untiring zeal in seeking the salvation of perishing sinners. Mr. Gillatt, Port of Hull missionary, concluded the addresses, in a short speech, full of pathos, sweetness, and simplicity. The Doxology having been sung, the meeting broke up, everybody apparently pleased and profited. On Wednesday evening, according to a notice given on the previous Monday, another tea-party assembled in Mason-street Chapel school-room, to make the best of the provisions unconsumed at the former one. The attendance was much better than anticipated. After the tea, the friends were profitably addressed by the chairman, Messrs. Elm and Cooper, Reformers, and Messrs. Steal and Cosgrave, Associationists. It was truly a delightful occasion. The friends connected with the chapel duly appreciate the kind attendance of the Reformers during these services, some of whom assisted in providing trays. Collections were made on the Sunday and Monday. This anniversary occasion will be remembered with great satisfaction and with gratitude to the Author of all good. LEVER STREET CIRCUIT, OUR Missionary Bazaar in Gouldstreet Sunday-school, has come off most satisfactorily. The teachers and friends have displayed great tact, taste, zeal, and industry in their arrangements. The school-room was beautifully decorated with variegated drapery, festoons of artificial flowers, and diminutive allied banners, while appropriate mottos met the eye at every turn. The room was opened for the sale of articles on the 24th of December, and on several evenings during the Christmas week. The stalls were presided over by the Misses Whyatt, Howe, Mesdames Whitham, Soulby, Tarrant, and Jones, Miss Rushworth, Miss Gould, Miss Davies, and Mrs. Rogerson. After all expenses have been paid, there is a nett balance of 50%. for the benefit of the mission funds. proceedings of great interest. An ag gregate of upwards of twelve hundred persons were drawn together by the attraction of Sabbath-school influences. Encouraged by the past, they take courage, and brace their energies for the present and the future. H. TARRANT. ON Sunday, October 28th, 1855, two sermons were preached in Leverstreet chapel, by the Rev. J. Guttridge, when collections were made on behalf of our Home and Foreign Missions. In the evening the chapel was filled to overflowing. The Juvenile missionary meeting was held in the same place, on the same day. Mr. B. Chappell occupied the chair. Interesting statements were made respecting the missionary efforts in our different schools, by their respective representatives, Messrs. Topping, Marsh, Clift, Craston, and Howe, and telling speeches were subsequently delivered by the Rev. J. Guttridge and A. Gilbert, the deservedly respected superintendent of our circuit. It was truly a time of refreshing from the presence of the God of missions. It was no easy matter to refrain from giving vent to one's feelings, as the hundreds of youthful voices in full chorus, sang, Waft, waft ye winds the story, On the following evening the public meeting was held, Mr. Swallow, senr. in the chair, supported by Messrs, Kirkham, Howe, Lowe, Taylor, Hands, Rushworth, Chappell, Fothergill, and the Revs. G. Hinde, Barton, Guttridge, Wolfenden, Breeden, Patterson, &c. &c. The addresses were highly intellectual, spiritual, and practical. The attendance and collections were considerably in advance of last year. On the whole, it was one of the best Missionary anniversaries we have had in the circuit. May He who has promised to give His Son the heathen for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession, grant that it may be the omen of still greater things. B. CHAPPELL. CAMELFORD, WADEBRIDGE, AND BODMIN CIRCUIT. To the Editor,-Dear Sir, I am happy to say the work of God is still progressing in this circuit. Since my last communication, we have experienced many "times of refreshing coming from the presence of the Lord." On the 26th of December last we had a Society tea-meeting at Lostwithiel, in order to gather the young converts together. About 160 friends met on the occasion, in a large room, which had previously been tastefully decorated with evergreens, &c. by our young friends, who contributed in no small degree to the enlivening of the meeting, by singing revival pieces during tea; after which, we held a Band meeting, when many spoke of the goodness of God, and testified to the power of Christ on earth to forgive sins. Many declared it was the best Christmas they had ever experienced, and some said, they had never spent a happy one until then. It was "the truly a delightful meeting: windows of heaven were opened, and such a blessing poured out, that there was scarcely room to receive it;" but the best of all was at the close of the meeting, one poor sinner, fully aware that she was not in the same state as those to whom she had been listening, and feeling her need of a Saviour, cried aloud for mercy, and, after struggling some time with the enemy, while the servants of God were praying, she was led to venture her all on the Saviour, who bore her griefs, and carried her sorrows," and by so doing was made happy in the Lord, and went home rejoicing. That meeting will be long remembered. 68 On the 31st of December we met together to hold a watch-night service, and at that solemn time, while in the sanctuary watching and praying, during the last moments of the departing year, a hallowing influence pervaded our assembly, and another soul was gathered into the fold of Christ. The chapel has become too straight for the Lord's worshippers, many being obliged to stand during service each Sabbath evening. Last Sunday but one we held the quarterly love-feast, as usual, after the evening service, when we had the pleasure of meeting about 140 persons, who had each come to the determination, 66 as for me, I will serve the Lord." It was truly a feast of love: the love of God was shed abroad richly in many hearts, and they were enabled to "rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." Last Sabbath evening several were anxiously inquiring their way to Zion, with their faces thitherward," and last night they were found again in God's house, earnestly seeking salvation, so that the Spirit is still operating upon the minds of the people, "convincing them of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." At New Ebenezer chapel, too, (a country chapel about two miles from Lostwithiel) there is a glorious work commenced. For three weeks the friends held special services, without seeing any fruit to their labours, nevertheless, they persevered in their "work of faith, and labour of love," and " coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty," and "in the name of their God setting up their banners," they have at length prevailed against the enemy, the devil is been driven from his strongholds; more than thirty souls have already exchanged the bondage of sin for the liberty of the children of God, and we are expecting many more. Hardhearted sinners and stubborn backsliders are already trembling. Praize the Lord. At Bodmin, six individuals, seeing the necessity of being on the Lord's side, have cast in their lot with his people, saying, this "people shall be my people, and their God my God." have now 66 At Wadebridge, too, the work is still going on. About thirty persons come out from among the ungodly," and identified themselves with the followers of Jesus, by uniting themselves with us in church fellowship. May the Lord keep those faithful who have "put their hand to the Gospel plough," and increase the number daily, so that "the little one may become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation.' May the time speedily arrive when "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our God and his Christ," and the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen. RD. WAKEFIELD. WOOLWICH. My dear Sir, The dove of peace still hovers over our circuit, and the sun of prosperity is sending forth his genial rays. We are improving spiritually, numerically, and financially. I informed you, in a recent communication, that we were making an effort to raise money for the painting, &c., of our Beresford-street Chapel. The importance of this has been felt for several years; and it is with great pleasure I now inform you our object is accomplished. Our chapel is painted, and we have raised all the money required to defray the expenses. We have now, I think, as beautiful a chapel as any in Woolwich. The re-opening services were held on Sunday, December 30th, 1855, when two excellent sermons were preached; that in the morning by the Rev. R. Eckett, of London, Connexional Secretary, and that in the evening by the Rev. M. Baxter, of London, Editor. The congregations were good. The sermons will not soon be forgotten. The collections exceeded our expectations. On Monday, January 14th, 1856, we held a public tea meeting and bazaar, the interest of which was greatly augmented by our choir, who during the evening sung several appropriate anthems. The tea being over, and nearly all the goods in the bazaar being sold, we commenced the meeting. Our esteemed friend, Mr. Trewin, was called upon to occupy the chair. He gave a beautiful introductory speech, in which he referred to several interesting particulars connected with the chapel from the time of its erection. He then called upon the circuit minister to address the meeting, who spoke on the importance of serving God and supporting his cause from a fixed Christian principle, in opposition to that selfishness and instability which characterizes too many professed Christians at the present day. He concluded by urging the friends to make a personal and united effort to let the sittings of our beautitiful chapel. The chairman then called upon the Rev. Mr. Wenn (Primitive Methodist), who addressed the meeting on the utility of social meetings when convened and conducted on Scriptu ral basis, and pervaded by the spirit of piety. The meeting closed about ten o'clock, and was said to have been the largest and best meeting for many years. Since the meeting, we have let several sittings, and had indications of increasing prosperity. Yours sincerely, T. ROTHWELL. January 23rd, 1856. CLITHEROE. For more than two years the town of Clitheroe has been suffering to a most lamentable extent, caused by the stoppage of a large print works, and during the last twelve months the sufferings of the people have been greatly aggravated by the dearness of provisions. At our September quarterly meeting, it was resolved to hold our yearly tea-meeting on Christmas-day, for the benefit of our circuit funds. Many of the friends, and among them some who are not prone to despond, were in doubt as to the result, owing to the public distress. Two or three females commenced a canvass for trays, and money subscriptions, with which to supply the trays, when presently, to the joy and surprise of all, they not only succeeded in obtaining the requisite number of trays, but also a considerable sum of money to be added to the proceeds; seventeen trays were promised, when another question suggested itself, "how will the people be able to buy the tickets?" Though the day was wet and unfavourable without, by halfpast four o'clock all was bright and cheering within our large schoolroom. The tables were abundantly supplied with creature comforts, and considerably more people were assembled than could be accommodated at the first sitting, so that the tables were nearly filled a second time. Many old friends, driven by the pressure of the time to Blackburn, Manchester, Accrington, Rochdale, and other places, were to be seen at the festive board, talking over with mingled emotion the reminiscences of happier days. Tea over, and tables removed, parties began to arrange themselves for the public meeting. At six o'clock, when our minister opened the meeting, and proposed that our old friend Mr. John Broadly preside, every seat was occupied, and many were standing in the aisles. Addresses were delivered by all the local preachers present, Mr. Spencer, of Rochdale, and others. Recitations were given by several Sunday-school children, and the choir enlivened the meeting with their able performances; and what was to us matter of no little praise, most of the music (which was of a high order) was composed expressly for the occasion by our esteemed chorist, Mr. John Hayhurst. The proceeds, 231. 12s. 6d., was the largest sum ever realized at a teameeting in Clitheroe, and what is to be regarded as of still greater importance, the moral and religious influence produced was very considerable, and we trust will long continue to be felt. I may add, that at two of our principle country places, Lowmoor and Bradford, similar meetings were held at the same time, which were crowded to excess, and attended with the blessing of God. Thus in the midst of unprecedented trials and difficulties, the Lord has made us glad with the visitations of his mercy. May our gratitude and zeal correspond with the aboundings of his love; may the Spirit of His grace revive in our hearts the flame of piety, and make manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every part of our circuit. I am, yours truly, W. BARTLE, Sec. P.S. If you can conveniently find a place in the magazine for next month for this little bit of intelligence from an obscure corner of our vineyard, you will much oblige by its insertion. W. P. SCARBOROUGH. The annual tea festival on behalf of our chapel fund was held in the Mechanics' Hall on the 11th of December, 1855. According to the wonted liberality of our friends, most of the trays were furnished gratuitously, and in a most bountiful manner. Rarely have we witnessed such richness, variety, and abundance on such an occasion. As usual, there was a good attendance-three hundred and thirty-three persons sat down to tea. The greatest order and decorum prevailed, and all appeared to be much gratified. After tea the circuit preacher occupied the chair, and interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. B. Backhouse (Independent), and by Messrs. J. Ripley (Temperance lecturer), J. Goodhind (Primitive), and C. Fern (Wesleyan). During the evening the choir of our chapel sang several pieces which had been selected for the occasion, and altogether the meeting was of a pleasant and profitable character. The proceeds of the tea, including subscriptions and donations, amount to 20%. You will be glad to know, Mr. Editor, that a short time since I received from your old friend, the Rev. J. Flesher, who is one of the executors of the late Mrs. Clark, the sum of one hundred pounds, which had been bequeathed by that Christian lady towards the liquidation of the debt on our chapel. For this our friends were very thankful, and the amount was promptly remitted by our respected chapel steward to the mortgagee. As you are aware, our friends have for years past made noble efforts to reduce the debt on their place of worship; and, considering their number and circumstances, it is surprising that they have succeeded so well. The original debt was 1,203., and now the entire debt is 700l. From their present position our friends derive encouragement and hope. May the Lord strengthen us for further efforts, and grant us success. On Lord's-day, January 27th, 1856, appropriate sermons were preached in our chapel on behalf of our home and foreign missions; in the morning and evening by the Rev. J. Handley, of York, and in the afternoon by the Rev. John Clarke, of Stockton. On the following evening a public missionary meeting was held. Henry Fowler, Esq., (Wesleyan) occupied the chair. After the report had been read, the meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Buttrick (Primitive), B. Backhouse, R. Balgarnie (Independents), J. Clarke, and J. Handley. The meeting was continued on the following evening, and Dr. Murray (Episcopalian) presided. Addresses were delivered by our esteemed brethren Handley and Clarke, and by the Revs, D. Adam (Baptist) and J. E. Coulson (Wesleyan). These meetings, we are thankful to say, were free from what is low and trifling; while truly cheerful, they were spiritual and serious. The addresses were characterised by intelligence, zeal, and brotherly kindness. The congregations were good, and the collections liberal. Our missionary income is as yet incomplete, but we expect it will be equal to, if not beyond, that of last year. May all our churches be more fully imbued with the missionary spirit. Amen. CHARLES R. HOPPER. LAUNCESTON. Our chapel in this town has recently been settled in trust, according to the provisions of the Connexional Chapel Deed. The trustees, feeling the importance of doing something to reduce the chapel debt, have resolved to make an annual effort for its accomplishment. A commencement was made on Sunday, January 6th, when two sermons were preached by the Rev. Arthur Hands, from Tavistock, and collections were made in behalf of the Trust Fund. On the following Thursday, a tea-meeting was held in the Western Subscription Room, the trays for the occasion were provided gratuitously. After tea, our respected friend, Mr. R. J. Gubbin, of Boyton, was called to the chair. Interesting and appropriate addresses were delivered by the Revs. Peter Thompson (Independent), A. Hands, J. Ward, and J. Chew, Messrs. Gill, and S. Hicks. A vote of thanks was presented to the ladies for their valuable and efficient services, also to the chairman for his kindness in presiding over the meeting. A stall of useful and ornamental articles was opened for sale during the afternoon, which, considering the shortness of the time allowed for its preparation, reflected much credit upon the diligent and persevering endeavours of the ladies. By way of gathering up the fragments that remained, that nothing should be lost, a refreshment stall was opened at the close of the meeting, where a cup of coffee, &c., might be had without any specific charge, it being fully left to the generous impulse of those who partook thereof to give what they pleased. The proceeds amounted to about 201. Upon the whole, the result of this first effort has been gratifying to all concerned, and offers encouragement to renewed effort for the gradual reduction and final extinction of the chapel debt. Haste, happy day; the time I long to see, POETRY. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. xi. 28. LIST, O list,-'tis Jesus calling, Thoughts of mercy fill His breast; If thou'rt weary, heavy laden, Come, and I will give thee rest. Though thy sins may reach to heaven, If by all the world contemned. But 'tis only those, who feeling In His righteousness rejoice. Prove His willingness to save. Soon Death's summons may be given, And thou'rt levelled with the dust. Come in health,-O come while reason And thou'rt racked with torturing pain. M. B. |