To that important and useful class of labourers in the Lord's vineyard

our class-leaders- the following timely and appropriate remarks are addressed-While honouring the ministry as an institution of God, for the edification of the Church, yet under the economy of Methodism leaders hold a place of scarcely inferior importauce, though their official sphere is much more contracted. A minister may be able and faithful, but without the cooperation of leaders his labours will be comparatively unproductive. These are, Methodistically, the pastors of the flock. If the leaders, as a body, have competent Scriptural knowledge and power of teaching, combined with entire devotedness to God, and a tender love to their members-if, moreover, they are diligent in visiting their members, especially in seasons of sickness, sorrow, and lukewarmness with such a body of leaders the Church becomes prosperous in the highest measure. We would, therefore, enforce upon this important class of our office-bearers, whose number exceeds that of any other, the duty of correctly estimating their influence and responsibilities. Aspire after higher qualifications for your work, be yet more conscientious in discharging all your prescribed duties; exalt the standard of piety and Scriptural knowledge in your classes, and in the same proportion as your classes rise will the denomination rise in all the elements of Christian excellence and usefulness. Leaders are also associated with ministers in governing the Church. Much as to the order, purity, and peace of our churches depends upon their intelligence and prudence. While it is their duty to faithfully manage the finances of the Church, yet its spiritual interests demand their unceasing and supreme attention. Are not our leaders' meetings too secular? So far from these meetings being means of grace, they too often degenerate into mere committee meetings, whose spirit and transactions are scarcely distinguishable from the warehouse and shop. Would it not be well to confine the secular busi

ness to certain meetings, and to assign a proper proportion of time to spiritual affairs? The leaders' meeting should have its finger perpetually on the pulse of the Church, be ever cognizant of its state as healthy or declining; it should origi nate and promote plans of usefulness, revive and reinforce those institutions which are flagging, and keep the whole machinery of the Church in effective operation. Were this the ordinary business of our leaders' meetings, they would be occasions of holy and joyous fellowship, sources of quickening and guiding power to the Church, and the churches blessed of God with such leaders would be quiet habitations, and their gates be shut neither night nor day."

In the same affectionate and earnest spirit all our members are called to active and zealous exertion in the cause of God:-"Every member of the Church, however humble his station, should be a worker for God. Christian labour, whether considered as an honour or a duty, is not restricted to ministers and officers; or to the wealthy, the learned, the eloquent; or to those possessing great social influence; but every one converted by the grace of God should be a worker for Christ. This duty should be frequently expounded and enforced from the pulpit, and in society meetings. In the same proportion in which we are concerned for our own salvation do we feel for the salvation of others. Natural modesty and self-mistrust will prevent many whose hearts are zealous from voluntarily offering their services; hence leaders, who know the ability and opportunities of their members, should appeal to them personally, and kindly introduce them to those posts where their services are most needed, and will be most useful."

Yet as all means and agencies must be fruitless without the power of the Holy Spirit, the whole Connexion is exhorted to earnest prayer for the fulness of his blessing:-" But, dear brethren, ministers, and people, our great want is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Means are necessary in the order of Divine appointment. Yet these will be insufficient to a revival

and enlargement of the Church without the Spirit's power, as skilful and laborious industry is insufficient to produce a harvest without rain and sunshine. To believe that there is a Holy Spirit, whose influence is necessary to give effectiveness to Christian instrumentalities, is one thing; but so to recognize that Spirit's office, and to carry on all our projects and labours with a direct and devout reference to his agency as absolutely necessary to their success, is another and entirely distinct thing. We believe in the Holy Ghost, but do we honour his person and office by our faith and prayers? When the Church feels its need of the Spirit, when it mourns and weeps over his absence, as the dove mourns the absence of its mate; when it longs for his influence, as the parched earth longs for rain in the springtide of the pregnant year; when ceaseless prayers are offered up for his influence, earnest and importunate, as children's cry for bread in time of famine; when the Church thus feels and acts, the fulness of the blessing is not far off, for the first drops of the fast-gathering clouds have already fallen. Let us, therefore, purge out the old leaven of worldliness, unbelief, and indifference from our hearts, with all that divides us from each other and from our Saviour; let us join our hands in needful labour, and fixing our dependence upon the Spirit's agency, let us labour in united and unceasing prayer, then will the Spirit come amongst us as he came in the Apostolic age, as he came in the great awakening at the birthtime of Methodism-come to all, as he has come to some of our circuits during the past year-come in light, and power, and love, giving testimony to the Word of his grace; and so walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, we shall be daily multiplied."

A GIFT TO THE CHINESE MISSION.

A FRIEND who calls himself "An Unworthy Disciple," but omits his name, has sent us £5 for the Chinese

Mission, saying he is so highly delighted with the very glorious news from China, that he forwards the enclosed gift as a thank-offering to God. We hope many others will follow his praiseworthy example.

BRIGHOUSE,

HALIFAX SOUTH.

SUNDAY, Sept. 22nd, was rendered a high day to the friends here by the pulpit labours of the Rev. Drs. Cooke and Stacey. The occasion of their visit was to preach the annual chapel sermons, this being the third of a series of five efforts by which it is intended the entire debt on the estate shall be extinguished. We are happy to record that this effort, like the two which have preceded it, passed off very successfully. The sermons, by Dr. Stacey in the morning and Dr. Cooke in the evening, were heard by large and delighted congregations; and as to their quality, it is enough to say that they were judged every way worthy of the high fame of the preachers. Our friends are deeply indebted to these honoured ministers for the help they rendered on this occasion, under circumstances of personal and domestic affliction such as must have made their work a sacrifice. The collections amounted to £97 13s. J. COULTAS.

Oct. 9, 1867.

LONDON SECOND CIRCUIT.

BRITANNIA FIELDS CHAPEL.

Ir is with great pleasure we record the thirteenth anniversary of this sanctuary, and render our sincere thanks to God for the improved condition of the church.

On Sunday, the 29th September, three sermons were preached; that in the morning, by the Rev. E. T. Harris (Methodist Free Church); in the afternoon, by the Rev. C. B. Sawday (Baptist); in the evening, by the Rev. W. Woodward, minister of the circuit. The congregations were very good, and the collections in advance of last year.

On the following day, 200, friends sat down to tea, congratulating each other on the increased

number thus met together. After tea we assembled in the chapel, and rejoiced in seeing it nearly full. Our highly esteemed friend, Mr. W. G. Denham, was called to preside, and received a hearty welcome. Our highly respected and much loved friend, John Whitworth, Esq., was to have presided, but was not able to be in London in time. He, however, manifested his interest in "Britannia," by forwarding two pounds towards the collection.

The chairman, in his opening remarks, expressed the great pleasui he had in seeing so large a gathering on the occasion, and he hoped it was the promise of a glorious future.

The meeting was well addressed by the Revs. Dr. Cooke, Jesse Hobson (Baptist), E. T. Harris (United Methodist Free Church), H. Fenton, T. T. Rushworth, W. Woodward, and Messrs. Webber, Johnson, and Hooper. During the evening (by the kindness of Mr. Toynbee), there were several anthems sung; and both the speaking and the singing were heartily responded to by the meeting.

We are glad to add, that previous to the anniversary, we had held two weeks' special services in the chapel. Our beloved minister was truly unsparing in his devotion to the special effort; he laboured therein with all his soul; and well did the local brethren unite with their minister in the endeavour to bring souls to the Saviour. The whole church appeared to be under a gracious influence; as was evident by the continued attendance, night after night, for two weeks. Only those who know the value of time in London will be able to appreciate this pleasing fact.

Thanks be unto God, the faithful sermons, the warm-hearted addresses, the earnest prayers and repeated gatherings of the church, received tokens of the Divine approval. Many souls were deeply convinced of the importance of personal religion; several obtained the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins; and not a few have become probationers for church membership. To God be all the glory!

HENRY WEBBER.

EBENEZER CHAPEL

SUNDAY SCHOOLS, LONDON FIRST. THE fifth anniversary of this school took place on Sunday, September 29 and 30, and sermons were preached by the Revs. J. H. Magee and H. Fenton, and Mr. E. H. Rabbits, in aid of the school funds. On the following Monday there was a tea and public meeting. A good number sat down to the tea, which was provided in the schoolroom and gallery of the chapel. The public meeting in the evening was largely attended, every available space in the chapel and lobbies being occupied. The meeting having been opened with singing and prayer, the chair was taken by Mr. W. West, who expressed the interest he felt in Sundayschools, the blessings and benefits of which he said were incalculable. We should be thankful that we live in a time when there are Sunday-schools. He was glad to see so large a meeting, and one so full of life, and anticipated a good collection.

Mr. Pain, the secretary, then read the report, which stated that upwards of 800 scholars had been admitted into the school since its opening in November, 1862. The number now on the books was-scholars, 271, and teachers, 15; and the average attendance, 70 in the morning, and 198 in the afternoon. Select Bibleclasses, the need of which had long been felt, had been established, and were well attended. About £6 was required to meet present wants, but out of this £4 10s. 04d. had been collected at the anniversary sermons on Sunday.

The Rev. J. Wilson said it gave him great pleasure to see such a goodly company present. He felt that more sympathy was wanted between the Church and the Sundayschool. All that are in the Church of Christ should feel a profound interest in the state of the Sundayschool. Many thanks were due to the teachers who gave their money, time, and labour to the good work of endeavouring to lead the minds of the young into the proper path. Referring to the good management and order preserved in their schools,

he said he sometimes dropped in on a Sunday morning to see how they were getting on, and it did his heart good to look at their happy faces; and they were all so clean and neat, that they looked as if they belonged to the most respectable families.

the

The Chairman then introduced the Rev. J. H. Magee, from Canada. He congratulated them on pleasant appearance of the school children, and on their good singing. With reference to Canada, he said it was a glorious and beautiful country. He was very glad it belonged to England, and should be sorry to see it fall into the hands of the United States, much as they wanted it. He . described the city of Toronto as a model city in many respects. There the most perfect quietude and serenity existed on Sunday, for no taverns or houses of business of any description were allowed to be open.

The collection was then made by four of the female scholars, backed up by an eloquent appeal from the chairman, who said £4 10s. at least ought to be raised. The amount collected proving to be only £2 9s. 61d., the plates were sent round a second time, the chairman observing that he wished it to be understood that he was not pressing the matter. With the addition of some important contributions from the gentlemen on the platform, the £4 10s. was ultimately made up, much to the chairman's joy.

Speeches were afterwards delivered by Mr. Alfred Howard, Mr. Hatfield, and the Rev. H. Fenton, and the proceedings concluded with the customary votes of thanks.

Several pieces of music were sung, and a large number of recitations given by the children during the evening.

HULL CIRCUIT.

ON Tuesday, Sept. 24, and three following days, a bazaar, under the patronage of James Clay and C. M. Norwood, Esqs., M.P.'s, and John Loft, Esq., Mayor of Hull, was held in the Music Hall, Jarratt Street, Hull, in aid of a new chapel at Stepney. We have already a chapel

at Stepney, but it is much too small for the requirements of this rapidlyincreasing suburban district. Some time ago a movement was set on foot for the erection of a larger chapel, and an eligible site of land was purchased. We now hope building operations will not be much longer delayed. When the new edifice is erected the old chapel will be converted into a commodious school, the present one being inadequate.

On the opening of the bazaar there was a large and handsome display of articles, which were appraised at £350 or more. Our friend Mr. Carlton contributed some very elegant cabinet goods. The stalls were well decorated, and were presided over by the following ladies:(1) Mrs. Stather, Mrs. Bielby, Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Colly, and Mrs. Newbert; (2) Mrs. Carlton, Mrs. Lumley, Mrs. Tindle, and Mrs. Dalton; (3) Mrs. Parnham, Mrs. Gatgens, Mrs. A. Wales, Mrs. Gibson, and Mrs. Capes; (4) Mrs. Duncan, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Story; (5) Mrs. J. J. Runton, Mrs. T. Runton, and Mrs. Fillingham. Refreshment stall, Mrs. Hudston, Mrs. Addy, Miss Hudston, Miss Skinner, Miss Pickard, and Miss Gibson. The above ladies, with others whose names are not here given, deserve great praise for the industry and liberality they have shown in getting up the bazaar. Mr. J. Hudston, jun., enhanced the pleasure of the visitors by his pianoforte performances. The total receipts amounted to £274, which, considering the depressed state of trade in the town, is satisfactory. Goods to the value of about £100 remain unsold.

MANCHESTER SOUTH

CIRCUIT.

MISSION SERVICES.

THE annual services on behalf of our Foreign, Colonial, and Irish Missions were held on Sunday, Sept. 29th, and four following days, and their pecuniary results indicate a very gratifying increase upon those of the previous year. The Revs. H.

Piggin and T. Addyman (the appointed deputation) served us well. We were fortunate in securing good men and true as chairmen of our meetings. R. Haworth, Esq. (Wesleyan), presided at Boston Street; J. Moss, Esq., at Beswick; Councillor Harwood at Pendleton; B. Toulson, Esq., at Altrincham; and T. Boddington, Esq. (United Methodist Free Churches), at Eccles. In addition to the services of the deputation, the Revs. W. Longbottom and J. Le Huray (Manchester North) rendered us partial assistance; as also did several esteemed lay friends. The following comparative statement will show the financial success realized :

£26 4 2 £40 2 0 Eccles, it will be perceived, reports a slight declension, but all the other places a considerable advance. The increase on the circuit is £13 17s. 10d., or rather more than 50 per cent. Last year Manchester South contributed nearly 10s. per member for missionary purposes, and reported an increase of £25 upon the income of 1865, and the results of our first missionary campaign this year augur well for the future. Is it not wonderful that a people who during the last five years have contributed so largely to the erection of new chapels and schools, and who are still engaged in similar enterprises, should give so liberally to the mission cause! The secret is to be found in this fact-our people have experienced the sweetness and preciousness of the words of truth, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Oct. 4, 1867. M. E.

LONGTON CIRCUIT,

MISSION SERVICES.

THE annual services of our Foreign and Colonial Missions were held on Sunday, September 29, and following days, at Longton, Fenton, and Stoke. We were favoured with the services

of the Revs. S. Hulme and H. F. Pearson, the appointed deputation, who rendered most efficient service. The Longton meeting was presided over by Mr. Alderman Green (Wesleyan), the Fenton meeting by W. Hulse, Esq., Chief Bailiff of Fenton (Wesleyan), and the Stoke meeting by the Rev. H. Downes, in the place of E. Palmer, Esq., who was prevented by important business from being present. The congregations were good, and the collections upwards of £10 in advance of last HY. DOWNES.

year.

FRANKLIN STREET SUNDAY-SCHOOL AND PREACHING-ROOM, SHEFFIELD SOUTH CIRCUIT.

Ar the last January quarterly meeting of this circuit a resolution was passed appointing Messrs. Holmes, Jenkinson, and Baker a committee to obtain, if possible, in some populous part of the town, a room in which our local brethren might be employed, and by which means our borders might be extended.

The

result was that in a short time the above room, previously used as a joiner's workshop, was taken, and, after making suitable alterations, has been fitted up, and is now proving a success. The first service, which took place on Sunday, April 27th, was conducted by the Rev. G. Bradshaw, who cheerfully rendered his aid on the occasion by delivering an able and powerful discourse from Romans ii. 29. The following Sabbath a Sunday-school was formed which now numbers 135 scholars, and although the room is only about twenty-six feet by fourteen feet, we have crowded in it near upon 100 children every Sabbath afternoon, many of whom manifest a decided improvement in conduct and deportment. We have taken measures to render our services as efficient as possible, and have succeeded beyond what we could at first have anticipated in obtaining the attention of those committed to our charge.

Already we have sold five copies of the Word of God, and thirty of the School Melodies, and we have fifteen other subscribers. Some of the