CONNEXIONAL DEPARTMENT.

RE-OPENING OF HOLT CHAPEL.

CHESTER CIRCUIT.

Holt is an ancient borough, in the county of Denbigh, situated on the river Dee, and about nine miles from Chester. A stranger is astonished, when he learns that this poor, straggling village, with a population of, perhaps, one thousand, is truly a borough; formerly returned one member to Parliament, and now boasts of a mayor, a corporation, and bench of magistrates, and a town hall.

In Holt our Community has had an interest for upwards of twenty years, during which time our friends have worshipped in a chapel the property of Biddulph, Esq. The proprietor, with truly Christian liberality, has lowered the rent on successive occasions, until the chapel is now occupied for fifteen shillings per annum. For a considerable time it has been in a very dilapidated state. The door-posts were loosed from their moorings in the sill; the door and hinges decayed; the ground-floor wretchedly uneven; the pulpit stairs were narrow ledges, supported by hold-fasts, requiring some little agility to ascend the sacred desk; the half-ruined forms occasionally refused to bear their occupants; whilst two small windows served to show the ugly timbers of the unceiled roof, and to assure the hearers that they were not below the horizon.

About three months ago, our Society was strengthened by the addition of an enter.. prising stranger. Instead of contenting himself with deploring existing evils, he devised remedial measures. A subscription was set on foot. After a liberal donation from himself, he induced other parties to come forward, and in their poverty the liberality of the people greatly abounded. The chapel was closed for three weeks, and on Sunday the 12th of March, it was re-opened: when excellent sermons were preached, in the morning and evening, by our devoted friend Mr. B. Fowler, of Liverpool. The Rev. H. Piggin also preached in the afternoon. The congregations were very large; the services of the day were honoured by the presence of God, and the collections were exceedingly liberal; amounting, with previous subscriptions, to upwards of £12, and nearly defraying the entire cost of the improvements.

The entrance to the chapel is now by two neat tooled steps. A new door-frame has been inserted, and the door moulded in imitation of framework. A new set of pulpit stairs is erected, and two beautiful brass candlesticks adorn the pulpit: the ground floor is beautifully paved; new forms have been supplied, and all the pews repaired. A new ceiling has been fixed, and two large windows inserted, diflusing an air of cheerfulness over the chapel. It is now a credit to the Community, and will, I trust, be a blessing to Holt.

Six months ago so complete a revolution in our prospects here could scarcely have been hoped for, in our most sanguine moments. Notwithstanding the piety of our friends, and their fervid attachment to the Connexion, all hope seemed precluded, by the poverty of the borough, and the general indifference of the people. But by the ardour and perseverance of Mr. Bates, and his amiable lady, under the divine blessing, every difficulty has been surmounted, and a foundation laid for permanent prosperity. "Save now, we beseech thee, O Lord; O Lord, we beseech thee, send now prosperity." P. H.

MISSIONARY SERVICES.

ALNWICK CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, March 12th, sermons on behalf of our Missions, were preached in our Chapel at Alnwick, by the Rev. J. Flather. On the following Monday evening, a Missionary Meeting was held, which was presided over by Mr. Thos. Allan. Impressive and interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. D. Donaldson, the Rev. J. Ker (United Presbyterian Church), the Rev. J. Thompson, (Scotch Church), and the Rev. J. Flather. On Tuesday evening, a Missionary Meeting was held at Newton, the Rev. A. Hoy (of the Scotch Church), in the chair; the Meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Flather, W. Reynolds, with Messrs. Burn and Medicraft. An interesting Report was read at both places by Mr. James Allan. The collections present a pleasing advance upon last year's amount.

BIRMINGHAM CIRCUIT.-On Lord's day, March 12th, excellent and impressive sermons were preached on behalf of the Irish and Canadian Missions, in our two chapels in Birmingham, by the deputation, the Rev. C. Atkinson, from Stourbridge, and the Rev. T. Ridge, from Dudley. On the following Monday evening, the annual Missionary meeting was held in Oxford Street Chapel, Mr. Manton in the chair.

Addresses were delivered by the Revds. C. Atkinson, T. Ridge, Rutherford (Association), G. Bradshaw, C. Y. Potts, and Messrs. Beswick and Bradburn. On Tuesday evening, at Unett Street Chapel, the chair was taken by Alderman Lawden. Animated and heart-stirring speeches were delivered by the deputation, and by the Revds. T. New (Baptist), and J. Baker (Independent). On Wednesday and Thursday evenings meetings were held at Lichfield and Ogley Hay. Nothwithstanding the great depression in trade, the collections are a decided improvement upon last year, with the exception of Lichfield. The Meetings at Birmingham were of a most encouraging and exciting character. They were well attended, and the appeals of the deputation, and of those ministers in the town who kindly lent us their assistance made an impression which will be had in lasting remembrance. G. BRADSHAW.

DERBY CIRCUIT.-On Lord's day, March 5th, interesting sermons were preached on behalf of our Missions in Derby, by the Rev. James Wilson, of Nottingham in the morning, and the Rev. John Hudston, of Newcastle-under-lyme in the evening. A public meeting was held on Monday evening, Mr. John Brown in the chair. Addresses were delivered on the occasion, by the Revds. Dr. Perry (Baptist), J. Hudston, Jas. Wilson, G. Goodall, and J. Graliam. Sermons were also preached on the same Sabbath, by the Revds. J. Hudston, and Jas. Wilson, at Breaston, and C. Robe, Esq., at Hemington, and meetings held at Breaston, on Tuesday, and Hemington, on Wednesday evenings. Mr. Robe presided at the former, and Mr. Bradbury at the latter place. The speakers were Messrs. Hudston, Goodall, and Graham, with the addition of Mr. Baker, at Hemington. It is hoped the spirit of missionary zeal was promoted by these meetings, while the funds of the Society were aided. G. G. DEWSBURY CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, March 12th, Sermons on behalf of our Missions, were preached at Batley and Adwalton, by the Revs. S. Woodhouse and J. Wynne. On the following evening, a public meeting was held at Batley. Our much esteemed friend, Mr. J. Jubb, was called to the chair, who opened the meeting with an appropriate speech. Mr. Wynne read the Report, after which the Revs. S. Woodhouse, J. Livingstone, R. Henshaw, L. Saxton, J. Allison (Baptist), J. Fairbourne (Wesleyan), and Mr. J. Shaw, ably advocated the cause of Missions. The addresses of the several speakers were truly interesting, and the attendance good; but in consequence of the great depression in trade which has been so long felt in Batley, the collections are something less than last year.

On Tuesday evening, a Meeting was held at Adwalton. Our long-tried friend, Mr. Barrowclough, was called to the chair; and after the Report was read, the meeting was addressed by Messrs. L. Saxton, J. Shaw, S. Scholes (Wesleyan Local Preacher), and W. Ackroyd. The speeches delivered were powerful, impressive, and profitable; altogether of a character calculated to stimulate Christians to their duty, and to increased liberality in the Missionary cause. The attendance was good, and the people were evidently deeply interested in what they heard. I hope the meeting will have a tendency to do great good in behalf of the Missionary cause among our Adwalton friends. J. WYNNE.

DUDLEY CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, December 5th, 1847, Missionary Sermons were preached in our chapels at Pensnett, Darby-hand, Dudley- Port, and Gornal, by the Revs. J. Addyman and J. Stacey, the deputation appointed by Conference, and by the Rev. J. Hillock and Mr. E. Dunn, and during the week a meeting was also held in each of the above chapels. The meetings were addressed by the deputation in very effective speeches. The Rev. J. Nelson, from the Wolverhampton Circuit, rendered essential service, while all the Ministers in the Circuit took their parts with great cordiality. Although this series of meetings was held under circumstances that had cast a deep gloomy shade over the minds of ministers and people, and which had excited great fears respecting the result, we are happy to have it in our power to state, that the proceeds were at each place fully equal to last year. To God be al praise.

HULL CIRCUIT.-On Sunday, March 12th, two eloquent and powerful Sermons were preached in Bethel Chapel, by the Rev. S. Hulme, the deputation, of Halifax. On the Monday evening following, the public meeting was held in the same chapel, when Dr. Munroe was called to the chair, and opened the meeting in a neat and very appropriate speech. Addresses were given by the Revs. S. Hulme, W. Hughes, T. Ridge, C. J. Donald, A. McCurdy; and also by W. Craggs, Esq., Alderman Runton, and Mr. R. Clark, Secretary. The excellent sentiments delivered by the speakers, tended to make this as happy and interesting a meeting as any we have held. The meeting was much enlivened, and the efforts of the Committee much encouraged, by the receipt of a letter, signed, "A Lover of Jesus," containing the handsome sum of five pounds towards the Missionary funds. The collections this year, also, exceed those of the last.

NOTTINGHAM CIRCUIT.-Sermons were preached on Lord's day, March 12th, on behalf of our Missions, at Nottingham, and Stapleford, by the Revds. H. Watts and J. Nicholas; at Hucknall, by T. Mills; at Beeston, by the Revds. H. Watts and J. Wilson; and at Basford, by the Rev. J. Nicholas. Also, there have been, or will be, sermons preached in all the other chapels in the Circuit, by ministers and other brethren, too numerous to mention. The Public Meeting held at Nottingham, under the presidency of the Mayor, was addressed by Revds. H. Watts, J. Nicholas, J. Edwards, J. S. Nightingale, H. Hunter, J. Ferncough, J. Wilson, T. Boycott, and T. Mills. This meeting was attended perhaps rather better than in former years, but there is great room for improvement. We had an excellent meeting at Hucknall, at which Mr. Tait presided, and addresses were delivered to a large audience by the deputation, three ministers of the Circuit, and Mr. T. S. Sutton. An equally interesting meeting was also held at Stapleford, when Mr. Chetham was called to preside, and the brethren of our denomination, before-named, to speak. A meeting was also held at Radford, when Mr. Sutton, though in delicate health, took the chair, and several interesting addresses were delivered, but the wetness of the evening caused the attendance to be small.

At some places in this Circuit the collections are larger than those of last year, but at other places they are less. I fear that, owing to the awful depression in trade. which has existed for years in this district, and is now worse than ever, the aggregate sum raised in the Circuit will hardly equal that of last year, though we have engaged some fresh collectors, and are making all the efforts we can.

T. MILLS. NEWTOWNARDS.-The annual public meeting of the Newtownards Branch of the Methodist New Connexion Missionary Society, was held in Zion Place Meeting-house, on Tuesday evening the 14th of March, 1848.

At seven o'clock, Mr. W. Dobbin, was called to the chair. The Report of the Society was read by the resident minister. The meeting was addressed by Revds. W. Baggaly, Harrington (Wesleyan), Calvin (Primitive), Smyth (Covenanter), and J. Nicholson; also by Messrs. J. H. Nicholson, J. M'Mahan, and Mr. Priddle, from Belfast. Mr Baggaly's speech created a lively interest, and was full of animation, and tended to encourage preacher and people to double their diligence; and to try every possible plan to push forward the great and glorious cause of Missions. I believe the above meeting has kindled a holy feeling upon the station; and has stirred up the friends to greater zeal and activity. The members are determined to exert themselves more than ever to extend the cause of Christ in the earth. Brother M'Cormick urged me to go out on Thursday, and he would assist me to collect for the Mission. Mr. Pelin, a Presbyterian, collected at the above service, and put £1 in the plate. The attendance was large and respectable; and with all the poverty and destitution that prevails in this town (when we include the proceeds from the Missionary Sermons preached by the Rev. W. Baggaly,) the collections are £2 more than those of last year. But the most prominent and delightful feature of the meeting was that the speakers were composed of individuals belonging to five different christian denominations. This was a practical exemplification of the great principle of the Evangelical Alliance. I believe the time is not far distant, when we shall have more union and love. When Judah shall not vex Ephraim, nor Ephraim Judah:

"But names and sects and parties fall;
And thou, O Christ, be All in All.' "

"I the Lord will hasten it in his time." Amen. Newtownards, March 17th, 1848.

S. NICHOLSON.

RIPON CIRCUIT.-On Lord's day, 5th of March, excellent sermons were preached at Kirkby, and in Ripon, by the Rev. W. Cocker, on behalf of our Missions. During the week, meetings were held for the same object at Skelton, Kirkby, and Ripon. At the two latter places, the Worshipful the Mayor of Ripon presided.

The meetings were addressed by the deputation, and other ministers of the city and neighbourhood. A gracious influence was enjoyed, and considering the unfavourable weather on the Sabbath, the collections were excellent. J. H.

ROCHDALE CIRCUIT.-On Lord's Day, Feb 13th, two sermons were preached in our Chapel, Rochdale, on behalf of our Irish and Canadian Missions, by the Rev. J. Addyman, from Sheffield. On the same day, sermons were preached at Mount Gilead by the Rev. J. Ramsden; and on Monday Evening, a public meeting was held, at which the Rev. J. Addyman gave an interesting statement of our missionary operations. On Tuesday evening, Feb 15th, a public meeting was held in our Chapel, Rochdale. Geo. Ashworth, Esq., in the chair. The Revds. J. Addyman, L. Stoney.

J. Stokoe, W. R. Brown (Association), J. Ramsden, Mr. J. Stanley, and Mr. Barton, took part in the proceedings of the evening.

All the services were of a most interesting character and the collections more than realized the expectations of the friends.

SHEFFIELD SOUTH.-On Sunday, Feb. 20, two sermons were preached in South Street Chapel, Sheffield, by the Rev. J. Hilton, and at Birley Carr, by the Rev. J. Addyman. And on Monday evening a missionary meeting was held at South Street Chapel. Our esteemed friend, Mr. Fenton, was appointed to the chair, and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. Messrs. Clarkson and Muar (Congregationalists), Lynn, Addyman, Stacey, Hilton, Cartwright, and Mr. T. Scott. The attendance at this meeting was very good. The addresses, generally, were of a high order, and gave great pleasure and profit to our friends. The collections during the services amounted to £19. 4s.

On Tuesday evening a meeting was held at Birley Carr; but on account of the day being so exceedingly wet, the attendance was thin. and the collections much less than last year, but will most likely be made up by an extra subscription.

J. A.

SUNDERLAND CIRCUIT.-Sermons on behalf of our Irish and Canadian Missions were preached at Brancepeth, on Sunday, Feb. 13th, by Mr. R. Coope (Wesleyan), of Cramlington. A public meeting was held at the same place on the Tuesday evening following. Mr. W. Buxton (Wesleyan), of Bishop Auckland, kindly presided, and delivered an excellent speech. The Report was then read by the junior minister of the Circuit, and the meeting was afterwards appropriately addressed by the Rev. J. B. Dawson (Wesleyan), of Bishop Auckland, the Revds. C. Hibbert and R. C. Holland, and Mr. T. Love. The chapel was well filled, and the collections were considered good. Durham.

R. C. HOLLAND.

MONTHLY RECORD.

THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE.

Since our last number was issued the most stupendous events have occurred on the Continent of Europe; amongst these the Revolution in France occupies the greatest prominence. In France Reform Banquets had been held in many of the provincial towns, and it was determined that a Banquet of the same kind should be held in Paris about the 20th of February. This banquet was strongly objected to by the king and his ministers. Troops were brought to Paris in great numbers, but it was understood that the government would allow the Banquet to be held. On the day preceding the one announced for it, a government order was issued absolutely forbidding it. The Reformers, however, were bent on the accomplishment of their purpose, and the labouring classes assembled in immense numbers. Great excitement was of course manifest the troops at length fired on the people, and this appears to have occasioned the wonderful movements that followed. The National Guard refused to fight against their fellow subjects, and the troops refused to fight against the National Guard. Louis Phillippe, in order to appease the people, dismissed Guizot and his other ministers, and called in a liberal government; but this not meeting the demands of the people, another government was formed. This however did not satisfy. The Tuilleries were attacked; Louis Phillippe abdicated in favour of his grandson, the Count de Paris. And whilst the king and queen fled from Paris, the Duchess of Orleans repaired to the Chamber of Deputies with her son, the heir to the throne. The armed populace entered the Chamber, when it was proposed to acknowledge the Duchess of Orleans as regent; a voice declared that it was "too late." A Republic was demanded and proclaimed. A provisional government was organized, who have so far had the affairs of the country in their hands. What the result of this mighty and sudden change will be it is impossible to predict. Whilst there may be much to fear, we think there is also ground for hope; and though we are no advocates of republicanism, yet we cannot but wish this great experiment abundant success. Movements and changes in favour of constitutional government have taken place in Germany, Austria, and Italy. We live in eventful times. May these political reforms lead to the establishment of perfect religious freedom; may they terminate in universal peace and good will amongst men.

THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZIN E.

MAY, 1848.

BIOGRAPHY.

MEMOIR OF THOMAS ALCOCK, ESQ.,

OF CHEADLE, STAFFORDSHIRE.

THE late Thomas Alcock, of whom we now present a brief Memoir, was born at Waterfall, near Leek, Staffordshire, in the month of September, 1765. He was the youngest of three sons of Henry Alcock, a branch of an ancient and respectable family, who had resided at Waterfall, and on their own estate, for several generations. The parents of Mr. A. were members of the Established Church. Though respectable in their station, they were not pious. Strangers to religion in its saving power, they could not guide their son in the pursuit of this inestimable blessing, nor did this subject occupy any prominent place. in his early education; yet did the providence of God watch over him, and by Jehovah's stupendous grace, he was brought, while young in years, into the paths of righteousness and peace.

Our late friend has been heard to say, that, when a young man, as he one night lay in bed, he heard a voice, saying, "The hand of God is upon thee, and the spirit of the Lord lifteth thee up." Whereupon the bed was, to his apprehension, raised to the extent of a foot, and then let down again. Whatever may be thought of this circumstance, it made a deep impression ou his mind, and is believed to have been the first occasion of any thing like serious religious conviction.

While yet living beneath the paternal roof, Mr. A. became the subject of a sore rheumatic affection, which continued about eight years. This affliction brought him nigh unto death. His sufferings were often most intense. So strongly was the right arm affected, that several portions of bone had to be removed; and the effects of this affliction were seen to the end of his days, in a shortened and stiffened limb. But painful as was this affliction, it was made, through the abounding mercy of God, an instrument of immediate and permanent good to his soul. Nor indeed, were the benefits derived from his affliction spiritual only, he