hospitable friends whose hearts and houses are open to receive us. I have partaken largely of these favours, and I wish here publicly to record it; but my late visit to Devonshire has almost overwhelmed me. This has arisen from again beholding the scenes of my early days; meeting the friends of my childhood; meditating in the place of my fathers' sepulchres; and, above all, marking the deep and far-spreading influence of vital godliness.

My visit commenced at Exeter, the metropolis of the West, September 25th. The meetings were well attended, and a fine missionary spirit was displayed. Our friend Mr. Bristow will raise for us this year, from various living sources, more than on any former occasion.

Here I met the children of the excellent Simpson, who wrote "A Plea for Religion;" and in order to embalm their father's memory in a new form, they are going to support a native preacher in India, to be called "David Simpson." Many other children, when they read this, will, I hope, imitate the example.

The lady at whose house I resided kindly invited Dr. Payne's students to breakfast with me. It was a rich treat to us all. They are a set of devoted young men; and I hope we shall have half of them for the heathen.

In addition to this, I witnessed a laudable desire among Mr. Bristow's young people to advance the cause of Christ. Oh, how cheering this is! How eminent for goodness such young persons may become by the time they are fifty!

On Sunday afternoon I preached at Heavitree to a crowded congregation, in a chapel built by one gentleman in his own field.

The collection excellent. Note! What great good some of our wealthy men might perform if they would! They have fields, and they have money. Where is the heart?

Tuesday evening I preached at Tiverton, in one of the best chapels in the county. The congregation is preparing for mighty deeds. They have been under a course of training rather extraordinary, which Mr. Heudebourck ought to publish in a small tract for the benefit of other congre. gations.

From Tiverton I went to Crediton and Thopsham, both of which places are without a minister; but the congregations were large, and the collections better than usual.

My next visit was to Barnstaple. Here we had the Lord's-supper on the same plan as at our annual meetings in London. Pious people of various denominations united in the sacred feast. Here I saw some to whom God had made me useful;

Southmolton comes next, and it deserves a volume; for besides four times more money than was raised last year, there have gone from that town three missionaries and three missionaries' wives, and two Lancasterian schoolmistresses, and one minister-perhaps more; all this since I joined the Missionary Society. How animating it must be to their present minister. May all his brethren see similar results in their respective congregations!

At Ilfracombe we had a solemn and liberal meeting, just such as would please good Mr. Besley. I heard one of the finest speeches at this place that I ever heard. I shall carry it to my grave, and I hope I shall carry it to heaven; for I think it will come fresh into my mind when I see my Redeemer. I met with a newspaper at the baths, from which I had printed 500 copies of a piece called "The Twelve Sawyers." It was to promote the cause of temperance, which is greatly needed in Devon.

Our next meeting was at Braunton, the place of my birth. I think the religion of Christ is a hundred-fold greater at Braunton than it was when I was a boy. The collection was twice the usual sum.

October 8th. I crossed an arm of the sea, and came to Appledore for Sunday, when I preached four times.

At seven, A. M., in the Sailors' Bethel. Oh the blue jackets! what a change! Some temperance captains were present. One of them told me he was converted in a Sunday-school. Another person came to me as one of my Sunday-school boys, who, five-and-twenty years ago, was led first to seek a Saviour. Hallelujah!

At eleven service commenced at Mr. Corbishly's handsome chapel, which has a bell on the top of it. Good congregation, and good collection.

I lived with a Quaker family who have opened an Infant School. They are merely visiters. Oh, if all visiters were like them, what a place would Brighton be!

At three preached in Mr. Edward's chapel, Bideford, to about 1000 persons.

At six the missionary sermon. Some hundreds remained after the service at a

prayer-meeting. On the Tuesday morning, at break of day, a cluster of pious youths, to the number of twenty-three, met me in the vestry, and engaged to support a boys' school in India, to be called "Lavington's School." These young people are in fine

training for missionary work-just such as the present day calls for.

From Bideford several ministers accompanied me to Torrington; once the scene of the great John Howe's labours, and since, the scene of our missionary Davis's labours. The chapel was crowded, and the tearful smiles, and pious feelings, and generous offerings of the congregation, were such as few congregations are favoured with. It seemed to me to surpass all that I had ever

seen.

From the north I travelled eastward, and preached at Exmouth. The town had been in great alarm the preceding evening by a violent storm, which had caused great loss of property and life. The waters were still high, and the panic had not subsided, in consequence of which the congregation was small.

The next morning we had a good meeting at "Point in View." A day or two after our meeting here I received a nameless letter with 207. for brother Davis's schools at Pinang. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Devon, and proves a fine healthy station for a good missionary brother.

We had a nice meeting at Budleigh, where a few warm-hearted people cordially helped us.

The minister and people of Ottery have long been greatly attached to the missionary cause. They made a great effort for us, which I trust will have a rich reward. This is about the largest congregation in East Devon, and contains many interesting and promising young people.

Honiton has a fine Sunday-school, which is likely to be an extensive blessing. An auxiliary was formed at this place. The public meeting was large and spirited. One person who was present was so impressed, that he spent the whole of the night in prayer. Oh, if all the educated young men in the land were to feel like this, they would soon set the heathen world on fire.

Mr. Wright, of Honiton, took me to Feniton rectory, where the pious clergyman had invited many to meet us. We had a missionary service, and they gave us 31. This was almost like some of the pious clergy in Ireland.

preached in the evening. This was the twenty-fourth service during the last fortnight. I was greatly delighted with the minister and people; they will treble what they did for us last year. Sunday morning I preached again; and then went to Sidbury, and preached in an elegant village chapel, to a deeply affected audience; then set off fourteen miles further to preach at Axminster. While I was a student at this place in 1814, I joined the Missionary Society. What changes since that day! A new chapel-a new minister-and nearly a new congregation. They showed great kindness to me and to the Master. Glory be to thee, O Lord! Mission-house, Oct. 27, 1836.

Amen!

RICH. KNILL.

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.

The Twenty-fourth Annual Meeting of this society was held at Finsbury-chapel on Friday evening, May 8. Before the business of the meeting commenced, this spacious building was densely crowded by a most respectable audience, and during the evening hundreds went away, unable to obtain admission. The chair was taken by T. Walker, Esq., the treasurer. After prayer had been offered by the Rev. E. Mannering, selections from the Report were read by the Rev. Arthur Tidman, the secretary, illustrating, on the one hand, the benighted state of the Irish people, and on the other, the efficacy of the Gospel, to enlighten and to save.

The income of the society during the past year amounted to 3,3037. 18. 5d., and its expenditure to 3,2121. 58.; leaving a balance in the hands of the treasurer of 907. 168. 5d. The resolutions were proposed and seconded by the Rev. Dr. Fletcher, the Rev. Thomas Binney, the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, the Rev. E. H. Nolan, the Rev. Dr. Morison, and the Rev. John Burnet.

UNION CHAPEL, BRIXTON-HILL. The Ninth Anniversary was held on Wednesday, June 6. The Rev. John Harris, of Epsom, preached in the morning, on 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20; and the Rev. T. Binney in the evening, on 1 John iii. 2, "It doth not yet appear what we shall be." About 120 persons dined together in an adjoining barn, which had been tastefully fitted up, and the tables liberally supplied by the ladies of the congregation. The Chairman having called the attention of his friends and of the company generally to the obligations they were under to their esteemed preacher, tendered to him (unaccompanied by the usual appendage of a toast) their sincere and grateful thanks. Mr. Harris, in reply, made an ap

peal on behalf of the special object for which they were assembled-the completing of the purchase of the freehold of the chapel and cemetery. To this appeal the company cheerfully responded, and several contributions were announced. Animated addresses were also delivered by the Rev. Dr. Ross, of Kidderminster, J. Edwards, of Clapham, &c. &c. The cemetery, which has been recently laid out, attracted much attention, as particularly adapted to the solemn purposes to which it is devoted. It being now a freehold, it is exempt from the danger of those painful contingencies to which property of other tenure has been so frequently exposed. It is also open to the services of any minister, on funeral occasions, whom the persons interested may wish to conduct the solemnities. The collections of the day amounted to upwards of one hundred guineas.

SURREY MISSION SOCIETY.

On Tuesday, April 24, 1838, the Fortyfirst Annual Meeting of this society was held at Surrey chapel. The Rev. J. M. Soule, of Battersea, commenced the service with reading the scriptures, and prayer. The Rev. E. Steane, of Camberwell, preached from 2 Cor. ii. 15; after which the Annual Meeting was held, Mr. Newsom in the Chair.

From the Report, which was read by the Rev. W. Crowe, it appeared.that five missionaries are wholly employed in different parts of the county, and that pastors of churches are assisted in itinerating services, but that a further extension of the society's labours is necessary; many villages are as yet requiring additional means of religious instruction. The funds of the society are, however, inadequate to the present expenditure; and the friends of the Redeemer, especially those residing in the county, are earnestly entreated to increase the funds of an institution on which the Divine sanction has rested, and which has been made a blessing to many. The society never presented stronger claims on the religious public than at the present moment.

Resolutions were moved and seconded by Messrs. Jackson, Dubourg, Bunter, Martin, Hunt, and Churchill. The Rev. R. T. Hunt closed the services of the morning with prayer.

The Kev. T. Jackson commenced the evening service, and the Rev. James Parsons, of York, preached from Psalm cxix. 158.

Subscriptions and donations will be thankfully received by Mr. James Hickson, treasurer, Wandsworth; the Rev. J. E. Richards, Wandsworth; the Rev. J. Hunt, Brixton-hill; and the Rev. W. Crowe, Kings

ton, secretaries; and by the Rev. T. Jackson, Buxton place.

GENERAL BAPTIST MISSIONARY

SOCIETY.

The Annual Meeting of the General Baptist Mission to Orissa was held in Enon Chapel, New Church-street, St. Mary-le-bone, on Thursday evening, May 31st. David Wire, Esq., Under Sheriff to the City of London, presided on the occasion. The services commenced by singing a hymn; the Rev. J. Stevenson, A. M., of Great Suffolk-street, implored the Divine blessing; the Rev. J. Goadby, Missionary from Orissa, then gave an interesting account of the progress of the mission in those parts; the resolutions were moved and supported by the Rev. J. Stephenson, A.M., E. Maitland, Esq., J. Poulter, and several others. A liberal collection was made, in which was included 11s. ld., as an offering from the Sabbathschool children connected with the chapel; when the unanimous thanks of the meeting were given to D. Wire, Esq., for so kindly and efficiently serving the society; the chairman then rose, and most affectionately addressed them, stating the pleasure he always felt at being present at such and similar institutions; and earnestly desired that at all their future meetings, they might continue to increase in number and in funds.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow," &c. was then sung, and the friends departed, we trust, with their hearts cheered by the accounts that had been given, and prayerfully directed to Almighty God, that He may still continue to own and bless their feeble efforts, and that there may be rejoicing in heaven over many, many thousands of immortal souls in foreign climes, being brought from worshipping their idols of brass and of stone, to adore the living and true God, and from darkness to the effulgent light of the glorious Gospel.

KINGSLAND.

J. G.

Mr. Aveling, late student at Highbury College, having accepted a unanimous invitation from the church and congregation assembling at Kingsland Chapel, to become assistant and co-pastor with their venerable and esteemed minister, the Rev. J. Campbell, the Lord's-day evening lecture at that place will be discontinued.

PROVINCIAL.

ASSOCIATIONS.

The Annual Meeting of the Association of Ministers in Cornwall, was held at St.

Colomb, on Easter Tuesday. The services were commenced in the morning by the Rev. James Hart, of Tregony; the Rev. W. Moore, of Truro, preached from 1 Cor. xv. 14; the Rev. Mr. Williams, of St. Austle, concluded. The Rev. Mr. Roberts, of Wadebridge, preached in the afternoon; and the Rev. J. Foxell, of Penzance, in the evening, from 1 Peter i. 9; Dr. Cope, of Penryn, and Mr. Roberts, of Coverac, prayed. Dr. Cope preached on the evening preceding.

The business of the association was transacted in the afternoon; and some pleasing statements made of the state of religion in some parts of the country. It is, however, to be lamented that the funds of the association are so exceedingly circumscribed that they cannot avail themselves of the favourable openings that present themselves in various parts of the county, to introduce the preaching of the Gospel.

The next meeting of the association is to be held at West Love, Dr. Cope and the Rev. J. Hart to preach.

The Forty-sixth Annual Meeting of the Kent Congregational Association, will (D. v.) be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3rd and 4th, at the Rev. Benjamin Slight's chapel, Tunbridge Wells. Preachers, Messrs. Knight, of Sandwich, and Rook, of Faversham. The meeting for business will be held on Wednesday afternoon.

The Annual Meeting of the Kent Union Society, for the benefit of aged and infirm ministers, and the widows and orphans of ministers, will be held on Tuesday afternoon, at four o'clock.

The Annual Meeting of the County Auxiliary Missionary Society will be held on Wednesday evening, at half-past six. The Rev. G. Gogerly, from India, is expected to attend as the deputation from the Parent Society.

NORTHERN CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL,

Silcoates, near Wakefield.

A crisis has arrived in the history of this institution, which renders it imperative on the committee to appeal to the religious public. Though only in the seventh year of its existence, one hundred and twentyone pupils have enjoyed the benefits of the school; of whom forty-eight are still beneath its roof. While its principal support has been hitherto received from the counties of York and Lancaster, the door has been open to the sons of ministers in all parts of the kingdom, and more than a fourth part of the pupils have been sons of our honoured missionary brethren. Several

who were once pupils, are occupying positions in which they have been enabled to exhibit the beneficial influence of the training they have received; of these three are engaged in a course of study preparatory to the ministry; two others are completing their education at the London University; one is studying at the University of Glasgow; and another, the son of the Rev. John Williams, has accompanied his father to the South Sea Islands, in the capacity of a merchant, but with an ultimate reference to the benefit of the natives. It may be added, that there is reason to believe, that the school was never in a better condition as to its internal arrangements and discipline than at the present time.

The committee are anxious to combine with a careful economy the advantages of a liberal education and ample provision; and they find that an expense has been incurred, during the past year, of 251. for every pupil ; and that the lowest amount has been 221. per annum in cheaper years. As only 157. is charged to the parent, and in the case of deceased ministers, the charge is reduced to 107., considerable contributions are indispensable to supply the deficiency; and the necessity becomes, of course, the more urgent as the institution extends its usefulness. But whilst the number of pupils has been augmenting, and thus showing how well the advantages of the system are appreciated by ministers throughout the country, there has been no adequate increase of pecuniary support from the churches. The balance against the school has become, in consequence, so serious, that the committee are made to feel, not only anxious in regard to the obligations now pressing upon them, but apprehensive for the very permanence of the foundation. They anticipate that the treasurer will be found in advance at the ensuing anniversary, to no less an amount than 3007. or 4007., and that unless a considerable increase of annual contributions can be obtained, the augmentation of the debt must become ruinous.

The committee beg leave to lay the case before the Congregational Churches, and before the friends of the London Missionary Society. When the spirit of the times would require the establishment of numerous free grammar-schools, on the voluntary principle, like those which are supported by ancient endowments, shall it be a question whether Silcoates is to be kept open for the sons of our ministers ? Will the churches hesitate to give expression of their grateful attachment to their living pastors, and of grateful remembrance of their deceased ministers, by supporting a school, where, at a diminished charge, their sons and orphans may be trained for useful life?

Will not the friends of missions throw in their aid to keep open the door of a home to which missionaries, at our antipodes, may send their sons at the critical period, and for the important work of education? Among all the obligations acknowledged by the Christian community, will not its members assign a place to the suitable training of those whose fathers are serving them in the Gospel of the Son of God? Will not the southern, the western, and the midland counties co-operate with the northern in an object which has no local limitation? Questions like these might be multiplied; but the committee feel confidence in the churches, and in their great Head. To the zeal of those churches, and to the blessing of that sovereign and beneficent Head, they commend their institution.

Signed, on behalf of the committee, by RICHARD WINTER HAMILTON. JOHN ELY.

THOMAS SCALES.

P. S. Subscriptions and donations for the school will be thankfully received by the Treasurers, Messrs. Milligan and Forbes, Bradford; by the Secretary, the Rev. Thomas Scales, of Leeds; by the Rev. John Arundel, Mission House, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, London; or by any member of the committee.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, May 9, 1838, the Rev. Daniel Griffiths was ordained to the pastoral office, at Cannock, near Walsall, Staffordshire. The Rev. J. Hammond, of Wandsworth, introduced the service by reading and prayer; the Rev. Dr. Mattheson, of Wolverhampton, delivered a luminous discourse on the nature of a Christian church; the usual questions were asked, and the ordination prayer offered by the Rev. Mr. Fernie, of Breewood, the honoured instrument of introducing the Gospel to Cannock; and the Rev. D. Griffiths, of Long Buckby, near Daventry, delivered an affecting and impressive charge to his son, founded on 1 Tim. iv. 6, "Thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ;" and a very able and appropriate sermon was preached to the people in the evening, by the Rev. J. W. Jenkyn, of Stafford, from Matt. xx. 26, "Let him be your minister."

On Wednesday, December 6, 1837, the Rev. J. H. Godwin, late of Highbury College, was ordained to the pastoral office over the church and congregation assembling for Divine worship, at the Old Independent Meeting, Norwich. The Rev. Joseph Stoughton, of Windsor, delivered the introductory discourse on the prin

ciples of dissent, in their authority_and influence, from Matthew xxi. 23; the Rev. A. Creak, of Yarmouth, proposed the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. E. Hickman, of Denton, offered the ordination prayer; and a very impressive charge was delivered by Dr. Halley, his late tutor, from 1 Thess. iv. part of the 11th verse.

In the evening, a sermon was preached to the church and congregation by the Rev. J. Alexander, of Norwich, from Phil. ii. 15, 16. The ministers in the city and county attended on this interesting occasion, and took part in the services of the day.

On Friday, April 13, 1838, the Rev. S. S. England, of Homerton College, was ordained to the pastoral office over the church and congregation assembling at the Old Meeting, Royston, Cambridgeshire. The Rev. T. J. Davies, of Royston, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures, and prayer; the introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. R. Roff, of Cambridge; the Rev. S. Thodey, of Cambridge, proposed the usual questions, (which were answered by J. P. Wedd, Esq., on the part of the church,) and received Mr. England's confession of faith; the Rev. Caleb Morris, of London, offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; the Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, of Homerton, delivered the charge; and the Rev. Thomas Binney, of London, preached to the people, and concluded the solemn service with prayer.

Appropriate hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Madgin, of Duxford, Winzar, of Roxton, Kent, of Biggleswade, Frost, of Cotton End, Flood, of Melbourne, and Moase, of Bassingbourne.

On Tuesday, May 1, the Rev. G. K. Miall, formerly a student at Hackney College, was ordained over the Independent church at Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire.

The services of the day were introduced by the Rev. J. Sheffield, of Hinckley, reading appropriate portions of Scripture; the principles of dissent were clearly stated and defended by the Rev. E. Miall, of Leicester; the questions were asked by the Rev. J. G. Hewlett, of Lutterworth; the designation prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Salt, of Hinckley; the charge to the minister was a solemn and impressive address from 2 Tim. iv. 1, by the Rev. J. P. Mursell, (Baptist,) of Leicester; and the sermon to the people, founded on Philippians ii. 29, by the Rev. J. Sibree, of Coventry.

Though the weather was exceedingly unfavourable, the chapel was crowded, and