This review of the state of religion in the Congregational churches of South Carolina and of Georgia, during this first year of their General Conference, shows abundant occasion of gratitude for general prosperity and spiritual blessing. The fact that all of our fourteen churches except one, have been represented in this Conference by their ministers and delegates, reveals an interest in its meetings, and in the doctrine of the fellowship of the churches, that is truly delightful. In this connection we cannot refrain from noting the grace of God conferred upon the churches in their custom of providing the necessary traveling expenses of their delegates. We hope that such messengers of the churches will reciprocate this consideration, and magnify their office, by making a full report of this and all such convocations to their respective assemblies for worship. We gratefully recognize the increase of our total membership by 354, making the present number 949. One new church has been organized, that of Cypress Slash, which reports to us a membership of 54; a temporary cabin, built as a place for church and school, with the purpose soon to erect a more comely and permanent sanctuary; and also a new young minister who, with his wife, is already reaping missionary fruit. We note with gratification that every one of our churches is supplied with the ministry of the word, except that at Marietta, whose pastor, Rev. S. P. Smith, has been transferred to Washington City for the purpose of building up the 2d Congregational Church at the capital. So, with the same exception, every one of our churches has its own house of worship. Some of these are commodious and tasteful; others are very plain; but all are places of sanctuary comfort, and the worshippers are striving each year to increase their comeliness and convenience. During the year, three of these congregations have added to their meeting-houses the attraction of the church-going bell. Among a people, few of whom have clocks or watches, the church bell is their time-keeper, and the promoter of that promptness which adds a charm to the services of public worship. The doctrine of church discipline as a means of grace has been illustrated by a heroic use of the pruning knife upon these vines, that they may bring forth more fruit. The seeking of a clean membership is essential to the healthfulness and well-being of the churches.