figures. The piety of the members and officers of the church has been raised to unusual activity and zeal. Class-rooms, which a short time since were nearly empty at the hour appointed for class-meetings, are now filled. The public and social means of grace are wells filled with water; every service is felt to be a time of refreshing, coming forth from the presence of the Lord. And so happy are the friends in the house of God, that it is difficult to induce them to leave when a service is closed. Very often when the minister present has pronounced the benediction, some friend, whose heart is glowing with the fire of Christian love, will lead off with a hymn, in which others join, and thus they continue till the gas is turned off; when, as a finale for the evening, they will sing another hymn in front of the chapel.

Last Thursday evening, Mr. Caughey held a recognition service, of a rather novel but deeply interesting character, in Bethesda. The public were excluded; members of society were admitted on showing their quarterly ticket, and accommodated with seats under the galleries; and the persons who have received special mercies in connection with the services, were admitted by tickets printed for their use, and seated in the centre of the chapel.

After the meeting had been opened with praise and prayer, and a short address by Mr. Caughey, the converts were brought up in companies to the communion rail, and after two questions had been put to them, to elicit whether they still retained a sense of the Divine favour, and had joined any Christian church, they knelt around the communion table, while Mr. Caughey, or some other brother, commended them in prayer to the Lord. The service lasted upwards of two hours, and was one of great spiritual profit. It gave to several of our friends a far more favourable impression of the revival, than they had previously entertained.

I have already exceeded the limits which I had prescribed to myself when I began this letter, but I cannot close it, without saying a few words about Mr. Caughey himself. It will naturally be presumed, that a series of services which draw together, for many weeks in succession, large masses of human beings, and which are followed by such imposing results, must have some elements of attraction and power, which invest them with an extraordinary

character. All who have heard Mr. Caughey for a few times are ready to acknowledge this; and yet there are very few who can see that in him, as a man, or in his public efforts, which enables them to account for the immediate effects which he produces. One person, after hearing him a few times, will give it as his opinion, that the secret of his popularity lies in the simplicity of his style, for all understand him, and his skill as an actor. A second will say, that it may be traced to two things, the large number of interesting anecdotes that he relates, and to the pictorial character of his preaching: he presents truth in the concrete; makes bold sketches, and draws a succession of scenes which fasten the minds of his hearers long enough upon the truth to secure its legitimate influence. A third would, perhaps, say, that an unusual manifestation of religious feelings is the secret of his influence, and sustain this view by showing that the female mind, and such men as have fine sensibilities, yield the most readily to his appeals and a fourth might possibly say, Mr. Caughey's power does not consist in any of these things, but in his pre-eminent piety. He is, in a special sense, a man of God. He has special revelations from the Lord; and comes into the pulpit, as he often says, to utter the very heart of God to the people. Perhaps, it would not be far from the truth to say, the secret of Mr. Caughey's influence in the pulpit lies in this, that he combines, in an eminent degree, the several elements of power just enumerated.

Be this as it may, all who have heard him preach a few times in Hanley, and those who have seen most of him in private, are as one in their high appreciation of his religious character. He holds up from the pulpit a high standard of personal piety, as at once the duty and the privilege of the followers of Christ; and the most careful observer of him, whether in public or in private, will never see him perform an act, nor hear a word fall from his lips, out of harmony with the lofty ideal of Christian excellence which he reeommends to others. He is a very genial and loving man. There is nothing monkish nor melancholy in his religion. He is a happy Christian, and entirely free from the censoriousness of spirit which some men of his class unhappily indulge.

For myself, I may say, that while I

am perplexed by some of the means which he employs in public to advance God's cause, and at times constrained to ask, would Christ, or Paul, or John have employed these means? I have seldom met with any man for whose character I have been led to cherish a profounder sentiment of respect and love; and I shall ever retain a grateful recollection of my intercourse with him, in public and in private, during his sojourn in Hanley.

Praying that God may greatly bless him, and conserve the results of his labours amongst us, and thus render them a permanent blessing,-I am, my dear Sir, yours affectionately,

A. M.CURDY.

Hanley, Dec. 16, 1858.

GOOD NEWS FROM BOLTON CIRCUIT. -Dear Mr. Cooke,-I am sure you will rejoice to hear that the work of God is prospering amongst us at Bolton. We have not very frequently sent you accounts of our progress. Nevertheless, we have been gradually advancing, as the following statement will show. Nine years ago the Missionary Committee resolved to make Bolton a Home Mission Station, and the first in our community. They found us under the care of Manchester circuit, to which we had fled for refuge after the storm which passed over us had subsided, and we received from our kind friends sympathy in our trouble. The Rev. J. Wilson was sent by the committee to build up the church. He found it consisting of about nineteen members, and thirty of a congregation, worshipping in a small school room on one side of the town. After three years' hard labour and toil he raised the cause to 100 members, and by the liberality of the friends on the spot, and the generous contribution of the Missionary Committee and the friends of the Con nexion, we were enabled to erect our beautiful sanctuary, Sabbath schools, and preacher's house, at a cost of three thousand pounds. Two thousand one hundred of this we have already paid, leaving only nine hundred pounds of debt. In that sanctuary the Rev. B. Turnock preached for two years with good success; and then followed the Rev. S. Smith, who laboured hard and with encouraging prosperity for three years. Our present minister is the Rev. N. Bishop, and from the time he came amongst us to the present, the results have been even more cheering

than at any former time. Our returns to last Conference were upwards of 170 members, and our subsequent increase has been more rapid. We have let about seventy sittings, and many families have become members of our congregation, who never had before any knowledge of our Connexion, but who are now becoming thoroughly attached to the community. Others who for years have been unbelievers in Christianity altogether have been brought to chapel and are now amongst the most regular hearers of the word. We have about 230 sittings let, and our congregation averages nearly 300. The Sunday school is in a very flourishing condition; we have 170 scholars, and a great many of these are adults. Our long-tried friend Mr. Cunliffe labours very efficiently as superintendent.

Cheering as are the above facts, yet those who were waiting for the consolation of Israel had to deplore the want of spiritual power in our church. There may be steady progress in a congregation and complete organization in a church, and yet there may be the absence of vitality. That lack greatly troubled the pious in Israel. The October Quarterly Meeting resolved that special sermons should be held in each place throughout the circuit, Leginning at Bolton. The friends held social prayer meetings in each other's houses, where they casually met together; also each member was exhorted to take the subject into the closet, and make it a special matter of private prayer that God would bless his heritage. This gradually prepared the way.

On October 24th the first shot was fired into the enemy's camp, and it proved successful. Mr. Bishop, who had long been praying and labouring for this glorious work, preached from Proverbs, "I called but ye refused." A most powerful impression was made under the sermon, scores of cheeks were bedewed with tears, and many of them tears of penitence. In the prayermeeting after sermon, many rushed to the penitent form, and found mercy. During the week following we had services every night, short exhortations, followed by special prayer. And oh, what holy feelings filled our hearts! It was good to be there. During the week sixteen souls found the Lord.

Sunday, October 31st, the Rev. J. Wilson of Huddersfield preached the anniversary sermons. His visit will

long be remembered. In the evening he preached from Isaiah-"Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth," &c. After the sermon several penitents came forward, and two found peace. Mr. Wilson remained with us on the Monday night, and preached on forgiveness of sins, when several other penitents came forward, and one soul was set at liberty. On Tuesday night the writer preached from "My Spirit shall not always strive with man," when fourteen souls were released from bondage. Wednesday night the Rev. S. Jackson preached on "Heaven," when seven more enjoyed the Lord. Thursday night Mr. Bishop gave a powerful address, when several more sinners cried for mercy, and found the pearl of great price. Friday night the Rev. W. Baggaly kindly assisted us, and preached on prayer. Two souls were pardoned. Saturday night we finished with a band meeting, and truly it was good to be there. After fifteen nights' severe conflict with the enemy, forty-seven souls could rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. FORTY-SEVEN SOULS! What hath God wrought? It is all of the Lord's doing. "Not unto us, but unto thy name be the glory.' Several of these belonged to other churches, but the greater part were from our own congregation and Sunday school.

The result of the above sermons is another striking fact of that which you, dear Sir, have, in our valuable Magazine, been advocating for years, and, thank God, with great success. That earnest Christianity in connection with Methodism is still powerful in awakening the sleeper and arousing a dormant church to life. Go on, dear brother, to press the matter upon the attention of every circuit, and God will bless you. If Methodism be carried out in its simplicity, it will succeed; its day is not gone by, as some would say; it is going on to its meridian brightness. Oh that we had more power! Then, instead of declension of piety, we should have a glorious revival throughout the length and breadth of our community. Thank God, nothing can hinder it if we are determined. Hell may oppose, the world may try to stop the onward movement, and cold, lukewarm,worldlyminded, half-hearted, professors of Christ may look with jealous eye, yet it shall go on. The word of the Lord hath spoken it. Christ's kingdom shall increase from the rivers even unto the

ends of the earth. If we are careless and indifferent, God will raise up others in our stead to carry on the work. It must go on. Preachers and people, up! the work is great; the conflict may be severe and protracted, but victory is certain. Shall we rest on our oars when near the whirlpool, or put our swords in their scabbard in sight of the enemy? God forbid. Let us carry on the campaign during the whole of the winter, and then at the next Conference we shall have to number our increase by thousands instead of by hundreds, as heretofore. Oh, that God would pour out a blessing that there shall not be room to contain! A. PILLING.

REOPENING OF RED HALL CHAPEL, ASHTON CIRCUIT.-For several weeks our chapel has been undergoing repairs and suitable alterations. The roof and ceiling have been in a great measure replaced, the old stone floor has been substituted with boards, the pews down stairs have been exchanged for others offering more ease and comfort, a beautiful communion has been introduced, and the entire edifice received an improved and beautified appearance.

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Being the oldest chapel in our beloved Connexion, there are many who have worshipped here, and others who still delight in its sacred walls, who can record the scenes of bygone days, the ministry by which they were awakened and conducted to Jesus, the very sittings occupied by many who now swell the number of the just made perfect, the peculiar emotions of purest joy that have loosed in rapture father's tongue, or drawn the silent tear from a mother's eye, and when removed from the place thus engraven on the heart by the artifice of memory, the enchantment of love, and the earliest, purest, and deepest affections of childhood, they enter into the meaning and sentiment of the Psalmist, when he represents himself as envying the very birds protected and sheltered under the porch, covered with shade from the ivy on the wall, and charmed with the sweet songs of praise.

Our chapel was reopened on Sunday, October 3rd, 1858, by the Rev. H. O. Crofts, who preached, morning and evening, two able sermons, full of rich feeling and interest; and in the afternoon the Rev. C. J. Donald delivered a sermon of uncommon interest and power. Also Sunday, October 10th, the Rev. S. Jackson preached in

the morning. The Rev. Addyman, president of conference, preached an affectionate and fervent discourse in the afternoon; and in the evening we were favoured with the services of our much esteemed and beloved minister, the Rev. W. Cooke, who gave an elaborate and masterly sermon on the intercession of the Holy Spirit, which was appreciated by a large and intelligent congregation. On Saturday, October 16th, a public tea meeting was held, presided over by the lay delegate of our conference, John Whittaker, Esq., J.P., who very faithfully and affectionately pointed out our faults as part of the professed Church of Christ, and then, in a manner and spirit not soon to be forgotten, urged us to employ the right means to insure prosperity. The ministers and others spoke. Through the liberality of John Whittaker, Esq., John Oasey, Esq., and others, who have provoked our friends to good works, we raised in our small village, in various ways, the noble sum of £200. SAMUEL JACKSON.

Dec. 17, 1858.

ANNUAL MEETING AT SALEM, MANCHESTER, NORTH CIRCUIT.-On Wednesday, November 10th, 1858, we held our great tea meeting at Salem. For several weeks a feeling highly favourable to the occasion was awakened both in the town and neighbourhood; and long ere the time arrived many were on their way to join us at our annual festival. As they entered the school-room a feeling of surprise evidently rested on every countenance, and no doubt emotions of delight were awakened in every breast. This was attributable to the indefatigable labours of our noble-minded friend, Mr. Chadwick, assisted by his brothers, Mr. Haines, and a few other young friends, who had embellished the walls and every part of the room in the most striking and tasteful manner. Inscriptions and mottoes, cut and worked in various forms, met the eye in every direction. They were all appropriate, and admirably arranged. Valuable instruction was thus blended with the most tasteful decorations; and if the moral lessons taught in those ingenious devices be only allowed to find a lodgment in the minds and hearts of those who saw them, many will have cause to thank God, not only in time, but throughout eternity, for their opportune visit to Salem Sunday-school.

Twenty-eight tables, and most of them suited to accommodate twelve each, were arranged on the groundfloor, and placed under the care of an equal number of ladies. Three others were erected on the platform, and the committee appointed their old and generous friend, Mrs. Chadwick, the minister's wife, and our much-esteemed friend Mrs. Pegg, to preside over them.

Soon after five o'clock the place was crowded. To admit more with any degree of comfort was impossible, and we were obliged to close the doors. When the first party had been served they went up into the chapel, and others entered the school to take their places at the tables. By the judicious arrangements of the committee, all this was done with the greatest order and dispatch, and before seven o'clock we found ourselves congregated together in the chapel, and ready for an intellectual feast.

Never did Salem Chapel look better than it did on this occasion. Every seat which gave a view of the platform was crowded, and not a few were obliged to seek accommodation in the aisles. The meeting commenced by singing that well-known hymn

"Praise ye the Lord: 'tis good to raise," &c. After which the Rev. C. Shaw engaged in prayer. The superintendent then introduced the chairman, John Whittaker, Esq., of Hurst, who was received with greeting acclamations. His address was plain, pointed, practical, and embraced a variety of topics, which will not be soon forgotten. Before resuming his seat he introduced the Rev. E. Wright, who made a few remarks on "Manly piety." An anthem was then sung, after which the Rev. C. J. Donald gave, with his inimitable characteristics, a speech on "the masses," which called forth many a hearty response from his fascinated hearers. The Rev. T. Allin then gave out that touching hymn

"Rock of ages, cleft for me," &c., which being sung, the Rev. J. A. Picton (Independent) gave a beautiful and telling address on "the state and prospects of the church." The Rev. S. Jackson followed, with great energy and effect, on "the saints before the throne." Another anthem was then given, and followed by the Rev. W. Cocker, who spoke admirably on "the Bible." The Rev. W. M'Caw, being called, offered his congratulations to

the New Connexion, and urged "the necessity of unity and love amongst all sections of the Christian Church." A few appropriate and telling remarks were then made by the Rev. H. Piggin, after which the Rev. J. Coultas gave out two verses of the 408th hymn

"O let us thus go on

In all thy pleasant ways," &c., which was sung with deep feeling and evident delight.

The evening was now far advanced, and the chairman having exchanged seats with the superintendent, the Rev. W. Baggaly, our excellent friend Mr.

Makinson rose to move a vote of thanks to the chairman for his valuable services, and for the very obliging manner in which he had accepted our invitation to preside over the meeting. Mr. Makinson referred at the same time to the choir, and specially to the organist, who had acquitted himself with great satisfaction; to Mr. Chadwick, who had so tastefully ornamented both the school and chapel, and otherwise rendered great service in getting up that meeting; and also to the ladies who had presided at the trays. Mr. Derbyshire, to whom the Manchester North Circuit and the Connexion at large are laid under deep and lasting obligations, warmly seconded the motion. Before putting it to the vote, Mr. Baggaly said he felt in duty bound to mention another name, which probably a feeling of modesty had prevented the mover of the resolution from noticing, and that was his estimable and devoted brother, Mr. John Makinson, whose services in relation to both the Society and Circuit were not only on that occasion, but at all times, beyond all praise. Reference was also made to our laborious friend Mr. Jones, who had made the tea, and otherwise toiled with unwearied zeal in getting up the meeting; also to Messrs. Moss, Haines, and Harwood, who were very useful. The motion being put, elicited warm expressions of gratitude, which Mr. Whittaker most feelingly acknowledged.

The pecuniary results of this anniversary are also highly satisfactory. The subscription list before the meeting must have been near £20 in advance of last year, the chairman's contributions at both times included. This noble effort will place our Society's exchequer in comfortable circumstances. Towards this John Whittaker, Esq., generously offered £10, and others have come forward in a

manner which reflects the highest credit on their zeal and liberality.

On the platform, in addition to the parties above named, we recognised our excellent and long-tried friends, Mr. Pegg, of Culcheth; Mr. Martin, of Altrincham; Mr. Pilling, of Bolton; Mr. Brownill, of Sheffield; Mr. Roberts, of Huddersfield; and Messrs. J. Makinson, Teale, and Brookes, of Manchester.

Mr. Donald remarked, in the course of his address, that he had seen some good meetings in Manchester before, but at no time had he ever witnessed anything to compare with what he saw that night. He was no doubt perfectly correct, and his remark soon found a powerful echo in every part of that vast assembly.

A little before ten o'clock the Rev. W. Longbottom gave out "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," which being sung heartily, the superintendent pronounced the blessing, and the meeting broke up, under a deep and settled conviction that, at Salem, 66 we never saw it on this fashion."

And it will be gratifying to the friends of the Connexion to hear that, on the preceding Saturday (November 10th), a similar meeting was held at our new place, Newton Heath, which was scarcely inferior to the above in real interest. Our excellent friends at Culcheth who took up this place about five months ago, have worked admirably; and now they have near one hundred scholars connected with it. The attendance at the tea meeting was too great to be accommodated even at twice, and they were obliged to spread out the tables a third time. When tea was over, the Rev. W. Baggaly was called to the chair, and Messrs. W. Longbottom, J. Smith, J. Macnamee, J. Brookes, and Waterhouse Devenport, assisted at the meeting. Several of the scholars recited suitable pieces, under the direction of our worthy friend Mr. Hyde, and a feeling of great delight was evinced by all present. As a first effort, it was most encouraging, and would have done credit to some of the oldest societies in the Connexion. May the little one become a thousand!

A FRIEND TO BOTH PLACES.

YORK CIRCUIT.-Rev. and dear Sir, Our friends in the Connexion will doubtless be glad to hear of anything like progress in connection with our infant cause at York. You will be