THE BRISTOL DISTRICT MEETING commenced its sittings in Stroud, May 4th. The district meeting chapel committee met on Thursday, and after going through the usual routine of examinations, found the chapels in the district in an improving state. The inauguratory public service was conducted by Rev. J. Preston, the oldest preacher in the district, and great was the power of God that rested on the large assembly while he discoursed upon the duty of prayer, especially in its connection with ministerial success. After an eloquent sermon from Mr. Nation, the preachers' fund meeting was held on Friday. In the evening, at six o'clock, there were five preaching stands in various parts of the town, which which were well sustained; indeed we have seldom seen a more imposing sight than when two of these processions blended, and marched singing the praises of God to the chapel, where Rev. R. Tuffin, of Hereford, preached a sermon full of terse and eloquent thinkings. It was a repast on which the soul could feed, and calculated to lead the sinner to truth and God. Afterwards the Lord's supper was administered by brothers Preston and Tuffin. It was a "time of refreshing from the Lord." Friday-Mr. Lloyd, of Pontypool, preached at five o'clock to a large congregation. At six the business of the district meeting commenced; and was conducted in an orderly and unanimous manner. The accounts, &c., from the circuits were satisfactory, excepting the "sinkings" in some of the stations, which caused much discussion and searching inquiry. Among the business of an interesting nature, transacted to-day, was the recommending brother Rowe, of Abergaveny, to a foreign field of missionary toil. In the evening, at six o'clock, the five open-air services were held, and a powerful procession was made through the streets to the schoolroom, where a par excellent temperance meeting was addressed by brothers Prestonwho filled the chair-W. Grant, of Frome; J. Weaver, and W. Nation, of Bristol; and R. Hartley, of Chippenham. Five signed the pledge. Sabbath, was a day long looked for, and it realised the most sanguine expectations. A good sermon was given to a large congregation at five o'clock in the morning by Mr. Rowe, of St. Ives. At half-past eight o'clock, a large body of preachers and friends marched to the marketplace, where a most appropriate and telling sermon was preached by Rev. J. Hibbs, of Tredegar. We have heard our venerable friend many times, but never heard him so effective, or saw him so happy as on this occasion. When we reached the camp field, the sermons and services were superlative. Many tears were shed; and "the shout of a king was heard in our camp." Brothers Rowe, of Abergaveny; Nation, of Bristol; Warnes, of Chippenham; and Richards, of Pontypool, preached with much divine unction. During the time of dinner, the rain fell, and prevented our worshipping in the open air. Chapel and school-room were filled; and marked was the Holy influence that enveloped us while brothers Lloyd, E. Hall, of Frome; Hartley, of Chippenham; and Harris, of Bath, preached in the chapel; and brothers White, of Tredegar; and Pascoe, of Monmouth, in the school-room. The crowning services, however, were the

lovefeasts. It is some years since we witnessed such an outpouring of the divine spirit as was here. In the prayer meeting

after the lovefeasts 30 or 40 human immortals bowed down in deep penitence, and sought through faith in the crucified one, peace and a pardon, nor did they seek in vain. Oh! how heart-thrilling to see these spiritual captives struggling into liberty of sonship with Christ. Our brother Grant having given us a sermon, Monday morning, at six o'clock the stationing commenced, and was finished, we hope, to our Zion's advantage. Through ill health our brother Leaker, of Swansea, was recommended for superannuation; and brother Warnes, of Chippenham, was made new superintendent. Our winding up religious service was worthy its predecessors; the missionary meeting was addressed with telling effect by Messrs. Rowe, Richards, Hartley, Hibbs, Tuffins, and Harris-Mr. Preston being president. The congregation was immensely large, and

fed

upon the facts, statements, statistics, and appeals, made and presented by the brethren. On Tuesday, after attending to sundry matters, the delegates and visitors left for their homes and circuits. Much good has been done that has been seen, and much that will yet be developed through these services. Most admirable were the arrangements made by the excellent superintendent of the Stroud circuit for the parties attending the sittings of the business of the district, and the religious services; and all seemed inspired with renewed devotedness to our common Master and cause. -ONE IN CONNEXIONAL TEENS.

PENSNELT.-On Sunday evening, April 16th, 1854, the annual missionary meeting was held in the Primitive Methodist chapel, Pensnelt, when addresses were efficiently delivered by the Revs. J. Prosser, J. Moore, W. Jones; and Messrs. W. Dudley, and J. Harris; after which, a liberal collection was made, exceeding that of the past year. On Monday evening a juvenile missionary meeting was held in the Primitive Methodist chapel, Brierley Hill, in behalf of the Australian missions. The meeting was addressed by sixteen youths, which had a most powerful and thrilling effect; after which, a public collection was made, amounting to upwards of £6. Great praise is due to Mr. Charles Beckley (the president) for his pious and indefatigable exertions and superior manner in training those promising youths who did him and themselves so much credit on the occasion. The society intend, at their next annual conference, to send out two or more missionaries to this vast and important colony. There are at present six missionaries labouring there with great success. -Y.Z.

BEDFORD.-The fifth anniversary since the enlargement of our chapel here, was celebrated on Sunday, May 14th, when two sermons were preached by Mr. T. Church, from London, and one by the Rev. J. Frost, of Collon End. The congregations were good, and the services powerful. On Monday, the 15th, a public tea meeting was held, succeeded by a platform meeting, at which Waldoe, Esq., (recently returned from Australia, and a native of the town) presided. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Cooper, Spurgeon, Gossling, Kent, Templeton, and

T. Church. The proceeds of this anniver sary, amounted to about £9. 15s. Od. The

Bedford station is improving, and only requires the earnest labours of a God-fearing, and an able minister of the New Testament, to make Bedford mission a circuit. May the recent anniversary services tend to promote a revival of religion !-BUNYANIANA.

-

PRAYER AGAINST SUDDEN DEATH. Lord, be pleased to shake my clay cottage before Thou throwest it down. May it totter awhile before it doth tumble. Let me be summoned before I am surprised. Deliver me from sudden death. Not from sudden death in respect of itself, for I care not how short my passage may be, so it be safe. Never any weary traveller complained But let it not be sudden in respect to me. that he came too soon to his journey's end. Make me always ready to receive death. Thus no guest comes unawares to him who keeps a constant table.-Fuller.

Some exchange paper illustrates the advantages of "a division of labor" by the following anecdote :

A certain preacher was holding forth to a somewhat wearied congregation, when he lifted up his eyes," to the gallery, and beheld a youngster pelting the people below with chesnuts. Dominie was about to administer ex cathedra, a sharp and stringent reprimand for this flagrant act of impiety and disrespect, but the youth, anticipating him, bawled out at the top of his voice :

"You mind your preaching, daddy, and I'll keep 'em awake!"

IRON.-Iron is said to have been first discovered in the Island of Crete, by the burning of Mount Ida, 1,432 years before Christ. There is no doubt, however, that the mineral was known to exist, if not used in the arts, ages anterior to the above date. Iron was first cast at Barkstead, Sussex county, England, in 1544.

SAFE AND PROFITABLE MODE OF TEM

per

PORARY INVESTMENT. Persons having sums of money, from £5 and upwards, in their possession, are very frequently at a loss how to dispose of them, with security, profit, and facility of transfer. The Savings' Banks afford the means of attaining the first and second of these objects, but not the third. All, however, may be effected by one of the methods of deposit in the Royal British Bank. Deposits of any amount, and for any time, made be made in this Bank (which has now been established some years, and is incorporated by charter). Negotiable notes being issued to the depositors, for two, four, or six months; or any other periods which may be preferred, carrying interest at the rate of 2 per cent. per annum for two months-3 cent. for four months-and 4 per cent. for six months, &c. These notes may be obtained at the chief office of the bank in Tokenhouse-yard, or through the post, in exchange for remittances. They may be cashed in any place where there is a banker, and they are transferable from hand accommodation which they thus afford to to hand by simple indorsement. The great traders, travellers, tourists, and others, must be obvious. They are also very convenient and useful for being lodged in the hands of third parties as securities for future or contingent payments, &c.; and may not only be available in any way in which money itself is availabe for present wants, but-as bearing interest they realise a profit to their owners, whether they be kept in the pocket or the desk, or be actively employed. Indeed, we do not know any other method of temporarily employing loose sums, small or large, so advantageously.-Globe.

Printed by JOHN WOMBELL, at his Offices in Bath Street, Ilkeston, in the County of Derby; and published by THOMAS CHURCH, at the "Primitive Standard" Office, Swan Chambers, 41, Gresham Street, City, Loudon, on Thursday, June 1st, 1854.

THE

No. 9.

LONDON, JULY 1, 1854.

UNSTAMPED, 2D. STAMPED, 3D.

Advertisements.

JOHN HILTON,
(LATE C. CARLEY)

BEDDING, CARPET, & CABINET UPHOLSTERER,

AND

GENERAL FURNISHING WAREHOUSEMAN, WHOLESALE, RETAIL, & FOR EXPORTATION. 7, Bolingbroke Row, Walworth Road.

The improvements recently introduced into Life Assurance enable the policy-holder to secure, not only a certain and sufficient provision for his family in case of his death, but also a provision for himself whilst living, in the event of bodily or mental affliction overtaking him, or accident, or visitation of any kind, rendering him unable any longer to earn his livelihood. Indeed, it is confessed and admitted, even our enemies themselves

HOLLOWAY'S PILLS,

Remarkably efficacious in curing a confirmed case of Dropsy. Extract of a letter from Mr. David Simpson, of Collingham, dated March 14th, 1854:-"TO PROFESSOR HOLLOWAY: Sir, I feel it my duty towards you and the public to inform you of a most remarkable cure of Dropsy by the use of your Pills. My daughter was a sufferer for years, and when under Medical treatment she had upwards of thirteen pints of water taken away without obtaining relief, since then she has commenced taking your Pills, which, I am satisfied, has been the sole means of effecting a lasting cure, as she is perfectly well."-Sold by all Druggists, and at PROFESSOR HOLLOWAY'S ESTABLISHMENT, 244, STRAND, LON

INSURANCE

AND ITS PROSPECTS.

We live in an age of progress and advancement. In nothing has this onward career of civilisation marked its marvellous advance more strikingly and effectively than in the developement of the principles of Insurance, and in the varied application of that great principle to every species of contingency, as well as risk, heretofore wholly unprovided for.

Life Assurance is no longer limited to the single circumstance of providing a money pay. ment on the death of the insured. The living can now participate, and can see their children participate, in the benefits secured by their own prudent and praiseworthy foresight. Policies are issued, too, in connection with loans, so as to cover the liabilities of business requirements, or other ordinary trade transactions. Again, guarantees are granted to those who shrink with becoming delicacy from imposing the onerous burden of suretyship on private friends. Diseased lives, and persons called on to encounter the increased risk of climate or of active service in actual war, are equally assured at proportionate rates. short, there is no species of provision to be made for others, no species of risk or contingency, no hapless accident, no disabling disease possible to befal oneself, for which the Actuary of a first-class modern Assurance

In

the history of modern invention, or in the progress of modern ingenuity, which, in a social point of view, is of greater importance than the astonishing improvements of institutions of this nature; calculated, as these institutions

are, to win the best and worthiest to thrifty and provident habits, by presenting an easy and admirable method of making provision for themselves and for those dear to them.

THE LONDON MUTUAL LIFE AND GUARANTEE
SOCIETY.

Chief Offices, 63, Moorgate Street, London.
TRUSTEES.

George Brown, Esq. (Morrison, Dillon, and Co.,) Fore
Street.

Stephen Olding, Esq. (Rogers, Odling, and Co.,) Clement's Lane, Lombard Street.

Edward Swain, Esq. (Swaine and Adeney,) Piccadilly. Henry Tucker, Esq. (Baker, Tuckers, & Co.,) Gresham Street.

DIRECTORS.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES of some of those Preachers whose labours contributed to the origination and early extension of the Primitive Methodist Connexion. BY GEORGE HEROD,

MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.

The work will contain Ten or Twelve numbers, Crown Octavo, 32 pages in each number, price 3d. In the above work there will be an account of the introduction of Primitive Methodism into Belper, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, and Hull; also of some of the great revivals of religion that took place in the early period of the Connexion.

Those who wish to become subscribers, are particularly requested to certify the same to any Primitive Methodist Minister, by the first week in July. A few copies of

number one are on hand. Number two will be ready for the August book parcels.

Bush.

Thomas Chambers, Esq., M.P., Temple, and Great Cumberland Street.

Joseph Davis, Esq., Stock Exchange, and Woodford. Benj. Wigg Hickling, Esq., 9, Noble Street, and Norwood.

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Hackney.

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Villas, Notting Hill.

MEDICAL OFFICERS.

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AUDITORS.

Correspondents to address their communications as follows:-"10, COLEMAN STREET, LONDON," until further notice.

Holborn.

able WILLIAM CLOWES, one of the FOUNDERS of the PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONNEXION; in a Letter to the Rev. JOHN BYWATER.

Price One Penny-postage free, Twopence. Published by Kent & Co., London:Wombell, Ilkeston.

Now Ready.

A MEM THOMAS MORGAN Urs of tire

Rev. THOMAS MORGAN, Primitive Methodist Preacher, containing extracts from his Journals and Correspondence; an Estimate and Analysis of his Character: together with selections from his published and unpublished Papers.-By William Antliff. 12mo. cloth, uncut, 1s. 9d.; in gilt edges, 2s.-Order of J. WOMBELL, Ilkeston.

OUR FAMILY CIRCLE.

66 BUT ARE YOU NOT MY DEAR HUSBAND ?" We were passing from our quiet lodgings in Craven-st. towards the Strand, in London, when we witnessed one of those scenes which open the fountains of feeling, and bring a blush to the cheek of humanity. A wellclad, intelligent looking man was reeling down the street, swinging his arms, and uttering horrid imprecations and oaths. A delicate woman, with a pale, anxious, agonized face, was clinging to him, apparently with the purpose of steadying his steps, and leading him to his home. Perhaps she had sought him, after a sleepless night, at the place of his debauch, to claim the remains of the being she once loved with all a woman's tenderness, and still cherished even in his degradation. As we passed the pitiable group, we heard her exclaim in tones that seemed to have been wrung from the yielding fibres of a breaking heart, "But are you not my dear husband ?"

Poor daughter of sorrow! you have no husband left. That mind which used to command your respect and admiration is in ruins. That generous heart which once blended with yours, and whose warm affections made your young life sunny and glad, is turned into bitterness. That manly form, on which you were wont to lean, is paralyzed. The destroyer has done his work: a living death has seized the partner of your life: you are a widow-nay, worse than widowed.

What fiend hath wrought this change? Who turned that abode of peace into a carnival of devils? Who made that home a hell? Who caused that group of children to dread the step and to shun the bleared eye of the father that begot them? Who drew that mother from her family to search among the bloated visitors of the gin-palace for the companion of her youth? Who wrung from the depths of her sinking spirit the cry, "Are not my you dear husband?"

O, ye makers and venders of human poison; ye disturbers of domestic quiet; ye plunderers of hard-earned gains; ye destroyers of public morals and private virtue; ye plagues of the family and the state-behold your work. See the apples of Sodom-the bitter fruit from the trees of your own planting.

Young woman, if you would avoid certain misery, and turn from exposure to a companionship which may extort the despairing inquiry whether the reeling brute by your side is not your "dear husband," never, never listen to the proposals of marriage from a man who indulges in the cup of intoxication. Though he may have a splendid mind, and pleasing person, and engaging manners, this single habit will be the bane and curse of your domestic hearth, and the almost certain cause of ruin.

Young man, set down that glass! It is full of poison. It will steal your brains. It will curdle your blood. It will enervate your frame. It will ruin your mind. It will enslave your will. It will deprave your heart. It will destroy your soul. Have you a widowed mother ? and will you leave her without a son? Have you a sister? would drown her in disgrace and misery? Have you a wife? would you make her a widow ? Are you a father? would you plunge your children into the sorrows of orphanage ?

you

THE IMPERFECTIONS OF GREAT THINGS.

THE finer the nature the more flaws it will show through the clearness of it; and it is a law of this universe that the best things shall be seldomest seen in their best form. The wild grass grows well and strongly one year with another; but the wheat is, according to the greater nobleness of its nature, liable to the bitterest blight. And, therefore, while in all things that we see, or do, we are to desire perfection, and strive for it, we are nevertheless not to set the meaner thing, in its narrow accomplishment, above the nobler thing, in its mighty progress; not to esteem smooth minuteness above shattered majesty; not to prefer mean victory to honourable defeat; not to lower the level of our aim, that we may the more surely enjoy the complacency of success. But, above all, in our dealings with the souls of other men, we are to take care how we check, by severe requirement or narrow caution, efforts which might otherwise lead to a noble issue; and still more how we withold our admiration from great excellencies, because they are mingled with rough faults.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS.-In 1851 there were 2,407,642 scholars upon the books of the Sunday schools in England and Wales. About three-eighths were in the Sunday schools of the church of England, the rest were divided among the various denominations of Dissenters and

the Roman Catholics, the largest share being taken by the Wesleyans (the original connexion), who had nearly half as many scholars as the church of England. The number of teachers was 318,135, chiefly young persons; 10,383 (almost all in the church of England schools) were paid teachers, supposed to be mostly the masters and mistresses of National Schools. It has been estimated that the number of Sunday scholars under six years of age is about a sixth of the whole number, and that the proportion above 15 is at least a tenth of the whole. In the manufacturing districts the proportion above 15 is very much larger than in London; the senior classes comprise many young persons of 18 or 19, and the course of instruction in those classes is of a superior character. Many Sunday schools sustain weekevening classes, where the scholars are instructed in some secular art or knowledge; many have libraries for the scholars' use (and it must be recollected that the books are often read by the families of the scholars); and some have originated for the senior scholars "mutual improvement societies," where lectures are delivered and other means of intellectual progress are provided. Sick clubs, too, and provident clubs, and penny banks are frequently established in connexion with the Sunday school. Excursions and festivals, in which the children and their teachers join in recreation, are now universal. Thus there is in some degree (although too smal!) a constant kindly intercourse between the different classes of society; and thus, perhaps, are being gradually fostered in the minds of the working people juster sentiments than hitherto have been received of the disposition of the class by fortune placed above them. But in this department of its usefulness the Sunday school is yet but in its infancy, awaiting, probably, the time when ministers and influential members of the church shall recognize its undeveloped power for good.-Census of Edu

cation.

A SHORT NEWSPAPER CATECHISM.

A WRITER, more philosophical than popular, in some periodical recently proposed the theory of educating men for the editorial profession systematically: deeming it as important to have qualified persons in charge of the public press, as at the bar, in the pulpit, or the sick-room. Although the project is not altogether practicable at this moment, still the time may come when it will be expedient to require such preparation; and with a view to aid the editorial tyro, the following manual catechism is submitted:Q.-What is a newspaper?

A.—It is a diurnal compendium of general intelligence.

Q. What are the principal ingredients of a newspaper?

A.-Fancy, fiction, and fact.

Q. How are these materials arranged? head of fancy is the editorial department A.-That portion which comes under the (properly so called), embodying the editor's various favourite theories-chimerical, reformatory, political and otherwise-together all of which are proposed as gems of public with cogitations upon miscellaneous subjects, opinion.

The ingredient of fiction is that which treats of horrible murders, dreadful conflagrations, terrible catastrophes, births, deaths and marriages, notices of new books, commendation of arts, sciences, inventions, and medicines, and general scandal, filled out with numerous incidental topics of great interest to nobody. The portion allotted to fact embraces the advertisements, usually contributed with such extensive and compre hensive ardour as to occupy seven-eighths of the entire sheet.

Q.-What is an editor?

supposed to preside over the general arrangeA.-An editor is an imaginary character ments, and to assume the responsibility as well as praise or odium of all articles not otherwise provided for.

Q.-What is a subscriber?

A.-A subscriber is a party contracting with the publishers, who agree to find him the paper "quid pro quo" for his money invested.

Q.-What are the rights of subscribers ? A.-Subscribers are entitled to receive their paper regularly, and if advertisers, to have their notices promptly published, and to pay their bills when duly presented.

Q-What other privileges do subscribers enjoy ?

A.-None.

Q.-What others do they demand ?

A.-Many expect, besides what they are entitled to, that the editor will conform himself in all respects to the peculiar views of each individual, no matter however diverse their sentiments may be, and advocate with earnestness and force of argument, the favourite theories of each-in short, to sell himself, heart and soul, body and mind, to the fanaticism or idioticy of each subscriber, for the amount per annum technically called subscription, under peril of stopping their