"I reckon our friend Thomas's Jim is likely to get a bit of a place with Mr. Chester; and I hear as you've got it him, or is getting it him; and I am so pleased I'm come to thank you for it, and to beg as you'll do what you can for him. And I hear Kate is going to Mrs. Sweetly's; and that's a blessing; and I've no doubt you've had a hand in that. Thomas is a deserving man. He's a good Christian; he's stuck to the cause here like a good one. His heart has been in it; and when it prospered he rejoiced; and when it didn't, his heart were sad. He didn't leave it when there were but few. No, that wasn't Thomas. And the children are all in the cause, and I think are very useful; so they are deserving of help."

While Betty was speaking, Mr. Greasy changed his position, also his looks and manners. But, being an adept in self-possession, and in making the outer man execute the inexorable commands of the despotic will, without compromise, he replied in his usual complaisant

manner,

"You know, Betty, I am always ready to do a good turn to anybody, but especially a follower of Christ. But I'm afraid you are giving me too much credit for good deeds. All praise belongs to the Lord. But I think it is not quite settled, and I am not sure how it will go. But if you and I do our best the failure can't be charged I know Thomas stands high in your estimation. But you must remember he is mortal, and lives in Kingsly; but we must help him all we can."

to us.

"Aye, that we must," responded Betty, heartily; "its been a great blessing to Kingsly that he's lived in it; and it'll find a loss whenever it loses him.'

After a few more words of a similar description, Betty left Mr. Greasy's, and made for home very much impressed, instructed, and comforted, with what she had heard from James Furley.

Mr. Chester duly executed his purpose in writing to Mr. Exposi tor, and without loss of time, also, the minister replied. Mr. Chester made no reference to Mr. Greasy's note, but simply asked his opinion of the young man in regard to character.

Mr. Expositor was delighted after he had gone through the short note, and handing it to his wife, who sat on the other side of the table, said,

"Yes, to be sure, I will give him a character. As to integrity, diligence, kindness of disposition, and agreeable manners, I don't know where the lad is to be matched. And then he is expert and clever. He only wants bringing out. 0 yes, I shall look out of my stock of characters, one of the best for James," he added smiling.

"Yes, do," said Mrs. Expositor, sharing in her husband's joy, and pleasantry of expression. "I wonder he has not tried the use of his pen and head before now, in a way that would better his condition; for I should suppose him very capable. Indeed, they are a nice family. Of course I don't know so much about them as you do; but I have been, I think, twice at Mr. Bloomfield's, and I enjoyed myself very much. Mrs. Bloomfield is a charming woman,

so thoughtful, and easy in her manner, and so well-spoken; I could hardly have expected a person in her circumstances to be so well up in the taste and mode of good society. And what a pretty little spot it is, both outside and in: everything so clean, and neat, and orderly. And Kate is very much like her mother, both in her person and ways; don't you think so, my dear ?"

Yes," replied Mr. Expositor, "I do; but she will be a finer looking woman than her mother, I think, and she will have a little more spirit and tongue."

"She is a very proper girl, indeed. When she was over at our house, I was well pleased with her; and I shall have her over over again for a few days, the first opportunity. She is tractable and steady, and yet cheerful; and, as you get more acquainted with her, rather humourous. Yet there is nothing at all forward in her manners. But she is observing, and can appreciate kind attention, and I have reason to think she is a pious girl; and how fond she is of her parents; did not you observe that ?"

"O yes, I did."

"How she talked about what her father had done and suffered in several cases, and how concerned she was when he was poorly. I wanted her to stay another night, but no; she said her father was to meet her at a certain spot and time. I offered to send him word not to meet her; but she had promised to get there, and it was out of question to go differently to what her father had agreed to. I did not see much of Samuel."

"Perhaps not; but in him there are the elements of a great man. He has genius and mental power. I have had several close conversations with him, on subjects to which he is paying attention, and I am surprised at his stretch and depth of thought. But he has more pluck than James. They all seem to have minds above their station. That cottage, handsome as it is, is too little for them. Their light is hid under a bushel. They are of the Diogenes cast. But they all seem insensible, as well, to the charms of public applause and social distinction; and of course are regardless of those advantages, which so many are eagerly watching for, in order to get up in life."

The letter was written, as has been stated, and sent off instanter, with fervent prayer for its success, and blessings upon both master and man.

The subject pressed very agreeably on Mr. Expositor's mind, and stimulated both his wonder and desire. He was full of conjectures how best he could promote the young man's interest. The question occurred to his mind, why Mr. Chester had not written to Mr. Greasy, or some other influential person, of more permanent residence in the neighbourhood than he, and if he had done so, what was the result? He had a preaching appointment that evening at a place that lay a little in the direction of Kingsly, and he resolved to take a round by Thomas Bloomfield's on his way there.

He got there a little before four o'clock, and found Thomas and one of his sons busily engaged in making hose, and a certain kind

of inexpensive lace, and the mother and daughter as busily employed in seaming the hose, and mending the lace. The presence of Mr. Expositor, however, checked the current of industry, and they stood, or sat down involuntarily, and soon became engrossed with the subject of his errand.

They were aware of part of what had been done in the matter. Mr. Chester met James somewhere near his own house one day, when he had a little mishap with his carriage, through a restive young horse, when James rendered him prompt, and effective assistance. He hardly knew James personally, though he had had him in his thoughts during the day. The occasion, however, afforded him the opportunity of knowing a little more about James, and of asking him if he had any objection to change his employment. James gave a cheerful conditional assent; and there the matter rested, depending on mutual inquiry. They had heard certain reports. Old Betty had told them all that she knew, and was full of concern to know more and do more.

Mr. Expositor then told them that Mr. Chester had written him, and that he had returned an answer, telling them the substance of what he had written.

"Do you think, brother Bloomfield, that Mr. Greasy has done any thing in the matter ?"

"I have been told he has. But I would not vouch for my authority."

"But what has he done; has he helped you ?"

"That is more difficult, as well as a much more important question, replied Thomas.

"But what is your impression, or opinion ?"

But I dare for I think But after

"I have no definite information, and should not like to place his, or any man's character, at the mercy of mere opinion. Still, I think, I may judge a little, by other acts of the same person, about this. You knew something of my trouble in the game trial. say you know, perhaps, nothing of the part he took in it; the information has not found a home out of this house. such cold-hearted treatment, as he then shewed me, I can imagine nothing that he would say for me, and nothing that he would withhold against me." He then gave a few instances.

Mr. Expositor was surprised, and much grieved, and said, his fears were too much confirmed.

"Pray, Mr. Expositor, can you tell the reason why Mr. Greasy should bear us so much ill-will, and seek to injure us ?" said Mrs. Bloomfield. "None of the family has intended, or has done him harm, but a long way to the contrary. My husband has always shown him proper respect, and spoke well of him, and very warmly often defended his name and character in the world,-sometimes at the expense of his own. And in the Church, I believe you can bear testimony, that he has stood up for him alone, and has screened him from, perhaps, just censure. Can it be for want of information? Can he be mistaken? I don't see the possibility. Well, then the pinching question comes, Can the fruits of grace be produced from

the same heart, along with such vile intentions and deeds? He must know all this is wrong. It is a very important matter. It strikes at the foundation of one's faith. We all see inconsistencies in each other, at times, that perplex us; but this is palpably cruel hypocrisy. I speak strongly, but truly. I am sorry for my husband, he feels it so."

Mr. Expositor struck his head, and looked thoughtful.

"My wife says she is sorry for me; and I am sure I may say, I am sorry for her; for her thoughts run out of our family, and she trembles at its being known in the world that one Christian can so palpably injure another. Samuel is not here, or he would speak out. I expect he will be telling Mr. Greasy his mind on the subject some of these days. I have cautioned him. But the current of his disgust swells till it will overflow its banks."

Mr. Expositor was sparing of his opinions and censures; and exhorted them to patience and endurance, rather to defend and keep circumspect their own characters than assail Mr. G.'s. He pressed them not to be discouraged by present opposition and difficulties; for he believed all would work together for their good.

He took a hasty cup of tea with them; after which he prayed most affectionately and fervently for them, and then made his way to his appointment.

Connexional Affairs.

CHAPEL DEBTS, &c.

DEAR SIR,-If the debts on our Chapels were liquidated, hundreds of persons would join your correspondent, "Callington," in singing "The year of Jubilee is come."

Unfortunately it has not come, and there does not seem much probability of its early arrival; but to expedite the arrival of the long wished for, long prayed for day is the object the writer has in view in sending this article; for, like "Callington," he wishes "to have a hand in the work."

Hundreds, like your worthy correspondent, have had their minds deeply and painfully exercised in reference to Chapel debts. That it is exceedingly desirable they should be liquidated as speedily as possible needs no logic to prove. If such a consummation could be effected, it would indeed be an "Emancipation Act" to hundreds of burdened and mentally depressed trustees; the Mission Fund would then have a large augmentation, and many Circuits, now dependent on Connexional aid, would be independent, and to them the year of "Jubilee would have come."

But how is this weighty work to be effected? is an important question, and one that courts a practical solution. I am perfectly satisfied that the line staked out by Callington as to the Members

increasing their contributions to the extent he suggests is not practicable; as to a Chapel Fund Committee, one was formed in the early days of the Association, and has until now been "dragging its slow length along;" but it has never received general support. Few, very few circuits have responded liberally to its call, and its usefulness, consequently, has been very limited.

As to the formation of Circuit Committees to promote the liquidation of Chapel debts and Chapel extension, as suggested by your correspondent, it is worthy of especial regard. But, Sir, something more is necessary. I like to deal with the logic of facts, and to point out what is practicable and efficient. I have served a long apprenticeship as trustee and Chapel steward, and my experience has not always been of a felicitous kind. Not shadows, but stern realities have had to be dealt with. With your permission, therefore, I will suggest a few things which are practicable in almost every place, and are calculated to hasten the "Jubilee day." First, then, there is no help like self-help. When the waggon is in the slough, let the waggoner whip his horses, and put his shoulder to the wheel before he calls for external aid. Esop informs us of the king of beasts being liberated by the nibbling of a poor mouse. Modern voyagers tell us of the wonderful effects resulting from the united labours of the coral insect. The beehive filled with honey tells the same tale. And it is truly wonderful what may be accomplished by a poor and limited society when the Cornish motto is in operation, "One and all." When I mention self-help, perhaps, I cannot do better than refer to our doings in this small town. Our Chapel was built in 1837, and cost nearly nine hundred pounds. It was built on a principle then much in vogue--that of shareholding. This was a most vicious and deceptive principle. It blasted the hopes of thousands who invested their little savings in Chapel building, and produced alienation of feeling, and abandonment of the Connexion. Acting on this principle, we solicited no contributions from the public. In a few years we discovered the boggy nature of the ground on which we stood, and, to prevent our Chapel from being swallowed up, a considerable amount in shares was totally sacrificed. Besides this, we had a loan debt of £560 on the Chapel. For about ten years we made no attempt to lessen this debt, the Chapel barely paying its way. But about twelve years ago we awoke to the necessity of doing something in the matter, and we have, annually, with a few exceptions, had a Tea Meeting and a lecture, and we have reduced the debt to £325. Every £20 we pay off raises the crest of the wave which will eventually swamp the entire debt, and enable us to lay the revenue of the Chapel on the Quarterly Board for the sustentation of the ministry.

Our friends at Runcorn carry out the principle of self-help in having a monthly collection in their Chapel, and a "Free will offering" meeting once a year; and are by these means reducing their Chapel debt some forty or fifty pounds a year.

Another plan is, for the trustees and influential friends to bind themselves to raise individually a certain sum during the year. It