of the services has been omitted. Every night, except Saturday, the banner of the cross has been unfurled, and every meeting has been well attended. Better than all, God has been with us. Last Monday I went to Hamilton's Row to fill your appointment, and had the seed with me ready to scatter, I hoped in honest hearts, but when I arrived, I found there our three red coated friends, (pious soldiers) and brothers Dixon and Sweed, were present. So we held a prayer meeting; and a blessed one it was. We began at half-past seven and closed at ten; still the people were unwilling to go. God was with us-the blessed effects of which we still feel."

"Brother Bishop held the meeting on Block Hill, he spoke on the necessity of conversion. Mr. Foster preached two excellent sermons last Sabbath. Either brother Templeton or Dixon is to preach this morning, and I in the evening. The soldiers are to be present, may God come likewise."

When I returned I received many welcomes from my own people, and from others of every sect in the town.

After my return I renewed the quarterly tickets, and was pleased with the deeply pious experience of many of the members, and, considering their poverty, the amount of the ticket money was handsome; in this we improve.

During the month of September, in addition to my usual duties, I preached in the open air to large and attentive congregations, at Eden and Balacary, and distributed many tracts. In making up the quarterly accounts, found the state of the finances somewhat encour

aging; a matter of some importTo God be the praise.

ance.

Sunday, Oct. 6th.-In the morning preached on the subject of family religion; congregations both morning and evening good: may the seed sown bring forth much fruit. Attended the school in the afternoon, and was pleased to find it in an improving state.

This week we had awful storms-in one of which a member of our Society, (a sailor by profession) was near finding a watery grave, being washed off deck into the deep sea, but by the back surge was washed back again on board. Surely he who in former days bid the raging sea be still, controlled the saving wave. We considered this a striking proof of God's care over his servant, and, for it, gave Him thanks.

Sunday, 13th-Preached morning and evening in our chapel, and read the Address of the Annual Assembly. In the afternoon I preached at Balacary, and was requested by a publican, who is a great sinner, to preach in his house, but having an appointed place, I declined; yet he came to our meeting, and listened attentively to the Word of life. O that through it he may be raised from the death of sin, to a life of righteousness.

Being compelled to give up the room we occupied in Belfast, owing to the heavy expenses for rent, I this week went in search of another, but did not succeed; places might be had, but the rent exceeds our means. It is a pity we are so cramped for the want of a little of this world's perishing wealth; having the prospect of being so extensively useful. We have a local preacher in Belfast who joined our Society, through my going there, and he is looking out for a suitable place. May the Lord prosper the work of our hands.

Sunday, 20th. the Rev. Mr. Rose of Glasgow preached in our chapel, the congregations were good. In the week I visited my flock, and others with profit and held our usual meetings.

Sunday, 27th-Met my class as usual at seven o'clock, A.M. Preached morning and evening in our chapel, and in the afternoon at Balacary. Congregations each time encouraging. May God give the increase. Amen.

Tuesday, 29th-Assisted at a Baptist Missionary meeting; closed the week as usual, I trust with profit to souls.

Sunday, Nov. 3rd-A profitable day. Preached morning and evening to good congregations; in the afternoon I visited the school which is going on well.

Sunday 10th.-Preached in our chapel in the morning, the congregation unusually good. Afternoon preached at Balacary, and stopped there for the night; the only place of accommodation was the house of the publican above referred to, who entertained and lodged me free of charge, and complimented me for staying in his house. I read the Scriptures and prayed with the family, the wife seemed deeply affected. I pray it may lead to the sound conversion of these souls.

Monday-1 applied for a room to be set apart as a place of worship; it is more than probable we shall have it;

the owner has promised to put it into repair, and then to let it to us at a small rent. If we can once get a proper footing, by the blessing of the Head of

Nov. 13, 1844,

TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,

the church, without whose aid nothing is wise, or strong, or good, we may be very useful to the poor dark sinners of Balacary. Amen.

It is with pleasure that I respond to the call of duty, to inform you what the Lord is doing amongst us at Lynn; and I would take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to God, and to the Committee for my appointment to this circuit. A more affectionate people I think cannot be; and they are willing as far as they have the means to help forward the cause of God.

On Sunday, August, 25th, we held our chapel Anniversary services; the congregations were very good, and the collections exceeded our expectations. During the week 1 visited most of the members, and was sorry to find that a Laodicean spirit influenced some of them, but, trusting in the strength of divine grace they resolved to give themselves afresh to God. On Sunday, Sept. 1st, our congregations were good. At night the chapel was full, and the Spirit of God was indeed in our midst. During the week the classes were well attended, and one or two backsliders returned.

On Sunday the Sth instant, the church was stirred up to pray for a revival of the work of God. Several pledged themselves not to rest until they saw the salvation of souls; and, praise the Lord, in the prayer meeting after the evening service, four or five persons were found weeping at the foot of the cross; and refused to be comforted, till they could say,

"My God is reconcilea, &c." One of them found peace in the chapel, and two more during the week stepped into the liberty of the children of God, and have united with us in church fellowship. Three more have, during the week, joined the classes.

Sunday the 15th, we had a gracious manifestation of the Divine presence. In the evening the chapel was crowded, and the greater part of the congregation remained with us at prayer meeting. Three persons were under deep convictions of sin, and after the conclusion of the prayer meeting, one young man requested us to stop and pray with him; we did so, and he was soon led to

M. W. BRADNEY.

believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to the salvation of his soul, and has joined one of the classes.

Sunday, Sept. 22nd, in the afternoon we held our quarterly lovefeast, it was a time of refreshing, upwards of twenty bore witness that "the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins." In the evening we had an overwhelming shower of divine influence, the cloud of glory overshadowed us, and with the favoured disciples we were led to cry out," Master, it is good to be here." Three or four souls were earnestly pleading for mercy, we continued praying and praising God till near ten o'clock, when we reluctantly separated, rejoicing in God for the answers he had graciously given to our prayers in the salvation of souls, and the revival of his work in our hearts. Having had such tokens for good, and seeing the glorious prospect before us, trusting in the great Captain of our salvation, we determined" to push the battle to the gate," and not cease from the glorious conflict, till the trumpet of victory calls us home to glory, and then with the redeemed multitude we will ascribe all the praise to Him that hath washed us from our sins in his own precious blood. May the Lord help each of us to keep our vows.

We have received another letter from Mr. Vasey, dated Nov. 19th, containing pleasing information, from which we give the following extract

I have great pleasure in reporting the progress of the Work of God. Since I last wrote unto you we have been steadily progressing; almost every week the Lord has cheered our hearts by adding members to the church. Our congregations have increased, and now regularly on the Sabbath evenings our chapel is filled; and we are led to cry, Enlarge our borders, that we may have room to worship.

Oct. 6th, Sunday-We had a day of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the congregations were excellent. At night after preaching, about fifty persons sat down at the table of the

Lord. Many felt his precious blood afresh applied.

Oct. 21st, Monday-I commenced a new class at three o'clock in the afternoon. As we had not one on a weekday at that time, it was thought it might prove a blessing; and I am happy to have to state that the class is likely to prosper. During the week we had some blessed seasons, and we resolved to hold a series of protracted meetings.

Sunday the 27th-We had an outpouring of God's Spirit, and a shaking amongst the dry bones, several were under deep convictions for sin, and were led to cry from the bitterness of their hearts,-Ŏ that I could find him whom my soul desireth to love.

Oct. 30th, Wednesday-Commenced the protracted meetings, prayer meetings at six in the morning, aud had services at half-past twelve, and in the evening at seven o'clock. Some of the local preachers belonging to the Conference Body, the Primitives, and Independents, very kindly assisted us in the evening services. It was peculiarly interesting to see and hear these members of other sections of the Church earnestly uniting with us in beseeching Heaven for salvation. On the Friday evening, the Lord gave us an answer to prayer in the salvation of one poor sinner; and on the Sunday three others professed to find pardon. On the Monday evening we held a watchnight, aud, whilst at prayer, the Lord spoke peace to another poor sinner, who for some time back had been seeking Him sorrowing.

On the Wednesday, Nov. 6th, after preaching, about thirty stopped to plead with God, and, after spending some time in fervent prayer, we remained for two or three minutes in silence upon our knees, and truly the Lord Nov. 19, 1844.

TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,

66

manifested himself to us as he doth not unto the world; we felt like the disciples on Mount Tabor, and our language was, 'Master, it is good to be here." Our protracted meetings terminated on the 9th of November, and have been a special blessing to our Zion; we trust the fruit of them will be seen in eternity.

On Sunday, November 10th, the anniversary sermons were preached in behalf of our Sabbath School: a most delightful feeling pervaded the congre.. gations, and the collections were very good.

Tuesday, the 12th, we opened a preaching room in a part of the town called Windsor Place; it is in a neighbourhood where there is a prospect of usefulness. On the Wednesday we had a public Sabbath School tea meeting; the children assembled at four o'clock, and were plentifully supplied with tea and cake, and, after singing and prayer, they were dismissed. At six o'clock a goodly number of our own members and other friends sat down to tea in the chapel. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Bootman, Jordon (town Missionary), Vasey, Jessop, and other friends. About ten o'clock the company broke up, highly satisfied with the evening's proceedings. Our school, for some time back, had suffered for want of conductors and teachers, but several have now come forward, and are taking a lively interest in its prosperity. Upon the review of the quarter we praise God for what he has done. About twenty have been added to our society, the Lord is blessing and quickening his own children, and powerfully working on the hearts of sinners. Our prospects are very cheering at present, for which we are thankful, and are determined to go on, ascribing all the glory to our God, to whom our more than all is due. THOS. VASEY.

THE Anniversary services of the "Darlington Auxiliary of the Wesleyan Methodist Association Missionary Society," were held on Sunday, the 27th of October, and five following days. On the Sabbath day, sermons were preached in Darlington, by the Rev. Messrs. J. M. Saul, H. Breeden, and J. Molineux. On the same day, sermons were preached in Yarm, by the Rev. Messrs. Molineux and Saul; -and in

Shildon, West Auckland, and Bishop Auckland, by the Rev. Messrs. William Ince, and John Harley. On Monday evening, the 28th of October, the Rev. William Cooke of Newcastle, (Minister in the Methodist New Connexion), preached in Darlington, and on the following Wednesday, the public meeting was held. At this meeting, the Rev. Henry Breeden presided: - the other speakers were: the Rev. Messrs.

R. C. Pritchett, (Independent); J. M. Saul; J. Molineux; William Cooke; Thomas Hacking; and John Harley. Public Meetings were also held at West Auckland, Yarm, Bishop Auckland, and Shildon; on the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, evenings. It was truly gratifying to witness the deep and growing interest manifested in the different services. With one or two exceptions, the congregations were larger than they have usually been on similar occasions; and in nearly every case the collections exceeded those of any previous year. During the year, considerable activity had prevailed among the Collectors in

TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,

66

Darlington, as well as in other parts of the circuit; some of our friends, had regularly sent round a Missionary Basket, to collect, others had solicited subscriptions from door to door, wherever they judged it probable that their applications would be attended with success, and these again were followed by some zealous young persons with Cards who gathered up the fragments that nothing might be lost; and Juvenile Missionary Bazaars had also been held. The nett proceeds of the Collections, Mission Baskets, Boxes, Cards, and Mission Bazaars, which has been remitted to the General Treasurer from this Circuit is £133 4s. 6d.

I AM happy to inform you that the work of God in our Circuit continues to encourage us in our work of faith, and labour of love." The congregation in Stockport gradually improves, and though the proceeds of the Pews, Sittings &c., do not wholly meet the claims of the Chapel trust, yet they exceed any former period since the Chapel was erected.

On Sunday, Sept. 22nd, a room was opened in Compstall, a village about five miles from Stockport, as a school and preaching place; Mr. Thomas Walter, Sen. of Mellor, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. Jabesh Harris, in the evening. There are now about 120 Scholars, good congregations and 16 members. The Sunday school Committee have also commenced a Subscription intending to build a place for a School and Chapel.

On Sunday, Sept, 29th, we commenced in Stockport a series of services for the revival of the work of God. At half-past six in the morning, a prayer meeting was held; at half-past ten, Mr. John Whitaker preached from Psalm xxvii. 7. In the afternoon, a Love feast was held, and in the evening the Rev. Jabesh Harris preached a sermon to young men from Eccles. xi. 9. On Monday evening, 30th, a Circuit Missionary meeting was held (after the Quarterly Meeting), the Rev. J. Harris in the chair. The Meeting was addressed by Messrs. John Whitaker; John Lees Buckley; Richard Glynn; George Bancroft; Robert Crompton; and Joseph Wild. On Tuesday, Oct. 1st., the Rev. John

Wright, of Manchester preached; Wednesday, the 2nd, the Rev. B. Glazebrook of Glossop; Thursday, the 3rd, Rev. John Waddingion, Independent Minister, Stockport; and Friday 4th, a prayer meeting was held. The services were well attended, and blessed with the gracious proofs that the "Spirit of the Lord" is not "straitened." Several persons during the week, testified that God for Christ's sake had pardoned all their sins.

Sunday, Oct. 13th, as requested by the Annual Assembly, the preachers, in the several places, urged on the people the importance of properly attending the services of the Connexional Fast-day. In Stockport on the 14th., we held a prayer meeting at eight in the morning, at twelve, and at eight in the evening. The Lord

graciously met with us and blessed us whilst pleading for the church and sinners, "purchased by the blood of Jesus.'

Oct. 24th. We held a tea-party in the School Room underneath the Chapel, Stockport. The tables were gratuitously furnished by the friends; upwards of 200 sat down to tea. The room was tastefully decorated, and the tables served with great credit to the ladies.

On Sunday, Oct. 10th, two sermons were preached in Cross Street School, Hyde; in the afternoon by the Rev. B. Glazebrook of Glossop, in the evening by the Rev. J. Harris, and collections made in behalf of the annual expenses. A number of pieces were also recited by the scholars. The school was never

in a better state; the only complaint is that it is almost too small for the number of children attending the school. Nov. 22nd, 1844.

TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,

We trust that our Brethren do not forget the Home Mission Stations at their Monthly Missionary prayer meetings. JABESH HARRIS.

I have great pleasure in stating that the Lord is among us, he frequently shows us his glory, and causes his people to rejoice, and shout aloud for joy. Our congregations are considerably improved, and the ministrations of the truth are uniformly accompanied with a very gracious influence. It is no unusual thing, to see the tears of contrition, start into the eyes of the unconverted. Several of our Sunday school teachers have recently been brought to God, and they are now rejoicing in hope of his glory. Several other individuals who had left the Saviour and his church have returned again, and are bidding fair to be useful in their day and generation. 'These things cheer our hearts, and prompt us

TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,

to expect more signal displays of God's power to save. A short time ago we commenced a band-meeting on the Saturday evening, and a prayer meeting on the Monday evening, both of which are tolerably well attended. We have also recently established a Bible class of the teachers and senior scholars of our Sunday school; this is well attended. Among some of our members there is a growing desire to be more fully conformed to the image of Christ, and to see a revival of his blessed work. O that their desires may be accomplished. My soul longeth for a revival of religion, in this, and every other Circuit in the Association, more than the watchman longeth for the morning. Nov. 1, 1844. JOSEPH GARside.

It is with feelings of great pleasure that I inform you of, our continued prosperity ever since the commencement of my ministerial labours here; the Lord has been in our midst, and has been pleased to hear and answer the prayers of his people; many have become the happy recipients of his grace, and have been brought out of darkness into the glorious light of the Gospel.

My labours are confined principally to the town, having, in the town, two services every Lord's day, and one during the week, excepting two Sabbaths in the quarter; on one of which I have to visit Droitwich, and the other Cheltenham. There are other places in the country where I have to preach during the week. At all our places, both in town and country, we have had most refreshing seasons from the presence of the Lord; it is our constant practice to hold prayer meetings after the conclusion of the evening services, and the greatest part of the congregation usually remain.

According to the resolutions passed at the last Annual Assembly, we set apart the fourteenth day of October for humiliation, fasting, and prayer, that the Lord would be graciously pleased to pour out his Spirit, and water his inheritance, both as regards our Own Societies and the world at large. The services were held at seven o'clock in

the morning, twelve at noon, and seven in the evening, all of which were well attended; in the evening especially, the body of the chapel was quite full, and a most hallowing influence rested on the meeting, and we have every reason to believe that great and lasting good has resulted from it. The glorious work of salvation is still going on amongst us, and our chapel has become too strait for us. Last Monday night we held a love feast, and many of the brethren who have been lately brought to a knowledge of the truth, gave a most clear and delightful account of their spiritual state, and such was the effect of the Divine influence that seven souls were constrained to enquire, What they must do to be saved? and, blessed be God, four of them soon found peace through believing, and emerged out of darkness into glorious light; and on the Wednesday and Friday nights following, seven others also were enabled, by the grace of God, to bear a like testimony. The spirit of love and unity pervades the whole Society, and there appears a willingness among the brethren to do all they can to help on the glorious work. My prayer to God is, that we may continue in one heart and one mind, that He may increase in us every grace of the Spirit, and "add to the church daily, such as shall be saved." Nov. 1844. JOHN MATHER.