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our fondest expectations, and constraining our renewed devotedness to the work God has graciously entrusted to our hands.

Moved by Rev. W. P. Wastell, of Guelph, and seconded by Rev. S. Harris, of Vaughan.

2. That though we are now convened as ministers and members of the churches forming the Congregational Union of Upper Canada, we sympathize with all who "hold the Head," extend the hand of fraternal affection to, and seek friendly cooperation with, all other bodies of Christians, particularly the brethren in the Lower Province, whose representative we rejoice to welcome among us this evening, in the person of our beloved brother, the Rev. H. Wilkes.

Moved by the Rev. H. Wilkes, of Montreal, and seconded by the Rev. J. Nall, of Burford.

3. That the Congregational Academy be now adopted by the ministers and churches of this Union, and that it be affectionately commended to their attention and support, but especially to their fervent and frequent prayers.

Moved by the Rev. A. Lillie, tutor of the Congregational Academy, and seconded by the Rev. T. Machin, of Darlington.

4. That we regard the acceptance of state assistance for religious purposes as a contravention of the commands of Christ the church's head, as most injurious in its influence on the religious character of those to whom it is given, as subversive of the church's spirituality, and perilous to the truths entrusted to her, and the interests she is charged to promote, as a means of division among those who should be closely and affectionately united, as a source of interminable strife in the community-that, therefore, we pledge ourselves individually and unitedly not to accept of it in any form, and affectionately but earnestly entreat our churches and friends, and the friends of evangelical religion, to reject it, should it be placed within their reach.

Moved by the Rev. W. B. Baynes, of Brantford, and seconded by the Rev. J. Climie, of Innisfil.

5. That having learned with the deepest interest that the English and Scotch Congregational, the Scotch Secession, and the American Congregational and Presbyterian Churches, have set apart the first Monday in January, 1841, as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, to implore the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the world at large,—we resolve on pursuing the same course ourselves, and also to seek the co-operation of other ministers and Christians, in the exercise of such solemnity; and further, to recommend to the pastors of our churches, that they bring distinctly before their several charges, on the previous Sabbath, the moral and religious state of the world, as preparatory to the special services.

Moved by the Rev. J. Roaf, of Toronto, and seconded by the Rev. W. Clarke, of London, U. C.

6. That inasmuch as it is recognized by all Christians as a sacred obligation to do all things to the glory of God, and to occupy every talent in his service, this Union affectionately yet earnestly calls upon the members of the churches, and other friends of the Redeemer's kingdom, to realize that the elective franchise is a solemn trust committed to them by Him who is head over all things to the church; and to exercise it not as a means of party aggrandisement, but under a deep sense of responsibility to God.

Moved by J. Wilkes, Esq. of Brantford, and seconded by the Rev. H. Wilson, of Toronto.

7. That the following ministers and gentlemen be the officers and committee of this Union for the ensuing year, with a special charge to undertake large things, and a distinct assurance that in so doing, we and the churches will follow them.Treasurer, J. H. Price, Esq.-Secretary, Rev. A. Lillie.—Committee, Rev. Messrs. Baker, Clarke, Denney, Hayden, Machin, Nall, Roaf, Wastell, Harris, Climie; also,

Messrs. Outram, R. Wightman, Downing, Mickle, Moyle, Howard, Pringle, Field, Sumpter, Wickson, Bywater.

On Friday morning at ten o'clock a solemn service was held on occasion of the opening of the Congregational Academy, when the Rev. A. Lillie, tutor, delivered an appropriate and elaborate address on the nature and importance of ministerial educacation. The Rev. W. P. Wastell, of Guelph, delivered a suitable charge to the students on the course of study proposed, and on the manner in which it should be pursued. Both of these discourses, at the request of the Union, are to be preserved in the library of the institution. The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Wilkes, Roaf, and Machin.

According to appointment, at one o'clock, the ministers and delegates of the churches proceeded in a body to the Government House, to present the following address to his Excellency the Governor-General, which was read by the Rev. T. Machin, chairman :

"To his Excellency the Right Honourable Charles Poulett Thomson, one of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Governor-General of British North America, &c. &c.

"May it please your Excellency: We, the ministers and delegates of churches belonging to the Upper Canada Congregational Union, avail ourselves of this our first opportunity to assure your Excellency of our heartfelt allegiance to her Majesty, and of our confidence in your Excellency's administration of this government. We observe in our neighbourhoods, and are bound to acknowledge, a revival of hope that calls for gratitude, as well to the sovereign, who has taken effectual measures for the salvation of this country, as to that higher Power, by whom your Excellency was induced to leave your station in the parent state, and assume the responsibilities, toils, and annoyances necessarily belonging to the reformer of Canadian abuses.

"Your Excellency may be confident that the good within all denominations seek from Almighty God that you may enjoy the honour of having procured for this young community order and liberty, and for our beloved sovereign and father-land an escape from vexation and dishonour.

"We express these sentiments with the greater freedom, because we cannot be suspected of seeking personal or party aggrandizement. We ask not-we could not accept any portion of the public property, or any distinctive civil privileges.

"The purposes of the heart, not the enactments of law, are the source of really Christian contributions, and beyond exemption from the interferences of power, there is nothing that religion can receive from states.

"We trust that your Excellency will excuse our utterance of those views, in consideration of the character of the present times, in which nations are agitated, and governments troubled by ecclesiastical claims,-and more perhaps in this province than any where else. Though unable to acquiesce in any other than the Christian arrangement for the support of religion, we thank your Excellency for your endea vours to make an equitable settlement of such questions amongst us; for we are well convinced, that till this province attain religious equality, it cannot enjoy religious peace.

"We beg permission to commend to your Excellency's attention the cause of education in this country. Knowing, as we do, your enlightened views upon the subject, we hope that the state of the common schools, and of the unemployed (or rather misapplied) endowment provided for them, will meet your notice. That your plans would be liberal and efficient we feel assured.

"We shall not fail to pray for the full success of your Excellency's mission to this country, your happy return to your and our native land, and the lasting commendations of the sovereign and the empire on your enlightened and generous efforts. "In every respect, Sir, may God make you to prosper."

His Excellency received the body in a very condescending manner, and returned to their address a most gracious reply, as follows:

"Gentlemen: I beg to thank you for your address, and to assure you of the gratification which it affords me to receive your testimony to the improved state of public feeling in your respective neighbourhoods.

"I assure you that I feel deeply the importance of the subject of education within these provinces, and I trust that, with the assistance of the legislature, it may be in my power to provide for this most pressing want."

On Friday evening a large and respectable company took tea in the school-room under the chapel, when catholic and effective addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Rev. J. Roaf, the Rev. Messrs. Lillie, Ryerson, Combe, Wilkes, Jennings, Wastell, Clarke, and J. H. Price, Esq. The interest of the evening was increased by occasional pieces of sacred music. Prayer being offered by the Rev. S. Harris, the meeting separated at ten o'clock.

These anniversary services were concluded on Lord's day the 13th instant, when discourses were delivered in the chapel, Newgate Street. In the morning the Rev. W. B. Baynes preached from Luke xxiv. 26. In the afternoon the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered, when addresses were delivered by the President, the Rev. W. Hayden, W. Clarke, and T. Machin. In the evening the Rev. S. Harris preached from Eccl. iii. last clause 15th verse. The closing prayer having been offered by the Rev. J. Roaf, the brethren separated, hoping on their return to their several charges to realise the fruits of their united consolations and efforts in the increase of their own devotedness, and in the prosperity of their Master's cause.

REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES.

A remarkable work of God has, during the past year, been carried on amongst the Congregational churches of the principality. Of this delightful fact we have heard at various times, but have never been able to procure till recently any specific information; and we exceedingly regret, that even now the facts that we have to relate do not take a wider range, and present a more complete view of the present happy state of our sister churches. Separated from us, not so much by distance as by language, the English Independent churches in general know more of the state of their brethren in Canada—aye, of their very antipodes in Australia, than of the history and proceedings of their ancient British brethren throughout Wales. The fault of this isolation lies at the door of those gifted Congregational brethren in Wales, who can write the English language with eloquence, and yet allow their Saxon brethren to hear little of their churches and institutions, excepting when they need their pecuniary aid. This is alike impolitic and unbrotherly. Were we learned in Welsh, their journals, written in that venerable language would furnish us with much of the intelligence we crave; but as the curse of Babel rests upon us, we must intreat our brethren, if they wish to join in the fellowship of the English churches, to communicate to our pages, which are always open to them, such information as shall awaken the sympathies, the prayers, and thanksgivings, of our brethren on their behalf.

The communications respecting revivals, now before us, state that such has been the concern in the churches of South Wales, during the last summer, that one church has received sixty new members; a second, seventy; a third, one hundred; a fourth and fifth, a hundred and twenty each; and a sixth, about two hundred and fifty!

The following passages are extracted from a letter written by an intelligent, consistent, and influential minister, who, though in his sixty-second year, is now more active and useful than at any previous period of his life. They will show the causes

which have led to the happy extension of his own church, and, cæteris paribus, will explain the work of God in other places.

"Before the revivals, great exertions had been made to promote temperance. These had produced a great change in the manners of the young men in the neighbourhood. "Great attention had been long paid to the Sunday schools, which were in a flourishing condition, when God visited us in his mercy. We have devoted one Sunday in every month, during the last twenty years, to catechise the children in our schools. These services were very useful to the children, as they now testify, though not attended with visible good effects at the time.

"Last winter there was a feeling of deep compassion in the church for the scholars, and for the unconverted people in the neighbourhood. Very frequent and special prayers were offered on their behalf. We invited them to attend particular meetings, in order to converse with them. The church and myself freely made known to them our concern for them; and earnestly and affectionately warned them of their awful I, as a poor, unworthy minister of Christ, felt much anxiety, and tried to preach as plainly and pointedly as I could. I used to preach from such texts as these: See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh,' &c. Some began to regard my

state.

ministry as legal. However, God condescended to bless it.

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of, visited us on his way home from Liverpool. We had his assistance in holding special services. The services were very useful. A great impression was made on the congregation. Ten, or fifteen, soon after joined the church, most of whom were children of religious parents. The outward moral character of these had been previously good, though their hearts had not been touched.

"Sunday, the 9th of August, will never be forgotten by me. Never shall I cease to praise God most humbly for it. My two sons, James and Morgan, preached that day at Beulah. There was something of a very uncommon nature in the congregation. I myself went to preach at a private house in the vicinity: I found it crowded. One of the officers of the church commenced by prayer. During his remarkably fervent and humble prayer, nearly the whole of the congregation was silently weeping: I then preached on the immortality and worth of the human soul. I felt extraordinary solemnity in my soul. A hymn was sung after the sermon; and while the last stanza was singing, a young man who had lately been under great conviction, and who was now unusually excited, audibly cried out, Deolch am Rydd-did! (Thanks to God for liberty!) In less than five minutes after, the whole congregation was in tears, invoking and praising God. For two hours they remained in the place, as if unable and unwilling to leave the place of glory and power. These holy feelings continue: their views and convictions of sin are very scriptural: it is the only hope of their souls for acceptance with God. Hundreds attend each prayer-meeting. Last Sunday was our communion at T- - it was computed that 3000 persons were present, though our population is thin; the chapel could not contain the third part of them. May the hand of the Lord rest in the mountain till the whole country is brought into safety under the wing of the Divine Redeemer! During the last six weeks more than 200 have joined the society. Praise Jehovah! His kingdom is come.

:

"I tremble lest the enemy should come in like a flood. But my humble, daily prayer is, that the Lord, with his almighty arm, may uphold them to the end; and that they may be useful in the vineyard of Christ, when many of us shall be silently sleeping in the dust of the valley!

"Mr. J———, of F—C— received to the communion of the church on the same Sabbath, 60.

"At K―, where the Chartists rose, 109 were received to church-fellowship between January and August.”

A COURSE OF MONTHLY LECTURES ON PUSEYISM AT

NEW BROAD STREET, LONDON.

This Lecture was established in the year 1672, and was delivered at Pinner's Hall, in Broad Street, every Tuesday morning throughout the year. It was removed, in 1778, to the Meeting House in New Broad Street; and is now continued as a Monthly Lecture, on every Tuesday morning succeeding the first Lord's day of every month; the service commencing at twelve o'clock.

Its professed design, at its institution, was to maintain the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation against the errors of Popery, Socinianism, and Infidelity. The revered names of Bates and Howe, Owen and Manton, Baxter and Mead, were among the first lecturers; and the same principles of the Christian faith which they maintained have been uniformly exhibited and defended by their successors.

It is proposed, during the year 1841, to commence, and, it may be necessary through another year, to carry on a course of Lectures on those principles of Evangelical Protestantism, which are opposed not only to the Popery of Romanism, but to that more specious, though less consistent, Popery of modern Protestantism, usually designated, of late, by the conventional term, Puseyism.

It is hoped that this course will be the means of exciting attention, especially amongst Protestant Dissenters, to those essential doctrines of the Reformation, which are at once the glory and security of the Protestant cause. It must be obvious to all who reflect on the subject, that these doctrines are peculiarly assailed by many advocates of modern Anglican Protestantism. Sentiments are widely propagated respecting the insufficiency of Scripture, the claims of tradition, the nature of religion, the efficacy of sacraments, and other subjects, which lamentably prove that the cause of genuine Protestantism has enemies within the pale of the National Church, more hostile to the interests of truth, and more conducive to the advancement of Popery, than the active efforts of the avowed supporters of the Roman church! It is desirable and necessary, that on these points there should be an acquaintance with the great principles involved in the controversy, amongst all inquiring and intelligent Protestants; that in every section of the true church the disciples of Christ may "stand fast in the liberty" of the Gospel, and "not be entangled with the yoke of bondage." The first of this series of Lectures will be delivered at New Broad Street Meeting, on Tuesday morning, January 5th, by the Rev. John Clayton, M.A.: the subject— "The sufficiency of Scripture as the only and the authoritative rule of faith and practice." He will be followed by Dr. J. P. Smith, Dr. Fletcher, Dr. Burder, Mr. George Clayton, and Mr. Binney.

We intend to insert the subjects of the succeeding Lectures in our list from month to month.

OPENING OF NEW CHAPELS.

NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, INGATESTONE, ESSEX.-On Thursday, October 22, 1840, the new Independent Chapel at Ingatestone, erected for the church and congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. Benjamin Hayter, was opened for divine service. Two excellent and appropriate discourses were delivered on the occasion that in the morning, by the Rev. Alexander Fletcher, M. A., of London; that in the afternoon, by the Rev. John Hunt, of Brixton Hill, Surrey. The devotional parts of the services were conducted by the following Independent ministers of the county-Smith, of Brentwood; Thornton, of Billericay; Temple, of Rochford; Fletcher, of Southend; Law, of Writtle; Bateman, of Abbott's Roothing; and the minister of the place.

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