RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

REBUKED AND PUNISHED BY THE PRESENT SULTAN.

THE sultan, whenever made personally cognizant of persecution, has acted a noble part in repressing it. In 1850, an Armenian merchant of some wealth, residing near Bebek, a village on the Bosphorus, embraced Protestantism; and after he had resisted many efforts to induce him to recant, the patriarch ordered him to be denounced from the altar as an excommunicated person. As the consequence, an armed mob of his countrymen assailed his house, destroyed his goods, and reduced him to penury. After forming various plans to obtain redress, he resolved to seek an interview with the grand vizier. This functionary received him kindly, heard his tale, and shook his head hopelessly; but, after a moment's pause, told him to appear again the next day. The Armenian came at the appointed time. his astonishment, he was conducted to the presence of the sultan, who had been made acquainted with the case, and determined to settle it himself.

To

"I am told," said Abdul Medjid, "that the Armenians at Bebek and its neighbourhood have pulled down your house and burned your goods. This is wrong, very wrong. But tell me, what have you done? for no man pulls down another's house for nothing. What crime had you committed?"

"May it please your highness, I committed no crime at all. I forsook what they call the faith."

"It is a bad thing," said the sultan, "to forsake the faith; but what faith did you forsake?"

"I forsook the faith which commanded me to bow down and worship the panagia (virgin Mary) and the saints."

"What! those yellow painted things that I have been told Christians worship?"

"Yes," your highness, "but Christians do not worship them. Since I have been a Christian, I have not bowed down to the panagia."

"Well, you are very much in the

tan having satisfied himself of the merits of the case, sent an order to the Armenian patriarch to attend him at the palace of Beshik-tash, at a certain hour.

"How is it," said he, "that your people burn the goods, and pull down the houses of my subjects? Am I not sultan-ad-deen? Am I to eat dirt ?" The alarmed functionary, whose conscience smote him, was about to speak

"No," said the sultan; "I know all about it, and have made up my mind."

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May it please your highness-"

"It does not please me, and that is the reason why I have sent for you. Now hear what I have to say. I persecute no one for his religion, and I will not allow you to do it. God is great. What pigs you are to do such a thing! This man puts his trust in God, and sits down under our shadow he shall not be robbed. Now listen-this merchant must be reimbursed for his losses. (The patriarch turned pale.) As he has been injured by my subjects, my treasury must make good the damage."

The primate recovered himself. "Your highness is the source of comfort and the rose of justice."

"Yes, doubtless I am. This being the case, I must see to the redress of all mischief committed against those who look to the green banner for protection. Now, if I do no more than this, all true believers will have a right to complain, for will it not be taxing them to make up for the crimes of dogs and infidels ? Therefore, as I pay the merchant, you must pay me."

The patriarch stood aghast. The sultan proceeded

"By this time next week, the Armenian will have his wrongs redressed; on the corresponding day in the week following, you will restore the amount to our treasury; and then, as soon as you like, you

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will have our imperial licence and permission to make the evil-doers, set on, O father of bad advice, by your persuasion, indemnify you in your turn."

His holiness would have put in a word, but speech failed him. His highness waved his hand, and closed the interview with the significant "I have spoken."-The Ottoman Empire.

TURKISH CUSTOMS
CONTRASTED WITH OUR OWN.

Most of their usages are the very reverse of our own. From numerous instances of contrariety grouped by Mr. Urquhart, some of the more remarkable may be quoted. While western Europeans commemorate laying the foundation-stone of a building, the Turks celebrate the covering in of the roof. Among the Turks a beard is a mark of dignity; with us, of negligence. Shaving the head is with them a custom, with us a punishment. We take off our gloves before the sovereign, they cover the hands with their sleeves. We enter an apartment with the head uncoved, they enter with their feet bare. With us the women commonly appear in gay colours, and the men in sombre; with them it is exactly the reverse. In our rooms the roof is white, and the walls are coloured; in theirs the the walls are white, and the ceiling coloured. Amongst us, masters require a character with their ser

vants; in Turkey, servants inquire into the character of their masters. In our fashionable circles, dancing is considered an accomplishment; they deem it a disgraceful employment. An Englishman will be astonished at what he calls absence of public credit in Turkey; the Turk will be amazed at our national debt. The Englishman will esteem the Turk unhappy because he has no public amusements; the Turk will reckon the man miserable who wants amusements from home. The Englishman will look on the Turk as destitute of taste, because he has no pictures; the Turk will consider the Englishman destitute of feeling from his disregard of nature. We are shocked at the purchase of slaves; they are disgusted at our haughty treatment of inferiors.

The Turks commence their reckoning of time from sunset. This is with them the twelfth hour. An hour afterwards it is one o'clock, and so on till the twelfth hour in the morning, when they begin again. Their year, in common with that of all Mohammedans, consists of twelve lunar months, each containing twentynine days, thirteen hours. The year therefore contains 354 days, nine hours. But to obviate the inconvenience of having a year not of an integral number, it was arranged that there should be nineteen years of 354 days, and eleven years of 355 days, in a cycle of thirty years, thus making each year an integral number. The Ottoman Empire.

walked in procession to the site, joining those already there. The Rev. C. J. Donald, superintendent preacher of the Leeds circuit, announced the 306th hymn,

"This stone to thee in faith we lay," &c.

After the singing of which, the Rev. T. Allin read the 84th Psalm, and then the Rev. C. Atkinson engaged in prayer. In a cavity beneath the stone a bottle was placed, containing the Leeds Mercury, Intelligencer, and Times of the previous Saturday; a copy of the General Rules, Minutes of the last Conference, Circuit Plan, a parchment with the signatures of the Trustees, and many of the ministers and friends present on the occasion; also a new florin. Over the bottle, on the foundation-stone, was fixed a handsome brass plate, which read as follows:-"The foundationstone of this chapel was laid April 13th, 1857, by Joseph Love, Esq., of Willington Hall, Durham, for the use of the Methodist New Connexion. Trustees, &c. Joshua Garsed Heaps, Henry Dixon, Joseph Oughtebridge Garside, Samuel Day Dixon, Thomas Parker, Thomas Heaps, Joseph Love, Seth Slater: these eight trustees form the Building Committee. Samuel Atack, Jacob Rider, Frederick Nettleton, Dennis Topham Moss, Charles Heaps, William Walker, Thomas Edmondson, William Bedford, Abraham Swallow. Superintendent Preacher of the Leeds Circuit, Rev. C. J. Donald. Solicitor, William North, Esq. chitect, Wm. Hill, Esq. ContractorsStone-work, S. A. Musgrave; Carpenter's-work, &c. Winn and Pawson.

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J. G. Heaps, Esq., presenting to Mr. Love a beautifully chased silver trowel, polished oak mallet, with silver mountings and a neat mahogany level, said, "Sir, it affords me the greatest pleasure, in complying with the desire of the wives of the trustees of this chapel resident in Leeds, to present on their behalf to you the trowel, mallet, and level to be used for laying this foundation-stone." The inscription they bear is as follows:-"Presented to Joseph Love, Esq., by the wives of the trustees resident in Leeds, on the occasion of his laying the foundation-stone of the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Woodhouse-lane, April 13th, 1857." Mr. Love then proceeded to lay the stone in the name of the Trinity, which having done in a most workmanlike

manner, he addressed a very few words to the assembly.

The Rev. J. Poxon having announced the 283rd hymn,

"From all that dwell below the skies," &c.

the Rev. H. Downes briefly engaged in prayer, and the Rev. C. J. Donald pronounced the benediction. In consequence of the incessant rain, the address which should have been delivered by the Rev. S. Hulme was omitted, and the proceedings at the laying of the stone were as brief as the importance and sacredness of the event would admit.

At five o'clock, above 800 sat down to tea in the Music Hall, Albion-street (two sittings down). The tables were gratuitously provided by the ladies of the church, congregation, and other friends, realising the handsome sum of £52 88. 6d. After tea, on the platform, we observed, in addition to the chairman, Joseph Love, Esq., the Revs. T. Allin (Altrincham), S. Hulme (Hanley), P. J. Wright (Nottingham), J. Stacey (Halifax), J. Henshaw (Durham), J. Poxon (Ashton), C. J. Donald, J. Wynne, G. T. Wallace, C. Atkinson, T. G. Robey (Halifax), A. McCurdy (York), H. Downes (Otley), and G. W. Conder (Independent), Mr. Alderman Blackburn; Messrs. Dixon, Heaps, Parker, Garside, Edmondson, Slater, Atack, Moss, Nettleton, Rider, Walker, Swallow, Bedford, Tiffany, Darby, Musgraves, Steele, Crampton, Mellor, Britton, &c.

After singing the hymn, our venerable and beloved minister and friend, the Rev. T. Allin, of Altrincham, engaged in prayer.

The chairman, in rising to address the meeting, was received with prolonged and hearty greetings. He expressed his pleasure at presiding over such a noble meeting, met together for such a glorious object, such as he considered the building of a house for the service and worship of God. There were things connected with the proceedings of that day which made it doubly interesting: not only had we laid the foundation-stone of a chapel for the accommodation of a portion of a vast population distinguished for liberal principles, but we had commenced the building of a chapel which would be worthy of the Connexion, in the town which had given birth to the religious denomination with which we

were identified. The first Methodist New Connexion Conference was held inLeeds sixty years ago, and the principles then laid down remained intact to the present day. In Leeds, too, resided and laboured some of the firmest and most sincerely attached friends of the cause. He was happy to be able to tell them that the chapel would never be in the hands of mortgagees, and he pledged his word there should be no mortgage on the building. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. Slater, the secretary, read letters of apology for unavoidable absence from the Revs. W. Cooke, London, T. W. Ridley, Manchester, W. Booth, Chester, and John Ridgway, Esq., of Cauldron Place, Staffordshire.

The Rev. J. Henshaw, of Durham, was the first speaker. After expressing his pleasure at meeting once again his Leeds friends, and especially in meeting them on such an occasion as the present, the reverend gentleman noticed several important days and events which had transpired in the history of the world and the church, touchingly referring to the interest and importance connected with this day and this event to our Connexion, and especially to our Leeds friends. He wished us good speed in the name of the Lord.

The Rev. P. J. Wright was next called upon to address the meeting, which he did in his usual fervid, impassioned, and eloquent style. Enlarging upon the importance and utility of Sabbath-schools and places of worship, he showed how these institutions had benefited our nation and blessed the world; urging us, if we wished to be the conservators of England's greatness and glory, still to honour the God of our fathers, and consecrate our all to his service. After delivering at considerable length these and similar sentiments, which received the most marked attention of the audience, the reverend gentleman sat down amid long continued applause.

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The Rev. S. Hulme then rose, and, like the preceding speaker, was ceived and listened to with intense interest and delight. After several local references, he said he could not but congratulate himself and the meeting upon one important fact, namely, that never in its previous history had the Connexion appeared so fully alive to its duty and interests, in seeking for spiritual prosperity and the prac

tical development of our principles. It was not principles we wanted, but actions; not words alone, but deeds also. He had sometimes feared that our people would content themselves in gratulations of their free constitution and liberal principles, and, forgetful of their duties and responsibilities, fold their arms and sink into apathy and indolence. That fear, however, had passed away. He saw such an earnestness, such a disposition to work, such a general desire on the part of our people for spiritual prosperity, that he thanked God and took courage. We must have an earnest, educated soul-saving ministry; Wesley, Whitfield, Fletcher, Romaine, and others, were educated men. Education need not destroy piety; piety and education combined with talent would always tend to the church's prosperity, and sanctified learning would dispel the gloom of sinful, hellish night.

The Rev. G. W. Conder, minister of Belgrave Chapel, and successor of the late Dr. Hamilton, expressed his sympathies and congratulations with us in the event of the day. Whatever we Methodists did, we did it heartily-in hearing, singing, and applauding. He could wish his own body (the Independents) had a little more of that feeling. He trusted that he should be permitted to mingle his rejoicings with us at the opening of the sanctuary. His prayer was for God's blessing to rest upon our undertaking. (Cheers.)

The Rev. J. Stacey, in his usual masterly style, next addressed the meeting; and his chaste and beautiful address elicited the admiration of all who heard it.

The Rev. J. Poxon was next called upon, who in his affectionate style made many happy allusions and references to his early associations with the friends of the Leeds Circuit.

A financial statement was then made by the secretary relative to the noble site of ground purchased in 1853, a report of which may be seen at page 456 of our Magazine, and wherein is named the handsome sums contributed on that occasion; after which a second subscription list was entered into, the chairman nobly heading the same with the sum of two hundred pounds.

The following is the second subscription list as it at present stands, the far greater portion of which amount, we are happy to state, is already paid.

Joseph Love, Esq., Willington-hall, £200; Mrs. Love, £20; Mr. J. G. Heaps, 100; Henry Dixon, £100; Thomas Heaps, £100; S. D. Dixon, £100; Thomas Parker, £50; Seth Slater, £30; Thomas Edmondson, £25; John Heaps, £25; J. O. Garside, £20; John Ripley, £20; William Walker, £15; J. K. Darby, £15; John Steele and Son, £10; Charles Heaps, £10; Levi Law, £7; Mrs. Perry, £5; Edward Heaps, £5; Rev. James and Mrs. Henshaw (Durham), £5; Rev. C. J., and Mrs. Donald, £5; Mr. William Bedford, £5; Mrs. M. Dixon (Aberford), £5; Mrs. Poxon (Ashton), £5; Mr. Robert Addyman, £5; Mr. B. Fowler (Liverpool), £5; Mr. Halliday, £5; Mr. William Crampton (Hunslet), £5; sundry sums under £5, upwards of £50.

After a vote of thanks to the ladies and chairman had been passed, the Rev. C. J. Donald pronounced the benediction, and thus closed one of the best and happiest meetings ever held.

We may just add, that had you, Mr. Editor, been with us, you would have met with a hearty Yorkshire welcome. We hope, however, for this pleasure at the opening services, through the divine goodness; and that the erection of our new sanctuary may be the means of leading many, many precious souls to embrace the truth as it is in Jesus.

The subscription is still progressing, and many parties are subscribing weekly and monthly, and we shall be glad to receive assistance of a pecuniary nature from the friends of the Connexion. C. J. DONALD.

SETH SLATER,

Secretary to the Trustees.

CORNER-STONE OF A NEW CHAPEL AT DEPTFORD, LONDON FIRST CIRCUIT. -The interesting ceremony of laying the corner-stone of a new chapel-the second of a series intended to be erected by the Methodist New Connexion in and round the metropolis-took place on Tuesday, April 21st, in the presence of a large concourse of spectators. The site of the chapel is the Victoriaroad, Deptford, and the building is intended to supply the place of the small and inconvenient one in which the amalgamated societies of New Connexionists and Wesleyan Reformers at present worship.

The proceedings commenced by singing a hymn, which was given out by the Rev. C. Linley, after which the Rev. T. Boycott read the 84th and 87th

psalms, and the Rev. C. Turner engaged in prayer.

The Rev. T. Boycott, at this stage of the proceedings, presented Mr. S. Potter with a beautiful trowel and mallet, provided for the occasion. In placing the trowel in the hand of Mr. Potter, he said, "My dear Sir, it is my pleasing duty, on behalf of the Committee, to present you with this trowel, which you will please accept not because of its intrinsic value, but as a permanent memento of this interesting occasion, and as expressive of the gratitude they feel for your valuable services."

The trowel bore the following inscription: "Presented to Mr. Samuel Potter, of Chelsea, on laying the cornerstone of the Methodist New Connexion chapel, Deptford, April 21st, 1857."

Mr. Samuel Potter, of Chelsea, then, with the usual formalities, laid the corner-stone. Having done so, he said, -"Christian friends, we are met together on this interesting occasion to take part in a great and glorious work, viz., to erect a house for God, in which, we doubt not, His arm will be revealed, and His glory greatly displayed, in the conversion and salvation of many souls. Great is the honour this day conferred upon us. We are now engaged in a work which kings and righteous men may envy us, a work upon which God looks with complacency and delight,. a work in which angels, were they permitted, would gladly take part; for we are now co-workers together with God, executing His vast designs, to save rebellious men. We will rejoice and be glad, because we believe that, in this house, a spiritual church shall be built, upon the true foundation-stone which was laid in Zion; and, although we are not among the number of those who have a superstitious veneration for one part of the building more than another, yet, in giving prominency to the corner-stone, we would that all men should know that Christ is the chief corner-stone of the spiritual building within. Yes; this house will be for the accommodation of a spiritual building, composed of living stones, as the Apostle Peter describes it, cemented together in Christ, for Christ is the head-stone of the corner. While Christ was to the Jews a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence, He is to us a sure foundation-stone, elect, and precious; he that buildeth thereon shall not be confounded, for to him