an appropriate sermon. The attendance was excellent. For many months our congregation has not averaged more than twenty persons, but our first assembly in this goodly temple comprised more than 100 individuals. This was to all of us the occasion of much thanksgiving. It so happened that we had three steamers in the river, and a number of trading vessels. I suppose one-half of the attendants on the service would be from these ships; but after allowing for these, you will see that the increase of resident attendants was encouraging. Many assured us that, as we have provided such a com

cult of access. The great thing now wanted is the abundant effusion of Divine influence, that the Word of the Lord may run and be glorified.

The Sabbath of opening was preceded by a very affecting incident, which it may not be inappropriate to mention. This was the death of one of the gentlemen of the community, G. H. Webster, Esq. More than two years ago Mr. Webster, when appealed to by Mr. Innocent and myself on the subject of non-attendance at Divine service, said, "I do not like the place in which you meet. If you will build a little church, I will give you 100

fortable place for Divine worship, they should feel themselves bound to attend; and again and again did we hear the remark, "How very much this is like home!" I think it very likely that the existence of such an attractive chapel, situated, as it is, so very conveniently for all, will serve to remind the residents, as the Sundays come round, of their past privileges, and of their religious obligations, and secure more regular and more numerous attendance. We have certainly removed the grounds of excuse for previous neglect of public ordinances, which were, that our service was held in a beathen temple, and that the place of meeting was so far away and so diffi

dollars as a start." A month ago, this gentleman entered my house one evening, looking very ill, and noticing the church out of my room window, he exclaimed, "I shall never enter that church!" He continued to sink, and my colleague and myself visited him regularly, and had much conversation with him respecting eternal verities. On the Friday before our first service, he sent for me early in the day, and on arriving at his bedside, he told me he felt himself to be dying, and requested me not to leave him until he was dead. I can never forget the incidents of that day. At twenty minutes past nine that evening he died; and on the next day I interred

him, and brother Innocent made some suitable remarks at the grave-side for the benefit of survivors. His funeral was attended by all the foreign residents, and the event was felt to be one of solemn interest. This is the first death amongst the adult European population that we have had for two years past, and it is somewhat remarkable that the previous death was that of an agent of the same house as this gentleman represented. Thus our first subscriber towards the new church, instead of uniting with us in the opening service, was, on the previous day, committed to the tomb; but we consigned his remains to the dust in the hope that, though long a neglecter of his best interests, he was permitted to find saving mercy in the eleventh hour, and that, though absent from the services of the lower sanctuary, his spirit was engaged in the nobler services of the skies. I earnestly hope that his death may prove the life of

some who are left.

edifice (as our readers will recollect) is not large, being capable of seating about 200 persons; but it is very agreeablelooking, the interior especially being attractive and even elegant. The seats are arranged in open pews, with an aisle up the centre. The whole room is wainscoted, and the walls

are

coloured, having ornamental paintings round the windows, harmonizing with the side panes, which are of stained glass, with a circular window of stone and stained glass at each end, that in the front of the chapel being a gem. The entire cost will be about £700. The estate is being vested in trustees, according to our model deed. The architect, Mr. Hill, of Leeds, has, with great generosity, supplied the plans, and, at much sacrifice, superintended the erection; and the builders, Messrs. H. J. Jones and Co., of Southport, have done their work to our full satisfaction.

On Thursday afternoon, November 17, 1864, the opening sermon was preached by our beloved president, the Rev. R. Henshaw. The discourse was upon Psalm xxvi. 8, and was exceedingly appropriate and edifying. The

Rev. C. D. Ward (secretary to the Building Committee) preached in the evening. The day was extremely stormy, which thinned the audiences and lessened the collections, though, under the circumstances, both were deemed gratifying and encouraging. On Lord's-day, November 20, the Rev. L. Stoney preached at half-past ten, the Rev. A. M. Stalker (Baptist) at three, and the Rev. J. Stokoe at halfpast six. Mr. Stoney also administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. These services were well attended, and greatly enjoyed; the collections, too, were satisfactory. On Wednesday, November 23, the Rev. E. Mellor, M.A., preached; the chapel was well filled, and the service was a rich treat. On Sunday, November 27, three services were again held, conducted respectively by the Revs. A. M'Curdy. J. Bowers (Wesleyan), and J. Medicraft; congregations and collections much as before, and seasons of refreshing were enjoyed. A tea-meeting on the day following (November 28) closed these opening services. Very stormy weather prevailed, still there was a good attendance in the Temperance Hall. Mr. Councillor Jenkinson efficiently presided over the public meeting after tea, and stirring and suitable addresses were given by the Revs. A. M. Stalker, J. Taylor, T. Rudge, A. M'Curdy, J. E. Millson (Congregational), J. Medicraft, and Messrs. A. Pilling, H. Atherton, and W. Tipping. The collections yielded £51, exclusive of the profits of the tea. This, with £200 to be given from the Mission Fund, and £300 to be collected in the Manchester and Liverpool districts, will leave a small debt, which, no doubt, the trustees will try early to

remove.

The pulpit is to be supplied until Conference by brethren from the two districts just named; and it cannot admit of doubt that, if a suitable minister be then sent, we shall soon rejoice in having an excellent church and congregation. A class has been formed, a number of families have taken seats, a Sunday-school has been opened, land is secured for a large chapel to be built when needed, a number of valuable old members are being re-united to our body; and we believingly pray that this scheme of Connexional extension, originated by the Manchester district meeting, may be so manifestly prospered by the Lord, that

it may be speedily adopted by other districts, which have many new towns rising around them where our denomination is unknown, and to supply which our Missionary Committee cannot, as yet, command the means.

FOUNDATION OF A NEW CHAPEL.

LEICESTER MISSION.

It has again been my happy lot to be at one of those auspicious events which ought to be hailed by every Methodist -viz., the laying of the foundationstone of a chapel in connection with this mission.

Being of one heart and mind, both at St. Paul's Chapel and Belgrave-road Society, we gathered in host at the railway station, and took train for Blaby, a village about four miles aud a-half from Leicester, where we have for the last two years been preaching in the streets, and lately in a house. On our arrival at Blaby, the friends nobly rallied round us, where we formed ourselves into a procession, and proceeded to the intended site. After singing the usual hymn"This stone to Thee in faith we lay," Brother Capey engaged in prayer, when the Rev. W. J. Townsend laid the stone in the name of the Holy Trinity. He then said that for two summers they had held open-air preaching in the village of Blaby; at the campmeeting held in August last, a man was converted, who at once offered his house for service as the dark nights came on. That house was quickly filled with those who came to hear the Word, and a proposal was made on the part of a friend to erect a chapel for their use on terms so reasonable that they were very willing to accept the offer. No doubt the people of Blaby would be wishful to know who they were, and what they were, and he intended to tell them. They were Christians, believing and rejoicing in the great fundamental doctrines of the Trinity, the atonement, human depravity, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the conversion and regeneration of the sinner. They looked to Christ as their "living Head" in "all things," and from Him derived all life, truth, and grace. They were also Protestants, taking their stand with Luther, Knox, and Calvin in protesting against the figments and false doctrines of Popery, and glorying with them

in the great principle of justification by faith alone. But Protestants were sub-divided into sections, and they had their peculiar views and features. They differed kindly and charitably from many other denominations, but they were not ashamed or afraid to proclaim their special views. They were Arminians in sentiment. They repudiated the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reprobation, final perseverance, &c.; but they delighted to proclaim an atonement and redemption which were not partial or limited, but which offered salvation to every man who believed. They were also Methodists. They were glad to be related to Wesley and Whitfield, and the noble worthies who gathered round them in their blessed work; they sought to preserve their spirit of devoted earnestness and self-sacrifice, and in coming to Blaby their desire was to awaken the people to concern for their souls' welfare, as the early Methodists had gone through Britain and America, crying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." But they were New Connexion Methodists. Whilst they preserved the doctrines of Christianity as taught generally by John Wesley, they differed from the parent body on important points of ecclesiastical order and discipline.

Mr. Townsend here gave an account of the causes of separation in 1797, and traced the rise of the New Connexion. He said people might wonder that they should call themselves "New," when they were sixty-seven years of age. But when their body came into existence, they were the only separatists from the parent stem, and they were "New." The name had accompanied them ever since, though the word "New" had remained when the necessity for it had gone. Possibly, ere many years, it might be altered; but if the name was altered, they did not intend to alter their doctrines and principles, or surrender any portion of the spirit of genuine Methodism they possessed.

After this address, brother Man concluded with prayer, when the friends adjourned to a spacious room in the neighbourhood, and about 150 sat down to tea. After which addresses were delivered by Revs. W.J.Townsend and Daniel Brearley; Messrs. Capey, Wills, Sharman, Bird, Smith, Deacon, and Robinson; Mr. John Man in the chair.

The Rev. Daniel Brearley did us good service, giving a most telling and powerful speech, and rejoicing to see and hear of the prosperity of this mission. JOHN ROBINSON.

HUDDERSFIELD CIRCUIT

STILL INCREASING. METHODISM in general, and our own community in particular, has now to fulfil its mission, not so much by running away to establish new interests in fardistant places, as by taking possession of the towns and villages which cluster in and around our respective circuits. The rapid rate at which population increases, especially in manufacturing districts, summons us to increased activity; and without corresponding exertions, it will be impossible for us to overtake this progress, and occupy such places to advantage. Every cir cuit, therefore, should be intent on enlargement, and every year ought to witness an increase in the number of our societies, as well as in the membership.

Huddersfield has made the experiment on a small scale; and had it attempted greater things, the result would doubtless have been crowned with corresponding success: "For he which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth abundantly shall reap also abundantly." And the diligent hand maketh rich," is a truism which applies to churches and circuits as well as to individuals.

Perched on the opposite side of the narrow river which meanders its way through the lower part of this town is Primrose Hill-a thriving suburb, which is just as interesting and attractive in appearance as it is in name. There, it was thought, we might and ought to establish ourselves. High Street Leaders' Meeting fully concurred in that idea, and appointed our excellent friends, Messrs. David North and John Sykes, to make inquiries and arrange for an opening.

They secured a room, and issued a suitable address, announcing the intention to establish a Sunday-school, with such religious services as might be required. Several friends in the neighbourhood came to their assistauce, and the school was opened with encouraging prospects of success. Upwards of fifty scholars are now regularly taught there, and no doubt that number will soon be greatly increased. On the 6th of November, public reli

gious services were introduced, when the Rev. Wm. Baggaly preached in the afternoon, and Mr. J. Sykes in the evening, to crowded and attentive congregations. Collections defrayed all expenses, and supplied a little towards the purchase of books, &c. &c. If this opening is only followed up with spirit good will be effected, and our highest expectations crowned with great success. WM. BAGGALY. Huddersfield.

DEIGHTON FRIENDS IN

RAPTURES.

ON Saturday, November 12th, 1864, crowded tables, smiling faces, and merry tongues gave unmistakable evidence of more than ordinary joy amongst our friends at Deighton. But what was it all about? What was it all about! Why, on that day the chapel, with its spacious burial-grounds, the school, the organ, and the society, were all declared "FREE FROM DEBT!" The friends were in raptures, and they met together for mutual congratulation, and to afford others an opportunity of rejoicing with them.

A tea-party was held on the occasion; and the key-note, "Free from Debt," had a thrilling effect, and brought many together. The tables were filled, and filled, and filled again before all could be accommodated. Fortunately, the purveyors had anticipated large demands, and provided accordingly. There was enough and to spare, and the supply was as rich as it was abundant; and the most fastidious must have been even more thau satisfied.

Tea being over, the friends adjourned to the chapel, where great improvements were found to have taken place. It was better lighted, matted, and furnished, with many little adjuncts which go a long way towards promoting the comfort and convenience of a place of worship. The gallery was well filled, and many remained below.

The Rev. Wm. Baggaly presided, and Messrs. Womersley and Harrison spoke well, and much to the edification of all present. The former, who has been a sort of chaplain at Deighton for many years, gave a brief and instructive history of our cause in that place. From his observations it was found that, with but one single exception, the chapel is the oldest in the

circuit. Soon after "the division," a severe contest at a public meeting decided in favour of the Methodist New Connexion. Arrangements were then made for the erection of a chapel, which was opened by the Rev. S. Barraclough. But though the chapel was then built, it did not furnish all the comfort and accommodation required. In process of time, rough benches and logs of wood gave place to forms and pews and other chapel-like arrangements. A vestry and an orchestra were afterwards erected; and, at length, a good organ superseded various minor instruments, to the great joy of all the friends and well-wishers of the place.

But gratifying as those statements were, one fact ought not to be forgotten, which is, that at one time Deighton Chapel was alienated from us, and given into other hands. The venerable Mr. Haslam was not a man to brook an outrage like that. He had stood many a storm in defence of Connexional rights and property, and he was quite disposed to face another, rather than admit that Deighton Chapel was irrecoverably lost. His mind was soon made up, and on a given day he sent our long-tried friend, Mr. David Beaumont, then in the prime of life, to re-take possession of the pulpit. The commission was well executed; and, with the aid of two local preachers from Halifax, who happened to be present at the time, Deighton Chapel was restored to the Connexion.

Since then the history of our cause at Deighton has presented a somewhat chequered scene. Many of its old friends, such as Mr. Geo. Hopkinson, W. Poppleton, and others, have passed away to their rewards. A few worthy men remain true to the cause, and to the principles by which it has long been distinguished. The school, which is a short distance from the chapel, is public property. It has always been regarded, however, as belonging to our community, and should be enrolled as Connexional property, especially as it now bids fair for increased usefulness.

The singers and an efficient choir rendered good service at the meeting; and thanks were most cheerfully accorded to them and also to those ladies who had so well provided for our entertainment at the tables.

Since the above date the public ser

vices have been highly profitable, and several pleasing instances of conversion give encouragement to hope for future prosperity. Let this hope be cherished and sustained by cordial, prayerful, and persevering efforts, and the day is not far distant when the cause at Deighton, free as it now is from all pecuniary encumbrances, will attain to a position amongst the churches which will render it a blessing to the circuit and a praise in the earth.

WM. BAGGALY. Huddersfield, Dec. 1st, 1864.

GOOD NEWS FROM MOSSLEY

CIRCUIT.

OUR Annual Missionary Services in this circuit were held at the time appointed by the General Committee. On the Saturday evening previous, we commenced by a tea-meeting at Lees, when about 200 of the friends sat down at the social repast. For some weeks previous our poor members had suffered severely, owing to the great scarcity of work, and many of them had been almost without bread to eat. It was well known that they could not join us at the tea-tables, however desirous they might be to do so, for it was out of the question to suppose that they had even sixpence to spare. A few of our liberal-hearted friends took the matter up, and generously presented about eighty tickets to the poorest of our members. After tea a public meeting was held, when G. Atkins, Esq., took the chair. All his old friends were glad to find that his health was so far re-established as to permit him to occupy this position. Able addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Rudge, J. Medicraft (Dep.), D. Shelden, and J. Smith, and Messrs. H. Atherton, A. H. Lawton, C. Shaw, and T. Hannam. On the Sunday sermons were preached at Mossley and Lees, by the Revs. T. Rudge and J. Medicraft, to large and attentive congregations. On the Monday evening a public meeting was held in Mossley Chapel, presided over by E. Hallam, Esq., of Stockport, and addressed by the Revs. J. Medicraft, T. Rudge, and J. H. Walthew, and Messrs. H. Atherton, T. Hannam, J. Shaw, and J. Broadbent. This meeting was very numerously attended, the body of our spacious chapel being well filled, and the gallery crowded. Though never,