A reredos of considerable beauty representing the "Last Supper," is about to be erected in Southgate Church.

Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, was totally destroyed by fire on October 1st; the chancel furniture and altar plate alone were saved. The Dean of Westminster and Lady Augusta Stanley have arrived in Rome.

The Pope has had a handsome gold snuff-box forwarded to him from San Francisco.

It is proposed to make a determined opposition to the confirmation of the election of Dr. Temple in Bow Church.

The Marquis of Salisbury has been elected Chancellor of the University of Oxford, in place of the late Earl of Derby.

The statement which several papers have published that the Marquis of Bute is about to erect a R.C. Cathedral at Oxford is without foundation. The Bishop of Durham preached on Thursday at Greatham Church on its being reopened after restoration. At a subsequent luncheon he spoke somewhat strongly against Church Conferences.

Special Sunday evening Servicees have been commenced in Ripon Cathedral. The first Service was on Sunday, when the Bishop preached and the Dean said the Office.

In honour of the memory of the late Mr. George Peabody, the Bishop of London preached a funeral Sermon in Westminster Abbey on Sunday

afternoon.

On Tuesday the Bishop of Lincoln reopened the Church of Bleasby, near Southwell, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners having restored the

same.

A memorial window is about to be placed in Knowsley Church, where the late Earl of Derby is buried, by the tenants and servants at Knowsley.

Canon Dale has declined the Deanery of Ely. The Times has much pleasure in stating that it has been offered to the Rev. Charles Merivale, B.D., Chaplain to the House of Commons.

Dr. Miller and his Churchwardens are taking steps to raise the necessary funds for the substitution of open sittings for the unsightly and inconvenient double pews in the Parish Church of Greenwich.

The R.C. Bishops of Germany have issued an address to the faithful, urging them to contribute for the establishment of a Catholic University.

On Friday the Very Rev. H. Goodwin, Dean of Ely, was unanimously elected Bishop of Carlisle by the Dean and Chapter. His consecration will probably take place in York Minster on the Feast of St. Andrews.

About forty of the Clergy at the East-end of London partook of the Holy Communion on Thursday morning, in the Parish Church of Stepney, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Special Services.

The eighth or eastern-most window in the south aisle of Gloucester Cathedral, has been filled with stained glass in memory of the late Licut. Col. Sir Harry Darell, Bart.

Colonel Tempest, the Patron of St. John's Church, Long, near Bradford, gives £10 a-year to the choir on condition that they sing no hymns.

Mrs. Hamilton, mother of the late Bishop of Salisbury expired on Thursday. She was in her 88th year and was present at her son's funeral in Salisbury Cathedral.

Mr. Charles Mackeson, Editor of the "Guide to the Churches of London and its Suburbs," will deliver his lecture on Church Music at the Established Church Institution, Birmingham, on Thursday evening. The Church Association intend to make a statement to the Privy Council to the effect that Mr. Mackonochie has not obeyed the terms of the Royal monition.

The Bishop of Brechin will hold a Retreat for Clergy in Dundee from the 23rd to the 26th inst. Communications should be addressed to the Rev. J. Nicolson, Dundee.

The committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge have just shown a remarkable degree of bigotry. They have refused even to consider the making a grant towards the new Cathedral at Inverness. The Archdeacon of Coventry, with his wife, Lady Erskine, one of his daughters, and four of his household, have been laid up with low fever at Alvechurch Rectory.

Three Bishops of the Syriac rite have arrived at Rome, and Cardinal Barnabo, the prefect of the Propaganda, asserts that they have come to Rome to be reconciled to her Communion.

Immediately after his installation in his Cathedral as Bishop of Salisbury, his Lordship was installed Prebendary of Potterne, which is held in commendam with the Bishopric.

Mr. Westerton, so notorious for his opposition to the progress of Church work at St. Barnabas, Pimlico in years gone by, has addressed a letter to the Times denouncing the Twelve Days' Mission.

On Sunday last the Revs. H. P. Goodridge and R. Wilkins, Mr. Wix's Curates, inhibited by Bishop Sumner, again officiated, it being considered that the inhibition expired on the day of the Bishop's resignation.

At a meeting held at Carnarvon on Friday it was determined to memorialize Mr. Gladstone in favour of appointing a Welsh Bishop to the See of St. Asaph, about to become vacant by the retirement of Bishop

Short.

The Rev. Canon Randall, Vicar of St. Mary's, Redcliff, together with his brother and sister have placed a beautiful stained glass window in this Church to the memory of their father. The subject is the Anointing of our B. Saviour's head at the Supper at Bethany.

The first edition of 5,000 copies of the report and appendix of the committee on intemperance of the Lower House of Convocation for the Province of Canterbury, has been nearly exhausted in the course of three months. An amended and cheaper edition is contemplated.

Bishop Wilberforce, in his recent Charge, stated that during the past three years he had consecrated 18 new Churches, assisted at the reopening of 54 restored ones, confirmed 20,288 candidates, and ordained 145 Priests and 150 Deacons.

The Thirteenth Annual Octave of Special Services is being held at the Parish Church of Clerkenwell. Amongst the preachers is the Bishop of London. The subject of the Sermons is "Paul's Life," the "St." being studiously omitted in the programme.

The Annual Court of the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy was held on Thursday. The Treasurers reported that during the last year the funds of the Corporation had assisted more than 1,300 individuals, all in very straitened circumstances.

About 1,000 members of the Manchester Conservative Working Men's Association marched in procession, on Sunday week to St. Ann's Church, where, at their request, a special Sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Bardsley, on the late Earl of Derby.

Three hundred and fifty-six of the Clergy of the two Archdeaconries of Norwich and Norfolk have petitioned the Bishop of Norwich to hold a Diocesan Conference. His Lordship however declines, on the ground that he does not think the laity approve of these meetings.

The official journal of Rome publishes a list of fifteen Bishops who have arrived for the Council during the last few days. Among the number is Monsignor Dechamps, Archbishop of Malines, a Prelate distinguished for his liberal opinions.

Among the arrivals for the Council are Cardinal Bonnechose and six other French Bishops, who were received on landing at Civita Vecchia by the Pontifical delegate, and at once conveyed to Rome. The Cardinal has already had an interview with the Pope.

Pius IX. has been persuaded by the Jesuit Fathers to prepare a Bull which, in case of his death during the sitting of the Council, shall make known the arrangements he wishes to be carried out, and his instructions for the Government of the Church.

The pinnacles of the Parish Church of Doncaster appear to be in a very insecure state, and a subscription has been set on foot for their restoration. The cost is estimated at £400, of which Mr. E. B. Denison, Q.C., has offered to pay half.

The Rev. C. J. Fynes-Clinton writes, suggesting that an address, as numerously signed as possible, should be presented to Bishop Trower and the other five members of the Chapter of Exeter, thanking them for their protest against the election of Dr. Temple.

The Services at the next anniversary of the Eastern Church Association will be held on Thursday, the 25th instant, in the Chapel of the Russian Embassy, Welbeck-street, when the Liturgy of St. Chrysostom will be used in English, and an English Sermon preached by the Very Reverend Eugene Popoff, the Chaplain of the Embassy.

At a meeting of the Church Association, held in Liverpool, one of the speakers lachrymosely observed that in a so-called Ritualistic Church in that town lately he had authority for saying that there was a congregation of 500 persons on a Monday morning; whereas in his Church he should like to get 200 or 250 on Wednesday evenings.

Provost Fortescue preached on Monday evening at Christ Church, Clapham, for considerably over an hour. He told the congregation when they were tired they could leave the Church; their doing so would give him no offence. Many persons took the preacher at his word, and went out. Indeed it was a continual going in and out.

An Episcopal Church has been erected at the corner of Clinton and Livingston-streets, Brooklyn, New York, at a cost of 350,000 dollars, about £75,000 English. The Sermon at the Inaugural Service was preached by Bishop McIlvaine, of Ohio. Bishop Potter and Bishop Littlejohn also took part in the Service.

At a "Liberation" Meeting on Wednesday evening, Mr. Miall, M.P., said, "Though Mr. Gladstone might not be with the Society to the full extent of the objects they contemplated, yet he (Mr. Miall) expected that ultimately, through that great statesman, they would obtain all they desired!"

We (Guardian) learn, and we are sure the Bishop of Lincoln will rejoice to learn, that the Government have addressed a communication to the Archbishop of Canterbury to the effect that, in such cases as may be judged suitable, they will not refuse to consider the application to a Diocese of the Act of Henry VIII. for the appointment of Suffragan Bishops.

The Mission Movement set on foot by the High Church Clergy appears to have somewhat awakened the Low Church party to a sense of their duties. Hence in addition to the Services to be held in Islington we find that the Clergy of Southwark, and the Vicar of Greenwich intend holding Special Services and Prayer Meetings during the season of Advent.

A new Musical Society in Oxford, bearing the title of "The Oxford Vocal Union" has recently been established. It consists of the entire adult portion of the Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral, Magdalen and New Colleges, and is under the Presidency of Archdeacon Clarke, SubDean of Christ Church, and the conductorship of Mr. Hamilton Clarke, Mus. Bac., organist of Queen's College.

The boarded partition which has divided the nave from the other part of Melton Church during the restoration, has now been taken down, throwing the whole interior of the Church open. This (says the Leicester Journal shows out the beauty of the Church to great advantage, and those who have not witnessed it can scarcely conceive the beautiful effect which the clearing out of the galleries, &c., has had.

The late Bishop of Exeter gave to the county of Cornwall a valuable theological library, on condition that within three years of his demise a room suitable for its reception should be provided. A large and handsome structure is now being erected at Truro, and is intended as a memorial to the deceased Bishop. It will be used as a depository for the Christian Knowledge Society, as well as for purposes of the library. The See of Winchester was declared vacant at the Privy Council on Thursday. The Sussex Express states that the Bishop of Oxford met his future Archdeacons, and the sons of Bishop Sumner, at Farnham Castle on Monday, that the Archdeacon of Berkshire will be his Examining Chaplain in his new Diocese, and that the Rev. Ernest Wilberforce will be his Domestic Chaplain.

The Rev. J. J. Merest has been cited to appear at the Arches Court at the instance of the Bishop of Worcester, in whose Diocese he held a preferment, on an application to admit articles for simony in the sale of a Living, and also on a conviction for libel, to which he pleaded guilty, and entered into his own recognizance. Sir R. Phillimore, in admitting the articles, said they raised a grave question as to the removal of a Clergyman, and he would appoint a day for the hearing.

A meeting has been recently held at Ashby Magna, Leicestershire, under the auspices of the Bishop of Peterborough, to take into consideration the question of compulsory education. Various papers were read, and a resolution was carried recognizing the importance of some legislative action for ensuring the more general attendance of children at school. School prize schemes were also discussed, and a sub-committee was appointed to prepare the details of a scheme for the Archdeaconry of Leicester.

At the Church of St. Luke, Great Crosby, near Liverpool, were put up last week two splendid memorial windows, by Capronnier, of Brussels. These windows are beautifully executed; the colours being most delicate. The subject of the larger one, erected by Richard Houghton, Esq., of Sandheys, Waterloo, in memory of two members of his family, is, "The Adoration of the Magi." The smaller window was erected by E. B. Bright, Esq., to the memory of his wife, and represents "Our Blessed Lord raising Jairus's Daughter."

Last Wednesday a meeting was held at Sion College to prosecute an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas against the late decision of the Revising Barrister for Middlesex, which will have the effect of disfranchising nearly 12,000 beneficed Clergymen. Lord George Hamilton, M.P., presided, and a large number of Clergymen and others attended. It was unanimously agreed that the appeal should be prosecuted, and the circulars stating the particular points raised, and embodying the resolutions, should be issued, soliciting co-operation.

The death is announced of the Rev. Wm. Harness, Incumbent of All Saints', Knightsbridge, and Prebendary of St. Paul's. Mr. Harness, who was in his eightieth year, was on a visit to his former Curate, the Dean of Battle, and in descending a stone staircase fell, and died almost instantaneously. He was a schoolfellow, and afterwards an intimate friend, of Lord Byron. He was for many years Incumbent of RegentSquare Chapel, St. Pancras, and was appointed Clerical Registrar by Lord Lansdowne. He afterwards undertook to build the Church of All Saints', Knightsbridge, and was himself the principal contributor.

In the Court of Arches on Wednesday the articles were admitted in the case of "Elphinstone v. Purchas." The defendant did not appear. The Judge admitted them pro forma, except the 37th charging him with pausing after the words "departed this life in thy faith and fear," in the Prayer for the Church Militant, which he disallowed, as he did the 40th article referring to certain publications which the Court could not recognize. The case of "The Bishop of Winchester v. Wix" was likewise

before the Court. Mr. A. Charles applied that the defendant should be dismissed from the suit, as the Bishop of Winchester had resigned. The matter stands over for argument.

Father Ignatius told his congregation at Store-street Hall on Sunday. that his Monks were in a state of starvation, Indeed, he would be glad of some bread for them to sustain life. It was humiliating to thus plead, but then, the Rev. gentleman reminded his hearers, the Order to which he belonged had been spoiled and robbed, and their former splendid patrimonies now were held by the Dukes of Beaufort, Bedford, and others. But such was the zeal of those who had joined the Brotherhood that they would rather starve at their posts than return to the world. He did not plead for himself but for others. He could get sufficient.

A correspondent writes to us:-"The Rev. J. M'Conechy, Vicar of Christ Church, St. George's-in-the-East, is quietly doing real Church work here. A choir, at present unsurpliced, has been formed, the offertory introduced, Saints' Days duly observed, and an Early Celebration twice a month. Most heartily has he entered into the Mission Services. There is a Daily Celebration at seven a.m., Matins at eight, followed by Instructions and Meditations. Short Services in the schoolrooms every evening; and Evening Prayer, Sermons, Instructions, and Meditations in the Church at eight every evening. In addition to all this a prayer meeting is held in a room in every street in the district at nine p.m."

The restoration of the Parish Church of Lathbury, Newport Pagnell, has been completed and was reopened on the 4th. On the walls of the nave are some interesting remains of twelfth-century frescoes, and the handsome marble pavement, which extends over the whole of the chancel, is 200 years old. The font, the tiles, and the window near the font, are the gifts of the Rector's wife, Mrs. Bull. The altar-cloth and pulpit-hangings, very beautiful specimens of medieval embroidery, are the work of the Sisterhood of the Holy Trinity at Oxford. The kneeling-cushings in the chancel, which are exceedingly handsome, are the gift of the Misses Bull, the Rector's daughters.

As far as we can learn from accounts sent us by numerous correspondents the "Twelve Days' Mission" is an undoubted success. Nearly all the Churches at which the Services are being held are crowded. At the mid-day Services at St. Ethelburga's and St. Lawrence, Jewry, numbers have been unable to get inside the doors. At St. Alban's, Holborn, St. Paul's, Lorrimore-square, Christ Church, Clapham, and All Saints', Lambeth. Services are being held from early morn till late at night. At the eight o'clock Service at Christ Church, Clapham, where the Rev. Provost Fortescue is preaching the Mission, there is no standing room, and it is the same at St. Paul's, Lambeth, where the Rev. Luke Rivington is conducting the Services.

The new Church of St. Paul's, Cannes, was opened last Saturday week by the Bishop of Gibraltar. The site of the Church, given by the Countess of Oxford, is on the Boulevard du Cannes, at the eastern side of this favourite watering-place. The design of the Church was furnished by Mr. G. G. Scott. As yet only the nave is built, having the appearance of a neat and plain Chapel. A set of altar plate was presented by Mr. T. Woolfield. At the opening Service the Church was decorated with evergreens and flowers. The 84th, 122nd, and 132nd Psalms were chanted instead of the Psalms for the day. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated, and the Bishop preached. The Offertory (for building fund) amounted to over 700f.

The Pope has ordered "Acts" to be prepared for the canonization of Eugenius III. and Urban V. Eugenius is the Pope to whom St. Bernard, in the twelfth century, addressed his famous treatise, "De Consideratione," in which he advised the renouncement of the temporal power. Eugenius died at Tivoli on the 7th of July, 1153, and is buried in the vaults of the Vatican. As soon as the process is taken out for the canonization, the tomb will be opened, and the faithful will be admitted to adore his remains. Urban V. was one of the Avignon Popes, and, though he made a flying visit to Rome, passed his pontificate under the ægis and on the soil of France.

A number of parochial elections have taken place in Dublin and all over the country. The vestry at Grangegorman was very excited. There were cries of "Down with Ritualism,' "We will have no more Maturins." Delegates of ultra-Puritan opinions were chosen, and the following resolution was carried:-" That, in the opinion of this meeting, the large gilt cross, the stone cross, the vases of flowers, and the images fixed above the Communion-table, together with the fantastic drapery of the table itself, are amongst the innovations which have alienated the parishioners from their Church, and that a deputation be hereby appointed from this meeting to wait on the Incumbent and request him to remove these innovations from our Protestant Church without delay.

The Bishop of London, accompanied by his Chaplain and by Mrs. Jackson and two of his daughters, paid a formal visit, as President, to the Boys' Home, in the Regent's-park-road, near Primrose-hill, on Friday afternoon, for the purpose of inaugurating a new wing which has seen added to the buildings. At the end of a short form of prayer, which was prepared for the occasion, a hymn was sung, and the Bishop addressed to the boys a few kind words, urging them to look on work as their duty and the best means of giving them a start in life. A collection was made

which amounted to nearly 251. The boys who compose the band of the Home afterwards played a selection of music, and the Bishop dismissed the visitors with the Benediction.

A "Churchman " writes to the Guardian:- I have attended Service at Peterborough Cathedral when there has been neither Bishop, Dean, Canon, Minor Canon or any other Clergyman connected with that Church present, and when the officiating Minister was a young man in Deacon's orders. On seeking an explanation for so great an irregularity, it was explained to me that the bulk of the work is usually done by the masters of the Grammar and Training Schools, and that during their vacations, a neighbouring Curate is engaged to take their places. In consequence of the well-paid Clergy doing all in their power to make themselves appear, in the eyes of the laity, like rich sinecurists, the state of Church feeling in the city is at the very lowest ebb, and it is not to be wondered at that the Dissenters increase rapidly in numbers and

influence."

An American correspondent writes :-The impending Roman Council, the Ritualistic demonstrations in the Episcopal Church, both in England and America, and the arrival on our shores of Father Hyacinthe, are creating a prodigious sensation in the religious world. The late barefooted Carmelite is to-day the most famous man in this country. His rooms, at one of the leading hotels in New York, have been thronged with men and women anxious to pay their respects and have a look at the lion of the hour; the papers are calling him the worthy successor of Luther and Huss and Fénelon; and a translation of his Notre Dame Sermons will appear in a volume just as soon as the types can do their duty. In the meantime, the Priest declares that he has not quitted the Roman Catholic Church; but has "broken only with the tyranny in that Church." And the photographers are selling his portrait by the

thousand.

The Mission at the East-end seems to have commenced well. In nearly every Church in each parish daily and special Services are being held, including, in most cases, a celebration of Holy Communion. The eight o'clock Evening Services attract large congregations chiefly of the poorer classes. The Services are in many cases supplemented by prayer meetings, classes, &c., in the schools. At St. Peter's, London Docks, the Services on Sunday were as usual. During the afternoon the Vicar went out in the streets of his parish, accompanied by some of the choir with a processional cross, and most affectionately invited the people to attend in the evening. They did so beyond expectation. A stirring Sermon was preached by the Rev. R. Twigg, and many, at the conclusion, went over to the Mission-room to engage in prayer. No less than ten Services take place at St. Peter's each day. We notice, however, that the Rectors of St. George's and Whitechapel have made no alteration in their Services; and also that at St. Jude's, Whitechapel, there is a daily evening Communion at four p.m.-Correspondent.

All Saints' Church, Marston, after a thorough restoration, has been reopened by the Archbishop of York, his Grace preaching the Sermon and celebrating the Holy Communion on the occasion. Nearly 100 of the neighbouring Clergy were present, vested in surplices, and the Service was chorally rendered by the choir of the Church, assisted by several of the choir of York Minster. In the interior the work has been very extensive. The chancel is paved with encaustic tiles. New seats of pine have been erected throughout the nave, aisle, and transept. The chancel is fitted with oak stalls. The pulpit is very elaborate; it is of alabaster, elegantly carved. The lectern is of brass. A new altar of oak has been made, and the altar-rails are of metal-brass on illuminated iron standards. The east window is of three lights, and is filled in with stained glass by Hardman, of Birmingham. The subject is in connection with All Saints, to which the Church is dedicated; the centre figure represents our Saviour in glory, surrounded by saints and angels. The window is the gift of Col. Akroyd, M.P. for Halifax, whose ancestor was a Priest of Marston in the fifteenth century. The cost of the restoration may be stated at £1,500.

On Saturday morning the new Bishop of Salisbury was enthroned in his Cathedral with the usual ceremonies. The procession on its way to the Cathedral stopped at the Choir School, when the Senior Chorister delivered a congratulatory address in Latin. The Bishop replied in Latin, of which the following is a translation :-"The greeting with which, youths beloved in Christ, you have welcomed me on my undertaking the office of Bishop in this most celebrated Church, is very acceptable to me. For having been for many years engaged with boys, I gladly recognise the voice, the look, the modesty of boys. Nor, indeed, are our duties altogether dissimilar; for which of us is not bound to turn all the powers of his mind and body to the honour of God, and the benefit of the holy mother the Church? Your lot, indeed, seems to me especially blest; you, with whose voices the very roof of the neighbouring Church continually rings; who pass your youth in constant prayers, in singing the praise of God, amidst everything that is beautiful and holy. Only may God grant that we praise with such true faith that our voices prove not mere tinklings of a cymbal. You have called me father, and have wakened up the memory of that excellent and deeply-regretted Prelate in whose footsteps now, however unworthily, tread. I promise you that, keeping his example before my eyes, I will maintain the same, fatherly love towards you which he always maintained."

The following is from a British newspaper:-"An extraordinary scene took place yesterday at a funeral at Arno's-vale Cemetery. Last week the Rev. J. L. Lovekin, who has for some months past officiated as Chaplain to the St. Augustine's Home, Montpelier, died rather suddenly, and it was determined to celebrate the funeral obsequies The funeral cortége was according to the highest forms of Ritualism. very plain until it passed within the gates of the cemetery, when Prior Cyprian and the choristers by whom he was accompanied robed themselves, and formed in procession, a cross-bearer, carrying a crucifix, and two acolytes, with lighted candles, preceding them. The Rev. J. B. Riddle, the Chaplain of the cemetery, protested against the use of the crucifix and the candles, and intimated that if they were not removed he should decline to proceed with the Service. Prior Cyprian threatened that in the event of his doing so he would perform the Service himself. Some altercation ensued, which led to the Chaplain unrobing, and the Rev. gentleman was about to leave the ground when a relative of the deceased interfered, and it was arranged that the crucifix and candles should be removed some distance from the grave. The Chaplain then proceeded with the Service, and at its conclusion the acolytes assembled round the grave with the cross and candles, and several hymns were sung."

The Rev. A. H. Mackonochie has given notice that he will not admit to Communion persons who have not previously given in their names to one of the Clergy. The names thus given in will be entered in a book and handed to the Churchwarden, who will admit to the chancel at the Communion only those whose names he has received. This enforcement of the Church's regulation has been called for by the fact of strangers having been frequently seen in the Church, behaving with great levity during Service, then at the time of Communion getting up to leave the Church, at the door turning round, and, having conferred with one another, finally gone up to communicate. These and other like acts of irreverence (some worse than these) have constrained me to fall back upon the Church's remedy for the evil. I hope faithful Christians who may find that Service the most convenient Service at which to communicate will not grudge the trouble of complying with the Rubric, when they see that the object of its enforcement is to protect both the Sacrament of God and the souls of the thoughtless from profanation. There will always be some who find that they can best communicate fasting and in a devout frame of mind at a late hour, owing to the keenness of the morning air and many other circumstances. For them clearly a mid-day Communion is intended, and not for sight-seers; and they, I am sure, will gladly help to protect the Sacrament."

Ruri-decanal Conference in Shoreditch, on Thursday, for the purpose of The Bishop of London's Diocesan Association of Lay Helpers held a devising means for drawing out lay help in the respective parishes to aid in Church work during the coming winter. The Rev. J. P. Pownall, Rural Dean, attended, and explained the advantages derived in the parish of St. John's, Hoxton, from combining all the helpers in the twenty-one spheres of work into one parochial association, both in strengthening and systematizing the work, and in increasing the efficiency and the numbers of the helpers. The Bishop had affiliated it with the Diocesan Association, and thus afforded them moral support of no little value, Commander William Dawson, R.N., read a paper on "The Need of Lay Help and How to Draw it Out." The Paper was warmly discussed by the Conference, and various plans suggested both for rearing lay help from all ranks of society, and for enlisting the spare hours of young men in business, and of the artizan class. All agreed that it was impossible to reach the non-church-going masses except by individualizing agency, and that chiefly on Sundays; whilst it was equally impossible for the Clergy alone, even if increased tenfold, to reach all their parishioners of all ages and ranks in any of the larger parishes. The Diocesan Association of Lay-Helpers invited every Lay Churchman to enrol himself as a labourer, requiring no entrance-fees and no subscriptions, but simply personal service in parochial work. Applications for work to be made to the Parochial Clergy, or by letter to the Bishop's Chaplain, the Rev. F. H. Fisher, London House, S.W., or to C. B. P. Bosanquet, Esq., 8, Lansdowneroad, W.

The Mission at All Saints', Lambeth, commenced after Evensong on Sunday. The Priest kneeling at the altar, with cross and taper bearers, and precentors kneeling at the steps of the chancel, sang a Litany of Penitence, after which the Rev. J. Edwards, who is conducting the Mission, ascended the pulpit and preached the Sermon. He has chosen as his subject God's great love to man. This is the preacher's theme, founded on the Epistle for the week. We were made sons of God at Baptism, but man could not understand this. All baptized people did not live Christian lives-the majority did not yea the great majority of Church-going people did not, and so the Sceptic and the Infidel pointed to these professed Christians, to the profligate and the drunkard, and said, "Do you call that man regenerate, a child of God, a member of Christ." Yes, he answered, by virtue of his Baptism he is such, and it was to bring these back to the fold that earnest-minded men had set this Mission on foot. This evening Mr. Edwards will preach on the subject of Purity and the great means of attaining this virtue, namely, by the Sacrament of Penance and Confession. The singular earnestness of the preacher rivets the attention of all his hearers. The daily Services at

this Church are a celebration of the Holy Communion at half-past seven, followed by Matins and Instruction; at mid-day, Litany; at seven. Evensong; at eight o'clock, the Mission Service, consisting of a Litany in procession; kneeling in front of the altar, Collects and Versicles, the Miserere-sung alternately by the precentor and congregation-then the Magnificat, the Sermon, and hymns. In addition to this there are classes for private instruction, and the Priests can be seen at all times in the vestry by those who wish for advice. We regret to hear that the continued illness of the Vicar of this Parish prevents his taking part in these Services.

REPORTING AT THE COUNCIL.-Some experiments have been made in the enclosure in St. Peter's to test its acoustic capabilities. Shorthand writers were placed in the reporters' seats, and some English, French, German, and Spanish scholars rose at different points and delivered Latin speeches with the pronunciation of their respective countries. It was found that the speaker nearest the altar could be heard at the greatest distance, and accordingly this spot is chosen for the tribune. But even here the result was not satisfactory, and there is now a talk of covering the enclosure with a glass ceiling. This acoustic question has divided the Court of Rome into two factions, one contending that all the debates should take place in St. Peter's, the other declaring for the Saloon of the Supper or the Sistine Chapel.-Pall Mall Gazette.

LARGE SECESSION FROM THE ENGLISH CHURCH UNION.-The Church Times thus alludes to the large Tory Secession from this organization:Two years ago the number of members and men-associates was 3,595; last year the number of recruits was 1,407; but the number who had disappeared from the roll through death, neglect to pay subscriptions, or voluntary retirement was 346; so that the net increase was 1,061. and the number on the books 4,656. This year the number of recruits is stated to have been 1,500; but so far as we can judge from the appearance of the Directory itself, the gross number is not more than 5,200; so that the net increase cannot have been much over 500, instead of 1,100, as it ought to have been according to the data of the previous year. Of course, if we are wrong in this calculation we shall be glad to be set right. But assuming that it is correct, the result would seem to be that at least 600 persons have been withdrawn during the year." THE SAXON CHURCH IN WORTH, SUSSEX.-The following communication appears in the Builder:-"I have just now returned from visiting Worth Church-that was; Worth ruin that is! I found the chancel had vanished clean away, and six or seven rough men were picking away with large picks at the strong plaster over the stubble work of the Saxon walls! Their heavy blows resounded like sacrilege all about the venerable pile. In my sorrow I called out to the head workman, What are you doing picking off that plaster? You'll have to put it all on again; and you can't make anything half so good as that! Oh, no! we shan't put any more on,' said he: we shall joint down the stones.' 'Point them down!' I exclaimed; that rough work was never meant to be shown; it was always plastered over.' It was afterwards mentioned to me that more than one of the Saxon pilasters was out of the upright, and would have to be taken down and rebuilt! Pray do what you can to prevent further damage. This curious and interesting Church does not belong to Worth only, but the whole country, and ought to be preserved intact with the greatest care."

THE BISHOP OF LINCOLN'S PASTORAL LETTER.-A Pastoral Letter, of which the following is a copy, has just been issued by the Bishop of Lincoln:-My brethren of the Clergy and the Laity,-I am happy to be able to inform you that Her Majesty's Government, with the advice of His Grace the Archbishop of this Province, has signified to me its readiness to comply with my request for the appointment of a Suffragan Bishop of this Diocese. I need hardly remind you of the reasons for which this request was made. The Diocese of Lincoln is the most extensive of all the Dioceses of England but one, and it contains about 1,000 Clergy; and in the words of my revered predecessor, "If a Bishop of Lincoln desired to visit all the parishes in the Diocese, and to spend a Sunday in each, it would take him fifteen years to make the circuit." Consequently at our Lay Conference held at Lincoln, on Thursday, July 29th, it was unanimously agreed, that in default of the Subdivision of the Diocese, it was desirable that a Suffragan should be appointed. I hope it may be distinctly understood that I do not regard the appointment of a Suffragan as a measure equally beneficial with the division of this diocese, and the erection of an independent See for the county of Nottingham; but inasmuch as the appoinment of a Suffragan requires no new Legislation, but may be effected at once by means of a statute already in force, and inasmuch as such an appointment will, I believe, be found eventually to be the most effectual means for the attainment of what we all regard as a necessary end, the Subdivision of this vast Diocese, I therefore feel very grateful to Her Majesty's Government for their ready concurrence and co-operation in a measure which I earnestly hope and pray may, with the Divine blessing, be not only productive of great spiritual benefit to our own Diocese, but be marked as a new era in the history of the Church of England. I rejoice also to have this opportunity of thanking you publicly, my dear friends, for the very many and great kindnesses that I have received at your hands since my consecration to the See of Lincoln. May God's blessing be with you! I am, your faithful servant in Christ, C. LINCOLN.

THE TWELVE DAYS' MISSION.-For the following description of the inaugural Services of the Mission at St. Alban's, Holborn, and St. Paul's, Lorrimore-square, we are indebted to the Record:-Describing the Service at the first named Church it says:-"There was a large congregation. The altar candles lighted at Morning Prayer were now extinguished, but there were seven burning lamps across the chancel. The Sermon was long and earnest, its subject being the power of prayer, enforced by sacrifice. The Prayer of Consecration was the culminating point of the Service. It must have been said in whispered tones by the Priest, who with his two assistants stood before the altar in green and gold vestments. Admid the silence the bell tolled, and presently the choir broke the apparent pause with their melody-the words they sang we could not tell. Then the Priests turned and faced the people, standing for some time on the altar steps, one holding distinctly to view a consecrated wafer, the other the cup. Next ten or twelve ladies, and, as far as we could see, one layman out of the hundreds present, came forward to communicate. Two or three, who advanced, were sent back from the chancel-rail, not having signified their intention on the previous day. Afterwards the Mass proceeded to its close in the manner which we have described on former occasions.-Another of the prominent stations of the Mission is St. Paul's, Lorrimore-square. Here the commencing Service was delayed till the evening; but it was preceded by a highly Ritualistic Service in the morning, at which incense was burnt, and the Mass celebrated by three officiating Clergymen in their altar, on which stood a large cross and some flowers. Immediately gorgeous robes. Seven suspended lights were burning in front of the before the evening Sermon, a hymn entitled 'The Litany of the Holy Ghost,' from the People's Hymnal, was sung in procession, the choir, preceded by an acolyte bearing a cross, passed down the north aisle, and back to the altar by way of the middle aisle. The officiating Clergymen marched in the rear of the procession. The whole of the members of the choir, together with the Clergymen, prostrated themselves before the altar while singing the first stanza of the Litany. The Sermon was preached from the words, Render unto God the things that are God's,' (Matt. xxii., 21). The instruction class followed the Sermon, and was well attended. The doctrine of the Real Presence was maintained by Mr. Rivington, who, in his cassock and with smooth-shaven face, looked as nearly as possible like a Roman Priest (!!) In conclusion he exhorted all to attend these instructions, as every evening a different subject would be chosen. Among others he hoped to talk especially to them of the duties of self-examination and confession. An elaborate programme of the intended Services is issued. In it Mr. Rivington states that he may be seen for advice and confession in the vestry every evening from six to seven. The Clergymen of the parish may be seen at any time."

THE POPES' LETTER TO ARCHBISHOP MANNING.-The following is a translation of a letter addressed by the Pope to Archbishop Manning :"Venerable Brother,-Health and the Apostolic Blessing. Having said in the letter which we addressed to you, Venerable Brother, on the fourth day of September last, that subjects which had already been carefully examined and decided by an Ecumenical Council could not again be called in question, that therefore no place could be given in the approaching Council for any defence of errors which had been condemned, and that for this reason we could not have invited non-Catholics to a discussion, we now learn that some of those who dissent from our faith have so understood those words as to believe that no way is left open to them of making known the difficulties which keep them separated from the Catholic Church, and that almost all approach to us is cut off. But so far are we, the Vicar upon earth, although unworthily, of Him who came to save that which was lost, from repelling them in any way whatever that we even go forth to meet them, and nothing do we seek for with a more ardent wish than to be able to stretch out our arms with a father's love to any one who shall return to us. And never, certainly, have we wished to impose silence upon those who, misled by their education, and believing their opinions to be right, think that their dissent from us rests upon strong arguments which they would wish to be examined by wise and prudent men. For although this cannot be done in the Council, there will not be wanting learned divines, appointed by ourselves, to whom they may open their minds, and may with confidence make known the reasons of their own belief; so that even out of the contest of a discussion, undertaken solely with a desire of finding out the truth, they may receive a more abundant light to guide them to it. And may very many propose this to themselves, and carry it out in good faith! For it could not be done without great profit, to themselves and to others; to themseves indeed, because God will show His face to those that seek Him with their whole heart, and will give them what they long for; to others, because not only the example of eminent men cannot fail of its efficacy, but also the more diligently they shall have laboured to obtain the benefit of truth the more earnestly will they strive to impart the same benefit to the rest. Earnestly praying the God of Mercy for this most happy issue, we desire you to receive, Venerable Brother, the Apostolic Blessing, which, as a token of the Divine favour and of our own especial goodwill, we most lovingly grant to you and to your whole Diocese. Given at St. Peter's, in Rome, on the 30th day of October, 1869, in the 24th year of our Pontificates. POPE PIUS IX."