the only victim, and the story of Messrs. Empeytaz, Gonties, Gyt, Guers, &c. would only present another picture of injurious and vexatious persecution exerted against bold and faithful, though unoffending witnesses for the truth.

Such had continued to be the state of affairs till within the last few anonths, when the enmity of the Genevan pastors against the truth, seemed to have gained fresh strength. The increasing numbers that frequented the preaching of M. Malan, the continual instances that were occurring of conversion through his instrumentality, and the blessing which attended the ministry of Messrs. Empeytaz, Guers, &c. seemed more and more to rouse their indignation. Their animosity was in an especial manner directed against M. Ganssen, one of their own number, who, ever since he was brought to know the truth about ten years ago, has not ceased to labour with unceasing assiduity and distin guished success in the vineyard of the Lord. M. Gaussen was last summer formally excluded from every pulpit in Geneva, except his own at Satigny, and it seems doubtful whether his situation as a pastor, and his connection with some of the first families at Geneva, will continue to protect this faithful minister of Christ.

M. Chaysiére, one of the Arian or Socinian pastors, also preached a most violent sermon against the Momiers, or Methodists, whom he attacked with the most únineasured warmth, and represented them as enemies to the State. This sermon had the effect of exasperating the populace to such a degree, that it was not safe for any of the evangelical preachers to be seen in the streets. M. Guers was stoned in one of the public squares, and narrowly es caped with his life; and M. Malan's house was also attacked. It is but justice to the Government, however, to observe, that they gave no sanction to these acts of violence, and when the writer of this notice was himself at Geneva last autumn, there was a guard of gens d'armes stationed every evening near the houses of M. Malan and M. Guers. In the mean time every attempt was made to calumniate and traduce the Christians at Geneva. Every lie was invented and greedily propagated through the medium of the newspapers, for the purpose of pouring on them obloquy and contempt. If a person committed suicide, it was said he had

heard a sermon of one of the Momiers. If a person became deranged, his disorder was attributed to the same cause, and even the English newspapers have copied into their columns these baseless fabrications.

But affairs at Geneva wear, it seems, a still more critical aspect than before. It seems that M. Bost, a preacher who was formerly excluded from the church of Geneva, and who is well known abroad

for his uncommon talent, zeal, and boldness, as well as for the extraordinary blessing that has attended his labours, especially in Germany, published au answer to the above-mentioned sermon of M. Chaysiére. We have not seen M. Bost's pamphlet, but understand that it displayed much ability, and contained a very masterly exposure of the futility of the charges brought against the Momiers by M. Chaysiére. The Venerable Company" at Geneva were, however, much enraged at the boldness of M. Bost, and determined, if possible, to crush him. A prosecution was commenced against him by the public prosecutor, who charged him with describing the Pastors of Geneva as a sect in the Christian world who denied some of the leading doctrines of the Gospel. For this alledged crime, he desired that M Bost should be imprisoned for two years, and pay a fine of 2000 florins. M. Bost pleaded his own cause, in the presence of a multitude of people, attracted by curiosity to witness his trial, and thus had a fine opportunity of proclaiming the truths of the Gospel. M. Malan writes that his defence was admirable, and produced the deepest impression on his judges and auditory. M. Guers says, that it was heard with astonishment and delight; that Bost's whole conduct has endeared him not only to M. Malan and his brethren who are not of the church, but to those faithful ministers who are still permitted to remain in it. The result was most mortifying to the clergy, as M. Bost was acquitted by his judges. It is thought, however, that the matter will not rest here, but that a fresh attack will be made on their formidable antagonist. M. Malan's case is also to be reviewed, and it is even thought that the pastors to whom we have alluded, will not remain unmolested. In the mean time it is the duty of every Christian to offer up his most fervent prayer to the throne of grace, that strength from on high may be furnished to these holy and devoted men, of whom it may be truly said, that to them it has been given on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.-We hope shortly to be able to communicate further intelligence on this subject.

FURTHER ACCOUNT OF THE EXILED

SWISS MINISTERS.

The Paris Committee has transmitted an account of the imprisonment, losses, banishment, and other sufferings of several private Christians of both sexes, who have been the objects of prosecution in the Canton of Vaud. The London Committee has directed all careful investigation to be made, and a sum to be distributed among the sufferers, in due proportions, not exceeding £112. As the most of these are

dispersed in the neighbouring Cantons of Switzerland, it is not expected that a report of the distribution will be ready earlier than for publication in the Magazine for May. This investigation will, probably, elicit information for the final distribution of the balance. A letter has been received, of which the following is a translation, omitting a few clauses, from the three surviving ministers of those to whom the first distribution has been made. The share assigned to the gentleman designated No. IV. in the Congregational Magazine for January, but which he delicately declines, the Committee proposes to transfer to another faitl:ful minister, who resigned bis cure, and publicly separated from the persecuting hierarchy, at the commencement of the rigorous measures; but who, owing to his infirm health, and some other hindrances, remains in silence. He has a family, and his privations have been and are very serious.

On behalf of the Committee, Feb. 15th. J. PYE SMITH. The ministers of the Gospel banished from the Canton of Vaud, in Switzerland, to their dear and honoured brethren, nonconformists in England, who have kindly presented to them their donations, for the sake of Jesus.

"Sirs, and honoured Friends,-We request our dear brother, the Rev. Mark Wilks, to convey to you these lines from us, as the feeble expression of those grateful feelings which we alike entertain for all your benefits to us.

"We were already deeply sensible, that, far from despising our trial in the flesh, you had acknowledged us so openly and so affectionately, as your brethren and fellow-labourers in Christ. But we could not but be still more impressed, when we perceived that, not confining yourselves to words, you were aiding us by your liberality, in the name of our common Master. We bless him that he put it into your hearts such a work on behalf of your persecuted brethren; and we pray that he will himself recompense you for what he has given you to do for the glory of his

titude, and our fraternal affection, in the fellowship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Your devoted brethren,

"Paris, Jan. 10, 1826."

Erratum in a former list. Instead of Mr. Wills £2., read A Lady by Mr. Willis, £2.

HORRIBLE SUPERSTITION IN IRELAND.

(Extracted from the Roman Catholic
Expositor.)

The Rev. James Mullen was a native of Philipstown in the Kings Co. and was educated for a Roman Catholic priest," he was appointed to the charge of a parish in the County of Kildare, the name of which I do not at present recollect; I believe from what I have heard he was much respected; he was frequently known to give part of the clothes which he had on when he would meet a fellow creature in distress.

He was seized with typhus fever, of which he died at the age of twenty eight; though his friends and relatives wished to have him interred in his native parish, his flock would not permit it, and he was accordingly buried where he had resided; his grave was guarded for some time, lest his remains should be stolen away; but after a period of six weeks, when there was no apprehension of the kind, his friends proceeded to the grave, and removed the remains by stealth; the evening their return was expected, a large concourse of people went some miles to meet the funeral, and the houses of many of the Roman Catholics of Philipstown were illuminated, a bonfire was lighted, and many other

expressions of public rejoicing were manifested.

His remains were brought that night to the house of his mother, the widow Mullen, well known as the proprietor of a whiskey shop and ale-house in the town; there he lay in state for one or two nights. I had a view of the funeral procession from a house nearly opposite that of the widow Mullen: a number of Carmelites preceded the body, holding some little white things before them, which I understood afterwards were as emblems of his purity; the Carmelites sung something from their books which I could not hear from the noise of the multitude, which was immense. I was surprised to see the head of the coffin carried first, contrary to the usual custom, and after I had seen his grave, I remarked likewise that his head was placed towards the west and not towards the east, as is usual; but I was told the Romish clergy are always placed so, that at the resurrection, when all stand up, they may have their faces towards their flocks, without the trouble of turning about.

I remarked to an old man, that it was dangerous to go to the funeral of one so long dead, and who died of so infectious a complaint; he assured me he had walked at the wind side of the coffin, and that so far from any thing unpleasant, there was a delightful smell proceeding from the corpse.

The burying ground is about a quarter of a mile from the town, and is the principal place of interment in the parish of Killaderry. A month after the re-interment, there was a ceremony in the chapel of the town, usually called a month's mind; at this about twenty-seven priests assisted in singing High Mass; I went to the chapel through curiosity, and observed in the centre a coffin covered with a black cloth to represent the remains of the saint; the coffin was surrounded by lighted candles, and round those was the circle of priests, many of whom came from distant parishes to assist in this ceremony; the crowd was so immense that I was forced to withdraw without witness- ` ing the whole scene. From this day it was generally understood, that cures could be obtained for all complaints and disorders, by a visit to Saint Mullen's grave, and a day never passed without a number of visitants, the deaf and the blind, the halt and the maimed, all repaired to this celebrated spot in anxious expectation of immediate cure. On Fridays, the graveyard was particularly crowded. I have seen above ten cars about the gate at a time. Every individual going to be cured took a hand-full of clay from the grave till they would almost leave the coffin bare; the grave was then filled up with earth from the adjoining ditch, which was considered

just as effectual in curing diseases, as the clay which had been in the grave ever since his interment; the grave was so frequently emptied, that there was a special order issued, that every one taking clay from the grave should put as much into it from the adjoining ditch. The manner of using the clay, was to boil it with new milk, and drink a portion of it every morning; one unfortunate woman died who had used it, and it was the general opinion that her immediate death was occasioned by drinking this abominable mixture. Some who were anxious for a speedy recovery from any very severe malady used to lie a whole night between the tomb-stone (which was raised on pillars about three feet high) and the grave. I have frequently passed the graveyard, which is close to the road-side, and have attended many funerals there, and I never recollect having seen the tomb without one or more individuals on their knees. Many persons used to come from the most distant parts of the country, so far had the fame of this Saint's grave spread; one poor man, I recollect, came from a northern county, whom I had previously known, and called at my house, to ask a small sum to bear his expenses home; he had literally not one penny in his pocket; he had at that time derived no benefit from the milk and clay, but still had hope, and was bringing some of the precious earth home with him.

The widowed mother of this sainted priest, procured his clothes and vestments; THEY WERE CUT IN SMALL PIECES, AND SOLD AS CURES FOR SEVERAL DISEASES:

the former were applied for particular complaints; his hat was considered as a sovereign remedy for the tooth-ache, as so I believe were the other parts of his dress. The vestments were sold considerably higher, in as much as they were to be applied, for all complaints. The numbers that used to crowd to the ale-house to purchase these fragments, were surprising; and I am sure they seldom left it without being provided with a genuine relique.

H.

THE PROCEEDINGS OF DISSENTERS ON THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY. We announced in our last number, the meeting of the general body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations, at the Library, Red Cross Street, on the 31st of January; when a Committee was appointed to prepare Petitions to both Houses of Parliament, praying them in their wisdom to take speedy and effectual measures for the entire Abolition of Negro Slavery throughout his Majesty's dominions. The body met again by adjournment, on the 7th of February, when the petitions were brought up and adopted. The petition to the House of Lords was presented by the

tunity of recording its sense of the very great loss which this School (in common with the numerous religious and benevolent Institutions with which the late Rev. John Townsend stood connected,) has sustained by his removal.

"This Committee will long and foudly cherish the memory of his amiable deportment, of his unaffected piety, of his disinterested zeal, and of the eminent services which he rendered not only to this Institution, but to the cause of Christ at large.

"Signed by order of the Committee, "THOMAS ADAMS, Deputy Secretary." A LIST OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEPUTIES, appointed at their Annual Meeting to Protect the Civil Rights of the Three Denominations of Protestant Dissenters, for the year 1826.

William Smith, Esq. M. P. Chairman.
Henry Waymouth, Esq. Deputy Chairman.
James Collins, Esq. Treasurer.
John Bentley, Esq.
John Christie, Esq.
Samuel Gale, Esq.
Edgar Taylor, Esq.
Thos. Wilson, Esq.
John Cordell, Esq.
Benj. Shaw, Esq.
Jos. Stonard, Esq.
G. Hammond, Esq.
Sam. Jackson, Esq.
Thomas Wood, Esq.
R. Winter, Esq

Jos. Yallowley, Esq.
Samuel Medley, Esq.
Wm. Yockney, Esq.
William Burls, Esq.
Samuel Favell, Esq.
John T. Rutt, Esq.
William Hale, Esq.
Benj. Hanbury, Esq.
Josiah Roberts, Esq.
J. B. Brown, Esq.
LL. D.
Secretary,
Row, Holborn.

Bedford

THEOLOGICAL LECTURES TO MECHANICS.

The Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Instruction in London, having felt the importance of attempting to counteract the efforts of the modern infidel press to seduce the labouring classes from the faith of the Gospel, resolved to patronise a course of lectures to mechanics, on the Evidences of Christianity. The meeting house on the Pavement, Moorfields, being in a very eligible situation, was kindly lent for the purpose, and the lectures were fixed for the accommodation of the class of persons to whom they are addressed, at eight o'clock on Thursday evenings. The Committee received from the ministers of the metropolis, the kindest encouragement; twelve of whom have engaged their gratuitous services for the course. They were commenced on the 2d of February, and then, us on every subsequent lecture, the meeting-house was crowded by a most interesting assemblage of individuals, belonging to the labouring classes, who listened to the preacher with an attention which was extremely gratifying. The Rev. Messrs. Morrison, and J. Blackburn, Drs. Styles, and J. P. Smith, have lectured during the past month; the Rev. Messrs. B. Rayson, R. Philip, J. Fletcher, H. F. Burder, and S. Curwen, will occupy the pulpit during the present,

and the Rev. Messrs. W. Orme, J. Davies, and J. Stratten, will close the course in April. The attendance of some leaders of the infidel school has discovered the anxiety with which they observe this attempt to carry this spiritual war into a territory too long left to their undisputed possession.

NOTICES.

The Annual Sermon for the relief of the necessitous widows and children of

Protestant Dissenting Ministers, will be preached on Wednesday, the 5th of April next, at the Old Jewry Chapel, removed to Jewin Street, in Aldersgate Street, by the Rev. F. A. Cox, LL. D. of Hackney. Service to begin at twelve o'clock at noon, precisely. The Subscribers and Friends to the Society will afterwards dine together at the Albion, Aldersgate Street.

All certificates for the admission of children to the Ballot at the next Election of THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL, are requested to be sent to the Deputy Secretary on or before the 20th of March next. ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 1826, the Rev. Philip Cater, late of the Academy under the direction of the Irish Evangelical Society, in Dublin, was ordained to the pastoral office, over the Independent church at Newmarket, Suffolk. Rev. Mr. Compton, Baptist minister of Isleham, commenced the services of the day by reading suitable portions of Scripture and prayer. Rev. Mr. Ransom, of Fordham, stated the nature of a Gospel church. Rev. Mr Sheppard, of Burwell, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer, accompanied with the laying on of hands. Rev. Mr. Edmonds, M.A. of Cambridge, delivered a most serious charge, from Acts xx. 28. "Take heed, &c." In the evening, Rev. Mr. Thodey, of Cambridge, addressed the church and congregation in a most appropriate and impressive sermon, from Rev. ii. 7. (first clause.) Rev. Messrs. Reynolds, Ward, and Dallison, gave out the hymns, and engaged in the devotional exercises.

The ordination of Mr. Joseph Hague, late of Hoxton Academy, as assistant to the Rev. John Wood, minister of the English Church in Rotterdam, took place on Wednesday, the 25th of January, at the Poultry Chapel. Rev. H. F. Burder, M. A. commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. Rev. W. Harris, LL.D. delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the questions. Rev. John Clayton, juu. M. A. offered the ordination prayer. Rev. George Clayton gave the charge from Jonah iii. 2. Arise go unto Ninevah," &c. Rev. John Fye Smith, D. D. preached to the congregation, on the importance of British Christians feeling interested in the religious affairs of