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place for worship until such time as they could build a new chapel. In February of the year 1853 an effort was made to raise funds for this purpose. A tea meeting was held, six hundred persons being present, and the proceeds amounted to £30. Since then other tea meetings have been held, and subscriptions solicited, until the friends considered themselves in a position to commence building. Accordingly, on the 27th of April, 1857, the cornerstone was laid by our esteemed friend, and the long-tried friend of the Connexion, J. Ridgway, Esq., an account of which interesting services appeared in our Magazine for June, and needs not repetition here.

The following description of the chapel has been supplied by our esteemed friend, Mr, M'Landsborough, C.E., of Burslem, who did us good service, and who materially aided (Mr. Fairbank, the architect, living at Bradford) in bringing the work to a successful completion. He says, "The style of architecture in the new chapel is classic, being in the form of a Grecian temple, with a triangular pediment across one end, having a recessed portico with columns and pilasters in the Ionic style, with a handsome flight of steps extending the whole length of the colonnade. The building is entered by one large door 15 feet high and 7 feet 3 inches wide, passing out of the colonnade into the chapel. The staircases are approached by two wide doors which are not seen in the design. There are no windows in the portico; the door with its architraves, trusses, and cornices being so large as not to require any other feature. The staircase, windows are of enamelled glass in ornamental design. On entering the building we were struck with the originality in the treatment of the interior; the whole of the windows being of obscured glass, which gives a very pleasing effect, and produces that peaceful feeling of quietude so well understood by the Moors of Spain. In describing the architectural features of the interior, we have simply to inform the lovers of chapel architecture that there is a very bold classic cornice, with mouldings, &c., in the Palladion style, with an elliptical ceiling divided into panels by curved and horizontal ribs; each rib being enriched with double rows of golloshes separated by bell flowers; each gollosh being filled in with a lily in bold relief. At the

At

intersection of the ribs is the flower of the jonquille, 12 inches in diameter, the whole producing an exceedingly chaste and lively appearance. The windows have a large cove running around them from the glass to the inside, with circular heads, architraves, and imposts. the farther end of the chapel is the minister's and singers' vestries and orchestra, which is separated from the chapel by pilasters, and an enriched elliptical arch. The arches on each side, above the vestries, at present left blank, are intended to be filled with ornamental trellis work, as it is intended to place an organ over one of the vestries, thus saving the cost of an ornamental case, leaving the orchestra free for the singers. In the place of the organ being the main feature of the orchestra, its place is occupied by a large stained-glass window, of highly ornamented design, both in the glass and architectural features. The orchestra and communion-rails are of an entirely original design, possessing great freedom and elegance. The pulpit, which is situated at the back of the communion, and in front of the orchestra, is of the platform kind. Its height above the chapel floor being 3 feet 6 inches. The chapel has a gallery across one end, and is calculated to accommodate six hundred people. It is lighted and ventilated by means of two large sun-lights, and heated by means of hot water. entire cost of the chapel will be a little more than £1,400. The design_was prepared and carried out by Mr. John T. Fairbank, Bradford; and Mr. F. Batty, of Tunstall, was the contractor."

The

Opening Services.-The chapel was opened on Sunday, December 6th, when the Rev. S. Hulme, of Hanley, delivered an eloquent discourse; and in the afternoon and evening, the Rev. P. J. Wright preached two earnest and impressive sermons. On Sunday, December 13th, the Rev. H. Piggin, of Altrincham, delivered two excellent sermons, morning and evening. On Sunday, December 20th, the services were continued, when the Rev. C. D. Ward, of Newcastle, preached, and the concluding sermon was delivered by our aged and esteemed friend the Rev. T. Allin, of Altrincham. The sermons delivered by the different ministers were highly instructive and edifying, and were listened to with great attention. The presence of the great Head of the church was with us. After

the Rev. P. J. Wright had preached a most impressive sermon from the text "Whom not having seen we love," a prayer meeting was held. A rich ininfluence pervaded the meeting, and a youth was led to come out of the pew up to the communion-rail, to seek mercy; and thus on the first Sabbath night a soul was led to seek the Lord. God grant that our Zion may become the birthplace of many precious souls! for this is the great object for which we erect temples, for which we send out missionaries, for which we institute Sabbath schools, for which we pray, preach, and labour,-namely, that souls may be saved.

The particulars of the money raised towards the expenses incurred in building are as follows:-Raised by former tea meetings, sermons, &c., £110; proceeds of the tea meeting at the laying of the corner-stone, £21; collections at opening services, £72. The subscription list is as follows:-Mr. Joseph Alcock (Tunstall), £25; John Ridgeway, Esq., £20; Joseph Love, Esq. (Willington Hall), £20; a friend, £10; William Brownfield, Esq., £10; Job Meigh, Esq., £10; Thomas Peake, Esq., £10; sundry subscriptions under £10, £192; total, £500.

The entire cost of the chapel, as stated above, will be a little more than £1,400. It will be seen from this that we shall have a debt of £900. The debt upon the chapel will be large for a small society like ours at Tunstall to sustain; but the ladies have set to work to get up a bazaar, to be held either in the spring or summer, and by these means they think they can realize at least £100, thus reducing the debt to £800; which will place the trustees in a position whereby they can easily meet their liabilities. We have now let more than one hundred and fifty sittings, which are fifty more than were let in the school-room; and there is every prospect of doubling the number we had let there. We cannot close this account without referring to the name of our young friend Mr. J. Alcock, of Tunstall, who has zealously exerted himself in soliciting contributions, giving largely himself, towards the erection of the chapel, and using his best endeavours to bring it to a successful issue. It would not be too much to say, that it is chiefly through his zealous, energetic, and continued exertions, that we have been enabled to raise such a beautiful and commo

dious sanctuary. May the Lord reward him! and may his heart be gladdened' in seeing it filled with earnest worshippers and attentive hearers! We must not omit referring to the kindness of Mrs. Martin, of Altrincham, who was present at the opening service, and who kindly sent, the week following, a carpet for the communion. Also we are greatly indebted to Mrs. Alcock, who furnished us with a handsome cushion for the pulpit, and also to Mr. Ball, of Dale Hall, who presented us with a beautiful Bible and hymn-book. And now, Mr. Editor, I doubt I have taken up too much of your valuable space, and therefore I will at once conclude, praying that the God of our fathers will bless and crown with abundant success the efforts of his people here, that this beautiful temple, which has been reared to his honour, may be filled with his glory, and crowded with earnest worshippers and anxious inquirers after salvation. A. HALLAM.

Tunstall, January 13, 1858.

[Our Tunstall friends have done nobly. Their efforts have been characterized by energy, liberality, and perseverance, and now they may well rejoice in the result.-ED.]

HUNSLET, LEEDS CIRCUIT. - Mr. Editor, I feel glad to inform you that the zeal and enterprising spirit which have characterized the proceedings of our Hunslet friends have not yet failed. The eleventh anniversary of our Hunslet chapel commenced on Sunday, the 20th of December, and was continued on the following Sabbath, when eloquent and impressive sermons were delivered by the Rev. C. J. Donald, and the Rev. S. Hulme, from Hanley. The collections of both days amounted to £101 19s. 74d.

On Monday, December the 28th, and two following days, the ladies' bazaar was held in the spacious school-room behind the chapel, under the able management of the lady of Mr. Alderman Blackburn, and a number of other ladies, who are always ready to assist her in the good work. The intention of the ladies is not to cease in their efforts until the whole debt on the chapel and premises is extinct. The monthly gatherings of the ladies during the year, have been well sustained, and the result of their labours has surpassed our expectations. As usual, the room was neatly decorated with

evergreens and appropriate mottoes on the walls; and I should think the different stalls were never better furnished with useful articles of apparel, and they were so arranged as to invite the attention of visitors to purchase.

On entering the room on Monday morning, our attention was particularly drawn toward the confectionary stall, which was laid out from one end to the other very tastefully, and was much enlivened by various bunches of flowers, which appeared beautiful. The proceeds of the three days' sale amounted to the very handsome sum of £113 10s. 2d., being, on the whole, an increase upon last year's anniversary of £4 15s. 11 d., and considering the great depression we have had in trade, and what our friends have done for the last eleven years, the effort may be regarded as being very good.

The account from the commencement will stand as follows: Proceeds of the present anniversary, £215 9s. 9 d. Former subscriptions and collections, £3,322 2s. 10d. : thus making a total of £3,537 12s 7 d.

Great praise is due to our friends; and we would pray that their efforts may be succeeded with the divine blessing, not only in the entire liquidation of the debt, but in the salvation of many precious souls. T. WYNNE.

Hunslet, Jan. 16th, 1858.

LEEDS.-On Monday, November 9th, we held the first of what is intended to be an annual united meeting of the teachers and committees, exclusively of the Methodist New Connexion Sabbath schools in this circuit. For several years the Wesleyans have had such meetings, and incalculable good has resulted from them. This being the first of the kind amongst us, and some doubt apparently existing as to their benefit, 150 teachers took tea together in Ebenezer school-room. Admission was by circular, no charge being made, but expenses defrayed by a collection

at the tables.

After tea, an interesting meeting was held, under the able presidency of our highly-esteemed superintendent minister, the Rev. C. J. Donald. Prayer having been offered by the Rev. T. Wynne, essays, previously selected by the committee, were read in the following order:-1st. "The difficulties of a Sabbath school teacher, and the way to surmount them," by Mr. C. S. Spence, of Armley; 2nd. "The Sab

bath school as it ought to be," by Mr. J. Parker of Ebenezer; and 3rd. "The Sabbath school in its relation to the church," by Mr.W. Sykes, of Woodhouse. The papers-which were well read, full of rich thought and practical suggestions, and clothed in telling languagewere well received by the audience; and it is to be hoped that the varied hints will not be lost sight of by the respective teachers' meetings. After each essay, a discussion was held (limited by rule to fifteen minutes, but in all cases exceeding the time), in which Messrs. Rider, Campbell, Atkinson, Allen, Chapman, Parker, Rumfitt, and others, took part. The interest was sustained fully three hours and a half, and the greatest desire was manifested for the continuation of such meetings. Resolutions, approving of them, and appointing a committee, composed of two delegates from each school, together with votes of thanks to the ladies, the speakers, and the chairman, were unanimously carried, and the meeting broke up; all, apparently, more determined to bring all their energies, with the blessing of the Most High, to bear upon the intellectual, but more especially the spiritual welfare of the rising race.

May God give us abundant success! December, 1857.

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GUERNSEY.--On the 28th of December last, we held our annual Christmas tea festival in the Square House, late the property of Lord de Saumarez, which has been purchased for a site on which to build a new chapel. The first floor of the Square House had been purposely fitted up and handsomely decorated with flags and evergreens for the occasion. There were present about two hundred and fifty persons, who partook of the good "Guernsey rant cake and tea. The tables were furnished by subscription. After tea, the chair was ably occupied by our esteemed minister the Rev. Thomas Smith. Excellent speeches were delivered by Captain A. Noel, Dr. Collenette, Messrs. William Ozanne and John Simon. The Zion choir of singers, under the superintendence of Mr. Foster, with the aid of the chapel harmonium, delighted the audience by singing several anthems and appropriate pieces. The meeting was concluded at about ten o'clock, and everyone present was satisfied that it was one of the best tea meetings they had ever attended.

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On the 1st, 2nd, and 4th of January, our annual bazaar was also held at the Square House, and, on account of the novelty of the place, attracted an unusual number of visitors, it being computed that above three thousand persons paid entrance money. The bazaar was well supplied with useful and fancy articles, and the proceeds far exceeded our expectations, having realized the noble sum of £100. The Square House is shortly to be demolished, and it is expected that the laying of the foundation stone of the new chapel will take place about Easter. J. ROBIN.

Guernsey, January, 1858.

[We heartily congratulate our Guernsey friends on their spirited effort in reference to a new chapel, and shall greatly rejoice in their success. remember our first visit to Guernsey about twenty-one years ago.-ED.]

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YARMOUTH.-The friends of the Methodist New Connexion, Yarmouth, held their annual tea meeting, on Monday, the 28th of December, 1857. About five o'clock near four hundred persons sat down to partake of the cup which cheers but not inebriates; twentytwo trays were cheerfully contributed by the friends. The public meeting after tea was one of the most stirring, thrilling, and interesting, ever held in the town of Yarmouth. This was chiefly owing to the seamen of the North Bethel Society connecting their anniversary with our tea meeting. After tea the Rev. W. Pacey was called upon to preside, the report of the seamen's society was read by Mr. T. Harris, which showed that about sixty sermons, and near one hundred fellowship and prayer meetings had been held at sea during the past twelve months. Several interesting dialogues and speeches were delivered by the fishermen which did great credit to their heads and their hearts; and in the course of the evening several presentations were made to the fishermen by their friends. The first was seven volumes of the exposition of the gospel, to Mr. J. Bridge; a pocket bible and sailor's hymn book to Mr. R. Bridge; Cobbin's pocket commentary, and a beautifully bound Methodist New Connexion hymn book to Mr. T. Harris, for their praiseworthy efforts in extending the cause of Christ on the mighty deep, and in preaching and conducting other religious services on

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the Sabbath among the fishermen and seafaring men. Several pieces and anthems were sung by the choir in a very creditable manner, which tended greatly to enliven the proceedings of the evening. The friends were happy together that the meeting could not be brought to a close until a very late hour. On the Wednesday following, tea and cake were given to the scholars belonging to the Sabbath school, after which oranges, nuts, &c., were distributed among them, much to their delight. I have great pleasure in saying that we have great peace in our borders, much of the mighty power of" God in our midst, and our congregations and members continue to increase.-Glory, glory, be to our conquering Jesus! W. PACEY,

DEWSBURY MISSIONARY SERVICES. -On Lord's day, the 6th of December, two sermons were preached in our Dewsbury Chapel, on behalf of the missions. In the morning the Rev. H. O. Crofts, D.D., delivered a very able and effective discourse; and in the evening the Rev. T. Allin delivered a very powerful and eloquent discourse. On the Monday evening, the annual meeting was held, presided over by S. Crawshum, Esq., and addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. Allin, H. O. Crofts, D.D., J. Taylor, S. Állin (Wesleyan), J. Shilito, and G. M'Callum (Independents), with Messrs. John Shaw, H. N. Yeoman, &c. The collections, notwithstanding the depressed state of the neighbourhood, are between £2 and £3 in advance of the preceding year. Sermons were preached and meetings held also at Hanging Heaton and Mirfield. The collections at these places are also a little above the preceding year. An excellent feeling pervaded the whole of the meetings, and the people manifested a disposition to do what they could.

JOHN TAYLOR.

BIRMINGHAM.-Our circuit tea meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, on Tuesday, the 29th of December last. The decorations were profuse, and displayed considerable taste. The arrangements were of the first order. A respectable company filled the hall, and seemed greatly to enjoy the tea, and afterwards the feast of reason and the flow of soul, which had been so richly and well provided for them. The meeting was addressed by the

Revs. H. Watts, B. Turnock, Wm. Innocent, B. M. Scott, and Messrs. C. Pass and B. Cook, under the excellent chairmanship of Mr. Bradburn. The speech of Mr. Watts was in his best style. Mr. Turnock used the heavy hammer upon some abuses, and defined the duties of the churches, greatly to the admiration of the company; and Mr. Scott's tasty speech on "Change and Progress" much delighted the audience. W. I.

BIRMINGHAM.-Missionary services were held in Oxford-street Chapel, November 1st and 2nd. On the Sabbath, two very excellent and useful discourses were delivered by the Rev. H. Watts; and on Monday evening, the 2nd, the public meeting was held. Mr. Holmshaw was in the chair. The cause of missions was ably advocated by the Revs. H. Watts (the deputation), B. Turnock, J. Simon, J. Carter (Independent), W. Innocent, B. M. Scott, and Mr. Bradburn.

W. I.

CLAY-CROSS.-On Sunday, December 20th, two powerful sermons were preached in behalf of the Methodist New Connexion chapel by the Rev. W. Mills, of Sheffield. Congregations were excellent, and collections more than last year. On Monday, the 28th, the usual tea meeting, in connection with the above services, was held in the chapel, when about 150 sat down to an excellent tea, provided by the ladies. Tables having been cleared, the public meeting commenced by the Rev. J. Harker giving out the hymn

"Jesus, the word of mercy give,
And let it swiftly run;
And let the priests themselves believe,
And put salvation on."

After prayer, the meeting was ably addressed by the Rev. C. Mann, of Derby, Messrs. G. Moulson, of Sheffield, J. Wolstenholme and E. Brown, of Chesterfield. Mr. J. Hudson presided. This is considered the best anniversary the society has had for some years. During the last few months a gracious revival of religion has been steadily going on; the church has been quickened by the power of the Spirit, believers sanctified, and sinners saved. May the year 1858 be a year of great spiritual prosperity to the Universal Church of Christ; may the empire of evil fall like Dagon before the ark; may wars be hushed; the wrath of man restrained; and may the "Prince of Peace sway His glorious sceptre over every nation, people and tongue, and to God we will ascribe the praise.

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HIGH FELLING.-On Sunday, November 29th, three sermons were preached in the Methodist New Connexion chapel, that in the morning and evening by the Rev. J. Harker, from Sheffield, and that in the afternoon by the Rev. M. Cotton. On the Monday evening following, a very interesting and crowded tea meeting was held, the object being the liquidation of the debt on the chapel. Tea was placed on the tables half an hour before the time fixed, owing to the pressure of visitors from various parts of the circuit. The meeting afterwards was addressed by the Revs. J. Harker, J. Atkinson, J. Wilson, M. Cotton and others. Mr. Boiston, who presided, stated that the effort was proceeding vigorously, and that by March next the object in view would be accomplished. All the services were well attended, and liberal collections taken.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Gnomon of the New Testament. By John Albert Bengel. Now first translated into English, with original notes explanatory and illustrative. Revised and edited by Rev. Andrew R. Fausset, M.A. Vols. I. and III. Edinburgh: Clarke.

THE Word Gnomon means an Indicator, a term applied to the pin of a

dial to denote the hour of the day; and this title has been adopted by our author to express his design in this work-to indicate or point out the meaning of the sacred writers, and that as simply as possible, without the encumbrance of human opinions. The general reader may infer the excellence of the work from the testimony borne to it more

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