curate. On the contrary, it appears to my own mind to be written in a tone, and spirit, and style singularly happy; it seems, at least if I can judge both from my own feelings, and from the feelings elicited from my brethren around me, to have spoken a language to which our hearts at once, and most distinctly respond. Some of us, I think, have been inclined and compelled to bless God, that we are favoured with deacons of the very character recommended in this letter; and I am sure we must all unite in wishing that all our churches may be equally favoured. [Dr. Burder here suggested the addition of a thought or two.] But, Sir, I have heard the document, as I am sure all our brethren have, with very great delight, and I think, as I have before said, that the mode of expression is singularly happy. It is just such as we should wish to see in all the documents which go out from us; aiming at no embellishment, speaking the language of a sound judgment and sober mind, and a heart truly impressed with the importance of inculcating and promoting Scriptural sentiments, in a Scriptual style and Christian temper.

W. A. Hankey, Esq. then rose and said-My Christian friends, if there be one impression which the reading of this admirable document ought to produce upon the mind of one who himself sustains the office of deacon, it must be that of the deepest humility. Surely, those who have sustained this office, when they look back upon the course which they have pursued, must be, as it were, obliged to fall prostrate with the deepest humility, under a sense and feeling of their own imperfections. This motion has been put into my hands, on the ground of the probability that I am, in this numerous assembly, the individual who has longest sustained the deacon's office. I have had the honour and the happiness of filling that office (how unworthily!) for five and forty years.* I therefore may be supposed to be somewhat acquainted with its duties and obligations, and with the difficulty of performing and discharging them to the satisfaction of one's own conscience, and to the satisfaction of the churches with whom we stand connected. In regard to my own experience, I can truly say, that I have every reason to acknowledge the kind, the cordial, the sympathetic, the affectionate support of that body with which I stand connected, and of more than one of its pastors, during the period that I have stood so connected with it. In the execution of that office I have had one most critical, and, I may truly say, trying period, to pass through—a vacant pastorship; and standing in the relation to the church of senior deacon, you may well imagine that it must have excited my feelings in the strongest manner. If there be any period at which a deacon requires to be especially sustained by the prayers and affections of the people, so that he may be instrumental in maintaining the peace and harmony of the church over which then, in an official sense, he may even be said to preside, that is the period. My dear friends, I have said already, and I have spoken the sincere feelings of my heart, that the letter, and the manner in which it has been adverted to by the preceding speaker, fill me with the deepest humility. I might well retire from this meeting and say, "Who is sufficient for these things?" if these be the qualifications necessary to make up the fitness of an individual to sustain that great and important office? I might say, if all these qualifications are needed, it is my duty to retire at once from it, confessing my unworthiness. But I know that that is not the intention. I know that it is right to set models of excellence before the churches, and of individuals who sustain office amongst them, and for this reason it is, that the Scriptures themselves set before the eyes of every Christian, every officer in a Christian church, and every Christian minister, the pattern of the most perfect example, the Lord Jesus Christ. While, my dear friends, the character and duties of a deacon have certainly been most forcibly delineated, perhaps some observation might have been made-I am not aware whether it has been over

* In the church at Stepney, now under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Fletcher.

looked-upon the confidence and support which deacons ought to receive from their brethren, by whom they are appointed. It is sometimes the case, that they are looked upon with a degree of jealousy. I am not now adverting to any thing which I have experienced, for I can truly say, that a more affectionate and confiding church than I have to represent, does not exist. There was one period which I have passed through, in which I was placed in no little difficulty. I advert to a period in which, perhaps, I even stood before this very meeting, with a doubt hanging over my character and conduct, as it regarded my temporal circumstances in relation to property, and in its connexion with the West Indies; I may say, that at that critical period of my life, when there were not absent those who were suggesting to the minister, and to the church, the propriety of my relinquishing the office, they listened not to the suggestion; they believed that, although I was placed in a situation of difficulty by Divine Providence, still that I retained those principles in my heart, which would lead me to embrace the first opportunity of relinquishing the position in which I stood. Thus they recognized and defended my Christian character. I have now to call to remembrance the confidence which that church continued to place in me during that difficult and critical period; and thanks be to God that he gave me the opportunity of proving the sentiments which I had always avowed to be just and sincere. It may not be quite known that the Negroes upon the estate, which the Providence of God forced upon me, in the island of Jamaica, and which, if the censures of the whole church had fallen upon me, I could not have relinquished at the moment; these Negroes were the very first in the island of Jamaica to receive the intimation of their future liberation. This period has passed by, and it only has reference to the question before us, as affording a proof of the confidence, the sustaining confidence, which the pastor and church with which I am connected, placed in me during those critical circumstances, and I therefore hold it out as an instance of those circumstances in which churches must show their confidence in their officers, while their officers are required to do their duty towards them. Do not let, my dear friends, the suspicion that perhaps some untoward circumstance, exaggerated by public opinion, or perhaps by private prejudice, may excite respecting the character of your deacons, let it not be hastily entertained, encouraged, or acted upon. Give them fair time, and await the Providence of God respecting themselves and their circumstances; and if they be men sincere in their attachment to Christ and his cause, depend upon it, in God's own good time and way, those shades will pass away like clouds that are driven by the wind across the horizon. I know not, my dear friends, what further to say on this subject. I certainly think the letter a most admirable one, but it threw me so deeply into self-reflection, that really my feelings prevented me from accompanying its statements with that cool exercise of judgment which I deem desirable. All that I recollect, however, is perfectly satisfactory; it delineates, I will not say too delicately, but what is needful in the dispositions, characters, outward circumstances, and conduct of those who sustain the office. There is one part, however, which I did feel a passing inclination to call in question, namely, the suggestion that deacons, when by age, infirmities, or other circumstances, they are rendered incapable of active service, should be induced to retire. I differ from our friends, I acknowledge, on that point; because, while such venerable brethren cannot show the virtues of active Christianity they may show the passive virtues of believers in Christ. I found this observation upon an instance which is now existing in the church at Stepney. There is an infirm individual, who is past active service, but his attachment to the church of Christ, evinced by his continued attendance there, is a wholesome admonition to the other deacons, as well as to members, and I should be very, very sorry, if that honoured individual, whose character is so exemplary, were separated, while life lasts, from the office he has so long held in the church. My dear friends, I hope you will forgive the

looseness of this effusion, for I assure you it comes more from the heart than it could possibly do from the head, under these circumstances. It is impossible for any one to say --it would be egotism were I to attempt to say-how important the character of those who fill that office is to the peace, to the security, to the harmony, of the churches; and likewise, I may humbly say, to the success of the labours of the minister himself. Let us all be united as members of churches, to support those who are in office, and if officers ourselves, let us endeavour to do our duty to our pastors, and towards all the members of the church, even the very lowest and meanest of them in earthly circumstances. May God give his blessing to that excellent letter, so appropriate and so suitable as it is.

The Rev. Dr. MORRISON said—I have a proposal to make with a view to strengthen a paragraph in the address, which, I think, would render it more acceptable, and, perhaps, more useful to the churches. Our excellent friend, in an address which I think cannot fail to be a blessing to the churches, has referred very lucidly and well to the co-operation of the churches with the deacons whom they select and appoint. But it strikes me that he has not touched that point with sufficient vigour. Having a rather large acquaintance with the state of the churches, I find that not only are some of the churches without the kind of deacons which we should wish them to have, but that some churches which have deacons of the very description which our friend recommends them to choose, do not give them that kind of confidential support in the discharge of their duties which would be extremely desirable. I will not take up the time of the meeting, but I think there should be something added on this important subject.

The Rev. T. BINNEY-Presuming that any suggestions with reference to the document will be kindly received, I will take the liberty of making one, which strikes me as important. Admirable is the document. I am sure there can be but one feeling on that subject. But we must endeavour to make it as Scriptural as we can, and it has struck me that one statement is not in harmony with the Scripture just as it lies before us. "Their appointment," says the letter, "lies not with the ministry." That I regard as a vague, unscriptural statement. The apostles said, "Brethren look ye out men whom we may appoint over this business." I should be sorry to have it considered that the simple election by the church is itself a settled appointment. The church might, perhaps, choose persons whom we in our consciences could not recommend to that office. What are we to do? I should be sorry, therefore, to say that their appointment should be exclusively with the church.

The Rev. Dr. REED, and the Rev. Mr. LEGGE, of Reading, having made some further suggestions,

The Rev. THOMAS MILNER said-I am much obliged to you, brethren, for your criticisms, as well as for your expressions of good feeling. I have it in charge from my colleagues to say, that we executed our duty according to the best of our ability, and that we cheerfully submit the document to be altered according to the better judgment of our brethren.

The Chairman observed, that these documents always undergo the revision of the Committee. The resolution was then put and carried.

The Rev. A. WELLS then read the annual statement of the Colonial Missionary Society.

Brief Statement of the affairs of the Colonial Missionary Society, presented by its Committee to the Eleventh Annual Assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales.

It is now, respected brethren, five years since in this room, with great ardour, the pastors and delegates of the churches, constituting the then Annual Assembly of this

Union, adopted the colonial enterprise as peculiarly their own. They felt that it had originated in their own movements; that it was most congenial with their own principles; and that it presented a most favourable medium for the accomplishment of their own objects. Having made the Society their own by a warm, unanimous expression of feeling, the brethren of the Union, on the one hand, became deeply pledged to its support, and on the other, obtained a most advantageous opportunity for extending their principles and fellowship throughout the British empire. And it may not now be inappropriate to ask, how far, after the lapse of five years, have the expectations and pledges of that well-remembered day, which was as the joy of your espousals, been fulfilled? If the results will not warrant the language of exultation, assuredly they will not allow that of despondency or serious complaint to be employed. It is certain, that this enterprise for spreading the Gospel in the British Colonies has obtained much approval in our churches. Nor can it be doubted that, in addition to all general views of the importance of this work, which have secured for it so much public favour, the special consideration that the Union appropriated and adopted this Society as its own, has influenced the minds of very many brethren to exert themselves the more strenuously for its support. In such times of pressure and multiplied efforts as the present, it is then no small thing to be able to say, that this new Society, coming thus late on the pre-occupied field, only to glean where others had reaped, has realized in the five years of its infancy, £11,241 158. 2d. For the year now reported, its income has been £2,738 6s. 2d., a sum far more gratifying when the manner in which it has been obtained, than when the mere amount is considered; for when, within about six weeks of the time for closing the year's accounts, the Committee, perplexed with a deficiency of above nine hundred pounds, appealed for that amount to their friends, with more of fear than of hope, they were rebuked for their despondency by the spontaneous contribution of upwards of a thousand pounds in time to be included in the year's accounts.

Yet, while in one view the pecuniary affairs of the Society not merely admit of, but require the language of gratitude and encouragement, there are other considerations connected with that subject, of a less favourable character, which must not be passed over in silence. Hardly 250 of our churches have as yet, in any way, come to the aid of the Society. Take it that there are 1000 of our churches able to contribute to this Society, and from whom pecuniary assistance might be fairly anticipated; then in five years not a fourth of our competent churches have moved in favour of an object peculiarly their own. At this low estimate of their numbers, it will require, at the present rate of progress, twenty years before this Society will obtain the general support of the churches. After all the allowances that ought in justice to be made on account of the difficulties now pressing on our body, this state of things does seem to indicate some want of efficient organization, or of enlightened interest in objects so entirely congenial with all our principles and interests as a denomination of Christians. The truth is, that the Colonial Society has rested for its support chiefly on a comparatively small number of zealous churches and brethren; nor has that support been in the proportion of ability; for it has not been derived from those of our body who were either most wealthy, or most free from other claims; but from those who have been moved to effort by a just and strong appreciation of its character and objects. The Committee submit that they have very strong claims on the assistance of those churches who have not yet, at the end of five years, contributed to the Society's funds.

During this term of effort, fourteen brethren have been sent forth to the colonies; uine brethren in the colonies have been received to labour under the patronage of the Society. An academy has been commenced at Toronto, in which five hopeful young brethren are studying for the work of the ministry; many principal stations

in the colonies have been vigorously occupied; about twenty chapels have been reared; more than 1,200 members have been gathered into church communion; and all that has thus been accomplished affords openings and facilities for further operations.

With much regret the Committee state, that no additional labourers have been during the past year sent forth. The intention of sending four more brethren to the Canadas, was announced to the last annual assembly. The Committee, in pursuance of that intention, entered into correspondence with several brethren, whom they hoped to obtain for that service. They failed, however, not because those brethren were unwilling to undertake the mission proposed; but because their labours in their stations at home were deemed too indispensable to permit their going. The Committee were not unwilling to incur the responsibility of obtaining the funds necessary to send out and sustain additional labourers; but they did, and do, shrink from the responsibility of sending out any brethren, whom they do not judge fully qualified for efficient service in the arduous field of the colonies. They deemed it more wise and safe to pause in their progress, than to send forth brethren in whose adaptation they had not full confidence.

This assembly will be delighted to know that the labours of Dr. Ross, in Sydney, have opened very auspiciously. The church in that important town gave him a most cordial reception; after preaching to the people some weeks, he received an affectionate, unanimous call to the pastoral office; a pleasing revival of religion has attended his labours; the increase of congregation has rendered a new chapel necessary, and active measures, sustained by liberal subscriptions, have been adopted to accomplish that object; the general influence in Sydney of the character and ministry of our beloved brother appears to be decidedly beneficial.

The Committee have accepted for labour in Canada a young brother, at present pursuing study under the direction of the Rev. J. G. Hewlett, of Coventry; but with the design of soon proceeding to Toronto, with a view to complete his education in the academy recently commenced there.

The assembly will perceive that the Colonial Society has been conducted on such views as the following; that the principal stations in the colonies should be first and well occupied; that our interests in such places being established and strengthened, through them operations in the more thinly settled districts, will be most effectually entered upon; that it is better, even at some pecuniary sacrifice, to send forth able brethren, though on that account in smaller numbers; that the churches in the colonies, as soon as planted, should be pressed to active efforts, the society at home rather aiding and encouraging their movements, than itself undertaking every department of labour; that it is sound policy, as well as principle, to conduct the work agreeably to our cherished views of doctrine, discipline, and polity; and finally, that plans cannot be too early adopted for raising up a native ministry in the colonies. And it is believed by the Committee, that the Society conducted on these views is securing its ground as it proceeds, and exerting in the colonies an influence much beyond what the number of its agents alone considered could lead its friends to hope.

The Rev. Dr. VAUGHAN, of Kensington, rose to move the following resolution. "That the assembly has heard with much satisfaction the statements of the brief report on the Colonial Mission in connexion with this Union, now read; and being convinced that the British Colonies throughout the world present a most inviting field for the efforts of missionaries, who on every point of doctrine, and polity, appeal exclusively to the holy Scriptures; and cherishing towards the beloved brethren who have gone forth to that field of arduous labour, in the service of this Society, the most entire affection and confidence-would most cordially recommend that inter