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ISLINGTON CHAPEL.

Several interesting meetings of Working Men have been held in the Large Room of this place of worship on the suject of The Sabbath." Any working man, being a resident in the parish, was at liberty to attend, and speak for ten minutes, on presenting himself at the platform, and handing in his name and address. One evening in four successive weeks the interest was nobly sustained one working man answering another. There was much real argument and manly eloquence. Some sceptics, and some members of the Sunday League were present and spoke; but the Sabbath Observers fairly overwhelmed all objectors both on religious, moral, social and physical grounds. The Rev. B. S. Hollis presided. All classes united in acknowledging their sense of the entire fairness of the whole proceedings, and their gratitude for the use of the room, and the kindness with which persons of all sentiments had been treated. After the

first meeting the chairman said he would preach on the subject of discussion on the following Sunday evening, and many unused to attend any place of worship were present, and on the following discussion evening thanked the preacher for the discourse.

Many fears were entertained respecting these meetings, but they were speedily dispersed. Working men felt themselves dealt with honestly, kindly, disinterestedly, that truth, only truth, was the object sought, and prejudice was disarmed. Let all who are concerned to convince the working classes that the observance of the seventh-day rest is good because enjoined and enjoined because good, try the same experiment. The meetings were all begun with a few words of prayer, by a working man, and closed with the usual doxology. Courtesy to the friends granting the room was a sufficient motive to secure reverent compliance with these arrangements. But let all who propose such experiment observe, every attendant should belong to the parish where the meeting is held, and every speaker should come to the platform, give name and address, and only be allowed ten minutes.

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pleasure in stating that arrangements have been made for the sale of useful and ornamental articles, in aid of the above society, at Worcester, on Tuesday, June 17th. It is earnestly hoped that all the Congregations in the Connexion will kindly render assistance, and where working associations do not exist, that individual members will aid in this good work. All kinds of manufactured goods will be acceptable. Also books, music, stationery, drawings, ladies' work-boxes, old china, papier mache, and other ornamental articles, &c., &c.

Contributors to the sale are particularly requested to mark the price on each article, and also to state the place from which they are sent, so that an account may be rendered of the value received from each congregation.

Further particulars may be obtained from the Secretaries, and articles will be received by the following ladies, until the first week in June. All parcels forwarded to Worcester, to be addressed to the Countess of Huntingdon's ChapelHouse, Birdport Street, Worcester.

Signed, B. S. Hollis, President.
Thomas Dodd,
F. W. Willcocks,
Selina Thompson,

Mrs. Thoresby, London.

Honorary Secretaries.

Miss Dorville, Sion Chapel, London.
Mrs. Hollis, Islington.

Mrs. Dodd, Worcester.
Mrs. Wake, Cheltenham.
Mrs. Jones, Tunbridge Wells.
Mrs. New, Leamington.
Mrs. Trotter, Avebury.
Mrs. Lewis, Rochdale
Mrs Kempster, Norwich
Mrs. Hart, Saint Ives
Mrs. Carpenter, Canterbury
Mrs. Owen, Bath
Mrs. Roberts, Gloucester
Mrs. Hollis, Ashbourne
Mrs. Bridgman, Chester
Mrs. Sims, Islington
Miss Dodd, Goring

WESTERN AFRICA.

Since the last account of our missionary operations in Western Africa, given in our March number, we have received reports from the following stations, varying, as it will be seen, with regard to the trials by which our native missionaries have been exercised, as well as the de

gree of encouragement afforded them by their Divine Master, who now, as when he was upon earth, sends his servants "into every city and place, whither he himself will come," and who also declares to them: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

MA-BANG,

Cates River.

The native preacher at this station expresses his deep regret on account of the ignorance and superstition of the people, among whom he resides. He states:"I cannot make them leave off their Gree-grees and Devil worship. They are full of superstition and follow after evil things. Like mankind at large, they are in their natural state and love the world.

They cannot discern the Holy Spirit of God speaking in his word; but we know that it is the power of God to every one that believeth. I and my wife are left alone as lambs among wolves, and had not the Lord been our stay we had long since been destroyed. Our country is a hard place, but we think this is the hardest of them all. We look around at the mighty works of God, and think of his love in and through our blessed Lord, and so we are encouraged and go on, en

deavouring to trust in him. I keep family prayer every morning and evening with comfort, and try to persuade the parents and children to come with us. The day school is kept in good order. There are nine children who are getting on very well. Three can nearly read in the testament." In the conclusion of his report he again refers to the great wickedness of the people, and informs us that the tornadoes by which the neighbourhood had been visited had done considerable damage to the mission premises, so that im

mediate repairs were necessary.

BOMPEY,

Sherbro Country.

The missionary stationed at Bompey, among other information, gives an account of one of the superstitious and wicked practices which prevail in that benighted fand. One day he observed an unusual stir and confusion among the people, particularly the women. Upon enquiry he was told, the Yeatehsoom were coming and would soon be in the town. This strange name is one given to a number of people, who pretend to have been sent by the king to examine the place for the

purpose of ascertaining whether there is anything concealed under the ground that might injure the king or any of his subjects, and also to cause every witch in the town to swear by their idols whether such is the case or not. Shortly afterwards the Yeatehsoom were heard approaching the town sounding their rude native instruments, and with a most horrible yell. The women of the town were greatly alarmed, and immediately shut themselves up in their houses. When round the town, continuing their frightful the multitude had arrived they marched noise. One of the number, having a large horn, produced a sound resembling that of a person suffering the most acute pain. All of them had Gree-grees fastened round their bodies, and having collected together in an open place, they began to

dance and sound their instruments of music with all the force possible, while the man with the large horn went round tion, and speaking through the horn to the assembly crying in a tone of lamentathe people. After dancing for a considerable time they separated into different parties, some running in one direction, some in another, still making a terrific noise, stamping with their feet, and carefully examining the ground while they moved on, as though they expected to discover something underneath. Having continued acting in this tumultuous manner for several hours, about two o'clock

the next morning, they summoned all the people of the town to assemble in one particular place, and each to bring a piece of lighted wood. This being done, one of the principal men belonging to this lawless band, presented himself before the people as an object of worship, and pretending to have controul over their future destinies. Many of the people brought presents to him, and such as had done so he sent away with a promise of protection and success in all their undertakings. And this the poor deluded people appear to believe. But who can help lamenting their ignorance, and at the same time pitying them, that they should so easily become the dupes of crafty and wicked imposture?

Another part of this missionary's report relates to a very different subject, and one of a more pleasing character. He states: "Lately I was requested to visit a woman who was very ill. I spoke to her of the Saviour, and advised her to pray to him. She listened for awhile, and then addressing me, she said: It is,

too late now. I am dying, and there is no more word in my mouth.' I told her not to despair, for the Lord is merciful, and he can save even to the very last. The next day I saw her again, when I pointed her to Christ as able and willing to save sinners. Several times afterwards I visited her, and at one time, her nurse told me she was heard crying in her native tongue: 'Pity me, O God! O God pity me! Sometimes when I visited her, I took the school children with me that they might see her, and hear what she said. At length she became very weak and scarcely able to speak. She was asked, at one of my visits, if she knew who was speaking to her, she said: Yes, it is the schoolmaster.' She then closed her hands as if in prayer, and appeared to be deeply engaged. Before leaving, I sang a hymn and prayed with her. After prayer she shook my hand, saying, 'Good by, schoolmaster, I am going, I am going. I hope God will have pity, and take me to that good place you told me of.' I visited her the next morning, and found her to be fast approaching to eternity. I talked with her for awhile, and then she said: 'O, my friends, I am suffering here, but I hope'- Here death closed her lips, and she spoke no more."

BBANDASUMER, Bompey River.

In

The native preacher stationed at Bompey visits Bandasumer, the town at which King Canray Bah resides, as often as circumstances permit. He mentions several Sabbath days on which he held divine service, and preached to the people. On one occasion, in particular, he states: "A large congregation assembled. Many of the factors (traders) were present. the afternoon I conducted the school, and one of the factors, who was appointed by the king, examined the children. The examined, the king, and the friends who were present were much delighted with the children's answers." His report thus concludes: "Be encouraged, brethren, for soon will the time come when Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto God. So let the children send forth their little books, and their pennies; and let the aged come forth to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord, against the mighty.'"

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THE THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OR ASSOCIATION OF MINISTERS AND MANAGERS OR ELDERS OF THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S CONNEXION.

The sittings of the next annual meetings will be held in London, commencing on Monday, June 23rd, when the Brethren will take tea together in the large vestry of Islington Chapel, at six o'clock.

On Tuesday morning, at half-past seven, a public meeting for prayer will be held at Spa Fields Chapel, when an address will be given by the Rev. T. Dodd, of Worcester. At ten o'clock, the business of the Session will commence. Tuesday evening, at seven, the ordination of Mr. J. Thomas, B.A., will take place at Sion Chapel, the charge to be delivered by the Rev. James Sherman.

On

On Wednesday morning, at half-past seven, a public meeting for prayer will be held at Spa Fields Chapel, the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., of Saint Ives, will give an address, and the business of the session to be resumed at ten o'clock. In the evening a public tea meeting will be held in Spa Fields New School Rooms, at six o'clock; when the annual report of the Missionary Society will be read.

On Thursday, June 26th, the Anniversary of the Countess of Huntingdon's College will be held at Cheshunt, when two short discourses will be delivered by the Students, and the sermon will be preached by the Rev. Henry Allon, of Islington. Service to commence at Eleven o'clock.

The attendance of our Ministers is earnestly invited, and those wishing for accommodation in London are requested to communicate with Mr. Frederick William Willcocks, 98, Goswell Street, London, one week previous to the meetings. To whom all contributions intended for this year's account, are requested to be forwarded.

COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.-Sermons in aid of the above Society, were preached on Sunday, May 25th, by the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., of St Ives, at Penryn, Cornwall, and we cordially thank the venerable Dr. Cope, for kindly granting us his Chapel for the services. We have pleasure also in stating that arrange

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Application has also been made by the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., for sermons at Falmouth, Truro, Penzance, Cranbourne Free Church, with the hope that they will kindly arrange for sermons in aid of the Society, during the present summer. Ministers of the Connexion, permit us to ask you to use your influence in your several localities, in the same way; and may God establish and bless the work of your hands. "To do good and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifice God is well pleased."

Services at the following places will take place during the month.

Redruth.-On Sunday, June 8th, the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., of Saint Ives, to preach at the Wesleyan Association Chapel, which has been kindly granted for the occasion.

Avebury Free Church.-On Sunday,

Received.

June 15th, the Rev. L. J. Wake, of Cheltenham, to preach.

Spa Fields Chapel, London.--On Sunday, June 15th, the Rev. T. Dodd, of Worcester, to preach.

Kidderminster.-A publie meeting. Worcester. On Sunday, June 15th, the Rev. T. E. Thoresby, of London, to preach.

Ebley.-On Sunday, June 22nd, the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., to preach.

Saint Stephen's Church, Rochdale.-On

Sunday, June 22nd, the Rev. A. H. New, of Leamington, to preach.

Bodmin.-On Sunday, June 15th, the Rev. E. S. Hart, M. A., to preach

Soon may the period arrive when "Ethiopia" shall stretch out her hands unto God.

CONNEXION TRUSTEES.-We understand the number is now reduced to one by the death of Joseph Trueman, Esq., which has occurred within the last few days.

Contributions.

Bath, per Rev. John Owen.

Part of a Legacy from the English and
Irish Missionary Society

Collected by Miss Julia Ward
Collected after Sermons preached by the
Rev. John Owen, April 27th

Paid.

£ s. d.

6 0 0

For the Rush-Hill Chapel

Claremont Chapel
Weston Chapel..

Spread of the Gospel Society

2 0 0

200

23 6 1

£ s. d. 3 6 8 54 5

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Poetry.

A CHILD'S ANSWER; OR, "MY FATHER'S HOUSE."

I met a fairy child, whose golden hair

Around her sunny face in clusters hung;

And as she wore her ringcup chain, she sung

Her household melodies-those strains that bear

The hearer back to Eden. Surely ne'er

A brighter vision blest my dreams.

"Whose child

Art thou," I said, "sweet girl? In accent mild

She answered, "Mother's." When I questioned, "Where
Her dwelling was?" again she answered, "Home."
"Mother," and "Home! O blessed ignorance !
Or rather blessed knowledge! What advance
Further than this shall all the worlds to come,
With all their love, effect? There are but given
Two names of higher note, "Father," and "Heaven."

JULY, 1856.

THE HAPPY DEPARTURE.

"And the time of my departure is at hand." 2 Timothy iv. 6.

The apostle in this world was like a ship bound to its moorings, and death would be his release. He would not spread his sails on the broad ocean of eternity. The true idea of death, observes Mr. Barnes, is that of loosening the bands that confine us to the present world; of setting us free; and permitting the soul to go forth, as with expanded wings, on its eternal voyage. The christian mariner at death embarks for the land of promise. The heavenly Pilot then cuts the cable and sets him free. And he knows the best time for doing this. The period of our departure is regulated by His infinite wisdom. The death of all his saints is under his control. He has dominion over the visible and invisible world. The Father has put all things into his hands, that he may manage them for the welfare of His people, the advancement of His cause, and the promotion of His glory. The dominion of Christ over the death of countless myriads of persons gives us an impressive view of His supreme glory. The apostle speaks of his departure from this world to heaven with great calmness of mind, for he had confidence in a living Saviour. "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." This was evidently not a sad, but a joyful thought to the apostle. His faith was in full exercise. This had sustained him in many conflicts, and he believed it would sustain him in the last. He lived and died in faith. He knew that his death would be eternal gain. The text implies that the soul is something distinct from the body, and will exist after it. The apostle believed that the whole of him would not be deposited in the grave, or consumed to ashes, but that when his body was cold in death, the vital principle within him would exist in a higher and happier state. He speaks of himself as a mariner about to set out on a voyage, or a traveller on a journey. His time to suffer martyrdom was drawing near and he did not regret it. He was going to receive a glorious crown. All who are wise, like Paul, will think of their departure, and make diligent preparation for it. Providence often reminds us of it, and seeks to arouse us to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Are you old? This reminds you that the time of your departure is at hand. "The days of our years

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