some deeply interesting details respecting the present state of France, the adaptation of the Evangelical Society to its actual condition, and its claims on the generous assistance of British Christians. A Ladies' Association was accordingly formed, at Hackney and Clapton, to assist its funds, and keep up an interest on its behalf, by a regular correspondence with Mr. Wilks. Nearly fifty pounds were collected in the course of a week, and it is fully hoped that more than that sum will be raised annually for the Society. We sincerely trust that the example of the ladies at Hackney and Clapton will be followed all over the kingdom; for nɔ cause can better deserve the support of the Christian public.-See the shocking account of Popery in France, in page 69 of this Magazine.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

We sincerely congratulate the Committee of the Bible Society on their new list of prices for English Bibles and Testaments. The resolution which has led to this change will be eminently acceptable to their best friends in town and country, as it will tend to promote the more extensive circulation of the Holy Scriptures, by rendering them accessible, in an inviting form, to large masses of the population, and will thereby essentially enhance the claims of this noble and blessed institution, on the continued and increased support of the public at large. The prices and bindings are equally satisfactory.

PROVINCIAL.

REMOVALS.

A. F. Shawyer, late pastor of the Independent church at Cockermouth, has accepted a unanimous invitation from the church and congregation at Turvey, in Bedfordshire, to become their minister. It is gratifying to state, that this flourishing community is composed chiefly of modern Nonconformists, who separated from the Established Church, and built their present sanctuary, A. D. 1828, the year following that of the death of the illustrious Legh Richmond-the ministrations of his successor at Turvey not being evangelical. The individual alluded to in Mr. Richmond's biographical remains, as having been brought to a saving acquaintance with the truth, under his last discourse, is one of the deacons of this church. Mr. Richmond's clerk also is a member, and not a few of the communicants attribute their conversion, under the blessing of God, to the evangelical exer

tions of that devoted clergyman. Protestant nonconformity in this united and flourishing fellowship, appears combined with primitive Christianity. Mr. Shawyer is just entering upon the labours of this interesting sphere with animating prospects of usefulness.

The Rev. G. H. Hobbs, formerly of Bodmin, Cornwall, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church and congregation of the Independent chapel, Foulmire, near Royston, and commenced his pastoral labours on the 11th of September, 1842.

On the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Rev. S. Davis, late of Needham Market, Suffolk, was publicly recognised as the minister of Harley-street chapel, Bow. The Rev. Dr. Burder commenced the service

with reading and prayer. The Rev. A. Wells, Secretary of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, delivered an appropriate introductory discourse on the character of New Testament church principles. The Rev. W. S. Palmer, Secretary of the London Congregational Board, proposed the usual questions to the deacons and minister, and responded to their statements. The Rev. Dr. Reed offered prayer for a divine blessing on the union. The Rev. Dr. Leifchild delivered a suitable address to the minister and people on their relative duties, from Philippians i. 27; and the Rev. C. Hyatt, sen., concluded the service. Hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Fuller, of Bow; Rowland, of Henley; and Quick, of Stepney. The attendance of ministers and Christian friends was numerous. From the statements which were furnished, it appears that this cause has recently been relieved from difficulties which threatened its extinction, by the kind and efficient co-operation of the London Congregational Board; and that the chapel is now properly secured in the Independent connexion.

The Rev. Edward Newton, of Cuckfield, Sussex, has accepted the invitation of the church of Christ of the Independent denomination at South Molton, Devon, to become its pastor; and commenced his pastoral duties there on the first sabbath of November, 1842.

LINDFIELD, SUSSEX.

Mr. J. E. Judson, of Hackney college, has accepted a unanimous invitation from the Independent church and congregation at this place, late under the pastoral care of the Rev. Jno. Chater; and commenced his pastoral labours on Sunday, Jan. 1st, 1843.

ORDINATIONS.

Rev. E. Price.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13th, 1842, the Rev. E. Price, late of Hackney College, who has for some months been labouring in this place, was solemnly ordained to the pastorate over the Independent church meeting at Bethel chapel, Blue Town, Sheerness, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. E. Halliday.

The following order was observed in the services. After singing, the Rev. W. E. Parrot, of Milton, read the Holy Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. Thomas James, of Woolwich, delivered a powerful introductory discourse on the principles of Congregational dissent, and the true nature of a Christian church. He then requested and received from the deacons of the church, a statement detailing the events which led to the union about to be ratified between the pastor and people. He proposed the usual questions, which called forth a confession of faith, strongly marked by true evangelical feeling, and evidencing intense desire for the piety and happiness of the church of Christ, and for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. The members publicly ratified their former unanimous choice of the pastor. The Rev. E. Jinkings, of Maidstone, offered the ordination prayer, accompanied by the imposition of hands. The Rev. A. Reed, D.D., of London, delivered a striking and impressive charge to the minister, from the 5th chap. 2nd Corinthians, the 11th verse, "Knowing, &c. ;" the Rev. T. Wheeler, of the Wesleyan interest in this town, concluded by prayer.

In the evening, the Rev. Wm. Hancock, Baptist minister, of Town Malling, Kent, opened the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. J. K. Forster, of Sittingbourne, (late resident tutor of Cheshant College,) delivered an affectionate, well-timed discourse to the people, from Numbers xi. 29; and the Rev. H. Pawling, of Lenham, concluded the services of the day with prayer. The Rev. Mr. Harris, of Dartford, also assisted in other parts of the service.

The attendance was most numerous. Deep solemnity pervaded all the services, and it may justly be expected that great good will result from proceedings characterized by so much Christian unity and prayerfulness. The union has been consummated under very auspicious circumstances, and the stated labours of the pastor have commenced with the united prayers of the people over whom he is placed, to the Great Head of the church.

Rev. John Sutcliffe.

On Nov. 16th, 1842, Mr. John Sutcliffe, late student in the Home Missionary Semi

VOL. XXI.

nary, Pickering, was ordained pastor over the united churches assembling at Shipton and Easingwold, in the North Riding of Yorkshire. The services were conducted in the Independent chapel in the latter place, according to the following order: The Rev. A. Pickles, of Thirsk, commenced with prayer, and reading sundry appropriate passages of Scripture; the Rev. G. Cragg, of Boroughbridge, proposed the usual questions to the candidate, and received his confession of faith; the Rev. C. Payton, of Lindel chapel, York, delivered an introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Jackson, of Green Hammerton, offered up the ordination prayer; and the Rev. J. C. Potter, of Whitby, gave the charge, from 1 Thes. ii. 4.

The friends then retired to a school-room near the chapel, where a repast, distinguished for plenitude and variety, was provided by the congregation at Skipton; and "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with God, and all the people." About eighty persons dined together on this Christian occasion.

In the evening, the meeting-house was crowded to excess, when Mr. Potter prayed, and the Rev. James Parsons, of York, preached in his accustomed sententious and impressive style, from Acts xxviii. 15.

The cause of vital religion was very low, on the resignation of the late minister, about three years ago; but both congregations have considerably increased of late. The church at Easingwold has been organized afresh, and several individuals of decided piety have been recently added to the society. The prospect of the young pastor is encouraging, and if the supplications which were presented to the throne of the heavenly grace that day be heard, he will be "an example to the believers," and "no root of bitterness springing up will trouble them."

The Rev. James Martin.

On Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, 1842, the Rev. James Martin was ordained pastor of the Independent church at Whitwell, in Hertfordshire.

The Rev. W. Davis, of Harpendon, introduced the services of the day, by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. T. W. Wayne, of Hitchin, explained the nature of a Christian church, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. Bright, of Luton, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. G. Evans, of Mile End, London (Mr. M.'s pastor), delivered a charge from 2 Tim. ii. 15, " Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth;" the Rev. Thomas Gilbert, of Wheathamstead, concluded with prayer.

H

After the service, a large party of ministers and friends took tea together.

In the evening, the Rev. Geo. Hinde, of Winslow, Bucks, preached to the people. The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. J. Broad, of Hitchin, and the Rev. T. Horsell, of Horwood, Bucks.

Rev. Watson Smith.

On Wednesday, 19th October, 1842, the Rev. Watson Smith, late of Blackburn Academy, was formally set apart to the pastorate over the church and congregation assembling at the Old chapel, Stroud. The Rev. John Burder, A.M., minister of Bedford-street chapel, and for twenty-seven years minister of the above place, delivered the introductory discourse, containing a clear and strong statement of congregational principles. The Rev. Henry Griffiths, Theological Tutor of Brecon College, late pastor of the church, asked the usual questions. The Rev. R. Knill, of Wootton, offered up the ordination prayer in an affecting and impressive manner. The Rev. S. T. Porter, of Darwen, Lancashire, gave the charge, exhibiting, with great talent and energy, the requirements of the ministerial character. The Rev. R. Redpath, A.M., of London, closed the services of the day, in a forcible address to the church and congregation.

Rev. Thomas Clark, B.A.

On Wednesday, April 6th, 1842, the Rev. Thomas Clark, B.A., London University. late of Highbury College, was ordained as pastor over the Congregational church at Bungay, Suffolk.

The

After reading and prayer, by the Rev. John Dennant, of Halesworth, an introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. R. Alliott, LL.D., of Nottingham, in which were luminously and forcibly stated the objections to an establishment of religion, as involving the pecuniary support of the church by compulsory exactions, and the subjection of the church to the state. nsual questions were asked by the Rev. John Flower, of Beccles; and an appropriate ordination prayer was offered up by the Rev. Andrew Ritchie, of Wrentham. The Rev. E. Henderson, D.D., Theological Tutor of Highbury College, then addressed to the newly-ordained minister an affectionate and stirring charge, founded on 1 Tim. iii. 14, 15. Several other ministers of the county and neighbourhood were present, and assisted in the services.

In the evening, the Rev. W. Garthwaite, of Wattisfield, delivered a faithful and animating sermon to the people from Phil. i. 27, first clause.

CHAPELS.

Milnthorp.

On Thursday, [the 14th ult., an Independent church was formed at Milnthorp, consisting of ten members. The Rev. C. H. Bateman, of Sedburgh, and J. Sedgwick, of Ravenstondale, conducted the services. A few friends from Kendal sat down with the newly formed church, to commemorate the Lord's death. The services were of a delightful and profitable character. The favourable commencement of this institution promises much as to its utility and permanence. The Rev. Henry Riddle has laboured here for about two years, and is very useful and much esteemed. He succeeded the Rev. J. Berry, and they, together, have been the means of raising the interest from a very low state to a prosperous and gratifying position. It is expected that Mr. Riddle will shortly be ordained to the pastoral office in this church.

Merthyr Tydvil, Glamorganshire.

The first anniversary of the opening of the English Independent chapel in this place, was held on Wednesday and Thursday, the 4th and 5th of May.

The interest of the services was increased by the ordination, on the Wednesday, of the Rev. Edward Griffith, late of Highbury College, to the pastoral office, as the first minister of this infant cause.

On this occasion, the Rev. William Jones, of Swansea, commenced the services by reading and prayer; the Rev. J. H. Bunn, of Abergavenny, delivered the introductory discourse and asked the usual questions; the Rev. J. Gillman, of Newport, Monmouthshire, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Spedding Curwen, of Reading, (the young minister's pastor,) delivered a solemn and affectionate charge, from Dan. vi. 3, "An excellent spirit was in him ;" and the Rev. William Jones, of Swansea, preached the sermon to the people, from Phil. ii. 29, "Hold such in reputation."

On Thursday, at eleven o'clock, the services were again resumed by the Rev. Wm. Jones, of Swansea, preaching in English; at three o'clock, the Rev. David Williams, of Llanwrhyd, preached in Welsh; and in the evening, at half-past six, the Rev. S. Curwen preached in English, and the Rev. Thomas Rees, of Llanelly, in Welsh. The Rev. Messrs. Hughes, of Dowlais; Richard Jones, of Larkvivy; Benjamin Owen, of Zion, took part in the devotional services.

Salem Chapel, Liverpool.

Some two years ago, the foundation-stone of the above chapel, connected with the

Welsh Independents in this town, was laid by the Rev. Dr. Raffles, assisted by several ministers from the Principality. Since that time it has been opened, a church formed, and a good congregation got together. Early in the summer of last year, the Rev. Robert Thomas, of Dinas Mowddy, North Wales, received a unanimous invitation from the church to become their pastor, which he accepted, and has entered upon his ministry among them with every prospect of success and usefulness. On Sunday and Monday, the 25th and 26th December, 1842, he was recognised as their pastor, when several ministers engaged in the services of the days. Monday evening service being, strictly speaking, the recognition service, the Rev. William Thomas, of Dwygyfylchi, read suitable portions of the scriptures, and prayed; after which the Rev. Arthur Jones, of Bangor, delivered a lucid and elaborate address on the nature of a Christian church, carefully tracing its scriptural history, and avoiding altogether the points upon which so long and useless a controversy has taken place amongst Welsh ministers of different denominations. We are glad to find the Rev. gentleman has engaged, at the request of several friends, to publish his excellent address. The Rev. Thomas Pierce, minister of Bethel chapel, Liverpool, then asked the usual questions of the church and minister, which were satisfactorily answered. The charge (a most impressive one) was delivered by the Rev. William Rees, of Denbigh, and the Rev. C. Jones, of Dolgelley, addressed the church.

On Tuesday evening, a tea party was held in the school-rooms under the chapel. About four hundred persons were present, and the ministers who officiated in the former services delivered interesting and excellent addresses.

This is the third Independent church connected with the Welsh formed in Liverpool, and we trust that our Welsh friends will go on, increasing daily in numbers and knowledge. May the new minister and his flock be blessed, and made a blessing to all around them.

Castle Hedingham.

The Independent meeting-house at Castle Hedingham having been found too small to accommodate the congregation, it was resolved, at a meeting of the subscribers, held March 25th, 1842, to enlarge and repair it. On the examination of the building by Mr. Fenton, it was found that such was the unsubstantial nature of the walls, that the intended alterations could not be effected, and the proposal to rebuild was unanimously received. On Thursday, September 22nd, the new building was opened for public worship. The services of the day were com

menced, by holding a meeting for prayer at seven o'clock in the morning. At eleven in the forenoon, the Rev. T. W. Jenkyn, D.D., Principal of Coward College, preached from 2 Cor. v. 15; and in the evening, the Rev. John Young, of Albion chapel, Moorfields, preached from 1 Peter i. 23. The Rev. Messrs. Wallis and Verdon, of Sudbury; Prout and Johnson, of Halstead ; J. Kay, of Coggeshall; Christie, of Finchingfield, and others, took a part in the devotional exercises. The chapel was crowded at both the services; and the engagements of the day produced a delightful impression on the congregation. In the afternoon, the ministers present, (twenty-two,) and nearly a hundred other friends, dined together at the Bell Inn, when several interesting speeches were delivered by both ministers and laymen. The building was much admired by those present for its neatness, and the chasteness of its style of architecture. The collections after the services amounted to 751. The total expense of the erection, exclusive of the materials of the old building, will amount to about 1,3007., towards which 1,0507. have already been raised.

Rugeley.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15th, a neat and commodious Independent chapel was opened at Hixon Baths, Staffordshire, when two interesting and impressive discourses were delivered; the one in the morning, by the Rev. D. E. Ford, of Lymington; and that in the afternoon, by the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham. The devotional parts of the services were conducted by the Rev. John Cook, of Uttoxeter; the Rev. Mark Butler, of Stone; the Rev. John Bulmer, of Rugeley; and the Rev. Benjamin Longley, of Armitage. Although the weather was very unfavourable, there was a numerous and respectable attendance of persons, who contributed liberally towards the expense of the erection. Mr. Cook, the secretary of the district association, publicly expressed his entire satisfaction with the manner in which the builder, (Mr. Tomlinson, of Cannock,) had fulfilled the contract; and it is but just to state, that the building committee are much indebted to Mr. Samuel Salisbury, (one of the deacons of the congregation at Rugeley,) for his frequent superintendence of the work, and for his efficient aid in the measures previously adopted. To Mr. Dale, the proprietor of Hixon Baths, a similar acknowledgment is due, for the interest which he has taken in the cause, and for a liberal subscription towards it. The zeal and activity of the Rev. Richard Morris, the Itinerant, by whom the chapel is chiefly supplied, deserve also the highest commendation, his exertions having been such as to call forth the liberality of the religious pub

lic, and release his friends from the apprehension of any very serious pecuniary difficulties. Mr. Butler, of Stone, preached on the following Lord's-day, when an additional sum was contributed by the inhabitants of Hixon and its vicinity, and when the attendance was very encouraging.

Gislingham, Suffolk.

A small and neat Independent chapel was opened for public worship on Monday, Nov. 14th, 1842, when sermons were preached by the Rev. Messrs. Garthwaite, of Wattisfield, and Field, of Diss. This chapel will be supplied by lay preachers of the Congregational denominations, but would be a fine opening for Home Missionary operations. It is situated about five miles from the town of Eye, which contains a population of 2,491 souls, about 800 of which attend on the means of grace. But here there is no Congregational chapel. Is there not room? Let the above fact answer the question.

Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

On the 15th and 16th of November, 1842, a small commodious chapel was opened for Divine worship at Siloh, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in the Independent denomination. On the evening of the 15th, the Rev. B. James, of Llandilo, commenced the service, by reading the scriptures and prayer. The Rev. W. Thomas, of Llandysilio, preached from John x. 30, and the Rev. J. Davies, of Glandwr, from Rom. x. 1. On the 16th, morning service was commenced by reading the Scriptures and prayer, by Mr. P. Thomas, Narberth Academy, and the Rev. D. Bateman, of Rhosycaerau, preached from John x. 24; the Rev. J. Silvanus, of Carmarthen, from Isa. lv. 8; and the Rev. W. Davies, of Rhosycaerau, from Zech. ii. 5. In the evening, Mr. J. Davis, of Newport, preached from Eph. vi. 18, and the Rev. D. Bateman, from Psa. lxxxiv. 11. The congregations were large, and the collections liberal, and so powerful were the effects produced by the sermons, that all present were disposed to exclaim, "It is good to be here."

RECOGNITIONS.

Rev. George Smith.

On Thursday evening, 15th Dec., 1842, a public service was held in Trinity chapel, East India Road, Poplar, with a view to recognise the Rev. George Smith as the pastor of the Independent church assembling there. The spacious edifice was crowded in every part long before six o'clock, the hour when the service began, while many persons retired, unable to obtain admission. The Rev. Dr. Fletcher delivered a comprehensive and eloquent discourse, on the principles of con

gregational nonconformity. The Rev. Thos. James asked the usual questions, which were replied to, on behalf of the church, by Thomas Williams, Esq., one of the deacons, who described the steps which led to the erection of this sanctuary, the formation of a church, and the settlement of the pastor; and Mr. Smith stated his reasons for accepting an invitation to his present important sphere of labour. The Rev. Arthur Tidman then offered up solemn prayer, mingled with thanksgiving to God; and the Rev. James Sherman preached an interesting sermon to the pastor and to the people, from the texts, "Take heed to thyself—take heed to yourselves." The Revs. W. Hodson, C. Hyatt, D. E. Ford, J. Upton, (Baptist,) E. Halliday, and H. J. Bevis, engaged in other devotional exercises, and more than thirty ministers attended, to testify their interest in the newly-formed church and its pastor.

Rev. H. S. Seaborn.

On Tuesday evening, Dec. 6, 1842, the Rev. H. S. Seaborn, late of Crown-street chapel, Soho, was publicly recognised as pastor of the church of Christ assembling in the above place of worship. The Rev. C. Hyatt, sen., commenced the service, with reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. George Smith, of Poplar, (late of Plymouth,) delivered the introductory discourse. The Rev. C. J. Hyatt, jun., asked the usual questions, which were replied to, on the part of the church, by Edward Tindale, Esq., the senior deacon. Mr. Seaborn then stated the reasons which had induced him to accept an unanimous invitation to the pastoral office. The recognition prayer was then offered, (in the absence of the Rev. Dr. Fletcher,) by the Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary of the London Missionary Society. After which an address was given to the minister, by the Rev. A. Reed, D.D., and to the church and congregation, by the Rev. Alexander Fletcher, M.A. The Rev. R. Saunders concluded with prayer. The Rev. Messrs. Brake, Evans, Tindale, Thompson, and Halliday also engaged in the service. The several parts of the service were ably sustained, and the presence of the Great Head of the church was evidently felt and enjoyed. A large number of ministers was present, and the chapel was crowded in every part. Coverdale chapel was erected in 1841, by the church and congregation, (for the most part) formerly worshipping in Rose-lane, Ratcliff, under the ministry of the Rev. Thomas Williams, who was honoured to sustain the pastoral office in that place for more than half a century, and who is still living at the advanced age of 85. The present circumstances of the church and congregation are very encouraging.