REVIEW, &c. The Justice and Forbearance of the Methodist New Connexion Conference, as they were illustrated in the Case of W. Trotter, giving a complete Account of his Trial before the Halifax Conference, with an Appendix, containing a full Answer to sundry Tracts or Pamphlets published by J.H.Robinson and T. Allin, in Vindication of the Conference, and in Opposition to the Brief Report of the Conference Proceedings published by Joseph Barker and William Trotter; and a more Copious Report of those parts of the Conference Proceedings which have been called in Question by the above named Writers and others, from Notes taken at the Time. By W.

Trotter.

Ir is a difficult matter to decide how far it is proper to expose to public view the faults of professing Christians. The world is disposed to identify religion itself with their conduct; and there is danger, if we be forward to take occasion to exhibit every inadvertency, of our becoming the auxiliaries of scoffing and wicked men. It is, besides, a breach of Christian charity towards our brethren, and can do no good to make their weaknesses and imperfections more prominent than necessity requires. The rule to be observed seems to be this: when any one has merely been "overtaken in a fault," and the general character is consistent with the Gospel, while we may deal faithfully with the party in private, we ought not to make the error public until he has done something to bring odium upon the cause of religion. But if the offence be repeated after admonition, and there is little or no hope of amendment, then, not openly to show our abhorrence of it, is to become " partaker of another man's sin."

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When we first saw the notice of Mr. Trotter's intended publication, we had doubts as to its propriety on many accounts. We did not then, however, fully understand his case, nor its bearing upon the position of other ministers, and we were guided by a disinclination to have the conduct of the officials in the Methodist New Connexion exposed further than it has been in reference to the late Conference. We knew it could not be justified, and were disposed to think it had already been sufficiently condemned. These were our first thoughts on the subject. Since then we have

read Mr. Trotter's pamphlet, and we must say, in the most deliberate terms, that not only is Mr. Trotter justifiable in laying the statement of his expulsion before the Christian public, but that it was his duty to do so; notwithstanding the pain which it must occasion in the minds of all who have any real concern for the credit of religion and liberty of conscience. That a number of men in the middle of the 19th century, managing the affairs of a Christian denomination which has paraded itself as being more liberal and constitutional in its character than other sects, and which has been accustomed for near forty years, to charge the Wesleyan Body with being Popish and arbitrary, should so far outrage all decency as to discontinue Mr. Trotter as a minister, not for breaking its rules, or being defective in ability, character, or laboriousness, but because he disagreed with their decision in Mr. Barker's case, and would not slavishly pledge himself to abstain from assisting him in his project for diffusing religious knowledge by the circulation of cheap books, is truly astounding. If the individuals who have acted so despotically towards Mr. Trotter, can stand unabashed in the presence of Protestant Englishmen after his narrative gets abroad, their faces must be covered with more than brass; and as for understanding the rights of conscience or even the principles of common justice, they must either make no pretensions thereto, or if they do, it can only add to their disgrace.

The reader will, by this time, know something of the character and tendency of the Christian Investigator; will he believe that it is the identical work which Mr. Barker had planned, with a view of informing and stirring up men to serve God and promote the Gospel of his Son Jesus Christ, and that it was because Mr. Trotter purposed to render some aid in carrying out Mr. Barker's project, and would not at the bidding of a few individuals, who govern the New Connexion, promise to withdraw from it, that he was expelled! Expelled, contrary to rule, to justice, to the gospel; merely because he thereby brought upon himself the displeasure of certain heads of the

body, who exercise the power they have got hold of, in the most absolute

manner.

W. Trotter's pamphlet, is a very important production, and ought to be read by all who feel interested in the question of religious liberty, and it should especially be read and pondered by the ministers and members of the Methodist New Connexion. We cannot give an outline of the pamphlet, we have not room, and it is not necessary. The title tells you what you are to expect as to matter, and nothing can give an adequate idea of the clear, the calm, the orderly, and the powerful manner in which the subject is handled, but a perusal of it for yourselves. It is an awful, a tremendous pamphlet. The prophetic motto from Isaiah xxix. 20, 21, is a solemn fearful presage, and both the pamphlet and passing events prove, that it must be fulfilled. It is a terrible thing for men to fight against the eternal principles of righteousness and truth,-it is a terrible thing to fight against God.

It may not be amiss, especially as we cannot quote from the body of the work, to give the dedication of the pamphlet.

DEDICATION.

"To the Travelling Preachers of the Methodist New Connexion, any one of whom, without having violated any rule of the Body, or given any cause of complaint as to his moral conduct, or the performance as to his ministerial duties, may, like the author, become obnoxious to the governing few, who can set aside, or execute the law at their pleasure, and may thus, in common with the writer, be unjustly separated from a community, for the welfare and prosperity of which, they have sighed and toiled, this little work is respectfully dedicated.

In the hope that the chains which bind them will soon be broken; and praying that they, with the whole Church of God, may be inspired with fortitude and resolution to throw off every yoke but the yoke of Christ, the writer of the following pages subscribes himself,

Their affectionate brother in the Gospel, W. TROTTER." We add no more, but a request to our readers to read the work. Read it for yourselves. READ IT!

INTELLIGENCE.

WE receive cheering intelligence from every quarter: the principles of evangelical reform appear to be spreading in every direction. The

circulation of the Investigator is already such as to enable it to pay its way, and it is increasing every fortnight; and the demand for other publications of a thorough-going spiritual character continues also.

The churches in the north con. tinue to be favoured by God, with peace and prosperity. We see nothing but loving, cheerful and harmonious co-operation, and almost every society and congregation in the district is increasing both in numbers and in labours for the salvation of souls.

In Newcastle a meeting of young men has been commenced, and is held every Saturday evening. The object of the meeting is the improvement of the young in useful knowledge and in true holiness, and the cultivation of their talents for general utility. A number of the elder members of the church attend the meeting, and direct its proceedings. The meetings are begun and concluded with prayer, and the rest of the time, thus far, has been spent in reading from Watts on the Improvement of the Mind, and in conversation on what was read. I ought to state that the time of the first meeting was principally spent in conversation on the acquisition of knowledge. Remarks were made on the importance of knowledge,-on the best method of acquiring knowledge,-on the difficulties to be met within the acquisition of knowledge,-on the helps and encouragements to be looked for in the acquisition of knowledge, on the advantages to be expected from the improvement of the minds of the young, and on other subjects of a similar character. The topic which has principally engaged the attention of the meetings since has been the method to be pursued in reading books and in conversation, so as to render reading and conversation as profitable as possible. The meetings have been very well attended, though held on a busy night.

It is expected that the meeting will be divided shortly, and that one portion will meet on the Friday evenings and the other on the Saturday evening. A division of the meeting seems to be needful, in order to afford an opportunity of adapting the proceedings of the meetings

to the different ages, capacities, and wants of the members. The meeting on Saturday evening may probably be conducted, in a great measure, on the plan pursued at present, but not without such alterations as the improvement of the members may require; while the meeting on Friday evening may probably be conducted on the plan described in the article entitled, "Ministers and the Young," page 174 of this work.

Two meetings have been held, of such male members of the church as have the opportunity and disposition to unite in labours for spreading the light and influence of the Gospel in the darker and more neglected parts of the town and neighbourhood. A goodly number attended, and a plan of operations was agreed upon. The friends joined themselves together by twos and threes, for the purpose of visiting the people in the alleys and lanes of the town, and using such means as may seem best to promote their welfare. Each division of this little army pursues its own plan of operation. Some read to the people portions of the Sacred Scriptures, others read portions of religious tracts and books: some hold prayer meetings, some give exhortations, others preach, and some perhaps use all these means by turns. Once a month they all meet together, to give a report of their proceedings, or of what God has been pleased to do by their means, and to arrange for further operations. A very considerable number of persons are thus engaged, and the number of the labourers, we believe, is increasing.

Some of the female members are wishful to have a meeting of a somewhat similar description, that they also may unite in some plan of useful labours; and a meeting is expected to be shortly called accordingly.

The Gateshead friends have had the labours of R. Hamilton of Kilmarnock, for a short time, but he has not as yet been invited to become their pastor: the subject was expected to be considered by the Quarterly Meeting to be held last Monday.

S. S. Barton, who was employed till lately as a missionary in Ireland, under the direction of the Methodist

New Connexion Conference, has relinquished his former situation, and is at present labouring in connection with the Newcastle friends.

S. Sayce has commenced his labours in Stalybridge, and we understand that things are peaceful and prosperous there. J. Walker is labouring with success at Hyde; and T. Sturges continues his labours at Mottram, Newton, &c.

A considerable number of friends, with about thirty local preachers, have united together on Gospel principles in the Staffordshire Potteries. The friends at Hanley have taken a large room for worship, capable of holding six or seven hundred persons. J. Barker lectured in the room on the evening of the 10th of last month. The place was crowded, and many hundreds came and were unable to get in. W. Trotter preached in the place the Sabbath following, and lectured there or in the neighbourhood, we understand, on the two following evenings. The church is in a prosperous state. Besides the upper room for worship, there are two commodious rooms underneath, which are to be used for schools.

At

The friends at Tunstall, we understand, have secured ground for a new chapel. At Stoke the society or congregation has been doubled. Newcastle also things are prosperous, and at Burslem a union has taken place, we are informed, between the friends who have lately adopted the Congregational principle, and a number of friends formerly united together as Christian Teetotallers. At Fenton also, we believe that things are going on well. From Longton we have no information. The friends at Sneyd Green, we believe, are all agreed to have one Lord and one faith, Christ and his Gospel.

The friends at Berry Brow, near Huddersfield, opened a place for worship on the twelfth instant. In the forenoon J. Barker preached to a large congregation in the open air, after which seventeen children, we understand, were publicly dedicated to God. The friends who were resolved to unite in Christian fellowship, on purely Gospel terms, then adjourned to their new place of worship, where they were formed into a church, and took together

In

bread and wine in commemoration of their Saviour's dying love. the afternoon and evening J. Barker preached in the Philosophical Hall, Huddersfield. The place, which is capable of holding sixteen or eighteen hundred people was crowded on both occasions, and a gracious and powerful impression appeared to be produced.

On Monday evening the 13th ult., J Barker lectured, on Evangelical Reform, to a crowded audience at Mossley, in the large school-room. On Tuesday evening he lectured at Stockport, on the Great Hindrances to the more Rapid Spread of the Religion of Christ. The lecture was delivered in a room in Howard-street, Wharf-street, Portwood, which has been fitted up by a number of Christian friends as a place of worship, The room was much crowded, and the people were very attentive, and apparently favourably impressed. After the lecture a short time was spent in hearing and answering questions respecting the matters advanced in the lecture, and the principles and intended proceedings of the church connected with the place. Every thing was peaceful, and the results were satisfactory.

On Wednesday evening the 14th ult., J. Barker lectured on Revivals of Religion at Mottram, near Staly bridge. The chapel was much crowded, the audience was very attentive, and a gracious and powerful influence pervaded the meeting.

On Thursday evening J. Barker lectured on Evangelical Reform, in a large school-room, at Ashton-underLyne. The room, which is capable of holding many hundreds, if not a thousand, was crowded to excess, and numbers stood listening at the windows outside. After the lecture some time was spent in hearing and answering questions. The feeling was powerful in favour of Gospel principles.

A number of friends at Oldham, from sixty to a hundred, have laid aside human authority, and have come to a determination to hold their privileges henceforth directly from Christ himself under the New Testament. At Delph the whole society have taken the same step. A number of friends at Lees have begun to meet on the same principle. What

they are doing at Mossley at present, we do not exactly know. There are many there we know, that are resolved to have the whole Gospel, and nothing but the Gospel; but what particular steps they intend to take we do not know.*

A number of friends at Bolton have become a congregational church. They have resolved to keep a registry of all the members' names, and they have appointed two deacons to inquire into cases of sickness and distress, and to afford suitable relief. While they lay down the principle that every one has a right to judge what God requires of him, and to act accordingly, they do nevertheless hold fast the principle, that it is the duty of the church to disown all who reject the Gospel of Christ, or act in opposition to its teachings.

W.

The friends in Wales are going on prosperously. On the 8th of last month J. Barker delivered a lecture at Hawarden in Wales, on Evangelical Reform, to a large assembly in the open air. After the lecture, W. Cooke, of Liverpool, stood up and addressed the meeting. The discussion, together with the lecture, continued for about four hours. Cooke did not assail the principles advanced in J. Barker's lectures, but dwelt principally on personal matters. There were persons present who had come from Liverpool, Chester, Holywell, and even from the neighbourhood of Dudley, a distance of eighty miles, on purpose to hear the discussion. The results were exceedingly satisfactory.

On the evening of the same day J. Barker lectured to a very crowded audience in the Independent Chapel, Buckley, Wales. There was no discussion after, as the minister and friends of the chapel had lent the chapel on condition that no discussion should be allowed.

The friends in Wales have engaged or purchased ground for a new chapel, between Hawarden and Buckley, and they have a good pros pect of having it shortly erected. We hope they will steer as clear of chapel debts as possible, and we are inclined to think that the best plan is to

Since the above was written, the friends there have had a meeting the results may be stated in our next.

have chapels free. We hope that all new places of worship will be built as plain and cheap as possible, so as to be truly serviceable, and that the plan of free seats will be immediately aimed at. If there be equality no where else, there ought to be equality in the places of worship. Make a comfortable provision forall, but make nothing more for any. The ancient Wesleyan, or the present Quaker plan, is the best.

The friends at Huddersfield have engaged a room for meeting, and have probably commenced their meetings by this.

We are informed by a friend from Scotland that John Bakewell, Editor of the New Connexion Magazine, has been lately preaching for the Congregational Methodist Church in Glasgow, to afford them an opportunity of judging whether it would be advisable for them to invite him to become their pastor. The church, we are told, by a considerable majority, came to the resolution to accept him as their pastor, and wrote to him accordingly, and the matter was supposed to be settled. In consequence, however, of some one informing him, inviduously, as is supposed, that there was a minority opposed to his coming, J. Bakewell has, we understand, declined the call for the present.

We understand that a number of the leading ministers are adopting and avowing the principles of church polity advocated in this publication.

We are informed that friends in Stockport, Sheffield, Dudley, and elsewhere, have had notice, that unless they refrain from selling the Christian Investigator, and other works of J. Barker, &c. they will be expelled the Methodist New Connexion. We hope our friends will seek help from God in the day of their trial, and that they will be enabled to maintain their Christian liberty, and to preserve their consciences pure.

We hope the friends who unite together on those principles will labour diligently to do the principles honour, by a loving temper, and by ealous and abundant labours in the

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cause of God and human happiness. "See that ye walk worthy of the calling with which ye are called, with all lowliness, and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring te keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." "Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." "The wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without respect of persons, and without hypocrisy." "See then that ye love one another with pure hearts fervently." ye have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to those of the household of faith." "Be careful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ." "Let all your things be done in charity." And "do all things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom yeshine as lights of the world; holding forth the word of life, that we may rejoice in the day of Christ, that we have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if we be offered up on the sacrifice of your faith, we joy and rejoice with you all." "Be ye, therefore, stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord." "We desire that every one of you should show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope to the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises." "And now, brethren, we commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." of our Lord Jesus Christ be with vou all, Amen."

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