The Rhyl Advertiser

lerliill, TIhyl; Messrs R. Oldfield, P. Mostyn .ms, R S. Peet., Godfrey Parry, A. Rcwlands a Clerk), Hobt. Hughes (Town Surveyor), r .)avic.«, Edward Jones (22. High street), ivies (Freehu-ids), E. D. Roberts, Daniel v — Strathern (stationer), Jolm Roberts street), John Smith, — Drummo'id, hhyd. goch Owen Edwards. D. Trehcarn, D. wis, C. Blackmore, C. Cannalt, — Walms- lohn Jones, Uigh street Abel Jones, W. K. iams, dentist, &0., &c, &c. The company L. about 150. In the gallery were a large ber of spectators. &> ace before meat was said 'rof. Oliver, of Holywell; and after meat by the T). B. Evans, of Mold. The tables having eared, and a verse of the National Anthem Jng, President, said that he had first of all to le or two letters, which had been addressed Pev. D. Burford Hooke. He then read the Dg from the Duke of Westminster and Hugh Esq., M.P. • — Eaton, January 5, 1885. Hooke,-It b not very casy tu rduse yuu, and the lS to bc grent in this case. 1 bcg to enclose a cheque for lid chi JSJ, with aJl gootl wishes for the New Year, and iC g It works in which you are cngagetl,-Belieye mc irs "bj truly, WESTMINSTHR. Groby Hall, Jan. 5th, 1885. \IrBurford Hooke,—1 have pleasurc in senrling £ 100, 1 cheers), for your new church anù schools. In tl1c J ircurnsil1nccs in which JUu ana Jour people haye «en plunge- d from no fault of your own, I hope you will find idc-s^v^ad sympathy and help, and that you will quickly get ie whole sum need; d. -1,1 see your two most excellent members, Lord Richard senor and Mr Huberts, arc to be with you 011 ednesdav. ery sorry I cannot come to support two of the best r in the House of Commons, (applause). You arc sure to line gathering of friends. May every blessing attend obie efforts.—I am, very truly yours, HUGH MASON. Chairman said he had three more names oB of speakers but he would Kindly remind that time was nearly up when they should be the work of laying the stones. Rev D. Burford Hooke, who was heartily d on rising, made a statement as to their on in regard to Christ Church. Some six en months athey were startled by finding the building in ater-street in which they rshippiDgwas in a very sad condition. He the advise of the Chapel Building Society, 'n engineer was sent down. It was then that some serious mistakes had been nvide in cstmctione of the building in connection with tillage, and the effects of which had been felt ine years. They were defects which it was impossible to remedy without pulling the g down, or even if the use of the building .ontiuued the schoolroom would have to be Therefore they deemed it prudent as busi- nen to erect another building and one suited vr present work in the town, (Applause.) istances were made known to the late S. Hudson, who made a challenge that he '1 give £500 towards the erection of a new h if another .£500 could be raised at once, afterwards Mr Samuel Morley promised a bution of £ 250,and the remaining amount was made up, so that he had been able to claim e lateMrHudson's executors payment of the nt so generously promised. Mr Hooke men- 1 that be had received very kind help and of goodwill from members of all communions. iiount of the subscriptions already promised, was £2,200, including a loan of £300 for 3ars without interest from the Chapel Build- -ciety. HP. was very anxious that when the 1 was opened the seats should be free and un- jriated, as he believed a largo number of ng people were kept away from their churches exclusive system of pew rents. (Applause.) Chairman,who on rising was loudly cheered, sed the audience as his Christian friends, said vere to employ the old and stereotyped excuse the less true on that account-he Hbould ay sincerity that he would have been much ket- ased if ouy one of the many gentlemen then roam had been presiding instead of himself e Rev. Mr Hooke is so remarkably fascinating ewitching that somehow or another ho entraps > Bay" yes" to his request before thero is time 'sider what may be the consequences and the involved in the answer (laughter). Happily e all believers in the doctrine of human re- .oility — should anything that morning be with the chair ho (Mr Taylor) asked them blame him, but lay tho sin to the charge of joke (renewed cheers). Ho could nut help fg that the minister and church of Water had said with Solomon, when he was going Id the Temple, only they had properly plurn!- 10 superb exckmAtion-" The house we de build is great,for our God is gre it (ap- He (the Chairmau) did not mean great and fashion of Canterbury Cathedral ck Minster, but great if measured by their own ties but they aimed at affording Bomo por- £ tho accommodation to the thousands", ho ihy] in the summer (hear, hear). This entails additional expense and anxiety, but not one m for a single moment entertained the thought ';0 work Will not bo dona. Happily Mr Hooke giant in himself. The word failure" he has ago erased from his vocabulary (laughter) not practically know what it meant, ;u fact "0 man for the work, and the work is for LIle ..pplause). Surely, the Chairmau said, all must asc-d at that influential gathering. To only on two gentlemen. On his right was the Hon. Lord Richard Grosvenor, M.P. for bounty (applause), brother to the noble Duke estminster (applause) on his left wns then friend, Mr John Roberts, M.P. for their (cheers) bat he would have no one sup- Tat they had come there as Conservatives or ils, Churchmen or Dissenters, to make poli- oeeches or canvass for votes—happily they at trouble to do that there (laughter). They as Christians to shew their sympathy, by aud deeds with their Water-street brothien disaster that has necessitated the erection of church (hear, hear.) The beautiful edifioe lay begun will be a magnificent monument to "1, determination, and goodness of heart of friends (applause), and he (Mr Taylor) would add that his heart's desire and prayer was ne temple may be soon completed—that the ones of this material building may be crowned heaven's smiles, and that the illuminating re- jce of the Shekinah may ever abide within ils (lo$d applause.) Right Hon. Lord Richard Grosvenor was lalled upon to address the meeting. His lord- who had a most cordial reception, said it gave very great pleasure to accept Mr Hooke's tion, (whom he had known for many years) ise he felt that in doing so he was only adding lite to that army who were hard at work fight- he enemy which was ever before them—the y of atheism and infidelity. Churchmen and onformists and all religionists now had a great *3re them. They knew that atheism and .luv.nty and all those evils which followed in their ail- were very rife at the present day—although hoped the strides that had been made in this •ection were very much exaggerated—but it was of all men who had religion, and knew It tbtt religion was right, to stand shoulder to u^e-aud fight in defence of their religion, and to all they oukl to put an end and check to .ts of atheism and infidelity. How was this ve ne ? First of all they knew perfectly well iccomodation in the churches aud chapels tlountry was very lar short, he would not o requirements of the population, but even ise^bho had the power and the wish to go to They in the House of Commons knew the of one day's rest in the week, aud he thought 'body whu worked, and everybody must work Úays, demanded that there should be one day st in the week in which they might get per- reat of body and soul. (Applause). What dfe without faith and hope It would indeed lull, (applause). He, iromthcbot.tomofhis pitied those who did not and cjuld not believe a God. There were various motives for this Uil- lief, and he was afraid the want of faith was one. ) his mind a concientious atheist was one of the ddest spectacles that could be seen in this world. pramc). Could they imagine anyone giving up th and hope in God r Could they imagine the ite of mind those men were in I-' Did they not el bound to do every) hiug that lay in their power > keep strong in their religious faith themselves, •id jrive to others that strength which thej leedeti so much. This was one of the dutits vhier fell upon them, and one of the duties hich was ably performed by Mr Hooke and others J this country. (I, pplallse.) His lordship after- •ardh said one thing which struck one more than an- "cr iu Wales was the knowledge and fouduees 01 and hinging which existed among the Welsh he believed was very much owing to the il practice of tinging in the chapels of that 'v. He was glad to hear that the seats in the ipel would, as far as possible, be free and /ropriatcd. That was a que.-tiou which veiy Concerned t ¡IC bread and cheese "of the (LaughtT.) well as the theoretical, and he was sure |d go further iu the direction he hac ^lMriiooke. He hoped the result, id. un.-aticf ctory to the pocket uf the orjor tiie welfare of the church. (Loud applausj.; 1 John Roberts, who received a ven ty greeting, was the uext speaker. He wa. 1 r many reasons to be present. He lia- n Mr Ilooke for many years as an L ■: t of al. il e district, for the good work whid, doi.e in the neighhou nood. His abilities foi raniziug were Well known, and some thoughi he would have made a first-class business but hid business talcuts were also very useful to him as a minister. Lis talents in that direction have been acknowledged by his denomin- ation, in appointing him Sscretary of the Congregational Jubilee fund. Mr llooks mi-.rht be properly styled the prince of .'oHect'-rs." Ilaviug finished his work in connection w ith the jubilee fund which m-ec-ssiUUed his residitur in Lomlon, j he illr Koba in) was very triad that Mr Ilooke had come back to Yfahs atr >iu (.••pplan.-iu ) The lion, gentleman then referred t> the special circumstances under which they were to build th J new chapel It was a work which they had been driven to. He referred to the insanitary condition of the place of worship, which it was deemed prudent to leave, ['and said possibly they might have some claim against the Commissioners of Rhyl for sillowing their sewerage to go into the schoolroom. At the same time the commissioners had shown themselves very well disposed in regard to the wants of that congregation, and he hoped they Would give Mr Hooke and his coadjutors not only their warmest sympathy, but substantial aid in support of their undertaking. He thought it was incumbent upon every good citizen to courage the various effort that were being made for the spiritual and moral well-being of their people. (Applause.) Taking it simply as a question of citizenship, he behoved, though there might be some exceptions, the man who attended I chapel or church generally proved himself to be a bdter citizen on that account. He would prove it very easily, from this simple f Ict- there was no part of the kingdom where the people were accustomed to attend chapel more regularly than in Wales, and iu no part of her Majesty's dominions was theie to be found a more loyal, peaceable and industrious class. (Applause.) Referring to the establishment of Hnglisli congregations iu the Principality, Mr Roberts said in some of tlu1 newspapers which were printed in Welsh this was regarded as a reproach, and it was said they were striving to destroy the Welsh language by pro- viding accommodation for the English residents He was quite sure they would beli ;ve that such was not the case. If it were he would be sorry to have anything to do with it. They did not soek to weaken the Welsh lauguage or tho Welsh cause in their midst, but it was their duty to make provision for the English inhabitants, and fur their children, and do their best to help forward the cause of education. (Applause.) He was very ghid to see that their new movement, had met with the support of Churchmen, Baptists, and Presbyterians; and he hoped that the new ehurcb would long continue to be a centre of usefulness and t good in the prosperous town of Rhyl (applause.) Captain Wynne Jones was the next speaker, and r on rising he was loudly cheered. He said it was with sincere pleasure that he found himself privi- leged to take part iu those proceeedings, and was glad by so doing, among other thnigs, to shew a tribute of respect to the late pastor (hear, hear), with whose family they were intimately acquainted during their long period of residence in this town. And on behalf of Mrs Jones (cheers) he wished to be allowed to say, in consequence of many pleasant asscoiations, she promptly and voluntarily expres- sed her determination to accept the very kind invi- tation. He was glad to find th 11 tho trustees were pursuiug such a radical policy in regard to the old foundation, but hoped that the new one would be laid upon such lines that it would never Ileed any alteration or improvement. Without touching upon politics, thero was safety in saying that they could not be too radical in uprooting all that is bad and false, or too conservative iu the preservation of every proved good (hear, hear) Nonconformists now number at least one half of the entire popula- tion of this country, so that the proceedings at which they w°re engaged that day would be of interest to a large number. It had been well said that 110 who can make a blade of grass grow whero none had grown before was a benefactor of his species then how much more worthy, he assed, was person who helps to build .It sanctuary ? (applause). According to some of the latest reliable statistics, it appears that when the religious census was taken in lSol, the number of chapels credited to the Congregational body was 3,214, with 1.002,-307 sittings (hear, hear). Recently with a view to secure accurate and authoritative informa- tion j the committee of the Congregationol Union applied to every known church, or mission station, for the return of the number of their sittings The result shows an increase of more than 50 per cent duiing the last o3 years-tho grand total of churches and mission stations in England and Wales being- 1,317, with sitting accommodation for I.068 857 (applause), Of these 1,022 were in the Principality, affording accommodation for .13(3,751. That showed au addition since the census of 13-31 of 1,103 buildings, with 56.5,380 sittings. There are also 102 churches in Scotland, 29 in Ireland, with a hn-ge number of evangelistic stati ns 11 in the islanis of the British Seas thus making a total for the United Kingdom of about 4,500 places cf worship (applause). During the year before last, -10 new chapcls were built, and 7 mission halls, while the memorial btQJes were laid of a number of others. in making a few remarks he could not help feeling that there were many gentlemen present, who by virtue of their position in the Cong egational body could speak with more effect and authority, and say much better than he cmld anything- that was to be said. Still thov were on safe ground when speaking from persona; experience, and bearing that in mind he ventured no testify to having been particularly struck with the high level of the mental calibre, zeal, and earnestness which the mirlitry of the Congrega- tional body display. With very few exceptions they ranked, in his humble opiuiou, with the men who would take honours at any English university (hear, hear). Their earnestness in the pulpit com- municated a glow of sympathy to the congregation, and the services would be feeble indeed without an atmosphere of warmth in the devotions (hear, hear). They appeared to him—if he might be allowed to use some of the words of one of their ministers, the late poet-preacher—thoy appeared to him in the pulpit as though they had just previous- ly seen a divine vision and tho glory was still shining- in their face. or as though they had been walking and resting in the fields around Gethse- mano and Calvary, and the smell of these fields were fresh upon their garments, ur as though they had entered the Holy of Holies, unlocked the ark of the covenant, read the Law, and had come forth wi'h an expression of reverence, awe, and ineffable love. There was no doubt too that the ministry did a great deal of good in a quiet and unostentatious way. The best deeds done in the world were those, which were never published or heard of, nor ever meet with any loud demonstrations of applause. The indirect amount of good work done, too, ib often a matter of surprise. In a letter received from the late Dr. Mellor, of Halifax, shortly be- fore his lamented demise, he fully bore out his (the speaker's) statement from his own personal exper* lence. In reading the history, lately published, as rhev all know, of Carlyle, one could not help feel- ing strongly that his struggles in adversity, and the noble and heroic example he set of continuing tiim and steadfast and true to himself throughout his trials and difficulties, will be of as much value and as helpful to posteiity as even the writiugs by which he attaiued his fame. It was difficult to determine always whero the golden mien lies, in symolisiug religious principles, but it should be remembered that there are many in the world, not only among the very poor, but also amoug the distressed and heart broken, who could hardly regard life to be worth living unless they are iu full possession of the primary realities and eternal verities of religion. Educated men and scholars incur a serious re-ponsibiiity, if by ad- vocating a supGrnuity uf rite and ceremonial, they tend to distract and chloroform the souls of these people, inveigling them into leaning upon broken reeds, and human support, by seducing their affections from their only legitimate object—their ir alterable birthright (appla ise.) It would be a mistake, however, for any one to pity and condole with these people who receive' their divine teaching through their circumstances, as it would be a greater misfortune for anybody enjoying all the accidental advantages the world can give from a spirit of contentedness with their comfortable surroundings to miss aHor all the grand meaning of life, and "lip awav into eternit .vitittheopensecretremaining uudiiScovGrc 1 He would bring these remarks to a close b-ivlatinr an I incident iu the life of John Williams/ the martyr Missionan, wnile \o}-aging the South Sea he came upon an Isi iii-1 wnere tuere were some coral reefs. From a portion of these he made some beautiful whitewash to use for tho building of a chapel. The natives came around, were charmed and delighted with the beautitui whitewash. They looked at it, smelt the walls of the building, and oattcd them with their hands. In a little time ifterwards the missionary returned to this island, when lo, and behold what shou'd he see but that the natives had all whitewashed themselves from aead to foot (laughter.) The chapel had done it And this would clearly show the civilising effects of building a new chapel. In conclusion he trasted die new chapel in this town would not only lave civilising influences, but that many would .eceive within its walls their spiritual strength, tad sustenance from time to time, in proportion to •vhieh would be its success and prospeiity; and iually, (1o-.pit!:J all head-logic arguments, as to tbo jest form of church government, the tct of old ■vouhl coiue to be applied to both the congregation the cause — the ultimate test of every good i vork, By their fruits ye shall kuow them" (loud ipplai:e.; Alderman MLu-.huU, J.l' of O-vcstry, who was h&Uitily iceivel, si id lie had no iita that he world be c.lied upon to m ike a speech. He had no; co.ne to tho nueling with that view. But the 1 oojiisiou was to him n very intere-Ucgj and brought to his memory circumstances which had occurred ill Rhyl 30 years At that time the Erglish Cougregationalists held their services in the Welsh chapel, and he remembered that one Sunday they were left without a preacher. Raiher than be without a sermon be (the speaker) consented to preach. At that service there was present a lady who was the wife of an Indian colonel, and sin afterwards expressed her great surpri-e and pleasure with the service. liow a man could preich and pray without a book she could not understand (laughter.) He was also glad to be present for personal reasons. Mr Ilooke was Secretary of the North Wales Con jregational Union, of which he (the speaker) was treasurer. In Mr Hooke he had a most splendid coadjutor. He hoped that he was a little help to 3Ir Hooke but Mr Ho 11\:o was a great help to him. He was very thankful indeed that the work had beeD so successful in the as and as a member of the same christian body as Mr Hooke he was very glad to see so many members of other denom- inations showing their sympathy aud good wishes towards the .vork which was beingloilo that day. The speaker then related his personal experience as to the value of doing away with pew rents; and he was very glad that it was the intention of the Euglish Congregational Church in Rhyl to throw the pews open and free and unappropriated to all. In conclusion he expressed a hope that the new church would be opened free from debt (applause.) Mr J. L. Muspratt, J.P who was cordially re- ceived, said he would be mindful of the hint given by the chairman. He felt great pleasure in beill present that day to wish God speed to the friends connected with the place of worship about to be erected, which he believed would outwardly be an ornament to Rhyl, and would benefit spiritually the residents and the visitors who came here. It gave him very great pleasure indeed to be one of the company on so interesting an occasion (ap- plause). Mr S. Perks, who was loudly cheered, said he had a very pleasant duty to perform, aud the plea- santness of it was increased by the knowledge of the fact that it would be very cordially received. He rose to propose the best thauks of the meeting 'oLord R. Grosvenor and John Roberts, M P., for their attendance that day, and to the chairman for presiding. It was not necessary for him to say anything to commend the proposal. All p:esent were satisfied with the work done b? their honour- able members (applause), and he hoped bat they would long retain the position which they now lwld (applause). As to their chairman, he was too well known to need anything being said of him. There was no good movement, which had not at one time or other received his support, not only lof his advocacy but monetary support also (ap- plause). May he long be spared to continue his good services (cheers). Mr W. Davies, coroner, said he had great plea- sure in seconding the proposition. As to the chair- man they could not have a better Mr Hooke had been very fortunate in meeting Mr Taylor when he was in a good and happy mood so as to get him to promise to preside (hear, hear). As to the hon. members, he agreed with a remark in one of the letters read, that they were two of the best mombers of the House of Commons (applause). May they live long to carry on the work which they so nobly fulfill now (loud applause). The Rev. D. B. Hooke having put the motion to the meeting it was carried with loud applause. The Chairman and the two honourable members stood up together, and the chairman on his own and their behalf, briefly returned thanks. The proceedings then terminated with the sing- ing of three verses of a hymn. THE LAYING OF THE MEMORIAL STONES. Immediately after the luncheon the ceremony of laying the memorial stones took place in the presence of a Aery large concourse of people. Hundreds failed to get admission withiu the en- closure, and great difficulty was experienced in making room for the ladios and gentlemen who laid the stones. The Rev. D. Burford Hooke announced that it was intended that the ceremony should be as brief as possible. A hymn haviug been sung the Rev. W. Evans Footo read the 122ud Psalm, and offered a very fervent prayer. The first stone was laid by Lord Grosvenor, a splendid trowel,bearing a siutable inscription being presented to him by the Rev. D. Burford Hooke. The second stone was laid by Mr John Roberts, M P. he also receiving a trowel from the hands of Mr llobert Oldfield (co-treasurer with the Rev. Mr Hooke.) The third was laid by Mrs Jones, Olinda, the trowel being presented by Mr P. Mostyn Williams (one of the secretaries.) The iV.u-th was laid by Miss Evans, Prcswylfa, M ■ R. S. Peet (co-secretary with Mr P. Mostyn William.,) pre- senting the trowel The Rev. Mr Hooke then pronounced the stones well and truly Liid, and th proceedings were closed with the singing of t h doxology. Contributions towards the bui ding funds were then laid upon the stones. PUBLIC MEETING AT THE TOWN HALL In the evening at 7 p in., a public meeting was held at the t .wn hall, under the presidency of Thomas Davies, Esq, J.P., of Bootle, who was supported on the platform by the Revs. D. B. Hooke Dr Thomas, Liverpool; Thomas Nicholson, Denbigh .Thomas L'oyd ;—Bultou Lancaster; E. Lloyd Jones, W. Evans Foote, Thomas Hughes, Ishmael Evans, J. J, Williams, &(., 6co. After the siog'ug of a hymn, the Rev Mr Bolton of Lancr.ster, offered prayer. The Chairman, who was greeted with warm applause, remarked that if he had rightly under- stood, a proper keynote to the proceediugs of that day had been given in the text of tho sermon preached on the previous night—work and rejoicing The good people of Rhyl, and especially the Cougregationalists of Rhyl, had all cause for rejoicing and iu that rtjoicing they were joined by distinguished people from afar off. He had always thought a great deal of the cause in Rhyl, on its own account, and on account cf its relation to English Congregationalism in North Wales English Congregationalism had seen many vicissitudes in recent years, The first thing was the taking away from their midst of the late Mi- Francis, who for a great many years was their pastor. The last time lie (the speaker) was in Rhyl, the late Mr Francis stood on the same platform, and together with the Rev. J. Guinness tiogers. Someone at the time remarked that there was a great likenness between these two men; they were both good men aud showed their energy and their disposition for work in their countenances (hear, hear.) 111 the next place God led—for they ought to acknowledge the guidance of the Alruightv in every work connected with the Church had hid them to seek a new pastor and great satisfaction was felt by friends at a distance when it became known that they were inclined to ask Mr Hooke to become their pastor, and the satisfaction was greater still when they received the information that Mr Hooke had accepted the call ,:ipp\ause.) It was a wonderful combination of place and the man for it. And the energy and usefulness of Mr Hooke since he had been amongst them had fully borne out their good opinion of him (applause.) Then again when they had comfortably settled down to work, a sad calamity—there was 110 other name for it,lofdl them,in the threitened destruction of their sanctuary. When he (the speaker) heard of it his sorrow was great. But in tho face of all there was that energy in the church and congre- gation at Rhyl that caused them to rise to the occasion (hear, hear.) They had faith in the work which had devolved upon them, and woie ready to accept the responsibility and their friends outside the town had shewn every desire to help them. In this connection he could not help remembering the revered name of the late R. S. Hudson, of Bache Hall, Chester; and it was impossible to mention his name without paying a silent tribute to his memorv (hear, hear.) The success which had hitherto followed his efforts,he (the speakerjthouglit was evidence of a gre:tt deal of prayer, and of intercourse and tribulations. Their i\ligion would be of little value unless they found from personal conviction that they found access to God (hear, hear.) Their success was a r roof to his mind that their prayers had been heard, and had led to the consummation of that day. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. God has dalr irraciously with them, and He expected a great deal from them iu return. They must use their energies to do God's work. One reason why the Estab- lished Church had tailed ti accomplish the object sought was that they did not approach the people in their own language. Great changes werc- now taking placo; and In ty there not bo a danger thntifthey as a denomination did not take this to rheir minds they also might lose thsir hold upon the pe :-ple;- He would not say that there was less Welsh spoken to-day than at any previous time, but English was becoming more and more general And it the Congregationalists want to retain their aold uoon the people, they must make preparations that will satisfy tLC wants of the time (hear, hear), tie was glad to 15ud that the Welsh religious bodies were paying attention to this matter, and thai kughsa was being preached in places which had aever been thought of until recent y. The Welsh Nonconformists had noJ had their share iu the responsibility attached to their country, although they, as much as any other body, had contributed o the progress, industry, and wealth of tho country kappL'use). They had not had their share in th" legislation of the country, although they had borne heir p lrt of the burden (hear, hear). They had lot been acknowledged as t'ley ought to have been mhigapltces. liat a eh an jo was about to take placem the immediate future, when the Franchise iiiil became into opei utiou. And it was necessarj that Nonconformity, in order that it may fulfil ie, mission, the salvation o.f the people, should be awake to their advfluta^cs (apphutvj). Ax tor a few more remarks in the same direction, the chairman said he would not detain them lontrer. He saw with teem th t evening men who might, be termed the pillars ri Nonconformity—men who had the eloquence of a Demosthenes, and the strength of an c i lies to wield tiie shield of civil and religious b tty (loud applause). A hYiU having been sung, The Rev. Nichclsou, of Denbigh, whoso rising was a signal for applause, next addressed the meet- ing. He thought it rather fortunate for him that the chairman had asked for a hjmn to be sung im- mediately nfter the concluding words of bis speech, for they would naturally lead the audience to ex- pect. a great deal. He (Mr Nicholsm) had come their that evening- to express his sympathy with the English Congregational Church, at Hhyl, and its pastor, under what had been aptly termed the cal- amity which had befallen them but at the same time he congratulated the restless indefatigable pastor of the churoh, with the co-operation of others arouned him and in the country, on the very signal success which had so far crowned their effortp and he hoped that they may stieedily bo brought to a triumphant issue (applause). For a few moments further, he intended to dwell upon the more spiritual function of the church of Christ in this world Far be it from him to recognise the work they were now doing as woik dene for the Lord Christ himself, in building- a new church; but he proposed to emphasize on the more spiritual work of the church—the ultimate object in the whole-the work of the church in its relation to the world without. That object was to brine1 men to -Jesus—not to this church or dc-momination, but to Christ (hear,hear). He would found his remaiks upon a scriptural incident, recorded of Andrew, of Beth- saida, It was said cf him in relation to his brother Simou "HebroughthimuntoJesus." Thtt was the missiou on the church in the world. He took that the incident quoted taught a lesson to the Christian to the end of world. In eloquent language, and with great earnestness, the speaker urged this noble aim upon the christian people pre- sent. Humanity was the means appointed by God to lead men to the Saviour. Consecrated humanity who could count or gauge its capabilities for goodr He urged that such should be taken as an inspir- ing note from that meeting. Let them leave that' hall that evening with a determination to do their 1 best to try to lead men to the Saviour- onice bear- ers, teachers, visitors, Sunday school teachers let them all try during the year 1885 to lead someone to Jesus. Let all other things be subserviant to this as the final and ultimate object (loud ap- plause) Another hymn having beeu sung, The Rev. E. Lloyd Jones, who was loudly plauded on rising, next addressed the meeting. Mr Jones commenced by saying that all who had taken a public part iu the proceedings of that day—iu thc afternoon and that evening-had taken a most; natural course to congratulate Mr Hooke and the congregation upon the great success that had at- tended their efforts hitherto. Be would like if I possible to emphasize that more than had been done already. In the afternoon someone had facetiously titled Mr Hooke a Prince of Collectors" (laughter) It required a great man to make a prince and he was sure that no one had shewn more energy and strength in gaining that title for himself than Mr. Hooke (applause). There was more religion necess ary to make a good collector than to make a good ureacher (laughter). He (Mr Jones) could make a, dozen sermons much easier than be could make one i collection (renewed laughter). Therefore he wish ed to emphasize his congratulation to Mr Hooke on his success in the above work which to him (the speaker) would be the hardest work in the world (applause). The success of those meetings had been most marked Think of it. Meetings such as those could not have been held 30 years ago. At that time the feeling between Arminians aud Calvinists I was something akin to the feeling of a red hot Tory in these days when he met with a downright Hadical (loud laughter). A lack of sympathy and wishing God speed existed between christians of various denominations in these days. But that evening they found that members of all christian churches were present to wish Mr Hooke and his church God p-ccd (applause). There were some people who praised the "good old times but these I were the better times (loud applause). There was I in these days a liberality of thought, a toleration, a icspect for one another's feelings and opinions which were not known a few years ago (applause). that was not because they held their relip-ious views less firmly than their forefathers did. The Rev. J. J. Williams (who was on the platform) was as good a Baptist as ever John the Baptist was (laughler), and yet he was there to wish success to Mr Hooke (applause). And lie (the speaker., wished Mr Hooke the a.m8 although he was as good a Methodist as ever John esley was (applause). What did aJ. vance iu civilization and toleration mean 'r It meant that people in these days were more enlightened searchers for the truth. All the religious bodies | had a fragment of the truth-not one of them had the whole of it. Thauk God for (applause). People were begining to soe that opinions aud creeds were simply the clothes of religion. The fruits of the spirit of true religion were love, aud jov, aud peace, "against which there is no law." People had made laws to put down beliefs but never to put. down love and charity (applause). If their re- ligion produced these results, it did not matter I much a bunt the clothes (applause). Speaking of j Congregationalism, Mr Jones said he knew of uo grander ideal of a Christian Church than Congre- gationalism. In his opinion nothing could be more sublime—more in harmony wi; b the letter and spirit of the word of God. In the first place be- cause it reflected so much honour upon Jesus. They were a body of men with Christ in the midst of j them, as their teacher, comforter, end guide. In the second place, Congregationalism re- flected great honour upon humanity; every man and woman bad a voice in the church government. He would not say that Congregationalism had hlly come up to the ideal; that was not to expect- ed. What christian had ever come up to the ideal of a perfect christian ? The most perfect christian man would yet be au immeasurable distance from the Lord Jesus Christ. For two or three centuries also Congregationalism had more thau any other church extended the area of the activity of the christian church. It had taught that there was nothing in this world but that religion had some- thing to do with it (hear. hoar). There was liopei for the future. The Chairman had touched a ten j der cord in his heart wheu he referred to the in- justice done to Wales—his native laml-for he ithe speaker) was a Jones" after all (loud applause). With great power and eloqueuce the speaker con- demned the religious and civil inequalities of Wales. He congratulated Mr Hooke upon his faith, and hoped that his church would be true to the prin- ciples of tho past 300 years. The religious free- dom and privileges which they as Nonconformists now enjoyed was due to the Independents aud Bap- lists There were other reform, iu the near t tnture. Tiie time was coming when all forms of i 'ppressioii, injustice, aud class legislation, would bo swept away by the beasom of equality and justice (loud applause). The Rev. Dr. Thomas, of Liverpool, was next called upon, and was greeted with loud cheers. He said that Mr Hooke had asked him to be present to answer the question—What Congregationalism had dlma for Wales ? He then proceeded to read a lengthy, but highly interesting paper on the subject, which was listened" to with rapt attention, and fre- quently applauded. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Hooke, seconded oy the Rev. Ishmael Evans, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and the speakers. The compliment was acknowledged by the Chairman, a hymn was sung, aud the meeting, which was a most enthusiastic one throughout, was brought to a close by the Roy. Mr Hooke pronouncing the Apos- tolic benediction