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sung by him as the last enemy approached and as the valley of the shadow of death opened before him; yet his life, his deportment, his uniform consistency, and his Christian integrity, are the foundation of an assurance that he has exchanged mortality for immortality, earth's wilderness for the heavenly paradise, the militant for the triumphant church-that he has exchanged this world of toil for the rest that remains for the people of God, the voyage of life with all its storms and dangers for the haven of repose and the land of purest pleasures.

It would be well if all who are engaged in the same vocation would, like him, be careful to have their lamps trimmed, that at whatever time or under whatever circumstances they might be called away, they might with joy go in to the marriage supper, and sit down with the heavenly guests around the table of the Lord in the upper sanctuary. Beloved brethren, be not indifferent to a matter of such vast moment, and be not slothful in making a preparation for eternity, but follow those who now through faith and patience are inheriting the promises.

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RECENT DEATH.

DIED, at Stockport, aged 32 years, June 10th, 1845, Mr. W. R. Ports. He had been for some time identified as a worshipper and valuable friend at Mount Tabor Chapel. For several months his health had been declining, and it was hoped a change of air and scene would revive him. The trial was made, but he soon returned without receiving the least benefit. While very young he gave his heart to God; but the cares of the world and extensive business damped the ardour of his spiritual feelings; still he was with the church in affection, and respected her ordinances, and lent a willing hand to aid her temporalities. It pleased God in his affliction to awake him from his slumbers, and never poor penitent expressed more concern to be saved. I had only the opportunity of a few visits, but they were increasingly encouraging, and before he expired he was joyful in hope, and exulted in the salvation of God. His natural disposition was kind and amiable, and his death is a public loss. But none feel the bitterness of grief so keenly as his bereaved widow and four small children. C. ATKINSON.

CONNEXIONAL INTELLIGENCE.

OUR CHAPEL DEBTS.*

ABLE and soul-stirring articles have repeatedly appeared in the Magazine on the extension of the Connexion. This must be a subject of peculiar interest to all the members and friends of our Community. It is an object that is ardently desired and devoutly prayed for by our people, and which may not only be viewed in the distance with pleasurable anticipations, but it is one that may be realized. There is ability in the Connexion-there is strength enough to remove the mountain which stands in the way of our obtaining it. A number of things may be deemed necessary to its attain-ment; but there is one thing which seems essential to the peace, comfort, prosperity, and extension of the Connexion-namely, the reduction, or the annihilation of our Chapel debts. These keep our Societies poor, and involve them in difficulties; they keep our Circuits poor, and involve them in difficulties, and they keep the Connexion poor, and involve it in difficulties also. There can but be one opinion entertained by those who have examined this subject. But as an illustration of it I may remark, that this Circuit (North Shields) has been compelled, on account of pecuniary difficulties, to take one preacher less this year than in preceding years; and yet the four principal Chapels in the Circuit, none of which are very large, are paying more annually for interest than would enable the Circuit to maintain another married preacher. And in a case like this there is nothing singular or uncommon; the same may be said of many-of the great majority of our Circuits. Every one, therefore, must see, that if the Chapel debts were either considerably reduced, or entirely swept away, how great, how important, how pleasing a change would soon be witnessed. The Societies and the Circuits

*This and the following communication were received previously to Conference.

would be immediately relieved-the drooping members and friends of the Connexion would be revived and elated, and the whole world would receive a fresh, a cheering, a mighty impulse-the voice of mourning would be exchanged for that of gladness, and the hearts that have been racked with the cares of the church, and with a painful solicitude about the cause of God, would be filled with gratitude, hope, and joy.

The reduction of Chapel debts is engaging the attention of different Christian communities at the present day; the necessity and advantages of this movement are pressing themselves upon the attention of our people in some places. Hence, efforts of a local, as well as Connexional character, have been made during the year to effect this most desirable object, and doubtless others will be made; but it would be well if the whole Connexion were roused on this subject.

To accomplish it, sacrifices would have to be made; but for an object of such importance, and with a prospect of advantages so great and so permanent, there would be found many willing to make those sacrifices. Rich and poor, young and old, would unite in one vigorous, one noble, one mighty effort; and when once done, it would be done for ever, Then when the resources of the people were not drained incessantly for Society and Circuit purposes, the funds of the Connexion would receive more ample support; then there would be placed in the hands of the Connexion that by which she might enlarge her borders, multiply her sanctuaries, honour the Saviour, and bless mankind.

With the view of reducing the debt on our Chapel at Blyth, in the North Shields Circuit, a Bazaar was held at Blyth, on Easter Monday, and two following days, in the Wesleyan School, which was kindly lent for the occasion. The sum of £100 was realized after the expenses were paid. For this the Trustees are principally indebted to the ladies, by whose influence, skill, and industry, the Bazaar was got up and conducted, and the contributions of friends in other places. Considering the smallness of the place, this is deemed a handsome sum, and exceeded by one half the expectations of the most sanguine amongst us. This, with £50 which was previously raised by private subscriptions, has been appropriated to the liquidation of the debt on our Chapel at Blyth.

The hope is indulged, that the efforts of the friends will not cease here, but as they already feel the benefit arising from what has been done, they will never rest until the whole or nearly so is paid. Then they will occupy a more comfortable and honourable position in the Connexion, than they either have done or possibly can do under existing circumstances.

Blyth.

C. HIBBERT.

SUGGESTIONS

FOR EXTENDING THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION.

DEAR SIR,

The desirableness of the object of the following suggestions I take for granted you fully enter into, by your patronage of articles on the subject in the pages of our Magazine. I was pleased to see the letter of our brother at Truro, in your last number, on "Connexional Extension," though I cannot fully fall in with his views. Our Mission Funds are now too limited-the efforts of the church too circumscribed-and whilst I would join in saying, make an effort to double them, I would at the same time say, keep them distinctly for the object of spreading the gospel abroad; and as there are so many stations our brethren, the Wesleyans, cannot supply with a single Missionary, though the cry is sounded forth, through their Missionary Notices, "Come and help us," let us make an effort to supply that lack, and send one, as we are able, to those spots where the Wesleyan Conference say "One is wanted," and they cannot supply.

Hanley, April 14th, 1845.

Dear Sir, yours very truly,

THE SON OF A WESLEYAN MISSIONARY.

1.-That a fund of £500 be raised throughout the Connexion, and that accredited assistants be employed in populous districts, where our Connexion has not yet been introduced: that for the fund of £500 there be five such assistants employed; but if only £200 be raised, then two agents employed; for every £100 one agent; but that whatever be the amount obtained, only five agents be employed the first year, and that the number may be increased as prudence and circumstances suggest.

2.That to raise the sum required, two sermons be preached in every Chapel (town and country) throughout the Connexion, and collections be made specially for this object once in every year, at an appointed time, by special ministers, as far as practicable. Thus it would impose no burden upon the Connexion, and be attended by no risk, and the object, to a greater or less extent, would be effectually secured.

3. Having obtained (say) £500, then select five eligible stations for forming new Societies, that a Chapel might eventually be built in each, and a new Circuit formed when desirable.

4.-Choose (say) five agents for these five stations, at a given salary of £50 per annum, with the promise of an additional £30 if the quarterage on the stations collectively realized that sum for each; suppose £15 the first year, and £15 the second additional.

5.-The quarterage of the stations to be thrown into a distinct fund from the £500, and called the Quarterage Fund; and if it will not allow the full advance to the agents, then, that they receive, equally divided, what is raised; but if it exceed the advance, that the overplus be thrown into the fund of £500, called the "Parent Fund of Connexional Extension."

6. That as five agents at £50 each only require £250, the other £250 be termed the "Parent Fund of " &c., and be thus employed:

(I.) When a station has so prospered as to raise sufficient to erect a Chapel, a grant of from £50 to £150 be made to it, as Conference, or Committee appointed by Conference, deems prudent and requisite, upon the condition of their raising a specified sum. (II.) That the grants made in no case exceed the money in hand, and that whatever surplus remain go towards the expenses of the next year.

7. That persons employed as agents pass regularly through the ordeal of the quarter day and Conference, according to the Connexional rule in the reception of ministers. 8. That the agents be only assistants, and only labour on the " Extension Society" stations.

9. That their removals be under the direction of Conference, quarter days, &c., according to Connexional usage.

10. That places be chosen as commencing stations by the various Societies throughout the Connexion, and the majority of Conference decide upon a selection, keeping the others as a reserve, naming them thus, "one to be sent."

11. That the stations be assisted by neighbouring Circuits as much as practicable. 12. That the assistant open houses as preaching-houses, prayer-meetings, reading, &c., and strictly enforce the rules of our Society in class meetings, &c.

13.-That no promise of ordination and reception into our ministry be given to agents upon their entering upon their work (as that would involve the Connexional funds in additional expense), but that each agent should be on equal footing with other candidates for the itinerant ministry as now established.

14. That it be called "The Methodist New Connexion Extension Society." 15.-That the Committee be composed of lay delegates and Circuit Preachers; and that it be appointed to oversee the carrying out of these plans.

16. That the agent give his cordial assent to these rules and conditions before entering upon his work.

WHAT WE SHOULD LIKE TO SEE.

1.—We should like to see all our Chapels and Schools entirely free from debt; and the pew rents, after defraying the current expenses, appropriated to the support of the ministry, or to any other purpose that might be deemed most conducive to the prosperity of the church and the cause of God.

2.- We should like to see the Paternal and Beneficent Funds so abundantly replenished by the increased liberality of our friends as not only to be able to meet all existing demands, but even to admit of some addition to the allowances already made.

3.-We should like to see the Yearly Collection so swelled in its amount as to be able to give effectual relief to those of our Circuits that are suffering from pecuniary embarrassment, and to render for a time that more efficient help which, under the blessing of God, will tend to the establishment and increase of all our churches.

4.-We should like to see all our Circuits able to do without any help from the Yearly Collection, and employing their resources in breaking up fresh ground and opening new interests in their own localities, so as to exercise that immediate supervision which is essential to the success of all such operations.

5.-We should like to see our Connexional interests in the large towns assuming a more prominent position amongst other Christian communities. We should like to see some bold and effectual measures adopted by which all our Societies in the places referred to might not only be enlarged and consolidated, but their number multiplied. 6. We should like to see a Connexional Proprietary School established, for the education of the children of our more and fence as it regards general the children of ministers, on reduced terms.

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literature, but to partake most decidedly of a religious character, in association with our Connexional usages and principles.

We should like to see in some one our

voted and well-anslified four men, ord of que, Chapels, at least half-a-dozen truly de

forth as Missionaries to

or both; persuaded as we are, that valuable as we consider our present Missionary operations to be, we shall never feel right as a Christian community, until we are doing our share in the great work of conveying the Gospel to the perishing heathen. There are some other things which we should like to see, but we shall not state them at present. But we should like to hear of all our Chapels being so thronged with hearers of the word, as to render it necessadditional places of worship. And we should like to press promptly and prudently both to

enlarge their present and to erect

hear of the labours of all our beloved Ministers and Local Preachers being so abundantly blessed, as to be instrumental in the conversion of thousands upon thousands of souls.

Are all these things impossible? With man they are-but with God all these things are possible. There are no limits to his mercy-there are no limits to his power, and his faithfulness is everlasting. What an encouragement to prayer, to exertion, and to faith! Oh! did these but bear some correspondence with the requirements and promises of the Gospel, what glorious results would be witnessed-what pentecostal showers would descend! Shall we not try the experiment of praying more specially, more frequently, more fervently, and more believingly for the prosperity of our Connexion? Is there a Minister that will refuse to do this? No! Is there a Local Preacher that will refuse to do it? No. Is there a Leader? No. Is there a private Member? No. Let us all then, Ministers, Officers, and Members of our churches try the experiment in our closets daily, in our families daily, and in our social meetings regularly, of presenting special, enlarged, and earnest supplications to God, for the outpouring of his Spirit on every Church and Sabbath-school in the Connexion, both in England, Ireland, and Canada. Let a steady faith in the divine promises and per fections be mingled with our prayers; let our aim exclusively be the glory of our God and Saviour; let every opportunity be embraced of bringing the negligent and thoughtless under the preaching of the word, and such manifestations of saving power would soon be witnessed as would gladden our hearts, and more than compensate us for all our sacrifices and for all our labours. EDITOR.

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mr ob of fevent 1.919 90 sull indor usd to winter sub no big i THE GOVERNMENT SCHEME OF ACADEMICAL EDUCATION FOR IRE IRELAND will become law. Whilst as a as a Government measure we cannot but view it with some feelings of jealousy, yet as it promises to admit all religious parties to the advantages of a respectable education, we cannot but regard it as worthy of public gratitude and support. So

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which have been

against it on religious grounds very much the appearance of the opposition of party and the cant of bigotry. We certainly do not like the amount of patronage which it will place at the disposal of the crown; but we would rather the appointments were made by the crown than by the Popish bishops. So long as the arrangements do not interfere with the right of private judgment and liberty of conscience, the measure must prove beneficial. At Oxford and Cambridge religious tests are imposed; but we presume that no enlightened Dissenter would send his sons to either of these places, if influenced, as he ought to be, byd proper regard to the principles and morals of his children. 『 { buz

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THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

AUGUST, 1845.

BIOGRAPHY.

MEMOIR OF MR. HENRY PRICE.

BY THE REV. JAMES CANDELET.

Our deceased brother Henry Price was born in the parish of Cross Malind, county Mayo, in the year 1798. His parents were of the Roman Catholic persuasion, and trained their children rigidly in the tenets of that church; early instilling into their minds the infallibility of its teachers, and perfect obedience to its dictates. Henry was the second son, and through his good conduct was selected from amongst the children of the congregation where he statedly worshipped, as one of the boys to attend the priest at the altar. It appears that when he was ten years old his mother died, and his father being absent from home, he, in company with his elder brother, went to the priest and requested him to perform the rites of the church on his deceased parent, and the customary dues should be paid on the return of their father. This the priest refused to do unless they paid him thirty shillings. The children made every effort to procure the money, but succeeded in obtaining only fifteen shillings, which they went and tendered to the priest; this the holy man indignantly rejected, and they were driven from the house. Their little hearts were grieved to think that the soul of their dear mother must remain in purgatory, exposed to its scorching flames, because they could not obtain the thirty shillings which were demanded before mass could be performed, and they sat and wept at the door of the cruel priest, until he compelled them to go away. On the Sabbath mass had to be celebrated for two other individuals who had died, but not a word of mass for Mrs. Price. This led to inquiries amongst the neighbours why she was neglected, and on the cause being made known, subscriptions were forthwith entered into and the amount raised; the insuperable barrier being thus overcome, mass was said, and the spirit was supposed to be released from

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