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If our beautiful collection of hymns were in the possession of every member of the Connexion, or every worshipper in our chapels, there would be a considerable amount of good done in more respects than one, in particular the practice of singing at the domestic altar, a practice which cannot become too general. The children of our members would likewise become familiar with the breathings of Wesley, Doddridge, Cowper and others; and, altogether, I anticipate our singing in public worship would be improved.

I offer these thoughts, Mr. Editor, to your consideration, and if you think them of any importance they are at your service to be used as you think proper. I remain, dear sir, Yours respectfully, Macclesfield, Oct. 28.

J. P.

[If the Connexion is not prepared to adopt at once the suggestion of our friend, we think his remarks are well worthy of consideration. His objection, we presume, is not against giving out an entire verse of a hymn, but against that interruption to both sound and sense occasioned by the sudden hiatus, once, twice or three times in each verse in giving out only one, two or three lines at once. For our own part, we like to hear a hymn read by a minister with due intonation and emphasis, and think the effect of such reading salutary and impressive; but unquestionably the practice of reading each verse in fragments is not only detrimental to the melody of a tune and the rhyme of the poetry, but sometimes destructive to the sense and sentiment of the hymn itself. Such a practice could have originated only to accommodate people who either could not read, or had no hymn-books to read, and therefore could not profit by the exercise of singing without such accommodation; and this was undoubtedly the characteristic of the masses to whom the illustrious founders of Methodism at first addressed themselves. This accommodation to the circumstances of the hearers was sometimes carried so far as to give out only one line at a time between each interval of singing. We remember, when labouring in Ireland, we found this curious practice obtaining even then in some parts of that country; and a singular effect it had on our minds when we first heard it. But the state of society is now greatly changed both in England and Ireland. The masses can now read. Sunday-schools and cheap day-schools have so altered the state of society that rare indeed are the instances in which people can be found incapable of reading.

Almost equally great is the change, too, as to the price of books, especially Bibles and hymn-books. A hymn-book which used to cost twelve shillings can be had for five; and such as used to cost five shillings can be had for the trifling sum of sixteen-pence. In fact, two hymn-books bound in one, our general hymn-book and our school melodies, neatly bound together, are now sold at one shilling and eightpence!

Such being the altered circumstances of society, we think the suggestion of our correspondent, Mr. Platt, of Macclesfield, is well worthy of consideration. If the hymns were read out by a whole verse at once, the sense, and the melody too, would be complete, and the sentiment, we think, far more impressive and profitable. But would not some people be inconvenienced in their devotions by this practice? Certainly; those who cannot read and those who have not hymnbooks would, to some extent, feel an inconvenience; but this inconvenience would be only partial, provided the hymns were read a verse at a time; and we think that even this inconvenience might be still further reduced by adopting means to teach the ignorant to read, and helping the poor to obtain possession of our hymn-book. Let adult classes be adopted for the instruction of the former, and a committee be organized for the sale of hymn-books for the advantage of the latter. The plan we would recommend for the sale of hymn-books would be the following: Let a committee be formed in each Society for the purpose of supplying hymn-books to our people; and let this committee appoint a secretary and treasurer, one of whom should sit weekly, on some convenient evening (say at the close of each week-night service), to take down the names of those who desire to be supplied with a hymn-book, and to receive their subscriptions in small amounts, say one penny or twopence per week. Thus, in little more than three months, the poorest member we have might supply himself with a hymnbook. We should not, as a general principle, recommend the gratuitous bestowment of hymn-books. People prize more highly what they purchase by their own industry and economy than what they receive in charity; and at a time when hymn books are so cheap, there are few indeed but what may purchase one for themselves.

This is no light matter. The supplying of our people with hymn-books is next to supplying them with Bibles. We know of no book, except the Bible

so likely to foster personal piety, to promote domestic and public worship, and cherish in the bosom strong Connexional attachment, as the hymn-book. We do hope this subject will be taken up seriously, anxiously, and zealously by all our Circuits. Let our Macclesfield friend be one of the first to promote it within the circle of his influence, and we beg him to let us know the result. We think that if the thing were well managed, not only the adults in Macclesfield, but the numerous scholars taught in the noble schools in Macclesfield and its neighbourhood, would soon be so amply supplied with our excellent hymn-book that very few would be found without possessing that important treasure.

What is beneficial for Macclesfield would be equally so for the whole Connexion. We have never yet done full justice to the subject. Let our ministers announce it from the pulpit; let superintendents of schools announce it to our scholars; let our placards be suspended in every chapel-vestry and every Sundayschool; let our leaders and quarterlymeetings take up the subject, and give it the benefit of their warm recommendation and influence; and, indeed, let all who have influence employ it in their respective sphere, and we have no doubt that, within a very short time, thousands upon thousands, young and old together, who have no hymn-book, would be supplied with that precious boon. The Bible is the first book for a Christian; next to that is the hymn-book of the denomination; and next the magazines. If we could afford only one book besides the Bible, we would say, "Let us have the hymn-book!

This is the plan for hastening the day when the Connexion will be prepared for the adoption of Mr. Platt's suggestion respecting our congregational singing.— ED.]

SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

(A Letter to the Editor.)

MY DEAR SIR,-Sabbath-school operations have undoubtedly contributed much to the prosperity of the Christian Church and the honour and happiness of the British nation; and viewing the amount of machinery employed in connexion with these institutions, and the character of the material on which they operate, it may confidently be affirmed that they form one powerful auxiliary of the gospel in effecting the conversion of the world. Whether, however, they yet exist in that degree of perfection, or are

conducted on that efficient plan, on which they might be, is a question worthy the attention of the friends connected with them.

May not the efficiency of many schools in our own Connexion be increased? Were a more systematic plan of education adopted, meetings for mutual improvement more frequently held by the teachers, and a closer union between the Church and the school effected, would it not add to the influence of the former and the prosperity of the latter? Long has it been said that our hope is in our schools, that they form the nursery of the Church. Never, however, was the importance of devoting attention to our young more clearly seen and sensibly felt than at the present time. Every denomination of Christians is becoming increasingly active and earnest in this department of labour. As a Connexion we are not, and must not be, behind them. Many of our schools are in a flourishing condition; but in some places is not increased attention needed? And were it given, would it not be attended with corresponding good?

The present is unquestionably an age of intellectual advancement; but, while rejoicing in the discoveries of the arts and sciences and the rapid progress of the human mind, we cannot be insensible of the fact that error is fearfully prevalent, and that our young people especially are in danger of its contaminating influence. Insidiously it is disseminated. By popular lectures and cheap and attractive publications, which the rising population of this country hear and read with avidity, infidelity and Popery are being diffused, and the young are imperceptibly having their minds poisoned, and led into the vortex of unbelief, crime and woe. To counteract this is of paramount importance. How shall it be done? It is in part the work of the ministry; in part the work of the school. Our efforts should be combined. The thousands of young immortals in our schools are there to have their minds enlightened and characters formed. How can we most effectually accomplish the object? They are in our hands. May we not mould and fashion them with the facility with which the potter moulds the clay? Beginning with the child, we should ascend, by gradual process, to the youth-the man. "As the twig is bent, the tree grows." To the character of our instruction and the mode of its communication more attention should be paid. Let it be adapted to the age and mental capacity

of the children. Their minds are undeveloped, incapable as yet of receiving abstract principles, or understanding profound analysis. The physical organization of the child is perfect in its various parts; but there is wanting muscular energy-the power of a full-grown man. The body is gradually expanded, ripening from infancy to youth, and from youth to manhood. Food and treatment, therefore, are required suitable to the age and strength of the child. So it is with the mental constitution. The intellectual faculties are gradually developed. In our children there is the germ of great men and women. They want nourishing and fostering. Milk, not strong meat, is what they first require. In our schools, Scripture lessons should be simplified, Biblical terms explained. Truth should be presented in a clear intelligible and attractive form. Why may it not?

To the writer it has sometimes occurred that, were lectures occasionally delivered to the children by the ministers or other friends in Biblical geography, or history, or other subjects in which Scripture could be explained, and evangelical prin. ciples enunciated, in a simple and interesting manner, they would tend to inform the minds of the children, give them a taste for Scripture reading and study, and thus aid in counteracting the pernicious influence of the works of Emerson and Carlyle, and "Eliza Cook's Journal," and some of Chambers' periodicals, works which are extensively circulated and freely read by many young people connected with our schools and congregations, and works the best of which have but a low standard of morality, while many of them strongly savour of Pantheistic nonsense, and positively have a demoralizing tendency. If the system of catechism-classes were more generally adopted, and our own excellent "Connexional Catechism" used, would not this, too, aid in accomplishing the preceding object? Certain it is, Mr. Editor, that if our schools are to preserve their efficiency, and be the means of doing the good we believe they are designed to do, a somewhat different plan of teaching must be adopted from that we too frequently witness. Our teachers must not be content with reading over a few chapters in the Old or New Testament, without proposing a single question to their scholars, or aiming to make them understand what they have been reading; but their endeavour must be to interpret the Word of God, and make the children wise unto

salvation through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Nor must the work be left entirely with the teachers. The Church must, more than ever, feel its respousibility in relation to the school, and ministers and officers must visit, encourage,. lecture, and, by their talents and influence, help in performing a work which is fraught with blessings unspeakable to both the Church and the world.

In some of our Circuits, meetings are held weekly or monthly for the improvement of the teachers. Would not the adoption of this plan more generally be highly advantageous? In connexion with mechanics' institutions, and socialist or rationalist clubs, there are frequent meetings for the discussion of "popular subjects;" and what is the design of these discussions but partly to furnish the minds of unbelievers with arguments against the Christian faith? May we not imitate their example in the holding of meetings, but for a better object? The meeting together of teachers, weekly or monthly, for the reading of essays, the discussion of scriptural subjects and free conversation on the subject of teaching, &c., would, we think, tend greatly to improve their minds, fortify them against the attacks of infidelity, and prepare them for a more efficient discharge of their duties on the Sabbath. In con nexion with this, may we be allowed to recommend the adoption of a resolution of the Educational Committee in their report presented to the Conference of 1848, referring to the formation of Circuit Unions? It is to be feared that in many of our Circuits the teachers of one school are entirely ignorant of the proceedings of other schools in the same Circuit. Why should this be? "Union is strength." We are brethren engaged in the same work; and were we to have occasional meetings of the teachers and friends of the different schools in the same Circuit for free conversation on the state of the schools, the mode of teaching adopted, the success attending our labours, &c., in our opinion it would add to the efficiency of our schools generally, and as a Connexion we should be benefited by it. Many of our schools are connected with the General Sunday-school Union. We have no wish to interfere with that. Union among the different denominations of Christians is increasingly desirable. Nor would the plan we propose affect our relation to that Union; while from a Circuit Union advantages would be derived which cannot accrue from a general one. Roman Catholics, Unitarians and every

other denomination are increasingly as siduous in gaining and educating the young, knowing, as they well do, that from them they must receive their future members. We complain not of their diligence and zeal, but wish our Connexion to imitate their example. If their hope be in the young, so is ours; and if, in diffusing principles of error, they be assiduous, shall not we, in disseminating principles of the most sublime, elevating and god-like character, be equally zealous and faithful? Think and act upon the matter as we may, to us it seems clear and undeniable that, if we are to maintain our position, and, above all, if we are to advance as a Christian community, we must not only not sacrifice our principles, and be merely anxious to procure an efficient ministry, but we must devote increasing attention to the claims and interests of the young.

Apologizing for the length of my letter, and hoping my remarks, simple and unworthy as they are, will lead other minds to the consideration of the subject of them,

I am, my dear Sir,
Yours affectionately,
T. CARTWRIght.

Pendleton, Manchester, Nov. 10th, 1851.

THE FORMATION OF A CIRCUIT SUNDAYSCHOOL UNION, MANCHESTER CIRCUIT. -MR. EDITOR,-A desire having been expressed by some friends in this Circuit for the formation of a Circuit Sundayschool Union; and conceiving such a union likely to have a beneficial influence upon our schools and Churches, a meeting was called of representatives from the different schools to consider the subject. That meeting, after considerable discussion, was adjourned, for the purpose of giving the representatives an opportunity of laying the matter more fully before the teachers of their schools. The adjourned meeting was held in Peterstreet Chapel-vestry on the 29th September last. By resolution of the meeting the Union was formed, and the objects of it clearly defined and expressed. They are as follows: To promote the most efficient plan of teaching and governing in our Sabbath-schools; to collect such statistical information as may be deemed advisable, with the view of ascertaining the amount of agency employed, the number of children receiving instruction, and the progress making in each of our schools; to promote a spirit of love and amity among officers and teachers, and

by constant emulation to provoke and encourage each other to love and good works.

On Monday evening, Nov. 3rd, a third meeting of representatives was held. The Rev. T. Cartwright presided. Various rules were drawn up for the regulation of our future proceedings, the principal of which are, that the Union be under a committee of management, consisting of the ministers of the Circuit, a treasurer, secretary and two representatives from each school. That there be a quarterly meeting of the teachers, senior scholars and friends of the different schools, at which meeting an address shall be delivered or an essay read, on some subject connected with the interest of Sabbath-schools, and free conversation held on the state of our schools, &c. That the committee shall visit the different schools to collect information respeeting them, advise and encourage, &c. These, with some minor resolutions, are the rules at present for the regulation of the Union.

The first quarterly meeting will be held in December, when the Rev. T. Cartwright will deliver a lecture on "The influence of Sabbath-schools in relation to the present and future condition of the Church and the world."

We know not whether we are the first to form such a Union, nor do we wish to hold up ourselves as an example; but we congratulate ourselves on having formed one, and we say to other Circuits, "Do likewise."

THOMAS JONES, Secretary. 13th Nov., 1851.

[Some two or three years ago, such a Union was formed in the Hanley Circuit. We are glad to see that the Manchester Circuit has adopted the same course. We should rejoice to see a similar organization in all our larger Circuits. If generally adopted, it would tend greatly to strengthen and consolidate our interests.-ED.]

THE MISSIONARY CAUSE.-AN ERROR CORRECTED. I learn with regret that in some quarters an opinion is prevalent that the judgment formed by the present Superintendent of the Canadian Mission relative to the results of our missionary operations in Canada is unsatisfactory. This has probably been occasioned by the common error of drawing general conclusions from statements which refer to a particular case only. The real judgment of the Superintendent respecting the Mission in general is thus explicitly given in a letter dated August 29th, 1851:

"The Mission has effected great good

in the Province by its past operations. It has covered a greater extent of country with its agencies, performed a greater amount of labour, and conferred a greater amount of good within its sphere of action, than any other society in the Province which has existed only for the same length of time, and received only the same mount of assistance from the mother country."

His judgment of what is requisite in order that the good thus done may be rendered permanent, and the Mission made an instrument of yet more extensive and enduring good, will be seen in

a communication which may be expected in the next Missionary notice with the January magazines. In the meantime, it will be gratifying to his numerous friends to learn that both he and his family are in good health, that he is encouraged by the success of his labours in Toronto, and that his judgment is in perfect harmony with that repeatedly given by Dr. Crofts, that an increase of agents, and additional establishments in the larger towns, are indispensable. Home, Canada, and Ireland present calls for additional labourers, but which require augmented means of support. T. ALLIN.

MEMOIRS AND RECENT DEATHS.

WM. ACKROYD OF ADWALTON.

OUR lamented brother, the late William Ackroyd of Adwalton, was born on the 6th of January, 1790. In the year 1835 he was married to Sarah Cooper, with whom he was destined to live in great happiness till November 3rd, 1848, when death removed him to another world, leaving behind him his bereaved partner and numerous friends to mourn their loss.

Our brother's sickness was so very short, and his removal so unexpected, that but few sayings fell from his dying lips; but those he did utter were eagerly caught, and are faithfully treasured in the memory of those by whom they were heard, while they sufficiently testified to the happiness of his soul in the near approach of death. But no testimony was needed from the dying lips of our brother, that testimony having been amply given in a life of devotedness to the service of Christ. The testimony of living for God is better than the testimony of sayings uttered on the bed of death. In this case we had both, though the time allowed for one was brief.

Our deceased brother was, at a very early age, the subject of deep religious impression, and when only ten years old became a member of the Methodist New Connexion Church at Adwalton. At that time he met in the class of our esteemed brother, the late Jesse Nelson.

For thirty years our brother was himself the leader of a class, over which he watched with a father's care, and the members of which will not soon forget the kind and active interest he took in their welfare, and the faithfulness and diligence with which he discharged the duties of his responsible office.

When but eighteen years of age, our deceased friend began to publish the glad tidings of salvation to perishing men; nor did he ever cease from that arduous and honourable work till his voice was silent in death. His last appearance in the pulpit was at Earlsheaton, where he was appointed to preach on the Sabbath previous to his death. He might have known that this was to be his last Sabbath on earth. The day is still remembered, and especially the evening service, when the dying preacher expatiated, with singular freedom and power, on the sufferings and death of the "Man of Sorrows."

On the Monday evening following he met his class as usual; but little was it thought that they should see his face no

more.

On Thursday, though not quite well, and contrary to the wishes of his observant and affectionate wife, he walked to Fulneck to meet a person whom he had appointed to meet on business. Nothing remarkable took place, or was observed at Fulneck. He attended to his business, and left for home in good time. But he was seized with spasms in the stomach on his way, and evidently suffered greatly, for he was heard to utter sounds indicative of great pain as he passed through Driglington, where he at last called at the house of our brother, Joshua Snowdon, and there spent a night of intense suffering. Next morning he was removed to his own house, where he lingered till half-past three o'clock, and then took his flight to realms of perfect and endless peace.

Little need be said upon such a life as has now been briefly sketched. It speaks for itself. We must not, however, omit

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