66 that the finny tribe cannot exist in it; and your high, unscriptural, and Popish pretensions have so corrupted the once pure river of Methodist teaching and discipline, that many persons who were once truly alive to God have become 'dead in trespasses and sins,' while others are following the stream of Reform, in the expectation that the entire system will be purified." "Ah! I see," said the doctor, "you still persist in your evil notions; but I must hasten to our good friend, Mr. Golden. He will think I have forgotten my promise to sup with him. He has a beautiful mansion and an excellent farm at a very short distance." 'Is he one of your members?" inquired I. "O, no," replied the doctor, "but he is one of our principal friends, and a very worthy man. He gives liberally to our funds." "O yes," was my reply, "I remember seeing his name in your Magazine, to which was subjoined 507. for some Wesleyan fund. But I understand he has a shepherd of the name of John Godly, who with his wife, Grace, are truly pious, and very useful in the neighbourhood. Do you know them?" Yes, I do," was the doctor's answer. Are they members of your society?" "O, yes," said he, and further observed, that he had the pleasure of seeing them at the chapel always when he went to preach. 66 "I should like to visit them,” rejoined I; "where is their cottage?" "Indeed," said the doctor, "I do not know; I have been so much occupied with important matters during the two years I have spent in this circuit, that I could never find time to visit them." As we walked along, conversing freely, I saw a man tending a flock of sheep. One of the flock, in particular, together with a few lambs, seemed at the moment specially to engage his attention. This excited my curiosity, and I requested the doctor to step aside with me for a few minutes to see what was the matter. The shepherd was John Godly, who very modestly recognized his pastor, and said, that that poor sheep was sick, and the innocent little lambs were exposed to danger from a ferocious dog in the neighbourhood, and, therefore, he felt it to be his duty more especially to look after them. "There now, doctor," said I, “you see an emblem of your duty." "How are your wife and children, John ?" asked the doctor. "She is very, very unwell; and the poor children need some one to look after them." Turning to the doctor, I said, "Shall we go and see them?" "No," said he, quickly, "I must leave you; Mr. Golden is waiting for me. Good-bye." Good-bye, doctor." JOTTINGS BY THE WAY.-No. II. THE YORK DISTRICT. A few brief notices of a pleasant sojourn in this district during the month of February may not be unacceptable to the readers of the WESLEYAN METHODIST PENNY MAGAZINE. During the whole of my stay the weather was of the most unfavourable character. We had "agitation" in the ele ments to our hearts' content. Almost every meeting was held in the midst of a snow-storm; and yet, strange to say, I never took part in a series of public meetings on the subject of Wesleyan Reform of a more encouraging and enthusiastic cha racter. YORK. The religious services conducted in this city, at the Concert-room, were exceedingly well attended. Indeed, the ordinary congregation at the "separate" places of worship will bear a comparison with any in the town. Upon inquiry, I learned that the general religious state of the people was very healthy. The friends in this city are not without their discouragements: the inconveniences inseparable from their present transitionary circumstances are felt in many ways. There is, however, a devout recognition of the hand of Providence in their past movement, and a firm persuasion that the same gracious Being will continue to "direct their steps." THE PUBLIC MEETING, Held at the Lecture-hall, Goodram-gate, was well attended. The venerable Mr. Taylor occupied the chair, and produced a powerful impression by his Christian and with an effective speech. Other addresses temperate address. Mr. Coultas followed, were delivered, and the meeting broke up at a late hour. I am more than ever convinced that public meetings, properly conducted, constitute one of the most powerful auxiliaries to our cause. They tend to create, purify, and strengthen that public opinion, in defiance of which no evils, whether civil or ecclesiastical, can long maintain their ground.j MARKET WEIGHTON. The meeting was held in the Temperancehall, and was, I believe, the first that had taken place. The Conference authorities deemed it to be a piece of gross impertinence for any agitators to visit that "quiet" town. But Reformers are not very squeamish on this point. It was prophesied by some, "whose wish was father to the thought," that the meeting would prove a failure: not twenty persons were to be present. It proved, however, just the opposite: the attendance was most numerous and respectable. Mr. Stathers occupied the chair, and, in the course of a very sensible speech, drew a distinct line between the real and the alleged objects of Wesleyan Reformers. To purify the system, not destroy it, was the end aimed at. Mr. Smithson followed, with an energetic and lengthened speech. Then came Mr. Ackrill, the circuit agent of York, and, in a racy and telling manner, made a confession of faith" with regard to Reform. Some slight interruption was experienced from a brother, who called out, "What do you make of Obey them that have the rule over you?"" &c.; which elicited a rejoinder from Mr. Ackrill of a very conclusive character. After other addresses had been delivered, the meeting was closed with singing and prayer. POCKLINGTON. pression of the meeting appeared to be decidedly in favour of the cause of Reform. Since the meeting, I understand that arrangements have been made with the York friends for the holding of separate services. The prospect appears encouraging. PICKERING. THORNTON. Preached in the Wesleyan chapel (formerly occupied by the Primitives), afternoon and evening, to large and attentive congregations. tial position in the town. The Reformers occupy an influenThey are marked by a spirit of fervent and intelligent piety; and by prudence and perseverance may succeed in absorbing all the Wesleyan elements in the town. Free and friendly conversation with a friend in this locality convinced me that here, as in other places, the most effectual way to damage our cause is to indulge in offensive personalities. At the commencement of the struggle the personal bearings of the matter were necessarily prominent; the Messrs. Smithson and Ackrill kindly as time for giving them this prominence has sisted at this meeting. The former occunow, however, passed away. While we pied the chair, and the latter addressed the complain of our principles being misrepremeeting at the close of the chairman's re-sented by others, let us take care that we marks. The night was outrageously cold do not misrepresent them ourselves. and stormy. Notwithstanding this, the attendance was very gratifying. The chief feature of interest was an address, for about Public meeting held in the Primitive half an hour, from a Conference local Methodist chapel, Dr. Sheffield in the preacher, Mr. Jackson. He spoke with the chair. Chapel completely filled, above and spirit and in the language of a Christian below. Special prayer-meeting held at the gentleman, and took occasion to express Conference chapel, under the auspices of his approval of the spirit that had been | Mr. Broomfield, the circuit preacher; we displayed on our side of the house. He have but rarely met with this "special" took exception to some of the statements dodge lately; but it seems that in the Pickthat had been made. Methodism was a ering circuit this contemptible manœuvre voluntary association; any man was at is had recourse to. It seemed signally liberty to retire when he pleased. He had to fail in this instance. an opinion that Methodist leaders, on taking office, were required to give a pledge that they would peaceably retire when dissatisfied with the system; and a Christian man's word was, or ought to be, equal to his bond. Suppose he (Mr. J.) should become a Catholic or an Independent, why, on the principles of Reformers, he might divide the societies, and carry the members of his classes away with him. An Englishman, they were told, ought to be allowed to speak out; but should a Christian do so? He questioned whether men had been expelled because they could not pay; it was because they would not pay. Possibly Wesleyan ministers might have too much power, but they were not to be brought to a level with Popish priests. As to changes in the system, it was well known that there were certain fundamental things that could not be changed. ("No, no"). Well, how could they be altered? ("By withdrawing Conference resources "). A full reply was given to Mr. Jackson's speech, and the im KIRBY, MOORSIDE. Again in the Primitive Methodist chapel. Audience very numerous, intelligent, and enthusiastic. Mr. Lumley, who was in the chair, gave a Christian and manly speech. He avowed himself a hearty sympathizer with the movement, though a Primitive Methodist; he had no hesitation in endorsing Lord John Russell's dictum as to the persecuting tendencies of the Wesleyan Conference; and he distinguished between Methodism as it had been moulded and fashioned by the Conference for their own power and purpose, and Methodism as a great evangelizing agency, designed to spread scriptural holiness through the land. He was the opponent of the former, but the friend of the latter; he wished the Reformers God speed. Mr. Humble, of Pickering, followed, in a thorough-going and earnest speech. Mr. Humble is a valuable man; he did what a good many men would have been very awkward at: we wanted the meeting cried; the crier was out-nowhere to be found; happily, how-presided. He is an expelled local preacher; ever, he had left his bell at home; upon he acted with much ability and imparthis important article Mr. Humble seized, tiality during the whole of the exciting and went through the town doing duty for proceedings. the crier, in a most efficient manner. The meeting told well. PICKERING. At the public meeting held in this town Mr. Ward presided, and introduced the business in a very appropriate address. The whole proceedings were characterised by Christian temper, and upon those who came to hear and judge for themselves, a favourable impression appeared to be produced. A strong expression of disapproval was uttered, as to Mr. Broomfield's conduct in arranging for a special religious service, on the night of the meeting. It was deemed by all present to be not merely a prostitution of religious ordinances for party purposes, but also an undeserved reflection upon the intelligence of the Pickering Wesleyans, as being incompetent or indisposed to form a correct judgment on the matter. The chapel was quite full. WHITBY. A full report of the remarkable proceedings at this meeting having already appeared in the Wesleyan Times, it is unnecessary to reproduce it here. The presence of both the circuit ministers-their lengthened but inconclusive addresses, and the uncommon verdict of the meeting, have produced an impression in favour of Reform that will not soon be dissipated. The Rev. Theophilus Pugh admitted the propriety of spirit that was displayed during the proceedings. Mr. Wiggington, of Pickering, GRANTHAM. Two sermons were preached in this town on the Sunday, at the Wesleyan chapel (formerly the theatre),-attendance very large. The Reformers here employ two circuit missionaries, and appear to be making their way in a most encouraging manner. The meeting at the Town Hall, on the Monday, was one of the most enBetween 800 and 900 friends sat down to thusiastic and pleasing that I ever attended. tea, and a more delightful scene could meeting was held, F. Grosjean, Esq., of hardly be conceived. After tea a large London, in the chair; supported by Revs. Messrs. Griffith and Horton, &c. A brief report of the proceedings has appeared in the Wesleyan Times. Instead of resoluthe first by Mr. Griffith, tions, three sentiments were spoken to; Reform movement-necessary in its con“The Wesleyan tinuance scriptural in its demand-and certain as to its success. Mr. Horton spoke to the second, "Pastoral supremacy, a fundamental dogma of modern Methodism, unsustained by Scripture, and repudiated by all other Protestant churches." The third sentiment spoken to was, "Our avowed opponents and our timid friends; may the former examine our principles without prejudice, and the latter be zealously affected in our good cause.” The meeting was most successful, and cannot fail to produce the happiest results. N. T. L. REPORTS OF AGENTS AND FROM the accounts of the agents, we learn that the principles of Reform are spreading extensively in many districts. The public meetings generally are well attended, and the people express anxiety to learn all they can about the movement. Several new places have begun to move, and effective meetings have been held in localities where, until recently, the members of Society knew but little about the principles at issue. In some places the superintendents have resumed their work of expulsion in cutting off good, excellent men. This has been the case at Lincoln; the old body has, during the last few weeks, lost there some of its best men, and thereby the ranks of the Reformers have been increased. By such acts the Conference preachers do great service to the cause of Reform. Providential doors of usefulness are opening in every direction, in the increased accommodation for public worship, so that the people may hear OTHER CORRESPONDENTS. the word of life. Still a larger number of such places is required. Several Conference chapels have recently passed into the hands of the Reformers, and it is evident, from the tone of the Rev. Secretary to the Chapel Building Society, that something serious is anticipated. He says, in the sequel of a letter of his in the Watchman, "Come one and all to the rescue. Depend upon it, this is an important crisis." Another interesting feature in this movement is, that the work of saving souls is going on delightfully in many places. So far as the district and quarterly reports have been received, they are of a very cheering character. Not only in one or two departments of labour, but almost in all,-preaching places, schools, teachers, preachers, leaders, &c., and large numbers on trial, besides the increase of members. The sittings of the London District have just closed, and the result of the last half year's labour is encouraging indeed. In every department of service a pleasing increase has taken place, so that after the necessary business was finished in harmony and brotherly affection, the friends separated, strengthened and encouraged, to increase their efforts in the cause of the Redeemer. There are in the district 4,698 members, Sunday-school scholars, 7,570. it. The anti-scriptural assumptions of the Conference preachers (who miscall themselves pastors), are becoming exposed in every quarter. For ourselves, as we have often remarked, we know of no ecclesiastical hierarchy, that of Popery hardly excepted, in more flat contradiction to the principles of the word of God, than that of the Methodist Conference. It takes all power from the flock of Christ, and places The Leeds friends have recently held it in the hands of a self-elected clique of their district meeting, and the results are migratory lecturers-pastors they are not, very pleasing. There are in the district that office, in the Christian sense, is more 10,210 members in society, and the kindred with that of class-leading. prospects for the future encouraging. The 12th resolution that they passed is likely to be of importance to the movement. It is, "That it be recommended to the next delegate meeting to be held at Bradford, the establishment of a Wesleyan Reform League Fund." Should this plan be adopted, there is no doubt the necessary means for future action would soon be raised. We desire, in the midst of evil report and good, to persevere in the emancipation of Methodism from its thraldom and vassalage, in order that it may again bless the world. WESLEYAN REFORMERS are not extinct. They have just held a large meeting in London, in furtherance of their objects, and carried resolutions of a more enlightened character than hitherto. It is pleasing to see how light always breaks in upon honest reformers as they are able to bear Baptist Penny Church Magazine. the THE Pope appeals to the New Testament for proof of his infallibility. He claims to be the successor of Peter, and to have received through him the power of " keys.". Just so with the Wesleyan Conference; it claims to have received the same power from Providence and John Wesley. Men anxious to uphold systems make use of strange arguments. BIGOTS, who are intolerant in their religious tenets, ought to feel very much humbled, when they reflect that they would have been equally so for any other religion, had it been the religion of their parents, or of the country in which they had been born and educated. It would be well for some who have taken upon themselves the preaching of the gospel, if they would first preach to themselves, and then to others. Wesleyan Intelligence. BIRCHWOOD-RIPLEY CIRCUIT. The THE opening services of this chapel took season. In the afternoon about 500 atplace on Sunday, the 3rd of April, when tended the love-feast, and such a feast of Mr. Richard Poole, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, love it was as but seldom occurs. preached morning and evening. In the people could not repress their feelings, but morning, the subject was entire sanctifica- were obliged to sob aloud, while shouts tion. In the evening, God struck with the of "Glory be to God!" were heard hammer of his word, and twelve found from one end of the chapel to the other. mercy. This was indeed a blessed day. In the prayer-meeting, after the evening In the afternoon of the same day, the sacra- service, fifteen obtained pardon. About a ment of the Lord's Supper was partaken thousand people at least were packed into of by a considerable number of believers. the chapel each Sabbath, and hundreds Mr. Poole preached at Ripley on Monday could not gain an entrance. Mr. Poole evening, when six found peace; and then preached on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, at Birchwood, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, in the same place, and at Holloway Thursday, and Friday: souls brought to on Wednesday, and God saved precious the cross each day. On the following souls at each service. Many profess to have Sabbath-morning, Mr. Poole preached again obtained a clean heart. on sanctification, to a large congregation, fess to have obtained pardon; fifteen inand such was the unction accompanying fants have been baptized; and the members the word, that many received the blessing, of society who have been in a very low while some were filled to overflowing. condition (and not without cause) are The place was truly a heaven on earth. quickened, strengthened, built up, and We shall not soon forget this refreshing filled with love. Hallelujah! With our About ninety pro eyes upon many precious souls we can now surprise of the society and neighbourhood, sing, "They have heard the glad sound, They have liberty found Through the blood of the Lamb, And plentiful pardon through Jesus's name !" The circumstances connected with the erection of this chapel are rather singular. No sooner had the expulsion of the Rev. William Griffith, superintendent of this circuit, taken place, than the society here, like others, determined to take action against the doings of Conference. All the members stopped supplies, and the Rev. J. Harding withheld their tickets. The travelling preachers, together with some Conference local preachers, commenced preaching at the people, and so powerfully moving were their insulting discourses, that the persons left the chapel. Separate services were soon established in an inconvenient club-room, and the chapel just built had to be shut up for want of a congregation, and groaning beneath a debt of 4507. A trustee meeting was called, and a conclusion come to, to sell the chapel; the Conference trustees determined to prevent the Reformers from purchasing it. To the ADVICE. the chapel had been sold on the sly to Mr. Thomas Horsley, churchwarden, for a State church. This move completely disgusted the neighbourhood, and was looked upon by the greater part of the people as most unjust. This threw the Reformers into a complete fix, when John Smidley, Esq., of Lea Mills [himself a churchman], came to their help, fully determined to oppose such wretched doings; and who has spent at least 1,5007. in behalf of the insulted and abused people of Somercotes and Birchwood. The building, which is in the form of a church, with a steeple, bell, Gothic windows, is a most amiable place, is lent to the Reformers free of expense, and was opened without collections. Mr. Poole, in telling the friends of their extraordinary privileges, said, "You have a beautiful house to worship in without rent, salvation without money and without price, and we do assure you that, if you will meet with us in church-fellowship, we will impose upon you neither rates nor taxes." Your offerings will be all free: "this is the Lord's doings, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” Advice to the Young, &c. I. At table, a child should be taught to sit up and behave properly, and not be allowed to leave his chair or take food without asking, nor to fret and tease when denied. The bare expression of a parent's wish should at all times be a law from which no appeal should be made. II. Give a child his choice of such food on the table as his parents think healthy for him, considering times and circumstances; at the same time guarding most carefully against the propensity so common among children, to have things nice, or sweet, &c. This maxim will hold good "that we among children, as among men, should eat for the strength of the body, not to please the taste." Delicate appetites are generally those made so by delicacy of taste. III. The practice of allowing a child to read at family prayers is commendable; but this privilege should not be granted until the child can keep his place, and read without spelling, and with but little help from the parent, who may pronounce a hard name, or other hard words, for him. Finding the place, and spelling words, are directly opposed to the spirit of devotion. Natural Philosophy. CHEMISTRY. (Continued from page 62.) With perhaps the single exception of the brilliancy of his philosophical chaRoger Bacon, this race of philosophical racter. Lord Bacon's case forms a striking dreamers continued without interruption illustration of the fact that high intellectual until the commencement of the seven-powers may co-exist with a low state of the teenth century, when the celebrated Francis moral sense. Lord Bacon arose, a man whose faults as a statesman, and they were not trifles, have been eclipsed in the eyes of posterity by The great work which distinguishes the man is called "Novum Organum Scientiarum" (A New Instrument of the Sciences), in |