adoption of a prayer-meeting on a week day evening promises to be beneficial; we have also opened an additional class. The numbers, however, only show an increase of two (except five deaths and removals); the state of the church is more hopeful than it has been for some time. All these are indeed but small, very small, things compared with the development of power and heavenli ness which the facilities of the church and the uncorrupted preaching of the truth, peculiar to our own age and country, seem to warrant us in expecting. Still, after a long dark period the faintest glimmerings of light come to be highly estimated. I speak confidently when I say that, humanly speaking, my successor here will come with things presenting a better prospect than they did at the time I came. SOUTH SHIELDS. TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR, IN reporting the state of this Circuit, the language of the Psalmist is the most fitting under our present circumstances, "I will sing of mercy and judgment. We have bad, and still have, many things of a trying and painful nature to endure, and have now been called to mourn the loss of one of our most active and valued friends. However, in the midst of all, we know that "the Lord reigneth," and can say "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" We have lately had the presence of the Connexional deputation, and found their advice and counsel most seasonable and refreshing. We held our Annual Missionary services during their stay with us. On Good Friday, at seven o'clock in the evening, S. S. Barton preached. On the following Sabbath, the Rev. J. Molineux preached in the afternoon to a good congregation; and in the evening, the Rev. J. G. Rogers, B. A. Independent minister of Newcastle, to an excellent congregation. On the Tuesday evening we had our Annual Missionary Meeting, when J. Kipling, Esq., of Darlington, kindly presided. Excellent addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. Molineux, J. Ward, J. Lister, Free NICHOLAS RIFFON. Church of Scotland; J. Day, Primitive; and Messrs. J. Young, and W. H. Porter. I am happy to say that, upon the whole, our Circuit is in an improving state. We cannot boast of a large increase of numbers, but we have still been making some little progress. Our congregations have most wonderfully increased; and a large number of additional seatholders have been obtained. We have also opened a preaching room in the large and populous town of North Shields. It is situated amidst a dense population needing the word of truth and salvation, We have here commenced a Sabbath-school, which has been attended with signal results. Upwards of forty children have been gathered together, and meet every Lord's day for instruction. A number of adult persons have also been brought to God, we have formed them into a Society, which we trust will be the germ of much future good. and Thus we are looking forward to better days, and hope that "the time to favour Zion, yea, the set time is come." We have peace in our borders, and are looking for "prosperity in our palaces." S. S. BARTON. GROSVENOR STREET CIRCUIT. TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR, ON Sunday, April the 9th, the annual Missionary sermons were preached by the Rev. John Peters, and our esteemed superintendent, the Rev. Thomas A. Bayley. The annual meeting was held in the Tabernacle on Monday evening, April 10th, W. Burd, Esq. in the chair. On the platform were the Revs. T. A. Bayley, W. Patterson, W. H. Walker, (late Missionary at Hamburg), D. E. Ford, author of "Decapolis," &c., H. Castles, Wesleyan minister; Messrs. B. Lowe, Toplis, Ashton, Walker, Horner, Gault, Fletcher, Mac Allester, and Fothergill. This meeting was more numerously attended than we remember to have seen for several years past. The interest and attention were kept up to a late hour. The speaking was animated, eloquent, and unwearying, the deepest interest was excited by the statements and address of the returned Missionary from Hamburgh, and the collections were a trifle short of amounting to the same as last year's. W. F. CAMELFORD, WADEBRIDGE, AND BODMIN CIRCUIT. TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR, I AGAIN place at your disposal a few extracts from my journal: June 11th. Walked five-and-a-half miles to Trevena, and preached morning and evening to good congregations. Afterwards renewed the tickets of the Society. I trust good was done. June 12th. Attended a Union Camp Meeting at Pengelly, held by the different religious societies of the neighbourhood. The meeting excited great interest; and it was computed that not less than 1,500 persons were present. More than 200 took tea on the ground, at the close of the afternoon service. Four sermons were preached, two before tea and two after; the attention was remarkable, the feeling gradually deepened till the close of the last sermon, when the power of God came down. The people seemed completely overwhelmed; and oh, what an influence oh, what shouts of joy, what cries of penitence, what wailings of distress! tears were streaming from hundreds of eyes! It was indeed a time of refreshing. A prayer meeting was immediately proposed, and penitents invited to a certain place. Many came forward, and were Soon enabled to testify that God had pardoned their sins. We remained in the field till half-past nine, when the meeting adjourned to the Association Chapel. It was a high day to many souls; such a day I believe has not been enjoyed at Pengelly for many years before. After service, returned to Camelford tired, but happy in God. the June 14th. This day I was much blessed while visiting an old woman, on the verge of eternity, who had met in class more than twenty years without enjoying the pardon of sin. A few months since she was led to seek the blessing in good earnest, and God spoke peace to her soul. Her experience of Divine things is most delightful, she seems to live in the atmosphere of heaven, and speaks very distinctly the language of Canaan. "Ah!" said she, with tears in her eyes, "I see it was unbelief that kept me so long out of Christ;" and then, with a soul fuli of heaven, she exclaimed, “Glory! glory be to God! I am waiting for the Saviour to take me home. I appear to be free from temptation. If a wandering thought arises in the mind, I go at once to Jesus, and he graciously removes it." Visited two or three other families, and preached in the evening at Pengelly. After this service, renewed the tickets of the Society: it was a blessed season. Returned to Camelford. June 15th. Walked to Treligga, and preached, and gave tickets to the Society. Was much pleased with the experience of the members; they appear to be growing in grace. May God increase them more and more. June 16th. Visited several families. Walked to Trenale and preached. Returned to Camelford. June 18th. Preached twice. At Pengelly in the morning; and at Camelford in the evening. The congregations were very good. In the evening also held a prayer meeting. I believe good was done. During the week visited and preached at several places in the country. June 25th. Preached at Port Isaac, morning and evening; during the afternoon was strongly impressed that God would that day make bare his arm in the conversion of sinners. I mentioned my impression to several of the friends, who gave me but little encouragement. I went to the chapel; while preaching I felt confident that good would be done; and, thank God! toward the close of the sermon, the power descended; without singing, we fell upon our kness in earnest supplication. In the prayer meeting, after the preaching, six persons were in great distress, and many others were wounded. One blackslider left the chapel weeping, and as he went out was heard to say, "I can stand it no longer." About eleven o'clock the meeting separated. Four persons found peace with God. Oh, that God would increase the faith of his people, and lead them to believe that, whenever the word is faithfully preached he will make it effectual. I believe, were we to do this, much more good would be done. June 29th. Attended the Sundayschool Anniversary at Pendoggat. The day was fine, and the attendance very good. I believe the people were greatly interested. July 2nd. Walked four miles to St. Mabyn, and preached twice to good congregations; administered the sacrament of the Lord's supper after the evening service. Walked to Camelford, eight miles. May God in mercy water the seed sown and make it fruitful. July 3rd. Walked five miles to Boscastle, and preached, and held a prayer meeting. It was a blessed time. July 4th. Preached at Camelford. July 7th. Walked to Trevena, fiveand-a-half miles, preached to a thin congregation, and returned to Camelford. July 9th. Preached at St. Teath, Trewalder, and Pengelly. The day was unfavourable congregations, good. upon the whole, In the evening the chapel was crowded. After the preaching, administered the sacrament. About a hundred were present. Such a season I had not experienced for some time before. I trust the Lord will continue to carry on his work in this and every other part of the world. July 11th, 1848. J. S. OVERTON CIRCUIT. TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR, I AM grateful to the Donor of all good, to be able to state, that in many instances we have been graciously blessed with tokens of Divine approbation. With two or three exceptions the congregations throughout the circuit have improved; and a number of persons have become serious enquirers, and some have obtained salvation, the forgiveness of sin, through faith in Jesus Christ. At our last circuit quarterly meeting, held on Good Friday, at Chirk, we had twenty-seven members on trial. 1t affords me much pleasure further to add, that the brethren, the local preachers, are devotedly co-operating in the work of faith and love. For the past we desire fervently to adore the Redeemer; and whilst we rejoice in the cheering prospect of an abundant temporal harvest, praise the Lord! we have delightful indications of a harvest of souls. We held our annual Missionary services in this circuit, on Monday, April 17, and during the week, as followson Monday, April 17th, at Cefn Mawr Chapel, Mr. William Morris, of Rhuabon, in the chair; the Revs. William Patterson, of Liverpool; Henry Jennings, of Prescot; J. Harris, and Mr. James Russell, addressed the meeting. On Tuesday, April 18th, at Overton Chapel, Mr. John Jones in the chair. On Wednesday, April 19th, at Ellesmere Chapel, Mr. John Lea in the chair. On Thursday, April 20th, at Duddleston Chapel, the Rev. J. Harris in the chair. On Friday, April 21st, at Chirk, Mr. James Russell in the chair; and on Tuesday, April 25th, at Gledrid Chapel, Mr. William Brodle in the chair: the Revs, William Patterson, Henry Jennings, George Edge, Independent minister; and J. Harris, addressed the meetings. 7! On Good Friday, the Rev. William Patterson attended the quarterly meeting, and proposed to the brethren a series of questions relative to the circuit. We trust that much good will result from the visit of the deputation, On Easter Sunday, April 23, the anniversary services of the chapel at St. Martin's were held: the Rev. J. Harris preached in the morning, and the Rev. Henry Jennings in the afternoon and evening, and also on Monday even. ing. On Monday, a public tea meeting was held in the chapel, which was numerously attended. The friends regard it as the best anniversary they have had for many years. Fervently praying that, as "the winter is past,' "the time of the singing of birds is come," the Sun of Rights eousness may arise with healing in his wings, and that the Divine Spirit may descend with his holy, fertilizing energy, and the wilderness become as the garden of the Lord. JABESH HARRIS. THE WESLEYAN METHODIST ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER, 1848. OBLIGATIONS OF MINISTERS AND PEOPLE. THE period of the year having arrived when, by the appointment of the Annual Assembly, many of our ministers have to enter upon different spheres of labour; and in many cases, it may be, will have to labour among those to whom they have been previously unknown. At such a season, it may not be altogether unsuitable to offer a few remarks upon the mutual obligations of ministers and people, as arising from their highly responsible connexions. By some it has been compared to the married state, and in some particulars the analogy holds good: as in the affection it requires and the interests it promotes. Without Christian love, the welfare of souls is not likely to be advanced; nor will the harmony of ministers and their charge long continue, unless maintained by this principle. Supposing, then, the parties engaged to each other, as pastor and people, are influenced by this sacred feeling; it may be useful to inquire, what have the people a right to expect from their minister? Not what do they expect, but what they have a right to expect. Paul prayed to be "delivered from unreasonable men," and there are still such persons in the churches who indulge in improper and unjust expectations. They look for in ministers that which they, by any means, deem unnecessary to manifest in their own spirit and conduct, and hesitate not to express unreasonable disappointment and condemnation. 1st. They have a right to expect from their ministers, faithful, comprehensive, and animated expositions of God's word. No part of the divine counsel should be withheld, but each portion brought forth in its season, illustrated and enforced with all due authority. Doctrines expounded in all their variety and adaptation; Precepts enjoined without fear or favour; and Ordinances administered in their simplicity, and at their appointed times. When these duties are efficiently discharged, the minister has met the just claims of his people in public. 2nd. They have a right to expect from their minister an affectionate interest in all their concerns. The individual who confines his exertions to pulpit exercises, only half discharges his duty. Not that he is to intrude into the secrets of families, nor intermeddle with the little disputes which may arise around him. But he should show the affectionate regard of a father towards his children, be ready to advise them in their difficulties, console them in their sorrows, visit them in their afflictions, and pray with them in their bereavements. Intercourse like this, sanctified by grace, may be productive of the greatest blessings to all concerned; and ought to be cultivated. But if ministers should satisfy such expectations, we ask, what are the corresponding duties devolving upon the people? 1st. Constant, punctual, and devout attendance upon the public ministrations of the word and ordinances. Nothing is more disheartening to the servant of the Lord, than, when he comes prepared to deliver his Master's message, to find that, instead of living souls, he has to address empty benches. Were the people fully aware of the painful influence which such conduct produces upon a Preacher's mind, they would be more careful to be present at every service, and in time. But the obligation to attend arises from a higher source than the mere satisfaction of their pastor. There is a solemn contract expressed or implied between the parties; the one is bound to minister in holy things, the other is equally bound to give heed to the truths ministered. What will excuse the non-attendance of one, will justify the absence of the other. Professors of religion who partially or wholly neglect the public means of grace, not only give evidence of spiritual declension, but show disregard to the divine injunction which says, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.' Attendance on the ministry of the word, however, is not all that is required; there is also the manner of attending. It is deeply affecting to see some persons as soon as they enter a chapel, placing themselves a recumbent posture that they may enjoy a sleep, and thus prepare to treat with indifference the denunciations of God's laws; the promises of his gospel; the glories of heaven, the miseries of hell. in As they value their souls and the realities of eternity, they should. hear the voice that thunders forth the command, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." When seated in a place of worship, all approach to levity should be avoided, and the habit of gossipping or gazing about should give place to silent and prayerful meditations. But what rebuke, sufficiently severe, shall be administered, to that professed disciple of Christ who habitually abstains from the supper of his Lord! The neglect is so unaccountable, the only wonder is, that such persons can be found in the churches; and yet there are some. The duty is so plain, the command so imperative, the exercise so simple, and the enjoyment so great, that Christ's members can have no excuse for absence from this feast of love, except it be that of imperious necessity. "Brethren! suffer the word of exhortation." "We speak unto wise men, judge ye what we say." But ministers have also a right to expect 2nd. Cordial sympathy and efficient assistance. Sympathy is the bond of social life; without it, discord, hatred, and violence would soon change earth into one Aceldama. When refined by Christian principle, it is susceptible of the highest enjoyment, and capa |