income, for the year, amounted to £104,323, which exceeded the expenditure in the past year by £4,318, besides paying an outstanding debt of £1000. The resolutions were moved and seconded by the Bishops of Chester, and Ripon; the Revds. J. W. Cunningham; Professor Scholetield; Dr. Marsh; Hugh Stowell: Sir H. Inglis, M. P. and J. P. Plumptre, Esq. M. P. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY. The annual meeting of this Society was held in Exeter Hall on the 6th of May. The Right Hon. Lord John Russell, M. P. in the chair. His lordship in opening the business of the meeting stated and commended the catholic principles on which the society is founded. Seeking to provide a Scriptural and secular education for all, apart from any sectarian design; and co-operating for this purpose with the benevolent of all religious persuasions, who acknowledge the authority of the holy Scriptures; and who are willing to aid in carrying on schools from which sectarianism is excluded. He also made just and honorable reference to the virtues of the former treasurer, the late William Allen; and stated that Prince Albert, had conveyed through his hand, a donation of £100, and that his brother the Duke of Bedford, had, as usual, transmitted a like amount. The report was read by the secretary H. Dunn, Esq. After giving a general view of the proceedings of the Society, it stated that immediately after the withdrawment of the factories bill, the committee determined to enlarge the operations of the Society, by engaging additional agents, promoting school inspection, increasing the number of teachers, and rendering aid in originating new schools where such were required. That a special subscription had been opened for the payment of the debt upon the normal schools. Eight members of the committee had offered to give £100 each, and several others had engaged to raise from £50 to 100 each, if sufficient to remove the whole debt were shortly procured. The number of teachers admitted during the year into the normal schools, for training, had been 288. S. Gurney, Esq. presented the accounts for the past year. The gross receipts were £10,081. The meeting was then addressed by Lord Monteagle; Sir C. Lemon, M. P.; Sir E. Codrington, M. P.; D. Barclay, Esq. M. P.; W. Tooke, Esq.; and the Revds. G. Clayton; Wm. Arthur; J. A. Schurman; and J. Burnet. ANTI-STATE CHURCH CONFERENCE. This important conference commenced its sittings in the large room of the Crown and Auchor, Strand, on the morning of the 30th of April. Preliminary devotional services were held in Eagle Street chapel. Between seven and eight hundred representatives were deputed to attend. The conference lasted three successive days, and sat morning and evening each day. Each sitting had its respective chairman. The chairmen were, the Revds. J. Burnet; Dr. Andrew Marshall; Dr. Young; J. Ackworth; Dr. Cox; and J. Dunlop, Esq. of Brochloch. Immediately after the opening of the conference, Dr. Cox, brought up the report of the executive committee. At the different meetings several very important papers, illustrative of the evils resulting from the alliance of the church and state, were read these had been written by the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw; Mr. Miall, Editor of the Nonconformist; Rev. M. Massie; Rev. J. P. Mursell; and by a Barrister, whose name was not given. Several important resolutions were proposed and adopted; and a Society formed to be called "The British Anti-State Church Society." It is intended to take legal and peaceful measures for enlightening the public mind on the civil, and religious evils, resulting from state establishments, so as to prepare the way for the separation of the church from the state. This we believe to be absolutely requisite to the spirituality, purity, and universal spread of Christianity. State establishments of religion, occasion the corruption of truth, and engender the spirit of persecution. We hope therefore that the proceedings of this important Society will be directed by the spirit of grace and of wisdom, and be ultimately crowned with success. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. The annual meeting of this Institution was held in Exeter Hall, on the 2nd of May. C. Hindley, Esq. M. P. in the chair. After a few introductory remarks from the chairman, the report was read by W. H. Watson, Esq. It stated that during the preceding year, fourteen grants, amounting to £430, had been made in aid of erecting or enlarging Sunday schools. Another grant of £40, had been made to promote the extension and improvement of Sunday schools. Depositary book grants had been made, amounting to near £200. There had also been granted 115 libraries, at a loss of £276. The sale of publications at the depositary amounted to £8,703, being a decrease of £125 on the year. Donations amounting to £200, had been received; the total receipts of the benevolent fund, during the past year had been £1,747, and the expenditure £1,677. The report also referred to the controversy respecting the sale of denominational catechisms, and stated that the committees of the four London auxiliaries contained 800 members, of whom only 137, had voted for the discontinuance of the sale of catechisms. The adoption of the report was proposed by the Rev. J. Sherman, and seconded by the Rev. H. Richards-the second and third resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Frazer; Dr. Morrison; Mr. Groser; and Wm. Jones, Esq. Mr. Hooper stated that the committee of the society was self nominated and in effect self elected; and proposed that this should be reformed; but his proposition was not seconded. After the resolution appointing the committee, was carried, the Rev. J. Carlile, who at an early part of the meeting had given notice of his intention to propose an instruction to the committee, moved the following proposition. "The committee for the last year having left undecided the question relative to the continued sale of denominational catechisms, this meeting, of the constituent body, hereby recommend the committee now chosen to discontinue, at the earliest practical period, the publication, and sale, at the Society's repository of all denominational formularies. Mr. Christopherson seconded the proposition. After some discussion it was carried by an immense majority. We presume that the committee will now feel itself required to discontine the sale of the church catechism, and all other denominational formularies. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The fiftieth anniversary of this society was held in Exeter Hall on the 9th of May. Wm. Evans, Esq. M. P. in the chair. The Rev. A. Tidman read the report, which gave a condensed account of the state of the Society's missions in the South Sea Islands,-China, India, South Africa, Madagascar and the West Indies. The receipts during the year having been £81,812, and the expenditure £83,525. The meeting was addressed by the Revds. J. A. Schurman; J. Blackburn; J. A. James; J. Ely; J. Hamilton; J. Aldis ; J. Stoughton; R. Young; H. King; T. Smith: and Capt. Gambier. PEACE SOCIETY. The Annual Meeting of the subscribers and friends of this Society was held in Finsbury Chapel on the 21st of May, C. Hindley, Esq. in the chair. The Rev. J. Jefferson read the report, which stated, that during the year numerous public meetings had been held to make known the principles of the Society, and that 2300 persons had, in cousequence, signed the declaration that, war is inconsistent with the spirit of Christianity; and 1500 tracts had been distributed. From the Treasurer's account it appeared that the receipts for the year had been £1,796, and the expenditure £1,717. The meeting was addressed by the Chairman; the Revds. J. Stock; H. Richard; C. Stovel; J. Jefferson; Professor Wright: and by J. J. Gurney, Esq.; J. S. Buckingham, Esq.; and G. Thompson, Esq. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Anniversary of this Society was held in Exeter Hall on the 25th of April, W. B. Gurney, Esq. in the chair. After an opening speech from the Chairman, the Rev. J. Angus read the report, from which it appeared that the income of the past year had been £21,840, and the expenditure £22,831. In India a greater number of converts have been added to the Churches than in any previous year; and the educational establishments are in a prosperous state. In Jamaica the number of members is 33,664-in the Bahamas 521 persons have been added to the churches, and the schools have greatly increased. Additional missionaries are soon to be sent to Trinidad and Hayti, and a new mission has been commenced at Morlaix, in Brittany. The meeting was also addressed by the Revds. W. Brock; J. Mc Lean; J. Sprigg; Dr. Wilson; F. F. Newman; C. Morris ;-Stephens: and by J. Tritton, Esq.; S. M. Peto, Esq.; and T. Thompson, Esq. BRITISH SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL AMONG THE JEWS. The first anniversary of this society was held in Freemason's Hall, on April 26th. J. Deane Paul, Esq. in the chair. The report was read by Dr. Henderson, one thousand copies of the epistle to the Hebrews have been printed, by the premission of Mr. Bagster, from his Hebrew stereotype plates of the New Testament. An edition of our Lord's sermon on the mount has also been printed in English. Quarterly prayer meetings, and lectures, have been established. Four agents are employed, three of whom are of "the stock of Israel." One of the agents had declined receiving any remuneration. The total receipts were reported to amount to £921, and the expenditure to £634. The meeting was also addressed by the Revds. Drs. Bennett, Morrison, and Wilson; the Revds. J. J. Freeman, J. Crowther, E. Hoole, O. Clarke; and T. Farmer, Esq. WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION. WORCESTER. TO THE EDITOR.— It is with much thankfulness and gratitude to God, that I am enabled to send you a cheering account concerning this circuit. From the commencement of my labours here, we have been blessed with peace and unanimity. Our congregations are very attentive and increasing; and there are indications amongst the members of a general breathing after holiness. Eight individuals, impressed with the importance of giving themselves to God, have recently joined the Society. The meetings generally are well attended; our hopes are excited, and our faith is in lively exercise. Thus you will see, Sir, the great evening a public meeting was held, when several interesting addresses were delivered. On Tuesday evening a Missionary service was held in the Calton convening room. After tea, the meeting was appropriately and eloquently addressed by the following speakers: the Rev. Dr. Ritchie, the Rev. G. Johnson (United Secession), the Rev. T. Stevenson, the Rev. G. O. Campbell (Relief Church), and Mr. Gregory. The attendance, espe cially of friends from other churches, was highly encouraging, and indicated the cordiality and affection which prevail among the Christian denominations of this city. The whole of the proceedings were highly interesting, and the collections exceeded our expectations. PENZANCE CIRCUIT. ON Sunday, April 25th, three ser mons were preached on behalf of our Missions, in Queen Street chapel, Penzance; those in the morning and evening by the Rev. William Mills, of the Methodist New Connexion; that in the afternoon by the Rev. John Foxell, Independent minister of this town. On the following Monday evening a public meeting was held, Michell Thompson, Esq. in the chair. After an appropriate address from the chairman, the secretary, Rev. James Ward, read the report, from which it appeared that the whole sum raised by the circuit, including £3 toward the liquidation of the Connexional debt, amounted to £30 17s. 8d. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Thomas Hickens, of Fairfield, and by the Revds. C. New, now supplying the Baptist church in this town, Henry Williams, of Redruth, William Mills, of Truro, and John Foxell. The meeting afforded much satisfaction to the friends of our Missions. The collections have exceeded those of the past year. Missionary services have also been held at Goldsithney, Treskow, Trevarnon Moor, Newlyn, Sancreed, and Hayle. Those services were conducted by the Revds. James Dennis, Henry Williams, and James Ward; and by Messrs. T. Hickens, W. Rodd, J. Wallis, and W. E. H. Gard. J. WARD. STOCKTON CIRCUIT. TO THE EDITOR. It is with feelings of ardent gratitude to the Head of the church, that I sit down to give you a brief statement of God's goodness towards us. On my arriving in this circuit, appearances were of the most cheerless character. But I was happy, on having intercourse with the members, to find that piety and devotion to the cause were deeply rooted in many of their hearts; I therefore took courage, trusting in the strength of the Almighty. Near the close of the year we had indications of the Divine presence, manifested in the conversion of a few souls. On the entrance of the new year, two individuals determined to devote a quarter of an hour each day to special prayer, for the outpouring of the Spirit on the church and the world. Others were induced to join in the same good work. A quickening and deepening of the work of grace were soon perceived throughout the society. Inquiries began to be made-when shall we hold protracted meetings? On Easter Sunday evening the presence of God was powerfully felt, and at the prayer meeting four souls were able to testify that "Christ Jesus hath power on earth to forgive sins." We then appointed special services for the ensuing week, when four men were brought into the liberty of the Gospel. Addresses were delivered during the following week, when sixteen more were enabled to rejoice in the liberty wherewith Christ made them free. Since then, nearly every week, we have had tokens for good in the salvation of sinners. Every member of our society enjoys God's favour, and is rejoicing in the hope of glory. The work has spread among the families of our members, and the Sabbath school teachers. Several cases were of a remarkable and very interesting character; especially one relating to a captain, whose vessel was detained in the river from scarcity of coals. He returned to his own port rejoicing. We are relying on God for the continuance of the work. The spirit of prayer and supplication is poured out from on high, and our people are hoping for yet greater things than these. On the 19th of May we held our Missionary services; Mr. Beswick, from Scarborough, preaching on the Sabbath; in the evening of which two souls were savingly converted to God. The Missionary meeting was held on the Monday, and addresses delivered by the President, Mr. Peters, Mr. Beswick, and Messrs, Townend and Harley, of Darlington. The meeting was of a delightful character; but in consequence of the depression of trade, the proceeds were not equal to former years. The Stockton trade is considerably dependent on the mining districts, which are now inactive, and this, doubtless, affected our collections. It is to be hoped that shortly our finances will improve, as it is principally the ability that is wanting, and not the will. God is giving us the salvation of souls, and no doubt he will send the means necessary for the still further promotion of his cause. To Him who liveth and reigneth be ascribed all power and praise. T. H. STOCKPORT CIRCUIT. MISSIONARY SERVICES. Wesleyan Methodist Association Home and Foreign Missions, Hyde.-On Sunday, March 3rd, 1844, two sermons were preached in the Cross Street school room, by the Rev. Jabesh Harris, of Stockport. On the Monday evening the Missionary meeting was held in the above place; Mr. John Leese Buckley in the chair. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. Mr. Calvert, Independent minister, Hyde, the Rev. R. Chester, of Glossop, the Rev. N. Parkyn, of Manchester, the Rev. A. Weston, of Oldham, Mr. S. Crompton, and Mr. R. Crompton, of Hyde. The services were well attended; and this was the first Missionary meeting we have held in this place. The collections were equal to our expectations, and we trust that the seed sown will bring forth an hundred fold. On Sunday, April 21, 1844, the Rev. N. Parkyn, of Manchester, preached Missionary sermons in the Wellington Road chapel, and on Monday evening, the 22nd, a public Missionary meeting was held, Robt. Lowe, Esq. of Manchester, in the chair. The Rev. J. Harris read the report. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Thornton, the Rev. J. Waddington, Independent ministers, Stockport, the Rev. C. Baker, Baptist minister, the Rev. N. Parkyn, the Rev. W. Reed, of Manchester, Messrs. Maginnis, E. Mills, and R. Williams, of Manchester. The services were well attended, particularly the public meeting. The addresses were very interesting, and we trust produced a greater interest in the minds of the people, in behalf of our Home and Foreign Missions, than has hitherto been manifested. J. HARRIS. OBITUARY. DIED, May 21, 1843, at Edgeley, near Stockport, William Bennett, in the 54th year of his age. He was born in Manchester, where his parents were for many years members of the Wesleyan Methodist Society. At an early period of his life, he with much pleasure accompanied his father to the various means of grace; and, while yet a youth, obtained a sense of the pardoning love of God, and was enabled to testify that he had " peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." When he had arrived at man's estate, he went to reside at Ashtonunder-line. There he united himself with the people of God; and was soon called to take the charge of a class as its leader; and shortly after was requested by the church to engage in the important work of calling sinners to repentance. With much fear and trembling, he laboured as a local preacher, and had the satisfaction to know that he did not labour in vain. Sometime after this he came to reside in Stockport and continued those labours in which he had before been employed. Here circumstances occurred, which occasioned him to leave the Conference society, and become united with the Wesleyan Association. He was an ardent admirer of Sabbath schools, and, whenever his other duties permit |