Every stranger that came into the village from the country round about was eagerly questioned as to whether he or she had seen or heard anything of the missing children, but always with the same result, not a trace of the children could be found anywhere. And so the excitement grew, and as the hours dragged slowly along the suspense became more and more painful to be borne.

(To be continued.)

MRS.

MEMOIR.

MRS. MARY SWIRE.

RS. MARY SWIRE, late of Heckmondwike, died at Ronensthorpë, near Dewsbury, on Whit Monday, June 6, 1881. The deceased, who was sixtyone years of age, was born at Scholes, near Cleckheaton. She was converted under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Marsden, the junior Wesleyan preacher in the Cleckheaton circuit in 1839. Her maiden name was Mary Law. She was married when young to George Swire, of the same place; he died about the year 1849, and left her with a young family of five or six children, three of whom are still living. Mrs. Swire removed to Heckmondwike in the year 1850, and when the United Methodist Free Church was built, in 1851, she received at the hands of the trustees the appointment of chapel-keeper, which post she retained for the period of about twenty years, when her two sons, who had grown up to manhood, provided her a home in the neighbourhood. Here she remained about five years, and then went to reside with her married daughter at Ronensthorpe, as above stated, and as there was no Free Church at that place, she joined the Wesleyan Society, but she always considered the Heckmond wike Free Church her spiritual home. Last Christmas she went to Leeds, on a visit to her sister, and while there she was taken suddenly and seriously ill, from which affliction she never recovered, but after severe suffering for over five months, she expired on the above-named day. For over twenty-six years she was united in Church-fellowship with the Free Methodist Church of Heckmondwike, and during that period her exemplary Christian life gained for her much esteem and many friends.

The funeral of our sister took place at the Heckmondwike Cemetery, at one o'clock, on Thursday, the 9th of June last, and was attended by her own family, a large number of the members of our Church and congregation, and friends from other parts of the circuit. The Rev. George Whaite conducted a short service at the house of her daughter, where she died. Before the funeral left, it was her special instruction given many times during the last few months of her life, that when she died Mr. J. Leadbeater, Mr. J. Berry, and Mr. J. Fawcett should conduct her funeral service, and this instruction was complied with in every respect, and when the congregation had assembled in the Free Church at Heckmondwike, where the first part of the service was held, Mr. Fawcett ascended the pulpit, read chapter xv. of the Epistle to the Corinthians, making a few remarks on the beautiful expressions contained therein; he then made some pointed observations on the life and character of our sister during the time she held the office of chapel-keeper, and exhorted the congregation to imitate her virtues. Mr. Berry next read a psalm appropriate to the occasion, and subsequently spoke of Mrs. Swire's life and character. The service was concluded in the chapel by the congregation singing the 52nd hymn in our hymn-book, commencing, "Again we lift our voice and shout the solemn lay." The cortège then proceded to the cemetery, and the service at the grave-side was conducted by Mr. Leadbeater, who commenced by giving out

two verses of the hymn, "Shrinking from the cold hand of Death." He then delivered an address on the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, which he said put an end to the schemes of the base, the plots of the ambitious, the projects of the visionary, the studies of the learned; and whatever the paths that vast congregation took in the future, they would all lead to the grave. He also reminded them that the best and most sure preparation for death was the adoption and practice of the Christian religion. This, sister Swire had experienced for her. self. It had delivered her from the fear of death; she did not fear its pangs and agonies; she did not fear anything in the eternal future which follows death; she had no dread of transmigration or of imprisonment in the viewless regions, or of terrible penances in the preying flames; she did not fear annihilation, the horrible thought of a return to nothingness never for a moment entered her mind. She expected to live for ever, and she expected to be happy for ever. Her prospects into the endless future were prospects of light and blessedness, for she was confident she would live for ever. After dropping a tear into the silent grave, when the benediction was pronounced, the vast congregation separated to their respective homes. J. L.

NEWS OF THE CHURCHES.

BRISBANE.-Ann-street Church. -On Friday evening, March 25, the Rev. Edmund Turner was entertained to a farewell soirée in the above church, prior to his departure for his new field of labour in Ballarat. An excellent tea was provided by the ladies, and fully enjoyed by the company present. About eight o'clock the public meeting commenced, the church being crowded. Mr. C. Fullwood presided. On and in front of the platform were quite a dozen ministers, a fact itself testifying to the kindly esteem which Mr. Turner had won for himself during his stay in this city. A hymn having been sung, and prayer offered by Rev. J. Stewart, the chairman gave a few remarks on the object of the meeting. The chair. man called on Mr. W. Carvosso, who, on behalf of Mr. Turner's Bible-class and the Sabbath school teachers, presented Mr. Turner with a testimonial letter and the valuable work “Horne's Introduction to the Holy Scriptures" (four large volumes). as a small memento and recognition of his kindness and labours in the class and school. On the fly-leaf of vol. i. was the following inscription: "Presented to Rev. Edmund Turner, minister of Ann-street United Methodist Free Church, Brisbane, on the occasion of his leaving Brisbane for Ballarat." The letter accom. panying the books was read and is as follows:-"To the Rev. Edmund Turner, United Methodist Free Church, Ann-street, Brisbane, 18th March, 1881. Reverend and dear Sir,It is with feelings of some degree of regret that we say good-bye' to you as our minister, teacher, and friend. Although this class has only been in existence for a very short period, we are pleased to be able to testify that we have found in you a competent and experienced leader, and one who has been at all times willing to direct us aright in matters pertaining to our spiritual welfare. Some of our number will ever have to thank God that He sent you take charge of this circuit, for during your ministrations here we were brought to accept of Christ as our loving Saviour, and it is our desire and earnest prayer that wherever your lot may be cast you may have the guidance, protection, and direction of that Saviour, and the blessing of our Heavenly Father resting upon you. We pray also that God will bless your dear partner in life and fellow-helper in the cause of Christ, and that you may both live long to engage in that work which has for its object the ex

tension of our dear Redeemer's kingdom. We may not as a class and teacher meet again, but we trust that, by the grace of God, we shall all meet in heaven. -WM. H. CARVOSSO, for and on behalf of the members of Ann-street Bible-class." On Sabbath the Rev. Mr. Turner delivered two excellent farewell discourses, in his usual fervid and earnest manner, to large congregations, the church in the evening being well filled with friends from far and near, who had come to lissen to their respected minister probably for the last time. The rev. gentleman leaves a number of friends who will long remember his faithful, earnest, intelligent ministrations. Mr. Turner's administration of church and circuit affairs has been characterised by intelligence, forbearance, and, best of all, charity.-Queensland Evangelical Standard.

BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT.-The meeting of this district was held in Rocky Lane Chapels Birmingham, on Monday, May 16. Every circuit in the district was represented. After devotional exercises the Rev. J. G. Hopkins was elected chairman, and the Rev. C. R. Ramshaw, secretary. Many of the circuits are suffering through commercial depression, but there are encouraging signs of increased spiritual life. Numerical increase six, with 85 on trial. The grants to dependant circuits were considered, and recommended to the annual assembly. The next meeting will be held at St. George's, Wellington Circuit. The brethren, in a very hearty manner, expressed their thanks for the hospitality of the Birmingham friends.

BRISTOL SOUTH CIRCUIT.-Services in connection with the twenty-seventh anniversary of Hebron Chapel, Bedminster, were held on Easter Sunday, April 17, when two excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. R. E. Abercrombie, of London, to large congregations. The collections were in advance of last year, but, best of all, "God was with us." On Easter Monday the annual tea meeting was held in the chapel. After tea the chair was taken by E. S. Robinson, Esq., J.P., a gentleman who had rendered the friends substantial help on former occasions. The report, which was read by Mr. W. Smith, referred with thankfulness to the past year's work, to increased congregations, to a healthy and working spirit among the members, and to a series of special services that had been held extending over Iee weeks, which were very successful. Mr. J. J. Millard made the financial statement for the past year. It was a very satisfactory one, sl o ving that all classes in the Church, from the Sunday scholars to the elders, had been making an effort to clear the chapel from debt. Mr. Millard having announced that the last £200 had been paid, and that the chapel and premises, worth from three to four thousand pounds, were now entirely free, the choir and congregation, at the call of the chairman, united heartily in singing the doxology, and some of the old members almost wept for joy. The Revs. R. E. Abercrombie, J. T. Barnard, and G. H. Thompson, with Mr. J. Clatworthy, delivered stirring addresses, which were interspersed by selections of sacred music, ably rendered by the choir, with organ accompaniment by Mrs. Clark.

CORNWALL DISTRICT.-The annual district meeting was held at Lostwithiel on the 11th and 12th of May. The Rev. W. R. Brown was unanimously voted to the chair, the Rev. T. Lee was elected secretary, and the Rev. G. B. Caple assistant secretary. The certificates being read over by the convener, it was found that all the circuits were duly represented. The numerical returns showed that there are in the district 4,982 members, with 518 on trial. The following circuits reported an increase :-Lostwithiel and Bodmin, Penzance, Plymouth, St. Austell, Redruth, St. Columb, and Truro; but other circuits unfortunately reported a decrease. There had also been during the year a loss of 642 by removals, withdrawals, and

deaths, making the net increase only eighteen. A committee was appointed to prepare a report upon the spiritual state of the district, and among the suggestions made were the following:-"That while we should expect present results from the ordinary preaching of the Gospel, we should also encourage well-conducted evanelistic services, accompanied with open-air addresses, when practicable, and also house-to-house visitation." "The necessity of a careful and loving oversight of those who become decided for Christ, and the vast importance of at once bringing them into the fellowship of the Church."-"The great importance of rendering the weekly class-meeting interesting and attractive, so as to secure the attendance of both old and young." In the discussion which followed many other useful and valuable hints were thrown out by the representatives. A circular was read from the Connexional Temperance League, and a resolution passed, recommending the churches in the district to form temperance organisations and to join the League. It was also thought by the meeting that the time had come when suitable ministers should be appointed as district evangelists, and a resolution to that effect was passed, recommending the annual assembly to give the subject its earnest consideration. Two candidates for the ministry were examined in theology, and were recommended -one for the Theological Institute, and the other for circuit work. A public meeting on the Wednesday was ably presided over by Mr. W. Hendy, of St. Columb. Excellent addresses were also delivered by the Rev. W. R. Brown on 'Family Religion; " Mr. R. G. Rows on "Religious experience, and its uses;" the Rev. J. Cockin on Sunday Schools; the Rev. W. G. Heritage on "Class Meetings;" and the Rev. J. Hall on "Revivals." The sittings throughout were characterised by great harmony and kindly feeling. It was decided that the next district meeting should be held in Plymouth the second week in May, 1882.

66

LEEDS AND BRADFORD DISTRICT.-The district meeting was held on Wednesday and Thursday, May 11 and 12, in Westgate Chapel, Bradford. The Rev. G. Whaite, of Heckmondwike, was elected to the chair, the Rev. E. Vickridge, secretary, the Rev. H. Holgate, minute secretary. There are twenty-eight circuits in the district, all of which were duly represented, there being between seventy and eighty brethren present. Two candidates having been examined, were duly recommended to the Connexional Committee for the Institute at Manchester. A full report of the numerical and spiritual state of the Churches was given by the Rev. G. Downing. Thirteen circuits show a increase of 295, 15 report a decrease of 204, leaving a net gain in the year of 91 members. There are 10,548 members in the district, with 1,135 on trial. Mr. J. Leadbeater gave a very full account of the chapel property, schools, organs, and ministers' houses, and also the result of the census of attendants at our places of worship on Sunday, April 10, the total for the day being 54,998 persons, including the morning, afternoon, and evening services. A committee was appointed to consider the whole question of our missionary operations in this district, and report to the next meeting. The attention of the brethren was called to the claims of the young on our Churches, and the Connexional Committee are asked to give a special column for Catechism. Several grants in aid were passed. By invitation the autumnal sitting will be at Keighley. In connection with the above a tea and public meeting were held in the chapel. Alderman W. Firth presided. The Rev. J. Myers, E. D. Cornish, and E. Vickridge, with Mr. R. Shakleton and Mr. J. Fawell, gave suitable addresses.

LIVERPOOL AND NORTH WALES DISTRICT.-The representatives of this district met for spring session on Tuesday morning, June 7, in the Lewis-terrace Chapel Aberystwith. After reading the constitution of the meeting by the convener, the Rev. D. G. Edwards, pastor, was voted to the chair, the Rev. T. B. Saul, district

convener, to the position of vice-chairman. Many of the circuits reported favourable progress, though some few had to lament the lack of spiritual life and energy among the Churches. The schedules from the various circuits show the numerical condition to be as follows:-24 itinerant preachers; 240 local preachers; 237 classleaders; members in society, 3,608, increase, 35; 78 chapels and 7 preachingrooms; 80 Sunday-schools; 10,417 Sunday scholars, increase, 450; 1,254 Sundayschool teachers, an increase of 32. During the afternoon of Tuesday the Rev. J. Batten, of Northwich, read an able paper on "The operations of the Holy Spirit;' and the Rev. J. Bentley, of Wrexham, read an instructive paper on "The attitude of the Christian Churches to intemperance." Animated discussion followed the readings of these papers. Three candidates were recommended for the itinerant ministry. On Monday evening a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. Peter Jones, Mayor, and addressed by the Revs. A. B. Matthews, of Liverpool; W. J. Hopper, of Winsford; H. J. Weatherhead, of St. Helen's. On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held, over which Mr. R. Lloyd, of Liverpool, presided. The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Batten, of Northwich; T. Naylor, of Northwich: E. H. Simpson, of Aberystwith; and Principal Edwards, M.A., of the University College of Wales. The meetings were attended by moderate audiences, and great interest was manifested throughout the proceedings. The following resolutions were passed :-"That this meeting rejoices that the bill of Mr. John Roberts, M.P., for closing public-houses in Wales during the whole of Sunday, has passed its second reading by such a large majority, and trusts that in the present session of Parliament the Bill will become the law of the Principality of Wales, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the head of the Government, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P." Also, "That this meeting hopes that the Government will soon see its way clear to do something on behalf of higher education in Wales; and is of opinion that no scheme will be effective which does not include a substantial grant to the University College of Wales at Aberystwith, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, the head of the Government."

MANCHESTER DISTRICT.-The meeting of this district took place at Morecambe, on May 11 and 12, under the chairmanship of the Rev. G. Walmsley. A hearty welcome was given to the Rev. James Roberts, from Jamaica, who was present as a visitor. The numerical returns showed a decrease of fifty members; the Oswaldtwistle Church, which had been in a somewhat unsatisfactory state for some time, is expected to reunite with the Accrington Circuit. Grants in aid were recommended to the Ashton and Staleybridge, Macclesfield, Lancaster Circuit; to Manchester Second for Stockport Mission, and to Southport for Birkdale Mission. Loans to chapels were recommended to Newton Moor (Glassop Circuit), and Rishton (Accrington Circuit). An excellent Sunday-school report was read by Mr. E. Barstow; 90 schools reported 19,537 scholars, with an average attendance of 11,263 in the afternoon. In 64 schools 1,037 scholars were members of the Church, with 367 on trial. In 48 schools prayer-meetings were held; in 23 schools regular lesson systems were adopted; 47 bands of hope were in existence, with 4,721 members. The chapel report presented by the Rev. E. D. Green showed the entire cost of trust property in the district to be £186,043; debts still owing, £44,701. There are 33,758 sittings provided, of which 10,649 are let. Two candidates for the ministry were examined, and passed on to the Connexional Committee.

MANCHESTER. —Lever-street Circuit.—A very interesting meeting was held in the York-street schoolroom on April 20, 1831. The Rev. George Turner presided, and Mr. Clegg (senior superintendent), in an excellent speech, presented Miss Ireland

KE