2. The means employed in producing this blessed result have been simple and scriptural. Several lectures on revivals were delivered by the circuit ministers. Special meetings of all the circuit officers were called, and measures adopted to promote a revival earnestly and prayerfully discussed. It was then resolved unanimously-"1. That a day should be set apart for humiliation, fasting, and prayer. That we should at least twice a day supplicate for a revival. 3. That all the officers should meet and solemnly renew their dedication to God, and to his cause; after which the Lord's supper should be administered, as the seal of their sacred vow. 4. That special prayer meetings be held in all the classes during a week, for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 5. That protracted religious meetings be immediately commenced." Many suitable suggestions were made, and at once embodied in united, devout, and earnest action. The church believed that the right use of the right means would secure a revival. The means were used, the blessing is come. To us is the benefit. To God be the praise, O that the officers and members of all our churches would adopt similar measures. Would they not secure a revival co-extensive with the Connexion? Brethren, try. In the midst of this good work, our Missionary Anniversary has been held. The Rev. J. Peters preached two excellent sermons in Lever Street Chapel, on the 29th October. The Juvenile Missionary meeting was held on the same day, followed by the public meeting on the 30th. Addresses were delivered by Mr. G. Swallow, junr., (Chairman), W. Howe, Esq., (Connexional Treasurer) the Rev. A. Gilbert, (President), J. Peters, H. Breeden, W. Patterson, T. Hacking, S. S. Barton, and H. Tarrant. The speeches were not political, or humorous, or speculative, but practical; and described the Missionary work in the vast field of its operations, its machinery, its motives, its difficulties, and its ultimate triumphs. The attendance was unusually large, the collections liberal, and the interest well sustained. Nov. 10th, 1854. H. TARRANT. BOLTON CIRCUIT. In this circuit the Lord continues every Sabbath to visit us with pleasing indications of spiritual prosperity; in the awakening of sinners, the conversion of penitents, and in the quickening of believers. The circuit, I am happy to say, begins to bear a more encouraging aspect; we have peace in our borders, and are fervently praying for prosperity. The means of grace are well attended, the congregations are on the increase. During the last month we have let eighteen fresh sittings at Bolton, and we have lately commenced cottage preaching with a prospect of success, but I trust we shall yet witness greater things. The Lord grant it. Amen. JOHN COLLINGE. Nov. 1854. WINSFORD AND SANDBACH CIRCUIT. I remit you a brief report of some anniversary services, held in this circuit during the last few weeks. On Sunday, October 29th, two sermons were preached at Winsford, in aid of our Home and Foreign Missions Fund, by the Rev. R. Eckett of London. Sermons were also preached on the same day, at Clive Green and Swanlow-lane, by Messrs Bevington and Sadler, local brethren of the Northwich Circuit. Missionary meetings were held during the following week at the above places, and were addressed by members of the Connexional Committee, which was holding its sittings at the time in Winsford. Richard Dutton, Esq., of Stanthorne-hall, kindly took the chair at Winsford. The amount of the collections is about £6 above that of last year. On Sunday, October 29th, two sermons were preached at Sandbach, on behalf of the Chapel Fund, by the circuit preacher. On Monday, the 30th, a public tea was provided, 500 persons sat down to tea. A public meeting was held in the evening, J. Slater, Esq., of Woodford-hall, Winsford, kindly presided over the meeting, which was addressed in an interesting and profitable manner, by the Revs. R. Eckett of London; T. A. Bayley, of Liverpool; W. Rhodes, Independent; W. Graham, Primitive Methodist of Sandbach. The collections, exclusive of the expenses of the occasion, amounted to ALTHOUGH we have not witnessed such rapid progress in this Circuit as is desirable, yet our present condition and prospects are very encouraging. We had collections for our chapel on September 17th and 18th, when we were assisted by Mr. Balls, Independent, of Dereham, and several gentlemen of this town. The profits of the services were upwards of 11. ; and by our united efforts, and the aid of kind friends, we have been enabled to secure the elegant chapel in which we now worship for the use of the Wesleyan Association, according to the Provisions of the Connexional Model Chapel Deed. I am happy to inform you that we, as a church, are gaining the esteem of the public. J. H. Gurney, Esq. M.P. for this borough, recently sent me a donation of 20l. towards our chapel fund; and the gentlemen of the town on whom I have waited for the purpose of soliciting their assistance, have congratulated me most heartily on our present position and prospects, and have also very kindly aided us in the furtherance of our purchase of the Ebenezer Chapel and premises, for the use of the Wesleyan Association. Our congregations at present are highly interesting, and evidences of good being done are very apparent. Eight persons have joined themselves to my class during the last few months, and, since the promise of the shower" has been given, we are expecting "the former and the latter rain." O that Christ, in the rich display of his saving grace, may come down upon us 66 as showers that water the earth!" Our Sabbath-school is in a very encouraging condition. When we first opened a Sabbath-school in our new chapel, which was in the month of May last, we had only three scholars, but now we have nearly fifty, and every Sabbath-day the number in creases. We very much need a schoolroom, and I trust that we shall very soon be able to carry out our plan of building a large school-room adjoining the chapel. We have recently had to lament the loss of our valuable friend Mr. James Jessop, who held the offices of Circuit steward, local preacher, leader, and Sabbath-school superintendent, and who has "laid down his body with his charge," and entered into that rest where his "works do follow him." But I trust that the God of Israel will raise up a "Joshua" to fill the vacancy which has been occasioned by the death of our "Moses." I pray that showers of Divine influence may descend upon our beloved Connexion, and make us a general blessing. GEORGE WARNE. CARRICKFERGUS. I HAVE been in Carrickfergus now nearly three months, and I am thankful to be able to say, that in our cause here there is some improvement. I am sensible, sometimes painfully so, of my responsibility, and hope, by diligence and perseverance in my duties, to make myself useful. Some time since we commenced a service in the school-room on Tuesday evenings. The service was conducted in a cottage before, the friends thinking more would attend there than in the chapel or school-room; but we have now removed it to the latter place, and the attendance has generally been beyond our most sanguine expectations. In the cottage we hold a prayer-meeting, and nearly as many attend there as did before. I hope the service in the school-room will be useful. We have also lately commenced a Sunday afternoon service in Clipper's Town, a small village close by, and it has, so far, been attended by as many as the house (which is small) can accommodate. I have now plenty of work on the Lord's-day; I always lead two classes, and generally preach three times. In our Sabbath congregations at the chapel, there is also some increase; so that we are hoping to see yet further improvement. We shall not be content with merely getting the people to attend our services, but will look, and labour, and pray for their sound conversion to God. I hope our members will keep united, diligently cultivate personal godliness, and endeavour so to live, as that, by the influence of their example, they may be as the "salt of the earth." I am glad to have to say, also, that the appearance of the chapel has been improved. The front of the chapel, the doors and windows, and the palisades of the chapel-yard, have been painted, the wall of the chapel-yard whitened, the front of the house be. longing to the chapel premises has been plastered, the back whitened, and the doors and windows painted; so that the appearance of the whole premises is greatly improved. What we want now is, for the Lord to "undertake for us," and revive His work among us. I fear, that in the professedly religious part of the community here, there is much lukewarmness, many contenting themselves with very in different attendance on the means of grace. Intemperance, also, seems to prevail to a considerable extent. I hope to be made useful among the people. Nov. 11th, 1854. S. SMITH. HELSTON CIRCUIT. A SERIES of most interesting Missionary meetings have been held at Roswick, Bowgyhere, Tregathenan, and Ashton, commencing at the former place on Tuesday, November 7th, and continued for three succeeding evenings. Mr. J. Rogers presided at Roswick; Mr. W. Thomas, of Mullion, at Bowgyhere; Mr. Chegwidden at Tregathenan; and Mr. F. Carter, of Rinsey, at Ashton; each of whom introduced the business by a few appropriate remarks. The meetings were well attended, and a very gracious feeling was enjoyed at all of them. Mr. Edwards reported the state of the missions of the Association, and showed the necessity of increased efforts, especially in relation to our home stations, and our Australian mission. These views were followed up by extended, able, and most interesting addresses, from the Revs. A. Bryant of Camborne, J. Chew of Helston, and Mr. Cornish of the Redruth Circuit. The references to Australia awakened deep emotion in the hearts of parents, sisters, brothers, or friends of those whose friends have recently gone to that distant land. These appeals were responded to by collections, on the whole, a little in excess of those of last year. A most devout and happy feeling was experienced, and, it is hoped, lasting good effected. C. E. REDDITCH. OUR chapel vestry having been for a long time in a very dilapidated state, and the person belonging to the ground adjacent having built a wall against the window, it was rendered comparatively useless. Our friends feeling it very desirable to have a comfortable place in which to meet, at once decided upon making every necessary alteration, and I am happy in being able to state, that these alterations have been made, and we have now a very good and comfortable vestry. In order to liquidate the debt thus incurred, two excellent sermons were preached on Sunday, Oct. 29th, by the Rev. G. Chesson, of Birmingham, and collections were made. November 20th, we held a public teameeting, which was well attended, the trays being furnished gratuitously by a number of our friends. After tea, the Circuit minister, being called upon to occupy the chair, addressed the meeting on the "Importance and Advantages of Christian Union, Affection, and Co-operation.' After which, he called upon Mr. J. Crow, who spoke at some length on the "Great willingness manifested by the Jews to assist in rebuilding the Temple." Mr. Gardner was afterwards called upon. Having been in the army for a number of years, he gave us an excellent characteristic speech. Mr. Thornton afterwards delivered an excellent and earnest address on the Importance and Power of Prayer." 66 The meeting was also addressed by Messrs. Izod and Richford (Primitive Methodists); Messrs. Heath, Huins, Hall, and T. Duggins. The meeting closed about ten o'clock, having been highly interested, and feeling the truth of the sentiment "Where unity takes place, The joys of heaven we prove." We are grateful in being able to state, that the money raised at public collections and the tea-meeting, will almost defray the expenses of the alterations made. T. ROTHWELL, 40 442 492 493 398 586 340 341 43 342 347 42 532 242 292 590 195 246 Barren Fig Tree. The Being of a God. Proofs of the Contemplated. Divine BIOGRAPHY (See also Recent Deaths.) ...... Beard, of New Mills. Mrs. Ann.... 38 193 438 396 |