late of Coward's College, ministers in holy things, in this interesting sphere.

In the evening, public worship was again resumed, when the Rev. John Jukes, of Yeovil, preached from Acts x. 44, and following verses. The Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Norton, and the Rev. W. Coombes, of Stowey, conducted the devotional parts of the service.

There were upwards of twenty ministers present, and the services were unusually well attended. The happiest feeling pervaded the meeting, and it is hoped, the brethren returned to their spheres of labour to prosecute with greater energy than ever, the important work to which they are devoted.

RECOGNITION.

The public recognition of the Rev. James Mirams, formerly Missionary in Berbice, as pastor of the Independent church and congregation at Esher-street Chapel, Kennington, took place on Wednesday, the 7th of November, 1838. The Rev. William Jarrett, late of Sydney, New South Wales, commenced the morning service by reading and prayer; the Rev. O. T. Dobbin, B.A., of Arundel, delivered a lucid and elaborate discourse in exposition and defence of Congregational principles. The usual questions to the church and pastor were proposed by the Rev. T. Jackson, of Stockwell; the Rev. Dr. Henderson, of Highbury College, (Mr. Mirams's Tutor,) offered the recognition prayer; the Rev. G. Clayton gave a faithful and affectionate charge to the minister; and the Rev. E. Davis, (Baptist,) of Lambeth, concluded. In the evening, the Rev. H. Richards, of Marlborough Chapel, introduced the service; the Rev. Thomas Binney preached to the church and congregation, explaining and enforcing their obligations as "fellow-helpers to the truth;" and the Rev. C. J. Hyatt, of Shadwell, concluded. The services of the day were of a highly interesting character, and it is hoped their influence will be permanently and extensively beneficial.

CHISWICK, MIDDLESEX.

A few years since the committee of the London Itinerant Society were led to make inquiries into the spiritual necessities of the inhabitants of this Parish, (which contains about five thousand souls,) which they found to be very great, and aided by a few friends, they hired some buildings, which they converted into a chapel with Sunday-schools, for which the annual rent of 131. is paid. In this chapel (which will accommodate about two hundred persons) the word of salva

tion has been regularly proclaimed by many kind and faithful ministers of Christ, with some measure of success-several persons have been brought to a knowledge of the truth-a church has been formed, as well as a Sabbath-school collected; yet after a lapse of some years, the measure of success was by no means equal to the desires and prayers of those who felt an interest in the place, and at times their fears were great as to the result; but at length it has pleased the kind Author of all good to cause a brighter day to dawn upon the village. In August, 1838, the Rev. Edward Miller, (who had been obliged from ill health to relinquish his duties elsewhere.) visited the place, and urged by the affectionate invitations of the church and congregation, he supplied the pulpit for three months, with such acceptance and success, as led to an entreaty that he would continue with the people; to which he consented, and was recognized as their pastor in December last. The congregation continued so to increase, that it was with difficulty the hearers could be accommodated in the winter, (when the largest company always assemble), although every part of the building has been filled with pews or benches, many of which are free for the use of the labouring classes; and it is utterly impossible to enlarge or improve the premises, from their dilapidated and unsafe condition, in addition to which the lease has but a short time to run. Under these circumstances, and having the prospect of an increased congregation, the minister and friends feel it to be their duty to appeal to those who love the Redeemer, and are concerned for the prosperity of Zion, to aid them in making provision for the erection of a suitable building in which to conduct the worship of God, and accommodate the many who are desirous of serving him in the house of prayer. They have no thought of commencing a new chapel until they find themselves in possession of such a sum as would justify the attempt, and to accomplish this purpose they mean to use every effort among themselves, while they hope to be greatly assisted in so good a work by those to whom God has given the power of helping forward his cause in the world; and as the means of grace are lamentably deficient in this village, when compared with the dense population, it is hoped that this appeal will not be made in vain.

Subscriptions will be thankfully received by the Rev. E. Miller, Chiswick; Mr. Hindley, Turnham-green-terrace, or 32, Berners-street, London; Mr. G. Deane, King William-street, London-bridge; Mr. Robert Millar, Hammersmith and the names of persons who may be willing to

assist the fund, when the building is actually commenced, will be gratefully received.

The subscriptions promised amount to a large part of 150%.

NEW CHAPEL, MARLOW.

On Tuesday, the 9th of July, the first stone of a new chapel, called Salem Chapel, capable of containing about five hundred persons, was laid in this town, by the Rev. John Burnet, of Camberwell. Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, there was a large attendance. The Rev. Thomas Styles, who has been many years pastor of the Independent chapel at Marlow, commenced the interesting solemnity, by giving out that appropriate composition of Dr. Watts,

"Behold the sure foundation stone
Which God in Zion lays," &c.

This having been sung, suitable portions of Scripture were then read, and a solemn and impressive prayer presented. The Rev. Mr. Burnet now proceeded to lay the stone, and the address which he delivered will not soon be forgotten by the multitude assembled.

It was first intended to connect two addresses with the ceremony, but afterwards deemed more desirable to retire to a spacious tent prepared for the occasion. Here the same spirit was revived which had been enkindled at the ground. Alternate addresses and singing, gladdening and inspiring a large company of friends, all of whom appeared richly to participate the hallowed luxury of doing good.

MIDDLESBOROUGH.

On Thursday, March 7th, the new Independent Chapel, at Middlesborough, Yorkshire, was dedicated to the worship of God. The Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, preached morning and evening, and the Rev. John Cass Potter, of Whitby, in the afternoon. The Revs. B. Longley, W. Hague, W. Hinmers, Christie, and G. Swann, took part in the solemn services.

Notwithstanding the very unusual severity of the weather, the congregations were large; numbers of rejoicing friends flocked from a distance, to join in the worship of the first Congregational sanctuary in this populous and rapidly rising town; and the impression on the minds of all present, was, that God had here opened "a great door and effectual," for the preaching of the gospel.

NOTICES.

The Rev. D. Davies, late of Rotherham College, has accepted a unanimous invita. tion to succeed the Rev. J. Savage, as pastor of the Congregational church, at Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and entered upon his labours on the 23rd of June.

The Rev. William Colville, of Rother. ham College, has accepted a unanimous invitation to succeed the late Rev. James Wall, as pastor of the Congregational church, Middleton, Derbyshire, and enters on his labours the first Sabbath in August.

ORDINATION AND ASSOCIATION,
Dorsetshire.

On Wednesday, the 28th of August, the Rev. George Jones will (D.v.) be ordained at Lyme Regis, over the Congregational church in that town. The Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith, of Homerton, has engaged to take a leading part on that occasion.

The ministers and churches of the county are hereby reminded, that the Autumnal Association will be held at the same time and place.

ORDINATIONS.

On Thursday, April 5, 1839, the Rev. G. J. Tubbs, late of Highbury College, London, was ordained to the pastoral office over the Independent church, in Warminster, Wilts. The Rev. C. M. Birrell, of Liverpool, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. Richard Elliott, of Devizes, proposed the usual questions; the Rev. William Gear, of Bradford, offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; the Rev. Dr. Henderson, Theolcgical Professor of Highbury College, addressed the minister, on the duties and responsibilities of his office. In the evening, the Rev. John Barfit, of Salisbury, preached to the people. The Rev. Messrs. Harris, of Westbury, Jupp, of Melksham, Mann, of Trowbridge, and Trevor, of Wilton, conducted the devotional exercises of the day. The congregations were very nu merous, and the services exceedingly interesting and deeply impressive.

Mr. Tubbs received a unanimous invitation from the church and congregation in the spring of last year, and entered on his pastoral duties on the 24th of June, since which period the congregation has greatly increased.

MISSIONARY ORDINATIONS.

On the 25th of April, 1833, the Rev. Janes Legge, A.M., of King's College, Aberdeen, and of Highbury College, London, was ordained as a Missionary to Malacca, at Dr. Morison's Chapel, Brompton. The Rev. W. Legge, A.M., of Reading, commenced the service by reading portions of Scripture and solemn prayer; the Rev. George Legge, A.M., of Leicester, delivered a most impressive introductory discourse, from the words of the Saviour, "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me;" the Rev. Robert Philip proposed the usual questions, to which the young missionary replied in a manner deeply affecting to the auditory; the ordination prayer was offered up, with imposition of hands, by the Rev. Professor Kidd; the charge was given by the Rev. Dr. Morison, from the words of Paul, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;" the congregation was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, from Heb. x. 24, "Let us consider one another, to provoke to love and to good works;" the hymns were read by the Rev. Messrs. E. A. Dunn, R. H. Shepherd, R. Milne, J. Cumming, and Dr. Vaughan.

The interest excited by the service was so intense, that hundreds, it is supposed, retired without being able to gain admission into the place of worship. The rela tion of Mr. Legge to the family of Dr. Morison, and the presence of his brother, doubtless contributed to enhance the solemnity of the occasion.

On Friday, the 19th of July, the Rev. William Milne, A.M., eldest son of the late Dr. Milne, founder and president of the Anglo-Chinese College, at Malacca, was ordained as a missionary to Canton, at the chapel of the Rev. Dr. Reed. The opening prayer was offered up by the Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary to the London Missionary Society; the introductory discourse, which pointed out the adaptation of the gospel to the whole human race, and urged the duty of all who enbrace it to difuse it anong the nations, was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Fletcher; the questions, which were answered by Mr. Milae in a deeply interesting manner, proposed by the Rev. Robert Philip; the ordination prayer, which was accom

were

panied with imposition of hands, was presented by the Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith, Mr. Milne's tutor; the charge, which was founded on the apostolic commission, was given by Dr. Reed, with whose church Mr. Milne has been connected for some years; the concluding prayer was offered up by the Rev. Dr. J. Morison; and the hymns were read by Messrs. J. Fletcher, A. Reed, R. Milne, and others.

The place of worship was greatly crowded, and the solemnity of the service was much increased by the fact, that Mr. Milae and his associates, Mr. Legge and Dr. Hobson were on the eve of embarkation to their destined spheres of labour.

INDIA.

PRESENT STATE OF BRITISH CONNEXION WITH JUGGERNAUT'S TEMPLE.

The following over-land communication from the Rev. C. Lacey, at the temple of Juggernaut in Orissa, contains some very important information respecting the repeal of the Pilgrim Tax, and the discontinuance of much of the connexion which has long subsisted between the British Government and the Temple.

"Poree, April 28th, 1839. "MY DEAR BROTHER,- We received your joint letter a few days ago, but I have before mentioned to you, that I am no friend to joint letters, and shall not look for more of them henceforth. I am at Poree for the sake of accompanying my dear boy, and before the day on which he arrived had closed, his pulse had come down from 110 to 84; he is, thank God, much better, and I hope will do well. The Temple still rears its lofty turrets to the skies, as if to defy the Godhead, and mock the prayers and expectations of his servants; its long shadow still covers the land, producing moral pollution, fitting millions for woe, and spreading on every hand disease and destitution, pestilence and death. But I have to tell you that one effectual step towards its doom is taken! is taken! I hear the shout of exultation sound from place to place, and from land to land! I see angels hovering over the doomed embattlements, and waile tears roll from their eyes at the dark, the destructive, historic retrospect of the place, rendered tenfold more dark and destructive by the guilty associa

tions of Christians; I see them talk over, with eyes glistening satisfaction, that the tower has begun to fall, anticipating the time when Immanuel's sceptre shall wave over this fair and populous land.

"But waving what I see and feel, let me tell you that orders have been received by the Commissioner, A. M. Mills, Esq., from the supreme Government, that the Pilgrim Tax is to be immediately and entirely abolished! When, therefore you get this, which will be about two months hence, you may think that the Pilgrims are passing in free, to the Ruth festival, and that I am preaching and distributing tracts without having it said, 'If Juggernaut be not true, why do your Government take a tax of his Pilgrims and support him in all this glory?' But I must explain particulars,—

"These are the particulars, so far as they are known here, to those who are most acquainted with the subject.

"The last clause, you will say, mars the whole, a double shame; still the repeal will do good, and this stain must be wiped off. It has begun to move, to move to die; and certainly the Government never can support idolatry by grants of this description. I suspect they have adopted it to retire with grace, and that it will be withdrawn soon. I have much more to say, but have not time

nor room.

"The Orissa Christians have obtained their families, but not their property! I am locating them at Khundita, on the banks of the Kursea river. Will send you a letter from Gunga soon.

"Yours affectionately,
"C. LACEY."

The receipt of this intelligence from India will be grateful to myriads. It is to

be regretted that the British Government did not at once and for ever discontinue all connexion with the infamous temple of Juggernaut; it has done well, but it might and should have done better."What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?"-The province of Orissa was subjected to the British Government in 1803, and "Possession," says Hamilton, "was taken of the town and temple of Poree by the British, Sept. 18th-the sacred will of the idol having been first ascer tained through the medium of the officiating priest!" What a farce! A British army at the gate of Juggernaut's city would soon settle the question of entrance. No British superintendence of the temple existed till January 1806, and hence there is no plea for giving 5,000l. per annum to support this popular idol. The income of the temple lands at Koord, now taken by the Government, is stated at 26,818 rupees per annum, and the grant by it to the temple in 1816, was 56,000 rupees. Christianity does not require our Government to rob heathen temples of their endowed property. It says in reference to a thousand evils,-"Touch not, taste not, handle not." Let the professedly Christian Government of India return the proceeds of Jugger. naut's endowed lands, and retire from all connexion with idolatry and its polluting and deadly rites and pilgrimages. "Let them alone." It is pleasing to hear from the Chairman of the Hon. Court of Directors, that "the tax is done away at Allahabad, and that measures are in progress to abolish it at Gyah and Juggernaut." Bri tish connexion with idolatry, is an evil of great extent and atrocity in India; let not the friends of our common Christianity rest till it be entirely removed. The state of native converts to Christianity in India, being deprived of their property, loudly calls for redress from the enlightened rulers of British India. Let this subject be pressed upon their attention,-liberty of conscience should be enjoyed throughout the British empire. J. PEGGS.

1. Numerous and formidable impediments have been removed.

Ignorance of the field, and of the nature of the work, have given way to knowledge and experience. An entrance and location among various strange nations, have been effected. The difficulties of many languages are overcome. Several missionaries have attained, not merely a trader's fluency in the native tongues, but that minute and critical knowledge which is necessary to become authors, and to preach with advantage. Prejudices against Christianity have been overcome, in many places. In some, the spirit of indifference has given way to a spirit of inquiry; and confidence in the missionary, and respect for the purity of his principles, have been created. Most

missionaries who now go out, find brethren to welcome them, houses for their reception, and other facilities, which do away no small amount of suffering, mistake, and delay. Had all our money effected only these preliminaries, it would not have been ill spent.

2. A great body of missionaries and native preachers are in actual service.

The reports of some societies do not distinguish between missionaries and assistants, printers, &c., so that it is not possible to state the precise number of each. It will not be far from the truth to say that there are are one thousand ordained missionaries, fifty printers, three hundred schoolmasters and assistants, and some hundred native preachers.

Of the ordained missionaries there are in Africa one hundred and twenty eight; other regions adjacent to the Mediterranean, fiftythree; Farther India, one hundred and sixty-eight; Ceylon, twenty-eight; Indian Archipelago, Australia, &c., eighty-one ; West Indies, two hundred and three; North American Indians, one hundred and eighteen. To send out one thousand missionaries, and three hundred and fifty printers, schoolmasters, &c., with their wives, at an average of 60. for passage, and 401. for outfit, has cost 260,0007., to say nothing of the expense of their education and the cost of the native assistants, the labour of committees, correspondence, &c. in discovering, examining, preparing, and sending forth, this body of labourers, can only be appreciated by those who have been engaged in such services. A large proportion of these persons has been in the field long enough to develop their character, and prove their suitableness. Here is, then, another item sufficient of itself to reward all our exertions.

3. The Word of God, in whole or in part, has been translated by modern missionaries into nearly a hundred languages.

We ought to look steadily at this fact, till its difficulties, magnitude, and importance, are in some sort perceived. These translations in many cases, have been made from the original tongues, with vast pains in collating versions, and after extensive reading in the sacred writings of the natives, to gather suitable words, true idioms, and general propriety.

Some of these versions have been printed in successive editions, each revised with a labour equal to that of the first translation.

In several cases, different and independent translations have been made into the same language; thus furnishing multiplied materials for ultimately forming a satisfactory and established version.

These versions embrace the languages of more than half the human family; and some of them are among the most difficult in the world.

4. A considerable number of languages have been reduced to writing.

Strange sounds have been caught, orthography settled, parts of speech separated, and modes of construction determined. In doing this, it has been necessary to go into wearisome and perplexing examinations of native utterance; to collect, without helps, all the words of whole languages; and to study deeply the whole system of universal grammar, or structures of language in general.

For some of these languages characters have been invented, in whole or in part. In most of them a considerable number of the people have been already taught to read, and an introduction is thus made to the increase of books, elevation of intellect, and extension of Christianity.

5. Missionaries have given to the heathen nearly all the useful literature they now enjoy.

With a few exceptions, they have been the introducers of the art of printing into all the pagan nations where it now exists. Even in Hindustan, there had never been a book printed, in any of her numerous languages, (except a Bengalee grammar, and one or two other works by the late Dr. Wilkins,) till the Baptist missionaries gave them the boon.

It is not necessary to give specifications, to elucidate or amplify this argument. Every literary man, and every reader of missionary intelligence, will at once think of various countries, where the facts exist, on which it is founded; and will perceive that this fruit of misssions, though not directly evangelical, is highly important.*

Our own biblical literature owes much to the researches of missionaries, not only for important illustrations from manners, customs, natural history, &c., but for criticism. See, on the last point,