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mendicant preachings in behalf of our Chapels are put down, to the great comfort of the Preachers, and relief of our almost incessantly harassed friends; and one annual subscription and public collection in the month of February, are substituted for the whole. The proceeds of this subscription and collection are put under the management of a Committee of prudent and discerning men, who have each year laid before them the true states of all the Chapels in the Connexion, that are in embar rassed circumstances, and the grounds on which their Trustees prefer claims for relief. When all these claims are diligently considered, and the quantum of relief proportioned to the comparative necessities of the different cases, a Report is made out, published, and sent through the Connexion, which has hitherto given universal satisfaction.

Though this institution has for its immediate object the relief of Chapels under heavy debts, by assisting them to pay their interest, yet it ultimately contemplates the liquidation of the debts themselves, when the annual collection, &c., shall become sufficiently productive for that purpose: but although this collection has gradually increased every year, since its institution, it has never yet enabled the Committee to realize any part of the second object of the plan: and indeed they could only pay a certain per centage on the claims preferred for Annual Deficiencies. At this I am surprised; and think the plan is either not sufficiently known, or not sufficiently understood. My own conviction is, that every member of the Methodist Connexion should be friendly to it, and be thankful to God that it was ever instituted. The Circuits have now that full quota of preaching, of which many were too frequently deprived when the former objectionable plans were in operation. Add to this, that the shops, offices, and houses of our people in general, need no longer be infested with delegated beggars from different circuits, who, with or without proper authority, were frequently pouring out their tales of distress and embarrassment on the ears of those who, because of their liberal character, were perpetually the first objects of attack in all those mendicant excursions. The money saved from this indiscriminate sort of distribution, they are now left at liberty to apply to cases in which both themselves and the Church of Christ are not less concerned. And it may be safely stated, that should the people who were in the habit of being so repeatedly called on, for various cases, in the same year, give but one half to the General Chapel-Fund, of what some were constrained to give to the frequent importunities of the above-mentioned description of visitants, this collection would be much more productive than it is; and should our friends and congregations contribute as they might do, the tale of chapel-embarrassment and distress would, in a short time, cease to be heard.

It may, however, be asked, “Is there any grand principle on which such Subscriptions and Collections should be raised?" Most certainly: for, if it be the will of God that the people should hear the Gospel, it must be his will that they should have suitable places to hear it in: and from the time when the houses of the primitive believers ceased to be sufficiently large to contain the Church of Christ, the necessity of the case showed them, that convenient buildings should be erected for the purpose of public worship; and their love to God and man induced them cheerfully to bear the expense of such buildings.

It is possible, I grant, to multiply Chapels where the case of absolute expediency does not exist; but this folly has had its day:-none can be now undertaken in the Methodist Connexion without the approbation of the Chapel-Building Committee; who, thoroughly sensible of the evils which the Connexion has already suffered by hasty exertions of zeal without knowledge, give their permission in no case where the expediency, is not evident, and the means of defraying the expenses are not either already provided, or in promising progression.

Thus the Connexion is guarded on every hand; the evils that have already existed cannot recur; the godly charity of helping to erect Chapels, where the extension of the work of God renders it necessary, and supporting those which have been already built for the accommodation of the numerous poorer Societies who could not themselves bear the whole expense, may come into full and confident activity; and those who give in such a cause, and on such grounds, feel that they are doing a work highly acceptable in the sight of God.

Several years ago, when travelling through Ireland with the REV. ADAM AVERELL, and observing the state of the people, their ignorance, poverty, and distress, and the necessity there was of stretching forth the hand of charity in their behalf; he observed, "The greatest charity in behalf of this people would

be to erect Chapels for them, that they might hear the pure word of God preached in them, and thus learn what is necessary for their comfort and happiness in both worlds."-This is a great and weighty truth, as it regards the poor of that kingdom; their misery arising, principally, from their ignorance and vice, and want of proper religious instruction being the cause of the whole. But it is also a great charity to provide places of worship for the poor of this country For those Circuits which cannot wholly provide for their Preachers, we have established what is called the Yearly Collection. Many are glad to hear, and are saved through that hearing, who cannot, without assistance, provide their Ministers with the necessaries of life-thus the Yearly Collection helps to bear this burden. And the Chapel-Fund should be brought into such a state, as to be able to provide Chapels in such Districts, or to enable the people to bear the burden of those they already have. Where can there well be a greater charity than this, in reference to these poor departments of the Church of Christ ?—I might add here, that in sea-port towns, such as London, Portsmouth, Gosport, Woolwich, &c., from which troops are frequently sent out, and to which they are returned, there is the utmost need to provide Chapels, where thousands of religious soldiers and sailors (and many that are not religious) would rejoice to hear the preaching of the Methodists, bad they places to assemble in. Already, in all the above places, our friends have incurred great expenses, and made themselves responsible for large sums to erect Chapels for the accommodation of those men,-men to whom the nation is under no ordinary obligation. Some of these Chapels were sinking under their own burthens, till this blessed plan was formed. Now, they derive from it considerable annual relief, though not as yet equal to all their pressing necessities. If such places get a more than ordinary share of the proceeds from the Chapel-Fund Subscriptions and Collections, who would murmur at it, when he considers the circumstances of the men in whose behalf these Chapels were chiefly erected? When sailors are in active service, they are able, in a measure, because of their pay, to bear their own burdens; but when it is otherwise, great distress must prevail in such places, and it is the duty of every British Christian to feel for, and help them: and on the plan already so often mentioned, they can do this with comparatively little exertion and expense. Let us, therefore, endeavour not only to assist those, and such like Chapels, to pay their annual interest for borrowed money; but to raise, for this Fund, such sums as shall annually liquidate the debts on Chapels, till, in process of time, those debts be totally annihilated.

Í recur, therefore, to the grand principle. It is a great charity to build Chapels for the accommodation of the poor. I scruple not to say, with some of the Primitive Fathers, Edificare eeclesias, lalria est; "to build Churches, is an act of religious worship to God:" and it was ever considered so by the faithful, in all ages and countries, from the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness to the present day. I do not mean the building of Churches or Chapels to serve a party,-to be monuments of pride or ostentation to the nation, like many useless pompous piles in different parts of Europe,-or to provide a living for a man who may desire to make a TRADE of preaching the Gospel; but the building of such as are generally erected among the Methodists, where the poor have the Gospel preached to them, and the Messengers of God labour, in season and out of season, in reference alone to the salvation of the multitude.

If considerations of this kind be pressed on the attention of our friends and congregations at the ensuing and subsequent applications to them for aid, I am satished that we shall have such an increase as shall enable the Chapel-Fund-Committee to effect all the purposes of this most excellent and benevolent institution. The burden being thus removed from the minds of Preachers and People, the former will go through their labour with delight, and the latter wait upon the Lord without distraction. The walls of Zion shall be salvation, and her gates praise; Jerusalem shall be in prosperity, and every where peace upon Israel. Hoping that these observations will be received by the numerous readers of your useful Magazine, in the same spirit and concern with which they are written, I am, Rev. and dear Sir, yours, truly,

Milbrook, Nov. 30th, 1822,

ADAM CLARKE

Religious and Missionary Intelligence.

DEAR BRETHREN,

To the Editors of the Methodist Magazine.

Lynn, March 21, 1823.

THE Lord of the harvest is favouring us with a good ingathering of souls on this District. Although many are the enemies to be encountered, yet truth is mighty and will prevail.

Our Camp-Meeting for the district in August last, which was held at Marshfield, was productive of much good. It is true we did not realize so much of the Divine power on the ground as we have on some occasions; but since then we have reaped the benefits of it. Prejudice has been removed, and the preachers have had access to many places, which before were inaccessible, and God has owned their labours in a remarkable manner. Several new societies have been formed, and the work is still progressing.

The Quarterly-Meetings have of late been quite interesting. Our Lovefeasts have been reviving and quickening to believers. Several Quarterly-Meetings have been visited with a glorious out-pouring of the Divine Spirit, particularly one held last month at Fairhaven, and also one at New-Bedford. At the former place during the exercises, twenty professed to find pardon; at the latter, fifteen. And the work at both places has been spreading rapidly. How many have been subjects of the work I am not able to ascertain; but from the best accounts should judge in both places not far from one hundrad and fifty In Fairhaven, thirtyeight offered themselves at one time, as probationers in our Society. On Duxbury circuit there is a good work; and one new society of about forty members has been raised. Scituate circuit is also sharing a gracious revival, and one new society has been formed on it. Martha's Vineyard for a year past has had a good work. In many of the stations, and on several of the circuits there is evidently a rising in Zion, and the prospect is of a more general out-pouring of the Spirit of God. There is also an increasing desire for perfect love in many societies, which, we hope, will continue to prevail, till all are filled with the fulness of God.

E. HYDE,

ANNIVERSARIES.

South-Carolina Conference Missionary Society.-We have received the Second Annual Report of this Society; from which it appears that the amount of Funds collected from subscribers and Branch Societies the present year, is, $524 12 1-2. This Auxiliary has fourteen branch societies, from which $419 12 1-2, have been received the present year.

After adverting to several destitute places as having a claim upon the Christian community for Missionary labour, the Report concludes in the following words:

“These facts have enlisted the warmest feelings of your board, and whilst we direct your attention to these objects, we would say, go on; increase your funds; create Branch Societies wherever it is practicable; and the Lord will raise up men who shall lift the standard of the cross, and rear up churches where so recently the savage cry was heard, and the name of Christ unknown.

"We avail ourselves of this opportunity to express our gratitude to the young men of this city for the zeal exhibited by them, in forming a Missionary Society, that promises much aid in this good work, and we would say to others, Go thou and do likewise."

Virginia Conference Missionary Society-This Society held its Third Anniversary in the city of Richmond, March 3, 1823. The following is an extract from the Report:

"The Board, in addressing this Society, can but call to mind an event, which has filled them with sorrow, and no doubt has produced the same feeling in the mind of every member present. They allude to the death of their worthy Secretary JOHN ALLEN. They cannot but express their veneration for his memory, and

their gratitude for his eminent services. But we must bow with due submission to the dispensations of Heaven-having this consolation, that he is now enjoying the rest prepared for the people of God.

"The operations of this Society since the last Annual Meeting have consisted chiefly in receiving reports and remittances from sundry Branch Societies established within the bounds of the Virginia Conference-making the number of branches to this Society eight-as the returns per the Treasurer's Report annexed, will more fully show. We are happy to find so great a proportion of the christian community zealously engaged in promoting the cause of Missions-though some are yet halting between two opinions, not being able to decide entirely in their favour. But if man is a fallen being; if he can be restored by the religion of the Bible: if Missionary exertions are more likely to succeed in spreading this religion among heathens, than any other means with which we are acquainted, then indeed, have we a right to rejoice in proportion to the success with which these exertions have been crowned."

The amount of money collected the present year, subject to the order of the Treasurer of the Parent Society, is $484 33.

Female Auxiliary Missionary Society in the City of New-York.-This Society celebrated its Fourth Anniversary in John-Street Church, April 2, when the Annual Report was read and addresses delivered, shewing the importance of Missionary associations, and particularly the utility of Auxiliary Societies. The amount of funds in the treasury, is two hundred and one dollars and seventy-eight cents.

Poetry.

From the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine.

RECOLLECTIONS OF MATERNAL TENDERNESS, AND OF EARLY LIFE. (From a Poem by MR. THOMAS PRINGLE.)

AH! while amid the world's wide strife
We yet may trace that sweeter life,
Now fading like a lovely dream,
Why cannot Fancy's power redeem
The glowing hopes, the thoughts sublime,
The feelings of our earthly prime?—
Can haughty Science ever pour
Such blissful visions from her bower,
As when that mother's warblings wild
Had sooth'd to rest her sickly child,
And o'er my couch I dream'd there hung
Ethereal forms, with seraph-tongue,
Who told of former, happier spheres,
Exempt from pain, unstain'd with tears.
And when that gentlest human friend
No more her anxious eye could bend
On one, by young affliction prest
More close to her maternal breast,
Ideem'd she still beheld afar
My sorrows from some peaceful star ;-
In slumber heard ber faintly speak,
And felt her kiss upon my cheek.
And oft, when through the solemn wood
My steps the school-boy path pursued,
I paus'd beneath its quiet shade
To view the spot where she was laid,
And pray, like hers, my life might be
From all ungentie passions free,-
Like hers, in pain or sorrow's hour

My hope and stay that Holy Power,

To whom, even 'mid delirium wild,
Her prayer consign'd her weeping child.
O sainted spirit, (if thy care

An earthly wanderer yet may share,)
Still in celestial dreams return

To bid faith's failing embers burn,-
While yet unquench'd the smoking brand
By worldly passion's wasting hand!
Let fond remembrance oft restore
Each long-lost friend endear'd of yore,
And picture o'er the scenes where first
My life and loveliest hopes were nurst;
The heaths which once my fathers trod,
Amidst the wild to worship God;
The sacred Sabbath's mild repose;
The social evening's saintly close,
When ancient Zion's solemn song
Arose the lonely banks among;
The music of the mountain-rills;
The moonlight sleeping on the bills;
The Starry Scriptures of the sky
By God's own finger grav'd on high,
On heaven's expanded scroll,-whose speech
To every tribe doth knowledge teach,→→
When silent Night unlocks the seals,
And to forgetful man reveals
The wonders of eternal might,
In living lines of glorious light.

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A DISCOURSE ON FUTURE PUNISHMENT.

Delivered (by appointment) before the New-England Conference, holden in Bath, Maine, June, 1822.

BY THE REV. TIMOTHY MERRITT.

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, Matt. xxv. 46.
MY BRETHREN,

I HAVE seldom appeared before a congregation under a greater sense of responsibility than at present. The last Annual Conference saw cause to appoint me to preach upon future punishment; but they left the method of treating the subject to my own choice. And believing as I do that the present is no time to be silent upon that subject, or to compromise with the error of the day; and knowing that what I propose to deliver is directly opposed to the modern doctrine of Universal Salvation, I have thought it would be proper to examine one system of that doctrine, and show its absurdity, that we may come to our main subject with more certainty of evidence than could. otherwise be expected.

The system I propose to examine, is entitled, "A Treatise on Atonement."* I have fixed upon this Treatise, because I know not that it has ever been taken up in the way now proposed: while the other systems of Universal Salvation have been repeatedly confuted and overthrown. But it will not be expected that I should be able in a single discourse to examine minutely all the author's arguments, or to answer all his objections. The utmost I can promise is a brief examination of the principles of that work. And it is with some reluctance that I enter upon this task; not only because I wish to avoid opposition and contention, but especially because, on this annual meeting of my brethren in the min* By Hosea Ballou, printed at Randolph, Vt. 1805.

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