and tradesmen come to them; even doctors, lawyers, clerks, shopkeepers, and men worth thousands of pounds of real property. But the hard working laboring man has a better chance than any, and there is hard work. Still people are their own masters. You may go where you like and

begin to dig, no one can prevent your search for gold, if you pay thirty shillings per month license; but I think one fourth of the people don't pay. We always paid, and thought nothing of it, like people who do well. We have been five months at the diggings, and five of us have got thirty pounds weight. £3 per ounce is the price here, so that in all it has been worth above £1000; much more you see than the price I have mentioned for the farm. At first I bought a house, newly built, floored, and ceiled, for £50, and nearly half an acre of ground, now a garden. I saw then that I had a fair chance of bettering the conditions of my family; but what I thought, on coming here, would be the work of yours--namely, to be able to get a farm to call my own--we have accomplished in a few months. Still I do not intend to go on the farm for some time. We will go to the diggings again to-morrow, if God permit--for we must look to Him in all, as the gold and silver are his, and the cattle on a thousand hills. We have been now two months in town, as I wished the boys to have a rest from work, which they had not had for five months previously.

      I have seen much of the country, for the time I have been in it, having often rode forty or fifty miles a day for days together. You will have heard of Ballarat and Mount Alexander. These two places are the head quarters of the diggings, but for twenty or thirty miles round they are working in places. Of course all districts are not alike productive, and while in some they have to sink from ten to twenty feet in very hard ground and get a rock bottom, others wash the very surface and find plenty of gold. I have seen a cradle make one, two, and three pounds weight per day; but they often have to be content with as many ounces. Even this pays the three or four persons who attend the cradle. I have had a solid lump in my hand forty ounces weight, and several one pound, but they are seldom got so large. It is generally found in small particles, pure and clear, often like the scales of a fish, none like dust, as I have heard it is found in California.

      Any who are not comfortable in their worldly circumstances, I wish were here; none need fear to trust themselves to providence, so long as they are in the way of duty. If it is our duty to think and provide for our families, let the best way be taken to do so, and remove to a better country, if necessary. Did not the good men of old sojourn in strange countries, to improve their condition? Surely God does not wish his creatures to be over-crowded in one part of the earth, whilst another part is much better in many respects, and totally without inhabitants. You might ride fifty miles a day, for hundreds of miles, and scarcely meet even a shepherd. Some things are not so pleasant as in the old country; few, however, dislike it--I think I might say none. Some may leave for the sake of seeing their friends again, but they will not go until they have plenty of money. It is a very pleasant, healthy climate. The diggers live in tents, and are comfortable; I never saw ice on the water here.

      The crops grow generally well. I never saw any wheat as good as in Ireland, every ear is as large as two of yours. Potatoes seldom get any manure. They just turn the plough over the seed every third furrow, and then a little harrowing; and that is all the labour they generally get. The crops are much better than in the old country.

      This is the place for the working classes to better their condition. Even those who do not like to work, can get good wages for shepherding or hut keeping; both these get from £30 to £40 a year. No runs of land are to be had now, without buying the sheep upon them. A large run with the sheep, would cost about £2000. A sheep station is very profitable. The wool of such a one as I have mentioned, would be likely to make its cost in one year, and still the sheep would go on increasing. Any man may make plenty of money here, without gold digging, in any way he turns his hand, if willing to exert himself.

      You will please give my best love to all the members of the church. May grace, mercy, and peace be with you ever more. Please remember me particularly to Mr. and Mrs. Tener, Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Macrum, Mr. S. McMinn; also Mr. Thos. Edmonds and his wife. I posted Thomas's letter to his brother-in-law immediately on arriving here. I hope he has heard from him. When you see Mr. Wm. Smith, and Mr. Robert, of Dungannon, remember my best wishes for the happiness of themselves and families, and all the members of the church. May the Great Head of the church make you as a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid; may your light so shine, that others seeing your good works, may glorify our Father which is in heaven.

      I hope at the time I write you are all assembled, holding sweet communion and fellowship together. You are enjoying the happy seasons which I lament; and fear I shall never enjoy the like again on earth, at least with the same dear friends. Still we have the one throne of grace to meet at here below, though far separated in body; and our spirits still rise together in praise, prayer, and meditation. Often on the Lord's day evening, when about nine or ten o'clock here, I am thinking that you are just assembling, as ten or eleven hours is about the difference, I believe, in the time of the two countries. The sun nearly completes our Sunday before your's commences. Few Sundays have passed--I think I may say none--since I last had the happy privilege of partaking and commemorating with you that inestimable gift. I say few Sundays pass, but my mind is occupied with the thought of your having assembled, as a little church, of which I once had the honour to be a member, and I fancy myself still among you. What a happy privilege, if disembodied spirits should be allowed to visit former friends, especially on errands of mercy. How much I should desire such a privilege. But perhaps the thought is improper and unscriptural. Our desires then will be in accordance with our enjoyments, and imperfections, cares, and anxieties no more be felt.

      There are no Baptists here that I know of, but full as many of other sects as at home, and religious services are as well attended about town as in the old countries.

      If you or any other brother would be kind enough to write to me, I should be very grateful. Tell me of your uncle, Mr Isaac Tener, in America; also of William Miller. I would write more readily to some people, if they would allow us to pay full postage, but we cannot pay more than the colonial part.

      You told me at one time you might take a notion of coming to this country. I would not wish to encourage any person too much, but if I had any near friends or brothers, I would insist on their coming. If you, however, or any of your friends, should come, I shall be glad to see you in our house at Chilwell.

Your sincere friend and brother,                        
JAMES STEVENSON.      

B.M.H., 1853, p. 142.

      Beloved brethren,--It is with deep emotion that I communicate with you who are so dear to me * * * I have searched Melbourne through, and cannot find any of the brethren, but hope to meet with more success as soon as I see Brother Rossell, which I hope to do in a day or two, for two of Mrs. Chisholm's ships have just arrived in the Bay. The largest dissenting body here are the open-communion Baptists. I have visited two chapels, but cannot find that edification and strength which my soul is longing for. You ought, and I trust do, appreciate your spiritual communion with each other. The Mormons are already here, and lecture on the Green every Lord's day afternoon, whither also I think of going, for the purpose of speaking a few words on the gospel of life and peace, and may God bless my feeble efforts. The very first day of arrival I set about getting employment, and obtained a situation in the chief office in the city, where I am able to earn for £7 to £8 per week. Last week, ending October, I earned £8 14s. and this week it will be quite as much. I manage to put by 5/- a week: it seems to me like a dream. I wish my poor brethren (Walton and Welch) were here, they would do well; in fact, dear brethren and sisters, I wish you were all here. I have got a very comfortable little cottage two miles from town, at a place called Prahran, and you would be fully welcome to its shelter and what it contains. My office hours are very short, viz. from half-past nine to half-past four, and on Saturdays we leave at two o'clock.

      It is truly a delightful country; the scenery is magnificent,

and I greatly enjoy it, especially as I am wending my way home, across Nature's soft and green carpet, unimpeded by hedges and enclosures. There are many thousands who have been greatly disappointed in the country, or rather the "diggins," through the false statements that have been made to the English public. Many at the diggings are, comparatively speaking, doing very badly, but any hard-working person is sure to do well; females are very much required. Bro. Welch would get a situation immediately in Melbourne, at a good salary. I really wish Bro. Walton would come, for by the time he got out, I hope to have a horse and dray, and if he could not get employment, which is a very unlikely thing, he would be able to do very well if I allowed him one-fourth of what it produced, as it could bring in from £3 to £4 per day.

      Brothers Rossell and Lisle have arrived; the former has taken a situation at £70 a year with board and lodging, and the latter, I am told, is doing remarkably well at his business.

      We are going to arrange for meeting together on Lord's days; I greatly long for it. Here is a fine field for gospel truth, the minds of the people being prepared for it. I attacked the doctrines of the Mormon preacher one Lord's-day, and I am happy to say with great success.

      Bread and rent are the two dearest things here, the former is at the rate of 2s. 6d. per 4 lb. loaf, and the latter is at the rate of £1 per room per week. Tea is 2s. per lb., coffee 1s. 6d. sugar 8 1/2d. butter 3s., meat from 3 1/2d. to 5d. We have had very poor accounts from the diggings lately, many whom I know having come back much worse off than when they went. Notwithstanding there are many that make a good thing of it. It is an every day occurrence to see the diggers, rough-looking men, riding about Melbourne and its suburbs in open carriages, for which they pay £2 per hour.

H. G. PICTON.      

B.M.H., 1854, pp. 141-142.

      DEAR BROTHER WALLIS,--Almost at the eleventh hour of the departure of the Great Britain for Old England, I have thought of sending you a few lines, and without having an opportunity of conferring with the brethren, I have taken upon myself the responsibility of its contents. You are doubtless aware that we have now a little band residing in this colony, who feel it to be a privilege, and experience the enjoyment of coming together to hold sweet communion with each other and with our Lord and Master on his own day. There are about a dozen of us in this locality, who meet for the breaking of bread and attending to the apostles' doctrine, &c.; and it is pleasing to inform you of constant additions to our

numbers. We have recently had an addition in the person of Brother Service, from Glasgow; on the 31st of October, Brother and Sister Dickens, from the church in Lark-row, Victoria Park, London, presided over by Brother Warren. Brother D. procured employment immediately at his trade, and is doing well; both himself and wife are delighted with the change. I have just had a letter from my friends at home, informing me that our dear Brother Warren would sail in a few days in the Tubal Cain. I now anxiously await his arrival, and we shall be glad to hail him when he arrives. It is more than probable that he will get work at the same shop with Brother D. he having spoken to his master about him. The ship that Brother D. came to Australia in, called at Adelaide on her way, where Brother and Sister D. Had the pleasure of being welcomed by our Brother and Sister Magarey, who laid themselves out to make their visit delightful to each other. Brother Magarey wishes to correspond with the brethren here, which we hope shortly to do.

      I now come to the main object of my letter to you, which is to ask the favor of your sending out some Harbingers, Hymn Books, &c.; the latter we are much in want of. I would thank you to forward one dozen or one dozen and half of Harbingers for January, 1854, and each succeeding month. I think those will be enough for the present, as some of the brethren get them by post. Please to set them down to my account, and I will forward you a bank draft for the amount. Should you have any volumes of the Harbinger previous to 1851, I should much like to have them, as I am minus of these. I have occasionally sent you some of the Argus newspapers, which I hope have come to hand. I have sent one this week that will pay for the perusal, it being an accurate description of the state of the colony. The march of improvement is almost incredible. I have been here just thirteen months, and the change for the better, according to things at home, is more like the work of thirteen years. The works now in embryo are of a vast magnitude, and combined with our free constitution, also in embryo, will, I have no doubt, produce an effect that the History of the World would not be able to produce a parallel.

      My soul almost shudders at the though of futurity, when I see the Mother of Harlots and her daughter in the ascendant, with the sectarian satellites becoming tributaries, to make the light which cometh down from above to more obscure. As it is a law that large bodies attract the smaller, and if there be an affinity in the less for the great, the cohesion will be the firmer; notwithstanding the lesser possessing some little power of repulsion, it must give way to that of the greater. Oh, brother, what an awful thought! for who knows but what they all will become submerged into the original elements of apostacy. What anxiety ought it to awaken in us, who have come here professing to be the disciples of him who said, "Ye are the light of the world!" God forbid we should seek to hide ourselves, but become living witnesses of the truth as it is in Jesus; and having experienced the blessings arising from faith and its obedience, may we seek to extend its influence, and secure the happiness of those by whom we are surrounded, by pointing to the Lamb

of God, who has died that they might live. I have no desire for the publicity of this, from not being able to cater for the instruction of my brethren.

      I find by the letter of mine published in the Harbinger for July, there is an omission either on your part or on mine, in the paragraph at the eighth line. I am made to say that I was sorry to find Brother Warren still wishing to come out, (what I meant to have added was) from not having the means, and would gladly have forwarded them had I known it. In conclusion, my desire is that we may enjoy that peace arising from the answering of a good conscience towards God; for the more we contemplate the life and character of our Master, the more shall we become assimilated to him, and thus wait to enjoy the felicity which he had prepared for those who love him.

Remaining yours in the hope of the gospel,                         T. S. LYLE.      

St. Kilda, near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, December 3, 1853.

      [It is known to most of the brethren in England, that Brother Warren, with his wife and four small children, left England for Melbourne, if we mistake not, at the end of September, or the beginning of October last. We hope shortly to hear of their safe arrival at their expected new home. May peace be with them now and f or ever.--J. W.]

B.M.H., 1854, p. 323.

      Dearly-beloved Brother Wallis,--May the God of peace and love sustain, bless, comfort, and finally receive you. I can assure you it affords me great pleasure to communicate with you, knowing how great an interest you take in us who are here, and also the degree of pleasure with which letters from this far distant land are received by all my dear brethren and sisters; and I thank our Heavenly Father for the love, the joy, and fellowship of feeling which the principles of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ breathe into our souls. Oh, what a glorious and precious thing is Christianity! How well and wisely adapted to cheer and animate the hearts of men, and to cherish and strengthen feelings of affection, though far, far away from each other, and to turn aside the thorns of trouble and trials with which we come in contact, while travelling through this vale of tears; and also, how well adapted to make man enjoy true and sweet communion with his fellow man, and acquaint us with the true relationship in which we stand to each other. God grant that these heavenly blessings may be more universally received, appreciated, and enjoyed; that peace indeed may reign on earth, and good will amongst men.

      I am happy to inform you, that our Brother and Sister Letts, as also Mr. and Mrs. Godkin, arrived here safely, having had a pretty favorable voyage. Their arrival was a cause of fresh joy to me, both on their account and mine; on their account, because they had left ill-remunerated labor, and had come to a country where they would be well-remunerated for industry; and on mine, because I anticipated spending many happy, edifying, and refreshing hours with them, and also that a church would be formed. I am now glad to say, my hopes are being realized. I know that you will be delighted to hear we have commenced meeting together for the purpose of remembering our dear Lord, and showing forth his death, at the tent of Brother Ingram, at Prahran, near my own place of abode. We generally number 9, sometimes more, at our meetings, namely--Brother and Sister Lyle, Brother and Sister Ingram, Brother and Sister Letts, Brother Service from Glasgow, a baptized disciple that meets with us, and myself, and sometimes Sister Boyd from Bethnal Green. Oh, who can tell the thrill of joy we felt, the refreshment of spirit we experienced, at our first meeting. Our minds were naturally carried back to the time when we were in our native land, sitting with our dear brethren around the table there. God grant that this may be the first dawn of a great and flourishing church of our great Lord and Master, shining as a light in this rapidly rising colony. The Wesleyans have lately built a splendid chapel at Prahran, and a short time before them the Baptists built one, so that we have now in this village, which is more worthy of the name of town, on Independent chapel, one Baptist chapel, on Wesleyan chapel, one Church of England meeting-place, and our own. There is also a Presbyterian meeting-house commenced.

      Brothers Boyd, Letts, Ingram, Service, and self, all live in Prahran, and Brother Lyle at St. Kilda, about a mile and a half from us, which is on the side of the bay. Brother Rossell has gone to the diggings; Brother Ingram is at work brick-making; Brother Boyd has been sawing, but at present has not been doing anything; Brother Lyle is at his trade of carpenter; and as to self, I am still occupied as a scribe at the office of Mr. Murphy, solicitor, Swanston-street. I am living in a tent on a piece of ground I purchased in February last, when I left Mr. A'Beckett's.

      Business is pretty brisk; the Geelong and Melbourne Railway is commenced, and I see from the Government Gazette, that the Melbourne, Prahran, St. Kilda, and Brighton Railway Company have given notice of motion to the Council for their bill. Whatever the natives will think of railways, I cannot imagine. Occasionally we see a few of them, but not very often. I walked to town with two of them last Summer, a man and his lubra (wife.) They can speak a good deal of English; they asked me for some white money, and I gave them a fourpenny piece, with which they were very much pleased.

      I am glad to inform you, that I have just had the pleasure of welcoming another sister from England, per the California, (Sister Dickens.) I have not yet seen Brother Dickens, for he had not come ashore when Sister Dickens called upon me. They are from Bethnal Green.

      I am very much obliged to you for the parcel per Brother Letts; I will send the money with some that Brother Letts has to send to Brother Magarey for you. I should very much like to have some more pamphlets, or works of a similar kind; but I believe the church intends communicating with you. A close correspondence also, I hope, will commence between our Adelaide brethren and us; and I trust also with our English brethren, for news from home greatly rejoiceth our hearts. I have been anxiously expecting to hear form some of the London brethren, but I have only received one letter, viz. from Brother and Sister Smith. I am in hopes, from the tenor of that letter, that they intend coming out; I should be truly delighted to see them, for they are very exemplary characters, and I should be truly happy again to meet with them. I was exceedingly sorry to hear, per Sister Dickens, of the extreme poverty and distress of one of the London brethren, with whom I used to meet, named Walton, who is mentioned in my letter to Brother Smith. I wish he was out here; I will endeavour to remit him a few pounds.

      Our Brother and Sister Warren and family have arrived, our brother in a very weak and debilitated state; but we did not allow him to remain on board long, for Brethren Dickens, Lyle, Rossell, Letts, and self, along with Mr. Godkin, hired a boat, and fetched him and his family ashore. They are occupying a house near Brother Dickens, situate on Emerald-hill, near the bay, where we are determined he shall not want for anything.

      We now generally number 13 and 14 at our meetings, and we have every prospect of success. We all spent a very happy Christmas day with Brother Ingram, frequently thinking of home; and on the Monday we dined and took tea at Brother Letts', in a long canvas shed, which was decorated for the occasion with green boughs, where we really enjoyed ourselves, as a happy community.

      I conclude by wishing you and all the Israel of God, the enjoyment of every blessing, and praying that we may all stand before the great white throne, united as a happy and loving community.

      Brother Warren has quite recovered, and is looking out for employment; he is now living at Prahran, as well as Brother and Sister Dickens. We hope to do some good in this parish.

      I was too late to post this letter with that of Brother Letts. I commenced writing it in November, and finished it by degrees as you will see on the 20th of February.

Your's in the good hope,                        
H. G. PICTON      

B.M.H., 1854, pp. 323-324.

MELBOURNE, February 21, 1854.      

      Dear Brother,--I have long delayed in writing to you; the reason is that I could not fall in with any of the brethren, until I saw in a Harbinger the address of Brother Luishman, or at least the statement that he stopped at Pentridge, four miles from Melbourne. I went there in search of him, and was informed that he had left for Geelong, twelve months previously, though I have since found out that he is still living there, but have not seen him. I received another Harbinger from Mrs. Watt, containing Brother Picton's address at Prahran, three or four miles from Melbourne. I went out there, and found a meeting of about twelve brethren and sisters, with whom I have met four or five first days, and we have now increased to twenty. There is not a meeting in Melbourne at present, but we intend to commence one soon. We had a very pleasant passage of 105 days, but there was a good deal of sickness on board, mostly amongst the children. There were 26 deaths, six of whom were women, and the remainder young persons, amongst which was my daughter Margaret, 22 months old. I and the rest of my family were quite well during the voyage. I got work at Fulton's foundry the day after I landed, and have been there ever since at 25s. a day. Masons, bricklayers, plasterers, and joiners, are the principal trades in which men meet with ready employment here. As for laborers, the market is overstocked with them, their average wages being 14s. a day. Food and house-rents are very high. A house with two rooms lets for £2 or £2 10s. a week, notwithstanding which a working man is a great deal better off here than at home, at least as regards money, for if a man be careful he can save a little towards a time of distress and old age, which is more than many can do at home. But there are not the comforts here you enjoy in Britain. Winter is the most pleasant, for although the roads are very bad, there are green bushes and grass to be seen; but in Summer everything is burned up. There has not been a drop of rain for three months, and when the hot winds come it is almost suffocating, for dust is flying in every direction. But it does not continue long at a time, very seldom lasting a whole day, and then it generally blows cool in the evening. Hoping this will find you all in good health, as it leaves us, and thankful to the Giver of all good for his great mercy towards us. Your's truly,

ALEXANDER MORRISON.      

B.M.H., 1854, p. 430.

      Dear Brother Wallis,--I am appointed to write to you to day that this day we met in this city for the first time, to attend to the apostle's doctrine, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and prayers. Our place of meeting was Prahran, about two and a half miles distant, where we counted in all twenty-three members, besides some few who occasionally held fellowship with us. Our number here is subtracted from the twenty-three at Prahran, and are the following:--Brother Jones and wife, from Huddersfield; Wm. Philips and wife, from Alva; Alex. Morrison and wife, from Dundee; James Ingram, from Sanquhar, and his wife, from Edinburgh; Mrs. Watt, from Dundee, and self. Ten in all. Leaving to meet at Prahran, Brothers Pictson, Warren, Lyle, Letts, and their wives; Dickens, Rossel, Coghill, Chambers, and Horne: the last two were baptized some 6 weeks ago in Hobson's Bay; they are talented, pious, and zealous. A young woman from Scotland, at Prahran, has applied for baptism, and I expect will be added to the church there about a week hence. I am appointed to try to open a conference with a few Scotch Baptists, in order to a union. Our meeting place on Lord's-day's is in the Mechanics' Institution, at eleven a.m. and half-past two, p.m.: the forenoon for the church, and the afternoon for the proclamation of the gospel. We intend that there shall be an exchange of those who proclaim the gospel, so that we shall go from Melbourne to Prahran and from Prahran to Melbourne. I have given the names of all the brethren, being persuaded that many at home will be glad to know that those mentioned are walking in the fear of the Lord, and in hope of eternal life.

      "Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified" in saving souls.

Your's in hope of eternal life,                        
ROBERT SERVICE.      

B.M.H., 1854, pp. 528-529.

      Dear Brother Wallis,--The overland mail being about to start in a few days for Southampton, I embrace the opportunity of sending you a line or two; also, a bill of exchange for the Harbinger for the current year. The surplus, if any, you can apply to the postage of

letters, as we are not able to prepay letters beyond the colony. I had expected a line from you, or that some reference would have been made in the Harbinger relative to the books, hymn books, &c. In my last letter to you, published in the number for March, the hymn books were stated to be greatly needed, and that we should be glad to receive two or three dozen. I need not say how we appreciate those mental feasts you send us month by month; the viands, indeed, are rich and substantial. They are, to use a schoolboy phrase, exceedingly more-ish and it is no less gratifying to perceive the progressive development of the logical faculty, combined with great spiritual devotedness, in those articles that compose its pages. Very singular, too, the subjects contained therein seem providentially to arrive in accord with circumstances. May they have their desired effect on all our hearts, in enabling us to appreciate more the truth of God's Word, that we may grow more in the favor and knowledge of our Lord and Master.

      We have been favored during the past week with a visit by one whose name is a praise in all the churches--I mean our beloved brother, Thomas Magarey, from Adelaide. Having arrived on business, his stay with us is unavoidably short, which does not fail to produce those counter feelings of pleasure and disappointment, but hope it is to our profit withal. He has not hesitated to give us counsel founded on his own experience, to beware of matters that are likely to create divisions among us. Now the ice is broken, I believe he intends coming to Melbourne twice in the year. As the colony is mainly dependent on its sisters for the supply of the staff of life, there is a great and growing interest existing between them, and therefore hope he will have occasion to visit us oftener.

      As our Brother Warren is writing you, and will no doubt give you some particulars of our standing as a church, I need not touch on that matter; but I am happy to say that the teaching of our dear Brother W. has been highly appreciated, and done much good. He has also made some little stir among the Baptists at Prahran, having spoken before them occasionally, in order, if possible, to obtain the use of their chapel on a Lord's day evening, when it is closed, to proclaim the gospel. After speaking a few times, it was agreed that he should deliver a course of lectures, but on submitting the list of subjects for delivery, they took exception to one, and wished him to deliver the others. Brother W. could not consent to an abridgment, as it was a very important link in the chain, and consequently the matter has dropped. Tell it not in Gath, that a body of Christians, and professedly Baptists, too, refused to have a lecture delivered in their place of worship, on the subject, What is faith, and how obtained? But it is to be hoped that the veil which has been occasionally drawn a little aside, will have enabled them to perceive objects, although indistinctly, moving about with some degree of freedom, instead of being nailed with an iron necessity in time and

*The books were forwarded May 17, 1854.
**Brother W. requests that this letter should not be published.

eternity. May it be our happiness to endorse the declaration of Peter, in opening the kingdom to the Gentiles, "I perceive of truth that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him."

      In conclusion, I would exhort you and myself to keep near a throne of grace, that is we see not each other's face in this world, we may behold each other near the throne of his glory. Remaining your's in the bonds of peace.

THOS. S. LYLE.      

B.M.H., 1855, pp. 201-202.

      I was sorry to see by your's that it requires a struggle to keep up the circulation of the Harbinger. We intended at the time to have ordered as many as Brother Magarey, of Adelaide; but the circumstances of the colony have so changed, and especially in Melbourne and its suburbs, that the people are dispersing in all directions. Small as our number was in and about Melbourne, it is much smaller now. Being in Melbourne last Lord's day, I learnt that six or eight had been obliged to leave, and that others did not know what to do, or where to go. At Prahran we are nearly in the same state. Brother Warren has done but little for some time, and having had an invitation from a person at Bendigo, who formerly lodged with him in London, to come up and help him in some quartz crushing for a month he has been absent nearly five weeks. I had a letter from him yesterday, saying he thought that he should stay over next week; but he is tired of it, and can never make up his mind to be a goldseeker. He has been preaching in the Baptist chapel there. He has had a pressing invitation to go to Adelaide, but whether he will avail himself of it I cannot say, although I am inclined to think he will do so, inasmuch as he is of opinion that he will be better off both as regards health and employment.

      As for myself, I have been suffering a great deal from rheumatism for more than twelve months; a good part of the time I have been obliged to lay by, and am now doing nothing. Trade is very slack, and there are hundreds out of employment; the immigrants are pouring in sometimes by hundreds in a week, and sometimes by thousands. Everything is depreciating in value except strong drink. I sold an allotment of land a week or two back for 30 per cent. less than I gave for it; whereas, a year ago, I was offered 50 per cent more than I gave for it. Such is the difference in the times. I have also an idea of going over to Adelaide: the colony is more settled, and the air is drier than here, which will be better for my

rheumatism. But, at present, the future appears dark before me, and I cannot say what I shall do, but sincerely hope that my footsteps will be ordered aright. I have diverged in what I was saying of the brethren at Prahran. One is gone to Geelong, to seek for employment, and to proceed further if he should not succeed; two brethren and one sister are about to start for Bendigo, and another brother has almost made up his mind to accompany them; one sister is gone into the country, and having cut off four, we are greatly diminishing. Should Brother Warren and myself, with our wives, leave here, there will be few indeed left; but there is one amongst the few who, I think, is likely to be permanent--an intelligent and active brother who appreciates the light received, and who, I think and hope, will keep the spark alive. He has not been long amongst us, but has nevertheless learnt a great deal. It seems almost a pity to leave him before his mind is more matured; but it is to be hoped that by the good providence of God, he may yet be surrounded by those who love and obey the truth.

      From what I have placed before you, you will perceive that we cannot help you as we would. We have had for nearly three months, a much-respected and intelligent brother from Adelaide, by name Vircoe, a brother-in-law of Brother Magarey, of Adelaide. He has met with us and at Melbourne alternately on Lord's days, and I have enjoyed some little of his company on week days, when he is not much engaged. His business is to sell flour for Brother Magarey. Last Lord's day he communicated the pleasing intelligence received from Brother M. that the week previously four had been added to the church, and that two more had expressed a desire to be immersed into Jesus. He also said that Brother M. had built a chapel at Hindmarsh, near his residence, for the proclamation of the gospel. Brother V. also informed me that they have several active brethren there, and that they are looking forward to the return of Brother Santo with some degree of hope and expectation; and should they be strengthened by the presence of Brother Warren, they hope to take the field with some degree of success. But I hope they will be able, without him, to experience that by going forth in the spirit of their Master, they will have souls for their hire, and seals for their ministry.

      Mrs. Warren desires to be kindly remembered to you and Brother Hine, and hopes that you will hear from them shortly.

Your's in the hope of the gospel,                        
THOS. LYLE.      

B.M.H., 1858, p. 468.

      We condense the following from the Melbourne Medley of June 12, 1858:--

      Mr. KIDNER is expected to lecture in the Mechanics' Institution, on Lord's day evening June 13th, at half-past six. As this is the first appearance of Mr. Kidner as an evening lecturer in Melbourne, we cordially invite the community.

      Mr. PICTON will lecture in Mr. Allen's barn, Moorabbin, on Lord's day afternoon, the 13th, at three o'clock. Subject, Peter's confession (Mat. xvi. 6)

      In the Mechanics' Institution, on Lord's day evening, June 6, R. SERVICE delivered a lecture on "Christian Effort to obtain a Prohibitory Liquor Law, in harmony with both the Old and New Testaments." The lecture was based on 2 Tim. iii. 16, "All scripture, given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." In addressing Timothy Paul says, "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." The Gospel was proclaimed from these passages, and urged upon the acceptance of all present. The lecturer then compared the law of the liquor traffic to the law concerning the ox, which was known to push with his horns (See Exodus xxi. 28-32) The liquor law traffic has probably destroyed more in one year, than oxen have since the world began, and we, the body politic permit it. "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and ready to be slain; if thou sayest, behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth he not know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his work?" (Prov. xxiv. 11, 12) This passage is applicable to us and our liquor laws. Christians have an example in Paul, to use their political influence for the preservation of life and liberty. Said he, "I appeal unto Caesar." He also employed his nephew to use political influence for his preservation, and he did it successfully (Acts xxiii.) Hundreds of lives are annually lost in this town by intoxicating liquors, which we are guilty in permitting. Have we appealed to the powers that be to preserve life, as Paul did? He took advantage of his political position to obtain his liberty. Prohibition would prevent myriads from becoming inmates of poorhouses and prisons. The necessity of action was urged from the misery of families and the debasement of public morals caused by the traffic.

B.M.H., 1858, p. 507.

      THE mail which was due here on the 5th inst. by which I hope to receive letters from home, not having yet arrived; and as the home mail leaves here to-morrow, I proceed to give you some information concerning church matters here.

      You will be pleased to learn that the good cause is progressing very favourably. The church at Prahran is doing its best to promote and make known the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and several additions have been made since my last.

      Among the number is our old friend, Bro. WILLMOTT; and his wife was last week united to the body of the Lord by faith in his blood, and immersion into him. From the love and faithfulness of the brethren towards each other the best results may be anticipated, but a proper organisation is greatly needed. We had a meeting a few days back, and adopted some plans for extending the usefulness of the church, viz. by appointing visitors pro tem and a superintendent for the Sunday School, &c.

      The knowledge of Primitive Christianity is undoubtedly becoming more general, and is taking a firm hold upon the public mind. Our preaching station at Brighton has been given up, but a friend (who, with his wife, have expressed their desire to join us) at Moorabbin, about two miles from Brighton (quite in the bush, however, and seven miles from this place) has given us the use of his barn, where the gospel is proclaimed every Lord's day afternoon, by BROS. COLES. PICTON, and myself alternately. Good audiences have been obtained, but now the wet season has set in, the number for the past three Lord's days has diminished. Nevertheless we are cheered by the fact that eight persons were immersed last week, and two females (whose husbands had previously joined us) were added on Tuesday last.

      Such a sensation has been created among the Wesleyans in that locality, that they have had revival meetings, and they seriously talk of having a baptistry made in their chapel, in order to keep their members.

      We meet as usual to break bread at Bro. Keir's, at Brighton, every Lord's day morning, and then go over to Moorabbin.

      When the fine weather again sets in, the afternoon services will be conducted in the open air. The church at Melbourne is, I understand, steadily progressing; they have two or three out stations for proclaiming the glad tidings. Bro. SERVICE is all service; his zeal is indefatigable, and he serves the church day and night, if opportunity offers.

      I have just received a letter from Bro. KNIGHTS, of Geelong, requesting me to be with them next Lord's day, with a proposition from the brethren that I should be prepared to give an address to "casual hearers." I intend (D.V.) to leave here for Geelong on Saturday next, and stay two or three days, and then return to commence my new business, which I hope to do on Saturday week.

      You have no doubt seen or heard of our Sister DICK, who is now in England, and who will return to Australia in a few months. If you have opportunity, will you kindly send me the Harbinger of last September and following months, up to the time of her leaving, and then enclose one copy monthly with those you send to Mr. SERVICE? If Sister DICK will settle with you for what she brings, I will pay her when she returns, and arrange with Mr. SERVICE for the others.*

      I almost forgot to name, that we have a Brother WALKER at Brighton. He was, I believe, united to the church meeting at Chester. He is a man, in every way competent for the pastorship, and I think, from present appearances, he will be the means of promoting the welfare of the church, and that very soon it will, under his supervision, be able to run alone, and so give the Prahran brethren an opportunity of opening another preaching station elsewhere. I am thankful to say that my health, and also that of my dear child, continues good; the enjoyment of which blessing will alone prevent me ever regretting leaving England. I hope you and your's are well, and with Christian regards to your family and all friends, believe me, your's in the truth,

S. KINDER.      

B.M.H., 1858, pp. 609-610.

      It is a source of much comfort to be able to correspond with one's friends in England, while stationed in this far distant land; and necessarily denied every other means of communication. Whether the same can be said of those whom we at the antipodes have left behind in the old country is, I think, problematical, their letters, like angels' visits, being so "few and far between." But my object at this time is not to give a dissertation upon that topic; I will, therefore, proceed to address you upon the subject which I know to be most congenial to your heart's desires, viz. the progress of Christian truth in this locality.

      Our meetings both at Prahran and Brighton are still well attended. Last Lord's day evening Bro. PICTON exchanged services with our aged and indefatigable Bro. SERVICE, the former going to Melbourne, and the latter coming to Prahran. The subject Bro. SERVICE spoke upon was, "Search the Scriptures," and after a most effective discourse, an interesting conversation took place in consequence of some of the audience presenting questions, according to our usual practice. I am informed that every one present seemed sincerely to desire information, and a kindly feeling was maintained to the last, the meeting not separating until past nine o'clock. It was my turn to visit the brethren at Brighton on that day, to which place I was accompanied by our Bro. PROCTOR. Upon reaching Bro. KEIR'S house, where the morning assembly of the brethren has always taken place, we found that his wife had that morning presented him with another "olive branch," with which to garnish his already tolerably well surrounded table. I need not remind you, that farm-houses in the bush are not quite so commodious as most homesteads in Old England, there being no spare rooms; and as Mrs. KEIR was in the next room to where we meet, we deemed it prudent to shorten our service, and omit our usual offering of praise, lest it

      should disturb her. After the meeting, we went home with our esteemed Bro. WALKER, late of Mollington, near Chester, and partook of his hospitality. I will now relate a most interesting incident which took place in connection with the church there, and which, I trust, may induce a like line of conduct in others, who may have offended in a similar way. We have a Bro. POTTS and his only child (a son) in communion with us at Brighton, and if ever love and devotion existed between parent and son, it is seen in an eminent degree between them; but alas, for poor frail human nature, when passion sometimes proves stronger than principle and the infirmities of the flesh are sometimes more powerful than the love of the truth. The circumstances I give as told to me by Bro. WALKER, as nearly as I can recollect.

      It appears, then, that our young Bro. POTTS was engaged to a female who was not a member of the church, and while his parents did not disapprove of the match, they advised, as also did the brethren, that their union should not take place until she had been brought "to the obedience of the faith," as she had already become acquainted with the "knowledge of the truth." The son, however, when he became of age, contemplated getting married without consulting his parents, and the brethren met him and his father and mother, to admonish and advise him on the subject, as soon as they heard of it. The good youth, under the influence of his feelings, was rather restive at first, but subsequently acknowledged his fault--though with a rather Egyptian leaning. Nevertheless the marriage was arranged to take place, the day appointed, and it was ultimately solemnized. Now for the results! After the ceremony was over, some of the brethren accompanied the happy pair to the father's house, and without any previous arrangement or consultation, one of them (when they were all sitting in silence for a few moments) said, Let us read the 15th of Luke and pray. This was done, and almost before it was concluded, the son ran across the room, and prodigal like, fell upon his father's neck and exclaimed, "Father, forgive me!" "My son, say no more about it," replied the parent, "for I do most freely forgive you. Bro. Walker informs me that he heard the kiss of reconciliation; but the whole party was so overcome by the spontaneous manifestation of the power of God's truth, that they wept and rejoiced unreservedly, and he could not tell which gave the salutation, or whether both gave one. As soon as they recovered from the excitement, the father said, "Well dear friends! I have not got a fatted calf to feed you upon the occasion, but I have a fat sucking-pig; I will kill that, and we will have a joyous and happy day together."

      The above scene proved to be the culminating point, not only with the young wife, but also with the young man's mother, who was a Roman Catholic. Such a lovely aspect did the truth present itself in to her mind, by this event, that she has since renounced her former profession, and soon afterwards both herself and daughter-in-law expressed a desire to be united with us in church fellowship. The brethren, upon being satisfied with their confession of faith,

appointed a day for their immersion. Brother POTTS has a large covered van, and being some four or five miles from the bay, he drove them in the van, which proved to be a very good bathing machine, for he drove the horse and vehicle into the water until they were deep enough to form a bath, and they there baptized them and another young female (I think the daughter of Bro. WALKER) into the name of Jesus, returning home rejoicing and praising God; and it was my happy privilege last Lord's day to welcome them in the name of the church.

      I visited Geelong in company with Bro. WILLMOTT on Saturday, July 31st, and returned home on the following Monday. There is a small church there of about twelve or fourteen members; we spent a happy time together at the morning and afternoon meetings, the former for worship, and the latter in searching the Scriptures. One brother (generally Bro. WILDER) preaches on the beach every Lord's day afternoon; weather permitting.

      In the evening we met at Bro. KNIGHT'S with whom we were staying; some old friends from Hammersmith, (a Mr. READ, who is a Member of the Society of Friends, and his wife and daughter) and in talking over, and looking back, upon "all the way in which the Lord had led us thus far through the wilderness," we found much consolation and comfort. Our mail service is very irregular: the June mail arrived three weeks after due, and general dissatisfaction is expressed by all classes. A new era is about to open to us in the establishment of a new mail communication, when I hope we shall have letters punctually, and be able to reply to them previous to the following mail leaving for England. With Christian love to all dear friends, together with yourself and family, believe me, your's in the truth,

S. KIDNER.      

      [It has always afforded us much pleasure, in which, we are sure, the readers of the Harbinger have participated--to hear from Brethren Kidner, Walker, Service, Warren, Goodin, and others, in South Australia, New South Wales, and New Zealand. The information which their letters convey to us, from time to time, respecting the progress of the truth in these distant colonies, is very interesting and cheering; and we hope to receive a letter from some one or other of the brethren resident in the colonies during each month of 1859.]

B.M.H., 1859, pp. 245-246.

      My dear Brother Wallis,--When reading the Harbinger, and feeling my interest excited in the cause of our dear Redeemer, the thought has often occurred to me, that as I felt interested in what concerned the progress of the work of the Lord elsewhere, so you and other brethren might feel interested in a few details regarding the progress of the common cause in this distant part of the world. Though unaccustomed to writing communications of this sort, yet being willing to contribute my mite (no one else here seeming to be disposed to do so) I have at last laid hold of my pen to give you a brief account of the progress of the cause of our dear Saviour in this district. Beechworth is about 200 miles from Melbourne, and is now a town of considerable importance, being the seat of Government, and of the Court of Assize for a large district; and, no doubt, will yet become one of the most important towns of the gold-fields. The surrounding country, for a very considerable distance, is very mountainous, and, for picturesque scenery, is not surpassed anywhere in Australia.

      I arrived here nearly four years ago, at which period the town was rapidly rising, in consequence of the discovery of rich gold mines in its immediate vicinity, as well as in its surrounding country; population flowed in, composed of almost every nation and tongue under heaven, bringing with them their varied vices, and leaving behind them all (if they ever had any) fear of God and regard f or man. The great mass attracted to a new gold-field are bent upon one object--that object, alas! is not the promotion of the cause of Christ, and the acquirement of imperishable riches for eternity--it is the pursuit of the fleeting riches of this passing world, and the gratification of the lusts of the flesh: this is made painfully manifest by the fearless recklessness with which they plunge into the most abandoned excesses. All manner of wickedness abounds at such a time among such a population: drunkenness, blasphemy, gambling, fighting, low buffoonery, and licentiousness constitute the pastimes and pleasures of these deluded votaries of the flesh.

      "The love of money is the root of all evil," says the Scriptures of Truth, and the saying has had the fullest verification in this land, where the passion has raged to the fever point.

      The facility with which gold could be acquired has plunged multitudes into destruction and perdition. Prosperity on the gold-fields is not to be confounded with prosperity to the country. True prosperity must include intellectual, social, moral, and religious advancement, as well as an increase of the material elements of gold, wool, &c. A decrease in the latter elements may be

considered as evil in itself, but good may be educed form that evil--as, for example, when the want of means prevents the vicious from becoming more vicious.

      We acknowledge the hand of our All-wise Father in all the transitions and vicissitudes of states as well as individuals. I am more hopeful that a better day has dawned for this country; a day for consideration--a time of awakening and conversion for sinners, and of gladness and joy for believers. It holds true of all our goldfields, that while our population is rapidly on the increase, the yield of gold is steadily diminishing; so that multitudes have had to encounter severe disappointments, privations, and hardships. This is no doubt changing the moral aspect of things here. During the most prosperous state of the gold-fields, even professed believers were cold and apathetic, "Forsaking the assembling of themselves together." My partner in life and myself felt sad indeed, often melancholy, to see the indifference manifested by those who once professed "the one Lord, one faith, one baptism." For about two years we tried to seek out all who professed to be followers of Jesus, to induce them to meet with us, and attend to the ordinances of Christ; but the influence of the crowd sailing along the stream of vanity and fashion, attracted many whom we thought had more moral courage and love of the truth, than to unite with them and neglect the worship of Jesus. My partner in life and I continued to meet by ourselves, having confidence in Him who hath promised, "Where-ever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst." Though I did not possess ability to go forth to the highways and proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, we could at least hear testimony for him, by showing forth his death on every Lord's day. At length brethren Mitchell and Griffin arrived in this district, and we were comforted and encouraged by their coming, but the nature of their pursuits being so unsettled and migratory, (being miners) they were prevented from meeting with us often. Then Sister Brown, from Linlithgow, and another sister arrived, who have ever remained faithful to the cause of our Lord and Master. We have had several additions since, and we now number ten members in all. Several of our number are located at some distance from Beechworth, and cannot meet every first day with us, but they come as often as they conveniently can, and we endeavour, as a body, to exert our feeble efforts to promote each other's spiritual welfare, and make known to those around us the love of Christ to poor sinners. We enjoy uninterrupted peace and harmony among ourselves, and pray for the prosperity of truth and righteousness in the world. We have hope that there are a few enquiring, and that we may soon have cheering news to communicate regarding the advancement of the cause of the Lord amongst us.

      True disciples of the Lord Jesus, who have landed in these young colonies in search of a home, and with a view of bettering their worldly condition, find themselves placed in a very trying position; indeed, had they any correct prior knowledge of the social, moral, and spiritual state of these colonies, it is doubtful if the

prospect, though much more bright and certain than it is, of acquiring a competency--would be a sufficient inducement to tempt them to forego the advantages of Christian association at home.

      It is a lamentable fact that many, especially Young Christians, have been disheartened and gone back to the world, through being entirely deprived of Christian society, and being thrown amongst the worldly and ungodly. I would, most earnestly, entreat all who intend leaving for those colonies, by all means, never--even under the most discouraging circumstances--neglect to meet together, though there should be but two--even let them be husband and wife--for the observance of Christ's ordinances on every Lord's day. No doubt God has a wise purpose to serve in scattering his children over the world; and oh! that we better understand our obligations and responsibilities, and were more faithful and enduring soldiers of the cross; and were enabled to diffuse those great and glorious truths and principles which are the grand preserving elements of all nations.

      Past history shows that it is not rich mineral resources, with a salubrious climate and prolific soil, that can make a people truly happy and prosperous.

      Before I close this letter, I would avail myself of the opportunity to give a word of advice to those desirous of leaving their native land for these colonies; and first and foremost, I would beseech those who are married, Do not leave home unless You can bring your wives and families with you I have seen some of the most painful results arising from this cause, while, as a rule, the married get on as well as the single here; but those who are comfortably settled at home, should on no account come here. There are many classes not at all adapted for this country. An enterprising merchant may succeed, but the able bodied, hardworking man, who can plod on his way through many difficulties and hardships, is the most likely to succeed. Such an one may, by industry, sobriety, and perseverance, obtain a more comfortable home here than he could ever hope to attain in the old country; in truth, there is no comparison between the prospects and position of the working class in these colonies, to that of the working class in over crowded Britain; for by patience and perseverance every industrious man may obtain a home upon the soil, and although he does not realise his full expectation of coming to these colonies, his family has many more advantages than at home.

      In remitting to friends in Scotland, I have added a small mite for the Evangelist Fund, which Mr. Henderson will forward you. Although we have many objects needing help, still I feel anxious to throw in my mite with you, in the glorious work of proclaiming the love of God to perishing sinners in my mother land.

      I have been suffering from impaired health for some time past, and it may, in the all-wise dispensations of my Heavenly Father, who

is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind, be found necessary for me to retire from the cares of business for a time, and return to my native home; and if it please the Lord to spare me, to return home, I hope to enjoy the happiness of paying you a visit, for although personally unknown to me, still much beloved for your long and continuous works of faith, and labor of love. Oh! what a glorious hope; we shall all meet again in that land where sin and sorrow shall never enter, and where we shall part no more.--I remain, dear brother, your's in the blessed hope of immortality,

JAMES INGRAM      

B.M.H., 1859, p. 352.

      Dear Brother,--Your note appended to my letter published in the Harbinger of December last, prompts me to address you again. You will be rejoiced to hear, that progress is the order of the day among the disciples of Christ in this colony generally. Talk with whoever one may, whether to worldlings or to professors, all seem to recognise the fact, that Christianity, in its practical exhibition, is grounded on any thing but a scriptural basis. New Testament principles are becoming more generally understood and appreciated by the public. Prejudice is giving way, and the truth as it is in Jesus is exhibiting its power in arresting the attention, and taking hold on the minds of its hearers.

      The church at Prahran now numbers 36 members. Two females were immersed into the name of Jesus last Wednesday evening, and two pastors have recently been chosen. On Lord's day evenings we have a goodly number to hear the glad-tidings: indeed, so well are they attended, that we now propose to apply for the large lecture-room of the Mechanics' Institution, in order to accommodate our increasing numbers.

      Our brethren at Moorabbin and East Brighton are also progressing in the same ratio. Bro. Walker has been chosen pastor. Of Melbourne I cannot give you any positive information; but, as in England, so it is here, viz. that the metropolis has its peculiar difficulties, which makes it hard work to impress the truth on the concentrated mass of evil, self-interest, and gross crime that exist therein, to so much larger extent than in the provinces.

      We have five brethren at the Dandenong diggings, and on Monday, the last day of February, Bros. Potts, Willder, and myself went there to see them. It was a delightful excursion. We left Bro. Potts' at Moorabbin at half-past four a m. (having gone there the previous

night): it was a keen bracing morning, and quite dark when we mounted our steeds. Our road lay through the bush for some 8 or 10 miles, an open country, with occasional rising spots, from which we now and then obtained a view of our splendid bay; and before us were the Dandenong mountains, rising one above the other in sombre grandeur. I know not how to describe the imposing scenery, or the pleasurable feelings we experienced at the sight. The nearest approach I ever witnessed to it in Old England, was the country from Wrexham to Ludlow, through the vale of Langollen; or, the Cumberland hills viewed from the deck of a steamer. Nearly the whole distance we had to pass through a densely-timbered forest, the only road being formed by the bullock drays traversing the district with provisions. The labor must indeed have been great, for the scrub is from 3 to 8 feet high, and it must have been trodden down by the teams, as well as the trees along the circuitous route. To a cockney, the scene was certainly altogether novel and exciting. "Over the hills and far away" mountains, some of them 4000 feet above the level of the sea, surrounded us, with trees from 10 to 200 feet in height. Some parts appeared like a forest of charcoal, all vegetation having been blackened by a bush f ire, and some of the tall charred trees looked as if they would fall on us. The trees here are never bare of foliage, but while they have a pleasing and noble appearance, they prove hollow and rotten within. We arrived at our journey's end soon after 10 a.m. having ridden 38 miles in about six hours. Our brethren were not a little pleased at our unexpected visit. We remained five hours perambulating the diggings, during which time we partook of refreshment in Brother Proctor's tent. On our return we visited the famous fern-tree gully, and a gratifying sight it was so-so picturesque that a pre-Raphaelite would have gone into ecstasies at the sight. The tall trees on a gradually sloping hill, the trunks quite bare, smooth, and white half way up; the graceful ferns thriving under the shade of their taller compeers, the deep green grass surrounding the roots, with delicate small flowers, the forget-me-not and convolvulus in abundance, and parrots in the boughs--all so plainly depicted as to delight an artist of the above school.--The journey was too great for one day. The visit was in order to arrange for the brethren meeting in one of their tents on the Lord's day, which is now carried out.--Yours in the truth,

SAML. KIDNER.      

B.M.H., 1859, pp. 610-611.

      Brother Wallis,--We are all perfectly delighted with the July Harbinger. There is but one opinion with regard to the contents, both from those in the church and out of it. The biblical information, the earnest appeals, and the reports of the progress of

the truth from all quarters where the restoration of primitive Christianity has been made known, and more especially "in the dear old country," where so many hearts are beating in unison with our own, in earnest and prayerful desires for the deliverance of our common humanity from the bondage of sin, were very gratifying and cheering. Some of our brethren are canvassing for new subscribers, and I think you will receive by this mail a request for a larger supply. I have been looking for a parcel from you for some time past. Hymn books, we are sadly in want of. Our Sister Dick has returned in safely to us, and has received a hearty welcome, with thanks-giving to our Heavenly Father for her preservation during her late voyage to England.--The usual quarterly tea meeting of the disciples from the various churches of Melbourne and the suburban districts took place last evening, in the New Temperance Hall, St. Kilda. The Teetotal Committee kindly lent us the room gratuitously upon the occasion. A large assembly was looked for; but unfortunately the rain commenced to descend on the night previous, and it has continued coming down in a perfect flood up to the time of my writing. Notwithstanding the threatening aspect of the skies, it was gratifying to see more than one hundred brethren and friends assembled under such uninviting circumstances. Very many came f rom country districts, ten or twelve miles distant, in open vehicles, thereby manifesting their warm-hearted affection to the Saviour, and 14 one towards another." Our estimable Brother Coles presided, and earnest addresses were delivered on the occasion by Brethren Ashton, Willder, Lawson, Picton, Walker, and others; and by that good, old, and zealous servant of the cross. Brother Service.

      Brother Warren was sojourning with me for two or three days last week; he gave a most instructive eloquent address in the Prahran Church, on Lord's day morning, and proclaimed the gospel to about 250 persons in Melbourne in the evening.

      I have sent by this mail two copies of the Christian Times, a paper established not twelve months upon the Union, alia Latitudinarian principles; and you will see by the contents of one number the necessary result of man's basis of union being adopted instead of our Master's, viz.: one faith, one Lord, one baptism, &c. I called upon the Rev. J. Taylor, (late of Birmingham) the editor, and left our July Harbinger with him, hoping he would make some extracts therefrom, especially from Lord J. Russell's speech, and also from the paper read by the Rev. Mr. Rees before the Congregational ministers.

      There can be no mistake about the fact of all parties having a craving for real Scriptural union and communion and we hope, 'ere long, to see this greatly desired consummation. I remain, yours in the truth,

      Dear Brother,--Since I last wrote you, I have seen the brethren in Geelong, Melbourne, and Prahran. I have to report six additions by immersion (the last week in July) to the church meeting with us, since which, two have removed to the church in Adelaide, and two have fallen asleep. We are hopeful that the truth is making its way to many hearts in this neighbourhood, and doubt not of its success. "Truth is mighty, and must prevail."

      Our dear young brother, Edwin Chambers, a very promising disciple, has been suddenly snatched from us by death. He was a passenger on board the Admella steam-ship, wrecked on our coast August 6th. His position on the wreck was hopeless, he being, along with the women, children, and weaker men, on the fore part of the vessel, which was broken off about fifty yards from the main portion of the wreck. The more robust, by means of a rope, regained the main wreck, but most of them only to prolong their sufferings, which were terminated by death from want and exposure. The boiling surf broke over the fore part of the vessel, and all had disappeared before the close of the fourth day. From the survivors, who were taken off the 8th morning after the vessel struck, I have learned how nobly the dear youth behaved; resigning himself to the care of the Lord Jesus, he was blest in the hour of his calamity, and endeavoured to comfort others with the consolations he had in Christ Jesus.

      On Monday, Sept. 12th, our dear sister, Mary Ann Warren, fell asleep in Jesus, after a most distressing affliction of nearly four years, which was endured with exemplary patience. The minds of all her friends were prepared to part from her for a little season; and they unitedly thanked our Heavenly Father for his goodness and mercy in taking her to himself. Her mind was at perfect peace, being stayed on the Lord.

      James Magarey, only brother of Thomas Magarey, was also on the ill-fated Admella, and he endured until the 6th day, though suffering from cramp in the stomach: he was passing to another sufferer, when he slipped into the sea; the only rope which they had was thrown to him, but the people were too weak to raise him, and the only alternative he had was to swim for the shore, a mile off, in which attempt he perished. He was patient, benevolent, and self-sacrificing. The Captain said of him, "No one could tell how nobly he behaved; he nursed me one cold night in his arms, and saved my life; he gave to Messrs. Fisher and Rockport his great coat, and so saved their lives." Truly, the ways of the All-wise are inscrutable!--Yours in the gospel,

HENRY WARREN.                        
Hindmarsh, South Australia,            
Sept. 16th, 1859      

      Bro. R. Service, of Melbourne, writes under date of Sept. 17, 1859, that one has been recently added to the church there, and that they are in anticipation of a further increase. The church now consists of some 45 members who are walking in peace and love. About 90 have been in fellowship, but off-shoots from the church have commenced congregations in Sandhurst, Warrnambool, Ballarat, &c. The prospects in Melbourne continued encouraging.

B.M.H., 1860, pp. 297-298.

      Dear Brother,--Since I last wrote you we have had a visit from Bros. Magarey and Santo, from Adelaide; and I am happy to inform you that their presence has been the means of stirring us up, and causing us to make fresh efforts in the cause of Jesus. A tea meeting was held in Melbourne, and none but disciples were present. Some good hearty appeals were made, as to the necessity of increased exertion and taking a more prominent position as a community of believers than we have hitherto done. The result has been that, principally through the exertions of Bro. Coles, a room capable of seating fifty persons has been erected at Brighton. It was opened last Lord's day, when upwards of twenty brethren, from various districts, broke the loaf, in commemoration of the Lord's death, in the morning. Bro. Service and myself addressed the meeting in the afternoon, and Bros. Walker and Coles in the evening. The Prahran church has had three meetings, for the purpose of considering the propriety of erecting a chapel in the locality, and last evening completed the business by the brethren subscribing enough to pay the first instalment of the money, £100, which we are to give for the land. The purchase will be made this day. Our present place of meeting at the Mechanics' Institute is held at an uncertain tenure, the Committee having forbidden us to continue the Sunday School, asserting as a reason that they did not let the room for a school; and we have reason to fear that the rent will be considerably raised, or that we shall be ultimately turned out.

      We number about fifty members, and nearly the whole of the £100 has already been subscribed. I cannot help saying that the brethren have, considering their limited circumstances, done nobly. The building about to be erected it is contemplated to have of brick, to seat 200 to 250 persons. The situation is central, and in the main street. We are, I think, too prone to get into back streets and courts, as though we feared the public eye. We reckon that the place will cost from 350 to 400 The land is freehold, and the title perfect.

      I now on behalf of the brethren appeal to our friends at home to raise a fund to help us. Nearly all our members are working men, depending upon their labor for a living, and many are females in service, so that we have nearly exhausted their means in donations; and weekly subscriptions only will be the means through which to realize the object. A large field of usefulness now opens to us, and in the name of Him, "who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor," I most earnestly appeal to his followers at home to aid with their prayers and donations his cause in this land of gold and sin.

      For their encouragement I will just state that our Bros. Service, Picton, and Burtt have for some time past preached the gospel in the open air on Emerald-hill, which lies about half-way between Prahran and Melbourne. The Independent minister there has fallen out with his people, because they cannot afford to give him more pay. He is only 24 years of age, and receives 5/- a week, which, he says, he cannot make do. The result is, he has left them, and taken a room in the Mechanics' Institute, started a new cause, carrying with him 12 members out of the 30 that composed his church.

      The deacons applied to the Prahran church for help, and Bro. Picton and myself have engaged to "supply the pulpit" every Lord's-day evening, and they endeavour to edify each other in the morning. I "entered upon my labours"--excuse the clerical phraseology--as a commencement last Lord's-day, and took for my subject, Heb. viii. 5, "See that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." You must understand that the engagement was undertaken only upon condition that we were at liberty to speak "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!' I endeavoured to show that "order was heaven's first law," that God had been very minute in giving directions to Moses how to build the tabernacle, together with the order of the internal arrangements, even to the fixing of rings, curtains, bands, &c. followed by the order of worship instituted by him; and that being only "the shadow of good things to come," how much more requisite for us, under this dispensation, in which we have the good things themselves, to learn, and carry out the order given by Jesus and his Apostles, as developed in the New Testament; for, if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how much more important that we give the more earnest heed to the things spoken by His Son from heaven, "lest at any time we should let them slip." One of the deacons, an old missionary, said he was much gratified with the information he had received, and that he had obtained more knowledge of true Christianity, and more food for thought, than he had ever received before. Bro. Picton takes his turn next Lord's day, when he will speak on the declaration of Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." [Acts xx. 27.]

      And now I ask, will the brethren help us? We have appealed to Adelaide, Hindmarsh, and Melbourne, and shall have some help from

each place. Oh! that the spirit of the Lord's people was as zealous as in the days of old, when it was necessary to restrain them from bringing any more treasure with which to build the Lord's house, for they had already more than enough.

      No fear of--that happening here! for, I trust, we shall see one erected in Melbourne before very long, and IF any overplus remains, the brethren there will make good use of it.--With Christian love, I remain, yours in the truth,

S. KIDNER.      

B.M.H., 1860, p. 312.

      Nearly five months ago, I came from Prahran to reside here, and lost no time in endeavouring to procure a place of meeting for the few disciples then in this place. It is right to state, that before doing so, I had two interviews with the Baptist minister, to ascertain if there were a probability of that congregation here adopting certain wholesome reforms, such as weekly communion and mutual edification. I was informed that the former was probable, but the latter not: the minister admitted the theory to be good, but said it did not work well. Being convinced that mutual edification, properly conducted, works considerably better than the pulpit system, I applied for and obtained the old Independent chapel, and on Lord's day, Nov. 20, 1859, our small church--the first of the kind ever established in this locality--numbering only three members, met for the first time, when brethren from various parts were present, and in the evening proclamation was made. The next day we were pleased to receive amongst us Bro. Belton, formerly a member of a church of disciples in Nottingham, who has been resident here for some years; and on Feb. 27 the wife of Bro. B. was immersed on a confession of faith. We decided on erecting a small edifice for ourselves, which, with the assistance of brethren in other places, we accomplished; and on Lord's day, March 11, the chapel was opened, when a period of most agreeable spiritual happiness was spent. In the afternoon Bros. Service and Kidner delivered addresses, and in the evening Bro. Walker and myself. The little chapel was closely filled on both occasions. We have had proclamations here every Wednesday evening.

B.M.H., 1861, p. 155.

      The number of Disciples in this colony is over 230. There are twelve churches, located as follows:--Melbourne, Prahran, South Brighton, East Brighton, Brighton, Beaumaris, Ballarat, Beechworth, Chiltern, Maidstone, Wahgunyah, and Warrnambool.

S.H.C.      

      On Wednesday, the 19th December, I was privileged to immerse four who had confessed their faith in the Saviour.

      Three of these friends are living in this township, and are united with the church here--the fourth is a daughter of Brother and Sister Organ, of South Brighton, and is added to the church in that locality. The immersion took place in the Baptist chapel, the use of which was kindly granted. Brethren from several places were present. Addresses were delivered by Brother Walker (of South Brighton) and myself.

      Brother Chambers, formerly of Adelaide, and lately of Prahran, is united with the church here, and assists in the work of teaching and proclamation.

B.M.H., 1861, p. 415.

      We have now engaged an evangelist, who is laboring at Chittern, about 200 miles inland, where the cause is prospering of late. His name is Memelstein, a converted Polish Jew, now zealous for Christ. We hope he will do much good.

B.M.H., 1861, pp. 523-524.

      It must gladden the heart of every one who loves the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, to hear of the progress of Primitive Christianity in this part of the world, where the thirst for the gold that perisheth wholly engrosses the affections, to the neglect of their everlasting peace. I have had the privilege of immersing three men and two women into the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, within the last two months. Four of these are at Chiltern, and one at Beechworth, and I am glad to have to say, that the cause, particularly at Chiltern, has made great advances, some ten or twelve having been immersed in that locality within the last three months. Bro. Mermelstein, a converted Jew, has been laboring as an evangelist near Chiltern for some weeks, and is likely to continue in the district for some months, for truly the fields here are white unto harvest, but the laborers are few. Bro. M's labors have been greatly blessed, and we have every hope that the Lord will continue to bless the cause amongst us. I believe one great error in our

churches is, that the brethren are inclined to do little or nothing towards evangelizing the world, because they may not possess the talents to speak publicly. A great deal of good has been done by the distribution of tracts and by conversation in the household. Now every disciple may do something in this way.

      I read with much pain an article in the May Harbinger on the Bible Union, signed T. F. That Union is a movement dear to my heart; but if we are not to have a pure rendering of God's word, we cannot contribute more until this is ascertained.

      The church at Beechworth now meets in a school-room which we rent, and as our meetings are now more before the public, it is hoped the attendance will increase. We number 13 at Beechworth, and some 15 at Chiltern.

JAMES INGRAM.                        
Beechworth, July 24, 1861.       

B.M.H., 1861, p. 524.

      It is a long time since I purposed writing you. Thanks be to our Heavenly Father that I have joyful news to communicate: twelve have been added to our little church meeting here within the last five months. We have now a very comfortable chapel, which will seat about 180 persons; and we have a Bro. Mermelstein laboring amongst us as an evangelist, for there is a large district in which his labors are required, the population being very scattered. The minds of many have been awakened out of sleep by the efforts of the brethren here to promulgate the truth. May the Lord grant unto us all the strength that we need, to enable us to speak with boldness and power, that an abundant harvest may be gathered unto the Lord.

R. H. TUCKER.                  
July 22nd, 1861.      

B.M.H., 1861, p. 574.

      Since writing you on the 25th of May, I have immersed nine persons on a profession of their faith and repentance, most of them from the world. Three of the nine are members of the infant congregation at Maidstone, about five miles distant; one is a member of a young congregation at Footscray, about three miles distant; and five belong to our own congregation. Our missionary is successful in the neighbourhood of Chiltern, but I reserve details till my next. The cause progresses in Victoria.

R. SERVICE.      
139 Bourke Street West, Melbourne, October 18th, 1861.      

B.M.H., 1862, p. 290.

      Having left Melbourne for the above district, I thought a word or two about this part, and what we intend to do would be interesting.

      It is only two Lord's days since we left the Prahran church, which numbers about sixty members, under the able and efficient pastorate of Bros. Diver and Picton, whose praise is in all the churches. Having been connected, as well as my wife, with the Prahran church over three years, we had made many hallowed associations--what with the Sunday school children (of which I was superintendent) and the many friends whose memories we shall ever hold dear. You may suppose that the farewell meeting, held at Bro. Diver's house, (which was scarcely large enough for the occasion) was one not soon to be forgotten. A very handsomely bound Reference Bible was presented to my wife by the scholars of her class, one or two of whom are expected soon to join the church. The brethren commended us to the care of our Heavenly Father; it was, indeed, a solemn time.

      Having arrived here in safety by the blessing of God, I must now tell you our plan of action. Bro. Proctor, living six miles distant, came to welcome us, and informed us of a Mr. Heskitt, who is a baptized believer, and had tried to establish a meeting at Talbot. This brother came to see us last Lord's day; he is a man of about fifty years of age, and of sound experience and discretion; he knew Bro. and Sister King at Manchester. After consultation we thought it best to hold a series of meetings, and then to get a public room in Maryborough for regular assemblies. We intend commencing on Lord's day by taking tracts round to the tents, and making known where we shall hold public meetings for preaching. Our first places are the Mariner's Reef, the Township of Carisbrook, McCallum's Creek, Adelaide Lead, Alma Diggings, Chinaman's Flat, Havelock Diggings; and then after having been round the adjacent districts of Maryborough, we, have to open a place in the town. My heart is in the work, and I trust and pray that God may crown our humble evangelistic labors with abundant success. The township of Maryborough is situated very pleasantly about 103 miles from Melbourne, and 60 from Ballarat. It is a settled mining district, where a man can make his £3 or £4 per week, but sometimes only £1, and then again perhaps £5 or £10.

      May we remember that we must not be slothful, but up and doing.

DERBIN WILLDER.      
Maryborough, May 24, 1862.      

B.M.H., 1863, p. 327.

      Our little church is slowly progressing. We are to use the Baptist chapel tonight to immerse one into the everlasting name. We are much in want of an evangelist. A large field is waiting for the good seed. Do you think we could obtain one from home? We do not appear to have a suitable brother here. I think an effort would be made to support him could a man of talent be procured.

I remain, yours in the Gospel,                        
G. R. DIVERS.      

May 22, 1863.

B.M.H., 1864, pp. 288-289.

      Since my last the Lord has added two to our number--the wife of Bro. Carr and another formerly in the naval service. I have lately returned from a tour in Ballarat, Geelong, and thence to Cherry Tree Station, about one hundred and forty miles from Maryborough. I had a meeting at the Station, which belongs to my friend Rutherford, late of Scotland.

      From there I went to Lake Connemera, near Geelong and had a good opportunity of making known the gospel to some who have influence with squatters and land owners. There is no church now in Geelong--a town of churches and chapels. I never saw a place so split up and divided on religion, Presbyterian against Presbyterian Baptist against Baptist.

      I spent some time in Ballarat. A strong church has been planted there, numbering over fifty members, under the pastoral care of Brethren Picton and Martin, with every prospect of additions. We held meetings almost every night in the open air--large attendance and great attention. The brethren are full of zeal and good works.

      On Lord's day there was a good meeting in the morning. In the afternoon we went to Mount Clear, where the people are beginning to see clearly. Four or five were baptized by Bro. Picton. A chapel is rented to the Disciples for the nominal rent of one shilling a year. It was formerly a Union church. In the evening I preached in the Temperance Hall, Ballarat, to a good audience, and immediately after held an open air service, where crowds listened with eager attention to the words of eternal life.

      Taking a farewell of the loved ones at Ballarat, I rode to Maryborough in safety, thanks be to God, having ridden with the same horse near three hundred miles without an accident, but resting for a few days every fifty miles.

      We have just had Bro. Picton at Maryborough, to hold special services, which were well attended. We also had a tea meeting, when it was intimated that the next would be to welcome Bro. Earl, should he be spared to visit us.

      From the Ballarat Evening Post.--"On Monday evening the Disciples of Christ held a social tea meeting in the Mount Clear chapel. The building was completely crammed. Mr. Anderson having been called upon to preside, stated that after Mr. Potter had left the Union church, formerly worshipping there, they experienced great difficulty in maintaining regular services--that they had applied to the Baptists, but found they were unable to keep the pulpit supplied, and that in their difficulty their friend Mr. Long had introduced them to Mr. Picton, who apprised them that the Disciples were both able and willing to conduct services in the chapel twice every Lord's day. Shortly afterwards they invited Mr. Picton to preach. He did so, but the church was then informed by Mr. Sutton that either Mr. Picton or himself must discontinue preaching in that chapel. That being the state of matters, the members of the Union church determined to let the chapel to the Disciples for twelve months, and since that time they have had the privilege of enjoying the memorial feast in the morning, and of having the gospel proclaimed in the afternoon of every Lord's day. He then mentioned that their object that evening in having a tea meeting, differed from that of tea meetings ordinarily, which was that of raising money, their aim being to enable the inhabitants of the locality, to hear from the Disciples a statement of what it is that they do preach and uphold. He then called upon Mr. Long to address the meeting, who expressed his joy that the brethren had been enabled to preach the gospel unto them, and rejoiced to know that it had not been in vain. Mr. Martin read an address. Mr. Picton in an able address explained wherein the Disciples differed from the various denominations of professing Christians, and expressed his willingness to deliver lectures there on subjects, any week evening that would be convenient to the inhabitants of the place, and at the close of the lectures, allow any to ask further information, which he would be willing to the extent of his ability to afford. The meeting was then closed by praise and the benediction.

      I have just received a letter from Wedderburn, about fifty miles from here. A church has been formed from those who were formerly Baptists, who having heard of us through the B.M.H. wrote asking our advice and wishing to profit by our experience. In this far-off place, isolated indeed, surrounded by mountains and hills, yet the Harbinger is of practical benefit, for it was through reading the above monthly that they decided to walk after the New Testament order. You may hear more of Wedderbourne.

D. WILLDER.      

April 25, 1864.

A.C.Ws., 1884, pp. 19-21, 48-52, 88-90, 110-113, 180-182, 229-231, 269-274, 365-367.

      We shall be glad to hear from any brother who can give us accurate information regarding matters treated of in these pages.

      "All Disciples of Christ are earnestly invited to wait upon Bro. J. Ingram, 20 Queen Street, Melbourne, with a view to remembering the Lord in his own appointed way."

      The above is the substance of an advertisement which appeared in the columns of the (now well known) Argus newspaper of the beginning of the year 1853.

      To trace the windings of this apparently insignificant rill--to sketch briefly the thirty years growth of the Church which the above germ contained--is the purpose of our present writing. Bro. John Ingram, now of Beechworth, was a member of the Church of Christ in Sanquahar, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He made the "good confession" and was immersed into the ever-blessed names, in the year 1844, being then sixteen years and a half old. He emigrated to Victoria with his wife (also a member of the Church) in the year 1852. After taking a flying visit to the goldfields, then the principal source of attraction to what was in those days a comparatively unknown land, our brother returned to Melbourne, and took up his residence in Queen St., near Collins Street, which was at that time the very centre of Melbourne city, (or rather town, for it had scarcely grown to the dignity of a city). All, however, was then hurry and bustle. The quietness of the land had been disturbed by the discovery of gold in what is now known as Castlemaine, Ballarat, and Sandhurst. Men were arriving from all parts of the world, drawn hither by the news of the richness of our goldfields, many of whom forgot all else in their eager pursuit of gold. Not so however with Bro. Ingram: he did not forget "the God of his fathers," "though in a strange land." On returning to Melbourne, he cast about for suitable place of worship. For two Sundays he attended the services in the Baptist Church, Collins Street (then under the pastoral care of Mr. Lush), Not however feeling quite at home amongst our Baptist friends, he determined to try and discover if there were any others in the colony bearing the name of "Disciples of Christ," and whose faith and order were similar to his own. Hence, he inserted the advertisement which stands at the head of this paper.

      At this time, Bro. Picton also felt his isolation, and wrote a letter which appeared in the "Millennial Harbinger".

      In response to Bro. Ingram's advertisement, Bro. H. G. Picton and Bro. Lyell called upon Bro. Ingram; the interview resulting in arrangements being made for the formation of a church, in accordance with the primitive order, as recorded in the New Testament. Satisfied with each other's standing as members of the "one body," they heartily gave to each other the "right hand of Christian fellowship;" spread the table in the house of Bro. Ingram; and the little company (six in all) gathered around the sacred board to show forth the "Saviour's death" until he shall come again. The Church thus formed was composed of Bro. and Sister Ingram, Bro. and Sister Lyell, and Bro. and Sister Picton. For six months, the little church continued to meet "for the breaking of the bread" in the house of Bro. Ingram in Queen Street, Melbourne. Bro. Ingram then removed to chapel street Prahran, pitching for himself and wife a little tent 8 ft. x 10 ft., which also became the home of the infant Church, where it was strengthened by several additions, Bro. Warren and wife being of the number.

      City boundaries were not in those days so distinctly marked out as they are now, and distances were not so much thought of; hence the removal of Bro. Ingram to Prahran did not prove an insurmountable difficulty. The little company were not strong enough to divide their forces, so they ceased to meet in Melbourne, and the church removed along with Bro. Ingram to Prahran. This change gave to our Prahran brethren a somewhat doubtful claim to the honored position of being "The first Church planted in Victoria." The honor of premiership lies between Prahran and Melbourne. To which of the two it more properly belongs is, however, somewhat doubtful to determine, as will be seen as we proceed.

      The church continued to meet in Bro. Ingram's tent for some six months, when (for family reasons) it became inconvenient to do so longer. It was therefore determined to meet in one of the sheds belonging to what was then known as "Lett's Brickyard." In this somewhat rude meeting-house, the brethren gathered around the sacred table, and realized the truth of the poet's words--

      No priestly hands were needed to minister to the little company; the Master himself was there and "His presence graced the feast!' They read the Master's words, they prayed, they sang, they spoke one to another of the Master's love, and so were built up on their most holy faith. The records of those early days are somewhat imperfect, but amongst the brethren then meeting the names of Bro. and Sister Ingram, Bro. H. G. Picton, Bro. and Sister Lyell, Bro. and Sister

Morrison, Bro. and Sister Jabez Dickens, Bro. Thos. Walker, Bro. Coles, Bro. Coghill, and Bro. Robert Service are most prominent. Amongst these, the brother who has left the greatest impress upon the church of to-day, and to whom we as a people are most deeply indebted is Bro. Robert Service. He arrived in Melbourne in the latter part of 1853, and at once took his place with the little company in their canvass meeting-house at Prahran; and through many years was a pillar and ground of the truth in this young land. It may be interesting to remark in passing that Robert Service was the father of the present Victorian Premier (the Hon. James Service), who was also a member with us when in Scotland, and though a young man was an acceptable speaker in the Maxwell Street Church, Glasgow. He was at that time (1852-53), in the employ of Messrs. Corbett and Co. merchants, Glasgow. James came to Melbourne, and started business, where he quickly took his place amongst the leading merchants of our city; but in his prosperity he forgot the true riches and the higher life, and did not identify himself with the people of God. Not so however with Robert Service (the father). He sought out the little church, and became one of its most noble helpers. Few men knew their Bibles better than Robert Service; and fewer still possessed the power to use their knowledge as he did. For a quarter of a century, he labored without fee or reward, until advancing years weakened his powers and laid him aside form active labor, until in Sept. 28th, 1883 (just 30 years after his arrival in the colony) he was taken to his reward. From the Obituary notice on page 369 of last year's volume, written by one who knew him well, we clip the following, which must close our first chapter:--

      "SERVICE.--Another of our pioneers has gone, Our much-esteemed Brother Robert Service departed this life on the 28th of September, aged 85, dying as he lived in a simple and implicit trust in Christ and him crucified. Bro. Service was born in Kilwinning, Scotland, August 10th, 1799. His parents were members of that section of the Presbyterian Church known as the United Secession. For many years he held the position of lay reader in the Kilwinning Church, and was then noted for his zeal and activity in all matters connected with the church and Sunday school. He was one of the first to become connected with the old original temperance movement; and when this was merged into the Total Abstinence League, he became a conspicuous member of that body and consistently practised and earnestly advocated its tenets to the end of his life. About 1834, he became convinced that infant sprinkling was not Christian baptism, and was not founded on New Testament teaching. He was immersed, joined the Scotch Baptists shortly removed. He was soon after appointed one of the pastors of that church, and continued to labor in it for some years, until the question of the atonement divided the church, one section strongly holding the Calvinistic theory the other that Christ died for all. Bro. Service, with those holding the latter view, seceded from the church; and under his leadership, they opened in Mr. Ormond's schoolroom at Stevenston, where they continued an active and prosperous body for some years. He next moved to Glasgow, and joined the church of Disciples in that city, towards whose views his own had

for some time been tending. His Sunday afternoons and evenings he chiefly spent on Glasgow Green, where he preached to large audiences. His vigorous attack on Popery often exposed him to the danger of personal violence, from which on two occasions he had to be protected against attempted assaults. During his residence in Ayrshire and Glasgow, his house was a kind of hostelry, ever open to all strangers who might be co-workers in any of the reformations of the day. The antislavery movement had his hearty support, and when William Lloyd Garrison visited Scotland he partook of the hospitality of his home. In the latter part of 1853 he arrived at Melbourne. He was then about 57, but did not seem over 50, about middle height, well built, a ruddy kindly face, a bald head, and a decidedly Scotch accent."

      Bro. W. McGregor, another of the veterans, and one of Bro. Service's co-workers, conducted the funeral services. The dense crowd of devoted hearts which assembled round his tomb testified to the esteem in which our departed brother was held.

      With the careful teaching of Bro. Service, Bro. Warren, Bro. Morrison, Bro. Coles, Bro. Lyle, Bro. Rossell and others, the little church (whose birth and early infancy we noted in our last) grew in numbers and influence. Unity and peace, with careful study of God's holy book, inspired them with a desire to re-produce its sacred principles, not only in their weekly meetings and church order, but also in their individual lives. To their faithfulness in these respects the church of to-day is largely indebted for its present strength. It is well for us in this the day of our comparative prosperity to remember not only the men but the principles for which those who then labored in word and doctrine so earnestly contended.

      Amongst other influences which served as an educative force in those days we must not forget the

then edited by Bro. Wallis; after his death, and now (under various names) by Bro. David King. The influence of this periodical was and is manifestly great. The early pioneers kept up constant correspondence with, and naturally looked to it and its editors for guidance and help. Thus impressing English thought upon our churches--a fact which must not be overlooked by those who would understand our present position.

      Change came to the little church in their open shed meeting house. Bro. Ingrain had to remove from Prahran to Brunswick. Roads were rugged and unkept; means of locomotion were few and primitive. Amongst these the "bullock dray" held premier place. Victorian summers were hotter and more disagreeable than they now are, and emigrants not yet colonized felt the oppression greatly. Means of alleviating the severity of the heat were few indeed; there was no Yan Yean, and the only source of water supply was the now much

despised Yarra Yarra River. The early pioneers of the colony were brave hearted men, and difficulties must be real and great in order to be hindrances. Men thought little of a few miles' walk. But for wife and little ones the dusty walk from Brunswick to Prahran, beneath a summer's sky, with a hot wind blowing, proved an insuperable barrier even to brave hearts fired with love to the Lord, and longing to gather round that table which commemorated his wondrous sacrifice, his death, his resurrection, and his coming again. "The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak." Others beside Bro. and Sis. Ingram were similarly situated in regard to distance from the meeting place. It was therefore determined to re-establish the Melbourne meeting. A room in the old Mechanics' Institute, in Collins-street East, was secured. And here the Melbourne church was again formed with ten members drawn from the fellowship at Prahran. The first meeting was held on Lord's-day, May 28th, 1854. From which date up to the present, in various buildings, the Melbourne Church has continuously assembled, and has become the parent of many, if not most of the churches in Victoria.

      Before entering upon the events which followed the re-establishment of the church in Melbourne, it may be as well for us to briefly sketch the principal items of interest in connection with the church at Prahran down to the present date.

      After the departure of nearly one-half of the little company to form the church in Melbourne, Prahran, although much weakened in powers as well as in numbers, still held the fort for awhile. But removals from the district and other untoward circumstances rendered it difficult to carry on. Eventually it was decided to close the meeting in Prahran; the Prahran brethren then met for some little while with the brethren in Melbourne. This, however, did not long continue, Brethren Picton and Coles determined to make another effort at Prahran. At the first they met with not a few difficulties, which were bravely met and eventually overcome. The Prahran church was re-established, and has continued unto this day. The place of meeting selected by Brethren Picton and Coles was know as "The old bowling alley," a long gaunt building, the entrance to which was down a narrow passage off Chapel-street. This passage was paved with flags, and was anything but inviting. The preachers having announced their meeting for the gospel proclamation, and having done what they could to gather an audience, often waited anxiously for the sound of footsteps coming down this passage giving promise of hearers. A somewhat amusing incident is related of these seasons of waiting. The evening was dreary, and the prospects of an audience somewhat meagre. The hour for commencing the service was past. Bros. Picton and Coles sat patiently waiting, and were about giving up in despair, when lo the sound of many footsteps was heard approaching, The preachers waited somewhat anxiously the coming hearers, when there marched into the meeting in single file and solemn mien two goats with the well-known wooden triangle around their necks. They looked

up at the preachers and said ma-ma; but being merely animals, and not having a taste for the spiritual food, which was the only thing the preachers had on hand, they retired. The quaint sight was too much for the gravity of the preachers; they laughed heartily, and decided not to preach for that evening.

      New in number; often discouraged and weary, but still undaunted, obstacles and difficulties only nerved the hearts of the brethren for greater exertion. They had bought the truth, and they were determined never to sell it. Zeal for the pure gospel, love to the Master and the perishing whom he died to save, filled their hearts and animated their spirits. Gradually however, they gathered strength; but humanly speaking, they were but a "feeble folk." In 1857, they took a room in the Old Mechanics' Institute, Prahran, deeming this a more suitable meeting-place. Here some hearers were gathered, to whom the truth was proclaimed: amongst these was Bro. John Proctor, now of St. Kilda, who was immersed by Bro. Picton in Hobson's Bay, on Lord's day afternoon, November 1st, 1857. Our brother has ever since been known as an earnest laborer in the Master's vineyard. Shortly after this, the church was strengthened by the arrival of Bro. S. Kidner from England (who died recently in South Australia, and whose obituary notice may be found on page 334 of our volume for 1883). Meetings still increased, so that it became necessary to obtain the larger room of the Mechanics' Institute. This proved to be a step in the right direction, for still larger audiences were secured, and thus the truth was more widely disseminated, and beneath the faithful proclamation of the gospel, the hearts of the brethren were cheered by seeing one and another "become obedient to the faith."

      With increasing membership, oversight became a necessity. The brethren, following New Testament order proceeded to seek out elders for the important work of shepherding the flock. Brethren H. G. Picton and S. Kidner were recognised as the most suitable men to fill this important position. The preaching of the gospel was sustained by the elders along with Brethren J. N. Coles (now in England), J. Chambers (now deceased), assisted by Brethren Service, W. McGregor, and others form the Melbourne church. Early in 1858, the church at Prahran suffered a loss in the removal of Bro. S. G. Coles to Brighton, which led to the foundation of the church there, and of Bro. S. Kidner who removed to Adelaide, S.A. In the room of Bro. Kidner, Bro. J. Diver was appointed elder: our Bro. Diver remained at his post until about 1876, when he was laid aside by paralysis and was gathered to his rest in 1880, "like a shock of corn fully ripe." While thus weakened on the one hand, they were strengthened on the other by the addition of Bro. and Sis. William Cox, from the Baptists, and Bro. Chambers. Bro. Jas. Ashton (now in England, but expected back to Victoria soon), also came to the front as an earnest worker, teacher, and preacher. We shall have occasion to speak of Bro. Cox again, when we refer to The Reformer, of which he was the able editor during its short but useful life. In 1860, the brethren cast about for a suitable site whereon to erect a meeting-house, and

eventually fixed upon an allotment in Chapel Street, which they secured for the sum of ninety pounds. Upon this allotment they sometime after erected a brick building, 28 x 35 ft., at a cost of £700. This chapel was the

erected by our brethren in Victoria. While the church at Prahran was attaining this position, Melbourne church had grown and other churches had been planted. As might be expected, the opening of this their first chapel, which took place at Easter 1861, drew together a considerable company of brethren from all parts, thus making the opening services, as far as members are concerned a GREAT SUCCESS. In the new chapel, large meetings were gathered, until the "wicked one," to whom the success of the gospel is ever a source of discomfiture, succeeded in catching the brethren unawares. A root of bitterness sprang up in the church, which led to some brethren forming a separate meeting in St. Kilda. In consequence of this, the prosperity of the church was greatly injured, and the meetings dwindled away.

      In passing, it may be useful for us to notice for our warning, that this root of bitterness arose out of lax discipline in connection with a church which had been formed at Chesterville, near Cheltenham. Had prompt and decisive measures then been taken, not only would the church at Prahran have been saved from this hindrance to its usefulness, but much trouble would have been saved and much heart burning even now; for in its effects it has marred the peace of the brethren often, and its evil consequences continue up to this day.

      In November 1861, Prahran suffered losses in the death of Bro. Cox (who fell asleep in Jesus), and previous to this, in the removal of Bro. H. G. Picton to Ballarat. Up to this time, paid evangelists were unknown, and almost unthought of. Brethren had written and spoken so much against the clergy, and against the abuses of ecclesiasticism, that they had begun to look upon almost any form of paid labor as being necessarily ecclesiastic, and as bearing the mark of the beast. We are not quite sure that this feeling is wholly dead; but if any of it lives, the tone and spirit of some evangelists we have seen must be held responsible for its existence. After a while, the depression under which the church at Prahran labored, in consequence of the root of bitterness (before referred to), was removed out of the way. A reconciliation was effected; the meeting at St. Kilda was closed, and cordiality of feeling again established. It is well for us to notice the enemy's tactics in this matter, and steadily guard against that divisive spirit which in all cases drives away the spirit of Christ and hinders success.

      In 1864, Bro. H.S. Earl came by invitation to Victoria, to labor as an evangelist; and having met with considerable success, the brethren began to look upon the paid evangelist as a useful if not necessary agency in carrying on aggressive work. Bro. Earl gave some little time to Prahran, under the direction of the United

Evangelistic Committee. Beyond this, no paid evangelist labored at Prahran, until June, 1868, when Bro. L. A. Hamill was engaged as an evangelist to labor in Prahran and Richmond. Bro. Hamill came from Liverpool, England. We shall have occasion to refer to him again. Just here we will only say that he was a most energetic laborer; few men, if any, that we have had in the paid evangelistic field, did more work, or did it more bravely than he. Bro. Hamill continued his labors in connection with Prahran, until July, 1870, during which time, a considerable number were added to the Lord and to his church; audiences, too, largely increased, so that it became needful to enlarge the building; an addition was made of 10 ft. to its length, and other improvements at a cost of £220. During this time, Bro. Hamill spent some time in Richmond, which resulted in the establishment of the church there. From July 1870 to October 1871, the church at Prahran was without an evangelist, the work being carried on as before by various brethren in the Melbourne district. In October, 1871, it was decided to make a further effort with a paid evangelist, and Bro. H. D. Smith (now of South Australia) and well known as one of the editors of the Faithful Witness was engaged. Bro. Smith labored energetically with the church for fifteen months, his labors closing in Dec., 1872. During this time, additions were made, and the brethren were edified. From December, 1872 to April, 1873, the church again carried on the work by the aid of supplies, when they arranged for a short visit from Bro. Kugleman, who labored four months, namely, from April to July, 1873. After this, they carried on the works with supplies, until February 1875. Amongst those gathered in before Bro. Hamill commenced his labors at Prahran, was Bro. J. N. Yates: he was a thinking man of considerable mental power, but had been turned aside into some of the bye paths of scepticism. Under the preaching of the brethren, he was led to examine the New Testament again, and to test the old land marks. Matters which had previously proved dark to him, brightened under the clearer light of unsectarian teaching, and he gave himself heartily to the Lord and to his people, being immersed by Bro. L. W. Webb in July 1865. His gifts became manifest in the church as a teacher, and also as a proclaimer of the gospel, during the various seasons that the church was without a paid evangelist. Bro. Yates subsequently entered the paid evangelist field, and labored at Richmond and Emerald Hill, and has ever since been well known amongst the brotherhood as an able preacher, and defender of the truth.

      During the interim, following Bro. Kugleman's short engagement, brethren J. N. Yates, J. Proctor, Ashton, D. Sharp, L. W. Webb, and others, were doing yeomen's service, as preachers and teachers in the church, and not a few were added, but the progress appeared a little slow when compared with the growth of churches elsewhere. The brethren became somewhat impatient, feeling that the cause at Prahran required the undivided attention of at least one brother as a paid evangelist; but suitable men were few. The officers privately made an overture to Bro. F. Illingworth, with a view to induce him to enter the field as a paid evangelist, but he declined. Other brethren were thought of, but without any definite arrangements being

completed, until they at last secured the services of Bro. J. N. Yates, who began his labors as evangelist of the Church of Christ, at Prahran, in February 1875. The choice proved to be a happy one. Bro. Yates labored energetically and successfully for four years, closing his labor in January 1879. Bro. Brockway was the next evangelist engaged but his labors at Prahran proper only extended over a few months. The church then fell back upon the Missionary Committee for supplies, by means of which the work was carried on until 1883.

      In 1880, the church purchased a site, 60 x 150 ft., in High Street for £400, intending to erect a new building thereon. Having this in view, they took steps to sell their old building in Chapel Street, this site being too small for a building. Chapel Street-having now become the principal street in Prahran, and property consequently having considerably increased in value, it became an easy matter to sell. The committee therefore sold it for the sum of £900, and proceeded to take steps to erect a new and more commodious chapel, in High Street, which it was intended to have ready for occupation by the time when it was arranged to hand over the old building to the purchaser, but

      First a difficulty arose in regard to the transfer. The deed had to be sent to England for a signature; by the time it returned, the date for handing over the property had already passed: a short respite was kindly granted by the purchaser. The committee set to work energetically, plans were got out, and preparations made for building, when a new difficulty presented itself--bricks could not be procured, so the church was compelled to find a temporary home; the only place available, was a small wooden building in Carlton Street. Here the brethren continued to meet, but the attending of outside hearers was not secured, and the progress of the cause was visible checked, eventually the new chapel was completed at a cost of £1,400 and opened on July 15th, 1883, particulars of which were given in our last year's volume, page 274.

      In October 1883, Bro. J. N. Yates was re-engaged, and is now successfully carrying on the work. Here for the present we must leave Prahran, and return to Melbourne.

      "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand for thou knowest not which shall prosper this or that, or whether both shall be alike good."--ECC.

      On page 88 of our March number, we briefly related the circumstances under which (what is now known as) "The Melbourne

Church" was formed. We then sketched the History of the Church at Prahran. From these two churches, nearly all others sprang. Following now the history of the Melbourne Church as of a principal highway whose source we have sketched it will be needful for us, from time to trace its divergences, and our progress will, on this account be slower, yet we think it will give a clearer idea of the growth of the cause than any other method we might adopt.

      As we have seen, the church gathered in the Old Mechanics' Institute, Melbourne, on Lord's day, May 28th, 1854, consisted of only ten members all told, namely, Bro. and Sis. Jones, Bro. and Sis. Phillips, Bro. and Sis. Alex. Morrison, Bro. and Sis. J. Ingram, Sis. Watts, and Bro. R. Service. To these were quickly added others, whose names will be remembered by our older brethren, as identified with the cause in its early history, amongst these Bro. and Sis. Abercrombie, Bro. and Sis. L.G. Burtt, Sis. Dunn (mother of our now well known Bro. F. G. Dunn), Sis. Maplestone, Bro. Casey, and Bro. and Sis. Wm. McGregor. Bro. and Sis. Burtt came from London bringing letters of commendation. Bro. and Sis. W. McGregor came from the church in Sunderland. Bro. McGregor arrived in Melbourne, in November, 1854, and was originally a Presbyterian; being convinced upon the subject of believer's baptism, he was immersed and became identified with the Scotch Baptist Church in Ford Forge, but shortly after removed with his wife to Hartlepool, in Durham, where there was no meeting of our brethren, and no Baptist Church. While here, Bro. Alex. Campbell visited Great Britain, and amongst other appointments, visited the church at Sunderland. Bro. McGregor having heard that Bro. Campbell was expected at Sunderland on a given Lord's day, rose early and walked on foot, from Hartlepool to Sunderland, a distance of twenty miles, and met and broke bread with the church, and listened to Bro. Campbell for the first time. With a deeply reflective and well-balanced mind such as Bro. McGregor possessed, it was impossible for him to listen to Bro. Campbell without being greatly interested as well as deeply moved--impressions were made which have never been effaced. Bro. and Sis. McGregor became identified with the church in Sunderland, and held membership there, till their departure for Victoria. Bro. McGregor soon took his place in the Melbourne church, and became and has ever since remained an earnest devoted laborer, both as preacher and teacher, as well as overseer, until now he stands as one of the fathers in Israel, weakened by the conflict and the strife; the outward man giving evidence of natural decay, but the inward man being grandly renewed day by day.

      From the Scotch Baptist Church, Ford Forge, also came Bro. and Sis. Lyell, they arrived in Melbourne, Jan. 1855. Our Bro. must be distinguished from the brother of the same name referred to in a previous portion of this history. The former went to and is now in South Australia, while the latter united with the Melbourne church in 1855 and has remained in it ever since, being now well known as one of its officers, and as superintendent of its Sunday School.

      Amongst those added by the obedience of the faith, under the preaching of the ancient gospel, was Bro. Alfred Shaw, with Sis. Shaw, and Bro. and Sis. Roberts. Bro. Roberts afterwards became instrumental in planting the truth in Warrnambool, while Bro. Shaw is well known as a brother whose influence has been great in the church through all its chequered history, as well as a prosperous man of business in this busy city of Melbourne.

      In the addition of Bro. Alfred Shaw to the little company, gathered in the upper room of the Mechanics' Institute, we have an illustration of the practical working out of our principles. Maud Jean Franc quaintly yet truthfully says, "principles are principles, and are for ordinary, as well as extra-ordinary occasions." It is however not uncommon in our day for well tried principles to be laid aside in the interest of modern expediency. It is now no uncommon thing for brethren to speak of "strangers being insulted by our refusing to receive their voluntary contributions." The insult is taken for granted and the practice is set down as amongst those hindrances to success which present day progressionists would fain have removed out of the way.

      Bro. and Sis. Shaw were walking up Collins Street one Lord's day morning, intending to attend some place of worship, but not quite certain which, when their eye caught the unassuming notice board of our brethren, then meeting in the Mechanics'. Turning in and taking their seats, a new and entirely strange order of worship greeted their eye. No clericalism, no set sermon, no form of prayer, no ritual, no organ strains greeted them, there was nothing to "attract", it was a simple meeting of brethren met to worship the Redeemer of men in spirit and truth. When the fellowship box passed, Bro. Shaw dropped in his contribution. At the close a brother stepped up to him, returning the coin, and in a kindly manner explained our principles and our practice on this matter. Bro. Shaw was not insulted nor was he driven-away. On the contrary, he was deeply impressed. He said to his wife, There is something genuine here; if ever I join a church, this is the church I will join. He attended the little meeting again and again, and at length being fully won to the Saviour, he was immersed by Bro. Service in the broad baptistry of Heaven's providing: namely "Hobson's Bay." Bro. Shaw is not the only one who was first impressed by our practice in this respect, and who were ultimately won to the Master. Depend upon it, brethren, we lose nothing by faithfulness to principle. But if it should happen that the maintenance of principle involves apparent loss, it is ours to be faithful, leaving results with our God, who sees the end from the beginning, and who holds us accountable for faithfulness only, and not for any consequences which may arise form obedience to his will.

      "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand, for thou knowest not which shall prosper this or that, or whether both shall be alike good."--Ecc.

      One of the first to leave the little meeting in the Mechanics, Institute was the brother who was instrumental in first calling the church into existence, namely Bro. Ingram. He with his sister wife in the order of providence were called away to Beechworth. Faithful still to the truth as it is in Jesus, our brother was not inactive in his new home; he did not hide his light under a bushel, but bravely held it forth to view. The result was that a church was formed, which as to date stands third on the list of churches. We turn aside briefly to trace the history of this church, and as Bro. Ingram knows its history best, we shall let him tell the story. At our request, Bro. Ingram kindly furnishes the following information:--

      "In the month of March, 1855, Bro. Ingram left Melbourne for Beechworth, as agent and correspondent of the Age. On his arrival he began at once to form a meeting of brethren, in his own house, or rather his tent. The meeting at first was composed of himself, his wife, and Sis. Margaret Brown; a few brethren visiting the diggings occasionally met to break bread; but as the population was very migratory, there continued to be a good deal of coming and going of the brethren. In the year following, Bro. Young, with his family, came to reside in Beechworth, and ever since Bro. Young has continued to be a valuable co-worker, and has taken the deepest interest in the cause of truth in Beechworth. For nearly seven years, the meeting continued to be held in Bro. Ingram's house, or shop, and many deeply interesting meetings were there held, and several were added by baptism from time to time, till it became imperative with the church to hire some public room; a public school-room was rented, and an evening service was commenced for the proclamation of the gospel; all the brethren that were able rendered noble assistance, but the labours chiefly devolved upon Bros. Ingram and Young.

      One dearly beloved brother, (Bro. Hoyle) met with his death by accident; he will ever be remembered for his piety and zeal in the cause of truth, a brother greatly beloved by all who knew him, and who left behind him an unblemished character.

      Bros. Tucker and Pooley, during their connection with the church for many years, were also valuable co-workers. About the year 1872 another church composed of a few brethren was started under the name of Baptists whose mode of worship was identical with our own. Many of the brethren of both meetings deplored the existence of two small meetings in such a small town and felt it to be a great hindrance to the cause of truth, and as we felt the necessity of sympathy and mutual co-operation, an effort was made on both sides for union

simply as Christians, each to take the word of God as their sole guide for faith and practice. But to obtain this desirable object of unity was not an easy matter, and at one time it seemed to be quite hopeless, but ultimately both churches united as one, and the union greatly added in the end to the mutual good of the brethren and the furtherance of truth, and at various times many were added to the church.

      The mining being on the decline, our esteemed brother, and pastors Ross, Galbraith, Pooley and others with their families left to take up selections of land in Gippsland and other parts; this left the brethren few in number and the proclamation of the gospel in the evenings had to be discontinued. The Baptist church had purchased ground, and erected a small chapel, and after the union, the chapel was enlarged, the title deeds being in the name of the Baptist's Association, the remaining brethren being so few they could not pay the debt remaining unpaid, and the building being about to be sold, Bro. Ingram purchased the building in his own name for the sum of £250.

      The church at present is very small in number, but I believe that they are bearing testimony for the truth, the meetings continue to be profitable and the brethren are being built up in their most holy faith.

      The church at Beechworth has always made the subject of the Lord's personal coming a prominent subject of teaching, but believe they have not made even this glorious theme a mere hobby or given it undue prominence unwarranted by scripture, and as a church they may be said to differ somewhat from sister-churches, in maintaining that the scriptures teach that immortality is only obtained as a gift in Christ Jesus, and that immortality of the soul is nowhere taught in the word of God, but the subject is seldom referred to in the teachings of the brethren.

      The brethren at Beechworth think that much good could be done by a visit from an evangelist for a few weeks, but being few in number they are not in a position to engage one.

      In recording the events of those early days, we must not forget to mention our First Periodical. Bro. R. Service, full of zeal of the truth, and an active worker in the Lord's vineyard, conceived the idea that a weekly paper would be helpful. He therefore undertook the work of editing a weekly sheet (4-pages demy-quarto, being rather smaller than eight pages of our Witness.) The first copy appeared in about the month of October, 1855.

      The secretary is an institution of all organizations of men, and upon him very much depends. If he be energetic and capable, the movement with which he stands identified will have life and a reasonable prospect of success; but if he be slow, unmethodical, or incapable, the cause will suffer and perhaps fail. The early history of the church in Victoria was so informal and unpretentious, that anything like organization was never dreamed of, and it was only the force of circumstances that developed our "First Secretary"--that is, as far as Melbourne is concerned. Prahran may have had its secretary and its church book earlier; but, if so, no record has come down to us.

which we have been able to trace has been courteously placed at our disposal. A few items from this book will form the substance of this chapter. It is in the handwriting of our well known Bro. C. G. Lawson. From this book, we learn that the first meeting of the Melbourne church in the Mechanics' Institute was held on the 28th of May, 1854. That the brethren, after breaking bread together, resolved that the name by which they were to be known was that of "Christians, or Disciples of Christ." They arranged to meet at 11 a.m. for worship, and at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and 6 p.m. in the evening for the proclamation of the gospel. Bro. Robert Service was appointed to preside, and Brethren Morrison and Ingram were appointed deacons. The names of those thus banded together are then given, with some notes, the latter in so incomplete a manner that it is evident that no records had been kept, and no formal church-roll instituted, and that the writer had gathered his information from the memories of those who afterwards appointed him to the post of secretary. That these early meetings had in them nothing of an ecclesiastic nature is certain from the fact that while these scattered items which Bro. Lawson has jotted down on the first page of "THE OLD CHURCH BOOK" reach back to the year 1854, the formal minutes do not begin till May 2nd 1855, when we read that at a meeting held on the afternoon of that day, it was resolved--

      "1st--That a secretary be appointed to note the resolutions that may be passed, and to attend to any correspondence that may be required by the church!'

      "2nd--That Bro. Lawson be appointed secretary."

      Bro. Lawson was then a young man, zealous for the truth; and though many years have passed over his head, he is still in the fore front of our most energetic brethren. His work speaks for itself. He has lived to see churches growing up all around, and every fresh effort to extend the cause has found in him a hearty helper. Some of

his comrades of those early days have passed away into the eternal world; but Bro. Lawson still remains at his post, and while years have come and gone, and children have grown up around him, he has scarcely grown old--he is still comparatively young, and is active and energetic as ever. His eye has perhaps grown dimmer, and his locks fewer, but he is good for years of hard work yet, and--what is better--he has the will to do it.

      A brother said to us the other day--"I have been a member of the church over twenty years, and I have attended many church meetings, but I have seldom come from one without heartily wishing that the church could do without them." The items noted in this book" show that, even in these early times, the church had its troubles, and that "roots of bitterness" sprang up, trying the patience and firmness of the members composing the little company, it is interesting to note the result as manifested in the ten names which stand first on the roll, and which composed the first meeting in May 1854. They stand thus--

      Such is the picture drawn with pen and ink by our first secretary. Of ten souls gathered together in holy fellowship in 1854, by the year 1858, one makes shipwreck of the faith, two depart this life, full of faith and hope, four are scattered bearing with them the good seed, and planting it elsewhere, two leave no special record, one attains the "good degree" of a bishop or overseer. Thus it has been with the Church, of Christ in all ages. Such it will be till the Lord returns. The church however, in spite of apparent hopelessness and weakness, grows still and will continue to grow. "God buries his workmen but carries on his work." He scatters them a broad, but only that they may be his ministers elsewhere. The journey is too great for some, and they fall away. No matter, the cause still moves on. Some work silently, leaving no record here; but the Lord keeps books, and he writes it down.

      Evidence of growth is seen in the fact that, notwithstanding deaths, removals, and one apostacy, the church needed oversight, and possessed the men capable of doing the work. The records show that, along with Bro. R. Service, Bro. Wm. McGregor was also appointed overseer. The wisdom of that choice has manifested itself to the

whole brotherhood; for to these two men, the church in Victoria is indebted more largely than to any other instruments which the Lord has used for its present growth and development. Their work is ended--they have gone to their reward--they sleep almost side by side in the city of the dead, but their works follow on. Good seed faithfully sown, patiently watered, can never be lost. When Paul plants and Apollos waters, God gives the increase.

H. G. Picton, "Looking Backward", in C.P., 1897, pp. 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 52, 61, 67, 75, 83, 91, 99, 187.

      From year 1855 the information supplied concerning Prahran, Brighton, South Brighton and Beaumaris is the joint work of the writer and Bro. S. H. Coles.

      The writer would here beg to remark that for the first ten years of the church's story the work of the Master was carried out by unpaid preachers--men who earnestly and stedfastly maintained the "old land marks" of primitive truth--and is of opinion that it would have been better for the cause had the churches given more encouragement to colonial preachers, whether paid or unpaid, instead of depending so much upon evangelists imported from far-off lands, and ignoring and putting in the background colonial preaching and teaching talent.

      It was in the month of June, 1852, that Bro. H. G. Picton bade adieu to the little church at Kensington, London, and with his wife and two young children embarked on board the ship "Statesman" (under the' command of Capt. Godfrey) for these shores, and arrived in Hobson's Bay in the month of September of that year, after a voyage of ? days.

      These were the days when a voyage to Australia was strongly associated with salt meat,--fishy pork,--soup and boulli, hard biscuits and foul water.

      The gold fever was at its height, and ships from all parts of the world were daily arriving with their living cargoes of gold seekers. As a consequence house accommodation anywhere in or near the city was not to be had; day after day hundreds were arriving, the outcome of which was the appearance of "Canvas Town"--a temporary township consisting of two or three streets of tents, with shops or stores, which were pitched on the St. Kilda road, just beyond the present barracks. Bread at that time was 3/- per loaf; butter, 4/6 per lb.;

      vegetables were scarcely obtainable; potatoes, 1/- 1 lb.; cabbages, 2/6 each; flour, £5 10/- a bag; milk, 1/- per quart.

      Finding it impossible to get a house or even a room, Bro. Picton with some of his fellow-passengers went out towards the bush and came to Prahran, then known as the village of "Paisley," consisting of 14 habitations only. There they came across some wooden huts which had just been erected out of ships' fittings, dimensions 12 feet by 9, divided into two rooms, minus ceilings, roofs through which the stars were plainly visible. On enquiring the rent of these unornate structures, they were informed it was 25/- per week, payable monthly in advance. It was "Hobson's choice" with them, so they closed with the agent. The site of these structures is now known as "College Lawn."

      Their next task was to get their belongings on shore, and then to their colonial habitations. In those days there was no pier in Hobson's Bay, but simply a small landing place at Liardet's Beach, and passengers had to get their luggage on shore as best they could, which was chiefly done in small boats, for which service they had to pay most exorbitant charges. Cartage also was equally exorbitant, so that by the time Bro. Picton had got his luggage to the hut and had paid one month's rent in advance he found himself the possessor of one halfpenny wherewith to commence colonial life. He, however, soon obtained employment as engrossory clerk in the office of T. T. A'Beckett, Esq., of Little Collins-street.

      Bro. and Sister Penny of Cheltenham were fellow-passengers with Bro. Picton, as was also Sister Aylwin of Prahran. Bro. and Sister Penny were led to give up Wesleyanism through conversations Bro. Picton had with them on board on "things pertaining to the Kingdom."

      Bro. Picton's first Lord's day was spent in the city seeking brethren, but without success. The Baptists he found; they were meeting in the Mechanic's Institute. His next endeavour was by advertising, hoping that among the numerous arrivals some brethren might perhaps be found. In this he was successful, for the same week he had the pleasure of welcoming Bro. and Sister (Thos.) Lyle, who had arrived in one of Messrs. Chisholm's vessels, and soon afterwards of greeting Bro. and Sister Rossell.

      The Disciples being now six in number they commenced meeting to break bread. This they did first in Bro. Picton's domicile, which was a tent erected by him in Victoria-st., Prahran. This was in January, 1853. On the 18th of February he again advertised. This brought to his canvas house Bro. and Sister Ingram, also a Bro. and Sister Boyd from the church at Bethnal Green, London. The meeting place was then shifted to a house Bro. Ingram had rented at the rear of the present Anglican Church in Chapel-st., where they continued to meet till W. Ingram shifted to a brick-yard where he had obtained employment, and on which he had erected a large framed tent. The site of this brick-yard was on the east side of the railway bridge, on the Commercial-rd.

      In this tent the brethren were in the habit (primitive fashion) of spending the Lord's days together. It was here that Bro. Robt. Service first made his appearance. It was an intensely hot day; service had just commenced, when in walked a hale-looking, venerable man and took his seat at the table. He gave his name as Robert Service, from the Glasgow church. The brethren heartily welcomed him. Bro. Ingram's joy was great at meeting a "brother Scott." After the service, and after partaking of their common meal, Bro. Service proposed to Bro. Picton to take a stroll round the neighbourhood. To this he readily consented. They strolled along in pleasing converse for some time, till at length they came to a street of about eight houses on Punt Road, near Gardiner's Creek Road. Here Bro. Service suddenly stopped, and mounting a stump in the middle of the street (stumps being at that time most plentiful) he began to hold forth. An event so novel soon brought the inhabitants to their doors while the children with open mouths and wondering eyes gathered round the earnest preacher on his plain pulpit. He finished his discourse by informing his hearers that he had just fired off one chamber of the "gospel revolver," and that another chamber would now be discharged by his Christian brother, Mr. Picton. This sudden and unexpected announcement completely took Bro. Picton by surprise. He begged to be excused on the ground of unpreparedness, but no, it was all of no avail. Bro. Service insisted, and Bro. Picton had to mount the stump and do his best. His theme was "God's most marvellous love." This was the first occasion of the "Primitive gospel" being proclaimed in the colony. It was the first of many occasions of the joint proclamation of "Jesus and his love" by Brethren Service and Picton.

      On the 31st of October of that year (1853) the little church had the pleasure of welcoming our very esteemed Bro. Jabez Dickens, who brought the pleasing intelligence that Bro. Henry Warren, of the Bethnal Green church, London, intended coming to the colony at an early date, Bro. Warren having the reputation of being an able gospel preacher and church teacher.

      Early in December of that year a Bro. and Sister Letts arrived from Nottingham, bringing letters of commendation from Bro. James Wallis, the editor of the British Millennial Harbinger. With this brother came Mr. George Godkin--now Bro. Godkin of Ballarat. They at once started a brick-making yard, there being at that time a very great demand for bricks, buildings being rapidly erected in all places, especially in the city, bricks realising 14 per 1000, moulders receiving 4 per 1000 for making. They commenced operations in a paddock off Chapel-st. east, the property of Mr. Thomas Hand--afterwards Bro. Hand. In the same paddock resided Mr. John Chambers senior--afterwards our esteemed now departed Bro. John Chambers. Bro. Letts having erected a large framed tent on the ground, offered the use of it to the church, which was accepted, and many were the delightful meetings held in that tent, Bro. Chambers, who was then an earnest Wesleyan and a schoolmaster, being a frequent attendant. He was a most devout man, possessing a large acquaintance with the scriptures. The conversations between him and the brethren were very interesting, which eventuated in his obeying the truth.

      About the end of December Bro. and Sister Warren arrived in the "Tubal Cain." On hearing of his arrival Bren. Dickens, Lyle, Letts and Picton went on board, but found him seriously ill--quite prostrate. They at once brought him ashore and took him to Bro. Dicken's tent on Emerald Hill. The day was indeed a scorcher--the third day of continuous hot wind. It was almost as hot as the colonial historic Black Thursday. By tender care and loving attention he became convalescent, and having decided to settle down at Prahran at his trade as a cooper he pitched his tent at the Chapel-st. end of Bro. Hands paddock. The church now numbered 13, and was much edified and encouraged by Bro. Warren's able ministrations.

      The Christmas Day of that year the brethren spent together in Bro. Ingram's tent. The following Monday they spent the day in Bro. Lett's tent, enjoying instrumental and vocal music and other "good things," and felt sorry when parting time arrived.

      About this time the brethren made the acquaintance of a Mr. Wilson, a storekeeper on Chapel-st. He was the leader of a small Calvinistic Baptist cause in the neighborhood. Bro. Warren having announced an address on "Christian Union," Mr. Wilson was constrained to attend to hear what would be said on that interesting subject. He was so taken with what he heard that he suggested a Conference between the two bodies with the view of union. Several animated meetings were accordingly held, at which the several points of difference between them were discussed; but the insistence on the part of the Baptist friends of teaching and advocating Calvinism and the retention of the name "Baptist" led to the termination of the Conference without realising the practical good that had been hoped for. Some short time after this Bro. Warren made application to the Baptists for the use of their chapel for a course of lectures on "Christianity." They consented on the condition that the titles of the subjects be first submitted to them and met with their approval. The subjects Bro. Warren submitted, but one on "What is Faith" they strongly objected to. The result was the lectures were not delivered. For the purpose of obtaining greater publicity and at the invitation of Bro. Warren, the brethren decided to shift their place of meeting to his tent, which was situated at the top of the paddock and facing Chapel-st.

      In May 1854 the church numbered 25, when, as several of the members were then resident in the city, it was deemed advisable to form a church there, which was accordingly done, the first meeting of which was held on the 28th of that month under the presidency of Bro. Robt. Service.

      The brethren remaining at Prahran were Bro. and Sister Warren, Bro. and Sister Rossell, Bro. and Sister Picton, Bro. and Sister Letts and Bren. Chambers, Dickens, Coghill and Horne. Weekly exchanges of speaking brethren took place between the two churches, and the greatest harmony and fellowship existed between them. A time of trouble shortly overtook the churches, and the brethren became greatly scattered. A great panic occurred, caused by Sir. Chas. Hotham, the then governor, stopping all public works. Business became paralysed. Work was unobtainable, and men had to seek employment in other colonies. Prahran became a "deserted village." Bren. Warren, Lyle, Rossell and Chambers went to Adelaide and Bro. Picton was the only brother remaining.

      However, in October 1855 circumstances occurred which led to the revival of the cause in Prahran. Bro. Picton, one morning, on arriving at his office, observed a new clerk--a "new chum"--a tall young man of intellectual appearance. The stranger was not tardy in letting his fellow clerks know that he was a Christian and that his religious convictions were strong--so strong that he was quite prepared to do battle for them, which he shortly had occasion to do. He was a Congregationalist, and a strong Calvinist, fierce against Wesleyans. That young man was Bro. S. H. Coles. Bro. Picton admired his zeal and courage, and thought what an admirable advocate he would make for the primitive gospel. They soon crossed swords. Their first battle was over Calvinism. Inch by inch of the ground was contested. Eventually the Calvinist acknowledged himself vanquished. A small pamphlet by Walter Scott on the "Work of the Holy Spirit," which Bro. Picton lent him, no doubt had much to do with opening his eyes to the freeness and fulness of the "great salvation." Their next battle was over "infant baptism," and a most determined fight it was. They fought it in the office; they fought it out of doors; as they travelled to and from the office--all the way between Prahran and the city; and they fought it in their houses. The truth however prevailed, and the paedobaptist advocate cheerfully became "obedient to the faith." Having been brought to the knowledge of primitive Christian truth, Bro. Coles was now most desirous of promulgating it, and proposed to Bro. Picton the advisability of hiring a room for that purpose. This proposal Bro. Picton readily fell in with, so they set about the work, but the only place that offered was a dilapidated unused brick bowling alley in Chapel-street, adjoining a public-house at the corner of Commercial-rd. This room was being used temporarily by the committee of the embryo Mechanics' Institute. This place they hired, and announced the opening of it for Sunday preaching services by small posters which they had printed, giving a list of subjects on "Primitive Christianity." Bro. Picton gave the opening discourse.

      The audience was anything but encouraging, not numbering more than twelve. The Congregational minister just peeped in--no doubt to see what sort of an audience they had. The religious fold of Prahran looked upon it as a piece of presumption and impudence for two young men to set themselves up against the denominations and their learned ministers, so the meetings were but poorly attended--sometimes six

or eight, and sometimes none, on which occasions the preachers would lock up and go to some neighboring place of worship, sometimes to the Wesleyan chapel at Mount Erica. They nevertheless persevered, remembering the Spirit's injunction, "Be not weary in well doing," and the Spirit's promise that "In due season ye shall reap if ye faint not." The, brethren felt that whether "people would hear them or whether they would forbear" they were bearing testimony of God's truth.

      One of the hearers at the brethren's first meeting, thinking they were Mormons, had come to do them battle. He was a Baptist, and had been a Mormon fighter at Norwich, in the old country. Finding they were no Mormons, but sound on Christian truths, he decided to cast in his lot with them. This was their "first-fruits," our esteemed but now departed Bro. Jabez Diver. So the brethren "thanked God and took courage."

      The committee of the Mechanics' Institute having obtained a piece of land on which to erect an Institute, they built a small brick room for their use. This room the brethren obtained, but still with no better success than in the old Bowling Alley.

      Their first baptism took place about seven months after they started, and was administered in the Baptist chapel then in Charles-street, on which occasion Sister Coles was the subject. It took place in the presence of a large congregation, and here let it be accorded that on many subsequent occasions those kind Baptist friends manifested their goodwill and Christian courtesy in granting the use of their baptistry.

      One Lord's day morning, while meeting in the skillion, a rather amusing incident occurred. Hearing approaching steps, and thinking they were about to be favored with the presence of some visitors, they naturally looked towards the door, when what should they see but three goats (with wooden triangles round their necks for the purpose of preventing them getting into gardens) enter the room one behind the other. At so grotesque a sight the brethren were unable to restrain their risible faculties.

      Another amusing incident that occurred in this room may here be mentioned. Bro. Coles, as was his custom, had written on a large bill the title of his discourse for the next Sunday night, and exhibited it in the window. It was a taking title, viz., "A picture

of antichrist as painted by the apostle Paul." Sunday night came. The brethren were all in expectancy of a good meeting, thinking that the subject announced would surely excite curiosity; but it looked as though they were to be disappointed, for the expected and hoped-for visitors did not appear. At length in walked several policemen, in uniform, and took their seats. These gentlemen in blue constituted the major part of the audience that night. They paid great attention to the discourse, and were evidently interested in what they heard. Bro. Coles handled his subject in a masterly manner, and with as much earnestness as though he was addressing a crowded room. Here the brethren continued laboring until the large building, the Institute proper, was erected, when they made application for the use of the reading room; and it was on the occasion of their first meeting in this room that they had the pleasure of addressing a full room, and from this time the tide of prosperity set in. It was at this first meeting that the brethren first met our beloved Bro. James Ashton. He was then a Primitive Methodist local preacher--a man of whom it could be truly said he "was fervent in spirit." He very soon laid hold of the truth and put on Christ, and became an earnest fellow-laborer in the gospel.

      The brethren now occasionally had some Plymouth Brethren meeting with them--a Mr. Backas, a Mr. Cousins and a Mr. Adams--all of them devout and kind-hearted and spiritually-minded men. Sometimes they would give the "word of exhortation,"--good, warm, edifying addresses, but at times rather tinged with Calvinism. However, on the whole the brethren got on well with them, and the closest friendship existed between them.

      Eventually the reading room became too small for the meetings; so they engaged the large hall upstairs, which they opened on the 20th of March, 1859, on which occasion the hall was well filled. The work was now very prosperous. There were many additions by immersion and several by letters--Bren. James Webb Webb, William Cox and William Thomson from Baptists, and Bro. Kidner from London. The church now deeming it advisable to appoint pastors elected Brethren Kidner and Picton, who were ordained on the 21st of February, 1859, after prayer and fasting. Among the additions may be mentioned Sister Proctor (Sister Proctor was a mother in Israel), Bro. and Sister Sharp, Bro. Samuel Kidner and Bro. and Sister Wilder. Thus did the bright and comforting rays of progress and prosperity stimulate and encourage the brethren; the day of small things was past.

      About this time Brethren Coles, Diver and Picton were invited to join a Discussion Class held in the old brick Congregational chapel, which was situate at the corner of Chapel Street and the Commercial Road, which invitation they accepted. As the class was open to the discussion of both political and religious subjects, we proposed that of Infant Baptism." This proposition was met with the sturdy opposition of the minister, the Rev. W. Moss, and his deacons, but we succeeded in getting it carried. Mr. Moss having acknowledged that

he had been a Baptist, but had turned Paedobaptist, we urged this as a substantial reason why the subject should be debated, as it was presumed he would be able to give good reasons for his change of front; it had its weight with the class. The debate came off on the three subjects of "action," "subjects" and "design." Mr. Moss, a Mr. Wm. Green and a Mr. Dovoon defended the Paedobaptist position; Brethren Coles, Diver and Picton led the attack. It soon became manifest on which side "lay the truth." This debate did us much good, our advocacy receiving greater attention and respect than it had theretofore.

      In those days the Melbourne and Prahran churches found help and comfort in frequent interchange of visits from brethren selected for that purpose, and also in holding quarterly tea-meetings alternately in the two places.

      A short report of the first of these social gatherings appeared in the Melbourne Medley, of July 18, 1857:

      "TEA-MEETING.--On the evening of Thursday the 9th current, a very happy meeting of the disciples of Christ usually assembling in the Mechanics' Institute, Melbourne, and in the Mechanics' Institute, Prahran, was held in Mr. Shaw's store, Elizabeth-st., Mr. Picton, of Prahran, in the chair. After tea, very interesting addresses were delivered, and two resolutions adopted, the substance of which was that visits should be exchanged once a fortnight, and that mutual co-operation should be continued for the furtherance of the gospel in Melbourne, Prahran and the surrounding neighborhood."

      The first of the Prahran tea-meetings was held in Bro. Picton's house on the 3rd Oct. On subsequent occasions the brethren were indebted to the kindness of the Baptist friends in Charles-st., and the United Methodist Free Church in Windsor, for the use of their places of worship.

      On Christmas day of 1857 the first picnic of the two churches was held at the Red Bluff, St. Kilda--number, 103. Addresses were delivered by Bren. Service, Kemp, Coles and self.

      "1858: DEC. 31.--With grateful and rejoicing spirit we record the pleasing fact that during the past nine months evangelistic labors on the Lord's day have been carried on in South Brighton. For the first three months Bren. Service, Picton and Coles were engaged alternately, and after then to the present time Bren. Kidner, Picton and Coles. Contemporary with the commencement of this effort a small church was formed of the few brethren residing in the locality. The brethren there have now the happiness to number fourteen, with good prospects of more being soon added. On the 26th inst. a similar effort was commenced at the fishing village of Mordialloc, about four or five miles from South Brighton, on Lord's day afternoon. A good gathering (considering the sparse population) assembled beneath a shady tree, and the sweet invitation on the Lord Jesus, 'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,' was the preacher's theme."

      In 1860, the number of the Disciples having increased, they considered it advisable to see about getting a meeting-place of their own. They therefore purchased an allotment of land on Chapel-st. at the corner of Eastbourne-st, and there on erected their chapel--a neat brick structure--which was opened on the 31st March, 1861. The work still prospered. Temperance, singing and other meetings were now carried on. Bro. and Sister Alfred Shaw now removed their membership from Melbourne to Prahran. Among others who were brought into the church in this place may be mentioned Bro. John Proctor, Sisters Nancy and Isabella Proctor, Sisters Matilda McIntosh, Margaret McIntosh, Euphemia Clark, Mrs. Aylwin, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs Simmons, Mrs. Hollingworth, Mrs. Skelton, Bro. and Sister Cooper, Bro. and Sister Beteridge, Bro. and Sister Bush, Bro. and Sister Tavernor, Bren. David Sharp, John Kroon and J. B. Cathcart.

      Bro. Wm. Cox (a native of the North of Ireland) was favored with liberal mental endowments, which he delighted to exercise in the service of his beloved Saviour. He was engaged in the important work of education, and was truly a scholarly man. The roll of students at the Melbourne University bears his name. He took a deep interest in the temperance movement, which he aided with his advocacy. He also edited for a time a publication bearing the title of The Christian Reformer. Amongst the many services he rendered was the conducting of a Greek class at his house at St. Kilda. For this labor his genial wit and the happy knack he had of investing dry studies with interest and even amusement came into play, much to the help of the students. His useful life was prematurely brought to a close, after making a brave stand against the disease which laid him low. Strengthened by the Holy Comforter, he died rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. The Lord was indeed his light and his salvation, and the chamber of death was illumined by the golden rays of the divine promises.

      Bro. James Webb was much beloved for his kind and obliging disposition. He rendered excellent service both with tongue and pen,

and the promise which he gave when uniting with the church of becoming a valuable helper was amply fulfilled. The diffidence of youth became tempered with the confidence which experience and practice gave. He studied for a while with Bro. Earl; labored for a while at Lygon-st. chapel; then evangelised in Sth. Australia; returned to Prahran; eventually went to California.

      In the course of their labors Bren. Picton and Coles came into contact with a great variety of character. There was a tradesman in Chapel-street of the most pronounced high Calvinistic principles, and a smart and ready debater. Noticing on one of the bills the words "God will have all men to be saved," he remarked in an ironical tone, "You shouldn't have put that," and added, "If God will have all men to be saved, all men will be saved," and further observed that it was men, not dogs, that would be saved. The dogs were the non-elect, for whose salvation no provision had been made.

      A very different type of character was found in another tradesman in the same street--a God-fearing man of advanced age and of grave aspect, but of kind heart. In his young days he had been a soldier, and took part in the famous battle of Waterloo. He was in one of the squares which that day resisted the furious onslaught of Napoleon's cavalry, and seeing outside the square a wounded Frenchman, drew him in and saved his life. This friend used to attend the evening meetings in the reading room, and there became convinced of the obligation of believers to be immersed; but he did not cast in his lot with the brethren, preferring to join the Baptist church in Chapel-st. The reason he gave was that at the evening meetings held by the brethren an opportunity was given, at the close of the discourse, to any of the audience to ask a question or make a remark bearing on the subject spoken upon. He thought this liable to abuse and might become a source of evil. The brethren after a while discontinued this practice, deeming it better to hold conversation with any who desired it after the service was over. It may be mentioned that several instances of hearers at these meetings becoming convinced on the subject of baptism, and uniting with the Baptist church, came to a knowledge of the Brethren, and they were gratified to learn that truth had to that degree prevailed.

      A pathetic interest attaches to the case of a young man named L. S. Forsyth, who was hopelessly ill with consumption, and who had been received out of kindness into the house of Bro. and Sister Proctor. The brethren ministered to his wants, and in particular Bro. Kidner took a warm interest in him. Through conversation with the friends with whom he stayed and visitors, he became deeply interested in the simple truths of the gospel, and expressed a strong desire to be baptised into Christ. The brethren, knowing his exceedingly frail physical condition, hesitated to comply. This grieved him, and with much importunity he requested the privilege of baptism. The necessary arrangements were therefore made, and he was baptised in his room by Bro. Picton, with the assistance of others, on the 26th March, 1859. This greatly cheered the invalid, and to add to his joy he had the pleasure of coming once to the Lord's table, on which occasion he was taken in a conveyance to the meeting-place. He lived nine months afterwards, and died rejoicing in the Lord.

      Our brother's usual course being after the discourse to throw the meeting open for remarks and criticism, large congregations usually gathered on these occasions. Henry Varley was often an attendant and sometimes took part. About this time our good brother conceived the idea of starting on his own account a small weekly paper, which he very appropriately denominated the Melbourne Medley. And a medley truly it was--a mixture of politics, temperance, the gospel, and anti-Romanism. In connection with the latter, Messrs. John O'Shannassy, Gavin Duffy and the priests in general came in for some pretty severe handling. The Medley was to our brother as the apple of his eye. Woe to the rash critic who would venture a word of disparagement with reference to it! There were very many good things in it, designed to benefit the readers both in body and soul. Occasionally some very pithy and useful remarks on "Health" were given;--and indeed the general tone of the paper indicated a warm heart--the heart of one who loved his fellows and wished to do them good. Our brother was a host in himself, being editor, publisher, distributor, collector and poster. I remember at the close of one of the Sunday night meetings, instead of saying as was his custom "We will now conclude by singing the Doxology," he said, "We will now conclude by singing the Medley." The audience smiled. Our brother looked astonished, wondering at the cause of their amusement, till I, who was standing by his side, explained. He then himself smiling said, "I meant the Doxology." At this distance of time it will be interesting to many to have placed before them a few extracts from this curious publication.

      "Last Lord's day evening, in the Mechanics' Institution, R. Service lectured on Religious Revivals in Apostolic Times."

      1. Religion is taken from the Latin--religio, and signifies re-bond, re-union. The re-union of God and man could only be accomplished by a plan emanating from Deity. There is but one plan for re-uniting God and man, and that is Christianity. 2. Revival is to recall from obscurity, etc.; revive; to return to life; renew; rouse. 3. The means of Revival were the preaching of the gospel, coupled with many miracles. The 3000 converted on the Day of Pentecost by one discourse coupled with the gift of tongues; the 5000 converted by the discourse of Peter immediately after the cure of the man of 40 years' lameness, who lay at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and hosts of others as described in the Acts of Apostles were brought under review. Mere spasmodic effect by an appeal to the feelings only is of no avail, but every Christian, male and female, should eagerly embrace every opportunity to invite sinners to accept of salvation as freely offered in the glorious gospel. And in proportion to the seed sown, so may the product be expected. Holy lives, and prayer 'that

the gospel may have free course and be glorified,' were urged on Christians in order to a Revival of Religion, and sinners were earnestly invited to the gospel feast." (July 10, 1858)

      In the same issue occurs a report of a celebration at the Criterion Hotel, Melbourne, of the 82nd anniversary of American Independence, in which the following pungent remarks occur:--

      "The whole subject of American Independence is possessed of thrilling interest; and justice was done to the great theme. There were two things to dislike in connection with the gathering. First, the wine. Would not the American patriots, whose great deeds were held up to admiration at this gathering, be in the front ranks of liquor prohibitionists with great Neal Dow and his patriotic compeers? Second thing to dislike--the melancholy fact that not a breath was heard at all calculated to break the bonds of slavery in the Southern States. Men glorying in their independence and part and parcel of a nation holding 3.000.000--of slaves" Burning shame! Would not Washington, and Franklin, and Jefferson, and Hamilton, and Madison, etc., have been in the front ranks of slave emancipators? What a halo:--glory would have surrounded the memory of this gathering had there been but one American who had stood boldly forward for the same liberty in the Southern States as is enjoyed and boasted of in the Northern.

      "Are not the blacks in the South descended from the same common parentage, loved by the same God, redeemed by the same Lord Jesus Christ, and invited to the same heaven as the whites in the North? Not a single soul belonging to any country expressed the slightest sympathy for the down-trodden millions!!! Degenerate descendants of the great Washington; well may the blush of shame suffuse your cheeks while you trumpet his just fame."

      In view of the great change that has since then taken place in America by the emancipation of the slaves, it is interesting to read the foregoing. From the advertisements the following are taken:--

      "Moorabbin Band of Hope. The Quarterly Festival of the above Society will be held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Moorabbin, on July 14th, 1858. Tea on the table at 5 o'clock. We do not know who are to be the speakers, except our talented friend, Mr. Burtt."

      "Mr. Picton will lecture in Mr. Allen's Barn, Moorabbin, to-morrow, Lord's day afternoon, at 3 o'clock. Subject--'The Resurrection of the Messiah.' Free seats and no collection" (July 24, 1858).

      "To-morrow, Lord's day evening, in the Mechanics' Institution, at half past six o'clock; R. Service will lecture on 'Some of the Things that Christ's Freemen ought to do in this World.' Come all. Free seats and no collection" (July 31, 1858).

      The following short report of a lecture may also be given, as it refers to one of Bro. Service's leading co-workers in the Melbourne church:--

      "Mr. McGregor delivered an interesting lecture in the Mechanics' Institution last Lord's day evening, on 'Some of the Differences between the Mosaic and Christian Dispensations.' He entered into an exposition of the scape-goat as a type of Christ bearing away the sins of the world; discussed the position of the Sabbath question; and pointed the way of salvation. May the seed sown spring up abundantly" (July 24, 1858).

      The use of the word "lecture" will doubtless be noticed. This arose from Bro. Service thinking it would attract the general public more than the word "discourse."

      In 1855 Bren. W. McGregor and Alfred Shaw with their wives united with the church. From the Mechanics' Institute the brethren shifted to the Temperance Hall, Russell-st. Bren. McGregor and Lawson now took part with Bro. Service in conducting the morning meetings. In 1858 Bro. Andrew Thomson from Adelaide united with the brethren.

      Bro. Service engaged constantly in open air preaching, on the Wharf, at the Eastern Market, and at the Post Office in Bourke-st., then an iron structure, to which the present handsome building is a great contrast.

      In a letter from Bro. S. Kidner of July 14, 1858, to the British Harbinger, he writes: "Bro. Service is all service; his zeal is indefatigable, and he serves the church day and night if opportunity offers." The same writer in a letter of September 15, 1859, refers to "that good, old zealous servant of the cross, Bro. Service."

      Bro. H. R. Thomas, also, in a letter appearing in the British Harbinger, Vol. IX., p. 153, bears his testimony to the same effect: "Dear Bro. Service is doing good service, as well in the church as preaching the gospel free, without money or price, as he has received freely." Bro. Service was indeed a hard worker, as might well be spoken of as "indefatigable." He was blest with a tough and sinewy frame, and in him the "church militant" had a bold and sturdy champion. His disposition was nevertheless kind and social, and he took pleasure in remembering the words of the Lord Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than receive." He was anxious to do good, and to do

a great deal of good, and in his anxiety to remove error from the minds of his hearers his zeal outran his discretion, and his free animated versions on departures from scriptural doctrine sometimes excited strong opposition and even physical violence. From Roman Catholics he several times received blows. In August, 1858, an offender was fined by the magistrate twenty shillings for an assault, but on the evening of the same day this penalty was inflicted a more grievous assault was committed, and two severe blows were given, causing protracted suffering.

      In 1858 Bro. I. G. Burtt, a powerful temperance advocate, having arrived from London united himself with the Melbourne church. This good brother had very strong objections to Sunday riding--in fact was never known to ride on the Lord's day, even though he had to preach at a distance from his residence: he would walk, and many a weary mile has he trudged to tell out his divine Master's message.

      In 1862 Bro. Thomas Hughes Milner--a most prominent Scotch brother, an able writer, and a powerful preacher--with his wife (now Sister Davies) took a trip to the colony and visited all the churches, "building them up in their most holy faith" by his earnest and telling addresses. Some time after his return to Edinburgh he purposed paying the colonial churches another visit, and had actually taken his passage, but the great "Captain of Salvation" saw fit to summon him to the better land--to the heavenly throne.

      BRIGHTON.--The church in this seaside town, a favorite place of residence with many of the professional and mercantile men of Melbourne, came into existence in November, 1859, and was formed by a small band of three disciples, viz., Bro. and Sister Coles (who had removed from Prahran) and Sister Mary Watt Ingram. The first two meetings were held in Bro. Cole's house. Soon, however, the old Independent chapel (a somewhat shaky wooden building in Male-st., near Wilson-st.) was rented, and meetings were begun on November 20th, when kind and sympathising brethren from sister churches came to encourage the new-born cause. After a few months the friends removed to a small wooden building which they had erected but a short distance off, on leased land on the other side of Wilson-st. This was opened on March 11th, 1860, when twenty brethren, mostly visitors, attended the morning worship. In the afternoon Bren. Service and Kidner delivered addresses, and in the evening Bren. Walker and Coles were the speakers.

      In the June following Bro. John Chambers and his esteemed wife, who were at that time living at Caulfield, and had been worshipping at Prahran, came in generous sympathy to aid and cheer the little flock. Bro. Chambers was a man of considerable knowledge and experience, and of sterling principle. He was one of the original congregation formed in Prahran, but left that town for Adelaide, where he remained for some years. Bro. Coles found his friendly counsel and public help of great value. The work in Brighton was of an uphill nature, and though many had heard the word preached, few were prepared to take action. In some instances the bread cast upon the waters was found "after many days." During the first year, only two were baptised into Christ. The next year there were four. The third year eight. In November, 1861, the chapel was removed to a central position in May-st., where a piece of land had been purchased. The building was also enlarged. It had been removed entire, having been placed upon wheels, and was drawn by a team of bullocks. Many came out to look at the unwonted spectacle, and the remark was made that "if the people would not come to the chapel, the chapel would come to the people." As a matter of fact, however, a great many people had visited the chapel.

      On Lord's day, November 17th, special services were held at the re-opening. Bro. Picton (Prahran) preached in the afternoon and Bro. Coles discoursed in the evening.

      On August 10th, 1862, Bro. and Sister T. H. Milner from Edinburgh visited the church and communed. In the afternoon Bro. Milner addressed a crowded auditory from the 2nd Acts, marked attention being paid to his interesting and animated discourse. A second visit was paid to Bro. Milner on Monday, November 3rd, when he discoursed on "The Truth" to a large congregation in the Baptist chapel, the use of which had been most kindly granted by Mr. Cochrane, one of the trustees.

      The church having had under consideration the subject of the appointment of office bearers, and having made choice of those they desired to set apart, an ordination service was arranged for Lord's day, 13th December, 1863, when after fasting and prayer the following were ordained:--Bro. Coles to the eldership, and Bro. Thomas Wright and Benjamin Rose and Sister Mary Ann Mann to the diaconate.

      On January 7th, 1864, the chapel was considerably enlarged, and provided with a baptistry and retiring room. Special services were held on Lord's day the 31st January, when Bro. Wm. McGregor, from Melbourne preached in the afternoon, and Bro. Coles in the evening. On the following day a tea-meeting was held, at which there was a crowded attendance. Addresses were given by Bren. Service, Walker, Chambers, Burtt, Diver, Lawson and Coles, and the door of the chapel being kept open many outside were able to hear the speakers.

      In connection with the cause in Brighton, a number of cottage meetings were held during 1860, 1861 and 1862, in the house of Bro.

Robert Arnold, some two miles from Brighton, towards South Brighton. At that time there was no public provision for the spiritual wants of the neighborhood in which Mr. Arnold lived. A curious remark was made by an intelligent Scotch woman who sometimes was present to Bro. Chambers to this effect: "We ought to be much obliged to you for coming to remind us that we are not all body. Open-air meetings were occasionally held in the town, and also in Little Brighton and East Brighton. Sometimes there was a considerable number of hearers present, and in Little Brighton, in particular, this was the case. Several delightful meetings were held in that pretty village. The baptistry proved very useful, not only to the Brighton cause, but also to friends in the neighborhood. Bro. Hilliar of East Brighton baptised three candidates on the 17th March, and five on the 9th June, 1864.

      In August, 1864, eight deeply interesting and successful week-night meetings were held in the chapel by Bro. H. S. Earl. In connection with the special services in Brighton seventeen persons obeyed the Lord in baptism. Some of these united with sister churches in the neighborhood.

      In February 1865, Bro. Coles being about to leave the colony on a visit to see his kindred and to recruit his health, a number of friends met at a social tea held in the Baptist chapel to bid him God-speed. Bro. Walker of South Brighton presided, and interesting addresses were given by Bren. Hilliar, Service, Earl and Walcot. A few parting words were said by Bro. Coles. During his absence various brethren from sister churches rendered valuable aid in carrying on the work. He returned in the S.S. "Great Britain" in September of the same year, and on the 27th of that month a social meeting to welcome him was held in the Brighton chapel, when Bro. Walcot, of the Brighton church, was in the chair, and hearty speeches were made by Bren. Service, Chambers, Earl and Webb. Bro. Coles gave an account of his visit to the mother country, and of his enjoyable intercourse with the brotherhood in London, Liverpool, Briston, Wigan and Southport. Near the close of the meeting a pleasant surprise was afforded by Mr. Maskell, a friend who had been for some time attending the preaching in Brighton, rising and stating that he had resolved to cast in his lot with the church. He was baptised the following week, and proved a staunch friend to the cause. His wife and one of his daughters were already in fellowship. Within a little over two years several other members of his family were added to the church. Amongst them was his eldest son, Frederick, who, twenty

years later, became famous as the driver of the Melbourne and Brighton express, which, owing to a wrong signal, came into collision with an ordinary train at Windsor, May 11, 1887, in which sad catastrophe he heroically met death while doing his utmost to avert the terrible crash. A writer in the Melbourne Argus of May 13, 1887, penned a glowing eulogy of the brave man, of whom he speaks as having "sacrificed himself to duty as absolutely as any here or martyr on the roll of fame," and declared him to be "worthy of a little practical canonization," and that "his deed is fit to be put into history, into a book." In these humble annals, then, let it be recorded.

      In March, 1867, the church made an arrangement with Bro. Coles to devote a portion of his time to the work of the gospel in Brighton. This arrangement continued for a year and a half, during which time many excellent meetings, including special services, were held, and an encouraging number of additions to the membership was gained. The sisters established a prayer meeting for themselves, which proved a very acceptable auxiliary to the other agencies of the church. Bro. G. L. Surber (American evangelist, laboring with much success at Lygon-st., Carlton) preached several times at Brighton to good audiences. Bro. L. W. Webb, of Prahran, and Bro. Saml. Judd, of Beaumaris, also rendered help that was much appreciated. In return for the kindness thus shown, Bro. Coles preached at Prahran and Beaumaris. He also paid a special visit to Maryborough at the opening of the new chapel there.

      The number of members returned in the Brighton schedule for the annual meeting of churches held in Lygon-st., April 22, 1867, was 41, and besides these there were 7 permanently residing at a distance, in places where there were no congregations of the brethren. The Sunday School (which was begun on April 20, 1862) reported 3 teachers and 26 scholars--rather a tender plant! The membership, however, was the same (41), no fewer than 11 removals and 3 withdrawals having taken place. The frequent removals were a great drawback to the progress of the cause. In September, 1868, Bro. Coles counselled the church to have a change, and to invite brethren from sister churches to proclaim the gospel on Lord's day evenings. This course was adopted, and a number of brethren, including Bren. C. G. Lawson, Theodore Wright and N. Melville, rendered valuable service. Bro. James Ashton of the Brighton church, formerly of Prahran, helped in the exhortations in the church and occasionally in the preaching. In the December following Bro. Coles, on recovering from a serious attack of illness, accepted an invitation to evangelise at Collingwood in connection with the Lygon-st. church, and at the close of his engagement there accepted one at Doncaster, Bulleen. During this period Bro. Coles devoted as much attention as he possibly could to the church in Brighton, frequently conducting the week--night service and visiting amongst the brethren. At the end of October, 1869, having completed his term of service at Bulleen, he engaged with the Brighton and Beaumaris churches to labor with them. Soon after, it was determined by the friends in Brighton that their

meeting house should be enlarged and improved. In this effort they received considerable aid and encouragement from the brethren in Melbourne, and one of their own number, a generous sister, gave a substantial donation towards it. While this work was being done the church worshipped in the Orderly Room belonging to the Rifle Volunteers. On December 9th a very memorable social meeting was held in this room, which was of great size. 250 friends took tea, and the meeting afterwards was attended by about 300. Brethren from Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, Brunswick, Bulleen, Richmond, Prahran and Beaumaris were present. Bro. Robertson of Melbourne presided, prayer was offered by Bro. D. Railton, and addresses were given by Bren. Surber, O. A. Carr, Russell Dick, Derbin Willder and S. H. Coles. Anthems were sung by the Lygon-st. choir conducted by Bro. Andrew Thomson.

      On the 16th January, 1870, the chapel in Bay-st. was re-opened, and discourses were given by Bren. O. A. Carr and S. H. Coles. The services were continued for the three following nights, the preachers being G. L. Surber, Matthew W. Green and O. A. Carr.

      In March following, Bro. Coles received a second invitation from the church in Sydney to labor with them as an evangelist, which he accepted, and on April 13th he with is wife and family left Brighton f or Sydney. Several of the Brighton friends came to the steamer at Sandridge to bid them a last farewell.

      SOUTH BRIGHTON, MOORABBIN.--Early in the year 1858, a deeply interesting work was begun in South Brighton, commonly spoken of at the time as Moorabbin, that being the name of the parish. Bro. James Keir, who resided there on a farm fronting the high road to Melbourne, and who occasionally worshipped with the Melbourne brethren, opened his house for the preaching of the gospel and the advocacy of Christian principles. The Lord's table was also spread in the forenoon. Though the population of the district was scattered, an interest was very soon aroused, and encouraging meetings were obtained. It was not long before fruit appeared to cheer the laborers' hearts. Bren. Penny, Potts, Organ and John King were early introduced into the fellowship, and at the close of the year (1858) the church numbered 14.

      Bro. Keir rendered valuable service by coming in his conveyance to meet the preaching brethren on the road, and driving them a good part of the way back. Sometimes Bro. John Proctor, who was helping

Bro. Keir on the farm, came on the kind office instead. Bro. Keir was a disciple of some experience and a staunch adherent of New Testament principles. He loved the sacred oracles and habitually appealed to them. Such pithy and decisive texts as "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin," and "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up," were often on his lips.

      Brethren Service, Picton and Coles were the first to supply this field, and afterwards Brethren Samuel Kidner and Derbin Willder and others took part in the work.

      Amongst those who came to Bro. Keir's house was Bro. Thomas Walker, who had a farm about two miles off. He rejoiced once more to have the privilege of celebrating the dying love of Jesus with brethren of the same communion as that to which he had formerly belonged in the mother country. Bro. Walker was a great gain to the infant church. He was a man of great spirituality of mind, large acquaintance with the Scriptures and considerable knowledge of human nature.

      In England he had been connected with the churches at Mollington and Chester, and had been co-pastor with the well-known and much-honored John Davies of Mollington. Bro. Walker's name appears in the Christian Messenger for November, 1847 (published by the late James Wallis of Nottingham), as one of the representatives of the Chester church at the meeting of delegates of the churches of Great Britain and Ireland. This meeting being held during the visit of Alexander Campbell, of America, that distinguished man was present and was unanimously called to the chair. In the course of his remarks, Bro. Campbell observed:--

      "Every Christian church, also, while it has its own appropriate obligations and immunities, owes something to its sister churches. Duties grow out of relations; and the relation of the various churches to each other, under Christ the Head, calls for reciprocal duties. These duties will sometimes call for united exertions. Great achievements which, cannot be effected by individuals, or by individual churches, call for co-operation." These words well describe the principles on which the pioneer brethren in Australia worked. The value of sympathetic co-operation was felt and practically recognised.

      A kind-hearted Primitive Methodist, Farmer Alien (whose bluff manner and ruddy and robust appearance rendered him quite a typical Englishman), having made the acquaintance of some of the brethren, offered them the use of his barn to preach in for a few months. There was one special bond of sympathy between our friend and the brotherhood. He was a staunch abstainer and they were like him. His offer was gladly accepted, and some excellent and very happy meetings were held in that humble place, which proved to be at Bethel indeed. Afterwards Bro. Ruse, who was a neighbor of Bro. Walker's, and who at that time was a member of the Baptist Church in Brighton,

granted the use of a small building near his residence for the afternoon preaching. Here the word of the Lord was listened to by many, and converts were added to the church, which continued to meet at Bro. Keir's.

      Eventually a chapel was built by the brethren on Bro. Walker's land, and adjoining his house. It was one of the most unpretentious public structures ever raised, and the seats were simply planks resting on short upright logs of wood. It was the reverse of luxurious and those who desired to be "at ease in Zion" would not be likely to have their wish gratified there. Many a feast of rich things was, however, enjoyed there: believers were built up in "their most holy faith" and rejoiced "in hope of the glory of God," and precious souls were won by the preaching of the gospel and brought "out of darkness" into God's "marvellous light."

      This house of prayer, which would hold about 70, was opened on the 1st May, 1859 and brethren from Beaumaris, E. Brighton, Melbourne and Prahran were present to rejoice with those that rejoiced. About 40 broke bread. A number of visitors witnessed the order of worship. Bren. R. Service, L. G. Bunt, and Coles were the speakers in the afternoon and evening. (A few years after, the brethren purchased a piece of land close by and removed the chapel to it: and on Lord's day, January 17th, 1864, a special service was held in connection with the event, and addresses were given by Bren. Service, Hilliar, Chambers and Coles.)

      There was in Moorabbin, at that period a widespread enthusiasm for the temperance cause, and capital meetings were held in the Wesleyan chapel, at which Bro. L. G. Burtt and other advocates pleaded with marked success.

      A meeting for the study of the scriptures was conducted by Bro. Walker with signal success, not a few being led to discipleship as the result. The experience and attainments of Bro. Walker having marked him out as specially fitted for the oversight of the church he was unanimously chosen and appointed to the pastoral office. His principal helpers were Bren. Keir, Penny and Potts. Of Bro. Potts and his hospitable disposition he used to say he was "like Gaius--he would like to have the whole church at his house." Bro. Walker was an able exhorter and preacher; fervent and animated in spirit and manner. With much unction he would repeat the words of the beloved

      Apostle John: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." He delighted to speak of "the crown" which is in store for the faithful, and on that theme he would glow with fervour. He was careful to remind new converts that they had only just begun the Christian race; that their baptism into Christ was but the starting point, and that they were now in the strength of God to go forward. He dreaded the thought of people settling down into cold inactivity. He had good conversational powers, and loved to dwell on the best themes, and endeavoured to draw out his company and get to know their minds. In his greetings he was hearty; a chilly, insipid manner was very distasteful to him. Like the patriarch Isaac he loved meditation, and in the stillness of the night, when the family were asleep, he of ten enjoyed seasons of rapt and heavenly contemplation, when the soul rose on eagle pinions to the skies. He much disliked giving offence, and used to quote the words, "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God,"--1 Cor. 10:32. Perhaps in applying this principle he was prone to carry it beyond its proper limits, so studious was he of the feelings of others. He was "a lover of good men," and hospitably entertained the visiting brethren who came to render preaching help, imparting to them also many wise counsels and kind and pithy hints, which the spice of pleasant humor that he had enabled him to present in an acceptable manner. For instance, to show that much depends upon the way in which truth is presented, he would refer to Acts 14:1, where it is said of Paul and Barnabas at Iconium that they "so spake, that a great multitude of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed."

      As a neighbor, Bro. Walker was truly neighbourly, and his skill in medical matters brought him into great request, not only in his own vicinity but for miles around. His self-denying kindness in this respect will doubtless be remembered at the great day of reward. A recognition of it, however, by brethren and friends took place at a social meeting held in the chapel, when a medicine chest and an easy chair were presented by Bro. Organ (who made a very appropriate speech) on behalf of the subscribers. The intended presentation had been kept a profound secret from the recipient, to whom it came quite as 'a surprise, and in returning thanks for it he remarked that "it had been said that women could not keep a secret, but it was certain that in this case the secret had been well kept."

      In the course of time clouds of trouble arose and overshadowed this once happy church. The unity of the Spirit was disturbed by dissension and estrangement, leading in some instances to withdrawal from the church. After a while Bro. Walker removed to Sandhurst, where he successfully followed the practice of medicine. The brethren, thinned in numbers, manfully struggled for some time with the difficulties of their position, but eventually united with the Beaumaris church.

      BEAUMARIS.--About the same time as the effort in South Brighton was in progress, a quiet and unobtrusive movement was in operation in the adjacent seaside village of Beaumaris.

      Bro. Henry Hilliar, then unknown to the brotherhood, but now well-known for his long and honorable career in the Master's vineyard, was living there. Possessed of the true Berean spirit, he was a diligent and independent searcher of the scriptures of truth. He soon clearly saw the principle of believers' baptism and cordially accepted it, and with it all things commanded by the Saviour, the Head of the church, to whom he pledged his fealty. He thus responded to the wise man's injunction--"Buy the truth." He bought the truth by his diligent labor in the acquisition of it, and having bought it he held on to it with firm tenacity, determined to "sell it not." With him were associated Bren. Samuel and Robert Judd, young men likeminded with himself. The conclusions arrived at by these friends were similar to if not identical with those cherished by the brotherhood. Tidings of these things came to the ears of the disciples in South Brighton, and communications having been opened up between them and the friends at Beaumaris, a happy determination was arrived at to co-operate in the work of the Lord, and it was decided to form a church at Beaumaris. Singularly enough Bro. Hilliar about this time removed from Beaumaris to East Brighton, where he had taken a farm, so that the infant cause was deprived of his regular help and counsel.

      On Lord's day, January 30th, 1850, the church in Beaumaris was formed, previous to which, in the morning if that day, a baptismal service of exceptional interest was held on the beach, to which the greater part of the population of the neighborhood was drawn. It was stated that some of the places of worship were closed that forenoon. Several of the candidates for baptism had been well-known members of one of the local congregations. The tone of the meeting was happy and solemn. The brethren were gratefully rejoicing, and spectators were reverently attentive and apparently much interested. After singing and prayer the scriptures were read and an address given, at the close of which a familiar hymn was heartily sung.

      Bro. T. Walker, of South Brighton, was present, helping in his kind and genial manner. There were nine candidates--five from South Brighton and four from Beaumaris, the latter being fruits of Bro. Hilliar's labors. Two covered conveyances were provided in which they were taken a short distance from the shore, and baptised "beneath the wave" into the hallowed name. Bren. Hilliar and Coles

were the baptisers. The brethren afterwards met for the breaking of bread in the house of Bro. Charman, who, with his wife and her mother, Sister Rees, was amongst the newly baptised. Truly it was a season of "refreshing from the presence of the Lord."

      BALLARAT--In 1859 Bro. and Sister G. R. Divers, having removed from Melbourne to Ballarat, commenced breaking the loaf in their own house in Peel-st., Ballarat East. Shortly afterwards they were joined by Bro. and Sister Bush from Prahran, Bren. G. Neish, A. Rankine, Lyle, and a Mr. Collins, a Plymouth Brother.

      In 1862 an effort was made to induce some strict Baptists with whom they had become acquainted to join with them, with the result that four of them, viz., Bro. and Sister Martin, Sister Read and Bro. Spring, consented to do so for a month or two, by which time they stated they would be better able to understand the views of the brethren and to see whether they could consistently cast in their lot with them. This they did, and finally united themselves to the church, the meetings still continuing to be held in Bro. Diver's house. The next month (February) their number was increased by the arrival from the Maidstone church of Bro. and Sister Bardwell, Bro. and Sister Samson Diver, and Sister Johnson of the Prahran church. In August of the same year Bro. Picton from Prahran church also united with them.

      The same month the brethren met to consider the advisability of organising the church, when the following resolutions were moved and carried:--1. That the church be organised. 2. That Bro. Picton be pastor. 3. That Bren. Divers, Martin and Neish be deacons. 4. That the Temperance Hall be taken for a meeting place. It was also decided to commence the public advocacy of primitive Christianity, and Bro. Picton was requested to conduct such advocacy. The Temperance Hall was accordingly taken. The meetings were fairly attended, and the prospects were encouraging; and after a few months' labor the brethren's hearts were rejoiced by several additions, some by letters of commendation, some from the denominations, and some by immersion. Bren. Wm. Long and Geo. Read, Bro. and Sister W. Davey, Bro. and Sister Theodore Wright, Bro. and Sister Barrett, Bro. and Sister Smith, from the Baptists (the three last named brethren were deacons with the Baptists); Bro. and Sister Neal from the Free Methodists; Bro. L. B. Cathcart by letter from Dunedin, and Bro. and Sister Knights by letters from England. By immersion:--Bro. and Sister Renton, Bro. and Sister Anthony, Bro. and Sister Porter, Bro. and Sister Hooker, Sisters Annie Wynne (Mrs Macgowan), Bessie Wynne (Mrs C. Morris), and Bro. Peter Cassidy--the latter a convert from Romanism.

      The way in which this good brother was brought "into the liberty wherewith Christ maketh free" may be interesting. One Sunday night while passing the Temperance Hall his attention was arrested by the voice of the preacher, and prompted by curiosity he came up the steps to the door and there listened to the discourse, his Romish bias,

however, preventing him from coming inside. The next Sunday night he came, and ventured into the porch and listened. The following two or three Sunday nights saw him inside the Hall on a back seat close to the door. Then he came a seat or two nearer. The brethren having noticed his regular attendance and the interest he evinced in the services, spoke to him, expressing the pleasure they felt at his presence. He then informed them that he was a Roman Catholic, but that the discourses he had listened to, and his search of the scriptures (even the Douay version), had led him to see things in an altogether different light to what he had been taught. After a few conversations with Bren. Martin and Picton the Romish scales fell from his eyes. He received the truth in the love of it, and joyfully was buried with Christ in baptism, and became a most devoted, zealous and consistent disciple. The Master bid him come up higher, and he and his sister wife joined the bright band of the just made perfect.

      In the month of October, 1863, Bro. Chas, Martin was elected co-pastor with Bro. Picton. The prosperity of the good work had the effect of raising the hostility of the denominations, and denunciations were hurled from the pulpits against the brethren and their plea. But this only brought them more into public notice, and the opposition consequently became intensified.

      An interesting circumstance occurred about this time. At a place known as Mount Clear, distant about three miles from Ballarat, a wooden chapel had been erected on Crown lands by a few Baptists and Congregationalists living in the locality, and was known as the "Union Church." It was for the use of Baptists and Congregationalists. The preachers were to be of these two denominations, and had at first been supplied from these bodies at Ballarat. The supplies, however, soon became very irregular, and often the meetings had to be dismissed without a service. The consequence was a great falling off in the attendance;--so much so that the committee had decided to close the place for a period of twelve months, hoping that in the meantime they might be able to make arrangements for the more regular carrying on of the services. Just at this time one of the committee happening to meet Bro. Long informed him of the strait they were in. Bro. Long told him that he was sure Mr. Picton would, if invited, occasionally take a service for them. The result was an invitation was accordingly sent to Bro. Picton and accepted by him, and he preached to a good audience. This circumstance soon reached the ears of the Baptist minister at Ballarat. Those terrible disciples had got to Mount Clear! He lost

no time in visiting the offending committee, whom he severely rebuked for having to do with such dangerous people--the teachers of heretical doctrines! He promised to undertake that in future they should have a regular supply. On this promise they relied, but that promise was never fulfilled, for the very next Lord's day and the following one passed without any preacher putting in an appearance. The committee thus finding they could not rely on supplies being sent determined on closing the chapel or offering the use of it for twelve months to one of the denominations. To offer it to the Baptists or to the Congregationalists would be useless. One of them proposed to offer it to the Wesleyans; this was objected to on the ground that they would require it to be made over to the Conference. Another proposed to offer it to the Disciples; this it was decided to do, but they determined before doing so to again invite Bro. Picton to preach, and to narrowly watch and weigh his utterances to see if any heretical doctrine could be detected. He was accordingly invited and went--being at the time wholly in the dark as to what had taken place. He took the afternoon service and returned to Ballarat to take the evening service there. To the last-named service the committee came in, and at the close made the offer of the place to Bro. Picton. The offer he accepted on behalf of the church, the consideration being the paying off of a debt due for making the baptistery. No time was lost by Bro. Picton in convening a meeting in the chapel of the inhabitants of the neighborhood. The meeting was a large one. The principles that would be advocated were faithfully explained and an invitation extended for acceptance, when all the committee and nearly all the immersed members of the Union Church gave in their adhesion--viz., Bro. Joseph Davidson, Sister Davidson, Bro. and Sister Anderson, Bro. and Sister McHutchinson, Bro. and Sister Gullick--and the church was formed. The Lord greatly blessed the work. Every Lord's day afternoon the building was well filled with attentive hearers, many of whom not only "heard" but like the Corinthians of old "believed and were baptised." For several weeks the baptistry was in requisition, and the whole neighborhood was aroused. Our success so stirred up the envy of the Anglicans in the neighborhood that they made endeavours to get possession of the building. To effect this they intrigued with the person in whose name the ground had been registered on behalf of the Union Church to transfer it to them. The brethren, however, refused to go out of possession until their term of occupancy had expired, and then they would surrender it to the committee, whom they knew in the matter, and not to them. At the end of the twelve months they gave up possession, but made arrangements with the committee for the weekly use of the building until they could erect one of their own. They however were not long allowed the use of the place, for one Lord's day morning about ten o'clock the Anglican Church party broke into the building, kept possession and defied the committee. The brethren then erected a building of their own, which was opened in January, 1865, and the work went on. This shameful piece of business led to a paper warfare between the brethren and the Anglicans.

      The membership of the church having become much increased, it became expedient to seek for more accommodation, and after mature consideration it was determined to make an effort to obtain a meeting place of their own. For this purpose an allotment of land in Dawson-street was purchased, and a neat brick chapel was erected thereon, which was opened in July, 1865, when Bro. Henry Earl delivered some powerful discourses to large and attentive audiences in the large hall of the Mechanics Institute. In September of this year Bro. L.T. Macgowan united with the church. In 1866 Sister Morris senr. and Bro. Charles Morris were received into membership by letters of commendation from Melbourne.

      The cause still grew on apace. This evoked the active hostility of the denominations, and very soon the brethren were involved in a newspaper war over the subject of Christian baptism, several letters pro and con, appeared in the columns of the Courier. One of the writers on the other side, it was afterwards discovered, was the Wesleyan minister of Lydiard-street.

      As great public interest was manifested in the discussion of this subject the brethren considered it advisable to advertise a public conference, to which all denominations were to be invited. This was accordingly done, the large supper room of the Alfred Hall being hired for the purpose. These meetings were largely attended, and very interesting discussions, in quite a friendly spirit, took place. The chairman elected by this meeting was the Rev. Mr. Fursman, a Bible Christian minister. This gentleman afterwards became obedient to the faith. The result of these conferences was beneficial to the cause of primitive Christianity.

      The Paedo-baptists, feeling that their cause had received a severe blow, sought the services of the Rev. Mr. Copeland, the Primitive Methodist minister of Clunes, who was considered to be a clever Anti-baptist champion. This gentleman they engaged to deliver a lecture on "What is the Mode of Christian Baptism?" The lecture was delivered in the same room in which the conference meetings were held. A Mr. Dimsey, a schoolmaster and local Wesleyan preacher, acted as chairman. In introducing the lecturer, Mr. Dimsey notified that at the conclusion of the lecture the meeting would terminate, as no discussion would be permitted. The meeting was largely attended. Bro. Picton, who was present, announced that he would next week reply to Mr. Copeland's lecture in the same room, and invited that gentleman to be present, promising him an opportunity of replying. Bro. Picton's reply lecture was accordingly delivered, but Mr. Copeland did not put in an appearance. A public discussion was proposed to take place between Bro. Picton and Mr. Copeland, which

was afterwards assented to by both proposed disputants, but after the interchange of several letters between the parties as to terms and conditions, Mr. Copeland eventually withdrew from the proposed contest.

      In 1867 certain circumstances occurred that made it desirable that a church should be planted in Ballarat East, and to this end a crown allotment of land in Dana-street was registered as a site for a chapel, and soon afterwards a wooden chapel, belonging to the Baptists at Sebastopol, was purchased and removed en masse to the site. It was removed on a jinker drawn by 16 horses. Several brethren from Dawson-street formed the nucleus of this church. The preaching services were conducted by Bro. Picton, and the work was prosperous, great assistance being rendered by Brethren Read, Quilliam, Long, Smith, Waite, Cathcart and others.

      Soon afterwards the brethren at Dawson-street engaged the services of Bro. Hammill as evangelist, Brethren C. Martin and J. T. Macgowan being the principal teachers. Bro. Hammill's enthusiastic and persistent labors were successful in planting churches at Buninyong and the Durham Lead. On finishing his engagement with the Dawson-street church, he went to Geelong to render assistance to the church at that place, when it pleased the Great Captain of our salvation to call him from the battlefield to the house not made with hands--to lay aside his armour, and to put on the spotless garments of "the spirits of just men made perfect.

H. G. PICTON.      

      Last Lord's-day evening in the Mechanics' Institution, a lecture was given on "The path to glory," founded on "Enter ye in at the straight gate," &c.--Mat.7:13, 14. The fact that this was addressed to the disciples of Christ, leads to the thought that Jesus probably refers to the entrance into the New Testament Church. Into the Mosaic dispensation entrance was made by natural birth. But all who enter the Church of Christ must be born again--"born of water and the spirit." The path to glory is narrow, its dimensions are given in the divine law. The travellers are all in uniform: they have all "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." They have got a directory which, ever and anon, they open and examine. Sometimes they group together to examine this directory and to talk about the way. Once a-week they surround the table of their Lord, and eat and drink to his memory, and to express their

confidence in his coming back to this world in great honor. Now and again some of their number drop out of sight, and they sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. They rejoice that, while their bodies are in their graves, their spirits are perfected and amongst the spirits of the just. They are all pilgrims seeking a better country. They form a striking contrast to those who are on the broad road. The broad road is thronged with travellers who are thieves, liars, fornicators, adulterers, and everything that is vile: those on the narrow road are honest, truthful, pure in desires, and studying to obtain perfection in every virtue. They are gazing eagerly before them; they are looking unto Jesus! They run, and are well able to run, for the path is good, and they have the best shoes: their feet are all shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. They fight the devil, the world, and the flesh: they are well able, for their weapons are from heaven, and they have the best of captains, who leads them to certain victory, and will make them "more than conquerors." Having fought the good fight and finished their race, they will in due time receive the "crown of glory."

      Those who were on the narrow way were urged to keep steadfast, and to invite those who are on the broad road to enter in by the door and join them in the journey. Those on the broad road were earnestly invited to enter in by Christ--"the door"--who is wide enough for all sinners to enter if they will throw their sins and self-righteousness from them.

      Opportunity was given for discussion, but none took advantage of it. One short but powerful address was given in harmony with the lecture.

      Farmers are beginning to talk of protection, but the people will do well to be on their guard against this movement. They want to make the people pay dear for their bread, as they did in the old colony. If the farmers who get their lands for next to nothing are unable to cultivate them so as to complete with importation, by all means let them remain uncultivated. If farmers have a protective duty as they call it, every other species of industry has as good a right to it. Where then would be the advantage of it? It carries its own condemnation in its front. Try the principle in the city of Melbourne: give ten individuals full liberty to supply all the city with flour without any duty, at the same time permit all others, on paying a duty of ten per cent. What would be the consequence? The ten would add nine per cent. to the price, the citizens would have to pay it, and the protected ten would pocket the money. Away with such selfishness.

      On Thursday evening as the Editor of the Medley was conveying a friend along Leicester-street, a man was lying drunk in the little gully, on the houseless side of the street. In such a place he might have died unobserved. After looking for a policeman for perhaps half an hour he found one who did his duty towards the poor drunkard. The hardship consists in this, that the Editor had not a minute to waste, being mightily pressed for time, and yet duty toward a piece of degraded humanity impelled him to lose the time. With lacerated feelings the cogitation was high, perhaps uppermost, that the abolition of the liquor traffic would put an end to such scenes. If that man had friends who knew that he frequently took liquor to excess, how black their hearts during this night of his absence! It was then near eleven o'clock, and the policeman seemed to be on his way to the office with him. Cases such as this are constantly occurring. Why should we not be protected by a prohibitory liquor law from such scenes, and many far worse? We would not leave the impression that the policeman was not doing his duty, the contrary was evident.

      Dear Sir,--In your last you have given a view of "My Spirit shall not always strive with man," that I must say has the appearance of soundness. However I may feel I cannot gainsay or resist it--candour is best. But I appeal to you if the direct agency of the Spirit is not plainly expressed in John 16; 7, 8--"It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment." You see, Mr. Editor, that he was to "reprove the world," not the saints. This is confirmed by the saying of Stephen, "Ye do alway resist the Holy Ghost."--Acts 7:51.

Yours,                        
OBADIAH.      

Melbourne, 15th April, 1858.

      My Dear Obadiah,--You say "candour is best." It is, and we profit by it. The passages you quote do not support the doctrine, commonly called the "influences of the Spirit" in conversion. Let us examine them--"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:7 and 8. Who is the Comforter? The Holy Spirit.

      Who were to receive him? His disciples. How would he reprove the world? By the words which the Holy Spirit taught them. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." John 16:13 and 14. My dear Obadiah,--If you carefully read the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, you will find this passage fully explained. The Apostles tarried in Jerusalem till the day of Pentecost, when they did receive the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit did reprove or convict the world of sin. But how? By Peter's telling them what the Holy Ghost bade him SAY. On that memorable day the Holy Ghost did convince the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. And three thousand of the convinced sinners received the righteousness of God, which Peter, by the Holy Ghost, preached unto them. No metaphysical influences. This explains the saying of Stephen, "ye do always resist the Holy Ghost." Next verse Stephen says, "which of the prophets have not your father's persecuted?" What did the prophets? Peter explains--"The prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God SPAKE, moved by the HOLY GHOST." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost did and does convince sinners by words, and you have not pointed to any other influence. But come on. Excuse the length. My dear Obadiah, yours truly,

ED. M. M.      

      On Tuesday Evening a meeting was held in the Protestant Hall, the object of which was to prevent the public-houses being open on Sunday, Some good things said, and we hope good done by it. We rejoice in anything that is really good, but it is our duty to expose error, even when it is intended for good. Mr. Cairns, snr., is reported to have said "the Sabbath was now incorporated in the system, of grace." If Mr. Cairns means to state that the Sabbath day is part of the Christian system, as he seems to assert, will he be kind enough to show a "thus saith the Lord" to warrant the saying. It is really a pity that a public teacher should make such an assertion. The Editor of the Medley hereby offers to meet any clergyman in Melbourne, and take the negative in discussing Mr. Cairn's affirmation.

      Mr. M'Cartney, snr., (unchristianly called the Dean) is reported to have said, "the less the Legislature of Victoria meddled with religion the better." The word meddle signifies "to have to do." Are we to conclude that he will, from this time, refuse to take any of the 26,000 annual grant. Mr. M'Cartney, to be consistent, must refuse. Let us wait and see.

      A new bankrupt law to prevent, as far as possible, the many barefaced shameless robberies which are committed in Victoria. Why should men be allowed to get goods from their neighbours, promising to pay in a given time, when it is afterwards evident that they never intended to pay them. Punish men for getting goods under false pretences, and let such impostors escape!!!

      To-morrow a Lecture on "Christ the Good Shepherd," may be expected in the Mechanics' Institution, at half-past six.

      A pursuit which occupies and affords gentle excitement to the mind; should be cultivated by all who are in easy circumstances in life, to keep the powers of the mind in exercise, and to prevent the thoughts from wandering in the paths of sin and folly.

      He who has time on hand, without such a pursuit endures a kind of mental misery. His mind, formed for activity, preys upon itself, and renders him unhappy through cravings he cannot satisfy, from which he is apt to seek relief in a round of exciting amusements. These lead into bad company and evil habits, which weaken his powers of mind and ultimately increase his misery by their reaction, and by the penalty attached to them by heaven.

      Our happiness depends more on the way we regulate our private than our public life.

      Man was made for society! A few virtuous and honorable friends add greatly to our happiness!

      If we are friendless, we have ourselves to blame, and are truly to be pitied. If we look for a perfect, character before we make a friend, we neither deserve nor will ever find one.

      That man alone is worthy of a friend who can forbear with his neighbour's follies. None are perfect, but fools think themselves so, and demand perfection in their friends.

      Seek, therefore, some honorable pursuit--improving to yourself, advantageous to your neighbours, and glorifying to God, and do not forget that "he who will have friends must be friendly."--PHILO.

      He who trusts a man in whom he has not confidence, is a fool, and deserves to be punished. Only the worthy serve faithfully.--PHILO.

      Belief in falsehood works injuriously, mars our repose, and is a dangerous thing. Beliefs in truth enlightens and preserves, adds to our happiness, and proves a rich reward to him who has it.--PHILO.

      From "Joy in Sorrow" a little volume of poems by Sarah Geraldine Stock. Communicated by T. Carruthers, Liverpool, just bereaved of her eldest son.

      CHRISTIAN MISSIONS, and Historical Sketches of Missionary Societies among the Disciples of Christ, with Historical and Statistical Tables. By F. M. Green, associate editor of the Christian Standard. With an introduction by W. K. Pendleton, president of Bethany College. Published by John Burns, Publishing Comp. St. Louis, U.S.A.

      A handsome volume, full of interesting matter respecting the rise and progress of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society. Bro. Pendleton closes his introduction with these words:--

      "Bro. Green has done us a valuable service in preparing this book. He has spent much labor and patient thought in its composition. He has written it in love of the work of which it is a history, and with a zealous eloquence which must touch our hearts. Let us reward him by giving it a wide circulation."

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