The accommodate for want of room. classes are greatly increased; some new ones formed; the prayer and band meetings are crowded to excess, and the results to all are, I believe, highly satisfactory. At the conclusion of the services a farewell tea meeting was held in the Exchange Hall, when about 800 sat down, after which the friends adjourned to the chapel, and listened to a speech of thrilling interest from the Rev. Wm. Booth. On the day following, the concluding meeting was held in the upper vestry, consisting of members and officers of the church, when a few friends wishing to acknowledge the arduous labours of Mr. Booth did so by making a present, which was handed over to him by our excellent friend, Mr. Foster, in a neat and appropriate speech, expressive of the great good he and others had derived. I am, dear sir, Yours affectionately, February 15th, 1857. DERBY CIRCUIT.-My dear Brother, -I know you are fond of connexional intelligence, and that therefore you will be glad to hear that in the Derby Circuit, we are at present favoured with very encouraging indications of prosperity. Some three or four months ago, a marked improvement was observed in the attendance at our social means of grace, and an increased anxiety was felt for the revival of the work of God amongst us. A few of the elder scholars of our Sabbath school also offered themselves as candidates for membership with the church, giving pleasing evidences at the same time of a spiritual change of heart. Some of us beheld these indications of returning prosperity with great joy, and under the influence of grateful feelings, were often led to sing, "Lo, the promise of a shower We were led to think the time was now come when another special effort should be made. It was therefore resolved, that the first week in December should be appropriated to the holding of revival services. Our friends appeared very earnest and prayerful, but, strange to say, the services were brought to a close without one solitary instance of conversion. The closing Sabbath of the year was felt to be (by all of us) a very solemn time; and I think I am justified in saying that the feeling was general throughout the church, that the year 1857 should mark the commencement of a new era in our history at Derby. On the morning of the first Sabbath I preached from 2nd Chronicles xxix. 17, "Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify." And in the evening from Exodus xxxii. 26, "Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord's side?" After the evening service, we assembled in the body of the chapel to renew our covenant with God. A much greater number than usual remained with us, and the service was rendered increasingly interesting and impressive by the administration of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and the public recognition of nine persons as members of our church. The season was one of deep searching of heart, and it is believed that with many the service was entered into under the influence of right views and feelings. The evidences of renewed dedication to the service of God were manifest in the improved attendance at our classes, and at the public prayer meetings. On the 18th of January the salvation work commenced. No sooner was the evening service closed, and the prayer meeting begun, than a poor backslider found her way to the penitent form, and earnestly did she plead, until she obtained the evidence that her backslidings were healed. Two others also presented themselves, one of whom obtained mercy. The following Sabbath brother J. Harrison, from the Nottingham circuit, was appointed to preach in the "Temple." Coming from the midst of an extraordinary revival, the scene of Mr. Booth's labours, he brought some of the revival fire with him, and at the prayer meeting after the evening service, at least twelve individuals professed to obtain peace with God. On the Monday evening following, two others obtained mercy.. On the 31st of January I endeavoured in the morning to expound the narrative of the healing of the Paralytic, Matthew ix. 2-8, and in the evening sounded an alarm from Amos iv. 12. The scene which our prayer meeting presented will not soon be forgotten. We had two long forms placed near the pulpit, and no sooner was the invitation given for penitents to come to the forms, than numbers voluntarily came forward and desired the prayers of God's people on their behalf. At the close of the meeting it was found that nineteen persons had given their names as having obtained a sense of the divine favour. Last Sabbath, after the evening service, several others were found seeking mercy, and also on Monday evening. During the month not less than forty persons profess to having obtained mercy. The blessed work has originated in connection with our ordinary services, thus convincing us that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord, and so satisfactorily is it progressing that we are at present somewhat reluctant to interfere with existing arrangements. Not that we have lost confidence in special services and extraordinary efforts; on the contrary, we highly approve of them, and rejoice whenever we hear of such efforts being put forth. We prefer not interfering at present with existing arrangements, because the opportunity is now afforded of getting the young converts into our classes, and thus attaching them to our church. When we find the present excitement flagging, we may resort to extraordinary efforts. At Breaston also, I am happy to say, we have pleasing evidences of a revived state of piety. Our friends are more active and zealous, and when I last visited them, they informed me, they had had fourteen cases of conversion. To God be all the praise! J. HOWARD. REVIVAL OF THE WORK OF GOD AT LYE WASTE, STOURBRIDGE CIRCUIT.-There is nothing more interesting and important than a revival of God's work when the church is quickened, sinners converted, backsliders reclaimed, and mourners comforted. For a length of time our church at Lye Waste (owing to circumstances not needful to name) had been in a languishing state, but I am sure it will gladden the hearts of many to hear that this church has been visited with a gracious outpouring of the Spirit of God. Not only have believers been quickened, but sinners have been converted. Between forty and fifty precious souls have been added to our little Zion here, and I am happy to state that among the number brought to God are some very interesting and intelligent young men who bid fair for extensive usefulness. This revival was brought about by the use of ordinary means; not by any special efforts put forth by the church. Faithful preaching, impressive appeals to the church, earnest prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit were among the principal means used by us and owned by God. The work of salvation is still going on. At our prayer-meetings we have had some remarkable conversions very recently, and never were the means of grace so punctually and numerously attended as now. Both Sabbath and week-night preaching is attended far better than usual, and our church is in a healthy and prosperous condition. Impressed with the necessity of reducing our chapel debt, a series of tea parties have been gratuitously provided by several of our generous friends, and the whole of the proceeds appropriated to the chapel funds. On Monday, January 26th, a similar meeting was held in our school-room, when a goodly number sat down to partake of the refreshing beverage. After tea, a very interesting meeting took place. On this occasion we were favoured with the presence of the Rev. William Butterworth, of Clay Cross. The writer of this account was unanimously called to the chair. The first speaker that was called upon was our long-tried friend Mr. Burley, of Cradley Heath, who said that he was one connected with seven others who, upwards of forty years ago, engaged to establish a prayer-meeting in this neighbourhhood. He well knew the dispositions of the people, having suffered much from their ill-treatment in his boyhood whilst passing through on errands for his master; but notwithstanding the threats, groans, and cruel usage, they persevered till a place for prayer was obtained. To give a description of the manners, customs, and ignorance of the inhabitants of Lye Waste at that time would disgrace the pages of our valuable religious periodical, but suffice it to say, this was the introduction of the gospel into this locality. Our Brother Burley's speech continued more than half-an-hour, and created deep excitement. The chairman next called upon Brother Kirby, who began where the former speakers had left off. Though not a native he had been a resident of the place more than twenty years. He said, when he first came among us he was surprised to find the people so dark as to spiritual things, and so much accustomed to the most abominable practices, such as bull-baiting, &c. In conclusion, he said that he had preached more sermons in this village than any other person in existence. The next speaker was the Rev. W. Butterworth, who was warmly received by his old friends, and his speech was calculated to do good. He made several impressive appeals to the young, and pointed out to them a large field of usefulness, and encouraged them to labour in the vineyard of the Lord. We believe his speech told deeply on the minds of our young people, and will not soon be forgotten. The chairman closed the speaking by comparing Lye Waste as it was and Lye Waste as it is. The great and glorious changes that had been brought about through the introduction of the gospel. He well remembered the wretched and drunken habits of the people when their very faces wore a debased aspect, but now their altered appearance even in this respect, as well as in their appearance generally, called for heartfelt gratitude to the Giver of all good. In this part of his vineyard the gospel had produced some of as bright ornaments of Christianity as are to be found in all Christendom. After an anecdote or two the meeting separated, highly delighted with what they had felt and heard. I am happy to state, and many friends will be glad to learn, that this neighbourhood presents a far different appearance from what it did, and bears a far different name from what it did, a short time since. "Mud City," ""Black London," were its titles, and scarcely an individual could be found by his proper name; but now our houses are made of brick, solid and substantial, the streets are more uniform, with a clean and tidy appearance, people can now generally be found by their proper names, the practice of drunkenness is subsiding, teetotalism is gaining ground, and individuals are seen in places of worship, clothed, and in their right mind. A short time since the gas company introduced the gas into this village, and in some of our chapels we are already enjoying its beneficial effects. At Christmas last, a mechanic's institution was opened here for the purpose of instructing the young and unlettered, patronized by the surrounding gentry and nobility, who express their joy and gratitude that the Lye Waste is so very much improved in every respect. "O heart, that loves the fresh'ning green, And where the deathly snow has been, I would beg to state, in conclusion, that in this circuit generally we have signs of improvement. When our esteemed minister, Mr. Reynolds, came to labour amongst us he had difficulties of no ordinary kind to grapple with, but the writer delights to bear testimony to the prudence and zeal he has ever manifested, and that his efforts and plans have contributed, under the Divine blessing, to bring about a better state of things, so that a foundation is laid for permanent prosperity. It is considered as a providential affair that he was appointed to this circuit at such a critical period. Mr. Reynolds being a person of peaceful habits, and friendly in his disposition, soon succeeded in uniting the parties together, repairing their broken walls, and causing the agitated waters to settle down into a calm. Yet though much is done, there still remains much to be done. Though we are moving onwards in some parts of the circuit, other places are rather dormant. May the Lord, in a gracious manner, pour out his Spirit upon us as & circuit, and may we yet become a praise in our beloved Connexion. I am, my dear Brother Cooke, Yours very affectionately, S. HAMBLETT, Circuit Steward. Lye Waste, Feb. 1857. SPECIAL DUDLEY WEST CIRCUIT. SERVICES.-My dear Mr. Editor,You will be glad to learn that God has been blessing our labours in this circuit during the present year. Owing to a variety of unfortunate circumstances, which it is not here necessary to name, the number of our members at the beginning of the year exhibited a considerable decrease on the last Conference return. This, as you may be sure, was a subject of very deep regret to the ministers and friends in the circuit. It was, therefore, resolved to hold, under the direction of our beloved superintendent, Mr. Cocker, a series of open-air services at each of the places in the circuit. These ser vices were arranged for on the circuit plan, and duly conducted by the various ministers and local preachers appointed for the occasions. So encouraging was the result, that it was resolved to follow them up by a second series in our respective chapels during the winter. We have just concluded the twentysixth week of these special efforts. At some of the places the unfavourable weather greatly interfered with the efficiency of our services, but at others our labours were accompanied with the most gratifying success. At Kingswinford about twenty-seven persons professed to obtain salvation during the first series of services, and about ten during the second. Of these numbers twenty-seven have been brought into the church. At Lower Gornal, where our cause had for some time been all but extinct, and where the least success was anticipated, we were favoured with a most gracious visitation of the Holy Spirit. The whole neighbourhood was moved, night after night the chapel was filled. Many backsliders were reclaimed ;some of the worst characters in the neighbourhood were brought under the influences of grace, and the result has been that our languishing church has been quickened, the slender congregation has been greatly increased, and of between thirty and forty who professed to obtain peace with God, upwards of twenty have united themselves with the church. At Netherton also we have been blessed with a copious outpouring of the Spirit. The three weeks' services there have resulted in the taking of thirty-five names of persons who profess to have been savingly affected by the word; and of these about twenty-six have been brought into fellowship with the church. At Fiveways our special services have just been concluded. They have been signalized by an extraordinary manifestation of Divine influence. The word preached was clothed with power. Many broken-hearted sinners cried for mercy. On several occasions the communion-rail was completely surrounded by those who came to seek salvation. Teachers and scholars, parents and children, have been made happy in a Saviour's love. Nothing could be more affecting than to witness, night after night, the tears and earnest supplications of seeking sinners, and to hear the joyous songs of new-born souls. Upwards of fifty profess to have entered into the liberty of the children of God, and of this number at least forty have begun to meet in class. At Dudley, Pensnett Darbyhand, Gornal Wood, and other places, not less than sixty have been brought to religious decision, most of whom are now enjoying the privileges of church membership. It would have been interesting to give a detailed account of many of these cases of conversion, but our present purpose is simply to give a general statement of results. Had it not been for the circumstances stated in the commencement of this paper, we should have had the pleasure of reporting a very considerable increase in the circuit. As it is, we shall stand on the right side when our returns are made up for Conference. We have, therefore, abundant reason to thank God and take courage. Praying that the whole Connexion may experience the refreshing influences of Divine grace, I am, my dear sir, yours truly, J. MAUGHAN. February 18th, 1857. OLDHAM, PAST AND PRESENT. DEAR MR. EDITOR,-It always gives me great pleasure when I hear of our beloved Connexion extending its borders. Oldham is the largest town in Lancashire, except two. Our chapel is surrounded with a population of 90,000 souls; but notwithstanding this, it is but a tributary to the village of Mossley. This speaks loudly that our Connexion is not represented as it ought to be in a town so important. If we take a retrospect of the past in 1842, the chapel estate was a complete wreck through the great disturber and agitator of our Connexion. The name of the man I will not mention; I hope it will be for ever buried in oblivion. Through his schism we were mowed down from 210 members to about 30 or 40, with a debt of about £1,200 or £1,400; at this juncture it appeared as if the society was forsaken; it seemed as if the Lord had written Ichabod upon its doors. But the friends of the Connexion displayed the true spirit of Connexionalism, and gave a helping hand; and in process of time the Lord began to lift upon us the glorious light of his countenance. The conference made a noble offer; the society responded to the call, and £450 of the principal debt was paid; but then the situation of the chapel was such that it was almost unapproachable in wet weather; not a few of our really devoted friends have been wet up to their ankles; and on one occasion one of our 'old and revered local preachers was found prostrated in the mud; and had it not been for timely aid serious consequences might have ensued; but the friends plied the town council as the importunate widow did the unjust judge. And now our chapel is in the most eligible situation in the town, and in the widest and best paved street; so impressed was one of our esteemed ministers when he saw the change, that he repeated the words of the psalmist, "How beautiful is Zion for situation." The payment for paving caused some anxiety for a time, for the trustees' share was about £70, but so highly did our friends appreciate a good road that the money was raised almost without effort. Again in the year 1854 the friends came to the conclusion to put in a new front, to re-pew the bottom of the chapel, build a new vestry, put in a new warming apparatus, and thoroughly paint and beautify the chapel; and I can say that we have now one of the neatest and most comfortable chapels in the town. The cost of the alteration was £500, but £300 was paid at the time, and though we have an additional debt it has in no way been an additional burthen; for since our alteration we have more than doubled our seat rents. I would say, as you said in one of the past numbers to those societies who have the same small, dingy, mean-looking chapel that their grandfathers had built, make your old murky chapels comfortable and clean, if you want our Connexion to advance. I think at the last October quarterly meeting we had in Oldham 162 members and 27 on trial; and our chapel is well filled at our evening service, though before our alterations whole rows of empty pews might be seen. The Sunday school had a debt, about £50, which has been entirely paid off. For all these evidences of providential care we would give God all the praise, and pray that he would continue unto us his smile. THOMAS Whitehead. [Our friend pleads hard for making Oldham the head of a distinct circuit; but we think the subject should be discussed at the regular meetings of the circuit before it is argued in the pages of the magazine.-ED.] MANCHESTER NORTH CIRCUIT.-Mr. Editor,-On Saturday evening, Jan. 17th, 1857, the Salem choir held their fourth annual soirée in the schoolroom, when a number of the leaders, trustees, stewards, and friends, together with our beloved superintendent, the Rev. T. W. Ridley, partook of tea, coffee, and a cold collation. After tea, the chair was occupied by our energetic and worthy friend, Mr. J. Turner. The President of the "choir and "Salem Choral Society," gave us a selection of music which was most effectively performed by the choir, and addresses delivered at intervals by the Rev. T. W. Ridley and Messrs. E. W. Makinson, J. Makinson, F. Thompson, W. Jenkinson, W. Jones, W. Haines, and the writer. Our kind and esteemed friend, Mr. Thos. Rawson, Professor of Music, presided at the Piano and Harmonium with his usual good taste and ability. The meeting (consisting of our members, seat-holders, and friends, to the number of about 300 persons) was much gratified and delighted with the singing and speaking, and stated that it was the best meeting of the kind ever held. We are looking forward to the next annual gathering with increased pleasure. Yours very sincerely, SAMUEL HOLT. ALNWICK CIRCUIT.-Mr. Editor,Our Alnwick friends, full of desire for the early removal of the debt on their chapel, resolved, in November last, at once to raise, if possible, fifty pounds, as the nucleus of a fund for its extinction. In aid of this object, the Rev. James Wright, of Sunderland, gave us two excellent sermons on the closing Sabbath of the year; and on the evening of New Year's day, & teameeting was held in the chapel, when about 350 persons sat down to tables liberally furnished. The chair was taken by the writer, and able addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Limont, D. Donaldson (United Presbyterians), J. Wright, Messrs. J. Allan and J. Ellerthorpe. Those who know the resources of the circuit will be equally surprised and delighted to read that the ambitious desire of the friends has been realized. The avails of the meeting, with donations and the Sabbath |