omniscience and authority of the great master. The ministry will repay it in the heartfelt satisfaction experienced the success obtained, the reward to be received. These points are handled with great judgment, power and affection. The leading idea is kept prominently in view, and all the remarks tell upon it. There is to us a certain charm in the whole composition, arising from the natural unaffected style, the true naiveté, - and the scriptural piety that pervades the whole. It is evidently the production of an enlightened mind, and a warm and sanctified heart.

The concentration of a minister's powers upon his work, is by some misapprehended. Justly condemning those who sustain the sacred office, but devote their chief regard to scientific and literary studies, they rush into the other extreme, and suppose that intellectual cultivation is to be neglected, and that not merely a supreme, but an elusive attention is to be paid to ministerial and pastoral duty. They would have the minister neglect every study but Theology, and shut up every book but the Bible, and a few commentaries. The result of this must ever be a poor, meagre, barren style of preaching, and a character deficient in those qualities which are needed, together with simple piety, to command ministerial respect. Such is not the concentration which our friend recommends, and which we would urge on the rising ministry.

This is the true consecration of the minister to his office. He does not shut out other studies, but he embraces them, and brings them to bear on his book. He takes in as extensive a range of knowledge as possible, and consecrates the result to his great employment. He digs in every mine of truth, and then brings the precious metal to receive the divine impress of his office. He gathers up all that is valuable, and then pours it into the sacred treasury.

We trust that the charge will obtain an extensive circulation, among We young ministers, and students.

recommend it to them strongly, as we think they cannot fail to be benefited by its perusal. We trust that our esteemed young friend to whom it was

WORKS AT PRESS, OR IN PROGRESS. Thoughts on the Curriculum of Academic Education: or the Intellectual and Moral Advan tages of an Elementary course on the principal facts relating to the Mental Operations, as a part of the general plan of University studies. sophy of the Human Mind and Logic, in the By John Hoppns, M. A. Professor of the PhiloUniversity of London.

By the same Author. Sketches on the Continent, in 1835; or Notices, Descriptive and Historical, of Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Savoy, and France: including Statements relative to the state and prospects of the Protestant Religion in those countries.

Nearly ready, "How to do Good; or the Christian Character Mature;" being a sequel to the "Young Christian," and "Corner Stone." By Jacob Abbott.

Temptation, a Treatise on Satanic Influence. By the Rev. Samuel Ransom, Classical Tutor, Theological Academy, Hackney.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, AT PERTH, N. B., ON DISSENTERS' GRIEVANCES IN CHURCH AND STATE.

At a Congregational Meeting of the Independent Church, assembling in Mill Street Chapel, Perth, held on Thursday evening, June 2, the following Petition was submitted and approved; and, when signed by the minister, deacons, and members of the congregation, is to be forwarded to the House of Commons:

Respectfully sheweth,

That we have learned, on authority to which we yield implicit submission, that " righteousness exalteth a nation;" but we believe this righteousness involves the administration of justice between man and man-the governors as well as the governed-protection to the weak, security to the peaceful, and wrath to the offending members of society, for rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. In this spirit of equity, a government can neither exact more than is due, nor ask payment for that which it cannot impart; will neither appropriate to itself what alone is due to God, nor under pretext of Divine sanctions, enforce penalties which God has reserved to himself; the control of secular government is limited by things which belong to the body, the jurisdiction of God embraces all the concerns of the soul,- and the things due unto an earthly power as such, cannot interfere with the things due unto God as the moral and Sovereign Judge of all the earth.

The assessment of taxation by Government, direct or indirect for religious purposes, whether of the whole community or partially, of one portion for another, or of the whole for the behoof of a section of the people, is an invasion of God's prerogative, violates the equity for which we plead, and is a precedent for other wrongs; that secular and national advantages as a return for certain approved opinions, and exclusion from such

advantages because of other opinions on religious subjects, are an encroachment on the claims of universal justice; that inequalities, tests, reproaches, or whatever offend the conscience, when employed as instruments of government, set aside this righteousness, are sinful, and may become the ruin, as they are the dishonour of any people.

We hold, therefore, that the establishment, by law, of a Presbyterian sect, as the Church in Scotland, is unjust; and as it is the source of many usurpations, characteristic of ecclesiastical domination, withdraws a large portion of national property and revenue to sectarian purposes, and sanctions interference, control, and injurious monoply in the educational institutions of the country, this law ought to be abrogated. We declare our disapproval, most earnestly, of the injustice inflicted on the English Dissenters, in the grievances of which they complain, especially their compulsion to pay parochial-rates, for building or repairing places of worship provided for the Episcopal sect, and for maintaining the menial servants of a prelatical establishment, while they witness the profuse approbation of the princely revenues, called church property, for the hierarchy and dignitaries of that dominant sect, and are themselves exposed to obloquy and exclusion from the honours and emoluments of the national universities, are subjected to taxation from which the established sect is exempt, and are exposed to many persecutions, vexatious and long endured, injurious and derogatory to the character of the nation, and obstructive to the peace and prosperity of the people.

It is no longer a question-it has heen avowed in the latest attempt at legislation for Ireland-that the protracted series of Irish sufferings, the penal code and civil disabilites inflicted on millions of Irish, the long night of degradation through which they have passed, the famines and pestilences, the suppressed rebellions

and impending collisions between sect and sect, the streams of human blood which have drenched and fattened the green fields of Ireland, the civil wars, military executions, the clerical oppressions, the bereaving, the desolating, the cruel strifes, the passive resistance, the agitations and writs of rebellion, have been the price paid by the people for the privilege of dissenting, and the punishment inflicted by the clergy and the government for maintaining a usurped and legalised Prelacy, to the manifest detriment of the Christian religion and the misery of the people-all the legitimate and palpable effect of a clerico-political, a nominally Protestant, a grasping and unrighteous establishment. These are but the too true and fearful development of the consequences attendant on the abandonment of justice between man and man in the government of a country. To uphold the same objectionable and erroneous system, has been designed in the unequal, unjust, and fatal project for abolishing Irish corporations, and denying to the people of that land the power of local selfgovernment in matters of a purely municipal character, or which may serve to give a correct expression of their sentiments on matters in which they have an interest common with all their fellow-citizens.

The same evil may ever be expected, and the same unjust attempts will ever arise, out of the paramount authority of a secularized and dominant establishment of religion, so long as it is allowed to exist. To exact English Episcopal church rates-to continue or increase endowments for the Scotch Established sect-to persevere in applying the revenue of tithe and teind to any body of clergy in England, Ireland, or Scotland, will but perpetuate and extend the injustice of which we complain; and to deny to Ireland municipal corporations, because of reJigious distinctions, will excite the hatred of the people, and warrant the demand for a separate legislature for Ireland.

We, therefore, pray your Honourable House, as speedily as possible, to place all religions on an equality as to civil privileges; to give political justice to all men, without regard to

their religious opinions; to declare, by one explicit act, that religion is a province with which your legislation cannot interfere; and by these means most effectually to redress the grievances of Dissenters.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRISTOL CITY

AND COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

The half-yearly meeting of the Bristol City and County Association was held at Clevedon, on the 25th ult. The Rev. J. Jack, of Bristol, delivered an excellent and appropriate sermon, in the morning, on "Christian union." In the evening a public meeting was held. After singing and prayer, W. D. Wills, Esq. took the Chair, and addressed the Meeting. The Rev. W. Gregory, of Clifton, then gave a statement of the objects of the Association, viz. "to cultivate a spirit of union and co-operation among the ministers and members of the Independent churches of Bristol and the vicinity; to spread the gospel through the dark parts of Bristol and the surrounding neighbourhood, by assisting poorer churches, and establishing new interests; to keep up a correspondence with the Congregational Union of England and Wales, and to promote its objects; and to aid in sending the benefits of education and religious instruction to our fellowcountrymen, who have emigrated to the colonies of the British Empire."

The following Resolutions were then discussed and carried unanimously:

Moved by the Rev. S. Brown, and seconded by the Rev. J. E. Miles,

1." That the Members of this Association deeply implore the spiritual destitution of great numbers of their own countrymen, particularly of those inhabiting some parts of the City of Bristol and its vicinity, and deem it the duty of every member of those Christian churches with whom they are associated, to aid this Association and kindred societies in sending the means of salvation to these perishing thousands, not only by his pecuniary benefactions and prayers, but also by his personal and active labour, and that every member of those churches who is not so engaged (having the opportunity) is withholding from the cause

of Christ, and immortal souls, that assistance, which, as a patriot, a philanthropist, and a professing Christian, he ought to put forth."

Moved by the Rev. T. Haynes, and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Lane,

2. "That the Members of this Association hail, with feelings of deep satisfaction and unfeigned pleasure, the formation of a Colonial Missionary Society, in connection with the Congregational Union of England and Wales, to supply their fellow countrymen, who have emigrated to the colonies of the British empire, with the benefits of education and religions instruction; and they confidently hope, that all the churches included in this Association, and, indeed, all the Congregational churches throughout the kingdom, will give this very important Society their efficient support."

Moved by the Rev. J. Jack, and seconded by the Rev. R. E. May.

3. "That the members of this Association most fervently hope, that any Delegates sent from the Congregational Union of England and Wales, to visit the churches of America, will be men of uncompromising integrity, who will be ever willing to co-operate with the immediate abolitionists of that country, and who will, with Christian boldness, lift up their voice, and tell the American churches and ministers of their awful crimes, in denying their coloured brethren and sisters the privilege of sitting down with them as the same Lord's table, in slave-holding and slave-dealing, and in selling and buying, as slaves, members of the church of Christ! That it is the firm conviction of this Association that the British churches should refuse to receive any Delegates from the churches of America, who refuse to lift up their voice against slavery; and that they should send an expostulation to those churches, which should roll like thunder over the waves of the Atlantic, and echo from forest to forest until every slave is free."

Moved by R. S. May, Esq., and seconded by Captain Shell,

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4. That the thanks of this meeting be presented to W. D. Wills, Esq. for his kindness in presiding on the present occasion."

The services of the day were then closed by singing and prayer. A collection was made after each service, in aid of the funds of the Associations. W. GREGORY, Secretary.

NEW CHAPELS IN THE METRO-
POLIS, &c.

On Wednesday, the 15th of June, the foundation-stone of a new Chapel in Harley-street, Bow. The ministers and other gentlemen assembled at the house of Thomas Greenough, Esq. and thence proceeded to the ground. The Rev. George Evans commenced the service by reading portions of Psalms and by prayer.

Mr. Greenough presented a statement of the principles and intentions of the gentlemen who have undertaken this erection. Thomas Wilson, Esq. of Highbury, then briefly addressed the audience, and proceded to lay the foundation-stone in due form. The Rev. John Blackburn, of Pentonville, in the absence of Dr. Morison, delivered an appropriate address; and the Rev. J. Embleton closed the service with prayer.

The population of Bow and its vicinity is computed at nearly 7000, while the several episcopal and other places of worship will accommodate more than 2000 persons.

The site is eligible, and held for a term of 100 years at a small ground rent. The building will be seventyseven feet long by fifty-two feet wide, and will be characterized by architectural simplicity, general convenience, and strict economy.

There is reason to hope, that this Chapel, when completed, will be a blessing to the increasing neighbourhood by which it is surrounded.

We have sincere pleasure to add, that the Church and congregation now meeting at White Row Chapel, Spitalfields, under the pastoral care of the Rev. H. Townley, have purchased some freehold premises in Bishopsgatestreet, north of Union-street, which are admirably adapted as the site of a new Chapel, which they propose to build in the course of the coming year, as the lease of their present ineligible place of worship expires at Lady-day

next.

As the purchase of the ground, and the erection of a spacious Chapel and school-rooms will involve a large expense, we trust that our amiable and devoted brother, Mr. Townley, will receive the liberal assistance of the Christian public.

It is with much satisfaction that we add, that the Church and congregation at Stoke Newington, under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Jefferson, have commenced a Chapel Building Fund to erect a new house of prayer in that pleasant suburban village, so interesting to nonconformists by the residence of the Abneys, Dr. Watts, and others. We hear that some very liberal contributions have been made, and that there is every reason to hope that their intentions will be realized.

NEW CHAPEL OPENED.

On Tuesday, May 31, 1836, a new Independent chapel in the village of Lee Mill Bridge, Devon, was opened for divine worship, when two sermons were preached; in the afternoon, by the Rev. G. Smith, of Plymouth, from Col. i. 27, 28; and in the evening, by the Rev. W. Hurndall, of Devenport, from Ephesians iii. 8. The attendance on both occasions was crowded, and the collections good. The chapel is a neat Gothic structure, situated in the midst of a considerable though scattered population. This is the second place of worship recently built under the auspices of the South Devon Congregational Union; the former chapel is situated at Dittescham, and was opened by sermons from the Rev. G. Smith. H. Bevis, and W. Hurndall.

NEW CHAPELS IN PROGRESS.

On Monday, the 13th June, the foundation stone of a new chapel to be erected at Gateshead, in the county of Durham, for the use of the Independent denomination, was laid by the Rev. Dr. Matheson, of Durham. The large company which had assembled, adjourned after the ceremony to the spacious chapel belonging to the Methodist new connection, where be delivered an address. In the afternoon, a numerous company of friends assembled in the school room of the same chapel at a social tea-party,

where a number of ministers of different denominations (more than twenty of whom were present,) addressed the meeting. Considerable interest was excited by the different services. The necessity for another place of worship in the Borough of Gateshead, is very great as there is not at the present time accommodation for one-fourth of the population, if disposed to attend on the ordinances of religion.

On the 25th of May the foundation stone of a new chapel, on the site of the former place of worship, was laid at Fareham, Hampshire, for the use of the Congregational Church in that town, under the pastoral care of the Rev. G. D. Mudie.

The elegant chapel at Leamington, Warwick, erected for the Rev. A. Pope and congregation, will be opened on the 21st instant.

ORDINATIONS, SETTLEMENTS, &c.

On Tuesday, May 17th, the induction of the Rev. J. W. Massie (late of Dublin) into the pastoral charge of the Congregational church assembling in Mill-street, Perth, N. B. took place. The services were highly interesting. They were introduced by the Rev. Mr. Lothian, of St. Andrews, in reading a portion of scripture and prayer; after which the Rev. W, L. Alexander, of Edinburgh, presented to the church and congregation a clear and lucid statement of congregational principles, as deduced from the Word of God; the Rev. Dr. Russell then calling on the church to signify their adherence to the call formerly given to Mr. Massie, to become their pastor, gave an opportunity to the Rev. gentleman to express publicly his acceptance of it. The Rev. Mr. Scales, of Leeds, then delivered a most impressive and affecting charge to the pastor; and the Rev. Mr. Tait, of Blairgowrie, closed the service by prayer. The Rev. Mr. Murdoch, of Anstruther, introduced the evening service by reading the scriptures and prayer; after which Dr. Russell addressed the church, and the solemn engagements closed by prayer from their pastor. Betwixt the morning and evening services the ministers and friends, with several ministers and elders of the Secession and Baptist denominations,