added when required, as the building is sufficient both in elevation and strength to admit their construction. There is also a large vestry, which has a distinct entrance from the street, and a direct communication with the platform and pulpit. Our friends contemplate making further alterations and improvements, at a cost of about £300; and of raising as much money by contributions, and the aid of our metropolitan fund, as will reduce the entire debt to about £800. This is a noble project, considering what is being done at the same time for other chapels in the two London circuits. When we consider the extreme difficulty of obtaining freehold land in Chelsea, and its enormous cost when obtained, the present purchase may be regarded as most opportune and providential, giving a reasonable prospect of both permanency and enlargement to our cause in that important part of the metropolis. Most heartily do we congratulate our friends and the Connexion generally on this auspicious event, and earnestly pray that their ardent expectations may be fully realized. Nothing now is wanting but increased prayerfulness and zeal to turn the most sanguine hopes into facts. NEW CONNEXION METROPOLITAN BUILDING SOCIETY. DEAR SIR,-The committee of the above society wishes the insertion of a short account of its operations and results to the present time. The society originated in the anxiety of a few friends for the extension and consolidation of our interests, as a community, in London. Adequate ministerial agency and suitable chapels are now the two pressing wants of our cause in the metropolis. This was seen several years ago; and to meet, as far as possible, the latter necessity, a society, with the above designation, was organized, under the presidency of Joseph Love, Esq., who, with a liberality marked not less by its wisdom than its expansiveness, proposed to give £200 annually, for ten years, for chapel building purposes, and the reduction of chapel debts, on condition of £400 being locally raised each year; or to give, within the above limits, half of whatever sums should be collected by the friends on the spot. The stimulus has produced its effect, and the society has proved of essential service, much having been done, even within the first three years of the society's existence. It is only just here to say, that our untiring friend, E. H. Rabbits, Esq., also gives the liberal sum of £200 yearly, rendering most valuable aid in this respect, as well as by his presence and counsels in all our local movements. During the first year (1857), strenuous efforts were made, and the sum of £709 14s. 5d., inclusive of Mr. Love's donation, was raised, from which, besides paying printing expenses, and leaving a small balance in hand, the following grants were made: To Trustees of Lorrimore Chapel £360 230 76 32 favourable circumstances, and has already a flourishing and improving congregation, society, and Sunday school. Deptford Chapel, as the accounts show, has derived very considerable assistance from this society; and John-street and Albert Town to a smaller, yet, to them, an important amount. The lion's share, at the last distribution, was voted to Britannia Fields. To illustrate the operation of the society, however, as well as to show what has been done, we must enter a little into detail. For the reduction of the debt on this chapel, there was raised As the fund could not, however, consistently with the other claims upon it, pay the whole of this sum this year, £50 stands over to be paid to Britannia trustees next year. But the prospect of this assistance has been a stimulus to the liberality of the friends who have assisted us by such noble donations, and to the ladies who furnished the bazaar. The result of this, with some other necessary arrangements, and an increased income from seat-rents, is, that whereas the debt had been accumulating, at the rate of £100 per annum, the income will now about meet the expenditure. Thus the danger which threatened the estate is removed, the confidence of trustees and friends is restored, and the way prepared for satisfactory progress in the congregation and society, of which, under the Divine blessing, we have encouraging signs. To Chelsea £150 has been voted. Our Chelsea friends have kept well together, in a very inconvenient, uninviting place of worship, having in view the erection of a chapel whenever this should be practicable. Negotiations for ground for this purpose were commenced upwards of a year ago, but failed. A favourable juncture of circumstances has, however, enabled our friends there to purchase a freehold chapel, in an excellent situation, which will be made both commodious and handsome, and place our society there in a greatly improved position. We shall not further forestall the account which will in due time appear, but we name this now to show the value of this society, the timely aid from which encourages our friends to make every effort, and enables them to realize results of such vital importance. If it is asked, Why cannot the London friends build chapels for themselves without such assistance? we may reply by quoting a paragraph from the first report:Although three new chapels have been recently erected, we have yet five congregations worshipping only in rooms, or places rented for the purpose; thus necessarily exhausting the resources of the friends, by heavy annual expenditure for places held on uncertain tenure, affording poor accommodation for worship, and none for the extension of the cause. May we not ask, Is there another town in England where our cause has five congregations placed under these disadvantages? and is it likely that Christian churches can either grow or be perpetuated under these unfavourable circumstances? Every considerate mind will see, that to render these interests permanent and efficient, suitable chapels must be erected, and legally secured to the Connexion. Yet it must be admitted that a work of such magnitude cannot be accomplished by the unaided efforts of the few friends on the spot. Moreover, the enormous charge for a freehold site, when one can be obtained; the high ground-rent, when a leasehold is the only alternative; the dearness of materials, and the price of labour, combined with the expensive requirements of the Metropolitan Building Act, swell the cost of erecting a chapel in London considerably beyond the amount that would be required for the same purpose in the country." And if, in addition to these considerations, we look steadily at the claims of the metropolis as a field of home mis sionary effort; at the astounding and fearful fact that there are threequarters of a million of its population for whom there is no church or chapel accommodation whatever, and that this number must be constantly increasing, unless a large place of worship be erected every week, as the population itself increases at the rate of upwards of 1,000 weekly; if, as a community, we would share in the earnest evangelizing efforts which are being put forth by various Christian denominations; if we would occupy a position worthy of ourselves and of our principles; and if we would cultivate a field from which we may expect the most ample returns for the cost, the labour, and the prayer bestowed upon it, we feel justified in commending this society to the sympathy and support of the Connexion. Ă few, as we have seen, are doing nobly; "and," as the first report concludes, "should God put it into the heart of any other generous friend to assist us in this undertaking, either by a single donation or an annual contribution, whether large or small, his help will be most gratefully received." G. G. NEW OPENING IN DURHAM CIRCUIT. BISHOP AUCKLAND is situated ten miles west of Durham, contains a mixed population of about 7,000, and is the centre of a populous and prosperous district. Methodism has never put forth giant-like powers, or won for itself and its God glorious soul-elating victories in the town. Whether this is to be ascribed to the inefficiency of the instrumentality employed, or the contiguity of the episcopal palace, with its untold patronage and ancient prestige, is a question which different minds will differently discuss and decide. Still Methodism exists and is felt there, and, what is more to the point, it-or the practical piety it represents-needs to be felt and extended there. Sober calculations show that there, as elsewhere, the small minority attend places of worship, and the large majority live in reckless and godless indifference. Why, then, if we have members settling there, should we not, as a community, seek to effect an entrance, and do a great work for Christ and precious souls ? Stimulated thus, we have availed ourselves of the settlement of Mr. Waine, junior, a zealous local preacher, to open a house in Graingerstreet, conveniently fitted up, for worship. On Sunday, Feb. 12, opening sermons of an effective character were preached by the Rev. J. W. Williams, when eight persons penitently sought the mercy of God in Christ. On the day following, a tea-party was held in the room; Robinson Ferens, Esq., as chairman, delivered a well-prepared and excellent address; Messrs. W. Waine, senior, T. D. Stephenson, J. B. Wray, and J. Rutherford followed, in speeches of noble sentiment and touching earnestness; and the speaking was closed by a lengthened address, touching upon the principles, history, progress, and prospects of the Connexion. A glow of holy feeling was felt throughout the whole of the inaugural service, and an earnest seemed to be given of future permanent prosperity. Already fifteen persons meet in class. Thanks be to God for this and all other doors of usefulness which, in his providence, He opens before us! Mission services have just been held in a part of this circuit. At Sunny Brow, where a large sum has for many years been raised by the Juvenile Society, a tea-party was held on Saturday, February 18; R. Ferens, Esq., presided, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. A. Lynn, jun. (with excellent effect), Mr. Waine, sen., and the preachers of the circuit. On the day after, the annual sermons were preached by the Revs. J. Stokoe and H. Downes; and a meeting for the recitation of missionary pieces, well attended and highly satisfactory, was conducted in the afternoon by Mr. A. Thompson. On the same day, sermons for the missions were preached at Crook, Bitchburn, and Oakenshaw; and a meeting was held during the three succeeding evenings at those places, presided over, respectively, by Mr. Buxton, Mr. Hellett, and Mr. Ferens. The meeting at Crook, being the first held in our new chapel there, was numerous in its attendance and animated in its proceedings. Besides our own preachers as speakers, we had the Rev. W. H. Cave (Wesleyan), who rendered us hearty and effective service. J. STOKOE. MISSION SERVICES, HALIFAX NORTH CIRCUIT. ON Sunday, February 19th, sermons were preached in Northowram Chapel, by the Rev. J. Graham and Mr. Smith; and on the following Tuesday evening the annual missionary tea-meeting was held. The chair was taken by Mr. J. H. Brierley, who introduced the business of the meeting in an appropriate and effective speech. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. P. T. Gilton, Dr. Crofts, J. Graham, and Messrs. Walshaw, Hudson, and Fletcher. The meeting was of an interesting and spirit-stirring character, and the attendance and financial result a very gratifying improvement on those of previous years. On Sunday, March 4th, sermons were preached in Salem, Mount Zion, Ambler Thorn, and Midgeley chapels, by the Revs. L. Stoney, J. Wilson, and Dr. Crofts. The annual missionary meetings were held-in Salem, on Monday evening, when J. Philbrick, Esq., presided; on Tuesday at Mount Zion; and on Wednesday at Ambler Thorn; Dr. Crofts occupying the chair. The speakers were the Revs. L. Stoney, J. Wilson, P. T. Gilton, D. Round, Dr. Crofts, J. Graham, and Messrs. Longbottom, Brierley, and Scowbey. The attendance at Salem was unusually large. The weather being unfavourable prevented an improved attendance at the other places. The meetings were most effective, the credit of which is due mainly to the gentlemen who formed the deputation, and who did good service. The collections, on the whole, were in advance of those of last year, and the subscription lists have been greatly improved. HALIFAX SOUTH CIRCUIT. MISSIONARY services were held at Brighouse and King Cross, in this circuit, on the 19th, 20th, and 22nd of February, 1860. The deputation (the Rev. J. Nelson, of Bradford) preached three sermons at Brighouse. The discourses were delivered in an earnest and telling manner. At King Cross, the Rev. D. Round preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. P. T. Gilton in the evening. The missionary meeting on the Monday night, at Brighouse, was presided over by Mr. E. Lumby, of Halifax, and the meeting was ably addressed by the Revs. J. Nelson, R. Harley (Independent), P. T. Gilton, J. Graham, and C. Atkinson, of Wake field. At the King Cross meeting, on Wednesday, the audience was addressed by the Revs. J. Nelson, H. O. Crofts, D.D., P. T. Gilton, and D. Round; Mr. John Ramsden, of Halifax, presided. The collections in both places were in advance of last year. That at King Cross was more than doubled. JOHN RAMSDEN, Secretary. THORNE CHAPEL ANNI- SERMONS on behalf of the Trust Es- MISSION ANNIVERSARY, THORNE CIRCUIT. ON Sunday, February 5th, sermons on behalf of our missions were preached at Epworth, Westwoodside, Haxey, Eastoft, and Grazelound, by the Revs. T. Clifton, W. Woodbarn, Mr.Ashmall, and the ministers of the circuit. During the following week meetings were held at the same places, and addressed by the Revs. T. Clifton, G. Wood, and H. L. Thompson, assisted by the Rev. T. Lovekin, Messrs. Curtis, Whitely, Snowden, Leadbetter, Kelsey, and Belton. Mr. Clifton (deputation) rendered good service. Congregations good, and collections in advance of last year. G. W. and the meeting was ably addressed by Messrs. Dorie, Roberts, Norton, Edw. Caswell (brother to the missionary in Canada), and Mr. John Williams; followed by the Rev. Mr. Dunkerley, who, in a telling and eloquent speech, prepared the audience for the collection, which was responded to with cheerful liberality. Then, sir, came the sale of our apples, gathered from a real Canadian stock, and which has already paid to the mission fund the sum of at least £20. We had but four to offer this time, but had some extra ones sent by a friend. Then came to the hammer a beautiful missionary tree, presented by some of our young female friends, laden with oranges, purses, book-markers, bags, and other articles of great variety, displaying much taste in their selection. Mr. Richard Marston, of Shrewsbury, acted as auctioneer, for which office he is admirably qualified. Altogether, the auction and collection produced the handsome sum of £4 3s. 74d., exceeding, I think, any of our former efforts. The paramount interest always kept up at Crosshouses may arise, in a great measure, from the fact of one of your Canadian missionaries having been sent out from among them; but the sale of the apples seems to be the great attraction. Our cause here is prospering, and, under the care of, our indefatigable and devoted superintendent, I believe it will still flourish, and become to this neighbourhood as city set upon a hill." I am, yours affectionately, a MISSIONARY SERVICES, BLYTH. ON Sunday, February 12th, 1860, two sermons were preached in our chapel at Blyth, on behalf of our Missions, by Rev. L. Saxton, of Newcastle-uponTyne; and on the following Tuesday evening a public missionary meeting was held. E. H. Watts, Esq., occupied the chair, and conducted the business of the meeting in an efficient and in SECRET RELIGION. GOD is often lost in prayers and ordinances. "Enter into thy chamber," said he, "and shut thy door about thee." Shut thy door about thee means much: it means - shut out not only frivolity, but business; not only the company abroad, but the company at home: it means - - let teresting manner. The report was read by Rev. J. Wright, and the meeting was addressed by Revs. L. Saxton, W. Booth, J. Ingham (Wesleyan), D. Carmichael (United Presbyterian), and Messrs. Firbank and Mackenzie. The whole of the services were of the most encouraging character. The sermons on the Sabbath were very good; the attendance at the meeting excellent. The speeches made a deep impression on the minds of the people, and the collections were not only considerably in advance of last year, but the best that have ever been made in the Blyth chapel for the same object. J. WRIGHT. Blyth, February, 1860. ZION, LEEDS. RESPECTED AND DEAR SIR, The teachers and friends of Zion Sabbath school, Zion-street, Bank, Leeds, held their annual tea-meeting on ShroveTuesday, February 21, 1860, in their school-room, Zion-street, which was gaily decorated with evergreens and rosettes for the occasion. There were about 200 sat down to an excellent tea, provided gratuitously by the ladies. After tea our worthy friend, Mr. Councillor Henry Dixon, was called to the chair, who, after a few appropriate remarks, called upon the secretary, Mr. Bradford, to read the report; from which it appears that the government of the school has assumed a more healthy tone during the past year, various efforts having been put forth which have for their object the moral and spiritual improvement of the scholars. After the report, the following persons were called upon to address the meeting:-Rev. Mr. Ratcliffe (Wesleyan), Rev. T. Griffiths, Messrs. Heaps, Morgan, Crossland, George Walker, Joseph Walker, Malthouse, Peacock, Butterfield, Banks, Wadsworth, and Beckwith. The meeting was occasionally enlivened by vocal and instrumental music. The net proceeds of the tea are more than for many years past. the poor soul have a little rest and refreshment, and God have opportunity to speak to thee in a still small voice, or he will speak in thunder. I am persuaded the Lord would often speak more softly if we would shut the door. Death is only death as viewed from the earthly side; as viewed from the heavenly side, it is birth. |