book deliberately read to them, whether they will or no, and of coming in living contact with the enthusiasm of its writer. To have been in these vestibules of literature is certainly an advantage; but a man may find his way into the library and make very good use of what is there without having lingered in any of them. In short, whoever has received from schools such a training in reading and writing as to have made these arts a pleasant possession to him, may be regarded as having had, in the matter of literary education, all the essential outfit. The rest is in his own

A highly interesting meeting of the African Mission was held at the Portland Street Rooms, Ilfracombe, on Wednesday evening, the 2nd of August, 1854.

The chair was occupied by Richard Bligh, Esq.; the meeting opened with prayer by the Rev. Lionel Rich, M.A. (a clergyman); and was addressed by Rev. J. Averill, Ilfracombe, Rev. L. Rich, Rev. B. Price, and the Deputation, the Rev. George Fowler.

Much interest was excited by the exhibition of the idols of the heathen, as well as by the personal narrative of the Deputation.

£5. 8s. 1 d., was collected at the doors; the rooms were kindly lent for the occasion.

SIERRA LEONE.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, June 23rd, 1854.

REVEREND SIR,

With feelings of gratification for the progress which the young men have made since the establishment of the Training Institution in February last, and at the same time with a deep sense of the benefits to be derived thereby, I present this my first Report.

The minds of the young men, I am happy to say, are daily improving, although but little has been accomplished since the school began, yet I trust, that even from this small beginning, results will arise which will be for the good of many. I have been encouraged by the interest which the young men took to study, to devote my time to improve them, and it has led me to apply for more books, as those which we have at present are insufficient for each of them to have one. They have been diligent in cultivating their minds, but I am sorry to say that the time allowed them is rather too short for them to reap much.

Those attending the morning school seem to advance a little more in their Natural History, and seem to have a better understanding of what they have passed than the others, as they have more time to study. They all seem to have a better understanding of their Geography, and can do more in it than the rest of their studies. They have not, as yet, a correct notion of the English Grammar, but I have made it my duty always to write simple sentences on the blackboard for them to parse, as well as to make them conjugate every verb that occurs in such sentences, in all its moods and tenses. I am sorry to say, that as the greater part of most of the young men's time has been taken by their daily occupations, they have not had the privilege to read so much as is required of them. Though little has been done in Arithmetic, yet I trust that they have a thorough understanding of what they have passed. They seem to improve in their Copy Books: some of them have made very good hand-writing. In Composition very little has been done. On that account, none of them send in their report at this time.

The School requires the following articles; viz.:-Ink, a few more copies of Pinnock's Natural History, Stewart's Geography, Murray's English Grammar, Watts's Logic, Murray's English Reader, a Globe, and other Sundries, as you think proper.

I have also to inform you that a young man, York Shepherd by name, a native of Freetown, and shoemaker by trade, has applied for admittance into the school. He is also a member of the Connexion.

The general attendance of the young men has been satisfactory. I have never had any occasion of absence, except in cases of sickness, or lawful engagement. Habits of punctuality are gradually acquired; but there is a little in them to grieve me. My assurance, however, is that "He who hath begun the good work, will carry it to the end."

I remain,
Reverend Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
GEO. MOZLEY.

Rev. G. Fowler.

We consider the arrangement made to train the younger male friends of the Connexion, as the above satisfactory letter describes, an excellent improvement, resulting from Mr. Fowler's visit to Africa. It seems impossible to raise up a number of efficient preachers and exhorters, without a degree of mental discipline. More time may perhaps be afforded to a few who are anxious to learn, and approved by the Rev. Mr. Elliott; but it is a grave question how far any should be taken entirely out of business even for a time, not merely on account of expense, but also of the general indisposition of the African to continue to apply long at a time, and of the all-important subject of a European Brother to judge of the qualifications of applicants. EDITOR.

KIDDERMINSTER.

On Lord's Day, August 27th, 1854, two excellent sermons were preached in the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, by the Rev. T. Dodd, of Worcester, on behalf of the Sabbath Schools connected with the above place of worship. The sum collected amounted to £14. Donations have since been received, realizing altogether the sum of £20.

SPA FIELDS' CHAPEL DAILY SCHOOLS.

On Sunday, October 8th, the Annual Sermons on behalf of these Schools founded by the late Countess of Huntingdon, in 1782, were preached to crowded congregations, by the Rev. S. R. Ward, of Toronto. Mr. Ward, after reading the liturgical service (for the first time) with great propriety, delivered two eloquent and impressive sermons; in the morning upon the "Faith and Obedience of Abraham," and in the evening on the "Necessity of receiving the Gospel as a little child." The collections, including a life subscription of £10. 10s. from Mr. Dix, amounted to nearly £40.

On Wednesday, the 18th, the children were taken to the Crystal Palace, when, after surveying the wonders of nature and art, and partaking of refreshments provided by the liberality of friends, they returned to the school, where another repast was provided for them; and after suitable addresses from several friends present, they separated highly delighted with the treat afforded to them.

WESTERN DISTRICT.

The Autumnal Meeting of the MinistersTM of the Western District was held at the Connexion Chapel, Swansea, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 10th and 11th of October,

1854.

Two public services were held in connection with the meeting. In the evening of the first day the service was commenced by the Rev. J. Whitby, resident minister of the chapel, who gave out the hymns; the Rev. W. Aldridge of Hereford read the Scripture and engaged in prayer; and the Rev. L. J. Wake of Cheltenham, preached an impressive sermon from Zeph. ii. 11, and concluded by prayer. The second service was held on the Wednesday evening, when the Rev. T. Dodd, of Worcester, read a portion of the Word of God, and offered prayer; and the Rev. J. Jones, of Birmingham, delivered an excellent discourse, founded on the 7th and 8th verses of the 6th chapter of the Epistle to the Galatians. The hymns were given out by other ministers of the Connexion who were present.

The Meeting for transacting the business of the District was held on the Wednesday morning, when the Rev. J. Whitby presided, and the Rev. T. Dodd implored the Divine

direction and blessing on the brethren present, and on the Connexion at large.

Several important subjects were brought under the notice of the meeting, and suitable resolutions were adopted, among which were the following:

"That this meeting beg to express their entire satisfaction in the appointment of the Rev. James Sherman as the ministerial Trustee of the Connexion."

"That application be made to the Rev. J. S. Pearsall and the Committee of the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Bristol, to receive a deputation in behalf of the Countess's Missionary Society."

"That the next District Meeting be held at Bath the last week in April, and that the Rev. J. Trotter, of Avebury, be the preacher on the occasion."

The attendance at the public services was encouraging, and the brethren found it good to associate together for the purposes of mutual intercourse, and the promoting of the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ among the churches of the Connexion, and in the world generally.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF CLOTHING, &c., FOR

THE MISSION SCHOOLS IN SIERRA LEONE.

The thanks of the Committee are presented to their young friends, who have so kindly and zealously exerted themselves for the school children in Africa.

Forwarded to Africa this year:

ASHFORD. From the Juvenile Working Party, under the care of Miss Rubson, clothing for distribution in the schools.

EAST GRINSTEAD.-From the Juvenile Working Party, under the care of Mrs. Gibbs, clothing for the children, and a few little books.

ENFIELD. From the Sabbath School Children, through Mrs. Stribling, clothing and Testaments for distribution.

EXETER. From the Sabbath and Day Schools, through Mrs. Mitchell; and from the young ladies at Priory House, through the Misses Bamber and Lendon; clothing and presents for the children.

MAIDENHEAD.-From the Sabbath School Children, through Miss Stuchbery, two reference Bibles, for two of the youths in the evening class at Freetown.

NOTICES.

LADY HUNTINGDON'S CONNEXION HYMN

BOOK.

We are happy to see that this desirable volume is now completed; and to know that many of our congregations by the warm recommendations of our Brethren who have already examined it, have determined on its adoption. We trust all will in due time follow their example, and thus relieve themselves from the confusion and perplexity of two or more books, and save the inconvenience of providing a sort of hymn library, for either the pocket or the pew.

The first sacrifice will be the least; and the more able may help the weaker of our assemblies, by personal and collective effort to reduce still more the low prices of the copies; already very cheap. As likewise all our principal congregations have, or ought to have, one or more village stations, we recom

mend the older collection to be appropriated to their use, which will prevent waste and preserve simplicity of action.

The

We are pleased with the indexes. head of each page is one guide to the selection of a suitable hymn. The index of first lines, with the names of the authors, is full and clear. So is that in which SUBJECTS are classified; while the index of the Scriptures, which are placed at the head of each hymn, renders the book exceedingly usable.

We trust the publishing of this excellent work at the time when a new trustee is appointed, is an omen of coming more perfect harmony and effect, of a state of acting TOGETHER, for our great Connexional object, the swelling of the song for grace on earth and for glory in heaven.

THE HARBINGER.

It has been determined to publish the Harbinger next year, as formerly, at two pence each number. This, we trust, will largely increase our sale; and it certainly will extend the information so important to our Body, if our Ministers and leading friends will exert themselves in promoting its circulation. A reasonable effort in all our congre- . gations would quadruple its sale.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF
INFLUENCE.

INFLUENCE, whether derived from money, talents, or connexions, is Power. There is no person so insignificant, but he has much of this power. The little Israelite maid, in Naaman's family, is an instance. Some, indeed, suppose they have more power than they really possess; but we generally think we have less than we really have. Whoever neglects or misapplies this power, is an unprofitable servant; unbelief, timidity, and delicacy often cramp its exertion; but it is our duty to call ourselves out to the exertion of this power, as Mordecai called out Esther; it is our duty to watch against every thing that might hinder or prevent our influence; for mere regard to reputation will often carry many into error; who would not follow Aaron in worshipping the Golden Calf? Even men

of feeble public talents may acquire much influence by kindness and consistency of character. Ministers are defective in resting their personal influence too much on their public ministry: time will give weight to a man's character; and it is one advantage to a man, to be cast early into his situation, that he may earn a character.-Cecil.

NEW TRUSTEE.

We

We are much gratified to find that our excellent brother, the Rev. J. Sherman, is to be appointed a Trustee to the Connexion, in the room of the late Rev. John Finley. trust this appointment will be eminently conducive to the glory of God, and be the means of healing the breaches and establishing the Connexion with which we are associated.

Not only very much land remains to be possessed; but very much already possessed remains to be cultivated and improved. Wise and united effort of trustees, ministers, college, and friends, would soon restore our Connexion to its proper position among the Christian institutions of our land. "O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, Amen!"

THO' often my mind is dejected,
Yet will I not dare to repine,
My trials I know are selected

By wisdom and goodness Divine;
My Father's severest correction

Shall work in the end for my good,
For ought I to doubt his affection,
Tho' all be not yet understood.

Whatever to him brings me nearer,-
From earth and from sin wins my heart,-
Makes Christ and his Spirit still dearer,—
I ought to receive in good part:
I know what perverse contradiction

My dearest Redeemer once shar'd,
And light is my present affliction,
With joy everlasting compar'd.

Tho' never with evil infected,

Yet oh! how afflicted was he; Despised by men, and rejected,

And wounded, and bruised for me! 'Tis surely enough for the servant

To share the same fate as his Lord; Were my zeal and affection more fervent, What suff'ring for him could be hard!

The conflict will shortly be ended,

The conquest and crown are at hand, When I, to his presence ascended,

Secure in his presence shall stand;
That happiness daily expecting,

In patience my soul I possess,
And earth and its shadows rejecting,
To glory eternal I'll press.