presents himself to the public. The ground he occupies is almost entirely new. And his reasonings, which are calm, deliberate, and manly, with his deductions, which are sound and conclusive, are entitled, especially at the present crisis, to the grave consideration of both Churchmen and Dissenters. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. By Robert Fleming. 18mo. pp. x. 358. London: Religious Tract Society. THIS is a reprint of an old work from the press of the Religious Tract Society, whose labours in this department cannot be too highly estimated. From its well known character it stands in no need of commendation. We must, however, say, that it is well calculated to carry conviction of the truth of Christianity to the mind of the most sceptical, and should be read by every one who would have his faith confirmed in the sublime doctrines and substantial verities of our holy religion. Mount Pisgah; or a Prospect of Heaven. By Thomas Case, some time Student of Christ College, Oxon., and Minister of the Gospel, 1660. 18mo. London: Religious Tract Society. THIS little volume will be found a suitable moral anodyne to the afflicted and bereaved. It is rich in consolation to all who can lay claim to the character which it so distinctly delineates. The Return to Faith, exemplified in the Life of William Köellner, a German Protestant Divine. Written by Himself. From the German, by Samuel Jackson. 12mo. pp. 304 Jackson and Walford, London. THE blasting influence of neology, that false system of religion which is so widely spread in Germany, cannot be too deeply lamented. It is refreshing to find a few ouly like the subject of this memoir, rescued from the snare, and led into the true knowledge and enjoyment of divine truth. The narrative of Mr. Köellner is deeply interesting, both on account of the conflicts of his own mind, and the seasonable interposition of Providence for the supply of his wants. He lived at a time when war diffused its miseries and calamities over his native country, yet the losses and privations which he suffered, led him to the original source of all genuine consolation. In reading this piece of auto-biography, every one must be struck with the artless simplicity and glowing devotion of the writer; and the humble Christian will find much to edify and encourage him in the service of his Lord and Master. African Light, thrown on a Selection of The History of Joseph. By W. Mason, Esq., Author of a Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God, &c. &c. &c., with a Memoir of the Life of the Author. 18m. pp. xx. 150. London: J. Paul, Paternoster-row. Allan Gilbert's Last Birth Day. By the Author of "My Grandfather Gregory," &c. &c. 18mo. pp. 144. London: Ward and Co. The Second Part of the History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia. By the Author of Conversations on the Life of Christ," &c. &c. 18mo. pp. x., 68. London B. Fellows, 1835. The Well-spent Hour, a Tale. Reprinted from the American edition; and revised by the Rev. S. Wood, B.A. 18m2. Pp. 146. London: Simpkin and Marshall. THESE are valuable additions to our juvenile libraries; and from their attractive style, moral sentiments, and practical lessons, we hesitate not to give them our unfeigned recommendation. They contain some pure and lovely gems. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. WORKS AT PRESS OR IN PROGRESS. The Doctrine of Sin and the Propitiater; or the true Consecration of the Donbter, explained in the Correspondence of two Friends. By the Rev. Francis Augustus Tholock, D.D., &c. &c. Professor of Divinity in the University of Hale. Translated from the Gerinan by Jonathan F4wards Ryland. With a Preface by John Pye Smith, D.D. In one cabinet volume. A Memoir of the Life and Writings of John Albert Bengel, Prelate in Wurtembarg. Com posed principally from Manuscript Doerments, By the very Rev. Dean Burk, Great Grandson of Bengel. Translated from the German by the Rev. Robert Francis Walker, A.M., Curace of Parleigh, Essex, and late Chaplain of New Colleg, Oxford. One vol. 8vo. The Philanthropist; or Selfishmess and Benevo lence illustrated; a Tale. By a Lady. TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL DISSENTERS. Sydney, N. S. Wales, Dec. 17, 1834. GENTLEMEN,-In the month of July last, my esteemed friend and brother, the Rev. Frederick Miller, of Hobart Town, who was then on a visit to Sydney, addressed you with a view of calling the attention of the "Congregational Union" to these colonies, as a field for religious exertions of peculiar promise, and more especially with regard to the principles which distinguish our own particular denomination. My object in writing to you, on the present occasion, is the same. But as many of Mr. Miller's remarks apply equally well to the circumstances of both colonies, it is unnecessary for me to repeat them. I shall, therefore, in the observations with which I may trouble you, refer to matters which Mr. Miller's letter does not embrace, and in relation especially to the colony of New South Wales, in which God, in his providence, has stationed me. Before, however, I advert to these, I would observe, that I fully and cordially agree with Mr. M. in the views he has expressed in his letter; and although I cannot speak decidedly as to particular localities in Van Dieman's Land, to which he has referred-never having visited them-yet from having touched at Hobart Town, on my way to Sydney, and from having had subsequent opportunities of judging of the state of things in that colony, I am disposed to think that the views he has taken of its circumstances and wants are fully to be relied on. I have now been engaged in the ministry of the gospel in Sydney for a period of nearly two years. During the greater part of this time my attention has been so engrossed by the N. S. No. 141. circumstances of my inmediate sphere of labour, that I have been entirely unable to direct my thoughts-at least to any practical purpose-to other parts of the colony. I have, however, been endeavouring to gain information as to the claims of particular parts of it, both by observation and enquiry; and have long and attentively been engaged in considering the plan best to be adopted to meet those claims. The result has been a determination to apply to the "Congregational Union," to secure, if possible, its co-operation and assistance. The population of New South Wales is said, in the last census, to be rather more than 60,000 persons: it is generally estimated, however, much higher; say 80.000. Of this number a great proportion are located in towns, while the rest are scattered over a large extent of country, so as to be beyond the reach of the present means of religious instruction. The inhabitants of the towns are, as might be expected, more privileged in this respect than those in the interior. But, in order to give you an idea of the supply of religious means, even to them, I will instance for the purpose, the three principal towns of the colony. Sydney has a population of 18,000; but with all the places of public worship-Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Baptist, and Independent-there is not accommodation for more than one-fourth of its inhabitants; and many, if not most of them, are not filled to a third of their capacity. The town of Parramatta has a population of about 4,000: it contains one Episcopal church and one Wesleyan chapel; excepting the troops, convicts, children from an orphan school, and from the "King's School," not more, I am credibly informed, than twenty of the inhabitants attend at the church; while at the Wesleyan chapel there cannot be more than 120. The town of Maitland has a population of nearly 2,000: there is an Episcopal church in course of erec4 G tion in it, to which a clergyman has lately proceeded; a Presbyterian minister is also expected to proceed there shortly; but perhaps I shall not err from the truth if I say, that not onesixth of the inhabitants will be brought under the sound of the gospel by the ministry of both. And I am now charitably supposing that the truth, as it is in Jesus, will be preached by both. I have thus adverted to the state of the towns the best supplied with the means of grace, which are seen to be lamentably wanting in them. The moral and religious condition of the inhabitants of the interior, however, is such as to make oue sicken to con template it I do not exaggerate when I say, that to many religious ordinances are known only as matters of history. It has been triumphantly boasted by the sceptic, that the Sabbath has only reached to a short distance in the interior. Men are accordingly seen to pass their time apparently reckless of all their obligations both to God and man. Sensuality and vice of every kind are exhibited to a degree which would degrade still lower some Pagan nations already beyond measure infamous on account of them. Nor is this state of things confined to the interior: it is exhibited also in the towns of the colony, although perhaps not in a form so palpable and gross; and this description applies, not to men of another nation, but to those who are bone of your bone, and flesh of your flesh." Shall they ask in vain, therefore, "Come over and help us?" Let humanity forbid it! Let patriotism forbid it! Let the love of God forbid it! Were it not, Gentlemen, that I might prove tedious to you, I could adduce illustrations of the preceding remarks which would make them tell with a tenfold force. This, however, is unnecessary. I am speaking to Christian brethren and to Christian ministers-to men who can feel for the religious wants of others, and who know how, as I hope it will appear, to employ means for their benefit. I would, therefore, briefly advert to circumstances which make it appear of great importance that something should be done for the inhabitants of this colony by Christians of our own denomination in England. I can most sincerely say, that I rejoice in the good accomplished by other religious bodies in the service of our common Lord. But, believing as I do, that the principles we profess are particularly adapted in their operation to promote the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, I must naturally feel concerned that those principles should be brought to bear in all their strength on the wants of a community like this. And there are, I think, peculiar facilities afforded for their operation by the relative position of religious bodies in the colony, and by the state of public opinion with regard to them. You are probably aware, that until very recently one seventh of the land of the whole colony was appropriated to the support of the Church Establishment. Within the last few years, however, Government has passed an Act, by which the Church Corporation has been abolished, and the management of its affairs transferred to their own hands. The consequence has been, that the Church of England, from standing proudly pre-eminent through her endowments, has been reduced to nearly the same level with all other religious denominations; for, although it is still the predominant sect, its power and influence have been materially diminished. Now, if in England the influence of the Establishment is found so seriously to retard the progress of divine truth, through her alliance with the civil power, what must be the facilities afforded for its advancement in a country like this, where such an alliance has been in a great measure broken? It is a favourable circumstance, moreover, that public opinion is decidedly against the patronage of one religious body in preference to another. In a conversation I lately had with the Governor on the subject, he observed, that he thought all sects should support themselves, or be equally supported. It will be seen, therefore, from what has been said, that there is ample scope for the exercise of "the voluntary principle" in New South Wales, and that circumstances combine to fayour its operation. I would now beg to refer to the church over which I am placed, the first, and at present, the only Independent church in the colony, which may serve to show, in some measure, the prospect of success which presents itself for others which may hereafter be formed. The church of which I am pastor, was formed in the month of May, 1833, of twelve persons who had been members of Independent churches in England, and some of whom had been missionaries in the South Sea Islands. It now consists of about thirty members, to which we have the prospect of several additions. Our chapel is capable of containing about 400 persons, without galleries; should these be erected, which we hope will soon be the case, it will accommodate nearly 700 persons. There is, however, at present, a debt upon it of £600; the interest of which, at ten per cent., proves a very serious inconvenience to us, and tends most materially to fetter our exertions. But that some idea may be formed of what has been already accomplished, I would observe, that since the chapel has been opened, a period of nearly two years, more than £1000 has been collected, making a total of about £1800 from the commencement of the undertaking till the present moment. Now, when it is considered that all the other denominations in Sydney, our Baptist brethren not excepted, have received government assistance, in grants of lands or otherwise, and that the Presbyterians and Catholics, as well as the Episcopalians, are in receipt of regular stipends for their ministers from the Colonial Treasury, while we have had to depend solely on "the voluntary principle," there will appear to be quite enough in the circumstances of New South Wales to encourage its advocates to rely upon its efficiency. But while I say this, I must express my conviction, that without the assistance of our brethren in England, opportunities which now present themselves peculiarly favourable for bringing it into operation in the colony will escape us. importance of immediate and decided effort is manifest from these circumstances; but what makes it appear still more evident is, the rate at which the colony is advancing in population The and wealth. When this is also considered, and that what may be done in the infancy of Australia will have the most decided influence in determining her future character, more, I trust, need not be said on the matter. I do hope and pray that the request I have thus made of the Congregational Union will meet with their particular and favourable attention. Should any additional information be required, I should be happy to furnish it, and should any previous arrangements be necessary before my request can be complied with, I shall be happy to assist in making them; and I pledge myself to make an annual collection towards the funds of the " Union," and to further its designs every way in my power. I am, Gentlemen, very affectionately and faithfully yours, In the bonds of the gospel, March 3, 1835. WM. JARRETT. CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL. The half-yearly examination of the boys in this establishment, took place at Lewisham, June 30, Rev. Dr. Halley, in the chair. Nearly the whole day was occupied with the various exercises of the pupils; and the following Report has been addressed to the Committee. "Having at your request attended the examination of the boys in the Congregational School, I have the pleasure of expressing my very decided and favourable opinion of the state of that valuable institution. The reading of the scholars in the classical department, evinced the care and minute attention which they had received from their Instructor. The pupils are generally well instructed in the elements of classical learning. The examination also comprised a long and interesting course of English, grammar, geography, and sacred history; in all which the boys, by the readiness and correctness of their answers, proved the value of the tuition under which they are placed. "I beg also to congratulate the committee and friends of the Institution, upon the success of their new arrangements. The improvement in the general appearance and comforts of the pupils, excited general com The Congregational Church in this town was formed in the spring of 1828,* and in the summer of the same year the Rev. Alfred Pope, from Highbury College, was ordained its pastor. Under the Great Head of the Church, his labours have been blessed by steadily increasing numbers, both in members and general attendants. Many have been converted to God, and have joined themselves to the Church; and others have left this beautiful watering place, where they were seeking health or recreation, having here partaken "of that water of which if a man drink, he shall never thirst." Peace and unanimity has been preserved in no ordinary degree, and to that circumstance, in connection with the faithful and scriptural preaching of the minister, and his self-denying attention to his pastoral relations, are to be attributed, The chapel in Clemens Street was built in 1816, and up to Christmas, 1827, the liturgic service was used. At that time the congregation vacated it, when it was closed for a short period, but soon afterwards opened as stated above. under the Holy Spirit, that prosperity which is now enjoyed. In the early part of last year, the congregation had so much increased that an enlargement was rendered necessary. The old Chapel, in Clemens Street, which seated under 500 persons, stood upon leasehold ground. It was deemed undesirable by the minister and friends to expend more money upon such property; and in this view they were sanctioned by many whose opinions they anxiously sought. Amongst the latter should be named Thomas Wilson, Esq. and the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, both of whom had previously befriended the cause, and the former came forward with a dona tion of one hundred pounds towards a new erection, upon freehold land. They were much encouraged also by the prospect of the sale of the old Chapel; and this has since been effected, and produced nearly £1000. A plot of eligible ground sufficient for a chapel and a large burying ground was purchased, and the foundation stone was laid on the 21st of September, by the Rev. J. A. James. The erection has been happily completed: and "we must," says the Leamington Chronicle, be permitted to congratulate the inhabitants of Leamington in the acquisition of another public building, simple yet elegant in design; and from its situation forming a great ornament to the town." Its dimensions in the inside fifty-one by seventyeight feet. The body of the Chapel seats 600, the galleries 470, and an upper gallery over the vestibule and staircases for the Sunday-school, 200. Thus most conveniently accommodating 1270 persons. The front consists of a portico of four Ionic columns placed on a deep plinth. Underneath, in two-thirds of the excavation, are spacious and substantial vaults for burials, and the remaining third is a school-room, twenty-five by fifty-one feet. On the 21st ult., the first services were held. The Rev. Thomas Helmore, of Stratford, read suitable portions of scripture, and offered up the dedicatory prayer. The Rev. J. A. James preached from 1 Corinthians i. 18. The discourse was a masterly exposition of the doctrine of the cross, set forth with all that elo |