wards. In addition to the above, 6000 others have received instruction in lesser degrees. "Since the institution of the Society in Bristol, societies of a similar nature have been established in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and many other towns in Great Britain. In Ireland also, many are receiving instruction. In the Missionary Establishments in Africa and British India, the prospects of good arising from Adult Education are truly encouraging; and in the United States of America, the same cause proceeds with a pace which bids fair to outstrip all that has been done in England. Holland and Russia have followed the example set by Great Britain; and in France, Paris, Marseilles, and several other towns, have commenced the same career. "The consequences of the instruction bestowed by the Bristol Society (and the same causes doubtless produce the same effects in other places) are, a visible and general improvement in the manners of the learners, an increased sense of moral obligation,-a more careful attendance on the duties of the Sabbath, reformation from many gross vices,and above all, in many instances, real conversion of heart unto GoD; and with some who are departed, we doubt not, fulness of joy in His presence, and pleasures at his right hand for evermore. To these greater benefits may be added the temporal comfort and happiness of numerous families, formerly in rags and wretchedness; but now enjoying the comforts of this life, in consequence of GoD's blessing on their reformed pa rents. "Such being the blessed results of the Society's labours, the Committee feel earnestly desirous of extending the knowledge of their Institution, and of its effects wherever practicable; and of thereby stimulating all, but especially the Ministers of the Gospel of CHRIST, to endeavour, in their respective spheres, to promote the instruction of Adults." This useful Society has lately published the eighth Edition, in 12mo, (price 6d. or 4s. 6d. per dozen,) of "The Original Collection of Lessons for the Instruction of Adults, or an Introduction to the Reading of the Sacred Scriptures." FOREIGN. METHODISM IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE have just received a copy of the "Minutes taken at the several Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for the year 1823," printed at New-York. From this Document we learn the following particulars : The number of Travelling Preachers is 1226 The Bishops (or General Superintendents) are, the REV. WILLIAM M'KENDREE, the REV. ENOCH GEORGE, and the REV. ROBERT R. ROBERTS. The REV. JOHN M. SMITH, is Principal of the Wesleyan Seminary at New York.One Preacher has been expelled; and two others have withdrawn from the Connexion.-Ten have died; viz. JOHN PITTS, aged 49; PHILIP KENNERLY, aged 53; WALTER GRIFFITH, aged 40; JOHN DIX, aged 55; SAMUEL DAVIS, aged 29; WILLIAM WRIGHT, aged 24; WILLIAM PENN CHANDLER, aged 58; WILLIAM Ross, aged 35; ALONSON GIFFORD, aged 35; and JAMES GRIGGS PEAL, whose age is not stated.Of all these a good report is given; and they appear to have both lived and died in the LORD. As a specimen, we select some interesting passages from the account given in the Minutes respecting DR. CHANDLER. After mentioning his conversion, the Circuits in which he had travelled, &c., it is added :"An affectionate brother, a Physician, gives the following account: :- "I visited DR. CHANDLER daily, during his last illness, which was of long continuance. His disease was an almost universal Paralysis. His mind, as well as his body, felt the effects of the disease, which at times caused a considerable derangement of intellect: but notwithstanding the confusion that was apparent in his mental operations, his constant theme was his GOD, and the salvation of his soul; and on these subjects it was truly surprising to hear him converse. Although DR. CHANDLER seemed incapable of rational reflection on other subjects, yet on that of religion, at intervals, he never conversed with more fluency, correctness, and feeling, at any period of his life. He appeared to be exceedingly jealous of himself, and occasionally labouring under fear, lest he might have deceived himself, and that he should finally be come a cast-away; but of these apprehensions he was generally relieved, whenever we approached a throne of grace, which we were in the habit of doing on almost every visit. In this state he remained until within a few days of his death, when the LORD was graciously pleased, in a most extraordinary manner, to pour out his SPIRIT upon his servant and although his body was fast sinking, his mind, for two days, was restored to perfect vigour and correctness. During this time he seemed to be in the borders of the heavenly inheritance. He spoke of the glories, the joys, and the inhabitants of heaven, as though he had been in the midst of them. He remarked to me at the time, that he felt that his soul had begun to dissolve its connexion with the body; and that there was a freedom, a clearness, and an ease in its views and operations that was entirely new to him, and that he had never before formed a conception of :In fact, said he, I know not whether I am in the body or out of it. Soon after this he sunk into a stupor in which he remained to the last.' "As a Christian and as a Christian Minister, W. P. CHANDLER was a man of no ordinary grade. In his deportment,-dignity and humility, fervour and gentleness, plainness and brotherly kindness, with uniform picty, were strikingly exemplified. In the pulpit, his soul was in his eloquence, his SAVIOUR was his theme, and the divine unction that rested upon him, and the evangelical energy of his sermons, gave a success to his labours, that has been exceeded by few. He studied to show himself approved unto GOD, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth:' and how good a proficient he was in this study, thousands who were blessed under his ministry can heartily testify; many of whom are living witnesses of the happy effects of his labours, while he is now reaping his eternal reward." The General Conference (which meets once in four years) is to be held in Baltimore, May 1st, 1824.-It will be proposed to the General Conference, that the American Preachers in Canada shall be separated from the Genesee Conference, to which they at present belong, and formed into the "Canada Confer ence," so as to constitute a Thirteenth Annual Conference in the American Methodist Connexion. We add a Table, compiled from these Minutes, by comparing which with a similar one, extracted from the Minutes for 1822, and inserted in our Magazine for December 1822, p. 799, our Readers may form some judgment respecting the state and progress of the Methodist Societies in North America. This Table, it must be recollected, does not include any of those Societies in British America, which are under the care of the British Conference. Districts. Stations. Total... Total last year (1822)| 73 70 South Carolina ditto * There was an error of sixty-seven in the total of last year's Minutes. We congratulate our American Brethren on this large increase of their body during the last year; and unite with them in thanksgivings to GOD, and in prayers that his blessed work may con tinue to prosper in those extensive and important portions of our LORD's great vineyard, which it is their lot to culti vate. THE ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE CONFERENCE TO THE METHODIST IN THE CONNEXION ESTABLISHED BY THE LATE REV. JOHN WESLEY, M. A. Dearly Beloved Brethren, On this occasion we feel ourselves called upon to express our warmest gratitude to "the Father of Mercies, and the GoD of all comfort," for the protection and support which he has granted to his Servants during the year, and for the general prosperity with which he has crowned their labours. To observe the success which attends the exertions of other Christian Denominations, is highly gratifying to us; but it is particularly encouraging to find, on an attentive examination of the general state of our Societies, that the truth at this Conference, clearly show that sound and scriptural conversions are more than ever frequent on our Stations abroad, and that the work of GOD, in all its spiritual power and practical effects, is deepening and enlarging among those who until lately never heard the name of CHRIST. In Pagan lands the various ordinances of God's house are established, well attended, and loved; religious Societies are formed; christian knowledge is rapidly advancing; and the experience of the power of godliness, which many profess, is clear, scriptural, and deep. All this meets, and even surpasses, our highest expectations; nor can we avoid regarding it as a favourable token that the time is approaching, when the "mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it." While we thankfully notice these indications of growing success, we wish you, dear Brethren, to view them in a practical light. Again we earnestly as it is in JESUS" is extensively pre- recommend to you a diligent attention vailing under our own Ministry. "Gor to the duties which were particularly is" indeed" with us," and continues to mentioned in our last Annual Address. give us the most unequivocal proofs of Be unwearied in promoting the christian his presence and approbation. Again education of your children and dowe erect our "Eben-ezer," and thank-mestics,-in maintaining the regular fully acknowledge that "hitherto hath the LORD helped us." Considerable prosperity has, by the blessing of GOD, accompanied our proceedings both at home and abroad. The increase of our numbers this year is, in Great Britain, Eight Thousand and Six, and, on the Missionary Stations, One Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Three; making, in the whole, Nine Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Nine. We have also reason to believe, on the most satisfactory evidence, that, in connexion with the increase of numbers, there is, in general, an increase of spiritual and practical religion among our people. The spirit of christian zeal, which prevails in many of our Societies in this country, is very encouraging. The work on our Foreign Stations is also rapidly extending; and, while the Heathen are becoming more deeply sensible of their need of instruction, and are more eagerly desiring Christian Missionaries, it is pleasing to learn that they are, in many instances, truly "receiving CHRIST JESUS the LORD." The relations which some of the Missionaries have given us, VOL. II. Third Series OcTOBER, and devout worship of GoD in your families,-in attending the ordinances of GoD's house, by no means neglecting those opportunities which occur on weekday evenings,-in circulating religioas Tracts,-in establishing meetings for prayer,-in walking worthy of the LORD unto all well-pleasing, and thus striving to promote more extensively, as well as to posses more fully, the "excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST." Be "workers together with GOD;" and while he graciously favours you with the tokens of his presence, regard this, not only as a motive to gratitude, but as a call to increasing diligence and activity in every part of his work. Amidst these endeavours, we would not fail to mention the necessity of relying more entirely on the promised agency of the HOLY SPIRIT. Let your fervent prayers be offered that his more abundant effusions may descend on yourselves, on the Church of CHRIST at large, and on the "whole world" of mankind. Be attentive to every appearance of his operations in your families 1823. 3 N and neighbourhood; work where he works; and, especially, cultivate his gifts and graces in yourselves. Without Him, so far from advancing in the various parts of the divine life, you cannot maintain and preserve what you have. Listen to his suggestions; yield to his directions; and "grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." We would remind you of the importance of acquainting yourselves correctly with the Doctrines of the Gospel which you profess to believe. We refer, particularly, to the doctrines of justification by faith, the direct witness of the SPIRIT, and entire sanctification. These truths are explicitly taught in the Holy Scriptures, and are explained and defended, in the clearest and most convincing manner, in the excellent writings of the REV. MESSRS. WESLEY and FLETCHER, which we cannot too frequently recommend to your serious attention, and repeated perusal. The statements which they contain, the arguments which they allege, and the spirit which they breathe, all mark them as a rich and invaluable repository of religious knowledge. To our people they are an "estate for ever;" and we are persuaded that the more they are examined, the more will the great truths which they enforce be valued and received. While you strive, however, to obtain clear and scriptural views of the doctrines you profess, permit us, dear Brethren, to exhort you, with all earnestness and affection, to apply them to your own hearts. Are these truths felt as well as known? Are they enjoyed as well as received? Can you say that "being justified by faith, you have peace with God through our LORD JESUS CHRIST? Can you testify that you "have received, not the spirit of bondage again to fear; but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father ;the SPIRIT itself bearing witness with your spirits that ye are the children of GOD?" And are you forgetting those things which are behind,-reaching forth to those things which are before,-and thus" pressing toward the mark?" On this subject we cannot but be "jealous " with concerning some a godly jealousy." Most of you, we trust, retain your confidence in the mercy of GoD, and continue to "hunger and thirst after righteousness; but we fear lest any should settle into a state of spiritual indolence and indifference, and forget that "GOD hath called them unto ❞ entire "holiness." Remember, dear Brethren, that this is one of the great privileges which have been uniformly and distinctly " announced to you by that Ministry under which you sit: consider that while you neglect it, you are not only making no progress, but are sustaining serious loss, and are, imperceptibly perhaps, but certainly, declining in the life of GOD: and reflect that even in seeking this blessing, you are, in an eminent degree, saved,— saved from indifference, from unwatchfulness, from carnal security; and that "He is faithful, who hath promised "a full salvation, "who also will" bestow it on all that diligently and perseveringly seek it. "Having the promises," with which the Scriptures abound on this subject, "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD;" that we may be "vessels unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's use." GOD grant that, with respect to all spiritual blessings, you may so perfectly, and without any doubt, believe in his Son JESUS CHRIST, that your faith in his sight may never be reproved." 66 We are now on the point of separating from each other, and departing to our respective stations among you. We are truly thankful to say that the sittings of this Conference, and the public services connected with them, have been distinguished by an unusual degree of the presence and blessing of GOD. We pledge ourselves again to Him and his Cause. We desire to "spend and be spent" in his service; and we humbly and confidently trust that his blessing will more abundantly attend our endeavours, At this time we feel ourselves powerfully warned and stimulated by the removal of several of our Brethren; and, especially, by that of MESSRS. SARGENT and LLOYD, who were on their way to join us in Conference, when, by the overturning of the coach, they were so seriously injured, that, in a short time, they terminated their labours and sufferings on earth, and passed, from the various services of the church militant, to the unfading glories of the church triumphant. Others of our Brethren were at the same time much hurt; but we trust they will be restored in answer to our prayers, and still permitted to "labour in the word and doctrine."-With occurrences like these before our eyes, we resolve to "work while it is called to-day," and humbly wait our LORD's appearing."Be ye also ready; for at such an hour as ye think not, the SoN OF MAN cometh." Signed by order of the Conference, HENRY MOORE, President. Sheffield, August 11th, 1823. Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the direction of the METHODIST Conference. SOUTH INDIA MISSIONS. MADRAS.-Extract of a Letter from MR. OUR English congregations continue much the same. A few of the Society have been removed to other parts of the country, where, I trust, they will be useful: one is gone back into the world; a backslider, who had long and deeply fallen, is happily restored; and four or five new members have been added. The native congregations, except those united in Society, are uncertain in their attendance; but of late I have had larger congregations than ever. There is an increase of two or three only in the Class; but I think those who are thus united are profiting by that means, and growing up into CHRIST. Three or four of them were removed, nearly two years ago, to Ellichpoor, two months' journey to the north, where they have continued faithful, and meet together weekly. One of them arrived here a few days ago, with his master, and brought with him two adults, whom he had instructed, for baptism." On account of our having had, during the past year, neither interpreter nor native assistant, except during the time when Brother STEAD was with us, all the Tamul work, as well as part of the English, has fallen upon me; and, in consequence, our exertions to extend the Mission have been comparatively few. We have, however, tried several new places, and at different times have erected the standard of the Cross in the open air, and called on the heathen to flock unto it. The most favourable opening is at St. Thomè, a large and populous village, about a mile from our house: besides the natives, who are numerous, and many of them very respectable, there is a good number of the descendants of the Portuguese, who settled there more than two hundred years ago. It is the residence of a Romish Bishop, and contains a cathedral and several churches, the rich endowments of which support a considerable number of Priests; but from any one of them a sermon is never expected. The people are buried in ignorance and vice. A poor fisherman, a member of the native Class, who cannot even read, was the means of this opening: he invited a few of his neighbours to hear HOOLE, dated Madras, Feb. 13th, 1823. the Scriptures read, and prayer made, one evening in the week, at his hut. The number increased, and he erected a pandal for their accommodation. At the same time, or a little before, he often pressed a respectable gentleman to attend our English preaching at Royapettah, who still attends public worship. This gentleman soon invited us to use one of his houses as a chapel. An extract from my journal will show the time and manner of our commencement. "August 22, 1822. Wednesday.-In addition to our numerous services, we commenced another at St. Thomè this evening, in a house belonging to a gentleman who kindly offered it for that purpose. At a few hours' notice a large assembly, of all descriptions and colours, was collected. MR. LYNCH commenced with prayer, and addressed them about a quarter of an hour in English. I then followed, in Tamul; and taking up some of the principal thoughts he had expressed, enlarged upon them with freedom, and concluded with prayer in the same language. May this be the opening of a wide and effectual door in that place!" Since that time we have not failed to hold a service there every week, generally in the same order as the above, first English,and then Tamul; and have sometimes given them an additional service on the Sunday, when the house has been well filled. The congregation is regular; and many of them, who never came near us before, now attend the preaching at Royapettah. It has been proposed to buy the house we have thus occupied : a little more than 400 pagodas, or 1400 rupees, is the reduced price at which the proprietor proposes to sell it to us. The poor fisherman solicits subscriptions from his neighbours. Some of the poorest, as well as of the respectable, have subscribed; and the last time I saw the list, the amount was upwards of 500 rupees: we hope to raise the whole. Our schools, four in number, are still in a low state, owing, in part, to the poverty of the people, which leads them, as soon as the children are able to do any thing, to take them from school; |