every circuit has accepted, in the person of its representative, the new scheme, and, therefore, nothing now remains but to give full effect to the will of the Connexion by making these services as productive as possible in kindling Denominational zeal, and raising funds to enlarge our borders. No circuit or society, however poor or small, can constitutionally or reasonably refuse co-operation; nay, every member should fall into the ranks, and rest not until our banner waves in every town of this kingdom, and the New Connexion is become a fact and a power wherever there is work to be done for Christ. Contributions to the General Mission Fund cannot, with justice and safety to the interests of the Connexion, be transferred to the Home Mission. There may be preferences, but they should be expressed in extra contributions. If the new scheme be cordially accepted and liberally supported by the whole Connexion, we shall hail it as the dawn of a brighter day in our history-a day in which our labours will be more abundant, and in which there will be showers of S. H. blessings. As a supplement to the powerful address of our excellent Secretary, we append the following note received from some unknown friend. We are really delighted to find so lively an interest in the great cause of Missions, and hope that both it and the appeal of the Secretary will find a hearty response.—ED. REV. AND DEAR SIR,-The time appears to have arrived for your pen preparing a stirring appeal in behalf of the China field, and entering at length upon the immediate importance of the extension of our "banner," in adding to the Mission stations. Why should the old Conference keep in advance of us, with the resources we can bring to bear for this neglected field? I shall be glad to aid any appeal you prepare, and I have not the smallest doubt but such an amount will be raised, as will open a new institution in the capital, as well as otherwise extend the stations in the northwest of the empire. Our efforts seem hardly to render the darkness visible. A special appeal also should be added for the purchase or erection of several native churches, as well as a book and printing office for the English and native languages. From the letters of our esteemed friends, it appears that the printed Word is much valued in China. Let us, therefore, have one or two book-rooms set in motion. A special fund of £3,000 might be raised for this object, and reprints from both addresses should be issued from the Magazines. With much regard, I am, Rev. and dear Sir, yours truly, METROPOLITAN CHAPEL EXTENSION SOCIETY. THE eighth annual meeting of the above society was held in Radnor Chapel, Radnor Street, Chelsea, on Monday evening, Dec. 18th. About 100 friends sat down to an excellent tea which had been provided. At seven o'clock the public meeting was commenced by the Rev. W. Dunkerley giving out a hymn, and the Rev. A. Leach offering prayer. As previously announced, J. Whitworth, Esq., presided, and commenced the business of the evening with the following address: A FRIEND. "It was with considerable reluctance I consented to preside on this occasion, and I must confess that it would have been much more in harmony with my feelings to occupy a position of less prominence. However, it gives me great pleasure to meet you, and especially under the circumstances which have brought us together. We are met to-night to advance the interests of the Metropolitan Chapel Extension Society in connection with our own beloved community. I say in connection with our own community; for other denominations have their chapel extension societies, and we rejoice in the fact, and wish them God-speed. The object of this society is such as must commend itself to your warmest sympathy and support. All who love the cause of Christ and precious souls agree in the importance of erecting suitable places of worship, wherein the Gospel may be regularly and orderly proclaimed; and in no place is this work more important than in London. We are in a sad and growing deficiency of church and chapel accommodation. About 1,000 souls are weekly added to our population, and at present the combined efforts of all the Christian 1851. churches fall far short of providing for this increase, to say nothing of previous deficiency; and it is a lamentable fact, that of our population of 3,000,000 at least two-thirds are totally unprovided with means for public worship. We do rejoice, however, to see the Church awaking to a deeper sense of her obligations in this matter. I will read you an important tabular statement, just issued, which shows how much each of the denominations in the metropolis is doing to meet the demand of our increasing population. Increase Sittings. per cent. From this statement it will be seen how much our Denomination is in advance of all the rest. Much of our past success as a Connexion in London must be attributed to the influence of this society, and I hope, my friends, to see this society become increasingly useful in the future. By God's blessing, and the continued liberality of our friends in London and the provinces, we shall see the Connexion extending its influence in this metropolis, and the work of the Lord prospering in our hands. My friends, let us work more earnestly, and God will bless us, and make us a blessing to his Church and to the world." He then called upon the secretary to read the report for the past year. "Mr.Chairman and Christian friends, -In presenting this, the eighth annual report, the committee of this society would express their profound gratitade to Almighty God for the success which has attended the operations of the society since its formation, and for the increased accommodation it has been instrumental in supplying, in the metropolis and its suburbs, for public worship. "The committee deem a brief reference to its origin and past history desirable, to assist our friends in forming an estimate of its importance. A short time previous to its formation, the spiritual destitution existing in the 580 12,870 metropolis had attracted the attention, not only of our resident friends, but also of many of our influential and esteemed friends resident in the provinces; and a strong desire was manifested that our Denomination should assist in the efforts which were being made by other sections of the Church of Christ to alleviate that destitution, by the erection of sanctuaries, and otherwise providing for the spiritual wants of its vast and rapidly-increasing population. Thus, from two chapels and one preaching-room, by which our Denomination was represented in London only a few years since, we have increased to twelve chapels and six preaching-rooms, and, including the mission, from one single preacher, to four married and two single preachers, in the metropolis and its suburbs. But in thus augmenting and extending our influence in the metropolis, many of our friends contracted liabilities, from which it was felt it was desirable they should be relieved, and the debts upon the buildings so reduced, as to enable the friends, apart from the struggle against financial difficulties, to devote themselves more exclusively to promoting the spiritual welfare of the neighbourhoods by which they are surrounded; and hence the formation of this society. The projector of this important organization was our revered friend, Joseph Love, Esq., of Durham, I who, seeing the difficulties, and, it might be said, the peril, in which some of our sanctuaries were placed from accumulating financial liabilities, most generously volunteered his aid, and proposed, that if £400 could be raised annually in London, for the alleviation of those estates from existing liabilities, and for the erection of new chapels, he would give £200, thus increasing the £100 to £600 per annum for the like purpose; or he would give a proportionately less sum against any less sum raised in London for such purpose in each year, for a period of ten years. Thus, in the event of our being able to raise the full amount per annum, namely, £100, he would give to London for these very desirable objects the handsome sum of £2,000. This spirit of liberality at once stimulated to activity our most energetic friends, and produced a response which astonished the most sanguine. E. H. Rabbits, Esq., generously promised an annual contribution of the like amount -£200-without any stipulations; our chairman for this evening, £20; J. Nodes, Esq., £20; W. Rabbits, Esq., £10; T. Wright, Esq., £5; W. G. Denham, Esq., £5; and several other less sums. And by this generous assistance, your committee have great pleasure in announcing that they have in each year of the society's existence been enabled to raise, not only the £400 required to claim Mr. Love's subscription in full, but, in several instances, sums far exceeding that amount. Thus, in the first year, the contributions of London amounted to £509 14s. 5d.; second year, £436 5s. 11d.; third year, £515 2s. 3d.; fourth year, £526 2s. 3d.; fifth year, £412 16s. 10d.; sixth year, £100 16s. 10d.; seventh year, £614 7s. 7d.; and in the eighth and last year, to £597 14s. 11d. This sum, supplemented by Mr. Love's £200, making £797 14s. 11d., was appropriated as follows: to St. George's New Town, in the First Circuit, £187 12s. 4d.; to Britannia Fields, in the Second Circuit, £62 19s. 8d.; to John Street, in the Second Circuit, £13 9s. 4d.; to Milton Road, in the Second Circuit, £6 15s. 10d.; to Forest Hill New Mission Chapel, £345 6s. 9d.; to Peckham Mission Chapel, £91 13s. 8d.; to Radnor Chapel, in the Third Circuit, £17 13s. 4d.; to Victoria Chapel, Deptford, in the First Circuit, £40 15s. "The total sum raised in London in the eight years amounts to £4,012 4s. 1d., which, supplemented by Mr. Love's contribution for eight years, £1,600, gives the total of £5,612 4s. 1d., raised by this society, and which, after deducting expenses, &c., has been appropriated as follows: Lorrimore Chapel, £1,507 19s. 9d.; Victoria Chapel, Deptford, £430 15s.; Milton Road, £306 15s. 10d.; Radnor Chapel, Chelsea, £882 3s. 4d.; John Street, £180 19s. 4d.; Britannia Fields, £987 19s. 8d.; Forest Hill, £496 6s. 9d.; St. George's New Town, £286 8s. 6d.; Peckham, £91 13s. 8d.; Zion Chapel, Camberwell, £30 11s. 4d.; with a few smaller sums to other interests. And as most of the estates thus assisted are, or will be, secured to the Connexion upon the model deed, there has been added to our Connexional property, through the instrumentality of this society, nearly £5,600, during the short period of its existence, which has given to our Denomination the honourable position of exceeding all other churches in the metropolis in the proportionate increase of accommodation provided for public worship during the last fourteen years, as shown by the statistics published in the supplement to the Nonconformist newspaper of the 14th November last. "Our friends will be able to judge for themselves how far the objects contemplated have been realized, and that little more need be said to secure for it your earnest support. They would, therefore, confine themselves to what they conceive its peculiar claims upon us. First, that its funds are all specially devoted to the consolidation and extension of our cause in London; secondly, the increasing requirements of London for additional places of worship, arising from its rapidly increasing population; and thirdly, the great cost of erecting places of worship in London, the high price of land where a freehold can be obtained, and the high groundrent where a leasehold is the only alternative. These all tend to invest this society with especial claims for your support, assured, that if the New Connexion is to extend in the metropolis, it must be mainly by an organization similar to the one whose interests we have this evening assembled to promote. 66 Your committee feel that they cannot close this report without referring to a fact which is deeply impress ing them at the present time. The term of the society's existence as contemplated at its formation is rapidly drawing to a close, and they would most earnestly entreat your attention, and that of the speakers who may address you, to this most important subject, with the fervent hope that an institution which has been so fraught with blessings to our Denomination, and especially to our interest in London, may not become a thing of the past, but may be preserved to consolidate and extend our interest and influence upon a permanent basis. "In conclusion, your committee would tender their sincere thanks to our president, J. Love, Esq., and E. H. Rabbits, for their contributions of £200; also to J. Whitworth, Esq., for his contribution and kindness in occupying the chair on this occasion; to J. Nodes, Esq., W. Rabbits, Esq., T. Wright, Esq., W. G. Denham, Esq., and all other friends, for their liberal contributions for the past year." [The total income for the year now closing is expected to be more than £1,000.ED.] The Rev. J. Bate moved the adoption of the report. He congratulated the meeting on having secured the services of Mr. Whitworth as chairman. He was very pleased to see him occupying that position, and the way he had commenced the meeting augured well for his conducting it to a successful close. The society whose interests we are assembled to promote has a select district for operation, and yet how extensive is its sphere! London is the centre of civilization, and yet how destitute, compared with some of the provincial towns, of accommodation for public worship! 4,000 houses are annually built in London, and, to bring it to the standard of other towns, it needs a threefold increase in its ministry, and an immediate addition of 2,000 churches or chapels. God has given us a footing in London, and the statistics of the society show how God has blessed us. London must be gained for Christ; and when London is gained, it will greatly assist the fulfilment of Scripture, that the world shall be brought to a knowledge of God and his Christ. If we are to be eminent in saving the world, we must have praying men, men wrestling earnestly with God. We must be found often on our knees. We must be temples of the living God. We must have unflinching devotion and unyielding faith. Infidelity of the present day is bold, but there is a power in the Scriptures which is not to be found in Milton or Shakespeare. They are God's truth, and by them God intends to convert the world unto himself. Faith in this will wonderfully assist in the achievement of this great object. Luther, by the power of this faith, overthrew the papacy. This faith and this Gospel we preach, and by its power we hope to subdue the world, rejoicing, not in the glory of man, but in the glory of saving souls for Christ, and hastening that day when all shall know him, from the least even unto the greatest. W. Rabbits, Esq., agreed in much Mr. Bate had said regarding London; but London, in all its greatness, is not England in the same sense as Paris is France. London is the great centre of civilization, and of the arts and sciences, and, with its mighty mass of people, with all their interests tending to good or evil, is the wonder of the world. Strangers entering London are struck with its splendour, but more by its vices; and this we have this evening assembled to alleviate. What care is exhibited by the wealthy philanthropists of the present day to relieve the temporal distresses of the people! In this we rejoice. Our charitable institutions are an honour to our country; but how much more important to care for their souls, which shall endure for ever. We profess to have no sympathy with those who believe that only a portion of the human race may be saved; but are we not partial believers in this doctrine if we fold our arms? I believe, Mr. Chairman, a nation may be born in a day, but this is not to be accomplished by merely building chapels. Chapels erected become a medium for disseminating moral influences. Small as our community may be in London, it can do something towards accomplishing this object. We have done something, as has been shown you this evening; but the past must be made the basis of future effort. Let it be a matter of duty with each one of us. We must not be overwhelmed by its importance; all can assist. Had those who formed this society eight years since faltered at its importance, this chapel would have had no existence. Let us go into rooms-avail ourselves of every opening and opportunity pre sented by Providence in and about London. London is not to be converted by large chapels; social influence is not confined to buildings. Let us go back to primitive times. If we wait for social influence, we shall wait in vain. He concluded by seconding the adoption of the report, which was put by the chairman, and carried unanimously. Dr. Cooke next addressed the meeting. He trusted we were getting nearer the time when conscience shall take the place of eloquence. Allusion had been made to the expiration of the term of the society's existence; he hoped it had only commenced to live. Two-thirds of the population of London could not gain admission to a place of worship if they desired it. A voice from heaven calls upon us as a community to do our duty. God requires us to labour until the world shall be subdued unto himself, and victory shall reward us. Let us go back to primitive times. The apostles laboured, and counted all things but loss compared to the glory of God; and martyrs have exulted at the stake that they were counted worthy to suffer in the cause of Christ. There are other primitive days. I will not take you back to the time when there was a lack of Bibles, but to the days of early Methodism, when men stayed not to inquire, How much ought I to do? but cheerfully laboured as the grace of God constrained them. Wesley's advice to one of his preachers is very applicable to the present day "Do all you can for God." What has God done for us? Look at the honour of being associated with God; think of our Saviour laying down his life for us; think of Gethsemane; think of his exclamation, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." This is the love of Christ for us, and shall we give or labour grudgingly? "Love so amazing, so Divine, Demands my life, my soul, my all!" How much was done for us before we were born? Chapels were built, ministers were provided, Bibles translated. And now we are called upon to assist an organization having for its object a similar purpose. About 120 years ago, Wesley opened the Foundry in Finsbury for public worship; now there are sanctuaries in every town and hamlet throughout the land. [The Doctor then gave some remarkable statistics of the growth of the Methodist churches in America. And our object is to extend the cause in London.] I believe the offer of Joseph Love, Esq., to have been providential, and that he will continue to assist our efforts, if there be a hearty and zealous co-operation on our part. Let none of us seek excuses, but let us all labour and pray, and this society shall greatly assist in the salvation of souls. The Rev. J. Candelet said: We ought to work for posterity, even as our fathers worked for us. We enjoy the result of their labours, and shall we not provide in some measure for those who may succeed us? The erection of chapels is a means to an end, and will greatly assist in extending the blessings of salvation to the teeming millions in London. Let us be up and doing, and the blessing of God will rest upon us. J. Nodes, Esq., in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, said: This institution must go on, although the period of its duration, as at first contemplated, has nearly expired. I do not believe the good men who have done so much for London will withdraw their assistance. Every one must unite; we cannot do without your help. Chapels must be increased. How it grieves us, on a Sabbath, to see meu standing at the corners of the streets, waiting to enter the public-houses! From these, and others, the cry comes for increased accommodation for public worship; for, as you have heard this evening, many of these could not gain admission if they desired. Come, then, and with your hearty co-operation we shall succeed, and the Lord will bless us and add unto us. C. Williams, Esq., had great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks to the chairman. He felt sure the society would not be allowed to decay, that the people would rally to the call, and that, with their aid, it would long continue to exist and to bless our cause in London. The Rev. J. Ogden briefly supported the resolution, which was put and carried with acclamation, The chairman's reply brought to a close one of the best meetings that has been held on behalf of this society for some years past; and the committee trusts that a fund so important will receive more general help, and occupy a larger place in the affections of the people. JAMES GREEN, Hon. Sec. |