for whose ministers the Regium Donum is granted annually by Parliament: yet, inasmuch as the continuance of that grant perpetuates the inequality and injustice of which Roman Catholics have so reasonably complained, it cannot but anticipate that those brethren, when they have duly considered the whole subject, will concur in this opinion, and at once renounce emoluments which operate as a most serious obstruction to the prevalence of Divine truth among the Irish people.

7. That it is clearly foreseen by this assembly, that the legislature of the country will soon advance to further measures for the endowment of Roman Catholicism in Ireland, as well as pursue more extensively than ever, its system of grants in aid of various religious denominations in different parts of the empire.

8. That the views on ecclesiastical subjects entertained by the Protestant Nonconformists of the nation are most inadequately represented in the Commons' House of Parliament, at a time when their assertion is of vital consequence, and, therefore, that this assembly strongly advises all Nonconformist electors to use their franchise, and to employ all constitutional measures in a Christian spirit, at the next general election for returning members of parliament qualified to vindicate their views and rights."

The following resolution and form of petition on the English Regium Donum, were then submitted; and the adoption of them having been moved by the Rev. Dr. Massie, of Manchester; seconded by the Rev. J. Pullar, of Gateshead; and supported by the Rev. Dr. Reed, of London; was agreed to unanimously :

:

VIII. "That in the view of this assembly it is of great consequence to the consistent and efficient advocacy of the Voluntary principle by the Congregational churches, that they should stand entirely clear of the receipt of any grants from Government, of whatever defence or apology they may seem to some brethren susceptible on special grounds-therefore this assembly earnestly desires the discontinuance of the receipt of the Regium Donum by Congregational ministers; adopts the following petition to the House of Commons to withhold the grant; and stands prepared to cooperate in such efforts as may be necessary to preserve from loss, any deserving brethren at present in receipt of the same.

To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled:

The petition of the undersigned being members of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, assembled in public meeting; and connected as ministers, deacons, and otherwise, with many hundred churches of Independent, or Congregational Christians, in all parts of England and Wales:

Showeth

That your petitioners being conscientiously convinced that grants by Government in aid of religious bodies are contrary to the method ordained by our Lord Jesus Christ for the pecuniary support of his religion—and to civil justice

Request your Honourable House to withhold the grant annually made to the three denominations of Protestant Dissenters-Presbyterians, Independents, and Baptists; and commonly called the Regium Donum, so far as the body of Christians with which your petitioners stand connected, is interested therein.'"

The Rev. Dr. Reed then moved, the Rev. T. Mays, of Wigston Magna, seconded:IX. "That the Committee be instructed to transmit a copy of the resolutions on the Regium Donum now adopted, to each of the distributors thereof connected with our body, and to every Member of the House of Commons."

Edward Baines, Esq., of Leeds, moved; and the Rev. Edward White, of Hereford, seconded the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

X. "That the following brethren be appointed delegates from this assembly, pursuant to Resolution No. 4, adopted in the session of Tuesday, to the anticipated meeting for discussions and arrangements preliminary to a general conference of

evangelical Protestants. And that these brethren be requested to report to the Autumnal Meeting, at Manchester, the result of any preliminary conferences they may attend. The Chairman of this assembly, Rev. J. Burnet, Rev. J. A. James, Rev. Dr. Raffles, and Rev. A. Wells,-Sir C. E. Smith, Bart., Sir J. B. Williams, Kt., Samuel Fletcher, and Samuel Morley, Esqrs. Subsequently, the Rev. James Sherman was added by unanimous vote of the meeting.

A fraternal letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, addressed to this Union, and signed on behalf of the assembly by the Rev. E. R. Mason, stated clerk, was presented and read; on which the following resolution was adopted, upon motion by the Rev. R. Robinson, of Witham; seconded by the Rev. J. Pierce, of Wrexham :

XI. "That the letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church in America, now read, has been heard with great interest and pleasure, and is received with every feeling of respect and affection for that great body of Christian brethren. The assembly directs that the letter be placed on its minutes, and that the Committee do prepare an answer thereto, and present it for consideration at the adjourned meeting of this assembly, to be held at Manchester in October next; also, that on the same occasion letters to other bodies of Christians in foreign parts, with which the Union has heretofore held correspondence, be submitted for adoption."

The Rev. J. A. James then moved, and Henry Dunn, Esq. seconded the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted :

XII. "That the assembly having received with peculiar satisfaction the statements of the committee, reporting the happy success of the conference on the education given to the rising ministry in our colleges, would now distinctly and earnestly call on the churches for greater interest in the colleges, and greater efforts for their pecuniary support. Particularly the meeting would advise every pastor to plead with his people regularly once every year the cause of that college with which, from whatever circumstances, he may be most closely connected, and the meeting offers this advice, not only to secure a greatly needed increase of pecuniary resources for the colleges, but to promote among the people a more enlightened appreciation of a well-educated ministry, and a greater spirit and habit of prayer for the tutors and students in the colleges."

The assembly next proceeded to the business of the Board of Education, the Report of which was read by the Secretary, the Rev. R. Ainslie; and the cash account was presented by Samuel Morley, Esq., Treasurer, on which the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

Moved by the Rev. J. Yockney, seconded by the Rev. James Sherman :

XIII. "That the Report now read be adopted and printed, and circulated, under the direction of the Board."

Moved by the Rev. J. W. Davids, of Colchester; and seconded by the Rev. J. Reynolds, of Romsey

XIV. "That while this assembly rejoices in the increased attention given by Congregationalists to the education of British children, it renews the expression of its deep conviction that enlarged efforts should everywhere be made to collect accurate information; to strengthen existing schools, to found new ones, to secure the best-qualified teachers; and to place all schools for the benefit of the humbler classes in the most efficient state for giving the best education to the children of the poor which the short time they can afford for school learning will permit."

Moved by the Rev. Thomas Stratten, and seconded by the Rev. Jesse II opwood; XV. "That the thanks of this assembly be presented to the members of the Board for the manner in which they have conducted the business of this institution during the past year; and that the following gentlemen be the members of the Board for the year ensuing." (Names read.)

The following resolution, expressing the views of the assembly on foreign missions, and its special interest and regard for the London Missionary Society, was then moved by the Rev. Mr. Ward; seconded by the Rev. Robert Ainslie; and adopted unanimously;

XVI. "That this meeting on every ground of humanity and religion, feels the deepest interest in Christian missions to the heathen, regarding them as in entire harmony with the design of God for the universal prevalence of the Gospel, and with the command of Christ that his churches should labour for this glorious object. The assembly believes that aspirations for the advance of Christ's holy kingdom on earth have ever been cherished by his devoted servants, even in ages which afforded no opportunity for active efforts to promote it; and therefore deems it to have been the peculiar glory of more recent times, that when their light and liberty opened the way for widely-extended missions, eminent men, who will long be held in deserved veneration, were raised up to originate the modern missionary enterprise on the largest views and purest principles. While rejoicing in the labours of all evangelical missionary societies, the special and deepest sympathies of this body are cherished on behalf of the London Missionary Society. In its history, labours, and successes for fifty years, the meeting discerns, with devout gratitude, the blessing of God; in its recent and present difficulties, the meeting sees cause for deep inquiries, humiliation and prayer; and in order to supply the pecuniary resources needful for its still growing operations and charges, the deficiency of which at this time, the meeting has learned with deep regret, it would urge on all churches connected with this Union, continued and self-denying liberality on its behalf."

The Rev. T. P. Bull, of Newport Pagnell, then concluded the morning session with prayer.

After refreshment, the meeting resumed business, when it was moved by the Rev. Dr. Halley, of Manchester; seconded by the Rev. Thomas Stratten, of Hull; and adopted unanimously;

XVII. "That the subject of the next Annual Letter to the Churches be, the wisdom and necessity of more general and systematic support of public institutions immediately connected with their own denomination, and intended to promote its strength and usefulness; and that the Revs. J. A. James, F. Watts, J. Roberts, and J. Hammond, be respectfully requested to prepare the draft of such letter, for presentation to the Annual Assembly, in May 1846."

Moved by the Rev. J. A. James; seconded by William D. Wills, Esq.; and unanimously agreed to:

XVIII. "That the Committee and Officers of the Union be re-appointed, subject to the following changes; the Rev. Messrs. Burnet, Sherman, and Woodwark, in place of the Rev. Messrs. Arundel, Aveling, and Yockney; and Messrs. E. Thompson, H. Rutt, and M. Letham, instead of Messrs. Conder, Lund, and Owen."

Moved by the Rev. Dr. Morison; seconded by the Rev. James Sherman; and agreed to unanimously:

XIX. "That this assembly, at the close of its present session, do stand adjourned for a meeting at Manchester, to be held on such days in October next as shall be arranged by the Committee, in concert with brethren in that town."

Moved by the Rev. Dr. Campbell; seconded by the Rev. John Blackburn; and most cordially adopted:

:

XX. "That the most cordial thanks of the assembly are hereby presented to its Chairman, the Rev. John Burnet, for his very able and successful services in presiding over all its proceedings."

To which the Chairman having made a most happy and effective reply, the meeting separated.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF SCOTLAND.

THE meetings connected with the Thirty-third Anniversary of this Institution were held in Glasgow on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of April, 1845. On Tuesday forenoon, the Committee of the Theological Academy met in the class-room, behind Nile-street Chapel, when it was agreed that the temporary arrangements which had been made regarding some of the departments of tuition, should be continued during the ensuing year. It was also thought, that students received into the academy should be young men who had already made some progress in various branches of learning. For securing this, various plans were suggested, and it was ultimately referred to a sub-committee to draw up and print regulations to be circulated for the mature consideration of the friends of the academy, against the next annual meeting. At seven o'clock in the evening of that day, the public meeting of the friends of the academy was held in Albion-street Chapel-Mr. W. Wardlaw in the chair. The Secretary having read the report for the past year, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Russell, Mr. Macrae, Mr. Bewglass, deputy from the Congregational Union of Ireland, and Mr. Hercus. Dr. Wardlaw and Mr. Thomson, at the close of the meeting, expressed their perfect satisfaction with the conduct and diligence of the students, and trusted that their amiable deportment and commendable progress might be taken as the pledge of future eminence and usefulness.

PRELIMINARY MEETING OF THE UNION.-On Wednesday, the preliminary meeting of the Union was held in Nicholson-street Chapel, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, at which John Gibson, Esq. presided. After devotional services, much business was transacted, in a very orderly manner. Mr. Kinniburgh gave in a report upon the subject of Historical Memorials. He and Mr. Alexander had been appointed to procure as much information as possible, regarding the rise and progress of each church connected with the union, that so the labours and sufferings of good men might not pass into oblivion with the generation to which they belonged, and that the developement of the principles dear to Congregationalists might be distinctly traced in future times. Regret was expressed by Mr. Kinniburgh, that their inquiries for this purpose had not been promptly and fully met. Only fifty or sixty churches, after repeated application, had duly responded, and it was felt needful that the sub-committee on this matter should be continued for another year. A very important document was then read, regarding chapel trust deeds. This document, which was exceedingly clear and intelligible, had been drawn up by the esteemed chairman of the meeting, and along with other matter contained a form for such deeds which, with slight modification to suit particular cases, might be universally and most advantageously adopted. Then followed a report from J. G. Stuart, Esq., upon the fund for the liquidation of chapel debts, by which the meeting was gratified to learn that the sum of £14,000 has been promised in the course of three years-part for the free fund, and part for the reserved. Dr. Wardlaw, after briefly adverting to the vagueness of the present rules of the Union, proposed that a sub-committee be appointed to draw up new and more definite regulations, by which the objects contemplated by the institution might be more precisely stated, and more readily attained. This was felt by all to be needful, and accordingly agreed to, the regulations to be submitted for approval at the next annual meeting. A European Mission.—Mr. Alexander took the opportunity to press upon the brethren then present, the desirableness and importance of the Congregational churches in Scotland having some missions abroad as well as at home. He referred to various fields which might with great propriety be entered upon-but in his opinion the most suitable was the continent of Europe. He mentioned, that throughout Belgium, France, and Switzerland, there are scattered various little

churches, holding substantially the same views regarding doctrine and church order, with the Congregational churches in this country, and which are suffering persecution on this very acconnt. Their poverty, also, he represented as very great. Now, he thought if these little churches were encouraged, and in some measure aided, it would be really doing a great good to them, as well as sustaining a number of outposts by which Popery might be very effectively assailed, and the Gospel spread where it is greatly needed. He mentioned, that he contemplated a tour in these parts during the ensuing summer, and if the brethren then assembled would authorise him to say to them in their name, "God speed," it would enable him in some measure to prepare the way for future correspondence. He also wished, though he seemed scarcely to hope, that he might be allowed, in the early part of the summer, to visit a few of the wealthier churches-say, in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee for the purpose of obtaining a little money to take in his hand, as a token to these churches of the interest felt in their welfare. This proposal was heartily entered into by Dr. Russell and Dr. Wardlaw, and it was hoped that this might prove the beginning of a new and interesting department of exertion by the Congregational churches of Scotland.

TEA MEETING.-In the evening of Wednesday, a very interesting meeting was held in the Trades' Hall, when several hundreds sat down to tea. The duties of chairman were ably discharged by Mr. William Milroy, and speeches of a very stirring character were delivered by Mr. Thomson, of Dunfermline; Mr. Kelly, of Liverpool, deputy from the Congregational Union of England and Wales; Mr. Knowles, of Linlithgow; and Mr. Alexander, of Edinburgh. The room was exceedingly crowded, and the utmost interest was manifested by all present, even to the close.

PUBLIC BREAKFAST.-At nine o'clock, on Thursday morning, there was a public breakfast in the Assembly rooms, at which Dr. Wardlaw presided. At this meeting Mr. Cullen brought forward a statement of the Widows' Fund, which was highly satisfactory. He mentioned that there are at present fourteen receiving the benefit of the fund. The annual expenditure is about £150-the income between two and three hundred. He also intimated to the meeting that the Rev. Francis Dick had given over to the fund the sum of £700, upon terms exceedingly advantageous to the institution.

Dr. Wardlaw having vacated the chair, for the purpose of bringing forward a motion, proposed for the adoption of the meeting the following admirable petition to parliament against the proposed additional grant to Maynooth College. This petition, it was agreed, should be sent as the petition of the Congregational Ministers of Scotland, but it was strongly advised that the same, or something similar, be sent without delay from each congregation connected with the Union.

That, as consistent Protestant Dissenters, holding the essential distinction between the spiritual kingdom of Jesus Christ and the secular kingdoms of this world, and having themselves clean hands in regard to the matter complained of, your Petitioners conscientiously object to all state endowment of religion, as a confounding of the provinces of the spiritual and the secular prejudicially to the interests of both, and as implying the false and slanderous assumption of the incompetency of true religion, without such adventitious aid, to support itself.

That they object to such endowment, when extended to various and opposite systems of religion, as being, in aggravation of their general objection, calculated to produce and foster in the public mind the mischievous impression that, in the estimate of men in power, religion is a mere engine of civil policy, regarded solely in its political bearings, and deriving its chief or only value from its subserviency to what is infinitely inferior to itself.