conscientious Dissenter must make for the sake of the truths he is called to maintain : this discourse was a masterly vindication of the principles of Congregational Nonconformity. The Rev. W. Garthwaite, of Wattisfield, asked the customary questions, and received from the young minister a clear and truly evangelical confession of faith; the Rev. Walter Scott, of Airedale College, offered the ordination prayer; and, in petitions remarkable for their energy, affection, and fullness, commended his former pupil to the blessing of the great Head of the church: the charge to the newly-ordained minister was given by his father, the Rev. Thomas Scales, of Leeds, and was fraught with all that is solemn and tender in paternal counsel and exhortation.

In the evening, the Rev. Dr. Leifchild addressed the church and congregation in a most impressive manner, as to their obligations in regard to the ministry of the gospel amongst themselves, and the extension of the cause of Christ in general. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by several of the ministers from the neighbourhood, of whom many who were present testified their affection and sympathy.

The attendance was large, the interest taken in the proceedings of the day seemed deep and all-pervading, and the impression left in the minds of the people, and their friends uniting with them, was one of a most delightful and useful character,

Rev. J. Hardman.

On Thursday, June 15th, at Stokesley, in the North Riding, the Rev. James Hardman, late a student in the Home Missionary Academy, at Pickering, was solemnly and publicly ordained to the Christian ministry, and the pastoral charge of the society worshipping in Bethel Chapel, in that town, and belonging to the Protestant Nonconformists, usually distinguished as Congregationalists or Independents. The Rev. J. Elrick, of North-Allerton, read the Scriptures and prayed; the Rev. George Schofield, of Malton, explained from the Scriptures the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. J. C. Potter, of Whitby, asked the usual questions; the Rev. W. Hinmers, of Ayton, presented the ordination prayer, with imposition of the hands of the ministers present; the Rev. G. B. Kidd, of Scarborough, addressed the charge to the minister from 2 Timothy ii. 1, and concluded the morning service with prayer.

In the evening, the Rev. John Ramsay, of Guisborough, read the Scripture and prayed; and the Rev. J. C. Potter addressed the sermon to the people from 2 Cor. iii. 3. The hymns were read by Messrs. Ramsay, Brierley, and others.

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

On Lord's-day, March 19, 1843, a commodious place, called the Tabernacle, capable of accommodating nearly three hundred persons, was opened for public worship in Dyer-street, Chester-road, Hulme, Manchester, in the midst of a dense and spiritually benighted population. The attendance on the preaching of the gospel has ever since continued to be very encouraging and the Sabbath-school weekly increases. A Congregational church having been formed, consisting of sixteen members, an interesting and edifying service to recognize this infant church and congregation, was held on Thursday evening, July 20th, in which the following ministers engaged:-the Rev. Messrs. E. H. Nolan, of Ducie Chapel; G. Hoyle, of Every-street Chapel; R. Fletcher, of Grosvenor-street Chapel; J. Gwyther, of Zion Chapel, Stratford New Road: Dr. Potter, from Coleraine, Ireland; and J. Radcliffe, minister of the place.

REMOVAL.

Mr. R. Bowman of Airedale College, Yorkshire, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church and congregation assembling in Bethel Chapel, to take the oversight of them in the Lord. He commenced his labours there on the first sabbath in August.

May he be abundantly blessed in the discharge of his duties, and prove a 66 good soldier of Jesus Christ!" may his flock be built up in their most holy faith and may numbers be brought to the knowledge of the truth, and shine as stars in the firmament for ever!"There shall be showers of blessing."

ASSOCIATION AND ORDINATION.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the 21st and 22nd of June, 1843, the Montgomery Association of Independent or Congregational churches, held their annual meeting at Salem, Machynlleth.

The interest of the anniversary was greatly increased by the ordination of the Rev. M. Lewis, to the pastoral office over the Congregational church assembling in the above place of worship. The Rev. H. Lloyd, Towyn, introduced the services with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. Roberts, Leanbrynmair, delivered the introductory discourse, stating the reasons for dissent and the nature and constitution of a Christian church; the Rev. J. Williams, Aberhosan, asked the questions and received the confession of faith; the Rev. J. Davies, Llanfair, offered the ordination prayer and the Rev. D. Evans, Llanidloes, (former pastor of the young minister) delivered an

appropriate and affectionate charge to the minister; and the Rev. D. Morgan, Llanfyllin, (the former pastor of the church) addressed the church and congregation.

The services were held the day after, in the Graig chapel, another large and commodious place of worship belonging to Congregational Dissenters, in the same town, when eloquent and impressive discourses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Hughes, Llangollen; Griffiths, Pwllheli; Griffiths, Rhydlydan; Owens, Llanwrtyd; Parry, Wern; and Saunders, Aberystwith; and the Associated ministers of the county, who met and transacted the usual business connected with the interests of religion in Montgomeryshire, belonging to Congregational churches; and many other ministers besides those engaged in the services, were present.

The crowded attendance on these delightfully solemn services, evinced the cordial attachment and deep interest of the neighbouring churches and ministers upon this solemn occasion. The interest was well sustained to the last.

Most sincerely do we wish our young friend much personal happiness, and great ministerial success, in the very extensive and important field of labour upon which he has entered.

NEW CHAPELS.

Hixon Baths, Staffordshire.

To a numerous portion of the religious public, by whose aid the above place of worship was completed, it will be gratifying to learn, that the entire expense of its erection, and of all extra work connected with it, has been entirely liquidated. Towards the accomplishment of this object, a social tea-meeting was held at the Baths, on Thursday, the 29th of June, which was very numerously attended, and the proceeds of which were considerable. Addresses were delivered, in the open air, by the Rev. John Cooke, of Uttoxeter; the Rev. John Bulmer, of Rugeley; the Rev. W. F. Buck, Burton-on-Trent; the Rev. B. Longley, of Armitage; the Rev. Richard Morris; and Mr. George Goodwin. All seemed delighted to hear that the chapel might then be considered as virtually out of debt, and that in less than twelve months from the laying of the foundation-stone. Several of the speakers alluded to the self-denying, laborious, and persevering exertions of Mr. Morris, the itinerant, by whom the chapel is chiefly supplied, and to whom the building committee is much indebted, for the successful termination of its labours. At a committee meeting, held on the 21st of July, the services of Mr. Morris were

thankfully acknowledged. The members of the committee were also desirous of expressing their thanks to Christian friends at Uttoxeter, Stafford, Stone, Rugeley, Tutbury, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Bilston, Westbromwich, Hanley, Lane End, Cheadle, Leek, Cannock, Abbots' Bromley, and Armitage, by whom the case was admitted, and liberally encouraged. Their thanks are also due to T. J. Birch, Esq., of Armitage Lodge, for the liberal donation of 101. given on the express condition that no debt should remain after Midsummer. Thus has the vo

luntary principle been tried and found effi cient; while the aid so promptly rendered by Christians of different denominations affords a pleasing proof of attachment to a common Christianity, and of that love which is not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Among those who contributed to Hixon Chapel, were three clergymen of the Church of England, a goodly number of the gentry attached to her communion, and one of the nobility. Why should it not be so, in other cases, when liberal churchmen are properly applied to? And may it not be hoped, that the present instance of avoiding pecuniary embarrassment, by timely exertion, will be followed in similar cases, and that such applications for assistance will meet with all due encouragement from those who pray for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom: - Sic facite sicut per legem libertatis incipientes judicari.

Falfield, near Thornbury, Gloucestershire.

The opening of the new Independent chapel on this interesting spot took place on Wednesday, the 2nd of August, on which occasion the Rev. Thomas Haynes, of Bristol, preached in the morning, and the Rev. Dr. Henderson, of Highbury College, in the evening.

The place was so crowded on both parts of the day, that it became necessary to have services out of doors.

The erection of this commodious chapel has been distinguished by the liberal donations, and the direct patronage of the Earl Ducie and his lady. His lordship and family attended the chapel on occasion of the opening, and to his liberality the company were indebted for a substantial dinner, tastefully laid out on his lordship's farm; at which upwards of two hundred ministers and visitors sat down; and were gratified by visiting the park, which was thrown open on the occasion. A considerable number of ministers from the surrounding places were present, and took parts in the services, and it is expected that little or no debt will remain on the chapel after the collections at the opening services shall have been made.

Congregational dissent in this neighbourhood is much indebted to the patronage of Earl Ducie, and it is in contemplation to erect school-rooms adjoining the chapel, for the daily instruction of children (in addition to other schools in the neighbourhood), where a pure scriptural education may be afforded under the superintendance of a faithful minister.

Highfield Chapel, Huddersfield.

The old building known by this name having been taken down, the foundation of a new edifice, to be erected on the same site, was laid on Wednesday, the 31st of May, 1843. A small tablet, bearing the subjoined inscription, was deposited in the stone:

Deo optimo Maximo,

Patri, Filio, Spirituique Sancto,

Hoc ædificium, ad evangelium prædicandum, cæteraque sacra a Christo instituta fungenda, erectum, est consecratum. Primum lapidem deposuit Joannes Glendenning, minister, die Maii tricessimo primo, annoque salutis humanæ MDCCCXLIII. Architectis Perkin et Backhouse.

After the ceremony had been completed, an address was delivered by the resident minister.

The records of Independency at Huddersfield are brief, but interesting. It is not, perhaps, generally known, that the church of Christ at Highfield chapel arose out of the successful labours of the Rev. Henry Venn, for some time vicar of the parish. As a man of God, and a minister of Jesus Christ, he was universally esteemed. Under his evangelical ministry, at a time when "the word of the Lord was precious," many were brought to a knowledge of the truth, in whose ardent piety and consistent practice he was permitted to rejoice. But, in the providence of God, his removal from the town became necessary; and the people who for a season had rejoiced in his light, were left in a state of comparative darkness. For a brief interval, indeed, they enjoyed the evangelical labours of Mr. Ryland, who had been curate to Mr. Venn. Soon, however, the succeeding vicar came, but not in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." The lovers of the truth were confused and scattered. After a season of perplexity, during which, it was their custom to wander on the first day of the week to various places in search of the water of life, they resolved to build a chapel and form themselves into an Independent church. Thus driven from the establishment, it was, to these pious people, no little comfort to have the countenance of their late venerated pastor in the purpose they now began to entertain. At length, contributions in aid of the object were made, those who could not give money offering the labour of their hands; the ground was generously given by

the late Mr. Bradley, and the chapel lately taken down was erected. It was opened on the 1st of January, 1772, and the church was formed in the following month. The Rev. William Moorhouse, who enjoyed a pastorate of fifty-one years, was chosen as the first minister. He was cordially recognized by Mr. Venn, as his brother in the ministry, was much esteemed by the people of his charge, and divinely honoured in his work. As a preacher he was always popular, and so large was the ordinary attendance at the chapel, that during his lifetime an enlargement became requisite. As the infirmities of age came on he was assisted in his work, and after his death, succeeded in office by the Rev. Dr. Boothroyd, who had previously pursued at Pontefract a course of arduous and useful labour. He yet lives in the grateful recollection of many; and as a scholar, a critic, and an expositor of the Bible, is honourably known to the religious world. It was the privilege of the present minister to be known to his revered predecessor, and by him introduced to the people, at whose request he came to take the oversight of them in the Lord, at the termination of his academical career, commencing his ministry on the 6th of August, 1837. He was ordained on the 11th of October in the same year. His own brother, now no more, joined to the Rev. Walter Scott, Rev. Thomas Taylor, Rev. John Kelly, and the Rev. John Cockin, were the ministers engaged on the occasion. This brief memorial may not be closed without a mention of the interesting fact that within the period it embraces, a second Independent church has arisen in the town of Huddersfield, placed at present under the care of the Rev. W. A. Hurndall. The two churches for the present worship in one sanctuary, and it is confidently hoped that this visible union will bind them more closely together, be sides exerting a salutary influence upon Christians of other denominations in the town and neighbourhood.

AIREDALE COLLEGE.

THE annual meeting of the constituents of this institution was held on Wednesday, the 21st of June. They assembled in the chapel in High-street, at eleven o'clock in the morning, when essays were read by the three senior students, Messrs. Calvert, Bowman, and Morgan, on baptismal regeneration, the nature of a New Testament church, and the extent of the atonement;all the essays evinced great vigour of mind, as well as theological attainment, and afford. ed pleasing indications of a future career of ministerial usefulness. The address to the students: an earnest and affectionate exhortation to fidelity in the ministerial office, was

delivered by the Rev. A. Ewing, of Halifax. After which, the friends of the institution adjourned to the college, where the annual meeting was held, John Holland, Esq. of Slead House, in the chair. The report of the examiners spoke favourably of the progress of the students in their several branches of study during the past year; and that of the committee represented the affairs of the institution as in a prosperous state, except the finances, which were stated to be deficient. This last point led to a long discussion, which resulted in a determination to adopt vigorous measures for raising the ways and means. It was thought, and justly thought, that if the claims of the college upon the Independent body were better understood, they would be more generally admitted and satisfied.

The report, which was read by the Rev. Walter Scott, Theological Tutor, stated that the Rev. W. B. Clulow, who has held the office of classical tutor for eight years, with credit to himself and advantage to the institution, had resigned that office, a circumstance deeply to be regretted, as the scholastic attainments and general erudition of this gentleman, rendered him an invaluable officer in the department he has so long occupied. A vote of thanks to the officers was very cordially passed, and in the evening the Rev. R. Bell, of Brighouse, preached an excellent sermon to the constituents in the college chapel. There have been twenty students in the college during the last session, and several applications have been rejected for want of

room.

The following is the report of the exami

nation :

The committee of examination have to report to the constituents of Airedale college, that they have devoted an entire day to the duties of their office, and have secured a more thorough examination by resolving themselves into two sections, which have been occupied in different departments at the same time. The examinations have been conducted chiefly in writing, and thereby a better opportunity has been afforded of ascertaining the attainments of every student. Questions were proposed in theology, chiefly in reference to the canon of Scripture, and in church history, in reference to the era of the Crusades. The classes were examined in the Hebrew of Genesis and Job, in the Chaldee of Daniel, and in the Syriac of Matthew; and at the same sitting answers were supplied to several questions on the contents of the two former books, and on the interpretation of particular passages occurring in them.

In the classical department some of the most difficult passages in the Choral Odes of Aristophanes, and Eschylus, Homer's Iliad, and in Juvenal, Cicero, &c., were

selected for translation; and the questions proposed embraced the explanations of the peculiarities of dialect, idiom, historical allusions, grammatical structure, &c. The exercises in mathematics consisted in the demonstration of propositions in the eleventh and preceding books of Euclid.

The students were prepared for examination in several other departments, viz., in the criticism of the New Testament, in mental philosophy, in natural science, in algebra, as far as quadratic equations, &c. ; but on these your committee found it impossible for want of time to enter.

Your committee are happy to report that the examination has been, on the whole, very satisfactory, evincing at once, considerable extent and accuracy of information, proving that the session has been diligently occupied, and warranting gratifying anticipations as to the future ministerial career of the students now in the college. (Signed)

JOHN ELY.

JNO. MUNRO, A.M.
JAMES PRIDIE.
ALEX. EWING, A.M.
JONATHAN GLYDE.
JOSEPH STRINGER.

WESTERN ACADEMY.

THE anniversary of the above institution was held at Exeter, on the 27th and 28th of July, on which occasion a respectable body of the friends of an educated ministry attended.

The students were examined on ethical science, logic, general grammar, and divinity. Classes having been conducted by the theological tutor through an extensive series of lectures on mental and moral science, rhetoric, elements of language, and general grammar, natural science, mathematics, and theology. In Hebrew, they read the Messianic Psalms. In Syriac, parts of the book of Revelation. In the classics, in Homer's Iliad, Lucian's Dialogues, and Sallust. The classes having read portions of the Apocrypha in Greek, with a special view to the history of the Jews in the times immediately preceding the advent of Messiah, the epistles to the Corinthians, and the epistles of Clemens Romanus. The entire Chaldee of the Old Testament, and the Satires and some of the Epistles of Horace. Four of the students prepared essays: 1. On the history of the doctrine of transubstantiation. 2. The Messianic interpretation of the Psalms. 3. The history of the Septuagint version. 4. The Hellenisms of the New Testament.

The examination afforded ample proof of the effective manner in which the respected tutors had attended to their important duties; and as it respects the students, while vary

ing degrees of talent and acquirement were evinced, the impression was, that commendable and successful diligence had been exhibited in pursuit of their various studies.

At the general meeting the friends and subscribers derived great pleasure from the fact, that in consequence of the active exertions of friends who know the value of the institution, and of some new arrangements made by the committee, the financial state of the institution presents an improved aspect, which it is hoped its friends will continue to sustain.

An eloquent and impressive sermon was delivered on the occasion, in the chapel in Castle-street, by the Rev. G. Smith, of Poplar, London.

NORTHERN CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL

For the Education of the Sons of Ministers and Missionaries.

The twelfth annual examination of this excellent institution took place at Silcoates House, on Wednesday, July 5th. The Rev. W. H. Stowell, President of Rotherham College, presided, and the attendance of friends of the institution was numerous and very respectable. Amongst the ministers present were the Revs. A. Ewing, A.M. and Pridie, of Halifax; Scales and Rawson, of Leeds; Lorraine and Lamb, of Wakefield; Eccles, of Hopton, and Stringer, of Idle, &c.

The scholars were examined in the Greek and Latin classics, French, history, mathematics, geology, land-surveying, and several other departments of literature. Some of them exhibited their proficiency in English composition, by reading original essays; they also showed an accurate knowledge of acoustics, and of the important art of ora. tory. At the conclusion of the proceedings, the chairman paid a high and well-deserved compliment to the scholars for their general proficiency; also to their principal tutor, Mr. Munro, for the care he had evidently bestowed upon them. All who were able to form an opinion must have felt, and they appeared to feel, that Mr. Stowell had flattered neither the scholars nor their master. The excellent training of the boys, and their prompt and intelligent answers to the various questions put to them, were suggestive of many pleasing reflections. Prizes were next distributed to such as had distinguished themselves during the session, the chairman accompanying each prize with a few appropriate remarks.

The financial and general business of the school was then transacted, and officers and a committee appointed for the year ensuing. Robert Milligan, Esq., of Acacia, the treasurer of the institution, was voted into the chair, and called upon Mr. Munro to read

the report for the year, which was, upon the whole, highly encouraging, the only desideratum appearing to be a more extended pecuniary support. The Rev. Thomas Roome, the domestic chaplain, also read a short report, in which he detailed the religious instruction afforded to the pupils during the session, and the two reports taken together conveyed a very satisfactory idea of the state of discipline and improvement at Silcoates. This institution is established for the purpose of affording a liberal education, at a cheap rate, to the sons of ministers and missionaries connected with the Independent denomination. The school is beautifully situated; it is an Eden spot; embosomed in woods, and surrounded by the fairest scenery. This is no slight matter; for the forms of nature have an influence, whether it be perceived or not, in forming the tastes and habits of the boy, and, of course, of the man. The moral tendency of the institution cannot be otherwise than good. Secular education of the best sort, combined with religious instruction, is the very beau ideal of education; and such an education is imparted at Silcoates School. It is well deserving of public support; and we trust that the support which it has hitherto received will be increased, in proportion as the nature and design of the institution become better known and understood.

IRELAND.

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

The fourteenth anniversary of the Congregational Union of Ireland was held in Dublin, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th of June, 1843.

The proceedings commenced with a public prayer meeting in Plunket-street Meetinghouse, early on Tuesday morning, when the devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Morrison, Godkin, Potter, M.D., and Urwick, D.D. An address was delivered by the Rev. J. Jennings.

On Tuesday evening a large number of friends assembled at a tea party, in the school-room, in Plunket-street. T. Figgis, Esq., presided; and addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Smith, Brien, Silly, Dillon, Jordan, Bain, Morrison, and Urwick, D.D.

On Wednesday evening, the Rev. David Russell, of Glasgow, delegate from the Congregational Union of Scotland, preached a powerful sermon in York-street Chapel; the Rev. J. Potter having commenced the service with reading the Scriptures and prayer.

At breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Russell, Kirkpatrick (Presby