Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

medy we propose, avoiding all interference with Registers of Baptisms, and thereby leaving Clergymen and Dissenting Ministers in possession of their present rights, is, to obtain a voluntary registration of Births as a Civil and not an Ecclesiastical affair. Such Registers are to contain ample information of the parents of the children, and the day of their birth, and being duly verified and entered, shall be regarded as public records belonging to the State. Of those records, we propose that the Clerks of the Peace in their several cities and counties shall have the care, and that for certain small fees they shall make the entries and supply copies and information in forms to be prescribed. As the Registry would be optional, no person could be thereby vexed, and as no interference was contemplated with baptisms, no ecclesiastical persons could complain, and security might be obtained by parents as to their children, which would lessen future litigation and relieve the anxious heart. Lord Liverpool made no objection to the measure, and appeared willing to lend it his concurrence; but at this time intimated that it belonged particularly to the province of the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Anʼin

terview was obtained with Mr. Peel. It cannot be said that he greeted the suggestions with the same cordiality as Lord Liverpool had shown. Mr. Peel hesitated much about the expediency of the proposed alteration; he said he should be obliged to consult many persons,declined to legislate on a matter so important without much consideration, but at last doubted whether a universal Registry of Births should not be required, and by compulsory enactments be enforced. The result was, however, a promise, that when Parliament was dissolved, he would give the matter more attention, and either bring forward a Bill in the next Session, or apprize the Society of the objections he entertained. That communication the Committee will await, and expect that propositions so just and needful cannot be repelled; but if that expectation be disappointed, they must apply to the Parliament for its protection, and trust that although they may meet some rocks and shallows in their course, and find some ebbing currents or opposing gales, they shall obtain the co-operation of the deputies and all their Rev. friends, and be enabled to steer the vessel securely into port."

those circumstances which first called the Society into operation, and learning from the most unquestionable sources of information that the State of Religion on the Continent of Europe, both among Catholics and Protestants, is such as to awaken emotions of the deepest regret, exertions, in the support and extension feels itself called upon to urge increased of the operations of the Society.

15. THE CONTINENTAL SOCIETY. Two Sermons were preached before this Society, one on Monday evening, May 8th, by the Rev. Hugh M'Neile, at the church of St. Clement Danes; and the other by the Rev. T. Adkins, of Southampton, at Great Queen-Street Chapel, on Monday, May 15th. The Annual Meeting was held at the Freemasons' Hall, on Wednesday, May 17th: Sir Thomas Baring in the Chair. The other Speakers were, Henry Drummond, Esq.; Rev. Dr. Waugh; Rev. Lewis Way; Rev. Dr. J. Pye Smith; Rev. Dr. Bialloblotzky, of Goettingen; Rev. Edward Irving; Spencer Perceval, Esq.; Rev. C. S. Hawtrey; Earl of Rocksavage; Rev. Hugh M'Neile; and C. Beazley, Esq.

Resolutions.

"That this Meeting, keeping in view

"That it is a pleasing feature in the character of this Society, that its sole object is the spiritual illumination of the souls of men, and the calling of sinners out of Mystic Babylon, by the unsophisticated preaching of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, without reference to sect or party.

The Receipts of the year were 26887. 178. 7d., and the payments 24831, 19s. 6d.

16. THE LANGUAGE INSTITUTION.
THE First Anniversary of this So-
ciety was held at Freemasons' Hall,
April 28th: Sir G. T. Staunton, Bt. M.P.
in the Chair. The Speakers were, Sir
Robt. H. Inglis, Bart. M.P.; Rev. W.
Dealtry; Rev. Professor Lee; Rev. G.
Burder; Lord Calthorpe; W. H. Trant,
Esq. M.P.; Rev. H. Townley, from
Bengal; Kev. J. D. Pearson, from
Chinsurah; Rev. E. Bickersteth; Rev.

Peter Latrobe; Rev. John Latham;
Rev. J. J. Carruthers, from the Crimea;
Rev. N. E. Sloper; and Rev. Christian
Ignatius Latrobe.

Resolutions.

"That the following Resolutions of the Committee be adopted as Standing Laws of the Institution:

"That all Missionaries and Missionary 2 M

VOL. V. Third Series. JULY, 1826.

Students be admitted gratuitously to at tend the Lectures delivered at this Institution, on the recommendation of the Societies to which they belong.

"That all Clergymen, and other Ministers, and Students for the Ministry, be admitted to the Lectures gratuitously.

"That this Meeting, impressed with a sense of the importance and extent of the objects embraced by the Institution, feels the necessity of active exertion in its behalf, to obtain the co-operation of men

of talent and learning, and to raise the
funds necessary for its service."
State of the Funds.

Receipts of the Year
Payments of the Year

586 13 0

531 8 5

The Society is under engagements to the amount of 2021, 6s. 2d. Since the Auniversary, Donations have been announced, including oue of 50, from the President, Lord Bexley, to the amount of nearly 1007.

17. NEWFOUNDLAND SCHOOL SOCIETY.
THE Annual Sermon before this So-
ciety was preached by the Rev. Edward
Cooper, at St. Bride's Church, Fleet-
Street, May 9th; and the Annual Meet-
ing was held, May 16th, at Fremasons'
Hall; Admiral Lord Gambier in the
chair. The Speakers were, Earl of
Rocksavage; Hon, John James Strutt ;
Rev. H. Budd; Lieut.-Col. Young;

Rev. Robert Milne; Rev. H. G. Wat-
kins: Rev. Mr. Morris; Rey. John
Peers; G. Robinson, Esq.; Marmaduke
Hart, Esq.; Rev. Robert Harris; Rev.
T. Greenwood; S. Coduer, Esq.; John
Johnson, Esq.; Rev. H. Budd; and
John Mortlock, Esq.

Receipts of the Year 1672 7 1
Payments of the Year. 2327 6 5

18. LONDON SOCIETY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND ENCOURAGE MENT OF FEMALE SERVANTS.

THE Thirteenth Anniversary Meeting of this Society was held at the City of London Tavern, on Friday, April 28th. The Chair was taken by the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the Pre

sident.

The objects of this Society are, to dispose young females to more stationary habits, to promote their moral and religious improvement, and to prevent them from entering on that declining course by which multitudes are made completely wretched both in life and death.

The Society's first reward is the Bible; from which the servant may learn her duty towards God; which is the most effectual way of teaching her the duties she owes towards herself and others. Nine hundred and nine Bibles, and three thousand two hundred and fortysix pounds in money, have been given to servants who have lived from one to thirteen years in the same families;

eighty-four have obtained their Septen-
nial certificate and reward of three
on completing their
guineas each,
seventh year since their nomination for
the Society's rewards; and at least
40,000 Tracts have been distributed
among domestic female servants.

The Society have also made provision for rendering pecuniary aid in cases of sickness, accident, or any other inevitable circumstance that may render it necessary for a servant to return to her friends in the country, in order to prevent the evils so likely to ensue from a continuance in London without the means of reputable support.

During the past year, 586 engagements have been made between employers and servants, through the medium of the Society's gratuitous Registry at 110, Hatton-garden; and 209 servants have been nominated by Subscribers for the rewards of the Society.

19. LONDON FEMALE

THE Nineteenth Anniversary of this Institution was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, in the Strand, on Monday, May 1st. The President, William Wilberforce, Esq., being at a distance from London, the Chair was taken by the Right Hon. Sir George Henry Rose, M. P. The Resolutions were proposed or seconded by the Rev. Dr. Winter, Rev. John Blackburn, Rev. David Ruell, Charles Edward Rawlins, Esq., Rev,

PENITENTIARY.

Thomas Greenwood, Rev. John Latham, Rev. J. Philip, Mr. William Jones, and Nadir Baxter, Esq. The Report stated, that there had been 175 applications for admission in the past year; of which seventy-five had been received. During that period, thirty-four, having completed their time in the Institution, had been placed out in suitable situations; twenty-nine had heen reconciled and restored to their friends; eleven had

withdrawn at their own request; fourteen had been dismissed for improper behaviour; one had been sent to her parish; and one had died. There were remaining in the Institution April 1st, ninety-eight females. The Report congratulated the friends and supporters of the Institution on its present encouraging state, in regard to the order, regularity, and industry which prevail among the women in the house; the zeal and efficiency which distinguish the Ladies' Committee in their increased attendance, and the unremitting energy displayed by them in the past year; and in the earnest solicitude of the Matron and others under her, to instil into the minds of the inmates those principles which, through the Divine Spirit's continued operation, will render their reformation both sure and steadfast. The Appendix bears ample and unquestionable proof, that these endea vours are attended with the Lord's blessing; showing that many have become useful and respected in domestic life; and that some have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and been made

partakers of the Holy Ghost, so as to devote themselves to the service of God in sincerity. The power of Christian principles is pleasingly shown in the. record of the triumphant death of one of the former inmates; who during her illness had many visitors, and among others, several Ministers, who gave glory to God in Christ Jesus, for plucking her as a brand from the burning.

Notwithstanding the reduction of the Institution, from 13 to 98, the Annual Income has been much below the Expenditure; and the Committee fear that it will become necessary to make a further reduction. No legacies had been received during the past year; and to the extended scale on which the charity now affords its benefits, these have been a most material contribution; but it will gratify its friends to learn, that the late venerable prelate, the Lord Bishop of Durham, who was a Vice President, and a steady and firm friend to the Institution, has bequeathed a legacy of 5001. The claims of the charity were eloquently and powerfully advocated by the Speakers.

METHODIST CHAPELS LATELY ERECTED OR ENLARGED.

1. CONINGSBY, in the Spilsby Circuit." This Chapel was opened for divine worship on Dec. 8th, 1825, by the Rev. Messrs. Robert Newton, and Moses Dunn; and on Sunday, the 11th, by Mr. B. H. Thorold. Upwards of fifty years ago, Mr. Wesley opened the first Methodist Chapel in Coningsby, which has been rendered a blessing to many; but that building, although it had been enlarged, had for several years been too small to accommodate the persons who were anxious to attend. It therefore became necessary that a larger place should be provided; and last summer it was determined, after mature consideration, to build a new chapel on the site of the old one, 49 feet by 37. It is a good substantial building, and gives general satisfaction. The collections at the opening, were upwards of £43; which, with the subscriptions, amount to more than £200. The whole expense of the erection will be upwards of £500. The congregations are large, the sittings nearly all let; and there is every reason to believe that the Chapel will be made a great blessing to the town."

2. HASTINGS CIRCUIT." The inhabitants of the town and port of Hastings, for many years withstood the

efforts of the Ministers of Christ to preach the Gospel among them. In the days of Mr. Wesley, the venerable Mr. William Thompson preached out of doors in the neighbourhood; but the press-gang was sent from Hastings to apprehend him. He was in the hands of his persecutors for some time; until Mr. Wesley interposed, and by his influence taught them better things.

"A few years ago, Methodism was introduced into the town; chiefly by the labours of the Local Preachers from Rye.

66

Amongst others who resorted to the town, were several Methodists from other Circuits, who settled there for the purpose of trade, and considerably strengthened the hands of the Local Preachers. In 1820, an Itinerant Preacher was stationed in the place; and from that time the cause of truth and grace began to take a deeper root. Many more individuals belonging to the Methodist Connexion resorted to the town, and encouraged the infant Society. In the year 1822, they were induced to build a chapel in Hastings; and so strong did the claims of the place appear to the friends of religion, that the Trustees were placed in very favourable circumstances. A very small

debt was left upon the premises. During the last year an additional gallery has been erected, without any increase of the debt; and the word of the Lord is prevailing amongst the' families of the poor fishermen.

"Since the erection of the gallery, two new chapels have been built and opened in the neighbouring villages. One at Hollington, which is well attended; and one at Bexhill, with a convenient Sunday-school beneath it. To God alone be the glory."

3. BISHOP-STORTFÓRD, in the Waltham-Abbey Circuit." On Good Friday, March 24th, a Methodist Chapel was opened for divine service at the town of Bishop-Stortford, Herts, by the Rev. Messrs. P. M'Owan of London, and Freeman of Waltham-Abbey. The religious services were numerously and respectably attended. This town, containing nearly four thousand inhabitants, is situated in the centre of a populous and widely extended district, in the counties of Hertfordshire and Essex, where no attempts had been previously made to introduce Methodism. At the Conference in 1825, an additional Preacher was appointed to the WalthamAbbey Circuit, for the express purpose of attempting the introduction of Methodism into this town and neighbourhood. The preaching was regularly continued twice every Lord's Day, in the open air, to large and attentive congregations, until November, when, from the inclemency of the weather, it became necessary, either to withdraw the preaching, or to erect a chapel, as no convenient place could be procured. The latter course was adopted; and a chapel 26 feet by 20, with an end gallery, in an eligible situation, in the ceatre of the town, has been erected; since the opening of which the congregations have been uniformly good, and prospects of considerable usefulness are opening to us."

[ocr errors]

4. WASHFORD, in the Dunster Circuit." On Friday, March 24th, a neat and commodious chapel, forty feet long, by thirty wide, including a gallery at the end, was opened for divine worship by the Rev. Messrs. George Russell, of Exeter, and Jonathan Crowther, of Kingswood. The whole cost of the erection, including the purchase of land, &c., is £370. The subscriptions and collections at the opening amount to more than £210. This Chapel is the only place of worship in the village, and is well attended. The pews are nearly all let. "Dunster Circuit is one of those to which the Conference, two years ago, appointed, in consequence of the desti

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

tute state of the neighbourhood, an additional Preacher. With gratitude to God we acknowledge that this arrangement has been crowned with success. The Societies are increased in nearly every place in the Circuit; many have been awakened to a serious concern for their salvation; a goodly number are happy in God's pardoning mercy, while several have found the blood of Jesus Christ to clease them from all sin. Several new places have been opened. We have general prosperity, and indulge the pleasing hope of future enlargement.

This is the second new chapel, of nearly the same dimensions, that has been opened in this Circuit during the period just mentioned."

5. LONGHOLME, in the Bacup Circuit." On April 20th, and the 238, was opened, at Longholme, a neat and elegant chapel, which will seat 600 persons. The Preachers on the occasion were, the Rev. Messrs. Lessey and William M. Bunting; and on the Sunday, Mr. William Dawson, and the Rev. William Carlton. The congregations were attentive, and the power of God was eminently present. The whole cost of the Chapel will be £1,404, the Sunday-school included. The private subscriptions amounted to £517, and £150 were collected at the opening; and notwithstanding the distress of the times, almost every seat is let."

[ocr errors]

7. MANCHESTER, in the Manchester North Circuit." The eastern division of this town has, for many years, been rapidly increasing in population, without a proportionate increase of places for public worship. In the last year, the friends in this Circuit entered into a liberal subscription towards erecting a chapel in that neighbourhood, in which there should be a sufficient number of free sittings provided for the poor, and also accommodation for the children of the Sunday-school. The building bas been completed; the size is twenty yards square, with a space of ground behind the chapel, for future enlargement, should it be found necessary. This building is denominated Wesley-Chapel; it is built partly in the Gothic style, is remarkably neat, and well adapted for a large congregation. It was opened on Friday, May 12th, and Sunday, the 14th, when sermons were preached by the Rev. Messrs. Reece, Newton, Haswell, Lomas, and Dawson. The érection of this chapel has been an act of pure benevolence, on the part of the subscribers in general; as the site chosen is in the centre of a large, but generally poor population. May He who put it into the hearts of his ser

vants to engage in this work, and has enabled them to complete it, fill the house with his glory!

7. CARNARVON, in the Carnarvon Circuit." On Sunday and Monday, May 14th and 15th, a commodious chapel was opened in this town, and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Methodism was introduced into this town near twentyfour years ago, when some opposition was met with; but the Lord has manifested his goodness and power in a wonderful manner. The first Methodist Chapel was built in 1825; it was twelve yards by thirteen, and was afterwards enlarged by the addition of six yards in length: but our borders needed length ening still; and we have to praise God that this spacious place of worship is well filled. Its dimensions are twentythree and a half yards by eighteen ; and itis considered, by good judges, to be one of the neatest buildings in this part of the kingdom, Its style of architecture is Gothic, and does great credit to the architect, Mr. John Lloyd. Nearly £600 were subscribed towards its erection, and nearly £100 collected at the opening.

8. PETERSFIELD, in the Portsmouth Circuit.-"A building, thirtytwo feet by sixteen, has been fitted up as a place of worship for the Wesleyan Methodists at Petersfield, which was opened on Monday, May, 15th, by the Rev. Messrs. Toase, Potts, and Kelk. The expense of fitting it up amounts to about £50; it is sufficiently large to contain two hundred persons. The collection was nearly £15. Petersfield is a markettown containing two thousand inhabit, ants, among whom we have a prospect of great usefulness. The place being too small for the evening congregation, the Rev. Mr. Greenwood, Minister of the Independent congregation, kindly granted the use of his chapel."

9.STANDON, in the Waltham-Abbey Circuit." On May 16th, at Standon, Herts, a new Methodist Chapel was opened for divine service, by the Rev. Messrs. Carter, (Independent Minister of Braintree,) and Freeman, of Waltbam-Abbey. The congregations were large, and the prospects of usefulness. are encouraging. In this parish, which ✓ contains more than two thousand inhabitants, there is a large Roman Catholic College, for the education of young men for the priesthood; the members of which, in their endeavours to disseminate the dogmas of Popery, have evinced an activity and perseverance which have been too successful, and which would do credit to a better cause. The ground for the chapel, with the

materials of an old building, were given by John Carr, Esq., of Sewardstone; and the debt on the premises does not exceed fifty pounds."

10. BALLINASLOE, in the Westmeuth Mission, Ireland.“ On May 17th, a newly erected Methodist Chapel was opened for divine service in Ballinasloe, by the Rev. Sam. Wood of Dublin, when a large, serious, and respectable congregation both of Roman Catholics and Protestants attended, many of whom evidently felt themselves to be in the house of God and at the gate of heaven.' So filled was the chapel, both in the afternoon and in the evening, that several stood on the outside, and some were obliged to go away. The collections were liberal. It was a day of great rejoicing."

II. EWELME, in the Watlington Circuit. When this Circuit was founded, at the Conference of 1824, by a division of the Oxford Circuit, it became necessary to attempt its improvement, by introducing the doctrines and discipline of Methodism into the neighbouring places where they were not known. Ewelme, a populous and very respectable village, situate about three miles from Watlington, was considered a very eligible position; and accordingly, after some time, a room was procured, and licensed; and the preaching commenced in March, 1825. The

Lord of the harvest' smiled on the attempt, and crowned it with that measure of success which exceeded our expectations; a Society was speedily formed, which has regularly increased to the present period. Some time ago the infant cause was enveloped in temporary gloom, in consequence of the probability there was, that we should lose our incommodious room, and not be able to obtain another in its stead. In consequence of this state of things, at the Quarterly Meeting in September last, it was proposed to unite in fervent prayer in behalf of our cause in Ewelme; and a very short time after, an opportunity unexpectedly offered, of pur chasing the premises which we occupied. This was immediately effected; trustees were chosen ; and a neat, plain chapel has been erected, which will accommodate about one hundred and sixty people, and is sufficiently lofty for a gallery when necessary. opened for divine service on Wednesday, June 7th, by the Rev. James Methley, of Oxford, and the Rev. R. Tabraham, of Wantage. The chapel was crowded to excess; and the collections were twice as much as we anticipated, To God be all the praise,"

It was

« AnteriorContinuar »