pery in Ireland. If such be the state of things in that country, modified as the spirit of the system must be by its contact with Protestantism, what must be the condition of the people in those countries where Popery has an undisturbed dominion, and where, by the exclusion of Protestantism, and the interdiction of the Scriptures, not a crevice is permitted in the Papal temple, through which can be emitted even a few rays of elevating and emancipating truth, either to disturb the repose, or illumine the gloom, attendant on "the spectacle of a religion lying in state, surrounded with the silent pomp of death!" That Popery possesses an inherent spirit of cruelty, is demonstrable from Mr. Croly's statement respecting the Irish peasantry: Nothing can persuade them but that they ought to hate and exterminate, if in their power, all such as differ from them in religion." (P. 59.) This declaration relates not to the Papists of the dark ages, but to many of the present inhabitants of Ireland; not to those who derive their information from the Bible, but from the Priests! This spirit of cruelty is either inherent in the system, or it is the fruit of that instruction which is communicated by the Priests. And yet by some Protestants the system is spoken of as perfectly innocent; and the Priests are represented as some of the most deserving Pastors in Christendom. Away with such spurious charity, such affected liberality! The guise is too transparent to cover the spirit of Popery, or of infidelity, which such professions indicate. "Po pery," according to Mr. Hall, "in the ordinary state of its profession, combines, the form of godliness' with a total denial of its power. A heap of unmeaning ceremonies, adapted to fascinate the imagination, and engage the senses,-implicit faith in human authority, combined with an utter neglect of divine teaching, ignorance the most profound, joined to dogmatism the most presumptuous, a vigilant exclusion of biblical knowledge, together with a total extinction of free inquiry,present the spectacle of religion ly ing in state, surrounded with the silent pomp of death. The very absurdities of such a religion render it less unacceptable to men whose decided hostility to truth inclines them to view with complacency whatever obscures its beauty, or impedes its operation. Of all the corruptions of Christianity which have prevailed to any considerable extent, Popery presents the most numerous points of contrast to the simple doctrines of the Gospel; and just in proportion as it gains ground, the religion of Christ must decline. On these accounts, though we are far from supposing that Popery, were it triumphant, would allow toleration to any denomination of Protestants, we have the utmost confidence, that the professors of evangelical piety would be its first victims. The party most opposed to them look to Papists as their natural ally, on whose assistance, in the suppression of what they are pleased to denominate fanaticism and enthusiasm, they may always depend: they may, therefore, without presumption, promise themselves the distinction conferred on Ulysses, that of being last devoured." In bringing our observations to a close, though we may perhaps at no distant period resume the subject, we wish to impress upon the attention of our readers the statements made by Mr. Croly respecting the actual condition of Ireland, as it respects the mental bondage and moral depravity of many of her sons. This distressing and disgraceful state of things arises chiefly from the abominable exactions of the Popish Priesthood, who neglect the duties which devolve upon them, and pervert the influence they officially possess to the worst and basest purposes. The contents of Mr. Croly's Essay afford palpable evidence of this painful truth. The pacification of Ireland must be effected, not so much by legislative as by moral and religious measures. To adopt the language of Mr. Croly, when speaking of the "plebeian body' as the " governors of the world," we say, of the Irish peasantry, not in reference to "their governing, but being governed," "Let them be properly educated, and imbibe the true principles of religion and morality; rid them of bigotry, prejudices, and sectarian hatred; teach them to love their neighbour as themselves, and to view all classes and divisions with an equal eye of charity; inculcate on their minds a hatred of vice, and love of virtue; a love of truth, of justice, and fair dealing. Divest them of their weakness and credulity; and strengthen their minds to withstand the baneful arts of superstition and imposture. Banish from them lawlessness, savageness, cruelty, and bloodhirstiness; and make them civil, order peaceable, and humane. In a word, fashion them, form them, renew them, make them rational beings, not only in appearance but in reality." (P. 67.) This is the proper prescription for the elevation of Ireland, and the emancipation of her sons. Popery has tried to civilize Ireland. The great majority of her inhabitants have for centuries been groaning under her iron yoke. The history of and the tyranny of that cruel system. the past demonstrates the inefficiency Let the experiment be fairly tried on Protestant principles. In addition to the property legally applicable to religious purposes, let the "voluntary principle" be brought into full play by placing at the disposal of those institutions which have for their grand and glorious object, the diffusion of scriptural kowledge, an increased degree of ability to scatter abroad with a more liberal hand the seeds of divine truth; and "the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever." (Isai. xxxii. 17.) RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. DISCIPLINE OF THE METHODIST CONNEXION. City-Road, London, May 11th, 1835. I TRANSMIT to you, for insertion in your Magazine, the following extract from the Minutes of the London DistrictMeeting, held at the City-road chapel, on April 28th, 1835, and the following days. By order of the District-Meeting, Question 29th.-Has this Meeting any sentiments to express concerning the attempts which have recently been made, in different places, to disturb the peace of the Connexion, and procure a change in the essential principles of our constitu tion ? Answer 1.-We cannot but regard the formation and proceedings of the selfstyled "Manchester Central Association as directly opposed not only to the vital laws and regulations of our body, but to the spirit and precepts of the New Testament; and we explicitly declare our conviction, that any union with the afore-mentioned Association is inconsistent with the duties, and, if persisted in after due warning and admonition, will be utterly incompatible with the rights and privileges, of membership amongst us. 2. We devoutly record our fervent gratitude to Almighty God for his providenVOL. XIV. Third Series. JUNE, tial interference in support of Methodism as at present constituted,- an interference which we particularly acknowledge in the late invaluable judgments of his Honour the Vice-Chancellor, Sir Lancelot Shadwell, and Lord Chancellor Lyndhurst, in the Courts of Chancery. 3. We affectionately express our sympathy with our honoured fathers and brethren, in the insult and obloquy to which they have been most unjustly exposed, by the unchristian and wicked attempts of factious men, to traduce their characters, and impeach the integrity of the Conference; but we, at the same time, unfeignedly rejoice that by far the larger proportion of the societies in this District continue free from the agitations which the foes or faithless friends of Methodism have laboured to promote, and give satisfactory evidence of their unabated attachment to that excellent system which we have received from our fathers. 4. We pledge ourselves anew to the great principles of Methodism, as at present constituted, and officially explained by the Conference from time to time, in its printed Minutes, signed by the President and Secretary, and as now generally "administered under their authority." We have made our choice, and, with the help of our God, we will abide by it. Explanations of anything in our existing 1835. 2 H Rules which may appear obscure or ambiguous, or even a careful revision and amplification of those Rules, if effected by proper authority, and after full and leisurely deliberation, may possibly be deemed by the Conference a wise and seasonable measure. But never will we agree to mutilate or alter the essential principles of that pure and simple Constitution, which, under God, was confided to us as a sacred deposit by the Rev. John Wesley. 5. We present our cordial thanks to the brethren in this District who have honourably distinguished themselves in the late conflict, and especially to our esteemed friends, the Rev. George Cubitt and the Rev. William Vevers, for their useful and well-timed publications. THE following Minute was passed at the Northampton District-Meeting: Question. What is the opinion of this Meeting respecting the proceedings of the Manchester Central Association? Answer. This Meeting unanimously concur in opinion, that the Manchester Association is altogether unmethodistical in its constitution; and protest against its unwarranted and anti-scriptural attempts to disturb the harmony of our societies; sympathizing most affectionately with those brethren who have been molested thereby; gratefully recognising the valuable and timely exertions of many to oppose and neutralize their efforts; and cordially pledging themselves to support the tried and established economy of Wesleyan Methodism in its purity. THOMAS WALKER, LETTER FROM THE EXETER CIRCUIT. ON Thursday, May 7th, and Sunday, the 10th, a new Wesleyan chapel was opened, in St. Sidwell's, in the city of Exeter. The Rev. Robert Newton, of Manchester, preached in the morning, and the Rev. A. E. Farrar, from London, in the evening, and Mr. Newton preached in the old chapel at the same hour. On Sunday sermons were preached in both chapels by the Rev. Messrs. Farrar, Stephenson, Staton, and Cooke. The collections at the different services amounted to upwards of sixty pounds. The chapel is thirty-four feet by sixty; with a vestry, class-room, and two commodious school-rooms, attached. The school-rooms will accommodate two hundred children; and the chapel will seat five hundred and fifty persons. About one hundred and fifty sittings are free. This neat and substantial building is situated in the western part of the city, in a parish which contains nearly 8,000 inhabitants, and where there is not church and chapel accommodation for more than one-fourth of the population. The chapel, school-rooms, &c., will cost upwards of eleven hundred pounds; towards which between four and five hundred pounds have been, or will be, sub. scribed. One very liberal individual, a member of the Church of England, has subscribed the handsome sum of one hundred and fifty pounds. The chapel is likely to be well filled. A considerable number of the seats are already let; and there is a reasonable probability that they will soon be all disposed of. There is likely to be a good Sunday-school connected with it; and it is also purposed to establish a week-day school, on the Lancasterian plan, where children will be taught to read at one penny per week, and to write, on paying twopence; an institution of this kind being very much needed in that part of the city. It has pleased God, within the last two or three years, greatly to revive and extend his work among us, in this city and Circuit, and generally throughout the District. The society in Exeter has increased from two hundred and fifty members to considerably above four hundred; and in the Circuit there has been an encouraging increase. In nearly every Circuit in the District there has been some increase; and in several Circuits the increase has been very great; so that the total increase in the District, within the period above mentioned, has been fifteen or sixteen hundred. These gracious visitations from God have produced a remarkable display of liberality, in reducing debts on chapels, in Bedford, Barnstaple, and other places, and in the erection of new chapels in various places. At Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Modbury, Hennock, &c., towards the accomplishment of these benevolent objects, several thousand pounds have been contributed. One benevolent individual in this city has given one thousand pounds towards the reduction of the debt on our chapel in Mint-lane. And while so much has been done, in this extraordinary way, to meet the demand for additional accommodation for the great numbers that have been brought under the Methodist ministry, it is gratifying to find that the local income of the Circuits in the District has so increased, that five additional Preachers have been called out, (two of whom have families,) and provision made for their support, with very little addition to the grant from the Contingent Fund. The regular collections also, for the support of our different Funds, have considerably increased, especially for the Mission work, which, in some Circuits, including the extra efforts for the West India Fund, have not only been doubled, but quadrupled. Exeter, which in 1832 only raised £80, in 1833 raised £160, and in 1834 about £340. And Bridport, during the same year, with only two hundred members, has furnished to the Mission Fund £160. So great is the work which the Lord is carrying on in this part of his vineyard. Never since the writer of this article knew Devonshire, has the prospect for usefulness been greater than it is at this moment. It has pleased God to give the Methodist societies great favour in the eyes of the people; prejudice has been removed, to an extent which, a few years Exeler, LETTER FROM THE MONMOUTH CIRCUIT. On the 8th of May, the foundationstone of a Wesleyan chapel was laid at Monmouth. The Rev. Messrs. Wood, of Bristol, and Thomas Martin, of Plymouth, delivered addresses on the occasion. The Sunday-school children were brought to view the interesting scene, and were afterwards taken to the old chapel, where refreshments were given to them. It will be gratifying to all the friends of Methodism to be informed, that within the last two years the society in Monmouth has been more than doubled in number; in consequence of which our present chapel has become far too small, and many persons that applied for sittings could not be accommodated. Through the interposition of a gentleman in this town, a most eligible situation has been procured; and more than three hundred pounds have been given by him and his family. The society and friends have raised more than one hundred pounds by monthly and weekly subscriptions. We are blessed with peace in this Circuit; and the longer we live, the more we are attached to the doctrines and discipline of Methodism. Monmouth, JOHN ROBINSON. ERECTED OR ENLARGED. CHAPELS RECENTLY DURDHAM-DOWN, in the Bristol North Circuit :-"A new Wesleyan chapel was opened at Durdham-Down, in the Bristol North Circuit, on Friday, April 3d, 1835; when sermons were preached by the Rev. Messrs. Treffry, sen., Macdonald, and P. C. Turner. The chapel is forty feet by thirty, built a sufficient height to admit a gallery, and cost £300. In the autumn of last year, the large room in which the Methodists had wor shipped for years, fell into the hands of a reverend gentleman, who, without loss of time, gave them notice to quit on the 25th of March, -the very earliest period when they could be ejected. No other room, large enough to admit the congregation, was to be procured: the friends felt called upon to act promptly. A piece of ground was sought, for a while without success; God, however, favoured the cause, and a convenient plot, at the edge of the Down, was at length obtained, for a ground-rent of four guineas a year. The foundation-stone was laid on the Methodist fast-day in December, and on the fast-day in March the chapel was finished, ready for opening. A subscription was made in the neighbourhood, which, with the collection at the opening, amounted to about £120; and the entire remainder was contributed by Thomas Whippie, Esq., by whose noble generosity the chapel is now without a shilling of debt. The opening of the chapel has been followed by a large accession of new hearers; and the work of God in the vicinity promises to be very prosper ous. ISLAND OF GUERNSEY: :- "On the 22d of April, 1835, a plain and neat Wesleyan chapel, forty-five feet long, by thirty-five wide, was opened in this island. It is erected to meet the wants of a populous neighbourhood, at a place called the Bout, about a mile from the town church. Appropriate and impressive sermons were preached on the occasion; in the morning by the Rev. John Nelson, of Hammersmith; and in the evening, by the Rev. William Tarr, of Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, in English; and on the following day the Rev. Philip Tourgis, of Guernsey, preached in the morning, and the Rev. Daniel Robin, of Jersey, in the evening, in French. The chapel was well attended, and the contributions were liberal. It is hoped that, by the blessing of God, much good will be done in this place. "Nearly all the sittings are let, and the people are thankful for so neat and commodious a place of worship. Some who never before attended the Wesleyan cha pels have taken sittings. This is the third Wesleyan chapel erected in the town. The first was built when Mr. Adam Clarke, afterwards Dr. Clarke, was stationed in Guernsey, in 1787; but having become too small, a larger one was erected in 1815 for the use of the English congregations; and the French society have alone the use of the old chapel, which on many occasions is considerably too small. Methodism has been greatly owned of God in this island, which is only thirty miles in circumference. There are now twelve Methodist chapels, including these three, and one in the western part of the island, in the parish of Forteval, which is now in progress, and is to be opened in a few months; so that the Wesleyans have now one chapel in every country parish, and three in the according to the last census, is 24,349; The population of the island, and accommodation is afforded in the above chapels for between four and five thousand persons, which may be considered as the aggregate of the Sunday congregations. There is English preaching only in the town. town. In the country the service is in French. If due attention be paid to this field of usefulness, with which the Lord has entrusted the Wesleyans in Guernsey, much good, under the divine blessing, may still be expected. It is pleasing and profitable to attend the preaching generally through the island. To God be all the praise! There are about 1,500 persons in society in the island; and very many among the congregations are serious hearers. There are two Sunday-schools in the town, and five in the country." ANNIVERSARIES LATELY HELD IN LONDON. I. THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. AN account of the Anniversary of this part of this Magazine, under the head of Society will be found in a subsequent Missionary Notices. II. THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE thirty-fifth Anniversary of this institution was held in Exeter-Hall, on Tuesday, May 5th: the Right Hon. the Earl of Chichester, President, in the chair. It was the largest meeting of this Society ever held, many persons being obliged to go away who could not get in. There were present, besides a very large assemblage of the Clergy from all parts of the kingdom, the Marquis of Cholmondeley; the Earl of Galloway; Lord Mountsandford; the Right Rev. the Lord Bishops of Lichfield and Coventry and of Chester; Archdeacon Corrie, the Bishop (elect) of Madras; the Right Rev. Dr. Macilvaine, the Bishop of Ohio, United States; Dr. Tholuck, Theological Professor at the University of Halle; T. F. Buxton, Esq., M. P; Sir A. Agnew, Bart., M. P.; John Hardy, Esq., M. P.; Robert Williams, jun., Esq., M. P.; Captain Alsager, M.P.; and W. Feilden, Esq., M. P. The Report stated, that the entire in |