Annals of the Band of Hope Union.

THE TEMPERANCE CONGRESS.

As our readers are now, no doubt, familiar with the proceedings of the Congress, convened by the National Temperance League, it is not necessary for us to enter into detail with regard to it. We heartily congratulate our fellow-workers on the admirable papers they evoked, and the meetings they held. At the féte, held in the Crystal Palace, thousand children

in connection with the Band of Hope Union, in compliance with the request of the National Temperance League, occupied the orchestra. How they and their leader, Mr. F. Smith, did their part, the Weekly Record shall inform our readers :

:

"A feature of the day is announced: the 'little ones' have been ranging themselves, the orchestra is once more filled; but this time the mass of golden haired, soft featured children make it radiant as a summer cloud steeped in the roseate dyes of morning; and as we gaze we can well fancy how some grand old master would have drawn inspiration from such a scene, picturing that angel band which to the benighted shepherds sang of goodwill and peace.'

How the people flock to the foot of that orchestra! not a portion of the building but is deserted. Far down the transept on either side the throng extends; yet a silence deep as the grave falls upon all, as the note is given, and the young choir bursts into melody. If ever pride be pardonable it might be to those who now reap the results of their patient and unwearied care and attention bestowed upon the training of these children. The perfect time and harmony they kept, the enthusiasm developed, the feeling of discrimination, so early displayed, but which render the execution of these simple songs a truly artistic performance, which may well delight the most fastidious ears.

Too often has it been our painful duty to take exception on similar occasions to the faults of commission or omision-the hesitating drawl, or unequal pressing of time; but the praise which is due is here unqualified; the thousand little voices ring along the crystal roof in such perfect unison that to us-sitting apart, all senses merged in that of hearingthey might be one. And not in melody alone-the children's hearts and souls are in it; hark to the burst of enthusiasm with which they bid 'Temperance and her sons rejoice,' and judge if they do not feel what they sing; listen to the thrilling plaint as the voices die away-‘Oh! weep for youth and beauty, in the grave laid low.' What fêted prima donna of them all ever gave half such meaning to the words she warbled forth, carried such conviction to the hearts of her listeners, or elicited applause more genuine than that which rings to the echoes as the song is finished, only, however, to be recommenced. There is soul, there is meaning, in the harmony; the singers gave them life, and the listeners welcome them with energy. But the finale has arrived, the audience rise en masse as they join in 'God save the Queen,' and we are wondering if she, gracious Lady, could but know what influences are here at work to

raise up loyal hearts and lusty arms in defence of her and hers, would she not be fain at least to favour us? Would the truths bearing fruit this day in the People's Palace lack fostering in the home of our Sovereign?

THE LABOURS OF OUR AGENTS.

The following is a summary of the agents' labours, during the past month:

Mr. Blaby has addressed the following meetings:-Bloomsbury Refuge, twice; Denmark street, twice; Whitecross place, Finsbury, Star of Temperance, twice; Moor street, Five dials; Prospect row, Walworth road; Mill Pond bridge, Rotherhithe; Shadwell; Hendon; five meetings at Kenilworth; also meetings at Leamington, Cubbington, Stoneleigh, &c. Mr. Blaby has also preached eight sermons, and addressed four sabbath schools.

We have received the following from Mr. Bowick, the indefatigable Secretary of Kenilworth Band of Hope:

Your agent, Mr. Blaby, has again laboured most acceptably, for a fortnight, in this place, aud has also delivered lectures at several Warwickshire villages, where branch societies are formed. His services have been highly appreciated on this his third annual visit of the like duration.

Mr. F. Smith was engaged during part of the month, in training the children to sing at the Crystal Palace. He has also attended the following meetings:-Bow; Vauxhall walk Wesleyan Chapel; Denmark street; Ogle mews; Lant street, Borough; Stepney; Islington; and Amicable row, Kent street.

THE LABOURS OF A TEMPERANCE AGENT.-We are informed that Mr. W. B. Affleck, one of the agents of the Band of Hope Union, has, during three months, delivered addresses to five Mothers' Meetings, at which there were present 400 persons; spoken nine times to the Inmates of Reformatories, when 840 were present; addressed nine Day and Sunday Schools, with 4,695 scholars in attendance; preached fourteen times, to audiences comprising 4,610 adults; lectured to twenty-four Bands of Hope, when 8,800 children heard him discourse on the blessings of a sober and christian life; and took part in thirty total abstinence meetings, the various audiences of which amounted to 21,910 persons. Mr. Affleck is now labouring in the North, as the agent of the Northern Auxiliary to the Band of Hope Union.

SOUTHA IAMPTON.-On Wednesday evening, August 13th, 1862, an entertainment, (the first of a series,) was given by the members and officers of the Richmond Band of Hope, in St. James' School-room, Cambridge terrace, when several friends, including the parents of some of the children, assembled. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. Lumby, who opened the meeting with prayer, then followed a variety of recitations and singing. During the evening, addresses were delivered by Mr. G. Collins, and Mr. A. Jones. The proceedings were of a most interesting character, and all present appeared to be highly gratified with the evening's entertain

ment.

J. BALE, Printer, 78, Great Titchfield-street, Marylebone.

BAND OF HOPE RECORD.

THE TWO DEATH-BEDS.

By the Rev. G. W. McCREE.

It is my lot to see many men die. I am still a young man, but I have stood by the bed-sides of more dying men and women than I choose to count. Some of them died in fearful agony of mind. Some of them perished in cellars and attics. Some of them expired in hospitals, of cancer, fever, and cholera. Some of them died in peace.

So fades a summer cloud away;

So sinks the gale when storms are o'er;

So gently shuts the eye of day;

So dies a wave along the shore.

The final moments of two men whom I knew, deserve special record, and will, I trust, be deemed worthy of this memorial. Let me begin with my well-beloved friend John. His father was a famous fighter, and like all men of his class, he was profane and drunken and wicked. John was born and trained in the midst of oaths, quarrels, card-playing, and lewdness. As soon as he could fight he did fight. He was always ready for a fray, and nothing pleased him better than " a regular set-to.” He used to attend prize-fights, and I remember he told me that he twice saw Owen Swift contend in the ring. Like other violent and intemperate men he was addicted to wife-beating, and I saw his wife in an hospital undergoing an operation made necessary by his brutal treatment. Not long after this assault he was induced to sign the pledge, and he never broke it. Soon after his adhesion to total abstinence, he resolved upon doing what he had never done before, namely, attend the House of God. He went. The singing was beautiful. The prayers were short and simple. The lessons were read in a slow, distinct, varied voice. The sermon was on "The Common Salvation." John felt in a new and higher and more beautiful world. During the week the sins of his life troubled him. He sighed and wept. He longed for the Sabbath of the Lord, that he might hear the Gospel. Again the minister ascended the pulpit-looked round his congregation-announced his text, and thus it read:-" THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH." John felt transfixed. This was glorious news. This was a

message of peace. This was the blessed saying his soul longed for. John became a Christian, and for about four years he adorned the doctrines of the New Testament. A more humble, contented, peaceful-looking man I have rarely seen. The hour of his death came. He was asked whether he still trusted in the Lord Jesus. He replied "It all right-it is all right," and died. Many wept at his grave, and to this day his memory is as pure incense and precious ointment.

And now for the history of my intimate friend Thomas. He was a member of a trade in which drunkards abound. He soon fell a victim to their example. At fourteen years of age he got drunk, and for a long series of years his life was marked by recklessness and debauchery. He swore. He associated with the vile of both sexes. He violated the laws of God. When he married, his life became even worse. Both he and his wife indulged in all the low, filthy, degrading habits common to the intemperate. They were often intoxicated for days together. When Saturday night came, and Thomas got his wages, the publican was sought, and his burning fluids purchased and swallowed with fearful eagerness. When the glory of the Sabbath morning shone on the window of his room, Thomas was generally in a drunken dream. When the Monday came he was pale, blear-eyed, nervous, and ready to die. So he went on for many a year. But God granted him repentance unto life. One Sabbath he was out drinking. As he went along the street he found himself near the door of a Temperance Hall where a religious service was being held. He pushed open the door, and looked in. The preacher was delivering the last sentence of his sermon. "Repent!" he cried. "Repent!! Aged sinners are seldom saved. Therefore, repent now, that you may be saved."

streets.

Thomas heard the sentence, and saw the preacher sit down. Turning away he mused, and said "It is high time for me to repent." And from that hour he sought to live a holy life. He signed the pledge, and the preacher went to see him, and prayed with him. The drunkard became sober, and for a time he did well. Then he fell, and was seen reeling about the The preacher went to seek him, and again the pledge was signed. Thomas now attended the Temple of God. Evidence was given that he had become "a new creature." Both his home and his workshop witnessed his prayers. His neighbours confessed his christian excellence. But he was to be tried in a fiery furnace. It was found necessary to advise him to consent to an awful surgical operation. The time was fixed.

Twenty-one medical men were present to witness it, and Thomas was on the table for three quarters of an hour. All went well. Once more, however, had he to feel the torture of the surgeon's knife, and again he survived it. He was able to return to his work, and to his place in the House of the Lord. At this time Thomas's wife was often drunk, and behaved in a shameful manner. One day she commenced drinking. The Sabbath dawned, and found her in a degraded state. Thomas treated her most kindly, and then went to public worship. On his return home he prepared his wife some tea, and gave it to her. He then engaged in prayer. On laying down beside his wife he said:

"Oh! if you would only lead a better life, Mary, I would be a happy man. Will you?"

"I will, Tom!" was her response.

But Thomas gave no answer.

The Angel of Death had laid his cold hand upon his breast, and it ceased to beat. His wife gave the alarm, and his friends and neighbours rushed in, and gazed earnestly upon his face. It was pale and calm.

They looked;

He was dead;

His spirit had fled ;

Painless and swift as his own desire.

The soul undrest

From her mortal vest,

Had stepped in her car of heavenly fire,

And proved how bright

Were the realms of light,

Bursting at once upon the sight.

When Thomas was borne to his grave, many-many followed the mourners, and I felt that I had lost a dear friend who "was not, for God took him."

PRACTICAL PAPERS, No. 8.

By Mr. G. M. MURPHY.

TUNEFUL MELODIES.

"If I but make a nation's songs," said Fletcher, of Saltoun, "I care not who may make their laws." A people's songs ever exert a mighty influence for good or ill, upon their own hearts and homes, as also upon their country's destiny. The ghastly crime of war, would never have been arrayed in such gorgeous attire, nor would its tide of blood and death have been so deep, and broad, had not the painters, historians, and