There was no time for the discussion of this paper, otherwise, no doubt many thoughts would have been offered thereupon; but we hope the suggestions made will be taken to heart by those present.

An adjournment for tea, which was provided in the school-room, now took place, and ample justice was done by about 160 friends to the excellent provisions furnished.

The evening session commenced at six o'clock, and was presided over by the Rev. W. J. Townsend, who expressed the hope that whatever might be spoken should be faithfully said, and in love.

The subject for consideration was, "Our Circuit Sunday-schools," being introduced by the presentation of reports by Mr. John Farrar and Mr. Altred Ramsden, of schools which they had visited; the last Circuit Conference having appointed them to this work, and requested an account from them at the present Conference, of their labours in this direction.

Special reports were given of all the schools, with one or two unavoidable exceptions, and it was very evident that the brethren appointed to this duty had endeavoured to discharge it in a conscientious and painstaking manner, and, on the whole, their remarks were approved by the delegates.

Great stress was laid upon the due preparation of lessons, and the duty of looking for spiritual results. The very excellent school-premises possessed by our friends at Brighouse and Elland were specially noted, the vestry accommodation at Brighouse more particularly being such as to afford peculiar facilities for the teacher to prosecute his noble work. The school at Hanover showed by far the largest proportion of members to scholars, but it was pleasing to learn that in connection with several of the others, there had been pleasing signs of vitality and conversions during the year.

The discussion which ensued was a pretty stirring one, but a friendly feeling manifestly pervaded the minds of those who spoke, even where they found some point of

difference between their views and those which had been expressed.

66

Beeton's "Bible Dictionary," and Philips' "Scripture Atlas,' were strongly recommended for the use of teachers in the class, and the Sunday-school Union Scripture Notes" were reported to be in use in some of the schools, and to be of great service where used throughout all the classes, thereby giving opportunity to the superintendents or teachers, who gave the school addresses, to base their remarks upon what the scholars had been taught.

The following friends took part in this discussion:-the Rev H. J. Townsend, Messrs. W. Copley, E. Riley, J. Cordingley, George Wood, D. Haigh, J. F. Farrar, J. Pickles, G. Healey, J. Broadbent, E. Crossland, and J. Hartley.

Mr. Ramsden then replied to the various observations which had been made, and concluded by moving the following resolution :"That the Conference, having heard the report of the Committee of Inquiry appointed by last Conference, would earnestly recommend the schools in the circuit to adopt the plan of systematic and simultaneous teaching, as a means of ensuring a certain degree of religious tuition; the establishment of a teachers' reference library; and also to have regular meetings of the teachers, for the purpose of consulting as to the methods of teaching and management." This was seconded by Mr. Heath, and carried unanimously.

Thanks were then accorded to Messrs. Farrar and Ramsden, on the motion of Mr. Townsend, seconded by Mr. Howe.

The pronouncing of the Benediction brought the Conference to a close, and we believe that many good impressions were made, and many good resolves entered into, which we trust will bear good fruit in the future, and cause this pleasant meeting to be remembered with gratitude and pleasure for many years to come.

In the vestry adjoining the chapel there were exhibited a

considerable number of maps, books of reference, school appliances, and stationery, chiefly from the libraries of Mr. Townsend and Mr. Ramsden, and much interest was evinced in the examination thereof by the friends present.

Assured that these annual gatherings have been of great benefit to the circuit in the past, and are calculated to render even still more service, we cannot but express our desire that other circuits would try the experiment, that no effort may be left untried for the advancement of our Sunday-school work, in the success of which our Churches are vitally concerned.

J. CORDINGLEY, Secretary.

HOOLEY HILL.

METHODIST NEW CONNEXION. PRESENTATION TO MR.

JOHN MELLOR.

ON Saturday evening a very interesting tea meeting was held in the school-room, the occasion being to present to Mr. John Mellor a small token of regard on his being called away to go to college to prepare for the ministry, and also to Mr. H. Cartwright for his long and valuable services as chapel organist. About 200 sat down to tea, and after the room had been cleared, Mr. William Moss occupied the chair, and on the platform were the Revs. H.T. Marshall, J. Q. Bawden, J. Walsh, and Messrs. Ashworth (Oldham), J. Mellor, J. Eastwood, J. Jacques, and J. Ogden. The chapel choir was in attendance, and sung several choice pieces at intervals. Mr. H. Cartwright presided at the harmonium.

After an appropriate hymn had been sung, prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Q. Bawden.

The Chairman, in his opening address, referred in a very feeling manner to the object that had called the meeting together, the departure of Mr. Mellor for college, whom he described as being a worthy son of good parents, and the satisfaction his widowed mother must experience in knowing that this was the second son that had been called

to the ministry. He had known Mr. Mellor long, and had always found him to be an earnest and deep thinking young man, desirous of consecrating his life to the ministry; and though he could ill be spared from his duties as a local preacher in this district, and more especially in regard to his services in connection with this school, yet he hoped the step he was taking might be a blessing to himself and the Connexion generally.

The Rev. J. Walsh next addressed the meeting, and, in a very able speech, argued that while the sun, moon, stars, and other works in the creation had their various duties to perform, the great Creator never intended his best and noblest work -man-to live a life of idleness. All had a mission to fulfil, and though we are called to labour in different ways in the Master's vineyard, we ought to endeavour to fulfil the various duties to the best of our ability. He referred at considerable length to the work of the ministry, exhorting Mr. Mellor to diligence and zeal, for it was an impossibility to value one converted soul, or tell of the good that might result from it, instancing the conversion of Philip Doddridge as an example of the good that might result. In conclusion he advised Mr. Mellor to read, write, speak, pray, and think.

Mr. J. Ogden, in a few appropriate remarks, stated the pleasure he felt in being there that evening as a companion of Mr. Mellor. He was glad that he had had the call to prepare for the ministry, as his sermons and speeches showed him to be a great reader and a deep thinker; and though some people seemed to act more on impulse, it would be much better if they exercised their power of thought, for in proportion as this power was exerted, so should the evils and forms of injustice under which they at present laboured cease to exist.

After a few remarks from Mr. Eastwood, Mr. Ashworth, and Mr. Jacques, the Chairman rose to present to Mr. J. Mellor a purse containing £10, and expressed a hope

that he might be made very useful in his new sphere of labour.

Mr. Mellor, who was deeply affected, said language failed him to express his gratitude for this token of their kindly feeling, and he would promise not to abuse the confidence they had reposed in him, but ever try to merit the kindly feeling they had always evinced towards him.

He

Mr. Hamilton Norton said he had a pleasing duty to performnamely, to present a beautiful gold watch and chain to Mr. Henry Cartwright, for his very valuable services as chapel organist. (the speaker) need not repeat to them how faithfully the duties entrusted to Mr. Cartwright had been performed-how for a period of twenty years he had devoted time and money without the least prospect of reward. The trustees of the chapel had long had it in contemplation to recognise his services, but circumstances had delayed it till now. He had, therefore, great pleasure in handing over the beautiful watch and guard, with the hope that he might long be spared to wear it. The watch and guard (which are valued at £24) are both beautiful pieces of workmanship, and were purchased from Messrs. Simmons, of Manchester. The watch bears the following inscription: "Presented to Henry Cartwright, by the trustees of the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Hooley

Hill, and a few friends, as a mark of their appreciation of his valuable services as chapel organist. July 22nd, 1871."

Mr. H. Cartwright, in accepting the gift, said it was impossible for him to express his thanks to the donors of this beautiful present. He was sensible to the many shortcomings on his part, and his services, such as they were, they were heartily welcome to. He had never laboured with any idea of any reward, much less this very handsome gift, and he hoped that it might stir him up to a more faithful discharge of his duties. He thanked them again for the present, and also for their kind wish that he might long live to wear it.—Mr. Shepherd spoke commending the taste evinced by Mr. Cartwright in the selection of his tunes, and the discharge of his duties.-After a few words from the Rev. H. T Marshall, bearing testimony to the very satisfactory manner in which the musical part of the service was conducted, he concluded by giving some very good advice to Mr. J. Mellor, cautioning him above all things to beware of pride, it being a great failing in most young ministers.-The meeting concluded with the usual vote of thanks, proposed by the Rev. J. Q. Bawden, and seconded by Mr. G. B. Richardson, and carried unanimously. July, 22nd, 1871.

G. W.

GEORGE COGGIN,

OF SHREWSBURY.

ANOTHER "old disciple" has completed on earth his Christian studies; another veteran of the cross has finished his campaign; another Christian labourer, who has borne "the burden and heat of the day,' has done his work, and in the evening of life has entered into rest. The subject of this sketch may be truly called "an old disciple," for he

had followed his Lord more than half a century. He was a veteran of the cross, for during that long period he had gloried in it, and had sought to extend its triumphs; and he was a Christian labourer in the truest sense of the word, for he entered the Master's vineyard in the morning of life, continued through the noontide heat, and laboured on until the evening shades gathered around him, and his Master called him home. George, the son of Charles

and Sarah Coggin, was born July 27th, 1793. His birthplace was the little village of Sowerby, in Yorkshire, little known save by our ministers who have travelled the Halifax Circuits, though it is worthy of remark that not half a mile from it stands the house in which Tillotson, the greatest preacher of the age, and primate of all England, was born. Here, after George's birth,his parents continued but a few years, and then removed to Queensbury, near Halifax. We have no information concerning his early life, with this exception, that at a proper age he was apprenticed for seven years to the trade of a shuttle-maker, in the town of Burnley. On the completion of his apprenticeship he returned to Queensbury, and began to attend with his parents our chapel at Ambler Thorn. There he became the subject of religious impressions, which evidently resulted in his conversion. We know not how this Divine change was effected, and what was the instrumentwhether it was as sudden as the conversion of the Philippian gaoler, or whether his heart was opened like Lydia's, "that (he) attended unto the things that were spoken." We should judge from our departed friend's natural temperament, that his conversion was like unto the latter; but we are not anxious concerning the mode of his conversion, the evidence of it was clear. It was demonstrated in a Christ-like life. He had within him "the root of the matter," for he bore "fruit unto holiness," "much fruit," and "fruit which remained." About this time he became acquainted (probably through attending our Ambler Thorn chapel) with his future wife, Nancy Bairstow was the daughter of an old Methodist family. Her parents were Wesleyans, but on the formation of our Connexion, in 1797, they left the old body from principle, joined our cause at Ambler Thorn, and assisted in forming the first Methodist New Connexion Church there. In Nancy Bairstow our departed friend found, as Solomon says, "a good thing, and obtained favour of the Lord." She was indeed "a help meet for him," a "prudent wife," who became also "a mother in Israel." How much she contributed to his happiness, to the development

of his Christian character, and to the moral training of their children, cannot here be narrated. After their marriage they resided at Ambler Thorn for about two years, when they removed to Chester. They at once connected themselves with our chapel in that city, attended regu larly its services, and took a deep interest in its prosperity. Being then in the prime of life, having a high respect for our ministers, desiring to cultivate their friendship, and to enjoy their fellowship; he frequently accompanied them on their long walks to their preaching appointments. The walks and talks he had with such men as Thomas Allin, Simeon Woodhouse, George Bradshaw, and others, must have exerted a healthy influence on his mind and heart. After residing at Chester about twelve years, he went to Shrewsbury. Here he did not long remain, but while at Shrewsbury he, in conjunction with James Worral, endeavoured, though unsuccessfully, to commence a Methodist New Connexion interest in the town. Another effort made shortly afterwards succeeded, and ere he left Shrewsbury he had the satisfaction of seeing the standard of liberal Methodism unfurled on the "town walls." Removing to Hawarden, he at once identified himself with the church there, and continued one of its most earnest and consistent members until he left the locality. Not only did he labour as a private member in connection with the Hawarden church, but he filled also various offices, offices which he sustained with great earnestness and fidelity, For some years he was treasurer to the trustees, and also society steward. On the death of his beloved wife, towards the close of the year 1866, having now himself passed his threescore years and ten, he removed to Shrewsbury, to spend the evening of his life with his eldest son. At once he connected himself with our church, the church of which his son had long been one of its most active members and liberal supporters; and, notwithstanding his advanced age, he continued to attend nearly to the close of his life its services and ordinances, with the greatest regularity. For the last year or two it became evident to his relatives and friends that his health was failing

that the hale old man was declining in vigour. Still, it was thought he would be spared for a few years longer. Towards the end of July he went to Bradford, on his annual visit to his only sister. His son accompanied him, and on the Monday returned, leaving his father in his usual health. On the Tuesday the old man went with his sister to Wakefield, to visit some nephews and nieces. There he was taken so ill that he had to remain all night. Being a little better he returned to Bradford on the Wednesday. It was thought at first he had taken a slight cold, but on the Saturday he was taken so much worse that the doctor was called in. He pronounced it to be inflammation of the chest and congestion of the lungs, with a low fever. His son was immediately written for, and he returned to Bradford on the Monday. He found him in a very low state, which continued with slight alterations for several days. The disease appears to have been mastered, and hopes were entertained he would rally. But these hopes were doomed to be blasted; there was not sufficient natural vigour left to enable him to recover from the state of exhaustion which his affliction had induced. His eldest son was with him night and day, and attended to his wants with filial affection and solicitude; and on the Friday week after his son's return to Bradford, in the evening of the day, as well as in the evening of his life, he died in his son's arms, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. "And at eventide it shall be light." He was interred on the Tuesday following, August 22nd, in the Schole Moor Cemetery, Bradford. We have no dying testimony of our departed friend to narrate. He was a man of a retiring, almost of a timid disposition. Seldom did he speak to others of "the hope which was in him." But we have what is better than a dying testimony, the savour of a long, consistent, Christ-like life. To "live the life of the righteous" is of greater importance than to die his death. He who lives well, must die well. Thank God, it is possible for a man to live ill, and yet, through the mercy of God in Christ, to die well. But surely it is better far to glorify God with a holy life than to dishonour him by

our life, and speak his praises only with our lips in death. Our departed friend "lived the life of the righteous;" he lived to Christ, he lived for Christ, and therefore for him "to die was gain." It only remains now to indicate briefly some of the leading traits of our departed friend's Christian character.

There was, first, humility. This grace, which is placed the first among the Christian beatitudes, our departed friend possessed in an eminent degree. He had low views of himself. His was a retiring disposition, an unobtrusive spirit. He esteemed others more highly than himself. I never met with one who had less need to be reminded of the Apostle Paul's injunction, "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." He was "clothed with humility." It was his habitual, his prevailing spirit; it was manifest in his daily life. In everything he said and did, it was evident he possessed humility

"That low, sweet root, From which all heavenly virtues shoot."

Another trait of his character was, second, earnestness. He was not only an humble, but he was an earnest Christian. His earnestness was not only manifest in his utterances of praise, and prayer, and of Christian experience; but also in the regu larity and punctuality with which he attended the means of grace, and the zeal he displayed in the service of his Master. Never was he absent from the public services of God's house, from the weekly prayermeeting and class-meeting, if duty permitted and health allowed him to be present. In this respect he was indeed an example worthy of imitation. His frequent and fervent efforts in the service of God during a long life evinced his earnestness. From the commencement of his Christian life, to its close on earth, he zealously laboured in his Master's cause. He may not have been endowed with as many talents as some of the Lord's servants, but he consecrated those he had to the service of God, he "put them out to usury" for his Lord. As a private member, as treasurer to the Hawarden Chapel, and as society steward, in these various capacities he evinced his "zeal for the Lord of Hosts." One