OLDHAM.

MY DEAR MR. EDITOR,-As most of your readers are aware, Oldham at our last Conference became the head of a circuit. Now, while it is honourable to be head, it is likewise responsible; for example, if the head errs, the whole body is involved in the consequences. The responsibility of being head in our case, has resulted in more than trebling of our quarterage. Besides, the interest on the debt on our Werneth chapel had increased to about £80. It was found impossible by the ordinary means to meet these demands. Accordingly, an extraordinary effort, in the shape of a Christmas-tree, was proposed at the October quarterly meeting. On the proposition being submitted to the ladies, they took the matter up with spirit, and went to work. They met together on one afternoon of each week for about ten weeks, had tea together, and busily plied their needles. A meeting of younger ladies was also formed for knitting a new kind of rug, and placed under the superintendence of Miss Noton. The sale began in the upper room of the Union-street school, on the morning of New Year's Day. The morning was most favourable, being dry and bracing; the winter sun poured his beams into the room, which, falling upon fir-trees, evergreens, and an array of brilliant objects, had a peculiarly pleasing effect.

E. Hallum, Esq., ex-mayor of Stockport, was the gentleman into whose hands the formal opening of the sale was placed. Prior to his doing so the Rev. D. Sheldon gave out a suitable hymn, which was heartily sung.

Thomas Noton, Esq., then came forward, and in a few appropriate remarks introduced Mr. Hallum, who was received with acclamation, and addressed the company that stood before him at some length. He fully reciprocated the feelings and sentiments of his friend, Mr. Noton, in reference to the industry, perseverance, and taste of the ladies in collecting in two months such a variety of materials and artistic work. It did the ladies the highest credit; for he sup posed they had been not only the originators but the principal workers in so good a cause. He thought they had done themselves honour, as the object was to redeem the church from pecuniary difficulties, arising from the state of trade in these districts. After

making a few other remarks, Mr. Hallum gave a donation of £5, and declared the sale begun. "God save the Queen" was then sung by those present to the pianoforte accompaniment of Mr. James Leach, organist of the chapel.

The room had been prepared and decorated principally by the young men of the church, under the superintendence of Mr. Wm. Noton and Mr. Leithby, and did them credit. On the east side of the room stood the stalls Nos. 1 and 2; they had the appearance of pleasant arbours, which had suddenly been transformed into repositories of all kinds of needle-work, and other products of female taste and ingenuity. Over the arched fronts and down the sides, laurel leaves studded with artificial roses hung in "beautiful disorder," while at either side small fir-trees stood, from whose branches were pendent toys of various kinds. A stall laden with toys was placed at the north end of the room; while at the west, plentifully supplied, a table of refreshments was arranged. At the scuth end stood a large mirror; before it, and on the top of a piano was a small vessel in full sail, the work of Mr. John Hadfield, jun.

Miss Alice Mills presided at the piano. The sale was continued on Saturday and Monday; and the entire sum realized was £111 6s. 6d.

Simultaneously with this movement a sewing meeting was formed at Werneth, which still continues, and will go on till Easter, when it is proposed to have another sale to complete the effort.

The following are the names of the ladies who presided at the stalls:No. 1 stall: Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Crompton, Mrs. Toulson, Mrs. Suthers, and Miss Noton. No. 2 stall: Mrs. Hadfield, Mrs. Whitehead, Mrs. Broderick, and Miss Mills. Toy stall:Mrs. Wild, Mrs. Wolstencroft. Refreshment stall: Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Senior, and Mrs. Given.

Oldham, January 22, 1864.

T.

[This came too late to appear in the February number.]

PADDOCK, HUDDERSFIELD

CIRCUIT.

THE prosperous condition of one religious society is often a stimulant and encouragement to others that may be lethargic or feeble. We are happy to

report that our Paddock society is in a healthy and very hopeful state. For some timo past, several of our leading and earnest-souled friends had it in their hearts to seek by special effort the conversion of our ordinary hearers. Such effort was at length put forth, and the great Master gave it His special blessing. Very quickly, but very earnestly, we sought to bring the minds of our dear friends to the duty of present surrender to God. It was urged that God required all-not a part-to be given up to Him; and that giving must be now. First one and then another young man ; and now a young maiden; and now a father, whose wife and children had been long in the way; and now an old backslider "received the word," gave their hearts to Jesus, and received the assurance of God's loving acceptance. We have, indeed, had a happy season; about 40 persons have confessed the faith, and some 30 of them have joined our classes. One young woman was powerfully exercised in her convictions; the most fearful thoughts and horrid images constantly presented themselves, but closely she embraced the Cross, and within a week of her acceptance, typhus fever, that had destroyed four others in the same house, carried her away to the presence of Him she had so recently learnt to love.

One marked result of the religious feeling of several of our young friends, was the zeal with which they entered into our annual Mission effort; and when Christmas came there bloomed a tree in our schoolroom that bore all manner of fruits. This year, with the sale of some Newfoundland animals, and money raised by electric apparatus and cosmoramic views, we have done very much more than we have done before towards our Mission Funds.

In connexion with our Missionary sale, we held a tea-meeting, that deserves mention from its happy religious tone. Our leaders did the speaking part, and did it well. One dwelt on "Books, their character, and how to read them;" another, on "Our Sabbath School;" another, on "Reminiscences of our Paddock society ;" and another gentle friend gave us "Christian Greetings;" and so with pleasant talk and sacred song, our Christmas meeting was a most happy one, and finished with the opinion that "We have never had a better one Paddock."

at

We are still paying special attention to the religious life of our society and congregation, and are just commencing a movement to pay off £300 of our chapel-debt. In all this we think we have the right motive at work-a desire for God's glory in the good of His creatures; and with this high aim to inspire, we trust there will be no slackening of zeal, no sparing of efforts no withholding of gift or affection from the church, until each one's work is done, and heavenly rewarding crown life's toiling for the Saviour.

PICKERING.

YORK CIRCUIT.

On

Ox Sunday, January 24th, the anni versary sermons of our Pickering Sabbath school were preached by the Rev. W. D. A. Thompson. The chapel was crowded both afternoon and evening. After each sermon interesting recitations, interspersed with the singing of very sweet and appropriate anthems and hymns, secured the protracted attention of the congregations. the following Tuesday the annual teameeting was held. The provisions for the tea were wholly paid for out of contributions collected by Mrs. Sharp, and Mrs. Fletcher, who ably superintended the arrangements in this de partment. After a very comfortable tea, our old and highly esteemed friend, Mr. T. Bird, of Whitby, was called to the chair. By a humorous and useful speech he inaugurated a very pleasant meeting.

The speakers, Messrs. Thompson, Sowersby, Sharp, and Wigginton were all enthusiastically applauded. Two of the senior scholars recited a dialogue upon Italy, composed by one of the teachers, imparting much useful information. The collections amounted to upwards of £4.

BURSLEM CIRCUIT.

DEAR SIR,-Services on behalf of our Missions have been held in the Burslem circuit as follows:-On Sunday, January 17th, sermons were preached by the Rev. J. K. Jackson (deputation) and the ministers of the circuit. During the week, missionary meetings were held-on Monday, at Dale Hall, when Mr. J. Watkin occupied the chair. On Tuesday, at Cobridge; Mr. G. Latham in the chair. On Wednesday, at Tun

stall; chairman, Mr. Joseph Alcock. Although the weather was unfavourable, and in consequence of the affiction of the Rev. J. K. Jackson, we were deprived of his valuable services, yet the meetings were of an interesting character, and the collections in advance of the past year. At Tunstall, the congregation and collection were larger than in any previous year. It was gratifying to find here, that whilst an effort is now being made to raise £200 towards a reduction of the debt on the chapel, the claims of missions are not overlooked. S.S.

LEICESTER.

DEAR DR. COOKE,-You will doubtless remember, a little more than four and a half years since, you preached the opening sermon for our mission in one of the public buildings in this town, and, in conjunction with Mr. Rabbitts, introduced your first missionary, and the cause of New Connexion Methodism, to the notice of the people of Leicester. Since that time many precious souls have been brought to God through the instrumentality of your missionaries, and the members of the society they have established in Leicester, and they are now walking in the light of His countenance, and rejoicing in His salvation.

Soon after a society had been formed a Sunday-school was commenced in connexion with the mission: the number of scholars at first was very small, and, considering the great number of Sabbath-schools in the town, many of them having several hundred scholars, our prospect for gaining any large number did not seem very cheering; but we kept to our work, and sought the Divine blessing upon it, and have not worked and sought in vain.

We have now two schools at a considerable distance from each other, and in the two united we have nearly reached the first quarter of a thousand scholars; a good number of them have sought the Saviour, and are now living epistles for Him, and the cause of great rejoicing to their teachers. Last August we commenced a Juvenile Missionary Society in one of our schools (St. Paul's); and on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 7th, we held our first Juvenile Missionary meeting. Our esteemed minister, Rev. W. Wilshaw, presided, and evidently felt deeply interested. Nearly twenty of

our scholars recited pieces selected for the occasion. It was with them and their fellow-scholars a day to be remembered. The recitations did them great credit, and gave great satisfaction to those who heard them. They had raised, by collecting cards and boxes, the sum of £2 9s. 04d. previous to the meeting. The collection at the meeting amounted to £2 18s. 6d.; making a total of £5 7s. 6d. This may scem a small sum from a large town; but we think it should be encouraging to the friends of missions, considering the short time we have been established, and the number of other engagements we now have, of which you will hear at another time and place. Yours respectfully,

MY

JOHN MILLS, Secretary.

A GIFT TO THE CHINESE
MISSION.

DEAR SIR, Will you kindly acknowledge in our next Magazine the generous gift of a "well-pump," value about four pounds, from Mr. Thomas Davis, of Deritend, Birmingham, for the use of our missionaries in China.

Mr. Davis is not connected with our Society, but when he was applied to as the maker of such articles, and became acquainted with the purpose and destination of it, he, at once, and with very kind and affectionate sentiments towards our missionaries, made the writer a present of the pump for their use. Acts like these, I think, merit our warmest thanks, and are worthy to receive public acknowledgment.-I am, my dear Sir, yours most faithfully, J. W. P.

Sheffield, Feb. 4, 1864.

WORTHY OF IMITATION. DEAR SIR, If "bread eaten in secret is pleasant," so also is bread given in secret. To the surprised and grateful recipient it has a peculiar relish, and is the fruitful source of many pleasing speculations. It increases his faith in human nature, and by its very mystery calls his gratitude to spread over a wider circle, in order to avoid the risk of excluding the real benefactor. "Who sent it? How kind! Perhaps Mr. A.; perhaps Mr. B.; probably Mrs. C.; or very likely that dear, good Mrs. D." And the giver is not only blest with the satisfaction of well-doing, whilst he is pro

tected from the temptation to vanity; but looking on from his incognito, his face is brightened by the reflex of the joy he has imparted, and he feels that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." These remarks have been suggested by the following circumstance, which is recorded, not only as a due acknowledgment of a kind act, but also as a hint to others who have opportunity and ability for similar charitable deeds. On Thursday last Mr. R. Frankland, our society steward, received a formidable looking parcel, which, on being opened, was found to contain a handsome pulpit Bible and Hymn-book. An accompanying note from the bookseller who had forwarded the parcel gave the following explanation:- "The books sent are a present from a friend, for the use of the Kirkby

Malzeard Methodist New Connexion pulpit." Some watchful eye had observed the dilapidated condition of the books then in use. A kind heart connected with that eye had conceived the idea of making a gift, and a liberal hand had reduced the conception to a deed. As one improvement suggests another, a lady in the congregation has since provided an elegant pulpit cushion, and the combined improvements seem almost to necessitate another, viz., a new chapel.

We congratulate our unknown friend on having diffused a glow of pleasure through the whole society; and in the name of that society tender our warmest thanks.

I am, dear Sir, yours truly,
A. LYNN.

Ripon, Feb. 16, 1864.

THE character and design of this work are explained in the preface, which states that "The Life of Jesus," by M. Renan, having passed through many editions, and been translated into several languages on the continent of Europe, has now appeared in an English form. The Committee of the Religious Tract Society have therefore deemed it incumbent upon them to provide some antidote to the errors of a volume which is being so widely circulated. At the same time they do not think that M. Renan's treatise either needs or deserves a formal reply. It adduces no new facts and urges no new arguments against the Christian faith. It is not remarkable either for depth of research or vigour of logic. It owes its sudden and wonderful popularity, not to its intrinsic merit, but to the beauty of its style and the position of its author. All the reasonings which have been so successfully urged against other sceptical treatises, may be adduced with equal force

against this; and it lies open to man objections peculiar to itself. The admissions which M. Renan has felt himself compelled to make in favour of Christianity, are fatal to his arguments against it. He admits the early origin, the authenticity, and the general veracity of the Gospels; yet he rejects all the miracles which they record, and reduces their narratives to fabulous and mythical legends as often as it suits his purpose. He admits that Jesus was the wisest, holiest, and best of the sons of men; yet he pities him as the victim of delusion, and apologises for him as the accessory to, or the accomplice in, acts of imposture and fraud. He admits that Christianity has been the great means of the world's progress in the past, and that it holds out the only hope for the world's progress in the future; yet he maintains that it was founded in fanaticism, and that it is strong only by its faith in a delusion. These absurdities, indeed, do not appear on the surface of the book. They are ingeniously veiled by glowing descriptions and paraphrastic statements.

It has been thought sufficient, therefore, to place in the hands of English readers the following essays.

1. A treatise by the Rev. Professor Schaff, on the Christ of the Gospels, in which the perfection of our Lord's

character, as portrayed by the evangelists, is set forth as an argument for the Divinity of his person and mission. A character so spotless and perfect, yet so simple and natural, could not be the product of imposture, or the dream of fanaticism. In the words of Rousseau, 'It is more inconceivable that a number of persons should agree to write such a history, than that one only should furnish the subject of it. The Jewish authors were incapable of the diction, and strangers to the morality contained in the Gospels, the marks of whose truth are so striking and inimitable, that the inventor would be even a more astonishing character than the hero.' As this essay was written before the appearance of the Vie de Jésus, it has been thought desirable to add a few notes pointing out its bearing upon the work of M. Renan.

2. Two essays, by M. Napoléon Roussel, one of the ablest of the French Protestant pastors, in which the insidious and latent principles of the Vie de Jésus are stripped of their disguise, and laid bare in their naked deformity. Many who might be deluded and seduced by the rhetorical romance of M. Renan, would start back with horror from an unveiled statement of his teachings.

The three essays are distinguished by acumen, eloquence, and power, and present to any thoughtful mind an effectual antidote to the embellished poison of Renan.

Missions, Apostolic and Modern: an Exposition of the Narrative of St. Paul's First Missionary Journey, in relation to the Protestant Missions of the present Century. By Frederick W. Briggs. London: Hamilton,

Adams, & Co.

OUR author remarks-"The thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Acts of the Apostles are a history, complete in itself, of labours, now for the first time regularly and formally undertaken, to diffuse the Gospel among the various classes of the Gentile world. No part of that important book is of greater value to the church viewed as a Missionary agency. It is, in fact, a most impressive exhibition of Missionary principles, in the order of their rapid manifestation; so that an exposition of this single history must be an exposition of all the great principles of Missionary action. This,

I trust, will be found to be, to some extent, the character of the following work.

"The general plan of the book is the same as that of Pentecost, and the Founding of the Church; but the style is, I think, a little more easy and popular. My most earnest desire has been to represent the true meaning of the sacred record impartially, honestly, and clearly leaving it, in the main, to produce its own impression. In the prosecution of this purpose I have thankfully availed myself of such helps, within my reach, as the results of modern criticism, both English and Continental, afford the expositor; yet have reserved the right to exercise on every particular which has come before me, a free and independent judgment. The several chapters into which the work is divided are not sermons; nor is their structure sermonic. They have been written, as I could command time for the purpose, with a view to publication; and I rejoice that I am able to contribute this 'mite' in aid of a work which I greatly love, during the year which is set apart by the Body to which I specially belong as the year of its Missionary Jubilee celebration."

Such is the design of the book, and we need only add the execution fully realizes the intention. The author exhibits considerable learning and research. His work abounds with interesting facts, historical and geographical, ancient and modern, and with minute criticisms bringing out clearly the meaning of the sacred writers. The spirit of the writer is in happy harmony with his theme, fervent as well as evangelical, broad and comprehensive in his views, and truly catholic in sentiment. The work comes out opportunely, while the respected body to which he belongs, is commemorating the jubilee of its missions. Wherever the book is read it will tend to intensify the flame of missionary zeal, and show that its action springs from the very essence and life of Christianity.

The Works of Thomas Goodwin, D.D. Vol. VIII., containing the Object and Acts of Justifying Faith. Edinburgh: James Nichol. London: Nisbet. We have here another compact volume from the pen of Dr. Goodwin, re-issued by the enterprising publisher of the Standard Divines of the Puritan period.