NEWS ANd notes. 119 THE ENGLISH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY, in referring in its annual report to the efforts to secure, during the present year, one half as much again," says that it is difficult, if not impossible, to trace the responses. In many cases the gifts have been increased. By an unknown number of persons the scheme has been strictly followed, yet in the grand total the income has not been increased anything like 50 per cent. It is an interesting question with the friends of the American Board, What will be the result of the call to double their contributions for the present year? A large number of our friends are known to have already fulfilled their pledges. Others doubtless will do so. It will be impossible to tell who has done so, as many of the gifts come through the usual channels, with no explanations. But He. who ever stands over the treasury will know, and it is His judgment which is of importance. Let each one see that he acts as in His sight. RUSSIA has paid £2,000,000 for the coronation of her Czar. How much will Christians give for the crowning of their King, whose right it is to reign over all the earth? CLOTHED AND IN THEIR RIGHT MINDS.-An English Methodist missionary labouring in Africa reports that on going to the coast recently he was saluted by a trader with the remark: "There must have been a lot of heathen people joining your church lately." "Yes it is so," he was answered; "but how did you come to know it?" “O, because there have been a lot of heathen people here buying dresses, shawls, etc." This is another illustration of the way in which the spread of Christianity promotes commerce. The following items of intelligence have been supplied by Dr. Buckley : BAPTISMS AT CUTTACK.-Sept. 22, four were baptized by Gideon Mahanty, after a discourse by Shem Sahu on Searching the Scriptures.-Oct. 7, seven were baptized by Shem Sahu. Ghanu Shyam preached from Ezekiel xviii. 31.— Dec. 2, eight were baptized by Gideon. Shem preached from Luke xviii. 35–37. -Jan. 6, seven were baptized by Ghanu Shyam, after a sermon from Psalm xc. 12, by Shem. One of those baptized on this occasion was a son of one of our native preachers. A goodly number of those recently added have been from the Orphanages. AT CHOGA.-Sept. 16, one was baptized by Paul Singh. J. Buckley preached from Acts xxvi. 28, 29. THE ANNUAL COLLECTIONS for Cleaning and Lighting the Chapel, &c., were made Oct. 14; in the afternoon Ghanu Shyam preached from Proverbs iii. 17, and in the evening J. Buckley from Romans vii. 24, 25. The collection at the native service amounted to 76 rupees (£7 12s.), and at the English to 214 rupees (£21 8s.). THE ANNIVERSARY SERMONS FOR OUR SABBATH SCHOOLS-Oriya and English -at Cuttack were preached Dec. 30, in the afternoon by Gideon Mahanty, and in the evening by Mr. Young from Hebrews xiii. 8. Collections 25 rupees (£2 10s.), and 67 rupees (£6 14s.) It is gratifying to add that both the schools continue to prosper much as to numbers, and we shall soon commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Oriya Sunday School. THE WATCH-NIGHT SERVICE was more largely attended than on any former occasion. It was a solemn and quickening time. J. Buckley presided. Prayer was offered by Mr. Miller, Dr. Stewart, and Mr. Bond. After the clock struck twelve we sang with much feeling, "Come, let us anew our journey pursue," &c., and left the house of prayer, where we had humbled ourselves before the Lord, and earnestly implored His blessing to enter calmly and hopefully on the work of another year. THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROTESTANT EUROPEAN SCHOOL was held in the new school-room on Saturday, January 5th. It is admirably adapted for such gatherings, and it was gratifying to all of us to see it well filled. J. B. Morgan, Esq., B.C.S., judge of Cuttack, presided, and kindly expressed the interest he felt in the school, and the satisfaction which all its friends must feel in its present prosperous condition, which, as he justly observed, was the more remarkable as this was but the third anniversary. The report was read by Mr. Young, the head master, and was very satisfactory. The number of pupils had increased from 46 at the end of 1882 to 70 at the end of 1883. It further appeared that the Inspector who had examined the school a few days before had verbally expressed his satisfaction and pleasure in the result. The key note of this interesting document was, "Thank God and take courage. Several pieces were recited by the children; and the prizes, which were well selected and beautifully illustrated, were distributed by the judge. Prayer was offered at the opening by Mr. Miller, and two hymns were sung by the children. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, and J. Buckley; and the singing of the national anthem closed this interesting and happy meeting. CHRISTIAN BOOK ROOM.-The assortment of English books with Christmas and New Years cards, &c., &c., recently received, was decidedly the largest and best ever exhibited in Cuttack; and we are glad to state that the sales have been satisfactory. Already more than five hundred rupees (£50) have been realized; and many books are still in stock. MISS LEIGH.-We have much pleasure in reporting that the S.S. Navarino reached Calcutta on Thursday afternoon, the 10th of January,—that Miss Leigh is well, and that she is expected to arrive at Cuttack on the 14th or 15th. P.S. She has since arrived.-W. H. Contributions Received on account of the General Baptist Missionary Society from Subscriptions and Donations in aid of the General Baptist Missionary Society will be thankfully received by W. B. BEMBRIDGE, Esq., Ripley, Derby, Treasurer; and by the Rev. W. HILL, Secretary, Mission House, 60, Wilson Street, Derby, from whom also Missionary Boxes, Collecting Books and Cards, may be obtained. Tarporley 1 2 6 West Vale Wheelock Heath 0810 13 0 Wirksworth 0 10 0 0 12 6 |