From a local journal we select the following paragraph: The friends worshipping in the Methodist New Connexion chapel, Linskill-street, North Shields, held an open air service on Sunday afternoon, in the grounds near the site of the Old Hall, Tynemouth-road, which was addressed by the Revs. G. Hallatt and J. W. Williams. The assembly, which was computed to be upwards of 2,000 in number (probably the largest open air religious meeting which has been held in North Shields for some time), listened to the impressive addresses in the most earnest and attentive manner, and it may reasonably be hoped that some good was effected. There was also a meeting held outside the chapel at five o'clock, addressed by S. Rutherford, at the close of which it adjourned to the chapel, where an earnest, eloquent, and argumentative address was delivered, according to previous announcement, by the Rev. George Hallatt, on "The folly and danger of Secularism." The chapel was pletely filled, a large proportion of the congregation being young men. The sermon was listened to throughout with marked attention. The subject was fully taken up in all its bearings, and contained a withering exposure of the principles and tendencies of Secularism, and no doubt good service was done to the cause of Christianity. Meetings for prayer have been held from seven to eight o'clock every morning during the last week in the above chapel, which were numerously attended. They are being continued during this week at the same hour, and Christians of all denominations are respectfully invited to co-operate. com A few days ago we saw our generous and zealous friend, Mr. Welch, of South Shields, and we were delighted to hear from him that the prayer meetings at South Shields had recently been much improved in their attendance, and revived in their spirit; and that several respected friends, who had long been hearers of the word, had now taken the important decision— giving at once their hearts to God, and their hands to his people, by uniting with the church. This is the way to have the new chapel filled when opened, and rendered a blessing to thousands. Gateshead Circuit.-Here there are indications of a coming revival. In a letter received this day from our young friend, Mr. Lynn, the colleague of Mr. Booth, he says: We have some very pleasing success here both in the town, and several of the country places. I trust we shall be guided to the right manner and spirit, and that great success will crown the year. A good deal of patient, up-hill toil is required, and much has to be encountered that is of a discouraging nature; but, we are very hopeful, and have had much to strengthen our hopes. May these brethren realize fully their hearts' desire. Bristol.-On the first Sunday in August we visited this place to preach an anniversary sermon; and we must say we were much gratified with the improved state of things. The congregations were considerably larger than we had seen them on any former occasion. God was graciously present, and the people seemed much alive to God and earnest in his cause. The prayer meeting after service was numerously attended, and the annual tea meeting on the Monday evening was an occasion long to be remembered. This is our fourth visit to Bristol, and the state and prospects of the cause have appeared brighter on each occasion, the last being a considerable advance on the former. Mr. Wilshaw is doing all that man can do to promote the consolidation and prosperity of the cause. effective pulpit labour he connects all kinds of work-pastoral visitation, preaching in the open air, taking a part in public movements with the ministers of the city, and using every other effort he can to advance the cause; and with his personal labours he endeavours to secure the co-operation of the people. There is yet much to be done to render our cause in Bristol thoroughly strong but it is growing; and if the friends continue to be united, zealous, and prayerful, a few years will see it firmly rooted and selfsustaining. There is one thing, however, urgently needed-the addition With of one or two small places, either in the suburbs of the city or in some contiguous villages. At present there is but one place, and consequently no work for local preachers; and there is danger of the church suffering from want of external spheres for the exercise of its sympathies and the employment of its talents. We have received cheering intelligence from other parts of the Connexion, but it is not sufficiently definite for a public statement. We do hope that every circuit will wake up to its duty. We must not allow the prosperity of the past year to induce satisfaction and indolence for the present; but regard it as a gracious encouragement and stimulant to continued and increasing zeal— to enlarged expectation and more earnest prayer. Thus is it intended by the great Author of all good. It is but an arrhabōn-an earnest of yet greater good in reversion for us. This, faithfully improved, will be followed by more signal blessings and more abundant prosperity. Thus gratefully estimating the present, and believingly contemplating the future, and joining these sentiments with appropriate activities, we shall, as a community, see the salvation of God, Great Jehovah, revive thy churches everywhere, and hasten the completion of thy conquest over this redeemed world. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." In order to assist in arousing the whole Connexion to seek for a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit, even as in America his gracious in fluences have been displayed, we have given in the present number the substance of Mr. James's admirable address on the American revival. Read it, dear friends. Read it again, and again. Ponder its weighty statements and solemn appeals, and let us all seek with holy earnestness for the powerful baptism from on high. A FEW WORDS FROM HALIFAX NORTH.-My dear Brother Cooke,There has not been much in the Magazine this last month or two about the spiritual state of the Connexion. I suppose you have not received from the circuits the desired information, or I am sure you would have had great pleasure in inserting it. I know you have a Methodist soul-that you dearly love Methodism-that is the methodist view of Christianity, because of its truth, its simplicity, and fulness. And when its saving truths are preached in the good old Methodistic style of plain pointed energy, and attended with the unction of the Holy Spirit, you fully believe it will do the work of God in the justification of believing penitents, and the entire sanctification of justified believers. This I have learned from my intimate acquaintance with you for more than thirty years, as well as from your speech at the late Conference. I was delighted to hear you come out so fully on the vital importance of our maintaining old Methodism in its full vigour. We must, my brother, be very jealous on this point, and resist with a holy firmness all attempts to adulterate the good wine of old Methodism. We may say of it as David said of Goliah's sword, "Give me that, for there is none like it." All the talk about "Methodism having done its work" is a great mistake. I am persuaded if it ever loses its power and usefulness, it will be on account of its not being worked in the right way. In most cases, when its machinery is in proper hands, that can and will work it aright, God will set his seal to it. Having had the privilege of trying it for more than forty years as a humble teacher of its saving truths, I have had many glorious opportunities of seeing the use God has made of it in saving hundreds of souls; and oh! how delightfully have I felt him pouring his grace through its holy channels to feed and refresh his people, as they journey home to glory. We must, therefore, as a community, labour with all our powers to work the entire machinery of Methodism, under the influence of the Divine Spirit. Then the wells of salvation amongst us will be filled with living waters, and our ordinances will be as clouds full of heavenly rain. Then shall our souls be like a tree planted by rivers of living water. And that this may be the case, our ministers, officers, and members, must attend our prayer meetings, class meetings, band meetings, and ticketsrenewing more as a privilege than a duty. When this is the case, we shall dwell in a land that is well watered, and our souls shall grow as the lily, and cast forth their roots as Lebanon. Well, my brother, I am happy to say I have found a few Methodists of the old school here. Under the influence of sincere piety many of our people here know the near way to the throne of grace. They understand how to act faith on the atoning blood of Jesus, so as to have a sweet response of the Holy Spirit in a rich flow of divine unction on themselves and others. For nearly a fortnight we have been unitedly pleading with God for the revival of his work. I have attended ten prayer meetings at six o'clock in the morning, where twenty, thirty, and sometimes nearly forty persons have been present; and oh, what seasons of power and glory God has given us! We have frequently been almost in heaven. God has indeed commanded his grace like dew to fall: refreshing, quickening, saving all. He has deepened his work in the souls of many. Several have got cleansed from all sin, and many are panting for purity of heart. Oh, what mighty pleadings we have for a world of guilty, careless sinners. We have also preaching and prayer meetings in the evening, so that we have plenty of work; but, oh, how sweet it is to work for God and souls. We have not succeeded in getting many of the unconverted to attend our meetings, or we should have had more fruit, and some of those who have come have run from the prayer meetings after preaching, as if they were afraid of being converted. Nevertheless, they have been followed by our prayers, and we trust God will overtake them in their flight, as he overtook Jonah, not in wrath, but in mercy, and make them glad to seek the prayers of the friends of Jesus. Still we have cause to be thankful that some twenty persons have professed faith in Jesus's blood, and have rejoiced in his pardoning love. Oh! for a holy stir throughout the entire community-throughout the entire church of Christ, and throughout this fallen, guilty world of ours; and may our blessed Lord take possession of his own blood-bought property, set up his kingdom in the heart of every child of man, and sway his sceptre from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. Amen, even so come Lord Jesus. I am your ever-affectionate Brother in Christ Jesus, A. LYNN. TEA MEETING, THORNE CIRCUIT. -The annual gathering of our Haxey friends, Thorne circuit, took place on Mr. Brownlow's farm, at High Burnham, on Wednesday, July 28th, 1858. The day was remarkably fine, and the attendance large and respectable. About 500 sat down to partake of the "cup that cheers." After tea, a number of the guests heartily enjoyed themselves by uniting in various healthgiving and innocent amusements. A public meeting was also held in the open air, a farmer's wagon constituting an efficient platform. Addresses of a practical and interesting character were delivered by the Rev. W. Butterworth, Messrs. Curtis, Whitley, and Temper ton. As the shades of evening gathered around, the assembly dispersed apparently much gratified with their visit to the attractive heights of Burnham. The proceeds will be applied towards the reduction of the debt on Haxey new chapel and vestry. On the same day the teachers and scholars of our Sabbath school, Epworth, to the number of 120, with colours flying, walked in procession through the streets; the procession halted in the market-place, and the children were formed in a half-circle, and sang, "I'll away to the Sabbath school," in a manner highly creditable to their teachers. The singing and the interesting appearance of the children produced considerable excitement among the inhabitants of the town, honoured as the birth-place of John Wesley and Alexander Kilham. This Sabbath school was established in the year 1801, and is the oldest in the Isle of Axholme, if not in Lincolnshire. A large omnibus, drawn by four horses, conveyed the teachers, children, and friends to the tea meeting at High Burnham, The loveliness of the day, the picturesque scenery, the large assembly, the excellent tea, and the profitable religious meeting, rendered the gathering most pleasing and exciting. Many thanks are due to our esteemed brother, Mr. Brownlow, for his kindness and unremitting attention in promoting the interest and happiness of the party. WM. BUTTERWORTH. A REPLY TO "A PLEA FOR DEAR SIR,-Will you allow me a corner to say a few words in reply to the "Plea for Simple Metres," which appeared in your last impression? The letter of your correspondent, "Common Metre," appears to me to consist of five or six assertions, unsupported by fact, or argument, and a considerable portion of sarcasm, together with a little inconsistency. To commence with the latter: he accuses me of taking, in my former letter, a one-sided view of the question. Now, the object I had in view was simply to draw attention to the fact that the simple metres were used (so far as I had been able to observe) to the almost entire exclusion of the peculiar metres. I did not say that the peculiars ought to be used in place of the simple wholly, but merely suggested a plan for the judicious use of them along with the others. If this be taking a onesided view of the question, what shall we say of "Common Metre," who condemns P. Ms. in toto, and would confine our singing entirely to C.M., L.M., and S.M.? I will now notice the assertions in the order in which they stand. Assertion 1: "It is well known that they (the simples) are by far preferable to 4 lines 6s and 2-8s, &c., and many other P.Ms." To whom is it well known? I must plead ignorance of the fact, if fact it be. In my former letter I endeavoured prove by comparison, that the "noble and heart-stirring peculiars" were at least equal if not superior to the simples; it appears I have not proved it to the satisfaction of "Common Metre." I have the pleasure of knowing, however, that I am not alone in my opinion, as I shall shortly show. Assertion 2: "Few can sing sacred tunes to the P.Ms." Many can, and do, sing what I consider sacred tunes to them when they have opportunity. I think I shall never forget hearing a to congregation of 2,000 people sing the hymn commencing "How shall a lost sinner in pain, (Hymn 474, 8 lines 8s) at one of I have not Assertion 3: "The peculiars generally are not suited to congregational psalmody, -in fact, they are psalmody at all." Indeed! Perhaps, Mr. Editor, your correspondent would kindly inform us what they are, if they are not psalmody; and also of what true psalmody consists. Assertion 4: "A congregation can much easier catch the strain of a simple than of the peculiar metre." I presume from this that "Common Metre" has had much experience in teaching a congregation tunes, and of course has tried now and then to introduce an "old fashioned peculiar" and failed. If not, his assertion goes for nought. I have had some fifteen or sixteen years' experience as an organist and conductor of a choir, and from what I have observed, I should say that the reverse of this assertion would be nearer the truth. If "Common Metre's" golden rule is to be strictly observed, what will become of progress? The tunes that our fathers sang, sing we; and those shall our children and our children's children sing; for we must by no means introduce a new tune, however excellent, nor even bring out a good old one which has been allowed to lie neglected for a generation, because the congregation cannot join in singing it. I allow it is rather awkward for those who have a taste for music, to be obliged to stand in the great congregation, and not be able to join in singing the praises of their Maker, owing to the tune being some "old fashioned peculiar;" but why should it be so ? Let them bestir themselves and learn the tunes sung by the choir (surely it is worth taking a little pains to be able to join in praising the Lord), and they will then have no need to be silent. Who that "hath music in his soul" can refrain from joining in the singing when that noble old tune "Hanover" (by Handel) is sung to the words "Begone unbelief, my Saviour is near," &c. or Madan's fine tune "Helmsley (8s, 78, 4s) or "Sicilian Mariners " (8s and 7s), or "Portuguese Hymn" (10s and 11s improperly sung by some as L.M.), or the pathetic "Saint Lawrence" (8 lines 7s and 6s), sung to "Jesus drinks the bitter cup," &c. As regards the comparisons in my former letter, I, too, can afford to leave the reader to judge of the superiority of the peculiars in a poetical sense. At the same time I am pleased to know that others hold the same opinion as myself with regard to their superiority. "There are hymns of the loftiest sentiment, clothed in the finest diction, that are scarcely touched. An intelligent congregation, provided with hymn books would much relish this higher species of devotional poetry.' I find that my remarks have extended much further than I at first intended, and, lest I trespass too much on your valuable space, I must draw them to a close. In conclusion, I beg to say that I have no intention of troubling you again on the subject. I am no controversialist, nor do I wish to be. My forte does not lie that way; besides, I think what has been written on both sides of the question quite sufficient to call the attention of candid, thinking men to the subject, and that, I believe, is all that is required. With "Common Metre," I trust * From the article "Church Music" in your last impression. I would respectfully request "Common Metre" to read three or four observations at the close of that article. At the same time allow me to express my thanks to the writer for it, and to hope that the further remarks promised on the same subject will shortly be forthcoming TEA MEETING, DUKINFIELD, ASHTON CIRCUIT.-On Saturday, August 7th, a public meeting was held at Dukinfield, for the benefit of the society and congregation. The Dukinfield friends had exerted themselves in providing trays gratuitously. Our friends at Ashton had come forward cheerfully, and rendered valuable assistance in the same way. The entire proceeds amounted to about £20, which, after paying past deficiencies, leaves a handsome sum to meet the expenses of the current year. After tea our excellent friend, John Whittaker, Esq., of Higher Hurst, took the chair, and opened the meeting in a comprehensive and interesting speech, referring to the object of the meeting as two-fold-financial and spiritual, noticing the general condition of the circuit and the Connexion, and urging all present to more united, prayerful, and energetic labour for the welfare of the circuit and the Connexion. Addresses were also delivered by the Revs. C. J. Donald, J. Addyman, T. Cartwright, T. Clifton, and S. Jackson. The meeting was of a very interesting character, and one well calculated to benefit our interest at Dukinfield, and excite and encourage the circuit. The Rev. T. Cartwright's address deserves special notice for its ability, appropriateness to the occasion, the warm responses it called forth, and the good impression it produced. The chairman, the superintendent of the circuit, and other friends, urgently requested Mr. Cartwright to allow the substance of it to appear in the Magazine. Mr. Cartwright hesitated at first, but on being assured that we thought it likely to have a good influence in arousing inquiry and effort in the Connexion, he consented, and it is forwarded accordingly, and we shall be glad to see it inserted. C. J. DONALD. THE POSITION AND PROSPECTS OF THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION. Mr. Chairman and beloved Friends, -I shall offer a few remarks on the position and prospects of the Metho |