private property, and is probably aided by his very respectable relatives; but these resources are by no means equal to the support of his family.-To him is assigned Thirty Pounds.

No. 4.-This excellent minister moved in the higher class of the inhabitants, in one of the principal towns of the Canton. An information was lodged against him, for holding an unlawful religious meeting. A police officer was sent to search the house, he could discover nothing on which to ground a prosecution. Monsieur then introduced the officer into his parlour, where was sitting his wife, a friend with his two sisters, and another young lady; a Bible lay open on the table, and Monsieur

avowed that he had been reading and commenting upon it, in this little circle of visitors. The prosecution was set on foot; the object of it was, as usual, subject to great expense, examined with tedious and torturous interrogations, and condemned to be banished for three years.

He appealed against the sentence, and it was reduced by the higher court to one year, which term has lately expired. We have not heard that he has determined whether to remain in France, or return to his own country. He is believed to possess a comfortable property, but the losses and expenses which have been thrown upon him, and the additional affliction of Madame -'s illness, render it proper, in the Committee's opinion, that he should receive Twenty Pounds.

It is evident that these sums can go but a very little way towards indemnifying the sufferers for their actual losses; excepting in the case of No. 1, they can be regarded as no more than a small expression of Christian sympathy and respect.

There are other sufferers, to whom we trust that British liberality will enable us to extend some relief. Further communications may be expected the next month, and we indulge the hope of having to report some appearances of a favourable

change, with regard to the conduct of

affairs in the Canton itself.

Sigued on behalf of the London Committee,

J. PYE SMITH.

THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEPUTIES FOR 1825. The Board of Deputies is constituted by the delegates of those Presbyterian, Independent, or Baptist congregations in London and its vicinity, which express their desire to appoint two of their number to represent them in this general council. The list for 1825, contains the pames of ninety-seven congregations who send deputies; and we have been favoured with the following analysis of their number, which shows the relative strength of each denomination. But it should be added, that there are many churches in

A

"The Committee have again the satising, that their occupation the last year, as faction of reporting to the General Meetto any of the common objects of their attention, has not been burthensome. few cases relative to property, and disputes respecting trusts, have occurred, which they have attended to with various success, but none of importance sufficient to merit particular detail. The Dissenters' Registry, they have endeavoured to arrange so as to answer its purposes, as well as can be accomplished without Parliamentary authority, for which they have not thought it desirable to press; as, when the question, relating to their marriages, shall be again brought forward, it may be found practicable to introduce the other subject without much additional expense or trouble as part of the public bill; and, in the meantime, if the Redcross-street Registries are (in common with all others except the parochial ones) inadmissible as legal evidence in a Court of Justice, they are, nevertheless, highly advantageous as records of fact, and as indexes, by which complete legal evidence of the dates of births (not merely of baptisms) may be obtained.

On the most important of the matters committed to their care, the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, they have only to report, that by the advice and with the entire concurrence of all whom they have consulted as best informed on that head, and most interested in the issue,

they resolved to take no step during the

last Session of Parliament; and considering its delicacy, the variety and complication of the interests concerned, and the feverish state of the country at the present crisis on every thing relating thereto, they submit to the Meeting, the expediency of refraining from entering into any discussion of details in this Report. The Committee, however, beg to assure the Meeting, that though, as a body, dissolved, they continue, individually, as firmly as ever, attached to the principles on which their dissent is founded, and as desirous of employing their most vigorous efforts to procure the repeal of every restraint on religious liberty, whenever an opportunity shall appear of exerting themselves with reasonable probability of advantage. One, they cannot but hope, may be anticipated at no very distant period, from the in

creasing liberality of the times; of which, they are happy to be able to furnish the following recent proof and example. In the note, p. 201, of the 12mo edition of the Proceedings of the Committee, it is said, "Dissenters are also disabled, on the ground of scrupling the Sacramental Test, to be called to the Bar, by the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn; that Society having an order or bye-law, which requires a candidate for that degree to produce a certificate of having taken the Sacrament. The other Inns of Court have no such law." This blot the Society had overlooked too long. To its honour, be it now recorded, that this most exceptionable bye-law was abrogated by an order spontaneously issued by the benchers on the 16th of November last, which has placed the admission to the Bar of the Students of this Inn on the same impartial footing, on which, in the other Inns of Court, it has long stood."

IMPORTANT DISCUSSION WITH THE

RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

We have received the following communication, to which we give immediate insertion, convinced that the great body of dissenting ministers in the country, connected with the Religious Tract Society, will support the respectful remonstrance which their brethren in the Metropolis have addressed to its Committee on their late extraordinary proposal.

(To the Editors.)

Gentlemen,-Having been appointed by the Congregational Board, at its last meeting, to lay before the religious public a statement of their proceedings, in reference to a Prospectus issued by the Committee of the Religious Tract Society, allow us to request you will give this letter a place in the columns of your January Magazine.

In September last an address was published, announcing a "reprint" of Milner's "History of the Church of Christ," by the Tract Society, with the " omission of some passages, in which the author had given his opinion at large upon a few points of a disputed nature." Through out the Prospectus, however, the entire work is commended as important and valuable, which, it is said, "will in course continue to be purchased by most persons whose means will allow them to procure it in an extended form, while those who desire to possess it in a more compendious and less expensive shape, may be assured that they have this valuable work uninjured by the present abridgment."

Surprised at the laudatory strain of the address respecting a work avowedly and necessarily written with unfriendly feelings towards the dissenters from the

National Church, and convinced of the general inexpediency and perfect unfairness of the proposed measure, the Board of Congregational Dissenting Ministers, at their monthly meeting, held at the Bank Coffee-house, on Tuesday, November 15th, and very numerously attended, the Rev. J. Humphries in the chair, adopted the following resolutions, with complete unanimity.

1. Resolved, That the principles and constitution of the Religious Tract Society have our cordial approbation, because it has professed to circulate tracts containing pure truth, as it flows from the sacred fountain of the New Testament, uncontaminated with error, and undisturbed by human systems, having nothing in them of the Shibboleth of a sect-nothing to recommend one denomination, or to throw odium on another--nothing of the acrimony of contending parties, but that unity of principle whereby all can join with pleasure as in one great common cause.

2. Resolved, That as the primary intention of this Society was to publish tracts on subjects "purely religious," Prospectus issued by its Committee, anwe feel much surprise and regret at a nouncing the republication of the late Rev. J. Milner's Church History, which, however pious and devotional it may be, yet necessarily possesses, in common with all other ecclesiastical histories, a bias in favour of that mode of church discipline to which its author was attached, and which is discernible throughout the whole work in question.

3. That this Board therefore earnestly entreat the Committee of the Religious Tract Society, as they regard the feelings and sufferages of their dissenting constituents, to abandon a project which cannot be executed by them without violating the principles on which the Society was first established, and by a strict adherence to which its present prosperity can only be perpetuated.

That these resolutions might be communicated to the Committee of the Tract Society in the most respectful manner, a Deputation of three ministers, members of the Board, together with its Secretary, was appointed to wait upon them at their next meeting. The interview was held on Tuesday morning, Nov. 22d, and a friendly discussion took place, when the Committee unanimously passed a resolution, expressive of their thanks for the interference of the Board, and offering to submit the revision of the work to any ministers they might ap point. A special meeting of the Board was summoned for Tuesday, Nov. 29th, when Dr. Winter was called to the chair; and after the Deputation had given in their report, the meeting, with perfect unanimity, resolved respectfully to de

cline the overture, and at the same time again to protest against the projected publication.

The Committee having issued a circular on the subject of this proposed reprint of Milner, in which its publication is postponed till March next, and some other alterations in the original plan are announced, the paper was read at the last meeting of the Board, the Rev. D. Washbourne in the chair, when it was unanimously agreed, "That the sentiments therein contained do not at all affect the opinions already expressed on the subject by the Board in their preceding resolutions."

Having thus narrated, as briefly as possible, the measures which the Board of Congregational Ministers in London have felt it their duty to take in this painful business, it only remains to ascertain whether the dissenting ministers who are connected with the Tract Society throughout the country, will support its Committee in the publication even of an abridgment of a work, the authorities of which are often questionable, and the general tendency of which is in direct opposition to the proposed neutrality of the Society.

Dec. 26, 1825.

ROBERT WINTER. JOHN DAVIS. JOHN BLACKBURN.

THE ELECTION OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE LONDON UNIVERSITY.

Our readers will participate in the satisfaction which all liberal minds must feel, that the establishment of a University in the metropolis of the empire, on the most liberal principles, is now secured. A list of near seven hundred shareholders has been published, which includes the names of many noble, opulent, scientific, and most respectable gentlemen.

On Monday, Dec. 19, a general meeting of the Proprietors was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand, H. Brougham, Esq. M. P. in the Chair, for the election of twenty-four gentlemen to form the council. The minutes of the proceedings of the provisional Committee were first read by the Rev. Dr. Cox, from which it appeared that they have purchased a freehold plot of seven acres, lying near the end of Gower-street, by the New Road, St. Pancras, for which £30,000 has been paid, and which affords an adequate site for the buildings and walks. The provisional Committee have also applied to six architects for plans of the intended structure, which, it is presumed, will be commenced in the Spring. The provisional Committee recommended a list of names for the council, which, at the close of the ballot, it was found the majority of the shareholders had adopted. The following gentlemen

constitute the council

Hon. J. Abercrombie, M. P.; Lord

Auckland; Alex. Baring, Esq. M. P.; G. Birkbeck, M. D.; H. Brougham, Esq. M. P. F. R. S.; T. Campbell, Esq.; Lord Dudley and Ward; I. L. Goldsmid, Esq.; O. G. Gregory, LL. D.; G. Grote, Jun. Esq.; J. Hume, Esq. M. P. F. R. S.; The Marquis of Lansdowne, F. R. S.; Z. Macauley, Esq. F. R. S.; Sir J. Mackintosh, M. P. F. R. S.; J. Mill, Esq.; The Duke of Norfolk; Lord J. Russell, M. P.; B. Shaw, Esq.; J. Smith, Esq. M. P.; W. Tooke, Esq. F. K. S.; H. Warburton, Esq. F. R. S.; H. Waymouth, Esq.; J. Whishaw, Esq. F. R. S.; T. Wilson, Esq.

The thanks of the Meeting were given to Dr. Cox, for his unwearied and able services in the office of Secretary, which he held pro tempore. He has, however, accepted the honorary office of Secretary to the Council. The University office is at No. 7, Furnival's Inn, Holborn, to which all communications may be addressed.

ELECTION OF THE CONGREGATIONAL

SCHOOL.

The half-yearly election of the sons of ministers into the Congregational School was held at the Old London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, on Wednesday, Nov. 30th, when four boys were admitted, viz. W. A. Gillson, son of the Rev. W. Gillson, of Fakenham; J. B. Harrison, son of the Rev. W. Harrison, of Great Wigston; A. Jeary, son of the late Rev. Ŏ. A. Jeary, of Rodborough; and T. Marsh, son of the late Rev. W. Marsh, of Charlesworth.

It is with much satisfaction we learn that the internal prosperity of this valuable institution, both as it regards schooldiscipline, and domestic economy, is truly encouraging, and that the boys make commendable progress in solid and useful knowledge. We trust this fact will encourage the Independent churches to increase, by their liberality, the patronage of this Institution, till the number of boys on the foundation shall be commensurate with the claims of a laborious but ill-paid ministry.

APOCRYPHAL QUESTION.

It is with deep and unfeigned regret that the COMMITTEE OF THE EDINBURGH BIBLE SOCIETY, having maturely considered the Resolution of the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, of the 21st Nov. 1825, find themselves disappointed in the hopes which they ventured to entertain of renewing their friendly intercourse with the Parent Institution, the following Resolution was adopted by the Edinburgh Bible Society Committee, on the 12th of December:

"That the said Resolution (of the 21st Nov. 1825) is unsatisfactory, in as much as it is inconsistent with those views which this Committee DELIBERATELY adopted on the very important subject it involves, and which are explained in their printed statement of the 18th May last."

It seems obvious that the effect of the Resolution on the Parent Society, of 21st Nov., will be, to allow the Foreign Bible Society to apply the whole of their own funds to the printing of the Apocrypha. But a detailed statement of the grounds on which the Edinburgh Committee have come to this conclusion will shortly be submitted to the members of the Bible Societies of Great Britain and Ireland.

(Signed) GEORGE ROSS, Chairman.

RECENT DEATH.

At Taunton, on Sunday, December 18, 1825, deeply regretted by his family and friends, the Rev. RICHARD PEARSALL ALLEN, late of Exeter, departed this life, aged 53 years. Declining health had compelled him to relinquish the stated duties of the Christian ministry, and he had retired to his native place, with the hope of closing his career in peace. He was anticipating a speedy removal to the world of spirits; expected that his departure would be sudden, and in this he was not disappointed. He had retired early to rest, on the Saturday evening. On the Sabbath morning, he received his summons by a stroke of apoplexy; and about noon his unfettered spirit left its shattered prison for the realms of light.

REMOVALS AND NOTICES.

The Rev. J. Hoppus, late of Carter Lane, has engaged to preach at Haberdashers' Hall, Staining Lane, Wood Street, Cheapside, during the ensuing three months; morning and afternoon.

The Rev. E. Corbishley, late of Rotherham College, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastoral office at Appledore, North Devon.

The Rev. David Dunkerly, late of Loxley, near Sheffield, has accepted an invitation to the pastoral charge over the Independent Church and Congregation assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, Townley Street, Macclesfield.

We are desired to state, that on the removal of the Rev. Alexander Good, from the Congregational Church, Launceston, in March 1824, the pastoral charge of the above church was undertaken by the Rev. J. Barfett, (late of Swansea,) whose character and labours are highly esteemed.

We are requested to caution the religious public to beware of an application, which is anticipated on behalf of a new chapel at Hanwell, Middlesex, the place not having been put in trust by the individual who procured its erection.

Place.

Jan. 5. Mr. Burder's,

Feb. 9. Mr. Curwen's,

March 9. Dr. Winter's,
April 6. Mr. Lacey's,
May 4.
Mr. Stratten's,
June 8. Mr. Yockney's,

Preachers.

Mr. Orme

Dr. Collyer

Mr. Lacey

Dr. Smith

Subjects.

The Advantages of an enlarged Acquaintance with the Evidences of Revelation.

The Divine Legation of Moses, and the leading Features of the Mosaic Economy.

The Evidence derived from Prophecy. The Evidence derived from Miracles. The Evidence derived from the Character of Christ.

The Evidence derived from the Resurrection of Christ.

The Evidence derived from the Success of the Gospel.

The Internal Evidence of Christianity. S The Practical Influence of Christianity illustrative of its Divine Origin. The best methods of counteracting Infidelity.

The Character of the Apostle Paul.
The Mysteries of Revelation.

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