The forty-second anniversary of this Society was held at the Rev. T. Jackson's chapel, Stockwell, on Wednesday, March 13th. The public service commenced at eleven o'clock. After prayer by the Rev. J. Johnson, of Farnham, the Rev. E. N. Kirk, of America, delivered a spirit-stirring sermon from Ephes. iv. 1, in which Missionary operations, both at home and abroad, were strikingly pointed out as an essential part of the duty enforced in the text: and without which no Christian could be said to walk worthy of his vocation. The public meeting for business was held in the evening, the Rev. T. Jackson in the

chair. The report, which was read by the Rev. J. E. Richards, gave a very satisfactory account of the labours and success of the Society during the past year; from which, however, it appeared that the expenses of the institution, notwithstanding the relinquishment of one station, had exceeded the income by 1057., the balance due to the treasurer. The meeting was addressed by several ministers, who powerfully urged the claims of the Society; and the Committee cherish the hope that a more lively interest will be taken in its affairs by the ministers and churches of the county, especially in the vicinity of London. The results of the day were highly encouraging. The attendance was large, and the collections and donations amounted to upwards of 801.

NEW INDEPENDENT LANCASHIRE

COLLEGE.

We are glad to hear that this institution, to which we have previously directed public attention, is "progressing." We understand that in a few days it is probable that the site for the college will be fixed upon, and some of its friends wish to make it useful to the foreign, colonial, home and town Missionary societies, all of them requiring ministers of the Gospel, if it can be made mutually convenient and agreeable, as well as practically useful, in the conduct of the college. In the meantime, the friends of evangelical truth in the large towns, are pouring in their willing and cheerful contributions in a manner which clearly demonstrates the power of the "voluntary principle," when the hearts of Christian men are rightly directed to an important object of public usefulness. We hear with pleasure that in no public object whatever was the Dissenting body in this denomination ever more united in hand and heart than on the present occasion, whilst they ask one another, "Is not this a token for good?" And "a token for good" it is, whether considered philosophically or in the "light of the Gospel." We have in this project a specimen of the manner in which these Dissenters manage their affairs, which we wish to put on record. Our readers probably are not aware that whenever the present college at Blackburn shall be given up and removed to Manchester, the friends of the new college must surrender a sum of 3,0001. and upwards, 3 per cent. consols, which the piety of the late Roger Cunliffe, Esq., of Blackburn, settled upon the present institution by his will, in order to perpetuate his liberal donation of 1001. per annum, which he contributed from its first establishment to the day of his death, during which period he was the treasurer, and extended his kind

ness to the young students in acts of generous and wise benevolence, which they still gratefully remember. Attached to the place of his nativity and long residence, he appended a condition to his bequest that the annuity should cease to be payable whenever the academy left Blackburn. It became, therefore, a matter of anxious deliberation amongst its supporters whether, in the first place, they could with propriety surrender this princely bequest; but the overwhelming considerations of increased service and usefulness, as well as of local advantages to be obtained in Manchester, induced them after great deliberation to incur the risk of loss, and throw themselves upon the kind and Christian liberality of the residuary legatees to consider, whether under the new circum. stances of the case, which their late honoured relative could not foresee, the institution did not present claims on their Christian generosity, and to refer the subject entirely to the tribunal of their own feelings and principles, and a just regard to the memory of the deceased. It next became a very delicate subject of consideration how far the attachments of friends located in and about Blackburn to the academy could be met, and the union of the body be preserved in its fullest extent. These excellent persons, however, soon settled the question for themselves, and set the minds of all other parties to a great degree at rest. After the most mature and anxious deliberation, they came forward in a body, and expressed to a general meeting at Manchester, that their personal feelings must not weigh in the scale at all to prevent more extended good; that they would cheerfully sacrifice their private wishes, and join their brethren in the glorious wish as newly projected; and through Bannister Eccles, Esq., several princely offerings were presented, his own being one of the highest in amount. It is glorious to see the operation of Christian sentiment, even amongst "schismatics," as the people of Oxford call these Dissenters. It would have been a poor compliment indeed to the old academy, if there had been no local attachments formed for it; and although the statement by Mr. Eccles set all minds at rest to a certain extent, yet it did not fully settle every thing. There was still one "Mother in Israel," the widow and relict of the late Mr. Cunliffe, the partner of his cares whilst living, and the faithful representative of his sentiments since his death, and some others, to be consulted; and the deputation, consisting of the Rev. Dr. Raffles and the Treasurer, was dispatched on Thursday week to Blackburn, a day which happened to be the meeting of the Blackburn district of the County Union of Independent Churches for the spread of the Gospel. On waiting upon this meeting and

stating their object, they received from Joseph Eccles, Esq., the chairman, and other gentlemen present, the most cordial welcome, and if a doubt had existed before, none could exist for a moment longer, as to the entire and cheerful fellowship and cooperation of all present, some of whom contributed on the spot. It was, however, with mixed feelings of pain and pleasure, that the deputation heard from several gentlemen present, the expression of sentiments of regret at parting with the services of the students in the Academy House, and their valuable labours amongst the neighbouring poor, and the testimonials then given to their zeal and piety; still, however, the friends met the business of the deputation in the right way. "I never before," said one respected gentleman present, "felt pained at not being a rich man, but I do so now, because I cannot to the extent of my wishes gratify the dictates of my heart and understanding." The deputation then waited on the worthy lady before referred to, who contributed to the full extent of her ability; and what was felt to be a much greater gratification, she stated her entire approval of the projected changes. Similar calls were then made on other respected individuals, and the result of this visit and of previous interviews is, that the sum of one thousand pounds and upwards has been presented or anticipated from Blackburn and Darwen; but the exact amount cannot be given, as several individuals had not decided as to the amount of their donations. The following are the contributors, viz. :—Mrs. Cunliffe, Messrs. B. Eccles, C. Shorrock, Joseph Eccles, C. Potter, W. Eccles, H. Shaw, Richard Eccles, W. Howle, Thomas Eccles, J. M'Keand, and J. Biggar. We heartily recommend these proceedings to the imitation of the friends of an educated ministry in other towns, to which the deputation will shortly proceed.

STRETTON ON DUNSMORE.

A small chapel was opened for public worship in this village, March 19th, 1838, when the Rev. A. Pope, of Leamington, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Sibree, of Coventry, in the evening. The Rev. Messrs. Jerard, of Coventry, and Jones, of Wolston, conducted the devotional services.

HAMPTON IN ARDEN.

In this village a neat and commodious chapel was opened for Divine worship, November 28, 1838; on which occasion the Rev. Dr. Hoby, of Birmingham, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Sibree, of Coventry, in the evening. The Rev. T.

Barker, resident tutor at Spring-hill College, Birmingham, preached on the following Sabbath-day; the collections amounted to 171. The above chapel has been erected chiefly by the instrumentality of E. Simonds, Esq., (late of Dr. Raffles's church, Liverpool,) who, having built an elegant mansion for himself, erected also a house for God; an example worthy of general imitation. Since the commencement of the above undertaking, "necessity has been laid upon" the vicar to introduce the preaching of the Gospel to the parish church, by the appointment of an evangelical curate; so that both places of worship are now numerously attended; and "therein we rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."

HENLEY IN ARDEN.

On the 16th of January, 1839, a small and temporary Independent chapel was opened in this town. Sermons were preached by the Rev. A. Pope, of Leamington, and Rev. J. Sibree, of Coventry. The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Hood, Kluht, and Dunn. Rev. T. Helmore, of Stratford on Avon, preached on the following Sabbath.

CANTERBURY.

The

Guildhall-street chapel, Canterbury, was re-opened for Divine worship, December 19, 1838; on which occasion two sermons were preached that in the morning by the Rev. H. J. Bevis, of Ramsgate; and that in the evening by the Rev. A. Reed, D.D. of London. The chapel has been completely modernized, and additional accommodation provided for 200 persons. The expenses of the alterations amount to 7507., towards which about 2501. have been contributed by the church and congregation. This is one of the oldest churches in the county of Kent; and under the ministry of the Rev. H. Cresswell, the present pastor, the chapel is well filled, and the instances and prospects of usefulness are highly encouraging.

SAUNDERSFOOT.

On Wednesday, the 23rd of last May, an exceedingly neat chapel was opened at Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, a place long destitute of the means of religious instruction, and proverbial for ignorance and vice. In the morning sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Davies, Glandwn, and the Rev. D. Davies, Zion's-hill; in the afternoon, by the Rev. T. Jones, Rosemarket, and the Rev. J. Evans, Hebron ; and in the evening by the Rev. H. Davies, Barheuth, and the Rev. T. Jones, Pembroke Dock. Devotional services of the day were conducted by Revds. B. Evans, St. Florence, W. Llewellen, Begelly, B. Williams, Pembroke, and W. Thomas, Sardis, by whose indefati

VOL, XVII.

gable exertions, in conjunction with those of his son, Mr. D. Thomas, Tenby, the chapel was erected. The congregations throughout the day were very numerous, and characterised by the greatest attention and the most pleasing display of Christian feeling. The collections, considering the pecuniary circumstances of the place, are generally regarded by us as a striking proof of the efficiency of the voluntary system when applied to religious purposes.

ORDINATIONS.

On Tuesday, the 28th inst. (August, 1838,) the Rev. E. Davies, late student at Rotherham College, was ordained to the pastoral office over the Independent church worshipping at the Tabernacle chapel, Stockport. In the morning at half-past ten, the Rev. N. K. Pugsley, of Stockport, introduced the service by reading suitable portions of Scripture and prayer; the Rev. J. Turner, of Knutsford, gave a clear and candid statement of the Independent view of the nature and discipline of a Christian church; then the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Manchester, proposed to Mr. Davies the usual questions, which were answered in a concise, modest, and satisfactory manner; after which the call of the church for Mr. Davies to become their pastor, was renewed by the congregation, and publicly accepted by Mr. Davies; then (in the absence of the Rev. T. Smith, M. A., of Rotherham College, whose presence was prevented by indisposition,) the Rev. J. Adamson, of Charlesworth, proceeded to offer up the ordination prayer with the imposition of hands. The charge to the newly ordained minister was then delivered by the Rev. J. J. Carruthers, of Liverpool; this charge was founded on 2 Tim. ii. 15, and was distinguished for its evangelical tone, as well as for the affectionate and impressive manner in which it was delivered.

At the close of the service the ministers and other friends, to the number of about 70, dined together. When the table was cleared the usual interchange of sentiments took place; in the course of which, one of the Methodist ministers, in a manner highly creditable to his feelings, expressed his approbation of the charge which had just been delivered, by moving, that Mr. Carruthers be requested to publish it, which was seconded by another minister of the same connexion.

In the evening at half-past six o'clock the congregation again assembled in the chapel, when the Rev. J. Waddington, of Stockport, introduced the service, and the Rev. T. Raffles, D.D., LL.D., of Liverpool, addressed the church and congregation in his usually eloquent and powerful manner from "The household of faith," Gal. vi. 10.

The Revds. C. Baker, (Baptist) J. Bennett, of Hatherlos, and S. Heeley, of Hazel Grove, took part in the devotional exercises of the day. About 30 ministers were present, and the spacious chapel, both morning and evening, was crowded with attentive and devout congregations. The Tabernacle, we understand, is the oldest Dissenting interest in the town, having existed for nearly 150 years. It will be recollected that their late minister, the Rev. S. Ashton, died two years ago, after having presided over that cause for upwards of 30 years. We cannot but rejoice in the auspicious circumstances under which Mr. Davies appears to commence his ministry, and at the same time we congratulate the church on their wise and happy choice.

On the 31st of October, and the 1st of November, 1838, the Rev. D. Phillips, son of the Rev. T. Phillips, D.D., Neuaddhoyd, and late student of Newtown College, was ordained pastor over the Independent churches assembling at Sardis and Myddfe, Carmarthenshire, in the presence of a large and respectable audience. At 3 o'clock on the first day, at Sardis, the Rev. D. Davies, Aberayzon, introduced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; and the Rev. Messrs. E. Jones, Green-wells, D. Evans, Llanidloes, and W. Evans, Neuaddhoyd, preached from Luke x. 23, James iii. 6, and Matthew xxiv. 14.

At 6 o'clock, the Rev. Messrs. T. Lloyd, Crombarre, and J. Davies, Cromamman, preached from Romans v. 20, and John iii. 36; and at the same time, at Myddfe, the Rev. Messrs. E. Jones, Cryg-y-bar, and R.

Price, Cromllynfell, preached from Joshua xxiv. 15, and Exodus xx. 8.

On the following day, at Sardis, the Rev. J. Williams, Bethlehem St. Clairs, commenced the solemnities of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. M. Rees, Pencadair, delivered a very critical and judicious discourse on the nature of a Gospel church, from Matt. xviii. 17; he also explained the principles of dissent and the nature of church government as recognised in the Scriptures; the Rev. E. Jones, Cryg-y-bar, proposed the usual questions, which were answered in a very satisfactory and affecting manner. The Rev. T. Phillips, D.D., the young minister's father, offered the ordination prayer with such solemnity and impression as affected the whole congregation; and the Rev. D. Thomas, of Penrhywgaled, delivered a most valuable, affectionate, and impressive charge, founded on 1 Tim. iv. 6; and the Rev. D. Davies, theological tutor of Carmarthen College, preached to the people from 1 Thess. v. 25. In the afternoon, at Myddfe, appropriate discourses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. E. Rees, Bryn-Sion, J. Davies, Cronmamman, D. Evans, Llanidloes, and M. Rees, Pencadair, founded on Rev. vii. 17, Prov. vi. 6-12, Gen. iii. 9, and 2 Tim. ii. 13.

About forty ministers from the surrounding towns and villages were present. The services of both days were deeply interesting and impressive. Mr. Phillips enters upon his ministry with great diffidence and encouraging prospects. May the blessing of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls rest upon the pastor and upon his flock!

CONTINENT.

BASLE.

He

delight. His mind was most enlarged. He was affectionately attached to all sincere believers in Christ, wherever he discovered them. His influence as a literary man and a Christian writer was considerable. was of a delicate bodily constitution, and yet he laboured night and day. The weighty concerns of the Basle Missionary Society and Missionary College chiefly devolved upon him, and the work of the Lord so wonderfully prospered in his hands that more than a hundred young men went forth from that institution as labourers into the vast fields of the heathen world; and that many benighted idolaters were converted by their instrumentality from darkness to light, and from the dominion of sin and Satan to the living God. The annual income of the Basle Missionary Society

rose from a few thousand Swiss francs to seventy or eighty thousand.

Mr. Blumhardt understood and spoke the English language well, and translated several interesting English works; for instance, "Buchanan's Researches," &c., into the German language. He took the most ardent and continued interest in the prosperity of the different Missionary Societies in Great Britain, and on the Continent; and communicated, in a very able work, called "The Missionary Magazine," the most imFortant transactions of the various Missionary bodies in different parts of the world.

To him also, that beautiful passage, recorded in the 14th chapter of Revelation, may be well applied, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them."

I am, Rev. and dear Sir, Yours, with sincere Christian esteem and affection,

C. F. A. STEINKOPFF.

Savoy, March 6, 1838.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE REV. A. OSTERTAG,

One of the Tutors of the Missionary College at Basle, in Switzerland. Addressed to Dr. Steinkopff.

It is with a bleeding heart that I take up the pen to inform you of the most painful loss which our Missionary Society has sustained by the death of my dear invaluable uncle, the Rev. Thomas Blumhardt. I can scarcely think it as yet a reality: all appears to me still like a distressing dream. Our loss is incalculably great; one consideration only supports and cheers me, that the Lord liveth, the very same Lord who is called "Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

Allow me to communicate to you some particulars connected with his last illness and death. When I reached Basle on the 29th of October last, on my return from a journey to England, I perceived at the very sight of him such a decay in his earthly tabernacle, that I was filled with uneasiness and apprehension. Having received from me a full report of my proceedings in London, he introduced me to the Basle Missionary Committee, and also favoured me with his advice how I might best conduct myself in that department of labour which had been assigned to me. On Saturday, Nov. 3, I found him very weak in body, but calm and serene in his mind; and in conversing with him he seemed quite to

At

revive. But in the night, from Saturday to Sunday, he was seized with repeated attacks of spasms in the stomach and in the chest, with a degree of violence that they threatened immediate death. The conflict of nature was most severe; his pains were excessive, his cries to the Lord strong and urgent. The physicians declared his case hopeless. He himself prepared for immediate departure, took a most affecting leave of his wife and his only daughter, assured them of his unalterable love and attachment, and implored the special protection and blessing of God upon them. The only wish he expressed was, that, if consistent with the will of his heavenly Father, he might favour him with one more easy and quiet hour, in order that he might thereby be enabled to converse on some important points with an intimate friend, Mr. Spittler. I then hastened to the missionary students, entreating them to unite in prayer for the preservation of his life, or that at least the desired hour of ease might be granted to him. They immediately offered up their united and fervent prayers, indeed, all in the Missionary House, and many Christian friends in the city, wrestled with God in supplications on his behalf. nine o'clock in the evening the violence of the attack ceased: he quietly fell asleep, and slept till the next morning. We now were filled with adoring gratitude and praise. The amendment was great and rapid: he could again leave his bed, staid up for four or six hours, was all serenity and peace, and indulged the pleasing hope, that the ensu ing spring might, under the blessing of God, complete his recovery. But the allwise Disposer of events was pleased to ordain it differently. A relapse came on a fortnight after of a most violent nature, which exhausted his remaining strength; though suffering most acutely from bodily pain and oppression, his understanding remained clear, his mind tranquil, his soul cheerful, and perfectly resigned to the will of God. Even after this relapse some intervals of ease occurred, which somewhat revived our sinking hopes. But in the night from the 17th to the 18th his weakness increased to so alarming a degree, that he sent for a friend, and communicated to him his wishes relative to several arrangements to be made both previous to and after his departure. At seven in the morning I came to him. "I feel myself," he said, "a dying man. but as to the great concern of the salvation of my soul, all is in order. I am cleansed by the blood of the atonement. To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

He then desired me to request his physicians, that they might in his presence candidly communicate their view of his state.