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its present character and pretensions. The work was required to be written in a popular style, with a special view to its circulation among the 66 common people," and clearly point out the great leading errors of Popery, contrasted with the pure Christianity of the Bible. While the work was to be sound in argument and strictly corrret in facts, it was also to be powerful in its appeals, interesting in style, and free from sectarian and political bias. The book before us is the successful treatise; and we cannot better recommend it than by stating that we regard it as fully sustaining the character required by the propounders of the prize. The book is beautifully got up, and we cordially commend it to our readers. The more widely this class of works is circulated, the better for the cause of religious truth and freedom.

THE PALM TRIBES AND THEIR VA

RIETIES.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHARLEMAGNE.

Both the above works are of the monthly series published by the Religious Tract Society. Whether we regard the valuable information they afford of Jehovah's works, and the history of a remarkable character, or whether we

regard the happy blending of religious truth and sound doctrine in connexion with general knowledge, we feel that a debt of gratitude is due to the Tract Society for its benevolent labours, and for the learning and judgment brought to bear upon the best interests of society. Cheap as these books are, they are the productions of men of sound learning, and are calculated to do immense good to the population of this country.

A Family

THE LEISURE HOUR. Journal of Instruction and Recreation. The Religious Tract Society.

Instructive, entertaining and religious. THE MESSENGER OF MERCY; or, Words of Warning addressed to the Guilty. London Partridge and Oakey.

This little book contains four numbers of a monthly serial started with a special view to promote the awakening and conversion of the ungodly; but the pious author, through the multiplicity of his engagements, was compelled to discontinue the work. Its design was praiseworthy, and its character is distinguished by compassionate earnestness for the sinner's salvation, and faithful, affectionate and pungent appeals to his conscience and heart on the great concerns of his immortal soul.

CONNEXIONAL DEPARTMENT.

REDUCTION OF CHAPEL DEBT, HANLEY CIRCUIT. DEAR BROTHER,-It is well known to you and to many of our respected ministers, that the friends connected with Providence Chapel, Upper Hanley, for several years have been labouring under very trying and discouraging circumstances, arising from the fact that the chapel and schools, at which they have the privilege of being members, were overburdened with debt, the interest of which they were unable to pay from the ordinary sources of income. The interest, therefore, being considerably in arrears, and with the prospect of accumulating difficulties before them, it became absolutely necessary to employ extraordinary means in order to relieve themselves from the difficult and unpleasant position in which they were placed, by endeavouring to reduce the debt on the estate, and thereby give effectual and permanent relief. With this view, a meeting of the principal friends was called, the subject was fully and thoroughly gone into, and after mature consideration it was suggested that, amongst other means employed for affording as

sistance, a bazaar might be a proper and profitable source of help. It was therefore unanimously resolved that a committee consisting of ladies and gentlemen should be appointed for the purpose of soliciting contributions, either in money or articles of any description, to aid the important undertaking. An application was also made to the Chapel Fund Committee, in order to obtain assistance from the Chapel Relief Fund. On the case being represented to the Conference in 1850, a resolution was passed, in which the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds was granted, on condition of there being locally raised by the Society the sum of one hundred and seventy or two hundred and seventy pounds. This circumstance being made known among the friends, tended powerfully to cheer their hearts, stimulated them to vigorous exertions, and inspired them with a strong hope of ultimate sucAs the time suggested for holding the bazaar approached, and the friends pursued a steady but persevering course, circumstances of a discouraging nature arose, which for a time seemed to shackle

cess.

or delay the progress of the committee; but" Onward" being their motto, and encouraged by the thought that obstacles would not prevent ultimate success, they resolved never to abate their efforts until the object of their ardent desires were fully realized, and the premises placed on a more easy and satisfactory condition for future generations.

To carry out the important object with efficiency and satisfaction, it was, however, deemed advisable to postpone the time originally fixed to some remoter period, and thereby afford additional opportunities to our friends (whose time was necessarily limited) to exert themselves in procuring both funds and articles suitable for the occasion. Our ministers, since their introduction to the Circuit, have done all they could on our behalf, zealously employing their time and influence in the effort. Not only was the district universally visited, but the services of the ladies in connexion with Bethesda were enlisted on our behalf. Weekly meetings were established for the purpose of preparing articles for the occasion; and with a persevering energy and zeal they employed their time and influence in soliciting assistance from generous friends, neither time nor money being spared to help on the good cause.

The time for holding the bazaar being fixed on, the town-hall was engaged as the most central situation for the purpose, and the following gentlemen and ladies kindly consented to become patrons and patronesses on the occasion:

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The three first days in Easter week being appointed for holding the bazaar, the ladies and friends were busily employed on the previous Friday and Saturday in fixing the stalls and making the necessary arrangements. The time of opening having arrived, the numerous visitors thronging the hall were struck with amazement at the rich and elegant display of the articles presented for sale. On entering, the eye of the visitor was attracted by a stall in the centre of the hall, presided over by several gentlemen, members of the Committee, and furnished with a great variety of ornamental and costly figures, busts of most of our old and respected ministers, vases, and richly gilt china. At the west end of the stall was a most splendid specimen of art,

by John Ridgway, Esq., kindly lent for the occasion. It consisted of a richlymarbled font, mounted on a pedestal, and standing several feet high; in the centre was a bowl, in which numbers of fish of the silvery and golden kind were sporting in the water.

In the centre of the room, near the font, was a beautiful and fine-toned pianoforte, kindly lent, and presided over gratuitously by Mr. Emery, jun. At the east end of the room there was a stall comprising an extensive assortment of confectionary, and refreshments of various kinds, adapted to suit the taste of the numerous visitors. At the south side, the visitor was struck with the magnificent appearance of the stalls which were presided over by the ladies in connexion with Bethesda, and whose zeal to effect sales was praiseworthy beyond measure. Articles of almost every description and variety were presented to the notice of the visitors, and it was with the utmost difficulty that they could escape without making a purchase.

At the north end of the room were the stalls supplied by the friends, and presided over by the ladies, in connexion with Providence Chapel, Upper Hanley, who took a deep interest on the occasion. The rich and beautiful display of useful and ornamental needlework, and the extensive assortment of useful and beautiful articles exhibited, were such as secured the praise of all who saw them.

On the evening of Wednesday, at a late hour, the bazaar was brought to a close; and the Rev. G. Hallatt having announced the amount realized by the sales effected, a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies for their very valuable services, and to all those friends who had rendered such kind assistance on the occasion. In consequence of a large quantity of articles remaining unsold, and several friends being anxious to make purchases, it was resolved that the bazaar should be re-opened on the two following days in Bethesda Schools. Extensive purchases having been made, and a good stock left on hand, the sales were announced for the following Monday; and, to the satisfaction of the committee, the great bulk of their extensive stock was disposed of. According to previous arrangements, it was intended

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close the proceedings by a teaparty in Bethesda Schools, which had been kindly lent for the purpose. On Thursday afternoon a goodly number of friends assembled according to announcement, and partook of the beverage which so much cheers but not inebriates,

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The sum of £370 has already been applied to the purpose for which it has been obtained, which, with the sum of £130 granted by Conference, will reduce the debt from £1000 to £500, besides paying all expenses incurred, and leaving a surplus in hand to be appropriated to such purposes as the trustees may hereafter determine.

In bringing my remarks to a close, I cannot but express the gratitude felt by the Committee to all those kind friends who have so cheerfully come forward to our assistance, especially to those generous and liberal friends in connexion with the Independent body, and to our unknown friends in Nottingham and Sheffield. Praying that the purposes of Almighty God may be accomplished in the extension of his kingdom and the advancement of his glory,

I am, dear brother,

On behalf of the Committee, Yours very affectionately, JOSEPH RIDGWAY.

AT

Northwood, May 7th, 1852. REDUCTION OF CHAPEL DEBT OLDBURY.-Debts are bad things under any circumstances, but chapel-debts are especially so, inasmuch as they not only divert collections and dry up resources which might be employed in extending the gospel, educating the young, &c., &c., but sometimes they create perplexity, fears, heart-burnings and disunion, which have a serious influence on the Church's spiritual prosperity. While there has been a time when it would have been impossible to meet the necessities of this country without incurring debts, as in the early days of Methodism, when chapels were simultaneously required in almost every town and village in the land; and while it is true that in certain

localities, more recently, either debts must have been incurred or chapels could not have been erected, yet we cannot avoid the conviction that if every effort had been originally made to prevent these debts being greater than a prudent enterprise would have dictated, and if something in the form of a sinking-fund had been established, trustees would have been spared much anxiety, and the cause of God would have been materially promoted. We are glad, however, to see that our trustees and friends are now disposed to make the best of their circumstances and to reduce their debts to the utmost of their abilities. And it is impossible for any lover of the Connexion to read of what has been done in this direction during the last few years, what has been done by local trust bodies independently, and what has been done through the stimulus afforded from our chapel-fund grants-without feeling that as a Connexion our efforts have been gigantic, alike honourable to cur friends who have made the efforts, and to the public who have so generously come forward to their assistance. the spirit which now obtains we presume that in a short time there will not be a really embarrassed trust-estate in the Connexion.

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For some time past our friends at Oldbury have felt the inconvenience of the debt resting upon their chapel and school-rooms. It is true the chapel is a good one, spacious and comfortable; the schools are also commodious; but the debt was a great one. The interest on £1,930 having to be raised annually, was found to be a great encumbrance. though the estate has paid its way, yet the friends felt that if the debt could be reduced, it would place them in a position to do more for the cause of religion and education. The contemplated division of the Circuit will, with increased privileges, impose additional liabilities and expense. The school-rooms, too, have remained unoccupied during the week, whereas day-schools might have been established, if the friends had not been already taxed to so serious an extent. From these and similar considerations, it was resolved that an effort should be made to bring the debt down to £1,180, the amount of mortgage, and unite the chapel and school in one trustestate. So heartily did the late B. Sadler, Esq., enter into this project for lessening the debt, that he offered £100 towards this object, and before his death made provision for its payment. Other subscriptions were entered into

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Making the total amount of subscriptions already promised £110; the greater part of which has been already paid into the hands of the Treasurer.

Amongst other plans for the accomplishment of the contemplated object a Bazaar was proposed and resolved upon. Some, more sanguine than others, hoped by this means to raise £150. No sooner was the proposition submitted to the ladies than it was entertained, and a preparatory meeting was held; but all parties soon found that a Bazaar is not raised by calling a meeting or two and passing a few resolutions. It requires activity, perseverance, and to go off well, a determination neither to give offence, nor take offence. In this spirit our ladies comenced, continued, and, I am happy to say, concluded. Easter week being the time appointed for holding the Bazaar, the ladies became increasingly busy as the time approached, and on Monday, April 12th, the Bazaar opened. The school-room was tastefully decorated. At the entrance fountain sending up a jet of water among evergreens, and behind it a miniature waterfall which had a pleasing effect when the room was lit up with gas, burning so as to form various devices. The stalls were plentifully supplied with articles of various descriptions, and above the stall were the family portraits of the trustees and friends, which gave the whole a very imposing appearance.

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Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Holloway

and Mrs. Rollason Mrs. Joseph Bagnell and Misses Bagnell.

Mrs. Stockton, Mrs. John

Sadler and Miss Vaughan 15 7 0 Mrs. S. and James Sadler,

Mrs. Turner and Mrs.
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Mrs. Horton, Mrs. Sturgess,

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Mrs. Whitehouse and Mrs. Barnsley Mrs. A. Taylor, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Hinds and Mrs. Roden (refreshments and confectionary) Concert, &c.. Ladies' tea-meetings Tickets not returned in purchases

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Thus the highest expectations of the most sanguine were more than realized. To the ladies all honour is due. They worked well. When the expenses of the Bazaar are all paid, we shall require some £60 or £70 more towards making up the £758 required; and the friends intend keeping the subscription-list open until the whole is raised.

I may just add that while we have been so busily engaged with temporal things, the spiritual have not been overlooked. During most Sabbath evenings prior to the Bazaar good was done; souls were saved; and we have now above twenty on trial. May God abundantly reward the friends who have taken a part in this laudable effort. May it be only a means to an end; and may that end be accomplished in a large ingathering of precious souls.

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munications from Alnwick are seldom forwarded to you for insertion in our Magazine: not because nothing is done, but because we conceive it unnecessary to occupy room in your periodical with the record of ordinary events, such as raising £15 at a social tea-meeting; preferring rather to "work silently," until some circumstance of importance shall transpire, which shall warrant our troubling you with it. An event of this character has now taken place; and, judging from the interest that we Alnwick people feel on reading the record of such events in other Circuits, we conceive that the present communication will not be uninteresting to the generality of your numerous readers.

We have but one country society in the Alnwick Circuit-Newton-on-the-Moor; where we have held religious service for several years, and number, at the present time, fourteen members. Our people have long worshipped in a room, (honoured in the Minutes with the title of chapel) in a very dilapidated condition and wretched appearance, which was calculated to repel many who otherwise might have attended our Sabbath-services. It is many years since our friends first talked of building a chapel, and would then have done so, had they been able to obtain a site; but in this they were disappointed. In course of time, one of our old friends and stanch supporters was called to his everlasting home. This threw a damp over our spirits, and, for a while, beclouded our hopes of building a new chapel. However, in a short time our hopes began to revive, and the subject was once more talked about. At our last annual Christmas tea-meeting at Newton, the subject was touched upon by the several speakers; and amongst the rest by Mr. John Connell, one of our Newton friends (and the fact of one of our Newton friends speaking at a public meeting is quite an event in the history of our Circuit). The result of this talking has been the laying of the corner-stone of a new chapel, which took place as follows, on EasterMonday, April 12, 1852. The service commenced by singing the 306th hymn, after which our highly and deservedly esteemed brother, Mr. John Drysdale, offered prayer, and the writer of this article read the 84th Psalm. The stone was then laid by Mr. John Coson, as representative of Capt. Widdrington, R.N., of Newton Hall; after which Mr. James Allan read a copy of a parchment scroll which, with a copy of our Rules, was inclosed in a sealed bottle and inserted in

the corner stone. Our respected and universally-beloved minister, Rev. J. Wright, then delivered an address, stating the object of the building, and making known our doctrines. The service was then concluded by singing and prayer. The day was highly favourable to the above meeting: the sun shone with un. dimmed glory, and the earth was all smiling and beautiful. The whole of the village seemed to be attracted to the place of meeting, and all seemed delighted and gratified. Immediately after the ceremony was concluded, we adjourned to our present place of worship, and held a first-rate tea-meeting. The attendance was excellent, the feeling was delightful, and the pecuniary result was highly encouraging. Besides the addresses (which were delivered by the Rev. J. Wright, and Messrs. Allan, Grey, Riddell, Johnson and Medicraft), several anthems were sung by the Alnwick choir, and were well received by the audience.

The site on which the chapel is to be built has been kindly granted by Captain Widdrington, R.N., of Newton Hall, on lease for a term of ninety-nine years, at an annual ground-rent of £5. The captain is a decided Churchman, and this act is therefore a proof of the catholicity of his spirit. When completed, we expect that the chapel will be an ornament to the village-plain and neat. We intend it to hold 120 people comfortably.

Praying that showers of blessings may descend upon all our Circuits, and upon the whole Church of God,

I remain, Sir, yours truly, JOHN MEDICRAFT, Circuit Steward. TEA-MEETING, BURSLEM.-On Monday, Feb. 23rd, 1852, a tea-meeting was held in the school-rooms adjoining Bethel Chapel, Burslem.

This meeting was originated and carried out by the single young male and female friends, in connexion with the Sabbath-school; about fifty of whom furnished the trays gratuitously. The project was entered into by them unitedly and vigorously, and the result was, that from 700 to 800 persons were present for tea, thus exemplifying the statement of the proverb that "union is strength." The object of the meeting was to aid the Library in the purchase of new books; the true value of which can only be rightly estimated by every pursuer of knowledge. The clear proceeds are upwards of £20, which will materially assist in providing greater facilities for the promotion of moral and intellectual improvement among the

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