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of divine blessings are descending upon several societies. Oh! that God would send a wave of salvation over the whole place.

My dear sir, it is a pleasing sight, and one that would rejoice your heart to observe, especially on the Lord's day, the vast numbers that are seen wending their way to our beautiful sanctuary. Often when passing through the streets, we hear first one and then another asking the question, "Are you going to Zion?" In approaching nearer, our hearts have bounded with delight as we have heard the swelling peals of our fine-toned organ inviting us to the celebration of divine praise, and on entering the chapel we have felt still more delighted to find such a vast concourse of immortal beings eagerly waiting for the word of life.

One pleasing feature in this revival we cannot omit mentioning is, that in it many of our most respectable families and seat-holders, who have long sat under the word, have been constrained by the overwhelming love of Christ to come forward and publicly confess their anxiety for a change of heart; and while kneeling at the communion rail have been enabled, by an eye of faith, to "behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." In many instances, husband and wife have sought and found together the "common salvation." Three, four, and five of a family have been seen at the same time round the altar, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and whole families have rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Another feature in this glorious movement, that is most cheering and gratifying to all who are actively engaged in it, is the fact that although we have had special services most of the nights in each week for upwards of two months, the interest in them is unabated, and the congregations are undiminished. The perpetuation of these extra services has made a large demand upon our physical energies and mental resources. We have often felt almost

prostrate, when leaving the chapel, after talking, and singing, and praying until near eleven o'clock. But we have been happy in our work, and hitherto the Lord hath helped us. Great praise is due to all. Ministers and leaders have emulated each other in this soulsaving work. Our organist, singers, members, teachers, and our indefatigable chapel-keeper, have one and all done their best to help forward the work of the Lord. The most touching and imposing sight the writer ever witnessed, was last Sunday night week, when he and the stewards administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to near five hundred souls. Truly it was a season never to be forgotten. Our prayer is, that God may still be with us, and prosper the work of our hands. T. BOYCOTT.

March 13th.

SOCIETY TEA MEETING, ZION CHAPEL, LONGTON.

THE largest tea-party ever held in this neighbourhood took place in the school-room in connection with our Zion Chapel, on Monday, February 26th. The object of the assembly was to commemorate the late revival of the work of God in that place of worship. The admission was by ticket, restricted to members of the society and persons who are now candidates for church fellowship. Upwards of 1,000 persons were present. The arrangements reflected the greatest credit on the committee of management. There was order equal to that which would characterize a parlour company. Shortly after seven o'clock, an adjournment was made to the chapel, when G. L. Robinson, Esq., was called upon to preside.

After worship,

The Chairman opened the proceedings of the evening by congratulating the friends of the Longton Circuit on the great accession to their numbers of those who professed to have received a token of God's forgiving love. When a school boy under the tuition of his aged and honoured friend, Mr. Robey, he (the chairman) little thought of presiding over a meeting like that. He respected every one who loved our Lord

Jesus Christ in sincerity, but especially Methodists. He stated the reasons for the separation of their forefathers from the parent body in 1797. Their principles, he believed, were now widely known, but formerly they had, through ignorance, been misrepresented. He believed that the more they became known the more they would be respected. They had got in substance those reforms for which a large section of the Methodist family had for years been contending. They had now seen the working of their own polity for more than half a century, and were convinced that it was adapted to the wants of the community. What would many of those who formerly worshipped with them, but who were now, he trusted, in the happier land, think, if they could be permitted to see their children following in the track to the heavenly Jerusalem ? Would they not be filled with joy? That the church in connection with that chapel in is numerical strength took the lead in that town, was a fact patent to all; and, with increased numbers, they had increased responsibilities. If they continued steadfast in the faith they had professed, they would have a mighty influence for good in that district. He hoped that the barren wilderness would blossom as the garden of the Lord, and the "small people become a great nation," and all should know the Lord from the least to the greatest.

Mr. James Parkes said that God, in the plenitude of his mercy, in the early part of the speaker's life, led him to forsake sin, and give himself to the divine service. He felt grateful to Almighty God for his mercy and loving kindness towards him for twenty-five years. They, as a society, at New-street, had been full of hope for some time. They had enjoyed peace in their little chapel, and where there was true peace they might expect prosperity to follow. His heart bounded with gratitude to God on seeing sinners of the deepest dye, with one accord, supplicating for mercy. They had seen masters and servants, parents and children, seeking the Lord. As a class-leader, he felt great pleasure in listening to the heart-breathings and diversified experience of the babes in Christ. Some had inquired, "What is the meaning of this stir about conversion and salvation ?" The work was the work of God. The gospel was the power of God unto salvation. He be

lieved that Christ had power on earth to forgive sins. Many in that chapel could bear testimony to the truth of that passage "They that sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but they that sow to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting."

The Rev. George Goodall addressed the meeting, and said he felt a deep interest in the work of God. He liked

the song of the cross-he liked the theme of redemption. It was the sight of the cross that put his heart right. He esteemed it no common privilege to be present on that occasion. His ministerial career was bound up with the history of that society. The fathers of the church were almost all gone to their rest; but their children would supply their places. He trusted that prosperity would follow them. That chapel was the spiritual birth-place of his children, and he trusted that that sanctuary would still continue to be a spiritual pool of Bethesda to hundreds. In conclusion, he trusted that God would preserve them all blameless unto eternal life.

Mr. W. Cooke congratulated the society on their numerical strength, and he trusted that they would not retrograde, but go forward to study the Scriptures-to be strong in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. They would have trials and tribulations; but Christ would be their rock, their staff, and comforter. That God who said anto Peter, "Be not afraid, it is I," was their God; and if faithful to the covenant of grace, they would enjoy everlasting life with the spirits of the justified in heaven.

Mr. James Wardle briefly addressed the meeting in a neat and appropriate speech.

The Rev. Alexander M'Curdy saidMany topics had suggested themselves to his mind, but the pleasure with which he had listened to the previous speakers had carried almost all his ideas away. That meeting was convened to commemorate a remarkable revival of religion in that chapel. Religion was of more importance than those things which the people of the world esteemed great and grand. Many had cast reflections on that revival; but he thanked God that so many minds had been established in the doctrine of the cross. Methodism, he believed, was adapted to the masses. The Methodist family

had been the scene of tumult and confusion. The parent stock was agitated; but the New Connexion had peace in its sanctuary, and prosperity was no stranger to their community. They had in possession what the Reformers were asking for; the Reformers were looking for a community which had a likeness to their system. In conclusion, he exhorted his audience to be steadfast in the faith.

Thomas Cope, Esq., then addressed the assembly. The presence of that vast audience showed their sympathy with Methodism. He exhorted all to be steadfast in the faith which they publicly professed; he exhorted them to watch and pray to search the Scriptures, for in them they had eternal life; "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness." The Bible was the Book divine-the book which was the standard of their appeal, the corrector of their morals, and the chart which enabled the Christian mariner to find his way to the port of peace.

The Rev. Thomas Boycott said-This is a gathering of the church worshipping within this spacious and noble edifice. As some hundreds have recently united with us, and have, perhaps, but a very partial acquaintance with our ecclesiastical constitution, it would be quite in keeping with the object of this meeting to refer to the origin and fathers of the Connexionto leading events and characteristic principles to the constitution of its official gatherings and happy results, as presented in the history of our beloved community, since its commencement in 1797. He said-I am a Protestant Dissenter; I am a Methodist of the New Connexion, and feel a sympathy in its interests. But what is the present state of the Connexion? In making mention of our position as a religious community at the present juncture, I feel glad to be able to say, we cannot be charged with extravagance in our expenditure. Our economy has won for us the approbation of many who are not of us. We are not crippled, either, with overwhelming debts; and what a blessing it is to be free in our chapels and institutions from pecuniary embarrassment. We are not disturbed and divided, either, with contentions and schisms; and how lovely it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

We are not at war, either, with any other section of the Christian Churchwe can give to all the right hand of fellowship, and wish them good speed in the name of the Lord. If you ask for statistics bearing on the present state of the Connexion, we would just observe, we have, according to the returns of last year, 372 chapels, 149 circuit preachers, 910 local preachers, 21,141 members, 377 Sunday schools, 7,770 teachers, and nearly 50,000 scholars. At no former period in our history have we been so hopeful as we are now. Our present condition promises well for the future. We never had a stronger confidence in the solidity of the basis on which our Connexion is founded. We never had more vital energy and healthful action than at present. Love to God, love to each other, love to souls, and combined zeal for the Redeemer's glory, are the characteristics of our people. In many of our circuits, just now, there is reviving grace and delightful increase. I might name Hanley, Burslem, Newcastle, Ashton, Guernsey, London, Lynn, and last, but not least, Longton. In Ireland we are still looking up, and in Canada we are still improving. We do not say we are what we ought to be-what we might be-what we believe we shall be; but when we consider what we have had, as a community, to encounter from enemies within and without-from bigotry and jealousy-from unfaithfulness and misrepresentations-from being fifty years in advance of the times we have lived in and from discouragements arising therefrom-we think we have done well, and are resolved to take heart and still prosecute our useful career. Our beloved Connexion is a creature of Providence. God's eye has watched over it, and his hand has gently led it on to the present moment, and through him it stands pregnant with good for the future. In our Jubilee Volume-a volume I should like all here to read-a volume that does credit alike to the community and the distinguished writers themselves; one of them, when speaking of the state of the Connexion, says "I regard it as richly fraught with the true, the pure, and the good." But what shall we say of the future? The Connexion will have a future. Some associations are narrow in their circumference, and short in their duration. In the hour of trial

they have been incompetent to sustain the shock, and have broken to pieces, and we have to speak of them as things that were. Not so with the New Connexion. Although I am not a prophet, or the son of a prophet, I will venture to predict a bright future for our Connexion. It is adapted for useful perpetuation is suited to the stirring, progressive times in which Providence has cast our lot. If truth is destined to live, we are; if freedom is destined to exist, we are. We have nothing to fear from educational progress and mental development. We welcome intelligence, hail the light, and challenge in-. vestigation; believing as we do, that when we are better understood, we shall be better loved and appreciated. Let us arise, then, and acquit ourselves like men. Let us lift high the banner of freedom-sound loudly the gospel trumpet-wield more fitly the sword of truth, and eagerly rush into the openings of Providence, to gather our trophies, and place them at our Redeemer's feet. Oh! sir, I cannot help but connect our present success with the future. Our prosperity is the dawn of a brighter period. The day is near when we shall enter new territories, and push our victories where at present we have no interest. We are links, increasing in strength and number, in that great golden chain which the church is carrying round the tribes of earth, binding one tribe to the other, and the whole mass to the cross of Christ. Our anticipations are thrilling; our well-sustained institutions are big with promise to the world; our Christian enterprises are destined to tell with accelerated force on generations to come. Both Providence and Revelation are saying to us, "Arise and shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."

A vote of thanks to the ladies brought the interesting proceedings to a close. It was a meeting which will be long remembered by all who were present.Abridged from the Staffordshire Sentinel.

OPENING OF THE NEW CHAPEL

AT HANGING HEATON, DEWS-
BURY CIRCUIT.

THE Magazine for October, 1854, contains an account of the laying of the foundation stone of the above chapel. It is now opened for divine worship. The opening services commenced on

Sunday, February 18th, when the Rev. John Hudston, of Huddersfield, preached morning and night, and the Rev. E. H. Weeks (Independent), Dewsbury, in the afternoon. On Monday evening, February 19th, a very excellent teameeting was held. Our esteemed friend, John Jubb, Esq., of Batley, presided, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. L. Saxton and G. Wood; and by Messrs. F. Nettleton, of Leeds; H. N. Yeoman; and R. Heppleston. Several anthems, &c. were also given, at intervals, during the evening by an efficient choir. On Sunday, February 25th, the opening services were resumed; on this day the pulpit was occupied morning and evening by the Rev. John Poxon, of Ashton-underLyne, and in the afternoon by the writer. At all these services the attendance was good, at several of them overflowing, and the divine presence was eminently realized. The collections were also liberal. Considering the severity of the weather at the time of opening, and the great depression of trade in this district, the friends have reason to be not only satisfied but grateful. The estimated cost of the place is £300. We have already realized a sum approaching £150, and do not intend to rest till we have exceeded that amount. The chapel is not yet quite finished, as the workmen were obliged by the late frost to suspend operations, but it will in a few weeks be fully completed. The design of the chapel is good; it stands on an elevated site; will be inclosed by a neat fence wall; and will, for a village chapel, present a beautiful appearance.

On

the day fixed for the letting of the sittings, the demand exceeded the supply, so that all the sittings are taken. They are, however, let at a low price for the accommodation of the poor. May Jehovah fill this house with his glory, and may it prove the spiritual birthplace of many!

It is the intention of the friends to secure the chapel to the Connexion, according to the provisions of the Model Deed.

I ought not to conclude this account without stating that the erection of this chapel was projected during the residence in this circuit of my worthy predecessor, the Rev. John Nicholas, who manifested a lively interest in the matter. L. SAXTON. Dewsbury, March 13, 1855.

HUNSLET, LEEDS CIRCUIT.

MY DEAR MR. EDITOR,-You will be glad to learn that the noble annual effort of our Hunslet friends, for the liquidation of their school and chapel debt, has been more than sustained during the past year. On Sunday, December 17, 1854, sermons were preached in the morning by the writer, in the evening by the Rev: W. N. Hall, and again on the following Sunday morning and evening by the Rev. J. Poxon of Ashton-under-Lyne. The total amount of the collections was £103 4s. 8d. On the 26th and two following days, the annual bazaar was held in the new school- room. The friends, according to custom, came forward nobly. The whole amount realized by the ladies was £114 17s. 10d., making the total amount raised for the present year £218 2s. 6d.

Whilst the very highest commendations are due to the friends for the truly generous way in which they contributed to the collections, and to all the ladies who laboured so perseveringly in preparing for, and in conducting the sale of needlework, it would be unjust not to mention the name of our generous and indefatigable friend Mrs. Blackburn, to whose untiring energy, and well-known liberality, we are so largely indebted for the constantly increasing success which has attended the bazaar.

It may be interesting to the trustees and friends of our chapels in every part of the Connexion to state, that our Hunslet friends have long since determined that they would never rest until every penny of debt was swept away from the property of their chapels and schools. For the purpose of accomplishing this, they practise what they call "beating up the bushes" on the approach of every anniversarythat is, they canvass amongst the friends for special promises towards the collections in sums varying from one pound to ten pounds. In this way it is that they invariably manage to secure so large a sum at their services. Their example speaks to the trustees in every part of the Connexion, and

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A PUBLIC tea-party was held in the Sabbath-school connected with the above place of worship, on Monday evening, the 22nd of January, 1855. About 280 sat down to tea, almost all of whom were either members of the congregation, or scholars belonging to our Sabbath-school. After tea, the chair was ably filled by our esteemed minister, the Rev. T. W. Ridley, and impressive speeches were delivered by Messrs. W. Derbyshere, W. Jenkinson, J. A. Griffin, J. Turner, and other friends labouring in the school; appropriate pieces were also recited by a few of the scholars during the meeting. At this meeting, rewards were given to those of the scholars who had been the most regular and punctual in their attendance at the school during the past year, and the impressive manner in which these rewards were presented by the chairman, created deep feelings of emotion alike both on the minds of the audience and of the scholars.

This meeting, Mr. Editor, was the first annual one we have held of the kind, and was a trial whether giving rewards would incite our scholars to punctual and regular attendance; and it has been admitted, by all connected with the school, that the system has been eminently successful. But apart from this consideration the agreeable feeling which pervaded the meeting was so general, that great regret was felt when the time for breaking up the assembly had arrived.

JOHN MAKINSON. Salem Chapel, Feb. 10, 1855.

[We regret that the above communication was accidentally omitted from the March number of our Magazine.-W. C.]

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