treasuries, and can far more than replace thy loss. Be again of good courage, and promise that thou wilt go joyfully back to thy calling.' And I promised; and my wife and children were again cheerful, and I forgot the heaviness. I have got over it, and am once more happy with my God. And prayer has done, and can do that, if it is earnest."

TO THE BEREAVED. I HAVE experienced the same trial with which God has visited you, and can therefore sympathize with you, and offer you counsel with full confidence, based, as it is, on my own experience. Be patient, and do not direct your thoughts so much to what is behind you, cherishing your grief by recalling the beautiful days which are gone, but rather meditate on what is before you, what is above -the far more beautiful days of the golden future. And this do, not merely to heal your wound, but do it as Paul tells us he looked unto the things which are before (Phil. iii. 7). It is thus that we get beyond the idea of merely meeting again our departed friends, which may still be but a cleaving to the creature.

It

is thus that we are brought nearer to the kingdom of God and the Lord of glory. It is thus that our loved ones become to us magnets in the higher firmament, drawing us to seek and build up homes in heaven, and to enter into a life-communion with the kingdom above-a communion which is not sentimental and imaginary, but real, and exerting spiritual and moral influence. If we wish to be heavenly-minded and not carnal, we must not merely meditate on eternity, but proceed from such meditations to a practical denial of worldliness-worldly gain and enjoyment. It is possible to think of heaven merely in order to think of loved departed friends, and to idealize our former connection with them. If so, God and his kingdom is not the end, but only means to an end. But reverse the order: seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, press toward the mark for the prize of the high

calling of God in Christ Jesus, press toward it by giving up the past, and the Lord will surely give unto us, in addition, a new and blessed reunion with our friends who have gone before, and who are ennobled by their separation from this world. We may expect to receive this renewed intercourse as a ripe fruit from His merciful hand. May the Lord guide you into all truth, and may he cause a brighter and higher light than you have known as yet to out of the darkness which according to his counsel surrounds his chastisements, so that, after having sown in tears, you may reap with joy!-From the German.

rise

JUDICIAL TESTIMONY

IN FAVOUR OF

THE REVIVAL MOVEMENT IN IRELAND.

As a testimony in favour of the moral influence of the Revival, and its effect in lessening crime, coming from those occupying seats on the bench, either as Judges of Assize or Chairmen of Counties, is of infinite value, especially in silencing scoffers and those who would attribute a seeming increase of drunkenness at a Police Court to the Revival movement, I shall give you the opinion of some of the Chairmen of the Counties in Ulster, as expressed by them in charging the grand juries at the Quarter Sessions in the month of January, 1860. At the sessions for the Ballymena district, J. Hastings Otway, Esq., Q.C., attributed the decrease of crime to the religious feeling that prevailed. But the strongest statement on this point was made by William Armstrong, Esq., QC., Chairman of Quarter Sessions for the County Derry, who, in charging the grand jury in Coleraine, on Saturday, 7th of January, 1860, said:

"When I look into the calendar for the last three months, and in memory look back on calendars that came before me, I am greatly struck with its appearance on this occasion. During the entire of the three months which have passed since I was here before, I find that but one new case has to come before you, and one which is in some respects very unimportant. As I said before, I am greatly struck at the appearance of this calendar, so small is the number of cases; for I formerly had calendars filled with charges for

different nefarious practices, pocketpicking, and larcenies of various sorts. Now I have none of these, I am happy to say. How is such a gratifying state of things to be accounted for? It must be from the improved state of the morality of the people. I believe I am fully warranted now to say that to nothing else than the moral and religious movement which commenced early last summer can the change be attributed. I can trace the state of your calendar to nothing else. It is a matter of great gratification when we see the people of this county improving, and I trust that no temptations of any sort will arise by which they can be induced to forsake the paths of rectitude."

Your English readers, and the friends of the Revival movement every where, will, I feel assured, read this statement with pleasure. The opinion of so competent a judge as Mr. Armstrong is of the greatest value, and ought to convince the most sceptical as to the real good produced by the recent Revival in Ireland. It is gratifying to the members of the Methodist New Connexion Church to think that their ministers and members in Ulster took a prominent place in the movement, and at this time there are no more lasting signs of the Revival anywhere than amongst our congregations. To God be all the praise and glory.

J. A. M.

MATERIAL CIVILIZATION

NO GUARANTEE TO NATIONAL PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

SELDOM, if ever, has the instability of earthly prospects, and the wreck of human hopes, based on intellectual improvement and an advanced civilization, been more graphically set forth than they were by Lord Elgin, in a most eloquent speech delivered by him a short time ago to the students at Glasgow. Reviewing the events of the last ten years, and contrasting the events of the first part of the decade with the last, he said:

"What is it that strikes the imagination even of the most thoughtless and unreflecting when they compareto go no further back-the phenomena which characterized the commencement of this decade with those that distinguished its close? At the former period hymns of universal peace and brotherhood, a palace of unprecedented dimensions, of a novel and exquisite structure, raised as if by enchantment,

to be the receptacle of the products of the industry of all the earth-such proofs accumulated there of man's control over the powers of Nature, of the subserviency of modern science to purposes of human utility, of the widespread benefits of commercial interchange, that it seemed hardly extravagant or unreasonable to anticipate that, before the light of this resistless demonstration, the evil passions that beget discord, and the selfishness that checks intercourse, would, self-abashed at their own deformity, vanish like night spectres before the dawn. And as a result, in too many quarters, it is to be feared, faith in a civilization materialistic rather than moral, in the substitution of a cunningly-devised social methodism for the energy, and self-reliance, and spiritual renovation of the individual man, in a heaven to be reached through self-indulgence rather than self-sacrifice. And what, let me ask again—what are the phenomena which distinguish the close of the decade? Dark clouds overhead, furrowed by the lightning trackbelow, the nations gathered together in perplexity, and anxiously inquiring on what spot the thunder-bolt will fall -the art of man, the economics of human industry, the knowledge of Nature's secrets, so dearly bought, all recklessly expended in the invention, and fabrication, and accumulation of the instruments of human destruction; and, as a consequence-a not unnatural consequence-a growing distrust in many of the specious promises of the nineteenth century, and a cautious groping in the dark after some ground of confidence more stable, more sufficient, and more secure."

THE PRIMITIVE WESLEYANS,

OR THE

CHURCH METHODISTS. IT is well known that this denomination admits Lay representation, like our own body; but its rules forbid the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper to be administered in their own places of worship or by their own preachers. This regulation, however, is felt to press hardly both upon preachers and people-for the former are thereby denied to exercise the full functions of the ministry, and the latter are not allowed the full privileges of the members of a church according to the New Testament. A step has been taken lately by the society in Belfast,

which is likely to cause our brethren to review this question. The following paragraph appeared in a recent number of the Belfast News Letter:

"A somewhat remarkable step has lately been taken by the Methodist congregation worshipping in Donegallplace. It is known that this denomination of Methodists profess to be still united with the Established Churchin fact, never to have separated from it. They have held their morning service at an hour different from that of the Established Church, so that their congregation may be able also to attend the Church of England service, and they have never had the sacraments in any of the chapels in connection with their denomination, their members going to some of the Episcopalian churches, the Presbyterian churches, or the other Methodist churches, to have their children baptized, and to partake of the Lord's Supper. These have been the peculiar features of this Methodist body, and the remarkable circumstance in connection with the Donegall-place congregation is that a number of them, if not all, have agreed to partake of the sacrament together in their own chapel. They have partaken of the Lord's

Supper on a recent occasion; and, as their preachers, in obedience to the rules of the Conference, could not be present, the members of the congregation partook of it without the presence of any minister, and after the form in which the Independents observe this ordinance. This step is virtually an entire casting aside of all the rules which have been hitherto observed by this denomination, and will make a considerable change amongst them if carried out in other places, and may lead to disputings if the other congregations in Ireland and the Conference oppose such a proceeding. A considerable amount of correspondence has, it is said, already passed on the subject between the preachers in Belfast and other towns, and the matter is likely to lead to further questions."

Sincerely desiring the prosperity of this Christian denomination, we hope the present movement will not cause division or promote exasperation, but that the subject will be discussed with calmness and a supreme deference to the authority of the Holy Scriptures. May the Great Head of the Church guide them aright.

MEANS TO PROMOTE

A GENUINE REVIVAL

IN OUR OWN CONNEXION.

IN an address recently issued by the Annual Committee, the following suggestions were embodied, which being generally adapted to promote the work of God, we give them a permanent place in our pages, with only one or two slight verbal alte

rations.

The Committee would affectionately exhort that special measures be taken (if not already adopted) to stimulate our officers and members universally to holy activity and prayer, to bring down a mighty effusion of the Holy Spirit, and thereby secure a genuine and a general revival of the work of God in your circuit. Not in the spirit of dictation, but of affectionate fraternal counsel, and to sustain and

strengthen your own pious efforts, the Committee would most respectfully suggest that the following questions be proposed for the serious and prayerful consideration of the brethren who may compose the Quarterly and Leaders' Meetings:

1. Can any means be adopted to promote more deep and earnest piety in the hots of our members? Special and fervent appeals to be made by the leaders to their members respectively, on the duty and privilege of closet and family devotion-of living in the experimental knowledge of sins forgiven - of pressing after holiness-and of diligent attention on all the social ordinances of religion-seem to be available means for securing this desirable result.

2. Can any measure be adopted to reclaim those who have either

openly backslidden from God, or who, through spiritual declension, have ceased to meet in class? Of such, alas! there are many; and, to procure a complete list of their names and residences, and to appoint deputations to wait on all such for the purpose of affectionate entreaty and expostulation, might be attended with blessed results.

3. Can anything be done to bring the well-disposed but undecided seat-holders and attendants on our ministry, to immediate decision? Special discourses on the necessity of immediate conversion on the awful danger of delay, and on the duty and privilege of a union with God's people, would, doubtless, result in arousing the consciences of many, and leading them to decide for God; and, at the same time, personal invitations to our social means, urged with affectionate solicitude by ministers, or friends of influence and high character, might terminate in many a bosom a painful struggle between nature and grace, and lead to a happy union with God and his people.

4. Can anything be effected to render our Sabbath schools more fully nurseries for our churches, by causing them to be more productive of spiritual and saving results? Perhaps this important question might be referred to a special teachers' meeting, where steps might be taken to induce the teachers to apply the truth with increasing directness and faithfulness to the hearts of the childrento organize Bible classes, and meetings of a mid-way character between the school and the church, with a view to prepare the elder scholars, by experimental piety, for closer union with God's people.

5. Can any steps be taken to find exercise for the undeveloped and unemployed energies of our people, so as to render our churches, in the fullest sense, active working churches, and to bring all the appliances of Methodism into full operation? This question will be partly answered by the measures now suggested; but as a full prac

tical response is essential to the highest development of action in a church, and the highest degree of success in Methodism, it claims the grave consideration of our officers and responsible authorities.

6. What can be done to improve our congregations-to increase the number of our hearers, and thus give us a wider surface of humanity on which to act in the ministry of the Word? Here the outlying masses of the people come under our notice, and means should be adopted to bring them under religious influence. Domiciliary visitation, the distribution of religious tracts and hand-bills, cottage preaching, itinerating prayer meetings, and special religious services held for successive evenings, are means which have been signally owned of God, and can never be used in dependence on the Divine blessing without success.

66

The circulation of the excellent Essay on the Conversion of the Masses," by the Rev. P. J. Wright,* would, doubtless, be most seasonable at this juncture, and be productive of much good, in a general effort to promote the revival of religion, the activity of our churches, and the salvation of our fellow

men.

While suggesting these topics for inquiry, the Committee would not for a moment restrict your investigations, nor circumscribe your efforts, but leave you to the unfettered exercise of your enlightened judgment. What we chiefly urge is, the necessity of endeavouring to impress our people with their responsibilities, and the duty of individual and united action to secure a revival of the work of God in our churches, and the conversion of multitudes of precious souls, so that, as a community, we may fulfil the great purpose of our existence. Assuredly that purpose is not chiefly to assert the theory of religious freedom, but to be a light in our dark world, to extend the

Price 12s. per 100 copies, or 6s. for 50 copies.

Redeemer's kingdom, and, if we have better principles than others, to demonstrate their real worth and practical importance by nobler deeds and greater success.

Finally, brother, let everything be seasoned and sanctified by prayer -solemn, earnest, believing prayer. Herein our great strength lieth. A praying church is mighty, because it has power with God. It has access to his infinite resources, and the privilege of claiming the fulfilment of his richest blessings.

PROGRESS IN DURHAM
CIRCUIT.

MR. EDITOR,-One or two items of business at our recent January Quarterly Meeting were of more than local importance, and invested with an interest which will give them a hearty welcome, and an undisputed currency throughout the Connexion. Foremost amongst these was a generous newyear's gift from Joseph Love, Esq. The noble manse, or preacher's house, adjoining, yet separate from, the chapel at Durham, was completed early in 1859, Mr. Love having paid the accounts as they were presented. The house contains eight rooms, with ample cellars, washhouse, and other conveniences, and is built in great strength and with considerable finish. Altogether, its equal is not to be found, perhaps, in the Connexion. At the October Quarterly Meeting, a conversation was entered into respecting the cost, and the means we should devise to secure its liquidation; but only very feeble steps had been taken towards this desirable consummation. Mr. Love took up the subject here, and after a pleasant remark or two upon his debtors being, like those in the Gospel, without anything to pay, he undertook "frankly to forgive them all," and surrendered the preacher's house, which had cost upwards of £600, as his new-year's gift to the Durham Circuit. I need not say that this princely gift was acknowledged, as it richly deserved to be, by the glistening eyes and hearty plaudits of the assembled brethren.

As the circuit was thus relieved of a heavy obligation, and enriched by the addition of valuable freehold property, it was felt to be butright to follow out the stimulus given, and the example set, by a still further effort to increase and consolidate the property of the circuit.

It was resolved accordingly to take an additional married preacher next year, and, in all probability, erect for him a new house, at Willington; to build a new and neat chapel at Spennymoor, and perhaps, also, if the way opens, another at Nettlesworth; and to render additional help to our friends at Crook and Hartlepool, in their chapel movements. But how could this laudable object be most effectually accomplished? All present ultimately decided upon a great circuit bazaar, to be held, towards the end of summer, at Durham. All parts of the circuit are to contribute to it, and all are to participate in the advantages. will be a noble means of consolidation to the circuit in its pecuniary interests; and I am happy to report that the excellency of the design is not more apparent than the cordiality with which it is pursued is universal. Preparatory sewing-meetings are about to be established at Durham and Willington, embracing the places contiguous, and a happy and holy emulation, I believe, will spur our people to successful action. If friends at a distance desire to help in the good work, let them not be deterred by any obtrusive maxim, such as that which speaks about sending coals to Newcastle.

This

Best of all, the circuit continues to enjoy spiritual prosperity. In nearly all parts of the circuit, but particularly at Durham, Hartlepool, Willington, &c., conversions, real and striking, have been very common, and great has been the number of the saved. My colleagues have laboured hard, and right well have we been seconded in evangelical labours by local preachers, leaders, and members.

While to Mr. Love, at our quarterly meeting, the circuit generally was indebted for a substantial gift, the members of the meeting, in particular, were indebted to Mrs. Love for a bounteous dinner, provided for them in the schoolroom. About forty to fifty sat down to the well-furnished tables, and all seemed as happy as at any family gathering. Indeed, the day throughout was one of great cordiality, genuine sympathy, and holy love. All were separate in their personal diversities, but all seemed to be one in spiritual feeling. Happy is that people whose God is the Lord!

Since the meeting thus briefly narrated was held, another event, well worthy of notice in the pages of the