down the principle of proportion between labour and success, and we cannot alter it. Nay, we are cautioned against supposing it possible that this principle of proportion can be altered. Such a supposition is described as a self-deception, and not only a self-deception, but a mocking of God. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." "He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly; he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully." Prayerful industry, therefore, will, if God's Word be true, be followed by abundant harvests, and indolence will be punished by failing crops, or no crops at all. This is God's law. He has written it in his Word, he has published it on the very face of Nature; and what is thus conjointly written in the two volumes of Nature and Revelation is as manifestly exemplified in the history of the church; and is evident in our own church, and in others, at this moment.

If this be so, every man is just now writing his own history, and others are reading it. His deeds are showing what he is, and what he is worth; and according to his worth men will estimate him, and God will judge him at the last. Is he a layman-holy, spiritual, peaceable, generous, laborious, his fruits will appear, and men will acknowledge them. Is he a minister-faithful, grave, devoted to his sacred work, dealing out wholesome doctrine in the pulpit, and zealously labouring out of the pulpit, his fruits will appear, his life will be blessed, and thousands will be blessed through him, and will bless God that ever he was born. But is he indolent, delivering threadbare sermons in the pulpit, and doing nothing out of the pulpit; or is he only half a workman, preaching acceptable sermons, yet neglecting his flock, leaving the sick unvisited, the wanderers unreclaimed, and quietly allowing things to take their course, he is an unfaithful man, and he will have his reward even here in part. His flock will diminish, his circuit will go down, and he will have sorrow and shame in his own heart. Brother, how is it now with you? Oh, if there be a

conscious defect, hasten to put things right! Let us all do this, ministers and laymen; and rising, as with the heart of one man, put our shoulders to the work, and cry to God with all the importunity of believing prayer. The best may do better, and the worst may mend, and all may unite in those well-concerted measures which are adapted to correct what is erroneous, supply what is lacking, strengthen what is feeble, and raise the cause of God to power and prosperity. Let us do it now; then may we hope the ensuing Conference will show that every circuit in the Connexion has an increase in piety, numbers, and strength. For God is faithful, and he has promised his blessing to faithful men.

DUDLEY CIRCUIT.

MR. EDITOR,-"No news is good news" is an adage which does not apply to the reporting of circuit progress in the Magazine; and hence, because we have a few cheering words to utter, we hasten to utter them.

During the first quarter of the present Connexional year little was done in this circuit. My colleagues and I were engaged mainly with the olive Since branch and the healing oil.

October, however, a better tone of feeling has prevailed, and good works of sundry kinds have been multiplied. A circuit debt of about £80 has been so provided for, that we expect its entire extinction at the next quarterly meeting. A temporary wooden tabernacle has been erected at Brierley Hill, and there is reasonable hope that it will soon be too small. Three of our chapels -at Gornal Wood, Lower Gornal, and Kingswinford-have been improved, at considerable expense, by the introduction of gas light as a substitute for candles and paraffin. And at Hart's Hill our friends are becoming laudably dissatisfied with the insufficient accommodation for their rapidly-increasing Sabbath-school. Indeed, at a very successful tea-meeting, a few weeks ago, they said, "We must enlarge our borders-and we will."

These things are worth knowing; but our best news has yet to comethat is, what relates to spiritualities and soul saving. Without anything special by way of services, agency, or effort, but by the vigorous employment of the

ordinary means, a gracious and very powerful work has broken out in many of our churches. The cry of "A king in the camp" was first heard at Gornal. The cry is still kept up, and not without reason, for many brands have been quenched, many prayer-meetings, which could not be broken up, have been continued far into the night, and the work is still going on with unabated power. At even the week night services our voices are often almost drowned in a torrent of hearty, old-fashioned responses. From Cradley Heath (at the opposite extremity of the circuit) was next heard the shout of joy. A sharp conflict with the devil was kept up during last quarter; and as the result of it, fourteen precious souls were added to the church. Nor has this work stopped; for, no later than last Sabbath, the enemy was again foiled of his prey. Then were brought in the welcome words, "The Knowle is on fire!" News this no more welcome than true. The fire has, indeed, reached many hearts (some among the most depraved in the village), and has consumed their sins; so that, instead of a flame of passion, there now burns a zeal for God. At Darby Hand there has not as yet been any general outbreak, though the signs of the times indicate that we live on the eve of it; but an entirely new class of ten members has sprung up within the last month, and old, hardened backsliders (one of thirty years' standing) are quietly going back to their duty. For months past Old Hill has been making progress. It is not too much to say that there souls are every week added to the Church. Still the friends are not satisfied. Hence they have

started a plan for inviting, systematically, the ungodly to chapel: and what is more, they have just secured a very eligible site of ground for new Sabbathschools. The latest good news is, that a wave of glory has rolled to the summit of Kate's Hill. Those gladdest of sounds, the prayer of penitence and the praise of the saved, have been heard there; and we hope it is the beginning of good days.

If it would not monopolize your space, we could give many very interesting details of these works of grace: of six months' hard praying for two aged mothers, being answered in the salvation of both; of husband and wife kneeling side by side in penitence, and going home in the exercise of "like precious faith;" of the young profli

gate going home with a new heart, and falling immediately on his knees to continue his vehement thanks to the God of mercy, whilst his old mother stands, weeping for joy, and bids him "Let it come !" and "Shout it out!"of sinners declaring that they will not leave the place until they find "the blessing;" of the minister met at the chapel doors, after Sunday afternoon services, by those who tell him that they have "just decided to be fully the Lord's." But surely, sir, such instances and triumphs of redeeming mercy may take place in every part of our Connexion; and how much more blessed for our friends to be among them than to read any that my pen can give.

You, sir, who understand the geography of this circuit, will notice that I am silent about its three leading societies. Their health is improving, but they have not yet put on their strength. We have reason to believe that some are hard at prayer in each of these places; and if so, we know that no power can prevent the "making bare" of the arm of our God. Oh, it this great circuit will but give its mighty energies to the work of saving souls, we shall have far more glorious news to communicate before long. May God shake the circuit to its centre, that the crowns of our Lord may be multiplied many times!

Mr. Editor, remember us in your prayers; and let me ask of your readers to think of us at that throne of grace where it is most important that we should not forget each other. It will do good to their souls to join us in the cry, "God bless Dudley!"

W. PACEY.

[Yes, dear brother, we will remember you, uniting praises for the past with prayers for the future. Go on, brethren, in your great and glorious work.-ED.]

DEWSBURY CIRCUIT. MY DEAR SIR, -It is a long time since any account was sent to the Magazine of our state and doings in this circuit; and as it may be pleasing to our friends in other parts to hear something of what has recently taken place, or is now taking place, amongst us, I will send you a brief report.

DEWSBURY.-I think it was in my last communication that I stated we should have a very heavy debt on our new and beautiful chapel, but that it had been resolved to pay off not less

than £150 per year; the trustees to raise £100, and the ladies not less than £50. The effort on the part of the trustees was made on the anniversary of the opening, when sermons where preached on Lord's-day, September the 17th, by the Superintendent of the Circuit, and the Rev. W. Cooke, D.D., and on the following Sabbath by the Rev. C. D. Ward and the Rev. J. Stacey, D.D. The services of our able ministers who visited us on the occasion were very highly appreciated by our friends. Great liberality was exercised by some of the trustees, and the collections amounted to the handsome sum of £103. During the year the ladies have worked with great unanimity and industry in anticipation of their annual sale, which was opened on the 26th December, and continued for several days. At the close it was our pleasure to announce that the amount raised was £120, which, when expenses are paid, will leave about £110. This is a noble beginning, and while special praise is due to those who have laboured so hard in the management of the work for the year, it is also due to our friends in general who have so generously and cheerfully aided in carrying it out. They have commenced another year's effort much encouraged. For many years the society funds have been replenished by an annual tea-meeting, held on Shrove Tuesday; but such is the improved state of our finances that the leaders' meeting has felt at liberty to hand over this meeting to the ladies for appropriation to their year's effort. This was held last Tuesday, when upwards of 200 sat down to an excellent tea, the proceeds of which, with subscriptions, will amount to £21. Mr. Yeoman very efficiently presided, and addresses were delivered by the circuit ministers and several friends, while the choir greatly interested the meeting by the effective rendering of several anthems. Since the opening of our chapel an addition of more than a hundred scholars has been made to the school; our congregations continue gradually to improve; and all we now want is an increase of spiritual life and power by a gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

BATLEY.-Here the hand of our God is upon us for good. Our Sabbath-school continues to grow in importance and power. Increased accommodation has been demanded by the

continual increase of scholars, and it has been afforded by building two excellent rooms for the infant classes. In every department of labour the school is worked efficiently. The missionary spirit is receiving a fine exemplification amongst our young friends. Their zeal and liberality in this good cause are highly commendable, and the reflex influence is being enjoyed in the gracious manifestations of saving power amongst them. And we cherish the hope that this is but the precursor of a glorious work of God in the church, that may spread like a holy flame through the whole circuit. A much larger chapel is required here before we can respond to the numerous applications made for pews, or fulfil the great mission the Master has given us to this town. And there is evidently an impression amongst the friends, growing into the conviction of a providential call, that we must enlarge our tent.

Under the fostering care of our church at Batley, the mission of CARLINGHOW is giving promise of gratifying success. A large room has been taken, and fitted up as a temporary place of worship, and a class has been formed. The congregations are good, and unmistakable evidences of Divine approval are vouchsafed.

ADWALTON is our next place on the plan, and here we have in course of erection, and near completion, a very commodious school-room, that will accommodate about 400 scholars. It is to be opened in a few weeks, and then you will no doubt hear more about it. The building will do our friends great credit; and when we get the new chapel that has been talked of-and which, by the way, is much neededwe shall have facilities for usefulness which have long been a felt want.

MIRFIELD. Commendation is due to our young friends in this place for the missionary zeal they are beginning to evince. On Tuesday last they invited the public to a missionary tree, which was loaded with good things for sale, the result of a juvenile missionary sewing meeting formed during the year. The room was tastefully decorated, while ingenious contrivances and exhibitions were employed to secure the desired money. From £18 to £14 would be the produce of the day.

Of this church RAVENSTHORPE is a dependency, where our great want is

a chapel. But as plans for the new structure have been passed, and tenders are now advertised for, you may expect soon to hear of the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone. This is a place rising into some importance, situated about midway between Dewsbury and Mirfield. We have formed a Sabbath-school there, and have as many scholars as there is accommodation for in our present preaching-room. There is also a good class; and when we have a chapel, with the blessing of God, we shall do well.

HANGING HEATON.-In this village our people are responding to the call for more room, and have decided to enlarge the chapel, at a cost of about £200. The work is let, and will be commenced in a few weeks, and then the liberality and zeal of our friends in this good work will soon be rewarded by the possession of the increased room and comforts desired.

CHIDSWELL.It will be remembered that we opened a small but beautiful chapel here more than twelve months ago. It was an enterprise

partaking largely of the missionary character, and is succeeding well. But the debt on the premises is far too heavy; so the busy fingers of the ladies have been for some time hard at work in anticipation of a bazaar, which is to be opened on the 6th of next month. May it prove a great success.

I have thus given you a brief and rapid view of our present state in this circuit. May the great Head of the Church abundantly bless us, and visit us with his great salvation!

W. WILSHAW.

HANLEY.

BETHESDA TOWN MISSION.

THE annual tea-meeting in connection with the Bethesda Town Mission was held on January 10th, 1866, in the school-rooms, which were beautifully decorated for the occasion with suitable mottoes, such as, "Jesus. Hath he not chosen the poor of this world rich in faith ?"-"To the poor the Gospel is preached"-" He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord "-"Love""Hands and hearts united "-" We welcome you."

The meeting was attended by 380 persons, including 130 poor people who had been presented with tickets. W. Moore, Esq., Mayor, was called to preside, and opened the business of the meeting by an appropriate address.

The following report was read by the secretary, Mr. George Walker:-

A town mission is no new feature in connection with our Bethesda Society. There has long been one in existence; but your committee rejoice in being able to state, that at no period in its history was it in a more prosperous condition than it has been during the past twelve months. For a number of years its services were confined to cottage prayer-meetings and the distribution of religious tracts, which means were not without their tokens for good. The committee, encouraged by the success with which it pleased God to own their labours, resolved to extend their operations. New stations were opened, and the number of districts in which tracts were distributed were increased; so that the mission, as at present constituted, consists of four preaching stations, viz., Chapel Field, Shelton Street, Mill Street, and Cook's Building. At each of these places five persons are appointed as prayer-leaders, whose duty it is to give a kind invitation to the people, and to assist in conducting the services. We have also sixteen districts, in which twenty persons are employed every Sabbath in circulating tracts by loan distribution. Two persons are also appointed in each district as special Sabbath-day visitors, whose duty it is to visit people at their homes, to read to them the Scriptures, and to impart Scriptural instruction. In prosecuting this work of faith and labour of love, relief from time to time had to be given to those in sickness and in distress. Through the liberality of our worthy president, Mr. Worthington, much timely aid was rendered, but the demands made upon the Christian charity of the friends generally became so urgent, that an earnest appeal had to be made to the friends of the mission for help. To that appeal, which was made in the early part of last year, many of our friends nobly responded, placing at the disposal of the committee means to minister to the temporal wants of the lame, the halt, and the blind; thus enabling them to enter more fully into their work-a work which, the committee feel thankful, has not been in vain, but has been the means of accomplishing some little good; for we find that during the past year nearly 700 families have been supplied every week with tracts. Twenty open-air services have been held, at which 5,000 tracts have been

distributed, 215 cottage-meetings have been held for the exposition of Scripture and prayer, 821 visits have been made for the purpose of giving Scriptural instruction. Of these, fully onethird have been made to the sick and the dying. Of the nature of these visits the committee prefer to give a few short extracts from the reports taken at our quarterly meetings:

"Nine families visited to-day. During the past few days we have had a special case of sickness in hand-a female named Lancester. We have visited her three times; but one of our brethren has visited her more frequently. When first seen by us she put out her hand, beseeching us to talk to her about her soul; she repented of her sins, cried for pardon, sought the mercy of God, believed in Jesus, found peace, and died happy.

"Thirteen families visited to-day. We have felt this (says one of our visitors) to be a very important day, We have talked to many people on eternal things. God has given us another opportunity of speaking with some of the old and difficult sort of people. The prostitutes received us gladly, listened to us attentively, were very much affected, and admitted the truth of what we said. Some of them are tired of their miserable course of life, and sigh for deliverance. May God undertake their cause is the prayer of our visitors.

"Ten families visited to-day. We sang, prayed, warned, and comforted, as we found the various cases required. We were very much blest in our visits to-day to Mr. Kirkham. This is one of the mission's most encouraging cases. We thank God for it. Our hearts were made to bleed on visiting widow Kelsall, who is just left with eight children. We relieved these cases.

"Seven families visited to-day. The weather was very trying, but we durst not shrink. We feel the work to be too important to be neglected. Now that the day is over, and the work done, we feel thankful that God has permitted us to go out in his name; for he has been with us and blessed us. The people amongst whom we labour have said. very much respecting us. All we shall mention is, that God has given us favour in their eyes; but we seek not the applause of man, but the approval of God.

"Nine families visited to-day. We have tried to effect another entrance

into the houses of ill-fame, but the people saw us coming, and bolted their doors; they are more afraid of us than any of the police. Poor deluded creatures! they cannot bolt out death and judgment; they have heard us before, and if God spares our lives they shall hear us again.

"Sixteen families visited to-day-one man in a dying state. We have enjoyed very great liberty in our work to-day. In the evening we held a short outdoor service and short prayer-meeting. Many people present-the sort we want. One young man promised to meet in class. After these services we visited three sick cases. We never saw a person more happy than the old woman Johnson.

"Nine families visited to-day. We find that during the past week our sister Jane Johnson has been taken from our midst. This is purely a mission case, and one of long standing -one of the brightest witnesses for the mission and for the power of religion we have ever seen. We never saw her,' says one of our visitors, without getting a blessing at her hands. Her entrance into heaven must have been glorious and most triumphant; and if the mission had no other case, it is more than rewarded for all it has done? The death of our dear sister was improved at one of the mission stations by the Rev. T. T. Rushworth.

January 4th, 1866.-'I find,' says another of our visitors, that we have made 130 visits during the last quarter, including forty-two to sick and dying people; some encouraging and interesting cases. We can speak of one with assurance. She witnessed a good confession. As to the general aspect of our mission, it looks more healthy than formerly, and we feel encouraged to increased exertion in the cause of saving souls. We have now four meeting with us in class, the fruit of the mission during the present quarter.' These are a few facts out of many that your committee might give to illustrate the fruits of our visitation, and it is to this that we attribute in a large measure its success. During the year thirty-one conversions have been reported, many of whom are meeting with us in society. There have also been seventeen happy deaths of persons who, through the instrumentality of the mission, were enabled to make their peace with God. There have also been distributed in cash £2 18s. 6d., 279 loaves of bread,