A Looking at these and other facts which might be named, I do not wonder that Mr. Martin writes thus:-" I would most earnestly advise the Reform societies to pause ere they commit themselves to an untried and dangerous experiment, merely in the hope that they may perchance drop upon some mode of government more excellent than any at present existing. I warn them there is the possibility, and what is more, judging from the experience of others, the probability of failure; and in this case, the magnitude of the scale on which the experiment would be tried renders the evils which failure would bring in its train appalling to think of. The failure of the experiment, if made, I regard as certain. And were I the enemy of the Reform Movement, and especially of the Reform societies, I would zealously advocate circuit independence." case of failure, painfully illustrative of Mr. Martin's predictive warning, I well remember. About twenty-five years ago, I was a member of the Wesleyan society at Southwark chapel, London, and met in the class of that gifted and amiable minister the late Rev. Richard Treffry, jun. At that period, the "organ question" at Leeds greatly agitated the Southwark society, and led me to examine the polity of Wesleyanism in the light of reason and scripture. Thus I became convinced that the Wesleyan government was both unreasonable and unscriptural, and that I ought not to support it. I therefore quietly withdrew and joined the New Connexion, where I have been both happy and useful even until now. Soon after, a large secession took place. Several hundred members, a number of wealthy individuals, and the best of the local preachers, went away from Southwark circuit. Instead of joining the New Connexion, they set up for themselves, and reproached me for not making one of them. Young as I was, I replied, "I have found in the New Connexion a home for life, but how long your frail tent will stand I cannot tell." Nevertheless time soon told. There was great excitement, and a flimsy show of prosperity at first; but, in a few years, societies and congregations began to diminish, one rich man after another stole back to Wesleyanism, chapel after chapel had to be relinquished, and, at length, a small fragment that was left became absorbed by the "Association." Union with the New Connexion would have saved the seceders from this miserable issue, and would have rendered liberal Methodism strong and prosperous in the metropolis. In reply to the question, why the New Connexion with its liberal constitution has not increased more largely, Mr. Martin specifies several weighty reasons. To the reasons he states may be added another, namely, the annual loss we sustain by the removal of members to places where we have no socities, these members in general joining the Old Connexion. But Mr. Martin goes further than this, With the utmost frankness, he does the New Connexion justice. He states a fact which shows that the question itself is founded in misapprehension and prejudice. These are his words-" In answer to this inquiry, I beg to remark, and no doubt the statement will startle some, but it is nevertheless true, the New Connexion has increased its numbers in a greater proportion than the parent body, as any one may see by comparing the statistics of each Connexion." As Mr. Martin has not given the statistics, I will supply them. In 1798, the first year after the division, our numbers were 5,037; in 1854, our numbers are 21,141; from which it appears that our numbers have increased 993 more than fourfold. In 1798, the numbers in the Old Connexion were 113,698; in 1854, the numbers in Great Britain are 264,168; in Ireland, 19,233; in France, 1,098; in Canada, 36,323; in foreign stations, 94,520; total, 415,342, showing that the increase is 39,450 less than fourfold. If we take the comparison, four years later, which seems only fair, seeing it was not till then that the New Connexion was properly consolidated, the result will be found more fully in our favour. In 1802 our numbers were 5,070, which set against 21,141, in 1854, gives an increase of 861 more than fourfold. In 1802, the numbers in the Old Connexion were 125,593, which set against 415,342, in 1854, gives an increase of 87,030 less than fourfold. On other points, in Mr. Martin's pamphlet, it is not needful for me to dwell. Our friends everywhere should buy it, read it, and circulate it as widely as possible. For the concluding advice given to the Reformers, Mr. Martin deserves our warmest gratitude, "If the Reform societies will learn experience from the past, they will see it to be their highest interest to unite at once with a body that has a constitution and a ministry already consoli. dated. I would advise every distinct Reform society to consider and decide on this momentous matter for themselves. There is no necessity for them to wait for orders, or to delay the union till every circuit has agreed to act en masse. With the earnest hope that the Reformers will follow this wise counsel, I remain yours affectionately, THE OVERTURE FOR UNION. WE beg to call attention to the following judicious letter on the subject of a union of the Reformers with our body. While it breathes a liberal and fraternal spirit towards brethren who, like our forefathers, have struggled for the emancipation of Methodism, it manifests a wise concern to preserve the unity, concord, and stability of our own Connexion. We are sure it will be read with pleasure. TO THE EDITOR. DEAR SIR,-It is said the authorities of the Connexion have received an overture from the Wesleyan Reformers indicating their desire to bring about a union between the two bodies, or, as some have it, between the different branches of the Wesleyan family. I have no doubt of the fact, and am pleased with the prudence of the brethren in not giving a premature publicity to the matter, but judiciously waiting till it has developed itself and assumed a definite form, before they lay it before the Connexion. Should the negotiation proceed, I have every confidence it will be found these brethren understood their duty and responsibility too well to commit the Connexion in any respect; and that, while desirous of promoting Christian union on scriptural principles, they still have been equally desirous to uphold the integrity and happiness of the Connexion; and my hope and trust are, that the same confidence which I am prepared to give the brethren, may be given to them by our people at large. Nevertheless, looking at the deep importance of the subject, I promise myself it will neither be deemed illtimed nor presumptuous if I present this early contribution of my thoughts to them; and I do it the more freely because there is a time when suggestions may be offered with advantage; but let that time pass by, and the opportunity of being useful has passed away. I am an advocate for Christian union, wherever there is such an agreement in doctrine and ordinances, in law and discipline, as to show that it is in the order of Providence and will be, in spirit and purpose, for the benefit of the church and the world. At the same time, I do not think it advisable to disturb existing communities by the agitation of such projects, however well meant; because, when systems have been settled, and establishments legalized, there is more mischief to be apprehended than benefit to be gained. On these and other grounds, with every respect for the other liberal denominations of Methodism, I earnestly recommend the authorities of the Connexion not to attempt any amalgamation with them. to The Wesleyan Reformers stand in a very different position. They have smarted from Conference rule till they could endure it no longer; they have appealed to their rulers modify their laws and ameliorate their condition, but in vain; they have tried remonstrance, the withholding of supplies, and everything short of absolute separation, with no better success; they have struggled long enough to satisfy them that the evils they have endured belong more to the system that to those who administer it, and that there is no chance of freedom or happiness for them but in renouncing their hope of reforming the Wesleyan polity, and either forming themselves into a distinct community, or uniting with one already formed, holding the same liberal principles, and willing to receive them to a participation of their rights and privileges. I will say nothing of the advantages which would accrue to the Reformers from a union with the Methodist New Connexion, because our position and standing, our laws and institutions, our peace and prosperity (I say it with humble gratitude) sufficiently speak on this head for themselves; but I do venture to say that our body substantially possesses all they want, and are seeking after; with this peculiar and most invaluable element in its constitution, that, by means of the septennial revision of its rules, it has the power to adapt itself to all experimental improvements and changing circum stances. If the Wesleyan Reformers are willing to enter our harbour and anchor in our ports-in other words, to take us as we are, and say we will be brethren, I hope encouragement will be given to our authorities to open the way to receive them. I know we cannot depart from our laws, nor will they, I hope, ask us to do an act that would degrade us in their estimation. If a union between us is worth seeking or having, let there be a generous confidence in our body on the part of the Reformers for our works' sake; and on ours, a generous acceptance of them as fellow heirs and brethren. I know this cannot be done, and I am persuaded it will not be attempted, without the fullest information and the sanction of Conference and the people. Desirable as union may be, I am further persuaded there is not a man amongst us who would promote it at the cost of discord amongst ourselves; for no consideration of numbers, or influence, or power, or the prospect of prosperity could compensate us for such a sacrifice. Let it be understood, therefore, that while the object is approved, and our authorities pursue it with wisdom and fidelity, they must bring us under no bonds; but bring the issue honestly before the Connexion, as the only security for a satisfactory and prosperous result. I It may be that the friends of union amongst the Reformers may meet greater difficulties than we shall have in accomplishing the object, and that a much less number will join us than we have been led to anticipate. would have no condition as to numbers. If there be a difference of opinion amongst the leaders and people, we shall regret it; but, as we have seen at Gloucester and Lynn, the circuits will speak for themselves, and the Connexion, I hope, will be prepared to assist and receive them. I consider it will be as much for the honour of our Connexion to receive the Reformers, as it will benefit them to become one with us. It will proclaim to the religious world that as our happy land is the asylum for civil liberty, so is the New Connexion the ark of reli gious liberty. As the progress of light and truth will liberalize religious communities in spite of every obstacle, so will the enlightened and the oppressed come over and make common cause with us. The mania for forming new bodies without reason or necessity will cease, and with it the reflections which have been cast on the cause of religious liberty. Our own community-comparatively small in number, but strong in affection, principles, and resources - will be strengthened by accumulated talent, multiplied by the increase of numbers, extended through the length and breadth of the land, and made more abundantly useful, till the old and new bodies, so called, shall approximate to a much nearer equality, and it shall be seen which is most prospered of God and approved by men; or-which will be a still happier consummation-the parent will be leavened with the leaven of the children, and all made one in Christ. I remain, dear sir, LISBURN MISSIONARY MEET- THE Lisburn missionary meeting, held in Salem Chapel, Linen Hall Street, 4th September, 1854, was one of the best we have had in this town for many years. The circuit was in a very low state at the last Conference, owing to a variety of circumstances. Congregations were not good, and the first quarter the whole of our income did not amount to more than £2 17s. I commenced preaching in the open air both on the Sunday and on the week nights. We also established a Tract Society, and by some ten distributors had several hundred tracts changed every Sunday. The cholera was made a blessing to many in arousing them to worship God. We have had seven weeks of special protracted meetings, well attended, and some came to the penitent form, and found mercy through the blood of Christ. We also had several temperance meetings in the chapel, which did good in making some sober who never attend the sanctuary of the Lord. So many of our people were ill that we had fears about our missionary meeting. On that evening I preached in the open air, in Bridge Street, to a weeping audience, who seemed to feel the power of God blessing the word. I proclaimed, "Come, for all things are now ready." Oh, how they thanked me for bringing a message of mercy to them in the day of their calamity. Cholera had been raging in the lane adjoining, and a corpse was removed a few minutes before I began my sermon. At the conclusion of the service I hastened to the chapel to hold the missionary meeting. The service was well attended by a respectable assembly. Mr. A. Riddel, of Belfast, occupied the chair. The speakers were Revs. Mr. Ashley (Primitive), A. Mackey, and the writer. The mission cause was worthily advocated by the two first-named ministers. They were divinely aided in their addresses by the Holy Spirit, and spoke with great energy and power. Many hearts were warmed, and burned with renewed zeal to promote the missionary enterprise, and the great work for which the Saviour bled. Our collection was noble, considering our circumstances at present. We have realized above £10 this quarter for the mission. Our congregations are double. Our day-school has 100 scholars. A lady, last week, sent me half-a-sovereign to aid the school. We may exclaim, "What hath the Lord wrought?" To Him alone be all praise and glory. Amen. Yours in Jesus, Most affectionately, MISSIONARY SERVICES, LONGTON CIRCUIT. On Lord's day, October 22nd, sermons were preached in aid of Our missions in Longton, Fenton, Stoke, and Lightwood chapels, by the Revs. T. W. Ridley (deputation), W. Way, (Wesleyan), T. Gutteridge, of Hanley, and the ministers of the circuit. Missionary meetings were held at each of the above places during the week. The first was held at Fenton, and was presided over by G. L. Robinson, Esq. The meeting, though rather thinly attended, was of a highly interesting character. In addition to the services of the deputation, and other friends, we were favoured with the pre sence of our beloved brother, the Rev. H. Priggin, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, who gave us an able and eloquent address on Ireland; in which he graphically depicted the character and debasing influence of Romanism, and earnestly enforced the claims of the Irish people upon the benevolence and prayers of English Christians. The second meeting was held in Zion Chapel, Longton, on the Tuesday. Our much esteemed friend, J. S. Procter, Esq., of London, took the chair, and opened the proceedings with a brief, but affectionate and feeling address. The secretary, Mr.. Thomas Wright, read the report, after which the claims of our missions were ably pleaded by the Revs. T. W. Ridley, S. Jones (Independent), T. Boycott, and D. Sheldon. The addresses of these brethren were full of missionary zeal, and produced a very powerful impression upon a large and respectable audience. After the collection, which was several pounds in advance, Messrs. Robinson, Cope, Palmer, and the writer, briefly addressed the meeting. J. Clemenson, Esq., of Hanley, took the chair at the Stoke meeting on the Wednesday, and gave some interesting details of our missionary operations in Canada. He had been there and had visited a number of the mission stations, preached in several of the chapels, and held agreeable intercourse with some of. the missionaries; and could from personal observation, warmly commend the men, and their field of labour, as deserving the most liberal support of our churches in England. Messrs. T. W. Ridley, T. Boycott, A. M'Curdy, and Mr. J. Allin, were present, and addressed the meeting. On Thursday evening, a very interesting meeting was held at Lightwood, which was addressed by Mr. E. Palmer (chairman), the deputation and the ministers of the circuit. On Sunday, Nov. 12, two sermons were preached in aid of our missions, at Cheadle, by the Rev. D. Sheldon. On the evening of the 13th, a public meeting was held, at which Mr. F. Robinson, of Cheadle, présided. Mr. M'Curdy read the report, and the Revs. D. Sheldon, Hall, and T. Boycott addressed the meeting. It is gratifying to be able to state that the collections at each of the above places are in advance of last year. The services of the deputation, which were highly appreciated by the friends in this circuit, doubtless contributed much to this pleasing result. A. M'C. STAFFORD CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY. WE have just brought to a close a series of the most interesting and profitable services in connection with our Stafford Chapel. On Sunday, October 22nd, the Rev. T. Allin of Altrincham preached morning and evening. The sermons of the venerable minister were characterized by extraordinary eloquence and power. The attendance was good; the evening congregation especially was unusually large, and included some of the most intelligent and respectable persons in the town, who listened with intense interest, for an hour and a quarter, to a noble defence of the inspiration and paramount authority of the Scriptures. A tea-meeting was held on the following Monday night, which was presided over by the Rev. T. Chalmers of Staf ford, and effectively addressed by the Revs. G. Swan, Independent, J. Graham, T. Boycott, D. Sheldon, and Mr. John Lawley. The entire proceeds of this most spirited effort, including a few donations from friends at a distance, amount to the handsome sum of £40. The friends of the Connexion will be glad to hear that our prospects in Stafford are, upon the whole, cheering. The society, though small, is at peace; and I trust a foundation is laid for extension and permanent prosperity. D. S. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION-MANCHESTER CIRCUITS. The annual meeting of this society was held on Saturday evening, Oct. 28th, in Salem School, Strangeways, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— President-Rev. T. W. Ridley, Superintendent of the North Circuit. Treasurer-Mr. William Jenkinson. Secretary-Mr. Richard Hankinson. After the committee had partaken of an excellent tea, the public meeting was held. The chair was taken by the esteemed president, and able addresses delivered by Messrs. W. Jenkinson, John Makinson, A. F. Chadwick, W. Diggle, J. Pember, J. A. Griffin, John Marsland, and Samuel Holt. The objects of the Union are to promote the most efficient plan of teaching and governing in our Sabbath-schools; to collect statistical information, with the view of ascertaining the amount of agency employed, the number of children receiving instruction, and the progress making in each of our schools; to promote a spirit of love and unity among officers and teachers, and, by constant emulation, to provoke and encourage each other to love and good works. To effect these objects, each school elects two representatives annually, who visit the schools quarterly, and address the scholars. Quarterly meetings are also held, of teachers and adult scholars, at each of which an essay is read, or an address delivered, by some person appointed by the committee at the previous quarterly meeting, after which a friendly discussion takes place on the subject. In consequence of the change of residence of Mr. Thomas Jones (the late secretary) to Bury, its affairs have not been carried out in a manner calculated to increase, or even sustain the usefulness which ought to emanate from such a society. We trust, however, that during the ensuing year, we shall, as members and officers, enter heart and soul into the working of the Union, and endeavour to make it, as it ought to be, a blessing to the circuits, and an ornament to the Connexion. "Whatsoever our hands find to do, let us do it with our might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither we are hastening.' R. HANKINSON, Secretary. MANCHESTER NORTH CIRCUIT. THE annual sermon on behalf of the Methodist New Connexion Home and Foreign Missions was preached in our chapel, at Crabb Lane Head, on Sunday evening, the 12th inst., by one of our own local preachers, Mr. A. Pilling, of Bolton. The following evening (Monday), the annual missionary meeting was held in the same place of worship. The chair was taken by Mr. Samuel Holt; and after the report was read by the secretary, effective speeches were delivered by the Revs. T. W. Ridley, H. Tarrant (Wesleyan |