Central Truths. By Charles Stanford. Second Edition. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder. THE title of this work does not exactly convey its character. We naturally expected an exposition or defence of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity; but the work consists of discourses on miscellaneous topics, without the pretence of logical arrangement or special connection. We have pleasure, however, in stating that the discourses are well written and full of good matter. There is ease, freedom, and beauty in their style, and they are fragrant with piety and catholicity of spirit.

The Junior Clerk: a Tale of City

Life. By Edwin Hodder. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder. THIS is an impressive tale, well written, true to nature and real life; showing to young men the folly, danger, and misery of bad company and evil counsel. It is especially adapted for the admonition of young men who, when absent from home and severed from parental influence, are exposed to the numerous temptations of city life.

The Great Conflict of the Age; or, Protestantism and Popery contrasted in their Leading Doctrines: a Manual for the Million. Dedicated to the Right Hon. the Earl of Shaftesbury. London: John F. Shaw.

THIS book gives us a brief but faithful view of Popery from its own standard authorities, showing it to be a dark and heathenish apostacy from the apostles, and, consequently, souldestroying in its consequences. The great Protestant community is summoned to a due consideration of its character and potent influence in this

country, and earnestly urged to employ with decision, vigour, and perseverance, every Scriptural means for its resistance and overthrow. While the work breathes a healthy hatred to Popery, as a soul-destroying and God-dishonouring heresy, it is charitable to Romanists themselves, defends their social and political rights, and seeks their conversion only by Scriptural means. We cordially recommend it to our readers.

The Future: an Outline of Events predicted in the Holy Scriptures. By the Rev. John Cox. London: Nisbet and Co.

THERE is less dogmatism, and more that is practical and admonitory in this treatise than in some others on the same theme, but we regard the reasoning as feeble and inconclusive.

Adaptation; or, Mutual Fitness between the Order of Things and Man. By Thomas Hughes. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

A SENSIBLE treatise on a very impor tant subject, unfolding the wisdom and goodness of God in his works.

Hymns for Pastors and People. By

Samuel Dunn. London: Hamilton,
Adams, and Co.

THOSE who have a fastidious regard for smoothness and refinement in style, or luxuriant and harmonious imagery, will not be always gratified; but those who are anxious for sound doctrine, pure morality, and the expression of genuine religious experience, will not be disappointed in these hymns. There is an honest ruggedness in the versification, giving sound, though homely, utterance to the most precious truths of Christianity.

CONNEXIONAL PROGRESS. OUR cause in Hanley, and in the circuit generally, presents, at this time, an encouraging aspect; and this encouragement is the mcre deeply felt, as it comes like a gracious response from God to the

prayerful anxieties we felt on the death of our devoted and never-to-beforgotten friend, John Ridgway, Esq. So long had he stood as a noble pillar in our Church; so powerful and beneficial was his influence at Bethesda-that we felt as if his pre

sence was essential to the sustentation of the cause; and his removal came upon us like a sudden and appalling catastrophe, filling us with grave anxieties for the future, equalled only by our poignant sorrows for the present. But how wonderfully has God interposed! He has shown us how he "can bury his workmen and carry on his work." The good cause at Hanley never perhaps had more (if so many) elements of strength, nor more hopeful indications of a prosperous future, than at present. The good cause at Upper Hanley, too, has been favoured with a gracious visitation, as our readers may see in the brief notice and the grateful recognition we publish at the request of the friends. We rejoice to make known-and we do this with a deep feeling of our absolute dependence on God, as well as with joyous gratitude for his goodnessthat, at the July Quarterly Meeting of the Hanley circuit, the increase on the number returned at the late Conference was two hundred and seventy members, still leaving three hundred and seventy-four on probation. This is really wonderful. Though we rejoice with trembling, yet we will rejoice, and unite with our friends in the devout and humble ascription of praise to Him who hath done it. "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy and for thy truth's sake."

Our Canadian friends have had both a numerous and a happy Conference; and though their increase is numerically small, yet all their interests have gathered strength, and the ministers and friends left the assembly under the influence of harmonious feelings, and resolute purposes to devote their whole energies to the work of God.

On Sunday, July 20th, our new mission at Forest Hill was opened under encouraging circumstances. The congregation in the evening was excellent; and at the tea-meeting on the Monday evening the tables were all filled with guests, and the public meeting which followed was one long to be remembered. We bespeak for our friend, the Rev. Andrew Lynn, who has charge of this mission, the united prayers of the Connexion, that his labours may be owned of God in the salvation of many precious souls, and in the founding of a prosperous Church.

We learn, though not officially, that our good friends at Pendleton have laid the foundation of a new chapel. The site is a most excellent

one.

We hope the chapel will be such as to be in character with its position and the requirements of the population; and, above all, that Jehovah may crown the enterprise with his blessing. More special and detailed information may be expected in our next number. The good doings of our friends at Hart's Hill, Five Ways, Walkley, and Barnsley, will be read with pleasure.

From a notice on the wrapper of the present number of the Magazine it will be seen, that the College Committee have taken action for bringing to a completion the canvass in aid of the College Fund. These trying times require the exercise of patience in our friends when appeals are made to them for contributions; but we remind our friends, that fully an equal amount of patience, and of fortitude, too, is required by those who have to make the appeal. If it is " more blessed to give than to receive," it is assuredly much more blessed to give than to beg; and, before a cold look is put on or a refusal determined, let our friends ask

themselves whether they would prefer the position of beggar to that of donor. The work of begging must be done by some, and the work of giving, too. Indeed, some of our worthy friends have done both, and have done both right well. We hope, therefore, that our applicants will receive a hearty welcome, and also such generous support as will enable them to say, with mutual congratulations at the next Conference," Well, the work is done."

Distress in the Manufacturing Districts. From every quarter we hear of the deep distress which continues to prevail in the manufacturing districts, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Many of our own friends must be among the sufferers. This is the time when the principle of Christian sympathy is called to evince its practical value by mutual help. We hope the silent appeals of patient suffering will not be disregarded, and that the relations of Christian brotherhood will not be forgotten. He who is our Exemplar, Saviour, and Judge, hath said, "I was hungry, and ye fed me; naked, and ye clothed me; sick and in prison, and ye visited Forasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my disciples, ye did it unto me.”

me.

GOOD NEWS FROM UPPER

HANLEY.

MR. EDITOR,— Sir, I thought it would interest many of your readers to receive the following intelligence:

For several months in this neighbourhood there has been a gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The congregations have been greatly augmented, the members of the church have been cemented in love, and a higher Christian life has been extensively diffused.

Among the items of special interest may be mentioned the following incidents:-A number of boys from the school were anxious to attend the extraordinary prayer meetings which were being held in the school-room; but as this room was crowded with adults, the lads could not be accom

modated. What then? They knew an old woman that was very poor and had no family. They concluded that she would be glad to get a trifle for the use of her house. They went and asked her for how much she would let them have her house for about two hours once a week. She stated her sum. They clubbed their halfpence together and struck the bargain. Here, then, they met from week to week, singing, praying, relating their religious experience, and reading the Scriptures. The mistress of the house had a lodger, a very old, infirm man, who usually sat in the corner. This old man watched the lads, and listened to them till he was deeply interested in their proceedings. Once he asked

them if they thought Jesus Christ would love him, and then they told him all they knew about Jesus. The old man wept and prayed, and obtained forgiveness. On one occasion they all went to the school-room prayer-meeting, when the old man got up and said, "God bless these lads! I am a poor old man; my relations and my friends are all dead, and I was just living alone in the world in ignorance and sin, when these lads came and brought Jesus and salvation to me. God bless these lads!"

Another interesting case is the conversion of G—E—, who was formerly a prize-fighter. Not long ago he fought a battle, and nearly killed his opponent. Such was his brutality, that he one winter's night threw his wife out of doors, in her night-dress, upon the snow, and on another occasion broke her jaw. Such were his strength and ferocity, that he was the terror of the neighbourhood, and generally required two or three policemen to capture him. But this is all lamented by him now. He now sits in the chapel as mild as a lamb. So completely is his nature changed, that his physiog nomy is altered. The fierceness has gone from his eye, and he wears the expression of sorrow. He is utterly unlettered, and can speak but little English; now he has abandoned his only language-the language of the public-house. He attends the Sunday morning prayer-meeting, and begs as a favour that he may be allowed there to pray his simple prayer. Need I say the favour is granted?

As I have given two instances of thorough conversion, I will now give

soon as she entered the room, she stood and wept, her tears falling on the very floor. "Ah!" she exclaimed; "it was here I spent my happiest hours as a Sunday-scholar; I could kneel down and kiss the very boards!"

In a public-house a mock prayermeeting was being held. Some one pretended to be praying, the others said "Amen," "Glory be to God," 'Hallelujah." At length one man rose up, and in a very excited and emphatic manner said, "I cannot stand this; I was a Sunday-scholar." He walked out instantly. He could have joined in a ribald ballad, but he could not hear the songs of Zion in a publichouse.

From the above instances, which simply represent a great work that is going on here, your readers will justly conclude that the people of Upper Hanley have no occasion to ask the question, "Is the Lord among us or H. MARSDEN.

not?"

Hanley, July 4, 1862.

"Resolved, That this meeting begs most gratefully to acknowledge the gracious outpouring of the Divine Spirit which it hath pleased the Giver of all good to bestow upon our united labour, in so remarkable a degree, as to add to the Church one hundred and fiftyseven souls during the past half-year; and pledges itself to increased efforts to promote the glory of God in the salvation of precious souls, and to the adoption of such measures as shall, under the Divine blessing, secure the future growth, stability, and prosperity of our Zion."

RE-OPENING OF HARTS HILL

CHAPEL,

DUDLEY CIRCUIT.

HART'S HILL is a populous and rising village, about a mile and a half from Dudley, on the high road to Stour

bridge. A few years ago a number of friends formed a society, opened a Sabbath-school, and built a small chapel for their own accommodation in this village with encouraging prospects of

success.

The situation, however, was not all that could be desired, neither were the appearance or arrangements of the building in any way attractive. Twelve months ago, the school increased to overflowing, and it was believed that many would join the congregation and become, at least, regular seat-holders, if suitable accommodation could be found for them. This led to a determination to build a new chapel in a more eligible situation, and more suited to the place, if a better site of land could be obtained. Inquiries were made, various situations sought after, and every measure adopted which could be devised to get a better place on which to build, but in vain.

Disappointed, but still resolved tr improve their position, it was at length resolved to enlarge the chapel, put in an entire new front, construct substantial pews, and so arrange the interior as to make it a comfortable and respectable sanctuary. Messrs. Wright, Smithyman, Crumpton, Westwood, and a few others, threw their best energies into this project, which has been carried out with the happiest effect.

The chapel thus enlarged was reopened for Divine service on Sunday, June 1st, 1862, by the Rev. William Baggaly, of Dudley, who delivered an effective sermon in the morning to a numerous and attentive congregation. In the afternoon and evening the Rev. J. Hudston, of Oldbury, favoured the friends with two effective sermons. On the following Sabbath the opening services were resumed by the Rev. J. Stacey, from Sheffield, who was followed by Dr. Crofts, of Leeds, in the afternoon, and by Mr. Pilling, of Bolton, at six in the evening. Of these services it is only needful to say that they were just in keeping with the deserved reputation of the parties named, and will be long remembered with pleasure.

The collections and subscriptions previously obtained will be applied towards defraying the expenses of the enlargement and the purchase of a , fine-toned harmonium, which was in

troduced to assist the devotional exercises.

Hart's Hill has now a neat, beautiful, and well-arranged chapel, an increasing congregation, and an excellent Sunday-school. The friends there have made a most commendable effort in effecting this enlargement; and, encouraged by the presence of the Great Head of the Church, they hope long to hear the echo of his voice, saying, "From this day will I bless you."

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE

OF A

NEW SCHOOL;

AND A

GREAT TENT TEA-MEETING, AT FIVE WAYS, DUDLEY CIRCUIT. One of the most extraordinary meetings ever held in the Connexion took place at Five Ways, Cradley Heath, in the Dudley Circuit, during the late Conference. No building in the neighbourhood being calculated to afford accommodation to one-half the people expected, a monster tent was erected, 82 feet long by 62 feet wide, in a spacious square, very near the chapel. Mr. Hunt, of the British Iron Company's Works, very kindly supplied the materials; and quite a host of men, under the directorship of our excellent friend, Mr. Joseph Whitley, constructed the tent, which was not less remarkable for convenience and adaptation than for its originality of design, and its extraordinary dimensions. The interior of the tent was so constructed as to present a succession of groves, beautifully festooned and interlaced with evergreens and choice flowers, so that, in some respects, it appeared more like one of those enchanted spots on which Nature had lavished its richest favours, rather than one on which human taste had clustered such a multiplicity of charms in the most exquisite order. The object of all this preparation was a tea-meeting, in connection with the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new Sundayschools. The old schools were inconvenient, and so crowded as to render teaching difficult; and not only so, it was found to be utterly impossible to admit any other children to the school, although applications were numerous and oft repeated.

As a preparation for the great fes

tive day, two most efficient services were conducted in the tent on the preceding Sabbath. The Rev. B. Turnock, from Belfast, preached in the morning, and the Rev. Dr. Cooke in the evening, when not less than thirteen or fourteen hundred attended. Those services were peculiarly profitable, and will long live in the remembrance of all present.

Tuesday, the 10th of June, was a great day. At half-past three o'clock in the afternoon a large procession was formed at the front of the chapel, consisting of preachers, trustees, teachers, scholars, and a host of friends, who soon organized and walked through the village, returning in time to witness and take part in the ceremony of laying the stone. The new schools stand in the rear of the chapel, and stretching out to the left on a fine new site of ground, recently purchased for the erection. When the members of Conference who had to take part on the occasion arrived, they found the whole neighbourhood astir, whilst triumphal arches, with suitable devices, bade them "Welcome to Five Ways."

A vast crowd of spectators were assembled on the ground, whilst hundreds, anxious to obtain good places at the teameeting, had already taken possession of the tent. Mr. Bloomer's wagon, drawn up on the spot, furnished excellent platform accommodation, in which the speakers took their places. The service was then commenced by the Rev. J. Candelet, who gave out the 306th hymn—

"This stone to thee in faith we lay," &c. The Rev. J. Nicholas read suitable portions of Scripture. A bottle, about to be deposited in a cavity of the stone, was then produced by Mr. Joseph Whitley, who announced the contents to be a copy of the "Minutes of Conference, 1861," the "General Rules," "A Preacher's Plan of the Circuit," a roll of parchment containing the name of our community, the date on which the stone was laid, the name of the gentleman by whom it was laid, the names of the minister, the trustees, and the contractor; the Birmingham Daily Post, and a few coins of the realm. Mr. Daniel Rose then presented Mr. Hallum, in the name of the trustees, with a beautiful silver trowel, obtained for the occasion by our old and well-known friends, Messrs. T.