Watson, in moving a vote of thanks to the ladies, urged upon the members and congregation to use their endeavours to persuade their neighbours to attend a place of worship, and draw them from the temptations and vices of the world. As an illustration of the power of evil example, he said he had, on the authority of a metropolitan physician of twenty years' experience, a statement that where there was a woman in a neighbourhood addicted to drinking, she would get together other females to drink, and soon she would have a number of drunkards as bad as herself.-Mr. Farrar seconded the motion. Mr. John Holt, in supporting the motion, expressed warmly his approval of the recent steps which had been taken, and said he felt confident that Hanover was able to stand on its own legs.-Mr. Lumby, in truthful and eulogistic terms, proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman. The motion, which was seconded in a neat address by Mr. Broadbent, was carried unanimously. The chairman responded; after which the meeting concluded with prayer. During the evening the choir sang several selections of sacred music in a creditable manner. T. G. R.

OUR BENEFICENT FUND.

To our Ministers.

DEAR BROTHER,-It now depends en you, and a few other superintendents, with their respective quarterly meetings, as to whether the annuities from the Beneficent Society shall be paid in full, and the preachers' subscriptions reduced to the minimum after next Conference, or both shall continue as at present.

Those who are entrusted with the management of this society will be quite prepared to recommend the former, if your circuit, and others, will follow the example of those which have already made public collections towards the support of its funds. Conference has repeatedly requested every circuit in the Connexion to render assistance in this way. Twentyfour circuits have done themselves credit by cheerfully responding to such appeals; and surely the time is now come when yours will be found fully prepared to follow such generous and praiseworthy examples.

Let me then request you to bring this subject before your next quar

terly meeting, when I trust you will be able to make such arrangements as will ensure, at least one public collection being made annually, in every chapel in your circuit, in aid of the Beneficent Society.

Remember, my brother, that the object of this fund is to support your aged Fathers and Brethren in the Ministry, who can no longer supply our circuits; and also for the Widows and Fatherless Children of those estimable men who have already laid down their lives in the cause of God and in the service of the Connexion. You may afford to continue paying an increased subscription, but it is hard to see hoary headed men deprived of their proper support; and not less so to know that the widow and fatherless do not receive the full amount originally contemplated in time of need. The day may come when you or yours may require assistance from the Beneficent Society. When that time arrives you will naturally wish to receive the annuity provided by rule without any abatement, and I trust you will not be disappointed, "Therefore, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Fully relying on this having your best attention, and wishing you great

OUR MISSION FUND.

MY DEAR SIR,-With emotions of unfeigned pleasure did I read the announcement, in the last number of the Magazine, of the Rev. W. Baggaly's noble and generous gift of £100 to our Mission Fund. I also read with great interest and delight the letter of Mr. Baggaly to Mr. Fowler, the respected treasurer of the fund in question. The gift itself, the communication accompanying it, and the occasion on which it was made, are all honourable to the giver. Mr. B. well deserves, and will, I doubt not, have the sincere thanks of the Connexion. Would that all who possess the ability, whether ministers or laymen, could be induced to emulate so good and honourable an example! It has long been my stern conviction that our missionary institution has not

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been supported as it ought to be, either by the rich or poor in the Cons nexion. We are, in this respect, far behind our friends the Wesleyans. Far be it from me to draw any in vidious comparisons, or to offer any offensive remarks; candour obliges me, however, to say that, on the sub ject of missions, we do not act with sufficient enterprise and liberality.99I am decidedly of opinion, that with our present means we could, were all to do their duty, raise annually, with perfect ease, in England alone, the sum of £3,000. I believe there would be no extravagance in saying that we are able, to raise a much larger sum an❤ nually than that now specified. I also believe that the more web do for the cause of missions, the more shall we be likely to be blessed at home, el

But these remarks are a digression from the particular object I had in view in commencing this letter. Could not Mr. Baggaly's generous gift be made the groundwork of a special effort to liquidate at once the debt now existent? Is it known to the friends generally in the Connexion that the Mission Fund is at present seriously in arrears? Such is the fact, as any one may see, by referring to the Minutes. In a communication to the writer, a brother minister observes, "We shall have to pay as much in the shape of interest this year as would keep one missionary? This is lex tremely undesirable, and should not be allowed. We have been wont for several years past to speak of the Connexion as free from debt; unhappily, this will not now apply to the Mission Fund. It should, however, be stated that the present debt has not arisen in the ordinary manner, but has been occasioned by grants made for chapelbuilding purposes, in connection with the Home Mission stations, las specified in the Minutes of 1853, 1855, &c. Still the debt exists, and it is surely matter greatly to be desired that it should without delay be cleared off and done with. Can this be accomplished? I believe it can, and I fer vently hope it will. What say you, my dear sir, to this proposition? Would it not be a good thing? And isbit not practicable? I know your warm and generous heart will respond in the affirmative. I need not dask what the worthy treasurer of the Mish sion & Fund will say. Were the thing belov 939~ fordr 92CB boo

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Our devoted friends at Haxey, having provided that place with a good chapel, are exerting themselves very laudably in the use of suitable measures to extinguish its debt. For this purpose they arranged that a tea party should be held in the open air at High Barnham, on the 25th of June! The weather for some days previous was dull and showery, and some little anxiety was consequence. The

25th of Juver, was as lovely' day as could be desired, and many things transpired to make our gathering numerous and happy. Mr. Brownlow, one of our members, occupies the High Burnham farm, and by noon a few of his relatives and more intimate friends had arrived. About three o'clock a very ammating scene commenced. A large omnibus from Epworth, provided, I believe, by the kindness of Mr. Jarvis, proceeded with streaming flags, and as large number of occupants as could possibly be packed inside and out. After hastily delivering its happy load, it returned, and in due time brought a second, equally numerous. In the meanwhile, three spacious wagons, crowded with Zoccupants, and with their large flags floating in the wind, proceeded from Haxey to the point of attractive gathering. Soon after there was seen approaching a large and beautiful omnibus, gratuitously furnished by the owner, and occupied by a number of our Westwoodside friends, Smaller vehicles, and groups of cheerful pedestrians, were seen gathering in all directions, and by four o'clock some hundreds wore on the ground. The juvénile visitors found various means of cheerful and healthy amusement, while the elder persons were gathered edi ai etlue97 070209ly Angue to

and chatting in well-pleased groups. A spacious tent, capable of accom modating many hundreds was provided, and on the heights of Burnham was a conspicuous and useful object. Flags, with appropriate devices, were fixed up at different points, and one of them at the top of the largest and loftiest tree in the neighbourhood, which must have been seen at a distance of some miles. In the tent, tea was served up to succeeding courses from four, till about seven o'clock. The provision was ample and good, and the arrangements so excellent that all things passed on

the

smoothness and comfort of a private party. The scene was lovely and notwithstanding the extremely busy state of agricultural pursuits, 550 persons sat down to tea

About seven o'clock, a large wagon, as the substitute for a platform, was placed on the ground, and a religious service was commenced by singing the 209th hymn. Prayer was likewise offered up, and addresses were given by Mr. Pickersgill, Mr. Whitely, Rer. J. Christian, and Rev. John Nelson. The meeting was serious and impressive. It was closed with the doxology and prayer. The numerous vehicles were then put into requisition, and soon began to move off with their delighted occupants, many of whom were singing the praises of God, The whole affair passed off, I believe, without one ripple of disquietude. All appeared pleased, and none more so than our excellent friends, Mr. and Mrs. Brownlow, the occupiers of the High Burnham farm, Mr. Brownlow had laid the house, and horses, and dairy, and vehicles, and men servants, and maid servants, and fields, all under contribution to this gathering, Mrs. Brownlow, too, had exerted herself to the utmost to render the visitors happy, and both were well pleased with the result. pdf [1961 Thorne JOHN NELSON W como lot:10596 HULL MISSIONARY ANNIVERSARY. Dear Mr. Editor, This report should have reached you, earlier. Our mise sionary services commenced on Sunday, April 13th, with two able sermons by the Rev. W. Mills, the deputations These discourses were distinguished by pure truth and affectionate though pointed entreaty, and were productive of highly pleasurable results in the

minds of the congregation. On the following evening a missionary meet ing was held in Bethel Chapel, ZC. Pearson, Esq., being the chairman. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. W. Mills, J. Nightingale (Wes leyan Association), F. Wilson (Reu former), H. Ollerenshaw (Indepen dent), and W. Barnsdale (Primitive), whose speeches were characterized by a high appreciation of the merits and claims of missions, and a large-hearted, intelligent sympathy for the souls of men. This meeting was declared by several friends to be the best they had ever attended, and the collection, with 10s. sent to the meeting by an anonymous friend, was £1 14s. 3d. in ad vance of the previous year. 9-On' Tuesday evening a meeting was held at Stepney, when Mr. Robert Martin presided, and though this meeting was not so large as that of Monday, yet in point of heavenly influence and missionary spirit it was not a whit behind it. On Wednesday evening a meeting was held at Dunswell, Mr. Martin again occupying the chair. The people, who cheeringly filled the chapel, were addressed by the Rev. Mr. Wood (Primitive), and also by the Rev. J. Addyman, who, at this place as well as at Stepney, delighted the audience with many affecting reminiscences of his missionary life. A moderately good meeting was held at Wawne on Thursday, which termi nated this most delightful and blessed series of services. The result of this year's efforts is an increase of £159. 7 d. over last yearqs von den Fow eit Yours affectionately, bai 11 G. AKERMAN, Sec Hull, 15th June, 1856m quolibero 9d1 dat chap, vd bycoize 9.00 Poelquq veibind DUDLEY PORT, DUDLEY EAST CIR Curr. On Sunday, May 4th, 1856, the Juvenile Missionary meeting was held in Dudley Port Chapel, which was crowded. Mr. T George presided most efficiently. The recitations and the singing of the children were most delightful, and the speaking of a high order. The Rev. J. Graham, Messrs Finch, Pardoe, Jones, and others as sisted. By the collection and by cards 89 were realized, au sum in advance of that realized last year. Great cre dit is due to the teachers and scholars for their industry and perseverance. in the good cause. Thanks were voted

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them, the chairman, and the speakers, and the meeting, a most happy one, concluded with singing and prayer.

BUCKNALL, HANLEY CIRCUIT.-On Wednesday, May 7, 1856, the annual Missionary Meeting was held at this place, which for interest fully equalled, if not surpassed, any former meeting held here. The friends were happy in securing the services of J. Clementson, Esq., as chairman, a duty which he performed well. In the course of his address he related several very interesting facts which came under his own observations in Canada when visiting there on two separate occasions.

The meeting was ably addressed by the Rev. S. Hulme and T. Cartwright, and also by Messrs. Loton, Baxter, and M'Landsborough from Otley. Our good friend Mr. Loton travelled a distance of nearly twenty-five miles to visit us on the occasion, and he gave us one of his warm-hearted, telling speeches for which he is admirably qualified, and it made a good impression on the meeting. The collection, and the proceeds of the tea meeting, together with the laudable effort made during the year by the Sunday scholars, with their cards and meeting, realized the very oreditable sum of £8 0s. 9d. J. H.

YORK.-PRESENTATION TO MR. WILSON.

ABOUT eighty of the friends of the Rev. James Wilson took tea together on Tuesday evening, the 27th ultimo, in the large vestry of the new chapel in Peckitt-street, on the occasion of his leaving that city for Gateshead. After tea Mr. Camidge made a presentation to Mr. Wilson of a beautiful rosewood writing desk, and a large plated ink-stand, with taper stand, bearing the inscription, "Presented to the Rev. James Wilson, by a few friends, on the occasion of his leaving the city of York, as a mark of their esteem. May 27, 1856."

Mr. Wilson acknowledged the present, expressing his regret at leaving York, to which he had become attached, assuring his friends that he felt much indebted to them for the very suitable presents they had made him, which would at all times be useful in carrying on the great work he had engaged in preaching the blessed gospel of Christ. He also took occasion to thank his friends for some private presents which had been made him, including a reference bible, bound in morocco, given him by the members of his class.

ANN JESSOP.

My dear mother, the subject of the following narrative, was born at Haley Hill, in the parish of Halifax, in the month of April, 1801. She was the daughter of Ambrose and Leah Butterworth, who were pious and useful members of our Methodist New Connexion. Connected with Salem Chapel from a child, she was led by her parents to the house of God and other means of grace. She was one of the first scholars admitted into Salem Sabbath School; and at the age of sixteen or seventeen she was selected, with a few others, to sing, under the superintendence of Mr. Daniel Bairstowe. In the year 1821 she was married to my dear father, James Jessop, who was then labouring in the same school in the capacity of a teacher. About this time a revival of

the work of God was going on in Halifax, the Rev. Mr. Harrison being then our minister; and under his instrumentality both father and mother, being convinced of their sinful state, were induced to give their hearts to God, and join the class of our late esteemed brother Jeremiah Swift. In 1823 they removed to Ovendon; but immediately they both joined a small class there connected with our denomination, and continued to worship at the same place till the year 1829, when they were, by the providence of God, removed to Sowerby Bridge, a distance of four miles. There being no interest of our Connexion there, to which my dear mother was greatly attached, a number of friends connected with the King Cross Society, accompanied by the Rev. S. Woodhouse, established a class, which was held in her house at

Sowerby Bridge, and was made a great blessing to her while there. After residing here a little more than two years, they were again, by God's providence, removed back to Ovenden, and, as soon as convenient, she had a class established again in her house at Ovenden. She also manifested a great love to our ministers; and it was her delight to have them to preach in her house, and to manifest towards them Christian hospitality. Many of our old and respected ministers, who have long ago gone to their reward, were very familiar with her dwelling.

She was also the subject of domestic afflictions. On the last Sabbath of February, 1841, as one of her dear daughters, then in her twentieth year, was passing along to her place of worship, she was suddenly knocked down by a phaeton. The wheels passing twice over her body did her internal injury, which resulted in her death on the day following. This dreadful accident was a severe shock to my dear mother, from which she never properly recovered. But she knew in whom to put her trust in times of affliction as well as in health, being assured that all things work together for good to them that love God. She was heard on that occasion to repeat the following beautiful verse :

**Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, till the storm of life be past;

Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last."

In the year 1843 a shocking accident happened to my dear father, who, while attentively engaged at his work, was suddenly struck on the head by a mass of iron, occasioned by the breaking of a rope, which fractured his skull. He was taken up apparently dead, and conveyed home; but, by the assistance of three medical gentlemen, who were immediately sent for, and the blessing of God on the means used, he was, in the course of four months, restored to health, after being four weeks of that time in a state of insensibility. These and other domestic afflictions had a great effect on my mother's mind; but in the darkest day she could look up to Him who hath said "I will never forsake thee."

Having hardly survived the foregoing afflictions, she was the subject of two others, which happened in the year 1846. My dear brother was then in bis eighteenth year, and his employ

ment being at the mill among machinery, he was caught by a strap, and being struck to the floor, received such injury as resulted in his death. Hardly had my dear mother attended to the above accident when father came my home, having had his hand severed from his body a few minutes before by a machine revolving at a prodigious rate. In these trying circumstances she was enabled to cast herself on God. Sometimes indeed the adversary of souls would tempt her to doubt the love of God towards her, but she would repeat the following versé :—

"Give to the winds thy fears;

Hope and be undismayed;

God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears;
God shall lift up thy head."

Being by God's providence the subject of so many domestic afflictions, she was often detained from the means of grace; but she found the Lord to be present with her, and that to bless her. Yet, whenever opportunity presented itself, she would gladly embrace it, because it was her delight to meet with the people of God, particularly in the class meeting. She loved these means of grace, and would often say, "They are as wells of salvation to my soul." There the tear of joy would often trickle down her cheek. She had very humble views of herself as a Christian, and would often say, with the great apostle of the Gentiles, "That she felt herself less than the least of all saints."

She was a great believer in the efficacy of prayer, and did often pray that God would by some means save all her children. We are happy in saying that she lived to see them all walking in the ways of the Lord. This happened not long before her death, through the instrumentality of the Rev. J. Poxon, then labouring in the Halifax Circuit. He was held in great esteem by her, and also by the rest of the family. It was also a great pleasure to her to be able to support the cause of God. This she always did to the utmost of her ability, and enjoined the same on others. She was also a kind neighbour, and was never backward in assisting those who stood in need of her help. She has in many instances stayed up all night with her sick neighbours when she herself stood in need of assistance, for she was a woman of very weak constitution. We may very appropriately say that she