Provincial Intelligence.

In onr Number for Nov. page 492, we drew the humane notice of our readers to the condition and the efforts of an aged and benevolent man at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and intimated the intention of some serious persons, in London, to collect a few pounds, in order to enable him to go on in ministering instruction to the poor, and distributing Religious Tracts among the colliers and sailors in that neigh, bourhood. A small sum, about 157. has been collected and paid to B. Neale, Esq. St. Paul's Church-yard. As it is intended to transmit the money about the middle of this month, the friends to this cause are respectfully requested to forward their kind assistance any day before

that time.

On the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 29, as the John and Thomas, a merchant vessel, from Liverpool, was attempting to enter the harbour of Whitehaven, the night being dark, and the sea turbulent, she missed the mouth of the harbour, and, driving against the pier, was dashed to pieces. The vessel was full of passengers; who, with the crew, all perished. The beach, next day, exhibited a most awful spectacle.

Sep. 7. The Middlesex and Hert, fordshire Union, held their half. yearly meeting at Ponder's End. Mr. Morrison, of Barnet, preached on The Scriptural Mode of Preaching the Gospel;' Messrs. Williams, of Edmonton ; Porter, of Highgate; and Maslen, of Hertford, engaged in prayer. Their next meeting will be at Highgate, on the Wednesday after the first Sabbath in April, 1809. The subject to be considered is, The Scriptural Mode of Hearing and Improving the Gos, pel.' Mr. Brodie, of Potter's Bar, to preach; and, in case of failure, Mr. Thomas, of Enfield.

ducted by Messrs. Ralph, Kent, Popperwell, East, and Beaufoy. The next meeting is to be on Tuesday, April 25, at Mr. Ralph's, in Maidstone. Public services in the afternoon and evening. Messrs. Popperwell and Rogers to preach.

A meeting for prayer for the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad, to be held on the first Monday evening of the month, was begun at Brighthelmstone, on the don's chapel. 7th of November, at Lady HuntingThe Rev. Messrs. Goff, Styles, and Richards (of Hull) were engaged.

Nov. 29.

A new Meeting-house was opened at North Walsham, in the county of Norfolk, when two sermons were preached; that in the forenoon, by Mr. John Carter, of Mattishall, from 1 John i. 3; and that in the evening, by Mr. Edward Hickman, of Denton, from Psalm lxxxiv. 1. This place has been recently erected by the united efforts of the Dissenters in the town, and the members of the congregation at Bradfield; who will, in future, attend the ministrations, of Mr. Browne.

In

Mr. Sparkhall (a deacon of the Baptist Church at Old Ford), hav-, ing hired and duly registered a house in this large village, a meeting of prayer was held in the afternoon of Jan. 3, 1809; in which Mr. Gold, of West Ham ; Mr. Newman, of Old Ford; Mr. Parker, of Barking; and Mr. Smith, of Ilford, with several other friends, united. the evening, Mr. Gold delivered a discourse, from Acts xvi. 9, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.' The congregation thronged the place; and their eager attention was A committee highly gratifying. was formed, and measures taken to continue the lecture (if the Lord will) every Tuesday evening.

At a

CONGREGATIONAL UNION. meeting of the Committee in Lon don, Jan 18, 1809, it was resolved,

That it be recommended to such congregations in the country as may wish to have the sanction of the Union, to cases for which they design to collect in town, first to cor

HALF-YEARLY DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS.

THURSDAY, January 19, the following Cases of Widows were admitted :

For many Cases which used to be relieved in January, no applications were made; which must be imputed to the negligence either of the Widows or their Patrons. We fear that such Cases must be deferred till the meeting of the Trustees in March. We are sorry for the delay; but the Committee could not vote the supplies, without knowing whether the Widows usually relieved are actually living, and need assistance or not.

THE TEMPLE OF REASON.

BY Error misguided, and Trouble opprest,
To Reason's fair temple I hasten'd for rest.
Philosophy, friend to the sorrowful soul,
Who teaches us useless regret to controul,
There claim'd my attention, forbade me to grieve,
For evils repining could never relieve.
"Ah! cruel tormentor,' I quickly replied,

That, that is the reason my sorrows abide :
Henceforward to me your vain counsel forbear;
Because grief is hopeless, I yield to despair!"
Then Useful Employment attempted to show,
That constant contentment was her's to bestow.
I listen'd awhile, for she charm'd my distress;
But Nature, when wearied, she never could bless;
For then Recollection returns to its pain,
And Anguish instructs us our hope was in vain.
Distracted with doubt, yet still thinking to meet
The object I sought in this pleasing retreat,

I hasteu'd my footsteps, - when, turning aside,
A figure, before unobserv'd, I espied.

With dignified manner and firmness of voice,
Grave Wisdom reproach'd me with folly of choice;
Directed my way to a temple more fair,

And told me Contentment dwelt certainly there.
The beautiful building, my steps to invite,
Seem'd fill'd with celestial ineffable light;

And the bright rays divine that mark'd out the road,
Induc'd me to enter the blissful abode.

The structure to HOLY RELIGION was rear'd, ·
Repentance and Faith at the altar appear'd.
That moment Experience my feelings address'd:
Tis only Religion can render you bless'd!
Submitted to her, let weak Reason remain,
And lovely Content in your bosom shall reign!"
Now deep disappointment involves not despair,
For God, a kind God, niakes his creatures his care,-
Directs their distresses, in tenderness giv'a,
Since sanctified sorrow prepares them for Heav'n!'