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This auspicious event is matter for great thankfulness. Hitherto the educational spirit of the friends had been cramped by the lack of accommodation. The children are taught in the Chapel; notwithstanding this, the school contains 263 children, and, judging from appearances, will no doubt soon be increased to the maximum of the ac commodation. The lower room is fitted up with gas, and otherwise conveniently arranged, so that the week-night services can be held therein. Upon the whole, the members of the Society have great cause to be thankful and take courage. A good work is going on in the school; several of the children have joined the Society, and about thirty-five attend a select class for special religious instruction. May the blessing of Almighty God rest upon this part of the vineyard of Christ, and upon the Community in all parts of the world. Amen.

RICHARD BARLOW.

CHRISTIAN UNION IN BARNSLEY.

An attempt at Christian Union has just been made in Barnsley, and with some success. Special services have been held in the Chapels belonging to the New Connexion, Independents, Primitive Methodist, and Wesleyan Association.* For four Sabbath evenings the Ministers in connection with these communities made an interchange of pulpits each preaching on a given subject. Meetings for prayer and fellowship were also held, during three nights in each week, at each Chapel successively, and on the afternoon of the last Sabbath, the united churches held, in the New Connexion Chapel, a united Sacramental Communion. It was a delightful and cheering sight to see-for the first time in this town-the Ministers of different denominations, with their respective charges, assembled to commemorate the dying love of their common Saviour. We felt that we were one: one in Christ-one in spirit, purpose, and hope.

The Union services were well attended the presence of God was delightfully feltbrotherly affection was promoted, zeal inflamed; and I doubt not, under the Divine blessing, great good will be the result. A demonstration has now been made, to some extent, in Barnsley,-that though different sections of the church may not agree in all things, yet that they are ONE in every thing essential to salvation. Hail, happy day! when sectional divisions of the Christian church, forgetting their minor differences, shall merge in one great and mighty army-when she shall stand before an unregenerate world, in the sublime character of one holy, devoted phalanx, to extend the peaceable and benign kingdom of Christ. Then, oh! then, indeed, in the beautiful language of Scripture," she will look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."

W. BERESFORD.

THE SPIRITUAL WANTS AND PRESSING CLAIMS
OF IRELAND.

THE aspect under which Popery presents itself to public observation in Protestant countries, leads many to suppose that its general character is materially changed, and that, instead of intolerant and unrelenting cruelty, it has assumed a more peaceful and genial spirit. Recent events, however, have opened the eyes of thousands on that subject, and shown, beyond all question, that Popery in the nineteenth century is precisely the same as it was three hundred years ago. Popery itself has experienced no change, though in many places its fury is restrained by the influence of better principles, and a wider diffusion of Scriptural truth. That has effected a change; for the omnipotence of truth has demolished her prisons--scattered her instruments of cruelty to the four winds, and extinguished flames in which thousands perished when the reign of antichrist was dominant, and Rome made herself drunk with the blood of the saints.

*The Wesleyans were invited, but declined. However, it is but just to say, that although, as a body, they did not unite with us, yet that some of their members attended the Union services, and expressed themselves highly interested and profited.

But though Popery in some places has been shorn of its strength, its evil principles are all retained. Indeed, to eradicate them so long as the system remains is impossible. They exist as so many essential elements of what the apostle calls "the mystery of iniquity," -a system which has both tolerated and uniformly practised cruelty in every form. We never think of its barbarous deeds without horror; and every reflecting mind would tremble to see it coming again into power. Popery has placed thousands on the rack, and bound tens of thousands to the stake, for no other offence than professing the truth as it is in Jesus. It put Lyster, and Mace, and Spencer, and Joyne, and Richols, and John Hammond to death, at Colchester, on the 21st of April, 1556, It arranged and kindled the faggots which burned Latimer, and Ridley, and Cranmer, at Oxford; and Smithfield was often deluged with the blood of martyrs shed by its wicked hand. Well might one remark, "These dreadful spectacles have branded Popery with a mark on the forehead,- -a mark of blood that all the waters of the ocean can never wash away." And the spirit of Popery is still the same. It cannot change its nature. It is at work in the present day, and only waits a favourable opportunity to burst upon the world with all the horrid and desolating fury of former times.

Tahiti clearly demonstrates this fact, and so would many other places much nearer home if properly examined and faithfully exposed. Popery, in many parts of Ireland, is a very different thing from what it appears to be in Great Britain; and scenes are often witnessed by Erin's sons, which the unsuspecting heart of an Englishman would not suppose to exist.

According to the last census Ireland had a population of 8,175,124. Of these about six millions six hundred thousand are Roman Catholics. The hierarchy of the Romish Church consists of 4 archbishops, 23 bishops, 990 parish priests, 1349 curates, exclusive of regular clergy, &c, connected with convents, monasteries, religious orders, schools, &c. &c. Such a body of men, surrounded by near five-sixths of the entire population, cannot fail to exert a powerful influence, not only on their own people, but on the nation at large. Such an influence they may and do exert; and were it properly directed in raising the social, the moral, and religious character of the people, the patriot and the Christian would rejoice together. But we fear that is not the case. Ireland is divided into four provinces; and in 1841 the state of education was found to stand thus:

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This table is taken from the Roman Catholic Register, and the attention of the reader is specially directed to the mournful facts it unfolds. With the above-named population, and allowing considerably more than one million for children under five years of age, we find that, whilst 3,379,353 can read, yet only 1,966,156 can write. We also perceive from the same report, that 3,766,066, or more than one-half of the population above five years of age, are wholly left without instruction, not being able to read a single page of truth; whilst 5,179,443, or above five-eighths of the entire population of this great country cannot even write their own names. In the province of Connaught, eighty-five per cent. of the male, and eighty-nine per cent. of the female population can neither read nor write; whilst the northern province, commonly called "Protestant Ulster," has sixty-eight per cent. of males, and seventy-one per cent. of females wholly destitute of instruction.

Surely this brings before us a people sitting in darkness, and exhibits a state of wretchedness which but few would think to exist so near to Britain the great centre of moral light; and that too, in a country usually, and very properly designated by British Christians, "the sister kingdom."

But what can be done to roll back such a tide of ignorance, and make this interesting people wise unto salvation? The Established Church has its bishops, deans, pre

bends, rectors, vicars, curates, &c., &c., amounting to 1,560, with the very spice of the country for their support. But the strange and anomalous position of the Church of England, (as it is called), especially in the south and west of Ireland, renders it nearly powerless for good. It takes the fleece whilst the flocks are seen to feed and lie down in other pastures. It is said, that at the minister receives £500 per annum from the parish, though all his parishioners are Catholics with the exception of three families. We mention this case merely to show, that however much those parishioners might be disposed to admire such an individual as a man, they cannot esteem him as their minister; and the simple fact of being compelled to support him in that capacity whilst they go elsewhere for religious instruction, naturally awakens suspicion in their minds, not only against his doctrine, but against a system which taxes them for such a purpose; and when that is the case, their hearts are completely shut up against the truth which they would gladly receive from other lips.

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Such a prejudice, however, cannot exist against other bodies of professing Christians, and therefore to their efforts we may confidently look for success. The Presbyterians, the Wesleyans, the Primitive Wesleyans or Clonites, the Congregational Union, with its twin sister, the Irish Evangelical Society, the Baptists, the Methodist New Connexion, the Primitive Methodists, and no doubt, other Societies, are all at work with their auxiliaries, and various appendages; and God is blessing their labours. what are they amongst so many?" The field is open and invites attention. ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into the harvest." Other bodies of Christians are entering the field, and we ought to emulate their noble example We have very properly taken our stand in this country, and never was there a time when Ireland required our energies so much as it does now. We have arrived at a crisis in its history which should be eagerly embraced, and faithfully improved. The great movement which has taken place by Temperance societies and other institutions, will prove highly favourable to the introduction of the gospel, and ought to be followed up with all that zeal and fervour which its importance demands. To retract, or even to be stationary at such a time as this, would be our disgrace; but to follow up the work with prudence, with zeal, and with perseverance, will crown us with imperishable honour, and ensure a rich reward. Our object must be not merely to foster the churches already formed, but to extend them. We must go to places and to districts more necessitous than those we already occupy, and there break to thousands the bread of life. They are all waiting for it, but we can only approach them in a certain way. Plans for usefulness in Ireland must be well digested, and faithfully adopted; but the mode of operation will widely differ from the course usually pursued in a well-formed English Circuit. In Popish districts a large town should be fixed upon as the centre of operation; but even there a Missionary should never think of merging the duties of his office in that of a pastor. He is sent, not to sit at ease amongst a few who may gather around him, but to offer the word of life to thousands. Hence, as a faithful Evangelist, he must go from town to town, from city to city, taking opportunities as they offer for distributing religious tracts, and preaching in courthouses, market-places, and in the highways and hedges, where he will find many tentive to hear him." But his plan must not be stereotyped, nor his visit to those places periodical. A regular visitation of that sort would soon awaken the ire of the priesthood, and bring down upon him the dreadful thunderbolts of Rome. At, Mr. of the Congregational Union, preached for years in his own hired house, making useful excursions to surrounding districts, and taking every opportunity of rendering himself useful in the city. A Baptist brother has been labouring in the locality he now occupies for upwards of twenty years. L is the centre of his labours. He resides there, and cultivates a small church which has been formed in the city. But that is only a part, a very small part of his work. He itinerates the country for miles round, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, distributing tracts, and forming schools whereever it is practicable. He does so without creating any noise or excitement, for that would immediately paralyse all his efforts, and defeat his wisest schemes. He knows that his best, if not his only chance of securing a congregation is to take the people by surprise; and his schools are no longer safe than whilst hid from the observation of the priests. Hence he toils away until discovered, when the priests break up his little institutions, and he retires to other sequestered spots, and begins again. Sometimes children are got together and taught by the way side, and at other times the wild recesses of a bog befriend the ambassador of Christ whilst showing poor sinners the way of salvation, or teaching their children to " remember their Creator in the days of their youth."

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Perhaps few places present greater difficulties than Ireland; but it does not require the gospel any the less on that account. Difficulties we have, and difficulties we may expect; but, thank God, they are not insuperable. "Who art thou, O great mountain?

before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." Therefore in humble dependence on God, we would "lengthen our cords, and strengthen our stakes; and he shall cause us to break forth on the right hand and on the left," and the triumphs of his grace shall be glorious.

These loud and urgent calls we trust the Connexion will meet with cheerfulness, and to the extent of its ability. We cannot, we dare not press for any thing beyond that: but we must, we do entreat our ministers-our members-the friends of the Connexion-the friends of the Redeemer, to use their utmost endeavours to meet the moral and spiritual necessities of this benighted land, by sending the gospel to the millions of its sons and daughters who are actually perishing for lack of knowledge. If it be really needful to limit the amount expended on Ireland and Canada, do so; and strictly adhere to those arrangements, rather than endanger the peace-and peril the existence of the Community at home. But whatever is available should be given, and every fraction appropriated to these purposes should be expended to the greatest advantage, and in places where the gospel is most required. "And this will we do if God permit." The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our help; and if faithful to our duty, we shall soon see the accomplishment of that glorious promise, "Ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

Belfast, March, 1845.

MONTHLY RECORD.

WM. BAGGALY.

PUBLIC EXECUTIONS.-Since the publication of our last number, John Tawell has paid the forfeiture of his life for the murder of Sarah Hart. He had lived in affluence and elegance; and though his crime, to which he confessed, displayed an almost unparalleled depravity of heart, yet his execution appears to have rendered him more the object of sympathy than of reprobation. Tapping, who murdered a young woman in Bethnal Green, and who also admitted the justice of his sentence, exhibited so much of what is called firmness, on the scaffold, that the crowd gave expression to their approval by clapping and cheering the wretched culprit. Deep commiseration" was also manifested for James Brough, who was executed at Stafford for the murder of his brother. On former occasions, when murderers have made their appearance on the drop, they have been assailed by yells and execrations; but a reaction appears to have taken place in the feelings of those who are in the habit of witnessing such scenes. Compassion for the criminal seems now to overpower all horror for his crime.

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THE MAYNOOTH GRANT.-This Bill passed the first reading by 216 to 114; majority 102. The debate on the second reading has been five times adjourned, and will probably be adjourned again. The result it is impossible to predict; but we can hardly believe that Sir Robert Peel will persist in a measure which is so directly opposed to the feelings of the country. Petitions in immense numbers have been poured into the House of Commons; and however much the Petitioners may differ from each other in their reasons and principles, yet in their opposition to the grant there is no difference. On this point they are all one. In this opposition they are right. And we trust that, should the measure pass, the Protestants of England will never rest until they have effected its repeal. Whilst we say this, and whilst we most strongly deprecate the policy of the Premier, we cannot but lament the inconsistency which, in one respect, characterizes the present excitement. Churchmen and Dissenters have for years quietly allowed from eight to nine thousand pounds to be annually voted to Maynooth for years they have witnessed this annual grant, and scarcely a breath of opposition has moved against it—but £26,000 has roused them from their lethargy. It is well. The scheme will open the eyes both of Churchmen and Dissenters. It will lead men to think on state endowments who before have admired and advocated them without understanding their nature and tendency. But the opposition which has been created by the present measure ought to have been manifested from the first, as a matter of principle; had this been done, the grant would long since have ceased.

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

THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

JUNE, 1845.

BIOGRAPHY.

MEMOIR OF NATHANIEL BUCKLEY, ESQ.

MR. EDITOR,

It may not be in accordance with regular practice to insert the memoirs of individuals not in immediate connection with our own Community; but to all general rules there may be exceptions. The late Mr. Buckley, in my humble opinion, may be regarded as one of these exceptions, inasmuch as he continued, to the end of his protracted life, our uniform and liberal friend; and his corpse, with that of his beloved wife and several children, are entombed in the New Connexion burial ground at Mossley.

Yours truly,

C. ATKINSON.

MR. NATHANIEL BUCKLEY was born at Staly Wood, June 29th, 1764. His ancestors were Dissenters of the Congregational Order; his father and grandfather having been deacons of Independent churches. Thus descended, he was regarded as being the child of many prayers; and his subsequent piety has furnished a confirmation of the truth of Scripture, "Instead of the fathers shall be the children which thou shalt make princes in the earth." His conversion to God is supposed to have taken place when he was about twenty years of age, and under the following circumstances:

He with a companion went one day to a Methodist Prayer-meeting, either out of curiosity or for the purpose of scoffing-(sixty years ago the Methodists were everywhere spoken against)-there, however, the Lord met him, and arrested him, not in judgment but in mercy, and opened his eyes to see himself as a vile sinner, deserving the wrath of God. Thus convinced of his personal and aggravated guilt, he began in good earnest to seek the salvation of his soul; and he obtained it, and, as a consequence, forsook the broad way, and walked in the straight and that leadeth unto life. Those of his companions who were dispursue the same course he abandoned for ever, but still praying

narrow way inclined to

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