deemer's cause. Is he not the same? Is he not with us in spirit still? Is his promise abrogated, "Lo, I am with you alway?" Is not his command still in force, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature?" And, as a stimulus to our benevolence, has he not declared, "Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of my disciples, you have done it unto me?" And has he not given us (if we will accept it) the blessed privilege of being fellowworkers with our God, in restoring man to the image of his Maker? These are gospel facts: then how is it so many who profess to be his followers are lookers on, instead of doers of his heavenly will. Oh, the god of this world, what havock does he make even among the children of light! Blessed be the God of all grace, I know a few who (did not duty call) would gladly lay their all at their Redeemer's feet. I am myself comparatively a poor man, and can plead the badness of the times in respect to business, yet I will do what I can to extend the circulation of your valuable work; and at the same time, beg to present you an offering of gratitude to Him whom I love unseen, on behalf of the poor widows waiting for relief: O may they not wait long, and his name alone shall have the praise! but keep the widows' claim continually before the church, until all you require is accomplished. Now, my dear sir, may I beg the favour of you to present the inclosed mite to the London Missionary Society, for increased effort in the South Seas. I can only say, if my prayers will avail, they will soon have a stately vessel at their command, and under the auspices of the Captain of our salvation, ploughing the mighty deep in pursuit of the vessels of mercy scattered amongst the islands of heathen darkness! If you should think fit to publish this letter, O may the Saviour constrain my richer brethren and sisters in the faith to follow the humble example of one who is compelled to subscribe himself THE CHIEF OF SINNERS. That this Board regards with deep and solemn interest the secession from the "Established Kirk of Scotland" of the ministers, elders, and people now engaged in laying the foundation of the "Free Protesting Presbyterian Church" in that country, as a procedure most honourable to the Christian integrity and courage of those beloved brethren, and fraught with important consequences to the interests of vital Christianity, such as cannot be confined to the kingdom of Scotland, or to the present age; nor can this Board allow well understood differences of judgment on many not unimportant questions to prevent the expression of its feelings of high admiration for the devoted homage to truth and conscience displayed by these brethren in withdrawing from a church dear to them by so many ties, and in which all their temporal interests were involved. This Board, therefore, assures the brethren of the "Free Protesting Presbyterian Church of Scotland" of its confidence and affection-of its wishes for the full success of their efforts to secure truth, liberty, and purity in the church they are forming; and of its devout supplications, that they may be long and largely favoured with the blessing and grace of Jesus Christ the Lord. 2nd, That this Board has observed with great delight the renewed proof afforded on this memorable occasion, of the energy of the voluntary principle in providing the pecuniary resources required by Christian churches, in the generous contributions and sacrifices made by both the ministers and people of the "Free Protesting Presbyterian Church of Scotland," and in the assistance rendered by the sympathy of many non-endowed churches in England and America. And this Board entertains a cheering hope that the "Free Protesting Presbyte rian Church of Scotland," thus independent of the State, and separated from it, will become more pure in communion, more enlarged in fellowship with other churches, and more efficient in promoting the great interests of Christianity than, in the firm conviction of this Board, any church can be under the restraints and secular influences inseparable from its establishment and endowment by a national legislature. 3rd, That a copy of the above resolutions, signed by the chairman and secretary, be sent to the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, Moderator of the General Assembly of the "Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland;" and to the editors of the Congregational, the Evangelical, and the Scotch Congregational Magazines; the Patriot, the Nonconformist, the Christian Examiner, and the Witness newspapers. Signed on behalf of the Board, ALGERNON WELLS, Chairman. VALEDICTORY SERVICE. On Thursday evening, September 14th, 1843, a devotional service was held at Albany Chapel, Camberwell, on occasion of the departure of the Rev. J. B. Austin (late of Goldsmith House Academy, and pastor of the Congregational church at New Peckham,) and family, for South Australia. The Rev. George Rose, in stating the nature and object of the meeting, adverted to the existing commercial distress and general pressure, in its bearing upon the Congregational churches of this country, and the spiritual condition of the British colonies, as probably designed to be at once a chastisement of the churches' want of fidelity to the principles of their common Christianity and distinctive polity, and a corrective of the evils resulting from their supineness, by constraining the emigration of their members and ministers. The valedictory address was delivered by the Rev. George Rogers, who, after referring to the satisfaction and support to be at all times derived from a consciousness of acting with regard to the Divine will, and aiming at the Divine glory, tendered to Mr. Austin fraternal counsel and encouragement, relative to the proper direction of the feelings, which the contemplated separation must necessarily excite; the improvement of time and situation during the voyage; and the prudence and circumspection requisite in entering upon the life of a settler; and assuring him and his family of the Christian sympathy and prayerful solicitude of the brethren and friends on their behalf, bade them farewell. In responding to the sentiments and feel ings thus expressed, Mr. Austin urged upon the assembly the importance of making themselves acquainted with the state of the British colonies; exhibited some of the advantages for Christian emigration offered by that colony to which he was about to proceed; and maintained that such emigration would be beneficial alike to those who went forth and to those who remained at home. The devotional exercises were commenced by the Rev. H. Richards; the Rev. J. Bodington specially commended Mr. Austin and his family to God; the Rev. J. Adey closed the service. The brethren Muscutt, Morris (Bermondsey), West, and Mirams, were also present. The attendance was large, and it is hoped the feelings excited and interest manifested will be productive of beneficial results. Mr. Austin goes out as a settler, not connected with any society or mission, and without any prospect of direct ministerial labour; but is, at the same time, prepared to avail himself of such facilities as may be afforded for preaching the gospel, " publicly, or from house to house," from behind the plough, or in the pulpit. He will be followed by the grateful recollections of many of his former pupils; the affectionate regrets of the now really destitute church, gathered and sustained by his gratuitous labours; and the best wishes and prayers of a large circle of Christian friends and brethren in the ministry. UNION CHAPEL, ISLINGTON. Mr. Henry Allon, of Cheshunt College, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Union chapel, to the office of co-pastor with the Rev. Thomas Lewis, and will commence his regular ministerial duties (D.v.) on the first sabbath in January next, affording occasional assistance to Mr. Lewis during the interval. Perhaps there never was greater unanimity displayed in any similar engagement. NOTICE TO NOBLEMEN OF FORTUNE. On perusing one of the Mauritius Gazettes (The Cervéen,) of Thursday, 17th of January, 1843, I was struck with the following lines, extracted from the Globe: "The expenses incurred by the Marquess of Breadalbane, for the reception of Queen Victoria, are estimated at no less than 60,000l. Contemporary papers state that they exceed one year's income, which is estimated at 45,000l." An idea came into my mind at the moment, which I immediately wrote down. I now again commit it to paper, in the hope that the loyal and generous Marquess himself, or some nobleman of equal fortune and generosity, might be led thereby to reflect on the following subjects; viz., the immense and lasting benefit that would accrue to the eternal welfare of thousands of our fellow-creatures by the appropriation of such a sum towards the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, if it were properly managed. From the 60,0007., we would take 20,000l., to build three Protestant chapels of sufficient dimensions to accommodate 400 hearers each, as well as four school-rooms to contain 150 children each. Thus would 1,800 idividuals receive religious instruction, not for the limited term of a year or even a century, but from generation to generation, as long as time shall endure. Yea, more than this could be done; for we would place the remaining 40,0007. (making 200,000 dollars) on mortgage here at the Mauritius, at 7 per cent. per annum, which would yield 14,000 dollars, a year's interest, and would enable us to grant perpetual salaries to There would still remain in hand the sum of 1,760 dollars to be yearly put by for the repairs of the chapels and school-rooms. There are not wanting in England, Scotland, and Ireland, noble-minded gentlemen who could do this for the cause of Christ, not only in the island of Mauritius, but also in Madagascar, without causing the least prejudice to their families. Yea, all the earthly glory of emperors, kings, and dukes would be eclipsed by such a generous act of munificence. Even the glory of the Duke of Wellington would be as nothing compared to this glorious display of Christian benevolence and zeal. I hope and trust his grace the Duke will be the first to show the good example. JOHN LE BRUN, Port Louis, Mauritius, THE SCHOOL IN THE LANE. Continued from No. 240, January, 1840. The love and zeal of Eliza and her orphan friend Maria did not forsake them on leaving Ryde, and its green lane. Though nature in all her alluring forms had harmonized with, it did not originate the vitality within. Bleak wintry winds were soon to deface that lovely scenery; but the fetid air, the frequent oath, the squalid child, and the scoffing parent, in the densely crowded alleys to which they had now to transfer their labours, could not repel their devotedness-heaven's heroism went with them still, to enlighten, to renovate, and to reclaim. The little worshippers left behind may wander over the four quarters of the wide earth, but will never lose the remembrance of Eliza and her pious teachings. Some few may date an eternity of happiness from their little meetings; others may sadly remember them as a rebuke to their maturer years; but forget them-never. The better to qualify herself for the work, Eliza attended the "Home and Colonial Infant School Society "-that dispenser of blessedness to the rising generation, whose bread cast on the waters is found of and feeds the lambs in localities, from shore to shore, leading them into green pastures, from out the desert world. It there soon became evident, that she had a peculiar gift and tact for drawing out the faculties of very young children, and raising their affections upward. Intelligent and pious parents of the better circles were also quick to perceive, that in a well organized juvenile school, the children of the indigent partook of facilities and advantages in the attainment of the real and the excellent, more efficient far than those caged up in close rooms with the solitary teacher could command. It was also suggested to Eliza, that the offspring of the influential parent, rightly trained, had more extensive means in their power of disseminating good than the needy labouring poor; and that by raising a school for such, she would thereby considerably extend her own usefulness. This and other causes combining, induced the widowed mother to give up her spacious cheerful premises, which have been admirably fitted up for the purpose, and there this lady's highly-favoured child, aided by two sisters, commenced her labours of love with six resident infant children, whose age averaged about four years or less, and a few others living near. They lately underwent an examination, when their intelligence and tractability fully evinced that the work was blessed of the Lord. The parents defray the actual expenses only, at a very moderate estimate, gain not being the desired object. And there Eliza, in all humility and devotedness, occupies that post in his vineyard assigned by her heavenly Father, and for which he has so eminently qualified her -happy, most happy in alluring praise from babes and sucklings, of whom it is written that "of such is the kingdom of heaven." May many emulate her example of piety and usefulness. 36, Church-street, Chelsea. E. G. W. PROVINCIAL ORDINATIONS. - Rev. David Nimmo. HOME CHRONICLE. On Friday, April 14, 1843, the Rev. David Nimmo was ordained to the pastoral office over the church and congregation assembling for Divine worship in the Temperance Hall, Bolton. The Rev. J. Dyson, of Halshaw Moor, introduced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; a discourse, explanatory of a Christian church on Congregational principles, was delivered by the Rev. J. Griffin, of Manchester, who asked the usual questions; the ordination prayer was offered by the above J. Dyson; the charge to the minister was given by the Rev. S. Ellis, of Bolton; the sermon to the people was preached in the evening, in Duke's-alley Chapel, by the Rev. John Gwyther, of Manchester. This is a new interest, raised by the town mission in Bolton. Rev. W. Edwards. On Tuesday, July 18th, the Rev. W. Edwards, late of Cotton End Academy, was ordained to the Christian ministry, at Castle Donington, Leicestershire; and although the weather was extremely unfavourable, the chapel was crowded with people from the town and neighbourhood. There was also a goodly gathering of ministers from the counties of Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby. The services were opened by the Rev. J. J. Owen, Baptist minister, resident in the place; after which the Rev. T. Mayo, of Wigston, gave a lucid exhibition of our principles as Congregational Dissenters. The Rev. J. Roberts, of Melton Mowbray, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer, with the imposition of hands. The questions proposed were replied to by Mr. Edwards, with great prudence and ability. His reasons for dissenting from the Established Church were such as did honour to him as a Christian and a minister, while the spirit in which they were given told no less for his piety than for his ability; nor has it been our privilege to listen to a more luminous exhibition of the great and fundamental truths of the gospel than was delivered by him upon the occasion. The Rev. J. Gawthorn, of Derby, delivered to the newly-ordained minister a most solemn and impressive charge, and the services of the morning were concluded by the Rev. W. Klaht, of Melbourne. In the evening, the Rev. J. Ault, of Repton, opened the service, by reading the Scriptures and prayer; after which, the Rev. J. Frost, of Cotton End, (Mr. Ed wards's tutor,) delivered a most effective seron to the people, from the words, "Encourage him." Collections were made at the close of the services, in aid of the chapel funds, amount. ing to 201. 58. Rev. Joseph Davenport Elliott. On Wednesday, the 26th July, the Rev. Joseph Davenport Elliott, of the Western College, Exeter, was publicly set apart, in Mawdsley-street Chapel, Bolton, Lancashire, to the pastoral office amongst the Independent Dissenters, and recognized as the pastor of the church in that place. The chapel was crowded with a most respectable audience, and above thirty of the neighbouring ministers were present to sanction the important object. The following was the order of the service : After a hymn had been sung, the Rev. S. Ellis, of Duke's-alley chapel, Bolton, read a portion of the sacred Scriptures, and prayed; the Rev. R. Vaughan, D.D., President of the Lancashire Independent College, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Clunie, LL.D., of Manchester, proposed the usual questions; the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Grosvenor-street Chapel, Manchester, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. G. Payne, LL.D., Theological Professor of the Western College, Exeter, gave the charge to the minister; the Rev. T. Raffles, LL.D., of Liverpool, preached to the people; and, in the absence of the Rev. T. Greenall, of Burnley, the Rev. R. Slate, of Preston, conIcluded with prayer. TESTIMONIAL OF ESTEEM to the Rev. S. Ellis, minister of Duke's alley Chapel, Bolton, on occasion of his retirement from a pastorate which he had held for sixteen years. Letter to the Rev. Samuel Ellis. " Sept. 27, 1843. "Rev. and dear Sir,-A number of your people, desirous of testifying their esteem for you, as their pastor, have resolved to present you with a small token of their regard. "They regret exceedingly that, after a laborious ministry of sixteen years among them, the connexion which has subsisted between you and them should cease; and while they look with thankfulness on the good effected by your instrumentality, they sincerely pray that, by the circumstance of your removal, it may not be blighted or checked. 64 'Although the dispensation is to them afflictive and trying in an eminent degree, they rejoice that you, their beloved pastor, leave them without a stain on your cha fortune and generosity, might be led thereby to reflect on the following subjects; viz., the immense and lasting benefit that would accrue to the eternal welfare of thousands of our fellow-creatures by the appropriation of such a sum towards the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, if it were properly managed. From the 60,0007., we would take 20,0007., to build three Protestant chapels of sufficient dimensions to accommodate 400 hearers each, as well as four school-rooms to contain 150 children each. Thus would 1,800 idividuals receive religious instruction, not for the limited term of a year or even a century, but from generation to generation, as long as time shall endure. Yea, more than this could be done; for we would place the remaining 40,000l. (making 200,000 dollars) on mortgage here at the Mauritius, at 7 per cent. per annum, which would yield 14,000 dollars, a year's interest, and wonld enable us to grant perpetual salaries to Dollars Six Missionaries, at 1,000 dollars each per an. 6,000 12,210 There would still remain in hand the sum of 1,760 dollars to be yearly put by for the repairs of the chapels and school-rooms. There are not wanting in England, Scotland, and Ireland, noble-minded gentlemen who could do this for the cause of Christ, not only in the island of Mauritius, but also in Madagascar, without causing the least prejudice to their families. Yea, all the earthly glory of emperors, kings, and dukes would be eclipsed by such a generous act of munificence. Even the glory of the Duke of Wellington would be as nothing compared to this glorious display of Christian benevolence and zeal. I hope and trust his grace the Duke will be the first to show the good example. JOHN LE BRUN, Port Louis, Mauritius, THE SCHOOL IN THE LANE. Continued from No. 240, January, 1840. The love and zeal of Eliza and her orphan friend Maria did not forsake them on leaving Ryde, and its green lane. Though nature in all her alluring forms had harmonized with, it did not originate the vitality within. Bleak wintry winds were soon to deface that lovely scenery; but the fetid air, the frequent oath, the squalid child, and the scoffing parent, in the densely crowded alleys to which they had now to transfer their labours, could not repel their devotedness-heaven's heroism went with them still, to enlighten, to renovate, and to reclaim. The little worshippers left behind may wander over the four quarters of the wide earth, but will never lose the remembrance of Eliza and her pious teachings. Some few may date an eternity of happiness from their little meetings; others may sadly remember them as a rebuke to their maturer years; but forget them—never. The better to qualify herself for the work, Eliza attended the " Home and Colonial Infant School Society "-that dispenser of blessedness to the rising generation, whose bread cast on the waters is found of and feeds the lambs in localities, from shore to shore, leading them into green pastures, from out the desert world. It there soon became evident, that she had a peculiar gift and tact for drawing out the faculties of very young children, and raising their affections upward. Intelligent and pious parents of the better circles were also quick to perceive, that in a well organized juvenile school, the children of the indigent partook of facilities and advantages in the attainment of the real and the excellent, more efficient far than those caged up in close rooms with the solitary teacher could command. It was also suggested to Eliza, that the offspring of the influential parent, rightly trained, had more extensive means in their power of disseminating good than the needy labouring poor; and that by raising a school for such, she would thereby considerably extend her own usefulness. This and other causes combining, induced the widowed mother to give up her spacious cheerful premises, which have been admirably fitted up for the purpose, and there this lady's highly-favoured child, aided by two sisters, commenced her labours of love with six resident infant children, whose age averaged about four years or less, and a few others living near. They lately underwent an examination, when their intelligence and tractability fully evinced that the work was blessed of the Lord. The parents defray the actual expenses only, at a very moderate estimate, gain not being the desired object. And there Eliza, in all humility and devotedness, occupies that post in his vineyard assigned by her heavenly Father, and for which he has so eminently qualified her -happy, most happy in alluring praise from babes and sucklings, of whom it is written that "of such is the kingdom of heaven." May many emulate her example of piety and usefulness. 36, Church-street, Chelsea. E. G. W. |