B. Cook, T. Hingley, and W. Johnson. The entire proceeds of the services are somewhat in advance of the previous year; and it is hoped that impressions were produced which will lead to still happier results in time to come. C. MANN.

MISSIONARY SERVICES. BURSLEM CIRCUIT. On Sunday, Nov. 30th, sermons were preached in Bethel chapel, and also in our chapels at Tunstall, Cobridge, and Dale-hall, by the Revs. G. Hallatt, J. Howard, C. Ward, and J. Innocent. In the afternoon of the same day, an interesting juvenile missionary meeting was held at Cobridge, the first they have ever had. On the following evening, the annual meeting was held in Bethel chapel, J. Pidduck, Esq., Chief Bailiff of Burslem, in the chair. The claims of missions upon the benevolence of an enlightened and Christian public were ably advocated in highlytalented and spirited addresses by the Revs. G. Hallatt, G. Grundy, and C. Ward; also by A. Lynn in his usually interesting and characteristic style. In a word, the meeting was pronounced by the friends as the best they ever had. On the Tuesday evening, an interesting meeting was held at Dale-hall, when several boys brought their cards to the platform, amounting in various sums to £1 11s. On the whole, the proceeds will be considerably more than last year, as well as a good feeling produced in favour of the missionary cause. T. G.

CHESTER CHAPEL CASE. WHAT! Chester Chapel again! Yes, Chester Chapel again! You have heard of it before, I dare say, and may be tempted to pass it by as an old story; but stop a moment, and allow me to remind you that, though it is an old case, it now presents some new features and evidently merits your special attention.

I once heard a true Chesterian quaintly remark that our Chester Circuit was older than the New Connexion. Without cavilling about terms, we must admit that Chester is an old and respectable Circuit, and has long done honour to the Connexion.

Some years ago it was in a high state of prosperity. The means of grace were well attended, and valuable accessions were made to the Society. The old chapel in Trinity-street was small and inconvenient, and to furnish increased accommodation, and meet the spirit of the times, a new chapel was erected. Perhaps the friends went rather too far, as many

a family has done when flushed with a little success, and flattered with still more encouraging prospects for the future. The new house in Pepper-street, however, was completed and met their utmost wishes. It was a beautiful sanctuary, and quite large enough; but ere they had got comfortably settled, the movement was found to have entailed a debt of no ordinary magnitude.

For some time the trustees struggled manfully with the difficulty. Besides subscribing liberally to the Society and Circuit purposes, and all the funds of the Connexion, they had to raise upwards of £100 per annum, in addition to the produce of seat-rents, for the payment of interest. In process of time death summoned several of those generous friends to their reward, others removed to distant places, and but few remained to bear the burden. Still intent on doing their duty, they kept together and went on until 1846 or 1847, when they made a noble effort and raised £700 towards reducing the debt. The Conference gave them £300, and thus the sum of £1000 was swept away. But that was not enough-no, not half enough; and therefore another effort was required to meet the case. It was then proposed that the trustees, who had already done so nobly, should come forward again and raise £1,300; and the Connexion engaged to give them £700 more. They went to work like men, and actually raised £1,070 in addition to the £700 previously paid! Circumstances prevented the final settlement of this affair. Every difficulty, however, is now removed. The trustees will furnish the balance required of them; but where is the £700 promised by the Connexion? And shall the echo answer, Where? The chapel-fund cannot raise it in the ordinary way; and last year the jubilee effort was suspended to give an opportunity for redeeming the Conference-funds from embarrassment. But should the chapelfund sink into absolute forgetfulness, and the jubilee effort never be revived, there is still honour and ability enough left in the New Connexion to raise, and pay off at a stroke, every fraction which is promised to our worthy friends at Chester.

But how is that to be done? I presume you have already seen the circular, headed "Chester Chapel," and which was intended to bring this case before the Connexion. If you have not seen it, ask your superintendent for one, and you will there find that it is proposed to make this a special case, for which subscrip

tions and collections should be made in all our Circuits.

That circular was laid before the Liverpool quarterly meeting on Friday last, when our generous friends, to a man, resolved to entertain the application and do their utmost to promote such a deserving object. Arrangements were therefore made to receive a deputation to make collections in each chapel, and to wait on the friends privately for subscriptions. I cannot say what will be raised here, but I am quite sure the amount will be worthy of Liverpool; and if every Circuit will do the same, the £700 for Chester Chapel will be ready as soon as the new deeds are prepared.

Though no friend to any departure from our well-established rules, yet in such a case as this, I hope every Circuit and every man in the Connexion will not object to go a little out of the ordinary way to render the necessary assistance. Do what you can in it. Perhaps you will be waited on for a subscription, but if not, still resolve to give a little; and if no one comes to you for it, carry your offering to the superintendent, and tell him it is for Chester Chapel. Excuse not yourselves by saying, our own chapels are in debt, for our Liverpool friends might say the same. We have not a chapel in the Circuit but what is heavily burdened; yet they are quite disposed to help a neighbouring cause in a time of need. But you say we have so many collections. Well, and so have we herecollections enough in all conscience, and more than enough for any one but thorough New Connexionists; and yet, in the face of all this, they are willing to see the collecting-box again rather than see our Connexional credit suffer, or allow such worthy friends as we have in Chester to be subject to any further inconvenience. But perhaps you say, we have so many calls. Well, I dare say you have, and so have we; but do not forget Chester case on that account. Every call made upon you is no doubt for some good purpose, and this is only a little more of a good thing. Perhaps no place does more for local and Connexional objects than Liverpool. A fortnight has not elapsed since a worthy friend stole a march upon us and collected a pretty round sum here towards building a new chapel at Holt, in the Chester Circuit; and yet, ere the appeals of that individual had well died on their ears, and though fully aware that many other imperative claims must be met without delay, our noble and generous friends said as with one voice, We must do what we can for

Chester! Let every Circuit, and every friend to the Connexion catch the same spirit, and then this long-promised grant will be honourably paid, and another trophy added to those great achievements which have so recently signalized the Methodist New Connexion. WM. BAGGALY.

Liverpool, Jan. 12, 1852.

TRURO.-Our members and friends held their annual tea-meeting in the Music Hall, Truro, on Tuesday, December 30th, 1851. The hall was tastefully decorated with mottoes, evergreens and flowers. About 300 sat down to tea, which was provided gratuitously by several ladies, members of the Church and congregation. After tea, Mr. James May, in the absence of Mr. Uglow, who was prevented from attending, was called to the chair, which he ably filled. An interesting paper on the formation of the Christian character, written by Mr. P. Sambell, a clever artist, who can neither speak nor hear, was read;* and appropriate addresses were delivered by the Reverends W. Mead (Baptist), Hilman (Independent), J. Graham, and Messrs. Yelland, Courtenay, Bewney, and Kelway. The whole of the proceeds, after defraying incidental expenses, together with subscriptions, amounting to nearly 6., will be appropriated to aid the funds of the Circuit. JNO. GRAHAM.

CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY, HUNSLET.Every lover of the Connexion must rejoice in what is now being done for the reduction or extinction of chapel-debts. The brethren at Mossley have set a noble example. By one united and vigorous effort they have set their chapel entirely free. What has been done in the Mossley case at once our friends in Hunslet are striving to do by their continued annual efforts. They have just brought the labours of another year to a successful close. The public services connected with this chapel anniversary were held on the 14th and 21st December, 1851; the brothers R. Henshaw and J. Candelet preaching on the former Sabbath, and on the latter, the Rev. T. W. Ridley, of Mossley, morning and evening. The friends contributed with more than their usual liberality, the collections amounting to 941. 18s. 11d.

In connexion with the same object, the annual sale of ladies' needlework took place on the 26th, 29th and 30th, in the new school, when a great variety

* We have published this letter in the Juvenile for the present month. See p. 33.

of articles were hung around the walls or laid upon the tables. Many of those articles had been prepared by the ladies at their periodical sewing-meetings, or were the result of diligent labour at their respective homes; whilst others were presented as the voluntary offerings of friends; and altogether presenting to the view of purchasers clear evidence of soundness of judgment, refinement in taste, skill in execution, and an uncommon degree of industry and perseverance. The result shows what may be done by individual and collective effort. The proceeds of the sale exceeded those of any former year, realizing 1047. 1s. 6d., which, added to the public collections, amount to the very liberal and handsome

sum of 1991. Os. 5d. This is the effectual way to reduce chapel debts. If such efforts be continued annually for a few years longer, our chapel and school property in Hunslet will be free from every incumbrance.

While the temporal interests of our Zion are in a state of prosperity, it may also be stated that the great end for which chapels are built and the ministry supported is in some degree answered; for during the last few weeks a number of souls have been converted to God, and added to the Church. We have reason, therefore, to thank God, and take courage.

Hunslet, Jan. 7th, 1852.

MEMOIR OF MRS. ANN GUANT

LEY, OF MANCHESTER. THE materials for the following memoir have been principally furnished by Mrs. Salmons, daughter of the deceased. My business has been simply to arrange them in the form in which they are now presented, adding in a few places brief original remarks, and expressing the sentiments throughout in language agreeable to myself. Having

had no acquaintance with the subject of the memoir, I have felt unqualified for the task; but I have made the best use of the information afforded me, the result of which is now before the attentive reader.

On the second of February, 1773, was born Ann, the youngest daughter of Law.. rence and Elizabeth Fazackerly, at Hessketh Bank, a small village on the banks of the Ribble, nine miles from Southport. Naturally of a cheerful disposition and buoyant spirit, she early attracted the attention of her friends, and produced considerable interest in the family circle; and the cheerfulness of disposition then manifested formed in her future life an interesting feature of character. On the subject of education it is probable little was said in those days, compared with the perpetual excitement of the present day; and the majority of children of both sexes, never going to school and neglected by their parents, grew up ignorant and debased. The education of little Ann, however, was duly attended to; and, what was best of all for a girl in her circumstances, she had the training of a pious mother at home, and this maternal instruction was

R. H.

recommended by the best example. Of her mother she entertained the most affectionate remembrance, and often spoke of her as the instrument in sowing in her mind the seed of divine truth, and implanting those principles of moral rectitude which characterized her conduct in every succeeding year. What responsibility rests upon mothers! The education of their children belongs not exclusively to the schoolmaster or mistress, but should be attended to at home. The mind should be there expanded and the character formed. Who so likely effectually to sow in the minds of children the seeds of divine truth, to open the path of knowledge, and encourage to virtuous aims and pursuits, as the mother?

ment.

When fourteen years of age, our sister was called to endure a painful bereaveHer father was a sea-captain. In crossing the Ribble on one occasion, the tide unexpectedly rushed upon him and he was drowned. To the mind of his young daughter this was a sore affliction; but how was the wound thus made deepened, when, in a few months after, her dearest friend, her mother, was snatched away by the hand of death, and she was left an orphan upon the wide world!

After this melancholy event, which made a salutary impression upon her mind, she removed to Liverpool. Here she was placed in a situation under the care of a sister nine years older than herself. By divine grace a restraining influence was exercised upon her. She was exposed to many allurements and follies, and, through her own volatile disposition, there was sometimes danger of her being drawn into folly and sin. Her

sister watched over her, and her attention was effectual in preserving her from sinful pleasures. Until she was twenty-one years of age she attended upon the ordinances of religion in connexion with the Established Church; but though conforming to the outward law, she was a stranger to experimental godliness. Her sister having become a partaker of the saving influence of religion and joined the Methodist Church, she was anxious that Ann should "share in the like precious faith." After many pressing invitations, Ann at length went with her sister to "hear the Methodists," thinking, as she afterwards said, "to go once, and then get quit of them."

In the operations of his grace as well as in the dispensations of his Providence, God often moves in a mysterious way. We have often heard and read of individuals going to the house of God for mere curiosity, or to scoff at the sacred duties of religion, or to produce disturbance in the assembly of peaceful and holy men. Some of whom we have read have taken stones in their pockets to throw at the ambassadors of Christ while proclaiming the gospel of peace and salvation. How depraved the hearts of such men !

How careless of the danger

to which they were exposing themselves! How ignorant of the influences by which they were drawn, and of the design of God with them! How wonderful the change which has been produced in them! They have beheld, listened, felt. Truth

has flashed upon their minds, conviction seized their consciences; they have been disarmed, their hearts have been melted, tears have streamed down their cheeks. The cry has been extorted, "What must I do to be saved?" And they who have gone to deride and persecute have returned home rejoicing in God with a sense of sins forgiven.

Our sister knew not the design of God in inducing her to attend chapel on this occasion, nor was the motive by which she was actuated in going commendable or proper. It was to gratify her friends, not to glorify God, and to save herself from being annoyed with a future invitation. But ere she left the house of the Lord a change came over her. Who the preacher was we cannot ascertain. No doubt, however, his discourse would be characterized by that simplicity and earnestness which so peculiarly marked the preaching of the early Methodist preachers. "What must I do to be saved?" was the text. Our sister heard with astonishment and delight. A mysterious influence operated

upon her. saw and felt herself to be in as dangerous a condition as the poor gaoler, and, like him, she inquired for the way of salvation. No second invitation was needed to induce her to go to chapel. "This people shall be my people and their God my God" was her determination. Can we help but admire the mercy of God and the mysterious influences of his Spirit in instances like these? And what a stimulus do they furnish to effort in taking with us to the house of God our neighbours and friends!

Her eyes were opened. She

Having experienced a change of heart, she immediately began to direct her attention to higher and nobler objects than had previously engaged her attention. When an individual is "born again," the reality of the change is evidenced by his deportment. Religion does not exert so powerful an influence on the young convert as on the matured Christian. Still, in the former, its influences are seen and felt. To our sister the world soon began to lose its attraction. What were before scenes of pleasure were now forsaken. She formed new associations, and experienced new pleasures. As to every converted soul, so to her the means of grace were precious. Class-meetings were attended; nor did she forget a service commonly held in the early days of Methodism, "the five-o'clock preaching." As long as circumstances permitted she attended, and no doubt she would receive good for both body and soul. Early rising, especially for communion with the Lord and his people, cannot fail to promote physical strength and spiritual delight.

For many of the old Methodist preachers under whose ministry she sat she had a feeling of reverential regard. Among her favourites were Dr. Adam Clarke and the Rev. G. Grundell. She often referred to an incident related by Dr. Clarke at a Society-meeting at which she was present. Kept late at work one Saturday evening when a young man, he was busy at a late hour cleaning his shoes preparatory to the Sabbath. When he had just finished one shoe and was commencing with the other, the clock struck twelve. Down went his brushes and shoe; and when relating the incident, he said, "Black my shoes on a Sunday? Why, I would as soon black my face!" The circumstance evidences some peculiarity of mind, but it is at the principle implied in the action that we look; and we cannot but wish that a similar feeling of reverence for the day of the Lord were possessed by every professor of religion.

In 1794 or 5 our sister was united in marriage to Mr. G. Guantley, a man of deep piety and much intelligence. Favourable to the cause of Mr. Kilham and his coadjutors, he left the Wesleyan Connexion, of which he had been a member for several years, and identified himself with the New Connexion at the division of 1797. His wife was unwilling to leave the community in which she had obtained so much spiritual good; and for some years after the division she continued a member of the Wesleyan Church. Feeling her mind somewhat grieved at the arbitrary power exercised in some departments of Wesleyan Methodism, and being refused admittance on one occasion at a Wesleyan love-feast because her "husband favoured Kilham," she ceased her connexion with that Church, and ever afterward worshipped God with her husband at the New Connexion temple. Her love for the distinguishing principles of our Connexion was strong. She had zeal without bigotry, Connexional attachment without disparaging other communities, or trying to deprive those who thought differently from her of the right of private judgment. As a member of Christ's universal Church, she had a Christian affection for all "who named the name of Christ, and departed from iniquity." Still the New Connexion was her home; in it she felt most comfortable; with its friends she delighted to associate; its ministers she honoured Her house was open to receive them, and her heart was warm to welcome them; and her piety and consistency, affection, zeal and stability, excited the commendation and love of all the members of the Church. Those who had the most intimate acquaintance with her bear testimony to her private virtues and sterling worth, as well as to her public consistency and usefulness. Relying solely upon the statement of others for our information, we feel at some loss in attempting fully to delineate her character. But we understand there were in her spirit and deportment increasing devotedness to God and zeal in his cause; and the duties devolving upon her in her different stations she endeavoured to discharge with fidelity and efficiency. Wishing to reduce the precepts of the gospel to practice, she tried to live as well as profess it. Having partaken herself of the blessing of salvation she recommended it to others, and the weight of a verbal recommendation was increased by her own pious example. Devotedly attached to her husband, she strove to assist him, temporally and spiritually, and prove, what she felt she ought

to be, an help-meet for him. Fidelity and prudence were manifested in the management of her household; neatness and simplicity in her interior and outward appearance. An altar to God was erected, and the morning and evening sacrifice was gratefully and believingly offered thereon. Imitating the example of her mother, she endeavoured to be faithful in the performance of her duty, aiming to enlighten the minds of her children, and impress upon them the importance of saving truth. Nor did she labour in vain. Though often mourning over the depravity of her heart and her backsliding from God, she nevertheless made advancement in the Christian life; as she advanced in life she seemed ripening for glory; and in her declining days she exerted a hallowing influence by her conversation and spirit.

It pleased the Lord often to try her, "that her faith, being much more precious than gold, which perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and glory at the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ." By various circumstances combined, and through a succession of years, the hand of Jehovah was heavy upon her. Personal affliction and family bereavement were often her portion.

In 1819 she was brought nigh to the gates of death. Relying, however, upon the great Atonement, she felt calm and happy. Thoughts of her family would sometimes distress her mind; but she resigned all to the will of God, and had "a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." By divine power and love she was raised up; and referring to that period, she has often said, "Had I been taken away then, I should have been saved from many sorrows and now have been happy with God in heaven." Nine years after she was subject to a fearful accident, by which her life was endangered, and to the day of her death she felt the painful effects. Before they had attained their maturity, two of her sons were hurried from the land of mortality; and, in 1827 she had the melancholy duty of following to the silent resting-place of the dead the remains of a beloved daughter, who had just attained her twentieth year, and whose death was awfully sudden, sixteen hours before being in the enjoyment of apparently favourable health.

Dispensations so painful naturally tended to depress a mind deeply susceptible of sorrow; and had she not been supported by a power more than human she could not have borne up under them. These, however, were merely a