upon Zion for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. For his servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof." I am, yours affectionately, A. M'CURDY.

Rev. W. Cooke.

A very numerously-attended public tea-meeting, in connection with the reopening of Bethesda chapel, was held in the large school rooms and vestries in the rear of the chapel, on Monday, January 16th, for which 1,200 tickets had been sold; and a considerable sum of money being also taken at the door, the number was augmented to 1,300, including many friends from other parts of the district.

After tea the company adjourned to the chapel, where a spacious platform had been erected in front of the pulpit for the accommodation of the speakers, and a meeting of a highly interesting character was held, the enjoyments of the evening being greatly enhanced by the performance of several anthems by the choir. The chair was occupied by J. Ridgway, Esq., and on the platform and in the body of the chapel we noticed the Revds. T. Allin, W. Cooke (President of the Conference), J. Stacey, R. Henshaw, J. Addyman, S. Jones, A. M'Curdy, C. D. Ward, C. Bootman, R. C. Turner, T. Close, and G. Robinson; Joseph Clementson, Esq., W. Brownfield, Esq., M. Firth, Esq. (Sheffield), W. Moore, Esq., J. Dickson, Esq. (Newcastle), Mr. Scott, Mr. W. Wear, Mr. John Baxter, Mr. Joseph Wilkinson, Mr. R. Scrivener, Mr. Hawley, Mr. W. Hawley, Mr. J. Keates, Mr. James Dudson, &c.

A hymn having been sung and prayer offered by the Rev. R. Henshaw, the Chairman, in his opening address, congratulated the audience upon their return to their beautiful and beloved sanctuary, and also upon the readiness with which they had put forth every exertion in their power to render themselves and those around them as comfortable as possible while they had been prevented from meeting to worship in that place. Speaking of the improvements which had been made, he remarked that in making them, while they had an eye to rendering the chapel comfortable and elegant, they had avoided everything like extravagance and show, and he trusted that the congregation would consider that what had been done was necessary, and

would give satisfaction. He concluded by congratulating them upon the prosperous state of the Connexion and the progress it was continually making, and fervently prayed that such progress and prosperity might be continued to them.

The Rev. T. Allin was then called upon to move the first resolution"That this meeting desires to return its devout thanks to Almighty God, who has put it into the hearts of his servants to restore and beautify their beloved sanctuary; and to present its acknowledgments to those kind friends who have assisted them; and the meeting unites in prayer that God will vouchsafe his blessing upon the work of their hands, especially in making his glorious Gospel mighty through the power of his Spirit to the salvation of thousands of poor souls." Mr. Allin, in his address, gave an interesting account of the progress made by the Hanley and adjoining circuits during the last sixty years, remarking that in the early part of his life he had been connected with them, as a scholar, as a singer, as a local preacher, and since then as a regular minister.

The Rev. W. Cooke seconded the resolution. He spoke of his connexion with Bethesda as a Sundayscholar, next as a teacher in the school, and then as a local preacher, till he was called out to be a circuit preacher, which, he said, nearly overwhelmed him with its responsibility; but, at the same time, taught him where his help lay, and threw him into the arms of Deity, where he found strength, succour, and blessing. Referring to the promotion of God's cause, he said he would suggest four things which were essential there must be union, there must be labour, there must be liberality, and there must be fervent prayer. Enlarging upon the latter, he pointed as an illustration to their own country. He then spoke in eloquent terms of the preaching of the Gospel in Ancient Greece and Rome by the apostles, and asked why it was attended with such glorious results, if not by the apostles going to the work in a spirit of earnest, believing, prayer? In conclusion, he exhorted his hearers to be fervent in prayer, to rest not in means, but to look higher than men or means, to Him who is the author of life and light, and then they would see their Bethesda prosper, and God glorified in the conversion of precious souls.

The Chairman then said that the resolution was so thoroughly in accordance with their feelings, that it was perfectly unnecessary for him to put it to the vote.

The Rev. J. Stacey was the next speaker. He delivered a very brief yet eloquent address on beauty. He spoke of the harmonious proportions of Bethesda, which looked beautiful before, because it possessed the beauty of form; but now, in addition to that, it possessed the beauty of simple and chaste, yet elegant, decoration-of the sentiment of beauty implanted in the human heart by God, who had left traces of beauty on all the works of creation; and, lastly, of the beauty of holiness, concluding by urging upon his hearers to make all the outward signs of beauty but the symbols of the inward beauty of their hearts, which should be manifested to the world in holiness of life.

J. Clementson, Esq., next delivered a brief address, and was followed by

The Rev. J. Addyman, who briefly spoke of the four great revivals which have taken place in the world since the time of Christ, and the objects those revivals were destined to accomplish. The first great revival, he said, commenced on the day of Pentecost, and was chiefly designed to establish the divinity of Jesus Christ, who had, at that time, very recently been put to death as a malefactor. The next revival commenced with Ridley and Latimer, in England, and Luther and others, on the Continent; and its object seemed to be the establishment and vindication of the doctrine of justification by faith. The third revival originated in this country with Whitfield and Wesley, and in America with President Edwards; the object of which seemed to be to place beyond dispute the doctrine of instantaneous conversion; and the fourth revival, which had lately begun in America and other parts of the world, seemed to have for its object the inculcation of the importance of union amongst Christians in carrying on and promoting the cause of God.

The meeting was also addressed by the Revds. S. Jones, A. M'Curdy, and C. Bootman; M. Firth, Esq. (Sheffield), Mr. J. Dickson (Newcastle), Mr. W. Scott, and Mr. J. Baxter. Votes of thanks were cordially passed to the Revds. T. Allin, W. Cooke, and J. Stacey; to the ladies who presided at the trays; to the stewards, waiters, and other friends who had assisted; and to

the organist and the choir, for their services. A vote of thanks to the chairman, coupled with the wish that his valuable life may be spared to the Church and the world for many years, moved by W. Brownfield, Esq., and seconded by Mr. W. Moore, brought the proceedings to a close about ten o'clock.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES IN BELFAST AND LISBURN,

AND MISSIONARY MEETING AT

PRIESTHILL, IRELAND.

EARLY in February the Rev. Thomas Carlisle visited Belfast, and that district of Ireland, of which locality he is a native, for the purpose of preaching the usual anniversary sermons in Salem, Belfast, and at the same time seeing his mother and relatives at Priesthill, and conducting services in that and other places. The missionary meeting at Priesthill was held on the evening of Wednesday, February 1st, when our Zion was crowded to excess, and many were unable to gain admission. The chair was occupied by Mr. Hart, an old and valued friend to the cause of Methodism. The early associates of Mr. Carlisle "mustered strong" on the occasion, being anxious to see and hear him. He said:-"My dear friends, feelings are not thoughts; if they were thoughts, and I could give them utterance, I could say much to you tonight." Overcome by his feelings, he sat down. The Rev. B. Turnock, seeing this, gave out a verse of a hymu, which was heartily sung by the congregation, while tears rolled down many a cheek. During the singing of a verse or two Mr. Carlisle mastered his feelings, and then, in a very able and impressive speech, advocated the cause of the Methodist New Connexion Foreign, Colonial, and Home Missionary Society. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. B. Turnock, the Rev. Moses Mills, and others.

On Thursday evening, Feb. 2, Mr. Carlisle preached in Salem, Linen Hall-street, Lisburn, to a congregation assembled not only inside, but also outside the building. His sermon was in chaste and choice language, and being delivered with great ease and gracefulness, and without any forced attempt at display, it had a powerful effect on his large auditory.

On Saturday evening he attended the union prayer meeting in the Victoria Hall, Belfast, at the request of

the managing committee, and addressed the hundreds assembled there in a very excellent manner.

The most important services, however, which Mr. Carlisle conducted, were those in our Salem, York-street, Belfast, where he preached the anniversary sermons morning and evening, on Sunday, Feb. 5th, and again on the evening of Monday, Feb. 6th. The congregations on Sunday were exceedingly large. The stairs leading to the pulpit had their occupants; inside the communion rails was filled; all the passages, both in the body of the church and in the gallery, had forms placed there, which were all occupied ; and even the gallery stairs were occupied. In the morning the youthful preacher took as his text, "Christ is all;" and in the evening, "What shall it profit a man," &c. The sermons were able Gospel expositions of the passages, and yet the one object was kept prominently in view-that of saving souls. The good effect of this was witnessed at the prayer meeting, after the evening service, when five young persons went forward as penitents to the communion rails, and were made happy in Christ's forgiving love. One young man was in great agony of mind. He was removed to the vestry at about eleven o'clock; and Mr. Carlisle, Mr. Turnock, and Mr. Fenton, of Sheffield, who happened to be present, remained with him until near one o'clock on Monday morning, when he was enabled to "rejoice with joy unspeakable." Monday night Mr. Carlisle preached again at seven o'clock; and although it snowed heavily the entire day, and the announcement of the service had not been made until the previous night, yet there was a good congregation. The text on which the sermon was

founded was "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them," &c., from which he preached a very able and telling discourse. At the

close of the service, the young man who had been made happy the previous night brought a companion with him who was seeking for mercy, and who was made happy before rising from his knees. It may be well just to state, that about £40 were realized by these services; and as we had just then incurred some heavy expenses by necessary repairs, this amount was much required, and our thanks are due to Mr. Carlisle for his labours amongst us. Our young friend gives promise

of being a most useful labourer in his Master's vineyard, and of reflecting credit on the Methodist New Connexion Church, both as one of its ministers, and as one of those trained in its Sunday-schools, and converted under the preaching of one of the Irish ministers of our Church. May his life be long spared, and may his soul be still further baptized from on high, so that he may continue to labour and faint not! J. A. M.

CHRISTMAS TREE,

IN AID OF THE CHINESE MISSION, BY THE BETHESDA JUVENILE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, HANLEY.

THE Juvenile Missionary Committee, impressed with the necessity for special exertions in support of our Chinese Mission, resolved upon having a Christmas Tree, the produce of which was to be devoted to the extension of our missionary cause. No sooner was the scheme fairly launched, than hands, heads, and hearts were brought into cheerful labour; and the work thus begun was actively and diligently pursued until the arrangements were fully completed.

The Tree was a most beautiful specimen of Nature's own creating, and was the gift of a well-wisher; its height being upwards of 15 feet. On its various branches were suspended articles in great variety, some pleasant to the eye and good for food, and many useful and ornamental articles; the greater part of which were the gifts of friends and supporters.

The room was also tastefully decorated, and, when lighted up, had a very pleasing effect; stalls were furnished, and presided over by several of our most devoted ladies.

The bazaar (if so we may term it) was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 27th and 28th, and was concluded on Thursday evening. The audience were charmed by the agreeable notes of a piano, presided over by our musical friends, particularly by our organist, Mr. Condliff; and various pieces were also sung. After defraying all the expenses, the very handsome sum of £50 was realized.

To the juvenile missionary societies in other parts of our community the writer would say, "Go and do likewise."

MISSIONARY SERVICES

IN THE

OLDBURY AND TIPTON CIRCUIT. ON Sunday, Feb. 5th, 1860, sermons were preached on behalf of our missions at Dudley Port and Prince's End, by the Revs. W. Baggaly and W. Longbottom, of Dudley. And on Monday evening, Feb. 6th, a public meeting was held at Dudley Port. J. Silvester, Esq., took the chair, and gave an excellent opening speech. The Rev. E. Heath read the report, after which able addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Baggaly, W. Longbottom, J. Wynne, C. Mann, and Messrs. Cadick (Wesleyan) and T. George.

On Tuesday evening a similar meeting was held at Toll End, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Longbottom, J. Wynne, and E. Heath. Twelve months ago our Dudley Port friends entered into arrangements to raise, for missionary purposes during the year, the sum of £40; and, at our meeting on Monday night, an announcement was made from the platform that they had nobly accomplished their work, thus realizing double the amount to what they have been accus

tomed to do. £10 of the above sum will be appropriated to the Chinese mission, a bazaar having been held for that purpose, the proceeds of which amount to £10 2s. 6d. All our missionary services have been of an interesting character, and we are hoping that the end of the year will show an increase of collections and subscriptions to the mission fund. J. WYNNE.

DEWSBURY.

PRESENTATION TO A TEACHER.

ON Wednesday, the 27th December, the scholars of the select class presented to their teacher, Mr. B. H. Richardson, a volume "Howitt's Haunts and Homes of the British Poets"-as an expression of their esteem for his character, and their gratitude for his services. The teacher and his beloved scholars took tea together, and, on the presentation being made, a suitable address was presented, to which the teacher replied in terms of affectionate and pious regard. We thank both the teacher and the scholars for their zealous interest in promoting the circulation of our magazines.

The History of the Primitive Methodist Connexion, from its Origin to the Conference of 1859. By John Petty. London: Richard Davis, Primitive Methodist Book

room.

THIS is the jubilee volume of the Primitive Methodist Connexion, comprising a memorial of their history, a statement of their principles, and an invitation to celebrate this epoch with suitable religious services and liberal contributions. The Connexion dates its origin in the year 1810, though prior to that time Hugh Bourne, William Clowes, and others had zealously laboured together carrying the Gospel to various benighted and neglected villages about the northern extremity of the Staffordshire Potteries, and had organized their converts into classes, which, from time

to time, were added to the Wesleyan denomination. The proceedings of these good men, including camp meetings and special revival efforts, were deemed irregular by the authorities of the Wesleyan body, and Messrs. Bourne and Clowes were expelled; the former in 1808, and the latter in 1810. It is only just to these men to say that there was not a spot on their character, nor a question as to the genuineness of their piety-even their opponents being judges. United in prayers and labours before their expulsion, they continued in the same holy confederation; and, without any attempt to draw away members from the parent body, they pursued their labours wherever Providence directed them. Classes, however, which had been previously formed at Standley and other villages, united with them,

making an aggregate of 136 members; and to these were subsequently added the members of Mr. Clowes' class, and several zealous men, who, from sympathy with the expelled, left the Wesleyan body.

These formed the nucleus from which the body has grown to a magnitude embracing the following numbers640 travelling preachers; 10,838 local preachers; 123,863 members; 2,166 chapels; 159,251 Sunday scholars, and 29,183 teachers. This is the result of God's blessing on the labours of forty-nine years, and it is a ratio of progress equal to that of Methodism from its rise to Mr. Wesley's death. For Methodism, at the death of its founder, had run a history of about fifty-four years; and its members, at that time, were, in England 313 preachers and 76,968 members; and in America, 198 preachers and 57,621 members, making a total of 511 preachers and 134,589 members; that is, 10,726 members more than those of the Primitive Methodists, but with a history of five years longer than those of the latter. Who that loves the truth will not rejoice in a result so glorious, and pray that God may still bless the efforts of this selfdenying and laborious body of people?

Mr. Petty has done honour to himself and the Connexion by this volume. He sketches with simplicity, fidelity, and graphic power, the history of a Denomination which ought to be known, and which could not be made known in historic memorial at a more fitting period than the jubilee year. The volume is truly catholic in its spirit, as well as faithful and impartial in the statement of facts. Some tender places had to be touched by the author, suggestive of grave reflections on the laws and administration of another Denomination; but he has wisely and charitably avoided the opening of old wounds, and vindicated the character and proceedings of the worthy founders of his own body with characteristic meekness and urbanity. The work is a noble monument to the zealous

and prayerful labours of humble, but deeply pious, men; attesting the faithfulness of God in blessing earnest and believing effort. It is a standing proof of the efficiency of Methodism, and its adaptation to the present as well as a former age; and a powerful rebuke to indolence, formalism, and standing still. While specially interesting to the Denomination of which it is a memorial, it will be valuable to all religious denominations.

Lectures by the Rev. Samuel Jackson, in the Temperance Hall, Stockport. London: E. Pitman, Paternosterrow. Manchester: W. Bremner,

Market-street.

MR. JACKSON, influenced by a laudable desire to do good, undertook to deliver lectures to the working classes on successive afternoons of the Sabbath-day. The effort, we understand, was successful; many being induced to attend who are not babitual worshippers with any stated congregation. The lectures delivered are published in the volume before us. They are twelve in number, on the following topics:The Bible the Best of Books, Christian Liberty, The Arrest of Saul of Tarsus, The Defeat of Sennacherib, The Christian Hope, John's Prison and Herod's Palace, Mystic Babylon and Modern Rome, The Church and the World, The Advent of the Messiah, Christian Faith, The New Song, The Mind of Christ. These important themes are handled in a way indicative of mental vigour, fertility of imagination, and great fluency in expression. And although it may be admitted that there is, perhaps, an excess of imagery, and often a want of propriety and harmony in its use, yet strength and earnestness are impressed on every page. More matured study and experience will prune the exuberances of youth, and perseverance in piety and zeal open out a future of increasing usefulness in the great work that lies before him. Most heartily do we wish Mr. Jackson the greatest success.