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CONNEXIONAL DEPARTMENT.

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OPENING OF A DAY-SCHOOL, STRANGEWAYS, MANCHESTER. Mr. EDITOR,The establishment of day-schools in our Connexion is much to be desired. this department of Christian labour and usefulness we are, as yet, behind our brethren of many other denominations, and certainly far from occupying the position it is our privilege and duty to occupy. Why should this be? A sound secular and religious education is of paramount importance to us, as a community, as well as to others; and truly we have ability, if it were rightly used, to open day-schools in communication with many of our chapels, and thus aid in diffusing light and knowledge, and in giving a direction to the aims and pursuits of our rising population. Let us try.

Convinced of its importance, and encouraged by a most pleasing prospect, we resolved a short time ago to open a day-school, in the spacious room connected with our new chapel at Strangeways. A committee was appointed, and inquiries made respecting a teacher. Mr. T. Bullock, of Stafford, was engaged at a liberal salary, and on Monday, January 5th, the school was opened. Fifty scholars were received during the first week, and during this-the second week-the number of names on the book is upwards of seventy. With the success attending our efforts we are satisfied and encouraged, and the school, we doubt not, will be perfectly self-sustaining. To hear of similar efforts in other parts of the Connexion will afford us true pleasure.

Yours affectionately,

T. CARTWRIGHT.

Pendleton, Manchester. PREACHING-PLACE OPENED AT LANGLEY, MACCLESFIELD CIRCUIT. On Sabbath-day, January 11th, 1852, a commodious room, neatly fitted up, was opened at Langley, for the public worship of Almighty God. The Rev. T. Griffith of Burslem delivered two impressive sermons on the occasion. In the afternoon the room was well filled; but in the evening the congregation was overflowing. The collections amounted to upwards of £7. For some years we have had a small interest in this village; but only occupying a dwelling-house as our regular place of worship, our pros pect of future success was necessarily very limited. The room which we now have will comfortably accommodate 120

adults; it has been well attended since the opening, and the Society has already obtained an accession of several members. May the Lord greatly increase the number! T. W. SPECIAL SERVICES AT YARMOUTH.MY DEAR BROTHER,-You will be glad to hear that for nearly a fortnight we have been holding special services with a view to promote a revival of the work of God, and to learn that these services have not been altogether in vain. Accompanied by the divine blessing, they have resulted in the conversion of sinners and in the spiritual improvement of some of God's people. We know of eight who profess to have been brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, seven of whom have united with the Church. Others are under serious impressions, which it is fervently hoped will never be effaced. May these impressions lead to a sound conversion to God! The good which has been done we trust is only a prelude to what shall be accomplished. The burden of our prayer is, "O Lord, revive thy work!" "Save now, we beseech thee, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech thee send now prosperity!" In the course of these services we have been favoured with the assistance of the three town missionaries, Messrs. Hitcham, Huggins and Vallens, and also Mr. Neaves, Primitive Methodist local preacher, and Mr. French, our own local preacher. The addresses delivered by these estimable brethren were plain, pointed and heart-searching, and calculated, by the blessing of God, to promote the salvation of sinners and the spiritual improvement of those who have already believed through grace. Although the weather for the most part has been very unfavourable, the attendance, on the whole, has been good, and for several evenings uncommonly so. For a long

time we had seen and felt our need of a revival of God's work, and had been praying for it; and we now feel encouraged to persevere in the use of appropriate means to seek the abundant prosperity of Zion. May God crown our efforts with great success!

Yours affectionately,

THOS. RIDGE.

To the Editor. PRESENTATION ΤΟ MR. SHEDDEN, DUDLEY CIRCUIT.-The annual teameeting to the teachers of the Methodist New Connexion Sunday and

day schools took place on Monday evening last, in New Mill street schoolroom, on which occasion about 160 persons partook of tea. William Shedden, Esq., was called to the chair, and opened the meeting in an appropriate speech. It was stated that Mr. Shedden had been a Sunday-school teacher in this town for the long period of fifty-four years. In. structive addresses were delivered by the Rev. P. T. Gilton, superintendent of the Circuit, the Rev. C. Y. Potts, the Rev. T. Boycott, of Tipton, and the Rev. J. Taylor, of Oldbury, on "character," and the beneficial effects of Sunday-school instruction. One of the speakers made encouraging reference to the fact of some of the present local preachers, and also some of the missionaries now abroad, having risen out of this Sunday-school. Mr. Thomas Haynes next spoke on the importance of blending secular with religious instruction, and Mr. Hannay endeavoured to show that religion was the best protection of any country, and dwelt upon the blessings of Sunday-school teaching. He concluded by presenting two elegantly-bound books to Mr. James Shedden, sen., the superintendent of the Sunday-school, as testimonials of respect; one, "Cobbin's Condensed Commentary," from the Sunday-school teachers; and "Barnes's Notes on the Acts and Romans," from the elder boys of the Sunday-school. The presents were accompanied with the following addresses, which were read by Mr. Hannay :

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"Dear Sir,-We, the teachers of New Mill-street Boys' Sunday-school, sensible of the very efficient manner in which you have performed the duties of your office as superintendent of this school, your very regular attendance, being never known to be either late or absent, your untiring and assiduous efforts to advance the interests of Sabbath-school instruction, your kind and affectionate demeanour towards both teachers and scholars, and which have won for you the lasting esteem of all, cannot allow this meeting to pass without making known to you our highest approbation of your praiseworthy exertions. therefore beg your acceptance of these expressions of our esteem for your cha racter, both as a private individual and as a most efficient officer of an important Christian institution; and as a token of this esteem, we now take the liberty of presenting you with this volume of Cobbin's Commentary.' The gift is trifling in itself, but we hope it will

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have value attached to it in your eyes from the spirit in which it is given. Were it in our power to present you with a testimonial at all commensurate with our sense of your desert, it would take a large library indeed to contain our new year's gift; but as it is we venture to hope that you will accept the will for the deed;' and wishing you many happy returns of the new year, we sincerely and fervently pray that the Giver of every good and perfect gift,' through Jesus Christ our Lord, may bless you and your family.-Signed, on behalf of the teachers, W. TODD, H. HANNAY."

The address accompanying the present from the Sunday-school boys, "Barnes's Notes on Acts and Romans," was as follows:

"Dear Sir,-A few of the elder scholars of the Sunday-school feel that they could not allow the present opportunity to pass without heartily reciprocating the above sentiments, and thanking you for your attention to the interests of this place since you became connected therewith. They beg you, therefore, to accept from them this small gift, 'Barnes's Notes on Acts and Romans,' as an expression of their esteem and gratitude, hoping sincerely that the unceasing efforts to do good which have marked your intercourse with them, may long be continued, and that you may at last receive that reward which is only in the power of your Heavenly Father to bestow. Sigued on behalf of the boys by W. TODD and H. HANNAY.”

The testimonial, "Cobbin's Commentary," bore the following inscription:

"Presented to James Shedden, senior, by the teachers of the boys' Sundayschool, in testimony of their respect for his worth as a private individual, and their high estimation of his zealous and praiseworthy exertions as Superintendent in the cause of Sabbath-school instruction."

These addresses were acknowledged by Mr. Shedden in a feeling speech, and, votes of thanks having been cordially passed to the ladies for their presence and kind assistance at the tea-tables, and to the chairman for his courtesy and able conduct in the chair, the meeting separated, highly pleased with the evening's entertainment. From the report of the schools, read by Mr. Shedden, it appeared that there were 500 Sundayschool boys and ninety day-scholars, and that the latter are under the able management of Mr. Todd, a trained Government teacher.

CHRISTMAS TEA PARTY AND PRESENTATION TO THE REVERENDS MESSRS. LYNN, HALLAT AND GRUNDY, AT UPPER HANLEY.-On Christmas-day a tea-party was held in the school room connected with the Upper Hanley Chapel. About 200 sat down to tea. The trays were all furnished gratuitously by the friends of the place; and whether referring to the quantity or quality of the edibles, or the gracious smiles and pleasant humour of the ladies presiding at the trays, the entire affair did honour to the parties interested in getting it up. The meeting had a twofold object, the primary one being a desire to discharge a debt recently contracted in making improvements in the chapel; and the other to give the friends an opportunity of expressing their esteem for the ministers of the Circuit, and to reciprocate those kindly feelings which we do well to cultivate betwixt ministers and people. The first of these objects was fully realized by a sufficient amount of cash being handed over to the treasurer to clear off the whole of the expenses connected with the alterations; thanks to the ladies who furnished and presided at the trays.

After tea a public meeting was convened in the beautiful chapel. Joseph Clementson, Esq., chief bailiff of Hanley and Shelton, was called to the chair, the duties of which he discharged with such ability and impartiality as we have never seen him excel. Short addresses were delivered by Messrs. Curzen, Cootes, Loton and Carr, when the real object of the meeting was commenced by the chairman calling upon Mr. Cartwright, one of the leaders of the Society, to make the presentations. In a plain, practical and humorous speech, Mr. Cartwright discharged his duty, and concluded by presenting, in the name of the Society, three finely executed busts in Parian to Messrs. Lynn, Hallat and Grundy. The busts were modelled and got up by Mr. Joseph Mills, and were done in a style which augurs well for his future success in the art which he has adopted, we believe purely from a love of it.

It would be utterly impossible to convey anything like an adequate idea of the feelings elicited during the presentations, and the responses of the reverend gentlemen. There was a moral electricity in the place, and it shot from heart to heart and from face to face. The speakers were like men accustomed to play upon a well-attuned instrument, and had only to touch the key to fetch out any note they pleased. And while they were emitting living thoughts

"thoughts that breathed in words that burned" all acknowledged that it was good to be there. The doctrine of want of confidence betwixt ministers and people was triumphantly refuted; and the people at Upper Hanley proved that they could and would appreciate the services of those who fearlessly proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus. The proceedings were beautifully varied by some excellent singing by brothers Mountford, Johnson, and the choir. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman; and all departed in perfect harmony, declaring it to have been the best and happiest party they ever attended "in all their lives!" We may

just state that reference was frequently made by the speakers to the forthcoming bazaar intended to be holden in April next, for the reduction of the debt on the chapel. A splendid affair is expected. A vigorous effort is needed. The people themselves have displayed large hearts and generous devotion, and it is hoped they will realize all that connexional sympathy which the exigencies of the case require. W. C.

MISSIONARY SERVICES. MACCLESFIELD CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, December the 14th, 1851, two impressive sermons were preached in Parkstreet Chapel, Macclesfield, by the Rev. A. Lynn of Hanley, the deputation on behalf of our missions. The sermons were rendered exceedingly profitable, especially in the evening, when several persons stepped out of nature's darkness into God's marvellous light. On Monday evening, Dec. 15, a missionary meeting was held in the above chapel. W. Martin, Esq., of Altrincham, was called to the chair. After the report had been read by the secretary, Mr. G. P. Duncalf, the chairman gave an appropriate address, which was listened to with great attention. The Rev. G. B. Kidd (Independent) moved the first resolution. He took up that portion of our missionary field, Ireland, with his usual telling eloquence. Dr. Crofts, in seconding the same, pleaded the claims of Canada; his speech was replete with facts in connexion with our missionary operations there. The Rev. A. Lynn (deputation) with the Rev. R. Stocks (Baptist) moved and seconded the next resolution. The Rev. W. Jones (Association), with our venerable superintendent, moved and seconded the third resolution. Other resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev. J. Ogden, Messrs. Bullock, Oldham, and Duncalf The services were well at

tended, and the collections were about one-third more than last year. The friends think it is one of the best missionary meetings that has been held here. Also on Sunday, Dec. 14, two sermons were preached in behalf of our missions, in Queen-street Chapel, Congleton, by our venerable superintendent, the Rev. T. Waterhouse. The missionary meeting was held on Tuesday, Dec. 16th. Alderman Warrington, Esq., was called to the chair. The chairman opened the meeting in a neat and appropriate speech. After the report had been read, and a letter from the Mayor, expressing his regret at not being able to preside, but inclosing one pound as a mark of his sympathy for our missions, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. D. Carey (Wesleyan), J. Moore (Independent), J. Morton (Primitive), A. Lynn, T. Waterhouse, J. Ogden, and D. Oldham, Esq. The services were well attended, but the collections not quite so good as last year. Missionary meetings have also been held at Shrigley, Forest, Nether Alderly, Over Alderly and Booth Green. These meetings have been addressed by the Revs. A. Lynn, T. Waterhouse, J. Ogden: Messrs. Oldham, Jas. Jackson, F. Jackson, S. Burton, J. Robinson, Jas. Baskerville, and the writer. At all these places the attendance has been large, and all the collections, except one, in advance of last year.

G. P. DUNCALF.

STAFFORD CIRCUIT.-On the 25th of January, the annual sermons on behalf of our Missions were preached at Stafford, by the Rev. T. Griffiths, the deputation; and at Stone, by the Rev. C. Ward.

The public meeting was held the following day, at which very excellent and effective addresses were delivered by the Revs. Dr. Crofts, T. Griffiths and other friends.

On Tuesday, January 27th, a missionary meeting was held at Stone, which was ably presided over by Mr. Bloor (Independent), and addressed by the Revs. T. Griffiths, C. Ward and Mr. Lawley.

The present year's collections and contributions in this Circuit will equal, and probably exceed, the amount raised last year. May the mission cause ever have a place in our softest sympathies and fervent prayers!

W.

THORNE CIRCUIT.-On Sabbath, January 25th, 1852, we commenced our missionary services in the Epworth branch of our Circuit. On the Sabbath-day, interesting and impressive

sermons were preached at Epworth, Scotter, Westwoodside, and Grazelound. On the Monday we began our missionary-meetings, at Scotter in the afternoon, and, by adjournment, in the evening. Our esteemed brother Skinner took the chair in the afternoon, and our venerable friend Dr. Eminson in the evening. The congregations were large and attentive, the collections, though not so large as last year, were nevertheless good. There is a missionary spirit among our Scotter friends, which is not exceeded by the most devoted of our Churches, and so far they realize the truth of those declarations, "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and he that watereth others shall himself be watered." On the Tuesday we held our annual meeting at Epworth (the birth. place of Wesley and Kilham). We had a crowded congregation and a good meeting. The collections were a little better than last year, and there is room for improvement. A kind friend had arranged for the improvement of our mission-fund, by a juvenile meeting; that praiseworthy object, I am afraid, will be defeated by the narrow and contracted views of a few individuals. It is a settled point, that a missionary spirit is essential to the Christian Church; "without it, it would be deficient of a main element of spiritual health and vigour." When it is possessed only in a small degree, there is consequent feebleness and a tendency to spiritual declension. Candour compels me to say that our church at Epworth is in a low and languid state, as it has long been; and I feel more than ever convinced, that when a Church is forgetful of its obligation, God will not smile upon it nor prosper it. May none of our Churches ever be exposed to the curse of Meroz, whose inhabitants "came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

On Wednesday we held a meeting at Westwoodside, our long-tried friend Mr. R. Curtis in the chair. At this place our chapel was well filled, and a most gracious influence pervaded the meeting. The collections presented a pleasing improvement. On the following night we had a meeting at Grazelound; the attendance was good, with improved collections.

Ob, may the time soon come when all our Churches shall be alive to a sense of their relative responsibility, and their utmost efforts be put forth to spread the truth and power of the gospel!

The following ministers and friends took part in the various services: The

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Rev. H. Rustedt (Independent), J. Wonnacott of Hull, W. Reynolds and C. Linley, with Messrs. Curtis, Harston and Sheard. At the Scotter meeting, we were assisted by Messrs. J. Partridge and J. Padley from Gainsbro': and, by the way, I may just observe, we have several friends at Gainsbro', and I confidently believe, had we the means of supply, we should soon raise a good interest in that town.

W. REYNOLDS.

A PLEA FOR OUR MISSIONS. MR. EDITOR,-The comparative indifference of the mass of our community to the claims of the mission-fund, must be to you as well as to the managing committee a matter of deep regret. What, think you, can be the cause? Surely it cannot be a want of evidence of its necessity, or its appropriateness to the end proposed, or of a Christian's obligation with regard to it? Is it not in the contracted religious education people have received when young? Their understandings have not been sufficiently enlightened, and liberal, active habits have not been cultivated in youth.

It is true Methodists support the cause of God as established at home with real liberality, by weekly and quarterly subscriptions; but for our extension at home and abroad we have only small and irregular contributions. But few can be persuaded to become collectors; or, if they are, most neglect to gather the contributions until the end of the year, and, in consequence, many subscribers cannot give so much as they would, and some, who otherwise would, cannot give anything at all. To remedy this, would it not be well to train the children of our Sabbath schools to give and labour for missions? The great principle of benevolence must be implanted in their hearts while young. It is the neglect of this that leads to the present indifference, now so general, even among people in very comfortable circumstances. Surely, if we were to contemplate the example of our Saviour, and of the apostles and other holy men of whom we read in the Bible, together with the blessings that would flow from a universal imitation of their examples, we should feel our hearts inspired to labour for success in every effort to do good. We have in our Sab. bath-school commenced uniform and systematic contribution. At the commencement of the year we distributed some collecting-books to some of the elder scholars, and directed them to obtain as many subscribers as they could,

some at one penny or a halfpenny per week, others at one, four, or six pennies per month, just as persons were able or willing to give. We urged them to be regular in collecting the subscriptions; and we receive every month the moneys they have collected. This we conceive to be a valuuable addition to the plan of collecting by cards, which, however, we keep in as vigorous operation as possible, inasmuch as it will not only raise us a number of constant adult collectors, and thus supply us with the means of an increased income, but will attach the children to the cause of God, serve to create a benevolent disposition, and will be one means of retaining them in our Sabbathschools.

Perceiving from the Missionary Report of last year the great disparity between the sum raised by ours and the other schools in the Connexion-to say the least from three to one-I have been constrained to make the above observations, hoping that our friends may be induced thereby to make arrangements for altering the figures at the end of the year. J. BROUGHTON, Secretary. Bethesda Sabbath-school, Liverpool.

THE CASE OF CHESTER CHAPEL. (To the Editor.)

Chester, Jan. 17th, 1852.

IN the case of our Chester chapel there is something so urgent, that I must press it on the attention of all our people. The subject has had very careful and long attention from the Chapel Committee, and so extraordinary, in their judgment, are its claims, that, with the sanction of the Annual Committee, they have decided to treat it as what in truth

it is a special case. A printed circular, ably drawn up by the secretary, and forwarded to all the Circuits, is now in the hands of thousands of our people, and the subject is fairly before the Connexion. We have heard from nearly all the Circuits since they received the circular, and from many of them the response is very favourable; but from some the answers are not what I expected, and in fact they are what create much disappointment, and give me deep concern. From peculiar local pressure they totally decline to admit the case.

Now, sir, the matter stands thus:The trustees of the Chester chapel stand upon the brink of pecuniary ruin. There they have stood, tremulously appre hensive, for some time; and, according to all human probabilities, it has appeared

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