fall might be the greater. Wonderfully did God come to our rescue on the following Sabbath. The conflict had been a hard one, but a week's praying was too much for the enemy, and with God on our side, we had, at last, the field well nigh to ourselves. On the fifth Sabbath and two following evenings, rather over one hundred names were taken; making a glorious finish to the most glorious work that has transpired in this old city for ages past.

On the Wednesday, we held a farewell tea meeting, for which, without a hand-bill, poster, or advertisement, nearly 800 tickets were sold. The tea was served in the Albion Assembly Room; at the close of which the friends adjourned to the chapel, where, after short addresses from the Rev. D. Round, who presided, the Rev. S. Jones, and Messrs. J. Shone and G. Fox, Mr. Booth delivered a most masterly speech, dwelling largely on the importance and absolute necessity of revivals. He then gave some practical and exceedingly valuable instructions to the church respecting her care of the new converts; and concluded with an affectionate and earnest charge to all present to sustain and carry on the movement so happily begun.

The services closed on the Thursday evening with an address from Mr. Booth to the office-bearers, local preachers, and Sabbath-school teachers, on the importance and best methods of carrying on the converting work.

This account is already too long, but one or two individual instances of the power of the Gospel must be added. One young man, about twenty-eight, the son of pious parents, and who from childhood had sat under the word, resisting its power and the strivings of the spirit, heard Mr. Booth on the first Sabbath, was offended with some sentiment advanced, and declared, that preacher would never convert him. During the week he studiously avoided the chapel, and, in his own words to the writer, he got deeper into sin that week than ever he had gone before. On the following Sabbath, however, he was again led to the chapel, and this time got offended with himself. He remained under conviction until the following Tuesday, when he submitted to Christ, and found peace in believing. He is now working earnestly in our prayer-meetings, and bids fair to be a polished stone. His wife found

mercy a few days after, and in the same week his mother, his wife's father, mother, and sister, with a brother-inlaw, all found Jesus as their Saviour. In this one family seven souls have been saved, three family altars have been raised, and twelve children are blessed with religious parents! If that were all, truly for that might we praise our God.

Another man verging on his sixtieth year, whose best deeds for many years have been poaching and drunkenness, with its almost invariable concomitant, cruelty to those who claimed his love; and from whose presence in the streets children fled affrighted, and men and women turned in silent fear; this man, attracted by the fame of the preacher, came to the house of God, heard the truth, felt its power, bowed to its influence, sought and found mercy in Christ, and now, accompanied by his wife, who has also given her heart to God during these services, he regularly sits in God's house, clothed, and in his right mind.

A number of young men of considerable promise are amongst the “cases," and perhaps, on the whole, these constitute the most satisfactory class of all. There is every indication of a genuine and thorough change having been wrought in them. Backsliders, and numbers of all classes and ages, have found the Lord. In the Sabbathschool, eight youths out of ten, in a Bible class, conducted by the writer, have found salvation in Jesus. In short

"God has brought into his fold,

Rich and poor, and young and old."

And the work still proceeds, Sabbath after Sabbath: some whose souls were wounded by the spirit during the special services, get their wounds healed by the Great Physician; and others again, under our superintendent's faithful ministry, are giving up their sins, and seeking mercy through Christ. Our chapel is in good repute, as a place where souls do get saved, and where Jesus and the sinners often meet. Our congregations are well-nigh double what they were; our prayer-meetings are real, earnest matters, that mean something, and exercise a large and gracious influence. We have had to appoint a few new leaders, and our members meet well, and are generally aiming to grow in grace. Then we have a large band of prayer-leaders;

and night after night, from cottages in different parts of the town, their petitions, for a wave of salvation to roll through the city, ascend to the listening ear of our willing and gracious God.

Of course, other churches have benefited in a very large measure by these services; and most especially our own and other societies in the surrounding villages. In one small place, not in our circuit, where the society numbered barely a dozen members, there have been thirty additions; and they are about raising a chapel to accommodate the greatly increased congregation-the building in which they now worship being scarcely large enough to hold half the people who flock to hear the word. Truly, dear brother, the Lord is very gracious. May the glorious movement spread through the length and breadth of the Connexion; and while we are rearing chapels, and building school-rooms, may we also be enlarging that glorious temple which is built up of saved souls, and whose foundation, corner, and top stone, is the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Altogether, the work here has evinced in the most signal manner :1, the willingness and power of God to quicken his church and save souls; 2, the possibility of the church going forth, "terrible as an army with banners; "and 3, the already well-attested, but now again-confirmed fact, that the Rev. William Booth is "wise to win souls."

The numerical results of the services will not now be stated. It is enough to say, that they are sufficient to astonish and gladden the hearts of all God's people; to rebuke the unbelief of those who speak slightingly of "revivals" and "immediate conversions;" to confound the infidel, and to glorify that God by whose Spirit, and in whose strength and name, the work has been done. The number of members stated to be "on trial" at Chester, in the minutes of the approaching Conference, will be a fair indication of the success of Mr. Booth's labours; whilst the "full members returned at the following Conference, will afford a proof of the faithfulness, or otherwise, of the church to whose charge so many precious souls have been committed.

I am, dear sir,
Faithfully yours,

WILLIAMS.

GATESHEAD CIRCUIT.-The article which appeared in the March Magazine, being out of date, gave a very erroneous impression of the condition of this circuit. Indications of improvement began to appear about last October. Three Sabbath-school children at Felling Shore requested permission to work for a bazaar, to reduce the debt of the chapel, which the judicious superintendent, Mr. E. Smith, took up with a zeal which soon passed through the whole congregation and village. The project was soon carried out, and £50 paid into the hands of the treasurer. This success suggested another effort, and arrangements are being worked out to raise £100 more, and to place the property, which is of considerable value, and in the centre of the village, on Connexional trusts.

About the same time the trustees of our large chapel in Gateshead met, and finding that notwithstanding the large reduction which had recently been made in the debt, the income fell much below the expenditure, resolved to reduce the debt £750 more, and negotiations were opened with the chapel committee for that purpose.

While these were proceeding, Messrs. Buston, Crow, and Greener, anxious to improve the public worship, proposed a new organ, and paid our generous friend, J. Love, Esq., a visit to obtain his advice and assistance. He entered cordially into the project, and promised £50. Accordingly a new organ was built, and put in the chapel, which cost about £200, which is nearly paid. The noble instrument was opened on Sunday, March 1, when the Rev. J. Flather preached two eloquent sermons in the morning and afternoon. J. Love, Esq., preached in the evening, when the large chapel was well filled with a congregation who paid profound attention to the gentleman whose actions so well supported the great principles - of Christian duty which he inculcated on others. A tea-meeting was held on the following Monday, over which the same gentleman presided with his usual ability, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. G. Hallatt, C. Bootman, J. Wilson, W. Williams, and other friends. On the afternoon of the same day, Mr. Love met the trustees and friends to consider the best method of reducing the debt, when he informed us the chapel committee would grant £200, and he would give £300, on condition that £250 was raised on the ground. This

generous proposal was received with great pleasure, and a committee was appointed to raise our portion of the money.

While referring to music and gold, I may add that, in consequence of the revival, the friends at High Felling have resolved to pay off £140, being the whole debt on their chapel.

Soon after last Conference, special meetings were held to consider the spiritual condition of the circuit, when it was resolved to make the salvation of souls the burden of our prayer, and the special object of pulpit labour. A perceptible improvement was soon given in improved congregations, and in the deepening piety of the members, which was encouraged much by the interesting speeches and spiritual tone of the missionary deputation-the Rev. J. Henshaw. But in a few weeks, by the removal of some of our local preachers, and the failing health of others, we were threatened with a return of adversity, from which we were saved by an opportune engagement with the Rev. J. Harker, a young man of considerable mental power, and especially skilled in winning souls to Christ. A series of revival services was arranged. To render these services effectual, it was resolved to circulate hundreds of small bills, to visit from house to house, and that the meetings should be worked exclusively by the ministers and officials in the circuit. Accordingly, with one or two exceptions, I preached every night through the whole of the week, and Mr. Harker through the whole of the next. This plan, for obvious reasons, answered admirably.

The first vigorous assault made on the kingdom of darkness was at High Felling. Here the church, through pernicious error, had been diminished and brought low nigh unto death, while in the village, especially on the Sabbath, wickedness stalked forth in rough and unblushing triumph. With an earnest faith in God we looked these difficulties in the face, and resolved to conquer. The services opened with gradually increasing interest until, before the end of the first week, the long deserted chapel was well filled. The penitent form became the test of decision for Jesus. Our long-tried friends, Messrs. Boison and Leeming, engaged in the work with their might, and by their influence in the village, and their special activity in bringing sinners to the cross of Christ, contri

buted largely to the general success. Though at the end of the fortnight the ministers were obliged to move off to another scene of action, the friends resolved to carry on the good work, and in due time the whole was wound up by another week from the ministers, which was the most successful of the whole. During these services, about ninety souls were converted to God, most of whom are already meeting in class. At the commencement of our labours we were much disturbed by the ungodly at the door, but many of these got pierced to the heart, and found no peace until the Great Physician drew the barbed arrow, and applied the balm of Gilead. Others were so deeply wounded that surrender or retreat was inevitable. We soon had quiet.

The following is the testimony of the Northern Express :-" For the last ten weeks this populous village has been blessed with a gracious out-pouring of the spirit of God. Sinners, abandoned to courses of action most alien to all that is pure and ennobling, have been transformed into new creatures in Christ Jesus, and admitted into the fellowship of the Christian church. Hard hearts have been melted by the story of the cross, dark minds have been illumined by the Divine Spirit, and ungodly families have assumed the beauties of holiness. Methodism, with all its burning zeal, its means of grace, its mighty prayer and living faith, its loving heart and fervent friendship, seems to have taken possession of the place."

The next place where the labours of the ministers were most earnestly desired was Felling Shore. Here our warmhearted friends devoted themselves to the good work, and the beloved leaders E. Smith, Rennison, and Foster rendered very efficient help. When these meetings were opening, some strolling players, who had pitched their tent at Felling, sent a fifer and a drummer to the Shore, and these gentlemen, after a flourish of music, announced the show at one penny admission. Now, we wanted to produce some inquiry: as soon, therefore, as the Rev. J. Harker caught sight of them he joined them, observing the music would answer a double purpose; therefore, at the end of their announcement, he announced our services admission free. It produced quite a breeze in the village.

Here also the work of God deepened as it advanced. The first night of our

labours was distinguished by the conversion of several intelligent children of pious parents. In subsequent nights many, young and old, surrendered themselves to God; and among them were some remarkable cases of miserable sinners, who had spent all in riotous living, but now they are in their right mind, happy in God, and have resolved to protect themselves from their old foe by signing the temperance pledge. Here about fifty have been gathered into the church, and the brethren are still engaged bringing in the trophies of the cross.

For some time Sunniside has been rapidly improving. Two or three cases of conversion had already occurred under the ministry of the Rev. J. Harker. The cry, "Come over and help us," could no longer be resisted. A week's labour was crowned with great mercy. Several pious people, not connected with the church, joined us, and several interesting cases of conversion took place. Among them an educated and talented man, residing in the neighbourhood, who, on the night of his conversion, rose in the meeting to declare what God had done for his soul. We were very deficient of active men in that village, but now the Lord has raised up fit instruments to do his work.

We are just closing three weeks' labour at Dunston. At the commencement we encountered some opposition, but it was soon borne down by a gracious wave of salvation. Here, after the first night, the chapel has been constantly filled. Here the Almighty made bare his holy arm in the sight of the people. About sixty cases of conversion have taken place, and in this place, which was certainly our forlorn hope, some of the most convincing evidences of divine grace have been given.

Most of the converts in all the places are young people in the bloom and power of health, averaging from sixteen to twenty-five years of age, with a good sprinkling of married people. About one hundred and fifty have already joined the different societies. These have not been drawn from different chapels over an extensive surface, but have been won from the powers of darkness in the villages in which the chapels stand.

We have other places in the circuit white for the harvest, and the sickle

But our interest in the town is the subject of our greatest solicitude. Bethesda stands isolated like the altar of Elijah when surrounded with the trenches full of water. Though the country places surround it like a circle of fire, every spark seems quenched in the water. But Elijah's God is ours, and we are praying that an original flame may come down from heaven and set us in a blaze. Unto Him that hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and made us kings and priests to God and the Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

J. WILSON.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-Dear Sir,There are times in the history of individuals and circuits when it seems very desirable that an inquiry should be instituted, and a report of progress placed on record, that we may see clearly, and retain a recollection of the way, in which the Lord has led us in our journeys through the wilderness, and that others, with us, may thank God and take courage. Impressed with the idea that such a season has arrived in the history of the Newcastle Circuit, I send you the following for insertion in the Magazine. The general condition of this circuit may be best known by a simple statement of facts.

At the Sheffield Conference of 1855, I received my appointment to the north, as from the hand of God, and entered on my work in June, breathing an earnest prayer that the cloud of the Divine presence might accompany me, and that God would grant me and the friends generally his special blessing in all our circuit work. That prayer, I am conscious, presented in the Saviour's name, has been answered; the present condition of the circuit being such as fully to justify the conclusion that the time "to favour Zion" has fully come; and that if the attention of friends in this circuit be directed faithfully to the right object a more glorious future is in reversion for them; and this circuit, in reference to our Connexion, will stand, where it does numerically, as regards the population of the town, at the head of the circuits in the north of England. In order to place this subject clearly before the mind, I subjoin a tabular view of

In addition to this tabular view of our numerical strength, it is important to consider the improvement made in the general state of chapel property, &c.

In Salem Chapel a beautiful organ has been erected, free of debt, and which, under the free, valuable labours of Miss Procter, renders good service in our devotional exercises. In Scotswood, the chapel has been to a great extent rebuilt, and rendered more commodious and serviceable. In Seaton Burn, a new chapel has been erected, and placed by the friends on the model deed of the Connexion, and is likely to be a great blessing to that populous district. In Wallsend an important Sabbath school has been raised, and the friends are now preparing for the erection of a handsome chapel to meet the demands of the place. At Jesmond Vale-a small society, under the care of Mr. Thomas White-an important Sabbath school has been raised. While at St. Peter's Quay, Westmoor, and William Pitt, new life has been infused, and the friends are expecting yet better days. Denton Burn, where we had an excellent cause, has been nearly broken up by the stopping of the colliery, the members having during the last quarter removed to other places out of the circuit, reducing us to a mere fragment of what we were; yet even here, the few shall be sustained and comforted by the smile of their heavenly Father. quarterly meeting of the circuit, held on Monday, the 6th instant, was the largest, I understand, that has been held for many years; and after the conclusion of the ordinary business, the meeting passed a resolution that the Rev. C. Bootman and Mr. S. Hillaby be the delegates to represent the Newcastle Circuit at the ensuing Conference. It

The

was then proposed by Mr. Hillaby, seconded by Mr. Thomas White, and carried unanimously, that "this meeting present a vote of thanks to their two ministers for their devoted labours during the past year." This, which was our last business, having brought us to seven o'clock, we all removed to the chapel, where three of our young friends, on probation, addressed the congregation on the great truths of Christianity, and four of the brethren having engaged in prayer, the proceedings of the day closed about nine o'clock. Thus my last official quarterday in the Newcastle Circuit for the present, closed, under a deep conviction of the kindness of my heavenly Father, and an earnest desire that they and I may be directed fully in our future movements, that the circuit may continue to advance in numerical strength and moral power, and that at last we may all meet around the eternal throne. Amen.

THE VILLAGE OF HURST.
NEW SCHOOLS.

ON Good Friday, April 10th, the foundation-stone of new. and extensive Sunday and day schools was laid at Hurst, by Mr. John Whittaker, at whose cost solely they are to be erected and fitted.

The village of Hurst, about a mile from Ashton-under-Lyne, has a population of 3,600 or 3,700 persons. It is essentially a "factory village," for, with the exception of a few shopkeepers and others, the population is entirely dependent upon the two establishments known as the Hurst Mills, which are now conducted as separate works by Mr. John Whittaker and his brother, Mr. Oldham Whittaker. The business was established by the father of these gentlemen in 1804, he removing from Oldham for that purpose; and with its increase the village has extended, the Hurst Mills being still the only ones in the place. Messrs. Whittaker are spinners and weavers, and each employs nearly 1,400 hands, so that some 2,700 out of the population of 3,600 are actually the workpeople of those gentlemen. Hurst is not only a factory village-it is a model of its class. This is due to the liberality of Messrs. Whittaker, but most especially of Mr. John Whittaker, who has for

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