services, God having given many manifestations of his presence and blessing in awakening a general desire for hearing, in bringing many under serious concern for their souls, in several signal instances of conversion, and creating an anxiety in his people to co-operate for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom.

On the 13th of April, 1841, J. F. Mandeno (late of Wem) was recognized as the pastor of the Congregational church at Newport, Salop. The services of the day were introduced with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. J. Pattison, of Wem; the Rev. W. Dawson, of Dudley, delivered an appropriate introductory discourse; the Rev. W. Reeve, of Oswestry, (in the absence of the Rev. T. Weaver, who was prevented from attending by indisposition,) asked the questions, and offered the recognition prayer; after which, the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, addressed the pastor, with great tenderness, fidelity, and impressiveness, from Ephesians iv. 12.

In the evening, the Rev. Dr. Redford, of Worcester, delivered an admirable discourse to the people from 2 Corinthians xl. 2, "For I am jealous over you, with a godly jealousy." May our excellent brother, who enters upon a new sphere of labour, with the sympathies and prayers of his brethren, be abundantly prospered in his ministry.

The Rev. John Bramall, of Patricroft, has accepted the call of the church at Stainland, near Halifax, to become its pastor; and he entered on his labours there, on the first Sabbath of May, with the best wishes and fervent prayers of all.

OPENING OF NEW CHAPELS.

WESTMINSTER CHAPEL.-This handsome and commodious edifice, erected by the Metropolitan Chapel Fund Association, was opened for the celebration of public worship on Thursday, May 6th, 1841. The Rev. Dr. Leifchild, of Craven Chapel, commenced the solemn services of the day, by reading appropriate passages of the Sacred Scriptures, and by prayer. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Raffles of Liverpool, from 1 Cor. iii. v. 9, “Ye are God's building." The Rev. Dr. Vaughan, of Kensington, offered the concluding prayer. The evening service was introduced by the Rev. Dr. Morrison, of Brompton-the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, delivered a discourse from Rev. xxi. v. 10, on the Holy City, and the Rev. J. Young (Wesleyan) concluded with prayer.

Several gentlemen resident in the neighbourhood of the chapel had provided a dinner at the King's Arms Tavern, Palace Yard, to which more than 120 gentlemen sat down. C. Hindley, Esq. M.P., one of the first patrons of this effort, and a liberal contributor, presided as chairman, supported on his right by Thomas Wilson, Esq. of Highbury, well known by his zeal and munificence in this particular field of usefulness; and on his left by the Rev. Dr. Leifchild, who had, from the first, given to this effort to extend the means of religious instruction in Westminster, his counsel and most cordial support. Among the company present were the Rev. Drs. Raffles, Fletcher, Morrison, Vaughan, and the Rev. Messrs. Blackburn, Ely, Jenkyn, Kelly, Arundell, Palmer, Freeman, Hunt, Richards, Martyn, the Wesleyan and Baptist ministers, and Rev. J. Robinson, Secretary of the Metropolitan Chapel Fund Association. The time between the services would not admit of much discussion, but a fine cordial feeling pervaded the meeting towards these aggressive movements upon the darkness and vice with which, even in London, the church is surrounded.

Having inserted an engraving of this substantial and appropriate structure in our volume last year, and also given the particular circumstances in which the erection originated, we must refer the reader to that portion of our publication. Now that the edifice is completed, we must say that it is highly creditable to the judgment and spirit of the Metropolitan Chapel Fund Association, and to the taste of the architect, J. Tarring, Esq. It is imposing in the outline, and possesses in its internal arrange

ments every convenience. Both preachers and hearers expressed their entire gratification.

We cannot close this brief account of the interesting and solemn services of the day, without adverting to the importance of combination. The rapid increase of the population in all large towns has far outstripped the tardy movements of the churches to meet its religious necessities. At no preceeding period have such attempts been made as now to corrupt the minds, especially of the humbler classes, and to render them disaffected, not only towards some obnoxious forms and pretensions in religion, but towards religion itself. The simplicity and spirituality of the New Testament economy, too, are insidiously threatened, and even openly assailed, so that all who advocate the independence of the church of all secular control-and maintain the real and supreme authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the chief shepherd and bishop of souls, are subjected to an indirect, and, in some cases, to a direct persecution of no ordinary severity. Wealth, education, ecclesiastical rank, and even obsolete and barbarous laws, are all made to tell with the utmost force against every attempt made in town or country to extend the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps God, in his gracious providence, has permitted these events to teach us and make us feel the necessity of a closer union among ourselves, as Congregational churches, and the importance of a wiser and a more devoted application of such resources as are at our disposal. The weak must be strengthened-the fallen must be raised up-desolate and unproductive districts must be brought under culture. We must not only make a stand against ecclesiastical encroachment and pretension, but we must place ourselves in a position not only to resist but to demonstrate, by the help of God's grace, that nothing is wanted but Christian principle and the love of God in the heart to render the church fully competent to answer the great ends of her constitution, "to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world."

At present the Metropolitan Chapel Fund Association has not gained that standing it may justly claim, and which it must occupy to meet, even in a very limited measure, the fearfully augmenting want of its labours; but it is rising in the regards of the churches, and must ultimately be adopted as one of the chief means of supplying long-neglected districts with evangelical ordinances. Let the larger towns of the kingdom follow the example-let it be brought before the attention of our County and District Associations. It is high time that an effectual stop be put to the humiliations and heartbreaking disappointments to which many faithful ministers are subjected by being obliged to apply to strangers for help in clearing off pecuniary incumbrances, and that measures should be adopted to keep pace with an increasing population, by providing for it the salutary and Divine institutions of the public ministry of the everlasting Gospel. Let all the faithful in Christ Jesus, in any given district, make common cause against the profligate and spurious errors of our times, and in defence of the truth, as it is in Christ Jesus. Unity is strength." The preaching of the cross is the power of God unto salvation. "Thou, O God, hast given a banner to them that feared thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth."

BRIEF NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS.

Little has transpired respecting FOREIGN NATIONS during the past month, of commanding interest. The Porte has conceded to Mehemet Ali the hereditary sovereignty of EGYPT, in the direct line of succession, with the command in the army and navy. Rumours of an insurrection amongst the Christian subjects of the Ottoman Empire are in circulation, but authentic accounts have not been received.

SPAIN has appointed the Duke of Victoria (General Espartero) to be sole regent and guardian of her infant sovereign. Every philanthropist must wish, that, escaping N. S. VOL. V.

3 N

the temptations of successful soldiers, his patriotism may control his ambition, and Spain become regenerated by his government.

But our HOME affairs require our especial attention. Since the Reform Bill was enacted, the enthusiasm of the people in favour of the Whig government has gradually subsided, from a feeling of disappointment respecting its practical results. The loss of successive elections, (and that of Nottingham the most admonitory of them all,) together with a present deficiency in the revenue of £1,840,000, and a further reduction anticipated to the amount of £2,500,000, at a time when the manufacturing districts are in the greatest distress—have led her Majesty's advisers to resolve upon a course of policy that will probably merge all the political distinctions of Whig and Tory, Radical and Chartist, into two great parties, Monopolists and Anti-Monopolists.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, on submitting the budget to the parliament, proposed that the duties on foreign sugar, timber, and corn, should be so modified as greatly to extend their home consumption, which would at once improve our foreign trade, and increase the annual revenue. Upon the first of these questions a debate of eight nights took place, which terminated in a division which gave a majority of thirty-six against the measure. Another discussion upon the still more important question of the corn-laws, is fixed for an early day, and will undoubtedly be followed by a dissolution of the present parliament.

With such a prospect before us, we feel it to be our duty, as Christian journalists, to record our opinions upon these questions, and to express a hope that none of our readers who possess the franchise will, at such a crisis, shrink from its exercise, but play the part of men for the cause of patriotism and philanthropy, the common interests of our country and the world.

It cannot be doubted, that if tropical produce, sugar and coffee, could be imported at a much lower price, that their consumption would be proportionably increased, and the Temperance reform, which has happily commenced amongst us, would be greatly facilitated. Who that visits the cold, dilapidated, miserable houses of the poor, in the metropolis and our other large towns, but must wish that building materials were so reduced in price as to permit of the erection of cheap and comfortable dwellings for the labouring classes, so necessary to their health, contentment, and good morals. The proposed alterations in the duties of timber is one step towards this most desirable and necessary change.

And then, as it regards the corn-laws, we would adopt the language of Dr. Chalmers, and say, that "for the sake of its moral benefit, we know of no achievement more urgently desirable, than that of a free corn trade. There is not a more fertile topic of clamour and burning discontent all over the land, and were it but effectually set at rest, we are aware of nothing which might serve more to sweeten the breath of British society."* Important as these measures may be, in a financial point of view, they are to be prized by Christians, mainly for their benevolent and moral aspects, and as tending to the abolition of that "narrow and heart-burning system of prohibitions, alike dissatisfactory to the people abroad and the people at home." The government that has the moral courage to propose these changes, is now charged by the high casts of England, with not possessing "the confidence of the House of Commons" that may be true; but do the members of that house give true expression to the mind of the nation? At such a moment, it is the highest social virtue, for a man to follow the dictates of his conscience, maugre all the influences and intimidation that may be employed against him, and to give his influence to uphold the united interests of benevolence, patriotism, and loyalty.

Mr. Easthope, the member for Leicester, has obtained leave to bring in a bill "to abolish Church-rates, and to empower the members of the established church to

* Political Economy, p. 523, 24.

levy a tax on pews and seats, for the maintenance of churches;" but in the present state of parties, no advantage will be gained, except that which will result from printing the bill.

Sir Herbert Jenner has at length pronounced in the Court of Arches, an elaborate judgment in the case of Mastin v. Escott, on the validity of lay-baptism, in which he confirmed the celebrated decision of Sir J. Nicholls, (Kemp v. Wilkes,) and sentenced the vicar of Gedney to three months' suspension! Notice of appeal to the judicial committee of the privy council was immediately given, but, we presume, with small probability of success. This is a grave business for those clergymen who regard that baptism invalid, which has not been administered by priestly hands, "many of whom," The Christian Observer states, "have expressed a determination not to bury persons so circumstanced." The clergy might easily relieve themselves of the difficulty, if they would permit Nonconformist ministers to perform the last sad rites over the graves of their people, in the parish churchyards. But as they claim the exclusive right of officiating "in their freehold," and yet have conscientious difficulties in obeying the decisions of their own court, they fix themselves on the horns of an ugly dilemma, from which they have but one way of escape, which it seems, indeed, some are inclined to take.*

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND has commenced its annual session under circumstances of the deepest interest, which may, in fact, lead at an early period to the separation of church and state in that country. We think with Sir Culling E. Smith, that "the Evangelical party are right as a church, though wrong as an established church. It is their incongruous system necessarily making one truth come into collision with another truth, which alone deserves reprobation. It is a truth that a church ought to be as free as air, and the pastors ought to harmonize with their people. It is a truth that the courts of law must exercise supreme authority over every recognized corporation in the nation, and must provide that its officers shall be appointed and instructed according to statute. In an unhealthy church one of these principles is dormant. In an unhealthy state, the other principle is dormant. Honour to the church which in even an imperfect degree recognizes the one truth! Honour to the state, which resolutely defends the other! The result of both can only be the working out and reducing into action of the theory which voluntaries have always held-the mischief, religious and constitutional, of having church and state united."

We cannot close our monthly retrospect without a glance at the ANNIVERSARIES of the leading religious societies of the year,

The monopoly question doubtless diffused a feeling of coldness and reserve over the proceedings of the British and Foreign Bible Society, which seemed alike to affect the speakers and the audience. A strong appeal was made in the report for aug

A large placard has been posted on the walls of London, relating to this question, which is too good an illustration of the present state of things, not to be preserved.

TO THE CLERGY.

No one respects tameness, although some do selfishness. Laying aside both, STAND BY A PERSECUTED BROTHER.

Throw off your gowns to a man, if necessary, sooner than be any longer enslaved to the vanity and presumption of the Wesleyan sect.

IF BISHOPS

cannot enact laws for the protection, as easily as for the oppression of the clergy, OUGHT THEY TO BE IN PARLIAMENT ?

Attacks on private property, and the rights of rectors, will sooner or later bring their own punishment.

mented resources, to which we sincerely hope the public will respond. But to have the support of the public, it is necessary that societies should be managed on liberal public principles.

Our Wesleyan Methodist brethren brought together a motley group of advocates at their Missionary Meeting, which fidelity requires us to say we observed with sincere regret. The Christian affection displayed by the members of other churches, and the professors of other creeds, we cannot deplore-but the enthusiastic reception of those who have been more eminent for their party politics than for their personal purity, is no good omen, we think, for the spiritual health of the Christian community that will woo and welcome such associates.

At the Church Missionary Society anniversary, its president, Lord Chichester, referred in very grateful terms to a hint thrown out by the Bishop of London, that some arrangements should be made to refer all the ecclesiastical matters of the two Church Missionary Societies to one and the same recognized authority, consisting of a council of bishops! Good Mr. Bickersteth was delighted with the suggestion, and with great simplicity exclaimed, "How encouraging it is after forty years' labour, that we have come to a point when the bishops generally can join our Society, and cordially sanction and approve its operations amongst the heathen." He did not stop to inquire whether this approximation resulted from the improved character of the bishops or the deteriorated character of the Society. Mr. Baptist Noel, with a fidelity and manliness, worthy of his character, remarked, "That no advantage would be gained by the high patronage referred to, if it was to be attended by any departure from plain Christian principle. There must be no compromise of principle," and plainly intimated that he was apprehensive of danger in giving over the management of the Society to the bishops, who, however excellent themselves, might have successors who would little regard the original constitution of the Society. Such a step would, in our opinion, give the coup de grace to the evangelical party in the church of England.

The London Missionary Society was favoured by the presidency of Lord Morpeth, who, towards the close of a speech of great force and beauty, remarked, "that the messenger who lights the camp of the Gospel amongst the heathen, has the credentials of an authentic ordination-the herald, who dispenses the bread of life to the famishing, is the true successor of the apostles." This important sentiment, made more important as proceeding from a member of Her Majesty's Government, was quickly responded to by the Rev. W. Carter, (incumbent of Melton,) who said, “such tidings as we have heard in your report, they are the seal of your apostolicity." And Mr. Baptist Noel, in a speech characterized by a lovely combination of wisdom and goodness, was not ashamed to fraternize with us, and to plead for union amongst all the true people of God.

The progress of the word and grace of our Lord and Master, by the instrumentality of these various societies, is evident, and if Christ be preached, therein we will rejoice, and do rejoice.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Favours have been received from Rev. Drs. Clunie-Fletcher-Hendersonand Matheson.

From Rev. Messrs. J. Bounsell-Thos. Loader-P. Smith-J. Robinson-J. Pattison -H. Adiscott-W. Moore-J. A. Goulty-D. E. Ford-Walter Scott-R. AshtonJ. Galloway.

Sir. J. B. Williams-Mr. S. W. Partridge-A Non-conformist-A.-T.K.S.—G.—J. The great length to which the Report of the meeting of the Congregational Union has extended, has compelled us to postpone some articles of intelligence till our

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