BAND OF HOPE RECORD.

THE UNITED KINGDOM BAND OF HOPE UNION.

We welcome this eminently useful and working association under the new name it has assumed; though we own to a wish that "English Band of Hope Union" had been preferred. Scotland and Ireland must of necessity remain under the total abstinence management of persons residing in those countries, both as to the adult and juvenile departments of labour. But we see every reason for desiring, and none for despairing in relation to a wisely bold endeavour to connect all the Bands of Hope in England and Wales by ties of affiliation and direct co-operation with a central London directory. Leaving this verbal suggestion with the Union Committee, we have to unreservedly congratulate them on the Exeter Hall demonstration of last Monday evening. The attendance was large, filling the spacious area at 6 o'clock, and afterwards the farther gallery, with delighted listeners. The children were there in youthful force and freshness, rising tier above tier with sunny faces, and proving that in the development of their musical powers nature and art had both been liberal. With trifling exceptions all the pieces were sung throughout with exquisite care and accuracy, and with that indescribable sweetness which belongs to the voices of the young. The conductor evidently felt he had his symphonious crew well in hand, and well did he deserve the recompense awarded him by the style of the songsters and the cheers of the gratified assembly. The behaviour of the children from first to last was also very orderly, and in this respect a decided improvement on any preceding year. The speakers, including the honoured chairman, Samuel Morley, Esq., filled their parts almost to platform perfection. The Hon. Sec., the Rev. G. W. McCree, made even a Report sprightly with his off-hand version and intermingled pleasantry. The President was quiet, sensible, and impressive. Dr. Burns showed that he could strike patly and powerfully as of old. Mr. Judge Payne was deliciously and thoughtfully droll, and completely disproved his own assertion that he was "used up" as to bodily energy and mental matter. The Rev. Charles Garrett was argumentative and impassioned in a degree of which words will convey a feeble idea. Dark and appalling facts, seldom thought upon even by the serious, were absolutely lit up and shown with livid

distinctness under the spell of his eloquent imagery and illustration. Rev. Robert Maguire, turning first to the people, and then to the children, entertained both with his excellent counsels; and Rev. J. H. Wilson made an end of the public speaking by a fatherly epilogue and by singing a Scottish song, "My ain Fireside." We question whether a "grave and reverend seignor " has ever before turned singer in Exeter Hall, and those who may think that this act was out of taste make it plain that they were not there to hear. To the last the meeting was sustained with undiminished interest, and the managers added to their other merits that of terminating the proceedings, which had commenced a little after 6 o'clock, at a comparatively early hour. The threatening weather did not pour its rainy wrath upon this T demonstration, and we trust that from every other source of discomfort the Band of Hope Union may be in future times as perfectly delivered.

The Conference of Wednesday was held as announced, and at three times during the day. The papers read and discussions engaged in were of a practical cast, and must result in numerous amendments of method and operation.

Less than a thousand pounds have been placed at the disposal of the committee during 1862; but we shall wonder much if every succeeding balance sheet does not tell of a more generous support, at once the effect and cause of a wider national organisation and a more established repute.-Temperance Star.

ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BAND OF HOPE UNION.

The Annual Prayer Meeting was held on Sunday morning, May 17, at Bloomsbury Chapel (Rev. W. Brock's), commencing at half past six o'clock. The Rev. G. W. M'Cree presided. Appropriate prayers were offered by Messrs. Shirley, Hatton, Blaby, Wybrow, Raper, and Storr. During the service the Rev. G. W. M'Cree read portions of Scripture, and gave a suitable address. Notwithstanding the early hour there were over one hundred and forty persons present.

The Eighth Annual Meeting of the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union was held in the large room of Exeter-hall on Monday evening, May 18th. The proceedings were opened by singing and prayer, and then the children sang the first lines on their programme," A Prayer for Guidance," by George Blaby, from the Band of Hope Union Tune Book. Although the

tickets of admission were sixpence and a shilling each, the body of the spacious room was filled, chiefly with the parents and friends of the 600 male and female juvenile Band of Hope choristers, who occupied the orchestra, and made the meeting a concert by the musical taste, precision, and spirit with which, under the conductorship of Mr. F. Smith, they rendered their programme of nine judiciously-selected pieces, concluding with "England's Prayer for the Prince and Princess of Wales," adapted to the Danish national melody. The chair was occupied by SAMUEL MORLEY, Esq., President of the Union, and amongst those present were the Revs. G. W. M'Cree, Jabez Burns, D.D., H. Allen, D.D., C. Garrett (Wesleyan, Preston,) E. W. Thomas, Dawson Burns, R. Mitchell, Jos. Boyle, Isaac Doxsey, A. Tyler, and R. Maguire; Joseph Payne, Esq., Deputy-assistant Judge, Elihu Burrit, and Messrs. W. J. Haynes, S. Shirley, M. W. Dunn, R. B. Starr, W. Robson, J. White, W. Spriggs, James Worley, and J. Rutherford, and Dr. Oxley.

The Rev. G. W. MCCREE, after congratulating the meeting on the presence of the chairman, and stating that they had the pleasure of giving a welcome to their highly-esteemed friend, Elihu. Burrit, proceeded to give a summary of the facts contained in the report adopted at the last annual members' meeting. He concluded by saying that, the committee having ascertained that in various parts of the provinces there are organisations bearing the same name as this, viz., the Band of Hope Union, have thought it desirable to select a wider and a more national designation. Their agents traversed every part of the country, and as they were not and never were the London Band of Hope Union, although some societies persisted in calling them so, the committee had therefore decided to assert their dignity, their prosperity, and their aspirations, by adopting the title of the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union—(applause).

The children having sung an Ode to Water, from the "Band of Hope Union Tune Book,"

The CHAIRMAN said: I assure you I feel exceedingly delighted to attend this meeting, and to witness the spectacle that is now before me, indicating, as it unquestionably does, an amount of sympathy on the part of those who have come to this meeting, which to those of us who have a deep conviction in reference to the objects we desire to promote, is very encouraging. It has been a subject of regret to myself, since I have occupied the position of president of the Band of Hope Union, that I have not been able to attend its meetings and to express the sympathy, the deep sympathy I have with its aims. I am glad, therefore, now, to have the opportunity of saying that, having watched long and carefully the working of the association, I am prepared to express the opinion that it is one of the most useful of the many very useful associations that exist. When I consider the limited income placed at the disposal of the committee, and the great wisdom which, as I believe, has guided their genera!

course of action, I feel exceedingly glad to be placed in the position which, with some reluctance, I consented to accept, of president of an association calculated, by God's blessing, to be of immense service to the country-(hear). I am prepared to express the opinion that the drinking habits of the people of this country stand among the most serious causes of hindrance to their progress-ay, that they are doing more harm than all other causes put together, and that, more than all, they stand in the way of the social, political, and, above all, the religious progress of the people. The question then arises, What is the remedy ?-for, surely, we cannot allow this state of things to continue; and I am prepared to challenge any one who takes exception to our mode of providing a remedy, to tell us of a better-(hear). In attempting to influence those with whom I was brought into contact who were allowing themselves to be gradually enslaved by the vice of drinking, I became convinced that I should do what I advised them to do, and whilst absolutely conscious of never having been in a similar position myself, I was compelled, some years ago, to determine to become a total abstainer. The fact of my doing so does not involve the idea of guilt or of personal necessity; but personal abstinence is a power to those who desire to influence others. A person who has not taken this step has assuredly never done the good in reclaiming those addicted to drinking that he otherwise would have done (hear). I quite agree with the change in the name of the Association, for it belongs to England as much as to London-(hear). To any one accustomed to look below the surface, the state of London is quite appalling. I have heard our excellent friend, Dr. Allen, express the opinion, with which I sympathise, that we are not keeping pace with the increase of the population. The social and religious condition of the immense masses of people who inhabit this city literally gets worse instead of better, owing to the rapid increase of the population, and the want of agencies to reach the people in the more densely crowded parts of the city. So again with the country. I find it stated that last year eighty thousand charges were made before magistrates in connection with drunkenness. You cannot open a newspaper containing ordinary police intelligence without finding proofs of the disastrous consequence of the drunken habits of the people. Then allow me to press this as a matter of personal responsibility. I feel that, to the extent of my influence, I am my brother's keeper—(hear) -and have an influence for the use of which 1 shall have to give an account at the Great Day; and if I, so every one. Conceive, then, the moral power represented by this meeting; and if every one present were to leave deeply impressed with the conviction that he had a work to do. and were to go forth and to exercise his influence for good, depend upon it the aspect of London would be far different from that which at present appals those who are acquainted with and wish to improve its condition. I therefore beg, with all the earnestness I can command, at the same time with the utmost possible respect, but with the belief that each one has a power for which he must give an account at the Great Day, that you will consider this question closely. I think there is great wisdom in seeking to get hold of little children. 1 admire greatly--and I hold

it to be an absolute necessity-the rule which requires that the consent of a parent shall be obtained to the admission of a child into the Band of Hope Union—(hear). I am no believer in setting children against parents; I would have the sympathies of the parents with the act of a child. With that recognition, I say there is a debt of gratitude due to the friend, whoever he may have been, who originated the idea of getting little children together, and indoctrinating them with sound views in reference to the habit of drinking. I speak as a parent, and I am thankful that my children are growing up with a strong and deep impression with reference to the habit of drinking—a habit which belongs, not only to the lower classes, of whom we are apt to speak too glibly, but to all classes. I believe that in most classes there is a spirit of self-indulgence that needs to be kept in check, and therefore, on every account, I hold there is a loud call on us to be faithful to our deep convictions in reference to this habit-(hear). I conclude by expressing my great confidence in those who are managing the Association's affairs, and my earnest desire for its continued and increased prosperity—(loud cheers). The children then gave the song and chorus, "Come, Sing to me of Heaven."

The Rev. JABEZ BURNS, D.D., was the next speaker, and he said that he was delighted with the meeting and with its object. He rejoiced when he heard that the Chairman had accepted the presidency of the Band of Hope Union. Might he be long spared to give them the benefit of his influence and example. He was pleased with the programme and with the fact that the Christian Church generally were represented in it. It contained the names of clergymen and Wesleyans; their common humanity was represented by that of Judge Payne (cheers) who, despite his name, afforded the greatest pleasure at public meetings; and there was also the name of Mr. Benjamin Scott, the model City Chamberlain. He might also congratulate himself a little. He heard the first Temperance sermon preached in Europe in 1829; he joined the Temperance movement in the first year of its existence; and he joined the teetotal society during the second year of its existence in London twenty-seven years ago. After conducting a Temperance periodical, he was impressed with the necessity for a book on the Temperance question adapted to children, and he wrote to a number of the members of the society and friends, saying that he wanted twenty guineas to give to an illustrious writer-not so illustrious then as she was now-to write a Temperance book for children. The book produced was "The Juvenile Abstainer," by Mrs. Balfour. He congratulated himself also upon having had something to do with bringing into existence the Band of Hope. Meeting with Mrs. Carlisle, of Dublin, in Glasgow, where she was addressing mothers and children, he prevailed upon her to come to England. She was the first who collected groups of children, and gave them tickets bearing the inscription, "Band of Hope." He rejoiced that in the providence of God he felt it to be his duty twenty-seven years ago, with a number of others, chiefly working-men, to lay hold of the true Temperance principle of total abstinence. There were several phases of the Temperance ques