"4. That this Conference will be prepared to submit any matured scheme of union consistent with that now proposed to its Quarterly Meetings for ratification, in the full belief that the members of our Connexion will accept the recognition of their essential principles of Church government without claiming from the other branches of the Methodist Church any application of those principles which may not be deemed by them expedient or practicable."

In the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church the subject was not disposed of by discussion and resolution, but was reported upon by "the Committees on the State of the Church," and the substance of the respective reports given was about as follows: -That an organic union of all the Methodist bodies in Canada was deemed desirable, but that they did not feel themselves "called upon to proceed, to any great extent, with negotiations at the present juncture,' or while the relations now subsisting between the Methodist Churches in Canada and those of England shall continue.

The Bible Christian Conference resolved

"1. That in the opinion of this Conference a union of all the denominations in this dominion holding Arminian or Methodistical views of truth would not be promotive of the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom.

2. We incline to the opinion that if upon inquiry it shall be found practicable to unite what are known as the minor bodies of the Methodist family, such union may subserve the interests of truth.

"3. That any basis of union, to be acceptable to this Conference, must secure to the laity their full share of the privileges in the government of the Church.

"4. That while in view of our connection with the Bible Christian Conference in England, we cannot take any measure for amalgamation with any other body or bodies without the consent of the English Conference; nevertheless we hereby

empower the Executive Committee during the coming year to act as may to them seem right. Provided always, that they do not commit us to a scheme repugnant to the above resolution; nor will we be bound to accept any scheme until we have had an opportunity of discussing it on its own merits; and further, we suggest that the necessary steps be taken to ascertain the views of the authorities in England on this question."

The Primitive Methodist Conference resolved:

"That however desirable in some respects an amalgamation of all the Methodist Churches in the Dominion may be, yet in view of the action of some of the Methodist bodies on this subject, and the relations we sustain to the home body, and which relations we wish to retain, we deem such amalgamation at present impracticable."

Votes on this resolution-Yeas, 44; nays, 17.

The Wesleyan Conference passed the following resolutions :

That, if on appeal to the Quarterly Meetings of our Connexion, which shall take place before next Conference, it shall appear that there is a strong wish on the part of our people for direct legislative representation in a General Conference-rather than to retain the indirect but ultimate and decisive veto power on legislation which they now possess-this Conference, in view, and in view only, of a proposed union, will not let the question stand in bar; provided always that there be no interference with the recognition of the ministerial order and office, with the ministerial power of stationing ministers, and with the ministerial privilege of trial by their own peers.

"That this Conference has heard with pleasure the report of the United Committee appointed on the practicability of a union with the various Methodist bodies in this province, and rejoices in the manifestation for a growing desire for combined effort, and united bro

therly and ministerial influence for the more speedy and effectual diffusion of the blessings of our common Christianity. As this movement is intimately connected with the sympathies and privileges of the laity of our Church, and especially with the members of our Quarterly Meetings; therefore, be it resolved, in order wisely to accomplish an object so desirable, which involves such grave and important subjects, the proposal be again remitted to the consideration of the Committee."

Such are the Conferential deliverances on this important subject, and they who can see any prospect of union in the present aspects of the question must be gifted with a power of vision and a degree of hopefulness that do not fall to the lot of ordinary mortals. The Bible Christians have declared their conviction that the proposed union would not be for the good of the Church; the Primitive Methodists have pronounced it impracticable; the Episcopal Methodists have indefinitely postponed the consideration of it; and the ministers composing the Wesleyan Conference have virtually rejected lay delegation by declining to pass an independent judgment in favour of it-by intimating that they would not accept it for its own sake, but only as the condition of union, and then with such restrictions as could not be approved-and by placing it before the Quarterly Meetings in such a form as cannot fail to prejudice its adoption. Notwithstanding all that has been said in the Committees, in the papers, and elsewhere, it is manifest that the Methodist Churches of Canada are not yet ready for amalgamation.

Whatever may await us in the future, it is obviously our present duty to take care of our own institutions, and to seek with undivided attention and unrelaxing energies to advance the temporal and spiritual interests of our own community, whilst we cultivate the most friendly sympathies towards all other Churches.

FAREWELL PRESENTATION

TO THE

REV. S. WALKER. ON Saturday evening a social teaparty of the members of the congregation belonging to the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Bolton Street, was held in the school-room, the object of which was to take leave of their respected pastor, the Rev. Samuel Walker, who is about to remove to Lees, near Oldham, in the Mosley circuit. Mr. Walker has been stationed in the Bury circuit for the last four years, during which period he has gained the respect and esteem of the congregation by the faithful and energetic manner in which he has discharged his ministerial duties; and as a memento of their high appreciation of his services, and the esteem in which he is held by them, they presented him with a purse containing ten guineas, together with an address, neatly engrossed on vellum by Mr. W. H. Kempster, secretary to the committee who got up the testimonial. Mr. Walker is, we understand, to be succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Shone, of Priest Hill, Ireland. About 100 partook of tea, after which a meeting was held in the chapel, the chair being occupied by Mr. James Hill. A hymn having been sung, and prayer offered up by the Rev. W. Roseman

The Chairman said he was very much gratified that such a meeting as that was being held upon the occasion of the departure from amongst them of their dear pastor, the Rev. S. Walker, who had laboured ardently for them for the last four years. A number of their friends thought the occasion should not be allowed to pass over without presenting to Mr. Walker some token of their respect, and it had been decided to present him with an address, which would now be read by Mr. Kempster, the secretary.

Mr. W. H. Kempster then read the address, of which the following is a copy:

Presented to the Rev. Samuel Walker by the leaders, members, and friends of

the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Bury, Lancashire, on the termination of his four years' labours in this circuit. June 24, 1871.

Rev. and dear Sir,-We cannot permit your removal from our midst without tendering to you some humble memento of our profound esteem and affectionate regard for your ministerial and private character. Your indefatigable labours amongst us have been characterized by a truly self-denying Christian spirit, and faithfulness to your Divine Master's commission. In the pulpit you have evinced a depth of pathos and earnest anxiety, a manly independence and clearness of thought, and also preserved a sound Connexional orthodoxy. As a classleader the welfare of souls has been your highest object and the chief burden of your prayers, ever seeking to gently guide by wise counsel the troubled and mournful in Zion, preferring at all times that charity which never faileth to the exclusion of every other influence.

As a

pastor your repeated visits have ever been encouraging, and tended to cement and keep together those committed to your charge. Consoled by the fact that our loss will still be a Connexional gain, we earnestly pray that in whatever part of the Lord's vineyard you may in the future be called to labour, God's face may shine upon you, ever illuminating your difficult and arduous path, until the brightness of his presence shall be yours and that of your beloved family in all its glory and heavenly effulgence, and that everlastingly.-Signed on behalf of the committee,

JAMES HILL, President.

W. H. KEMPSTER, Secretary. The Chairman said that in connection with the address a large number of their friends thought their esteemed minister and pastor, Mr. Walker, should not leave them without some book or other present being given to him as a testimonial of their esteem and respect for him and his family. They thought the best thing they could present to him would be a purse containing what they could afford. He (the chairman) then proceeded to explain that the subscription had been started by a friend at Whitefield giving 2s. 6d.; and there were very few connected with the congregation at Bury who had not given something. It was not the amount that was given that was so pleasing to them, but the number who had given it; and he could assure them it had been very pleasing

to him to collect it. He had now great pleasure, on behalf of the congregation, in presenting a purse containing ten guineas, and the address which had been read, to Mr. Walker.

The Rev. S. Walker then rose to receive the gifts, but was so overcome with emotion that he said he could scarcely say more to his friends than that he was exceedingly obliged to them for the presents, and perhaps before the meeting closed he might feel he could say more to them.

The Rev. Dr. Scott, the Rev. W. R. Thorburn, the Rev. T. Wilde, and the Rev. W. Roseman, briefly addressed the meeting, sympathizing with the congregation in the loss they were about to sustain by the removal of Mr. Walker, and alluding in eulogistic terms to his character as a Christian minister, and to the kind and fraternal disposition which he had always manifested.

The Rev. S. Walker, who was cordially received, after a few preliminary remarks, expressed his very earnest and sincere thanks for the kind manner in which they had manifested their love and appreciation of his services. He was pleased to testify that his demands on the society had always been honourably met every quarter day. He had never been required to wait a single day or a single hour for his quarterage, but it had been more frequently paid before it was due; and considering the struggle they had had to make to keep things straight and the society out of debt, it was very much to their credit that the salary of their minister was paid regularly and cheerfully. Well, this was honourable to them; but that they should have supplemented what they had paid him justly and honourably was altogether apart from and beyond any expectations or desires he might have. He must say to them that the contents of that purse would be exceedingly helpful to him at present, and from the depth of his heart he was thankful to them for the gift. When he looked upon

that address, and read it, it would encourage and stimulate him; he should remember the love which it expressed, and also that pecuniary aid which they had rendered him in connection with the giving of it. He would not say anything about the estimate he placed on his own abilities, or the manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the church. However, if the address expressed their sentiments on that point-and to suppose it did not was charging them with hypocrisy he should find in it a stimulus and encouragement to greater and more increased prayerfulness, to greater zeal in the cause of that Christ who had done so much for him and them. They were aware that the termination of the relationship existing between himself and them need not have taken place just now; but it seemed to him that it was wiser and better for the church that this relationship should terminate now rather than continue another year. He believed that the coming into their presence of a new countenance, a fresh voice speaking to them, would have the tendency to raise them to greater faith and greater activity, and so, by the blessing of God, lead them on to more signal victories, and more gratifying attainments in their Christian life; and while he desired this for them he hoped his removal to another field of Christian labour would enable him to revise his ideas on certain great truths revealed in the precious Book, so that he might speak with greater boldness and assurance, and consequently with greater effectiveness for Christ; and be able to accomplish greater and better things than he could expect to accomplish if he remained here.

This

was the whole truth about the matter; those were the thoughts which influenced him when he resolved to accept the invitation to another church, and to ask them to relinquish him in the responsibilities in relation to themselves. Having referred to the reported decrease during the past year, he remarked that he should like every

one of them to resolve that night that they would do their utmost to prevent the occurrence of such a thing at the next Conference. Having urged them to give their new minister a hearty welcome, and to increased efforts in the cause of Christ, he concluded by moving a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Mr. C. Holt (Whitefield) seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Other votes of thanks were awarded, and the proceedings terminated.

MANCHESTER

SOUTH CIRCUIT.

BETHESDA CHAPEL, PENDLETON. ON Saturday, June 17th, we held a meeting in our school-room to bid farewell to our beloved minister, the Rev. J. Orme. Already, at our last society meeting, had we shown our deep appreciation of Mr. Orme's valuable labours by a hearty vote of thanks; and now, at the farewell meeting, we further expressed our affection towards our minister by presenting him with a timepiece, as a memento of the many happy hours which he had spent and the many loving friends that he was leaving at Pendleton. A goodly number of friends assembled together. After tea the meeting was opened by singing the hymn"Praise ye the Lord, 'tis good to raise

Your hearts and voices in his praise." and by the earnest prayer of Mr. Orme. A chairman was then chosen, and he, after a few introductory remarks, called upon our old friend Mr. Hallawell, who has been a Methodist for more than half a century, and who is beloved and venerated by us all, to make the presentation to our minister. With a few affectionate words, in which he gave utterance to his esteem for Mr. Orme, and described the great benefit which he himself had derived from the richly thoughtful and spiritual teachings of our pastor, Mr. Hallawell presented our offering. In accepting it, Mr Orme, evidently overcome with emotion,

addressed to us a few parting remarks. As we listened to our minister's loving words, our hearts melted, and many wept as we realized that we must part from one who has invariably proved to us a bright example, a kind friend, a wise and heavenly teacher, and to the younger members of our society a fatherly and patient counsellor. After Mr. Orme several friends addressed the meeting, all unanimously expressing their deep appreciation of his great ministerial talents, of his peaceful, impartial spirit, of his consistent and holy life. In these remarks the brethren carried with them and gave utterance to the general feeling of our society. The Rev. J. Orme, during his stay among us, has won the hearts of his people, and leaves us deeply beloved and esteemed by us all. The more we have known him, the more we have learned to value him. When he first came among

us

His

some at once recognised his excellence, but we were told that we must know him better to appreciate him thoroughly. And so we have found it. I express the general feeling of our church, when I say, that almost week by week he has grown in our affection, and his ministrations have grown in preciousness. Invariably was he at his post in the means of grace, in fellowship-meetings, in prayermeetings, in which he delighted, in our weekly Band-meeting. deep experience has often been food for our souls. In his prayers, which were incomparable for their inexhaustible fulness and spiritual richness and beauty, he has often drawn us into the glorious presence of our blessed Redeemer, and caused us to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory in the closest communion with the God of love. Often has he thus comforted the weary and tempted; often has he roused the fainting into new activity and energy of life. His preaching was highly edifying and spiritualizing. He preached to us the unsearchable riches of Christ; and gifted with great powers of thought, he was able to bring out of the unfathom

able resources of God's Word ever new, fresh, and glorious treasures for our instruction. His preaching was heavenly manna to our souls. The state of our society is the best proof that God's blessing has attended our minister's labours. Peace and harmony have continually prevailed among us, owing to a great extent to the tact and wisdom of Mr. Orme. Our members have greatly increased, and financially we are in a better position than ever we were. We would give all the glory to God, who has done great things for us; and we would praise him for the ministers whom he has sent among us, and who have proved such blessings to us.

Our parting from Mr. Orme brings the feeling into our hearts described by Paul, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing. Sorrowful

we are to part from so patient and loving a father as he has proved to us who are young, from so kind and affectionate a friend, as he has shown himself to all; and yet rejoicing in the knowledge that Christians never really part. Even in this world

"There is a spot where spirits blend, Where friend holds fellowship with friend; Though sundered far, by faith they meet Around one common mercy-seat." And looking above this world, as our minister has often taught us to do, into the real abiding home of the Christian, we rejoice in hope of a blessed meeting in the land of lightand glory, where Christians are united for eternity. And remembering the hallowed joys, which in the past minister and people have tasted together, and anticipating our meeting in heaven, we can sing

"And if our fellowship below

In Jesus was so sweet; What height of rapture shall we know, When round his throne we meet!

J. S., Society Steward. Pendleton, June 21, 1871.

LONGTON CIRCUIT. ON Monday, May 8, a Conference of local preachers was held in Zion large vestry to inaugurate a move