very in snow, hard and glassy in ice -while as a fluid it calmly sleeps or gently flows, not breaking the reed in its bed, yet foams and plunges in

the torrent, thunders in the cataract, and rolls with overpowering might and impressive majesty in the ocean?

A GOOD WORK AT STOCKPORT.— Rev. Sir, I am sure you will be happy to hear of "good news from Stockport;" I therefore send you a brief sketch of what has transpired during the last few weeks.

Stockport Circuit, during the last twenty years, has been the subject of great vicissitudes, arising from the constant removal by death of many of our influential friends. We have this consolation, however, that though they have been removed from the church militant, they have joined the church triumphant, and that while God removes his workmen, he can still carry on his work.

It is true, we deplore, that while there was much wealth and influence connected with us at Mount Tabor, greater efforts were not put forth to liquidate our pecuniary difficulties; yet, after all, we have reason to thank God and take courage. The great

Head of the church has heard the prayer of the faithful servants who have cried day and night unto him, and has of late years been infusing fresh life into our beloved Tabor, in bringing to a knowledge of the truth such

men

as Mr. Alderman Chapman, Ephraim Hallam, Esq., and others, who

now take the liveliest interest in the church. Mr. Chapman has for two successive years given a gratuitous tea to all the office-bearers in the circuit, after which a discussion on the state of the circuit has ensued. And on the 16th of October Mr. Hallam followed his example. After tea, the state of the circuit was again entered into faithfully, resolutions were passed, and plans were laid down for a series of revival services, to extend over two weeks; supposing by that time that our local strength would be nearly exhausted. 1,000 small bills were prepared for circulation, stating the place, the time of preaching, the ministers to officiate, the prayer-meetings to be attended, &c. The town

was divided into districts by our indefatigable brother G. Barrow, and parties at the meeting took a portion of the bills to distribute through the town. The office-bearers and friends gave to Faith the full stretch of her pinions; she pierced the skies, entered the holy of holies, and God, even our God, deigned to bless us.

On the first Sabbath morning, October 18th, there was a good attendance, when our much-beloved minister, Rev. J. Wright, preached with his usual

earnestness from "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" At five o'clock, the vestry was crowded with those who were yearning for the salvation of the masses; and verily God was present with them.

At six o'clock the Rev. J. Thornton (Independent) preached a powerfully impressive sermon to sinners, from "Not saved"-Mr. Hibbert having exchanged pulpits on account of preaching Mr. Thornton's anniversary sermon. The prayer meeting afterwards was well attended, and a holy influence pervaded the meeting; but no sinners saved. On Monday night Mr. Wright finished his Sabbath morning's sermon, and at the prayer meeting afterwards, the work of soul-saving began. Oh, sir, while I am writing to you my feelings are almost overpowered by the recollection of the cry of the penitent heard at the communion-rail. joyous hallelujahs were heard from many lips and hearts, and especially when two souls found mercy at the foot of the cross; this was the prelude to a deeper baptism from on high.

The

On Tuesday night Brother Lister preached to an improved congregation, from "Arise, O God, and plead thine own cause." First showing that the cause in which we were engaged was God's own cause; and, secondly, the desirability that all true Christians should urge this plea at the throne of grace, that God would plead his own cause in the hearts of the people.

C

This prayer ascended from many hearts; and, in return, the spirit and power of prayer were granted.

We then seemed anxiously looking forward to Wednesday evening, when the Rev. C. Hibbert was to preach. Living as he does, deservedly, in the affections and hearts of his people, we expected a general outbreak from the enemy's ranks, and a rushing into the family and fold of Jesus. In this we were not disappointed. The congregation was considerably improved, and while he set forth the poor leper as descriptive of the sinner, and the willingness of the Friend of sinners to heal the leprous soul, the attention of the audience was riveted by the utterances of the preacher, and the people seemed to be lost to everything except these truths, until we found ourselves in the midst of a glorious prayer meeting. Wrestling power was given to the leaders and friends, and five or six persons found peace through believing.

On Thursday the writer addressed an attentive audience from "O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!" At the prayer meeting afterwards, that mercy was communicated to six penitent believers, and caused them to rejoice, and be glad indeed. O that it may be their portion all their days! Friday, the interest in the prayer meeting increased; truly it was a precious season. Saturday, the band meeting commenced at seven p.m., the vestry was crowded, when we were favoured with the experience of a friend from Hazlegrove, who had been one of the vilest of characters, "but he obtained mercy," and is now as bold in the cause of Christ as he had been devoted to the cause of the devil.

Sabbath morning, October 25th, the vestry was crowded at the prayer meeting, which prepared the people for the service of the sanctuary at half-past ten o'clock. Rev. C. Hibbert preached from "Acquaint now thyself with God and be at peace, thereby good shall come unto thee," to a very excellent congregation. At five o'clock the prayer meeting was better attended, and at six the chapel was moderately filled, when Mr Wright preached. At the prayer meeting afterwards, several were again brought to God.

Now, dear sir, the sacred glow of heavenly love seemed to burn brightly

in every heart, and a holy anxiety was manifested by the members of the church that others should be made partakers of the same like preciousfaith; and on the following day, Monday, after the conclusion of the Rev. C. Hibbert's sermon, thirteen precious souls found salvation. The people in the neighbourhood now began to wonder what was to do at Tabor. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings the same delightful results followed the exhibition of the cross, when a meeting of the office-bearers of the society was held, to take into consideration the propriety of holding the services another week, which was resolved upon unanimously. On Thursday night several souls were again born for glory. On Friday night, after the prayer meeting, Mr. Hibbert intimated that he had got 1,200 more bills to be circulated, when there was quite a rush for them, and Brother Hibbert was surrounded by eager applicants for bills to carry into the mills, and to distribute through the town. On Saturday, the vestry could not hold the number who attended the band meeting, and many testified of the power of saving grace. On Sabbath morning Brother John Gaskell preached a short appropriate sermon to a chapel well filled, and at six o'clock the chapel was as full as at our anniversary Sabbath school sermons, when Rev. C. Hibbert preached from "Sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind," after which many precious souls were brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

On Monday evening our well-known friend, Mr. T. Hannam, of Lees, preached to a chapel filled with people; the prayer meeting was excellent, and several again found peace. Brother Hibbert stayed the two following nights, and rendered us very valuable assistance, together with Brother D. Athorn, belonging to the Association. On Thursday evening Brother Wright addressed the young converts from "So run that ye may obtain;" after which six found mercy at the hands of God, and amongst this number one of the daughters of the writer. O, my dear sir, judge, as a father, how he felt when he saw there a child of many prayers and tears bending at the mercy seat, seeking that which her parents had often begged of God to bestow upon her. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us,

bless and praise his holy name. Friday at the prayer meeting, and Saturday at the band meeting, the interest was still the same. Thus ended one of the most hallowed series of revival services the writer has ever had the happiness to witness, gathering within the fold of Christ about eighty or ninety precious souls. In this number it was ascertained that some belonged to the Wesleyan and other denominations, as is usual in such revivals, but after these are deducted we shall have a pleasing addition to our beloved Tabor. In these services none rendered more efficient aid in seeking out the penitents in their pews, in bringing them to the communion rail, in praying with and directing them to the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world," than our estimable brother, E. Hallam, Esq. During the whole of the three weeks, our local preachers, leaders, and praying friends, with few exceptions, were at their post, and many of us never missed a single service. We endeavoured to "try Him, to prove Him," to see whether He would not pour out a blessing upon us, such as there should not be room enough to contain it. And verily God has blessed us, even beyond our expectations. In the whole of these services, our classes (according to the suggestion of Mr. Hibbert) have constantly met half an before the usual time of meeting for special prayer, to take down the names; which we have found to be of great service in praying down the Holy Spirit on his servants the ministers and the people who met together for worship. Fearing, dear sir, have continued this sketch too long, I conclude by earnestly praying that our little church" may arise and shine, her light being come, and the glory of the Lord having risen upon her."

hour

BENJAMIN JOHNSON. Stockport Cemetery, Nov. 24th, 1857.

A GOOD WORK IN THE STALEYBRIDGE CIRCUIT.-My dear Sir, -I have no doubt it gives you pleasure to hear of the progress of the work of God in any part of our beloved Connexion.

In this circuit we have had some indications of improvement, whilst surrounded with much spiritual barrenness for a length of time. Christian principle and spiritual life in a people, will manifest themselves in va

re

rious ways. Sometimes in the novation and beautifying of the house of God, making more attractive and agreeable to all the sweet and sublime purposes of worship. At other times in the consecration of the intelligence and piety of a people in training up the young for the service and worship of the Supreme. Through the abounding grace of Almighty God we have witnessed these manifestations of zeal and love amongst this people during the lapse of the last two years. The house of God has been purified and adorned in the town, at an outlay of upwards of £100. To meet this, upwards of £80 has been raised, and at Hollingworth gas has been introduced into the chapel, and a sweet toned and suitable organ to assist in public worship: this has been paid for. But above all, God has given us the highest and best kind of prosperity. Some of our schools have been worked with an intelligence and ardour of pious feeling, which are now resulting in the conversion of some of the young people to the faith and love of the dear Redeemer; the spirit of grace and supplication having been poured forth on many of the officers and members of the church.

When the present commercial panic came upon us, many of our people having much leisure time on their hands, it was deemed by the leaders" meeting, a favourable opportunity for holding a series of special services for the revival of God's work amongst us. These services have been held every night, for three weeks in succession, and many have been brought to receive mercy at the feet of Jesus. O thou Lamb of God, how great thy mercy to penitent and believing man, after all his sin and ingratitude! More than one hundred have professed to come under Divine and saving influences. Some of these belonged to the Established church, others were identified with the Roman Church, some were Baptists, and others Wesleyans. So that if we gain to our church membership from 50 to 60, this will have been a very great and gracious harvest to our church.

As the minister of the place, I feel called upon, and I am sure the church will join with me in tendering our warmest thanks to Rev. S. Jackson and Dr. Crofts, for their very valuable and efficient help in connection with

these important and successful religious engagements. O my dear brethren in the ministry, the set time is come to favour our Zion. A warm and earnest Christianity in the pew, a faithful, devoted, and zealous ministry in the pulpit, will ever bring down the Divine blessing.-I remain, yours very truly. LAW STONEY.

Staleybridge, December 17, 1857.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF EBENEZER CHURCH, MONTREAL WEST. -On Thursday, October the 22nd, the work of excavating having been completed, and the morning clear, with a light frost, four members of the Building Committee, with some of our members, including several ladies, in the presence of some strangers, chiefly workmen, proceeded to lay down the first stone of our new chapel. The workmen having all in readiness, I announced the object we have in erecting this house, viz., for the worship of the Almighty, the preaching of the glorious gospel, and administration of its ordinances; and we do now, therefore, lay down this foundation stone in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Our good brother, Mr. Robert Irwin, had spread the mortar with the plain, effective trowel of a workman, and when the stone was let down into its proper place, he settled it down upon its bed by a few strokes with the workman's solid hammer; I closed the proceedings by offering up our earnest, united prayer to God for the safety and success of the building, and those concerned in the work.

The house is to be similar in size, interior arrangements, and general plan, to our chapel in the Quebec suburbs; we are proud to borrow good ideas from that beautifully suitable temple of God. The cost will not, we hope, exceed that of the suburbs chapel, and we are desirous, anxiously so, to have as little, or less, or, still better, no debt at all on the chapel by this time twelve months. Nor shall we, if our friends west and east will at once send to my address, or to the care of the superintendent preacher on their circuit, for me, the several sums they kindly put down their names for, more than twelve months ago. On the faith we placed in those promises, we have engaged workmen, who are doing the work well and very reasonably, expecting to be paid. Brethren all,

BAZAAR AND MISSION ANNIVERSARY AT GLOUCESTER.-It may be pleasing to some of the friends of our home mission to know that our society and congregation in Gloucester have been putting forth their strength in an effort for the reduction of the debt on our new chapel in Worcester-street. On the

22nd of September last our Corn Exchange, kindly granted for the purpose by the mayor, was the scene of a display of needlework, plants, flowers, earthenware, and some representative of almost every conceivable variety of ingenious workmanship, by the sale of which £70 have been added to the amount previously contributed in this city, for this most praiseworthy purpose.

As we have now obtained very nearly the sum of £500 by our local efforts, a satisfactory proof, we may perhaps venture to say, has been afforded of the fact that the help of the Connexion for extending our borders to this locality, has not been given to a people unwilling to exert themselves for the work of God.

On Lord's day, November 8th, our missionary services were held; the Rev. T. Mills most efficiently serving as the deputation. The collections are about one-fourth more than those of last year. E. W.

MACCLESFIELD.-On Sunday evening, November 15th, a large congregation, including a goodly proportion of the members of the corporation, assembled to worship in the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Park-street, Macclesfield. The gentlemen alluded to were:-Ferdinando Jackson, Esq., the newly-appointed Mayor; William Bullock, Esq., ex-Mayor. Also the following aldermen:-John Woodward, Esq.; William Potts, Esq.; with the councillors-Messrs. James Jackson, John Higginbotham, John Wilmot White, John Barnett Wadsworth, Abraham Berry, and John Birchenough.

David Oldham, Esq., a gentleman appointed by his townsmen to the honourable and responsible position of alderman, stood forth to officiate as

MACCLESFIELD.-Sermons in behalf of our missions were preached in Macclesfield on Sunday, the 29th of November, 1857, by the deputation, the Rev. J. Addyman. On the four following evenings public meetings were held at Macclesfield, Nether Alderley, Over Alderley, and Booth-green; at all the places the attendance was excellent, the people were interested and profited, and the collections in the aggregate about the same as those of last year, which, considering the fearfully depressed state of trade, is cause for thanksgiving.

On the Monday evening the chair was occupied by the Mayor, F. Jackson, Esq. Mr. Platt read the report, and the meeting was very effectively addressed by the Revs. R. Abercrombie, J. Addyman, S. Jackson, of Ashton, and other friends.

At Nether Alderley J. Taylor, Esq., Wesleyan, kindly presided, and at Over Alderley, our excellent friend, J. Jackson, Esq. The country meetings were well sustained by the respected deputation and the ministers of the circuit-Brother Addyman being cordially welcomed in all the places by his old friends. All the services were stimulating and refreshing, calculated to promote the great and glorious cause of missions. May God more abundantly bless us, that his way may be known upon earth, his saving health among all nations.

Dec. 9th, 1857.

R. H.

BURSLEM CIRCUIT, TUNSTALL.-My dear Sir, It gives me great pleasure to communicate that on Sunday, Octo

ber 18th, 1857, the Rev. C. Bootman preached two earnest and powerful sermons in our school-room on behalf of our missions, after which collections were made.

On Monday evening, October 19th, we held our missionary meeting in the same place, when J. Clementson, Esq., presided. He interested the meeting by the remarks he made. Having been in Canada, he was able to give us a few facts in reference to our missionary operations in that country. After which the report was read by the Rev. A. Hallam, and earnest and eloquent addresses were given by the Revs. S. Hulme, A. Lynn, and C. Bootman. The collections were about the same as last year, notwithstanding the great efforts our people have lately put forth in erecting a new, beautiful, and commodious chapel, an account of the opening services of which will be given next month.

SMALLTHORN. On Wednesday evening a missionary meeting was held here. The attendance was good, and a delightful feeling pervaded the meeting. The chair was taken by our esteemed young friend Mr. J. Alcock, of Tunstall, who is ever ready and willing to help forward the ark of our God. The Report was read by the Rev. A. Hallam, after which interesting and earnest addresses were given by the Revs. A. Lynn, C. Bootman, A. Hallam, and Mr. G. Latham, of Tunstall. Collections were made on behalf of our missions.

BURSLEM. On Sunday, November 22nd, 1857, two sermons were preached in our Bethel Chapel by the Rev. A. Hallam, after which collections were made in support of our missions.

On Monday the annual missionary meeting was held in the same place. Our respected friend Mr. W. Scott, of Hanley, efficiently presided on the occasion. The Report was read by the Rev. A. Hallam, after which interesting and eloquent addresses were given by the Revs. C. Bootman, J. Schofield (Independent), C. D. Ward, J. Addyman, W. Crooke (Wesleyan), J. Bailey (Methodist Free Church), and A. Lynn. Notwithstanding the badness of trade, and also that we were disappointed of the services of the deputation on the Sabbath, yet the collections on that day were only a few shillings less than they were last year, while the collections at the meeting, on the Monday evening, greatly exceeded them; there