Page images
PDF
EPUB

and the Christian public, at the time the premises were erected, a debt was left remaining of £1550,-a debt far too heavy for an infant cause like that to sustain: the result was, that in consequence of numerous removals, and other losses sustained during the late period of commercial depression, the debt increased upwards of £150, leaving a total on the premises of £1700.

The Trustees and several friends felt that this state of things could not continue without endangering the existence of the concern-they therefore resolved to lay a statement of matters before the public with a view to solicit their co-operation, and thus, by one general effort, to raise a sum sufficient to place the premises in such circumstances as to relieve the Trustees from future difficulties.

The Trustees commenced a subscription, and a tea party was held as above stated, when an appeal was made to the company assembled, which was responded to, by several of our own friends especially, in a manner which did credit to Connexional feeling and Christian principle. Individuals belonging to other denominations were present on the occasion, and gave proof of their sympathy by contributing to the object we had in view. After tea, our highly esteemed and valued friend J. Thornhill, Esq. was called to the chair, and opened the business of the meeting by a very excellent and appropriate address. The Secretary and Treasurer to the meeting having taken their places near the platform, the business commenced; and for some time they were fully employed, receiving various sums of money, from five shillings upwards, handed over by different persons in the room.

The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Wm. Cooke, of Newcastle, who kindly favoured us with his presence on the occasion, and also by the Revs. T. Scattergood and J. Howard, in connection with Messrs. S. M'Cullock, Wm. Hill, and J. Newton The amount of contributions at the close of the meeting was announced to be upwards of £300. The meeting was, altogether, one of a very exciting description, and will be long remembered with grateful feelings by many of our Portwood friends. Several having since heard the nature of the meeting, sincerely regret their absence, and have given substantial proof by forwarding contributions to Mr. Potts, the Secretary of the meeting.

It is the intention of the Trustees and friends to resume the effort, perhaps on next Good Friday, with the view of raising £200 more. One of the Trustees, Mr. Chapman, has signified his intention, if spared, to favour the meeting with his presence, and an additional contribution of £20.

Portwood.

IRISH CONFERENCE AT BELFAST.

J. HOWARD.

THE public services of this Conference commenced in Salem Chapel, on Lord's-day, April 13th. A prayer-meeting was held at six o'clock in the morning, and the Rev. W. M'Clure delivered a very appropriate discourse at seven, on the character and progress of the Christian church, from Acts ii. 47. The Annual Missionary Sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Argue, from Bangor, at eleven o'clock, and the Rev. Wm. Baggaly, Superintendent of the Mission, at seven in the evening. The former very ably showed that the gospel is adapted, as it was designed, to meet the necessities of the whole world; and the latter dwelt on the present condition and future happiness of the saints, with good effect. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper closed the morning service, and a prayer-meeting in the evening, when Ministers and friends united in pleading with God for an immediate and extensive revival of his work. The day was extremely boisterous, attended with heavy rain and hail; yet notwithstanding that, two services were held in the open air, conducted by Messrs. J. Seymour, Barker, Harrison, Sorsby, and Nicholson. At Dunbar's Dock the attendance was very large, but scarcely had the service commenced, than a violent storm came on, and threatened to break up the meeting. Fortunately a large shed was just at hand, to which the congregation immediately repaired; and the brethren continued their labours without any further interruption.

Next morning, brother Baird preached at five o'clock, and the Conference assembled at six. It was opened in the usual way; and when properly constituted, the brethren proceeded to elect their officers by ballot. The Rev. Wm. Baggaly was again unanimously chosen President, and the Rev. Wm. M'Clure was appointed Secretary. The Conference thus formed, proceeded at once to business; sitting from six to nine in the morning, and from half-past ten to four in the evening The Missionary Meeting commenced at seven o'clock, when Andrew Mulholland, Esq. the Mayor of Belfast,

presided. The Revs. W. Sorsby, H. Harrison, J. Argue, W. M'Clure, W. Barker, J. Lyons, and Mr. D. Rolston, assisted on the occasion; and their excellent and telling addresses on the nature and importance of Christian Missions will long be remembered. The severity of the weather militated much against the congregations, yet the collections were a little in advance of last year.

Tuesday morning, brother Nicholson preached at five o'clock; and in the evening at seven, Messrs. Baird and M'Intyre having finished their probation were publicly ordained for the ministry by the imposition of hands. The Rev. T. Argue commenced with singing and prayer; the Rev. H. Harrison asked the usual questions; the Rev. W. M'Clure offered the ordination prayer, and the Rev. W. Baggaly delivered the charge, from 1 Tim iv. 16, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." The Rev. T. Seymour concluded with prayer. This was a very solemn service, and will long be remembered by all who had the privilege of being present on the occasion. Wednesday morning, brother M'Intyre preached at five o'clock, and brother Harrison delivered an intellectual and useful discourse at seven in the evening.

Whilst the public services of this Conference have been interesting and profitable, its business has been of the highest importance to the general usefulness of the Mission. The embarrassments of 1844, led the Chester Conference to direct the Superintendent to look into its real condition, and place it on a more efficient and satisfactory footing, That has been done as far as practicable, and the result has already exceeded expectations. The number of members presents a small increase in the Circuits retained last Conference, and the financial affairs are greatly improved. In 1844, nine Circuits presented deficiencies to the amount of £140 Os. 9d., towards which, the Yearly Collection only furnished £4 14s. 5d., leaving a nett deficiency of £135 6s. 4d. This year only four Circuits presented deficiencies amounting to £23 2s. 11d., and £6 9s 1d. from the Yearly Collection being divided amongst them, brought down that sum to £16 13s. 10d. Many other important changes were submitted to Conference, and unanimously approved, all parties believing they will produce the happiest results. In no deliberative assembly could there be more unanimity than in this, for the brethren were unanimous on almost every question that came before them. In each and every one there appeared a deep anxiety to discover and adopt the very best plans to secure the prosperity and extension of the Connexion; and to those objects their consultations and prayers were uniformly directed. Many expressed their conviction that it was the best Conference that has been held in this country; and all were agreed that their finances were never before in a more satisfactory state. A resolution was adopted to double the income from the Circuits to the Paternal Fund for the ensuing year; and the Leaders and Stewards were most earnestly and affectionately requested to co-operate with their Ministers, in improving all our Connexional institutions. A Committee was appointed to revise the rules of the Beneficent Society, and prepare for settling it on Trust, agreeably to its original design. A Preacher was transferred from the north to a far more necessitous and destitute district in the south, and plans and arrangements were made for working some of the old stations upon a plan that will tend to the furtherance of the gospel. A day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, was appointed, which it is hoped all the members and friends of the Connexion will improve by con fessing their sins, and making a fresh surrender of themselves-bodies, souls, time, talents, property,-and all they possess, to the glory of God. Petitions to both Houses of Parliament against the proposed grant to Maynooth were resolved upon, to be signed by the President and Secretary, on behalf of Conference, praying that that obnoxious measure may not pass into law. The Conference continued its deliberations until Thursday, when an extra sitting brought its duties to a close at half-past nine o'clock in the evening. Messrs. Argue and T. Seymour prayed; and a most gracious feeling pervaded the meeting whilst the brethren commended each other to God, and implored his blessing on their future labours. May this year be as the former, and much more abundant!

BALLYCLARE CHAPEL, IRELAND.

THIS Chapel was built in the year 1843, twenty pounds being allowed from the General Fund to assist in the erection. Most strenuous and commendable exertions were made at the time to complete the premises and leave them free from debt-but in vain. About £46 was found remaining unpaid in 1844, which is a very serious amount with a few poor people in this country. £30 on note was then called in, and having no funds whatever to meet the demand, Messrs. Barker and M'Intyre set out o beg it, if possible. Their success fully equalled expectations; and it was thought

the sum thus raised, together with subscriptions on the spot, and the proceeds of a tea party would nearly clear off the entire debt. A tea meeting was therefore held in the Chapel on the 20th of February, when the Superintendent and Mr. M'Clure assisted in urging the subject on the attention of the friends. A long list of subscriptions was then announced, but the attendance not being as numerous as anticipated, a small balance was found unprovided for when the accounts were closed. Under those circumstances a proposition was made to the Preacher, and friends at the place, which was readily accepted, and the Chapel set free to the Connexion. Would that every estate in Ireland was like Ballyclare and Priest Hill-entirely free from debt. Belfast.

WM. BAGGALY.

THE LATE CONFERENCE AT NOTTINGHAM.

ON Sunday, the 11th of May, the religious services of our Annual Conference were commenced by a prayer-meeting in the vestry of Parliament Street Chapel, at six o'clock. At seven, the opening sermon was preached by the Rev. A. Lynn; the attendance was numerous, and the presence of God was powerfully felt. At half-past ten, the Rev. J. Bakewell preached, and in the evening the Rev W. Burrows delivered a discourse abounding with practical and impressive statements of divine truth, when a collection was made on behalf of our Missions. In the afternoon a love-feast was conducted by Messrs. Lynn and Bradshaw, when many found it good to be there, whilst listening to the simple and heart-thrilling announcements of those who declared what God had done for their souls. Throughout the day the congregations were numerous and attentive. A hallowing and delightful influence attended the services of the Lord's house, and we trust that impressions were produced which would be both permanent and saving. During the week the five o'clock morning services were conducted by the Revs. J. Nelson; J. Wynne; J. Poxon, and T. Smith; and on Friday evening the Rev. T. W. Ridley preached.

On the Monday evening, May 12th, a Missionary Meeting was held in Parliament Street Chapel. In the absence of our respected Treasurer, the chair was occupied by Mr. Oldham, of Macclesfield. The meeting was addressed with considerable interest and effect by the Revs. W. Baggaly, Cooke, P. J. Wright, J. H. Robinson, and G. Goodall. Tuesday evening was signalized by holding a social Tea Meeting in the large room of the Mechanics' Hall, when about seven hundred of our friends partook of the beverage which cheers but not inebriates. W. Ridgway, Esq., presided, and the company were gratified by the very excellent addresses which were delivered.

On Wednesday evening, May 14th, the Revs. J. Stacey, W. Beresford, and B. Turnock, were publicly recognized as preachers in full connexion. The statements delivered by the candidates were at once interesting and satisfactory, and the services were solemn and impressive. On Thursday evening, the Rev. S. Hulme delivered the charge, which, for the eloquence of its style, and the fidelity and wisdom of its counsels, claims the highest praise. On the following Sabbath, a prayer-meeting was held at six o'clock; the Rev. P. J. Wright preached at seven; the Rev. T. Waterhouse at half-past ten; the Rev. W. Baggaly at half-past two, and the Rev. W. Cooke in the evening at six. At the close of the public service the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. S. Woodhouse and Cooke, and the Revs. W. Ford, T. Scattergood, J. Bakewell, T. Mills, and others, assisted in giving out the hymns and distributing the elements. On Monday evening, May 19th, the religious services were concluded by an excellent discourse from the Rev. G. Bradshaw.

On both the Conference Sabbaths the numerous Chapels in the country parts of the Circuit were supplied by Members of the Conference; and on Wednesday evening a very interesting Missionary Meeting was held at Hucknall. R. Barford, Esq., of London, presided; and the Revs. C. Atkinson, W. Cooke, Baggaly, G. Bradshaw, and J. Bakewell, advocated the claims of our Mission.

Having given a brief outline of the religious services of the Conference, our readers will doubtless expect some information relative to the business proceedings of our Annual Assembly. The Rev. W. Ford was, for the second time, chosen President; Mr. Bates, of London, Secretary; and the Rev. S. Hulme, Corresponding Secretary. Brotherly union and Christian affection gave a salutary and harmonising tone to the deliberations. These deliberations secured a more vigorous and devoted attention, and were brought to an earlier termination in consequence of the abandonment of the early morning sitting; an arrangement which served only to weary and exhaust the members, without being attended with any practical advantage. Various matters deeply affecting the interests of our beloved Community, of necessity occupied the anxious

and prayerful attention of the Conference. Amongst these, our Chapel and Trust Estates were not the least conspicuous. After serious consideration the Conference adopted the following plan for liquidating the debts which press so heavily on many of our faithful and zealous friends. It is proposed to borrow the sum of two thousand five hundred pounds, on the joint security of preachers and lay-men; and to distribute this sum, in various portions, to those of our Chapel estates that need immediate help, and that also evince a disposition to help themselves. The annual proceeds of the Chapel Fund to be appropriated in paying the interest, and in gradually paying off the principal of the amount borrowed. Thus effectual relief will be afforded where it is most deeply needed; confidence and vigour will be infused where doubt and feebleness are exerting their paralyzing influence, and our Community will, we trust, be essentially and permanently benefited; whilst within the course of a few years the entire obligation of the loan may be cancelled without difficulty. This measure demands, we conceive, the very cordial support and co-operation of every friend to the Connexion.

Whilst the peace and harmony prevailing in the Connexion, furnished the Conference with abundant grounds for thankfulness and encouragement, it was felt that sorrow and deep humiliation became us on account of the serious decrease that we have sustained in our numbers during the past year. To conceal this melancholy fact is impracticable and if practicable would be highly criminal. Let it rather be brought fully and prominently out before our churches, not to dishearten but to stimulate; not to depress, but to arouse to the adoption of such measures as will, under the blessing of God, prevent the continuance of so direful a calamity But on this subject we beg to refer our friends to the able and excellent remarks contained in the Address of the Conference to the Connexion. Deeply as we deplore the event to which we refer, we do not despair; some of our Circuits, and some of our Connexional Institutions are in a decidedly healthy and prosperous state; we have within ourselves the elements of success. We hope, we believe that we hold the truth in righteousness,—we recognize the Redeemer as our only living Head. We have only fully to imbibe the spirit and more deeply to experience the power of that truth which we profess, in order to witness more extensively its adaptation to the spiritual wants of our fellow-creatures. We have only to be faithful and zealous in the service which our Redeemer requires from us, in order to secure his presence and to bring down his power. Let us, then, one and all, give ourselves to prayer-to holy and united exertion, and God, even our own God, will bless us.

TOKEN OF RESPECT TO A MINISTER.

ON Monday, May 12th, a few of the Members belonging to Oxford Street Chapel, Birmingham, took tea together in the vestry. Mr. Thomas Harris, the oldest Local Preacher in the Circuit, was called to the chair. He stated that the friends had met together to express their Christian regards to one of their Ministers, the Rev. James Wright, who was about to leave the Circuit. The meeting was afterwards addressed by Messrs. T. Bradburn, W. Allen, J. Harris, W. Taylor, Joseph Allen, B. Maddox, &c. The speakers dwelt principally on the success which had attended the labours of Mr. Wright, and the gratitude they felt for the assiduity with which he had discharged his ministerial duties while resident among them. The Chairman then proceeded, in the name of the friends, to present him with an excellent copy of "Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History."

Mr. Wright then addressed the meeting, expressing the pleasure which he felt in witnessing the good feeling which had been manifested towards him, and stated, that he should never forget this mark of their esteem and affection.

The Chairman followed by a judicious and feeling address; after which, the beautiful hymn was sung, beginning

"Hail sweetest, dearest tie that binds

Our glowing hearts in one;

Hail sacred hope that tunes our minds
To harmony divine," &c. &c.

Prayer was then offered up for our dear Ministers assembled in Conference; and the friends, with many tears, took their farewell of the Pastor who had so faithfully laboured for their spiritual welfare.

Birmingham.

W. TAYLOR.

CITY STEAM PRESS, LONG LANE: D. A. DOUDNEY.

[ocr errors]

THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

JULY, 1845.

BIOGRAPHY.

MEMOIR OF JAMES WRIGHT, OF BROOMHEDGE,

One of the Founders of the Methodist New Connexion in Ireland.

TO THE EDITOR,-Dear BrotHER,

The following is from the pen of our esteemed brother, the Rev. W. M'Clure. It was prepared for the "Monitor," and intended to perpetuate the memory of a man who deserves to be had in everlasting remembrance. Should you deem it worthy of a place in your interesting periodical, and calculated to edify your numerous readers, it is at your service, and believe me,

Belfast.

Yours affectionately,

WM. BAGGALY.

ABOUT three miles from the town of Lisburn, in the direction of Moira, embosomed in that beautiful and fruitful valley, lies the townland of Moyrusk. In that townland there is a house and a family long and deservedly endeared to many people; from the early days of Methodism, without any interruptions, the Methodist Preacher found in James Wright a cordial welcome, and in his house a home and a sanctuary, where he felt himself regarded as the minister of God, the messenger of the churches; where no pains were spared to comfort and heal, and send him forth again, refreshed and encouraged, to the arduous, but vastly important work of preaching the glad tidings of salvation to perishing men. Many a precious box of ointment has been freely broken, and poured on the Saviour's feet in that house; the place is still filled with the perfume—and when I visit the old walls, they have to me some of that sacredness which Jerusalem and her temple had to the wandering Israelite.

It is nearly thirty years since I first visited Moyrusk; though but a child then, the impression of that evening is as yesterday. My father, then on his way to Dublin, went from Lisburn to bid farewell to this beloved household. I was greatly amazed with John Wright's speaking

U

« PreviousContinue »