PROVINCIAL.

ORDINATIONS.

Rev. David Nimmo.

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 sermon 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. 5s.

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, concluded 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.

"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

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,
Missionary Thirty Years in the Field.

Port Louis, Mauritius,
April, 1843.

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 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.

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 sermon 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 207. 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, concluded 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.

"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

racter; and feel that it would be ungrateful in them not to admire the grace of God in you, as exhibited in past and present usefulness, and in unabated, yea, increased attachment to our Saviour's cause; and they trust, that the souls brought to the knowledge of the truth by the blessing of God upon your labours, will be your theme of rejoicing throughout the countless ages of eternity.

"Your acceptance of the gold watch accompanying this note is requested by them; and they feel that all that is left for them to do, is to commend you to the guardianship of the great Head of the church, praying that wheresoever your future lot, under His direction, may be cast, you may enjoy his favour and his smile, and that your last days my be your best days, more useful, more honoured, and more blessed."

Rev. Samuel Ellis's Reply.

'My dear Friends,-I thank you sincerely for the handsome present which has been conveyed to me as a token of your regard, and for the letter accompanying it, in which you kindly express your approval of may past services among you, and your best wishes for my future happiness and success.

"At the close of so long a pastorate in Bolton, it is no small pleasure for me to be assured of your continued, earnest affection. The testimonial of your esteem, which you have spontaneously offered, I most gladly accept. When I shall be placed amid other scenes, it will serve as an associating link still connecting me with you; and while it faithfully indicates to me the hour of the passing day, it will be also a remembrancer of years gone by-years which were spent not unusefully in the assiduous duties of the Christian ministry among you.

"Fervently praying for your present and everlasting welfare,

"I remain, my dear friends,

"Yours faithfully and affectionately, "SAMUEL ELLIS.

"Bolton, Sept. 29, 1843."

high character, standing, and talents of Mr. M'All peculiarly fit him for this very important station. May the great Head of the church bless the union, and render it exceedingly conducive to the promotion of his glory, and the prosperity of his cause!

SURREY MISSION.

The Autumnal Meeting of this Society was held on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, in West-street Chapel, Dorking, when Mr. E. G. Bromfield, the Society's agent at Elstead, was ordained to the work of the Christian ministry. The Rev. James Hill, of Clapham, commenced the services of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. E. Richards, of Wandsworth, proposed the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. S. Percy, of Guildford, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. G. Collison, Theological Tutor of Hackney College, delivered the charge; the Rev. John Hunt, of Brixton-hill, addressed the congregation on the duty and importance of increased efforts on behalf of the Society; and the Rev. S. A. Dubourg closed the service with prayer.

In the afternoon, about sixty friends of the society dined together in the British school-rooms adjoining the chapel.

A public meeting was held in the evening, at which J. T. Graham, Esq., M.D., of Epsom, presided; the Rev. J. E. Richards, one of the secretaries, read an interesting statement of facts, respecting the success which has attended the efforts of the agents of the society; and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. M. Soule, of Battersea; J. Hill, of Clapham; S. A. Dubourg, of Clapham; J. Burnet, of Camberwell; R. Connebee, Dorking; and S. Percy, of Guildford.

The whole of the services were of a deeply interesting nature, and produced a powerful impression on a large and respectable congregation.

CASTLE-GATE, NOTTINGHAM.

We feel great pleasure in informing our readers, that the church and congregation assembling in Castle-gate Chapel, Nottingham, which, in April last, were bereft of their pastor by the removal of the Rev. Dr. Alliott to Lambeth, are now happily settled with another minister. The Rev. Samuel M'All, brother of the late Dr. M'All, of Manchester, and who has usefully and successfully laboured at Doncaster for thirteen years, has accepted their unanimous and cordial invitation, and commenced his ministry on the second sabbath in October, under very encouraging circumstances. The

HEMEL HEMSTEAD.

On Tuesday, September the 26th, a series of very interesting and somewhat peculiar services was held at the once Wesleyan, but now Independent chapel, the object of which was twofold:-The organization of a number of Christians, formerly Wesleyans, into a Congregational church; and the recognition of the Rev. J. Price, once a local preacher, as their pastor. The Rev. T. Hopley, Baptist minister in the town, commenced by the reading of the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. Bull, of Newport Pagnel, then delivered a lucid and argumentative discourse, explanatory of the principles of a Christian church; after which he pro

posed the following questions to the candidates for Congregationalism: Whether they agreed to the principles expounded, and fully resolved to act them out? Whether they chose the Rev. J. Price to be their pastor? and if they consented to have two persons (whose names were mentioned) to be deacons? To each of these questions, in order, they publicly and unanimously signified their

assent. The church being now formed, judicious and affectionate counsels were addressed to the deacons and members, by the Rev. W. Payne (Baptist), of Chesham, and the Rev. J. Robinson, of Luton. The morning engagements were concluded by the administration of the Lord's supper; the Rev. T. G. Stamper, of Uxbridge, presided; and Christians of various churches and denominations united in the celebration of this evangelic ordinance.

The evening service commenced by the

Rev. J. Fernie, of Bushey, offering the recognition prayer; the Rev. J. Price, in reply to questions proposed by the Rev. T. G. Stamper, expressed his cordial acceptance of the pastorate, and briefly stated his views of the cardinal doctrines of the gospel; the Rev. T. G. Stamper then delivered to him a solemn and affectionate charge, founded on 1 Timothy iv. 15; the duties of the church to their pastor were clearly explained and powerfully enforced by the Rev. D. Thomas, of Chesham : his discourse was founded upon Jeremiah iii. 15, first clause.

The Rev. Messrs. Bartlett, of Chenies; Heathcote, of Berkhamstead; Wake, of Market-street (Baptist); and W. Thomas, of Saundersfoot, near Tenby, Pembrokeshire, aided in conducting the devotional exercises of the day.

CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF IRELAND.

[WE beg earnestly to recommend the objects embraced by the Congregational Union of Ireland, to the friends of the gospel in this country. We sincerely believe that there is not in the sister country a stronger bulwark against Popery, than the Congregational churches. But they are poor, and need sympathy and pecuniary aid! We shall gladly receive contributions on their behalf.-EDITOR.]

No subject is more discussed in Parliament, in the Cabinet, in the newspapers, than Ireland.

To judge of her importance by the amount of thought and time bestowed on her, we should pronounce no price too great with which to purchase her welfare. But with capabilities which, rightly directed, would place her high and blessed among the nations, and after being for centuries in England's care-from the Giant's Causeway to Cape Clear she is rent with distractions, masses of her population are sunk in wretchedness hardly to be believed by those who have not seen it, while their minds and consciences are held spell-bound by antichristianism. Yes! take up the map of Europe; there lies Ireland alongside Britain, and an integral part of the empire; a rock on which administration after administration has split-a problem that confounds statesmen of every creed-a perpetual clog on the wheels of government-a source of annoyance and anxiety to the whole community.

Can any thing be done for Ireland ?

VOL. XXI.

"Repeal the Legislative Union, and give us our own Parliament," exclaim thousands of her sons. "Adopt at once coercive measures-put down the Papists, and re-establish the glorious Protestant Ascendency," exclaim thousands more. Volumes would fail to record the recipes prescribed by empirics or soberminded physicians to heal the land. Numbers who profess that they would serve her if they could, have become weary in hearing about her, and seem abandoning her to her fate, judging her case hopeless without an interposition of Providence next to miraculous.

But there are Christians in Ireland acquainted with the country, and there are Christians elsewhere acquainted with the Bible, who think they see a bow of promise in the cloud that now appears to have settled on her destinies, and who have an instrumentality which, by the blessing of God, can achieve for her what nothing else can do.

Reader, God's "saving health" can cure Ireland's maladies-the "Sun of Righteousness" arising, will dissipate Ireland's gloom -the preaching of the cross can do for Ireland, and sooner or later shall do for Ireland, what it has done elsewhere, as "the power of God unto salvation."

Reader, in the faith of these facts "The Congregational Union of Ireland" entered the field in 1829, and has continued till now "holding forth the word of life" to the people. Its operations embrace, first, its home mission; and, secondly, its college.

The brethren engaged as agents in the home mission, have been publishing salva3 A