If

in great measure accountable, and byand-by his stewardship must be given up. If the Church throughout were to do her duty, who can tell the amount of good that would soon be effected? every member of our community would make it his imperative duty to lead one to Christ each year, the number of precious souls saved in our community would soon be doubled, trebled, and quadrupled. What Christian is there who has not a neighbour, a parent, a brother or sister, a son or daughter living without God? And can he bear the thought of his neighbours and the members of his own family going down to hell without endeavouring to snatch them as brands from the burning? If the Christian Church would but arouse herself, the little leaven centred in many large families would soon leaven the whole lump. Her numbers would be multiplied a hundred-fold, truth would be magnified, and our God and his Christ would be glorified.

One method we suggest for carrying out the great object of usefulness is the following. Where there is a Church that can do it, bands of two individuals, selecting the most pious and devoted of the Church, should go forth, each band having its own locality; and as many such bands should be appointed as would be needed to go over, once a week, the whole district in which the chapel stands. They should visit all to whom they may have access, and give friendly advice and pray in every house. The great amount of good that would be effected in this manner is not to be told. There are hundreds of poor who would gladly attend the house of God, if they had it in their power to appear as decently as others, but they are fettered with the iron chain of poverty. Are these to perish for lack of truth? The plan suggested meets their case; and we have witnessed the fact that such persons, when visited and prayed with, exhorted and persuaded, have become reformed in their habits; improvements have taken place in their dwellings, and in a short time we have seen them decently dressed and attending regularly the ordinances of God's house.

It is only by self-denying, resolute and prayerful efforts that the neglected popu lation around us will be brought to God -that the imprisoned sons of earth, so long led captive by the devil at his will, will be freed from their chains and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Let every Christian, then, act his part as a faithful soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our chapels

CHESTER CHAPEL.-In an address from the Annual and Chapel Committees, dated November, 1851, this case was fully explained to our friends throughout the Connexion; and commended to their pious and benevolent consideration both on account of its great importance to the community, and of the almost unparalleled distress of the parties immediately concerned. The late Con

ference at Huddersfield sanctioned what had been done, and passed the following resolution:-"That, seeing the perilous situation of Pepper-street Chapel, Chester, the Conference approves and confirms the course adopted in making a collection throughout the Connexion for raising the sum of £700, to meet the sum granted by the Chapel Committee for the relief of this chapel; and the Conference hereby instructs the Chapel Committee to give their best assistance in carrying this important object into early effect." A few weeks afterwards the secretary of the Chapel Committee issued a circular giving an account of the then state of the special effort, and making an appeal for its completion; and on our cover for this month will be found a further notice, to which we invite the friendly attention of our readers. This chapel must be effectually relieved. We hope the appeal will be responded to with a degree of liberality equal to the emergency. our noble chapel be preserved to the Connexion, and our worthy friends be relieved from their depressing anxieties, so that their energies may be cheerfully devoted to the spiritual interests of the Church.-ED.

Let

WAKEFIELD MISSION. MR. EDITOR.-On the 12th of September I preached at our Home Mission Station, in Wakefield, and made collections for local expenses. About fifty persons were present in the morning, and eighty in the evening. In the afternoon I administered the Lord's Supper to our little Church, and Jesus was present to bless. On Monday I visited the members, and surveyed the town, in order to form a judgment respecting the friends, and the locality as a basis for Home Missionary operations, and the judgment I have formed is decidedly

favourable. In the afternoon of Monday a tea-meeting was held, and about one hundred persons were present. After tea, Mr. J. G. Heaps, of Leeds, was called upon to preside, and addresses were delivered by one of the Wakefield town missionaries, Messrs. Crampton, Britton, Nettleton, Waddington, and Birkenshaw, and the Revs. P. J. Wright and J. Nicholas. A most happy feeling was produced, and our earnest friends, Messrs. Womack, Birkenshaw, Shaw, Catley, and others, felt greatly encouraged. The proceeds of the Sabbath collections, and the tea-meeting, were £4. Our zealous friend, John Shaw, of Pudsey, has been engaged to visit Wakefield, one week in every month, to assist in building up the cause; and if a missionary be appointed there at the next Conference, success will crown our efforts. The friends we have at Wakefield are not persons of uncertain character and habits; they are persons of good repute, and warmly attached to our Connexion. They are willing to give, and to labour to the utmost of their ability, and, led on by a resident missionary, would soon arise and build a chapel for more effectual action on the inhabitants. I trust that our friends throughout the Connexion, glowing with the fire of missionary zeal, will respond in so cheerful and liberal a manner to the address of the missionary committee as to furnish means for opening three or four additional Home Mission Stations at the next Conference. Then, but not till then, our way will open to Australia. As it respects Australia, I shall be glad if the superintendents of our circuits will attend to my request on the cover of the magazine without further delay.

I remain,
Yours affectionately,
P. J. WRIGHT.

Leeds, October 13, 1852.

RE-OPENING OF BETHESDA CHAPEL, LIVERPOOL. This spacious sanctuary having undergone a thorough renovation by painting, cleaning and repairs, was re-opened for divine service on the 10th inst., when the Rev. W. Mills delivered excellent and telling sermons, to the instruction and edification of his numerous hearers.

On the following evening a social teameeting was held in the school-room, which was crowded to excess. After tea the friends retired to the chapel, where our esteemed friend, Mr. James Robinson, interested them with several pieces on the organ. Returning to the school100m, the meeting commenced in the

usual

way, the Rev. W. Baggaly, superintendent of the Circuit, in the chair. The Rev. C. Ward was the first speaker, and his remarks on "social meetings" were heard with great attention. Mr. John Guile then came forward to propose a vote of thanks to the ladies who had provided for our entertainment at the tables; and he was warmly seconded by Mr. Fowler. Mr. Tilston followed with some very judicious observations on "the best method of improving the Church and congregation ;" and then came on Mr. Bensley, with a speech of great power on "Protestant England in happy contrast with Popish nations." Mr. Preston, who has so richly caught the spirit of the muses, then favoured us with one of his beautiful effusions on

"the house of prayer." And the last speaker was Mr. Griffiths, who, in a vein of right good humour, threw in a little of his Welsh eloquence with considerable effect.

All things considered, this was one of the most interesting social meetings we ever attended. Tickets being gratuitously circulated, a collection was made, which, after defraying expenses, left a considerable surplus in the hands of the stewards.

Many years have elapsed since the chapel was painted before, and but few will say it has been done again too soon. Fear of expense prevented this good work being accomplished long ago; but at length a quenchless zeal for the cause of Christ conquered all our fears and produced the desired effect. And now we have not only the gratification of seeing "Bethesda" cleaned and beautified, but, what is far better, our generous friends have defrayed the entire expense of the undertaking, and believe themselves as much improved in mind and heart by this vigorous effort as the sanctuary is by all they have expended upon it.

May He who filled the ancient temple with his glory, honour this house with his abiding presence, and render it the birth-place of many precious souls! Amen.

Liverpool, October 15th, 1852.

NORTH SHIELDS CIRCUIT.-CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY.-On Sunday, September 26th, anniversary sermons were preached in Salem Chapel, North Shields. In the morning and evening the pulpit was occupied by David Oldham, Esq., of Macclesfield, to whose discourses the people listened with interest and delight. In the afternoon, the service was conducted by the writer. On Monday the 27th the annual tea-meeting was held in the Tem

perance Hall. The tables, which were furnished gratuitously by the friends, were abundantly supplied with good things; and the company, notwithstanding that the weather was extremely unpropitious, was very large. After tea, D. Oldham, Esq., was called to preside, who sustained his position with his accustomed ability, giving a zest and an interest to the meeting which it would not otherwise have possessed. During the evening addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. D. Carrick (Baptist), H. E. Frazer (United Presbyterian), A. Jack (Independent), H. Lawson (Presbyterian), the ministers of the Circuit, and Mr. W. G. Tate. The speeches breathed a spirit of Christian catholicity, and were adapted to excite to holy and earnest activities in the cause of Jesus Christ. The pecuniary result of these services, though not equal to the wants of the case, was encouraging. Great praise is due to the friends for their cheerful and zealous exertions, put forth from time to time, to meet the money difficulties which exist in connexion with the Salem

Chapel estate. We trust that ere long

this estate will be found in easier circumstances. This is certainly an object very greatly to be desired.

It is pleasing to state that this Circuit, although far from being in a prosperous condition, is gradually improving. This is the case both as to congregations and societies. May the Lord shed upon us abundantly the Holy Spirit, and send us great prosperity. L. SAXTON. MISSIONS. On Sabbath, Oct. 3rd, 1852, two sermons were preached in Bethel Chapel, Burslem, in behalf of our missions, by the Rev. C. J. Donald, of Longton; and on Monday evening following the public meeting was held, when W. S. Kennedy, Esq., was called to the chair. After a brief report of a very interesting character, very interesting addresses were delivered by the Revs. C. J. Donald, W. Mills, J. Scholfield (Inde pendent), W. Pacey, and G. Wood. In consequence of the rain pouring incessantly the whole of the day, the collection was a trifle less than last year.

Also at Cobridge, on Sabbath afternoon, Oct. 3rd, a juvenile missionary meeting was held. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. C. J. Donald, Mr. W. H. Arnold (Wesleyan), and several of the scholars. Mr. Arnold preached in the evening. The collections exceeded those of last year. W. PACEY.

THE SPIRITUAL LIBRARY. The Religion of Good Sense. By EDWARD RICHER. London: John Chapman.

The author is a man of talent, but his mode of interpreting Scripture does not make Christianity appear, as on the title of his book, "The Religion of Good Sense," but rather as "The Religion of Nonsense." We feel sorry to see such respectable talent perverted in mystifying the truths of revelation.

WELLINGTON: the Story of his Life and his Battles, and Political Career. By ALFRED R. COOKE. 12mo. Pp. 240. London: Vizetelly; and Clarke and Co.

A very cheap and well-written account of the illustrious warrior and statesman whom death has lately removed to the eternal world. Just the kind of work for those whose time and means are limited.

FOUR MONTHS IN ENGLAND. By a West Indian, the REV. JOHN HOSFORD, Wesleyan Missionary, St. Vincents. London: Partridge and Oakey.

This volume is not destitute of merit, but we regard it as being too compli

mentary on the English character in general; while the peculiar manner in which praises are lavished on numerous persons (however excellent) whose names are given in these pages does not comport, we think, with the character of a published work.

THE WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION. MR. CARVETH AND THE LIVERPOOL CIRCUIT. A full and accurate Report of the Proceedings at the Public Meeting held in the School-room, Mount Pleasant Chapel, Liverpool, on Monday Evening, September 6th, 1852, to hear the statement of the Rev. Jas. Carveth, relative to his Unrighteous and Cruel Treatment by the Connexional Committee and the Annual Assembly of the Wesleyan Methodist Association. London: W. B. King, 3, Whitefriars street, Fleet-street, and all Booksellers.

SLAVERY THE CRIME AND CURSE OF

AMERICA: an Expostulation with the Christians of that Land. By J. W. MASSIE, D.D., LL.D. London: J. Snow.

This expostulation is able and earnest. The writer powerfully appeals to Ameri

can citizens and Christians on their own political and religious principles for the emancipation of the slave. The profits of this publication are to be applied to hasten the abolition of slavery. We hope this little work will have an extensive circulation both in this country and in America.

THE ANTI SLAVERY London

R. Davies Webb.

ADVOCATE.

Some earnest friends to the Anti

Slavery cause have met together in London, and organised a society under the name of the Anglo-American AntiSlavery Association, the first and principal object of which is to issue a cheap monthly sheet, to be called the AntiSlavery Advocate. We have the first number before us, and we wish the committee great success in their enterprise.

MR. ROBERT GILESPIE, NORTH

SHIELDS.

THE following particulars respecting Mr. Gilespie have been furnished to the writer by Mr. Middleton, one of the leaders in the Milburn-place Society, to whom our late friend was for a considerable period well known.

Mr. Gilespie was born at North Shields, in the year 1772. His father was a blacksmith. Respecting the piety of his parents no particular information is at this time possessed. When our late brother arrived at a proper age he was apprenticed to a boat-builder. In this situation he was found diligent and faithful. When the term of his apprenticeship had expired, owing probably to the scarcity of work at the time, he went to sea for several voyages. On his return home he entered into the marriage state. After the lapse of a few years it pleased the Lord to visit his habitation with sickness, and ultimately with death. His beloved wife was taken from him, and he was left with two daughters. This dispensation, though painful, was sanctified to his good, by leading him to reflect more seriously than heretofore on spiritual and everlasting things. Still it does not appear that he was induced at that time to give his heart fully to God. But those impressions were made upon his mind which were never afterwards effaced.

Soon after the period now referred to, our brother was called, we doubt not in the order of divine providence, to officiate as foreman to Mr. Plett's, which situation he continued to hold for upwards of forty years. In this capacity he was greatly beloved by those below him, and had the high respect and esteem of his employer for his honesty, diligence, and faithfulness. Our brother's late wife, with whom he spent many happy years and who was taken

to heaven about three years ago, was at the time of their union housekeeper to the gentleman previously named. How long Mr. Gilespie was the subject of conviction before he became a member of the society at Milburn-place is not known. The following circumstance will show that a deep concern for the salvation of his soul had been produced within him. Whilst engaged one day at his work, he saw a boy whose parents were decidedly pious, and knowing it to be their practice to take their son, not only to the public, but also to the private means of grace, he took the opportunity to interrogate the boy as to the nature of class-meetings. In answer to his questions the boy said, "I do not know whether to tell you or not." Why?" asked Mr. Gilespie. "Because," said the boy, "I am afraid you want to mock them." "No," answered our brother, "I mean to join." The boy then, without further hesitancy, gave him every information in reference to the class-meeting. We may also mention that a short time previously he went to see his friends at Long Benton. While there he visited a prayer-meeting; the leader commenced by giving out the words :

"Let those refuse to sing

66

Who never knew our God," &c. The words went home to his heart, and the impression made on his mind was deep and permanent. He no longer conferred with flesh and blood, but gave his heart to the Lord, and on his return united with the Church as before stated. The language of his soul was, This people shall be my people, and their God shall be my God." His decision was a right one, and the result more than realized his anticipations. Having obtained an experimental interest in the blood of Christ, he was enabled to rejoice in the Lord, and to joy in the God of his salvation. He knew in whom he had be

lieved, and felt the gospel to be the power of God unto his salvation.

As a member, Mr. Gilespie was consistent in his walk and conversation. He walked worthy of his high vocation, and adorned the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things. As a class-leader, he was faithful in the discharge of duty, imparting admonition and counsel, instruction and comfort, as the several cases of his members required. He was also diligent in looking after the flock, and caring for the souls of his charge. For a long period he filled the important situation of Society Steward, with advantage to the Church and credit to himself. He was likewise, for many years, Superintendent of the Sabbath-school. In this department he was eminently useful. The interestingly solemn and impressive manner in which he addressed the children seldom failed to arrest attention, and to leave salutary impressions. And no doubt our brother's happy spirit is now mingling with many of those whom he taught, when on earth, to lisp the Saviour's praise. Our late friend's attachment to the means of grace, public and social, was ardent and unwavering. His soul was ever ready to exclaim

"I have been there, and still would go; 'Tis like a little heaven below."

His soul was filled with rapturous delight when he saw the prosperity of Zion, and was ever ready to assist in carrying out any plans which the Church deemed requisite for the promotion of the glory of God, and the salvation of precious souls. He was a valiant soldier of the cross. He was not ashamed of the cause he had espoused, but with becoming boldness confessed his Master at all times, and in all circumstances. Fre quently, when on his way with his brethren to hold out-door meetings, he would stand and exhort sinners to flee from the wrath to come. In the language of Moses to Hobab, only changing the singular for the plural, he would say, "Come ye with us, and we will do you good; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." Such was the sense our brother had of the regard which God had ever exercised towards him that, when rising in the band-meeting or the love-feast, he often seemed at a loss for words to express the grateful and joyous emotions which occupied his heart. Those meetings he greatly loved. After standing for a short time silent, he would, with an extacy of joy, exclaim

"And if our fellowship below In Jesus be so sweet; What heights of rapture shall we know When round his throne we meet." And not unfrequently would he give expression to his feelings in the following words:

"To sing and pray with brethren dear Within the walls of grace;

'Tis so delightful to be there,

We're loath to leave the place." These means were indeed "wells of salvation to his soul." Here he oft-times drank of those streams which make glad the hearts of God's people, and greatly renewed his spiritual strength. For Christians thus to blend their sympapathies and experiences together he found to be a source of hallowed refreshing and profit.

During the last two years our brother's health gave way, and he gradually sank into a state of feebleness. As long, however, as he possessed sufficient physical ability, he continued to attend the house of God. His daughter, Mrs. Coates, finding him one Sabbath morning disposed to lie in bed longer than was his usual custom, reminded him that it was drawing near the time for service at the Chapel and said, "Are you going, father?" He replied, "I think not, my dear." Mrs. Coates, knowing his love to the Lord's house, observed, "I hope you are not going to give up, father." "Give up!" said he, "No, no. Never give up. I have the Lord always with me, though I cannot get to his house." During his affliction he was frequently visited by brother Stobbs, who read the Scriptures and prayed with him, to his great spiritual joy. On one occasion brother Stobbs said to him, "Though you are deprived of the outward means of grace which you have so much prized, I trust you feel Christ precious, and that you can say

Yonder's my house, my portion fair,
My treasure and my heart are there,
And my abiding home."

Mr. Gilespie replied in the affirmative, and added

"For me my elder brethren stay,
And angels beckon me away,

And Jesus bids me come."

For the last six weeks of his life he resided with Mrs. Coates, that she might have a better opportunity of attending to his wants. He was gradually sinking into the arms of death, but his soul was happy in the Lord. He knew that though the earthly house of his tabernacle was