There was a very fair, though not general, response to the invitation given to the inhabitants of Geelong, to close their shops and places of business in order to attend the religious services, with which it was proposed to conclude the rejoicings. In numerous instances, the shops were closed, and the churches were very well attended, during the forenoon, but there were also not a few instances in which people exercised their own discretion. In this instance, as in every similar case, no man has a right to dictate to his fellows, for the great rule of religious freedom is - "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. - The Right Rev. the Bishop of Melbourne preached in Christ Church to a somewhat numerous and most attentive congregation. His text was taken from the first chapter and third verse of the book of the Prophet Isaiah, "the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." The Bishop of Melbourne has a very impressive and dignified pulpit style, and his choice of language is a happy example of a combination of simplicity with earnestness. He reads his sermons, but his style of delivery is impressive, and though he occasionally repeats a sentence, the effect is rather striking than otherwise. The congregation was extremely attentive; and but for one or two slight disturbances, caused by the entrance of a few persons who arrived late, it might almost be literally said, that through the entire discourse the dropping of a pin would have made a noise loud enough to be heard.

The first portion of the sermon was general, and was applied to the spiritual necessities and obligations of individuals and nations. But towards the close, the bishop alluded, in graceful terms, to the fact, that Victoria was no longer a dependent province but an independent colony. He gave due credit to the Queen, and the Parliament of England, for this great boon, and he admitted the many advantages which a people derive from the possession of a good civil constitution. But he exhorted his hearers to recognise Him who disposes of the hearts of kings and counsellors; and he reminded them that though the colony might be rapidly growing in numbers and wealth, no prosperity could be really beneficial, without the recognition and blessing of Almighty God. Our flocks might be smitten with disease, our ships might be wrecked, our produce sunk to the bottom of the sea; but if personal and social religion did not prevent these calamities, it would enable us to meet and surmount them.

The bishop also expressed his thankfulness that both in Melbourne and Geelong there had been religious services introduced into the 'rejoicings,' which he regarded as an evidence of an increasing regard for religious obligation and duties, and a hopeful indication of better things in this community.

Altogether, the sermon of the bishop of Melbourne was an excellent one and while it made a visible impression on the congregation, it had the great additional recommendation of not being too long.

THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. - At his church the Rev. Andrew Love the permanent pastor officiated. The attendance of worshippers was not so numerous as could have been desired on the occasion. After the usual ceremonies of prayer and praise the Reverend gentleman delivered an eloquent and appropriate discourse from the following passage of Scripture, 1 Chronicles, xxix, 13. "Now therefore our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name."

INDEPENDENT CHURCH, KARDINIA STREET. - A small but respectable congregation assembled in this place of worship. The Rev. Benjamin Cuzens took his text from Jeremiah 31st chapter, 7th verse, "O Lord, save thy people." He dwelt chiefly on the fact that the church is in danger from worldly conformity, from more money being spent in worldly amusements than in promoting the interests of religion, and from the divisions and want of charity which exist in the church itself. The remedy for such a state of things consisted in the operation of prayer, faith and christian exertion.

The sermon was delivered with much solemnity, and produced a manifest impression on the congregation.