afforded, could only be viewed as a preliminary, and as indicative of the intention of such a circuit to withdraw from the itinerancy.

It is amusing enough, when the opportunity occurs, to listen to the notions entertained by a few persons, of the peculiar and extraordinary powers and authorities of our Annual Assembly; they evidently do not take into consideration for one moment, of whom that body is composed, and from whence its authority is derived! The idea-a very confused one-which seems to float in their minds, of the nature and composition of that Assembly, is something altogether different from, if not actually at variance with, circuit interests and privileges. It would almost appear as if they imagined that the Annual Assembly was composed of persons who were not connected with, or sent by individual circuits; but possessing a distinct character and existence, incapable of separate and local influences. Now, nothing could possibly be more absurd, than such foolish imaginings; or more opposed to the true state of the case. As every individual member of the Annual Assembly,-with the exception of four officials, who are recognised as the connecting link from one Annual Assembly to another must be the representative of a circuit and must actually have been appointed by that circuit to the office he sustains. So that, the Assembly, in its aggregate character, may indeed be looked upon, and fairly considered, as the entire Connexion brought together into one place, to determine whatever may be necessary to be done, to promote, the interests of every individual circuit, and, the welfare and prosperity of the entire connexion. It follows, then, as a necessary consequence, that a body so constituted, may fairly challenge the undivided confidence of those whose affairs it is called upon to manage; and on the other hand, the people thus represented have the strongest reasons, and are under the greatest obligations, to repose an unshaken trust in the arrangements and decisions of such a body. And, indeed, it is not a little gratifying to find that, as a general rule, such really is the case in our Connexion. I believe it may safely be said, that where the contrary happens to exist, it is the exception; an occurrence which may always be looked for, in matters in which so large a number of persons are concerned. Some minds, indeed, are so constituted, that do what you will, it is impossible to please them; and they appear to be the happiest when they have most to complain of; it is the element in which they live. But, all thinking and reasonable men among us, will see abundant cause of satisfaction in the constitutional arrangements which exist for promoting the welfare of individual circuits, as well as the general prosperity of the Connexion; and will feel in duty bound to give all the support in their power, to sustain, in their various localities, the legitimate authority of the Annual Assembly, as well as give effect to its various regulations.

I may venture, then, to lay it down as an axiom, founded upon reason and common sense, that the duty of every man in the Connexion is, not to confine his thoughts and attention to matters relating exclusively to his own circuit, but to extend his views to those which have a wider range, which partake of a more general character, and, in the strict sense of the term, are Connexional. But, is it not too often the case, that we feel disposed rather to pass over such things with as little trouble to ourselves as possible, under the vague idea that they are Connexional affairs, and that some one else will most likely attend to them? Nothing can be more erroneous, or more injurious to the general interests, than such a view and practice. It would, be well when we feel inclined so to dispose of general matters, to ask ourselves,-who constitute what we term the Connexion; or if there be any individual in it who is more closely identified with it than ourselves? If we are members of the Society, and to such only these remarks apply, we have in that relationship a position given to us, which makes us as completely connexional, and unites us as much to everything belonging to the Connexion, as can possibly be the case with any other person, whatever office or situation he may sustain in any part of the Association; and consequently it claims from us as much of interest, and attention to its welfare in every department, as we are capable of rendering.

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It is of great importance to us as a body, and indeed to every denomination similarly constituted, that connexional feeling and interest should be cultivated. The more every member can be made to see and understand that his circuit exists only as an individual part of the whole; that a common feeling runs through and binds together every section of it; and that unless the general welfare is secured, no individual portion of it can long be prosperous; the more it is likely that the societies at large will be brought to be concerned to promote the success of the whole, and to feel that they have not discharged a common and binding obligation, until they have cordially united in measures for securing that object. I would venture to recommend, then, that steps should he taken in every circuit, with the specific view of increasing and extending in every possible way, this cementing principle and I know of no plan likely to be more effectual, than making the members and officers of our societies, as conversant as possible with the measures and specific objects of a general and connexional character, which from time to time are adopted by the Annual Assembly. Suppose, for instance, that the superintendent of every circuit, were to make it a rule at the September Quarterly Meeting-being the first after the Annual Assembly-to bring before the members of that meeting, every new connexional regulation, whether disciplinary, and bearing upon the societies in their individual character; or pecuniary, in which, for connexional purposes, and to promote the general welfare, every circuit is called upon to contribute in the mode prescribed: and suppose he were to state, in brief, the reasons which had influenced the Assembly in the course it had pursued; it is not, I think, presuming too much to assume, that, with such information, it is highly probable, the cordial and active assistance of many would be obtained, who otherwise, for want of such information, might at least be found indifferent, if not in opposition to the measure. And so, also, upon the earliest fitting occasion, to communicate similar information to the private members of society; and by such legitimate means, extend Connexional sympathy, and enlist general co-operation.

Now, I am disposed to think, that it would be hardly possible for such a course of procedure to be adopted, and steadily pursued by the preachers, aided by the countenance and support of the influential minds of any circuit, without witnessing a progressive increase of Connexional spirit in that circuit. The people at large would be led, as the Apostle Paul expresses it, "to look upon the things of others," instead of being wrapt up in the exclusive selfishness of their own affairs. They would feel something of "the care of the churches," and their charity, besides being called into operation at home, would go abroad among their brethren and friends in other places. And in the generous expansion of heart, warmed by the love of Christ-interesting themselves in the prosperity of other churches as well as their own-they would have opened up to them new sources of religious pleasure and enjoyment, in their active endeavours to promote the welfare and happiness of all.

Leeds.

A MEMBER.

MINISTERS AND SABBATH SCHOOLS.

IT has been remarked by one who is himself in the ministry, and who appears to have deeply and devoutly studied the subject, upon which we would now venture to offer a few observations; that the "The Sabbath School, is, next to the pulpit, the most important and appropriate sphere of ministerial exertion." This we most cordially believe; and are firmly persuaded that when this question is taken up with all that cool and earnest intelligence which its importance demands, the same conviction will possess the minds of all God's people. That this has not been the case, long ere the present time, is a matter of great surprise, and of bitter regret.

Had the church, and more especially, had they who minister at her altars, taken into their warm embrace the fondling as it came from the "Man of Glouces

ter," and cherished it with an equal amount of that love and sympathy, that zeal and devotion, and prayers and tears so righteously bestowed upon the missionary enterprise, England might at this moment have been in reality what it is but little more than in name." A happy Christian land."

It is a matter of notoriety and of painful reflection, that for some time after the project of Sunday-schools was launched, a large portion of the church, including not a few of its overseers, were found among the number of those who viewed the experiment with suspicion, and augured evil of the result; and even when time and the indomitable perseverance of those who rightly estimated the movement, had developed some of its capabilities, and multitudes through the instrumentality of Sunday schools had been garnered home to heaven, the sympathy expressed towards them, fell far short of that which might have been expected from the conservators of religion,

It is only of very recent date, within the space of the few past years, that anything approaching to a proper estimation of the value of Sunday school efforts has become at all general. That these efforts are valuable, nay that they are indispensable to the accomplishment of the grand object which the church has in view, appears, however, to be a conviction, taking deep root in the minds of many, especially of those who are 66 set for the defence of the Gospel."

We hail this manifestation of altered views and feelings as precursory of brighter and better days for our Zion-days so long the theme of the prophet's song and the Christian's hope, when no man shall have occasion any more to say to his brother, "Know the Lord, but when all shall know him, from the least to the greatest."

It is not, however, befitting to indulge too much in these tones of gratulation. Much more earnest must become the interest taken in these institutions by the ministers of the sanctuary, ere that vigour and healthiness shall pervade them, which we have a right to look for. There must be more than the mere expression of anxiety about their welfare, and the quiet fire-side acknowledgment of their useful character. To bring out its real worth, ministers must throw their hearts into the Sabbath school, and go to it with roused energies, determined purpose, and high expectation.

But we are reminded here, that there are some schools to be found, in which are persons unmannerly enough to repulse the advances made by ministers towards identifying themselves with their operations; and by various signs, signify their desire to act independent of their counsel and advice. We mention this state of things, only to reprobate it in the strongest possible manner. Wherever it is found existing among a body of teachers, a vain conceit of their own importance will, most certainly be found existing likewise; and a false apprehension or entire forgetful. ness of that apostolic precept, which enjoins upon us the duty of "knowing them who labour amongst us, and of esteeming them very highly in love for their works' sake." Much, however, as we are disposed to condemn the assumption of so independent a mien on the part of the conductors of any Sabbath school, we cannot but throw some of the blame of its existence upon ministers themselves. The neglect or indifference so long manifested by some of them towards these institutions, lies at the foundation of this unseemly and reprehensible conduct. Instead of being the foremost in the promotion of their usefulness, and the most assiduous in suggesting and carrying out plans for their augmentation, some ministers have had to be urged and pressed into this service; it is therefore no great wonder after all, if a spirit of jealousy and suspicion should be found lingering in the minds of many Sabbath school teachers.

We rejoice, however, in the belief, that a very different feeling than that which we have just alluded to, prevails generally in our Sunday schools. The complaint is not of interference but of indifference! And many and sorrowful are the regrets expressed by disheartened teachers, that their pastors so seldom appear among them, to cheer them with their presence, instruct them by their counsel, and bless them with their prayers.

We do not feel inclined to place much reliance, for the improvement of Sabbath schools, upon plans and minute directions, as to how their interests may be subserved. A few hints, however, of a practical character may not be altogether inappropriate in connection with the foregoing remarks. It is then, most respectfully, suggested, that ministers, when they leave one sphere of labour for another, should, inake it their first employment, to seek an introduction to the Sabbath school, and

put themselves into direct and confidential communication with its most intelligent conductors, to learn how many of the teachers are in church-fellowship, and how many and what the names of those who are still undecided, with a view to especial attention to their cases. Much, almost everything, depends upon first impressions; and if these be good upon the minds of Sabbath school teachers and scholars, when a minister first comes among a people, we vouch for it, that he will open his commission to preach the everlasting Gospel under favourable auspices.

It is suggested again, that ministers should endeavour to organise a weekly meeting to consider the lessons for the Sabbath, so that they whose duty it is to teach may be prepared to communicate to their charge that which is worthy of the name of religious instruction. A monthly or quarterly lecture to teachers, also might be with great propriety established, which would give a pastor the opportunity of iterating and reiterating, again and again, his views and counsel upon the large and vitally important questions of personal piety, mental culture, and professional skill. The writer once chanced to be present at a meeting of this kind, and never shall he forget the impression produced. About fifty or sixty teachers were assembled. The theme for discourse was, "The Sabbath School Teacher's Vocation." The minister (one highly esteemed in our connexion), animated by the subject, spoke with a brilliancy and pathos peculiar to himself; he dwelt upon the "nobility of the human intellect-the value of the undying soul-the atonement offered for its redemption the responsibility of the teacher's position; and urged the duty of prayer, and as an incentive to holy zeal, told of the reward of the righteous, and the happiness in reversion for those who live and labour for God." The meeting closed-solemnity was upon every mind, and to this day, although some years have intervened, the savour of that night's exercises remain.

It is suggested once again, that ministers should strive to interest the church in the Sabbath school enterprise. This is of very great moment, and to accomplish it, advantage might be taken not only of the platform and the pulpit, but of the class-room and the social circle. The duty of prayer on behalf of these institutions should be urged with especial earnestness. It is in respect to this duty perhaps, more than to any other, that the church has so fearfully failed. An apathy most disreputable to the character of its piety prevails upon this subject. How rare the sight of a church prostrate in solemn supplication at the throne of grace, pleading for the salvation of the young, and yet, for what is supplication more imperatively demanded? "It requires more than lessons to save a soul; this work is achieved not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. This great gift is proinised in answer to prayer. Is prayer presented for it? Yes, once a month; a few of the teachers meet alone in the school-room for prayer in behalf of the institution. The teachers, a handful of young people, in many cases, most of them not heads of families, and therefore destitute of all parental feeling-not members of the church-not witnesses for God-and not at all decided in respect of personal piety, and self-surrender to the Saviour. These are the suppliants! Is it really so? Is such the general order among the church, or is it not? Ye pastors, deacons, members, fathers, mothers! where are you? Oh brethren bear with us; suffer the word of exhortation! It is not thus that righteousness can be made to cover a nation, that a people can be turned to a pure language, and a generation be raised to serve the Lord."*

The times we live in are of no ordinary character. We live and move amid the shadows which coming events have cast before them. There is a jostling among the moral elements, and we seem to hear mysterious voices, which tell us, that the winding up of the scene is not far off.

The evil geniuses of scepticism and superstition are every where busy, muttering their incantations over the cauldron of iniquity; and malign spirits, who have come up at their bidding, are abroad in the earth to thwart the efforts of the good and holy. Oh! if ever there was a demand in the church for, "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do," such men are required now; and if ever there existed a necessity for uncompromising decision and sleepless activity among the friends of the Redeemer, that necessity exists now. intellect of the world, and of our own land especially, is being roused; the people, it is manifest, will be educated in some principles, be they right or be they wrong.

* Jethro, pp. 312, 313.

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The foes of spiritual freedom have forecast this state of things; and, seeing that it is a hopeless task to bring back the ignorance and imbecile submission of the feu.. dal age by repressing education, they are encouraging it in certain ways, and are diligently at work with the infant mind, striving to school it into such a respect and reverence for the traditions of their church, as shall render it subservient to their purposes.

In looking round for appliances wherewith to cope with these ministers of error, our attention is arrested by the adaptation of the Sabbath school system. The press can do much, the pulpit can do still more, but it is our deep persuasion that the Sabbath school, rightly directed, can do most towards the correction of the prevailing vices of our day. Truth can bere be so presented, error so exposed, and the lessons taught by history so applied, that in the hands of pious, devoted, intelligent teachers, with the blessing of God upon their efforts, a bulwark may be raised around our liberty and our faith, which the proud invader shall in vain atrempt to carry. These institutions (and it is a happy circumstance that so many of their number are identified with the cause of evangelical religion), must be nourished and cherished; fresh life and vigour must be infused into their veins, for we believe that there is slumbering within them an unimagined potency, which, when once waked up by the prayerful energy of God's people, will tell wondrously for the defence of the truth, the prosperity of the church, and the destiny of the world.

Ministers, we turn an anxious eye towards you, for although we live in days, when happily we are under no subjection to the opinion, that all efforts for the advancement of religion, should emanate from, and be conducted by, a certain priviledged class, we are by no means insensible to the influence, with which the sacredness of your vocation invests your character; and this influence we long to see thrown in all its strength into the Sunday school cause. It is a noble cause; one everyway worthy of your most studied and powerful efforts. The objects it contemplates are the same as those of the pulpit, the enlightenment of the intellect, and the salvation of the soul; and surely this, in reference to the rising race, those who shall ere long fill our vacant places, and give a character to the coming age, is an object, large enough to fire the ambition, and task to the uttermost, the energies of all God's faithful ministers. Have you not often to sigh in secret concerning your labours in the great congregation, "Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" Is it not with bitter tears, that you many times weep over the formalism, the worldliness, the insatiate love of pelf and pleasure, that besots the minds of the chief of those who listen to your appeals from week to week? We know that it is so, and would mourn with you over this state of things; but, while we would counsel no neglect of pulpit preparation, or pulpit exertion on behalf of those who so carelessly listen to the proclamation of the truth, we would direct your attention to the Sabbath school, as presenting a more hopeful field for Christian labour, and from whence, in greater numbers, may be transplanted trees, wherewith to replenish and beautify the garden of the Lord. Here, none of those formidable obstacles present themselves to the success of your efforts, to which we have just alluded; those which do exist, are of a different character, and may be more easily surmounted. The youthful mind is comparatively unoccupied. The thistle-down of sin has not yet shed its hated seeds profusely on the heart. The master-spirit of evil has not yet traced his own lineaments so clear and deep, as that his votary should scorn the lessons of piety and virtue. No; all is soft and pliant about the soul, and in a state highly favourable for religious culture. And then, how interesting the sight, of a devoted pastor, surrounded by a "youthful, heaven-bound, pilgrim band," all anxious to succeed his wishes, and forward his designs. What unbounded influence may a good man exercise over such disciples, who have, in the morning of their days, in part through his instrumentality, been gathered from the world, and how fair the prospect of those thus early converted, holding on their way, like the sun in his strength, " shining more and more unto the perfect day." Mark what the author of the "Sunday School Teacher' says upon this subject:-" I have not half the fears that a converted child will dishonour religion, that I have that the aged sinner who has lived in the iron habits of sin half a century, will do it. With him it is the work of life and death to break off those old habits. His thoughts, wicked and vile, will, ever and anon, flow back into the old deep-worn channels. But piety in a child gushes up like the breaking out of a new spring, making its own new channel, growing and