Hold, brethren! Ye are all wrong! This world is not Pandemonium, though it sometimes looks like it to him who wars against its true sovereign; and it is not Heaven, though the man who thinks that happiness consists in external possession fancies so. The eye that is connected with a pure heart sees things differently. Happiness must dwell within or be an entire stranger. She is particular in choosing her residence, and nothing short of the human heart will please her taste; but when she is admitted there, she pays liberally for her lodgings, for she imparts colours of beauty to every thing without, and turns into blessed prophecy even the darkest scenes of being. She enrobes the globe, hurrying to eternity with its load of dead and dying, yet immortal humanity, with a mantle of Divine love, and enables the eye of the poor man to see all the beauties of nature, and his heart to enjoy them, as truly as if he were proprietor of the whole. The chosen home of happiness is the heart; and if it be reconciled to the blessed Father, through the Son, how large it becomes, and how are its powers of enjoyment strengthened! Appropriation of all that is good, and rejection of all that is evil, become intuitive then. The man may be very poor, his name unknown on the banker's books, and his person strange to the merchant-princes of the world; but the flowers of the field bloom, and the songs of the forest are warbled for him. Under his feet, and around his path, lie the works, and over his head dwells the bright smile of a "reconciled God." may be swimming against the stream, but the banks thereof are adorned with trees of his " Lord's planting." He may tremble at the face of a fellow-creature whose claims he cannot satisfy; but his conscience approves the principles he has adopted, and the oracle he believes whispers in his ears, "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Human praise may seldom greet him, but the desire to

He

have a conscience void of offence towards God and man, hold him up in the warfare of life. The nobles of the nation may not hail him in the street, but the visits of ministering angels make his humble dwelling one of the portals of heaven. From, "Struggles for Life."

TEETOTALISM.

A FACT FOR MODERATE
DRINKERS.

IN September last I visited the town of Cardiff to see a few friends, who had come there to reside from Devon. As one of them and myself were standing on the quay, we saw a well-dressed, genteel looking man, approaching the steps of the quay not very steady in his cariage, as if in liquor. He descended the steps cautiously a certain distance, looked over the water-side of the steps, and then came cautiously up again. He then went to the head of the quay, across which a chain ran about thirty inches high, to which he put his hand and looked down, and losing his poise would have fallen over and down perhaps forty feet in the mud, for the tide was out, if a lad had not caught him by the skirt of his coat, just at the very instant when seemingly he was falling headlong over the chain to the abyss below.

My friend and I were much shocked at this occurrence. I walked up to the person, and advised him to withdraw, which he refused to do, saying that there was no danger, and that if he had fallen over, he could have held on to the chain by his hand. I threatened to call a police officer, if I could find one, if he did not retire, when with much reluctance he receded a little. I spoke to him seriously of the sin and danger of his drinking as he had, &c. IIe seemed to feel his position much, and spoke affectingly of his unfitness to go out of the world in the state he then

was engaged in the spirit trade, and had been for eleven years, but that that day he had been tasting many samples, and had been carried where he was-to intoxication. -but that it was the first time for the eleven years he had been in such a state.

He moreover told me that he was a member of a christian church, and occasionally preached the Gospel to some of his less educated neighbours. I shall leave the

reader to make his own observations on this fact as it may speak to him, simply observing that in my view, had the person in question been in a better line of business, and an abstainer from intoxicating liquors, he certainly would have been a far better man than he was, and far more useful too, and without a question, in no danger to body or soul, in time or eternity, from "strong drink."

J. ASHTON.

The Fifteenth Conference of the Sunday School Teachers in the Shebbear Circuit, was held at Ebenezer Chapel, Lake, on Thursday, November 22nd, 1855. Between eighty and ninety of the officers and teachers of the Schools came together on the occasion. After singing and prayer, Mr. J. Snell was voted to the Chair. During the afternoon, several subjects bearing on Sabbath School operations were discussed freely, in which discussion many of the Conference took part.

About five o'clock the Conference repaired to the school room, where a first rate tea was provided. A beautiful fire flamed in the same room, and it was found to be a very agrecable visitor just then, as the air was very keen.

I heard of no complaint, but I

should think that some of us were a little troublesome at times to the persons who had to furnish the tables, for we were anxious now and then to feel the heat of the fire.

About 7 o'clock the Public Meeting commenced. After singing and prayer, Mr. Samuel Thorne was called to the chair.

After a few appropriate remarks from the chairman, the writer read the following Report:-

"Dear Brethren and Friends.-The time has again arrived for us to meet together at our Sunday School Teachers' Conference, where we can review the labours and toils of the past year.

The past twelve months have by many been felt to be months of sadness and depression. The unsettled state

of our country, (being involved in one of the most bloody wars that ever stained the page of history,) has contributed much towards retarding the progress of The friends every religious enterprise.

of truth have had to mourn and sigh over the deep apathy that has existed around them. But we are pleased to find, that notwithstanding the difficulties with which the friends generally have had to grapple, we can report progress in our Sabbath School department. The warlike spirit that has been cherished by large portions of our countrymen, and the depression that has been felt through the very high prices of provisions, have not quenched the holy zeal that has been displayed in previous years, in fostering these nurseries of piety.

We have 15 schools, in which are taught 781 children, by 183 teachers.

This will show an increase on the last year's returns, of 9 scholars, and 4 teachers. 131 of the teachers are members of society, leaving 52 who are not. Connected with the 15 schools, there are libraries, in which there are 1,039 volumes, showing an increase on the last year's of 59 volumes.

During the year there have been given to the children as rewards, 59 Bibles, 112 Testaments, and 426 hymu books and other rewards. 4 of the scholars have died since the last Conference, whose deaths have been satisfactory. Two have been brought to God, and we hope they will hold on their way, and be made a blessing to the church.

According to the advice given at the last Conference, a Band of Hope has been formed in every school but two, and we are pleased to find, that in connexion with our schools, there are no less than 107 of the teachers, and 361 of the children who are pledged Teetotalers. At one of the schools all the teachers have taken the pledge, and at several of them, all but one or two. One school only is left without a single teetotal teacher; and at that school, no less than 23 of the children have signed the pledge. Of course, at that place, and in that respect, the children are the teachers, and the teachers the scholars. We hope, however, that before the next Conference assembles the teachers will step into their places and take the lead.

And let us all pray that the blessing of God may attend our efforts, and that we may soon see our schools in still greater prosperity. Amen."

After the Report was read, the following Brethren were called on to move and second the following Resolutions.

On the motion of Mr. C. Friendship, seconded by Mr. J. Snell, it was resolved :--

1. It is with great pleasure we learn, that notwithstanding the blighting influences that have been brought to bear on the church of God, our schools are in some respects in an improving con lition. With this fact before our eyes, we pledge ourselves to labour on in the good work, praying that we may see still more important results growing out of our public labours.

On the motion of Br. C. Bridgeman, seconded by Mr. T. Hobbs, it was resolved :

2. Being deeply convinced that the Sabbath School institution is one of great importance; and that apart from the divine blessing no good can be effected, we resolve to cry earnestly to God, that he may send us his Holy Spirit, to assist us in our arduous undertakings; that he may revive his work in our schools, and bless the children with converting grace, and make them useful while in the world.

On the motion of Mr. J. Thorne, seconded by Mr. T. Tucker, it was resolved:

3. That we greatly rejoice to find

that so many of the teachers and children have taken the tectotal. pledge and as we believe that the embracing of teetotal principles would be of great importance to our schools, we would earnestly entreat all the officers and teachers thoroughly to consider the subject, aud take an early opportunity to connect themselves with the great and good cause.

About half-past nine o'clock the meeting closed, and the friends made the best of their way to their different homes, we hope, glad that they were employed in the work of God.

On the following evening the children of Ebenezer school were treated with tea and cake, (the provision for the Conference on the previous day being more than was wanted) the Band of Hope was examined, and an excellent lecture on teetotalism was delivered by Mr. J. Thorne.

J. SNELL.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVER-
SARY.

The Sabbath School, it is believed, is one of the great instruments which God is using to bring about the longlooked, and much prayed for, "latterday glory," when all nations shall bow at Jehovah's feet and own him King and God..

November 25th, was the day appointed for the celebration of the Auniversary of Westfield Bible Christian Sabbath-school. Several days previous were wet and unpropitious, and many fears were entertained respecting the Sabbath. Many an earnest prayer, from family altars and secret chambers, was offered to God by pious hearts on the Saturday, that He who rules the winds and guides the clouds would clear the sky and let the sun appear. A little girl, the daughter of one of the many friends who feel deeply interested in the good cause, heard her father thus engaged at the family altar; and on Sunday morning one of her first inquiries was, "What sort of weather is it ?" On being told that it was wet, she said, "But did you not hear what Father said last night when he prayed? He asked of God to give us dry weather, and it cannot rain ?" Thus

giving proof that she had learned the important truth that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.".

The morning was indeed unfavoura ble, with a strong wind blowing fro:a the north; but about mid-day the clouds (which all the morning had hung heavily around us) began to disperse, and the bright luminary of day, as though anxious to show his approval of our proceedings, peeped through the apertures, and flung his cheering rays delightfully upon us. Still the cold northerly wind blew keenly, and a closely packed chapel was needed to prevent the cold having an injurious influence on our meeting, and the Lord, who has ever smiled on every effort to exalt the Saviour's name, inclined the hearts of the people to come to the Sanctuary in such numbers that our most sanguine expectations in reference to congregation were more than realized. Every seat was occupied, and more were needed, by attentive men, women, and children, who listened with great earnestness to Mr. W. Woodman while he delivered an affectionate address founded on Mark x. 13, and afterward to about half-a-dozen children, who recited as many interesting pieces. Then followed the collection. In the evening friends were seen coming from every point of the compass where a path was found, and the House of God was literally crowded: every nook and corner of sitting and standing room was occupied by persons who paid marked attention as Mr. W. addressed the children from Psalm xvi. 6. A few more pieces were recited, and the friends again applied to, who manifested their willingness to help the good cause. The collections amounted to £2 11s4d; a noble sum to be obtained in a small country village situated in the wolds of Sussex. The meeting was closed by singing and prayer; and of a truth the Master of Assemblies was in the midst of us. The meeting was good: -Jesus was there; and Saint and Sinner "felt him near." Praise the Lord!

The school numbers about 70 scholars; several of whom have been recently converted, and others are under religious impressions. That the Great Spirit may convince many more of them, and save the whole, for Jesus' sake, prays

A DEBTOR TO SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

PROSPERITY OF THE WORK.

To the Editor.

DEAR BROTHER.-The importance of religious revivals is evident to all who know their value, and look at them in connection with the present state of the church and of the world. It is an awful truth that the world lieth still in the wicked one, and may we not add, the church is still too inuch at ease? How needful that we should attend to the call of God by the mouth of his servant, "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city." It is pleasing to know that some parts of the christian community are waking up, and very blessed things are taking place. The North of England, in several places, especially among the Methodist New Connexion, has been favoured with "Showers of blessings," and a good work is still in progress. And we rejoice to state, that if in the West we have not the abundant shower, we have the dropping; yes, we can sing

"Lo! the promise of a shower
Drops already from above."

In the Penzance Circuit good is doing. Br. Brown writes-"I am happy to tell you that we have good doing at Boscaswell, and Carfury. Several have been added, and we are expecting a more extensive work. St. Ives and Penzance are looking up also." From the Helston Circuit, Br. Kemeys writes, "I gave twelve notes of admittance last night, (Nov. 29th) and I hear that Br. Pool has good doing at another place." Br. Pool, presume, is holding a protracted meeting, and the Lord is with him. May he succeed well; may many be saved. We are also happy to say, that the Lord is with us in this Station, and a very gracious work is going forward. At Truro, the society has been greatly quickened, and was never more peaceful. During the last three months some ten or twelve persons have been brought into a state of spiritual liberty and life, and there is a good prospect of greater good being wrought, as two or three have been converted this week, and much interest is felt in the work by the church. Our congregation and Sabbath School is gradually improving also.

At Tregoney, a place where for years we had laboured apparently in vain, and up to within a very short time we

had but four or five members; the chapel resounds with praises from new born babes in Christ. Last week twenty six, and on Sabbath last three more, gave in their names to be enrolled with the few that were there before. Oh! may they be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

At Grampound, there is a very blessed work in progress. Our few friends

there, with one or two not of our denomination, began, a few weeks ago to hold cottage prayer meetings. This led to their being quickened themselves, and created a concern among many without, who began to attend the house of prayer, and to listen to words by which they might be saved. The result is, that on Saturday night, at a special service held by Br. Clarke, six or eight penitents were found at the feet of Jesus, some of whom went home rejoicing in the Lord their Saviour. On Sabbath afternoon, both preacher and people were melted into tears. The preacher sat down, while half suppressed sighs and groans went up to heaven, which were followed by a loud cry for mercy from a man amidst the throng just inside the door. We have made arrangements for Br. Clarke to be with them a few days,—and I trust we shall be able to give you and your readers, further information for the February number. We publish this simply that your readers may be encouraged to pray, and hope, and live, and labour, for like blessings everywhere. If we will have prosperity, we must use the means; and as assuredly as our Grampound friends prayed, and now realize the answer, similar results will be realized in other places, if similar means be used.

I might here say that at Tregoney, a very powerful impression was made on the public mind by the ministry of MR. HASLAM, of the Established Church, and he, with our valuable friend, CHARLES SYMONS, and others, have laboured nobly and successfully in the prayer meetings.

Dear reader. Do you wish for a revival? Are you a parent? father? mother? Do you mourn over your sons and daughters, who are still unconverted ? Are you a class leader? Do you grieve that your class is dull, and diminishing in number? When shall they be quickened? When shall you get more? Why not begin to pray for a present blessing on your children? Hearken, what does the Lord say? will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and

I

my blessing upon thy offspring." "Have faith in God." And now dear class leaders, ask your class to unite with you to pray for a revival. Begin at once. Bow right down before the Lord, all at the feet of Jesus, and plead till salvation come. Talk to them less my brother, and lead them to the throne of mercy to talk more to their Father and God through the Mediator, assisted by the Holy Ghost. More time in prayer, and less talking in the class, from the pulpit, and in private, we believe, would be of infinitely more value. Oh! for the spirit of prayer on the ministry, and on the church. The reader will bear with one who has passed the days of his youth, and who has spent about thirty years in the ministry, and has seen a little of revivals, and has also read a little, while he here says, that the use of the means within our reach, if ALL, both preachers and people, would live aright, and act right, would shortly bring about a state of general prosperity throughout our Zion. "Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord! O Lord, I beseech thee send now prosperity."

If the Lord please, and this be thought worthy of publicity, the reader may expect to hear from me again, I am, dear Brother, Yours truly,

R. P. TABB.

MISSIONARY MEETINGS.

FARNHAM.

DEAR BROTHER.

As religious intelligence appears to interest a large portion of your readers, I have sent you a short account of my Missionary Tour in the Farnham Mission.

It having been arranged for me to attend the Autumnal meetings in this station, I prepared to leave home on Saturday, October 20th. But as it was thought desirable for me to attend the Quarterly Meeting, (which had been put off through the lateness of the hopping,) and to attend a Religious Tract Society meeting that had been proposed to be held at Bramshott on the previous Thursday, accordingly left home on Wednesday, October 17th, by the 'Bus for Petersfield. I was much pleased to find Mr. G. Warren in the conveyance, returning home to Bramshott. We had a comfortable ride together to Petersfield, where we found a conveyance waiting our arrival, which took us direct to