its Conference, in which the laity were duly represented, he said it was no spirit of faction, but a love of religious liberty, which caused them to secede from the Wesleyan Methodists. The Connexion had about 85,000 children in its Sunday-schools. It had established missions, not only in the destitute parts of this country, but in Ireland, Canada, Australia, and China, and on these it annually expended £15,000 or £16,000. They had various organizations for the support of their ministers' children, aged ministers, and ministers' widows, for assisting distressed chapel cases, and for otherwise contributing to the good of the body. They had erected in England alone 426 chapels, which, at an average of £800 each (and that was a low one), would have cost £310,800. They had also built 392 Sunday-schools, which, at an average of £300 each (and some had cost £2,000), would amount to £117,600. These two sums gave a total of £458,400. Add to this what they had expended on mission stations, and then chapel and other property had cost at least half a million. The ceremony closed by the singing of a hymn, and the friends repaired to a tea-meeting in the schoolroom. But before we leave the ground, it may be interesting to those who take an interest in the architecture of chapels, if we insert the following description, copied from the Manchester Examiner and Times of Monday, Nov. 27th. "The chapel is to be internally 63 feet by 48 feet. The design is classic; the materials brick, with Yorkshire stone dressings. The façade has a bold stone portico, with richly-moulded architrave and cornice supported upon circular and square columns and pilasters, the circular columns having volute Ionic capitals and all moulded bases. A flight of solid stone steps leading to the entrance give elevation to the portico. Over it is a large window of two major and three minor openings; the heads of the former tend into the pediment, and are supported by pilasters with moulded caps and bases. The cornice, pediment, coping, and entablature are neatly moulded, and under them are courses of moulded brick, brick dentils, and other enrichments. The chapel is lighted by a range of four couplets on each side above the gallery, and of four single windows below it. The brick walls of the two principal fronts will be relieved by bands of blue bricks and

stone string courses; and the base, up to the height of three feet, will be polished stone. The seats will be open, and have cut and chamfered standards. The boards of the gallery front will be perforated with small devices, and at the height of two feet will rise cut and moulded uprights to support the book board. The gallery will be supported upon cast-iron columns. The platform or pulpit will be finished to accord with the gallery fronts. The ceiling is 31 feet from the floor to the springing of the coves on the sides; the centre is raised two feet six inches; the whole is divided into panelled compartments. Along the sides of the raised portion of the ceiling are to be perforated panels, by which is secured efficient ventilation. Adjoining the schools is the minister's vestry, with the singers' gallery over it, and the cellar for hot water apparatus underneath. The chapel will have a boundary wall of brick with stone coping, and the whole surmounted with a wrought-iron twisted rail, supported by ornamental standards. The gates are to be of wrought iron, of an ornamental pattern. The gas lighting will be effected with sunlight pendants hanging from the main and gallery ceilings. The chapel is calculated to accommodate 780 people. The contract for the whole of the works complete, exclusive of the heating apparatus, has been undertaken by Mr. Thomas Clay, of Audenshaw, at a cost of £2,430."

From this description, it will be seen that the design is chaste and elegant; that the ornament is neither gaudy nor defective, but preserves a happy mean between the two; and that the chapel is being built with a due regard to economy, utility, and architecture, for the cost per sitting is only about £3 5s., while there are many that are £7 per sitting. Lavish expenditure ought not to be tolerated. The execution of the works, so far as they have progressed, is highly satisfactory, reflecting the greatest honour on the builder, and gives promise that the chapel will look better when erected than on paper-a very rare occurrence. But we must hasten to

THE TEA-MEETING.

About fifty trays had been promised, and there were about 300 persons present to partake of the tea thus generously provided. When the tables had been removed, and the after-meeting opened by singing and prayer, the Rev.

T. W. Ridley introduced T. E. Wheatley, Esq., as chairman.

On the platform were seated-Revs. Dr. Cooke, London; L. Stoney, Staleybridge; A. M'Curdy, of Bolton; J. F. Goodall, Manchester North; T. W. Ridley, A. R. Pearson, ministers of the circuit; Theophilus Jackson, Esq., and Mr. Joseph Pember. And amongst the audience we saw Mr. Councillor Jenkinson, and the Ven. Rev. W. Shuttleworth, who, though too infirm to walk, was carried from his home to participate in the pleasure of the occasion.

After a few appropriate remarks by the chairman, he called upon the Rev. T. W. Ridley to address the meeting, who said that, in the presence of so many accomplished speakers, he preferred to be silent. He wished to announce, however, that, on the occasion of the opening of the chapel, the foundation-stone of which had been laid that day, it was intended to enter into a subscription, and, as near as possible, open the sacred edifice free of debt.

The Rev. A. M'Curdy, in the course of an excellent speech, dwelt on the gradual improvement of the masses, when viewed from a moral and religious stand-point, and argued, from carefullycollated statistics, the necessity for increased liberality and effort on the part of the servants of God in providing accommodation for religious worship. The duties of Christians in regard to their fellow-men were impressively enforced by the speaker, and he concluded with an earnest appeal to all present to support every organization having for its object the well-being of man and the glory of God.

The Rev. Dr. Cooke, with his usual eloquence and power, delivered an address on the necessity of Christian activity and prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, adducing in support of the former the example of the Apostle Paul, and the latter of Methodism. Activity was essential to Methodistic success: without it we could never hope to realize prosperity. In dwelling on the blessed influences of the Holy Spirit, he remarked that it was as the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness, the guide and protector of the Church, the power essential to the conversion of sinners, and the building of the great spiritual temple, and urged that, by the exercise of Christian activity, and the

influence of this great agent, we never need have a decrease in the number of our members; but instead of having cause to deplore losses, we should rejoice in souls being added daily to the church.

The Rev. William Baggaly next addressed the meeting, and after a few remarks from Mr. Councillor Jenkinson, Mr. T. Jackson, Mr. J. Pember, Mr. T. E. Whittaker, Revs. J. F. Goodall, and A. R. Pearson, and the usual votes of thanks to the ladies and the chairman had been passed, the meeting, which was of a most enthusiastic character, broke up at about nine o'clock.

In conclusion, it affords me pleasure to say that, in every respect, our circuit is doing well. The friends at Piercy Street, who, by their patience in waiting, and their deep attachment to the Connexion, are really deserving of the highest commendation, have now the prospect of a new chapel and schools; for while this is in the press we expect to sign a contract for the erection of a new chapel capable of accommodating 374 people, and schools for 370 children, at a cost of £1,300, the plans having been prepared by Messrs. Shaw and Webster. At Pendleton, where, during the past eight years, we have raised an aggregate sum of £1,600 for chapelbuilding purposes, we have resolved on building new schools, free of debt, at a cost of £700. Several handsome sums have been already promised. At Eccles the friends have started a subscription list, under the direction of Mr. John Talent and Mr. George Peace, who have recently removed there-the former from Manchester, and the latter from Ashton- and most generous offers have been made towards a new chapel and schools, to cost about £1,600; and at Altrincham the old and unsightly chapel will be as near as possible demolished and rebuilt at a proposed cost of £700, towards which they have above £400 already guaranteed.

Thus the whole circuit is in a transition state, involving the necessity of great liberality on the part of all that belong to it, and arduous toil on the part of its ministers. But all have their reward. There is little doubt that, in the course of a few years, Manchester South will take its former rank amongst the circuits of our community. What we most need is a baptism of the Holy Spirit.

A. R. PEARSON.
January 19th, 1866.

BRIDGETOWN.

WOLVERHAMPTON CIRCUIT.

VERY gratifying is it to watch the growth of a good thing. Great is the reward, and great, too, the incentive to further effort when, after sowing good seed, we see the green blade and the ripe corn; or when, after laying the foundation of a house, we see the superstructure rising and approaching completion. Yet, even when we have sown the seed, or laid the foundation, the full corn, the perfect building, will be produced only under certain conditions. As well seek to gather figs of thistles as seek corn without complying with these conditions. As well seek to build by beginning in air as to seek perfection without exertion. Fully convinced of this, our Bridgetown friends, when they opened their new chapel (an account of which is contained in the Magazine for the month of May last), did not rest there; though they had done a good thing, and though prayer, effort, sacrifice, they felt, had been richly rewarded, they were yet only encouraged to pray more fervently, to work more zealously, to give more generously. The purport of this notice is to chronicle a series of efforts just put forth.

Up to November last, lamps and oil were used for illuminating the chapel, and sometimes the light was such as only seemed to make the darkness more visible. Dim it was, but not very religious. As soon, however, as the main pipes were laid for the purpose of conveying gas from Cannock to this place, our friends had their chapel beautifully fitted up with gas, which cost them about £10, the whole of which sum was raised at two collections on the Sabbath, when the gas was used for the first time.

Previous to the month of December, the service of song, though more than usually effective, owing to the musical talent of the brothers Whitehouse, yet lacked that completeness which a good organ well played always gives to congregational singing. An excellent organ, containing ten stops, and built by Mr. Isaiah Whitehouse, has been introduced into the chapel. The Rev. Henry T. Marshall preached in the afternoon on "The Scriptural Warrant, Distinctive Character, and Evident Benefit of Church Music," and in the evening on "The Christian Hero's Retrospect of Life, and Prospect in Death."

The chapel was crowded, though the weather was bad, and the collections amounted to £17.

Our

On the 26th of December a public tea-meeting took place, when 220 persons sat down to tea. A very interesting meeting followed. J. Walker, Esq., of Wolverhampton, presided. friends are much indebted to this worthy gentleman, who, it will be remembered, generously gave the land on which the chapel is built, and who, though himself a member of the Established Church, on this occasion, as well as on previous ones, gave expression to truly liberal sentiments, and his willingness to assist the friends in any further enterprise for the amelioration of the evils which afflict humanity.

The Rev. T. Rider, in an earnest, practical address, which was frequently applauded, incited the friends to further effort, and to increased piety in the year that was at hand, and urged upon the young the importance of decision in religious matters, whereby they would escape many of the follies and vices of the age, and attain true manhood and womanhood.

Other addresses appropriate to the occasion were delivered by Messrs. W. Crutchley, W. Whitehouse, T. Holcroft, and the Rev. H. T. Marshall. Not the least interesting part of the proceedings was the performance by the organist and choir of a selection of music from the Messiah, and several Christmas anthems.

It may and ought to be asked, What of the spiritual state of the society? The answer is, We believe that it is through the high state of spiritual life which our friends possess that they are favoured with success in other matters. We know that the most punctual and regular attendance upon the means of grace does not constitute spiritual life, but it is an indication of it. With very few exceptions, all the members of society meet regularly in class. At the week night preaching the average attendance is seventy or eighty. On the Sabbath the chapel is well filled. The Sabbath-school is in a very flourishing condition. There are 150 scholars, of whom many are members of the church. This pleasing feature is, no doubt, in part to be attributed to the fact that, as all the teachers, with one exception, are members of the church, they endeavour to make their teaching of a spiritual character, and so get at the hearts of their scholars.

is in contemplation to commence, at an early date, a day-school, towards which a subscription has been started, and several liberal donations promised. Our cottage prayer-meetings, which have recently been commenced, are very successful, and we are just organizing a Tract Society. It may be observed that when the report of the chapel opening appeared in the Magazine last May, there were thirty-one members, and eleven on trial; there are now sixty members, and six on trial. Although not a year has passed since the chapel was opened, the friends already perceive indications that, ere long, either they must enlarge the present chapel, or turn it into a school, and build a new one on the land adjoining. With this prosperity we have peace. Discord is not known in our midst. We are waiting with one accord, as did the disciples of old, for a fuller outpouring of the Spirit, believing the word of Him who said, "Prove me if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." H. T. M.

SHADWELL STREET, SOUTH SHIELDS.

THE friends connected with Zion Chapel, South Shields, have, since last Conference, opened a branch society in Shadwell Street, a low and spiritually destitute part of the town. In order to adapt themselves to the wants of the neighbourhood, they have also established a Mother's Meeting. Consequently, a number of poor persons have been relieved, and, what is better still, have been taught to help themselves. Large congregations are collected on a Sunday evening to hear the Gospel, and several persons have begun to meet in class. It was thought desirable, during the Christmas holidays, to hold a tea-meeting in the locality. A large room was obtained, and on Tuesday, December 26th, 1865, above 100 persons sat down to tea, after which a public meeting was held, presided over by Matthew Stainton, Esq., and speeches were delivered by the Revs. J. C. Watts and H. Marsden, and by Messrs. Bewick, Proud, Low, Newham, Turner, and Ogle. The proceedings of the evening were enlivened and diversified by the choir from Milburn Place, North Shields. A committee was appointed to adopt measures for providing a more commodious place of worship. After

the usual votes of thanks, a most interesting meeting was brought to a close about half-past nine o'clock. H. MARSDEN.

SOUTH SHIELDS BAZAAR. THE ladies connected with Zion Chapel, South Shields, have just, accomplished a task which does them infinite credit. The noble chapel was inefficiently lighted, and consequently presented a gloomy and discouraging appearance on winter evenings. The trust estate is so deeply involved in debt, that the trustees were unwilling to incur any additional outlay. In this state of affairs the ladies came to our assistance, and, about eight weeks ago, organized a committee and commenced proceedings for a Christmas-tree and bazaar. Early and late and continually did they work, meeting twice a week, and doing work at home privately as well. On Tuesday, December 19th, the bazaar was opened, displaying a wondrously miscellaneous collection of useful and ornamental articles.

Then

appeared to great advantage the energy and tact of the ladies in disposing of the articles for sale, in providing for the refreshment and entertainment of visitors, and in effecting purchases. After two days everything was disposed of, and upwards of £62 realized.

The result is, five magnificent standards," each emitting fifteen lights, have been fixed in the chapel, making it light, attractive, and warm. A healthful and hopeful tone of feeling has been communicated to many, and a handsome surplus has been placed at the disposal of the society's treasurer. H. MARSDEN.

BIRMINGHAM.

MOSELY STREET.

ON Monday evening, January the 1st, about 130 of the members and friends of this circuit took tea together in our Mosely Street Chapel. The object of this meeting was to assist the ladies to raise sufficient money to clean and beautify the Lord's house; and with an eye to this the tea was given by our young and warmly-attached friend, Mr. E. Jones, who spared no expense to make it everything that could be desired. After tea, a very interesting and profitable meeting was held, which was very efficiently presided over by Mr. Howes. In his opening address, the chairman made some pleasing references

to his former connection with Mosely Street Society; and ere the meeting closed he gave us to understand, by deed as well as by word, that his sympathies are still warm and strong towards us. Suitable and animating addresses were then given by the Revs. T. Smith, E. Gratton, A. Hilditch, with the brethren J. Linegar, E. Antrobus, and C. E. Boughton. Master Allely presided at the piano, supplied by our old and well-tried friend, Mr. J. Halmshaw. The friends separated much pleased and profited.

A. HILDITCH.

MANCHESTER NORTH

MISSION.

THE Annual Missionary Services in connection with Manchester North Circuit have just been held, and, I am happy to say, have proved very successful. The Revs. C. D. Ward and J. W. Williams were the deputation.

Sermons in behalf of our Foreign and Colonial Mission were preached on Sunday, December 3rd; and the public missionary meetings were held-on Saturday, December 2nd, at Failsworth; Monday, the 4th, at Salem; Tuesday,

the 5th, at Culcheth; and Wednesday, the 6th, at Crab Lane. The meetings at Salem and Failsworth were preceded by a cheap tea, which gave quite a social character to the proceedings.

The financial results of these services are very encouraging. At Salem, the collections amount to £20, being an advance of £7 on last year, and this almost immediately after holding the Free Trade Hall meeting. In referring to this important increase at Salem, would gratefully acknowledge the generous kindness of our liberalhearted chairman, Mr. Joseph Tipping, of Ashton.

we

HANNAH HOWARD. ON the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 10th, 1866, Mrs. H. Howard, the beloved wife of the Rev. J. Howard, was removed by death to her eternal rest. For several years past she had been in a declining state of health, but not so as to unfit her for the discharge of household duties, which she continued to attend to up to about four days previous to her death. Within the last month, however, symptoms of a more alarming nature began to show themselves, and, despite the combined skill of medical men, her enfeebled frame gradually succumbed to the sway of the last enemy. Her death, when it did occur, appeared to be painfully sudden; she had only been confined to her room two days.

We experience under this heavy trial unspeakable consolation in the thought that for upwards of forty years the departed one had been a consistent member of the Church of Christ. When only seven years of age her mind was deeply impressed with the value of re

ligion by witnessing the happy, nay, triumphant, death of her sainted mother; and when only ten years of age she commenced meeting in class amongst the Primitive Methodists in Manchester. For more than thirty years she has been a consistent member of the Methodist New Connexion, and previous to declining health she laboured in various ways to be useful in promoting the spiritual interests of the church. To the ministers of the Gospel generally, but especially to those of our own Denomination, she felt a strong attachment, and was always ready, whenever an opportunity offered, to evince that attachment by her cheerful services in promoting their comfort. Her afflictions were borne with exemplary fortitude and patience; and often has she expressed herself with confidence as to her personal acceptance with God. The blood of the Everlasting Covenant was her only plea. Only a few hours before her death she said to her daughter, sitting beside her, that she thought her