275 Connexional Department. OUR CHINESE MISSION. Ir gladdens our hearts to know that God is still crowning our Chinese Mission with signal tokens of his favour. From our excellent friends Mr. and Mrs. Wright, who for many years lived in China, and who are now members with us at Forest Hill, we have received the pleasing intelligence that Messrs. Jardine and Co., the owners of the steamer in which Messrs. Hodge and Thompson sailed from Shanghai to Tientsin, have awarded to our two brethren the sum of £300 as compensation for their loss of property on the voyage. This is honourable to the Company, and will enable our brethren to re-furnish themselves to a considerable extent with books, clothes, &c., in place of those they lost. But we have still better news than this to record: the good work at Chu-chia-Tsai and Han-chiaTswang is still progressing. In our January number we reported that a general awakening had taken place there, under which many were inquiring after Christ and salvation, and that forty-five persons, after due examination, had been baptized. We now learn that besides these there are seventy men, fifty women, and seventeen children, who are candidates for Christian baptism, and that the spirit of inquiry is not at all abated, but that poor people come from forty to fifty miles distance to hear the word of God. Thus it is probable we have now about 200 members connected with our Chinese Mission, and the prospect is opening around for more abundant usefulness. Blessed be God, who only doeth wondrous things! Let this success humble us in the dust, and prompt us to thankfulness, liberality, and prayer. If we are faithful to God and his providence, it is very likely he will honour us by inaugurating a great movement which will powerfully accelerate a bright future in the history of China. Arise, O Lord, and plead thine own cause, and let all the people praise thee! THE NAME OF THE "Providence House, Lees, "DEAR SIR,-In reply to Mr. Jenkinson's letter in the Magazine of this month, I beg to say, I have seen a time in the history of my life, when one rejoiced to hear the name of the Methodist New Connexion, and was glad that there were men living who made such noble sacrifices to set forth its principles, polity, and church government. Out of respect to the noble martyred men who have departed this life, the quarterly meetings should be very careful how they approach this subject. To interfere with the name or constitution of the Methodist New Connexion is no trifling matter. When a person becomes liable and his property for certain trusts, they become sacred and dear to him. Let the April quarterly meetings be engaged in suggesting plans for the extension of Christ's kingdom, and they will be engaged in a good work. There wants more of the evangelical spirit diffusing in the various sections of Christ's church, and names and party strife being subdued, and Christ being all and in all. "I am a trustee for three chapels, and should be sorry to see any attempt to change the name, either by the district meeting or Conference, of the Methodist New Connexion, except by amalgamation of all sections of Methodism into name.-I am, yours truly, one "JAMES FIELDING." OUR excellent friend, as a member of our Connexion, and a trustee of three chapels, has a right to be heard on this question; and we cannot but respect that veneration which he cherishes for our fathers, and honour that conservative feeling which would pause and ponder before acting on any matter affecting Connexional interests. Indeed, we think that prejudices in favour of existing usages have their use, and are always to be respected. Moreover, we heartily approve of our friend's earnest desire for spiritual prosperity, and its preference to all other considerations; and we cordially unite with him in urging our Quarterly meetings to devise and carry out measures for extending the kingdom of our Lord. This is indeed the great question, infinitely transcending all others, and should engage all our powers as individuals and as circuits. At the same time, we must not neglect minor matters, which may contribute to our Connexional prosperity and honour; and our friend will allow that Mr. Jenkinson is also entitled to respect in the candid statement of his sentiments on a question of Connexional interest. He is not only a member, but a trustee to more than "three chapels," and very few men in our denomination have shown more loyalty to the cause or devoted more of their time and property to promote its interests. He speaks out his sentiments from no desire for novelty or change, but from profound conviction, and with an ardent desire to see the Connexion prosperous in every sense, and invested with a name worthy of its principles and character. Our venerable Founders were so absorbed in the defence and establishment of great principles, that they seemed regardless of a name, or perhaps they thought their principles were so rational and Scriptural that they must soon secure approval and adoption by the Old Body, and that therefore a name of temporary fitness would suffice for a temporary distinction. But their idea of a temporary distinction was a mistake, and the use of a name fitted only for a temporary and transition state is not applicable now. Nay, the word "New" is become exceedingly inappropriate, when the body is seventy years old, and is in fact the oldest Methodist body in the world, except the Parent Church. Some other denominations are "New," but ours is not new, and ought not to be called new. Moreover, the word "New," besides suggesting what is not true, entails upon us many disadvantages. Sometimes we have as a Connexion to send a petition to Parliament, or an address to Her Majesty the Queen, and here we have to call ourselves "New," thereby creating perplexity and confusion of ideas, and positively obscuring our real character and history as a religious denomination. Sometimes the historian or the traveller, or the collector of statistics, has occasion to mention our Body, but he is almost always puzzled by the cognomen "New." He naturally 66 thinks we should not call ourselves "New" unless we were "New," and therefore he assumes that we are "New," and sometimes takes it for granted that we are one of the newest sects of Methodists. Or if by chance he himself gets to know that we really are not "New," but old, he thinks that his readers will assuredly suppose we are New;" and lest they should mistake our denomination for some other, he adds a word or two which does not belong to us, or he employs a periphrasis, or, to exclude the possibility of mistake, he prints us "Kilhamites." Such cases are not imaginary. I have seen us thus misunderstood and misrepresented in numerous cases. In Dr. Eadie's recent work, "The Ecclesiastical Encyclopædia," we are designated by two names, "Kilhamites," and "The New Connexion of Wesleyan Methodists." Neither of these is right, but perhaps the good man thought one designation would help to explain or rectify the other. A more serious consideration is the fact that the appellation "New" is prejudicial to our spiritual interests as a religious denomination; for it is in danger of being applied to our doctrines as well as to our history; and as the idea of anything new in religion excites distrust and dislike, there is thus a prejudice carried against us in the very word by which we are designated, before any one has time to examine our principles or investigate our history. A stranger seeing this designation in a book, or reading it on a placard, turns aside with a vague idea that we are some mushroom sect, just sprung up, holding some new-fangled doctrines or customs, that ought to be avoided because they are new; and because he knows that there is nothing new in true religion; for whatever is true is old, and whatever is new is false. Those persons who pass their lifetime in a village where our Connexion is powerful can know little of these disadvantages; but those who have travelled far, mingled with all denominations, and preached the Gospel in every part of the United Kingdom, and sought to introduce our Connexion in distant parts, where no one knows us, can understand the case. I for one know it well, and have heaved many a deep sigh when I have found my efforts to introduce the cause placed at a discount by the misconception, suspicion, and dislike engendered by the cognomen "New." Our beloved and devoted missionaries in China have the same discouraging feeling in their labours, and hence they have been necessitated to drop the word "New," and to call our mission "The Methodist Mission." I have no doubt, indeed I am certain, that our progress in England, as well as elsewhere, has been greatly retarded by the adoption of a name which not only obscures and disguises, but positively misrepresents our character and our history as a religious denomination. Why, then, cling to a name which thus impedes our progress and our usefulness, which our founders themselves would be the first to give up were they now living in our midst? Other denominations have been careful not to adopt an unpopular or unsuitable name. One body of Methodists, which arose about fifty years ago, was nicknamed Ranters, or Clowsites, but, Nay, said the rulers, we will not allow this epithet to be our name; we aim to be Primitive Methodists, and this shall be our designation. Another body arose about the same time in the south of England, and people called them "Bryanites." Ñay, said the rulers, that will not do; we wish the Bible to be our standard, we choose to be called "Bible Christians." About the same time another body arose, a secession from the Wesleyans in Ireland, and people called them Clonites and Averilites. Nay, said the rulers, neither of these is suitable, for we are "Primitive Wesleyans." About thirty years ago, there was another secession from Wesleyans in England, and some called the seceders "Warrenites." Nay, said the rulers, let us have a name that is more descriptive and suggestive, we are the "Wesleyan Association." And since then, another secession, larger than the former one, has taken place, and the two seceding bodies having wisely united into one organization, have chosen the expressive designation of “ The United Methodist Free Churches." Not one, not even the latest secession of Methodists has adopted the word "New;" each has carefully eschewed such a term, and adopted a designation more or less expressive of some feature or characteristic of the Body. Now what is there in our Body newer than theirs? Are not our doctrines as old as Christianity? Are not the fundamental principles of our church government as old as apostolic times? And is not our history older than any other offshoot from Wesleyan Methodism? Why, then, should we be called by a term expressive of novelty? And when we see that the misnomer becomes intensified with each additional year of our history, why should it be retained? There is but one religious body (besides our own) in existence which has admitted the word "New" into its designation, and that is a section of the Baptists, which, under the ministry and labour of Daniel Taylor, was severed from the general body because of the prevalence of Unitarianism. This section for a time was called "The New Connexion," but the term "New" is now so far dropped that we seldom hear it named the term "GENERAL BAPTIST" being preferred and used in its stead. If this was wise in them, a similar course would be equally wise in us. Our friend says the time was when our people rejoiced to hear the name "New Connexion." It is true that we have always had a loyal people who rejoiced and still rejoice in the prosperity of our Zion, but we think their rejoicing was rather in our constitution and its privileges than in the name itself. An appropriate and characteristic name would certainly not have diminished their joy, but rather have added to their satisfaction, and would have vastly helped to augment our respectability and influence with the religious public in general. Moreover, it is well known that some of the wisest and most influential amongst our fathers themselves, such as the venerable Thomas Allin and J. Ridgway, deplored the inappropriateness of the word "New," and were anxious to substitute a designation more suitable. Our friend, if we rightly understand him, deprecates the idea of our Quarterly meetings giving their views on this question. But why should he? Is it unconstitutional or improper to do so? Our Conference itself has taken the lead in this matter. Many years ago our poll deed was framed and prepared by the wisest and most loyal men in the Connexion, and adopted unanimously by the Conference. This deed is a legal document, and embodies the foundation principles of our constitution; and yet this document provides for a change in the naine of the Connexion; and provides also that every seven years the Connexion shall be appealed to for its opinion on this as well as other questions. This is not the opinion of Mr. Jenkinson merely, but the solemn judgment of the Connexion in its united legislative wisdom, embodied in the Conference and set forth in its legal document. Now, as the septennial period is approaching, Mr. Jenkinson is perfectly in order in recommending the course set forth in the letter deprecated by our correspondent. There is but one consideration which can at all weigh with us in postponing a decision on the question, and that is the possibility of a union between ourselves and some other Methodist Body or Bodies, on some general foundation which shall not compromise the principles for which our forefathers so nobly contended. If that cannot be effected, then the sooner a more expressive and characteristic name is adopted the better. At all events, the word "New,” which is no longer applicable, but a misnomer, which obscures the character and misrepresents the history and principles of the Connexion, which misleads the inquirer and impedes our progress, should be dropped. These have been our views for forty years, but we shall neither agitate nor importunately urge the question. We prefer peace, purity, and spiritual prosperity to all other considerations, and rather than endanger these we would let the question slumber for a longer period, quietly waiting until the Giver of peace and unity shall give us all one way, and in mercy guide us into all truth as he hath promised. WESLEY CHAPEL, DUDLEY. THE LADIES' SEWING MEETING. OUR friends at Dudley may with correct feeling congratulate themselves upon the success that has attended their meetings during past years, and upon the spirit of self-sacrifice and disinterested liberality in which they have been sustained. Some three or four years ago, our late esteemed friend Mrs. Lester invited the ladies interested in this society to a special tea-meeting, when the question cf the enlargement of the chapel was introduced and unanimously decided upon. Subsequently an interview with the trustees of the chapel took place, and although a little timidity was at first shown by those gentlemen, the result of that meeting has been the realization of a work far more valuable and efficient than originally contemplated, an improvement as creditable to those engaged in it, as to the Connexion to whom it belongs. In aid of this work Mrs. Lester and family contributed nearly £200, and the society at once raised about £300. The proceeds of the sewing meetings amounted to £195 18s., and the bazaar conducted by the ladies realized £754 4s. 8d., making a gross total of over £1,450. The continued exertion of the friends has reduced the cost of the enlargement (£2,000) to a debt of £250, and towards this amount, the ladies' sewing meetings of the past year have produced the munificent sum of £121 10s. 2d. These figures require no comment, they speak eloquently for themselves, and show that our society at Wesley Chapel are, in all church matters, influenced by high-minded and rightminded considerations, and are on a par with the most advanced and liberal circuits in our community. The thanks of our Connexion are due to the ladies who inaugurated and assisted in the completion of this noble undertaking, and we trust that they will receive their reward in the increased prosperity of the church, its spiritual elevation, purity, and power. W. PACEY. [Our Dudley friends have indeed done nobly. They have now both a large chapel, and one of the handsomest in the Connexion. We rejoice above all to hear of their increased spiritual prosperity. The intelligence respecting both the material and the spiritual improvements which have taken place will gratify all the lovers of our Zion.-ED.] EPWORTH. MY DEAR BROTHER,-You, in common with others, will be glad to learn that our friend Henry Crookes, Esq., of Sheffield, and his lady, have practically shown great interest in the prosperity of our cause at Epworth. Providentially, Mr. Crookes visited us at the laying of the foundation-stone of the Monumental Chapel, and at the opening brought his partner with him; again they were contributors to our bazaar for the organ, &c. To the above objects, and others, they gave liberally of their substance, and cheered us by their presence. They are also annual donors to the school, and at the last visit, Mr. Crookes gave a very interesting address, and offered to give a book to each of those boys who could repeat the fourth chapter of Proverbs, and to the girls who could repeat the twenty-fifth of Matthew. The chapters were soon learned. Mr. and Mrs. Crookes were not only present at the recitation, but generously gave a tea to the teachers, scholars, and friends; after tea a public meeting was held in the chapel, the parents of the children having been invited. As to the interest felt on the occasion, let the Isle of Axholme and Gainsbro' News proclaim : "On Sunday last, the sixty-ninth anniversary of the Methodist New Connexion Sunday-school was cele brated, when two excellent and impressive sermons were delivered in the Monumental Chapel by Mr. R. Porter of Doncaster; anthems, &c. were sung by the choir, the grand "Hallelujah concluding the service. Miss Gervas and Mr. Edward Hill (church organist) presided at the organ. The congregations were good, and the collections amounted to £9 2s. On Tuesday, the teachers, scholars, and friends of the Sunday-school, numbering about 150, were entertained to a bountiful tea in the school-room. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel. The Rev. J. Argue opened the meeting, and the chair was taken by Henry Crookes, Esq., of Sheffield, who, in a very interesting and forcible speech, impressed upon his hearers the necessity and the blessing of a sound Scriptural education. Appropriate speeches were made by the Rev. J. Argue and Mr. W. Dawson, the superintendent of the school. Twenty boys and the same number of girls had qualified for the prizes. Recitations were given and several hymns sung by the children in a very creditable manner, also an anthem by the choir. After the presentation of the books, a very hearty vote of thanks was given to the chairman and his lady, who had liberally defrayed the whole of the expense, and came from Sheffield expressly to make the presentations. One of the attractions of the evening was a very handsome clock, with a richly carved oak rim, which has been placed on the gallery front, and towards the cost of which the late Miss Ann Read bequeathed the sum of five pounds. The meeting, which broke up at ten o'clock, was the most enthusiastic ever held in the chapel." The prayer of our people is that the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Crookes may be prolonged to do good, and experience that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Yours affectionately, J. ARGUE. BLACKBURN HOME MISSION. THE first Mission services in connection with the above Mission church were held on Sunday, March 10th, when the Rev. R. Cameron (Baptist) preached in the morning, and the Rev. C. J. Donald (deputation) in the evening. The services were well attended, and the sermons of a deeply interesting and impressive character. On Monday evening a public Missionary Meeting was held. After |