PAGE NOVEMBER. Labourer's Combinations from the Clerical Point of View, Thoughts on the Future of the English National Church, 168 179 NOVEMBER. OPENING ADDRESS. It is of the first importance for the success of the Work in this Parish of Soho that the largest possible amount of personal interest should be obtained from the largest possible number both of the parishioners and of the congregation, and this entirely irrespective of the questions of station and grade, of political and religious party views, or of the bent of mind of the individual. God wants all His children for the great family work. He can spare none. He wants each to bring his own special gifts, and yield his own genuine bit of service. No one is excused, be he ever so ignorant or ever so poor, or be he ever so learned or ever so high in station. Even the sick and dying man is not excused; he must give us his prayers. It is with the motive of constraining the parishioners and congregation to a knowledge of what services and work are being carried on in this parish, that a large and complete Notice of the same has been put out, a reprint of which appears on the first pages of this work. By this means all are instructed how they may come either to learn, or to teach, or to pray. Here are shown to them ways by which they may work for God and their brethren. It is to these same ends that the Soho Magazine is issued. It is purposed by its means to keep all, both parishioners and congregation, "posted up" month by month in such matters of detail, as their assumed interest in the success of the Work gives them a claim to know. Hence, I now propose in this the first issue of the New Series, to give some simple statements in reference to the above programme, following the order as there set forth : SERVICES. Of the SUNDAY SERVICES: it would seem best to let them speak for themselves, or to leave them in other hands more competent to deal with them. The WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICE is much improved, both as to the manner in which it is conducted and the number of worshippers who attend. Yet there is room for still further improvement in both these respects. With regard to the CHOIR, an arrangement has been made by which it is hoped that a permanent supply of educated boys will be obtained from the ST. JAMES'S COLLEGIATE COMMERCIAL SCHOOL in Brewer Street, which numbers sixty scholars. Mr. SALISBURY, the Principal, has taken the matter up in the kindest and most generous manner. The OFFERTORY for the past month is as follows:— . An increase of the Offertory is greatly needed. It would seem, judging from the above sums, that it may not be unreasonably asked. CLASSES. THE MOTHERS' MEETING. Number of Members, 150. Average attendance, from 30 to 40. THE YOUNG MEN'S DISCUSSION CLASS. Members, 14. This Class has only recently been commenced. THE BIBLE CLASS. Members, 45. Average attendance, from 35 to 40. This class has been removed from St. Anne's Court to the Upper Vestry, a far more cheery and suitable room. CLUBS. THE SAVINGS' BANK. Present number of Members, 627. THE MOTHERS' CLUB. Number of Members, 146. SCHOOLS. WEEK-DAYS. Number of Children on the Books: Boys, 165; Girls, 113; Infants, 250. SUNDAYS. Rose Street.-Girls and Young Boys, 60. Upper Vestry. Teachers, 8. Girls and Young Boys, 114. This latter School has been entirely re-organized, with seeming success so far. An acknowledgment is due to the teachers for the hearty and unselfish spirit in which they have taken up the work. If that spirit continues this School can scarcely fail to flourish. But to conclude these running notices, which, were there space, might be still further extended, and to proceed to another subject, let me add that, nothing can be done well, or should be done at all, without prayer to God. And one special prayer going up to the Throne of Grace from many hearts is a strong force for Good. I would venture then to suggest that all who either by act or sympathy enter into this great Common Work (and may the number be an ever increasing one), shall say daily the following collect: |