quite indifferent to it, that we are not strictly a missionary Church. It is required to bring us into the common fellowship and brotherhood of Christian communities in this country, at least on the platform where such fellowship is most easily established and enjoyed; and also (a consideration painfully affecting those who have to conduct our public missionary meetings, and of no small importance to the continued efficiency of the meetings themselves) to supply material and motive, and material and motive of our own, for the appeals we are obliged to make for the support of even existing operations.

Finally, brethren, we are committed to this work. No choice is

now left us. Though we fail-since also we may succeed, and with the promises of infinite grace on our side are sure to succeed if faithful-we are bound to make the experiment. We have bound ourselves by oftrepeated expressions of desire, by resolutions frequently adopted at public meetings, and now by the solemn determination of Conference itself. We are pledged to each other; we are pledged to the churches whose ministers and members we have invited to witness and to aid our zeal at our public annual gatherings; above all, we are pledged to God. The pledge must be redeemed, forthink of a pledge in heaven unredeemed, and this, not the pledge of an individual, but of a whole Community, given in its gravest and most authoritative assembly. What, if left unredeemed, will He to whom it was made say unto us? What will he do? Can we still hope for his blessing, though we cease to merit his commendation as "good and faithful"? Nay, apart from any special token of his displeasure, what will be the natural effect of the broken promise and the abandoned purpose, considered in themselves? Discouragement and weakness. Hope will hardly be able to support itself on the slender aliment then left, and energy will die of sheer exhaustion. We shall show ourselves to have bad sufficient enterprise for resolution,

but not enough for action; and will thereby not only proclaim our feebleness but promote and perpetuate it; for every great project decided upon and laid aside, tends to weaken for future operation the very power that first gave it being.

"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, though we thus speak." A mission to the heathen is your desire; it cannot, therefore, fail from your indifference. Still, indifference often supervenes upon delay. The only charm against it is immediate action but this is effectual. Giving promotes generosity, labour stimulates activity, prayer increases devotion; and gifts, labours, and prayer are the three things necessary for the work to which you are now called. It is your work, while yet it is the work of the Lord. Only accept it as such, and you shall find it, because it is the work of the Lord, both a profit and a joy. It is a great work, but not greater than the promise which accompanies the command to do it. Only rise to its magnitude, and you shall realize its blessedness. In the memorable language of William Carey, the honoured apostle of Indian Missions, "EXPECT GREAT THINGS; ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS," and you shall accomplish great things. The expecta tion will inspire the attempt, and the attempt will verify the expectation. But if not, should this latter statement prove incorrect-should the attempt you make, for some mysterious reason, fail of the success you desire-you will have the high satisfaction of having endeavoured to redeem your pledge and to vindicate the honour of our Zion, while to this will be added the yet greater joy of receiving from Him who values motives even more than actions, a commendation similar to that bestowed upon David, His chosen, when He said, "Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart."

We are, Brethren beloved, Yours in Christ Jesus, THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE. October, 1858.

JUBILEE OF THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION SABBATH SCHOOL, HUCKNALL TORKARD, NOTTINGHAM CIRCUIT.-Easter Monday, April 5th, was a bright day to the teachers, scholars, and friends of our Sabbath school, Hucknall Torkard, being the day on which was celebrated the jubilee of that institution. Founded in April, 1808, it had completed the fiftieth year of its existence. By the divine blessing a rich harvest has already been reaped in this field of pious toil, and the future is full of promise. In addition to the benign influence exerted on the moral and religious character of the people generally, our school has been the means of leading many into the paths of salvation. A goodly number, who have enjoyed its hallowed advantages, now occupy posts of usefulness in the church of Jesus Christ. In our own community several estimable ministers, and a considerable number of local preachers, as well as other office-bearers, have gone forth from its bosom.

The season of the jubilee was anticipated by the parties immediately connected with the school, and by others, with eager joyousness. A committee of gentlemen, and another of ladies, was appointed to make the necessary preparations; and right heartily did they work in their respective departments, that all things might be ready for the day of holy gladness.

About two o'clock a procession formed at the chapel moved off; and after parading through the different parts of the village, assembled on the green. Our esteemed friend, the Rev. G. Goodall, himself one of the first scholars of the school, and for several years one of its teachers, and our respected friend, Mr. Piggin, who has been one of the superintendents for more than forty years, headed the procession; followed by Mr. Rhodes, the other superintendent, and Mr. Mellers, Mr. W. and G. Pickup and others, who were scholars at the formation of the school; the Rev. E. Franks and local preachers; teachers, scholars, and friends; making a line extending more than three hundred yards, with numerous flags and banners bearing appropriate inscriptions, and beautifully ornamented with lace edging, kindly given by a friend at Stapleford. Altogether, the procession formed one of the most imposing and interesting exhibitions ever beheld in the neigh

bourhood; and the streets through which it passed were filled with admiring spectators, many of whom felt a lively interest in what they witnessed, having themselves in early life been connected with the school.

On reaching the village green, which was filled with the congregated hundreds, several jubilee hymns were sung, when the Rev. G. Goodall delivered a suitable and effective address to the vast assembly. His appeals to his old playmates and neighbours, and the scholars of the school, were touching and impressive, and will not soon be forgotten. After an appropriate prayer by the Rev. E. Franks, and the singing of the national anthem, the children were conducted to the chapel, to enjoy a distribution of plum cake. Then followed a gathering for tea, which was numerous, many friends being present from Nottingham, and other parts of the circuit. The interior of the chapel was tastefully decorated for the festive occasion; and the meeting which followed, presided over by Mr. Piggin, was of a highly interesting character. Speeches were delivered by Messrs. Goodall, Newbutt, Sutton, G. Pickup, Woollatt, Cale, Ward, R. Mellers, and F. Thompson, all of whom, with the exception of Messrs. Sutton and Ward, had been scholars in the school. The next day the children were treated with tea, when several addresses were delivered by some of the teachers.

Admirable order was preserved throughout these proceedings; much divine enjoyment was realized, and the celebration of our jubilee has left on our hearts a gracious influence. Blessed be God!

NEW ORGAN.

ANOTHER season of rejoicing was experienced by the friends of Hucknall Torkard, in connection with the introduction of a new organ into their chapel, and which was opened on Lord's day, June 20th, when two sermons of superior worth were delivered by the Rev. Ball Scott, one of the preachers of the circuit; Mr. West, of Ilkister, presiding at the organ. The instrument, built by Mr. Halmshaw, of Birmingham, at a cost of about £90, is declared by competent judges to be of a superior quality. It contains the following stops on the register:-1, open diapason, C C, 8 feet to Falto; 2, stop diapason bass, C C to Falto; 3, stop diapason treble, C C to Q Q

F alto; 4, flute; 5, principal, C C to F; 6, twelfth, C C to F; 7, fifteenth, CC to F; 8, Bourdon pedals, C C C to C; 9, coupler to keys, with two octaves of German pedals, and composition pedals.

The external appearance of the organ is good, and the form of its construction is admirably fitted to its position in the chapel, giving a greatly improved appearance to the place.

The day after the opening, a numerous company of friends took tea in the chapel, including many from Nottingham and other places, when the powers of the instrument were well brought out by Mr. F. Kirkley, of Beeston, whose performances greatly delighted the assembly. Addresses were delivered during the evening by the Rev. P. J. Wright, J. Bate, B. M. Scott, Bennett (Primitive), G. Goodall, and Mr. J. F. Sutton. The chair was occupied by Mr. Piggin. The services of the occasion were altogether of a highly satisfactory character, and the collections amounted to about £24.

hearted piety has manifested itself; special religious services have been regularly held, on week evenings and on the Sabbath, often in the open air, and in the most spiritually destitute localities; the school is flourishing; the congregations are good; and encouraging additions have been made to our numbers by the conversion of sinners to God. Brighter and yet more triumphant displays of Jehovah's love and power are desired and expected. God be gracious unto us, and bless us! And to HIM be all praise, to whom alone all praise belongs! Amen,

amen.

THE COMMITTEE.

October 15th, 1858.

[The above report would have given us, and our readers, additional pleasure if it had been furnished to us at an earlier period.-ED.]

TRACT SOCIETY, PARK-STREET, MACCLESFIELD.—' -The annual meeting of this society was held in Lord-street school-room, on Saturday, the 7th of August, when the distributors and their friends took tea together. On the removal of the tables, the Rev. J. Henshaw opened the business of the

meeting by an interesting address on tract distribution. The secretary then read an encouraging report of the proceedings of the year, from which it appeared that our warm-hearted friends, the distributors, had by no means laboured in vain. Many circumstances have occurred to encourage them in their "work of faith, and labour of love." Several persons have been induced to attend the services at Park-street chapel, and others have sent their children to the Sabbathschool. The tracts are generally well received, and the distributors have reason to believe that they are mostly read. In only a few instances have the tracts been rejected. Taken as a whole, there is certainly abundant reason to "thank the Lord and take courage." The number of districts is 21, employing 32 distributors, who circulated every Sabbath-day about 950 tracts. The income of the year had been £4 17s. 9d.; while the sum of £5 4s. 5d. had been expended, leaving a small balance due to the treasurer. It will thus be seen that a large amount of good may be accomplished at a small expense. After the report, the meeting was suitably addressed by the Rev. S. Meldrum, and Messrs. F. Haynes, Peter Baker, W. Higginbotham, and J. Tunstall. Several interesting recitations were given by our young friends, and some very pleasing music performed under the direction of the leader of the choir, Mr. T. Hatten. The distributors again set out upon their mission of faith with renewed determinations to "do what they can" to promote the glory of God, and the salvation of their neighbours. May the Lord of the harvest crown their efforts with his abundant blessing!

G. T.

CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY SERVICES, LYNN.-The annual sermons on behalf of our chapel in Lynn were preached by the Rev. P. J. Wright, of Nottingham, on Sunday, September 19th, 1858. Though Mr. Wright was personally unkown to nearly the whole of our friends in Lynn, he was known to many by his literary works, and by the deep interest he took in the union of this circuit with the New Connexion, and also by his more recent exertions on behalf of our beautiful "tabernacle," having collected and remitted from his · own circuit the sum of £11 5s. This visit was hailed with great delight, and

his reception was of such a character as led him to say to the audience, on the Monday evening, that he was deeply sensible of, and truly grateful for, their great kindness, and that it would afford him great pleasure to visit them again on some subsequent occasion. On the Sabbath the chapel was well filled both morning and evening, and the sermons listened to with the most profound attention. The morning subject was, "The Transfiguration of Christ;" and the evening subject, "Heaven itself." Great has been the appreciation of both discourses, and it is based on their instructive and profitable character. At the tea meeting, on the following day, about two hundred and sixty persons partook of the good things so bountifully provided by eighteen ladies; after which an adjournment took place into the chapel. Our warm-hearted and indefatigable brother, Mr. J. L. Fysh, was called to the chair, and he discharged his duties with his accustomed cheerfulness and well-known ability. Mr. Whiteman, the chapel treasurer, read the annual report, which stated that the expenses incurred last year by altering, cleaning, and painting the chapel have all been liquidated, and that the yearly income, arising from seat-rents, collections, &c., has been adequate to the working expenditure. Mr. W. expressed his satisfaction with the results of the preceding day, and then said, "I am happy to say that to-night (referring to Mr. Wright) we have got the right man in the right place." Mr. Jabez Burcham moved the adoption of the report, and the writer of this seconded it. The Rev. D. Sheldon next addressed the meeting on aggressive movements on the part of the church, urging every member to immediate action. The Rev. E. L. Hull (Baptist) spoke on Christian liberality, and denounced a sectarian spirit. The Rev. P. J. Wright followed with a speech replete with Christian sentiment, and inculcating the duty of meditation, trust in God, and working for his glory. collection was then made, which, with the collections of the preceding day and the proceeds of the tea meeting, amounted to about £22. An efficient choir performed several pieces of sacred music during the evening. After several votes of thanks were passed, this deeply interesting and truly profitable meeting closed.

A

Our regular congregation in Lynn is

excellent; and a depth of feeling generally characterizes our public services. The circuit throughout is improving, and the people are becoming thoroughly connexional. We are expecting a revival of religion; and by united and prayerful efforts we shall abundantly realize it.

J. WHITE.

NEWCASTLE ANNIVERSARY. The anniversary sermons, on behalf of Salem chapel, Newcastle - on - Tyne, were preached September 19th, in the morning and evening by the Rev. S. Hulme, of Leeds, and in the afternoon by the Rev. H. Downes. On Monday, September 20th, the annual tea meeting was held. The tables were furnished gratuitously, and the provisions were abundant and good. After tea Joseph Love, Esq., of Willington Hall, with his wonted kindness and efficiency presided, and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. S. Hulme, W. Booth, G. Bell (Presbyterian), L. Saxton, H. Downes; and Messrs. Grant and Prockter. The services were, on the whole, well attended and very interesting. Mr. Hulme preached with his accustomed eloquence and power, and his visit was highly appreciated. The amount realized was much the same as on similar occasions for some time past. L. S.

HALIFAX SOUTH CIRCUIT. On Lord's day, October 10th, sermons were preached in Hanover chapel, Halifax, in the morning by the Rev. T. Gutteridge, of Rochdale, and in the evening by the Rev. T. W. Ridley, of Ripon; at Elland, afternoon and evening, by the Rev. T. Hartley, of Rochdale; at Soyland, morning and afternoon, by the Rev. T. W. Ridley; and at Boulderclough, morning and afternoon, by the Rev. P. T. Gilton. On Monday evening a public meeting was held in Hanover chapel, Frank Crossley, Esq., M.P., in the chair. The attendance was large, notwithstanding the unfavourable weather. After the report was read, the opening address from the chair was received with great applause. The Rev. Jno. Innocent spoke with great effect. Next followed the deputation (the Revs. T. W. Ridley and T. Gutteridge), who produced a most excellent feeling in the meeting. Other meetings were held during the week,viz., on Tuesday night at Elland, at Soyland on Wednesday night, and at

Boulderclough on Thursday night. The meetings were more numerously attended than any previous ones. Prominence was given in the report, and the speeches of the deputation, to the resolutions of the last Conference respecting a mission to the heathen. Though the friends were informed by the speakers that a foreign mission would require a great advance in the income of the General Fund, and that Halifax South must contribute at least one fourth more than last year, yet the responses in favour of the contemplated mission were most marked and enthusiastic. The chairman at the Halifax meeting expressed a hope that the Connexion would soon send two or three missionaries to the distant heathen, and ventured to predict that such a step would, under God, secure us a higher place in the estimation of other churches, and a larger amount of prosperity in our home operations.

JOHN RAMSDEN.

METHODIST NEW CONNEXION.Zion Chapel, Boston.-On Monday, September 20th, the above chapel was closed for cleaning, painting, and re

pairing, and was re-opened on Sunday last, when two excellent and useful sermons were preached by the Rev. R. C. Turner, of Newark, to numerous and respectable congregations. The collections amounted to £17 11s. 4d. On Monday a public tea was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and between two and three hundred persons partook of an excellent repast. After

tea the meeting was opened by the resident minister, the Rev. T. Rudge, and Mr. J. H. Bailey was called to the chair. Eloquent and stirring addresses were delivered by the Revs. R. C. Turner, J. Keynes, J. Ruff, J. Shaw, and T. Rudge. During the evening the audience was entertained with several pieces of sacred music, sung by the choir, and accompanied by the organ, in a style which reflected great credit on the talented organist, Mr. J. H. Bailey. The whole of the proceedings passed off with every satisfaction, and all enjoyed the feast morally and intellectually. The total amount of the proceeds of the anniversary is £30.

This, for Boston, is a noble sum, and about one-third more than has been raised at any former anniversary.-The Lincolnshire Guardian, Oct. 6, 1858.

MEMOIR OF JOSEPH ROUND,

WOODSIDE, DUDLEY.

BY HIS ELDEST SON JOSEPH.

Ir is with great reluctance that I address myself to the mournful task of writing out a sketch of the life of an esteemed parent. The reluctance I feel is increased when I think that biographers are often charged with excess and colouring in their notices of good men; that they dwell upon their excellencies almost to the exclusion of their defects. This fault I am anxious to avoid. It should not, however, be forgotten that all human biographies of the experience of holy men must necessarily be imperfect. Many of their mental conflicts must in the nature of things be hidden from us. The character of their intercourse with God cannot always be rightly estimated. We can only judge of the character of that intercourse and fellowship with God by its manifest effects in the life. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of

a man which is in him; even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."

It is not my purpose to attempt to portray a perfect character, but to record a few facts and incidents in the life of the subject of this memoir which will speak for themselves, and by which we may judge of the reality of his spiritual life.

My deceased father was born in March, 1797, at Woodside, near Dudley. His father, Isaac Round, though not a professor of religion, was a man uniformly correct in his moral deportment, and, like Isaac of old, he possessed a peaceable disposition, which gained for him the esteem and affection of all who knew him; and had the neighbourhood been supplied with the religious means which it now enjoys, he, no doubt, would have been a member of some Christian church. In the early part of his life there was not a single place of worship in the village. Still, Isaac delighted to read and medi