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sealed country for about two hundred years. However, in the year 1852 the United States sent a squadron under Commodore Perry to obtain by negotiation, if possible, but if not by force, an opening into Japan. The design was friendly, but the determination on success was resolute. By the skill and firmness of Commodore Perry, the expedition, after many difficulties and delays, was successful, and that by pacific measures. Since then England has also obtained permission to trade with Japan. This volume details the incidents occurring in the interviews between the American

negotiators and the Japanese people, especially with their dignitaries and official authorities, both on board the vessels and on the territory of this singular nation. The American visitors had many opportunities of mingling with the inhabitants, and of observing their domestic habits, their religious and political customs. They found the people cleanly, industrious, and ingenious, kind to strangers and social, but under a despotic government; and, as might be expected, overwhelmed in the gloom of heathenism. The prevailing religion is Buddhism. The country abounds with the temples of idolatry and Pagan priests. In each temple there is a gong and a bell, which are sounded immediately before prayers in order to awake their slumbering deities, so that they may attend to the invocations of their worshippers. The visitors found in some places a praying machine, consisting of a square post covered with inscriptions, and a wheel attached to it, the turning of which was a substitute for vocal prayer, and an expeditious method of communicating with the gods they worshipped.

We have read the book with deep interest, and can cordially recommend it to our readers as conveying much unique information in a truly evangelical spirit. May the day soon arrive when this remarkable but benighted people shall see the salvation of God.

A Loud Call. A Sermon delivered in Zion Chapel, Longton, Staffordshire, on Sunday, January 10, 1858, being the first Sunday after the sudden death of Mr. Thomas Cope, china manufacturer, Dresden. By the Rev. John Stokoe. London: J. B. Cooke, 21, Warwick-lane, Paternoster-row. Price One Penny.

THIS discourse is earnest, faithful, and impressive. The sudden and unexpected death of a highly valued friend is turned to good account as an admonition to the living-arousing the careless sinner from his lethargy, and stimulating the believer to diligence in every good work, and a constant preparation for the eternal world.

The Revival Advocate and Record of the Churches. A religious magazine of progress for the people, with Illustrations. London: W. Horsell; and J. B. Cooke. THE first number of this new serial was good, but the second is, we think, better than its predecessor. The articles are diversified and well writ. ten, and all are adapted to promote truth, earnestness of spirit, and holy activity. The first number contained a portrait of the Rev. James Caughey, and this has a portrait of the Rev. Robert Maguire.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

"Chapeltown; or, Fellow Students." By an English Minister. London: Ward & Co. "The Elements of Moral Science." By Francis Wayland, D.D., with Notes by J. Angus, D.D. London: The Tract Society. "Illustrative Teaching." By W. H. Groser. London: Ward & Co. "The Steps of Jesus." By Robert Mimpriss. London: Sabbath School Depository, Aldine Chambers. "I would not Live always." A Sermon by the Rev. Ralph Macpherson. London: Aylott & Jones. "The Triumph of Tractarianism." By Alessandro Gavazzi. London: Partridge & Co.

METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MISSIONS,

CANADIAN, IRISH, AND HOME;

EMPLOYING SEVENTY MISSIONARIES IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF GOD.

NOTICE FOR MARCH, 1858.

TREASURER-Mr. B. FOWLER, 33, High Park Street, Liverpool.
SECRETARY-Rev. T. ALLIN, Altrincham, Cheshire.

CANADA.

The friends of the mission will rejoice to learn, from the following communica tions to the General Superintendent, that, amidst the commercial crisis through which Canada is passing, neither is there any relaxation in the various departments of Christian labor, nor is the Divine blessing withheld.

ANCASTER CIRCUIT.

With gratitude do I sit down to write a short account of God's dealings on the Ancaster Circuit. I do this with the more pleasure, when I consider how gladly intelligence of this sort is hailed by the readers of the "Witness."

In the early part of September a protracted meeting was commenced by my esteemed Superintendent, in Zion Chapel. Notwithstanding the season of the year, and the state of the roads, the attendance was large. Many came from a distance. Soon symptoms of deep and earnest feeling were manifested. Those who were hitherto careless became solemn and thoughtful. Every night the truth was powerfully and convincingly applied by the Holy Spirit. The falling tear, the deep sigh, or the loud cry for mercy, told of a Divine power at work within. The earnest inquiry was uttered by many lips "What shall I do to be saved." Overwhelmed with emotion, the trembling penitents wended their way to the altar, and besought mercy of God. Soon was the cry of sorrow drowned by the songs of the redeemed, and those who came sorrowing went their way rejoicing. After a duration of six weeks the Seventeen meeting was concluded.

have been received on trial among us, while other churches were also blessed with an increase of strength.

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On the 14th of November Quarterly meeting was held in the Millgrove Chapel. During the love feast a very solemn feeling rested on all present, and none could doubt that the Holy Spirit was powerfully working on the hearts of the people. Regarding this as an indication of the way we were to pursue, a protracted service was immediately commenced. The congregation-small at first-rapidly increased. Soon indications of deep internal emotion were manifested by numbers. Upon an invitation being given, it was answered by a general movement towards the place for prayer. Night after night the numbers of penitents increased, while others were entering into the joy and peace of the believer. It was a thrilling scene to behold the strong man beside the youth; hearts, hardened by long perseverance in the paths of sin, melted by the power of God, and coming as humble penitents to the throne of God. At the conclusion of this meeting 28 were admitted as humble followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. But though we have received such blessings from our heavenly Parent, we look for more; while praising God for what He has done, we trust that it is but a foretaste of what is yet to come. May the Holy Spirit still work upon the minds of the people, that salvation may claim many more for its subjects.

W. WILLIAMS.

MANVERS CIRCUIT.

Lifford, C. W., Dec. 29th, 1857. My Dear Brother, We have recently closed a protracted service in this village, resulting in the addition of 31 members to our church here, and several to adjoining societies. The whole district is prospering. Thanks be unto God. Yours affectionately,

JAMES C. WATTS.

WATERFORD CIRCUIT.

Waterford, Nov. 7th, 1857.

My Dear Brother. At the request of my esteemed superintendent, Rev. T. Goldsmith, and with feelings of humble gratitude, I haste to forward to you, and the numerous readers of the Witness, the joyous intelligence that. God is graciously visiting us on this Circuit. For nearly five weeks we have been engaged in two special religious meetings; one in Waterford, the other at Brant Chapel, and have, at each place, witnessed signal tokens of divine power in quickening believers, and arresting obstinate enemies to the Cross of Christ.

The Waterford meeting has, we trust, exerted an influence long to be remembered by those connected with our church. as well as the entire neighbourhood. At its commencement (and for upwards of two weeks,) there was little probability of souls being saved; the duty of believers at such a crisis was enforced with all earnestness and affection, as also the necessity of united, earnest prayer for the shedding down of the Holy Ghost, without whose sanction and aid human efforts are fruitless. The church thus aroused to lay hold of, and plead Jehovah's promises, the moving, convincing power of God the Spirit was made manifest, and whilst the attractions of Calvary were presented, power accompanied the Word, and extorted the cry "What shall I do to be saved?" and in this state sinners were pointed to the "Lamb of God," and in him found "redemption, even the forgiveness of sins.”

The meeting at Waterford having just terminated, we humbly record a numerical increase of twelve souls. May they be "kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvaiion."

The Brant meeting being yet in progress, we cannot give a definite statement; already fifteen in nmmber have professedly found peace with God, and united with the church, and as almost each evening witnesses new victories oyer Satan, we yet hope to see many freed from the bondage of sin. pleasing feature in connection with this meeting is, that several who are now rejoicing in God's pardoning love are the heads of families.

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Much credit is due to Mr. Eddy (a local brother) for his unwearied assistance at this place.

We have the prospect of a gracious work at other places on the Circuit, and sincerely pray that the entire Connexion may be quickened and refreshed with "Showers of blessings."

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Nov. 27th, 1857. Dear Brother, We have been favored with tokens of good on this circuit by the great Head of the Church. Some months since a few of us met_together in the class-room of the Bethesda Chapel, to plead with God that he would send prosperity. Week after week we met to wait upon God in the prayer meeting, becoming more and more drawn out for souls. We increased the prayer meetings from one to two and three each week. From that classroom many a fervent prayer arose to God, that he would build up the waste places of Zion, and often and earnestly was the prayer of Habakkuk, "Oh, Lord revive thy work," reiterated. Soon signs of good began to appear; sinners in Zion were afraid. Some were led to cry for mercy, and brought to experience redemption in Christ Jesus. The place soon became too small for us; we had to occupy the body of the church, and enter into what we usually term a protracted meeting, in which we have been laboring some five or six weeks, and closed last Tuesday. The meeting has resulted in the hopeful conversion of about twenty-five. Some of those brought to God live at a distance from the chapel, and adjacent to other churches, so that we do not reap all the fruit. We have taken the names of thirteen, and hope that others will yet join us. Besides this, God's people have been revived. Some who had grown cold, and wandered from God, but whose names were with us, have been brought nigh; so that on reviewing the whole we have to exclaim "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." I remain, dear brother, Yours in Gospel bonds, JAS. MCALISTER.

NORWICH CIRCUIT.

Norwich, Dec. 11th, 1857. It will be pleasing to our brethren, and the numerous readers of the "Witness," to learn that God is with us in Norwich, and that His work is progressing. A short time ago, brother H. Wilkinson, (my esteemed Superintendent) and myself directed our attention

to a certain locality, known as the Sherwood settlement, where, hitherto, we had no interest. We at once commenced a series of week night meetings, which the Lord most gloriously crowned with His approbation and blessing. We humbly breathed our heart's desires to heaven, implored the help of Him, "who is more ready to give than we are to receive," and "who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."

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Crowds flocked to the house of prayer, to hear words "which are able to make wise unto salvation." The Lord verified his promise. He met with us. Jesus was there," whose blood speaketh better things than that of Abel.' The Holy Ghost was present, convincing of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.' On the third evening six persons presented themselves at the altar of prayer, and manifested an earnest desire to "flee from the wrath to come." This was a soul reviving season; and while holding such communion with God, we were led to exclaim "Master, it is good for us to be here." Our congregations continued to increase, until the house became far too small to seat them all. The number of mourners also continued to increase. The power of God was in our midst; and to see brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, parents and children, all kneeling together, seeking the favor of the Lord, which

is better than life," was truly affecting. During the whole of the meetings (which continued four weeks) the work went on delightfully; and I have great pleasure in stating, that better conduct and order than were manifested during the meetings I never saw. All appeared to listen with the greatest attention, and after service peacefully returned to their homes and families. At the close of these services thirty-two gave in their names as members of society, seventeen "This of whom are heads of families. is the Lord's doing: it is marvellous in our eyes." May the Lord preserve and keep them; and, when the world is in a blaze, may they have Christ for their Saviour, and heaven for their home.

Oh! that the time may speedily come when "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Then shall Moloch, Juggernaut, and every other idol, be hurled to the ground. Oh! that we could now hear the hammer of the smith beating swords into ploughshares, and spears into pruning-hooks. happy period shall come, for the Bible declares it, and "the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Brethren and friends, let us unite heart and hand, let us

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NEWCASTLE.

Hope, Dec. 11th, 1857.

Dear Sir and Brother,-To many of your readers the most interesting portion of your paper is the intelligence from the circuits of the ingathering of precious souls into the fold of Christ; and it is indeed pleasing to learn that the arm of the Lord is being made bare in several instances. A few drops have fallen here and there on our beloved Zion. May a pentecostal shower be poured out upon all our churches.

Respecting the Newcastle Mission, I need scarcely say that it has for years been in a languishing state; to use a poetic phrase, "growing smaller by degrees, and beautifully less," until last year, when my predecessor found but a shred of a circuit, a few faithful scattered members, who, through their attachment to our doctrines and "polity, amid discouragement and trial, con'tinued firm to our cause. Bro. Adkins commenced a series of protracted meetings, and continued them all winter, which, by the blessing of God, were rendered effectual in the quickening of believers, the reclaiming of backsliders, and the conversion of many sinners to God. At the close of the protracted and very severe labours of the winter, brother Adkin found his health completely prostrated, and at the last Conference he was compelled to desist from the travelling connection. On succeeding him I found 80 members on this circuit, many of whom were full of the love and zeal so characteristic of the new convert. The people received me very kindly; and I have been endeavouring to feed the flock of Christ," and to discharge my duty, according to the best of my ability, in the fear of God; and he has not left us without tokens of divine favour. I have held two protracted meetings, and at each a few souls were blessed with justifying grace. I have, for a few evenings past, been engaged in holding a meeting at the Hope appointment (a place where we once had a class, but where our cause has been extinct, and our name almost unknown for many years). The congregations are unusally large, and give the deepest attention to the solemn truths of the gospel. When I gave the invitation last night, fourteen precious souls with great difficulty forced their way through the crowd; weeping an and trembling they knelt at the altar for

prayer, and more would doubtless have come had there been room; and while a few of our members from adjacent neighbourhoods, and some dear brethren of the Bible Christian and Wesleyan churches, united heartily in prayer, the good Spirit of the Lord came down to sanctify and bless believers, and some of the penitents were blessed with the joys of pardoning love, and testified that God has power on earth to forgive sins. The brethren are greatly encouraged to labour for God, and I trust in due time to be able to report a numerical increase here, and we shall ascribe to God all the glory. Yours in the gospel,

W. TINDALL.

HAMILTON CIRCUIT.

Nov. 30, 1857.

From a previous acquaintance with the character of our Hamilton interest, I was not particularly disappointed at finding myself, after Conference, in charge of a small and somewhat feeble church; still, such was the kindness with which myself and family were met -such the attention which, from the first, we received, that our position was relieved of much that would have been otherwise very embarrassing and trying. One of my first steps, after getting settled, was to bring the membership into the way of meeting more generally and regularly in class. Quite a number of our people here had never met in class; some of them coming to us from denominations who did not hold to "this way" some I found were not enjoving a sense of their acceptance with God, and did not even profess to be the subjects of regenerating grace. I now felt as I never did before, the duty of dealing closely with the consciences of professors, and that in private as well as public. O for more faithfulness in this particular, not taking it for granted that those who come into my hands as accredited church members are members of the mystical body of Christ Soon there

ere signs of good among us; in our class meeting we were favoured with the presence and power of God, one after another returned to the "old aths. One new class was formed, and another resuscitated; our Sabbath and week-meeting services were seasons of refreshing coming from the presence of the Lord. After closing the exercises of my Bible-class on Tuesday evening, a young person lingered behind, evidently under deep exercise of mind, to tell me that the Spirit of God was striving with her. She has since "found mercy of the Lord," and is happy in a Saviour's love. I think it was about the same time that some of the ladies of the church suggested the formation of a fe

male prayer meeting. There had been such a meeting at one time in the church, but it had become defunct; it was now taken hold of with new vigour, is well sustained, and grows in interest. Last Weduesday the little room where the service is conducted was too strait for the numbers that came. Some weeks since, at our public prayer meeting after Sabbath evening preaching, three persons came up to the communion as seekers of salvation. Since then, at almost every similar service, some of the congregation have come publicly forward for the prayers of the church, and in most instances, after bowing in the attitude and with the spirit of penitents, have gone on their way rejoicing. Several have also found forgiveness of sins, who have sought the blessing in a more quiet and unobserved manner. One young woman I found weeping for her sins a week or two since, just after the Sunday School had been dismissed; she was one of my Sabbath School class. Yesterday a very interesting little girl, one of our S. S. scholars, gave gracious evidence, in conversation, of having passed from death unto life. I learned that she had been brought to Jesus in a revival service, a number of which had been held in this city lately among the Wesleyans with great success. Last night several persons rose for the prayers of the church. God is certainly very near just now to bless us. I rejoice with trembling, so much depends on our faithfulness whether this work shall go on, and in what degree we shall be blessed. O let prayer go up from one end of the Connexion to the other, for a mighty display of God's power to our Hamilton church. "Lord of the harvest, God of Grace, send down thy heavenly rain." It has not been thought advisable, for reasons which I need not here specify, to enter upon a series of nightly special services, and so far the work has gone on under the ordinary agencies, and with only one extra meeting. The church is greatly quickened, some of the members delight me with their activity in talking to the penitents and going through the congregation to find out the awakened. Yesterday week we enjoyed a most blessed Love Feast and Sacramental season. I close this communication by stating that I am just beginning a Sabbath afternoon service in the extreme eastern suburb of the city, a suburb which almost constitutes a village of itself. God has opened us a door there, and in his name and strength we intend to enter in. "Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified."

D. SAVAGE.

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