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We are convinced that a clearer and more definite idea would be given of the ecclesiastical structure and discipline of Methodism in a manual of this nature, if it were to begin with the people, instead of with the Conference, and describe the various connexional arrangements, officers, courts, and institutions in the order in which they arose. This method need not make the book more bulky, but it would possess the advantage of displaying an outline of the growth as well as the proportions of an extraordinary church movement, and an indication of the necessities which have rendered expedient the adoption of its several parts. We respectfully present this hint to the present compilers.

The Protestant Dissenters' Almanack and Political Annual for 1857. London Kent and Co., and William Freeman.

AN excellent Almanack, exceedingly well adapted for the religious bodies for whom it is prepared. The information respecting the dissenting interests is full and valuable.

The Use of Pure Water. Deposits in the Savings Bank of Wisdom, made in behalf of Working Men and Women. By an Old Friend. London: Jarrold and Sons,

CONTAINS in little space a great deal of knowledge, on a subject important to individual and social health, inculcating the duty and advantage of cleanliness.

Mutual-Aid Association Reporter.

THE length of our report of the anniversary services recently held by the Louth Branch leaves us no room for general remarks on the position and progress either of the Association or the Magazine. The latter is now presented in its new form at a price that will assuredly command for it a vastly increased circulation. Of this we are made certain by the great number of augmented orders received in response to the circular issued by the committee; and it remains now to be seen what effect will be produced upon the general sale, If but a moderate increase be obtained this periodical will at once take a standing place among religious publications far higher than it ever yet occupied; and we shall be forgiven, we are sure, if we say that our anticipations do not fall short of that issue.

The business of the Committee reported on page 31 affords matter for serious and prayerful consideration to the true philanthropists among our wealthy Christian brethren. We regret the want of space that forbids further observation.

MONTHLY MEETINGS OF THE GENERAL

COMMITTEE.

THE General Committee of the Association will meet at the following places for the transaction of business until the next aggregate meeting :

Jan. 12, Monday, Bro, Rabbitts', 1, Crosby-row, Walworth-road,

Feb. 11, Wednesday, Bro. Hardy's, Leicester House, Gt. Dover-st., Borough. March 9, Monday, Bro. Wild's, Fulham

Villa, North End, Hammersmith-gate. April 8, Wednesday, Sister English's, 9, Amersham-terrace, Deptford, Kent. May 11, Monday, Bro. Creswell's, 5, Albert-terrace, Knightsbridge.

LOUTH BRANCH ANNIVERSARY. ON Sunday, Nov. 16th, 1856, sermons were preached in behalf of the Association, in the Free Methodist Chapel, Louth, morning and evening, by Mr. A. Dodgson, of Hull, and in the afternoon by Mr. Hunter, one of the circuit preachers. On these occasions the sermons, attendance, and collections were good.

On Tuesday afternoon, the annual tea meeting was held in the Free Methodist large school room, and about one hundred friends partook of an excellent tea gratuitously provided. After tea a public meeting was commenced, when large numbers assembled who appeared deeply interested in the proceedings.

Mr. J. Johnson was called to the chair, and after a suitable hymn was sung, he called upon Mr. Foster, a venerable local preacher of the old body, to engage in prayer; after which he briefly described

the object of the society, expressing his thankfulness to God that he, the least of his saints, had been long privileged with grace to minister the word of life.

Mr. T. Shaw, the secretary, read the report, and after giving some general statistics, similar to those read at the Nottingham meeting reported last month, said: "The Louth Branch numbers 38 members; 2, living at Alford, have joined the branch recently formed in that town. Out of the above number 13 are honorary members. The income of the branch during the year is as follows: Benefit members, £17 11s.; honorary members and contributors, £11 13s.; proceeds of last anniversary, £17 14s. 3d.; making a total of £46 18s. 3d. The expenditure during the same period in sick and superannuation allowances has been £40 12s. 6d. The balance in the hands of the local treasurer, £6 5s. 9d. This account shows the necessity of continued and increasing liberality on the part of the friends of this benevolent institution. Apart from the proceeds of the anniversary, it will be seen that the expenditure would have been considerably above the income of the branch. The committee is fully convinced that the necessity for such an institution is great, and that its nature and object only require to be more generally known to be better appreciated and supported. We are happy, therefore, to be able to announce that our Magazine, which is perhaps the chief means of spreading the necessary information, will next year be issued at twopence instead of fourpence monthly. We trust the result will be a much wider circulation."

Bro. Ridall, a Conference local preacher, had long wondered no provision of this kind had been made for local preachers, whose great object is to do something for the world, by rescuing the souls of men from darkness, and bringing them to the light. Local preachers were often more fatigued with Sabbath work, than with an ordinary week day's labour. It is hard that such men should be left without support in their old age.

Mr. A. Dodgson said: Our position on this occasion is a novel one: we are often called upon to encourage the young warrior on the battle-field; but to-night we sympathise with and encourage the veteran

warriors. This class of men has given to Methodism a position which otherwise it would never have attained. The local preachers have a peculiar adaptedness to their work. They have not been trained in this or that college, at Oxford or Cambridge, Richmond or Didsbury; the college of every-day life is that in which they have received their education. They have gone out and spoken to the people in upper rooms and farmers' barns, and have astonished them by causing them to hear, every man in hir own tongue, the wonderful works of God. The languages, not of the Parthians and Medes, Elamites and Phrygians; but of Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Berkshire, and Lancashire; and the result was "glory to God in the highest," in the conversion of numberless sinners. Whilst other men on the Saturday evening have been singing, "To-morrow, sweet sabbath of rest," these men have been looking forward to a day of labour; sweet, it is true, and with their hearts in the work, else it would be heavy indeed. Many by their extraordinary exertions have brought on afflictions which have hurried them to an untimely grave. Perhaps you say they should have taken better care of themselves; but if they have erred it has been on the right side! I have in my pocket a letter from a gentleman who gave himself to the ministry, though his respectable friends used every means to dissuade him from his purpose. He was rendered eminently successful in raising churches, and, by and by, he was arrested, sent to Rome, and thrust into a cavernous prison. Numerous friends had before ministered unto his necessities; now there was but one to stand by him in his trials, one Onesiphorus, who "oft refreshed him," and was not ashamed of his chains, but sought him out "very diligently." Nay, so utterly destitute was he, having left his luggage behind, that he had not wherewith to keep warm his starved limbs, so that he had to write to his son Timothy to bring with him the cloak that he had left at Troas. Though all men forsook him, he was enabled to exclaim triumphantly, "I have fought a good fight; I have kept the faith;" and he looked forward to receive a crown of righteousness. I think those churches planted by him were verily guilty in their neglect of an aged minister of

Christ. And does not something like this occur in our own days? I have stood by the bedside of a dying man, suffering from sciatica such tortures that even a step on his chamber floor added agony to his pain, who, had it not been for this institution, would have been friendless and uncared for. Shall these men pass off the stage friendless and forsaken? There are two kinds of sympathy; one is that of the good man in America who hid himself from a bear while his wife, seizing a large poker, effected its destruction; the husband from his hiding place first encouraging his wife's exertions, and then complacently taking a portion of the credit. In this case there was sympathy, but no help. The other kind of sympathy is that of the Quaker, who, hearing of a case of distress, and the sympathy of one in his behalf who said, "Poor man, I am very sorry for him," asked, "How much are you sorry ?" and putting his hand into his pocket, added, "I am sorry so much."

Mr. Stovin, a young local preacher, made a very impassioned appeal on behalf of his local brethren and the claims of the association, expressing himself as being highly excited and stimulated by what he had that night heard.

Mr. John Mann went at large into the commencement and first movements of the association in London, showing how much his time and attention had been given to the subject, and how, by reason of his neglect of home, he had been often scolded by one he loved more than any in that meeting, and expressed the regret he felt that he was not then more successful: but, said he, "Some have asked the questions-Is it right for local preachers to preach? and there are plenty of arguments in proof that it is right. ¡Can local preachers preach? I find many more fitted for the work than some who are in the itinerant ranks, who give abundant evidence that they possess talents and piety-men who can rightly divide the word of truth. Does success attend the labours of local preachers? Their successes have been truly marvellous : many thousands have been connected with the church here and joined to the church above through their instrumentality. What could you do in this circuit with your thirty-six preaching places with four

preachers only, or with twice or thrice that number? I shall never forget the time and toil connected with the formation of this organisation: nor shall I ever forget the first aggregate meeting of the brethren: it was a happy day to my soul. For once I determined to accommodate four brethren under my humble roof: they were from Oxfordshire - working men-but I felt myself as highly honoured as if they were bishops, and greatly was I delighted while hearing them relate their successes in preaching the gospel of Christ. Do you know anything about the Centenary Fund? I remember taking my place on the platform in Queen-street Chapel, when that scheme was broached, and recollect a local preacher—a moneyed man-asking the question, What would be done for the local preachers ?—the effect was magical and almost ludicrous: the preachers exchanged glances, smiled at each other, and frowned on the questioner, until at last one preacher stood up and exclaimed, 'Nothing, most certainly!' My friend offered another £100 in addition to the first, if a part of the fund might be set apart for sick and infirm local preachers but in vain; and a quarter of a million of money was raised, but nothing for local preachers! All attempts to aid them failed, until seven years ago the local preachers determined to help themselves. Then, in spite of opposition, the work went on, and the association was soon successfully in operation. If these hard working men are not entitled to support and sympathy, I wonder who is? But prejudice is against them! I was once sent to occupy the pulpit of a large chapel in London; I had a crowded audience, and gave them a local preacher's sermon : when I descended to the vestry, I had numbers to greet and shake hands with the stranger: the steward put his hand into his pocket and asked how much he had to pay for my expenses? In what circuit do you travel, sir ?' was asked by one. I almost expected an invitation to travel amongst them. I told the steward I did not require any money, as I was only a local preacher! And oh, what a change! Indeed, sir'-' a local preacher, sir?' and the steward replaced the silver in his pocket, without pressing me to take even a fourpenny bit! They said Good

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night, sir,' in such a way as if they meant 'You are only a local preacher, so you must get home as best you can.' I am glad the next meeting of the association is to be holden in Louth; and you will have men to visit you who will be no disgrace to your beautiful town. I expect the cause will receive a great impetus. The Louth Branch is one of the most flourishing and prosperous in the kingdom. When I look at this beautiful school room and its appendages, with your noble chapel, and think of the score of new chapels you have erected in so short a space of time-I have proof enough that you esteem your local preachers. You remember the words so approvingly said, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of my servants!' Yet, if the Master himself laboured in the circuit some would not even help him. For if you do not help the servant, neither would you help the master! Some local preachers may be found preaching the gospel regularly on the Sabbath whose weekly wages amount to only 15s., 10s., or 8s. per week! You ask, where? I answer, among the farmers' servants, in Norfolk; men with their velveteen jackets and scarlet neckcloths, but who nevertheless preach Jesus, and the people are saved through their labours. My brothers, my sisters, ought such men to be allowed to sicken, pine, and die in a workhouse? I often think a special Providence preserves their health amidst such constant and arduous labours; for, when other men are soundly asleep, they have a book to read and a pen to use often till after midnight; and if their sermons are accounted meagre, recollect that the travelling preacher has little else to do but to study. No wonder these poor men's wives sometimes grumble. I have been hard at work for a week together, children gone to bed before I reach home-up again before six in the morning, and away all the Sabbath; so that I have not seen my children for a month together except asleep. The local preachers' wives have much to put up with: they have the inconvenience and trouble of the children all the week and Sunday into the bargain! Is it not a shame that these hard working men should die in a workhouse! While you are worshipping in your beautiful chapel and remaining at

your evening prayer meeting, the poor local preachers are eight or ten miles from home, often in rough and rainy weather. The love of God impels them onward, and if you withhold your aid, they will still proceed! They did so before this association was formed; but won't they do it more cheerfully and confidently now ?"

After votes of thanks were given to the deputation, the ladies, and the chairman, the meeting broke up. Upwards of £16, clear proceeds of this anniversary, were remitted to the parent Society.

H. B. JUN.

GENERAL COMMITTEE.

THE monthly meeting of the General Committee was held at Brother Bowron's, 14, Churton-street, Pimlico, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 10, 1856.

Present, Brothers Chamberlain, Wade, Bowron, Durley, Jameson, and Brown.

After prayer had been offered by Bro. Bowron, the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

A report was presented from the subcommittee on Magazine affairs, appointed at the last Committee meeting; the number to be printed for January was ordered, and the honorary secretary was empowered to take such steps as may be necessary to meet any further demand that may arise before the next Committee meeting.

Messrs. Aylott and Co. were again appointed the publishers.

It was then determined that to those branches which have not replied to the questions forwarded to their secretaries in November, a certain proportion of copies of the magazine should be sent, with instructions as to the disposal of them.

It was also determined that a list of the addresses of the local secretaries should be prepared and printed on the cover of the magazine as early as possible.

The secretary's return for the month reported five deaths, sixty-seven sick, and ninety-eight superannuated members receiving relief; and that the treasurer was £410 11s. 6d. in advance. It was resolved that the treasurer should be empowered to sell out the sum of £500 in the Three per cent. Reduced.

Cases from Dursley, Spalding, Manchester, and Birmingham were considered and decided upon. Some bills, having

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Nov. 15, 1856. Samuel Pottage, of Candersley, Louth Circuit, aged 85. Claim £8. His end was peace.

Oct. 16, 1856. John Wadsworth, of Sherrington, Newport Pagnell Circuit, aged 79. Claim £4. His end was peace. He had been on the funds 242 weeks. Nov. 29, 1856. William Cowlishaw, of Sheffield, aged 72. Claim £4. His end was peace. He had been on the funds 136 weeks. Nov. 29, 1856. Runcorn, aged 36. was peace.

Frances Bateman, of

Claim £4. Her end

DONATIONS, SUBSCRIPTIONS, ETC. RECEIVED BY THE TREASURER TO DEC. 13, 1856. (hm. HONORARY MEMBER. hc. HONORARY CONTRIBUTORS.)

Ledbury-A Friend, per Bro. Jones, Cinderford, 10s. Louth-Proceeds of Tea and Public Meeting, Collections, &c. £15 17s. Norwich-Collected at Nethersell, 11s.; at Tudenham ditto, 2s. 6d. at Weston, 2s. 6d. ; at Blofield, 8s.; at Easton, 4s. 9d.; at Hevingham, 3s. 2d.; Mr. W. Ford, hm., Norwich, £1 1s.; Mr. Jos. Massingham, ditto, hm., £1 1s. (less expenses, 6d.): £3 13s. 5d. Newport Pagnell— Public Collections, £4 16s. 10d.; collected by Mrs. Storey, Wolverton Station, £1 4s. 4d.; ditto by Mr. Hallam, ditto, £3 9s. 7d.; proceeds of Tea Meeting at Wolverton Station, £1 2s. 9d.; collected by Bro. Sunderland, Stoney Stratford, 12s. 6d. ; ditto by Bro. Sear, Fenny Stratford, 7s. 6d. : ditto by Bro. Tite, of Wavendon, 7s. 6d. from a Wesleyan Minister, per Bro. Tite, 10s.; collected by Bro. Britten, Bowbrickhill, 10s. donation by Bro. Gamble, Newport Pagnell, 1s.; ditto by Bro. Rose, 3s. ; Mr. W. Grimes, hm., Castlethorpe Lodge: £1: £14 5s. Daventry-Mr. R. Clarke, hm., £1; Mrs. Cooke, don., Marston, 2s. 6d. : £1 2s. 6d. Leeds-Mrs. Stephenson, hc., 10s.; Mrs. Chas. Carr, hm., £1 1s.: £1 11s. Thetford-Collected by Bro. J. Pechey, C. Fison, Esq., 10s.; Mrs. Groom, 5s.; Rev. R. Tabraham, 2s. 6d.; Mr. W., Pechey, 2s. 6d.; Mr. A. Palmer, 1s.; Mr. Smith, 1s.; Mr. S. Pechey, 6d.; Mr. D. Haine, 6d.; Mr. Stokes, 6d.; Mr. G. Frost, 6d.; collected by Bro. P. Turner, Mrs. W. Cocks, 2s. 6d. ; collected by Bro. E. Palmer, Mrs. Clarke, Brandon, 1s.; Mr. Nobard, 2s.; E. Palmer, 1s.; collected by Bro. Jas. Fleet, Mr. W. Clarke, 2s. 6d.; J. W. F., ls. ; a Friend, 6d. ; Mrs. Lankester, 1s.; Mrs. Hammond, 6d. ; Mr. Spurling, 6d.; Mrs. Cross, 1s.; Mrs. E. Whiteman, 2s.; Mr. F. Whiteman, 1s. ; a Well-wisher, 6d.; Mr. Chas. Palmer, a local preacher, 2s.; Mrs. Fleet, 1s.; Mr. Fleet, 1s.: £2 5s. Aylesbury-Mr. Rich. Durley, hm., £1 1s.; Mrs. Durley, hm., £1 1s.; Miss Durley, hm., £1 1s.; Mr. W. Seamons, hm., Waddisdon, £1 1s.; a Friend, hm.; £1 1s.; a Local Preacher, hm., £1; collected by Mrs. Gurney, 8s. 6d. : £6 13s. 6d. Chelsea-Mr. Jno. Cuthbertson, hm., £1 1s.; Mr. Thos. Cuthbertson, hm., £1 1s.; Mr. Wm. Bowron, hm., £1 1s.; Mr. Edw. Creswell, hm., £1 1s.; collections at Battersea Chapel, 8s.: £4 12s.

NOTE.—This list is published that the donations, honorary members, tea meetings, chapel collections, &c. may appear separately, though they are included in the list of amounts received by the Treasurer from the various circuits.

REMITTANCES RECEIVED BY THE TREASURER, TO DEC. 13, 1856. Bath, £6 4s.; Ripley, £2 17s.; Ledbury, £2 9s.; Edinburgh, 18s.; High Wycombe, £1 18s 8d.; Swaffham, £4 16s.; Stockport, £1 7s.; Hexham, £2 8s.; Louth £15 17s. 6d.; Oldham, £1 19s.; Sunderland, 1s.; Newport Pagnell, £18 15s. ; Gloucester, £1 4s.; Salisbury, £1 12s. 6d.; Norwich, £6 13s. 5d; Leeds, £1 14s.; Thetford, £7 4s.; Manchester, £10; Aylesbury, £6 13s. 6d.; Chelsea, £4 12s.

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