The Friday before her departure, she said to a female friend who sat with her all the night, (her mother lying in a bed in the same room,) “Turn aside the curtain that I may see my mother;" saying, "What a blessing it is to have a mother to look at! but a greater blessing it will be to meet my father in heaven; and who knows but he may be the first to welcome me on Canaan's peaceful shore."

On Sunday, the 4th February, symptoms of a speedy dissolution showed themselves. In the afternoon, friends were collected around her bed to witness her departure. The doctor being sent for, was of the same opinion; but in about three hours she revived, and appeared surprised, wanting to know " what they were doing there."

She continued until Monday morning, the 5th of February, 1843, when she fell asleep in Jesus, in the 17th year of her age, and her happy spirit was escorted by heavenly messengers to join the blood-washed throng who sing, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing, Amen." Longton.

66

JOSEPH DALE.

RECENT DEATHS.

DIED, in hope of immortality, on the 24th of December, 1844, aged 45 years, MRS. ELIZA BIRCH, the beloved wife of our esteemed friend Mr. Henry Birch. For many years she was a member of our church, and felt the deepest interest in its welfare. "The heart of her husband did safely trust in her-she did him good and

not evil-she stretched out her hands to the poor-she looked well to the ways of her household-her children arose up and called her blessed; her husband also praised her."

For three or four years previously to her decease, the hand of the Lord was heavy upon her; her days were spent in pain, and her nights in trouble; but now, blessed be God! her "warfare is accomplished," and she dwells in that land, "the inhabitant of which shall not say I am sick." A. THOMPSON.

Stalybridge.

ON the 2nd of December, in the 80th year of his age, SAMUEL ARCHER, of Kegworth, departed this life. He had been a Local Preacher in this (Derby) Circuit for about twenty-five years, and for a much longer period had "walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost."

For a considerable time previously to his death, increasing infirmities rendered him unable to attend to the duties in which he had been accustomed to take great delight; and towards the close of his life he sank into a state of mental imbecility. On this account but little can be said respecting his Christian experience immediately before his departure

"From a suffering church beneath,

To a reigning church above;"

but his previously consistent and labo-
rious life is a sufficient pledge that he is
now "high in salvation and the climes of
bliss."
W. BRADBURY.

Castle Donington.

CONNEXIONAL INTELLIGENCE.

MISSIONARY SERVICES.

SUNDERLAND CIRCUIT.-On Lord's-day, December 1st, sermons were preached on behalf of our Missions, in the city of Durham, by the Rev. Wm. Cooke. The attendance was encouraging, and a handsome collection taken. On the following evening a numerous party sat down to Tea in the Bazaar Rooms. The tables were gratuitously furnished. Our venerable and much esteemed friend, John Ward, Esq., presided; and much interested the meeting by a speech of considerable length, and abounding in seasonable information. In the course of the evening, addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Cooke, John Nelson, Mr. Goodall, and D. Sheldon. Our friends in Durham raise about six-sevenths of the money realized for the Missions in this Circuit, and furnish an example worthy the imitation of the whole Connexion. They afford a pleasing and stimulating instance of what a few can do, when able and willing, in the cause of Christian benevolence. Last year they realized £63; and a large portion of this is in truth derived from the exertions and liberality of Mrs. Ward.

Lord's-day, December 15th, sermons were preached for the same Institution in Zion Chapel, Sunderland, by the Rev. J. Nelson. On Monday evening the public meeting was held in the same Chapel. Our old friend Mr. Robert Foreman, of Gateshead, pre

sided. The speakers were the Revs. Law Stoney, John Harrison, J. Parker, A. Lynn, John Nelson, and D. Sheldon. The collections were about one-third better than the last year. The meetings possessed a charming interest, which was fully kept up till a late hour. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, in the same week, we held Missionary meetings at Lumley and Philadelphia, and found the friends disposed, as on former occasions, to support the good cause. JOHN NELSON.

HUNSLET, LEEDS CIRCUIT.-At the beginning of this month our worthy Superintendent (the Rev. T. W. Ridley) introduced into our Leaders' meeting the subject of holding a Juvenile Missionary Meeting in our Chapel, at Hunslet. The proposal was adopted both by the Leaders and Teachers, and the meeting was held on the afternoon of the 15th of December. One of the Superintendents of the school presided. The chairman stated in his speech, that if all the teachers and scholars in these schools were to contribute one farthing per week, it would raise £20 per annum; and if all the schools in the Connexion were to do the same, we should raise more than £2000. Mr. Ridley was then called to address the meeting, who gave a very interesting account of what the young people were doing in other parts of the Connexion, which produced a very good feeling. Our young friends, Bywater, Moorhouse, Waddington, and Brittan, also addressed the meeting. They spoke in a manner that was highly pleasing and edifying to the meeting. We have had four deaths in the schools within the past month, and the children have to pay twopence a piece to each funeral; from which fund the parents of the deceased receive £2. When the above is taken into consideration, we think the collection is satisfactory. The whole of the children were very anxious to give something; and when the collection was made it amounted to the handsome sum of £2 9s. The meeting broke up at four o'clock, very much delighted with the proceedings of the afternoon. Much may be done if the friends and managers of our Sabbath-schools would set their shoulders to the work. Let us arise, my brethren; it is high time to awake out of sleep.

The funds of our Hunslet Sabbath-schools are at present in a very encouraging state, as the following facts will show:-The Anniversary Collection in 1841, was £3 10s. 24d.; in 1842, it was £4 5s. 6d.; in 1843, it was £4 17s. 74d.; and in 1844, the sermons were preached by our respected ministers, the Rev. T. W. Ridley, and the Rev. T. Robinson, and the collections amounted to the handsome sum of £13. We have been enabled to pay £20 of the debt on the schools this year. We have also two hundred volumes towards establishing a library in Hunslet Carr school. We have a very good library connected with the Hunslet school, established by the praiseworthy exertions of Mr. Richard Heaps. While the Teachers and Friends are busily engaged in promoting the welfare of the rising generation, the Ladies connected with our society and congregation are determined not to be idle. They have willingly come forward to furnish tea gratis for a monthly sewing meeting, the proceeds of which go towards liquidating the debt on the chapel. If the above account should be any way useful to any part of the Connexion, the writer will be fully repaid. May the God of peace dwell among us and make us a thousand times more than we are. Amen. WM. CRAMPTON.

N.B.-The chairman noticed in the above account who presided at our first Juvenile Missionary Meeting, was our excellent and laborious brother Crampton, who is first and foremost in every good word and work.

MISSIONARY TEA MEETING.

T. W. RIDLEY.

A MOST interesting Missionery Tea meeting was held in Bangor on the 1st of January. Upwards of three hundred crowded together on the occasion, and the school-room was full almost to suffocation. By excellent preparatory arrangements, everything went on comfortably, and appeared to give universal satisfaction. Our much esteemed friend Mr. Graham presided with considerable ability; and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. Wm. Baggaly, of Belfast, J. Argue, with Messrs. M'Millan and J. Burke.

Our little cause at Bangor seems to be in an encouraging state. The preacher and people are happy together, and are labouring and praying for still better days. A letter from the former, dated December 31st, says, "We held a love-feast on Sabbath last. A blessed time. Our Quarterly meeting last night: an increase of members—— an increase of money in every department. They meet all demands in full this quarter. May we go on and prosper!" This is gratifying. May the desire of their hearts be fully realized!

BOSTON CIRCUIT AND THE CHAPEL FUND.

Boston, January 15th, 1845.

DEAR BROTHER,

An esteemed correspondent states, page 34 of the Magazine for January, that Boston Circuit did not contribute anything to the Distressed Chapel Fund last year. A reference to the cover of the July Magazine will show that the Boston Circuit did contribute to this Fund, but by mistake the account was not published in the Minutes.

I have pleasure in communicating that, for the entire extinction of the oppressive Circuit debt entailed from former years, we have raised £120, which, after defraying expenses, and discharging the debt, left a balance in hand of three half pence. This has required a united, vigorous, and persevering effort. We held a bazaar in the Assembly Rooms, under the patronage of the Mayor, from December 16th to the 21st.; a public tea meeting, December 30th, in our Chapel, which was rendered peculiarly attractive by our efficient choir having got up a selection of pieces for the occasion; and to complete the object, many of our friends gave very liberal subscriptions. I am grateful to my friends in the Connexion who rendered such generous aid in "strengthening the stakes" of Zion.

Some of the Boston members have had to make great sacrifices to effect the removal of this debt, as we have had to contend against a series of difficulties of a perplexing character, and the whole district is suffering from severe commercial depression. But we are encouraged by the continued success with which our heavenly Father crowns our unworthy labours, and render to Him all the glory. The noble results lately realized by several Circuits, develop a strong Connexional attachment, and ardent love to the Saviour, which augur favourably for the rapid progress of our beloved Community; and herein the Boston Circuit has set an example worthy of general imitation. Yours affectionately,

J. FLATHER.

[It is but justice to Mr. Mills to state, that he has requested us to rectify the error which he had unintentionally committed; but having given insertion to the preceding, no further explanation is requisite.-EDITOR.]

MEANS OF CIRCULATING THE SUNDAY-SCHOLARS'

DEAR SIR,

MAGAZINE.

I have long since been a regular reader of both of your periodicals. The manner in which they have been conducted, is not only creditable to the Community with which they stand identified, but highly honourable. Indeed, it may safely be affirmed, that they stand in no respects second to any publication of the same class of the present day; and now you have reduced the price of the smaller one to a penny per month, it undoubtedly only remains that the utmost publicity be given of the real merits of the work in question, fully to realize the anticipated accession to the number of subscribers notified in your last number.

Impressed with the conviction that your periodicals deserved a more extensive circulation than they had obtained here, and that the Scholars' Magazine was suitable for Day as well as Sabbath-schools, as it would, to say the least of its advantages, serve to displace those silly half-penny books so frequently found in the hands of children; in the latter part of last year, I pointed out to my pupils some of the benefits that were likely to result from an attentive perusal of this publication, and submitted to them the plan of payment in advance as recommended by yourself, at the same time furnishing them with a copy for the inspection of their parents. I sent a short note with each number; but it needed no recommendation that I could give. With very few exceptions each request was acceded to, so that in the course of the year little less than three hundred copies have been circulated by this single effort. I may also add, that this plan has been carried out where the Connexion is neither numerous nor influential, but where it is yet in a state of infancy; scarcely a tithe of parents or children thus applied to, are either attendants on, or adherents to, the New Connexion, which

fact indicates that should the same steps be taken by only one hundred individuals in the more favoured parts of the Community, at a very moderate rate of calculation, (to say nothing of the facility now afforded in the reduction of the price), not less than sixty or seventy thousand copies would thus be circulated in the course of the year. And when it is recollected that these silent messengers are not only efficient in eradicating prejudices, but that they supply wholesome food for the mind, induce a habit of reading, make impressions on the hearts of the young especially, not easily to be effaced, and which are calculated to promote their everlasting weal, it cannot be doubted but that the above number, or even more, may be easily found to enlist in a work which has its immediate reward connected with it.

Our esteemed and indefatigable minister, at whose intimation I send you the above, has, by recommending a plan to the Sabbath-school Teachers, which perhaps he may explain to you, succeeded in more than doubling the number of subscribers to the large Magazine, and which might be advantageously adopted in every part of the Connexion. I am, dear Sir, yours most truly, T. J.

December 31st, 1844.

[It will doubtless be gratifying to our Correspondent, and to our friends generally, to know that the sale of the Large Magazine for January, 1845, shows an increase of upwards of Four hundred on the sale for December, 1844; whilst the Sunday-Scholars' Magazine has increased from Two thousand seven hundred to TEN THOUSAND. These facts are truly encouraging, and demand our heartfelt gratitude to the Giver of all good; they will also not only act with a stimulating power on the exertions of the Editor, but will, we doubt not, prompt our Friends to continue their praiseworthy efforts for extending the circulation of our Connexional Periodicals.

We cannot here refrain from bringing into distinct and prominent notice the truly Connexional spirit that has been displayed by our beloved Brethren across the Channel. The Irish Monitor has been discontinued, and our own Periodicals seem likely, to a great extent, to supply its place. By the well-directed influence of our esteemed Superintendent of the Mission, in conjunction with the zealous and cheerful co-operation of our respected Missionaries, the sale of the Large Magazine in Ireland has been raised from twenty-three to EIGHTY, whilst the sale of the Sunday-Scholars' Magazine has been raised from eleven to Two HUNDRED AND FORTY. This result needs no comment. It only shows what may be accomplished when a real interest is felt in the promotion of an object, and a proper degree of energy put forth in its favour. It is not only the increase in the sale of the Magazines in Ireland, that we look at, but the moral and religious bearings of the event, and the delightful influence it will have in identifying our Mission more closely with our Connexional interests and character, and in strengthening those feelings of sympathy and affection which already exist, and which we trust will operate with still greater power, and be productive of the most beneficial effects.-EDITOR.]

SALE OF HYMN BOOKS IN SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.

DEAR SIR,

In the Large Magazine Mr. Mills speaks of the advantages which would result from our Sabbath-school children being furnished with Hymn Books; he also urges the Managers of our Schools to bring the subject before the children, at the same time advises payment by weekly instalments. The general adoption of such a plan would be highly advantageous to the Book Room, to the children of our Sabbath-schools, and to the church. The Book Room would dispose of a much greater number of Hymn Books, leaving a larger profit to assist the Connexional Funds, and to advance the Divine glory; whilst the children when in the sanctuary would have some employment for their naturally restless minds;-profitable employment. They would take some part in the devotional exercises of God's house, and would be continually storing their minds with religious knowledge, which our excellent Hymn Book is so admirably adapted to impart. Let the children have Hymn Books, and they will acquire a taste for congregational singing-they will commit to memory many highly beautiful, and highly pious hymns and verses, thus strengthening their retentive powers, storing their minds with the best kind of knowledge; early religious impressions will be made, preparing them to become in after years the saved of the Lord whilst our Hymn Book, a compilation of the great doctrinal and experimental truths of the gospel, will find its

way into many a house destitute of religious information, to exert, under the Divine blessing, its salutary and heavenly influence.

Whilst all allow that the church derives benefit from the Sabbath-school, yet it is too true the generality of Sabbath-schools are not sufficiently nurseries for the church -that they do not yield the amount of good they ought, and certainly would, were they properly attended to, and more efficiently cultured. This is universally acknowledged-and it becomes all anxious for the spread of true religion to sanction anything contributary to the yet greater efficacy of Sabbath-school agency. Whilst the circulation of Hymn Books among the children would not accomplish every thing desirable, yet it would effect some good-great good--more, perhaps, than is at first apparent-and consequently it ought to be attended to. To encourage our Sabbath-school Superintendents and Teachers in this work, let me tell them the plan suggested by Mr. Mills has been tried-and with success. In the Stafford Sabbath-school we sold to the children, I think, about three dozen Hymn Books, at one shilling and sixpence each; the consequence was, we found them taking a delight in their purchase, more orderly and attentive whilst in the house of God; and it was pleasing to see them, once restless and inattentive, waiting with marked attention to hear the minister announce the hymn, and to witness their efforts to sing the praises of God. The children paid for their Hymn Books by weekly instalments: some paid a penny-some twopence-some more, with the understanding that when each had paid his eighteenpence, the book would be given. And by the adoption of this simple and easy plan, about three dozen were disposed of in a school comparatively small. The same plan we have adopted in Barnsley One dozen was soon sold, and now another dozen is ordered. In Mapplewell and Birdwell, one dozen for each place is ordered, to be disposed of in the same way.

Let then our Sabbath-school friends at once carry out the plan suggested by our esteemed brother. Let them try but one dozen at eighteen pence each, if they are afraid to speculate, for their respective schools, allowing the children to pay for them by weekly payments. Let the plan be spiritedly carried out, and great advantages will result-pecuniary, mentally, and spiritually. We shall have larger profits for our BookRoom-we shall improve the children's minds, and, best of all, we shall be sowing the seed of piety in their young hearts. What Christian man can object? Dear Sir, yours most affectionately, W. BERESFORD.

Barnsley.

MONTHLY RECORD.

PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION OF LUKE, CHAPTER XIV., VERSE 13.-" When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind." On the 2nd inst., the Rev. John Hill, M.A., minister of the Independent Chapel, Gornal, near Dudley, parish of Sedgley, invited thirty of his poor aged neighbours to dinner, and regaled them with roast beef, plum pudding, &c. It was, literally, a company composed of the " poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind;" and consisted of persons of all sects, without distinction. The united ages of the dinner party amounted to two thousand one hundred and twenty years! It was an affecting sight. The hoary heads, the wrinkled brows, the sightless eyeballs, the palsied limbs, and other attendants of exhausted nature, presented a scene calculated to move the heart. After dinner a psalm was sung by the party; Mr. Hill then read and expounded the twelfth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes; prayer was offered by T. Page and "blind William;" and an affectionate address delivered to aged saints and sinners by William Hardy, who is in his eighty-fourth year. Every one having received a packet, containing cake, and a few religious tracts, the company separated, apparently much pleased with their entertainment.

AMERICAN LIBERTY.-The Rev. Charles T. Torrey has been tried and convicted at Baltimore, for aiding the escape of runaway slaves, and sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the State Penitentiary. Captain Walker has also been convicted on a similar charge, and sentenced, 1st. to be branded in the right hand with the letter S. S. (slave stealer, we suppose). 2. To stand one hour in the Pillory. 3. To be imprisoned fifteen days. 4. To pay a fine of 160 Dollars. Three writs for trespass have also been served upon Captain Walker to the amount of 106,000 Dollars. Miss Delia Webster has also been convicted of the charge of enticing slaves to run away from their owners, and has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment in the State Penitentiary.

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