on the moderate terms of a lease for one penny per yard per annum. Matters were just brought to this point when the writer of the present account came into the circuit. As soon as I knew the circumstances of the case, and the character of the Paddock friends, I felt that no effort should be spared to obtain the object on which their hearts were so earnestly intent. In due course, therefore, arrangements were made, and the requisite preliminaries attended to for action. Scarcely, however, had we commenced the work of preparation, when our faith was called to undergo another heavy trial in the removal of our esteemed and generous friend, Joshua Crosland, Esq. But a few weeks before his lamented and sudden decease, he headed the subscription list with £100 for himself and brother. What our loss by this event may have been it is impossible to say. He promised to enter heartily into our effort, and doing so he had it in his power to render an amount of aid which none but himself could give. But God's ways are not our ways, and we bow in submission to his will. Our applications for help from friends in the circuit met with so generous a response that we felt fully justified in proceeding to build a house for God. Mr. William Cocking, architect, was instructed to prepare plans, which being approved, the first stone was laid on Good Friday of last year. The proceedings of that day have already been given in the Magazine. With feelings of devout thankfulness we saw the building rise, and March 21st, 1855, it was dedicated to the service of God. The Rev. J. Stacey, of Halifax, preached in the morning at eleven o'clock; and the Rev. S. Hulme, of Manchester, in the evening at six o'clock. The first congregation was a large one, and in the evening the place was crowded to the occupation of the aisles. At both services a holy unction accompanied the ministry of the word. The collections were £51 2s. 11d. On Sunday, March 25, the dedicatory services were resumed; the Rev. J. Hudston preaching in the morning, the Rev. R. Skinner, Independent, in the afternoon, and the Rev. T. Allin, in the evening. The congregations were again excellent, and at night the chapel was, if possible, crowded more excessively than on Wednesday evening, very many being unable to gain ad mission. The revered preacher seemed to have renewed the vigour of his youth, and for an hour and twenty minutes he preached with great energy and power the words of life to a deeply attentive and delighted audience. The collections for the day were £31 2s. 6d. On April 1st, the opening services were still continued; the Rev. J. Stokoe preaching in the morning, and the Rev. W. Mills, President of Conference, afternoon and evening. The congregations were still large, and the collections £37 3s. 10d. We closed these most interesting services with a public tea-meeting on Good Friday. About 400 friends took tea in the school-room, and then the meeting was adjourned to the new chapel, where we were favoured with the presence and aid of W. Martin, Esq., of Altrincham. Our esteemed friend, who had visited Huddersfield a few years ago to aid the missionary cause, ably occupied the chair, and by his appropriate address, and interesting conduct of the meeting, contributed greatly to its cheerful and profitable character. Mr. Martin's ability and Christian spirit have secured for him much kind feeling, and when he may favour Paddock with another visit, the friends will give him a cordial welcome. The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Hudston, J. Stokoe, C. Ward, with Messrs. W. Jenkinson, Manchester, R. Roberts, D. Beaumont, and W. Sykes. An efficient choir, who performed several pieces of sacred music, also added materially to the enjoyment of the evening. The cost of the chapel, including inclosure, palisading, &c., will, as far as we can at present ascertain, be about £1,700. Toward the erection, the following amounts have been raised :Subscriptions we expect, £650, including a gift of £50 from Sir John Ramsden; collection at stone-laying, and proceeds of tea-meeting on that occasion, £60 8s. 11d.; proceeds of bazaar, £177 15s. 7d.; amount received from money-club, £200; opening services, £119 7s. Id.; tea-meeting at opening, £17-making a total of £1,224 13s. 93d.; so that we hope there will be left on the estate a debt of not more than £500. Already we have let upwards of 320 sittings, which will bring us in a yearly income of more than £100. In a few years, therefore, we may indulge the expectation that this beautiful edifice will be entirely out of debt. For the information of our friends at a distance, we append the following description of the chapel. As already stated, the situation is in every respect excellent. There is not a better site in the village, either for accommodation for the inhabitants, or to give a commanding position to the building; and as it is bounded on all sides by a road, the locality will never lose the advantages it now possesses. The chapel is designed in a mixed style of Italian architecture, and is a truly elegant structure. It has a frontage of forty-five feet, is thirty-five feet high, and seventy-four feet in length, including the organ-gallery. The south front is executed of light brown frontars in thin courses, neatly chiselled, with cleansed moulded dressings of white stone, which give a peculiar richness to the whole. There are rusticated pilasters to each corner, and quoin stones to the central part of the front, with bold moulded doorway, and a large three-light circular-headed window over. The moulded cornice, entablature, and pedestals, supported on large moulded and panelled corbels and strings, are surmounted in centre with a circular inscription stone. The east, west, and north elevations are carried up of dressed wall stones, circular-headed windows, and moulded corbels. The interior arrangement of the chapel has been pronounced to be the very model of neatness and elegance. All the pews in the gallery, as well as the bottom, are curved toward the pulpit, and form the segment of a circle struck from the front of the pulpit. The entrance is from a vestibule, 14 feet by 9 feet, closed from lobbies and gallery stairs by folding-doors, in order to prevent draughts into the chapel. All the aisle framing, and wood work of vestibule, lobbies, &c., are grained oak, and varnished. The gallery front and pillars are painted dead white, and relieved with gold. The main ceiling has a large enriched cornice, and divided into six compartments, or sunken panels, with a large centre flower in each, perforated for ventilation. The proscenium opening for organ gallery is 18 feet by 18 feet, with side pilasters, carved capitals, entablature, pedestals, moulded balustrades, and dado, the whole laid in Sienna marble, and varnished. The pulpit approximates somewhat to a platform, and is capable of holding several persons at one time. The front part is octagonal in form, so as to bring forward the preacher over the communion pew, and is finished under with a panelled pendent and carved boss. The pulpit is approached on each side by a spiral staircase, the balusters are of chaste design and bronzed, and are continued round the communion, with mahogany hand-rail. The communion, pulpit-stairs, &c., have been appropriately furnished with carpets, and crimson cushions, by a few ladies. Requisite ventilation for the bottom part of the chapel is effected by means of four shafts in the outer walls taken into the roof, and protected by Arnott's valves. The warming apparatus has been fitted up by Mr. Lumby, of Halifax; and works most effectively. Hot water is conveyed in pipes up and down each aisle, to and from a boiler, which is fixed in a room made for that purpose under the vestry, in which place also we have a large boiler for the use of tea parties. The vestry is a very commodious one, being 7 yards long by 5 yards in width. The whole building is lighted up with gas from lacquered standards, with argand burners and glasses. There is accommodation to seat about 550 persons. It has already been stated that the land is held by lease of Sir John Ramsden, Bart., at one penny per yard. The whole plot comprises about 1,370 yards, and will shortly be entirely enclosed by fence-walls, with appropriate gates and palisadoes at the front. In furnishing this account, there are a few particulars which ought to have distinct and commendable mention. First, the edifice reflects the highest credit on the architect, Mr. W. Cocking. Its chaste and finished beauty has excited the admiration of all who have seen it, while the attention and care with which its erection has been superintended have given perfect satisfaction to the trustees. Secondly, honourable mention must be made of the good women at Paddock. Though without the means to give costly gifts in money, they have done what they could, and by their plodding industry and unwearied zeal, have contributed to the full amount of their ability to the success of the effort. The bazaar, which realized the handsome sum of £177, was the first fruit of their zeal; but they have resolved to continue their labours until they can change that figure into the round sum of £200. And further, the peace and harmony which have characterized all proceedings connected with the building of this house for God, ought to awaken devout and fervent gratitude. In most things we have seen eye to eye; but when there has been difference of opinion, it has never led to disunion of hearts. By all more immediately concerned in the erection, there has been manifested, from beginning to end, a oneness of purpose and effort most delightful to contemplate. Finally, in this undertaking we have had all along encouraging tokens of providential favour and approval; so that nothing could express the feelings of those friends who had personal experience of the disappointments and trials mentioned in the first part of this narrative, more appropriately than the 126th Psalm:- The Lord has so turned the captivity of their Zion, that they are like them that dream; their mouth is filled with laughter, and their tongue with singing. It is also literally true that the inhabitants of this place look upon the chapel as a providential recompense for past disappointments, and do say, "The Lord has done great things for them;" while they are not backward to make the pious response, "The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad." Since the chapel was opened, we may add, the attendance has been all that we could expect; many have been repeatedly within its walls who previously had never attended a house of prayer. The members at present in society at Paddock are 114, a small decrease, I regret to say, on the year, arising chiefly from deaths and removals. I believe, however, many hearts are presenting the prayer, and that ere long it will be answered in an abundant manner, "O Lord, let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children: and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." J. HUDSTON. BATLEY BAZAAR. WE held our bazaar in the Public Hall, Batley, on Easter Monday and Tuesday. The hall is a large and handsome room, well adapted for the purpose of a bazaar. At the upper end of the hall, at a considerable elevation, the words-"THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION BAZAAR" were conspicuous, and along the whole of that end of the room wreaths of evergreens were gracefully hung; and the sides and the other end of the hall were tastefully adorned with suitable passages of scripture, wrought in gold letters: such as "The entrance of thy word giveth light;" "Charity never faileth," &c. There were six stalls, five of which were furnished with a great variety of useful and ornamental articles, and one with confectionery. The stalls were beautifully covered and hung with pink and blue drapery, the whole being arranged according to the directions of our highly esteemed friend, Mr. Michael Sheard, jun. (architect), to whom we are under great obligations in designing and carrying out the decorations of the hall. The large lecture room was fitted up for the sale of refreshments, of which there was a plentiful supply. This room was also decorated with evergreens and appropriate mottoes. It was astonishing to witness the quantity and the variety of articles that were piled upon the stalls. We shall not attempt either a description or an enumeration, as we feel that an effort of that nature must prove abortive, and would encroach too much upon your space, supposing it could be accomplished. The depressed state of trade and the inclement aspect of the weather threw a cloud of discouragement over our minds, and led us sometimes to doubt that, after all our efforts, we should not succeed according to our wishes; and no doubt these causes did operate much to our disadvantage. On the Monday we were enlivened with the sweets of music, an efficient band rendering us efficient service. Mr. John Pickering, the conductor, performed his task with beautiful precision and with complete success. The pieces that were performed were the productions of some of the most celebrated composers. From the time of the opening to about one o'clock the attendance was meagre and the purchases few; but from that time the influx became considerable, and continued to increase until the spacious hall was completely crowded. It was truly animating to witness the scene that was presented in the evening, when the music poured forth its delightful strains before a company of about 700 persons, all smiling and apparently happy; the hall brilliantly lighted; the ladies at their stalls, exhibiting the greatest tact and activity; buyers good humouredly yielding to their solicitations; discouraging circumstances totally forgotten, and all now confident of complete success. At nine o'clock the business closed for that day to the satisfaction of all parties. On Tuesday business was resumed at the same hour. It was rather amusing, especially to those who were confident of success, to witness the disconsolate air that seemed to prevail in the early part of this day. The storm raging without, the scanty attendance of customers, the downcast looks of the ladies, as they cast side glances at each other, or in a listless way arranged and rearranged what required no alteration. The chagrin that was evidently experienced produced, for a while, a rather ludicrous scene. However, as the day advanced our prospects brightened. Numbers began to arrive, and not fewer than 600 entered during the day, and though many of them were juveniles and the amount realized was much below the previous day, yet a considerable business was done in the evening, and at the close every one seemed satisfied. There is yet, however, a considerable stock of goods unsold, which the ladies have undertaken to dispose of as occasions may offer. It The following are the names of the ladies who presided at the stalls, and the amount that each stall realized. ought here to be stated that there are many whose names do not appear below who deserve honourable mention, but to enumerate all that have contributed to the pleasing result is impossible. First. Mrs. Michael Sheard and two daughters. Second. Mrs. Joseph Jubb, jun., Mrs. Jacob Burnley, Mrs. John Day, jun., Miss Scargill, and Miss Fox Third. Mrs. Senior, Mrs. George Sheard, Mrs. Talbot, Miss Senior, Miss Fell, and Miss Stubley £ s. d. 100 2 7 91 7 8 80 0 0 £271 10 3 I have no doubt, my dear sir, but you will be gratified with the amount we have realized, and you will at once see that so gratifying a result cannot have been effected without much patient and persevering toil. Yes, sir, there has been many a weary limb and aching head superinduced by working for this noble object. As there was considerable provision left on hand, it was thought right to make a supper on the Wednesday for all who had been engaged in this good work. After supper a plentiful dessert was supplied, and we had a meeting at which Mr. Saxton (our Superintendent) presided, when number of congratulatory remarks were made; votes of thanks were passed to the ladies, to our worthy chairman, and others; and at the conclusion the doxology was sung and the benediction pronounced. JOHN TAYLOR. THE WORK OF GOD IN THE MOSSLEY CIRCUIT. a MY DEAR SIR,-It will afford you much pleasure to be informed that Mossley is among the circuits which have, during the last few months, been visited by those gracious influences of the Holy Spirit which convert sinners from the error of their ways, quicken believers, and arouse them to greater exertion in the great work of glorifying Christ. Many of our friends had begun to manifest much anxiety about the state of religion in the neighbourhood, and a willingness to labour for a revival; and there was hope of a better state of things. Yet we were not realizing prosperity; we were looking at the object as very desirable, and what might be realized at some time, but we failed by not expecting immediate, results. On hearing of the character of that laborious and devoted young minister, the Rev. Wm. Booth, and his success in the Potteries, a visit was paid to Longton, and arrangements made by which he could visit this circuit ; and to God's blessing on his labours we owe our improved state and cheering prospects. The trustees of our chapel at Oldham, at an expense of £400, made great alterations and improvements in the chapel, by repewing the bottom part, and putting up many additional pews, thereby providing much more accommodation for the public. The 18th of February being fixed for the re-opening, Mr. Booth entered on his special work in this circuit, by preaching there morning and evening. Our venerable friend, the Rev. Thos. Allin, preached a most able and interesting discourse in the afternoon, and with much of the animation and power of his earlier days. The collections amounted to £50; and at the prayermeeting, after the evening service, twenty persons made a surrender of themselves to Christ. Mr. Booth continued to labour at Oldham during the week, and was favoured with great success. On Lord's Day, Feb. 25, Mr. Booth commenced his work at Mossley, and laboured over Thursday evening. The attendance of all our friends, and their efforts to induce others to attend, were of a most pleasing and encouraging character. Every service increased in interest and power. God did specially assist his devoted servant; and thus assisted, Mr. Booth's peculiarity of style and manner appeared to great advantage. Whilst there was all earnestness and faithfulness, and much of solemn and striking description, he was full of that "yearning pity for mankind, and burning charity" so manifest in our Redemer. Many people of all classes were powerfully affected, and at the close of the week we found we had taken about fifty names. Amongst these are young and middle aged, rich and poor, intelligent and unlearned, concerning whom we rejoice to state they are still giving evidence of the sincerity of their faith and love in Christ Jesus. Mr. Booth had not an opportunity of labouring at Lees, but many of our friends there embraced the opportunity of hearing him at Oldham and Mossley, and were brought more fully under gracious influences, and at once made arrangements for special services, in which Mr. Pilling of Bolton, and A. Lockwood of Huddersfield, the Revds. C. Shaw, John Poxon, T. G. Robey, N. Bishop, and A. Lynn, under God, rendered most important and valuable service. Great and blessed results have followed in the conversion of sinners, the restoration of backsliders, and the increased spirituality and activity of the church. The good work is still going on. A week's special services have also been held at Round Thorne, which have been attended with much good; and arrangements are made for holding such services in every place in the circuit. Whilst our present state and prospects are cause of much thankfulness to God, we feel that serious responsibilities are now laid on the ministers and other office-bearers of the circuit; yet we have reason to believe all parties are sensible of this, and are anxious to be found faithful. Sincerely praying that God may make this, and every circuit in the Connexion, a thousand times more than we already are, I remain, dear Sir, Yours affectionately, C. J. DONALD. A FEW FACTS AT PENITENT MEETINGS. MY DEAR BROTHER,-Agreeably to promise I send you a few facts to illustrate the usefulness of revival meetings. When the salvation of souls is at stake, it behoves all who are employed in the solemn business of calling sinners to repentance to find out the best way of bringing them to the knowledge of the truth; and the means which God most owns should be encouraged by all the friends of the Redeemer. It is not enough for a minister to sustain the dignity of the pulpit, scholastic re |