LONDON.

MEETINGS FOR THE REVIVAL OF

RELIGION.

WE have been much gratified to find, that protracted meetings, with a view to the revival of religion in the churches, have been held, during the months of December and January, at the places of worship of Messrs. Sherman, Morris, G. Clayton, Tidmau, Townley, Binney, Dunn, Shepherd, Dr. Morison, Dr. Reed, and others. The spirit of prayer, union, and love, appears to have descended, in a remarkable manner, on ministers and people; and not a few souls have been awakened to concern about their eternal interests. It was our great privilege to mingle in several of the meetings, and we can truly say, that the greatest solemnity and sobriety of feeling prevailed. May the Holy Spirit descend on the pastors and churches, that Pentecostal seasons of grace may rest on all the dwelling-places of Mount Zion. Such meetings tend in no ordinary degree, to concentrate the energies of Christ's ministers, and to promote zeal, sympathy, and love among different sections of the church of Christ.

INCREASED SALE OF THE EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE.

We should hold ourselves to be very ungrateful, if we did not offer to our ministerial brethren and their congregations, in town and country, our warmest acknowledgments for their kind and energetic response to our late circular, suggesting the propriety of attempting to augment the circulation of our long established periodical, with a view mainly to the increased benefit of the widows of pious ministers, of various religious denominations. The sale of the Magazine has already risen from thirteen thousand to between fourteen and fifteen thousand; and we have reason to believe, that the full amount of the increase has not yet been ascertained. May we be forgiven, if we still entreat our friends, both ministers and private Christians, to keep the subject before the public mind, till we shall be able to say that the sale has reached twenty thousand. Can the churches better promote their own prosperity than by increasing the number of those who ponder the intelligence contained in our pages from month to month? We think not.

For the Evangelical Magazine.

In calling the attention of the readers of the Evangelical Magazine to a political matter, I think I need not stop to refute the notion, that a Christian should not be a politician. A Christian must be a politician, though he need not be a party man. The subject I introduce, is one having no party character, but it is one, I think, bearing strongly on religion and morals. I mean cheap postage.

It is not my intention to enter into the details of Mr. Hill's plan for reducing the postage of all letters to a penny; nor into the calculations, which have produced in my mind the conviction that the revenue is not likely to suffer severely; nor into the immense commercial advantages of the plan. These points are ably discussed in the newspapers of the day. I take higher ground, and I say, that the plan is one which in a moral and religious point of view, has the strongest claims on the attention of Christians.

1. Moral effect on the poor. The present high postage acts really as an embargo on all correspondence among the poor. I wish your readers would ask the post-masters of their districts, how often it happens that letters lie for days or weeks, at the post-office, because the poor cannot raise enough to liberate them. We sometimes give the poor little credit for warmth of feeling, but we forget how much there is every way to repress it! A son goes out into a situation in one town; a daughter into service in another; a husband goes away in search of work: they might almost as well go the antipodes: the son cannot afford to pay his letter home, and he knows his mother cannot pay for it; and, at last, affection begins to languish; it is well if it do not quite fail. How little can we enter into the feelings of the poor in cases like

these! Every poor person going from home becomes at once an isolated being, cast off, without any external check, to the tossings of his own passions. Let us remember, that the poor have not the means which we employ, too widely, of evading the law, and thus cherishing affection at the expense of sound morality.

2. Intellectual effect on the poor. Cheap postage will be a great friend to education. The poor, now, set very little value on the art of writing, and if they learn it when young, perhaps do not use it once in a year, or perhaps, totally forget it. But letter-writing, also, tends much to expand the faculties. The limited reading of the poor requires little mental effort, but writing and composing are exercises requiring thought and attention, and, I think, there is no doubt that their tendency will be far more to expand the intellectual powers. Soldiers receive and send all letters for a penny each, and evidence has been given of their eagerness to write, and to learn to write that they may send home their letters; and also, the fact has been established, that those who write most are the best men. Common soldiers receive and send from seven to ten times more letters than poor people in general.

3. Effect on other ranks, but especially on the young. The high postage is a heavy burden on all ranks, but especially on large families, who are generally the first to separate. The young leave home just when the character is forming, and when advice is most needed-coming, perhaps, into all the temptations of a large metropolis-and, although the parents might bear the expense of corresponding with one child, yet many letters to different parts become too heavy for their means. How often might a young man be kept from sin by the renewed impressions of a mother's tenderness, or a sister's pure affection! How often, and how vividly would the image of home rise to his mind, when tempted to sin! Besides, much time would be given up to answering his home-letters, which might be otherwise devoted to the works of sin. How much family estrangement would be spared if distant relations could but correspond more freely! In fact, on this head-of the effect of cheap postage to the young, it is hardly possible to stop.

4. Ministers would be able to correspond with those members of their flocks-especially the young-who may be removed temporarily to a distance.

5. Religious societies would have the means of diffusing their publications, and any religious information widely, quickly, and cheaply.

6. There is one point connected with

this matter, which is, I fear, not enough considered by Christians; I mean, the illicit conveyance of letters. None of us would like to be considered smugglers, but I fear there is little difference between the smuggling a quantity of brandy, and the putting a dozen letters into a parcel. The one, however, is disreputable; the other is not condemned at all-or, at least, not much so -so no one cares to conceal it. How is this? Let me not be considered as palliating the offence. It is a clear defrauding of the revenue, as much so as illicit distillation, and, therefore, a violation of scripture precept; in other words, a sin. But that a sin should become really not disreputable among thinking men shows, I think, that there must be some error in the law. The fact is, government having made that a sin which, otherwise, is no offence at all; and having established a monopoly, puts on a charge about ten times greater than is needful. Hence the innumerable attempts to evade so extravagant a price. Christians ought, I think, rigidly to abstain from violating the law, but at the same time, seeing the temptation to be so great, they should use every endeavour to effect such a reduction, as shall render the offence unprofitable.

These are a very few of the effects of high postage, and of the probable results of a reduction.

Now, What is to be done? The attempted alteration is so great, and, at first. sight, appears so chimerical, that nothing but a very strong and combined effort will bring the "practical" men to assent to it -commercial men are making this effort for commercial purposes-my object in writing, is to urge Christians to support them on moral and religious grounds. I would especially look to Christian ministers. It is a matter eminently practical, and personal to their poorer members. Let them but just inquire of the post-masters and others likely to understand the matter, how often letters lie neglected for want of the money to pay for them, and then let them bring forward the subject before their churches; I am much mistaken, if they find any difficulty in exciting attention. Strong and earnest petitions should flow to parliament, from all parts and all classes, and they should flow in early.

I would fain hope, that many ministers will be induced to take up this matter, and, I think, that hereafter they will have pleasure in reflecting, that they have aided a cause fraught with the most important results to the moral and religious feelings of our country. If a strong effort be made at once, there is no doubt that the postage must be reduced.

KINGSLAND.

The ordination of the Rev. Thos. Aveling, late of Highbury College, as co-pastor with the Rev. John Campbell, took place at Kingsland chapel, on Thursday, the 11th of October. On the previous evening a special prayer-meeting was held to implore the sanction and benediction of the great Head of the Church on the engagement of the succeeding day. The services on Thursday morning were commenced by the Rev. J. Campbell, who for thirty-five years had been the pastor of the place. By him suitable portions of the Scriptures were read, and prayer presented. The introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Halley, the classical tutor of Highbury College. The questions were asked by the Rev. Wm. Spencer, of Holloway; the ordination prayer was offered up by the Rev. Dr. Henderson, the theological tutor at Highbury; the charge to the minister was given by the Rev. John Clayton, jun., M.A., of the Poultry, from Isa. lxi. 1-3; and the Rev. R. Philip, of Maberly chapel, concluded with prayer.

In the evening the Rev. John Jefferson, of Stoke Newington, preached to the people. The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Arundel and Ellis, the secretaries of the London Missionary Society.

SOUTH METROPOLITAN CEMETERY,
Lambeth, Surrey.

Many circumstances have conspired within the last few years to arouse public attention to the dangerous and offensive practice of continued interments in the middle of a dense population, and in grounds teeming to overflow with all the evils of corruption and decay. The occurrences at Aldgate very recently afforded a most painful and striking proof in illustration of the truth of these apprehensions. The consequence of this has been the establishment in various parts of the neighbourhood of the metropolis of cemeterics of a spacious character, having abundant room and extensive accommodation-if such a phrase may be allowed-for the melancholy purposes for which they are intended; among these, that at Norwood seems well deserving of public support, both on account of the exceeding beauty of its natural scenery, the great spirit with which its arrangements have been carried out, and the liberal form of the partition between that portion which is consecrated for burials according to the rites of the Established Church, and the portion which is left without the performance of that ceremony for the use of all other denominations. The ground is diversified in its character, having a bold eminence, on which

stand its two chapels, both in the pointed style of architecture, commonly known as Gothic, and of its best age; each building faces that portion of the ground for which its services are required, and while greatly different in their character, they are each a beautiful specimen of architectural skill. A chaplain, or rather two chaplains, are appointed-one Episcopal, the other a Congregational Dissenter. By the arrangements made, however, any person may introduce any clergyman or minister they may wish to officiate. The boundary of consecration is a foot-path so arranged as to appear to be only a part of the decorative arrangement of the ground, so that there is no offensive and obvious difference. The grounds are beautifully laid out, and an inspection of them will repay the trouble of a short ride. They are just opposite the lower (St. Luke's) church, at Norwood, rather more than five miles from the Three Bridges.

The Dorset Congregational Union held their autumnal meetings at Shaftesbury, on Tuesday and Wednesday, October the 2nd and 3rd. Ministers present- the Rev. Messrs. W. Jay, T. Durant, R. Keynes, J. Hoxley, R. Chamberlain, A. Bisenti, A. M. Brown, Rice, Procter, S. Little, B. D. Evans, and F. Evans, minister of the place. Lay preachers-Messrs. George Grey, D. Brewer, and J. Boverstock. The attendance of influential laymen was considerable, among whom we observed-B. Chandler, Esq., J. Dyer, Esq., J. Eames, Esq., J. Brown, Esq., also, Messrs. M. Fisher, T. Bennett, H. Fisher, Marsh, Selby, C. Jupe, J. Keynes, N. Coombs, &c. &c. The preachers on the occasion were the Rev. Andrew Morton Brown, M.A., of Poole; the Rev. Robert Chamberlain, of Swanage; and the Rev. William Jay, of Bath. The Rev. Messrs. Durant and Keynes presided at the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

On Wednesday afternoon, after the ordinary business of the Union had been transacted, a subject of vital importance to the churches was introduced and freely discussed, viz., That two of the brethren, Messrs. Durant and Keynes, who have the entire confidence and affection of the associated churches, should make a ministerial tour through the county, and visit all the churches" see how they do,"-inquire into their condition and circumstances, and administer such counsel, caution, or encouragement, as the occasion may call for, with a view of promoting order, peace, and

prosperity, where they exist, and of restoring them where they are suspended. The measure was unanimously approved of by the members present, and it was resolved, That a letter be written to absent members, and to those churches from which there was no representative present, stating the object proposed, and inviting their cordial co-operation in a measure so highly calculated to advance and perpetuate their highest interest.

Recollecting, as we do, with much satisfaction, that it was at a meeting of the Dorset Association, held at Shaftesbury, eight years ago, that "The Congregational Union" originated, we devoutly wish that the present "essay to do good" may be favourably received, and acted on, not only by the associated churches of Dorset, but by the Congregational body at large. We are persuaded that such a measure, if prudently, faithfully, and vigorously carried out, will be productive of the most beneficial results to both ministers and churches.

Every thing contributed to render the meetings pleasant and profitable. One of the oldest members observed, that "The present has been one of the best meetings we have had in the county. Nothing has happened to produce pain or regret. All has passed off well." The weather was fine; the congregations large; the sermons excellent; the collection liberal-167. 18. 8d.

OPENING OF A NEW INDEPENDENT

CHAPEL.

On the 15th of June last, a new chapel was opened in the village of Brotherton; on which occasion sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Eccles, of Hopton; the Rev. J. H. Cooke, of Gomersal; and the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds; and, on the following Sabbath, by the Rev. S. M'All, of Doncaster; and the pastor, the Rev. D. Senior. The amount collected at the several services was upwards of 501.

This interesting cause originated in the zealous and laudable efforts of the lamented and excellent William Clapham, Esq., and his surviving brother, John Clapham, Esq., of Leeds. In the year 1801 they visited Brotherton, and the neighbouring village of Fairburn, and preached the Gospel to the benighted inhabitants; and some of the ministers of the West Riding encouraged them by their co-operation in this labour of love. In this way these villages were supplied for many years. In 1830, application was made to the West Riding Home Missionary Society for assistance, which was generously and promptly afforded. A small and inconvenient house was taken in Brotherton, at a rental of 67. per annum,

and the Rev. D. Senior, of Rotherham College, became the pastor of the little flock assembling there. A larger place was soon required, and an attempt was made to obtain funds for building a chapel, but it was unsuccessful. In the year 1836 a deputation from the Missionary Society visited Brotherton, and recommended the pastor and his flock to make a second attempt to provide suitable and adequate accommodation. They did so; and succeeded so far as to justify the determination to erect a place of worship. An eligible and central piece of land was purchased, and on the 27th of August, 1837, the foundationstone was laid by John Clapham, Esq. The building is a gothic structure, of singular neatness and beauty, capable of seating three hundred persons. The plans, working drawings, and other important professional assistance were gratuitously furnished by J. P. Pritchett, Esq., architect, of York. The cost, including 1507., the price of the land, has been about 7007.; of which sum nearly half has been collected. The claims of the poor saints at Brotherton upon the Christian benevolence of the disciples of Jesus are urgent and powerful; and donations will be thankfully received by P. Willans, Esq., Leeds; J. P. Clapham, Esq., Burley Hall; and by the Rev. D. Senior, Brotherton.

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, TITCHFIELD,
HAMPSHIRE.

The above chapel was re-opened after considerable enlargement, on Wednesday, the 5th Sept. 1838. Sermons were preached by the Rev. T. Adkins, of Southampton, and the Rev. T. Cousins, of Portsea. The Rev. John Flower, who has been nearly twenty-eight years minister of the place, was assisted on this interesting occasion by four of his sons; all of whom are either engaged in, or preparing for, the work of the ministry. The cost of the enlargement is about 3407.; upwards of 1507. of which have been collected in the immediate neighbourhood. The people as a body are extremely poor; their pastor has laboured among them with much success, yet receiving very inadequate pecuniary remuneration for his services. It is hoped, therefore, that the friends of the Gospel will kindly contribute their aid towards the complete discharge of a debt necessarily incurred in order to meet the desire of the people to hear the word of life.

AYLESBURY, BUCKS.

On the 9th of October, 1838, the old Independent Meeting-House, Castle-street, was re-opened for the use of the church and

congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Moreland, lately worshipping in Ebenezer chapel. Two sermons were preached by the Rev. P. Tyler, of Haddingham, and the Rev. W. Wiffin, of Thame.

On the following Lord's day, Oct. 14th, three sermons were delivered by the Rev. C. Hyatt, of Stoken church, and the Rev. P. Tyler. Mr. M. commenced his labours in this town in Baker's-lane chapel. The church has been formed out of the world, and the congregation consists chiefly of persons who never attended any place of worship; and the removal to the present place is in consequence of not having had suffi

cient room to accommodate those who attended.

WOODSIDE.

On Tuesday, October 16th, a commodious and elegant chapel was opened in Hamilton-square, Woodside, when sermons were preached; in the morning by the Rev. T. Raffles, D.D., LL.D.; in the afternoon, by the Rev. J. J. Carruthers, of Liverpool; and in the evening, by the Rev. Samuel Luke, of Chester. A considerable number of ministers and friends partook of a handsome collation which had been prepared in the magistrates' room by the liberality of a few ladies of the congregation. The chapel is situated in the centre of a rapidly increasing and respectable population on the Cheshire side of the river Mersey, opposite to Liverpool. We are happy to learn that it has been erected in a style suited to the situation; and that the cost, with the exception of a small portion yet remaining, has been already raised by the friends with whom it has originated.

SHEERNESS.

We rejoice to find that the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Halliday, formerly a student at Rotherham College, is greatly prospered in this place. On the 4th of December his place of worship was re-opened, after having been almost entirely re-modelled, when two sermons were preached to overflowing congregations; that in the morning by the Rev. P. Thomson, A.M., of Chatham; and that in the evening, by the Rev. J. Morison, D.D., of London. The collections were liberal beyond all former precedent in the congregation.

ORDINATION.

On Wednesday, July 18, 1838, the Rev. Thomas H. Smith, late of Rotherham College, was ordained pastor of the church and congregation assembling in Hope Chapel, Denton, near Manchester. The Rev. R. Ivy, of Dukinfield, commenced the solemni

ties of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. W. Blackburn, of Bamford, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, of Ashtonunder-Lyne, proposed the usual questions, and received the confession of faith, &c.; the Rev. T. Bennett, of Hatherlow, presented the ordination prayer, accompanied with imposition of hands; the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Manchester, delivered the charge to the minister; and in the evening, the Rev. J. Galland, of Greenacres, preached to the church and congregation.

On the preceding Sabbath, the chapel was re-opened after enlargement, when appropriate sermons were preached by the Rev. T. H. Smith, the Rev. N. K. Pugsley, of Stockport, and the Rev. Dr. Clunie, of Manchester; and very liberal collections made towards defraying the expenses. The services altogether were deeply interesting and impressive. Mr. Smith enters upon his ministry amidst a large population, and with encouraging prospects; and it is hoped that his zealous labours will be extensively and permanently useful.

July 3rd, 1838, the Rev. Robert Abram, (member of the Congregational church at Southport, in which neighbourhood he has been a successful itinerant for several years,) was set apart to the pastoral office over the Independent church at Martintop, near Gisbourne, in Craven, Yorkshire. The solemn services of the day were conducted in the following order :-the Rev. Mr. Aspinall, of Colne, gave a scriptural explanation of a Christian church, and proposed several important questions to Mr. Abram; the Rev. Mr. Driver, of Holden, commended the pastor to God in prayer; the Rev. Mr. Wadsworth, of Clitheroe, gave the charge; and the Rev. Mr. Greenall, of Burnley, preached to the people.

On Aug. 6th, the Rev. R. J. Matthews was solemnly ordained pastor of the Independent church assembling in Providence Chapel, Hilton-lane, near Horsely, Lancashire. The Rev. J. Bramall, of Patricroft, read the Scriptures and offered the intercessory prayer; the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Manchester, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. W. Jones, of Bolton, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; and the Rev. J. Dyson, of Halshaw Moor, gave the charge, from Heb. xiii. 17, last clause.

In the evening, the Rev. J. Anyon, of Pendlebury, commenced the service by reading and prayer; and the Rev. J. Člunie, LL.D., of Manchester, addressed the church and congregation, from 1 Thess. v. 12, 13.