THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CONNEXION IN AMERICA, AND OUR OWN DENOMINATION. THE Wesleyan Methodist Connexion of America commenced the proceedings of their third General Conference at Syracuse, in the State of New York, on the 6th of October last, and terminated their sittings on the 14th; the Rev. Cyrus Prindle being President. One resolution of this Conference brings this zealous and respectable denomination into fraternal and immediate co-operation with ourselves. In revising their measures for more effective missionary operations both at home and abroad, they have passed a resolution which proposes to transfer the whole field of labour in Canada to our body, cordially tendering to us their "sympathy and material aid in supporting missionaries among the refugees from American slavery." But we give the resolution itself, as officially reported in their newspaper of October 23rd: "That, by request of the Michigan Conference, a correspondence be opened between the Secretary of the Society to be organized, and the Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion of Canada, with a view to transfer the whole field of Canada Missions to that body, tendering them our sympathy and material aid' in supporting missionaries among the refugees from American slavery." Of course, we are not prepared to report the result of the negotiations here determined upon, nor can we form a conjecture as to the extent of the field already occupied by our Wesleyan brethren; but we look with much pleasure upon the spirit by which they are actuated in this measure. It is evidently that of Christian kindness and confidence; and we can assure our brethren of the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion that this feeling is most cordially reciprocrated by ourselves, and by all of our denomination to whom their history is known. For the information of our readers on this side of the Atlantic, it may be proper to state that the Wesleyan Methodists of America are a denomination distinct both from the Episcopal and the Protestant Methodists of America. This body was formally 66 organized as a Connexion at a Convention held at Utica, May 31, 1843, and consisted of a number of separate societies and ministers, who, in different parts of the United States of America, had seceded from the Episcopalian Methodists," chiefly on the ground of slavery. The existence of this denomination, therefore, is a monumental protest against the sin of slavery. Severe and protracted were the struggles which the leading men of this denomination made to purge the Parent Body from its connivance at, and participation in, the sin of slavery; and it was not until all hope of its reformation had expired, and certain arbitrary regulations had been passed, which further abridged the liberties of the people, that these several bands of Christian adopted the resolution to secede. But this purpose once taken, they firmly stood to their ground; and the several societies having coalesced at the above-named Convention, they formed an active, zealous, and enterprizing body, diffusing around them the light and liberty of the Gospel, and promoting with great energy and devotedness the salvation of immortal souls. men It is gratifying to find that in their organization they have parted with nothing in Methodism but slavery, prelacy, and despotism. They retain the scriptural doctrines and soulrefreshing ordinances of Methodism, the itinerant and local ministry, and have formed a constitution of Church order which secures for the people a voice in conjunction with the ministry in all matters of discipline, finance, government and legislation. Their annual and general Conferences are constituted on the principle of an equal number of ministers and lay representatives; and, in fact, they are almost identical with our own Connexion in all matters of discipline and government. Not having yet received the Minutes of this denomination, we are not prepared to state precisely their number of members; but on referring to the American Almanack for 1851 we find them stated at 20,000. Their motto is evidently "Onward," and we believe they are increasing in number and daily augmenting in influence. They have had, and still have, a number of talented and energetic ministers in the body. The intrepid, upright, and noble-minded Orange Scott, who fell a sacrifice to his excessive labours, would have been an honour to any community. The Rev. Luther Lee, late editor of the "True Wesleyan," is the author of several excellent works, which indicate a thoughtful and vigorous mind. The Rev. Lucius Matlack, their present editor, is a talented and energetic man, and author of the "Memoirs of Rev. Orange Scott," and of a volume comprising a "History of American Slavery and Methodism, from 1780 to 1849," and also a history of their own body-works replete with interest. We have had the pleasure of seeing and shaking hands with one of their devoted ministers, the Rev. J. Miles, who called upon us in the spring of 1851-a gentleman who has lately been showing up, with good effect, the Protean form of a certain arch-deceiver who once troubled our Israel, and is now diffusing his poisonous principles in America. This denomination has two periodicalsa weekly newspaper and a juvenile magazine; it has also lately opened a theological institution for the instruction of candidates for the ministry, of which the Rev. Cyrus Prindle, president of the late Conference, is the Professor. The name assumed by the body is one which is liable, at first sight, to be confounded with that of the parent body; but on the other side of the Atlantic it is sufficiently distinctive, as the parent body is there called "The Episcopalian Methodist Church," but this, "The Wesleyan Methodist Connexion of America." Most cordially do we wish this denomination a continuance of peace and abundant prosperity, and pray that God may make them a thousand times as many more as they are.-EDITOR. THE STATE OF THE CONNEXION. WE have not received many official reports of the present state of the Connexion, but from all we hear there is good reason to believe that there is a general improvement. The accounts of Tipton and London will be read with interest. The brethren in the Manchester district seem alive to every department of usefulness. The ministers of that district have issued an address to the members on the subjects of personal piety and usefulness, and we publish it in this number for the edification and profit of others. A Circuit union of Sunday-schools we are glad to see organized in Manchester. The report of their first meeting does them honour; we give it entire, and its perusal will well repay the reader. We wish these unions were general throughout the Connexion. A novel expedient has been tried with good success at Pendleton-a Parents' Tea Meeting. Such a plan seems well adapted to secure the co-operation of parents, and is well worth a trial in other places. We call attention to the interesting communication from the esteemed president. The friends at Leeds are doing nobly. They are setting an example to the Connexion. Let it be followed generally, and the sum of three thousand pounds will be secured by next Conference. It is quite evident that all our institutions are now approaching towards that full and cordial support, and are carried on with that degree of efficiency which we have long desired to see. Let us go on to improve, and, combining these laudable exertions with increased dependance on God, we shall realize a new era in our history. ENLARGEMENT OF THE MAGAZINE TO FIFTY-SIX PAGES.-It will gratify our friends to know that the Committee have resolved to enlarge the size of the Magazine to fifty-six pages per month. This step is adopted at the suggestion of the Editor, to afford him more scope for the introduction of articles of general interest; and in adopting it they rely upon the zealous co-operation of ministers, local preachers, leaders, Sabbath-school teachers, and friends. in general, to secure a large increase of subscribers to the Magazine. This is necessary to cover expenses. We should have now a circulation of at least 4000 per month, and we are glad to find others suggesting this number as our standard. Well, let us all resolve that it shall be done. The enlargement of the Magazine will involve the Editor in additional labour, but this he is quite willing to render for so good a cause. Besides, he has the promise of assistance from esteemed ministers and friends whose contributions will enrich our pages and augment the usefulness of our Magazine. LETTER TO THE EDITOR ON THE INCREASED CIRCULATION OF OUR MAGAZINES. SIR, I was very much pleased on reading the letter from "A Teacher" in your magazine for November respecting the circulation of our two very excellent periodicals. I hope the matter will be taken up with that sincerity and energy it justly demands. It is indeed high time for the Connexion to bestir itself in this matter, for the magazines deserve to be much more extensively circulated than they are at present. They are good magazines: this is reason No. 1 why they should increase in circulation. The profits derived from them are devoted to good objects: this is reason No. 2 why their circulation should increase. The Con nexion is well able to take a much larger number than it does at present; and this is reason, par excellence, why the circulation of our magazines ought at once to be very greatly increased. "A But in addition to this, every Sabbath-school teacher ought to take the small magazine. This I consider to be their indispensable duty, and if it were done, the small magazine would attain a circulation of about 30,000. There can be very little doubt, then, as to the ability of the Connexion to take even a larger number of our magazines than what is proposed by "A Teacher;" and there can be as little doubt that what the Connexion is able to do in this matter it ought at once to accomplish, as a duty to itself and those institutions which the magazines are designed to benefit. Why, if the proposed number should be reached, I believe the additional profits would enable us to support two home missionaries-only think of that! An increased circulation of the magazines would stimulate to their greater excellence; this would be a certain result. The minds both of our scholars and members would be incalculably benefited; Connexional attachment would increase among us; our funds would be free from embarrassment; and as a Connexion, we should be doing our duty in this matter, and thus secure the divine blessing. Let us, then, Mr. Editor, agitate for a proper and true Connexional circulation of our magazines. The way to attain it will soon be found, if our people are brought to see and feel their duty in this matter, for "where there's a will there's always a way." Hoping to see this at once realized, I remain, &c., The number proposed by Teacher" is, in my opinion, a very moderate one; and no one who looks at the statistics of our Connexion can have any doubt as to its ability to take even a larger number than what he proposes. The number of members in England alone is 16,535, and, supposing our large magazine to circulate 4000, it would even then be only one to every four members— indeed, not quite so much. Again, the number of Sabbath scholars in England is within a fraction of 44,000, and supposing that half the number of these scholars were to take the small magazine, its circulation would at once be increased to 22,000 in round numbers. A LAYMAN. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, MANCHESTER, NORTH AND SOUTH CIRCUITS. TWELVE months ago a union was formed of the Sabbath-schools in these Circuits, an account of which appeared in the Magazine for December, 1851. On Saturday evening, the 16th October last, the first annual meeting was held in Salem School-room, Strangeways, Manchester. The Rev. S. Hulme had been advertised for chairman, but domestic affliction preventing his attendance, Mr. W. Jenkinson, the treasurer, was called upon to supply his place, which he did in a manner creditable to himself and to the Connexion. A report of the year's proceedings was read by the secretary, from which it appears that there are eight schools in the two Circuits, containing 252 teachers and 1,949 scholars, producing an average attendance of 1,641. The sale of our "Juvenile Magazine" is 541 copies per month, which it is hoped will be considerably increased during the next year. There are 3,128 volumes for the use of teachers and scholars, each school having its own library. Juvenile missionary operations are also carried on very successfully in the schools; and if adding believers to the visible Church of Christ be the best test of successful effort amongst us, we have abundant cause to take courage and go on our way rejoicing. Between 200 and 300 teachers and adult scholars were present at the meeting, when able and interesting speeches were made on the following subjects: Rev. J. GRAHAM. The Sunday-school Union. What is it?-Its importance and its adaptation to the wants of our schools and Churches. Rev. T. CLIFTON. This meeting deem ing it of vast importance that our missionary operations should be greatly extended, both at home and abroad, hereby pledges itself to exert its influence in properly organizing and well sustaining Juvenile Missionary Associations in our schools. Mr. MARSLAND. Our Adult Classes: their object and the best mode of conducting them to secure the intellectual and spiritual improvement of our senior scholars. Mr. T. E. WHITTAKER. Our School Libraries: their character, importance, and the duty of conductors, teachers and scholars in relation to them. Mr. JOHN MACK. Our "JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR. The importance of its more extensive circulation, and the means to secure it. At the close of Mr. Mack's address, a few remarks were made by Mr. Sowerbutts, Mr. Derbyshire, Mr. T. Carter, Mr. C. Jackson, Mr. D. Holt, and the secretary. The meeting was of a most interesting character, and the speeches well calculated to arouse all who heard them to still greater exertion in the glorious work of Sabbath-school instruction. I entertain little doubt, sir, but you 20, Grove-street, Manchester. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, MANCHESTER CIRCUITS. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT, READ AT SALEM CHAPEL SCHOOL-ROOM, Оcт. 16th, 1852. IT has been observed, and with the force of truth, that the previous six centuries have a character peculiar to each of them. The thirteenth century may be termed the age of chivalry and romance; the fourteenth, that of trade and commerce; the fifteenth, of discovery-printing, and the passages to India and America; the sixteenth, the age of religion; the seventeenth, of science; and the eighteenth of warcruel, horrid war! We cannot yet tell what the leading features, the characteristics of the present century may be; but looking at its mechanical aspect, the application and general direction of the extraordinary power of steam, not Even With this talismanic word the Committee of the Union appear with their First Annual Report before their brethren, neighbours, and friends. But here, perhaps, it may be necessary briefly to state what we mean by education. Dr. Johnson defines it thus, "To bring up, to instruct youth, formation of manners in the young;" and the judicious Hooker says, "Education and in struction are the means, the one by use, the other by precept, to make our natural faculty of reason both the better and sooner to judge rightly between truth and error, good and evil." To raise this question in public estimation, to rouse families and Churches to a deep and an abiding sense of its importance, was this Educational Union formed. Its promoters united as one man, in the desire, prayer, and effort to promote the general interests of the Circuits, and ultimately of the Connexion at large, by an improvement of its schools, the spread of sound principles, the establishment of meetings for regular intercourse, and mutual improvement among the instructors, and in an especial manner to engage general attention to the Sabbath school system, as admirably adapted to this glorious object. Thousands of voluntary instructors are teaching, Sabbath after Sabbath, tens of thousands of children to read, to understand, to love and obey, the book of books; that, like Timothy, from childhood they may know the Holy Scriptures, as given by inspiration of God, and as profitable for instruction in righteousness. Can there be a more delightful sight than a large school filled with the young, classed according to their capacity, seated and standing alternately around the person of a faithful and diligent teacher, who, with devout and studious care, takes the Bible lesson, and with looks of kindness, and simple words, with gentleness not to be ruffled by perversity, with patience not to be exhausted by dulness, imparts saving truths, "line upon line, and precept upon precept," as their youthful minds can bear and comprehend? If angels, and the "spirits of the just made perfect," are observant of anything below, surely they often bend from their celestial thrones to look upon a scene like this, and as they witness impressions made on the minds of young immortals, which, through Christ, shall be the means of raising them to the skies, they gladly tune afresh their harps of gold, and make heaven's eternal arches ring with their anthems of praise to God and the Lamb. If it were possible to show what our social state would be without the aid of Sabbath-schools, a mournful picture we are persuaded would be presented to view. Though originating with, and generally speaking sustained by the middle classes, this system has rapidly increased knowledge, given birth to infant and day schools, elicited and proved the capacity of infancy, explored the field of childish thought and expression, produced libraries for the nursery, multiplied in abundance the aids to develop. ment, improved our literature, aud created a sound, healthy, and effective public opinion. Nor is even this all; it has moreover educated and prepared many ministers and missionaries, who have been pillars and ornaments of the Church; and to supply Sabbath-schools with Bibles, first arose that mighty agent for good, the British and Foreign Bible Society. Judging from the interest which her Majesty the Queen took on her visit to Manchester, twelve months ago, in the scene which was prepared for her in Peel Park, your committee believe that, could she be induced to visit Sabbath-schools, and attend the examination of the children, she would be delighted with their knowledge and understanding of the sacred volume, her maternal heart would throb with emotion as she listened to their artless replies; and, if left to her own judgment and feeling, she might turn to her beloved consort and say, in effect, "We will patronise these schools; they are the best means for carrying out my royal grandfather's wish, that 'every child in these dominions may be able to read the Bible."" How great would be the influence of such royal visits! What an encouragement to the friends and teachers, and what a stirring among the cold and halfhearted in this labour of love! Though not surprised that this question is not mooted among the high and mighty of the earth, still deeply do your committee deplore that so much indifference to this interesting system prevails, not only in general society, but in our very Churches; and with anxious solicitude we ask, Do not the days in which we live present considerations eminently calculated to stimulate, and arouse Christians of every name to combined and strenuous effort, in imparting to the youthful mind those Scriptural truths which make wise to salvation? Would not this, under the divine blessing, be the best antidote to the poison which is pouring forth from the many earnest and active agents in the service of the father of lies and destroyer of souls! "Men may deny the Bible," says a recent American writer," and set their wisdom above the wisdom of that book; |