the site, or for the building, to the general Missionary Fund.'"

Our Centenary proceedings have done us great good. They have raised our people to a sense of their position and capability. They have contributed liberally; and upon the principle, that we al ways value what we pay most for, they value our doctrines and discipline more now than ever they did before. The English have given much, but the Irish have given more; and I will tell you why, (excuse the Hibernicism,)-because they gave more than they had. An Englishman may give as much as he has, but an Irishman may do more. He can borrow from the future; and many of them have done so, in order to raise what may be, in your estimation, after all, con. sidered but a trifle. I heard of one circumstance which strikes my recollection, and which I was going to say, I would relate for your benefit, but I shall prefer saying, for your example. An individual, not possessing a great deal of money, gave £150 to the Centenary Fund. In a short time afterwards, the Missionary claims appeared to him very imperative; and, assembling his wife and children, eight persons altogether, at tea, he said, "We will now have a Missionary Meeting; and," addressing himself to the children, "we shall vote your mother into the chair." The mother accordingly took the chair; and the father said, "Now, the inquiry is, whether I shall give £50 or £100 to the Missionary fund." The mother said, "If I am the Chairman, and have a casting or a double vote, you have really done a bad thing to put me into my present situation, if you are desirous of saving your money, because I shall certainly vote for £100; and if the question had been £100 or £200, I should have given my vote for £200." The question was put from the chair, and it was carried by acclamation that £100 should be paid, and it was forthwith paid. Immediately after this, that same person took two mills, a flax-mill, and a flour-mill. Conceiving that God had dealt very kindly towards him, and that he owed a vast deal to his cause, he said, to those whom he consulted, "I feel that the measure of religion which did for me seven years ago, will not do for me now; I feel that the same degree of spiritual enjoyment will not satisfy my soul now that satisfied it then; and I feel too that the seven-years'-ago givings will not do now;" and he vowed to give the profits of those two mills for the first five years to the cause of God, without putting a

J. P. WESTHEAD, ESQ., of Manchester, observed, that the welfare of the Society was very dear to his heart, and he could not entertain any desponding fears as to its success. They had done much, and much was yet required. No doubt this was a period of commercial depression, especially in the northern districts, which made it difficult to raise a large sum of money; but Christian sacrifices must be made; and he had no doubt that there would still a seed be found to "come up to the help of the Lord." He cordially seconded the motion; which was put and carried unanimously.

The REV. JAMES DIXON, of Manchester said, that instead of delivering a speech, he would simply recommend every one who heard him, to act upon the principle of not only keeping up the income of the Society, but also of increasing it by about twelve or twenty thou sand pounds a year. He knew nothing that could by possibility excite them to meet this demand, but a deep sense of their obligations to God for their religious blessings. He would advise that some of the most remarkable instances of suc cess in the foreign stations should be placed clearly before the people, in order to excite their confidence and provoke their liberality. He would next recommend that the officers at the MissionHouse should depute one of themselves to take a Missionary journey through every part of the Connexion at home, for the purpose of bringing the whole question to the attention of the friends of Missions. He was convinced in his own mind, that nothing but some such visitation could be so effectual in raising the income to the desired point of elevation. He would also request his fellow-Ministers to be ready on all occasions to meet calls in aid of that visitation, whenever it might be consistent with their other duties. Next, he would urge, that every young Minister should bring his zeal and powers to the assistance of the venerable men who had grown grey in this work. He would likewise recommend all friends of the Missionary Society to make this his and her own cause. The great point to be aimed at was, he repeated, the permanent elevation of their annual income; and that could only be done by some great effort, an effort in which the poor and the rich must all take their part. If they could do that, then he should have no fear for the Wesleyan Missions, which God had so remarkably succeeded up to the

present time. If he stood in need of any thing to prop up his own courage, he would resort to the proceedings of the present day. Could they fail with talents so splendid as they had then been listening to? Could they fail with rank so elevated as that which had graced their platform? Could they fail with the union and feeling and sound Missionary principle exhibited that day? It was impossible. Not only would eloquence and talent come forth to their assistance; not only would they have the truly catholic spirit of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, of England, of Ireland, and of India, and every where else; but they would have more, because nobody could give them their smiles, speeches, and kind wishes, without also contributing to their funds. The example that had been set on the platform that day would have its effect, not only upon the Meeting, but in other quarters; and other Members of the Legislature would come forward, and think it honourable to themselves to tread in the footsteps of such a Senator as had filled the chair at that Meeting, and of such a General, such a Philosopher, such a Legislator, such a Colonial Secretary, and such a Christian, as Sir George Murray. He congratulated the Society on the noble moral demonstration of the day. He was sure they would succeed as it respected their funds; and equally sure they would succeed, by the divine blessing, in the noble object of converting man to God. heartily moved the Resolution :

He

"That, while rejoicing in the successful foreign exertions of the Society, this Meeting regrets to learn that the income of this institution has, for several preceding years, been materially insuffi cient to meet the regularly increased demands which have been inevitably created even by that very success itself which has called forth, from year to year, its grateful acknowledgments; and earnestly recommends to the Committee the arrangement and adoption of prompt and effectual measures for raising the regular annual income of the Society to an amount equal, at least, to the maintenance of its existing Missions in a state of complete efficiency, as well as for the eventual extinction of the heavy debt, occasioned by the inadequate income of the three last years."

JAMES MUSGRAVE, ESQ., of Leeds, had been very greatly interested in the proceedings of the day; and he also felt interested beyond all he could express in the welfare of this Society. When he remembered its beginning, and

looked at the progress it had made, he thanked God and took courage. It was his happiness to have been present when the foundation-stone, if he might so speak, of the Society, in its present regular and organized form, was laid by a small company of friends in one of the vestries at the old chapel in Leeds. When he recollected the smallness of its beginning, and saw the amazing spread it had since attained, he was utterly astonished and truly thankful. Several hints had been thrown out by the reverend gentleman who had preceded him, as to the best method of raising the means required for the operations of the Society, and he should have been glad if his reverend predecessor had thrown out one suggestion more in his accustomed able manner. Hearing that the Society was greatly in need of funds, a number of friends in the town from whence he came met together to see what could be done; and he was very happy to say, that not a few of those gentlemen determined to double their regular and stated subscriptions. Now had such a suggestion come from the Rev. Mr. Dixon, it might have had great influence on the Meeting; and although coming from himself, yet he would venture to submit that perhaps the best way would be for the supporters of the Society, one and all, to double their subscriptions; and if these were found not to be sufficient, then to meet again and see what else could be done. He had had many opportunities of attending Missionary Meetings, and some very large ones; but certainly it was a great satisfaction to his mind to have lived to see what he now saw of the progress of this great cause; a cause which he ought to love, and which he did love. friends must not conclude that they had come to the ultimatum of their givings, especially when they took into consideration the increasing claims of Western Africa, for which additional means must be provided..... The Resolution was put, and carried unanimously.

Its

DR. BUNTING pleasantly remarked, That the Meeting would next be addressed by Robert Newton, "The Very Rev. the Moderator (or President) of the Wesleyan Conference." (Repeated rounds of cheering.)

The

MR. NEWTON,-My friends have certainly given me credit for too much. I am not going to make a speech. duty assigned me this day is a very pleasant one. I have only to read the Resolution which is put into my hand, and which I am sure will secure the approbation of all present; and that is saying

something. The Resolution gives expression to a sentiment which pervades all hearts in this assembly. It is one of thanksgiving and this is indeed a day of general thanksgiving; and let us all express our gratitude and thankfulness to Him, whose we are and whom we serve, -Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end. But while we thank Him above all, and for all, we deen it right, and Christian, and fitting, that we should express our gratitude to instruments whom He employs and distinguishes. I have very great satisfaction, therefore, in submitting as a Resolution to this assembly,

"That this Meeting presents its most respectful and cordial thanks to the Very Reverend Dr. Makellar, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and to the Rev. Robert S. Candlish, A. M., Minister of St. George's, Edinburgh, for their kind and very able services in connexion with the present Anniversary; and unites in earnest prayers to God for the spiritual prosperity, and increasing usefulness at home and abroad, of that venerable Church of which they are distinguished members." (Much cheering.) That cheer justifies me in assuming, that I had only to read the Resolution in order to give effect to your feelings. I need not characterize the addresses we have had from those two reverend friends. You have heard the address of the Very Reverend the Moderator, so distinguished by true dignity, piety, and charity. It has done us good to listen to such sentiments. I need say nothing of his reverend companion. You have heard two of his sermons, as well as his address, so replete with strong sense, Christian sentiment, and feeling. Can we feel otherwise, then, than under great obligation to those two distinguished individuals? It is my duty to say, however, that this is not the only place where this Society has been aided by distinguished Ministers and members of the Church of Scotland. At the Anniversary Meetings of our Society in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Arbroath, Montrose, to my personal knowledge, again and again have we been favoured with the assistance of Ministers and members of the Church of Scotland. And let me tell my Wesleyan friends on this side of the Tweed, that the Church of Scotland is beforehand with us in her liberality and kindness; because it has been my good fortune to be admitted, not once or twice only, not into their churches only, but into their palpits, there to

and

preach sermons-in aid of what?-in aid of the funds of the Wesleyan Missionary Society; and to make collections too, after those sermons or before them, for the benefit of this great Society. So that, really, when we get down north of the Tweed, it would seem we get nearer to the sun, and that the moral atmosphere becomes warmer and more genial than it is in the more southern parts of the kingdom. I have, therefore, very great pleasure in moving this Resolution; and had the Very Reverend the Moderator remained with us, I should have been most happy, in the name and on the behalf of the Wesleyan Conference, (as I have the honour to sustain the office and character of “Moderator" of that assembly,) to have expressed to that distinguished individual the cordial regards of the Wesleyan body for him and the members of the Church whom he represents; and to have united with him in the wish he so kindly expressed, that our acquaintance made on this occasion may be increasing, steady, and permanent ;-to which my heart says, "Amen, so be it."

The REV. DR. BUNTING said,The duty had been imposed upon him of seconding this Resolution, which he should only do by saying, that he entirely concurred in the sentiments which had been expressed by their President towards their distinguished visiters from the Church of Scotland. He would add, (as it was proper the Meeting should be made acquainted with the fact,) that this visit of the Very Reverend the Moderator, and his friend, Mr. Candlish, had not been without the entire sanction, approbation, and even request of some of the most eminent Ministers of their Church. Indeed, the Society was very mainly indebted for this visit, and the spiritual advantage they had all derived from it, to one of the most illustrious men Scotland had ever produced: he meant Dr. Chalmers.

The Resolution was put, and carried unanimously.

A further list was now read of various handsome donations, and a general collection was made.

DR. SANDWITH moved, and RALPH WILSON, ESQ., of Newcastle-uponTyne, seconded,

"That the cordial thanks of the Society are also due to the Rev. Robert Newton, President of the Conference, the Rev. W. M. Bunting, and the Rev. James B. Gillman, for their excellent Sermons preached in the CentenaryHall, or before the Society, during this Anniversary; to the Rev. James Dixon,

the Rev. Dr. Hannah, the Rev. Barnabas Shaw, the Rev. John Maclean, and the Rev. F. A. West, for their very acceptable pulpit-services on the same occasion; to all other Ministers who have publicly advocated the cause of the Society during the past year; and to the Auxiliary and Branch Societies, the Ladies' Associations, the Juvenile Societies, and their respective Committees, Treasurers, Secretaries, and Collectors, both at home and abroad, for their very successful exertions on behalf of the funds of the institution, in which exertions they are most earnestly entreated to continue and abound: and that while recommending increased exertion, this Meeting solemnly recognises the importance of connecting with every effort and contribution to the cause of Missions, unceasing prayer to Almighty God for his furthering blessing."

COLONEL NICOLLS, R. M., moved the next Resolution. The gallant officer said, that having been twelve years on the coast of Africa, he had had a good opportunity of seeing the working of Wesleyan Missions in that country; and he could bear testimony to their most efficient and highlyimportant effects. There had been several works published on the subject of the slave-trade, and the evils which afflict African society; but he could testify, from personal observation, that even Sir Fowell Buxton's and the Rev. Mr. Beecham's books fell short of the truth. The case was still worse than

they had described it. The last production (Mr. Beecham's) was calculated to do a great deal of good; and he could not too earnestly impress on the minds of the Meeting, the importance of giving this subject every possible consideration. He regretted he was labouring under a severe cold, which rendered it quite impossible for him to make himself heard by such a Meeting, and especially at the moment they were separating. He would only, therefore, just add, that he had been commissioned to convey to the Wesleyan-Methodist Society the most grateful thanks of thousands of Negroes, who had received the blessings it had been the means of dispensing. He moved,

"That the cordial thanks of the So*The book referred to is," Ashantee and the Gold-Coast: being a Sketch of the History, Social State, and Superstitions of the Inhabitants of those Countries. With a Map, and a Notice of the State and Prospects of Christianity among them. By John Beecham." 12mo. pp. 376. Mason, London. 1841,

ciety are due, and are hereby presented, to the General Committee; to Thomas Farmer, Esq., and the Rev. John Scott, the General Treasurers; and to the Rev. Dr. Bunting, the Rev. John Beecham, the Rev. Dr. Alder, and the Rev. Elijah Hoole, the General Secretaries; for the valuable services which they have severally rendered to the Society, in the direction and management of its affairs during the past year."

JAMES HEALD, ESQ., of Manchester, seconded the Resolution; which was put to the Meeting, and carried unanimously.

The REV. JOHN BEECHAM moved, and the REV. JOHN MACLEAN, of Sheffield, seconded,—

"That the very cordial and respectful thanks of the Society are due to James Emerson Tennent, Esq., M. P., for the kindness and ability with which he has conducted, as Chairman, the business of this Meeting."

THOMAS FARMER, ESQ., (who had shortly before taken the chair, on Mr. Tennent's unavoidable retirement,) having put the Resolution to the Meeting, which was carried unanimously, said,-That it was his duty, in the position in which he was placed, to say a word or two to them. If the mantle of Elijah had fallen upon Elisha, it would have been very likely that he should have attempted to make a speech; but, in the present case, he must be content with subscribing to the sentiment,-" The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak;" and while he regretted that he was unable to do justice to the feelings which he entertained in reference to the services rendered by the honourable gentleman mentioned in the Resolution, he was sure that they would best meet his view, and the views of those they had appointed their agents to carry on their operations, by increasing their funds to the extent already proposed. It gave him great satisfaction to find, that the sentiments issuing from the platform had met with so hearty a response. They must now descend to the laborious part, as they sometimes termed it, of their Society; and the only way in which they could effectually meet the obligations they were under, was by taking heed to the recommendation that had been given, for every individual to consider the cause of Missions as his or her own business, as much as it was the business of the Committee. He sometimes regretted they could not have an immediate adjournment from such a Meeting as the present, in order that they might enter more minutely into a consideration of those