MR. WILLIAM PEARCE, ST. IVES, CORNWALL. We have lost one of our best men. Mr. William Pearce, after a short illness, has been taken from our midst. He was a robust, healthy man, likely to be with us, so far as we could judge, for many years yet, but death sometimes suddenly strikes down the strong and leaves us in wondering sorrow. He passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening, March 31, the day before the beginning of our foreign missionary services, and the sad event cast a gloom over the meetings, to which we had been looking forward with joy. The gloom was in some measure relieved by Dr. Cocker's beautiful sermon on the Sunday evening, so appropriate and comforting, and which, in connection with the event filling our minds, is likely to be remembered for a long time to come. At the funeral service also, in the St. Ives Cemetery, a lovely spot directly above the beach where break the billows of the great Atlantic, Dr. Cocker was present and took part, the remains being followed to their last resting-place by a large number of friends. Such a service, with such mourners about the grave, was a practical illustration of the words upon the cards of remembrance: "The memory of the just is blessed." Mr. William Pearce was born in 1817, and during the sixty-six years of his life, never had a day's serious illness until the illness preceding his death. He was a butcher by trade, and his singularly healthy constitu tion may be proved by the fact that for fifty successive years he was never absent from his place in St. Ives Market a single Saturday. He was converted in what the people here call "the great revival of '39," and at once devoted himself to the work of the Master. He has held the offices of local preacher, class-leader, society steward, circuit steward, and might have had the highest honour which a circuit can confer upon its faithful servants-a seat in Conference as the circuit's representative, which honour, prompted maybe by a modest and unassuming disposition, he declined. Many people have a very grateful and pleasing recollection of his services as a local preacher, although for many years before his death he gave up the work; and his good, practical common-sense made him an excellent steward, either for society or circuit, and his presence in our quarterly meetings was not only welcome but valuable. He knew more about the Connexion than most Cornish people, mainly by loving intercourse with our ministers, whom, with true Christian hospitality, he was ever ready to entertain, and through diligent reading of Connexional news in the pages of this Magazine. He was likewise interested in the Church work of other denominations, being a man of liberal principles and broad sympathies, which, however, interfered not with a clear and decided preference for the polity of our own Connexion. He read much in his time of a certain and useful class of literature. Hesitant in conversation, and expressing himself now and then with positive difficulty, nevertheless he showed himself to those patient in conversation a man of considerable intelligence. It was always refreshing to me, personally, to have an hour's chat with him, and many times have I had the opportunity. Several years ago, when I came first to Cornwall, a mere lad, and raw to ministerial work, I had practical proof of his kindness in word and deed, remaining at his house often for two or three days together, and I never came away without a higher estimation of his worth and a deeper appreciation of his friendship. He was devoted to the interests of our Church, and no less devoted to the interests of his family. His attendance at our services was most exemplary. He was scarcely ever absent, and he listened with unflagging attention whether the sermons were, as the people say, good or poor, encouraging a man to preach when preaching was a tiring task. At the prayer-meeting he was very useful. His fervour was catching. It was not a noisy fervour, but subdued and impressive, thrilling people, and quickening their sympathies for everything pure and good. His touching appeals to God for the gift of the Spirit, and the conversion of souls, sometimes moved the congregation to tears, and drew forth many responsive Amens. We shall miss him in nearly all meetings, but we shall miss him most when we gather for prayer. Oh, that we had more such men, for then should we see greater things! He leaves a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. Two of them are far away. The eldest is an engineer on a steamship in China, and has passed the last winter in Tientsin. He has become familiar with our missionaries there, and has had some pleasant intercourse with them. The third son is mate on a steamer trading between Shanghai and Calcutta. News of the father's death would be a sad blow to them. The other four children are in St. Ives. All cherish the memory of one so good and true, who has been suddenly snatched away from them to join their mother in that brighter home, where, ten years ago, she went before him; and they have this comfort, that there they may join them, for the way is as short and as plain from China as here, and be at last, in a fuller sense than ever possible on earth, a "whole family in heaven." A. C. Mr. THOMAS HUBERY, of Cheslyn Hay, died April 24, aged 62 years. For many years a faithful member of the Church. Mr. S. F. TURNER, of Eve Hill House, Dudley, entered into rest May 31, in his 61st year. DEATHS IN THE LINDLEY CIRCUIT. Mrs. SUSANNAH HOPKINSON, of Deighton, died November 2, 1882, in the 85th year of her age. A member of our Church for over forty years, she lived " as seeing Him who is invisible," and died "in full assurance of faith." Mr. JOHN HOPKINSON, of Regent House, Sheepridge, and son of the above, died May 22, 1883, aged 55 years. He was a trustee of the Deighton Chapel, and by his personal contributions and the help he secured from others, he did much towards its erection. He died "looking unto Jesus." Mrs. MARY SIMEON, of Birchencliffe, died May 25, 1883, aged 78 years. She was bright, active, and generous; a model of order and industry; and for nearly forty years a member of our Church. Affliction of somewhat unusual character oppressed her during the last three years, but she did her duty when she had strength and opportunity, and thereby secured the commendation of the Master: "She hath done wha she could." Mrs. MARTHA A. GLEDHILL, of Outlane, died April 2, 1883, in the 32nd year of her age. She was a member of Society for about fifteen years, and for some time laboured devotedly in the Sunday-school. During the last twelve years of her life she had serious afflictions, and on several occasions seemed to be on the verge of eternity, but she revived as one raised from the dead. In the words of David, she could say: "For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth. I am as a wonder unto many; but Thou art my strong refuge." Our Connexional Outlook. LONDON FIRST CIRCUIT. BAZAAR. THE scheme of a circuit bazaar for the purpose of clearing the circuit from every kind of debt, and making sundry improvements in our various chapels and schools, originated with our long-tried and valued friend, Mr. W. G. Denham. The project, fully worked out, was laid before the October Quarterly Meeting of last year, and happily, at an adjourned circuit meeting in November, all the societies fell in with the proposal, and unamimously agreed to carry it out. From that time forward the ladies belonging to the various churches worked most industriously, and the bazaar committee did what they could in soliciting subscriptions. So effectively were all the arrangements carried out, that when the opening day came, March 6, everything was in readiness. The stalls, bearing the names of the various societies, were well-arranged, and well-furnished with goods, and the school-room was very tastefully decorated. Many said they never thought it possible to make old Brunswick school-room look so attractive. Notwithstanding the bitterly cold weather, on the first day a large number of friends assembled at the opening ceremony. After singing, and reading and prayer, the Rev. E. Wright called upon the Rev. Dr. Cooke to open the bazaar - the gentleman announced to do so (Thos. Hilton, Esq.), being absent on account of illness. Dr. Cooke, equal to any emergency, performed the duty with his accustomed grace and efficiency. The Revs. Dr. Ward, F. Jewell, J. E. Radcliffe, and W. D. Bainbridge were also present, and took part in the proceedings. This cere mony concluded, business began, and during the four days the bazaar continued, the ladies at the stalls were well occupied, as the result will show. The gross receipts were made up of the following items:General subscriptions.. Brunswick stalls £26 20 108 14 3 making very extensive purchases at the bazaar, and in giving a subscription of £10 towards the effort. Our aim was to raise £300, but as a circuit debt of £15 was cleared off at the January quarter day, and the claim for one of our chapels was reduced by about £30, in consequence of the money having come through another channel, we were able to meet all claims, vote £5 to the minister's house, and proportionately divide £11 4s. 9d. amongst the various places. Had we raised the £300 we could have applied the balance to good purpose, as some of our chapels and schools require more thorough improvement than we shall now be able to effect. We are, however, gratified with the result. As you remarked at the opening Mr. Editor, our underceremony, taking was unique. Perhaps it has never before been known for a circuit to unite in a bazaar effort to free The itself from every kind of debt. experiment has now been made, and the result is every way satisfactory. And perhaps we occupy a unique position in another sense. Was it ever known for an entire circuit to be free from debt? No circuit debt, no trust debt, no society debt! It requires quite an effort to comprehend such a state of things. We must not remain in this condition long, or some calamity will befall us. We must not boast, as the Laodicæans did, that we are rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing. We must see to it that we are not poor, and blind, and wretched, and miserable, and naked in the sight of God. Having secured this material success, we must seek the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost, and then we shall have spiritual prosperity. Our desire now is to consolidate our existing churches, and to extend our borders. Indeed, Sir, another good chapel in the south of London is already rising in graceful proportions in the minds of some. "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it." J. D. BETHEL CHAPEL, DURHAM. THIS chapel has lately undergone complete renovation. Under the direction of Mr. Hill, of Leeds, the heating apparatus has been relaid and extended, defects in the ventilation have been cured, and the whole of the interior of the chapel has been decorated in a way which for richness and chasteness of design, and delicacy and harmony of colouring, leaves nothing to be desired. In addition to this, an improved entrance has been made to the schoolroom. This is under the chapel, and was formerly entered by a narrow flight of cellar-like steps, which went down beneath the chapel entrance. Now the ground on the north side of the chapel has been excavated to below the level of the school floor, and from this area, which is nine feet wide, and laid with concrete, is the new approach to the school. At the rear of the chapel, a keeper's house is approaching completion. When this is finished, the suite of rooms now occupied by the chapel-keeper will be at our disposal for class-room purposes. Our chapel, which has by far the best position of any Dissenting place of worship in this city, is now not only the most commanding Nonconformist structure in Durham, but for internal elegance is equalled by few, if any, in the county. The cost of these and many minor improvements is being defrayed-how, we may not say; but the Lord who rewardeth knows, as does also our grateful Church. The chapel was re-opened on Sunday, May 13. The Rev. S. Hulme had engaged to preach the first sermon but illness prevented him from coming, and his place was supplied by the Rev. E. F. Denton. In the evening Dr. Stacey discoursed to a large congregation on John vii. 37, 38. On Sunday, May 20, Mr. Denton preached in the morning, and in the evening Dr. Cooke. The re-opening services were continued a third Sabbath, when the Rev. C. Linley occupied the pulpit. While writing, we may also note that a large and handsome marble tablet has lately been placed in this chapel to the memory of the sainted Rev. William Bramwell, and of his son John Bramwell, Esq., who for twenty-two years was Recorder of this city. The late Recorder was a frequent worshipper with us, his last public engagement being to preside at out Foreign Missionary Meeting. DARLINGTON. E. F. D. ALBERT-ROAD MISSION CHAPEL. THE opening services of the above place of worship were commenced on Sunday, May 13, and proved very successful. At 10.45 a.m. a dedicatory prayer-meeting was conducted by Mr. S. Roulston, when the Spirit descended with mighty power. In the afternoon and evening the Rev. W. Stephen preached. Prior to the evening service a large band missioned the streets, and nearly 300 persons crowded into the service, filling seats, aisles, rostrum, and porch; while many others had to go away. It was a blessed service in which the tears that fell and the ejaculations that rose betokened the Master's presence. We crowned the day with an old-time Methodist prayer-meeting, in which several sinners were knocked down and many saints built up. On the following Monday night a large number of friends took tea, after which we had a public meeting, presided over by our minister, when several addresses were delivered, interspersed with lively singing. We were favoured with the presence of Dr. Stacey, who said it was indeed a great pleasure for him to be present, for many reasons. The warmth of their spirit. ual atmosphere and the fervency of their responses had done his soul good, by quickening his religious life. Then again he was delighted to see such a large and influential meeting in Darlington, and that in connection too with its youngest venture. It reminded him forcibly of the marvellous, he might almost say startling change which had taken place in our Mission for the better since his last visit. Might the realisations of the future not disappoint the bright hopes of the present! a The chapel is a beautifully neat and bright looking iron structure, erected by Isaac Dixon, of Liverpool, and capable of seating 230 persons comfortably. It is lined throughout with patent inodorous felt, which deadens sounds, modifies the heat and cold, and renders draughts and rain-leakage impossible. The inside is fitted with varnished pitch pine seats on metal stands, carved rostrum in pitch pine, harmonium in mahogany case, a patent slow combustion stove, and two starlights with six burners each. The aisles and rostrum are laid with coloured matting and linoleum, and over the porch outside there is a large elegant lamp, glazed with white opal glass, on three sides of which there is painted in black letters, "The Methodist New Connexion Mission Church." We are satisfied with the building in every respect. Have not yet had time to wind up the accounts, but kn w sufficient to say that it will be in very easy circumstances financially; for the debt will not exceed £100. FIVE WAYS, CHESLYN HAY CIRCUIT. TWELVE months ago this society was in a very feeble condition, consisting of eighteen members, with a debt of over £300 on a small chapel. The stewards were faithful men, but elderly, and not physically able to do what they desired for the Church. The class-leader lived some miles from the chapel, and |