end, there can be no doubt that they will prove successful evangelists in the villages of our native land. It is our earnest prayer that both the society and the excellent instructer of the students may be permitted to see the fruits of the system of preparation now adopted in the increased usefulness of the Home Missionary Society.

"We cannot conclude our present testimony without commending the institution to the liberal support of all evangelical Christians throughout the land. There never was a period within our recollection when such evangelists as the society is labouring to produce were more urgently needed than at present, to preserve the joyful sound of the gospel in many districts where, though once heard, it is now dying away, in being superseded by another gospel, which is not another.' Our united prayer is, that the society may long continue to bless the destitute villages of England with such useful missionaries, and that Mr. Frost may long be spared, vigorously and efficiently to prepare them for this work."

ROTHERHAM COLLEGE.

On Wednesday, June 28, was held, at Masbro', the anniversary of Rotherham college. Academical essays were read by two of the senior students; and an address was delivered to the collegiate body by the Rev. J. Ely, of Leeds, on the importance of a welleducated ministry, in relation to the characteristics, civil, religious, and intellectual, of the present age, and to the great moral movements and changes indicated for the future. James Montgomery, Esq., was then called to the chair, and the usual routine of business was transacted. In the course of the two preceding days, careful and searching examinations were conducted by the examining committee, the Rev. J. Ely presiding in the departments of theology, logic, &c.; and the Rev. B. B. Haigh, of Grimston Lodge, in the classical department. The examiners, in delivering their report, said, that while it was their determination to avoid all extravagant praise, justice required of them to state, that the examination had been highly satisfactory. None of the students had betrayed incapacity or inattention, while most of them possessed a clear apprehension, and several of them a complete mastery of the subjects which they had studied. In the results of education, the session has been pre-eminently fruitful. In addition to the courses of theology, logic, church history, Hebrew, and the cognate dialects, the Latin and Greek classics, and mathematics, we find that the Christian fathers have been diligently read during the session, and that lectures have been delivered on the practical duties of the pastoral office. We under

stand that Mr. Ely's address will, in compliance with the urgent request of the students, and of the general meeting, be speedily published. The treasurer's report was more encouraging than last year, owing to the effort which has been made, by special donations, to reduce the debt against the institution, and by which nearly 3007. has been raised. At this meeting, Henry Walker, Esq., who has held the office of treasurer since the death of his father, the late Joshua Walker, Esq., the early and stedfast friend of the college, a period of thirty years, resigned; and William Beatson, Esq., of Masbro', was unanimously elected to be his successor, in that honourable and important office.

ORDINATIONS.

Rev. James Nugent.

On Friday, April 14, 1843, the Rev. Jas. Nugent, of Rotherham College, Yorkshire, was ordained to the pastorate of the Independent church, assembling in Bethel Chapel, Henry-street, Bury, Lancashire. The Rev. William Blackburn, of Bamford, commenced the services with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. R. W. Miller, of Atherstone, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Kennedy, of New-road Chapel, Bury, proposed the usual questions, and received Mr. Nugent's confession of faith, together with his reasons for seceding from the church of Rome, which were highly satisfactory and deeply interesting; the question to the church was most affectionately answered by S. Woodcock, Esq., the senior deacon. The Rev. J. Gwyther, of Manchester, offered the ordination prayer; after which the Rev. Thos. Smith, A.M., Classical Tutor of Rotherham College, delivered an excellent charge, from 1 Tim. iv. 12-16. In the evening, the Rev. J. Ely, of Leeds, preached to the people, from "Ye are the salt of the earth."

The Revs. W. Roseman, of Bury; E. Robinson, of Park; J. Harrison, of Heywood; Thos. Penrose, Primitive Methodist Minister, of Bury; J. Wolstenholme, of Ramsbottom; and E. Sterrow, of Rotherham College, likewise took part in the services of the day.

Rev. James Adam.

On Friday, the 14th of April, Mr. James Adam, who was educated partly at Glasgow, and partly at Edinburgh University, was ordained to the pastoral office, over the Congregational church assembling in Wallisstreet Chapel, South Shields.

The service commenced at two o'clock. The Rev. Henry Wight, of Carlisle, late of Edinburgh, delivered the introductory dis

course; the Rev. A. Jack, of North Shields, asked the usual questions, and offered up the ordination prayer; the Rev. Thomas Pullar, of Glasgow, (Mr. Adam's former pastor,) gave the charge. The Rev. Messrs. Caldwell, Reid, Campbell, Ward of Newcastle, Watkinson of Monkwearmouth, Goodal of Durham, besides several ministers of other denominations, took part in the services.

In the evening, there was a public meeting in the chapel, at seven o'clock. Mr. Adam took the chair. Suitable addresses were given by the Rev. Messrs. Pullar, Wight, and others.

The chapel, in the afternoon, was completely filled with a most attentive audience, and the whole service was impressive and edifying. At half-past five, the ministers and friends took tea together, in an adjoining school-room. The evening congregation was good, and the people were addressed with faithful and affectionate exhortations by the various ministers.

Mr. A. thus enters on his pastoral duties over an united church and congregation, in the midst of a large population, and with a good prospect, with the Divine blessing, of being instrumental in bringing many souls to the Saviour.

Rev. Robert Ivey Osborne.

On Wednesday, May 10, 1843, the Rev. Robert Ivey Osborne, late of March, Cambridgeshire, was ordained to the pastoral office over the church and congregation at the Tabernacle, North Nibley, Gloucestershire. The Rev. R. Knill, of Wottonunder-Edge, commenced the morning service by reading and prayer; the Rev. W. Wheeler, of Wells, delivered the introductory discourse, on the nature of a Christian church, in which he very ably combated the episcopalian argument, derived from the Jewish ritual and temple service, and clearly showed that the synagogue was the model of the New Testament churches; the Rev. B. Parsons, of Ebly, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. J. Eyres, of Uley, offered the ordination prayer: and the Rev. W. H. Lewis, of Glastonbury, gave an admirable charge to the minister.

The evening service was opened with reading and prayer, by the Rev. T. Thoresby, of Bristol; after which the Rev. John Burder, A.M., of Stroud, preached a highly appropriate sermon to the people. The Rev. L. L. Hurndall, N. Gazard, N. Stories, J. Rees, and J. Watts, took part in the services.

The chapel was much crowded, and the congregations seemed greatly interested in the proceedings of the day.

VOL. XXI.

The Rev. Thomas G. Potter.

On Thursday, April 20th, 1843, the Rev. Thomas G. Potter was ordained to the pastoral office in the Congregational chapel, Workington, Cumberland. The Rev. J. Reeve, of Aspatria, introduced the services of the morning by reading the Scriptures and prayer. A discourse, explanatory of the principles of Congregationalism, was delivered by the Rev. R. G. Milne, A.M., of Whitehaven. The questions were proposed by the Rev. W. Brewis, of Penrith, and the ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. S. Peel, of Workington.

In the evening, after the reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the Rev. J. W. Hinds, of Maryport, the charge was delivered by the Rev. J. C. Potter, of Whitby; and the address to the church and congregation by the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Manchester. Fifty-five years have nearly elapsed since a similar service was held in this town, the venerable pastor with whom Mr. Potter is now associated having, during that long period, discharged the duties of "a good minister of Jesus Christ," to this church. The congregation was most numerous, and the effect of the services delightful and hallowed.

On the preceding day, the half-yearly meeting of the Cumberland Association of Congregational churches was held at the same place. The chair was occupied by Ralph Foster, Esq., of Whitehaven, and the assembly was addressed by him, by the Rev. J. Reeve, the Rev. J. C. Potter, the Rev. H. Wight, of Carlisle, and the Rev. R. Wilson, of Cockermouth. This association has recently been re-organized, and promises to be the means of large religious advantages to this desolate county. At their meeting for business, the Association deemed it their duty to take the iniquitous Factory Bill into consideration; and as the result, a petition was drawn up and signed by the several members, while at the public meetings its enormities were exposed, and its object and tendency denounced, sic pereat.

the principal means, under God, of introducing and sustaining the gospel in the neighbourhood, and who, besides giving the ground on which the chapel will stand, contributes liberally towards its erection. The service was commenced by an appropriate hymn from Dr. Leifchild's Original Hymns, which was given out by the Rev. B. H. Kluht, the pastor of the church for whose accommodation the building is being erected; the Rev. J. West, of Sunbury, read Psalm cxviii.; the Rev. E. Miller, of Chiswick, engaged in prayer; the Rev. J. Churchill, of Thames Ditton, gave a brief history of the rise and progress of the Independent interest at Twickenham; the Rev. J. Leifchild, D.D., of London, addressed the spectators on the doctrines and discipline of Independent churches; and the Rev. W. Collins, (Baptist,) of Kingston, concluded with prayer. The Rev. Messrs. Lord, Stevens, and Hedges, took part in the service; and, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, the attendance was very nu

merous.

BRECON INDEPENDENT COLLEGE. The annual examination of the students in the above institution took place on Wednesday, the 14th of June, in the presence of the committee and other friends of the college. From the report, it appeared that the senior class had read, during the past session, sixteen chapters in Genesis and twenty chapters in Isaiah, in Hebrew; comparing the original throughout with the corresponding Greek of the Septuagint; in Chaldaic, several chapters in the Book of Daniel; and in Syriac, portions of the Gospel by Matthew,

CHINA.

and the Epistle of James. In Greek, they had read the whole of the Medea of Euripides and the Oration of Eschines against Ctesiphon; in Latin, the Satires of Horace, and the first two books of Livy; in portions of all of which they were examined at the option of those present, the result of which proved highly satisfactory. The second class had read, in Hebrew, several Psalms; in Greek, four Books of the Iliad, and selections from Herodotus; in Latin, three books of the Odes of Horace, and the four Orations of Cicero versus Catiline. The junior class had read two books of the Iliad, a considerable part of the Second Greek Delectus of Valpy, three books of the Æneid, and three books of Cæsar's Commentaries. The two latter classes had regularly attended to written prose Exercises in Latin and Greek. They were examined respectively in the Psalms, the Iliad, the Odes of Horace, and the Æneid. In mathematics, the classes had gone through a course, embracing algebra, geometry, and conic sections ; and they had also attended to a course of lectures in natural and mental philosophy, history, and biblical theology, in most of which they were examined, evincing much progress in the various departments to which their attention had been directed. Several essays in English and Welsh were delivered with much approbation. The committee and other gentlemen present on the occasion expressed their very great satisfaction with the progress and improvement of the students, as being so creditable to their own diligence and application, as well as highly honourable to their instructors.

JOURNAL OF THE REV. W. MILNE,
Missionary to China;

SENT TO HIS BROTHER, THE REV. R. G. MILNE.

(Continued from p. 360.)

Ningpo, Dec. 18. From a crowd of business I have put off writing to you for nearly two months. When I last wrote, I was at Tinghae, where things go on very well. I have been moving about a great deal among the people, and, although I have been able to teach but little, have gained much knowledge of their manners and language. I have, however, been induced to leave Tinghae for a short period, in hopes of securing, at least, a portion of the winter for undisturbed study and labour. The visits of my kind European friends occupied not a little of my time; but my chief interruptions arose from

the numerous and almost daily applications of the Chinese, for my intercession or advocacy at the magistrate's office, which in many instances I did with success, when I felt bound for the sake of humanity and friendship to interfere. These acts have gained me much favour with the people, and I am welcome wherever I go. Latterly their grievances have become to them severe, and their applications more frequent, and I felt anxious to remove for a short time, lest the idea should get abroad that I am in some way connected with the office. These have been some of the causes of my removing here for a while. Of the future I cannot now speak. I have taken this step on my own responsibility, with the assurance that circumstances justified it, and that the Christian friends at home will approve of my objects; which are

1st. To gain increased knowledge of the language of this province especially, by being thrown entirely among the people.

2nd. To get a closer insight into their manners, customs, &c., and to see as much of their country as possible.

3rd. To prove how far a Briton may live among the people unmolested, and to convey to those I meet with the message of salvation. It would be imprudent, and perhaps rash, promiscuously to disperse tracts among the population, hence I came over with a very scanty supply of books. A large bag would only hamper me, and, after all, there are but a few that are readable and adapted. By and bye I may say more about Bible and tract distribution. I wish also to see how far a teacher of Christ's true doctrine, removed from British protection, may move about without annoyance.

4th. To refute the charge brought against Protestant missionaries, that they are afraid to go into the country, and remain there, and that they are too fond of comforts to leave them. I wish to see too, if we can rebut the charge, and hurl back on the Romish missionaries their cowardice in remaining in secret, and concealing themselves from public observation. These are plain, common sense objects, yet I do not expect to realize all for several reasons. As to my inability to carry them out, I acknowledge but what a flood of strength flows from the encouragement Dr. Reed gave me at my ordination, in the words of our Lord, "Lo, I am with you alway."

it;

Do not be anxious about me, my brother; I am the least troubled about myself: my greatest anxiety is, lest I should be hindered, for "a great door" and effectual is opened, but there are many adversaries; lest my soul should become rusty; and lest I should be wanting in a sober mind, a wise head, and a harmless heart. God be merciful unto me !

I left Tinghae on the 9th ult., in a common Chinese boat, and reached Ningpo late in the evening, and went direct to the house of my worthy friend the apothecary, whom I have mentioned before. He lives in the city, and received me with every welcome. Having reached late, my appearance in the heart of the city before the authorities had been apprized, created a good deal of excitement and inquiry, and they sent from every public office to know my name, business, and rank, as it was the intention of the officers to pay their respects to me, on the supposition I was an officer of rank. I replied, I was one of the common people, and a teacher. The chief magistrate of the department, to whom I had, on my previous visit, sent a tract and my card, and who had again and again sent me his card in return, honoured me this evening with his card a third time.

On the 8th, I called on his Excellency. He was very kind, and we had a little conversation on Christianity. He asked how it was that there were two religions called by Christ's name? (alluding to the Protestant and Popish.) There was an under officer present. Their manner was very respectful.

On the 9th, the officer, who was present on the previous evening, returned the call, and brought another with him. I have been much pleased with these two.

10th. To my great regret, while I happened to be out, his worship returned my visit.

11th. Several gentlemen, having come over from Chusan to visit Ningpo, and on their arrival attended at his office to make their respects to him, the chief magistrate sent for me to act as interpreter.

12th. The commander-in-chief of the naval and military forces in the province of Chikiag, sent one of his captains with his card, to inquire about a telescope.

13th. Went to a large temple, in which there are at present fully sixty priests, among whom I hope I have made some friends.

On the 15th, I visited the Mohammedan mosque, returning the call which one of the priests paid me a day or two before. We talked of the Saviour; and I tried to speak the gospel to the company. There are two priests; the elder revisited me next morning.

16th. I moved from the apothecary's house, and took up my quarters in this Bhuddistic temple, one of the upper rooms of which I occupy. In this room, where I now write, there are no less than three large idols, besides other smaller ones. Since my arrival, I have spoken against these idols; and, in their presence, declared that there is but one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.

Sabbath. I had some excellent opportunities. Had many visitors, and I sought to lead their minds to the only hope set before us in the gospel. May the word be blessed by the Spirit of God!

I

Think of me with prayer. I am at present alone, (i. e. without an European with me in a city of seven hundred thousand inhabitants;) but I never feel lonely. have always plenty to do, and I hope I shall never feel lonesome through idleness. I wish to be in the country, away from all English society, for three years, and so desirous am I of being entirely absorbed by, or of absorbing all the Chinese colloquial and character, that I almost grudge writing to you.

The only English books I have with me are my Bible, (that presented by my Bibleclass,) and "The Hymn Book," sent me by Dr. Reed; besides, I have only my desk,

a small trunk of clothing, another of Chinese tracts, and my winter bedding; my teacher and boy accompany me. I eat Chinese food, and use the chop-sticks. I brought neither knife, fork, nor spoon, as I do not require them, and might have them stolen. I have not been able to write to you all that I have seen, heard, and felt, during the last ten days. I have said a good deal of the attentions of officers, solely that you may see how God has changed the hearts of the princes towards foreigners, (not towards the gospel yet,) and has given me favour in their eyes. Let us magnify his name! They are glad to see me in no way connected with the weapons of warfare, the noise and clamour of which they have for a long time been hearing.

Dec. 23rd. To-day I have moved into the city, for convenience, as that is the place for learning the language and customs, and for imparting to the people that influence a good God may give me. And you will be surprised to learn, that I have taken up my lodging in a Bhuddistic nunnery! My Tinghae landlord recommended me to come to this place, and I find it is the best after all that I can hit upon at present. I sent my teacher this morning to look at the place, and he was mightily pleased with the rooms; and, relying on his prudence, which I have proved so as to make him my factotum, and my companion, I have moved at once. Having made all the arrangements, and the lady abbess being apparently satisfied, I despatched him with my little luggage to set my rooms in order; but on his arrival, the lady abbess started an objection, and expressed a wish to learn from the head priest at the temple I had just occupied, how I had behaved. This, she said, arose from her not having seen me, and from her knowledge of the improprieties of English soldiers, who had previously visited Ningpo. Fortunately, I heard of this just as I was dining with the said priest, who at once offered to escort me to the nunnery, and support me. He did so; and I had not been here five minutes before the matron came out bringing a present of teacakes, &c. &c. She received me with every mark of respect and kindness, and having partaken a little of the refreshments herself, departed. While drinking tea, she introduced a juvenile nun, about ten years old, very much like an English girl of that age. She is to be pitied! The feet of the Bhuddistic nuns are of the natural size, and they have their heads shaven. Their habit is much like that of the priests. On seeing a little of me, the worthy matron has expressed herself pleased, and says, "The teacher Mei is good." Mei is my name here. There are but seven or eight nuns in this place. Their apartments are at some distance, but their sacred hall is close to me, and I can

hear their prayers, and songs, and recitals; teaching a lesson, that Christians, possessing the only heavenly volume, should serve God day and night. Women here are the devotees, and to their number we must look for future disciples of the doctrine which is in Christ Jesus. The lady has this minute entered, bringing with her some more tea, and four or five nuns, all of whom were highly pleased with the letter which I received from you in my recent lodgings. I am well and happy; but am an unprofitable servant." May God in his mercy lift upon me the light of his countenance ! What would I give for a sabbath in England-for one visit to a place where it is meet for brethren to dwell in unity! In two days Christmas will be here. I must spend it alone, and in a heathen country, and in a heathen convent; but it will be well with me, I doubt not.

Jan. 25th. Since I last penned any thing for you, I have again changed my quarters. I found it so impossible to remain at the nunnery with peace, on account of the uneasiness of the lady abbess, who saw that she could not get from me all she expected, that I determined to seek a better restingplace. By the aid of some influential friends, I got into these pleasant and quiet rooms, on the 11th of this month. I spent my Christmas in bed, owing to a sharp attack of influenza, accompanied with headache. I was very kindly attended upon by my teacher, who, worthy man, spent a sleepless night thinking of me, as "a lonely Englishman, without a sister, brother, relative, or countryman near me; and being so many thousand miles removed from all I loved." I cannot tell you what a comfort it was to hear such a spontaneous breathing from a native. My worthy friend, the surgeon, whom I have already mentioned, has also felt so much about my being a lonely Englishman, and has apprehended that I needed more society, that the good man has invited me to make his family circle my resort as often as I pleased. It was exceedingly kind of the old gentleman. You must not, however, think I am unhappy; not so, by any means; no, I am always busy, and am conscious of being in the path of duty. At the same time it would be a source of very very great comfort to have some profitable society to look in upon at times. This privilege I did enjoy during the early part of this month, in the pleasant and profitable society of Mr. Lay, of whom I cannot speak too highly. To me he has acted the part of a friend and a brother, in a manner most considerate and kind. Among the people at Tinghae, to whom he has been of essential service, and among the officers and citizens of Ningpo, he has a high reputation. They like him; they esteem him; they trust him.